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:  Harrisburg

The Kemp Sketch

(What is this?)

DAVIS, WILLIAM FRANCIS H. - The name “Frank Davidson, M. D. “appears on page 277 of the army rolls in the General Land Office as having been detailed to guard the baggage at the camp opposite Harrisburg, April 21, 1836. Bounty Certificate No. 13 was issued November 3, 1837 to “Surgeon W. F. H. Davis “for 960 acres of land for having served in the army from January 8, 1836 to November 1, 1837. Bounty Certificate No. 9 was issued November 2, 1837 to “Surgeon W. F. H. Davis” for 640 acres of land for having served in the army from June 1, 1836 to December 1, 1837. On the back of this certificate is written a deed of transfer to it to Peter Berry in consideration of the sum of one thousand dollars, bearing date of November 23, 1838signed by W. F. H. Davis and witnessed by J. H. Davis. It is thus seen that Dr. Davis by virtue of certificates No. 9 and No. 13 received a total of 1600 acres of land for his services in the army while 1280 acres was the maximum amount he was entitled to receive. On June 22, 1839 Dr. Davis at Louisville, Kentucky sold Bounty certificate No. 13 to Stanley P. Gower, signing his name to the deed as “W. F. H. Davis.” He did not apply for his certificate for 640 acres of donation land due him having been detailed to guard the camp opposite Harrisburg.

President Houston on May 10, 1837 furnished to the senate a list of officers in the army of the Republic and asked that their appointments be confirmed. Among them was the name of William F. H. Davidson, a surgeon. This was evidently intended for Dr. William Francis F. H. Davis.

Dr. Davis was evidently related to J. H. Davis, who at his home in Calhoun County September 1, 1851 made affidavit that he was well acquainted with Dr. Davis and saw him sign his name to the deed November 23, 1838 transferring bounty certificate No. 9 to Peter Berry.

On an army roll in the General Land Office William F. H. Davis is shown as having been born in Maryland in 1805 and having arrived in Texas in 1836. He enlisted June 1, 1836 for six months in Lieutenant Benjamin S. Reed’s company and was a member of Captain James l. Holmes’ company at muster at Velasco, August 27, 1836.

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: Physician

Personal Statistics

  • Alternate Names: Davidson
  • Date of Birth: 1805
  • Birthplace: Maryland
  • Came to Texas: 1836
  • Bounty Certificate: 13
  • Profession: Doctor