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TEXAS HISTORICAL MARKERS

​The Rev Nelson T. Denson and Marlin Missionary Baptist Church

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Marker Text: ​Born into slavery in Arkansas, Nelson Taylor Denson (1845-1938) was brought to Falls County in 1856 at the age of eleven. After accompanying his master in the confederate army during the civil war, he returned to Marlin where he was a pioneer educator and baptist circuit preacher. Educated by his master and inspired by the noted Texas statesman Sam Houston . He became a prominent leader among the area freedman.
      On Nov. 8, 1868, the Rev Denson started Marlin Missionary Baptist Church, the earliest black congregation in the county. Assisting him in the organizational meeting was the pioneer baptist preacher, the Rev. Z.N. Morrell.
     The Rev. Denson was active in the establishment of several black schools, including one sponsored by the Marlin Missionary Baptist Church in 1877. Through his efforts. The opportunity for a formal education became a reality for area blacks by the mid-1880s.
 In 1882 the Rev. Denson became the first elected black official in the county when he was chosen commissioner of precinct one. Trusted and respected by all races, he continued to play a significant role in the community until his death at the age of 93. Today the church he founded in 1868 carries on the tradition of his enthusiasm and his service for others. (1981)
Picture
Marker No: 1206
Aluminum 27 x 42 Subject Marker
Geographic: 31.301098, -96.896271
Location: ​507 Bennett Street, Marlin
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  • Texas Historical Markers
  • Greenbrier Cemetery
  • Wilson Chapel Methodist Church
  • Marian Anderson High School
  • Alfred M. Hallmark
  • Frank Mulder Gossett
  • No 57: Old San Antonio Road
  • Zephyr Cemetery
  • Zephyr Gospel Tabernacle
  • First Baptist Church of Zephyr
  • Military Road
  • Zephyr Presbyterian Church
  • Burkett Pecan Tree
  • Hittson Ranch
  • Callahan City Cemetery
  • Admiral Baptist Church
  • Belle Plaine Cemetery
  • Ross Cemetery
  • Callahan County
  • The Prew House
  • Brooke Smith
  • Minnie Fisher Cunningham
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • Dodge
  • Site of Andrew Female College
  • Glendale Cemetery
  • Community of Fodice
  • Holy Rosary Catholic Parish
  • Pegleg Crossing on the San Saba
  • B. T. Brown House
  • German Methodist Church/First Fire Station
  • Providence Church and Cemetery
  • Packsaddle Mountain
  • Homesite of W. F. Heller, Pioneer Farmer
  • The Bosque-Larios Expedition
  • No. 60 Old San Antonio Road
  • No. 56 Old San Antonio Road
  • No. 59 Old San Antonio Road
  • Texas Central Railroad
  • Center City Community
  • Orla
  • Fairview Cemetery
  • Leon County Courthouse
  • Anderson County in the Civil War
  • Judge H.T. Brown
  • Washington County, C.S.A.
  • Leander
  • Oveta Culp Hobby and the Women's Army Corps
  • Jacob Haller House
  • James M. Holt
  • Washington-on-the Brazos
  • Donigan House
  • Fort Worth Stock Yards Entrance
  • Smithfield Baptist Church
  • Elite Cafe
  • Joseph Brooks Home
  • Phair Cemetery
  • Robert Justus Kleberg
  • New Page
  • New Page
  • New Page