Key date analysis:
In 1828, Samuel Ferguson obtained a mortgage for "the lot where he now
lives in the village of New Market, called the Tanyard. The
Tanyard is mentioned in Easton newspapers in 1820, 1819, and 1816.
In 1816, it was referred to as "that well known establishment".
Thus it likely had been there for a while. The property continued
to be referred to as the tanyard until 1855. Dr. John E. Hooper
was taxed for a house and lot here in 1852. By 1866, he was taxed
for a house, lot, and office at this location. Dr. George P. Jones
continued to be taxed for a house, lot, and office through 1910.
However, by 1922 the office was no longer there as evidenced by the 1922
Sanborn Fire Map. Visual evidence indicates that this house was
added to over the years. However, the current shape of the house
matches the footprint of the house on the 1877 map. Therefore
major additions likely occurred before 1877. In 1853, the property
was described as a single story dwelling & kitchen, shop, and smoke
house. Therefore a major addition likely took place between 1853
and 1877.
Who built it:
Charles LeCompte likely built the original tanyard building shortly after he purchased the property in 1796. Dr. John Edwin Hooper and Dr. George P. Jones were responsible for different phases of the expansion.
Longest Residents:
Many notable residents of East New Market lived at this house including local tavern owner, Charles LeCompte, the first mayor, Dr. George P. Jones, town historian, Clarence L. Saxton, and prominent doctor, John E. Hooper. The longest resident/owner was Maria Jones Saxton 83 years;
More Research:
An architectural historian could likely more precisely determine the age of the various sections of the house. Dendrochronology could establish the construction date of various sections of the house.
Historic Records:
337 MLB 86 - 14 May 1996 - Frieda R. Legg to Robert Emory Legg & Debra D. Legg, his wife, for $75,000: lot on the east side of Main Street in the town of East New Market, a distance of 83 feet, 6 inches and running back in an eastward direction therefrom of equal width, to the Hicks land, a distance of 554 feet, binding with the McAllen land on the south, the Hicks land on the east, lands owned, or reputedly owned by Myra Jones on the north and Main Street on the west. Being the same land conveyed unto Frieda R. Legg by deed dated 29 December 1995 in 330 PLC 628.
330 MLB 628 - 29 December 1995 - George W. Legg III to Frieda R. Legg, his mother, for $75,000: Whereas by deed dated 17 October 1977 in 203 PLC 418 from George W. Legg III and Frieda R. Legg unto Frieda M. Richardson, there was conveyed a life interest and whereas the said Frieda M. Richardson died on 2 May 1995, terminating her said life interest.
203 PLC 418 - 17 October 1977 - George W. Legg III and Frieda R. Legg, his mother, to Frieda M. Richardson a life estate for $10: lot on the east side of Main Street in the town of East New Market, a distance of 83 feet, 6 inches and running back in an eastward direction therefrom of equal width, to the Hicks land, a distance of 554 feet, binding with the McAllen land on the south, the Hicks land on the east, lands owned, or reputedly owned by Myra Jones on the north and Main Street on the west. Being the same land acquired by the grantors by the two following deeds; (1) 171 PLC 661 on 30 October 1971 from Myra Deane to Frieda R. Legg, and (2) 199 PLC 735 on 15 April 1977 from Frieda M. Richardson, widow, to George W. Legg III.
199 PLC 735 - 15 April 1977 - Frieda M. Richardson, widow, to George W. Legg III for $10: All her one-half interest in lot on east side of Main Street. Being all the same land which by deed dated 30 October 1971 in 171 PLC 661 was conveyed by Myra Deane unto the grantor and Frieda R. Legg, her daughter, as joint tenants. It being the intent and desire of the grantor hereby to sever and terminate the joint tenancy.
171 PLC 661 - 30 October 1971 - Myra Deane to Frieda M. Richardson and Frieda R. Legg for $5: lot on the east side of Main Street in East New Market. Being the same land which was conveyed unto the said Myra Deane and the late Emma L. Deane, as joint tenants, by Georgia Jones Johnson, executrix of the last will and testament of Maria Jones Saxton, by deed dated 11 March 1963 in 132 PLC 455.
