825 Vine Street
The Edgar Sleppy House
Asking price: negotiable

If you are interested in this property please call Travis and/or Matthew Unzicker at (816) 273-7094.

This residence was home to Edgar Sleppy and his family. According to research done by the current owner; Mr. Edgar Sleppy was a locomotive engineer of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad from July 1858-1861. This would have been during the time that the Pony Express was in operation. Although Edgar was not the one that delivered the first load of mail, he may have had a part with subsequent deliveries to the Pony Express. In 1862 Edgar drove the first passenger train into Saint Joseph, Missouri and later he was the engineer on the first locomotive to cross the bridge over the Missouri River into Kansas. Later he would work for St. Joseph and Rock Island Railroad for eighteen years. Outside of work Edgar was a Vice President and an original stock holder of the St. Joseph Steam Company, which in its time was, “one of the most creditable industries in the city”. Edgar was also a member of the firm of F. Davis & Co. and was a member of the St. Joseph school board for two terms. On his certificate of death his occupation is listed as being County Judge. Edgar was a family man as well, he married Miss C. Balentine and together they had six children.

The 1872 builders list that was a supplement to the St. Joseph Morning Herald, January 1, 1873, it is believed that the prominent local architect E. Eckel was responsible for the design of this residence and that it was built by R.K. Mien. Eckel is accredited with a “frame residence for Ed. Sleppy, corner 12th and Olive streets, one story, with French roof, cellar.” The home is Second Empire style with its signature mansard roof with multiple dormers. From the outside you can see the beautiful bay window, decorative panels, and detailed carvings. The Edgar Sleppy House is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Most of the exterior work has been completed, however the original 2/2 double hung windows will need to be restored or replaced. The interior has been completely gutted by the current owner. The original staircase is still intact and adds to the historic charm of the home. All the electrical, plumbing, HV/AC will need to be new. Please note that City permits must be obtained for the above repairs. A licensed electrician and plumber must complete any and all the electrical and plumbing work described above. Before this building can be occupied, a certificate of occupancy must be obtained from the city. The following requirement only applies to property owners who plan to sell or transfer the property. Before a property can be legally transferred and the new deed recorded, a transfer of ownership form must be completed, signed and notarized by the new owner. Transfer of ownership forms are available in the Property Maintenance office upon request, call (816) 271-5343 or e-mail me at sdesplanques@ci.st-joseph.mo.us.