Lake Creek in Delta County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
John William Wilson
(October 3, 1841 - September 8, 1920)
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 3, 2026
1. John William Wilson Marker
Born in Tennessee. Enlisted in Missouri Infantry in 1862 to serve in Confederate Army during Civil War. Sustained severe wound in left leg at Battle of Corinth, October, 1862, and was left for dead. To survive, he ate grains of corn scattered over field. Leg was partially paralyzed for rest of his life.
In 1866 he married Sarah Ann George. They had 12 children. Decided to serve church after his young daughter was miraculously revived after apparently drowning. In addition to preaching locally, he also rode a circuit. He continued farming, however, because pioneer preachers were paid only in goods. He once received a gallon of syrup for his services.
Wilson built one of the first cotton gins in Delta County and in 1887 bought the old Cyrus C. Taylor homestead (250 ft. N), which was built in 1859.
Throughout his long life, Wilson held the esteem of citizens all over county. His benevolent manner made him a popular “marrying parson.” After eldest daughter was widowed, he took her and her six small children into his
this page online
Erected 1969 by Texas State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 6951.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1862.
Location. 33° 26.522′ N, 95° 33.578′ W. Marker is in Lake Creek, Texas, in Delta County. It is on Farm to Market 198 west of County Road 4395, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lake Creek TX 75450, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and in the Piney Woods. 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 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Thomas Wilson Stegall (approx.
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 3, 2026
2. John William Wilson Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2026, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2026, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
