By Therese Lusby and Martine Rose
Special to the NKyTribune
Boone County’s early history is filled with tales of bravery, survival, and community building. The area was originally part of a larger region inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee. The arrival of European settlers in the late 1700s marked the beginning of significant changes in the region.
One of the first permanent settlements was established by Colonel Robert Johnson in 1785. (Colonel Robert Johnson’s brother was Colonel William Cave Johnson, whose granddaughter married Charles Chambers as noted later in this story). He built a station on the south fork of Gunpowder Creek. Called Johnson’s Station, it became a critical point of defense and a hub for new settlers arriving in the area.
Boone County was officially established in 1798, named after the famed frontiersman Daniel Boone. Its early economy was primarily agricultural, with tobacco and hemp as the main crops. The fertile soil and favorable climate made Boone County an ideal location for farming, attracting more settlers who contributed to the county’s growth and development.
The early years
Boone County’s rugged landscape was dotted with small settlements and connected by a network of dirt paths. As more settlers arrived, the wilderness gradually gave way to cultivated fields and growing communities, setting the stage for the Chambers family’s ascent.
The year was 1800, and the new Century dawned with promise and peril for the pioneers venturing into Kentucky’s wilderness. Among these was Robert Chambers, born in 1763 and hailing from the fertile valleys of Virginia. Drawn by the allure of fertile lands and new opportunities, he made his way westward, settling in Boone County, where the dense forests met the meandering Ohio River. Here, amidst the wild beauty of the frontier, Chambers and his family carved out a life, beginning in a modest log cabin that stood some 400 feet south of the grand house that would later rise as a symbol of their prosperity.
Building the house
In the heart of Boone County, along today’s serpentine East Bend Road, stands a testament to the trials and triumphs of early American pioneers: the Robert Chambers House. Built between 1832 and 1836, this stately Greek Revival residence has witnessed the ebb and flow of generations, each leaving an indelible mark on its storied walls.
By the early 1830s, Robert Chambers had established himself as a prosperous farmer. With an eye towards posterity and a desire to reflect his family’s status, he embarked on the construction of a grand residence. The project began in 1832 and took four years to complete. The house, with its five-bay two-story façade and one-and-a-half story rear ell, was a blend of architectural elegance and practical design.
Jessie Kelly: The Mason
Jessie Kelly, the mason responsible for the brickwork of the Robert Chambers House, was a skilled craftsman known for his meticulous attention to detail. In the early 1800s, brickmaking and masonry were essential trades in the construction of durable, fire-resistant buildings. Kelly’s expertise ensured that the Chambers House was not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound.
Kelly’s work on the Chambers House is a prime example of his ability to blend functionality with artistry. The even spacing of the façade’s bays, the precise stone lintels extending beyond the apertures, and the robust chimneys are all testaments to his craftsmanship. Each brick was carefully laid to create a uniform and sturdy structure that has stood the test of time.
Thomas Zane Roberts: The Carpenter
Thomas Zane Roberts, the carpenter for the Chambers House, played a crucial role in shaping its interior and exterior woodwork. Roberts was a well-respected carpenter in Boone County, known for his ability to combine functional design with aesthetic appeal. His contributions to the Chambers House include the intricate woodwork seen in the semi-spiral staircase, the classical mantels, and the detailed door and window frames.
Thomas Zane Roberts’ work extended beyond mere construction; he infused each element with a sense of elegance and proportion that elevated the house’s overall design. The semi-spiral staircase, set in curved walls at the rear of the central hall, is a particularly notable feature. This elegant staircase not only served a practical purpose but also added a touch of sophistication to the interior.
The intricate door panels, window frames, and other wood elements throughout the house demonstrate his mastery of his craft. His attention to detail ensured that each piece was not only functional but also beautiful, contributing to the house’s timeless appeal.
Greek Revival architecture
The Robert Chambers House is an example of Greek Revival architecture, a style that resonated deeply with the ideals of the young American republic. Inspired by the symmetry, proportion, and simplicity of ancient Greek temples, Greek Revival architecture became the preferred style for public buildings, homes of the affluent, and even rural farmhouses in the early 1800s.
