MARION COUNTY HISTORICAL MARKERS
M - Z
"The Magnolias"
Address: Broadwy and Friou
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: 1867. Built by Lucy Ann, wife of Dan Alley, donor of half of Jefferson's
townsite. Near 100th birthday, house retains fine style. Has handmade columns, massive
hewn sills, wide pine board floors. Here was organized 1881 Club, oldest member and
pioneer unit in Texas State Federation of Women's Clubs. Also (on Feb. 22, 1955)
birthplace of Martha McCraw Chapter of the D. A. R. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -
1965.
The Magnolias
Address: 209 E. Broadway
Architect: Unknown
Architectural Style: GREEK REVIVAL
County: Marion City: Jefferson
Narrative: A white frame one-and-a half story Greek Revival residence symmetrical
and rectangular in plan, with a rear ell and an attached full width front gallery. The
roofs of the main body of the house and of the ell are gabled with the ridges parallel to
the long sides of the rectangles. There is a low pitched gable with, two small windows at
the center front, above the floor roof of the gallery.
The gallery has five bays with slender fluted wooden Doric columns supporting a standard
architrave, plain frieze, and cornice. The main entrance is outstanding and has an unusual
segmental arch shaped one-light transom and wide paneled architrave, canted or beveled
from the plane of the front facade to form a recessed opening. This architrave frames the
door, sidelights, and transom. Two pilasters and an entablature terminate the door framing
on the plane of the front wall. The windows all have six over nine lights; those on the
front extend to the gallery floor and have capped architraves.
The rear ell extends from the house on the west side of the north elevation. This wing
contains a large, formal dining room and serving rooms. There is a gallery on the east
elevation of the wing. This gallery intersects with the gallery on the north side of the
main block. Most of the gallery on the north side of the main block has been filled in
recent years.
The house has a central hall with the hall- divided into parts by a wooden identical in
the back hall. Stylistically, this stairway would appear to have been built in the 1873
alterations. Double drawing rooms are east of the central hall. The drawing rooms may be
separated by a fine pair of sliding doors with etched glazed panels. The doorway has a
fine deep cornice. The two rooms to the west of the hall have fine Greek Revival mantels
on back-to-back fireplaces (with no visible chimney today). There is a similar mantel on
the dining room fireplace There are no fireplaces in the drawing rooms.
The second floor rooms were converted into apartments within the last few decades. The
windows on this level are not of the same period or style as those on the first floor.
Walls are plastered, floors of wide-board pine.
STATEMENT SIGNIFICANCE
The Magnolias is one of the outstanding homes in Jefferson, Texas. Although built after
the Civil War, it is strongly Greek Revival in character and an example of the tenuous
appeal of this style in Texas long after its abandonment in the East. The attached
colonnaded front gallery and the detail of the capitals, the window architraves, the wide
entablature, and the handsome and unusual front door moldings are all continuations of the
style.
The Magnolias was built by Dan Alley, early Jefferson settler, and donor of one hall of
the land for the city. Alley and his wife lived in the home until 1873, when Mrs. Alley
deeded the property to her daughter, Victoria Alley Crawford. The Crawfords lived at The
Magnolias for three years. Mrs. Crawford died in 1876 and her husband sold the house to a
Col. W. B. Ward was a native Texan who moved to Jefferson soon after the Civil War. He was
one of the town's leading businessmen and president of the Jefferson National Bank when
Jefferson was the second largest river port in Texas. He was also a promoter of the East
Line Red River Railroad, a venture projected by Jefferson citizens in 1871, when they saw
their prominence as a river port being threatened by the building of railroads to Dallas,
Shreveport, and Houston.
The Magnolias, named for the large trees which grow around the house, was more than a home
for prominent Jefferson business men. It was also a civic and social center for many
years. the oldest chartered club in Texas, the "1881 Club"' was organized in the
home in October, 1881. The Magnolias is the home of the oldest member and pioneer unit in
the Texas State Federation of Women's Clubs.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965.
Marion County Courthouse
County: Marion City: Jefferson
Current Use: Active Courthouse
County Style: Classical Revival
The Marsh Place
Address: 202 S. Friou St.
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1972
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: One of the very early houses in Jefferson-- apparently built by Mr. and Mrs.
