Clemson in Pickens County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
John Rusk
Builder of Old Stone Church, 1797
⎯⎯⎯
Mary Sterritt
Wife of John Rusk
| | Mother and Father of Thomas Jefferson Rusk | |
Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 19, 2025
1. John Rusk / Mary Sterritt Monument
Mary Sterritt, wife of John Rusk.
Mother and Father of
Thomas Jefferson Rusk
18031857
Pioneer, Soldier, Statesman of Texas
Erected 1936 by the State of Texas. A Texas 1936 Centennial Commission monument.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Heroes • Patriots & Patriotism • War, Texas Independence. In addition, it is included in the Texas 1936 Centennial Markers and Monuments series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1803.
Location. 34° 39.824′ N, 82° 48.923′ W. Marker is in Clemson, South Carolina, in Pickens County. It can be reached from the intersection of Stone Circle and Old Stone Church Road. It is in the graveyard of Old Stone Church. The church and graveyard can be reached from the intersection of Old Stone Church Road and U.S. 76. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 Stone Cir, Clemson SC 29631, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s and pstate, in the Foothills, in the Golden Corner.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Stone Church Confederate Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War Patriots (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Stone Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Old Stone Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Stone Church / Old Stone Church Graveyard (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas Green Clemson Parkway (approx. 0.6 miles away); "Widowmakers Drill (approx. 0.7 miles away); Blue Key National Honor Fraternity Gateway (approx. Ύ mile away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 19, 2025
2. John Rusk / Mary Sterritt Monument
More about this marker. This monument is the only Texas Centennial Commission marker erected outside of Texas. It qualifies for inclusion into this database by exception, being one is a series of historical marker monuments erected by the Commission.
Also see . . . Thomas Jefferson Rusk: Soldier, Statesman, and Texas Pioneer. 1952 article by Priscilla Myers Benham on the Texas State Historical Association website. Excerpt:
Rusk not only signed the Texas Declaration of Independence but also chaired the committee to revise the constitution. The ad interim government, installed on March 17, 1836, appointed Rusk secretary of war.(Submitted on June 25, 2025.)
When informed that the Alamo had fallen and the Mexicans were moving eastward, Rusk helped Texas President Burnet to move the government to Harrisburg. Rusk ordered all the coastal communities to organize militias. After the Mexicans massacred James W. Fannin's army Burnet sent Rusk with orders for Gen. Sam Houston to make a stand against the enemy, and upon learning that Antonio Lσpez de Santa Anna intended to capture the government at Harrisburg, the Texas army marchedto Buffalo Bayou. As a security measure, Houston and Rusk remained silent about their plans. Rusk participated with bravery in the defeat of Santa Anna on April 21, 1836, in the battle of San Jacinto. From May 4 to October 31, 1836, he served as commander in chief of the Army of the Republic of Texas, with the rank of brigadier general.Obtained from the files of the U.S. Senate Historical Office via Wikimedia Commons3. Thomas Jefferson Rusk (1803-1857)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2025, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 203 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 25, 2025, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
