Daniel Morgan's man, Jacob Sperry & Tanyard House
Across from Bo's Belly Barn on Cork and Kent streets is an interesting stone house sitting down next to the Town Run near the Moose Lodge. It is known as the Jacob Sperry Tanyard House aka Ross Castle. As of last research January 2019 this property was still owned by the Cartwrights. It was known as Ross Castle but not because a Ross owned it.
See 204 on map. That is the Jacob Sperry Tanyard house.
ROSS CASTLE?
Quarles states, "A name often applied to the stone house in early days was "Ross Castle.":
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Quarles states, "The late W W Glass, seasoned local historian, suggested that it was in this building that the "ross," an old word for the rough exterior of bark used in tanning, was removed before the bark was ground."
Source:
Page 142 of Garland R Quarles', "The Story of One Hundred Old Home in Winchester, Virginia," pages 141-142, copyright 1967 conveyed in 1989 to Winchester-Frederick Co Historical Society, revised Edition 1993, 2nd Printing 2005,.
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TANNING PROCESS STINKS
"Historically this process was considered a noxious or "odoriferous trade" and relegated to the outskirts of town." source wikipedia.
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"Traditionally, tanning used tannin, an acidic chemical compound from which the tanning process draws its name (tannin is in turn named after an old German word for oak or fir trees, from which the compound was derived). The use of a chromium (III) solution was adopted by tanners in the Industrial Revolution." source wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanning_(leather)
HISTORY OR PROPERTY
According to Garland R Quarles, "The Story of One Hundred Old Home in Winchester, Virginia," page 141-142, copyright 1967 conveyed in 1989 to Winchester-Frederick Co Historical Society, revised Edition 1993, 2nd Printing 2005,.
This stone house sits on "a part of Lot Number 119 in the Fairfax Addition of 1759 to the Town of Winchester. It Was granted by Lord Fairfax first to George Wright Jr (Property Grants Book L - Page 12). The whole lot lot had a frontage on Kent Street of approximately 117 feet and extended eastward to Cork Street 189 feet."
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George Wright conveyed it to John Lantz 1766 (Frederick Co Deed Book 18 Page 144).
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John Lantz sold it to Jacob Sperry 1779 ( Frederick Co Deed Book Page 18 Page 144).
Jacob Sperry already owned the adjacent lot of 114 north on Kent Street.
Source: Virginia: Proprietors Grants to Lots in the Town of Winchester, Land Office State Library Richmond, Va, abbreviated as Prop's Grants by Quarles).
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JACOB SPERRY?
He was a member of Daniel Morgan's Riflemen and of the celebrated "Dutch Mess."
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Handley Library Archives:
"Jacob Sperry was born about 1754 to Peter Sperry/Speary and Catherine E. Wolff. He was a member of Daniel Morgan’s Virginia Riflemen, also known as the “Dutch Mess,” and participated in the attack on Quebec with Morgan in 1775 where he was captured. Jacob married Catherine Elizabeth Lauck. Jacob Sperry died in 1808 and is buried in Mount Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, VA. "
Jacob Sperry's Widow applies for a pension.
See her pension request here in this section.
She was Elizabeth Lauck, sister to Peter Lauck, another Dutch Mess member of the famed Daniel Morgan Riflemen.
Adrian O'Connor recently passed 16 Jan 2023, wrote in 19 April 2019 Winchester Star article: "Thus, the original “Dutch Mess” was composed of six of Morgan’s dearest comrades — Charles Grim, Adam Heiskell, Adam Kurtz, Peter Lauck, John Schultz, and Jacob Sperry. They drew their “Dutch” designation from the earliest settlers of the Valley who came south from the Pennsylvania Dutch Country and its environs."
LATER OWNERS
Thomas V Purcell is owner in 1866
Charles W Hollis is owner in 1868, who still ran this location as a tanyard.
Maybe this is why the City Map says it was built in 1871?
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William Lodge is next owner.
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Mordecai Purcell, 1885, in a will thanking Catherine Briscoe for helping him in his illness, mentioned 2 houses on this corner, mentioning the current stone house and then one that no longer is situated on the current vacant lot on the most southeastern corner of Cork and Kent.
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Catherine Briscoe is owner in 1885.
The CARTWRIGHTS were one of the more recent owners.
See more about that family and details on the property.
This has a 204 S Kent Street address but the front door faces Cork St. There's an empty lot in front of this house in this picture and that is 202 S Kent Street address.
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Google Car look at property
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Cork side
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Kent Side
See yellow icon on this Frontier Forts Google Map
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That's it.
That's our lead story.
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Compiled and authored by Jim Moyer first posted January 2019, update 1/22/2023, 1/23/2023
Table of Contents
WIDOW of JACOB SPERRY
applies for a PENSION
Source:
State of Virginia Corporation of Winchester SS
On this 3rd day of November 1838, personally appeared before the Court of the
Corporation of Winchester, Elizabeth Sperry
a resident of the said Corporation
aged sixty-nine years,
who being duly sworn according to law,
doth on her oath make the following declaration,
in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions
made by the act of Congress
passed June 7th 1838,
entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
That she is the widow
of Jacob Sperry
who was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution,
that he, as she has always
understood and verily believes,
joined the Company of Riflemen
under the command of Captain
(afterwards General) Daniel Morgan
at Winchester in the summer of 1775 –
marched from thence to Cambridge in Massachusetts,
and thence by way of River Kennebec to Québec,
where he, with his companions in arms,
was taken prisoner;
that he remained a prisoner t
here for some time,
and afterwards returned to Winchester,
having been absent about eighteen months.
She further declares that she was married to the said Jacob Sperry on the 23rd day of
August in the year 1790; that her husband the aforesaid Jacob Sperry died on the 3rd day of
April, 1808; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage
took place previous to the 1st day of January 1794, viz.: at the time above stated.
S/ Elizabeth Sperry, X her mark
Sworn to in open Court the 3rd day of November 1838.
S/ Leml. Bent, Clk.
[f p. 6]
Extract from the family Bible of Jacobs. Deceased
"Jacob Speer he and Elizabeth Lauck was married on the 23rd of August 1790."
[Attested by Lemuel Bent, Clerk as a true copy of the record from the Bible of the applicant.]
[f p. 7]
Virginia Frederick County: SS
Be it known, that on the 7th day of November 1738,
[note: we believe 1738 is a typo and should say 1838]
personally appeared before me a
Justice of the Peace for the County
aforesaid Peter Lauck
aged eighty-four years, who being
first duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith,
that he was well acquainted with Jacob's.
Deceased late of Winchester,
that in the summer of the year 1775 this deponent
and the said Jacobs.
Joined a company of Riflemen under the command of Captain Daniel Morgan,
afterwards General Morgan, at Winchester, that they marched from thence to Cambridge in
Massachusetts, and thence by way of Kennebec River to Québec, where they were taken
prisoners together on the last day of December 1775, when General Montgomery was killed; that
they remained in prison for some time, and afterwards returned home together having been
absent nearly eighteen months – that they were in the same mess while in this service – that
sometime in the year 1790, deponent was present when said Jacobs.
Was married to Elizabeth Lauck sister of this deponent, and that the said Jacob and Elizabeth lived together as man and
wife until the death of the said Jacob in the year 1808
S/ Peter Lauck
[f p. 8: Power of attorney dated January 12th, 1856 signed by Peter E Sperry in which he recites
he is the son of Jacob Speer he and Catharine E Sperry, the 1st a revolutionary soldier and the
latter a pensioner of the United States.
[Veteran's widow was pensioned at the rate of $50 per annum commencing March 4th, 1836, for
her husband's service as a private in the Virginia Continental line.]
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JACOB SPERRY WITH DANIEL MORGAN
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This includes Sperry in French and Indian War activities, but he was born around 1754 so he would have been 4 years old in the Braddock Expedition.
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CARTWRIGHT FAMILY
OWNING PROPERTY
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Helen Jennings Cartwright in nurse's uniform
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A younger Helen Jennings Cartwright
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She was married to Miles Cartwright
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Myles W. Cartwright, 94 obituary
of Winchester, VA., passed away August 29, 2010 at Envoy of Winchester in Winchester, VA
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He was born September 21, 1915 in Belcross N.C. the son of the late Rev. Reuben R. Cartwright, Sr. and Sarah C. Martin. He was a member of John Mann United Methodist Church in Winchester, VA. He served as Lay Leader, a Sunday school teacher, member of the choir, a Trustee and Chairman of the Church Board. He was also a member of the King Hiram Lodge # 53 and Apple Blossom Chapter #196 O.E.S. He was a World War 11 Army Veteran.
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He was married to Helen Jennings Cartwright who preceded him in death.
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He leaves to cherish his memory several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
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One daughter, Beverly A. Richardson; six brothers, Dr. Crosby Wendell Dewitt Cartwright, Charles Edward Waddell Cartwright, Sr., Reuben Ralph Cartwright, Jr., Daniel Horace Cartwright, Joesph Francis Garfield Cartwright, and William Henry Cannon Cartwright; three sisters, Annie Lillington Cartwright Honeyblue, Marion A. Cartwright, and Nola Beatrice Cartwright Heckstall all preceded him in death.
