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THE TEXIAN The Official Publication of The Sons of the Republic of

VOL 11 NUMBER 2 JUNE 2017 SRT TEXAS HISTORY ESSAY AWARDS PRESENTED AT SAN JACINTO APRIL 21, 2017 For the 77th year, the Sons of the , awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors. The topic this year was “Stephen F. Austin, the father of Texas”. Forty essays were received this year, predominately from Texas high school students, however essays were also received from New York, Kentucky, Massachusetts and Washington State. Each of the three essay winners received a check to attend the college of their choice. They were awarded a commemorative medallion and plaque presented by President General, Bob Steakley, KSJ. In addition, each winner received a Texas flag flown over the Texas capitol Picture: Left to Right. Mr. Denton Bryant, on Texas Independence Day, March 2, 2017 and a commemorative “come and KSJ, Chairman SRT Texas History take it” cannon ball fired at Gonzales, Texas. Essay Contest. The Sons of the Republic Denton Bryant, KSJ, chairman of the annual Texas History Essay Contest, of Texas, Barry Stuart, Second Place Winner, George Ranch High School, announced the winners during the San Jacinto Day ceremony. Richmond, Texas, Kary Ann Searle, The first place winner was Kary Ann Searle, from J.E. Taylor high school in First Place Winner, Taylor High School, Katy, Texas. She received a $ 4,000 award. She is a member of the National Katy, Texas, Tony Tran, Memorial Honor Society and has been recognized for her perfect attendance among senior High School, Tomball, Texas, Mr. Bob Steakley, KSJ, President General, The students in her high school. She is a member of the marching and concert bands. Sons of The Republic of Texas. She plans to attend Lone Star College and then transfer to the cont. pg. 3 PRESIDENT GENERAL’S MESSAGE is evidence of this effort. I hope it overviewed the future progress on was enjoyable for all who attended. the O’Connor Spanish Collection. Wear the 95th SRT pin with pride and A special time was to recognize strive to keep this great organization our veterans. It was a pleasure to moving forward. Summerfield G. recognize the Executive Committee Roberts Book Award was announced and District Representative for during the Summerfield G. Roberts their help, guidance and support. Luncheon as well as The Teacher of Buddy Power, recipient of the the Year who was most deserving of SRT Distinguished Service Award, her recognition. It was an honor to was most helpful is securing the present the new SRT Veteran Medal Summerlee Grant for the O’Conner Bob Steakley, KSJ to SRT members. The Banquet was Collection. Congratulations to Sir Time flies when busy or involved enjoyable. Dean Hendrix, UTSA, and such was the case during my cont. pg. 3 first term as President General. SRT WHAT’S INSIDE is a collective effort of compatriots Texas History Essay ...... 1-3 In Memoriam...... 6 who are dedicated to the SRT President General’s Message..... 1-3 Texian Navy Day...... 11 mission, goal and purpose. The Janet’s Korner...... 3 Annual Meeting...... 12, 13 historic 95th Continuous Annual New SRT Members...... 4-5 Calendar of Events...... 16 Meeting at the Y. O. Ranch Hotel Chapter News...... 6-10, 14, 15 and Conference Center in Kerrville EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Janet’s Korner By: Janet Knox 2017 - 2018 Administrative Assistant email: [email protected] 1717 Eighth Street • Bay City, Texas 77414 (979) 245-6644

• The website is under construction. We hope to have it up and running soon. We know the store is not working correctly, so if you cannot get on the store, please just send a check for your dues. Please be patient and if you need any information please call the National office or email Janet: [email protected]. She will be glad to assist you. Left to Right front row: Randy Pollard, Treasurer General, Edward A. Heath, First Vice President • Chapters that sent in their chapter report will be receiving General; Bob Steakley, KSJ, President General; rebate soon. For those who did not send your yearly William D. Power, Second Vice President; David Stone, Chaplain General. reports in January 31, 2017, remember to send them out for 2018. You will be getting an email as a reminder. Left to Right back row: Robert Kendall, KSJ, PPG, Executive Committeeman; John W. Knox, Executive • Second Dues notices have been mailed. If you did not Committeeman, Kenneth W. Pfeiffer, Secretary receive a dues notice or have lost it, please email me at; General, L. Clay Fisher, Historian General and Janet Knox, Administrative Assistant. [email protected] and I will be glad to send you one. Your dues are now late, pay the reinstatement fee which is $50.00 plus $40.00 for the current 2017 dues. The National office does not take credit card payments DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES over the phone. 2017 - 2018

• Remember; All active duty personnel, your dues are waived. Please notify the National office by email, postal service or telephone.

• You can view “The Texian” newsletter on the website for free. You may also purchase “The Texian”: and it will be mailed to you for a fee of $20.00 a year. Please contact the National office.

• I would like to thank you for the articles and pictures you are sending for your newsletter; they have been GREAT. I need YOUR help with articles and pictures. Left to Right: Ron Brown,KSJ.,San Jacinto If your chapter has or will be celebrating any events District; Mike Wilson, Lone Star District; PLEASE email me at: [email protected]. I will be Bob Steakley, KSJ., Frontier District; submitting the August issue for publication; the deadline William Power, North East District; for submissions July 21, 2017 Richard Weitzel, Heart of Texas District.

(Not pictured; Devin Lindsey, North Central District and Mike Young, Post Oak District.)

2 SRT TEXAS HISTORY ESSAY AWARDS PRESENTED AT SAN JACINTO APRIL 21, 2017 cont. from pg. 1 University of to major in Elementary Education and History so that she can qualify to teach seventh grade Texas History. The second place winner was Barry Stuart who is graduating from George Ranch high school in Richmond, Texas received a $3,000 award. In addition to his academic achievements he is active in speech and debate where he qualified for state competition. He plans to major in psychology at the University of Texas in , Texas. The third place winner was Tony Tran of Memorial high school in Tomball, Texas. He received a $2,000 award and maintains straight A grades in his senior class. He is active in seven clubs including the National Honor Society, Key Club and is a volunteer in his church. His favorite subject is Calculus and he plans to major in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. cont. from pg. 1 PRESIDENT GENERAL’S MESSAGE Knight Randy Pollard. Also the ladies tour, from reports, was enjoyable. Sir Knight Vaughn Oliver PPG addressed a vital concern for all of SRT, membership retention. This is the opportunity for involvement of the membership at the chapter level and where SRT needs to get busy. I encourage each chapter to plan for and complete an activity around each of our SRT Honor Days at least at the local level. Meet underneath a Texas Flag pole at your court house, fire house, city hall, school or any place of prominence to observe these honor days involving as many members and public as possible. I hesitate on this statement, but for the good of our organization, do not let your chapter become a meet and eat chapter. I fully realize that there are chapters that are certainly not in the afore mentioned category and are doing a commendable job. Evaluate your chapter involvement and see where it can best continue with the mission, goal and purpose of SRT. San Jacinto Day, Texas Ranger Day, Texian Navy Day, Gonzales “Come and take it” and Stephen F. Austin’s Birthday are opportunities for your chapter to observe these honor days. “Texian Navy Day”, pull the cover off that boat, crank up the Evinrude, fly a TEXAS Flag and go “motor boatin’ ” around your favorite lake and observe the day with as many as you can get to cruise with you. No lake close by, utilize the county roads trailering your boat behind flying a Lone Star Flag – As CW McCall said, “Looks like we’ve got us a convoy”. Check out the “Lost Creek Settlement” article, the (1st time for me) and the other articles in this issue. Next issue should have an article of your chapter’s activities. Recently I was in Breckenridge and coming up Comanche, to talk about chartering a SRT chapter. The interest in SRT is out there and somehow, some way, our organization is of interest to towns and communities. The June Executive Committee Meeting will be in Bastrop June 2nd and 3rd and is open to all SRT members. We will get together on Friday evening somewhere to “chew the fat” and I hope you will plan to attend. Check for information in this and every edition of “The Texian”. San Jacinto Day was a joy to attend. Presentation of awards to our SRT High School Essay Winners was a real pleasure to Katy, Barry and Tony. Thanks to Sir Knight Denton Bryant for chairing this committee. Sir Knight Pollard was busy making sure this Honor Day was a success. My first Quarterly Executive Meeting was in Brenham hosted by Past President General Sir Knight Leonard Cloud. He welcomed me and I am proud to have known him. May he rest in peace. Preserve, Perpetuate, Promote and Observe the History of The Republic of Texas. See you somewhere in the GREAT STATE OF TEXAS! Bob Steakley, KSJ President General SRT

3 NEW SRT MEMBERS

Prahlaad Sebastian Das Clark E. Cobb Austin, TX Darryl Bilyeu Earwood Isaac Cassner Kerrville, TX Billy Joe Hollingsworth Sr. Joseph H. Ferguson Lancaster,T X Dustan Chase Hollingsworth Joseph H. Ferguson Carlton, TX Billy Joe Hollingsworth Jr Joseph H. Ferguson Carlton, TX Billy Joe Hollingsworth III Joseph H. Ferguson Carlton, TX Robert Lamar Keever Jean Baptiste Peveto Ennis, TX Jacob Reynolds Snider William Berry Smith Copperas Cove, TX Jacob Reynolds Snider Elizabeth Edith Smith Russell Copperas Cove, TX Robert Philip Wetzel Clark E. Cobb Austin, TX Zachary Ellsworth Wetzel Clark E. Cobb Austin, TX Joh Colson 2 Daniel Blair McMahon Pearland, TX Scott Mitchell Langford 2 Joses Hobdy League City, TX Alfred Scott Lea MD 2 Asa Townsend Pearland, TX Austin Reece Pruitt 2 Henry Morgan League City, TX Larry Wayne Smith 2 Manaan Turnbull Smith Santa Fe, TX William Benedict Usher 2 Major George Thomas Howard Seabrook,TX Timothy Joseph Goodwin 3 Elizabeth Edith Smith Russell Carlsbad, TX Timothy Joseph Goodwin 3 William Berry Smith Carlsbad, TX Charles Freelon Goodwin 3 Elizabeth Edith Smith Russell Carlsbad, NM Charles Freelon Goodwin 3 William Berry Smith Carlsbad, NM Steven James Snider 3 William Berry Smith Copperas Cove, TX Steven James Snider 3 Elizabeth Edith Smith Russell Copperas Cove, TX Roy Ernest Yates 6 William B. Bridges Freeport, TX Eddie Lavell Earwood 7 Isaac Cassner Brackettville ,TX Albert William Hartman III 7 John Gladden King , TX Frank Louis Kebelman III 7 Martha Musick Murrieta, CA James Stephen Kerr 7 William Christian Menefee Dallas, TX Brandon Michael Mann 7 Niclaus Tschirhart Tynan, TX Bret Daymon Tucker 7 John A. Simpton Wimberley, TX Phillip Christopher Chapman 8 Jones Boston Roanoke, TX Michael Lionel Chapman 8 Jones Boston Hillsboro, MO Preston Michael Chapman 8 Jones Boston Roanoke, TX Connor Mason Chapman 8 Jones Boston Roanoke, TX Bennet Lee Hancock 8 Nathaniel L. Corbet Ganite Falls, NC Colin James Milson 8 Nathaniel L. Corbet Plano, TX Andrew James Milson 8 Nathaniel L. Corbet Plano, TX Grant Stephen Permenter 8 Carpalona Frances “Fairy” Townsend Ovilla, TX John Stephen Permenter 8 Carpalona Francis “Fairy” Townsend Ovilla, TX Jack Edward Webb 8 Nathaniel L Corbet McKinney , TX Michael Louis Covington 12 Trinidad Coy Katy, TX James Richard Covington 12 Trinidad Coy Katy, TX Timothy David Lyons 12 Robert Turner Rollingwood, TX Justin Michael Martin 12 John Sutton Petty Spicewood, TX Harold Robert Powell 12 John Y. Criswell Austin, TX John Wiley Schexnayder 12 James Alexander Crawford Austin, TX

