The Inspired Intermedia digital book collection
Issue link: https://inspired.uberflip.com/i/957726
140 Grandeur of Gonzales T.H. SPOONER HOUSE 207 St. Francis Street Thomas Harrison Spooner became a law student in the office of (James F.) Miller and (W.B.) Sayers, local lawyers and bankers, was admitted to the bar in 1871, and had a private practice in Gonzales from 1874 to 1884. Thomas had the house built in 1875 as a wedding gift for his wife, Molly. The house was built of cypress and is still in remarkable condition even though it was not painted for over 50 years. An outside staircase was removed after antiques were stolen during the late-1980s. The structure is on a large lot that at one time covered half a block and was the center of the residential area of Gonzales. It was the first house in Gonzales to use natural gas. The woodwork inside the house has been lovingly cared for and is in mint condition. There is beautiful fretwork dividing the entry hall and the hand- carved walnut staircase that leads to the second floor. A revolving stained-glass window is set in the wall between the hall and the dining room-kitchen area. Several fireplaces with original mantels create a warm gracious atmosphere. The Spooners spent their entire married life in this house and raised eight children, two boys and six girls. Thomas gave up his private practice in 1884 when elected District Attorney. In 1892, he was elected to the bench and served as District Judge of the 25th Judicial District for four years. Governor J.D. Sayers, brother to W.B. Sayers, appointed Thomas to the position of inspector on the State Penitentiary Board where he served for four years. In 1902, he retired from his law practice and purchased controlling interest in all four of the utilities serving the town. They were The Gonzales Water Works, The Citizens Electric Light and Power Company, The Gonzales Water Power Company, and the Gonzales Ice & Refrigeration Company. He was an active member of the Baptist Church and a long time member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. The house stood neglected and unoccupied for many years until Noel and Kerry Reese bought it and restored it to its original glory. Current owner is David Luedecke. Photograph by Clint Hille