Stephen F. Austin

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

Part 4: Off To School

by Bob Heinonen

In 1803, Missouri became a part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase, and a year later, when he was just ten years old, Stephen’s father sent him off to attend school in the United States, specifically in Colchester, Connecticut. Colchester was the heart of the socially prominent Austin clan.

Stephen had probably received schooling at home since there were no English language schools near their home in Missouri. He must have received at least a basic education at home since he was expected to enter a good college preparatory school (today it would be called a high school) in Connecticut.

Stephen was escorted from Missouri to Colchester by his father’s cousin, Daniel Phelps, who happened to be visiting Missouri at the time. Moses sent instructions with cousin Daniel that Stephen “be placed at the best school in your Country….” Gregg Cantrell, in his definitive biography Stephen F. Austin: Empresario of Texas, has Moses saying “….the most important thing Stephen could learn was ‘a Correct mode of thinking both Religious and Political.’ Moses was emphatic on one significant point: ‘I do not wish my son a Bigot in either.’”

When Stephen arrived in Colchester, he initially stayed with the Phelps family, and then with friends of theirs, the Pennimans. It was while he was with the Pennimans that the decision was made for Stephen to enter the fairly new yet prestigious Bacon Academy in Colchester.

Not long after entering the Bacon Academy, Stephen went to board with the school’s headmaster, John Adams (this is not the political figure John Adams). Mr. Adams was known and feared as a disciplinarian which would suit Moses.

Just before Christmas of the year Stephen arrived in Colchester, his father wrote him a letter: “I hope and pray you will improve Every moment of time to the utmost advantage and I shall have the satissfaction of seeing that my expectations are not Disappointed.” “Remember my Dear Son that the present is the moment to lay the foundation for your future greatness in life and that much money must be expended before your Education is finished and that time lost can never be recalled. Therefore be studious and attentive to obtain full information of all matters given to you to learn.” “I hope to God I shall be spared until I see you arrive at an age to give protection to your Dear Mother and Sister and little Brother Elijah Brown.” “Remember that to you they will look for protection should it so happen that my life should be shortened. Keep in minde that this may happen.”

Gregg Cantrell states: “Moses’s letter provides an intriguing glimpse into the childhood world of Stephen F. Austin. He was barely eleven years old, but according to his father, Stephen was already engaged in a very serious undertaking. He had been sent to Connecticut not merely to get an education; he was there, as Moses had phrased it, to prepare for greatness in life. For the eldest son of Moses Austin, nothing less would be acceptable.” “That the letter was so carefully preserved suggests something of the importance that Stephen, first as a child and later as an adult, attached to his father’s advice. There can be little doubt that he treasured this letter, saving it for posterity. The sentiments it contained – Moses’s exhortations to strive for greatness as the anointed leader of the Austin family – would serve as a touchstone for Stephen F. Austin in his adult life.”

While at the Academy, Stephen improved his reading, writing and arithmetic, and he also learned about literature, art, music, dance and, of course, the social graces. Stephen also got to meet and know his relatives in the Colchester area; a close relationship with “family” continued throughout his life. It was during this time that he met his older, married first cousin, Mary Austin Holley; Mary would become important later in his life.

Then, “At the end of 1807, having attended Bacon Academy for three full years, Stephen ‘passed acceptably the public examinations” and was ready for the next stage of his formal education.” He traveled home to Missouri, and probably during this visit the decision was made that Stephen would continue his formal education at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. Stephen’s mother was quite disappointed in Moses’ decision because she had her heart set on Stephen attending Yale University and becoming a lawyer. Moses, however, now had three children to send to school and money was becoming harder to come by.

Stephen was about the average age of fifteen when he entered the two year degree program at Transylvania University. Not much is known of his life at the liberal college, but saved correspondence with college classmates indicates a hot topic: girls. The social life in Lexington allowed Stephen not only to court young ladies of society, but also to gain an appreciation and love of dancing. Stephen F. Austin loved parties.

After only a year and a half at Transylvania, Moses apparently decided that Stephen was needed to help with the family business back in Missouri, so at sixteen years of age, Stephen’s formal education ended….and it was back home to Missouri.

Next Month - Part 5: Meanwhile, Back In Missouri