Timberlake House

Penn Township, Highland County, Ohio

One of several early stone residences in Penn Township, a locality settled, as its name suggests, by Quakers. (A similar home, constructed by a non-Quaker, stands only a few miles northeast.)

A 1981 Ohio Historic Inventory form, completed by Stephen Gordon, provides the home's history:

Richard Timberlake (1786–1860), a native of Campbell County, Virginia, came to Highland County with his father John Timberlake (1761–1827). John Timberlake had purchased 330 acres in Survey #2327 on October 10, 1807; by 1825 Richard Timberlake had acquired 106 1/4 acres of the original tract. Richard, a member of the Clear Creek Meeting, married Mary Wright of Springboro in 1810. Alfred Timberlake, Richard's son, subsequently lived with his wife Phoebe Doan on this farm. They were married at Centre Meeting on May 22, 1839. In May, 1845, the Timberlakes sold the 106 acre farm to Jonathan and Susana Ellis. The house is reported to have been built c. 1812 by Richard Timberlake. However, the 1825 Tax Duplicate neglects to mention a house. It does appear on the 1833 tax rolls and was valued at $300.00.

The 1812 construction date "feels" more accurate.

Note the small gable windows, which cut into the frieze board. This building lacks the flush chimneys typical of early 19th century masonry construction.

The house's walls are quite thick.

Beautiful. Built into a slope, the house likely featured a basement kitchen.

The accompanying barn.