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.

Wilson, John William is a historical marker in Lake Creek, Delta County, dedicated in 1969. It is one of 22 historical markers documented in Delta County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 54 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.4420, -95.5596 near Lake Creek. The nearest cataloged historic site is Winfrey (cemetery), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Lake Creek Cemetery, Stegall, Thomas Wilson, and Pierce.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5119006951. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.