William Ward (Texas soldier)

William Ward (1808 – March 27, 1836) was an American military officer and merchant who participated in the Texas Revolution. He is best known for leading the Georgia Battalion, also sometimes called Ward's Battalion, and for his eventual surrender at Victoria, Texas, which led to his men being executed in the Goliad Massacre.

Ward was born in 1808 in Ireland. Before coming to Texas, Ward worked as a merchant in Savannah, Georgia. He outfitted and recruited volunteers to support the Texas cause after hearing of the events at the Alamo. He arrived in Texas with the Georgia Battalion in March 1836, just as the Alamo was falling.

Ward was initially ordered to reinforce the Alamo, but upon learning of its fall, he was directed to join Colonel James Fannin at Goliad. He disobeyed orders to retreat from Refugio with King's men, remaining to assist other scattered Texians. He was separated from Fannin and, after a skirmish with Mexican forces, eventually surrendered near Victoria under the mistaken belief he and his men would be returned to the United States.

Ward and his men were marched to Goliad. Despite promises of parole, Ward and most of his remaining command were executed under the orders of General Antonio López de Santa Anna as part of the Goliad Massacre on March 27, 1836.