Dan Parks in 1860, when city was known as greatest river port in the southwest. Bought
1861 by S. Marsh (1811-1870), this was called the Marsh Place for many years, although
owned in turn by various businessmen. For over half a century it was home of Sarah Terhune
Taylor (Mrs. H. C. Taylor), a socially prominent charter member of 1881 Club, one of
Texas' oldest women's clubs. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1972.
Mims Chapel Methodist Church and Cemetery
City: Mims County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1983
Marker Location: FM 792, 20 mi. west of Jefferson in front of church
Marker Text: This church was organized by pioneer area settlers before the Civil War. The
first building here was a log structure known as the Rock Church because of a large nearby
rock where early meetings were held. The church was later named Mims Chapel Methodist
Church in honor of brothers John w. Mims (1829-1907) and Henry Mims (1839-1915), who were
instrumental in securing this site for the congregation. Graves in the cemetery date from
the 1870s and include prominent early community leaders. A schoolhouse here was in use
until about 1906.
Murphy Building
Address: 112 Austin St.
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1983
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Brothers John C. Murphy (1816-71) and James M. Murphy (b. 1820) of Tennessee
came to Jefferson, Texas, in 1850. They owned a wholesale cotton firm and were prominent
businessmen. In the early 1850s they built this structure as a warehouse in the riverfront
district. In 1884 the building was remodeled for county offices and courts. In 1915 it
became the city hall, with space for the Chesterfield Dance Club and the Jefferson
Volunteer Fire Department. A Diebold safe, installed in 1877, continues to serve the
building, again used for county offices.
Nash Iron Works
County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Marker Location: FM 729 about 20 mi. west of Jefferson
Marker Text: First iron furnace in Texas. Built by Jefferson S. Nash, who came here in
1846. He found much iron ore, wood for charcoal, and clay to make molds. From ridge back
of the furnace, charcoal and ore were poured down the smokestack. Under the furnace grate,
melted iron collected in a puddle, to be put into molds for shaping farm tools, cooking
pots, smoothing irons, and-- in the Civil War-- cannon balls and possibly guns. Nash had
difficulty securing machinery, workers, capital, and transportation. In the 1800s, at
least 16 iron works operated in East Texas.
19th Century Business House
Address: 123 W. Austin
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Fine structure with fanlight transoms. Housed Kahan Saloon in city's river
port era. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966.
Old U.S. Post Office and Courts Building
Address: 223 Austin St.
Architect: Ferret,William A.; Caster,James H.
Architectural Style: GREEK REVIVAL
County: Marion City: Jefferson
Narrative: In Romanesque style, the combined Federal Courthouse and Post Office Building
is typical of many small federal buildings throughout the Southwest and West during this
period. It was designed by William A. Ferret and constructed by James H. Caster.
The overall dimensions are seventy-and-a-half feet by fifty-two-and-a-half feet. The
structure and the foundations are of common bond brick. Over the court room is a gable
roof. A hip-roof covers the remainder of the building. Asphalt shingles now replace the
original shingles which were slate. the tower is approximately seventy feet high and is
surmounted by a steep, hip-roof, galvanized-iron cresting and finials. Originally, the
first floor contained the post office. On the second floor were the court room, the jury
room, service spaces, and offices for the judge, marshall, clerk, and attorney.
The principal stair hall is located in the tower. The stair hall has turned banisters,
slare newels with some carving. The area that was formerly the public lobby to the post
office is paved with six-inch by eight-inch marble slabs. The remainder of the building
has vertical grain, hard, yellow-pine floors. The court room entrance, which is on the
principa1 or southeast facade, is characterized by a round arch with sculptured imposts
and decorative brick archivolt. The post office entrance on the southwest has sidelights
and a transom in a round-arched opening.The doors to the work room are double in a
round-arched opening with paneled transoms.
Window openings in the basement have segmental arches and fixed sash. First-floor openings
are wood, double-hung wood in segmental-arched openings. Court room windowopenings on the
southeast and northwest are spanned with iron lintel- beams over which there are relieving
arches and basketweave brickwork. These windows are large two-over-two, double-hung with
transom lights. Segmental-arched openings in the court room on the northeast have two,
double-hung, wood windows per opening separated by a colonel. there are two, small,
double-light dormers on the northeast elevation. The gable section of the structure has a
deep, brick cornice with a brick dentil course, architrave, frieze with inset panels, and
a wooden cornice. The gabble section has end brick walls.
