Andrew Jackson Houston – A US Senator for Texas
Fast Facts About Andrew
- Date of Birth: June 21, 1854
- Date of Death: June 26, 1941
- Place of Birth: Independence, Texas, USA
- Married twice. First, to Carrie Glenn Purnell in 1877. After her death in 1884, he married Elizabeth Hart Goode in 1886.
- Four children (three from his first marriage, and one from his last)
Andrew Jackson Houston (1854-1941), the son of the renowned Sam Houston, lived a life of service marked by an enduring commitment to his home state of Texas. A multi-faceted personality, he demonstrated his dedication in various capacities – as a military leader, a legal advocate, a political figure, and a historian.
Houston’s upbringing in the Houston family imbued him with a strong sense of duty. He began his career in military and legal fields after attending several military academies and studying at Baylor University. Despite physical disabilities leading to an honorable discharge from West Point, he emerged as a robust leader, organizing the Travis Rifles during Texas’ reconstruction period and contributing to the establishment of the Democratic regime.
In his legal career, Houston held prominent roles. As a clerk of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas and later as the United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Texas, an appointment made by President Roosevelt, he made his mark on the Texan legal landscape. His leadership extended to commanding a unit of the Texas Volunteer Guard and organizing a cavalry troop in the Spanish-American War.
In politics, Houston was forward-thinking. His advocacy for prohibition and women’s suffrage was groundbreaking for the time. His gubernatorial campaigns in 1910 and 1912, although unsuccessful, were notable for their progressive stances. Houston demonstrated his intellect and passion for his home state through his writings on Texas history, particularly in his authored work, The San Jacinto Campaign and Texas Independence.
Houston’s enduring legacy was cemented in the twilight of his life. Appointed at age 87 to the United States Senate, he became the oldest man to sit in the Senate. In his short time in office, Houston left a lasting impact by securing a $250,000 appropriation to complete the monument at the San Jacinto battleground.
In addition to his political, military, and legal contributions, Andrew Jackson Houston made a significant contribution to preserving Texas history. As the superintendent of the San Jacinto battlefield from 1924 to 1941, he oversaw the preservation of a key historical site.
Andrew Jackson Houston‘s remarkable life stands testament to a legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to Texas. His story is a testament to the power of passion, commitment, and perseverance. His influence resonates today in the myriad ways he helped shape and preserve Texas history.