Among the most prominent delegates to the convention that was summoned by the Legislature to meet in Boston, in 1787, to take under consideration the perfecting of the National Constitution, we find heading the list one Doctor Thomas Kittredge of North Andover, a prominent gentleman and one whose loyalty has never been questioned.

North Andover lies to the north of the town of that name and was originally known as the North Parish. It was divided from the original town in 1709. Previous to that it had been reserved for inland plantations, all persons who settled there having three years' immunity from taxation. During that period farms were cultivated, dwellings erected, and the church built, where doctrines most severe were meted out, those neglecting to attend meeting for three months being publicly whipped. The houses erected in this village, with the exception of a very few, were not distinguished for architectural beauty or for fine or costly furniture. Of the better class only a few remain. Prominent among these is the Kittredge mansion, which is typical of the highest development of colonial architecture in the early part of the eighteenth century. The owner was not only one of the ablest surgeons of the Revolutionary army, but a public-spirited citizen, a capable officer, and the ancestor of a line of surgeons and physicians who have done most important things in the community.

The fine old house at Andover is closely associated with the history of the family in this country. It is a large, square mansion, three stories in height, crowning the crest of a hill. It is situated far back from the main road, a terraced lawn reaching down to a colonial fence that surrounds the entire estate. Entrance is through a picket gate that swings between dignified colonial posts and which gives into a path leading by terraces straight to the house, at the rear of which the grounds extend for many acres. On them are large barns, which provide ample space for cattle.

The house has sheltered many generations of the same family. It was built in 1784 by the doctor, who was one of the third generation in America, a son of Doctor John Kittredge, who came to North Andover from Tewksbury about 1741. At the time of his settlement, this Doctor John Kittredge purchased large tracts of land, covering the entire site of the present village, and lived in an old farmhouse which has only recently been torn down.

Doctor Thomas Kittredge was one of three sons. He secured a portion of the holding from his father about 1745, and on it he erected what was considered to be the second finest house that had been built in that section of the country. It was so dignified and impressive that it was surpassed only by the residence of Joshua Phillips, whose mansion was situated in the so-called South Parish of the town. In its construction skilled labor was employed, as was shown by the fine hand-carving around the fireplaces in many of the important rooms of the house. The site occupied originally many acres, including what was once known as the old training field. It was here, in the early period of our history and before the estate was used for private grounds, that the early militia were wont to gather on Muster Day, dressed in the picturesque old-time uniform. Here they performed wonderful feats of skill that were viewed by the country folk for many miles around.

On these same grounds was the first Kittredge mansion, and not far away were the slave quarters, significant of the fact that the owner of the old homestead was a man of means and also that he owned many slaves, as was customary in those days among the wealthier class in Massachusetts. To-day the old quarters have disappeared, and only tradition hands down the many stories connected with their past.

The immediate surroundings of the present mansion are very much the same as when it was erected so many years ago. There have been some improvements, however, since the time when the great housewarming took place, an important event in those days and attended by friends and neighbors for miles around.

The dignified house is well proportioned, fitting picturesquely into its surroundings. The main portion is square of build; in each corner a massive yet graceful pilaster shows hand-carving wonderfully fine in design. The windows have retained their small panes and show carved cornices. These, by their formal appearance, lend an additional dignity and carry out the scheme of simplicity evident in the handsome, well-proportioned porch, which is a feature of the home.

The main approach is through the quaint gateway in the center of the colonial fence. This gives upon a narrow path leading between tree-dotted grass plots to the main entrance. This entrance is characterized by finely carved columns that prove an admirable foil to the door of dark, panelled wood, flanked on either side by narrow lights of glass and ornamented with a colonial knocker of the hammer type. From this porch one obtains a most extensive view of the surrounding country, for picturesque vistas are found on every side.

The heavy door swings back on its strap hinges and the visitor finds himself in a wide, large hallway extending entirely through the house, dividing it in two. The interior remains unchanged, and the lofty ceilings, the great hallway, and broad staircases are in contrast to the small entry and narrow, winding stairs found in many colonial dwellings.

As one steps into the great hall, with its handsome, panelled woodwork and old-fashioned furniture, he feels no jarring note. The deep cornice showing dentation affords a correct finish to the soft-toned hangings which divide it from the wainscot. To the left and right lead fine, large, square rooms filled with the rarest models of Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton.

The colonial staircase with its fine, hand-carved newel-post and balusters is at the left of the hallway. The stairs are boxed, the risers low, and the treads wide. Half-way up is a wide landing, lighted by a fine example of a colonial window, showing an arched top. Through this the sunlight streams upon an old grandfather's clock, which has steadily ticked off the hours since placed there in the early days when the house was first furnished.

A short flight of steps that turn at the right leads to the second-story hall, which corresponds in size and finish to the one below. It is finished with wonderful examples of the old masters' pieces shown in Sheraton and Chippendale design. No modern touch has been introduced to rob this home of its colonial atmosphere, and everywhere are found rich relics of a distinguished past.

The house is divided into four large rooms on the entrance floor. