Dear Fellow Daughters,

It is countdown to the 122nd Annual Convention of the Daughters to be held in

Beaumont, May 16-18, 2013 at the Holiday Inn & Suites. District IX will host the convention

appropriately called “BLACK GOLD – TEXAS TEA”. Chairman Elizabeth White and her

committee have done an outstanding job of making sure we have a most enjoyable gathering.

Of course you can find out everything you need to know on our website

www.drtinfo.org/members. Webmaster Mary Goodwin, District IV Representative keeps this

and www.drtinfo.org up to date with everything you need to know and so please check it once

a week.

Several exciting things are on the agenda. First and foremost, our new book THE

DAUGHTERS: A DOZEN DECADES OF DRT will be delivered at convention. This 448 page history will feature

625 photos and the price will increase from the pre-publication price of $39.95 to $60.00 on May 2, 2013. It is possible

all 1,700 copies will be sold by convention so please order now. Gaylon Finklea Hecker, editor of the book, did a three

year job in 17 months. The first DRT history Fifty Years of Achievement came out in 1955 and took 14 years to write.

DRT member Sharon Hodges has written and recorded (with help from Nashville no less) a song THE LONE

STAR, the story of Texas statehood. She has dedicated the song to all the members of the Daughters of the Republic of

Texas and their brave ancestors who fought and died to make us the great Lone Star State. Sharon and her band Texas

Blue, DRT members Ruthie Newell, and Kelli Satterwhite will perform at the Awards Luncheon on Saturday, May

18th

. The will have copies of the cd “The Lone Star” available (to benefit DRT) and I have been playing my copy and

just about worn it out! Visit http://cdbaby.com/cd/sharonhodges. If you can come only one day, come Saturday to hear

The Lone Star song!

Convention of course will have business, including election of general officers to serve the 2013-2015 term. I

understand chapters have submitted endorsed names for all but two or three positions. If you have your chapter

endorsement you will be able to run from the floor.

We chartered the Catherine Overton DRT Chapter of Manor on April 14th

at headquarters. This is the 4th

DRT

chapter I have had the honor of chartering. First Vice President General Charlotte Moody has done an outstanding job

getting all this done for four new chapters. The new CRT chapter Alley Log Cabin of Columbus was chartered March

24, 2013. Don't forget the CRT Annual Convention will be June 21-22 in Dallas at the Westin Galleria Hotel and for

more information contact 3rd

VPG Faye Chism at 972-924-3818.

Some sad news to report is the passing of Past President General Martha Rash of Rockwall. I was the youngest

officer, Custodian General, 1985-87 during her term and I learned a lot from her. It is interesting that she was 68 years

old when she was president general and I am 68 years old now.

But good news is the four DRT members from West, Texas are all ok from the blast last week. Our prayers are

with them as they rebuild from this disaster. More good news is our friend and supporter David Hanover was elected to

another term as President General of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. He will again honor us with his presence at

convention in Beaumont.

Sincerely,

Karen

Vol.2, No. 9 Publisher, Karen Thompson Editor, Claire Lillie March - April, 2013

Chapter Officers (l/r)

DRT President

General Karen

Thompson, Betty

Hamby, Kathleen

Wood, Colleen Brieden,

Estella Kierce, Mary Jo

Schweers, Laurel

D’Orsogna, Pateicia

Tschirhart, Helene

Boehme, Pamela

Higdon, Margorie Wahl

Wagner, and Gladys

Clark

Alsatian Pioneers Chapter, Castroville, holds chartering ceremony

The new Alsatian Pioneers Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas held their Chartering Ceremony at the Landmark Inn,

Castroville, Sunday, February 24, 2013. President General Karen Thompson and First Vice President General Charlotte Moody were there to

welcome the new chapter and to administer the membership oath and lead the new chapter’s members in their Pledge to the DRT. The

President General installed the officers of the new chapter and presented the Charter and Gavel to Chapter President Bette Hamby.

At the beginning of the ceremony there was an Alsatian welcome by DRT member Patricia Tschirhart and her husband Les, who were

dressed in traditional Alsatian clothes.

Hamby told the large audience that she joined the DRT while still living in California before she knew she would be moving to

Castroville. When she arrived here she became an active member in the Alamo Heroes Chapter, but began to feel that Castroville, with its own

special pioneer history deserved its own chapter. She researched how to accomplish this and tried to think of a name. “One morning the name

Alsatian Pioneers came to me.”

