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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PETERSON, WILLIAM--Emigrated to Texas from Louisiana in 1824 with his brother John Peterson and settled in what is now Grimes County. On July 30, 1835 he received a title to a league of land in Robertson's Colony situated in the present county of Falls. A Headright Certificate was issued in his name, but delivered to his widow, for one labor of land by the Board of Land Commissioners for Montgomery County, October 29, 1839. In the certificate it is stated that Mr. Peterson came to Texas prior to May 2, 1835. The exact date of the emigration of his brother, however, is shown in the Spanish Archives in the General Land Office.

In Comptroller's Military Service record No. 2573 it is certified that Mr. Peterson served in Captain Silas M. Parker's Ranging Company from October 25 to December 31, 1835; that he enlisted in Captain Joseph L. Bennett's Company April 5, 1836; and was in Captain James Gillaspie's Company at San Jacinto. He was furloughed May 8, 1836 on account of ill health. The record also states that he died shortly after reaching his home. His estate received Donation Certificate No. 687 December 13, 1838 for 640 acres of land for his services at San Jacinto and Bounty Certificate No. 5068 for 320 acres of land for his service in the army from April 7 to May 7, 1836.

The Probate Records of Grimes County show that the widow of Mr. Peterson, Mrs. Mary Peterson, was appointed administratrix of his estate. She listed the following claims against the Republic: For Mr. Peterson's services in the Ranger Corps, 320 acres of land. For three months service in the army in 1836, 320 acres of land and for donation due Mr. Peterson for having participated in the battle of Sam Jacinto, 640 acres.

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. James Gillaspie

Personal Statistics

  • Origin: Louisiana
  • Came to Texas: 1824 Nov
  • Date of Death: 1836
  • Bounty Certificate: 5068
  • Donation Certificate: 687
  • Wife: Mary
  • Family at San Jacinto: Brother John Peterson