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Walter Hutson, when young, was in the mercantile
business with his brother, Herbert L. Kokernot,
and French Smith. On November 23, 1896, Walter
married Susan Virginia (Vergie) Smith and went into
the family cattle business.
This gracious house was designed by San Antonio
architect, James Phelps, and was completed in 1914. It
served as the family home of Walter, Vergie, a daughter
and four sons until they sold it in the 1940s. While
the Kokernots lived in the house, they entertained
frequently in the downstairs reception hall, living
room, dining room and conservatory. Their daughter,
Josephine, was married in the home. The main house
has three stories, nine fireplaces, thirty rooms and
sixty stairs from the basement to the "Penthouse." A
two-car garage is situated at the rear of the lot and
originally there were stables for three horses. The
home was owned by Miss Tom Spooner but now is
known as "The Saint James Inn." owned by J.R. and
Ann Covert.
W.H. KOKERNOT
HOUSE
723 St. James Street
Photography By Paul & Vicki Frenzel
Historic Photo courtesy of the Gonzales County archives.
