I I II' I i' ' ' ■ ' ' I 'i J| I . hi . i . ! ! I ! ! M ii'iM ', ,1,1 i' 1 1 I 1,1 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 189I BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE Cornell University Library NA7238.N55H16 Old Newburyport houses, comp 3 1924 015 356 714 ^ OLD NEWBURYPORT HOUSES COMPILED BY ALBERT HALE PUBLISHED BY W. B. CLARKE CO. BOSTON, MASS. i' I - I (; .-. t 'i V PREFACE This collection of views is intended to show some specimens of the houses built in Newburyport during the period when it ranked as one of the principal shipping and commercial centers of the country — near the time of the American Revolution and during the early part of the nineteenth century. In addition a few of the older seventeenth century houses are included as types of the simpler dwellings of that period. In making the choice of subjects selection has been limited to those buildings which are still in a reasonably good state of preserva- tion and which, so far as possible, have retained their original design. As demonstrating the great importance of the shipping business of Massachusetts at the time in question, statistics show that in the year 1804, probably for the only time in history, the duties collected in this State exceeded those of any other state in the Union, not excepting New York. The following year, 1805, marked the height of Newburyport's commercial prosperity, when its customs receipts were the third largest of any port in New England, probably ranking seventh in the United States, and its imports for a single month were valued at $800,000.^ In this same year there belonged in Newburyport one hundred and seventy-three merchant vessels of the larger type, such as ships, brigs and schooners, besides many sloops not enumerated. Newburyport was likewise very extensively engaged in the building of vessels, it being reported that there were one hundred ships under construction at one time.- Here were built the continental frigates " Boston," " Hancock " and " Alliance " and the sloops of war " Merrimack '' and " Wasp." ° At a later date many of the swift clipper ships were built here, including the famous " Dreadnought," one of the fastest in the world. As further evidence of the maritime prowess of the inhabitants it is stated, in a memorial to Congress, that during the War of the Revolution there was fitted out from this port a fleet of twenty-four privateers which captured one hundred and twenty vessels and over twenty-two hundred men, these vessels with their cargoes being sold for $3,930,000.'' In the short career of the " Wasp," mentioned above (May-November, 1814) she captured thirteen English vessels, sinking twelve and sending one to port.^ By the census of 1800 Newburyport was the third largest town in Massachusetts and, including the Town of Newbury of which it was formerly a part and with which it has always formed one social and business community, its population was exceeded only by that of Boston. To illustrate the relative standing of Newburyport among other important communities, at this period, a quotation is given from a published letter of Timothy Dwight, former President of Yale College, who made a series of extensive tours through New England and New York for the purpose of study- ing the country and the people. After his visit to Newburyport, about the year 1800, he wrote : " The houses, taken collectively, make a better appearance than those of any other town in New England. Many of them are particularly handsome. Their appendages, also, are unusually neat. Indeed an air of wealth, taste and elegance is spread over this beautiful spot with a cheerfulness and brilliancy to which I know no rival." After more remarks concerning the commerce of the city and the manner of life of its inhabitants he concluded, " Upon the whole, few places, probably, in the world, furnish more means of a delightful residence than Newburyport." " With the exception of the old historic houses, which are scattered through the book, the following views commence in the north end of the city and follow, in a general way, toward the south. The records of transfers of ownership have been taken from the Essex Comity Registry of Deeds. ALBERT HALE. Newburyport, December 1, 1912. 