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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STILWELL, WILLIAM S. -- Born in New York in 1809. In Headright Certificate No. 243 issued to his heirs February 8, 1838 for one-third of a league of land by the Harrisburg County Board it is stated that he came to Texas in 1836.

Mr. Stilwell was a member of Captain Isaac N. Moreland's Company at San Jacinto and on April 20, 1850, his heirs were issued Donation Certificate No. 206 for 640 acres of land for his services at the battle. They received Bounty Certificate No. 505 for 1280 acres for his services in the army from February 1, 1836 to March 20, 1837. He evidently joined the army before arriving in Texas.

In Service Record No. 2777 it is certified that Mr. Stillwell was appointed Captain of Artillery, December 27, 1836 while stationed on Galveston Island. The Telegraph and Texas Register of Houston on September 23, 1837 carried the following notice regarding the death of Captain Stilwell:

"Died in this city, on the 12th inst., suddenly, Captain William S. Stilwell, late of the Texian Army, aged 28 - the New Orleans and New York papers are requested to notice this."

John Belden was appointed administrator of Captain Stilwell's estate September 21, 1837.

Note: Arrived at Velasco, Jan. 28, 1836. Voted at Velasco Feb 1, 1836. Turner's Co. transferred to Moreland.

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: First Lieutenant
  • Company: Capt. Isaac N. Moreland

Personal Statistics

  • Alternate Names: Stillwell; William Shaler
  • Date of Birth: 1809
  • Birthplace: New York
  • Came to Texas: 1836 Jan 28
  • Date of Death: 1837 Sep 12
  • Bounty Certificate: 505
  • Donation Certificate: 206