Rev. Henry Stephenson

Henry Stephenson first entered Texas around 1824, the Handbook says, but Stephen F. Austin opposed Protestant preaching in his colony. He had been licensed to preach in Missouri in 1812 and rode circuits in Arkansas and Louisiana. In 1834 Methodist officials put him in charge of the church's work in Texas, and he toured the territory despite Mexican opposition to Protestant ministers. He moved to Texas in 1835 and settled on Cow Creek. Mirabeau B. Lamar called him "a zealous & sincere man." Poor health slowed his last years; he died in Jasper in 1841.

What the plaque says

Rev. Henry Stephenson Preached at Jonesboro in 1817. Organized first permanent Methodist church and was in charge of all work in Texas in 1834. Born in Virginia, 1772. Died November 20, 1841

Where it stands

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