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curtailing of cost. The handsomely carved mantels, paneled front door and
the other woodwork display the most skilled craftmanship of the period.
Front and side entrances have sidelights and massive fan—shaped transoms.
Much of the window glass originally used, remains. The main hall is
spacious, fourteen feet wide and forty—four feet long. Soft ash flooring
was used in order that carpet tacks could be pulled easily. The lift of
the stairway is easy and graceful. The landing extends the full width of
_ the hall. Beginning with a light spiral downstairs, the stairway presents
a deceptive appearance of frailty but in reality is an enduring structure `
as substantial today as when it was built. ’
Charles Anderson Wickliffe, builder of the mansion, was the son of
Charles and Lydia (Hardin) wickliffe. He was born in Washington County,
Kentucky, June 8, 1788. Educated in his native state, he studied law in A
the office of his cousin, General Martin D. Hardin, before entering into j
practice at the bar in Bardstown. when war was declared in 1812 he en-
listed and rendered valuable service at the Battle of the Thames. After
having served for a time in the legislature of his state, he was sent to
Congress in 1823 and remained there for ten consecutive years. Elected
lieutenant governor in 1836, he became governor on October 5, 1839, when
Governor James Clark died. From 1841 to 1845 he served as United States _
Postmaster General, in the cabinet of President Tyler. He died October A
31, 1869. j
Charles Anderson Wickliffe's son, Robert, born and reared at Wick-
land, served as Governor of Louisiana; and J. Crepps Wickliffe Beckham,
a son born to Wickliffe's daughter following her marriage to Colonel A
William Netherton Beckham, also was born and reached maturity at the
Wickliffe home before serving as Governor of Kentucky for practically
two terms. `
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