Nicholas Henry Darnell facts for kids
Nicholas Henry Darnell (born April 20, 1807 – died July 16, 1885) was an important American politician. He worked in both Tennessee and Texas.
He holds a special record: he was the only person to be the Speaker of the House for both the Republic of Texas and the State of Texas. A Speaker of the House is like the leader of a big meeting. They help make sure laws are discussed fairly.
Before moving to Texas, he was part of the Tennessee General Assembly, which is Tennessee's law-making group. During the Civil War, he led a group of soldiers called the 18th Texas Cavalry Regiment. People also knew them as "Darnell's Regiment."
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Early Life and Family
Nicholas Henry Darnell was born on April 20, 1807. His parents were Nannie Flewellen and Nicholas Darnell. He grew up in Williamson County, Tennessee. His grandfather, William Flewellen, helped raise him.
Darnell married Isabelle Cozart. Together, they had seven children.
First Steps in Politics
When Darnell was 28, he tried to get elected to the Tennessee General Assembly. He lost that election by just 8 votes. But two years later, he ran again and won easily. He didn't have anyone running against him that time.
However, he decided to leave the Tennessee General Assembly in 1838. He moved to San Augustine, Texas.
Serving the Republic of Texas
After moving to San Augustine, Darnell quickly became involved in Texas politics. Texas was its own country back then, called the Republic of Texas.
He was chosen to be a representative in the Congress of the Republic of Texas. He served in both the Sixth and Seventh Congresses.
Becoming Speaker of the House
In the Seventh Congress, Darnell was elected Speaker of the House. This happened on November 24, 1842. This was a very important job, like being the president of the law-making body.
After Texas joined the United States, which is called Annexation, Darnell ran for Lieutenant Governor of Texas. He lost that race by a very small number of votes to Albert Clinton Horton.
While living in San Augustine, Darnell also helped start the local Masonic Lodge. He held many important positions within the Grand Lodge of Texas.
Texas State Politics and the Civil War
Darnell continued his political career after Texas became a U.S. state. He seems to have served in the First Texas Legislature. He even received a vote for Speaker when they needed to choose a new one.
In 1858, he moved to Dallas. He was then elected to the Texas House of Representatives for the Eighth (1859) and Ninth (1861) Legislatures.
Another Term as Speaker
In the Eighth Legislature, Darnell was nominated to be Speaker again. But he was defeated by M. D. K. Taylor.
However, in the Ninth Legislature, Constantine W. Buckley was elected Speaker. He later resigned on December 7, 1861. After that, Nicholas Darnell was elected Speaker of the House once more.
Leading During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Darnell traveled to Richmond, Virginia. He returned with orders to create a cavalry regiment. A cavalry regiment is a group of soldiers who fight on horseback.
To do this important work, he resigned from his job as Speaker and from the House of Representatives. He then formed and led the 18th Texas Cavalry. This group was also known as "Darnell's Regiment."
Later Years and Legacy
After the Civil War, Darnell continued to serve the state. He worked as an Assistant Doorkeeper for the House of Representatives during the 14th Legislature in 1874.
Later, he was elected to the House again. He represented Tarrant County in the 15th Legislature in 1876. He also represented Tarrant, Ellis, and Dallas counties at the Texas Constitutional Convention of 1876. This was a special meeting to write a new constitution for Texas.
He continued working as a Doorkeeper and Assistant Doorkeeper for the 15th (1879) and 16th (1881) Legislatures.
Nicholas Henry Darnell passed away on July 16, 1885, in Fort Worth. He was first buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Dallas. Later, his remains were moved to the Pioneer Cemetery.