1 "History of Newburyport," by E. Vale Smith, p. 159. 2 "History and Present State of the Town of Newburyport," by Caleb Gushing, pp. 82-85. 3 "History of Newburyport," Vol. I., by John J. Currier, pp. 449, 453, 603. 4 "Newburyport Herald," December 4, 1832. 5 "History of Newbury," by John J. Currier, p. 624. 6 "Travels in New England and New York," Vol. I., by Timothy Dwight, pp. 439, 440. INDEX Atkinson-Little House 36 Bartlet-Atkinson House 16 Doorway 17 Hallway, first floor 18 Hallway, second floor 19 Bartlet-Porter House . 64 Hallway 65 Bass-Whitney House . 5 Bradbury-Spalding House 24 Doorway 25 Brewster-Coffin House 40 Chase House, fireplace 59 Coffin House 21 Cushing House 44 Doorway 45 Cushing-Bachman House 57 Cutler-Bartlett House 27 Doorway 28 Dalton House 29 Doorway 30 Hallway, first floor 31 Hallway, second floor 32 P'ireplace 33 Davenport-Greeley House 56 Davis House 26 Dole-Little House 58 Emery House 6 Gerrish-Hills House . 60 Greenleaf-VVood House 43 Hale House 2 Jackson-Dexter House 11 The same in 1801 12 Johnson House 63 Johnson-Griffin House 20 Knapp-Perry House, garden 61 Little House 1 Lowell-Johnson House 8 Doorway 9 Hallway 10 Lunt-Shepard House . 50 Moseley House, hallway 13 Fireplace 14 Moulton House 41 Garden 42 Nelson-Wheelwright House 46 Noyes House 4 Pettingell-Fowler House 15 Pierce-Little House 55 Pike-Coffin House 23 Sawyer-Hale House 3 " Sewall Place " 22 Short House 47 Doorway 48 Fireplace 49 Stone House 39 Storey-Waters House . 62 Tilton House 34 Titcomb-Raymond House 37 Fireplace 38 Toppan House 7 Tracy House, fireplace 35 Wheelwright House 54 Wills-Richardson House 51 Doorway 52 Wyman House 53 " Dreadnought," Merchant-ship . 68 " Merrimack," War-ship 67 LITTLE HOUSE, 306 HIGH STREET In 1780 Jacob Coffin bought this land of his father. Benjamin, with no mention of buildings, and in 1792 sold it, with " dwelling house and other build- ings," to Jacob Little. It has been claimed by some that this house was built by Mr. Little, himself, although as just shown there was a comparatively new dwelling house already on the land when he purchased it. Jacob Coffin until 1792 Jacob Little and family 1792-1878 Hannah M. (Mrs. Simon) Armstrong and heirs 1878-1888 Augustus H. Minchin and heirs 1888-1891 Eliza J. (Mrs. Elbridge K. ) Batchelder 1891-present time. in D I SAWYER-HALE HOUSE, 281 HIGH STREET This lot of land was occupied by Stephen Sawyer soon after 1700, the present house having been built by his descendants, probably in the latter part of the eighteenth century. In 1831 it was bought of the heirs of Enoch Sawyer by Josiah Little, passing in 1864 to his widow, Sophronia, and in 1872 to her sister, Lucy (Mrs. Ebenezer) Hale. It is now the home of the latter's lineal descendant, lames W. Hale. m w. m u^- ■| f~'' 1 1 1 % p ■ J ^3 hi 0) D o I < I DC UJ >- < 0) NOYES HOUSE, 6 PARKER STREET. (NEWBURY) This house is believed to have been built by Rev. James Noyes about 1646, having remained continuously in the hands of his descendants. ms^a 111 U) D I m hi > o z BASS-WHITNEY HOUSE, 22 TYNG STREET This land was bought in 1806 by Edward Bass, by whom the house was then built, remaining in the hands of his son, Edward, until 1858. A life interest was then inherited by Thomas H. Whitney, cousin of Mr. Bass, the property passing in 1864 to his son, James E. Whitney, and other children. It is now the home of Susan S., widow of James E. Whitney. til U) D o I >- 111 z H I < EMERY HOUSE, 252 HIGH STREET It is believed that this house was built prior to 1796 by Thomas Coker, being sold by his widow in 1805 to Amos Atkinson in whose family it remained until 1827. It was then bought by Flavius Emery and is now owned by his son, Rev. Rufus Emery. Ul (/) o I >- 111 TOPPAN HOUSE, 15 TOPPAN STREET This house was built in 1820 by Enoch Toppan for his son, Edward, being now the home of the Misses Toppan, daughters of the latter. lij U) D o I z < a. O H LOWELL-JOHNSON HOUSE, 203 HIGH STREET The land in this estate, together with that belonging to the Jackson-Dexter house, on page 11, was bought in 1771 by John Lowell and Jonathan Jackson. This house was then built by Mr. Lowell of whom it was bought in 1778 by Patrick Tracy for his son, John, who occupied it until 1809. It was then bought by Eleazer Johnson, being