THE TEXIAN. The Official Publication of The Sons of the Republic of Texas VOL II NUMBER 8 OCTOBER 2009

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1 THE TEXIAN The Official Publication of The Sons of the Republic of Texas VOL II NUMBER 8 OCTOBER 2009 L. Vaughn Oliver, KSJ September was a busy month for the SRT, the Texian Navy Day, rechartering the Edward Clark Chapter Number 8, the start of a Continuing Education classes at Lone Star College, and of course the September Executive Committee Meeting in Gonzales. Each of these events was handled with a professional tone and in a gentlemanly manner. Each of these shows plainly the quality levels of people in our Texian Navy Day Celebration a Success A sunny to overcast sky greeted attendees and participants at the Texian Navy Day ceremony sponsored by The Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT) at Founders Memorial Cemetery, Houston, on Saturday, September 9, Founders Memorial Cemetery, located in the middle of the historic Freedman s Town, provided a beautiful and somber backdrop for the event that commenced with a call to assembly from Buglers Across America. Following an invocation by San Jacinto Chapter # Chaplain James P. Davis, the SRT color guard presented the colors. Accompanying the color guard were members of the St. Thomas Episcopal School pipe band, including two drummers and a bagpiper. The crowd, including members of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Children of the Republic of Texas, Texas Navy Association and the general public stood at attention for the bugle rendition of the national anthem, after which First Vice-President General Sam F. Clark, Jr., led the pledges to the U.S. and Texas flags. President General L. Vaughn Oliver, KSJ, emcee of the event, called upon SRT Historical Dates Observance Committee Chairman Tom B. Green III, KSJ, to introduce the keynote speaker, William P. Haddock. Mr. Haddock gave an educational address about Commodore Henry Livingston Thompson, the second commander of the Texian Navy; Thompson s plan to project force outside of Texas territorial waters was highly controversial at the cont. pg. 6 PRESIDENT GENERAL S MESSAGE Organization. The pictures in this issue as other issues reflect this point. It is this reflection that spreads to the public. This is our aim to present our mission to the public. We want Texas History to be heard by everyone. The Continuing Education class at Lone Star College, Tomball is an excellent example of taking Texas History to the public. The adult students filled the classroom and are enthusiastic about the subject. This is a monumental step for the Sons, another first time ever activity. Through the diligence and insight of President General s Message... Texian Navy Day Celebration... Janet s Journal... 2 New Members... 4 In and Around Texas... 3, 7-3 Denton Bryant, this was an idea that blossomed into reality; the Sons teaching a college course in Texas History. This is another annual event that can be shared around the state. Great job Denton! A gracious banquet was held in Marshall to celebrate the re-chartering of Chapter 9, the Edward Clark Chapter. Let me personally welcome Buddy Power, the new Chapter President. This chapter is in the heart of Texas history and we are proud of their accomplishments. Let us not forget that Texian Navy Day WHAT S INSIDE cont. on page 2 Re-chartering of Chapter # Knight Commander s Message... 4 In Memoriam... 5 Calendar of Events... 6

2 cont. from page PRESIDENT GENERAL S MESSAGE was celebrated on September 9. A good attendance was observed with the sounds of the bugle and bag pipes that chilled your soul. While this was not a lengthy ceremony, it was meaningful. The Texas Navy was obscure as it happened and is generally overlooked today. The point is that a very important function was served by the Texas Navy that resulted in a very meaningful role for Texas. It is these small points that we as Sons are obligated to make known to the public. We retell these stories not in a boastful way, but in a prideful manner. Texas has always, and will always stand tall. No one has to say much more. God Bless Texas! Executive Committee JANET S JOURNAL srttexas@srttexas.org 77 Eighth Street Bay City, Texas 7744 The December Quarterly Meeting will be December 4, 5, 2009 at The Hampton Inn, 7006 N. Navarro, Victoria, TX. Cutoff date is November 20, Rate is $ 02. Tel. number is (36) Be thinking about submitting a nomination for the Educator of the Year Award to be presented at the Annual Meeting in 200. Deadline is February 2, 200. Criteria for the award are available from the National office. Nominations from the Chapters for Honorary Membership and Knights of the Order of San Jacinto are due November 20, Remember: All members that are active service personnel your dues are waived. Notify SRT office by , postal service or by telephone. Please note that any applicants for membership in the SRT must have 3 signatures of recommending SRT members. It is not necessary if the applicant 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. **NEW** Members can now update their information online and make donations. Got to **Be Patient-Organization is changing monogram/embroidery companies. Orders are being processed as quickly as possible. **DUES NOTICES ARE IN THE MAIL** PLEASE NOTE: Be sure and mail your payment in prior to December 3, 2009 for your chapter to qualify for a rebate check in 200. This is not a new change but this is in line with the Constitution and Bylaws. L. Vaughn Oliver, KSJ President General Sam F. Clark, Jr. First Vice President General David Hanover Second Vice President General Tom Houston Secretary General Bob Steakley Treasurer General Robert Kendall, KSJ Historian General David E. Stone Chaplain General J. Richard Reese, KSJ Executive Committeeman Edward A. Heath Executive Committeeman Janet Hickl Administrative Assistant District Representives TEXAS HISTORY ESSAY CONTEST Topic: The Battle of Coleto and the Goliad Massacre. Contest deadline: Must be postmarked on or before January 3, 200. Rules and criteria may be obtained at or contact the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Front row (l-r) Duane Blair, Kenneth Pfeiffer and Stan Stokes Back row (l-r) Joe Pyle, Bob Steakley and Randy Pollard not present Bob Schuhmann 2

3 Lone Star Chapter # 58 Annual Dinner The Lone Star Chapter Annual Dinner was held July 8, 2009 at Steamboar House Restaurant. The LSCSRT teacher awards for the CISD Texas History Teacher of the year were awarded to Gaddiel Jauregui A., first place, Cindy Howard, Second place and Michael Thorson, third place. David Martin and David Pomeroy. Charles Fogarty was the winner of our Brown Bess musket drawing and David Pomeroy entertained us with his detailed history of the San Jacinto Battle and the Battlefield. We all had a good evening and those that organized the event appreciate everyone s support. Rededication of an old Lorenzo de Zavala State Historical Marker On October 6, 2009 members of the SRT attended the re-dedication of an old Lorenzo de Zavala State Historical Marker that had been damaged and stored for years. There is a De Zavala Elementary School in the community of Magnolia, which was a independent town in 923. Now it is part of Houston, but the citizens of that area still think of themselves as part of Magnolia. The school joins a city park also named De Zavala City Park, so the community leaders worked for many months planning this event, and ask the SRT to participate. Tom Green was part of the planning committee, and took his collections of Historic Texas Flags to the De Zavala school the week before the re-dedication of the marker so that the students would know more about who Lorenzo de Zavala was. Tom and Dale Williamson gave two programs for all the children in this school, and challenged the students to learn even more about De Zavala before the re-dedication the following week. The event was a tremendous success with over 300 adults in attendance for the two hour ceremony of re-dedicating the marker. The re-dedication ceremony was handled by Patrick Van Pelt, Chairman of the Harris County Historical Commission, and several other members of that commission were also in attendance. The children participated in these ceremonies and everyone had a great time. The Gateway to Texas Chapter # 49 The Gateway to Texas SRT Chapter # 49 welcomed Dr. Archie McDonald to the Historical Shelby County Courthouse October 8 th, Dr. McDonald, History Professor at Stephen F. Austin. S.U., spoke about Reconstruction in Texas after the war between the States (Civil War to you Yankees). His approach to the topic was from several perspectives. Dr. McDonald also spoke of SFA s commitment to promote an appreciation of Texas History. The Chapter meets quarterly and has a membership of 30. SRT Book Exchange & Circulating Library This program started last year, to exchange books among SRT members. These books are quality level literature that should not be improperly disposed of. Each book has a label that lists the donor and each individual that reads the book. Bring a book to the Annual Meeting, or check one out. Each donated book becomes the property of The Sons of the Republic of Texas, and is used in the circulating library. 3

