Who is Mother Neff and Why is She a State Park?

Review of Who is Mother Neff and Why is She a State Park? by Allan C. Kimball
Review by K. K. Searle

In this book, Allan C. Kimball will tell you who Mother Neff was and how a Texas state park came to be named after her. I will tell you what this book with the unusual title is all about. It is an excellent guide to all the Texas State Parks. Kimball has researched the history for the source of the name of each of the Texas State Parks and consolidated all of them into this handy 266 page paperback book.

Kimball gives an interesting history of how each of the state parks in Texas got its name as well as many entertaining historical anecdotes. But, the book is so much more than a history. The book is also a very good source of information if you are thinking about visiting a particular state park. All the information is here: 1) locations of the parks - with good instructions on how to get there; 2) hours of operation; 3) amenities available in each of the parks such as: camping, fishing boating, hiking, tours, etc.; and 4) contact information so you can get in touch with each of the parks prior to your visit.

Kimball has divided the state parks of Texas into seven regions: Big Bend and West Texas; Gulf Coast; Hill Country, Panhandle Plains; Pineywoods; Prairies and Lakes; and South Texas Plains. If you travel around Texas like we do, you will want to keep the guide handy. As you are traveling through one of these regions, you can read about the different state parks to help you to decide if you would like to visit. Before you arrive, you will know everything there is to know. It is also an excellent tool for planning your Texas vacation next summer.

As soon as I got through reading this book, it went straight into the glove compartment of our family van. This would make a great gift for the Texas outdoors men and women in your family.

This book is published by Eakin Press and is available from Amazon.com.
Author's book signings and other books: http://www.allankimball.com/

Passing of Joe H. Reynolds and Funeral Arrangements

“If I had more than one life to live, I’d live every one as a lawyer in Houston, Texas.”

Joe Hunter Reynolds, age 88, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died on Saturday, the 19th of December 2009, of natural causes. Joe is survived by his loving wife Sue Stamper Reynolds,whom he married on the 17th of July 1948, and they spent more than 61 wonderful years together.

Joe was born on the 21st of November 1921, in Commerce, Texas, one of six children born to John Gordon Reynolds and Espie Duke Reynolds. Joe grew up in Tyler and graduated from Waco High School. He worked his way through Tyler Junior College, Baylor University, and Baylor Law School.

Following the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In 1945, Lt. Reynolds landed on Iwo Jima, and during fierce fighting Joe was seriously wounded. Joe watched as the American flag was raised atop Mount Suribachi. Most Americans have seen that famous photo. Joe saw it live. Joe received the Purple Heart and numerous other medals
for his military valor.

In 1950, Joe was called back to serve in the KoreanWar. Captain Reynolds landed at Inchon and later fought at the Battle of the Chosin River, called the “Frozen Chosin.” Joe suffered severe frostbite and other injuries, was hospitalized for many months, and for his service Joe was awarded the Commendation Ribbon with Combat V. The Commandant General of the Marine Corps has called the Battles of Iwo Jima and the Chosin Reservoir two of the bloodiest battles in Marines Corps history. Joe was one of the last survivors of both of those historic battles. Joe was a true hero, although he always denied it.

Joe graduated from Baylor Law School and was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1947. Joe first served in the trial division of the Texas Attorney General’s office, representing the Texas Highway Department in antitrust cases, and he opposed Thurgood Marshall in the landmark case ofSweatt v. Painter. Joe was widely regarded as one of the greatest trial lawyers of the last 60 years, and he was recently named a “Texas Legal Legend” by the State Bar of Texas.

Returning to Houston, Joe practiced law the rest of his life, first with the firm of Bracewell, Reynolds & Patterson (now Bracewell & Guiliani). In 1967 Joe formed Reynolds, White, Allen & Cook and successor firms. During his later years he served in an Of Counsel position with Andrews & Kurth and finally with Schwartz Junell Greenberg & Oathout.

