TITLE: Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the community of Barrett.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the community of Barrett.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Residents of Barrett are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their community with a Founders Day event on June 14, 2025; and WHEREAS, Harrison Barrett, the community's founder and namesake, was born in Texas around 1845 to Simon and Eliza Barrett; his parents, who came from Louisiana, had several other children, but during slavery, the family members were separated; and WHEREAS, Immediately after emancipation in 1865, Harrison Barrett and his wife, Annie Jones Barrett, made a 30-mile trek to Houston to have a justice of the peace legally formalize their marriage; Mr. Barrett spent several years finding his relatives and reuniting them on land east of the San Jacinto River that he planned to purchase; he cut down trees on the property to build seven houses and helped his family members start farms; he and his wife were blessed with 12 children; and WHEREAS, Mr. Barrett established a sawmill, gristmill, and coffee mill, and he granted open access to the fish and crawfish in the spring and gully near his homestead; in 1889, the White owner of the land finally agreed to sell it to Mr. Barrett for 50 cents an acre, and the holding was one of the largest to be acquired by a freedman in Harris County; the community initially became known as Barrett's Settlement, and as it grew, Mr. Barrett donated land for Shiloh Baptist Church, which also served as a school; and WHEREAS, In 1917, Mr. Barrett passed away; he, his wife, and four other family members are interred in the Journey's End Cemetery near his original homestead; twice rebuilt by descendants, the house still stands today; in 1947, the community gained a high school and a post office branch, known as Barrett Station; today, the area is home to approximately 5,000 people; and WHEREAS, Harrison Barrett inspired generations through his resilience, determination, and deep commitment to his loved ones, and it is truly a pleasure to join in marking this milestone in rich history of the community that he founded; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 150th anniversary of Barrett and extend sincere best wishes to all those taking part in the 2025 Founders Day celebration; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the community as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Dutton Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1525 was adopted by the House on June 2, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House