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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MIMS, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN -- In the Certificate of Character issued to Mr. Mims May 22, 1835 by Talbot Chambers for Milam's Colony it is stated that he was twenty years of age and was a native of Alabama. He was a son of Joseph and Sarah Mims who came to Texas as one of the "Old Three Hundred" families of Austin's first colony. Joseph Mims received title to a league of land situated in the present county of Brazoria, August 19, 1824. He was a partner of James W. Fannin in a large plantation four miles west of Brazoria on the San Bernard River. There he died December 21, 1844. He was the owner of 33 slaves at the time of his death.

Benjamin F. Mims received title to one-fourth of a league of land in Milam's Colony situated in what is now Hay's County May 22, 1835, but it appears that he continued to reside in Brazoria county on his father's plantation. In the Headright Certificate issued to him in 1838 for one-twelfth of a league of land by the Brazoria County of Land Commissioners it is simply stated that he came to Texas prior to May 2, 1835.

On page 113, Vol. 1, Lamar Papers it is shown that Mr. Mims participated in the Battle of Velasco in June, 1832 as a member of Lieutenant Henry Smith's' company. He participated in the Battle of San Jacinto as a member of Captain Robert J. Calder's Company of Brazoria Volunteers and for this service he was on December 4 issued Donation Certificate No. 1096 for 640 acres of land. This was lost and a duplicate was issued December 8, 1851. He received Bounty Certificate No. 267 for 640 acres of land for having served.

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. Robert J. Calder

Personal Statistics

  • Date of Birth: 1815
  • Birthplace: Alabama, Washington County,St. Stephens
  • Came to Texas: 1824
  • Date of Death: 1840 Jun 26
  • Burial Place: Montgomery Hill, Washington County, Alabama
  • Other Battles: Velasco
  • Comments: Old Three Hundred
  • Bounty Certificate: 267
  • Donation Certificate: 1096