TITLE: Recognizing July 21, 2020, as First Lady Frances Cox Henderson Bicentennial Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing July 21, 2020, as First Lady Frances Cox Henderson Bicentennial Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join citizens around the state in celebrating the bicentennial of the birth of the state's first First Lady, Frances Cox Henderson, on July 21, 2020; and WHEREAS, Frances Cox was born in Philadelphia on July 21, 1820, and was educated in Europe; she met James Pinckney Henderson in Paris when he was serving as the envoy from the Republic of Texas to the Tuileries Palace, and the couple married in London in 1839; they moved to San Augustine, Texas, the following year; and WHEREAS, James Henderson was elected the first governor of Texas in 1845; during his term, the Texas First Lady worked to establish Episcopal churches in East Texas, and in her efforts, she became the first woman to address the clergy of the diocese; and WHEREAS, The family moved to Marshall, Texas, in 1856, and Mrs. Henderson continued her endeavor to promote the Episcopal Church by establishing the Trinity Episcopal Church in her new hometown; in addition to tirelessly supporting the church, she was an active supporter of women's suffrage; and WHEREAS, In 1857, Mr. Henderson was appointed to fill the seat of United States Senator Thomas J. Rusk, who had died during his term in office; Mr. Henderson's health declined quickly after he took office, and he passed away later that same year; Mrs. Henderson eventually moved to New Jersey, where she spent her remaining years as a community leader in East Orange; she died in her daughter's home on January 25, 1897; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby recognize July 21, 2020, as First Lady Frances Cox Henderson Bicentennial Day in Texas and encourage all Texans to honor the memory of the Lone Star State's first First Lady, Frances Cox Henderson; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance Day Foundation as a token of esteem from the Texas Senate. Zaffirini President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 11, 2019.