Shows
Our WestlakeCh4 Austin Hustlers Ep 7 Buck Stops with Capt. Frank Hamer - Texas Ranger Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) shares first-hand stories of cases he represented involving Capt. Frank Hamer, Texas Ranger. Frank's claim to fame was the killing of the notorious Bonnie and Clyde. In the 1930s, Capt. Frank Hamer officed in the Capitol during Prohibition. He arrested an Austin bootlegger within block of the Capitol. Emmett represented the bootlegger. The next tale is a case where Capt. Hamer took a lunchtime stroll down Congress Ave and unknowingly uncovered a scheme between the Sec. of State and Gammell's Book Store. One of the Gammell brothers Harry confessed but when asked to identify Harry...2025-05-0919 min
Our WestlakeChap. 1 - Hx of WLH - Epis. 13 - Emmett Shelton BridgeEmmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) tells how he worked in the late 1940s to have a bridge built between Austin and Westlake Hills. This would make Westlake accessible to the city. Petitions, BondIssues. Emmett's effort was successful and in 1949 the bridge opened but went nameless until 1989. On On Emmett's 85th birthday -- the City of Austin gave him the great honor of lifetime achievement by naming the bridge the "Emmett Shelton Bridge". We had a grand party!For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our WestlakeStories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and...2025-04-2902 minOur WestlakeCh1 Developing Westlake Ep102 LBJ's Tip, Roy Ranch and Our Future Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) Original developer of Westlake Hills, tells of a tip Emmett got from LBJ in1938 regarding the upcoming rehabilitation of the dams on the Colorado River. The Austin Dam had been broken for almost 30 years. LBJ advised Emmett of the WPA and plans to renovate the damns all up and down the Colorado River for flood control. Obviously, it would also make the currently flood-proned land, usable and valuable. Emmett tells of his purchase of almost 3,000 acres of the Roy Ranch property. The future of Westlake Hills was set.Note: Emmett...2025-04-2205 minOur WestlakeCh14 Specials Ep7 Polk Shelton - WLH Original MusicEmmett Shelton Sr.'s son Polk Shelton shares a medley of his original tunes for the Austin radio station around 2000. Emmett Shelton Sr. raised Polk in Westlake. Polk followed his father's footsteps into criminal law in Austin. However, his real love was writing songs and playing music with his friends - especially at Austin's historic Saxon Pub.Sending Love from the Shelton Family!1) Do You Really Want a Christmas Tree this Year2) Daddy's Dreams Are in the Hills3) Old Truck4) Blood Brothers5) Ordinary Things #polksheltonMusic Written and Performed by Polk Shelton2025-04-1317 minOur WestlakeCh5 Early South Austin Pt.1 Dice Winnings and Hill's CafeEmmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a defense attorney for some of Austin's most notorious hustlers and shares first-hand tales from roughly 100 years ago, The Depression years brought out the hustlers who were looking for a quick buck. Emmett represented one such gambler who turned his talent into a legend. Sgt. Posie Hill (future co-owner of Hills Cafe) was an expert dice player in east Austin in the 1930s. In WWII, he was stationed in Honolulu. In one night, he won $30k in a gambling house (2024 value $565,500). When he got back to Austin, Posie used the winnings to partner with Charl...2025-04-0307 minOur WestlakeChap 2 - Peninsula - Epis 5 - Trail of Madrones / Bull Mountain HistoryEmmett Shelton, Sr. tells of his partnership with Sterling Holloway in developing the High Road and Trail of Madrones, making the Westlake Highlands accessible. Emmett also tells of riding horseback from where the County Line Restaurant is now located, to seal the deal with an investor the Bull Mountain property. Keep in mind, there were no roads in the Highlands at that time, no Pennybacker Bridge, no Loop 360, no Toro Canyon - just Westlake Drive.For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our WestlakeStories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted b...2025-04-0113 minOur WestlakeCh1 Developing WLH Ep9 Toro Canyon AreaEmmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) is the Original Developer of Westlake Hills. In this Episode, Emmett tells stories of his partnership with Sterling Holloway and putting in Toro Canyon Road and paving extensions of Westlake Drive. Emmett and his wife Joyce worked with Malcolm Fox to develop the Fast Fox and Slow Turtle Subdivisions. They had to fight the city over their 1 acre minimum lot size. The Shelton's won and the community benefited.Music: Daddy's Dream by Emmett's Son Polk Shelton#austinhistory#Westlake Hills TexasFor maps and ot...2025-03-2408 minOur WestlakeChap. 1 - Hx of WLH - Epis12 - Westlake CornerEmmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) is the Original Developer of Westlake Hills. In this episode, Emmett tells stories of working with Johnny Mussleman and Johnny's vision to develop the Westlake/Red Bud Corner. Johnny truly contributed to completing Emmett's Dream of Westlake Hills.Emmett closes this episode with a reflection about the spirit of the dealings that Emmett and Joyce had with their business partners.For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our WestlakeStories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.2025-03-1506 minOur WestlakeCh2 - Developing WLH Ep 6 Davenport Ranch Emmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) rounds out the Chapter on developing the Westlake Peninsula with a first-hand story of the sale of the 1,000 acre Davenport Ranch in the 1940s. Nobody knew exactly where the boundaries were, but Emmett owned the surrounding ranches. Emmett traces this history back to 1840 when the Walsh family bought it to mine lime. Later, owners harvested cedar. In the 1940s, Emmett took Ms. Davenport out to the property with an asking price of $40 an acre. Ms. D was an oil-heiress from the Valley and the asking price was about one month's royalties. She planned to raise brah...2025-03-0419 minOur WestlakeCh1- Developing WLH - Epis 106 - Central Westlake - Stonehedge EstatesEmmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) was the Original Developer of Westlake Hills. He recorded his history of the area to share with the community, even after he was gone. In this Episode, Emmett tells stories about developing the Chambers Survey which includes 500 acres in the Central part of Westlake Hills - Old Stonehedge. He paid $2,000 for the 500 acres in the early 1930s. The earliest house built in the area was built by the Navarro family in 1872. Emmett abstracted the area. It changed hand several times in the 1800s. A local businessman named Stelfox built the 10 acre Hillside Addition with 50 foo...2025-02-2109 minOur WestlakeCh2 Building Roads Ep104 High Road and PartnershipsEmmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) was the original developer of Westlake HIlls. He tells of the partnership of Sterling Holloway that lead to the expansion in the High Road and Bull Mountail.Music: Daddy's Dreams by Emmett's son Polk SheltonFor maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our WestlakeStories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.2025-02-1809 minOur WestlakeCh2Building Roads Ep3 - Defending the LandEmmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) was the original developer of Westlake HIlls. He tells of expanding Westlake Drive to the Westlake Highlands and building Toro Canyon Road. In the 1940s, there was no Pennybacker Bridge or Loop 360 to provide access to this area. One old abandoned Land Grant (Brown Survey) in Westlake Highlands caught Emmett's attention. He got possession of the 500 acres by claiming and gating it for 10 years and protecting it from trespassers. One Sunday in 1951, Emmett was Challenged. He was hunting on the Survey and found 2 groups of 4 men hunting - he told them to...2025-02-1308 minOur WestlakeCh2 Building Roads Ep102 Westlake Drive North to LakeshoreEmmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) Original Developer of Westlake Hills tells of developing Westlake Drive from the current corner of Redbud Trail, North to Lakeshore Addition dating