Birdsall, John, 1802-1839

John Birdsall was born in Greene, New York in 1802, the son of Maurice Birdsall and Ann Pixley. Birdsall received his legal training in New York and held several legal positions there including circuit judge appointed by Governor DeWitt Clinton and state senator in 1832 and 1833. In 1837, he moved to Texas and formed a partnership with Thomas J. Gazley and became a friend of President Sam Houston. Houston appointed Birdsall attorney general for the Republic of Texas and Birdsall was confirmed unanimously by the Senate. When Houston later appointed Biredsall chief justice pro tempore his nomination was defeated. On January 8, 1839, Birdsall and Houston became law partners. Birdsall married Ann Whiteside and had two sons. In 1836 he married Sarah Peacock. John Birdsall died of yellow fever on July 22, 1839.

From the description of John Birdsall papers, 1837-1850, (bulk 1837-1839). (San Jacinto Museum of History). WorldCat record id: 50105479

John Birdsall was born in Greene, New York in 1802, the son of Maurice Birdsall and Ann Pixley and the grandson of Lewis Birdsall and Patience Lee Birdsall. He was the cousin of Jane Birdsall Harris. Birdsall received his legal training in New York and held several legal positions there including those of circuit judge, appointed by Governor DeWitt Clinton, and state senator in 1832 and 1833. In 1837, he moved to Harrisburg, Texas and formed a partnership with Thomas J. Gazley and became a friend of President Sam Houston. Houston appointed Birdsall attorney general for the Republic of Texas and Birdsall was confirmed unanimously by the Senate. When Houston later appointed Birdsall chief justice pro tempore his nomination was defeated. On January 8, 1839, Birdsall and Houston became law partners. John Birdsall died of yellow fever on July 22, 1839.

Of John Birdsall's fast rise within the Texas government, his uncle, Lewis A. Birdsall wrote, had he lived, he would have been the next president. John Birdsall married Ann Whiteside and had two sons. In 1836 he married Sarah Peacock.

From the guide to the John Birdsall papers MC067. 50105479., 1837-1850, (Bulk: 1837-1839), (Albert and Ethel Herzstein Library, )