SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 83
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize the members of the Collins and Rucker families on the 
occasion of their family reunion, which is being held in Austin 
October 9 through 12, 2003; and
	WHEREAS, On July 12, two sections of Congress Avenue
were renamed for a day to honor these two Travis County pioneer 
families, descendants of David Rucker and Newton Isaac Collins,  
who have made significant contributions to Central Texas in the 
areas of military service, agriculture, education, medicine, and 
business and civic endeavors; and
	WHEREAS, David Rucker was born a slave in Tennessee and 
moved to Texas as a child; he grew up to become a Buffalo Soldier, 
who distinguished himself in the Indian wars, and he aided in
the construction of the Texas State Capitol; he and his wife,
Ida Perry Rucker, a teacher, were proponents of education and 
left a strong legacy to their 12 children and their descendants; 
and
	WHEREAS, Newton Isaac Collins was born and educated in 
Alabama and brought his carpenter and entrepreneurial skills to 
Austin in the mid-1800s to build churches and homes; he and his 
wife, Elizabeth Henderson Collins, had eight children who 
inherited their parents' carpenter and farming skills and who 
have continued their parents' legacy through property ownership 
and stewardship; and
	WHEREAS, One of the main events planned for the October 
family reunion is a ceremony which will be conducted by the


Buffalo Soldiers Association to honor family members who have 
served in the military; and
	WHEREAS, The Collins and Rucker family members are 
successful and productive men and women who have contributed 
greatly to their communities through their leadership, integrity,
and concern for others, and they deserve to be proud of their many 
successful endeavors; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend members of 
the Collins and Rucker families and extend to them best wishes 
for a joyous family reunion; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
them as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                     Barrientos,
                                                                     Ellis, West




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on July 21, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate