City Directories and History: SHEPHERD-WILSON HOUSE
Constructed before 1817
“Historians have proposed various theories to explain the history and architecture of this corner building. Generally called the “West Indian House” because of its original T-shaped form with a steep hipped roof overhanging an inset piazza, the building stands on a raised brick basement with several openings to the sidewalk. The dwelling faced open country and may have been part of an uptown farm or plantation. The great-niece of Thomas Radcliffe, Sophia Frances Perry Shepherd, received 57 Radcliffe upon her marriage to Alexander Barron Wilson in 1816. Documentary evidence remains unclear as to whether the Shepherd-Wilson House stood on this site prior to the marriage.”
Information from: The Buildings of Charleston – J.H. Poston – Author, for the Historic Charleston Foundation, 1997
” This house is believed to date from c. 1816, although it possibly is earlier. Mrs. Sophia Frances Perry Shepherd Wilson, daughter of Thomas Radcliffe Shepherd, a nephew of Thomas Radcliffe, acquired the property in a marriage settlement in 1816, on her marriage to Alexander Barron Wilson. lt remained in the Wilson family until 1882. The building has characteristics, in the roof pitch and in its elevated main floor, of houses in the West Indies. lt is a one and one-half story frame dwelling on a high brick basement, and formerly had a piazza extending over the sidewalk.” (Thomas, DYKYC, Jan. 20, 1969) – CCPL
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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