Brown-Bender House
Jefferson, Marion County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This ornate, two-story, stick Victorian residence was built in 1888 by lumberman George Washington Brown (1854-1932), who later became involved in the oil and gas business. In 1928 Harrison County farmer John Griffin Bender (1871-1938), later Jefferson's road commissioner, bought the house and renovated it. The home remained in the Bender family until 1972. It features the original hardware, stained glass windows, doors, and intricate gingerbread trim. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1983
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This ornate, two-story stick-style Victorian was built in 1888 by lumberman George Washington Brown, who later moved into the oil and gas business. In 1928 Harrison County farmer John Griffin Bender — later Jefferson's road commissioner — bought and renovated it, keeping it in his family until 1972, its original hardware, stained glass, and gingerbread trim intact.
Why it matters
The house embodies the timber-and-oil wealth that reshaped East Texas towns from the late nineteenth century onward.
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Related people
- · George Washington Brown
- · John Griffin Bender
Themes & tags
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