SAN JACINTO PATRIOT Dedicated to the memory of those who fought at the Battle of San Jacinto April 21 st, 1836 April 2011 175 th Anniversary Publisher - San Jacinto Chapter No. 1 of The Sons of the Republic of Texas The picture above is the famous painting The Battle of San Jacinto by Henry Arthur McArdle. It was completed in 1898 and hangs in the Senate Chamber in the Texas Capitol. At left is McArdle s painted reproduction of the "Sherman Flag" (San Jacinto Battle Flag), featuring the Goddess of Liberty and the words Liberty or Death. The San Jacinto Battle Flag, brought to Texas by Capt. Sidney Sherman and his Kentucky riflemen, was carried into battle by James Austin Sylvester. A white evening glove donated by a young Cincinnati lady adorned the flag staff. The next day, it was Sylvester who captured General Santa Anna. This was the only flag carried into the battle by the Texians.
Monthly Luncheon Meeting: Held the First Thursday of Every Month at Noon Our next meeting will be Thursday, April 7, 2011, at the Post Oak Grill, 1415 South Post Oak Lane, Houston, Texas at Noon. Many attendees arrive by 11:30; be there by 11:45 a.m. to ensure you get a good parking spot and a seat. The cost of lunch is $22.00, payable at the door by cash or check. Parking is free in the garage - enter restaurant from the rear door in the garage. Last Month s Meeting: Last month, March, was the chapter s annual business meeting. Our treasurer, Jim Hudson, reported that the chapter remains solvent and also that the sailor s award fund is solvent. He also pointed out that the chapter loses a little each month on luncheon costs and that it may be time to raise the price of lunch. The executive board will discuss the issue. The membership voted to keep the same chapter officers for another year. The list of officers is near the end of this newsletter. Chapter President Ron Brown reported on The Yellow Rose Ball planning which is well underway and that 175 th Anniversary T-Shirts and 2011 San Jacinto Day Medals are now available. April s Guest Speaker: James Perry Bryan Guest Curator for Texas! Making History since 1519 at The Houston Museum of Natural Science J. P. Bryan has sought to achieve a balance in life of building a successful business enterprise as well as dedicating his time and resources to historical preservation and restoration. J. P. s roots in Texas run deep. Moses Austin, Stephen F. Austin, and Stephen F. Austin s sister, Emily are relatives. W. Joel Bryan, who served in the Texas Revolution and was the founder of Bryan, Texas was his great-great-grandfather. His Aunt Halley Bryan Perry was a founder of the Daughters of the Republic. In addition to the Texas State Historical Association, he has served the cause of Texas history as Chairman of the Institute of Texan Cultures, President of the Texas Historical Foundation for 8 years, member of the executive council of the Texas Historical Foundation, Director of the Brazoria County Historical Museum, The Dolph Briscoe Museum, and the Nina Stewart Haley Museum. He is a
member of The Sons of the Republic of Texas. Bryan was born in Houston, but raised in the small coastal town of Freeport. He truly believes that it was a great environment in which to learn about values, people and community. Bryan attended the University of Texas, where he majored in art history. There were two events in college that had a profound effect on J. P. s future. First, he developed an appreciation for art. Secondly, with a close friend, he started a rare book business and a book publishing company, The Pemberton Press. From their store on 910 Congress Avenue, they dealt with a steady flow of buyers of rare and out-of-print Texana material and the first biography of J. Frank Dobie. It was in this environment that J. P. first developed his interest in collecting Texas historical material. The Torch Collection, which he would later create, was born out of his love for rare books, and his original book acquisitions are the cornerstone for the Collection. Having served as a grader while attending the University of Texas, J. P. was first introduced to the TSHA, or Texas State Historical Association, by former TSHA Director, H. Bailey Carroll. While at UT, Bryan earned a law degree. After Law School, he attended Thunderbird School of International Studies. He was admitted in the Texas Bar in 1966. Following his schooling, Bryan s career path began in New York with J.P. Morgan. For 14 years he was a banker, an investment banker, and mortgage banker, with a specialty in oil and gas finance. His fascination with that business propelled the formation of Torch Energy Advisors Incorporated (TEAI) in 1981, for which he still serves as the founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. From then to the present, Torch has purchased more than $3 billion in producing oil and gas properties, and has sponsored six public companies and numerous private enterprises. For his efforts in creating and building Torch, J. P. was recognized as Entrepreneur of Year in 1995, and in 1996 as the Canadian Oil Man of the Year for his role in restoring the fortunes of Gulf Canada.. During his forty-year career in the energy industry, he has also served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of various independent exploration and production companies, including Bellwether Exploration Company, Nuevo Energy Company, and Gulf Canada Resources Limited. In addition to his positions at Torch, Mr. Bryan serves as Chairman of the Board of Resaca Exploitation, Inc. J. P. has written and spoken frequently on subjects related to the history of Texas and the Settlement of the West. Widely considered a scholar on Texas history, J. P. has given countless talks on the subject, has published articles on Texas and related subjects, and assembled the largest collection of Texana material in private hands, the Torch Collection, which is housed primarily in Houston and offers visitors a rare view into the history of the West. J. P. has been recognized for his contributions to Texas. Continuing his passion for restoration and collecting, J. P. and his wife, Mary Jon, purchased the Gage Hotel in 1978, and began returning the hotel to its original stature. In addition, they have restored numerous structures on their ranches as well as an extensive effort to restore the original grasslands. These efforts resulted in awards for Grasslands improvement; Wheat Award for Historical Preservation, Texas Historical Foundation; Honoree as Founder of the Torch Collection at Old South Lone Star Ball, Museum of Southern History; T.R Fehrenbach Award for leadership in promoting and preserving the history of the State of Texas; Stephen F. Austin Leadership Award from The Brazoria County Museum; Briscoe Achievement Award from the National Western Art Foundation; as well as accolades from Architectural Digest.
News from the President: April 7, 2011 is the next meeting of the San Jacinto Chapter of The Sons of the Republic of Texas. Believe me when I say you don't want to miss this one. We have the famous J. P. Bryan as the speaker. He is kind of up to date on Texas History as he is in line to be the President of the Texas Historical Board. See his resume in this month's newsletter. We are very busy this time of year. See all the information we have attached. Chapter President s Report: It is important to try and go to all these events. Some are historic and some are just plain fun. An abridged schedule is follows: as 1. March 2, Texas Independence Day, downtown at City Hall. We went to this ceremony and Tom Green did his usual excellent presentation. I look forward to this event every year. 2. March 6, was Dawn at the Alamo. This was a great event. We met a lot of interesting people and attended the memorial in the Chapel of the Alamo. 3. March 27, The Goliad Massacre was held last weekend. I understand it was the premier event of the year. To be upstaged by the Yellow Rose Ball only. 4. SRT Annual meeting, Galveston, April 1, 2 and 3. You need to get a room at the Tremont House. 5. April 7. San Jacinto SRT meeting lunch. 6. April 16, San Jacinto Day Festival & Battle Reenactment at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. We are extremely committed to this day. We should all attend. 7. April 19 Yellow Rose Ball. Details are firming up. This is the Premier Event for the 175th Anniversary of the Battle. See me if you have not made a reservation yet. We should all go to this. 8. April 21, San Jacinto Day, lunch afterwards. The USS Texas men are going to be here and we should show them some Texas Hospitality. I understand the entire Navy talks about this event for the USS Texas and the similar event sponsored by the Sam Houston Chapter for the USS San Jacinto. You don t want to miss this either.
