A native of Tennessee, Joseph W. Earnest (1844-1920) migrated to Hays County with his parents in 1854. He was a veteran of the Texas Rangers and Confederate army. A merchant and cattleman, Earnest married Cevilia Cock (1850-1931) in 1870. He hired local builder Charles Sinz (1846-1903) to construct this Victorian residence in 1892. The Earnests' niece Mary Cock (1890-1976) grew up in this house. Later she and her husband Irvin Rylander (1882-1968) became the owners. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1979