|
Texas Heritage Society Discover - Understand - Preserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Texas Heritage SocietyTEXAS HERITAGE SOCIETY Tour of Texas History No. 4: "REMEMBER GOLIAD!" February 6, 2010 Old Photograph of the Presidio La Bahia Years before Restoration Photo courtesy of Joe and Lynn Keith
Texas Heritage Society First Vice President, Hewitt Clark, has announced the intinerary for the Tour of Texas History #4. Mark your calenders and keep this date open.
Hotel rooms are available at the Antler's Inn in Goliad, Texas (1013 US Hwy 59 S.). Telephone 361-645-8215. Double rooms are $58. Here is the revised tour schedule.
Saturday, February 6, 2010:
12:00 Noon--Meet at the Hanging Tree Restaurant in Goliad, Texas (144 N. Courthouse Square) for lunch and to discuss plans.
1:00 p.m., Walking tour of the historic plaza area with guide Benny Martinez.
2:00 p.m., Travel to General Zaragoza's home for lecture about Cinco de Mayo.
3:00 p.m., Presidio La Bahia--Special lecture by the Director of the Presidio La Bahia about the 1813 Mcgee-Gutierrez Expedition including details about the "bloodiest day in Texas history;" the bloody arm flag and Capt. Dimmit's Declaration of Independence in 1835; and the massacre of 400 Texas soldiers under command of Col. Fannin in 1836. The lecture will be followed by a tour of the Presido.
6:00 pm, Dinner at the Hanging Tree Restaurant and a talk about the Cart War and Violence in Goliad from 1850-1870 by Mr. Starr, author and local historian.
Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010:
8:00 a.m., Breakfast, to be announced
9:00 a.m., Tour and lecture at the Mission.
10:00 a.m., Mass at the Mission for those wishing to participate.
11:00 a.m., Travel ten miles to the Coleto Creek battle site for a lecture by Benny Martinez and relatives.
For reservations and further information please contact:
Hewitt Clarke 281-367-2709
East Montgomery County Historical Society Meeting
February 9, 2010
The February 9th meeting of the East Montgomery County Historical Society will focus on Civil War stories. Many early settlers of East County fought in the Civil War. East County, known to many as the “Wildwoods” was an undeveloped area offering the chance to begin again after the devastation of the war years and the upheaval of reconstruction.
I believe my ancestor, John Wesley Johnson, chose to move his family from the more populated side of the county to this deep wooded area to avoid having to sign amnesty papers. Purposely or accidentally there is no listing of this branch of the Johnson family, and many other Montgomery County families, on the 1870 census. By 1880, after Texas was again readmitted to the Union in 1870 and the Amnesty Act of 1872 granted voting rights to all former Confederates, time had eased the pain of memories and the family was again enumerated on the National Census.
Historic events, such as the Civil War, are more than just dry information in dusty history books. These events are made up of the stories of individuals and families. Often times we find these individuals and families in our Family Trees and the knowledge of the history of the day can give us a deeper understanding of the lives of our ancestors.
Submitted by Barbara Hamilton Texas Heritage Society - March 2010 Meeting Texas Historian James P. Bevill and The Paper Republic - The Struggle for Money, Credit and Independence in the Republic of Texas
The March meeting of the Texas Heritage Society is scheduled for March 18, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at 18 West Shaker Court in The Woodlands. See map here. The March meeting will feature Texas historian James P. Bevill. Mr. Bevill is the author of the fabulous new Texas history book The Paper Republic which was published in November of 2009 by Bright Sky Press. Texas Heritage Society President, Kameron Searle, has reviewed Bevill's book and writes that "The Paper Republic is destined to become a classic on the history of the Republic of Texas." In researching the money and the economy of the Republic of Texas, Bevill has added a whole knew dimension to our understanding of the overall history of the Republic of Texas. James Bevill's 352 page book is also one of the most beautiful Texas history books we has ever seen. James Bevill has agreed to bring copies of The Paper Republic to sell and will be glad to sign copies of this amazing new book. James Bevill is a very interesting speaker and has many interesting historical anecdotes about the early history of Texas that he has discovered over his years of research. Come to this meeting and we can assure you that you will learn some things about the Republic of Texas you never knew before. James P. Bevill graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston - Clear Lake. He is a First Vice President - Investments in the River Oaks office of UBS Financial Services in Houston, Texas. Mr. Bevill is also a past President of the Texas Numismatic Association and an authority on the currency issued by the Republic of Texas. Because of his extensive historical research into the history of the Republic of Texas, Mr. Bevill was recently elected an Honorary Member of The Sons of the Republic of Texas. Texas Heritage Society President Helps Montgomery County Get National Endowment for the Humanities Grant
Montgomery County, Texas was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $6,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities to assist in preserving the Montgomery County District Clerk's records prior to 1900. This grant will be used to prevent further loss and injury to those documents. This award was accepted by the Montgomery County Commissioners Court at their meeting on December 21, 2009. Texas Heritage Society President, Kameron Searle, has been recognized for his assistance in the award of this grant to Montgomery County. Ms. Juanita Stanley, Grants Administrator with the Montgomery County Department of Infrastructure in a letter to Searle dated December 21, 2009, wrote, "I wish to express my personal gratitude for the eloquent letter you wrote in your support of our grant request. I truly feel that we might not have been successful without that letter. Your ability to "speak historian" to the review committee was crucial to securing the grant. I further am of the opinion that your persuasive words led the National Endowment for the Humanities to give our grant the special designation as a "We the People" award." National Endowment for the Humanities Chairman, James Leach, in his letter to Ms. Juanita Stanley described the "We the People" initiative as follows: "The goal of the "We the People" initiative is to encourage and strengthen the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture through the support of projects that explore significant events and themes in our nation's history and culture and that advance knowledge of the priciples that define America." The motto and goals of the Texas Heritage Society are to "Discover, Understand and Preserve" the history of Texas. Our hats are off to THS President, Kameron Searle, for his efforts to preserve the history of Montgomery County, Texas contained within the records of the Montgomery County District Clerk's Office. Click here to see both Juanita Stanley's letter and the letter from the National Endowments for the Humanities. Submitted by Melinda R. Cagle Texas Heritage Society - December Meeting
Photos courtesy of Pat Spackey The December meeting of the Texas Heritage Society was held on December 10, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. See THS 2009 Christmas Party invitation here. The meeting was held at 18 West Shaker Court in the Woodlands. The December meeting was a Christmas party and our speaker was First Vice President and Civil War historian, Hewitt Clark, who spoke about "Texas Secession."
We also reviewed two very successful Texas Heritage Society events that occurred since our last meeting: 1) Tour of Texas History #3 - "The Mier Expedition" and 2) the Anson Jones Texas Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony. Pat Spackey was kind enough to bring the original House Resolution No. 1123 - Montgomery County - "Birthplace of Texas Flag" that she was recently given by the City of Shenandoah, Texas.
A special meeting of the members was held to discuss and make amendments to our Certificate of Formation - Nonprofit Corporation as part of the 501(c)(3) tax exemption application process. For more photos of the 2009 Texas Heritage Society December Meeting and Christmas party, click here. Submitted by Melinda Cagle and Kameron Searle
Anson Jones: January 20, 1798 - January 9, 1858 Last President of Texas: December 9, 1844 - February 19, 1846 At least, I have the approbation of my own conscience, a reward in itself above all price, and repose upon the assured belief that history and posterity will do me no wrong. Anson Jones, Valedictory, February 19, 1846
Click Here for Page 1 of Photos Click Here for Page 2 of Photos of the Anson Jones Marker Dedication Ceremony November 21, 2009
Photo Courtesy of Pat Spackey Some of the members of the Texas Heritage Society, the Harris County Historical Commission, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Sons of the Republic of Texas who were present at the Anson Jones marker dedication ceremony. The Texas Heritage Society sponsored its first Texas State Historical marker dedication ceremony with the marker granted by the Texas Historical Commission for Anson Jones, the last President of the Republic of Texas. The Anson Jones Texas Historical marker dedication ceremony was a huge success. More than 110 people attended the dedication ceremony on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at Glenwood Cemetery, 2525 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas. Anson Jones Marker Planning Committee: Melinda R. Cagle, Texas Heritage Society Brenda Horton, Texas Heritage Society David Martin, Texas Heritage Society Carole Lynn O'Neal, Texas Heritage Society Kameron Kent Searle, Texas Heritage Society Marisa Searle, Texas Heritage Society Pat Spackey, Texas Heritage Society Carolyn Terrell, Texas Heritage Society Bernice Mistrot, Harris County Historical Commission Debra Blacklock-Sloan, Harris County Historical Commission Loy Anderson, Glenwood Cemetery Bonnie Ambrus, Glenwood Cemetery
Photo Courtesy of Pat Spackey The Texas State Historical marker for Anson Jones, the last President of the Republic of Texas, was unveiled by Patrick Van Pelt, Chairman of the Harris County Historical Commission and W. Vernon Burke, Jr., Past Grand Master of Masons in Texas.
