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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SIMMONS, WILLIAM -- Born in 1801 (?). He came t Texas in 1835 as is stated in an unnumbered Headright Certificate issued to him January 19, 1838 for one-third of a league of land. He was a member of Captain Jesse Billingsley's company of Mina (Bastrop) Volunteers at San Jacinto and on December 26, 1838 was issued Donation Certificate No. 719 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the Battle of San Jacinto. He received Bounty Certificate No. 3351 for 320 acres of land May 14, 1838 for having served in the army from October 2 to December 14, 1835. At the same time he received Bounty Certificate No. 3352 for 320 acres of land for his services from February 28 to June 1, 1836.

Mr. Simmons married Mrs. Mahala Blakey Boyce, widow of Jeptha Boyce and sister of Lemuel S. Blakey, a member of Captain Billingsley's Company who was killed at San Jacinto. Mr. Simmons was a member of the Texas Veterans Association in 1876 and was living in Bastrop County. Mrs. Simmons was born May 9, 1803 and died May 23, 1878.

"This may certify that William Simmons entered the army of Texas in the first regiment of Texas Militia and in the Company of Mina Volunteers on the 28th day of February last, that since which time he has faithfully performed the duties of a private, that he acted bravely in the battle of San Jacinto, and is hereby honorably discharged." Signed by Jesse Billingsley, Captain of Mina Volunteers. Edward Burleson, Col. commanding regiment and approved by William S. Fisher, Secretary of War, June 1, 1836. He was appointed Comptroller of the Republic in 1839. He was a member of the Texas Veterans Association; drew a pension; lived in Bastrop County, Texas in 1874.

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. Jesse Billingsley

Personal Statistics

  • Date of Birth: 1801
  • Came to Texas: 1835
  • Date of Death: 1876
  • Other Battles: Bexar?
  • Bounty Certificate: 3352
  • Donation Certificate: 719
  • Wife: Mahala Blakey Boyce
  • Family at San Jacinto: Brother-in-law Lemuel S. Blakey fought at San Jacinto.