The Marion Lexington Hester Monument in the Old Carolina Graveyard

Pictured above is the Marion Lexington Hester monument in the old Carolina graveyard. Carolina is one of the pioneer churches of Itawamba County. The earliest found deed to the church is from 1840 when Alfred Wiygul deeded property for a Methodist Episcopal Church and neighborhood school.

The Marion Lexington Hester monument is typical of antebellum monuments in Itawamba County. Marion Lexington Hester was born on November 11, 1830. He was the son of John and Elizabeth Hester. The Hester family settled the Lost Quarter area south of Carolina at an early date. Marion Lexington married Mary Jane Coker on November 6, 1853 by Itawamba County planter and Justice of the Peace Rhoden W. Palmer (click marriage license for larger resolution image). Marion Lexington Hester died on July 25, 1859, less than six years after his marriage.

In the 1860 U.S. Federal Census, his widow and children are living in the James Bourland household south of Van Buren, west of the Tombigbee River. She is listed as a domestic, age 26 with children William B. (age 5), Georgia Ann (age 2) and Jane (age 1). In the 1870 U.S. Federal Census she is living in Gatesville, Coryell County, Texas with her two children, William and Georgia. Mary Jane Coker Hester died on January 21, 1892 in Coryell County.

Notes:

Marriage Book 4, Page 166, Itawamba County, Mississippi, Chancery Court Clerk.

1860 United States Federal Census (Free Schedule), Itawamba County, Mississippi; p. 52, dwelling 340, family 340; August 2, 1860; National Archives Microfilm M-653, Roll 583.

1870 United States Federal Census, Gatesville, Coryell County, Texas; p. 265, dwelling 67, family 67; October 2, 1860; National Archives Microfilm M-593, Roll 1581.