Brecknock
a.k.a. Howell's Mill Seat
0.5 mi. N of Camden off U.S. 13, Camden, DEBrecknock is a well-preserved eighteenth century house, which has remained in the same family for more than two centuries. On the property is a mill seat of considerable local importance. The history of Brecknock can be traced from an unfulfilled economic venture during the seventeenth century to a successful milling enterprise which remained in one family for more than one hundred and sixty years.
The six-hundred-acre tract called Brecknock was granted to Alexander Humphrey in 1680. It lay along Isaac's Branch between the Dover River and Betty Smith's Branch, a distance of about two miles. The land changed hands in 1682 and again in 1685. Daniel Toaes, who purchased the tract, called himself a mariner and cited England as his home. In payment for the land, he gave one white servant and 4000 pounds of tobacco in casks. At the time he purchased Brecknock, he also took up the tract Reserve, to the east, making a total holding of one thousand acres.
He already owned twelve hundred acres on Tidbury Branch and Toaes continued to buy contiguous land in the area, including the Smyrna, Geneva, Shoemaker Hall and Dundee tracts. Whatever his plans may have been, he succeeded only in establishing a dam and water mill near the present Moore's Lake. The original house at Brecknock apparently was crudely built and perhaps served as temporary shelter, or for an overseer. After assembling such a large holding, Toaes did not settle on the property. He settled instead in Maryland, where he died in 1696 while still in possession of three tracts in the Dover area.
The Brecknock tract was sold in 1724 by Toaes' administrator to Andrew Caldwell, a land speculator. It is not known who lived on the property from 1697 until 1740. John Hill, a millwright, bought part of the property, including a mill seat and the house site for 10 pounds. In 1746, the house site was sold to John Clayton, Jr. In this deed, a residence was mentioned. From this evidence, it appears that Hill built some part of the house.
John Clayton, Jr. and later James Clayton, who reunited the tract, were responsible for the development of the mill-seat. John Clayton, Jr. owned another mill nearby; in 1750 he sold the Brecknock property to his brother James. During his ten-year tenure there, James may have constructed the first frame addition to the house.
Local significance of the building:
The six-hundred-acre tract called Brecknock was granted to Alexander Humphrey in 1680. It lay along Isaac's Branch between the Dover River and Betty Smith's Branch, a distance of about two miles. The land changed hands in 1682 and again in 1685. Daniel Toaes, who purchased the tract, called himself a mariner and cited England as his home. In payment for the land, he gave one white servant and 4000 pounds of tobacco in casks. At the time he purchased Brecknock, he also took up the tract Reserve, to the east, making a total holding of one thousand acres.
He already owned twelve hundred acres on Tidbury Branch and Toaes continued to buy contiguous land in the area, including the Smyrna, Geneva, Shoemaker Hall and Dundee tracts. Whatever his plans may have been, he succeeded only in establishing a dam and water mill near the present Moore's Lake. The original house at Brecknock apparently was crudely built and perhaps served as temporary shelter, or for an overseer. After assembling such a large holding, Toaes did not settle on the property. He settled instead in Maryland, where he died in 1696 while still in possession of three tracts in the Dover area.
The Brecknock tract was sold in 1724 by Toaes' administrator to Andrew Caldwell, a land speculator. It is not known who lived on the property from 1697 until 1740. John Hill, a millwright, bought part of the property, including a mill seat and the house site for 10 pounds. In 1746, the house site was sold to John Clayton, Jr. In this deed, a residence was mentioned. From this evidence, it appears that Hill built some part of the house.
John Clayton, Jr. and later James Clayton, who reunited the tract, were responsible for the development of the mill-seat. John Clayton, Jr. owned another mill nearby; in 1750 he sold the Brecknock property to his brother James. During his ten-year tenure there, James may have constructed the first frame addition to the house.
Industry; Architecture; Agriculture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Wilmington and Western Railroad, a historic narrow-gauge railroad that operated in the District of Delaware, was used to transport goods and passengers between Wilmington and the nearby towns of Hockessin and Yorklyn. Today, the railroad is primarily used for tourist excursions and special events.
About Kent County
Kent County Timeline
Kent County, located in the state of Delaware, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the colonial era. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlers arrived in the early 17th century. The first permanent European settlement in the county was established by the Dutch in 1631, but they were soon displaced by the English who took control of the region.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
Kent County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Kent County, Delaware.
- 1680: Kent County was established as one of three original counties in Delaware.
- 1682: The county's first courthouse was built in Duck Creek Crossroads, now known as Smyrna.
- 1701: Kent County became the new capital of Delaware, replacing New Castle.
- 1777: The Battle of Cooch's Bridge, the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware, took place in the county.
- 1787: Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover.
- 1829: The Delaware Railroad was established, connecting Kent County to the growing transportation network.
- 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, was ratified by Delaware in Dover.
- 1978: The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village opened in Dover, showcasing the county's agricultural history.
- 2013: Kent County celebrated its 330th anniversary with various events and activities.