Veteran Bio

McCROCKLIN, JESSE LINDSEY- The compiler in error, he now (March 24, 1941) thinks, caused Colonel McCrocklin’s name to be places on the bronze plaque in the San Jacinto monument on which are inscribed the names of the Texas who participated in the battle of San Jacinto. Additional evidence found has convinced the compiler that Colonel McCrocklin due to illness was left at the camp near the home of Charles Dono ho or at Harrisburg on April 21, 1836.

On page 36 of the San Jacinto rolls in the General Land Office Mr. McCrocklin’s name is listed next to the last name as McConklin, given name being omitted, as a member of Captain William W. Hill’s company. Seven men whose names appear on this roll and which were omitted from the San Jacinto rolls printed in 1836 received donation certificates for land for having been detailed to guard the baggage at the camp opposite Harrisburg April 21, 1836. These certificates were issued on the following dates: Nicholas Whitehead, May 18, 1838; James Hollingsworth, May 3, 1839; Benjamin F. Swoap, May 4, 1839; Jeremiah W. Simpson, January 6, 1840; and Sion W. Perry, January 17, 1851.

As early as the year 1840 men known to have been left at the camp at Harrisburg, or at Donoho’s were issued donation certificates for land for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto and in later years the terms “having participated in the battle of San Jacinto”, and having been detailed to guard the baggage” became synonimous.

On page 14 of the San Jacinto rolls printed in 1836 and on page 35 of the San Jacinto rolls in the General Land Office it is shown that Captain Hill was sick and that his company was commanded at San Jacinto by R. Stevenson. Yet on January 9, 1840 Captain Hill was issued Donation Certificate No. 993 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto. The compiler does not list him as a San Jacinto participant.

Three other men not listed by the compiler as participants of the battle of San Jacinto whose names appear on page 36 of the Land Office San Jacinto rolls but are omitted from the rolls printed in 1836 are Richard Hope who did not receive a donation certificate and Willard Chamberlin and Isham G. Belcher who received donation certificates for land for having participated in the Storming and Capture of Bexar, December 5 to 10, 1835. Had each of them received donation certificates for having fought in the battle of San Jacinto the compiler, for the reasons given, would not have listed them as participants of the battle.

Evidence, at least, that Colonel McCrocklin, due to illness, did not participate in the battle of San Jacinto is contained in Comptroller’s Military Service Record No. 4727 signed May 3, 1836 on the San Jacinto battlefield by Dr. J. F. Davidson who certified that Colonel McCrocklin had been discharged October 13, 1836 on the battlefield on recommendation of Dr. J. F. Davidson who stated he was unfit for duty.

Comptroller’s Military Service Record No. 4727 reads:

“Headquarters Buffalo Bayou May the 3rd, 1836.

I do hereby certify that J. L. McCrocklin has faithfully discharged the duty of a soldier since the third day of March last until the present time and do hereby cordially discharge him from the service as a brave & honorable soldier.

W. W. Hill

Company H 1st Regiment

A. Somerville Lt. Col. Com.

1st Regt. Texas

Volunteers

This is to certify that J. L. McCrocklin from disease (Thesiz pulmonat3z ?) is in my opinion disqualified for camp duty.

Headquarters Sanjacinto

May the 3rd, 1836 J. F. Davidson, M. D.

Surgeon 1st Regiment

W. W. Hill, Capt.

For value recd. I assign the within discharge to Wm. Oldham as well the pay thereon and as any and all land the government may donate to me on said discharge.

J. L. McCrocklin

October 13, 1836

Witness

R. Stevenson.”

The probable reason for the names of so many of Captain Hill’s Company being omitted from the rolls of those who were detailed to guard the baggage at the camp opposite Harrisburg, April 21, 1836 is explained by Dr. William P. Smith in a letter written by him July 20, 1858 from his home in Fayetteville, Texas to Richardson and company and published in the Texas Almanac of 1859. Dr. Hill received Donation Certificate No. 1161 for 640 acres of land August 15, 1841 for having been detailed to guard the baggage at the Harrisburg camp, yet in his letter he speaks of it as “my San Jacinto donation,” adding evidence to the statement made that the terms “having participated in the battle,” and “having been detailed to guard the baggage” in time became synonimous.

