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Text
46 Washington Square
John Southwick, Schoolmaster
Built in 1796, Partially torn down and rebuilt around 1850.
Researched and written by Leslie Fontaine
July 2022
Historic Salem Inc.
9 North Street, Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-0799 | info@historicsalem.org
© 2022
�46 Washington Square, 1972
(MACRIS SAL.3517)
46 Washington Square, 1987
(MACRIS SAL.3517)
1
�46 Washington Square, 2017
(MACRIS SAL.3517)
Before 1881 Washington Square South was known as Forrester Street between 1855 and 1878. Prior
to this period, it was known as Bath Street. Over the years it has been numbered 8 Bath Street and 52
Forrester before it was 46 Washington Square South1. The front of the house can just be seen behind
the trees in the below photo.
Nelson Dionne Salem History Collection,
Salem State University Archives and Special Collections, Salem, Massachusetts
1
Salem City Directories
2
�Part of this land was granted for five pounds to James Symmonds by the town selectmen on April 5th,
1672 with the expectation to build a house within one-year 2. James Symmonds continued to own this
lot until his death in 1714 when it was valued at 30 pounds3.
Salem Town Records 1725-1773
Sydney Perley, Essex Antiquarian
2
Salem Town Records 1725-1773 VOLS 4-5
Perley, S. (18971909). The Essex antiquarian: an illustrated ... magazine devoted to the biography, genealogy,
history and antiquities of Essex County, Massachusetts. Salem, Mass.: Essex Antiquarian.
3
3
�According to William Bentley’s diaries, in 1796 John Southwick, a school keeper, built a schoolhouse
upon Symmonds land near the common4. According to the Essex Institue Historical Collections, the
schoolhouse was later used as a dwelling house5 and around the 1850s was renovated to the current
Second Empire style by the Benson family. A visual inspection performed by Vijay Joyce, of HSI,
confirms that some of the older structure still survives in the basement of the house and most of what is
above the basement joists are consistent with an 1850s Victorian-era renovation of the upper floors of
the house.
There were other houses and buildings on the property over the years, as evidenced by numerous
deeds that show parcels were split up and sometimes re-bought by later families, mainly the Bensons,
but they appear to have all been since removed. One of these small parcel transfers occurred between
the Bensons and the City of Salem in order to straighten the line of the Phillips School Lot.
City Council Records 1865-1869 Volume 5, April 12, 1869
The current building at 46 Washington Square South is representative of the Second Empire style of
architecture, primarily characterized by the mansard roof and symmetrical three-bay facade. There is a
cross-mansard ell in the rear of the house and the high foundation features granite in the front and brick
on the other sides.
Samuel Benson purchased this property in 1829 and it continued in the family until its sale in 1925.
According to the city directories, several members and generations of the Benson Family lived in this
house throughout the time they owned it. The family members, as well as a couple of boarders, held
various occupations over the years including mariner, teacher, captain, clerk, and the famous artist,
Frank W. Benson, who was born in this house on March 24th, 1862. Samuel Benson died on April 6,
1862, and his estate was passed to his wife, Sarah Maria (Prentiss) Benson, via probate. Frank
purchased this property from his parents, George Wiggin and Elisabeth Frost (Pool) Benson for ‘$1 and
other valuable consideration paid’. Frank was an artist from Salem, MA known for his Impressionist
paintings as well as his 1935 duck stamp.
4
Waters, J. G., Bentley, W., Waters, A. G., Dalrymple, M. (1907). The Diary of William Bentley: 1793-1802. United
States: Essex Institute.
5
Historical collections of the Essex institute. (1862). United States: (n.p.).
4
�Image of Frank W. Benson
(Archives of American Art, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
Frank Weston Benson Duck Stamp
United States Department of Agriculture, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
5
�SOURCES
6
�Part of Salem in 17006
Plan of the Common around the year 1800
6
Perley, S. (18971909). The Essex antiquarian: an illustrated ... magazine devoted to the biography, genealogy,
history and antiquities of Essex County, Massachusetts. Salem, Mass.: Essex Antiquarian.
