The larger of the two houses on this property is original to the site and dates to the period of settlement by German immigrants in this part of Texas. Johann Christian Wahrmund brought his family to Texas in 1846 and by 1851 they were living on this tract of land along Bear Creek. The original portion of the stone house was built between 1852 and 1866. Prussian immigrant Johann Priess bought the house from the Wahrmunds in 1866, and his family enlarged it during the 1870s and 1880s. The house remained under Priess ownership until 1931. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2001