MADDOX FISHER HOUSE

E. Main St., next to Dewees corner, Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
Built 1805

Source: Old Houses of Lexington, C. Frank Dunn, typescript, n.d., copy located in the Kentucky Room, Lexington (Kentucky) Public Library.

Maddox Fisher and his wife, Mary, conveyed this house March 12, 1807, to William L. Fisher. In this and adjoining house the 1806 directory shows: Maddox Fisher, William Fisher, Thomas Fisher, bricklayers, and John Fisher, brickmaker, as living there. Maddox Fisher in his deed mentioned the "alley" on the west side--it's now occupied by the small white front building.

Wm. L. Fisher and Hannah, his wife, now of Harrison County, Ky., sold the property to Stephen Chipley December 23, 1817, "being the lot wheron Benjamin Downs now resides."

Benjamin Downs purchased the house from Chipley and wife, Amelia, February 16, 1819. Downs, "orphan of Henry Downs, dec'd, who was 15 years old, January 29, 1804," had been bound apprentice to Maddox Fisher May 12, 1806, until 21 years of age--"to be taught the art and mystery of the brick-laying business."

Benjamin Downs and wife, Elizabeth, after residing here for several years, sold the house August 5, 1842, to Chas. Donnelly, who conveyed it December 22, 1843, to Henry B. Franklin.

Warren Outten purchased it of Franklin and wife, Olive C., July 23, 1845, and also the house Dr. David Bell had lived in at the S.W. corner of High and Upper Sts. A suit arose and both houses were sold by Commissioner May 12, 1853.

Thomas H. Waters (Caroline V., wife) was the purchaser, and he sold this house the same year to B.B. Harris (Lucy H., wife). The latter conveyed the property November 3, 1854, to John A. Price (Elizabeth A., wife), who traded it to J.F. Baugher November 11, 1858, for a house and eight acres of land Baugher got from Aug. Hall.

John F. Baugher and wife, Eva W., of Frederick Co., Maryland, sold the house Dec. 1, 1860, to Wm. J. Owings and wife, Catherine C. It remained in this family until 1895, when W.J. and W.E. Owings made a conveyance to N.C. Hardesty.

Transcribed by pb November 2005