THE TEXIAN The Official Publication of The Sons of the Republic of Texas
VOL II NUMBER 7 JULY 2009 Lone Star Chapter #58 Fernland Tour 2009 On May the eighth, a Lone Star Chapter SRT work group readied the grounds around the five historic buildings on the forty acre facility known as “Fernland”. One of the buildings is the Chatham family cabin known as “Bear Bend”. Family history relates that it was one Sam Houston’s favorite places to stay for hunting trips.
On May ninth, the Lone Star Chapter #58 and Godfrey Educational Association hosted about 90 invited guests, the Texas Army, DRT members and Fernland supporters to the forty acre compound.
Dr. Patrick Nolan, Sam Houston Museum director was the keynote speaker and historian for the tour.
Entertainment was provided by reenactments of the Texas Army, music by Godfrey Educational Association, spinning wheel demonstration by Jesse Jones, park volunteer Jane Hilton, food services provided by Holcomb and Williams Realtors bar-b-que volunteers along with many other volunteers and reenactors. PRESIDENT GENERAL’S MESSAGE Are we missing something? a meaningful display to generate interest. Have we as a country, have we as a state always just gone about life and It is difficult for us as individuals to business without any concern for the feel that we can do anything meaningful. meaning of the special days? Do we Actually, it is not easy for organizations, care more about “the bottom line” either. It takes all of us and it takes faith than the reason for these special days? in what we are doing. The results may Has it been so long, have we lost our not be seen as brilliantly as a rainbow, heritage? Is a solution within our but we must believe that a seed was grasp? Should we lay over and give planted. Our goal is to plant the trees, up? The interesting point is that there not survey the forest. This we can do as individuals as opportunities arise. L. Vaughn Oliver, KSJ is the same root problem as the membership issues: public activities. We do not need to present ourselves Yes, even Texas has a Fourth of July. People need education and they need cont. on page 2 Arlington has a large parade as do many towns across the state. Sports stadiums will have displays of fireworks with bar- WHAT’S INSIDE b-que, beer, not to mention baseball and President General’s Message ...... 1 New Members ...... 4 we also watch old patriotic movies. We Fernland Tour 2009 ...... 1 In and Around ...... 5-11 seem to have holiday sales, bargain days, Janet’s Journal ...... 2 In Memoriam ...... 11 and the only businesses closed is the Texas History Essay Contest ...... 2 Calendar of Events ...... 12 government. Texas Navy Day Celebration ...... 3 cont. from page 1 PRESIDENT GENERAL’S MESSAGE as pushy sales people. It is not necessary to dominate every conversation. We need to be present and consistent. We can mention Texas Holidays and the reasons for them. We can mention the SRT Eagle Scout Certificate at Eagle Scout Boards of Review. We can encourage the SRT High School Essay Scholarship to high school seniors. We can promote the SRT Speakers Bureau to friends in civic organizations. Each of these actions plant seeds. Each of these actions benefit the Organization. All of us doing small tasks is a force to be reckoned with. God Bless Texas!
Executive Committee 2009 - 2010
JANET’S JOURNAL email: [email protected] 1717 Eighth Street Bay City, Texas 77414
• The September Quarterly Meeting will be September 11-12, 2009 at Sleep Inn & Suites, 2136 Water Street, Gonzales, TX. Cutoff date is L. Vaughn Oliver, KSJ President General September 1, 2009. Rate is $78 + tax. Tel. number is (830)672-1888; Map: www.sleepinn.com Sam F. Clark, Jr. First Vice President General David Hanover Second Vice President General • Remember: All members that are active service Tom Houston Secretary General personnel your dues are waived. Notify SRT office Bob Steakley Treasurer General by email, postal service or by telephone. Robert Kendall, KSJ Historian General David E. Stone Chaplain General • Please note that any applicants for membership in J. Richard Reese, KSJ Executive Committeeman the SRT must have 3 signatures of recommending Edward A. Heath Executive Committeeman SRT members. It is not necessary if the applicant Janet Hickl Administrative Assistant lives out of state BUT every applicant must affiliate with a chapter. This does not mean that they will have to attend meetings. APPLICATIONS MUST BE TYPED AND NOTARIZED. District Representives 2009 - 2010 • 2006 Yearbooks are available for $25, which includes CD, binder and dividers. NEW **Members can now update their information online and make donations. Got to www.srttexas.org **SRT Coasters and Decals are available for purchase. Cost is $5.41 for Decals and $21.65 for 4 Coasters. Use SRT shirt, cap etc. order form on our website.
