The Mealey family made numerous additions to the house throughout the latter 19th century, and later owners added a large wing to the east.

The Tobias G. Mealey House stands in seclusion on a thickly vegetated hill on the outskirts of Monticello's historic core.

Later owners added a full wing to the east, which contained a garage and antique shop at the time of the house's National Register nomination in 1976.

[2] Mealey invested in several businesses, including a sawmill, two factories, and a general store, helping to grow Monticello's economy.

He forged connections with other influential Minnesotans, selling land to Thomas Lowry for a summer home and becoming close friends with railroad magnate James J.

As a wedding gift, the Mealeys gave the couple a large lot next to their own, upon which Susan designed the 30-room Rand House as a summer home.