7
�Map of Salem, 1780
Map of Salem, 1820
8
�Map of Salem, 1851
1874 Atlas of Salem, Plate A
9
�1883 Birds Eye View of Salem
1890-1903 Atlas of Salem, Plate 9
10
�1897 Atlas of Salem, Plate 4
1906-1938 Atlas of Salem, Plate 15
11
�1911 Atlas of Salem, Plate 7
(Rev. William Bentley’s Diary 1793 - 1802)
12
�(Historical collections of the Essex institute. (1862). United States Vol. 4, Page 4)
Historic Commission:
MTG MINUTES 1986-1991 STUDY REPORTS 1960S VOLS I, II, IIA & III\HISTORIC DISTRICT FILE
13
�James Symmonds Probate, 17147
Essex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1638-1881.Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England
Historic Genealogical Society, 2014. (From records supplied by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Archives.)
https://www.americanancestors.org/DB515/rd/13880/27083-co1/248359872
7
14
�John Symmonds Probate 17928
8
Essex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1638-1881.Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England
Historic Genealogical Society, 2014. (From records supplied by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Archives.)
https://www.americanancestors.org/DB515/rd/13880/27099-co1/248360099
15
�Joshua Dodge Probate, 18149
9
Essex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1638-1881.Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England
Historic Genealogical Society, 2014. (From records supplied by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Archives.)
https://www.americanancestors.org/DB515/rd/13764/7906-co1/245212344
16
�Samuel Benson Probate 1862, Image #110
10
Essex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1638-1881.Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England
Historic Genealogical Society, 2014. (From records supplied by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Archives.)
https://www.americanancestors.org/DB515/rd/14205/32576-co1/259551848
17
�Samuel Benson Probate 1862, Image #211
11
Essex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1638-1881.Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England
Historic Genealogical Society, 2014. (From records supplied by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Archives.)
https://www.americanancestors.org/DB515/rd/14205/32576-co1/259551848
18
�Samuel Benson Probate 1862, Image #312
The Benson Family were members of the Salem Marine Society for generations:
(Photos Courtesy of The Salem Marine Society book: Portraits of the Marine Society at Salem in New England, 1972 edition)
12
Essex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1638-1881.Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England
Historic Genealogical Society, 2014. (From records supplied by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Archives.)
https://www.americanancestors.org/DB515/rd/14205/32576-co1/259551848
19
�Homeowner
Castine Realty Trust, Trustees:
Thomas A. O'Donnell & Dorothy V.
O'Donnell
Dorothy V. O'Donnell
Dorothy V. O'Donnell & Thomas A.
O'Donnell
Maude O'Donnell
Date
Purchased
08/07/1992
01/31/1992
07/27/1970
10/24/1961
Years of
Number of
Ownership
Years
1992
1992
1970-1992
1961-1970
<1
<1
22
9
Purchase Price
$1 and
consideration
paid
$1 and
consideration
paid
No consideration
paid
Consideration
paid
Documents
Referenced
Description
11459:51
The land in said Salem, with the buildings thereon, bounded and described as
follows: Beginning at the Northeasterly corner thereof on Washington Square
South, Thence running; Westerly: by said Washington Square South about 88 feet,
6 inches, to land now or late of Symonds, thence turning and running; Southerly: by
land now or late of Symonds about 69 feet, 5 inches, thence turning and running;
Easterly: by land now or late of Lambert and Ashby about 38 feet, 9 inches, thence
turning and running; Northerly: about 19 feet, 1 inch, thence turning and running;
Easterly: by land now or formerly of Duignan about 53 feet, 8 inches, and thence
running: Northerly: by land of the City of Salem, 55 feet, 3 inches, to said
Washington Square and the point begun at; all of said measurements being more
or less.
11126:129
The land in said Salem, with the buildings thereon, bounded and described as
follows: Beginning at the Northeasterly corner thereof on Washington Square
South, Thence running; Westerly: by said Washington Square South about 88 feet,
6 inches, to land now or late of Symonds, thence turning and running; Southerly: by
land now or late of Symonds about 69 feet, 5 inches, thence turning and running;
Easterly: by land now or late of Lambert and Ashby about 38 feet, 9 inches, thence
turning and running; Northerly: about 19 feet, 1 inch, thence turning and running;
Easterly: by land now or formerly of Duignan about 53 feet, 8 inches, and thence
running: Northerly: by land of the City of Salem, 55 feet, 3 inches, to said
Washington Square and the point begun at; all of said measurements being more
or less.