2009-2010 TEXAS HISTORY ESSAY CONTEST
Topic: “The Battle of Coleto and the Goliad Massacre”. Contest deadline: Must be postmarked on or before January Front row (l-r) 31, 2010. Duane Blair, Kenneth Pfeiffer and Stan Stokes Rules and criteria may be obtained at www.srttexas.org or Back row (l-r) contact the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Joe Pyle, Bob Steakley and Randy Pollard not present Bob Schuhmann
2 SRT to Honor Commander of the Texas Navy - Sept. 19 Hurrican Ike postponement to make way for renewed ceremony
On Saturday, September 19, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., The tradition on the heels of a modern day hurricane. Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT) will honor the sec- ond commander of the Texas Navy, Commodore Henry ABOUT FOUNDERS MEMORIAL CEMETERY Livingston Thompson, at the historic Founders Memorial Designated as an historic cemetery by the Texas Cemetery, in Houston, as part of the SRT’s official obser- Historical Commission in 2007, Founders Memorial vance of Texian Navy Day. The Texas Navy Association Cemetery is a long-forgotten jewel of a cemetery in the will also participate by laying a wreath to honor Thomp- shadows of the skyscrapers of downtown Houston. The son and the entire Republic of Texas cemetery is the final resting Navy. At the time the Texian went to place of one of the founders of the City of Houston, John Kirby press, the SRT Texas Navy Commit- Allen, 31 veterans of the Battle tee had no announcement regarding of San Jacinto, a signer of the the keynote speaker, but this year’s Texas Declaration of ceremony promises to be special since Independence, and many other it has been two years in the making. early leaders of the Republic of Commodore Thompson was Texas. Most of the burials occurred in the 1800’s, although named commander of the Texas Navy a few are dated in the twentieth in the days after the victory at San century, the most recent being Jacinto. The climate and vast terrain 1949. The cemetery was badly of South Texas may have given the neglected for many years. As a young republic some sense of secu- result, many of those reportedly rity from another invasion by the interred no longer have grave markers. In 1936, when the city Mexican army, but in the Gulf, the took back control of the Mexican Navy continually blockaded cemetery, the State of Texas Texas’ ports. It was in this climate that erected individual monuments Commodore Thompson devised an commemorating the service of 26 audacious plan to project force out- of those individuals. side Texas’ territorial waters and raid FURTHER INFORMATION Mexican ports to force the Mexican Navy to defend Mexico rather than Founders Memorial allowing it to blockade Texas’ ports. Cemetery is located at 1217 West At the time, this plan was highly con- Dallas Street in Houston at the troversial, but now historians agree intersection of Valentine Street. The cemetery is located in the this put the world on notice that the middle of the historic “Freedman’s Town.” Due to very Texas Navy was a potent force despite having its tiny fleet. narrow streets in the neighborhood, there is very limited The landfall of Hurricane Ike in Galveston on Sep- parking. The City of Houston is giving the SRT a permit tember 13, 2008 caused the postponement of last year’s to allow parking on West Dallas Street in what is normally observance of Texian Navy Day, and it interrupted the a no parking zone; however, people are encouraged to SRT’s new tradition of celebrating Texian Navy Day— carpool where possible. Further parking instructions and other details about the Texas Navy and this year’s established by act of the Texas Legislature as the third celebration of Texian Navy Day may be found on the SRT Saturday of September. website (http://www.srttexas.org). It is fitting that the SRT renew its observance of Texian Navy Day on the heels of a hurricane since the fleet com- You will not want to miss this momentous tribute to manded by Commodore Thompson was ultimately de- Commodore Thompson and the entire Republic of Texas stroyed by one of the most destructive hurricanes in his- Navy. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. For additional information, contact SRT Texas Navy tory. Just as the second Texas Navy was established on Committee Chairman David Hanover the heels of a hurricane, the SRT proudly will renew its ([email protected]).
