Carols Lattin (1813-1876) is credited with being the first permanent settler (at age 22) in Sycamore in 1835. He lived in log cabin on State Street, at the current location of Stomp Shoes (307 W. State Street) with his wife and children for ten years.

Note: Materials are for educational purposes only.

Fourth Grade

Core Curriculum: C.C.4.R.1.7 Integration of Knowledge and Ideas: Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g. in charts, graphs, diagrams) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding ofthe text in which it appears.

Illinois State Social Studies Goal: 16.A Understand events, trends, individuals and movements shaping the history of Illinois, the United States and other nations. Apply the skills of historical analysis and interpretation.

District 427: Identify important people and events in the history of Illinois (Sycamore) and describe their impact on modern day Illinois.

1. Why did Carls Lattin chose Sycamore as the location to built his first house?
2. Why type of home was built in 1835?

1. Show the picture of Carlos Lattin.  Allow students time to read the newspaper articles (see download)about Carlos and create a character sketch of Carlos Lattin.
2. Read the description of the first permanent home built (see download).  Allow students time to sketch what they think the house would have look like based on that information.  Once they are finished, show them the drawing of Carlos Lattin’s house and compare their drawings to the actual house drawing.
3. Extend the activity by identifying five items that could have been found in the house in the 1800s.  Share and discuss items students identify.

Students can write one–paragraph biographies of Carlos Lattin.

Sycamore True Republican, March 4, 1931
Sycamore True Republcan, March 2, 1901