Rev. William Craig
Henderson, Rusk County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1785-1865) A Methodist circuit rider, the Rev. William Craig was born in South Carolina and entered the ministry at age 18. He married Rebecca Hortense Horton (1785-1866) and had six children. About 1841, he moved from Mississippi to San Augustine, Texas. In 1849, he established a home in Oakland community in Rusk County. He served several appointments in East Texas, riding his mule, Tobe, up to 300 miles on one circuit. In Nacogdoches, he conducted services in the Old Stone Fort. He organized Henderson circuit and also served as chaplain for the Texas Senate.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in South Carolina in 1785, the Rev. William Craig entered the Methodist ministry at eighteen and, about 1841, brought his family to San Augustine, Texas, settling in Rusk County's Oakland community by 1849. A circuit rider in the truest sense, he rode his mule Tobe as far as 300 miles on a single circuit, preaching across East Texas and holding services in Nacogdoches's Old Stone Fort. He organized the Henderson circuit and served as chaplain of the Texas Senate.
Why it matters
Circuit riders like Craig carried organized religion into the remote settlements of frontier Texas, often arriving before schools, courts, or towns had taken shape.
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Related people
- · William Craig
- · Rebecca Hortense Horton
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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