Now that our wonderful autumn weather is here, you may find yourself in the mood for a drive on our scenic county roads. If you are a history buff, you may like the idea of using a country drive to seek out some of our many historic markers in the county.
Here is just a sample of our markers in Wood County:
One is dedicated to Martin Varner, the first Anglo settler in Wood County. It reads "Martin Varner (March 4, 1787 - Feb. 14, 1844) Came to Texas before 1820, and, in partnership with Henry Jones, operated a trading post in the Red River Settlement of Jonesboro. He was a member of the "Old Three Hundred", who settled Stephen F. Austin's first colony. Varner first homesteaded near present Independence in 1822, then moved near Columbia in 1824, where he built the Varner Plantation. He fought in the battles of Velasco (June 26, 1832) and San Jacinto (April 21, 1836). In 1841, Varner migrated to Wood County, where he was mortally wounded in an altercation over a debt. He is buried 100 yards east. (of the marker)
The Varner marker is located on FM 3056, 10.6 miles east of Mineola.
The Smyrna church marker reads: Smyrna Baptist Church organized in June of 1869, under a pine tree by Rev. Jacob Ziegler, aided by elders. There were 18 constituting members. A Sabbath Sunday school was organized in 1878. Original two-story building housed church, lodge and school.
The marker was dedicated in 1969. To reach this marker, go east on state Highway 11 from the city of Winnsboro. At the point where FM 515 intersects, continue on Hwy 11 for one and two-tenths miles and turn south on the oiled road at this distance. Continue on oiled road for one and six-tenths miles and turn back east for two-tenths of a mile.
Henry Stout. The marker for Captain Stout Roadside Park reads: Named for lawman and Indian fighter Henry Stout (1799 - 1892). Born in Tennessee, came to Texas in 1819, where he served a wagon freight line and one of the first mills in Wood County. Hunted with David Crockett and helped plan his route to the Alamo. Fought in Texas War for Independence. Served with Texas Rangers 1839-1845. He was on commission that organized Wood County in 1850. Served two years as first sheriff of Wood County. A member of 6th Legislature of Texas.. Later as Confederate officer. Buried in cemetery adjoining the park.
Stout's headstone marker reads: HENRY STOUT, TEXAS, 2ND LT. CO. B. 10TH REGT. CAV., 1799-1892
This marker is located in the Captain Stout Roadside Park on FM 2088 near East Point. The marker was dedicated in 1967.
Indian cemetery and village. This marker reads: Found during road building operations and reported Nov. 1966. In January 1977 eight graves were studied, but the bone fragments unearthed were so old that they crumbled upon exposure to air.
Pieces of pottery were also found in the cemetery and in the six villages in the vicinity. Grindstones, a jar with red paint, water jugs and skinning stones suggest that the area may have been inhabited about 1200 to 1500 A.D., and possibly at an earlier time, by Caddo Indians, an agricultural people with a highly advanced culture. Other cemeteries exist near by.
This marker was dedicated in 1968. To reach it, follow FM 2966 north of Quitman then turn right at the Lake Quitman sign. The marker is located near the dam site.
We will continue discussing our historic markers in our next article.
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