City Directories and History: WALKER, EVANS & COGSWELL BUILDING
Constructed 1853-54; rehabilitated 1983-84 Edward C. Jones and Francis Lee, architects
“This is an Italianate, Flemish-bonded brick structure with brownstone window heads and sills. It became the principal store of Walker, Evans & Co., stationers, engravers, and bookbinders, within two years of its construction by Edward Sebring, president of the State Bank next door. In 1856 it was joined at the rear to the firm’s earlier headquarters at 177 East Bay Street. Both structures
remained in use by the successor company, Walker, Evans & Cogswell, until 1982. The East Bay Street building, formerly of four full stories, boasts a post-earthquake deep pressed metal cornice and mansard roof. The structure at 3 Broad also lost its original brownstone cornice in the earthquake of 1886, after which a pressed tin cornice was added. From 1861 to 1865, the company relocated to Columbia and served as Confederate government printers.”
Information from: The Buildings of Charleston – J.H. Poston for the Historic Charleston Foundation, 1997
Mrs. Mary Keller Cogswell was the daughter of William R. Keller of Calhoun County, S.C. and the brother of Thomas Kennerly Keller. Her niece was married to Dr. Joseph K. Fairey of St. Matthews, S.C.
Also see 3 Broad Street‘s link at the LCD Library as well as #1 Broad Street sandwiched between the two Cogswell buildings. See a history of the company here and the Cogswell Family at : Mary Keller Cogswell and
William H. Cogswell who operated the business for decades. Their sons were: Wm. H. Cogswell (image right), and Colonel Julius E. Cogswell of Columbia, S.C. Half sibling: Sumter Cogswell
Other sources: Charleston Tax Payers of Charleston, SC in 1860-61, Dwelling Houses of Charleston by Alice R.H. Smith – 1917, Charleston 1861 Census Schedule, and a 1872 Bird’s Eye View of Charleston, S.C. The Hist. Charleston Foundation may also have additional data at: Past Perfect
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