telescope to examine approaching ships; if one flashed the signal of an interesting cargo, Williams would rush downtown to start trading. This gave him a competitive advantage over other merchants, who did not learn of the cargo until the ship was closer to shore. Partially as a result of this tactic, the McKinney & Williams commission house "was considered one of the wealthiest and most influential establishments in Texas". As Williams' wealth grew, he made his home more comfortable. He ordered portraits painted of both himself and his wife; these were hung in the parlor of the house. In a stable behind the house he kept two horses, a carriage, and a barouche. The family had four slaves, who lived in outbuildings near the kitchen. Williams died in the house on September 13, 1858, of what his doctor called "general debility". The funeral was held several days later at the house. Tucker family residence In 1859, Williams' children sold the house to a family friend, Philip C. Tucker, and it became known as the Tucker House. The same year, Galveston received train service to the mainland; three times a week people could travel via train to Houston. A fire in the 1890s destroyed the cupola and damaged some of the second story floors. The house survived the 1900 Galveston Hurricane, which devastated the island. After the storm, it was the second-oldest surviving house on the island. During the reconstruction of the city, the grade of the populated portion of the island was raised. Four feet (1.2 m) of sand was pumped under the house, giving it the appearance of having only piers. Preservation In the 1950s, the "Free State of Galveston" collapsed as law enforcement worked to eradicate corruption and illegal activity. As the city's gambling, prostitution, and illegal drinking establishments were closed, city leaders began to look for other means to attract tourists. This prompted an increased interest in historic structures. The Galveston Historic Foundation (GHF) was established in this decade, primarily to save the Williams house. To assist in preserving the house, the GHF received a grant from the Moody Foundation. The foundation had been established by Galveston resident William Lewis Moody Jr. to support educational, scientific, religious, and health institutions in Texas. Its chairman, Mary Moody Northen, who was a member of the Texas Historical Commission advisory board, emphasized historic preservation. The GHF restored the house, and