D. A. Parker House
Novice, Coleman County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A native of Ohio, David Absalom Parker (b. 1849) came to Coleman County in 1876 with his wife, Nannie Rachel (Atkinson). Soon after, they constructed this two-story stone residence. Parker became a prominent area cattleman and helped establish the town of Novice when rail lines were built to the area in 1910. The owner of a general store and cotton gin, he was instrumental in the formation of school, church, and post office. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1983
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
David Absalom Parker, an Ohio native born in 1849, came to Coleman County in 1876 with his wife Nannie and soon built this two-story stone home. He rose to prominence as a cattleman and, when rail lines reached the area in 1910, helped found the town of Novice. Owner of a general store and cotton gin, he was central to organizing its school, church, and post office.
Why it matters
Parker's house embodies the settler-entrepreneur who turned open range into a functioning town once the railroad made West Texas farming and commerce viable.
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Related people
- Β· David Absalom Parker
- Β· Nannie Rachel Parker
Themes & tags
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