History:This work is a copy commissioned by Mrs. Lamar (Honey) Alexander. The artist's name is unknown but may be identified from the portrait.
Notes:Sam Houston (1793-1863) was born in Virginia and came to TN at the age of 15. He clerked in a store for a while but ran away to live with the Cherokee, beginning a lifetime association with them. Having run up debts, he taught school for a while to pay them off. Joining the 39th Infantry, he was badly wounded at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. He opened a law office at Lebanon, TN and in 1823 was elected to Congress where he served two terms. With the backing of Andrew Jackson, he was elected governor of TN in 1827. Shortly thereafter, his new bride, Eliza Allen left him and before his term was up he resigned and left TN again to live with the Cherokee. William Hall, speaker of the senate finished his term. Leaving his Cherokee wife to join in the fight for Texas independence, he led his troops to victory and became President of the Republic of Texas. He died in 1863. The Tennessee Blue Book.
