Judge Samuel Holten House facts for kids
The Judge Samuel Holten House is a very old and important house in Danvers, Massachusetts. It was built around 1670, which means it's over 350 years old! Today, a group called the Daughters of the American Revolution owns it. You can visit it by making an appointment.
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A Look Back: The House's History
The land where the house stands first belonged to Richard Ingersoll. After he passed away, his wife left the land to her second husband. Later, the land went to his daughter Sarah. Her second husband, Joseph Holten, gave the land to his son, Benjamin Holten.
Benjamin Holten passed away in 1689. Records from his will show that he owned both the land and a house. Because of this, experts believe Benjamin Holten built the house around 1670. It likely started as a simple "one-room" house. Over many years, more rooms and parts were added to it.
Important People and Events
This house is special because of the people who lived there and the history they were part of.
Sarah Holten and the Salem Witch Trials
One of the early residents was Sarah Holten. In 1692, she was involved in the events of the Salem Witch Trials. This was a very difficult time in history for the town.
Judge Samuel Holten: A Founding Father
Later, during the American Revolutionary War, the house was home to Judge Samuel Holten. He was a very important person in American history. He is known as a Founding Father of the United States.
Judge Holten served in the Continental Congress, which was like the first government of the United States. He even served as its president for a time. He also signed the Articles of Confederation, which was the first agreement that united the original 13 states. After the United States was formed, he became an early member of the United States House of Representatives. He served there from 1793 to 1795.
The House Today
In 1921, the Daughters of the American Revolution bought the Judge Samuel Holten House. This group works to preserve American history. They have worked hard to fix up and restore the house. It now looks much like it did in the past.
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West side of the house.
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The south side of the Judge Samuel Holten House.
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A drawing showing the first floor of the house.
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