These two houses represent a close association with one of Waco's least-known architects. Major John Herbert had his small vernacular house with partial-width front porch constructed c. 1875 upon his arrival in Waco to serve as superintendent at the nearby Water Works at 1st and Bridge streets. This early house in East Waco remained largely intact until recently, showing modest Italianate influences on the porch (removed) and cornice treatment. In 1898, Samuel Herbert designed and built his two-story house next door in a more exuberant Queen Anne style; it is in fair condition. Samuel Herbert, one of the first graduates of Texas A&M, worked in partnership with J. Riely Gordon of San Antonio, William W. Larmour, and Glenn H. Allen, and was later joined in a partnership by his son-in-law, Dudley Green, who eventually moved to Dallas to work with Lang and Witchell. Herbert was active in the early years of the Texas State Association of Architects and retired from architecture to work with the City of Waco about 1913.