5700:447
The land in said Salem, with the buildings thereon, bounded and described as
follows: Beginning at the Northeasterly corner thereof on Washington Square
South, Thence running; Westerly: by said Washington Square South about 88 feet,
6 inches, to land now or late of Symonds, thence turning and running; Southerly: by
land now or late of Symonds about 69 feet, 5 inches, thence turning and running;
Easterly: by land now or late of Lambert and Ashby about 38 feet, 9 inches, thence
turning and running; Northerly: about 19 feet, 1 inch, thence turning and running;
Easterly: by land now or formerly of Duignan about 53 feet, 8 inches, and thence
running: Northerly: by land of the City of Salem, 55 feet, 3 inches, to said
Washington Square and the point begun at; all of said measurements being more
or less.
4832:481
The land in said Salem, with the buildings thereon, bounded and described as
follows: Beginning at the Northeasterly corner thereof on Washington Square
South, Thence running; Westerly: by said Washington Square South about 88 feet,
6 inches, to land now or late of Symonds, thence turning and running; Southerly: by
land now or late of Symonds about 69 feet, 5 inches, thence turning and running;
Easterly: by land now or late of Lambert and Ashby about 38 feet, 9 inches, thence
turning and running; Northerly: about 19 feet, 1 inch, thence turning and running;
Easterly: by land now or formerly of Duignan about 53 feet, 8 inches, and thence
running: Northerly: by land of the City of Salem, 55 feet, 3 inches, to said
Washington Square and the point begun at; all of said measurements being more
or less.
Notes
�Homeowner
Henry O'Donnell & Maude
O'Donnell
Salem Trust Company, Arthur Guy
as Commissioner of Banks
Date
Purchased
09/14/1934
03/01/1934
Years of
Number of
Ownership
Years
1934-1961
1934
Washington Street Realty
Corporation
12/8/1933
1933-1934
Salem Trust Company, Arthur Guy
as Commissioner of Banks
12/8/1933
1933
Mary L. Hurley, Wife of John J.
Hurley
Benson Family (Totals)
Frank W. Benson
George Wiggin Benson &
Elizabeth Frost (Pool) Benson
27
< 1 year
1 year
< 1 year
02/27/1925
1925-1933
8 years
---
1829-1925
96
6/5/1896
03/11/1869
1896-1925
1869-1896
29
27
Purchase Price
Documents
Referenced
Description
3006:192
The land in said Salem, with the buildings thereon, bounded and described as
follows: Beginning at the Northeasterly corner thereof on Washington Square
South, Thence running; Westerly: by said Washington Square South about 88 feet,
6 inches, to land now or late of Symonds, thence turning and running; Southerly: by
land now or late of Symonds about 69 feet, 5 inches, thence turning and running;
Easterly: by land now or late of Lambert and Ashby about 38 feet, 9 inches, thence
turning and running; Northerly: about 19 feet, 1 inch, thence turning and running;
Easterly: by land now or formerly of Duignan about 53 feet, 8 inches, and thence
running: Northerly: by land of the City of Salem, 55 feet, 3 inches, to said
Washington Square and the point begun at; all of said measurements being more
or less.
2988:121
Conveyance of 13 parcels of land, 46 Washington Square being Parcel 3, being
more fully described in a deed dated December 8, 1933, from said Salem Trust
Company to said Washington Street Realty Corporation, and recorded with Essex
South District Deeds, Book 2971, Page 303.
Consideration
paid
2971:303
The land in said Salem, with the buildings thereon, bounded and described as
follows: Beginning at the Northeasterly corner thereof on Washington Square
South, Thence running; Westerly: by said Washington Square South about 88 feet,
6 inches, to land now or late of Symonds, thence turning and running; Southerly: by
land now or late of Symonds about 69 feet, 5 inches, thence turning and running;
Easterly: by land now or late of Lambert and Ashby about 38 feet, 9 inches, thence
turning and running; Northerly: about 19 feet, 1 inch, thence turning and running;
Easterly: by land now or formerly of Duignan about 53 feet, 8 inches, and thence
running: Northerly: by land of the City of Salem, 55 feet, 3 inches, to said
Washington Square and the point begun at; all of said measurements being more
or less.
$8000 mortgage
2867:361
Mortgage Document that was in default and foreclosed on 12/8/1933
Consideration
paid
2629:500
The land in said Salem, with the buildings thereon, bounded and described as
follows: Beginning at the Northeasterly corner thereof on Washington Square
South, Thence running; Westerly: by said Washington Square South about 88 feet,
6 inches, to land now or late of Symonds, thence turning and running; Southerly: by
land now or late of Symonds about 69 feet, 5 inches, thence turning and running;
Easterly: by land now or late of Lambert and Ashby about 38 feet, 9 inches, thence
turning and running; Northerly: about 19 feet, 1 inch, thence turning and running
Easterly by land now or formerly of Duignan about 53 feet, 8 inches, and thence
running Northerly: by land of the City of Salem, 55 feet, 3 inches, to said
Washington Square and the point begun at; all of said measurements being more
or less. Mentions 1480:525 & 1573:132
$1 and other
valuable
consideration
paid
1480:525
2 Separate parcels on Washington Square. (See 768:14 & 783:38)
Consideration
paid
Consideration
paid
$3,000.00
768:14
Dwelling house with outbuildings, now numbered 52. Refers to 648:16 (release of
mortgage) & 648:17 -(conveying interest of children to widow of Samuel Benson.)
Those deeds then refer to 252:265 & 636:121
Notes
�Homeowner
Samuel Benson & Sarah Maria
(Prentiss) Benson
Francis Boardman
Date
Purchased
09/12/1829
05/01/1826
Years of
Number of
Ownership
Years
1829-1869
1826-1829
40
3
Purchase Price
$1,825.00
$2,200.00
Documents
Referenced
Description
252:265
A certain messuage on Bath Street in Salem aforesaid consisting of a dwelling
house and out buildings and land under and adjoining, being the same which I
purchased of Peirce L. Wiggin by deed of May 1, 1826. B241 L259. Bounded
Northerly on Bath Street 57'6", Easterly on Elijah Haskell 56', Southerly on land of
Rebecca, the wife of John Southwick 56' and Westerly on the widow Flint 56'.
241:259
A certain messuage on Bath Street in Salem aforesaid consisting of a lot of land
with a dwelling house and out buildings thereon bounded Northerly on Bath Street
57'6", Easterly on land of Elijah Haskell 56', Southerly on land of Rebecca, the wife
of John Southwick, and Westerly on land of the widow Flint 56' to the first bounds.
Certain parcel of land with dwelling house formerly owned by John Southwick.
North on Bath Street 54', East on Haskell land 60', South on land of John
Southwick 52', West on Southwick Avenue 60'. Bk 228:278 Releasing the right to
dower by Rebecca Southwick and trading two small portions of land in the back of
property on Bath Street for part of Southwick's Avenue. $100 waiving right to
dower, $1ea for exchange of land.
Peirce L. Wiggin & Anna B. Wiggin
04/20/1822
1822-1826
4
$765.00
229:252
Joshua Dodge
04/19/1810
1810-1822
12
$1.00
189:250
John Southwick
11/25/1794
N/A
N/A
$370.00
157:286
1573:132
1050:25
On Forrester Street, formerly Bath Street. As described in said deeds above
referenced (417:159-160)
1052:3
A certain parcel of land in said Salem bounded Northerly on Washington Square 11
feet, Easterly on land of said Elizabeth, formerly of Williams, about 70 feet and 5
inches, Southerly on land of Lambert 11 feet and Westerly on land of said Eleazer
M. Dalton about 69 feet and 5 inches.
547:77
Messuage on Bath Street or Forrester, North on Forrester Street, West on line
drawn through center of the passageway between said house and house west of it,
said line to extend from said street to estate now or formerly Bakers, South on said
Baker estate, East on land Abraham Williams. See deed 435:250 on October 19,
1850 Nathaniel Jackson to David Reed, being the same as conveyed to Jackson
by George Wheatland by deed 428:5. At the same time Eleazer M. Dalton gave a
mortgage to David Reed - see 557:53. A year later, on July 5 in 1858, David Reed
defaults on mortgage and Eleazer is the highest bidder at $107.50 - see 573:52.
