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

VOL IV NUMBER 3 JULY 2011 MORE 100TH AND 175TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT HUNTSVILLE! This year marks the 100th anniversary of the unveiling and dedication of the monument at Sam ’s grave at Oakwood Cemetery, Huntsville. The monument, completed in 1911, was sculpted by Italian born, U.S. naturalized citizen, . Among Coppini’s other works are the cenotaph memorial to the Alamo defenders, in front of The University of ´ Texas Tower, the statue of a Terry’s Texas Ranger in front of the , the statue of Rufus Burleson at Burleson Quadrangle, and the statue of at Texas A&M University. After the June 4, quarterly meeting and tour of the Memorial Museum, the Executive Committee placed a wreath of yellow and red roses at Sam Houston’s grave during this important 175th anniversary year of Texas independence, as well as the 100th anniversary year of the dedication of this monument. Chaplain General David E. Stone gave cont. pg. 3 PRESIDENT GENERAL’S MESSAGE The Saturday morning meeting a part of our new WEB Page bore much fruit for the coming days Committee and will build on the of the SRT. foundation he originally put into We have formed a new committee place. to develop a new SRT web page. We were excited to vote on our District Rep. John Homman, newest SRT chapter, the James assisted by John Meredith, President George Chapter #59 of Athens, Texas. of the Lone Star Chapter, presented Charter date to be announced. a mock up of the the new proposed Congratulations to these folks up in web page for the SRT, which will East Texas. Sam F. Clark, KSJ allow us to reach out to prospective Immediately after our meeting, we One of our best Executive Meetings members and disseminate had the honor to accompany SRT yet was held on the weekend of June information to our current members. Honorary Member Dr. Patrick Nolan 3rd & 4th in Huntsville. Committeeman Vaughn Oliver will continue to be on a tour of the historic buildings and Randy Pollard and Trish Pollard cont. pg. 2 sponsored our Friday evening get WHAT’S INSIDE together at the Homestead on 19th St. Randy’s ancestors built the original Huntsville Meeting ...... 1, 3 Huntsville Pictures ...... 8-9 structure where we enjoyed our President General’s Message ... 1-2 Chapter News and Events .. 6-7,10-11 Janet’s Korner...... 2 In Memoriam ...... 11 evening together. The food and Mystery Photo Answer ...... 3-4 Speaker Bureau ...... 13-14 refreshments were great. Thank you, Sam Houston DVD ...... 4 New Members ...... 15 Randy and Trish. Texian Navy Day ...... 5-6 Calendar of Events ...... 16 PRESIDENT GENERAL’S MESSAGE cont. from pg. 1 the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, which enabled us to gain insight into life during the Great Republic era. Midday we gathered at the grave site of our great leader and statesman, Sam Houston. David Stone, Chaplain General, led us in a graveside memorial service honoring Sam Houston, with scripture and the laying of a wreath. Sam Houston IV, great grandson of Sam Houston, shared some of the Houston family history and insight into the man that we honored during our visit. Thanks to all of you for your hard work and the love you have for Texas as we move forward. Sam Clark, KSJ. President General SRT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2011 - 2012 JANET’S Korner By: Janet Knox Administrative Assistant email: [email protected] 1717 Eighth Street Bay City, Texas 77414 (979) 245-6644

• If you’re looking for a Chapter’s web page, please go to the SRT web page, click on Membership Chapters, then go to the Chapter you are looking for.

• The KSJ Yearbook for 2011 is now available! This yearbook contains all the names, dates, and bios for every Left to right front row; Knight through the last investment on April 2, 2011. The David Stone; Tom Houston; Sam F. Clark, KSJ; David yearbook is printed and posted in a three ring binder. The Hanover; and Janet Knox price is $25. which includes printing and shipping. All Left to right back row: orders are submitted to Janet. Robert Kendall, KSJ; Randy Pollard; L. Vaughn Oliver, KSJ and Edward A. Heath (not shown Bob Steakley) • Please note that any applicants for membership in the SRT must have 3 signatures of recommending SRT members. It DISTRICT REPRESENTIVES is not necessary if the applicant lives out of state, but every 2011 - 2012 applicant should affiliate with a chapter. This does not mean that they will have to attend meetings. Application must be typed and notarized.

• I would like to Thank You for the articles and pictures you are sending for your newsletter; they have been GREAT. If your chapter has or will be celebrating any events for the 175th Anniversary this year or any other events PLEASE email me at: [email protected]. I will be putting the October issue together for publication; deadline is September 19th.

• We have contacted a company to make presentation folders Left to right front row: for the SRT with the logo on the front . These should be Ken Pfeiffer; Duane Blair; and Joe Pyle $ available for purchase by the end of July for 3.50 each. Left to right back row: Please call Janet at (979) 245-6644 to purchase. John Homman; John Knox and Stan Stokes (not shown Bob Steakley)

2 IN AND AROUND TEXAS

MORE 100TH AND 175TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT HUNTSVILLE! cont. from pg. 1 the invocation, and President General Sam F. Clark, KSJ, led the brief ceremony. Sam Houston IV, KSJ, shared accounts of the gentler side of his great-grandfather, sharing several accounts demonstrating the close friendship with Jeff Hamilton; at the age of 13 in 1853, Jeff worked for the Houston household and as Houston’s personal driver and valet. After Houston’s death in July 1863, Jeff moved with the Houston family to Independence, Texas, and remained with them until Margaret Houston’s death. He remained an honorary member of the Houston family and attended all their reunions and special family events, until his death in Belton in 1941. At the end of the ceremony, Chaplain General Stone closed with a prayer.

A wreath of yellow and red roses were placed at Sam (L-R) President General Sam F. Clark Houston’s grave; the red roses are symbolic of the month KSJ, and Past President General Sam of July, remembering his death on July 26, 1863 Houston IV, KSJ MYSTERY PHOTO IDENTIFIED! As promised in the April issue, here are the captions and “the rest of the story,” for those of you who were unable to attend the June Executive Committee meeting in Huntsville. The photograph was taken on April 21, 1911, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the and the unveiling of the monument at Houston’s grave. An original Program of Exercises may be viewed in the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, along with other photos of the event. One panoramic view shows a crowd of several hundred onlookers at the unveiling of the monument. The afternoon event began at 1:00 PM, with a procession formed at the Huntsville Courthouse Square. Exercises at General Houston’s grave began at 2:00 PM. The unveiling was performed by one of Houston’s daughters, Nettie Houston Bringhurst, with a keynote address delivered by Col. William Jennings Bryan. Also delivering some remarks was W.P. Zuber, Veteran of San Jacinto.

Of Margaret Lea and Sam Houston’s eight children (Sam Houston, Jr., 1843–1894; Nancy Elizabeth, 1846–1920; Margaret Lea, 1848–1906; Mary William, called “Mary Willie,” 1850–1931; Antoinette Power, called “Nettie,” 1852–1932; Houston, 1854-1941; William Rogers, 1858–1891; Temple Lea Houston, 1860– 1905), three of them were in attendance, along with other family members: Antoinette Bringhurst Bush (Nettie “Jr.”) – Houston’s granddaughter, daughter of Nettie Bringhurst, called “Aunt Pet” by some of Houston’s great-grandchildren. Mary Willie Houston Morrow – Houston’s third daughter. cont. pg. 4 3 cont. from pg. 3

William Rogers Houston – Houston’s third son, an Indian agent in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Antoinette Power Houston Bringhurst (Nettie) – Houston’s fourth daughter. Annie McKeever Williams – Franklin Williams’ wife. Franklin Williams – Houston’s grandson. William Jennings Bryan – speaker at the dedication ceremony. Bryan was known for his innate talent at oratory and his famous 1896 “Cross of Gold” speech. General Houston no doubt would have been proud of such a famous person delivering a fine oration. Bryan ran for president of the in 1896, 1900 and 1908, ultimately being appointed by as Secretary of State in 1913, less than two years after this ceremony at Houston’s grave. Alfonso Steele – one of the last two Texas Army veterans. William P. Zuber – one of the last two Texas Army veterans; according to authors Dan Kilgore and James E. Crisp in How Did Davy Die? And Why Do We Care So Much?, “Zuber could be called the greatest Alamo folklorist, because he is the single source for the most dramatic episodes of the gallant defense. Only through Zuber does the world know of Travis’ impassioned before-the-battle speech which Zuber literally composed during ‘a phenomenal refreshment of memory.’ Only on Zuber’s word do we know of Travis’ drawing that legendary sword-etched line in the dirt of the Alamo floor. Only Zuber told of the ailing Bowie asking his comrades to lift his cot over the line and of Moses Rose declining to step across, thereby becoming the last man to leave the garrison and escape the slaughter. Zuber devoted much of his later life to writing down, then defending, what his parents had gleaned from Moses Rose while Rose recuperated at the Zuber home during his 1836 flight from the Alamo.” (In the photo, notice the hand-held hearing aid!)

