HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Benjamin Johnson

Sabine Pass, Jefferson County, Texas

Marker Inscription

(1815-1872) Born in Louisiana; settled in Texas in 1832. Fought in victorious Texas Army at Bexar, Dec. 1835; in Capt. James Gillaspie's company, 2nd Regiment, Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836. Married (1) 1838, Rachel Garner, who died 1856; (2) 1861, Matilda Myers. Esteemed and respected, he was a farmer, stockman, patriarch.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Benjamin Johnson, born in Louisiana in 1815, settled in Texas in 1832 and took up arms in the fight for independence. He fought in the Texas army's capture of Bexar in December 1835 and served in Captain James Gillaspie's company at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto in April 1836. He lived out his days as a respected farmer and stockman in the Sabine Pass area.

Why it matters

Johnson's grave marks one of the ordinary settlers-turned-soldiers whose service won Texas independence at San Jacinto.

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Related people

  • · Benjamin Johnson
  • · James Gillaspie

Related events

  • · Battle of San Jacinto
  • · Siege of Bexar

Themes & tags

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