Background

The Elisha Morgan Mansion is a Flemish Bond brick farm mansion, built in 1817, and stands as a treasured historic landmark in the City of Fairfield. It has been determined that the house, as it presently stands, was constructed in three stages. The original Federal-style front portion, facing Ross Road, was built for Elisha Morgan in 1817. The second Greek Revival-style extension was added in 1858 by David Hueston. There is also a one-story third addition with a shed roof.

The integrity of the home's interior is remarkable. Original Federal details include the open stairway, beaded fireplace mantels and trim at the front entrance, fluted wood work, panel doors and original wood floors.

Living History Lesson

The Elisha Morgan Mansion is a living history lesson for school field trips, scout troops, and other interested groups. Since its restoration, the Mansion stands as a wonderful demonstration of the time period in which it was constructed. 

The Elisha Morgan Historic Gardens are maintained by Four Seasons Garden Club of Fairfield and Master Gardeners of Butler County. If interested in an informative tour and history of the gardens, contact fsgcfairfield@gmail.com.

For group tour information: Contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 513-867-5348. 

Meetings at the Mansion

Monthly meetings at the Elisha Morgan Mansion:

• Fairfield Historical Society
  1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

For more information visit www.ffhistoricalsociety.com or www.facebook.com/ffhistoricalsociety. 

Renting the Elisha Morgan Mansion or Gazebo

The Elisha Morgan Mansion is a historic location for small weddings, rehearsal dinners, and other gatherings. The home is sure to provide a unique setting for your event. Seats approximately 42 on the first floor with no dance floor, with seating for an additional 24 on the second floor. Events may be self-catered or use your Caterer of choice. Kitchen amenities are limited to one microwave oven, small ice machine, and small refrigeration unit. Alcohol may be served by obtaining an Alcohol Waiver from the Parks and Recreation Department. Due to the historic nature of the mansion, a refundable security deposit is required on all rentals. View our Rental Policies (PDF) for more information.

Rental Information:

Contact Hospitality and Venue Coordinator at 513-867-5348 or 513-896-8407.

Pricing

• Monday - Thursday, 8 - 5 pm: $600
• Friday Evening, all day Saturday or Sunday: $1,000
• Additional charge for 1-Day Alcohol Waiver: $100

 Elisha Morgan Timeline

1817: Elisha Morgan, born 1779 in Hunterdon NJ, purchases 48.68 acres of land for $1,650 on August 16, 1817 when the government was selling other land in the Symmes Purchase for $2 per acre. It is assumed he bought the house as well as the land. The house is built in the Federal Style, most popular from 1785 to 1815. At the time, he is married to his first wife, Sarah Brown, who dies in 1818 at the age of 36.

1820: Morgan marries the widow Elizabeth Monfort La Boiteaux (also spelled LaBoyteaux) from Colerain Township. The 1820 census and the 1822 tax records indicate the couple living in the house with six children, five of them being Morgan's.

1827: Elisha Morgan dies intestate September 5, 1827 at the age of 48. His 2nd daughter, Ruth, dies that same year.

1829: The farm sells at auction on May 18, 1829 to Nathan Tolbert (also spelled Talbott) with the house and 20 acres as the dower of the widow. Up until this time, it is known as the Morgan Estate.

1831: Sale of the property is recorded two years later in Butler County to John Hay and the house is known as Hay House for the next 18 years. The 1837 auditor's records list the house and land separately for the first time.

1849: David Hueston purchases the farm from Hay with additional land and, in 1858, adds a Greek Revival addition to the rear at a cost of $1,000.

1865: Hueston sells the land to John Mack, but then buys it back again in 1871.

1871: Joseph and Alonzo Ross purchase 60 acres and house from David Hueston on March 17, 1871. Ross Road currently fronts the house. The 1875 atlas shows extensive fruit trees around the house for the Vine & Fruit Farm of J. & a.m. Ross.

1916: The mansion remains with the Ross family until the John Thomas Gilbert family purchases it and 16 acres. The house and land is known as Gilbert Farms.

1980: The City of Fairfield purchases the house and 16 acres from the Gilbert family to create Gilbert Farms Park.

1990: The house lists in the National Register of Historic Places as the Morgan-Hueston House, one of the oldest homes in Butler County.

1993: Matching grant awarded by the Ohio Arts Council for feasibility study by Architect Bruce Goetzman.

1996: The exterior restoration of the house is complete. The preservation architect was Bruce Goetzman.

1998: Interior restoration of the house is complete, funded by a Community Development Block Grant. Moody/Nolan is the Architect/Engineering firm.