TEXAS REVOLUTION HEROES: Stephen F. Austin He was the founder of Anglo-American Texas. Austin's hard work, dedication, and diplomacy enabled the Texas colonies to grow from lonely frontier outposts to an independent republic in just fifteen years. Austin's mission seemed to be successful. He persuaded the government to repeal the immigration ban and to agree to consider reforms in the administration of Texas. He started home in December 1833, only to be arrested on the journey and brought back to Mexico City. He was held without charges in a Mexican prison for almost a year, but never brought to trial. In December 1834, Austin was finally freed on bond but forbidden to leave the city. Finally, he took his leave under a general amnesty, and finally made his way back to Texas in August 1835. After Texas won its independence at the Battle of San Jacinto, Austin returned to Texas. Stephen F. Austin was never a robust man, and his health was weakened by overwork, his experience in prison, and a bout of malaria. In the fall of 1836, he contracted a severe cold. He continued to try to work in spite of his illness. When the weather turned cold, Austin's illness took a turn for the worse. He developed pneumonia and died on December 27, 1836, at the age of 43. In his eulogy for Austin, Sam Houston called him, "The Father of Texas." To Read More, Click Button Below Ultimate Flags Inc. 10185 NE 22 St. Okeechobee, FL 34974