Davis House
McKinney, Collin County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Davis House Built between 1897 and 1908 for the family of Judge Harvey Louis "H.L." (1861-1956) and Emma (Umphrees) Davis (d. 1949), this Transitional style residence features Prairie-style influences with a Sullivanesque frieze and Classical detailing with fluted Corinthian porch columns. With two Collin County judges, a district attorney, county commissioner, postmaster and schoolteacher, the Davis family served a cumulative total of 95 years of public service in Collin County. Family members lived here for three generations -- 91 years. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2002
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built between 1897 and 1908 for Judge Harvey Louis Davis and his wife Emma, this Transitional-style McKinney residence mixes Prairie-influenced and Classical detailing, from a Sullivanesque frieze to fluted Corinthian porch columns. The Davis family was steeped in public life, counting two county judges, a district attorney, a county commissioner, a postmaster, and a schoolteacher among its members. Across three generations who lived here for ninety-one years, the family gave Collin County a cumulative ninety-five years of public service.
Why it matters
The house embodies the tradition of the public-serving family in county-seat America, where a single household could shape local government across generations.
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Related people
- ยท Harvey Louis Davis
- ยท Emma Umphrees Davis
Themes & tags
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