The Texana Chapter of the Republic of Texas met January 13 at Trinity Episcopal Church, with Vanessa Harrah, President, presiding. In recognition of January honor days featuring Mirabeau B. Lamar, Harrah gave a description of Lamar’s contribution in advocating and fighting for Texas Independence. Lamar was elected as the first Vice President of Texas, then as the second President of the Republic of Texas, succeeding Sam Houston. Lamar is best remembered as the Father of Texas Education, due to his role in establishing a system of education for what became the State of Texas.
The program featured a presentation by JoLynn Strane Littlefield titled Introduction to Our First Texana Chapter President. The first President of the Chapter was her ancestor, Mrs. Addie Maude Brigham Watson. Photographs and documents, highlighting Mrs. Watson and her successor, Mrs. Ouida Brigham Mauritz were displayed. These ladies were leaders in establishing and growing the Chapter, beginning in 1963. Fond memories of these gracious ladies cooking and entertaining were shared by members. More consequential was their legacy of family history, which led into a discussion of capturing one’s family tree and making connections.
The February 10 meeting of the Texana Chapter was held at the Farquhar Building. The program featured a presentation by Shanna Norris exploring the Tennessee adventurers and families who came to Texas to settle and fight for Texas Independence. Conditions in Tennessee and the draw of the frontier promise of land contributed to the migration to Texas. The lives of Sam Houston and David Crockett were highlighted, as well the roles they played in settling the new territory.
The March 10 meeting of the Texana Chapter will be held at the Watson Farm in Cordele.
Pictured: Vanessa Harrah, President; JoLynn Strane Littlefield, Vice-President; Shanna Norris, Chaplain.
