City Directories and History: “Dr. Berners Barnwell Sams built this house in 1852 of brown-toned brick. The double verandahs are supported by four massive Doric order columns. The flat roof is surmounted by a parapet done in the same motif as the sawn balustrade. The massiveness of the structure is continued with the use of a heavy dentil in the cornice and exterior end chimneys. The doorway is sur-rounded by a beautiful transom and sidelights. Windows are two over two (2/2) lights with exterior blinds.
Directly behind the house and continuing around the rear corner of the lot is a one-story tabby and brick dependency which has been converted to apartments. Originally the dependency served as a blacksmith shop, cook house with a large fireplace, a laundry, storeroom and rooms for the household servants.
During the Civil War the house was used as a hospital. William Wilson purchased the property at a sale by the U.S. Tax Commission. The Reverend A. P. Hay, “the poet of the Confederacy,” lived here when the house was being used as the St. Helena’s Episcopal Church rectory. The house has been owned by descendants of George Crofut since 1895-96.”
Information from: Historic Resources of the Lowcountry, The Lowcountry Council of Government, Cynthia C. Jenkins, Preservation Planner – Published, 1979
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