Sam Houston

Houston was a soldier and statesman and the first elected president of the Republic of Texas. He was born in Virginia in 1793 and moved to Tennessee when he was fourteen. Not wanting to work on the family farm, he ran away from home and lived with Cherokee Indians, where he was adopted by Chief Oolootekah. When the War of 1812 began, Houston enlisted in the US Army and rose to the rank of 3rd lieutenant, gaining the attention of Andrew Jackson who became Houston’s benefactor and mentor. He resigned his commission in 1818 and returned to Tennessee to start a law practice and political career. He served two terms as a US Representative and then was elected as governor of Tennessee. He was long thought to be the heir apparent to Jackson when his marriage to Eliza Allen abruptly ended after eleven weeks, and Houston resigned as governor and moved to Oklahoma to resume residence with the Cherokee. After three years with the Cherokee, he went to Texas and became involved in Texas politics and troubles with Mexico, joining the more militant wing and pushed for war with Mexico. The provisional government made him the major general of the Texas Army. The Texian Army under Houston defeated the Mexican Army under Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto. Houston leveraged his success on the battlefield to become the first elected president of the Republic, defeating Stephen F. Austin in the 1837 election. He was elected again in 1841, with Lamar serving a term in between because the Texas Constitution forbade consecutive presidential terms. His administrations were known mostly for attempts to normalize relations with neighboring Indian tribes, financial austerity, and attempts to demilitarize Texas, including attempts to sell off the Texas Navy. Following annexation, Houston served as a Senator from Texas from 1846-1859, and though a slaveowner, established himself as a strong Unionist during his two terms. He was elected Governor in 1859 and fought hard against the growing secession movement, and when he refused to sign the Confederate Oath of Loyalty, he was removed from office. He retired to Huntsville and died in 1863.