The Fearless Fifty-Nine, Samuel R. Fisher

Samuel R. Fisher was the 41 year old Matagorda representative. Fisher was nominated by Sam Houston and approved by the Senate as secretary of the Texas Navy after the Convention on October 28, 1836. However, Houston later accused Fisher of abuse of office, insubordination, use of his position for smuggling, and the unjust capture of the English brig Eliza Russell. On November 28, 1837, the Senate voted to remove Fisher as Secretary of the Navy but did not find that Houston presented enough evidence for a finding of dishonorable conduct. Fisher county was named after him.

The excerpt is taken from “Men Who Made Texas Free” by Samuel Houston Dixon describing Samuel Fisher’s contribution to the Republic.