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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SPICER, JOSEPH A. -- Arrived in Texas in 1835. This is shown in the Headright Certificate issued to his heirs for one-third of a league of land by the Matagorda County Board, May 10, 1838. He was a member of Captain Robert J. Calder's Company at San Jacinto. His heirs received Donation Certificate No. 418, February 13, 1852 for 640 acres due Mr. Spicer for having participated in the battle. His heirs did not apply for the land due him for his services in the army immediately prior to and after the battle. They did receive Bounty Certificate No. 2504 for 320 acres of land _________ for his services from June 30, to September 30, 1836. He was a member of Captain Thomas Stewart's Company of Matagorda Volunteers, at muster July 15, 1836.

Mr. Spicer died in Matagorda County in 1838. S. Rhodes Fisher was appointed administrator of his estate March 28, 1838.

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

  • Came to Texas: 1835
  • Date of Death: 1838
  • Bounty Certificate: 2504
  • Donation Certificate: 418