American politician and farmer (1775–1843)
James "Jack" Titus (December 10, 1775 – November 21, 1843) was an American politician and farmer.
Biography
Titus was born on December 10, 1775, in Botetourt County, Colony of Virginia, to Ebenezer and Rachel Mathews Bowen Titus. In 1870, his family moved to a 320-acre property near Fort Nashborough, given to his father in compensation for fighting in the American Revolutionary War.[1]
In 1809, Titus and his family moved to the Mississippi Territory, and was appointed captain of the 7th Mississippi Infantry Regiment. By 1814, he was serving in the Mississippi State Senate, and also served as its last president before statehood.[1]
When the Alabama Territory was established in 1817, Titus' position was transferred to the Alabama Senate. Though, he was the only one of three senator present at the meeting in St. Stephens. The other two senators: Robert Beatty, had resigned, and Joseph Carson, had died.[1] He still organized the senate, nominated himself, and voted on bills. He and John Williams Walker were responsible for Alabama's statehood.[2]
In 1837, he and his family moved to Red River County, Texas, and was elected to the Texas Senate in 1842, to replace Robert Potter,[3] and served until his death in office on November 21, 1843. He was buried in Savannah Cemetery, in Avery, Texas. His son Andrew was also a politician.[1]
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