Autrey-Williams House
Newton, Newton County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The home of several leading Newton County businessmen, this house was constructed in 1912 by turpentine producer L. M. Autrey. In 1918 he sold it to N. A. Dawson, a road contractor. From 1923 to 1979 it was the home of lumberman and civic leader Thomas Williams and his family. Built of long-leaf pine lumber, it was modeled after the Malbis Plantation near Mobile, Alabama, and features characteristics of the classical and Victorian styles. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1980
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1912 by turpentine producer L. M. Autrey, this Newton County house passed through a succession of the area's leading businessmen — road contractor N. A. Dawson, then for more than half a century the family of lumberman and civic leader Thomas Williams. Framed in long-leaf pine and modeled on the Malbis Plantation near Mobile, Alabama, it blends classical and Victorian styling. Its owners trace the industries — turpentine, roads, and timber — that built the East Texas piney woods economy.
Why it matters
The house's turpentine and lumber owners embody the naval-stores and timber boom that drove the economy of the Southern longleaf pine belt in the early 20th century.
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Related people
- · L. M. Autrey
- · Thomas Williams
Themes & tags
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