now the home of his lineal descendant, William R. Johnson. llJ U) o I z o (/) z I o j -I 111 § _l Doorway of the Lowell-Johnson House shown on the previous page. LOWELL-JOHNSON HOUSE Hallway in the Lowell-Johnson House shown on page 8. UJ (/) D O I z o en z I o —1 -j _l hi o 10 JACKSON-DEXTER HOUSE, 201 HIGH STREET The land in this estate, together with that belongmg to the Lowell-Johnson House, on page 8, was bought in 1771 by Jonathan Jackson and John Lowell. Soon afterward this house was built by Mr. Jackson and the land divided. After Mr. Dexter's death, in 1806, the dwelling was occupied l)y various persons, for some time being used as a tavern. On the following page is a picture of this house during Mr. Dexter's occupancy. Jonathan Jackson until 1795 Thomas Thomas and heirs 1795-1798 Timothy Dexter and heirs 1798-1852 Elbridge G. Kelley 1852-1874 Emily A. (Mrs. George H.) Corliss 1874-1897 Mary B. (Mrs. Alexander) Johnson and heirs 1897-1902 Nathaniel G. Pierce 1902-1909 George P. Sargent 1909 Mrs. Katherine Tingley 1909-present time. UJ U) o I a: ill I- X 9 2 O U < 11 JACKSON-DEXTER HOUSE, SHOWN ON THE PREVIOUS PAGE, DURING THE OCCUPANCY OF TIMOTHY DEXTER. SELF- STYLED " LORD DEXTER " The images on the posts were carved in wood, standing on pedestals about fifteen feet high. The three figures over the middle arch were of George Washington, Thomas Jefiferson and John Adams. In addition there were those of Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Alexander Hamilton and other prominent statesmen. Numerous animals were likewise represented and in the garden were the figures of Adam and Eve. o 00 Ui 0) D O I a: UJ H X UJ Q Z o en < 12 HALLWAY IN THE MOSELEY HOUSE, 166 HIGH STREET The land for this house was bought in 1792 by Abner Wood who subse- quently built a dwelling, similar in appearance to the Pike-Coffin House on page 23. In 1819 the house was bought of Mr. Wood by Ebenezer Moseley and is now the home of his lineal descendant, Charlotte M. (Mrs. Arthur C.) Nason. MOSELEY HOUSE 13 Fireplace in the Moseley House shown on the previous page. MOSELEY HOUSE 14 PETTINGELL-FOWLER HOUSE, 164 HIGH STREET This property was bought in 1792 and the house built soon afterward by John Pettingell, passing in 1828 to his son-in-law, Edward S. Rand. From the latter's family it was bought in 1863 by Jacob A. Balch, being subsequently occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Moses H. Fowler, imtil her death, in 1909, when it was left to the Historical Society of Old Newbury. u 0) D o I q: _i o Ll UJ z 1- I- UJ 15 BARTLET- ATKINSON HOUSE, 3 MARKET STREET William Bartlet bought this land in 1797 and built the house a few years later, it is believed in 1804, for his son, Edmund, who occupied it until his death, in 1833. The house has remained continuously in this family and is now the home of Mr. liartlet's lineal descendants, the Misses Atkinson. William ISartlet's own residence is shown on page 64. iLl (/) D o I z o z < LI _l I- < m 16 Doorway of the Bartlet-Atkinson House shown on the previous page. BARTLET-ATKINSON HOUSE 17 Hallway in the I'lartlet-Atkinson House, shown on page 16. This hallway opens clear from the ground floor to the ceiling of the third floor. The second floor of this same hallway is shown on the following page. BARTLET-ATKINSON HOUSE 18 Secoiul flu(ir of the hallway, shown on the previous page, in the Bartlet- Atkinson House. This view shows the dividing ^' construction in the landing of the lirst flight of stairs and its repetition in the second flight on the third story. BARTLET-ATKINSON HOUSE 19 JOHNSON-GRIFFIN HOUSE, 140-142 HIGH STREET This land was bought in 1807 and 1808 by Isaac Adams liy whom the house was subsequently built. Isaac Adams until 1828 Richard W. Drown 1828-1832 NORTHERLY HALF Ruth (Mrs. George) Jenkins 1832 Miss Mary Jenkins and heirs 1832-1868 Eliphalet Griffin and heirs 1868-present time. SOUTHERLY HALF Ruth (Mrs. George) Jenkins 1832-1833 Samuel Boardman 1833-1834 Jacob W. Pierce 1834-1835 Elizabeth (Mrs. Nicholas) Johnson and heirs 1835-1897 Eli Lamprey and daughter, Mrs. Charlotte M. Nfoyes 1897-1908 Mrs. \'irgilyn D. Hobbs, relative of Mrs. Noyes 1908-i)resent time. 20 COFFIN HOUSE, 7 HIGH STREET. (NEWBURY) This house is believed to