Columbus in Colorado County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Joseph Jefferson Mansfield
(Feb. 1861 - July 12, 1947)
Photographed By James Hulse, June 27, 2021
1. Joseph Jefferson Mansfield Marker
Born in Wayne County, West Virginia, as Beauregard Mansfield. His name was changed to Joseph Jefferson Mansfield for his father, a Confederate Colonel who was killed soon after Mansfield's birth. Mansfield came to Texas in 1881, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1886, and opened a law office in Eagle Lake (11 Miles SE). While in Eagle Lake, he served as mayor, city attorney, and newspaper editor, and in 1888, married Annie Scott Bruce. The couple had 3 children. In 1892, Mansfield was elected county attorney and moved to Columbus, where in 1896, he was elected county judge. During his tenure as judge, in 1912-13, Mansfield served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas Masons. In 1916, he was elected to the United States Congress.
As a congressman, Mansfield served as the Chairman of the House Rivers and Harbors Committee, which was responsible for Federal funding of flood control on the Colorado River. Mansfield Dam (95 Miles NW), constructed in 1934, was named in his honor. Early in 1947, Mansfield donated this property to Columbus for construction of a public library. He died in Washington, D.C., and many dignitaries,
this page online
Erected 1974 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3199.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Law Enforcement • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.
Location. 29° 42.488′ N, 96° 32.351′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Texas, in Colorado County. Marker is on Travis Street, 0.1 miles south of Preston Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located on the front of the building near the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 927 Travis Street, Columbus TX 78934, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Saint John's Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The Columbus Tap Railway (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hahn House (about 400 feet away); Robert Henry Harrison, M.D. (about 400 feet away); Harrison-Hastedt House (about 500 feet away); Hancock-Heller Home (about 500 feet away); Old General Store (about 500 feet away); Rosenfield Building (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Also see . . . Mansfield, Joseph Jefferson (18611947)
Photographed By James Hulse, June 27, 2021
2. The view of the Joseph Jefferson Mansfield Marker from the street
Joseph Jefferson Mansfield, lawyer, county official, and congressman, was born in what is now West Virginia on February 9, 1861. In 1881 he moved to Alleyton, Texas. After working on a farm, in a nursery, and on the railroad, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1886. Source: The Handbook of Texas(Submitted on July 6, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Public domain, circa 1910
3. Congressman Joseph Jefferson Mansfield
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 110 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 6, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
