Nevell, Thomas

Metadata

Title

Nevell, Thomas

Description

The master builder/architect Thomas Nevell, who designed the most famous Philadelphia country house--Mt. Pleasant (1763)--and founded a school of architecture in Philadelphia (1771), was the son of Thomas and Mary Nevell. By 1730 both of his parents had died and the lad was placed in a series of foster homes until apprenticed to Edmund Woolley to learn house carpentry. Woolley was one of the most influential master builders in the city and during Nevell's apprenticeship was engaged in what was for the time the largest building project in Philadelphia's history--the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall). From Woolley, Nevell must have gained more than the basic education usually specified by indentures of apprenticeship, and he probably received the additional fillip to his career of nomination into the select Carpenters' Company of master builders. An independent master by 1745, one of Nevell's earliest known commissions was a double twist stair case-no mean feat of geometry and joinery-causing him to be called by his client "an ingenious House Carpenter." Little is known of Nevell's work during the 1750s. He helped his former master erect the State House tower and steeple (that he would demolish in 1781) and built a "fine stair case" for Edward Shippen's house on South Fourth Street. Following a period in jail for unpaid debts, Nevell is known to have worked at the Pennsylvania Hospital. It was in 1763, however, that Nevell began what would come down in history as his masterpiece. On July 27, 1763, Nevell recorded in his account book under Capt. John MacPherson for the centerings to complete the distinctive chimneys at Mt. Pleasent, and by March 23, 1764, Nevell recorded that Robert Smith and John Thornhill had valued the Schuylkill frontispiece at twenty-five pounds. The date of Nevell's election to The Carpenters' Company is unknown; it certainly predates the earliest surviving Company records of 1763. By 1768 he was on the committee with Robert Smith and Benjamin Loxley to purchase a lot for Carpenters' Hall. Nevell was the second highest contributor to the cost of the Hall, probably made possible by income from the renovations of John Cadwalader's grand town house on the west side of Second Street between Spruce and Delancy Streets. Concurrently, Nevell erected for himself a house at (modern) 338 South Fourth Street, 1769-1770; where, at the "sign at the Carpenter's Hall," Nevell opened Philadelphia's first school of architectural drawing. Approached by several persons "anxious to improve themselves in the art of architecture," Nevell announced, " . . .I will take upon me to instruct a small number of youth, or others, the right use and construction of lines for the formation of regular or irregular arches, groins for vaults, or ceilings, brackets for plaistered cornices, and the like; the best method for striking out the ramp, and twist rails for stair cases; the most expeditious and approved method of diminishing colums and pilasters; the readiest rule for laying out the flutes and fillett, the method of forming raking cornices for pediments, &c. The geometrical rules for finding the length, back and bevel of hip or valley rafters, to any constructions, streight or circular, and to lay down principal roofs in ledgement. . . ." (Pennsylvania Gazette 31 October 1771, and quoted in "Thomas Nevel (1721-1797): Carpenter, Educator, Patriot", by Hanna Benner Roach) By the use of models the students would study these principles, "after which I propose to proceed to teach...the drawing of the five orders, and designs...requisite to form a true and compleat architect." Any person of "common capacity" could assimilate all of these skills "in two months at most" by attending the school four nights a week! The cost would be "Ten Shillings for entrance and Twenty Shillings per month." These students would not be Nevell's first. In 1766 he had taken John King "to instructions in the Art of Drawing Sundry Propositions in Architecture." In 1771, however, his list of paying students included: David Williamson, Joseph Howell, Duncan McKeller, John Alexander, Thomas Proctor, Joseph Grub, Thomas Savery, John Priest, and John Sanders. Nevell's school was sufficiently successful to encourage a second season "for instructing a small number of Youth in the Art of Drawing," and, in the fall of 1773, he announced a third and what would prove to be the final term. His accounts mention only payments from John Taylor. (Interestingly, Nevell charged his students one pound for all "T Square & draught board" and one pound 14s 6d for a case of drawing instruments.) During the Revolution, Nevell was fully engaged with the patriot cause. On the eve of the war,however, he had acted as agent for the engraver John Norman in the latter's edition of Swan's British Architect, and when The Company voted to publish their price book in 1785 it was Nevell who offered the "Plates representing diferent sic parts of Carpenters work...draughts necessary for the Engravers." The thirty-five engraved plates that illustrate The Company's Articles of the Carpenters Company of Philadelphia and their Rules for Measuring and Valuing House-Carpenters Work (Philadelphia, 1786), was the first such work of architecture native to America and provided a fitting memorial to the "ingenious House Carpenter" whose brief efforts at founding a school of architecture anticipated the transition from apprenticeship-trained carpenter/builder to professional architect.

