Magnolias (The Honeymoon Cottage)

1012 University Ave. Oxford, MS

Circa 1842.

William Harper Smither (1808-1876) constructed his family's home on University Ave. and So. 11th St. The home had two entrances. Smither was married thrice: Eveline R. Neil Smither (1812-1842)(m.1830); her sister Elizabeth R. Neil Smith (1820-1860)(m. 1843); and Sallie J. L. Hull Smither (1831-1898)(m.1861). He was a clerk of the LaFayette Co. Probate Court in 1839. Smither had a plantation north of Paris, MS.

By 1851,  the Nabors family John W. and Isabell Nabors purchased it for their daughter, Isabelle Gean “Jennie” Nabor Standifer (1857-1937) who wed Leonidas Calmit Standifer. It became the “honeymoon cottage” and was called as such locally. She became the first teacher of English Writing at the University of Miss. ???????She resided there until about 1872.

In 1905, it was purchased by (Sophia Rebecca) Mary Pegues (1874-1944), the widow of Nicholas T. Pegues (1865-1934). Nicholas’ brother, Thomas E.B. Pegues bought Ammadelle. Both were wealthy planters. In 1848, magnolia trees were planted with the home and are the largest in the area. The home also acquired a second name as Magnolias.

Nicholas’ sister, Lottie Pegues White, married a wealthy planter and landowner from Tunica named Zachery Taylor White. They had a daughter, Lottie Vernon White. Her daughter Lottie Vernon White Turnbow (1906-1965) wed Guy Nicholson Turnbow (1908-1975) and lived at Magnolias. The latest generation to enjoy the residence.