George Washington Shelton
Corsicana, Navarro County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Jan. 12, 1814-Nov. 15, 1882) A Texas War for Independence soldier. Born in Virginia. Lived in Tennessee, where he joined 15 other recruits late in 1835 to come to Texas and fight against dictator Santa Anna. Served Jan. 14 to Sept. 18, 1836. Was awarded two land bounties for military duty. Became a pioneer citizen of Navarro County. His wife was Sara Elizabeth Johnson. They had four children: Izora, Ann Madora, George W., Jr., and Emma Tennessee. Recorded, 1967 Presented by family of Raymond Shelton Crawford.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Virginia and living in Tennessee, George Washington Shelton (1814–1882) joined fifteen other recruits late in 1835 to come to Texas and fight the forces of Santa Anna. He served in the Texas war for independence from January to September 1836 and earned two land bounties for his duty, later settling as a pioneer citizen of Navarro County. His grave marker honors one of the volunteers who made Texas independence possible.
Why it matters
Shelton represents the ordinary volunteers from across the South who took up arms in the Texas Revolution and then stayed to settle the new republic.
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Related people
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Themes & tags
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