78R6063 KMP-F

By:  Bonnen                                                       H.R. No. 295



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Former State Representative Nathan H. Haller was a 
notable Texan whose passing on February 27, 1917, at the age of 76, 
left a gap in Texas history to be bridged over a century later by the 
echoes of his achievements and accomplishments; and
	WHEREAS, Born a slave on July 8, 1840, Mr. Haller moved with 
his master to Walker County, Texas, at an early age, serving his 
master until he was given his freedom on June 19, 1865; upon 
receiving his freedom, Mr. Haller remained in Walker County as a 
farmer and was elected county commissioner for a number of years; 
and
	WHEREAS, In the late 1880s or early 1890s, Mr. Haller moved to 
Brazoria County and was elected state representative to the 23rd 
Legislature, and he also served in the 24th Legislature; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Haller was the only African-American Texas state 
representative in 1893 during the 23rd Legislature; he served on 
the Roads, Bridges, and Ferries Committee as well as the Labor 
Committee; and
	WHEREAS, During the 23rd Legislature, Mr. Haller introduced 
House Bill 469, "to put in operation, and maintain a branch 
university for the colored youth of Texas"; and
	WHEREAS, In 1894, Mr. Haller ran for re-election and was 
defeated due to a Brazoria county judge failing to count all votes, 
which would have given Mr. Haller a 50-vote margin of victory; the 
House Committee on Privileges & Elections ruled in favor of Mr. 
Haller, which allowed him to become a member of the 24th 
Legislature; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Haller retired from politics after his second 
term; he moved to Houston, where he was working as a wagon driver in 
1910; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Haller served as a voice for his district, an 
instrument to education, and a shoulder to his people, and he is to 
be commended and applauded for his courageousness, endurance, 
loyalty, and, most notably, his bravery in overcoming conditions 
many would not have challenged 30 years into their freedom; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of former State 
Representative Nathan H. Haller; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the members of his family.