Thanks to the generosity and historical foresight of Henry Morgan and Richard Turner, developers of Benn’s Grant, and the perseverance of Jerianne Gardner, President, Isle of Wight County Historical Society (IWCHS), the IWCHS has acquired the Charles Driver Jordan house located on Rt. 10 W, approximately ½ half mile west of Benn’s Church.   This large, two story white, frame building with three chimneys stands about 1/8 mile off of the highway, visible to passing traffic.  Sometime between 1857-1859 Charles Driver Jordan built this L shaped house for his second wife Sophie Ann Cate Jordan (HISTORIC ISLE OF WIGHT by Helen Haverty King, Donning Publishing, expanded 2^nd edition).

The IWCHS is honored to acquire the Jordan family home and is devoted to the preservation of the home so that countless generations will know the sacrifices and contributions of the Charles Driver Jordan Family.  It is the desire of the Society that the house be a portal for genealogical research and outreach as well as a living history project that will allow all children to see history in motion.   The last surviving member of the Jordan family to live in the Charles Driver Jordan house was Florence Jordan, who occupied the house until her death in 1992.  Ms Jordan was a founding member of the IWCHS; she overcoming her disabilities attributed to polio, spent 40 years of her life to the devotion of research and recordation of Isle of Wight history.  Countless historical researchers and consultants who study and evaluate historical properties in Isle of Wight County now use Florence Jordan’s research.   The preservation of the house is pertinent to the heritage of the vast contributions of the Charles Driver Jordan family and Isle of Wight County. 

At first glance, one may wonder how the IWCHS could possibly envision the Charles Driver Jordan house preserved and available for the public.  Glass panes are out of the windows, paint is peeling, and the addition built in the 20^th century for Ms. Florence Jordan’s disabilities is ready to be torn down.     Upon further observation, however, it is evident that the main house and 3 chimneys stand strong and solid. The interior needs hard work and loving care to bring the house back to its original grandeur.  In essence, the house is solid.  The IWCHS plans to make the preservation of this house a reality, and with the help of the citizens of Isle of Wight County; and dedication of the Jordan House committee preserving this house will ensure the future of history and legacy of a vital piece of history that helped to mold this county and country.

  Please help to make the preservation of the Charles Driver Jordan house a reality.  .  Events are currently being planned to invite the public to view the house. All people can witness the transformation of the house into a viable representation of Isle of Wight history; and through citizens participation and donations, the preservation of the house will stand to represent the history and culture of this county.  Isle of Wight County Historical Society is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.  If you are interested in joining the commitment to the preservation of the Charles Driver Jordan house through membership, donations, or any other way that suits you, please contact IWCHS   Jordan House Preservation   P O Box 121 Smithfield, VA 23431-0121.  If you are interested in being invited to events, please send your contact information to the address above so that you will be added to the mailing list of events.  Please join IWCHS in making the preservation of this house a reality.