Buried nearby at Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church, Emily Garrett Carpenter would no doubt be thrilled with the current condition of her home. Emily, born in 1833, married Reuben L. Carpenter in her youth, only to find herself a widow with small children before the Civil War had ended. Reuben's death, not a result of battle, but of the ravages of dysentery, left Emily with military compensation of approximately $200. With that sum, a home was built on what is now Tyson Road. After Emily's death in 1915, the home eventually became the property of John L. Carpenter, son of Emily and Reuben. He and his wife, Jenima Hamlin, raised a large family (records indicate 10-12 children) in this house. One of the daughters, Annie Carpenter, would one future day have a grandson by the name of George Smith who would eventually serve as a doctor in Clay County. When acreage upon which the house stood was purchased by Bobby and Bonnie Wheeles in 1991, the old house was in disrepair. Rather than tear it down, they began a restoration project that would take 10 long years. Today, the home is very much as it was when the Carpenter children played on the grounds.What a treat it was to paint for three days on this restored property, a piece of local heritage. Thank you, Bobby and Bonnie Wheeles for recognizing a treasure, giving it new life, and sharing it with others.
Comments
Post a Comment