USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Lakeville > History of the town of Lakeville, Massachusetts, 1852-1952; one hundredth anniversary of the town of Lakeville > Part 11
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It is a tradition of the house, that a picture of King George was on a panel brought from Nemasket and inserted over the fireplace of the east chamber, and that Mr. Sproat had it painted over, substituting for the portrait of his king, two stiff and con-
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ventional vases of flowers. The walls of this room and also the ceilings are of wood; the walls painted to represent heavy cur- tained drapery trimmed with fringe and ornamented with tassels.
The house has grown with each generation that has occupied it. Additions have been made by General Ward, by his daugh- ter, Mrs. Priscilla W. Stetson, and by her son, Sprague S. Stetson.
It was in 1937 that Arthur Benson of Middleboro bought the historical house and a number of acres of land. He at that time remodeled the house, yet keeping the old paneling with the antique lines.
It was in this old house, after the Revolution, that a skeleton of an Indian was found. It was thought that the Indian had hidden in the closet to escape being captured and was unable to open the door later.
THE CUDWORTH HOUSE
There is no doubt that the construction of the old Cudworth house on Bedford Street covers two periods. The earlier part of the dwelling is that which now consists of the kitchen, with
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Cudworth House
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its original old Dutch oven, the dining room with its shallow fire place, and the two rooms above these. The hand hewn beams with their wooden pegs, the extremely wide pine wall boards and hand-forged floor nails, all indicate the earlier con- struction. This is, no doubt, the original house, which historians tell us was begun by Samuel Nelson, finished by his son, William, and was sold to General Ephraim Ward in 1806.
The later period of construction represents the type of Federal houses, which gained popularity during the years 1800 through 1820. The fanlight over the front entrance, the twin chimneys, making possible a fire place in each room up stairs and down, are characteristic of houses built during this period. Simplicity, sym- metry and dignity are also features of a house of this type. Its simplicity gives it charm; its symmetry gives it an interior arrange- ment that is both practical and adaptable for comfortable living. The over-all result is dignity. This Federal structure dates back to Elisha Cudworth in the early nineteenth century.
Despite its lack of occupancy, the house has maintained a quiet dignity through the years and it was this, in addition to its pleasant location, that attracted its present owners, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond L. Draghetti. Upon its purchase, they have, from the first, been governed by one guiding principle, to effect no alter- ations or improvements that would detract from its original charm.
THE MAJOR PETER HOAR HOUSE
The old house on Main Street, now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Gordon MacNeill, was the home of Major Peter Hoar years ago. It is a fine sample of the Colonial mansions of those old days. It now belongs to John G. Paun. His grandfather, John Paun, a candle-maker from New Bedford, purchased it from a Mr. Chase in 1854.
The front hall, the bannisters, and the painting on the stairs are exactly like those which were in the Sproat house at Muttock.
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The old mantel pieces and the mouldings in the Peter Hoar house are especially beautiful, and Mr. Paun has been besieged by would-be purchasers of these articles. Feeling that they are in keeping with the dignity and beauty of the house, he has refused any price offered for them.
Peter Hoar House
The following description is taken from Ebenezer W. Peirce's book "The Peirce Family": "Major Hoar planted the noble elm that now, after the lapse of more than a century, like a thing of beauty as it is, remains a constant joy; still casting its cooling shade over the door-way in summer, it stands in stately grandeur, an enduring monument of the hand that planted it, a fitting emblem of the symmetry and beauty, durability and strength, of those moral and political institutions of our land
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LAKEVILLE THE SAMPSON HOMESTEAD
Just prior to 1800 one of the finer old homes of Lakeville, then Middleboro, was completed. It is located on the northerly side of Main Street, just a few hundred feet east of the Town Hall and Library. The house, known as the Sampson Home- stead, was built with Revolutionary money by Dr. John Sampson.
Sampson House
Dr. Sampson was a practicing physician before and during the Revolution. His son Francis, better known as Frank, later brought his bride there to make their home. Frank was a farmer by occupation. Later his eldest daughter, Bertha (Mrs. William Hadlock), brought fruit trees and bushes to the property. At that time it was said that all varieties of fruits known were to be had from these trees and bushes. Today, some sixty years later, a few of the trees are still bearing fruit.
