78 High Street

History

This house is a fine example of domestic architecture, built by Newburyport’s wealthy merchant class during the Federal period. The house has the typical three-story form with a hipped roof. Pilasters flank the doorway, and columns support the portico. The portico’s modillioned cornice matches the building’s cornice.

Initially, this house had an elegant balustrade gracing the roofline. It resembled the one on the Nelson-Wheelwright house at 96 High Street.

Anthony Davenport, a prominent Newburyport merchant, purchased the land for this home in 1807 and built it shortly thereafter. His father owned the famous Wolfe Tavern, which Anthony and his brother Moses owned after his death. The Marquis de Chastellux stayed there during a visit to Newburyport.

Anthony Davenport lived on Water Street in 1791 and had a business and wharf on the Merrimack. He was interested in many vessels, including the Brig Hazard, which commissioned a “letter of marque” during the Revolutionary War. Several of his ships, specifically the Schooner Unity and the Brig Catherine, were captured by the French during the war between France and England in 1798. Davenport served as a selectman in 1792.

Anthony Davenport lived here until 1838 when the property was conveyed to his daughter, Mrs. Samuel DeFord. She and her heirs owned the house until 1871 when it was sold to John B. Greeley’s family. He and his heirs lived in the house until 1974, when Mr. Paul Nelson purchased it.