Colonel Samuel B. Stephens, a lawyer, came with his family to the Florida Territory from New Bern, NC, circa 1836. He assisted in the writing of Florida’s first Constitution and signed the ordinance of secession. The house was originally located in the middle of the block set back from the street, and Stephens’s law office was near the sidewalk. Over the years, at least six people owned the house, and it was moved to the northeast corner of the block. In 1975, Mr. and Mrs. William Lester did a major renovation. The porches were removed, and a new front entrance was created. The house is constructed of solid heartwood and includes its original windows and doors.