James Holt, Texas Ranger
Burton, Washington County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Texas pioneer. Born in Georgia, he came to Texas about 1836. Was issued this 1,280-acre grant on Mill Creek by Republic of Texas Oct. 4, 1838. Was appointed postmaster of Vine Grove, 1851. His wife Mary became postmaster upon his death.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
James Holt came to Texas around 1836, in the very first years of the Republic, and in 1838 received a substantial 1,280-acre grant along Mill Creek. Like many frontier settlers he wore several hats, serving as a Texas Ranger and later as postmaster of Vine Grove. When he died his widow Mary stepped into the postmaster's role — a common frontier arrangement that quietly kept mail and community running.
Why it matters
Holt's story captures the ordinary machinery of the Republic of Texas era, when land grants, Ranger service, and family-run post offices knit a raw frontier into a functioning society.
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Related people
- · James Holt
- · Mary Holt
Themes & tags
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