64 S.CRYSTAL STREET
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
64 S. Crystal Street was built around 1884 for Lieutenant Eugene Lynch and his wife, Margaret Batters. Eugene was born in Ireland in 1833 (Irish church records and Eugene's death certificate note the year 1833, although his gravestone indicates 1836) and immigrated to the United States with his father, Timothy, and his mother, Catherine Hogan and his siblings, William F., David, Mary Ann, Catherine, Theresa and John. The Lynch family settled in New York for a short period of time before moving to Elgin around 1848. Catherine passed away shortly after arriving in Elgin leaving Timothy a widower. He remarried on July 31, 1856 to a Ms. Ann Ryan.
The Lynch family was quite notable for their efforts in the Civil War. Eugene was a 1st Lieutenant to Company A in the 58th Illinois Infantry. His brother, William, was promoted to Brevet Brigadier General and his younger brother, David, was a Captain in Company I of the 58th Illinois Infantry.
Eugene married Margaret Batters around 1867 and had six children including Timothy, Mary, Theresa, James, Eugene, Jr. and Robert. Eugene, Jr. served in WWI. Eugene, Sr. passed away in 1902 leaving the home to his wife. Margaret moved to Chicago shortly thereafter while renting 64 S. Crystal Street until her passing in 1916.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
This home is a Gable-Front-and-Wing type with Greek Revival style influences. The main entrance typifies the Greek Revival residential façade, having an off center entry and two first floor two-over-two double-hung windows stacked with three second floor windows of the same configuration. The window sizes and proportions are also typical of the Greek Revival style. The entryway has a simple entablature with a sidelight, transom and front entry door.
TIMELINE OF PREVIOUS OWNERS
Sources: Find a Grave; Audio: TextAloud