Reading Wood Black
Uvalde, Uvalde County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Sept. 23, 1830 - Oct. 3, 1867) A native of New Jersey, Reading Wood Black founded the town of Encino (later renamed Uvalde) in 1855. The following year he was instrumental in the formation of Uvalde County. An active civic leader and supporter of education, Black served as county judge, county commissioner, and state representative. As a result of his opposition to secession, he was led to live in Mexico during the Civil War. Black was killed in Uvalde at the age of 37. Recorded - 1983.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A New Jersey native, Reading Wood Black founded the town of Encino — soon renamed Uvalde — in 1855 and helped organize Uvalde County the next year. A civic leader and champion of education, he served as county judge, commissioner, and state representative. His outspoken opposition to secession drove him into exile in Mexico during the Civil War, and he was killed in Uvalde in 1867 at just thirty-seven.
Why it matters
Black's life joins frontier town-building to the divided loyalties of Civil War Texas, where a Unionist founder paid dearly for his convictions.
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Related people
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Themes & tags
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