SAM HOUSTON DVD At the Walker Education Center, Sam Houston State University, after the June 4, Executive Committee meeting, David Hanover with 2011 DVD “Sam Houston – American Statesman, Soldier, and Pioneer,” autographed by two of the 180 minute video’s commentators, (L) Sam Houston IV, KSJ, great-grandson of Sam Houston and (R) Dr. Patrick Nolan, Director of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and SRT Honorary member. After the meeting, Dr. Nolan conducted a tour of the grounds and museum for SRT members and their guests.

4 TEXIAN NAVY DAY ON BATTLESHIP TEXAS By: SRT Texas Navy Committee

On Saturday, September 17, 2011, 11:00 AM, The Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT) will host a ceremony on board the Battleship Texas, thanks to the gracious sponsorship by The Battleship Texas Foundation and assistance from the staff of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Organized by the SRT Texas Navy Committee, the ceremony will honor Commodore Edwin Ward Moore and the entire Republic of Texas Navy. During the program, the SRT Sam Houston Chapter #38 will honor the USS San Jacinto (CG-56) Enlisted Sailor of the Year. The keynote speaker for the event will be SRT Honorary member Dr. Archie P. McDonald, Professor of History at Stephen F. State University.

Battleship Texas Formerly USS Texas (BB-35) Battleship Texas State Historic Site 3523 Independence Parkway South La Porte, Texas 77571

In this 175th anniversary year, it is important to remember the role that the Republic of Texas Navy made in winning and maintaining independence from . Much of the colonists’ discontent with the centralist Mexican government involved maritime issues, including unreasonable tariffs on goods. In September 1835, the first naval engagement occurred near Velasco between the Texian privateer, the San Felipe, and a Mexican revenue cutter, the Correo Mejicano; the Correo Mejicano was forced to unconditionally surrender. Less than one month later, the first land engagement between Texian colonists and Mexican forces occurred at Gonzales on October 2, 1835. Historians have long credited the victory at San Jacinto, in part, to the navy’s disruption of Mexican supplies and reinforcements, as well as supplying much needed provisions to General Houston’s army. After San Jacinto, the valiant force continued to harass the enemy at sea, maintaining a watchful presence on the Gulf of Mexico.

Commodore Edwin Ward Moore, an Alexandria Academy graduate and lieutenant in the United States Navy, was recruited as commander of the Texas Navy in 1839, by President Lamar. At the climactic Battle of Campeche on May 16, 1843, the much outgunned Texian ships Wharton and flagship Austin, commanded by Moore, bested the most modern warships in the world of the Mexican Navy and inflicted heavy casualties. The Campeche campaign proved to be the final voyage for the Texas Navy vessels, arriving in Galveston on July 14, 1843, never to sail again for the Republic of Texas.

Commodore Edwin Ward Moore cont. on pg. 6 Rare cabinet card 5 cont. from pg. 5 TEXIAN NAVY DAY ON BATTLESHIP TEXAS The Texas Navy was immortalized forever by gun manufacturer Samuel Colt. Colt had credited the navy as saving his company from financial ruin by its large order of revolvers and carbines in 1839. As Colt’s gesture of appreciation, his company produced the 1851 Colt Navy revolver, with the Battle of Campeche depicted on the cylinder. There are no doubt avid gun collectors today who may not realize the origins of the “naval battle scene.”

Image: Dorothy Sloan Auctions - 2009 Original working pen and ink drawing for 1851 Colt Navy revolver, by Colt engraver Ormsby; caption in Edwin Ward Moore’s hand. Interestingly, Moore dates the engraving as the earlier encounter with the Mexican squadron, April 30, 1843.

(L-R) Ship Manager Andy Smith and SRT Texas Navy Committee member Ron Brown discuss logistics for a special Texian Navy Day ceremony on board the Battleship Texas.

