(April 7, 1816 - January 18, 1874) Planter, soldier, civic leader. Born in Georgia. Commissioned a captain in U. S. Army in Florida in 1837; a major, 1846. Came to Freestone County in 1854. For headquarters on his 10,550-acre plantation, built (1860) at this site a 12-room stone mansion. Served as brigadier general of Texas State Troops in Civil War. A county commissioner; first master of Texas State Grange; a Royal Arch Mason. Made gifts to worthy causes and to minorities. He married Patience Ponder; had 5 children. Descendants include lawyers, merchants, doctors, law officers, printers, teachers.