John Peace, Jr. House

Located in a remote area near Wilton, North Carolina, the John Peace, Jr. House is the oldest residence in Granville County...built in 1776. A couple sources state that the house was built around 1801, but that is actually when the chimney was added. The house has been vacant since the 1980's and is currently being restored as new windows have been placed on the building since this photo was taken. It is known for its unique appearance. The John Peace, Jr. House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. A small family cemetery is located nearby. In case anyone is wondering, the corner porch post has temporarily been removed while a new deck is being finished.

Very interesting photo of a building from those times, Foxx! Thank you for the information to it. I was thinking about the corner post. ;-)

Ist the roof covered with slates? I guess, there is a big kitchen, used also as living room after one enters through the porch. is it possible for visitors to go inside after it's restored?

When there wasn't a chimney from the beginning, how did they cook and warm the house? I like to imagine how people lived in those times and I am grateful we have some more gadgets nowadays. ;-)

Greetings, May

I believe the roof is shingled if I remember correctly. I'll have to go back by there sometime and check, as I only live five miles from it. A friend of mine owns the land the house sits on, but the house itself is still owned by the previous landowner who is presently restoring it.

Almost all historic homes in our area are privately owned. I have been inside the Shemuel Kearney House though (first floor only), which is in need of major repairs. The Raleigh and Durham areas have a few historic sites open to the public, including the Mordecai House and Andrew Johnson Birthplace of which I have photos on here.

As for the chimney, the current one is most likely a replacement. The house may have had a wood stove initially, but later had a fireplace installed which required a larger chimney. I've never been inside this house, so I'm not sure how the rooms are set up.

Heya, May...I went back over to that house last night. It now has a red metal roof on it. Most older houses down here had (or still have) metal roofs on them, so I would assume that this house was no different and the owner decided to change it back to make it more original. I myself don't like the idea of metal roofs because they rust or corrode easy. I'm sure that there are stainless types now, but even they can still weather over time.

Simply Amazing! I have also enjoyed this greatly!

1776, and still standing so beautifully! What a fabulous find.

Thank you for sharing!

MaryAlice

Thanks. :0) Yeah, they're still working on it. It'll be awhile before the house is fully restored.

Does anyone have any information on the family that originally lived there or John Peace, Jr.?

If someone does have info on the Peace family, please email me at: thelist4nyc@aol.com

Thanks

You may want to check with the Granville County Historical Society in Oxford, North Carolina...(919) 693-9706.

Hello. I would love to see a current pic of this house if you have a chance to take one. This is actually the home of my 7th great grandfather's nephew. I was looking up info on the Granville County Militia and accidently stumbled on this. This made my day!!! The family had came from Hanover, VA, in the early 1700's and this style of house is almost exactly what they had up in VA. Dr. Allison Bell of Washington and Lee University did an archaelogical dig on another family member's home in Hanover, and it looked alot like this (from about 1750). My direct lineage was William and John Dickerson (or Dickenson) who lived in the same area as this house. Want to visit sometime to wonder around! The family is all in KY and TN now.

Yes, the house has recently been restored. I'll have to take a photo the next chance I get over there. The driveway has a locked gate, but I know the person who owns the property the house sits on. As far as I know, the previous property owner still owns and manages the house itself.