On land patented to William H. Smith, who died at the Alamo. Of Louisiana cypress, style is typical of ranches of the time. Built 1859 by A. Mobray for Emil Broussard. He sold to Eloi and Azema Broussard. Here grew up a son, J. E. Broussard, who built first rice mill in Texas. Widowed, Azema married Lovan Hamshire. They donated land for area's first Catholic church. Few changes have been made in house since it was first built. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966