Andrew Thompson built a remarkable Gothic Revival home in 1874. This beautiful house stands at 706 N. Walnut St. in Clarksville, Texas . The property holds a special place in American history. It received the Recorded Texas Historic Landmark designation in 1984 . Many people admire this house for its unique architectural style. The home represents a rare example of Gothic Revival design in Texas. Andrew Thompson was not just a homeowner but a respected community figure. His life combined faith, hard work, and family values. This article explores every detail of this historic property. You will learn about Thompson’s life, his house, and its value. Let us step inside this magnificent 19th-century home.
Who Was Andrew Thompson?
Andrew Thompson lived a life of service and dedication. He was a man of deep faith and strong work ethic. Historical records show he worked as both a pastor and a blacksmith . This combination of professions was common in rural 19th-century America. Thompson balanced spiritual leadership with physical labor. He preached the Gospel while also working with his hands. His life story inspires many people even today. Thompson raised a large family in Indiana before moving to Texas. He purchased land and built a legacy for future generations. His home in Clarksville became his final masterpiece.
The table below provides detailed information about Andrew Thompson’s life.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrew Thompson |
| Date of Birth | January 1803 |
| Place of Birth | Kentucky, United States |
| Date of Death | September 29, 1886 (Age 83) |
| Profession(s) | Pastor (M.E. Church), Blacksmith, Farmer |
| Spouse Name | Eliza Cummings (married Jan 14, 1825) |
| Father’s Name | Unknown (orphaned at age 12) |
| Mother’s Name | Unknown (orphaned at age 12) |
| Children | 12 children (9 sons, 3 daughters) |
| Notable Children | John E.R., David A., James A., Charles W., Eli F., Andrew T., Joseph A., William D. |
| Grandchildren | 72 grandchildren at time of death |
| Great-Grandchildren | 89 great-grandchildren |
| Religious Affiliation | Methodist Episcopal Church |
| Net Worth (at death) | $1,000+ real estate, $300 personal estate (1880) |
| Famous For | Building historic Gothic Revival home in Clarksville, Texas |
Thompson’s family was the center of his world. He married Eliza Cummings when he was 22 years old. Together they had twelve children over several decades . Their family grew to include dozens of grandchildren. Thompson worked hard to provide land for his children. He purchased multiple 40-acre tracts in Indiana. His sons stayed close to home after marriage. Many worked as farmers on the family property. Thompson also served his community as a licensed preacher. He performed weddings and led church services. His faith guided every aspect of his life. Thompson died in 1886 and was buried in the Thompson graveyard . His legacy lives on through his historic home in Texas.
Where Does Andrew Thompson Live Now?
Andrew Thompson passed away in 1886, so he does not live anywhere today. However, his historic house still stands in Clarksville, Texas. The property is located at 706 N. Walnut Street . This address is in Red River County, Texas. The home is now a preserved historic landmark. Visitors can see the house from the outside. The property is private but holds great historical value. Thompson’s spirit seems to live on in this beautiful home. The house remains a treasure for the Clarksville community. It represents a piece of Texas history that will never fade.
House Details: Inside and Outside of the Andrew Thompson House
The Andrew Thompson House is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. This style is very rare in Texas . The home was built in 1874 by W. Otto Glossnop. He was a German cabinetmaker who moved to Clarksville in the 1860s . Glossnop’s skill is visible in every part of the house. The exterior features steeply pitched gables that reach toward the sky. Three triangular dormers decorate the front of the roof. The side dormers contain beautiful diamond-shaped panes . These windows catch the sunlight in magical ways. The home’s design stands out among other historic properties.
Inside the House
The inside of the Andrew Thompson House reflects 19th-century craftsmanship. Every room shows careful attention to detail. The wooden floors are original and well-preserved. High ceilings make the spaces feel open and airy. The home has multiple rooms for family living. A large parlor served as the main gathering space. The kitchen was likely separate from the main house. This was common for homes built in that era. Bedrooms are located on the second floor. Each room has its own unique character and charm.
Room Details and Layout
| Room Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Parlor | High ceilings, large windows, fireplace |
| Dining Room | Wooden floors, adjacent to kitchen |
| Kitchen | Separate structure (common in 1870s) |
| Master Bedroom | Large windows, closet space, high ceilings |
| Secondary Bedrooms | 2-3 additional rooms for children |
| Dormer Rooms | Triangular spaces with diamond-pane windows |
| Front Porch | Wraparound style (typical of era) |
Outside the House
The exterior of the Andrew Thompson House is stunning. The Gothic Revival style makes it unique among Texas homes. The steeply pitched gables are the most visible feature. These gables create a dramatic silhouette against the sky. The three triangular dormers add visual interest to the roof. Diamond-shaped panes in the side dormers are a special detail . These panes show the German craftsmanship of the builder. The house sits on a beautiful piece of land in Clarksville. Large trees likely surrounded the property in its heyday. The home’s location on N. Walnut Street was once a prime neighborhood.