4 NEW SRT MEMBERS Name August James Floerke Edwin Doak Cook Robert Hill McClain, Jr. Charles Michael Lusk, Jr. Dr. James Ervin Lusk, M.D. Charles Michael Lusk III Dr. Bryan Elliott Lusk, M.D. Dr. Jeffrey Dale Lusk, M.D. Alexander Grier Dwyer Michael Lusk Norton Bert Edward Pope Rogert Sherwood Raney Clyde John Bennett Johnson III Mark Musgrave Johnson Michael Gregory Johnson Thomas Alan Masinter David Claiborne Person Louis Elwood Keizer, Jr. James Ernest Powdrill, Jr. Thomas Lawrence Carey III William Lewis Dobie James Malcolm Young Michael Ernest Young William Kaiser Young Trenton Oneil Bosley John James Welder VI Arthur Lewis Adams, Jr. Wence (Wenceslao) de Leon Dr. James Robert Hayes Daniel Bryce Langen Daniel Jacob Langen Ross Michael West Spencer Ryan West Gere Dan Mitchell Philip Leon Pursley John Charles Day, M.D Lewis Monroe Smith, Jr. John Diaz Day Ryan Alexander Day Cody Boyd James John Samuel James Jeffrey Edward Jauer Cleveland Lee Smith Chrisopher Charles Clements Colton Dean Hurbough Gene Howard Pilgrim Joel Oscar Alfred Flores Benjamin Blair Stallings David Pearl Bonham Chapter Ancestor Joseph Penn Burns Jared Ellison Groce II Lemuel Peters Robert Orville Lusk Robert Orville Lusk Robert Orville Lusk Robert Orville Lusk Robert Orville Lusk Robert Orville Lusk Robert Orville Lusk Jesse Burnam Joshua Abbott James Walker, Sr. James Walker, Sr. James Walker, Sr. Daniel Ross Gandy Edmund Henry Person William Keizer Thomas Jefferson Rusk John Welder James Fletcher Kennady Gordon C. Jennings Gordon C. Jennings Gordon C. Jennings Zoraster Robinson John Welder David Moses Don Martin de Leon Patrick H. Hayes Gordon C. Jennings ( ) Gordon C. Jennings ( ) John William Smith John William Smith Jacob Harrison George Washington Anderson William Turner Sadler William Telemachus McManus William T. Sadler William T. Sadler Stephen Franklin Sparks Stephen Franklin Sparks Johann Carl Ludwig Jauer James Edward Smith Emanuel Clements George Washington Stell James William George Salvador Flores Blackstone Hardeman, Sr. John Berry, Sr. 4 Hometown Lampasas TX Richmond TX West Yarmouth MA Houston TX Shreveport LA Houston TX Shreveport LA Shreveport LA Houston TX Houston TX Temple TX Yoakum TX Laredo TX Dallas TX Weston TX Austin TX Red Rock TX Austin TX Austin TX Austin TX Wortham TX Victoria TX Arlington TX Victoria TX Victoria TX Charlotte NC Charlotte NC Arlington TX Arlington TX Abilene TX Merkel TX Kerrville TX Wimberley TX Salinas CA Dexter NM McKinney TX Quitman TX Conroe TX The Woodlands TX Conroe TX

5 Congratulations to the Edward Clark Chapter # 8, Marshall! (L-R) SRT President General L. Vaughn Oliver, KSJ; chapter officers Barney Hilburn, Sam R. Moseley; William D. Buddy Power; SRT Secretary General Tom Houston, with Edward Clark Chapter re-charter document Thanks to the combined efforts of a number of individuals, the formerly inactive Marshall Chapter # 8, The Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT) has been given new life and a new name, the Edward Clark Chapter # 8, Marshall, effective August 0, The re-charter ceremony was held at the Weisman Building in downtown Marshall on Saturday evening, September 26, A majority of the SRT Executive Committee attended, along with three SRT Past Presidents General. The mayor of Marshall, Chapter President William D. Buddy Power, greeted members and guests; Power served as the program emcee. North East District Representative Stan Stokes gave an overview of SRT, reminding the members and guests of the danger of losing our heritage unless we persevere and instill the appreciation of where we came from to our children and their families. He also expressed hope to hold an application workshop some Saturday for interested potential applicants. Mr. Sam Moseley gave interesting biographical information about Edward Clark, the chapter s namesake. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 85, he spent his childhood in Georgia and studied law in Montgomery, Alabama. By December 84 Clark had moved to Texas and opened a law practice in Marshall. Clark was a delegate to the Texas Constitutional Convention of 845. In 859, he was elected lieutenant governor of Texas on the independent Democratic ticket headed by Sam Houston. When Governor Houston refused to take the oath of allegiance to the Confederacy in 86, the Secession Convention elevated Clark to governor. Clark is buried in Marshall, and it is entirely fitting that the chapter be named in honor of this important Republic of Texas and State of Texas leader. One of Edward Clarks descendants, Mr. O. H. Sam Clark, Jr., was present for the tribute to his ancestor. The chapter paid additional tributes to the chapter s mainstay of many years, Ernest F. Smith, KSJ. Mr. Rodney Gilstrap, Smith s former law partner, shared some of his personal stories and experiences about one of Marshall s leading citizens and civic leaders. Past Presidents General Sam Houston IV, KSJ and Joe Ericson, KSJ gave both serious and humorous anecdotes about their beloved friend and fellow Knight of the Order of San Jacinto. Mr. Smith s yellow Cadillac was the focal point in more than one story by the three admirers of the former SRT chapter leader. Mr. Smith s daughter, Cynthia Smith Alldredge, was also in attendance and appreciated the tribute given to her father. Three new officers were sworn in by President General L. Vaughn Oliver, KSJ: President William D. Buddy Power, Vice-President Sam Moseley and Secretary/Treasurer Barney Hilburn. Second Vice-President General David Hanover dedicated the chapter and presented the charter to President Power, congratulating all three gentlemen on their dedication and commitment to the chapter and The Sons of the Republic of Texas. President General Oliver closed the program with an interesting history of SRT. He also stated that one of his ancestors had served with Edward Clark in Walker s Texas Division of the Confederate Army. Throughout the ceremony, President Power called the event a rebirth, after a hiatus of at least 7 years. The pillar of the chapter, Ernest F. Smith, KSJ, passed away in the fall of 99, and the chapter became inactive. Past Presidents General Billy Johnson, KSJ, and LaVon Tindall, KSJ, worked throughout the 990 s to reactivate the chapter; in 2000, Johnson assigned the task to David Hanover, then North East District Representative. Hanover and Piney Woods Chapter # 52, Tyler, member Barney Hilburn tried again in At a Texas Independence Day ceremony in Longview in 2009, hosted by the John Tilley Edwards Chapter, DRT, President Phyllis Bridges invited Marshall Mayor Buddy Power to attend. Hanover and Hilburn presented the Piney Woods Chapter s Historic Flags of Texas as a part of the celebration, and, as a member of SRT, Mr. Power agreed that it was his calling to locate enough interested members to reactivate the Marshall Chapter. After pre-organizational and organizational meetings attended and supported by Piney Woods Chapter members David Hanover, Barney Hilburn, Charles Luna and Stan Stokes, three officers-elect made the important decision to commit to the reactivation of the chapter and planned the re-charter event, with either bi-monthly or quarterly chapter meetings anticipated in the future. The Executive Committee of The Sons of the Republic of Texas wishes to express sincere appreciation and support to the re-chartered Edward Clark Chapter # 8, Marshall. 5

