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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RIPLEY, PHINEAS -- Born in the State of New York in 1807 and came to Texas in 1831 from his home in Raymond, Mississippi. He was issued Headright Certificate No. 345 for one-third of a league of land by the Brazoria County Board, February 15, 1838. This was sold February 24, 1838 to Josiah H. Bell. In the certificate, it is simply stated that he came to Texas before May 2, 1835.

Mr. Ripley participated in the Battle of Velasco, June 26, 1832, as a member of Captain John Austin's Company. In Service Record No. 590, it is certified that he was First Lieutenant in Captain William Patton's Company of "Columbia Volunteers" at San Jacinto, in the absence of Lieutenant David Murphree, who commanded the Company, Captain Patton being an aide-de-camp to General Houston. He received Bounty Certificate No. 4091 for 320 acres of land for having served in the army from March 2 to June 8, 1836. He was living in Brazoria County on November 22, 1832, when he sold the Certificate to Joseph H. Polley for $100. He did not apply for the 640 acres of land due him for having participated in the battle.

According to Mr. P. F. Ripley, a nephew, Phineas Ripley, and his brother, Hiram, served in the Mexican War. Returning from Mexico, they went to the homes of their parents in Raymond, Mississippi. Phineas returned later to Texas and died somewhere the State in 1850. He was never married.

Brothers of Mr. Ripley were Hiram and .Will Ripley. Hiram Ripley was married Ann G. Jones and came to Texas in 1888. Their children were Phineas and Augustus B. Ripley. Phineas Ripley, son of Hiram, was married to Mrs. Sarah Margaret Graft. Their surviving child was Joseph F. Ripley.



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. David Murphree

Personal Statistics

  • Date of Birth: 1807
  • Birthplace: New York
  • Origin: Mississippi, Raymond
  • Came to Texas: 1831
  • Date of Death: 1850
  • Other Battles: Velasco
  • Comments: Mexican War
  • Bounty Certificate: 4091
  • Wife: none