City Directories and History: JOHN ROBINSON JR. HOUSE
Constructed circa 1848
“The son of merchant John Robinson, builder of numerous houses in Wraggborough, built this typical three-and-a-half-story Greek Revival single house on a lot purchased in 1847. Brick banding just below the front gable end and rubbed brick jack arches provide the only ornamentation for the front facade, while a double-tiered, Tuscan-columned piazza rests on a masonry ground story, which has an arcaded entry. Jane Gaillard Thomas, daughter of Judge Theodore Gaillard of Charleston, acquired the property in 1859, eventually conveying it to her son, Dr. Theodore Gaillard Thomas, and his wife Mary Theodosia Willard of Troy, New York. Thomas, gained international fame practicing obstetrics at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin and later in New York State. His wife was a granddaughter of the noted educator Emma Willard. The Thomases probably never lived in the house. But while it was owned by the Siegling family from 1881 to 1921, it was primarily the residence of William Lanneau, owner of the arts store at 238 King Street.”
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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