The Nancy Lea Bell
Independence, Washington County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Given to Independence Baptist Church in 1856 by Mrs. Nancy Moffette Lea, in thanks for conversion of her son-in-law, Sam Houston, first president of the Republic of Texas. Cast in copper and tin, for soft tone, by Meneely Foundry, New York. Broken in fall from belfry, 1969.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This bell tells a small, human story from the days of the Republic of Texas. In 1856 Nancy Moffette Lea gave it to Independence Baptist Church in gratitude for the religious conversion of her son-in-law, Sam Houston, hero of San Jacinto and the Republic's first president. Cast of copper and tin for a soft tone by New York's Meneely Foundry, it rang over the community until a fall from the belfry cracked it in 1969.
Why it matters
Objects like this bell connect a frontier congregation to one of the towering figures of Texas independence, grounding national history in local faith and family.
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Related people
- · Nancy Moffette Lea
- · Sam Houston
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Houston-Lea Family Cemetery
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When Margaret Lea Houston, widow of Sam Houston, died in the yellow fever epidemic of 1867, fear of contagion made it impossible to carry her body to Huntsville to lie beside her famous husband. She was buried here instead, near her mother Nancy Lea and the church and homes both women loved. The little family cemetery preserves the resting place of a woman who quietly shaped one of Texas's towering figures.
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This marker honors Margaret Moffette Lea Houston, wife of General Sam Houston, and her mother Nancy Moffette Lea, remembered as women of character, culture, and deep devotion to family and church. Margaret's steadying influence is widely credited with shaping the later life and career of her famous husband. Both women rest near the Independence community they helped sustain.
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