John Darby and his son Upton built this home on 93 acres along the Seneca Creek in 1855. John and Upton were traders who owned and operated the Seneca Mill right next to their home (where present day River Rd. crosses the Seneca Creek in front of Poole’s Store).
In 1900 the property and mill underwent foreclosure and changed hands to Wilson Tschiffley (where Tschiffley Mill Road got its name!) who pretty quickly sold the home to Frederick Allnutt but maintained ownership of the Mill. The Allnutts remained in the home until sometime in the 70s or 80s.
In reviewing some records of the home, I came across a mention that one of the builders of the home (the plasterer, Henry Young) signed his name on the back of the main staircase in June 1855. It was the first thing I looked for, and incredibly, it’s still there today!
Makes you wonder whether the marks we make today will be seen by others in another 164 years.
Huge thanks to the Montgomery County for letting me and showing me around!
