Sam Houston Biography

Samuel “Sam” Houston was an American soldier turned politician who played a key role in the creation of a separate state of Texas in the United States. A prominent figure in the political history of Texas, this politician served as the President of the Republic of Texas twice and also as a governor of the state. He played an important role as a soldier in the War of 1812 which helped to launch his political career in future. He served under Andrew Jackson who was very impressed with the young man’s sincerity and bravery—Houston fought on in spite of being wounded and very courageously faced the bullets which left him with shoulder and arm injuries. Jackson helped to get him a position as an Indian agent to the Cherokee. He also began to study law and was elected to the US House of Representatives for Tennessee. Throughout his political career he supported Andrew Jackson and was considered by some to be Jackson’s protege in spite of their widely differing views. He was made the Commander-in-Chief at the convention to declare Texan independence and signed the Texas Declaration of Independence in March 1836. He was a very reputable politician whose works were widely recognized and respected.