Texas Historical Marker #06946
Thomas Wilson Stegall. (July 28, 1832 - April 25, 1900) First promoter of Lake Creek community, Stegall was born in North Carolina. He served as a private in the Confederate Army, 1863 - 1865. He and wife Lucinda had eight children. They lived in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi, then moved to Delta County, Texas, in 1873. A Baptist preacher, Stegall was known for his kind deeds. He once cut an opening in his favorite rose hedge to give a neighbor an exit through his property. The blacksmith shop he built on his land became a community center, forming the nucleus of the town of Lake Creek. #6946
?, Lake Creek, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #06951
Wilson, John William. (October 3, 1841 - September 8, 1920) Beloved Methodist minister of early Delta County. Lived and farmed on land surrounding this site. 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 home. Wilson is remembered for his kindness and charity to his fellow man. #6951
?, Lake Creek, TX, United States