Picture this. You are standing before the Alex W and Sarah Perry Homestead Plaque. This unassuming marker tells a monumental tale. A story of grit determination and a family’s profound impact on North Texas.
The plaque commemorates the Alex W and Sarah Perry Homestead. This wasn’t just any home. It was the heart of a pioneering family’s life in 19th-century Texas. Alex W Perry and his wife Sarah arrived in 1844. They journeyed from Illinois in a covered wagon with three children and little money. They sought a new beginning in the Peters Colony.
Life was far from easy. They faced unfamiliar terrain hostile natives and the ever-present challenges of frontier living. Yet they persevered building a life and raising eleven more children in Texas. Alex W. was a shrewd businessman. He became the owner of the townsite of Carrollton. He platted the land selling lots and even donating land for a railroad right-of-way and depot. His contributions were instrumental in Carrollton’s growth. He farmed raised livestock and even kept bees and sheep.
Sarah Perry died in 1896. She was buried on their property. This land later became A W Perry Cemetery. A Texas Historical Site itself. The Perrys were active members of the Union Baptist Church. Alex W even donated land for the church’s relocation.
The family’s legacy extended beyond farming and business. Their son DeWitt continued the tradition of generosity. He donated land for a new school. He also aided in other community needs. He was known for his kindness and fairness.
The Perry Homestead itself a four-room dog-trot style house with a separate rock kitchen. It stands as a testament to their resilience and success. Today it’s known as the A W Perry Homestead Museum. It offers a glimpse into early 1900s rural life.
The Alex W and Sarah Perry Homestead Plaque is more than a marker. It’s a tribute to a family that shaped the landscape and character of North Texas. Their story of perseverance and generosity continues to inspire generations. Their impact on Carrollton and the surrounding area is undeniable. Their contributions to community and church remain deeply rooted in the area’s history. Take a moment to reflect on the lives of these pioneers their struggles their triumphs and their enduring legacy. Their story reminds us of the strength and spirit of those who built this great state. The plaque stands as a silent testament to their remarkable journey. A journey that began with a covered wagon and a dream. A dream realized in the heart of Texas.