As mentioned a time (or 12) before, my elusive paternal 2xGGrandmother Hannah is high on my search list. As a single mom with young boys in a new land, she somehow met and married a veteran of the early Texas battles for independence.
Sam Leeper was good enough to become guardian of her sons, and for that I am grateful. Gosh, I am downright fond of this old soldier! I've enjoyed learning his history as an early pioneer to "Baja Oklahoma" (Texas), his three marriages, and trailing his children (whom he never saw again after leaving Virginia to fight the Mexican Army).
Today was a lucky one, as I found a few gems. From March 6, 1836 is a roster of soldiers who served under Captain Hayden Arnold. Just four days before, an activist group had formally declared their independence from Mexico. Throw down!
These "Nacogdoches Volunteers" would soon fight in the famed Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. Samuel's name is fifth on the list:
Not at all wet behind the ears, this 2d sergeant under Capt. Arnold had fought at the Battle of Bexar just the year before. For his military service from March 6th to June 7, 1836, Sam was issued Bounty Certificate No. 9473 for 320 acres of land. That's just some of the land he was awarded as "bounty."
From April 27, 1838, his signature regarding real estate with a Mr. Henry Trott. Sam's actual signature!
