Journal Issue Sample
EXPLORING CHARLOTTE FROM ITS STARTING PLACE: THE VOORHIES-JAMES HOUSE
David Stansberry
The town of Charlotte was established on 50 acres of land as the county seat of Dickson County when the General Assembly created it in 1803. In 1830 the town was hit by a tornado that destroyed nearly all the buildings and severely damaged the county courthouse. Among the surviving structures is the Voorhies-James House, built about 1806. It is the oldest building within the Courthouse Square Historic District.
Standing south of the courthouse (the oldest in Tennessee), the two-story Voorhies-James House originally served as a store and residence. Built by John McRae, who served as circuit court clerk from 1816-1828, the home was later owned by Jacob Voorhies and Captain William James.
Voorhies was a large landowner and merchant, who established the first school for classical studies in Charlotte. He was also a State Senator. In November 1826 he married Margaret Farrar, daughter of Field Farrar, one of the original Dickson County commissioners and the county court clerk from 1812-1836. Farrar lived in a small house behind his daughter and son-in-law.
The left side of the first floor was used as a dry goods store and later as the Bank of Charlotte. The second floor and right side of the house was home to the first families. The two-story Federal style L-shaped plan features Flemish bond brick pattern, 12/12 light, double-hung sashes and six panel doorways with rectangular shaped four-light transoms. Most of the original woodwork, trim and doors remain, along with a few hardware pieces at doorways.
Captain William James served with General Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812 and also in the Indian wars in Florida. According to family lore, he was a cousin of famous outlaws Jesse and Frank James. Colonel William James, who later provided the land for the William James School in White Bluff, was born in the house. Captain James, his wife, and another son, Thomas, all served terms as postmaster of Charlotte. The post office was located inside the dry goods store in what is now the living room of the house.
In February 1862 Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest and his regiment of Confederate cavalry traveled through Charlotte en route from Fort Donelson to Nashville. Later the town was occupied by Union troops, who commandeered the courthouse for Union headquarters. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was pressed into service as a hospital, and Union officers took over the Voorhies-James house for their lodging.
The house has been restored to near its original condition by the current owners, David and Marilyn Stansberry. They have furnished the home with antique furniture, as similar as possible to pieces that would have been brought to Middle Tennessee by early settlers or purchased from New England and the East coast.
Groups of 10 to 30 people may tour the house by appointment. A walking tour of the Historic Charlotte Square is also available.