Erected by Matsler Family Descendants

            “This monument is dedicated to David Wesley and Esther Franklin Matsler who were the first white settlers to make a home on Cherokee Creek.  They moved from Illinois to Williamson County, Texas in 1852, and two years later purchased 320 acres from Gustav Schleicher near what would become Chappel, Texas.  Their daughter, Sarah Jane, was the first white child born in San Saba County.

            David, a licensed Methodist lay-preacher, and Esther helped establish the Methodist Camp Meeting in 1858.  They contributed land for the Methodist Camp Meeting Grounds, thee High Valley Cemetery and the Baptist Church.

            David and Esther and their 15 children were a remarkable pioneer family, and their courage, faith and determination enabled them to overcome the many difficulties facing pioneers in the early Texas frontier.

            David Wesley Matsler – born March 9, 1821, died March 22, 1884

Ester Franklin Matsler – born Dec 31, 1833, died Feb 13, 1926

Their 15 children were: John Taylor, Mary Franklin, George Franklin, Julia Margaret, Sarah Jane, Daressa Ann, Mary Miranda, James Monroe, Martha Elizabeth, Angeline Rebecca, Louisa Catherine, Exa Texanna, David Wesley, Lecti Ollie and Benjamin Thomas.”