William Clark Residence
Jefferson, Marion County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The original two rooms of this house, located in the back, are believed to have been built before 1852 by Jefferson's founder Allen Urquhart (1792-1866). Three rooms, constructed in the front, were joined to the earlier structure by William Clark (1848-1928), a local merchant who bought the house in 1885. A Presbyterian, Clark served as postmaster and county judge and in 1901 became the Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge in Texas. He lived here for 43 years. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1981
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The two back rooms of this house are thought to date before 1852, built by Allen Urquhart, the founder of the riverport town of Jefferson. In 1885 the merchant William Clark bought the place and added three front rooms, living here for forty-three years while serving as postmaster, county judge, and Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge of Texas.
Why it matters
The house traces the growth of Jefferson, once one of Texas's busiest inland ports, through the civic life of the townsmen who built and shaped it.
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Related people
- · William Clark
- · Allen Urquhart
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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