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Haskell Family History
Susan Haskell's Blog
27th November 2011
WILLIAM HASKELL HOUSE is for sale.
Situated at 11 Lincoln Street, Gloucester, Massachusetts,USA, this building is on the National Register and is officially known as the Haskell House, this 18th-century home is believed to have been built by Richard Window, a carpenter, possibly as early as 1651. Records indicate that William Haskell, who was born in 1618 in England, purchased the property around 1656.
Richard E. Haskell writes on Carey Haskell's website: "...William Haskell purchased the 10 acres of "improved land" this house is built on in Gloucester from Richard Window in August of 1652 (though some references point to the sale as late as June of 1663). The home is not referenced in the deed, but that was the norm for deeds of that era, which were based on land not buildings and the phrase "improved land" suggests that the home may have been there. The home is referenced in William's will of 1693, dating it definitely as a 17th century structure, making it one of the oldest surviving homes in New England. For over it's first 200 years of existence, until 1872, it was owned by members of the Haskell family, and except for a short period of time in the mid 20th century has been used as a private residence. In June of 2010 I had a chance to meet the current owner of the home and discuss the history of it at length. His theory, and it seems a sound one to me, is that the home was used as a residence for Haskells only in William's lifetime and upon his death, when ownership of the property was split between William's children, it was rented out as a tenant farm for the remainder of it's ownership by Haskell's."
Haskell House appears to have remained in the Haskell family until the mid-19th century. In 1924, Albert Atkins bought the house and installed the “first water supply system the house has ever known, and the first modern electrical system,” which has since been updated. The current owners, who bought the house in the mid-1950s, have cared for Haskell House lovingly and respectfully.The opportunity to own such a rare piece of New England history doesn’t come along every day. Still, one more owner will be lucky enough to add their name to the list.
Dare we hope that Haskell House, once again, comes under Haskell ownership?
For the last 300 or so years, this, not-so-small house, has withstood the vagaries of Mother Nature, as well as the follies of human nature. Through it all, the Haskell House has retained its architectural integrity. In fact, this first period house, which officially dates to 1710 (some suspect even earlier into the late 1600s — record keeping was a bit sketchier then), is so historically “correct” that is is on the National Register of Historic Places.
A magnificent architectural example of “plank and frame” construction, this 18th-century structure is filled with incredible period features, from the original wide floor boards to hand-hewn ceiling beams. Each door has a set of one-of-a-kind handmade hinges that run the gamut of styles. H&L is, of course, included, but others are even more interesting, like a set of hinges that are reminiscent of an ancient scimitar.
Two of the original first-floor rooms are “anchored” by great walk-in brick fireplaces — there are five total — that give off “tremendous heat on a cold winter’s night.” In a former life, they were also used for cooking. Many of the original hooks, arms, etc. remain, as well as the original lintels. One has dentil molding; another vertical sheathing.
Let’s not forget several “outdoor” features that include steps that are really huge granite millstones, hand-hewn rough cedar clapboards and “original” storm doors. Oh, the front door is studded with handmade square nail heads.
The house even has a grand setting abutting the salt marsh and Walker Creek. A magnificent giant Sumac — you know this beautiful tree has been in place a long time — stands dramatically tall against this lush backdrop.
11th June 2011
Haskell Family History gets a New Look
Regular visitors will have noticed a marked change in the appearance of the Haskell Family History web pages over recent weeks. As an improving web designer I insist on extending my design skills and have taught myself a very small amount of HTML code. Hopefully, it will be easier for you to read and navigate while retaining the historical content.
After spending a few days sorting old resource files into my new computer I have discovered a few long lost articles written some time ago. Currently, I am updating and uploading these into the Articles section...check it out by using the new Research tab above. The newest story is about George Haskell of Kaiapoi in New Zealand who built a home over 100 years ago and which remains a loved family home.
During the past year, my husband, Ray Haskell had a major operation on his foot which incapacitated him for nearly six months and then after our local floods, I contracted a rather persistent chest infection on top of several minor ailments which all decided to act up around the same time. We are both now on the mend. Hopefully, this trend will continue so I can share with you more Haskell information such as the births, deaths and marriages transcriptions I have in my offline folders.
Finally I have found out a way to make the pages created by the Legacy Family Tree program look like pages belonging to this website. Legacy Family Tree is a great program which has a free version and a deluxe version. The Deluxe version is economical and the support team actually answer your queries individually which is rather great. Naturally I subscribe to the Deluxe Version to enable me to meet the criteria for the web. If you would like to try Legacy Family Tree just click on the Legacy Logo and follow the instructions.
7th June 2011
"Legends, Larrikins, Saints and Sinners"
For years I have been promising a book entitled "Legends & Larrikins, Saints & Sinners'. This title truly reflects the varying nature and exploits of all our ancestors.