NOTE: Battleship Texas admission fees will be waived during the time of the ceremony only. Stop by the ship’s store to purchase specialty items prepared for this year’s Texian Navy Day. For additional information, contact David Hanover at [email protected], or call 903 372-6190.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR STEPHEN F. AUSTIN Sponsored by the Moses Austin Chapter 12, The Sons of the Republic of Texas; Austin, Texas On November 3rd, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at the Stephen F. Austin High School Theater; 1770 Dumble Street. or 1:30 p.m. at the O. Henry Middle School; 2610 West 10th Street. Program by Bob Heinonen as Stephen F. Austin Dignitaries attending: Austin family members, Sam Houston IV, Karen Thompson-President General, DRT, Sam Clark-President General, SRT, Lee White-Alamo Defenders Descendant Assoc., Joe Davis-Former Texas Rangers Assoc. and Dr. Al Walling-San Jacinto Descendants Association 6 194TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF EL PERDIDO Sunday, June nineteenth of this year, we marked the 194th anniversary of the BATTLE OF EL PERDIDO with a quiet commemoration where Henry Perry (17??-1817), died in an aborted attempt to occupy La Bahia in 1817. Major Henry Perry participated in the Gutiérrez-Magee expedition of 1812-1813 and the first Declaration of Independence of the State of Texas and escaped to Lousianna in 1813, after the BATTLE OF MEDINA when the Spanish under General Arredondo defeated the filibusters 21 miles south of de Bexar. In 1816, Henry Perry organized an invading force and was camped on Bolivar Point in Texas when he joined his forces with Xavier Mina for an invasion of Soto La Marina (south of Matamoros). At Soto La Marina, Perry and Mina split their forces, and Henry Perry trekked overland guided by Manuel Costillo of Carmargo to Goliad. At Goliad, Perry demanded the surrender of the presidio of La Bahia, (a repeat of the strategy of the Gutiérrez-Magee expedition of 1812). When Perry attacked the presidio, his group was flanked by a Spanish detachment that arrived from San Antonio de Bexar under the command of Governor Martinez. Perry´s group fled to high ground that is near the town of Fannin, Texas where the Spanish received reinforcements. The BATTLE OF EL PERDIDO where Henry Perry and his second in com- mand Major Gordon were killed is about a mile and a half north of THE BATTLE OF COLETO where Colonel Fannin was defeated by Mexican General Urrea in March of 1836 after retreating from La Bahia.

TEXAS HISTORY TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS ISSUED BY THE LONE STAR CHAPTER Mr. Glenn Janek of Morehead Junior High school and Ms. Marianne Messinger of Knox Junior High school were selected for the 2010/2011 school calendar year as the Texas history Teachers of the Year in Montgomery County. The awards come with $750 cash to each teacher, a certificate, and the entire 7th grade from each school receives a presentation play done by Mr. Bob Heinonen from Heroes of History. Bob portrays Colonel William Travis in the play. This is the fifth consecutive year that the Lone Star Chapter has made these awards. It involves online nomination voting from peers and students, as well as class room decorations and teacher abilities/recommendation from their executive staff. The certificates and awards are presented to the teachers at the annual meeting of the Lone Star Chapter held this year on June 9th at the Steamboat House restaurant in Houston.

William Travis draws the line in the sand David Martin, John Meredith, Glenn Janek, and Bob Heinonen at Morehead Jr High

Bob Heinonen and Marianne Messinger at Knox Jr. High

7 SAM HOUSTON MEMORIAL MUSEUM AND GROUNDS TOUR

8 Photos courtesy of Kevin G. Knox

(L-R) San Jacinto Chapter member Joe Davidson San Jacinto Chapter President Ron Brown and and wife, Rose Marie, listen to Dr. Patrick Nolan Historian General Ed Heath discuss the tell about Bear Bend Cabin on the grounds of the powerful bear trap seen in Sam Houston’s law Sam Houston Memorial Museum. office on the grounds of Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Taking a break from touring the Sam Houston Memorial Museum on June 4, (back row, L-R) Piney Woods District Representative Joe Pyle and San Jacinto Chapter President Ron Brown; (front row, L-R) San Jacinto Chapter member Joe Davidson and Past President General Sam Houston IV, KSJ. On the wall is the famous Frederick of photograph when Sam Houston was a U.S. Senator from Texas. In the display case are some of Houston’s personal items, including the beaver hat and walking cane from the famous photograph. Based on the painstaking measurements and sketch, it would appear that President General After an extensive tour of the grounds, conducted by Clark may be planning to build a yellow pine stand- SRT Honorary member Dr. Patrick Nolan, Director of up writing desk of his own! Sam Houston gave the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, members and this desk to Anne Cavitt Armstrong. This pine desk guests toured the museum on their own, often asking with wooden pegs was used at the Cavitt Inn stage Dr. Nolan for interesting bits of information from his stop in Wheelock, Texas. vast knowledge of the collection. cont. on pg. 10 9 cont. from pg. 9 Standing with Margaret Lea and Sam Houston’s Woodland home in the background are (L) Gene Pilgrim, Sr. and (R) Charles Luna, with President General Sam F. Clark, KSJ. Pilgrim and Luna attended the June 4, meeting at Walker Education Center, Huntsville, to hear Secretary General Bob Steakley’s recommendation for approval of a new SRT chapter, the James George Chapter #59, Athens. The Executive Committee vote was unanimous. The chapter is named in honor of Pilgrim’s Alamo defender ancestor, James George. Congratulations Gene and Charles! Photos courtesy of David Hanover ALAMO CHAPTER, TEXAS HISTORY ESSAY CONTEST Each year the Alamo Chapter sponsors the Texas History Essay contests in San Antonio middle schools. The 7th grade participants developed posters and wrote essays on topics of historical importance in Texas history. Twenty-five winners from five schools were awarded certificates and savings bonds. The first place winner from each school received a Texas flag that was flown over the Alamo. Nine teachers were also awarded certificates. The awards presentation took place in front of the Alamo on Saturday, April 9th, during Fiesta. This contest has increased public awareness and advanced the education of local youth of the historical significance of Texas and its history. Between 1700 and 2000 students have participated each year over the last three years.

