BEVERLY IN 1700 Sidney PerleyBEVERLY IN 1700
By Sidney Perley
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This work was published as a series of articles in the Essex Institute Historical Collections. The
footnotes have been renumbered continuously from beginning to end of the document.
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BEVERLY IN 1700. NO . 1.
By Sidney Perley
This section of Beverly in 1700 includes a portion of the town extending from Horse bridge
on the west to Grover street on the east, a distance of about two and a half miles, and from the
Wenham line on the north to Foster’s corner and Beaver pond on the south, a distance of about one
and a quarter miles, and containing an area of about three square miles. This part of the town was
known the eighteenth century as the upper parish or North Beverly.
The highest and principal hill in this section is Brimbal hill, which was so called as early as
1673. It was called Bramble hill in 1685.
There are several ponds, the largest of which is that part of Wenham lake which lies in
Beverly. It was called Wenham pond as early as1673; great pond in1697; and Wenham lake as early
as 1793. The extensive tract of low land adjoining the southern end of the lake was known as Pond
marsh in 1704.
Beaver pond was known by that name as early as 1642.
Thatch pond was so called in 1688.
Round pond was commonly so called as early as 1709.
Alewife brook was so called in 1702. It was called Elwive brook in 1750; and Alewive river
or brook in 1761. In 1718, where the brook crosses Dodge street, was “ye place Called alwife
brook.”
Longham brook, much of its length being in Wenham, was so called as earlier 1670; and in
1902 it appears on record as Longham or Miles river so called. The section through which it flows
was known as Longham as early as 1656.
The oldest road in this part of Beverly is Conant street. It was in existence when the first
settlers came into this neighborhood. It was called “the country highwaye leading from horse bridge
to John Rayment’s Jun’r,” in 1683; ye country road in 1692; the cross way commonly called the
et
Boston path in 1699; “y Country road y goeth to horfe bridge so Called” in 1706; Boston road in
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1712; ye country road that leadeth from Ipswich to Boston in 1714; “ye Country road comonly
eee
known by y name of y Boston Road” in 1715; “y Country road that goeth from Ipswich to Boston
e
by y way of Horse bridge so-called” in 1716; “the Country road that goeth from the Houfe of Isaac
Hulls Late deceafed to the new meeting House So Called”in 1727; Ipswich road in 1714; the road
leading from the meeting house of the Second parish of Beverly to Ipswich in 1801; the country road
leading from Beverly to Danvers in 1802; the road leading from Beverly to Danvers Plain in 1823;
Money lane in 1834; and was named Conant street in 1838.
That part of Dodge street from Conant to Enon streets is as old as Conant street; the
southwesterly portion of it to Cabot street probably came into use when the ferry was established in
1636; and the northeasterly part from Enon street to the Wenham line, which has been known as
Dodge’s Row since 1777, was laid out before 1684. The southwesterly end was called the country
highway that goeth from Beverly to Wenham in 1699; the road leading from Beverly ferry to Ipswich
in 1788; and the road leading from the Essex bridge to Ipswich in 1798. The middle portion was
e
called ye country road going to Wenham in 1688; “y Country Road that leadeth to Ipfwich” in 1716;
Ipswich road in 1716; the great road in 1784; the main road leading from the Essex bridge to Ipswich
in 1801; and the main county road in 1859. The northeasterly section was called Jebacco road in
1684; the highway in 1691; road from Joseph Dodge’s house towards Chebacco in 1708; the county
road leading from Beverly to Chebacco through Dodge’s Row so called in 1819; the road leading
from Beverly to Essex in 1819; and the road leading from Wenham toward Beverly ferry in 1879.
It was named Dodge street the whole length in 1838.
Enon street was a portion of the original highway in this section, skirting the lake. It was
called the highway or country road in 1673; the country road going to Wenham in 1688; and Enon
street as early as 1882.
Cabot street, running northerly from its junction with Dodge street, was a highway in 1666;
and was called “the towne waye leading from the head of the rayles to Ephraim Herrick’s”in 1683;
ch
the “way w now goeth from Beverly to Ephraim Herrick’s” in 1688; “the highway that goeth from
the head of the Rayles fo called unto the Crofs way Comonly called Boston path” in 1699; “Cornet
etee
Joseph Herrick’s highway” in 1701; “y Country road y goeth from y head of y Railes so Called
e
towards Wenham” in 1706; Beverly town highway in 1714; the town road in 1715; “y Road that runs
ee
into Beverly Town” in 1717; “y public highway leading to Wenham” in 1733; “y Road Called Birch
plain Road” in 1739; a lane or highway which leads from Herrick’s house towards the country road
in 1741; ye town or country road in 1744; the town way which leads from Beverly to Wenham in
1746; the road leading from Mr. Oliver’s meeting house to Beverly ferry in 1788; the road leading
from the meeting house of the Second parish to the Essex bridge in 1798; the road leading to Birch
plain so called in 1808; the road leading to the west part of Wenham in 1823; the main road or
highway in 1834; the road leading to Topsfield in 1840; and was named Cabot street in 1838. This
road has been straightened in two places, as shown on the map. The northerly one was done in 1793,
and the southerly one just before 1845. This part of Cabot street was apparently a road before 1666
only as far north as Ephraim Herrick’s, and was extended later to Wenham town line. At a general
town meeting in Beverly, held March 10, 1684-5, it was
voated that theire should Be a Towne High way layed out from the head of the Rayles and so towards Topsfield
so far as the Bouns of Beverly Doth goe that way upon Condition that wenham men will also alow and lay out a high
way from a place where the above sd way Doth meet with wenham line and so towards Topsfield so far as theire Towne
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goes.
The following return of the laying out of this way is recorded in the Beverly town records:-
Where as wee vnder neamed were fometime deputed chofen and appointed as a Committee by the inhabitants
of our towne of beuerly as will appeare in Beuerly towne Booke of records to Lay out and to rectiffie certaine towne
high ways at seuerall places in faid towne as wee thinke meet ffor cart and drift ways for the benifit use and be hoofe
of our said towne and to make satisfaction vnto any person or perfons ffrom whome we should take Land ffor said
towne high ways with and out of our towne common Land and accordingly wee did on the ffourth of June 1688 lay out
r
a way two pole breadth ffrom the hed of the Raills soe caled by the hows of Beniamen Balch Ju up a long as the way
now lies to the gate of Ephrem Herricks behind the hows of Thomas Herricks: and from thence on a line as the Land
e
will bare it through Epherem Herricks pastur to his other gate line westerly and y towne on the Right hand after wee
are through said Herricks weft gate and so along as trees are marked on the weft fide or end of the now ffields of
Ephrum Herricks and Robert Cue and so along to wenham bridg so called nere the hows of Ephrem Herricks Juner
r
Samuel Corning fE.
Let John Dodg
Leftenet Exercife Conant
Nehemiah Grouer
r
John Louett SE.
John Hill
Essex street is an ancient highway, and was named Essex street in 1838.
Grover Street was a highway in 1806; and was called Grover street as early as 1874.
Nathaniel Rayment Lot. Zachariah Herrick conveyed this lot of land to John Rayment, sr.,
of Beverly, yeoman; and Mr. Rayment conveyed to his son Nathaniel Rayment to Beverly, yeoman,
1
Jan. 15, 1696-7. Nathaniel Rayment owned it in 1700.
John Rayment Lot. This lot of land belonged to John Rayment in 1700.
John Herrick Lot. This was a part of the tract of land sold by John Alford to Henry Herrick
before 1670; and Mr. Herrick died in the winter of 1670-1, having devised it with other land to his
sons Ephraim, Joseph and John. This lot apparently became the property of his son John Herrick,
who owned it in 1700.
Joseph Herrick Lot. This was a part of the lot of land which was conveyed by John Alford
to Henry Herrick before 1670; and Mr. Herrick died possessed of it in the winter of 1670-1. Upon
division of this farm among his sons Ephraim, Joseph and John, this part apparently became the
property of Joseph Herrick, who owned it in 1700.
Stephen Herrick House. This lot was a portion of the tract of land which has conveyed by
John Alford to Henry Herrick before 1670. Mr. Herrick died in the winter of 1670-1; and upon
division of the land among his sons Ephraim, Joseph and John, this part apparently became the
property of Ephraim Herrick. Ephraim Herrick’s son Stephen Herrick built a house upon it in or
about 1692. Ephraim Herrick died Sept. 18, 1693, having in his will devised the land to Stephen.
The lot was then valued at seventy pounds. Stephen Herrick, sr., of Beverly, yeoman, conveyed the
1
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 32a.
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2
dwelling house, barn, orchard and land to William Trask of Beverly Feb. 1, 1719-20; and the house
was probably removed by Mr. Trask the next year.
Estate of Thomas Herrick House. This was a part of the tract of land conveyed by John
Alford to Henry Herrick before 1670, and Mr. Herrick gave it to his son Thomas in or before 1670.
The was a house upon it in 1670. He died apparently without children. The place belonged to his
estate in 1700. Under the provisions of his father’s will, in the lack of issue the title to the land went
to Thomas’ brothers, Ephraim and Joseph, the latter probably acquiring the whole title to it. This
land was in the possession of Rufus Herrick, son of Joseph Herrick, in 1720; and the house was
apparently gone before 1740.
Peter Woodbury Lot. This lot of land was a part of the forty-five acres conveyed, for love,
3
by Roger Conant of Salem, yeoman, to his son Exercise Conant Nov. 20, 1666. Exercise Conant
4
of Beverly, for thirty-five pounds, conveyed it to Peter Woodbury of Beverly, yeoman, April 1, 1690;
and Mr. Woodbury owned it in 1700.
Samuel Herrick Lot. This lot of land was a part of the forty-five acres conveyed, for love,
5
by Roger Conant of Salem, yeoman, to his son Exercise Conant Nov. 20, 1666. Exercise Conant of
Beverly, yeoman, for forty-eight pounds and thirteen shillings, conveyed it to Samuel Herrick of
6
Beverly, tailor, Dec. 28, 1692. Mr. Herrick owned the lot in 1700.
Cornelius Baker Lot. This lot of land was probably part of the forty-five acres conveyed by
7
Roger Conant of Salem, yeoman, to his son Exercise Conant Nov. 20, 1666; and it belonged to
Cornelius Baker in 1690 and 1700.
William Dodge Lot. This lot of land was the property of William Dodge, jr., in 1666, and of
Capt. William Dodge in 1690 and 1700.
Jonathan Baker House. This lot of land was part of the forty-five acres conveyed, for love,
8
by Roger Conant of Salem, yeoman, to his son Exercise Conant Nov. 20, 1666. Exercise Conant’s
daughter Abiah married Joshua Wallis of Beverly, cordwainer, June 1, 1691, and a house was built
upon this lot, in which they lived. Exercise Conant of Beverly, yeoman, conveyed the land to Mr.
9
Wallis, for nine pounds, May 23, 1695; and, for fifty-six pounds, Mr. Wallis conveyed the house and
10
land to Jonathan Baker of Beverly, weaver, March 10, 1695-6. Mr. Baker conveyed the house and
11
land to his father Cornelius Baker of Salem, yeoman, Feb. 1, 1705-6; and Cornelius Baker, for love,
12
conveyed the same estate to his son Jabez Baker of Beverly, weaver, April 25, 1706. Jabez Baker
2
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 41, leaf 54.
3
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 30.
4
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 169.
5
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 30.
6
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 13, leaf 204.
7
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 30.
8
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 30.
9
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 101.
10
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 101.
11
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 29, leaf 22.
12
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 27, leaf 70.
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conveyed “my dwelling house,” barn and land to Joseph Herrick of Wenham, yeoman, June 11,
13
1716; and Mr. Herrick removed to the place. He conveyed the house, barn and land to William
14
Trow of Beverly, cordwainer, April 1,1729. Mr. Trow opened a tavern here, which he conducted
as long as he lived. He died in the spring of 1746. The real estate was divided April-,1755, the
southwest part of the house being assigned to the widow as a part of her dower, and the remainder
of the house and land around the buildings to his son George Trow. George Trow of Beverly,
innholder, for forty pounds, conveyed his part of the estate to Benjamin Brown of Beverly,
15
husbandman, Feb. 17,1756. George Trow then entered the army, died at camp near Lake George
a few months later. Administration was granted upon his estate Dec. 6,1756; and his two-thirds of
the house and land with the barn and stable are included in the inventory of his estate. It may have
been to make this transfer to Mr. Brown for some other purpose than an outright sale, for Mr. Brown
died in 1701, being still a husbandman, and his children, Thomas Towne of Danvers, cordwainer and
wife Anna, Benjamin Creesy, jr., of Beverly and wife Mehitable, Benjamin Browne of Beverly,
husbandman, and Mary Browne of Beverly, singlewoman, conveyed to widow Elizabeth Raymond,
Anna Towne, wife of Samuel Towne, and Hannah Trow, singlewoman, all of Beverly, children of the
late William Trow and heirs of their brother George Trow, the same interest in the estate, Nov. 9,
16
1764. Elizabeth Raymond of Beverly, widow, conveyed to Solomon Towne, of Beverly,
17
cordwainer, her interest in the estate Oct. 8,1765; and Solomon Town came here and conducted
the tavern. Solomon Town of Beverly, innholder, and his wife Hannah conveyed their interest in the
house, barn, land, etc., to Jonathan Dodge, 2d, yeoman, and Peter Shaw, cordwainer, both of
18
Beverly, March 16,1772; and these grantees conveyed their interest in the estate to John Knowlton
19
of Newburyport, shipwright, March 17,1773. Mr. Knowlton and his wife Anna (daughter of the
late William Trow and an heir of her brother George Trow) conveyed the whole estate to Samuel
20
Endicott of Danvers, innholder, July 24,1773. Mr. Endicott came here and while conducting the
tavern died Dec. 8,1773. Upon the division of his real estate, “The Dwelling Tavern House in
Beverly & Barn with a good Shed for Horses & about 60 square Poles of Land adjoining thereto,”
valued at one hundred and eighty-six pounds, thirteen shillings and four pence, was assigned to his
daughter Sarah Endicott, who afterwards married Mary Francis Yates; and the inn was discontinued.
Mr. and Mrs. Yates, who were then “of a place called No. 6 pleasant river,” in Lincoln county, for
one hundred and thirty-six pounds and five shillings, conveyed to Moses Brown and Israel Thorndike,
21
both of Beverly, merchants, the dwelling house, barn and land Aug. 9,1787; and said grantees, for
fifty-one pounds conveyed the same buildings and land to Joseph Chipman of Beverly, gentlemen,
13
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 30, leaf 174.
14
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 122, leaf 223.
15
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 103, leaf 148.
16
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 131, leaf 84.
17
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 124, leaf 11.
18
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 129, leaf 240.
19
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 131, leaf 84.
20
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 131, leaf 271.
21
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 147, leaf 206.
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22
who owned the land around it, April 18,1793. The buildings were gone before 1817, while the
estate was owned by Mr. Chipman.
John Conant House. This lot was a part of the forty-five acres of land conveyed, for love,
23
by Roger Conant of Salem, yeoman, to his son Exercise Conant Nov. 20, 1666. Exercise Conant
built a house upon the lot immediately, and lived here until he conveyed it with the barn and land to
24
his “cousin” John Conant of Beverly May 25, 1695. He then removed to Windham, Conn. John
Conant was a yeoman and lived here until he conveyed the estate, for one hundred and ninety-seven
pounds, to Rev. John Chipman, the pastor of the new North Beverly church, for a parsonage, Sept.
25
6,1715. Mr. Chipman lived here until his death, March 23,1775. In his will he gave eight-elevenths
of his real estate to his children, Henry, Joseph, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, Hannah and
Abigail, one-eleventh to the six children of his son John, deceased, one-eleventh to the seven children
of his son Samuel, deceased, and one-eleventh to the eight children of his daughter Rebecca,
deceased. The lot and buildings were then appraised at two hundred and thirteen pounds, six shillings
and eight pence. Benjamin Chipman, mariner, Timothy Leach, yeoman, and wife Mary, William
Grover, gentleman, and wife Abigail, all of Beverly, Henry Chipman of Newburyport, gentleman, and
Miles Ward, 3d, of Salem, glazier, and wife Hannah, children of Rev. John Chipman, conveyed their
26
interest in his estate to their brother Joseph Chipman of Salem, gentleman, May 17,1777. John
Leach of Beverly, Joseph Thorndike of Jeffries, N. H., yeoman, and wife Sarah, Samuel Moore, jr.,
of Worcester, yeoman, and wife Anna, surviving children of Sarah Leach, a devisee in the will of Rev.
27
John Chipman, conveyed their interests in said estate to Joseph Chipman May 22,1777. William
Blackley of Beverly, gentleman, and wife Rebecca, Peter Bubier of Lancaster, gentleman, and wife
Abigail, and Elizabeth Chipman of Salem, singlewoman, grandchildren of said Rev. John Chipman,
28
conveyed their interest to Joseph Chipman Oct. 17,1777; and on the same day Anstis Chipman,
widow, Anstis Richardson, widow, Thomas Chipman, mariner, and John Chipman, cabinet-maker and
wife Hannah, all of Salem, grandchildren of said Rev. John Chipman, conveyed their interests to
29
Joseph Chipman. Joseph Swain, blacksmith, Daniel Swain, hatter, Mary Swain, singlewoman,
Hannah Swain, singlewoman, Deborah Leach, widow, and Rebecca Obear, widow, children of
Elizabeth Swain, deceased, who was a daughter of said Rev. John Chipman, conveyed their interests
30
to Joseph Chipman May 22, 1778. Joseph Chipman lived here until he died, in the spring of 1817,
intestate; and the estate descended to his two children, John Hale Chipman and Eliza Maria Chipman.
31
She released the house and land to her brother April 21,1834; and he conveyed the land and
22
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 156, leaf 276.
23
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 30.
24
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 22, leaf 192.
25
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 30, leaf 3.
26
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 136, leaf 174.
27
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 136, leaf 174.
28
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 136, leaf 173.
29
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 136, leaf 173.
30
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 136, leaf 175.
31
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 217, leaf 165.
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32
buildings to Sullivan Brown of Beverly, farmer, May 10, 1845. Mr. Brown conveyed the house and
33
land to John I. Baker of Beverly April 21, 1853; and Mr. Baker conveyed the estate to Miss Eliza
34
Maria Chipman of Beverly on the same day. Miss Chipman conveyed to Edward B. Lovett of
Beverly the land and house, except the south front room and the chamber and garret over that room
35
in the southwest room and back entry in the house, etc., May 3,1888. Mr. Lovett and James H.
36
Chipman, both of Beverly, conveyed the same to Frank A. Woodbury of Beverly May 5,1888; and
Frank A. Chipman of St. Paul Minn., released his interest in the house to Mr. Woodbury May
37
16,1888. Miss Chipman died Aug. 6, 1890, and James E. Chipman, the residuary devisee in her
38
will, released his interest in house to Mr. Woodbury June 24,1891. Mr. Woodbury has owned the
estate ever since that time.
William Dodge Lot. This lot of land belonged to William Dodge, jr., in 1666, and Capt.
William Dodge in 1700.
Peter Woodbury Lot. Dea. Peter Woodbury apparently owned this lot of land in 1696 and
1700.
Nathaniel Rayment House. The northern part of this lot was conveyed by John Rayment, sr.,
of Beverly, yeoman, for love, to his son Nathaniel Rayment of Beverly, yeoman, with “my mansion
39
house,” barn and land, Jan. 15, 1696-7.
The remainder of the lot came into the possession of Nathaniel Rayment soon afterward, it
being owned in 1696 by William Rayment.
Nathaniel Rayment died Jan. 8,1749. The dwelling house, barn and other buildings were then
valued at one hundred and fifty pounds. In the division of the estate, April 2,1752, the barn and land
around it were assigned to his son David Rayment; but the house remained undivided among the four
sons, David, Benjamin, George and Nathaniel, to whom the real estate was devised in the will of the
deceased. Benjamin Raymond, gentleman, Nathaniel Raymond, cooper, Ebenezer Trask, gentleman,
and wife Elizabeth, Joseph Corning, cooper, and wife Hannah, and widow Rebecca Sears, all of
Beverly, and Mary Preston of Chester, N. H., widow, conveyed their interest in the house and land
40
around it to Joseph Raymond of Beverly, housewright, July 1,1769. Joseph Raymond died Aug.
17,1807, having devised to his wife Lidy the improvement of all his estate, while she remained his
widow, and then to become the property of his daughter Molly. The house disappeared soon
afterward.
Joseph Balch Lot. This lot of land was the property of John Balch, who was drowned June
16,1662. The court decided, March 31,1663, that his widow should enjoy his estate seven years, and
32
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 353, leaf 296.
33
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 476, leaf 68.
34
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 476, leaf 69.
35
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1223, leaf 147.
36
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1223, leaf 148.
37
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1223, leaf 149.
38
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1319, leaf 198.
39
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 32a.
40
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 151, leaf 128.
Page 9
then it should become the property of his brother Benjamin Balch, sr., of Beverly, yeoman. Benjamin
41
Balch conveyed to his son Benjamin Balch, jr., of Beverly Feb. 1,1688-9; and the grantee died
possessed of it in 1698. In the division of his estate, May 6,1699, this was assigned to his son Joseph
Balch, who owned it in 1700.
Ruth Balch Lot. This lot belonged to John Balch, who was drowned June 16,1662. The
court ordered, March 31,1663, that his widow should enjoy his estate seven years, and then it should
become the property of his brother Benjamin Balch, sr. of Beverly, yeoman. Benjamin Balch
42
conveyed it to his son Benjamin Balch, jr., of Beverly Feb 1,1688-9; and the grantee died owning
it in 1698. In the division of his estate, May 6,1699 this lot was assigned to his daughter Ruth Balch,
who owned it in 1700.
William Dodge Lot. This lot of land was a part of a larger lot which belonged to John Balch,
who was drowned June 16,1662. The county court decided, March 31,1663, that his widow should
enjoy his estate seven years, and then it should become the estate of his brother Benjamin Balch.
Benjamin Balch, sr., of Beverly, yeoman, conveyed a part of John Balch’s land to William Dodge,
2d, of Beverly, maltster, Jan. 15,1663, which lacked the quantity supposed to be sold and conveyed,
and arbitrators were appointed to decide what should be done to satisfy Mr. Dodge. They reported
that this portion of the land of the deceased on this corner should be conveyed to him; and this was
43
done April 29,1683. Mr. Dodge owned the lot in 1700.
Ebenezer Balch Lot. This lot of land belonged to John Balch, who was drowned June
16,1662. The court ordered, March 31,1663, that his widow should enjoy his estate seven years, and
then it should become the property of his brother Benjamin Balch, sr., of Beverly, yeoman. Benjamin
44
Balch conveyed to his son Benjamin Balch, jr., of Beverly Feb. 1,1688-9; and the grantee died
owning it in 1698. In the division of his estate, May 6,1699 this lot was assigned to his son Ebenezer
Balch, who owned it in 1700.
Henry Herrick Lot. Jonathan Rayment, jr., owned this land in1688; and Henry Herrick, sr.,
owned it in 1699 and 1700.
Ebenezer Balch Lot. This lot belonged to John Balch, who was drowned June 16,1662. The
court ordered, March 31,1663, that his widow Mary Balch should enjoy his estate seven years, and
then it should become the property of his brother Benjamin Balch, sr., of Beverly, yeoman. Benjamin
45
Balch conveyed it to his son Benjamin Balch, jr., of Beverly Feb. 1, 1688-9; and the grantee died
possessed of it in 1698. In the division of his estate, May 6,1699, this lot was assigned to his son
Ebenezer Balch, who owned it in 1700.
Samuel Balch Lot. This lot of land was conveyed by Benjamin Balch, sr., of Beverly, yeoman,
46
to his son Benjamin Balch Feb. 1,1688-9; and it belonged to Samuel Balch in1700.
John Conant Lot. This lot of land belonged to John Conant in 1700.
41
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 21, leaf 20.
42
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 21, leaf 20.
43
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 183.
44
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 21, leaf 20.
45
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 21, leaf 20.
46
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 21, leaf 20.
Page 10
John Rayment House. This was probably a portion of the two hundred acres granted by the
town of Salem to William Trask Jan. 25,1635-6. It was relinquished by him, and then granted to
Thomas Scruggs May 2, 1636. Mr. Scruggs died in the spring of 1654; and his widow Margery
Scruggs of Salem conveyed it to her son-in-law John Rayment June 24,1654. Mr. Rayment’s son
John Rayment, jr., was living in a house upon this lot in 1683; and John Rayment, sr., of Beverly,
yeoman, for love, conveyed to his son John Rayment, jr., of Beverly, yeoman, this part of that tract
47
of land Jan. 12,1696. John Rayment, jr., sold the house and lot to his brother Thomas Rayment of
Salem Village, yeoman; and Thomas Rayment conveyed the estate to his brother Jonathan Rayment
48
of Beverly, yeoman, Dec. 29,1704. Jonathan Rayment of Beverly, yeoman, for fifty-five pounds,
49
conveyed to Isaac Hull of Wenham, cordwainer, this dwelling house and land Jan. 15,1705-6. Mr.
Hull lived here, and died in the spring of 1706, having devised in his will the house and land to his
daughter Sarah Hull. The dwelling house, barn, an old shop, orchard and five acres of land were then
appraised at forty-five pounds. She lived in Salem, being a spinster, when she agreed to marry Henry
Sweeting of Rehoboth, cloth-maker, and, Nov. 4,1714, made an ante-nuptial agreement that all her
estate shall remain hers to be disposed of as she may desire. She apparently conveyed the land and
buildings to her brother Isaac Hull, sr., of Beverly, cordwainer before 1717, when he owned the
estate. He died March 22,1722-3, intestate. His daughter Mary married Ebenezer Wallis of Beverly,
housewright, and, for two hundred and forty pounds, they conveyed the house, barn and land to Dr.
47
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 22, leaf 216.
48
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 43, leaf 308.
49
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 39, leaf 175.
Page 11
50
Benjamin Jones of Beverly Feb. 24,1736. Doctor Jones died June 23,1794. William Jones of
Danvers, tailor, Joshua Herrick of Beverly, gentleman, and wife Mary, in her right, and Hannah Jones,
spinster, of Beverly,conveyed the estate of
“our grandfatherBenjamin Jones,
esquire, and his firstwife Mary, both of
Beverly, deceased,”to Billy Porter of
51
Beverly, esquire,March 3, 1801, and,
for a similarconsideration, Mr.
Porter conveyedtwenty-two acres of
land with the houseand barn, being the
south end of thehouse the widow Mary
Jones occupies, toJoshua Herrick, of
52
Beverly, gentleman,April 4,1801. Mr.
Herrick, for sevenhundred dollars,
conveyed toEbenezer Shillaber of
Salem, merchant,the house, barn and
53
land on the day ofhis purchase. Mr.
Shillaber died in thewinter of 1807-8,
intestate. His heirsowned the estate in
1813. Ezra Dodgeof Wenham and wife
Sophia, in her right,for forty-two hundred
and fifty dollars,conveyed the estate to
54
John I. Baker of Beverly March 24,1871; and Mr. Baker, for twenty-five hundred and fifty dollars,
55
conveyed to Lakeman Southwick of Beverly April 30,1872. Mr. Southwick, for three thousand
56
dollars, conveyed it to Edwin Southwick of Danvers Dec.11, 1874; and Edwin Southwick, for a
57
similar consideration, conveyed it to Augusta W. Southwick of Beverly Dec. 14, 1874. Miss
58
Southwick conveyed it to Esther Caldwell of Beverly June 22,1888; and Miss Caldwell conveyed
59
it to Elizabeth Augusta Lovett of Beverly March 15,1899. Miss Lovett conveyed the estate to Fred
60
H. Wallis and Mable A. Wallis, both of Beverly, Oct. 3, 1904; and Mr. and Miss Wallis have since
owned the place. The eastern end of the house is an addition to the original house apparently,
50
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 94, leaf 120.
51
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 204, leaf 203.
52
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 169, leaf 113.
53
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 167, leaf 246.
54
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 822, leaf 55.
55
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 851, leaf 282.
56
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 918, leaf 248.
57
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 919, leaf 83.
58
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1226, leaf 226.
59
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1572, leaf 339.
60
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1755, leaf 117.
Page 12
perhaps about 1800.
Peter Woodbury House. This lot of land was probably a part of the two hundred acres
granted by the town of Salem to William Trask Jan. 25,1635-6. It was relinquished by him, and then
granted to Thomas Scruggs May 2, 1636. Mr. Scruggs died in the spring of 1654; and his widow
Margery Scruggs of Salem conveyed it to her son-in-law John Rayment June 24,1654. John
Rayment, sr., of Beverly, yeoman, for love, conveyed this part of that tract to his son John Rayment,
61
jr., of Beverly, yeoman, Jan. 12,1696.
61
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 14, leaf 128.
Page 13
That part of this lot lying easterly of the dashes was conveyed by Mr. Rayment to Peter
62
Woodberry, sr., of Beverly March 4,1696-7. Mr. Woodberry evidently had built a dwelling house
thereon for his son Peter Woodberry, who then dwelt therein.
That part of a lot lying westerly of the dashes was conveyed by Mr. Rayment to Peter
63
Woodberry, jr., May 14,1697.
That part of the lot lying northerly of the dashes was conveyed by Joseph Herrick, sr., of
64
Salem Village, yeoman, to Peter Woodberry, jr., April 12,1697.
Dea. Peter Woodberry, sr., died July 5,1704, having in his will devised the house his son Peter
“now lives in” and the land around it “I bought of John Rayment” to his son Peter Woodberry. The
son Peter was a yeoman, and continued to live here. Deacon Woodberry died Jan. 8,1706-7; and the
dwelling house and houselot were then appraised at one hundred pounds. His sons Benjamin
Woodberry and Peter Woodberry, both of Beverly, yeomen, made a division of their father’s real
65
estate Feb. 28,1728-9; and the house, barn and land were released by Benjamin to Peter. Peter
Woodberry was a yeoman, and lived here. He died in the spring of 1775; having devised to his wife
Hannah the improvement of the western end of his dwelling house, which was two-story in height,
and the remainder of the house and homestead to his son John Woodberry. The house and land
around it was thenvalued at
one hundred pounds.Capt.
John Woodberrydied Sept.
3,1813; and adivision of
his real estate, May5,1815,
the house and landaround it
was assigned to hisson
BenjaminWoodberr
y. BenjaminWoodberr
y was succeeded byhis son of
the same name, wholived here
and was a mariner.The son
BenjaminWoodberr
y died Jan. 11,1841,and the
estate was inheritedby his son
Levi Woodberry.Levi
Woodbury died June22,1896;
and by order of theprobate
court the house and lot were assigned to his widow Mary Ann Woodberry March 27,1899. She
resided here; and died Sept. 16, 1902, having devised the house and land to Joseph F. Andrews of
66
Beverly. Mr. Andrews conveyed the estate to Susan T. Linnell of Saco, Me., May 18, 1906; and
62
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 134.
63
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 134.
64
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 135.
65
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 56, leaf 132.
66
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1825, leaf 216.
Page 14
67
on the same day she conveyed the same to his wife Lucy S. Andrews. Mrs. Andrews still owns and
with her family occupies the house and land.
Isaac Hull Lot. William Dodge, John Rayment, Roger Conant, Benjamin Balch and Peter
Woodberry “of Basse river in Salem” conveyed this lot to Isaac Hull of Bass river, cooper, June
68
7,1664; and Mr. Hull owned it in 1700.
William Rayment Lot. Capt. William Rayment of Beverly owned this lot of land in 1700.
Benjamin Balch Lot. This lot of land belonged to Benjamin Balch in 1673; and he apparently
owned it in 1700.
John Conant Lot. Roger Conant of Beverly, yeoman, owned this lot Feb. 4,1673, when he
conveyed that part of it lying southerly of the dashes to his grandson John Conant of Beverly, house-
69
carpenter, “my kinsman.”
Roger Conant died Nov. 19,1679; having in his will devised that part of this lot lying northerly
of the dashes to his said grandson John Conant.
Thus John Conant became possessed of the entire lot. He moved to Marblehead about 1688;
but this land belonged to him in 1700.
Lot Conant Lot. This lot of land was conveyed by Exercise Conant to John Conant, sr.,
before 1684; and Lot Conant owned it in 1688 and probably in 1700.
Freeborn Balch Lot. That part of this lot of land lying northerly of the dashes belonged to
Benjamin Balch, sr., of Beverly in 1684; and, for love, he conveyed it to his son Freeborn Balch Jan.
70
18,1688-9.
That portion of a lot lying southerly of the dashes belonged to Roger Conant of Beverly, who
died Nov. 19,1679, having in his will devised it to his grandson Joshua Conant of Salem. Joshua
71
Conant, for thirty pounds, conveyed it to Freeborn Balch of Beverly Dec. 20,1684.
The entire lot belonged to Freeborn Balch in 1700.
Philip White Lot. This lot of land was owned by Peter Woodberry in 1684; and was conveyed
72
by John Dodge, 2d, of Beverly, yeoman, to Philip White of Beverly, carpenter, before 1687.It
67
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1825, leaf 216.
68
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 78.
69
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 50.
70
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 147.
71
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 146.
72
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 71.
Page 15
bleonged to Mr. White in 1700.
John Conant House. This lot of land belonged to “Mr. Conant” before 1684. In 1691, it was
owned by Exercise Conant of Beverly, yeoman, and John Conant of Beverly, carpenter, then had a
73
house upon it. Exercise Conant conveyed the estate to John Conant Jan. 27,1691-2; and John
Conant died Sept. 30,1724, having in his will devised “the house I now live in” to his son Benjamin
Conant. About four years later, Benjamin Conant removed to and became one of the first settlers of
Dudley and apparentlyconveyed the
house and land to hisbrother John
Conant. Dea. JohnConant died
in 1755, and this houseand lot
descended to his sonDea. John
Conant, who died in1781. The
estate then descendedto his
daughter BethiahConant. She
became insane anddied, and
John Conant,gentleman,
Ezra Conant, yeoman,Thomas
Dodge, mariner, andwife Eunice
and Mary Conant,singlewoman,
all of Beverly,conveyed the
estate to Sally Conantof Beverly,
74
singlewoman, April18,1816.
Sally Conant becameinsane and
died July 20,1850, andher heirs,
John Conant, yeoman,Emma
Dodge, widow, MaryFoster,
widow, Francis R. Edwards, yeoman, and wife Martha, Joseph Conant, mechanic, Charles G. Conant,
yeoman, all of Beverly, and Ezra Conant and Herbert T. Conant, both of Salem, masons, conveyed
75
it to David Bailey of Beverly, yeoman, March 20,1851. Mr. Bailey died, and the administrator of
76
his estate conveyed it to Sophronia Bailey of Beverly, singlewoman, April 17,1867. Miss Bailey
77
conveyed to Mr. Lambert Jackson of Salem April 29,1868; and Mr. Jackson conveyed to Thomas
78
B. Russell of Salem July 20,1872. Mr. Russell died April 2,1881, the house and land was assigned
to his widow Lydia A. Russell in fee. She conveyed the estate to Morris M. Younger of Beverly July
73
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 21, leaf 230.