In 1972, Gov. Preston Smith appointed Joe as a Regent at Texas A&M University. Joe served as a Regent for 16 years, having been appointed by three different governors. In Joe’s honor, the medical school at Texas A&M is housed in the Joe H. Reynolds Medical Building. Joe organized the Board of Visitors of Texas Southern University School of Law and served on its board for ten years.

A Biblical scholar, one of Joe’s great loves was teaching his Sunday School class at Second Baptist Church, the “Nothing But the Truth” Class. Joe began every lesson with a quote from Romans 1:17: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God until salvation to all those who believeth, to the Jew first, and then to the Gentile.” Joe’s faithwas limitless and his love for others reflected his deep love of God and Jesus Christ. He expressed his Christian love for others daily by his words and deeds.

Joe is also survived by his sons, Hunt Reynolds and wife Laura of Houston and Dan Reynolds and wife Nancy of Brenham; grandchildren, Jennifer Reynolds McEwan and husband John of Austin, Clay Reynolds and Danielle Reynolds of Brenham, and Lisa and KentWhite of San Antonio. He is survived by great-grandsons, WilliamMcEwan and Charles McEwan of Austin. He was predeceased by his sister, the late Dorace Reynolds and brothers, the late Johnny Reynolds of Dallas, Earl Reynolds of Houston, andWilliam Reynolds of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Joe is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Joe was not only a great patriot, but also a teacher, mentor, and loyal friend to both the powerful and the powerless. His generosity was legendary. He had a heart of service, and his love knew no bounds. Few have impacted as many as Joe. All who knew him knew that they were in the presence of a unique combination of goodness and greatness. Joe would tell each of us at this time the words one Marine says to another just before an amphibious landing: “I’ll see you on the beach.”

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 21st of December, in the Library of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The interment service, with military honors, is to be conducted at half-past nine o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 22nd of December, at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road in Houston. A uniformed steward from Geo. H. Lewis & Sons is to be positioned at the cemetery’s entrance so as to guide guests to the interment site.

The memorial service, to celebrate Joe’s life, is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning, also on Tuesday, the 22nd of December, in the Sanctuary of Second Baptist Church, 6400Woodway Drive in Houston. Immediately following the service, the family is to receive friends during a reception in the Deacons’ Parlor.

For those desiring, contributions in memory of Joe Reynolds may be directed to Boys and Girls Country of Houston, 18806 Roberts Rd., Hockley, TX, 77447.

"The Paper Republic" Book Signing in The Woodlands - December 8, 2009

When native Houstonian James P. Bevill began writing the book on the early money of Texas four years ago, it began as an outline of the various forms of paper money and the circumstances which led to their issue during the Republic of Texas era (1836-1846). As he dug deeper into the inner workings of the early Texas Treasury, Bevill unearthed the dramatic economic story of a young government struggling to survive in the throes of a global credit crisis by issuing a plethora of paper obligations in order to survive.

Bevill’s book, The Paper Republic: The Struggle for Money, Credit and Independence in the Republic of Texas, was featured at the 2009 Texas Book Festival in Austin, where it met with rave reviews. According to Dr. Bruce Winders, Curator and Historian at the Alamo , “The Paper Republic is history on both the grand and small scale. Moreover, it presents readers with valuable insight into the Republic of Texas that will forever change their view of the revolution and its aftermath.”

The book evolved into a powerful financial story on the economic roots of Texas, ranging from the earliest days of Spanish colonization, through the war for independence and the massive buildup of debt through the paper money system under Presidents Burnet, Houston, Lamar and Jones – creating a financial house of cards which eventually led to the annexation of Texas by the U.S. in 1845. This fully illustrated tome enhances the reader’s experience by literally following the money through the Republic era to the climactic and shocking chain of events which occurred following Texas’ admission as one of the United States.

Bevill will discuss “Financing the Texas Revolution” and sign copies of the book on Tuesday, Dec 8 at the Lone Star Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, at Alamo Joe’s Restaurant, 4747 Research Forest Dr, Ste 475 in the Woodlands. Cost is $15. The public is invited. Call 281-467-8146 for information.

