Jonathan Hill House
Jonathan Hill House
| Address | 312 Concord Rd |
| MACRIS ID | BIL.176 |
| Built | 1780 |
| Owners |
Jonathan Hill
(1742 - 1796)
Jonathan Hill (1796 - 1815) |
| Other Lot Structures | Jonathan Hill House (original house) (1680 - 1780) |
The Jonathan Hill House stands on the east side of Concord Road in South Billerica, beside the pond and dams of the old Hill's Mills. It is one of the oldest houses in town. Brick-lined partitions, low framing and other early features mark it as a 17th-century house, enlarged and finished by later generations of the Hill family. Its land can be followed in the records without a break from the Dudley Farm of 1652 to the present.
The site was part of the 1,500-acre farm granted to Deputy Governor Thomas Dudley, who sold it in 1652 to Thomas Chamberlin, James Parker and Isaac Learned of Woburn. In 1657 Ralph Hill Sr. bought Learned's share, about 187 acres in several parcels. In his will of November 1662 he left the houses to his son Jonathan and gave his second son, Nathaniel Hill, "that parcell of land lying towards Concord which is two half lotts," the land that includes this site. Ralph Hill died in April 1663. Nathaniel married in 1667, and the first clear references to the mill site date from about 1680, so he may have built both the house and the mills; after his first wife died in 1685 he moved to Chelmsford. In February 1706 "Cornet" Nathaniel Hill gave his son Ralph, "for love and affection," sixty acres bounded west by the road to Concord, north by Joseph Hill, east by the Pond Meadow and south by Zechariah Shed, "with all the buildings fences & Trees standing thereon." That deed is the earliest record of a house on the site.
Ralph lived here until he died, unmarried, in 1742. His will, made in 1740 when he was "old & full of days," left all his Billerica estate to his "well beloved Nephew Jonathan Hill," son of his brother Joseph, for whom the house is named. Jonathan bought the adjoining Kenney place with its small house and barn, added pieces of meadow in 1748 and 1758, and in 1785 sold the south end of the farm, 40 1/2 acres, to his sons Job and Josiah. His will of 1795 left the homestead to his son Jonathan, and in December 1796 the three brothers divided their father's Carlisle woodlot under the will, Jonathan taking "his full half." The younger Jonathan (m. 1798) added the final embellishments, recorded by date on an interior wall.
The last Jonathan Hill died without a will in 1815, leaving his widow Mary, two daughters and two young sons; the farm then ran about 180 acres from the Bedford road west to the Concord River. In the spring of 1825 it was sold to John Simonds of Bedford, a shoemaker, who married the younger daughter, Anna, that June. Joel Fitch, guardian of the boys, sold their half at auction to Mather Hayward of Bedford for $1,900, and Hayward passed it to Simonds for the same price; Samuel and Mary Butler and Anna Hill sold the other half, with pew No. 12 at the meeting house, and the widow released her dower for $500. Simonds sold the western part toward the river to the boys' cousin Jonathan Hill, who bought the mill and its water rights from John Nichols in 1835.
Simonds kept the house only a few months. He sold it and 90 acres "with all the buildings thereon" east of the road to William Whitford of Bedford, a laborer, for $2,300, taking back a $1,000 mortgage in April 1826. The mortgage passed to Jonathan Hill in 1827 and to Sewall and Sarah A. Stearns in 1834, and was not discharged until 1846. Whitford farmed here until his death in December 1863. In 1864 his widow and the grown children, and the guardian of the three minors, sold "the homestead farm of William Whitford" to the eldest son, Francis O. Whitford, who on Oct. 13, 1864 sold the house and 50 acres, running back to the pond and the upper and lower dams, to Josiah H. Bartlett for $2,600, taking back a $1,600 mortgage. Bartlett resold the same 50 acres for the same price on Dec. 15, 1864 to Thomas Lyons of Sudbury, who mortgaged it the next week to Terence Byron of Concord and paid that off in 1873.
Thomas Lyons kept the farm for forty years. In 1884 he gave the Boston and Lowell Railroad a two-rod right of way across the back of it for the new Bedford and Billerica branch, on condition that the land revert "should the operation of this railroad ever be discontinued," and in 1900 he sold five acres by the railroad and Nutting's Pond to an ice company. He died on Nov. 30, 1905, aged 83. His six children settled the estate between them, and by 1908 the whole farm was in the hands of his son William J. Lyons, who borrowed on it from Clara E. Sexton and others; the Jonathan Hill Barn stood just north of the house. In 1915 the county took three strips of the front to straighten Concord Road, and William J. Lyons deeded the farm to his wife, Mary E. Lyons. The Lyons family was warmly remembered by the summer boarders who enjoyed their hospitality.
Mary E. Lyons sold the farm to Edith D. Jones of Newton in October 1920. That December Mrs. Jones recorded a contract with C. Milton Carter for "the erection, alteration, repair or removal of a building" on the "so called Lyons Farm, situated on the old Concord Road," to be finished by May 1921, the first record of work on the house in a century; in 1921 she and her husband Henry V. Jones borrowed $9,000 on the property. In 1923 they sold it to Mabel Lent of Arlington, who mortgaged it in turn to Mrs. Jones, the Woburn Five Cents Savings Bank and private lenders. In 1932 she sold it, subject to the bank's $8,500 mortgage, to Edith M. Knights of Lexington, who with her husband Arthur A. Knights restored the house with care and added the old machine shop lot by the dam. After his death she sold both in 1952 to William E. and Naomi M. Davis of Belmont, who kept up the restoration.
The Davises sold land behind the house to the Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company in 1961, and in 1966 sold Honeywell the house itself with 11 acres, the pond and Mill Brook, as part of the company's new industrial campus. The site passed to Honeywell Information Systems and then to Bull HN, which sold it to Wang Laboratories in 1995. Wang's 1997 plan left the house on its own lot of about an acre and a half (Lot 5). Wang was absorbed in 1999 into GetronicsWang Co., which in 2002 sold the house lot to private owners. It has been a private home since.
References
Title References
| Date | Type | Grantor | Grantee | Summary | Recorded |
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| 1652 | Deed (conditional sale) | Thomas Dudley, Deputy Governor, of Roxbury | Thomas Chamberlin, James Parker and Isaac Learned, all of Woburn | Dudley Farm sold to Chamberlin, Parker and Learned; the Hill homestead was carved from it | 1/208 (South) |
Dated Feb. 28, 1651 [1651/2], recorded 1656. "Whereas by severall grants of divers Generall Courts, there is conveyed to Thomas Dudley the Deputy Governor and his heyres, fifteen hundred acres of land, lying and being about six miles northerly from Concord," Dudley, for 110 pounds, sells to Chamberlin, Parker and Learned "all the right, title, interest, claime and demand" he has in it by the grants "or by any purchase from any Indian," with "all woodes, trees, waters, fishings." The sale is void unless they pay 55 pounds in "oxen, steers, cowes, heiffers, or calves ... none of them then to be above six years old" at his dwelling house at Roxbury on April 28, 1653, and 55 pounds more in cattle or corn (20 pounds in wheat, 35 in rye, pease and Indian corn) on April 28, 1654. Witnessed by Thomas Dudley Jr., Tobias Davis and John Rankens (his mark). This is the Dudley Farm, the tract along the Concord River and Nutting's Pond that became the south part of Billerica. Isaac Learned's share of it, with the buildings he had put up, is what he sold to Ralph Hill in 1657 (Book 2 Page 16). Billerica town book 1, pages 3-5 (also indexed under Tewksbury).
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| May 27, 1657 | Deed | Isaac Learned of Chelmsford, planter, and Mary Learned | Ralph Hill of Billerica | Ralph Hill Sr. buys Isaac Learned's share of the Dudley Farm (probable source) | 2/16 (South) |
For 52 pounds sterling secured by bill, "one messuage or tenement ... containing all that my right, title and interest in the farm lately purchased of the Worshipful Thomas Dudley Esq. deceased, the whole being by estimation about one hundred eighty and seven acres," in several parcels: the parcel "whereon the buildings are erected," bounded southwest by Concord River, north by George Farley's lot, east by Lieutenant French and south by William Baker; two parcels in Pond Meadow (about ten acres) by William Baker, Henry Jefts and Lieut. French; two small meadows called the Round Meadows, with two springs or slips, near Mr. John Winthrop's farm; a small parcel in Long Meadow bounded north by William Baker; about an acre in the River Meadow between Henry Jefts and William Baker; and upland between the great pond near Cambridge bounds and Robert Parker. Signed the seventh day of the second month (April 7), 1657, witnessed by William Simmes and Jacob Greene; acknowledged the same day before Daniel Gookin, magistrate; entered and recorded 27 3mo. 1657 by Thomas Danforth, Recorder. This is Ralph Hill Sr.'s homestead on the Dudley Farm, the tract later divided among his sons. The house lot here, with the buildings, went to his son Jonathan; the "two half lots lying towards Concord" given to Nathaniel in 1663 were part of his Dudley Farm rights, but the will does not say whether they came from this purchase. Billerica town book 1, pages 7-9.
