ISAAC GRAVES HOME AWARDED
HISTORICAL BUILDING MEDALLION
Examiner
March 27, 1975
The State of
Texas has awarded a Historical Building Medallion to the old Isaac F. Graves
home on Highway 24, west of McKinney. The house was selected by the committee as
a structure "of historical, architectural and cultural significance to the
area in which it exists.
In 1857, Isaac
Graves brought his family and slaves to Texas from Virginia, by way of Missouri.
The latter part of the trip was made in a carriage built for the Governor of
Missouri and purchased by Mr. Graves for $850. On arriving in Collin County, Mr.
Graves purchased 1000 acres of land at $12.50 an acre, paying for it in gold.
The house, which was begun immediately, was built of oak and hard pine hauled by
oxen from Jefferson in East Texas. The inside walls were of hog hair plaster,
most of which are still intact.
Isaac Graves
lived in the house until his death in 1886. In his will he land was divided
among his children and the house and surrounding acreage was given to his
youngest daughter, Mollie, who was married to F. B. Cameron. Mollie and F. B.
had six children: Mrs. Maggie Lott, F. G. Cameron and Sims Cameron, all three
deceased; Mrs. Henry Miller, Miss Ione Cameron and George Cameron. The house and
land, at present, is an estate owned by these six children or their heirs.
George, the youngest child and only living grandson of Isaac Graves, was born in
the house and still lives there, operating the estate.
Since 1857, the
house has been owned and occupied by members of the Isaac Graves family. The
house has been remodeled and additions made to it at various times, but the
original structure is still intact, including two 2-story chimneys and the old
well house.
The original
doors are still in use, complete with locks and oversize brass keys.
During the 105
years of its existence, the house has been a center of social activities. There
are many stories connected with the old house. One interesting story is that
Jesse James and members of the Quantrell band spent some time there.
Roy Hall,
representing the State Historical Survey Committee, presented the medallion to
George Cameron. It is 14 inches in diameter with a Swedish steel effect. There
is a raised map of Texas encircled by red, white and blue stars and the words
"State Historical Survey Committee."
George Cameron
farmed the land until his death in 1973, thus making it 116 years that he owned
and farmed and lived in the house.
Surname Index
Recommended Citation:
"Isaac Graves Home,
EARLY SETTLERS OF COLLIN COUNTY." Collin County, Texas History
and Genealogy Webpage by Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries, Inc., <http://www.geocities/genfriendsghl>
[Accessed Fri February 13, 2004 ].
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