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The original owner and builder of the home was E.B Hawkins, who was Sheriff of Fayette County from 1905 to 1909. It is believed that Sheriff Hawkins used prison labor for its construction.
The home was sold in 1920 to Dr. J. E. Coleman, founder of the Fayette Hospital. It was his intent to use the home to house soldiers of WWI who has contracted tuberculosis. This was not in the best interest of the community, or at least to the few who chose to buy the property back from Dr. Coleman at his original investment of $20,000. This transpired in July of 1920 and the home was resold to its third owner, Mr. V.S. Veasey, who was a coal operator and used the home as a summer residence.
The fourth owner and very prominent local Judge by the name of C.W. Dillon purchased the home in the late 1920’s. Extensive remodeling was done at this time to the home, including the addition of an elaborate curved staircase which lends grace and elegance to the home.
Following the death of Judge Dillon, the house went on the market for the fifth time in the late 1930’s. It was at this time the house was purchased by William Ballard, a retired General Manager for McKell Coal Company, in 1941. After the late Mrs. Ballard passed away, the son moved out and left the home vacant for several years. The house being vacant took a heavy toll upon the structure. Finally in May 1988, the property was purchased by Cleon and Jane Vosler, who restored the home back to its original state. The house was nominated for the National Historical Register and approved January 18, 1990. Today the White Horse is operated and owned by Kenneth and Jennifer Allen.
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