B&B in London Ohio has roots back to St. Mary’s County

As usual when I travel, I search the area for a nice B&B, a much cozier, personal way to pass the time that takes you back to the days of yesteryear.  I was really surprised to find out my chance stay at Alexandra’s B&B in London, Ohio, in the County of Madison, didn’t take me very far away from home at all….not really.

Customarily, I always ask the Innkeepers what the history of the house holds. The Innkeepers replied that in addition to housing several small businesses over the years, Alexandra’s use to be known as the Cheseldine House and was built in 1873 by the Cheseldine family. I remarked that was an unusual name and that there were some Cheseldine’s where I was from….St. Mary’s County, in Southern Maryland. The innkeepers then responded that they believe these Cheseldine’s were originally from Maryland.  I was so surprised to find out that indeed the roots of this beautiful brick B&B were in my home county of St. Mary’s in good ole southern Maryland.

I found this information available in the front parlor of the B&B. This info was taken from information found by Kenneth Cheseldine, a grandson of the Posey Cheseldine, who built the B&B:

Posey Cheseldine was born on June 9, 1822 on Whiteneck Farm, in St. Mary’s County, Maryland.  Posey was the son of Kenelm Cheseldine and Sophia Gardner. Kenelm and Sophia were married February 23, 1819, in St. Mary’s County and had 7 children. Kenelm died March 13, 1885 and Sophia remarried to William Allston on January 5, 1841. Sophia died August 1, 1842.

Posey’s home on Whiteneck Farm was the old Cheseldine home inherited by Mary Girard Cheseldine from her father, Dr. Thomas Girard, who came to Maryland in the time of Lord Baltimore. Posey left his birthplace in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, as a young man still in his teens and traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio. One of his uncles had preceded him there and he may have worked for him as he was a merchant there. After a couple of years he went to Williamsburg, Clermont County, Ohio, where he opened his own store. Local history finds he was a very successful merchant in that area.

Posey married Nancy Sims, daughter of Sarah Crane and Samuel Sims, who lived in Bethel, a town south of Williamsburg. Clermont County history states that Posey was one of the most prominent and successful merchandisers in Williamsburg. Nancy bore Posey a son named Samuel Dent.  Nancy was quite sickly so her younger sister, Izora Sue, came to live with them to help out at home.  Nancy died after being married for 20 years on August 5, 1865 (age 40). Posey then married Izora Sue in 1866. Records state that a son Charles was born in 1863, which would lead you to believe he was the son of Posy and Nancy, but family always stated Izora was his mother. Posey and Izora had a son together in 1866 and named him Biscoe Kenelm Cheseldine. Posey died January 14, 1984 (age 61), Izora died August 2, 1887 (age 46). They are buried in Williamsburg Cemetery.

Posey’s home in London Ohio had to be one of the finest of its day. The front parlor hardwood floors are a work of art, rimmed with intricate inlayed patterns only the finest master carpenter could tool. The winding staircase is exquisite and the house commands much attention on its premier location on Main Street.  The Innkeepers Ron and Susan Brown have lovingly restored the home to its former glory and welcome all visitors with a gracious, warm and friendly atmosphere.

It is surely worth the trip for any of the local Cheseldine’s to visit this wonderful home of their ancestor, Posey, but anyone would enjoy a long weekend or week into this quiet little respite in London, Ohio. To contact the owners call 740-852-5993 or check out the website at www.alexandrasbb.com or email: info@alexandrasbb.com

Submitted by Sharon Winkler

Resident/business owner, Hollywood, MD

301-373-4407/240-298-7592

GOMASSINC
301-373-4407
240-298-7592cp
www.gomassinc.homestead.com