John Wheat
Woodville, Tyler County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(August 7, 1813 - April 24, 1889) A native of Lawrence County, Ala. Migrating to Texas in 1835, Wheat located his headright and bounty lands here, and named many Tyler County creeks while hunting bear and other game. A soldier in Texas War for Independence, he guarded a Mexican officer prisoner after Battle of San Jacinto. He donated land for this cemetery, and served as county commissioner in 1852-54. Married four times, he had several children, and left to descendants many legends of the early days.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
An Alabama native, John Wheat migrated to Texas in 1835 and claimed his headright and bounty lands here, naming many Tyler County creeks while hunting bear and other game. He served as a soldier in the Texas War for Independence, guarding a captured Mexican officer after the Battle of San Jacinto. Later a county commissioner, he donated the land for this cemetery and left descendants a wealth of frontier legends.
Why it matters
Wheat's life spans the founding of the Texas Republic and the settling of its Piney Woods, a one-man chronicle of early Anglo Texas.
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Related people
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Nearby & related markers
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