The Rev. Acton Young

Duane's take

Here's my telling of what the official marker says about the Reverend Acton Young, out of Tyler County, Texas. Now, some lives are so thoroughly woven into the fabric of a place that you can't tell the story of the land without tellin' the story of the man. Acton Young was one of those lives.

He came into this world on January 16, 1823, born in Tennessee. But Tennessee couldn't hold him, because East Texas was calling, and Acton Young answered. He settled in, put down roots, and married Margaret McMahan.

And here's where the story takes on a little extra weight: Margaret was the daughter of the founder of a chapel that was called the earliest permanent Texas Protestant Church. Right there in the family tree, history. Young was licensed as a Methodist minister, and starting in 1849 he rode out to serve.

He kept at it for communities across the region, including Woodville, all the way through 1873. Woodville was home ground for him. That's where he kept his family home.

At one time there was even a store there, operated by his son-in-law Bronson Cooper. Now, Bronson Cooper is worth a second look, because that man would go on to serve in the United States Congress. A store in Woodville to the halls of Congress.

East Texas had a way of producing people who went places. Acton and Margaret's children were Phebe, Samuel Doak, Charles Acton, and Ettina. The Reverend Acton Young died on April 16, 1873, the same year his long ministry finally came to its close.

A man born in Tennessee, planted in East Texas, married into the roots of Texas Protestant history, and spending nearly a quarter century riding the circuit for his communities. That is a life that leaves a mark. And now, out on the road in Tyler County, a marker makes sure of it.

What the marker says

(January 16, 1823-April 16, 1873) Born in Tennessee. Settling in East Texas, he married Margaret McMahan, daughter of founder of chapel called earliest permanent Texas Protestant Church. Licensed as a Methodist minister, Young served (1849-73) many communities, including Woodville. Here he had family home and at one time a store operated by son-in-law Bronson Cooper, who later served in the United States Congress. His children were Phebe, Samuel Doak, Charles Acton, and Ettina. Recorded - 1972