Historical Marker

Elbert Gray

Historical marker location:
Wills Point, Texas
( Greenwood Cemetery on Van Zandt County Road 3416)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 18" x 28"

ON FEB. 5, 1912, 16-YEAR-OLD ELBERT GRAY COMMITTED A MOST HEROIC ACT. TWO-YEAR-OLD CALVIN STEPP HAD FALLEN INTO A WATER WELL SIXTY FEET DEEP AND BARELY ONE FOOT ACROSS. LOWERED BY ROPE, ELBERT DESCENDED FEET FIRST TO CARRY CALVIN TO SAFETY, BUT NEAR THE TOP CALVIN SLIPPED AND FELL AGAIN. ON THE SECOND TRY, ELBERT WENT HEAD FIRST AND SUCCESSFULLY RESCUED CALVIN AFTER FOUR HOURS TRAPPED BELOW THE SURFACE. BOTH YOUTHS HAD ONLY MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES. NEWSPAPER ACCOUNTS AND LETTERS OF SUPPORT SENT TO THE CARNEGIE HERO FUND COMMISSION RESULTED IN ELBERT BEING AWARDED A CARNEGIE HERO MEDAL IN OCT. 1913. DURING WORLD WAR II, ELBERT LOST ALL FINGERS ON ONE HAND IN A DALLAS WAR DEFENSE PLANT. ELBERT AND CALVIN KEPT IN TOUCH THE REST OF THEIR LIVES

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.

African American media heroic acts
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
Texas random facts
Van Zandt County is located in the northeastern part of Texas and has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The area was initially settled by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. European settlers began arriving in the late 1830s and early 1840s, establishing communities along rivers and creeks.

The county was officially formed in 1848 and named after Isaac Van Zandt, a politician and diplomat who played a significant role in the establishment of the Republic of Texas. Throughout the mid-19th century, the economy of Van Zandt County was primarily agricultural, with cotton being the dominant crop. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s brought new opportunities for trade and commerce to the area.

In the early 20th century, Van Zandt County experienced a boom in oil production, which significantly impacted the local economy. This led to the growth of oil-related industries and the establishment of several oil towns within the county. However, the Great Depression and subsequent decline in oil prices had a detrimental effect on the area, leading to economic challenges during the 1930s and 1940s.

Over the years, Van Zandt County has continued to grow and develop. Today, it boasts a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is known for its scenic beauty, and there are several recreational areas such as lakes and state parks that attract visitors. Van Zandt County also has a strong sense of community, with numerous festivals and events celebrating its history and culture.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Van Zandt County, Texas.

  • 1848 - Van Zandt County is established as one of the 36 original counties in Texas.
  • 1850 - The county seat is established in Canton.
  • 1861-1865 - Van Zandt County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1894 - The construction of the Texas State Railroad reaches Van Zandt County, boosting the local economy.
  • 1900 - An oil boom begins in the county, bringing new growth and prosperity.
  • 1921 - The Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike is completed, connecting Van Zandt County to the metroplex.
  • 1930s-1940s - Van Zandt County suffers from the impacts of the Great Depression and World War II.
  • 1960s-1970s - The county experiences a period of economic growth and population increase.
  • 1980s - The county faces economic challenges due to declining oil prices.
  • 2000 - Canton becomes known for its First Monday Trade Days, attracting visitors from all over the state.