The Magoffin House was built by Dr. James Magoffin, Jr. in 1821 and was his home throughout his lifetime. Born in Newry, Ireland, educated at the University of Glasgow, he became one of Mercer's pioneer practitioners and foremost citizens. His son Dr. Montrose Mitcheltree Magoffin and his grandson Dr. Montrose Bovard Magoffin each in turn continued, honored, and exalted their father's profession. After Dr. James Magoffin, Jr.'s death, the house was occupied until 1951 by his granddaughters, the Misses Grace and Jennie Jackson, and in 1951 Miss Henrietta Floyd Magoffin presented it to the Mercer County Historical Society.