BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.C.R. 38

80R8324 JGH-D                                                                                                              By: Nichols

                                                                                                                  Government Organization

                                                                                                                                              4/2/2007

                                                                                                                                              As Filed

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

March 31, 2008, commemorates the 200th anniversary of the birth of James Pinckney Henderson, the first governor of the State of Texas.  Henderson was born in North Carolina on that date in 1808 and was an attorney who was commissioned as a brigadier general in 1836 and sent to the United States to recruit for the Texas Army.  He was appointed attorney general and minister to France and England for the Republic of Texas, and after Texas joined the United States, he became the first governor of the state, serving from 1846 to 1847. 

 

To ensure that students recognize the pivotal role this notable statesman played in the history of the Lone Star State, the Henderson County Commissioners Court has designated March 31 of each year James Pinckney Henderson Remembrance Day in the county. 

 

The original first lady of Texas, Frances Cox Henderson, was born in Philadelphia on July 21, 1820.  Said to speak at least 18 languages and accomplished in mathematics and music, she studied law and aided her husband with his practice.  A devout Christian as well, she established Episcopal churches in San Augustine, Rusk, Palestine, and Nacogdoches.  In recognition of the myriad contributions this remarkable woman also made in behalf of this state, the San Augustine County Commissioners Court has designated July 21 of each year as Frances Cox Henderson Remembrance Day in the county.

 

James Pinckney Henderson and Frances Cox Henderson figured prominently in the early development of this state, and it is fitting that their lives and accomplishments be appropriately recognized.

 

RESOLVED

 

As proposed, S.C.R. 38 proposes that the 80th Legislature hereby commemorate the year of 2008 as the 200th anniversary of the birth of James Pinckney Henderson and formally designate this year as The State of Texas 1846 First Family Remembrance Year.  This concurrent resolution also proposes that official copies of this resolution be prepared for the Commissioners Courts of Henderson and San Augustine Counties as an expression of esteem by the Texas Senate and House of Representatives.