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Charles Taylor Rather came to Gonzales County in
1878 when he was only sixteen years old. He worked
as a store clerk in Belmont until he was able to open
his own store. Blessed with success, he became one of
the largest landowners and most successful bankers in
this part of Texas. He was Chairman of the Board of
Farmer's National Bank, and an organizer, manager, and
president of Gonzales Cotton Oil and Manufacturing
Company. He was a developer of the Gonzales Cotton
Mill, and served on its board of directors from the
time it opened in 1900 until his death. Charles was
an owner of the Randle-Rather building situated
on north side of Confederate Square. The handsome
three-story building that bears his name has recently
undergone a complete renovation and currently serves
as the County archives and offices.
In 1892 Rather had Louisiana cypress and Bastrop
white pine carted cross-country and employed
William H. Kishbaugh to build his home. The home,
a Victorian rendition of the early Texas "dog-trot"
house, is built on part of the original grounds of the
Gonzales College. Rather sold the house in 1910, and
moved to Austin. He donated the land on which the
Austin Episcopal Seminary was built and stands today,
overlooking the tree-lined avenue, Ratherview.
Over the years the house knew several fascinating
owners and by 1960 it had deteriorated into a
condition that made its $2,500.00 purchase price
C.T. RATHER
HOUSE
828 St. Louis Street
LEFT - The tone-on-tone Italianate exterior is shaded by the umbrage of
the stately magnolia that was planted in the year the house was built. The
current owners commissioned the original metal cresting to be recreated, and
restored this crowning touch to the home in 2007.
Photograph by Tre Dunham, Fine Focus Photography
