Gainesville, Cooke County
William O. Davis (d. 1941), a veteran of the Civil War, came to Texas in 1870. Self-educated, he became a prominent local attorney and from 1876 to 1882 represented the area in the Texas Senate. An active civic leader, he later served as Gainesville's first Mayor. In 1891 he built this Queen Anne style residence. Its ornate gingerbread trim and decorative brickwork reflected Sen. Davis' status as a prominent early leader of the community. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1982. Incise in base: Marker placed by Lt. Col. and Mrs. R. D. Buttolph, owners since 1974.