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Abolitionist Ties in Delaware Connect to Historic Home for Sale

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Independent architectural histor'n Delaware RS-0010115

 

Historic records give us some information on the occupants of 4311 Marlowe Road in Wilmington, Delaware. Since the owner, Henry Webster, owned a grist mill, he needed workers. As did his neighbors, who were farmers and millers, he owned a slave.

Present occupants of Brandywine Hundred (of which this was a part until the mid-20th century) might be surprised to know that early settlers here owned slaves, but Delaware has had a mixed history in this regard, until the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. At the same time, the Underground Railroad and well known Abolitionist, Thomas Garrett made their home here in Wilmington.

1800 Census Records Brandywine Hundred  for Henry Webster’s Household

1 free white male from age 16-26 webster mill

1 free white male from 26-45

2 free white females, under 10 years

1 slave

The Henry Webster House Dates back to the late 18th century, (long before there was the surrounding neighborhood of Brandywine Hills). This historic house for sale belonged to a mill owner whose mill (right) was on the Shellpot Creek, less than a block away. Presently, there are said to be some remains of the mill on nearby church property.

In the Brandywine tradition, the home is stone, with 18" thick walls (approx.) and deep henry webster housewindow sills. In the style of a PA farmhouse, this historic home has 2 front doors, although layout inside has changed. The basement joists are trees, hand trimmed with rough tools.

In an estate-like setting with formal gardens on all sides, the home is set above a stone retaining wall. Imagine how your antiques will look in this historic period setting!

City water and sewer, trash, snowplowing, leaf collection included with City taxes. I-95, Bellevue Park, Rockwood Museum and Park are a short walk away. Your 18th C manor awaits you!


For a detailed description of this historic Wilmington home for sale, click here.

 


Posted by

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Carolyn Roland, Your Historic

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Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate

7234 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin DE

oldhome@psre.com

 Office-302-239-3000 Cell 302-593-5111

Comments (4)

Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is a very interesting property.  Thanks for sharing the history.

Jan 14, 2013 04:27 AM
Carolyn Roland- In Delaware and S. Chester County PA
Independent architectural histor'n - Wilmington, DE
Carolyn Roland, GRI, CRS

Thanks, Roy. History seems to be one big circle with seemingly different events being connected.

Jan 14, 2013 04:38 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired
Hi Carolyn, I love this and thanks for sharing some of the history in your area. Wonderfully illustrated.
Jan 14, 2013 02:03 PM
Carolyn Roland- In Delaware and S. Chester County PA
Independent architectural histor'n - Wilmington, DE
Carolyn Roland, GRI, CRS

Thank you so much for your kind words, William!

Jan 14, 2013 11:10 PM