96-23 DESIGNATING A LANDMARK - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chapter 31 "Landmarks and Historica! Dlstricts" 4. Criteria for Designation of Landmarks and Historic Districts. a)tt has characber, irrterest or value as part of the developmerrt,heritage or cultural charac�eristics of the City of Decatur.Courrty of Macon,Stabe of Illinois..... Built in 1840, it(the Montgomery House]was the first home in the area outside of Decatur proper. TF►e Morrtgomery House, as iYs commonly known, was one of three Decatur homes cited by the city's first Centennial Recognition Program The program , recogn�zes busmesses, �ommeroial buildings and homes that are at least 100 y�rs o1d. The other two homes are the Haworth House, 437 W.North Street(1863)and the Miller House at 453 S.Webster Street(buift beM�een 1870 and'1880). [Note to Kathy... I don't think the Miller House still exists.] The formal front section of the house was built by the first Moritgomery owner in 1885. This may've represented a 50th anniversary gift to his wif�e Amel�a Suver, as they were married May 26, 1836. [Source: "House is long a home"article from Decatur Herald 8,Review (inGuded wl application)] c)It is identified with a person or persons who significarrtiy ccMributed to the developmertt of the City of Decatur,Courtty of Macon,State of 111inois... A member of the Morrtgomery family owned and occupied the white farm house at the southwest comer of West Mound and North MacArthur Roads from �856 to'1993. Prior to 1856 the land was owned by Philo Hale who gained tdle April 1, 1837, from the USA, Martin Van Buren, President. According to The Historv of Macon Courrty (Smith) Mr. Hale owned as much, if not more land, in Macon County ihan anyone else. He induced others to came to Macon County by publishing glowing accounts of the rolling prairies, rich soil, etc in eastem newspapers. Another book, H+storv of Macon Countv INmois With Illustrations states that Philo Hale's death v�ras the first recorded in Milam Township. After Mr. Hale died the property was managed by the executors of his estate uritil January 1, 1856, when W.F. Montgomery purchased"forty acres more or less,"including the homestead"for a consideration of$1000." William F. Morrtgomery was bom Janua 7, 18 �in Vir inia. He moved �Y � 9 to Macon Courrty in 1835 and mamed Rmelia Suver May 26, 1836. Mr_ Montgomery also owned sections 8 8 9 in Austin totimship as of 1858. He held the office of Hickory Poirrt township supenrisor in 1866 and 1867. By the time of his death William F. Morrtgomery had acquired a signficarrt amourrt of property in Macon Courrty. He left ower 1000 acres to his seven children. Sources: • Abstract of Montgomery Hills Subdivision . Historv of Macon Countv Illinois With lllustrations, Brink, McDonough&Co(Philadelphia 1880) . Historv of MaconCounty, Illinois From IYs Orpanization to 1876, John W. Smith (1876) . Citv of Decatur and Macon Countv. Illinois. Nelson, Pioneer Pub6shmg(Chicago 1910)