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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SMITH, WILLIAM H. -- Emigrated to Texas in 1830, as is stated in the Headright Certificate issued to him August 2, 1838 for one-third of a league of land by the Board of Land Commissioners for Washington County. In 1834 he was living at Tenoxtitlan, the site of which is in the present county of Burleson. From there he moved to Washington County. On December 12, 1835, he received ten leagues of land from Williams, Johnson and Peebles. On December 29, 1835 he was appointed First Lieutenant of Infantry by the General Council of the Provisional Government. He commanded one of the two cavalry companies at San Jacinto. His Donation Certificate No. 539 was issued September 10, 1838. He was issued Bounty Certificate No. 4275 for 1280 acres was issued him for his services from December 2, 1835, to December 3, 1836. On December 7, 1836, he was appointed Major of a battalion of mounted riflemen with headquarters at Nashville, the site of which is in the present county of Milam, Captain Thomas Robbins succeeding him in command of his former company. This is shown in Comptroller's Military Service Record No. 3139.

The Probate Minutes of Washington County, Book B, page 45, show that Major Smith died in Washington County in 1843. James Hall was appointed administrator of his estate June 26, 1843.

Note: Captain Thomas J. Rusk's Company in 1835.

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
  • Wounded in Battle: Slightly wounded
  • Rank: Captain
  • Company: Cavalry

Personal Statistics

  • Came to Texas: 1830
  • Date of Death: 1843
  • Bounty Certificate: 4275
  • Donation Certificate: 539