The Daughters of The Republic of Texas
Alamo Mission Chapter
The Alamo Mission Chapter of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas was founded April 18, 1906. Nine ladies organized
to design, progress and attempt preservation of the Old Alamo Long Barrack. At the fifteenth annual Convention of the
Daughters of the Republic of Texas, April 20-21, 1906, at Goliad, Texas, the executive board recognized the organization of
Alamo Mission Chapter. This group of women, with Mrs. Susan F. Roach as the first president, was a diversified group with
ancestry dating back to the beginning of San Antonio. Under her direction, the Long Barrack was painted and the roof of
the Alamo and Long Barrack were repaired. Because of their strategic position in the historic city of San Antonio, Alamo
Mission Chapter was to become one of the significant chapters in Texas. Their absolute goal was the preservation of the
Alamo and its properties. The single greatest asset of the Alamo Mission Chapter was that its leadership could recognize
the Alamo as every Texan’s inheritance.
1908 to 1915 – Flag Day on March 2nd founded
By 1908, Alamo Mission Chapter, under the leadership of Mrs. Josephine Tobin, was ready to host the State Convention in
San Antonio. In two short years, the membership of the Chapter had increased by leaps and bounds with prominent
women who were in a position of defray all expenses of the Convention. The Convention was to return to San Antonio
year after year and the city would begin to feel like their permanent home. The women in San Antonio, along with the
merchants, helped make this a memorable convention, with Mayor Callaghan inviting the Daughters to return the next
year. In the next twenty-five years, Alamo Mission Chapter would host the Convention fourteen times.
Throughout these early years, Alamo Mission Chapter assumed many patriotic endeavors. A celebration was held on
each March 2nd, inviting school children to help with the program and an invitation to the general public was extended.
This would become a tradition with the Chapter, with Flag Day and Independence Day commemorated every March 2nd.
The Chapter collected many early relics from the area, and they were exhibited at the San Antonio International Fair. A
patriotic program was presented by the Chapter to promote history and goodwill at the Fair. Gray marble tablets were
presented to schools in San Antonio, that were named for Texas Heroes, namely Bonham, and Austin schools. The Chapter
gave flags to all San Antonio schools, most of them were handmade. Alamo Mission Chapter donated money for a marker
on the Kings Highway for the work being done by Daughters of the American Revolution to mark that famous old road.
This time span also saw Alamo Mission Chapter provide a decorated carriage for the State President in the Battle of
Flowers Parade. The Chapter was also instrumental in leading a protest to influence Governor Colquitt, which would
result in giving the Daughters final approval for the administration of the grounds at the Alamo.
Shortly after the custodianship of the area surrounding the Alamo Chapel (once known as the Hugo & Schmeltzer
property), had been approved, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas appointed a subcommittee in San Antonio known
as The Alamo Auxiliary Committee. Mrs. Clara Driscoll Sevier was appointed Chairman and the entire membership of
Alamo Mission Chapter was appointed to this committee. Because Driscoll was out of the state so much, it became
apparent that a local chairman would be appropriate. Mrs. James Webb would become the Chairman of this committee
in 1914 and thereafter, it would be called Alamo Mission Ground Improvement. This would
eventually become the Alamo Committee as we know it today.
Mrs. James Webb become president of the Alamo Mission Chapter in 1911 and at the same
time was appointed to a vacancy in the State Executive Committee. The Daughters acquired
a lady with great leadership in Mrs. Webb, and a bonus at the same time, her husband, Judge
James E. Webb. Judge Webb was a prominent attorney in San Antonio and would see the
Daughters through some troubled times. Mr. Webb had been appointed by the Daughters
president, Mrs. Rebecca Fisher, as legal advisor in charge of the Alamo property. Under the
leadership of Mrs. Webb, Alamo Mission Chapter saw a prosperous condition, with
membership reaching seventy members.
After Mrs. Webb became Chairman of The Alamo Grounds Improvement Committee, clean
up of the Hugo Schmeltzer property became a reality. The Alamo Improvement Fund was set
up with contributions coming from the entire State, but mainly from San Antonio.
