On February 20, 1998, the San Saba River Chapter Daughters of the Republic of Texas officially chartered. True to the objectives of the organization, the chapter has been active locally in historic and educational projects, perpetuating the memory and the spirit of the men and women who achieved and maintained the independence of Texas. The chapter annually recognizes Texas Honor Days: Lamar Day, January 26th; Texas Statehood Day, February 19th; Texas Independence and Flag Day, March 2nd; Alamo Heroes Day, March 6th; Goliad Heroes Day, March 27th; San Jacinto Day, April 21st; Gonzales Day, October 2nd; Stephen F. Austin’s Birthday, November 3rd; Texian Navy day, the third Saturday in September; and Founders Day for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas organization on November 6th.

The chapter was chartered with the guidance of the Oran Milo Roberts Chapter in Lampasas. These ladies graciously met with our potential members at varied times during 1997-1998 to provide information about the organization in general, membership, the application process and to assist in genealogy tracing. At the chartering of our chapter, these wonderful sponsors surprised our new membership with a Texas flag that was flown in our honor over the state capitol.

The San Saba River Chapter has hosted many interesting speakers and authors such as Ira Kennedy of Enchanted Rock Magazine, E’Lane Carlisle Murray author of “Lace of Tough Mesquite”, Tig Sebesta in dramatic costume presenting “Letters to Lucy”, Gladys Dickinson actress from the movie “True Women”, Jack Carroll on James Bowie and the Lost Mines of San Saba, Mr. Henry Norrid on Genealogy Research, District Representative Ronita Miller “The Importance of DRT to a Community”. Our next featured speaker will be Karylon Russell on “The Outlaw Era and the Hoo Doo Range War” at our April meeting, 6pm Rylander Memorial Library. The public as always is invited to attend.

The chapter annually participates in the state wide Texas History Essay Contest for 4th and 7th grade in the county. For the past three years it has sponsored a February “I Love Texas” art contest at Rylander library. We have visited historical sites in our county such as the gravesite of Sion Bostic who helped to capture Santa Anna, the home of settler Chaney Couch and of Meusebach and the Comanche Indian Treaty at Sloan and the Burden Hotel.

At the elementary campus in 2002 the chapter proudly presented a tree seedling from the Stephen F. Austin Oak to the fourth grade Texas history class. The students researched the history of Austin in preparation of the event and participated in a readers theatre on “The Father of Texas” at the planting of the tree on the west end of the K – 2 wing. The chapter continues to present Texas flags or Texas historical works to varied schools and libraries annually. This year the chapter sponsored the first Daughters of the Republic of Texas trunk at the elementary library. Contained in this trunk were items of the 1850’s of which the students were allowed to explore. High school students participated in several short skits depicting frontier life and Davy Crockett.

Heritage Days, Peddler’s Day and Christmas on the Square each have been a part of the chapter’s local involvement. Lynda Pack from the Chamber of Commerce, former County Judge Harlan Barker, as well as other members of community businesses, historical museum and organizations have participated in our monthly programs thus keeping our chapter informed of current events in addition to planning for the future of our county. The daughters have invited heritage-minded members of the community to participate in our Texas Ancestor Plaque project located at Rylander Memorial Library. Any person who had ancestors in Texas as early as 1846 is invited to add their family information to the display.

To become a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas a young woman of at least 16 years of age must provide proof that she is the descendant of a direct ancestor, male or female, who rendered loyal service to the Republic of Texas before February of 1846. This ancestor may have either been a colonist with Austin’s Old Three Hundred, an officer or private in the service of the Colonies or the Republic of Texas, a loyal citizen (regardless of age or gender) who established residence in Texas prior to February 19, 1846, or a recipient of a land grant authorized by the Provisional Government of the Republic of Texas. These grants include “Toby Scripts”, head rights, preemption grants, land scripts, colony contracts, bounty certificates and donation certificates. Our chapter is accepting new members and associate members. Ladies interested in the organization may contact our Chapter President, Louise Sanders at 512-752-3400 or Registrar Aileen Roberts at 325-372-4115.