Biography Jacob De Cordova

j. de cordova s map, state of texas (c. 1866)

de cordova , robert creuzbaurqv compiled map of state of texas, first published in 1849. subsequent texas cartography based on map, praised sam houston on floor of united states senate. books de cordova wrote influential in attracting settlers included “the texas immigrant , traveller s guide book” (1856), , “texas, resources , public men” (1858), first attempt @ encyclopedia of texas. jacob , phineas de cordova published 2 texas newspapers, texas herald (also known de cordova s herald , immigrant s guide) out of houston , southwestern american out of austin. latter @ solicitation of governor peter h. bell , helped pass compromise of 1850, resulted in $10 million payment texas adjusted boundaries after annexation. in 1850s de cordova moved austin seguin, 5 miles town built wife , 5 children fine country home, called wanderer s retreat. in 1860s tried develop power project on brazos river in bosque county textile mills spin texas cotton. american civil war brought financial reverses de cordova. when purchasers of land unable make payments refused foreclose , turn people off land when had first encouraged them move texas. when died on 26 january 1868, buried in kimball, in 1935 body , of wife moved state cemetery of texas. survived 5 children. de cordova bend reservoir, south of fort worth on lake granbury, named after him.