MRS. ELIZABETH GEOGHEGAN RESIDENCE

544-546 W. Main (cor. Patterson), Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
Built 1830

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

(1838 Directory: Mrs. Geoghegan, morocco manufacturer, 119 W. Main St. cor. Lower)

Mrs. Elizabeth Geoghegan, who was operating a skin-dressing factory in the rear of this residence, purchased the house and former tannery here of Wm. Morton's executors, in July, 1837. As to when Wm. Morton built the house is not readily apparent, but probably some twenty years before that.

When Wm. "Lord" Morton bought the corner (38 feet of Inlot No. 28) in April, 1791, to erect his tannery his Main Street frontage extended "to the corner of John Bradford's house"--the deed thus disclosing another residential site of the famous editor of the "Kentucke Gazette."

"Lord" Morton's deed from the Town Trustees called for 38 feet front and 4 poles on Water St., west from Lower (Patterson) St., confirming the fact that John Bradford's house was on the front or Main Street part of the lot. The conveyance was "in consideration of the settlement made in the Town of Lexington by Robert Todd, and one shilling." The deed was dated "2nd day of April in the year of our Lord 1791 and in the XV year of our Independence," before Kentucky was formally admitted to statehood.

The house originally had steps and iron rail from Main Street. The first floor had been lowered in more recent years.

The 1818 Directory lists "Wm. Cirode, Skin-dresser, Main St., near Catholic burying ground," which probably was Wm. Morton's old tannery and house here.

It certainly was the place referred to in the following ad in the Kentucky Gazette January 13, 1825, headed "Morocco Manufactory of Patrick Geoghegan:"

"He has commenced the above business in Lexington on Main Street and from a long experience in one of the principal cities in Europe, and the United States also, he flatters himself he will produce articles in his line equal to any in the Union, suitable for Shoe Makers, Hatters, Coach Makers, Sadlers and Book Binders, which he will sell 20% less than imported skins.

"This he hopes will induce the consumers in the Western Country to give a preference to their own manufacture," (The "Buy Home Products" Campaigns of today are not new!).

An unsigned will of "Elizabeth Geoghegan, relict of Patrick Geoghegan," dated January 2, 1850, was produced in court January 13, 1851. She appointed the Rev. Edward McMahon, "formerly pastor of St. Peter's Catholic Church, as chief executor, with Thos. White, of the firm of Devlin & White, executor to assist him." She requested that inventory of her property be made, "but all the property, stock and capital in business should remain undivided for ten years, so my unmarried children may have a home together and the business conducted for the common benefit of all my children." A letter she addressed to Rev. McMahon, requesting that he pass on the form of the document was filed with it.

Later, a brief, signed will dated February 15, 1849, was recorded and approved in August, 1854. It said: "I leave to my son, Samuel, and my daughters, Margaret, Fanny, Ellen and Ann all my property." She requested that they live together and that "Sam continue the business for his own benefit and for the family in general."

Mrs. Geoghegan's house was still in the family at the turn of the century.

(This house was razed in April, 1940, after above was written, but the "Keizer House" next door remains.)

Transcribed pb November 2005