1414 N Benton Ave Springfield, MO 65802

This 1907 American Foursquare is a cornerstone of the Historic Midtown community. Built for Elizabeth Stoughton and later owned by Dr. J.I. Evans, the estate gained national significance in 1952 when General Ralph ''Snapper'' Truman hosted his cousin, President Harry S. Truman, for a three-day residency. Original Secret Service wiring remains visible in the back stairwell. The interior features solid mahogany woodwork, coffered ceilings, and oak flooring in a rare diamond pattern. The parlor is anchored by an Italian marble fireplace and an alabaster newel post light sourced from the 1904 World's Fair. Modern living is supported by a chef's kitchen with soapstone counters and a 2-story family room addition with under-floor radiant heat and dual central AC. The .75-acre grounds include three original brick outbuildings, one housing a 2-car garage with a 473 sq ft guest studio above. The hipped roof was recently replaced to replicate the original slate tiles, terra cotta caps, and ridge lines. Historic Provenance & Ownership
Designed with classical details, this 1907 American Foursquare was built for Elizabeth Stoughton, a widowed businesswoman and part owner of the Springfield Street Railway Company. A decade later, prominent Springfield physician Dr. J.I. Evans purchased the home; his engraved carriage step remains on the property today. In 1951, General Ralph "Snapper" Truman, cousin to President Harry S. Truman, acquired the estate. During a 35th Division Army Reunion in 1952, the President resided here for three days. To accommodate the visit, the Secret Service installed dedicated wiring throughout the home, some of which remains visible in the back stairwell. Previous owners include former Springfield Mayor Tom Carlson and current owner Danny Crisp. Architectural Exterior & Grounds
Constructed of cut stone and bronze brick, the home is dominated by a massive 10-foot-deep wraparound porch. The roof rests on Ionic columns with painted terra cotta capitals set upon stone piers. The porch steps, lintels, and sills are all solid cut stone. A matching porte-cochere extends across the driveway. The exterior features wide eaves decorated with modillions and dormers with sawtooth shingle siding. The .75-acre corner lot is enclosed by wrought iron fencing and features a stately manicured garden with wisteria, roses, and hydrangeas. The rear yard contains three brick outbuildings, including the original smallest structure which predates the main house. This includes two detached garages (3 stalls total) and a potting shed adjacent to four raised garden beds. The hipped roof was recently replaced with a system that closely resembles the original slate tiles, terra cotta caps, and ridge lines. Main Level & World's Fair Artifacts
The front room, parlor, and dining room offer an open flow, separated only by colonnades featuring Ionic columns that replicate the exterior design. 1904 World's Fair: The Italian marble fireplace in the parlor and the alabaster newel post light were both purchased at the 1904 World's Fair. The fireplace, originally coal-burning, is now equipped with gas logs. Finishes: All first-floor woodwork is solid mahogany. High coffered ceilings crown the primary rooms, while the oak flooring is laid in a precision diamond pattern. Details: Bronze Czechoslovakian and original brass chandeliers are found throughout the main level. The dining room china cabinet is framed with Ionic columns and topped with an egg-and-dart motif. Chef's Kitchen & Entertaining
The updated kitchen preserves the home's integrity while providing professional-grade utility. Specs: Features soapstone counters, a large farm-style sink, and a stunning end-grain herringbone floor. Appliances: Equipped with a 6-burner Dacor range, food warmer, and stainless KitchenAid refrigerator. Outdoor Integration: A large screened back porch functions as an outdoor extension of the kitchen, outfitted with its own refrigerator, sink, and outdoor grill. Upper Level & Master Suite
The second story features a large hall incorporating three separate staircases: the main central stairway, the back kitchen stairs, and a staircase leading to the third-floor attic. Master Bedroom: A spacious master suite was created by removing and beaming the wall between the two original front bedrooms. This suite includes a private bath and an adjoining dressing room. Guest Quarters: The east bedroom serves as a guest room and provides entry to the second-floor loft. Third Floor: The large attic, featuring three bedroom dormers, has been fully insulated and finished throughout in a beaded wood ceiling. Modern Two-Story Addition & Infrastructure
The original 6x9-foot back porch has been replaced by a large, open two-story family room and loft. Design: The addition features brick-colored stucco, while the roof, eaves, and fascia replicate the original house. Dark pine columns support the loft, which features hand-lathed balusters that echo the mission-style front stairway. Guest Studio: Located above the separate garage, a large 473 sq ft studio apartment/in-law quarters is outfitted with a full kitchen and bathroom. Climate: Southern exposure windows provide garden views. The entire house is heated with hot water, including the addition where radiant tubing is run under the floors. Cooling: Two central air conditioning units service the home. One in the attic serves the second and third stories; a second unit in the loft serves the addition. The original first floor maintains a cool temperature throughout the summer due to the deep, shaded wraparound porch.