Temple Lea Houston (August 12, 1860-August 15, 1905)
Panhandle, Carson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(August 12, 1860 - August 15, 1905) Born in the Texas Governor's Mansion, the eighth and last child of Sam Houston (1793-1863) and his wife Margaret; educated at Baylor University, Texas A&M, and in a law office, Temple Houston came in 1881 to this region as district attorney for the 35th Judicial District. He married Laura Cross of Mobeetie, 1882. Tall and handsome, he resembled his father-- a fact cited when he ran for the Texas Senate in 1884. He won, and was seated before reaching legal age for the office. While serving in the Senate, he built a home near "Panhandle City." During his two terms, he became a leader in spite of his youth, advancing legislation favorable to frontiersmen in this area. When a new capitol was dedicated in Austin in 1888, he made the major speech, taking pride that lands in the Panhandle had paid for the magnificent building. Amid the ovations of that day were pleas that he run for Governor or United States Congressman, but he declined. About 1893 he moved to Oklahoma and gained added fame as a lawyer and orator. Thus the fledgling of "The Raven" became a legend in his own time. He was the father of two daughters and three sons. The Oklahoma Historical Society has honored him by placing a marker at his grave in Woodward.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in the Governor's Mansion as the last child of Sam Houston, Temple Lea Houston came to the Texas Panhandle in 1881 as a young district attorney and won a state senate seat in 1884 before he was even of legal age. Tall, handsome, and famed as an orator, he championed frontier interests and delivered the keynote at the 1888 dedication of the new Austin capitol, proudly noting that Panhandle lands had paid for it. He later moved to Oklahoma, where his courtroom eloquence made him a legend in his own lifetime.
Why it matters
Houston's career links the founding generation of the Texas Republic to the settling of its last frontier, carrying his father's name into the Panhandle's pioneer era.
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Related people
- · Temple Lea Houston
- · Sam Houston
- · Laura Cross Houston
Related events
- · Dedication of the Texas State Capitol, 1888
Themes & tags
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