The John Cary-Weston House, circa 1870

The John Cary-Weston House, circa 1870. . Builder J. C. Weston served as a Confederate Army Colonel and member of the Great Bridge Canal and Lumber Co., With land purchased in 1853, Weston aspired to design in the High Victorian Italianate Second Empire style of architecture. As an example of post-Civil War development and reconstruction, this I7 room dwelling boasts 10 freplaces, 12 ft. ceilings, arched passageways and walnut woodwork. The exterior features include ornamental cast iron porch and crestings, projecting bay windows, modillion cornice, carved brackets and friezes, segmental arches above windows, carved brich work and a mansard roof., The original property and buildings at one time consumed the expanse of the city block both ways and to the water. Still intact, the 1 1/2 story brick auxiliary building served as a kitchen house., J. C. Weston lived here briefly with first wife, Jane who died just before house completion, late in 1869. Weston met another tragedy within the year, the death of only son, Cary Parks Weston, age 26, who had served with VM.I. Cadets under Stonewall Jackson. 2nd wile, Nannie bore two children, Julia and Cary Parks Weston, II., All recorded relatives appear to be no longer living. The present owners are seeking additional family and house information.