back to 1920.Even before Westlake Drive and Redbud Trail were thru, Emmett got a contract with a Professor McCorkell on 50 acres on the mountain top overlooking the Corner for $3k cash. When the Prof sold years later he got 50% per year increase.Getting to the lake was a challenge negotiating the terrain, sloughs and original lot ownerships. Emmett closes this Episode with a tale about old time bootleggers ...2025-02-1108 minOur WestlakeCh2 Building Roads Ep101 West Lake Drive to Redbud and DamEmmett Shelton (1905-2000) Original Developer of West Lake Hills tells stories from the 1930s-40s about building Westlake Drive, connecting the Bee Cave Road to Redbud Trail and the Dam Site. The WPA had funding to improve access to the new lake. Emmett tells of negotiating the land purchases with the original owners. He designed and built the roads with county assistance.Music: Daddys Dreams by Polk Shelton, Emmett's SonFor maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our WestlakeStories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled an...2025-02-0810 minOur WestlakeCh1 Developing Westlake Ep105 Cedar Crest Night ClubEmmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) tells us of the changes that came to Westlake Hills in the 1930s. Prohibition ended. Bee Cave Road was paved. Electricity came to the Bee Cave Road area. Mervin Ash was the King Pin of gamblers in Austin. He partnered with Emmett and brother Polk, to rehabilitate the old Moose Head Lodge (at the future site of County Line on the Hill). He invested in gambling equipment and fine food and the Nightclub was packed. Westlake's Las Vegas. #CountylineonthehillMusic "Daddy's Dreams by Emmett's Son Polk Sh...2025-02-0508 min
Our WestlakeCh13(3cc) Austin Law Ep 4(10) Tom Young Last Public Hanging 1906 Emmett Shelton Sr. tells the sad story of an Early Westlake Cedar Chopper, Tom Young. (Bless his heart, Emmett calls him Jim by mistake. A search of local newspapers from the time, verify his name was Tom Young.) In 1906, Emmett's father's first (and worst) criminal case was the defense of a member of the Young Family from Westlake. Tom was charged with the brutal murder of a young girl who lived in his house in Florence where he was picking cotton. The family hired Emmett's father, John E., to represent Tom however, Tom was quickly found guilty. Emmett tells of the s...2024-12-1815 min
Our WestlakeCh23Westlake Tales Ep1 Emmett Jr. Defends Freedom Land and Family at age 19 Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) shares a Thanksgiving Special. It was 74 years ago that Emmett's namesake, Emmett Jr. graduated Austin High when he was called to duty as a Marine in the Korean War. After brutal battles, Emmett Jr. spent his 19th birthday with severe frostbite - he was coming home. Emmett Jr. adjusted to Westlake's peaceful way of life. One day he was challenged by some men hunting on Shelton land. First, he was called to defend the land - and later to defend his father. He stood the test. The Shelton Family shares their stories of Thanksgiving for...2024-11-2717 min
Our WestlakeCh21 Austin Tales Ep1 Texas '20s Hot Oil Fortunes Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) shares several stories about the "Texas Hot Oil" business, and its impact on struggling families and a ex-governor, roughly 100 years ago. Our first story is about the difference an oil strike can make in a family. Mrs. O.H. Davenport is the namesake of Westlake's Davenport Ranch. Her family struck it rich in South Texas when the railroad condemned part of their ranch. The family kept the mineral rights and made their fortune when oil was discovered. Next, Emmett tells his first-hand experience in the "1920s Texas Hot Oil" business. It was short-lived - low-tech, sucking...2024-11-2612 min
Our WestlakeCh20 Tx Rangers Ep1 Buck Stops w Capt. Frank Hamer Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) tells of his first-hand experiences with the famous Capt. Frank Hamer of the Texas Rangers in the 1930s. Emmett was a close person friend of Capt. Hamer and provides a glimpse of this famous Texan who took down Bonnie and Clyde. Capt. Hamer was called on to control racial riots in East Texas. He had a reputation as a good shot. He lived in South Austin on Academy Drive. Governor Moody sent Capt. Hamer to Sherman to quell a riot and prevent a lynching - but it was too far gone and the Courthouse burned down. ...2024-11-1811 min
