Kallus House
La Grange, Fayette County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built in 1885-86, the house became the residence of the Kallus family in 1916. Moravian native Frank J. Kallus (1872-1951) came to Texas in 1890 and later taught school in nearby Ellinger. He married Elizabeth Weisner, and the couple had four children. Two years after her death in 1902, he moved his family to La Grange, where he was a county official and lawyer. The home transferred to daughter Anna Kallus (d. 1995) upon his death. It reflects Gothic Revival styling in projecting bays and ornate details. Features include a corner entry and a separate cellar house. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2004
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This Gothic Revival house, built in 1885-86 with projecting bays, a corner entry, and ornate detailing, became home to the Kallus family in 1916. Frank J. Kallus, a Moravian immigrant who came to Texas in 1890, taught school in nearby Ellinger before moving to La Grange, where he served as a county official and lawyer. The home passed to his daughter Anna and stands as a record of Fayette County's Central European heritage.
Why it matters
The house reflects the Czech and Moravian immigrant communities that gave Central Texas its distinctive character.
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Related people
- · Frank J. Kallus
- · Anna Kallus
Themes & tags
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