Site of Burial of Neal Martin
Wills Point, Van Zandt County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1777-1879) Came to Texas from Kentucky in 1816. Hunted buffalo in Van Zandt County about 1839 and settled here later. Fought in Battle of San Jacinto during Texas War for Independence. Was later a member of Texas Rangers. Fought in Indian campaigns. Served in U.S. Army during Mexican War. (1968) Incising on base: Marker placed by great-granddaughter, Mrs. Edna Martin Pollard.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Neal Martin's long life spanned the making of Texas: born in 1777, he came from Kentucky in 1816, hunted buffalo in Van Zandt County, and fought at the Battle of San Jacinto in the war for Texas independence. He later rode as a Texas Ranger, campaigned in Indian conflicts, and served in the U.S. Army during the Mexican War. He was buried here at the age of 102, his grave later marked by a great-granddaughter.
Why it matters
Martin's burial site links one man's life to nearly every founding chapter of Texas, from independence to statehood and westward conflict.
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Related people
- · Neal Martin
- · Edna Martin Pollard
Related events
- · Battle of San Jacinto
- · Mexican War
Themes & tags
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