|
Community marks Austin’s 216th birthday
Published November 4, 2009
WEST COLUMBIA — Shouts from delighted children rang almost as loud as the booming sound of the Brazoria County Militia’s gun salute at Stephen F. Austin’s 216th birthday celebration Tuesday.
Adults laughed as children covered their ears and screamed at guns booming as they all gathered to mark the birthday of the “Father of Texas.”
Austin was born Nov. 3, 1793, in southwestern Virginia and died on Dec. 27, 1836, at a home in West Columbia, on the same property on which his birthday celebration takes place every year, event chairwoman Tissie Schwebel said.
“This is something the Cradle of Texas Daughters of the Republic of Texas do each year,” Schwebel said. “It’s always on Nov. 3, on his birthday, and it’s held at his death site, which is where he died in front of an old fireplace at the McKinstry place.”
Catherine Henry, 82, of Lake Jackson grew up learning the stories of her ancestors, Stephen F. Austin and his sister, Emily Austin Bryan Perry, and is glad to know future generations are being taught the history, she said.
“I think it’s wonderful and I’m so pleased to see so many kids participate in the celebration,” Henry said. “It’s another way to have the children learn Texas history.”
About 100 West Columbia Elementary students sang and danced during the birthday celebration, recounting important moments in Texas history.
“Those kids are just phenomenal,” said Jones Creek resident Ralph Collins Jr., 66, a descendent of Emily Austin Bryan Perry.
For Collins, knowing his ancestor had a pivotal role in Texas history and is still recognized today, is a source of pride.
“It means a lot,” Collins said. “He is recognized as the ‘Father of Texas’ and he came here to Brazoria County, my home, and established the first colony. He worked tirelessly to develop a governmental system, and in the end we had the little dispute with Mexico to win our independence, but without his efforts, Texas would not be what it is today.”
The event was organized by the Cradle of Texas Chapter of Daughters of the Republic of Texas and they, along with many others, watched in reverence as the Brazoswood Junior Air Force ROTC raised the ceremonial flag.
The flag has flown over the Capitol of Texas, the Alamo, the San Jacinto battlegrounds and Austinville, Va., where Austin was born, Daughters of the Republic of Texas member Ramah O’Gorman said.
Erin McKeon is a reporter for The Facts. Contact her at 979-237-0152.
Share |
Save |
Mail |
Print
|
|
|
 |
|
Click for all
Top Ads listing
|