After the death of Frank Sampson his wife continued to live in the homestead with her daughter, Mabel, and son-in-law, George Northcott. Mrs. Sampson was over ninety years of age when she passed away in 1930.
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Mr. and Mrs. Northcott continued to live in the homestead until his passing in 1951. In April of that year the homestead was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Alexander J. Draghetti of Middleboro. Mrs. Draghetti is a granddaughter of the late Fred Shockley who was a town official for many years.
For one year the home has been in the process of renovation and restoration. Around a central chimney are six fireplaces, three on the first floor, one with dutch oven, and three on the second floor. The woodwork around these fireplaces for the most part is rather fancy. Besides these two floors, there is a cellar of full dimensions and an attic. The huge oaken beams are put together with wooden pegs throughout. Of interest are hand wrought H and L hinges, latches and nails. Two of the outside doors are of double thickness, paneled on the outside and sheathed on the inside and hung by two huge strap hinges. The original knocker and lock are still on the front door. The ceil- ings are low - even a person of medium height can touch some of them while standing on the floor. One of the fireplace closets is interesting because it follows the chimney back, the lower shelf being about six inches in depth and the top shelf about twelve inches.
Today the Sampson Homestead is a seven-room house, plus two bathrooms and a pantry, with modern conveniences of running water, oil heat, plumbing and electricity - a modern home with the flavor of the past.
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THE DOGGETT HOUSE
The Doggett house stood near the entrance to the Lakeville State Sanatorium on Main Street. This house was built in 1742 by Simeon Doggett, who came from Marshfield. In 1925, when some changes were being made at the Sanatorium, this old Doggett place, one of our ancient landmarks, was demolished.
Doggett House
Simcon Doggett was generally known as the Tory farmer, and he remained loyal to the Crown all through the Revolution. He was imprisoned in New Bedford, with Lemuel Ransome. Mr. Ransome lived a little farther west on the Rhode Island Road, on what later became known as the Clark-Bump place. Mr. Doggett was a staunch Episcopalian and he thought it wrong for the Colonies to rebel against the mother country. He did not try to conceal this fact. Although no treasonable acts were ever proved against them, he and Mr. Ransome were for a time imprisoned in the New Bedford jail. They were finally released under the condition that they would never leave their farms without permission. It is said, that while under the injunction of the town, they obeyed it carefully, but availed themselves of the privilege of walking daily to the bounds of their adjoining
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farms, and discussing the turbulent state of the times and of the King they loved so well. After the war, they regained the esteem of their fellow citizens.
Mr. Ransome was a man who never said anything about one's character. He was known as the honest farmer. One season there was a great frost which spoiled all the crops, the country 'round, except those of Mr. Ransome. Speculators came to him and offered very high prices for his corn, but he would not sell. He said that the corn belonged to the poor men of the town and that they should have it, at the ordinary price.
Mr. Doggett was the father of Rev. Simeon Doggett, a clergy- man of reputation, at one time principal of the Taunton Acad- emy. His daughter, Abigail, married Judge Weston. He was the grandfather of Rev. Thomas Doggett and of William E. Doggett, an eminent business man of Chicago.
THE STEPHEN HINDS HOUSE
This old familiar landmark is located on Highland Road. It was known for years as the Hinds place. This picture was taken in the early part of the century. In the picture are Grandpa and Grandma Hinds, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hinds and children, Ella and James, and an aunt and cousin.
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Stephen Hinds House
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THE WASHBURN HOUSE
The Washburn House was built in 1803 at the junction of Taunton and Middleboro and New Bedford and Boston roads, near the present Lakeville Town House, facing the Middleboro road. It was built by James Washburn, who was the first post- master of Middleboro, that part called West Precinct, and before that, Assawompsett post-office. Until the death of the last of the family in 1891, it was known as the Washburn House. Two generations of Washburns had lived in an earlier house built nearer the Taunton road now Precinct Street.
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King Philip Tavern - Washburn House
Three large buttonwood trees, the home of many woodpeckers, stood in front of the house. On the left side were fine stately Lombardy poplars, commonly called the popple trecs. In back of the house down by the spring - which afterwards was known as the King Philip Spring - were some butter-nut trees.
After the death of Francis Washburn the house was sold, and for a few years it was used as a summer boarding house, under the name of King Philip's Tavern. The burning of the house
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in April 1918, removed a landmark from the cross roads, which was one of the finest examples of the dignified architecture of its period.
The house was furnished in 1804, and the parlor remained the same until the house was sold, when the furniture was divided among the heirs. The various articles now grace living rooms from Massachusetts to California.
A brass knocker, which resounded through the house with startling effect, was on the green front door. When the summons was answered and the door was opened, one stepped into the large hall, which ran through the entire length of the house, and was called the thoroughfare. The upper hall was known as the thoroughfare chamber.
The door at the right of the entrance opened into the parlor, a room fourteen feet square, very high in the walls with a cor- nice twelve or fourteen inches deep, handsomely carved. This cornice matched the wainscoting, which was three feet high with carved festoons and rope molding. The walls were covered with a light paper, and on the floor was a bright colored, striped yarn carpet with a rug of all colors before the fireplace.
In the corner at the right, as one entered the room, stood the old-fashioned lolling chair with its straight back and hard seat, covered with dark woolen moreen. A tidy, about a yard in length, knit of white cotton, covered the back. Behind the chair, leaning against the wall, stood a large tray or waiter as it was called, painted black with flowers around the edge.
The room had two front windows shaded with curtains of some kind of thin oilcloth, which had painted on the side next to the window, a landscape with trees and houses. There were no fixtures for rolling up the curtains. They were pasted or sewed over a stick fastened to the casing, and were rolled up from the bottom and tied with drab cord, which had tassels about six inches long at each window. Close against the casing stood two chairs facing each other. These chairs were black with white rush seats, the back slats ornamented with leaves outlined in gold leaf. Between the windows was a mahogany
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card table with a leaf that could be either raised or folded down when the full square was not needed. The table was covered with a green and white cloth woven in round figures. On it were several books, such as the New Testament, A Concordance, Watts Hymns, The Language of Flowers, Daily Food and Memo- ries of Harriet Newell. Above the table hung a gilt-framed look- ing glass with a picture at the top representing a young woman clad in a green and red dress out in a gale of wind.
In the next corner, stood a small square table with beautifully carved legs and two drawers with brass pulls which was called the work table. On it stood the great, leather-covered family Bible, in which were recorded births, marriages and deaths of the Washburn family, in three generations. There were a great many births and a great many deaths but very few mar- riages. However, most of those who did marry had large families.
At the side of the room opposite the door stood a hair-cloth sofa with lions feet and with a gilt beading between the hair- cloth and the woodwork. It had no springs and no pillows and was as hard as a wooden settee. At each end stood another of the black-framed, white-seated chairs. Back of the sofa was a window partly shaded by cinnamon rose bushes and purple lilacs. This window looked out on a flower garden, where grew a profusion of hollyhocks - bouncing Bet - purple Columbine - none so pretties - striped grass - red peonies and a large bush which they called meloncholy bliss. Bees kept the children from picking the flowers.
At the back of the room was the fireplace in which was a pair of handsome brass andirons. The mantel was made by hand, with carved festoons and rope molding to match the other wood- work in the room. At each side of the fireplace was a jamb hook, which held the brass-handled shovel and tongs, a little long- handled brush and the bellows.
On the mantel stood two glass oil lamps, two brass candle- sticks, a pair of snuffers in a red tray and an image of a deer and a whalebone box about six inches long, with a ship carved on the front. It contained among other things a few pieces of
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ising glass, a little book with some remnants of gold-leaf and a pen-knife.
At the left of the fireplace was a china closet where the best dishes and the shining pewter tea-pot were kept.
On the other side of the parlor stood a cherry table, at each end of which was a red-flag seat rocking chair; a wooden rocker, of Windsor type, stood before the fireplace.
It was in this parlor that Governor John A. Andrew and his staff were entertained in the time of the Civil War. In the year 1862, the Governor and his staff came out to view the several regiments of soldiers then encamped at Camp Joe Hooker. When the official party was ready to leave for the station it was found that the train would not leave for an hour and a half and the County Commissioner, who was acting as host, thought the visitors would need some refreshments. He started immediately for Louisa Washburn's house, and rushing in he said excitedly, "Miss Washburn, can you give the Governor and staff something to eat and have it ready in half an hour?" She told him that she could. Louisa Washburn was always prepared.
