Richard Bennett Hubbard TX7736
RICHARD BENNETT HUBBARD
(1832-1901)

Georgia native Richard Bennett Hubbard came to Texas in 1853 and set up a law practice in Tyler with B.T. Selman, later a state senator. Politically active, Hubbard became a leading spokesman for the Democratic Party. His early career in government included service as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, 1857-59, and state legislator, 1859-61.

At the outbreak of the Civil War Hubbard raised a battalion, which later became the 22nd Texas Infantry Regiment. He was the only colonel of the unit, which participated in the 1864 Battle of Mansfield, La., as well as other skirmishes. After the war he returned to Tyler but found his law practice restricted by the Reconstruction government. As a result, he turned his attention to railroads and was instrumental in the early development of area rail lines.

Hubbard was elected lieutenant governor of Texas in 1873. Three years later he became governor when Richard Coke resigned the office to serve as U.S. Senator. An ambassador to Japan in the administration of President Grover Cleveland, Hubbard was noted for his oratorical ability and his devotion to public service. His leadership was instrumental in Texas' growth during the latter part of the 19th century.

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Seito and Kiyoaki Saibara TX10758

Contributions to the Texas rice industry: Seito Saibara (1861-1939), former president of Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan, and first Christian member of the Japanese Diet (Parliament). Arrived in the United States in 1901 to study theology, and with the desire to establish a Japanese colony in America. Saibara came to Texas in August 1903 at the invitation of the Houston Chamber of Commerce to advise farmers on the cultivation of rice, which was emerging as a major cash crop. He decided rice farming was the ideal business for a colony, leased this tract of land (which he later purchased), and sent for his family.

The oldest son, Kiyoaki Saibara (1884-1972), brought from Japan 300 pounds of Shinriki seed, a variety superior to native rice; and together, father and son planted a field near the canal (1/2 mile NE). Their first crops were utilized primarily for distribution as seed in Texas and Louisiana. The Saibaras built a house (250 yards S), and several families soon moved here from Japan, but the colonization effort failed because of disillusionment and homesickness of the new colonists.

Seito Saibara aided the growth of the Texas rice industry with improved rice strains and agricultural techniques until his death, and Kiyoaki Saibara continued new developments until his retirement in 1964.

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Site of The Kishi Colony TX11488

Japanese native Kichimatsu Kishi (d.1956), a veteran of the Russo-Japanese War, 1904-05, established an agricultural colony at this site in 1908. The first settlers were Japanese tenant farmers. Despite their eventual American citizenship and the adoption of several western customs, they managed to maintain the traditions of their homeland. Several crops were raised here, but the fertile soil and abundant water were best suited for rice production.

Later, workers of Mexican and French Louisiana descent joined the settlement. In order to serve the growing colony, Kishi deeded land for a church and a school. A nearby cemetery was started in 1910 for the burial of a young colonist, T. Toba. Unstable market prices, damaged crops, and financial hardships led to the decline of the colony. The end came as a result of the economic Depression of the 1930s. Some settlers moved to other states, but many remained. Several of the men served with American forces during World War II.

The Kishi colony was instrumental in the economic growth of Orange County. Only the cemetery and a few structures mark the site, but descendants of original settlers still live in Southeast Texas.

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Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College During World War II TX9208

Immediately following the United States' entry into World War II after the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College (SFA) President Alton Birdwell called together an assembly of students and staff to address the national emergency. Many students and faculty members responded to the call to arms by entering every branch of the armed services, and a county civil defense council, with many SFA leaders, worked on the homefront. Among the homefront efforts was a concerted program to maintain active correspondence with those serving in the military overseas.

In addition to the male SFA military and homefront volunteers, many SFA women entered military service. Student enrollment fell by 60% during the war and the resulting scarcity of men, coupled with travel restrictions, forced the school's athletic council to suspend intercollegiate football. In February 1943 the U.S. Army selected SFA as the first college in the nation to host the women's Army Corps Training School.

