Margaret Lea Houston – His Guardian Angel

Margaret Moffette Lea was born on April 11, 1819, in Marion, Alabama. She was a significant figure in Texas history, serving as the First Lady of the Republic of Texas during her husband Sam Houston’s presidency. She was the third wife of Sam Houston and remained with him until his death, bearing eight children during their marriage.

Margaret was part of a close-knit family from Alabama, and many of her family members moved to Texas following her marriage to Sam Houston. Sam was a renowned politician in both Tennessee and Texas, and was recognized for his victory at the Battle of San Jacinto during the Texas Revolution. Despite his political commitments that often kept him away from home, Margaret managed their household and raised their children, often with the help of her mother, Nancy Lea.

Margaret played a significant role in influencing Sam’s personal life. She persuaded him to abandon alcohol and refrain from using profane language. Sam, who had been baptized as a Catholic years earlier in Nacogdoches, Texas, converted to the Baptist denomination under Margaret’s influence, viewing her as an exemplary woman of faith.

After Texas was annexed to the United States, Sam served as the state’s U.S. senator for 13 years, frequently traveling to Washington, D.C., while Margaret stayed in Texas, raising their children. When Sam was elected as the state’s governor, Margaret assumed the role of the First Lady of the state of Texas, even as she was pregnant with their last child. Her tenure coincided with the onset of the Civil War and a period of intense debate over whether Texas should secede from the United States. During this tumultuous time, Margaret lived in fear for her family’s safety due to threats against her husband and the lack of government protection.

Following the Texas Secession Convention’s decision to remove Sam from office for his refusal to pledge allegiance to the Confederacy, Margaret faced the challenges of being a wartime mother. Her eldest son joined the Confederate Army and was captured at the Battle of Shiloh. After Sam’s death before the end of the war, Margaret dedicated her remaining years to preserving his legacy, opening his records to a trusted biographer.

Margaret’s life came to an end on December 3, 1867, due to yellow fever. Due to fears of contamination, she was not buried alongside her husband in a public cemetery in Huntsville, but was laid to rest next to her mother on private property.

Margaret Lea Houston‘s life was marked by unwavering dedication to her family and the state of Texas. Despite the challenges of being a political spouse and mother during a tumultuous period in history, she remained steadfast, managing her household and raising her children with grace and resilience. Her influence on her husband was profound, leading him to personal transformation and spiritual growth.

In the face of adversity, Margaret’s strength and courage shone through. She navigated the trials of the Civil War, the threat to her family’s safety, and the loss of her husband with remarkable fortitude. Even in the midst of personal grief, she committed herself to preserving Sam Houston’s legacy, ensuring that his contributions to Texas history would not be forgotten.

Margaret’s life is a testament to the power of personal strength, the importance of family, and the enduring influence of a woman’s touch on the course of history. Her contributions to her family and to Texas are immeasurable, and her legacy continues to inspire. Margaret Lea Houston, a woman of faith, a loving mother, and a devoted wife, will always be remembered as a pillar of strength in the heart of Texas history.