Henry Smith (Texas Governor) - Texas Independence

Texas Independence

Around 1835, Smith became a leader of party favoring independence for Texas, called the War, or Independence Party. This party met with the Peace Party at a convention in 1836 called the Consultation. There, these two parties debated whether to declare immediate independence from Mexico, or not. While urging an immediate declaration of independence, he helped prepare the organic law that served as the constitution of a provisional government. Smith was named governor of the provisional government but soon was locked in struggles with rivals both political and personal. He dissolved the provisional government's council which retaliated by impeaching him. Smith refused to relinquish the governorship to James W. Robinson but the matter was rendered moot by the Convention of 1836.

He ran against Sam Houston and Stephen Austin in the 1836 presidential election, but was soundly defeated by Houston, though he did edge out Austin.

Smith served as secretary of the treasury during the first Sam Houston administration. Later he promoted development along the Texas Gulf Coast and in 1840 was elected to Congress. Retiring after on term he sought no other public office. He joined the California Gold Rush in 1849, found no gold, and died in a mining camp.