John Franklin Overton
Omen, Smith County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(May 24, 1816 - July 29, 1879) Born in Maury County, Tenn., came to Texas in 1845 with his wife, Jane Jameson Overton, and mother, Susan Alexander Overton. He received land grants totaling 1600 acres. His wife died in 1849, and he married Mary D. Walker in 1852. They had 11 children. During the Civil War he sold supplies to the Confederacy and was addressed as "Colonel." In 1871, he donated land to the International Railroad Company, and the town of Overton (8 miles NE) was named in his honor.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
John Franklin Overton left Tennessee for Texas in 1845 with his wife and mother, accumulating some 1,600 acres through land grants in the Smith County area. Twice married and father of eleven, he supplied goods to the Confederacy during the Civil War and carried the courtesy title of 'Colonel.' In 1871 he donated land to the International Railroad Company, and the nearby town of Overton took his name.
Why it matters
Overton's story is that of the frontier landholder whose grants, family, and railroad gift literally put a new East Texas town on the map.
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Related people
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Themes & tags
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