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| 1663 | Will | Ralph Hill Sr. of Billerica, yeoman | Nathaniel Hill, his son (and Jonathan Hill, son, and Margaret Hill, widow) | Ralph Hill Sr. wills the two half-lots toward Concord to son Nathaniel | Probate #11502 |
Will dated November 18, 1662, "being weak in body but of perfect memory." To his wife Margaret a third part of all his housing, lands and meadows in Billerica for life, a bed, a cow of her choosing and swine. His son Ralph to have 23 pounds from the land bought at Woburn, the rest of his portion; daughter Martha 20 pounds; daughter Rebecca 30 pounds; granddaughters Mary Littlefield 15 pounds and Elizabeth Hill 20 shillings; to his son-in-law Roger Toothaker thirty-three and a half acres in the common field. "My son Nathaniell shall have that parcell of land lying towards Concord which is two half lotts (so called) and bounded as the land ... was exchanged with Benjamin Parker, which is in lieu of land laid to me by the town for highways," with all his meadow in Long Meadow and Little Round Meadow and the slips of meadow adjoining, half the meadow bought of Edward Oakes at Shawshin River, an acre in Concord River meadow and half of all later divisions of land. "My son Jonathan Hill shall have all the rest of my lands and houses with the appurtenances to them belonging," reserving to Nathaniel one third of the improvable land until he has broken up and fenced land of his own. Sons Nathaniel and Jonathan executors; William Tay and John Parker overseers. Signed by mark, witnessed by George Farley and John Parker, who swore to it at Billerica in 1663 before Capt. Gookin; entered and recorded at Cambridge, lib. 2, p. 153, by Thomas Danforth. Ralph Hill died April 29, 1663. The will gives Nathaniel bare land with no buildings, so the house on the site was built by Nathaniel after 1663 (he married in 1667) and was standing by 1706. Middlesex probate case 11502.
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| December 6, 1718 | Gift | Cornet Nathaniel Hill of Chelmsford | Ralph Hill of Billerica, his son | Nathaniel Hill gives the homestead, 60 acres with the buildings, to his son Ralph | 20/195 (South) |
For "love and affection," several parcels in Billerica: "Sixty acres of Upland be it more or less, bounded North by the Land of Joseph Hill, and East by the Pond medow and the Land of Nathll Hill, and South by ye Land of Zechariah Shed, and West by the Road leading to Concord with all the buildings fences & Trees standing thereon"; two acres in Long Meadow, half of John Stearns's lot; two acres in the River Meadow bounded west by Concord River; three acres of swamp at the east end of Cornet Hill's lot; and a five-acre town right. Signed Feb. 13, 1705/6, witnessed by Moses Barron, Jonathan Richardson and Samuel Hill Sr.; acknowledged at Chelmsford the same day before Jonathan Tyng. The same day Ralph's brother Joseph Hill sold him eight acres by John Parker (next deed on the page). The north bound on Joseph Hill's land is the same as the north bound on "the heirs of Joseph Hill" in 1825. Nathaniel had the land from his father Ralph Hill Sr., who died in 1663. Billerica town book 2, pages 223-225.
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| May 24, 1742 | Will | Ralph Hill of Billerica, yeoman | Jonathan Hill of Billerica, his nephew | Ralph Hill wills the homestead to his nephew Jonathan Hill | Probate #11504 |
Will dated May 27, 1740, "being old & full of days": to "my well beloved Nephew Jonathan Hill," whom he also makes sole executor, "son to my Brother Joseph Hill of said Billerica, all my right, estate, title & interest in lands, household goods, debts & moveable effects" in Billerica, to him and his heirs forever. Legacies: 50 pounds to his sister Abigail, wife of Capt. Samuel Chamberlain of Chelmsford, two years after his death and 50 more two years later; 30 pounds to Nathaniel Hill, son of Nathaniel Hill deceased, at 21; 20 pounds to Abigail Hill, daughter of Nathaniel Hill deceased, at 18. Witnesses William Bowers, Stephen Osgood and Benjamin Bowers. Proved May 24, 1742 before Judge Jonathan Remington; Jonathan Hill gave bond for 500 pounds with Joseph Hill, husbandman, and Benjamin Shed, housewright. Middlesex probate case 11504.
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| February 9, 1761 | Deed | Samuel Kenney of Dunstable District, N.H., cordwainer | Jonathan Hill Jr. of Billerica | Adjoining land to Jonathan Hill, Ralph's nephew and heir | 58/204 (South) |
For 150 pounds old tenor, about seven acres "with a Dwelling House and a small Barn standing thereon," bounded northward by the land of Jonathan Hill, eastward by the heirs of Nathaniel Hill deceased, southward by Timothy Farley and westward by the highway leading to Bedford, with an allowance for a highway through it. Signed Jan. 6, 1745/6 (19th year of George II); acknowledged Oct. 26, 1751. Recorded with three other deeds to Jonathan Hill on the same day: Peter Hill, 1748, two acres of meadow on Concord River by Lieut. Joseph Hill (Book 58 Page 207); Nathaniel Hill, 1758, an acre and a half on the south side of Long Meadow by Jonathan's own meadow (Book 58 Page 208); and J. Hill, 1759, near Great Hill (Book 58 Page 209). This is land next to the homestead, not the house itself; it shows Jonathan Hill, Ralph's nephew, holding the adjoining land by 1746. How the homestead passed from Ralph Hill (d. 1742) to Jonathan, presumably by Ralph's will, is not in the deed books. Billerica town book 5, pages 505-508.
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| February 27, 1786 | Deed | Jonathan Hill of Billerica, yeoman | Job Hill and Josiah Hill of Billerica, yeomen | Jonathan Hill sets off the south part to sons Job and Josiah | 93/336 (South) |
For 152 pounds 9 shillings, 40 1/2 acres "in the Southerly part of said Town," beginning at the northwesterly angle by land of said Jonathan Hill, southerly by Isaac Stearns to a little swamp, by Samuel Stearns to the brook, east over the brook to the ditch and by the ditch to Benjamin Hutchinson, northerly by Hutchinson to Jonathan Hill, and westerly, northerly and easterly by Hill's land, the meadow, a wall and "the fence about twenty five feet East of the great tree to which the gate hangs," back to the start. Signed Feb. 25, 1785; acknowledged Nov. 30, 1785 before Edward Farmer. Job (b. 1754) and Josiah were Jonathan's sons. This set off the south end of the farm; the homestead stayed with Jonathan and passed to his son Jonathan (m. 1798, d. 1815), whose south abutter in 1825 was Job Hill. Billerica town book 8, pages 44-45.
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| May 10, 1796 | Will | Jonathan Hill of Billerica, yeoman | Jonathan Hill, his son (and Job, Josiah, Benjamin and Ralph Hill) | Jonathan Hill wills the homestead to his son Jonathan | Probate #11473 |
Will dated Jan. 12, 1795, with a codicil of Sept. 15, 1795. Sons Ralph and Benjamin, already provided for by deed, get 20 shillings each, and Benjamin the lot in Ashby. "My Kinny-farm, so called, containing by estimation about eight acres, with the buildings thereto belonging" goes to son Job. Job and Josiah share the land in Bedford (except Crooked Meadow) and "the southern part of my farm in Billerica on the east side of Bedford-road," divided from the rest by a line from the drawbars a little south of the grist mill along the wall of the ox-pasture, with the Peter lot of river meadow to Job, the Parker lot of meadow to Josiah, and the right to grind their own grain at the corn mill. To son Jonathan, the executor, all the rest of the lands and real estate in Billerica and Carlisle, Crooked Meadow, the stock, tools, clock and great brass kettle. Money to daughters Mary and Isabella; to the five unmarried daughters Susanna, Lucy, Elizabeth, Zuba and Anna, 20 pounds each, the household furniture, and while single the east chamber, the bedroom below at the northwest corner, the kitchen, well and wash yard, half an acre for a garden and a cow kept for them. Witnesses Henry Cumings, Jacob Richardson and Samuel Whiting. Proved May 10, 1796 before Judge Oliver Prescott. Middlesex probate case 11473.
