What stories do these white walls hold? Woodside Cottage stands before us, a testament to a bygone era in Pewee Valley. It whispers tales of prominent figures and a near-disastrous fire.
Woodside Cottage, built in 1856, was home to Thomas and Nannette Smith. The Louisville Democrat described it as the first residence glimpsed upon arrival by train. Sunlight filtered through the tall trees creating a mesmerizing scene. The article described that the cottage looked like it was built by fairies.
Many original wooden structures in Pewee Valley burned down years ago. Woodside Cottage almost shared that fate just a year after its construction. A fire broke out but neighbors extinguished it. They prevented significant damage to Woodside Cottage.
Thomas Marshall bought an 8-3/4-acre tract for his sister-in-law Nannette Smith in 1856. This land was part of Pewee Valley pioneers Henry and Susannah Smith’s property. Woodside Cottage was likely built soon after the purchase.
Nannette Brown Price Smith married Thomas Smith in 1819. Nannette’s mother was the sister of Lucretia Clay. Thomas Marshall was Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals. He also taught at Transylvania University in Lexington.
Thomas Smith was a Lexington newspaper editor. He bought the Kentucky Gazette in 1809 at the young age of 20. After five years, he sold the Gazette. Smith joined his brother-in-law William Worsley in publishing the Reporter. Woodside Cottage may have been Smith’s retirement home. Elisha Warfield owned property in Pewee Valley. Louisville newspaper publisher Walter Haldeman lived next door to Woodside Cottage.
Edwin Bryant lived with the Smiths in 1860. Bryant and a partner had bought the Reporter from Smith in 1832. He later managed the Louisville Dime with Walter Haldeman.
The Smiths sold Woodside Cottage in 1865. Thomas died in Pewee Valley in 1866. Nannette’s will in 1877 stated she resided in Pewee Valley. The Smiths had no children.
James A. Miller’s notes mention Thomas Smith purchased property at Muir Lane and the railroad. The 1856 Bergman map shows Edwin Bryant on the Oak Lea property. Thomas Smith resided at Woodside Cottage. The 1879 Beers and Lanagan Atlas identifies the Central Avenue property as Woodside Cottage. It’s mentioned as the home of Thomas Smith in the 1858 Antiquitates Peweeji.
Thomas Smith’s profile reveals his diverse life. He was a printer, editor, and soldier. Thomas Smith fought in the Battle of Raisin River during the War of 1812. He later became the proprietor and editor of the Observer & Reporter. Henry Clay often used the newspaper office as his headquarters.
Smith improved various properties including The Villa and Westbrook. He built Woodside Cottage before moving to Louisville. Smith formed Kennedy, Smith & Co. with his brother-in-law. The firm sold bagging, rope, sugar, and coffee.
Thomas Smith died in Louisville. His body was interred in Lexington Cemetery near Henry Clay’s monument. Thomas’s obituary praised his integrity and character.
Nannette supported the North during the Civil War. She helped organize the Ladies Soldiers Relief Association. They provided winter comforts for Kentucky’s Union forces. Nannette served as president of the association.
During the War of 1812, Nannette made a shirt for a soldier. Hon. Joseph R. Underwood wore it at the Battle of the Raisin. He preserved the gift as a memento.
Nannette outlived her husband. She died in Louisville in 1878.
Woodside Cottage survived fire and time. It stands as a testament to the lives of Thomas and Nannette Smith. Their stories echo through these walls reminding us of the past.