William H. Humphries Home
Edgewood, Van Zandt County, Texas
Marker Inscription
William Henry (1862-1917) and Molly (1867-1945) Humphries joined a large migration of Mississippi families to Edgewood in the early 1890s. Humphries opened a general store, acquired many acres of farmland, and became a business leader in the growing community. He built this frame Victorian residence in 1893-1894. Here Molly was often hostess to civic and church groups. The home was also occupied by the Humphries' two sons, James Eldridge and Shelton Cullen. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1976
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
William Henry and Molly Humphries were part of a large migration of Mississippi families to Edgewood in the early 1890s, drawn to a growing East Texas town. William opened a general store and bought up farmland to become a local business leader, and in 1893–94 he built this frame Victorian home where Molly hosted civic and church gatherings. The house sheltered the couple and their two sons and survives as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
Why it matters
It preserves the ambitions of the merchant class that knit together post-Reconstruction Southern towns, when a general store and a fine new house signaled a community on the rise.
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Related people
- · William Henry Humphries
- · Molly Humphries
Themes & tags
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