Our WestlakeCh4 Austin Hustlers Ep10 John Newton Escape Artist in Jail Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) continues his new Chapter "Austin Hustlers" from his 50-year career as a criminal defense lawyer in Austin, roughly 100 years ago. Emmett tells first-hand stories of the actions and defense of a high-profile bank robber, John Newton in 1934. In Ep.9, Emmett told the story of John Newton and two other men and their wives, robbing the bank in Coleman, John and his wife were pursued by the Texas Rangers. They got stuck in a pasture near Llano and gave themselves up. In Ep.10 Emmett stood by John in court in San Angelo. Althoug...2024-11-1712 min
Our WestlakeCh 4 Austin Hustlers Ep.9 John Newton Double-Dating Bank Robber Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) continues his new Chapter "Austin Hustlers" from his 50-year career as a criminal defense lawyer in Austin, roughly 100 years ago. Emmett tells first-hand stories of the actions and defense of a high-profile bank robber, John Newton in 1934. Newton and two other men and their wives, robbed the bank in Coleman while it was open. Rangers were in pursuit. John and his wife got stuck in a pasture near Llano going thru a bump-gate. John abandoned the car and money and gave himself up to Rangers. Next Ep.10, John goes to prison - but not for lon...2024-11-1409 min
Our WestlakeCh4 Austin Hustlers Ep6 Hattie Valdez Pt2 - An Honest Austin BusinesswomanDear Listeners - this tape is old - please take the extra care to make it out - One-of-a-kind first-hand stories of our most famous Austin Madame! Emmett Shelton Sr (1905-2000) tells of his experiences as defense atty for the most famous Whore in Austin, Hattie Valdes. She ran a famous Austin Whorehouse known as Hattie's Place. Texas legislators were among her frequent customers. Hattie was well-known by most folks in Austin in the 1950s. Hattie wanted to buy a property in South Austin but the seller refused. Emmett worked out the deal but she had to...2024-11-1011 min
Our WestlakeCh4 Austin Hustlers Ep5 Hattie Ran the Best Lil Whorehouse in TxDear Listeners - this tape is old - please take the extra care to make it out - One-of-a-kind first-hand stories of our most famous Austin Madame! Emmett Shelton Sr (1905-2000) tells of his experiences with one of the most famous Whore in Austin, Hattie Valdes. She ran a famous Austin whorehouse known as Hattie's Place. Texas legislators were rumored to be among her frequent customers. Hattie was well-known by most folks in Austin in the 1950s. Emmett tells of his first encounter with Hattie in 1929, she wanted a divorce but had no cash. She paid he...2024-11-0810 min
Our WestlakeCh6 Tx Politics Ep11 1916 Prohibition - PaPa Opposed with an Open Pocketknife Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) tells the story of his second experience with Texas politics - South Austin Democratic Precinct Meeting. Emmett was 13. It was 1916 and women had gotten the vote 2 years earlier. The meeting was in a grocery on So. Congress in Austin. The question was Prohibition of Sale of Alcohol. Emmett's father, John E, Shelton, was a local leader and he loved to debate. He was a conservative democrat and a defense attorney. He abstained from alcohol and would not allow it in his house, BUT he opposed Prohibition and felt everyone should be able to make up their mind for...2024-11-0705 min
Our WestlakeCh6 Tx Politics - Ep 11 Gov.Ferguson 'Thought for the Day'With all the recent campaigning makes you wonder how politicians deal with the outrage and anger. Of course, Emmett has a story about that. Emmett Shelton tells some advise Gov. Ferguson gave Emmett in 1911. For those not familiar, past Texas Governor Ferguson was governor of Texas from 1915-17 when he was impeached. Gov. Jim thought the state should fund public education and not so much to higher ed. He vetoed the University of Texas appropriation. That outraged its Austin liberal advocates, and they got Gov Jim impeached. So, he got his wife Ma Ferguson to run, and she w...2024-11-0503 min
Our WestlakeCh6 Tx Politics Ep10 Meat Cleaver debate over Women Voting!! Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) was my grandad) tells the story of his first experience with Texas politics - South Austin Democratic Precinct Meeting. Emmett was 10. It was 1915 and the question was whether Women could Vote. Emmett's father John E, Shelton, was a local leader, superintendent of schools and then District Atty. He loved to debate and was a conservative democrat. When they hold a Democratic Precinct meet in in a South Austin Meat Market, what can you expect. #texashistory#texaspoliticalhistory#texaspolitics#southaustin#austinhistory#suffrage Music: "Democracy is Coming" by Leonard Cohen Fo...2024-11-0408 min
Our WestlakeCh13 Dems for Ike Ep3 1952 Westlake Hero's BBQ and Flatbed Campaigning with Ms. Davenport Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a life-long Democrat BUT like many Texans in 1952, Emmett was a 'Democrat for Eisenhowert'. Emmett tells of hosting Ntl. hero, Gen. Clements, and over 100 dignitaries, at a big BBQ to celebrate Heroes in Emmett's Westlake Hilltop home. Gen. Clements, and the others, were all big supporters of Gen. Eisenhower for President. Instead of switching to the Republican Party, Emmett leads Democrats for Ike in Central Texas with the help of Ms. Davenport who represented Republicans for Ike. Emmett tells the behind-he-scenes story of their successful bipartisan flatbed campaign in Central Texas for Gen. Eisenhower, a Na...2024-11-0312 min
Our WestlakeCh13 Dems for Ike Ep2 Texas Dem Conventions Don't Back StevensonEmmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a life-long Democrat BUT like many Texans in 1952, Emmett was an 'Eisenhower Democrat'. In the 1950s, Central Texas had become liberal. Emmett was active in the Texas Democratic Party and Gov. Alan Shivers asked for Emmett's help to swing the leadership to the right for the Ntl. Democratic Convention. Emmett's friend Herman Heath went to the Republican Convention to push for Taft. Emmett tells back-room tales of the Texas State Democratic Convention in preparation for the National Dem. Convention in Chicago, including the list of local delegates. Governor's Convention in Amarillo later in the year d...2024-11-0108 min
Our WestlakeCh13 Dems for Ike Ep1 Gov Shivers Swings Tx Right '52 Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a life-long Democrat BUT in 1952 Emmett was an 'Eisenhower Democrat'. In the 1950s, Central Texas had become liberal. Emmett was active in the Texas Democratic Party and Gov. Alan Shivers asked for Emmett's help. Emmett became Chair of the Texas State Democratic Convention. He finalized the list of delegates to the National Dem. Convention in Chicago. The Gov. offered Emmett a delegate spot but Emmett declined telling Gov. Shivers he planned to support Eisenhower. Next Episode - In Ep2, instead of voting Republican, Emmett leads Democrats for Ike in Central Texas with the help o...2024-10-2909 minOur WestlakeCh13 Dems for Ike Ep1 Texas Swings to the RightEmmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a life-long Democrat BUT in 1952 Emmett was an 'Eisenhower Democrat'. In the 1950s, Central Texas had become so liberal that Dems would not allow Gov. Shivers to be their delegate in the State Democratic Convention. Emmett was active in the Texas Democratic Party and Gov. Alan Shivers asked for Emmett's help. Emmett became Chair of the Texas State Democratic Convention. He finalized the list of delegates to the National Dem. Convention in Chicago. The Gov. offered Emmett a delegate spot but Emmett declined telling Gov. Shivers he planned to support Eisenhower. Next Episode -2024-10-2909 minOur WestlakeCh 4 Austin Hustlers Ch 4 Prohibition n Bootleggin' Tales Emmett Shelton Sr. spent many years as a criminal defense atty in the Texas hillcounty, getting (and keeping) bootleggers out of jail! In this episode, Emmett tells 7 of his favorite first-hand experiences. Prohibition was ratified nationally in 1919 and it was repealed in most Texas counties in 1935. Emmett's first story takes us to a South Austin Democratic Precinct Debate over Prohibition. Emmett's Papa, John E. Shelton, was against it. but it Passed. Our first bootleggin' tale, is a story of Westlake Bootleggers who ran a local dance pavilion on Bee Cave Road in the 20s. Albert Brust killed his stepson Ernes...2024-10-2028 minOur WestlakeCh.4 Austin Gamblers Ep 3 Horses, Table Games and PayoffsCh4 Austin Gamblers - Ep. 3 Horses, Table Games and Payoffs Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a defense atty in the 1930s. He shares first-hand stories of rigged horse races, slots and payoffs to local officials. Alamo Downs was popular, but the jockeys rigged many races. In the 1930s, big stakes often meant big losses. Ring-leaders occasionally paid off the losses not wanting to bring down the law on the games. Payoffs to Texas Rangers and the local Sherriff, also kept the games going. Even Andrew Zilker fell to their antics. Some games. like Skillball. were considered acceptable...2024-10-1215 minOur WestlakeCh 4 Austin Gamblers Ep 2 Hustlers Easy Money & Hills Cafe Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a defense attorney for some of Austin's most notorious hustlers and shares first-hand tales from roughly 100 years ago, The Depression years brought out the hustlers who were looking for a quick buck. Money-making machines, kidnapping, pigeon drop, hot diamonds, loaded dice and the sign game were popular hustles. Local leaders were often victims. Isaac Bledsoe, Austin music businessman, lost $10k on a money-making machine and was later kidnapped and held for ransom. His kidnapper refused to give the money back and went to the penitentiary; the bounty went to open a cafe in Austin. Blacky...2024-10-0922 minOur WestlakeChap.4 -Gamblers - Epis.1 - Westlake's Cedar Crest Nightclub Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) shares stories about gambling halls around Westlake, roughly 100 years ago. Mervin Ash was a big-time gambler and had number of partners around Austin. He sold liquor and ran gambling houses - one at the site of St. Stevens School. He got the rich and powerful from Austin in - and got them to bet big money. One of Austin's notorious gamblers, Jack Duval, was Mervin's partner. After years of problems with the law, Jack got ambushed at a shoeshine parlor on Congress Ave. by two different caliber bullets. Roy Schnautz opened a gambling club on Bee Creek. I...2024-10-0317 min
Our WestlakeCh 6 Tx Politics - Ep 7 Gov. Shivers Swings Tx Dems. Right '51 Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) tells of his experience in the Texas Democratic Party in Texas after WWII. Liberal forces, led by Emma Long in Travis County, had control of Texas politics. Gov. Alan Shivers wanted a change to more conservative values and recruited Emmett to take over the local Democratic organization, and he went to work. Emmett was elected chair of the County Convention, which was held in the House Chamber, Emmett tells of the activities at the convention. On his election, the liberal faction walked out. Stevenson was nominated for President. Emmett's conservative faction also got control of the State C...2024-10-0316 min
Our WestlakeCh 6 Tx Politics - Ep 6 LBJs Senate Win vs. Coke Stevenson but Questions Remain Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) tells of his first-hand experiences with the 1948 Coke Stevens v LBJ Texas Senate race. In Path to Power, Robert Caro includes accounts of the race but omits details Emmett had shared with Caro. Emmett, and the Shelton law firm, represented the "South Texas Machine" which played a Big Role in the election which LBJ won by 87 votes in Box 13 from Jim Wells County. In this Episode, Emmett shares the details Caro omitted. NOTE: In 1977, Associated Press reported that "After testifying in an earlier investigation after the election, Election Judge Salas had changed his account due to a guilty con...2024-09-2326 min
