King-Lorenz House
Stockdale, Wilson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This home was constructed in 1898 for Robert and Rachel Emma (King) Smith. Rachel was the daughter of John R. King, an early Texas military and political leader. His descendants have owned the home since its construction, except for the years 1911-14. Wade Lorenz (1896-1930), a former Texas Ranger who later lived here, was a Stockdale businessman and rancher. The home is a variation of the I-house plan and features decorative woodwork on the porches. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1984 Incise on base: Dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Bernice King Lorenz Bird
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This home was built in 1898 for Robert and Rachel Emma Smith, Rachel being the daughter of John R. King, an early Texas military and political leader whose descendants have held the house almost continuously since. Among later residents was Wade Lorenz, a former Texas Ranger turned Stockdale businessman and rancher. A variation on the traditional I-house plan, it is dressed with decorative woodwork on its porches.
Why it matters
The house links a founding Texas family to the Ranger tradition and the settled ranching economy of Wilson County, tracing several generations of one community's leadership under a single roof.
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Related people
- · John R. King
- · Wade Lorenz
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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