Francis Blanchard House

In 1800, Thomas Richardson sold this parcel of land to Francis Blanchard. There is no mention of buildings in the deed (10/438) but there is a stipulation that if Blanchard were to establish any "any retail, inn, or tavern" on the premises, Richardson would be able to repossess the property. This was certainly a move to avoid competition with his own tavern across the street. Blanchard was a blacksmith by trade. He built this house and another building to the north, right at the corner. Evidently, he ran afoul of the stipulation in the deed. In 1811, Josiah B. Richardson took possession of the property through a legal action (11/159). Josiah was also a blacksmith, so it seems to have worked out well for him. The two buildings are shown on the 1853 map.

Josiah died in 1856, leaving everything to his only daughter, Elizabeth Derby. After some intermediaries, it ended up in Samuel Osgood's hands, who was there in 1875 and 1889, though the northerly building was gone by this time. For an unexplained reason, the property is called the "Wallace Lot" in 1800s deeds.

This house has not been inventoried by MACRIS.