The Kemp Sketch
BENTON, JESSE, JR. - Came to Texas in 1835, as is shown in Headright Certificate No. 70 issued to him February 8, 1838, for one-third of a league of land by the Sabine County Board.
Mr. Benton first settled in Brazoria Municipality. On March 3, 1836 the Constitutional Convention authorized him to raise a regiment of rangers. In the San Jacinto campaign he was a member of Captain William H. Patton’s Columbia Volunteers. In Service Record No. 4753 it is certified that he enlisted in Captain Patton’s Company, April 9, as a private, was elected First Lieutenant April 23, and discharged October 9, 1836. Mr. Benton later stated, however, that he was elected First Lieutenant July 20, 1836. He was issued Bounty Certificate No. 184 for 640 acres of land January 6, 1847, for having served in the army from April 9 to October 9, 1836. He was enrolled May 8, 1836 as Colonel of a regiment of rangers recruited by acting adjutant E. R. L. Wheelock. Wheelock later commanded the regiment.
Many soldiers who remained at the camp opposite Harrisburg April 21, 1836, were issued Donation Certificates for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle, and Colonel Benton was one of these. Certificate No. 1016 was issued to him February 4, 1839. On September 10, 1856, from his home in San Augustine, Colonel Benton sent to the General Land Office a list of all men who had served in Captain Patton’s Company. On page 232 of the Land Office Rolls, Colonel Benton lists himself among those who did not participate in the battle. Colonel Benton was a member of the House of Representatives from Sabine County of the Fourth Congress from November 11, 1839, to February 5, 1840. On January 15, 1842, he was appointed District Attorney of the Seventh Judicial District.
In the Probate Records of San Augustine County it is shown that Colonel Benton died in San Augustine in 1862. David O. Warren was appointed administrator of his estate July 28, 1862.
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.
- Died in Battle: No
- Rank: Acting Sergeant Major
- Company: [Capt. Murphree] staff
- Came to Texas: 1835
- Date of Death: 1862