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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FARRISH, OSCAR -- Born in Virginia, December 18, 1812, as is inscribed on the headstone at his grave. He came to Texas sometime between May 2, 1835 and March 2, 1836. In the Headright Certificate issued to him January 26, 1838 for one-third of a league of land by the Board of Land Commissioners for Victoria County, of which he was a clerk, it is stated that he came to Texas before March 2, 1836. Had he arrived prior to May 2, 1835 this would have been stated in the certificate.

Mr. Farrish was member of Captain Thomas H. McIntire's Company at San Jacinto and on May 22, 1838 was issued Donation Certificate No. 168 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle. The records of the General Land Office do not show that he received the donation land due him for his services in the army.

Mr. Farrish was elected County Clerk of Galveston County in 1856 and was holding that office when he died May 25, 1884. He was a member of the Texas Veterans Association. Mrs. Farrish died December 20, 1868, aged 47. The two are buried in marked graves in City Cemetery No. 1, Galveston. Mrs. Farrish's given name is not shown on the headstone at her grave.

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. Thomas H. McIntire

Personal Statistics

  • Alternate Names: Farish
  • Date of Birth: 1812 Dec 18
  • Birthplace: Virginia
  • Came to Texas: Between May 2, 1835 and Mar 2, 1836
  • Date of Death: 1884 May 25
  • Burial Place: City Cemetery No. 1, Galveston, Texas
  • Donation Certificate: 168
  • Wife: Yes