San Benito in Cameron County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The A.C. Purvis House
Photographed by Dave W, March 13, 2026
1. The A.C. Purvis House Marker
San Benito was a "paper" town with no Anglo-American residents when Albanus Clemens Purvis (1850-1919) came here from Ohio to seek health. He became first Justice of the Peace, sold real estate, and farmed. His daughter Kate (later Mrs. J. Scott Brown) taught first school in 1907; daughter Emma (later Mrs. Asa Agar) was an early Postmaster, in 1911. A former mill owner and a skilled craftsman, Purvis in 1911 built this house for himself, his wife Margaret Ann (householder), and the two youngest of their nine children. The property still remains in the ownership of a descendant.
Erected 1974 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 50.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.
Location. 26° 8.031′ N, 97° 37.72′ W. Marker is in San Benito, Texas, in Cameron County. It is on North Reagan Street north of E Hicks Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 441 N Reagan St, San Benito TX 78586, United States
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Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. 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: All Saints' Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); First Methodist Church of San Benito (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); San Benito Post Office (about 400 feet away); Historic U.S. Post Office (about 400 feet away); Home of Col. Sam Robertson (about 500 feet away); First Presbyterian Church of San Benito (about 500 feet away); City of San Benito (approx. Ό mile away); The San Benito Bank and Trust Company (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Benito.
Photographed by Dave W, March 13, 2026
2. The A.C. Purvis House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 16, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
