Overcarsh House

In Charlotte, the Overcarsh family first lived on West Trade Street near what later became the Hotel Charlotte before building their West 8th Street home. Elias farmed a parcel of land that spanned from what is now the 400 block of North Poplar Street to West Trade Street and ran between Poplar and Trade Streets. He also operated a grocery business on the corner of Trade and Church Streets and taught at the Prospect and Hickory Grove schools. In 1870, Elias was licensed as a minister by the Quarterly Methodist Conference meeting at Charlotte’s First Methodist Church. Over the years, Reverend Elias Overcarsh had a significant influence on the religious development of Mecklenburg County, serving as minister at eight area churches: Fair Prospect, Calvary, Hebron, Big Springs, Harrison, Dows, Trinity, and Hickory Grove. Elias and Matilda are buried in Charlotte’s Elmwood Cemetery. One notable Overcarsh family incident pertains to son Bryan Overcarsh, who purchased the Overcarsh House from his father in 1896. Noted in Charlotte for his artistic ability, Bryan designed and built the prize-winning float in the parade for Charlotte’s May 20, 1909, celebration attended by when President William Howard Taft.  

The Queen Anne styled Overcarsh House is one of uptown Charlotte’s two oldest homes. Portions of the house are believed to have been constructed prior to the Civil War. The front – featuring two parlors and an entrance hall – was added in 1879, giving the house a Victorian appearance. The Overcarsh family retained ownership of the house until 1966. In 1983, the Overcarsh House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Operated from 1983 to 1993 as a bed and breakfast, the many guests to stay in the Overcarsh House included singer Bobby McFerrin and actor Bob Keeshan (better known as longtime children’s television host Captain Kangaroo).