Samuel E. Burns: Alamo Defender and Irish Immigrant (1810–1836)

Published: November 1, 1994

Samuel E. Burns, Alamo defender, was born in Ireland in 1810 and was a resident of Natchitoches, Louisiana, at the beginning of the Texas Revolution. He served in the Alamo garrison as a member of Capt. William R. Carey's artillery company. Burns died in the battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

Daughters of the American Revolution, The Alamo Heroes and Their Revolutionary Ancestors (San Antonio, 1976). Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Muster Rolls of the Texas Revolution (Austin, 1986). Bill Groneman, Alamo Defenders (Austin: Eakin, 1990).

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Texas Revolution

The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this entry.

Bill Groneman, “Burns, Samuel E.,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed April 11, 2026, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/burns-samuel-e.

TID: FBU94

Original Publication Date:: November 1, 1994

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Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Texans have a unique opportunity to reflect on the state’s role in the American story. Through exhibitions, programs, educational initiatives, and community events across Texas, Texas America250 encourages celebration, reflection, and commemoration at both local and statewide levels. At the Texas State Historical Association, we are proud to support this important moment through our mission-driven work in history education and public engagement, including Texas History Day, and we invite students, educators, and communities to explore this milestone in meaningful ways.

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On July 4, 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the greatest nation in the history of the world. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Long may these ideals live in the heart of every Texan and every American. May God bless all who have defended our freedoms that we enjoy each day. And God bless the United States of America.

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Samuel E. Burns: Alamo Defender and Irish Immigrant (1810–1836)

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