The Rev. William Stevenson
(October 4, 1768 - March 5, 1857) Frontier minister; friend of Stephen F. Austin, father of Texas. A circuit rider in Missouri Conference, Methodist Church, Mr. Stevenson in 1815 made a pastoral trip to Pecan Point, home of Claiborne Wright, member of newly-arrived Anglo-American colony on Texas side of the Red River. Records indicate that his preaching to Wright and friends in 1815 constituted the first Protestant sermons ever given in Texas, then part of Catholic "New Spain." He thus established a beachhead for religious freedom in Texas at this point of entry.
33.6114° N, 95.0503° W
Where to Find It
Town Square on US 82, Main St.
Nearby Markers
- <0.1 mi S Stagecoach Stand, C. S. A. Clarksville
- <0.1 mi E Five Signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence from Red River County Clarksville
- <0.1 mi SE Members of Confederate Congresses Clarksville
- 0.1 mi NE Home of Col. Charles DeMorse Clarksville
- 0.1 mi NE Col. Charles DeMorse Home Clarksville
- 0.1 mi N The Northern Standard Clarksville