H.R. No. 784R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Family Land Heritage Program of the Texas Department of Agriculture honors properties in Texas that have been owned by the same family and agriculturally productive for more than a century, and this year, the Emmons Rafter E Ranch joins this distinguished roster of Texas properties; and WHEREAS, Located in Freestone County, five miles east of Fairfield, this historical property was purchased in 1902 by Andrew Jackson Emmons, who raised cotton, corn, cattle, and hogs on the land; in the years to follow, his children and grandchildren carried on that tradition, working, living, and raising their families on the fertile Texas soil; and WHEREAS, Now owned by Mr. Emmons's great-grandson, Russell D. Emmons, the ranch is used for raising commercial cattle, hay, and American quarter horses; Russell Emmons currently lives on the ranch with his wife, Kimberly, and their two children, Kendell and Marcus; and WHEREAS, The role of the family farm in Texas history is significant, and it is most appropriate that Andrew Jackson Emmons and his descendants be honored for their enduring contributions to the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Russell Emmons on the acceptance of Emmons Rafter E Ranch into the Family Land Heritage Program of the Texas Department of Agriculture; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Emmons as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Cook of Navarro ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 784 was adopted by the House on May 10, 2003, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House