Starting October 7, the San Jacinto Monument's Observation Floor will close for renovation, open on weekends, with discounted museum admission during this time.

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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DARST, EDMUND CALLOWAY -- Born in Saint Charles County, Missouri in 1815, a son of Abraham Darst and his first wife, Tabathy Boone Callaway Darst. His father was born in Woodford County, Kentucky in 1786 and came to Texas in 1827 with most of his family. He died at Damon Mound in Fort Bend County, Texas in 1833 and on May 4, 1835 his estate was divided between his widow (second wife, Gemima Brownfield Darst), and his children, Edmund Calloway, Patrick Ewin, Richard Brownfield, John Grubs, Abraham, Rosetta, Emory Holman and Lorina Darst. The widow received the part due Jesse Darst, a deceased child. Lorina Darst was the wife of Samuel Damon.

Edmund C. Darst, as shown in Comptroller's Military Service Record No. 7600, served in the army from March 1 to June 1, 1836. On August 27, 1846 his estate was issued Bounty Certificate No. 103 for 32O acres of land for his services. His estate at the same time received Donation Certificate No. 41 for 640 acres of land due him for having participated in the Battle of San Jacinto. Both certificates were through error made out to "Edward Durst." His heirs, Emory H., Patrick E., John G., and Richard Darst were issued his Headright Certificate for one-third of a league of land February 8, 1838 by the Fort Bend County Board. In the certificate it is stated that he arrived in Texas in September, 1829.

Mr. Darst died at Damon Mound in what is now Fort Bend County in 1838 and is buried in the family cemetery. He was never married. Mr. H. N. Darst of Richmond, Grandson of Emory H. Darst, is a great nephew of Edmund C. Darst.

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. David Murphree

Personal Statistics

  • Alternate Names: Durst; Daist; Edward
  • Date of Birth: 1815
  • Birthplace: Missouri, St. Charles County
  • Came to Texas: 1827? 1829?
  • Date of Death: 1838
  • Bounty Certificate: 103
  • Donation Certificate: 41
  • Wife: none