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1. SUBJECT:

"Bell Grove".

2. LOCATION:

2 miles northwest of Harrisonburg, Virginia.

3. DATE:

1840’s.

4. OWNERS:

• ……..Coffman—burnt records.
• Samuel H. Coffman, 18…burnt records.
• H.J. Gray, from Samuel H. Coffman, by deed January 1, 1866.
• Erasmus Coffman, Jr., guardian, from H.J. Gray, March 9, 1871.
• Winfield Liggett, etc., from Fannie M. Coffman, etc., December 28, 1882.
• Robert Liskey from Winfield Liggett, August 28, 1896.
• George W. David H. and John R. Liskey, heirs of Robert Liskey.
• John R. Liskey of R. by deed of division February 11, 1911.

1. DESCRIPTION:

The house is a two story colonial building constructed of brick. The present house was built in the 1840’s and affords a lovely view of the Massanutten Mountains as well as of the surrounding country. Like other early Virginia homes, it is built of brick, of the Colonial type with the L part in the rear. The wide hall with its colonial stairway runs through and connects with another hall or passage way running length wise with the house and to another stairway to the top of the house. The rooms are large, graceful and airy, with high ceilings and fireplaces in each room, the two I saw on the first floor, having beautifully carved mantelpieces. The fireplaces are not used now. Two "antique" pieces of furniture were an old secretary and spinning wheel, both of which mark a period in early American history. An extension has been added to "Bell Grove" and it now has sixteen rooms.

2. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

The burnt records interfering it is not possible to trace the ownership back to the original owners. Samuel H. Coffman came into possession in the early 1800’s. His will is on record. He must have been the father of the Samuel H. Coffman above who conveyed the property to H.J. Gray in 1866.

Jacob Coffman and David Coffman are mentioned as landowners on the land books of 1789. Whether this place was acquired by direct grant or by purchase from others cannot be determined, as so many conveyances, etc. were lost in the burnt records of 1864. David Coffman may have been the first Coffman to own "Bell Grove", as some by that name are the succeeding owners of the place.

"Bell Grove" is a delightful old place and should be, and is no doubt the source of much happiness and contentment to any one fortunate enough to own it as a home. Much gracious hospitality and social life has been dispensed here, being a characteristic of the time. "Week ends" in those days meant more than just a day and night; more often being for the entire week and sometimes even longer.

Samuel H. Coffman was a prominent physician in Harrisonburg before and after the War between the Sates. His daughter, Mary, widow of Winfield Liggett, is still living in Harrisonburg. Vice-Admiral DeWitt C. Coffman was his son.

3. ART:

 

"Bell Grove"

Page 2

4. SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
   Informant: Mrs. Mary Liggett, 286 Campbell Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia.