Draughn-Moore House

The house was built in 1883-84 by J. H. Draughn (also spelled Draughon and Draughan), one of the city's earliest settlers and an early businessman. Born in 1843 in Waverly, Tennessee, Draughn went into the general mercantile business in that state. In the 1870's be began moving west. He worked for awhile in Arkansas and when the city of Texarkana was founded in 1873 he came to work with a lumber firm, Buchanan and Company. When the firm dis-solved in 1875, Draughn began an independent dry goods and lumber business. Having established himself in the community, Draughn served as one of the first mayors for a brief period from April to July, 1876. In addition, he was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Texarkana and served as President for 10 years. Draughn built the raised two-story house at 420 Pine Street in 1883-84. Within a few years Draughn sold out his dry goods and lumber business interests in Texas and moved to Sulpher Station, where he bought an interest in a lumber business and became the company's president. Draughn sold the house to W. L. and Dora Whitaker, who owned the house from 1887 to 1894. The house has been in the Moore family since June of 1894 when lots 10, 11, and 12 of block 4, Texarkana, Texas, were deeded to Katie F. Moore (wife of Henry Moore, Sr.) by W.L. and Dora Whitaker. Henry Moore, Sr. was an attorney and had been county clerk for Lafayette County, Arkansas, before moving to Texarkana, Texas. When their house in Arkansas burned, Moore and his family moved across the state line to the large two-story brick home. Moore served as an attorney for the Louisiana and Arkansas Railroad until his death in 1922. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Moore, Jr. were married in 1920 and bdgan living in the house at that time along with Moore's parents. Henry Moore, Jr. became a prominent local attorney and civic leader. He attended the University of Virginia and studied law at Columbia. Upon returning to Texarkana, he entered into law practice with his father for the Louisiana and Arkansas Railroad. After Henry, Sr.'s death in 1922 and Mrs. Moore, Sr.'s death in 1935, the house was turned over tb the children of the Moore's. Henry, Jr., bought out the others' interest in 1935 and lived there with his wife and children until his death in 1942. His civic accomplishments include president of the Red River levee district, a member on the Board of Directors of the Texarkana National Bank and President of a local hard-ware store. Moore was also a large landowner and farmer in southwest Arkansas. Mrs. Henry Moore, Jr. survives her husband is presently living in the house. She has planned to leave the house to the Texarkana Historical Society and Museum. Set apart from the surrounding commercial area is the raised two-story Draughn-Moore House situated on a wooded quarter block and enclosed by a brick wall. This section of town was once a prominent residential district in the 19th century, but this Italianate house now stands as the lone survivor of 19th century residential architecture near downtown Texarkana. The innovative plan of an octagonal rotunda with three surrounding octagonals and a rectangular wing represents one of the most unique Victorian designs in Texas and is one of the few remaining residences in Texas utilizing the octagonal mode. Unfortunately, no information exists identifying the original architect. Currently, there are no known prototypes of this design in the state.