Adam Huntsman (1786-1849) is best remembered for being the "timber toe" lawyer who beat David Crockett for Congress in 1835, leading to his journey to Texas and heroic death at the Alamo. But there was much more to him than the outcome of one election. As a public servant, he prided himself on his independence and serving the interests of his constituents. "I am the partizan of no man," he declared. "I never intended to be so." It was that individualistic spirit which put him at odds with one of the most forceful personalities in American history-Andrew Jackson-and helped bring about the...