History of the Butterfield Mansion

A Home With History

Butterfield Mansion isn’t just a venue – it’s a story. Built by a loving groom in 1908 and occupied over the years by doctors, artists and designers, the mansion has been creating happy endings since its beginning. In 2017, Jeff and Stacie Cross rescued the decaying landmark and transformed it into the masterpiece you see today. Their careful restoration preserved the original charm while adding touches that appeal to modern tastes.

Charles Butterfield

1910-1918

Charles S. Butterfield was a successful lumber baron whose life and legacy helped shape southwest Mississippi at the turn of the 20th century. His wealth and influence grew out of the lumber industry, particularly through his role in developing the mill town of Norfield, which was named by combining the surnames of its founders. At its height, Norfield was one of the most productive lumber centers in the state, complete with its own schools, businesses, and municipal government. Butterfield served as the town’s first mayor, embodying the classic industrial leader of the era—part businessman, part civic builder—whose fortunes were tied directly to Mississippi’s vast pine forests.

Butterfield’s personal life, however, profoundly influenced the next chapter of his story. His first wife, May, tragically died during childbirth, leaving Charles to raise their five children. Years later, he remarried Vivian, and the couple welcomed one daughter together. Vivian did not wish to live in the rural, isolated environment of a company mill town, and it was largely for her that Butterfield decided to build a grand home in downtown Brookhaven. This decision marked a turning point—from frontier industry toward refinement, stability, and social life—and led directly to the creation of what would become the Butterfield Mansion.

Constructed between 1910 and 1912 (depending on the source), the Butterfield Mansion was built at an astonishing cost of $75,000 (nearly $1,400,000 today), with no expense spared. Artisans from New Orleans were brought in to carve the intricate interior and exterior moldings, while local lumber—symbolic of Butterfield’s own industry—was used throughout the structure. The home was designed in the Greek Revival style and immediately stood out as one of the most magnificent residences in Brookhaven. One of its most striking features, the grand staircase, was inspired by the ship Charles and Vivian traveled on during their honeymoon, blending personal memory with architectural drama. A common misconception is that the mansion was once part of a plantation; in truth, it never was. From the beginning, it stood proudly within town limits and has been a crown jewel of downtown Brookhaven since its completion.

Sometime after 1918, as the lumber era waned and Butterfield transitioned away from Mississippi, the family sold the home and moved to Florida. Over the decades, the mansion has changed hands several times, yet it has endured with remarkable presence and grace. Today, the Butterfield Mansion stands not only as a beautiful architectural landmark, but as a living reminder of Charles S. Butterfield’s journey—from the rise of Norfield and the lumber boom to a legacy anchored in craftsmanship, family, and the heart of Brookhaven itself.

- The Titanic sank in April 1912

- World War I started in 1918

Dr. Harry P. Hannon

1928 - 1949

Dr Hannon was the 2nd owner of the mansion. Dr. Harry P. Hannon was born in 1896 in New York City and later relocated to Brookhaven, Mississippi, where he built a life that blended family, medicine, and controversy. He married Christine Mason in 1938, and together they raised four children. By the late 1920s, Hannon had firmly planted himself in Brookhaven, becoming a well-known and unconventional figure in the community. He died in 1949 at the age of 52 after a prolonged illness, passing away in his home on Storm Avenue and being buried in Enterprise Cemetery in Lincoln County.

He created an ointment called Hannon’s Rub that many swore had “magical healing powers,” said LCHGS President Tammie Brewer. People would travel from miles around to visit the doctor and purchase his miraculous salve, she said. Controversy and litigation would surround Hannon regarding his ethnicity and whether he was licensed to practice medicine. He was vindicated before his death in 1949 at the age of 52. His obituary on Find-A-Grave listed survivors as his wife, Christine Mason Hannon, and his four children — Dorothy, Robert, Harry and Sarah.

Hannon is best known for his role as an alternative medical practitioner, commonly referred to by locals as the “Indian Doctor.” Though he used the title “Dr.,” he was not a licensed physician in Mississippi. In 1928, he purchased the grand Edgewood mansion (now widely known as the Butterfield Mansion) and converted it into both his residence and a live-in treatment facility. Patients reportedly stayed in the home for extended periods while undergoing his holistic and spiritual healing methods, which blended folk remedies, herbal treatments, and alleged psychic or hands-on healing practices.

His work drew both admiration and suspicion. Many patients believed Hannon had helped them when conventional medicine failed, crediting him with remarkable recoveries. At the same time, local physicians and the Mississippi State Board of Health viewed his claims skeptically, emphasizing that he lacked formal credentials and disputing rumors that he performed surgical procedures. While he operated in a legal gray area and was closely monitored, there is no record that he was formally shut down, suggesting a mix of limited regulation and strong community support during that era.

