Corporal David Brady Shelton
​American Legion Port No. 173

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Marker Text: In March 1919, American soldiers stationed in France organized the American Legion, a patriotic veterans organization In August 191, a meeting was held in the Henderson County Courthouse to form as American Legion Post. The Athens Post received their official charter on March 27, 1920. Members unanimously voted to name their post for the first Henderson County soldier to be killed in World War I. Of the 1,119 men and three women from Henderson County who served during World War I, twenty-seven gave their lives. 
​ David Brady Shelton was born in 1892 in Cedar County, Missouri, and moved to Texas with his family in 1897. Brady later settled near Athens. While stationed in France, Brady participated in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel under the command of General John J. Pershing. On September 12, 1918, near Fey-en-Haye, Brady was shot and killed while advancing with his company on the battlefield. His remains were interred at three different cemeteries in France before being repatriated to the U.S. in 1921. A squad from the American Legion Post and Brady's family laid him to rest in Zion Hill Cemetery in Van Zandt County. 
 Over the years, the American Legion organization expanded to not only assist servicemen and women when returning from war, but also to help with employment, legislation and their families, the David Brady Shelton Post has sponsored a local band, promoted child welfare and participation in Texas Boys State and Oratorical contest, helped create the city park on South Prairieville Street and established a community service building to events, upholding their mission to honor veterans and country. (2019) 

Marker No: 22432

27 x 42 Aluminum Subject Marker 

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