John C. Hale
Milam, Sabine County, Texas
Marker Inscription
John C. Hale, one of nine patriots killed at the Battle of San Jacinto, was born in Scott County, Virginia on April 3, 1806. He married Barshaba Miller in his home state in 1830, and by 1835 moved with his wife and children to Sabine County. They were living in Milam when John joined the war effort against Mexico as a first lieutenant. At the age of 30, he died in combat in the final military conflict of the revolution on April 21, 1836, and was buried with seven other battle casualties at the site of the Texan campground. For Hale's service, his heirs received 960 acres of land. In addition, the Legislature named Hale County in West Texas in honor of his patriotism and service during the Texas Revolution. (2006)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
John C. Hale, born in Virginia in 1806, moved his family to Sabine County by 1835 and joined the fight for Texas independence as a first lieutenant. On April 21, 1836 the 30-year-old was one of nine Texans killed at the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive clash that won the revolution, and he was buried with fellow casualties at the Texan campground. In recognition of his sacrifice, his heirs received 960 acres and the Legislature named Hale County in West Texas in his honor.
Why it matters
Hale is remembered among the handful who died securing Texas independence, a sacrifice memorialized across the state map and central to the founding story of the Texas Republic.
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Related people
- · John C. Hale
- · Barshaba Miller
Related events
- · Battle of San Jacinto
- · Texas Revolution
Themes & tags
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