Sam Houston: Man of Two Worlds
Sam Houston (1793-1863) was an American soldier in the War of 1812, a statesman, a general in the Texas Revolution, the first president of the Republic of Texas, and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He was a White man who lived among Native Americans, a farmer who hated farming, a slave owner who opposed the spread of slavery, a Southerner who supported Northern policies, and a politician who disliked politics.
He could be considered a man of two worlds at any given time in his life, moving between different spheres, not completely at home in any of them. Charismatic and a natural leader, Houston drew people to him while often simultaneously pushing them away. He remains one of the most fascinating and controversial figures in American history.
Early Life & Cherokee
Sam Houston was born on 2 March 1793 to Samuel Houston and Elizabeth Paxton Houston of Rockbridge County, Virginia. He had five brothers and three sisters, all born on the Timber Ridge Plantation that was worked by slaves. Samuel Houston died in 1807, and his wife moved the family to Maryville, Tennessee.
Sam Houston attended school as a boy for perhaps half a year and later may have attended an academy near Maryville, but he was largely self-taught, spending time in his father's library reading classical literature and history.
Although he was born into a farming family, he had no taste for it, preferring to spend time reading or exploring the woods around his home. His older brothers did not take kindly to what they saw as his 'idle disposition' and tried to force him to take on more responsibility. In response, Houston ran away from home when he was 16 and went to live with the Cherokee.
He was taken under care by their chief, Ahuludegi (also known as John Jolly) on Hiwassee Island, learned their language, observed their traditions, and was given the name, "Raven." He remained with the Cherokee for three years, returning to the world of the White Man in 1812 and taking a position as schoolmaster in Maryville at the one-room schoolhouse.
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β Sam Houston: Man of Two Worlds