After his death, Hannon’s reputation evolved into local legend. His time at the Edgewood mansion became a defining chapter in the property’s long and colorful history, contributing to its reputation as one of Brookhaven’s most storied homes. Today, Harry P. Hannon is remembered not for academic achievements or published work, but as a symbol of early-20th-century folk medicine—an enigmatic healer whose life sits at the crossroads of belief, skepticism, and Southern lore.

David Lovell

1950 - 2013

David S. Lovell (1926–2013) was a prominent Brookhaven, Mississippi figure best known for his decades-long stewardship of the historic Butterfield Mansion at 412 Storm Avenue. This grand Greek Revival residence – locally known as “Edgewood” – became Lovell’s home and passion from the mid-20th century onward. A local artist, interior designer, and antiques connoisseur, Lovell poured his talent and energy into preserving the mansion’s elegance. He personally cared for the property for over 50 years, ensuring that the once-fading landmark remained one of Brookhaven’s most celebrated homes.

Born and raised in Brookhaven in 1926, David Lovell grew up in a family with deep local roots. He developed an early love for art and design, reportedly possessing a gift for portrait painting, though he ultimately chose to apply his creativity in his hometown rather than pursue an art career elsewhere. After finishing at Brookhaven High School in the 1940s, Lovell stayed in the community and established himself as a talented decorator and businessman. By the early 1950s, he had gained a reputation for his eye for color and historical style, which would soon serve him well as the savior of a local architectural treasure.

In 1956, at only thirty years old, Lovell purchased the Butterfield Mansion (Edgewood) for a modest $25,000 (nearly $295,000 today). The mansion – a 19-room showplace built in 1911–1912 by lumber baron Charles S. Butterfield – was in need of care after years of change and even alteration during the 1940s. Lovell embarked on an ambitious restoration, determined to return the home to its former grandeur. Notably, he rebuilt the mansion’s iconic columned portico that had been removed by a previous owner, custom-ordering massive columns from New Orleans in the late 1950s to faithfully restore the façade. Over the next decades, Lovell invested heavily in maintenance and improvements (by his own estimate, several hundred thousand dollars), treating the Butterfield Mansion as both his residence and a living piece of Brookhaven history.

Lovell’s stewardship turned the mansion into a vibrant center of the community’s social life. He operated Edgewood as a boutique bed-and-breakfast and opened its doors for countless weddings, receptions, dances, and civic events. Generations of Brookhaven residents remember attending celebrations under the home’s grand chandeliers and on its sweeping grounds, thanks to Lovell’s generous hospitality and flair for event hosting. He lived and worked at the mansion for nearly six decades – truly “making his living on the house” by sharing it with others – until his passing in December 2013. David Lovell’s dedication to preserving the Butterfield Mansion left an enduring legacy: he saved and enhanced one of Brookhaven’s most storied homes, ensuring its history and elegance would continue to inspire the community well beyond the mid-20th century.

Stacie & Jeff Cross

2017 - 2025

Jeff Cross and Stacie Cross are the passionate stewards behind the modern success of Butterfield Mansion. They share a deep appreciation for history, hospitality, and community. Their combined vision and hands-on leadership have played a vital role in preserving the mansion’s legacy while transforming it into one of Brookhaven’s most sought-after venues for weddings, portraits, and special events.

Stacie Cross is often the heart of the Butterfield experience, working closely with couples and clients from the earliest planning stages through the final moments of their event. Known for her attention to detail and warm, personal approach, Stacie ensured every wedding and gathering feels both seamless and meaningful. Her dedication to client relationships and thoughtful coordination has earned Butterfield Mansion a reputation for professionalism, trust, and unforgettable experiences.

Jeff Cross focused on a full restoration of the property, helping guide Butterfield Mansion as both a historic landmark and a thriving business. Under his leadership, the mansion has expanded its offerings while maintaining the integrity of the home and grounds. From large-scale weddings to intimate photography sessions, Jeff’s commitment to quality and preservation ensures the mansion continues to shine for future generations.

Jeff and Stacie Cross have elevated Butterfield Mansion into more than just a venue — they have created a destination and kept history. Their success lies in balancing the grandeur of a historic Greek Revival mansion with the modern needs of today’s events. Through care, consistency, and a genuine love for what they do, the Crosses helped Butterfield Mansion become a place where memories are made and traditions begin. Jeff and Stacie later moved to Georgia to be closer to their family, while leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to shape the mansion’s story.

Hunter Long

2026 - current

Hunter Long purchased the mansion on New Year Eve 2025. He is a software engineer from Southern California.