Capt. F. Marion Hastings

Historical marker location:
Mt. Vernon, Texas
( take SH 37 about 5 mi. south to FM 900, go west about 2 mi. to CR 3170, go south to Pleasant Hill Cemetery)
Marker installed: 1970
Marker size: 14" x 24" Grave Marker

(Nov. 17, 1823 - April 25, 1905)

Confederate veteran. Enlisting in 1861, Dade County, Mo., served under Generals Sterling Price, Joseph O. Shelby, J. S. Marmaduke, in raids in Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. Surrendered June 13, 1865, at Shreveport. Moved to Texas in October 1865. Was a Franklin County commissioner, 1877-1881; county judge, 1886-1890.

He married Harriet J. Irby of Yalobusha County, Mississippi. They had six children. (1970)

  A brief timeline of the Civil War
  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

Loading...
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Franklin County, located in North East Texas, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, such as the Caddo and Hasinai, the region was explored by Spanish and French explorers in the 18th century. In 1820, Moses Morrison, a famous frontiersman, received a land grant in the area that would later become Franklin County. The first permanent settlements were established in the 1830s, bringing a wave of Anglo-American settlers attracted to the abundant natural resources and fertile land.

The county was officially established in 1875, and it was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States. The growth of the county was significantly influenced by the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, which brought increased commerce and opportunities for trade. The economy thrived on agriculture with cotton being the most significant crop, but by the early 20th century, dairy farming became a major industry as well.

Franklin County played a role in the timber industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The presence of vast pine forests led to the establishment of lumber mills, which helped support the local economy. However, as the demand for timber decreased and the resources were depleted, the industry declined, and agriculture became the primary source of income.

In recent years, Franklin County has embraced its historical and natural attractions, including the Old Jail Museum, which provides insight into the county's past, and Lake Cypress Springs, offering outdoor recreational activities. Today, the county continues to be a rural community with a strong sense of community and a focus on preserving its history while also looking towards the future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Franklin County, Texas.

  • 1837 - Franklin County is established on January 30.
  • 1846 - The town of Mount Vernon, the county seat, is established.
  • 1850 - The county's population is recorded at 1,695.
  • 1887 - The Texas Midland Railroad extends its line through Franklin County.
  • 1930 - The Great Depression causes economic hardships in the county.
  • 1937 - Franklin County Electric Cooperative is formed to bring electricity to rural areas.
  • 1968 - The completion of the Cooper Lake Dam creates Cooper Lake, attracting tourists.
  • 1990 - The county's population reaches 8,904.
  • 2020 - Franklin County celebrates its 183rd anniversary.