Lewis Family Tenant Agricultural Complex
CR 227, Wyoming, DEThe farmland was part of an original patent titled "Barnes Chance" which was granted in 1682. Secondary historical sources indicate that the land was farmed but there does not appear to have been a dwelling on this particular parcel. It had a long series of owners during the eighteenth century. In 1813 it became the property of Dr. Ezekiel Needham of Smyrna. Needham was principally a land speculator.
As the farmland in central Delaware was abused by poor farming practices during the eighteenth century, it became less valuable and productive. As a result, large numbers of farmers abandoned their land to speculators and moved to new lands in the West that had recently been made available for settlement. Individuals such as Needham purchased the farms of those leaving and rented them
out to tenants. Needham is listed in land records and local histories as the owner of huge blocks of land in the Smyrna/Dover area. In most cases, he bought intact agricultural farm complexes. This particular farm complex was not erected till 1850. Only the house survives from that first period of construction.
Upon Needham's death, the land became the property of his three sons who were all residents of Massachusetts. They held the land until 1845 when it was sold to William Lewis. Lewis was the head of a local family that had settled on a tract of land known as Tomahawk. That tract is just south of the complex under discussion. The Lewis family had arrived in Delaware from Wales in 1740. The Lewis family holdings were limited to the family farm and a few small holdings until William Lewis (1800 - 1872) took over the management of the family holdings.
William inherited the home farm upon his father's death in 1806. His father, Thomas, had died as the result of injuries that he had received in a log-rolling contest. He was bound out to a neighbor under whom he studied blacksmithing and carpentry. However, when he came of age, he took up farming. He increased the family holdings over time. The 1859 Byles Atlas of Kent County and the 1868 Beers Atlas of Delaware both show extensive holdings near the home farm. The principal crops were wheat and corn along with some dairy products.
The farm eventually became the property of his son Garrett L. Lewis. William Lewis had 12 children and was married to Ann Allaband, whose family were local farmers and mill owners. The home farm, Tomahawk was sold by William's oldest son in 1882. This tenant farm was sold out of the family in 1899. The conservative values of the Lewis family are evident in William's choice of the hall/parlor plan for the tenant's house. The use of a stair hall was well fixed as the dominant dwelling type by the mid-nineteenth century. While in
some instances, hall/parlor plan dwellings were erected for low-income housing, most of those were framed. This particular dwelling was erected in brick. Tax records indicate that the majority of domestic structures in central Delaware were framed. The fact that this is a brick building clearly indicates that it was not intended for use by common tenants. Since William Lewis had 12 children and this particular farm was given to his son. Garrett Lewis may have built it with the intention of providing family housing.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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.
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.