In 1862, when Kendall County was brand new, its people chose a young man — just 28 years old — to wear the star. The story of Kendall County’s first Sheriff…John William Sansom right after this.

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John William Sansom wasn’t just any lawman. Born in Alabama, raised in Texas, he’d already seen his share of frontier fights. He was a scout, a soldier, a man who could track through cedar and rock and not lose his way. And when the Civil War broke out, he was opposed to leaving the Union but stayed loyal to Texas. Sansom traveled to Austin and met with Governor Sam Houston to offer his services. Houston gave him a Colt revolver instead.

As sheriff, he rode against rustlers and bandits. Later, as a Texas Ranger captain, he faced far greater dangers — Comanche raids, border outlaws, and even the infamous Nueces Massacre, where neighbors turned on neighbors in a time of bitter division.

John William Sansom survived it all. He kept the peace when there was precious little of it. And he lived until 1920 to the age of 86 — and rests next to his wife Victoria in Mission Burial Park South in San Antonio.

I’m Tom Allred with Boerne Texas History

and this is Boerne Radio 103.9FM.

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The Live Oak Shopping Center, located on North Main at School Street, has had numerous businesses throughout the years…The Dollar Tree is one of the latest…but another 5 and Dime Varity Store located there named Winn’s had a Boerne connection. The story of Mr. Murray Arvin Winn Jr. right after this.

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At their peak, 106 of Winn’s stores dotted Texas and surrounding states—and then Walmart came to town.

Murray Arvin Winn, Jr. graduated from St. Mary’s University in 1935 with an accounting degree to help run the family business. After selling the stores in the 1950s, Murray saw something few others could see—pastures northeast of San Antonio… that he transformed into a brand-new community. He called it Windcrest.

And when it was time to retire… he and his beloved wife Barbee chose the Hill Country—settling right here in Boerne, worshipping at First United Methodist Church.

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In the charming Hill Country town of Comfort, Texas… stands a grand limestone building that has welcomed travelers for nearly a century and a half.

Today, it’s known as Hotel Giles—named after famed San Antonio architect Alfred Giles, who designed it in 1880… at just 27 years old. The story of Giles in Comfort…right after this.

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Originally, The Giles was the Ingenhuett Hotel, commissioned by local pioneers Peter Ingenhuett and Marie Karger. Back then, stagecoaches rolled through town, and weary guests found rest in its dog-run layout, stone fireplace, and copper roof.

As Comfort grew, so did the hotel. Giles returned in 1894 to add elegant arches and Gothic charm. It was later renamed the Faust Hotel in 1909… but after World War II, as motels took over and German heritage faced prejudice, the old hotel closed its doors.

Then came the rescue.

In 1985, Dr. Bob and Diane Potter restored the fading landmark and earned it Texas Historical Landmark status.

I’m Tom Allred with Boerne Texas History and this is Boerne Radio 103.9FM.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.