HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Moses Johnson, M.D.

Port Lavaca, Calhoun County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Born in Virginia and educated in New Hampshire, Dr. Moses Johnson lived in Illinois before moving to Port Lavaca about 1837 and then to Austin in 1840. A physician and an active Mason, he also served as mayor of Austin and treasurer of the Republic of Texas during the presidency of his friend, Dr. Anson Jones. Dr. Johnson died of yellow fever and was buried on his ranch. He was married to Olivia Huggins of Illinois, who is also buried here. They had three children. Recorded - 1975.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Born in Virginia and educated in New Hampshire, Dr. Moses Johnson moved from Illinois to Port Lavaca around 1837 and then to Austin in 1840. A physician and active Mason, he served as mayor of Austin and as treasurer of the Republic of Texas under his friend President Anson Jones. He died of yellow fever and was buried on his ranch alongside his wife Olivia.

Why it matters

Johnson's career threads through the highest offices of the short-lived Republic of Texas, a reminder of the small circle of men who governed an independent nation on the American frontier.

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Related people

  • · Moses Johnson
  • · Anson Jones
  • · Olivia Huggins Johnson

Themes & tags

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