Bill Text: TX HR130 | 2013-2014 | 83rd Legislature | Enrolled


Bill Title: Commemorating the placement of a Historic Texas Cemetery marker for the Sand Flat Cemetery in Henderson County.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2013-02-21 - Reported enrolled [HR130 Detail]

Download: Texas-2013-HR130-Enrolled.html
 
 
  H.R. No. 130
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
 
         WHEREAS, The Sand Flat Cemetery in Henderson County has been
  recognized with a Historic Texas Cemetery marker from the Texas
  Historical Commission; and
         WHEREAS, In 1856, pioneer Joseph M. Stirman donated land in
  the Sand Flat community northwest of Athens for a church and school
  to serve all residents, regardless of race or religion; two acres
  were set aside as a graveyard for African Americans, and the first
  burial was recorded in 1884, when Clarissa Andrews Royal was laid to
  rest; her husband, Abraham Royal, and a number of their descendants
  were interred nearby in later years; and
         WHEREAS, Other prominent settlers buried in the Sand Flat
  Cemetery include Henry Givens and Joseph Manion; believed to have
  been brought to Henderson County as slaves in 1855, both men became
  farmers, and like Abraham Royal, they were registered on the Black
  Voters List; Mr. Givens further served as a school trustee in the
  early years of the community; and
         WHEREAS, In time, the graveyard became the final resting
  place for many education professionals and for veterans of the two
  World Wars, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War; today,
  descendants of the settlers provide much of the care for the site;
  the current officers of the Cemetery Association are president
  George Jones, vice president Earl Brown, treasurer Ivory Joe
  Givens, secretary Kim Allen, and board member Edward Johnson; and
         WHEREAS, The preservation of Sand Flat Cemetery reflects a
  profound respect for the contributions of those who helped build
  the community in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the receipt of
  this prestigious honor from the Texas Historical Commission will
  allow visitors to gain a greater appreciation for the rich heritage
  of this locality; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
  Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of a Historic Texas
  Cemetery marker at Sand Flat Cemetery and commend all those
  associated with the care of the site and with the effort to secure
  this award; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the Sand Flat Cemetery Association as an expression of
  high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
 
  Gooden
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 130 was adopted by the House on
  February 18, 2013, by a non-record vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
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