220 East Morris Street
City Directories and History: The Caldwell-Johnson-Morris Cottage was built ca. 1851 by Nancy M. Caldwell. The house is a perfect example of the “raised cottage” genre of houses which were built extensively in the nineteenth century. A one-story, raised brick basement elevates the house and gives the effect of a two-story dwelling. The façade has high wooden steps which lead to a pedimented portico on the main floor level. This central portico is supported by four square columns and is enclosed
with a balustrade. The house stands out for several blocks due to its situation as an island with access streets on all sides. The house was also home to Dr. William Bullein Johnson, a Baptist minister, leader, and pioneer in the area of female education. In 1830, he began a twenty-two year career as principal of the Edgefield Female Academy. In 1853 Dr. Johnson assumed to role of chancellor and teacher at Johnson Female University, the forerunner of Anderson College. Listed in the National Register October 7, 1971.
View the complete text of the nomination form for this National Register Property(Courtesy of South Carolina Department of Archives and History)
The Anderson Historic District has added information on the city’s heritage and this building.
A “Columbia cottage,” this home was erected c.1851 and in 1853 became the home of Dr. William B. Johnson. He was president of the female academy, later to become Johnson University, of which he was chancellor. Long a Baptist leader, he was the first president of the Southern Baptist Convention. – Information courtesy of the S.C. Dept. of Archives and History
Johnson Female Seminary—Anderson—Organized by Dr. William B. Johnson (of this house), a DD from Brown University, and successfully operated there and in Edgefield for many years. He was a famous Baptist preacher and teacher. Early in his career, he served as principal of the Female Academy in Greenville.
Patrick’s Military Academy—Greenville—Capt. J. B. Patrick—1869—Organized as Greenville Military Institute and at one time called Peabody School. Col. Patrick was formerly an officer and instructor in the South Carolina Military Academy. Operated for many years as a preparatory school for Furman University. In 1887 Col. Patrick moved his school to Anderson, where it operated as Patrick Military Academy until his death.
(Information from: Names in South Carolina by C.H. Neuffer, Published by the S.C. Dept. of English, USC)
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User comments always welcome - please post at the bottom of this page.
Reneau de Beauchamp says
I’m the present owner of 220 E. Morris St., and there’s a substantial amount of spurious local legend and undocumented printed misinformation out there on the property; which diligent research either disproves or quantifies.
rradmin says
Thank you for your comment. Please share any researched data and images with R&R for use to add to your home’s history.
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