GOD & TEXAS: Family Bible

In a September 8, 2026, telecast on KCEN-TV in Belton, Texas, reporters interviewed a local librarian who had found a 180-year-old Bible in a storeroom. Records indicated that it had been loaned to the library by Mary Lou Marks, who was now 92 years old. 

In a follow-up interview with Marks, she explained that the Bible was published in 1846 and belonged to N.M. Proctor, a distant relative who was one of the earliest settlers in Bell County. Within the pages of this well-worn Bible, each generation of family descendants had logged much of the family history including the dates of births, deaths, and weddings dating back to 1847. 

While this may seem surprising to some, many Texans have a similar family Bible that contains generational events specific to their own relatives. Quite often, these old family Bibles provide genealogical records of births, deaths, marriages, and other seminal family events. They may also contain dates of spiritual conversions, baptisms, and revival meetings. Some families have even recorded weather trends and historical events.

The Austin family Bible belonged to Maria Brown Austin, wife of Moses Austin and mother of Stephen, Emily, and James. Besides writing family history, Maria inserted the letter she wrote to Stephen regarding Moses’ desire for him to bring colonists to Texas. The Bible now rests at the San Jacinto Museum/Monument in La Porte.

The William B. Travis family Bible, along with his “Victory or Death” letter from the Alamo and his Last Will and Testament, are housed at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in Austin. The Bible records detailed family records including the fact that William was born on August 9, 1809. 

The Frank B. Davison family Bible was published in 1857 and can be viewed at the Texas City Museum. Davison, who moved to Shoal Point (now Texas City) in 1893, is considered the founding Father of Texas City and was the first postmaster. His daughter Christine is thought to be the first child born in the city. The Bible records other significant births and deaths of the Davison family. 

One of the most historical Bibles that reference Fort Bend County is known as the Martha Scott Family Bible. It currently resides in the hands of a private collector. Martha was the wife of Henry Scott, who emigrated to Texas in 1829. His original Mexican land grant comprised about 4,428 acres at the bend of the Brazos River where the town of Rosenberg is located. 

Family Bibles were an essential book for many early settlers in Texas for many reasons. Not only did it they contain important family records, but it also provided guidelines for daily living and the pathway to Heaven. 

The Apostle Paul noted the importance of the scriptures in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” It remains true today.

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To purchase the historical non-fiction book GOD and TEXAS by David G. Rose visit www.amazon.com