“An extraordinary architectural accomplishment of the 1870s by contractor Samuel Johnson….”
City Directories and History: Constructed shortly following the Civil War, the Lyles home which Mr. and Mrs. James M. Lyles, Jr. purchased in the late 1950’s is an outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture constructed at a time when few individuals had funds available to build such substantial architecture.
Built in 1870’s by Samuel Johnson (African American artisan), architect and builder of several houses in the county for Captain W.G. Jordan. Possible second owners around the turn of the Twentieth Century was the Traylor family whose daughter Leila retained ownership until 1945 when Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Crawford bought it. The Crawford family retained ownership until 1960 when Mr. and Mrs. James M. Lyles, Jr. bought it and restored it. [Contribution by J.M. Lyles, III]
It has also been reported the house was constructed by Thomas Jordan for a family member. Thomas had been a highly successful wagon maker and planter in Winnsboro, SC prior to the Civil War. See attached census data.
Note the Lyles’s property in 2013 consists of two lots on West Moultrie, including that of the original Young home which burned and is now the location of the James Lyles’s extensive garden. See image of the Young house at this location.
“Woodland, the present home of James Morris Lyles, Jr., is an architecturally important house built in 1870 by Samuel Johnson, an architect and builder, who designed and erected several outstanding houses in Winnsboro for Captain W. G. Jordan. Later owners, Miss Lila Traylor and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Crawford retained all this fine home’s splendor, as have the present owners, who have enhanced its charm and authenticity through restorations and decoration.”
Information from: Names in South Carolina by C.H. Neuffer, Published by the S.C. Dept. of English, USC
Mr. James M. Lyles, Jr.’s interview can be found at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvyEEcUIckY
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