City Directories and History: Believed to have been constructed in the 1820’s by Caleb Clarke, for his nephew, this house is considered one of the architectural gems of the area. The unusually beautiful porch is covered by a gable which boast one of the most magnificent fanlights in town. The design is repeated above the doorway which is set over matching sidelights. For many years this house served as the manse of Sion Presbyterian church. [Courtesy Chamber of Commerce]
It was built in the 1820’s by Caleb Clarke, the Maryland lawyer who settled in Winnsboro in the early 1800’s, for his son. The building sits high above the ground on massive masonry foundations. The main body is a rectangle covered with a gabled roof. An unusual porch graces the front and gives the house an air of elegance. The center portion of the porch is covered with a gable supported by square columns resting on banister-height bases. Decorating the center of the front gable is one of the most magnificent fanlight windows in the town. This design is repeated over the front doorway, which is set between glass-paned sidelights. A long flight of broad, easy-rising steps leads up to the porch. The two corner sections of the porch give a terraced effect to the house, the corner posts of which match the paneled bases of the columns. Plain picket banisters enclose the porch.
On the ends of the main body are two immense chimneys. Between the chimneys, in the upper section of the gables, are louvered windows topped with fanlights. The rear wing has a long, columned piazza on one side, enclosed with picket bannisters matching those on the front. A stone wall across the front and side of the lot sets apart this site and adds much to the attractiveness of the location.
For many years after the Clarkes ceased to occupy the building, it served as the manse for Sion Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Margaret P. Kirkpatrick purchased this property in the 1920’s and lived here until her death. [Courtesy of the FF Co Sketch Book p. 124 – FFCHS]
In the mid 1990’s Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Holt purchased this home which had been a long term rental. It was in deplorable condition. As perhaps one of Winnsboro’s finest early 19th century survivors, one of a total of less than five, this house was facing destruction and removal. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Holt have persisted and saved this crown jewel. Their stewardship and committal to the heritage of a small town that once was and wants so much to offer its heritage to visitors. [Contribution by J.M. Lyles, III]
*** Take note of the similarities of this house and the Wolfe home (#42) on South Congress Street as well as the original portion of the Aiken house that once stood behind Wells Fargo Bank on West Washington Street.
Click on the More Information > link to find additional data – A Fairfield County Sketchbook, by J.S. Bolick, 2000 (Courtesy of the FCHS) Also, see comments for this post below.
Informative link: National Register
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Mimi Clarke says
The Holts are to be commended for their efforts. My husband, Peter Clarke is a direct descendent of Dr. Caleb Clarke, the original owner. I would like to make one correction: Caleb Clarke, Lawyer was uncle not father of Dr. Caleb Clarke. Dr. Caleb Clarke was the son of Mathias Clarke of St. Mary’s MD, who was brother to Caleb Clarke, Lawyer.