The property for the Marion County Courthouse and Post Office was deeded to the United
States on June 29, 1887. Construction was started in May, 1888. The architect was a
federal employee attached to the Treasury Department, but the contracting was let to a
regional firm. The building was completed early in 1890. In 1965 The Jefferson Historical
Society purchased the building for use as a museum. And in 1966 the Texas State Historical
Survey Committee designated it a historic landmark.
Perry, Capt. William, House
Address: NW corner of Walnut and Clarksville Sts.
Architect: Unknown
Architectural Style: GREEK REVIVAL
County: Marion City: Jefferson
Narrative: The Captain William Perry House is a two-story frame Greek Revival residence of
an unusual type for Texas. It has a side hall plan and off-center front door with a small
attached flat-roofed porch with two square columns with molded capitals and two matching
pilasters. The ridge of the pitched roof runs from front to back with the gable treated as
a pediment. There is a wide entablature with deeply carved crown and bead moldings and
frieze and architrave divisions with the second story windows cutting into the architrave.
The windows are double-hung sash-type with six over six lights with molded frames. The
handsome front door has five heavily molded panels and a transom above. The doorway jambs
and head have gouge-carved facias. The intersections of the jambs and head are square
blocks with raised center pyramidal designs. The exterior wall finish is clapboard. The
verticality of the structure, the side-hall plan and the very rich, deeply carved
detailing on the exterior are reminiscent of Greek Revival residences in New England and
the old Northwest Territory.
Jefferson, located in south-central Marion County, could lay claim once to being the
second largest port in Texas. It was built at right angles to Big Cypress Creek and Caddo
Lake, and river boats from New Orleans and Texas ports plied their trade with Jefferson
until the 1880s.
Jefferson was also the site of many beautiful homes. One of these is the Captain William
Perry House, particularly outstanding for its architecture. It was built in the late 1850s
and remains one of Jefferson's finest two story Greek Revival town houses, although an
unusual type for Texas.
Builder of the home was Captain William Perry, an officer in the Jefferson river trade.
Perry was from New Hampshire and lived in Jefferson until his death in 1869. He was best
known as the owner of the Excelsior Hotel, reputed to be one of the finest hotels south of
St. Louis. Visitors have included Presidents Grant and Hayes, railroad tycoon Jay Gould,
and poet Oscar Wilde.
The present owner, George Earl Haggard, bought Perry's townhouse in 1957 and moved it to
its present address at Walnut and Clarksville Streets. Haggard incorporated the house into
his funeral home. He has attempted, however, to retain the high ceilings, large rooms, and
beautiful antiques which have been a part of the house for over l00 years.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -
1966.
Captain William Perry
Address: 200 block of West Austin
City: Jefferson County: Marion Year
Marker Erected: 1995
Marker Text: (April 5, 1813 - January 2, 1869) William Perry was among the first settlers
of Jefferson, arriving ca. 1840. Through his shipping business and his work in dredging a
turning basin for ships in the Big Cypress Bayou, he played a significant role in the
early growth and development of Jefferson as an inland port. He bought and developed large
tracts of land in the area, becoming quite wealthy in the process. After traveling to
California during the late 1840s gold rush, Perry returned to Jefferson and built a home
at the corner of Polk and Clarksville streets for his wife Sardinia (1826-1912) and their
children. The home was later moved to 203 Clarksville Street and incorporated with another
structure. In addition to his real estate dealings and shipping interest, Perry owned a
hotel which is now a part of the historic Excelsior House. A respected community leader,
he served as mayor of Jefferson from 1863 to 1864. On January 2, 1869, Perry was fatally
shot while walking home after midnight. William Perry and his wife, along with other
family members, are buried in Jefferson's Oakwood Cemetery.
Plantation House
Address: Market and Henderson
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: 1854 "Plantation" house shows European styling in brick ground
floor, frame upper stories, double iron stairways. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -
1966.
Planters Bank
Address: Austin and Walnut
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: 1852. In Jefferson's heyday, riverfront warehouse of firm with St. Louis, New
Orleans branches. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965.
