Our History

Built by Elijah Creel (b.1789) and finished in 1820, the house stands on what was once a large tobacco farm owned by the Creel family. Elijah Creel, and his brother Elsey, established the shipping town of Creelsboro located on the Cumberland River in Russell County. Elijah Creel died in 1833 and is buried in the Creel-Taylor Cemetery directly behind the house on adjacent property.

One of his sons, Reuben Creel was appointed U.S. Consul to Mexico (1863-1866) by President Abraham Lincoln. Reuben accompanied another Greensburg local, General Ward, during the Mexican War as an interpreter.

Reuben married Paz Cuilty, a member of a large and wealthy family. One of their sons, Enrique Creel, was a member of the Mexican National Congress (1898-1904), Governor of Chihuahua, became Ambassador to the United States (1907 -1909) and served as interpreter at the meetings of President Taft and Mexican President Diaz.

In 1917, the home was purchased by John Fountain Pendleton and Annie Wilson Pendleton. They moved in on Christmas Eve. “Fount” and Annie had four sons and three daughters: Ima Pendleton, Edward Theo, Fountain Pace, Lt. Col. Robert W. Pendleton, Pauline Moss, Anna Hutchison and Prudence Pendleton Dugins. The home remained in the Pendleton family until it was sold in 2005. Bill and Mary Lou Lingle purchased the property and started a major renovation to restore the house. Mary Lou had always dreamed of living in the house since she was a little girl. The daughter of Dr. Graham, her family lived across the street from the Creel House. The Lingles truly loved their house and took pride in the restoration effort. After their death, Jack Gupton purchased the home and continued the restoration.

Today, the historic Creel House is home to Gupton-Landrum Funeral Home. An addition was completed in 2020 to the rear of the house which contains a foyer and chapel. Our chapel can comfortably accommodate 190 guests and over 250 with the use of an additional room. Gupton-Landrum Funeral Home is owned and operated by Jack Gupton, Col. (Ret) William "Bill" and Justine Landrum. Our goal is to provide exceptional service at an affordable price.

With its large porch adorned with Corinthian columns, the charming round balcony, arched windows and iconic clock mantle, the Creel House has been an example of grand historic architecture and true southern charm for over 200 years, and will continue to be for generations to come.

The Creel House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was deemed worthy of preservation by the Kentucky Heritage Council and the office of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.