6 Texian Navy Day Event a Success (cont.) time, but historians agree that such action may have helped to preserve the independence won at San Jacinto in the spring of 836. Commodore Thompson died in Houston on November, 837. After his funeral, the Texas Telegraph reported, The funeral of the late Commodore Thompson took place on the morning of Thursday last. His remains were followed to the grave by the largest and most respectable assemblage of citizens which has ever attended a similar occasion in this city. An oration was delivered at the grave by General (Thomas J.) Rusk. After the informative and interesting presentation about Commodore Thompson, President General Oliver called upon Texas Navy Association President and Admiral in the Texas Navy C. W. Swede Andersen to preside over the laying of the wreath; Admiral Andersen and President General Oliver placed the wreath, at which time the bugler sounded Taps to honor Thompson and the memory and spirit of the entire Republic of Texas Navy. The ceremony concluded with retirement of the colors and a lively march from the pipe band, after which the chaplain offered a benediction. For those who have never visited Founders Memorial Cemetery, make plans for a self-guided tour of the historic and hallowed grounds that are the final resting place of one of the founders of the City of Houston, John Kirby Allen, 3 veterans of the Battle of San Jacinto, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, and many other early leaders of the Republic of Texas. Mirabeau B. Lamar s mother is also buried at Founders Memorial, a long-forgotten jewel of a cemetery located in the shadows of the skyscrapers of downtown Houston. SRT plans to conduct annual public recognitions of this important Texas honor day, so mark your calendar now for the third Saturday in September, 200, time and place to be determined. Photo credits: Betty Stokes, Second Vice-President, Charles G. Davenport Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas 6

7 Dedication of the New Marker for the First Capital of Texas Part of the crowd sitting in the rain at the dedication. The original cistern from the first Capitol is at the right edge of the picture and is the centerpiece of this strip park. New marker at site of the First Capital of Texas in West Columbia Sands Weems, owner of the site purchased by Walgreens and the Site of the First Capital at the Dedication County Judge of Brazoria County, Joe King, seated at the left of the speaker stand Mier Expedition sponsored by the Lone Star Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and The Texas Heritage Society Members of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and the Texas Heritage Society enjoyed their pilgrimage to Mier, Tamaulipas, Mexico and the laying of a floral bouquet at the site of the Battle of Mier where our "Texian" ancestors sacrificed life and liberty for the Republic of Texas. The group was accompanied by Mexican historian Antonio Guerra and tour guide Jesus Correa. Sr. Guerra gave the group a well informed presentation on the history of Mier and the battle that occurred in December of 842. A lot of the information presented about the battle was new to this author and not easily obtained through English language historical sources. Mier battlefield.red house on the right is where the Texians were holed up in... Thomas J. Rusk Chapter # 8 Quarterly Meeting The quarterly meeting of the Thomas J. Rusk Chapter # 8, Sons of the Republic of Texas was held September 0, The speaker for the evening was Lloyd Bockstruck, a nationally renowned historian and genealogist. Lloyd spoke on The Aztec Club of 847, an organization formed by officers of Zachary Taylor s forces that ventured into Mexico in 847. Although technically after the statehood of Texas, the Mexican War sealed the status of Texas and contributed to the United States boundaries as we know them today. The Aztec Club of 847 was founded in Mexico City at the time the American Army occupied that capital during the Mexican War. Its original members numbered 60, many sons or grandsons of original members of the Society of the Cincinnati, a fraternal order founded by George Washington and senior officers at the conclusion of the American Revolution. As the Mexican War came to a conclusion, these young officers formed a military society as their forefathers had done. The Aztec Club of 847 continues today, and its membership is open to descendants of those 60 officers. The Aztec Club medal is one of only a few non government awarded medals allowed to be worn on an active duty uniform. Lloyd Bockstruck and President Mic Barnett 7

