Dale-Rugeley-Sisk House

Although the original house has been added on to and probably changed during the many years of existence because of hurricane and water damage, the abstract records show that the property has had several distinguished owners and much history connected with it.

The property upon which the house is located was first owned by Ira Ingram, the first Alcalde of the Matagorda Municipality in 1843, Member of Congress of the Republic and first speaker of the House of Representatives, 1836. He was also a pioneer patron of the public schools, signer of the Declaration of Independence at Goliad, 1835. In 1837 Ira Ingram sold Block 12 of the Municipality of Matagorda to Albert C. Horton.

In 1841, Albert C. Horton and Clements sold lot 6, Block 12 to Joshua Denest. The house is located on lot 6. Albert C. Horton was a soldier in the Texas Revolution, the first Lieutenant Governor of Texas, elected to the first Congress, helped frame the Constitution of the Republic, and Trustee and President of Baylor University.

In 1842, Denest sold the lot to Reverend Caleb S. Ives. Rev. Ives was the first minister to the first Episcopal Church in Texas, located at Matagorda and organized there on January 27, 1839. He was rector until 1849. Rev. and Mrs. Ives established an Academy which they conducted in Matagorda for eight years, possibly in the original house on this lot.

In 1851, Ives sold to W. L. Sartwelle. Mr. Sartwelle was a teacher in the Ives Academy. "Mr. Sartwelle is an alumnus of one of the most respectable colleges of  the Northern States, and an experienced and an accomplished teacher." (Colorado Herald, 1847)

In 1859, Sartwelle sold to Isabella M. Dale. Mrs. Dale gave the first endowment to the Episcopal Church at Matagorda and was a prominent citizen.

In 1887, Mrs. S. M. (Isabella) Dale sold to Frank L. Rugeley. Mr. Frank Rugeley was a son of Captain Edward Salmon Rugeley, captain of a company organized by him called the "Caney Mounted Rifles" during the Civil War and composed of Matagorda County men. Captain Rugeley visited and lived in this house at various times.

In 1942, Sarah Carrie Robbins Rugeley, second wife of Frank L. Rugeley, sold the house to Mr. R. J. Sisk of Bay City. Mr. Robert J. Sisk came to Bay City in 1894, at its very beginning, and pioneered along many lines, including rice and oil. He operated the American Express System between Wharton & Bay City and later became a merchant. He played an important part in the development of Bay City and Matagorda County. His wife and daughter now own the house.

In conclusion, we might say that this historic home has been occupied by families who helped make the history of Matagorda County. The present owners keep it in excellent repair and are furnishing it with period furniture and pictures of the former owners.

The present structure of the house is much as it was in the early 1900s, when the upstairs porch was added. Although its exact age is not known, we believe that Rev. Ives occupied the original part of the house, as the original Episcopal Church was located on the adjoining property.
 

Copyright 2011 - Present by Carol Sue Gibbs
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