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A Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 am Thursday September 2, 2010 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Winchester, VA with Pastor Gilbert M. Mack, Sr. and Pastor James Page.
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Family receive friends 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Wednesday September 1, 2010 at mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Winchester, VA.
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Burial will be at Shenandoah Memorial Park in Winchester with Military Honors Afforded by Winchester VFW Post #2123.
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2003 Sale Posting
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There is a lot of history that reaches back with this very interesting property. This stone structure was built in 1871. This is historically known as the Jacob Sperry Tanyard House. It is unknown if Mr. Sperry actually occupied the structure as his home also. In the early days the house was also referred to as “Ross Castle” (ross referring to the rough bark used in the tanning process). The house sits adjacent to the Town Run. This corner of E Cork & S Kent is comprised of two separate lots, totaling about 150 x 100, or .30 acre. The property is currently zoned HR1, but has the potential to rezone to business zoning (check with the City of Winchester for uses). The exterior of the home is limestone. There is a metal roof over most of the structure. The exterior remains in excellent condition. The interior could use total rehab, including plumbing and electrical. There are a couple of large rooms on each level. There is a full bath upstairs, and ½ bath on the main level. Ideally the property would be converted to office use. The kitchen is “makeshift”. The home in its current condition is not suitable for occupancy. There is a basement below, as well as storage space under 1 end of the house. The location does require flood insurance. This is a beautiful building. The location is unique to downtown Winchester. Total square footage above grade is 1827 sq.ft. The floors are wood throughout. There is stairs to a bedroom off the landing as well as a bedroom overtop the livingroom. The livingroom below is quite spacious. Heating is natural gas. The condition of that system is unknown. Take a look at this one for great future potential. The MLS# is WI8731738. The price is $224,900.Directions to the property: Downtown Winchester, at the corner of S. Cork St. and S Kent St. The physical address is 204 S Kent St., Winchester, VA 22601 There is a Cedar Creek Real Estate sign posted
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Elaine Gantt
She was married to Miles Cartwright and lived in the beautiful stone home next to the town run on Cork Street. Miles worked at the Acme grocery store on Braddock Street then moved to Berryville Avenue. They were a wonderful couple. I believe they were members of the John Mann Church which as a fund raiser delivered dinners to many families in town. Great dinners. Someone posted about the stone house this week. Now you know the the rest of the story.
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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=841373746222715&set=gm.2378493662223998&type=3&theater&ifg=1
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Ann Lougheed Carson Dutton, whose husband was the Baby Doctor Ben Dutton and their son was City Council member and Head of Apple Blosson, Ben Blanton Dutton.
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Ann L Carson Dutton was a WWI head nurse
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The PROPERTY was also FOR SALE in 2019
This link may end up being broken, when and if house sells.
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Here is what the Zillow website states:
2 beds 2 baths 1,827 sqft, FOR SALE $189,000, Zestimate®: $191,455, EST. MORTGAGE, 761/mo
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Own a piece of Winchester history over 140 years old! Charming Jacob Perry Tanyard House dates back to 1871. Also referred to as Ross Castle, quoted in One Hundred Old Homes by Garland Quarles. Your renovation will reveal a multitude of timeless character. Solidly built w/ magnificent stone masonry. Great visibility & walk everywhere in the Historic Dist . Include lots 202, 204, 206. Sold as is.
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This is now a broken link
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JACOB SPERRY 1827 HOUSE
See No. 2 on map:
The Sperry House, 141 S. Loudoun St., c. 1827 Jacob Sperry erected this building in 1827, as recorded in the lunette on the southern face. It was the tallest building in Winchester at the time of its construction. According to one account, Mr. Sperry placed a board across the top of the parapet chimneys and stood on his head to celebrate the building’s completion. Notice the sawtooth brick cornice, accomplished by setting the bricks at an angle.
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Broken Links since first doing this research in 2019
More Information is on the icon in this map.
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And the Cartwright estate still owns it per this map:
this is a broken link
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This map shows actually 2 parcels.
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Frontier Forts Google map
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Cell Phone? Sidebar appears on Bottom. Touch bottom sidebar and scroll to read more.
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Hit Minus Sign to pull back on this world wide map to reveal more.
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Click on link, for more information on this house:
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More links
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NOT VERIFIED
But this scene here COULD change radically. 419k condominiums are being listed on the one lot in front of the stone house. The lot has a 202 S Kent address. The Stone house has a 204 S Kent Street address. Will the stone house be demolished?
We have not verified if this listing by Zillow is correct.
We posted this on Facebook stating we did not verify if zillow was correct. But in order there is no more confusion we took the Facebook postings down.
We are disheartened if this is true. We would hope future development considers more carefully such history. See flood map of this area.
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