The Rev. George Washington Baines
Belton, Bell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1809-1882) Renowned Baptist minister in early Texas history; president from 1861 to 1863 of Baylor University (which included what is now Mary-Hardin-Baylor College); great-grandfather of Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th president of the United States. Born in North Carolina and reared without formal schooling on a farm, Baines worked his way through the University of Alabama. When licensed to preach at age 25 he became the third generation of his family to enter the ministry. Moved to Texas in 1850. Here his reputation as a wise and peace-loving clergyman continued to grow. He held offices in the Baptist State Convention and founded the Pioneer "Texas Baptist" newspaper, in 1855. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, he accepted the presidency of strife-ridden Baylor University (at Independence) and guided it for two crucial years. Although plagued constantly by ill health, Baines was noted for his stamina. Parishioners also admired his marksmanship as well as his learning. In 1867 he moved to Salado. Preaching and working for Baptist education, he lived there until his death of malarial fever. He is buried in Salado. Twice married, Baines had ten children. (1972)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
George Washington Baines (1809–1882), a self-educated North Carolinian who worked his way through the University of Alabama, became a renowned Baptist minister in early Texas after moving to the state in 1850. He founded the pioneer newspaper the "Texas Baptist" in 1855 and, when the Civil War broke out, took the presidency of strife-torn Baylor University at Independence, guiding it through two crucial years. He was also the great-grandfather of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th U.S. president.
Why it matters
Baines helped plant Baptist faith and education in frontier Texas, and his bloodline reaches directly to a 20th-century American president.
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Related people
- · George Washington Baines
- · Lyndon Baines Johnson
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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