City Directories and History: JOSEPH BENNETT HOUSE (THOMAS GRANGE SIMONS HOUSE)
Constructed circa 1814
“Joseph Bennett, a lesser-known son of Thomas Bennett, lived not far from the family sawmills in this house constructed by his father by 1814. The two-and-a-half- story weatherboarded dwelling with a central pedimented
pavilion stands on a high masonry foundation, reflecting the short distance from the house to the marsh at the time of construction. The Bennetts conveyed the property in 1818 to the Simons family, wealthy factors who later owned the Crescent Plantation (now the West Ashley subdivision The Crescent) on Wappoo Creek. Thomas Grange Simons II was born in the house in 1819 and lived here until his death in 1904. For most of the twentieth century the house has been owned by a succession of Rivers and Porcher families.”
Information from: The Buildings of Charleston – J.H. Poston – Author, for the Historic Charleston Foundation, 1997
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
Stay Connected
Explore history, houses, and stories across S.C. Your membership provides you with updates on regional topics, information on historic research, preservation, and monthly feature articles. But remember R&R wants to hear from you and assist in preserving your own family genealogy and memorabilia.
Visit the Southern Queries – Forum to receive assistance in answering questions, discuss genealogy, and enjoy exploring preservation topics with other members. Also listed are several history and genealogical researchers for hire.
User comments welcome — post at the bottom of this page.
Please enjoy this structure and all those listed in Roots and Recall. But remember each is private property. So view them from a distance or from a public area such as the sidewalk or public road.
Do you have information to share and preserve? Family, school, church, or other older photos and stories are welcome. Send them digitally through the “Share Your Story” link, so they too might be posted on Roots and Recall.
Thanks!