TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE TOP TEXAN TOURNAMENT TEACHERS PACKET

For many people the month of March is synonymous with sports tournaments and competition brackets. Why not harness the excitement of March Madness with Texas History?

The Top Texan Tournament is an educational initiative of the Texas General Land Office’s Save Texas History Program. During March, participants can choose from 64 contestants and vote on their “Top Texan”. Those chosen represent Texas history from the present day as far back as the eighteenth century. There are revolutionaries and recording artists; politicians and pioneers; activ- ists, artists, and athletes; and everything in between.

The following pages can be printed and posted for classroom use. Students are encouraged to pick a favorite Texan, carry out basic research, and persuade their classmates through short pre- sentations. As choices get eliminated, students are encouraged to predict who the Top Texan might be.

The Top Texan Tournament is a great way to get students excited about debating and discussing Texas history! ROUND 1 ROUND 2 ROUND 3 SEMI FINALS FINALS WOMEN’S DIVISION CONTENDERS

Adina de Zavala

Preservationist and granddaughter of Lorenzo de Zavala.

Central to the preservation of the Alamo and portions of the original wall and con- vent through work with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas; she barricaded her- self inside the north barrack of the Alamo for three days in February 1908 to protest its destruction.

In 1912, she organized the Texas Historical and Landmarks Association, which placed thirty-eight markers at historic sites in Texas.

Mary Maverick

Established St. Mark’s Church in San Antonio and served as the president of the Ladies’ Parish Aid Society for over twenty years.

Prominent member of the San Antonio Historical Society and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas; she published memoirs that provide dramatic insight into pioneer Texas life.

As president of the Alamo Monument Association, advocated for the restoration of the site.

Betty Eve Ballinger

Co-founder of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in 1891.

Served on the executive committee and wrote the organization’s constitution and by-laws, and organized and presided over the Galveston Chapter of the DRT.

Supported the women’s suffrage movement and helped co-found one of the first women’s literary clubs in Texas. WOMEN’S DIVISION CONTENDERS

Clara Driscoll

Businesswoman, philanthropist, and historic preservationist.

From 1903 to 1905 she worked with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to acquire and preserve the Alamo by personally paying most of the purchase price. The young philanthropist received extensive national publicity as the “Savior of the Alamo.”

She was elected as the Democratic Party’s national committeewoman from Texas in 1922 and served in that position for an unprecedented sixteen years.

Jane McCallum

Entered politics by campaigning for prohibition and women’s suffrage; elected pres- ident of the Austin Women’s Suffrage Association In 1915.

During World War I, as women’s chairman of the fourth Liberty Loan Drive, she led Austin women in raising nearly $700,000 for the war effort.

Was appointed Secretary of State of Texas in 1927 and retained the position until 1933.

Lizzie Johnson Williams

Known as the “Texas Cattle Queen” due to her success as a rancher.

Believed to be the first woman to drive cattle up the Chisholm Trail under her own brand, which she registered in 1871 after investing in land and cattle.

Was a talented real estate speculator, owning several small ranches in multiple counties, as well as valuable property in Austin. WOMEN’S DIVISION CONTENDERS

Jane Herbert Wilkinson Long

Texas pioneer nicknamed the “Mother of Texas;” claimed to be the first English- speaking woman to give birth to a child on Texas soil, on Bolivar Peninsula on December 21, 1821.

Received a grant of a league of land from Stephen F. Austin, part of which was developed into the town site of Richmond in Fort Bend County.

Owned boarding houses in Texas, including a successful hotel in Brazoria that served new emigrants and held a ball for Stephen F. Austin in 1835.

Emily Margaret Perry Austin

Sister of empresario Stephen F. Austin, she arrived at San Felipe in 1831 along with her family; later helped establish Peach Point Plantation.

Was the sole heir to Stephen F. Austin, which made her one of the largest individual landowners in Texas upon his death, and the wealthiest woman in Texas.

Financially supported the first attempt at railroad development in Texas, helped bring the Episcopal Church to Texas, and helped found and support Austin College.

Angelina Eberly

Owned several lots in Austin and was innkeeper of the famous Eberly House, which served Presidents Lamar and Houston.

Inspired citizens of Austin to resist government action during the Archives War of 1842 by firing a six-pound cannon loaded with grapeshot.

Operated hospitality businesses in Port Lavaca and Indianola. WOMEN’S DIVISION CONTENDERS

Susanna Wilkerson Dickinson

Known as “The Lady of the Alamo.” Moved into the Alamo with her daughter and husband on February 23, 1836. She was one of the few survivors of the battle.

Interviewed by Santa Anna after the fall of the Alamo and sent to Gonzales to inform the Texans of the loss.

Provided first-hand accounts of the Battle of the Alamo for the rest of herlife, including testimony on land grant claims.

Elisabet Ney

German-born sculptor who immigrated to Texas with her husband at age 39.

During her career in Texas, she sculpted busts and statues of Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, Albert Sidney Johnson, and Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth. Her works can be found in the Texas State Capitol, the U.S. Capitol, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Her Austin studio is now the home of the Elisabet Ney Museum; the Texas Fine Arts Association (now the Contemporary Austin) was formed in her honor.

Ima Hogg

Became active in philanthropy after oil was discovered on her family’s proper- ty. Founded the Houston Child Guidance Center, the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, and the Ima Hogg Foundation, and worked to establish symphony concerts for schoolchildren.

Was very active in historical preservation, including the Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Site and the Winedale Historical Center.

One of the first three women to become members of the Academy of Texas, which honored persons who “enrich, enlarge, or enlighten” knowledge. WOMEN’S DIVISION CONTENDERS

Jovita Gonzáles de Mireles

Fifth-generation descendant of a land grant recipient who became one of the first Texans of Mexican descent to obtain a master’s degree authoring a thesis entitled “Social Life in Cameron, Starr, and Zapata Counties” (UT Austin, 1930).

She became the first Mexican-American woman to serve as president of the Texas Folklore Society (1930-1932). Taught at St. Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, the San Felipe Independent School District, and for 21 years at W. B. Ray High and Miller High in Corpus Christi; wrote extensively on Hispanic historical figures in Texas and worked to promote the teaching of Spanish in public schools.

Jane Maria Eliza McManus Cazneau

An accomplished journalist, known as the “Mistress of Manifest Destiny” due to her passionate support for American expansion, she also advocated for Texas’ annex- ation to the U.S.

Founded the town of Eagle Pass, Texas, with her husband.

Played an active role in U.S. diplomacy during the Mexican War, where she became the first female war correspondent and only American journalist to report from be- hind enemy lines.

Annie Webb Blanton

First woman elected to statewide office in 1918 as Superintendent of Public Instruc- tion. As Superintendent, oversaw the creation of a system of free textbooks, revised certification laws, increased teachers’ salaries, and improved rural education.

Served for 18 years on the English faculty of North Texas Normal College (now Uni- versity of North Texas) and was active with the Texas State Teachers Association, including serving as president.

Taught for over two decades in the Education Department (now the College of Edu- cation) at the University of Texas. WOMEN’S DIVISION CONTENDERS

Miriam “Ma” Ferguson

First female Governor of Texas in 1924; she served two terms.

Became only the second woman elected as governor in the United States.

Had a lasting career in Texas politics, campaigning in 11 statewide elections between 1924 and 1940.

Ann Richards

Elected State Treasurer in 1982, making her the first woman in 50 years elected to a statewide office in Texas.

Became the second woman ever elected Governor of Texas in 1990. She served from 1991-1995.

Memorable quote: “Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels.”

Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson

As First Lady of President Lyndon B. Johnson, she worked to beautify the city of Washington, D.C. and promoted the recognition of women’s accomplishments, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Head Start program to help disadvantaged children.

Town Lake in Austin was renamed Lady Bird Lake due to her efforts with the Town Lake Beautification Project; also responsible for the promotion of planting wildflow- ers along Texas Highways, and the promotion of the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 (nicknamed “Lady Bird’s Bill”). WOMEN’S DIVISION CONTENDERS

Dorothea Towles

Native of Texarkana who studied biology at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, with the intent of practicing medicine after she graduated.

While living in Los Angeles, earned a master’s degree in education, then enrolled in modeling school.

Established a wildly successful modeling career that made her the first internationally recognized African American fashion model, working extensively in Paris and New York. She used her fame as a model to raise scholarship funds and expose the African American community to haute couture.

Caro Brown

Reporter for the Alice Daily Echo who earned a Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting in 1955 “for a series of news stories dealing with the successful attack on one-man political rule in neighboring Duval County, written under unusual pressure both of edition time and difficult, even dangerous circumstances.”

Assigned to cover the activities of George B. Parr and his family after another report- er was killed while covering the same beat. Gained national attention in 1954 when she diffused a confrontation between Parr and an armed Texas Ranger by putting herself between the two men; Parr later said Brown saved his life.

Selena

Known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” Selena was a beloved Latin music recording artist who was killed by the president of her fan club.

She was also sometimes referred to as the “Mexican Madonna” for her risqué outfits and dance moves.

At the 1987 Tejano Music Awards, she won both Best Female Vocalist of the Year and Performer of the Year. Her 1990 album, Ven Conmigo, was the first Tejano re- cord to achieve gold record status, selling more than 500,000 copies. WOMEN’S DIVISION CONTENDERS

Janis Joplin

Had a brief yet prolific career singing the blues.

Rolling Stone ranked Joplin number 46 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time in 2004, and number 28 on its 2008 list of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Katherine Stinson Otero

Reporter for the Alice Daily Echo who earned a Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting in 1955 “for a series of news stories dealing with the successful attack on one-man political rule in neighboring Duval County, written under unusual pressure both of edition time and difficult, even dangerous circumstances.”

Assigned to cover the activities of George B. Parr and his family after another report- er was killed while covering the same beat. Gained national attention in 1954 when she diffused a confrontation between Parr and an armed Texas Ranger by putting herself between the two men; Parr later said Brown saved his life.

Bessie Coleman

The world’s first licensed black pilot, traveled abroad to attend aviation school in Le Crotoy, France after she discovered that no American school would accept African Americans.

After studying for ten months in France, she was issued a license on June 15, 1921, by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

Her first performance in Texas took place in Houston; on April 30, 1926, she died during a test flight before a show in Florida. WOMEN’S DIVISION CONTENDERS

All-Woman Supreme Court

Hattie Henenberg, Hortense Ward, and Ruth Brazzil comprised a special Texas Supreme Court which served for five months in 1925. It was the first all-woman high court in the United States.

Henenberg went on to work as an Assistant Attorney General of Texas, a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney General, and an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County. Ward was the first woman in Texas to pass the state bar exam, and the first Texas woman admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. Her career included work on women’s property rights and suffrage.

Brazzil avoided publicity during her life. She passed the bar exam in 1912 after studying at the University of Texas and worked a variety of careers.

Mary Kay Ash

Founded Beauty by Mary Kay in 1963, which developed into the internationally suc- cessful Mary Kay Cosmetics Company, headquartered in Dallas.

Known as one of America’s greatest female entrepreneurs, she stressed the impor- tance of treating others well and recognizing their accomplishments.

Became an active leader in the fight for the cure for cancer after her husband’s losing battle with the disease.

Arizona Juanita “Blind Arizona” Dranes Lost her sight as a child during an influenza outbreak; received her first classical piano lessons at the Texas Institute for Deaf, Dumb and Blind Colored Youths (later Texas Blind, Deaf, and Orphan School) in Austin, where she graduated in 1910.

While living in the historic Deep Ellum district in Dallas, developed her own distinct piano style known as “gospel beat. Recorded several tracks for Okeh Record Com- pany and toured extensively, becoming one of the first professional women gospel singers and most innovative pianists of the twentieth century. She influenced gospel superstars such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Thomas Dorsey. WOMEN’S DIVISION CONTENDERS

Emma Tenayuca

Nicknamed “La Pasionaria de Texas” for her efforts on behalf of the working poor in San Antonio.

Organized the Pecan-Shellers’ Strike, the largest labor strike in San Antonio history in 1938. Her achievements as a pioneering female civil rights leader were recognized by the National Association for Chicano and Chicana Studies, and Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social (Women Active in Letters and Social Change).

