Jernigan, A. J., House

The A.J. Jernigan House is a substantial example of the stylistic transition from Greek Revival to Italianate architecture in Austin residential architecture, and displays the expertise and sensitivity of a master builder. Abner Cook, builder of the Governor's Mansion and other of the city's major 19th-century antebellum residences appears to have been the builder. Constructed in 1878 for a Confederate veteran and Travis County treasurer, the building reflects the rise of prosperity in Texas after Reconstruction and the return of political control to the prewar establishment. The building is one of a half-dozen remaining suburban mansions that overlook what was Pecan Street (now 6th Street), the city's major 19th-century, east-west axis. Another is the Sheeks-Robertson House (National Register, 1976). The neighborhood consists of 19th- and early 20th-century buildings which grew up around the estates of Austin's earliest prominent citizens.

Albert Jefferson Jernigan was born December 27, 1836, in Robertson County, Tennessee. He was educated at Liberty Academy in Springfield Tennessee, and immigrated to Texas in 1861 seeking a career as an educator. He settled in Austin and was elected principal of the Travis County Common School District. When the War between the States commenced, he volunteered, and in 1862 was a member of Company G, Sixth Texas Regiment, was captured at the Battle of Arkansas Park and released to join Braggs' Army at Wargate, Tennessee. At the fiercely fought Battle of Missionary Ridge he was wounded, resulting in the amputation of his right arm. He returned to Austin in July 1864, and resumed his teaching position at the Pleasant Hill School. In 1873 Jernigan married Annabella Moore of Gatlin, Tennessee; they subsequently became the parents of eight children.

Jernigan was elected in 1872 on the newly rein-franchised Democratic ticket to the post of County Treasurer and served from 1873-1880, 1883-1888, and 1894-1896. During this period he was also a partner in the Austin Marble Works located adjacent to the Capitol on Lavaca and provided mantels, hearths, and monuments for many of Austins' prominent citizens including the present mantel in his own home.

On December 29, 1896, Jernigan died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His house remained in his family until 1910 when it was sold to Charles B. Capron. In 1945 the Capron family sold the house to E.M. Bauknight who retained the building until 1955 when Cleigh Nease bought the property. The present owner, Mr. Wm. Carr, obtained the house in 1981.

Mr. Jernigan's house consists of generously proportioned rooms arranged in a modified central-hall plan reminiscent of the antebellum period. The bracketed cornice and the extensive use of porches and galleries, however, bespeak the building's ultimately Victorian disposition. The Greek Revival door and window casings, and formal staircase, are a work of master craftsmanship.