George A. Bowyer House
#324 S. Upper St., Lexington, Fayette
County, Kentucky
Built 1846
Source: Old Houses of Lexington, C. Frank Dunn, typescript, n.d., copy located in the Kentucky Room, Lexington (Kentucky) Public Library.
George A. Bowyer, merchant tailor on Main St. between Limestone and Upper, was attracted to this neighborhood of mellowed houses, and purchased a lot here in the rear of the Higgins mansion.
The deed, dated October 3, 1846, was from Richard Higgins and wife, Jane, for "part of the property lately owned by Richard Higgins, dec'd, and sold to R. Higgins (Jr.) by his heirs." The lot fronted 51 feet on Upper St. and cornered on "Thomas Ross."
Bowyer ("east side of Upper St., between High and Maxwell"1859 Directory) was well-to-do and spent considerable money inside and out on his home here.
In September, 1866, Bowyer and wife, Mary A., sold the dwelling for $10,000 to John M. Van Meter. (1867 Directory: J.M. Van Meter (Morton & V.) res e s S. Upper b High and Max) (MORTON & VAN METER, Attys. S S Short bet. Bway & Mill). The deed stated that the lot was bounded on the north by Elliott (who bought the Higgins mansion) and on the south by Mulligan.
Transcribed by pb February 2003
Updated December 13, 2025.