Beyond famous figures: valuing ordinary house history

4810 Iowa Street, Clayton, Indiana.

When researching historic homes, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking they only matter if they were owned by famous figures. This makes sense—some of America’s most well-known homes belonged to historical giants. Think of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and the Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate. While these landmarks are undeniably important, we shouldn’t let them overshadow the historic homes in our own communities.

Local historic homes matter not because they were owned by presidents or business moguls, but because they tell the stories of everyday people—people much like us. These homes reflect the daily lives, struggles, and triumphs of ordinary families who shaped the places we live today.

A historic home in Clayton, Indiana

A client’s home in Clayton, Indiana, is a perfect example of why ordinary house history matters. The home, located at 4810 Iowa Street, was built in 1880 by the Acton family—Aaron, Amanda, and their daughter, Glenrose.

Aaron Acton was a Civil War veteran who endured captivity at Andersonville Prison, one of the war’s most notorious POW camps. He was a carpenter by trade, ran a sawmill north of town, and was also a respected undertaker. Many local families entrusted him with the care of their deceased. In addition to these businesses, Aaron and Amanda owned a small parcel of land adjacent to to town that they farmed. Glenrose Acton grew up studying music, taking classes at both Central Normal College in Danville and Butler University in Indianapolis. She would go on to become a music teacher, marry, and settle in Danville.  

The Acton family on the porch of their home, c. 1890. From left to right are Glenrose Acton, her dog Juno, Amanda Hall Acton, and Aaron Acton. Photo courtesy of Megan Miller.

A changing home through the years

After Aaron’s death in 1905, Amanda and Glenrose sold the home to Alvin and Sara Woodward. While Sara raised three sons, Alvin operated a grocery and dry goods store in Clayton. By 1915, the home’s original Italianate design had fallen out of style, so the Woodwards remodeled it, shaping much of its current appearance.

The home became a gathering place for the Craven-Baker family reunion, an event celebrating descendants of early Hendricks County settlers William Craven and Jane Barker. Between 1909 and 1917, the home hosted six reunions, sometimes welcoming over 150 attendees!

The Woodwards were also involved in local politics, with Alvin making multiple runs for office before serving as Hendricks County Clerk. In later years, the home changed hands multiple times and was eventually converted into apartments.

Why does this house matter?

What’s so special about this house's history? Nothing, really. And that’s the point. The families that once inhabited it were ordinary citizens. They served their country, raised children, worked and contributed to the local economy, hosted family gatherings, did house renovations, and led pretty regular lives.

Today, the home is owned by the Miller family who are working on restoring it and converting it back to a single-family residence. Their work ensures that this historic home continues to tell the story of everyday life in Clayton, Indiana. Interested in researching your own historic house? Learn how tax records and Sanborn maps can help you.