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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HANSON, THOMAS -- Name omitted from the official San Jacinto rolls as printed in 1836. In the Public Debt Papers, Archives, Texas State Library is an affidavit signed by former Captain Isaac N. Moreland, in which he states that Mr. Hanson "fought bravely" at San Jacinto. He stated further that Mr. Hanson furnished a horse for use of the artillery and for this was due sixty-five dollars. The affidavit was dated March 19, 1839. Colonel William G. Cooke also signed an affidavit that Mr. Hanson participated in the battle.

Mr. Hanson came to Texas in 1830, as is shown in the duplicate Headright Certificate issued to him June 21, 1852 by the Matagorda County Board. He was a member of Captain Philip Dimmit's Company in 1835. He was issued Bounty Certificate No. 4-26 for 1280 acres of land, September 14, 1858 for serving in the army for twelve months, period of enlistment not stated, in January 21, 1852 he was issued Donation Certificate No. 410 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto.

Captain James B. Wells signed an affidavit October 8, 1852 in which he stated that sometime during the month of March, 1836 he was sailing master of the schooner Liberty, Captain Brown, commanding, and at Captain Brown's orders took a small boat from Mr. Hanson, a pilot in Matagorda Bay, for the use of the Government of Texas, and that he believed the Government was due Mr. Hanson the sum of one hundred dollars for the boat.

The following concerning Mr. Hanson is found in Comptroller's Military Service Record:

Captain A. Burns of the Schooner Koscuisko stated August 9, 1836, that Captain Hanson piloted his boat up to Lynn Landing (Labacca Bay) and down to the pass Cavello.

Captain J. D. Boylan of the schooner Viper stated September 17, 1836, that Captain Hanson conducted the Viper from Pass Cavallo to the Labacca and back again in safety.

Captain Alexander Henry at Matagorda Bay November 14, 1837, certified that Captain Hanson had taken the schooner San Jacinto loaded with stores for the army of Texas, from sea and saved it from being wrecked after the passengers and crew had abandoned her.

Captain Hanson was living in Indianala, Calhoun County, February 19, 1858 when he sold certificate No. -4-26 to D. M. Stapp.

Vol. 1, p. 820 Gammel's Laws of Texas
Signer, Goliad Declaration of Independence,
December 20, 1835.



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. Isaac N. Moreland

Personal Statistics

  • Came to Texas: 1830
  • Bounty Certificate: 4/26
  • Donation Certificate: 410
  • Profession: Captain, pilot