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: Built in 1855 by Mansell Hall for his bride, who died shortly afterward. It is reported that perhaps Mansell Hall owned several skilled slave artisans who assisted in the construction of this and other homes he built. This would not have been unusual, many slaves were trained as carpenters, plasterers and carvers. The Hall-Rion House was sold in 1857 to James Henry Rion, a distinguished lawyer, who became a Colonel in the Civil War. Following the war, the house was enlarged by Colonel Rion, wings and Corinthian columns were added supporting the massive porch. Interior woodwork and plaster medallions are of excellent high quality design and craftsmanship. [Courtesy Chamber of Commerce] The exceptional front door side lights and transom were created by Tiffanys.
Further data states: One of the homes reflecting the French influence in its style of architecture is the Old Rion Home which was first begun in 1855 by Mr. Mansell Hall. The house then consisted of two rooms below and two above. Colonel James Rion purchased the property in 1857 and developed it to its present proportions. He employed a French decorator who directed the painting and exquisite carvings in the medallions in the center of the downstairs rooms; also, the turning and installing of the elaborate moldings and paneling, all hand done. The staircase is of solid mahogany put together with wooden pegs.
The massive chandeliers fitted for gas have the original etched shades. The floors are the original hand-planed wide boards. The veranda and balcony are especially beautiful. Six Corinthian columns support and decorate it. These were imported as were the iron-wrought rosettes and brackets. The banisters are massive and beautiful.
In 1908, it became the property of Mr. William Rabb, and in 1931, was purchased by Mr. J. W. Stephenson. [Our Heritage Book]
Click on the More Information > link to find additional data – A Fairfield County Sketchbook, by J.S. Bolick, 2000 (Courtesy of the FCHS)
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