Historical Records have been found, dating the Cottage back to 1874, it is possibly older. The research at this time is ongoing and will be updated periodically. Unfortunately, so far I haven't found any photos of the Doyles. The first occupants were two men, possibly brothers, John and Timothy Doyle. The Alton City directory lists them as laborers. John Doyle is listed in the Naturalization and Intentions of Madison County, Illinois. Therefore, I believe he was an Immigrant that settled in Alton and soon brought other family members by the names of Timothy, Mamie, Patrick, Walter, Mary H, Catherine. Catherine being the widow of John, the others being Brothers and Sisters.

     Not all lived in the home at the same time, but thanks to the Alton City Directory I know that in the year of 1891-1892 four people lived in this little cottage which was smaller than it is now, because it has had additions.

    It seems the last Doyle to own the property was Mary H Doyle, single and unmarried who passed it on to the Metzler family in 1953. I have not yet found any death records, which at this point leads me to believe they may have moved to other towns, possibly St Louis.

     The Doyle family appeared to be Simple Folk, Laborers, Domestics. People who helped to build Alton. They worked in companies like; Illinois Glass Works, Hapgood Plow Company, Alton Steam Laundry, these companies are long since gone. The Doyle's came to America, the Great Melting Pot, to Alton for a Better Life for Themselves

                          

***Doyle Cottage  - 2006- has Received Good Citizen Award, "Pride Eye" from Pride Incorporated. This award is given to properties keeping it neat and clean.