The Sons of the Republic of Texas is an organization of direct descendents of
the original residents of the Republic of Texas (1836-1846) and are committed to “promoting, preserving, and protecting Texas history for over a century". The Lone Star Chapter serves the Woodlands, Conroe and Montgomery county areas and hosts meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. The book is a new release by Bright Sky Press, 2009. http://www.brightskypress.com/

Jim Bevill
Author - The Paper Republic

Honorary Member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas
San Jacinto Chapter

713-940-2865 Office
713-825-7886 Cell

Dedication of Texas State Historical Marker for Anson Jones - The Last President of Texas - November 21, 2009

The Texas Heritage Society and the Harris County Historical Commission cordially invite you to the Anson Jones Texas Historical marker dedication ceremony on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Glenwood Cemetery located at 2525 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas. Below is the marker text of the Anson Jones marker:

ANSON JONES
(JANUARY 20, 1798 - JANUARY 9, 1858)

ANSON JONES WAS BORN IN GREAT BARRINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS. HE EARNED HIS M.D. DEGREE IN PHILADELPHIA IN 1827; BY OCTOBER 1833, JONES HAD MOVED TO TEXAS, ESTABLISHING A SUCCESSFUL MEDICAL PRACTICE IN BRAZORIA. IN 1835, HE HELPED ORGANIZE HOLLAND LODGE NO. 36, THE FIRST MASONIC LODGE IN TEXAS. IN 1836, JONES JOINED IN TEXAS WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE AND SERVED AS JUDGE ADVOCATE AND SURGEON OF THE SECOND REGIMENT. HE FOUGHT AS A PRIVATE IN THE BATTLE OF SAN JACINTO.

AFTER THE WAR, JONES RETURNED TO HIS MEDICAL PRACTICE AND IN 1837 WAS ELECTED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THAT YEAR, HE WAS ALSO ELECTED AS THE FIRST GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN TEXAS AND WAS AMONG THE NOTED CHARTER MEMBERS WHO ORGANIZED THE PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF TEXAS. IN 1838, SAM HOUSTON APPOINTED JONES AS MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS. IN THIS POSITION, HE BEGAN TO STIMULATE AMERICAN SUPPORT FOR ANNEXATION BY STRENGTHENING TEXAS’ TIES WITH GREAT BRITAIN AND FRANCE, PLAYING AT U.S. INSECURITIES.

JONES MARRIED MARY SMITH McCRORY IN 1840; SHE WAS LATER ELECTED THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS. IN 1841, PRESIDENT HOUSTON APPOINTED JONES AS SECRETARY OF STATE, WHERE HE FURTHER ENCOURAGED ANNEXATION. IN 1844, JONES WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS; HE BECAME THE COUNTRY’S LAST PRESIDENT WHEN THE U.S. ANNEXED TEXAS ON DECEMBER 29, 1845. AT A FORMAL CEREMONY IN AUSTIN ON FEBRUARY 19, 1846, JONES LOWERED THE LONE STAR FLAG AND DECLARED, “THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS IS NO MORE.” HE RETIRED TO BARRINGTON, HIS PLANTATION NEAR WHAT IS NOW WASHINGTON-ON-THE-BRAZOS, WHERE HE SPENT MUCH OF HIS TIME WRITING. TODAY, ANSON JONES IS REMEMBERED FOR HIS MULTITUDE OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, INCLUDING THOSE THAT EARNED HIM THE NICKNAME, “THE ARCHITECT OF ANNEXATION.”

(2009)
MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

"Time of the Rangers" by Mike Cox

Review of Time of the Rangers by Mike Cox

Review by K. K. Searle

Like the Alamo, the Texas Rangers are a cherished symbol of the Lone Star State recognized the world over. If you are a fan of the Texas Rangers, like we are, and want to read an excellent history of that world famous law enforcement organization, you can't go wrong with Mike Cox's new book, Time of the Rangers: From 1900 to Present.

