Famous Texans with Disabilities

Henry Augustine, an amputee as a result of the Cherokee War, served in the House of the Congress of the Republic; by a special act of this Congress he received a wooden leg.
Welborn Barton, who had a physical disability from childhood, practiced medicine, served as a Mason, was a trustee of Salado College, and taught Sunday school.
Charles Baudin commanded French naval forces that aided the young Republic of Texas by attacking the citadel of San Juan de Ulloa. He lost his right arm in battle in 1808.
Criss Cole served as a Texas Legislator beginning in 1955. He helped pass bills regarding pollution, multiple use of Texas water, and the establishment of the Padre Island National Seashore. He was blinded in World War II.
Matthew D. Ector, former Confederate general whose leg was amputated in 1864, served on the Court of Appeals.
George Bernard Erath was a former Texas Ranger and surveyor who surveyed the towns of Waco and Stephenville. Although Senator Erath was blinded late in life, he dictated his memoirs, which still serve as a valuable resource for early Texas history.
Andrew "Rube" Foster, who was the founder of the Negro Baseball League and had mental illness, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Peter Wagener Grayson, a person with a mental illness, served as Attorney General of the Republic of Texas.
John H. Griffin, disabled World War II veteran, published his best known work, "Black Like Me."
William Hardin, unofficial advisor to the Alabama-Coushatta Indians and soldier who was disabled at San Antonio during the Texas Revolution, died at the age of 79.
Oliver Cromwell Hartley, who was disabled, was elected to represent Galveston in the state Legislature.
Pattillo Higgins, who experienced a wound at the age of 17 that led to an amputation of his arm, incorporated the Gladys City Oil, Gas, and Manufacturing Company with partner George Washington O'Brien. The men hoped to find oil atop Spindletop Hill in Beaumont despite popular opinion that the Gulf Coast region lacked any oil potential.
John Bell Hood was a Confederate general during the Civil War who lost his right leg as well as the use of his left arm while in battle. He gained fame by commanding Hood's Texas Brigade, "perhaps the finest brigade of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia."
Blind Lemon Jefferson was a Texas blues musician and member of the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame.
"Blind Willie" Johnson, Texas blues performer, recorded songs for Columbia Records.
Anson Jones was the last president of the Republic of Texas. Jones led the way for Texas to be annexed to the United States in 1845. Jones was injured in 1849 and lost the use of his left arm. He may also have experienced depression that caused him to commit suicide in 1858.
Barbara Jordan became the first black person to serve in the Texas Senate since 1883, and in 1972 was elected President Pro Tempore. She became known for her distinct diction and forceful delivery on a wide range of subjects.
Greenburry Logan, a man who was a free black soldier, was wounded at the siege of Bexar causing a permanent disability.
Joseph Mansfield, a wheelchair user, represented Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives, and served as a vestryman in the Episcopal Church.
George McCormick, whose leg was amputated during the Civil War, served as Attorney General.
Samuel McCulloch, a man who was a free black, became the first Texan casualty of the revolution, resulting in a disability when a musket ball shattered his right shoulder.
Laurence Melton, an amputee, became national commander, Disabled American Veterans, and later secured an executive order from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt for government agencies to cooperate in the hiring of people with disabilities, which later became the "President's Committee for the Hiring of the Handicapped."
Patsy Smith Moore, disabled as a result of childhood polio, served as first woman judge of the 72nd District Court.
Leon Payne was a country and western singer and composer who was blinded in childhood. George Jones recorded a tribute album of Payne's songs in 1971.
Wiley Post, blind in one eye, becames the first solo flyer to circle the earth.
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was an infamous Mexican general and President of Mexico who besieged the Texans at the Alamo.
Erastus "Deaf" Smith was a scout during the Texas Revolution. Considered to be "the Bravest of the Brave" by Colonel William Travis, Smith destroyed Vince's Bridge during the Battle of San Jacinto, which prevented the retreat of the Mexican army and helped pave the way for Texas independence.
Freddie Steinmark was a University of Texas football player who had his leg amputated and later died as a result of cancer. The 47 foot high scoreboard at Memorial Stadium at the University of Texas at Austin was dedicated in his honor. Steinmark was a defensive back for the Longhorns on their national championship team of 1969.
William Walsh, who was severely injured in the Civil War and required the use of a crutch, served as Land Committeeer.
Thomas William "Peg-Leg" Ward served as mayor of Austin and Commissioner of the General Land Office. Ward lost a leg to a cannonball during the Texas Revolution, and lost his right arm in 1841 when a cannon misfired at a San Jacinto Day celebration.
Robert Williamson, who used a wooden leg since one leg was drawn back at the knee, served in Congress and later in the Texas Senate.