Historical Marker

McKinney-Aday Farm House

Historical marker location:
130 Cunningham Meadows Road, Waxahachie, Texas
( Approximately 5 feet north of the brick walkway leading to the house, centered on the mid-point of the length of the walkway)
Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

Henry McKinney (1863-1936) was born in Kemp, Kaufman County and, at the age of 20, enlisted in Company C of the Frontier Battalion of the Texas Rangers. After one year, McKinney was discharged and returned to Kemp. He married Viola Dorsey (1866-1910) and then moved to Ellis County, near Waxahachie. Henry and Viola purchased a 71.5 acre tract of farm land two miles west of Waxahachie in 1903. In 1913, Henry hired Waxahachie builder Jack Harris to construct a 2,000 square-foot Prairie-Style home on his property. According to a board found on the roof of the house, construction was completed on August 31, 1913. The Prairie-Style exterior boasted a varied hop roof with cedar shake shingles, two dormer windows and a wrap-around front porch with wooden pillars. The floor plan included a parlor and master bedroom with coal-burning fire places, second bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, butler's pantry and screened and four-season porches at the rear of the house. Original outbuildings including a barn, corrals and a chicken house remain on the property. The basic design of the house mirrors other Prairie-Style homes in the area. The McKinney family owned the homestead until 1944. Marvin W. and Mattie F. Aday purchased this property in 1963. This historic ome is one of the few remaining examples in rural Ellis County of an early 20th century Prairie Style farm house. The McKinney-Aday homestead represents an intact living history for future generations to gain understanding of life on a small family farm in the fertile Blackland Prairie of Texas. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2013

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
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Ellis County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county was established on December 20, 1849, and was named after Richard Ellis, president of the convention that declared Texas' independence from Mexico.

The area that is now Ellis County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche. However, in the mid-1830s, European settlers began to arrive and establish homesteads in the region. These settlers were drawn to the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching.

During the Civil War, Ellis County was deeply divided, with residents supporting both the Union and the Confederacy. The county was the site of several skirmishes and raids, and endured a significant amount of destruction as a result. After the war, Ellis County began to rebuild and experienced a period of growth and development.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ellis County saw the rise of industries such as cotton farming, cattle ranching, and oil production. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further fueled the county's economic growth. Today, Ellis County remains an agricultural powerhouse, with a strong presence in the cotton and cattle industries, and is also home to a diverse range of businesses and thriving communities.

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

  • 1849 - Ellis County is established from Navarro County.
  • 1850 - Waxahachie is selected as the county seat.
  • 1853 - The county courthouse is built.
  • 1881 - The Texas Central Railroad reaches Waxahachie, boosting the local economy.
  • 1883 - Southwestern Asylum for the Insane (now known as Terrell State Hospital) opens in Terrell, impacting the county's development.
  • 1889 - A fire destroys the Ellis County courthouse.
  • 1895 - A new courthouse is completed, designed by architect J. Riely Gordon.
  • 1921 - An oil boom begins in Ellis County, leading to increased prosperity.
  • 1934 - The Federal Correctional Institution is established in Seagoville.
  • 1942 - The Naval Air Station is established in Waxahachie during World War II.
  • 1969 - Navarro College opens a campus in Waxahachie.
  • 1987 - Bluebonnet Festival debuts in Ennis, becoming an annual celebration.
  • 2007 - Baylor Scott & White Medical Center opens in Waxahachie, providing advanced healthcare services to the county.