Galbraith House

Duane's take

The way the marker tells it, here's the story of the Galbraith House, and it's one worth slowing down for. Marshall A. Galbraith was born in 1829, and he made his way to Texas from Kentucky in 1847.

Now, a man who travels that far that early has a certain kind of intention about him. He settled right here, in Fannin County, and he put down roots the way a man does when he's decided this is the ground he intends to keep. When 1862 came around, Galbraith joined the Confederate Army, serving in Colonel Alexander's regiment, the 34th Texas Cavalry.

He rode off to war, and then, as the story goes, he came back. And what does a man do when he comes back? He builds.

Around 1870, Marshall Galbraith built himself a Greek revival house. Now Greek revival in Fannin County, that's a man making a statement. Clean lines, a sense of proportion, a little dignity planted right in the middle of Texas soil.

The years moved through that house the way years do. Alterations here, additions there. The house changed some, as houses will.

But here's the thing the marker is careful to tell you: it still retains its late nineteenth century character. The bones held. Marshall Galbraith lived until 1918.

And the house he built around 1870 is still occupied today, by his descendants. Same family. Same ground he settled back in 1847.

Some roots, once planted, just refuse to be pulled up.

What the marker says

Marshall A. Galbraith (1829-1918) came to Texas from Kentucky in 1847 and settled here. He joined Confederate Army, 1862, serving in Col. Alexander's regiment, 34th Texas Cavalry. A prominent farmer and businessman, Galbraith built this Greek revival house about 1870. Although several alterations and additions have occurred over the years, the house still retains its late 19th century character. House is still occupied by Galbraith descendants. RTHL - 1973