formerly on east side of South Main Street. now on the south side of Academy Street.
(Also known as Murphy & Jacobs)
Key date analysis:
Theophilus Marshall purchased an L shaped lot now on the east side of Main Street from James Sulivane in 1796 for 30 pounds. In 1803 he sold the lot to Robert Traverse for 60 pounds. The price increase during this short time period possibly indicates a small structure may have been built or moved to the lot before 1803. An 1852 deed conveying the property to the north, indicates that on this property stood a storehouse occupied by Edwin E. Medford. In 1852 Rachel Webster is taxed for this store house valued at $300. She was also taxed for the same amount in 1849.
Who built it:
The storehouse was possibly built by in the early 1840s, by the owner Rachel Webster or a tenant, Edwin Medford. It is also possible the storehouse was built much earlier by Robert Traverse or Theophilus Marshall or even moved to the site from another location.
Longest Residents:
Collins Family 106 years. Rachel Webster 50 years.
More Research:
Dendrochronology could establish the construction date of the Old Trading Post.
Historic Records:
206 PLC 273 - 16 August 1978 - William B. Collins of Wilmington, DE, to John S. Warner & Margaret A. Warner, his wife, for $10,000:
205 PLC 739 - 21 June 1978 - Iva L. Collins to William B. Collins for natural love & affection:
184 PLC 496 - 15 March 1974 - Walter H. Bounds, Herman C. Bounds Jr., Hubert W. Bounds, Florine Bounds Groff, Edna Bounds, Charles C. Bounds, Irving P. Bounds Jr., Lucille B. Parella, Dorothy B. Majors, Liston Bloodsworth, Clifford Bloodsworth, Ronald Bloodsworth, Patricia Bloodsworth Rickwood, and Edna Pauline Bloodsworth Beckwith, all part owners, to Iva L. Collins and William B. Collins for $1: Whereas, Etha A. McAllen departed this life during the year 1934, possessed of land conveyed to her by the County Commissioners for Dorchester County, by deed dated 7 August 1934 in 31 JFD 295. Whereas the said Etha A. McAllen left surviving her Iva L. Collins, Herman C. Bounds, Harry Bounds, Liston Bounds, and Edna Bloodsworth, as her only heirs-at-law. Whereas, prior to the death of Etha A. McAllen, her daughter, Iva L. Collins made certain arrangements with her and with her brothers and sisters about becoming the sole owner of the hereinafter described property, and has entered into such ownership many years ago, has maintained the property, paid the taxes, and considered it her own since 1934 without realizing she did not have a valid deed of conveyance. Whereas the said Iva L. Collins now desires to own the said property as joint tenants with her son William B. Collins, has requested a deed of conveyance from the other grantors. Lot which was designated as Lot No. 92 in a deed from A.S. Hopkins, Treasurer to the County Commissioners for Dorchester County, said deed being dated 7 June 1934 in 31 JFD 147. Lot No. 92 - assessed to William T. Collins, being lot on Main Street adjoining lands of Julian Richardson and Mrs. Adeline Dick, with buildings thereon in East New Market.
31 JFD 295 - 7 August 1934 - County Commissioners of Dorchester County to Etha McAllen: Lot 92 from A.S. Hopkins, Treasurer to the County Commissioners in deed dated 7 June 1934 in 31 JFD 147. Lot on Main Street adjoining the lands of Julian Richardson and Mrs. Adeline Dick with buildings.
31 JFD 147 -7 June 1934 - Arthus S. Hopkins, Treasurer & Collector for Dorchester County, to sell property to the County Commissioners of Dorchester County for taxes levied but not collected for the year 1931. Property of William T. Collins sold to pay taxes - among many others.
1930 Census
Dwelling #34, household of William T. Collins
1920 Census
Dwelling #72, household of Bertie Helsby, milliner
1910 Census
undetermined
1900 Census
undetermined
2 JWF 144 - 23 December 1897 / 6 January 1899 - Will of Samuel E.
Collins
I, Samuel E. Collins, of East New Market, in Dorchester County, State of
Maryland do hereby make this my last will and testament in manner
following. That is to say: After the payment of my just
debts and funeral expenses, I give devise, and bequeath my estate as
follows:
Item (5) I give and devise unto my daughter Elizabeth T. now
intermarried with Lynn Connard of Philadelphia, Pa. all of that dwelling
house and lot of ground adjoining my home place in the town of East New
Market as at present laid off and fenced...
1896-1910 Tax Record
Elizabeth T. Connard (husband Lynn Connard)
25 May 1899 - Lot in town of ENM from Samuel E. Collins, her father, by
Will $145
Buildings & improvements on same from same $500
Samuel E. Collins
2 houses $1000 & 1/4 acre lot in ENM $290
1 grass lot near ENM 2 1/2 acres $100
25 May 1899 - reduced by personal in hands of Administrator, J.C.
Johnson
1 house and part of the 1/4 acre lot to Adeline D. Collins, his
daughter, by Will (home place)
1 house & lot in ENM adjoining home place to Elizabeth T. Connard,
daughter of S.E.C.
1896 Tax
Record
Samuel E. Collins
2 houses and 1/4 acre lot in the town of East New Market, lot $290, 2
houses $1000
1880 Census
Possibly dwelling #17, household of Elizabeth Camper, milliner
1876 Tax
Record
Samuel E. Collins
2 dwelling houses & lot in ENM 1/2 acre - $1500
8 FJH 567 – 14 November 1872 – Josiah Helsby & A. Rebecca Helsby, his wife, to Samuel E. Collins for $250: store house and lot on east side of Main Street in East New Market. Beginning at the southwest corner of the grocery attached to the store room, thence easterly with said grocery to the northeast corner of Mr. James Murphey's Garden House and from thence a right angles to the fence of Mrs. Bramble gardens and from thence straight with the fence to the said street, and thence southwest with said street to the place of beginning. As per deed from Dr. James T. Jacobs & wife in 7 FJH 304.
1870 Census
undetermined
1867-1876 Tax Record
Samuel E. Collins
1871 - House & lot from Dr. James T. Jacobs & wife - $1000
1874 - Storehouse from Josiah Helsby & wife - $1000
Josiah Helsby
1869 - Store House in New Market from J.T. Jacobs & wife - $500
Dr. James T. Jacobs
1867 - House lot & Store house where Murphy lives $1500
reduced
1869 - store house to Josiah Helsby $500
1871 - house & lot where Murphy lives to S.E. Collins $1000
Murphy & Jacobs
1867 - stock in trade $2000
reduced
1868 - stock in trade sold to Manning $2000
7 FJH 304 - 15 October 1868 - Emma V. Jacobs & Dr. James T. Jacobs, her husband, to Josiah Helsby for $500: Store house and lot on the east side of Main Street in the town of East New Market. Beginning at the southwest corner of the grocery attached to the storeroom and from thence an easterly direction with said grocery in a straight line to the northeast corner of Mr. James Murphy's garden house, and from thence at right angles to the fence of Mrs. Bramble's garden, and from thence straight with said fence to the street, and thence southward with said street to the place of beginning.
1866 Tax
Record
Dr. James T. Jacobs
House, Lot, & Store house where Murphy lives $1500
Jacobs & Murphy
Stock in Trade Goods, Wares, & Merchandise $2000
Baltimore Sun - 14 September 1865
- Drug Store For Sale -
In the country. Apply to Burroughs Bros. or J.M. Murphy, E. New Market,
Dorchester county, Md. The stock and fixtures of the store will be sold
at a bargain.
Cambridge Herald - 4 November
1863 -- Drug Store --
Having purchased the DRUG STORE formerly occupied by Dr. J. T. Jacobs,
in the town of East New Market, I take this opportunity of notifying the
public that I have opened a full assortment of DRUGS, MEDICINES, DYE
STUFFS, and many domestic articles, beside a completed and full
assortment of CONFECTIONARY, and all articles usually kept in a first
class Drug Store. I am prepared to sell at as low, or lower rates than
any other store on the shore. Dr. Jacobs takes this opportunity of
thanking the public for the liberal patronage extended to him, and begs
a continuance of the same to his successor. J. M. Murphey, East New
Market.
5 FJH 196 - 9 June 1862 - John Webster, attorney to sell the lands of Rachel Webster, deceased, to Emma V. Jacobs, wife of James T. Jacobs (power of attorney granted to John Webster 5 FJH 144): land on the east side of Main Street at the juncture of the land of said James T. Jacobs' present residence, and running East with the lines of said land to a point opposite to the eastern portion of a certain Mary Bramble's garden, thence to the North corner of said garden, thence West with the southern line of said garden to the land of a certain John Q. Leckie, thence South with said Street to the place of beginning. Together with all of the buildings, improvements, rights, and privileges.
