STEPHEN D. LEWIS HOUSE

151 Jefferson St., Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
Built 1812

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

When Jabez Beach bought the corner lot here (on north side of Ballard St.) in 1825, the deed from Mrs. Mary O. Russell said it was next to the Lot "on Jefferson St. on which there stands a brick two-story house, owned by Mrs. H.P. Lewis."

Hector P. Lewis purchased 88 feet extending "to Jane Irwin's lot" (Col. John Todd's widow and Mrs. Russell's mother) from Mrs. Russell December 5, 1818, with the two-story brick house on it. So it dates back to at least 1818.

The house was conveyed by Hector P. Lewis for "one cent" to Stephen D. Lewis, December 9, 1823. The latter bought the Jane Irwin lot adjoining, which extended 66 feet to Todd St., in January, 1847. The deed was made by Mary Eliza Davis, to whom the property had been given meantime by Robert Wickliffe and wife, Mrs. Mary O. (Russell), "for love and affection."

Stephen D. Lewis and wife, Ann, sold the house and 88 feet to James Sayre and wife, Sarah, in March, 1865, having removed to Clark County, Ky. James Sayre, Sr., sold the property to Mary A. Richardson in August, 1867, and the next year William S. Rule, purchased it.

Rule in 1880 also bought the Jabez Beach lot from Virgil P. Gibney, Wm. Cook, et al. Samuel Cook had purchased it from Margaret Brisby's heirs in 1853.

Transcribed by Pam Brinegar, March 2000