Stephen Williams
Winchester, Fayette County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A veteran of the War of 1812, Stephen Williams left his native North Carolina and followed the path of a major migration movement to Georgia and Alabama before coming to Texas in 1832. In 1843 he received a Texas land grant in Washington County, where he established himself as a prominent landowner and ardent member of the Baptist Church. He is best remembered for his role in the early development of the Baptist faith in Texas as a founding member of the Texas Baptist Education Society. Williams' Fayette County farmstead remained in his family for over 115 years. (1992)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A veteran of the War of 1812, Stephen Williams left North Carolina and followed the great southern migration through Georgia and Alabama before reaching Texas in 1832. In 1843 he took a land grant in Washington County, where he became a prominent landowner and devoted Baptist. He is best remembered as a founding member of the Texas Baptist Education Society, and his farmstead stayed in the family for over 115 years.
Why it matters
Williams represents the westering settlers who carried their institutions with them, helping lay the foundations of organized education and faith in early Texas.
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