Born in Tennessee in 1808, Texas hero Albert Miller Lea graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) ranked third in his class. He quickly became a highly acclaimed engineer, soldier, and topographer, leading dangerous expeditions to chart Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. His published works opened the door for East Coast migration into the upper Midwest regions of the USA. Albert Lea, Minnesota, was named after him.

When the Civil War broke out, many of his Academy classmates (Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, etc.) joined the Confederacy, as did Albert. However, Albert’s 25 year old son Edward, a graduate of the Naval Academy (Annapolis), chose to fight with the Union as the commander on the USRC steamer Harriet Lane.

In the twists of war, Albert was assigned to a detachment to plan the recapture of Galveston from the Union Navy. On New Year’s Day 1836, Albert was stationed on a church tower as the Battle of Galveston ensued. In anguish, Albert saw the Confederate gunship Bayou City ram the Harriet Lane. He rushed to find his son mortally wounded and in great pain. Albert knelt next to his son in prayer. When someone asked if he was safe, Edward responded “Yes, my father is here.” Those last four words were later inscribed on Edward’s tombstone in Trinity Episcopal Cemetery in Galveston.

After delivering a stirring eulogy, Albert prayed these words as his son was lowered into the shared grave with Captain Jonathan Wainwright, “This day my soul has been tried. Here is my sacrifice,” pointing to the open grave that held the body of his young son. “Those we meet in battle may also have hearts as brave and honest as our own. We have buried two brave and honest gentlemen. Peace to their ashes. Tread lightly over their graves. Amen.”

After the war, Albert lived in Galveston for four years. He was appointed as the city engineer and served faithfully until being ousted from office by political leaders. Albert opposed the removal of the barrier sand dunes along the Gulf that the city appropriated to fill in various bays for housing. After the 1900 hurricane, many argued that the Island would have been better protected if the city had listened to Albert Lea.

Albert Lea was a strong Christian. His grandfather Luke Lea, and his father Major Lea were both Baptist ministers. His cousin, Margaret Moffette Lea Houston, was a dedicated Believer who prayerfully supported her husband Sam as he embraced the Lord in water baptism.

In 1857, Albert was one of seven men who organized the Episcopal University of the South (Sewanee, Tennessee). In 1875, Albert drew the building plans and led the construction of St. Johns Episcopal church in Corsicana. Still today, a stained glass memorial window is dedicated to him.

Albert Miller Lea died in 1891, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Corsicana. In his final memoirs Albert wrote, “I did my duty as ordered and looked for no approbation or reward but the favor of God.” What an amazing way to live your life.

To read more stories about Texas history, purchase David’s book, “God and Texas.” (Available at Amazon.com)

To read more inspiring articles from David Rose visit www.davidroseministries.com

To contact the author, email Parsonrose@aol.com.

Howdy, this is Parson Rose. I am a story-teller who loves Texas History, and here is another inspiring true story from the Lone Star state.

It was Bing Crosby who first recognized the elite songwriting skills of Cindy Walker. Then, other major artists like Roy Orbison, Bob Wills, Ray Charles and Jim Reeves began singing her songs, too. In all, Ms. Walker composed more than 500 songs, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Fort Worth Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Such country favorites as “You Don’t Know Me,” “Cherokee Maiden,” “Misty Moonlight,” and “Dusty Skies” are now legendary. Amazingly, there have been over 87 different recordings of “Dream Baby” alone. In 1988, such diverse artists as K.D. Lang, Janie Fricke and Willie Nelson all recorded Walker’s “Sugar Moon.”

Walker, who typed her lyrics on a manual typewriter decorated with pick flowers, became known as the dean of Texas songwriters. “You Don’t Know Me,” one of her best-known songs, has been recorded by more than 75 singers, including Michael Bublé, Eddy Arnold, Elvis Presley and Mickey Gilley.

But Cindy was not a self-centered celebrity. Born in 1918 on her grandfathers’ farm in Mart, Texas, she owned a modest house and kept most of her trophies under her bed. Her mother Oree, or “Mama Walker” as she was called by the professional musicians, was an accomplished pianist. During the Reformation movement in early Texas, Oree’s songwriter father, Franklin Eiland, was best known for composing the hymn, “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand.”

While her songs were rocking the country charts, Cindy faithfully attended First Presbyterian Church in Mexia, where she was known as Sister Walker. She sang in the church choir and even led the children’s ensemble. Often, she would visit the church members who were ill or had just given birth. Her faith was deep and touched many lives.

When Billy Graham approached Cindy about composing music for his Christian motion pictures, she agreed to be a part of the cast and to write the theme songs for “Mr. Texas” and “Oil Town USA.” Later, she wrote an entire hymnbook of sacred songs titled, “Of Thee We Sing.”

One of the songs in the hymnbook was “Child of the King,” based in Galatians 4:4-7. It was recorded by many personalities including George Beverly Shea, the Happy Goodman Family, and the Cathedrals. The chorus was her testimony: “Oh, yes, oh, yes, I’m a child of the King, His royal blood now flows in my veins, And I who was wretched and poor, now can sing, Praise God, Praise God, I’m a child of the King.”

Near the end of her life in 2006, Cindy was asked if her many country love songs were born out of her own personal romantic experience. Cindy responded, “I’m just a songwriter. The only songs I’ve written that may be about somebody I love are my sacred songs. I love the Lord.” Truly a life well lived for God.

To read more stories about Texas history, purchase David’s book, “God and Texas.” (Available at Amazon.com)

To read more inspiring articles from David Rose visit www.davidroseministries.com

To contact the author, email Parsonrose@aol.com.

Growing up in Texas, I quickly learned that Texas was special. From the mountains out west to the coastal plains, Texas provides enough of whatever you need to be happy. Born and raised in San Antonio, I have also lived in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and now Richmond. And everywhere I went, Texas History grabbed my attention. There are so many exciting stories, that I started to write them in my journal, and eventually I published the book, “God and Texas.”

Since 1994, I have also been known as Parson Rose. I have written inspirational and motivational materials that have been published internationally through hard copy materials, leadership study books, websites, and various social media including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. “God and Texas” was my first book that was totally dedicated to Texas History.

But since publishing the book, I have written more true stories that stir interest. Those stories are now being presented through this blog. As a member of the Executive Committee of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission and as Vice President of the Fort Bend Archaeological Society, I have opportunity to learn more about the old days of Texas. Together with a strong library of books on the Lone Star State, over 73 years of life experiences, and the help of noted history buffs, we travel down the dusty roads where hearty pioneers found their new home. Won’t you join me in some good reading?

To read more stories about Texas history, purchase David’s book, “God and Texas.” (Available at Amazon.com)

To read more inspiring articles from David Rose visit www.davidroseministries.com

To contact the author, email Parsonrose@aol.com.