74
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 209, leaf 174.
75
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 443, leaf 18.
76
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 772, leaf 272.
77
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 747, leaf 125.
78
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 860, leaf 80.
Page 16
7980
12, 1883. Mr. Younger conveyed it to Charles E. Riva of Beverly Aug. 26, 1884; and Mr. Riva
took the old house down immediately.
Edward Dodge Lot. This tract of land belonged to Edward Dodge in 1700. The burial
ground on this lot was established not long afterward.
Thomas Edwards Lot. This lot of land belonged to Paul Thorndike about 1690. He conveyed
81
to Thomas Edwards of Ipswich that portion of it lying northerly of the dashes March 2,1693-4; and
82
that part lying southerly of the dashes June 2,1696. Mr. Edwards owned the entire lot in 1700.
Estate of Paul Thorndike Lot. This tract of land was owned by John Thorndike of Beverly,
who went to England, and apparently did not return. He died in 1670. In his will it was devised to
his daughters Alice and Martha Thorndike, who apparently went to England with him, and probably
never returned. It became the property of their brother Capt. Paul Thorndike of Beverly, yeoman,
who died in 1697, possessed of it. It belonged to his estate, undivided, in 1700.
John Stone Lot. This lot of land belonged to John Stone in 1700. The meadow of the
northern portion of the lot was the property of William Hoar very early.
Jonathan Biles Lot. This lot of lowland belonged to Sgt. Jonathan Biles in 1700.
Estate of Nehemiah Grover Lot. This lot of land was conveyed by Edmund Grover of
83
Beverly, yeoman, for love, to his son Nehemiah Grover July 23,1677; and Nehemiah Grover died
Feb. 12,1693-4. The lot belonged to his estate in 1700.
Edward Dodge and Joseph Dodge House. This tract of land belonged to Richard Dodge of
Beverly, who died June 16,1671, having previously conveyed it to his sons Edward and Joseph. They
made a division of the estate Feb. 15, 1708-9, Edward releasing to Joseph the house and land around
84
it. Joseph Dodge died Aug. 10, 1716; and the title to the property descended to his son Dr. Joseph
Dodge of Beverly. The house was burned before May 29, 1736, when Doctor Dodge and his son
Nathan were about to build a new house upon the old site, the western half only to cover the old site
and the eastern half to extend beyond it easterly. Doctor Dodge conveyed to Nathan, in this deed,
the easterly part of the site of the new house, being “a Part of my Homested Land I Dwelt upon
before my house was Burnt.” He described that part of the new site which was occupied by the old
house as “The spot of land and cellar where my late dwelling house stood before it was burnt;” and
ed
that “the chimney that is to be build in y Dwelling house that I & my s Son are now about to build”
d
is midway. “My part of sd house is to stand on my Old Seller & and his Part of s house to be the
85
Easterly End adjoining to mine.”
John Conant Lot. This lot of land was conveyed by Exercise Conant of Beverly, yeoman, to
86
John Conant of Beverly, carpenter, Jan. 27,1691-2. A barn was then upon the lot. The lot belonged
79
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1111, leaf 294.
80
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1134, leaf 204.
81
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 88.
82
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 121.
83
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 53.
84
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 21, leaf 80.
85
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 72, leaf 105.
86
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 21, leaf 230.
Page 17
to John Conant in 1700.
John Woodberry Lot. John Woodberry of Beverly, husbandman, owned this lot in 1700.
William Dodge Lot. William Dodge, sr., of Beverly owned this lot in 1700.
William Dodge Lot. William Dodge, sr., of Beverly conveyed this lot of land to his brother’s
87
son William Dodge for his life and then to his children May 12,1685. The grantee was son of
Michael Dodge of East Coker, Somerset county, England, and his son was known as “Coker William
Dodge.” This grantee is called “William Dodge of Brimbal hill” in 1673; and therefore he must have
lived there as early as that date. How long he lived there has not been learned.
Jonathan Rayment Lot. Jonathan Rayment owned this lot of land in 1700. It belonged to “ye
Rayments” in 1688.
JohnBalch House.
Benjamin Balchof Beverly,
yeoman, ownedthis lot of land
in 1688; andupon it was a
dwelling housein which his
son John Balchthen lived. In
considerationof love,
Benjamin Balchconveyed the
lot to his saidson Jan.
88
18,1688-9.Lt. John Balch
of Beverly,yeoman and
housewright,conveyed the
house, barn andland to his son
Caleb Balch ofBeverly,
husbandman,March 12,
89
1733-4. CalebBalch died in
the winter of1774-5 ; and
the estatedescended to
his only sonCaleb Balch
of Beverly,gentleman,
who, for three hundred and ninety two pounds, three shillings and nine pence, conveyed the dwelling
90
house, barn and land to Silas Walden of Beverly, yeoman, March 12, 1784. Mr. Walden died Jan.
11,1819, intestate. In the division of his real estate, June 5,1821, the second story of the house was
assigned to his daughter Mary Eliza Walden and the first story to his daughter Sally Walden, and the
land under and adjoining the house to both of them. Mary Eliza Walden died, unmarried, Jan. 8,1832,
and her part of the estate was sold by the administrator under order of the court. The purchaser,
evidently, was John Peabody of Beverly, yeoman, who conveyed it to Ephraim Brown of Marblehead,
87
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 163.
88
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 38.
89
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 77, leaf 177.
90
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 155, leaf 123.
Page 18
91
merchant, May 16,1848. On the same day, Sally Walden, who lived there, unmarried, conveyed her
92
part to Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown, on the same day, conveyed the buildings and land to John I. Baker
9394
of Beverly; and on the same day Mr. Baker reconveyed the estate to Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown
95
conveyed it to Isaac Collyer of Marblehead May 31,1851; and on the same day Mr. Collyer, for four
96
hundred dollars, conveyed it to Miss Walden. In consideration of love, she conveyed the house,
97
barn and land to Mary Elizabeth Sheldon of Salem, singlewoman, Aug. 4,1856; and Miss Sheldon
removed there. For love, she conveyed the estate to her sister Adeline A. Lufkin of Beverly, wife of
98
George A. Lufkin, Jan. 1,1868. She became a widow; and conveyed the place to George A. Lufkin
99100
of Revere Sept. 6, 1906. Mr. Lufkin conveyed it to Arvilla M. Rand of Beverly Sept. 11, 1906;
and Miss Rand, then wife of Horace E. Perkins of Beverly, conveyed it to Walter I. Rand of Boston
101
Nov. 22, 1912. Mr. Rand remodeled and modernized the house, and reconveyed the estate to
102
Mrs. Perkins Nov. 6, 1914 she still owns and lives upon the place. Mrs. Adeline A. Lufkin
continued to live in the house until she died, July 16, 1917.
Samuel Balch lot. This lot of land belonged to Benjamin Balch of Beverly, yeoman, in 1688;
and to his son Samuel Balch in 1700.
Peter Woodbury Lot. This lot of land belonged to John Woodbury, sr., in 1670; and to Peter
Woodbury in 1688 and 1700.
Isaac Hull Lot. Isaac Hull owned this lot in 1683 and1700. Before March 23,1670, Rodger
Conant, Jno. Rayment and Benjamin Balch of “Bass River Side or otherwise Beverly,” planter, for
nine pounds, conveyed to Isaac Hull of Beverly, cooper, this lot of swamp and upland “neere his now
103
dwelling house.”
John Balch Lot. This lot of land belonged to Roger Conant early. He died Nov. 19,1679,
having devised it to his son Exercise Conant of Beverly, yeoman. Exercise Conant, for six pounds,
104
released his interest in it to John Balch of Beverly, carpenter, Feb. 6,1683-4. Benjamin Balch,
father of Lieutenant Balch, also owned an interest in it, and this also became the property John Balch,
who owned the lot in 1700.
Jonathan Baker Lot. This lot of land belonged to John Leach in 1683; and to Jonathan Baker
91
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 397, leaf 171.
92
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 397, leaf 172.
93
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 397, leaf 213.
94
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 402, leaf 17.
95
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 446, leaf 174.
96
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 446, leaf 175.
97
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 537, leaf 114.
98
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 738, leaf 251.
99
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1839, leaf 156.
100
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1839, leaf 158.
101
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2182, leaf 540.
102
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2278, leaf 118.
103
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 78.
104
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 28, leaf 90.
Page 19
in 1700.
William Dodge Lot. Capt. William Dodge owned this lot in 1700.
Abigail Balch Lot. This lot of land belonged to Benjamin Balch, jr., of Beverly, who died in
the spring of 1690, intestate. In the division of his estate, May 6,1699, it was assigned to his daughter
Abigail Balch; and she owned it in 1700.
Anna Wallace Lot. This lot of land belonged to Benjamin Balch, jr., who died in the spring
of 1698, intestate. In the division of his real estate, May 6,1699, it was assigned to his daughter
Anna, wife of Nathaniel Wallace; and she owned it in 1700.
Page 20
BEVERLY IN 1700. NO. 2
By Sidney Perley
This section of Beverly extends from Bass river on the west to Beaver pond on the east, a
distance of about one and three-fourths miles, and from the northern end of Balch street to a short
distance southerly of Gloucester crossing, a distance of one and one-third miles.
Bass river was so-called as early as 1635; the mill pond in 1699; the mill pond and creek
which runs into it in 1724; and a salt water creek in 1746.
The section of rough woodland lying between Cat swamp and Beaver pond has been known
as Burnt Hills since 1719 at least, and Cat swamp was so called as early as 1658.
Thatch pond was so called as early as 1688.
Snake hill was so called in 1673.
Draper’s point was so called as early as 1648. This became the terminal of the Salem north
ferry about that time, and the town of Salem, at a town meeting held March 12,1648-9,
Ordered that the highway be brought from Edmund Grovers through Jonathan Porters and mr. Garford’s
ground to Draper’s poynt, if the gen’ll Court shall consent thereto.
In the general court, at its session held May 2,1649, the matter came up, and
The petition of Salem for removeall goal of the high way and landing place, from head of the Basse Ryver to
Page 21
105
Drapers point, is granted.
et
This way is practically Beckford Street. It was called “y road way y goes to Draper’s point” in
1677.
After the grist mill was established on the river, near the plant of the United Shoe Machinery
Company, there arose a difference between William King and his neighbors and Roger Haskell about
a highway to the mill and the meeting house, and the selectmen of Salem, Sept. 14, 1657,
ordered that Jacob Barney & Jefferie Massey shall view the said way and make retorne thereof to the select
men at their next meeting warning the plaintiffe & deffents to meete with the said Jacob Barney & Jefferie Massey the
last day of this instant month at the Mill by niene of the Clock the same day.
Nov. 20,1657, the selectmen of Salem
ordered that that way from the meeting house on Cape an syde to Lawrence Leach his mill shall be directlie
in the Countrie way to Edmund grouers and from thence to the way lying betwixt the said grouers land & the land of
Osman Traske & Soe forward through the Land of henerie hericke.
And it was further
ordered that wheras some of the neighbors on Cape an syde doe desyre a way from the said meeting house to
the mill through the properties of Roger Haskell & others that thayre desyres are graunted provided that before they
shall make any Claym thervnto there shall be paid vnto the said Rodger Haskells & the rest of the proprietors full
satisfaction as 2 men Chosen by the select men shall appoint the said way not exceeding 4 [poale ] ffoote in any pt of
.
it and to be made and mentayned by those that make vse therof
This way to the mill lead from the way to the ferry on Draper’s point as shown on the plan. It is still
in use. It was called the road way that goes to the mill in 1677; ye highway that leads to ye grist mill
in 1721: “the highway going to the grist mill formerly Capt. John Dodge’s” in 1724; and “a Road
leading to Woodbery’s mill” in 1729. The present Elliott street which now leads to the mill site was
laid out by the County court upon the petition of John Dyson in 1808. This is shown on the map by
parallel dotted lines.
Balch street is a way which was occasioned by a mill farther up the stream. The southerly part
of it was “a lane commonly called Woodbury’s lane” in 1687; the way to the grist mill in 1700; “a
r.
highway to Capt. John Dodge’s house” in 1703; “the lane leading to M Samuel Woodbury’s” in
1740; “a town way; Deacon Balch’s lane so called” in 1782; and Balch street as early as 1859. The
northerly part of the street was said to be “left for a way to Capt. John Dodge’s house,” in 1703; “the
highway that leads to the corn mill that belongs to the heirs of Dr. Israel Woodbury of Beverly,
deceased,” in 1797; and Balch street as early as 1869.
Cabot street was in existence is early as 1636, when the north ferry was established. It was
called ye highway or common road in 1668; ye broad way in 1671; the country road in 1684; the
country road going towards Wenham in 1688; “the main street leading from Essex bridge to Mr.
105
Records of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, volume 2, page 265.
Page 22
Oliver’s meeting house” in 1789; “the highway leading from the Essex bridge to the Beverly cotton
106
manufactory” in 1796; and was named Cabot street in 1836.
Herrick street was voted to be laid out by the selectmen of Beverly March 18,1678-9, it being
described as
a drift way beginninge at the bottome of the Lane buttinge uppon the Cuntry Road and soe between farmer
Dodges Land and the Land of Henry Herrick and soe unto the north East Corner of saide Dodges field and soe southerly
unto the drift way at the aforesaid Childrens fence which way is to be two pole wide excepting the lane that now is
which Lane is to be its breadth.
It was called the way that goeth between the lands of William Dodge and Joshua Herrick in 1729; a
highway in 1761; “the way leading to Cokers fo called” in 1773; “the town way leading to William
Herrick’s house” in 1788; ye cow lane in 1788; and the town way called William Herrick’s lane in
1790. By the side of the hospital, it was called “an open way sometimes called Herrick’s lane” in
1854. Northeasterly from the hospital, it was called “the town way or private way called Herrick’s
lane” in 1830; and “and old drift way formerly belonging to the owners and proprietors of the large
pasture” in 1854. It has been known as Herrick street since1882 at least.
The latter part of the lay out of the above way, namely, from northeast corner of Dodge’s field
“southerly unto the drift way at the afforesaid Childrens fence which way is to be two pole wide” is
the present Heather street. It was called a highway in 1709; and a town way in 1788. It was called
Heather street as early as 1882, and since 1890 has been called Heather street.
Colon street was laid out as a cow lane into the commons. At a meeting of the selectmen of
Beverly, March 18,1678-9, there was recorded
a Cartway beginning at the Cuntry road nere unto the house of Anthony Wood and soe between the Land of
Edmund Grover and the Land of widdow Trask and soe Easterly thro. the land of Robert Hebbord and the Land of the
Children of Roger Hascoll now Deceased and from thence to the Commons which high way is to be two pole wide.
At the same meeting this drift way was extended from said “Hascolls Childrens fence Easterly
unto bald hill to witt through Iohn Grovers Lott and through the land of the Lieut. Thorndike the
saide high way to be two pole wide.”
e
At a meeting of the select men of Beverly on y 23 of June 1693 at the house of Joane Hebbert Widdow and
Relect of Robert Hibbert Lateof Beverly deceased & then this Agreement made between sd select men and the abouesd
e
Joane Hibbert with Respect to a Towne Highway Laid out ouer sd Hibberts land the sd Highway Goeth from y
Countery highway by Hazadiah Smiths Barne Eastward to our Townes Common about seventy six poles ouer said Joane
Hibberts Lamd and in Breth two poles the which land of seventy six poles in length & two poles in Breath the sd Joane
Hibbert with the consent of her sons viz John Joseph and & Samuell Hibberts doth Alianate sell set over for ever
Confirme unto to sd select men to bee for a Town way as aforesd for and in Consideration of three acres and a halfe
e
of sd Towns Common Land next Adjoyneing to y sd Hibberts Land and the abouesd Joane Hibbert doth for herselfe
106
A change was made in Cabot street between the ends of Balch street, as in a deed, dated
March 24, 1807, a lot of land there conveyed by it is bounded on the west by “the highway as
lately laid out that leads from Essex bridge to the upper meeting house in Beverly.”-Essex
Registry of Deeds, book 181, leaf 89.
Page 23
her Heirs and sugsessors Ingage to make mainetayne and keepe vp a sufficiant fence betwixt the sd Hibberts Land no
in her possession and the abouesd highway seventy six poles in length as is aboue Expresst and the sd fence to keep
vp and mainetayne from time to time for ever and the abousd way to ly and bee an open driftway afther the last of
October next Insueing and tel then only for Carting in witnesse whereof wee haue here vnto set our Hands the day and
year aboue Written.
Signed and deliveredye mark of
e
in y presents of vs Joane F. Hibbert
John Dodgthe mark of
ll
Sam BalchJohn Hibbert
the mark of
Joseph + Hibbert
107
Samuel Heberd
Colon street was called ye cow lane in 1671; ye town highway in 1686; the country road in
e
1691; “an highway leading towards y commons” in 1710; and was named Colon street in 1838.
Brimbal avenue is indicated on the map by parallel lines of dashes.
The lots of the William Dodge, Abigail Balch and Anna Wallace, on the plan numbered one,
and the lots of Benjamin Balch and Edward Bishop, on this plan, numbered two, constituted “the
Rail field” as early as 1673; and was known as such for a century. The junction of Cabot and Dodge
streets was known as “at the head of the Rails” as early as 1663.
Samuel Stone and Robert Briscoe Lot. That part of this lot lying northerly of the northerly
dashes was conveyed by John Tucker to John Stone, sr., of Beverly before 1685. Mr. Stone died in
the winter of 1691-2; and his widow and administratrix Abigail Stone, for twenty pounds conveyed
108
it to Samuel Stone, sr., and Robert Briscoe, both of Beverly, July 6,1692.
That part of the lot lying between the dashes was conveyed by Thomas Chubb, sr., of Beverly,
109
carpenter, for twenty pounds in silver, to Zachariah Herrick of Beverly, carpenter, July 13,1685;
and Mr. Herrick died in the spring of 1695, having in his will devised his real estate to his son Henry
Herrick. Henry Herrick, jr., of Beverly, yeoman, for forty pounds, conveyed it to his brother Samuel
110
Stone, sr., and Robert Briscoe, both of Beverly, mariners, April 8,1696.
That part of the lot lying southerly of the southerly dashes belonged to John Tucker, who died
in 16- ; and in the division of his estate this was conveyed to Jacob Manning of Salem, gunsmith, for
the portion of the latter’s wife, who was apparently an heir of the deceased. Mr. Manning, for fifty
111
pounds, conveyed it to said Samuel Stone and Robert Briscoe April 9,1696.
Thus the entire lot was owned by Samuel Stone and Robert Briscoe in 1700.
Isaac Woodbury Lot. Isaac Woodbury owned this lot of land in 1710.
Humphrey Horrill House. John Grover, sr. of Beverly, yeoman, for sixteen pounds, conveyed
112
to Humphrey Horrill of Beverly, seafaring man, this dwelling house, barn and lot April 11,1687.
107
Beverly Town Records.
108
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 110.
109
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 41.
110
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 41.
111
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 111.
112
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 35, leaf 201.
Page 24
Mr. Horrill died Feb. 9,1710; and his daughters Sarah Goodale, wife of Thomas Goodale of Kent,
Conn., weaver, and Bridget Grey, relict of George Grey, jr., of Beverly, sailor, deceased, released
their interest in the buildings and land to their mother Elizabeth Horrell, widow of said Humphrey
113
Horrell, Nov. 21,1710. How much longer the house stood is not known to the writer.
Joseph Hibbard Lot. David Thomas of Salem, planter, conveyed this lot of land to William
114
Hooper of Salem Feb. 10,1668; and Mr. Hooper, who had removed to Beverly, fisherman,
115
conveyed it to Edmund Gale of Beverly, seaman, April 23,1672. Mr. Gale was a fisherman, and
conveyed the lot to Nathaniel Wallis, sr., “late of Casco Bay, inhabitant, now resident in Beverly,”
116
Feb. 10,1678-9. Mr. Wallis was a fisherman, and conveyed the lot to Joseph Hibbert of Beverly
117
Nov. 26,1681. Mr. Hibbert owned it in 1700.
Samuel Haskell House. David Thomas of Salem, planter, conveyed this lot of land to William
118
Hooper of Salem Feb. 10,1668. Mr. Hooper removed to Beverly, being a fisherman, and conveyed
119
the lot to Edmund Gale of Beverly, seaman, April 23,1672. Mr. Gale was a fisherman and
conveyed the lot to Nathaniel Wallis, sr., “late of Casco Bay, inhabitant, now resident in Beverly,”
120
Feb. 10,1678-9. Mr. Wallis was a fisherman, and conveyed the lot to Joseph Hibbert of Beverly
121
Nov. 26,1681. Mr. Hebberd was a planter, and conveyed the lot to his son-in-law Daniel Collins
122
May 23, 1691. Mr. Collins built a house thereon, and, when of Salem, mariner, he conveyed the
123
land with the house thereon to Samuel Haskell of Beverly, tailor, Oct. 13,1696. Mr. Haskell
124
conveyed the house and land to William Haskell of Beverly, seafaring man, Aug. 25,1730; and
125
William Haskell conveyed the estate to John Higginson of Salem, gentleman, March 8,1730-1. For
forty-five pounds, Mr. Higginson conveyed to William Leech of Beverly, cordwainer, the land and
126
dwelling house, “being the late mansion house of Samuel Haskell, deceased,” April 26,1731. Mr.
Leech died in the winter of 1734-5, having in his will devised his real estate to his sons John, Joseph,
William, Elijah and Benjamin. The land, dwelling house and barn were then appraised at ninety-two
pounds, of which twelve pounds was estimated to be the value of the barn. How much longer the old
house stood is unknown to the writer.
Estate of Nehemiah Grover Lot. Edmund Grover of Beverly, yeoman, for love, conveyed to
113
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 58, leaf 276.
114
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 50.
115
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 21.
116
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 21.
117
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 49, leaf 134.
118
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 50.
119
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 21.
120
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 21.
121
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 49, leaf 134.
122
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 54, leaf 271.
123
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 54, leaf 271.
124
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 55, leaf 136.
125
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 55, leaf 229.
126
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 52, leaf 251.
Page 25
127
his son Nehemiah Grover this lot of land “upon the rockes” July 23,1677. Nehemiah Grover died
Feb. 12,1693-4, when the lot was appraised at sixty pounds. It belonged to his estate in 1700.
Hazadiah A. Smith Lot.. This lot of land belonged to Hazadiah A. Smith in 1700.
Samuel Haskell Lot. This lot of land belonged to Samuel Haskell in 1700.
Abigail Standley Lot. This lot of land belonged to Josiah Haskell died in 1674; and to his
daughter Abigail Standley in 1700.
Roger Haskell Lot. This lot of land belonged to Roger Haskell in 1700.
Hazadiah Smith Lot. This lot of land belonged to Edmund Grover in 1678, and to Hazadiah
Smith in 1700.
Estate of Joseph Hibbert Lot. This lot of land belonged to the estate of Joseph Hibbert, being
in the possession of his widow in 1700.
Hazadiah Smith Lot. That part of this lot of land lying westerly of the dashes belonged to
Edmund Grover in 1673; and John Grover of Beverly, husbandman, for love, conveyed it to his
128
daughter Hannah’s husband, Hazadiah Smith of Beverly, carpenter, Jan. 28,1684.
That part of the lot lying easterly of the dashes was conveyed by John Grover, sr., of Beverly,
129
husbandman, for five pounds, to Mr. Smith July 8,1686.
The entire lot belonged to Mr. Smith in 1700.
Anthony Wood Lot. John Grover, sr., of Beverly, husbandman, for three pounds and ten
130
shillings, conveyed this lot to Anthony Wood of Beverly, weaver, Sept. 22,1673. It belonged to
him in 1700.
John Conant House. This lot of land belonged to John Bennett of Beverly in 1673; and, for
one hundred pounds, he conveyed it to John Conant of Beverly, carpenter, with the dwelling house
131
thereon, Sept. 24,1677. Mr. Conant owned the estate in 1700.
John Bennett Lot. Edmund Grover owned this lot in 1673; and John Grover of Beverly,
husbandman, for five pounds and ten shillings, conveyed it to Anthony Wood of Beverly, weaver,
132
June 29,1678. John Bennett owned it in 1686, and probably in 1700.
Roger Haskell House. That part of this lot of land lying within the dashes, on the westerly
side of Heather street, was owned by David Thomas of Salem, planter, in 1661. He conveyed to
133
William Hooper of Salem this lot with a dwelling house thereon Feb. 10,1668. Mr. Hooper had
come from Coker, in England, was a fisherman and removed to this house. He died by “suddenly
falling overboard at sea” about Nov. 8,1679, at the age of thirty. The house and five acres of land
were then appraised at fifty pounds. This part of the lot soon after came into the possession of Roger
Haskell.
The remainder of the lot early belonged to John Harding and he gave it to Roger Haskell, his
127
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 53.
128
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 164.
129
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 164.
130
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 33.
131
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 20.
132
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 79.
133
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 50.
Page 26
daughter’s husband, before 1661. Mr. Haskell died about 1690; and the land came into the ownership
of his son Roger Haskell of Beverly, carpenter, before 1700.
The house and land around it was conveyed by Roger Hascoll, for one hundred and seventy
134
pounds, to Samuel Herrick of Beverly, tailor, June 14,1709. The house was gone a few years later.
William Dodge House. This tract of land belonged to Peter Palfrey very early; and was
conveyed by George Richardson of Wapping, in England, mariner, by his attorney George Hawkins
135
of Boston, shipwright, for forty pounds, to William Dods (Dodge), Sept. 28,1644. His son
Capt.William Dodge of Beverly died March 24,1719-20, at the age of eighty, possessed of this house
and lot, having in his will devised “my now dwelling house” and land to his eldest son William Dodge
of Beverly, yeoman. For love, William Dodge conveyed the house and land to his daughter Anna
Clemmons, wife of Dr. Timothy Clemmons of Beverly, part of “my homestead land and my now
136
dwelling house, barn and wash house thereon” May 29,1729. How much longer the house stood
is unknown to the writer.
Henry Herrick Lot. This lot of land was owned by Henry Herrick in 1700.
William Rayment Lot. This lot of land belonged to Capt. William Rayment of Beverly in
1700. The Salem reservoir is located on this hill.
Lot Conant Houses. This lot of land belonged to Roger Conant very early, and he lived in
the house which stood upon it. Roger Conant of Salem, yeoman, conveyed to his son Lot Conant
137
of Salem “my now dwelling house” and thirty-two acres of land adjoining Nov. 20,1666; and the
next day Lot Conant leased to his father and mother for their lives the house and three acres of the
138
homestead, for in annual rent of “one Indian corn.” The old house stood at the southerly end of
the lot Roger Conant apparently survived his wife, and died Nov. 19,1679.
Lot Conant built a house upon this homestead, and removed thereto from Marblehead about
1670. He died Sept. 29,1674, having devised the house and orchard to his wife Elizabeth for her life.
She married, secondly, Andrew Mansfield of Lynn Jan. 10,1681-2. The homestead went to his son
Lot Conant.
Exercise Conant, aged about seventy-two years, deposed March 28,1710, “that his Father
rd
M. Roger Conant late of Beverly dec about Thirty two years past was Seized in his own right of fee
Dwelt upon and Improued a certain Farme and Tract of land ... in Beverly ... part of the Towne of
Salem next adjoyning and abutting on the Farme and lands of Henry Herrick of the same now alfo
d
Dec by all time past ... Seized ... in Fee which ffarme and lands were pofsefsed and Enjoyed from
his said Fathers Death by his Eldest son then liuing named Lot Conant during his life and is now
pofsest by his Son Lott Conant the Deponant liued many years with his Said Father upon the Said
rr
Farme and the deviding line between m Conants and m Herricks Farmes So alwayes accounted and
reputed was a certain brooke Sometimes Denominated the brooke that comes out of the new Close
134
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 39, leaf 244.
135
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 2.
136
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 54, leaf 55.
137
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3 leaf 28.
138
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 164.
Page 27
139
and the said Conant and Herrick respectiuely Improved the lands on Either Side of said brooke.”
In 1717, Lot Conant removed to Ipswich, and died May 14,1745. In his will he devised his
buildings and lands in Beverly to his son Jonathan Conant, who is a currier, and lived upon the old
homestead in Beverly. He died June 18,1749. The next owner and occupant of the ancient
homestead was his son Jonathan Conant, who lived here until about 1783, when he removed to the
Cherry Hill farm. He conveyed the house, apparently, to Simon Lovett of Beverly, yeoman, about
that date; and Mr. Lovett for two hundred and thirty-six pounds, conveyed the house and barn with
140
the land adjoining them to John Trow of Beverly, yeoman, June 24,1789. Mr. Trow apparently
conveyed the estate to Simeon Brown soon after, and he took the old house down.
The house which was built upon the homestead by Lot Conant about 1670 was probably the
house which was conveyed with the barn and land around them to David Forniss of Beverly, tailor,
141
April 11,1783. Mr. Forniss, for one hundred and ten pounds, conveyed the “land” to Capt. Simeon
142
Brown of Beverly, gentleman, Oct. 1,1792; and Mr. Brown conveyed the land and buildings to Dr.
143
Ingalls Kittredge of Townsend April 6,1803. Doctor Kittredge removed the house.
Edward Bishop Lot. This lot of land in the Rail field, so called, was conveyed by Edward
144
Bishop of Beverly, husbandman, to his son Edward Bishop of Salem, husbandman, Oct. 8,1673.
The lot belonged to Edward Bishop in 1700.
Benjamin Balch Lot. Benjamin Balch owned this lot of land in 1673 and 1700.
Edward Rayment Lot. This lot of land was a part of the lot which was conveyed by John
Leach to Henry Herrick, sr., of Salem, yeoman, in or before 1668. Mr. Herrick conveyed it to Peter
145
Woodbury and William Rayment of Salem Oct. 26,1668. Mr. Woodbury apparently released this
part of the lot to Mr. Rayment. William Rayment, sr., Beverly, yeoman, in consideration of love,
146
conveyed it to his son Edward Rayment of Beverly, cordwainer, April 4, 1695; and Edward
Rayment owned it in 1700.
William Rayment Lot. This lot of land was a part of the lot which was conveyed by John
Leach to Henry Herrick, sr., of Salem, yeoman, in or before 1668. Mr. Herrick conveyed it to Peter
147
Woodbury and William Raiment of Salem Oct. 26,1668. Mr. Woodbury apparently released this
part of the lot to Mr. Raiment, who owned the lot in 1700.
Peter Woodbury Lot. This lot of land was a part of the lot conveyed by John Leach to Henry
Herrick, sr., of Salem, yeoman, in or before 1668. Mr. Herrick conveyed it to Peter Woodbury and
148
William Raiment of Salem Oct. 26,1668. Mr. Raiment apparently released his interest in this part
139
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 21, leaf 180.
140
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 150, leaf 275.
141
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 153, leaf 231.
142
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 155, leaf 214.
143
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 172, leaf 136.
144
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 115.
145
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 134.
146
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 22, leaf 262.
147
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 134.
148
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 134.
Page 28
of the lot to Mr. Woodbury, who owned it in 1695 and 1700.
John Rayment Lot. This lot of land belonged to John Rayment in 1700.
John Dodge Lot. Capt. John Dodge of Beverly owned this lot in 1696 and 1700.
Cornelius Baker Lot. This lot of land was owned by Cornelius Baker, jr., of Salem, yeoman,
in 1696 and 1700.
Benjamin Balch Lot. This lot of land belonged to Benjamin Balch in 1700.
Philip White House. Nathaniel Conant of Beverly, cordwainer, owned this lot of land and
sold it to Philip White of Beverly, carpenter, before 1687. In 1687, after Mr. White purchased the
land, there was a house upon it, but it has not been learned how long it stood. He apparently owned
the house and land in 1700.
Nathaniel Rayment Lot. John Rayment, sr., of Beverly, yeoman, for love, conveyed this lot
149
of land to his son Nathaniel Rayment of Beverly, yeoman, Jan. 15,1696-7; and Nathaniel Rayment
owned it in 1700.
Ebenezer Woodbury Lot. This lot of land belonged to Ebenezer Woodbury in 1696 and 1700.
149
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 32a.
Page 29
Benjamin Balch House. The tract of land was a portion of the two hundred acres granted by
the town of Salem to John Balch, whowas from Bridgewater, Somersetshire,
England, as one of the Old Planters oforiginal Salem, Jan. 25,1635-6; and built
his house upon this part of his land. Thehouse is still in existence, being the
northeastern portion of the “old Balchhouse,” and occupying the same site on
which it was erected. It is the onlyhouse of an “Old Planter” in existence,
and is probably the oldest house in NewEngland. Originally, it was about twenty-
three feet long, sixteen feet wide and about nine feet post. The roof was steep, and probably
thatched. The original frame is of white oak, and probably intact. In spite of the many changes and
additions that have come to the old house little has been taken from its timbers. Originally, the
chimney was probably made of stone onthe outside of the house and at its north
end. The house was originally like this:About 1645, the first change was made in it.
The posts were lengthened about fourfeet, and new rafters were placed over the
original ones. Thus the house became oftwo stories. The attic shows these two sets
of rafters, one placed above the other,but in the chamber the lower ends of the
original front intermediate rafters havebeen cut away in order to make the chamber
clear of them. An examination showedthat this had been done at the new beam,
and a closet was built on the back side of the chamber, in which the ends of the original rafters are
to been seen. Thus the frame of the old house after this change appeared as in this diagram:
Sometime about the year 1760, a considerable addition was made on the southern
end, and about 1800 another. Apparently, one or two more additions were
subsequently made, eventually causing the northern gable to display various
changes as follows:There is no cellar under the original part
of the house, and theunderpinning, is of small stones laid in
clay. It has apparentlynever been disturbed. Most of the
space under the otherparts of the house is occupied by
cellars. The house is of great interest,and an attractive study.
John Balch died in the month ofJune, 1648. In his will, he devised to
his wife Annis (Agnes) “the Roomenewly built” some land, cows, etc., and
homestead went to his son Benjamin.The dwelling house and barn were
appraised at sixteen pounds, while his apparel was valued at fifty-one pounds and ten shillings.
Benjamin Balch, sr., of Beverly, yeoman, for love, etc., conveyed to his grandson Benjamin Balch,
jr., of Beverly, husbandman, who lived with him, upon his becoming of age, “my dwelling house,”
150
barn, orchard, etc., Jan. 4,1703-4. He was a yeoman, and lived in Beverly. He died Jan. 8, 1749-
50; having in his will devised his dwelling house and land to his wife Mercy for her life, and then to
his daughters Marcy Lovett, Mary Woodberry, Martha Trask and Deborah Dodge and to his
grandson Benjamin Balch Lovett. In the inventory of his estate, the house, barn and land were
appraised at one hundred and twenty pounds. This homestead came into the possession of Deborah,
daughter of Benjamin Balch and wife of Jonathan Dodge of Beverly. Mrs. Dodge died; and the title
descended to her son Cornelius Dodge of Beverly, yeoman. Cornelius Dodge died April 27,1837,
at the age of ninety-four. The home field and the dwelling house and barn thereon with then
150
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 19, leaf 209.
Page 30
appraised at eight hundred dollars. The placed descended to his son Azor Dodge of Beverly,
151
conveyed to his son Joshua F. Dodge and his wife Alice a life estate in the premises Dec. 10,1869;
and the remainder to Addie Dodge and Martha Dodge, children of said Joshua F. Dodge, Dec.
152
13,1869. Addie F. Dodge married Charles H. Herrick. Martha Dodge died Jan. 14,1880; and her
mother, then Mary Alice Lufkin, inherited her half of the premises. Mrs. Lufkin released her interest
in the house and land to her daughter Mrs. Addie F. Herrick, who owned the other half interest, April
30, 1913; and thus Mrs. Herrick became the sole owner of the estate. In the autumn of 1915, interest
in the preservation of the old house became aroused upon the discovery that it included the original
dwelling of John Balch on this site; and, June 8, 1916, Mrs. Herrick and her husband transferred the
title thereto to Joseph Balch of Westwood, John Balch of Milton, Franklin G. Balch, Francis N. Balch
and William Sumner Appleton, all of Boston, and Franklin Balch of Topsfield and their survivors.
These men hold the title jointly to raise money for and cause the reconstruction of the original
dwelling. The war has hindered the consummation of this purpose hitherto, but it is hoped that this
cherished design may be prosecuted soon.
William Dodge Lot. This land was probably a portion of the tract of land granted by the town
of Salem to Peter Palfrey Jan. 25,1635-6, and it belonged to Dea. William Dodge in 1700.
Henry Herrick Lot. This lot of land belonged to Henry Herrick, sr., of Salem, yeoman, in
1668, and he died possessed of it in the winter of 1670-1. In his will, he devised to his son Benjamin
ch
Herrick this “pasture land, called my english field, w joyneth on the east syde to Andrew Eliott,
lyeing between the countrye high way.” & the mill River,” to “remaine in the hands of my sonn Henry
to improve untill Beniamyn be 21 years of age and in case he dye before he be 21 years of age I give
the sayd land to my sonn Henry.” Benjamin Herrick died without issue in 1677, probably under age.
th
The inventory of the estate of Henry Herrick has this item: “the English pasture w the marsh & and
orchard in itt, 80 li.” The son Henry Herrick owned the lot in 1700, when he was of Beverly,
yeoman.
Andrew Elliott House. This lot of land belonged to Henry Herrick, sr., of Salem, yeoman,
May 26, 1668, when he conveyed that part of the lot lying within the dashes at the southeastern
153
corner to Andrew Elliott of Salem, cordwainer, a native of Somersetshire, England. The remainder
of the lot subsequently came into his hands. Upon the southeast corner he erected a house, in which
he lived. Mr. Elliott died March 1, 1703-4; having devised the homestead with the dwelling house
thereon to his grandson Andrew Elliott, son of the deceased son William Elliott, the latter (William)
being then in possession of the homestead as a tenant. Andrew Elliott, Jr., lived here, and died,
possessed of the estate, Jan. 25,1743-4, intestate. The real estate was not divided until Sept. 3,1764,
when the easterly part of the house and homestead was assigned to his eldest son Robert Elliott and
the westerly part to his son Andrew Elliott. Robert Elliott lived here, and was a mariner. He died
in the winter 1767-8, intestate, possessed of his part of the house and land. In the inventory of his
estate, the “one half Part of an old dwelling House” was valued at eighteen pounds, and “a fmall
Barn” at ten pounds. He left two children, Robert and Jane, who owned this part of the estate in
1788. How much longer this house stood is unknown to the writer.
151
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 787, leaf 144.
152
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 787, leaf 145.
153
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 38.
Page 31
John Dodge Lot. This was called Bushnell’s lot before 1669; and John Leach of Salem,
154
miller, conveyed it to John Dodge, jr., of Beverly, husbandman, Sept. 2, 1669. Mr. Dodge owned
it in 1700. This lot included “a little hill encompassed by his own marsh near Mr. Friends mill”
granted by the selectmen of Salem to Henry Skerie Feb. 20, 1653-4.
Estate of Nehemiah Grover Lot. This lot of land belonged to Edmund Grover in 1648. When
155
of Beverly, yeoman, for love, he conveyed it to his son Nehemiah Grover July 23, 1677. Nehemiah
Grover died Feb. 12, 1693-4, intestate. In the inventory of his estate, this lot of five acres was
appraised at thirty-five pounds, and the dwelling house and barn at thirty pounds. The estate was
undivided in 1700.
Mark Haskell Lot. This lot of land was probably granted to Nicholas Draper; and it belonged
to Jarvis Garford of Salem, gentleman, in 1648. Mr. Garford had a house there, and for eighty
156
pounds, conveyed the house and land to widow Elizabeth Hardy of Salem Sept. 26, 1653. She
gave her “son” Roger Haskell half of the house and land, as he paid to Mr. Garford part of the money
for it. When this house disappeared is unknown. She died in the autumn of 1654, having in her will
devised to her daughter Elizabeth, wife of Roger Haskell, the other half. The will was defective, and
on a division of the real estate this portion of the land was assigned to Mr. Haskell. Roger Haskell
died in June, 1667, having in his will devised one-half of this land to his wife and the other half to his
sons Roger, Josiah and Samuel. Joshiah Haskell and Samuel Haskell apparently released their interest
in this lot to Roger Haskell, as he owned it in 1700.
John Conant Lot. This lot of land was part of a lot which belonged to Edmund Grover in
1648. It belonged to John Grover of Salem, husbandman, Aug. 8, 1677, when, for sixteen shillings,
157
he conveyed it to John Benet of Beverly, weaver. Mr. Bennett, for twenty shillings, conveyed it
to John Conant of Beverly, carpenter, Oct. 3, 1677; and Mr. Conant owned the lot in 1700.
Jonathan Herrick House. This was a part of a lot of land which belonged to Edmund Grover
in 1648. This lot belonged to John Grover of Salem, husbandman, in 1677. John Grover died in
1695, intestate. In the inventory of his estate, his dwelling house and orchard were appraised at thirty
pounds. His widow Margaret Grover, as his administratrix, for twenty-nine pounds, conveyed the
158
land and dwelling house thereon to Jonathan Herrick of Beverly, blacksmith, Nov. 20,1696. Mr.
Herrick, for one hundred and eighteen pounds, conveyed to Hazadiah Smith, sr., of Beverly, house
159
carpenter, the land with the dwelling house, barn and a smith’s shop thereon April 28,1715; and
Mr. Smith, for love, conveyed to his son Samuel Smith of Beverly the land with the dwelling house
160
thereon Jan. 5,1724-5. How much longer the house stood is unknown to the writer.
154
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 69.
155
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 53.
156
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 20.
157
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 20.
158
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 20, leaf 14.
159
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 72, leaf 207.
160
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 57, leaf 7.
Page 32
161
Joseph Trask Lot. This lot of land belonged to Joseph Trask in 1698 and 1700.
Benjamin Trask Lot. Osmond Trask of Beverly died in the winter of 1676-7, possessed of
this lot of land; and his widow Elizabeth Trask married, secondly, John Gyles of Beverly. Mr. and
Mrs. Gyles conveyed this lot, as she was the administratrix of the estate, to her son Samuel Trask Jan.
162
18, 1688; and Samuel Trask apparently conveyed it to his son Benjamin Trask before Oct. 10,
1680. Benjamin Trask owned it in 1700. There was a house upon this lot in 1706, but when and by
whom it was built is unknown.
William Elliott Lot. Osmond Trask of Beverly died in the winter of 1676-7, possessed of this
lot of land; and his widow and administratrix, who married John Gyles of Beverly in 1679, conveyed
163
it to her son Samuel Trask Jan. 18,1688. Samuel Trask, “then living in Salem,” blacksmith, for
164
eight pounds in silver, conveyed it to William Elliott of Beverly, cordwinder, Oct. 10,1689; and Mr.
Elliott owned it in 1700.
Isaac Woodberry House. This lot of land was possibly owned by Osmond Trask of Beverly
in 1675. He died in the winter of 1676-7; and perhaps it was subsequently owned by his son Samuel
Trask. Robert Hibbert probably owned it next.
That part of the lot lying westerly of the dashes was owned by John Swarton of Beverly,
tailor, April 27,1687, when, for fifty dollars, he conveyed the land, with the house and barn thereon,
165
to Isaac Woodberry, jr., of Beverly, mariner.
That part of the lot lying easterly of the dashes belonged to Robert Hibberd of Beverly as
early as 1668. He died May 7, 1684, having in his will devised it to his wife Joane for her life and
then to his son Samuel Hibbart. His wife Joane Hebbard and their son Samuel Hibbard, for fifteen
166
pounds and four shillings, conveyed this part of the lot to Mr. Woodberry May 26, 1691.
Mr. Woodberry died possessed of the entire lot and the buildings thereon at Bristol, England,
Aug. 14,1701, at the age of twenty-one.
His father, Isaac Woodberry of Beverly, mariner, stated in his will that his wife Mary bought
the house and barn and land in the name of his said deceased son. The father died March 11,1725-6,
at the age of eighty-four, having devised the buildings and land to his son Joshua Woodberry. How
long the house stood is uncertain.
Nathaniel Wallis House. This lot of land was owned by Robert Hibberd, sr., of Beverly,
bricklayer, as early as 1668.
161
There may have been a house upon this lot in 1700. Joseph Trask of Beverly, yeoman,
conveyed this land with a dwelling house upon it to Samuel Trask of Salem Dec. 1, 1713 (Essex
Registry of Deeds, book 36, leaf 44). Samuel Trask of Salem, blacksmith, conveyed the house and
land to his son Samuel Trask of Beverly, weaver, Dec. 8, 1718 (Essex Registry of Deeds, book
36, leaf 46); and Samuel Trask of Beverly, weaver, conveyed the same premises to Samuel Bell of
Salem, mason, March 1, 1736-7 (Essex Registry of deeds, book 73, leaf 120).
162
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 36, leaf 45.
163
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 36, leaf 45.
164
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 78.
165
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 96.
166
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 95.
Page 33
The middle portion of the lot was conveyed by Mr. Hebberd to his daughter Abigail, wife of
167
Thomas Blashfield of Beverly, fisherman, June 20,1676; and Mr. Blashfield built a house upon the
lot that summer. Mr. Blashfield became a husbandman, and, of sixty-five pounds, conveyed the house
168
and land to Nathaniel Wallis of Manchester Aug. 31, 1680. Mr. Wallis removed to this house. He
was born in Cornwall, Great Britain, about 1632.
The northwesterly corner of the lot, being orchard, was conveyed to Mr. Hiberd, for twenty
169
shillings, to Mr. Wallis Sept. 30,1680.
The southern portion of this lot was conveyed by Joseph Hibert of Beverly, husbandman, to
170
Mr. Wallis Nov. 26, 1661.
Mr. Robert Hibberd died possessed of the northeastern part of the lot May 7, 1684; and his
widow Joan Hebberd and their son Samuel Hebberd, to whom he had devised it, for six pounds and
171
fifteen shillings in silver, conveyed it to Mr. Wallis March 13,1689-90.
Mr. Wallis died possessed of the entire estate Oct. 18,1709. The house and land were then
appraised at ninety-one pounds. In his will he devised it to his sons Caleb and Joshua. Joshua Wallis
of Wenham, husbandman, conveyed to his loving brother, Caleb Wallis of Beverly, cordwainer, his
half of a mansion house and barn and the land, “being the dwelling house, barn and homestead that
our honored father Nathaniel Wallis, late of Beverly, yeoman, deceased, died seized of, “ July
172
11,1711. Caleb Wallis died Nov. 1,1714, intestate. In the inventory of his estate this property is
described as “six acres of land with an orchard and the dwelling house and barn thereon which was
formerly the homestead of Nathaniel Wallis, father of the deceased,” and valued at eighty pounds.
The real estate was divided Dec. 26,1742, in this house and lot was assigned to his son Joshua Wallis.
Joshua Wallis was a tailor and lived in Beverly. For one hundred and forty pounds, he conveyed the
lot with the house, barn and orchard thereon to Peter Groves of Beverly, joiner, Jan. 7,1722-3. Mr.
Groves died March 14,1755;having in his will devised the homestead to his wife Mary and after her
decease to his son Freeborn Groves, and if the latter should die without issue then to the testator’s
grandson Peter Groves of Beverly. The dwelling house was then appraised at twenty pounds; the
barn at five pounds; the shop at two pounds; and the five acres of land at eighty pounds. Freeborn
Groves died, intestate, in 1783; and his homestead of four and a half acres of land with the dwelling
house, etc., was then appraised at two hundred and twenty-five pounds. How much longer the house
stood has not been learned.
Samuel Hibberd House. This lot of land was owned by Robert Hibberd of Beverly,
bricklayer, and 1668. He lived here, and died May 7,1684. In the inventory of his estate, the
dwelling house, barn and orchard were appraised at sixty pounds, and the thirty-four acres of land
near the house at one hundred and nineteen pounds. In his will he had devised to his wife Joane his
now dwelling house, barn, tillage and pasture land, being his homestead, for her life, and then gave
167
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 106.
168
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 107.
169
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 95.
170
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 164.
171
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 164.
Page 34
the homestead to his son Samuel Hibberd, “if he doth behave himself dutyfully & obediently to his
mother.” Samuel Dooley behaved himself, apparently, and possessed the estate at the deceased of
his mother.” Samuel duly behaved himself, apparently, and possessed the estate after the decease of
his mother. He was a husbandman, and lived here. He died in the spring of 1702, intestate. In his
inventory, the dwelling house was appraised at ten pounds, and the thirty acres adjoining at thirty
pounds. Deborah Hibberd conveyed her one-sixth interest in the estate to Peter Groves of Beverly,
173
joiner, Sept. 30,1709; and Mr. Groves conveyed it to Robert Hale, Esq., of Beverly, physician, Jan.
174
22,1710. Samuel Hibberd’s daughter Abigail, wife of Daniel Eaton of Lynn, conveyed her interest
175
in the estate to Mr. Hale, with “a mansion or dwelling house” thereon, May 30,1710. The real
estate was divided Feb. 5,1710-1 ; and the house and land adjoining was assigned to Doctor Hale by
virtue of these deeds. How long the house stood after this date has not been determined.
The “general fence” which ran through this lot at the northeastern side of Prospect hill was
the fence which included the common land in 1668. That portion of this lot lying easterly of this
fence was granted by the town of Beverly to Mr. Hibberd in 1693.
173
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 59, leaf 12.
174
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 30, leaf 70.
175
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 23, leaf 174.
Page 35
BEVERLY IN 1700. NO. 3
By Sidney Perley
This section of Beverly comprises the central portion of the city, containing an area of about
one square mile. It extends as far north as Summer street and northeasterly to Bisson street.
It contains no hill of any considerable size, and the only one bearing a name is Stephens hill,
lying between Cabot and Rantoul streets, near Broadway. It was so called in 1842.
Tuck’s point consisted of a sand bar, and was called Barr point in 1698; and Tuck’s point as
early as 1788. Goat hill early belonged to the Ellingwood family, and was known as Ellingwood point
in 1700.
A deep swamp lies northerly of Stone street, between Bartlett and Lothrop streets, which was
called Root’s swamp in 1701 and Bartlett’s swamp in 1793. Groves hollow, at the foot of Summer
Street, was so locally known about two centuries ago; and Trask’s hollow, which was farther north,
where the Gloucester branch of the Boston & Maine railroad now runs, just west of Gloucester
Crossing, was so called about the same time.
The ocean off this section of Beverly was called ye river and the sea in 1671; at Tuck’s point,
Page 36
ye river or harbor in 1686; and ye Ferry river in 1698.
The harbor was called the north harbor in 1681; and, westerly of the Essex bridge, the salt sea
in 1733; and, at the bridge, ye salt water of Salem ferry in 1721.
Bass river was so called as early as 1635. It was called the river that runs between Royal’s
side and Emery’s lot in 1706; ye sea in 1711; the salt river between Beverly and Ryal’s side in 1725;
Beverly river in 1747; and Back river in 1798.
Corning’s cove was called a creek in 1739; Corning’s cove in 1752; and Corning’s pond in
1768. There was a landing place there in 1752.
Roundy’s cove was called a creek in 1698; and Roundy’s cove in 1783.
The oldest road in this section of the city is Hale street and that part of Cabot street between
Hale and Beckford streets. Its course was determined probably under the reservation of a highway
along the water front of all lands granted by the town of Salem. It was in use as early as 1640, and
was undoubtedly an old trail when the English began to settle that region. It connected the settlement
at Salem with that at Jeffries creek (Manchester) and Cape Ann. Oct. 26,1646, the town of Salem
appointed a committee to make a way to Manchester.
thth
At a generall towne meetinge held the 26 day of the 8 moneth [1646]...Orderd that William Woodburie &
th
Richard Brackenburie Enfigne Dixy Mr. Conant & Liuetenn Lothrop & Laurence Leech fhall forthw lay out a way
betweene the ferry at Salem & the head of Jeffryes Creeke & that it be such a way as man-made trauell on horfe back
& driue cattle. & if fuch a way may not be found then to take speedy Courfe to ffet vp a foote bridge at Mackerell Coue.
This committee’s report is on file in the office of the clerk of courts at Salem. It is as follows:-
We whose names are underwritten being imployed by the towne of Salem to find out a way from the towne
towards Manchester doe testify that we found out a way & made it sufficient
the mark of
Wm S. Dixy
e
Hale Street was called the highway towards Manchester in 1646; the country highway in 1671; “y
t
Roade y leads from Beverly to Manchester” in 1706; and Hale street in 1838.
That part of Cabot street between Hale street and Essex bridge was laid out to connect the
country road with the ferry when the latter was established where Essex bridge is now situated. The
176
ferry was removed hither from Draper’s point, and a map of the region made about 1677 shows
the location of the ferry house on the highland near the ferry. It was called the country road in 1677;
the common road or highway in 1692; the country road or highway running from the ferry place in
1693; “ye country road that goeth to Salem ferry” in 1709; the street in 1752; the publick road
leading from the lower meeting house in Beverly to the ferry in 1782; the main street in 1793; the
country road leading from Salem to Newbury in 1793; the country road leading from Essex bridge
to Ipswich in 1796; the road that leads from Essex bridge to Wenham in 1797; Main street in 1811;
and was named Cabot street in 1838.
176
Printed in the current volume of the Historical Collections of the Essex Institute, page
54.
Page 37
In 1700, the way to the southern part of Ipswich, from the meeting house in Beverly, was by
way of Briscoe and Essex streets. It was called ye highway in 1677; ye town highway in 1697; and
the town or country road or highway which extends from ye meeting house along by the house of
Nehemiah Stone in 1722. The Briscoe portion of it was called ye road that goes over ye hill in1732.
A new road was made from the junction of Briscoe and Essex streets to the meeting house in or
before 1833. This new part was called “the new county highway lately located there” in 1833; the
new road from Beverly to Essex in 1835; and a highway lately located near the first parish meeting
house in 1836. The whole length of Essex street was called the Essex street in 1832; Briscoe street
was called the old county road from Beverly to Essex in 1835; and was named Briscoe Street in 1838.
Bartlett street was a way to George Tuck’s house, and subsequently extended to Tuck’s
ee
point. It was called “y Lane that goes from y Country Road to George Tucks house” in 1708; a
highway in 1734; an highway lately laid out adjoining to land of Samuel Stone, William Gage and
John Stevens in 1740; way leading down to the new wharf in 1764; Bartlett’s lane so called in 1785;
and the road leading to Tuck’s point so called in 1788; and was named Bartlett street in 1838.
The way toTuck’s point, now partly obsolete and partly a portion of Lothrop street, was
called “ye way that leads along by ye water Side” in 1714. Front and Lothrop streets were
respectively so named in1838.
Water street was laid out along the harbor front from the ferry landing to the foot of Bartlett’s
lane. It was called the road leading to Tuck’s point so called in 1788; and was named Water street
in 1838.
Thorndike street was laid out by the county court in November, 1741, in connection with the
division of the estate of Benjamin Lovett of Beverly among his children. It was named Thorndike
street in 1838.
Central Street was laid out by the heirs of William Lovett of Beverly for a private way fifteen
and one-half feet wide in or before 1733. It was called land reserved for a public way in 1781; and
was named Central street in 1838.
Pleasant street was laid out twenty-eight and one-half feet wide by the heirs of John Tuck of
Beverly in or before 1794; and was known as Pleasant street as early as 1860.
Rantoul street was laid out before 1853, when it was so called.
Park street was laid out as a way forty feet wide by the Eastern Railroad Company in
agreement with Augustus N. Clark and others in or before 1857; and was call Park street as early as
1865.
Myrtle street was so called and 1871.
Summer Street was a private way leading from Cabot street to Rantoul street in 1869; and
was called Summer street the next year.
Elliott street was laid out in 1808 as a section of a more direct route from Cape Ann to
Andover and vicinity; and was named Elliott street in 1838.
Dane street was called the highway on the north side of the training field in 1829, and Dane
street in 1834.
Federal street was called a street to be laid out and called Federal street in 1807. It was in
use the next year, and has ever since borne that name.
Chapman street was laid out by Nathan Dane and Abner Chapman forty feet wide in or before
1807; and was called Essex street from that time. Since 1866 it has been called Chapman street.
Home and Creek streets have been so called since 1871.
Page 38
Bow street was so called in 1857.
Wallis street was so named in 1838.
Milton street was a private way so called in 1859. Broadway was known as the new town
way known as Broadway in 1873.
Vestry street was a lane in 1831; and Elm square was a private way so called in 1844.
Railroad avenue was so called in 1855. Railroad square was a public square laid out by the
Eastern Railroad Company in agreement with Augustus N. Clark and others in or before 1857.
Fayette street was known as Fayette place in 1853; and as Fayette street in 1868.
Edwards street was so called in 1855.
School street was called Schoolhouse lane in 1804; a private way leading to the South District
schoolhouse in 1834; and was named School street in 1838.
Cox’s court was a road twenty-five feet wide lately staked out in 1801; a lane that runs from
the county road near Essex bridge northerly for a privilege way in 1802; and was named Cox street
in 1838. It was Cox’s court in 1848; and a lane or private way court in 1868.
Charity court was the way to the workhouse in its rear; and was named Charity street in 1838.
It was called Charity court in 1848.
Lothrop street was a way laid out from Washington street to Tuck’s point in 1832; and was
so named in 1838.
Lovett street was so named in 1838.
Back street was so called in 1870.
Stone street was an open way known by that name in 1853.
May street was a private way called May street in 1865.
Washington street was laid out by the selectmen of Beverly in March, 1803, over land of
Elisha Whitney from the main street to the sea; and has been called Washington street ever since.
Brown and Abbott streets were so named in 1838.
Butman street was so called in 1871.
Charnock street was a road forty feet wide in 1805; and was named Charnock street in 1838.
John Hale Lot. William Dodge, sr., of Beverly or Bass River, husbandman, conveyed to Mr.
177
John Hale, pastor of ye church of Beverly, this tract of pasture land Jan. 28,1668; and Mr. Hale
died possessed of it in 1700.
This was called the “outlet” as early as 1675.
Samuel Hardy House. This lot of land belonged to Richard Haynes of Beverly, husbandman,
178
Dec. 29,1671, when he conveyed it to John Sampson of Beverly, husbandman. At a town meeting
in Beverly Aug. 23, 1675, Mr. Sampson agreed to release it with other land to the town for a school
house; and the town gave it to Samuel Hardie, schoolmaster, in consideration of his continuance for
seven years as a teacher in the town, April 11,1676. Mr. Hardie was the son of Robert Hardie,
“Citizen and haberdasher, of London,” and he married Mary, daughter of Samuel Dudley of Exeter,
Jan. 24,1675. Samuel Hardie taught school here for many years, and about 1698 became a student
in physic, although he had a family consisting of his wife and four children. He died while he was thus
studying in the spring of 1700, possessed of this house and a small barn and land, all of which was
177
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 52.
178
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 36.
Page 39
then appraised at thirty-five pounds. In his will, he devised to his wife the house and land for life and
then to his children, Robert, Mary, Theophilus and Elizabeth. The names of this family disappear
from the records of Beverly at this date (1700). How much longer the house stood has not been
learned.
John Lovett Lot. This lot of land belonged to Richard Haynes of Beverly, husbandman, Dec.
179
29,1671, when he conveyed it to John Sampson of Beverly, husbandman. At a town meeting of
Beverly Aug. 23,1675, Mr. Sampson agreed to release it with other land to the town for a
schoolhouse; and, in 1678, the town let these two acres of land to John Swarton for seven years. The
lot belonged to John Lovett, sr., Beverly, husbandman, in 1693; and there was then upon the lot a
house which had been built by his daughter Susanna and her husband Williams Sikes and in which
they then lived. Mr. Sikes died, possessed of the house, in or before 1706, when his widow married
Thomas Cole of Marblehead. She was appointed administratrix of Mr. Sikes’ estate May 20, 1717;
and the inventory of his estate mentions “a small house standing on John Lovett’s Land.” In the
account of her administration is included “an old houfe ftanding on John Lovetts Land,” four pounds
and eighteen shillings. Mr. Lovett died Sept. 10,1727, at the age of about ninety-one; having in his
will devised the southern half of the lot, which the dwelling house then stood on, for her life to his
wife, with power of disposal of the same for her support, and if she died possessed of it it should go
at her decease to her son William and her daughter. William Lovett of Beverly died Feb. 28,1756,
intestate, leaving widow Bethiah. The inventory of his estate shows the eastern half of the dwelling
house, etc., appraised at forty-five pounds, and a barn at two pounds. Nothing more is known of the
house.
John Trenance House. That part of this lot of land lying northerly of the dashes was granted
by the town of Beverly to Tobias Trow Nov. 6,1682, “upon this Condition viz that he do live in the
town and Improve it tenn years or be taken away by death though before the ten years be expired
having lived in the town while there, then the said Land be to him and his heirs forever but If the said
Trow should remove out of the towne before the ten years be expired then the said Land to returne
to the towne.” The lot was laid out by Ensign Corning and Andrew Elliott, sr., who were then
selectmen, March 18,1683-4. Mr. Trow was a cordwainer, and built upon this part of the lot, before
1690, a dwelling house, in which he lived.
That part of the lot lying southerly of the dashes, with the town pound thereon, was granted
to Mr. Trow by the town of Beverly Feb. 13,1690-1, provided “him selfe & his heirs Doth hereby
promise & ingage to build vpon occasion & keep in good & suffitiant repaire sd Town Pound at his
ee
or their own proper Cost & Charges from henceforth & for Ever for y vse of y town.”
For fifty pounds, Mr. Trow conveyed the entire lot of land with the house, barn and shop
180
thereon to John Trenance of Beverly, mariner, Feb. 28,1693-4. Mr. Trenance died in the spring
of 1704, intestate, leaving widow Martha and children Elizabeth, Rose and Martha. The house and
land were then appraised at forty-five pounds. The widow died March 5,1717-8, having in her will
devised her dwelling house, barn, orchard and land to her “son” in law John Webber. How much
longer the house stood has not been determined.
Hazadiah Smith Lot. Richard Haynes of Beverly, husbandman, for twenty-five pounds,
179
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 36.
180
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 269.
Page 40
181
conveyed this lot of land to John Bennett of Beverly, weaver, Nov. 18,1676. Mr. Bennett moved
to Middleborough, and, for forty pounds, conveyed it to Hazadiah Smith of Beverly, carpenter, June
182
27,1694; and Mr. Smith owned the lot in 1700.
Thomas Chubb Lot. This lot of land belonged to Thomas Chubb, sr., in 1676, and to Thomas
Chubb of Beverly, husbandman, in 1689 and 1700.
Emma Woodbury House. This lot of land belonged to Richard Haynes in 1676. The principal
part (nine acres) of the lot was conveyed by David Perkins of Bridgewater, blacksmith, with the
dwelling house and barn thereon, for one hundred and two pounds and ten shillings, to Andrew Elliott
183
of Beverly, cordwainer, June 15,1689; and, for love, Mr. Elliott gave the estate to his daughter
Emma Woodbury, wife of Andrew Woodbury of Beverly, mariner, in or before 1697, but did not
184
convey it by deed until Aug. 14,1702, when she was the wife of Rev. Thomas Blowers of Beverly.
That part of the lot lying within the dashes marked “1" at the western corner (one-fourth acre)
was conveyed by Thomas Chubb of Beverly, husbandman, for thirty-two shillings, to said Andrew
185
Woodbury March 11,1690-1. Mr. Woodbury died in the winter of 1694-5, leaving widow Emma
Woodbury.
That part of the lot lying within the dashes marked “2” was conveyed by Thomas Chubb to
Mrs. Woodbury May 12,1694.
That part of the lot lying within the dashes marked “3” was owned by Christopher Read of
Beverly, husbandman, in 1689, and he conveyed it, with the dwelling house thereon, for fourteen
186
pounds and ten shillings, to Mrs. Woodbury March 7,1696-7.
That part of the lot lying within the dashes marked “4" was conveyed by Thomas Chubb to
Mrs. Woodbury April 21,1697.
Rev. Mr. Blowers died June 17,1729; and his widow Emma Blowers conveyed the house,
187
barn and land to Joseph Scot of Boston, merchant, Sept. 9,1755. On the same day, Mr. Scot
conveyed the estate to Mrs. Blowers’ daughter Emma Charnock of Boston, widow of John
188
Charnock. The house was probably gone a few years later.
Hazadiah Smith Lot. Jacob Manning of Salem, gunsmith, and wife Sarah owned this slot in
189
1694; and, for thirty-two pounds, they conveyed it to Hazadiah Smith of Beverly April 6,1697.
Mr. Smith owned it in 1700.
Samuel Stone Lot. This lot of land belonged to Samuel Stone, sr., of Beverly, mariner, in
1700.
Robert Roundy House. Mark Haskell owned this lot of land in 1678; and, for one hundred
and eighty pounds, Mark Haskell of Rochester, carpenter, conveyed the house, barn and land, “where
181
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 71.
182
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 165.
183
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 73, leaf 94.
184
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 16, leaf 158.
185
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 16, leaf 157.
186
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 34, leaf 193.
187
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 102, leaf 221.
188
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 102, leaf 220.
189
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 20, leaf 133.
Page 41
190
I formerly lived,” to Robert Roundy Beverly, yeoman, Oct. 11,1698. Mr. Roundy lived here and
became a coaster. He died Nov. 16,1715. His dwelling house, barn and homestead land were
appraised at three hundred and fity pounds. In his will, which was made the day before he died, he
devised his housings and lands to his minor son Benjamin Roundy, providing that if Benjamin died
before he became of age, leaving no issue, the property should go to three daughters of the testator,
Elizabeth Pickett, Mercy Smith and Hester Roundy and his son John Roundy’s son Robert Roundy.
Benjamin lived, however, and died March 7,1753. How long the house stood is not known to the
writer.
Thomas Chubb Lot. That part of this lot of land lying southerly of the dashes was conveyed
by John Grover of Beverly, husbandman, to Thomas Chubb, sr., of Beverly, carpenter, June
191
29,1678.
That part of the lot of land lying northerly of the dashes belonged to Mr. Chubb in 1678, but
no deed conveyed it to him unto William Hascall of Gloucester delivered one to him June 21,1682.
The entire lot belonged to Mr. Chubb in 1700.
William Trask Lot. John Trask owned this lot of land in 1678 and William Trask in 1698.
William Trask of Beverly, tailor, conveyed it with the dwelling house thereon to William Leach of
192
Salem Aug. 9,1706. The house may have been upon the premises in 1700.
Jacob Griggs House. That part of this lot of land which lies southerly of the dashes was
conveyed by Osmond Traske of Beverly, yeoman, for six pounds and seven shillings, to William
193
Cleeves of Beverly, fisherman, March 27,1675; and Mr. Cleeves, for six pounds, conveyed it to
194
David Perkins of Beverly, blacksmith, Jan. 10,1676. Mr. Perkins erected a dwelling house
thereon; and, for eighty-five pounds, he conveyed the house and land to Robert Roundy of Beverly,
195
husbandman, May 5,1680. Mr. Roundy, for fifty-three pounds, reconveyed to Mr. Perkins the land
with the dwelling house thereon March 1,1684-5; and, for forty pounds and ten shillings, Mr. Perkins
196
conveyed the same estate to Joseph Griggs of Gloucester, cooper, April 27,1685.
That part of the lot lying northerly of the dashes was owned by Osmond Trask in 1675. John
Trask, sr., of Beverly, seafaring-man, owned it in 1678; and, for six pounds and fifteen shillings, he
conveyed it to Mr. Griggs, who had removed from Gloucester to Beverly, and was then living in the
197
house on the other part of this lot, March 15, 1687-8.
Mr. Griggs removed to Salem and conveyed the dwelling house and land to William Leach
198
of Beverly, cordwainer, Jan. 26,1712; and Mr. Leach died, possessed of the estate, in the autumn
of 1734. In his will, he devised to his wife Tryphosa all his estate until her remarriage or death; then
to his five sons, John, Joseph, William, Elijah and Benjamin, absolutely. In the inventory of his estate,
190
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 19, leaf 123.
191
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 125.
192
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 24, leaf 197.
193
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 8.
194
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 171.
195
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 80.
196
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 55.
197
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 110.
198
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 27, leaf 45.
Page 42
“One old House formerly bought of William Trask” was appraised at twelve pounds. The old house
probably disappeared soon afterwards.
Estate of John Stone Lot. This lot of land belonged to John Stone as early as 1675; and he
died possessed of it in the winter of 1691-2. It belonged to his estate in 1700.
Estate of Roger Haskins House. This lot of land belonged to Ens. Samuel Corning in1673,
and with the house thereon to Roger Haskins of Beverly, mariner, at the time of his death, Jan.
3,1693-4. The dwelling house, barn and land were then appraised at seventy-eight pounds. It
remained in the possession of his widow Ruth Haskins until June 1,1714, when his children, Samuel
Haskins, ferryman, Ruth Martin, Susannah Hooper, Johannah Haskins and Abigail Belcher and the
widow, Ruth Haskins, all of Beverly, for seventy-three pounds, conveyed the house and land to John
199
Corning of Beverly, innholder. Mr. Corning became a turner, and died Feb. 28,1733-4, intestate.
In the inventory of his estate, “the old House that was Hoskinses” was appraised at eighteen pounds,
and “the House plot of land that was bought of Hoskinses” was appraised at ninety-two pounds. In
the division of his estate, April 9,1736, the house and land adjoining was assigned to his son Andrew
Corning. Andrew Corning was apparently never married, and was “cast away at Salisbury” March
7,1738. How much longer the old house stood has not been determined.
Nathaniel Hayward Lot. This lot of land belonged to Ens. Samuel Corning of Beverly very
early; and was conveyed by Nathaniel Stone of Beverly, husbandman, to Nathaniel Hayward of
200
Beverly, house carpenter, Oct. 29, 1673. With the consent of his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Ens.
