Near Llano in Llano County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Robert E. Rowntree House

Photographed By James Hulse, December 4, 2023

1. Robert E. Rowntree House Marker

Inscription. Early Llano County leader, Robert Flack (Bob) Rowntree (1847-1893), built this majestic two story house in the Prairie Mountain community from 1875 to 1888. Scottish architect John K. Finlay, a pioneer in the Texas granite industry, designed the home using local red-brown sandstone obtained nearby and white limestone from Burnet County built with 20-inch thick walls, the house contains eight rooms, each with a fireplace, and porches on both floors overlooking Prairie Mountain and Rough Mountain. Rowntree lived on his 8500 acre ranch with his family until his untimely death on July 19, 1893, some believe his involvement in the Hoodoo War was connected to his death. Later, the house became the home of Ernst and Lucy (Meusebach) Marschall. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2016

Erected 2016 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18463.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is July 19, 1893.

Location. 30° 34.02′ N, 98° 52.51′ W. Marker is near Llano, Texas, in Llano County. Marker is on Ranch to Market Road 2323 south of County Highway 110, on the left when traveling south. The marker is located along the east side of the highway at a

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small pullout. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hewitt TX 76643, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Site of Prairie Mountain School (approx. half a mile away); Enchanted Rock (approx. 5.9 miles away); Herman and Willie Lehmann (approx. 7.8 miles away); Homesite of John O. Meusebach, 1812-1897 (approx. 8.4 miles away); Cherry Spring Schoolhouse (approx. 8½ miles away); Old Cherry Spring School (approx. 8.6 miles away); Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (approx. 8.7 miles away); Diedrich Rode Complex (approx. 8.8 miles away).

Also see . . . Mason County War. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)

The Mason County War, commonly known as the Hoodoo War, was one of a number of feuds that developed over the stealing and killing of cattle. As early as June 25, 1874, Wilson Hey, presiding justice of Mason County, wrote Governor Richard Coke requesting that troops be stationed in the county to help deal with cattle rustling. Since many of the settlers of the county were Germans, there began to be a perception that they were pitted against the American-born residents, and neither group was able to get protection from the cattle thieves. The trouble began seriously when
Photographed By James Hulse, December 4, 2023

2. The Robert E. Rowntree House and Marker
the sheriff, John Clark, jailed nine men on charges of stealing cattle. Before a trial was held, four of them escaped, but a mob of about forty men took the remaining five from the jail on February 18, 1875, led them to a place near Hick Springs, and hanged them.

(Submitted on December 6, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the Robert E. Rowntree House on the hill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, December 4, 2023

3. The view of the Robert E. Rowntree House on the hill

Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 6, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 6, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.