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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TURNAGE, SHELBY C. -- Born at Cheraw, South Carolina. He had three brothers William B., Walker, and Henry Turnage.

Shelby C. Turnage came to Texas previous to May 2, 1835, as is shown in the Headright Certificate No. 302 issued to him in 1838, by the Washington County Board of Land Commissioners for a league and labor of land. He was a member of Captain Henry W. Karnes Company at San Jacinto and received Donation Certificate No. 668, dated December 10 1838 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle. He did not apply for the bounty land due him.

Mr. Turnage was living in Washington County, February 7, 1839 when he sold his Headright Certificate to Joseph S. Hood of San Antonio for $100.00. He died in Washington County in 1843 and on June 6, 1843 William P. Rutledge was appointed administrator of his estate. This is shown in Book B, page 45, Probate Records of Washington County. His widow was married to a Mr. Colly of Gonzales. Mrs. Marinda Colly, sole heir of Mr. Turnage sold Mr. Turnage's Donation Certificate for 640 acres of land March 7, 1853 to Thomas S. Walker for $60.00.

William B. Turnage, eldest brother of Shelby C., served in the war of 1812. He came to Texas and settled in Fayette County.



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: Private
  • Company: Capt. Henry Wax Karnes

Personal Statistics

  • Alternate Names: Tunnage, Tunage
  • Birthplace: South Carolina, Cheraw
  • Came to Texas: Prior to May 2, 1835
  • Date of Death: 1843
  • Donation Certificate: 668
  • Wife: Marinda Turnage Colly