His middle name was Fuller (just in case you play the game show Jeopardy, and on Saturday, November 3, Stephen Fuller Austin will be 219 years old.  Well, not really, he died on December 27, 1836.

Only 43 years old when he died, Austin played a significant role in Texas history.  In 1821, he ventured to San Antonio to complete the colonization of his father's grant to settle 300 families, known in Texas history as "The Old Three Hundred".

In 1833, due to intense strife between Mexico's government and the settlers, Austin found himself in jail in Mexico City, as he attempted to resolve the settlers grievances.  He was released after almost two years behind bars.

Austin served as Secretary of State under, yet another Texas biggie, that being none other Sam Houston, who at the time was the first president of the Republic of Texas.  Upon hearing Austin died, Houston said "The Father of Texas is no more..."

Stephen F. Austin - this Bud's for you!

 

 

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