While the legend of Sam Houston often focuses on the rich history and cultural significance of the first Texas president, the Walker Education Center is offering a glimpse into a different aspect of the famed general’s legacy.
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library’s “12 Plus One” exhibit details the lives of the 12 enslaved individuals who were listed on Houston’s probate inventory at the time of his death: Joshua Hamilton, Eliza Revel, Jeff Hamilton, Solomon, Lottie, Nash, Lizzie, Jeff, Dolly, Jack, Lewis, Pearl and Mariah. It also highlights Tom Blue, who had previously escaped to Mexico.
The exhibit is recurring, and every year sees a new display as more research is uncovered by the diligent and driven museum staff. This year, museum curator Jude Routh’s work culminated into three carefully constructed family trees, each one the result of years of research into Joshua Houston and his descendants.
Joshua Houston was inherited by Margaret Lea after the death of her father. When she married Sam Houston in 1840, Joshua was relocated to Texas. He served the Houston family until 1863, after which he became an educator and held public office in Huntsville. His descendants—including his son, Samuel Walker Houston, who founded The Huntsville Times—shine a proud light on his legacy of education and community.
Also featured is a wall of quotes collected from the writings of Sam and Margaret Houston. The quotes are pulled from a variety of contexts, but all mention the enslaved individuals in one way or another. These phrases allow us vital insight into the day-to-day attitudes of the Houstons, for better or worse.
“I think it’s important to show Sam Houston in his totality,” marketing director Megan Buro said, gesturing to the quote wall. “The good and the bad.”
The exhibit also features a detailed timeline that explains what is known about the 12 enslaved individuals, from their births to their emancipations after Sam Houston’s death.
Featured beside the timeline are three pieces of art from SHSU senior Jasmine Underwood. The pieces feature Eliza, Joshua and Jeff performing household duties and accompany detailed descriptions of the work done on the Houson property. The decision to bring in student talent honors Joshua Houston’s commitment to education and community in Huntsville.
Despite all that’s been uncovered, there’s always more to learn. The exhibit displays a portrait gallery of the 12 (plus one) individuals, though only four portraits have pictures, and even fewer have confirmed last names. For the latter, several possible last names are listed, based on the 1870 Walker County Census.
Plenty of gaps remain in the stories of Sam Houston and the enslaved individuals who worked for him, but the work of people like Routh and museum director Derrick Birdsall have brought the community closer to having a complete understanding of Huntsville’s famous family.
The “12 Plus One” exhibit is on display until March 2 at the Walker Education Center, located at 1402 19th Street.
