McHENRY COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION LANDMARK

This house was built by John James who came to settle here in 1842 from New Hampshire. John James was one of the first 12 founding members of the Baptist Church of Greenwood. He was also active in township politics and was the road commissioner during the 1850's. In the 1860's James was the "overseer of the poor". This house is thought to have been part of the Underground Railroad due to its kitchen trap door and hidden stairway in the basement. Although this house has some Greek Revival features, due to its layout and symmetry, it is considered to be of the Georgian architectural style. It is made out of brick with 12 inch thick walls.