4 NEW SRT MEMBERS

Michael Ray Slone 12 Cyrus Wickson Austin, TX Delk Keith Watson 12 Jacob Walker Austin, TX Tony Alan Ferguson 13 Horatio (Horace) N. Baker Morgan, TX Gerald R. Powell 13 Elisha Smith Powell Waco, TX Gary Edward Thomas 14 John Weathersby Thomas College Station, TX Charles Scott Ray 22 George Morgan Alexandria, VA Wesley Odell Craig 25 John W. Crunk Goliad, TX Samuel Christopher Dunlap 25 Edward Taylor Wingate, Sr Marfa, TX Austin Finn Dunlap 25 Edward Taylor Wingate, Sr. Marfa, TX Brady Patrick Scott 25 William Ponton Goliad, TX Tyler Eric Scott 25 William Ponton Goliad, TX Podger Paul Warnock III 25 Ricard Ballew Portland, TX David Charles Eastburn 36 James Phifer Aledo, TX Jack Emil Franke 36 E. Richard Harris Monterey, CA Joseph William Harris 36 E. Richard Harris Maricopa, AZ Willis Pollard Harris 36 E. Richard Harris Murrieta, CA Zachary Ryan Harris 36 E. Richard Harris Greenville , MS Kenneth Douglas Harris 36 E. Richard Harris Greenville , MS Kenneth Carter Raney Jr. 36 Henry Morgan Richardson, TX Raymond Matthew Clark 38 Jacob Allbright Cypress, TX Stephen Christopher Clark 38 Jacob Allbright Crockett, TX Darrell Ronald Clark 38 Jacob Allbright Cypress, TX Clinton Parker Warren 38 James Washington Winters, Sr. Deer Park, TX Henry Kinsolving Bass Jr. 39 Shirley Gage Abilene, TX David Ryan Barnds 40 Don Juan Antonio Ximenes San Antonio, TX Lorenzo Paul Barrientes III 40 Don Juan Antonio Ximenes San Antonio, TX Weldon Burke Cabaniss Jr. 40 Samuel McCarley San Antonio, TX John Adam Fluth 40 Christine Marie Hartung Del Rio, TX Charles Clinton Laffere 40 James Burch San Antonio, TX Chris Merrel Lancaster II 40 Heinrich (Henry) Anton Eckhardt San Antonio, TX Troy Grayden Taylor 40 Thomas Van Swearingen Strode Duncanville, TX Paul Vielmas 40 Don Juan Antonio Ximenes San Antonio, TX Maurice Wayne Ward 40 William Burney Luling, TX Wiley Gulick Clarkson III 47 Lavina Hinnicutt Walnut Springs, TX James Leslie Scott Jr. 47 William Dunn Glen Rose, TX Robert James Covington 50 Joseph Burleson, Sr Pleasanton, TX John William Covington 50 Joseph Burleson, Sr. New Braunfels, TX John Roland Bowyer 52 John Andrew Box Spring, TX Dennis David Brand 52 Stephen Hatton Whitehouse, TX Caleb Ryan McLelland 52 Gilbert Clark Lindale, TX Whitney Alexander Miller 52 Felix Grundy Miller Cooper, TX Marion Manton Miller II 52 Felix Grundy Miller Cooper, TX Dannie Ray Crawford 54 James Gibson Swosher Burnet, TX Roy Sylvester Fuller Jr. 58 Thomas Chatham Conroe TX Austin James Weynand 58 Montraville Fouty The Woodlands,TX John William Eubank 59 Collin McKeinney Akin, Sr. Houston, TX

5 HUGH B. JOHNSTON CHAPTER The Sons of the Republic of Texas, Hugh B. Johnston Chapter in Liberty met April 13, 2017 at Los Compadres in Hardin. The Sons of the Republic of Texas is an ancestral organization that consists of male members who are direct lineal descendants of those who settled the Republic of Texas, prior to February 19, 1846, when Texas merged with the United States as the 28th state. The purpose of the The Sons of the Republic of Texas is to perpetuate the memory of the and spirit of the men and

(l-r) Standing are John Meredith, Lone Star women who achieved the independence of Texas. Chapter, Fred Mead, Sr., Past President General of There were 6 in attendance including Lone Star Co-District the San Jacinto Descendants and Lone Star District Representative, Michael Mark, President of the Representative Fred Mead. The chapter President Michael Hugh B. Johnston Chapter # 10, and Ed Norwood. Mark discussed ways to increase the membership, using the Seated are Gerry Partlow and Dan Johnston, Secretary/Treasurer of the Hugh B. Johnston Regional Library as a meeting venue when Chapter # 10. we have speakers, historical events to participate in and involvement in schools. For information on The Sons of the Republic of Texas and membership in the Hugh B Johnston Chapter contact us at [email protected] In the Spirit of 1836 John Meredith Lone Star Chapter, Registrar

In Memoriam Name Chapter Hometown James Kerr Anderson 8 Norman, OK Leonard G. Cloud, KSJ 34 Chappell Hill, TX Col. George Allen Day 39 Brownwood, TX Sam Houston IV, KSJ 38 Katy, TX Joe Emmett Perry 13 Waco, TX Jason Byron Sowell Jr. 8 Chandler, TX Edward Holt Williams 1 Great Falls, VA Henry Rugeley Ferguson 40 San Antonio, TX Jerome Kenneth Findley 52 Tyler, TX Stephen Randell Hearn Chireno, TX Lee Addie Herring 47 Granbury, TX Jack Judson Jr. 40 San Antonio, TX Gustave Mikel Manis 2 Texas City, TX Omar William Pitman Jr. 40 San Antonio, TX

