Doug Flowers writes: Walter Clark’s A Lost Arcadia is the go-to to any questions on the town’s history. Freeman Walker built this home, according to Walter Clark in A Lost Arcadia on page 65, and we know Freeman Walker died in 1827. His wife continued to live in the home and it was sold to Absalom Rhodes. The area was settled by Thomas Walker between 1740 and 1745. Absalom Rhodes, Sr., was born 1770 and was a pioneer of the Brothersville community. His grandson, also named Absalom, was said to be born on the plantation in 1844. So, the home MUST be built before 1827 and for sure before 1844. There is a deed from 1830s on it, but most likely that is when the Rhodes family acquired “Tranquila”. There is a pump on the home that says 1814, so it very well could be before then. The Lansdell home was built in 1820’s, so one of these two homes are most likely the oldest two home still left from Brothersville, which became Hephzibah 1870. I have a documentary coming out on the town’s history and this home and history will be included.
Walter Clark’s “A Lost Arcadia” is the go to to any questions on the town’s history. Freeman Walker built this home, according to Walter Clark in ”
Lost Arcadia” on page 65, and we know Freeman Walker died in 1827. His wife continued to live in the home and it was sold to Absalom Rhodes. The area was settled by Thomas Walker between 1740 and 1745, Absalom Rhodes , Sr. was born 1770 and was a pioneer of the Brothersville community. His grandson, also named Absolom, was said to be born on the plantation in 1844.
So, the home MUST be built before 1827 and for sure before 1844. There is a deed from 1830’s on it, but most likely that is when the Rhodes family acquired “Tranquila”
There is a pump on the home that says 1814, so it very well could be before then. The Lansdell home was built in 1820’s, so one of these two homes are most likely the oldest two home still left from Brothersville, which became Hephzibah 1870. I have a documentary coming out on the town’s history and this home and history will be included.
Thanks, Doug. Please keep us posted as to where to find the documentary. My only reference for this was a resource survey and I don’t believe they cited a source. I’m always glad to update.
Knowing a bit about the settlement of the original Brothersville, and the subsequent creation of the community of Hephzibah around the old Hephzibah Baptist Church, then I find that date of 1815 suspiciously early.
Dale, I got this date from a resource survey. A newer one I use dates it to 1850, so I’ve changed it.
Hi Brian, I’ve got to get out more. Unbelievable how you find all these great places in Ga.!! Keep up the good work. Thanks