Photo by Dana Stubbs

James Emerson Whiteselle (1851 - 1915)

Born in Tennessee on Dec 31, 1851, James Emerson Whiteselle moved to Texas in 1870 to work in the lumber company of his uncle P. W. Ezell.  In 1875 he began working in the local Carruthers Lumber Company which he later owned.  Under his management the business was expanded to include the manufacturing and selling of brick.  Married to Kate Huey in 1882, Whiteselle became a prominent businessman and banker.  As Mayor of Corsicana, 1894-98, when oil was discovered here, he was influential in the development of the field.  He died on his birthday in 1915.

Marker dedicated April 9, 1983

Location: 300 East 3rd Ave. Corsicana, Texas

The text of the historical markers have been posted here with the permission of the Texas Historical Commission

Dedication Program

Saturday, April 9, 1983 - 2 P.M.

Master of Ceremonies ... J. Forest Green, Chairman Navarro County Historical Comm.

Invocation ... Nelson Ross, N.C.H. Society

Dedicatory Remarks ... Hon. Tom Waldrop, State Representative

Dedication of Marker ... Wyvonne Putman, Executive Secretary N.C.H.S.

Acceptance of Marker ... Hon. Gary Bennett, Navarro County Judge

Unveiling of Marker ... Bill Brietz, President, Whiteselle Brick & Lumber Co.

Historical Research by Wyvonne Putman, Executive Secretary, Navarro County Historical Society