have been built by Tristram Coffin, Jr., or by Henry Somerby, his wife's first husband, about 1630. Since the occupancy of Mr. Coffin the house has been continuously in the hands of his descendants. It is probable that the rear of this building was the original dwelling, the jjresent side door being then the front door in the middle of the house. Ill If) D o I u. O u 21 "SEW ALL PLACE," 118 HIGH STREET This land, formerly in the Sewall family, was partially acquired in 1806 by Charles Hodge, a relative, the title being completed at a later date. The house was built by him prior to 1814, being subsequently enlarged with some changes of detail. Charles Hodge and family until 1847 Le Prilette Ingraham 1847-1863 Ellen C. Kane (formerly Staniels) and others 1863-1878 Eliza A. (Mrs. Samuel Bartlett) Pike 1878-1900 Willard J. Hale 1900-1903 Elisha R. Brown 1903-1907 Therese (Mrs. Carl) Fehmer 1907-present time. LI U < _l Q. _l < llJ 22 PIKE-COFFIN HOUSE, 41-43 GREEN STREET In 1806 this land was bought by James Potter who built the house shortly afterward. In 1809 it was bought of Mr. Potter by John Pettingell, passing in 1828 to his son-in-law, Joseph S. Pike, in whose family it remained until 1860. It was then bought by Frederick J. Coffin and is now owned by his daughter, Mrs. Benjamin F. Peach. D X ii. o u 23 BRADBURY-SPALDINC; HOUSE, 28 GREEN STREET The land in this estate was bought in 1786 by Theophilus Bradbury who then built this house, probably prior to 1791. It is now the home of Miss Mary T. Spalding, daughter of Mr. Spalding, mentioned below. Theophilus Bradbury and heirs until 1811 Edward and Josiah Little, successively 1811-1814 Robert Jenkins 1814-1847 Mrs. Hannah K. Johnson and heirs 1847-1876 Mary C. Tappan 1876 Sarah J. V. (Mrs. Samuel J.) Spalding and heirs 1876-present time. UJ U) o I C5 z Q < a. CD >• a: D m Q < tr. 24 Doorway of the BradlxiO'-Spalding House shown on the previous page. BRADBURY-SPALDING HOUSE 25 DAVIS HOUSE, 35 GREEN STREET This house was built by Allen Dodge, it is believed in 1811, the land having been purchased by him in 1807. Allen Dodge until 1824 Parker Roberts and others 1824-1833 Richard W. Drown 1833-1840 Thomas Davis and heirs 1840-1906 James Kiley 1906-present time. LlJ o I > < D 26 CUTLER-BARTI.ETT HOUSE, 32 GREEN STREET In 1782 this house, then in process of construction, was bought from the estate of Jonathan MuUiken by John Babson and completed by him. It was divided as a double house in 1810, as shown below. John Babson WESTERLY HALF Joseph Cutler Nathaniel Bradstreet and heirs Sally (Mrs. Josiah) Bartlett and heirs Miss Alice Brown EASTERLY HALF Joseph Cutler Wm., Elizabeth and Daniel Balch, successively John McCusker and heirs Miss Alice Brown 1782-1786 1786-1810 1810-1829 1829-1907 1907-present time 1786-1829 1829-1864 1864-1907 1907-present time. (/) z> o I H H LlJ _1 H < m i _i I- D U ^J ^ 27 Doorway of the Ciitler-Rartlett House shown on the previous page. CUTLER-BARTLETT HOUSE 2S DALTON HOUSE, 95 STATE STREET In 1746 Michael Dalton purchased this estate and, while there were in- cluded therein a "house and houslins," it is believed that the dwelling now standing was subsequently erected by him. This house is noted for the great number of its distinguished guests. George Washington and John Ouincy Adams have both been entertained in it and many other famous men were frequent visitors. During the residence here of Tristram Dahon, member of the first United States Senate, he also owned, as a country seat, the farm of several hundred acres on Pipe Stave Hill, now the property of William S. Rogers. Michael Dalton until 1764 Tristram Dalton, son of Michael 1764-1791 Moses Brown, his son-in-law, Wm. B. Banister, and other heirs 1791-1880 Frank A. Hale 1880-1887 Charles H. Coffin 1887-1889 E. P. Shaw 1889 Timothy Remick 1889-1897 The Dalton Club 1897-present time. LlJ Ifl D I z o I- _I < Q 29 Doorway of the Dalton House shown on the previous page. DALTON HOUSE 30 Hallway in the Dalton House shown on page 29. DALTON HOUSE 31 Second floor of the hallway, shown on the previous page, in the Dalton House. DALTON HOUSE 32 Fireplace in the Dalton House shown on page 29. DALTON HOUSE 33 TILTON HOUSE. 