Our WestlakeCh 6 Tx Politics - Ep 4 LBJ's First Win v. Polk Shelton Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) tells of LBJ's first political race against his brother, Polk Shelton, for Congress. Emmett starts out with insights of LBJs college years at Southwest Texas State. LBJ was a few years behind Emmett. When Tx Congressman Buchanan died in 1937, the Dems, with Roosevelt as president, were running with a proposal to "pack" the Supreme Court. Feelings ran high and being a trial lawyer, Emmett's brother Polk was against Roosevelt's proposal. LBJ was a Roosevelt man. The campaign was local, flatbeds and loudspeakers - no TV no radio. Emmett had to put up land in Stonehedge Estat...2024-09-1925 min
Our WestlakeCh6 TxPolitics Ep12 Honest Gov. Dan Fought the Klan Emmett Shelton Sr.(1905-2000) tells first-hand stories of his experiences with Texas Gov. Dan Moody in the 1920s. He was a close personal friend of the Shelton Family. So honest - never took a drink - he smoked - he knew right from wrong and he stuck to it. He was the mortal enemy of graft and could not relax. In 1917, Gov Ferguson was indicted in Travis Co. Emmett's father was District Atty and he dismissed the indictment. Austin Liberals got Ben Robinson, Moody's uncle, to defeat Emmett's Dad in the next election. When his uncle soon resigned, Dan Moody s...2024-09-1631 min
Our WestlakeCh 6 Tx Politics - Ep 3 Impeached in Tx = Two Govs FergusonImpeaching a sitting official is a popular topic these days - Let's look back in Austin 100 years ago. Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a close friend of the two Governors Ferguson. He tells a number of stories about Gov. Jim and his wife "Ma" Ferguson. Jim Ferguson was a farmer from Temple. He was first elected governor in 1914 as an anti-prohibitionist. He was popular and was re-elected in 1916. However, Govenor Jim believed the public education should be a funding priority. He got crossed the liberal UT advocates when, in 1917, he vetoed the entire UT appropriation. Locals got an Au...2024-09-1428 min
Our WestlakeCh 6 Tx Politics - Ep 5 Old-Times Election Interference Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) tells first-hand experiences in the 1930-50s in South Texas Politics. He tells of Election interference using poll tax exemption certificates, vote reporting and other shenanigans. Austin's Shelton Law Firm represented many of the South Texas border county officials, including Sen. Archie Parr, (who never lost an election) his son was County Judge George Parr in Duval County. Judge Raymond was in Zapata County. Due to the high number of illiterate, non-English speaking voters, these county officials saw opportunities, and they used them. Emmett tells of financial manipulations with warrants and bonds. Mr. Baker was a banker and 'k...2024-09-0624 min
Our WestlakeCh13 Austin Law Tales Ep1 Frank Hamer - Texas Ranger - updated audio Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) starts a New Chapter "Austin Law Tales" with first-hand stories from his family's 50-year career as criminal defense lawyers in Austin - roughly 100 years ago. The 1915-30s in Texas were the days of Prohibition, Ku Klux Klan, Lynchings and Bonnie and Clyde. The Texas Rangers took on the Devil himself -- in defense of Texas. Capt. Hammer lived in South Austin and officed in the State Capitol. Emmett had lots of stories to tell. Capt. Hamer arrested a local bootlegger who serviced the Capitol. He tripped into a state book theft ring at Gammell's B...2024-09-0231 minOur WestlakeCh3 Cedar Choppers Ep 6 Defending Hill Country Killings Emmett Shelton Sr, (1905-2000) continues his tales as a lawyer in Austin related to Hill Country killings, 100 years ago. The first story is that of Emmett's friend and right-hand man in Westlake, Earl Short. He was a hard-working cedar chopper, rock worker and bootlegger. He got crosswise with another bootlegger and killed him. Emmett tells an interesting tale about defending Earl and he was acquitted. Another Austin bootlegger, Sonny Ross, took up with his competitor's cheating wife and Sonny shot the husband. After new evidence came out in court, the jury gave Sonny 5 years. Blondie and Curly