Key features of Greek Revival architecture include tall columns and pilasters that mimic the Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian styles of Greek temples; symmetrical façades with evenly spaced windows and centrally located doors; transom and sidelight windows that accentuate the main entrance; and simple yet elegant moldings and trim. The Chambers House embodies these elements, with its balanced façade, classical details, and overall symmetry.
The brick smokehouse
An essential feature of the Chambers House is its brick smokehouse, located west of the rear ell. The smokehouse was added in 1880 by the Rogers family, second owners of the property. Much of the brick and stone used in it came from the former historic Boone County Courthouse in Burlington, the county seat. The smokehouse is a standard cube shape with a low hipped roof, built using the same meticulous brickwork that characterized the main house. Smokehouses were vital to the preservation of meat in the 1800s, allowing families to store and cure pork, beef, and other meats for extended periods.
At the residence, the smokehouse would have played a crucial role in the family’s self-sufficiency, providing a place to preserve their harvest and ensure a stable food supply throughout the year. The construction of the smokehouse using brick not only provided durability but also helped maintain a consistent temperature, essential for the curing process.
Chambers Family influence
Robert and Mary Chambers had five children (four of whom were sons), 13 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Their eldest son, Robert S. Chambers, purchased 13 acres of land in 1820 from Willis Graves for $325—more acreage was added later. He died in 1834, two years before the house was completely built. Robert S. Chambers’ Last Will and Testament provided for the care of his father to live in the home and transferred the property and possessions to his brothers, Charles and Joseph Chambers. He also provided for the emancipation of two enslaved people in 1842, Solomon and Patsey and of another younger slave in 1850, “Boy Anderson.”
Through the years, all four of the Chambers brothers bought and sold a significant amount of property. Research has located over 60 deeds of parcels, totaling up to 2,000 acres, as well as mortgage loans against properties for which they may have ultimately assumed ownership. They paid their taxes on property, which included taxes for enslaved people as well.
Charles Chambers emerged as a notable figure in local and state politics. He played a significant role in the second Kentucky State Constitutional Convention of 1849 and assisted in framing the 1850 Constitution of Kentucky. He served as a State Senator from 1859 to 1863. His involvement in these pivotal events highlighted the Chambers family’s influence in shaping the political landscape of Boone County and Kentucky as a whole.
Charles Chambers’ political career reflected the family’s integration into the social and political fabric of Kentucky. His participation in the Constitutional Convention and his tenure as a State Senator demonstrated the family’s commitment to public service and governance. The Chambers family, through their landholdings, social connections, and political activities, played a significant role in the development of Boone County.
Charles Chambers was married to Ann Eliza Tousey, daughter of VenVechten Tousey and Elizabeth Craig Johnson, and a granddaughter of Colonel William Cave Johson, one of the most prominent citizens in Boone County and a pioneer of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Since Eliza was only 15 years old when she married Charles, who was 27 years old, Colonel Johnson presided as her guardian. Colonel Cave Johnson was the brother of Colonel Robert Johnson, who built the first permanent settlement called Johnson’s Station, mentioned earlier in our story.
Lewis Riddell, married to Ann (Chambers) Riddell (Robert’s only daughter), was an influential attorney in the community. In 1827 voters supportive of the election of General Andrew Jackson as President held a meeting at his home in Burlington. Charles Chambers, Secretary, presided over the meeting. A Committee of Correspondence and Vigilance was appointed to consist of 10 people, one of whom was Robert Chambers, and another Colonel Cave Johnson, among other prominent citizens. General Andrew Jackson served two terms as the 7th President of the United States (1829–1837).
Life in the house
Daily life in the Chambers House would have been marked by the rhythms of agricultural seasons, social gatherings, and family activities. The farm produced crops and livestock that sustained the family and generated income. The house itself served as a center for social life, hosting gatherings and events that connected the family to the broader community.
