William C. Swearingen
Houston, Harris County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Born in Kentucky. Arrived at Velasco, January 28, 1836 on the schooner Pennsylvania to fight for the freedom of Texas. A member of Captain Amasa Turner's company at San Jacinto. Died in Houston, December 24, 1839. "Kiss William for me and tell him Pappy will be there in the fall and stay with him and that he must be a good boy." From a letter Mr. Swearingen wrote to his parents in Kentucky.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Kentucky-born William C. Swearingen sailed into Velasco aboard the schooner Pennsylvania on January 28, 1836, to fight for Texas independence, and served in Captain Amasa Turner's company at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. He died in Houston on Christmas Eve, 1839. A tender line from a letter home — asking that his son be kissed and told "Pappy will be there in the fall" — survives him.
Why it matters
He personifies the volunteers who left home to win Texas independence, remembered as much for a father's love letter as for his service at San Jacinto.
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Related people
- · William C. Swearingen
- · Amasa Turner
Related events
- · Battle of San Jacinto
Themes & tags
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