Written by John Kirkpatrick and Beck Glenn
Photos by Ap imagery
On a ridge overlooking the Ohio River east of Owensboro stands Haphazard, a historic home presumably named for the randomness of the eddies of the river it faces.
George Mason, a close friend of George Washington and an original United States Constitutional Convention member, once owned the plantation where the house sits.
In 1975, an application was submitted to add Haphazard to the National Register of Historic Places by former owners Mr. & Mrs. Garland Howard. The house was added to the register on August 22 of that year. According to Garland’s application, Richard Mason served as a Colonel in the U.S. Army and was serving as civil and military governor of California in 1848 when gold was discovered there.
The property boasts over 4,800 square feet, four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a swimming pool, and more.
“This is the oldest standing home in Daviess County, so it’s tough to do it justice,” said realtor Ryan Rutman, who listed the property for sale in June. “It’s a huge house with 5 acres and only 5 minutes from downtown. It’s also on the historical registry and features original yellow poplar wood throughout with original trim and fireplaces.”
The property was initially surveyed in 1787 as 3,000 acres under Mason’s ownership. Documents show that Mason never lived on the land; he passed it along to his grandson, Richard Barnes Mason, who sold it to Robert Triplett in 1822.
When Triplett acquired the property, the deed transfer described the home as “a log dwelling house of two rooms, 20 by 20 feet with a 12-foot passageway between.” The original log dwelling is still part of the current home. Howard said Triplett added the Federal interior, wings on either end and a gable on the north side.
Local historians consider Triplett a local legend for his entrepreneurial spirit and well-documented duals. He was the area’s first primary real estate dealer and jack of all trades. He built a steam-powered sawmill, launched a distillery, and began mining coal in Bon Harbor Hills.
Triplett added a federal interior, wings on both ends, and a gable on the north side to the existing 20-foot-by-20-foot log structure. He sold the home and over 1,000 acres in 1843 to A.B. Barrett of Henderson, who sold it to William Bell the following year.
Bell added a Grecian-style entrance to the home before vacating it, converting it into a tobacco warehouse, and sheltering livestock in the basement. Samuel Coots purchased the house in 1941 and restored it with assistance from his son-in-law, Wallace Thacker.
They later sold the home to Delbert Glenn in 1947 before the Howards acquired it and the 10 acres in 1969. Dr. Bruce Beck briefly purchased and lived in the house before selling it to its current owners, John and Riley Hess.
The Hesses have lived at the home since 1989, celebrating several milestones on the property. Riley Hess’ grandmother, Emma Bell Riley, was closely related to William Bell, adding even more significance. The Bells lived there for over 100 years.
“It’s been a wonderful experience for our family,” Riley Hess said. “We’ve had all four of our children’s weddings here, along with several other memories.”
Both Riley and John grew up in old homes and have always appreciated the characteristics and attention to detail they have to offer.
“I love the history and the handmade doors, the exposed logs, the trim, and the American chestnut floors in the living room. We’ve enjoyed every leaf and every twig,” Hess said. “Our grandkids will visit other old homes and often say, this is just like Mimi’s and J.J.’s. We will certainly miss it.” OL
