A History of the Texas Society

In 1955, a Committee of Warriors found each other wandering in the wilderness of Texas, and decided to petition the General Society of Colonial Wars, to grant a Charter and establish a Texas Society. To the surprise of no one, the charter was granted on May 26, 1956. The Texas Society held its first meeting in Austin the following November with fifty-four names of those in attendance, who became Charter Members of the Society. The treasury boasted a sum of $373.16.

During the next ten years membership declined by three members and the treasury increased by the same amount, but that is not to be taken as a measure of zeal of the Society. True to its aims, the membership was active in Patriotic and civic affairs throughout the State, both independent, and in conjunction with other State Societies. Perhaps the most important aspect was the inclusion of ladies at our meetings which, at that time, were held in the tri-angle, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston. This was a contributing factor to the high level of participation of its members.

By 1969, the society was in search of three things: money, members and a project. The first two always fluctuated and not regarded as crucial. The third appeared in the same form of a grant to the Alabama-Coushatta Indians and after time consuming debate, it was decided to be taken on a voluntary basis. Thanks to sound management, the treasury increased to $536.74.

A turning point was reached in 1972 when the Texas Society held two Annual Courts. The treasury increased and the student Indian fund expanded. In 1973, the Registrar reported the completion of micro-filming of the first one hundred members with copies to be distributed to various Libraries throughout the State.

The third decade began with 78 members with a bulging treasury and much enthusiasm for the future. So much enthusiasm happened with the unfurling of the new Texas Society Flag that symbolized the unification of the Eastern roots of the society with Texas, historically, in the battlefields of the colonial era. The Flag of the Society was funded by member, now deceased, Col. Roye Mulholland.

Through the efforts of Col. Horace Mazet, USMC, Ret. and in conference with the Governor General of the General Society of Colonial Wars, an agreement was reached for the Governor of the Texas Society to travel to the United States Marine Corps Academy in Harlingen, Texas, to present at Graduation, the highest honor a Cadet could receive, the official Marine Corps Officer’s Sword. The first sword was presented in 1973 by Major Charles Lamar Deu Pree.

The decade of the 80’s was a good period with continuing growth and boasted 112 members and ended with 140. Also, a Roster of Members was published in 1981 and plans were formulated to publish every 5 years. This was discontinued due to lack of funds and diminishing members who were ageing out. A Perpetual Membership program was started in the mid-80s at a cost of $100.00 for each member, and later increased to $150.00.

While not an official project of the Texas Society, support was given to Warrior Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck, in his research and publication of his book, Virginia’s Colonial Soldiers.

The society has followed the practice of holding it’s Annual Court and Council meetings, the last Saturday of October in the major cities of the State. Also, all records of the Texas Society were removed from the Dallas Public Library and are now housed on the Campus, in the Cushing Library of Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas. This was an undertaking of Governor Clovis Hunter Brakebill in the 1990s.

Program innovations in the 1990’s have continued in the time-honored practice of insuring the preservation of our country’s past. This includes participation in the General Society’s Matching Grant program with a gift of books provided to major libraries relating to the Colonial period of early America. Another award was initiated by the Texas Society for the ROTC program. This was to honor a student for Academic Excellence at the Texas Military Academy in San Antonio, but was terminated by the death of Historian General, Col. Thomas F. Bresnehen, who was the presenter.

The historical discovery of the La Belle a ship with the La Salle expedition found in Matagorda Bay, dating from 1684. Funds were sent to aid the restoration of historical artifacts found, including the skeletal remains of Dead Bob a French sailor found below the decks of the sunken ship.

Six of the original Charter Members continue as stalwart members and are held in high regard as the beginners, and an inspiration which has sustained our growth. The Fortieth Anniversary Roll of Honor reflects a membership of 305 distinguished members and a very solid treasury. During the years of 1993, midterm meeting was held in Salado, Texas on Saturday morning to plan events, and discuss who would be the Representative to present the Colonial Wars sword during Graduation ceremonies in Harlingen. The ladies shopped in mornings and joined the Warriors for a wonderful lunch in the legendary, Stagecoach Inn. So, another era has passed.

Time has passed along with many fond memories of friendship and camaraderie during years, several members have passed onto the great beyond leaving behind memories of their accomplished projects and help to the society bringing the membership to 104 members. Assistance was given through a Matching Grant program sponsored by the ExxonMobil Company and administered by then, Honorary Governor, Col. Lawrence K. Casey.

Since the meeting of 2002 it was discussed and voted upon to hold our annual Meeting in conjunction with like societies that had declining membership rolls resulting in places that would accommodate small groups. Other groups as The Founders and Patriots of America, Sons of the Revolution, Society of the War of 1812, and a new Society for Texas headquartered in England, The Royal Society of St. George, Texas Branch. The 2004 events were held in the Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

Adding to the awareness of value of its long time and dedicated members and officers of the society, an award of recognition was instituted with a certificate that was presented to members with 25 years of membership. Award certificates were also presented to those who had served as Governor and Deputy Governor General upon completion of their term of office.

At the threshold of the 21st Century, the Texas Society had shown evidence of growth with 305 distinguished members as shown in the Fortieth Anniversary Roll of Honor. There was a total of 38 new members since 1997. Many of the older members who have passed on, and in memory are reflected in these words, Gone before and have broken the bonds of companionship are still with us in memory.

All Secretaries and Treasurers are forever faced with dues payment collections. There are members who have aged and become forgetful, or who have moved to other locations, the payment of dues is not in the forefront. Without a current address, some were faced with dismissal from membership. Perpetual members who have not left a forwarding address were also removed from current rolls, but given a special place in the roll of Honor.

Newly elected officers come and go, but all leave their mark of new ideas for the society and display a mark of excellence that is a result of their pride and leadership qualities serving as an officer, or as a member of the Texas Society, their names will always be remembered in the Roll of Honor.