Mt. Vernon, Franklin County
(September 27, 1824 - February 15, 1877) Came to Texas from Tennessee in 1845, settling (1846) near site of Mount Vernon, which he helped found (as town of Keith) in 1848. Member 3rd Texas Legislature (1849-50); sponsored Mount Vernon Male and Female Academies bill -- leading to public school system. Member Secession Convention, 1861; Constitutional Convention, 1875. As pastor, helped organize Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Married Amanda C. Wright; they had seven sons, three daughters. (1973)