Joseph Peter Davidson
Palo Pinto County, Palo Pinto County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1823-1897) Born in Giles County, Tennessee, Joseph Peter Davidson moved to Texas and settled in Palo Pinto County about 1856. Davidson established a trading post near this site. In 1865 he started a ranch in present Eastland County and later helped organize the county. He served as official surveyor. He helped establish a Methodist church and Masonic Lodge. Married three times, he had 14 children. Davidson and many of his descendants are buried in this family cemetery, located near his Palo Pinto County homestead. Incise in base: Sponsored by Floreine D. Palmer
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Tennessee in 1823, Joseph Peter Davidson came to Palo Pinto County around 1856 and set up a trading post near this site. In 1865 he started a ranch in what became Eastland County and helped organize that county, serving as its official surveyor and helping found a Methodist church and Masonic lodge. Married three times, he fathered fourteen children and lies buried with many descendants in the family cemetery near his homestead.
Why it matters
Davidson typifies the frontier founder—trader, rancher, surveyor, and civic organizer—whose many roles literally mapped and built the institutions of a new Texas county.
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Related people
- · Joseph Peter Davidson
- · Floreine D. Palmer
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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