William Edmunds Bates
Aubrey, Denton County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(October 12, 1812 - April 25, 1883) Born in Amherst County, VA.; licensed in Kentucky (1843) as a Methodist minister. Came to Texas 1851; settled in Denton County. He was appointed (1853) to 300-square-mile Dallas circuit, and traveled it once a month. Admitted 1854 to East Texas Conference, he founded churches at Montague, Pilot Point, Denton, Jacksboro, Gainesville. He was very influential in planting Methodism in North Texas. He married Susan Wright. They had ten children. Recorded - 1973
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Virginia in 1812 and licensed as a Methodist minister in Kentucky, William Edmunds Bates came to Texas in 1851 and settled in Denton County. Appointed to a 300-square-mile circuit that he rode once a month, he founded churches at Montague, Pilot Point, Denton, Jacksboro, and Gainesville. His tireless work helped plant Methodism across North Texas as the region was first being settled.
Why it matters
Circuit-riding preachers like Bates carried faith and community structure into the American frontier, shaping the moral and social life of new towns.
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Related people
- · William Edmunds Bates
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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