This early Fitzgerald landmark was originally the home of Shepherd Green “Shep” Pryor, (1861-1952). Mr. Pryor was a native of Sumter County and a pioneer settler of Fitzgerald, coming to the community in January 1901, and soon thereafter built this fine Queen Anne home. He raised a small patch of sugar cane on the property for many years. Mr. Pryor’s son, James Jarratt Pryor (1895-1980) was the co-founder and longtime editor of the Fitzgerald Herald and later, the Fitzgerald Herald-Leader, as well as Fitzgerald postmaster from 1940-1964.

Mr. Pryor’s daughter, Elizabeth Pryor Persons (1891-1986) and her husband, Claude Cutts Persons, Sr.,(1886-1969) later owned the house. Their son, Claude, Jr., (1926-1999) remained here after their deaths. He was a local character well-known for his work at the post office.