City Directories and History: WHITEFORD SMITH HOUSE
Constructed 1837-40
“This Greek Revival style double house with a double-tiered piazza, floor-to-ceiling windows, and unfluted Doric columns was built by Whiteford Smith around 1840 as the popularity of classicism began to sweep the Lowcountry. The house, faced with longleaf pine weatherboarding, is topped by a hipped roof and rests on a partial basement. The double house plan is slightly unusual in that the two front rooms are nearly twice the size of the two rear rooms. The lumber merchant Joseph Ward Mott acquired the property before selling it to James Gray, master in equity, in 1849. The 1886 earthquake damage survey lists the property in good condition with the exception of the chimneys. Recent owners discovered the remains of an original painted ceiling.”
Information from: The Buildings of Charleston – J.H. Poston for the Historic Charleston Foundation, 1997
“A modified double house in the Greek Revival style, this two story frame house, on a raised basement, was built between 1837 and 1840 by Whiteford Smith. From 1849 to 1879, it was the home of James W. Gray, master in equity, and his family. The house has a central hallway and four rooms to a floor, but only the front rooms are primary rooms. The house has Doric piazza columns and classical woodwork in the interior.” (Thomas, DYKYC, Feb. 23, 1970) – 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
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!