Alamo Mission Chapter was most helpful with this endeavor, being available daily to assist in anyway. All of San Antonio
gave their sincere effort to help Mrs. Webb. After five weeks were consumed in the cleaning of the property and planting
of vines, shrubs, trees and flowers, it began to take shape. Mrs. Webb was seen on the grounds five days a week. The
number of contributors is too numerous to mention, but most of the greenery was contributed by patriotic citizens, as
were teams of laborers by the City of San Antonio. Amanda Fenley Webb should be remembered as one of the most
progressive presidents of Alamo Mission Chapter, and her husband Judge James E. Webb, remembered as one of the best
friends the Daughters ever had. Judge Webb remained the attorney for the Daughters until his death in a fire at San
Antonio Country Club, March 26, 1916.
Alamo Mission Chapter continued to follow in the tradition set by Judge and Mrs. Amanda Webb. The garden was tended
properly, with hundreds of rose bushes being donated, and flowers planted continuously. The Chapter was instrumental
in getting the donation of the Veramendi Palace doors placed in the Alamo, which were said to be over two hundred years
old. Donations from many San Antonio stores were received at the Alamo, chairs and tables from furniture stores, a clock
from Hertzberg, gates, roof repair and many plants for the new garden. A gardener was hired to take care of the garden
with Judge Webb paying the bill before his death. This was the beginning of the Alamo grounds as we know it today.
1915 to 1920 – New roof for the Alamo
Mrs. Fannie Applewhite was president of Alamo Mission Chapter in 1915 and was appointed as Custodian of the Alamo at
the same time. The Chapter would meet in the Alamo so that Mrs. Applewhite could keep it open during the meetings. It
was expected of the Chapter to help in the maintenance of keeping things dusted, windows washed and some cleaning.
At times the husbands would come along and help with the gardening. There was not yet enough money in the fund for
everything. The Chapter was constantly making flags to give to schools and different groups. Mrs. Applewhite would
remain Custodian for many years. Her daughter, Mrs. Leita Small would follow as Custodian and would remain almost
until her death in 1946. They were two cherished members of Alamo Mission Chapter that gave their love and devotion
to the Alamo.
With the coming of World War I, the Alamo Mission Chapter donated one day every week at the Red Cross workrooms. At
this time the Chapter invested in Liberty Bonds and War Certificates. The Chapter also decided that they would start a
campaign for a new roof on the Alamo. The present roof, made of tin had been leaking for some time. The old roof had
been put on by the United States government in 1849 and had been repaired numerous times. The unique plan of selling
each person one or more square feet at $3.50 per foot turned out to be very successful along with tag day, where
members of the Chapter acted as captains. Alamo Mission Chapter collected a total of $7,000 for the new roof, with
money added daily by everyone in the State. Never in the history of women’s work has an organization accomplished so
much in one year. Other chapters in the State contributed money until more than enough was raised. The work was
completed in October of 1920, with the vaulted concrete roof that is present today.
1920 to 1926 – Pilgrimage to the Alamo founded
The convention in 1922 at San Antonio saw the unveiling of ten bronze tablets commemorating the Alamo heroes who
gave their lives in defense of Texas liberty. This project was made possible by funding of clubs in San Antonio. Alamo
Mission Chapter bought three of the tablets; the Alamo Fund bought one; and the Woman’s Club bought another. The
citizens of San Antonio appreciated the work done by the Chapter and were more than willing to share the expense so
that the names and deeds of Texas heroes may live forever in the hearts of the living.
In the 1920’s, San Antonio became a very progressive city with the coming of a paved highway named the Old Spanish
Trail. Under the leadership of Mrs. Joseph Kincaid, Alamo Mission Chapter would help the other patriotic organizations
with this progress, dedicating memorials along the highway. This was a paved highway that linked the Atlantic to the
Pacific, connecting two ancient cities, St. Augustine, Florida, to San Diego, California. By 1929, Bexar County led the United
States in mileage of improved roads. This highway put San Antonio on the map, therefore increasing the number of
visitors to the Alamo and making this historic shrine more self-supporting through their donations.
Many ceremonies and traditions which began in the early days continue today as uniquely Texas as Alamo Mission
Chapter. During the presidency of Mrs. O.M. Farnsworth, the Pilgrimage to the Alamo was originally held on San Jacinto
Day in 1925. Now it is an official Fiesta San Antonio event, with participants from each segment of our diverse community.
