Samuel Walker Houston

Samuel Walker Houston (February 12, 1864 – November 19, 1945) was an American pioneer in the field of education.

Early life

On February 12, 1864, Houston was born a slave in Huntsville, Texas. Houston's father was Joshua Houston, a slave owned by Sam Houston.[1]

Career

Houston founded the Galilee Community School in 1907, which later became known as the Houstonian Normal and Industrial Institute, in Walker County. In 1930, Houston's school was consolidated into the Huntsville Independent School District. Samuel W. Houston was named supervising principal over nine Walker County schools, including the Samuel W. Houston High School for black students.

Personal life

On November 19, 1945, Houston died at the age of 81.

Legacy

Houston is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Huntsville, Texas.

In 1995, on the grounds of the old Samuel W. Houston Elementary School, the Huntsville Independent School District, along with the Huntsville Arts Commission[2] and the high school's Ex-Students Association, commissioned artists Larry Zink and Monica Taylor to create The Dreamers, a monument to underscore the contributions made by the black community in the growth and development of Huntsville and Walker County.

References
  1. Paul M. Lucko. "Houston, Samuel Walker". Handbook of Texas Online, The Texas State Historical Association (June 6, 2001). Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  2. "Art Tour of Huntsville". Public Art, Huntville Arts Commission, wynnehomeartscenter.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-05-20.


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