The abstract for the property shows that Richard Young acquired the property in 1860. The Springfield Directory of 1863 lists, "Young, Richard, bricklayer, residence 92 South Seventh Street". It should be noted that the numbering of houses was altered greatly a few years after this. In the directory of 1869, Mr. Young is listed "West side of 7th between Jackson and Market" (Capitol street was formally known as Market street). In the Springfield Directory of 1873 Mr. Young is listed, "3rd house south of Market west side of 7th". Finally, in the Springfield Directory of 1875 it is stated, "Young, Richard, American hotel owner, Contractor and builder, residence 413 South 7th Street".

In 1897 this home was purchased by Mr. James M. Graham. Mr. Graham, who served as State's Attorney of Sangamon County, a three term congressman, and private law practitioner, lived in this home until his death in 1945. Mr. Graham was president of the Civic Garden Club of Springfield from 1924 to 1940, during which time the club founded Lincoln Memorial Gardens on the southeastern shores of Lake Springfield. A photograph of Mr. Graham and others responsible for the founding of Lincoln Memorial Gardens hangs to this day in the Nature Center building at Lincoln Memorial Gardens.

The home has six fireplaces and is totally original inside including the walnut newel post and banister, as well as the staircase, fireplaces, library bookshelves, and even the original doors, trim, door knobs, picture rails, and hardware.

The home now has a post office street address of 413 South Seventh Street, is situated on lots 12 & 13 in Block 2 of Elijah Iles addition to the City of Springfield, which was platted on June 22, 1836. The home of Abraham Lincoln is located on lots 7 & 8 in Block 10 of this same subdivision, which now has a post office street address of 430 South Eighth Street.

The subject of a total restoration in 1988 - 1989, this property was the first in Springfield to receive the Landmark designation by the Springfield Historic Sites Commission and the Springfield City Council. The home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior in 1989. The home has only had four owners since it was built.

Wolter, Beeman & Lynch would like to thank the current and past Mayors and administrations of the City of Springfield, the Springfield Historic Sites Commission, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the Springfield Preservation Association, noted historic preservation contractor, Tom Bundy, and Sister Agnes Clare Graham, O.P., for their sound advice, and efforts in preserving this building for future generations to enjoy.

Click here for ealiest known photograph in which the house appears.