Built by Samuel May Williams, a founder of Galveston, secretary to Stephen F. Austin, postmaster and land agent of Austin colony. Organized first Texas bank, was father of Texas navy and shipping industry. As envoy to the U. S., failed to get loan for Texas War for Independence, but gave $150,000 of his own money (a tenth of the cost). House, framed in Maine, was shipped to Texas on a schooner. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1964