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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VERMILLION, JOSEPH D. -- Arrived at Velasco, January 28, 1836, on the schooner Pennsylvania, having been recruited in New Orleans for the Army of Texas by Captain Amasa Turner. On page 27 of the army rolls in the General Land Office his name appears as a member of Captain John Hart's Company at Velasco, January 30, 1836. Most of the men of Captain Hart's Company participated in the Battle of San Jacinto in Captain Richard Roman's Company, but Mr. Vermillion fought in Captain Moseley Baker's Company. On April 22, 1836 he was one of the captors of Santa Anna.

Mr. Vermillion probably left Texas after receiving his discharge from the army. Before, doing so, however, he assigned his rights to all of the land due him by Republic of Texas to Captain Robert J. Calder. The certificates issued later in Mr. Vermillion's name were delivered to Captain Calder. Donation Certificate No. 13/199 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the Battle of San Jacinto was issued May 13, 1873; Bounty Certificate No. 13/199 for 320 acres for three months service was issued; and Headright Certificate No. 13/197 for one-third of a league of land was issued.

NOTE: Re-examine the certificate.



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. Moseley Baker

Personal Statistics

  • Alternate Names: Vermilion
  • Origin: Louisiana
  • Came to Texas: 1836 Jan 28
  • Comments: One of group that captured Santa Anna.
  • Donation Certificate: 13/199