15 Hancock Street

History

In 1807, David Coffin sold land on Hancock Street to James Colbert, a mariner, and it is likely that John Sargent built the house. This beautiful Federal-style home originally had four rooms, with a small addition added later.

Unfortunately, Mr. Colbert faced financial hardships due to economic disruptions caused by the Embargo of 1807-1809, the Great Fire of 1811, and the War of 1812. In 1810, the builder, John Sargent, sued Mr. Colbert for non-payment, resulting in Sargent gaining possession of a part of the house. Mr. Colbert eventually lost the property in 1815, and it passed through several owners, possibly being used as a rental property.

In 1827, John Sargent’s brother, Ebenezer Sargent, a gunsmith, acquired the house, making both brothers co-owners. In 1841, John granted his portion of the house to Ebenezer, who became the sole owner. The Sargent family lived there until Ebenezer’s wife, Sarah, died in 1864. To support herself, Sarah took in boarders.

In 1865, the house was sold to Sewell B. Noyes, who likely used it as a rental property. Later, in 1877, Julia Kelleher, a widow, and her daughter Katherine’s husband, John D. Kelly, bought the property, which included two houses. They lived there until 1909, when they sold it, having owned it for 38 years.

In 1909, Michael Regan and his second wife, Ellen Graney, Irish immigrants, purchased 15 Hancock Street. Michael worked as a box maker, and they had four young children. In 1941, their son, John F. Regan, and his wife, Irene, purchased the house, and the Regan family resided there until 1950, making it their home for 9 years.