J.H. AND ABBIE BARBEE HOUSE John Howard Barbee was born in Stringtown, a stretch of farms outside San Marcos, in 1854. Barbee was a businessman, rancher, builder, developer and was a founder in the Farmers Union Gin Co. His wife, Abbie, was an accomplished singer. In 1906, Barbee moved to San Marcos and built this house for his wife. It later passed through many families who had an impact on commerce and educational institutions in San Marcos. The house is of the 20th century classical revival style with Doric columns and a prominent pediment with dentil courses. RECORDED TEXAS HISTORIC LANDMARK – 2014