Born in Orange, J.O. Sims (1874-1961) rose from clerk to board chairman during his long career with the First National Bank. He married Mary Alberta Spooner (1879-1948) in 1899 and built this residence in 1902. Originally located one block from this site, the house was enlarged in 1919. Its simple style contrasts with the ornate mansions built by wealthy lumbermen. The Sims family owned the house until 1977, when it was moved here. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1979