Hubert Artz Home - "Riverholm"

24 Apr 1780: Jacob Funk of John Funk, Sr., dec'd., sold to Henry Artz, son of John Artz, Sr., which land was granted to said John Funk, Sr., dec'd., from the Proprietor's Office Dec. 24, 1778. Deed Book C, page 337

Probated 9 Feb 1818: Henry Artz requested in his last will and testament that his plantation be sold after the death of his wife and be divided equally among his nine children: Elizabeth, Rebecca, Christine and Martz (sic) Artz, Henry Benjamin, Sally Burner, wife of Jonas Burner, Jacob Artz, John Artz. He appointed his two sons, Henry and John Artz, executors. Made 12 Oct 1817. Will Book K, page 391

Probated 8 Mar 1852: Henry Artz devised his plantation to his son, Henry Artz. he made his son, Henry, executor. Made March 24, 1851. Will Book 1, page 249

3 Jan 1876: James P. Artz and Cedina, his wife, in deed of transfer conveyed to Thomas W. Artz by mutual consent land which descended to them from their father, Henry Artz, dec'd. Deed Book 38, page 176

16 Mar 1918: Thomas W. Artz and Martha E., his wife, sold to Hubert M. ARtz and Adolyn Gale, his wife, 29 1/2 acres. Deed Book 85, page 77

22 May 1929: T.W. Artz and Martha E. Artz, his wife, sold to H.M. Artz and Adolyn Gale, his wife, 57 acres. Deed Book 103, page 335

This is a three and one half story, T-shaped, brick house. The bricks are common bond. The gabled roof is metal. There are four inside brick chimneys. The cornices are plain brick. There are twenty three windows, each having four 12x20 panes and ten small windows in the attic and basement with six 8x10 panes. The front portico has small square balusters and a round rail, pointed scalloped cornice, and large square posts. The heavy front door is four and one half feet wide and has six panels, two crosses and a four-pane transom.

There are eight large rooms and the ceiling height is nine feet. The open string stairway has neat square balusters with a small round rail ending in scroll. There is a concealed stairway to the attic. There are three different styles of doors: four-panel one cross; six-panel two cross; and two vertical panels. The material is pine. The door frames are twelve inches wide with three panels on each side and two above. The locks and hinges are wrought iron with brass knobs. The walls are papered, and one room is whitewashed. The floor boards are hand dressed and of irregular width, some being ten inches wide. There are five mantels, several of them beautifully paneled and fluted. A chair rail extends up the stairway and all over the house. There is a beaded molding with iron hooks for hanging pictures and clothes. The cellar consists of four rooms under the entire house and having either heavy board floors or hard packed dirt, or concrete. The house is in good condition.

Five generations of Artz's lived in this home. James Peter Artz served in the Confederate army and his Colonel said he was known as the bravest man in his company.

Source: Virginia W.P.A. Historical Inventory Project, 1937

Photos contributed by Jim Artz

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