[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 109 (Friday, June 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1368-E1369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                IN RECOGNITION OF KATHLEEN HILL BECKNELL

                                 ______


                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 29, 1995
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
living legend from Emory, TX--Kathleen Hill Becknell, who at the age of 
88 remains the active editor and publisher of The Rains County Leader. 
Kathleen--``Kat'' as she is know to her friends--has managed the weekly 
newspaper since 1963 and recently was honored during the Founders Day 
ceremony in Emory, which I had the privilege of attending. The Texas 
State Senate also recognized Kathleen's contributions to the county 
through a resolution introduced by State Senator David Cain, who also 
attended the ceremony.
  The Rains County Leader is the oldest business in Rains County. It 
began publication as the Argus/Record in 1896, and in 1909 Kathleen's 
father, Tom Hill, became the editor and owner, a position he held until 
his death in 1937. His son, Earl Clyde Hill, took over operations until 
his death in 1960, at which time Earl Clyde Hill Jr. assumed the job. 
In 1963 Kathleen became the editor and publisher.

[[Page E1369]]

  The Leader, like other weekly county newspapers throughout America, 
continues to thrive because of its emphasis on local news and local 
people. Kathleen's weekly column, ``You Might Doubt It!,'' is a popular 
feature with subscribers and reflects the author's wit and personality.
  Kathleen's contributions to Rains County extend over her lifetime and 
beyond her leadership at the newspaper. Born in Emory and educated in 
the public schools there, Kathleen was chairperson for the Red Cross in 
the 1930's. During World War II, she was Emory's chairperson for the 
war bond drive. She is a charter member of the Fidelis Sunday School 
Class of Emory Baptist Church and is the church's longest member, 
having joined in 1919. She is a charter member of the Point Ladies 
Civic Club, Emory's Women's Service Club and the Rains Garden Club. She 
was president of the Texas Women's Press District 12 in the 1960s.
  Kathleen was married to Bo Gunter, who died in 1956, and then was 
married to George Becknell in 1960, who died in 1980. When Kathleen 
became editor of the Leader, George began street sales of the newspaper 
in surrounding towns, resulting in over 1,000 papers now being sold on 
the streets of Point, East Tawakoni, Emory, Lone Oak and Alba.
  Mr. Speaker, people like Kathleen Becknell represent the heart and 
soul of small-town America. She has devoted a lifetime to her town and 
county. Born and raised there, she chose to reside there all her life, 
and her loyalty and devotion to the people of Rains County are 
evidenced each week in the pages of The Rains County Leader.
  As we adjourn today, Mr. Speaker, let us pay tribute to Kathleen Hill 
Becknell of Emory, TX, for a job well done and a life well lived. May 
she enjoy many more years as a community leader, newspaper editor, and 
legendary citizen of Rains County.


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