29 Temple Street

History

One of the most significant architectural features of this house is the curved front of the gambrel roof. This treatment of the eaves is quite unusual in Newburyport, occurring in only two or three other homes in the city.

The two-story, gambrel-roofed house was built extensively in Newburyport throughout the eighteenth century. This house was clearly built during the Georgian period, as evidenced by its symmetrical five-bay facade. The house’s architectural details are simple yet classically inspired. These include the cornice moulding, cornerboards, and front entrance.

The actual construction date of this house has not yet been documented. It was built before 1773, when it was purchased by Colonel Edward Wigglesworth.

Colonel Wigglesworth served in the Continental Army between 1776 and 1779. He later served as the representative to the General Court in 1776 and 1785. He was a member of the Newburyport Marine Society, a member of the Marine Fire Society, and a town selectman between 1783 and 1785. Wigglesworth was a part-owner of the Newburyport Woolen Manufacturing Company, established in 1794. Between 1792 and 1795, Wigglesworth was the collector of customs for the port. In 1796, his fortunes failed, and this house was sold to pay his creditors. The house was purchased by Dudley Atkins Tyng.

Tyng was also a prominent merchant in Newburyport. He owned the house for only three years, selling it to David Coffin in 1799. Coffin sold the house to Abel Lunt the following year.

George Lunt, son of Abel, was born in this house on December 31, 1803. The younger Lunt graduated from Carved in 1824 and became a lawyer. He served in the General Court in 1830, in the state senate between 1835 and 1836, and as the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts between 1849 and 1853.