This century old homestead is located at 6320 Kitzmiller Road,
about one mile east of New Albany in Plain Township. It was built
by Archibald Smith, architect-carpenter. in 1848 out of lumber
secured from timber from his own farm and sawed in his own
sawmill.
The home. a two-story frame, stands in a picturesque spot
on the right bank of Blacklick Creek. It is a building that reflects
much of our pioneer culture and is constructed on a pattern much
used in the 1840's. Four large fireplaces must have been sufficient
to keep the house warm. There is a large center hallway from which
a circular stairs leads to the second story. Mr. Smith must have
designed and built this stairway. A diary which he kept for many
years contains this interesting comment about the building of the
home:
"In the year 1848 built our house. I sawed all the lumber
myself. Had it laid up two or three years. Had the stone and brick
on the ground also. I laid out all the work of the frame myself.
Had it inclosed before winter set in. (A very good job.) January
1849 we moved in our house. I worked on the inside of the house
all winter. I made most of the doors and all the cupboards and
closets."
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