H.R. No. 1897
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The descendants of Josiah McIntosh, Sr., are
gathering in Jefferson from August 30 through September 1, 2013,
for their much-anticipated annual family reunion, an event they
have held now for 100 consecutive years; and
WHEREAS, Josiah "Joe" McIntosh, Jr., was inspired by his
102-year-old father, Josiah McIntosh, Sr., to organize the family's
first gathering; the elder McIntosh, a former slave, had seen the
terrible effects of slavery on families, splitting them apart and
denying them the opportunity to be together, and he always
emphasized the importance of knowing and supporting one's kin; and
WHEREAS, In June 1913, Joe McIntosh, Jr., and his wife,
Mattie Ruffin, hosted their siblings and their families as well as
14 of the couple's children and their families in their Jefferson
home, and this tradition of feast and fellowship has continued in
the 10 decades that have followed; and
WHEREAS, The McIntosh-Ruffin reunion offers those in
attendance an opportunity to reflect on their rich legacy and to
strengthen the bonds that have united their extended families for
generations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 2013 McIntosh-Ruffin Family
Reunion and extend to its organizers and participants sincere best
wishes for an enjoyable and memorable event; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the McIntosh-Ruffin family as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
Thompson of Harris
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1897 was adopted by the House on May
15, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House