Photo 49-XBU-20

Comments

Home built in early 1900s by John Sovereign Nesmith, later purchased in the 1940s by Dew H. Smith and Kate Harville Smith, now owned by their daughter Kathryn S. Bowen.

Hi Lynn,
Has Kathryn made any major changes to this property since taking over ownership? Have you spent much time on this property?

Mother made some cosmetic renovations about 30 years ago when she inherited the property, such as changing chain link fence to pickets, painting, etc. We are now in process of restoration of the entire house, refinishing heart pine floors, raising ceilings, finishing second floor, landscaping. Most of the barns, tobacco barns remain on the property. The stockyard area is no longer there. The property is still maintained as an agricultural farming enterprise. An ancient general store that previously stood on the property to the lower right of this photo (not pictured) is no longer standing and was cleared.

I am trying to reach any relatives of the original owner, John Sovereign NeSmith, to locate any records, photos, or information that would help date when this house was built. Tax assessor records only date as 1900 which is their default for older homes such as this. I have not been able to locate any deeds, etc.

Your Comment

Do you have a connection to this photograph? Maybe you grew up here or know someone who did? What has changed in the 40 years since this photo was taken? Tell us!