Sam houston biography character traits

Early Life

Born in Virginia on March 2, 1793, Houston moved to Tennessee with his mother and eight siblings after his father died when he was 13. He ran away from home in 1809 and spent nearly three years living among the Cherokee in eastern Tennessee.

Sam houston biography character traits

Adopted by a clan led by Chief Oolooteka, Houston learned to speak the Cherokee language and adopted many of their customs; they gave him the Indian name Colonneh, or “the Raven.”

Houston joined the U.S. Army to fight against Britain in the War of 1812.

While serving under Andrew Jackson in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend on March 26, 1814, Houston suffered three near-fatal wounds and would carry fragments of the musket ball that lodged in his right shoulder until his death.

His wounds healed slowly, and by the time he returned to duty, Jackson’s forces had won a decisive victory in the Battle of New Orleans.

Relationship with Andrew Jackson

Impressed by Houston’s valor, Jackson became a protector and father figure, arranging perso