Biography from Philadelphia Architects and Buildings, a project of Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Written by Roger W. Moss.

Member Number

35*

Last Name

Nevell

First Name

Thomas

Birth Date

1/1/1721

Where Born

Philadelphia, PA

Deceased Date

1/1/1797

Spouse Name

Elizabeth Weed

Spouse Born

1/20/1779 (R)

Children

John & Eleanor (twins by first wife not Elizabeth Weed)

Father

Thomas

Office Held

Warden, 1765

Committee Membership

Book Prices Committee, 1763-90

Business Address

Front bet. Market & Arch (1785, 93) (Prime)

Project

Mt. Pleasant (1763) for Capt. MacPherson

His house at 338 S. Fourth St. (1769)

Reference

*Subscribed 12 shares to erection of Hall.

*Tatman & Moss Biographical Dictionary of Phila. Architects. Pages 568-569. Nevel (Nevell) was he master builder/architect Thomas Nevell, who designed the most famous Philadelphia country house -- Mt.. Pleasant (1763) -- and founded a school of architecture in Philadelphia (1771) -- was the son of Thomas and Mary Nevell. By 1730 both of his parents had died, and the lad was placed in a series of foster homes until apprenticed to Edmund Woolley (q.v.) to learn house carpentry. Woolley was one of the most influential master builders in the city and during Nevell's apprenticeship was engaged in what was for the time the largest building project in Philadelphia's history -- the Pennsylvania State House. From Woolley Nevell must have gained more than the basic education usually specified by indentures of apprenticeship, and he probably received the additional fillip to his career of nomination into the select Carpenters' Company of master builders. An independent master by 1745, one of Nevell's earliest known commissions was a double twist staircase -- no mean feat of geometry and joinery -- causing him to be called by his client "an ingenious House Carpenter." Little is known of Nevell's work during the 1750s. He helped his former master erect the State House tower and steeple (that he would demolish in 1781) and built a "fine stair case" for Edward Shippen's house on south 4th St. Following a period in jail for unpaid debts, Nevell is known to have worked at the Pennsylvania Hospital. It was in 1763, however, that Nevell began what would come down in history as his masterpiece. On July 27,1763, Nevell recorded in his account book under Capt. John MacPherson's name: "One Jeniral plan for all The Buildings at ye Plantation" for which he charged one pound and "two difrant plans & Elivations for his Country Seat" for which he charged six pounds. By September Nevell charged MacPherson for the centerings to complete the distinctive chimneys at Mt. Pleasant, and by March 23, 1764, Nevell recorded that Robert Smith (q.v.) and John Thornhill (q.v.) had valued the Schuylkill frontispiece at 25 pounds. The date of Nevell's election into The Carpenters' Company is unknown; it certainly predates the earliest surviving Company records of 1763. By 1768 he was on the committee with Robert Smith and Benjamin Loxley (q.v.) to purchase a lot for Carpenters' Hall. Nevell was the second highest contributor to the cost of the Hall, probably made possible by income from the renovations of John Cadwalader's grand town house on the west side of 2nd street between Spruce and Delancey Sts. Concurrently, Nevell erected for himself a house at (modern) 338 south Fourth St., 1769-1770, where at the "sign of the Carpenters' Hall," Nevell opened Philadelphia's first school of architecture. Approached by several persons "anxious to improve themselves in the art of architecture, Nevell announced (See Statement on page 569) By the use of models the students would study these principles, "after which I propose to proceed to teach . . . the drawing of the five orders, and designs . . . requisite to form a true and compleat architect." Any persons of "common capacity" could assimilate all of these skills "in two months at most" by attending the school four nights a week. The cost would be "Ten shillings for entrance, and twenty shillings per month." These students would not be Nevell's first. In 1766 he had taken John King (q.v.) "to instructions in the Art of Drawing Sundry Propositions in Architecture." In 1771, however, his list of paying students included: David Williamson, Joseph Howell, Duncan McKeller, John Alexander, Thomas Proctor (q.v.), Joseph Grub, Thomas Savery (q.v.), John Priest, and John Sanders. Nevell's school was sufficiently successful to encourage a second season "for instructing a number of Youth in the Art of Drawing," and in the fall of 1773, he announced a third and what would prove to be the final term. His accounts mention only payments from John Taylor. (Interestingly, Nevell charged his students one pound for a "T square & draught board" and one pound 14s 6d for a case of drawing instruments.) During the Revolution, Nevell was fully engaged with the patriot cause. On the eve of the war, however, he had acted as agent for the engraver John Norman in the latter's edition of Swan's "The British Architect"; and when the Company voted to publish their price book in 1785, it was Nevell who offered the "Plates representing different parts of Carpenters work . . . draughts necessary for the Engraver." The 35 engraved plates that illustrate The Company's "Articles of the Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia and their Rules for Measuring and Valuing House-Carpenters Work" (Philadelphia 1786), was the first such work of architecture native to America and provided a fitting memorial to the "ingenious House Carpenter" whose brief efforts at founding a school of architecture anticipated the transition from apprenticeship-trained carpenter/builder to professional architect. See Selected Bibliography in Tatman & Moss Bio Dictionary Phila. Architects. Account books and drawings at Van Pelt Library, University of Pennsylvania. Also articles listed.

