Eli Sims l(Feb. 1, 1776 - Sept. 14, 1862) was a White County farmer, educator, road commissioner, and county trustee. He established the first cotton gin in the county. He served also as the chairman of the White County Quartely Court. He was born in Larne, Ireland and settled in White County in 1810. This house was built in 1810 and is believed to be the first brick house in the county. He married Rachel Townsend in 1807, and they raised 12 children. Sims is buried in the old Zion Cemetery. This house is located at the intersection of the Old Smithville Highway which runs parallel to US70 (TN26) and the Old Kentucky Rd. (TN136) west of Sparta