9. September 19, Texian Navy Day, plans to be announced after the annual meeting. We still have the Tee Shirts we need to sell. There will be some at the meeting. Also, we have received the 2011 San Jacinto Medals. The price is $5.00 each for SRT members and $7.50 for the public. We will need some volunteers for San Jacinto Day, April 16, and April 21. See me if you can volunteer some time. We have heard our assignment for April 1, 2 and 3. We will need to man the check in tables on Saturday. See me or Dale Williamson if you can commit some time. Plans are being made for an annual Mirabeau Lamar Day to beheld on each on March. See me or Tom to get involved. We are starting to make plans for a meeting with the wives, a meeting with the DRT, and perhaps a meeting dedicated to San Jacinto Chapter Past Presidents. We are very busy and excited about the prospects for this year. Let's all get involved in some manner. It would make Stephen F Austin happy. That would be good. See all of you at the next meeting. Ronald W. Brown - 2010 President - San Jacinto Chapter #1 The Sons of the Republic of Texas
Texas Independence Day, March 2 nd - 175 th Anniversary Members of the San Jacinto Chapter attended several ceremonies in the area to mark the 175 th anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence. At right, Carl Hill, Clay Fisher, and Tom Houston listen to the speeches at Houston s City Hall. Below, Carl Hill reenacts the signing of the Declaration with other while other Texians await their turn. Above, SRT President General Sam Clark makes his remarks as Tom Green looks on. After the ceremony at City Hall the folks moseyed over to the Heritage Society s Tea Room for light refreshments, and then to The Old Place in Sam Houston Park. This cabin was moved from the west bank of Clear Creek in 1973 and is thought to be the oldest remaining structure in Harris County. It was probably built by John R. Williams, an Austin colonist, about 1823. Above, Dale Williamson participates in the festivities at Washington on the Brazos on Saturday, Feb. 26 th. Tom Green, Kameron Searle and others also attended. See VIDEO! (photos courtesy of Dale Williamson)
On Wednesday, March 2, the Sam Houston Chapter held its 18 th annual Texas Independence Day Ceremony at the grave of Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar in Morton Cemetery near Richmond, Texas. At left, San Jacinto Chapter members Curt Osborne and Dodd Eastham, both dual members of the Sam Houston Chapter, chat with Dennis Giuffré, 1 st Vice President of the Sam Houston Chapter. Also in attendance were Sam Houston Chapter members Kem Isaacks, Phil Whitley and most of Dennis family: Sam Giuffré, Monica Giuffré, Alex Giuffré, Natalie Giuffré Carolyn, and Mary Giuffré (photo courtesy of Kem Isaacks) All participated in the ceremony, taking turns reading from a biographical sketch of Lamar, and in the placing of Texas flags on the graves of Lamar and Jane Long. As we approach the 175 th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, it is fitting to remember Lamar as one of the heros. Judy Alter, in her book Mirabeau B. Lamar: Second President of Texas, states: His bravery as a soldier was astounding, so much so that in one instance even the enemy cheered him. Mexicans surrounded Texas Secretary of War Thomas Rusk. Lamar rushed the crowd of Mexican soldiers and created a gap through which Rusk could escape. The Mexicans were so impressed with Lamar's courage that they cheered Due to his outstanding courage, Lamar, who had enlisted in the army as a private, was promoted by Sam Houston to full colonel. According to Phillip Graham in The Life and Poems of Mirabeau B. Lamar: The night before the battle of San Jacinto, Benjamin Rice Brigham rushed into the tent of his friends, in search of a substitute for guard duty. "Boys," he said, "I've stood guard two nights, and am detailed for the third. I want to be in the battle tomorrow. Will somebody take my place tonight?" A comrade (F. J. Cooke) volunteered, and Brigham went to sleep. In the battle next day (April 21) he was among the first to fall, and died a few hours later. Mirabeau Lamar was deeply moved at the sight of Brigham s body, and after retiring to his tent Lamar wrote "San Jacinto."
San Jacinto by Mirabeau B. Lamar Beautiful in death The soldier's corse appears, Embalmed by fond affection's breath And bathed in his country's tears. Lo, the battle forms Its terrible array, Like clashing clouds in mountain storms That thunder on their way. The rushing armies meet, And while they pour their breath, The strong earth trembles at their feet, And day grows dim with death. Now launch upon the foe The lightnings of your rage! Strike the assailing tyrants low, The monsters of the age! They yield! They break! They fly! The victory is won! Pursue! They faint, they fall, they die! O stay! The work is done. Mourn the death of those Who for their country die, Sink on her bosom for repose, And triumph where they lie. Laurels for those who bled, The living hero's due. But holier wreaths will crown the dead A grateful nation's love! Note: Corse is an archaic word for corpse.
