William H. (William Harris) Wharton

author

William H. (William Harris) Wharton

1802–1839

A fiery early Texas statesman, diplomat, and public speaker, he played a visible part in the struggle that led to Texas independence. His career was brief, but his influence reached from revolutionary politics to the young republic’s diplomacy.

1 Audiobook

Texas A Brief Account of the Origin, Progress and Present State of the Colonial Settlements of Texas; Together with an Exposition of the Causes which have induced the Existing War with Mexico

Texas A Brief Account of the Origin, Progress and Present State of the Colonial Settlements of Texas; Together with an Exposition of the Causes which have induced the Existing War with Mexico

by William H. (William Harris) Wharton

About the author

Born on April 27, 1802, William Harris Wharton was raised in Tennessee after losing his parents as a child. He studied law, moved to Mexican Texas in the 1820s, and became one of the best-known political voices among the Anglo settlers.

Wharton was active in the conventions of 1832 and 1833 and became an outspoken advocate for separating Texas from Coahuila y Tejas. During the Texas Revolution and its aftermath, he served the cause in several ways, including diplomatic work in the United States and later service in the Congress of the Republic of Texas.

He died on March 14, 1839, in Brazoria, Texas. Remembered as an orator and political leader in early Texas history, he also wrote about the region, which is why his name still appears in historical and literary collections today.