President Tyler’s visit to Springfield
–
Home of Josiah Ware
Researched & written by Judy C. Ware
©
Judy C. Ware March 2009
Pen & Ink painting of Springfield
owned by James & Judy Ware
Josiah
Ware inherited the land that Springfield Plantation was built on from his mother,
Elizabeth Taliaferro Snickers Alexander Ware. He
started construction of his beautiful home shortly before his marriage to Frances Toy
Glassell in 1827. According to his son (Rev.
Josiah W. Ware), Springfield “was imposing in appearance; lumber was seasoned for
three years before being used.” (ref. 81) It truly was a showcase and was often called
“one of the most beautiful of the valley houses.” (ref.110, 195)
Josiah was active in community and national
politics from an early age. He corresponded
with many of the notable “powerhouse” figures of his day including Daniel
Webster, Henry Clay, Governor Henry Wise, John C. Calhoun, and several presidents. His cousin, Lucy Ware Webb Hayes, was the wife of
Rutherford B. Hayes and he not only visited with them in the White House, but they came to
stay with him at Springfield as well. One of
Josiah’s granddaughters wrote that “the Berryville Band, ensconced on the
balcony, played lustily when President Rutherford B. Hayes was a guest there. (ref. #3)
Another President who visited Springfield was John Tyler.
In his memoirs, Rev. Josiah W. Ware (son of Josiah) wrote that “when President
Tyler was a guest at Springfield, he was taken into the dining room where the decanters
and the wine glasses were on the sideboard. The
“saddle of mutton” was brought in, and he was more enthusiastic over it
that the refreshments.” (ref.
#84)
Springfield saw a great many famous people pass through her doors, and the entire land is
steeped in history. It must have broken
Josiah’s heart when he was forced to see the lovely home at the end of the war.
References:
Second
letter of Cornelia Ware Anker (1948) entitled THE WARE FAMILY IN
CLARKE
COUNTY
WARE ANCESTORS
by:
Frank Fremont Reed, Chicago 1987, Given to me by Martha Ware in 1998 Book 8, Chapter 1, Includes the MEMOIRS OF Rev. Josiah William Ware, Jr.
Memoirs of Rev. Josiah William Ware, Jr. – Born Nov. 23, 1853. Seems to be the same reference as #81, but there
appears to be some additional information. |
