When you start looking into prominent families that played large roles in settling this part of the Ag Reserve back in the 18th century, the White Family comes up frequently. The White-Carlin Farm in Bucklodge represents the initial settlement location for the Whites in these parts and many of the incredible historic homes in the Medley District were built by individuals who trace their roots back to this farm.
The records are a bit shaky, but we know Nathan S. White came to the area from Annapolis in the 1780s (there is some indication he may have served in the Revolutionary War, but i’m still digging in on those details). In 1787, Nathan married Margaret Presbury Chiswell, the daughter of the prominent Stephen Newtown Chiswell (builder of Chiswell’s Inheritance). As a wedding gift, Stephen gave his daughter and son-in-law the 192 acres upon which they farmed and eventually built their stone home sometime around 1800.
Nathan and Margaret had 5 children, to include Benjamin White (builder of Inverness) and Dr. Stephen Newton White (who lived at Annington).
The home remained in the White Family until 1839, when it was sold to the McAtee Family before being passed to a few different owners, to include the Carlin Family in the early 20th century (hence the name “White-Carlin”).
I’d argue this is one of more important homes in the Ag Reserve in regards to understanding our historic roots. Thankfully the current owners have done an incredible job restoring and preserving the property in a way that results in it looking identical to how it would have looked in 1800!
Finally, check out the write-up from the Robert Dawson Stone House built in 1808 and look at the similarities. I’m convinced that these two homes have the same builder (but I don’t have proof of that).
