Gladewater in Gregg County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Foshee Family Homestead

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019

1. Foshee Family Homestead Marker

Inscription.
Built 1890 on site purchased 1884 by William Emmett and Mary R. Foshee. He was a native of Alabama and she was a member of the pioneer Shepperd family of Upshur County. Eight children were born to this couple.

Lumber for house was sawed at famous mill of John O'Byrne. Unusual and unique chimney was built of hand-hewn rock which came from banks of stream running through west edge of property. (Family enterprise, Ironrock Oil Company, was named for this special type rock.) Original hallway led from front porch through house to water well, which served family needs.

In early 1930's one of first oil wells in the famous East Texas field was brought in here. Ironrock Oil Company is still operating.

For many years, William Emmett Foshee served as postmaster. He was also a lumber teaming contractor, farmer and justice of the peace. His wife, Mary, was mother and homemaker to six surviving children. These pioneer parents left rich heritage to succeeding generations who still contribute traditional service to their community.

Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 9958.)

Topics. This

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historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 32° 32.315′ N, 94° 56.482′ W. Marker is in Gladewater, Texas, in Gregg County. It is on North Main Street (U.S. 271) north of Allison Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 409 North Main Street, Gladewater TX 75647, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gladewater Lodge No. 852, A.F. & A.M. (approx. 0.2 miles away); First United Methodist Church of Gladewater (approx. ¼ mile away); James Clifton Hawkins (approx. 0.3

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019

2. Foshee Family Homestead Marker

miles away); John Ben Shepperd (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Franchised Motor Bus Line in Texas (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Notorious Bonnie & Clyde (approx. 0.3 miles away); Development of Gladewater (approx. 0.3 miles away); Camp's Ferry (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gladewater.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 932 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.