The Alamo Defenders: John C. Goodrich

GOODRICH, JOHN C.

(1809-1836)

Born in Virginia (although some records shown him as being from Tennessee, John C. Goodrich was recommended by Tennessee Congressman Sam Houston to be a purser in the US Navy.  In spite of the recommendation, Goodrich decided not to server.

In 1834, he immigrated to Texas with his brother, Benjamin Briggs Goodrich.  They settled in Grimes County.  In late November, 1835, Goodrich offered his service to the Texas army via a letter he wrote to Congressman Sam Houston.  He received a commission as cornet in the regular Texas cavalry.

Goodrich may have entered Bexar and the Alamo in early February 1836, along with the cavalry force accompanying Lt. Col. William B. Travis, or he may have already been in Bexar as a member of Capt. William Blazeby's infantry company.  While Goodrich was besieged in the Alamo, his brother signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, on March 2, 1836. Goodrich died in battle four days later.

There is mixed information about John’s middle name as being either Calvin or Camp.

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