Crestmead Destroyed by Fire
Tom Taylor from Westwood, Kansas on 04/11/2008 07:21 PM:
A very sad end to Crestmead. The historic home burned Monday, March 3, 2008. Apparently caused by faulty wiring. So sad to think of all the wood fires in the fireplaces, the candlelight celebrations, and kerosene lamps used for more than 100 years, and then to have the house destroyed because of electric wiring! Only some remnents of lower walls and the front porch remained. Most antique furnishings in the house were also lost. The story is in the Sedalia Democrat newspaper, March 9, and can be found online in their archives section. The home was built by John Taylor in 1859. He was the son of James (Corn) Taylor, who was my great, great, great, great grandfather.
Dolores from Pilot Grove on 04/13/2008 09:38 PM:
I am a good friend of the owners of Crestmead. This has been a tragic loss for our community. If you don't know the owners and would like to get in touch with them, call me, 660-834-4333 or 660-537-1786.
Gary Fuenfhausen from Arrow Rock on 05/28/2008 09:50 AM:
Tom, I was also sickened by the loss of this great place and the history and beautiful architecture of the house. I do research on Missouri's Little Dixie plantation culture and I have used the plantation history of the Taylor family many times in my research and programs. I have been out there several times and could see that the family who owns the place loved the old home and had much pride in it. I would like talking with you further about your family connection with this historic site, can you please email me at: garyfuenfh@aol.com ... I also have a web site with some of my research at littledixie.net . You can contact me also by phone 660-837-3199.