In 2008, Mike Cox brought us the first of two books he's written about the Texas Rangers. His first book appropriately titled The Texas Rangers: Wearing the Cinco Peso, 1821 - 1900 presented the well researched and detailed history of the Texas Rangers from the time of its creation in Stephen F. Austin's colony prior to the Republic of Texas until 1900.

The first real in-depth history of the Texas Rangers was written by Dr. Walter Prescott Webb and published in 1935. Webb's classic was titled The Texas Rangers: A Century of Frontier Defense. As Mike Cox points out in his excellent new book, Webb had intended to update his 1935 classic in the 1960's, but died in an automobile accident before he got the chance. Cox's new book, Time of the Rangers: Texas Rangers: From 1900 to Present, does what Walter Prescott Webb never got the chance to do; complete the history of the Texas Rangers into the modern era.

This book is incredibly well researched. Cox is something of an insider having served for fifteen years as a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Texas Rangers are part of the Texas Department of Public Safety. A ton of research went into this book. For the historical purist, Time of the Rangers has almost 100 pages of Notes and Bibliography. This book is destined to become the starting point for all future historians studying this period in Texas Ranger history.

But, if your not that into historical research, don't let this assessment put you off. As famed American historian David C. McCullough once put it, "No harm's done to history by making it something someone would want to read." Mike Cox has made Time of the Rangers something a whole lot of people will enjoy reading. He is a very interesting and entertaining writer. There is also a lot here for those who are looking for the heroic bigger than life Texas Rangers.

You might think that once the Rangers entered the 20th century that that might have been the end of the romance and adventure we have come to perceive about the Texas Rangers, but you would be wrong. The book begins with the Rangers still on horse back in 1900 and takes you to how they became one of the most modern and best trained law enforcement agencies in the world. From the rowdy oil field boom days to the killing of Bonnie and Clyde to the Carrasco prison escape attempt to the apprehension of rail-road killer, Rafael Resendez-Ramirez; the Texas Rangers have protected and are still protecting Texas and Texans from the bad guys. There is a whole lot of wonderful information in this book.

Another interesting aspect of Mike Cox's new book is that while he is relating the actual history of the Texas Rangers, he also reports how the public's perception of the Texas Rangers has been enhanced and romanticized even further by decades of different types of media including newspapers, books, magazines, radio shows, movies and television shows. A few familiar examples include The Lone Ranger; Walker, Texas Ranger and Lonesome Dove.

With his two books, Cox has become, without question, "the authority" with regard to the history of the Texas Rangers from its beginning to the present. Webb's book will always be popular for its heroic account of the early history of the Texas Rangers, but Cox's two books will be studied for their accuracy and balanced portrayal.

Christmas is coming. Get this one for yourself or the Texas history enthusiast in your family. You might also consider getting the first book, The Texas Rangers: Wearing the Cinco Peso, 1821-1900, so you will have the the most complete history of the Texas Rangers currently available.

Time of the Rangers: Texas Rangers: From 1900 to the Present is published by Forge, copyright 2009, and is available from Amazon.com.

Publisher's book page: http://us.macmillan.com/timeoftherangers
Author's blog with virtual tour itinerary: http://www.lonestarbooks.blogspot.com/
Author's website: http://www.mikecoxonline.com/

Review of The General and Monaville, Texas by Joe G. Bax

Review by K. K. Searle

Wow! I really enjoyed this one! If you ever wondered what film writer/director Quentin Tarantino would do with a movie about post Civil War Reconstruction Texas, Joe G. Bax gives us a pretty good idea in his novel The General and Monaville, Texas.

The book is film noir through and through, but you don’t begin to figure that out until near the end of the book. Even the book's dust jacket makes no sense until the end of the book. The book reads like a screen play right down to the last close up shot at the end of the movie, ...uh book.

The book is historical fiction in that it does give the reader a much clearer understanding of the social changes that occurred in the South during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. It is a picture that the reader may never have gotten in their American History classes. I had never really connected all these dots before myself until reading The General and Monaville, Texas.

