SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 64
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 State of Texas, 88th
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 from the Texas Senate.
Flores
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on October 31, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate