Historic Albion Plantation – Fairfield County, S.C.

“One of the finest examples of 19th century plantation construction in S.C.”

5170 Old Douglass Road

R&R HISTORY LINK:  IRWIN ABELL PLANTATION

City Directories and History: Albion is significant as an unusually intact, although altered, example of a nineteenth-century Fairfield County plantation house with classical design elements which display an awareness of high-style design. Alexander Douglass, who is reported to have built Albion ca. 1840, was a wealthy planter whose estate was valued in 1860 at $76,750. Albion is a two-story, L-shaped, weather boarded frame residence with a side gabled roof and rear additions. The façade has a two-tiered veranda with Ionic columns, plain balustrade, and a simple entablature above the first story veranda. The second story veranda columns are cropped, indicating possible later alterations. Columns with both plain and fluted shafts are paired at the ends of the veranda and in the center. The windows are shuttered and have fluted surrounds with corner blocks. Both central entrances have a elliptical fanlight and sidelights. An unusual parapeted dormer pierces the front center roof, perhaps another alteration. Listed in the National Register December 6, 1984. [Courtesy of the S.C. Dept. of Archives and History]

A few examples of why this is one of upcountry S.C.’s most significant houses.

Albion Plt Fairfield Co SC.jpg

This extremely fine home was constructed for Alexander Douglass (1799-1863) and his wife Jannie Simonton Douglass (1799-1872), a successful wagon maker, in circa 1840-41, by Jedidiah Coulter, a young contractor who had been constructing fine homes of the same style throughout Chester County, South Carolina prior to taking on the job of building Albion. Mr. Coulter signed a contract for construction of Albion, outlining exactly what the owner was to provide as was the contractor. Most of the lumber was to be provided by the owner. There is not a great deal known about master mechanic and builder, Jedidiah I. Coulter or Cultler (5/11/1803 – 8/16/1851), besides his marriage to Ms. Moore, the “daughter” of Nathan Moore of York District. The Moore’s lived near Historic Brattonsville and it is likely that Coulter worked for his father-in-law in the construction trades. The earliest account known of him is the work he performed for the Ebenezer A.R.P. church in Rock Hill, SC. The Brattons general store ledgers from the late 1830’s show him purchasing extensive amounts of building materials such as glass and nails. The current owner (2013), Mrs. Marge B. Woods, stated in an interview that the house was constructed by Jedidiah Coulter in 1840. At the time of this interview, Mrs. Woods had in her possession the original contract for hire which she allowed the author to examine and read.

Postal Map from 1896, showing the Albion or Douglass Post Office. Courtesy of the Un. of N.C.

Albion besides being a very stunning piece of architecture was constructed beautifully with exquisite detailing and interior features that sets it apart from the routine 1840’s home of the period. Not only are the finished architectural elements of the house completed by a master artisan, but the area not seem by the public is equally neat and professional. This was not the work of a slave or carpenter with little knowledge of building but one of outstanding and experienced craftsmanship that shows throughout the structure. Mr. Coulter’s signature Palmetto leaf design and flowering tulip are unique. He also used ship-lap siding in the gable ends of his houses.

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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William Erwin. Bom in Ireland in 1735. Died May 20,1814. Buried in Bethesda Presbyterian Churchyard, York County, S.C. Married in 1759 to Sarah (“Sally”)Ross, who was born before 1744 to James and Catherine (McCullough) Ross. She was a sister of
Major Frank Ross of York. She died at the age of 98 years. Issue:
A. Dorcas Erwin. Born in 1756. Died October 22, 1798. Married in 1784 to Alexander Moore, born in 1756 to James and Rachel (Black) Moore. Died December 14,1813. Buried in Bethesda Churchyard.

Issue:
1. James Moore. Born December 16,1784. Died 1849. Married Sophia Springs.
2. Sarah Moore. Born August 3,1786. Died 1848. Married Eggerich Johan Addickes.
3. Jane Moore. Died unmarried before 1798.
4. Maiy (“Polly”) Moore. Born 1790. Married Andrew Baxter Springs.
5. William Shakespeare Moore, M.D. Born June 25, 1791. Died December 1, 1861. Married (1) Harriet Baxter Springs, daughter of Captain Richard and Jean (Baxter) Springs. Named (2) Jane Baxter (Dinkins) Cushman.
6. Alfred Moore. Born March 23,1793. Married Jane (McElhaney) Murphy.
7. Rachel Moore. Married Jedidiah Coulter. (He lived just inside of York County, near current Historic Brattonsville.)
8. Maurice Augustus Moore, M.D. Born August 10,1795. Died in Union, S.C., on August 31,1871. Author of Reminiscences of York. Married (1) Elizabeth Adeline Evalina Allison, (2) Sophronisba Nott.
9. Dorcas A. Moore. Born February 1798. Died in Union, S.C., in 1871. Married in 1821 to John J. Pratt.

Information from: The Bulletin – A publication of the Chester District Genealogical Society

*** R&R Note – It is likely that Jedidiah Coulter, the contractor, also contracted the Gen. Bratton’s home in Winnsboro, S.C.

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R&R HISTORY LINK:  NATIONAL REGISTER IMAGE(S)

R&R HISTORY LINK:  MOORE HOUSE IN YORK CO SC

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