Near Ennis in Ellis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Thomas C. Neel
(1825-1863)
Photographed by Brian Anderson, July 12, 2020
1. Thomas C. Neel Marker
Inscription.
Thomas C. Neel. Georgia native Thomas C. Neel married Willia E. Latimer in 1848. The couple moved their family to Texas in 1854 and to Ellis County in 1855. They established a cotton and wheat plantation near what would become Ennis. Neel called his wife "Will" and the plantation became known as Will's Town, which later was shortened to "Wilton." A post office opened on the plantation in 1857; it served under both the United States and Confederate governments. In 1861 Neel was appointed a delegate to the Secession Convention. Later that year, he was elected to represent the 42nd District in the House of Representatives in the 9th Legislature. Shortly after that term ended, he was elected State Senator from the 19th District, but he became ill and died before he was able to serve in the 10th Legislature.
Georgia native Thomas C. Neel married Willia E. Latimer in 1848. The couple moved their family to Texas in 1854 and to Ellis County in 1855. They established a cotton and wheat plantation near what would become Ennis. Neel called his wife "Will" and the plantation became known as Will's Town, which later was shortened to "Wilton." A post office opened on the plantation in 1857; it served under both the United States and Confederate governments. In 1861 Neel was appointed a delegate to the Secession Convention. Later that year, he was elected to represent the 42nd District in the House of Representatives in the 9th Legislature. Shortly after that term ended, he was elected State Senator from the 19th District, but he became ill and died before he was able to serve in the 10th Legislature.
Erected 2000 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11863.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 32° 19.596′ N, 96° 43.034′ W. Marker is near Ennis, Texas, in Ellis County. It is on U.S. 287 east of Boyce Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ennis TX 75119, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Richardson Cemetery (approx. 3.1 miles away); Frederick Harrison Rankin (approx.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2020, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,010 times since then and 169 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2020, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. 3. submitted on March 31, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas.
