HENRY COUNTY
HISTORY CENTER
@ The Caplinger House

The Caplinger House (future home of the Henry County History Center) was built in 1863 by James Nelson Caplinger. It is one of three houses located in New Castle built exactly the same by Mr. Caplinger, one for each one of his three daughters. James was born in Shelby Co., KY. in 1828, the son of William D. and Malinda (Davis) Caplinger. He moved to New Castle in 1852. In 1858 he married Miss Amanthus Wand of Muhlenburg County, KY. They had six children: William A., J.T., Anna, May, Emma and Lucy. Mr. Caplinger was educated at the common schools in Henry County. He was a carpenter for thirteen years and then engaged in a pharmacy business.

Submitted photo

The house has had a number of owners over the years. From 1917 to 1969 it was owned by the United Methodist Church and it served as the Methodist Parsonage for over 50 years. The latest owners are Robert and Judy Diederich. Mr. and Mrs. Diederich recently purchased another old house in New Castle and offered the Caplinger House to the Historical Society for a future home. Though the house is in need of a great deal of "TLC", it has been judged by Scot Walters, Restoration Project Manager of the Kentucky Heritage Council, as structurally sound and "a good example of its period's architecture."

Submitted by Marie Winburn ()