She was inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame in 1991.

Benjy Brooks

Performed her first operations at the age of four – on her sister’s dolls.

One of the first women to enter the Department of Surgery at Harvard; in 1960, she became the first female pediatric surgeon in the state of Texas.

Today, the Benjy Brooks Foundation for Children provides grants for the study of pediatric illnesses and diseases.

Lulu Bell Madison White

Served the NAACP as director of the Youth Council and organizer of new chapters throughout the state. She became the president of the Houston NAACP chapter in 1939, which grew to become the largest chapter in the South by 1943, thanks to White’s fund-raising efforts.

In 1945, chose the plaintiff, Heman Marion Sweatt, in the NAACP case that sought to integrate the University of Texas.

Became the state director of the NAACP in 1949, a position she held until her death in 1957. WOMEN’S DIVISION CONTENDERS

Babe Didrikson Zaharias

Competed in the 1932 Olympics in the javelin, hurdles, and high jump, and broke the world record in all three events.

Became an amateur golfer in 1943 and won seventeen consecutive tournaments, founded the Ladies Professional Golf Association in 1948.

In 1950 the Associated Press voted her Woman Athlete of the Half-Century; was voted Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press six times during her career.

Barbara Jordan

First African American congresswoman from the Deep South.

First African-American woman to be elected to the Senate, preside over a legislative body, and be keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention.

Gained national prominence for her role in the 1974 Watergate Hearings as a mem- ber of the House Judiciary Committee when she delivered what many considered to be the best speech of the hearings. DIVISION MEN’S CONTENDERS

Stephen F. Austin

Arrived in San Antonio in 1821 and was authorized to carry on the colonization enterprise begun under his father’s grant.

Settled 297 families, the “Old Three Hundred,” under the terms of his first contract, and obtained three additional contracts in 1825, 1827, and 1828 to settle 900 additional families.

Elected to lead the volunteer army at Gonzales at the outbreak of the Texas Revolution; served as the first Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas until his untimely death on December 27, 1836.

David Crockett

Nationally known for his reputation as a skilled hunter and frontiersman; served three terms in the U.S. Congress representing Tennessee.

Moved to Texas after losing his 1835 reelection bid.

Arrived at San Antonio in February of 1836 and chose to side with Col. Travis’ forces at the Alamo, where he was killed on March 6 during the battle.

Mirabeau B. Lamar

After the Goliad Massacre, joined the revolutionary army as a private; commissioned a colonel at the onset of the Battle of San Jacinto, where he commanded the cavalry.

Elected vice president in September 1836, and then elected president in 1838; suggested the location for a new capital city, Austin, on the frontier.

Nicknamed the “Father of Texas Education” due to his proposal for an education system endowed by public lands. DIVISION MEN’S CONTENDERS

José de Escandón

Was the colonizer and first governor of Nuevo Santander; he founded over twenty towns and villas and a number of missions on both sides of the Rio Grande.

Sometimes called the “Father of the lower Rio Grande Valley.”

Died in Mexico City while standing trial for charges of maladministration; after his death was exonerated of all charges.

John O. Meusebach

Served as commissioner general of the Adelsverein, which helped bring thousands of German immigrants to Texas; founder of Fredericksburg, Castell, and Leiningen, and peacemaker with the Comanche Indians. Signed the Meusebach-Comanche Treaty on May 9, 1847 in Fredericksburg. This treaty was one of the most important pioneer works of the Germans in Texas.

Elected to the Texas Senate in 1851 to represent Bexar, Comal, and Medina counties; in 1852 helped pass a bill to establish a system of public schools.

Anson Jones

Arrived in Texas in October 1833 and established a successful medical practice at Brazoria as well as the first Masonic lodge in Texas; later helped found the Medical Association of Texas in 1853.

Appointed by Sam Houston to the position of Minister to the United States and earned the nickname “Architect of Annexation.”

The final President of Texas, upon the completion of Texas’ annexation, declared “The Republic of Texas is no more.” DIVISION MEN’S CONTENDERS

William B. Travis

Arrived in Texas in 1831, after the Law of April 6, 1830, made his immigration illegal; he obtained a land grant from Stephen F. Austin and established a legal practice at Anahuac.