*See C.E. Peterson's book, "Robert Smith", page 14, Col 1, para 2&3 for information on his school for architecture and a quote advertising the opening of a drawing school.

*In his file, see pages copied from "Fort Mifflin of Philadelphia," telling of his work at the fort protecting Philadelphia.

*James Sullivan: Thank you for your valuable information on the restoration of Mount Pleasant. I have added your name and Unkefer Brothers Construction to the historic record for this article and the database files for you and Unkefer Brothers Construction as well as John Milner Architects. See: "Thomas Nevell: An ingenious House Carpenter" For Carl (C.G.K.), a major reason to prepare these articles was to connect as many Company members as possible to specific buildings and history through the centuries. He was not aware of Unkefer Brothers Construction and this restoration.

*Also see archives file Box 150, file 40 for detailed information on Francis Daymon, who acted as translator for Franklin and John Jay with Bonvouloir, at the meeting in the Library Company's rooms on the second floor, now the Dalkeith room.

*See C.E. Peterson's book, "Robert Smith", page 18, col 2, last para: Smith and John Thornhill measured and valued Thomas Nevell's work at Mt. Pleasant. Thomas Nevell, in turn, had measured Gunning Bedford's Port Royal, among those with whom Smith was most deeply intertwined was Samuel Rhoads. Like Smith, Rhoads sometimes acted as a designer and a contractor although he became wealthy as a developer. Rhoads, along with Joseph Fox, was a manager and designer for the Pennsylvania Hospital, a project for which Smith was a consultant. Rhoads served in the same capacity for the Almshouse. He handled the finances when Smith built Benjamin Franklins house, where another Company member, Robert Allison, executed the interior woodwork. Rhoads and Smith served together on a committee of the APS, overseeing a platform to observe the Transit of Venus in 1769.

*A biography of Nevell and reprints of articles written by him for the "Philadelphia Gazette" and material signed by him are in Archives Box 167, file 42.

*"Fort Mifflin of Philadelphia" (page 21) In February, 1776, Nevell received an emergency contract to build gun carriages and mount 18-pound cannon - because the completed work proved inadequate.

*Member file. Copy of advertisement in the "Pennsylvania Gazette," 30 September 1772, for his school of architecture. Text of Deed conveying site of Carpenters' Hall from George and Ann Emlen to Nevell and other members of the Company. Reprint from "Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians" by Hannah Benner Roach on life of Thomas Nevell. Typed sheets (4) tell of his activities in the Revolution, his work on construction of the State House steeple and its demolition, together with advertisement for materials removed from the State House.

*In his member file, a copy of a report by John Millner Architects, Inc. who in 2005 undertook an extensive roof stabilization and roofing replacement at Mount Pleasant. Also a sheet with the name of the contact person at the Art Museum.

*In his member file: copy of letter from him to Company thanking them for assistance and requesting additional help, plus firewood.

*Copy of invoices involving "seasoned pine boards" for John Cadwallader, signed by both Nevell and Richard Armitt.

