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. Today, a group called the Daughters of the American Revolution owns it. You can visit it by making an appointment.
Contents
History of the Holten House
Early Beginnings
The land where the house stands first belonged to Richard Ingersoll. He passed away in 1644. Later, in 1670, his wife left the land to her second husband. Then, it went to his daughter, Sarah. Sarah's second husband, Joseph Holten, gave the land to his son, Benjamin Holten.
Benjamin Holten died in 1689. His will mentioned both the land and a house. Because of this, people 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
The Judge Samuel Holten House is famous because of the people who lived there.
Sarah Holten and the Salem Witch Trials
One important person was Sarah Holten. In 1692, she gave testimony during the scary Salem Witch Trials. Her testimony was part of the trials that involved Rebecca Nurse.
Judge Samuel Holten and American History
Later, during the American Revolutionary War, the house was home to Judge Samuel Holten. He was a very important person in early American history. He is known as a Founding Father of the United States.
Judge Holten served in the Continental Congress. This was a group of leaders who helped create the United States. He even served as its temporary president for a time. He also signed the Articles of Confederation. This was the first agreement that united the American states. Later, he was an early member of the United States House of Representatives. He served there from 1793 to 1795.
The House Today
The Daughters of the American Revolution bought the house in 1921. They have worked hard to fix it up and make it look like it did long ago.
See also
Images for kids
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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.
