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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| Vice President | Kenneth L. Anderson (1844–1845) None (1845–1846) |
| 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 person in Texas history. He was a medical doctor and a businessman. He also served in the Texas Congress. Most importantly, he was the fourth and last President of the Republic of Texas.
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Anson Jones's Early Life
Anson Jones was born on January 20, 1798, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. When he was young, he moved to Seneca Falls, New York. There, he opened a small, one-room school and taught from 1812 to 1813.
In 1820, Jones became a licensed doctor in New York. He started practicing medicine in 1822. He moved several times, trying to make his medical practice successful. He even went to Venezuela for a short time in 1823.
Later, Jones returned to Philadelphia and earned a medical degree. However, he didn't have much success as a doctor. In 1832, he decided to stop practicing medicine. He moved to New Orleans to try working in trade. But his business efforts didn't go well, and he soon lost all his money.
Jones was also a member of the Masonic group and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. These are social and charitable organizations.
Life in Texas
In 1832, Anson Jones moved west to Texas. He settled in Brazoria. Here, he finally found success as a doctor. His medical practice grew quickly.
As tensions grew between Texas and Mexico, Jones became involved in politics. In 1835, he attended a meeting called "the Consultation" in Columbia. Texas patriots met to talk about the fight with Mexico. Jones suggested that they hold a meeting to declare independence for Texas.
During the Texas Revolution, Jones worked as a surgeon for the Texas Army. He also served as a judge advocate, which means he helped with legal matters for the army. He chose to remain a private soldier throughout the war.
After the war, Jones went back to Brazoria and continued his medical practice.
Jones was also very active in the Masonic group in Texas. In 1834, he helped start the first Masonic lodge in Texas. He carried the lodge's official document in his saddlebags during the important Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. In 1837, he became the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas.
On May 17, 1840, Anson Jones married Mary Smith Jones. They had four children together.
Anson Jones Enters Politics
Anson Jones became more involved in Texas politics. He was elected to the Second Texas Congress. In Congress, he worked to regulate medical practice. He also suggested creating a fund for a university in Texas.
After his term in Congress, Jones expected to go back to being a doctor. However, Sam Houston, who was then the President of Texas, had other plans. President Houston appointed Jones as the Minister to the United States. This meant Jones would represent Texas in the U.S.
At this time, many Texans wanted Texas to join the United States. But the U.S. was worried about starting a war with Mexico if they annexed Texas. Jones and others believed it was important for Texas to get recognition from European countries. They wanted to set up trade with these countries. This would make Texas more appealing to the U.S. for annexation. If annexation didn't happen, it would help Texas be strong enough to remain an independent country.
In 1839, a new Texas president, Mirabeau Lamar, called Jones back to Texas. Jones was then elected to the Texas Senate. He often disagreed with President Lamar's policies. In 1841, Jones left the Senate. He turned down the chance to be Vice President, wanting to return to his medical practice.
However, later in 1841, President Houston was elected president again. He appointed Anson Jones as the Texas Secretary of State. Jones served in this role until 1844. During this time, Texas's main goal was to get an offer from the United States to join them. They also wanted Mexico to officially recognize Texas's independence. Ideally, they hoped for both at the same time.
Anson Jones later became the fourth and last President of the Republic of Texas.
After His Presidency
After Texas joined the United States, Jones hoped to be elected to the U.S. Senate. However, he was not chosen. This made him very upset. Even though he became a very successful farmer and owned a large estate, he never got over not being chosen for the Senate. Sam Houston and Thomas Jefferson Rusk were chosen instead.
After Thomas Jefferson Rusk died in 1857, Jones thought he would finally be sent to the Senate. But he did not receive any votes.
Anson Jones's Death
Anson Jones died on January 9, 1858. He was 59 years old. He was buried at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.
Anson Jones's Legacy
Many places in Texas are named after Anson Jones. Jones County, Texas, and its main town, Anson, are named for him. There are also Anson Jones Elementary Schools in Bryan, Midland, and Dallas. Anson Jones Middle School in San Antonio is also named after him.
His old plantation home, called Barrington, is now preserved at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Park.
See Also
- List of presidents of the Republic of Texas
Images for kids
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Anson Jones, the fourth and last President of the Republic of Texas.
