Joshua Houston facts for kids

Joshua Houston (1822–1902) was an important figure in Texas history. He was born into slavery in 1822 in Perry County, Alabama. His owners were Temple Lea and Nancy Moffette Lea. Their daughter, Margaret Lea, later married Sam Houston, a famous Texas leader.

When Margaret married Sam Houston, Joshua moved with them to Texas. He worked with Sam Houston to build a home called Raven Hill in Huntsville, Texas. Joshua learned to read and write, which was not common for enslaved people at that time. After slavery ended, he became a successful businessman and was elected to local government jobs. He had three wives and eight children, including Samuel Walker Houston. Joshua was also a delegate for Texas at the 1884 Republican National Convention. He helped start a school called the Bishop Ward Normal and Collegiate Institute.

Joshua Houston and Freedom

The story of Sam Houston and his enslaved people is complex. Many stories say that Sam Houston wanted to free his enslaved people before he died in 1863. Some accounts mention him reading about Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1862. This proclamation said that many enslaved people would be free starting January 1, 1863.

However, the Emancipation Proclamation was not fully put into effect in Texas until June 1865. This day is now celebrated as Juneteenth. It happened two months after the American Civil War ended.

Texas Laws on Slavery

In 1861, Texas changed its state laws. These new laws made it illegal to free enslaved people within the state. The law stated that no one could free their enslaved people, no matter how they tried. It also said that the state government could not pass laws to free enslaved people.

Because of these laws, when Sam Houston died in 1863, his enslaved people were still considered part of his property. They were listed in his estate and valued at $10,530. Joshua's son, Samuel Walker Houston, was born in February 1864. This was seven months after Sam Houston's death. Samuel Walker Houston is always remembered as having been born into slavery.

Later Life and Legacy

After the Civil War, Joshua Houston became a respected leader in his community. He used his education and skills to help others. His work as a businessman and politician showed his dedication to improving life for African Americans in Texas. He played a key role in establishing the Bishop Ward Normal and Collegiate Institute. This school provided education for African American students.

Death and Burial

Joshua Houston passed away in 1902. He was buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Huntsville, Texas. This is the same cemetery where Sam Houston is also buried.

See also

• History of slavery in Texas