3 NEW SRT MEMBERS
Name Chapter Ancestor Hometown Kenneth Lee Cochrum, Sr. 1 William Ponton Houston TX Travis Michael Cochrum 1 William Ponton Orlando FL Kenneth Lee Cochrum, Jr. 1 William Ponton Orlando FL Burress Daniel Hall III 1 Abraham Winfree Bellaire TX Burress Daniel Hall III 1 Elizabeth Winfree Turner Bellaire TX South Trimble Lynn 1 James Morgan Darnestown MD John Thomas Malone 1 Archibald Wynns Houston TX Ricky Lynn Miller 1 William S. Powell Houston TX Stephen Thomas Powell 1 William S. Powell Houston TX Duryl Middleton Bailey 3 William B. Bridges Belton TX James Anton Basso 3 James Haley Temple TX Daniel Scott Oliver 7 Andrew Oliver, Jr. San Antonio TX James Houston Travis 7 Louis Hebert, 1764-1844 San Antonio TX Patrick Michael Sifuentes Benavides 8 Tomas Galan Dallas TX Charles Leonard Jackson 12 Elijah Allcorn Mountain City TX Malcolm Wayne Light 12 James Gipson Dripping Springs TX King Kennon Cole 14 George Washington Lang Madisonville TX James Milton Stokes 16 David Murphree Victoria TX Dr. John Richard Pack 19 Reverend Littleton Fowler Nacogdoches TX Albert William Oliphint 33 Wilford D. Oliphint Liberty Hill TX William Dozier Streb 34 John Houchin BellvilleTX Douglas Jay Crowell 36 John Squyres Richland TX Donald Ray Crowell Jr. 36 John Squyres Huntington Beach CA Gene Lewis Mitchell 39 Jacob Harrison Abilene TX Gere Dan Mitchell 39 Jacob Harrison Abilene TX Clinton Michael Haby 40 Carl Schaefer Helotes TX Shaun Ryan Haby 40 Carl Schaefer Helotes TX Donald J. Pfeifer 40 George Washington Duncan II San Antonio TX Joe Ben Pfeifer 40 George Washington Duncan II San Antonio TX Tommie Worth Wood 40 Spencer Morris San Antonio TX Andrew Michael Melton 45 Thomas Collier Mesquite TX Edward Vela, Jr. 47 Don Guadalupe Ureste Granbury TX Larry Lee Morris 48 Joseph Rubarth Kerrville TX Stephen Lynn Short 48 Chesley Worhington Kerrville TX Edwin Dale Gunter, Jr. 50 Claiborne Cooper Gunter McQueeney TX James Haden Garmon 52 Sarah Jane McNutt Kinsey Tyler TX James Haden Garmon 52 Thomas Kinsey, Sr. Tyler TX James Haden Garmon 52 Peter Kinsey Tyler TX Stephen Andrew Tausend 52 Sarah Virginia Blair Houston TX William Edward Tausend 52 Sarah Virginia Blair Houston TX Joel Oscar Alfred Flores 58 Salvador Flores Conroe TX
4 IN AND AROUND TEXAS
Eighth Annual SRT Speakers Guild at George Bush Library
For the eighth consecutive year the SRT Texas History Speakers Guild presented special entertaining and educational programs to approximately 1,200 fourth and seventh grade students at the George Bush Presidential Library in Bryan-College Station on May 21, 2009
Chaired by Past President General Leonard Cloud, KSJ, who in- troduced the speakers, the following Sons of the Republic of Texas spoke to the children and teachers: Tom Green, KSJ, Sam Clark, First Vice President General, Tom Houston, Secretary General, Denton Bryant, Speakers Bureau and Chairman of the Texas History Essay Contest, Dale Williamson, wearing in Buckskins and Coonskin Cap.
All the speakers wore 1836 Period Dress and showed the weapons used by the Texas Army of 1836. Tom Green presented the Texas Flags and their history while Dale Williamson spoke about his ancestor "Three Legged Willie". Denton Bryant presented "The Life and times of James Bowie and the Famous Bowie Knife". The children were particularly interested in the Bowie Knife Collection. Tom Houston spoke about how to do Genealogy Research and the importance of learning about your ancestors.