From that beginning to the chartering ceremony, new members who live in and around Castroville signed up and now the Alsatian

Pioneers Chapter has 44 Charter Members: MaryAnn Abbott, Helene Boehme, Wanda Bohmfalk, Kristin Botsford, Carolyn Boyce, Colleen

Brieden, Caressa Brown, Gerri Butler, Andrea Christman, Gladys Clark, Elinor Clausen, Ruth Cunningham, Laurel D’Orsogna, Joan Dever,

Mary Ann Farris, Darlene Glover, Debra Goar, Caroline Grattafiori, Bette Hamby, Chrystal Hamby, Carole Harton, Pamela Higdon, Shirley

Holzhaus, Megan Jungman, Valerie Jungman, Roselyn Kempf, Estella Kierce, Stella Leis, Virginia Morgan, Nichole Muller, Frances

Neumann, Carol Nichols, Pamela Payne, Frances Plunkett, Lisa Jo Schweers, Mary Jo Schweers, Mary Semlinger, Barbara Smallwood,

Patricia Tschirhart, Ruth Van Dyke, Marjorie Wahl Wagner, Cassandra Weltner, Jana Winkler, and Kathleen Wood.

In welcoming the new chapter President General Thompson said, “The organization of a chapter of The Daughters of the Republic of

Texas is a most solemn and significant occasion when we, the Daughters, take unto ourselves others whom we consider worthy to share the

legacy and heritage bequeathed to us by the men who achieved, secured, and maintained the Republic of Texas by their blood and valor.

“Almost everyone is familiar with the story of the two young women, Miss Betty Ballinger and Miss Hally Bryan, who after attending

a meeting of the Texas Veterans Association, realized the necessity of a patriotic group to assist in, and in time to carry on, the work of these

aging heroes, for in 1891 it had been 55 years since the Battle of San Jacinto.

“The Daughters of the Republic of Texas had their early meetings in conjunction with the Veterans. In 1907, the 34th

and last reunion

to the Texas Veterans Association took place in Austin. Mrs. Rebecca Fisher, First Vice President of the Daughters, called the meeting to order.

Six veterans answered the roll call. After memorial services, each expressed the opinion that owing to the infirmities of age he would be unable

to attend another meeting, and cast his vote for the dissolution of the Association, but before adjourning it was determined:

“That the holy memories clinging around it should be merged into that patriotic Association, The Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Be it resolved that we are unalterably opposed to any division or diminution of our beloved State of Texas, and desire that it shall ever be one

and indissoluble. For its preservation as such we rely upon The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, who will survive us, and we hope will live

as an organization until the end of time.”

The Oath of Membership and the Pledge to the DRT were administered to the members and then President General Thompson

installed the officers of the new chapter.

They are: Bette Hamby, President; Kathleen Wood, First Vice President; Colleen Brieden, Second Vice President; Estella Kierce,

Third Vice President; Mary Jo Schweers, Fourth Vice President; Helene Boehme, Fifth Vice President; Pamela Higdon, Recording Secretary; Laurel D’Orsogna, Treasurer; Gladys Clark, Historian; Patricia Tschirhart, Registrar; and Margorie Wahl Wagner, Chaplain.

At the end of the ceremony Hamby said, “For me this is the fulfillment of a dream and it is a humbling experience to be standing

here.” She thanked everyone “for coming to this important day in our chapter’s history.”

After many photographs, they all lined up to enjoy a lavish buffet, which included a beautiful cake decorated with the Daughters of the

Republic of Texas Official Seal.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Page 2

MARCH 2, 2013

Each year the Masons honor the Fallen at the Alamo by laying a wreath. We appreciate their monetary contribution to support activities at the

Alamo. Most Worshipful Grand Master Walter W. Rogers and President General Karen Thompson laying a wreath at the Alamo. Walter was born in Houston and joined the Navy at age 17. He joined the Freemasonry and became a Master Mason in 1978.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On March 1, 2013 the city of Gonzales closed schools and invited all the citizens to gather at the Alamo to honor the 177

anniversary of the 32 Gonzales men who arrived at the Alamo on March 1, 1836 to come to the aid of Lt. Col. William Barret Travis

who had sent out the famous "Victory or Death" letter, that first arrived in Gonzales on February 25, 1836. The situation at the Alamo mission was dire and those 32 Gonzales men could have turned around and gone back home, but

the stayed and died on March 6, 1836.