[1 lot] 132 PLC 455 - 11 March 1963 - Georgia Jones Johnson, executrix of Maria Jones Saxton of Palm Beach County, Florida, to Emma L. Deane and Myra Deane for $3500: Whereas by her last will and testament dated 9 May 1956, the said Maria Jones Saxton, conferred upon her said executrix the power to sell her estate. This property was sold by public auction on 24 November 1962. The said property being a part of the same which was conveyed unto the said Maria Jones Saxton by deed from Georgia G. Johnson and Edward B. Johnson, her husband, on 21 April 1911 in 3 WLR 511.
1930 Census
Dwelling #40, household of Clarence L. Saxton, hardware store merchant
1920 Census
Dwelling #63, household of Clarence L. Saxton, hardware
[2 lots] 3 WLR 511 - 21 April 1911 - Georgia G. Johnson & Edward B. Johnson, her husband, of Washington, DC, and Mary A. Snyder & J. Douglas Snyder, her husband, of Frostburg, MD to Maria A. Saxton for $5: lot in East New Market on the east side of the street that leads from the M.E. Church towards Cabin Creek, adjoining the property of Mrs. Ollie Webster on the south, the property of George Hicks on the east, the property formerly owned by E.W. Reid on the north, and said street on the west, and being the property whereon the said Maria A. Saxton at present resides. Being the same land which Dr. George P. Jones, by his last will and testament, in 2 JWP 263 devised unto his three daughters Maria A. Jones (now Maria A. Saxton), Georgie G. Jones (now Georgie G. Johnson), & Mary A. Jones (now Mary A. Snyder). Being the same land conveyed unto Dr. George P. Jones by Samuel L. Webster, deceased, by deed dated 7 September 1888 in 11 CL 417.
1910 Census
Dwelling #77, household of Clarence L. Saxton, hardware merchant
1900 Census
Dwelling #251, household of George P. Jones, physician
1896-1910 Tax Record
George P. Jones
1896 - lot on east side of Main St. in ENM containing
2 acres $400
Dwelling $800, office $100
Barn, Stable, & other outbuildings $300
15 May 1902 - by person in hands of administrator
3 June 1903 - All real property to Maria A, Georgia P, and Mary Jones
Maria A, Georgia P, and Mary Jones
1903 - lot on east side of Main St. in ENM containing
2 acres
Dwelling $800, office $100, barn & other outbuildings $300
1896 Tax
Record
Geo. P. Jones
1 lot situated on the east side of Main Street in the town of East New
Market containing 2 acres $400,
Dwelling house $800, office $100,
Barn, stable, & other outbuildings $300
11 CL 407 - 7 September 1888 - Mortgage - George P. Jones & Willie A. Jones, his wife, owing to Edward L. Hooper of Hartford, Connecticut $1500: Secured by dwelling house and lot of ground now occupied by the said George P. Jones as a residence, situated in the town of East New Market on the east side of the street of said town leading from the M.E. Church towards Cabin Creek, and lying between the property of Edward W. Reid on the north and William H. Andrews? on the south, and extending from the aforesaid street on the west back to the land of the late Thomas J. Hicks on the east. Now occupied by F. H. Camper. Being the same property conveyed to the said George P. Jones by Samuel L. Webster, executor of the last will and testament of John Webster, deceased by deed of even date.
[2 lots] 11 CL 417 - 7 September 1888 - Samuel L. Webster, executor of the last will and testament of John Webster, deceased, to Dr. George P. Jones for $1600: Sold at a private sale on 19 June 1888. The dwelling house and lot now occupied by the said George P. Jones as a residence. Lot in the town of East New Market on the east side of the street leading from the M.E. Church towards Cabin Creek, and lying between the property of Edward W. Reed on the north and William H. Andrew on the south, and extending from the street on the west back to the lands of the late Thomas J. Hicks on the east, now occupied by F.H. Camper. Being the same property which was conveyed to the said John Webster by James Wallace, Trustee, by deed dated 7 October 1878 in 12 FJH 603.
Baltimore Sun - 29 December 1886
- Items from Cambridge -
Dec. 28 - The stable attached to the residence of Dr. George P. Jones,
at East New Market, Dorchester county, was entirely destroyed by fire
about noon today. One of two very valuable horses standing in the
building at the time the fire was discovered was burned to death. The
fire, which burned rapidly, is supposed to have been accidental. The
contents of the stable, consisting besides the horse of provender &c.,
were insured in the Agricultural Company of Watertown for $150.
