Graham-Gaughan-Betts House


The Graham-Gaughan-Betts Home The Graham-Gaughan-Betts home was built for Major Joseph M. Graham and his wife Mary Washington Graham. Major Graham was a nephew of Governor William A. Graham of North Carolina. Mary Washington Graham was a first cousin of George Washington, and was also from North Carolina. In 1856 the Grahams, then living on a large plantation in Calhoun County, began their townhouse in Camden by enlisting the services of Mr. E. Sifford, a local builder and wood worker. No expense was spared, with doors, blinds, windows, transoms, stairways, bookcases, and millwork being skillfully and painstakingly hand made by Mr. Sifford. By 1858 the house was complete. It was quite a handsome site with its circular driveway, well landscaped lawn, and Georgian interior filled with rosewood furnishings, and was complemented by a Chinese gothic yellow and purple exterior. During the Civil War, in the spring of 1864, Camden fell to Union troops under the command of General Frederick Steele, who established his headquarters in the Graham-Gaughan-Betts home, with his junior officers camped only two blocks away at the McCollum-Chidester house. General Steele and Mrs. Graham found that they had mutual friends in New York, a fact that helped avoid looting and robbery. A large oak tree by the front gallery still holds the iron ring placed there to tether General Steele's horse. One interesting anecdote concerning Mrs. Graham involved a lady who had spoken despairingly against the South while in the Graham's home. Where upon, Mrs. Graham asked her to leave, and then directed a servant to dig her foot prints from the lawn, place them in a cart, and dispose of them off the Graham property. Two short term owners followed: Mr. R. E. Salle, a prominent attorney, and Mr. J. G. Reed. After Mr. Reed's death in 1899, the Honorable T. J. Gaughan bought the home. New life was brought into the home, which for many years was to be a center for cultural activity in Camden. Judge T. J. Gaughan, and his wife, Helen Bragg, the only daughter of Dr. Junius Bragg and Josephine Goddard, were active in the community and brought many modern conveniences to the home and the community. The first running water and Camden's first "inside bathroom" were among a few of these. Following Mrs. Gaughan's death in 1964 the home was occupied by Dennis Daniel, a cousin. After two years the home was sold to Arkansas State Senator J. A. (Dooley) Womack, who sold the home to Albert and Linnie Betts in 1973. The Betts, interested in history and antiques have restored the home and grounds in the style of its construction period. The adjacent property to the west belonging to the Graham Lide family, related to the Reeds and Grahams, was acquired by George Betts, son of Albert and Linnie, and is now a part of the grounds. Today, gas light chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Period styled drapery, all made by Linnie Betts and Anne Wilson, cover the windows and period furniture and carpets fill the house. Social activities again ring through its halls, and those that get the opportunity to visit experience the southern charm and rich history of Camden. The home is periodically open for tours.

The Graham-Gaughan-Betts Home

The Graham-Gaughan-Betts home was built for Major Joseph M. Graham and his wife Mary Washington Graham. Major Graham was a nephew of Governor William A. Graham of North Carolina. Mary Washington Graham was a first cousin of George Washington, and was also from North Carolina.

In 1856 the Grahams, then living on a large plantation in Calhoun County, began their townhouse in Camden by enlisting the services of Mr. E. Sifford, a local builder and wood worker. No expense was spared, with doors, blinds, windows, transoms, stairways, bookcases, and millwork being skillfully and painstakingly hand made by Mr. Sifford. By 1858 the house was complete. It was quite a handsome site with its circular driveway, well landscaped lawn, and Georgian interior filled with rosewood furnishings, and was complemented by a Chinese gothic yellow and purple exterior.

During the Civil War, in the spring of 1864, Camden fell to Union troops under the command of General Frederick Steele, who established his headquarters in the Graham-Gaughan-Betts home, with his junior officers camped only two blocks away at the McCollum-Chidester house. General Steele and Mrs. Graham found that they had mutual friends in New York, a fact that helped avoid looting and robbery. A large oak tree by the front gallery still holds the iron ring placed there to tether General Steele's horse. One interesting anecdote concerning Mrs. Graham involved a lady who had spoken despairingly against the South while in the Graham's home. Where upon, Mrs. Graham asked her to leave, and then directed a servant to dig her foot prints from the lawn, place them in a cart, and dispose of them off the Graham property.

Two short term owners followed: Mr. R. E. Salle, a prominent attorney, and Mr. J. G. Reed.

After Mr. Reed's death in 1899, the Honorable T. J. Gaughan bought the home. New life was brought into the home, which for many years was to be a center for cultural activity in Camden. Judge T. J. Gaughan, and his wife, Helen Bragg, the only daughter of Dr. Junius Bragg and Josephine Goddard, were active in the community and brought many modern conveniences to the home and the community. The first running water and Camden's first "inside bathroom" were among a few of these.

Following Mrs. Gaughan's death in 1964 the home was occupied by Dennis Daniel, a cousin. After two years the home was sold to Arkansas State Senator J. A. (Dooley) Womack, who sold the home to Albert and Linnie Betts in 1973.

The Betts, interested in history and antiques have restored the home and grounds in the style of its construction period. The adjacent property to the west belonging to the Graham Lide family, related to the Reeds and Grahams, was acquired by George Betts, son of Albert and Linnie, and is now a part of the grounds. Today, gas light chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Period styled drapery, all made by Linnie Betts and Anne Wilson, cover the windows and period furniture and carpets fill the house. Social activities again ring through its halls, and those that get the opportunity to visit experience the southern charm and rich history of Camden. The home is periodically open for tours.