John Milton Shreve

August 01, 1811 - February 12, 1886

Born at Domestic Retreat near Nicholasville, Jessamine Co., Kentucky

JOHN MILTON SHREVE oldest son of William and Ann Barnett Shreve. John Milton Shreve migrated south and engaged in mercantile business in Texas, leaving his home in Nicholasville, Ky, June 10, 1835, going to New Orleans by steamer. While there he met General Stephen Austin, who had just been released from prison in Mexico, where he had gone to advocate certain rights to be granted Texan colonists. At the same time, Mr. Shreve also made the acquaintance of General Zavalla, who had been Secretary to Santa Anna. Both these gentlemen were bound for Texas and at their solicitation he embarked with them July 8, on board the San Felipi, for Velasco, at the mouth of the Brazos river. McKinney and Williams, merchants of Quintana and the largest cotton brokers of that day, were owners of the vessel, and seeing the danger of the capture of the capture of the San Felipi with such important passengers as Austin and Zavalla by the revenue cutter City of Mexico aat that time attempting to blockade Texas ports directed William Hard, the Captain, while in New Orleans, to fit her out with two six-pound guns together with small arms, and to brace her bulwarks with bales of cotton. Thus equipped, she sailed for Velasco, and on her arrival the Mexican cruiser Guerro demanded her papers, on receiving answer from the San Felipi to "come and get them," opened fire on her. After a sharp conflict the Guerro attempted to escape, but after an all-night chase was captured by the San Felipi. When the Mexican cruiser dropped her colors to half-mast, Capt. McKinney called for volunteers to board her. Capt. Haskins, A.J. Harris and J.M. Shreve answered the call and were instructed to take charge of her and send the Captain with his papers to the San Felipi. This little sea fight, so successfully conducted, gave joy to all that section and was to the people of Texas really the crossing of the Rubicon. At the commencement of the Texan War, John Milton Shreve was appointed Assistant Quartermaster, with rank of Captain; was present and participated in the battle of San Jacinta, when Santa Anna was captured. Fear being felt for this distinguished prisoner's safety, J. M. Shreve was appealed to and gave upper rooms in his residence, which was occupied for some time by Santa Anna, with his guards. Mr. Shreve held various offices of trust n the Lone Star Republic, was appointed by President Mirabeau lamar (who succeeded Houston), recorder of the City of Austin, Travis Co., May 26,1841. His commission, signed by President Lamar, is at present among his papers. He was elected Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Texas the first terms of General Houston as President. Mr. Shreve was a member of Captain William S. Fisher's Company at San Jacinto and on February 7, 1860 was issued Donation Certificate No. 99 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle. In October 10, 1840 he received Bounty certificate No. 9603 for 320 acres of land for his services in the army from March 16 to June 16, 1836. He was living in Travis County October 11, 1840 when he sold the certificate to Morgan C. Hamilton for $320

Mr. Shreve's first home in Texas was in Velasco. There he was married to Sarah Bailey in August, 1836. Mrs. Shreve died in June, 1838

On December 4, 1841, he procured license for the practice of law in Texas, but shortly after returned to Kentucky. He married his second wife. He never again left Kentucky, and for thirty years prior to his death he lived in or near Louisville, serving many years as Elder of the Christian Church, much beloved and esteemed by all that knew him. John Milton Shreve died in Louisville, Kentucky at the home of his nephew Charles Upton Shreve. He is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery in Lot 71, Section H, the lot purchased by his brother L.L. Shreve. He was an honorary member of the Texas Veterans Association

Family of John Milton and Susannah Luckett Simpson Shreve

John and Susannah Luckett Simpson Shreve had two children living to adulthood; Juliette Ann Shreve and James Simpson. Joseph A Nunes boarded at the home of J.M.V Shreve in Louisville, Kentucky. Three daughters were born to Joseph and Juliette; an infant daughter lived for 17 months and may be buried somewhere in Louisville, KY? Sue and Belle living to adulthood and are buried with their mother, Juliette, in Amityville Cemetery, Long Island, NY. James went to San Francisco and was married to Molly Major in April 1874, but he died in August 1875. James is buried in the Cave Hill Cemetery Louisville, KY beside his parents

J Milton Shreve must have been a great grandpa in his older days. Geo. R. Warden, II found a poem written by Grandpa Milton Shreve about his granddaughter Helen Nunez which I am posting below along with a picture of Grandpa Milton