E. High Street - Lexington, Fayette
County, Kentucky
Built Abt. 1840
Source: Old Houses of Lexington, C. Frank Dunn, typescript, n.d., copy located in the Kentucky Room, Lexington (Kentucky) Public Library.
Elijah W. Craig, successful merchant of Lexington, a century ago, built this house known as the "Senator Beck Home."
He was the son of Rev. Joseph Craig, who settled at Craig's Station, near Crab Orchard, in 1782, and later in Woodford County.
Elijah W. Craig (born September 25, 1779, died July 5, 1857) married Almira Grosvenor, December 25, 1821, and began his business career in Lexington. He owned most of the frontage here on High Street, extending back to Main Street, where he resided (on the south side opposite Dewees St.)
Senator James B. Beck in October, 1860, sold his country estate on the Nicholasville Road, purchased this "town house" from B.B. Harris, and removed here to spend the rest of his eventful career. When Lucy H. Harris bought the property in February, 1859, the deed said the house here was "now occupied by the Rev. John D. Matthews" (pastor of the First Presbyterian Church).
Transcribed by pb October 2002