Pictured: Front row-Contest winners from San Antonio middle schools Back row from left to right - Ken Pfeiffer, President, Bob Benavides, Historian Admin, Ed Heath, State Historian General, 4 reenactors from SALHA, Al McCutcheon, Past President, Jose Lopez & Tommie Woods.

SALHA- San Antonio Living History Association

THE ALEXANDER HORTON CHAPTER HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING

The Alexander Horton Chapter #20, San Augustine, TX held its Annual Meeting on April 30, 2011, at the San Augustine Chamber of Commerce Tourism Center in San Augustine. Dinner was served and a large crowd, including many prominent SRT members, was present. This event was organized and emceed by Past President General, LaVon Left to right Kenneth Skillern, KSJ. and 1st Vice President General David Hanover. Tindall, KSJ. Prominent members present were President General Sam Clark, KSJ, and 1st Vice President General David Hanover, KSJ designee, Billy Johnson, KSJ, past President General and Kenneth Skillern, KSJ, past Historian General. Joe W. Pyle, District Representative, was also present. An impressive presentation was made by Tom Green, KSJ, Chairman of the SRT Speakers Bureau, with his many flags depicting significant events in our Texas history. This presentation was extremely well done and the attendees enjoyed it. Following the dinner and presentation, the new slate of Chapter #20 officers was sworn in by President General Sam Clark, KSJ. Left to right Tom Green, KSJ. and Christian Sparks, President of Chapter #20 10 SRT IS ROLLING IN AGGIELAND The William Joel Bryan Chapter #14 in Bryan-College Station has reorganized after a 10 year lapse and is off to a good start. Officers were elected with George Nelson as President, John Hicks, Vice President, Mervin Peters, Secretary and Charlie Briggs, KSJ., Treasurer. Additionally, Blair Fannin is Publicist and Jimmy Johnson Webmaster. Prior members are excited to be meeting again, and new additions are already contributing to the chapter in a number of ways. With 53 members and only thirteen living out of regular driving range, we expect meeting attendance to be improving from our first meeting of fifteen. Meetings were held in February and April and will resume after the summer. We were fortunate to have a good contingent of state officers attend the May meeting, and President General Sam Clark, KSJ. was kind enough to bring a program focused on the goals, objectives, and activities of SRT and various chapters. 2nd VP Tom Houston presented Bob Schuhmann with his District Representative of the Year recognition at the April meeting. The chapter has adopted three projects, two relating to publicly documenting Citizens of the Republic of Texas. One will be for the ancestors of our members and the other for citizens who died in Brazos and adjoining counties. These projects will stretch over a number of years, as considerable effort will be needed to locate the graves for many of them. The third project involves beautification of the Brazos County Courthouse, currently under extensive remodeling. We will focus on the monument garden outside the entrance that has five historical markers including one for our chapter namesake, William Joel Bryan. The cedar tree was moved from the original courthouse in Boonville when the county seat was moved to Bryan in 1866.

We were pleased to learn of the San Jacinto Chapter presentation to 3rd and 7th grade students at the Bush Library in May and took the opportunity to observe and learn. As a result, some members are planning to present a proposal to our chapter to establish one or more teams, offering similar yet unique programs in the local schools each spring. If more than one team can be organized, we will try to offer some to surrounding communities. Thanks to the San Jacinto Chapter for an excellent service to our organization and for our future leaders of this great state. Also thanks for allowing us to observe, and we hope to be strengthening the overall programming for our area by next year.

