The Village That Volunteers Built
MURRAY HOUSE
The Murray House, built in 1842, is listed in the Library of Congress as a historic landmark. An original member of Joseph Naper's settling party, John Murray purchased the house in 1850 for his son Robert. The house originally stood in the center of town on North Main Street. The Murrays lived and worked in the modest home. They played hosts to Stephen Douglas when he came to campaign in Naperville in 1856. Records also show that Murray served as one of the solicitors in the celebrated Burch divorce case, which brought nationwide attention to Naperville in 1860. After being moved three times as a residence, it was eventually moved to Naper Settlement on July 27, 1971, for its permanent home. Ironically enough, the house received central heat for the first time as a museum building. It has never had plumbing although used as a residence until its final relocation. |
Martin
Mitchell Mansion |
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