Historical Commission

Have you ever wondered who the first elected officials were to serve Fort Bend County? Maybe you are curious to see whether a family member held a county elected or appointed position. The Fort Bend County Historical Commission Archive now has a document with answers to those questions - The Roster of Elected Officials.

The roster covers the time from 1838 to Present. After each even-year November election, special elections, and appointments, the roster will be updated with the names of the newly elected officials. Be sure to check after each election cycle to view the updates.

1. Go to Archives and Select ‘Special Project – Elected Officials’ from the Category menu.
2. Click the ‘SEARCH' button.
3. Click ‘Select’
4. Download the document at the bottom of the next screen. 

If you find an error or omission, please contact us at HistoricalCommission@fortbendcountytx.gov. We want this site to offer the most complete and accurate list available and we need your help to accomplish that.

An annual ceremony honoring Mirabeau B. Lamar, Texas soldier and statesman whose final years were spent in Fort Bend County, will be conducted on Thursday, Jan. 26, at Lamar's grave in Richmond's historic Morton Cemetery.

This will mark the seventh consecutive year for the salute known as Lamar Day. It will be conducted jointly by the Sons of the Republic of Texas, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Fort Bend County Historical Commission.

Focus for the 2017 observance is on Lamar's legacy as a writer and poet, and students from Calvary Episcopal Preparatory will read selected poems penned by the man who served as the second president of the Republic of Texas.

The public is invited to the ceremony, which starts at 10:30 a.m. In addition to the poetry recitations, a group of re-enactors forming the Texas Army will present colors and later conduct a black-powder salute. Lamar commanded cavalry at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto that led to Texas independence from Mexico.

"On this very day, 178 years ago," said SRT Past State President Thomas Green about the date chosen for the ceremony, "President Lamar signed an act of the Texas Congress reserving three leagues of land in each county to be used to pay for a public school system in Texas.

"Even though it was years before public schools came into being in Texas, President Lamar is remembered as the 'Father of Texas Education.'

In addition, Green said, Lamar saw to the reservation of 50 leagues of land for two state-supported colleges in Texas, which continue to benefit both the University of Texas and Texas A&M University. Green added that one of Lamar's best-known phrases, “A cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy,” is the motto of the University of Texas.

Green noted that on Jan. 25, 1839, Lamar signed an act making what is now the state flag of Texas the final flag of the Republic of Texas, Four days later, he signed the first homestead act in the world. The homestead act, Green explained, "keeps the home place from being taken from the widow by the mortgage company when the husband dies.

"This was a monumental week in Texas history, with three important bills being signed in a five-day period, which continues to affect our lives today."

Born in Georgia in 1798, Lamar first earned fame in Texas as the cavalry commander of the Texas revolutionary army at the pivotal Battle of San Jacinto. Following a series of appointments within the new Republic of Texas government, he was elected its first vice president in 1836 and second president two years later.

Lamar died at his plantation home in Richmond on Dec. 19, 1859.

Franklin Schodek of Richmond, at right, a career land surveyor, received the 2017 Bert E. Bleil Heritage Award for his exemplary lifetime work in local history preservation and promotion. At left is Richmond Mayor Evalyn Moore, who delivered the presentation speech. Also pictured is Fort Bend County Historical Commission chairman Charles Kelly of Sugar Land, who emceed the Thursday, March 2 (Texas Independence Day) award event at Safari Texas. The award and its trophy, a bronze eagle in flight on a base shaped like Fort Bend County, were the brainchild of the late Bert Bleil of Richmond, past chair of the commission.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT WILLEY, FORT BEND HERALD

The August 3, 1824 grant of a league of land from Mexico to Stephen F. Austin's Old 300 colonists Isaac Pennington and David Randon is the subject of a Texas Historical Marker dedicated Wednesday, March 29, near the intersection of Winner-Foster and Bois d'Arc roads south of Fulshear. Marker sponsor and event host was Highland Resources Inc., developers of Laprada . From left are Susan Wolcott; Highland President and CEO Charles Wolcott; and Fort Bend County Historical Commission Treasurer Claire Rogers. The commission conducted the morning dedication despite rain showers.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEN STUBBE

The story of Upper Buffalo Bayou and the San Felipe Trail as they existed west of Houston in the 19th Century will be the program topic for the Tuesday, Aug. 15 full membership meeting of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission.

The meeting, which is open to the public free of charge, is booked at the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy, 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle in Richmond, beginning at 3 p.m..

Presenter is historical preservationist Dr. Dan Worrall of Fulshear, an active member of the Harris County HC. Worrall, a retired exploration geologist, is currently searching out prospective historical marker sites in west Harris County. He was instrumental in rescuing the 19th-century Morse-Bragg Cemetery, near Post Oak Boulevard in Houston, from loss to development.