LONE STAR SRT PRESENTS MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM On Monday, May 30, 2011, three members of the Lone Star Chapter of The Sons of the Republic of Texas (president, John Meredith; vice president, Fred Mead and past president, David Martin) presented a Memorial Day program to the fourth grade classes of the Burchett Elementary school in the Spring Independent School District. Using the chapter´s “Texas” flags, the three Republic of Texas descendants presented a brief history of the and the histories of their respective ancestors. All of our country´s veterans were honored, with an emphasis on honoring all the brave soldiers and soldados who died defending their ideals and the honor of their country during the great struggle for Texas independence. The students participated in a lively and informative question and answer session after the presentation. In Memoriam Name Chapter Hometown Robert Michael Kelly Goliad, TX

11 IN AND AROUND TEXAS

REDEDICATION OF THE STATE CENTENNIAL MARKER May 21, 2011, at the re-dedication of the State Centennial marker that was destroyed during hurricane Ike. The Harris County Historical Committee managed to get approval to make a new replacement marker for the site of where Lorenzo de Zavala’s home was located. Lorenzo de Zavala was elected Vice President of the Republic of Texas at the March 1836 Washington-on-the-Brazos convention where Texas declared independence. Among the many accomplishments of Lorenzo de Zavala was the effort to start a Masonic Lodge in the Republic of Texas, and members of the Lorenzo de Zavala Lodge No. 1397 conducted many of the tributes to Lorenzo de Zavala including the raising of a huge de Zavala Flag at the end of the ceremony. Tom Green was asked to bring historic flags that Lorenzo de Zavala would have seen, or known about during his short life, having died November 15, 1836 at this site.

SRT EAGLE SCOUT AWARD SRT Life Member Jonathan Pollard, 18, San Jacinto Chapter, was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. He also earned 42 merit badges, double the required number of badges and a record for his troop. Jonathan's Troop 222 is sponsored by Bellaire United Methodist Church, which was the beneficiary of his Eagle project. Jonathan led his volunteer crew to demolish an old sidewalk, replacing the void with sand and sod and making improvements to a flower bed at the church. Jonathan was the second place winner in this year's SRT Texas History Essay Contest. After writing his essay about the battle of San Jacinto, he made the decision to attend Sam Houston State University this fall and hopes to get a student job at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, so he can learn more about Sam Houston. He plans to major in Environmental Science.

12 FIVE MEDALLION CEREMONY IN UTOPIA IS AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS The following is a reprint of the article from the Hill County Herald, written by Billie Franklin. We thank him for his coverage of the event. We have attached three photos taken at the event. Over 100 people attended. ALAMO HERO HONORED by Billie Franklin Benjamin Franklin Highsmith, the only person who took part in every battle for Texas independence and survived, was remembered on Saturday at Jones Cemetery north of Utopia. Honoring his memory were members of The Sons of the Republic of Texas Moses Austin Chapter 12, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Alamo Defenders Descendants Association, San Jacinto Descendants Association, Former Texas Rangers Association, Frontier Bat- talion Texas Rangers, and family including Agnes Highsmith Reavis, his granddaughter. Ben Highsmith was the young boy who was sent by Colonel Travis for help and upon his return found the Alamo besieged. He outlived all the survivors of the Alamo with the exception of the one year old Perez baby who did outlive him. He received no land grants for his service to the Republic. He was paid some for being a Texas Ranger and as a soldier in the Mexican American War from which he received a pension because of a disability. He lived out Texas history. This is the only gravesite in the State of Texas honored with 5 medallions. This man was a walking tall, true hero. People came from Austin, Boerne, Castroville, Cedar Creek, Cotulla, Devine, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Hondo, Huntsville, Kerrville, Junction, Medina, Poteet, Sabinal, San Angelo, San Antonio, Valentine, Uvalde, and of course Utopia to attend the ceremony.

SEPTEMBER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING IN SAN ANTONIO Make hotel reservations now with Drury Inn, near La Cantera, and register online with SRT to attend the September 9-10, 2011, Executive Committee (EC) meeting. Drury Inn is located at 15806 IH-10 West, San Antonio, and the cut-off date for the special SRT rate of $99 plus tax is August 9, 2011. Call 210 696-0800, and ask for the SRT block, LTI Group Number 2101759; or online, go to www.druryhotels.com, click on Book It Fast, then enter group number 2101759. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting at 8:30 AM on Saturday morning, but only EC members may vote. Afterward, you will have the opportunity to visit the University of Texas at San Antonio to view the Kathryn Stoner O’Connor Collection, The Sons of the Republic of Texas Foundation, Inc. The collection consists of rare documents and books and is owned by the SRT Foundation. For interested members arriving early on Friday, September 9, plan to attend a confirmed now marker dedication for Past President General Hobart Huson at San Jose Cemetery, 8235 Mission Road, San Antonio. Details will be posted on the SRT web site closer to the date. SRT SPEAKERS BUREAU KEEPS TEXAS HISTORY ALIVE! Several years ago, at a September Executive Committee meeting in Salado, Past President General Sam Houston IV, KSJ, urged the creation of a Speakers Bureau as one way for The Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT) to achieve its stated purpose, mission and goals. The past three years have witnessed numerous successes of that vision. The Speakers cont. pg. 14 13 cont. pg. 14 SRT SPEAKERS BUREAU KEEPS TEXAS HISTORY ALIVE! Bureau, chaired by Tom B. Green, KSJ, has presented countless Texas flag programs to schools and civic groups across the state, and other members have given numerous programs on specific topics of Texas history. The SRT website offers a list of speakers and topics available. A very positive inroad to Texas educators has been achieved through programs presented at the Region 7 Education Service Center in Kilgore and the Region 6 center in Huntsville. These centers disseminate material to teachers within their service regions and are located throughout the state. There are numerous potential speaking opportunities at these centers. 2011 has been a tremendous year for continuing education programs for the Speakers Bureau, marking the third year of the SRT Texas History Lecture Series at Lone Star College – Tomball, Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL), chaired by Denton Bryant. The spring 2011, schedule included: “Dr. Ashbel Smith, Texas Hero in Medicine, Education, Government and the Military,” by Dr. Joe Goulding; “William Barret Travis, Texas Hero,” first person portrayal by Bob Heinonen; “The Life and Times of Charles Goodnight, by Past President General Leonard Cloud, KSJ; and “A Comparison of the American and Texas Revolutions,” by Tom Green, KSJ. This spring, Tom Green, KSJ, coordinated an equally impressive lineup of programs at Lone Star College – Kingwood, in New Caney. The schedule included: “Colonial Texas: Pieces of Eight and Paper Pesos,” by Honorary member James P. Bevill; “The Archeology of the Mexican Army in Texas,” by Honorary member Dr. Gregg Dimmick; “The Similarities Between the American Revolution and the Texas Revolution,” by Tom Green, KSJ; “The Texas Rangers,” by President General Sam F. Clark, KSJ; and “The Republic of Texas Navy,” by 1st Vice President General David Hanover. Another great lecture series is shaping up for the fall of 2011. The lectures at Lone Star College – Tomball include: “Stephen F. Austin, The Father of Texas,” by Bob Heinonen; “Noah Smithwick, The Man Who Made Horseshoes,” by Dr. Joe Rice; “Frontier Women in Early Texas History,” by Eron Tynes, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, San Jacinto Chapter; “A Visit From General Sam Houston,” by Honorary member Charley Fogarty; and “, The Man With the Knife,” by Honorary member, Jack Edmondson. At Lone Star College – Kingwood, the lectures are: “The Alamo,” by David Martin, and “Martin Parmer, the Ring-Tailed Panther, and His Many Roles in the Texas Revolution,” by Kameron K. Searle. Tom Green, KSJ, is also working with the Montgomery campus of Lone Star College and has been in touch with the University of Houston at Clear Lake and the new Pearland campus for other lectures. Additionally, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston senior program has requested a series of lectures. If you have a favorite topic of Texas history and would like to participate in this exciting program that keeps Texas history alive and presents SRT to the general public in a very favorable way, please contact Tom Green, KSJ, at [email protected].

Speaker, President (L-R) Denton Bryant presents Certificate of General Sam F. Clark, KSJ (R) Bob Heinonen, portraying Col. William Appreciation to speaker, Dr. Joe Goulding Barret Travis, receives Certificate of Appreciation from Denton Bryant

(L-R) Denton Bryant presents Certificate of Appreciation to speaker, Past President General Leonard Cloud, KSJ (L-R) SRT Honorary members James P. Bevill and Dr. Gregg Dimmick, at the Houston Museum of Natural (L-R) Speaker, Tom Green, KSJ, also Science; in addition to the SRT Speakers Bureau Chairman of the SRT Speakers Bureau, programs, both men have lectured on their areas of with speaker, David Hanover expertise at the museum’s TEXAS! exhibit. 14 NEW SRT MEMBERS