Potter's Point
City: Smithland County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1969
Marker Location: Hwy. 49 at FM 727, 4 mi. east of Smithland
Marker Text: Site of one of most famous events in Texas.
Robert Potter-- a signer, Texas Declaration of Independence, a chief author of Republic's
Constitution, first Secretary of Navy, Republic of Texas-- settled 1837 on Caddo Lake. A
former U. S. Congressman, he won election 1840 to Texas Senate. After Senate adjourned in
1842 he tried to arrest his political foe, William P. Rose. On night of March 1, 1842,
Rose led armed men to Potter's home. At dawn Senator Potter jumped into the lake to swim
for help, but was shot to death. He is buried in State Cemetery, Austin.
Presbyterian Church
Address: S. Main at Jefferson St.
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Built 1872 for congregation organized earlier. Once the largest Cumberland
Church building in Texas. Has a specially cast bell. Painted clock faces on the steeple
show the hours for Sunday School and morning and evening worship. Recorded Texas Historic
Landmark - 1966.
Presbyterian Manse
Address: NE corner of Alley and Delta Sts.
Architect: Unknown Architectural
Style: GREEK REVIVAL
County: Marion City: Jefferson
Narrative: It is believed that this one-story frame, central hall plan house was
constructed in two parts. The original portion, built in 1839, now forms the east half of
the existing structure This wing has two large chambers, a central entrance shall, and a
central chimney. The tetra- style portico covering the entrance has square columns with
molded capitals. The porticos entablature, including architrave, frieze, and box cornice
with crown and bed molds, is carried around the whole building on all of the Manse is clap
boarding with flush boarding under the portico. The west facade has a very fine Greek
Revival doorway with double, French-type paneled doors, transom above and a pedimented,
molded frame over the door with a dog-ear detail at the intersection of the jambs and
head. A wide facie board which covers the jambs has a molded edge and flairs at the base.
Windows throughout the house are six- over-six light, double-hung, sash type with a simple
molding and shutters. At some date after the original portion of the house was built, the
south elevation became the principal facade. A central hall joined a two room addition
which balances the original building in size.
The hall appears to have extended the depth of the south elevation chambers creating a
U-shaped plan with an open area between the rear two chambers. This was filled-in at a
later date. The rear doorway was moved to the end wall end the building, creating a back
hall (the present dining room). Within the last decade a brickfloored porch has been
added-to the north elevation. This veranda extends the width of the structure. The south
doorway, now the principal entrance, is covered by a tetrastyle portico with four, fine
fluted Doric columns with capitals and no bases. The entablature on this portico is the
same as that on the west portico. The south doorway, which is unusually wide, has
threelight side windows and a ten-light transom which extends over the double doors and
sidelights. The doors are double, French-type. The present doors, which do not appear to
be original, have a paneled base and a large glazed panel above.
The doorway molding has very elaborate carving with jamb pilasters embellished with a
Greek Key motif at the top and bottom. A sun burst carving in the center of the head is
flanked by raised pyramidal panels and roundel carvings at the intersection of the jambs
and head. The southwest chamber also has finely carved wood work similar to the south
doorway. The house is covered with a low U-shaped hipped roof. The portico roofs are
hipped also. The back hall (present dining room) has a shedtype roof. The Manse, which is
in an excellent state of repair, probably has some of the finest Greek Revival woodwork,
particularly the south portico and doorway, to be found in the Jefferson area.
The Old Presbyterian Manse is considered to be the oldest home still intact in Jefferson,
Texas. It was built by General James Harrison Rogers, a prominent lawyer in the town.
Rogers made his law library available to East Texas lawyers and students who read law in
his office.
In 1903 the Rogers House was bought by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to be used as
the manse. The residence served in that capacity for a half- century. Now its owned,
furnished, and maintained by the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Clue. It is used as a museum and
the headquarters for the Annual Historical Pilgrimage. During the Pilgrimage the historic
homes of Jefferson are open to the public plus other festivities are staged. The Manse has
been awarded a plaque by the Department of Interior for having superior architectural
interest. In 1966 the Texas State Historical Survey Committee designated the Manse as a
historic landmark.
Preston Home
Address: 412 N. Soda
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Built mid-19th century by J. C. Preston, pioneer druggist. Home of Judge
Seborn Moseley and his descendants. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -1966.
