H.R. No. 30

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, May 2, 2023, marked the 100th anniversary of the
	death of Lee J. Rountree, who rendered exceptional service to
	Bryan, Brazos, and Grimes Counties as a member of the Texas House of
	Representatives from 1921 to 1923; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Hays County on July 15, 1868, Leonidas
	Johnson "Lee J." Rountree was the grandson of Alabama state senator
	the Reverend Samuel Johnson; at the age of 11, he went to work at his
	stepfather's newspaper business, and he later took over its
	operation alongside his mother; he operated and acquired several
	other publications in Georgetown and Sulphur Springs over the
	course of his career, and he distinguished himself further by
	serving as president of the National Editorial Association and as
	secretary of the Southwest Press Association; he was also president
	of the Hose, Hook and Ladder Company of Kyle; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Rountree served as a representative at a number
	of political conventions, and he was appointed as the tax
	assessor-collector for Kyle in 1890, at the age of 21; he moved to
	Bryan in 1920 and purchased a controlling interest in the Bryan
	Eagle, becoming the publication's managing editor; that same year,
	he made a successful bid for a seat in the House of Representatives,
	and he went on to run for reelection unopposed in 1922; and
	WHEREAS, During his two terms of service, Representative
	Rountree worked diligently for the good of his constituents; he
	chaired the Conservation and Reclamation Committee and made further
	contributions to committees on appropriations, taxation, and other
	issues; he passed away while on the House floor on May 2, 1923, and
	was buried in Bryan two days later; his widow, Frances Rountree, was
	appointed to serve out his final term, and she later became the
	first woman elected to represent Brazos County in the state
	legislature, holding that office from 1931 to 1932; and
	WHEREAS, Lee Rountree made a positive impact in the lives of
	many Texans through his legislative and professional achievements,
	and a century after his passing, he remains a source of great pride
	to the community he faithfully served; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
	Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby commemorate the 100th
	anniversary of the death of the Honorable Lee J. Rountree and pay
	tribute to his life and legacy.
	Schofield
	______________________________
	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.R. No. 30 was adopted by the House on
	November 17, 2023, by a non-record vote.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House