Recruited 29 men to reinforce James C. Neill’s command in San Antonio, and quickly found himself in command of the Alamo garrison when Neill took leave; worked with engineer Green B. Jameson to fortify the mission compound prior to Santa Anna’s arrival.

Penned the famous “Victory or Death” letter, addressed “To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World” to try to add reinforcements to the Alamo prior to Santa Anna’s siege; died at the Alamo.

James S. Hogg

Born in Texas in 1851 and elected governor in 1890, he was the first governor of Texas to be born in the state.

As governor, he passed the “Hogg Laws,” which included the establishment of the Railroad Commission and an act restricting the amount of debt that could be incurred through county and municipal bonds, among others.

Successfully petitioned for financial support for a state archive.

Lorenzo de Zavala

Held several positions in the Mexican government, including governor, congressional deputy, secretary of the treasury, and diplomatic minister; resigned his diplomatic position when Santa Anna assumed dictatorial power.

Drafted and signed both the Mexican and Texan constitutions; advocated for Texas’ independence; served in the Permanent Council and as a representative of Harrisburg in the Consultation and Convention of 1836.

Served as the first Vice President of the Republic of Texas. DIVISION MEN’S CONTENDERS

Quanah Parker

Son of Cynthia Ann Parker, the captive of an 1836 Comanche raid on Parker’s Fort.

The last Chief of the Quahada Comanche Indians.

After several years of tension with the U.S. Army, Parker and the rest of the Quahadas moved to the Kiowa-Comanche reservation in Oklahoma in 1874; federal agents named Quanah chief of the Comanche at the reservation and he encouraged self-sufficiency among the Comanche.

José Antonio Navarro

Elected to the state legislature of Coahuila and Texas, the Mexican Federal Congress, the Republic of Texas Congress, and the Texas State Senate.

One of three Tejano signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

The only Hispanic delegate to the Convention of 1845, which approved Texas’ annexation; helped to write the first state constitution of Texas.

Benjamin Rush Milam

Was granted Mexican citizenship and commissioned a colonel in the Mexican Army in 1824; obtained an empresario grant in Texas.

A colonel in the Texas Army, he helped capture Goliad; he also inspired and led the attack on San Antonio from December 5 to December 9, which resulted in victory.

Milam was shot in the head by a sniper and died instantly on December 7. DIVISION MEN’S CONTENDERS

Juan N. Seguín

Raised a company of 37 men after receiving a captain’s commission following the Battle of Gonzales; participated in the Siege of Bexar, and occupied the Alamo before being sent out as a courier prior to the siege.

Accepted the Mexican surrender of San Antonio on June 4, 1836, and served as the city’s military commander through the fall of 1837.

Served in the Second, Third, and Fourth Congresses as the only Mexican Texan in the Senate of the Republic, and later served as mayor of San Antonio.

Matthew Gaines

A former slave; after the Civil War, he settled in Washington County and became a leader of the black community as a minister and politician. During Reconstruction, was elected senator to represent the Sixteenth District in the Texas Legislature; focused on reforming education, prison, and tenant-farming, as well as protecting African American voting rights.

Helped to pass the Land-Grant College Act of 1862, or Morrill Act, which helped states finance the establishment of colleges specializing in “agriculture and mechanic arts;” Texas established the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University) and the first publicly funded black college in the state, the Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Benefit of Colored Youth (now Prairie View A&M University).

Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca

Participated in the failed Narváez expedition in 1527, eventually made his way to Mexico City in 1536, covering nearly 2,400 miles on foot; his trading with American Indians made him the first European merchant of record in Texas.

His book about his 18-month captivity by Coahuiltecans caused him to be regarded as Texas’ first ethnologist.

Known as the “Patron Saint” of the Texas Surgical Society because of a surgery performed on an American Indian who had an arrowhead lodged in his chest above his heart. DIVISION MEN’S CONTENDERS

Samuel McCulloch, Jr.

Joined the Matagorda Volunteer Company as a private on October 5, 1835, to fight in the Texas Revolution.