Approximately 200 feet to the south of the house lies the Chambers family cemetery, where Robert Chambers and nine other family members were laid to rest. The cemetery, with its elegantly shaped and lettered stones, is surrounded by a stone wall and stands as a solemn reminder of the family’s legacy.
The presence of the family cemetery reflects 19th-Century customs, where burial grounds were often located on family estates, symbolizing a deep connection to the land. Before the Chambers House was completely built, four family members passed away, including wife Mary Chambers, daughter Ann (Chambers) Riddell, grandson Robert E. Chambers and oldest son Robert S. Chambers.
In June of 2024, the Chambers Family Cemetery was designated as an official Kentucky Pioneer Cemetery by the Kentucky Historical Society for its rich history and preservation dating back to 1828 through 1873.
Slavery in Kentucky
Kentucky was deeply entrenched in the institution of slavery. Enslaved African Americans were integral to the agricultural economy, particularly in tobacco, hemp, and cotton production. The Chambers family, like many landowners of their time, relied on enslaved labor for the maintenance of their farm and household. In 1815, Robert Chambers was taxed for five enslaved people, one under 16 years old.
Daily life for enslaved workers was harsh and arduous. They toiled long hours in the fields, from sunrise to sunset, performing grueling tasks under the supervision of overseers. In addition to fieldwork, enslaved people were also tasked with maintaining the household, cooking, cleaning, and performing various other duties. Despite the oppressive conditions, they managed to preserve their culture and traditions, creating a rich tapestry of African-American heritage.
Enslaved individuals in Kentucky faced severe restrictions on their freedom and autonomy. Laws known as slave codes regulated every aspect of their lives, from movement and assembly to education and employment. Punishments for infractions were harsh and could include whipping, imprisonment, or even death. From verbal accounts, It is believed that there were two or three small cabins for slaves to the south of the Chambers House.
Changes through time
In 1874, Joseph and Elvira Chambers sold the property (now 145 acres) to John and Lucy Rogers. The house then changed hands several times, selling to William and Fannie Rice in 1895. It remained with them until 1944 when it was purchased as a 115-acre dairy farm by Dr. and Mrs. John A. Caldwell. The Caldwell family owned the property for 61 years — and lived there with their two adult children—daughter, Dorothy, and son John (“Jack”) F. Caldwell (and later with his wife Ruth Lappin Caldwell). Jack was blinded at the age of 13 by an accidental explosion of a model cannon that he and his friend were playing with. Despite this tragedy in his life, he was well educated and well respected in the community, one of the founders of Dinsmore Homestead. Upon his passing, he gifted the property (five acres) to his long-time associate and friend. After 17 years, she sold the property to its current owners.
Despite the changes in ownership, the house has retained its historical charm and continues to be a private residence, preserving the legacy of the Chambers family. Each new owner brought their own influences and adaptations to the property, contributing to its rich history.
The Robert Chambers House stands as more than just a building; it is a symbol of the enduring spirit of the Chambers family and the broader Boone County community. From its construction in the early-19th Century to its current status as a historic residence, the house has witnessed nearly two centuries of history, encapsulating the growth, struggles, and resilience of those who called it home. As one walks through its halls and explores its grounds, the echoes of the past become palpable, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Kentucky’s history.
Therese Lusby is retired from Covington-based Corporex and the Butler Foundation. Her newfound interests in Boone County’s early history have led her to the historic Robert Chambers House, its prominent family and memorable stories. She lives in Union, where her continuous research has sparked a fascination with the life and times of Kentucky pioneers.
Martine Rose, who is a native of Normandy, France, now calls Union her home. Her career experience at the Walt Disney World Resort led her to be the owner and “Super Host” for two of our region’s most iconic Airbnb experiences, The Rabbit Hash River House and The Manor at Featherstone Meadows.
Paul A. Tenkotte, PhD is Editor of the “Our Rich History” weekly series and Professor of History and Gender Studies at Northern Kentucky University (NKU). He can be contacted at tenkottep@nku.edu. Tenkotte also serves as Director of the ORVILLE Project (Ohio River Valley Innovation Library and Learning Enrichment). For more information see https://orvillelearning.org/