Stephen Fuller Austin

Austin, Stephen Fuller (1793–1836), U.S. pioneer statesman, “Father of Texas.” Upon bringing 300 families to Texas (1821), he was made the settlement's administrator. Between 1822 and 1830 he presented Texan demands for autonomy to the Mexican government, and was imprisoned for it. On his release in 1835, he joined the Texan rebellion against Mexico, and in 1836 was appointed secretary of state of the Republic of Texas.