The Yorkville Enquirer of July 24, 1879 reported – “A beautiful little cottage has just been built on Academy Street by Dr. John A. Watson. He also proposes to build a handsome residence on York Street opposite the Methodist Church.”
The Yorkville Enquirer reported on Oct. 30, 1879 – “Mrs. M.J. Watson and daughter of Clay Hill in York County are moving to Chester to make their home with Dr. John S. Watson. He expects to build a handsome residence on York Street opposite the Methodist Church.” The paper reported on Jan. 8, 1880 – “Dr. J.A. Watson’s new residence on York Street is rapidly coming to completion.”
The Yorkville Enquirer reported on July7 10, 1884 – “Dr. J.A. Watson and his brother and his brother Mr. D.S. Watson have gone to Asheville to locate there. Dr. Watson was engaged in a fine practice in Chester for a number of years.”
City Directories and History: 1940 – Page P. Robison, E. C. Watson, Paul Ambery, Floyd C. Chitty, 1958 – Walter P. Smith, Robert D. Murphy, B.A. Boyd, B. Edward Hunter, 1978 – Fannie D. Townes, Ruth Gaines, Olive E. Thomas , Beatrice A. Heron,
According to a deed in the Chester courthouse, this property changed hands from W. H. Gill, to A.P. Wylie, the “Agurs House” now the Pine street apartments, was in existence in 1841. (House move to 104 Pine Street at the rear of the original lot location.) The property included the lots on York Street now occupied by the Pryor hospital, the home of W.H.W. Baker, and the vacant lot on the corner of Pine street and extended back to what is now Academy street. Captain John L. Agurs bought this property at public outcry in 1875 for $2,500., and extensively remodeled it.
As I recollect this square house in 1882, there were eight large rooms about 20×20 and cross halls bisecting the house in both directions. All the ways across the front downstairs there was a broad veranda and there were porches on each of the other three exposures. Well do I remember the night games of blind man’s bluff we had in the upstairs hall and hide-and-seek in the enormous dark rooms. After the death of Capt. and Mrs. Agurs the house was rolled to to face Pine street and was the home of George W. Byars and family for a number of years. Old Home in Chester, SC by Mrs. John G. White.
The Yorkville Enquirer of May 6, 1891 – “A number of young people have organized a lawn tennis club and pleasingly pass their evenings on the lawn of Capt. John L. Agurs.”
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 home 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.
Do you have information to share and preserve? Family, school, church, or other older photos and stories are welcome. Send them digitally through the comments link, so they too might be posted on Roots and Recall. Help preserve our heritage by telling your family’s stories and posting images.
Thanks!
User comments always welcome - please post at the bottom of this page.
Share Your Comments & Feedback: