Dr. Anson Jones -- Texas State Archives, Austin TX
N 30° 16.434 W 097° 44.311
14R E 621336 N 3349809
The statue of Dr. Anson Jones, the last President of the Republic of Texas, in his masonic attire, stands across from his most hated nemesis, fellow Mason Sam Houston, at the State Archives building.
Waymark Code: WMH4J8
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 05/21/2013
Views: 8
The life-sized statue of Anson Jones in his Masonic apron and ceremonial Masonic attire stands on the south side of the main entry doors to the State Archives, across from the statue of fellow Mason and hated political rival Sam Houston.
Both statues were donated to the State of Texas by the Grand Masonic Lodge of Texas.
Jones is shown standing at a small ceremonial table at his side. He holds a gavel in his right hand. (Jones was the first Worshipful Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas, which is why he holds a gavel.) In his left hand, by his side, he holds a hat. He is dressed in a suit with a bow tie, over which he wears in his Masonic apron and cape. The cape is secured by a chain collar decorated with medallions of Masonic symbols. Jones wears a ceremonial fringed Masonic apron, with a star in the center. The letters G. L. R. T. are embroidered on the apron, meaning "Grand Lodge, Republic of Texas."
The statue of Jones was made by sculptor Bryant Baker in 1962. It is bronze over pewter, and stands on an pink granite base whose inscription reads as follows:
"Dr. Anson Jones
(1798-1858)
Veteran of San Jacinto, Advocate for public education, Architect of Annexation, last President of the Republic of Texas, A founder of the Philosophical Society and Medical Association of Texas, First Worshipful Grand master of the First Grand Masonic Lodge of the Republic of Texas" [end]
From the book A Comprehensive Guide to Outdoor Texas Sculpture by Carol Morris Little, page 58 a little more information:
"DR. Anson Jones
Sculptor: Baker, Bryant (1881- unk)
Style: Portature, life-size, bronze
Location: DeZavala TX State Archives Building, Austin TX
Funding: Donated to the state 1961 by the Masonic Lodges of Texas
Comments: Dr. Jones was the last President of the Republic of Texas and first Grand master of the Republic of Texas Masonic Lodge." [end]
Anson Jones was the last president of the Republic of Texas, better known as the Architect of the Annexation of Texas into the United States. He felt slighted when passed over for selection to the US Senate in favor of Sam Houston, a bitterness that he nursed until it grey into an all-consuming hatred. The City of Anson, seat of Jones county is named for him.
TITLE: Anson Jones
ARTIST(S): Bryant Baker
DATE: 1962
MEDIUM: bronze
CONTROL NUMBER: IAS 75007886
Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link]
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
1201 Brazos St
Austin TX
DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH:
name of the sculptor
|
Visit Instructions:
Please give the date of your visit, your impressions of the sculpture, and at least ONE ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH. Add any additional information you may have, particularly any personal observations about the condition of the sculpture.