Houston, Harris County
(1801-1836) Came from Tennessee to Texas colony, 1835. In 1836 signed Declaration of Independence; helped write Constitution of the Republic; Became first attorney general; Soon also secretary of war; died in office. In Texas the attorney general advises the governor and district and county attorneys; represents the state in proceedings before the Supreme Court and Court of Civil Appeals; inquires into and reports on handling of public monies; examines and approves bonds of counties, towns and special districts; has anti-trust powers over corporations; approves the leases on public lands; prosecutes election frauds involving 2 or more counties; is ex-officio member of many state boards; is entrusted with advising 153 different state agencies and 315 local officials. Traditionally the protector of public funds, the attorney general in 1954 sustained claim of Texas to tidelands valued at more than $3,500,000,000. The Republic of Texas set the attorney-general's salary at $3,000 a year, but soon lowered it to $1,000. Now the figure is $22,500. Many men have gone from this office to the U. S. Senate, Texas Supreme Court or other high posts in public service. Since Thomas, 49 different men have been attorney general. (1965)