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78S10641 MMS-D

By:  Pena                                                         H.R. No. 110



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Edwards Abstract and Title Company of Hidalgo 
County, the oldest title company in the Rio Grande Valley, is 
celebrating its 77th anniversary in 2003; and
	WHEREAS, The company traces its roots to 1880, when Judge 
James H. Edwards entered the abstract business in Starr County; 
over the ensuing years, Judge Edwards was instrumental in clearing 
many of the land titles in Starr and Hidalgo counties, gleaning 
information from early settlers and old records and often traveling 
to Mexico to locate missing heirs to Spanish land grants; a lawyer 
and, at various times, county judge of Hidalgo County and state 
representative, Judge Edwards operated an abstract business in 
Edinburg with his wife until his death in 1925; and
	WHEREAS, In 1926, Edwards Abstract and Title Company was 
incorporated by the judge's widow, L. S. Edwards, and sons James and 
Cecil Edwards; today, this venerable company continues to be based 
in downtown Edinburg, while four branch offices have been 
established to better serve the firm's extensive clientele; 
satellite offices include those in McAllen, opened in 1987, 
Weslaco, opened in 1996, and Mission and Sharyland Plantation, both 
opened in 2001; and
	WHEREAS, Edwards Abstract and Title Company expanded further 
in 2002 when the law firm of Lewis, Monroe & Pena was established to 
serve as counsel to the company; principals in the new firm are 
Byron Jay Lewis, who has served as president of Edwards Abstract and 
Title Company since 2000, Alan D. Monroe, and Mark S. Pena; 
Mr. Lewis and Mr. Monroe are both board certified in commercial and 
residential real estate law, and Mr. Pena is a certified mediator; 
and
	WHEREAS, For more than three-quarters of a century, Edwards 
Abstract and Title Company has handled a significant volume of the 
commercial and residential transactions in Hidalgo County, and the 
nearly 70 individuals who operate the title company and its 
associated law firm can take pride in the outstanding contribution 
they are making to the development of the Lower Rio Grande Valley; 
and
	WHEREAS, Representative Aaron Peña has justly recognized 
Edwards Abstract and Title Company by passing this honorary 
resolution in its behalf during the 1st Called Session of the 78th 
Legislative Session; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate all those 
associated with Edwards Abstract and Title Company on the occasion 
of its 77th anniversary and extend to them sincere best wishes for 
continued success.