Richard (Dick) King and Rachel Ellis King
Houston County, Houston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Richard (Dick) King (July 4, 1849 -- September 28, 1948) and Rachel Ellis (March 20, 1849 -- February 1, 1930), both born into slavery in Alabama, were brought to this area prior to the Civil War. Married in 1869, they were the parents of 10 children, 9 of whom lived to adulthood. Respected members of the Hopewell Community, the Kings operated a grist mill, a syrup mill, and a commissary. Am early pastor of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, Mr. King also served on the school board.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Richard "Dick" King and Rachel Ellis King were both born into slavery in Alabama and brought to East Texas before the Civil War. Married in 1869, they raised nine children to adulthood and became respected members of the Hopewell Community, operating a grist mill, syrup mill, and commissary. Richard served as an early pastor of the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church and sat on the school board.
Why it matters
The Kings' rise from enslavement to landowning entrepreneurs, ministers, and community leaders embodies the resilience and achievement of freedpeople in Reconstruction-era Texas.
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Related people
- · Richard "Dick" King
- · Rachel Ellis King
Themes & tags
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