S. Broadway, Lexington, Fayette
County, Kentucky
Built 1846
Source: Old Houses of Lexington, C. Frank Dunn, typescript, n.d., copy located in the Kentucky Room, Lexington (Kentucky) Public Library.
John McMurtry and James C. Butler bought the south half-block of land, bounded by Broadway, Maxwell and Spring, from Robert Wickliffe. It was the old drill ground of early days, back of Lexington's "hill fort."
Jas. C. Butler, prominent Main Street merchant, decided to take 100 feet of the purchase, here on Broadway, and built his residence on it (1846). The 1859 Directory lists him and his family as living here.
Mrs. Emma Shaw purchased the house from Butler and wife, Lucy ?., while the latter were still living here, March 22, 1859.
The house remained in possession of the Shaws for more than 35 years. Emma Shaw's heirs and executors sold it in 1894 to Hallie P. Wilson, the deed saying:
"Whereas Emma R., Julia H. and Margaret P. Shaw, daughters of Emma Shaw, have concluded that their residence on Broadway hereinafter described in unsuitable for them to live in (which property was devised and passed under the will of Emma Shaw)...and whereas Joshua P. Shaw and Hiram Shaw, exors. of Emma Shaw are authorized to sell said property," the house and 100-foot lot were sold to Hallie P. Wilson, and paid for "by Mrs. Jane R. Graves, the mother of Hallie P. Wilson."
Transcribed by pb February 2003