Sewell Barn Theatre space for presentations, meetings and other private hire uses. Originally the barn belonged to Clare House which was owned by Philip Sewell, a local benefactor, from 1864 to 1906. Anna Sewell, author of the children’s story "Black Beauty", was Philip’s sister and lived in the White House, Spixworth Road, Spixworth. Philip owned a mare called Black Bess which used to draw his carriage along Spixworth Road and it might be supposed that Bess was the original inspiration for Black Beauty, and the barn a prototype for Black Beauty’s stable. The book was published by Jarrolds in 1877. Philip Sewell died
John Sewell (Miami) in 1912. Built on the highest point in the city, the house was named Halissee Hall from the Seminole word meaning "New Moon." Sewell wrote a self-published autobiography entitled "John Sewell's Memoirs and History of Miami, Florida". It included an appendix describing his witnessing the attempted assassination of president-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933. The book is valuable as a primary source of information on pioneer days in Miami. He is buried in the Miami City Cemetery. John Sewell (Miami) John Sewell (July 20, 1867 in Georgia – December 1, 1938 in Miami, Florida ) was the third Mayor of