SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 538

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes great pride in honoring the life and legacy of a distinguished statesman and early leader of the Republic of Texas, Kenneth Lewis Anderson, on the occasion of the 180th anniversary of his death on July 3, 1845, at the Fanthorp Inn in present-day Anderson, Texas; and

WHEREAS, Born in North Carolina in 1805, Kenneth Lewis Anderson moved to Texas with his family in 1837 and quickly became involved in the political sphere of the burgeoning republic, demonstrating a strong commitment to public service and the ideals of self-governance; and

WHEREAS, A respected attorney and legislator, Mr. Anderson served as speaker of the house in the Congress of the Republic of Texas and later held the office of vice president under President Anson Jones; his leadership during the final years of the republic was marked by his steady dedication to the well-being of Texas and its people; and

WHEREAS, As the Republic of Texas approached annexation into the United States, Mr. Anderson remained an active and engaged public servant; his untimely death on July 3, 1845, while en route to the Texas Constitutional Convention in Austin, cut short a life devoted to public duty, but his influence continued to be felt in the foundational era of the state; and

WHEREAS, The Fanthorp Inn, where he spent his final hours, remains a Texas Historical Commission site that preserves the memory of his service and the pivotal period in Texas history that his life and death represent; on July 3, 2025, the inn will host a special graveside ceremony to mark the 180th anniversary of his passing and to honor his enduring contributions to Texas history; and

WHEREAS, In tribute to his legacy, the town of Anderson was named in his honor in 1846, ensuring that his story and achivements would be remembered by future generations; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Lewis Anderson's legacy endures in the town and county that bear his name, serving as a lasting testament to his contributions to the early governance of Texas and the ideals he helped to shape; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby recognize July 3, 2025, as Kenneth Lewis Anderson Day in honor of the 180th anniversary of his death and pay tribute to his enduring legacy of visionary leadership and service to the people of Texas; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this historic occasion.

Kolkhorst

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 19, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate