79S30328 CBE-D

By:  Craddick                                                     H.R. No. 141



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Beginning more than 170 years ago, William S. Taylor 
and his descendants have made many significant contributions to the 
State of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, In 1847, after serving in both the Alabama and 
Mississippi state legislatures, Mr. Taylor joined his son, William 
S. Taylor, Jr., in Texas; eight years later, he was elected to 
represent Cherokee and Anderson Counties in the Texas Legislature; 
during his second term, he was chosen as speaker of the house, a 
position he held for two months, until illness led to his early 
resignation; and
	WHEREAS, William S. Taylor, Jr., settled in the state in 
1832; after a brief stint in the army of Texas in 1835, he 
reenlisted in early March 1836 and subsequently took part in the 
Battle of San Jacinto; records show he participated in both the 
skirmish on April 20 and in the decisive attack on General Santa 
Anna on April 21; and
	WHEREAS, For his service in the pivotal engagement of the 
Texas Revolution, Mr. Taylor received 640 acres of land; his 
lengthy description of the San Jacinto campaign was published in 
the Texas Almanac of 1868 and has proven a valuable resource for 
historians; on April 21, 1860, this distinguished veteran served as 
vice president of a convention held at the San Jacinto battlefield 
to endorse Sam Houston for the presidency of the United States; and
	WHEREAS, Among those esteemed descendants who have carried on 
the family's tradition of service to the state are a son of William 
S. Taylor, Jr., a minister who traveled the area around Magnolia on 
horseback, tending to the spiritual needs of settlers, and his son, 
a hardworking crew member at Moonshine Hill, in the famed Humble 
oilfield; James D. Taylor, a great-grandson of William S. Taylor, 
Jr., is a World War II veteran who fought bravely in the Normandy 
Invasion; and
	WHEREAS, William S. Taylor and his descendants have greatly 
contributed to the rich history and vital success of the Lone Star 
State, and it is indeed a pleasure to recognize their legacy of 
courage, leadership, and patriotism; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby honor William S. Taylor and 
his descendants for their exemplary efforts in behalf of this state 
and their fellow citizens; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for James D. Taylor as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.