Sam Houston was born in Rockbridge County,Virginia in 1793. He was the 5th of nine children. He was just 13 years old when his father, Major Samuel Houston, died.
Sam was 14 when his mother, Elizabeth Houston, moved their family to a farm on Baker's Creek inMaryville,Tennessee. Sam didn't like farm work or working as a clerk in the family's general store in Maryville. So, at 16, he moved in with the Chief of the Cherokee and became "Colonneh" (pronouned Ka-lanu'), the Raven.
He returned toMaryvillein 1812 to pay off his bill at the family's store. He didn't find employment to his liking anywhere in BlountCounty. So, at the age of 19, he decided to teach school. This was the best joke Maryvillehad enjoyed in sometime, as people made remarks about his "degree" from the "Indian University". Sam had only spent 6 months in formal schooling, but, like his contemporary, Abe Lincoln, he taught himself, including reading Latin & Greek. He memorized much of the 24 books of the Iliad. You could say he was a self-motivated, classical scholar!
For more information on Sam Houston, please visit: www.samhoustonhistoricschoolhouse.org
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