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

John Matthews McDonald

Photographed by Amanda Hartley, June 5, 2010

1. John Matthews McDonald Marker

Inscription. North Carolina-born John Matthews McDonald (1827-1883) came to Texas in 1848 and lived first at Larissa, Cherokee Co. and then Mound Prairie, Anderson Co., where his brother Murdoch earlier settled. Two years later, he moved to the young town of Athens and became a teacher and a lawyer. He also served as the town's first mayor. He wed Mary Ann Elizabeth Pinson (1842-1931) in 1858, and the couple had ten children. During the Civil War, McDonald fought with the Confederate Army as part of Hood's Texas Brigade. Active in public service, he held the offices of justice of the peace, county judge and state representative. His pioneer leadership proved vital to the early development of his adopted home.

Erected 2005 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13285.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 32° 11.848′ N, 95° 51.445′ W. Marker is in Athens, Texas, in Henderson County. It can be reached from South Prairieville Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 312 S Prairieville Street, Athens TX 75751, 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 walking distance of this marker: Rupert Talmage Craig (a few steps from this

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marker); Clinton Williams Murchison, Sr. (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Virginia Lucille "Ginger" Murchison (about 700 feet away); Athens Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stella E. Parsons La Rue (approx. 0.2 miles away); Joseph Thomas La Rue (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sid Williams Richardson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dulcinea Ann Holland Thompson Avriett (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

More about this marker. Marker is located inside Athens Cemetery. The cemetery has maps that show the location of the historical markers.

John Matthews McDonald Marker Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Amanda Hartley, June 5, 2010

2. John Matthews McDonald Marker Site

John Matthews McDonald Headstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Amanda Hartley, June 5, 2010

3. John Matthews McDonald Headstone

John Matthews McDonald and wife Mary E. McDonald's headstones image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Amanda Hartley, June 5, 2010

4. John Matthews McDonald and wife Mary E. McDonald's headstones

Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2010, by Amanda Hartley of Tyler, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,238 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 10, 2010, by Amanda Hartley of Tyler, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.