Stephen F. Austin

AUSTIN, STEPHEN F., colonist, statesman, father of the Republic of Texas; born in Austinville, Va., Nov. 3, 1793, son of Moses Austin of Connecticut, who in 1820 received from Mexico permission to colonize 300 families in the province of Texas. Moses Austin died June 10, 1821; but his son Stephen was recognized as heir to the grant. In December, 1821, he established on the Brazos River a settlement which he called San Felipe de Austin. Austin was given almost absolute power over his colony; but his government was wise and, on the whole, quite successful. In 1833 the people of Texas framed a State constitution, which Austin took to the city of Mexico for ratification by the National government. While there he wrote a letter to the municipal authorities of Bexar, advising the Texans to organize a government of their own. For this Austin was arrested while on his way home, taken back to Mexico, and detained from early in 1834 till the summer of 1835.

Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas

On his return to Texas he joined the revolution; became commander-in-chief of the Texas army; and was appointed commissioner to the United States. As commissioner he did Texas good service. In the fall of 1836 he was a candidate for President of the new republic, but was defeated by Sam Houston. He was appointed Secretary of State by Houston, and was engaged in negotiations to obtain official recognition of the independence of Texas by the United States, when he died, Dec. 27, 1836.