Andrew Jackson Zilker (1858 - 1934)
Voted Austin's most worthy citizen twice, Indiana Native Andrew Jackson Zilker grew up with a strong respect for the laborers along the Ohio river. He came to Austin penniless in 1876, but quickly got a job by washing dishes in local restuarants. Soon after that he worked in an ice fatory for $1.25 per hour and within three months, he was leasing the plant himself. His ice business blossomed into a thriving business throughout Texas and he became one of the first millioniares in Austin.
Over the years Andrew Zilker became a savvy businessman and bank director. He contributed to his community at the neighborhood, city and county levels. Believing in the importance of "practical" education, he indirectly funded schools industrial programs when he sold 366 acres of parkland, including Barton Springs, to the City of Austin. The payments on the land were required to go to the school District. A gift of 32 additional acres in 1934 added to the city's most cherished recreational areas, Zilker Park.
Ronnie Bredahl, Austin Realtor
Austin Real Estate Broker
4802 Woodside Drive
Austin, Texas 78735
info@austinreferralrealty.com
Telephone: (512) 785-9050