Fought at Goliad on October 9 and was severely wounded in the right shoulder, making him the first casualty of the Revolution; carried the musket ball in his shoulder for about nine months until it was finally removed by a Texas Army surgeon.

Successfully fought for his family’s right to remain in Texas as free Black citizens and settled on land that he earned for his military service.

Audie Murphy

The most decorated soldier of World War II; received 33 awards, citations, and decorations, and won a battlefield promotion to second lieutenant; received every medal that the United States gives for valor, two of them twice.

Appeared in 45 motion pictures, including The Red Badge of Courage (1951) and The Unforgiven (1960).

Wrote the lyrics to fourteen songs and collaborated on three instrumentals; wrote the best-selling book To Hell and Back (1949).

Julius Lorenzo Cobb Bledsoe

Native of Waco, a notable African-American composer and baritone known for his work in operas and films.

Performed internationally in several different languages with various distinguished musical organizations, most notably as Joe in Florenz Ziegfeld’s 1927 production of Jerome Kern’s Showboat.

Contributed to the U.S. war bond efforts during World War II with performance tours. DIVISION MEN’S CONTENDERS

Richard Overton

Enlisted in the U.S. military in 1942 at Fort Sam Houston. Served with the all-black 1887th Aviation Engineer Battalion in the Pacific Theater in World War II.

Because most African-American soldiers were forced into support details, he worked on building airfields, burial detail, base security, and as a jeep driver; however, he was also recognized for his expert rifle marksmanship.

Was the oldest surviving U.S. veteran upon his death in late 2018 at 112 years of age. The city of Austin renamed the street upon which he lived Richard Overton Avenue in his honor.

Sam Rayburn

Served three terms in the Texas House of Representatives (1906-1912).

Elected as a Democrat in the U.S. Congress for Texas’ fourth district; he had no Republican opponents throughout his entire congressional career and was the longest- running member of the House of Representatives, serving more than 48 years (1913- 1961).

Elected Speaker of the House in 1940 and held the position until 1961.

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Came up through the Austin music scene with bands including the Nightcrawlers, Paul Ray and the Cobras, Triple Threat, and Double Trouble.

Named Best New Talent and Best Electric Blues Guitarist for 1983 by Guitar Player Magazine Reader’s Poll, and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. Won four Grammys over the course of his career; died in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990; Governor Ann Richards proclaimed October 3, 1991, “Stevie Ray Vaughan Day” and the city of Austin unveiled a memorial statue of Vaughan on November 21, 1993. DIVISION MEN’S CONTENDERS

Scott Joplin

Called the “King of Ragtime;” by age 7, he was proficient in the banjo, and began playing the piano.

Received a formal education in music from Julius Weiss, who taught him sight-reading and harmony; began playing ragtime in St. Louis in 1890 and integrated his music into a ballet and two musicals.

Witnessed the staged collision of two railroad trains near Waco, and wrote a popular piano rag called “Great Crush Collision.”

Bob Wills

A musical pioneer in the western swing genre; born in Limestone County, Texas in 1905.

Earned a Grammy for his final album in 1973, as well as a posthumous Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

Was elected to the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, and inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Buddy Holly

Pioneering American singer/songwriter/musician from Lubbock who influenced many later bands such as The Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

First to use the standard 4-piece band set of lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, and keyboard.

Died in a plane crash at age 22 in Iowa while on tour along with Ritchie Valens and “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson, an event known as “The Day the Music Died.” DIVISION MEN’S CONTENDERS

Doris “Dorie” Miller Enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was assigned to the USS West Virginia as a Mess Attendant, Third Class - one of the few positions available to African Americans at the time.

Became the first African American hero of the war during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor; assisted with moving his ship’s mortally wounded captain, then fired a deck gun at the attacking planes despite never having been trained on the weapon; received the Navy Cross on May 27, 1942, in a ceremony at Pearl Harbor.

Died during the Battle of Makin in November 1943; the Navy honored him by naming a dining hall, barracks, and a destroyer escort, the USS Miller for him, as well as a forthcoming aircraft carrier - the only vessel ever named for either an enlisted sailor or an African American.

Hector P. García

Founded American G.I. Forum, an organization dedicated to securing equal rights for Hispanic Americans.

