Sheeks-Robertson House
610 W. Lynn St., Austin, TXDavid Sheeks was born in Indiana in 1830. After being educated at Asbury University, Sheeks graduated from the Indiana University Law School and entered into private practice with Joseph E. McDonald, United States Senator. After the Civil War, Sheeks was advised to move to a moderate climate for health reasons. In 1866 he moved to Texas, settled in Austin and again entered into the practice of the law. Sheeks served a term as Judge of the 16th Judicial District. In 1877, Judge Sheeks had built his residence on the north side of Pecan Street (now West Sixth Street) near the city limits.
James H. Robertson (1851-1912) came to Texas from Tennessee in 1874. He established his practice of law and in 1882 and served one term in the State Legislature. In 1884 he moved to Austin and served as District Attorney and later was appointed District Judge by Governor James S. Hogg. Shortly after moving to Austin he bought the at 610 West Lynn. After residing with his family in the house until 1896, he undertook a major remodeling including an addition to the hose.
Robertson resigned the judgeship, formed a Jaw partnership with the former Governor Hogg. Robertson was elected to three terms representing Travis County in the State Legislature.* During these terms, he authored the Robertson Insurance Law which required insurance companies doing business in Texas to invest 75% of their reserves in Texas, a law which had the profound effect of pushing the existing insurance companies out of Texas briefly, causing the establishment of Texas based insurance companies and the by-product of the establishment of the city of Dallas as one of the major insurance centers of the United States.
Judge Robertson died in the house in 1912 and his family has owned the property until the death of his last surviving son in April 1976. For the last few years the house has been rented and is in a deteriorating condition. Exact ownership of the property under the terms of the son's will has not been determined.
* 1907-1911 in the 30th, 31st, and 32nd Sessions
Bibliography
History of Travis County and Austin. 1899. Mary Starr Barkley.
Handbook of Texas. Walter Prescott Webb. 1952.
Monograph, Life of James Harvey Robertson, by Margaret Robertson, unpublished.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.
Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.
During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.
Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.
Travis County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Travis County, Texas.
- Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.
1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.
1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.
1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.
1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."
1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.
1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.
1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.
1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.
1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.
2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.