Mariann Fisk Laughlin, President "Membership in The Daughters of the Republic of Texas is open to all women who can prove direct lineal descent to a citizen who either fought for or gave aid to the Republic of Texas. Associate memberships are also available to women who have a non-direct ancestral link to a qualifying early citizen of the Republic of Texas, or who are interested in the preservation of our early Texas history. Associate members cannot vote or hold offices. For information contact Mariann Laughlin, president, at truetexaswomen@gmail.com."

January 2012 Meeting The Baron de Bastrop Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas met Friday, January 13th, 2012 in the upper meeting room of The First National Bank of Bastrop. President Mariann Laughlin opened the meeting; Chaplain JoNell Majors gave the invocation. After reports from officers, the Daughters were pleased to welcome new prospective member, Emily Dillon, who completed her papers and turned them in to Registrar Evelyn Wolf. Emily joins members Willie Gattis, Hannah Grothues and Patti Mauck as descendents of Alamo defender Gordon C. Jennings. Gordon, known by his contemporaries as a kind and respectable man, was probably manning the artillery when following a thirteen day siege, the Mexican army, after being hurled back twice by furious artillery and rifle fire, stormed the garrison. The oldest defender at the Alamo, Gordon died before the end of an hour and a half of brutal hand-to-hand combat. Vice-president Alyce Ferguson outdid herself by giving two interesting talks, the first on Republic of Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar, a good statesman who nevertheless carried with him the prejudices of his generation. Alyce went on to speak about "Remarkable Texas Woman." Alyce stated that women had generally been ignored in history books until the 1975 Texas Women History Project. "When Mary Maverick's [wife of cattle baron Samuel Maverick] writings surfaced," Alyce said, "that's when they started studying other women." Alyce cited several women such as Peggy McCormick, the owner of the land the Battle of San Jacinto was fought on. Peggy, incensed at the pitiful sight of dead carcasses everywhere, put on her pistol, confronted Sam Houston and told him to clean up his mess or else. Molly, wife of the famous Charles Goodnight, saved the buffalo from extinction by taking in several and protecting them. In December of 1842, Sam Houston, disliking Austin as the location of the capital, secretly ordered the Texas Rangers to remove the archives. Angelina Belle Peyton Eberly, an innkeeper, realized what they were doing and with quick thinking fired the six-pound cannon city officials kept loaded with grapeshot in case of an Indian attack. Austinites quickly responded to Angelina's warning, and a statue of Angelina stands in downtown Austin to this day. "What is a Texas woman?" Alyce asked. "She could do anything she was called on to do. One way or another, she would make it." Next month, Registrar Evelyn Wolf explains how to do ancestor research. Mark your calendars also for March, 9th. After the meeting, Jonell Majors will give a tour of the Oak Hill Cemetery, where Dorothy Edwards will demonstrate the art of grave dousing. Dorothy is so accurate, she can tell if a man or a woman is buried in an unmarked grave.

December 2011 Meeting The Baron de Bastrop Chapter of the DRT had its annual Christmas party and meeting Friday, December 9th, 2011, in the upstairs meeting room of the First National Bank of Bastrop. Treasurer Kay Valenta presented registrar Evelyn Wolf with a book about Texas wildflowers in appreciation of her faithful service.       Dorothy Gattis and Judy Sien were inducted as new members, with JoNell Majors presenting them with hand painted (by her) bluebonnet Christmas tree ornaments. Dorothy's ancestor was Eli Wilburn Lawler, as stated last month. Judy's was Joseph B. Beitel, a Republic of Texas Minuteman who fought the Comanche at the Battle of Plum Creek near Lockhart, Texas. Congratulations to Dorothy and Judy for all the hard work they put into research and for discovering things about their ancestors they never knew existed.   After a quick business meeting, the members partook of a covered dish luncheon. The menu included ham baked by Jonell Majors and her daughter, Kay Valenta; sweet potato casserole by Rene Tiroff; an Italian Cream Cake by Vicky Rose, and various other items too numerous to mention--all savored, but not forgotten. Join us in the New Year on January 13th when Alyce Ferguson will speak about "Remarkable Texas Woman."

