Laura Burleson Negley was the great-granddaughter of Edward Burleson and Lucy Kyle Burleson (sister of town founder Fergus Kyle.)

Laura was born in Austin, Texas in 1890.  Her father was Albert Sydney Burleson.  He was a US congressman and was appointed Postmaster General by President Woodrow Wilson.  Her mother was Adele Steiner Burleson.  She was an author, playwright, and poet.  Laura had 2 sisters: Lucy and Sydney.

Laura attended the University of Texas and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1911.  She became active in politics and in suffrage work between 1910-1912.  Laura’s first public speech advocating women’s suffrage was in 1912 in Washington DC at one of the largest rallies of her day.  In 1928, at the age of 38, she became the first woman from Bexar County elected to the Texas legislature.

Laura and her husband maintained a home on Mountain City Ranch, the area now known as Plum Creek.

Negley Elementary School opened its door in 2006.  We have been going strong ever since!