FRY BARRY HOUSE

MARSHALL TEXAS

USA



The Fry-Barry House:
(Located at 314 West Austin, Marshall Texas 75670-3205).

 The Fry-Barry House was commissioned to be built for Fidel Bircher, this "Raised New Orleans/Greek Revival Style Cottage" was designed by W.R.D. Ward. Ward sold the property to Bircher in 1853. Edwin James Fry (1845-1927), a native Virginian, who moved to Texas in 1855 bought the residence in 1872 and enlarged it to accommodate his growing family. Fry enlisted in the Confederate Army at the age of 17. Later in life Fry was a leading businessman, he was the vice-president of the First National Bank. Fry was a long time Mason and member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Another source tells us more detail and slightly differing version about Edwin James Fry than above.

 Fry, Edwin James, banker; born Charlottesville, Va., Dec. 1, 1845; son of Thomas W. and Sarah J. (McLaurine) Fry ; educated in common schools of Charlottesville, Va., until Civil War, when enlisted in Confederate Army ; married San Augustine, TX., October, 1866, Mary L. Rankin ; seven children. Engaged in mercantile business in Nacogdoches, Tex., 1866-72; moved to Marshall, Tex., 1872; engaged in private banking business, 187283, sold business to First National Bank ; vice president First National Bank since 1885; assisted in organizing and president since 1890 of Marshall Carwheel & Foundry Co., vice president Marshall Wholesale Grocery Co., Southland Life Insurance Co., Texas Commercial Secretaries and Business Men's Association, Citizens' State Bank of Marshall, Arthur A. Everts Jewelry Co., Dallas. Alderman of the City of Marshall; private in Confederate Army, 1863, served balance of Civil War, resigning as sergeant. Independent ; Episcopalian. Trustee Marshall University; member Marshall Progressive League ; honorary vice-president State Fair of Texas; treasurer Masonic Lodge thirty-five years, past grand commander Knights Templar, 33° Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner, Elk, Knight of Pythias. Address, Marshall.
1. From geneaearch.com/1914/biographies

The Fry-Barry House was recorded an Texas Historic Landmark in 1962 and was entered in the National Registry of Historic Places in 1978.







OCT 07 JUL 08

This picture of The Fry-Barry House (North/East corner). The right side of the photo shows the balcony off the piano room. This balcony is in need to some repair. The supports, which are thought to be 135 years old are starting to fail; however, the balcony itself is in excellent condition. What I find most amazing is that the original structure, which is 153 years old is in near perfect condition and passed the home inspection with ease. The only area's of concern are in the "add-on" parts of the house that took place in the 1870's...



The pictures shown above are of the front of The Fry Barry House (North/West corner). The front porch once rose straight off the front of the house. However, when the city put Austin Street in front of The Fry-Barry House the stairs were altered to raise from the east and west of the grand porch. The addition of the Lattice under the porch (in the early to mid 1900's) lend a touch of grace and sophistication to this structure.



The above picture is of the west side of The Fry-Barry House. This 5,574 square foot, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home has 7 fire places and is located on .33 well cared for acres in the heart of Marshall Texas. This side of the home is where the bedrooms are located. The down stairs has a grand New York style loft Master Bedroom complete with his and hers bathrooms, double headed shower, and a claw foot bath. By the way did I mention the Bidet in the "her" bathroom? The upstairs area to the far right of the picture is where the kitchen is located.



Due to the angle of the sun this is the best picture I was able to take of the rear of The Fry-Barry House. If you look closely at the white brick fence in the picture you will see a section missing. Before the city put in Fulton Street to on the west side of The Fry-Barry House the area in question was at ground level. The gap in the fence was where the Horse and coach entered the property and dropped off the family (under a covered patio). In the 1900's the family no longer needed the coach entrance. The family built the new automobile drive way, which is seen in the bottom right of the picture and built a parking structure, which is hidden from view in this picture. The old Coach ramp was flattened and brick was added to retain the yard. Evidence of the coach path is still evident...

This picture is of the South East corner of The Fry-Barry House. The bottom right of the picture gives you a hint of the massive covered patio. The area to the left of the picture on the second floor is where the kitchen is located and the area to the right of the picture on the second floor is where the family den is located. The area to the right of the screen on the first floor is a second living area but was used as an Antique store some years ago.

The picture above shows the East side of The Fry-Barry house. This side of the house is where the Piano, formal dinning, formal parlor and family den are located on the second floor.

The simple structure in this photo is of "the slave quarters"... Slavery is a part the history of the south and no matter how repugnant and revolting the idea of human chattel it is an unfortunate reality. This modest house was once home to the very slaves that built and maintained The Fry-Barry House.

We will be adding a REMODELING page soon since we are starting the long process of renovating our new house. So check back to see what improvements we are making. 


ABOUT OUR TOWN--MARSHALL, TEXAS.

Settled 1839, became seat of Harrison County 1842. When Texas seceded from Union in 1861, Marshall was one of biggest and wealthiest cities in the state of Texas. It produced saddles, harnesses, clothing, powder and ammunition for Confederacy. When Vicksburg fell, Marshall became seat of civil authority west of the Mississippi River, wartime capital of Missouri and headquarters of Trans-Mississippi Postal Department. Confederate Monument(s) are displayed on courthouse lawn, which is located at the center of the city. Several historic homes offer bed and breakfast. Home of East Texas Baptist Univ., Texas State Technical College, and Wiley College.

JERRY RAY & MARSHAL JOSLIN
314 West Austin Street
Marshall Texas 75670
(903) 938-5551 "home phone"
c (405) 255-1991 "Jerry"
c (405)255-1992 "Marshal"

EMAIL : Fry-BarryHouse@att.net
(Please note the hyphen between Fry and Barry so you email will be delivered to the proper account)

LAST SITE UPDATE 18 July 2010

Web-page powered by BLUEHOST.COM and Web-design by RAPIDWEAVER