Samuel `` Sam '' Houston ( March 2 , 1793July 26 , 1863 ) was an American politician and soldier , best known for his role in bringing Texas into the United States as a constituent state .
Samuel `` Sam '' Houston ( March 2 , 1793 -- July 26 , 1863 ) was an American statesman , politician , and soldier . He is best known for his leading role in bringing Texas into the United States .