Historic Walker County

WALKER
COUNTY TITLE
COMPANY
Walker County Title Company was founded
in 1898 by A. T. Randolph who recognized
the growing need for a process of examining
title to properties in the county. Randolph
worked at establishing a process to better
research records that could be used more easily
than the public records. After several years of
engaging in all aspects of real estate, including
preparation of abstracts of title, he gradually
began to accumulate the records, which are the
basis of an abstract plant.
A young lawyer named E. R. Berry came to
Huntsville in 1918 as the football coach at
Sam Houston State Teachers College and in
1919 opened a law practice on the north side
of the courthouse square. Berry bought Walker
County Abstract in 1930.
The Law Office and Walker County Abstract
were destroyed by fire in 1936. After which,
Berry and Robert B. Smither became partners
continuing the title business. Smither served
in the Marines in World War II. After his
discharge he purchased and remodeled a
building located at 1109 University Avenue for
both the law practice and the title company.
Smither sold a one-half interest in both companies
to newcomer, Attorney Lloyd Martin in
January of 1970. Their partnership continued
until 1976 when James M. Haggard joined the
operation. After Smither retired, Attorney Joe B.
Henderson, Jr., purchased a one-fourth interest.
In 1971, Hurlene Savage became an employee
of the law firm; thereafter, assuming
management duties in 1982. In 1984, Hurlene
purchased one-fourth interest in the title
company. Savage continues to manage the
Walker County Title Company, employing
ten professional individuals to provide title
examinations and closing services for a
substantial number of real estate transactions
in both Walker and San Jacinto Counties.
Walker County Title Company is proud to
be the keeper of land records that are the heart
and soul of the title business dating back to the
original Spanish land grants.
S h a r i n g t h e H e r i t a g e ✦ 8 1