November 2011 Meeting At left, L to R: President Mariann Laughlin, author Lisa Lach, member Anne Beck On Friday, November 11th, 2011, The Baron de Bastrop Chapter of the DRT met in the upstairs meeting room of The First National Bank of Bastrop with 16 members and three visitors present. Members expressed thanks that the bank allowed the use of its facilities in spite of a holiday. The meeting was called to order by President Mariann Laughlin. Vice president Alyce Ferguson gave a talk celebrating Stephen F. Austin's birthday. Treasurer Kay Valenta gave a report on the progress of chapter pins. Rebecca Kasprzyk offered to piece the quilt members have been working on as a fund raiser. Dorothy Gattis reported on convention plans; Mariann talked about the upcoming essay contest and Ken Kesselus' newly released book, "Bastrop County During Reconstruction." Dorothy Gattis was applauded for completing her papers and is now a full member. In the photo below, Dorothy, in red, stands with members Cathy Smith and Melba Rose Schneider. Dorothy's ancestor is Eli Wilburn Lawler. Eli is buried in the Lawler Cemetery in Florence, Williamson County, Texas, and has a Citizen of the Republic of Texas marker on his tombstone. Author Lisa Lach gave a program, "Outlaws of Bastrop County," based on her book, Silent Night; Deadly Night; McDade, Texas 1883. Lisa, a Canadian, became fascinated with the history of Bastrop County and has done much research on the subject, calling McDade, "the wildest town in the West." Lisa talked about her problems doing research in a country different from her own. While looking for a cemetery, someone told her it was "down yonder." She said, "I looked and looked, but I could not find a road sign that read "Yonder!" Lisa gave a fine speech about the rich, rich history of Bastrop County, reminding listeners that Davy Crockett passed through Bastrop, and the first man to yell "Remember the Alamo!" at San Jacinto was a citizen of Bastrop County and later McDade, Jesse Billingsley. "Bastrop [County] has in my opinion the best history in Texas," Lisa said, to a lot of appreciative "amens." A book signing followed the program. More information about Lisa's book is at: http://www.citizenmcdade.com/index.htm

October 2011 Meeting On Friday, October 14th, the Baron de Bastrop Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas met in the upstairs meeting room of The First National Bank of Bastrop. President Mariann Laughlin led the meeting. Vice-president Alyce Ferguson talked about Goliad in tribute of Texas Honor Days. Chapter pins were discussed, and a vote was made to give Registrar Evelyn Wolf a small monetary gift in gratitude for all the expenses Evelyn pays out of her own pocket. Treasurer Kay Valenta gave a talk about Mary Turner Billingsley, Bastrop County's one and only Real Daughter. (A Real Daughter is a member of the DRT whose parents lived in the Republic of Texas.) "She was a living, breathing history book," Kay said. Mary would often visit her husband's uncle, Jesse Billingsley, in McDade. "He hated Sam Houston and thought he was a coward," Kay related. Jesse had fought with Sam at San Jacinto, but thought he was a coward for retreating so far east. A lively discussion about Old Sam ensued after the talk with the general consensus being that he was either loved or hated. At left: Becky Kasprzyk, Treasurer Kay Valenta, Wanda Coy Johnson, and Alana Parker.

