Thursday, September 12, 2024
Mary Catherine Longley, born in the Republic of Texas in 1839, led a life marked by resilience and loss. At 15, she married Charles Marion Tyler, with whom she farmed in Washington County.
They later moved to Utah and Arizona, enduring the deaths of four of their 13 children at a young age. During the Civil War, Charles worked as a freighter for the Confederate Army, but in 1884, he died from diphtheria, leaving Mary to raise their remaining children. She eventually remarried and lived the rest of her life in Arizona, passing away in 1919.
Phil Harris is Mary Catherine Longley’s second great-grandson. His story is one of about 50 compelling true narratives featured in Legacy Comes to Life, all written by their descendants, the Sons of the Republic of Texas.
The book captures the rich tapestry of early Texas history through the personal accounts of pioneers like Mary Catherine, whose life was marked by resilience, adventure and profound challenges.
The collection is a tribute to the enduring spirit of those who helped shape Texas, preserving their legacies for future generations to discover and appreciate.
SONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS
The Sons of the Republic of Texas is committed to preserving Texas’s rich history, particularly from the Republic’s era. The David Crockett Chapter, based in Granbury, is one of the most active chapters of the SRT, with a strong focus on community engagement and historic preservation.
RON SUTTON’S JOURNEY TO THE SRT
Ron Sutton’s discovery of his historical connection led to SRT. “Through my wife Barbara’s penchant for genealogy research, we found out that I had two fourth great-grandfathers, Sylvanus Castleman and John Kelly,” Sutton said. “They had come to Mexican Tejas with Stephen F. Austin in 1823, helping to establish the first Anglo colony, San Felipe de Austin. I became a member of Austin’s Old 300.”
The “Old 300” were granted land by the Mexican government to establish the first major Anglo colony in Texas, laying the foundation for the state’s development and future population. Their settlement along the Brazos River marked the beginning of significant American influence in Texas.
Sutton initially hesitated to join the SRT, thinking membership required an ancestor’s presence at the Alamo. However, Sutton embraced his connection to Texas history after learning from a retired Texas history professor that his ancestors’ ties to the Republic years qualified him for SRT membership. “I became a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas in 2018,” he said.
THE KNIGHTS OF THE SAN JACINTO AND CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
The David Crockett Chapter thrives because of its members and the executive committee of elected officers. Sutton followed Devin Lindsey as president of the David Crockett chapter. Lindsey, now serving as president-general of the SRT national, was honored as a member of the Order of the Knights of the San Jacinto.
The KSJ title is the highest honor within the organization in recognition of outstanding service to the Sons of the Republic of Texas or the great state of Texas.
PHIL HARRIS' PATH TO THE SRT
Phil Harris, who retired from Lockheed Martin in 2016 after 33 years, also found his way to the SRT through his deep dive into researching his genealogy.
Harris’ mother’s family had Texas roots dating back to 1835 with her third great-grandfather, John Tyler. Harris joined the SRT David Crockett Chapter in 2017 after thoroughly documenting his lineage. He became the chapter president in January 2024.
The David Crockett Chapter meets every other month on the first Monday, typically drawing around 40-50 attendees, including members and their spouses.
Recognizing that some members live too far away to attend, the chapter regularly sends update emails to keep everyone engaged.
Meetings feature a keynote speaker and a business agenda. Harris says, “We’ve had public officials, business leaders and local speakers who provide our members with interesting and up-to-date information.”
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PHILANTHROPY
The David Crockett Chapter is highly active in the community, organizing events like the annual Texas Independence Day celebration. In 2023, this event coincided with March 2—the day Texas declared its independence in 1836.
The chapter also participates in the Texas History student fair and Texas Heroes Foundation’s Stroll Through Texas History. This community event celebrates and educates people about Texas history through historical displays, reenactments and activities.
Sutton, the immediate past president of the David Crockett Chapter, serves on its executive committee, which guides the chapter. He is particularly proud of the chapter’s mission to honor and preserve the memory of Texas founders and protect the state’s rich history.
One of the highlight events of 2024 was the installation of the Travis Letter at the Granbury Courthouse. SRT member and Hood County Judge Ron Massingill led the effort, and the chapter’s members quickly raised enough funds to pay for the pedestal on which the bronze Travis Letter was mounted.
This event was significant in both Hood County and Texas history, and the David Crockett Chapter played a key role in its success.
LION OF THE WEST AND HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
The chapter also recognizes those who have significantly contributed to Texas history by awarding honorary memberships. The first honorary member was Sam Houston, the publisher of the Hood County News. Houston’s membership recognizes his exceptional work in presenting and preserving Texas history through his solo performance of “Lion of the West.”
Houston depicted General Sam Houston's bravery and contribution to the fight for Texas’ independence from Mexico. He idealized the American pioneer’s image while commenting on the time’s political and social issues.
LEGACY COMES TO LIFE
The SRT’s project, the publication of “Legacy Comes to Life,” is a compilation of personal stories of SRT members’ ancestors. Harris explained, “I contributed two stories to the LCTL book — Campbell Longley and his daughter Mary Catherine Longley, who was born in Washington County in 1839.
“Additionally, I was the editor for the LCTL book and really enjoyed the creation process to get a book ready for print, as well as getting to know many of the stories more intimately,” Harris shared.
The book, published in December 2023, features never-before-published stories about the direct ancestors of SRT members, offering a unique glimpse into Texas history.
The project was inspired by a suggestion from Houston during the Texas Heroes Foundation’s Stroll Through Texas History event.
APOLITICAL NATURE AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The SRT remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving Texas history while maintaining an apolitical stance. “We focus on our mission statement, and we love Texas history. Stick to the history,” Sutton emphasized.
This dedication is evident in the various initiatives and events the SRT supports, including the Texas History Essay Contest and the Presidio La Bahia Award, which encourage studying and appreciating Texas’s historical legacy.
The organization also promotes visiting historic sites across Texas, such as San Felipe de Austin and Washington-on-the-Brazos, encouraging people to connect with the state’s history firsthand.
The SRT supports various awards and contests that inspire scholarly research and creative writing about Texas history, such as the Summerfield G. Roberts Award and the Presidio La Bahia Award. These awards recognize excellence in historical writing and help perpetuate the stories of Texas’ past.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the SRT continues its work, it remains focused on its core mission: to honor and preserve the history of the Republic of Texas. Through events, publications and community engagement, the SRT ensures the legacy of early Texans is remembered and celebrated, inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect the rich history of the lone star state.
Harris concluded, “It has been great to help people with their SRT applications. I like genealogy research work to discover their Texas ancestors and their stories. Most early Texans were just common folk who gave their all to raise their families and make their way in the new and growing Texas.”
Legacy Comes to Life is available for purchase at Arts & Letters Bookstore on the square and on Amazon: LEGACY COMES TO LIFE: TEXIAN: 9798863319254: Amazon.com: Books