Those of us in Australia certainly appreciate the "Sinners" part of this title when we know where many of our ancestors came from and why. After all, many Australians descend from convicts but I hasten to add that only applies to my husband's ancestors and not mine! Thomas Heather, Elizabeth Lee, Patrick "Moses" Kearns, Dorothy Carthy and Joseph Onus are some of these Australian convicts.
The "Larrikins" are those ancestors who were not necessarily criminal by nature but who loved the good life as we say.There is even one fellow who married five times without benefit of death or divorce. We have searched and searched and searched again and found no such records. He just changed his name and his mother's maiden name slightly on each marriage certificate. See if you can locate him on my website!
My great grand aunt, Martha Plested was definitely a "Saint" giving saintly service for 37 years as a Baptist missionary to India. She loved India so much she retired there and was brought home to Sydney for medical care where she died. She is buried in Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia with a substantial headstone honouring her service.
Sergeant James Gow falls into the "Legends" category. A soldier in the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders Regiment based in Scotland, he served in the Crimea and fought in the Indian Mutiny where he met his end on the second last day of that conflict in 1857. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for valour displayed at Balaklava against the Prussian Army. His memory is immortalized in the painting by Robert Gibb, "The Thin Red Line", The original is hung in Edinburgh Castle, Scotland and it was a privelege to see it personally in 2007. Very emotional.
There are many notables included in the web pages of www.haskellfamilyhistory.com so it is always a good idea to read the added notes and events for clues. Because of copyright, not all of their stories are able to be included on the website. "Google" is always a good starting point for additional information on your own ancestors. In future blogs, my intention is to highlight some of these notables.
Because this website has grown and so has its lists of friends and followers, it is now become a good idea to begin this blog to keep in touch.This is my first attempt at a blog so your patience is appreciated. An email list is also on the plan of expansion.
This blog will give space to those anecdotes and experiences which have arisen from my genealogical quest.
I do hope my writing skills develop so that I may keep you entertained and informed.
Having to complete a blog page regularly will force me to write a new chapter so that gradually this book will move from dream to reality.
Surnames of special interest include:
Haskell, Clarke, Cairns, Lakeman, Waldock, Eather, Norris, Cornwell, Sharp, Gow, Willis, Plested. Plunkett, Eaton, Nichols, Onus, Ison, Parsons, World, Atkin, Kidu, Boustead, Macnamara, Townsend, Collins, Lee, Hesketh and Hill.
WILLIAM HASKELL HOUSE is for sale.
Situated at 11 Lincoln Street, Gloucester, Massachusetts,USA, this building is on the National Register and is officially known as the Haskell House, this 18th-century home is believed to have been built by Richard Window, a carpenter, possibly as early as 1651. Records indicate that William Haskell, who was born in 1618 in England, purchased the property around 1656.
Richard E. Haskell writes on Carey Haskell's website: "...William Haskell purchased the 10 acres of "improved land" this house is built on in Gloucester from Richard Window in August of 1652 (though some references point to the sale as late as June of 1663). The home is not referenced in the deed, but that was the norm for deeds of that era, which were based on land not buildings and the phrase "improved land" suggests that the home may have been there. The home is referenced in William's will of 1693, dating it definitely as a 17th century structure, making it one of the oldest surviving homes in New England. For over it's first 200 years of existence, until 1872, it was owned by members of the Haskell family, and except for a short period of time in the mid 20th century has been used as a private residence. In June of 2010 I had a chance to meet the current owner of the home and discuss the history of it at length. His theory, and it seems a sound one to me, is that the home was used as a residence for Haskells only in William's lifetime and upon his death, when ownership of the property was split between William's children, it was rented out as a tenant farm for the remainder of it's ownership by Haskell's."
Haskell House appears to have remained in the Haskell family until the mid-19th century. In 1924, Albert Atkins bought the house and installed the “first water supply system the house has ever known, and the first modern electrical system,” which has since been updated. The current owners, who bought the house in the mid-1950s, have cared for Haskell House lovingly and respectfully.The opportunity to own such a rare piece of New England history doesn’t come along every day. Still, one more owner will be lucky enough to add their name to the list.
Dare we hope that Haskell House, once again, comes under Haskell ownership?
For the last 300 or so years, this, not-so-small house, has withstood the vagaries of Mother Nature, as well as the follies of human nature. Through it all, the Haskell House has retained its architectural integrity. In fact, this first period house, which officially dates to 1710 (some suspect even earlier into the late 1600s — record keeping was a bit sketchier then), is so historically “correct” that is is on the National Register of Historic Places.
A magnificent architectural example of “plank and frame” construction, this 18th-century structure is filled with incredible period features, from the original wide floor boards to hand-hewn ceiling beams. Each door has a set of one-of-a-kind handmade hinges that run the gamut of styles. H&L is, of course, included, but others are even more interesting, like a set of hinges that are reminiscent of an ancient scimitar.