September 2011 Meeting The September, 2011, meeting of the Baron de Bastrop Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas was held Friday the 9th in the upstairs meeting room of the First National Bank of Bastrop. Twenty-one people were in attendance, nine of them visitors. The meeting opened with Chaplain JoNell Majors offering a prayer for blessings of protection and rain. President Mariann Laughlin presided over a short business meeting, and a report was given of the status of some of the members who have been evacuated and possibly lost their homes due to the horrific fires in Bastrop County. After the business meeting, those in attendance were enthralled by tales of Texas lost mines and buried treasure by prominent guest speaker, W.C. Jameson. W.C. is an award-winning author of over 70 books, 1500 articles and essays, 300 songs, and dozens of poems. He is the best selling treasure author in the United States and his prominence as a professional fortune hunter had led to stints as a consultant for the Unsolved Mysteries television show and the Travel Channel. He served as an advisor for the film National Treasure starring Nicolas Cage and appears in an interview on the DVD. W.C. wrote the sound tracks for two PBS documentaries and one feature film. He has also acted in five films and has been interviewed on The History Channel, The Travel Channel, PBS, and Nightline. The Daughters felt fortunate to have W.C., now a resident of Llano, Texas, as their speaker. At right: W.C. Jameson and Chapter President Mariann Laughlin W.C. started treasure hunting in the Guadalupe Mountains as a boy. "It's like being a detective," he said. "Texas is probably the state with the most buried treasure." Because of Spanish and Army payrolls, stagecoach and train lines, along with trappers and trading posts, "There was a flow of money through the state." In addition, because of an early mistrust of banks, people often buried money. "There is a thing in Texas called a Posthole Bank," W.C. said. "They always buried it at a corner post." After answering numerous questions from the audience, W.C. and his lovely wife, Laurie, also an author, were guests of the Daughters for lunch at Baxter's Restaurant on Main Street in Bastrop. If you are interested in having W.C. as a speaker, or would like to know more about him, visit his website at: http://wcjameson.com/ Next month: Registrar Evelyn Wolf speaks on discovering your ancestors.

June 2011 Meeting  At left: President Mariann Laughlin and Sydna Arbuckle The Baron de Bastrop Chapter of the DRT met Friday, June 10th, 2011, in the upstairs meeting room of The First National Bank of Bastrop. President Mariann Laughlin opened the meeting. Chapter pins were discussed, along with ideas for a yearbook. Jo Garoutte was commended for finishing her papers and turning them into headquarters. Guest speaker and Elgin historian Sydna Arbuckle spoke on "The History of Hogeye and Elgin." At right: Jo Garoutte and Registrar Evelyn Wolf "People think Elgin was originally called Hogeye," Sydna said. They were two separate settlements, she went on to explain. In 1829 Michael and Rachel Young moved into the area several miles east of present-day Elgin and began "Young's Settlement." It was also known as Perryville, for Perry Young, Michael and Rachel's son. During that time, bears, panthers, wildcats and mustangs roamed the prairie. Alligators were seen in nearby Yegua Creek. There were twelve to fifteen houses, a doctor, a stagecoach stop and a horse track. One night a fiddler stopped at the stagecoach stop and word got around. A dance was quickly organized, and the fiddler began to play. It soon became apparent he knew only one tune, "Hogeye." Later, when describing the settlement, "people would say, you know, where that fiddler played 'Hogeye,'" Sydna explained. "Later it was shortened to simply 'Hogeye.'" Elgin came into being with the coming of the railroad, and Hogeye eventually dwindled away. In 1882, William Moon had a slaughter house between Hogeye and Elgin. His motto was "Butchered Today-Delivered Today." He used the excess meat to make sausage that proved so popular; he opened Southside Market in 1886 in downtown Elgin. Every Wednesday night there was a big poker game in town, and a former employee noted that he never knew on Thursday morning who his new boss might be because the business changed hands so often during those smoke-filled sessions. Sydna ended her splendid talk with a rousing rendition of the song 'Hogeye.' "Oh, the Hogeye Man is the man for me, He was born way down in Tennesse, With a hogeye, with a hogeye. Here comes the man with the hogeye, Here comes the man with the hogeye, All I want is a hogeye man." Meetings will temporarily cease for the summer and will resume in the fall. Please join us at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 9th, 2011.

