Payne Springs in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Lee Powell Simpson

(October 18, 1855 - June 21, 1921)

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 7, 2026

1. Lee Powell Simpson Marker

Inscription.
Lee Powell Simpson was a community leader whose work played a vital role in the development of Mallard Prairie (later Payne Springs). He was born in Alabama (Washington co.) to Uriah E. and Elizia B. (Coalson) Simpson. By 1880, he and several other family members had migrated to the Mallard Prairie Community. Lee Simpson purchased a farm in 1882. In 1884, he married his neighbor, Mary Caroline Everitt (1857-1949); they had five children.

Simpson was a principal leader in organizing the community's first school. He proposed the idea of a school, and sought out and offered housing and salary to teachers. Students first met in a Woodmen of the World building before residents built a school funded through Simpson's efforts. The building served the community until it burned c. 1939. Simpson also served as a school board member.

Simpson's activity reached beyond his work with education. He donated property to the Mallard Prairie Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which later became Payne Springs United Methodist Church. Payne Springs Perpetual Care Cemetery is also located on this property; many of the

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community's early residents and pioneers are interred in the burial ground. Simpson was also a civic leader. Henderson County granted a voting box to Mallard Prairie School District due to his efforts. Today, Lee Powell Simpson is remembered as an individual who showed that one person's efforts can change the lives of many and make a profound impact on a community.

Erected 2009 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16042.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Charity & Public Work • Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 32° 16.751′ N, 96° 4.245′ W. Marker is in Payne Springs, Texas, in Henderson County. It can be reached from the intersection of State Highway 198 and County Road 2530, on the left when traveling north. Located in Payne Springs Methodist Church Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9725 TX-198, Mabank TX 75156, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally,

Lee Powell Simpson marker and headstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 7, 2026

2. Lee Powell Simpson marker and headstone

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 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Payne Springs Methodist Church and Cemetery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Centerville (approx. 3.4 miles away); Ham (Pauline) (approx. 3½ miles away); Payne Cemetery (approx. 5.2 miles away); Moorehead-Melton Cemetery (approx. 5.9 miles away); Goshen Cemetery (approx. 6.1 miles away); First Baptist Church of Mabank (approx. 6.3 miles away); William P. Avant (approx. 6.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Payne Springs.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 7, 2026

3. Lee Powell Simpson Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 8, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.