73 - 75 Maple Avenue

Architectural Description: 

Queen Anne style, when built had open porch on the first floor. Wood clapboard exterior siding. Second story enclosed porch a later addition.

Historical Narrative: 

73-75 Maple Ave (formerly #35) – 38-174 –

This parcel lot was purchased by George D. Lawson from the heirs of Henry A. Bodwell on July 17, 1896. Bodwell purchased his parcel (#37) in 1883 from John H. Flint which included all the land on the east side of Maple Ave from #29 to Walnut St. This home was formerly numbered #35 and renumbered in 1928 to #73. AT - Apr. 9, 1897 – The batters are up for a new house for George D. Lawson on Maple Avenue. Hardy & Cole will build it.
AT August 6, 1897 - George D. Lawson has moved into his new house on Maple Avenue

George David Lawson was born July 18, 1853 in Andover, son of John & Isabella (Brand) Lawson. George was employed at Smith & Dove Manufacturing Co. as a machinist in the flax mill. George married Sept. 20, 1877 in Lawrence to Mary Robb b. April 17, 1857 in Arbraoth, Scotland dau. of Charles & Margaret (Steven) Robb. Mary immigrated in 1872. George & Mary had seven children: Mabel D. b. June 7, 1878, Ralph Emerson b. Feb. 8, 1880, John Brand b. Jan. 11, 1882, George D. Jr. b Sept. 30, 1883, David Robb b. Apr. 15, 1889, Edward Robert b. May 17, 1892 and Walter Scott b. Nov. 14, 1896.
George worked for Smith and Dove for 40 years before retiring. He was a member of the Board of Fire Engineers for 25 years, belonged to St. Matthews Lodge and the Odd Fellows Lodge. George died on Jan. 8, 1926. Wife Mary died on Dec. 5, 1926 in Glendale, CA while staying with her son Walter for the winter. Both are interred at Spring Grove Cemetery, Andover, MA.

The Lawson heirs sold the property on Aug. 27, 1927 to Elizabeth Murphy, wife of Thomas. They owned for 31 years. It appears that the house was converted into a two family residence during the Murphy ownership.

Bibliography/References: 

Essex Northern Registry Deeds, Lawrence, MA
Andover maps 1872, 1882, 1906
Andover Directories
Andover Advertiser, Andover Townsman
Goldsmith, Bessie. Townswoman's Andover 1964 p. 100
Map plan #709 - Dec. 189 rec. Dec 9, 1927 - Henry Bodwell
US Census records

owners:
John H. Flint - 1872 land
Henry A. Bodwell - Mar. 31, 1883 - b. 71 p. 122
Henry A. Bodwell estate, May 17, 1891 heirs, widow and children
Bodwells, wid. Emma A., Myra J., Henry A., Helen E., Charles A., Emma Grace - 1891 Probate
Emma A. Bodwell and heirs - Nov. 8, 1895 - b. 144 p. 153
Bodwell Heirs – July 13, 1896 – Probate
George D. Lawson, wife Mary R. Lawson – July 17, 1896 – b. 148 p. 199-200
George D. Lawson estate, d. Jan. 6, 1926, heir Mary R. Lawson
Mary Robb Lawson estate, d. Dec. 5, 1926, Edward R. & David Lawson Extrs.
Elizabeth Murphy, wife of Thomas – Aug. 27, 1927 – b. 534 p. 350
Elizabeth Murphy estate, d. Apr. 26, 1959 – Daniel B. McDuffie heir
Mary C. Lyons – Dec. 5, 1962 – b. 976 p. 374
Catherine M. & Daniel B. McDuffie – Dec. 5, 1962 – b. 976 p. 375
Daniel B. McDuffie estate d. July 8, 1971heir Catherine M. McDuffie
Daniel B. & Anita G. McDuffie – Apr. 11, 1978 – b. 1335 p. 766
Daniel B. McDuffie – Dec. 11, 1985 – b. 2096 p. 2

Inventory Data:

StreetMaple Av
PlaceAndover Center District
Historic DistrictAndover Historic Building Survey
Historic NameGeorge D. & Mary R. Lawson House
Present Useresidence - 2 family
Original Useresidence
Construction Date1897
SourceERDS, NERDL, style,
Architectural StyleQueen Anne
Architect/BuilderHardy & Cole (builders)
Foundationstone & granite
Wall/Trimclapboard/wood/aluminum clad
Roofasphalt/gable
Major AlterationsConversion to two family, aluminum siding covers original wood clapboard. Front porches enclosed
Conditionexcellent
Acreage 0.461a, 20,013 sq. ft.
Settingresidential
Map and parcel38-174
Recorded byW. Frontiero, James S. Batchelder
OrganizationAndover Preservation Commission
Date entered28 Feb 1980, 10/23/2019

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