Nicholas Henry Darnell

Darnell once won an election he refused to claim. In 1845 he ran for lieutenant governor, and when the ballots were canvassed he appeared the winner by a few votes, but the Handbook of Texas says he declined to take the oath until all returns were in. Albert C. Horton held the office instead. Darnell moved to Dallas in 1858 and resigned as speaker in 1862 to lead the Eighteenth Texas Cavalry, whose flag was made at his home. In his later years he served as doorkeeper and assistant doorkeeper in the legislature.

What the plaque says

Nicholas Henry Darnell Nicholas Henry Darnell (April 20, 1807 - June 7, 1885) Soon after arriving in Texas in 1838, Nicholas Darnell was elected to the Republic of Texas Congress, where he served as Speaker of the House. A delegate to the 1845 Statehood Convention, he later represented Dallas and Tarrant counties in the State Legislature, again serving as speaker. He resigned in 1863 to lead the 18th Texas Cavalry. After the Civil War, Darnell was again elected to the Texas Legislature and was a delegate to the 1875 Constitutional Convention. 1986

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

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• African American Museum, Dallas — 2.1 mi
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More markers nearby

• Crockett, John McClannahan — steps away
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