88S30924 BK-D
By: Flores S.R. No. 64
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The prosperity of the Lone Star State has been
greatly influenced by family farming and ranching, and the Wallace
Farm in Bell County has been officially recognized for its role in
this proud tradition with its acceptance into the state's Family
Land Heritage Program in 2023; and
WHEREAS, Sponsored by the Texas Department of Agriculture,
this program honors farms and ranches that have been in continuous
agricultural operation by the same family for a century or more;
established in 1873, the Wallace Farm is currently owned and
operated by Laura W. Bergin and Christine W. Stockwell; and
WHEREAS, The farm's founder, John Armstrong Wallace, was a
native of Tennessee who moved with his family to Texas as a child;
in 1873, he and his wife, Amanda Wallace, acquired 280 acres of
land; there, they built their home and developed a ranch and farm,
where they raised livestock and grew cotton, corn, oats, and wheat;
they became the parents of 11 children, several of whom remained on
the land; after the elder Mr. Wallace's passing in 1948, ownership
of the farm was transferred to his youngest son, Wofford Garrison
Wallace, who resided there and continued to raise livestock and
cultivate crops on the property alongside his sisters, Amanda and
Anna Belle; and
WHEREAS, Wofford Wallace passed away in 1972, and his older
brother, Henry Clay Wallace, assumed ownership of the farm, which
was subsequently divided between his sons, Henry and Joseph; since
the death of Henry Wallace Jr. in 2014, his daughters Laura and
Christine have tended to the remaining 140 acres, where they
currently grow corn; and
WHEREAS, In preserving their property as a working farm,
Laura Bergin and Christine Stockwell are making their own
contribution to their family's legacy, and it is indeed fitting
that they be honored for their outstanding stewardship; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature, 3rd
Called Session, hereby congratulate Laura W. Bergin and Christine
W. Stockwell on the induction of the Wallace Farm into the Texas
Department of Agriculture Family Land Heritage Program and extend
to them sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ms. Bergin and Ms. Stockwell as an expression of high
regard by the Texas Senate.