George and his bride Hannah went to live in a house in Andover, which had been originally called Cochichawiche. The house was built of rough hand-hewn, or sawed logs that George had spent two years in building. Old records indicate that the house stood on a plot of about four acres on the east side of what is now Court Street, North Andover, a short distance north of the old burial place and meeting house. In this area, the houses were built close together to afford protection for each other in case of Indian attacks.
Later, George and Hannah lived in a garrison house on their farm land, two or three miles to the southwest on what is now Central Street in Andover. This house was built of heavy hewn or sawed logs with the corners securely fastened, the eaves extending out over the walls by two feet or more, so that in case of attack, the defenders could fire down upon the enemy or pour water to put out a fire if started.
George and Hannah had thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters. Their first child, John was born March 2, 1648. The second child, also a son, Joseph, died when little more than a year old. This was the first recorded death in the town of Andover. Eleven survived to maturity.
The fourth child, also named Joseph, was the first settler at Andover to be killed by Indians. He and a younger brother, Timothy, were at work in the fields when the Indians attacked one morning in April, 1676 during what is now known as King Philip's War. The brothers defended themselves with firearms but were overwhelmed before they could reach the safety of the garrison house. Joseph was killed and Timothy, a boy of eleven, was carried off as a prisoner. After suffering great hardships at the hands of his captors, he was returned some months later near the point of starvation.
The garrison house was the home of the family until 1704 when it was replaced by a structure which later became known as "The Old Red House." This stood until 1858 when it was torn down to be replaced with the first section of a fine, large house which is still occupied by Abbotts descended from George's eldest son, John.
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Timothy Abbot, is of special interest. His house is now owned by Mr. Asa A. Abbot, and Mr. Sylvester Abbot, who hold the original deeds of its transmission from the first occupant. Timothy Abbot was, when a lad of thirteen, carried into captivity by the Indians. (See Chapter II Historical Sketches of Andover). Mr. Asa A. Abbot, now eighty years old, remembers hearing his great grandmother (who had seen Timothy Abbot) tell the legends of his captivity and of his suffering from hunger.
George and his bride Hannah went to live in a house in Andover, which had been originally called Cochichawiche. The house was built of rough hand-hewn, or sawed logs that George had spent two years in building. Old records indicate that the house stood on a plot of about four acres on the east side of what is now Court Street, North Andover, a short distance north of the old burial place and meeting house. In this area, the houses were built close together to afford protection for each other in case of Indian attacks.
Later, George and Hannah lived in a garrison house on their farm land, two or three miles to the southwest on what is now Central Street in Andover. This house was built of heavy hewn or sawed logs with the corners securely fastened, the eaves extending out over the walls by two feet or more, so that in case of attack, the defenders could fire down upon the enemy or pour water to put out a fire if started.
George and Hannah had thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters. Their first child, John was born March 2, 1648. The second child, also a son, Joseph, died when little more than a year old. This was the first recorded death in the town of Andover. Eleven survived to maturity.
The fourth child, also named Joseph, was the first settler at Andover to be killed by Indians. He and a younger brother, Timothy, were at work in the fields when the Indians attacked one morning in April, 1676 during what is now known as King Philip's War. The brothers defended themselves with firearms but were overwhelmed before they could reach the safety of the garrison house. Joseph was killed and Timothy, a boy of eleven, was carried off as a prisoner. After suffering great hardships at the hands of his captors, he was returned some months later near the point of starvation.
The garrison house was the home of the family until 1704 when it was replaced by a structure which later became known as "The Old Red House." This stood until 1858 when it was torn down to be replaced with the first section of a fine, large house which is still occupied by Abbotts descended from George's eldest son, John.
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Timothy Abbot, is of special interest. His house is now owned by Mr. Asa A. Abbot, and Mr. Sylvester Abbot, who hold the original deeds of its transmission from the first occupant. Timothy Abbot was, when a lad of thirteen, carried into captivity by the Indians. (See Chapter II Historical Sketches of Andover). Mr. Asa A. Abbot, now eighty years old, remembers hearing his great grandmother (who had seen Timothy Abbot) tell the legends of his captivity and of his suffering from hunger.