Yoakum in DeWitt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Dempsey Benton Cain House
Photographed by Dave W, January 17, 2026
1. Dempsey Benton Cain House Marker
Mississippi-born Dempsey Benton Cain (1869-1967) came to Texas circa 1880 and arrived in Yoakum in 1894. He married Emily "Emma" Bostick (1875-1918) of Yoakum, and they had five sons. After Emma's death, D.B. married Yoakum school teacher Watsie Lea Nowlin (1888-1972). In 1913, D.B. Cain's $8,000 residence on Grand Avenue, likely designed by local architect J. Henry Yentzen, was completed within walking distance of his downtown store. D.B. Cain & Co. was one of the city's largest mercantile businesses. The Classical Revival house features a hipped roof with dormers, a two-story porch supported by square columns, and Craftsman-influenced green slag glass windows. The Cain family lived in this house until 1976. A devout Baptist, D.B. Cain was named Texas Baptist Father of the Year in 1963 at the age of 94.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2019
Erected 2019 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 22649.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.
Location. 29° 17.435′ N, 97° 9.321′ W. Marker is in
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country. 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, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Yoakum National Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away); Afghanistan War Fallen (approx. 0.3 miles away); Viet Nam Fallen (approx. 0.3 miles away); Korea Fallen (approx. 0.3 miles away); World War I Fallen (approx. 0.3 miles away); World War II Fallen (approx. 0.3 miles away); Municipal Power Plant (approx. 0.4 miles away); Holy Cross Lutheran Church (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yoakum.
Photographed by Dave W, January 17, 2026
2. Dempsey Benton Cain House Marker
Seen from across the street with marker visible next to door on right.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 53 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 18, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