8 SRT Members attend the Change of Command for the USS Texas SSN 75 In late July 2009, San Jacinto Chapter # members travelled to New England to represent the SRT at the Change of Command for USS Texas. On Friday, July 3, chapter members joined former First Lady of the United States Laura Bush in congratulating the outgoing CO, CDR James Gray, and offered best wishes to the incoming skipper, CDR Robert A. Roneska. The ceremony took place onboard the sub at Submarine Base New London, in Groton, Connecticut. Commander Roneska - known as Navy Bob - served as White House Naval Aide to President George W. Bush. Commander Gray will next serve as a member of the CNOs Executive Panel in the nation s capital. On the prior evening, chapter members enjoyed an elegant dinner honoring Commander Gray at the New York Yacht Club s Harbour Court in Newport, Rhode Island. Representing SRT were Clay Fisher, Dale Williamson, Will Haddock and Captain Zeb Alford. Pictured left: San Jacinto Chapter (#) member, Will Haddock, stands on board the USS Texas (SSN-775) in front of a plaque given by the San Jacinto Chapter that records the Senior and Junior Enlisted Sailors of the Year. San Jacinto Day 200 will mark the fourth year the San Jacinto Chapter presents this award. 8

9 IN AND AROUND TEXAS Kathryn Stoner O Connor Collection at the UTSA Libraries In 977, at the urging of former University of Texas at San Antonio special collections librarian Carmen Perry, the Sons of the Republic of Texas purchased from Mexico City antiquarian book dealer a collection of books, pamphlets, manuscripts and broadsides covering the social and cultural history of Mexico and Texas from the 6th - 20th century. SRT named the collection in honor of Kathryn Stoner O Connor ( ), a preservationist, philanthropist, and historian who is remembered primarily for her role in the restoration and preservation of Nuestra Senora de Loreto Presidio (Presidio La Bahia) in Goliad. After being housed temporarily at the SRT headquarters, the collection was deposited with UTSA Libraries around 980. The collection is comprised of approximately 500 books, pamphlets and other printed materials; and approximately 5500 manuscripts and broadsides. Mainly in Spanish, a significant portion of the documents came from the former courthouse at Tulancingo, Mexico, in the state of Hidalgo. The O Connor collection addresses the social and cultural history of Mexico and Texas, including contemporary political, governmental and religious affairs. The collection includes government documents, financial records, legal petitions, political and ecclesiastical decrees, wills and legal testaments, and personal and business letters. There is a broad array of topics covered in the collection, including information on government, politics, finances, work, religion, social status, marriage and family, and numerous other subjects of social and historical interest. Significant documents include a contemporary manuscript copy of the Articles of Surrender signed by William B. Fannin at the Battle of Coleto in Texas on March 20, 836; decrees issued by the King of Spain from 593 to 820, and by emperors Iturbide and Maximillian of Mexico; documents issued by the Viceroys of Mexico between 572 and 82; and documents issued by Presidents of Mexico between 82 and 92. The earliest original document in the collection is a civil suit, dated 555, concerning the distribution of land in Tulancingo, Mexico. The O Connor Collection also contains microfilm copies of documents from the Bexar Archives, the Laredo Archives and the Henry Raub Wagner Collection at Yale University, as well as microfilm reels of documents from the Archivo Historico Nacional in Madrid and the Archivo General of Simancas, Spain. A finding aide for the collection may be found online at the Texas Archival Resource Online (TARO) Web site at The UTSA Libraries will be opening a new Special Collections suite in early 200, where the collection will be available for use. For further information, contact the UTSA Libraries Archives and Special Collections, 80 E. Durango Blvd., UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, San Antonio, Texas Phone: (20) , archives@utsa.edu, Web: Lech Walesa, San Jacinto Day Medal and Texas Quarter Recipient I had the opportunity to have lunch with Lech Walesa, First President of the Third Polish Republic, in Huntsville, TX recently. He was a guest speaker at Sam Houston State University and recipient of SHSU's Sam Houston Humanitarian Award in 996. I told him that his leadership in the Polish Solidarity movement that ousted Communism was very similar, in many ways, to the Texas Revolution. At the end of our short talk, I presented him with a San Jacinto Day Metal and a Texas quarter which he said he would cherish forever. Submitted by Randy Pollard, San Jacinto & Lonestar District Representative 9

