William Elbert "Buck" Mayes
Crockett, Houston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(July 14, 1837 -- August 27, 1915) Alabama native William Elbert "Buck" Mayes, son of The Rev. Isaac C. Mayes and Lucinda Fuller, came to Texas in 1856. He married Sarah (Dickerson) Clark in 1858. After serving in the Civil War Mayes returned to Houston County and became a successful lumber and mercantile businessman. Mayes' various commercial enterprises, which included one of the area's earliest banking operations, played a vital role in Houston County's post-Civil War development. Recorded - 1995
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Alabama-born Buck Mayes came to Texas in 1856 and served in the Civil War before returning to Houston County to build a career in lumber and merchandise. His enterprises included one of the area's earliest banking operations, helping knit together the local economy in the difficult years after the war. He remained a leading businessman until his death in 1915.
Why it matters
His story shows how Confederate veterans rebuilt the Southern economy after 1865, with local merchants and bankers driving Reconstruction-era recovery.
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Related people
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