The Bush Library presented special awards to the all the speakers as well as taking a picture of them in the George Bush Presidential Oval Office. Members of the SRT who enjoy teaching children about Texas History are invited to participate in future scheduled events those wishing to be a member of the Speakers Bureau can contact the SRT office.
Tom Green Remembers the Alamo!!
Tom Green and Dale Williamson made the trip to San Antonio to join with the Alamo Chapter in remem- bering our history through their presentation of the "Flags of the Texas Revolution". Fifty-four members and guests including four members from New Braunfels and Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson enjoyed reliv- ing Texas History as only Tom can deliver it. What a great way to start the summer!!
5 IN AND AROUND TEXAS
San Jacinto Day 2009 in Henderson County Texas John F. Kennedy stated in his book, Profiles in Courage, “the Battle of San Jacinto was among the most important battles in history”. The victory of the Texians over Mexico’s Dictator General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s forces changed the course of the world’s history. As gentle April breezes unfurled the colorful Texian battle flags emblazoned with their mottos, “Come And Take It” and “Victory or Death”, a group of Henderson County citizens and dignitaries gathered on the Courthouse lawn at Noon April 21st, 2009 to celebrate the 173rd Anniversary of the victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, April 21st, 1836.
Henderson County Judge presents San Jacinto Henderson County Judge David Holstein welcomed and greeted the Day cities and county proclamations to Piney assemblage, then asked Rev. John Green, Pastor of the Lake Athens Bap- Woods Chapter President Charles Luna tist Church to give the invocation.
Judge Holstein recognized Corinne Robertson, Great Grand Daughter of a Texian soldier who was engaged in the battle, to lead the pledges to the United States and Texas flags. Other members of the group whose ancestors participated in the battle were recognized.
Judge Holstein then recognized special guests. Included in the group were Athens Mayor Randy Daniel and Staff members, Amy Gould, State Representative Betty Brown office and Richard Sanders, U.S. Representative Jeb Hensarling office. Henderson County Democratic Party Chairwoman Marsha Head was also in attendance.
After a brief recount of the battle by Charles Luna, President of The Piney Woods Chapter, The Sons of the Republic of Texas, featuring little know facts that contributed to the victory, Judge Holstein noted that San Jacinto Proclamations from several Henderson County cities had been received and invited Athens Mayor Randy Daniel to present the City of Athens Proclamation. Judge Holstein then read the Henderson
County Proclamation and presented it with the other Henderson County L-R Piney Woods Chapter Member Sam Whitten, City Proclamations to Mr. Luna for delivery to the Curator of the San Jacinto of Athens Mayor Randy Daniel, Henderson County Judge David Holstein, Piney Woods Chapter Presi- Battlefield Monument. dent Charles Luna
6 IN AND AROUND TEXAS
Location of First Republic of Texas Capital Preserved
A big Thank You needs to go to C. David Pomery, Jr. for the nudging of Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia to update and preserve the historic site of the Mrs. James Harris home site in Harrisburg (now part of Houston). This is the home where the Republic of Texas Navy Flag was approved by President David G. Burnett and also the location where Sarah Dodson and her husband first displayed the flag for the Harrisburg Militia. Submitted by Randy Pollard Before picture
Close-up of the marker After picture
Monument Hill Chapter #53 Continues Texas Preservation Efforts
The Monument Hill Chapter #53 of the Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT) met on Friday, May 15th, to begin the group's restoration of Hillebrand Cemetery in rural Fayette County. The members' volunteer work at Hillebrand is part of a larger countywide cemetery renewal program the SRT began in late 2006. (This is the second SRT #53 cemetery project in as many years.)
Chapter #53 labored for two hours in the graveyard and then had lunch together. The SRT's work included straightening headstones, re-soding footstones, cutting limbs and foliage away from burial sites, and much more.
"We work one cemetery a year, usual," explains Mr. Arnold Romburg "its opportunity to give back to the community." Chapter President Rev. Mark Adams explains that the SRT attempts to provide volunteer community service work at least once a month. "We are about maintaining Texas culture," he concluded.
