This house, built around 1906, replaced several earlier buildings on the site. It appears that the structure was built for investment purposes for Herman and Ida Knirihm. There were numerous tenants from 1906 up until the mid-1930s, when James F. and Irene Russell family moved into the east side of the house at 705 East Market. One of their daughters, Mary A. Russell, purchased 705 from Ida Knirihm in October 1949.

James was a retired employee of the Southern Railroad and the family were members of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, located directly across Market Street. Irene died in April 1952 and James continued to reside here until his death in September 1957. Mary remained in the house until shortly before her death in September 1987.

The west side of the house, 703 East Market, was purchased at the same time the Russells purchased their half. It was bought by Catherine "Tinny" Read Agnew, daughter of Arthur G. and Lillie M. Read. The Read family had moved into the home around 1940. After the marriage of "Tinny" to George "Tooter" Tinius in 1952, the couple came to live in the house, and remained here until July 1987.