Stubenrauch, Joseph W.

Agricultural genius, born in Ruelzheim, Rhenish Bavaria, of a family of horticulturists. Educated in Germany. Migrated to New York in 1871 and to Texas 1876. In Limestone County (surrounding this marker site) lay 100 acres of open prairie land which he purchased. He discovered that fruit varieties then being grown here were unsuited to the climate. By cross pollination, budding and grafting, he developed some 100 new varieties of peaches. More than 20 which were propagated for commercial purposes included "Anna", "Barbara", "Carman", "Frank", "Fredericka", "Katie", "Liberty", "Lizzie", "Miss Lola" and "Tena". In 1882, his younger brother Jacob also came and settled nearby. Both men were outstanding citizens. Joseph W. Stubenrauch shared his findings through his writings for "Farm and Ranch", "Rural New Yorker" and "Holland's Magazine". He practiced and advocated terracing, crop rotation and diversification, soil testing, fertilization and irrigation. Many of his ideas of conservation farming and agricultural education were incorporated into U.S. Government programs. He was nationally recognized for his contributions to American agriculture. (1970)

Stubenrauch, Joseph W. is a historical marker in Mexia, Limestone County, dedicated in 1970. It is one of 67 historical markers documented in Limestone County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 187 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.7073, -96.5234 near Mexia. The nearest cataloged historic site is Mexia State School (cemetery), about 1.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Cedar Hill Burial Park, Hancock Cemetery, and First Presbyterians Church of Mexia.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5293002867. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.