Chapter 53's work at Hillebrand will conclude on June 19th. Several Fayette SRT Members (L-R) Arnold Romburg, La Grange City Councilman, and Mark county area cemetery associations have contacted the SRT from La Grange to Adams, Schulenburg Pastor, work arrange for future grounds restoration. Hillebrand Cemetery.
7 IN AND AROUND TEXAS
Lone Star Flag Program at David Elementary The Lone Star Chapter presented the “Origin of the Lone Star Flag” to David Elementary fourth grade classes on April 30, 2009. Social Studies teacher Lisa Black and Principal Lee Allen welcomed David Martin of the Lone Star Chapter before the students to present his powerpoint program about the Lone Star flag and Montgomery County, Texas.
David Martin presenting “Origin of the Lone Star Flag” David Elementary Principal Lee M. Allen
Lone Star Chapter #58 at the Sam Houston Folk Festival
Sam Houston Museum, Huntsville, Texas, May 1, 2 and 3, 2009. The Lone Star Chapter participated in the Sam Houston Folk Festival in May that benefits the Sam Houston Museum fundraising. Members discussed Republic of Texas history, participated in historical reenactments, recruited new members and performed flintlock demonstrations. The Lone Star Chapter also kicked off our latest fundraising effort....donations for a 3rd Model Brown Bess Musket. It is a replica of the Brown Bess Musket on display in the Sam Houston Museum. The drawing for the “Brown Bess” will be July 18, 2009 at Steamboat House Restaurant.
Fred Mead and Fred Mead III Musket Demonstration Lone Star Chapter members with Dr. Patrick Nolan and Mike Bailey
8 IN AND AROUND TEXAS
Social Studies Summit in Kilgore
Many SRT members have seen the informative Historic Texas Flags program that Tom Green, KSJ, of Pearland, presents to fourth and seventh grade students in classrooms and student assemblies across Texas. On average, Mr. Green presents about 100 such programs during any given year.
On June 8, 2009, at Region 7 Education Service Center (ESC) in Kilgore, a new twist was added to the program. As the result of a SRT Web site inquiry fielded by Piney Woods District Representative Joe Pyle of Nacogdoches, one of the state’s education service centers was able to make contact with Mr. Green to see if he would present four (4) hour-long sessions during an all day Social Studies Summit to “teach the teachers” about a novel way to interest their students in Texas’ rich history. The summit began with a keynote speech by U.S. Representative Louis Gohmert.
Mr. Green presented four sessions to approximately 75 social studies teachers. Assisting Mr. Green were members David Hanover of Tyler and Dale Williamson of Missouri City. As the result of these sessions, many teachers asked Mr. Green for contact information about visiting their schools; several teachers inquired about membership in SRT and DRT. Region 7 ESC Social Studies Core Curriculum Director Cheri Hood has already invited Mr. Green to a similar event in early 2009.
Thank you, Tom Green, for chairing the SRT Speakers Bureau and for its many speakers who work diligently across the state to promote the purpose, mission and goals of The Sons of the Republic of Texas!
9 IN AND AROUND TEXAS
Timewalkers The Stephen F. Austin Chapter meeting on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Scott’s Barbecue in West Columbia featured “The Timewalkers” from Wharton, Texas. The Timewalkers are a group of men from the Wharton area that do reenactments and programs for several eras. Two of the members presented a very informative program for the meeting. Also at the meeting the chapter voted to make Gregg Dimmick, the avocational ar- cheologist and the author of “The Sea of Mud” and other publications an honorary member of the Chapter and to nominate him as an honorary member of the National Society.
Stephen F. Austin Chapter #6 Presents Collection of Research Tools The Stephen F. Austin Chapter #6 of the Sons of the Republic of Texas recently presented a collection of research tools to be placed in the Adriance Research Library Room located in the Brazoria County Historical Museum in Angleton. Representing the Stephen F. Austin Chapter were Troy L. Crump, president, Arthur O. Evans III, vice-president, Robert L. Giesecke, executive committeeman, and Dr. Don Pugh. Michael Bailey, museum curator, accepted the collection on behalf of the BCHM. The collection consists of 141 DVD’s that contain the membership records of the Sons of the Republic of Texas throughout the world. The records contain documents and lines of descent linking SRT members to their ancestors. This information will be of interest to genealogists as well as to anyone with an interest in Texas history, especially during the time when Texas was a republic and earlier. The records are available to the public. Membership in the Sons of the Republic of Texas is open to any male who is a direct descendant of a resident of Texas prior to February 19, 1846, when Texas became the 28th state in the United States. Currently, there are 58 local chapters of SRT who have as some of their goals: to preserve historic sites and artifacts and to observe dates important to the Republic of Texas heritage. The web address for SRT is www.srttexas.org.