6 Son Sponsors Marker for Forgotton Settlement About fifteen years ago while doing genealogical research inthe Montgomery County courthouse; Kameron K. Searle (San Jacinto Chapter #1) noticed something in a deed record that no vocational historian had ever noticed. What Kameron had seen was the name of a long forgotten settlement in Austin’s Second Colony that had never been mentioned in any published Texas history book. The settlement was the Lake Creek Settlement. With his interest piqued, Kameron set out to discover where the settlement was specifically located, who had lived there, and whether or not the colonists and settlers residing there had ever played a significant role in the early . When Kameron first looked for the settlement in Montgomery County history books in the Clayton Library in Houston and the Montgomery County Library in Conroe, there was not a single mention of the settlement. He looked in history books written about the surrounding counties of Grimes and Walker, but again found no reference to the Lake Creek Settlement in any of those county histories. So for five years, Kameron made a hobby out of locating “Lake Creek Settlement” documents. “When I had spare time, I collected primary source documents that made mention of the Lake Creek Settlement like someone else would collect rare coins or stamps,” Kameron said. He located primary sources in the Montgomery County courthouse, the Austin County courthouse, the Washington County courthouse, the Texas State Library and Archives, the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, and the Texas General Land Office. He built a website which displayed scans of all the documents he had located and asked genealogists and historians all over country if they knew the location of any additional Lake Creek Settlement documents. After five years, Kameron knew that the Lake Creek Settlement had been located between the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and the stream known as Lake Creek in what is today western Montgomery County, Texas. He knew who the original colonists that Stephen F. Austin had settled there were and had learned about their importance to the early history of Texas. He knew that the settlement had been the earliest Anglo-American settlement in what is today Montgomery County, and he knew that in 1837, the town of Montgomery, Texas had been founded in the middle of the settlement. Armed with his research, Kameron (an attorney from Houston Texas who doesn’t even live in Montgomery County) drove up to Montgomery, Texas and presented his findings to the Montgomery Historical Society. He was greeted with a tremendous amount of resistance from local historians who had lived in the area all their lives and who had never heard of the Lake Creek Settlement. “That first meeting with the Montgomery Historical Society was…well let’s just say…it got very loud,” Searle recently remembered. “The kinder ones wrote me off as some kind of nut. The others considered me something of a heretic and accused me of trying to change the county’s history.” However, Kameron was not engaging in revisionism. He was merely trying to correct what had been misreported for almost a hundred years as the county’s earliest history. Kameron ascribes to what American historian David Hackett Fischer calls the rule of responsibility which states, “the burden of proof, for any historical assertion, rests upon its author, not his readers, not his graduate students, not the next generation.” Kameron was prepared for that first meeting with the historical society and had printed copies of each document that mentioned the Lake Creek Settlement that he had located in the Montgomery County Courthouse and in archives all over the State of Texas. He challenged those present at the historical society meeting to go over to the courthouses and archives and check him. Those that checked his sources became converts to Kameron’s conclusions. Kameron spoke to every genealogical and historical group in the county about his research and wrote articles for the local newspapers and magazines. After a few more years, the vast majority of local historians in the county had come around to the truth in Kameron’s findings. Kameron mentioned the quote that is often attributed to the German philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer, “All truth passes through three stages: First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as self-evident.” “After a few years,” Kameron proudly stated, “when I

