Jefferson in Marion County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Sterne Fountain

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2014

1. Sterne Fountain Marker

Inscription. Settling in Jefferson prior to the Civil War, Jacob and Ernestine Sterne became prominent leaders of the community. Their early management of the post office here and their involvement in civic and cultural activities reflected the dramatic influence Jewish families had on the development of Jefferson. In 1913 the Sternes’ children gave this fountain to the city in honor of their parents. Designed for use by people and animals, it was cast by the J.L. Mott Foundry of New York. The work of Guiseppe Moretti, it features a statue of Hebe, the Greek Goddess of Youth.

Erected 1982 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8090.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Man-Made Features • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 32° 45.366′ N, 94° 20.814′ W. Marker is in Jefferson, Texas, in Marion County. Marker is at the intersection of West Lafayette Street and North Market Street, on the right when traveling east on West Lafayette Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 West Lafayette Street, Jefferson TX 75657, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Stuart Hamblen (a few steps from this marker); First Texas Artificial Gas Plant (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson Public Library (within shouting distance of this marker); Mergenthaler Linotype Typesetting Machine (within shouting distance of this marker); Brown-Bender House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Federal Court and Post Office Building (about 300 feet away); Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (about 400 feet away); Captain William Perry (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jefferson.

Also see . . . Stories of the Jewish Community in Jefferson.
Previously a merchant in McKinney, German-born Jacob Sterne settled in Jefferson with his wife Ernestine in 1855. He opened his own store, Gentleman’s Furnishing Goods, in both Jefferson and the nearby town of Marshall. In addition, Sterne worked in the county clerk’s office and was appointed Postmaster, a prestigious position at the time. When he died in 1872, his wife took over his position as Postmistress of Jefferson. As the Civil War divided the country, Jefferson contributed to the 105 Jewish Texans who fought on behalf of the Confederacy. Jacob Sterne, who acquired a substitute service release, served as

Sterne Fountain Marker (<i>wide view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2014

2. Sterne Fountain Marker (wide view)

a quartermaster instead. He worked for the Confederate Clothing Depot, traveling to destinations east of the Mississippi River to purchase supplies for the armies. (Submitted on December 3, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Sterne Fountain (<i>wide view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2014

3. Sterne Fountain (wide view)

Sterne Fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2014

4. Sterne Fountain

As is typical of such fountains from this era, water is provided for people (top level), horses (middle level), and other animals, (e.g., dogs), (bottom level)

Sterne Fountain Dedication image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2014

5. Sterne Fountain Dedication

Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 355 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 3, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.