Mrs. William P. King
Kaufman, Kaufman County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Frances A. King) (Donor, Land for County seat, Kaufman County) Wife of founder of King's Fort (in 1840), Frances A. King pioneered with great courage and enthusiasm in Republic of Texas. After King's death in 1846, she later (as Mrs. Tabor) entered and won election of Kingsborough for county seat of newly organized Kaufman County. In April 1851 she deeded 75 acres for townsite and a 75-acre timber tract to the county commissioners, James W. Love, J. Larkin Austin and John W. Terrell. King's Fort had grown into village of Kingsborough, later given same name as county. INCISE ON BACK: Erected by Clover Club and Cameo Club
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Frances A. King came to the Republic of Texas alongside her husband, founder of King's Fort in 1840, and pioneered on the frontier with notable courage. After his death in 1846 she—by then Mrs. Tabor—campaigned to make Kingsborough the seat of the newly organized Kaufman County and won. In April 1851 she deeded 75 acres for the townsite and a matching timber tract to the county commissioners, and the fort's settlement grew into the town that shares the county's name.
Why it matters
Her decisive role in siting and donating land for a county seat is a striking example of a frontier woman shaping the map and government of early Texas.
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Related people
- · Frances A. King
- · William P. King
Themes & tags
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