George Washington Hockley

Photo Credits: Rosa G. Gonzales

1.  Sketch of Headstone, 1854

Provenance:  Corpus Christi Public Libraries
 

2.  Article or reference in The Handbook of Texas online
 

3.  Biographical information
 

4.  News Item

Monument to Be Erecter

Memory of Col. George W. Hockley Will Be Honored

The legislature of Texas has appropriated $200 for a monument to be erected in the old Bay View cemetery at Corpus Christi to the memory of Col. George W. Hockley, who was buried in that cemetery at his death here in June, 1851.

Colonel Hockley’s home was at Galveston, but he died at Corpus Christi while visiting his relative, Colonel Kinney.  The monument already has been placed and the Corpus Christi chaper of the Daughters of the Republic may hold a ceremony and officially unveil it.

His full name was George Washington Hockley.  He was born in Philadelphia in about the year of 1802 and was reared and educated there, moving to Washington City when he was a young man to accept a position as a clerk in the commissary division of the War Department.  There he met Congressman Sam Houston of Tennessee and a friendship begun between the two that lasted throughout their lives.  Hockley moved to Tennessee in 1828 while Houston was governor of that state and began work for a manufacturing plant.  He landed at Velasco, Texas, in the fall of 1835 and soon joined the army of East Texas of which his friend was commander-in-chief.  On March 4, 1836, Houston was elected commander-in-chief of all of the armies and Hockley was made chief of staff.  On the 6th they left Washington-on-the-Brazos together for Gonzales, the headquarters of the army.  On March 23, while on his famous retreat toward San Felipe, Houston wrote to Thomas J. Rusk, secretary of war: “For 48 hours I have not eaten an ounce, nor have I slept.  I have had no aid or assistance but from my friend Hockley, who now fills your former station.†At San Jacinto, Hockley was inspector general of the army and in command of the Twin Sisters cannon.  After the glorious victory had been won, Houston rode slowly from the field to the oak tree at whose foot had had slept the previous night.  He was riding his second horse, the first have been shot from under him in battle.  Reaching his destination he fainted from fatigue and loss of blood, but was caught by Colonel Hockley in his arms and laid down at the foot of the tree.

            Shortly after being elected president of the Republic, Houston assumed responsibility for releasing General Santa Anna and Almonte.  They left their prison at the home of Dr. J. A. E. Phelps on the Brazos on horseback under escort of Colonel Hockley, Major William H. Patton and Colonel Bernard E. Bee for Washington, for a conference with President Andrew Jackson on November 26, 1835, arriving at their destination Jan. 18, 1837.

            During Hockley’s absence from the republic, President Houston on Dec. 22, 1836, appointed him colonel of ordnance.  On Nov. 12, 1838, he was appointed secretary of war by President Houston.  During a recess of congress between May 24and November 13, 1838, President Lamar on Dec. 13 named Albert Sidney Johnston as his succcessor.  Hockley was reappointed to that position by President Houston Dec. 23, 1841.

            In 1843 President Houston appointed Samuel May Williams and Hockley as commissioners for Texas to meet the commissioners of Mexico to arrange for an armistice between the two nations.

            The following items regarding the death of Colonel Hockley appeared in the Weekly Journal, Galveston, June 24, 1851:  “Died—At the residence of Col. Kinney (Corpus Christi) at 11 o’clock p.m. on the 9th inst., Col. G. W. Hockley.  His remains were conveyed to the burial ground laid off by General Taylor and interred in the presence of a large assemblage of the citizens of Corpus Christi.  Colonel Hockley served in the Texas army and held important offices under the old Republic.  For some years past he resided in this city and was esteemed and respected by all ranks.â€

            The state of Texas named a county in honor of  Colonel Hockley and in 1932 erected a monument at his grave in Corpus Christi.

Source: Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Nov. 27, 1932, p. 12, col. 5

Research and transcription: Michael A. Howell

5.  Obituary

Col. G. W. Hockley died at the residence of Col. Kinney, at Corpus Christi, on the 9t inst.  Col. Hockley was one of the most distinguished soldiers in the revolutionary army of Texas, and served with great credit in the battle of San Jacinto.  He was also Secretary of War during the Administration of Gen. Houston.  He death will be deplored throughout the State.

Source: The Telegraph, Houston, Texas, June 27, 1851, p. 3, col. 1

Research by:  Msgr. Michael A. Howell

Transcription by:  Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission