John H. Addams was a prominent business leader and citizen in early Stephenson County.
Besides his grist, saw and linseed mill, which became one of the largest in northern Illinois, Addams held positions in banks, railroad companies and was a founder of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1867.
He was active in politics much of his life and was a delegate to the state constitutional convention multiple times as well as serving an Illinois State Senator.
His daughter, Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams, was born in the house on September 6, 1860.

During the 1970s the Illinois Historic Sites Survey noted the house for its significance as Jane Addams' birthplace.

The U.S. National Register of Historic Places noted the house for its significance to industry and politics/government, and added it to its listings on April 17, 1979.
John H. Addams was a prominent business leader and citizen in early Stephenson County. Besides his grist, saw and linseed mill, which became one of the largest in northern Illinois, Addams held positions in banks, railroad companies and was a founder of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1867. He was active in politics much of his life and was a delegate to the state constitutional convention multiple times as well as serving an Illinois State Senator. His daughter, Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams, was born in the house on September 6, 1860.
During the 1970s the Illinois Historic Sites Survey noted the house for its significance as Jane Addams' birthplace.
The U.S. National Register of Historic Places noted the house for its significance to industry and politics/government, and added it to its listings on April 17, 1979.
John H. Addams Homestead