City Directories and History: 1908 – J. R. Simrill (Contractor), 1940 – M. Margret Simrill, James Land Jr., 1958 – Bell Simrill, James Land Jr., 1978 – Mabel S. Land
One of Chester’s historians, reported G. A. Albright was the contractor of this home. However, the lot had been purchased from W.H. Brawley and Joel R. Simrill , who had the home constructed in circa 1875 for Joel R. Simrill, who was once of Chester’s prolific contractors. Therefore, it makes little sense that G. A. Albright contracted the house but may have worked on it as a carpenter. The date of the home appears to be about 1900 or slightly earlier.
“George Albright was involved in building a number of structures in Chester. He was a contemporary of J. R. Simrill. An article in the Chester Lantern 10 January 1889 describes the progress being made on the “Cotton factory building, under the superintending of President Hardin, and with brick and wood work under the management of Mr. J. R. Simrill and Mr. G. A. Albright.” (Cotton Manufacturing Company, Built 1888). The J. R. Simrill home on Saluda Street was built by George Albright according to an article in “The Chester Reporter,” May 26, 1876.
An article in “The Chester Reporter” of 27 March 1879 describing the new Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (now the Episcopal Church) describes the church thus: “This new church edifice is of striking neatness and beauty. Its architecture is of Gothic Style. The design drafted by the celebrated Philadelphia architect, (Samuel) Sloan was selected by Mr. Joseph Wylie . . . The wood work of the church was done by Mr. G. A. Albright, the masonry and plastering by Mr. J. R. Simrill.”
(Information in part from: Chester County Heritage Book, Vol. I, Edt. by Collins – Knox, Published by the Chester Co Hist. Society – Jostens Printing, 1982)
The Rock Hill Herald reported on June 14, 1899 – “During a heavy wind storm at Basomville, the new storehouse of Mr. John G. Couser, being built by Mr. J.R. Simril (Simrill), was blown down.”
The Yorkville Enquirer reported on April 23, 1890 – “Mr. Joel Simrill, the contractor, began last week on the Pres. Church and the workman have torn down nearly all the front of the building prior to putting up the new front. While the work is in progress, the congregation will use the courthouse for worship.”
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