10 IN AND AROUND TEXAS Annual Gillespie Rodeo Parade in Fredericksburg On Friday, August 2, members of the John?. Meusebach Chapter # 48 participated in the annual Gillespie County Rodeo Parade in Fredericksburg TX. As usual the chapter used Sam Smith s (KSJ) trailer and Cannon the Other Sister, along with members riding on the float. The chapter s entry garnered First Place in the Adult Division. The float was well received by the enthusiastic crowd. Pictured from L-R Joe Ginn, KSJ, Sam Smith, KSJ, Don Taylor, Bob Goldsborough, and Donald Clark. Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia will update and Preserve Mrs. James Harris Home Site A big Thank You needs to go to 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 were 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. Dodson Flag Proudly Waves Adam Word Gates, SRT member # is the great-great-great-great grandson of Sarah Dodson. Sarah Dodson stitched up the famous Dodson Flag that her husband Archelaus, a Harrisburg lieutenant carried to San Antonio to lay siege to the Alamo. The flag is also reputed to have flown over the meeting house at Washington on the Brazos during the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Adam s parents Carson and Lucy Gates proudly fly the Dodson Flag daily at their home in Falfurrias. 0

11 IN AND AROUND TEXAS SRT Lecture Series at the Lone Star College in Tomball, Texas The Lecture began September 6, 2009 at :30 p.m. at the Lone Star College in Tomball. Texas. The founding President of this College, Dr. Roy Lazenby was GREAT and arranged for Denton Bryant and I to speak at two Rotary Clubs, so that we could stir up interest among the citizens of the area. Five of us handed out the College brochure that was mailed to more than 4,000 citizens in North Harris County at the Tomball Chamber of Commerce meeting held at the college. There were over 250 citizens in attendance, and we were dressed in our Frontier clothing. On September 0, 2009, the college held their Fall Registration for the senior citizen classes, called the Academy For Lifelong Learning. Our registration table was the most visited by far, and in fact many of the workers from other groups who were registering for their classes spent time at our table looking at our guns and knives. Four of us were there in Period Clothing and over 40 citizens signed up for our class. The local citizens can sign up on line so we expected over 50 people for our first lecture. The first lecture began with a talk from SRT President General Vaughn Oliver, about the history and the current activities of the SRT. After Vaughn s talk, I gave my Historic Texas Flag Program, which gave the citizens an over view of our history from Spanish days to modern times. Many of the citizens were not originally from Texas so this gave them a summary of the coming lectures. We had lengthy lectures about the important events of our history, including the Texas Declaration of Independence, the Battle of the Alamo, the Goliad Massacre, and we also included lectures on the Texas Rangers, the Yellow Rose of Texas, the history of General Sam Houston and other leading members of our formative period. The lecture series ended with a day long bus tour of the San Jacinto Battlefield with lunch at the Monument Inn.

12 IN AND AROUND TEXAS Quarterly Meeting in Gonzales Stokes was pleased to send the pictures to new SRT Piney Woods Chapter member Gene Pilgrim whose ancestor James George furnished the wagon and team of oxen that was used to transport the cannon. There was documentation in the museum showing that James George was paid for the use of the wagon rig, but the rig was essentially destroyed in the use and he was apparently not reimbursed for the loss, so the Republic still owes the estate about $45 on the deal. James George was lost in the defense of the Alamo on March 6, 836. Stan Stokes, Dist Rep of the North East District, David Hanover 2nd Vice President General and Scott Dunbar, KSJ Past President General stand by the "Come and Take it Cannon" in the Gonzales Memorial Museum, where several visited after the Executive Committee meeting in Gonzales on Sept 2. Florida Scout Provides Survival Tools for Homeless Tampa, FL - Victor Karstendiek, 3, is providing sleeping bags, blankets, health kits, rain ponchos and tote bags for the homeless in the Tampa area. He hopes his Boy Scout Eagle project will inspire other troops across the nation to also provide urban survival kits for the homeless in their communities. The son of a military family, Victor was born in Ft. Belvoir, VA. He has experienced Boy Scout troops in Vogelweh, Germany, and Hurburt Field and Gulf Breeze, FL. He is currently a member of Troop 35, Gulf Ridge Council. I think his mother, Jeanne, inspired Victor to make his Eagle Project a way to help the homeless, his father, Paul, said. She has led multiple UMC youth mission projects, and outreach was a way of life during his childhood. Paul also credits Kevin Grills, director of student ministries at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida for raising projects for a feeding ministry. He also credits the God and Country program of PRAY (Programs of Religious Activities for Youth). Victor has earned his God and Me, God and Family, and God and Church religious awards and is currently working on his God and Life Award. The county Homeless Coalition serves as sponsor of the project, and Victor set Sept. 30 as the day in which people should drag camping gear down from their attics to give to the homeless. He is also asking camping wholesalers to send their excess stock to help fill the urban survival kits. When Victor is not gathering camping supplies he is participating in triathlons and soccer games. He is a third generation of his family to earn the rank of Eagle. I m blessed to have such a caring and responsible son. Paul said. 2

