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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BRADLEY, JAMES -- Emigrated to Texas prior to May 2, 1835, as is stated in the Headright Certificate issued to his widow, Mrs. Ellen Bradley, by the Colorado County Board of Land Commissioners for a league and labor of land, June 8, 1838. He was a member of Captain William H. Patton's Columbia Company and his heirs were issued Donation Certificate No. 628 for 640 acres of land, November 28, 1838 due him for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto. In the Comptroller's Military Service Record No. 8352 it is certified that he served in the army from March 18, to May 10, 1836.

On page 232 of the army rolls in the General Land Office there is an affidavit signed by Colonel Jesse Benton, Jr., June 21, 1856 in which he stated that Mr. Bradley had: "died at Harrisburg shortly after the battle." Colonel Benton commanded Captain Patton's Company from July 23, 1836 until it was disbanded.

In the Probate Records of Brazoria County it is shown that Dr. Branch T. Archer was appointed administrator of his estate March 27, 1837. His estate was valued at $7,045.43. A trunk containing his clothing and a silver watch were forwarded to W. C. Childers of Franklin, Tennessee, at the request of his widow.

Mrs. Julia Bradley St. Clair, wife of John St. Clair and a niece of Mr. Bradley, was living in Austin, Texas, November 13, 1858.



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. David Murphree

Personal Statistics

  • Came to Texas: 1835?
  • Date of Death: 1836 May 10
  • Donation Certificate: 628
  • Wife: Ellen Bradley