Benjamin and Valinda Summers sold two lots in Shepherdsville to John W. Beckwith in October 1805. It's possible that there is where John and his brother Upton had their store, prior to becoming involved in the construction of an iron forge and grist mill further downstream on Salt River.
The two lots, numbers 45 and 46, were located on the east side of town, not far from the river, and may be located on the "Original Shepherdsville Lots" page here. These numbers were from the original Benjamin Stansbury survey. The later James Shanks survey numbered them as 63 and 64.
Beckwith sold the two lots to James Pryor on 7 Apr 1822, as shown below.
Bullitt County Deed Book E, Page 44
This indenture made this seventh day of April 1822 between John W. Beckwith and Mary W. his wife of the county of Bullitt and state of Kentucky of the one part and James Pryor of the town of Louisville, county of Jefferson, and same state of the other part.
Witnesseth that the said John W. Beckwith and Mary W. Beckwith his wife for and in consideration of the sum of $3000 current money to them in hand paid before the sealing and delivery hereof, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have granted, bargained, and sold, and by these presents do grant, bargain, and sell, alien, release, enfeoff, convey and confirm unto the said James Pryor, his heirs &c two certain lots of land in the town of Shepherdsville in said county of Bullitt containing half and acre each, and known and designated on the old map or plan of said town by the numbers 45 & 46, and on the new map or plan by the numbers 63 & 64.
To have and to hold the said two lots of ground described as aforesaid with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging to him, the said James Pryor, his heirs &c forever, free and clear of and from all right and title of dower or other encumbrance. And the said John W. Beckwith and Mary W. Beckwith his wife do covenant and agree to and with the said James Pryor, his heirs &c that they will and their heirs shall warrant and forever defend the two lots of ground to him the said James Pryor, his heirs &c from themselves, their heirs &c and all and every person or persons whatsoever, lawfully claiming or to claim the same. In testimony whereof the said John W. Beckwith and Mary W. Beckwith his wife have hereto set their hands and affixed their seals on the day and year within written.
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The Bullitt County History Museum, a service of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is located in the county courthouse at 300 South Buckman Street (Highway 61) in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The museum, along with its research room, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday appointments are available by calling 502-921-0161 during our regular weekday hours. Admission is free. The museum, as part of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization and is classified as a 509(a)2 public charity. Contributions and bequests are deductible under section 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code. Page last modified: 08 May 2025 . Page URL: bullittcountyhistory.org/bchistory/beckwith-pryor.html