Page 3

K.R. Wood's interest in country music

began over forty years ago. K.R., a native

Texas singer, songwriter, historian and

musician, plays 6 and 12 string acoustical

guitars and has received acclaim for his

Fathers of Texas CD series. It is a collection

of songs and narration about Texas’ storied

history, which is considered a landmark in

Texas music. His latest CD titled “Davy

Crockett’s Fiddle Plays On” was recorded

live in the Alamo with the Davy Crockett

Fiddle from the Witte Museum. This is an

honor and privilege that only K.R. Wood

has been given.

Chartering

ceremony for the

Alley Log Cabin

Chapter, CRT,

March 24, 2013, in

Columbus. A fun

time was had by all

in attendance.

(l/r) Priscilla, Joshua D. Brown Chapter, and Monte Montgomery of

Tarpley, TX

Picture taken (mission site used in movie “Streets of Laredo” and

several other movies) of Monte and me on the Micallef Ranch. The ranch

is called the CF Ranch and is 10,000 acres. Mike Micallef also owns the

Sierra La Rana Ranch in Alpine. It is also 10,000 acres. Mike owns other

companies including the Reata Restaurants, Flight Services, etc. – His

cookbook is in the Alamo Gift Shop.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A Story of Catherine Cynthia Overton, namesake of the newest DRT chapter, Manor

Catherine Cynthia Overton was born in North Carolina, 1790. She first married Vinson Avery, a sailor by trade. We had one son Willis (Battle of San Jacinto; buried Texas State Cemetery) Vinson died and was buried at sea. Catherine wrote "Not long after the death of my husband, a group of neighbors formed a wagon train and headed for Tennessee. With my infant son, I joined . . . we settled in Davidson County Tennessee. It was there that I met and married William McCutcheon in early 1812. On Christmas day of that year I gave birth to my second son whom we name William after his father . . . we were not very compatible . . . so the wheels were set in motion to dissolve the marriage." Catherine continued "By 1820 we settled in Lincoln County Mo.... I met and married my third husband. Gordon C. Jennings (oldest man to dies at the Alamo) a kind and respectable man....he was a loving father to my two sons; I bore him 4 children...then there was talk of free land in Texas ". The extended families of Catherine settled near Bastrop and She wrote "many a night we would hear the blood-curdling war whoop of the Indians. Captain Jesse Billingsly organized a company of "Mina Volunteers" and my sons Willis and William, who married Jacob Harrell's daughter, were members". "The Texans were getting together to form an army and Gordon signed up under Col. William B. Travis and followed the call to protect San Antonio de Bexar and its citizens. I only know what I have been told about his death. He was there in the Alamo when Santa Anna attacked. He was a cannoner. Gordon and the others died bravely fighting for the freedom of Texans". "As news traveled back to the settlements, fear overtook the ones at home. I loaded my children and daughters-in-law in the wagon and headed to Louisiana. After the return to Texas we began our lives again . . . we had lost everything but we were prepared to start over." Catherine died September 1, 1867 and is buried in Williamson County, Texas. Written by Faye Bean Elder as a letter from Catherine relating some of the events of her life.

Members of the Catherine Cynthia Overton Chapter, Manor, are administered the oath of office by President General Karen Thompson, April 14, 2013, at DRT Headquarters. Standing (l/r) Margaret Crislip, (behind)-

Organizing President Faye Elder, Donella Daywood-Love, (behind)-Pat McMicken, (behind)-Vickie Jo Dodson, Sheila Kimple, (behind)-Heather Clark, Organizing Registrar Judy Sien, (behind)-Mari Spacek, Mary Jean Kelso, (behind)-Wendy Whiteman, and Kristn Loken.

Page 5

Elizabeth Ann Menefee was born to Thomas Nelson Menefee & Virginia Lee Schneider, August 3, 1953. I grew up in Pasadena, Texas and graduated from Sam Rayburn High School, San Jacinto Jr. College and attended college at USL in Lafayette, Louisiana. In 1975 I started working in the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) field. Christmas, 1976, I married Robert P. White and 5 years later our first daughter, Carrie Elizabeth was born. In 1988 our second daughter, Carol Ann was born. We are members of the First United Methodist Church in Pearland with my sister Nancy Matlock and her husband Steve. I am a member of the Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars and the Texas Alabama Settlement (TAS), which

