The Rev. Thomas Nelms Mainer
Lovelady, Houston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Feb. 24, 1877-Nov.6, 1968) Born in Lovelady, the Rev. Thomas Nelms Mainer was the son of merchant N.J. Mainer. After editing the local newspaper for several years, the Rev. Mainer attended Baptist Seminary and served as pastor for churches in this area. A leader in community activities, he was Superintendent of Lovelady Schools, 1921-36. He helped preserve the history of Houston County through his research and writing. He married Mattie Kyle Williams (1881-1972). They had seven children.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in the small Houston County town of Lovelady in 1877, Thomas Nelms Mainer wore many hats over his ninety-one years—newspaper editor, Baptist minister, and community leader. From 1921 to 1936 he served as superintendent of the Lovelady schools, and he devoted himself to preserving the history of his native county through research and writing. With his wife Mattie he raised seven children in the community he served.
Why it matters
Mainer embodies the local ministers and educators who quietly held rural American communities together, doubling as their teachers, chroniclers, and keepers of memory.
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Related people
- · Thomas Nelms Mainer
- · Mattie Kyle Williams
- · N.J. Mainer
Themes & tags
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