Following is a copy of Dr. Smith’s letter:

“Messrs. Richardson & Co. -- In your notice of your Almanac, for 1859, I see you contemplate publishing the names of those who were in the battle of San Jacinto. In Gen. Houston’s published account of that battle he does not say one word about those who were really connected with the army, yet on detached service by his own order. This is certainly not doing them justice. For instance, Major McNutt was appointed to the command of the guard over the sick, the baggage, etc. at the upper encampment. I, as one of the surgeons of the army, was left at (Charles Donahoo’s, in what is now Waller County) in charge of some sixty sick with the measles, being the sick of both regiments. So soon as I got them in condition so that some could go on to the settlements, to regain their health, Captain Hill of Washington County and myself, took those who were able to join the army, and dashed on as rapidly as possible, to join the main army before the battle. When we arrived on the 20th April, 1836, at the upper encampment, the end was knocked out of the ferry-boat, and while some workemn were repairing it, Cos’ division came on, fired on the workmen, and wounded one. Then, as Cos’ division was between us and the main army, we could not arrive there until the battle was over, and then we hastened to the scene as quickly as possible. I was there in time to aid in attending to the sick and wounded. I was acting under a commission, as Regimental Surgeon, with the appointment of David G. Burnet, President ad interim, and Thomas J. Rusk, Secretary of War. I was regularly discharged by M. B. Lamar, then Secretary of War, some two months after the battle. I have obtained my 640 acres San Jacinto donation, and think that myself, with others similarly situated, who were at our post doing detailed service by order of the Commander-in-chief, are entitled to some public consideration. Would it not be well, in your coming issue to make some honorable mention of those on detached service?”

Thus it is shown that many not detailed to guard the camp opposite Harrisburg were at the camp on April 20, 1836, whose names were not included on the rolls.

Colonel McCrocklin was born in Shelbyville, Kentucky, November 8, 1800. He was married March 20, 1830 to Isabella Harris at the home of the Bride’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. William Harris, at Owensboro, Kentucky. In Headright Certificate No. 582 for one labor of land issued to him in 1838 by the Board of Land Commissioners for Washington county. On June 18, 1835 he had received title to one league in Milam’s colony, situated in the present county of Blanco. They emigrated to Texas in 1834 and settled near the site of the present Washington-on-the Brazos.

Colonel McCrocklin was a member of Captain James G. Swisher’s Washington company in 1835 and participated in the siege of Bexar. He received Bounty Certificate No. 1055 for 320 acres of land for his services in the army from October 8 to November 25, 1835. He was a corporal in Captain William W. Hill’s company in 1836 and on ____he was issued Bounty Certificate No. 214 for 320 acres of land for his services from March 3 to May 3, 1836. On November 25, 1850 he received Donation Certificate No. 236 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto. This, however, could have meant that he was actually in the battle or was among those detailed to guard the baggage at the camp opposite Harrisburg, April 21, 1836. In a Comptroller’s military Service Record in the Texas State Library it is shown that Mr. McCrocklin was discharged at the San Jacinto battlefield on recommendation of Dr. J. F. Davidson, who stated that he was ill and unfit for duty.

On an original roll of Captain Hill’s company, April 11, 1836, the following information regarding Colonel McCrocklin is given: He was recruited on the Colorado by Captain Hill March 11 (instead of March 3, as is shown in Bounty Certificate No. 214). He was five feet, nine and one-half inches in height; of fair complexion; had blue eyes and light hair, and was a blacksmith by occupation.

Lieutenant Colonel McCrocklin commanded the detachment of troops from Washington county on the Somervell Expedition in 1842. In a Comptroller’s Military Service Record he is shown as holding the following ranks during the expedition; Lieutenant Colonel from October 17 to November 11, 1842; Private from November 11 to November 28; Paymaster from November 28 to December 10; Lieutenant Colonel from December 10, 1842 to January 17, 1843 in command of a detachment of troops on their return from Camp La Ratamas, near the Rio Grande, to Washington County.

Colonel McCrocklin died March 22, 1888, while a member of the Texas Veterans Association. Mrs. McCrocklin, born August 12, 1812, died January 12, 1902. Husband and wife are buried in marked graves in the cemetery at Blanco, Blanco County.

Children of Colonel and Mrs. McCrocklin were: (1) John Asa, (2) Mary Milam, (3) Vibella Clay, (4) James Harris, and (5) Elizabeth Harriet McCrocklin.

