[1] The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places not only for its architecture, but for its family's importance in the founding and development of Paintsville.

In 1843, John Stafford, the original owner of the house, helped establish the city of Paintsville.

[2] Then in the 1930s, the Stafford family sold most of their 1,000 acres (400 ha) farm to the city, doubling it in size.

[2] Although the home was originally built for John Stafford, it was named for his son who accumulated his father's property after he died in 1869.

In 2003, the state of Kentucky offered a $200,000 grant to the city of Paintsville in order to help with the purchase and restoration of the historic home.