THE building was one of the early mansions in Canton. It was built in 1857 by Judge William Kellogg, who was a famous personality during the Civil War years. He was a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln and campaigned for him during the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates. It has been reported that Lincoln stayed in this house on the night of August 17, 1858, following a speech in front of the courthouse in Lewistown, where Judge Kellogg also made a speech following Lincoln's address and invited him to stay in his newly built home before continuing to Peoria the following day.

In 1864 the home was purchased by William Parlin and his wife, Caroline Orendorff Parlin, who was the founder of the agricultural implement factory known as the P&O Company, later known as the International Harvester Company..

In 1927 the home was bought from the Parlin Estate by John L. Murphy, from whom the name Murphy Memorial Home originated.

In 1946 the funeral home was purchased by Ralph J. Sedgwick. His son, Richard Sedgwick, joined the business in 1972. Richards son, Ralph P. Sedgwick, joined the family business in 1994 and is currently the owner. The business is now known as Murphy-Sedgwick Memorial Home.

Although the home has been remodeled several times, the original identity of the house has been preserved. Features such as the walnut staircase, high ceilings and bay windows date back to the elegance of yester years.