Ambrose Fitzgerald
Emory, Rains County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(March 12, 1827 - June 15, 1893) A native of Missouri, Ambrose Fitzgerald settled near here in 1846 on land that was then part of Nacogdoches County. Since this area was included in the creation of later counties, he was able to serve as the first clerk for Van Zandt and Wood counties. After participating in the Civil War, he returned here and became the tax assessor, district clerk, and county clerk for Rains County. A Baptist preacher, he baptized James S. Hogg, later the Governor of Texas.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A Missourian by birth, Ambrose Fitzgerald settled in 1846 on land then part of Nacogdoches County, and as new counties were carved from it he became the first clerk for both Van Zandt and Wood counties. After serving in the Civil War he returned to hold nearly every clerical office in newly formed Rains County. A Baptist preacher as well as a public servant, he baptized James S. Hogg, who would go on to become governor of Texas.
Why it matters
His life traces how a single frontier settler could help stand up the civic machinery of several Texas counties as the state's map was still being drawn.
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Related people
- · Ambrose Fitzgerald
- · James S. Hogg
Themes & tags
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