Adaland

The historic "Adaland" mansion is significant under Criterion B for its association with Augustus Modisett, a locally prominent 19th-century landowner; it possesses additional significance under the same criterion as the primary property associated with Ira Robinson, a historically prominent early 20th century West Virginian. Under Criterion C Adaland embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Greek Revival style of architecture, remaining one of the best-preserved examples of the style in Barbour County, West Virginia. The period of significance for Adaland begins with the construction of the main house, c. 1868. and extends to 1945, the year marking the height of Robinson's participation, as a retired person, in local civic affairs.

Between 1750 and 1760, three Modisett brothers came to America from England. Their names were Euriah, Charles and Brooks. It appears that they were descendants of Zachery Mothershead, who was one of the first two assemblymen of Maryland.

Charles married Frances Bryns. Charles and his wife lived in Prince William County (now Fauquier), Virginia until 1782. They then moved into Harrison County, Virginia. That area is now a part of Barbour County, West Virginia.

According to the Harrison County Deed Records, Charles and Frances bought 400 acres of land on Fox Grape Creek on August 16, 1807, from John and Ann Thompson. This property was part of a land grant Thompson and his brothers had received in 1799.

Uriah Modisett, one of eleven Modisett siblings, inherited the family property upon his father's death. The estate was settled in 1830 in Harrison County, Virginia. Frances had predeceased her husband.

Uriah and his wife Joanna sold 443 acres to one of their nine children, Augustus. This was not recorded until 1864, possibly due to the Civil War (Deed Book B, Pg. 333). Augustus wanted his house built high on a hill so it would be seen by those living around it. The construction of the house dates sometime between 1868 and 1872, with some of the finishing touches not completed until around 1880. Augustus referred to his home as the "house on the hill" or as the "Modisett Mansion."

The carpenter foreman was James Daver Corder, who was married to Mary Modisett, daughter of A.R. Modisett, uncle of Augustus. The labor used in the construction of the main portion of the house was that of emancipated slaves. Slave quarters remained standing on the property until torn down sometime around the 1940s.

Augustus was a farmer, businessman and politician. He was known to be highly educated but there are no known records as to where he completed his education.

During the civil war, Augustus decided he did not want to serve his country when he was drafted. As was the custom at that time, he could choose to hire someone to serve in his place. Augustus and Harvey Woodford hired John and James Moots to take t paid $1800.00. On their way to Wheeling to enlist, the war ended and they came home. The Moots brothers kept the money and never served a minute in the service.

Augustus served as Sheriff of Barbour County from 1866 through 1869. At this time, the office of the Sheriff was very prestigious. In 1875, Augustus was instrumental in starting the Masonic Lodge organized in 1870. Augustus died on February 26, 1881, and was buried in the old cole/Modisett cemetery close to his parents and about 1/8th of a mile from his "house on
was later disinterred and moved to Mary's Chapel.

Ira Ellsworth Robinson was born in Taylor County in 1869. His parents were also from that area. His father, William, was born on Taylor's Drain in Barbour co. and his mother, Mary Sayre, was born at Pleasant Creek, which is about four miles from Taylor's Drain.
Robinson graduated from Fairmont State Normal School in 1889 with honors. He studied law at the University of Virginia in 1890. He was admitted to the bar on February 18, 1891.

In 1892 Ira married Ada Sinsel of Grafton. Her father, Arthur, was born near Pruntytown, Taylor County, and educated at the old Pruntytown College. Her mother, Hannah See, was a direct descendent of the famous Warwicks of England.
Robinson began his law practice in Grafton. He became Prosecuting Attorney of Taylor County from 1897 to 1900. He was the regent of the State Normal Schools from 1901 to 1907.

The lawyer served as State Senator from 1902 to 1904. In 1907, when the justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court resigned, Judge Robinson was appointed to replace him by Governor William M. o. Dawson. At the general election a year later, on November 8th, 1908, he was elected to continue in that status. Judge Robinson made his mark in two dissenting opinions, one of which antagonized the large mine owners. Robinson's opinions were cited in When civil Law Fails, a book published in 1939 by Professor Rankins.

During this time he was also treasurer of the State Industrial School for Boys. In 1913, he was unanimously chosen by the regents of West Virginia University to be Dean of the College of Law. Though he decided against serving, he was made a member of the faculty and delivered special lectures on "Appellate Procedures and Professional Ethics."

He resigned as Chief Justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court in 1916 to run as the Republican nominee for the Governorship of West Virginia. He was defeated by John Jacob Cornwell, a Democrat from Hampshire County. It was said the ire he raised among the large mine owners contributed to his defeat. Robinson, nevertheless, maintained close ties to the coal and timber industries.
During his career, Robinson served as President of the Kingwood National Bank. He wrote many articles that appeared in prestigious legal publications. He made a number of significant addresses before the American Bar Association.

After being named by President Calvin Coolidge, Judge Robinson was a charter member of the Federal Radio Commission and held the chairmanship for two years. He served on the commission from 1929-1932. He was also a special assistant to the Attorney General of the United States for a time.

Judge Robinson purchased the Modisett Mansion in 1920. He renamed it Adaland, in honor of his wife and daughter. He devoted much of his time at Adaland to farming and livestock grazing, although he maintained a law office with an extensive library on the second floor. Judge Robinson also used Adaland for entertaining many people, local and famous. When the Robinsons were away, the Mick Stanesbury family lived in the large house and cared for the estate.

Judge Robinson resumed his law practice in 1936. He was associated with Rupert A. Sinsel in Philippi. He was the founder of the Barbour County Historical Society in 1941 and served as its president until his death in 1951.