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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BERNBECK, WILHELM CHRISTOPH FREDERICK -- Born in Germany, December 12, 1802, emigrated to the United States in 1831 and settled in Pittsburgh. He was living in New Orleans In 1834 and when next heard of by his relatives was in the army in Texas. These facts were contained in a letter addressed to Dr. L. C. Barker, University of Texas, from George Wilhelm Bernbeck, a nephew of W. C. F. Bernbeck, July 14, 1930. Mr. Bernbeck at that time was living at 108 North Cleveland Street, Wenatchee, Washington.

In Service Record No. _____ it is stated that Mr. Bernbeck enlisted in Captain William H. Smith's Company April 2, 1836 and was in Captain Moseley Baker's Company at San Jacinto. Dr. Walter Fosgate, Hospital Surgeon of the Texas army at the Hospital at Victoria August 25, 1836, signed the following statement: "I have received of Mr. Wm. Bernbeck a few surgical instruments, one spring lancet, one thumb lancet with their cases, one Tourniquet, and saw, which articles are required for the hospital at the value of ten dollars, to be paid out of the Texas fund provided it meet the approbation of the General Commandant."

George W. Poe, Acting Paymaster General at Velasco September 1, 1836, certified that Bernbeck was entitled to forty eight dollars for six months service, ending September 2, 1836 as private in Captain Peter B. Dexter's Company.

The Probate Records of Brazoria County show that Mr. Bernbeck died in 1837. Francis Bingham was appointed administrator of his estate November 28, 1837. Mr. Bernbeck was single.

Did not apply for Headright.

Did not apply for Bounties.



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: 1802 Dec 12
  • Birthplace: Germany
  • Origin: Louisiana
  • Came to Texas: 1834/1835?
  • Date of Death: 1837