Anson Jones was born in Massachusetts on January 20, 1798, was licensed to practice medicine in 1820, and came to Texas in 1833. As a surgeon in the army of Texas, Doctor Jones participated in the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. He served as a member of the Congress of the Republic from 1837 to 1841, was minister to the United States in 1838, and was secretary of state from 1841 to 1844. He was the last president of the Republic of Texas in 1844 and 1845. He died in Houston, Texas, on January 9, 1858.