NEW HISTORIC MARKER DEDICATED IN BURTON FOR MATTHEW GAINES
A new Texas Historical Marker was dedicated on Saturday in Burton in honor of one of the first African American lawmakers to serve in the Texas Legislature during Reconstruction.
Moore III, Joyce Moore, and Lori A. Moore-Bartley.
(courtesy Karen Buck)
Community members gathered at the Long Life Brotherhood Club/Matson Park to celebrate the new marker for Senator Matthew Gaines, who served in the 12th and 13th Texas Legislatures.
Born enslaved in Louisiana, Gaines was living after emancipation in Burton and working as a Baptist preacher. He was a strong advocate for African American constitutional rights and is considered instrumental in the creation of Texas A&M University and Prairie View A&M University.
Senator Matthew Gaines.
(courtesy Karen Buck)
Among those in attendance at the dedication ceremony were Gaines’ descendants: Roman Moore III, Joyce Moore and Lori A. Moore-Bartley.
Burton Mayor Karen Buck thanks all those who were involved in the effort to bring the historical marker to Burton, so that everyone could “celebrate one of the unknown and under-told stories of one of the residents from our town.” She said, “Indeed, it took a ‘village’ of historians and passionate people to ensure that Senator Matthew Gaines’ story would not be forgotten.”
The marker comes as part of a statewide initiative stemming from the passage of the Texas Black Reconstruction Legislators Act, Senate Bill 667, in the 88th Legislature.