By: Tyler Beene

William B. Travis

Born: Saluda County, South Carolina; August 9, 1809

Died: The Alamo, San Antonio, Republic of Texas; March 6, 1836 Allegiance: United States of America Republic of Texas

Service/Branch: Republic of Texas forces

Years of Service: 1835, 1836

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel

Unit: Texan Army

Commands Held: The Alamo, San Antonio

Battles/Wars: Siege of The Alamo

WILLIAM B. TRAVIS

William B. TravisFamily

His Mother’s name was Jemima Travis and his father’s name was Mark Travis.His uncle Alexander Travis was a prominent Baptist preacher and he called on Travis’ family to move to Sparta (a town) in Conecuh County, Alabama. That was where he got his received much of his education. Later, he enrolled in a school nearby Claiborne, where he eventually worked as an assistant teacher. Then he became an attorney.

When he was 19 he married 16 year old Rosanna Cato, who used to be one of his students, on October 26, 1828.They stayed in Claiborne and in 1829 they had a son named Charles Edward.

William B. TravisFamily

(continued)

Sadly, his Marriage soon failed, for unknown reasons. Travis fled Alabama in early 1831 to start over in Texas, leaving behind his pregnant wife, and son. Travis and Rosanna were officially divorced by the Marion County Courts on January 9, 1836 by Act NO. 115. Travis’ son, Charles, was placed with Travis’ fried, David Ayres, so he would be closer to his father.

William B. TravisJOB (S)

He began publication of a newspaper, The Claiborne Herald, the same year he had his son.

William B. TravisArmed Service

He became a Mason, joining the Alabama Lodge NO.3 – Free and Accepted Masons, and later joined the Alabama Militia as adjutant of the 26th regiment, 8th Brigade, 4th Division.

William B. TravisTime (Role) at the Alamo

Smith ordered Travis to raise a company to reinforce the Texans at the Alamo Mission in San Antonio. Travis seriously considered disobeying his orders, writing to Smith: "I am willing, nay anxious, to go to the defense of Bexar, but sir, I am unwilling to risk my reputation ... by going off into the enemy's country with such little means, so few men, and with them so badly equipped."On February 3 Travis arrived in San Antonio with eighteen men as reinforcements. On February 12, as the next highest ranking officer, Travis became the official commander of the Alamo garrison. He took command of the regular soldiers from Col. James C. Neill, of the Texan army. Neill had to leave to care for his ill family, but he promised to be back in twenty days. James Bowie (1795–1836) would command the volunteers as Travis commanded the regulars. He was at the Alamo in February 23 – March 6, 1836.

William B. Travis

Fact Or Quote

"I am willing, nay anxious, to go to the defense of Bexar, but sir, I am unwilling to risk my reputation ... by going off into the enemy's country with such little means, so few men, and with them so badly equipped."

William B. Travis Description

William B. Travis had Brownish hair. I estimate that he is around 5ft 9in tall and around 150lbs. He was Caucasian male.

He was loyal, he was the kind of man that would stay and fight , not wimp out and leave, he was strong and did not give up you can tell by his letter:

“VICTORY OR DEATH”

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www.thealamo.org/battle