From The Archives

History

Three Woods has been the home of many prominent Columbia citizens throughout its prestigious past. Construction of the home was completed in 1852 by Williams B. Wilson.

In 1858, Mr. Wilson sold the house and 18 acres to James H. Wilkes. Mr. Wilkes & his family retained possession of the home for 40 years. Upon his death, the home moved into the possession of his daugther Mary and her husband Robert L. McKinney. They owned it for five years.

From 1903 to 1096 the home belonged to Mr. Ernest Yoest.

There were several owners between 1906-1922 but in 1923, the house and property were foreclosed and Mr. William Randolph bought the property at auction and then divided and sold the land to form one of Columbia's first subdivisions.

In 1941, Mr. Henry Martin Puryear purchased the property and his family retained possession until 1985. The house was in disrepair when purchased by the Stoughtons who upgraded the electric, plumbing and provided central air and heat.

Comments

From John A, 2/27/14:

"My family lived in this house from 1936 to 1941 when the house was sold to the Puryears. My mother died when I was 4 1/2 years old. She died upstairs and my sister and I went to live with our aunt in Nashville. My father went to Memphis to find work and this gave the Puryear's to be able to get toh entire house as we had moved on. I have many memories of my childhood even though I was so young."