Worrall extensively researched what he called "nearly forgotten" rural areas where pioneers settled and lived a century and a half prior to the sprawling westward growth of Houston. In describing the content of his recently published book, "Pleasant Bend," Worrall wrote: " One such area is that of Upper Buffalo Bayou, extending from downtown Houston to Katy. In this area, European settlement began at Piney Point in 1824, over a decade before Houston was founded. Ox wagons full of cotton traveled across a seemingly endless tallgrass prairie from the Brazos River east to Harrisburg along the San Felipe Trail, built in 1830.

"Also here, Texan families fled eastward during the Runaway Scrape of 1836, immigrant German settlers trekked westward to new farms along the north bank of the bayou in the 1840s, and newly freed African-American families walked east toward Houston from Brazos plantations after Emancipation."

Fort Bend CHC Chairman Chuck Kelly, who helped secure Worrall as program presenter, noted that while Pleasant Bend lay beyond the Fort Bend County line, "its history and that of our county are contemporaneous in time and contiguous in location, and our ancestors were doubtless familiar with the story we will hear from Dr. Worrall in August." .

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX – Fort Bend County Officials and the Emergency Operations Center have been closely monitoring the water level in the Brazos River. The National Weather Service forecast indicates that the Brazos River will crest sometime Tuesday, August 29 in the late afternoon or early evening at an elevation of fifty nine feet at the Richmond gauge.

Judge Hebert said that “…a flood of this magnitude is an 800 year event and it exceeds the design specifications of our levees, and is potentially dangerous for a good portion of Fort Bend County. A fifty-nine foot river level threatens to overtop many of the levees in our area. As a result, I am ordering both voluntary and mandatory evacuations for many of the levee improvement districts along the Brazos River, based on all specific facts pertaining to each levee. ”

A voluntary evacuation means that you should consider leaving to head for a safer area. There is a chance that surrounding flood waters may hinder your ability to get in and out of your neighborhood. You may be stuck in your neighborhood for several days.

A mandatory evacuation means that there is risk to life and safety as well as property. There is also a risk to the lives of first responders who might be called on to rescue you when the expected danger materializes. During a mandatory evacuation emergency, personnel WILL NOT be able to respond to your calls for help. You will be on your own. You cannot rely on help from others.

A mandatory evacuation indicates the possibility of danger to your life. We urge you not to ignore it. If you are in a mandatory evacuation zone, do the smart thing: leave and be safe. Local law enforcement and the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office will patrol evacuated areas.

Pull up the interactive map to find out if your residence is in the evacuation area: https://fbcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d1a054f74789410bbe35bed305c81841

The following areas are under a MANDATORY evacuation order:

• First Colony LID #1
• Fort Bend County LID #20
• Fort Bend County LID #6
• Fort Bend County LID #7
• Fort Bend County MUD #115
• Fort Bend County MUD #46
• Fort Bend County MUD #49
• Municipal Utility District #121
• Palmer Plantation #1
• Palmer Plantation #2

The following areas are under a VOLUNTARY evacuation order:

• Fort Bend County LID #2
• Fort Bend County LID #10
• Fort Bend County LID #11
• Fort Bend County LID #14
• Fort Bend County LID #15
• Fort Bend County LID #17
• Fort Bend County LID #179
• First Colony LID #2
• Pecan Grove MUD
• Sienna Plantation

Judge Hebert reiterated that, “If you are in a Mandatory Evacuation zone, please leave. If you don’t, you may be in danger and we may not be able to help. If you are in a Voluntary Evacuation zone, take steps to protect yourself, your family and your property and be ready to lose service and mobility for an extended period of time if you choose to shelter in place. In any case, begin your preparation now. Take steps now to keep safe.”

If you are under a mandatory evacuation order, take the following steps:

• Determine a safe evacuation route
• Pack essential items including medicine, important documents, and first aid kits
• Take your pets (and pet food) with you
• Secure your home by locking all doors and windows
• Leave as soon as you are instructed to leave

Also be aware that mandatory evacuation orders are already in place for areas along the Brazos River that were impacted by the Memorial Day 2016 flood, and for low lying areas of the San Bernard River. There are also evacuations in place from the cities of Rosenberg, Richmond, and Simonton and a voluntary evacuation for areas around the Barker Reservoir.

If you are in a voluntary evacuation area, be sure you are comfortable staying put for several days and that you have enough food, water and other supplies to last at least a week.

