Kentucky native William Johnson Winniford (1827 - 1915) came to Texas as a Peters Colonist in 1845. After participating in California's Gold Rush, he returned and homesteaded 320 acres here in 1853. He married Sarah Allen Lewis in 1865. Their son, John L. (1870 - 1946), and his wife Emma L. Batchler (1875 - 1973) built the house in 1913, reared 4 children, and raised corn, cattle, and cotton. Designed by John's brother Andrew, the prairie school style house features a foursquare plan with a large hipped roof, dormers, and distinctive multi-light windows. The house and farm complex remain in the Winniford family.