Benjamin Deyerle

Benjamin Deyerle (1806-1883), was a noted architect, artist and brickmaker in Roanoke County, Virginia. Many of the historic homes, churches and public buildings in Roanoke were designed and built under his and his family's direction. He is credited with building 23 of them, and perhaps more. Some of these homes and buildings are currently listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.

Benjamin Deyerle was born on September 7, 1806, to Charles and Elizabeth Leffler Deyerle. Charles was the son of Peter Deyerle who was a German immigrant and indentured servant when he first came to America in 1748, and later became a wealthy landowner in Montgomery County, Virginia. Peter Deyerle (1732-1812) supported the American Revolution and fought alongside Daniel Boone at the Battle of Blue Licks in Kentucky. He was also a county surveyor and overseer of roads from 1773-1786. Charles Deyerle was a miller, and when he died in 1815, his land and holdings were valued at $584.75.

Benjamin had a half-brother, Joseph, and a nephew, James C. Deyerle (1825-1897), who were also masons and bulders. His brother, David (1813-1898) is credited with the brick work of the Peters Creek Church of the Brethren, the 1861 Main Building at Hollins University, and the 1861 brick addition to his own home. Most of the buildings constructed by the Deyerle family were Greek Revival in style. James C. Deyerle is also credited with the construction of the Spring Dale (Dublin, Virginia).

Benjamin married Julia Ann Shaver Deyerle (1816 - 1895), and their children were: Susan Catherine Deyerle Chapman (1835 - 1884), George W Deyerle (1840 - 1862); Mary Jane Deyerle McCluer (1845 - 1870); Henry Shaver Deyerle (1847 - 1923) and Bessie Deyerle Wooding (1855 - 1937).

Benjamin Deyerle, the grandson of German immigrant Peter Deyerle, was a large-scale farmer with tracts of land in Roanoke County (specifically the Greater Deyerle neighborhood) and Franklin County, Virginia where he raised wheat, corn, tobacco, and cattle. He also operated a prosperous mill, a general store, and a large whiskey distillery.

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