Article from The Inter-Mountain, September 23, 1995,

Little Cabin, 200 Years Old, To Find a New Life and Location

Written by: By MONTE MAXWELL, Staff Writer

When Jacob Stalnaker Jr. built his cabin about 200 years ago, he just wanted a clean, warm place to live. Whoever took tools in hand and built the log cabin used their talents well to make a strong structure, but it was just a house.

No big deal, right?

Not if you talk to descendants of Jacob Stalnaker or any local historian.

Led by Lewisburg resident Ed Stalnaker, a group of descendants and others are working to restore the cabin to its original condition.

Although it may appear a family effort, Randolph County Historical Society President Phyllis Baxter is quick to say the restoration project means more than sentiment for the Stalnaker group.

"A cabin like this represents the history of our county. There are very few of them left," Baxter said. "It's critically important that we save what we can so people can see this part of history."

Baxter said the cabin was probably built just before 1800 by Jacob Stalnaker Jr. She said Jacob Stalnaker Sr. moved to the area in 1772 with a group of the first permanent settlers.

While the cabin has remained in excellent condition through the years, additions to the original structure have made the restoration project tough, Baxter said.

Boards and siding that now cover the two-story building must be removed. The material placed between the logs must be replaced.

Around the middle of the 1 8th century, a two-floor extension on the north side of the building was enlarged to make rooms, Baxter said. She said the extension may have been originally used for a porch.

On the inside, Baxter said there is evidence that logs were used as interior surfaces for a number of years. Later, paneling and plaster covered the walls. The home became dilapidated when the final tenants left in the mid-1980s, but Baxter remains positive about the success of their efforts.

While the repairs require back-breaking work, the real challenge is yet to be solved. The cabin must be moved.

The land on which the cabin stands, located between Beverly and Dailey on U.S. 219/250 South, is no longer owned by the Stalnakers .

The current owner has plans for the land and has donated the cabin to the Stalnakers with the stipulation that the structure is moved.

Baxter said Ed Stalnaker is considering dismantling the cabin to transport it to its future site, but Stalnaker is looking for alternatives.

The benefit of the move will be worth the work, Baxter said. Plans call for the cabin to be placed in the lot behind the Randolph County Museum in Beverly. The museum will use the building for displays, Baxter said.

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