Name Chapter Ancestor Hometown Anthony Breen Dix Joseph Harbour Woodbridge, VA Garrett Bradley Merket Isaac Brock Midland,TX Robert Lee Taylor Andrew Washington O’Hair Ventura, CA Steven Andrew Galloway 1 James Barnes Pearland, TX Jonathan David Hernandez 1 Mariano Cabrera The Woodlands, TX James Brian Keast 1 Jacob Crawford Houston, TX George Garrett Keast 1 Jacob Crawford New York, New York Larry George Keast 1 Jacob Crawford Houston, TX James Gossett McVey 1 Andrew Edwards Gossett Deer Park, TX James Gossett McVey 1 Elijah Gossett Deer Park, TX Cody Warren Meek 1 Johann Heinrich Kraft Richmond, TX Maurice Gabriel Nassar, Jr. 1 John Buck Paxton Houston, TX Michael Lee Nassar 1 John Buck Paxton Houston, TX Michael Douglas Pope 1 Col. Martin Palmer, Jr Bacliff, TX Keenan Ross White 1 John Wesley Scallorn Houston, TX Don Martin Hillis 6 Elisha Madison Collins Wharton, TX Thomas Cullee Mayes, Jr. 7 William Lindsay Mann Shavano Park, TX Lawrence Arthur Pratt 7 Gilbert Andrew Pratt San Antonio, TX Justin Will Avery 12 Willis Thomas Avery Buda, TX Cody Arvene Mauck 12 Gordon C Jennings Elgin, TX Stephen Davis Sheffield 12 John Cecil Sheffield Hutto, TX Michael Ernest Young 12 Elijah Stapp Austin, TX Peter Evans Kultgen 13 Chauncey R Johnson Waco, TX Audley Dee Dry 16 Louis Jones Victoria, TX Douglas Gerald Duncan 29 John Turner Tinsley Alpine, TX James Roland Tuttle 29 George Washington Tuttle, Sr Shiner, TX Karl Eric Snyder 34 James Stephenson Hudson, WI Gayle Nichols Weeren 34 Frederick J Laas Burton, TX Charles Stephen Bennett 36 Elijah Stapp Arlington, TX Dexter Harvey Gatlin 36 Gottfried Preusser Bedford, TX Don Arthur Adrain 40 John Meyers McKinney Boerne, TX Jason Patrick Chall 40 Joseph Hill McCoy San Antonio, TX Jason Patrick Chall 40 John “Padre” McCoy San Antonio, TX Jason Patrick Chall 40 Jesse McCoy San Antonio, TX Kenneth Wayne Huizar 40 Gregorio Esparza Pleasanton, TX Russell Edward Ives 40 James Riley Adkins, TX Fred Ray Weitzel 40 Dilue Rose Harris Victoria, TX Thomas Frank Ward 47 Heman Ward Granbury, TX Chris Allen Grandjean 48 Peter Odet Frisco, TX Charles Edward Luna, Jr. 52 Sarah Virginia Blair Athens, TX Gene Howard Pilgrim, Jr. 52 James William George Garland, TX William Calvin Royle 56 Richard G Hall Lufkin, TX Robert Anthony Holt 58 David Calloway Houston, TX James Anthony Weynand 58 Montracille Fouty The Woodlands, TX

15 Calendar of Events 2011 Executive Committee Meetings Sept. 9-10 San Antonio – Drury Inn San Antonio near La Cantera, 15806 IH-10 West, San Antonio, (210) 696-0800, (ask for SRT block LTI Group Number: 2101759); or online, go to www.druryhotels.com, click on Book It Fast, then enter group number of 2101759. August 9, 2011 cut-off. Rate: 2 Queen Beds Deluxe Non-Smoking $99 + tax. After lunch on Saturday, group visit UTSA to see the Kathryn Stoner O’Connor Collection, The Sons of the Republic of Texas Foundation, Inc. Dec. 2-3 Victoria – Hampton Inn, 7006 N. Navarro St., Victoria, TX 77904, (361) 573-9911; ask for group code “SON”; Room rate $99 + tax. 2011 SRT Events March 2 Texas Independence Day March 6 Fall of the Alamo March 27 Goliad Massacre April 21 San Jacinto Day September 17 Texian Navy Day on the Battleship Texas October 2 Battle of Gonzales November 3 Stephen F. Austin’s Birthday (Father of Texas) 2012 Annual Meeting March 23-25 Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel & Conference Center, 2033 Sidney Baker (Highway 16), Kerrville, TX Toll-Free: 1-877-YO RESORT (1-877-967-3767)

2011 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING Sept. 9-10, San Antonio – Drury Inn San Antonio near La Cantera, 15806 IH-10 West, San Antonio, (210) 696-0800, (ask for SRT block LTI Group Number: 2101759)

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