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NATHANEAL W.
FAISON HOUSE
In 1961, the Garden Club bought
the Faison House along with the entire furnishings. Although
the house had fallen into a state of disrepair, the members
recognized the potential of the house as an historical site
worthy of restoration and preservation for the community and
to serve as a museum reflecting the time period of the Texas
Republic and early statehood. The house is featured in Drury
B. Alexander's work on Texas domestic architecture, Texas
Homes of the 19th Century. In addition, its significance
received recognition at an early date when it was designated a
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical
Commission in 1962. The house is significant for its ability
to demonstrate the transformation of early vernacular Texas
architecture as the requirements of its owners changed.
The original wings of the house
on the site were built in the 1840's and connected to the
three front rooms which were built in 1855 by Sylvester S.
Munger. Nathaneal Faison purchased the house in 1866 and lived
there until his death in 1870. Faison's heirs and their
descendants continuously occupied the home until 1960. Faison
had come to La Grange in the late 1830's and was a surveyor by
trade. He served as Fayette County clerk from 1846 until 1854.
Nathaneal Faison was a member
of the Dawson Company who met the Mexican Army at Salado Creek
below San Antonio on September 18, 1842. Thirty-six were slain
and Faison was captured and held prisoner in the Castle Perote
Prison in Mexico for two years. After he was pardoned by Santa
Anna in 1844, Faison returned to La Grange. As county clerk,
his efforts along with those of other likeminded citizens of
La Grange resulted in the return of the remains of their
fallen comrades from Salado and on September 18, 1848 both the
Dawson and Mier heroes were interred in a common tomb at
Monument Hill State Park. Faison died in 1870 and is buried in
the old cemetery in La Grange.
The Faison House is a focal point in the La
Grange destination and is on display for everyone to
appreciate and enjoy. |
