Whitson-Maddux House

Cookeville, Tennessee's former Whitson-Maddux House was built in the 19th century by Jeremiah and Sallie Barnes Whitson. Not to be confused with Jere Whitson, Jeremiah was a farmer and he also served in General George Gibbs Dibrell's 8th Tennessee Confederate Cavalry. The couple constructed this Federal style home for themselves and their nine children. Whitson's oldest daughter Alice married prominent Cookeville attorney Robert Capshaw. The home was a five bay Federal style structure with a full facade Greek Revival style portico. The Greek Revival portico was added by Bob Lee Maddux. Maddux was a prominent businessman in Cookeville and is responsible for owning and operating the Maddux Hardware Store for many years. The house was the center of a large farm just south of Cookeville. Throughout the years, the house witnessed both marriages and funerals in her parlors. In recents years, the home went through a series of owners. A photography business was the last to operate out of it. In 2017 the property was sold to a developer and in June 2019 all the trees were removed and the home was razed to make way for new development. Sadly for every historic preservation victory, there seems to always be at least one defeat.

Jeremiah Whitson from TNGenes.com

Bob Lee Maddux from FindAGrave.com

Whitson-Maddux House before the Greek Revival style portico was added from AJLambert.com

There are no words to describe this as the author drove past yesterday afternoon.

Special thanks to Natasha Moseley for capturing the photograph of the Whitson-Maddux House at the top of this article. I feel a connection to the Whitson family based on the research I have done on the Capshaw family. It is interesting to see how all the families in Cookeville are connected in one way or another. I know I am deeply rooted!!

At Moore Historical Consulting my #1 priority is historic preservation. Do you own a historic home, commercial building, or farm? If so contact me today to learn more about the historic preservation strategies I offer. These include nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, nominations for a Permanent Conservation Easement, nominations to the Century Farms program, and writing text for historic makers. At Moore Historical Consulting I make exploring and preserving your past fun and easy.