1880 Census
Dwelling
#35, household of George P. Jones, physician
[2 lots] 12 FJH 603 - 7 October 1878 - James Wallace, Trustee, to John Webster : By a decree of the circuit court in the case of Samuel G. Bilyier & Henrietta M. Bilyier, his wife, versus John H. Hooper and others No. 834 of the Chancery Court docket of the circuit court, James Wallace was appointed Trustee to sell the house and lot decreed. House and lot in the town of East New Market. Beginning at a point on the street that runs through said village toward Cabin Creek and by the dwelling of Dr. H.W. Houston at the NW corner, the same when it intersects or joins the lot now owned by Mr. E.W. Reed, then running and binding with said Reed's lot on the north, eastwardly to the land of Thomas J. Hicks, then south with said Hicks land to the intersection with the lot of JWM Dean on the south, then westwardly with said Dean's lot to the said street, then with said street to the beginning.
17 July 1874 - The bill of complaint of S.G. Bilyieu & Henrietta M.
Bilyieu, his wife, humbly shows that heretofore a certain John E.
Hooper, deceased was in his lifetime possessed of certain real estate,
and being so possessed sometime in 1869, departed this life intestate
leaving your oratrix Henrietta M. Bilyieu and John H. Hooper, Oliver P.
Hooper, Maud Hooper, Isabella Hooper, Hayward Hooper, and Sydney Hooper
his only children and heirs at law. And that John H., Oliver P.,
Maud, Isabella, Hayward, and Sydney are infants under the age of 21.
The real estate is incapable of division among the parties aforesaid
with advantage and without loss and injury to all concerned. They
all reside in Philadelphia. 1 May 1875, John H. Hooper has arrived
at the age of 21, but is still residing beyond the limits of the State
of Maryland.
Deposition - William Holland, a witness of lawful age. He knew Dr.
John E. Hooper in his lifetime. He departed this life in 1869,
leaving a widow named Maria Hooper, aged witness thinks about 40 years
and of a rather delicate constitution. John E. Hooper left as
children and heirs at law [above]. Henrietta Bilyieu is above the
age of 21 and so is John H. Hooper who reached age 21 on 17 July 1874.
All other children are under age 21. Dr. John
E. Hooper died possessed of a house and lot in East New Market, now in
the occupancy of a Mr. Varnes, and worth about $1500 or $2000;
and also small farm adjoining the town of East New Market and containing
40-50 acres, valued at about $1500 or $2000; also another lot on the
road leading from New Market to Harrison containing about 10 acres,
covered with Pine bushes valued at about $200 to $300.
The enclosures of the lot in town and of the
farm are in very bad condition and need extensive
repairs, and for want of such repairs are constantly depreciating in
value.
Deposition - Josiah Helsby, a witness of lawful age. He was
acquainted with Dr. John E. Hooper. That he has departed leaving a
widow, Maria Hooper, aged about 40 years. When witness knew her
several years ago, she enjoyed pretty good health. [similar to
above]. The farm is running down very fast. There is no
timber to enclose it. The fencing and houses are in very
dilapidated condition, and need extensive repairs, and unless such
repairs are made the place will become almost useless.
The house and lot in East New Market was sold at auction to John Webster
for $1456.50. The cut-down wood lot containing about 15-20 acres
near East New Market bordering the Dorchester and Delaware Rail Road and
on the county road leading to the village of Harrison, adjoining the
lands of W.T. Hubbard on the south and the lands of Morris Cummings on
the north, was sold to William T. Hubbard for $100. The small farm
called "Carthagena" near the village of East New Market and on the road
from said village to Cambridge and being the same land that Dr. J.E.
Hooper purchased of James T. Smith and wife. There seemed to be an
understanding among bidders not to compete with each other, the trustee
deemed it best not to accept any of the bids, but withdrew the said land
from sale, and subsequently the farm was sold to Samuel E. Collins on 29
January 1877 at private sale for $1005. Trustee thinks it was a
fair sale and the very best that could be done.
1876 Tax
Record
Dr. George P. Jones
Notes of hand $20, 1 horse $100, 2 hogs $10, 1 carriage $60,
Library & furniture in office $75, 1 silver watch $10, 4 beds $80, Lot H
furniture $75
[1876 tax record does not indicate who owns lot.]