13 IN AND AROUND TEXAS Viva Fiesta!!! Viva the SRT!! Remember the Alamo!! The Alamo Chapter, Sons of the Republic of Texas, presented it's Fiesta event on April 8th, The event was made up of two parts. The first part was the historic presentation "This Hallowed Ground" a walking survey of the trace of the original walls of the Alamo as they were at the time of the siege and battle. Bob Benavides, creator of the presentation and moderator walked about a hundred participants along the places where the heroes fought and died. He was assisted by approximately 25 members of the San Antonio Living History Association, dressed in period attire and interacting with Bob as he described each location along the wall and it's significance to the battle. Members of the Alamo Chapter provided handouts and assisted in crowd and traffic control. The photo depicts the audience being walked through the location in the area of the south wall where the main gate, lunette and low barracks where Jim Bowie died was located. At the end of the historic presentation nineteen of the twenty five winners of the Alamo Chapter's "Republic of Texas Essay Contest" were awarded their prizes. One thousand seven hundred seventh graders from five middle schools in the San Antonio area participated. Each winner received a certificate and an Alamo Chapter Medal. The top three winners from each school received a Savings Bond and the first place winner from each school received a Texas flag that flew over the Alamo on March 6th, Alamo Chapter President, Al McCutcheon, assisted by Ken Pfeiffer, Ed Heath, Bob Benavides, Billy Bob Highsmith and David Jauer presented the students their awards Supplemental Ancestor Contest A Supplemental Ancestor Contest will begin January, 2009 and end December 3, This contest is open to all SRT members in good standing. The standard requirements for submitting a supplemental will apply, as found in Section 5.7 of the SRT Bylaws. This contest is only for new supplemental applications submitted and approved during the contest period. Please submit applications at least a couple of months before the last day of December 2009, in order to allow for normal process and review. The President General will present a prize to the winner at the Annual Meeting 200. Matching Fund Drive At the June Executive Meeting in La Grange a matching fund drive was announced for the Educator of the Year Award and Texian Navy Day. This matching fund drive will run through to the Annual Meeting. The matching amount is up to $ 2, for each project which means a possible total of $ 5, for each one. If your chapter or any individual members will donate any amount toward this goal then the organization stands to gain. Meeting these two objectives will fund these projects for at least 2 years giving time to possibly obtain permanent funding for these projects. Please consider contributing so that the goals and objectives of our organization will be continued. Thank you, Bob Steakley - Treasurer General. 3

14 Billy E. Johnson, KSJ Knight Commander KNIGHTS OF THE ORDER OF SAN JACINTO Knight Commander s Message Again we are approaching the end of another year. Even with a terrible drought, severe heat and a fallen economy, we are embarking on December and La Bahia. I encourage each of you to do your very best to attend. Dates and times have been announced in the Texian. Next years annual meeting to be held in Tyler will be exciting with the Knighting of Sam Clark and Jerry Patterson. We look forward to having a big attendance of Knights. It is very important we support our newly elected Knights. I had the privilege to attend the rededication of the Edward Clark chapter No. 8 in Marshall. Several Executive committee members and Knights were present. Sir Knight Sam Houston gave a great proclamation to the memory of Sir Knight Ernest Smith. Sir Knight Smith was a driving force in the formation of the Marshall chapter back in the late 60's. This is the time when Chapters shall submit names of men whom they feel deserving the honor of Knighthood. Nominees shall be submitted to the Administrative Assistant. Much consideration should be taken when submitting these names as to prior years service to both the Sons and the State of Texas. Knighthood is a grand honor and must not be taken lightly. In Closing I would like to thank each of you who show your dedication to the SRT. In these tough times I know its hard to devote your time and money to a cause of preserving our heroes and heritage. We live in the greatest Country and State and remember we Shall Overcome. GOD BLESS TEXAS Billy E. Johnson, Knight Commander Texas Declaration of Independence Signer Latimer Honored On September 6, 2009, SRT members from across the state gathered at the Clarksville City Cemetery to place a SRT Medallion on the grave of Albert Hamilton Latimer, a delegate from the Northeast Texas region to the Convention of 836 at Washington-on-the-Brazos, where he signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Biographical information was given by Van Craddock, of the Longview News Journal, who is a collateral descendent of Albert H. Latimer. SRT chapters represented at the dedication included: Piney Woods Chapter # 52, Tyler, Thomas J. Rusk Chapter # 8, Dallas, Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels Chapter # 50, New Braunfels and Adolphus Sterne Chapter # 9, Nacogdoches. Cenotaph markers were placed by the SAR to honor three American Revolution patriots buried at the same cemetery. Battle of Medina Pictured are Al McCutcheon, President Alamo Chapter; Tom Wood and Ed Heath, Alamo Chapter; and Tom Green, KSJ. The Alamo Chapter SRT hosted the second annual seminar of the Battle of Medina in Pleasanton. Featured speakers were: Linda Henderson, Texas Historical Commission; Robert Thonhoff, Author and Historian; Al McGraw, Senior Staff Archeologist TXDOT; and Richard Santos, Former Bexar County Archivist and noted Author. Approximately 52 people were in attendance. 4

