Publication Rights:   Copyright has not been assigned to the San Jacinto Museum of History.  All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Library Director.  Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Jacinto Museum of History as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Citation:  [Identification of Item], F. M. O. Fenn Papers, MC114, San Jacinto Museum of History, Houston, Texas.

Creator Sketch:

Francis Marion Otis Fenn was born November 9, 1860, in Fort Bend County, Texas.  He was the son of John Rutherford, veteran of the Texas army, and Rebecca (Williams) Fenn.  Francis M. O. Fenn attended Roanoke College in Virginia where he earned several medals for oratory.  Fenn continued his education at the University of Virginia where he earned a law degree.  In 1883, he married Lottie Benson and together they had a son, Rutherford Benson Fenn.

In 1893, he organized the Deaf Smith chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and was elected second vice president at the first official meeting of the organization.  Fenn became County Attorney of Fort Bend from 1901 until his death in 1904.

Bibliography:

"A Brief History of the Sons of the Republic of Texas"  http://www.srttexas.org/history1.html

Scope and Content Note:

This collection is comprised of two items.  The first is a certificate of membership in the Sons of the Republic of Texas issued on April 21, 1893 to F. M. O. Fenn.  The certificate is signed by W. A. Craddock, president, and secretary P. Briscoe.  This certificate is one of the first as the society was officially organized the day prior to its issuing.  The second item is a newspaper clipping from the Galveston News begining "Children of Veterans" printed on April 12, 1893.  The article states that the sons and grandsons of veterans of the Texas revolution met the previous day to organize the Deaf Smith chapter.  The article lists the names of its members and officers and notes that they plan on participating in the celebration on the 21st.

F. M. O. FENN PAPERS, 1893

Manuscript Collection: MC114

Size: 2 items

Boxes: n/a

Inventory