John Pettit Borden

Marker location: Weimar Odd Fellows Cemetery

Marker erected: 1969

Marker Text: JOHN PETTIT BORDEN (December 30, 1812 - November 12, 1890)

Born in New York. Moved to Texas 1829. Settled in Stephen F. Austin's second colony in 1832.

In Texas Revolution, fought at Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. Helped lay out town of Houston same year. At 24 became first Commissioner of Texas General Land Office. Later practiced law and served as county judge. He was a surveyor before moving, in 1866, to Harvey's Creek (4 mi. E). Married twice. Had 9 children by second wife Mary (Hatch)

Unsung San Jacinto Hero, Buried Here, Gets Some Recognition After 73 Years A small Texas flag was placed on the grave of Lt. John P. Borden last Sunday, San Jacinto Day, and apparently it was the first time any recognition has been given this San Jacinto survivor in the 73 years he has lain buried in the Weimar Cemetery.

It was just a few weeks ago that Jack Montgomery, a member of the Colorado County Historical Committee, discovered that the grave here was that of the Lt. Borden who was the last surviving commissioned officer among the San Jacinto veterans. He died Nov. 12, 1890. A New Yorker who came to Texas in 1829 and was granted 1102 acres of land in Stephen F. Austin’s second colony (now Wharton County), he and a brother surveyed and laid out the town of Houston in 1836.

Sam Houston appointed him the first commissioner of the General Land Office of Texas in 1837. Later he served as judge of Ft. Ben County. In 1955 he moved to Harvey’s Creek, now known as Borden, and it was there he died. A move is afoot to get an official state marker for the grave. Weimar Mercury, April 25, 1963, page 1