Photo Courtesy of Pat Spackey Text of Anson JonesTexas Historical Marker. Special thanks to Texas Heritage Society Editor, Melinda Reeves Cagle, for the spectacular job she did on the Anson Jones marker dedication ceremony printed programs. We have already received a number of compliments from people who have been attending historical marker dedication ceremonies for years who advise us that it is one of the finest programs that they have ever seen. Click here to see and print the 12 page p rogram: Anson Jones Program PDF file.
The Anson Jones Texas Historical marker Ceremony was sponsored by the Texas Heritage Society and the Harris County Historical Commission. The pledges to the United Sates flag and the Texas flag were led by William Haddock, Past President of the San Jacinto Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and Vice-President General of the San Jacinto Descendants. The Invocation was led by Francita Ulmer of the San Jacinto Descendants. Houston Mayor Bill White appeared and gave an inspiring speech concerning the importance of preserving the early history of Texas. The State of Texas does not pay for Texas State Historical markers. The $1,500 dollars for the casting of the Anson Jones marker was paid to the Texas Historical Commission by the San Jacinto Descendants. The San Jacinto Descendants were represented at the dedication ceremony by President General Nan White Morris who spoke about Anson Jones' important roles in the Battle of San Jacinto and the early Republic of Texas. Anson Jones married Mary Smith McCrory in 1840. She was later elected the first President of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Eron Brimberry Tynes, President of the San Jacinto Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, spoke about Mary Smith McCrory Jones and the early history of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas under Mary Jones' leadership. As Anson Jones helped found Masonry in Texas, Texas Masons also took a major role in this ceremony. Jones was the first Worshipful Master of a regularly formed Masonic lodge in Texas. Anson Jones was also the first Grand Master of Masons in Texas when the Grand Lodge of Texas was founded in Houston, Texas. Past Grand Master of Masons in Texas, W. Vernon Burke, Jr., spoke about Anson Jones and Masonry in Texas at the dedication ceremony. He also spoke about the contributions of the Masons in the early history of Texas. Many Masons from around Texas attended the ceremony wearing their Masonic aprons. Prior to the dedication ceremony, W. Vernon Burke, Jr. opened a Representation of the Grand Lodge of Texas at Holland Lodge #1 located at 4911 Montrose, Houston, Texas. In 1837, Anson Jones was a charter member of the Philosophical Society of Texas. The Philosophical Society of Texas was represented at the dedication ceremony by Dr. Jon Fleming who read the preamble of the charter of the Philosophical Society of Texas written by Anson Jones and Mirabeau B. Lamar in 1837. Both of these gentlemen would later be elected Presidents of the Republic of Texas. The charter members of the Philosophical Society of Texas were some of the most influential citizens of the Republic of Texas. Carlos R., Hamilton, Jr., M. D., Past President of the Harris County Medical Society, spoke about Anson Jones' role as surgeon following the Battle of San Jacinto, his many contributions to development of medicine in early Texas and the Anson Jones, M. D. Awards presented annually by the Texas Medical Association. Anson Jones' home has been preserved at Barrington Living History Farm at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park. Curator Pam Skaggs appeared and spoke about Barrington Living History Farm. She provided the history of Anson Jones' Barrington plantation, the Anson Jones home and their ongoing efforts to preserve the home and history of the Last President of Texas. Glenwood Cemetery historian, Joanne Seale Wilson, spoke about the three different burial sites of Anson Jones and the early history of Glenwood Cemetery.
Photo Courtesy of Pat Spackey Colonel John Martin, the executive officer of the Texas Army, led the members of the Texas Army at the Anson Jones marker dedication ceremony. The Texas Army in period attire fired three black powder rifle salutes following the unveiling of the Anson Jones marker. The Texas Army also be provided an exceptional color guard at the beginning and at the end of the ceremony. Debra Blacklock-Sloan, Chair of the Marker Mentorship Committee of the Harris County Historical Commission presented the many proclamations honoring Anson Jones from the Governor, the City of Houston and the Harris County Commissioners. Anson Jones was the last President of the Republic of Texas. He was an early doctor in the Brazoria Municipality when Texas was still part of Mexico. Anson Jones was the surgeon of the Second Regiment at San Jacinto and he fought in the Battle of San Jacinto as a private on April 21, 1836 and treated the wounded at Lorenzo de Zavala's house following the battle. Anson Jones was a member of the Congress of the Republic of Texas. Later, Sam Houston appointed him the Minister Plenipotentiary from the Republic of Texas to the United States. Following his return from Washington, he found that he had been elected to the Senate. He was later appointed the Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas. Anson Jones was elected the last President of the Republic of Texas and is known as the "Architect of Annexation" because his activities and diplomatic strategies led to Texas being annexed by the United States. Following annexation, Jones retired to his plantation, Barrington, where he wrote the detailed history of his role in the annexation of Texas. Jones is the only President of a nation buried in Houston and Harris County, Texas. The Texas Heritage Society was proud to sponsor the Anson Jones Texas Historical marker dedication ceremony. Pictures from the ceremony will be posted on this site in the next few days. Special thanks to Loy Anderson, Bonnie Ambrus, Dick Ambrus and the whole staff of Glenwood Cemetery for the all your help and wonderful hospitality in making the Anson Jones marker dedication ceremony such a huge success. Financial Contributors Anson Jones Marker Ceremony: Dr. and Mrs. Carrol Dean Cagle Mrs. Steve Horton Mrs. Jerry O'Neal Mr. and Mrs. Kameron Kent Searle Mr. and Mrs. Ted Spackey Mrs. Carolyn Terrell The Texas Heritage Society, Inc.
Publicity and Proclamations: The Woodlands Lifestyles and Homes Magazine - December 2009 THS and Anson Jones Marker in Ultimate Conroe THS and Anson Jones Marker in Ultimate Woodlands THS and Anson Jones Marker in The Woodlands Villager THS and Anson Jones in The Potpourri Houston Chronicle - Bayou City History Blog Texas Army Newsletter - December 2009 Anson Jones Letter of United States Senator John Cornyn Anson Jones Proclamation of Governor Rick Perry Anson Jones Proclamation of State Representative Garnet F. Coleman
Click here to see the gravesite of Anson Jones in Glenwood Cemetery in Houston, Texas.
Representatives of the Texas Heritage Society, Harris County Historical Commission and Glenwood Cemetery met on October 19, 2009 to plan the Anson Jones Texas Historical Marker dedication ceremony scheduled for November 21, 2009. Pictured, front row, left to right: Brenda Horton, Melinda Cagle, Kameron Searle. Back row, left to right: Debra Blacklock-Sloan, Bernice Mistrot, Loy Anderson, Pat Spackey and Bonnie Ambrus.
Map to Glenwood Cemetery in Houston, Texas
TOUR OF TEXAS HISTORY #3 - "Mier Expedition" - October 30 & 31, 2009 |
© Copyright 2009-2010, Texas Heritage
Society, Inc. All rights reserved.