It was odd finding my great-great-grandfather Catlins home Beaverdam (circa 1801) during the Civil War, nestled in a culdesac in suburbia so well restored it looked like the modern homes surrounding it.
“Beaverdam stands on historic soil. It was the site on which was fought the first of the series of battles around Richmond. The stream, bearing the same name, and which flows through the farm, was said to run red with blood after the battle. In the article by Thomas W. Hooper (Richmond Times-Dispatch, February 3, 1895), he stated, “The last time I stood under the roof was after the battle and all around me were unburied dead, while the house and trees were cut to pieces by cannon and minnie-balls.” Beaverdam was occupied by Ripley”s Brigade of D.H. Hill’s Division, and by Pender’s Brigade of A.P. Hill’s.”
from : OLD HOMES OF HANOVER COUNTY VIRGINIA
In my youth my Dad would always tell us our Aunt Rea, my grandmothers sister and grand-daughters of William Catlin, was the best he could offer us as a replacement grandmother on his side of the family. This beautiful woman more than made up for our loss with her love and vibrant spirit. This house on Reedy has wonderful memories for our family where Aunt Rea lived.
Sallie Rebecca Courtney Snellings (Aunt Rea) is the grand-daughter of William Catlin and Rebecca Allen.
Number 2300 is a classic representation of the Richmond Greek Revival town house. With details from the architectual pattern books of Asher Benjamin, its single dormer, simple cornice, heavy lintels, Doric porch, and stone steps with plinths are all hallmarks of the style. Built in 1850 by William Catlin, who owned a brickyard on Cary Street between 24th and 25th, the house was a gift to his third wife, Rebecca. In 1964 the house provided rooms for the newly founded 2300 Club, established to encourage the restoration of the St. John’s district. The club subsequently moved to another address but retained its name.
William Catlin built 2304 in 1845 and lived there before building 2300.
from : CHURCH HILL The St. John’s Church Historic District (1991)
side view of 2300
looking west on Broad from 2300
