HISTORICAL MARKER FOR 
GEORGE WASHINGTON BAINES
IN FAIRFIELD, TEXAS

On the north side of the First Baptist Church in Fairfield in Freestone County,
Texas is a historical marker about George Washington Baines which was erected
in 1965. The text of this marker provides an excellent introduction to George
Washington Baines. It is as follows:

REVEREND GEORGE WASHINGTON BAINES (1809-1882)
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Noted Texas religious leader. Pastor, 1850, to Gen. and Mrs. Sam Houston.
Founded first Baptist paper in state, 1855. In difficult Civil War years,
served as president of Baylor University, 1861-1863, and pastor of the First
Baptist Church in Fairfield, 1864-1866.

A North Carolinian. Uneducated, at 21 he cut and rafted timber to pay for
schooling. Received A.M. degree, University of Alabama. Moved to Arkansas.
Founded 7 churches. Served in Arkansas legislature, 1843-1844. Lived and
preached in Louisiana, 1845-1849.

He had 10 children. His wife Melissa Ann (Butler) died here in wartime. He made
her coffin with his own hands. One of their Great-Grandsons, Lyndon Baines
Johnson, became 36th president of the United States. The first Texan to receive
this high honor.