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| January 22, 1799 | Partition | Job Hill and Jonathan Hill of Billerica and Josiah Hill of Bedford, yeomen, sons and heirs of Jonathan Hill | Each other (Jonathan Hill one half, Job and Josiah Hill one quarter each) | 1796 division of the Carlisle woodlot under Jonathan Hill's will; the son Jonathan who kept the homestead took half | 130/432 (South) |
Agreement dividing "a certain tract of land being wood land lying in the township of Carlisle," 66 acres 46 rods, which their father Jonathan Hill "late of Billerica deceased" by "his last will and testament gave and bequeathed unto us" and "willed to be divided" one quarter to Job, one quarter to Josiah and one half to Jonathan. Bounded from a range way southeast 246 rods on woodland of the heirs of John Hill, by a stone wall, and back to the range way by John Nichols. On Dec. 9, 1796 they laid off about 32 acres to Jonathan "as his full half," about 17 1/2 acres to Job and about 16 3/4 acres to Josiah, and declared themselves "fully satisfied with the division." Signed Dec. 10, 1796; recorded Jan. 22, 1799. Carlisle town book 6, pages 368-370. A woodlot, not the homestead, but it shows the 1795 will being carried out by the son Jonathan who kept the farm.
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| May 17, 1815 | Administration and Dower | Estate of Jonathan Hill of Billerica, yeoman, intestate | Mary Hill, widow (dower), and children Mary, Anna, Jonathan and David Hill | Jonathan Hill's estate: inventory and the widow's half of the house | Probate #11475 |
Jonathan Hill died intestate early in 1815. His widow Mary declined the administration, and Samuel Whiting of Billerica was appointed administrator on Feb. 28, 1815 (bond $30,000 with Joseph Locke and Jeremiah Farmer). The inventory by Peter Hill, Timothy Stearns and Josiah Hill (March 23, 1815) values "the homestead of said deceased in said Billerica estimated at 150 acres with all the buildings thereon, except the grist-mill" at $5,050, the grist mill at $440 and 13 1/4 acres of woodland in Bedford at $600. The committee to set off dower (Whiting, Peter Hill and Josiah Hill) appraised the real estate: the lot east of the road to Concord, about 98 acres, bounded by the road, Job Hill, the heirs of Jonathan Stickney, Nutting's Pond, Isaac French and the heirs of Joseph Hill ($1,940); the lot west of the road, 70 acres to the Concord River, between the heirs of Joseph Hill and John Stearns, Job Hill and Josiah Hill ($2,020); Long Meadow; the Bedford woodlot; the dwelling house ($600), barn and hovels ($180), mill house and cider mill, corn house and hog sty, grist mill and two pews, $6,200 in all. On May 17, 1815 they set off to the widow about 45 acres east of the road, meadow, woodland and old field, one third of the grist mill and pews, and "one half of the dwelling house (viz.) the west room, bed room, west chamber, and garret over it together with the middle chamber" ($300), the kitchen, meal chamber, well room, milk room and woodhouse to be used in common. The return also provides for the cow that "Jonathan Hill, father of Jonathan Hill deceased" ordered kept for his daughter Susanna. On April 4, 1815 Timothy Stearns of Billerica was appointed guardian of the four minor children Mary, Anna, Jonathan and David at their mother's request (case 11476). Middlesex probate case 11475.
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| April 11, 1826 | Guardian's Deed | Joel Fitch of Bedford, guardian of Jonathan Hill and David Hill, minors | Mather Hayward of Bedford, gentleman | Guardian sells the minor heirs' half to Mather Hayward | 265/389 (South) |
Joel Fitch, guardian of Jonathan and David Hill, "minors and children of Jonathan Hill late of Billerica ... yeoman deceased intestate," licensed by the Supreme Judicial Court at Concord on the fourth Monday of March 1825 to sell the whole of the minors' real estate, after thirty days' notice posted in Cambridge, Billerica, Bedford and Burlington, sold at public vendue on the premises April 29, 1825, to Mather Hayward, highest bidder, for $1,900: two undivided quarter parts of about 180 acres "with the buildings thereon standing" in the southwesterly part of Billerica, bounded northerly by the heirs of Joseph Hill deceased, westerly by Concord River, southerly by John Stearns and Job Hill, easterly by the heirs of Jonathan Stickney deceased and Seth Crosby; and two quarter parts of a ten-acre meadow by Elijah B. Hill, Job Hill, a brook and land "this day sold to Elijah B. Hill"; including the minors' reversion in the part set off to the widow Mary Hill as dower. Witnessed by Elijah Stearns and John Simonds; acknowledged May 17, 1825. Hayward quitclaimed the same two quarters to John Simonds for the same $1,900 by a deed dated the same day (Book 265 Page 391). Billerica town book 12, pages 464-466.
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| April 11, 1826 | Deed | Mather Hayward | John Simonds of Bedford, cordwainer | Hill heirs sell half the farm to John Simonds | 265/391 (South) |
For $1,900, quitclaim of two undivided fourth parts of about 180 acres "with the buildings thereon standing" in the southwesterly part of Billerica, bounded northerly by the heirs of Joseph Hill deceased, westerly by Concord River, southerly by John Stearns and Job Hill, and easterly by the heirs of Jonathan Stickney deceased and Seth Crosby; also 2/4 of a ten-acre meadow by Elijah B. Hill. This is the farm of Jonathan Hill (d. 1815). Hayward had bought these two quarters, the share of the minor heirs Jonathan and David Hill, at the guardian's auction the same day for the same price (Book 265 Page 389), so he acted as a straw buyer for Simonds. Lucy Hayward released dower. Signed April 29, 1825; acknowledged May 17, 1825. Billerica town book 12, pages 466-467.
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| 1825 | Deed | Samuel Butler of Leominster and Mary Butler (in her right), and Anna Hill | John Simonds of Bedford, cordwainer | Hill heirs sell the other half to Simonds | 265/392 (South) |
For $1,933.25, the other two undivided fourth parts of the same farm and meadow, with Mary's and Anna's reversion in the dower of the widow Mary Hill, and pew No. 12 and horse shed No. 12 at the meeting house. Mary and Anna were daughters of Jonathan Hill (d. 1815); Mary had married Samuel Butler in 1824, and Anna married the buyer, John Simonds, on June 2, 1825. Signed May 5, 1825. Billerica town book 12, pages 467-469.
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| 1825 | Release | Mary Hill, widow of Jonathan Hill | John Simonds of Bedford | Widow Mary Hill releases dower | 265/393 (South) |
For $500, release of her dower in the estate of her late husband Jonathan Hill. Followed by William Whitford's mortgage back to Simonds (Book 265 Page 442; town book 12, page 470). Billerica town book 12, page 469.
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| September 1, 1826 | Deed | John Simonds and Anna Simonds | William Whitford of Bedford, laborer | Simonds sells 90 acres with buildings to William Whitford | 269/301 (South) |
For $2,300, 90 acres "with all the buildings thereon," beginning at the northwesterly corner on the County Road from Billerica to Bedford at the heirs of Joseph Hill, easterly on those heirs, southerly on Seth Crosby and the heirs of Jonathan Stickney to Job Hill, westerly on Hill to the road and northerly by the road. Simonds reserves the wood for three years from Dec. 1 and a right of way for owners of land to the east. Signed Aug. 16, 1825; acknowledged April 5, 1826. Whitford later added 8 acres of meadow from J. F. Hill (1830, Book 304 Page 147, resold to Sewall Stearns in 1831), the School House Pasture from E. B. Hill (1833, Book 319 Page 430), and land from A. H. Snow (1841) and S. Adams (1842). Billerica town book 13, pages 441-443.
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| April 18, 1826 | Mortgage | William Whitford of Billerica, yeoman, and Sarah Whitford his wife | John Simonds of Bedford, cordwainer | Whitford's purchase-money mortgage on the farm, 1826 | 265/442 (South) |
Purchase-money mortgage for $1,000 on "a certain tract of land with all the buildings thereon standing," about 90 acres, from the northwest corner on the county road from Billerica to Bedford at the heirs of Joseph Hill, south by Seth Crosby and the heirs of Jonathan Stickney to Job Hill, west by Job Hill to the road, and around the mill yard "close inside the dam and floom adjacent to the Mill belonging to Levi Wilson." Subject to the wood Simonds reserved in his deed to Whitford, the right to improve "the stream of water running from the Nuttings pond" for Wilson's mills granted in Whitford's deed to Wilson of April 17, 1826, and a passway for owners of land to the east. Void if $1,000 and interest are paid in six months. Sarah releases dower. Dated and recorded April 18, 1826. Billerica town book 12, pages 470-473.
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| March 30, 1846 | Assignment of Mortgage | John Simonds of Bedford, cordwainer | Jonathan Hill of Billerica, yeoman | the farm mortgage assigned to Jonathan Hill, 1827 | 478/354 (South) |
For $1,000, Simonds assigns to Jonathan Hill the 1826 Whitford mortgage of the 90-acre farm (Book 265 Page 442), with power to receive the money from "the said William Whitford mortgagor" and to discharge the mortgage. Signed Feb. 26, 1827 before Joel Fitch and Elijah Stearns; acknowledged Feb. 28, 1827; recorded March 30, 1846. Billerica town book 18, pages 536-537.
