MCCRAY RICHEY HOUSE
129 W. MAIN STREET
McRay/Richey House Snapshot:
- This property was originally the home of the first four story structure in Uniontown built by Colonel William B. Roberts
- Years later, a man named David Veech built a home at this site. He also built several other historically significant homes nearby including one he lived in himself which later became the childhood home of George Marshall
- This property was owned and handed down by the McCray and then Richey families for almost 100 years
- The building was turned into a commercial glass company but fell into disrepair over the years
- The current owners, the Detweilers, have restored this historic building and turned it into this delightful gift shop called Pepperberries
McCray/Richey House – The Full Story:
Veech Marshall Home
James Veech
David Veech, son of James and Rebecca (Jamison) Veech, was born on June 6th, 1781, two years before the birth of Fayette County. His father, James, had immigrated to America before the Revolutionary War began, ultimately fighting in the struggle for independence, suffering wounds in the battle of Brandywine. After recovering from his wounds, he moved west of the mountains with his family settling in what is Luzerne Township today. James’ son David then moved his family, wife Elizabeth (Parker) and children to Menallen Township where his son James, future historian, lawyer, judge and author of the “Monongahela of Old” was born. David, then relocated to Uniontown in 1839 where he established a sawmill on the west end of town and set about erecting some of the most important homes. One of these homes, a two-story brick dwelling on West Main, was erected around 1858. This dwelling became his own home, until his death on February 1, 1866, as well as the future home and birthplace of General George C. Marshall on December 31, 1880.
Marshall and Thompson Boys with Richey Home in the Background
This home was razed to make way for the Post 47 of the VFW. Veech also built the home across from his own which became the family home of Uniontown banker, J.V. Thompson, his wife Mary (Anderson) and sons Andrew and John. This home became a second home to George C. Marshall as he was best friends with the elder son Andrew. When Mary Thompson died unexpectedly, Minnie Redburn, cousin to Mary, moved in to take care of the boys. She lived in this home until she died. It was later razed for a parking lot.
The McCray/Richey home…today… Pepperberries, a gift shop, was built by David Veech on land once owned by Colonel William B. Roberts, a successful furniture maker who built the first four-story structure in Uniontown. The home was also close to the White Swan Inn, owned by the Brownfield family. Colonel Roberts married one of the Brownfield daughters, Hannah. When the Mexican War broke out, two regiments were sent from Pennsylvania with Uniontown furnishing the colonel (Roberts) and the majority of the members of one company for the second regiment. Colonel Roberts died of a hemorrhage of his lungs in Mexico City on October 3, 1847 at the age of 38. His body was returned to Uniontown and laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery. His Uniontown family later moved out west.
Veech built the home located at 129 West Main Street and transferred it later to Jane (Yarnell) Meredith on February 26, 1866, the same year of his death. When Jane died in 1871, the deed was transferred to her daughter Rachel, a widow, whose husband died in 1867.
Rachel lived many happy years in this home until her death in 1914. Her daughter Anna (Sarah), who was born in this house on January 15, 1866 continued to live in the family home until her death on December 7, 1959 at the age of 94. On July 21, 1904 Anna married Chauncey Newton Richey and together the family raised three children in this house. Chauncey passed away in 1950.
Richey Home
Chauncey and Anna Richey
So for nearly 100 years the family lovingly cared for this home, often returning for family reunions. They warmly recalled their family’s friendship with George Marshall, as well.
The Richey home later became a commercial space, Burnworth Glass. The building began to deteriorate and the family, as well as the citizens of Uniontown, feared that this treasured home would be lost to the wrecking ball. Fortunately, the Detweiler family, Anne and Mark purchased the building and lovingly restored it. The Richey family often returns and is welcomed inside by the owner of Pepperberries, Anne Detweiler created a unique and beautiful gift shop, one of Uniontown’s finest.
This painting of the McCray-Richey Home was done by Harold Richey who was born and raised in the house. He painted it from memory around 1954
The Veech-built home where J.V. Thompson lived with his wife, Mary, can be seen (it has two chimneys) on the right side of the street
The precise date of the house is unknown. Of the three known homes built by David Veech it has the simplest design, suggesting an earlier date. Since Veech arrived in Uniontown in 1839, it is possible it dates to this time. A fourth house, home to Judge James Veech, was located just west of these three homes on the corner of Main and South Mt. Vernon. It would later be home to the Princess of Thurn and Taxis, Lida Niccolls. Is it possible David Veech built this impressive circa 1855 home? When George Marshall was just 15 years old, he and a few buddies decided to celebrate the Fourth of July by making homemade missiles. The boys found some long pipes and loaded them with skyrockets. They shot off the missiles, intending for them to fly over the Veech/Niccolls home, but instead a missile struck one of the pillars of the veranda, missing some of the ladies enjoying the afternoon. No charges were filed but the boys probably had a good “talking-to”. This home was razed, regrettably, to make room for a senior high rise. Only the stone wall around the perimeter exists.
We remember the homes we lost but celebrate the ones, like Pepperberries, that we do have.
Princess Lida of Thurn and Taxis
Built by Judge Veech; future home of Princess Lida’s family
The Veech veranda where Marshall’s sky rocket hit
Fayette County Historical Society
P.O. Box 193, Uniontown, PA 15401
724.439.4422