Marshall in Harrison County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Todd-McKay-Wheat House
In 1856, Mary Britt bought the property and married Judge William S. Todd, later a signer of the 1861 ordinance of secession. Although it is possible a structure was on the site when she purchased it, the increase in value at the time the Todds sold the property in 1858 points to construction of a house here during their ownership.
North Carolina native Gilchrist McKay, also a signer of the secession ordinance, purchased the property from the Todds after he moved to Marshall to establish a law practice. During his service in the Confederate army, he was captured at Arkansas Post, imprisoned at Camp Chase (Ohio) and killed in the 1864 Battle of Mansfield. The house was sold in 1869 as part of his estate.
After a series of subsequent owners, Naomi and William Wheat purchased the home. It was most likely during their ownership (1880-1888) that the two-story, full-length front porch with turned wood posts and jig-sawn brackets was added, in keeping with the Victorian tastes of the time.
In 1909, Oscar Brown purchased the house and added a one-story section to the southeast corner. An engineer for the Texas and Pacific Railroad, Brown and his family resided here until 1926 and then leased the house until selling it in 1970.
Erected 2001 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12802.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.
Location. 32° 32.848′ N, 94° 22.33′ W. Marker is in Marshall, Texas, in Harrison County. Marker is at the intersection of West Burleson Street and North Grove Street, on the left when traveling west on West Burleson Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 506 W Burleson Street, Marshall TX 75670, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wigfall House (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Temple Moses Montefiore (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Baptist Church (about 700 feet away); Girlhood Home of Southern Beauty Lucy Holcombe Pickens (about 700 feet away); The Belle Fry Gaines House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Trinity Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fry-Barry House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Marshall Masonic Female Institute (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshall.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 43 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 15, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.