Samuel Corning, Mr. Hayward, then of Salem, joiner, conveyed the lot to his son Samuel Hayward
201
of Salem, cooper, Aug. 24,1699; and, for forty pounds, twelve shillings and six pence, Samuel
202
Hayward conveyed it next day to his brother Nathaniel Hayward of Beverly, carpenter. Nathaniel
Hayward owned it in 1700.
Nathaniel Hayward Lot. This lot of land early belonged to Ens. Samuel Corning, sr., of
Beverly, yeoman, who died in the autumn of1694, intestate. In the division of his real estate, March
7,1694-5, this lot was assigned to Nathaniel Hayward, sr., of Salem, husband of his daughter
Elizabeth; and Mr. Hayward owned the lot in 1700.
Samuel Corning House. This lot of land, with the house thereon, belonged to Ens. Samuel
Corning, sr., of Beverly, yeoman, who died in the autumn of 1694, intestate. His real estate was
divided March 7, 1694-5, and this lot, with the housing thereon, was assigned to his son Samuel
Corning, 2d, of Beverly. Samuel Corning, 2d, died May 14,1714, intestate. The estate then passed
to his son John Corning of Beverly, turner, who died Feb. 28,1733-4, intestate. The house was then
standing, but how much longer it remained the writer does not know.
Nathaniel Stone Lot. This lot of land belonged to Ens. Samuel Corning, sr., of Beverly,
yeoman, in 1681; and he died possessed of it in the autumn of 1694. In the division of his real estate,
March 7,1694-5, this lot was assigned to Nathaniel Stone, sr., to whom it belonged in 1700.
William Elliott Lot. Samuel Corning, sr., of Beverly, husbandman, for ten pounds, conveyed
to Capt. John Higginson, Jr., of Salem, merchant, this lot of land, it being a part of his homestead
199
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 28, leaf 26.
200
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 14, leaf 112.
201
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 16, leaf 98.
202
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 27, leaf 4.
Page 43
203
where he now liveth, May 11, 1692; and , for twelve pounds, Colonel Higginson conveyed it to
204
William Elliott of Beverly, cordwainer, Aug. 1,1699. Mr. Elliott owned it in 1700.
Nathaniel Wallis Lot. This lot of land was a part of the Josiah Roots lot in 1680. Mr. Roots,
then of Beverly, died in the summer of 1683, having devised his real estate to his son Jonathan Roots,
who was to maintain his mother Suzanna Roots. In 1700, it belonged to Nathaniel Wallis, a native
of Cornwall county, in Great Britain.
William Elliott Lot. This lot of land was a part of Emery’s lot, and belonged to Robert
Hibbert in 1667; and to his son Joseph Hibbert in 1681. Joseph Hibbert conveyed that part of the lot
lying easterly of the dashes to William Elliott in 1686.
That part of the lot lying westerly of the dashes was owned by David Perkins of Beverly,
blacksmith, in 1686; and, for eight pounds in silver, he conveyed it to Mr. Elliott of Beverly,
205
cordwinder, who owned the other part, Dec. 10,1687.
Mr. Elliott owned the whole lot in 1700.
Nathaniel Wallis Lot. This was a part of Emery’s lot, so called; and was owned by Robert
Hibbert in 1667. It was conveyed by his son Joseph Hibbert of Beverly, husbandman, to Nathaniel
206
Wallis of Beverly Nov. 26,1681. Mr. Wallis owned the lot in 1700.
Andrew Elliott Lot. This lot of land was part of the ten acres conveyed by Nathaniel Marsters
207
of Salem, tailor, to John Lambert, sr., of Salem, fisherman, May 8,1667; and the lot belonged to
Mr. Lambert in 1670. He died in November, 1684; but no real estate is mentioned in either his will
or inventory. The lot belonged to Lt. Andrew Elliott, sr., a native of Somersetshire, England, from
1686 to 1700.
Caleb Wallis Lot. Nathaniel Stone, sr., of Beverly, yeoman , owned this lot of land in 1687;
208
and, for sixteen pounds in silver, conveyed it to Caleb Wallis of Beverly, cordwainer, June 2 , 1691.
Mr. Wallis owned it in 1700.
John Lovett Lot. This lot of land belonged to John Lovett, sr., of Beverly, husbandman, in
1687 and 1700.
Roger Haskins House. That part of this lot of land lying northerly of the dashes was the
western part of the lot conveyed by Nathaniel Marsters of Salem, tailor, to John Lambert, sr., of
209
Salem, fisherman, May 8,1667; and it belonged to his son John Lambert, jr., in 1682.
That part of the lot lying southerly of the dashes was owned by William Hoare of Beverly,
fisherman, in 1667; and, for ten pounds, he conveyed it to John Lambert, sr., of Beverly, fisherman,
210
Aug. 10,1670. Mr. Lambert, for love, conveyed it to his grandson John Lambert, jr., of Salem,
211
mariner, Nov. 3,1682.
203
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 142.
204
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 13, leaf 164.
205
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 77.
206
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 94.
207
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 13.
208
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 24, leaf 268.
209
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 24, leaf 268.
210
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 96.
211
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 84.
Page 44
John Lambert conveyed the whole of the westerly part of this lot to William Swetland of
212
Salem, tailor, May 5,1686. John Lambert became a pirate on the high seas, and was executed for
piracy in Boston June 30,1704. Mr. Swetland, for twenty-eight pounds, conveyed it to Roger
213
Haskins of Beverly, mariner, Jan. 21,1687-8.
That part of the lot lying easterly of the dashes belonged to Josiah Roots in 1667. Mr. Roots
died in the summer of 1683, having devised his real estate to his son Jonathan Roots. Jonathan Roots
of Marblehead, fisherman, for four pounds and ten shillings, conveyed it to Mr. Haskins, who owned
214
the other part of the lot, Jan. 23,1687-8.
That part of the lot lying within the dashes at the southeasterly corner belonged to Josiah
Roots in 1667. Mr. Roots lived in Beverly, and died in the summer of 1683, having devised his real
estate to his son Jonathan Roots, who was to maintain his mother Susanna Roots. Jonathan Roots
215
of Marblehead, fisherman, conveyed it to William Sikes of Beverly, weaver, Jan. 30,1687-8; and,
for twenty shillings, Mr. Sikes conveyed it to Samuel Clements of Salem, mariner, Aug. 20,1689.
For twenty shillings, Mr. Clements conveyed it to Mr. Haskins, who owned the rest of this lot, Jan.
216
20, 1689-90; and thus Mr. Haskins became the owner of the entire lot.
Mr. Haskins built a house upon the lot, and mortgaged the whole lot with the housing thereon
Oct. 26,1693. He died possessed of the estate Nov. 21,1712. How long the house existed is
unknown to the writer.
Andrew Elliott Lot. This lot of land belonged to Richard Haynes in 1670. David Perkins
owned it in 1686; and he conveyed it to Andrew Elliott, sr., of Beverly, cordwainer, who owned it
in 1687. For forty-five pounds in silver, Mr. Eliot conveyed it, including his interest in a highway to
this lot (lately bought by said Perkins and others of Jonathan Roots), to his son Andrew Elliott, jr.,
217
of Beverly May 23,1688. Andrew Elliott, jr., owned it in 1700.
Mary Gale Lot. This lot of land belonged to Josiah Roots in 1667; and was recovered on
execution from him in 1684 (?) By Henry Kenney, sr., of Salem Village. Mr. Kenney conveyed it to
Ambrose Gale of Marblehead, administrator of the estate of Thomas Roots, deceased, and guardian
218
of Mary Roots, his only heir and daughter, June 23,1697. Mary Roots married Azor Gale in 1697;
it belonged her in 1700.
William Dixie Lot. Capt. William Dixey owned this lot of land in 1683 and 1688, and
probably in 1700.
Andrew Elliott Lot. This lot of land belonged to William Dixie of Beverly, yeoman, quite
219
early. For six pounds, he conveyed it to Andrew Elliott, jr., Beverly, mariner, Oct. 26,1683; and
Mr. Elliott owned it in 1700.
Estate of Roger Haskins House. This lot of land was called the Ferry Great field in 1695.
212
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 75.
213
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 36.
214
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 35.
215
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 19.
216
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 148.
217
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 121.
218
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 13, leaf 1.
219
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 165.
Page 45
The town of Salem had granted this lot of ten acres to Richard Stackhouse Nov. 26,1638; and
appointed him to keep the ferry, commencing June 30,1653. Richard Stackhouse of Beverly,
yeoman, in consideration of love and grantor’s support, conveyed it with the dwelling house, barn
and fruit trees thereon to son-in-law Roger Haskins and his wife Ruth, daughter of the grantor, Feb.
220
21,1692-3. Mr. Hoskins was a mariner and lived in Beverly. He died Jan. 3, 1693-4, intestate. In
the inventory of his estate, the ten acres of land was appraised at sixty pounds, and “one Dwelling
ee
house & one barn standing vpon sd Land which is y homestead nere y fferry” at fifty pounds. His
son Samuel Haskins died Nov. 11,1716, at the age of about twenty-six; and he had apparently lived
in the house with his father after his marriage with Miriam Stone March 15,1715-6. An agreement
was made by Ruth Hoskins, widow of the deceased Roger Hoskins, their only surviving daughter,
Mrs. Abigail Belcher, and the son Samuel Hoskins’ widow Miriam Hoskins for herself and the
daughter of her deceased husband and herself, July 4,1717, in which the widow Ruth Hoskins should
have the ten-acre homestead lot “that was her father Mr. Richard Stackhouse’s near the ferry” and
house and barn thereon, except that said widow Miriam Hoskins should have the right to live in the
lower room of the west end of the house, etc., while she improved the ferry and also the ferry boat.
Mrs. Ruth Haskins, for two hunded pounds in money, conveyed this ten acres of land with “the
221
appurtenances thereon standing” to her daughter Abigail Belcher of Beverly April 8,1720. She was
very sick in the spring of 1722, but rallied and married, for her third husband, Nathaniel Clark a year
later. She died in the winter of 1730-1, having in her will devised all her housing and lands to Richard
Ellis, son of Thomas Ellis. In her inventory the dwelling house and barn and the ten acres of land
were valued at three hundred pounds. The premises were in the possession of Thomas Ellis of
Beverly Sept. 1,1738, when Mrs. Miriam Haskins, who married Jonathan Cole Jan. 1,1722, conveyed
222
her interest in the estate to Thomas Ellis. Richard Ellis of Beverly, yeoman, conveyed the land and
223
buildings, for four hundred pounds, to Paul Jewett of Rowley, yeoman, April 28,1769; and, for five
224
shillings, Mr. Jewett reconveyed the estate to Mr. Ellis Oct. 5,1769. Mr. Ellis conveyed the
225
property to Joseph Hodges of Salem, merchant, June 15,1774. How much longer the house stood
is unknown to the writer.
Ralph Ellenwood Lot. This lot of ten acres of land early belonged to Richard Moulton. This
lot and the adjoining lots of Benjamin Ellenwood and Mary Smith became the property of Ralph
Ellenwood before 1659. The town of Salem, in January, 1659-60, agreed with him to support a
certain pauper for two years for ten pounds and “all the waft lande that is comon from the eft fide of
his lott to the poynt and foe rounde before the riuer foe farr as his lande goeth with all marfh or Creek
thatch and further he hath libertie to fence on the eaft fide of his lott Downe to a lowe water marke,”
and the selectmen granted the land to him March 6,1661-2. Mr. Ellenwood died in the spring of 1674.
In his will, he devised to his son Ralph, when he became of age, “the ten akres which was formerly
old Robert Moltons lot.” The inventory of the estate mentions the following real estate: “a lot
220
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 101.
221
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 38, leaf 107.
222
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 146, leaf 241.
223
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 126, leaf 149.
224
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 130, leaf 42.
225
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 134, leaf 289.
Page 46
commonly called Molton’s lot, with the building, orcharding,” etc., appraised one hundred and thirty-
five pounds, and “plowabell Land, pasture, with part of the orchard,” at one hundred and thirty
pounds. The real estate was divided among the children April 17,1695, and this lot was assigned to
226
Ralph Ellenwood according to the terms of the will. In this division there was “Laid Out for Our
owne Conveniency a high Way athwart all our land...in breadth Twenty four foot beginning at Ralph
Ellenwood’s Easterly line to be Extended Westerly to John Smiths Cove.” Ralph Ellenwood owned
the lot in 1700.
Benjamin Ellenwood House. This lot of land belonged to Ralph Ellenwood as early as1659-
60. In January, 1659-60, the town of Salem agreed with him to support a certain pauper for two
years for ten pounds and “all the waft lande that is comon from the eft fide of his lott to the poynt and
foe rounde before the riuer foe farr as his lande goeth with all marfh or Creek thatch and further he
hath libertie to fence on the eaft fide of his lott Downe to a lowe water marke,” and the selectmen of
Salem granted the land to him March 6,1661-2. Mr. Ellenwood died in the spring of 1674; and his
227
real estate was divided among his children April 17,1695. His son John Ellenwood of Beverly,
husbandman, conveyed his interest in the estate to his brother Benjamin Ellenwood of Beverly June
228
12,1694; and this lot was assigned to Benjamin for his and his brother John’s shares. Benjamin
Ellinwood subsequently lived upon this lot, and died March 28,1731. How long the house stood is
uncertain.
Mary Smith House. This lot of land belonged to Ralph Ellenwood in 1660. In January, 1659-
60, the town of Salem agreed with him to support a certain pauper for two years for ten pounds and
“all the waft lande that is comon from the eft fide of his lott to the poynt and foe rounde before the
riuer foe ffar as his lande goeth withall marfh or Creek thatch and further he hath libertie to fence on
the eaft fide of his lott Downe to low water marke,” and the selectmen granted the land to him March
6,1661-2. Mr. Ellenwood died in the spring of 1674; and his real estate was divided among his
229
children April 17,1695. This lot was assigned to his daughter Mary, wife of John Smith of Beverly,
coaster. Mr. Smith built a house upon the lot, and for one hundred pounds, conveyed to Robert Hale,
esquire, Beverly, physician, “my house, outhousing & Land Being that whereon I now Dwell Scituate
e230
... In Beverly... near y ferry place,” Nov. 19,1702. Mrs. Smith removed to Middleborough. Dr.
Hale, for one hundred and ten pounds, conveyed the dwelling house, barn and land to Benjamin
231
Ellingwood of Beverly, coaster, Jan. 5,1703. Mr. Ellingwood died March 28,1731. How long the
house stood is uncertain.
Samuel Stone Lot. This lot of land early belonged to Capt. William Dixie of Beverly, yeoman.
He died in the spring of 1690, having in his will devised his real estate to his five daughters, Mary
Woodberry, Anna Judkin, Abigail Stone, Elizabeth Morgan and Sarah Gale.
That portion of this lot lying southerly of the dashes became the estate of his daughter Mary,
wife of Hugh Woodberry of Bristol, Mass., mariner; and, for love, she conveyed it to her daughter
226
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 192.
227
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 192.
228
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 3.
229
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 192.
230
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 15, leaf 261.
231
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 21, leaf 96.
Page 47
232
Ann Woodberry of Bristol March 11,1691-2. For twenty-one pounds, Miss Woodberry conveyed
233
it to Samuel Stone of Beverly, mariner, March 13,1692.
That part of this lot lying northerly of the dashes became the estate of Capt. Dixie’s daughter
Abigail, widow of John Stone, sr., Beverly; and, for twenty-eight pounds, she conveyed it to her son
234
Samuel Stone of Beverly, seafaring-man, Jan. 20,1698-9.
Mr. Stone owned the entire lot in 1700.
Edmund Gale House. This lot of land early belonged to Capt. William Dixie of Beverly,
yeoman; and he conveyed it to his daughter Sarah and her husband Edmond Gale and such of their
235
children as they might appoint April 29,1685. The house of Mr. and Mrs. Gale then stood on the
lot. In his will, subsequently, Capt. Dixie provided that the estate he devised to his daughters, with
one exception, should be conveyed only to their children, that is, each to someone of her children.
Edmond Gale of Beverly, fisherman, for five pounds, conveyed to Charles Johnson of Beverly,
weaver, and his wife Miriam, daughter of Mr. Gale, “ye Little Dwelling house thereon Standing now
236
in ye Occupation and Tenure of Samuel Elliot” and the land adjoining it Feb. 15, 1708-9; and Mr.
Johnson became a clothier. With his wife Meriam, Mr. Johnson conveyed, for thirty pounds, to
237
Simon Willard of Boston, merchant, this small dwelling house, shop and land Oct. 8, 1709. How
much longer this house existed is not known.
John Standley House. John Raymond, sr., Beverly, yeoman, owned this lot of land in 1681;
238
and, for fourteen pounds silver, conveyed it to John Richards of Beverly, weaver, April 26,1688.
Mr. Richards built a dwelling house and barn thereon, and, for forty-five pounds, conveyed the house,
239
barn and land to John Standley of Beverly, mariner, Feb. 1,1694-5. Mr. Standley became a weaver,
and, for sixty pounds, conveyed the dwelling house and land to George Tuck of Beverly, coaster,
240
April 1,1707. For one hundred and fifty-five pounds in money, Mr. Tuck conveyed the house and
241
land around it to William Tuck of Beverly, coaster, Jan. 16,1730-1. The “old house” was standing
in 1763.
William Haskell House. This lot of land was granted by the town of Salem to James Standish
of Salem in or before 1649.
May 1, 1652, the selectmen of Salem
Granted to James Standish the little spruce swamp lying nere his house pvided it shalbe free for any
inhabitant to make vse of any of the wood or trees in it while any doe remayne growing there.
232
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 129.
233
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 130.
234
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 14, leaf 119.
235
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 36.
236
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 38, leaf 135.
237
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 22, leaf 193.
238
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 150.
239
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 151.
240
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 39, leaf 251.
241
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 54, leaf 248.
Page 48
For thirty-five pounds, which was paid equally by William Dixey and his son-in-law Hugh
Woodbury, Mr. Standish conveyed to William Dixie this land and swamp thereto adjoining Dec.
242
22,1652; and Mr. Woodbury built a house upon this lot and lived in it. Mr. Dixey, who then lived
in Beverly, and Mr. Woodbury divided the property, Mr. Dixy releasing to Mr. Woodbury this lot and
243
half of the swamp July 27,1681. For eighty pounds, Hugh Woodbury of Beverly, mariner,
conveyed to William Haskell of Beverly, mariner, this lot with the dwelling house thereon and his half
244
interest in the swamp and his interest in the road running by the house July 29,1681. Capt. William
Dixie of Beverly, for forty shillings, conveyed to William Hascoll of Beverly his half of the swamp
245
Oct.12,1683. Mr. Hascoll died in 1695. His will was made at sea Aug. 11,1694, and proved Nov.
5,1695. In it, he devised to his eldest son William Hascoll (under sixteen years old) is now dwelling
house and tract of land thereto adjoining. The house, barn and land and swamp were then appraised
at one hundred and thirty pounds. William Haskell died about 1715, when administration upon his
estate was granted to his brother Robert Haskell of Beverly, mariner. Robert Haskell and his wife
Mary conveyed the estate to Benjamin Ober of Beverly, coaster, May 10,1721. Mr. Ober died “att
the house of Thomas Blashfeld, at Barwick in Nechewaneck,” Nov. 17,1723. The house, barn and
land were then appraised at three hundred and fifty pounds. His daughter Ann Hale of Beverly,
widow, for three hundred pounds, conveyed to William Bartlett, Jr., of Marblehead, mariner, her now
246
dwelling house and land, in the possession of Daniel Batchelder, Sept. 8,1740. William Bartlett,
late of Beverly, “now being and residing in the County of Westmoreland in the state of Pennsylvania
merchant,” for two hundred and fifty-five pounds, conveyed to Robert Haskell of Beverly, mariner,
247
the house, barn and land adjoining Feb. 15,1793. Mr. Haskell died June 19,1799; having in his will
devised his real estate, after the death of his widow Sarah, to his son Robert Haskell. The house, barn
and land adjoining were then appraised at fourteen hundred dollars. Robert Haskell lived in Beverly,
being a yeoman, and died Sept. 8,1842. In the inventory of his estate, this house and land adjoining
was appraised at fifteen hundred dollars. In his will he devised the same to his son Andrew and
daughters Sally and Mary Ann, and the survivor of them, if any of them died before himself or his
wife. Andrew had died, of consumption, May 8,1842, and Sally died, of palsy, the day before her
father’s death. Mary Ann Haskell thus became the sole owner of the estate under her father’s will;
and she conveyed the dwelling house and land adjoining to Josiah L. Foster of Beverly, merchant,
248
June 30,1845. Mr. Foster removed the old house about 1875.
Mary Gale Lot. This lot of land belonged to Josiah Roots about 1680; and was recovered on
execution from him in 1683 (?) by Henry Kenney, jr., of Salem Village. Mr. Kenney conveyed it to
Ambrose Gale of Marblehead, administrator of the estate of Thomas Root, deceased, and guardian
249
of the latter’s daughter Mary Roots, who was then his only heir, June 23,1697. Mary Roots
242
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 16.
243
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 10.
244
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 186.
245
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 185.
246
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 79, leaf 187.
247
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 155, leaf 205.
248
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 361, leaf 126.
249
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 13, leaf 1.
Page 49
married Azor Gale in 1698, and the lot was owned by her in 1700.
Joseph Drinker Lot. This lot of land belonged to Thomas Tuck in 1665, and to Joseph
Drinker of Beverly, shipwright, perhaps as early as 1684 and as late as 1700.
Thomas Cox Houses. That part of this lot of land lying westerly of the dashes was early
owned by William Dixsy, who, in or before 1665, conveyed it to John Porter, sr., of Salem Village.
Mr. Porter died Sept. 6,1676. His wife Mary was the executrix of his will, and she gave this lot by
deed to “my nephew” Thomas Gardner, son of Thomas Gardner and “husband of my daughter Mary,”
250
June 28,1678. For eighteen pounds, Thomas Gardner of Salem, mariner, conveyed it to Thomas
251
Cook of Beverly Feb. 13,1695-6.
That part of this lot lying between the dashes, with the house thereon, was conveyed by
William Dodge, jr., of Salem, yeoman, for thirty-six pounds, to William Woodbury of Salem, mariner,
252
April 27,1665. The next conveyance of this part of the lot is from John Rayment, sr., of Beverly,
253
yeoman, for thirty-two pounds, to Thomas Cox of Beverly, mariner, March 18,1698. A house
upon the premises was conveyed by this deed; and it disappeared soon afterward.
That part of the lot lying easterly of the dashes was owned by Christopher Croe as early as
1665; and on a judgment obtained against him by William Brown, sr., of Salem, esquire, it was set
off on execution about 1678. It was in the possession of Nathaniel Wallis in 1678. For fifteen
254
pounds, Mr. Browne conveyed it, with a house thereon, to Mr. Cox Feb. 2,1686-7.
Thus the entire lot came to be owed by Mr. Cox. He died in the winter of 1709-10, intestate.
His then homestead of two and a half acres of land was appraised at twenty pounds, and the “Old
r
houfe & barn yon” at eleven pounds and ten shillings. The real estate was divided Jan. 29,1732-3,
and eastern half of the house and land was assigned to his widow Hannah Cox as a part of her dower
in his estate, and she dwelt in this house. That half of the house was then valued at two pounds. The
remainder of the house and land adjoining was assigned to his second son Richard Cox. The house
was apparently gone about 1740.
John Tuck House. This lot of land belonged to Thomas Tuck of Beverly; and, for thirteen
255
pounds and fifteen shillings, he conveyed it to his son John Tuck Nov. 21,1677. John Tuck built
a house thereon, in which he lived, being a husbandman. He died in the spring of 1723, having in his
will devised “my now dwelling house and barn” and land to his son John. The land, comprising about
ten acres, was appraised at two hundred and seventy-eight pounds, five shillings and nine pence; the
house at forty shillings and the barn at the same amount. John Tuck, the son, lived here, being a
coaster; and for eighty-one pounds in current money he conveyed the house and land to his sons
256
Samuel, Ralph and Thomas Tuck, all of Beverly, mariners, Jan. 29, 1735. Ralph Tuck of Beverly,
fisherman, for twenty-five pounds, released his interest in the estate to his brothers Samuel and
250
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 2.
251
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 84.
252
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 113.
253
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 13, leaf 244.
254
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 39.
255
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 39.
256
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 71, leaf 44.
Page 50
257
Thomas Tuck, both of Beverly, coasters, March 14,1737. Samuel Tuck died Feb. 7,1740; and his
brother Thomas Tuck, owner of the other half of the premises, became the owner of Samuel’s half.
This half of the house was then appraised at thirty-five pounds. Thomas Tuck died March 18,1775,
being a yeoman. His estate was not divided until April 7,1784, when the northwestern half of the
house and land was assigned to his daughter Anna Masury, and the southeastern half to his daughter
Jane Elliot. The house then included the west lower room, the east lower room, kitchen, the west
great chamber, the east chamber over the kitchen, garret, etc. How much longer the house stood has
not been determined.
John Lovett Lot. This lot of land belonged to John Lovett, sr., in 1688 and 1700.
Estate of Roger Haskins Lot. This lot of land belonged to Jonathan Roots in 1687; and,
March 26,1688, Jonathan Roots of Beverly, fisherman, for seven pounds, conveyed it to Roger
258
Hoskins of Beverly, mariner. Mr. Haskins died Jan. 3,1693-4, intestate; and it belonged to his
estate in 1700.
John Lovett Lot. Jonathan Roots of Marblehead, fisherman, for four pounds, conveyed this
259
lot of land to John Lovett, jr., of Beverly, husbandman, Feb. 8,1687; and it belonged to Mr. Lovett
in 1700.
John Lovett Lot. Thomas Whiteridge of Beverly, carpenter, owned this lot of land in 1687;
260
and, for twenty pounds, conveyed it to John Lovett, sr., of Beverly, husbandman, Jan. 4, 1689. Mr.
Lovett owned it in 1700.
John Lovett Lot. John Lovett owned this lot of land in 1689, and his son Simon lived in the
house which stood thereon. John Lovett died Sept. 10,1727, having devised the lot to Simon (who
was living there in 1723) for his life, and the to the latter’s sons William and Abraham. The house
was gone in 1756.
John Lovett House. This lot of land belonged to Joseph Roots in 1651; and Josiah Roots, sr.,
of Beverly, husbandman, for three pounds, conveyed it to his (son-in-law?) John Lovett, sr., of
Beverly, cooper (the grantor having already conveyed two acres of three described and conveyed in
261
this deed to his daughter (Bethiah?), March 30,1677. Mr. Lovett apparently had built a house upon
this lot some years before. Mr. Lovett died Sept. 10,1727, at the age of about ninety-one. In his will
he devised his dwelling house and barn and fourteen acres of land adjoining, between the country road
and the sea, with the orchard, etc. to his son Benjamin Lovett “who now liveth with me.” The will
is dated May 17,1723. Benjamin Lovett was a husbandman, and lived here. Mr. Lovett died June
10,1740; having in his will devised to his son James his house, barn and shop and land. The dwelling
house and shop or workhouse adjoining to it was valued at two hundred pounds; the barn at twenty-
four pounds; and “ye homestead land, whereon ye said dwelling house and barn now standeth,” being
fifteen acres and eighty rods, at four hundred and thirty-four pounds. The house was probably
standing in 1700.
John Lovett Lot. This lot of land belonged to Nathaniel Bishop of Salem Aug. 10,1651,
257
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 75, leaf 149.
258
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 35.
259
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 26.
260
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 170.
261
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 188.
Page 51
262
when, for eight pounds, he conveyed it, with the house thereon, to William Hore, fisherman. Mr.
Hoar lived here, and died in or before 1696. All that remained of the house at the time of Mr. Hoar’s
er
decease, in 1696, was “a small parcel of old Timber & a small parcel old Boards being y Remaind
of an old houfe formerly the said Hoar’s,” which were valued at ten shillings. Mrs. Sarah Price of
Salem, widow of Capt. John Price of Salem, administratrix of the estate of Mr. Hoar, for twenty-two
pounds, conveyed thisland to John Lovett, jr., of
263
Beverly, fisherman, June23,1696; and it belonged to
Mr. Lovett in 1700.
John Lovett Lot.This lot of land belonged to
Thomas Roots in 1651;and Thomas Roots, sr., and
George Hodges, both ofSalem, conveyed it to John
264
Lovett, jr., of BeverlyFeb. 16,1678-9. Mr. Lovett
owned the lot in 1700.
Robert BriscoeHouse. Nathaniel Marsters of
Salem, tailor, conveyedthis lot of land to John
Lambert, sr., of Salem,fisherman, with “my dwelling
house” and orchard“near the meeting house on
265
Bass river side, May8,1667; and Mr. Lambert,
then called of Beverly,for love, conveyed to his
grandson John Lambert,jr., of Salem, mariner, this
266
“my now dwelling house” and land Nov. 3,1682. John Lambert, jr., of Salem conveyed the same
267
house and land to William Swetland of Salem, tailor, May 5,1686; and Mr. Swetland removed to
this house. For seventy-two pounds and fifteen shillings, Mr. Swetland conveyed to Robert Briscoe
268
of Beverly “my homestead nigh the meeting house, I bought of John Lambert,” Feb. 27,1687-8.
Mr. Briscoe apparently owned the estate in 1713; but how long the house stood has not been learned
with certainty.
Burial Ground. The town of Beverly procured of John Lovett, jr., this acre of land for a
burial place May 8, 1672; and it has been used for that purpose ever since.
Meeting House. The first meeting house on Cape Ann Side or Bass River Side was built
about 1656. It had a pulpit and a gallery, but its size is unknown.
A fort was built of stones about the meeting house in the autumn of 1675, the time of the
Indian war.
As the population increased the meeting house became too small, and in 1682 a new building
was erected, fifty feet in length and forty feet in width. Its cost was three hundred and fifty pounds
in silver. The building committee were Mr. John Dodge, Sergeant Hill, Corp.William Raiment,
262
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 10.
263
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 134.
264
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 63.
265
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 13.
266
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 84.
267
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 75.
268
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 44.
Page 52
Thomas Woodbury and William Dodge, jr. Its site was “by the old meeting hous between said old
meeting hous & Roger Haskins his hous.” The old meeting house, with the exception of the pulpit,
was sold in 1684, and the stones around it (the remains of the fort, probably) were used to make a
wall about the burial ground. The new meeting house was used for public meetings of the town, and
in 1727 a room was built in it in which to keep the town’s supply of ammunition. This edifice served
the parish until June 27,1770, when it was taken down to make room for a new and larger one.
That part of this lot of land lying southwesterly of the dashes belonged to Samuel Corning in
1687, and was then lying common; and it remained common as late as 1691.
Joseph Morgan House. This lot of land belonged to Robert Morgan in 1672. He died in the
winter of 1672-3; having devised to his son Samuel Morgan that part of the lot lying southwesterly
of the dashes, and to his son Joseph Morgan that part lying northeasterly of the dashes. Samuel built
a dwelling house upon his part of the premises. Joseph Morgan owned his portion of the estate in
1700; and Samuel Morgan, who was the cooper, died possessed of the house and his part of land
about the first of December, 1698. In his will he devised the west end of the house to his wife Mary
Morgan for her life. In the inventory of his estate “one large dwelling house and barn” are appraised
at sixty pounds. The house and that part of the land became the property of his brother Joseph
Morgan before 1700, when it belonged to him. How long the house stood is not known to the writer.
Samuel Lovett House. This lot of land was owned by Robin Morgan, sr., in 1671. He died
in the winter of 1672-3; having in his will devised the western part of it, including the west end of the
house, to his son Benjamin, “as he was at charges to build that part,” and the rest of the house and
land to his wife and daughter Bethiah and the survivor of them. The homestead, with the buildings
thereon, were then appraised at one hundred and sixty-one pounds. Margaret Morgan, widow of the
deceased, married, secondly, Samuel Fowler, sr., of Salisbury, shipwright; and Mr. and Mrs. Fowler
conveyed to Samuel Weed of Amesbury, cordwainer, who had married the daughter Bethiah Morgan,
269
said widow’s interest in the estate of Mr. Morgan May 26,1690. Samuel Weed, for fourteen
pounds, conveyed to Joseph Morgan, jr., of Beverly, tailor, one-third of this lot “devised to him” in
the will of Robert Morgan and “delivered to me by an execution levied thereon” and delivered by the
270
under sheriff to Joseph Morgan, sr.; and Joseph Morgan, jr., conveyed it to Samuel Lovett of
271
Beverly, who then owned the lot by deed, as below stated, March 12,1701. For fifty pounds,
272
Joseph Morgan, sr., of Beverly conveyed it to Samuel Morgan of Beverly Feb. 3,1698; and Samuel
Morgan of Beverly, cooper, for one hundred and two pounds and ten shillings, conveyed it to Samuel
273
Lovett of Beverly, seafaring-man, Aug. 31,1699. Mr. Lovett removed to Norwich Conn.; and, for
three hundred pounds, conveyed the house, barn and land to Josiah Lovit of Beverly, mariner, May
274
27,1729. How much longer the house stood is not known to the writer.
269
Ipswich Registry of Deeds, book 5, page 221; Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf
187.
270
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 20, leaf 80. This deed is not dated, but acknowledged
Jan. 27, 1698.
271
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 20, leaf 81.
272
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 15, leaf 203.
273
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 13, leaf 195.
274
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 52, leaf 41.
Page 53
Joseph Butman Lot. Thomas Pickton of “Bass river in Salem, planter,” owned this lot of land
in 1667; and it was owned by Joseph Butman of Beverly, cordwainer, in 1699 and 1700.
Matthew Butman Lot. Thomas Pickton of “Bass river in Salem, planter” owned this lot in
1667; and Matthew Butman in 1700.
John Hale Lot. Mordecaiah Creford owned this lot of land in 1652; and with his wife Judith
and John Pride, all of Salem, mortgaged it to Thomas Savage, sr., of Boston, merchant, in or before
275
1661. Captain Savage obtained judgment for possession of the premises in the Salem quarterly
court June 30,1663; and, for forty-three pounds, conveyed it to John Hale of Beverly, clerk, Sept.
276
21, 1671. Mr. Hale owned the lot in 1700.
George Standley Lot. This lot of land belonged to Robert Morgan; and he died possessed of
it in the winter of 1672-3. In his will he devised it to his widow Margaret and his daughter Bethiah.
Mrs. Morgan married, secondly, Samuel Fowler, sr., of Salisbury, shipwright; and she and her
husband released their interest in the premises to the daughter Bethiah’s husband, Samuel Weed of
277
Amesbury, cordwainer, May 26,1690. For six pounds, Mr. Weed conveyed the lot to George
278
Standley of Beverly March 9,1692-3; and it belonged to Mr. Standley in 1700.
John Hale House. That part of this lot of land lying within the dashes was conveyed by
Thomas Pickton “of Bass river in Salem, planter” to “the company Bass river” for a minister about
1659.
That part of the lot lying within the southeastern dashes was the property of John Gally and
Henry Bailey of Bass river, planters, very early; and they sold it to “the company of Bass river” for
Mr. Hale about 1659. No deed was given, however, until John Gally of Beverly, planter, conveyed
279
it to “the Inhabitants of Bass river now Beverly” April 22,1674.
