Cummins, Timothy, House
E of Smyrna, Smyrna, DEThe Timothy Cummins House is a well-preserved example of a dwelling house that was constructed by wealthy planters during the last quarter of the eighteenth century. However, the house has many features that are more typical of the early-eighteenth century. This combination of stylistic elements from the entire range of architectural traditions of the eighteenth century makes the house eligible under Criterion C as a significant example of the conservative nature of central Delaware architecture. The house is both fashionable and outdated for its construction period of the early-1780's. The use of Flemish bond on the facade and the Georgian floor-plan indicate a concern that the house be modern, but the tall narrow windows and the small it-story kitchen wing are elements that would be "old fashioned" by the 1780's. The house is also a good example of the intensive use of the land in Duck Creek Hundred as the population increased during the eighteenth century. The plantation is typical of the type of farm operation created by the rising middle-class population in central Delaware after the end of the Revolutionary War. The original plantation occupied a few hundred acres and was crowned with a substantial brick dwelling.
Timothy Cummins (1757-1823) was the son of a prosperous innkeeper and planter, Daniel Cummins (1736-1797). In 1780, Timothy married Rachel Pennington. Two of Timothy's brothers, John and George, were successful businessmen and landowners but Timothy appears to have preferred the life of a gentleman farmer. When his father died in 1797, he owed him a large sum of money that was to be deducted from his inheritance. At his own death in 1823 he had a personal estate of $3,942.
His will states that his wife was to have a life interest in the plantation and that at her death it would become the property of his son, Daniel Bell. Daniel married his cousin Mary Ellen Cummins in 1839. Her brothers, George W. and Daniel J., were the owners of Woodlawn and Glen Fern, respectively. Daniel Bell Cummins did not occupy the land but used it as a tenant farm. He was a banker and merchant in Philadelphia. The land was sold out of the family in 1906. This pattern is repeated fairly often in Duck Creek. During the nineteenth century, tenancy, increased as the landowners, became involved in mercantile operations and left their home plantations in the care of managers.
Local significance of the building:
Timothy Cummins (1757-1823) was the son of a prosperous innkeeper and planter, Daniel Cummins (1736-1797). In 1780, Timothy married Rachel Pennington. Two of Timothy's brothers, John and George, were successful businessmen and landowners but Timothy appears to have preferred the life of a gentleman farmer. When his father died in 1797, he owed him a large sum of money that was to be deducted from his inheritance. At his own death in 1823 he had a personal estate of $3,942.
His will states that his wife was to have a life interest in the plantation and that at her death it would become the property of his son, Daniel Bell. Daniel married his cousin Mary Ellen Cummins in 1839. Her brothers, George W. and Daniel J., were the owners of Woodlawn and Glen Fern, respectively. Daniel Bell Cummins did not occupy the land but used it as a tenant farm. He was a banker and merchant in Philadelphia. The land was sold out of the family in 1906. This pattern is repeated fairly often in Duck Creek. During the nineteenth century, tenancy, increased as the landowners, became involved in mercantile operations and left their home plantations in the care of managers.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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 District of Delaware has had a number of famous judges throughout its history, including William Julius Haynes, who was the first African American to serve as a federal judge in the state of Delaware.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.