Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-11-30
SOUTHWEST SECTION
Importance of Locality Near
Old Long Bridge.
IN EARLY DAYS OF CITY
Situation When Corporation of
Washington Took Charge.
OVERLOOKING RIVER FRONT
Names Of Business Men-Progress
of Improvements-Homes Prom
inent in Social Circles.
OVERLOOKING RIVER FRONT

Though that portion Of Washington
near the old Long bridge never showed. in
the old days, as much development as
more favored localities, in some respects
it was as important as any part. There
is associated some history in common
with sections in which Greenleaf. Morris
& Nicholson, Tom Law and others oper-
ated, but the buildings the former con-
tracted to erect, a house on every third
lot, did not materialize. From that
coterie there was, only one small build
ing in evidence when the old corporation
of Washington took Jurisdiction in 1902.
1t was a small frame cottage erected by
Capt. w. NJ. Duncanson In 1897, and in
which he resided from 1902 until his death
in 1872 This overlooked the river be-
tween 18th and 18th streets, and could
not compare with the fine brick houses
on street near ~ and on South Caro-
lima avenue near 9Th street southeast,
where he resided before his fortune had
flown.
Archibald Cheshire appeared on the scene
In 1913 and was engaged in the wood
business several years on the wharf, re-
siding in a fine brick residence erected in
1877 on the northwest corner of Maryland
avenue and 1871 street. Capt. Peter Lenox,
the father of Walter Lenox, the mayor
of the city about 1850. settled in 1917 on
the south side Of Maryland avenue be-
tween 18th and 1917 streets. He was
well-known builder Of his day, the master
carpenter at the Capitol for many years.
and was largely interested in corporation
matter as a public-spiritad citizen. His
ton. afforded fine view in every direc-
ton. Josiah F. Caldwell bought the two
stored brick building erected by Aaron
Van Coble under an agreement with J.
NJ. Varnum. who had purchased the
square in 1920 and made subdivision.
MIR. Caldwell was a resident here till his
death about 1928 and had filled a position
in the second auditors Office several
years. The family were here for many
years thereafter.
Bulk Of Improvement.
In the twenties the bulk Of improve
ment was in the square between Maryland
avenue 1874, 14th and D streets there
being twelve houses, Of which nine had
been erected by Mrs. Cazenave and her
son-in-law. Maj. p. G. Howle; two by
Mr.. Cheshire and one by J. P. Davis. who
were residents. That at the corner of
14th street and Maryland avenue was
John Smiths tavern in frame build
ing and a popular stopping place for the
bridge travel. Anthony Preston, slater
and later a leading citizen of the second
ward. was long a guest here. To the
east was the home of Josiah Willard, the
toll gatherer for the Washington Bridge
Company. Opposite Raphael Semmes
opened store about 1896 In the thirties
G. McWilliams and s. Childs were wood
dealers on the wharf
In the neighborhood on 1872 street there
were Jacob Roscup and Jacob Eckhart
butchers; Michael Gilligan, a bricklayer
and Fielder r. Dorset. and Peter Hep
burn, carpenters. The. last named was a
lifelong resident of South Washington
and one of the best-hnown builders in
that section and served many terms as
commissioner and assessor in the old
seventh ward. Mr.. Dorset later moved
to the neighborhood of the White House
and carried on business for more than
half a century.
South Side Of Maryland Avenue.
Ignatius Mudd in 1886 bought and took
up his residence on the south side of
Maryland avenue at 18th street and was
there for many years. He, too, was a car
penter and builder. and was a public
spirited citizen, especially interested in the
cause of popular education, serving many
years as a trustee of the public schools
in the fourth, or Island, district. He was
the ommissioner of public buildings and
grounds about sixty years ago.
The IIenox residence on Maryland ave-
nue. became about 1910 the home of Col
w. B. Randolph, and he lived there for
many years. until nearly the civil war
Connected by blood and marriage with
leading families of Virginia and Maryland.
Mrs Randolph, daughter of Gen. John
NJ. Lingan, one of the original prop-ie
tors the house was not unknown in the
social life of Washington. Col. Randolph
had before resided in Georgetown, where
he commanded the Georgetown Rifles