Anson Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anson Jones
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| 4th President of the Republic of Texas | |
| In office December 9, 1844 – February 19, 1846 |
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| Preceded by | Sam Houston |
| Succeeded by | J. Pinckney Henderson (as governor of Texas) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 20, 1798 Great Barrington, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | January 9, 1858 (aged 59) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Profession | Physician |
Anson Jones (born January 20, 1798 – died January 9, 1858) was an important American doctor and businessman. He also served as a member of Congress for the Republic of Texas. Most notably, he was the fourth and last President of the Republic of Texas. He played a key role in Texas joining the United States.
Contents
Anson Jones: A Leader for Texas
Early Life and Challenges
Anson Jones was born on January 20, 1798, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. When he was young, he traveled to Seneca Falls, New York, and taught in a small school from 1812 to 1813. In 1820, he became a licensed doctor in New York. He started his medical practice in 1822. However, his early career as a doctor faced many difficulties. He moved several times, trying to find success.
After some time, Jones returned to Philadelphia to further his medical studies. He earned an MD degree. Despite his efforts, his medical practice still struggled. In 1832, he decided to try a new path. He moved to New Orleans to work in trade. This new business venture also did not go well. Within a year, he lost all his money.
During these years, Anson Jones was also an active member of several community groups. He was a leader in the Masonic Harmony Lodge in Philadelphia. He also held leadership roles in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Pennsylvania.
A New Start in Texas
In 1832, Anson Jones decided to move west to Texas. He eventually settled in Brazoria. Here, his luck finally changed. He opened a medical practice that quickly became successful. This allowed him to become a respected member of the community.
Joining the Texas Revolution
As tensions grew between Texas and Mexico, Jones became involved in politics. In 1835, he attended a special meeting called "the Consultation" in Columbia. Texas patriots met to discuss their fight for freedom from Mexico. Jones suggested holding a convention to declare independence.
During the Texas Revolution, Jones served as a surgeon for the Texas Army. He also worked as a judge advocate. He chose to remain a private throughout the conflict. After the war ended, Jones returned to Brazoria. He continued his successful medical practice.
Family and Community Involvement
Anson Jones was also very involved in the Masonic community in Texas. In 1834, he helped establish the first Masonic lodge in Texas. This lodge was called Holland Lodge No. 36. Jones was elected its first Master. He carried the lodge's charter with him during the important Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. Later, in 1837, he became the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas. He also became the first Grand Master of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Texas.
On May 17, 1840, Anson Jones married Mary Smith. They built a family together and had four children.
Stepping into Politics
Anson Jones continued his involvement in Texas politics. He was elected to the Second Texas Congress. During this time, he worked on important issues. He helped create laws to regulate medical practice. He also called for money to be set aside to start a university. One of his most significant actions was suggesting that Texas withdraw its offer to join the United States.
Working for Texas's Future
After his term in Congress, Jones expected to return to his medical practice. However, Sam Houston, who was then President of Texas, had other plans. President Houston appointed Jones as the Minister to the United States. In this role, Jones formally withdrew Texas's proposal to be annexed by the U.S.
Many Texans wanted to join the United States. However, the U.S. was hesitant to annex Texas in the late 1830s. This was because they feared starting a war with Mexico. Jones and others believed it was important for Texas to gain recognition from European countries. They worked to set up trade relations. This would make Texas more appealing to the U.S. for annexation. It would also give Texas strength to remain independent if annexation didn't happen.
In 1839, President Mirabeau Lamar called Jones back to Texas. Jones was then elected to the Senate. He became a critic of Lamar's government. He left the Senate in 1841. Later that year, President Houston appointed him as Secretary of State. Houston had been elected president again by those who opposed Lamar's policies.
As Secretary of State, Jones worked to achieve two main goals. He wanted the United States to offer annexation. He also wanted Mexico to recognize Texas's independence. Ideally, he hoped for both at the same time.
The Last President of Texas
Anson Jones became the fourth and final President of the Republic of Texas. His presidency was a very important time. He guided the final talks that led to Texas joining the United States. Jones carefully balanced offers of recognition from Mexico with the annexation proposal from the U.S. He believed having both options made Texas's position stronger.
On February 19, 1846, Jones officially marked the end of the Republic. Texas was becoming a state in the Union. He personally lowered the Republic of Texas flag. He then watched as the United States Stars and Stripes was raised for the first time on Texas soil. He famously declared, "The final act in this great drama is now performed. The Republic of Texas is no more." After his time as president, Jones retired to his plantation. It was located near Washington-on-the-Brazos. He mostly stayed out of public life.
Life After the Presidency
After leaving the presidency, Anson Jones hoped to be elected to the United States Senate. However, the new Texas state legislature did not choose him. Sam Houston and Thomas Jefferson Rusk were chosen instead. This was a disappointment for Jones.
Later Years and Reflections
Jones became a successful planter. He built a large estate. Despite his wealth, he continued to feel that he should have been chosen for the Senate. In 1849, he had an accident and was thrown from a horse. His left arm was badly injured and never fully recovered. This injury led him to seek medical treatment in the eastern United States. While there, he became very interested in new technologies, especially railroads.
In July 1857, Thomas Jefferson Rusk passed away. Jones believed this would finally open a path for him to the Senate. However, he again received no votes. Former Governor J. Pinckney Henderson was appointed to fill the vacancy.
On January 9, 1858, Anson Jones passed away at the age of 59. He was staying at Houston's old Capitol Hotel, where the Republic of Texas government once met. He was buried at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.
Remembering Anson Jones
Anson Jones is remembered for his important contributions to Texas history. Jones County, Texas, and its main town, Anson, are both named after him. Several schools also bear his name, including Anson Jones Elementary Schools in Bryan, Midland, and Dallas. Anson Jones Middle School in San Antonio is also named in his honor. His historic plantation home, known as Barrington, is preserved at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Park.
