Terrell in Kaufman County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Dr. L. E. Griffith Homeplace
Photographed by Rheba Bybee, September 18, 2016
1. Dr. L. E. Griffith Homeplace
Inscription.
Dr. L. E. Griffith Homeplace Built between 1853 and 1873 (prior to the town's incorporation) and unchanged since its construction, this plantation style raised cottage is typical of early Texas architecture. Unusual features include two front doors and exterior access from most rooms, floor-ceiling windows, basement dining room with interior well, Greek Revival woodwork, gas lights and the first interior bathroom with running water in Kaufman Co. Numerous outbuildings included, detached kitchen, wash room, smoke house, servants quarters, carriage house privy, barn and stables. This home was lived in by several families including the Jas. Browns and C.M. Johnsons before being purchased by the Dr. L.E. Griffith family in 1882., Dr. L.E. Griffith (1813-1897) arrived in Texas Apr. 30, 1836 nine days after the Battle of San Jacinto. His first patient upon arrival was Sam Houston, whose leg he is credited with saving after a severe wound received in that battle. Ordered by the government in 1836 to render medical aid to the citizens of San Antonio in the aftermath of the Alamo, he later returned in 1846 as U.S. Surgeon in charge of a field hospital there, where he took an active role in the war. Physician and warm personal friend of Sam Houston, intimately associated with Rusk, Henderson, Blunt Ogeltree, 3 Legged Willie and other prominent early citizens of Texas, he was a friend and classmate of David S. Kaufman and met Daniel Webster and Lafayette in his youth. His wife, Sarah Jane Clark, was the daughter of Wm. Clark, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence of Texas. This home has remained in the same family for 6 generations and is reputedly the oldest home in continued use as a residence within the county. Griffith Ave., named in honor of this family, adjoined this original tract.
Dr. L. E. Griffith Homeplace
Built between 1853 & 1873 (prior to the town's incorporation) and unchanged since its construction, this plantation style raised cottage is typical of early Texas architecture. Unusual features include two front doors & exterior access from most rooms, floor-ceiling windows, basement dining room with interior well, Greek Revival woodwork, gas lights & the first interior bathroom with running water in Kaufman Co. Numerous outbuildings included, detached kitchen, wash room, smoke house, servants quarters, carriage house privy, barn & stables. This home was lived in by several families including the Jas. Browns and C.M. Johnsons before being purchased by the Dr. L.E. Griffith family in 1882.
Dr. L.E. Griffith (1813-1897) arrived in Texas Apr. 30, 1836 nine days after the Battle of San Jacinto. His first patient upon arrival was Sam Houston, whose leg he is credited with saving after a severe wound received in that battle. Ordered by the government in 1836 to render medical aid to the citizens of San Antonio in the aftermath of the Alamo, he later returned in 1846 as U.S. Surgeon in charge of a field hospital there, where he took an active role in the war. Physician and warm personal friend of Sam Houston, intimately associated with Rusk, Henderson, Blunt Ogeltree, 3 Legged Willie and other prominent
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early citizens of Texas, he was a friend & classmate of David S. Kaufman & met Daniel Webster & Lafayette in his youth. His wife, Sarah Jane Clark, was the daughter of Wm. Clark, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence of Texas. This home has remained in the same family for 6 generations and is reputedly the oldest home in continued use as a residence within the county. Griffith Ave., named in honor of this family, adjoined this original tract.
Erected 1962 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 8524.)
Location. 32° 44.589′ N, 96° 16.957′ W. Marker is in Terrell, Texas, in Kaufman County. It is on First Street south of Griffith Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 805 First Street, Terrell TX 75160, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. 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.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2016, by Rheba Bybee of Seagoville, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,577 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on September 18, 2016, by Rheba Bybee of Seagoville, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
