Sam Houston by Roger Pocock (1925)
This biographical sketch follows Sam Houston from a childhood on the frontier through military distinction, political advancement, and personal disgrace. Adopted into a Cherokee family after running away from an apprenticeship, he later joins the army and suffers severe wounds while serving under Andrew Jackson at Horseshoe Bend. Election as governor of Tennessee seems to promise further success, but the collapse of his marriage sends him back to life among the Cherokees. The narrative then traces his renewed political ambition toward Texas, where he sees American settlers seeking a leader against Mexican government. Its account of reinvention is shaped by the narrator's frontier romanticism and racial prejudices.
By Roger Pocock · First published 1925 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Biography, Military Fiction · 706 words
First lines
A. D. 1836
Serving in Jackson's force was young Sam Houston, a hunter and a pioneer from childhood. Rather than be apprenticed to a trade he ran away and joined the Cherokees, and as the adopted son of the head chief became an Indian, except of course during the holidays, when he went to see his very respectable mother. On one of these visits home he met a recruiting sergeant, and enlisted for the year of 1812. At the age of twenty-one he had fought his way up to the rank of ensign, serving with General Andrew Jackson at the battle of Horseshoe Bend.
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The work is a fictionalized narrative account of Sam Houston's life during the early 19th century, blending documented historical events with literary storytelling techniques.
- Biography — The text provides a chronological account of Sam Houston's life from youth through his military and political career, focusing on key biographical milestones and personal development.
- Military Fiction — Significant portions of the narrative detail Houston's military service, combat experiences at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, and his relationship with General Andrew Jackson.
- Adventure — The work features dramatic action sequences, dangerous combat scenarios, and Houston's journey through frontier lands and political upheaval.
Tags
biography · American history · Texas history · 19th century · military leader · political figure · frontier · American West · independence · leadership · historical narrative · Texas Revolution
What this Textopian page supports
Sam Houston is listed on Textopian as a historical account by Roger Pocock, dated 1925 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Historical account
- Author: Roger Pocock
- Date: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Biography, Military Fiction, Adventure, Frontier Fiction
- Length: 706 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Sam Houston by Roger Pocock
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