My Master: The Inside Story of Sam Houston and His Times by Jeff Hamilton

by Jeff Hamilton

Excellent Book

Genres: Nonfiction, History

Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful source of insight into Sam Houston, his plantation, and slave life. It’s not presented as a slave narrative but more of a ex-slave speaking on every aspect of his family, life, work, civil war, community relations, politics and the opportunity for self-education. The clarity and detail is exceptional. If you enjoy history and uncovering new “book gems” you will enjoy Jeff Hamilton’s life story.

[Christopher Nugent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing perspective of a great man, by a man who led an interesting life himself. Jeff Hamilton, a former slave, previously freed by his master, was at Sam Houston’s bedside at his death, and had spent many years along the campaign and political trail of “Samjacinto,” the man who made Texas a country, a state in the Union, and desperately tried to keep from session. It’s a great tale of great servants, one public, one private. Masterfully documented by Lenoir Hunt with citation to align the storytelling with written history.

[Jonathan Marston · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a great man told through the eyes of another great man. I would have to loved to meet Jeff Hamilton. What a wonderful soul he was.

This book made me love Sam Houston even more.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books like these are why I can't give up my addiction, er habit, of library book sale book-buying. This book is a treasure; a memoir of life as a slave under Sam Houston. In the telling, anecdotes about life in Texas at that time go beyond any dry re-telling in textbooks, and historical leaders come to life. Not only did I finish the book believing Sam Houston to be as good or better as legend holds, but also came to love Jeff Hamilton himself. This is a positive book, uplifting, and I loved reading it. Jeff Hamilton has been honored with historical markers in Belton, and I was glad to see when I googled his name that several state archives have pictures of him at talks he gave, and at state anniversary gatherings.

As an aside, I also enjoyed reading the names of several early Texas leaders whose appellations were selected for many well-known towns, counties, and street names of today: Terrell, Lubbock, Hamilton, Pease, Williamson, and Burleson, to list a few.

[Carol Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most Heartwarming book I have ever read.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done, could have been sitting right there listening to him tell his stories.