Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 6.

Opposite Mr. Perkins' house and just south of the hotel is a large three-story double house, which was occupied by Captain Samuel Blanchard and James O. Curtis. The former was proprietor of coach and livery stable, constable, auctioneer and lieutenant colonel of militia. He lived in the side nearest the square. His stable was in the rear. He was well known in Middlesex and Suffolk counties. He was a large man, of fine physique, and was a loud, rapid talker. Later he moved to the Governor Brooks' estate on High street. He spent his last days in Sutton, New Hampshire. Mr. James O. Curtis was a leading ship builder. His yard was between Swan street extension and the river, near the site of the city stables (1903). He was a prominent man in town affairs. Later he removed to No. 196 Main street, which was built by Rufus Wade, shoe manufacturer, and is now occupied by Mr. James Golden. Mr. Curtis died in the house which he built at the corner of Main and Royall streets.

Later tenants of the old house next the hotel were George Hervey, Joseph N. Gibbs and others.

Mrs. Luther Stearns owned a large house and stable with large lot of land near Emerson street.

Her husband formerly kept a private school for boys. Her sons, George L. and Henry, had a large linseed oil factory on Union street, which was burned in 1849. Major George L. Stearns is famous as a friend of the freedmen, and organized many colored regiments during the civil war. Next to Mrs. Stearns lived Jacob Butters. He kept a grocery store on High street where the Opera House stands. His only son shipped as boy with Captain St. Croix Redman of Medford, and on his first voyage was killed at New Orleans by falling from the rigging. Mr. Butters rented a portion of his premises, and we recall William Thomas, stone mason, William