Sam Houston - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages Sam Houston was born in the year 1793 in their plantation, in Rockbridge County, Virginia. During his boyhood, he acquired elementary education by attending a local school for a period less than six months. He migrated with his mother together with other siblings to Blount County in Tennessee when his father died in the year 1807. He joined a nearby academy and continued with his education reading more of classical literature. He refused his brothers attempts to work on the farm and in the store, in Maryville.

The mother was a farmer, and they relied majorly on family labor since they could spend time on the farm during weekends and in the evenings after school. It is at this time that he ran away from home in 1809 and lived among the Cherokees. He joined the Army in the United States in the year 1813, and within a period of less than a year, he became promoted to the post of a third lieutenant. It was at this instance that he embarked on his career growth in the public sector before moving to Texas, where he ventured into politics.

There is no doubt that Sam Houston had an immense contribution to the politics and laws of Texas. He moved into Texas in the year 1832, and this is where he began his leadership and political career. He served as a delegate at the Convention of 1833 under the leadership of Wharton H. William. He pursued a law practice while in Nacogdoches....
He became later elected as the President of Texas, defeating Austin F. Stephen. During his tenure in office, he effectively guided the state through many tribulations and trials. During his first term, he founded the town of Houston in 1836 which would be used as the capital city during his administration. He also put up various infrastructural facilities such as roads, schools and health facilities to improve the lives of people. He sought to demilitarize the republic of Texas by carefully furloughing the army. He also ensured that there was no trouble between the Indians and the white settlers. After leaving the office as Texas President after the first term, he served as a congressman in the House of Representatives from 1839 to 1841(Randolph 103). He opposed President Lamar’s expansionist tendencies and cruel measures toward the Indians. Houston succeeded President Lamar for his second term in office, in December 1841. He stressed financial transparency and considerably reduced offices and salaries for all government employees. This would be aimed at getting enough money to provide social amenities to the people. He established peace and unity with the Indian people by making several treaties. He also managed to avoid war with the people of Mexico. While serving as a Senator between the year1846 to 1859, Houston distinguished himself as a political leader who cared for humanity irrespective of race and the religion. He voted against slavery since he believed it was an ardent injustice to mankind. Sam Houston was an outstanding leader. He proved to be an intelligent and decisive leader who assisted Texas to secure independence. He also contributed in ensuring that the ...Download file to see next pagesRead More