SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 229
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
join citizens around the state in celebrating July 21, 2017, as
First Lady Frances Cox Henderson Day; and
WHEREAS, Born in Philadelphia on July 21, 1820, Frances Cox
was educated in Europe; she met James Pinckney Henderson in Paris
when he was serving as the envoy from the Republic of Texas to the
Tuileries Palace, and the couple married in London in 1839; they
moved to San Augustine, Texas, the following year; and
WHEREAS, James Henderson was elected the first governor of
Texas in 1845; during his term, the Texas First Lady worked to
establish Episcopalian churches in East Texas, and in her
efforts, she became the first woman to address the clergy of the
diocese; and
WHEREAS, The family moved to Marshall, Texas, in 1856, and
Mrs. Henderson continued her endeavor to promote the
Episcopalian Church by establishing the Trinity Episcopal Church
in her new hometown; in addition to tirelessly supporting the
church, she was an active supporter of women's suffrage; and
WHEREAS, In 1857, Mr. Henderson was appointed to fill the
seat of United States Senator Thomas J. Rusk, who died during his
term in office; Mr. Henderson's health declined quickly after
taking office, and he passed away later that same year;
Mrs. Henderson eventually moved to New Jersey, where she spent her
remaining years as a community leader in East Orange; she died in
her daughter's home on January 25, 1897; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby recognize July 21, 2017, as First Lady
Frances Cox Henderson Day in Texas and encourage citizens around
the state to honor the memory of Lady Frances Cox Henderson as the
first First Lady of the Lone Star State; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance Day Foundation as a
token of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Nichols
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 21, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate