Born about 1839 in Tennessee, Jeremiah Hamilton was one of nine Black representatives in the 12th Texas Legislature, 1869-71. He bought this lot on Waller Creek in 1871 and began building this oddly shaped stone structure to house his grocery store. Italian-born Michael Paggi owned the property from 1873 to 1881. He was involved in several unusual business ventures, including the manufacture of ice. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1978