James Bonham facts for kids
James Bonham was an American soldier born on February 20, 1807. He is famous for his bravery during the Texas Revolution. Bonham died defending the Alamo in 1836. He was a close friend and second cousin to William B. Travis, another hero of the Alamo. James Bonham also served as an important messenger during the siege. His younger brother, Milledge Luke Bonham, later became a general and served as the Governor of South Carolina.
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Early Life and Education
James Bonham was born in South Carolina on February 20, 1807. His parents were James and Sophia Butler (Smith) Bonham. He grew up in an area called Red Bank, which is now part of Lexington County.
In 1824, Bonham started college at the University of South Carolina. During his final year in 1827, he led a student protest. The students were unhappy with strict rules and bad food. Because of this protest, Bonham and his entire senior class were asked to leave the college.
After college, Bonham became a lawyer in Pendleton, South Carolina. In 1830, he had a disagreement with another lawyer. He was ordered to apologize to a judge but refused. He was then held for a short time.
Serving in South Carolina
In 1832, James Bonham helped Governor James Hamilton Jr. during a time of political disagreement called the Nullification crisis. Bonham strongly supported his state's rights. His strong opinions earned him the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the same time, he was also a captain in an artillery company in Charleston.
In 1834, Bonham moved to Montgomery, Alabama, to be near relatives. The next year, he went to Mobile, Alabama. There, he helped create a group of volunteer soldiers called the Mobile Greys. This group was formed to help Texas. They arrived in Texas in November 1835. Bonham was then made a lieutenant in the Texas cavalry.
Joining the Fight for Texas
On December 1, 1835, James Bonham offered his help to Sam Houston, a key leader in the Texas Revolution. Bonham said he would serve Texas without asking for any pay, land, or supplies. He was made a second lieutenant in the Texas cavalry. He even started a law practice in Brazoria, Texas, for a short time.
Bonham and Sam Houston quickly respected each other. Houston saw Bonham as a very influential person in the army. On January 11, 1836, Houston suggested that Bonham be promoted to major.
Arriving at the Alamo
Bonham likely traveled to San Antonio de Béxar and the Alamo with Jim Bowie. He arrived at the Alamo on January 19, 1836. The soldiers at the Alamo chose him to be part of a group. This group was tasked with writing a statement to support Governor Henry Smith.
On February 1, Bonham tried to become a delegate for the Alamo garrison. He wanted to represent them at the Texas constitutional convention, but he was not chosen.
Bonham's Last Ride
Around February 16, 1836, William B. Travis sent Bonham on an important mission. He needed Bonham to get help for the soldiers trapped inside the Alamo. Bonham rode to Goliad, Texas, to ask James Fannin for assistance. However, Fannin could not send troops to help.
Even though he knew the danger, Bonham bravely rode back to the Alamo. He wanted to deliver a message to Travis. This message was from Robert McAlpin Williamson, saying that help was on its way and urging them to keep fighting. Bonham rode through the Mexican lines and returned to the Alamo on March 3.
James Bonham died fighting in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836. He was 29 years old. It is believed that he died while operating one of the cannons inside the Alamo chapel. His courage and dedication are still remembered today.
Bonham's Legacy
Many places in Texas are named after James Bonham to honor his bravery. The city of Bonham, Texas, is named for him. This city is the county seat of Fannin County, Texas. Fannin County is named after James Fannin, the commander Bonham tried to get help from.
In 1936, a special marker was placed in Bonham, Texas, to celebrate the Texas Centennial. It includes a statue of James Bonham created by Texas sculptor Allie Tennant. Many schools across Texas are also named after James Bonham. You can find James Bonham schools in cities like Abilene, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
His childhood home, called "Flat Grove," in Saluda, South Carolina, is still standing. It is the only known birthplace of an Alamo defender that is still around today. It is now a museum.
Since 2014, Texas A&M University and Bonham's old college, the University of South Carolina, have a special sports competition. They play for the Bonham trophy, honoring his memory.
