My immigrant ancestor, Thomas Dow, sold his original homestead in Newburyport, MA. to John Bartlett before Nov. 10, 1653, the date Thomas bought a new homestead in Haverhill, MA. There is I believe a belated recording of the transaction on May 29, 1660. Thomas was deceased at that time, so that is why I believe it could be a belated recording. Thomas Dow was granted this land in ca. 1639 in Newburyport, MA. It was said to have been on the southerly side of Greenleaf Lane, leading to Watts Cellar down by the water, by way of Frog Pond. Historians have told me that that Greenleaf Lane was later called Fish Street and now State Street.
I have been to the area. Frog Pond has a circle of land around it where the early settlers had their animals graze which is now the Bartlett Mall behind the court house on High Street surrounded by Greenleaf Street and Pond Street. Directly behind it is the steep and hilly old burying ground that began to be used in 1700. I have been told that perhaps the original old homestead of Thomas Dow, later purchased by John Bartlett, could have stood at the intersection of Greenleaf Street and State Street.
Does anyone know its exact location? I would appreciate any help.
Jean Mayo-Lakatos