Sam Houston: Man, Myth, and... Paternal Powerhouse?
Sam Houston, the legend of Texas. We all know him as the dude who wrestled an alligator (or maybe that was just a rumor started by his publicist, Davy Crockett). But what about his family life? Did the man who fought for Texas' independence have an army of little Houstons running around? Buckle up, history buffs, because we're about to delve into the fascinating, giggle-worthy world of Sam Houston's offspring.
First Up: The Starting Lineup (Spoiler Alert: It's Short)
Sam actually married three times throughout his life, but let's just say the first two attempts at wedded bliss weren't exactly baby-making marathons. His first marriage was a blink-and-you-missed-it situation, and his second involved a Cherokee woman named Tiana, but things never quite blossomed into a baby boom.
The Main Event: Enter Margaret Lea and the Houston Posse
Then came Margaret Lea, wife number three, and WHOA NELLY, did things change! Margaret was clearly on board with the whole "family man" image. They had a whopping eight children together. Eight! That's more than a reality TV show family reunion. We're talking sons, daughters, the whole shebang.
Sam Houston Jr.: Following in Dad's (Not-So-Hairy) Footsteps
The eldest, Sam Houston Jr., was the firstborn of the Houston brood. Now, this kid wasn't exactly a mini-me of his father. Sam Sr. was known for his flowing mane, while Jr. apparently drew the short straw in the hair follicle department. Despite the lack of impressive locks, Sam Jr. did follow in his father's footsteps and served in the Confederate Army.
The Rest of the Gang: A Texas-Sized Bunch
The other seven Houston children had their own unique stories too. There was Nancy "Nannie" Elizabeth, Margaret "Maggie" Lea, Mary William "Mary Willie," Antoinette "Nettie" Power, Andrew Jackson (because apparently eight kids wasn't enough American history in the house), William "Willie" Rogers Houston, and Temple Lea. These guys were lawyers, teachers, and all-around Texans, living life large just like their dad.
So, How Many Kids Did Sam Houston Have?
In case you skipped all that history jazz and just want the juicy answer, here it is: Sam Houston had eight children with his third wife, Margaret Lea. That's a whole lotta Houstons for Texas to handle!