7 cont. from pg. 7 Son Sponsors Marker for Forgotton Settlement spoke to people, they began talking about the Lake Creek Settlement as though they had known about it all their lives.” In 2015, Kameron was encouraged by the Chairman of the Montgomery County Historical Commission, Larry Foerster, to apply with the Texas Historical Commission for an official marker for the Lake Creek Settlement. Billy Ray Duncan, the President of the Montgomery Historical Society, suggested a spot right in front of the N. H. Davis Museum and Pioneer Complex (which is preserved and operated by the Montgomery Historical Society) as the location for the marker. In July of 2015, the marker was unanimously approved by the Montgomery County Historical Commission for submission to the Texas Historical Commission. In January of 2016, the Lake Creek Settlement marker was approved by the Texas Historical Commission. In May of 2016, the Montgomery Independent School District Board of Trustees named the new $118 million high school, Lake Creek High School, after the Lake Creek Settlement. The marker was cast in San Antonio in December of 2016 and was delivered to the Montgomery City Hall in January of 2017. The Texas Historical Commission marker for the Lake Creek Settlement was dedicated Saturday, February 25, 2017, 186 years after the county’s earliest Anglo-American settlement was established. A huge crowd was present to witness the unveiling of the Lake Creek Settlement marker which records the history of earliest colonists to settle in what is today Montgomery County back when it was still part of Mexico. More than a 150 people showed up to see dignitaries, elected officials, academics, re-enactors and historians dedicate the marker to the once forgotten settlement. The Nat Hart Davis Museum and Pioneer Complex located on Liberty Street in Montgomery, Texas served as the Republic of Texas-era backdrop for the marker ceremony. Distinguished guest speakers included President General Bob Steakley, KSJ of The Sons of the Republic of Texas; President General Elect Barbara Stevens of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas; Montgomery County Historical Commission Chairman, Larry Foerster; Montgomery Historical Society President, Billy Ray Duncan; Texas State Representative, District 16, Will Metcalf; Sam Houston State University Professor Jim Tiller, PhD.; Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal; Montgomery County Commissioner, Precinct 1, Mike Meador and marker sponsor and historian, Kameron K. Searle. Pat Spackey spoke on behalf of the Judge Nathaniel Hart Davis Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Texas Heritage Society and as a proud descendant of Montgomery town founder W. W. Shepperd. Harry Kyle Searle, III took the photographs accompanying this article. The financial sponsors of the marker were the Texas Heritage Society and the Montgomery Historical Society. Phil Whitley, Treasurer of the Texas Heritage Society who is also a member of Sam Houston Chapter #38 of The Sons of the Republic of Texas was also in attendance at the dedication ceremony. Will Metcalf, Texas House of Representatives, District 16, read a resolution passed in the House of Representatives congratulating Kameron Searle and the Montgomery County Historical Commission on their work to preserve the history of the Lake Creek Settlement. Luine Hancock spoke on behalf of Texas State Senator, District 3, Robert Nichols, and read the resolution commemorating the dedication ceremony for the Lake Creek Settlement marker passed by the Texas Senate. The master of ceremonies for the marker dedication ceremony was Montgomery County Historical Commission Chairman, Larry Foerster. Mr. Foerster read Governor Gregg Abbott’s official Proclamation congratulating the Montgomery County Historical Commission on the approval of the Texas Historical Commission marker for the Lake Creek Settlement. Participants included the Texas Army under the direction of General Jerry Tubbs who commanded the members of the Texas Army gathered in a twenty-one gun black powder rifle and musket salute in memory the colonists and settlers of the Lake Creek Settlement who fought in the . Both the Children of the Republic of Texas and the Children of the American Revolution re-enacted in 1830’s period attire. The dedication ceremony was festooned with Texas flags furnished by Tom Green, KSJ, of The Sons of the Republic of Texas and The Sons of the American Revolution. Also in attendance was Tom Houston, KSJ (San Jacinto Chapter #1). The Lone Star Volunteers brought Rolling Thunder to honor the memory of John Marshall Wade. C. K. “Ken” Stephenson of the

8 cont. from pg. 8 Son Sponsors Marker for Forgotton Settlement Capitol City Highlanders played “The Eyes of Texas” on the bagpipes to open and close the celebration. After successfully settling the first three hundred American families in Texas under his first contract (The ), Empresario Stephen F. Austin, received a second contract from the Mexican Sate of Coahuila y Tejas to settle 500 more families from the United States in 1825 (Austin’s Second Colony). In 1831, Austin began settling colonists between the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and the stream known as Lake Creek. By 1833, this settlement was already known throughout as the Lake Creek Settlement. The marker text reads as follows: LAKE CREEK SETTLEMENT LONG BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF STEPHEN F. AUSTIN’S COLONISTS, THE COUSHATTA INDIANS TRAVELED THROUGH THE LANDS THAT WOULD BECOME THE LAKE CREEK SETTLEMENT UPON THE COUSHATTA TRACE, A TRADE ROAD FROM LOUISIANA INTO TEXAS. LOCATED IN AUSTIN’S SECOND COLONY IN THE MEXICAN STATE OF COAHUILA AND TEXAS DURING THE TEXAS COLONIAL PERIOD, LAKE CREEK SETTLEMENT TRACES ITS ORIGINS TO 1825.

ON JUNE 4, 1825, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN SIGNED A CONTRACT WITH THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT TO BEGIN THE INTRODUCTION OF FIVE HUNDRED FAMILIES FROM THE UNITED STATES. IN 1831, SOME OF THE FAMILIES SETTLED BETWEEN THE WEST FORK OF THE SAN JACINTO RIVER AND A STREAM CALLED LAKE CREEK IN TODAY’S MONTGOMERY COUNTY. THE LAKE CREEK SETTLEMENT IS THE EARLIEST KNOWN ANGLO AMERICAN SETTLEMENT IN THE COUNTY.

