Isaac R. Youngblood
Beckville, Panola County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Panola County pioneer Isaac R. Youngblood was born about 1793. He and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to Texas from Washington County, Georgia, before 1846. In 1847 the county commissioners named him overseer of Grand Bluff Road and part of a team to lay out a new road. In 1858 he deeded two acres of land at this site for a school and church. Use of a nearby spring was also granted in the deed. According to tradition, Youngblood died when he fell into his 90-foot well. He was not buried in Youngblood Cemetery, but in an unmarked grave in a family pot 1/4 mile away.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born about 1793, Isaac R. Youngblood moved from Georgia to Texas before 1846 and became a Panola County pioneer, helping lay out local roads as an overseer. In 1858 he deeded two acres here for a school and church, granting use of a nearby spring as well. Tradition holds that he died after falling into his 90-foot well and was buried in an unmarked grave.
Why it matters
Settlers like Youngblood built the roads, schools, and churches that turned raw frontier into settled communities across East Texas.
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Related people
- Β· Isaac R. Youngblood
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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