Death and Estate
In December 1836, Austin was in the new capital of Columbia (now known as West Columbia) where he caught a severe cold; his condition worsened. Doctors were called in, but could not help him. Austin died of pneumonia at noon on December 27, 1836, at the home of George B. McKinstry right outside of what is now West Columbia, Texas. Austin's last words were "The independence of Texas is recognized! Don't you see it in the papers?..." Upon hearing of Austin's death, Houston ordered an official statement proclaiming: "The Father of Texas is no more; the first pioneer of the wilderness has departed." Austin was originally buried at Gulf Prairie Cemetery in Brazoria County, Texas. Austin's body was moved, however, in 1910 to the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas.
Austin died without having produced offspring, and bequeathed all his land, titles, and possessions, to his sister, Emily Austin Perry.
Read more about this topic: Stephen F. Austin
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