Beyond that the book is almost completely fiction. Don’t look for General George Custer in Waller County at Liendo Plantation. He’s not in the book. Don’t look for anything approaching historical fiction about Waller County, Texas. Waller County is not in the book. Bax borrows the name of the town of Monaville, Texas and the Brazos River Bottoms and its all fiction after that right down to the courthouse in Monaville. Or is it?

We will just have to wonder if Joe G. Bax knew anything about Texas founding father, Edwin Waller, or not.

Buy the book! Read the book! Enjoy the book!

Quentin make the movie!

Photograph: Cover of The General and Monaville, Texas; Courtesy of Emerald Book Company, Austin, Texas.

San Jacinto Day Ceremony 2009

The official San Jacinto Day Ceremony commemorating the 173rd anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at the base of the San Jacinto Monument at the San Jacinto Battleground. The principal speaker will be Archie P. McDonald, Regent's Professor, Stephen F. Austin State University.

Ron Stone, Jr. will be the Master of Ceremonies. The musical prelude will be performed by the Deer Park High School Orchestra. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Sons of the Republic of Texas will present their scholarship winners.

USS San Jacinto & USS Texas Sailor Awards will be presented by the Sam Houston Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and the San Jacinto Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas.

The ceremony will conclude with a reading of Sam Houston's report of the Battle of San Jacinto and a laying of the wreath. The Texas Army will be present to fire a salute.

Come out and honor the memory of those brave men who fought and changed the history of Texas and the United States forever. All are welcome.

George Palmer Macias "Firefly" CD Release Party - April 18, 2009 - Ringtail

The CD release party for George Palmer Macias' CD, Firefly, will be this Saturday, April 18, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. at The Saxon Pub in Austin, Texas. George Palmer Macias is a very talented singer and songwriter in Austin, Texas.

The CD, Firefly, features ten original songs written and performed by Macias. One of these songs is titled, Ringtail. It is about Texas founding father, Martin Parmer. Martin Parmer was born in Virginia. He was an Indian agent for William Clark (of Lewis and Clark fame). Parmer made a name for himself as an Indian fighter in Missouri and was elected as a State Representative to the first Missouri General Assembly. He was later elected a Senator to the third Missouri General Assembly.

In 1825, Martin Parmer came to Texas. In 1826, he was the leader of a group of men that instigated the Fredonian Rebellion of 1826-1827. This was an early attempt to declare Texas independent of Mexico. The Fredonian Rebellion failed and Martin Parmer became a wanted man in Mexican Texas for almost ten years.

In 1835, Martin Parmer was elected a delegate to the Consultation of San Felipe where he placed Henry Smith's name in nomination for Governor of Texas. Smith was elected the first American born Governor of Texas. Parmer was then elected to the General Council of the Provisional Government of Texas.

In 1836, the people of the San Augustine Municipality elected Martin Parmer a delegate to the Convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos. On March 2, 1836, Parmer voted for Texas independence from Mexico. In addition to signing the Declaration of Independence, Parmer was also chairman of the committee that drafted the Constitution of the Republic of Texas.

In 1839, Republic of Texas President, Mirabeau B. Lamar, appointed Martin Parmer Chief Justice of Jasper County, Texas. Parmer died on Texas Independence Day, March 2, 1850.

George Palmer Macias takes credit for all the songs and lyrics on his CD, Firefly, except one. On Ringtail, Macias credits Martin Parmer with writing the chorus. Martin Parmer called himself the Ring Tailed Panther and was known as such in Missouri, Arkansas, Mexico and Texas. About 1820, Martin Parmer who was the quentiscential frontiersman uttered the words that make up the chorus of Ringtail, "I am the Ring-tailed Panther, wild wooly, hard to curry. When I’m mad I fight, and when I fight I whoop!"

Our hats are off to George Palmer Macias for his fine song about Texas founding father, Martin Parmer. George Palmer Macias has a wonderful free Internet jukebox called Texiss Cafe spotlighting Texas singers and songwriters. You can also hear Ringtail there.

2009 Battle of San Jacinto Symposium

The 2009 Battle of San Jacinto Symposium will be held Saturday, April 18, 2009, 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel and Conference Center at the University of Houston. This year's theme is New Light on Old Stories - What Can the Battleground Tell Us Through the Eyes of Archaeologists? Social Historians? Financiers? Anthropologists? Tickets are $50.00 and include lunch and parking.

Since 2003, more than 1000 newly discovered battle artifacts have extended the area of the San Jacinto conflict beyond the current park boundary. A panel of speakers will discuss these findings - as well as items recently found in the Texan camp.

This year's speakers are H. W. Brands, Sam W. Haynes, James P. Bevill and James Crisp. This year's panelists are Roger Moore, Gregg Dimmick, Douglas D. Scott, Douglas Mangum and Manuel Hinojosa.

The Battle of Sam Jacinto Symposium is sponsored by the Friends of the San Jacinto Battleground as a forum for promoting public awareness of the events of the Texas Revolution. For additional information, call 9281) 496-1488 or email sjba@usa.net .

You can also visit http://www.friendsofsanjacinto.org/ .

Photograph: San Jacinto Monument; Courtesy of David Melasky.

Texas Toasts

"Texas, - May her foes turn pale at her name, and may she flourish until time is no more."

"Soldiers of Texas; - May their "breast works" be honor, and fear always a days "march" behind them."

The following article appeared in the May 9, 1837 edition of the Telegraph and Texas Register newspaper published in Houston, Texas. On April 21, 1837, one year after the Battle of San Jacinto, a celebration was held in Liberty, Texas. I just thought I would share these wonderful patriotic Texian toasts. If you are ever looking for a proper toast to Texas, feel free to use one of these. It is also interesting to see how early Texans celebrated Texas Independence Day.

"At a meeting held at the town of Liberty on the 20th ult., to make arrangements to celebrate the 21st of April, in commemoration of the glorious victory at San Jacinto; Messrs. Luke Bryan, John Booth, Hon. E. T. Branch, Doctor Wm. G. Lewis, K. Bryan, and F. Harden, were appointed managers, and waited upon J. B. Woods, Esq. to request him to deliver an oration on the morning of that day; to which he consented and was appointed orator of the day.

At dawn of the 21st, the citizens and soldiers of the place assembled and fired salutes which were heard for many miles in extent. At an early hour the town was full of life and gaiety, and the presence of many ladies greatly added to the scene. The place of celebration was soon crowded and an appropriate address was delivered by the orator, J. B. Woods, Esq. Immediately after the oration the ladies were conducted to a sumptuous dinner, and then retired to the house to prepare to "trip the light fantastic toe." Many of the victors of San Jacinto and other citizens, to the number of two hundred took possession of a second repast, and after the cloth was removed, William Hardin, Esq. was conducted to the chair as president of the day, and Judge Coit as vice, and the following are the regular toasts drank:-

Regular Toasts

1. The president of the republic of Texas. 3 cheers.

2. The vice president of the republic. 3 cheers.

3. The day we celebrate. 6 cheers.

4. Texas, - May her foes turn pale at her name, and may she flourish until time is no more.
Tune "Hail Columbia."

5. The heroes of San Jacinto; - champions in the struggle for liberty, they justly merit the gratitude of their countrymen.
Tune "When wild war's deadly blast was blown."

6. To the memory of Travis, - drank silent.

7. Army of Mexico, - "What a dust we flees kick up."
Tune "Spider and the fly."

8. Texas Navy; - May she unfurl the banners of victory and ride triumphant o'er the ocean.
Tune "Lashed to the helm."

9. Star of Texas; - A beacon light to the port of liberty.
Tune "Yankee Doodle."

10. Soldiers of Texas; - May their "breast works" be honor, and fear always a days "march" behind them.
Tune "Soldiers bride."

11. Mexican Prisoners; - May they on their return home recollect the "first lesson of Cyrus." "To tell the truth."
Tune, "Dear native home."

12. Our host and hostess.

13. The Fair; - The highest incentive to honor.