When the Texas Revolution began in 1835 , William Whitaker Reed joined the Texian Army and served under Captain L. H. Mabbett . In April 1836 , Reed , who was just 20 years of age , was among those who dug the mass grave to hold the burned and charred remains of the 344 men under Colonel James Fannin who were massacred on orders of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at Goliad west of Victoria , Texas
Goliad
Goliad massacre
William Whitaker Reed