Josef Masik

Josef Masik belongs to a larger story of Czech schooling in Texas. The Handbook says that in 1859 he opened his school at Wesley, perhaps the first formal Czech teacher in the United States; the plaque says first in Texas. Before him Bergmann had taught lessons in Czech and German at Cat Spring in 1855, and Catholic Czechs built a school at Bluff in 1868. Later Czech schools offered Czech and English together. The marker stands inside a fenced pasture with graves on private land, so no public route is given.

What the plaque says

Josef Masik (March 30, 1810 - July 1, 1881) First Czech teacher in Texas. Born in Moravia (now Czechoslovakia). Certified to teach at age 16. Came to Texas 1855, seeking freedom from oppression. Following much hardship, he resumed teaching, 1859, with up to 50 pupils yearly. Retired, 1872. (1968)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

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• Milam County Courthouse and Jail — 28 mi
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More markers nearby

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