Williams, Walter Washington

Reputed to have been last surviving soldier of the Civil War (1861-1865). Born in Ittawamba County, Miss., Williams (Nov. 14, 1842 - Dec. 19, 1959) during the war was a forage master for the celebrated Hood's Texas Brigade. Soon after the war he moved to Texas and farmed near here. He was twice married and had a large family, with the descendants numbering over 200 when he died. He had lived very quietly until in extreme old age he gained fame as one of a very few remaining veterans. After the nation lost all other men who had fought in the Civil War, he was given honorary rank of General by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. When Gen. Williams died in Houston at home of a daughter, President Eisenhower proclaimed a period of national mourning. Williams rests here in Mount Pleasant Cemetery among families who migrated to Texas and braved the dangers of the frontier for years before he came. This is one of the oldest public burial grounds in Robertson County, situated within boundaries of colony planted north of El Camo Real by the pioneer Sterling C. Robertson, from Tennessee. The Robertson colony was founded in the 1820s and was a major civilizing influence in East Texas.

Williams, Walter Washington is a historical marker in Franklin, Robertson County, dedicated in 1970. It is one of 63 historical markers documented in Robertson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 103 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.0247, -96.4223 near Franklin. The nearest cataloged historic site is Hale (cemetery), about 1.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Robertson County, Cazey, and Franklin Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5395010957. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.