Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-12-05

TALBURTr HOUSE.
1t is probable that Mr.. Talburtt, who was
learned in music aided PAYNE very materially
with his song. At anv rate it was sung and re-
sung by them many times before its introduc-
ton to the public
In this connection must correct q popular
error. II has been repeatedly stated in the
newspapers that the original manuscript Of
Home, Sweet Home" il in the possession Of the
Talburtt family. have been informed by a
member Of the family, who ought to know,
that there il no foundation in fact for this
story. Payne was careless about such things,
and it is more than probable that the manu-
script went into the waste basket.
Payne was a wanderer, without a home, and
his loneliness, compared with the happiness Of
the household in which he was treated as more
than a common guest, doubtless suggested the
idea Of the song.
THE TALBURrT-PAYNE HOUSE.
That Payne and Talburtt were very fond Of
each other Is proven by the fact that they
planned for the erection Of residence for their
joint occupancy. Payne selected the site and
Talburtt built the house, but fate had decreed
that this was as far as their scheme should CO.
In lsil the poet died in Tunis, Africa, he hav-
ing been appointed United States consul to
that place by President Van Buren,.
The sad and sudden loss of his dear friend,
and the consequent failure of their plans had
a marked effect on the future Of Mr.. Talburtt
Instead OF Mr.. Payne, he took for his COM
one Of the best and most accomplished young
women Of this section. They lived happily in
the new house until Mr.. Talburtt's death in
1865. The widow is now resident of North
east Washington, enjoying, in her advancing
wears, the society Of her children and grand
children and the esteem Of her neighbors.
The TalburttPayne house is beautifully stu
ated on Maple avenue and is now the home Of
Mr.. II. A. Griswold, who came into possession
Of it in 1873. The accompanying illustration
~t.< h<x.o
Talburtts. Mr.. Griswold has changed the out
lines materially. especially the front exposure
The ancient Talburtt mansion down on the
rivers side, which, by the way, can be reached
by lane which forms continuation of Morris
road, yet belongs to Mrs. Talburtt, but man
named Allen has u lease of it and works the
land Q truck farm.
The Woodruff cottage, on the waters side. q
little east Of Talburtts. is old historic place
Mrs. Woodruff was the mother Of George W.
Talburtt by her first marriage.
Anacostia is distinctively white community.
although the population of the surrounding
villages of Hillsdale. Stantontown, Garfield,
&c, are made up largely Of colored folks. 1t
is a harmonious, law-sbiding community. and
/ am told that the arrest Of one of its citizens
for u crime is OF rare occurrence.
1t has doubtless been noticed that the older
streets were named after he Presidents Of the
United States.
post office was first established in Anacos
n.
The Office was discontinued in 1858, and was re-
established In 1865 undte the name of Union
| town The name of the office was again
changed to Anacostia in 1869.
HILLspALE.
Morris Formerly New Cut'') road il the
dividing line between Anacostia and Hillsdale.
The latter is q comparatively new settlement
Its site was houseless woodland thirty years
ago, with the exception Of Poplar Point which
was many generations since the home OF sturdy
old farmer Jas. Barry. Howard avenue leads
down TO the old place, and should you decide
Of the bricks Of the ruin Of the old
mansion house, torn down many
years ago. The place got its name Of Poplar
Point from the great number Of poplar trees
that grew on 1t, some Of which are still stand
ing, silent witnesses. as 1t were. pointing to
former grandeur. large row OF Lombardy
poplars used TO separate the Barry and Tai
burtt placea
Mr.. James Barry, the original owner of this
| estate, which extended southwark to the Ham,
llton road and westward to Geisboro', was Of
English birth and a stanch Roman Catholic. II
is said that adherence to his religion cost him
an earldom.
The Poplar Point tract is now divided MP
| into small truck farms, which are worked with
good profit by colored men.
Monroe street, Anacostia. ends and Nicholas
| avenue, Hillsdale, begins At Morris road.
Hiilsdale Heights occupy o commanding Do
sition, magnificent views Of Washington and
| the country around being obtained from their
summit Some handsome residences grace the
most elevated points, among others being those
OF Mr.. Messer, Lawyer Sherwood and Dr. Grant
OF the internal revenue Office, Treasury Depart
\ ment
The streets Of Hillsdale have the appearance
OF oeing neglected by the authorities, and in
| convenience and discomfort are experienced by
| the residents as . consequence. The taxpayers
are becoming FESTIVE under this neglect How
ard avenue. for instance. which leads down to
Poplar Point, and which Ia occupied by many
residences on either side. is a mere couutry
Lame, not even provided with sidewalk.
GKoR0E SINNoxa