Wright were well...2024-08-2924 minOur WestlakeCh3 Cedar Choppers Ep.5 Hill Country Feudin' Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) tells first-hand stories of three early Westlakers: Tom, Homer and Jesse Teague. In the 1910-20s, Tom was a cedar chopper - a Hill Country "go to guy" for hard jobs. As a young man, he joined in a rock fight in Austin one night. He hit a boy and broke the boy's back. The court banished Tom to the Hills. A few years later, Tom got into a feud with 'Stark' a neighbor in Oak Hill and shots flew. Emmett defended him at trial, but Tom boasted - he still got off with a $15 fine...2024-08-2620 minOur WestlakeCh3 Cedar Choppers Ep4 Bootleggin' Brothers Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) tells of the life of two early Westlake brothers who lived on Bee Cave Road, H.B. "Rush" Riley and John T. Riley. They were both hard-working cedar choppers. Rush was known by the authorities for bootlegging and selling it on Lake Austin Blvd in Austin. One officer told Rush he was not smart enough to bootleg. "I arrested Rush for selling liquor in the morning, he got out on bond, and I rearrested him again, later that afternoon." John T. was also a bootlegger but in the 1920s but he was charged with pandering (pimping) and wen...2024-08-2310 minOur WestlakeCh3 Cedar Choppers Ep3. John Teague - Defended His Sister's Honor Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) tells the story of one of the earliest Westlaker, John Teague, roughly 100 years ago. The Teague family was one of the first families in the Hills. At the turn of the Century, the family owned a large tract of land near Commons Ford and Bee Cave on both sides of the Bee Cave Road. John was a horse trader. One night in South Austin in 1911, John went to a South Austin bar. The barkeep Mr. Gest had made derogatory remarks about John's sister, Ms. Hidelwright. John took offense and shot Mr. Gest. As John retreated to the Hills, he...2024-08-2013 minOur WestlakeChap.3 - Cedar Choppers - Ep.2 - Ernest Thurman - WLH Dance Pavillion Dreams Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) tells of the life of Ernest Thurman in the 1920s and 30s. Ernest sold Emmett 50 acres of land for $50 worth of lumber. The family built a Dance Pavillion on Bee Cave Road across from the County Line. The Thurmans were bootleggers and had a good business with drinking and dancing at the pavilion. Ernest was a hard worker, who lived off the land and carried a gun. Emmett defended him in court. In time, Ernest and his father-in-law (Albert Brusk) did not get along when they drank. One night, the feud ended with a shooting deat...2024-08-1614 minOur WestlakeCh.3 - Cedar Choppers - Ep.1 - Buck Simpson Austin's WWI Hero Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) tells first-hand stories of the earliest Westlakers - many called Cedar Choppers. Westlake was a land rich with natural resources but no transportation and few business or educational opportunities. Cedar was a major resource for railroads and heating -- but required strong men to harvest. Cutting and hauling cedar and brewing whiskey was their livelihood. Emmett worked alongside many of them to clear the land. Emmett, and his father, defended them in court and feuds kept them busy. One early Westlaker, Buck Simpson, was drafted into World War I and became Austin's War Hero - akin to Sgnt Yor...2024-08-1317 min
Our WestlakeCh 5 Shelton v. KKK - Ep. 2 - So.Congress Baptist Church Mayhem and PaPa's Memorial Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) tells of the Shelton family's further conflict with the KKK in So. Austin. Emmett's father, John E., was Director of Sunday School but was kicked out of So. Austin Baptist Church for being an anti-prohibitionist. Brother Edgar was singing at the Baptist Church when robed KKK Members marched in with a donation. Someone shut off the lights, Edgar grabbed the mask and conflict ensued. Edgar was arrested and Buck Simpson helped in the defense. Emmett tells details of a phone operator foiling a KKK death threat against a judge. In San Marcos, KKK was a family affair bu...2024-08-0722 min