Near Elgin in Lee County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Pioneer Publisher and Printer David Ervin Lawhon
(Buried 1/2 mile NW of here)
Photographed By Keith Peterson
1. Pioneer Publisher and Printer David Ervin Lawhon Marker
Born in Tennessee on June 15, 1811. While very young learned the printing trade and worked at it in some of the principal cities of the United States.
Came to Nacogdoches, Texas, in November, 1835, in answer to pleas for volunteers for Texas Army. Was pressed into service publishing the “Texean and Emigrant’s Guide,” with essential war proclamations. Also printed handbills, patriotic songs and legal documents. His newspaper was one of several printed in Texas during War for Independence, 1836.
In 1839, moved to what is now Jefferson County and engaged in cattle ranching. Served as captain of a ranger company. Was county’s Chief Justice during the days of the Republic of Texas. Moved to Bastrop County in 1861, where he tried farming. Then moved to Williamson County where he died February 14, 1884. As a newspaper publisher and printer for the army of the revolution (1835-1836), an Indian fighter, frontiersman and judge, he contributed much to the early development of Texas.
In 1840, David Lawhon married Nancy Carr, a daughter of one of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred” settlers. Their eleven children carried on their pioneering spirit and tradition.
Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 12701.)
Topics. This historical marker
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Location. 30° 25.477′ N, 97° 15.576′ W. Marker is near Elgin, Texas, in Lee County. Marker is on FM-619, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Taylor TX 76574, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. V.F.W. Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); Lawhon Springs Cemetery (approx. 0.9 miles away); Post Oak Island Lodge #181, A.F. & A.M. (approx. 1.6 miles away); Type Cemetery (approx. 4.3 miles away); Pleasant Grove Cemetery (approx. 4.4 miles away); Adina Cemetery (approx. 5.2 miles away); Mager Cemetery (approx. 5.7 miles away); Knobbs Springs Baptist Church (approx. 5.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elgin.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,681 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on July 3, 2021, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. Photo 1. submitted on December 7, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
