Baron De Bastrop

Baron De Bastrop is not someone you often hear about when you are learning about Texas history. Most people have heard of Sam Houston or the famous David Crockett. But little known as he was, this "Baron" played an important role in the history of Texas.

There is little information about Bastrop's background. It is not certain, but it is believed that Bastrop was born in Dutch Guiana to ordinary Dutch parents about 1766. Bastrop also lied about his identity. To be a "Baron" is to be royal. Whether or not he truly was is uncertain. He may have actually had some royal background in his family, but even as the wealth and glory had long since faded, he continued to use the important name. Some people think that the only reason Bastrop used that name, was because he was a criminal. In Holland, he was a tax collector charged with embezzlement. He fled to Texas and changed his name from Philip Hendrik Nering to Felipe Enrique Neri De Bastrop, or so it's said.

In 1795, Bastrop established colonies in the Spanish territory of Louisiana. He continued until 1805 when Louisiana was sold to the United States. In 1806, he settled in San Antonio. There he had a freighting business and gained the influence of inhabitants and officials. He also became a representative at the capital of Saltillo . There, he worked to establish legislation that would make immigration easier.

However, Baron De Bastrop is most famous for helping Moses Austin in securing a land grant in December 1820. Austin had been after some Texas land to bring in Anglo settlers, but his request to Gov. Antonio Martinez, who was the governor of Texas, was denied. At the time, Texas was a province which was part of the Spanish empire. Just as Moses was leaving, he reunited with an old acquaintance, Baron De Bastrop. Even though Martinez had sent Austin away, because Bastrop was an old friend of the governor's, Austin's request was finally granted.