102 STATE STREET 'J'he land in this estate was bought by Joshua Carter in 1795. The house was subsequently built by him and sold in 1823 to Francis Todd who held it until 18.50. It was then purchased by Enoch Tilton and is now the home of his daughters, the Misses Tilton. LI ^n I z o I- 34 FIREPLACE IN THE TRACY IKjUSI-:, 'M STA'J'E STKIiET This property was bought in 1771 by F^atrick Tracy who then built, for his son, Nathaniel, a brick house similar in appearance to the Cutler- Bartlett House on page 27. In 1791 this house i:)assed from Nathaniel Tracy, through Thomas Russell, to Timothy Dexter who, successively with John Greenleaf, held it until 1800 when it was bought by James Prince. It was subsequently used as a tavern and was sold by the Prince heirs in 1830 to William Manning from whom it was purchased later in the same year by Jeremiah Coleman. After that date the house was held in the families of Mr. Coleman and William Ashby until acquired in 1864 In' tine Trustees of tine Newliuryport Public Library, by whom it was considerably altered for their purposes cn D I > < 3S ATKINSON-LITTLE HOUSE, HANOVER STREET. (NEWBURY) The land in this estate was owned about 1630 by Robert Morse who sold the house and orchard in 1658 to Amos Stickney. Soon afterward the property was apparently acquired by John Atkinson, passing from him in 1702 to his son. Nathaniel. In 1746 the Proprietors of the Third General Pasture conveyed to Nathaniel and Joseph Atkinson a small parcel of land which carried their estate some three or four rods farther north into the Green. In 1770 and 1773 the Messrs. Atkinson, just mentioned, sold their respective interests in this property to John Noyes. The house subsequently passed to the latter's daughter, Abigail (Mrs. David) Little, and is now the home of her lineal descendants, Stephen William Little and Miss Lucy Jane Little. As there appears to have been a dwelling house on these premises from the time of their conveyance in 1658 it is difficult to determine the exact date when the house now standing was built but it was doubtless not far from the year 1700. 36 TITCOMB-RAYMOND HOUSE, 107 STATE STREET This land was bought b)' John Berry Titcomb in 1808 and the house built soon afterward, remaining in his family until 1850 when sold to George Odin. It was bought from Mr. Odin's heirs in 1865 by Lydia N. (Mrs. Curtis B.) Ra\'mond, jiassing in U'07 to hev sister. Miss Hannah 1!. Osgood. UJ (fl D I D Z o s >- < a: th U H H 37 Fireplace in the Titcomb-Raymond House shown on the previous page. TITCOMB-RAYMOND HOUSE 38 STONE HOUSE, 132 STATE STREET In 1804 this land was bonght by William W'oart who built the house a few years later. It is now the home of the Misses Stone, daughters of Eben I", Stone, mentioned below. \\'illiam W'oart until 1817 Ebenezer Moseley 1817 John Ualch ' 1817-1818 Nicholas Johnson, Jr., and heirs 1818-1837 Enoch Moody and heirs 1837-1844 Ebenezer Stone and heirs 1844-1875 Eben V. Stone and heirs i87.5-present time. ?1'^ iLl 0) D o I 111 z o H in BREWSTER-COFFIN HOUSE, 96-98 HIGH STREET The -land included in this original estate was bought in 1806 by Samuel Tenney and John M. Noves. The house was subsetiuently built on the northerly portion belonging to Mr. Tenney who in 1822 acquired the adjoining land of Mr. Noyes and in the same year sold the northerly half of the house, as shown below. Samuel Tenney until 1822 NORXniCRLY HALF Hector Coffin 1822-1836 Phineas Farker and heirs 1836-1830 James H. Adams 1850-1851 Philip Johnson 1851-1855 First Presbyterian Society, as parsonage 1855-1872 Thomas Sparhawk and heirs 1872-1887 Carrie P. (Mrs. Leonard W . ) Coker 1887-1889 Frances E. (Mrs. Charles H.) Coffin 188''-present time. SOUTHERLY HALF Samuel Tenney 1822-1832 Stephen Tilton 1832-1834 Charles J. Brockway 1834-1835 Stephen Tilton 1835-1836 Joseph P). and William Hervey. successively 1836-1839 Charles T. James 1839-1846 Moses Davenport, Jr., and heirs 1846-1853 Joshua Aubin and heirs 1863-1886 Rudolph Jacoby 1886-1887 Elizabeth LeR. (Mrs. Charles) \\'ills 1887-1894 Frances E. (Mrs. Charles H.) Coffin 1894-19% Ruth E. (Mrs. Allen M.) Rrewster 1906-present time. D o I ll. o u 01 hi H 5 m 40 MOULTOX HOUSE, 8')-'n MICH STREET The land in this estate was purchased b\- juseph Moultun and his son, WiUiam, in 1809. The house, built b_v