Originally a one-story home built by Simon and Maria Merritt, this was remodeled in 1895 by T. B. Ragan, who added the second floor and architectural details. It has recently been completely renovated and is one of the most imposing houses in Hawkinsville.
National Register of Historic Places
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown 
My great grandfather, the original Ragan owner, lived there with his wife, daughter, and son, my grandfather. He brought his younger brother up from the farm and educated him. The brother eventually became a judge there. Upon my great grandfather’s death, his brother took possession of the house with his wife and 5 daughters, referred by our family as ‘the girls’, none of whom ever married. He moved my great grandmother and the 2 children to the house out back, where she eventually died of t.b. Not long after he took possession of the house, there was a fire in the records room at the courthouse and all papers detailing true ownership mysteriously were burned up. Around 1972, while visiting georgia, my family went to the house, where the last sister lived. I was able to see some of the first floor. The last sister would not let us see very much, and certainly not her father’s office. But what I did see was so beautiful! I must say, it’s beautiful. A dream of mine to one day own the house, as it was considered my family’s. Tragic story behind the beauty. One note, the brother would not let my great grandmother be buried with my great grandfather in the family burial area. She rests near it, but not with the rest of the Ragans.
This is my dream home! I absolutely love to ride by and look at it. I would love to know what the inside looks like.
HI BRIAN, THIS IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. I BELIEVE THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPOSING HISTORIC HOMES IN GA. MAYBE EVEN FURTHER. THANKS FOR GIVING US A CHANCE TO SEE SUCH A LOVELY HOME. WENDELL