Dawn at the Alamo, March 6-175 th Anniversary Chapter members Sam Clark, Tom Green, Dale Williamson, Clay Fisher, Tom Houston, and Ron Brown SRT San Jacinto Chapter Past President Clay Fisher, DRT San Jacinto Chapter President Eron Brimberry Tynes, and SRT President General Sam Clark Carl Hill and Texians Mexican soldados wait for orders. This time they saw the sign that says Do Not Enter (photos courtesy of Dale Williamson)
Upcoming Events of Interest: President General s Grave Marker Ceremony Honoring: Joseph F. Blanton The Sons of the Republic of Texas Sunday April 3, 2011, 2:30 p.m. after the Annual Meeting of SRT Forest Park Cemetery - Section 409 12800 Westheimer at Dairy Ashford Houston, TX 77077 For directions to Forest Park Cemetery Phone 281.497.2330 Dedication & Unveiling Ceremonies of The Lone Star Monument and Historical Flag Park Thursday, April 21, 2011, 5:30 p.m. I-45 N, just south of Hwy 105 next to Montgomery County Library http://texasflagpark.org/index.htm Many SRT members are involved with this project including: John Homman, David Martin, and Kameron Kent Searle. Sam Houston IV, Sam Clark, David Martin, John Meredith, and Fred Mead will take part in the ceremonies. The image at left is a watercolor rendering by Joe Kolb. For more information see the website:
Texas Lecture Series at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Upcoming Lectures Book Signings: The Rise and Fall of the Comanches S.C. Gwynne Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 p.m. Sleuthing History: Davy Crocket and the Alamo James E. Crisp, Ph.D. Tuesday, April 12, 6:30 p.m. What s in a Name? Stories of Houston s Quirky Street Names Marks Hinton Monday, June 6, 6:30 p.m. Pieces of Eight & Paper Pesos: The Money of Colonial Texas Jim Bevill Monday, June 13, 6:30 p.m. The Sea of Mud: Archaeology of the San Jacinto Battlefield Gregg Dimmick, M.D. Monday, July 11, 6:30 p.m. Texas Curatorial Lecture Series Presented by J.P. Bryan, Guest Curator Wallace Pratt and the Texas Oil Industry Monday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. Battle of San Jacinto Tuesday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. Civil War in Texas & Texans in the Civil War Wednesday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. Trail Drive and the Cattle Industry Thursday, April 28, 6:30 p.m. Film Screening Houston: A Nation s Capital Monday, April 18, 6 p.m. Tickets available online, at the HMNS Box Office or by calling (713) 639-4629 Website: http://www.hmns.org/
Marker Dedications: Saturday, May 21,2011 Dedication of the Lorenzo de Zavala Centennial Marker Replica On Cemex property at De Zavala Point Details to be announced (probably at 10 or 11). Saturday, October 22, 2011 Salute to 19th Century Veterans and Citizens of the Republic of Texas 10 a.m., Washington Cemetery, 2911 Washington Avenue, Houston Dedication of Texas Historical Markers for San Jacinto Veterans Ellis Benson and William Gammell. The program will also include dedication of DRT medallions for several Citizens of the Republic of Texas and headstones for several Union and Confederate veterans. Details to be announced. Early Alamo Map Found For more than 20 years, the 474- page book known as City Surveyor Book One was missing among San Antonio's stored archives. Tina Flores, assistant city clerk, found it a month ago during a warehouse inventory. Read more online! Thanks to V. Kem Isaacks of the Sam Houston Chapter for sending this link.
April at a Glance: Apr 01, 02, 03 Annual meeting of The Sons of the Republic of Texas at the Tremont House, 2300 Ships Mechanic Row, Galveston, Texas 77550, 409-763-0300. Apr 03 - President General s Grave Marker Ceremony Honoring Joseph F. Blanton at 2:30 p.m. Forest Park Cemetery - Section 409, 12800 Westheimer at Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77077 Apr 07 San Jacinto Chapter meeting. Speaker will be J. P. Bryan. Noon. Apr 16 San Jacinto Symposium, Hilton University of Houston Hotel and Conference Center, 4800 Calhoun Road, Houston, Texas 77024, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Apr 16 San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. The Festival is a full day of music, entertainment, food, games and fun set amidst living history. FREE! Battle reenactment begins at 3:00 p.m. Apr 19 The Yellow Rose Ball at the Rice Hotel Crystal Ballroom. Apr 21 175 th Anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto. Ceremony at the Battleground will begin at 11 a.m. Presentation of the USS Texas Sailor of the Year Awards. Apr 21 - Dedication & Unveiling Ceremonies of The Lone Star Monument and Historical Flag Park at 5:30 p.m. I-45 N, just south of Hwy 105 next to Montgomery County Library. San Jacinto Chapter #1 April 2011 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 27 28 29 30 31 1 SRT Annual Meeting Galveston 2 SRT Annual Meeting Galveston 3 SRT Annual Meeting Galveston 4 5 6 7 San Jacinto Chapter Meeting 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 San Jac Symposium Battle Reenactment 17 18 19 The Yellow Rose Ball 20 21 San Jacinto Day 22 Good Friday 23 24 Easter Sunday 25 26 27 28 29 30 Click here to view the San Jacinto Chapter website calendar.
San Jacinto Chapter #1 Officers 2011-2012: President: Ronald W. Ron Brown 713-621-5660 ron@ronwbrown.com First Vice-President: Lewis M. Chandler 713-228-8508 lmchandlr@aol.com Second Vice-President: Edward J. Ted Westmoreland 713-334-7011 ejw@lawejw.com Secretary: James P. Jim Davis 713-202-7400 jamesmarthadavis@gmail.net Treasurer: James E. Jim Hudson, III jehudson3@sbcglobal.net Historian: Dale T. Williamson 281-437-4963 DTWBU69@aol.com Chaplain: Curt Osborne 281-242-4972 curtosborne@windstream.net Committeemen: Doak McBryde Wendell Robbins H. Dodd Eastham 832-372-6078 713-721-0247 713-758-3810 doakm@comcast.net warobbjr@aol.com deastham@velaw.com Immediate Past President: L. Clay Fisher 713-785-9136 clay@lcfisher.com From the Texas State Historical Association "Texas Day by Day" April 01, 1813 April 02, 1840 April 03, 1817 April 04, 1836 April 06, 1830 April 07, 1817 April 10, 1768 April 11, 1838 April 12, 1836 April 13, 1709 April 15, 1825 April 18, 1842 April 20, 1842 April 21, 1836 April 22, 1689 April 29, 1554 Mexican revolutionary captures San Antonio Slave smuggler revealed as forger Legendary Texan born in Virginia Sarah Ann Horn and other settlers captured by Indians Mexican immigration law offends Anglo-Texans Mina Expedition sails from Galveston Island Rubí report recommends reorganization Keelboat reaches "raft on the Colorado" Mexican forces under Santa Anna capture key Brazos crossing Expedition reaches future site of San Antonio Empresarios receive colonization contracts Juan Seguín resigns as mayor of San Antonio German nobles unite for Texas colonization Texas forces win at San Jacinto Spanish explorer finds defunct French fort Spanish treasure ships wrecked on Padre Island Visit our chapter website for more information: www.sanjacintosrt.org If anyone has any information or news to include in the San Jacinto Patriot or on the web page, or if you need to update your e-mail address, please contact: San Jacinto Chapter President - Ron Brown (ron@ronwbrown.com) San Jacinto Chapter Webmaster - Dodd Eastham (deastham@velaw.com)