This Greek Revival House was built for Dr. Edwin and Elizabeth Hansford about 1840 at 719 Farmer Street.  

The house sits well above Farmer Street and was historically called “Hansford’s Hill.” In January 1846, Hansford was the secretary of a committee of Vicksburgers who, according to the Vicksburg Daily Whig, were requesting that the mayor and council “receive and entertain the Mayor and Council of Jackson, and the Governor and members of the Legislature of the State on their visit to this city next Saturday,” and that “captains or commanders of the two volunteer companies of this city be requested to call out their companies as an escort for the reception of our distinguished visitors.”  

On February 24, 1863, the Whig reported that “Considerable excitement was created here on Sunday, caused by the firing of the enemy’s gunboats at the mouth of Yazoo River. The Courthouse hill, ‘Sky Parlor,’ and Hansford’s Hill were covered with people, the majority of whom thought the ‘rebel’ gunboat Mobile, Arkansas No. 2, or Magnolia, had come out of the Yazoo and attacked the enemy’s fleet at the mouth. It turned out, however, that the Yankees were only celebrating the 22nd of February — the anniversary of Washington’s birthday.”

Tradition holds that the Hansford’s house was occupied after the surrender of Vicksburg by Captain Finkler and that he allowed the family to occupy half of the house with him. He may also have repaired shell holes in the roof.

We have been unable to find any information about Dr. Hansford except what was written in his wife’s obituary on June 15, 1885. The Vicksburg Post reported “Mrs. Hansford was the widow of Dr. Edwin Hansford, who passed away many years since, deeply lamented as one of the ablest of the young physicians then rising among us to distinction and fame.”  

Elizabeth was born in Sussex County, Virginia in 1812 and her father, Capt. James M. Smith, was one of the pioneer settlers of Mississippi, coming here in 1828. The Vicksburg Herald reported that “her life of late years has been more or less one of trial, as she lost an ample competence by the financial troubles of the war. She has been one of the most remarkable women of her generation. Her entire life has been one of utter unselfishness. She always looked to the comforts and pleasures of others, never once considering herself. Charitable and generous beyond her means, she would work to be able to bestow on others comforts of which she deprived herself.” 

The Hansfords had one daughter, Susan “Susie” Marshall, who lived in the house with her mother, and continued living there following her death. She also lived part of the time at her husband’s plantation at Smith’s Station in Hinds County; he was a planter. The Marshalls had three children – Lizzie, Thomas (died at age 1), and T. Dabney. In 1902, Susie moved out of the house and it was subsequently sold to William and Mary Miller. William was a saloon owner and wholesale liquor dealer and then a planter during prohibition. 

The Miller’s daughter, Barbara Cunningham, lived here, presumably after her husband died. She continued to live here after her parents died. Barbara died in 1986, but the house had already been sold to Jimmy and Iris Cunningham. Jimmy was the production supervisor at Crouse Hinds.  The house continues to be a beautiful structure on Farmer Street.  

Nancy Bell, Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation.