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Joseph A. Campbell House

Jay Brothers

215 South Center St. (former 215 South Street)  Collierville, TN

Original circa 1876/ remodeled 1899  Queen Anne Cottage



Photo from Memphis Heritage


The first owner was George Blair with 2 acres he purchased from Ransom Vick. He was a merchant with a dry goods store on the town square of Collierville, and his family resided there from 1876-1898. He then retired and moved his family to Mississippi. 


In 1898, Rev. Joseph A. Campbell (1867-1932) owned the home. He was a prominent Disciples of Christ minister. He was very involved with the growth of many parishes across Tennessee and Virginia. From 1905-1909, he juggled duties as lecturer at Milligan Bible College in Milligan, TN and as “State Evangelist” for Tennessee. Rev. Campbell likely owned the home, and rented it out for income for his other church duties. In 1910, Rev. Campbell married Susan Piper Campbell (1880-?) and moved to Memphis. He continued his talent of investing wisely in Memphis real estate and using those revenues to fund his ministry.





In 1909, Ella Ballard (1874-1936) purchased the home. Her husband was Claudius Marcellus Ballard (1856-1921)(m.1897). They had large farms around Collierville and Piperton. Claudius was not on the deed to promote Ella’s “homestead exemption” case as well as separate their home from his farming activities. Ella’s estate sold the property in 1940. Ballard had earlier been married to Roberta Julia Oursler Ballard (1864-1895). His son Claude M. Ballard (1903-1986) resided on the property with his wife Elsie May Miner Ballard (1907-1989).


From 2008 to 2023, the building was repurposed and used as an outlet of Gus’ World Famous Chicken. Since 2023, the restaurant closed. NR 1991


Sources: 

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