Description: Original ca 1890s cabinet photo of the home of Enoch Jones, described in some accounts as the wealthiest man in Texas. Built in southwestern Bexar County in the late 1850s/early 1860s, the house is believed to have had the first indoor plumbing system in Texas. As shown below, Jones died in 1863. Around 1888, his son, Enoch Griffith "Griff" Jones, married Kate Carolan, the daughter of a former Mayor of San Antonio. In this photo, the couple posing in front of the home are likely Griff and Kate. Background, found online: Enoch Jones (1802-1863) purchased land in southwestern Bexar County that had been part of an 1808 Spanish colonial land grant to Ygnacio Perez in 1837. From Ohio, Jones was already a nationally known engineer when he moved to Texas permanently in 1846. He opened a general merchandise store on Main Plaza in San Antonio and became a prominent citizen. In 1851, Jones bought out his partner John Smith. Though some evidence suggests that earlier buildings may have been present, construction began on the farmstead buildings in 1856 with stone quarried on site, and a large house, barn, and outbuildings were erected. After Jones' death in 1863, the family continued to live on the property until they sold it in 1895 to Count Norbert Von Ormay (Ormy) of Prussia and his wife. The Von Ormays intended to establish a royal court in the home, but sold the property within two years. Though he was a resident of the area only a short time, the count's name was adopted by the community as Von Ormy. After a series of owners, T. B. Baker bought the land in 1915. The president of Baker Hotels, the new owner called his land the St. Anthony Ranch, for the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio. The Baker family held the property until 1994. The "Castle on the Medina" has been home to many prominent area families. Image is 2 ¼ x 3 ¼” on a 4 x 5” card. CONDITION: insect damage across lower part of image and around its edges. The card has some discoloration &/or foxing from age. Light to moderate wear to corners. See photos. NO LOCAL PICKUPS. We try to give an accurate description of any condition issues, provide photos, and welcome questions. Please ask all questions before the end of the auction. If you have purchased multiple items please wait for my invoice before paying; I can combine shipping on most items and save you on shipping costs. International only through eBay Global, if you purchased through eBay Global we cannot send you an invoice, eBay Global will send you an invoice for your item or items. We don’t give partial refunds, so if an item does not meet your expectations please contact us within three days of item’s arrival to arrange return and a full refund. Any yellow and/or white blob in the picture is a reflection of the flash and overhead lights. Please email if you want higher resolution photos or scans. Shipping includes Delivery Confirmation. Payment must be received within 4 days of the end of the auction. I will contact the successful bidder at the end of the auction with shipment cost and payment quotes. We will not make copies of photos, books, or other paper items before or after the item is sold.
Price: 174.99 USD
Location: San Antonio, Texas
End Time: 2024-10-22T14:35:24.000Z
Shipping Cost: 4 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Type: Photograph
Format: Cabinet Card
Year of Production: 1890
Image Color: Sepia
Subject: Texas Pioneer Enoch Jones Palace on the Medina River
