City Directories and History: CORBETT-IRVING HOUSE
Constructed circa 1837
“This two-story Greek Revival style dwelling was constructed sometime before 1837, although it is uncertain who built it. Elizabeth Corbett purchased the empty lot in 1831 from a relative, but when it was sold to Dr. John Beaufain Irving in 1840, a dwelling was listed on the property. This may point to Elizabeth Corbett as the builder since she owned the property at the time of its construction. However, she was never listed in the city directories as residing on Wentworth Street. Dr. Irving was listed as living in this house as early as 1837, yet he sold it a few days after purchase. The house is set hack from Wentworth Street on a high brick basement. The projecting front entry, which originally may have been double tiered, is capped by a balustrade and supported by Tuscan columns. A modillioned cornice is just beneath the flat roofline.”
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
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