t'ntni soon afterward, has remained con- tinuously in this faniih' and is now the hmie of their lineal descendants, William IMoulton and Edizabeth C. M. (Mrs. Ernest H. ) Noves. i ^ LiJ cn 3 o I z o I- _l D o 41 Old garden in the rear of the Moulton House shown on the previous page. is-v MOULTON GARDEN GREENLEAF-WOOD HOUSE, 87 HIGH STREET This land was acquired bv Ebenezer (ireenleaf, Jr., in 1795 and the house built a few years later, believed to have lieen in 1799. It remained in this family until 1839 when bought bv Albert Wood, being now the home of his daughter, Miss Mary L. Wood. Ill U) D I Q $ < UJ _i z LI LI q: 43 GUSHING HOUSE, 94 HIGH STREET In 1808 William Hunt bought this land and built the house soon afterward. In 1818 the northerly half was purchased of his widow by John N. Gushing and in 1822 the southerly half, the entire house having subsequently remained in the latter's family. It is now the home of his hneal descendants, Lawrence B. Gushing and Miss Margaret W. Gushing. hi U) D I o z I en D U 44 Doorway of the Gushing House shown on the previous page. GUSHING HOUSE 4S NELSON-WHEELWRIGHT HOUSE, 92 HIGH STREET This land was bought in 1801 by Stephen Holland who subsequently built the house which is now the home of Mrs. Henry B. Wheelwright, widow of Dr. Wheelwright, mentioned below. Stephen Holland until 1824 Green Sanborn 1824-1829 John Harrod 1829 Sarah W. (Mrs. Joseph) Marquand 1829-1832 John Wills and heirs 1832-1837 Richard Fowler 1837-1839 Mary (Mrs. Jeremiah) Nelson and family 1839-1886 Henry B. Wheelwright and heirs 1886-present time. LU U) D I I _j Lii LU I z en _i UJ z 46 SHORT HOUSE, 6 HIGH STREET. This land was purchased by Nathaniel Knight soon afterward. In 1836 and 1868 respective per bought by Abigail, wife of Moses Short, soldier of being still the home of his daughter, Miss Ruth I. Nathaniel Knight William Brown and John Brown, jointly Jonathan Moulton and John Brown, jointly Nicholas Pettingell, Jr., and John Brown, j NORTIiER^.^' HALF Nicholas Pettingell, Jr., and heirs Abigail (Mrs. Moses) Short and heirs SOUTHF.RLV HALF John Brown John Stickney and heirs John O'Brien Joseph Kent and heirs Daniel S. Tenney Henry W. Moulton Joseph H. Smith Abigail (Mrs. Moses) Short and heirs (NEWBURY) in 1717 and the house built tions of this property were the American Revolution, it Short. until 1733 1733-1766 1766-1767 ointly 1767-1768 1768-1836 1836-present time 1768-1769 1769-1805 1805-1815 1815-1853 1853-1867 1867 1867-1868 1868-present time. U) D o I H O I 0) 47 Doorway of the Short House shown on the previous page. SHORT HOUSE 48 Fireplace in tlie Sliort House shown on page 47. UJ U) D o I H tr O I 49 LUNT-SHEPARD HOUSE, 79 HIGH STREET This house was in process of construction by Enoch Thurston at the time of his death, in 180.^, and was comjjleted by Edward St. Loe Livennore. It is now the home of Mary C. (Mrs. Edward O. ) Shepard, daughter of Mr. Lunt mentioned below. Enoch Thurston and heirs until 1805 Samuel Newman 1803 Edward St. Loe Livermore 1803-1811 Robert Foster 1811-1813 John Dean 1813-1834 George F. Pearson 1834-1838 Micajah Lunt and heirs 1838-present time. 50 WILLS-RICHARDSON HOUSE, 71 HIGH STREET This land was bought by Abraham Wheelwright in 1806 and the house built soon afterward, being now the residence of George W. Richardson. Abraham Wheelwright until 1813 Peter LeBreton 1813-1825 John Wills and heirs 1825-1892 Hetta L. (Mrs. Albert C.) Titcomb 18Q2-1908 Alice M. A. (Airs. George W.) Richardson 1908-present time. Ill U) o I z o o a: < I u £ in 51 Doorway of the Wills-Richardson House, shown on the previous page. This porch, although added subsequent to the construction of this dwelling, was designed from one believed to have been built at the same period as the house in question. WILLS-RICHARDSON HOUSE 52 WYMAN HOUSE, 8 ORANCiE STREET In 1793 this land was bought by Richard Toppan who built the house prior to 1799 when it was sold to Joshua Toppan. In 1826 it was acquired by the latter's son-in-law, Dr. Samuel W. Wyman, remaining in this family until 1903 when purchased by Willard J. Hale, the present owner. LU IS) D I z < 63 WHEELWRIGHT HOUSE, 75 HIGH STREET The land in this estate was bought in 1797 by Ebenezer Stocker and the house built soon afterward. In 