Served in WWII as an infantry officer, a combat engineer officer, and a Medical Corps officer and surgeon where he earned a Bronze Star with six battle stars.

First Mexican American to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award.

George H.W. Bush

Career highlights: 41st president of the United States, 43rd vice president of the United States, 11th director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, U.S. Representative for Texas’ 7th District.

Enlisted in the Navy on his 18th birthday during World War II, becoming one of its youngest aviators, and served until September 1945. Focused on humanitarian activities after leaving the presidency, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2011. DIVISION MEN’S CONTENDERS

Daniel Webster Wallace Born a slave in Victoria County, he ran away from home as a teenager to join a cattle drive in 1877.

Gained the nickname “80 John.” Branded cattle as a wrangler and horse breaker for John Nunn.

Learned to read and write, and invested in and raised his own herd of cattle, eventually becoming one of the most respected black ranchers with an estate valued at over $1 million.

James Earl Rudder

Football coach, educator, World War II hero, mayor of Brady, GLO Commissioner, President of Texas A&M University.

Commander and trainer of the Second Ranger Battalion, which had a major role in the D-Day invasion; commander of the 109th Infantry Regiment, which saw key service in the Battle of the Bulge.

Received the Distinguished Service Medal in 1967 from President Lyndon Johnson, the highest peacetime service award.

Lyndon Baines Johnson

36th president of the United States, serving from 1963-1969; ushered through significant legislation including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Great Society program.

Served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years (1937-1949), and the U.S. Congress for 12 years (1949-1961).

One of only four people who has served as president and vice president, as well as in both houses of Congress. DIVISION MEN’S CONTENDERS

Charles Goodnight One of the most famous and successful ranchers in Texas; sometimes known as the “Father of the Texas Panhandle” due to his founding the JA Ranch, the first ranch in the Panhandle.

As a Texas Ranger, he participated in the raid that recovered Cynthia Ann Parker from her Comanche captors.

Laid the route for the Goodnight-Loving Trail, one of the Southwest’s most heavily used cattle trails.

Chester Nimitz

Native of Fredericksburg, TX, who guided the Allied forces to victory in the Pacific Theater during World War II and signed the peace treaty with the Japanese aboard the Battleship Missouri.

Supervised the building and installation of the first diesel engine to power a U.S. Navy vessel.

Developed the prototype for the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, which was duplicated at colleges and universities across the country. ROUND 1 ROUND 2 SWEET 16 ELITE 8 FINAL FOUR ELITE 8 SWEET 16 ROUND 2 ROUND 1

Adina de Zavala Stephen F. Austin

Mary Maverick David Crockett Betty Eve Ballinger Mirabeau B. Lamar

Clara Driscoll José de Escandón Jane McCallum John O. Meusebach

Lizzie Johnson Williams Anson Jones Jane Herbert Wilkinson Long William B. Travis

Emily Margaret Perry Austin James S. Hogg Angelina Eberly Lorenzo de Zavala

Susanna Wilkerson Dickinson Quanah Parker Elisabet Ney José Antonio Navarro

Ima Hogg Benjamin Rush Milam Jovita González de Mireles Juan N. Seguín

Jane Maria McManus Cazneau TOP TEXAN Matthew Gaines Annie Webb Blanton Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca

Miriam “Ma” Ferguson Samuel McCulloch, Jr.

Ann Richards FINAL Audie Murphy

Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson VS Julius Lorenzo Cobb Bledsoe FINAL Dorothea Towles Richard Overton

Caro Brown Sam Rayburn Selena Stevie Ray Vaughan

Janis Joplin Scott Joplin Katherine Stinson Otero Bob Wills

Bessie Coleman Buddy Holly All-Woman Supreme Court Doris “Dorie” Miller

Mary Kay Ash Hector P. García Arizona Juanita “Blind Arizona”Dranes George H.W. Bush

Emma Tenayuca Daniel Webster Wallace Benjy Brooks James Earl Rudder

Lulu Bell Madison White Lyndon Baines Johnson Babe Didrikson Zaharias Charles Goodnight

Barbara Jordan Chester Nimitz

Texas General Land Office George P. Bush, Commissioner