Benjamin W. Edwards rides into Mexican-controlled Nacogdoches, Texas, and declares himself ruler of the Republic of Fredonia.

Benjamin W. Edwards was an American colonist in early Texas, and the leader of the Fredonian Rebellion. In the 1837 Mississippi gubernatorial election, he ran as a candidate for governor of Mississippi, but died during the campaign. He was the brother of Haden Edwards. They both were the leaders of…