[From 1796 to 1862, the lot was L-shaped with frontage on what is now Main Street and Railroad Avenue. The original shape is shown below. In 1862, John Webster, split the lot and sold the part fronting Main Street to the Emma Jacobs. A storehouse now known as the Trading Post was on this part of the lot at the time. In 1865, John Webster sold the part of the lot fronting Railroad Avenue. A house was on this part of the lot at the time. This house burned down in 1882, and the Phillips-Blake House was built the same year.]
5 FJH 144 - 28 January 1862 - Power of Attorney granted unto John Webster to sell the real estate of Rachel Webster, deceased. Signed by Harriet Dean, Mitchell Thompson, Celia Thompson, Thomas Gambrill, William D.W. Rawleigh, Rachel Rawleigh, Thomas Bradley, Harriet Bradley, and Robert H. Gambrill.
Cambridge Herald - 27 November
1861 - Sale of Real Estate -
By virtue of Letter of Attorney to the duly executed, empowering me to
sell the real estate of Rachael Webster, late of Dorchester County,
deceased, I will offer at public sale, in the town of East New Market,
in said county, on Saturday, December 14, 1861, between the hours of 1
and 4 o'clock, P.M. to the highest bidder, the following lands to wit: A
farm lying on the road from East New Market to Crotchet's Ferry, and
adjoining the lands of James R. Donoho, containing 138 acres more or
less, reserving the family burying ground on said farm, containing 1/4
acre more or less, with a right of way thereto.
Also two lots in the town of E. New Market, with
all the improvements thereon. Terms of sale - one fourth
cash, the balance in three equal installments of six, twelve, and
eighteen months, to be secured by the bonds of the purchaser or
purchasers, with sureties to be approved by the undersigned. Nov. 27,
1861 - John Webster.
1860 Census
Dwelling #
1 THH 262 - Will of Edwin E. Medford - 15 August 1853 / 1 December
1853
To Mary Adaline Medford, daughter,...
To Seldon P. Medford, son,...
To Thomas H. Medford, son,...
To Charlotte A. Rawlings, cousin,...
To Ansel M. Medford, named executor
1852-1864 Tax Record
Emma V. Jacobs
1863 house & lot from John Webster $400
Rachel Webster
House & Lot $100, Store House and Lot $300
.....reduced
1863 by house & lot to E.V. Jacobs $400
1850 Census
Dwelling #
1849 Tax Assessment List
Rachael Webster
Real Estate $300, Personal Estate $0
1840 Census
Household of Rachel Webster
1838 Tax Assessment List -
District #2
Thomas Webster, call on Rachel Webster
Real Estate $846, Personal Estate $0
Cambridge Chronicle - 25 May 1833
-
Robert H. Webster writes a letter to the public denying rumors that he
has beaten his mother. The rumor began when he was denied
membership to the society of Odd Fellows in Cambridge. They gave
as reason for denial that he treated his mother unkindly and inflicted
blows on her. Mrs. Rachel Webster appears before Henry C. Elbert
and testifies on oath that the report in circulation against her son
Robert H. Webster respecting his bad treatment towards her is absolute
falsehood. Francis Webb Sr. (admin of Thomas Webster, father of
Robert Webster), certifies Mr. Robert Webster is a kind and affectionate
and obedient son to his mother. Samuel Sewell certifies that he
has been a near neighbor to Mrs. Rachel Webster for 8 to 10 years
and has never known any ill treatment by the said Robert Webster to his
mother. Thomas H. Hicks certifies that he has known Mr. Webster
since childhood and he has always been kind to his mother. Further
Mr. Webster and I have for a long time resided in the same neighborhood
& I know him to be a young gentleman of sober and correct habits, and as
far as I know, I have entire respectability. William W. Eccleston
certifies the same. Mr. Eccleston moved from this neighborhood in
the fall 1823. I have frequently been in that neighborhood since
and I have never known anything disrespectful of him. I have heard
it whispered in the neighborhood that he was a little irritable, but
from his industrious habits, I thought it was a natural consequence.
I have never heard his mother complain of any improper conduct in him
towards her. [Robert H. Webster died less
than 10 months later].
Republican Star - 28 September
1813 - Thirty Dollars Reward -
Ran away from the subscriber living in New Market, Dorchester county,
Maryland, on the 5thof September, inst. a bright mulatto negro man, late
the property of Thomas Webster, deceased, of said county. He is about
19 years of age, 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, smiling countenance, but
down look when spoken to. Whoever takes up said negro, and lodges him
in jail, so that the subscriber gets him, shall receive the above
reward, with all reasonable charges if brought home. Francis Webb,
Acting Administrator of Thomas Webster, deceased.
2 ER 24 - 29 February 1812 - Robert Traverse to Thomas Webster for $110: part of a tract called "Debate Enlarged", but hath been resurveyed by James Sulivane and now called New Market. In the village of New Market described upon the plat by No. 2 and to be containing within the following bounds. Beginning at a bounded cedar post marked with the letter CL on one side and TM upon the other, standing on the east side of the main road leading from Cabin Creek Mill to Cambridge, it being the fourth or last boundary of lot No. 3 sold by James Sulivane to Charles Lecompte in the year 1795 as the deed may appear, then running S 89 E 12 perches to another marked cedar post of said Lecompte Lot marked CL and from thence running the same course S 89 E 5 1/4 perches to another marked white oak post marked with the letters TM, and from thence running N 9 perches to another marked with oak post marked TM standing by the edge of the main road leading from New Market toward Vienna and from thence running N 75 degrees and 48 feet to another bounded Sassafras post running in the north line of the land belonging to the heirs of John Anderton and from thence running S 7 1/4 perches to another marked Sassafras post standing at the beginning of the north line and from thence running ? 14 perches to another marked white oak post standing by the east side of the main road leading from Cabin Creek Mill to the Cambridge and from thence with a straight line to the place of beginning. Containing 57 1/2 square perches and premises together with the guardian fences. Robert Traverse and Sally Traverse, his wife, acknowledged.
20 HD 300 - 23 May 1803 - Theophilus Marshall to Robert Traverse for 60 pounds: part of a tract formerly called "Debate Enlarged" but resurveyed by James Sulivane and now called "New Market" in the village of New Market. Described upon the plot by No. 2. Beginning at a bounded cedar post marked with the letters CL on one side and TM upon the other, standing on the east side of the main road leading from Cabin Creek to Cambridge, it being the 4th or last boundary of Lot No. 3 sold by James Sulivane to Charles LeCompte in the year 1795, and from thence running S 89 E 12 perches to another marked cedar post of said LeCompte's Lot marked CL and from thence running the same course S 89 E 5 1/4 perches to another marked white oak post marked with the letter TM and from thence running N 9 perches to another marked with oak post marked TM standing by the edge of the main road leading from New Market towards Vienna and from thence running N 75 W 48 feet to another bounded sassafras post standing in the north line of the land belonging to the heirs of John Anderton and from thence running S 7 1/4 perches to another marked sassafras post standing at the beginning of the north line, and from thence running W 14 perches to another marked white oak post standing by the east side of the main road leading from Cabin Creek to Cambridge, and from thence with a straight line to the place of beginning. Containing 57 1/2 square perches. Elizabeth Marshall, wife or Theophilus Marshall.
9 HD 403 - 28 July 1796 - James Sulivane to Theophilus Marshall for 35 pounds: all that part of a tract formerly called "Debate Enlarged", but hath been resurveyed by the said Sulivane and now called "New Market". Lot is in the village of New Market and described upon the plot by No 2. Beginning at a bounded cedar post marked with the letters CL on one side and TM upon the other side, standing on the east side of the main road leading from Cabin Creek Mills to Cambridge, it being the 4th or last boundary of Lot No 3, sold by the aforesaid Sulivane to a certain Charles LeCompte in 1795, and from thence running S 89 E 12 perches to another marked cedar post of said LeCompte lot marked CL, and from thence running the same course S 89 E 5 1/4 perches to another white oak post marked TM, and from thence running N 9 perches to another white oak post marked TM, standing by the edge of the main road leading from New Market toward Vienna, and from thence running N 75 W 48 feet to another bounded sassafras post standing in the North line of the land belonging to the heirs of John Anderton, and from thence running S 7 1/4 perches to another marked sassafras post standing at the beginning of the north line, and from thence running W 14 perches to another marked white oak post standing by the east side of the main road leading from Cabin Creek to Cambridge, and from thence with a straight line to the place of beginning. Containing 57 1/2 square perches.
Marriage - 23 June 1795 - Thomas Webster to Rachel Beach