1867-1876 Tax Record
Dr. John E. Hooper (Wm Holland admin)
1867 - House, Lot, & Office 2 acres $2000
1871 - Assets as per register return
1866 Tax
Record
Dr. John E. Hooper
House, lot, & office 2 acres $2000
1870 Census
Dwelling
#343, household of Mariah Hooper (if Ms. Hooper did not reside in her
late husband's home, Dr. George P. Jones Dwelling #359, may have rented
this house and lived here).
1860 Census
Dwelling
#742, household of Edwin Hooper, physician
Marriage - 29 March 1855 - James A. Byus to Frances E. Traverse
3 FJH 183 - 17 March 1855 - James H. Bradshaw, trustee, to John Edwin
Hooper for $700: By a decree of the circuit court on 30 July 1853,
between said cause between James H Bradshaw for himself and also a
neirto friends of Mary A. Bradshaw and Frances E Traverse, complainant
and Mary A. Bradshaw and Frances E. Traverse, defendants, the above
named James H. Bradshaw was appointed trustee to sell the real estate
and did so on 10 September 1853 unto the said John Edwin Hooper.
House and lot and premises situated on the east side of the main street
in East New Market known as the "Tan Yards" property,
adjoining the property of Mrs. Rawlings on the north and a lot now
devised by the
grantee in this deed on the south. Said last mentioned lot formerly
belonged to Mrs. Eliza and Thomas J. Hicks.
[a deed for the property to the south describes the grantors as
heirs of Mary Ann Travers.]
26 July 1853 - James H. Bradshaw for himself and as next friend of his wife, Mary A. Bradshaw (formerly Mary A. Travers) and Frances E. Traverse, who are infants under the age of 21 vs. Mary A. Bradshaw and Francis E. Traverse - The said Mary A. Bradshaw and Frances E. Traverse are seized as tenants in common in fee of the following property in the village of East New Market to wit: The Tavern House and premises occupied by John Dean, The Dorchester House and premises adjoining occupied by Edwin E. Medford, The Dwelling House and premises known as the Tan Yard property occupied by Mrs. Manning, the Store House and premises opposite to the Dwelling occupied by Edwin E. Medford occupied by Leckie & sons, The Tailors shop adjoining said Store House and premises occupied by Washington Hines, and the small Triangular Lot in the rear of the said Store House and premises. It further shows that the said property is in a bad state of repair and yields but a very small clear revenue and that it will be for the interest and advantage of said infants to sell the aforesaid real estate and to insert the proceeds in some productive fund for their benefit. William C. Huffington appointed guardian to answer the complaint of the said infants under the age of 21. James Thompson, John H. Hodson, and George Winthrop appointed to appraise the value of the aforesaid property taking into consideration the quality, local situation, improvements, with all advantages and disadvantages and encumbrances, whether it would be for the interest and advantage of the said infants, that their interest in the said grounds & premises should be sold. On 14 July 1853, they values the property as follows: the two story dwelling house, back buildings & out houses on the lot containing about 3/4 of an acre where E.E. Medford lives at about $1000. The buildings are only in tolerable repair, and will require considerable expense annually, to keep up the repairs. The Tavern property, occupied by Jno Dean, contains about 1 acre of land has on it a two story room, with an additional single story altogether about 50 feet in length and about 18-20 feet in breadth. The above buildings and Granary are in tolerable repair. Stable and Carriage House is in tolerable repair. Granary and other out houses need repairing. We estimate the real value of the said lot & buildings at $1700. The Tanyard property occupied by Mrs. Manning containing about 3/4 of an acre has a single story dwelling & kitchen, shop, smoke house, and other old outbuildings scarcely worth repairing (the former in tolerable repair). We estimate the real value at $700. The Store house & small triangular lot occupied by Jno B. Leckie & son are in tolerable repair. We estimate the real value at $500. The small shop occupied by A. Washington Hines, we estimate the real value at $120. Taking into consideration the advantages and disadvantages, the encumbrances, locality, the amount of expenses that would naturally accrue annually, in keeping up the repairs, the casualties and liabilities of said buildings to be consumed by fire, as also the fact that property of the aforesaid description is in ready demand generally, at this time and command good prices. We, therefore, determine that agreeably to our opinion and best judgment, it would be advisable to sell said property & that is would be in the best interest of the heirs so to do.