*March or April issue of PA Magazine of History & Biography - article on Woodlands mentions Nevell (note from Roger Tatman & Tatman & Moss Bio Dictionary Phila. Architects Bio Dictionary Phila Architects)

*Minutes - Quarterly Meeting, July 1999 In information on Gunning Bedford, Peterson quotes from Thomas Nevell's account book, which tells of Bedford's building Port Royal, a mansion in Frankford, which was later demolished and partly restored at the Winterthur museum.

*Trans. APS Vol. 43, Part I (1953), page 98 In 1768, a site for the Hall on the south side of Chestnut Street was acquired in the name of three members -- Benjamin Loxley, Thomas Nevell, and Robert Smith. page 100 This agreement (with the Library Company) was reached on October 26, 1772, and the Carpenters' Company proceeded "to furnish the House ready for the Library Company to move in."(31) The latter appointed a committee for fitting up the new quarters and Thomas Nevell of the Carpenters' Company was engaged to do the joinery. The minute book shows that the new furnishings included carved cabinets and book shelves protected with wire lattice work. The windows were fitted with inside shutters (32) and the rooms heated by an open fire.(53)

*PA Gazette 3/11/1755 - #5454 Demands against Thomas Nevell, deceased, house carpenter. (Father or grandfather ?) PA Gazette 5/8/1766 - #684 Advertises for runaway apprentice; 30 shillings reward. PA Gazette 6/9/1768 - #5421 "To be let, a commodious room well calculated for a school" opposite Union St., in Fourth. PA Gazette 9/20/1770 - #10203 The subscriber "has with some reluctance consented to attend three nights in each week from 6 to 9 o'clock in his house on Fourth St., to begin October till March" Proposes instruction in geometry and construction methods; he then lists types of construction to be included. PA Gazette 10/31/1771 - #12662 Opens a school for carpenters in the "art of architecture." PA Gazette 9/30/1772 - #14639 Proposes opening a school "for instructing a small number of youth in the art of drawing, or the right use and construction of lines." Attendance four nights a week from 6 to 9 for two months. PA Gazette 9/30/1772 - #14639 Thomas Nevell has taken into partnership "for carrying on the carpenters' business" John Lort, Jr. PA Gazette 10/20/1773 - #16967 Proposes a school in the art of drawing, on the right use and construction of lines. PA Gazette 7/19/1775 - #20637 Soliciting subscriptions for publication of "The Prussian Evolution" of military tactics and strategy with 30 folio copper plates. Subscriptions received by Thomas Nevell "at the sign of the Carpenters' Hall, in Fourth St., and by Benjamin Loxley, among others. PA Gazette, 5/22/1776 - #22207 Committee of Safety appointed Frazer Kinsley, Thomas Nevell and others to receive lead, paying at the rate of six pence per pound; clock weights excepted since iron weights not yet available. PA Gazette 7/9/1788 #5393 Lengthy, detailed description of Grand Federal Procession, celebrating ratification of U.S. Constitution. Includes description (item 24 in report) of "The New Roof, or Grand Federal Edifice" . . . "built in 4 days by Mr. W. Williams & Co." . . . "was followed by 450 architects and house carpenters carrying insignia of their trade.". . . "Preceded by Benjamin Loxley, Gunning Bedford, Thomas Nevill, Levi Budd, Joseph Ogilby, William Roberts." PA Gazette 7/7/1790 - #7240 "Syrup for the flux. . .as formerly prepared by Dr. George Wood, and afterwards by his widow, and for these ten years past by Mrs. Nevell, are now prepared and sold by Thomas Nevell and George, son of Dr.George Wood, in Front near Arch, on the bank side."

*Managing Committee Minutes-1775-2-106 Copy of certificate given to Thomas Nevell April 20, 1775: This is to certify that Thomas Nevell hath advanced to the Carpenters' Company the sum of 33 pounds one shilling and three pence which is to be paid to the said Thomas Nevell his heirs Executors Administrators or assignee out of the rents and profits arising to the said Company in a just proportion with the sums advanced by other members in the month of January every year until the sum or sums be fully paid.

*Philadelphia Preserved page 21. Description of his house and alterations.

