Houston Chronicle, 2 Mar 1908, p. 5, c. 5-6

Sketch of Mrs. Wharton Bates of the Daughters of the Republic

Mrs. Wharton Bates [nee: Eliza / Elizabeth “Lizzie” Margaret Bennet] is a member of one of the old Texas families, whose fore fathers on both sides settled in Brazoria county in early colonial days. Her great grandfather, Joseph Reese, was in the first battle fought on Texas soil for the maintenance of the rights of the Texas colonists, the battle of Velasco, June 26, 1832, where the Mexicans, entrenched in their fort near the mouth of the Brazos river, vainly attempted to resist the attack by land and water of the Texas forces.

Perry Reese, a great uncle of Mrs. Bates, was among the patriots who were massacred with Fannin's men at Goliad the memorable Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836. His name is enrolled as a member of Captain Tichemor's copany (sic).

Captain Charles K. Reese, another great uncle, as captain of the Brazoria company, saw service of the most trying kind in the illfated expedition into Mexico, commonly known as the Mier expedition. In company with Thomas Jefferson Green and others, he was imprisoned in the famous "Castle Perote," from which he finally made his escape and his younger brother, William Reese, was released a short time before this event, on account of his youth.

Mrs. Bates' grandmother was Eliza Jones Reese, daughter of Joseph Reese. She was married to Charles Henry Bennet, one of Austin's colonists. The marriage took place in Brazoria county, March 20, 1832, according to the rites of the Roman Catholic church, the noted priest, Father Michael Muldoon, officiating. The marriage certificate which has been preserved, is in Latin, and is an interesting relic f the days of Mexican rule.

Mrs. Bates' father was Lewis Theodore Bennet, who married Josephine Mary Barnes of Brazoria county. He entered the service of the Confederate States in the beginning of the war between the states as captain of a cavalry company in General Bates' regiment, afterwards joined Colonel Browns' battalion, and later Major Boone's regiment. He was by the side of the gallant commander of this regiment when the latter received the shot that caused the loss of his arm. Mr. Bennet continued in the service until the close of the war.

Mrs. Bates was born at Longwood Place, Cedar Lake, Brazoria county. She was married to Wharton Bates, the son of General Bates, a leading citizen, whose home was on a neighboring plantation. After they moved to Houston Mrs. Bates became a member of Oran M. Roberts Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and has held office in that chapter since its organization in February 1901. She is now serving her fourth term as president of the chapter.

When the Daughters of the Republic were organized, Mrs. Bates became a member of Stephen F. Austin chapter, which represented the members in Brazoria county. Subsequently, on removing to Houston, she connected herself with San Jacinto chapter, and is at present one of its members.