Remembering Stephen Fuller Austin’s Birthday at the State Capitol
November 3, 1793–December 27, 1836
A lawyer, settler, and administrator. He brought hundreds of U.S. families into Texas at the town of San Felipe on behalf of the Mexican government, they became known as the Old Three Hundred. He played a key role in Texas Independence. He was best known as THE FATHER OF TEXAS.
In 1833, Austin went to Mexico City to clear up business with the Federal government. While returning to Texas, Austin was arrested, brought back and thrown into jail for a year and a half; he was never tried or charged with anything. Released in August of 1835, Austin returned to Texas a changed man. His loyalty to Mexico was no more. When push came to shove, Austin would choose Texas over Mexico.
After The Battle of Gonzales marking the beginning of the military phase of the Texas Revolution. Austin was named commander of all Texan military forces. Austin arrived in San Antonio and commanded the Battle of Concepcion and Siege of Bexar. After those victories. Austin returned to San Felipe, where delegates from all over Texas were meeting to determine Texas fate.
At the convention, Austin was replaced as military commander by Sam Houston, Austin being frail after his 1812 bout with malaria. Instead, he was given a job much better suited to his abilities. He would be the Texas envoy to the United States, where he would seek official recognition if Texas declared and won its independence.
Austin also lost the election to be the first president of the Republic of Texas to General Sam Houston, who appointed him Secretary of State. Austin fell ill of pneumonia and died on December 27, 1836. Upon hearing of Austin’s death President Sam Houston remarked “The Father of Texas is no more.” His body was taken by wagon from Columbia and was put on a boat on the Brazos River and taken to the Gulf Prairie Cemetery in Jones Creek, Texas. In 1910, his remains were removed and taken to the Texas State Cemetery in Austin.
On Sunday Nov. 2nd Members of the Knights of the Order of San Jacinto participated in the wreath laying at his Statue in the Capitol for S. F. Austin’s birthday. The members of the KSJ were proudly displaying the Commemorative Flag in his honor.