Home of James Edward Wheat

Wheat's best-known work outlasted his house. In 1953 the Legislature created the Texas State Historical Survey Committee, and Wheat became its first head; the Handbook of Texas calls him first president, the marker says chairman. The committee could set uniform standards for markers and check their wording, began the marker program in 1962, and in 1973 became the Texas Historical Commission, which still runs it. Wheat also proposed a spring dogwood festival at a 1938 meeting on U.S. 190, and Woodville held the first in 1940.

What the plaque says

Home of James Edward Wheat Located on a 2,952.2-acre tract of Republic of Texas land awarded in 1838 to Dr. Josiah Wheat, an early settler of Tyler County, and donor in 1847 of 200 acres for county seat, soon named Woodville. Site for this residence was acquired by William G. McDaniel, who built earliest part of house (two rooms downstairs and two upstairs) in 1848. Most memorable feature was gallery over the front porch. On this gallery jurors used to sleep when housing was scarce during sessions of the county court. The several owners after 1881 included T. C. Mann, father of 20th century U. S. Diplomat Thomas Mann. In 1918 the house was purchased by James Edward Wheat (Jan. 6, 1887 - Oct. 10, 1968), son of Light Nowlin and Martha Bryant Wheat, and great-grandson of Dr. Josiah Wheat. James Edward Wheat, an attorney, was president of the Woodville School Board (1920-49), first mayor of the city after its incorporation in 1929, and member of Texas Centennial Commission, 1936. He served on Texas State Prison Board, 1942-48; was secretary (1950) and chairman (1951-52) of the Executive Committee, State Democratic Party; also first chairman of Texas State Historical Survey Committee (1953-59). He enlarged and improved this house on his ancestral land. (1970)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Martin Dies, Jr. State Park — 13 mi
  A 705-acre state park on Steinhagen Reservoir at the meeting of the Neches and Angelina rivers, with about 14 miles of paddling trails through sloughs and more than 200 campsites.
• Big Thicket National Preserve — 22 mi
  Start at the Kountze visitor center, where rangers sort the preserve's scattered units for you, and learn why Congress made this 1974 string of pearls the country's first national preserve.

More markers nearby

• Original Site of Bethel Baptist Church — steps away
• Lt. Col. Philip A. Work — steps away
• Tyler County — steps away
• Texas Statesman Allan Shivers — 0.2 mi