Part of an old map of the San Jacinto area from the Texas Revolution

Veteran Bio

Texian Location:  Participant

The Kemp Sketch

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RHODES, JOSEPH -- Was probably born in Mississippi. He arrived at Matagorda, Texas, January 10, 1836 as a member of Captain Carmin W. Vickery's Company. In the file in the General Land Office containing the Headright Certificate of Simon P. Ford, before Joseph Mott (who was appointed Chief Justice of Jasper County, December 20, 1826), September 3, 1836 in which he stated that he arrived at Matagorda County, January 10, 1836 with Captain C. W. Vickery and continued to serve under him until March 3, 1836 when the company was disbanded. He enlisted in Captain Sidney Sherman's Company, of which William Wood later became Captain, March 10, 1836. He gave as reference Joseph Rhodes and Edward Miles of Natchez, Mississippi and William Loughridge of Greene County, Alabama.

Mr. Rhodes also joined Captain Sherman's Company, of which he was elected First Lieutenant, March 13, 1836, serving as such in Captain Wood's Company at San Jacinto.

Lieutenant Rhodes mortally wounded Sergeant John Pollard in a duel March 24, 1837, at Houston, Mr. Pollard dying March 31st.

Mr. Rhodes probably left Texas after being discharged from the army since he did not apply for Headright, Donation or Bounty Certificates.

Written by Louis W. Kemp, between 1930 and 1952. Please note that typographical and factual errors have not been corrected from the original sketches. The biographies have been scanned from the original typescripts, a process that sometimes allows for mistakes in the new text. Researchers should verify the accuracy of the texts' contents through other sources before quoting in publications. Additional information on the veteran may be available in the Herzstein Library.


Battle Statistics

  • Died in Battle: No
  • Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Company: Capt. William Wood

Personal Statistics

  • Birthplace: Mississippi
  • Came to Texas: 1836 Jan 10
  • Comments: Killed man in duel, 1837
  • Bounty Certificate: 11/33
  • Donation Certificate: 4/12