10 September 1853, property sold at auction at the Hotel of John Dean in East New Market after it was advertised for 3 weeks in the Cambridge Chronicle. Sold to William C. Huffington for $900, the dwelling house occupied by Edwin E. Medford, the lot on which it stands, beginning at the gate post on the Main Street and next to the Tavern and then running back by the right side of the Smoke House to the back line of said lot, and thence with the outlines of said lot to said Gate Post at the beginning. Sold to Joseph Bradshaw, the Tavern property for $1275. Sold to Dr. J. Edwin Hooper, the Tan yard, now in the occupancy of Mrs. Manning for $700. Sold to John B. Leckie, the Store House occupied by John B. Leckie, the triangular lot of ground in the rear of said said store house, and also the small shop on said lot on which the store house stands for $725
1852-1864 Tax Record
Dr. John E. Hooper
1854 House & lot from Mary Ann Travers $800
Mary Ann Traver's Heirs
House & Lot $800
.....reduced
1854 House & Lot charged to Dr. John E. Hooper $800
Marriage - 17 November 1851 - James H. Bradshaw to Mary A. Traverse
1850 Census
Possibly
Dwelling #1239, household of John Dean, farmer
Marriage - 7 January 1846 - John E. Hooper to Maria Travers
Cambridge Chronicle - 6 September 1845 - To Rent - For the ensuing year, (or if preferred a Lease for a team of years will be given to good and punctual tenants,) the commodious Dwelling House, Garden, and other necessary out houses, formerly the residence of Mrs. Mary Ann Traverse, in the town of East New Market; also the Tanyard now occupied by William Turpin, together with a very comfortable dwelling and all necessary out houses, this land is considered among the very best in this part of the country; as also an office, shoe-shop, and carpentry shop. The above property will be rented on accommodating terms, of early application is made to. William C. Huffington, Big Mills, Dorchester County, Md.
Cambridge Chronicle – 5 April 1845 – Vendue –
By order of the
Orphans’ Court of Dorchester County I will sell at public sale at East
New Market, on Thursday 17th day of April, all the personal estate of
Mrs. Mary Ann Traverse, late of Dorchester County, dec’d., consisting of
household & kitchen furniture, one old gig and six head of mule. T- runs
… known on the day of sale. Sale to commence at 10 o’clock A.M..
Allen-… given by Wm. C. Huffington, exec’r of Mary A. Traverse,
deceased.
Chancery Court Record Dorchester County - B155-644 - December 1836 - Joseph K Travers, deceased, leaving wife Mary Ann Travers, and daughters Priscilla Travers and Mary Augusta Travers (minors).
Cambridge Chronicle – 28 July 1832 – Public sale at Henry B. LeCompte's tavern in New Market a small lot containing 5-6 acres situated opposite Joseph K. Travers tan shop in New Market; Nathaniel E. Green, executor of Henry Nicols.
Cambridge Chronicle – 28 July
1832 – To Rent for the Ensuing Year –
Also, for rent, the tavern in New Market, occupied the present year by Mr.
H.B. LeCompte
Also, a small house in New Market adjoining store of Messrs LeCompte &
Barrow, generally occupied as a shoe shop - it would suit a show maker,
tailor, milliner, or a physician. It can be had for the balance of
the present year, if desired.
Also, a comfortable Dwelling House and other necessary Houses with a
good Garden, situated in New Market, on the Tan-Yard; and also, if
desired, the Yard, with all the Tools and appurtenances thereto
belonging, all in complete order -- a valuable stock of Bark can be had,
and the privilege to work in a stock by the 1st of October next; and the
dwelling house can be had at the same time, reserving the use of the
yard and shop until the present stock is finished. For terms and
particulars, apply to Joseph K Travers. New Market, July 21, 1832
12 ER 161 - 13 October 1830 - Samuel Ferguson to Mary Ann Travers for $1000: land called "New Market" in the village of New Market. Beginning at a cedar post marked VIII standing on the east side of the new road leading through New Market, it being the last post of Lot No 6 and from thence running and binding with Lot No 8 S 75 E 32 perches to another cedar post marked VII, from thence S 1 E 5 perches to a marked sassafras post VIII and from thence N 75 W 33 1/4 perches to another post on the east side of said road marked VIII from thence to the beginning. Containing 1 acre.
