This primitive farmhouse was built around 1916 for Will Stringfellow and his family. The home was built of lumber and other old materials from Confederate Major John A. Formwalt’s first Granbury residence, which was located on the same site. Formwalt settled in what is now Hood County in the 1850s. He formed a local militia to fight the Indians as early Hood County settlers ventured West of the Brazos River. He served under General Hiram Granbury during the Civil War. Formwalt later became a three-term Granbury justice of the peace. The Stringfellow home still occupies a quarter-block, and was actually a small farmstead in the village. Here the Stringfelllows planted a large vegetable garden, nurtured fruit trees, raised a cow, and stabled their horses and a team of mules. Their small farmstead had a water well, a storm cellar, an outhouse and a carriage house, all built by Major Formwalt. The late Mrs. Helen Gilmartin, a descendant of several pioneer Hood County families, purchased this farmstead in 1975. She furnished the home with her antique collection, and many of her local pieces remain in the house. Mrs. Gilmartin, a noted antique dealer, recreated an authentic old country store, in the rock structure next door, called«Gilmartins General Store», which she opened to the public. Mrs. Gilmartin was also known for her circa 1950s aluminum Christmas tree she left up year round. The steep Victorian cross gables are a significant architectural element of the Stringfellow-Gilmartin Farmhouse. The interior of this home features rough-hewn wood walls, original woodwork and sliding pocket doors. The Stringfellow-Gilmartin House was designated a local landmark July 1, 2008. This information was obtained from their website.
