Dr. L. E. Griffith Homeplace

Built between 1853 and 1873 before the town's incorporation and unchanged since its construction, this plantation-style raised cottage is typical of early Texas architecture, with unusual features including two front doors and exterior access from most rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, a basement dining room with an interior well, Greek Revival woodwork, gas lights, and the first interior bathroom with running water in Kaufman County. Its numerous outbuildings included a detached kitchen, wash room, smoke house, servants quarters, carriage house privy, barn, and stables. Several families lived here, including the Jas. Browns and C.M. Johnsons, before the Dr. L.E. Griffith family purchased it in 1882. Dr. L.E. Griffith, born in 1813 and died in 1897, arrived in Texas on Apr. 30, 1836, nine days after the Battle of San Jacinto; his first patient there was Sam Houston, whose leg he is credited with saving after a severe wound received in that battle. In 1836 the government ordered him to render medical aid to the citizens of San Antonio in the aftermath of the Alamo, and 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. A physician and warm personal friend of Sam Houston, he was intimately associated with Rusk, Henderson, Blunt Ogeltree, 3 Legged Willie, and other prominent early citizens of Texas; he was also 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. The home has remained in the same family for 6 generations, is reputedly the oldest home in continued use as a residence within the county, and Griffith Ave., named in honor of the family, adjoined this original tract.

Terrell, Texas · United States