There are shelters in the area. Contact the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management at 281-342-6185 to find a shelter. Red Cross shelter information can be found online: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter  

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Public Information Officer
Fort Bend County Emergency Operations Center
281-342-6185

Comunicado de Prensa – Orden de Evacuación

Augusto 28, 2017

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX – Los Funcionarios del Condado de Fort Bend y el Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia han estado monitoreando de cerca el nivel del agua en el Río Brazos. El pronóstico del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional indica que el Río Brazos crecerá algún día el martes 29 de agosto en la tarde o temprano en la noche a una elevación de cincuenta y nueve pies en el indicador de Richmond.

El juez Hebert dijo que “… una inundación de esta magnitud es un evento de 800 años y excede las especificaciones de diseño de nuestros diques, y es potencialmente peligroso para una buena porción del condado de Fort Bend. Un nivel de río de cincuenta y nueve pies amenaza con sobrepasar muchos de los diques en nuestra área. Como resultado, estoy ordenando evacuaciones voluntarias y obligatorias para muchos de los distritos de mejoramiento de diques a lo largo del río Brazos, basados ??en todos los hechos específicos relacionados con cada dique. ”

Una evacuación voluntaria significa que usted debe considerar salir para un área más segura. Existe la posibilidad de que las aguas circundantes de las inundaciones puedan obstaculizar su capacidad de entrar y salir de su vecindario. Usted puede estar atrapado en su vecindario por varios días.

Una evacuación obligatoria significa que hay riesgo para la vida y la seguridad, así como la propiedad. También hay un riesgo para las vidas de los primeros respondedores que podrían ser llamados a rescatarlo cuando se materialice el peligro esperado. Durante una emergencia de evacuación obligatoria, el personal NO podrá responder a sus llamadas de ayuda. Usted estará en su propio. No puedes confiar en la ayuda de otros.

Una evacuación obligatoria indica la posibilidad de peligro para su vida. Le instamos a no ignorarlo. Si usted está en una zona de evacuación obligatoria, haga lo más inteligente: salga y esté a salvo. La policía local y la oficina del sheriff del condado de Fort Bend patrullarán las áreas evacuadas.

Levante el mapa interactivo para averiguar si su residencia está en el área de evacuación: https://fbcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d1a054f74789410bbe35bed305c81841 

Las siguientes áreas están bajo una orden de evacuación OBLIGATORIA:

• Primera Colonia LID # 1
• Condado de Fort Bend LID # 20
• Condado de Fort Bend LID # 6
• Condado de Fort Bend LID # 7
• Fort Bend County MUD # 115
• Fort Bend County MUD # 46
• Fort Bend County MUD # 49
• Distrito Municipal de Servicios Públicos # 121
• Palmer Plantation # 1
• Palmer Plantation # 2

Las siguientes áreas están bajo una orden de evacuación VOLUNTARIA:

• Condado de Fort Bend LID # 2
• Condado de Fort Bend LID # 10
• Condado de Fort Bend LID # 11
• Condado de Fort Bend LID # 14
• Condado de Fort Bend LID # 15
• Condado de Fort Bend LID # 17
• Condado de Fort Bend LID # 179
• Primera Colonia LID # 2
• Pecan Grove MUD
• Sienna Plantation

El juez Hebert reiteró que: “Si usted está en una zona de Evacuación Obligatoria, por favor, vaya. Si no lo hace, puede estar en peligro y es posible que no podamos ayudar. Si usted está en una zona de Evacuación Voluntaria, tome medidas para protegerse a sí mismo, a su familia ya su propiedad y estar listo para perder el servicio y la movilidad por un período prolongado de tiempo si decide refugiarse en su lugar. En cualquier caso, comience su preparación ahora. Tome medidas ahora para mantenerse a salvo.

Si está bajo una orden de evacuación obligatoria, tome las siguientes medidas:

• Determinar una ruta de evacuación segura
• Empaque los artículos esenciales incluyendo la medicina, los documentos importantes, y los botiquines de primeros auxilios
• Lleve consigo a sus mascotas (y comida para mascotas)
• Asegure su casa cerrando todas las puertas y ventanas
• Salga tan pronto como se le indique que se vaya

También tenga en cuenta que las órdenes de evacuación obligatorias ya están en vigor para las áreas a lo largo del río Brazos que fueron impactadas por la inundación del Día del Memorial Day 2016 y para las áreas bajas del río San Bernard. También hay evacuaciones en el lugar de las ciudades de Rosenberg, Richmond y Simonton y una evacuación voluntaria para las áreas alrededor del embalse de Barker.

Si se encuentra en un área de evacuación voluntaria, asegúrese de que se sienta cómodo durante varios días y que tenga suficientes alimentos, agua y otros suministros para durar al menos una semana.

