Our Catl,olic Heritage in T ezas
Origi,n of St. Edward's University, z87z. By the contract of March 25, 1871, transferring title to St. Joseph's College in Brownsville to the Congregation of Holy Cross, Bishop Dubuis, anxious for the Fathers and Brothers of the Congregation to come to Texas, offered them old San Jose Mission in San Antonio, with one hundred acres of land adjoining, as a residence, and assigned to them the stations of San Juan and Espada Mis- sions. Unfortunately no more men could be spared. Before the close of 1871 Mrs. Mary Doyle, a widow, who lived on a farm about four miles south of Austin, a devoted member of St. Mary's Parish in Austin, informed Bishop Dubuis that she would bequeath a goodly portion of her estate for the establishment of "a college, school, or other educational institution." The Bishop immediately invited Father Sorin to come to Texas for a conference. Upon his arrival in Galveston, the Bishop went with him to Austin to discuss the matter with Mrs. Doyle. While in Austin Father Sorin, as evidence of his firm intention to establish an edu- cational institution in the city, purchased a strip of land consisting of 123.78 acres from Colonel W. L. Robards, located on the south side of the Colorado River, about two miles south and opposite to the city of Austin, adjoining the property of Mrs. Doyle, for which he paid $5,189.00. The deed specifically stated that Father Sorin would erect on the said tract of land, or near it, buildings "to be used for a university or college. 16 Satisfied with the intent of Father Sorin, Mrs. Mary Doyle made a deed in his favor three days later, on April 9, 1872, selling and conveying to him, and assigns and successors 398 acres of land of her estate of 498 acres, together with all houses and improvements for the sum of $995.00, on condition that he would establish "and put in operation, a university, a college, an industrial school, or other educational institution" upon the land conveyed, or "upon the land of W. L. Robards immediately joining the same." She reserved 100 acres of the homestead and the right to remain on the land, binding herself to pay all taxes, keep up fences, and maintain the place in good repair during her natural life. 77 In a codicil attached to her will, made on February I, 1873, just three days before her death, she cancelled by bequest Father Sorin's note for $995.00, and provided that after all just claims against her estate had 7 6 Deed of sale, executed by W. L. Robards in favor of Reverend Edward Sorin, April 6, 1872. Notes on the Congregation of Holy Cross in Texas, C. A. T. 77 Deed of sale executed by Mary Doyle, widow of James Doyle, deceased, in favor of the Reverend Edward Sorin, April 9, 1872. Notes cin the Congregation of Holy Cross in Texas, C. A. T.
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