1826 it was acquired by Ann Adams, widow, who married her cousin John Wheelwright, the estate remaining in this family until 1888 when left by will to the Old Ladies' Home. Ebenezer Stocker until 1808 Isaac Adams 1808-1809 Thomas Carter 1809-1824 Caroline S. (Mrs. Stephen H. ) Gomez 1824-1826 Ann Adams 1826-1841 Anna Wheelwright and daughters, Susan and Elizabeth ' 1841-1877 Maria A. Krell (formerly Wheelwright) and family 1877-1888 Society for Relief of Aged and Indigent Females 1888-present time. iLl (/) D o I H I _J UJ liJ I 54 PIERCE-LITTLE HOUSE, LITTLE'S LANE, (NEWBURY) SOME- TIMES CALLED THE "GARRISON HOUSE" AS IT IS SAID TO HAVE BEEN USED AS A GARRISON AGAINST THE INDIANS This estate, originally some four hundred acres, was granted to John Spencer by the Town of Newbury in 1633. It is believed that the stone portion of this house was built by him soon afterward and left in 1649 to his nephew of the same name. During the later ownership of Mr. Tracy, as indicated below, this estate was first occupied as a country seat but later as a permanent home until his death, in 1796. John Spencer and nephew of same name until 1651 Daniel Pierce and heirs 1651-1778 Nathaniel Tracy 1778-1786 Thomas Russell 1786-1791 Nathaniel Tracy and heirs (in exchange for man- sion house on State Street and other property) 1791-1797 Offin Boardman, Jr., and heirs 1797-1813 John Pettingell and heirs 1813-1861 Edward H. Little and heirs 1861-present time. Ill U) D o I LJ _l H H _J Ijj U a: — a. 55 DAVENPORT-GREELEV HOUSE, 78 HIGH STREET This land was bought in 1807 by Anthony Davenport and the house built soon afterward, passing in 1838 to his daughter, Mrs. Samuel T. DeFord. It remained in this family until 1871 when bought by John A. Greeley, being now the home of his children, Lucius H. Greeley and Mrs. John W. Winder. UJ U) D o I >- 111 _l lij 111 cc o H q: O a. z LlJ > < Q 56 CUSHING-BACHMAN HOUSE, 63 HIGH STREET The land in this estate was bought in 1810 by Richard Pike who subsequently erected this dwelling. It is now the home of Mrs. Solomon Bachman and her daughter, Mrs. M. S. Bernheimer. Richard Pike and family until 1838 Roger S. Howard 1838-1846 Solomon Haskell 1846-1849 Caleb Gushing 1849-1868 William Gushing and heirs 1868-1878 Caleb Gushing and heirs 1878-1881 Solomon Bachman and heirs 1881-present time. M , ' t m « M-^ J fl " ll 1 \ 1 i 1 Ult 1 i > ^ • LJ in o I z < 2 I U < m 6 2 I 0) D U DOLl'MJTTLE HOUSE, 78 HIGH STREET. ( NEWBURY) This house is Ijelieved t(j have been built by Richard Dole about 1670, re- maining in this family until 1878 when bought by Francis Little, the present occupant. w^ti UJ ^J)ffi^/ (/) \J^S D ^&M. $'fM I If UJ _i H 1- i ' t*H _I If _l Q v ? . ' '4 58 Fireplace in the house of Robert S. Chase on River Road, West Newbury, similar in construction to the Dole-Little House on the previous page and built at about the same period. D o I llJ < I u 69 GERRISH-HILLS HOUSE, 61 HIGH STREET In 1799 this estate was bought by John O'llrien who subsequently built this house which he sold in 1817 to jacolj Gerrish. Two years later it was reconveyed to Mr. O'Brien but in 1820 it was again purchased by Mr. Gerrish, remaining in his family until 1846. It was then acquired by Nathaniel Hills, being now the home of his son. Dr. fohn M. Hills. Ill w D I U) _l _l I U) IT UJ 60 OLD GARDEN IN THE REAR OF THE KNAPP-PERRY HOUSE, 47 HIGH STREET This land was bought by Benjamin Peirce in 1809. The house, similar in appearance to the Moulton House, on page 41, was then built by Mr. Peirce who occupied it until his death, in 1831. It then passed to his daughter, Mrs. Joseph J. Knapp and other heirs, remaining in this family until 1898 when bought by Georgianna W. (Mrs. Charles F. ) Perry, the present occupant. LI (/) D o I >■ o: a: LiJ Q. Ql Q. < Z 61 STOREY-WATERS HOUSE, 68 HIGH STREET This house was built by Samuel Svvett, it is believed in 1800, the land having been purchased by him in 1799. It is now the home of Mrs. C. E. Clement Waters. Samuel Swett until 1814 Isaac Park 1814-1817 Joseph O'Brien 1817-1823 Charles W. Storey and heirs 1823-1892 Nathaniel N. Jones 1892-1908 Erskine Clement, Trustee 1908-present time. 0) D o X U) hi I- < >- Ul O H U) 62 JOHNSON HOUSE, 35 FEDERAL STREET The land in this estate