Frank W. Benson
12/7/1898
N/A
N/A
$1 and other
valuable
consideration
paid
Elizabeth F. Benson
12/2/1880
N/A
N/A
$1.00
Elizabeth F. Benson, wife of
George W. Benson
Eleazer M Dalton
01/06/1881
03/10/1857
N/A
1857-1881
N/A
24
$625.00
$700.00
David Reed
10/19/1850
1850-1857
7
$900.00
435:250
Nathaniel Jackson
10/12/1849
1849-1850
1
$600.00
428:5
Notes
A certain messuage situated in Salem: North on Bath Street 54', East on Haskell
60', South on land of Southwick 52', West on a way two feet wide 60'
A piece of land in said Salem being part of the estate left to his heirs by said
deceased - said piece bounding Southerly on the Street now called Essex Street
there measuring 53' 1/2, Westerly on land of Susanna Flint, widow, 162', Northerly
on the common or the way by the common, 57', and Easterly on land belonging to
the heirs of Elijah Haskell 170'.
3 Separate parcels on Washington Square. (See below) 1050:25 & 1052:3 also
small portions of land and buildings added. 1051:257 is a tiny triangular piece of
land added.
Messuage on Bath Street. North on Bath Street, West on line drawn through center
of the passageway between said house and house west of it, said line to extend
from said street to estate now or formerly Baker, South on land of Baker, East on
land of William.
North on Bath Street, West on a line drawn through Center of passageway
between said house and the house west of it said line to extend from said street
through the center of said passageway straight to land of Barker, South on land of
Barker, East on land of Williams. Refers to deeds 276:284 & 345:261.
Additions to the
Benson Estate
�Homeowner
Elizabeth F. Benson
Date
Purchased
01/20/1881
George Fellows, guardian of Ellen 07/07/1848 &
Fellows (minor, daughter)
05/19/1849
Abigail Haraden, wife of Timothy
Haraden
Susannah Flint
06/29/1815
07/10/1792
Years of
Number of
Ownership
Years
N/A
1848-1881
1815-1848
1792-1815
N/A
33
33
23
Purchase Price
In consideration
of a conveyance
to me of a certain
lot of land made
this day by
Elizabeth F.
Benson, wife of
George W.
Benson.
$114.00
$10.00
38 pounds 5
shillings
Documents
Referenced
1051:257
417:159-160
Description
Notes
Additions to the
A certain lot of land in the rear of the land whereon my dwelling house stands on
Essex Street in said Salem, bounded Westerly on land formerly of Williams, now of Benson Estate
said Elizabeth about 19 feet and 1 inch, Northerly on other land of said Elizabeth
about 6 feet 3 inches, Easterly on land now or late of Covell about 19 feet and 1
inch, and Southerly on land of said Lydia about 6 feet and 3 inches, the Southerly
line of the land hereby conveyed ranging with the Southerly line of land of Dalton
recently purchased by said Elizabeth and being as the new fence now stands.
Followed by a mortgage deed transfer from William K. Leach to Elizabeth F.
Benson referencing original mortgage dead Book 640 Page 43
Picked up from 1050:25 (above) Bounded Northerly by Bath Street in said Salem
22 feet, Easterly by land of Benson, 81 feet, Southerly by land now or late of Dalton
about 21 and 1/2 feet, Westerly by land now or late of Dalton 80 feet and 6 inches,
together with one undivided fifth part of the dwelling house and all outbuildings
standing on said land. The premises to be held by said Walcott, in trust for said
Williams during his life and after his decease to be conveyed to such person or to
be held for such uses as the said Williams shall by a writing, to be delivered to said
Walcott, his heirs or assigns direct and appoint. Page 160 mentions Book 210 Page
249
210:249
Certain parcel of land with dwelling house formerly owned by John Southwick.
