H.R. No. 30
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, May 2, 2023, marked the 100th anniversary of the
death of Lee J. Rountree, who rendered exceptional service to
Bryan, Brazos, and Grimes Counties as a member of the Texas House of
Representatives from 1921 to 1923; and
WHEREAS, Born in Hays County on July 15, 1868, Leonidas
Johnson "Lee J." Rountree was the grandson of Alabama state senator
the Reverend Samuel Johnson; at the age of 11, he went to work at his
stepfather's newspaper business, and he later took over its
operation alongside his mother; he operated and acquired several
other publications in Georgetown and Sulphur Springs over the
course of his career, and he distinguished himself further by
serving as president of the National Editorial Association and as
secretary of the Southwest Press Association; he was also president
of the Hose, Hook and Ladder Company of Kyle; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rountree served as a representative at a number
of political conventions, and he was appointed as the tax
assessor-collector for Kyle in 1890, at the age of 21; he moved to
Bryan in 1920 and purchased a controlling interest in the Bryan
Eagle, becoming the publication's managing editor; that same year,
he made a successful bid for a seat in the House of Representatives,
and he went on to run for reelection unopposed in 1922; and
WHEREAS, During his two terms of service, Representative
Rountree worked diligently for the good of his constituents; he
chaired the Conservation and Reclamation Committee and made further
contributions to committees on appropriations, taxation, and other
issues; he passed away while on the House floor on May 2, 1923, and
was buried in Bryan two days later; his widow, Frances Rountree, was
appointed to serve out his final term, and she later became the
first woman elected to represent Brazos County in the state
legislature, holding that office from 1931 to 1932; and
WHEREAS, Lee Rountree made a positive impact in the lives of
many Texans through his legislative and professional achievements,
and a century after his passing, he remains a source of great pride
to the community he faithfully served; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby commemorate the 100th
anniversary of the death of the Honorable Lee J. Rountree and pay
tribute to his life and legacy.
Schofield
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 30 was adopted by the House on
November 17, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House