Colonist; born about 1790; son of
Moses Austin, of
Connecticut.
who in 1820 received permission from the
Mexican commander at
Monterey to colonize 300 families in the province.
Moses died June 10, 1821, and Stephen successfully carried out the scheme.
The latter went to the city of
Mexico in 1821.
and the grant given to his father was confirmed in February, 1823.
By it he was invested with almost absolute power over the colonists, whom he seated where the city of
Austin now is, the site selected by him for the capital of
Texas.
In March, 1833, a convention formed a State constitution, which
Austin took to the central government of
Mexico to obtain its ratification.
There were delays; and he recommended a union of all the municipalities, and the organization of a State under a Mexican law of 1824.
He was arrested, taken back to
Mexico, and detained until September, 1835.
On his return he found the country in confusion, and he took part with the revolutionary party.
He attempted, with a small force, to drive the Mexicans out of
Texas.
but failed.
In November, 1835,
Gen. Sam. Houston was chosen to command the little Texan army, and
Austin was made commissioner to the
United States.
In July, 1836, he returned to
Texas and was engaged in negotiations to obtain the official recognition of independence, when death closed his career, Dec. 27, 1836.
