In the United States, historic structures are at risk for ultimate demise in today's built environment. Across the country, groups and individuals are fighting for the preservation and restoration of some of the buildings crucial to the history of this young country. Most of these structures at risk for loss were built between the mid- to early 1800s and the early 1900s. At the same time, families with grounded United States' roots are searching for genealogical clarity—when and how did their ancestors arrive in America. Over the last several years, a very personal interest in both of the above topics began increasing. With influence within the doors of the College of Architecture and Planning, as well as the Honors College, research became more and more crucial to understanding these topics. It is with this awareness that I began to search for answers within my own family. In this thesis, documentation is provided to better understand and justify the historic importance of two family homes built roughly between the years of 1830 and 1880.