HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Lyon House

Sherman, Grayson County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Built before 1897, this Victorian house was designed by German-born John Tollouch and occupied by hardware merchant George E. Hardwicke (1855-1923) until 1899. The property was purchased in 1902 by Dupont Lyon (1876-1946), then an officer in the U. S. Army. He became a dairy farmer and lumberman after settling here, and served as mayor of Sherman (1913-15). Lyon joined the army again in World War I and attained the rank of Major before retiring in 1932. In the 1930s, Lyon made minor repairs and additions to the house. It was purchased and restored in 1974 by Robert J. Tate.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Built before 1897 and designed by German-born John Tollouch, this Victorian home in Sherman first belonged to hardware merchant George E. Hardwicke. In 1902 it was bought by Dupont Lyon, then a U.S. Army officer who settled into life as a dairy farmer, lumberman, and mayor of Sherman before rejoining the army in World War I and retiring a major. The house was restored in 1974 by a later owner.

Why it matters

The home's owners trace the civic and military threads of small-city American life, from Main Street commerce to the citizen-soldiers who served in the world wars.

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Related people

  • · Dupont Lyon
  • · George E. Hardwicke
  • · John Tollouch

Related events

  • · World War I

Themes & tags

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