At the height of the war, a flag made by students was displayed on campus. It bore more than a thousand blue stars for SFA students and staff serving in the war, and 24 gold stars for those who lost their lives in service to their country. Ultimately, more than three dozen SFA students died in military service.

Many students attended school on the G.I. Bill after the war, resulting in a surge in enrollment and construction of new campus buildings. The college's recreation facilities were renamed "Memorial Park" and "Memorial Stadium" in honor of those who served and died in the war. Students and faculty have continued to serve the U.S. Military in times of peace and war.

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Stringfellow Orchards TX11570

Nationally and internationally recognized horticulturist Henry Martyn Stringfellow (1839-1922) started an experimental garden and orchard at this location in 1883. In 1890 he published a treatise containing innovative organic gardening methods that were adopted by Japanese, German, and many American fruit and vegetable growers. Silver medals garnered at two world fairs and world-wide acclaim for additional publications solidified his stature as a premier experimental horticulturist of his time. Vestiges of his handiwork were evident here over 100 years later.

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Veda Wells Hodge TX2550

Alumna, trustee, benefactress of Howard Payne College. Born in Rising Star; daughter of a pioneer Baptist minister. Had teaching career before her marriage to J. Howard Hodge, a Midland theater and oil magnate. President, Texas Federation of Women's Clubs, 1949-1951. Has held division chairmanships, General Federation of Women's Clubs, an international organization. Member of the Advisory Board, Japan International Christian University. Past member, Advisory Group, President's White House Committee for Traffic Safety. A leader in West Texas civic life.

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Webster Presbyterian Church TX10802

Growing out of a Union Sunday School established in 1892, Webster Presbyterian Church was organized by farmers who moved to Texas from the midwest. Early members also included Japanese rice farmers. A small church building erected in 1896 was destroyed in the 1900 storm and was replaced by this structure. After the Manned Spacecraft Center was built nearby in the 1960s, a number of people associated with the space program, including astronauts, joined the congregation and worshiped in this building. Moved here in 1981, the structure is now a museum.

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Dr. Philip Jaisohn PA448
American-educated medical doctor who sowed seeds of democracy in Korea, published its first modern newspaper (1896-98), and popularized its written language. The first Korean to earn a Western medical degree and become a U.S. citizen. He worked for Korean independence during the Japanese occupation, 1910-45. Chief advisor to the U.S. military government in Korea, 1947-48. This was his home for 25 years.

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Capt. Philo McGiffin PA235
Born Dec. 13, 1860, on this site. Graduate U.S. Naval Academy. Went to China in 1885, built up and trained its Navy. Sept. 17, 1894, it fought the Japanese to a draw in a naval battle at Yalu River. McGiffin died in 1897 from his injuries.

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Major Charles W. Davis, Infantry - United States Army - 540
A native of Montgomery, graduate of Lanier, alumnus of the Universities of Alabama and Maryland, Major Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor as Executive Officer, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. “For distinguishing himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on Guadalcanal Island. On 12 January 1943, he volunteered to carry instructions to the leading companies of his battalion which had been caught in crossfire from Japanese machine guns. With complete disregard for his own safety he made his way to the trapped units, delivered instructions, supervised their execution and remained overnight in this exposed position. (Side two) The following day, Davis volunteered to lead an assault on the Japanese position holding up the advance. His rifle jammed, he drew his pistol and led the assault. Electrified by this action, his soldiers followed and seized the hill. The capture broke Japanese resistance and the battalion was then able to secure its objective.” During a distinguished 32-year career, he served on the Army General Staff and graduated from the National War College. Among many important assignments, he commanded the 503d Regiment of the 11th Airborne Division. During the Vietnam War, he advised the South Vietnamese Army in combat. Retired as a Colonel in 1972, he died in 1991. He is buried in Arlington. His service reflects great credit on Montgomery, on Alabama, and on the Nation. Location: Montgomery County

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