The big waiter was brought out from behind the lolling chair, the best china and the pewter tea-pot were taken out and she served tea and coffee, fruit cake and pound cake to six men with only a half hour's notice. This was a sample of the. gracious hospitality which was the chief glory of our grandmothers.
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THE ELKANAH LEONARD HOUSE
This house was built by Elkanah Leonard in the Tack Factory neighborhood over two hundred years ago. He was a descend- ant of James and Henry Leonard of Raynham. They were rec- ognized as the first successful iron founders in the United States. Elkanah Leonard was a lawyer and was popular with both the whites and the Indians. He also became prominent in the town in a business way, conducting an iron foundry and a large store.
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Elkanah Leonard House
Mrs. Harriett Holloway, who passed away in 1908, was a direct descendant in the sixth generation. She was born in the historic homestead on November 2, 1823. After her death, the property fell to the youngest son, George Holloway. Much sorrow was felt when this house, which had been used by the white people as a rendezvous from the Indians, was destroyed by fire on Decem- ber 23, 1922.
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THE MINISTERIAL FARM
Copies of old deeds show that some of this land was purchased in 1759 from Isaiah Booth and some from Elder Ebenezer Hinds. William Canedy gave a square acre to the Second Baptist Church
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Dennis Tinkham Farm - Ministerial Farm
and Society. This was the 71st lot, in the Second Alotment, in the purchase called the Sixteen Shilling Purchase. A church was built but never used. After the disbanding of the society a dwell- ing house was built but later destroyed by fire. The second house was built in 1845. This was the home of Dennis Tinkham for many years. This picture was taken in 1896. The house faces directly north and is said to have been raised by the North Star. It is now the summer home of Mrs. Elizabeth Macomber and Mrs. Susie Johnson, granddaughters of Mr. Tinkham, and is located on County Street, south of the present South Lakeville school.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LAKEVILLE THE JOHN HIRAM NELSON HOMESTEAD
This old landmark, the home of the Misses Hannah and May Nelson, was destroyed by fire July 14, 1932. The sisters were not at home at the time. When the fire was discovered, it had gained so much headway that the firemen were unable to save the house. Their attention was then turned to saving the many antiques, consisting of furniture, chinaware and clothing. This included the wedding dress of Mrs. Mary Dean Williams Nelson.
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John H. Nelson Home
The homestead was built by Cyrus Nelson and occupied by his son, John H. Nelson, for eighty-three years. It stood, for one hundred and fifty years, on the Old Road from Lakeville Town House to Middleboro.
This fine structure, nestled among the old fashioned flowers that the Misses Nelson loved so well, attracted much attention from those who passed by.
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THE HOUSE OF SEVEN CHIMNEYS
This beautiful old house was located on Pickens Street at the corner of Hill Street. It had seven chimneys and was referred to as the House of Seven Chimneys by the hunters in the olden days. Several hunters would start from different places and would designate the corner by the House of Seven Chimneys as the meeting place, after the hunt was over.
House of Seven Chimneys
This house was also known as the Ben Pickens House, as Benjamin Pickens lived in it all alone for many years. It was on February 8, 1920, that the house was completely destroyed by fire. Mr. Pickens was burned to death in the house.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LAKEVILLE THE COLONEL JOHN NELSON HOUSE
This old landmark has been torn down and the lumber taken down on Cape Cod to be used to build a house of that period.
This house was built by Colonel Nelson in 1794. It was located on Main Street, opposite the Assawompsett School.
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Colonel John Nelson House
Colonel John Nelson, son of Thomas Nelson, was both a major and colonel in the Revolutionary War.
With its painted, inside walls, this fine old house was occupied by Nelson descendants for many years.
In 1912, Harry Smith owned it and then the piazza was added and this picture taken.
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THE ELEAZER RICHMOND HOUSE
The Eleazer Richmond House is located on Taunton Road, in North Lakeville. It is said to have been built in 1772. Eleazer Richmond bought the place from Isaiah Richmond. This place seems to have been in this same family for a great many years, for before Isaiah it was owned by Benjamin, and before him by Joseph Richmond.
