Grayson County TXGenWeb

Dwight David Eisenhower
Grayson County's Most Famous Son

Dwight David Eisenhower was born in a two-story frame house on October 14, 1890. The house, at Day and Lamar Streets, was built by Noah Lindsey in the 1880's.

David J. Eisenhower came to Denison, Texas in November 1888 and worked at the MK&T roundhouse as an engine wiper. His wife, Ida, and two young sons arrived in February 1889 and they rented the Lindsey House which was close to the Katy tracks.

In the spring of 1891, the Eisenhower family returned to Kansas where Dwight grew up not knowing he had lived in Grayson County, Texas. In 1942, it was said that his birthplace was Tyler, Texas. Jennie Jackson lived across the street from the Eisenhowers. Through correspondence with Ida Eisenhower and her son, Dwight, she established the fact that he was born in Denison, Texas.

The rented home of the Eisenhower's had reached a state of neglect. The local chapter of the Brotherhood of Railroad Engineers, No.177 and No.568, began a movement to make Dwight Eisenhower's birthplace an historic site with Jennie Jackson as committee leader. The house was purchased by Fred Conn, Denison Herald publisher, and E. J. Lilley, a local merchant, for $3,000 in 1946. They, then, deeded the house to the city of Denison with the condition that the citizens of Denison subscribe funds for payment of the house.

A committee of women which included Jennie Jackson and Mrs. Monte B. Jones and the Gold Star Mothers cleaned the house, redecorated it equipping it with 1890's furniture. The Eisenhower brothers contributed a quilt that was made by their mother.

On April 20th, the house was ready to receive its famous occupant, General Eisenhower who was escorted by Speaker Sam Rayburn. A meal was served by Miss Jennie and her maid, Bessie. The house was open to the public each Sunday afternoon.

The Eisenhower Birthplace Foundation was formed in 1953 by Fred Conn, publisher Houston Harte; three friends of Eisenhower from Ft. Worth, Sid Richardson, Amon Carter, Web Maddox. Under the direction of Joseph R. Pelich of Ft. Worth, the house was to be restored to its 1890 styling. Two daughters of Dr. W. S. Savage had lived in the house after the Eisenhower family left. They assisted in the restoration based on their recollections. The Foundation acquired adjoining property. With the removal of nine buildings which gave the lot a park-like appearance. In 1958, Denison transferred the site to the Texas Parks Board which has operated it since.

1952

General Eisenhower returned to Denison in 1952 as a presidential candidate. He was present in 1955 when the Eisenhower Auditorium of the high school was dedicated.

Source: The History of Grayson County Texas by Grayson County Frontier Village, 1979, by Ed Phillips & Vivian Minor Hassel, pg34-37