Old Home Day
1638 - Town of Hampton - 1962
47 Park Avenue
This house, now (1962) the residence of Judge and Mrs. William W. Treat, is of unusual interest because of its excellent original construction, habitation by men famous in Colonial history, and faithful and attractive restoration. Located on a ridge just across from Meeting House Green, the house was built in 1731 by Dr. Clement Jackson, physician, and son of a prosperous Portsmouth mariner. To it he brought his bride Sarah, daughter of Thomas Leavitt, and here he began the practice of medicine. One of his children born here was Hall Jackson, who became a famous physician, noted for his ability in treating smallpox through inoculation and for his great success in operating on cataracts of the eye. Such was his skill that John Adams urged that he be made Surgeon-General of the Continental army. Washington, however, appointed his own physician. Dr. Jackson's high place in early America is indicated by the fact that John Singleton Copley painted his portrait.
The house became the residence of another physician, for about 1750, Dr. Jackson sold it to his brother-in-law, Dr. Anthony Emery. Dr. Emery, a Harvard graduate, had married Abigail, the youngest daughter of Thomas Leavitt. In 1744 Dr. Emery was a surgeon in the army commanded by Col. William Pepperrell at the siege of Louisburg. During the French and Indian War he was the chief surgeon of the New Hampshire Regiment at Crown Point. An ardent patriot, Dr. Emery was a member of the local Committee of Public Safety. His daughter Sarah was the second wife of General Moulton. Four generations of Emerys lived in this house.
In 1957 the Roy L. Woodworth family began the monumental task of restoring the house to its original condition. To those who appreciate old houses faithfully restored, this one will be a delight.
Overlooking a sweeping lawn and ravine, the setting of this house is an arresting one. The interior has many features which one associates with the homes of "gentlemen of substance" in Colonial times. The original paneling, the many "working" fireplaces, the graceful mantels, and the sliding window shutters will all interest the visitor. Here one will also enjoy a number of fine portraits and paintings, especially the water color of the ships of the Treat family which sailed from Winterport, Maine -- an ever-present and nostalgic reminder of the New England maritime tradition.