S. D. Rainey Home
Address: Henderson and Vale
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Built 1880 by cotton factor S. D. Rainey. Style: midwestern rococo. Since
1886 a center of social life, as R. S. Terry Home. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -
1966.
Red River Warehouse
Address: Lake St. near Walnut
City: Jefferson County:
Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: 1852. Headquarters, New Orleans Shipping, 1860-1870, when Jefferson was 2nd
largest Texas port. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965.
Rogers Home
Address: Delta and Alley St.
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Built 1839. Oldest house in Jefferson.
Once home of Gen. J. H. Rogers, Civil War leader. Presbyterian manse since 1903. Recorded
Texas Historic Landmark - 1966.
Rogers Home
Address: 403 E. Walker
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Built in 1850s. Home of Capt. T. J. Rogers, founder and president, private
bank. Restored by Judge and Mrs. Joe McCasland. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966.
Old Rosebud Saloon
Address: Vale St. at Austin
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Marker Text: 1854. Rendezvous of judges, lawyers and men with notched guns. Partly burned
1902. Restored 1946. V 1965.
Rowell Family Home
Address: Dixon and Owens St.
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Early clapboard cottage with ornate trim. Once a tavern; since 1856 in Dr. R.
E. Rowell family; known as DeWare home. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966.
Rowell Home
Address: 307 N. Vale
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Built about 1862 by civic leader, Q. Bateman. Bought by A. H. Rowell 1884.
Still has gaslight fixtures, other relics. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966.
J. H. Rowell Home
Address: Walker and Alley
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Built about 1858. Since 1879, home of J. H. Rowell family. Rowell served
Jefferson several terms as mayor and alderman. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966.
Sagamore
Address: Dixon and Owens St.
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: 1852 frontier cottage. Henry Scott, one owner, was partner in first
commercial ice plant in Texas, 1868. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966.
Schluter Home
Address: Taylor at Line St.
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Colonial home built 1856 by F. A. Schluter, one of first 6 settlers in
Jefferson. Has spacious halls, wide galleries. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965.
Sedberry House
Address: 211 N. Market St.
Architect: Unknown Architectural
Style: GREEK REVIVAL
County: Marion City: Jefferson
Narrative: The Sedberry House is a one-story frame residence on a sloping lot with a full
raised brick basement at the front. The house has Victorian verticality, thin columns,
brackets, and a steep front gable, but still maintains a Greek Revival source and quality.
There is an attached flat-roofed porch with four slender columns with decided upwards
taper and the porch is supported by four piers with capitals. Beautiful cast iron stairs
curve out at the sides of the raised porch floor and a cast iron balustrade continues
across the front. There are brackets at the cornice. A small steep center front gable
rises above the porch. The main entrance is at the center of the raised porch and has a
double door, side lights and transom and wide architrave.
The main rectangle of the house is approximately 45 feet wide. There is a wing at the
rear. The exterior appears to be unaltered and is in very good condition.
The Sedberry House is a fine example of a "raised cottage" more characteristic
of Louisiana than of Texas. It attests to the days when Jefferson was a flourishing river
port. The building type appears also in South Carolina and in particular the 1829 Gorgas
Home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Sedberry House in Jefferson is a Victorian version of
this type with emphatically tapering columns, tall narrow windows, small scroll saw
brackets, and a steep front gable. The cast iron stairways and balustrade are notable and
of a Jefferson design.
Records do not indicate who built the Sedberry House. However, 1854 deed records from
Marion County list W.F. Smith as owner of a house and lots one, two and three on block
twenty-seven, Urquhart Addition. Smith owned the house until 1867 when he sold it to
Richard C. Boney (L. Bullard, letter, May 15, 1970).
Boney and the next owners, the McReynolds family, made extensive repairs. The McReynolds
also refurnished the home, but they were careful to leave the outside double wrought iron
stairway which maes this home so distinctive.
The Sedberry's bought the house in 1919, and one or another member of the family has owned
it ever since. Miss Ruth Sedberry is the present owner.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1966.
Singleton Family Home
Address: Soda and Orleans
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Built in 1860s. Its cruciform plan evolved in 17th century Virginia. Has been
in Singleton family since 1885. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966.
Singleton, Capt. William E.
House Address: 204 N. Soda St.
Architect: Unknown Architectural
Style: GREEK REVIVAL
County: Marion City: Jefferson
Narrative: The Captain W.E. Singleton House was built in 1870 and is a fine example of an
early Texas type of residence, the type that evolved from the frontier buildings with
central open dog-trot with one room on each side. The Singleton House is a two-story frame
structure with two large rooms on each floor and wide central halls. There is an attached
two story porch with the gable forming a pediment. All four rooms have fireplaces. There
is a one-story rear wing that appears to be part of the original structure, and an
unattractive later lean-to addition at the rear. The doors on both levels are paneled and
double with three light side lights and nine light transoms. The window are 6/6 double
sash type. There is a developed entablature at the roof line. The house is in excellent
condition and with the exception of the lean-to appears to be unaltered.
One of the more outstanding nineteenth-century homes in Jefferson, Texas was the residence
of William E. Singleton. The builder of the house is unknown. However, the structure had
been completed by the time the Singleton family acquired the property, in 1885. Perhaps
Buckner Abernathy, a previous owner, built the home. Although the only example of this
type of residence in Jefferson, the Singleton House is a fine example of a standard design
used in Texas in the nineteenth century the two-story symmetrical frame residence with an
attached double porch with pediment and generous Greek Revival doors opening onto it at
each level.
William E. Singleton came to Texas from Missouri in 1863. He was a member of the Missouri
State Militia in the Confedrate Army, and reached the rank of captain. After the war he
migrated to Marshall, Texas, and became a merchant. Singleton spent the greater part of
his life working with the law, however. He served, variously, as sheriff of Harrison
County, Deputy United States Marshall and District County Clerk of Jefferson, and United
States Commissioner.
The Singleton family continued to be prominent in Jefferson society long after the death
of William Singleton. William E. Singleton, Jr., for example, served as postmaster of
Jefferson and managed a lumber manufacturing company. He had an active part in developing
oil and gas leases in various counties in East Texas. He was particularly well known for
his work in helping to organize the Republican Party in Texas.
The Singleton family has owned the property at 204 North Soda Street since 1885. Today,
the house and land are the property of Mrs. J.B. Mosely, granddaughter of William E.
Singleton, Sr. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark 1966.
Sterne Fountain
Address: Market and Lafayette St.
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1982
Marker Text: Settling in Jefferson prior to the Civil War, Jacob and Ernestine Sterne
became prominent leaders of the community. Their early management of the post office here
and their involvement in civic and cultural activities reflected the dramatic influence
Jewish families had on the development of Jefferson. In 1913 the Sternes' children gave
this fountain to the city in honor of their parents. Designed for use by people and
animals, it was cast by the J. L.. Mott Foundry of New York. The work of Guiseppe Moretti,
it features a statue of Hebe, the Greek Goddess of Youth.
Taylor Cemetery
County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1998
Marker Location: 6.1 mi. NE of Jefferson on SH 49; 1.5 mi. E on Sand Country Road; 0.2 mi.
E on Trinity Road; 0.2 mi. E on Taylor Cemetery Road
Marker Text: Ward Taylor, Sr. (1791-1871, and Nancy (Mathews) Taylor (1796-1879) came to
Texas from Alabama in 1845. Several Taylor and Mathews relatives and children joined them
in Marion County in that year and the years following, building homes and helping to
settle the area. In May 1860, four-month-old Emmett, son of E. W. and S. E Taylor, was
buried on this site on land belonging to Marion DeKalb (M. D. K.) Taylor. Emmett's grave
remains the earliest marked burial in the cemetery, though family history indicates that
the graveyard was in use before the Civil War. According to legend, the family buried
several slaves outside the original fence to the north of the main cemetery. When M. D. K.
deeded the land to his father, Ward Taylor,Sr., in 1868, the family cemetery was mentioned
in the deed. Ward's wife Nancy inherited the property upon his death. She left the
property, according to Ward's instructions, to their son J. M. Taylor, who willed it to
his wife Amanda Maleson (Craven) Taylor. In 1961, a cemetery association was formed to
care for the graveyard. Association members identified sixteen of those who are believed
to have been buried in 32 unmarked graves. In 1998, there were 32 marked burials in Taylor
Cemetery. The graveyard continues to serve Taylor descendants and all others who wish to
be buried here. (1998).
