Among the few antebellum structures still standing in Danville, Elm Court was convened into a fourplex in 1920 after it was purchased by Dr. Bruce James. He named the place Elm Court for the majestic American Elm that shaded the front yard for many years. Rated as Excellent’ in Russell Wright’s 1971 architectural inventory, the current structure resembles a Mississippi River house more than a city dwelling. Built in 1853 by Jacob Davis, a native of Halifax County, the house on lot 44—then on the corner on Main at Jefferson —was conveyed in 1863 to his new son-in-law, George Ayres for $20,000. 

Elm Court started out as an L-shaped brick cottage, extensively remodeled in 1881 by Mr. Ayres, according to local landbook records, and still exists inside the current configuration of the property with its later Italianate modifications, including the prominent central projecting hooded gable with intricate sawn-work scrolling, Notebook of Jacob Davis, 1855-1877, a black bound typewritten copy, can be found today in the genealogy section of the Public Library. Mr. Davis was known for keeping records of births, deaths, real estate transactions, fires, and other tidbits of life in the city. At his death in 1877, he was buried in the Ayres plot with other family members in the Green Hill Cemetery. 

George Ayres together with his brother, David, operated a tobacco factory on Bridge 
Street, which they inherited from their father, William, an early settler in the village of Danville. George served on the Town Council, was the twenty-fifth mayor, and the foreman of the Grand Jury that investigated the Danville Riot. 

Suffering from financial problems in 1897, Ayres conveyed the property to Sara Rhett to satisfy a debt. Subsequently, it was sold to Annie Morris Smith, who later married RB. Graham, a well-known architect and builder. In 1920, after T.W. Edmunds sold the home to Dr. James, the notable two level balustraded front porches were added in its conversion to four apartments. 

After passing through several other owners, the home was purchased by Ed and Bobbie Thompson from Binghamton, New York, in 1987. The Thompsons were attracted to Danville by its quaintness, wealth of historic architecture, and reminiscences of childhood homes. The Thompsons have painted the exterior claphoarding pink with burgundy accents, sanded floors, added a chandelier from an estate in South Boston, installed a ceiling medallion, and refurbished the eight existing faux marble mantels and pocket doors. In their front parlor hangs a 1904 photo of the home given to them by Whittington W. Clement, one of the previous owners.