The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes magazine Feb 2010: The Life and Times of Texas Flag Designer, Dr. Charles B. Stewart

At a recent presentation to the San Jacinto chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Jack Shepherd shared the life story of Dr. Charles B. Stewart, designer of the Lone Star flag and the first Seal of Texas.

Shepherd, who bears a remarkable physical resemblance to Stewart, was assisted in his presentation by Pat Spackey, president of the Judge Nathaniel Hart Davis chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Shepherd is a member of the Montgomery Historical Society and is a past Volunteer of the Year, named so because of his outstanding contributions to the Montgomery community. In addition to her duties with the DRT, Spackey serves as vice-regent of the Heritage Trails chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. She is also an officer of the Texas Heritage Society.

Shepherd shares the life of Stewart and tells of his many contributions to Texas History. Spackey, the great, great, great granddaughter of Stewart, shares stories of Stewart ’s wedding to Julia Shepperd Stewart and of their family life during the early years of Texas.

Dr. Stewart was the first Secretary of State of Texas, the first to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence, served in four Texas Legislatures as well as designing the Lone Star flag and the first Seal of Texas. Spackey also descends from Julia Shepperd ’s father, W. W. Shepperd, the founder of the town of Montgomery.

They have also presented programs to many chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Sons of the

American Revolution and Sons of the Republic of Texas, as well as the Charles B. Stewart chapter, Children of the Republic of Texas.

“Speaking to organizations and numerous churches and schools is always such a privilege because we share our Texas history story with these organizations that do so much good in the community. When we take their picture to put on our photo displays, this allows us to promote not only Charles B. Stewart and Texas history, but all of the many groups who have invited us to speak, ” says Spackey.

During a recent presentation by the Shenandoah City Council, Spackey received an original document of House Resolution no. 1123, which declares Montgomery County the “Birthplace of the Texas Flag.” The document was secured from the Capitol in Austin with the help of Rep. Rob Eissler ’s office. Eissler had previously presented Spackey with the Texas flag that flew over the State Capitol in 2008 when she spoke at a ceremony there. l