May 2011 Meeting The annual Hats and Bonnets luncheon of the Baron de Bastrop Chapter of the DRT was held in the upstairs conference room of the First National Bank of Bastrop. Recognition was given to Jo Garouette as new active member. A plaque was awarded to the Bastrop Advertiser for their continuing and thorough coverage of the chapter's meetings. At right: Accepting the award from President Mariann Laughlin is Publisher Mark Gwin. Thank you, Bastrop Advertiser! Chaplain JoNell Majors performed the swearing in ceremony for the new officers. The new officers are, L to R: JoNell Majors, Chaplain; Vicky Rose, Historian; Mariann Laughlin, President; Mark Gwin, publisher of the Bastrop Advertiser; Alyce Ferguson, Vice-President; Lucinda Wilcoxen, Secretary; Kay Valenta, Treasurer; in the red dress with the hat, Willie Gattis; in front with the blue shirt, Evelyn Wolf, Registrar. Not pictured is Emily Kimbrell, Parliamentarian. While the ladies feasted on sandwiches, salads and desserts, Vice-President Alyce Ferguson gave a talk "How Bastrop Got Its Name." Alyce cited references and concluded that Bastrop was originally called Bastrop beginning with Stephen F. Austin. "Later, it was changed to Mina for some obscure reason," Alyce said. "Then it went back to being Bastrop." June 10th will be the last meeting until the fall. Please join us at 11:00 in the upstairs meeting room of The First National Bank of Bastrop.

April 2011 Meeting  The Daughters were treated to a slide show by Patsy and Janet Namken on the restoration of the Old Stagecoach Inn at 1005 Hill Street in Bastrop at their April meeting in The First National Bank of Bastrop. The house was originally built by Greenleaf Fisk, and his descendant, Chapter President Mariann Laughlin, has done extensive research on the house, aiding the Namkens in their restoration project. Fisk served as mayor of Bastrop, member of the House of Representatives for Bastrop during the Republic of Texas and chief justice of Bastrop County. He was the only chief justice of three counties in the history of Texas. The house was primarily used as a stagecoach stop to aid settlers in acquiring land from the Mexican government, built by Fisk as something of a "show place" for his bride, Mary Ann Manlove. The house is now on the National Historic Register and will be featured on the Historical Society's Christmas Tour of Homes in 2011. Kudos to Chapter Secretary Alyce Ferguson who recently won a blue ribbon and $50.00 in the DRT State art contest for her sketch and story of Puesta del Colorado. Alyce has also just published her first booklet, "Delma's Dream," the story of the ten year struggle to place the statue of the Pioneer Woman on the North lawn of the State Capitol at Austin. Congratulations, Alyce!

March 2011 Meeting An author, an induction and an honor made up the March meeting of the Baron de Bastrop Chapter of the DRT held in the upstairs meeting room of The First National Bank of Bastrop. Noted Bastrop historian and author Ken Kesselus spoke about his upcoming new book "Bastrop County During Reconstruction." Kesselus brought to vivid life the pain and suffering endured by blacks and whites alike during this stressful emergence into a new era. Kesselus is also the author of books about Bastrop County; Alvin Wirtz, the legislator who organized the Lower Colorado River Authority, and noted Republic of Texas soldier and Indian fighter, Edward Burleson. Margaret Ellis was inducted into the chapter. Margaret's ancestor was John Newton Sowell (1780-1838). John moved his family from Tennessee to Missouri and then to Texas, settling in 1830 near Gonzales in Green DeWitt’s colony. During the Revolution, he was one of the “Old Eighteen” in Gonzales who in late September of 1835 delayed Mexican attempts to reclaim the town's cannon until militiamen from surrounding settlements could be summoned. John furthered helped the cause by making and repairing guns. Left to right: President Mariann Laughlin, Margaret Ellis, and Registrar Evelyn Wolf.   Vicky Rose was honored for the research she did in finding twenty Republic of Texas ancestors. (Only one is required to join.) Vicky is shown here with Registrar Evelyn Wolf. Evelyn works tirelessly to help prospective members find the necessary documentation to become a member. "I never could have done it without Evelyn's encouragement and support," Vicky said. A luncheon with cake was held in Vicky's honor at Nancy Steakhouse after the meeting. "The real honors go to Evelyn and Mariann for all their efforts," Vicky concluded. (And to Kay Valenta and JoNell Majors for the cake!)

