James Henry Selkirk

Born to William Selkirk (1792-1850) and Matilda (Hallenbake) Selkirk (1794-1820). James Selkirk (1815-1862) was heir to his father’s Old 300 Spanish land grant in Matagorda. He possessed an astute business mind which fostered regional import and export activity during the plantation and Civil War eras. Selkirk built a docking pier, warehouse and wharf, greatly increasing Matagorda’s economic prospects. Selkirk also served in numerous city and county positions and as a commissioner of the free education system. His daguerreotype studio created a photographic library of great interest. A man of vision and action, his numerous contributions were crucial to Matagorda’s early success.