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Yarborough Home

Chandler, Henderson County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Occupied since 1903 by Charles Richard and Nannie Jane Spear Yarborough and 3 generations of descendants. Birthplace in 1903 of United States Senator Ralph Webster Yarborough. In this house Charles R. Yarborough, as justice of the peace, performed many marriage ceremonies. In this house, he and Mrs. Yarborough on June 13, 1939, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Here on Jan. 1, 1959, he administered to his son the oath of office as senator of the United States. C. R. Yarborough died here Oct. 24, 1964, aged 100 years, 11 days.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

The Yarborough family made this Chandler house their home in 1903, the year Ralph Webster Yarborough was born here โ€” the future U.S. senator from Texas. His father, Charles R. Yarborough, served as justice of the peace and performed countless marriages under this roof, and it was here in 1959 that he administered the Senate oath of office to his son. The elder Yarborough died in the house in 1964 at the age of 100, after three generations of the family had lived within its walls.

Why it matters

As the birthplace of one of the 20th century's leading Southern progressive senators โ€” a figure known for backing civil rights and education legislation โ€” the home ties a Texas family's ordinary rhythms to the national political stage.

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Related people

  • ยท Ralph Webster Yarborough
  • ยท Charles R. Yarborough

Themes & tags

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