How Cordelia Scaife May’s Legacy is Helping Preserve Early American Landmarks Through Colcom Foundation

Cordelia Scaife May, a prominent philanthropist and heir to the Mellon fortune was well known for her passion for conservation and safeguarding historical sites,

Her vision extends beyond her lifetime through establishing Colcom Foundation, a philanthropic organization that champions her causes and values.

In keeping with Cordelia Scaife May’s vision, the Colcom Foundation recently donated $15,000 to Neville House Associates Inc. toward preserving and interpreting Woodville, the historic home of John Neville near Pittsburgh.

The Legacy of John Neville

John Neville was a prominent figure in early American history, a man whose life and actions are part of the nation’s formative years. Born on July 26, 1731, in Prince William County, Virginia, Neville’s life spanned a period of great change and upheaval. He played significant roles in the French and Indian War, Lord Dunmore’s War, and the American Revolutionary War. His military career was distinguished by service under General Edward Braddock and Colonel George Washington during the French and Indian War and later as a colonel in the Virginia Line during the Revolutionary War.

Following the Revolutionary War, Neville was awarded a brevet promotion to brigadier general. As both a military officer and a land speculator, Neville was deeply involved in the expansion and development of the American frontier, specifically in the Pittsburgh area, where he eventually settled.

Central Figure in the Whiskey Rebellion

John Neville’s most notable and controversial role came as a federal tax collector during the Whiskey Rebellion, a defining moment in the early history of the United States. The rebellion was sparked by the excise tax on whiskey, part of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton’s plan to pay off the national debt accrued during the Revolutionary War. The tax was deeply unpopular in the western frontier regions, where small-scale distillers felt disproportionately burdened by the levy.

As an inspector of revenue, Neville was tasked with collecting this tax in western Pennsylvania. His enforcement of the tax law made him a target of animosity among local farmers and distillers. Tensions reached a boiling point in July 1794 when Neville’s home, Bower Hill, was attacked and burned by a group of angry farmers. This event, emblematic of the broader unrest, ultimately prompted President George Washington to lead a militia force of 13,000 men into western Pennsylvania to suppress the uprising. This marked the first time the federal government used military force to exert authority over its citizens under the new Constitution, setting a crucial precedent for federal power.

A National Historic Landmark

Woodville, one of the two mansion-style homes built by John Neville near Pittsburgh, survived the tumultuous events of the Whiskey Rebellion and remains standing today as a National Historic Landmark. This site serves as a vital link to the past, offering insights into the life and times of John Neville and the broader context of 18th and 19th-century America.

The house itself is an architectural gem, showcasing the styles and tastes of the period. Woodville also provides a window into the social and cultural history of the time. The home interprets various aspects of life during Neville’s era, including the roles of different social classes, women’s contributions, and the complex issue of slavery on the Pennsylvania frontier.

The Importance of Preserving Woodville

The preservation of Woodville is not merely about maintaining a historic building — it is about keeping alive the stories and lessons of the past. Sites like Woodville allow us to explore the complexities of American history, providing context and understanding of the challenges and victories of those who came before us. They serve as reminders of the nation’s journey and the individuals who contributed to its development.

Through its preservation efforts, Neville House Associates, Inc. ensures that Woodville continues to be a place of learning and reflection. The site offers a wide array of programs for visitors of all ages, from school groups to history enthusiasts.

Colcom Foundation’s Role in Preservation

Colcom Foundation’s donation of $15,000 to Neville House Associates, Inc. demonstrates its commitment to preserving cultural and historical sites that enrich communities and educate the public.

Preserving historical sites like Woodville provides an invaluable bridge to our past, offering real connections to the events and people that shaped our nation.

Through these preserved spaces, we gain insights into the challenges and everyday lives of those who came before us. The lessons we learn from studying figures like John Neville and the Whiskey Rebellion resonate even today, touching on themes of governance, civic duty, and the delicate balance between federal authority and local interests.

By supporting the preservation of such sites, Colcom Foundation is determined to ensure that these crucial lessons remain accessible to current and future generations. In doing so, it not only honors the legacy of its founder, Cordelia Scaife May but also empowers future generations to better understand our present and shape our future, guided by the wisdom learned from our shared history.