Whispers of Kosse’s Past
Just east of Kosse on Highway 7, stands one of the oldest private residences in the city of Kosse. An imposing Victorian structure; that has captured the eyes and imaginations of untold numbers of residents and visitors alike; the Hearn-Gidden-Hunter House is one of the most striking and memorable early buildings that remain in Kosse.
When I first moved to Kosse, I took a walk to explore my new hometown. I wandered through the various neighborhoods and the downtown area, enjoying the older buildings and the immense sense of history that they conveyed. Knowing my love of all things historic, some of my new neighbors told me about the “old house” just outside of Kosse. Intrigued, I grabbed my camera and started off in the direction that they had indicated.
I remember the first time I saw it. I stood outside the fence and stared in awe at the imposing structure in front of me. As I took in the details of the gingerbread, the shake roof, the large dark windows, my mind began to race.
What secrets did this grand lady hold? Who were her people? What was it like inside? The answers to these and many other questions would come through time.
The Hearn-Gidden-Hunter house was built in 1894 by Robert Austin Hearn and his wife Mary V. (French) Hearn. In April of 1894, a vicious storm hit the Kosse area, damaging the house while under construction. Repairs were made and a capstone was placed in the chimney commemorating the completion of the home, May 7, 1894.
Robert Austin Hearn was born November 25, 1846, in Greenwood, Jackson County, Florida. His parents, Lawrence and Margaret Hearn, had emigrated to Florida from North Carolina shortly before his birth. There they established an 80-acre homestead, which is verified by a homestead patent filed on October 1, 1846. By 1850, the homestead had grown to 321 acres. Lawrence Hearn died in 1854, leaving his widow and several young children to manage this large tract.
Robert Hearn enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1863 at the tender age of 16. His unit, 5th Battalion Cavalry, A Company, fought in the battles of Olustee, Gainesville, and Braddock’s Farm. After the surrender of his unit on May 10, 1865, Robert Hearn returned to the residence of his mother, who was at the time, living with relatives in Marianna, FL.
In 1873, Robert Austin Hearn pulled up roots and began his journey west. The first record of Robert Hearn in Texas was his marriage to Mary Van Buren French, which took place in Navarro County. On November 2, 1877, the first land purchase in Limestone County by Robert Hearn was recorded. The Hearns had come to Kosse. Interestingly, the two lots purchased by Robert Hearn (1877, 1878) are located where the Bunyon Ezell House now stands.
Mr. And Mrs. Hearne lived in the city of Kosse for several years. Census and agricultural records show that the Hearns appeared to be quite comfortable financially. Mr. Hearn purchased several tracts of land both within and without the city limits of Kosse. The land purchase for the eventual location of the Victorian farmhouse occurred in 1891, with an addition of 7 acres occurring on April 1, 1895.
R.A. and Mary V Hearn had several children. Two girls, Neta Bell (Markham) and Mary Hall (Birdie), and four boys; Robert Luther, Edward French, James Lawrence, and Henry Everrett. All four boys served in the United States armed forces during WWI. Robert Luther became an accountant for Texas A&M. Edward French Hearn became an accomplished pianist and composer in Corsicana.
According to probate records, Robert Austin Hearn died at home on August 12, 1907. His estate was left to his beloved wife Mary. Mrs. Hearn lived in the house with a servant for many years until she sold the property to Ike and Carrie Gidden in 1913.
The Hearn-Gidden-Hunter house was one of the first residences in Kosse to have the convenience of electricity. The power was generated by a local cotton gin and was only available on certain days in the beginning. Remnants of the old wiring, along with early ceramic wire insulators are on display at the Hearn-Gidden-Hunter House today.
She has stood for 126 years. Through the years, many restoration projects of this old house have been undertaken by former owners. Restoration efforts continue today through the efforts of the current owners, the Kosse Heritage Society. Much work is still needed to preserve and restore this grand old lady to her former glory. Please stay tuned, as this story is not over. Next week, the history of the house will continue with the histories of the Gidden and Hunter families.
The house has become a beloved landmark for Kosse residents and visitors alike. Tours can be scheduled for visitors who would like to step into the past by contacting the Kosse Heritage Society through our Facebook page, as well as our website, www.oldhousekosse.org. If you would like to help us with our restoration of the Hearn-Gidden-Hunter House, donations can be mailed to Kosse Heritage Society, P.O. Box 51, Kosse, TX 76653.
If you have further questions, or stories to share regarding the Hearn-Gidden-Hunter House or other Kosse history, please contact us at KosseHSroots@gmail.com.