The Pilgrimage is now held on each Monday beginning Fiesta week. This is a solemn procession which commemorates
the sacrifice of the Alamo heroes. That same year, 1925, began our association with the Battle of Flowers Parade, another
city-wide celebration of Texas history.
The years 1925-1926 saw Alamo Mission Chapter accomplish another goal under the active work of Miss Anna Ellis, who
conceived the plan, to purchase the property adjacent to the Alamo on the south side. Miss Ellis worked for two long years
along with the help of the Conservation Society and was finally awarded with an appropriation of $75,000 secured
through the mayor and commissioners of San Antonio.
1926 to 1936 – First chapter of Children of the Republic of Texas formed
Mrs. J.M. Olivarri, president of Alamo Mission Chapter in 1933-1935, was instrumental in helping organize the very first
chapter of Children of the Republic of Texas, formed May 11, 1934, at San Antonio, with 45 members. She received help
from Miss Anna Ellis and the new sponsor Mrs. Margaret Roesler. Alamo Mission Chapter dedicated a monument to the
Heroes of the Dawson Massacre during the presidency of Mrs. Olivarri.
The Centennial of Texas would be held in 1936 and Alamo Mission Chapter played an active role in the many preparations
and dedications in San Antonio. The members pledged themselves to an intensive patriotic program and they were to
appear throughout the State helping with the various dedications. School programs were presented to encourage future
citizens in their patriotic efforts. Members of the Chapter attended programs given by other clubs and organizations
stimulating interest in the history of Texas. The beautification of the entrance to Fredericksburg Road commemorating the
Old Spanish Trail was dedicated to the heroes of the Alamo in May 1936. Since Mrs. Frank Sorrell had been on the Old
Spanish Trail Committee, she was chosen as the Chapter member to officiate at the dedication. The Chapter also helped in
the Bandera Road beautification with a monument that carried the motif of the Alamo erected in honor of Colonel Travis
and his brave Texans.
1936 to 1939 – Alamo Heroes Day founded
On March 6, 1936, Alamo Mission Chapter presented an all day event
to commemorate the Fall of the Alamo. This was a beautiful, solemn
program that has continued each year with recognition of each of the
heroes and has become a favorite of all Daughters. The Siege of San
Antonio, a citywide celebration, and pilgrimage to Ben Milam’s grave,
was another production of Alamo Mission Chapter in December. This
led to the present day Siege of Bexar Luncheon held each year in
December.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was greeted at the Alamo by the
Alamo Mission Chapter on June 11, 1936. The United States
government and the City of San Antonio granted permission to
Alamo Mission Chapter to place metal markers on the original
boundary line of the San Antonio de Valero Mission. The permission was necessary, as part of the boundary lines were on
the property of the new post office and city property. Alamo Mission Chapter also played a role in obtaining a large part
of federal money set aside for Centennial funds. A part of this money was used to erect the cenotaph, some to buy
property surrounding the Alamo, and some to build the Alamo Museum, dedicated on October 14, 1938.
1939 to 1945 – Alamo Hall acquired and dedicated
In 1936 the members of Alamo Mission Chapter continued their magnificent work establishing monuments and acquiring
properties of historical significance. In this time, the Chapter helped save the old Crockett Street fire station from
demolition and gained permission from the City of San Antonio and the State Board of Controls to use the building for
patriotic purposes. It was then restored with the remainder of the federal funds and hand from the Centennial. This
became Alamo Hall and the first meeting of Alamo Mission Chapter was held there September 12, 1939. The Chapter
furnished the building, with some of the furniture and fixtures remaining there today. This group of extraordinary women
had accomplished so much in a short time working day after day, giving what very few do in a lifetime. They were women
who distinguished themselves in many fields of endeavor, and they now had assisted in gaining all of the property
surrounding the Alamo.
On January 11, 1943, Alamo Mission Chapter lost one of its most dedicated daughters, Mrs. Joseph M. Kincaid (Ethyl Fenley
Kincaid). At the time of her passing, Mrs. Kincaid was Chairman of the Alamo Committee and had served on the committee
since 1915. Much that was accomplished during this time was due to her guidance and knowledge of the Daughters
custodianship of the Alamo.
Mrs. Kincaid contributed funds when they were needed for any project. The gavel that is used today during chapter
meetings was a gift from Mrs. Kincaid. This gavel was made from olive wood taken from the famous olive groves of
Jerusalem and acquired on her trip to the Holy Land.
1945 to 1950 – Alamo Library Wing established by Alamo Mission Chapter
On October 12, 1945, the Library opened in Alamo Hall with a reception for Dr. William E. Howard of Dallas. Mrs. Ben
Edwards, president of Alamo Mission Chapter in 1939, and Mrs. Lieta Small, Custodian of the Alamo, were instrumental in
working with Dr. Howard to receive the donation of his Texanna Library collection to the Daughters. This proved to be a
wonderful addition for the Alamo complex, but the realization that more space would be needed became a reality.
At the convention in San Antonio in 1947, Mrs. Farnsworth moved that the assembly approve an action of Alamo Mission
Chapter in starting a collection of funds to provide a new wing for the Alamo Library. This motion passed and received
pledges before the Convention was over. Alamo Mission Chapter came up with the idea of making historic dolls to raise
funds for the new wing and by May of 1948, had added over one thousand dollars from the doll project and ticket sales to
the Battle of Flowers Parade. The historic dolls with handmade dresses would become a legend, but it would not be
enough for the new wing. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas had requested from the state legislature an
appropriation of $50,000, but the bill was not successful.
Mrs. John King Beretta (Sally Ward) was an Associate Member and long time friend of Alamo Mission Chapter. She was
president of the Federation of Women’s Clubs in San Antonio and instrumental in preserving the Spanish Governors Palace.
Most of the Chapter members were leading members of other clubs in the city. After learning that the bill in the state
legislature was not successful, she announced a gift of $30,000 to the Daughters in memory of her husband, John King
Beretta. On December 2, 1950, the new library building was dedicated. Mrs. Henry Wofford, DRT President speaks of how
appropriate it was that the beautiful library building honoring the memory of John King Beretta would house the Dr.
William E. Howard Texanna collection, as the men were friends for seventy years.
1950 to 2000 – Establishment of Melba Biard Scholarship Fund
After success with the Alamo Library Wing, Alamo Mission Chapter set
as their project for 1951-1953, a complete renovation and
redecoration of Alamo Hall. The building was painted, chairs were
upholstered, new drapes were hung, and a large number of new
items were bought. The 1950’s saw new members coming into the
Chapter, averaging more than twenty a year.
In 1968, thousands of people came to San Antonio to see the
Celebration of the Americas called Hemisfair. About five million
guests visited the Alamo at this time and the Daughters were there to
greet and assist with the crowds. One of the days of Hemisfair was
designated as Daughters of the Republic Day and Alamo Mission
Chapter was honored with a coffee afterwards.
During the 1960’s an Associate Member of Alamo Mission Chapter, Mrs. Melba Biard left a small endowment to the Chapter.
A decision was made to make this endowment into a scholarship fund to provide incentive for young people to seek an
education. This was a time when interest was high on certificates of deposit and the Chapter has given scholarships yearly
to deserving students without touching the original principle. The Chapter participates in and Annual History Essay
Contest and Outstanding Teacher of the Year award.
In 1992, Chapter member, Mrs. Althea Kirkwood donated a Baccarat chandelier, wall sconces, and urns that had once
belonged to Clara Driscoll. They were placed in Alamo Hall permanently. These gallant ladies of Alamo Mission Chapter
have answered their call. They fulfilled their dreams and goals of helping preserve the Alamo and grounds for years. They
consistently promote the celebration of Texas Honor Days, encourage research of early Texas history, preserve documents
and relics, erect markers on historic areas, and most of all, share the spirit established by the early settlers of Texas, who
gave us our freedom and the pursuit of happiness.
Written by Beth Walker and Mary Carmack. The information in this history came directly from the Proceedings of The Annual Conventions of The
Daughters of the Republic of Texas. It is in no way meant to be a complete history of Alamo Mission Chapter, but a summary of events representing
the Chapters development and significant accomplishments.