Texas.--History.

David Gouverneur Burnet was chosen as the first President of the Republic of Texas in March 1836, and served until October. He later served as Vice-President and as Secretary of State of the Republic.

Sam Houston helped fight for Texas' independence from Mexico, and then became the first popularly elected President of the Republic of Texas. During his tenure he secured U.S. recognition of Texas and stabilized the republic's finances.

Robert Hancock Hunter fought in the Texas Revolution, after which he established a farm and saw and grist mill in Guadalupe County.

Henry Lawrence Kinney helped found Corpus Christi, served in the Texas State Legislature, and fought in the Mexican War. Ever the land speculator, he bought large tracts of land to which he hoped to attract settlers; none of his speculations ever made money, however.

Thomas F. McKinney was one of the members of Stephen Austin's 1822 colony. He subsequently established the largest merchandising and shipping firm in Texas, and helped found the city of Galveston.

Nicolas Adolphus Sterne was one of the early Texas entrepreneurs. He personally financed two companies of troops during the Texas Revolution, and served in the Texas House of Representatives.