Davy Crockett

                David Crockett was born on August 17, 1786, in Limestone, Tennessee, and was known as Davy Crockett.  He grew up in the frontier of west Tennessee and Virginia and did not receive much schooling.  He spent his early years hunting and trapping.  He married in 1809 and served as a scout under Andrew Jackson in the Creek War (1813-1815). 

                Crockett was a local magistrate for several years and then was elected to the state legislature in 1821 and 1823.  He served three terms in the U.S. Congress between 1828 and 1834.  He was admired by his constituents, and he became famous for his hunting exploits.

                The war for independence in Texas was raging, and Crockett left Tennessee to join the battle.  He arrived at the Alamo in February 1836.  Out of a group of one hundred and forty Texans, he was one of six men who survived the hopeless defense of the fortress and surrendered to Santa Anna.  On March 6, 1836, he was shot under orders from the Mexican general.

                Davy Crockett’s life and frontier fame were romanticized in song and book.  He was a great example of the true American pioneer spirit.