Judge Walter S. Neel House

Built in 1917 by Dayton newspaper owner, editor, publisher and Justice of the Peace Walter S. Neel on a 1.66 acre lot he purchased in 1914, this house is a typical American foursquare style home. Constructed in two months, the four-bedroom house cost $2,500. In 1926, after helping the city of Dayton incorporate, Judge Neel served as the city’s first mayor and the local rotary club president. He was also a city alderman, city historian and secretary. His notable civic achievements include helping form and equip the local fire department and establishing the waterworks. Judge Neel lived in the house with his wife, Selma, until he died in 1962. The house remained in the Neel family until 1971.

Judge Walter S. Neel House is a historical marker in Dayton, Liberty County, dedicated in 2014. It is one of 60 historical markers documented in Liberty County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 133 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.0525, -94.8932 near Dayton. The nearest cataloged historic site is Linney Cemetery (historical marker), about 0.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Linney-Acie Cemetery, Magnolia Cemetery, and First Baptist Church of Dayton.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507017824. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.