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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WINTERS, WILLIAM CARVIN -- Born in Giles County, Tennessee in 1809, son of James and Rhoda (Beal) Winters. He came to Texas in 1835 with his parents and their children with the exception of James W. and John F. Winters, who had arrived in 1834. The children in order of birth were: William C., Vina Bridges, Carolina, Frank Fannin, James Jones, James W., John F., Nancy, Polly, Sarah Drucilla, Benjamin Franklin, Lillian Ellen, Willis, Billington, Taylor, and Susan Bernice Winters. The family settled in what is now Montgomery County. The town of old Waverly was later located on the Winter's land. On October 30, 1835 William C. Winters received title to one league of land in Vehlein's Colony situated in the present county of San Jacinto. On February 1, 1838 he received Headright Certificate No. 296 for one labor of land from the Board of Land Commissioners of Montgomery County. In the certificate it is stated that he came to Texas in 1835.

William C., James W. and John F. Winters were in Captain William Ware's Company at San Jacinto. William C. was Second Sergeant. On June 28, 1838, he was issued Donation Certificate No. 386 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle. On January 24, 1861 he received a league of land for having been wounded at San Jacinto. He was shot in a knee. In Comptroller's Military Service Record No. 8026 it is certified that he served in the army from March 12, to May 3, 1836. For this service he was issued Bounty Certificate No. 767 for 320 acres of land.

Mr. Winters was married to Vina Bridges. Mrs. Winters is buried in the Longview Cemetery near Big Foot, Frio County. Mr. Winters died near Wimberly, Hays County, in 1863.

Mr. J.W. Crouch of 1714 north Hamilton Street, San Antonio, Texas, wrote the following of Mr. Winters: "Seeking health he located in the mountains at the headwaters of the Blanco River; built a water grist mill and saw mill; made plows, hoes, and wagons for farmers, spinning wheels and looms for the homes, also chairs, bedsteads and candles; made and brazed cow bells; made common nails and household utensils."

Children of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Winters, all of whom are deceased, were (1) Rhoda marriage unknown, (2) James, married Amanda Davidson: issue: Thomas, lived in Kyote, Tx,; Nathaniel died; and Vina married John Crawford. (3) Emeline, married four times in the following order: (A) J.M. Thomas (B) E. Starr (C) Frank Kniber (D)James Conley. Her issue by (A) J.M. Thomas were: John Thomas, lived at Big Foot, Tx; Ila Thomas married Mattie Weaver and lived in Arizona; Bell Thomas married Will Davidson; William Thomas; Rufus Thomas; (4) Carolina, never married (5) Naomi Winters married J.M. Cude, Issue: Rhoda Cude married Abe Holms; Naomi Cude married George W. Henson and lived in Big Foot; Vina Cude; Nina Cude; Thomas Cude lived in San Antonio and Lillie Cude. (6) John, (7) Willis (8) William, (9) and (10) Twins, who died in infancy.

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: Yes - shot in the knee
  • Rank: Second Sergeant
  • Company: Capt. William Ware

Personal Statistics

  • Date of Birth: 1809
  • Birthplace: Tennessee, Giles County
  • Came to Texas: 1835
  • Date of Death: 1863
  • Bounty Certificate: 767
  • Donation Certificate: 386
  • Wife: Vina Bridges
  • Children: Rhoda Winters; James Winters; Emeline Winters Thomas Starr Kniber Conley; Caroline Winters; Naomi Winters Cude; John Winters; Willis Winters; William Winters; twins who died in infancy
  • Family at San Jacinto: Brothers James Washington and John Frelan Winters fought at San Jacinto.