celebrates the “Alabama Settlement” as our ancestral families were called by author John Henry Brown. I have enjoyed being a DRT member; joining the James W. Brown chapter in Pasadena some 13 years ago, and serving as 3rd VP, 1st VP, President and now as Chaplin. This is my second term on the BOM, the first time I served as Corresponding Secretary General. As the District 9 Representative I am busy preparing for the 2013 Convention this coming May. Between working full time as an Electrical Design Team Leader and Chairman of the Convention Committee there is only one thing better – being a Grandmother. I am currently blessed with 4 grandbabies, Hayden - 8, Amos - 5, Mollee - 3 and Marshal 18 months. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Convention!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Troyce Verde Eiland was born at home in Midland, October 14, 1934. Her parents, Lela May Robinson Eiland and Troy Napoleon Eiland, had moved to Midland County after their marriage. Mr. Eiland farmed and later became the first rural mail carrier in the county, a position he held until 1946. Miss Robinson was a math teacher at Abilene High School when she was introduced to her future husband by his cousin, She had graduated from Simmons College, later Hardin-Simmons University in 1921. Upon her marriage she gave up her teaching career to be a homemaker and helpmate with her husband. The family had four children, Troyce being the youngest. Troyce started school in Midland, but in 1946 the family moved to Ward County where her father had purchased a ranch. Troyce attended junior high in Pyote and transferred to Monahans High School as a freshman. She graduated in 1952 as valedictorian and followed in her mother’s example, graduating from Hardin-Simmons University with a B.A. degree, summa cum laude, double major in Business Administration and Spanish, minor in English. She later earned a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas. During her undergraduate years she met and married Raymond Maurice Wood who was enrolled at H-SU. Her husband was enrolled in the ROTC program and upon graduation began his military service in the Army. After his training as an artillery officer, he was stationed in Germany for three years, and their two sons were born during this time. Upon returning to the US, he completed his career in the military service in the US Army Reserves attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. Troyce had been employed as secretary to the President of H-SU, but resigned to follow her husband during his military career. When Raymond left active duty he began his education career and spent twenty-five years as coach, teacher, and counselor. In the meantime, Troyce began working as a part-time teacher, but became secretary to the Superintendent and later administrative assistant in the administration office. She was named business manager of the Slaton ISD for the final years of her career. After retirement, she and Raymond became Disaster Assistance Employees with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and enjoyed their deployment in this service very much. Between deployments they began their love of travel, and visited five continents on numerous trips. Troyce became active in the DRT after joining in 1995. She has served in several capacities in the local chapter, General James Smith, Lubbock, most recently two terms as First Vice President. She was honored to serve as District

X Representative on the BOM from 2003 – 05 and again in that position until 2014. Other interests include church,, bridge and reading. Her husband died in 2010, ending a marriage of almost 54 years, She continues to reside in their home in Ranson Canyon and makes frequent visits to see her sons and grandchildren.

Page 6

APRIL 21, 2013

(l/r) Past President General Mary Kathryn Briggs 1995–97, Chaplain General Connie Surrency, and District V Representative Claire Lillie enjoy the San Jacinto festivities.

* * * * * *

Members from the Joshua D. Brown Chapter, March 4, at the Alamo: (l/r) Judy McVay, Gay Nell Wells, Eva Smith, On April 2, an historical marker was unveiled honoring Margaret Ames, Pat Gaines, Midge Glor, Jane Buck, Driscoll’s Children’s Hospitals’ founder, Clara Driscoll. (l/r) Nancy McLarry. Also attending but not in photo: Linda Steve Woemer, Driscoll President & CEO; Anita Eisenhaurer, Patten, Patsy Macias, Laura Lucero chairwoman of the Nueces CHC-Clara Driscoll, DRT, member,

unknown; President General Karen Thompson; Corpus Christi Mayor Nelda Martinez; Loyd Neal, chairman, Driscoll’s govern- ing board. Since 1953, Driscoll Children’s Hospital has been a

beacon of light for the children of South Texas. Through shared patient stories, special events, photos and more, join us in cele-

brating 60 years of offering hope and healing. Page 7

April 21, 2013, the 177th Anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto ceremony was commemorated at the San Jacinto Monument. It was a sunny and cool day. Ron Stone, Jr. was the Master of Ceremonies. Several high school seniors received scholarships. Hon. Sharolyn Wood, President of San Jacinto Chapter, gave some of the awards. Greetings were given from Honorable Sylvia R. Garcia, State Senator, and Honorable Ed Emmett, County Judge. The speaker was Gregg Cantrell, President, Texas State Historical Association.

Terry Johnson, left, daughter McKenna,

Karen, and Gary Johnson of Mason, Texas visit

the Alamo on March 3rd to see the Travis

letter. Terry Johnson is a descendant of Martin

Wells, the namesake of the Martin Wells DRT

Chapter of Round Rock.