February 2011 Meeting  Pictured L to R: Registrar Evelyn Wolf, Anne Beck, President Mariann Laughlin, Alana Parker, Jo Garouette The Baron de Bastrop Chapter of the DRT met Feb. 11, 2011, in the First National Bank of Bastrop. New officers were nominated and approved. President: Mariann Laughlin, Vice-president: Alyce Ferguson, Secretary: Cindy Wilcoxen, Chaplin: JoNell Majors, Historian: Vicky Rose, Treasurer: Kay Valenta, Registrar: Evelyn Wolf. Kay Valenta has accepted a position on the French Legation Committee. When Texas was a republic, the French sent a chargé d'affaires to Texas. Alphonse Dubois de Saligny was sort of like an ambassador, but not quite as high-toned. He, however, did not realize this and ambitiously constructed the first building of milled wood in Austin. An unfortunate incident over the roaming pigs of a local innkeeper started "The Pig War," and Saligny departed in a huff. He left behind his beautiful building, and the Daughters are entrusted with its upkeep and care. The grounds are often used for weddings, and the Daughters are diligently trying to raise money to buy the adjoining property to further enhance this historic spot in Austin. If you wish to make a contribution to this project, send a check to DRT headquarters. President Mariann Laughlin gave a talk on the trials and tribulations of the early-day Texas Rangers, vividly bringing to life their hardships and well-deserved reputation for toughness. "One riot, one ranger," was often not an exaggeration. Using her husband's reproduction Navy Colt, Mariann demonstrated how difficult they were to load and fire. "The rangers carried a pistol on each side, and two extra loaded barrels. When out of bullets, the ranger would then reach for his rifle. When that ran out of ammunition, the ranger would reach behind his back for his bow and arrows." Yes, the rangers used bows and arrows, too. Next month: Author Ken Kesselus on his latest book: Bastrop County and the Reconstruction Period

January 2011 Meeting Left: Registrar Evelyn Wolf, President Mariann Laughlin Left: Lucinda Wilcoxen, Evelyn Wolf, Vicky Rose, Willie Gattis The Baron de Bastrop Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas held their January 2011 meeting on Friday the 14th at the First National Bank in Bastrop. Registrar Evelyn Wolf received a Goodwill Ambassador Award from headquarters for her industrious work in helping prospective members research and complete their application papers. President Mariann Laughlin had new members complete a survey telling who they thought had helped them the most and why. "I was so proud of the nice things people wrote about me," Evelyn said. "This is such an honor." A chapter pin was under discussion, with members agreeing on a unique design by Vice president JoNell Majors. Secretary Alyce Ferguson recognized M. B. Lamar for our Texas Honor Day. Vicky Rose gave a speech on her "Passel of Relatives." "The Bible tells us we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, a crowd who cheer us on in our endeavors," Vicky said. "I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by a great cloud of Republic of Texas witnesses." At the conclusion of the program, the nominating committee worked on filling offices for the coming year. Join the chapter February 11th at 11:00 a.m. when President Mariann Laughlin will give a talk on "The Early History of the Texas Rangers."

