William Jarvis Cannan was a Republic of Texas soldier in the War for Independence. Born in Edgefield, S. C., he came to Texas in 1835. After entering the army, he fought in the famed victory of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. He received headright and bounty lands in Brazoria, San Patricio, Coleman, and Limestone counties. He had 11 children through two marriages, first to Martha Jane Lonis, who died in 1851, and then to Mrs. Permelia Rowena Wilcox.