Cleburne native Melvin Burt, newly elected 2nd Lt. Commander of the Central Texas Brigade of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, has recently obtained photos of Maj. Gen. Patrick Ronayne Cleburne's birthplace. This is a great historical treasure to Cleburne residents interested in their city's namesake.

For several years now, history buffs have had the common interest of promoting our city's namesake, Maj. Gen. Pat Cleburne, a Confederate Civil War hero.

Burt's exciting photo acquisition comes as the result of a letter from Donal O'Flynn of County Cork, Ireland, who had written the Civil War Magazine in hopes that someone would send him some information on Cleburne, Texas. O'Flynn's curiosity was heightened after learning about the city's Pat Cleburne Birthday Celebrations for the past two years.

Burt went to the Chamber of Commerce, and with the help of Chamber President Nell Dixon, sent O'Flynn a packet of information about the history of Cleburne and what the city is like today.

O'Flynn has a relative who owns Bride Park Cottage, Gen. Cleburne's birthplace. Bride Park Cottage has recently undergone some renovation, along with the gardens and grounds. O'Flynn wrote Burt that "the house has changed very little since the time P.R. Cleburne lived there. Credit for this is given to owner D.J. Murphy, for his dedication in preserving it in such a state."

Patrick Ronayne Cleburne was born on March 17, 1828, the third child and second son of Dr. Joseph and Mary Ann Cleburne. His mother died before his second birthday. His father died when he was 14, so he returned home from school to help his stepmother manage the family farm.

This land was the source of much joy in Cleburne's turbulent life.

Ronayne, as he was called, loved nature and spent many hours in solitude, exploring the rolling countryside and learning all about the native plants and animals. He found peace and time for introspection, and he wrote poetry.

On his 21st birthday, Ronayne received an inheritance from his mother's estate. He purchased an early discharge from the British Army and set his sights on moving to the United States. Ireland had just endured the horrific Potato Famine, and he felt the nation was gripped by English laws and taxation.

Cleburne felt in his heart that his beloved Ireland was destroyed.

Twelve years later, he would apply this same concern to his adopted home in Arkansas, which joined the plight of a South bent on battling for states' rights against the Federal Government.

Hence, Cleburne was destined for greatness in the Confederate Army. He died a hero's death on Nov. 31, 1864.

Burt said he looks forward to next year's Pat Cleburne celebration.

As Commander of the Descendants of Confederate Veterans, an organization dedicated to the preservation of correct historical information about the Civil War and those men and women who gave their lives in this cause, "Pat Cleburne's birthday is on St. Patrick's Day, so we already have the ball rolling for next year's birthday bash," Burt explained.

"It promises to be a big event, as we are working out details with Ron Pollack, who says as many as 32 Scottish clans might be represented, along with some renowned bagpipers.

"We want this to be a celebration of cultures represented in the early history of our county. We will have not only Civil War reenactors, and those who sell period clothing and accouterments, but a Rendezvous of sorts for the Mountain "Man groups; Irish folk music; cowboy poetry and cowboy ballads reminiscent of the cattle drive years; a big parade, (and maybe we can get some cowboys to herd 10 or so longhorn steers); Indian dancers, Boy Scout exhibits depicting their outdoor skills, an antique car show, a Dutch oven cook-off; a homemade bread, jelly and jam and pie baking contest; and just a multitude of things have been discussed.

"We have people from all over the country, some of Pat Cleburne's descendants, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, who kept our Confederate cemetery going for years, and we might even have visitors from Ireland next year.

"We are excited about our history and heritage in Johnson County. We look forward to talking to anyone who might want to participate."

Anyone interested in being a part of the Pat Cleburne Birthday Celebration March 18 and 19 in the year 2000, may call the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce, and they will relay the information to Burt and those on his committee.