Background
John Austin Wharton was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in April 1806.
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John Wharton
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He served as Adjutant General at the Battle of San Jacinto. John Austin arrived in Texas between 1829 and 1833. Upon arrival in Texas, became an agitator for Texas Independence from Mexico.
He participated in conventions and consultations which led to Texas declaring independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836.
He also formed one of the first Freemason lodges in Texas. Previously, in December 1835, Sam Houston had appointed as Texas"s agent in New Orleans to procure supplies for the coming conflict.
And was responsible for bringing the cannons known as the "Twin Sisters" to the Texian army. was later appointed Adjutant General on Houston"s staff fought bravely during the Battle of San Jacinto, where Mexican strongman Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana was captured. was recognized by Texas" Secretary of War Thomas Rusk for his service. also served as Secretary of War of the nascent Republic of Texas in 1836. was elected to the Texas Congress, which was meeting in Houston in 1836 and served until 1837, chairing the Education Committee. During this time, the Texas schooner Independence was busy transporting Texas diplomatic officials, when on April 17, 1837 she was captured by Mexican navy ships.
On board was "s brother, William H., Texas Minister to the United States, who was imprisoned in Matamoros, Mexico.
The brothers eventually escaped and returned to Texas. became ill and died on December 17, 1838. He is buried in Founders Memorial Park in Houston. At his funeral, the President of the Republic of Texas provided "s eulogy.
In it, he called, "the keenest blade of San Jacinto." County, Texas, is named for the brothers.
The Texan brig was named for John Austin.
Membership
In a eulogy at his grave, Republic of Texas President David G. Burnet said of him, “The keenest blade on the field of San Jacinto is broken.” He died a bachelor on December 17, 1838, while serving as a member of the Texas Congress.
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Born
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Died
December 17, 1838 (aged 32) -
Nationality
United States