Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-06
BY Susan Ethel Hodge


buryport Massachusetts, after passing
through various vicissitudes and trans 2
formations has become the object of renewed |
interest among New-Engand visitors by the |
reason of the fact that it has passed into the |
possession of N. G. Pierce, wealthy business
man, for many years resident in St. Louis, |!
who now makes it his home
Lord" Timothy Dexter most eccen-
trio man. and the old mansion is intimately
associated with so many of his eccentricities
that it has been of the most interesting
landmarks in Newburyport for more than !
century. The story of Dexter, therefore, has
been an oft-repeated tale but one that loses .
no whit of its interest in the retelng.
Born in Maiden, Massachusetts, in 1746 !
he began as a leather dresser in the village of
CharestoWn Later he removed to New
buryport, where he married widow nine !:
years his senior. She kept huckster's
shop and her income added to his aided
him amaSSing several thousand dollars.
lust at this time which after the adoption of
the Constitution Continental money became greatly
deprecated in value. Securities worthless,
but several influential men in order to preserve the
confidence of the people and to assist friends bought
many of these securities. Taking his cue from
these leaders, Dexter began buying in small amounts
all the securities he could afford to purchase. Then,
with the institution of Hamlton's funding system,
the securities began increase in value until they
could be redeemed at par. Dexter therefore sold
his formerly useless possessions and rich man.
Having attained to this position of wealth. he
determined to live became a of means
according to his notion. To begin WITH he
affixed the title of Lord to his name and was
pleased only when he courted and f6ted and
received the sautes and attentions usually accorded
to royalty.
He bought the Tracy House." the New
buryport Public Library, but took up his
abode at Chester, New-Hanpshre, where he pur
chased an expensive country seat. Here he showed
to a marked degree his great desire for notoriety,
styling himself " King of Chester" But he made
himself presuming that Chester became too hot
for him, and he returned to Newburyport, where in
1913 he bought a large house Hgh-st., erected
by Jonathan Jackson in Ill., He at once proceeded
to adorn this residence in accordance with his
peculiar tastes.
He had gilt balls placed the minarets of the
house, and ordered forty columns, fifteen feet high
to be erected in 'front.' each column bearing statue
of a noted man. Washington, Adams, Jefferson
Franklin William Pitt, Bonaparte, George w.
Lord Nelson, General Morgan, the Goddess of
braed group; and apparently for variety he changed
the names of these heroes the fancy struck him.
These efigies have been widely scattered. Some
blown down and neglected, others were sold
auction the Goddess of Fame bringing the highest
price and that only five dollars and still others have
been given away by the various successive owners
of the estate. Several of them still in fair state
of preservation owned by residents of New
buryport. One reposes in Haverh Massachusetts,
and still another purchased and removed to
Florida where it graces a Southern garden The
eagle surmOunting the Cupola has been the only
figure to remain undisturbed. 1t has lately been
regilded, its four feet of height and two of breadth
requiring two layers of gold-leaf in the operation
8 - 10