Beginning with what is known as the Presbyterian Manse, and was, in the
early days, known as the Gen. Rogers home we have what is conceded to be
the oldest home in Jefferson, though along with this may be mentioned
the following:
The stately mansion of the late W. P. Schluter stands out as a monument
to the city. The home has remained in the Schluter family since it was
built many, many years ago and is located on Line Street.
The S. W. Moseley home was built by Mr. J. C. Preston, later known as
the Norward home. It is said to have been built without nails in the
building, only wooden pegs being used and all of the large windows were
made by hand.
Another of the old homes is that of Dr. A. A. Terhune; just west of this
is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Brennon Whelan, which was built in the early
’50’s by W. K. Mayberry, brother of Mrs. T. J. Rogers. Just north is
another of the early homes, the McKay home. While it was not built by
the McKays, they have owned, and it has been occupied by some member of
the McKay family for years back. Today it is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Arch
McKay. Mrs. DeGraffeuried, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Norsworth, who spent
her childhood in Jefferson came to the old home and asked permission to
go all over the place—“peep into the closets” and even to climb the back
fence—all of which was gladly permitted by Mrs. McKay. And so happy
memories linger in the old home for those who have long since moved to
other cities and states. They love to come “home” and all true
Jeffersonians are always glad to welcome them.
On Broadway stands a spacious home, that numbers among the oldest and
was built by Mr. Alley, father of Mr. Tuck Alley. It is claimed to be
about 85 years old. It is built upon a high terrace and to the younger
generation has been known as the W. B. Ward, the Sol Spellings, and now
the Brewer home. It is a most comfortable colonial home and has just
recently been repaired by Miss Florence Weil niece of Mr. Brewer, and
the present owner. Miss Weil makes her home in Riverside, California.
The home of Miss Willie Rowell is considered among the early homes of
Jefferson and was owned and occupied by Mr. Quincy Bateman and family
during the thriving days of Jefferson. The antique furniture in the
Rowell home today brings many expressions of appreciation for things so
beautiful, and it is considered a privilege to enjoy the treat of being
permitted to “take a peep”.
The present home of Judge T. D. Rowell was formerly the home of P. G.
Graham. After Mr. Graham’s death his widow was married to Mr. Overall,
who was a printer and had his office and press in the home. The original
Graham home was purchased by Judge Rowell and remodeled, being today, a
handsome, modern, two story building on Walnut and Henderson Streets.
The J. M. Urquhart home, two miles west of Jefferson, is possibly one of
the oldest homes in the immediate territory and has been in the Urquhart
family since the early days of Jefferson. It is now the property and
home of Mrs. Dessie Urquhart Moseley, granddaughter of Allen Urquhart,
who helped in the founding of Jefferson.
Across the highway from this we find another ante-bellum country home,
said to have been built by Mr. Ligon, it later became known as the J. C.
Preston home and today it is owned by Roy Spellings, where he maintains
a dairy. On the place is a scuppernong arbor which produces delicious
grapes. The arbor is 60 by 85 feet and one vine measures 16 inches in
circumference. The arbor is said to be eighty years old.
The Openheim home, owned and occupied by a member of the family for more
than 85 years is among the homes of the early days of Jefferson.
The W. E. Singleton home is one of Jefferson’s oldest, and was
originally known as the McFarland home. It is now owned and occupied by
Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Moseley. Mrs. Moseley is a granddaughter of the late
W. E. Singleton Sr.
What is now known as the Jefferson College was originally the B. H.
Epperson home and was built in the early ’70’s. An interesting feature
of this building is the stair way and the cupola on the third floor with
its specially treated colored glass windows by which water for bathing
was heated by the rays of the sun.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Washington, D. C.
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
THE HISTORIC BUILDING
Known as
William M. Freeman House
IN THE COUNTY OF
Marion
AND THE STATE OF
Texas
HAS BEEN SELECTED BY THE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE
HISTORIC AMERICAN
BUILDING SURVEY
As Possessing Exceptional Historic or Architectural Interest and as
Being Worthy Of Most Careful Preservation For the Benefit of Future
Generations and That to This End a Record of its Present Appearance and
Condition Has Been Made and Deposited For Permanent Reference in The
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Attest:
Marvin Eickeuroht
District Officer
Harold L. Ickes
Secretary of the Interior
The above is a type likeness of a plaque received by Jesse DeWare of
Jefferson, used here with his permission. A story of old Jefferson is
incomplete without mention of the old Freeman home. This page is
explanatory except that it does not have the official seal of the
Department of Interior which is on the plaque.