One of Andrew Jackson's many proteges, Sam Houston was a hard-living, wild, and rowdy frontiersman. Not unwise to the foods, drinks, and women of the world, Houston was an unmarried man until his mid 30's. Taking the advice of Jackson he found himself a young wife of good stature, a miss Eliza Allen, daughter of one of Jackson's friends. Not even 3 months into their relationship, the 19 year old Eliza left Sam Houston for reason's unknown. Some say Houston had accused his wife of sexual misbehavior, some say Houston's ravaged and torn body disgusted her. Either way Governor Houston was left by his wife, left by his friends, and left inside of a tall whisky bottle.
If Houston had never married Eliza Allen, either marrying someone less contentious with him or making it a mutually beneficial partnership, what would be the short and long term impact? Obviously without being shamed and ruined Houston is unlikely to quit his Governorship, leave to live with the Cherokee's, and fight in Texas.
Where would his political career follow in the meantime? Does he stay on as Governor for a few years, get the Tennessee Legislature to elect him Senator then or later? Which other women could Houston court, or rather be encouraged to court?