 

 

September 11, 2010 On Saturday in the McDade Cemetery, a dedication of a memorial medallion was held for Real Daughter Mary Elizabeth Turner Billingsley, a staunch citizen of our Republic. (A Real Daughter is a member of the DRT whose parents lived in the Republic of Texas.) Under blue skies, the air clean and fresh after recent rains, a crowd of about 30 people gathered to honor Mary Billingsley, the only Real Daughter in Bastrop County. The Texian Legacy Association provided a color guard. Chapter Secretary Alyce Ferguson gave a scripture reading and the invocation; Vice-president JoNell Majors led us in the pledge to the United States Flag and the Texas Flag. President Mariann Laughlin gave the welcome and introduction; Registrar Evelyn Wolf gave the call to remembrance. Treasurer Kay Valenta delivered a moving biographical sketch on Mary. Afterwards, the descendants of Mary Billingsley; Rosalie Swenson, her son Mike and his wife and daughter, unveiled the medallion on the tombstone. The Texian Legacy Association shot a powder ball salute, adding to the auspiciousness of the occasion. Secretary Alyce Ferguson gave the benediction, after which President Mariann Laughlin reminded everyone to come for refreshments at the Faith Lutheran Church in McDade. Fellowship ensued in the pleasant facilities of the church, its tables spread with delectable treats provided by Chapter members, honoring their one and only Real Daughter, Mary Elizabeth Turner Billingsley.

 

 

2009-2011 Officers of the Baron de Bastrop Chapter of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas (L to R) Alyce Ferguson (Secretary), JoNell Majors (Vice-president), Mariann Laughlin (President), Kay Valenta (Treasurer). Not pictured are Evelyn Wolf (Registrar), Emily Kimbrell (Parliamentarian), Lindsay Johnson (Historian), and Linda Werchan (Chaplin).

 

 

 

Meetings and Programs 2011/2012 All meetings are on the second floor of the First National Bank, in the Conference room, unless otherwise stated in the program. The bank is located at 501 Hwy. 71 W., Bastrop, Texas. September 9- 11:00-12:30 Business Meeting / Guest author, LOST MINES AND TREASURES OF TEXAS with author W.C. JAMESON who is past president of the Western Writer's Association, a member of the Texas Folklore Society & a noted author and film & television personality / Lunch at Baxter's on Main Street in downtown Bastrop October 14- 11:00-12:30 Business Meeting/ DISCOVERING YOUR GENEALOGY / Our own Registrar, EVELYN WOLF, will tell you how to get started in tracing your ancestors/Lunch at Nancy's Steakhouse on the loop in Bastrop. November 11- 11:00-12:30 Business Meeting / OUTLAWS OF BASTROP COUNTY with guest author LISA LACH / Lunch at The Grace Miller on Pine Street in downtown Bastrop. December 9- 11:00-12:30 Business Meeting / Christmas Luncheon in the First National Bank Conference Room / Welcoming Ceremony for New Members January 13- 11:00-12:30 Business Meeting / ALYCE FERGUSON will speak on REMARKABLE TEXAS WOMEN / Lunch at Anita's Café in downtown Bastrop, TX February 10- 11:00-12:30 Business Meeting / KAY VALENTA speaks about OUR REAL DAUGHTER / Lunch Maxine's on Main in downtown Bastrop. March 9- 11:00-12:30 Business Meeting at the Bank / OAKHILL CEMETERY TOUR with JONELL MAJORS and guest DOROTHY EDWARDS, who will be demonstrating grave dousing to the group / Bring a sack lunch. We will caravan to the cemetery and eat under the ARBOR there. April 13- 11:00-12:30 Business Meeting at the Bank / TOUR OF THE ELGIN DEPOT & MUSEUM / Caravan to the City Café in Elgin for lunch then walk to the museum for the tour. May 11- 11:00-12:30 Hats and Bonnets Luncheon covered dish at the First National Bank Conference Room June 8- 11:00-12:30 Business Meeting / DOUG KUBICEK speaks on EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY; HOW TO READ OLD PHOTOS / Bring your old photos for review. / Lunch at Baxter's on Main in downtown Bastrop.

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