Bradley House
Fairfield, Freestone County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built 1860 by W. L. Moody, noted county merchant, for his bride, Elizabeth Bradley; sold after he moved to Galveston to his father-in-law, F. M. Bradley, one of this county's most influential men. Price was $2,800 in gold. In Greek revival style, house has, preserved at rear, a well once used to cool milk and butter. Moody, a Civil War hero, became a civic and business leader in Galveston. Both families have given much to Freestone County. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Merchant W. L. Moody built this Greek Revival house in 1860 for his bride, Elizabeth Bradley, complete with a well at the rear once used to cool milk and butter. After Moody moved to Galveston—where he became a Civil War veteran and a leading businessman—he sold the home to his father-in-law, F. M. Bradley, for $2,800 in gold. The house passed between two of Freestone County's most influential families on the eve of the Civil War.
Why it matters
The Bradley House links a modest Freestone County town to the Moody name that would shape Galveston's commerce, capturing how antebellum merchant families rose to statewide prominence.
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Related people
- · W. L. Moody
- · Elizabeth Bradley
- · F. M. Bradley
Themes & tags
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