Site of Law Office of Kenneth L. Anderson
San Augustine lawyer and public official who was the last Vice President of the Republic of Texas.
Born in Hillsboro, N. C., Sept. 11, 1805. Moved in 1829 to Shelbyville, Tenn., and in 1837 to San Augustine. Here he was collector of customs by appointment of President Mirabeau B. Lamar. Won attention as orator and debater. Associated in law practice with Gen. Thomas J. Rusk, veteran public official and a hero of Texas War for Independence, and J. Pinckney Henderson (later to be the first Governor of State of Texas).
Anderson was a member of House of Representatives, Sixth Congress, Nov. 1, 1841-July 23, 1842. In 1843 he served as District Attorney, Fifth District of the Republic, by appointment of President Sam Houston.
When Anson Jones was elected President in 1844, K. L. Anderson won election as Vice President, and served in the Republic's second highest office from Dec. 9, 1844, to time of death. Called to business at home, he was en route here from Austin when he fell ill in Grimes County and died at Fanthorp's Inn on July 3, 1845. Burying him with ceremonies appropriate to his high office in the republic, the citizens afterward changed name of their settlement - the county seat of Grimes County - to Anderson to honor his memory.
Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics.
Location. 31° 31.817′ N, 94° 6.567′ W. Marker is in San Augustine, Texas, in San Augustine County. It is on South Montgomery Street south of East Columbia Street (State Highway 547), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Augustine TX 75972, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sam Houston in San Augustine (a few steps from this marker); Old Hollis Building (a few steps from this marker); The "Red Lander" Office (a few steps from this marker); Site of Old Customhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Augus Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); San Augustine County Jail (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); San Augustine County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); James Pinckney Henderson (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Augustine.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 388 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. 3. submitted on April 25, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas.
