Rockville Has Connection to Republic of Texas
Howard County Named After Short-Lived Ambassador
While most people associate Rockville with the Covered Bridge Festival, it’s also a town that has a unique relationship with the Republic of Texas. About a quarter mile from the courthouse is the old city cemetery, established in 1824. Left of the flagpole, and a few yards down the path are three prominent markers. One of them is in honor of Tilghman Howard, Ambassador (Charge D’Affairs) from the United States to The Republic of Texas.
When we think of an ambassador, we think of someone who goes on a mission from the president of the United States to lands far off and to embassies with high walls staffed by Marines. While that modern image befits the modern age, one must remember, any country that the United States has a diplomatic relationship with has an ambassador. Texas was its own country for a time.
Tilghman Howard was born on Nov. 14, 1797, in Easley, S.C. He moved to Knoxville, Tenn. in 1816 and was admitted to the bar in 1818. After years of practicing law, he moved to Bloomington, Ind., in 1830 and eventually to Rockville in 1833.
Being a Jacksonian Democrat, he was appointed by President Jackson to serve as Attorney for the State of Indiana (1833-1839). He served a year as Congressman from Indiana’s 7th district until his resignation to run for governor in 1840.
He ran as the Democrat candidate for governor of Indiana and lost to Whig candidate Samuel Bigger.
In June of 1844, while on a trip to Washington DC, he met with President John Tyler. Tyler appointed Howard charge d’affairs to Texas. By his own account, the appointment was because of his friendship with Texas President Sam Houston dating back to their time in Tennessee. However, it’s my opinion that Tyler wanted a Democrat to smooth the turbulence between him and Secretary of State, John. C. Calhoun, while the 1844 annexation was being negotiated. The prior secretary of state, Tyler’s go-to man, Abel Upshur was blown up in the Princeton Explosion and Tyler and Calhoun were not working out. It’s important to note that a charge d’affairs is an ambassador that has limited
powers to only administer an embassy and not to promote policy in a host country.
Howard was off to Texas. On July 4th hundreds from the Town of Rockville showed up to his farewell, and many accompanied him to Montezuma where he departed down the Wabash River. He arrived at Washington-on-the-Brazos on Aug. 2, 1844, and presented his credentials to secretary of state and future Texas Republic President Anson Jones. Having already contracted yellow fever in Galveston en route to Washington-on-the-Brazos, he died on Aug. 16, having only served two weeks.
Eventually, Howard’s body was returned to the United States and is buried in the family plot at Rockville Cemetery.
Howard County, Indiana is named after him.
This brings me to the two spots I explored to learn more about him. He’s buried in Rockville Cemetery, which is about half a mile down the road from my house.
In March, while on a road trip to Texas, I visited Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park and talked to the residential historian. We surmised that more than likely, Howard stayed at the Washington Hotel for his fortnight there and most likely passed away in the hotel. Being that it’s next to the office of the secretary of state, probability says, he died at the Washington Hotel.