Almon Benedict Home

Built in 1853, this National-style house, located within the Pottawatomie Park area of St Charles just north and outside of the current historic district boundary, is believed to be the oldest home within that area. 

The first owner, Almon Benedict, purchased the site (Ward Add block 39 lot 8) from Lorenzo Ward for $50 in 1852, then secured a loan from the Trustees of the School of Tp 40 R8 for $65 to begin construction of the home. It is believed Almon was a teacher at the time within the Tp40 R8 school district. Almon began construction in late 1852, completing the project in 1853 to accommodate Almon, his wife Harriet, and their first child, Albert, born in 1853. 

In 1854, Almon purchased the neighboring lot (Ward Add block 39 lot 7) from Mr. Ward for another $50; however, in 1855, he sold the home and lots 8 & 7 to Samuel Flint for $600, paying his original $65 loan in full. Having profited from the sale of the home, the Benedict family moved to Aurora for their final days. 

It is believed Almon continued teaching in Aurora and their family expanded with the births of Frank in 1857 and Lena in 1859. Almon died in 1888. Harriet died in 1864.