Clara Driscoll
(April 2, 1881 - July 17, 1945)
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E X A R C O U N T Y |
Marker No: 1287
Aluminum 27 x 42 Subject Marker
Geographic: 29.419834,-98.469254
Location: Driscoll Family Mausoleum, Alamo Masonic Cemetery, East Commerce Street, San Antonio
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Marker Text: A descendant of early Texas colonists, including a veteran of San Jacinto. Clara Driscoll was born in Refugio County and grew up as a wealthy ranchers daughter. In 1903, soon after returning from school in Europe. She learned that the long barracks, part of the historic Alamo was about to be sold as a hotel site. When the state failed to act, she bought the property, using her own funds to supplement money raised by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Her gesture sparked public interest and won her the title "savior of the Alamo". The state reimbursed her in 1905 and place the Alamo in the care of the DRT. In 1922 she helped the state buy land south of the Alamo Chapel.
Clara Driscoll was active in business, politics, and the arts. Headed several state organizations, including the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and served as Democratic National Committeewoman, 1928-44. She game generously to support the Texas Federation of Women's clubs, the Texas fine arts association, and medical services for underprivileged children. Married to newspaperman Henry H. Sevier, 1906-37. She lived in Austin before moving to Corpus Christi to manage family properties. After she died, her body lay in state in the Alamo Chapel before burial here. (1978) |