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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, May 2, 2023, marked the 100th anniversary of the |
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death of Lee J. Rountree, who rendered exceptional service to |
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Bryan, Brazos, and Grimes Counties as a member of the Texas House of |
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Representatives from 1921 to 1923; and |
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WHEREAS, Born in Hays County on July 15, 1868, Leonidas |
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Johnson "Lee J." Rountree was the grandson of Alabama state senator |
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the Reverend Samuel Johnson; at the age of 11, he went to work at his |
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stepfather's newspaper business, and he later took over its |
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operation alongside his mother; he operated and acquired several |
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other publications in Georgetown and Sulphur Springs over the |
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course of his career, and he distinguished himself further by |
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serving as president of the National Editorial Association and as |
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secretary of the Southwest Press Association; he was also president |
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of the Hose, Hook and Ladder Company of Kyle; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Rountree served as a representative at a number |
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of political conventions, and he was appointed as the tax |
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assessor-collector for Kyle in 1890, at the age of 21; he moved to |
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Bryan in 1920 and purchased a controlling interest in the Bryan |
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Eagle, becoming the publication's managing editor; that same year, |
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he made a successful bid for a seat in the House of Representatives, |
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and he went on to run for reelection unopposed in 1922; and |
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WHEREAS, During his two terms of service, Representative |
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Rountree worked diligently for the good of his constituents; he |
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chaired the Conservation and Reclamation Committee and made further |
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contributions to committees on appropriations, taxation, and other |
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issues; he passed away while on the House floor on May 2, 1923, and |
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was buried in Bryan two days later; his widow, Frances Rountree, was |
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appointed to serve out his final term, and she later became the |
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first woman elected to represent Brazos County in the state |
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legislature, holding that office from 1931 to 1932; and |
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WHEREAS, Lee Rountree made a positive impact in the lives of |
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many Texans through his legislative and professional achievements, |
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and a century after his passing, he remains a source of great pride |
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to the community he faithfully served; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas |
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Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby commemorate the 100th |
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anniversary of the death of the Honorable Lee J. Rountree and pay |
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tribute to his life and legacy. |