(1) John Asa McCrocklin was married to Medora Coles, daughter of John P. Coles. A child of this union was Mary L. McCrocklin, who married T. G. Hill. Mrs. John R. Traylor, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hill was in March, 1941 residing at 3327 Charleston street, Houston.

(2) Mary Milam McCrocklin was married to A. J. Kercheville. There was twelve children of this union, one of whom, J. A Kercheville, was married to Mattie Perkins, daughter of George K. Perkins. J. J. Kerchville, son of J. A. and Mattie (Perkins) Kercheville resides at 315 West Gramercy Place, San Antonio.

(5) Elizabeth Harriet McCrocklin was married to William H. Carnal. Their children were (a) Margaret Crittendon, (b) William H., (c) Joseph K., (d) Laura Virginia, (e) Edward B., (f) Gertrude, (g) Pattie Clark, (h) Nellie Machen, (i) Scott, (j) Betty Alamo, and (k) Ruth Augustus.

(a)Margaret Crittendon Carnal was married to C. F. Pierce. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce resides at ____________St., Houston.

(b) William H. Carnal was married to Lucy Franks. Mr. and Mrs. Carnal reside at 1110 Nolan Street, San Antonio.

(c) Joseph K. Carnal was married to Susan Kroeger. Mr. and Mrs. Carnal reside at 516 Willow Street, San Antonio.

(d) Laura Virginia Carnal was married to H. H. Ueckert. Mr. and Mrs. Ueckert reside at 3227 Avalon Place, Houston.

(e) Edward B. Carnal was married to Caroline Siderman. Mrs. Siderman resides in San Antonio.

(f) Gertrude Isabella Carnal was married to H. A. Pulliam. Mr. and Mrs. Pulliam reside at 116 Waugh Drive, Houston.

(g) Pattie Clark Carnal was married to Henry Carr. Mr. and Mrs. Carr reside at 422 East Park Avenue, San Antonio.

(h) Nellie Machen Carnal was married to Frank Reynolds. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds reside at 311 E. Craig Street, San Antonio.

(i) Scott Carnal was married to Ophelia Shaw. Mr. and Mrs. Carnal reside at 519 Avenue E., San Antonio.

(j) Betty Alamo Carnal was married to Archibald B. Alley. Mr. and Mrs. Alley reside in Los Angeles.

(k) Ruth Augustus Carnal died in infancy.

McCROCKLIN, JESSE L. – Received title to 4,428 acres of land in Colony situated in the present counties of Comal & Blanco.

McCROCKLIN, JESSE LINDSEY – Name omitted from the San Jacinto rolls printed in 1836 and from the rolls in the General Land Office on which are listed the names of those who were detailed to guard the baggage at the camp opposite Harrisburg April 21, 1836. The compiler prior to October 1, 1938 has carried Mr. McCrocklin as a San Jacinto veteran but he now believes that he was sick at the camp near the home of Charles Donoho or at Harrisburg on April 21st.

On page 36 of the San Jacinto rolls in the General Land Office Mr. McCrocklin’s name is listed next to the last name as McConklin, given name being omitted, as a member of Captain William W. Hill’s Company. Seven men whose names appear on this roll and which were omitted from the San Jacinto rolls printed in 1836 received donation certificates for land for having been detailed to guard the baggage at the camp opposite Harrisburg April 21, 1836. These certificates were issued on the following dates: Nicholas Whitehead, May 18, 1838; James Hughes, June 6, 1838; Jacob Castleman, September 28, 1838; James Hollingsworth, May 3, 1839; Benjamin F. Swoap, May 4, 1839; Jeremiah W. Simpson, January 6, 1840; and Sion W. Perry, January 17, 1851.

As early as the year 1840 men known to have been left at the camp at Harrisburg, or at Donoho’s were issued donation certificates for land for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto and in later years the terms “having participated in the battle of San Jacinto”, and “having been detailed to guard the baggage” became synominous.

On page 14 of the San Jacinto rolls printed in 1836 and on page 35 of the San Jacintorolls in the General Land Office it is shown that Captain Hill was sick and that his company was commanded at San Jacinto by R. Stevenson. Yet on January 9, 1840 Captain Hill was issued Donation Certificate No. 993 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto. The compiler does not list him as a San Jacinto participant.

