Benke - Naegelin Homestead - Demolished 2005

 The original stone-built homestead was built by Alex and Elise J. (nee Biering) Benke about 1888.  The original house, the additions and the subsequent stone-built outbuildings were excellent examples of Texas vernacular architecture of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.  In 1936, 190.12 acres, including the homestead property, passed to the Benke’s daughter, Dorothea M. Benke (1898-1984).  She had married Frank J. Naegelin (1894-1973) in 1924. Farming and ranching activities on the property included bee keeping, the raising of chickens and turkeys, hog raising, cattle and the growing of oats primarily for the cattle.

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