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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BOWEN, R. -- Listed on page 35 of the San Jacinto rolls printed in 1836 as R. Bowen, a member of Captain William W. Hill's Company. On an original roll of Captain Hill's Company when mustered April 11, 1836, he is listed as R. Bowen, and is shown to have enlisted on the Colorado, March 11, 1836. The following additional information concerning him was given: He was 25 years of age and was born in Hinds County, Mississippi. He was five feet, five and one-half inches in height; of dark complexion, with grey eyes and black hair. By vocation he was a farmer.

R. Bowen was on September 3, 1839 issued Bounty Certificate No. 9268 for 320 acres of land for having served in the army from February 29 to May 30, 1836. He served in Captain Hill's Ranging Company from July 3, to October 3, 1836, as is shown in Comptroller's Military Service Record No. 800, and for this service R. Bowen received Bounty Certificate No. 3910 for 320 acres of land. He sold the Certificate June 21, 1838 to R. M. Forbes. He did not apply for the land due him for having participated in the Battle of San Jacinto.

In Headright Certificate No. 149 issued to William R. Bowen in 1838 by the Board of Land Commissioners for Montgomery County for one league of land and Headright Certificate No. 182 for one labor of land it is stated that he arrived in Texas March 1, 1835. The compiler believes, but has been unable to prove, that this is the R. Bowen who participated in the Battle of San Jacinto. Captain Hill's Company was raised largely in Washington Municipality of which the present Montgomery County was a part.



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: Lieut. Robert Stevenson

Personal Statistics

  • Alternate Names: R. Bowen
  • Date of Birth: 1811?
  • Birthplace: Mississippi, Hinds County
  • Came to Texas: 1835 Mar 1
  • Bounty Certificate: 9268
  • Profession: Farmer