Why Do We Call Him, 'General'?

Subject: Why Do We Call Him, 'General'? Wed 20 Jun 2007, 1:13 pm

I thought I'd post this query here, as this is where his story begins for us Texans.

My question is a simple one. Why -- of all the offices that Sam Houston held before and after his arrival in our Republic and State (Congressman. Governor, President ...) -- do we most often refer to him as 'General Houston'?

This is the pattern which seems to have been left to us and I've tried to bring myself into conformity with it, but ....?

Thanks!

Holly
_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

Trailblazer Joined : 29 May 2007 Posts : 88

I think because most of the contemporary sources seem to use that term and it persisted. Also - there was (and to a degree still is) for calling prominent military men, especially if retired from service, by the military title. Not to the same extent as in Great Britain, where even junior officers honourably separated tended to still use the rank title, but still done. Perhaps more in the South than the North, but - nevertheless done.

Just a guess, though.

Subject: Col. William Christy Fri 01 Aug 2008, 3:53 pm

I hold dear each and every connection I can find to the General Smile

Just found this:

http://www.texasescapes.com/MikeCoxTexasTales/197-William-Christy.htm

Cool!

William Christy was the uncle of my ancestress, Paulina Christy (daughter of Simeon).

An engraving of William ~

Distinguished flower

http://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/CC/fch39.html
_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

Joined : 18 Aug 2008 Posts : 2

Here's something to consider: he was also President, Governor, and Senator. Political terms can be divisive (considering he was ousted as Governor!), so perhaps he is called "General", as that is the term Texans can unite under. You may not agree with his policies on the Texas Navy, treatment of Indians, or Texas secession, but we can agree that he defeated Santa Anna's army and won Texas independence--and he did that as general! (Even Juan Seguin would agree with that!)

Joined : 20 Aug 2008 Posts : 8

Sam Houston officially received the rank of "Major General" in November, 1835 when he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Texas Army by the Provisional Government.