11 ER 185 - 4 November 1828 - Mortgage Samuel Ferguson owing to Henry Nichols and Joseph K. Travers for $500: secured by the lot where he now lives in the village of New Market called the "old tanyard". Containing 1 acre. Margin release, mortgage paid 22 December 1828.
10 ER 604 - 12 January 1828 - Joseph K Travers & Mary Ann, his wife, to Samuel Ferguson for $275: one acre of land being part of a tract called "New Market" in a village called New Market. Beginning at a cedar post marked VIII, standing on the East side of the new road leading through New Market, it being the last post of Lot No. 6, thence binding with Lot No. 6 S 75 E 32 perches to another cedar post marked VII, from thence S 1 E 5 perches to a marked sassafras post VIII, and from thence N 75 W 33 1/4 perches to another post on East side said marked VIII, from thence to the beginning. Containing 1 acre.
[Charles LeCompte died before October 1812 as the land he owned was then described as belonging to Charles LeCompte's heirs. Smart B LeCompte and Levin LeCompte are known to be sons of this Charles LeCompte. Mary Ann Morgan, wife of Joseph K. Traverse was also very likely an heir of Charles LeCompte. Clearly the lot mentioned in 10 ER 604 is the same lot mentioned in 9 HD 484.]
Marriage - 18 September 1827 - Joseph K. Traverse to Mary Ann Morgan
Easton Gazette and Eastern Shore Advertiser - 28 February 1820 -
Advertisement -
The subscriber having determined to leave the county, offers at private
sale the following property, on accommodating terms, viz: A House and
Lot in New Market, occupied by Dr. Waggaman; a House and Lot in ditto
occupied by Mr. Roberts; a house and lot in ditto occupied as a Tavern
several years, subject to a lease of 5 years; a
Tanyard in New Market, with all necessary appurtenances thereto
belonging; a lot containing one acre in New Market; upwards of
200 acres well timbered land, within 2 miles of New Market, which will
be laid off in Lots to suit purchasers; a house and lot in Cambridge,
occupied by John Donovan; a house and lot on Church Creek; and the farm
I occupy, situate on Choptank River and on the road leading from
Cambridge to New Market, about 9 miles from the former and 3 miles from
the latter, containing 254 acres, well improved. If the above should
not be disposed of at private sale, the property in New Market, with the
200 acres of woodland, will, positively, be sold at Public Sale, in New
Market, at Mr. Orem's Tavern, on the 25th March next, at 1 o'clock, and
the balance in Cambridge, at Mr. Flint's Tavern, on the 4th April next,
at 3 o'clock. Terms made known on the day of sale. For particulars
apply to John Donovan in Cambridge, or William Morgan, Dorchester
County.
Republican Star - 16 February 1819 - For Rent or Lease-
Tan Yard for rent, New Market - William Morgan, Indian Creek.
Republican Star - 9 April 1816 - For Rent or Lease -
That well known establishment as a Tan Yard, in New Market, for many
years past occupied by Mr. Robert Travers. The yard has every necessary
improvement, all of which are in good order. A description is
unnecessary, as those inclined to rent, will no doubt view the
premises. For terms, which will be liberal, apply to Mr. Robert
Travers, on the premises. William Morgan, Cambridge.
[Robert Travers lived across the street at the Haskins/Houston House.]
Marriage - 21 March 1816 - Samuel Ferguson to Margaret Corkran
9 HD 484 - 28 July 1796 - James Sulivane to Charles Lecompte for 18 pounds, 15 shillings: 1 acre part of a tract called "New Market" in the village of New Market. Beginning at a cedar post marked VIII standing on the east side of the new road leading through New Market, it being the last mentioned post of Lot No 6, and from thence running and binding with Lot No 6, S 75 E 32 perches to another cedar post marked VII and from thence running S 1 E 5 perches to a sassafras post marked 8, and from thence running N 75, W 33 1/4 perches, to another sassafras post marked 8 standing on the east side of said road, and from thence with a straight line to the first beginning. Containing 1 acre. Mary Sulivane, wife of James Sulivane.
Marriage - 18 December 1790 - Charles LeCompte to Drucilla Travers