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| March 30, 1846 | Assignment of Mortgage | Jonathan Hill of North Berwick, York County, Maine, yeoman | Sewall Stearns, yeoman, and Sarah A. Stearns, singlewoman, both of Billerica | the farm mortgage assigned to Sewall and Sarah A. Stearns, 1834 | 478/355 (South) |
For $1,000, Jonathan Hill, "named in the within transfer," assigns to Sewall and Sarah A. Stearns all his right in the premises of the Whitford mortgage, with power to collect the note, take possession and discharge the mortgage. Signed July 26, 1834 before Reuben Bacon and David Hill; recorded March 30, 1846. Billerica town book 18, pages 537-538.
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| 1835 | Quitclaim | John Nichols of Billerica, yeoman, and Mary Nichols his wife | Jonathan Hill of Billerica, yeoman | Hill's Mills water rights over the Whitford farm, reserved in every later deed of the farm | 345/138 (South) |
For $5, quitclaim of "a certain Grist mill situate in the southerly part of said Billerica called Hills mills," beginning at the road from Billerica to Bedford at a stone marked B, easterly to another stone B near the corner of a wall, southeasterly "to the upper side of the Dam," and westerly by the water course and stones marked B to the wall at the road, "together with all the water privileges belonging to said mills which consists of the water running from said Nuttings Pond & elsewhere of raising the upper Dam six inches without being subject to any damage which may occur by flowing the farm of William Whitford," of draining the water through Whitford's land, of deepening the water course from Nutting's Pond to the mill, of "making a creek from the upper dam on the south side of the mill pond to said lower Dam," and of taking stone and gravel from Whitford's land to keep the creek and dams in repair, "including the Grist mill apparatus & Turning Lathe." Nichols conveys his right in equity to redeem, the mill having been mortgaged by him to Levi Wilson on April 3, 1833. Dated Sept. 10, 1835 (per the later deeds). These rights ran over the barn farm: every deed of it from 1864 to 1932 reserves "the rights and privileges which Jona. Hill his heirs or assigns has in said premises" under this deed, which they give as Book 343 Page 139; the index and the town book margin give Book 345 Page 138. Billerica town book 15, pages 158-159.
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| March 30, 1846 | Discharge of Mortgage | Sewall Stearns of Billerica, and Aaron Lawrence and Sarah A. S. Lawrence (formerly Sarah A. Stearns) | William Whitford of Billerica | the 1826 farm mortgage discharged, 1846 | 478/356 (South) |
The assignees acknowledge "full satisfaction of the amount secured to us" and "release and discharge the within mortgage in full," clearing Whitford's title to the farm twenty years after his purchase. Dated Jan. 22, 1846 (the Lawrences acknowledged in Hillsborough County, N.H.); Sewall Stearns acknowledged March 4, 1846; recorded March 30, 1846. Billerica town book 18, pages 538-539, with the note "See Book 265 Page 442".
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| December 22, 1863 | Administration | Estate of William Whitford of Billerica, intestate | Mary Whitford, widow and administratrix, and his children | William Whitford's estate passes to his widow and children | Probate #44509 |
William Whitford died Dec. 5, 1863, intestate. His widow Mary Whitford petitioned on Dec. 16, 1863 and was appointed administratrix at Cambridge on Dec. 22, 1863 by Judge William A. Richardson (estate sworn at not over $20,000). The heirs were the children George H. Whitford of Boston, John S. Whitford of Elizabeth Port, New Jersey, Edward L. Whitford of Orford, New Hampshire, and Mary Eliza, Francis O., Addison B. and Emma M. Whitford of Billerica, the last three minors. Their guardianship is case 44508, which holds the 1864 license under which the minors' share of the homestead farm was sold at auction to Francis O. Whitford. Middlesex probate case 44509.
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| 1863 | Guardianship and License to Sell | Francis O., Addison B. and Emma M. Whitford, minor children of William Whitford, by their guardian Mary Whitford | Mary Whitford of Billerica, their mother, guardian (licensed to sell their shares of the homestead farm) | Guardianship and license to sell the Whitford minors' three sevenths of the homestead farm | Probate #44508 |
On Dec. 16, 1863 Mary Whitford, widow of William Whitford, petitioned to be guardian of Francis Onslow Whitford (born April 21, 1843), Addison Barnard Whitford (born April 29, 1847) and Emma Maria Whitford (born Feb. 3, 1849), all over fourteen, who chose her; appointed at Cambridge on Dec. 22, 1863 by Judge William A. Richardson. The inventory of the minors' estate (appraisers Jona. Hill, Moses P. Greenwood and Constantine Hill) lists "Three seventh parts of the Homestead farm of the late William Whitford, situated in Billerica, subject to the widow's dower," appraised at $1,508. Her petition for license to sell for their maintenance (January 1864) describes "The Homestead farm of said deceased, comprising about One hundred acres, more or less, with the buildings thereon," on both sides of the road from Billerica to Bedford: the lot east of the road bounded north by Susan Fitch, east by Susan Fitch, William Stewart, Nutting's Pond and Josiah Bowers, south by Jonathan Hill and Charles H. Hill, and west by the road; and on the west side about twelve acres, the Orchard Lot of about four acres and the School House Lot of about eight. The heirs George H., J. S., E. L., Mary E., Francis O., Addison B. and Emma M. Whitford assented in December 1863. Francis came of age on April 21, 1864, so the guardian's sale of May 1864 (Book 38 Page 38) conveyed only Addison's and Emma's shares. Middlesex probate case 44508.
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| May 27, 1864 | Guardian's Deed | Mary Whitford, guardian of Addison B. and Emma M. Whitford | Francis O. Whitford | Whitford homestead to Francis O. Whitford | 38/38 |
Sold at public auction May 16, 1864 for $678 under Probate license of Jan. 26, 1864: the minors' interest in "the homestead farm of William Whitford," deceased, in three parts: 88 acres with buildings on the county road from Billerica to Bedford at Susan Fitch, bounded by the Crosby heirs, the Stickney heirs, Jona. Hill and C. H. Hill to the road, "near the machine shop of C. H. Hill," to a stone marked B near the dam; 3 acres at John Dane; and the "school house pasture," about 6 acres. Reserves the rights of Jonathan Hill under John Nichols's deed of Sept. 10, 1835 (Middlesex South Book 343 Page 139). The adult heirs, Mary, Mary E., George W., John H. and others, conveyed their shares to Francis O. Whitford for $2,883.50 by the next deed, Book 38 Page 40.
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| May 27, 1864 | Quitclaim (heirs) | Mary Whitford (widow) and Mary E. Whitford of Billerica, George H. Whitford of Boston, John S. Whitford of Tamaqua, Pa., and Edward L. Whitford of Orford, N.H., heirs of William Whitford, with the wives of George and John | Francis O. Whitford of Billerica, yeoman | Whitford heirs quitclaim the 80-acre homestead farm with the buildings to Francis O. Whitford | 38/40 |
For $2,883.50, quitclaim of all their right in "the homestead farm of William Whitford, deceased": "One Tract with the buildings thereon standing containing eighty acres more or less," beginning at the northwest corner on the county road from Billerica to Bedford at land of Susan Fitch, easterly by Fitch 20 rods, southerly 4 rods, easterly about 150 rods, southerly about 20 rods, easterly to the heirs of Seth Crosby, southerly by the Crosby heirs and the heirs of Jonathan Stickney to Jonathan Hill, westerly by Hill and C. H. Hill to the road, northerly by the road about ten rods "to corner of a wall near the machine shop of Chas. H. Hill," easterly to a stone marked B near the dam, across the dam and back by Hill's land to the road and the first bound; "Reserving all the rights and privileges" of Jonathan Hill under John Nichols's deed of Sept. 10, 1835. Also 3 acres across the road by John Dane and Susan Fitch, and the "school house pasture" of about six acres, bounded north by a road leading to Jonathan Hill's, south by land formerly of Artemas Hill now of Josiah P. Heywood, and east by the road to Bedford. "The said Francis O. Whitford being the owner of the remaining share in his own right as heir at law to William Whitford, deceased." Dated April 23, 1864, acknowledged May 16, 1864 before Dudley Foster; Book 38 Pages 40-42.
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| December 8, 1864 | Mortgage | Josiah H. Bartlett of Billerica, and Emily W. Bartlett his wife | Francis O. Whitford of Billerica | Bartlett's mortgage back to Francis O. Whitford, 1864 | 38/374 |
Purchase-money mortgage for $1,600, payable $200 a year with interest at six percent, on "the following Real Estate being a part of the homestead of the late Wm Whitford, deceased": one tract "with the buildings thereon standing, containing fifty acres," from the county road at widow Susan Fitch, by the heirs of Seth Crosby to the brook at S. W. Foster, by the brook to the upper dam, by the edge of the pond to "a stone marked B by the lower dam," and by C. H. Hill to the road, reserving Jonathan Hill's rights under John Nichols's deed of Sept. 10, 1835; and three acres at John Dane. "Being the same premises this day conveyed to me by said Whitford." Emily W. Bartlett releases dower and homestead. Dated Oct. 13, 1864; recorded Dec. 8, 1864. Margin: "See Release Book 101 Page 451."
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| December 8, 1864 | Assignment of Mortgage | Francis O. Whitford | Mary Whitford of Billerica, his mother | the Bartlett mortgage assigned to the widow Mary Whitford, 1864 | 38/376 |
"For a full and valuable consideration" Francis O. Whitford assigns the Bartlett mortgage of the 50-acre homestead (Book 38 Page 374) and its note to Mary Whitford, widow of William Whitford. Dated and acknowledged Dec. 7, 1864 before Dudley Foster; recorded Dec. 8, 1864.
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| December 9, 1864 | Warranty Deed | Francis O. Whitford of Billerica | Josiah H. Bartlett of Billerica | Francis O. Whitford sells 50 acres with the buildings to Josiah H. Bartlett | 38/378 |
For $2,600, "the following described Real Estate being a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford, deceased": "One tract with the buildings thereon standing containing fifty acres more or less," beginning at the northwest corner on the county road from Billerica to Bedford at land of widow Susan Fitch, easterly by Fitch 20 rods, southerly 4 rods, easterly about 150 rods, southerly about 20 rods, easterly to the heirs of Seth Crosby, southerly by Crosby "to a large stone near the pond," by the edge of the pond to the brook at land of S. W. Foster, westerly by the brook to the upper dam, by the edge of the pond to a stone marked B by the lower dam, across the dam and westerly by land of C. H. Hill to the road; reserving Jonathan Hill's rights under the Nichols deed of Sept. 10, 1835; also 3 acres across the road by John Dane, Susan Fitch and Jona. Hill. Warranted free of encumbrances "except the within named." Dated Oct. 13, 1864, acknowledged the same day before Dudley Foster, recorded Dec. 9, 1864. This cut the 80-acre farm down to the 50 acres around the house, barn and pond that the Lyons family held for the next 56 years; Bartlett sold the same tract to Thomas Lyons for the same price on Dec. 15, 1864 (Book 38 Page 485). Book 38 Pages 378-379.
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| December 28, 1864 | Mortgage | Thomas Lyons of Billerica, and Ellen Lyons his wife | Terence Byron of Concord | Thomas Lyons's mortgage of the farm to Terence Byron, 1864 | 38/442 |
Mortgage for $1,100, payable on demand with interest at six percent, of "the following described Real Estate, being part of the homestead of the late William Whitford, deceased": one parcel "with the buildings thereon, containing fifty acres" (bounded as in the Bartlett deeds, from the county road at widow Susan Fitch by the Crosby heirs, "a large stone near the pond," the brook at S. W. Foster, the upper dam, the edge of the pond to "a stone marked B by the lower Dam," and C. H. Hill), reserving Jonathan Hill's rights under John Nichols's deed of 1835, and three acres at John Dane. "The same premises described in a deed from Josiah H. Bartlett to said Lyons dated December 15, 1864." Free of encumbrances except the mortgage from Bartlett to Francis O. Whitford of Oct. 13, 1864. Ellen Lyons releases dower and homestead. Dated Dec. 23, 1864; recorded Dec. 28, 1864. Margin: "Release in Book 91 Page 129."
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| January 6, 1865 | Deed | Josiah H. Bartlett | Thomas Lyons of Sudbury | Bartlett sells 50 acres with buildings to Thomas Lyons | 38/485 |
For $2,600, "a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford": 50 acres "with the buildings thereon standing", beginning at the northwesterly corner on the county road at widow Susan Fitch, by the Crosby heirs to "a large stone near the pond," by the edge of the pond to the brook at S. W. Foster, to the upper dam, to a stone marked B by the lower dam, and by C. H. Hill's land to the road; reserving Jonathan Hill's rights under John Nichols's deed of Sept. 10, 1835 (town book 15, pages 158-159); and 3 acres at John Dane across the road. Dated Dec. 15, 1864, recorded Jan. 6, 1865. Subject to Bartlett's mortgage to Francis O. Whitford dated Oct. 13, 1864. Bartlett had bought the same tract from Francis O. Whitford on Oct. 13, 1864 for the same $2,600 (Book 38 Page 378), so he passed it straight on to Lyons. Thomas Lyons owned the farm until his death on Nov. 30, 1905; his heirs deeded it to his son William J. Lyons in 1908 (Book 420 Page 582), and it passed to William's wife Mary E. Lyons in 1915 (Book 544 Page 221).
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| May 9, 1874 | Discharge of Mortgage | Mary Whitford, assignee | Josiah H. Bartlett (and his grantee Thomas Lyons) | the 1864 farm mortgage discharged, 1867 | 101/451 |
Mary Whitford acknowledges that she has "received full satisfaction of the within mortgage" (Book 38 Page 374) and releases and quitclaims all right in the premises, freeing the 50-acre farm that Bartlett had sold to Thomas Lyons in December 1864. Dated Dec. 2, 1867, witness D. French; acknowledged Dec. 24, 1867 before Daniel French; recorded May 9, 1874.
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| January 21, 1873 | Discharge of Mortgage | Terence Byron, mortgagee | Thomas Lyons | Lyons's farm mortgage discharged, 1873 | 91/129 |
Terence Byron acknowledges that he has received of Thomas Lyons "full payment and satisfaction" of the 1864 mortgage (Book 38 Page 442) and discharges it, releasing the premises to Lyons and his heirs. Dated and acknowledged Jan. 14, 1873 before Dudley Foster; recorded Jan. 21, 1873.
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| May 2, 1885 | Grant of Right of Way | Thomas Lyons of Billerica, and Ellen Lyons his wife | Boston and Lowell Railroad Corporation | railroad right of way across the back of the Lyons farm, 1884 | 173/399 |
For one dollar and other consideration, "the right of way across all my land in said town of Billerica which is included within the location of the Bedford and Billerica branch of the Boston & Lowell Railroad Company," as shown on the location plan of the branch dated Oct. 1, 1884, "said location being two rods in width." On condition that the railroad "construct and operate over my said land a standard gauge railroad between its present tracks in said Bedford and in Billerica" within a year, and that "should the operation of this railroad ever be discontinued the land shall revert to myself, heirs or assigns." Ellen Lyons releases dower and homestead. Dated and acknowledged Sept. 20, 1884; recorded May 2, 1885 (Book 173 Pages 399-400). This is the Bedford branch that later bounded the farm on the east (the B. & M. railroad of the 1900 and 1961 deeds).
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| February 26, 1906 | Quitclaim (heir) | William J. Lyons of Billerica, and Mary E. Lyons his wife | Charles Lyons of Billerica, his brother | one of Thomas Lyons's six heirs sells his share to his brother, 1906 | 387/369 |
For one dollar and other consideration, William J. Lyons releases "all my right, title and interest, being an undivided one sixth in and to all the real estate which our father Thomas Lyons late of said Billerica died seized and possessed," with his share of the personal property, "as an heir at law of the said Thomas Lyons." Mary E. Lyons releases dower and homestead. Dated and acknowledged at Lowell Feb. 24, 1906; recorded Feb. 26, 1906 (Book 387 Pages 369-370). Thomas Lyons had died on Nov. 30, 1905; two years later the other heirs, Charles among them, conveyed the whole farm to William J. Lyons (Book 420 Page 582).
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| July 3, 1908 | Deed (heirs) | Maria L. Kelley of Boston, Charles Lyons of Chelmsford, John H. Lyons of Boston, Thomas F. Lyons of Billerica, and Harry J. Gay and Ellen A. Gay of Manchester, heirs of Thomas Lyons | William J. Lyons of Billerica | Thomas Lyons's heirs convey the farm to William J. Lyons | 420/582 |
For one dollar and other consideration, all their interest in "real estate being formerly a part of the Homestead of the late William Whitford, deceased": "One tract with the buildings thereon standing containing fifty [50] acres," beginning at the northwest corner "on the County Road leading from Billerica to Bedford at land formerly of Susan Fitch," easterly and southerly to land of the heirs of Seth Crosby, by the edge of the pond to the brook at land of S. W. Foster, westerly by the brook to the upper dam, by the pond to a stone marked B by the lower dam, northerly across the dam, and westerly by land of C. H. Hill to the road; reserving Jonathan Hill's rights under John Nichols's deed of Sept. 10, 1835 (S. 343/139) and excepting five acres sold by Thomas Lyons to the Co-operative Ice Company of Boston on Dec. 26, 1900 (Book 328 Page 167). Also a 3-acre tract with buildings on the other side of the road, from the road westerly by John Dane and Susan Fitch about 30 rods and southerly by Fitch 16 rods to land of Jonathan Hill. "Being all and the same premises conveyed by Josiah H. Bartlett to Thomas Lyons by deed dated December 15th 1864 ... Book 38, Page 485." The grantors' title came "as heirs at law of their father said Thomas Lyons, late of said Billerica, deceased" (Middlesex probate case 69796), the grantee "being the only other heir at law." Dated June 30, recorded July 3, 1908.
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| July 3, 1908 | Mortgage | William J. Lyons of Billerica | Clara E. Sexton of Somerville | William J. Lyons's first mortgage of the farm, 1908 | 420/584 |
Mortgage for $2,800, due in three years at five percent, of "the following described real estate being formerly a part of the Homestead of the late William Whitford, deceased": "One tract with the buildings thereon standing containing fifty [50] acres," bounded as in the heirs' deed, reserving Jonathan Hill's rights under the 1835 Nichols deed and excepting the five acres sold to the Co-operative Ice Company in 1900; and the three-acre tract with buildings by John Dane, Susan Fitch and Jonathan Hill. "Being the same premises conveyed to me by Maria L. Kelley et als by their deed dated June 30, 1908, which deed is to be recorded simultaneously herewith." The buildings were to be insured for $2,800. Recorded July 3, 1908 (Book 420 Pages 584-587). Margin: partial releases Book 502 Page 547 and Book 523 Page 168 (the Goodman lots west of the road) and discharge Book 544 Page 220.
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| July 3, 1908 | Mortgage | William J. Lyons of Billerica, and Mary E. Lyons his wife | Thomas F. Lyons of Billerica, his brother | second mortgage to his brother Thomas F. Lyons, 1908 | 420/588 |
Second mortgage for $500 of the same real estate, "formerly a part of the Homestead of the late William Whitford": "One tract with the buildings thereon standing containing fifty [50] acres," same bounds and reservations. Dated and acknowledged at Lowell July 3, 1908 before Herbert A. King; recorded July 3, 1908. Margin: "See Discharge B. 502 P. 362."
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| March 29, 1913 | Discharge of Mortgage | Thomas F. Lyons, mortgagee | William J. Lyons | second mortgage discharged, 1913 | 502/362 |
Thomas F. Lyons, "the mortgagee named in a certain mortgage given by William J. Lyons" (Book 420 Page 588), acknowledges full payment and satisfaction and discharges it. Dated and acknowledged March 27, 1913; recorded March 29, 1913.
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| July 22, 1914 | Mortgage | William J. Lyons of Billerica | Clara E. Sexton of Billerica | further mortgage to Clara E. Sexton, 1914 | 526/210 |
A further mortgage for $500 to Clara E. Sexton of "the following described real estate being formerly a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford, deceased": "One tract with the buildings thereon standing containing fifty (50) acres," bounded as in 1908 from the county road at Susan Fitch to the Crosby heirs, the pond, S. W. Foster, the upper and lower dams and C. H. Hill. Dated July 21, 1914; recorded July 22, 1914. Margin: "See Discharge B. 544 P. 220."
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| March 3, 1915 | Taking | William J. Lyons and other owners on Concord Road | County of Middlesex (County Commissioners Levi S. Gould and Chester B. Williams) | County takes three strips of the Lyons farm to straighten Concord Road | 534/254 |
At a meeting of the County Commissioners at Cambridge begun the first Tuesday of January 1915 and adjourned to March 2, 1915, "in the matter of the alterations and specific repairs of the Concord road in Billerica," land "was thereby taken for highway purposes" from Matthew Matiosaytis, the Suburban Land Company (six parcels), Mary A. and Charles E. Hosmer, A. W. Albert Lakemann, Francis W. Belknap, "William J. Lyons, three parcels" of 1,800, 1,450 and 2,400 square feet, Isabella B. Bond (two parcels), Edward F. Judkins and Edward M. Mace. "For a more particular description of the parcels thus taken reference may be had to the accompanying plan" (margin: Plan Book M, Plan 90; the county layout of Concord Road from Bedford to Meadow Lane, 1915). Recorded March 3, 1915. The Lyons deeds of 1915-1932 all except "about 5,650 square feet" taken to straighten the road. Book 534 Page 254.
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| August 21, 1915 | Mortgage | William J. Lyons of Billerica | Catherine G. Parker of Billerica | small four-month mortgage to Catherine G. Parker, 1915 | 543/311 |
A short mortgage "with mortgage covenants, to secure the payment of One Hundred Seventy-nine and 62/100 Dollars in four months" at six percent, of "two lots of land, being formerly a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford deceased," the first "a tract with the buildings thereon standing containing 50 acres," bounded as in 1908, reserving Jonathan Hill's rights and excepting the ice company's five acres. Recorded Aug. 21, 1915 (Book 543 Page 311). The margin notes a discharge.
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| September 24, 1915 | Discharge of Mortgage | Clara E. Sexton of Billerica, mortgagee | William J. Lyons | both Sexton mortgages discharged, 1915 | 544/220 |
Clara E. Sexton, "mortgagee named in two certain mortgages both given by William J. Lyons," dated July 3, 1908 (Book 420 Page 584) and July 21, 1914 (Book 526 Page 210), acknowledges "full payment and satisfaction of the debts thereby secured" and discharges both. Dated and acknowledged at Lowell Sept. 24, 1915; recorded Sept. 24, 1915, minutes before William J. Lyons's deed of the farm to his wife (Book 544 Page 221).
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| September 24, 1915 | Quitclaim | William J. Lyons of Billerica | Mary E. Lyons of Billerica, his wife | William J. Lyons deeds the farm to Mary E. Lyons | 544/221 |
For one dollar, "real estate, being formerly a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford": first, "a certain tract of land with the buildings thereon containing fifty acres," bounded as in 1908, still excepting the five acres of the Co-operative Ice Company; second, the 3-acre parcel with buildings on the road to Bedford by John Dane, Susan Fitch and Jonathan Hill, less 20,000 square feet sold to Rena Goodman in 1913 and 1914 (Book 502 Page 548, Book 503 Page 189); excepting from both about 5,650 square feet "taken by the County Commissioners ... for the purpose of straightening the Concord Road" (Book 534 Page 254; Plan 90 of Plan Book M). "For my title see a certain deed to me from Maria L. Kelley et als. dated June 30, 1908" (Book 420 Page 582). Dated, acknowledged and recorded Sept. 24, 1915. The same day Mary E. Lyons mortgaged the land to the Merrimack River Savings Bank of Lowell for $4,000 (Book 544 Page 223), discharged Oct. 14, 1920.
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| September 24, 1915 | Mortgage | Mary E. Lyons of Billerica | Merrimack River Savings Bank of Lowell | Mary E. Lyons's $4,000 bank mortgage, 1915-1920 | 544/223 |
For $4,000, mortgage to the bank of "the following described real estate, being formerly a part of the homestead" of the late William Whitford, the 50 acres with buildings and the three-acre lot, conveyed to her the same day by her husband William J. Lyons (Book 544 Page 221). Recorded Sept. 24, 1915. Margin: "See Discharge B. 634 P. 301" (discharged when she sold the farm in 1920).
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| October 15, 1920 | Quitclaim | Mary E. Lyons of Billerica, unmarried | Edith D. Jones of Newton | Mary E. Lyons sells the farm to Edith D. Jones | 634/301 |
"The land in said Billerica, with the buildings thereon, being formerly a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford, deceased, containing fifty (50) acres," bounded as in 1908 and 1915 from the County Road at land formerly of Susan Fitch to the Crosby heirs, the pond, S. W. Foster, the upper and lower dams and C. H. Hill; reserving Jonathan Hill's 1835 rights and excepting the Concord Road taking (Book 534 Page 254); "being a part of the same premises conveyed to me by William J. Lyons by his deed dated Sept. 24, 1915," with a tax collector's deed of Nov. 18, 1916 (Book 564 Page 198). "This conveyance is made subject to a lease made between the said Mary E. Lyons and Victor J. Hosmer, expiring November 1, 1924, of a portion of the above-described premises." Dated Oct. 14, recorded Oct. 15, 1920 (Book 634 Pages 301-302). In 1923 Henry V. and Edith D. Jones sold the farm to Mabel Lent (Book 696 Page 287).
