Historical Markers in Montgomery County

Marker Number:

7903

Marker Title:

Charles Bellinger Stewart

Index Entry:

Stewart, Charles Bellinger

Address:

FM 105

City:

Montgomery

County:

Montgomery

UTM Zone:

15

UTM Easting:

242878

UTM Northing:

3364758

Subject Codes:

Year Marker Erected:

1966

Designations:

Na

Marker Location:

FM 105 at FM 2854

Marker Size:

27" x 42"

Marker Text:

First Secretary of State in Texas (1806-1885). Came to Texas 1830. Secretary of State, Nov. 1835-Feb. 1836. Signed Declaration of Independence; helped to write Constitution of the Republic in 1836 and the State in 1845; served Montgomery County as District Attorney and three terms as State Representative. Highest appointed official in Texas, keeper of the state seal, the Secretary of State is named by the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate. This office has attracted leaders. Stephen F. Austin, "Father of Texas," held the post in 1836. Secretary Ebenezer Allen in 1845 represented the Republic in annexation, reserving for Texas her public lands-- a prerogative allowed to no other state. The Secretary of State grants charters; attests the commissions and proclamations of the Governor; assists the Governor in extradition proceedings; registers appointments of the Governor to the many state boards; administers the uniform commercial code of Texas; appoints notaries; publishes the laws of Texas; administers election laws; issues ballots; canvasses returns; files reports of state agencies. Since Stewart, 83 other men and two women have served Texas as Secretary of State. (1966)