As a founding family of Brighton and whose family was important in the early history of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the years leading up to the American Revolution, Nathaniel Sparhawk’s holdings extended across both sides of the river with five houses and over 1,000 acres. Nathaniel Sparhawk died in 1647 and his sons Samuel and Nathaniel II inherited the land in Little Cambridge. Samuel built a house for himself on Western Avenue, while Nathaniel II built the house near Cambridge Street in 1649. The Nathaniel II Sparhawk house was the first house on the site near Elko Street which 45 Murdock Street replaced in 1802.
Historical documentation, such as maps and physical evidence, supports the 1899 account of Brighton historian J.P.C. Winship that the second house was built in 1802 for Edward Sparhawk. The house was originally located near the intersection of Elko and Sparhawk streets, closer to Cambridge Street. The house was moved to the present smaller lot by 1873. Formerly, the house at 45 Murdock Street was the second dwelling built by this branch of the Sparhawk family, and the house is no longer sited on the original homestead location. Eventually, the former house at 45 Murdock Street was converted into a two-family dwelling. It remained in use as a two-family house until the mid-20th century, at which time as many as five families may have lived here. In the latter 20th century it was converted to six one-bedroom apartments. Since 2006 the house has stood vacant. In July 2013, the house was demolished (and replaced by new condos).
Although it was a rare surviving Federal period farmhouse, no outbuildings survive that convey the sense of a farmstead. When it was a rare surviving Federal period farmhouse, its primary significance related to the history of Brighton, and to Edward Sparhawk as a descendant of one of Brighton’s most important founding families.
This short series of geocaches will highlight aspects of Nathaniel Sparhawk, whose family and legacy started this area of Boston, now known as Brighton. Congrats to Viperrox on FTF!
Information from: The Sparhawk House: Study Report. Boston Landmarks Commission, Environment Department, City of Boston.