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| October 15, 1920 | Mortgage | Edith D. Jones of Newton | Merrimack River Savings Bank of Lowell | Edith D. Jones's first mortgage, 1920 | 634/303 |
Mortgage "to secure the payment of Four Thousand Dollars, in one year" at six percent, of the 50 acres "with the buildings thereon, being formerly a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford, deceased," bounded as in 1908 from the county road at Susan Fitch to the Crosby heirs, the pond, S. W. Foster's brook, the upper and lower dams and C. H. Hill, reserving Jonathan Hill's rights under the 1835 Nichols deed, taken the day she bought the farm from Mary E. Lyons (Book 634 Page 301). Dated Oct. 14, 1920; recorded Oct. 15, 1920. Margin: "See Discharge B. 649 P. 135."
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| December 22, 1920 | Notice of Contract | Mrs. Edith D. Jones, owner | C. Milton Carter, contractor | building contract on "Lyons Farm", 1920-1921 | 638/500 |
Notice "that by virtue of a written contract, dated December 22, 1920, between Mrs. Edith D. Jones, owner, and C. Milton Carter, contractor, said contractor is to furnish labor and material, for the erection, alteration, repair or removal of a building on a lot of land described as follows. So called Lyons Farm, situated on the old Concord Road South Billerica Mass." The work was to be finished "on or before May 30, 1921." Recorded Dec. 22, 1920. The only record of building work on the farm between 1864 and 1950; it fits the remodeling of the old house for the Joneses.
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| August 25, 1921 | Discharge of Mortgage | Merrimack River Savings Bank of Lowell, by Franklin E. Johnson, Treasurer | Edith D. Jones | 1920 mortgage discharged, 1921 | 649/135 |
The bank, "holder of a mortgage from Edith D. Jones to it dated October 14, 1920" (Book 634 Page 303), acknowledges satisfaction. Dated, acknowledged and recorded Aug. 25, 1921, minutes before the Joneses' new mortgage to the Lexington Savings Bank.
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| August 25, 1921 | Mortgage | Henry V. Jones and Edith D. Jones his wife, in her own right, of Billerica | Lexington Savings Bank | Joneses' $9,000 mortgage to the Lexington Savings Bank, 1921 | 649/135 |
Mortgage to secure $9,000 in two years at seven percent, of the 50 acres "with the buildings thereon, being formerly a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford, deceased," bounded as in 1908 from the county road at Susan Fitch to the Crosby heirs, the pond, S. W. Foster's brook, the upper and lower dams and C. H. Hill, reserving Jonathan Hill's rights under the 1835 Nichols deed, and excepting the strip "taken by the County Commissioners ... for the purpose of straightening the Concord Road" (Book 534 Page 254; Plan 90 of Plan Book M). Signed Aug. 1921; recorded Aug. 25, 1921 (Book 649 Pages 135-136). The larger loan followed the 1920-1921 building contract. Margin: discharge Book 716 Page 309.
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| 1923 | Quitclaim | Henry V. Jones and Edith D. Jones (in her right) | Mabel Lent, wife of Howard B. Lent, of Arlington | Joneses sell to Mabel Lent | 696/287 |
The land with the buildings, "formerly a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford," 50 acres, same bounds as 1865 (Fitch, Crosby heirs, the pond, S. W. Foster, the upper dam, stone B by the lower dam, C. H. Hill), reserving Jonathan Hill's 1835 rights and excepting the strip taken by the County Commissioners to straighten Concord Road (Book 534 Page 254; Plan Book M, Plan 90). Title from Mary E. Lyons by deed of Oct. 14, 1920 (Book 634 Page 301). Subject to a lease from Mary E. Lyons to Victor J. Hosmer expiring Nov. 1, 1924 and an $8,000 mortgage to the Lexington Savings Bank. Signed Nov. 12, 1923.
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| November 28, 1923 | Mortgage | Howard B. Lent and Mabel Lent his wife, in her right, of Arlington | Edith D. Jones of Billerica | Lents' purchase mortgage back to Edith D. Jones, 1923 | 696/289 |
Purchase-money mortgage to the seller to secure $6,525 in one year at 6 1/2 percent, of the 50 acres "with the buildings thereon, being formerly a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford, deceased," bounded as in 1908 from the county road at Susan Fitch to the Crosby heirs, the pond, S. W. Foster's brook, the upper and lower dams and C. H. Hill, reserving Jonathan Hill's rights under the 1835 Nichols deed. Dated Nov. 23, 1923; recorded Nov. 28, 1923 with the deed to Mabel Lent (Book 696 Page 287). Margin: "See Discharge B. 715 P. 383."
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| November 25, 1924 | Discharge of Mortgage | Edith D. Jones | Howard B. Lent and Mabel Lent | 1923 purchase mortgage discharged, 1924 | 715/383 |
Edith D. Jones, "the owner and present holder of a mortgage from Mabel Lent to me dated November 23, 1923" (Book 696 Page 289), acknowledges satisfaction. Dated Nov. 23, 1924; recorded Nov. 25, 1924 at 4:00 p.m., one minute before the new Woburn bank mortgage.
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| November 25, 1924 | Mortgage | Howard B. Lent and Mabel Lent his wife, in her right, of Arlington | Woburn Five Cents Savings Bank | Lents' $8,500 mortgage to the Woburn Five Cents Savings Bank, 1924 | 715/384 |
Mortgage to secure $8,500 in one year at six percent, of "the land in Billerica, Middlesex County, with the buildings thereon situated on the Easterly side of Concord Road, containing fifty (50) acres," bounded as in 1908, reserving Jonathan Hill's rights "by virtue of a deed recorded with Middlesex North District Deeds Book 343 Page 139" and excepting the county's widening of Concord Road (Book 534 Page 254). "Being the same premises described in a deed to said Mabel Lent from Henry V. Jones and Edith D. Jones, dated November 12, 1923" (Book 696 Page 287). Dated Nov. 24, 1924; recorded Nov. 25, 1924. Still outstanding when Mabel Lent sold the farm in 1932.
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| November 25, 1924 | Mortgage | Howard B. Lent and Mabel Lent his wife, in her right, of Billerica | Edith D. Jones of Cambridge | second mortgage to Edith D. Jones, 1924 | 715/385 |
Second mortgage to secure $6,025 on demand at 6 1/2 percent, of the 50 acres "with the buildings thereon, being formerly a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford, deceased," bounded as in 1908 from the county road at Susan Fitch to the Crosby heirs, the pond, S. W. Foster's brook, the upper and lower dams and C. H. Hill, reserving Jonathan Hill's rights under the 1835 Nichols deed, excepting the 1915 road taking. "Subject to a mortgage to the Woburn Five Cent Savings Bank to be recorded herewith, and subject to a lease to one Victor J. Hosmer of a portion of said premises." Dated Nov. 24, 1924; recorded Nov. 25, 1924 (Book 715 Pages 384-385; indexed as page 384). Margin: "See Discharge B. 725 P. 334."
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| December 1, 1924 | Discharge of Mortgage | Lexington Savings Bank, by Edwin B. Worthen, Treasurer | Henry V. Jones and Edith D. Jones | Lexington Savings Bank mortgage discharged, 1924 | 716/309 |
The bank, "the mortgagee named in a certain mortgage given by Henry V. Jones and Edith D. Jones" dated Aug. 25, 1921 (Book 649 Page 135), "has received full payment and satisfaction of the same" and discharges it. Dated November 1924; recorded Dec. 1, 1924, a week after the Lents refinanced the farm with the Woburn Five Cents Savings Bank.
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| July 9, 1925 | Discharge of Mortgage | Edith D. Jones | Howard B. Lent and Mabel Lent | second mortgage discharged, 1925 | 725/334 |
Edith D. Jones, "the mortgagee named in and present holder of a mortgage from Howard B. Lent and Mabel Lent to me dated November 24, 1924" (Book 715 Page 384), acknowledges satisfaction. Dated June 30, 1925, witness Henry V. Jones; recorded July 9, 1925.
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| July 9, 1925 | Mortgage | Howard B. Lent and Mabel Lent his wife, in her right, of Billerica | Lydia C. R. Sedgwick of Stockbridge | Lents' mortgage to Lydia C. R. Sedgwick, 1925 | 725/335 |
Mortgage to secure $4,700 in one year at nine percent, of the 50 acres "with the buildings thereon, being formerly a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford, deceased," bounded as in 1908 from the county road at Susan Fitch to the Crosby heirs, the pond, S. W. Foster's brook, the upper and lower dams and C. H. Hill, reserving Jonathan Hill's rights under the 1835 Nichols deed, excepting the road taking. "Being the same premises conveyed to the said Mabel Lent by Edith D. Jones by deed dated November 12, 1923" (Book 696 Page 287). "This conveyance is made subject to a mortgage held by the Woburn Savings Bank in the sum of eighty-five hundred (8500) dollars, a lease of Victor J. Hosmer, and taxes assessed April 1, 1925." Dated July 1, 1925; recorded July 9, 1925. The margin refers the discharge to Book 810, with the 1932 sale.
