The Yorkville Enquirer reported on April 28, 1870 – “A meeting of the stock holders of the Charlotte, Augusta and Columbia RR was held recently in Augusta. Board members from S.C. are: Lexington Co., – Paul Quattlebaum, Richland Co., – C.D. Melton, John Fisher, Edward Hope, and F.W. McMaster, Fairfield Co. – J.H. Rion, W.R. Robertson, Chester Co. – G.J. Patterson, J.J. McClure, York Co. – A. B. Springs.”
City Directories and History: This is one of Chester’s finest examples of Queen Anne architecture, most likely it’s oldest, circa, 1895. The turret and paneled trim, metal roof, and wonderful eyebrow windows sets this house apart as an outstanding example of the period. Not only is this house expansive but it sits well situated on top of the hill and also on a corner lot. Most likely the original home was constructed for J. M. Coleman between 1890-1900. The property was later sold to Sarah Matton in 1903 for $4,000.
The A. M. Aiken family lived here prior to moving to #158 West End and building their showplace. However, it is the Balser and Prager families that resided here the longest. Mr. Abraham Balser and his wife, Rebecca E. Balser purchased the house in the 1920’s and lived here until after WWII. In 1958 the City
Directory stated that Benjamin Prager was living here. The Balser’s were large dry good merchants with the Balser building at 137 1/2 Main as well as their main business at 121 Gadsden Street in downtown Chester. Prior to moving to their home on West End the family had lived at 138 Pinckney Street. Their son, Paul Balser lived nearby at 165 West End.
Another source credits members of the J.M. Coleman family for having constructed the house however R&R does not have enough information to clarify this data. Coleman had purchased the lot from Maude McClure in July of 1897 for $2,550. reselling it in 1903 for $4,000. to Sarah Mattoon, but this certainly is not sufficient information to suggest Coleman had constructed such a large dwelling and resold it for what would have been a significant financial loss.
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Sheri says
I’m curious about the history of 145 West End Street.
Driving through the town, today, I took a few pictures of this house (1/1/2019). In one photo, there appears to be two “people” in a main floor window. Brushing it off as just my imagination, I posted the pictures to social media, making no initial mention of what I saw. There, a few others noticed the same thing…only then, did I share my observations.
Is there any information that can be provided?
Is there
Ellen says
I am curious as well. I was out driving around yesterday (8/18/21) and saw this house. The architecture took my breath away, even in its rundown state. I wonder if anyone lives there now?
Wade Fairey says
Don’t think anyone has lived in the house for many years.
F Alexander says
Text and old photo from Chester County Historical Society on its FaceBook page 2/28/2023 – includes ownership details plus advice that house is owned and occupied. Do not trespass.