W.C. Hargrove House

Original Owner: W.C. Hargrove

312 Quitman Street

Built: 1910

William Chester Hargrove was born in Homer, LA in 1862. Soon after the Civil Was his family moved to Sulphur Springs in Hopkins County, TX. The family had a farm and as a youth, he worked in a grocery store. He learned the business, saved his money, and went into business for himself. He bought bank stock, learned about banking, and helped to organize the City National Bank in Sulphur Springs. He met his future wife, Florence Stone, when she came into the bank to open an account. They were married in 1894 and established their home in Pittsburg. Eight children (two of whom died in infancy) followed: William C.,Jr., Stone, Mary Florence, Grace, Harold and Frances. Mr. and Mrs Hargrove joined the First Baptist Church. He was ordained as a deacon and served as Sunday School Superintendent for 25 years. He also served as a trustee of Buckner Children's Home for many years. He assisted with opening the First National Bank, invested in real estate and bought the Pittsburg Cotton Seed Oil Mill. As their financial means improved and the family grew, they built the house on Quitman Street. Mrs. Hargrove was a gracious lady and often hosted functions to benefit their church and the community. They both died in 1950, just months apart, after long, fruitful lives in service to God and to others.