William H. (William Harris) Wharton

author

William H. (William Harris) Wharton

1802–1839

A fiery early Texas statesman, diplomat, and speaker, he helped push the cause of independence at a pivotal moment in the region’s history. His life was short, but he left a strong mark on the politics of the Republic of Texas.

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 in Virginia in 1802, he was raised by an uncle after his parents died and later studied in Tennessee before moving to Mexican Texas in 1829. After settling in Brazoria with his wife, Sarah Ann Groce, he became one of the best-known political voices among the Anglo colonists.

He played an important role in the movement that led to the Texas Revolution, serving in the conventions of 1832 and 1833 and gaining a reputation as an energetic orator and advocate for separation from Mexico. During and after the revolution, he served the new Republic of Texas as a diplomat to the United States and later as a senator.

His career ended early when he died in 1839, but he is still remembered as one of the prominent political figures of early Texas. His story connects frontier settlement, revolution, and the difficult work of building a new republic.