North Central in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

John "Jack" Coker

(May 10, 1789 - Jan. 4, 1861)

Photographed By James Hulse, July 1, 2021

1. John "Jack" Coker Marker

Inscription.

Came from South Carolina to Texas in 1834. Served in Battle of San Jacinto in Texas War for Independence, 1836. Was one of a party with Deaf Smith that destroyed Vince's bridge near Pasadena. This deed may have kept Santa Anna's army from retreat or reinforcement, thus insuring Texan victory.

In recognition, the Legislature of Texas awarded to Coker 1,920 acres, where he and his brother Joseph founded Coker community.
Recorded - 1968

Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 935.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.

Location. 29° 33.382′ N, 98° 29.558′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in North Central. Marker can be reached from East North Loop Road, ¼ mile west of Wurzbach Parkway. The marker is located in the central section of the Coker Cemetery and it can be accessed through the Coker United Methodist Church parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 231 East North Loop Road, San Antonio TX 78216, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Malinda Brown Coker (here, next to this marker); Jefferson Davis Smith

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Coker Cemetery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kings Highway Camino Real — Old San Antonio Road (approx. 3.7 miles away); Route of El Camino Real (approx. 3.7 miles away); Lockhill School (approx. 5½ miles away); The Argyle (approx. 5.7 miles away); The Dawson Massacre (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Also see . . . Coker, John (1789–1861).

Coker was one of a party of seven men who burned Vince's Bridge and kept Santa Anna's army from retreat or reinforcement, thus assuring the Texan victory. Young Perry Alsbury, who was also at Vince's Bridge, in an 1858 letter to Congressman Jesse Grimes stated "While sitting in our saddles, John Coker, my left file-leader, made the following remark and the suggestions following: 'Boys, before many hours we will have one of the damndest, bloodiest fights that ever was fought and I believe it would be a good plan to go and burn that bridge so as not only to impede the advance of reenforcements of the enemy, but it will
Photographed By James Hulse, July 1, 2021

2. John "Jack" Coker Marker and Gravestone
cut off all chance of retreat of either party.'" On January 17, 1858, Coker signed and attested to the accuracy of Alsbury's account of the Vince's Bridge action. In his service record it states that at the battle of San Jacinto John Coker lost a horse valued at $175. Source: The Handbook of Texas

(Submitted on July 12, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The John "Jack" Coker Marker is in the middle of the photo image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, July 1, 2021

3. The John "Jack" Coker Marker is in the middle of the photo

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 292 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 12, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.