2026 Honorees

The J. C. League Family

 

John Charles “J. C.” League was a prominent Galveston businessman who married Cornelia “Nellie” Ball, the daughter of Galveston businessman and philanthropist George Ball. They had one child, a daughter named Sarah “Daisy” League Davis.

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His most notable endeavor was a vision for a city midway between Houston and Galveston.  He purchased land and personally platted the new town.  He also donated land for a school, a church, and a park. In 1902, the development was officially named League City, and it continues to grow and prosper today.

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Galveston lost nearly all its trees and shrubs in the tidal flooding that accompanied the great 1900 hurricane. Daisy League led the newly established Women's Health Protective Association’s effort to replant. Hundreds of live oaks, oleanders and palm trees were planted by the organization and J. C. League donated land for their nursery to cultivate new plants.

League City also suffered greatly from the 1900 hurricane. In 1907, J. C. League organized the shipment of two railcars full of live oaks for planting along the main roadways or donating to families who could not afford to buy one. These hundred-year-old-plus trees can be seen in the League City Historic District.

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Nellie League was socially active as well and was the first to propose organizing a training school for nurses at the new Jenny Sealy Hospital and led the fundraising efforts to see the school come to fruition.  Even after leaving Galveston, she stayed involved and donated the money to build the YWCA.

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We are pleased to posthumously recognize the hard work and outstanding community service of J. C., Nellie, and Daisy League Davis as our 2026 Mourning Tea Honorees.