Mathews-Powell House
Miller St., Queen City, TXThe Mathews-Powell House, an excellent example of the symmetrical Victorian architecture has maintained its graceful gingerbread and ornate detailing with exterior structural changes only in the form of rear additions. Built in 1878 as one of the first houses in the newly settled Queen City, the house not only reflects the founding of the new town, but also the contributions of two of Queen City's prominent businessmen, William Franklin Mathews and Ross Albert Powell.
William F. Mathews, born in 1840 moved from Georgia with his parents to Marion County near Jefferson at the age of 10. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, he joined the Confederate forces, enlisting in a mounted company of volunteers. On April 17, 1867, he married to Harriet India Sharp and operated a plantation in Marion County for 10 years.
With the establishment of Queen City in 1877, Mathews moved with his family to the new town and attended the first auction of town lots. The Mathews family bought property on Miller Street and lived in temporary quarters at the rear of the lot until 1878 when the home was finished.
In partnership with his younger brother, Joseph P. Mathews, Jr., William established a grocery in the new town. After two years, Joseph sold his interest in the business to attend medical school, and his share was bought by William's brother-in-law, S. J. Hood. The business expanded to a general mercantile store and operated until 1895 under the firm name, Matthews and Hood. After two tragic fires that destroyed Mathews' first commercial buildings a permanent building of brick was erected in 1884 that currently stands one block from the Mathews-Powell House in the Queen City business district. Due to poor health, William Mathews sold the home and business in 1895 and moved his family to Texarkana to join his son.
Local significance of the building:
William F. Mathews, born in 1840 moved from Georgia with his parents to Marion County near Jefferson at the age of 10. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, he joined the Confederate forces, enlisting in a mounted company of volunteers. On April 17, 1867, he married to Harriet India Sharp and operated a plantation in Marion County for 10 years.
With the establishment of Queen City in 1877, Mathews moved with his family to the new town and attended the first auction of town lots. The Mathews family bought property on Miller Street and lived in temporary quarters at the rear of the lot until 1878 when the home was finished.
In partnership with his younger brother, Joseph P. Mathews, Jr., William established a grocery in the new town. After two years, Joseph sold his interest in the business to attend medical school, and his share was bought by William's brother-in-law, S. J. Hood. The business expanded to a general mercantile store and operated until 1895 under the firm name, Matthews and Hood. After two tragic fires that destroyed Mathews' first commercial buildings a permanent building of brick was erected in 1884 that currently stands one block from the Mathews-Powell House in the Queen City business district. Due to poor health, William Mathews sold the home and business in 1895 and moved his family to Texarkana to join his son.
Commerce; Exploration/settlement; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
About Cass County
Cass County Timeline
Cass County, Texas, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. Throughout its early history, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee tribes. European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, with the establishment of a trading post and the establishment of the county in 1846.
The county was named after Lewis Cass, a statesman and politician from Michigan who served as Secretary of State under President James Buchanan. In its early years, Cass County saw rapid growth, fueled by the discovery of rich mineral deposits, including lead, zinc, and coal. The county became an important center for the mining industry and attracted numerous settlers and investors seeking economic opportunities.
Cass County played an important role during the Civil War, as it was strategically located between the Confederate and Union forces. The county experienced both Union and Confederate occupation during the war, and many of its residents enlisted in both armies. The war left a lasting impact on the county, with many buildings and properties destroyed or damaged.
After the Civil War, Cass County experienced a period of slow recovery, but it gradually rebounded with the development of agriculture, particularly cotton and timber industries. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought another wave of growth and prosperity to the county. Today, Cass County continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong agricultural base and a rich historical heritage.
The county was named after Lewis Cass, a statesman and politician from Michigan who served as Secretary of State under President James Buchanan. In its early years, Cass County saw rapid growth, fueled by the discovery of rich mineral deposits, including lead, zinc, and coal. The county became an important center for the mining industry and attracted numerous settlers and investors seeking economic opportunities.
Cass County played an important role during the Civil War, as it was strategically located between the Confederate and Union forces. The county experienced both Union and Confederate occupation during the war, and many of its residents enlisted in both armies. The war left a lasting impact on the county, with many buildings and properties destroyed or damaged.
After the Civil War, Cass County experienced a period of slow recovery, but it gradually rebounded with the development of agriculture, particularly cotton and timber industries. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought another wave of growth and prosperity to the county. Today, Cass County continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong agricultural base and a rich historical heritage.
Cass County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cass County, Texas.
- 1848 - Cass County is established as a county in Texas.
- 1850s - The population of Cass County booms with the discovery of oil in the area.
- 1861-1865 - Cass County sends many soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
- 1880s - The railroad arrives in Cass County, further boosting its economy and population.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Cass County, leading to economic struggles for the community.
- 1950s - The construction of Lake O' the Pines brings recreational opportunities to Cass County.
- 1970s - Cass County experiences a decline in population due to the decline of the oil industry.
- 2000s - Cass County focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism.