Solomon Joseph House

Solomon Joseph was born in Kempen, Germany, on May 19, 1856. After immigrating to the United States, he became a highly successful merchant in Gonzales. On July 25, 1886, Solomon married Sarah Greenthal, marking the town's first Jewish wedding. Sarah was born on October 25, 1861, in Brooklyn, New York, to Maurice and Marion Chynzorviske Greenthal, both of German descent.

Solomon passed away on March 28, 1913, and Sarah on August 14, 1935. Both are interred in the Gonzales Jewish Cemetery, leaving behind a strong legacy in the community.

The original portion of this house was built in 1874 by William Mayo Atkinson, a local attorney. Born on September 1, 1847, to Robert and Elizabeth Atkinson, William later purchased Gonzales College and converted it into his residence. The home originally faced Saint Michael Street.

In 1892, after purchasing the property, the Josephs decided to reposition the house to face Saint James Street, a location they preferred. They retained only the back part of the original structure and embarked on a significant remodeling project. The result was the charming Queen Anne-style home that stands today, facing Saint James Street, with elements that reflect the Joseph family’s influence in the town.