William Gammell
Houston, Harris County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Born in Scotland. Fought at San Jacinto in Captain A. H. Wyly's company. Died in Houston, April 10, 1869 and was buried here. His widow Jane McDaniel Gammell died November 11, 1908 and was buried in the Glenwood Cemetery. Supplmental plaque: Later research shows William Gammell (Oct. 18, 1812 - Apr. 10, 1869) was buried in the Masonic Cemetery (now Sam Houston Park) on Apr. 11, 1869 and reinterred in the German Society Cemetery (now Washington Cemetery) on Jan. 22, 1900. His wife, Jane McDaniel Gammell (Mar. 28, 1825-Nov. 12, 1908) was interred in the German Society Cemetery on Nov. 13, 1908. Texas Historical Commission - 2006
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Scotland, William Gammell fought at the Battle of San Jacinto in Captain A.H. Wyly's company, sharing in the decisive 1836 victory that won Texas its independence. He lived out his years in Houston, and later research traced his remains through several reinterments โ from the old Masonic Cemetery to what is now Washington Cemetery. The layered plaques record a community's care in getting a veteran's story right.
Why it matters
Gammell links a Scottish immigrant's life to the founding battle of the Texas Republic, a reminder that the fight for independence drew men from across the Atlantic world.
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Related people
- ยท William Gammell
- ยท Jane McDaniel Gammell
Related events
- ยท Battle of San Jacinto
Themes & tags
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