This exceptional Greek Revival cottage was built circa 1838 by Hiram Knowlton (c.1805-1875). Knowlton was a master carpenter and millwright who came to Talbot County from New York in 1836; he purchased the property on which the home is located from Chestley Pearson in 1838. The distinctive diamond panes in the transom and sidelights, as well as the diminutive dormers, are notable decorative features of the one-and-a-half story dwelling. A hand-carved molded stairway with delicate banisters dominates the main hall. William H. Davidson, in A Rockaway in Talbot: Travels in an Old Georgia County Vol. II notes that it is “..a triumph of carpentry…it is a much more sophisticated stair than usually found in Talbot County early houses…”. A second narrow stairway in the rear of the house leads to the upper floor, which may have originally housed servants. *[Due to ongoing work in the house, I was unable to get many interior shots, but I’ll be sharing more views in a future update].
After Knowlton’s death, the property passed to Luke A. Crawford, of Upson County, a son-in-law of Hiram Knowlton’s second wife. It was sold to Henry Butler in 1905. It remained in the Butler family for well over a century and was known to many as the Butler Plantation.
I am grateful to the present owners, Jim & Deborah Bruce, for welcoming me into their home, and to Mike Buckner for taking me for a visit. Jim’s extensive collection of vernacular African-American art is a wonderful complement to the interior.
This house belong to our Great Uncle Grady Butler. My Dad and Aunt grew up here in the 50s and 60s. They are Butlers and would love to get I contact with the new owners.
Contact me thru Facebook messenger and I will get hold of you. Jim Bruce
Wanted to reach out and let you know that I am a Butler. I grew up visiting my great aunt and uncle who were Butlers and lived in this house. Uncle Sebe also a great uncle lived down the road. Would love to see this house now. Cindy Butler
Get hold of me thru Facebook messenger. Jim Bruce
Hi. Saw your reply. I have messenger but have no idea how to contact you. My email address is… You may use it to contact me. Also wanted to let you know that I was in my early and late teens when visiting which woul be late 50s early 60s. All to say that I never knew this to be a plantation. Not saying it wasn’t one but I never heard it discussed or saw anything to make me think it was. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Wonderful house! Can’t wait to see interior pics!❤️
Oh, you mentioned the wonderful staircase but didn’t include a photo! Is there a photo of it somewhere else? I am so intrigued.
Karen Ferrell-White
On Thu, Sep 22, 2022 at 8:14 AM Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian
Karen, I will be rephotographing the house and interior on my next trip.
Yay, and thank you for your quick response.
This house is great good job on the photos this is your friend Misty you have my email I have several photos I’ll send you this week and I too are glad the owners gave you a tour how sweet of them
Great article!