Groesbeck in Limestone County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
David Medlock Jr.
Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, April 19, 2026
1. David Medlock Jr. Marker
Following the American Civil War and emancipation of slaves in 1865, it was not until 1871 that African Americans in Texas were able to uniformly register to vote, following the ratification of the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
While African Americans served as delegates to state constitutional conventions prior to 1870, the first African Americans elected to serve in the Texas Legislature were elected to the 12th Legislature, which convened in provisional session on February 8, 1870.
Prior to the end of Federal Reconstruction in 1870, twelve African Americans served in the Texas House of Representatives, and two served in the Texas Senate.
This marker is erected in honor of: David Medlock Jr. (c. 1824unknown), representative in the 12th Texas Legislature, representing Limestone, Falls and McLennan counties.
David Medlock Jr. was born into slavery in Georgia in 1824 as part of the Stroud estate. Medlock, his first wife Elvia (Elvy) (Echols), and their children were brought by the Stroud family when they relocated to Robertson County. After emancipation, Medlock Jr. moved to Limestone County to be closer to extended family. There, he won a seat in the 12th House of Representatives in 1869 as a Republican. He served on the Education and Town and City Corporation committees. During
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Erected 2023 by the 88th Texas Legislature and the Texas Historical Commission as authorized by S.B. 667.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is February 8, 1870.
Location. 31° 31.357′ N, 96° 32.103′ W. Marker is in Groesbeck, Texas, in Limestone County. It is at the intersection of West State Street and Ellis Street, on the right when traveling east on West State Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 W State St, Groesbeck TX 76642, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this 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, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Limestone County Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Home County of Lafayette Lumpkin Foster (within shouting distance of this marker); Limestone County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); First Methodist Church of Groesbeck (within shouting distance of this marker); Groesbeck Lodge No. 354, A.F. & A.M. (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Baptist Church of Groesbeck (approx. Ό mile away); Washington High School (approx. half a mile away); Groesbeck Independent School District (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Groesbeck.
Also see . . . David Medlock: A Legacy in the Twelfth Texas Legislature. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)
David Medlock, who represented Limestone, Falls, and McLennan counties in the Twelfth Texas Legislature, was born in Pike County, Georgia, in 1824. He was the son of David Medlock, Sr., and Elizabeth Betty Medlock. His father, was a slave preacher and farmer, and the Medlock family was owned by the Strouds. David, Jr., was possibly owned by Beden Stroud or his brother Ethan Stroud (father of Logan Stroud) and was brought to Texas possibly in the mid-1830s. Ethan Stroud settled in Robertson County, Texas, near Calvert in 1837. His son Logan brought much of the family and slaves to Limestone County in 1842, though it is not clear if the Medlocks were brought with them. After Ethan Strouds death in 1846, the Medlock family may have been passed through inheritance to another son, Napoleon Stroud, who lived in Limestone County, Texas. In his book, History of Negroes in Limestone County from 1860 to 1939, author Walter Cotton listed David Medlock, Sr., his wife Betty, and their children as the property of Governor Stroud, a nickname for Napoleon Stroud.(Submitted on June 30, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on June 30, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
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