Two
stories, short two storey
portico, sawn siding. Built c. 1855 by David Watson
Canfield (owned sawmill). Sold immediately to John T.
Hays. Sold to David B. Hamilton 22 October 1859. Known as
the McIntyre House. History 614 Lewisville Rd. On
October 22, 1857, for $1500, Dr. D.B. Hamilton purchased
the 3 acres. He bought it from John T. Hays who had
bought it from David Watson Canfield, January 1855. It
is speculated Canfield was the builder. Hamilton’s
grandfather-in-law, Mary McVoy McIntyre, last family to
occupy the home, lived there until her death in 1965.
Mary McIntyre’s daughter, Clare Wheless sold the house
to Dr. & Mrs. Gary Daniel for $10,000 in 1965.
Article from Minden Paper
The Daniel home belongs to Dr. & Mrs. Gary D. Daniel in
Minden, La. “We bought this house in February, 1966 and
began restoration. While refinishing, we lived in the
guest house that was located on the rear of our lot.
Upon completion of our home, we sold the quaint guest
house. The guest house was moved and is presently
located on the Penal Farm Road. In 1971, the Daniel home
was featured in the “Webster Centennial Tour of Homes”.
IN an attempt to have the home appear on the National
Registry of Historical Homes, the Daniel’s discovered
that the original porch balcony had been altered before
their purchase. The original balcony was enclosed with a
screen. The Daniel family speculates that the son of the
previous owner (McVoy McIntyre, an architect) possibly
had the changes made. “Any alteration to the original
design or structure of an old home can prohibit it from
being placed on the National Registry” says Mrs. Daniel.
If the porch is restored, it could be placed on the
National Registry. Dr. & Mrs. Daniel are quite content
with the appearance of the house as it is and are proud
that the house is listed on the State Registry in Baton
Rouge. The interior of the home is even more interesting
than the charming exterior. The formal entrance is one
of many doors in the centrally located hall. Form this
point, one can enter the parlor, master bedroom, study,
dinning room and from there, the kitchen. The Daniel’s
warm kitchen is a Southern treat. The upper floor of
this house contains two large bedrooms an attic room
(currently used as a play room). “Some contents were
left in the house when we bought it. The prior owner
said we could have the remaining contents for $100!”
Mrs. Daniel stated spiritedly. Among the treasures that
were acquired include three classic antique beds
traditional armoires, out-of-the-ordinary petite rocker,
old china cabinet, and many other miscellaneous
treasures. “During restoration, we found an enchanting
amethyst ring and a handsome “Knights of Pythias” sword
in the wall,” Mrs. Daniel concluded.
The ambiance of living in a mid century home is an
experience to relish.
Ghost Walk Script preformed by Glo Daniel in 2006
Well hello, there I’m glad to see you visitors, but I’m
looking for my husband, the Major. He wanted so much to
talk with you today, but he seems to have been called
away. That’s not unusual. I guess I’ll have to share the
story. I’m Elizabeth Bryan Hamilton, of the Amelia
County Virginia Hamilton’s. How I ended up here in
Minden is an interesting story, but seeing that we are
honoring soldiers I’d rather tell you about the Major.
Everyone calls him Major Hamilton, but his name is
William Hamilton, and you know he really was a colonel,
not a major. You’ve been hearing from those that fought
in all the recent wars, but my Major was before all of
them he fought back in 1813 and 1814. Of course he
wasn’t MY Major back then; he was still married to my
late sister, Mary. She passed on in 1828 and we got
marred the next year, 1829.
Anyway, back to the story, the Major fought in part of
the War of 1812, called the Creek War, down in Georgia.
Oh, I forgot to tell you that both the Bryans and the
Hamiltons moved to Hancock County Georgia. But the Major
was actually a colonel on the staff of the famous
General David Blackshear during the Creek War. Now, some
people said the Major got that job just because the
General was his brother-in-law, but that’s not true, he
was a brave soldier. After my sister died, the major and
I got married and began rearing a family back in
Georgia, but quite a few of our family members went out
west, to Louisianan. My nephew, or stepson, I’m not
quite sure what to call him, David Blackshear Hamilton;
he became a doctor and moved here to Minden. Did quite
well, built a fine home here. IN fact, it’s still here
today. It’s the McIntyre-oh, wait- I forgot how time
changes things – you know it as the home of the Daniel
family. Eventually, more of the children moved out
here-after our daughter Elizabeth’s husband died she
marred Clavin Leary who owned the Sunnyside Plantation –
oops, there I go again, you know it as the Shadow Place
in Dubberly.
With so many of the children and
grandchildren living here- David’s daughter she married
John McIntyre, that’s how his house became the McIntyre
house you see – the Major and I decided to move out here
and let the children take care of us, particularly after
times got so rough in Georgia during the War of Northern
Aggression. So we came to live with David in our last
days. The Major died in 1870 and I joined him up here in
1875, so that’s how these two Virginians ended up here
in Minden. I’d hoped the Major would make it back by
now, but looks like he won’t and I need to let you get
on with your business. Enjoyed the visit and hope to see
you again.
