The home at 5234 Lyman was originally built by William Sheldon Carpenter & his wife Martha. William was the youngest child of Henry & Martha Carpenter who were among the first settlers in Downers Grove. William was about 38 years old when he and his wife built this home (circa 1892). William was a licensed pharmacist in town and in his store was the long-distance telephone where “one may, if he so desires, speak with anyone in the principal cities of the U.S” per an article in the Downers Grove Reporter 11/28/1895. William was also president of the village board from 1894 to 1896. The Carpenters sold their home in 1905 to Allen & Elizabeth Wheeler and moved with their daughter Nellie to California.
Allan Wheeler was also an early settler in Downers Grove. From New York, he moved with his parents to Downers Grove when he was about 4 years old in 1844. He was a farmer and known for raising “fine Durham Cattle.” His farmland was located near Fairview & 55th. He served as a Private Il Co E, 8th Cavalry the Union Army during the Civil War. He and his wife lived in their house until their deaths. Allan died in 1921 with Elizabeth dying in 1923. He and his wife are buried in Oak Crest Cemetery. They had 8 children, 3 of whom are buried in the Main Street Cemetery.
We congratulate the current homeowners, Stacey & Michael Lane, for preserving the history of their home. Click here to learn more about the Historic Home Program.
