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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BARSTOW, JOSHUA - Born in Boston, Massachusetts. He arrived at Velasco January 28, 1836, on the schooner Pennsylvania, having been recruited for the Army of Texas in New Orleans by Captain Amasa Turner. His name appears on page ___ of the army rolls in the General Land Office as a member of Captain John Hart’s Company at Velasco, January 30, 1836. Richard Roman be came captain of the Company and commanded it at San Jacinto and Mr. Barstow was a member of his company. He was at Orozimbo, the home of Dr. J. A. E. Phelps, in Brazoria County. Santa Anna was a prisoner in Dr. Phelps home at the time and it is assumed that Mr. Barstow was one of his guards. The Telegraph and Texas Register (Columbia) of September 28, 1836, carried this notice of his death:

"Died on Friday 28th at Orozimbo, Mr. Joshua Barstow, a native of Boston, Mass., one of the heroes of San Jacinto. The Boston papers will please copy the above."

The heirs of Mr. Barstow did not apply for any of the land due him for his headright or for his services in the army.

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. Richard Roman

Personal Statistics

  • Birthplace: Massachusetts, Boston
  • Origin: Louisiana
  • Came to Texas: 1836 Jan 28
  • Date of Death: 1836 Sept 28
  • Comments: Guarded Santa Anna
  • Bounty Certificate: Not applied for
  • Donation Certificate: Not applied for