Sam Houston was one of the founding fathers of Texas known as a soldier, statesman and man of integrity. Spending much of his youth in Tennessee, he was eager and reckless with a sense of adventure that took him to Cherokee country. Time spent with family and the Cherokee Indians was where he developed his practical, level-headed and down-to-earth character. Houston's passion for peace and support for the Cherokee stemmed from seeing the effects of war and conflict on the Indians. The values ​​instilled by these early experiences are prevalent in Houston's political and personal views throughout his life and career. As a young man, Sam, unhappy with civilization and not comfortable with farm or warehouse work, ran away to live with the Cherokee tribe. Chief Oo-loo-te-ka, fond of Houston, offered to adopt him and became Houston's surrogate father figure. Sam learned the tribe's language and customs, gaining an appreciation for the Indians and a respect for attempts at peace over war, a character asset that would prove invaluable in later years. “Life with the Cherokee was,” as Houston wrote, “to his great satisfaction and comfort.” (HOUSTON, P.4) Later, during a self-imposed exile, Sam meets Chief Oo-loo-te-ka in Arkansas where he learns of the plight of the Cherokee, including forced displacement and broken government promises. This is where he officially became a member of the Cherokee Nation in 1830 and a diplomat for the Cherokees traveling to Washington D.C. to air grievances with President Jackson dressed as an Indian. Upon his return, he marries Tiana, a part Indian woman in Arkansas. While running a trading post, Sam continues to support the Indians by writing several... in the middle of a sheet of paper... advises that Margaret is in Alabama and that to marry her he would have to be in Alabama at Nancy's house. After that Houston and Margaret were married in Alabama in May 1840. Margaret had much influence in Houston's life by allowing him to abstain from drinking and become a member of the Baptist church. Houston's political service kept him away from home. Margaret was a homemaker who built a peaceful home environment as a sanctuary that Houston enjoyed while maintaining her interest and longing for home. This plan worked as through their letters we can see their everlasting love for each other and their family. Houston has maintained a balance between public aspirations and private desires. With Margaret he found the quiet farm, the loving wife and children he desired while his political aspirations provided him with the public esteem and fame he enjoyed..