J. M. Johnson was a merchant in late 1800s Jonesboro . He was a partner in the Johnson Berger Company that sold groceries, appliances and farm equipment. In 1896, He married Waughlie Matthews and they bought the house. They added the turret and a new wing. In 1926, Johnson's daughter , Cynthia, married Herbert Sanderson. They lived in the house until 1957. Herbert served as Mayor from 1953 to 1966. He also served on the city council from 1974 to 1992. A swimming pool was added in 1953. After the Sandersons moved out, the house served as a tea room, a gift shop and home to a rock and roll band. In the early 1970's , nephew Herb, moved back into the house and began an extensive renovation. He moved to Little Rock in 1982 and Herbert moved back into the house until it was purchased in 1991 by Dave and Connie Davidson. They removed the asphalt siding and painted the house in 4 different colors. They continue to update the home to this day.