| Vol 8, No 354 | December 20, 1835 | Sunday Evening |
On this date in 1932, Jack Hillerman was born in Dennison. He graduated from St Xavier's Academy in that city in 1949. Later, using the name "John" he became an actor, playing the part of "Jonathan Higgins" in four separate television shows, "Simon & Simon", "Murder She Wrote", "Quantum Leap" and most notably, opposite Tom Selleck for 161 episodes of "Magnum P.I." for which Hillerman developed an Engish accent. His accent was so convincing, that at one point, a British Lord wrote him a fan letter that included "You are a credit to the Empire."
(1835)
On this date in 1835, Texans at Goliad ratify a Declaration of Independence for Texas. The first flag of the Republic is flown depicting an arm holding a sword. Copies of the Declaration of Independence are immediately made and circulated throughout the Colonies. The original was brought to the General Council meeting at San Felipe. Among the things begin discussed at San Felipe was whether Texans would support the Federalists attempt to restore the 1824 Constitution to Mexico, or would they seek to fight for Independence. The arrival of the Goliad Declaration came as an embarrassment to Texans trying to negotiate peace, so orders were given not to circulate it further. However the damage was already done. Federalist support for Texans seeking Mexican statehood could no longer be depended upon.
(1969)
On this date in 1969, a song written by H. John Deutschendorf, Jr, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100. Deutschendorf, who later changed his name to John Denver, graduated from Fort Worth's Arlington Heights High School, and went on to have over two dozen hits including his own No.1 hit in 1974, "Sunshine on My Shoulders."
(1970)
On this date in 1970, a three-judge federal panel ruled that a Texas law requiring a filing fee when wishing to run for public office, was unconstitutional.
(1886)
On this date in 1886, Colonel Jesse L Driskill opened the original Driskill Hotel in Austin. Around 1852, the newly married Driskill moved his family to Texas, and shortly thereafter entered the cattle business. Driskill began to accumulate a small fortune.
