Buddington-Benedict-Sheffield Compound
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Albert and Rebecca Buddington built the first part of this compound as their home c. 1860. In 1921, it became the home of Dr. Harry Y. Benedict, a mathematician who served as University of Texas professor and president. Delia Edwards, a later owner, commissioned Arthur Fehr to alter the original house and design an adjacent rustic-style cottage with a fireplace mantel carved by Peter Mansbendel. Wilhelmine Sheffield, who bought the property in the 1940s, added another house and an enclosing wall, as well as ironwork crafted by Fortunat Weigl and his company. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2004
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Albert and Rebecca Buddington raised the first part of this Austin compound as their home around 1860. In 1921 it became the residence of Dr. Harry Y. Benedict, a mathematician who rose to be a professor and later president of the University of Texas. Later owners reshaped the property with a rustic cottage, a carved fireplace mantel, an enclosing wall, and fine ironwork, layering decades of craftsmanship into a single walled compound.
Why it matters
The compound preserves in one place the evolving taste of Austin over nearly a century, and its tie to a University of Texas president links a private home to the making of the state's flagship university.
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Related people
- · Harry Y. Benedict
- · Albert Buddington
- · Rebecca Buddington
- · Wilhelmine Sheffield
- · Peter Mansbendel
Themes & tags
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