Troy L. Crump (far right), president of the Sons of the Republic of Texas Chapter #6, and members of the chapter present a research tools collection to Michael Bailey, curator of the BCHM. Back row (L-R) Robert Giesecke, Arthur O. Evans III, Michael Bailey, Troy L. Crump Front row (L-R) Dr. Don Pugh
10 IN AND AROUND TEXAS
Installation of New Officers in Adolphus Sterne Chapter #19
Outgoing Chapter #19 President Joe W. Pyle, Joe Ericson, PhD, KSJ [right most] conducting PhD, Second Vice President General David Outgoing president, Chapter #19, Joe W. the swearing in ceremony for Rick Still, President Hanover, and Chapter #19 Past President Mor- Pyle; continuing Vice President, Joseph [second from the right], Joseph Reeves Ericson, ris Jackson, MD, PhD. Reeves Ericson, and incoming President, Vice President [third from the right], and Joe Pyle Rick Still, left to right. [left most] outgoing President. Reorganization Meeting for Marshall Chapter #18 A group of very interested men, including members and prospective members of the Marshall Chapter, met at El Chico in Marshall on Friday evening, July 10, 2009. There was sufficient interest to warrant the calling of a re-organizational meeting on Monday, August 10, details to follow. At the proposed August 10 meeting, chapter officers will be elected, and a time will be set for a re-chartering meeting. The sug- gestion was made for a Saturday evening re-chartering date, hopefully a date that will permit some of you gentlemen to be able to visit the beautiful piney woods of north- east Texas! David Hanover, Mayor Power and Stan Stokes William D. “Buddy” Power, the mayor of Marshall, is spearheading this re-organization, and he is to be commended for his commitment to see that the Marshall Chapter becomes active again. From the conversations that I had with some leading Marshall citizens, there is no doubt that this will happen. There is already the sugges- tion of the chapter planting pecan trees on the Harrison County courthouse lawn, and there may even be a SFA Oak tree still available, highly appropriate for a November 3, SFA Birthday event. The suggestion was made to dedicate the re-chartering ceremony to the memory of Ernest F. Smith, KSJ, a mainstay of the Marshall Chapter prior to his death in 1991; the proposal was received quite favorably. Mr. Smith’s widow, Wynelle, is still living David Hanover and Mayor William and in good health. D. “Buddy” Power
IN MEMORIAM Name Chapter Hometown Henry Kendall Hamilton 1 Houston, TX Curtis Younts 3 Belton, TX Strimple C. “Jim” Coyle 33 Hemphill, TX
11 Calendar of Events 2009 Executive Board Meetings September 11-12 Sleep Inn & Suites, 2136 Water Street, Gonzales, TX; (830) 672-1888; Rate $78 + tax; Cutoff date September 1, 2009 • www.sleepinn.com December 4-5 Hampton Inn, 7006 N Navarro Street, Victoria, TX 77904 • (361) 573-9911
2009 SRT Events March 27 Goliad Massacre April 21 San Jacinto Day September 19 Texian Navy Day September 19 Monument Hill Remembrance Ceremony October 2 The Battle of Gonzales November 3 Stephen F. Austin’s Birthday (Father of Texas) November 21 Tomball Parade
2010 Annual Meetings April 9-11, 2010 Holiday Inn Select, 5071 South Broadway Ave., Tyler, Texas 75703; (903) 561-5800; Rate $92; Cutoff date 3/9/10
2009 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING September 11-12, Sleep Inn & Suites, 2136 Water Street, Gonzales,TX; (830) 672-1888; Rate $78 + tax; Cutoff date; September 1, 2009 • www.sleepinn.com
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