Jefferson in Marion County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Ruth Lester Memorial House

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 20, 2023

1. Ruth Lester Memorial House Marker

Inscription. Built about 1860 by Robert W. Nesmith, a contractor of stage lines. After several changes in ownership, house was purchased 1869 for Sisters of Charity and used as their convent, hospital and school (called St. Mary's). In 1875, property was bought by Sinai Hebrew Congregation of Jefferson. An auditorium was added, and served as the local synagogue until about 1900. Owned and restored by the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club.

Entered in the National Register of Historic Places 1971

Erected 1971 by State Historical Survey Committee.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Women. In addition, it is included in the Synagogues series list.

Location. 32° 45.437′ N, 94° 20.856′ W. Marker is in Jefferson, Texas, in Marion County. It is on West Henderson Street near North Market Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jefferson TX 75657, 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.

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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: 1854 "Plantation" House (within shouting distance of this marker); William Clark Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); S. D. Rainey Home (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Brooks House (about 400 feet away); The Beard House (about 400 feet away); First Texas Artificial Gas Plant (about 400 feet away); Jefferson Public Library (about 400 feet away); Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jefferson.

Regarding Ruth Lester Memorial House. The Ruth Lester Memorial House is next door to the Jefferson Playhouse. Unfortunately the Ruth Lester Memorial House does not currently appear in the Texas Historical Commission's Texas Historic Sites Atlas or it may appear under a different

Ruth Lester Memorial House and Marker to the right of the Jefferson Playhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 20, 2023

2. Ruth Lester Memorial House and Marker to the right of the Jefferson Playhouse

name not known at this time.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 457 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 21, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.