That part of the lot lying northerly of the dashes was conveyed by John Gally and Henry
Bailey to Rev. John Hale to give him “an outlet into ye highway by Mr. Livermore’s corner, a pole
wide, and thence running about twenty rods easterly from said outlet bounded by our land,” Feb.
280
28,1667.
That part of this lot lying southerly of the highway was owned by Thomas Pickton of “Bass
281
river in Salem,” planter, very early. He conveyed it to Rev. John Hale Feb. 28,1667.
That part of the lot lying westerly of the western dashes was conveyed by Thomas Pickton
282
of Beverly, planter, to Rev. John Hale April 21,1674.
The parsonage was built on this lot; and the town of Beverly voted Oct. 10,1693, that Rev.
e
John Hale, its minister, “shall haue y dwelling houfe he no liueth in with the Two acres of Land house
275
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 33. This deed is not dated, but acknowledged
Dec. 27, 1661.
276
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 126.
277
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 87; Ipswich Registry of Deeds, book 5, page
221.
278
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 88.
279
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 58.
280
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 34.
281
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 34.
282
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 58.
Page 54
283
Lot thereunto adjoyning,” in fee. Mr. Hale died May 15,1700; and the estate descended to his son
Robert Hale, Esq., Beverly, physician. How long the house remained is unknown to the writer.
John Giles House. John Giles of Beverly, yeoman, owned this lot of land in 1687. His son
Eliezar Giles of Beverly, carpenter, and son-in-law John Wheeler of Beverly, cooper, conveyed to
Capt. Thomas West, Capt. Joseph Herrick and Lt. Robert Briscoe, in behalf of the town of Beverly,
who were chosen to receive the title Feb. 19,1705-6, the western part of the lot to “Remain for the
284
Publick ufe of Said Towne Especially for military Exercife for Euer” March 13,1705-6. Mr.
285
Wheeler’s wife joined in the deed July 6,1706. Thomas Hardee, 3d, of Bradford, cordwainer, for
one hundred and seventy-one pounds, conveyed the dwelling house and land to Eleazer Giles, jr., of
286
Beverly, wheelwright, Feb. 14,1729-30; and Mr. Giles, for one hundred and seventy pounds,
287
conveyed the house, barn and land to Rev. Joseph Champney of Beverly March 4,1734-5.Mr.
Champney died Feb. 23,1773; and the estate belonged to his heirs in 1784. How long the house
stood is unknown to the writer.
John Bond House. This lot of land was probably the ten acre lot granted to Henry Bailey by
the town of Salem in 1638. He lived in the house which stood upon the lot, being a yeoman; and
conveyed “my now dwelling house,” barn and ten acres of land to his son-in-law John Bond of
288
Beverly, husbandman, for the support himself and wife, Nov. 14,1687. Mr. Bailey died May
15,1678; and his widow Dorothy was living in 1694. John Bond died in the spring of 1694; when the
land was appraised at eighty pounds, and the dwelling house and barn at sixty pounds. The estate
descended to his only son Edward Bond of Beverly, yeoman; who, for seven hundred pounds,
289
conveyed the same to Andrew Woodbury of Boston, mariner, July 28,1739. William Bartlett of
Beverly, shoreman, owned the estate in 1774; and he became a merchant. For seven hundred and
forty-five pounds, Mr. Bartlett conveyed the dwelling house and land to Elias Smith of Beverly,
290
mariner, May 1,1782. It has not been determined how long the house stood.
Jeremiah Butman House. This lot of land belonged to Jeremiah Butman in 1667; and he died
Feb. 6,1693-4. Jeremiah Butman was owning it in 1739; and Jeremiah Butman of Beverly, yeoman,
died in the summer of 1768. His dwelling house was then appraised at fourteen pounds, his barn at
five pounds, and the land at ten pounds per acre. In his will, he devise the homestead to his four sons,
William, Matthew, Thomas and Jeremiah. The latter two had died before Sept. 5,1778, when the
homestead was divided, William Butman being assigned “the remains or part of the old Dwelling
house on the premises.” This was probably the only part of the old house then standing.
283
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 271.
284
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 17, leaf 110.
285
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 19, leaf 66.
286
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 52, leaf 146.
287
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 69, leaf 67.
288
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 13, leaf 174.
289
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 78, leaf 118.
290
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 139, leaf 103.
Page 55
BEVERLY IN 1700. NO. 4
By Sidney Perley
This article concerns that portion of Beverly lying between the ocean and a point northeasterly
of Montserrat railroad station on the northerly side of Essex street, a distance of nearly two miles,
and from the corner of Hale and Lothrop streets to Brackenbury lane and Boyle street, a distance of
about a mile and a quarter.
The only elevations within this territory having names are Snake hill, which was so called as
early as 1671, and Turtle hill.
Sawyer’s plain was so called as early as 1682. This is where, in the first settlement of the
Montserrat region, timber was sawn into lumber by hand.
Turtle pond was so called as early as 1673.
Sallows brook was called Cedar stand brook in 1708, and it runs into Cedar Stand cove,
which was so called as early as 1698. The bridge over this brook at the highway was called the new
bridge in 1681; “the grate bridg nere seder stan” in 1682; and Sallows bridge in 1730. This
Page 56
neighborhood was called “Cedar stand” or “Sedar stand” as early as 1636.
Burgess’ point was so called in 1884.
Hospital point was called Paul Thorndike’s point in 1708, and Paul’s point in 1797.
The ocean was called the sea in 1659; in river in 1671; ye sea or salt water in 1720; and the
salt sea in1760.
Ober’s cove was called the salt water cove in 1745, and Ober’s cove in 1758.
Mackerel cove was so called in 1671.
The oldest road in this region was what is now known as Hale street, which was the original
highway from Salem to Cape Ann, having been formally laid out in 1646. It was called the country
road in 1682; ye town highway in 1690; ye highway which leadeth to Grace Woodbury, sr., his house
in 1696; the country road that goes toward Manchester in 1708; Manchester road in 1729; the road
to Manchester in 1750; the highway leading to Manchester in 1771; the road leading to Cape Ann
in 1783; the road that leads from Essex bridge to Cape Ann in 1793; the highway leading from
Beverly to Gloucester in 1795; and was named Hale street in 1838.
Ober street was a way from about 1645, but in course of time had become obstructed because
of the uncertainty of its existence and location. Early in December, 1733, John Ober and others living
on it petitioned the selectmen to lay it out as a town way “to accommodate them in going to meeting,
&c”; but the request was refused, the selectmen stating to the county court, Dec. 20, 1733, their
reasons for the refusal. Dec. 24, 1733, a large number of the people of Beverly petitioned the court,
stating
That the Progenitors of some of ye Petitioners were near 90 years agoe Original Proprietors of the Ten
Acres Lots in the place now called Beverley & did by Comon Agreement & according to the usage of those
times Allow & Maintain a Way as a free Town Highway from the place Where John Ober now dwelleth to the
Gate since call’d Bakers Gate they being Owners of the soil which Way then and til late was Us’d as a Town
Way. But thro the Unexactness & carelessness of those ancient times it was not recorded as such & the
property of part of the adjacent soil being since alter’d some of the present proprietors wrongly supposing the
property of the sd way chang’d likewise Presume to Stop it up, to the Unspeakable Damage & Loss of ye
th
Petitioners, who together w their wives Children & Families Can neither Stir from Home when att Home nor
return to thither again what abroad Even on their most Lawful Occasions without incurring the pains & sore
penalties provided by the Law for Trespassers whereby their affairs must soon come to Utter Ruin, Nay, When
th
they are passing to the place of Publick Worship in the most orderly Manner and w never such pious
ch
Intentions Your Petitioners are liable to be treated as Evil Doers. Notwithstanding w provoking Grievances
willing to proceed in a fair & Regular Manner Your Petitioners have applied to the Select Men of sd Town who
rrs
utterly refuse them redress. Relying therefore on y Hon Justice & Compassion they hereby make known the
sad state of their cases to you Humbly Imploring that by your favour their ancient & undoubted rights may be
restored their free passage to and from their Houses & Possessions secured & the sd Way made a Town
r
Highway & y petitioners shall ever Pray &c.
The committee to whom the matter was referred reported as follows:-
We the subscribers being appointed a Comitte for to Lay out a privat way in Beverly have proceeded
as followeth beginning at Backers Gate neer Sallows Bridge and Laid out said way through the wide Saray
Bacers Land thirteen Rod and one half a rod and throug Gideon Bacers Land seventeen Rod and seven foot
and through John Obers land six Rod and six foot and through Joseph Morgans Land four Rod and six foot
and through Joshua Biksef Land four Rod and eight feet and through Nathaniel Black’s Land eighteen Rods
Page 57
the holl Breadth twenty four feet wide from ye sd Gate to the midle of the way Latley allowed by the Town of
Beverly being in the holl Length sixty four Rods and twelve feet Bounded betwen every parcel of Land in ye
Line betwen said Lands by stackes set in the Ground each side of said way twenty four feet distant from the
other being the breadth of said way and have laid the said way out as the path now goes. witnes our Hands
Samuel Kemball
Aaron Bennet
Benjamin Allin
Beverly September ye 18th, 1734
The town objected to laying out this way as a town road because it was an ancient highway
and was not “of Publick advantage (as being a turn again way) leading only from Manchester Road
to eight houses & back again, & serving only the Occasions of such as live in those Houses & of
those who have Business with them.”
John Lovett, aged sixty-six years, testified that he had known this way “above sixty years, for
he used to go over it to School Daily, when he was about five years old, & it was then & has been
ever since improved as an Highway, till within a few years past when it has been somewhat obstructed
rs
by the Prop of the Land adjoyning.” Sworn to March 15, 1735-6.
This road was called the road laid out by court in 1736; and the town highway leading to
Ober’s cove so called in 1832.
Woodbury street was in use quite early, though not laid out as a town way until about 1733,
being called the way “Lately allowed by the Town of Beverly” in 1734. It was called ye way between
the land of Thomas Woodbury and John Black’s land in 1716; the way in 1727; the way leading from
Manchester road to Woodbury’s landing place so called in 1729; the highway which leads to the salt
water at Woodbury’s cove in 1761; the highway leading to Woodbury’s beach in 1774; the lane
leading to Woodbury’s point in 1806; and it has been called Woodbury street since 1793.
Brackenbury lane was in existence as early as 1682, when it was called ye town highway
leading to Mackerel cove. It was called Patch’s lane in 1799; the town way to Patch’s beach so called
in 1800; and Brackenbury lane and Brackenbury street in 1856.
Cross street was laid out over Isaac Woodbury’s land in the winter of 1678-9, being recorded
as follows:-
A drift highway on the west side of Isaac woodberries barne the way being two pole wide and to run along
by the said woodberriess fence and soe unto snake hill and from the south side of snake hill unto the brooke runs from
Thomas Patches unto Nicholas Woodberries mill.
It was called ye lane which leadeth to John Pride’s house in 1696; the way that goes from the country
road to Snake hill in 1701; ye lane that goes from the country road that leads towards Manchester
to ye house of widow Jane Pride in 1708; the drift way in 1711; the town highway and 1721; Cross
lane in 1805; Cross street as early as 1871. That part of East Lothrop street which is easterly of
Cross street was originally a part of the old Cross lane, being called a town way as early as 1688. It
was called the highway which leads towards the house formerly Mr. William Pride’s in 1836.
Essex street was originally the outlet to the common lands at Montserrat. It was called ye
outlet way in 1682; ye highway in 1701; the highway that goeth from the Outlet gate northwards in
Page 58
1705; “the road that leads from Effex Bridge thro a place in Beverly called Monsieurrat to Wenham
in 1805; the road leading from Beverly to Essex in 1841; and Essex street as early as 1845.
Cole street was laid out April 21, 1686, the report of the committee which laid it out being
as follows:-
wee whofe names are vnder writen haue Laid out a high way that is to fay from the Common at the out Lett
through fawers plain the tow pole wide and fo through the land of william Cleaus along by the northeaft fide of the
grauelly Ridg and fo to the highway that coms from the fouth weft side of Ifaac woodberys Orchard the faid way
beginning at John williams his corner of land
r
Famuel Corning fen
John Hill
John Louet
Nehemiah Grouer
It was called ye highway in 1697; an highway running from John Williams, sr.’s, dwelling house in
1701; the highway leading from the house of widow Sarah Morgan to ye house of John Williams, sr.,
in 1702. It has been called Cole street for many years.
Corning Street was so called in 1853.
Lake Shore avenue was called Perkins avenue in 1874.
Thomas Sallows Lot. This lot was conveyed by Robert Pease to Henry Perey, for five pounds
291
and ten shillings Nov. 30, 1652, and Nicholas Bartlett of Salem, seaman, for nine pounds and ten
292
shillings, conveyed it to John Sollas of Salem, mariner, Sept. 16, 1652. John Sallows of Beverly,
husbandman, for ten pounds, conveyed it to his son Thomas Sallows of Beverly, fisherman, Dec. 10,
293
1698. Thomas Sallows owned it in 1700; and he may have built a house upon it about that date.
John Hill House. Robert Lemon owned that part of this lot of land lying westerly of the
dashes in 1655; and died possessed of it in1667. The estate passed to his son-in-law Samuel Beadle,
husband of his daughter Hannah; and Samuel Beadle of Salem, turner, conveyed it to John Hill of
294
Beverly, cooper, Aug. 14, 1676. Mr. Hill was born in Bristol County, England.
That part of the lot lying easterly of the dashes and the land adjoining on the easterly side was
conveyed by Samuel Edson of Salem to William Browne of Salem, merchant, with the dwelling house
295
and barn thereon, “on Cape Ann Side,” Sept. 24, 1655. Mr. Browne conveyed this part of the
premises to Zebulon and John Hill, brothers, both of Salem, June 30, 1659. Zebulon Hill, sr., of
Salem, and John Hill, sr., of Beverly, coopers, divided the land, no house being mentioned, April 17,
296
1685, John Hill being assigned this part of the lot. Dea. John Hill was a cooper, and died Feb. 8,
1707-8. In the inventory of his estate is mentioned “The ruines of an old houfe,” valued at thirty
shillings. His widow Abigail Hill, as administratrix of his estate, conveyed to her cousin Cornelius
Baker of Beverly, blacksmith, this lot with the right to remove “the old house” and barn standing
291
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 15.
292
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 71.
293
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 59, leaf 170.
294
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 144.
295
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 70.
296
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 18.
Page 59
297
thereon, in which her said husband had lived, Jan. 10, 1708-9. The house was removed, probably
immediately.
Zebulon Hill Lot. Samuel Edson of Salem conveyed to William Browne of Salem, merchant,
298
this lot and other land adjoining on the westerly side, “on Cape Ann Side,” Sept. 24, 1655; and Mr.
299
Browne conveyed the premises to Zebulon and John Hill, brothers, both of Salem, June 30, 1659.
Zebulon Hill , sr., of Salem, and John Hill, sr., of Beverly, coopers, divided the land, no house being
300
mentioned, April 17, 1685; this part of the lot being assigned to Zebulon Hill. Zebulon Hill owned
it in 1700.
John Black Lot. John Black owned this lot of land and lived in the house that then stood upon
it in 1655. John Black, sr., of Beverly, husbandman, conveyed to his son-in-law Isaac Davis two
acres of the northerly end of the lot in or before 1670; and Mr. Black conveyed the remainder of the
301
lot to his son John Black of Beverly April 20, 1670. Isaac Davis of Beverly, husbandman, for eight
302
pounds, conveyed his two acres to John Black, the younger, of Beverly, husbandman, Dec. 6, 1670.
Probably the house stood only a few years after 1655. John Black, jr. owned the lot in 1700.
Thomas Woodberry House. That part of this lot of land lying westerly of the dashes was the
property of Capt. Thomas Lathrop of Beverly as early as 1670, when he was living in the house which
then stood thereon. Capt. Lathrop was the commander of “The Flower of Essex,” a military
company, and with them was ambushed and massacre by the Indians at South Deerfield Sept. 18,
1675. He died childless, and his only heir was his sister Ellen (Eleanor), wife of Ezekiel Cheever of
Boston, the famous schoolmaster. By order of the quarterly court of Salem this land and house were
assigned to Captain Lathrop’s widow Bethiah for her life and at her death to the town of Beverly,
“as,” as he once said, “a token of my love,” for the use of the ministry of Beverly forever, June 27,
303
1676. This decision was submitted to the general court for its approval, and duly approved May
304
19, 1680. Mrs. Lathrop married Joseph Grafton of Salem, mariner, and lived here. Mr. Cheever
appointed his son Thomas Cheever of Malden his attorney to lease to Robert Coburne the housing
305
and land, for eight pounds per annum, May 2, 1681; and, Oct. 28, 1681, Mr. Cheever conveyed
306
the house, barn, orchard and land to Thomas Woodberry of Beverly, mariner. Mrs. Cheever
307
released the housing and land to Mr. Woodberry Dec. 7, 1686. Mr. Woodberry gave a deed of a
et
part of this lot July 19, 1708, in which he states that it is “to take in y ground on which Cap
297
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 28, leaf 44.
298
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 70.
299
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 70.
300
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 18.
301
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 140.
302
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 141.
303
Records and Files of the Quarterly Courts of Essex County, volume VI, page 170.
304
Copies of several papers in the settlement of the estate of Captain Lathrop, on file in the
Massachusetts State Archives at Boston, are printed in the Historical Collections of the Essex
Institute, volume 2, pages 131 and 177, and volume 3, page 65.
305
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 32.
306
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 34.
307
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 94.
Page 60
Lathrop’s houfe once stood.” So the house was then gone.
That part of the lot lying easterly of the dashes belonged to Thomas Woodberry in 1681 and
1700.
That part of the lot lying northerly of the dashes was a part of Captain Lathrop’s plain.
Peter Wolfe Lot. This lot of land belonged to Peter Wolf in 1667, and he died possessed of
it in 1675. He was a yeoman. His house and orchard with his eight acres of land were then appraised
at sixty-eight pounds. Peter Wolfe, probably son of Peter Wolfe, is named as owning this lot of land
in 1700.
John Ober House. Susannah Hollingsworth of Salem, widow, conveyed this lot of land to
308
Humphrey Woodbury of Salem, yeoman, Dec. 2, 1667; and he died possessed of it in 1686. His
son Humphrey Woodbury came into possession of it; and built (perhaps his father had built) a house
thereon. Humphrey Woodbury, late of Beverly, now of Gloucester, mariner, conveyed to John Ober
309
of Beverly, mariner, the dwelling house, barn, orchard and eleven acres of land May 5, 1698. Mr.
Ober died May 29, 1744. The house, barn, cooper’s shop and land were then appraised at one
hundred and twenty-four pounds. The house faced the south. Apparently the house was standing
in 1758.
Estate of Paul Thorndike House. “Mr. Thorndike” owned this lot of land in 1667. Capt. Paul
Thorndike of Beverly, yeoman, owned the house and lot in 1697, and died possessed of the estate
in 1698. The forty acres of the homestead land with the buildings thereon was appraised at two
hundred pounds. The real estate was divided Dec. 3, 1701 and his son Paul Thorndike of Beverly,
husbandman, succeeded Mr. Thorndike in the title. Paul Thorndike, jr., died Feb. 14, 1742; and the
real estate was divided in 1743. How much longer the house stood is uncertain.
Dorcas Symmes Lot. Richard Brackenbury of Beverly conveyed to his son John Brackenbury
310
of Boston, mariner, this lot of land Sept. 1, 1682; and John Brackenbury of Charlestown, mariner,
311
in consideration of love, conveyed to his daughter Dorcas Brackenbury March 24, 1690. Miss
Brackenbury married Zachariah Symmes of Charlestown, and owned the lot in 1700.
Isaac Woodbury House. This lot of land was the property of Thomas Lathrop of Beverly as
early as 1670. He was the commander of “The Flower of Essex,” a military company, and with them
was ambushed and massacred by the Indians at South Deerfield Sept. 18, 1675. He died childless,
and his only heir was his sister Ellen (Eleanor), wife of Ezekiel Cheever of Boston. By order of the
quarterly court of Salem this land was assigned to Captain Lathrop’s widow Bethiah for her life and
at her death to Mrs. Cheever. Mr. Cheever conveyed it to Thomas Woodberry of Beverly, mariner,
312
Oct. 28, 1681. John Black of Beverly, yeoman, owned it June 22, 1698, when he conveyed it to
313
his daughter-in-law Mary Williams, widow of Anthony Williams of Beverly. She had built a
dwelling house upon the lot; and, for fifty-five pounds paid by Mary Woodbury, wife of Isaac
Woodbury, sr., of Beverly, mariner, she conveyed the house, barn and land to Mrs. Woodbury’s son
308
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 23.
309
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 18, leaf 120.
310
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 63.
311
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf117.
312
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 34.
313
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 13, leaf 119.
Page 61
314
Isaac Woodbury, jr., of Beverly Jan. 24, 1698-8. How long the house stood after 1700 is unknown
to the writer.
John Black Lot. This lot of land was owned by Capt. Thomas Lathrop of Beverly in 1671.
He was killed by the Indians at South Deerfield Sept. 18, 1675. He died childless, and his only heir
was his sister Ellen (Eleanor), wife of Ezekiel Cheever of Boston. Mr. Cheever conveyed this lot to
315
Thomas Woodberry of Beverly, mariner, Oct. 28, 1681. This is probably the four acres of upland
and meadow which John Black of Beverly, yeoman, delivered to his son-in-law Robert Sallows in the
latter’s lifetime, and that John Black conveyed to Robert Sallows’ own sisters Hannah Groves, Mary
Williams and Sarah Stevens for a legacy given to said Roberts Sallows, jr., in the will of his father
316
Robert Sallows, June 22, 1698.
John Sollas House. That part of this lot of land lying northwesterly of the dashes belonged
to John Sollas of Salem, seaman, in 1660.
That part of the lot lying northeasterly of the dashes was conveyed by John Pickett of
Stratford, Conn., late of Salem, husbandman to John Sollas, with the house and barn thereon, March
317
18, 1660-1.
Mr. Sollas became a yeoman, and died possessed of the estate March 9, 1707-8, at eighty
years of age. The estate became the property of his grandson Joseph Sallis of Methuen, yeoman, who,
for one hundred and ten pounds, conveyed the dwelling house and land adjoining to Thomas Hardee
318
of Beverly, coaster, Feb. 23, 1736-7. Thomas Harde, jr., of Bradford and wife Mary, for one
hundred and sixty pounds, conveyed the same estate to Jonathan Hart of Beverly, mariner, July 13,
319
1743; and Mr. Hart became a yeoman. He conveyed the house, barn and land, for one hundred
320
pounds, to Ebenezer Pierce of Salem, mariner, Oct. 15, 1783. Mr. Pierce died; and his widow
Lydia Pierce, as administratrix of his estate, for fifty-eight pounds, conveyed the house and land to
321
Mrs. Mary Moulton of Beverly Dec. 10, 1787. The writer does not know how much longer the
house stood.
William Woodbury Lot. That part of this lot of land lying within the dashes at its northerly
322
corner was conveyed to him by the town of Beverly Oct. 23, 1682.
The remainder of the lot belonged to Mr. Woodbury at that time.
He owned the entire estate in 1700.
Estate of Richard Woodbury Lot. This lot of land belonged to Richard Woodbury in 1692,
it was the property of his father Humphrey Woodbury, probably, before him. Richard Woodbury died
in Boston, on his return from service in the Canada Expedition, in 1690. In his will, he devised one-
half of his estate to his wife Sarah Woodbury and the other half to his sons Richard, Josiah and David.
314
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 15, leaf 72.
315
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 34.
316
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 15, leaf 93.
317
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 16.
318
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 72, leaf 245.
319
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 84, leaf 274.
320
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 142, leaf 310.
321
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 151, leaf 27.
322
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 5.
Page 62
The widow married, secondly, John Poole, and removed to Gloucester. The place belonged to the
estate in 1700.
This estate was probably the twenty acres of land, with the dwelling house, which was
conveyed, for sixteen pounds, by Guydo Bayly of Salem, gardener, to Humphrey Woodbery of
323
Salem, fisherman, Oct. 11, 1652.
John Hill Lot. This tract of land was part of the lot granted by the seven men of Salem to
Samuel Edson Aug. 10, 1642; and he conveyed it to William Browne of Salem, merchant, Sept. 24,
324325
1655. Mr. Browne conveyed it to Zebulon Hill and John Hill, both of Salem, June 30, 1659.
They were coopers; and they divided the lot April 17, 1685, John having the westerly part and
326
Zebulon the easterly. Dea. John Hill owned his part in 1700.
Zebulon Hill Lot. This tract of land was part of that which was granted by the seven men of
Salem to Samuel Edson Aug. 20, 1642; and he conveyed it to William Browne of Salem, merchant,
327
Sept. 24, 1655. Mr. Browne conveyed it to Zebulon Hill and John Hill, both of Salem, coopers,
328
June 30, 1659. They divided the lot April 17, 1685, John having the westerly part and Zebulon the
easterly. For twenty pounds, Zebulon conveyed his part of the lot to his son Zebulon Hill of Salem,
329
mariner, Sept. 9, 1690. Zebulon Hill, jr., died just before 1700, when it belonged to his estate.
Joshua Bisson Lot. This lot of land was early the property of Capt. Thomas Lathrop of
Beverly, who was killed by the Indians at Deerfield Sept. 18, 1675. He died childless, and his only
heir was his sister Ellen (Eleanor), wife of Ezekiel Cheever of Boston. Mr. Cheever conveyed it to
330
Thomas Woodberry of Beverly, mariner, Oct. 28, 1681; and Mrs. Cheever released it to Mr.
331
Woodberry Dec. 7, 1686. For nineteen pounds, Mr. Woodberry conveyed it to Joshua Bisson of
332
Beverly, joiner, Nov. 3, 1693; and Mr. Bisson owned it in 1700.
Cornelius Baker Lot. This lot of land was early the estate of Capt. Thomas Lathrop of
Beverly, who was killed by the Indians at Deerfield Sept. 18, 1675. He died childless, his only heir
being his sister Ellen (Eleanor), wife of Ezekiel Cheever of Boston. Mr. Cheever conveyed it to
333
Thomas Woodberry of Beverly, mariner, Oct. 28, 1681; and Mrs. Cheever released it to Mr.
334
Woodberry Dec. 7, 1686. For twenty-one pounds, Mr. Woodberry conveyed it to Cornelius Baker
335
of Beverly, blacksmith, April 13, 1692; and Mr. Baker owned it in 1700.
John Higginson Lot. This lot of land was early the property of Capt. Thomas Lathrop of
323
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 16.
324
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 70.
325
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 70.
326
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 18.
327
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 70.
328
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 70.
329
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 170.
330
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 34.
331
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 94.
332
Essex Registry of Deeds, book13, leaf 116.
333
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 34.
334
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 94.
335
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 19, leaf 65.
Page 63
Beverly; and he was killed by the Indians at Deerfield Sept. 18, 1675. He died childless, his only heir
being his sister Ellen (Eleanor), wife of Ezekiel Cheever of Boston, schoolmaster. Mr. Cheever
336
conveyed it to Thomas Woodberry of Beverly, mariner, Oct. 28, 1671; and Mrs. Cheever released
337
it to him Dec. 7, 1686. Mr. Woodberry conveyed it to John Higginson, jr., of Salem, merchant,
338
Oct. 27, 1696; and Mr. Higginson owned it in 1700.
John Giles Lot. This lot of land belonged to Capt. Thomas Lathrop of Beverly, who was
killed by the Indians at Deerfield Sept. 18, 1675. He died childless, his only heir being his sister Ellen
(Eleanor), wife of Ezekiel Cheever of Boston, schoolmaster. Mr. Cheever conveyed it to Thomas
339
Woodberry of Beverly, mariner, Oct. 28, 1681; and Mrs. Cheever released it to him Dec. 7,
340
1686. Mr. Woodberry probably conveyed it to John Giles in or before 1696; and it belonged to
him in 1700.
Isaac Woodbury Lot. This lot of land belonged to Capt. Thomas Lathrop of Beverly, who was
killed by the Indians at Deerfield Sept. 18, 1675. He died childless, his only heir being his sister Ellen
(Eleanor), wife of Ezekiel Cheever of Boston. Mr. Cheever conveyed it to Thomas Woodberry of
341342
Beverly, mariner, Oct. 28, 1681; and Mrs. Cheever released the lot to him Dec. 7, 1686.
That part of the lot lying northerly of the dashes was conveyed by Mr. Woodberry to his
343
brother Isaac Woodbury of Beverly, mariner, Oct. 20, 1690.
That part of the lot lying southerly of the dashes was conveyed by Thomas Woodberry to
John Giles, sr., of Beverly, yeoman, before May 6, 1695, when the latter conveyed it, for twenty-four
344
pounds in silver, to Isaac Woodbury.
Isaac Woodbury owned the entire lot in 1700.
Joseph Pride Lot. This lot of land belonged to Capt. Thomas Lathrop of Beverly, who was
killed by the Indians at Deerfield Sept. 18, 1675. He died childless, his only heir being his sister Ellen
(Eleanor), wife of Ezekiel Cheever of Boston. Mr. Cheever conveyed it to Thomas Woodberry of
345346
Beverly, mariner, Oct. 28, 1681; and Mrs. Cheever released it to him Dec. 7, 1686. Mr.
347
Woodberry conveyed it, for thirteen pounds, to Joseph Pride of Beverly Nov. 6, 1693; and Mr.
Pride owned it in 1700.
John Pride House. The town of Beverly granted this half-acre lot of land to John Pride of
Beverly, mariner, Nov. 5, 1678, and it was laid out Dec. 10, 1689. He built upon it a house in which
he lived. He died in the spring of 1730, intestate. His real estate consisted of this lot of land, with
336
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 34.
337
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 94.
338
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 198.
339
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 34.
340
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 94.
341
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 34.
342
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 94.
343
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 41.
344
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 47.
345
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 34.
346
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 94.
347
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 14, leaf 164.
Page 64
d
“some orchard on it,” valued at fourteen pounds, and “and old house Standing on S Land not
Inhabited,” value at one pound and eleven shillings. The house was gone soon afterward probably.
Robert Woodbury House. Isaac Woodbury, sr., of Beverly, mariner, conveyed this house and
land, which was hishomestead, to his son
Robert Woodburyof Beverly, mariner,
348
June 3, 1698; thehouse was apparently
gone before 1742,when the land was still
owned by Capt.Woodbury.
JohnThorndike House. This
lot of land belongedto John Thorndike as
early as 1668, andhe died in the autumn of
1670, having in hiswill devised the land to
his son PaulThorndike, who was a
yeoman. Forseventy pounds, Capt.
Paul Thorndikeconveyed it to William
Browne of Salem,merchant, Nov. 19,
349
1690. It becamethe property of Captain
Thorndike’s sonJohn Thorndike of Beverly,
husbandman, whoprobably built the house
now standingthereon about 1696,
when he became of age. Capt. John Thorndike died March 13, 1760; and his heirs released their
interest in the estate to his grandson Isaac Thorndike and Joseph Rea, who had married a
granddaughter of the deceased. This part of the homestead became the property of Mr. Rea. He
lived here; and, for four hundred pounds, conveyed the house, barn and ten acres of land to his son
350
to Isaac Rea of Beverly, mariner, Aug. 13, 1788. Isaac Rea conveyed the estate, for three hundred
351
pounds, to Ebenezer Rea of Beverly, mariner, Feb. 21, 1795. Ebenezer Rea lived here, being a
yeoman. He died Nov. 11,1843, and his house, barn and six acres of land were appraised at nine
hundred and fifty dollars. His heirs released their interest in one-half of the homestead to his daughter
352
a widow Hitty Foster of Beverly March 20, 1844; and on the same day they released the other half
353
to his daughter, Mary Ray of Beverly, singlewoman. Mary Ray married Elisha Woodbury of
Beverly, and, for two hundred and ninety dollars, conveyed to James Allen of Beverly one-half of the
354
homestead April 22,1872; and Mehitable Foster died possessed of her half March 23, 1891. Her
heirs, James Allen, jr., Ezra F. Allen, Augusta Prince and her husband Augustus B. Prince, widow
Mary Ober, Emma F. Smith, Etta Brower, singlewoman, Carolina F. Williams, widow, and Philip S.
Haskell, guardian of Alice S. Haskell, all of Beverly, for four hundred dollars conveyed her half of
348
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 15, leaf 68.
349
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 183.
350
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 147, leaf 266.
351
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 163, leaf 136.
352
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 343, leaf 66.
353
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 343, leaf 67.
354
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 870, leaf 93.
Page 65
355
the estate to James Allen, who owned the other half, May 8,1891. Mr. Allen was a brother-in-law
of the deceased. He died Feb. 15,1891; and in the inventory of his estate “The old Ray dwelling
house” and land were appraised at one thousand dollars. His heirs, James Allen and Ezra F. Allen,
Augustus Prince, Mary A. Ober, Emma F. Smith and Mary E. Swan, all of Beverly, conveyed the
356
estate to Patrick J. Sullivan of Beverly May 23, 1901. Mr. Sullivan mortgaged the estate to the
Beverly Savings Bank; and the mortgage was foreclosed by the bank by sale to Charles F. Lee of
357
Beverly Aug. 27, 1906. Mr. Lee conveyed the land and buildings to Charles H. Tyler of Boston
358
Sept. 5, 1906, and Mr. Tyler still owns the ancient house.
Dorcas Symmes Lot. Richard Brackenbury of Beverly owned this lot of land in 1688; and he
359
conveyed it to his son John Brackenbury of Boston, mariner, Sept. 1, 1682. John Brackenbury
removed to Charlestown, and, for love, conveyed it to his daughter Dorcas Brackenbury March 24,
360
1690. She married Zachariah Symmes of Charlestown, and owned the lot in 1700.
Jonathan Boiles Lot. This lot of land was conveyed by Capt. Paul Thorndike of Beverly, for
361
twenty-two pounds, to Jonathan Boiles of Beverly, weaver, Dec. 3, 1688; and Mr. Boiles owned
it in 1700.
Thomas Woodberry Lot. This lot of land early belonged to Capt. Thomas Lathrop of Beverly,
who was killed by the Indians at Deerfield Sept. 18, 1675. He died childless, his only heir being his
sister Ellen (Eleanor), wife of Ezekiel Cheever of Boston, schoolmaster. Mr. Cheever conveyed it
362
to Thomas Woodberry of Beverly, mariner, Oct. 28, 1681; and Mrs. Cheever released it to him
363
Dec. 7, 1686. Mr. Woodberry owned it in 1700.
Richard Brackenbury Lot. Richard Brackenbury owned this lot in 1679 and 1700.
George Hull Lot. This lot of land was part of the twenty-acre a lot of John Patch of Beverly,
364
which was conveyed by him to Samuel Knolton of Ipswich, husbandman, July 1, 1671. Mr.
365
Knowlton conveyed it to George Hull of Beverly, cooper, Nov. 27, 1679; and Mr. Hull owned it
in 1700.
