Now that most of the boxes are packed, I thought you’d enjoy learning about the dear home we’ve been occupying for 12 years.
Built in 1868
The 3200-square-foot home was built by Col. Peter Ragsdale, a veteran of the war for Texas Independence. He received his honorable discharge from Gen. Sam Houston after the surrender of Santa Ana. Later, he raised his children in our home, which stands in the San Marcos historical district.
29 Acres
The original home, built by Ragsdale and his wife, Elmira, was on 29 acres that he bought for $2,000. It was primarily a tobacco farm and was his home until his death in 1882. After that, his wife ran a school for girls in the home and later a hospital for Coronel Academy students..
Jackman Years
In 1890, she sold the home to William Turner (Uncle Billy) Jackman, who from 1870 to 1892 was a trail driver of Texas cattle going to northern markets. Jackman was elected sheriff in 1892 and served for 20 years. He was a well-known and respected peace officer throughout the Southwest.
Prisoners Kept Overnight
It is said he often kept prisoners overnight beneath a trap door in his office. That door is now covered over with a newer oak floor. We’ve never found any signs under the house, which is really a crawl space, though there is a water spigot there.
Then Postmaster
“Uncle Billy” was always a staunch Democrat, and after the election off Woodrow Wilson in 1912, he became San Marcos postmaster, a post he held for Wilson’s two terms in office.
Mecca for Trail Riders and Friends
The Jackman home was a mecca for old trail drivers and “Uncle Billy’s” many friends. If the walls could talk, they would reveal many stories relating to Texas history. They would also detail Jackman’s adventures on his 11 trips driving cattle up the Chisolm Trail in the 1870s and 1880s. Jackman served as president of the Trail Drivers Association from 1931 tg 1937.
The Haunted House
After his death in 1939, the house sat vacant and became known as the “haunted” house. Various heirs held claim to the property.
Yarbrough Purchase
In 1947, Mr. and Mrs. Yancy Yarbrough, local educators, purchased the house and modernized it, adding a new kitchen, three bathrooms and closets. They retained the home’s classic features including its cypress siding, double front doors with etched glass and wide pine-planked floors.
.6 Acre
While the original 29 acres are gone, the house still sits on a deep .6 acre lot. A canopy of pecan trees provides shade. We’ve added a large deck. A children’s playhouse in the back yard is home now to our three hens.
Will Miss This
I’ll miss this gracious home filled with history. Here is a virtual tour, if you’re interested: https://depictitstudio.com/slide-shows/eureka-springs/217-cr3027/