*Managing Committee Minutes-1785-3-92 Plates representing different parts of carpenters' work were laid before the Company at the request of Thomas Nevell, who designed the drafts necessary for the engraver, that if the members should judge them useful to the Company they may have them at the first cost, being 32 dollars. Managing Committee Minutes-1792-5-32 On application of Thomas Nevell the Company directed the committee to recommend such sum as they may judge necesary for his relief the winter season. The Company on considering a letter from Thomas Nevell directed to them, now agree to his proposition of continuing at his present dwelling allowing him his request for one dollar and a half per week and the further sum of 20 dollars to be disposed of at the discretion of the committee in supplying the firewood and other necessaries. Managing Committee Minutes-1792-5-38 At a quarterly meeting of the Company held at their Hall April 17th, 1792, Resolved that the Committee be authorized to pay the sum of 15 pounds being the ground rent now due on the house in possession of Thomas Nevell late the estate of Widow Weed, in order to extricate the goods from the demands of the ground landlord, and also to take the goods of the said Thomas Nevell as security for the sum advanced, and place him at board where he may be well accommodated, the goods being sent with him. Managing Committee Minutes-1793-5-60 Annual Meeting. In further consideration of Thomas Nevell's situation the Company agree to allow him the further sum of half dollar a week during this winter and sixteen dollars in addition thereto in order to supply him with fire wood and such necesaries as he may stand in need of, and also the sum of 30 dollars to repay George Ingels for money advanced him at sundry times within the course of the last year. On a further consideration of Thomas Nevell's situation the Company agree to allow him the further sum of a half dollar per week during this winter and 16 dollars addition thereto in order to supply him with firewood and such necessaries as he may stand in need of, and also the sum of 30 dollars to repay George Ingels for money advanced him at sundry times within the course of the year. Managing Committee Minutes-1794-7-13 The Company now agree that the Committee be instructed to supply Thomas Nevell with such necessary clothing and cash sufficient to pay his board decently. Managing Committee Minutes-1795-7-29 The committee on Thomas Nevell's case report: Having completed the business to which they were appointed they are therefore discontinued. Managing Committee Minutes-May 8, 1991-pg. 164 Report by Historian Emeritus: "After frustrations of many, many years, I finally have in hand a microfilm of the Nevell account book (gift of Mrs. Beatrice Garvan.) There are problems. The pages at the beginning are undated and don't seem to be in chronological order. . . .The very first page has two undated items (but 1762) but quoted below . Both were from Robert Smith designs and reaffirm what we have known for a long time - that Robert Smith and Nevell were closely associated. Quotes concern construction of Second Presbyterian Church (on Arch Street) and Third Presbyterian Church, "Old Pine." Mr. Peterson's secretary is transcribing 40 pages, which will take weeks to complete. The handwriting is difficult in many places and some words will always remain puzzles. However, important information will be recovered about major Philadelphia buildings, including Carpenters' Hall. Original document from which microfilm was made is at Van Pelt library of University of Pennsylvania.

*Hannah Roach paper, page 12aa His role in removing deteriorating tower of State House (1781), construction of spire, and text of advertisement offering wooden parts from steeple for sale.

*Hannah Roach paper, page 11aa Good paragraph telling about various Company members who worked on the State House.

*Hannah Roach paper, page 13aa Mention of his holding first architectural classes known to have been in Philadelphia.

*Article by Charles E. Peterson, "American Notes" Copy of article by Peterson on Benjamin Loxley (and in his file) contains reference to Nevell (which seems mispelled in article) and his work on Carpenters' Hall.

*Hannah Roach via Tax list, 1756, Dock Ward, Thomas Nevell, carpenter, 8 pounds. Also: transcription of his deeds recorded; and, copy of text admitting him to Pennsylvania Hospital as a mental patient, having cut his throat.

*Paper in Woolley file, starting page 11 Tells of work of this former apprentice of Edmund Woolley in Lancaster, PA

*Grantor File Data from the City of Philadelphia Archives:
(Date; Book; No.; Page; Grantee)
1683/1800; G; 12; 494; Story, Sarah
1683/1800; I; 7; 46; Bedford, Gunning
1683/1800; D; 22; 437; Linnon, Thomas
1799/1819; MR; 5; 160; Roach, George
1835/1842; GS; 12; 244; Noble, Samuel
1835/1842; GS; 36; 505; Nixon, John

File Number

Revolutionary War

Collection

Members

Citation

“Nevell, Thomas,” Carpenters' Company Digital Archive & Museum, accessed April 25, 2024, https://archive.carpentershall.org/items/show/25823.