Choctaw Robinson Tree
Comanche, Comanche County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The Rev. William Robinson (1809-98), pioneer Baptist missionary, was born in North Carolina and came to Texas in 1848. He organized and served as pastor to churches in Rusk, Johnson, Erath and Comanche counties. At the same time, he supported his large family by farming. He was called "Choctaw Bill" because a band of Choctaw Indians once complained about his long sermons. The Rev. Mr. Robinson often preached for hours beneath this tree, near a rough frontier town. While he spoke, he rested his gun in the fork of the tree. His grave is located in nearby Baggett Cemetery. (1975)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The Rev. William Robinson, a North Carolina–born Baptist missionary, came to Texas in 1848 and organized churches across several central Texas counties while farming to support his large family. He earned the nickname "Choctaw Bill" after a band of Choctaw once complained about his long sermons. Beside this tree near a rough frontier town he often preached for hours, resting his gun in its fork as he spoke.
Why it matters
The Choctaw Robinson Tree captures the rugged reality of frontier faith, where a preacher kept a rifle within reach and Native and settler lives crossed paths.
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Related people
- · William Robinson
Themes & tags
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