Near Mexia in Limestone County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Joseph W. Stubenrauch

Horticulturists-Educator-Farmer

— (February 7, 1852-September 21, 1938) —

Joseph W. Stubenrauch Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, January 19, 2026

1. Joseph W. Stubenrauch Marker

Inscription. Agricultural genius, born in Ruelzheim, Rhenish Bavaria, of a family of horticulturists. Educated in Germany. Migrated to New York in 1871 and to Texas 1876. In Limestone County (surrounding this marker site) lay 100 acres of open prairie land which he purchased.

He discovered that fruit varieties then being grown here were unsuited to the climate. By cross pollination, budding and grafting, he developed some 100 new varieties of peaches. More than 20 which were propagated for commercial purposes included "Anna", "Barbara", "Carman", "Frank", "Fredericka", "Katie", "Liberty", "Lizzie", "Miss Lola" and "Tena". In 1882, his younger brother Jacob also came and settled nearby. Both men were outstanding citizens.

Joseph W. Stubenrauch shared his findings through his writings for "Farm and Ranch", "Rural New Yorker" and "Holland's Magazine". He practiced and advocated terracing, crop rotation and diversification, soil testing, fertilization and irrigation.

Many of his ideas of conservation farming and agricultural education were incorporated into U.S. Government programs. He was nationally recognized for his contributions

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to American agriculture.

Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 2867.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 31° 42.339′ N, 96° 31.459′ W. Marker is near Mexia, Texas, in Limestone County. It is on State Highway 171 0.1 miles east of County Road 634, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mexia TX 76667, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: St. Paul Industrial College (approx. 2.2 miles away); One Half Mile North to the Site Once Occupied by Trinity University (approx.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, January 19, 2026

2. Joseph W. Stubenrauch Marker

2.6 miles away); St. John's A.M.E. Church (approx. 2.6 miles away); Site of Dunbar High School (approx. 2.7 miles away); Miss Rogers' Music Room (approx. 2.7 miles away); Albert R. Mace (approx. 2.8 miles away); The First Presbyterian Church (approx. 2.9 miles away); Origin of the Texas State Teachers Association (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mexia.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 60 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 21, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.