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

Veteran Bio

Texian Location:  Harrisburg

The Kemp Sketch

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POLK, THOMAS - Came to Texas in 1834, as is stated in an unnumbered headright certificate issued to him March 3, 1838 for a league and labor of land. He is listed on page 41 of the army rolls in the General Land Office as one of the members of Captain Gibson Kuykendall’s company who was detailed to guard the baggage at the camp opposite Harrisburg, April 21, 1836. On May 5, 1838 he was issued Donation Certificate No. 76 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the Storming and Capture of Bexar, December 5 to 10, 1835.

Descendants of Mr. Polk residing in Gonzales county are Mrs. Mabel Chenault Kyle, Mrs. Annie Chenault Caperton, Charles Polk Chenault and Lucelle Chenault Shanklin.

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. Gibson Kuykendall

Personal Statistics

  • Came to Texas: 1834
  • Other Battles: Bexar
  • Children: yes