Abilene History in Plain Sight Driving Tour 

Historic Homes of Abilene

Featured in this tour are five homes in town, including what is thought to be the very oldest. So, roll down the windows and take in some of our common past. 

342 Poplar 1978

342 Poplar – This corner lot home was built in 1882 and is thought to be the oldest home in Abilene.  It was built by Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Watson who arrived in Abilene from Kentucky. Their son, Will (pictured), was born in the home in 1884 and lived there his entire life, dying in 1963. Will was better known as “Sheriff,” although he was never an actual sheriff. Sheriff Will Watson was instrumental in growing the West Texas Fair and is credited as the originator of the HSU Six White Horse program. For over three decades he rode at the head of the HSU Cowboy Band in parades across the country and even overseas.

Sheriff Watson was a great-grandson of President Zachary Taylor (Will’s mother was the granddaughter.)

 318 Elm 1978

The Fulwiler home was built in 1884 but has been expanded and modified from the original plan. Charles and Betty Fulwiler married in Buffalo Gap in 1884 and moved to Abilene immediately after tying the knot.  Charles and his brother Will operated a wagon yard and livery stable that was at Cypress and N. 2nd, now Vera Hall Minter Park. on Mr. Fulwiler died in 1949 and Mrs. Fulwiler lived in the home until her death in 1963.

1502 Cherry 1989

Egbert N. Kirby and his wife, Addie Lou built a home at South 14th and Cherry in 1900. At the time, the home was considerably out in the country and their property was quite extensive, even extending east to what is now Kirby Park, land they donated to the city as a park in the 1940s.   Judge Kirby was an attorney and served as Abilene mayor from 1907 until 1919. He was instrumental in the construction of Lake Abilene.  A fire in 1949 caused extensive damage to the second floor. Judge Kirby died in 1949 and Mrs. Kirby died in the home in 1956. Kirby Lake is name in honor of E.N. and Addie Kirby.  The vintage airplane hanging inside the Abilene Regional Airport was a gift to the City in 1911 by the Kirby’s grandson, Jerry Ferrel.

 642 Sayles

The 1889 home of Henry and Hattie Sayles has a historical marker in the front yard which provides background information on the family and home.  This home was on the western edge of Abilene when built in 1889 and the Sayles property extended far to the west including much of what is now Rose Park. Henry and Hattie had ten children. Son John was eight years old when the family moved into the home. John would later own the property, living there his entire life. Henry Sayles died in 1916 and Hattie passed away in 1944.  John Sayles died in 1958.

2802 Old Anson Road

The home of John and Ida Ball was built circa 1926 along the Anson Highway (now Old Anson Road). John Houston Ball was physician who practiced in Breckenridge until retiring and relocating to Abilene in 1920 where their son was the city treasurer. Dr. Ball died in 1938 and Mrs. Ball passed away in 1974. They are buried in the City Cemetery. Today the home belongs to the Life Church located across Old Anson Road.