DUANE
Duane's take
The way the marker tells it, here's the story of George Washington Shelton — and I aim to do it justice. Now, Virginia gave him his start. January 12, 1814, that's when George Washington Shelton came into the world.
But Virginia couldn't hold him forever, and neither could Tennessee — though Tennessee did hold him long enough to matter. Late in 1835, something was stirrin' down in Texas. Word had spread that a fight was comin', a real one, against the dictator Santa Anna.
And George Washington Shelton, living in Tennessee at the time, heard that call. He wasn't alone either — fifteen other recruits joined him, and that group of sixteen made their way to Texas to take part in what history would come to call the Texas War for Independence. He served.
January 14, 1836, through September 18, 1836. Eight months of a war that would shake the whole map of North America. And when it was done, Texas took notice of what men like Shelton had given.
He was awarded not one but two land bounties for his military duty. Two. The Republic had a way of paying its debts in dirt and distance, and Shelton took what was offered.
He put down roots in Navarro County. Became what the marker calls a pioneer citizen — and in those days, that phrase carried real weight. Pioneer meant you were there before the easy part, before the roads, before the comfort.
He built a life anyway. His wife was Sara Elizabeth Johnson. Together they raised four children: Izora, Ann Madora, George W.
Junior, and Emma Tennessee. Four names, each one a thread in the fabric of Navarro County's early story. George Washington Shelton died November 15, 1882.
The family of Raymond Shelton Crawford saw to it that his name wouldn't fade into the grass — and out here on the road, neither will we.
What the marker says
(Jan. 12, 1814-Nov. 15, 1882) A Texas War for Independence soldier. Born in Virginia. Lived in Tennessee, where he joined 15 other recruits late in 1835 to come to Texas and fight against dictator Santa Anna. Served Jan. 14 to Sept. 18, 1836. Was awarded two land bounties for military duty. Became a pioneer citizen of Navarro County. His wife was Sara Elizabeth Johnson. They had four children: Izora, Ann Madora, George W., Jr., and Emma Tennessee. Recorded, 1967 Presented by family of Raymond Shelton Crawford.