McConnell Farmstead, Threshing Barn, 6102 Broadway Street, Richmond, McHenry County, IL

STORED ON SITE. mchr
2011 Leicester B. Holland Prize, Entry
Significance: The threshing barn was constructed by a young man from Lycoming County, Pennsylvania named William Alexander McConnell who was the first documented European settler of Richmond Township, Illinois. Proficient at carpentry, McConnell constructed his log home in 1838 followed shortly thereafter (circa 1840s) by a hand-hewn threshing barn. He would become a very prosperous farmer and key public figure, holding various positions over the years, such as first Justice of the Peace of the township and county, first Postmaster of Richmond, Associate Judge of McHenry County, and elected Commissioner of McHenry County. He also served one term in the Illinois State Legislature.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N1698
Survey number: HABS IL-1235-A
Building/structure dates: ca. 1840 Initial Construction