Historic Abilene home reveals local boy’s military honor
ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) – When digging through Abilene's almost two and a half centuries of history, you will find no shortage of interesting inhabitants and connections. Such is the case at 940 Sayles Boulevard, a home recently purchased by the Rowland family of Fort Worth. Rachel Rowland took an interest in the previous residents of the home, her research revealing a Reverend with a reverence for local prosperity and a Hardin-Simmons University graduate whose accomplishments in the Navy were recognized by a U.S. President and made him the namesake of a mountain peak in Alaska.
"My son lives here, and my daughter-in-law and my granddaughter. One of the times that I came to Abilene to visit them, I scheduled an appointment with the realty company. I kinda toured it, and I liked what I saw." Roland said.
The home's antique architecture, backyard garden, and flourishing local flora caught Rowlands' eye. However, she says the real intrigue came when she dug into its history. Initially, Rowland says she found that the home was listed as a "contributor" to the historic Sayles area but was not recognized as a historic home.
"I just started researching it and found out a lot about the original family that lived here." Said Rowland.
Burkett-Webb house in 2024, 2018, 1997
That first find and a desire to see a historic plaque posted out front sent her down the research rabbit hole, which she says continues to surprise her with new findings and avenues to explore.
Listed on the Abilene register of historic homes, the Burkett-Webb house was constructed in 1926 by Reverend Jacob Coonce Burkett. Rowland says the reverend only lived in that home for the last 15 years. But his contributions to the community have lasted far longer than his residence.
"He was kind of like a traveling preacher. He had been to Midland and Colorado City. In my research, I found that there's a Texas Historical Marker that mentions his name ." Rowland explained.
The marker she referenced sits outside the First Baptist Church of Colorado City, reading in part, "In 1890, Pastor J.C. Burkett reported 140 on a roll. This church joined that year with other members of Sweetwater Baptist Association to implement charter for Simmons College." Reverend Burkett was one of many who supported the charter to establish Simmons College, which we now know as Hardin-Simmons University. He was also stated to have "encouraged" church members to contribute to the building fund for Abilene's first Hospital.
"I also found out that his son Eugene Field Burkett was a WWI Navy Pilot." Added Rowland.
Reverend Jacob Coonce Burkett and son Lt. Eugene Field Burkett
The Reverend's son, Lieutenant Eugene Field Burkett, graduated from Hardin-Simmons in 1916. He then attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1920 , and served as an Officer on the U.S. Navy expeditionary flights to Alaska . During those 1926 flights, he contributed to the mapping of routes between San Francisco and Juneau, Alaska, Routes that are still used today.
Lt. Burkett died four years later, in 1930. After his death, he was awarded the distinguished flying cross for his efforts and became the namesake of the mountain peak Mount Burkettin Alaska.
An excerpt of his posthumous award can be found on the Hall of Valor Project website , which reads, "The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Eugene F. Burkett, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as navigator of the Alaskan Aerial Expedition during the Summer of 1926, materially aiding in successfully performing a hazardous and difficult aerial survey of Southeastern Alaska."
"I feel like Reverend Burkett and his son made some contributions to this city in their own quiet way and I think having this [Home] listed as a historical site is kind of a way to recognize them and their contributions." Rowland shared.
Earlier this year Rowland approached the Abilene Landmark Commission seeking to have a historic overlay approved for the home and historic plaque posted outside. In September that request was approved by City Council. Mason Teegardin, a planner with the City of Abilene telling KTAB/KRBC that the care and time Rowland has put into this historic home are to be commended.
"I loved working with Mrs. Rowland on this project; she is so sweet. With the little information, I could find on this house on our end. I was very impressed with the information she was able to find." Teegardin said.
Rowlands' curiosity uncovered the history that had sat silently in that home for nearly 100 years. Teegardin says that it is thanks to the efforts of people like Rowland and, of course, groups like the Landmarks Commission and Abilene Preservation League that our local history is able to be recovered for future generations.
"I'm impressed by what she found, and I'm excited that we have people locally that are able to do such major contributions to the country really." Said Teegardin.
Rowland states that she is still trying to decide if the home will be her family's main residence or if she will make it a B&B-style rental property. She says that much like a city's history can help to ingrain residents into their area, the history and character of the home have given her a deep connection and love for 940 Sayles Boulevard.
"After all the work and everything I've put into it, I'm not sure I want to do that. This home has so much character, and the more I'm here, the more it grows on me." Rowland shared.
