Luling in Caldwell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Francis - Ainsworth House

Photographed by James Hulse, September 5, 2022

1. Francis - Ainsworth House Marker

Inscription. Doctor Sidney Joseph Francis (1867-1935) settled in Luling in 1889 after earning a medical degree from Tulane University. He purchased this site which included four town lots in October 1895. One month later he married Annie Davis Gregg, granddaughter of Bishop Alexander Gregg, the first Episcopal Bishop in Texas. A modest frame house was constructed for Dr. and Mrs. Francis on this corner by 1896; it was enlarged in 1916 by contractor J.W. Bishop into a two story dwelling. The home features a full-length two-story porch, a porte cochere, and a central projecting bay with an offset entry. The vernacular house was typical of those in railroad towns.

Dr. Francis was a World War I veteran, a prominent local businessman and a banker. Prior to Francis death in 1935, his youngest daughter and her husband, H. Miller Ainsworth, moved into the house. Ainsworth served in World Wars I and II, and rose to the rank of general in the National Guard. He was active in the oil, gas and banking industries in Luling. After his death in 1969, his widow and son lived in the house until her death in 1986. The house remained in the Ainsworth family until 1989 when it was deeded to the City of Luling. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1996 Incise
Given by Cornelius Smith Chapter. Drt. Custodian since 1993.

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Erected 1996 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9772.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1895.

Location. 29° 40.747′ N, 97° 39.039′ W. Marker is in Luling, Texas, in Caldwell County. It is at the intersection of South Pecan Street and East Bowie Street, on the right when traveling south on South Pecan Street. The marker is located at the front of house by the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 214 South Pecan Street, Luling TX 78648, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Hill Country

and in the Austin Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

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: First Presbyterian Church of Luling (within shouting distance of this marker); Episcopal Church of the Annunciation (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Wright Building (about 600 feet away); Welcome to Rafael Rios Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); City of Luling (approx. 0.2 miles away); James Raleigh Mackey (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sgt. James M. Logan (approx. 0.2 miles away); Robert "Skip" Rutherford (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Luling.

The view of the Francis - Ainsworth House and Marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 5, 2022

2. The view of the Francis - Ainsworth House and Marker from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 269 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.