John Henry Saunders Homestead
Wimberley, Hays County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Born in Virginia, John Henry Saunders (1850-1919) served in the Confederate Cavalry and came to Texas in 1870, via Tennessee and Indian Territory. He was the first teacher at Purgatory Springs (later called Hugo) where he married Calladonia Modeline Williamson (1855-1930) in 1872. He built a store west of this house, and served twice as Wimberley postmaster between 1890 and 1907; as county commissioner; and as the first county school superintendent from 1907 to 1916. the Saunders lived in this c. 1870 house from 1888 to 1907, then moved to San Marcos. The house exhibits c. 1930 alterations. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Virginia-born John Henry Saunders served in the Confederate cavalry before making his way to the Texas Hill Country in 1870 by way of Tennessee and Indian Territory. At Purgatory Springs he became the community's first schoolteacher and married Calladonia Williamson, then built a store and served the growing Wimberley area as postmaster, county commissioner, and its first county school superintendent. The family lived in this modest c. 1870 house from 1888 to 1907 before moving on to San Marcos.
Why it matters
Saunders represents the Confederate veterans who rebuilt their lives on the postwar Texas frontier, laying the civic and educational foundations of the communities they settled.
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Related people
- · John Henry Saunders
- · Calladonia Modeline Williamson
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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