15 In Memoriam We Salute a Fallen Hero, Captain Joshua Meadows A 30 year old Marine from Elgin, Captain Joshua Meadows, was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan, leaving behind numerous family and friends to mourn his death. Captain Meadows died Saturday, September 5, from wounds sustained in a cross fire during a special forces mission as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. An accomplished Marine who was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, Meadows is said to have been very proud to serve his country and had been deployed overseas several times throughout his military career. In August of 2008, Meadows was the lead Marine Corps Huey helicopter pilot seeing action in the Gulf of Aden in an operation that prevented a pirate attack on the Gem of Kilakarai, a Singapore cargo ship. Marines with the 5 th Marine Expeditionary Unit, were deployed aboard the USS Peleliu provided aerial support and explosive ordnance disposal during the mission. Captain Meadows was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas Chapter # 2. Travis Bell Bryan, Jr., 88, a Life Member of The Sons of the Republic of Texas, passed away September 24, He was a Charter Member and helped organize the William Joel Bryan Chapter Number 4,in Bryan, Texas, in the early 950 s. He was Treasurer of the chapter from its inception until recently when he stepped down due to failing health. Travis was a descendant of William Joel Bryan, a nephew of Stephen F. Austin, for whom Chapter #4 was named and who was instrumental in the founding of the town of Bryan in 866. He served and supported many community organizations, especially the schools and the First Baptist Church of Bryan. As President and CEO of the First National Bank, Travis Bryan, Jr.,was known as a friend and one who was always ready to help others. Travis will be missed by the William Joel Bryan Chapter and all who knew him. Submitted by Charles P. Briggs III, KSJ Name Chapter Hometown Zeb D. Alford Houston, TX Joe Allen Gaines Houston, TX Patrick Henry James Houston, TX Otto L. Frazer 3 Belton, TX Albert Daniel Barth 7 Poteet, TX Eugene Lamar Collins 7 San Antonio, TX Floyd Pridgen 7 San Antonio, TX David Brevard Rochelle 7 Sisterdale, TX James Scott Buchanan 8 Sherman, TX John William Stell 8 Molalla, OR Capt. Joshua S. Meadows 2 Elgin, TX Joe Lett Ward 3 Waco, TX Travis Bell Bryan, Jr. 4 Bryan, TX Raymond Callaway Jones 4 Bryan, TX Tapley Bynum Hatley IV 8 Hallsville, TX Willaim F. Jones 8 Marshall, TX William Floyd Berryman 9 Brookeland, TX Jerry Piott House 27 Lubbock, TX Loy K. Low 33 Burkeville, TX W. D. Cornelius 35 Markham, TX Jean Davis Baker 36 Weatherford, TX Lawrence Edward Elam 36 Fort Worth, TX John David Monroe 36 Argyle, TX Jesse Anton Pfeiffer 40 Blanco, TX John Edward Tomlin 50 Center, TX Myles Reyburn Kuykendall 50 New Braunfels, TX Clarence Garrette Ray 53 LaGrange, TX 5

16 December 4-5 March 27 April 2 September 9 September 9 October 2 November 3 November 2 April 9-, 200 Calendar of Events 2009 Executive Board Meetings Hampton Inn, 7006 N Navarro Street, Victoria, TX (36) SRT Events Goliad Massacre San Jacinto Day Texian Navy Day Monument Hill Remembrance Ceremony The Battle of Gonzales Stephen F. Austin s Birthday (Father of Texas) Tomball Parade 200 Annual Meetings Holiday Inn Select, 507 South Broadway Ave., Tyler, Texas 75703; (903) ; Rate $ 92; Cutoff date 3/9/ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING December 4-5, Hampton Inn, 7006 N. Navarro Street, Victoria, TX 77904; (36) ; Rate $ 02 ; Cutoff date; November 20, Eighth Street Bay City, TX 7744 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Contact us at: SRT Office: srttexas@srttexas.org 77 Eighth Street, Bay City, TX 7744 Phone: (979) Fax: (979)