IN 1835, WILLIAM W. “W.W.” SHEPPERD, A COLONIST FROM NORTH CAROLINA, PURCHASED A TRACT IN THE NORTHWESTERN-MOST CORNER OF THE JOHN CORNER LEAGUE. SHEPPERD OPENED A STORE ON THE PROPERTY, THE FIRST BUSINESS IN THE AREA. HE ALSO OPERATED A GIN AND STOCKYARD AND WAS THE POSTMASTER. IN JULY 1837, SHEPPERD FOUNDED THE TOWN OF MONTGOMERY AT THE SITE OF HIS STORE.

THE AREA’S PROXIMITY TO TOWN CREEK AND AVAILABLE FRESH WATER ATTRACTED SETTLERS AND PROVIDED FOR THEIR CROPS AND LIVESTOCK. IN ADDITION, NEARBY POPULAR TRADE ROUTES AIDED IN THE COMMUNITY’S GROWTH, SERVING AS A TRADE STOP OR MEETING PLACE. A NUMBER OF LAKE CREEK SETTLERS FOUGHT IN THE TEXAS REVOLUTION, INCLUDING JOHN MARSHALL WADE, WHO MANNED ONE OF THE FAMOUS “TWIN SISTERS” CANNONS DURING THE .

During the Texas Revolution, corn from the Lake Creek Settlement came down the Coushatta Trace to Groce’s Plantation to help feed Houston’s army during the two weeks the Texas Army was located on the west bank of the Brazos River. Men from the Lake Creek Settlement fought valiantly and successfully in the Battle of Concepcion, the Grass Fight, the Siege of Bexar and the Battle of San Jacinto. Men from the Lake Creek Settlement who fought in the Texas Revolution included, but were not limited to, Matthew Cartwright, William Cartwright, Thomas Chatham, Evan Corner, James J. Foster, George Galbraith, William M. Rankin, Benjamin Rigby, Raleigh Rogers, Jacob Shannon, Jacob H. Shepperd, John M. Springer, A. U. Springer, Charles B. Stewart, William S. Taylor and John Marshall Wade.

9 cont. from pg. 9 Son Sponsors Marker for Forgotton Settlement In the Battle of San Jacinto, men from the Lake Creek Settlement fought in the infantry, the cavalry, and the artillery. One of these men was John Marshall Wade who manned one of the famous “Twin Sisters” cannons. Wade always maintained that it was a shot from his cannon that carried away the Mexican water bucket which effectively put the Mexican cannon out of operation. For a small forgotten settlement in Austin’s Second Colony, it can be argued that the colonists and settlers of the Lake Creek Settlement had a significant impact on the early history of Texas, especially the Texas Revolution. The Mission Statement of The Sons of the Republic of Texas states that, “[t]he purpose of the SRT shall be to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved the independence of Texas…” “The SRT shall organize and promote public recognition of dates and places of historical significance to the Republic of Texas with monuments and other appropriate signage or events.” Members of the SRT shall “work independently or in cooperation with state agencies and with other patriotic organizations in activities designed to obtain proper recognition, preservation and/or marking of places of historical significance.” Congratulations Kameron on a job well done!

For more information regarding the Lake Creek Settlement, go to: http://www.lakecreeksettlement.info

SRT JACK MEADOWS EAGLE COURT OF HONOR

Jack Robert Meadows Eagle Court of Honor held on April 9, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Crockett. Pictured left to right are Mayor Robert Meadows, Eagle Jack Meadows and Clayton Starr, President SRT chapter in Athens Texas. Mr. Meadows was presented by Mr. Starr a Certificate and letter from The Sons of the Republic of Texas.

ALAMO CHAPTER

Ken Pfeiffer, Eldon Cagle, Robert Bohmfalk, Jim Massingill, Billy Bob Highsmith, John Meehan, George Chall, Jason Chall, Roger Duncan, Dick Weitzel, Ed Heath, Steve Eckhardt, Al McCutcheon, David Jauer, Bob Benavides, and Tom Jones.

On March 23rd sixteen members of the Alamo Chapter completed the judging of the chapter history writing contest where over 2,000 seventh grade students participated.

10

2017 Texian Navy Day Honoring The Texian Navy

Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 10:00 AM

The Battleship Texas

View map and directions

Independence Parkway South LA Porte Texas, 77571 (281)479-2431

Ceremony organized and hosted by: The Sons of the Republic of Texas

SRT sponsored by: The Battleship Texas Foundation

Contact: Ronald W. Brown / 713 621 5660 / [email protected] (www.srttexas.org for additional details)

11 2017 ANNUAL MEETING

12 2017 ANNUAL MEETING

13 2017 Goliad Massacre Reenactment For the 32nd year in a row, re-enactors and spectators gathered at the Presidio La Bahia just south of Goliad for the annual event during the weekend of March 25th and 26th.