was bought in 1782 by Nicholas Johnson who subse- quently erected this house which remained in the hands of his descendants until 1876. It was then sold to William H. Huse from whose widow it was purchased in 1900 by Emma F. (Mrs. Jeremiah H. ) Ireland, the present owner. UJ U) D o I z z I o 63 BARTLET- PORTER HOUSE, 13 FEDERAL STREET This property was bought by William JJartlet in 1798 and the house built soon afterward, passing at his death, in 1841, to his daughter, Hannah (Mrs. John) Porter. It remained in this family until 1874 when it was sold to Sewell B. Noyes from whose heirs it was purchased in 1906 by the Roman Catholic Church, being now occupied by Rev. J. L. M. LeVesque. The house built by William liartlet for his son Edmund is shown on page 16. He also gave to his son, William, another brick house of the same style, built about the year 1800 and located at 85 Water Street. This latter house still stands but is now greatly altered and dilapidated. LU (J) D o I cc lli H o a. h- u _i H a: < m 64 A'iew across the top of the stairway in the Bartlet-Porter House shown on the previous page. Complete turning staircases rise from the front and rear of tlie hall extending se])arately to the second floor but connecting on the landings through the arched doorway. BARTLET-PORTER HOUSE 65 As it was from its commerce and ship building that Newburyport derived its early wealth and importance there are shown on the following pages two of the most noted vessels built in this place. The first is a representative type of the war-ship of the Continental period and the second shows one of the fast packets built early in the second half of the nineteenth century, which mark the highest development of the merchant sailing ships of this country. 66 SLOOP-OF-^\'AR, ■• MERRIMACK " For the protection of x^merican commerce during the naval war with France, the sloop-of-war "Merrimack" was built in 1798 by William Hackett, constructor, with \'Villiam Cross, contractor, and presented by a number of Newburyport's leading citizens to the Government, to be paid for at its convenience. This vessel was of four hundred and sixty-seven tons burden, being ninety-two feet long and carrying twenty-eight gims of the nine-pound and six-pound orders.* Her commander was Captain Moses Brown of this port. After serving in the Navy for three years, cruising largely in the West Indian waters where she took part in many captures, the " Merrimack " was converted into a merchantman, under the name " Monticello," and was soon afterward wrecked on Cape Cod.* '"MoscH Brown, Captain U. 8. N.," by Edgar Stanton Maclay, pp. 12;j-19.'l, also "History of N(3wburyport," Vol. I. by John J. Currier, p. 112. u < IT or. u a: < O i o o _l 67 CLIPPER SHIP, "DREADNOUGHT" During the era of the clipper ships many of the most noted were built in Newburyport, including the " Racer," " Highflyer " and " Dreadnought." The most famous of all these was the " Dreadnought," nicknamed " The Wild Boat of the Atlantic." She was built in 1853 by Currier and Townsend and was of fourteen hundred and thirteen tons register and two hundred and ten feet in length, being owned by David Ogden and others of New York.* She was commanded by Captain Samuel Samuels who is authority for the state- ment that she was never passed in anything over a four-knot breeze. f This ship was employed largely as a packet between New York and Liver- pool, making some sixty to seventy passages across the Atlantic. Her best run was to the eastward, February 27 - March 12, 1859, in thirteen days, eight hours, being within seven hours of the fastest record of a sailing ship, made by the " Red Jacket " in 1854.* The " Dreadnought " has been credited with a much shorter passage but it is difficult to substantiate this claim and in his history of the ship contained in " From the Forecastle to the Cabin," Captain .Samuels does not mention such a voyage but particularly refers to the above- mentioned run of thirteen days, eight hours. f After a short career the " Dreadnought " was wrecked ofif Cape Horn in 1869.* *"The Clipper Ship Era," by Arthur H. Clark, pp. 243-247. f'From the Forecastle to the Cabin," by Samuel Samuels, pp. 250, 2.57 I- I o O z D < q: D I U) q: u u . WEBSTER a CO,, PRINTERS. BOSTON,