Anchored throughout the town are the churches erected by our town's founders. They served them, and they continue to serve today. Founded in 1646, North Parish was the center of life in Andover. The original church building stood until 1669. Rebuilt five times, the present building was constructed in 1836. In 1711, as a result of Andover's growing population, North Parish divided and formed South Parish. South Parish Church has been rebuilt several times, with its present building (the fourth)
An ancient clock, described as 400 years old and as the first clock brought to Andover, Massachusetts, was seen by hordes of visitors to the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. Hanging in the kitchen of the New England Farmer’s Home, it joined Peregrine White’s cradle, John Alden’s writing desk and other significant artifacts from the earliest days of Massachusetts. Sadly, there seems to be no other information about it except for a period illustration showing what looks like a 17th
Scattered throughout the pages of Andover history books are occasional references to citizens who have gone astray. Regardless of status or gender, these "black sheep" have blemished many a family tree. Their scandalous stories color Andover's past. John Beverly holds the record for longevity--not for his age but for his ability to draw from the town treasury. Returning from the French and Indian campaign of 1760, young Beverly lost both feet from frostbite when stranded in the woods during a
Once the rudiments of settlement were established in pocketed areas of Massachusetts, including Cochichewick, the Puritans turned their attention to education. These intellectual immigrants brought with them staunch Calvinist beliefs coupled with devotion to education and inquiry. By examining the laws, the demands on new towns became clear. In 1642 the General Court ordered “the chosen men of each town to ascertain from time to time if children are being trained in learning and labor and other
America has always been a destination for immigrants searching for new opportunities. From the time of 1646 and its English roots, Andover has attracted immigrants from many cultures. By the 19th century Andover, like most of America, saw an increase of other European groups. Census records from 1860 through 1920 mark an increase in Irish and Scottish residents. Early on the Irish outnumbered the Scottish, but by the 1920s those numbers were reversed. During this period English descendants made
Before paved roads and automobiles eased the pain of travel, towns maintained "public houses" for the comfort of its travelers. These travelers included ordinary folk out for business or pleasure, officers of the Colonial government, military companies, and various vagrants and peddlers. Innkeepers, often some of the town's principle citizens, had to be licensed to sell wine and strong liquor. Inns were very much a part of Andover's social and political life even through the 1800s. The Abbot
The myth of benevolent New England slavery is persistent. In the earliest days of the colonies, New England Puritans tried to balance their Christian beliefs with their slaveholding practices. Some believed those they enslaved were not human and so had no soul to save. Others, such as Cotton Mather, argued that since all men were created by God, they must have a soul and therefore should be baptized and become members of the church. By English law, a Christian could not own another Christian,
In America's earliest days, African men, women and children were sold into slavery in all parts of the country, including here in Andover. The Phillips, one of the town's most prominent families, were among those who owned slaves. Cato was born in 1768 in the household of Reverend Samuel Phillips of South Church. After the Reverend's death in 1771, Cato passed to the Reverend's son, also Samuel, but known as Esquire. Esquire Phillips lived in North Parish and already owned several slaves. He
​On April 19, 1775, 335 Andover men answered the Lexington alarm. For the next eight years fathers and sons, brothers and uncles, even servants and free men, served side by side in the historic effort for American independence. Two companies of Minute Men marched from Andover that fateful morning, followed by four foot companies. Included in the last group were eight "aged" or physically unqualified men who delivered provisions to Cambridge. The units marched under Colonel James Frye of this
Since the founding of the nation, Andover residents have welcomed presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush into this little corner of the world. Whether it was for a single meal or for years of education, Andover boasts an impressive history of presidential presence. Washington came through Andover on Nov. 5, 1789, on his tour of the eastern states following his inauguration. In his diary from that year, he writes that he enjoyed breakfast at the Abbot Inn on Elm Street. While at the
Late Phillips Academy Headmaster Ted Sizer once noted that "this (Andover) is a town that values education." Excellence in its public schools has combined with passion in the private sector to create a "common commitment that lifts the level of all schooling." For over 250 years, Andover's private school options have come in many forms. Most familiar is Phillips Academy, founded in 1778 by Samuel Phillips Jr. to educate "youth from every quarter" in the classical tradition. While today the