Texan and Mexican forces skirmish in the field in front of the Presidio La Bahia.

Approximately 3,500 visitors gathered on the hillside outside the historically restored fort to view some 250 re- enactors recreate the drama which led up to the largest loss of Texian soldiers during the Texas Revolution. The men and women re-enactors began to arrive Friday from all over to participate. Some from as far away as the Valley and Laredo, joined with other groups from Victoria, Brazoria and Wharton to conduct skirmishes, a recreation of the Creek and the Death March to a nearby ranch and one of the actual massacre sites. With the firing of black powder weaponry, the air was soon filled with smoke as the soldiers from the opposing camps crossed the field. Atop the hillsides at each end of the field, the groups fired cannons which can be heard nearly 10 miles away.

Texian Army campsite inside fort compound.

14 cont. from pg. 14 2017 Goliad Massacre Reenactment Saturday evening was highlighted by a series of candlelight tours of the fort compound, barracks and the chapel. Nuestra Senora de Loreto de la Bahia is the only building within the fort compound which was left standing after the Texas Revolution and was used during the actual massacre to house the wounded. As visitors made their way among the different groups, they heard the soldiers from both sides speaking of their hopes and concerns.

Jim Schulze, Chapter 25 Secretary-Treasurer, Re-enactor Bud Northington, Chapter 25 President Bill Christopher, Re-enactor Ron Obenhaus, President General Bob Steakley, Scott Leopold and Soldado Robby Roden.

Among the visitors was Bob Steakley, President General of the SRT who joined with members of the La Bahia SRT Chapter and the Presidio La Bahia DRT Chapter at a booth to greet visitors and pass out information about the two organizations. Several people stopped by and picked up blank application forms and fact sheets. Members from other chapters stopped by, to discuss their own ancestors or events being conducted with their local chapters.

President General Bob Steakley and Goliad Chapter President Bill Christopher.

The weekend-long experience is a reenactment of actual events which occurred in present day Goliad County between March 19, 1836, and March 27, 1836. The Battle of Coleto Creek which took place just outside the present- day town of Fannin, resulted in the surrender of nearly 500 men of the Texian Army. These were marched the ten miles back to Goliad and the Presidio La Bahia. On March 27, 1836, Palm Sunday, the prisoners of war were marched towards the where the actual massacre took place.

The annual event is a coordinated effort between the Presidio, owned by the Victoria Diocese, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department which operates the nearby General Zaragosa Birthplace, the Texas Historical Commission, Goliad County and other local and civic organizations, including the local DRT and SRT chapters whose members served as volunteers throughout the weekend.

15 Calendar of Events SAM HOUSTON COLOR 2017 Quarterly Meetings PRINT NOW AVAILABLE Order your unframed, 18” x 24” June 2-3, 2017 Hampton Inn & Suites, 240 Hasler Blvd., Bastrop, TX color print for $30, including shipping. This beautiful print 78602; (844) 281-5623; King or Double Queen, Room is a reproduction of the `856 Rate $109.+ tax; Cutoff date May 2, 2017 photograph by Fredrick of New Please give this Group code; SOR. York City when Houston was a member of the United States Sept. 8-9, 2017 Holiday Inn Suites and Express, 148 Interstate 45 S., Senate. A Pre-printed 2” purple Huntsville, TX 77340 (926) 295-4300; border gives the appearance of a real mat, thereby eliminating King or Double Queen, Room Rate $99.+ tax; the need for expensive matting; Cutoff date August 20, 2017, the mat accentuates Senator Please give this Group code; SRT. Meeting location is Houston’s purple velvet coat. Please call the national office. Katy & Don Walker, Sr. Education Center; The matted area includes a printed nameplate: Street Address: 1402 19th St., Huntsville, TX 77340 SAM HOUSTON 1793-1863 2017 SRT Events # of Prints ______@ $30.00 each $______March 2 Texas Independence Day (Insurance $1.10 per print) March 6 Fall of the Alamo Name ______March 27 Goliad Massacre Address ______April 21 San Jacinto Day ______August 5 Texas Ranger Day ______September 17 Texian Navy Day on the Battleship Texas October 2 November 3 Stephen F. Austin’s Birthday (Father of Texas)

1717 Eighth Street Bay City, TX 77414 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Contact us at: SRT Office: www.srttexas.org Email: [email protected] 1717 Eighth Street, Bay City, TX 77414 Phone: (979) 245-6644 Fax: (979) 244-3819