Homesite of Barry Benefield
Jefferson, Marion County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(May 12, 1877 - Sept. 22, 1971) Born while Jefferson was a dominant East Texas city, Barry Benefield learned well the character and lore of this region while working at his father's wagon yard, located beside this 1860s house the family had purchased in 1897. Upon his graduation from the University of Texas, Benefield became a journalist and later a novelist. Two of his works, "Chicken Wagon Family" (1925) and "Valiant Is the Word for Carrie" (1935), were made into movies and gave international fame to Jefferson. In retirement, Benefield again lived in this house until his death at the age of 94.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Barry Benefield was born in 1877 when Jefferson was among East Texas's dominant river-port cities, and he absorbed its character while working at his father's wagon yard beside this 1860s family home. After the University of Texas he became a journalist and then a novelist, and two of his books—"Chicken Wagon Family" and "Valiant Is the Word for Carrie"—reached the movie screen and carried Jefferson's name worldwide. He returned to this house in retirement, living here until his death at 94.
Why it matters
Benefield shows how a small, fading river town could shape a national literary voice, turning regional lore into stories that reached an international audience.
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Related people
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Themes & tags
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