James Milford Day facts for kids

James Milford Day (born May 11, 1815 – died October 22, 1894) was an important military figure in Texas during the 1800s. He was a brave member of the Seguin Rangers, led by Mathew Caldwell and Jack Hays. He also fought in the Mexican–American War.

Early Life and Family

James Milford Day was born on May 11, 1815, in Anderson County, South Carolina. His parents were Johnson Day and Sarah Hembree. In 1835, James moved with his family to Texas.

Moving to Texas

The Day family became part of the Runaway Scrape in 1836. This was when many Texans fled from the Mexican army before the battle of San Jacinto. After the battle, the Day family met other groups heading to Texas. They decided to travel together for safety. On October 6, 1837, they arrived in Gonzales, Texas.

Family Challenges

Sadly, James's father was killed in Gonzales in 1838. That same year, James Milford Day married Martha Nichols. They had two children together. Their third child and Martha died during childbirth. James's mother helped him raise and care for his young children.

Career in Texas

In 1838, James Day helped start a new town called Walnut Springs in Gonzales County, Texas. This town is now known as Seguin. He moved his mother into an adobe (mud-brick) home there.

Joining the Rangers

In 1839, Day joined the Gonzales–Seguin Rangers, led by Mathew Caldwell. Caldwell placed half of his men in Walnut Springs to protect the new settlers. James Day's home became well-known as the Seguin Ranger Station. It was used often by the Rangers.

Texas Republic Ranger

James Milford Day was a key participant in several important battles. These battles helped shape the early history of Texas.

Fighting the Córdova Rebellion

On March 29, 1839, General Edward Burleson's company fought against Vicente Córdova and his rebels. This battle took place near Seguin, Texas, at a spot called "Battleground Prairie." Córdova escaped, but Caldwell's Rangers and other groups chased him out of Texas.

While scouting near the Guadalupe River, Day and his company were surprised by Córdova's fleeing group. Day was badly wounded in this fight. This injury affected his ability to walk for the rest of his life.

Other Key Battles

Day also fought in the Battle of Plum Creek on August 12, 1840. Later, on September 18, 1842, he fought in the Battle of Salado Creek. During the Mexican–American War, Day served in Captain McCulloch's Company in 1846 and 1847.

Later Life and Legacy

James Day married two more times after his first wife passed away. After his wives died, he moved to Gillespie County in 1879 to be closer to his son. He passed away there on October 22, 1894, and was buried in Brown Cemetery.

Historic Recognition

In 2011, a special historic marker was placed at the site of the old Walnut Branch Ranger Station in Seguin. This old adobe building had stood for almost 200 years before it was taken down around the year 2000. The marker shares a short message about James Day's important contributions to the early days of Texas.