North on Bath Street 54', East on Haskell land 60', South on land of John
Southwick 52', West on Southwick Avenue 60'. Bk 228:278 Releasing the right to
dower by Rebecca Southwick and trading two small portions of land in the back of
property on Bath Street for part of Southwick's Avenue. $100 waiving right to
dower, $1ea for exchange of land.
155:74
A piece of land in said Salem being part of the estate left to his heirs by said
deceased said piece bounding southerly on the main street there measuring 21 feet
Westerly on land of William Gray 161 feet Northerly on the Common or the way by
the Common 22 feet and Easterly on other land left to his heirs by said deceased
162 feet. Also Susannah Flint obtained a mortgage from Richard Manning. Heirs of
John Symmonds selling their father, James Symmonds, estate.
Related Transfers, including small parcels - not critical to the age of the house
G.W. & Elizabeth Benson
John H. Benson
09/01/1869
$1.00
9/1/1869
$1.00
A certain triangular piece of land situated in said Salem and bounded and
described as follows: Beginning at the Southwest corner of land of said Benson,
then running Easterly 3 feet 11 inches, then turning and running Northerly as the
new fence now stands 36 feet 7 inches to the Southerly point of land this day sold
by said Benson to said City of Salem, then turning at an acute angle and running
783:38 36 feet 9 inches to point begun at, being a part of the Phillips School Lot, so called. These 2 are just
Beginning at Northeast corner at land belonging to said City, thence running
transfers of
Westerly bounded Northerly by Forrester Street, 2 ', then turning and running
small parcels
Southerly, as the new fence now stands 18' and 8" to the Northerly corner of land
between
this day sold by the said City to said Benson, then turning at an accute angle and
Bensons and
785:16 running 18'9" to the point begun at being a part of the "Benson Estate" so called.
the city.
The below oulined deeds describe the Southern part of the lot that was split over the years from Deed 155:74.
George Wheatland
10/08/1834
$10.00
Describes 2 lots, the first on Boston Street and the second on Essex being a lot of
land in Essex Street and bounded Southerly on Essex Street, Easterly on lands of
Southwick and Flint, Northerly on Bath Street, and Westerly on Elkins Land. The lot
being bought of William Silsbee, Hannah & Elizabeth Hodges by Deed dated Oct
28, 1827 recorded Book 247 Leaf 156, together with all the buildings thereon now
276:284 standing. Mentions release of dower by Dalton - see B 427 L 162.
�Date
Purchased
Homeowner
Joseph & Eleazer Dalton
10/28/1827
Years of
Number of
Ownership
Years
Purchase Price
$2,800.00
William Silsbee
07/08/1824
$200.00
Sussannah Parsons, wife of Josiah
Parsons
06/29/1815
$10.00
Samuel Benson
Sarah Maria Benson
Sarah Maria Benson
William R. Leach
Lydia A. Ashby & John J. Ashby
05/13/1852
02/18/1863
02/18/1863
07/08/1862
09/10/1858
Documents
Referenced
$1.00
Description
Notes
A certain parcel of land with two dwelling houses and other buildings thereon
situated in Salem aforesaid bounded Southerly on Essex Street 20' 8", Easterly on
J. Southwicks land 76', Northerly on Mrs. Flint 21' 6", and Westerly on land of W.
Silsbee and H & E Hodges 74'6", as the same was surveyed by J. P. Saunders
Esq, July 8, 1824 being a lot of land purchased by me of Susannah Parsons as per
her deed to me July 8, 1824 together with all privileges and appurtances. Also,
another parcel of land situated in said Salem bounded Southerly on Essex Street
20' 8", Easterly on Southwick 76', Northerly on Flint 21' 6", and Westerly on land
247:156 above described. See 345:261
A certain lot of land in Salem, aforesaid, bounded Southerly on Essex Street 20' 8",
Easterly on Southwick 76', Northerly on Mrs. Flint 21'6" and Westerly on said
William Silsbee 74' 6", as the same was surveyed and measured by Jonathan P.
Saunders Esquire July 8 1824. The same having been conveyed to said Susannah,
in her right, while she was the wife of Josiah Parsons by Timothy Haraden and
Abigail, his wife, and others by deed of June 29th, 1815 recorded in the Registry of
236:47 Deeds for said County in Book 208, Leaf 116.
A certain piece of land situated in said Salem, with a dwelling house thereon,
bounded as follows viz. Easterly on land of John Southwick 81', Southerly on
Essex Street 21', Westerly on land of John Gray 80' 1/2, and Northerly on land of
this day quitclaimed by said Josiah & Susanna Parsons to the Grantors above
named, about 21' 1/2, the premises above described being the Southerly half part
of that piece of land which John Symonds, Elizabeth Symonds, and James Barr
and Priscilla, his wife, conveyed to said Susanna Flint by deed recorded in the
Registry of Deeds B 155 L 74. Susanna Parsons being a daughter and heir of said
208:116 Susanna Flint.
All the land lying Northerly of the following described line and Southerly of said
Benson's estate viz. commencing at the Southeast bounds at a point twenty two
inches Southerly from the Northeast corner of the estate recently conveyed to me
by Joseph G. Waters and running Westerly to a point twenty two inches Northerly
636:121 from the Northwest corner of my said estate.
$900.00
Dwelling house with outbuildings, now numbered 52. See deeds 252:265 & 636:
648:16 121 for full description
$100.00
A certain messuage in Forrester Street in said Salem consisting of a dwelling
house and outbuildings and land under and adjoining now numbered 52 on said
street the same being the real estate owned by the late Samuel Benson at the time
of his decease for a more particular description of which see Deed from Boardman
to Samuel Benson recorded 252:265 and also a deed from Henry Jenks to Samuel
Benson recorded in 636:121 the undivided 7th part being subject to the dower and
648:17 homestead estate of Sarah Maria Benson, widow of said Samuel Benson
$350.00 640:43
A certain parcel or lot of land with all buildings thereon situated on Essex Street in
Salem aforesaid, and is bounded Northerly by land of Benson and others, Westerly
by land formerly of Johnson, Southerly by Essex Street, Easterly by land of Jenks,
meaning hereby to convey the said Leach the premises which were conveyed to
me by deed of William Edwards September 10, 1858.
$1,980.00 575:283
A certain parcel of land situated on Essex Street, in said City of Salem, with a
dwelling house and out buildings thereon, bounded and described as follows,
Northerly by land of Benson and others, Westerly by land of Johnson, Southerly by
Essex Street, aforesaid, Easterly by land of Jenks, being the same estate which I
bought of Joseph Waters, and by me mortgaged to said Waters on the 13th day of
September.
Salem Mariner
These 2 deeds
are transfer of
Samuel
Benson's estate
to his widow via
probate.
�Homeowner
Joseph G. Waters
Date
Purchased
10/12/1849
Years of
Number of
Ownership
Years
Purchase Price
Documents
Referenced
$905.00 417:292
Description
The lot of land on Essex Street in Salem with the building thereon, the same is
bounded Southerly on said Street, Westerly on land of Barker, Easterly on land of
said Waters, and Northerly on land of Williams, likewise the small strip of land lying
between land of Barker, the land conveyed to N. Jackson by me, the land of said
Williams, and the lot first described. See deeds recorded Bk 276 P 284 and Bk 345,
P 261.
Notes
�Directory Year
Residents
Occupation or Notes
1837 Samuel R. Benson
Mariner
8 Bath Street
1842 Samuel R. Benson
Mariner
8 Bath Street
1846 Samuel R. Benson
Mariner
8 Bath Street
1850 Samuel R. Benson
Captain
8 Bath Street
Teacher
8 Bath Street
1851 Samuel R. Benson
Mrs. Maria Lord
Captain
8 Bath Street
1853 George W. Benson
Clerk, Commercial Bank
8 Bath Street
John H. Benson
8 Bath Street
Samuel R. Benson
Captain
8 Bath Street
William C. Benson
Mariner
8 Bath Street
1855 George W. Benson
52 Forrester
John H. Benson
52 Forrester
Samuel Benson
Captain
52 Forrester
William C. Benson
Mariner
52 Forrester
Clerk
52 Forrester
George W. Benson
Clerk
52 Forrester
Samuel Benson
Captain
52 Forrester
William C. Benson
Mariner
52 Forrester
Clerk
52 Forrester
George W. Benson
Clerk
52 Forrester
Caroline P. Dalton
Teacher, Boarder
52 Forrester
1857 Emery K Benson
1864 Emery K Benson
1866 Mrs. Samuel Benson
52 Forrester
1869 Mrs. Samuel Benson
52 Forrester
1872 Mrs. Samuel Benson
52 Forrester
Emery K Benson (son of Samuel & Sarah Maria (Prentiss) Benson
52 Forrester
1874 George W. Benson
Columbia National Bank, 65 State, Boston
52 Forrester
1876 George W. Benson
36 Purchase, Boston
52 Forrester
1878 George W. Benson
36 Purchase, Boston
52 Forrester
1881 George W. Benson
36 Purchase, Boston
46 Washington Square
1882 George W. Benson
46 Washington Square
1884 George W. Benson
46 Washington Square
1886 George W. Benson
46 Washington Square
1890 - 1891 Arthur F. Benson
36 Purchase, Boston
46 Washington Square
George W. Benson
36 Purchase, Boston
46 Washington Square
Henry P. Benson
36 Purchase, Boston
46 Washington Square
Artist
46 Washington Square
1893 - 1921 Frank W. Benson
1931 John J. Hurley
1933 - 1934 Vacant
1935 Henry J. O'Donnell
1936 Mary J. O'Donnell
Funeral Director
1937 Henry J. O'Donnell
Funeral Director
1946 Henry J. O'Donnell
Funeral Director
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Washington Square
Historic Salem, Inc. House History
A resource made available by Historic Salem, Inc. detailing the history of Salem's houses.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
46 Washington Square South, Salem, MA, 01970
Subject
The topic of the resource
House History
Description
An account of the resource
John Southwick, Schoolmaster
Built in 1796, partially torn down and rebuilt in 1850
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Historic Salem Inc.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Historic Salem Inc. house histories
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Historic Salem Inc.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Built in 1796
Rebuilt in 1850
House history completed 2022
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Leslie Fontaine
Language
A language of the resource
English
1796
1850
2022
46 Washington Square
Massachusetts
Salem
schoolmaster
Southwick
-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/28828/archive/files/adbc56cd0216c7b22a2eea4fc1dc199b.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=SrX0Ni0qJcfM6BjUw1KX323X7e9BcXHUVSDIYcd5TCz%7EpN9wWwLLjSImuAOMOo%7ERhvSmsvR1CAJVMzpw5PbyNacOMhkVrfbr2kDjsC76VHRJ4%7EVVIE7fr41JddbLfGZugA%7EkYIyE3zAeFwIvRLXqT3DX7fO87X2-005j77H5FQhzVd3UTFEb8Ji2wGC1hep0WAXFpWfS48OhI-UCHEDIZWP5RCB071U-OGJc2RoZOUQHPTe0GMKAJnKo-3v4Rki7yg6-qJPp8gIdYuxI11JWxj6tBvJnmHh%7Ek0Z2gFeiXsf%7EfB3PzJfaIhq3v7fIxTTgXeMXa%7EQlNmOhL7aNV%7Ewo-A__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
abb71641528122b224101ae5377aa484
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Winter Street
Historic Salem, Inc. House History
A resource made available by Historic Salem, Inc. detailing the history of Salem's houses.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
3 Winter Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Subject
The topic of the resource
House history
Description
An account of the resource
Built for John McVay, mariner, in 1796
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Historic Salem, Inc.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Historic Salem, Inc. house histories
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Historic Salem, Inc., Salem Historical Society
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1796, 1986
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
King
Language
A language of the resource
English
1796
1986
3
History
House
John
Massachusetts
McVay
Salem
Street
Winter