"In Search of Abolitionist Gideon Young"



February 14, 2009

Small artifacts found in and around the home were sent to the local university in January for identification.  Archaeology students this semester will be learning about identifying artifacts through this project.  The homeowners are excited about the opportunity for students to have a hand's-on experience in identifying artifacts taken from a local site.  Work continues on investigating the history of the original homeowner and subsequent homeowners and occupants of the home, especially those occupying the property during the time of the Underground Railroad operation in St. Charles.  More to come!

Marian Boveri
Real Estate Consultant for Historic Homes
847-308-2424 Cell


November 21, 2008

The 606 Cedar Street home, landmarked as the "Young/Marsden House", remains an integral part of St. Charles' early history.  It is imperative that the archaeological investigation  of this home moves forward and be uncovered utilizing research methodology that adheres to the standards established by "Archaeology and Historic Preservation:  Secretary of Interior's Standards and Guidelines" published in the Federal Register 48 (190), 1983.  Therefore, in the best interest of this project, I have contacted a local university professor; and, he along with an assigned graduate student have begun the research on the Young/Marsden House.  This research will help uncover the history of this home and its place in the development of St. Charles.  I remain excited about this project and the public's learning about the role that this home and St. Charles played in history and the Underground Railroad. 

Marian Boveri 
Real Estate Consultant for Historic Homes
847-308-2424 Cell


November 10, 2008

Research continues on the project.  The planned Roundtable discussion was not held due to personal obligations of the team members which did not allow for the holding of such a session at this time.  Check back for further updates on this project shortly. 

Marian Boveri
Real Estate Consultant for Historic Homes
847-308-2424 Cell

August 8, 2008

Mr. Muhammad began an initial investigation of  the property in late July.  Initial site work was done including pictures taken of the site in its present state and  plans  made as to how to properly excavate  the back-filled dirt of the space, sift through its contents, and store for later reference.  Original chimney bricks, circa 1837, said to have been manufactured in Elgin were recovered from the back yard and put into the basement for further reference.  Original hand-hewned timbers used as support for the windows, dating from circa 1837, were also recovered from the back yard and put into the basement to examine at a later date.

Interestingly, some masonary workers doing restoration work on the Miller homestead, circa 1840, came over to let us know that there were some bricks taken down from the home and were awaiting trash removal.  We recovered some of these bricks for future reference as the Miller's were the second owners of this property, purchasing it from Gideon Young around 1838.  The Miller's briefly lived in the Young/Marsden house before moving into their home on Main Street.

Investigation of the Young/Marsden home will continue as scheduling allows.  Please check back for further updates. 

Keep in touch!

Marian Boveri
Real Estate Consultant for Historic Homes
847-308-2424 Cell

July 11,2008

Research continues on the Underground Railroad in Kane County.  We have interviewed an ancestor of an Underground Railroad Station Master from Jericho Corners (in present-day Sugar Grove).  Through these interviews, we have been able to identify the location of at least 3 station house locations and traveled on the road where slaves were transported in a horse drawn wagon into Aurora.  Interestingly, according to this ancestor, the slaves traveled along the same road that Abraham Lincoln was seen traveling when he passed through the area.

In regards to the Young/Marsden House in St. Charles--we are currently awaiting word from the owner as to when ASRI can conduct a preliminary excavation of the possible safe-house enclosure for runaway slaves in the basement of  the home.  Special equipment has been ordered to aid in the excavation of the interior space where we hope to find trace evidence of human activity.  We must remember that the significance of this property is also contained in the fact that Gideon Young was an abolitionist and probable member of the Kane County Anti-Slavery Society.  Documentation exists to support movement of slaves by this organization.  The Young/Marsden house is a cultural treasure in that it will enhance our understanding of the Kane County Anti-Slavery Society and the movement of the oppressed through the Fox River Valley. 

We are currently seeking funding for this project, including a grant application for funding for an archaeological field school utilizing the Young/Marsden house as part of archaeological explorations.  We have also met with the Illinois Humanities Council in Chicago and they are very excited about the project.

The following is an excerpt from an update of ASRI´s activities:

"A roundtable discussion on the Underground Railroad in Kane County is currently being planned by ASRI´s President, Jihad Muhammad, and Fox River Regional Director for Project Genesis, Marian Boveri.  This program is being planned for October with invitations going out to various governmental agencies and private organizations as well as individuals with an interest in the history of the Underground Railroad.  The purpose of the roundtable is to open discussion with these various groups and individuals in an effort to introduce the work we are doing in cultural heritage tourism development and to begin the gathering of information to assist us in our investigation of Underground Railroad history in this region and beyond.  Plans for a fully-supported Symposium in 2009 are also underway as well as grant proposals being submitted in hopes of funding support for this endeavor."

I will be utilizing my website www.ThisLooksLikeHome.com for updates on this project until a website is officially put up. Visit my website and click on "Underground Railroad Project" to receive the latest information regarding this exciting project.

Keep in touch!

Marian Boveri
Real Estate Consultant for Historic Homes
847-308-2424 Cell