Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1901-10-24
TRAITS OF SAM HOUSTON.
An Amusing Anecdote of His Dealing
With Squatter.

fond or young men, and soon came to
count me as "one of the boys" Only
those who were youngsters in the for
ties can realize the interest people felt
in Houston in the days when his part
in the struggle for the independence
of Texas was still fresh in the public
mind. Visitors to the Senate chamber
invariably asked to have him pointed
out to them, and they were never dis
appointed in their hero, for he was
large of frame, of stately carriage and
dignilled demeanor and had lion-like
countenance.
Always unconventional in dress, he
would now and then appear at the
capitol wearing vast and SNOWY
sombrero and Mexican blanket, a
sort of ornamental bed quilt with a
slit in the middle, through which the
wearer's head was thrust, leaving the
blanket to hang in folds around the
body. His principal employment in
the senate was whiting pine sticks,
Of which he seemed to have an unlim-
tied supply. 1t was always at rare in
tervals that he broke silence, but when
he did speak he always proved him
self capable of contributing has quota
of sound and patriotic advice TO the
deliberations of the senate.
No passage in Houston's career was
nobler than the heroic stand against
disunion which marked it's close, while
of his kindness of nature and gener-
Gus helpfulness to those in distress
one would recall stories sufficient to
fill a volume.
Near Quincy, H., there was stretch
of country known as the "Indian tract"
to which Houston held title, a fact
many of the settlers hereon. careless
pioneer brood, failed to search out.
| One of them called upon William A.
Richardson, long member of the
House from the Quincy district and
subsequently senator from his state.
confided to him that he had inadvert-
emily settled upon 100 acres of Hous-
tons land and that all he was worth
stood in improvements on 1t. He
wanted Richardson to see Houston
and make the best terms that he could
Richardson upon his return to Wash
ington told Houston the story and
asked what he would take for a quit
claim deed to the 100 acres.
What sort of man is this constitu
ent of yours who has. Numbered upon
my land?" asked Houston.
"A good, square honest man." was
the reply.
when turn him off my land
reckon he and his family will be beg
gars?"
Richardson nodded.
Whats this farm worth now?'
asked Houston.
Improvements and all. about
$4,000" was the response.
What was the bare place worth
when you fellows went on it?" querled
Houston.
About SIS an acre $500 in all an
swered Richardson.
Good fellow. this man of yours,
,, Richardson" This after a moments
thought,
Best in the world" said Richard.
son.
Tell him to send me $500 and III
make him a deed"
In due time $500 reached Washing
ton in the shape of New York draft
Richardson sought Houston, who, hav-
ing executed deed, took the draft and
| indorsed IT,
you say this man of yours is good
fellow" he asked. thoughtfully.
Couldn't be better one" was the
emphatic reply.
Send him back this draft and tell
him Sam Houston has changed his
mind. What can you buy good sad
| die horse for in that country" He
was told that 5000 would do 1t. well.
| then" said Houston write to your
friend and tell him to buy a first.class
saddle horse, about four years ol9, and
keep him for me. When congress adj.
journs / will go home with you and
| ride the horse down to Texaf."
Without delay the man Ia Illinois
received back his draft and bought a
saddle horse, the best he could find.
Just before adjournment Houston
sought Richardson. you eey the fell
low who's got my horse is a tiptop
good man." Richardson again declared
him one of the best in his district.
We'll" said Houston, with sigh. az
should have liked first rate to see him
and also my horse, but as affairs turn
out must go straight to Texas. When
you get home go over and see this man,
and tell him to sell the horse and do
what he pleases with the money. And.
by the way, Richardson, wish you
would write and tell me II It was a
good horse or not."-Galusha A.
Crows Recollections, in the Saturday
Evening Post
TubercuIoue H0ts,c n.naannn.