T. J. Taylor, Jr. Home
Address: Broadway St. at Friou St.
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1964
Marker Text: On an original land grant of the Republic of Texas. Built about 1852 by Berry
Hodge, prominent surveyor, using slave labor. Among later owners was a civic leader who
published the "Jefferson Jimplecute." Restored in 1950 by the now deceased T. J.
Taylor,Jr., brother of U. S. First Lady, Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson. Recorded Texas Historic
Landmark - 1964.
W. S. Terry Home
Address: Walnut and Orleans
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Once the residence of B. J. Terry, Grand Master of Masonic Lodge of Texas.
Built before 1850. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966.
The Thurman Place
Address: 207 S. Alley
City: Jefferson County: Marion Year
Marker Erected: 1972
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: One of oldest homes in city. Begun about 1857 while site was owned by
"Major" P. M. Graham, land dealer, surveyor, and merchant, who was original
clerk of Cass County (then encompassing town of Jefferson), 1846; postmaster, 1849. The
place was bought 1859 by merchant Theo Nichols, who in 1882 gave it to his daughter, Mrs.
Samuel Thurman. The Thurmans had a deer park on west side of the block, lived here until
1906, and gave property its lasting name. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1972.
Site of Home of Captain George T. Todd
Address: Clarksville and Polk
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Marker Text: (1839-1913) Born in Virginia. Came to Texas 1843. During Civil War, served in
famous Hood's Texas Brigade. At Chickamauga, took command after Gen. Hood was shot. In
1864-1865, fought west of the Mississippi with Lane's Partisan Rangers. After war, was in
the Texas Legislature and on University of Texas Board of Regents. As district attorney,
prosecuted Cincinnati jewelry salesman Abe Rothchild for the 1877 roadside murder of
"Diamond Bessie" Moore. Covering 7 years, this famous trial put in conflict some
of the nation's best lawyers and set numerous legal precedents.
George T. Todd House
Address: 505 N. Polk St.
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1974
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Capt. George Todd (1839-1913) was a Confederate veteran, ex-district
attorney, former state legislator, and senior member of East Texas Bar. He built this home
in 1893 for his family: wife Marion (Miller); sons Van Dyke, A. Miller, Charles C., and
William H.: and daughters Eva C., Mary V. (later Mrs. J. S. Lewis), and Lula D. (later
Mrs. L. E. Hough). Architecture is late Victorian featuring a corner tower with mansard
roof. Descendants still own and preserve the structure. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -
1974.
Todd-Terhune Residence
Address: 310 E. Jefferson
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1978
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: In 1856 or 1857 C. S. Sabine built this Greek revival house with its large
central hallway. In 1858 the residence was sold to District Judge William S. Todd
(1808-1864), who attended the Secession convention of 1861. The dwelling was occupied from
1869 to 1912 by the family of Dr. Archibald A. Terhune (1825-1891), popular local
physician. He added a small room on the east side of the house for his office. His wife
Mary Frances (Ware) (1831-1904) was a noted gardener. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -
1978.
Torrans-Clopton-Spellings House
Address: 107 E. Clarksville
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1982
Marker Text: William P. Torrans (1818-1881) built this Greek revival structure on
Lafayette Street in the 1860s. It was purchased in 1877 by druggist E. W. Taylor (b.
1838), a former mayor of Jefferson, and Anna Matilda Clopton (1838-1916), wife of Dr.
Albert G. Clopton (1838-1916), who had his office here. After 1882 the residence was moved
to this site by Soloman A. Spellings (1841-1903), a Confederate veteran who operated a
livery business on Polk and Henderson streets. Additions were made in 1932 and 1947 during
the ownership of grocer Hosea D. Watson (1879-1957).
Trammel's Trace
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1984
Marker Location: east side of Business US 59, 1 mi. south of Jefferson
Marker Text: Traces began as foot paths used by the Indians to mark their trails through
wilderness areas. They later were used by surveyors in mapping early land grants. In 1824
Nicholas Trammel (1780-1852), a government scout, began opening up the trace that now
bears his name. Trammel's Trace was, for many years, an important route of immigration
into Texas. Approximately 180 miles long, it began at Fulton, Arkansas, and continued to
Nacogdoches, Texas. Trammel's Trace entered Marion County on its northern boundary and
left the county about 3.5 miles south of Jefferson.
