78R11753 JH-D

By:  Cook of Navarro                                              H.R. No. 784



R 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.