Eleazer Richmond House
James Orrall, Frank Orrall's father, purchased the estate from the Richmond heirs in 1885.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LAKEVILLE THE OLD JOHN PEIRCE HOUSE
This picture of one of the Peirce homes was taken in 1885. The house was then nearly two hundred years old and stood across from the Alton Hoard Place on Beechwoods Road, which is now Peirce Avenue. This was for many years the home of John Peirce and later his son's, Harmon Peirce. Harmon walked to California, bringing home with him the slippery elm and black walnut trees which were set out on this place. The home is no longer standing.
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John Peirce House
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THE CAPTAIN NATHANIEL STAPLES HOMESTEAD
The Staples house, built in 1834, is situated on the west side of Main street, about two hundred and fifty feet north of Stetson Street. It has been occupied in turn by Captain Nathaniel Staples; his son, Harrison; Harrison's daughter, Julia (Staples) Bassett, and now by Ralph M. Bassett, eldest son of Julia Bassett.
The house has eight rooms, a large front hall, and five fire- places. Two of these are in the chimney in the ell, which also contains a warming oven and an iron kettle, with firebox beneath for heating water in which clothes were boiled before washing. The wainscotting in the first floor rooms was made from single boards, twenty inches wide. The original inside finish and doors were all "gotten out" by hand and the first floor walls are nine feet, four inches in height. For the foundation, granite was hauled over the road from Quincy, Mass., by oxen, and many of the rafters are hand-hewed native pine.
This house was said to be much admired by many people who came from miles around to inspect it at completion.
Captain Nathaniel Staples House
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LAKEVILLE THE GEORGE WILLIAMS HOUSE
The George Williams house is on Myricks Street or on the Old Indian Taunton Path, as described in the deed. It has been traced back and found to be over 200 years old. It was bought from a man named Parmer, who came from Vermont.
This farm, known as the Frank Williams place, has been owned by several generations of Williams: his great-grand- parents, George and Judith (Peirce), his grandparents, Elkanah and Catherine (Hoard), and his father and mother, John and Susan (Ashley).
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George Williams House
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ONE OF THE PEIRCE HOUSES
Here is a picture of another of the Peirce houses, taken in 1896. This was the estate of Jirah Winslow, but was later owned and occupied by the Chester Peirce family. It is located on Peirce Avenue.
Originally there was a fireplace in each of the seven rooms, but recently one of the fireplaces has been removed. In examin- ing the construction of the house, it is noticeable that the build- ers placed beams in the corners on the south side, but none on the north side. All the window frames have been fitted with windows of small panes of glass, similar to those first used.
The present owners, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hennessey, have put this old Winslow homestead into excellent condition.
Jirah Winslow House
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THE OLIVER PEIRCE HOMESTEAD
The Oliver Peirce homestead on Beechwoods Road, now known as Peirce Avenue, was built about 1810. The house is two and one-half stories high, with fourteen rooms and seven fireplaces. The woodwork in the living room has an unusual pattern: the molding, chair rail and frame of the fireplace are all hand-carved. Someone, for his board and room, spent the winter months making this room very attractive. Near the house once stood a blacksmith shop, where carriages were repaired and horses shod.
Oliver Peirce was the great-grandfather of the present owner and occupant, Percival F. Staples, and great-great-grandfather of Leslie J. Staples. The house, with its twelve-by-twelve-inch timbers and six-by-six-inch rafters, was built to last for many generations.
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Oliver Peirce House
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THE JAMES P. PIERCE HOUSE
On March 8, 1792, Harmon Pierce purchased land and a home- stead on Beechwoods Road from John Hoar. In 1809, Philip inherited the easterly portion of the estate from his father. In turn Philip left his farm of forty-five acres and one house "with one-half mill privileges" to his son, James P. Pierce, and to his daughter, Ella (Pierce) Hinds. The farm remained in the family until 1941 when it became the property of Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Heineck of Middlebury, Conn., who still occupy it.
The house itself has always been kept in excellent condition, and only a few changes have been made by its present owners: modern plumbing, an all-electric kitchen, oil heat, and the use of the old kitchen as a second living room. In the house are two huge pantries and eleven rooms, those on the first floor being nearly nine feet in height. The woodwork is not unusual, but the doors have Norfolk-type hinges. Five fireplaces have always provided warmth and cheer for the occupants. The foundation of the house is solid granite.
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