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a real estate developer , judge and philanthropist .
Embrey graduated from Gainesville High School and earned two degrees from Southern Methodist University before pursuing a career in commercial and industrial development .
In the mid-1950s , Embrey and partner George Underwood Jr . began developing the Richardson Heights area , and later developed a major portion of the city of Richardson and the North Texas Technology corridor .
He served on the board of trustees for SMU from 1970 to 1987 , establishing a scholarship for engineering students and donating funds for construction of two SMU campus buildings as well as the Gerald J . Ford Stadium , where the Mustangs still play .
Mark Lemmon
Another figure who had a role in shaping major facilities , including at SMU , was Mark Lemmon .
Born in Gainesville in 1889 , he and his family moved to Sherman when he was 8 .
An architect who also served in France during World War I , Lemon ’ s architectural firm was behind the design of The Commodore Hotel in New York and The Broadmoore in Colorado Springs .
After moving to Dallas , he and his partner designed several schools in Dallas , two churches and public schools in Port Arthur , Marshall , Longview , Terrell , Grand Prairie and Sherman .
Some of his biggest projects were the Cotton Bowl in 1929 , the Dallas Museum of Natural History and the Hall of State ( now State of Texas Building ).
He also designed 18 buildings for SMU , Texas Women ’ s University , Southwestern Medical School ( now UT Southwestern ), as well as the Third Church of Christ Scientist .
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Anderson Daniel McFarlan
Thought to be the first Texas-born to play Major League baseball , Anderson “ Dan ” McFarlan was born Nov . 1 , 1873 in Gainesville .
While not a lot is known of his upbringing , McFarlan , attended Washington and Lee University .
A pitcher , McFarlan lasted four years in the MLB , debuting with the Louisville Colonels in September 1895 and playing for the Brooklyn Superbas and Washington Senators .
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