Milam County Historical Commission
Milam County, Texas
Milam County, Texas
Witcher-Coffield Building Has Changed Through Time
Milam History by Joy Graham
Rockdale Reporter - November 22, 2012
Rockdale’s historic downtown buildings are somewhat unique, as many of them date back
to the 1870’s and still exist.
Owners of these buildings are pulled between the downturn in the economy and lack of
interest in investing in an area struggling to grow jobs in a rural county.
Even in these times, the building located at 227-229 Main Street was restored during
2011 and received a Rockdale Downtown Association’s Historic Marker in 2012.
Early history on the property is recorded in Milam County deed records with owners W.
L. Witcher; C. H. Coffield who conveyed land to J. F. Coffield in the south part of lot
16 in Block 6 in the City of Rockdale.
In a second deed, H. L. Witcher, C. H. Coffield and J. F. Coffield conveyed Lot No. 2,
16 Block 6 to Mrs. Ruth Witcher.
Both of these deeds were passed down through heirship of the Coffield family to Mary
Coffield Perry to her son Preston and wife Helen Perry.
Preston Perry ran a ham radio shop in this location in the 1940’s. During this time,
there was a partition wall that ran between the inside, as evidenced by the two front
doors.
After Mr. Perry’s death, the building remained as he left it.
In 2011, James Perry, son of Helen and the late Preston Perry, restored the building.
On Nov. 5, 2012, 227-229 N. Main received a Rockdale Downtown Association Historic
Marker funded by Milam County Historical Commission Preservation Trust Fund.
The building is restored and now houses O’Barr Rost Realty, Dave Phillips Agent.
Research - Milam County Deed Records Vol 150 pages 219-220; family history, Mary
Coffield Perry and P. H. Perry.
maryjoygraham@yahoo.com
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"Milam History"
by Mary Joy Graham
All credit for these articles goes to Joy Graham
and any references mentioned in the articles.
Published in the Rockdale Reporter