Dad and I were headed to Port Mansfield to do some work on the house there and to take a break from the city for a few days. A few hours into the trip, we agreed to spend a few extra and visit Warrenton, a small town in Fayette County, where our family first settled in Texas. I had recently found a reference to a historic home built by a Wilhelm, or William Neese (pron. 'nay-see') in Warrenton, and further research indicated that he was indeed my great-great-great-grandfather.
Upon reaching Austin, we headed east...cheap, laminated map in hand. Towns I remember from reunions as a child were all around, familiar spots like Giddings, Burton, and Brenham. Finally we arrived in Warrenton, and right there on the main street, in what I guess is the middle of town, was the beautiful white two-story building and what is left of the brick hothouse in front.
The former residence in now privately owned by an architect who is restoring the structure and giving renewed life to a very special building. The work being done to restore the fascinating murals and intricate patterns on the painted ceilings was a great surprise. I intend to re-visit the house in a few months, and look forward to seeing the completed restoration.
Here are the results of my research so far:
There is obviously much, much more to the history of our family and this house. Hopefully I will one day have more to share. But this is a start. |