Two of the original first-floor rooms are “anchored” by great walk-in brick fireplaces — there are five total — that give off “tremendous heat on a cold winter’s night.” In a former life, they were also used for cooking. Many of the original hooks, arms, etc. remain, as well as the original lintels. One has dentil molding; another vertical sheathing.
Let’s not forget several “outdoor” features that include steps that are really huge granite millstones, hand-hewn rough cedar clapboards and “original” storm doors. Oh, the front door is studded with handmade square nail heads.
The house even has a grand setting abutting the salt marsh and Walker Creek. A magnificent giant Sumac — you know this beautiful tree has been in place a long time — stands dramatically tall against this lush backdrop.
11th June 2011
Haskell Family History gets a New Look
Regular visitors will have noticed a marked change in the appearance of the Haskell Family History web pages over recent weeks. As an improving web designer I insist on extending my design skills and have taught myself a very small amount of HTML code. Hopefully, it will be easier for you to read and navigate while retaining the historical content.
After spending a few days sorting old resource files into my new computer I have discovered a few long lost articles written some time ago. Currently, I am updating and uploading these into the Articles section...check it out by using the new Research tab above. The newest story is about George Haskell of Kaiapoi in New Zealand who built a home over 100 years ago and which remains a loved family home.
During the past year, my husband, Ray Haskell had a major operation on his foot which incapacitated him for nearly six months and then after our local floods, I contracted a rather persistent chest infection on top of several minor ailments which all decided to act up around the same time. We are both now on the mend. Hopefully, this trend will continue so I can share with you more Haskell information such as the births, deaths and marriages transcriptions I have in my offline folders.
Finally I have found out a way to make the pages created by the Legacy Family Tree program look like pages belonging to this website. Legacy Family Tree is a great program which has a free version and a deluxe version. The Deluxe version is economical and the support team actually answer your queries individually which is rather great. Naturally I subscribe to the Deluxe Version to enable me to meet the criteria for the web. If you would like to try Legacy Family Tree just click on the Legacy Logo and follow the instructions.
7th June 2011
"Legends, Larrikins, Saints and Sinners"
For years I have been promising a book entitled "Legends & Larrikins, Saints & Sinners'. This title truly reflects the varying nature and exploits of all our ancestors.
Those of us in Australia certainly appreciate the "Sinners" part of this title when we know where many of our ancestors came from and why. After all, many Australians descend from convicts but I hasten to add that only applies to my husband's ancestors and not mine! Thomas Heather, Elizabeth Lee, Patrick "Moses" Kearns, Dorothy Carthy and Joseph Onus are some of these Australian convicts.
The "Larrikins" are those ancestors who were not necessarily criminal by nature but who loved the good life as we say.There is even one fellow who married five times without benefit of death or divorce. We have searched and searched and searched again and found no such records. He just changed his name and his mother's maiden name slightly on each marriage certificate. See if you can locate him on my website!
My great grand aunt, Martha Plested was definitely a "Saint" giving saintly service for 37 years as a Baptist missionary to India. She loved India so much she retired there and was brought home to Sydney for medical care where she died. She is buried in Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia with a substantial headstone honouring her service.
Sergeant James Gow falls into the "Legends" category. A soldier in the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders Regiment based in Scotland, he served in the Crimea and fought in the Indian Mutiny where he met his end on the second last day of that conflict in 1857. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for valour displayed at Balaklava against the Prussian Army. His memory is immortalized in the painting by Robert Gibb, "The Thin Red Line", The original is hung in Edinburgh Castle, Scotland and it was a privelege to see it personally in 2007. Very emotional.
There are many notables included in the web pages of www.haskellfamilyhistory.com so it is always a good idea to read the added notes and events for clues. Because of copyright, not all of their stories are able to be included on the website. "Google" is always a good starting point for additional information on your own ancestors. In future blogs, my intention is to highlight some of these notables.
Because this website has grown and so has its lists of friends and followers, it is now become a good idea to begin this blog to keep in touch.This is my first attempt at a blog so your patience is appreciated. An email list is also on the plan of expansion.
This blog will give space to those anecdotes and experiences which have arisen from my genealogical quest.
I do hope my writing skills develop so that I may keep you entertained and informed.
Having to complete a blog page regularly will force me to write a new chapter so that gradually this book will move from dream to reality.
Surnames of special interest include:
Haskell, Clarke, Cairns, Lakeman, Waldock, Eather, Norris, Cornwell, Sharp, Gow, Willis, Plested. Plunkett, Eaton, Nichols, Onus, Ison, Parsons, World, Atkin, Kidu, Boustead, Macnamara, Townsend, Collins, Lee, Hesketh and Hill.
