The Breeden House
Cuero, DeWitt County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This structure was begun in 1883 as a one-story dwelling for Walter Kibbe Breeden (1858-1931) and his wife Margaret (Pleasants) (1863-1936). In 1889 Breeden and his brother Charles founded Breeden brothers, well-known mercantile company and cotton factors. In 1907 a second floor was added to this residence. Breeden's only son Paul Hamilton (1886-1967), who was born in this house, was a partner in his father's business, as well as a banker and civic leader. He married Henrietta Bess Philpott (1889-1976). Their family became the third generation to occupy the home.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Begun in 1883 as a modest one-story dwelling for Walter Kibbe Breeden and his wife Margaret, this Cuero home grew with the family's fortunes. In 1889 Walter and his brother Charles founded Breeden Brothers, a well-known mercantile firm and cotton factorage, and a second story was added in 1907. Their son Paul, born in the house, carried on as a partner, banker, and civic leader, making the family the home's third generation.
Why it matters
The house charts the rise of a merchant family in the cotton economy of South Texas, where general stores and cotton factors were the engines of small-town commerce.
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Related people
- · Walter Kibbe Breeden
- · Margaret Pleasants Breeden
- · Charles Breeden
- · Paul Hamilton Breeden
Themes & tags
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