Three other men not listed by the Compiler as participants of the battle of San Jacinto whose names appear on page 36 of the Land Office San Jacinto rolls but are omitted from the rolls printed in 1836 are Richard Hope who did not receive a donation certificate and Willard Chamberlin and Isham G. Belcher who received Donation Certificates for land for having participated in the Storming and Capture of Bexar, December 5 to 10, 1835. Had each of them received donation certificates for having fought in the battle of San Jacinto the compiler, for the reasons given, would not have listed them as participants of the battle.

Evidence, at least, that Colonel McCrocklin, due to illness, did not participate in the battle of San Jacinto is contained in Comptroller’s Military Service Record No. 4727 signed May 3, 1836 on the San Jacinto battlefield by Dr. J. F. Davidson who certified that Colonel McCrocklin had been discharged Oct. 13, 1836 on the battlefield on the recommendation of Dr. J. F. Davidson who stated he was unfit for duty.

Comptroller’s Military Service Record No. 4727 reads:

“Headquarters Buffalo Bayou May the 3rd, 1836.

I do hereby certify that J. L. McCrocklin has faithfully discharged the duty of a soldier since the third day of March last until the present time and do hereby cordially discharge him from the service as a brave & honorable soldier.

W. W. Hill

Company H 1st Regiment

A. Somerville Lt. Col. Com.

1st Regt. Texas

Volunteers

This is to certify that J. L. McCrocklin from disease (Thesiz pulmonatez ?) is in my opinion disqualified for camp duty.

Headquarters Sanjacinto

May the 3rd, 1836 J. F. Davidson, M. D.

Surgeon 1st Regiment

W. W. Hill, Capt.

For value recd. I assign the within discharge to Wm. Oldham as well the pay thereon and as any and all land the government may donate to me on said discharge.

J. L. McCrocklin

October 13, 1836

Witness

R. Stevenson.”

The probable reason for the names of so many of Captain Hill’s Company being omitted from the rolls of those who were detailed to guard the baggage at the camp opposite Harrisburg, April 21, 1836 is explained by Dr. William P. Smith in a letter written by him July 20, 1858 from his home in Fayetteville, Texas to Richardson and company and published in the Texas Almanac of 1859. Dr. Hill received Donation Certificate No. 1161 for 640 acres of land August 15, 1841 for having been detailed to guard the baggage at the Harrisburg Camp, yet in his letter he speaks of it as “my San Jacinto donation,” adding evidence to the statement made that the terms “having participated in the battle,” and “having been detailed to guard the baggage” in time became synominous.

Following is a copy of Dr. Smith’s letter:

“Messrs. Richardson & Co. -- In your notice of your Almanac, for 1859, I see you contemplate publishing the names of those who were in the Battle of San Jacinto. In Gen. Houston’s published account of that battle he does not say one word about those who were really connected with the army, yet on detached service by his own order. This is certainly not doing them justice. For instance, Major McNutt was appointed to the command of the guard over the sick, the baggage, etc. at the upper encampment. I, as one of the surgeons of the army, was left at (Charles Donahoo’s, in what is not Waller County) in charge of some sixty sick with the measles, being the sick of both regiments. So soon as I got them in condition so that some could go on to the settlements, to regain their health, Captain Hill of Washington County and myself, took those who were able to join the army, and dashed on as rapidly as possible, to join the main army before the battle. When we arrived on the 20th April, 1836 at the upper encampment, the end was knocked out of the ferry-boat, and while some workmen were repairing it, Cos’ division came on, fired on the wo rkemn, and wounded one. Then, as Cos’ division was between us and the main army, we could not arrive there until the battle was over, and then we hastened to the scene as quickly as possible. I was acting under a commission, as Regimental Surgeon, with the appointment of David G. Burnet, President ad interim, and Thomas J. Rusk, Secretary of War. I was regualrly discharged by M. B. Lamar, then Secretary of War, some two months after the battle. I have obtained my 640 acres San Jacinto donation, and think that myself, with others similarly situated, who were at our post doing detailed service by order of the Commander-in-chief, are entitled to some public consideration. Would it not be well, in your coming issue to make honorable mention of those on detahced service?”

Thus it is shown that many not detailed to guard the camp opposite Harrisburg were at the camp on April 20, 1836, whose names were not included on the rolls.

Close