Allen Miller House
Allen and Clarissa Miller had their house built shortly after purchasing this double lot in 1855 for $650. They and their three young children shared the house with Clarissa's brother, James Keys, and his wife. At the time, Miller was a prosperous leather dealer, as well as a dealer in stoves and tinware. James Keys was a Deputy United States Marshal.When the house was built, it had a two-story section facing Eighth Street, and a one-story kitchen wing with a south-facing full length porch off the back. The appearance of the front porch has yet to be determined.
The Miller family moved out in 1864 and sold the house to James Keys, for $3,500. Mr. Keys, in turn, sold the house less than a month later for $3,800.
The National Park Service acquired the house in 1978. Funding has been requested to completely restore the exterior to its 1860s appearance. The interior will be used as office space.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Sprinfield - Lincoln Home National Historic Site series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mary Lincoln's Circle of Friends (a few steps from this marker); Julia Sprigg House (a few steps from this marker); Politics in the Neighborhood (a few steps from this marker); Sarah Cook House (a few steps from this marker); The Underground Railroad in Lincoln's Neighborhood (a few steps from this marker); Economic and Ethnic Diversity in Springfield (a few steps from this marker); Jesse K. Dubois House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln's Home Becomes a Shrine (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 596 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 15, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
