DRT is oldest patriotic women’s organization in the state of Texas

By Kay Stephens
DRT Member

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas was formed in 1891 by Betty Ballinger, Hally Bryan, Mrs. Andrew Briscoe, and 13 other ladies in Houston. Miss Ballinger and Miss Bryan, cousins, were the first to express a desire to perpetuate the memory of pioneer families and soldiers of the Republic of Texas. On March 9, 1895, a charter was filed with the Department of State.
From that humble beginning, the genealogical organization has grown to 106 chapters with a total membership of more than 7,000. It is the oldest patriotic women’s organization in Texas. The Daughters sponsor 72 chapters of the Children of the Republic of Texas.
A woman of 16 years of age or older may become a member of DRT if she can prove “lineal descent from a man or woman who rendered loyal service for Texas prior to the consummation of the Annexation Agreement of the Republic of Texas with the United States of America on Feb. 19, 1846”.
The Daughters’ mission is to “perpetuate the memory and spirit of those who achieved and maintained the independence of Texas; provide educational programs of the highest caliber in coordination with Texas school districts and the Texas Education Agency, as well as programs for the public; encourage research into early Texas records, preserve historic documents and encourage the publication of historic records; and secure and memorialize historic sites.”
 

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