Walter Hutson Kokernot was born at Big Hill, Gonzales County, Texas, August 8, 1874, one of five children born to L.M. and Sarah E. Littlefield Kokernot. When young, he 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. Vergie, born April 19, 1876, was the daughter of Dr. Robert Lusk and Theresa Smith and the sister of French Olen Smith.
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 1940’s. 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 is now the elegant St. James Bed and Breakfast.
After selling the house, Walter and Vergie moved to Alpine, Texas, where they lived the remainder of their lives. Vergie died November 20, 1951. Walter died of injuries from an accident on his ranch south of Alpine December 29, 1952, and is buried next to Vergie in the Gonzales I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Currently, the house is used as the St. James Inn Bed and Breakfast.
