City Directories and History: BENNETT-PRIOLEAU HOUSE – Constructed circa 1802
“The noted builder-architect Thomas Bennett Sr. constructed this raised two-and- a-half-story Neoclassical style dwelling before March 1, 1802, when he sold it to Henry Izard, who conveyed it to Nicholas Harleston. Similar in its weatherboarding to 96 Bull Street, it also resembles 128 Bull Street and the now-demolished 112 Bull Street in its front-facing form. The house passed to the attorney Samuel Prioleau in 1818 and remained that family’s residence until 1850. A double-tiered front piazza was probably added in the mid-nineteenth century. The Schirmer family owned the house through much of the twentieth century and reduced the front piazzas to the present double-tiered portico while retaining much of the interior Neoclassical decoration.” – Information from: The Buildings of Charleston – J.H. Poston for the Historic Charleston Foundation, 1997
Note that in 1882, John E. Schirmer advertised his rice broker business at 120 East Bay Street. Also see extensive connections between York and Lancaster counties and the Izard family under More Information.
Other sources of interest: Charleston Tax Payers of Charleston, SC in 1860-61 and the Dwelling Houses of Charleston by Alice R.H. Smith – 1917 The HCF may also have additional data at: Past Perfect and further research can be uncovered at: Charleston 1861 Census Schedule or The Charleston City Guide of 1872
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