William E. Partlow, First Mayor of Sanger
Sanger, Denton County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A Virginian and a soldier who surrendered at Appomattox with Gen. Robert E. Lee, W. E. Partlow moved to Texas after the Civil War (1861-65). He married Nancy Jane Sullivan (1860-1922), daughter of Denton County pioneers, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sullivan. Partlow, a merchant, was elected first mayor when Sanger was incorporated in 1892. He built this house for his family in 1904. From 1907 to 1913, they lived in New Mexico, where Partlow was commissioner of U.S. Circuit and district courts. After returning to Sanger, he served as Justice of the Peace and died here. (1976)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A Virginian who surrendered with Robert E. Lee's army at Appomattox, W. E. Partlow came to Texas after the Civil War and married into a pioneer Denton County family. A merchant by trade, he was elected the first mayor of Sanger when the town incorporated in 1892 and built this home in 1904. He later served as a federal court commissioner in New Mexico before returning to Sanger to serve as justice of the peace.
Why it matters
Partlow's life traces the path of a defeated Confederate soldier who helped build a new Texas town, embodying the westward migration and civic rebuilding of the post–Civil War South.
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Related people
- · William E. Partlow
- · Robert E. Lee
Themes & tags
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