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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GAY, THOMAS -- On applying for land in Austin's Colonies, Mr. Gay stated that he was born in 1805 and had arrived in Texas from Georgia in May, 1830. He received a league of land in Austin's Second Colony. He was issued Headright Certificate for one labor of land by the Washington County Board, January 15, 1838.

Mr. Gay was a member of Captain Moseley Baker's Company at San Jacinto and on January 19, 1839, was issued Donation Certificate No. 759 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle. He enlisted July 14, 1836 for six months in Captain Orson Shaw's Company.

In the Court of Claims files in the General Land Office it is shown that Mr. Gay in 1839 was a member of Captain William G. Evan's Company, stationed at the Falls of the Brazos. He and three or his companions while serving under Captain John Bird, were killed in an engagement with Indians on Bird Creek near where the city of Temple, Bell County, now stands, on May 26, 1839. Horatio Chriesman was appointed administrator of his estate in Washington County March 1, 1842. He was survived by his widow, Mrs. Eleanor Gay.



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. Moseley Baker

Personal Statistics

  • Date of Birth: 1805
  • Origin: Georgia
  • Came to Texas: 1830 May
  • Date of Death: 1839 May 26
  • Donation Certificate: 759
  • Wife: Eleanor Gay