John Andrewartha
John Andrewartha
John Andrewartha was a British architect and civil engineer who settled in Austin, Texas. He designed many buildings there, including the first public hospital in Texas.
He designed several residences in Austin, including the Henry Hirschfeld House (1885), which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Early Life and Education
Early childhood is an incredibly crucial period in a child’s brain development. During this period of rapid growth and connection, billions of connections are formed between individual neurons – providing the building blocks for future learning, behavior and health.
At this crucial stage in childhood, children develop essential social skills, self-esteem and an ethical outlook that will serve them throughout their lives. The emotional and social skills they acquire will give them the tools necessary for successful problem-solving as well as healthy risk taking.
Early childhood education (ECE) helps children cultivate essential emotional skills by creating a safe space to express themselves freely and explore feelings. Teachers also use small class sizes so each child feels known and cared for, with ample teacher interaction time to help develop these necessary abilities.
Professional Career
John Andrewartha’s professional career saw the design of many notable buildings, such as Louisville City Hall and Courier-Journal Building. Additionally, he created the original entrance lodge and stables at Churchill Downs; however, these were eventually replaced.
He also designed several notable public buildings in Austin, such as the Austin City-County Hospital (1884; demolished 1929), Montopolis bridge across the Colorado River (destroyed 1935), and St. John’s Home for Negro Orphans (1911, burned 1956).
Andrewartha is renowned for his innovative designs, such as the first American-designed telegraph tower and telephone exchange. He also designed several large houses, such as Henry Hirschfeld House in Austin which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Andrewartha passed away in 1916 and is interred at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.
Achievements and Honors
John Andrewartha had an illustrious engineering career in the United States. His firm designed some of Louisville’s most iconic structures, such as Courier-Journal Building and Churchill Downs. Additionally, he designed numerous buildings in Austin, Texas.
He earned several awards for his work and was a founding member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He is credited with designing the first public hospital in Austin, Texas (built 1884) and his office is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, he constructed telegraph cables. A skilled swimmer, avid amateur golfer, talented steel moulder – not to mention an accomplished snooker player who won both the United Kingdom championship in 1980 and qualified for world finals a few years later.
Personal Life
John Andrewartha was an amiable individual who valued his family, job and travel. In addition, he had a deep-seated interest in books, poetry and language; furthering his commitment to teaching public education.
He was married to Jemima Louisa Whillier and together they had twelve children. In 1881, the couple relocated to Austin, Texas.
He had a distinguished design career throughout the United States. His firm designed landmark projects like Louisville City Hall and Courier-Journal Building in Kentucky as well as Churchill Downs. Additionally, his Texas projects included Austin City-County Hospital (1884), Montopolis Bridge over Colorado River (which flooded in 1935), and residences like Henry Hirschfeld House. On November 7, 1916 in Austin, Jack became known affectionately by family and friends as “Jack.” A beloved member of the Austin community, Jack will always remain fondly remembered by those he left behind him: Jack “K”
Net Worth
John Andrewartha was an eminent English architect and civil engineer, best known for his work on landmark buildings such as Montopolis Bridge across Colorado River, St. John’s Home for Negro Orphans, and New York State capitol building. Additionally, he founded both American Society of Engineering Geologists and International Association of Architectural Engineers before passing away in 1916 at his home in Austin, Texas and being interred at Oakwood Cemetery.
She was the oldest of five children and became the first woman in her family to obtain a high school diploma. Later, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University as well as teaching certification. For over 42 years, she taught public education while remaining actively engaged in her community.
