The land where the Greene County Historical Society Museum stands has a long and interesting history. Most often, in historical writings, the GCHS grounds are looked at in the context of the county home, or poor farm. That institution started in 1861, and operated for over a century, before closing and being taken over by the Greene County Historical Society.
The story does not begin there, though. The land was originally surveyed on June 2, 1785 for Thomas Rinehart. The 320-acre Rinehart farm stayed in the family for generations, and Joseph Rinehart built the future museum building as his home in 1857. He sold it in 1861, when it would become the county home.
This month’s artifacts are two early copies of the original land survey, dated 1815; a further survey shows how the land was broken up after Thomas Rinehart died and his children inherited the property.
The text of the 1815 copy of the survey reads: “The Above is a Draught [Draft] of survey made June 2d. 1785 in purveyance of a Warrant Granted in the name of Thomas Rinehart dated December 23rd 1786 called “Rural Swain” Containing 320 Acres and 16 Perches with 6 per cent allowance situated in Washington [now Greene] County. David Redick DS.”
The other document goes into further detail as to how Thomas Rinehart’s heirs were to split the land upon his death and outlines the specific boundaries they were to follow.
These documents are the original handwritten copies of surveys and deeds that the Rinehart family had completed in the early 19th century to prove their claim to the land that now houses the Greene County Historical Society Museum. We are honored and incredibly lucky to be able to share these rare treasures with our visitors at the Greene County Historical Society Museum!
Please keep an eye on Facebook for announcements of future events and activities, and for the launch of our new website!
