Historical Marker

W. B. and Ella Munson Home

Historical marker location:
1127 W. Morton, Denison, Texas
( Northeast corner of the intersection of West Morton Street and North Perry Avenue)
Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

William Benjamin Munson (1846-1930) was born in Fulton County, Illinois. He was the first graduate of Kentucky’s Agricultural and Mechanical College (later, University of Kentucky) in 1869. He had moved to Texas by 1871, settling in Sherman and studying law. Munson later partnered with R.S. Stevens, general manager of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad (M-K-T, or Katy), to buy land that would become the new railroad town of Denison. Munson had varied business interests in timber, real estate, banking and ranching. He served as president of the First National Bank of Denison. He organized Denison Power and Light Co. As well as a coal company and rail lines later bought by the Katy. Also an active civic leader, he donated more than 200 acres of land and money for park improvements to the growing city of Denison.

Munson married Mary Ella Newton (1852-1951) in 1876. The couple lived first in Sherman, then in Denison, and had six children. In 1910, they retained St. Louis architect Otto David Schmidt, whom Munson had known for his work with various railroads including the Katy, to design a new home for the family on Morton Street. Schmidt designed a two-story brick and stone neoclassical home. Its design featured a curved portico supported by ionic columns, a Ludowici clay tile roof and a graceful porte-cochere on the east side. Construction began in 1912 by Michael Thorn; landscaping was done by lambert’s. The home features four bedrooms, a fully built-out attic and partial basement, and a detached carriage house later converted to a garage. Ownership of the home transferred to ben and Mary Ella’s daughter, Eloise, and after a few years outside the family in the 1970s, stewardship returned to the Munson family.

RECORDED TEXAS HISTORIC LANDMARK – 2013

MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

houses residential buildings women
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
Grayson County, Texas has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area that is now Grayson County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Tonkawa, and Shawnee. However, European settlers began arriving in the area in the early 1800s, leading to conflicts and the eventual displacement of the Native American populations.

The county itself was established in 1846 and named after Peter Wagener Grayson, a lawyer who served in the Texas legislature. Grayson County quickly grew as settlers moved into the region, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching. The county's economy flourished with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, which facilitated transportation of goods and boosted trade in the area.

During the Civil War, Grayson County largely supported the Confederacy, and many residents volunteered to serve in the Southern army. After the war, the county faced challenges as it struggled to rebuild and recover from the economic and social impacts of the conflict. However, the discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought a new wave of prosperity to Grayson County. Oil fields were developed, attracting workers and boosting the local economy.

Today, Grayson County continues to thrive as a vibrant and growing community. It is home to several cities, including Sherman, the county seat, and Denison. The county is known for its natural beauty, including Lake Texoma, which is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. Grayson County also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites, museums, and festivals that celebrate its unique history and traditions.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Grayson County, Texas.

  • 1836 - The Republic of Texas is established, including the area now known as Grayson County.
  • 1846 - Grayson County is officially organized and named after Peter W. Grayson, a hero of the Texas Revolution.
  • 1850 - The first courthouse is built in Sherman, becoming the county seat.
  • 1871 - The arrival of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad sparks growth in the county.
  • 1872 - Sherman is incorporated as a city.
  • 1896 - The Red River Bridge, connecting Grayson County to the Oklahoma Territory, is completed.
  • 1900 - The population of Grayson County reaches over 40,000 residents.
  • 1930s - Grayson County is affected by the Great Depression, but starts recovering through federal programs.
  • 1960s - Lake Texoma is created by the Army Corps of Engineers, providing recreational opportunities.
  • 1990s - Grayson County experiences rapid growth due to its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
  • 2006 - The Grayson County Courthouse, built in 1910, undergoes major renovations.