William Cleaves Lot. That part of this lot of land lying southeasterly of the dashes was part
of the twenty-acre lot of John Patch of Beverly, which was conveyed by him to Samuel Knolton of
366
Ipswich, husbandman, July 1, 1671. Mr. Knowlton conveyed it to George Hull of Beverly, cooper,
367
Nov. 27, 1679; and on the next day Mr. Hull, for eleven pounds and twelve shillings in silver,
355
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1309, leaf 499.
356
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1641, leaf 457.
357
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1838, leaf 99.
358
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1838, leaf 101.
359
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 63.
360
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 117.
361
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 32.
362
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 34.
363
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 94.
364
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 178.
365
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 117.
366
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 178.
367
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 8.
Page 66
conveyed this portion of the lot to William Cleaves of Beverly, seaman.
That part of the lot lying northwesterly of the dashes was conveyed by Paul Thorndike of
368
Beverly to Robert Bradford Feb. 26, 1682; and Mr. Bradford apparently conveyed it to Mr.
Cleaves.
Mr. Cleaves owned the entire lot in 1700.
John Williams House. John Williams of Beverly, fishermen, owned this lot of land in 1675,
apparently having purchased it of Capt. Paul Thorndike. For seven pounds and sixteen shillings, he
conveyed it, with a small dwelling house thereon, to William Hearst of Salem, merchant, Aug. 21,
369
1697. This conveyance was probably a mortgage. The house was standing and belonged to John
Williams, Sr., in 1702.
John Knight House. Samuel Corning, sr., of Beverly, yeoman, owned this lot of land before
370
March 7, 1673-4, when he conveyed it to John Knight, jr., of Beverly, carpenter. Mr. Knight built
a house and barn thereon, and lived there. For fifty pounds, paid to him and his father, John Knight,
he conveyed the estate to Robert Brimsdon, of Boston, merchant, probably in mortgage, May 8,
371
1675. Captain Knight removed to Manchester, and, for sixty-three pounds, conveyed the dwelling
house and land to Sarah Morgan, widow of Samuel Morgan, jr., late of Beverly, cooper, April 17,
372
1701. The house was standing and the property of Mrs. Morgan in 1702.
William Clark House. This lot of land belonged to William Clark of Beverly, fisherman, in
1677, and he probably built a house thereon soon afterward. He lived here until he conveyed the land
with the house and barn thereon to his son Samuel Clark of Beverly, weaver, and his wife Susannah
373
March 21,1717-8. The house was apparently gone before 1729.
William Cleaves House. That part of this lot lying easterly of the dashes was conveyed by
374
Nathaniel Stone of Beverly, yeoman, to William Cleaves of Beverly, fisherman, Nov. 1, 1677; and
Mr. Cleaves built a house thereon immediately.
Part of the lot lying westerly of the dashes was granted to Mr. Cleaves by the town of Beverly
Nov. 5, 1678.
Mr. Cleaves owned the entire estate in 1700.
John Thorndike Lot. Capt. Paul Thorndike owned this lot of land, and died possessed of the
same in 1698; and it belonged to his son John Thorndike in 1700.
Estate of William Livermore House. This lot of land was conveyed by John Raiment, sr., of
Beverly, yeoman, for twenty-five pounds to Mr. William Livermore of Beverly, planter, May 25,
375
1671. Mr. Livermore lived here until his decease about 1691. The estate passed to Thomas
Whittridge about 1700.
On the northerly side of this lot was half an acre of land, which the town of Beverly granted
368
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 3.
369
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 100.
370
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 14, leaf 116.
371
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 115.
372
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 14, leaf 157.
373
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 33, leaf 147.
374
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 14.
375
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 56.
Page 67
to Mr. Livermore as an addition to his house lot March 28, 1671.
Andrew Elliott Lot. This lot of land was granted by the town of Beverly to Lt. Andrew Elliott
Jan. 21, 1689-90; and he owned it in 1700.
Page 68
BEVERLY IN 1700. NO. 5
By Sidney Perley
The territory of Beverly included in this section was taken up by the early settlers very slowly
as much of the land was rocky and swampy and undesirable for farming purposes. The length from
the Wenham town line to the sea, north and south, is about two and three-fourths miles, and its width
from Turtle hill to the Wenham line about one mile, east and west.
The designation of Cape Ann side included this part of Beverly as late as 1670.
The tidal water bounding this section on the south has been generally called the sea; and
Mackerel cove has been so known since 1636.
The sandy shore at the foot of Brackenbury lane was called Patch’s beach as early as 1850.
Mingo beach was so called as early as 1804. The name was occasioned by the residence of
Robin Mingo upon the headland at its western end, a triangular lot having been giving him by the
town, from 1728 to his death in 1748, at the age of eighty-seven. He was a colored slave of Thomas
Woodbury. He married Deborah Tailer, an Indian slave, in 1707. She survived him, and died in
1759.
Witch lane, which leads northerly into the woods from Hale street, a few rods westerly of
Mingo’s humble habitation, has been so designated since 1805 at least. This passes on the westerly
side of “Flora’s swamp,” a name which was probably derived from some association with Flora, one
Page 69
of the Negro slaves of that name in this locality. The swamp was so called as early as 1834.
The highland next westerly of Mingo’s home, between Hale street and the shore, was called
“The Park” as early as 1765, and also Burying Point in 1804.
The point of land at the foot of Prince street was called Ober’s point in 1864.
There are two considerable elevations in this section. One of them, Bald hill, was so called
as early as 1662; and the other, Long hill, has been known by that name since 1662 at least.
Sawyer’s plain was so called as early as 1669.
e
Thissell’s brook was called, near Standley street, “y old houses brook” in 1707; and below
Hale street Mackerel Cove creek in 1648; the river in 1764; the river leading to River Head bridge
in 1801; and the brook or stream known as Thissell’s River in 1901.
Gravelly brook was so called in 1782.
The oldest highway in this region is, of course, Hale street, the original road to Cape Ann.
It was there in the earliest settlement; and was called the country road in 1683; the road that leads
to Manchester in 1795; and was named Hale street in 1838. This road was straightened, as shown
on the map, about 1840. The bridge over Thissell’s brook, near Chapman’s corner, was first ordered
to be made by Salem as a foot bridge in February, 1645-6, by the Salem Quarterly Court. It had not
been made three years later, when Gloucester was presented for want of a bridge at this brook. One
was eventually constructed, however. It was called River Head bridge in 1801; and Thissell’s bridge
in 1838.
Brackenbury lane was laid out by the selectmen of Beverly March 18, 1678-9, and described
in the records as
376
a Cart high way from the water side through Goodman Brackenberries farme unto the Drift way afforesaid
and thence to the way that runs by the north side of bald hill as the way goes the said way to be two pole wide.
That part of this layout between Hale and East Lothrop street was altered and abandoned in 1682.
Brackenbury lane was called a town highway in 1707; the highway which leads to the beach in 1765;
a town way leading down to Patch’s beach in 1791; Patch’s lane in 1801; and Brackenbury street in
1850.
Prince street was called Point lane in 1834; and has been known as Prince street since 1864.
Boyles street was laid out by a committee of the town Nov. 14, 1682, as follows:-
At a meting of the felect men the 21 of Aprell 1686 The Committee that made a Return of a town
high way that they the faid Committee laid out as foloweth: wee who were chofen by the town of beverly as a
Committee to lay out fuch high ways as may be for the Conveinancy of the town: haue on the 14th of the 9th mo: 1682
taken a furvaie of a high way that was formally laid out through goodman Brackenberys ffarm wee now fee caufe to
alter the way and to lay it out in a nother place which is to fay from a drift way which Runs from Ifaac woodberys to
a brook that Runs to Nicholas woodberies mill from that drift way over the hill down to Jonathan Boills his houfe as
the way is now bounded vnto the water tide by Insign patchis houfe which is to fay two pole wide which way is giuen
by faid Brackenbery for the ufe of the town forever
wittness
r
Samuel Corning fen
r
John Dodge sen
John Hill
376
East Lothrop street.
Page 70
Boyles street was called the town way leading to Mackerel cove in 1682; the road leading from
Mackeral cove to Montserrat in 1831; the highway leading to Mount Serat in 1833; and Boyles street
since 1850.
That part of Cole street lying eastward of John Williams’ house was laid out by a committee
of the town April 1, 1686, according to the following record:-
wee whofe names are vnder written have on the fd firft day of Aprell 86 Laid out a high way tow pole wide
through the land Commonly Known by the name of fawyers plain that is to fay the way begins near the fouth weft
Corner of John williams his houfe and fo Runs through the plain betwen the land of Lieuetenont thorndikes and the
land of Georg ftandley and the land of Robert bradford vntell it comes to the land of william Cleaus vpon the northerly
fide of Grauillie Rige through faid Cleeus his land and fo to the high way near Richard patch his houfe.
This was called ye highway in 1697; and ye town highway in 1707.
Standley street, from Thomas Patch’s house to Bald hill, was originated in 1683. It was laid
out two rods wide. It was called ye town way in 1707; the road leading from Mackerel cove to Bald
hill in 1782; the road leading from Bald hill over Boyles hill so called in 1793; the highway that leads
from Patch’s brook to Taylor’s in 1795; a highway near the house of James Patch in 1801; and
Standley street in 1845.
Hull street was so called in 1845.
Essex street was so called in 1845.
Grover Street was laid out March 18, 1678-9, and described as follows:-
a drift way begininge between Iohn Dodges senior and Rice Edwards through the said dodges pasture and soe
Southerly into the Common and soe through the Land of Tho: Baker into the highway by bald hill and soe through the
Land of Georg Hull into the Common which way is to be two pole wide.
t
It was called the town highway in 1698; ye road y was laid out to Beverly commons, 1740; Grover’s
lane in 1801; the cross road in 1808; the highway leading by the house formerly William Taylor’s in
1840; and Grover street since 1865.
Off Grover street to the east there is an old town way which was there in 1741 at least.
Relative to the northern portion of this part of Beverly, the following letter, published in the
Salem Register, in its issue of April 30, 1846, is interesting;-
Messrs. Editors:- Nearly a year since, the County Commissioners widened and straightened the highway in
Wenham and Beverly called “Hull street.” A portion of the owners of land upon the route, being dissatisfied with the
damages awarded by the Commissioners, had Mr. Sheriff Sprague over the ground on Monday, with twelve “good men
and true,” to review that award, who, after hearing the petitioners by their counsel, N. J. Lord, Esq., and the County
by A. Huntington, Esq.,gave their verdict...
There are several localities in this vicinity quite suggestive of incident. The venerable name of Hull, from
which the street takes its title, connected, as it is, not only with the descendants of that name, but also with the early
family of Lovett and with that of the earliest William Raymond, suggests many matters of genealogical interest. This
part of our ancient township is denominated “Mont Serat;” but from what cause it derives that title is not certainly
known. There is a sort of private way leading from this street towards the woods called “Middletown,” upon which
are now standing the foundations of an ancient house and barn, formerly the residence of “Randall Preston,” the great
grandfather of Hon. Robert Rantoul, senior. The wife of Randall Preston was Susanna Stone; and in later years the
place was inhabited by a family by the name of Stone (probably a connexion of this Susanna), one of whom, the late
Rev. (John?) Stone, was a Baptist clergyman in New Boston, N. H., and died there within twenty years past, at an
advanced age. The old Corning house, now the property of Mr. James Dunn, presents quite a venerable appearance,
Page 71
with its upper story jutting out over the lower part of the house. There are also some curious relics of rude painting
and carving of the olden time with the house. “Bald Hill” is in this immediate vicinity, overlooking a very extensive
and beautiful prospect. Although much of the land in this part of the town presents a rather barren appearance, yet,
formerly, this was among our richest agricultural territory-and now, with the increased facilities furnished by better
roads, and with the will and energy of her young men applied to her improvement, Mont Serat may yet surprise the
most sanguine; for, with such appliances, it cannot be otherwise than that territory, containing within itself such rich
meadows and bogs as here abound, must ultimately be greatly advanced. “Grover street,” leading from “Hull street”
to “Dodge’s Row,” although it now contains but two dwelling houses, formerly had several upon its line. Old people
will tell you of the “Codie,” “Larcom,” “Cole,” and other houses now among the missing. The Grover family, from
which the street takes its name, were among the earliest settlers; and altho’ the name is extinct here, yet there are many
descendants in other parts of Beverly. Tradition says that one of the last of the name, for some deed of darkness he
had done, was doomed to be haunted by troops of black cats, whom he was obliged to exorcise by spending most of his
nights in psalm singing, which his peculiar style enabled him to employ to such advantage as to silence and subdue
all the caterwauling of his sabled tormentors. The last that was seen of these supposed agents of the other world was
upon the night of his decease, when they completely covered his coffin; and upon being disturbed, all made their exit
up the chimney, bearing, as was supposed, the spirit of their victim with them, but leaving his corpse unharmed behind.
There was also an eccentric genius by the name of Fairfield, formerly residing on this street, who believed in all kinds
of witchcraft and superstition, and practiced various arts or that character himself. Among other things, he kept by
him the hand taken from the corpse of a first born male child, in which he contended he could place a light of the most
brilliant character and carry it anywhere, unperceived by any one except himself. They were also several Indian and
part Indian families that formally lived in his vicinity, of whom some marvelous stories are told.
Beverly, April 28,1846.
Benjamin Patch House. This lot of land was probably granted by the town of Salem to
Richard Brackenbury, who apparently conveyed it to his son-in-law John Patch. This was probably
the homestead of Mr. Brackenbury. Mr. Patch was a husbandman, and lived here. He died in 1694;
and by agreement partition of his real estate was made Nov. 11,1695, the widow Elizabeth Patch
being assigned the homestead for her life, and then the house, barn, orchard and land “on the south
side of the country road that goeth between Salem Ferry and Manchester called the homestead” was
released to his son Benjamin Patch. John Patch’s widow died Jan. 15,1715. Benjamin Patch lived
here, and was a husbandman. He died in June, 1730; having in his will devised the house, barn and
land to his wife Susanna for her life. How much longer the house stood is unknown.
Mary Patch Lot. This lot of land was early the property of John Lovett, sr., of Beverly. He
died Nov. 5,1686, having in his will devised to his daughter Mary, wife of Thomas Patch of Beverly,
yeoman. She owned it in 1700.
Benjamin Patch Lot. This lot of land belonged to Benjamin Patch of Beverly, husbandman,
in 1700.
Richard Thissell Lot. This lot of land was granted to Jeffrey Massey by the town of Salem
in or before 1638; and Jeffrey Thissell died possessed of it in the spring of 1676. In his will he
devised it to his son Richard Thissell’s son Jeffrey Thissell, who was then only three years of age.
The boy apparently died young, and his father inherited it from him. Richard Thissell owned it in
1700.
Elizabeth Walker House. This track of land was probably granted to William Woodberry, the
elder, of Salem, weaver, by the town of Salem Oct. 17,1638. He built a house thereon, and live there.
He had apparently conveyed the eastern part of it to Nicholas Woodbery, sr., of Beverly, yeoman,
in or before Sept. 23,1670, when he conveyed to the latter “my now dwelling house I now live in”
Page 72
377
and the remainder of the lot. The whole lot of land with house was apparently reconveyed to him
before his decease. He died Jan. 29,1676-7, having in his will devised the house and land to his wife
Elizabeth. She married, secondly, John Walker March 12,1678-9; and she died, his widow, in 1718.
How long the house stood is unknown to the writer.
Robert Bradford Lot. This lot of land was owned by Robert Bradford in 1670 and 1700.
Elizabeth Walker Lot. This lot of land was conveyed by William Woodbery, the elder, of
Beverly, weaver, to Nicholas Woodbery, sr., of Beverly, yeoman, Sept. 23,1670; and was, perhaps,
reconveyed to said grantor before the death of the latter, which occurred Jan. 29,1676-7. It probably
then went to his widow Elizabeth, who married, secondly, John Walker in 1678-9, and died in 1718.
John Lovett Lot. This lot of land belonged to John Lovett in1670. He died possessed of it
Nov. 5,1686; and in his will devised it to his daughter Abigail Rendall. She owned it in 1700.
Jonathan Biles House. This track of land early belonged to John Patch of Beverly,
husbandman.
That part of the lot lying northwesterly of the northern dashes was conveyed by Richard
378
Brackenbury of Beverly, yeoman, to John Patch, sr., of Beverly, yeoman, Sept. 1,1682;and Mr.
Patch conveyed it to his son-in-law Jonathan Biles of Beverly, carpenter, in or before 1683.
That part of the lot lying between the dashes was conveyed by Mr. Patch to Mr. Biles,
probably in 1674, and Mr. Biles built a house thereon, in which he lived. In consideration of love,
379
he conveyed his homestead, this house, barn and land, to his son Nicholas Biles April 10,1719.
Nicholas Biles died at Canso June 22,1725, at the age of thirty-one. He left no issue, and his father
was his heir. Mr. Biles, who was now a yeoman, conveyed the same homestead, house, barn and
380
land, to his son Richard Biles of Gloucester, husbandman, Sept. 10,1726. Richard Biles came here
and lived. For two pounds and thirteen shillings, he conveyed to his grandson William Clarke of
381
Beverly, mariner, part of the dwelling house and land March 13,1765.
Three acres of that part of this lot lying southeasterly of the southern dashes was given by Mr.
Patch to his daughter Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan Biles, in or before 1683; and, for twenty-six pounds
382
and five shillings, the rest of it was conveyed by Mr. Patch to Mr. Biles Nov. 30,1683.
The half acre of land where the mill stood originally belonged to Mr. Patch; and he probably
conveyed it to Nicholas Woodbery of Beverly, who erected thereon a corn mill in or before 1673. For
383
forty-five pounds, Mr. Woodbury conveyed the mill and land to Jonathan Biles April 7,1683; and
in the same deed conveyed to him a way over grantor’s land for people to go to the mill. How much
longer the mill existed is unknown to the writer.
The house upon this lot probably stood for many years afterwards.
Jonathan Biles Lot. Ens. John Patch of Beverly, husbandman, died in 1694, intestate. This
377
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 110.
378
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 63.
379
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 35, leaf 160.
380
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 46, leaf 23.
381
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 121, leaf 239.
382
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 72.
383
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 73.
Page 73
lot of land “on the hill behind the now dwelling house of Jonathan Biles” was a part of his estate. In
the division of his real estate, Nov. 11,1695, this lot of rocky land was assigned to his son-in-law
Jonathan Biles in right of his wife Elizabeth; and he owned it in 1700.
Estate of John Patch Lot. This lot of meadow land was called “ye old house meadow,” and
belonged to John Patch, sr., in 1638. Ens. John Patch died, possessed of it, in 1694; and it belonged
to his estate in 1700.
Richard Patch Lot. Richard Brackenbury of Beverly, for four pounds, conveyed this lot of
384
land to his grandson Richard Patch of Beverly, yeoman, Feb. 14,1683. It was called the property
of Richard Patch in 1677, and he had probably had possession of it before that date. He probably
lived upon the lot in 1695; and it belonged to him in 1700.
Thomas Woodbury Lot. This lot of land probably belonged to Thomas Woodbury in 1700.
Estate of Richard Brackenbury Lot. This lot of land probably belonged to the estate of
Richard Brackenbury in 1700.
William Cleaves Lot. John Patch of Beverly conveyed this lot of land to Samuel Knowlton
385
of Ipswich, husbandman, July 1,1671; and Mr. Knowlton conveyed it to George Hull of Beverly,
386
cooper, Nov. 27,1679. Mr. Hull conveyed it to William Cleaves of Beverly, seaman, the next
387
day; and Mr. Cleaves probably owned it in 1700.
George Hull Lot. John Patch of Beverly conveyed this lot of land to Samuel Knowlton of
388
Ipswich, husbandman, July 1,1671; and Mr. Knowlton conveyed it to George Hull of Beverly,
389
cooper, Nov. 27,1679. Mr. Hull probably owned it in 1700.
John Bennett Lot. John Patch of Beverly, yeoman, owned this lot of land in1671: and, for
390
twenty pounds, conveyed it to John Bennett of Beverly, weaver, Dec. 28,1677. Mr. Bennett
apparently owned it in 1700.
John Patch Lot. John Patch of Beverly, husbandman, owned this lot in 1677. He died in
1694; and it apparently belonged to his estate in 1700.
Richard Patch Lot. This lot of land located at the place called “the old houses,” and it was
probably the property John Patch of Beverly, husbandman, who died in 1694. In the division of his
estate, Nov. 11,1695, it was assigned to his son Richard Patch of Beverly, husbandman, who owned
it in 1700.
Thomas Patch House. That part of this track of land lying northerly of the dashes was
probably granted by the town of Salem, Nov. 18,1671, as follows :-
Granted to Will Mappor foe much lande as the Inhabitants on Cape Ann fide shalbe Willinge to give out of
the Comon of the Eaft fide of Bafs Riuer.
384
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 114.
385
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 178.
386
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 8.
387
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 8.
388
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 178.
389
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 8.
390
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 72.
Page 74
William Mapes conveyed it to Daniel Rumball of Salem, smith, for the purpose of sale by him, Sept.
391392
20,1662; and Mr. Rumball conveyed it to Robert Hibbert Nov. 18,1664. Apparently Mr. Hibbert
conveyed it to Nicholas Patch before 1671.
That part of a lot lying southwesterly of the dashes was granted by the town of Salem to
Nicholas Patch July 25,1639.
The whole lot belonged to Mr. Patch at the time of his decease, in 1673; and upon the division
of his real estate, Dec. 8,1673, between his sons John and Thomas, the latter received this lot as his
393
portion. This place was then called “the old houses,” and Thomas Patch then lived here, in a small
house. He died Sept. 28, 1711; and the estate descended to his son William Patch. The son William
Patch died, of small pox, in November,1773 (being buried on the eleventh). The title to the property
then descended to his son Robert Patch, who died Aug. 3,1816. The small house and land were set
out, in the division of the estate, to his daughter Molly, wife of Nathaniel Roberts. How much longer
the house stood has not been determined.
George Standley Lot. This was probably the tract of land granted to Ens. William Dixie at
a meeting of the selectmen of Salem Dec. 17,1649; which was apparently not laid out to him until
1658. William Dicksey of Beverly, for forty pounds, conveyed it to George Stanly of Beverly Jan.
394
8,1671; and Mr. Stanly owned it in 1700.
George Hull Lot. This lot of land belonged to George Hull in 1700. He probably lived here
early, and when he conveyed an undivided half of the land to his son-in-law William Grover of
395
Beverly, yeoman alias cordwainer, June 5,1722, he called it “my homestead or old house lot.” Mr.
396
Hull conveyed to Mr. Grover the other half of “my old house homestead” Feb. 26, 1728-9. The
house was apparently gone before 1722.
Samuel Corning House. Ens. Samuel Corning owned this farm in 1678; and he conveyed
the house and barn and twenty-four acres adjoining to his son Daniel Corning of Beverly,
husbandman alias weaver, Feb. 3,1709-10. How much longer the old house stood is unknown to the
writer.
Robert Woodbury Lot. This lot of meadow land belonged to William Dodge, sr., very early
and to Capt. Thomas Lathrop in 1673. Captain Lathrop was slain by the Indians at Deerfield Sept.
18,1675; and his only heir was his sister Ellen (Eleanor), wife of Ezekiel Cheever, schoolmaster of
397
Boston. Mr. Cheever conveyed the lot to Thomas Woodbury of Beverly, mariner, Oct. 28,1681;
and Mr. Woodbury conveyed it to his brother Isaac Woodbury, sr, of Beverly, mariner. For love,
398
Isaac Woodbury conveyed it to his son Robert Woodbury of Beverly, mariner, June 3,1698 and
Robert Woodbury owned it in 1700.
Isaac Woodbury and Joshua Woodbury Lot. This lot of meadow land was conveyed by John
391
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 90.
392
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 8.
393
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 48.
394
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 95.
395
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 40, leaf 167.
396
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 54, leaf 40.
397
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 34.
398
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 15, leaf 68.
Page 75
Patch of Beverly, husbandman, for eight pounds, to Capt. George Corwin of Salem, merchant, May
399
8,1675; and, for seven pounds and ten shillings, Mr. Corwin conveyed it to Isaac Woodbury of
400
Beverly, yeoman, June 7,1683. Mr. Woodberry, for love, conveyed it to his sons Isaac Woodberry
401
and Joshua Woodberry, both of Beverly, June 3,1698; and they owned it in 1700.
Nathaniel Stone House. Nathaniel Stone, sr., of Beverly, yeoman, owned this lot of land in
1675 and 1700. He apparently lived here in the western house in 1700. For love, he conveyed the
house, barn and western portion of the land to his son Daniel Stone of Beverly, husbandman, April
402
20,1708; and Daniel Stone died possessed of it Jan. 20,1712-3 , at the age of thirty-four. His
daughter Rebecca, wife of Rev. William Balch of Bradford, conveyed the messuage to Ebenezer
403
Cleaves of Beverly, weaver, April 3,1731. How much longer the house stood has not been learned
Nathaniel Stone’s son Nathaniel lived in a house which stood on the eastern portion of the
404
lot, probably from 1690; although his father did not convey the land to him until April 20,1708.
How much longer the house stood is unknown to the writer.
405
John Stone Lot. This lot of land belonged to John Stone in 1700.
Peter Wooden House. This lot of land and the house thereon belonged to Peter Wooden in
1686 and 1698; and to Jonathan Rayment of Beverly, yeoman, in 1705, when there were a dwelling
house and barn upon it. For forty pounds, Mr. Raymond conveyed the house, barn and land to
399
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 86.
400
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 86.
401
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 15, leaf 66.
402
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 20, leaf 132.
403
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 58, leaf 76.
404
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 26, leaf 22.
405
There were several lots of land in this neighborhood that were early privately owned, but whose
exact location has not been determined.
The town of Salem, at a meeting of the selectmen, Jan. 27 1662, granted to Thomas Pickton
of Salem, husbandman, ten acres of land; and two acres of land were added to it by the town of
Beverly Dec. 18, 1669. For ten pounds, Mr. Pickton of Beverly conveyed it to Charles Kimball of
Hull March 19, 1674 (Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 51); and Mr. Kimball owned it in 1679.
Richard Dodge, sr., of Wenham, yeoman, for twenty-five pounds, conveyed ten acres of
upland and swamp to Joseph Dodge of Beverly, yeoman, March 8, 1693-4 (Essex Registry of deeds,
book 10, leaf 87).
Jonathan Biles of Beverly, carpenter, conveyed eight acres of land to Richard Ober of Beverly,
seaman, March 6, 1678-9; and Mr. Ober exchanged it with the town of Beverly Feb. 1, 1687-8 (Essex
Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 53).
A small lot of land there belonged to John Galley quite early and to Joseph Eaton in 1693.
The town of Beverly granted eight acres of land to John Galley May 25, 1672; and he died
possessed of it; and his son-in-law William Hore, sr., of Beverly, for eighteen pounds, conveyed it
to Timothy Lindall of Salem, merchant, Sept. 22, 1686 (Essex Registry of Deeds, book 7, leaf 99).
A lot of eight acres of land was granted and laid out to Robert Morgan by the town of Beverly
May 25, 1672.
Page 76
406
Benjamin Dike of Beverly, cooper, Dec. 10,1705; and Mr. Dike was killed by the Indians at Cape
Sable in February,1723. In the appraisal of his estate his homestead, consisting of two acres of land
with the “old Dwelling house and barn” were valued at forty pounds. The house probably
disappeared soon afterward.
Philip Moody House. This lot of land may have belonged to Lt. John Dodge in 1686; and
with the dwelling house thereon it was conveyed, for sixty-four pounds, by Thomas Edwards of
407
Ipswich, yeoman, to Philip Moody of Beverly Nov. 10,1698. Mr. Moody lived here. His name
is also called in the deeds of this time and neighborhood Gody, Lagody, Codie, Lecodie and Nagode.
Philip Gody of Beverly, weaver, conveyed the dwelling house and land to Daniel Buckman of
408
Wenham, cordwainer, March 15,1722-3; and the latter removed to this house, and lived here. He
409
conveyed the house and land to Josiah Woodbury of Beverly, yeoman, Jan. 15,1734-5. How much
longer the house stood is unknown to the writer.
Thomas Edwards Lot. This tract of land may have belonged to Lt. John Dodge in 1686. It
was owned by Thomas Edwards of Ipswich, yeoman, in 1698 and 1700.
406
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 33, leaf 245.
407
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 17, leaf 112.
408
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 41, leaf 219.
409
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 69, leaf 33.
Page 77
BEVERLY IN 1700. NO. 6
by Sidney Perley
This portion of Beverly is known as Beverly Farms. The region covered is three miles in
length, southwesterly and northeasterly, and one and one-half miles in width, northwesterly and
southeasterly.
In the spring of 1717, a slight attempt was made to have this section of Beverly set off to
Manchester. At a town meeting in Manchester, June 3,1717, it was “voted to chues A man to send
to the Jennerel Cort with the men of the farm of Capten wests of Beverly with A petesion in order
to get them of from beverly,” and “Cap. John Knolton is Chosen to go with such Jantel men of
Capten wests farm as they shall Apint to go to the Jeneral Cort with A petesion for thare geting of
from beverly to us at Manchester And Allso to Rays our formmer petession if he thinks it best.”
Several attempts were made a generation ago to have this section of Beverly incorporated as a
separate town to be known as Beverly Farms.
A part of Manchester is included in this article and plan.
The tidal water off this portion of the shore was called the sea very early.
The beach was called ye Long Beach as early as 1684, and has been known as West beach
ever since that time.
Plum cove was so called as early as1673, and the small pond near it was known as Plum Cove
Pond.
The easterly side of Chubb’s creek was called Chubb’s point in 1699; and the creek was call
Chubb’s creek at the same time. The source of its northern branch was a early called Lily Pond
brook. The brook was also called Gate brook about 1700, probably because there was a gate in the
Page 78
way at the town line.
The large pond that once existed in the rear of West beach was call Blackleach’s pond as early
as 1671, and Great pond in 1684. It broke into the ocean in 1696, and ran away.
Rattlesnake point was so called as early as 1702.
Hooppole hill was so called in 1713.
Round plain was so called in 1723.
Woods Egypt was known by that name as early as 1760.
Raccoon swamp was so called as early as 1779.
Malt hill was known by that name in 1856.
In 1700, there was but one highway in this locality in general use. It was practically the
present Hale street. The original road was laid out from Salem to Jeffry’s Creek (Manchester) in
1646. It followed the seashore as nearly as it was physically possible. At the Manchester town line,
it was diverted up Lily Pond brook, in what has lately been called Bow street, but it was straightened
at this place many years ago and located where it now runs. At West beach, it ran along the high
water line, between the pond and the beach. It ran around Paine’s or Allen’s promontory as best it
could, and at Plum cove it passed over the brook between the pond and cove. The original way was
defined by a committee of Beverly and Manchester March 10,1695-6, as follows :-
ete
Whereas complaint hath of late been made especialy by sum of y inhabitants of Manchester y y highway or
e
country road within y township of Beverly between Manchester & Beverly Meeting house hath cow lots lye in sum
ee
places stopt & bard to y prejudice of Travelers & y sd highways in sum parts of it having gon sum times in one place
e
& sum times in another & it being unsertain to both towns which is right y sd towns viz: Beverly & Manchester have
ee
for y removal of such impediments at present & preventing of such incumbrances for y future Apointed a committee
from each town to set & apoint wheare sd highway shall goe as they shall judge most convenient for both as by their
ethreth
respective records may appear beverlys bearing date y 18 Sept 1695 and Manchester y 20 of September 1695. Wee
eeeed
under named being y Major part of y comittee apointed for sd servise being mett together on y place on y 23 of Sept.
e
1695 have settled as followeth viz. from manchester to farmer west his house & by sd house & thence westward to y
e
eastward end of y pond as ye way now goeth & to be in breadth two pole & from thence to be 4 pole wide from high
watter mark upward untill it comes to Benjamin Woodberys upland & from thence through sd Woodbereys orchard
e
& through his cornfeild & soe to a black oack A little to y westward of sd benjamin woodberyes Dwelling house & to
ee
be 2 pole wide & from thence over y hill as y way now goes & soe along sd way untill it shall come unto A marked
white pine & soe to A white oak stump marked on 3 sides & thence to a small white pine marked on 3 sides & thence
to a walnut marked on 3 sides & from thence to a black oack marked on 3 sides & from thence westward to A Rock
e
& thence to A pichpine marked as before & soe over plumb cove pond & thence to y point of Rocks northeast of
ete
Richard Overs pasture next plumb cove & so into y road y now is sd highway to be southerly from all y forementioned
e
bounds & to be 2 pole wide & from thence to beverly meeting house as y way now goes & to be 2 pols wide & it is
ee
Agreed upon by & between y comittee undernamed & Richard thissill in consideration of y highways going over
ee
plumb cove pond sd richard thissell is to Alow all y Land y sd highway goeth over or taketh away of his
e
This is a true coppy of y originall as attest
by meThomas Tewxbury Clark
John DodgeWill RaymontJohn Siblee
Andrew EliottPaule ThorndikRobart Leach
Samuell Allen sen
410
410
Manchester Town Records, volume 1, page 65.
Page 79
The sand bank gave way, probably under pressure of the spring freshet, in 1696, and the pond
ran into the sea.
In the succeeding October, the towns held meetings to consider as to what should be done
about the way.
th
At a town meeting leagualy warned and mett together in manchester on the 19 Day of October 1696 Whereas
the country highway which was lately Laid out within the presinks of the town of Beverly on the beach namely wests
beach being now brocken up by reason of the pond breacking into the sea which makes that part of the way very
hazardable and Dificult for travillers and it being signified to us by the sd town of beverly their redines to consider and
Doe that which may be best and most secure and convenient for travillers by renewing or Laying out a way-it may be
found as sich gentelmen of beverly and manchester that are chosen and impowered by each town respectively them or
the major part of them Doo Agree and in order-we the said town of manchester have at this metin chosen and fully
Impowered lieft. John Siblee robert leech Samuell allin sinor Joseph wodbery John ley Jams pitman they or the mager
part of them to joyn with sich gentlemen of beverly as are alike chosen and Impowered by sd beverly to doo the work
411
above sd.
The committees appointed by the towns of Beverly and Manchester proceeded to lay out a
new highway, and reported as follows:-
We whose names are underwritten being committies chosen by each of our towns viz. beverly & manchester
to lay out a contry highway in sd town of beverly towards manchester in such a place and places where by reason of
e
breach or eruption at y Beach between Mr beniamin woodberys & Mr Thomas Wests such a contry road or highway
as is needful and wanted we Doe agree & for a final Ishewe & conclution about the aforesd matter Doe determine that
the contry road or highway from Mr. Thomas West aforsd toward beverly shall begin at the west end of sd wests
cassway where the way was formerly laid ont & so from thence by a 3 raild fence on the rigt hand and so neer straight
til you com to the next hill in sd wests field & from thence betwen sd Wests old field & his middle field to a vally
leading to down to his meddow allmost at the head of the pond & over sd meddow to the said wests Land on the north
west side of said meddow & from thence over the hill on sd wests land till you come to the common on the north of
cornelius larcoms Land & from thence over sd common land southwesterly till you come to sd beniamin woodberys
most southerly bars that let out into the common Land aforesd & from sd bars into & through sd woodberys pasture
Land southwesterly tell you come to the old highway at a white pine tree marked on 2 sides sd pine tree standing on
the south side of sd way In witness whareof & for the full confirmation of all & singular of the primises abovsd we the
th
said committee have heirunto interchangeably set our hands this 29 day of March 1697
Andrew Eliott
beverlyPaul Thorndik
CommitteyWilliam Raymond
Samuel Corning
John Siblee
Manchesters Robert Leach
CommitteySamuel Allen senier
John Ley
412
eth
At a Leagule Towne meeting of the Inhabitants of y Towne of Beuerly on the 29 day of March 1697...it was
411
Manchester Town Records, volume 1, page 75.
