Born in Danville, Ky.; served in War of 1812 and as sheriff, state representative, state senator in Missouri. Came to Texas as DeWitt Colony's surveyor-general; laid out town of Gonzales, July 1825. In 1827 moved to Jackson County, which he represented in 1832, 1833 conventions, serving in 1833 on committee to draft constitution for proposed state of Texas. On July 17, 1835, was chairman of the Lavaca-Navidad meeting, an early public protest against Mexican authorities' mistreatment of settlers. Served in Republic of Texas Congress in 1838-1839. He was also a practicing physician.