Bonham, James Butler (1807-1836), was an important figure in Texas’s struggle for independence from Mexico in the 1830’s. Bonham volunteered for the Texas military in the autumn of 1835. American colonists in Texas had just begun their revolt against Mexico. Bonham died defending the Alamo, a fortified mission in San Antonio, in March 1836.
Bonham was born in Edgefield County, South Carolina, on Feb. 20, 1807. He attended South Carolina College (now the University of South Carolina) but did not graduate. He studied law, and he set up a law practice in Pendleton, South Carolina, in 1830. In 1832, he became an aide to South Carolina Governor James Hamilton. Bonham also became an officer in the state’s militia (citizen army). Bonham later began practicing law in Montgomery, Alabama.
In 1835, Bonham became interested in the Texas independence movement, and he organized a company of volunteer Alabama soldiers to join in the fight against Mexico. Bonham arrived in Texas in November 1835 and soon gained the respect of Texas leader Sam Houston. Bonham was named an officer in the Texas cavalry. He also set up a law practice in Brazoria, Texas.
In January 1836, Bonham arrived at the Alamo. In February, Texas commander William Travis sent Bonham to seek reinforcements for the fort’s defense. Bonham returned to the Alamo on March 3, during a Mexican siege of the fort. Bonham was killed, along with all of the fort’s defenders, when the Mexican Army stormed the Alamo on March 6.
After Bonham’s death, he was celebrated for his bravery and his firm belief in the Texas cause. The town of Bonham, in Fannin County, was named for him. A statue of Bonham stands on the grounds of the Fannin County Courthouse.