A. M. Urquhart House
Address: 1105 S. Line St.
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1985
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: This early twentieth-century cottage was built for Angus Mezappa and Mary
Jane (Wood) Urquhart. A native of Marion County, A. M. Urquhart (1875-1909) was the
grandson of Allen Urquhart, one of the founders of Jefferson. This family residence,
originally located at Broadway and Owen streets, exhibits Eastlake styling. Outstanding
features include the wraparound porch with its balustrade and spindle frieze, and the
jig-cut bargeboards. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1985.
John M. Vines
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Marker Location: Oakwood Cemetery, Central St.
Marker Text: (1844-1914) Born in Alabama. Joined W. P. Lane Rangers, C. S. A., 1861; was
discharged 1865, rank of farrier. Served as sheriff-tax collector for Marion County,
1874-1876. In April, 1877, sent as agent of the state of Texas to bring Abe Rothschild
back to Jefferson from Ohio to stand trial for the murder of "Diamond" Bessie
Moore (one of the sensational murder trials of the 19th century.) Construction
superintendent for Jefferson Federal Courthouse, 1888.
R. B. Walker House
Address: 524 N. Polk
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1990
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: Jefferson merchant and former mayor, Robert Bruce Walker (1854-1930) had this
home built for his family in 1910. An active civic leader, Walker later served as
president of the Commercial National Bank. The classical revival style house features
colossal order Doric columns interwoven with a wraparound porch; front entry with
sidelights and transom; and brick chimneys with elaborate corbelled caps. It remained in
the Walker family until 1972. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1990.
Richard Waterhouse
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1963
Marker Location: Oakwood Cemetery, Magnolia and Moss Rose
Marker Text: (Star and Wreath) (January 12, 1833 - March 20, 1876) Native of Tennessee,
participant in United States war with Mexico, Texas businessman, colonel of the 19th Texas
Confederate Infantry, commended for gallantry at Milliken's Bend during Vicksburg
Campaign, fought at Mansfield and Pleasant Hill during Red River Campaign,
brigadier-general in Confederate army.
Perry Woods Home
Address: 507 Walker
City: Jefferson County: Marion
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Text: French town house of 19th century Jefferson-New Orleans trade era. Original
plan is intact. Now Perry Woods home. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965.
Woods, Perry M., House
Address: 502 Walker St.
County: Marion City: Jefferson
Narrative: A very fine small frame residence with a central hall and four rooms. The
structure is rectangular in plan; however, the roof is framed as though the residence
consisted of a central block with two end pavilions. The gabled ends of the pavilions have
a steep pitch, festooned bargeboards, and a rounder window with an elaborate decorative
molding. Hearsay evidence indicated that the house once had cast-iron grille cork on the
peaks of the roof and possibly on the entrance portico.
The main entrance has a pair of very finely carved Second Empire doors, a transom over the
doors and sidelights that extend to the height of the doors and the transom. The windows
throughout the structure are tall and narrow, extending from floor to ceiling, and contain
four-over-four lights. A flat roofed portico the width of the central block covers the
entrance the portico is supported by two pairs of square wooden columns n bases. With the
exception of the removed grille work and chimneys the appearance of the residence ifs
unaltered.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Perry M. Woods House in Jefferson, Texas, is particularly outstanding ;for its fine
detailing. The date of the house is not known. Original owners of the property, however,
were the Alleys, who owned about half the land in Jefferson. The Alleys deeded the
property to their daughter, Victoria, who married M. L. Crawford, a District Judge,
prominent lawyer, and veteran of the Civil War.
On December 30, 1870, the Crawfords sold the property to a Samson Eagon for $1,000. The
sum indicates that there was some kind of house on the lot, since lots did not sell for
any more than $200.00 when vacant. Eagon was a Jefferson doctor and probably made
additions to the house.
Eagon sold his property to W. R. Smith, June 6, 1874, and, the estate changed hands
numerous times until August 10, 1932, when Perry M. Woods bought it. The home has remained
in his possession.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965.
This information was extracted from the Texas Historical Commission web site.