Lecture celebrates life and legacy of Sam Houston
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On Friday, Oct. 16, many gathered at The Pantry Restaurant for an enjoyable evening dinner lecture and birthday celebration presented by the North Texas History Center.
Dr. Richard McCaslin, who is a history professor at the University of North Texas, was the guest lecturer for the evening and wanted to start the evening off on a happy note, even though the story of Houston and the secession crisis is not a joyful tale.
“It’s not a very happy story, but I think it’s one that Texans need to hear,” said McCaslin.
McCaslin explained events in the 1860’s that led to secession such as the fires in July of 1860 that destroyed the entire business section of Dallas and two other towns nearby. These fires were allegedly started by northern abolitionists, but Houston didn’t believe that to be true. So, what was Houston’s reason for being against secession, going to war, and these theories? McCaslin believes the answer is Andrew Jackson.
“Andrew Jackson was Sam Houston’s model, hero, and mentor,” said McCaslin. “Jackson was a unionist, and Houston was too.”
After the lecture, Vicki Day, executive director of the NTHC recognized Mary Louise Teasdale, who is Sam Houston’s oldest living descendant and will be turning 90 at the end of October. Teasdale is the great-granddaughter of Houston.
“I used to makes speeches around Texas, too,” said Teasdale, when asked if she wanted to say anything.
Also in attendance that evening was Teasdale’s daughter, Lissa Dallas, son-in-law, Kirk Dallas, and granddaughter, Erica. Ridgell McKinney, Collin McKinney’s great-great-grandson also attended the event.
Next month, NTHC will be presenting the Battle for Myers Landing, a Civil War Re-enactment, which will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 7-8 at Myers Park. A battle will be held each day at 1:30 p.m. and everyone will be able to experience life as it was in the 1860’s. Buy tickets in advance in the online gift shop at www.northtexashistorycenter.org, by calling (972) 542-9457, or stop by NTHC located at 300 E. Virginia in downtown McKinney.
Dr. Richard McCaslin, who is a history professor at the University of North Texas, was the guest lecturer for the evening and wanted to start the evening off on a happy note, even though the story of Houston and the secession crisis is not a joyful tale.
“It’s not a very happy story, but I think it’s one that Texans need to hear,” said McCaslin.
McCaslin explained events in the 1860’s that led to secession such as the fires in July of 1860 that destroyed the entire business section of Dallas and two other towns nearby. These fires were allegedly started by northern abolitionists, but Houston didn’t believe that to be true. So, what was Houston’s reason for being against secession, going to war, and these theories? McCaslin believes the answer is Andrew Jackson.
“Andrew Jackson was Sam Houston’s model, hero, and mentor,” said McCaslin. “Jackson was a unionist, and Houston was too.”
After the lecture, Vicki Day, executive director of the NTHC recognized Mary Louise Teasdale, who is Sam Houston’s oldest living descendant and will be turning 90 at the end of October. Teasdale is the great-granddaughter of Houston.
“I used to makes speeches around Texas, too,” said Teasdale, when asked if she wanted to say anything.
Also in attendance that evening was Teasdale’s daughter, Lissa Dallas, son-in-law, Kirk Dallas, and granddaughter, Erica. Ridgell McKinney, Collin McKinney’s great-great-grandson also attended the event.
Next month, NTHC will be presenting the Battle for Myers Landing, a Civil War Re-enactment, which will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 7-8 at Myers Park. A battle will be held each day at 1:30 p.m. and everyone will be able to experience life as it was in the 1860’s. Buy tickets in advance in the online gift shop at www.northtexashistorycenter.org, by calling (972) 542-9457, or stop by NTHC located at 300 E. Virginia in downtown McKinney.