Hay refugios en la zona. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Administración de Emergencias del Condado de Fort Bend al 281-342-6185 para encontrar un refugio. La información sobre el refugio de la Cruz Roja puede encontrarse en línea: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter 

PARA MAS INFORMACION CONTACTE:

Oficial de Información Pública

Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia del Condado de Fort Bend 281-342-6185

Representatives of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission and the Stafford Municipal School District joined forces Sunday, Oct. 8, to dedicate a Texas historical marker erected on SMSD property. The marker text recounts the successful attempt by Stafford citizens to establish their own schools by breaking away from the Fort Bend and Houston school districts. A January 1977 vote to create SMSD was litigated for several years before the courts cleared the way for the new district. It remains the state's only municipal school district. Among those taking part in the program were FBCHC Research and Markers Committee Chair Bettye Anhaiser (pictured) and FBCHC Chair Chuck Kelly. Pictured at the marker are, from left, Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella, Stafford MSD School Board President Arturo Jackson and SMSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Bostic. Photos are by Rev. David Rose, FBCHC member.

The author of a monumental new work concerning the Civil War and its impact on southeast Texas, including Fort Bend County, will discuss her topic at the Tuesday, Nov. 21 quarterly meeting of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission.

The meeting, which begins at 3 p.m., is booked in the main meeting room of the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy, 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle in Richmond. The public is invited and admission is free.

Prominent Wharton County researcher and writer Merle Reue Hudgins completed five-plus years of labor with the April 2017 publication of "War Between the States Changed Texas Forever: A Study of Pre-Civil War, Civil War & Post-Civil War." According to Hudgins, the two-volume, 845-page work details the "who, when, where, why and how the state of Texas decided to become a partner in the Confederate states" and how the war forever changed the state's most Old South region.

Particular focus was placed on the contiguous counties of Brazoria, Colorado, Fort Bend, Matagorda and Wharton, Hudgins said, using data drawn from newspapers, diaries and court records, as well as previously published documentation "to give the reader insight into the time frame" prior to and following the war years of 1861-65.

The two-volume set, which contains more than 100 illustrations, is being sold by the Wharton County Historical Commission for $75. Hudgins has been a commission member since 1969 and Wharton County Commissioners Court declared her the county's official historian in recognition of her service.

Sharon Harris, a member of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission's Cemetery Committee, was honored as the organization's 2017 Commissioner of the Year at its Nov. 21 quarterly meeting

Committee Chair Robert Crosser cited Ms. Harris for her seven years as "an outstanding and vital member" of the committee. She leads the committee's 10-member team in researching information regarding cemeteries and churches found in the voluminous deed records of Fort Bend County. In addition, she continuously monitors the conditions of what Mr. Crosser described as "seven highly endangered historic cemeteries.";"> Particular focus was placed on the contiguous counties of Brazoria, Colorado, Fort Bend, Matagorda and Wharton, Hudgins said, using data drawn from newspapers, diaries and court records, as well as previously published documentation "to give the reader insight into the time frame" prior to and following the war years of 1861-65.

Pictured during the award presentation are, from left, Robert Crosser, Sharon Harris and Commission Chair Charles Kelly. The award trophy is a wooden outline of the county sculpted by commission member Dr. Lee Knekow. Photo was taken by commission member Patricia McKnight.

An annual ceremony honoring Mirabeau B. Lamar, Texas soldier and statesman whose final residence was in Richmond, will be conducted on Friday, Jan. 26, at Lamar's grave in the historic Morton Cemetery.

This will mark the eighth consecutive year for the salute known as Lamar Day and the list of participating organizations continues to grow. The local chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Fort Bend County Historical Commission will again play leading roles along with the Sons of the Republic of Texas.

Other support for the upcoming event will come from VFW Post 3093, local Masonic lodges, the City of Richmond, Morton Cemetery Association, Calvary Episcopal School, the Texas Army and Joseph's Cigar & Coffee Shop.

The public is invited to the ceremony, which starts at 10:30 a.m. with a proclamation delivered by Richmond Mayor Evalyn Moore. A group of re-enactors forming the Texas Army will present colors and later conduct a black-powder salute. Lamar commanded cavalry at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto that led to Texas independence from Mexico.

On the date chosen for the ceremony, said SRT Past State President Thomas Green, Lamar as the second president of the Republic of Texas signed an act of the Texas Congress in 1839 that reserved three leagues of land in each county to be used to pay for a public school system in Texas.

"Even though it was years before public schools came into being in Texas, President Lamar is remembered as the 'Father of Texas Education,'" Green said.

Green will present a brief lecture on Lamar's life and contributions at the ceremony, explaining that all told, Lamar signed into law three historically important acts in the same week.

Born in Georgia in 1798, Lamar first earned fame in Texas as the cavalry commander of the Texas revolutionary army at the pivotal Battle of San Jacinto. Following a series of appointments within the new Republic of Texas government, he was elected its first vice president in 1836 and second president two years later.

Lamar died at his plantation home in Richmond on Dec. 19, 1859.