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| February 3, 1928 | Mortgage | Howard B. Lent and Mabel Lent his wife, in her own right, of Billerica | William Minot of Boston | Lents' mortgage to William Minot, 1928 | 759/284 |
Mortgage to secure $1,000 within one year at six percent, of the 50 acres "with the buildings thereon, being formerly a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford, deceased," bounded as in 1908 from the county road at Susan Fitch to the Crosby heirs, the pond, S. W. Foster's brook, the upper and lower dams and C. H. Hill, reserving Jonathan Hill's rights under the 1835 Nichols deed. Dated Jan. 5, 1928; recorded Feb. 3, 1928. Margin: "See Discharge B. 810 P. 491."
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| March 25, 1931 | Mortgage | Mabel Lent of Cambridge | Bertha Simon of Everett | Mabel Lent's mortgage to Bertha Simon, 1931 | 800/364 |
Mortgage to secure "Four Thousand Dollars on demand" at six percent, of "the land in Billerica, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with the buildings thereon, being formerly a part of the homestead of the late William Whitford, deceased, containing fifty (50) acres," bounded as in 1908. Dated March 24, 1931; recorded March 25, 1931. The mortgage was later assigned to the Jamaica Plain Trust Company, which discharged it in 1932.
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| February 3, 1932 | Discharge of Mortgage | Lydia C. R. Sedgwick | Howard B. Lent and Mabel Lent | Sedgwick mortgage discharged at the 1932 sale | 810/490 |
Lydia C. R. Sedgwick, "holder of a mortgage from Howard B. Lent and Mabel Lent, wife of said Howard B. Lent in her right," dated July 1, 1925 (Book 725 Page 335), acknowledges satisfaction. Dated Jan. 19, 1932; recorded Feb. 3, 1932, just before the sale of the farm to Edith M. Knights (Book 810 Page 492).
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| February 3, 1932 | Discharge of Mortgage | William Minot | Howard B. Lent and Mabel Lent | Minot mortgage discharged at the 1932 sale | 810/491 |
William Minot, "holder of a mortgage from Howard B. Lent and Mabel Lent, his wife in her own right," dated Jan. 5, 1928 (Book 759 Page 284), acknowledges satisfaction. Dated Jan. 19, 1932 at Boston; recorded Feb. 3, 1932.
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| February 3, 1932 | Discharge of Mortgage | Jamaica Plain Trust Company, assignee, by George W. Bunker, Treasurer | Mabel Lent | Simon mortgage discharged at the 1932 sale | 810/491 |
The trust company, "assignee of the mortgagee named in a certain mortgage given by Mabel Lent to Bertha Simon dated March 24, A.D. 1931" (Book 800 Page 364), "received full payment and satisfaction of the debt thereby secured" and discharges it. Dated Feb. 1, 1932; recorded Feb. 3, 1932, a minute before Mabel Lent's deed of the farm to Edith M. Knights, which left only the Woburn bank's $8,500 first mortgage on it.
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| February 3, 1932 | Deed | Mabel Lent | Edith M. Knights of Lexington | Lent sells to Edith M. Knights | 810/492 |
The same 50 acres with buildings, same bounds, reservation and road taking; title from Henry V. and Edith D. Jones (Book 696 Page 287). Subject to an $8,500 mortgage of 1924 to the Woburn Five Cent Savings Bank. Her husband Arthur A. Knights added a lot 80 by 180 ft by the dam, bounded north by Thomas Lyons, which he deeded to her Dec. 18, 1936 (Book 892 Page 136).
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| 1952 | Deed | Edith M. Knights, widow | William E. Davis and Naomi M. Davis of Belmont | Knights sells to the Davises | 1195/141 |
Two parcels on Concord Road with the buildings: the 50-acre farm, now bounded by Isabel B. Bond, from Lent (Book 810 Page 492), and the 80 by 180 ft lot by the dam from her late husband Arthur A. Knights (Book 892 Page 136). Book 1195 Pages 141-142.
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| May 26, 1961 | Quitclaim | William E. Davis and Naomi M. Davis of Billerica | Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company, a Delaware corporation of Wellesley | Davises sell Parcel C by Route 3 to Minneapolis-Honeywell | 1514/553 |
For consideration paid, Parcel "C" on the westerly side of State Route 3 on a "Plan of Land in Billerica, Mass., Surveyed for Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company," March 1961, Emmons and Fleming, Inc.: northeasterly by Route 3, 468.04 feet; southeasterly by the Boston and Maine Railroad, Bedford Branch, about 471 feet; southerly by the center line of a brook about 440 feet; westerly by other land of the grantors about 642 feet; and northwesterly by Parcel B, land of Ralph W. and Claire H. Stoker, 308.32 and 493.86 feet. Recorded May 26, 1961. This was the back of the old Lyons farm toward the highway; the company's first foothold here, five years before it bought the house, barn site and pond (Book 1764 Page 589). Book 1514 Page 553.
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| August 25, 1966 | Deed | William E. Davis and Naomi M. Davis | Honeywell Inc. | Davises sell house, pond and Mill Brook to Honeywell | 1764/589 |
Parcel F, 11.23 acres "with the buildings thereon" on the easterly side of Concord Road, including Mill Brook and the pond (31 acres of water on the plan), by Stoker and Barbara Galvin, and Parcels D and E, 2 acres by Route 3, on a plan surveyed for Honeywell Inc., June 1964, Emmons and Fleming (Plan Book 104, Plan 44, two sheets; approved July 21, 1964, recorded Aug. 25, 1966). Parcel F took in the old farmhouse and the ground north of it where the barn had stood. The Davises had sold Parcel C, by Route 3 and the Bedford branch railroad, to Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company in 1961 (Book 1514 Page 553). The company became Honeywell Information Systems and then Bull HN Information Systems, which sold the campus to Wang Laboratories in 1995 (Book 7379 Page 234).
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| 1995 | Deed | Bull HN Information Systems Inc. | Wang Laboratories, Inc. | Bull HN to Wang; later private owners | 7379/234 |
The former Honeywell campus on Concord Road, including the old Hill farmhouse, sold by Bull HN Information Systems, successor to Honeywell Information Systems, to Wang Laboratories. On the Wang plan of 1997 (Plan Book 194, Plan 59) the house is Lot 5, 1.46 acres on the easterly side of Concord Road, and the rest of the campus is Lot 4 (sold in 1997, Book 8812 Page 152). Wang merged into GetronicsWang Co. LLC in 1999, which sold Lot 5 to private owners in 2002 (Book 14028 Page 25); later sales are between private owners.
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| November 18, 2002 | Secretary's Certificate (merger) | Wang Laboratories, Inc. (by merger) | GetronicsWang Co. LLC | Wang's title passes to GetronicsWang by merger, 1999 (certificate of 2002) | 14028/23 |
Certificate of the secretary of GetronicsWang Co. LLC, Nov. 8, 2002, giving "a chronological history identifying the events, which resulted in Wang Laboratories, Inc becoming GetronicsWang Co. LLC now doing business as Getronics": in June 1999 a subsidiary of the Dutch firm Getronics N.V. bought over 90 percent of Wang's stock and merged into Wang, renamed Wang Global Corporation; on Aug. 19, 1999 Wang Global was dissolved and its assets passed to its parent partnership, renamed GetronicsWang Co.; on Dec. 17, 1999 that became GetronicsWang Co. LLC, a Delaware company. Recorded Nov. 18, 2002 with the deed of the house lot, to show how title passed from Wang without a deed.
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| November 18, 2002 | Quitclaim Deed | GetronicsWang Co., LLC, successor in interest to Wang Laboratories, Inc. | Private owners | the house lot (Lot 5) sold by GetronicsWang to private owners, 2002 | 14028/25 |
For $362,000, "the land, with all buildings and improvements thereon, located on easterly side of Concord Road in Billerica," Lot 5 on the 1997 Wang plan (Plan Book 194, Plan 59): westerly by Concord Road 180.10 feet, northerly, easterly and southerly by Lot 4, about 1.46 acres. "For grantor's title see deed from Bull HN Information Systems, Inc. to Wang Laboratories, Inc. dated January 30, 1995" (Book 7379 Page 234). The house thus left corporate ownership after 36 years, as "312 Concord Road (a/k/a 320 Concord Road)." Dated November 2002; recorded Nov. 18, 2002. Later sales between private owners (2019, under a Probate Court order, and 2022) are not listed here.
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Recorded is Book/Page at the Middlesex North Registry of Deeds unless noted; Probate # is a Middlesex probate case, Ctf a Land Court certificate of title.