David S. Kaufman

David Spangler Kaufman (December 18, 1813 – January 31, 1851) was an attorney, politician, and diplomat, serving as U.S. Representative from Texas.^[1] When the Republic of Texas was independent, he served in both houses of its legislature, and as chargé d'affaires of Texas to the United States.

David S. Kaufman
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 1st district
In office March 30, 1846 – January 31, 1851
Preceded by	Constituency established
Succeeded by	Richardson A. Scurry
Republic of Texas Chargé d'affaires to the United States
In office 1845–1846
Republic of Texas Senator
In office 1843–1845
5th Speaker of the House (Republic of Texas)
In office 1840–1841
Preceded by	John M. Hansford
Succeeded by	Kenneth L. Anderson
Member of the Republic of Texas House of Representatives from Nacogdoches County
In office 1838–1841
Preceded by	Thomas Jefferson Rusk
Personal details
Born	David Spangler Kaufman (1813-12-13)December 13, 1813 Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	January 31, 1851(1851-01-31) (aged 37) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Resting place	Texas State Cemetery
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Jane Baxter Richardson
Children	Anna Daniel David Jr. Sam Houston
Alma mater	Princeton College
Profession	Attorney
Military service
Allegiance	Republic of Texas Army
Rank	Aide to Gen. Thomas J. Rusk
Battles/wars	Battle of the Neches

Early life and education

David Spangler Kaufman was born in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, the son of Mary (Spangler) and Abraham Landis Kaufman. He was of German-Jewish and Mennonite descent. His paternal great-grandfather was a Mennonite minister.^[2] Kaufman, Texas was named for David Spangler Kaufman, the son of Abraham and Mary (Spangler) Kaufman. Abraham was the son of John and Christianna (Landis) Kaufman; John was the son of Frederick Kaufman, a Mennonite minister. Frederick was the immigrant Kaufman ancestor, arriving in Philadelphia on September 21, 1742, at a time of strong German immigration to the colony. Kaufman pursued classical studies and was graduated from The College of New Jersey in 1833.^[3]

Kaufman moved to Natchez, Mississippi, where he studied law with John A. Quitman from New York.^[3] Kaufman was admitted to the bar in Natchez. He commenced practice in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in 1835. Attracted to the developing country in the Southwest, Kaufman moved in 1837 to Nacogdoches, Republic of Texas.^[3]

Military service

Kaufman served in the military against the Cherokee people in the Texas-Indian Wars. He was wounded at the Battle of the Neches in 1839. These Cherokee had migrated to Texas from their territory in the American Southeast, to avoid being removed to Indian Territory, but the Texas president wanted to push them out of the republic.

Political career

He served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1838 to1843. He served in the Texas Senate from 1843 to 1845. He was appointed chargé d'affaires of Texas to the United States in 1845.^[4]

Upon the admission of Texas as a state into the Union, Kaufman was elected as a Democrat to the 29th United States Congress. He was re-elected to the 30th and 31st Congresses, serving from March 30, 1846, until 1851. He served as chairman of the Committee on Rules (31st Congress).

Death

Kaufman died from a heart attack^[4] in Washington, DC, on January 31, 1851, aged 37. Kaufman was originally interred in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC. In 1932, his remains were moved and he was reinterred in the Texas State Cemetery at Austin.^[5]

Fraternal memberships

• Freemasons^[6]
• The Philosophical Society of Texas^[7]

Legacy and honors

Kaufman County, Texas is named for him,^[8] as is its seat, Kaufman.

See also

• Biography portal

• List of United States Congress members who died in office (1790–1899)