Birthplace of the Telegraph
— Historic Speedwell —
The original structure that became the Vail House was probably built in the 1790's by Thomas Kinney. Stephen Vail, the proprietor of the nearby Speedwell Ironworks, acquired the property in the 1830's. In 1844 Stephen extensively renovated what was probably a simple farm house into what he called his Mansion.
At Speedwell, the Whippany River cuts a deep ravine that was easily dammed to power an early saw mill, bloomery forge, and slitting mill. A dwelling house was built on the hillside overlooking the river. In the late 1700's, the property was owned by Thomas Kinney, one of Morristown's wealthiest citizens. The land near the river was acquired by Stephen Vail in the early 1800's, and became the famed Speedwell Ironworks. Vail gradually increased his holdings to include the tract of land on the west side of Speedwell Avenue that contained the old Kinney House. By the 1840's he had become a successful businessman and the owner of a large estate. Now in his 60's, Stephen Vail converted the old house into a conservative but comfortable home for his old age. A man of modest taste, he rejected the latest styles in favor of a traditional Georgian exterior. Inside he installed a central heating system and indoor plumbing. There was a large dining room on the first floor, an office on the second floor and a kitchen in the basement. You might compare Stephen's home with the much more stylish house his son George built at about the same time, just across the street.
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Stephen VailIn 1807, Stephen Vail, a Morristown blacksmith, along with partners William Campfield and Isaac Canfield, started building an Ironworks at Speedwell. By 1815 Vail had become the sole proprietor and gradually increased his holdings. During most of the early years he lived in what was called the Brick House, on the west side of Speedwell Avenue close to the Ironworks. A skilled machinist and entrepreneur, Stephen had the hand of a well-grounded businessman who always had capital to invest, even at times of economic depression. A man of vision, he was involved in the construction of the S.S. Savannah, the first steam powered ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. He financed the development of the telegraph and was an early proponent of railroads. A prominent citizen, he was a Justice of the Peace, a Judge, a Jacksonian Democrat and a slave owner. He married three times. Stephen Vail died in 1864 at the age of 84.
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