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By Jennifer Armstrong
For a man whose name is inscribed throughout Texas as
school titles, statues, state parks and one famously large
city, Sam Houston came from a unique upbringing. Born
into a military family in 1793, Houston's parents, Major
Sam Houston and Elizabeth Paxton Houston, had nine
children of which Sam Houston was the fifth child. Early
in Houston's life, his father's sudden death encouraged
the family to move to Tennessee.
As a teenager, Houston ran away to live with Cherokee
Indians. Adopted by Chief Oo-Loo-Te-Ka, and given the
name "The Raven," Houston developed a broadened
respect for Indians. This later influenced his military and
political career. At 19, he enlisted in the military, was
used as a sub-agent in dealings with Indians. He even led
a delegation of Indians to Washington D.C. Eventually,
Houston turned his attention to the study of law, passing
the bar after six months of study.
Elected to Congress in 1823, Houston's personality
and legacy grew. Opponents were often infuriated
by Houston's common practice of whittling
throughout their passionate speeches. Houston
remained outspoken and steadfast, almost
immoveable and not deterred by the antics
of his constituents.
"Sam was a head strong guy," explains
Michael Sproat, Curator of the Sam
Houston Memorial Museum in
Huntsville. "Sam Houston knew what to
say and when to say it. He stood out a lot
in his political views."
Houston drew the interest of Andrew
Jackson. Their relationship led him to
Texas, to relay notes to Jackson on the state
of the region. In Texas, Houston started
his military life as a commander in chief.
Houston's army of 800 defeated Santa
Anna's Mexican legion of 1600 men at
the Battle of San Jacinto, which occurred
directly after the fall of the Alamo.
Houston was enthusiastically elected the
first President of the Republic of Texas.
After a two-term presidency, he also
held the title of Senator and Governor
of Texas. He was instrumental for
the state's survival by fostering its
relationship with the United States. As
the United States broke apart during the Civil War, he
argued the need for Texas to rejoin the Union.
"He didn't want Texas to leave the U.S.," Michael Sproat
states. "He campaigned and asked them to reform separate
from the Confederacy, because when the Civil War blew
over, he would be able to merge back in to the U.S. under
good terms."
Houston's mark on the nation is evident in his lasting
legacies. A survivor of war guns and politicians,
Houston succumbed to
pneumonia on July
26th 1863, leaving
behind a statement
of life, unity and
character for
future Texans and
American citizens
to admire.
Sculpture by Tracy Guthrie (1978)
Photo by Brian Blalock