By Kolkhorst                                           H.R. No. 497
         77R9149 GMW-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The year 2001 marks the 100th anniversary of Minnie
 1-2     B. Williams Chapter No. 531 of the United Daughters of the
 1-3     Confederacy (UDC), and this historic milestone provides a fitting
 1-4     opportunity to recognize this enduring group and its dedicated
 1-5     members; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, This distinguished organization was chartered in
 1-7     1901 as Tom Green Chapter No. 531 of the Texas Division of United
 1-8     Daughters of the Confederacy; Minnie Bassett Williams, a well-known
 1-9     Brenham civic leader and direct descendant of the sister of Thomas
1-10     Jefferson, was elected the chapter's president and served in that
1-11     capacity until her passing in 1916; and
1-12           WHEREAS, In 1928 the chapter was renamed as a tribute to
1-13     Mrs. Williams, whose selfless service included terms as vice
1-14     president of the Texas Division of UDC and as vice president and
1-15     secretary of the United Charities Association in Texas, as well as
1-16     involvement with numerous civic and philanthropic organizations in
1-17     Brenham and throughout the Lone Star State; and
1-18           WHEREAS, A valued part of the 3,500-member-strong state UDC,
1-19     the chapter has performed many altruistic deeds during its century
1-20     of existence; in 1936, it served as host for the Texas Centennial,
1-21     celebrating that grand occasion with 35 chapters from across the
1-22     state; and
1-23           WHEREAS, In addition to visiting the State Capitol, the
1-24     Minnie B. Williams Chapter plans to celebrate its centennial with a
 2-1     number of commemorative activities, including the presentation of
 2-2     Military Service Awards to deserving veterans in the Brenham area;
 2-3     and
 2-4           WHEREAS, This esteemed group has long provided invaluable
 2-5     community service to the citizens of Brenham, and it is most
 2-6     appropriate to honor its members as they celebrate 100 years of
 2-7     dedication to the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
 2-8           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
 2-9     Legislature hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of Minnie B.
2-10     Williams Chapter No. 531 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy
2-11     and extend to its members best wishes for a memorable observance.