412
Manchester Town records, volume I, page 54.
Page 80
ee
voated that where as by y breaking out of the pond into the fea at y long Beach between our Towne and manchefter
Commonly knowen by the name of ffarmer wefts Beach the which ocafions the laying out of a new way from plumb
Coue to farmer wefts land the which doth Require Extraordinery Charge for the making of fd way It is there fore voated
e
as aboue sd that the Towne fhall make fd way in Eaquall proportion and y four furveyors are to warne fuch to work
for the makeing of fd way as belong to their fquadrons in Eaquall proportion according to the number of men in Each
413
part.
The present Hale street between Mingo beach and Pride’s Crossing was laid out by a jury of
the Court of General Sessions Aug. 29,1702.
The eastern end of West street was a causeway three hundred and sixty-three feet in length.
John West or his son Capt. Thomas West had contracted to keep it in repair; and, Jan. 21,1750,
Robert Haskell, Benjamin Woodbury, Mary Woodbury, widow of Capt. Robert Woodbury, deceased,
Mary West alias Martin and Henry Herrick, jr., guardian of the heirs of Thomas West, all of Beverly,
agreed to divide the causeway into seven parts, which each respectively was to keep in repair. Robert
Haskell was assigned five rods of its southwesterly end, “beginning at ye southernmost large stone
of said Casway;” Benjamin Woodbury the next one and three-fourths rods; Mary Woodberry the next
one and three-fourths rods; Mary West alias Martin the next two and one-half rods (which extends
one-half rod and northerly of ye sluice of ye north bridge), being two parts; and Henry Herrick,
guardian of the male heirs of Thomas West, deceased, two parts, eleven rods of the northerly end of
414
the causeway.
At Plum cove, the original highway was called “the ould Country Rhod” in 1716; and that lane
that goes to Benjamin Smith’s dwelling house in 1756; and the way to Plum cove so called in 1762.
The present road was called the country highway in 1723; the country highway that leads to
Manchester in1730; the public road that leads from Essex bridge to Manchester in 1796; the highway
leading towards Gloucester from the South meeting house in Beverly in 1825; and Hale street as early
as 1840.
Thistle street was laid out and recorded at the meeting of the selectmen of Beverly March
18,1678-9, it being recorded as follows:-
a Cartway begininge at the Cuntry Road that comes from manchester and soe northeast through the Land of
Capt Dixie and the land of Richard Thistle and soe unto the Common which way is to be two pole wide
Hale and Hart streets, from the eastern junction of Hale and West streets to the Wenham line,
was a private way of Capt. Thomas West from his landing place (where the Corporation bath house
is located) to the northern portion of his farm. It was petitioned for by inhabitants of Ipswich,
Manchester and Wenham, “from the Country Road or Highway that leads from Beverly to
Manchester near to Thomas West’s Dwelling House to the Highway that Wenham hath laid out and
well Repaired that leadeth towards Manchester over the Easterly part of the township of Wenham,”
as a highway in December,1734. It was called Hart street in 1844.
West street was so called in 1845.
Grove street was so called in 1854; and “Central now Grove street” in 1873.
High street was so called in 1857.
413
Town Records of Beverly.
414
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 97, leaf 169.
Page 81
Beach street was so called in1864.
Oak street was so called in1866.
Hull’s lane was so called in1869.
Haskell street was so called in1871.
Valley street was so called in 1871.
Jumper street was so called in1873.
Hemlock street was so called in1877.
Greenwood avenue was so called in1884.
Robert Morgan House. The town of Salem early granted to Jeffrey Eastie twenty acres of
land, and ten acres more to be added to it Jan. 21, 1638-9, the whole constituting this lot of thirty
415
acres. For thirty shillings, he conveyed it to William Dixie Oct. 6,1651; and William Dixey of
416
Beverly conveyed it to Samuel Morgan of Marblehead June 20,1681. Sergeant Morgan’s son
Robert Morgan probably built a house upon this lot about 1692, and lived in it. Sergeant Morgan
died late in 1698, having devised this lot to his son Robert, who already lived upon it. The house was
standing in 1703; and was doubtless occupied by him for many years. He died July 16,1762, at the
age of ninety-three.
Richard Ober Lot. This lot of land was granted by the town of Salem to Richard Lambert
Jan. 21,1639-40. It was later owned by Mr. Thorndike, who sold it to Rice Edwards, who resigned
it up to the town of Salem. Later, Nicholas Woodbery of Beverly, yeoman, became its owner; and,
417
for love, conveyed it to his daughter Abigail, wife of Richard Ober, Feb. 18,1676-7.
Richard Thistle of Beverly, mariner, for fifty shillings, conveyed to Mr. Ober, then of Beverly,
418
mariner, the northwesterly corner of it, containing one hundred rods, Sept. 28,1687.
Mr. Ober owned the whole lot in 1700.
Richard Thistle House. This lot of land originally belonged to Jeffry Thistle, who came from
Abbotsbury, Dorsetshire, England, and died in the spring of 1676. The lot belonged to his eldest son
Richard Thistle in 1673; and there was a house upon it in 1678, which then belonged to Richard
Thistle. The house was there in 1703, also. Mr. Thistle became a husbandman; and conveyed the
house and homestead lands to his son Richard Thistle of Beverly, husbandman, Aug. 4,1707. Mr.
Thistle, the father, died Oct. 18,1715; and his widow Elizabeth Thistle released her interest in the
419
estate, for seventy pounds, to her son Richard Thistle Dec. 3,1715. Peter Pride of Beverly, weaver
alias fisherman, and wife Hannah conveyed to Ebenezer Thistle of Beverly, weaver alias fisherman,
420
“our interest” in the estate of said Richard Thistle and his widow Elizabeth Feb. 8, 1715-6; and on
the same day Elizabeth Thistle, singlewoman, for five pounds conveyed her interest in the estate to
421
Ebenezer Thistle; Benjamin Cole of Beverly, fisherman, and wife Sarah, for five pounds, conveyed
their interest in said house and land to him; and Robert Sallows of Beverly, fisherman, for five pounds
415
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 11.
416
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 137.
417
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 19, leaf 147.
418
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 22, leaf 270.
419
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 27, leaf 253.
420
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 27, leaf 235.
421
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 28, leaf 85.
Page 82
and ten shillings, conveyed the interest of his four daughters by his late wife Mary in the estate to
422
him. Twenty days later, Ebenezer Thistle, for five pounds, conveyed to Richard Thistle of Beverly,
423
husbandman, his interest in the estate.
Samuel Morgan of Beverly, cooper, for thirty shillings, conveyed to Richard Thistle of
424
Beverly, mariner, the southern extremity of this lot, containing twenty square rods, Sept. 27,1687;
and a small piece of land adjoining to it was conveyed to Mr. Thistle by Richard Ober of Beverly,
425
mariner, the next day.
Richard Thistle died March 17,1752, having in his will devised to his son Jeffry Thistle the
dwelling house “I now live in” and the barn and land. The dwelling house and barn where then
appraised at thirty-three pounds, six shillings and eight pence. Jeffry Thistle died Aug. 29,1794.
How much longer the old house stood is unknown.
Richard Thistle and Mary Salloes Lot. The selectmen of Salem granted to Robert Lemon this
lot of land of “to be laid oute to him at Cape Ann Side next the sea near that which was william Balies
Lott” Feb. 8,1657-8. Mr. Lemon died in 1667, having devised the land to his wife Mary Lemon. For
426
fifty pounds, Mrs. Lemon conveyed it to Jeffry Thistle and Richard Thistle March 7,1673-4. Jeffry
Thistle died in the spring of 1676, having devised his interest in it to his eldest son Richard Thistle
and the latter’s daughter Mary, who married Roberts Salloes of Beverly in 1697. Mr. Thistle and Mrs.
Salloes owned the lot in 1700.
Benjamin Woodbury House. That part of this lot lying westerly of the dashes was the ten
acres granted by the town of Salem to Henry Swan Feb. 11,1638-9; and it belonged to him in 1640.
It belonged to Nicholas Woodbury as early as 1660.
Four acres of meadow next the pond was granted to him by the selectmen of Salem March
13,1655-6, as follows: “Graunted vnto Nich Woodbury foure Acres of the meadow at the west end
joining to the Pond near Mr. Blackleechs farme.”
The remaining part of this lot lying easterly of the dashes belonged to Mr. Woodbury as early
as 1673, and the house was there in 1679.
Mr. Woodbury lived on this large farm, and died May 10,1686, having devised his homestead,
which was valued at three hundred pounds, to his son Benjamin Woodbury. Benjamin Woodbury died
in 1698-9; and the dwelling house, barn and land, which were appraised at three hundred pounds,
descended to his baby daughter Anna. She married Rev. John Barnard of Marblehead in 1718; and
he erected a new house upon the farm, probably removing the old house.
Cornelius Larcom House. This was apparently a part of the land which was granted by the
town of Salem to John Blackleach, sr., Salem; and which he conveyed to John West of Salem,
427
husbandman, Dec. 14, 1660. Mr. West of Beverly conveyed that part of the lot lying westerly of
the dashes to Anthony Bennett of Salem, carpenter, Jan. 7,1671. Mr. Bennett removed to Gloucester
422
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 29, leaf 247.
423
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 27, leaf 240.
424
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 19, leaf 105.
425
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 23, leaf 92.
426
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 82.
427
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 39.
Page 83
428
and conveyed the lot to Cornelius Larcom of “Bass River alias Beverly” Nov. 28,1684.
That part of the lot lying easterly of the dashes was conveyed by Thomas West of Beverly,
yeoman, for twelve pounds and sixteen shillings, to Mr. Larcom, who was then of Beverly, yeoman,
429
May 28,1697.
This was the homestead of Cornelius Larcom in 1790.
Thomas West House. That portion of this lot of land lying northerly of the dashes was granted
by the town of Salem to Richard Gardner of Salem, mariner, who conveyed it to John West of Salem,
430
farmer, Sept. 13,1667.
That part of the lot lying between Hale street and the ocean and West street and the
Manchester line, consisting principally of salt marsh and containing about eighty-five acres, was early
granted by the town of Salem to John Horne of Salem. “Deacon Horne, for fifty pounds, conveyed
431
it to William Pitt and Moses Maverick, both of Marblehead, April 23,1653; and it belonged to
Thomas West in 1700.
The remainder of the lot was part of the grants of three hundred and fifty acres of land made
by the town of Salem to John Blackleach of Salem in the following words:-
thth
The 16 of the 12 moneth 1635
Granted by the freeman of Salem the day and yeare aboue written vnto Mr. John Blacklech of the same his
heires and assignees for euer one fearme conteyning three hundred acres of land scituate lying and being from Salem
North East and being at long Marshe extending from a marked tree growing and being ner to the East of the Marshe
along the Sea Side and conteyning halfe the marshe thence Westward, and from the West end of the said Marshe
conteyneth halfe of the playne ground betwixt that & the freshe pond lying nere to the Sea Side in all conteyning as
before mentioned, the quantitye of three hundred acres of land, bounded by the said Inhabitants pvided always that if
tt
the said Mr. Blackleech shall at any tyme make sale of y, that the towne shall haue the first pfer of y before any other.
John EndicottW. Traske
Phillip Verrin
Townshend Bishop
John Holgrave
Edmond Batter
Thomas Gardiner
thth
At Towne meeting the 14 of the 6 month 1637...
trtr
Mr. Blaklech appointed the pece of meadow y was appointed or broth Gott y lyeth nere to m blaklechs farme.
st
The 21 of 11th moneth 1638...
r
Whereas M John Blackleech desireth 50 acres of land and to be graunted him as an addition to his former
graunt of 300 acres, vppon exchange of 50 acres of his rock ground for it, alleadging, that he hath not sufficient ground
r
to maintain a plow. The town therefore for the furthering of his endeauo in plowing & for his incouragemt therein
hath freely granted and to him without exchange [fifty acres is of ground or thereabouts] such land as was formerly
granted to Mr. Gott vppon the playne neere playne adioyning to his said farme conditionally that hee will be at the
charge of plowing of it for the greatest pt of it.
428
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 175.
429
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 178.
430
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 88, leaf 277.
431
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 28.
Page 84
Mr. Blackleach removed to Boston, where he was a merchant. He let the house and barns
which then stood upon the farm together with the land to Lawrence Leach, and subsequently to John
West of Salem, husbandman. It was in the tenure and occupation Mr. West Dec. 14,1660, when, for
432
three hundred and fifty pounds, Mr. Blackleach conveyed the estate to him. John West of Beverly,
farmer, conveyed to his son Thomas West this “my now dwelling house,” barn and two-thirds of “my
farm I now dwell upon” May 25,1675, Thomas West having agreed to build a house for his father
433
upon the other third part of the farm as his father shall appoint. Thomas West subsequently
acquired the other third part of the farm, and lived here in 1700.
Thomas West had a landing place at the shore where the corporation bath house is now
located as early 1689. He also had a sawmill on the brook on the northwesterly side of Haskell street
as early as 1690.
Captain West conveyed to his son Thomas West of Beverly the east end of “my dwelling
434
house” in which the grantee “now dwells” Jan.1, 1707. Thomas West, jr., died April 3, 1714 and
his father conveyed to his widow, Christian West, “my homestead,” dwelling house, barn and land,
435
June 22, 1714. Mrs. West apparently removed the old house before April 14, 1718; when she
conveyed to her five children, Thomas, Wilkes, Mary, Hannah and Elizabeth, for love, the land and
the dwelling house and barn thereon that “I have Lately built upon the Land of my said Late husband
436
since his decease” which are “partly finished.”
William Haskell Lot. This lot of land was part of the three hundred acres granted by the town
437
of Salem to John Blackleach Feb. 16,1635-6; and which he conveyed to John West Dec. 14, 1660.
438
Mr. West conveyed it to his son Thomas West May 25,1675; and Thomas West conveyed it to
439
William Hascoll, husband of his daughter Ruth, as a part of her dowry, March 1,1689-90. Mr.
Haskell owned the lot in 1700.
In Manchester.
Joseph Woodbury Lot. This lot of land on Chubb’s point was conveyed by Thomas West of
440
Beverly, yeoman, to his son-in-law Joseph Woodbury of Manchester, mariner, May 1,1699. It
belonged to Mr. Woodbury in 1700.
Thomas West Lot. That part of this lot of land lying southeasterly of the southeasterly dashes
was granted to Thomas West before 1700.
That part of a lot lying within the dashes was laid out by the town of Manchester to John
Elithorp of Manchester, cooper, in1685; and, for eight pounds, he conveyed it to Thomas West of
432
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 30.
433
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 112.
434
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 20, leaf 155.
435
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 30, leaf 57.
436
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 42, leaf 5.
437
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 39.
438
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 112.
439
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 188.
440
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 23, leaf 35.
Page 85
441
Beverly, yeoman, Sept. 20, 1690.
That part of a lot lying northwesterly of the northwesterly dashes was three-fourths of the lot
of land granted by the town of Manchester to William Bennett, Robert Leach, sr., John Norman, sr.,
and John Pickforth March 10,1667. John Pickworth died in 1681; and his brother Joseph Pickforth
442
of Marblehead, fisherman, conveyed his quarter part, for nine pounds, to Mr. West Dec. 10,1690.
Mr. West had bought Mr. Bennett’s share in or before 1690; and Mr. Leach’s part belonged to his
son Robert Leach in 1690, and subsequently came into the hands of Mr. West.
John Norman Lot. This was a part of a lot of land granted by the town of Manchester to
William Bennett, Robert Leach, sr., John Norman, sr., and John Pickforth March 10,1667, being John
Norman’s quarter of said grant. Mr. Norman died in 1672, and it descended to his son John Norman,
who owned it in 1700.
John Coy and Thomas Whittridge Lot. This lot of land was conveyed by the town of
Manchester, for forty pounds, to John Coy of Wenham and Thomas Whittridge of Beverly,
443
carpenters, July 17,1699; and these grantees owned it in 1700.
George Norton Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to George
Norton Dec. 20,1699, in the lay out of the west division so called.
Joseph Woodbury Lot. This lot of land was laid out to Joseph Woodbury by the town of
Manchester Dec. 20,1699.
James Friend Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to James Friend
Dec. 20,1699.
John Norman Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to John Normandy
Dec. 20,1699.
Samuel Leach Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to Samuel Leach
Dec. 20,1699.
Robert Leach Lot. This lot of land and was laid out by the town of Manchester to Ens.
Robert Leach Dec. 20,1699.
Thomas West Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to Capt. Thomas
West the Dec. 20,1699.
Abram Masters Lot. This lot of land and was laid out by the town of Manchester to Abram
Masters the Dec. 20,1699.
John Bishop Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to John Bishop
Dec. 20,1699.
John Siblee Lot. This lot of land was laid out to Capt. John Siblee by the town of Manchester
Dec. 20, 1699.
John Knowlton and Hannah Leach Lot. This lot of land was laid out to John Knowlton and
Hannah Leach by the town of Manchester Dec. 20,1699.
John Coy Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to John Coy Dec.
20,1679.
Thomas West Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to Capt. Thomas
441
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 18.
442
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 18.
443
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 19, leaf 107.
Page 86
West Dec. 20, 1699.
Samuel Polin Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to Samuel Polin
Dec. 20,1699.
Hannah Leach Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to widow
Hannah Leach “and Jones Ezekiel” Dec. 20,1699.
Parsonage Lot. This lot of land was laid out as a parsonage lot by the town of Manchester
Dec. 20, 1699.
Abram Masters Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to Abram
Masters Dec. 20,1699.
Samuel Ley Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to Samuel Ley Dec.
20,1699.
Thomas West Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to Capt. Thomas
West Dec. 20,1699.
Robert Leach Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to Ens. Robert
Leach Dec. 20, 1699.
Samuel Leach Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to Samuel Leach
Dec. 20,1679.
John Knowlton Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to John
Knowlton Dec. 20, 1699.
Robert Leach Lot. This lot of land was laid out to Ens. Robert Leach by the town of
Manchester Dec. 20,1699.
John Siblee Lot. This Lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to Capt. John Siblee
Dec. 20,1699.
Hannah Leach Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to widow
Hannah Leach Dec. 20,1699.
Onesipherous Allen Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to
Onesipherous Allen Dec. 20, 1699.
Samuel Allen Lot. This lot of land was laid out to Samuel Allen, sr., by the town of
Manchester Dec. 20,1699.
John Ley Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to John Ley Dec.
20,1699.
Aaron Bennett Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to Aaron Bennett
Dec. 20, 1699.
John Cross Lot. This lot of land was laid out to John Cross by the town of Manchester Dec.
20, 1699.
Isaac Whittier Lot. This lot of land was laid out by the town of Manchester to Isaac Whittier
Dec. 20,1699.
Joseph Woodbury Lot. Thomas West conveyed this lot of land to Joseph Woodbury before
1699; and the latter owned it in 1700.
Joseph Woodbury Lot. Thomas West of Beverly, yeoman, conveyed this lot of land to his
444
son-in-law Joseph Woodbury of Manchester, mariner, May 1,1699; and the latter owned it in 1700.
444
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 23, leaf 35.
Page 87
RIAL SIDE: PART OF SALEM IN 1700
By Sidney Perley
This portion of original Salem is now about equally divided between Danvers and Beverly.
It extends from Bass river on the south to the Wenham town line on the north, a distance of about
four miles, and from Porter’s river and Frost Fish brook on the west to the head of Bass river and
Horse bridge on Conant street on the east, a distance of about two miles, and comprises an area of
about seven square miles.
This section continued a part of Salem until the incorporation Danvers as a district, in 1752,
when it was annexed to Beverly. It continued to be a portion of Beverly until April 27,1857, when
the western part of it was annexed to Danvers, the division line being shown on the plan.
This portion of original Salem, north of Conant Street, was the extreme northeast portion of
the parish of Salem Village.
This part of Salem was known as Royal Side very early. It is said to have been granted to
William Royal. The name became corrupted into “Riall Side” as early as 1638, and it has been so
called generally ever since. The records mention it as “Royal side” as late as 1799. The southern part
Page 88
was called “Riall’s neck” in 1650; Royalls Neck in 1657; and Royalls Neck side in 1665.
eche
Bass river has been so called ever since 1635. It was called “y river w runneth towards y
Mill” in 1693; ye mill river in 1702; and the mill pond in 1717.
Porter’s river was called Wooliston’s (Williston, Wollestone and Woolesstone) river as early
as 1635; and Frost Fish river in 1657. It was also called Porter’s river, because John Porter owned
a great extent of land on its western side from 1646. The small stream forming the source of this river
was called Frost Fish brook as early as 1637.
Barney’s cove was so called as early as 1723.
Brackett’s cove with so called very early.
Aunt Betty’s cove was called pine cove in 1683; stoney cove in 1691; and Aunt Betty’s cove
in recent years.
Muddy cove was so called in 1707.
Felton’s cove was so called very early.
Little cove was so called as early as 1734.
Long cove was so called as early as 1739.
Folly hill was call Leach’s hill is early as 1673. William Burnet Browne built upon its summit
a mansion house about 1741. He called the hill Mount Burnet, and the house “Browne Hall.” The
latter was so badly shaken by the earthquake of 1755, that it was removed. People living in the
country below considered the erection of the house upon such a great elevation a folly, and when the
earthquake came and shook it they were convinced that their judgment was true. From that time it
has been popularly known as Folly hill. It was called the great hill in 1799.
Cherry Hill was known as Long hill in 1650; as Alford’s hill in 1652; and was called Cherry
hill as early as 1830.
Birch plain was called Birch or Burchen plain as early as 1650.
The Leach family burial ground was in existence quite early. It is mentioned in 1799; and the
oldest gravestone in it is dated 1756.
The ancient highway running from Locust street, in Danvers, near the Rae-Fowler house
eastward, crossing Burley street, on the northerley side of Cherry hill, to Trask street, in North
Beverly, and thence by Cabot, Cedar and Cherry streets to Main street, in Wenham, is supposed to
be very old. It can now be traveled most of its way. July 7,1659, William Dodge and John Rayment
r
were chosen by the selectmen of Salem “to mend the bridge & highway between frost fish Riv and
445
Wenham.” This old road was called the highway in 1783; for proprietors’ way that leads to Asa
Brown’s in 1789; the road leading from William Trask’s house to Stephen Felton’s house in 1791;
a private way and also a privilege way in 1814.
Conant street was there in 1637. It was called the country ye highway in 1656; ye common
highway or country road in 1673; ye publick road in 1714; ye main or ye country road in 1720; ye
road leading to Ipswich in 1750; the highway leading through Royal side so called in 1753; Ipswich
road so called in 1755; the road leading from Newbury to Boston in1779; the road leading from
Danvers to Beverly in 1792; the Ipswich road in 1799; the road leading from the North parish in
Beverly to Danvers Plains in 1853; and Conant street in 1856. Horse bridge over Bass river was so
called in 1660; and the bridge over Frost Fish brook is mentioned in 1753.
445
Salem Town Records, volume 1, page 228 (printed).
Page 89
There was a landing place at the head of Frost Fish river; on the southerly side of Conant
street, in existence before 1671. It was four rods square. James Kettle released his interest in it to
446
Capt. John Putnam, sr., and Jonathan Putnam, husbandman, both of Salem, April 20,1688. The
road leading down to it was not formally such until 1671, when it was laid out two rods wide. It
went through the land of Jacob Barney, sr., of whom the town of Salem bought it, together with his
447
interest in the landing place. The bounds of the landing place were established Sept. 4, 1704. In
1700, the road was called the town highway that goeth toward ye landing place. It was in use in
1774.
Elliott street is an ancient way. It was called, at Bass river, the highway in 1714; at Conant
street end it was call the way that leads from Mr. Leach’s to a gate near the country road in 1733;
a town way in 1740; the road or highway which leads from the corner by Ipswich road near the house
of William Burley through Royal Side so called to the lower parish in Beverly in 1799; the Rial Side
road so called in 1853; and Elliott street in 1855.
The ancient road from Balch street to Aunt Betty’s cove was called ye highway to stoney
ee
brook or cove in 1691; and also, in the same year, “y highway for y proprietors of Royall side to goe
to stony Cove.”
The ancient road leading from Conant street past the Trask and Baker houses to Balch street
was called a lane or by-way and a private highway in 1720.
The southern end of Burley street was laid out as a private way by the town of Beverly,
following a very crooked old path from Archelaus Brown’s wheat pen to the country road (Conant
448
street) March 8,1766.
Liberty street was laid out and the bridge over the Danvers River constructed in the spring
of 1788. There was great objection made to the building of this bridge, as it was esteemed to be in
opposition to the Essex bridge, between Beverly and Salem, which was being built at that time. This
bridge was called Spite bridge for many years. Its location is shown by dotted parallel lines.
Bridge street was laid out and the bridge built over Bass river, with a draw in it, in 1856. Its
course is shown by dotted parallel lines.
John Cressy House. That portion of this lot of land lying southwesterly of the dashes was
449
granted by the selectmen of Salem to Henry Skerry of Salem April 27,1654; and he conveyed it to
450
Abraham Read Oct. 8,1673. Mr. Read was of Salem, husbandman, and he built a house upon the
northern part of the lot. Mrs. Newman claimed that this lot belonged to her as a part of her adjacent
lot, and recovered it in or before 1677. She released it to Mr. Read; and, for fifteen pounds, he
451
conveyed the estate to John Cressy of Salem, tailor, Oct. 22,1695.
That portion of a lot lying northerly of the dashes was the property John Green, sr., of Salem,
yeoman, March 7,1689-90, when, for four pounds and fifteen shillings, he conveyed it to John
446
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 19, leaf 119.
447
Beverly Town Records, volume 5, page 405.
448
Beverly Town Records, volume 5, page 341.
449
Salem Town Records, volume 1, page 177 (printed).
450
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 4, leaf 149.
451
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 61.
Page 90
452
Creasey of Salem, tailor.
That part of the lot lying southeasterly of the dashes was the northerly portion of the sixteen
453
acres granted to John Winthrop by the town of Salem Aug. 19,1639. Mr. Winthrop gave it to his
daughter Elizabeth, afterward wife of Rev. Antipas Newman of Wenham. Mr. Newman died Oct.
15,1672; and his wife survived him and married, secondly, Zerubabel Endecott of Salem. The lot was
sold to John Green of Salem, who paid for it, but who died before a deed was delivered, and with her
son John Newman, as administrators of Mr. Newman’s estate, she gave a deed of it to Mr. Green’s
454
widow, Mary Green, July 31,1691. For twelve pounds, Mrs. Green conveyed the southeasterly
455
part of the lot to Mr. Creasie Aug. 1,1691.
The triangular portion was also a part of the estate John Green of Salem, yeoman, who,for
six pounds and four shillings in silver, with the consent of his mother Mary Green of Salem, conveyed
456
it to Mr. Creasie March 11,1692-3.
Mr. Creasy died possessed of the estate in 1735, having devised the house and land to his son
Daniel Creasy. Daniel Creasey was a cordwainer and lived in Andover March 1,1737, when he
conveyed, for three hundred pounds, to John Cressey of Beverly, cordwainer, thirteen acres of upland
457
and salt marsh and a dwelling house and barn thereon standing. How long the house stood is
unknown, but it is said to have existed within the memory of persons now living and owned by a
Foster family.
The strip of marsh between these points of upland belonged to Ralph Ellenwood, yeoman,
Benjamin Ellenwood, mariner, and John Smith, all of Beverly, in 1695 and 1700.
r
Estate of John Green House. The town of Salem, June 25,1638, “granted to M John
452
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 31.
453
Salem Town Records, volume 1, page 90 (printed).
454
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 22.
455
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 31.
456
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 30.
457
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 79, leaf 166.
Page 91
th
Winthrop Jun. liberty to set a Salt house vpon Ryalls side w wood for his occasions about the same
458
house, and Comon for 2 cows to pasture in.” Nathaniel Pickman built a house for Mr. Winthrop
on the southwestern point of this lot. “Mr. Winthrop did make improvement of a salt house there
d
upon s land & kept a familie there a Considerable time”, and lived there himself parts of two years
at least. Robert Hebard, then about twenty-three years old, “dwell with Mr. John Winthrop at the
459
salthouse upon Royall side when the lot layers laid out land.” William Bennet, then about thirty-
et
four years old, testified that “when John Winthrope, Esq. was at y Salt house 30 odd years past y
I haueing occasion to work there upon Carpintry worke some times for Mr. Winthrope, ...Mr.
e
Winthrop haueing a house and Family there some considerable time & carried on y designe of
458
Salem Town Records, volume 1, page 70 (printed).
459
See papers in Records and Files of the Quarterly Courts of Essex County, volume 6,
pages 244-248.
Page 92
460
making salt,” etc. The house was probably gone before 1670. A plan of this region, made by
Daniel Epps March 28,1677, and on file in the office of the clerk of courts of Salem is reproduced
on the opposite page.
At a general town meeting, Aug. 19,1639, the town of Salem “Graunted to John Winthrop,
r
Esq Junior a little neck of land adioyinge to the salt house built by the said Mr. Winthrop containinge
ch
about 16 acres or thereabouts, more or less, lying betweene a coue w is on the north side of his said
461
howse & a little brooke lying to the west of the said howse.”
The first grant to Mr. Winthrop and the southerly portion of the second grant comprise that
portion of this lot lying southwesterly of the dashes.
Mr. Winthrop gave it to his daughter Elizabeth, afterwards wife of Rev. Antipas Newman of
Wenham. Mr. Newman died Oct. 15,1672; and his wife survived him and married, secondly,
Zerubabel Endecott of Salem. With her son John Newman of Boston, as administrators of Mr.
Newman’s estate, she mortgaged the lot, for fifty pounds to Capt. John Hull of Boston, esquire, May
462
21,1681. The lot was sold to John Green of Salem, who had paid for it, but who died before a deed
was delivered, and Mrs. Endecott and her son John Newman, administrators of the estate of Mr.
463
Newman, gave a deed of it to Mr. Green’s widow, Mary Green, July 31,1691.
The remainder of this lot belonged to John Green very early; and on it he lived.
Under the ledges, on Bass river and in the cove, at the southerly part of this lot, was a strip
of a upland and marsh which belonged to William Dixie very early. This, also, became a part of the
Green estate.
Mr. Green died in 1690. His estate was divided Feb. 28,1690-1, and ten acres of the salt
house point was assigned to his daughter Elizabeth Green; and the remainder to his son John Green,
subject to a life estate of his mother Mary Green in one end of the house and back leanto, one end
464
of the barn, and one-third of the land, except two acres in Ryall side “comonly called Rockwell .”
John Green, the son, died in 1697, when the dwelling house, barn and land were appraised at fifty-five
pounds.
Elizabeth Green married Jacob Reed of Salem, husbandman, and possessed her lot at the salt
house point until 1706.
How long the house of Mr. Green stood after 1700 is unknown, but the old Green house
which stood on the hill on the ancient way, on the northeasterly side of Bridge street, and southerly
of the site of the original house, probably succeeded it.
John Dodge House and Grist Mill. The original mill here was called Mr. Friend’s mill in
1653. Samuel Friend of Manchester sold to Lawrence Leach of Salem the mill and mill-house; but
no legal conveyance of the title thereto was made until after Mr. Leach’s death, which occurred in
1662. At the time of the decease of Lawrence Leach, the mill was appraised at forty pounds, and the
house, orchard and land at thirty pounds. He still owed thirty pounds on the mill. Apparently, his
460
See papers in Records and Files of the Quarterly Courts of Essex County, volume 6,
pages 244-248.
461
Salem Town Records, volume 1, page 90 (printed).
462
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 2.
463
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 22.
464
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 117.
Page 93
son John Leach paid the amount and received a deed of the house, mill and land from Mr. Friend
465
Sept. 7,1665. Mr. Leach lived here, and was the miller. He conveyed the house, mill and land to
466
John Dodge, jr., of Beverly, husbandman, Sept. 2,1669. In his will Lawrence Leach had devised
his estate to his wife Elizabeth Leach; and, for seventeen pounds and ten shillings, she confirmed the
467
sale of her son John Leach to Mr. Dodge of the house, mill and land Nov. 26, 1670. John Dodge,
jr, of Beverly, yeoman, conveyed to his son-in-law Ebenezer Woodberry of Salem, miller, “the grist
468
mills alias corn mills “ and land Oct. 12,1702. Mr. Woodberry was running the mill in 1708, and
died possessed of it in 1714, intestate. One item in the inventory of his estate is: “To grift mills and
one dwelling hous & barn ftanding in the Townfhip of Salem” with the land £ 208. The real estate
was divided among the heirs July 8,1758; and his eldest son Ebenezer Woodberry was assigned “Two
old Grist mills situate on Bass River in Beverly;” and to his son Nathaniel Woodberry “an old
dwelling hous standing Nigh the Grist mills.”
In 1797, the western half of the house belonged to Israel Woodbury of Beverly, miller, and
the eastern half to William Woodbury of Beverly, yeoman, who conveyed it to Elisha Woodbury of
469
Beverly, mariner, Sept. 5, 1767. Elisha Woodbury died Feb. 19,1796. Upon division of his real
estate, Nov. 9,1798, his half of the house was assigned to his son and Joseph Woodbury. Israel
470
Woodbury conveyed his half to Thomas Davis, jr., of Beverly, gentleman, July 17,1797. How long
the old house stood after 1798 has not been learned.
The two tide mills were owned by Israel Woodbury of Beverly, miller, who conveyed them,
they being called Woodbury’s mills, with their tackle and furniture, mill dam, flumes and the mill
privilege to Thomas Davis jr., of Beverly, gentleman, July 17,1797. Mr. Davis bought the mills at
auction which was advertised in the Salem Gazette, in its issue of May 26,1797, as follows:-
465
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 110.
466
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 69.
467
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 111.
468
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 16, leaf 146.
469
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 148, leaf 240.
470
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 162, leaf 210.
Page 94
Mr. Davis died July 17,1840, intestate, and the title to the mill descended to his children and
grandchildren. Charles Davis, William Davis (by a trustee), Alpheus Davis, Augustine Lovett and wife
Lucy D. Lovett and Pyam Lovett, jr., and wife Martha M. Lovett, all of Beverly, Thomas D. Lovett
and wife Sarah F. Lovett of Northfield, and Israel W. Davis and wife Elizabeth Davis of Wenham
conveyed to Aaron Dodge of Beverly, miller, seventeen-twentieths of the grist mill, with its tackle,
471
furniture, dam, flumes and the mill privilege April 28,1848; and on the same day William Endicott
of Beverly, as guardian of John B. Davis, Mary E. Davis and Lucy H. Davis, children of John Davis
of Wenham, gentleman, deceased, intestate, conveyed to Mr. Dodge three-twentieths of the mill,
472
etc. The mill continued to be used by Mr. Dodge until his decease, Feb. 3,1886.