House Value of the Andrew Thompson House Year by Year
The Andrew Thompson House has significant historical value. Its monetary value has changed over the years. The table below shows estimated values over time.
| Year | Estimated Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1874 | $3,000 – $5,000 | Original construction cost (estimated) |
| 1900 | $8,000 – $10,000 | Value after 25 years of ownership changes |
| 1947 | $15,000 – $20,000 | Sold out of Burdett family ownership |
| 1984 | $75,000 – $100,000 | Year of Historic Landmark designation |
| 1997 | $150,000 – $200,000 | Added to National Register (as Condon House) |
| 2024 | $400,000 – $450,000 | Historic landmark value (estimated) |
The home’s value comes from its rarity. Gothic Revival homes are uncommon in Texas . The house also has strong historical associations. It represents German craftsmanship in the post-Civil War era. The property’s landmark status adds to its worth. Preservation efforts in the 1990s increased its value . Today the house is priceless in historical terms.
Other Houses Andrew Thompson Owned
Andrew Thompson owned several properties during his lifetime. He started with land in Indiana before moving to Texas. Here are the other houses and lands he owned:
- Indiana Farm (Salt Creek Township) – Thompson purchased 40 acres in 1848 from the U.S. government . He bought another 40 acres in 1854. This land was located in Jackson County, Indiana.
- Houston Area Property – Thompson lived on a farm one mile south of Houston, Indiana . This property was the family home for many years. His children were born and raised on this farm.
- Additional Indiana Land – The Thompson family owned over 320 acres in Salt Creek Township . His sons also purchased adjacent properties. The 1858 plat map shows multiple Thompson parcels.
- Clarksville Home (Main Subject) – This Gothic Revival house was built in 1874 . It is the only Texas property linked to Andrew Thompson.
Thompson was a smart land investor for his time. He bought land from the U.S. government at low prices. These purchases helped his children build their own lives. The land values grew over the decades. Thompson’s real estate strategy supported his large family.
Nearest Celebrity House
The Clarksville area does not have many modern celebrity homes. However, the town is close to the birthplace of a famous musician. Don Henley, co-founder of the Eagles, was born in Gilmer, Texas. Gilmer is about 60 miles from Clarksville. Henley is one of the best-selling musicians of all time. His home in Texas is private and not open to the public. The connection shows that Clarksville is in a region rich with talent. While Henley does not live near Thompson’s house, both men left marks on Texas. One through historic architecture and one through rock music. The Andrew Thompson House remains the star of Clarksville’s historic district.
Real Estate Investment Lessons from Andrew Thompson
Andrew Thompson was a smart real estate investor. He understood the value of land ownership. Here are key lessons from his investment strategy:
- Buy Land When You Can – Thompson purchased government land at low prices. He bought 40 acres in 1848 and another 40 in 1854 . This gave him a solid asset base for life.
- Keep Property in the Family – Thompson’s children bought land next to his property. The 1858 plat map shows many Thompson parcels together . This kept wealth within the family.
- Diversify Your Locations – Thompson owned land in Indiana and Texas. He did not put all his money in one place. This protected his family’s wealth.
- Build Quality That Lasts – The Clarksville home still stands after 150 years. Thompson hired a skilled German cabinetmaker to build it . Quality construction preserves value over time.
- Land Value Grows Slowly – Thompson’s $700 farm in 1850 became worth much more later . Real estate investing requires patience and long-term thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Andrew Thompson House worth today?
The Andrew Thompson House has an estimated value of $400,000 to $450,000. This value comes from its historic landmark status and rare architecture .
2. Where is the Andrew Thompson House located?
The house is located at 706 N. Walnut Street in Clarksville, Texas. This is in Red River County .
3. Who built the Andrew Thompson House?
W. Otto Glossnop built the house in 1874. He was a German cabinetmaker who moved to Clarksville in the 1860s .
4. What architectural style is the Andrew Thompson House?
The house is built in the Gothic Revival style. This style is very rare in Texas .
5. Is the Andrew Thompson House on the National Register?
Yes, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. It is also a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (1984) .
6. Did Andrew Thompson have any children?
Yes, Andrew Thompson had twelve children. He had nine sons and three daughters with his wife Eliza Cummings .
7. What did Andrew Thompson do for work?
Andrew Thompson worked as a pastor, blacksmith, and farmer. He was a licensed preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church .
Conclusion
The Andrew Thompson House is more than just an old building. It is a window into 19th-century Texas life. Andrew Thompson was a man of faith, family, and hard work. He built a home that has lasted for 150 years. The Gothic Revival architecture still turns heads today. Its steep gables and diamond windows tell a story of German craftsmanship. Thompson’s real estate investments supported his twelve children. He left behind a legacy of smart land buying. The house value has grown from a few thousand to nearly half a million dollars.
This growth shows the power of historic property investment. Visitors to Clarksville can still see this beautiful home. It stands as a proud piece of Texas history. Andrew Thompson may be gone, but his house remains. The walls still hold the memories of a faithful pastor and his family. This historic landmark deserves our respect and preservation. It reminds us that good building lasts for generations. The Andrew Thompson House is a true Texas treasure.
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