Schwarm Cabin

Built in the late 1840s by John and Barbara Schwarm, the Schwarm Cabin stood near Hickory Creek and the Old Loogootee Cemetery. Before local churches were built, the Schwarm family opened their home to neighbors for worship, making the cabin an important part of the area’s early religious life.

Quick Facts

Approximate construction: Late 1840s
Builders: John and Barbara Schwarm
John Schwarm’s birthplace: Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
John Schwarm’s birth date: June 15, 1812
Marriage: October 6, 1842, in Ohio
Land purchase: John purchased land from the U.S. Government for $1.25 per acre
Original location: Near Hickory Creek, close to the Old Loogootee Cemetery, just north of Route 185
Historic use: Family home and early place of worship
Worship gatherings: Held in the home from 1849 through December 1852

History of the Schwarm Cabin

The Schwarm Cabin was built in the late 1840s by John and Barbara Schwarm. John was born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, on June 15, 1812. He later married Barbara in Ohio on October 6, 1842.

After arriving in Illinois, John purchased land from the United States government for $1.25 per acre. The cabin was built near Hickory Creek, close to the Old Loogootee Cemetery, just north of Route 185 at the top of a hill.

When John and Barbara settled in the area, there were no church buildings nearby. From 1849 through December 1852, they invited neighbors who shared their faith to gather for worship in their home.

The Schwarm Cabin is preserved at Kinmundy Log Cabin Village as both a family home and a reminder of the important role private homes played in the religious and community life of early settlers.

Historic Photographs

Preservation and Maintenance

Recent Updates

New photographs and updates will be added here as displays are changed, improvements are completed, or new information about the cabin becomes available.