Chatfield in Navarro County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Francis Marion Martin

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

1. Francis Marion Martin Marker

Inscription. Francis Marion Martin, also known as “Swamp Fox of Navarro,” was a 19th century Texas politician, holding the office of Lt. Governor from 1883-1885. In the dynamic post-Civil War period, he championed farmers and laborers, garnering significant African American support. Martin was born in Kentucky in 1830 and orphaned at an early age. He was raised by the Hodge family of Livingston County and married Mary Catherine Hodge in 1849. The Hodge family decided to move to Texas and Martin was chosen to lead the move. He journeyed to Chatfield’s Springs in northeast Navarro County and moved his family there in 1853. Martin later established himself as a successful horse breeder and farmer in an area called Wadesville.

In 1858, Martin campaigned for U.S. Senator Sam Houston and became interested in Texas politics. He was elected to the Texas State Senate in 1859 as a National Democrat due to his connection to Houston. Martin was one of the county enrolling officers and was named captain of the militia company for Rush Creek in Beat No. 3. In the 1861 state senate election, Martin lost his seat and entered the Confederate Army

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in 1862 where he was elected captain of his cavalry company. Because of frail health, he spent much of the war at home. Martin was widowed in 1869 and remarried in 1877 to Angie Harle. Martin returned to public life after reconstruction as a constitutional convention delegate in 1875. Later, he won a state senate seat as a Democrat representing Navarro County. He was proud of being a “farmer-senator” and was elected president pro tem of the senate with farm organization support. Denied the governorship in 1886 and 1888, he became a Populist Party leader. Martin died at his home in Corsicana in 1903.

Erected 2014 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17961.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics.

Location. 32° 14.44′ N, 96° 24.685′ W. Marker is in Chatfield, Texas, in Navarro County. It is at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 1603 and Rice Road on Route 1603. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4891 FM 1603, Chatfield TX 75105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, February 27, 2023

2. Francis Marion Martin Marker

The marker is in the middle. The General Lucian K. Truscott, Jr. and Baptist General Association of Texas Markers are on either side of the marker.

is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

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: Baptist General Association of Texas (here, next to this marker); General Lucian K. Truscott, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Chatfield United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Last Review Of The Confederacy (approx. 1.1 miles away); Roane Baptist Church (approx. 5 miles away); Rice Cemetery (approx. 5 miles away); Rice (approx. 5.1 miles away); First Baptist Church of Rice (approx. 5.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatfield.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

3. Francis Marion Martin Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 358 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 31, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2. submitted on February 28, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 3. submitted on August 31, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.