Abingdon in Washington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Col. James White House

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 23, 2022

1. Col. James White House Marker

Inscription. Boyhood home of Rev. Robert Sheffey, “The Saint of the Wilderness”, legendary circuit-riding frontier preacher who gave up wealth and social position to spread the Word and Spirit of God.

Built in 1820 by James and Elizabeth White. Partially burned in 1864 during the Civil War. Restored 1866.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1820.

Location. 36° 42.729′ N, 81° 58.233′ W. Marker is in Abingdon, Virginia, in Washington County. It is on East Main Street (U.S. 11) east of Brewers Alley, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 171 E Main St, Abingdon VA 24210, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Tri-Cities Area,

in Southwest Virginia,

and in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Russell House (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Law Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Abingdon Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Walnut Grove (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of William King (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wolf Hills Forge (about 400 feet away); Abingdon Bank (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abingdon.

Regarding Col. James White House.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

James White was a wealthy merchant and businessman, owning a mill among other enterprises. He added a store/office building to the east of the Federal-style house in 1828, but it and the house were partially destroyed in 1864 in General Stoneman’s raid. White restored both buildings immediately after the war, adding the bracketed Italianate cornice to the façade.

Also see . . . Robert Sheffey. Wikipedia entry on the Methodist evangelist and circuit-riding preacher, who was renowned for his eccentricities as much as his powerful sermans. (Submitted on November 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 23, 2022

2. Col. James White House Marker

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 4, 2022

3. Col. James White House Marker

Col. James White House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 23, 2022

4. Col. James White House

Robert Sayers Sheffey (1820-1902) image. Click for full size.

Unknwon, from Story of the Life of Robert Sayers Sheffey
5. Robert Sayers Sheffey (1820-1902)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,017 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on November 23, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 4. submitted on November 9, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 5. submitted on November 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.