The Yorkville Enquirer reported on Aug. 21, 1884 – “Work has commenced on a new residence which Mr. L. Lowry Smith is having built on the old Academy lot.”
City Directories and History: (#2) 1958 – Rose M. Lindsay, 1966 – Frederica Lindsay
Built in 1884 by L. Lowry Smith, this house is on the site of a two-story brick academy known as the Franklin Institute built c. 1840. Purchased in 1885 by Captain J. Robert Lindsay, the home was sold shortly thereafter to the David E. Finley family. When Mr. Finley was elected to the U.S. House in 1899, the Lindsay’s reoccupied the residence. Mrs. Lindsay always kept in her home a “prophet’s chamber” for use by visiting Presbyterian ministers. Present owner – occupants are Mr. and Mrs. Charles Medlin. [Courtesy of the Yorkville Historical Society – 2002]
By far the most important individual to be associated with York’s history and perhaps York County’s was the son of Congressman Lindsey, David E. Finley, Jr., who was born in York, received an early education at the University of S.C. and later became a cultural leader for decades. Please read more on David Finley ‘s rise to outstanding contribution to American culture by clicking on his name to see what Wikipedia says of him or read David A. Doheny’s book on David E. Finley.
THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE – A School with the above title will be commenced in Yorkville, S. Carolina on Monday, 2nd November under the Superintendence of Professor Thomas Davidson. Young men desirous of preparing for any of the Classics at College, or of receiving a thorough English Education, will have many facilities in this institution. The patronage of the citizens of the Village, its vicinity, and of the District is respectfully solicited. Application for admittance may be made to Benjamin Chambers, Esq., or John S. Moore, Esq.
(The Compiler, Yorkville, SC, October 31, 1840) – Professor Thomas Davidson will deliver an Address on Education on Wednesday evening (the 25th inst.) by candle light in the Court House.
(The Compiler, Yorkville, SC, November 21, 1840) – On December 19, 1820, The Compiler published a lengthy endorsement of the Franklin Institute, signed by John Blair, Rev. E. A. Crenshaw, Rev. G. Washington Davis, John S. Moore, Benjamin Chambers, E. W. Smith, Samuel Melton, Sylvanus Chambers, Stanhope Sadler, George Steele, F. H. Simrill, I. D. Witherspoon, and John A. Alston. (Information courtesy of and from: YCGHS – The Quarterly Magazine)
Franklin Institute—Yorkville [now York]—Founded in 1840. A preparatory school, training boys for college. Founded by Mr. Thomas Davidson. Courses were given in English, algebra, geometry, mensuration, also Latin, Greek and French. One of its famous teachers was John R. Schorb, Professor of Mathematics and Chemistry, and is said to have been one of the first photographers in the United States.
(Information from: Names in South Carolina by C.H. Neuffer, Published by the S.C. Dept. of English, USC)
Stay Connected
Explore history, houses, and stories across S.C. Your membership provides you with updates on regional topics, information on historic research, preservation, and monthly feature articles. But remember R&R wants to hear from you and assist in preserving your own family genealogy and memorabilia.
Visit the Southern Queries – Forum to receive assistance in answering questions, discuss genealogy, and enjoy exploring preservation topics with other members. Also listed are several history and genealogical researchers for hire.
User comments welcome — post at the bottom of this page.
Please enjoy this structure and all those listed in Roots and Recall. But remember each is private property. So view them from a distance or from a public area such as the sidewalk or public road.
Do you have information to share and preserve? Family, school, church, or other older photos and stories are welcome. Send them digitally through the “Share Your Story” link, so they too might be posted on Roots and Recall.
User comments always welcome - please post at the bottom of this page.
Share Your Comments & Feedback: