American statesman, born in Great Barrington, MA, on the 20th of January 1798. He began the practice of medicine in 1820, at Litchfield, CT, and in 1833 settled in Brazoria County, TX. During the war between Texas and Mexico, he was a surgeon in the Texan army, and in 1837 was chosen to the Texan Congress. From 1837 to 1839 he was minister to the United States government; in 1840 member of the Senate; from 1841 to 1844 Secretary of State; and from 1844 to its annexation to the United States was President of Texas. He strongly opposed annexation, and after it was accomplished retired and engaged for the rest of his life in agriculture. He died on the 7th of January 1858.
