Germany House
Greenville, Hunt County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built in 1886 for Greenville merchant and civic leader Joseph P. Germany (1856-1932) and his new wife Polly (Tolbert) (1862-1889), this simplified second empire style house is distinguished by such hallmarks as its straight mansard roof and tower. Germany married Eloise Conger in 1893 following Polly's death. He helped establish Burleson College in 1895, served as city councilman and city treasurer and managed the city electric plant in 1900. In the early 1900s, ten members of Joseph and Eloise's family lived in the house at once. The Germany family occupied the house for more than 90 years. (1999) Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1999
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Merchant and civic leader Joseph P. Germany built this Second Empire home in 1886 for himself and his young wife Polly, its straight mansard roof and tower announcing his rising status in Greenville. Germany went on to help found Burleson College, serve as city councilman and treasurer, and manage the municipal electric plant. His family filled the house—at one point ten relatives lived here together—and occupied it for more than ninety years.
Why it matters
The Germany House shows how the fortunes of a single civic-minded family could be woven into the schools, government, and infrastructure of a growing Gilded Age town.
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Related people
- · Joseph P. Germany
- · Polly Tolbert Germany
- · Eloise Conger Germany
Themes & tags
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