Stephen Austin, Father of Texas
A Dedicated Son Leads Pioneers into Mexican Texas.
Jul 25, 2009 Darla Sue Dollman
As he lay on his death bed, ravaged by the effects of pneumonia, Moses Austin gasped out one last request that his son, Stephen, lead a group of pioneers deep into the heart of what would later become the state of Texas. Stephen Austin was an obedient son, and although he originally disliked his father’s plans for a Texas settlement, he had already prepared to join him. Although Stephen lacked his father’s aggressive leadership style, he had a patient and determined personality that would serve him well.
Stephen Austin’s Early Years and Education
Stephen Austin (November 3, 1793-December 27, 1836) was born in southwest Virginia to Mary Brown, daughter of an affluent mining family, and Moses Austin, an industrialist. Moses moved the family to southeastern Missouri in 1798 where he established the town of Potosi, established the general store, and conducted business in mining, smelting, and manufacturing lead. Stephen was sent to Bacon Academy in Connecticut at the age of eleven for his education and then to Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. After graduating from Transylvania University, Stephen studied law. He served in the legislature of the Missouri Territory when he was only twenty-one years old, from 1813 to 1819. In 1891, when the family business failed in Missouri, Stephen relocated to Arkansas and was appointed circuit judge of the first judicial circuit of Arkansas. He served in this position for six months before leaving for New Orleans where he also worked as a lawyer.
Austin Leads Settlers to Texas
While Stephen pursued a legal career, his father made plans to lead settlers into Texas, which was still part of Mexico at that time and referred to as Mexican Tejas. Moses Austin traveled to San Antonio to apply for a grant for 200,000 acres to be distributed among an initial 300 families. Moses received the grant, but on his way back home he caught pneumonia and died. Stephen led the settlers to establish a colony on the lower Colorado and Brazos rivers in January of 1822.
Austin Struggles to Fulfill His Father’s Wishes
The colony got off to a rough start. Their supplies were supposed to arrive on a ship called the Lively, but the ship arrived at the wrong location, turned around and went home, then ran aground near Galveston and all supplies were lost. The colonists continued to arrive as scheduled and they depended on Austin for guidance. The first families to arrive in the area are referred to as the Old 300. Austin used the gift of land to convince men who had supplies and skills necessary to the community to settle in the colony. As a former lawyer and judge, Austin knew he operated on tenuous ground as these new settlers did not have legal title to the land. The newly-formed, independent Mexican government objected to the settlement immediately because Moses Austin was given the grant under a Spanish charter. Stephen traveled to Mexico City to confirm the rights of the settlers. At that time he was given administrative authority over the colony and the title of Empresario.
Responsibilities of the Empresario
As empresario, Austin was responsible for establishing a legal system. He organized groups of armed men to protect the colony and these men later became known as the famous Texas Rangers. He was required to monitor immigration into the area--a very sensitive issue with the Mexican government--and to determine how much land each settler received. He made certain that roads and schools were built and businesses, such as sawmills and granaries, were in operation. He was also the colony’s political representative.
The Texas Revolution and Austin’s Political Career
Austin once again traveled to Mexico City to meet with government officials and discuss issues of immigration, tariffs, and a state government. He succeeded with the issue of immigration, but the population was considered too small to be a separate state under Mexican regulations. While Austin was away, war broke out between the settlers and the Mexican army. On his return, Austin held command of the army of colonists during the Siege of Bexar. After Texas won its independence he announced his candidacy for President of the newly-formed country, but he lost to the popular politician and war hero, Sam Houston.
Stephen Austin’s Death and Legacy
Texas President Sam Houston appointed Austin to the office of Secretary of State. Austin was in office two months when he died of pneumonia like his father. Upon hearing of Stephen Austin's death, Sam Houston issued a statement proclaiming Austin “the father of Texas.” Stephen F. Austin is buried in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas. Austin College in Sherman, Texas is named in his honor, as is the Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. The City of Austin, Texas and Austin County in Texas are also named in honor of the Father of Texas, Stephen F. Austin.
Sources:
Barker, Eugene C. “Austin, Stephen Fuller.” The Handbook of Texas Online.
Nevin, David. The Old West: The Texans. Time Life Books, Canada: 1975.
“Stephen Fuller Austin.” New Perspectives on The West. The official website of PBS.org.
Stephen F. Austin
|
Comments
More in History
Latest Articles