property, amounting them in all to about $400, but at the time of Dr.
Hayward's decease, in 1821, valued at $100,000, -- a striking evidence of
growth and financial prosperity in less then fifty years. We learn that
the house was, like many of that period, one story and a half in height,
covering much space on the ground, and shaded by fine linden-trees. We
love to tarry here and do grateful honor to this first governor of our
new State, who, during our country's struggles for freedom, was one of
the most fearless opposers of British tyranny, one of the most active
patriots, and the first signer of the declaration of Independence. He was
of fine, dignified presence, six feet in height, with a very handsome
face and gracious manners. In public speaking he was eloquent, graceful
and accomplished, and plainly formed by nature to act a brilliant part in
the affairs of his time. According to the customs of that period with men
of fortune, his apparel was very elaborate and costly, of velvet and
satin, embroidered with gold and silver lace. "His equipage was splendid,
and public occasions he rode with six beautiful bay horses and attended
by servants in livery." Mach of his large fortune was spent for
benevolent and useful purposes, Harvard College coming in for a share. In
the year 1800, Thomas Hancock, nephew of the Governor, built the house
which has recently been destroyed, and resided here until 1819, when the
estate was purchased by Mr. Nathaniel Curtis, fifth in descent from the
first William Curtis. He was a merchant of Boston, highly esteemed, and
filled various positions of trust on our town. He resided here during the
remainder if his life, a period of thirty-eight years, and died in 1857.
He married for his second wife the widow Leeds, who at the time was
living in the old Stephen Brewer house, still standing at the end of
Thomas Street, and which was afterwards for several years the home of Mr.
William D. Ticknor, of the publishing house of Ticknor & Fields. Mrs.
Curtis lived in the old house for many years after he husband's death,
until we missed the gentle, sweet face, and the kindly, cordial greetings