What whispers do you think this plaque holds? This is the Early Deer Park Settlers Plaque. It commemorates those who came before. It honors the establishment of Deer Park.
Deer Park owes its existence to Simeon Henry West. West founded the city in 1892. But before him, others lived here. This plaque tells their story. The Early Deer Park Settlers Plaque marks their presence.
Two of these early settlers were Mary Wilson Jackson and William Wilson. They hailed from Boston, Massachusetts. Deed records show William Wilson owned land. This land appears on early Harris County plat maps. It was near Crosby. It was also near the San Jacinto River and Gum Gully. His land neighbored Humphrey Jackson’s property. Humphrey Jackson was an “Old Three Hundred” settler.
It’s thought Mary W. Jackson was linked to Humphrey Jackson’s family. This is based on an 1852 Harris County Records judgment. William Wilson also bought land. He purchased it from the Thomas Earle Grant. This land became Deer Park. It was near the Shell Refinery.
Mary W. Jackson lived with the Edward N. Clopper Family when she passed away. William Wilson died soon after. The siblings were buried on the Wilson property. Shell discovered their original gravestone in 1928.
Today, the gravestone isn’t in its original spot. You can find it at Dow Park in Deer Park. The City of Deer Park Historical Committee dedicated this marker. The Early Deer Park Settlers Plaque was unveiled on October 20, 2020.
The Early Deer Park Settlers Plaque stands as a reminder. It honors Mary Wilson Jackson and William Wilson. They were among the first to call this area home. They represent the spirit of early Deer Park. Their story is woven into the fabric of this city. The Early Deer Park Settlers Plaque ensures their memory lives on. Their names are etched in history. They are forever a part of Deer Park’s story.