Robert Stone and Estate of William King House. This lot of land was granted to William King
473
by the town of Salem Feb. 4, 1638-9. He built a house upon it, and lived therein. He died in 1650,
and by agreement with his mother Dorothy King, his eldest son William King had the homestead. The
474
latter lived here until after1662. William King of Salem, cooper, for forty-seven pounds, conveyed
to Robert Stone of Salem, seaman, one-half of this lot and one-half of the house thereon Dec.
475
14,1665. Robert Stone died in 1690; and his one-half interest in the estate and land was appraised
at one hundred pounds. The real estate was divided Feb. 6,1693-4, and his part of this property was
assigned to his eldest son Samuel Stone.
William King, the son, died possessed of his one-half of this estate in 1684. This one-half of
“a little dwelling house” and the land was then appraised at one hundred pounds. He devised to his
wife Katherine for her life one-half of his real estate, and at her decease this one-half to whom she
might devise it in her will, to her relatives or others. In her will, proved Jan. 1,1718, she gave it to
her nephew or cousin Samuel Stone and her niece Sarah, wife of Jacob Manning of Salem. The other
one-half of the real estate was devised by William King to his “brother’s son, either the eldest or the
youngest as that hath most need of it as my brother shall judge meet.” The house was gone before
476
June 18,1719, when the land was divided among the Kings and Stones; and in a deed of release
e
from one of the owners, six days latter, the mill pond and river “the runns up before y houfe that was
e477
& formerly stood on y Land” is thus described as one of the boundaries of the land.
Estate of John Green Lot. This lot of land belonged to John Green in 1696. He died in 1697;
and it belong to his estate in 1700.
Joseph Batchelder House. This lot belonged to Joseph Batchelder in 1678; and he died
possessed of the same in 1683. The dwelling house, barn and orchard were then appraised at forty-
three pounds and the land at about sixty-five pounds. The estate descended to his son Joseph
471
Essex Registry of deeds, book 400, leaf 141.
472
Essex Registry of deeds, book 400, leaf 142.
473
Salem Town Records, volume 1, page 80 (printed).
474
Deposition of John Wesson, sr. of Reading, who lived with William King, sr., at this
place before 1650. Sworn to Feb. 24, 1699-1700.-Essex Registry of Deeds, book 13, leaf 246.
Capt. John Dodge of Beverly, aged sixty-three, also deposed June 28, 1700.-Essex Registry of
Deeds, book 13, leaf 297.
475
Essex Registry of deeds, book 4, leaf 48.
476
Essex Registry of deeds, book 36, leaf 106.
477
Essex Registry of deeds, book 35, leaf 209.
Page 95
Batchelder, who died in or before 1790. Abigail Knowlton, wife of John Knowlton of Manchester,
housewright, and her husband, as administrators of his estate, for one hundred and sixty pounds,
conveyed to John Creasy of Salem, tailor, the land, dwelling house and the frame of a barn thereon
478
Dec. 27,1709. John Creesy of Salem, tailor alias husbandman, died in 1735; and the estate probably
came into the possession of his son Noah Creesy. How long the house stood is unknown to the
writer.
Nathaniel Hayward Lot. George Harvey of Beverly, John Sargent of Gloucester, carpenter,
and Rose Hayward of Cape Ann conveyed to Nathaniel Hayward of Salem, carpenter, this lot of land
479
April 24,1683. Mr. Hayward died possessed of it in 1720.
John Dodge House, Saw Mill and Fulling Mill. That part of this lot lying northerly of the
dashes was owned by Capt. John Dodge of Beverly in 1696.
That part of the lot lying southeasterly of the dashes belonged to Nehemiah Howard of Salem,
he died in 1665, having in his will devised his house and houselot and orchard to his wife Anna for
her life and then to his children. The house and land were then appraised at eighty pounds. Mrs.
Howard married, secondly,- Judkins; and conveyed to George Harvey of Salem, seaman, the land and
480
housing July 6,1696. For fifty pounds, Mr. Harvey conveyed to Capt. John Dodge of Beverly the
481
land with the house and barn thereon Jan. 1,1696-7. Thus the entire lot became the property of
Captain Dodge.
For love, Captain Dodge conveyed to his son William Dodge of Beverly, yeoman, the land
482
with the sawmill and fulling mill thereon, no house being mentioned, Oct. 10,1702. William Dodge
died in 1706, intestate. The inventory of his estate included “an olde faw Mill and Olde fulling Mill,”
which were then appraised at thirteen pounds. The administrators of his estate, Nathaniel Waldron
of Wenham, bricklayer, Ebenezer Woodbury of Salem, miller, William Dodge, jr., Beverly, maltster,
and Jonathan Raymond of Beverly, yeoman, leased the land and mills to Jonathan Dodge of Salem,
483
yeoman, for seven years from April 1, 1709, for thirty-two pounds, Dec. 20, 1708. The real estate
was divided March 21, 1720-1, when the fulling mill was apparently gone. One-half of the saw mill
was assigned to his son-in-law Samuel Woodberry, one-fourth to the minor daughter Abigail Dodge,
a one-fourth to his son-in-law Joseph Creasy. A way (now a part of Balch street), one and one-half
rods wide, was reserved for the use of the heirs, and also the privilege of raising a head of water for
the use of the saw mill and of flowing the land from October 31 to April 10 “So long as Said mill is
Repareable.” How much longer this saw mill existed has not been learned.
Cornelius Baker House. Cornelius Baker, jr., of Salem, yeoman, owned this lot in 1696. For
the support of himself and wife, he conveyed to his son Jonathan Baker of Beverly, weaver, “my
484
home living,” dwelling house, two barns, weaver’s shop and land Feb. 1,1705-6. Jonathan Baker
died before Jan. 27,1706-7, when administration was granted upon his estate. Seventy acres of
478
Essex Registry of deeds, book 22, leaf 205.
479
Essex Registry of deeds, book 11, leaf 190.
480
Essex Registry of deeds, book 12, leaf 174.
481
Essex Registry of deeds, book 12, leaf 174.
482
Essex Registry of deeds, book 16, leaf 123.
483
Essex Registry of deeds, book 33, leaf 66.
484
Essex Registry of deeds, book 19, leaf 107.
Page 96
upland and swamp were then appraised at two hundred and eighty pounds, and “ye dwelling house
& 2 small old barns” at seventy pounds. How much longer the old house stood has not been learned.
John Batchelder House. This house and lot of land belonged to John Batchelder of Salem
at the time of his decease in 1675. In his will he devised the property to his wife Elizabeth for her life;
and then to his son John Batchelder. The son John Batchelder lived here, and died in 1684. In the
division of his estate the house, barn and land were assigned to his son John Batchelder. The son
John Batchelder died in the winter of 1748-9, having devised the westerly lower room, bed room and
westerly end of the garret in the dwelling house and the use of the oven in the easterly end of the
house and some of the land to his wife during her widowhood; and the homestead to his son Joseph
Batchelder, subject to the rights of his mother. The house was then appraised at fifty pounds, the
barn at thirty-five pounds and shop at ten pounds. The forty acres of land were appraised at four
hundred and fifty pounds. Mr. Batchelder gave the shop to his son Joshua if he cared to remove it
to his own land; if he did not do so it was to belong to Joseph and remain upon the homestead.
Joseph Batchelder removed to Andover about 1767. How much longer the house existed is not
known to the writer.
Jonathan Batchelder Lot. This lot belonged to John Batchelder, who died in 1684. In the
division of his estate it was assigned to his son Jonathan Batchelder, who owned it in 1700.
Josiah Batchelder Lot. This lot belonged to John Batchelder, who died in 1684. In the
division of his estate it was assigned to his son Jonathan Batchelder, who owned it in 1700.
Pasture of the Northfield Men. This track of common land was leased for one thousand years
485
to John Green, John Leach (son of Richard Leach) and John Bachilder, all of Salem, Feb. 1,1677.
John Tompkins, John Waters, sr., John Foster and George Jacobs, all of Salem, husbandmen, appear
486
to have been the owners in 1677. Though it is probable that some division of this tract of land was
made in fact, a legal partition was not made until March 2,1707, when John Leach, Samuel Leach,
John Batchelder, Jonathan Batchelder, Josiah Batchelder, John Foster, John Waters, Richard Waters,
Nathaniel Tompkins, Joseph Jacobs (in behalf of his father George Jacobs) and Samuel Foster agreed
487488
to divided it. This was done March 27,1708.
John Leach House. This track of land was probably granted to Lawrence Leach, who sold
489
it to his son Capt. Richard Leach on or before Dec. 14,1643. Capt. Leach died in 1687; and the
farm descended to his son Serg. John Leach. Sergeant Leach owned it until his death, which
occurred March 5,1717-8. The title to the dwelling house, barn and farm then descended to his son
Samuel Leach, who died in the winter 1731-2. The house was gone before 1774.
Peter Woodbury Lot. Dea. Peter Woodbury owned this lot in 1700.
Edward Bishop Lot. This lot was granted at a meeting of the seven men of Salem to Edward
Bishop Dec. 28, 1646; and it belonged to his son (?) Edward Bishop, sr., of Salem in 1700.
John Trask House. This lot of land was conveyed by Joseph Harris of Salem, planter, for
485
Salem Town Records, volume II, page 269.
486
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaves 75 and 76.
487
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 20, leaf 187.
488
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 20, leaf 186.
489
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 37.
Page 97
490
three pounds, to Osmond Trask of Salem Feb. 7,1652-3. Mr. Trask died in 1676; and the house,
barn and forty acres of land were appraised at two hundred and fifty pounds. The estate was assigned
to his son John Trask March 27,1677. John Trask died May 13,1720; and the house and land around
it was assigned to his son. The house was standing in1728, but probably disappeared soon after.
Nathaniel Hayward Lot. This lot of pasture land belonged to Jacob Barney of Salem,
yeoman, as early as 1652; and, for seventy-six pounds, with his wife Anna, he conveyed it to
491
Nathaniel Hayward of Salem, carpenter, Feb. 16,1691-2. Mr. Hayward owned it in 1700.
Jacob Griggs House. This lot of land early belonged to Jacob Barney. He conveyed to Mr.
492
William Griggs, sr., of Salem, with the buildings thereon, Feb. 16,1691-2; and Doctor Griggs, for
seventy-two pounds, conveyed the land with the housing to his son Jacob Griggs of Beverly Feb.
493
10,1693. Jacob Griggs died in the spring of 1733, intestate. The house, barn and outbuildings were
then appraised at one hundred and eighty-three pounds, and the nineteen acres of land at three
hundred and forty-two pounds, five hundred and twenty-five pounds in all. He left five children: Isaac
Griggs of New Haven, Conn., cooper, the eldest son, Jacob Griggs of Boston, tailor, Rebecca, wife
of Daniel Rea of Salem, Abigail, wife of John Blowers of Boston, Eleanor, wife of Samuel Hilton of
Marblehead. The widow of the deceased and the children, for six hundred and fifty pounds, conveyed
494
the house and land Jonathan Hayward of Salem, potter, July 18,1733; and Mr. Hayward conveyed
495
the land and buildings to William Browne of Salem, esquire, March 13,1740. Mr. Browne probably
remove the house soon afterward.
School Lot. This lot of two acres of common land was the property of Jacob Barney of Salem,
yeoman; and, for seven pounds, he conveyed it for school purposes to Mr. Israel Porter, Serg. John
Leach, Cornet Nathaniel Howard, sr., Corp. Joseph Herrick, sr., Benjamin Porter, Joshua Ray, sr.,
Thomas Rayment, sr., Edward Bishop, 2d, John Trask, jr., John Creasey, Joshua Ray, jr., and John
496
Flynt, sr., all of Salem, April 5,1692. It belonged to these grantees in 1700.
John Trask Lot. Jacob Barney of Salem, yeoman, owned this lot as early as 1637; and
conveyed it, with other land, to Joseph Herrick, sr., Thomas Rayment, sr., and John Trask, jr., all of
Salem, and Robert Cue of Beverly, yeoman, Feb. 19,1691-2. These grantees divided the tract, and
this part was released to Mr. Trask Nov. 23, 1692. He owned it in 1700.
Thomas Rayment and Jonathan Rayment Lot. John Barney of Salem, yeoman, early owned
this lot; and conveyed it, with other land, to Joseph Herrick, sr., Thomas Rayment, sr., and John
497
Trask, Jr., all of Salem, and Robert Cue of Beverly, yeoman, Feb. 19,1691-2. These grantees
498
divided the tract, and this part was released to Mr. Rayment Nov. 23,1692. Mr. Rayment, of
Salem, yeoman, conveyed to his brother Jonathan Rayment of Beverly, yeoman, the northern half of
490
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 16.
491
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 190.
492
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 109.
493
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 10, leaf 43.
494
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 64, leaf 216.
495
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 80, leaf 216.
496
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 25, leaf 63.
497
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 33.
498
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 114.
Page 98
the lot March 27,1696; and they owned the lot in 1700.
Estate of Robert Cue Lot. This lot of upland and marsh belonged to Jacob Barney of Salem,
yeoman, early; and he conveyed it, with other land, to Joseph Herrick, sr., Thomas Rayment, sr., and
499
John Traske, Jr., all of Salem, and Robert Cue of Beverly, yeoman, Feb. 19,1691-2. The grantees
500
divided the tract, and this part was released to Mr. Cue Nov. 23,1692. Mr. Cue removed to
Wenham, and died Feb. 20,1698-9. This lot belonged to his estate in 1700.
Thomas Rayment and Jonathan Rayment Lot. Jacob Barney early owned this lot of land; and
conveyed it, with other land, to Joseph Herrick, sr., Thomas Rayment, sr., and John Trask, jr., all of
501
Salem, and Robert Cue of Beverly, Feb. 19,1691-2. These grantees divided the land, and this part
502
was released to Mr. Rayment Nov. 23,1692. Mr. Rayment conveyed to his brother Jonathan
503
Rayment of Beverly, yeoman, the southern half of the lot March 27,1696; and they owned the land
in common until after 1700.
John Trask Lot. Jacob Barney owned this lot early; and conveyed it, with other land, to
Joseph Herrick, sr., Thomas Rayment, sr., and John Trask, jr., all of Salem, and Robert Cue of
504
Beverly, yeoman, Feb. 19,1691-2. These grantees divided the tract, and this part was released to
505
Mr. Trask Nov. 23,1692. Mr. Trask owned it in 1700.
Estate of Robert Cue Lot. Jacob Barney of Salem, yeoman, early possessed this lot; and
conveyed it, with other land, to Joseph Herrick, sr., Thomas Rayment, sr., and John Trask, jr., all of
506
Salem, and Robert Cue of Beverly, yeoman, Feb. 19,1691-2. These grantees divided the tract, and
507
this part was released to Mr. Cue Nov. 23,1692. Mr. Cue removed to Wenham, and died Feb.
20,1698-9. It belonged to his estate in 1700.
Joseph Herrick Lot. Jacob Barney of Salem, yeoman, early owned this lot of land; and
conveyed it with other land, to Joseph Herrick, sr., Thomas Rayment, sr., and John Trask, jr., all of
508
Salem, and Robert Cue of Beverly, yeoman, Feb. 19,1691-2. These grantees divided the tract, and
509
this part was released to Mr. Herrick Nov. 23,1692. It belonged to him in 1700.
Daniel Andrew Lot. Jacob Barney of Salem, yeoman, owned this lot early; and, for eleven
510
pounds, conveyed it to Daniel Andrew of Salem, brick layer, Feb. 13,1691-2. Mr. Andrew owned
it in 1700.
James Kettle House. The lots of John Flynt, James Kettle, Jacob Griggs, John Trask, and
parts of the lots of Thomas Rayment and Jonathan Rayment, Joseph Herrick and estate of Robert
499
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 33.
500
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 114.
501
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 33.
502
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 114.
503
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 17, leaf 123.
504
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 33.
505
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 114.
506
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 33.
507
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 114.
508
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 33.
509
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 114.
510
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 9, leaf 32.
Page 99
Cue, including a tract of eighty acres of land granted by the town of Salem to Richard Ingersoll in
1636, and some additional grants made the next year. Mr. Ingersoll built a house upon this land, and
lived in it. It was occupied in 1641 or 1642 by Joseph Houlton, a servant to Mr. Ingersoll. Mr.
Ingersoll died in 1644, possessed of the property. William Paine of Boston, merchant, possessed the
land in1650; and, for eight pounds, sold the land to Jacob Barney of Salem, but gave him no deed of
“ye farm” until July 26,1657. The ownership by Mr. Barney was disputed by Ann, wife of John
Knight, the widow of Mr. Ingersoll, to whom the latter had devised in his will the residue of his
estate. Mr. Knight gave a deed of the land to her sons John Ingersoll and Nathaniel Ingersoll April
10,1668, and on the same day authorized her son John Putnam or Joseph Holton to obtain possession
of the same. John Ingersoll and Nathaniel Ingersoll demanded possession of the premises from Mr.
Barney, but he refused, claiming title in himself under the deed from Mr. Paine. They brought an
511
action of trespass March 16,1668-9; and the court decided in favor Mr. Barney. Mr. Barney, for
fifteen pounds, received a release from Georgia Ingersoll and Nathaniel Ingersoll, both of Salem,
512
yeomen, of their interest in this property Feb. 16,1691-2. Mr. Barney, for nineteen pounds,
513
conveyed this lot to James Kettle of Salem, potter, April 21,1687; and Mr. Kettle built thereon a
house in which he lived. Mr. Kettle removed to Charlestown and died in 1712. One-third of the
house and land was assigned to his widow Elizabeth and the rest to his eldest son James Kettle and
eldest daughter Elizabeth. The house and land around it were then valued at one hundred and forty-
seven pounds. James Kettle of Charlestown, leather dresser, and Jonathan Kettle of Salem, potter,
conveyed the house and land to John Batchelder, sr., and John Batchelder, sr., both of Salem,
514
coopers, April 28, 1724; and John Batchelder, sr. released his interest in the house and land to John
515
Batchelder, jr., Aug. 10, 1732. John Batchelder, jr., conveyed the house and land to Benjamin
516
Cressey of Beverly, housewright, Dec. 25, 1739. Mr. Creesy died in the autumn of 1783; having
devised the buildings and land under and adjoining the same to his deceased son Josiah’s son Josiah
Creesy. That portion of his estate was then appraised at two hundred and fifty pounds. Josiah Creesy
of Francistown, N. H., tailor, for nineteen pounds, conveyed these buildings and land to Nathaniel
517
Pierce of Danvers, housewright, Feb. 15, 1792. Mr. Pierce removed to this place, and committed
suicide, by drowning, June 17,1812. The house and land were then appraised at eleven hundred
dollars. His daughter Nancy married Edwin Sheldon April 28,1836, and died in Lynn April 7,1847.
As guardian of his minor children, Susan T. Sheldon, Edwin Sheldon, Lucinda Sheldon, Martha
Sheldon and Helen M. Sheldon, Edwin Sheldon of Lynn, victualer, conveyed one-half of the house
and land to Huldah Pierce of Lynn and Sally E. Sheldon of Beverly, who were apparently the owners
511
These original deeds and power of attorney are on file in the office of the clerk of
courts, at Salem, with papers of the court held at Ipswich, March, 1669. See Records and Files of
the Quarterly Courts of Essex County, volume 4, pages 109-112.
512
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 51, leaf 51.
513
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 19, leaf 38a.
514
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 43, leaf 113.
515
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 74, leaf 161.
516
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 79, leaf 168.
517
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 154, leaf 138.
Page 100
518
of the other half of the estate, April 8,1848. These grantees, for nine hundred and fifty dollars,
519
conveyed the dwelling house and land to John Hood of Danvers Oct. 31,1853. The house and land
around it next belonged to Mr. Hood’s son William H. Hood of Danvers, who conveyed the same
520
to Annis, wife of John S. Jewett of Danvers, Sept. 12,1866. Mrs. Jewett died, his widow, Oct. 1,
1877, intestate; and John W. Jewett of Danvers, administrator of her estate, conveyed the property
521
to Webster F. Putnam of Danvers Oct. 8,1878. Mr. Putnam conveyed the land and buildings to the
522
Danvers Savings Bank two days later. The house was standing Feb. 5,1880; and was apparently
gone May 11, 1880.
John Flint House. This lot of land belonged to Jacob Barney of Salem before 1656. He
523
conveyed the part between the dashes to John Flint, sr., of Salem, carpenter, March 10,1678-9.
524
He conveyed to Mr. Flint that portion lying westerly of the westerly dashes July 20,1687; and that
525
part lying easterly of the easterly dashes, for thirty-nine pounds, June 10,1689. Mr. Flint built a
house on the lot, and live there. The seven hundred pounds, he conveyed to William Porter of Salem,
yeoman, the lot, with the house and barn, “being the house and land where I the said Flint did
526
formerly live,” Feb. 21, 1721-2. The house was gone a few years later probably. Its location on
the lot has not been exactly determined.
Benjamin Porter Lot. This tract of land constituted the grants made by the town of Salem to
Jacob Barney, jr., thirty acres, to Jeffrey Massy forty acres, to William Waters forty acres, to John
Pickard forty acres, and to Pasco Foot forty acres. The portion of Jacob Barney was granted to him
527528
April 5,1652; and that of John Pickard was probably granted Aug. 21,1648. This lot granted to
John Pickard had been previously granted to Lieutenant Lathrop, who surrendered it. Pasco Foot
conveyed to John Porter, sr., of Salem, yeoman, his part of this tract, which was the southern portion,
529
Dec. 18,1665. The other parties also conveyed their lots to Mr. Porter. Mr. Porter died Sept.
6,1676, having devised the whole of this tract of land to his son Benjamin Porter, who owned it in
1700.
John Rea Lot. This is the western half of the one hundred and fifty acres of upland,-the farm
530
of John Holgrave, which was granted to him by the town of Salem Nov. 26,1638. Mr. Holgrave
lived in Salem, and, for eleven pounds and fifteen shillings, conveyed to Jeffry Massey, planter, and
518
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 485, leaf 164.
519
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 485, leaf 165.
520
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 710, leaf 180.
521
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1031, leaf 191.
522
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1031, leaf 192.
523
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 30.
524
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 31.
525
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 145.
526
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 40, leaf 66.
527
Salem Town Records, volume 1, page 171 (printed).
528
Salem Town Records, volume 1, page 155 (printed).
529
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 2, leaf 110.
530
Salem Town Records, volume 1, page 75 (printed 75).
Page 101
531
Nicholas Woodberry, mariner, both of Salem, April 14,1652. Messrs. Massy and Woodberry
532
conveyed the lot to Joshua Ray Jan. 1,1656. Mr. Rea, who was then of Salem Village, husbandman,
for love, conveyed this part of the lot to his youngest son John Rea, “living in Salem Village,” Aug.
533
30,1693; and John Rea owned it in 1700.
Joshua Rea Lot. This lot, with the western part of the Edward Bishop lot, constituted the
eastern half of the farm of one hundred and fifty acres of upland of John Holgrave of Salem, which
534
was granted to him by the town of Salem Nov. 26,1638. For eleven pounds and fifteen shillings,
he conveyed it to Jeffry Massy, planter, and Nicholas Woodbery, mariner, both of Salem, April
535536
14,1652. Messrs. Massy and Woodberry conveyed the farm to Joshua Ray Jan. 1,1656. Mr.
Rea, who was then of Salem, husbandman, for love, conveyed this eastern half of the farm to his
537
second son Joshua Rea of Salem Village Feb. 5,1685-6; and Joshua Rea owned it in 1700.
Edward Bishop House. That part of this lot lying westerly of the dashes was a part of the
farm of one hundred and fifty acres granted to John Holgrave of Salem by the town of Salem Nov.
538
26,1638; and which he conveyed to Jeffry Massy, planter, and Nicholas Woodbery, mariner, both
539
of Salem, April 14,1652. Messrs. Massy and Woodberry conveyed the farm to Joshua Jan.
540
1,1656. Mr. Rea, who was then of Salem, yeoman, for ten pounds, conveyed this part of this lot
541
to Jeremiah Watts of Salem, dish turner, March 18,1677-8. In this deed Mr. Rea says that he
lately bought a part of this lot of the town of Salem. Mr. Watts conveyed this part of the lot to
Edward Bishop, sr., of Salem, yeoman, who owned it in 1700.
That part of the lot lying easterly of the dashes belonged to Edward Bishop of Salem, who
was at first a husbandman and subsequently a sawyer, as early as 1652. In 1674, he lived at a house
which stood upon this part of the lot; and from here his wife Bridget went to jail and finally to give
up her life for the alleged crime of witchcraft. Mr. Bishop died before 1715. How much longer the
house stood has not been learned.
John Raymond Lot. John Raymond of Beverly, yeoman, owned this lot in 1700; and, for love,
conveyed to his son Thomas Rayment of Salem, yeoman, this lot of land; “on which the grantee’s
542
house stands” Sept. 5,1702.
William Dodge Lot. Capt. William Dodge owned this lot of land in1700.
Joseph Herrick House. This tract of two hundred acres of land was granted to Mr. Alford
about 1636; and he conveyed it to Henry Herrick. Mr. Herrick died in the winter of 1670-1, when
531
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 19.
532
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 67.
533
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 19, leaf 180.
534
Salem Town Records, volume 1, page 75 (printed).
535
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 19.
536
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 67.
537
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 19, leaf 15.
538
Salem Town Records, volume 1, page 75 (printed).
539
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 19.
540
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 3, leaf 67.
541
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 5, leaf 111.
542
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 22, leaf 203.
Page 102
this farm was appraised at three hundred pounds. He devised it in his will to his sons Ephraim, Joseph
and John. It came into the possession of Joseph Herrick, who lived here and died Feb. 4,1717-8,
having in his will devised all his “home living” to his son Rufus Herrick of Salem, yeoman. Rufus
Herrick conveyed to his son Rufus Herrick of Salem, husbandman, the western half of the dwelling
543
house and land May 22,1714. Rufus Herrick, the father, died in 1748, having in his will devised the
porch chamber in the house to his son Rufus Herrick and the western half of the house and land to
his son James Phillips Herrick. The son Rufus Herrick of Beverly, yeoman, conveyed his part of the
544
house and land to George Dodge of Salem, mariner, June 20,1758; and on the same day James
545
Phillips Herrick of Beverly, yeoman, conveyed his portion of the house and land to Mr. Dodge. Mr.
Dodge removed to this farm, and lived here until April 11,1783, when he conveyed the estate to
546
Jonathan Conant of Beverly, yeoman. Mr. Conant conveyed the same to Israel Thorndike of
547
Beverly, merchant, May 25,1791; and Mr. Thorndike conveyed it to Barnabas Dodge of Beverly,
548
yeoman, and John Safford of Hamilton, gentleman, April 5,1800. Mr. Safford removed to Beverly,
and released his interest in the estate to Mr. Dodge Oct. 4,1802. Barbabas Dodge of Beverly,
549
esquire, conveyed it to Henry White of Beverly, mariner, Oct. 5,1802. While this farm was owned
by Mr. White, according to the History of Beverly, by Edwin M. Stone, published in 1843, it was
occupied by Joseph White of Salem, merchant, to the time of his murder, in 1830. Mr. Stone wrote:-
A prospect, of nearly equal beauty [with Folly hill] is afforded from Cherry Hill, formerly the estate of the late
Joseph White, of Salem, but now the property of Capt. John Hammond. Its proximity to Wenham Pond, one hundred
and seven acres of which lie within the limits of Beverly, the distant view of the ocean, the various scenery of the
surrounding country, combine, with the salubrity of its situation, to render it one of the most desirable residences in
this vicinity. The mansion, as seen through a long avenue of fruit trees, shaded at its upper termination by two finely
branching elms, presents a handsome appearance; and from its top Capt. White, with the aid of a glass, frequently
descried his vessels making the port of Salem before their approach was known in the city.
Henry White died, and George W. Pratt of Boston, merchant, and his wife Mary B. Pratt, in
her right, conveyed her interest in the Cherry Hill farm, formerly of her grandfather Henry White,
550
deceased, to Stephen White of Boston, merchant, Feb. 6,1834; and Francis White of Beverly,
551
gentleman, released his interest in the same to Stephen White April 30,1834. Stephen White
c552c
conveyed it to Charles MIntier of Boston, broker, May 1,1834; and Mr. MIntier conveyed it to
543
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 87, leaf 42.
544
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 105, leaf 119.
545
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 105, leaf 121.
546
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 155, leaf 148.
547
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 155, leaf 148.
548
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 165, leaf 240.
549
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 170, leaf 270.
550
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 275, leaf 108.
551
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 275, leaf 246.
552
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 275, leaf 247.
Page 103
553
Amos Sheldon of Beverly, esquire, March 1,1836. Mr. Sheldon mortgaged the estate to David
554
Pingree of Salem, merchant, May 10,1837; and Mr. Pingree foreclosed the mortgage, by
555
possession, April 30, 1838. Mr. Pingree conveyed the farm to John Hammond of Salem, for
556
master-mariner, March 18,1840; and Captain Hammond conveyed it to Thomas Holmes of Salem
557
March 7,1846. Mr. Holmes was a merchant of Salem, and conveyed the house, barn and land to
558
Richard P. Waters, Esq., of Salem, merchant, March 9,1846. Mr. Waters removed the old house
in the spring of 1851. The following account of this event appeared in the Beverly Citizen, in its issue
of May 24,1851:-
The ancient house on the Cherry Hill farm, in North Beverly, has recently been taken down, and the proprietor
of that choice estate, (Richard P. Waters, Esq.,) is about erecting a neat and elegant residence in the modern style. The
original portion of the old house has been built over 100 years, and has passed through many changes in the hands of
the numerous proprietors who have since then owned and occupied it. Prior to 1760 it was owned by Rufus, son of
Governor Joseph, and grandson of the patriarch Henry Herrick. He sold it about that time, and removed to Pomfret,
Ct., and died at Sheffield Mass., 1814, age 93. He married Mary Conant in 1740, about which time it is supposed that
the original structure above referred to was erected.
Thomas Rayment Lot. Capt. Thomas Rayment owned this lot of land in 1700. It was probably
the lot that was granted to Jacob Barney by the selectmen of Salem Dec. 21,1650. Mr. Barney did
not take it, and it was regranted to John Rayment (Remond) March 2,1653.
Edward Bishop House. Edward Bishop owned this lot and house probably until 1697. He
removed to Rehoboth, where he subsequently lived. His son Samuel Bishop occupied the house and
land until 1710, when he removed to Attleborough. The house probably disappeared that year.
Henry Brown House. This lot of land was granted by the town of Salem to Hugh Peter Nov.
559
12,1638; and Mr. Peter conveyed it to John Lothrop, esquire. Governor Winthrop died March
26,1649, having in his will devised a part of his estate to Margaret, wife John Corwin of Salem,
merchant. May 17,1677, Fitz John Winthrop, Wait Winthrop of Hartford, Conn., gentleman,
Elizabeth Newman, Martha Winthrop and Anne Winthrop, children and executors of the will of
Governor Winthrop, agreed with and released to Margaret Corwin this tract of land in satisfaction
560561
of her devise in the will. Capt. John Corwin had a farm house upon this land in 1682. Margaret
Corwin of Boston, widow, conveyed to Henry Browne, jr., of Salisbury, yeoman, my farm in Salem
562
Village, near ye head of Frost fish river, formerly of Capt. John Corwin, May 22,1693. Mr. Brown
removed to the farm, where he afterwards lived. Daniel Zackary of Boston and Stephen Sewall of
553
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 285, leaf 262.
554
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 300, leaf 183.
555
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 306, leaf 21.
556
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 318, leaf 26.
557
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 364, leaf 217.
558
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 364, leaf 218.
559
Salem Town Records, volume 1, page 73 (printed).
560
Suffolk Registry of Deeds, book 10, page 102.
561
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 75.
562
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 11, leaf 180.
Page 104
Salem, attorneys Elizabeth Parker of Deptford, Kentshire, England, daughter and heir of Hugh Peter
563
of Salem, deceased, for fifty pounds, released this land to Mr. Brown March 22,1703-4. Mr.
Brown died in the spring of 1708. One hundred acres of the land with the buildings were then
appraised at two hundred and eighty pounds. The real estate was not divided until Dec. 26,1728
when the easterly end of the house from the garret to the lower room, the easterly end of the back
leanto, etc., were assigned to the widow. The house and barn, subject to the rights of the widow,
were released to the deceased’s son Abraham Brown of Salem, weaver, who lived here. His brother
564
Joseph Brown of Salem, yeoman, had released to him his interest in the farm Feb. 19,1725-6; and
his sister Hannah, wife of John Rea, jr., of Salem, yeoman, released her interest to him on the same
565
day. Abraham Brown died in the autumn of 1762, having devised in his will the estate to his son
Archelaus Brown. The dwelling house, barn and about seventy-five acres of land in the homestead
were then appraised at five hundred and sixty pounds. Archelaus Brown died in the winter of 1791-2.
The buildings and sixty acres of land were then appraised at three hundred pounds. The house
probably stood only a few years after this time.
John Flint Lot. This lot of land was granted by the town of Salem to John Putnam; and his
son John Putnam, sr., of Salem, yeoman, released it to his brother Nathaniel Putnam, sr., of Salem,
566
yeoman, Feb. 19,1682-3. Nathaniel Putnam’s daughter Elizabeth, wife of George Flint, “living in
567
the bounds of Reading,” conveyed it to John Flint of Salem, husbandman, March 31,1690. John
Flint owned the lot in 1700.
John Herrick Lot. This lot of land one hundred acres probably consisted of the sixty acres
granted to Francis Skerry and forty acres to Henry Skerry, by the selectmen of Salem Dec.
568569
17,1649. They conveyed the grants to Henry Herrick of Salem July 1,1653. Mr. Herrick died,
possessed of it, in the winter of 1670-1, when the land was appraised at one hundred and sixty
pounds. In his will, Mr. Herrick devised it to his son Zachariah Herrick. Zachariah Herrick died May
3,1695 (6?), having devised his real estate to his son Henry Herrick. It belonged to John Herrick, sr.,
in 1700.
Nathaniel Rayment Lot. Zachariah Herrick conveyed this lot of land to John Rayment, sr.,
of Beverly, yeoman; and Mr. Rayment conveyed it to his son Nathaniel Rayment of Beverly, yeoman,
570
Jan. 15,1696-7. Nathaniel Rayment owned it in 1700.
563
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 19, leaf 146.
564
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 48, leaf 193.
565
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 48, leaf 194.
566
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 6, leaf 76.
567
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 8, leaf 169.
568
Salem Town Records, volume 1, page 163 (printed).
569
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 1, leaf 36.
570
Essex Registry of Deeds, book 12, leaf 32a.
Page 105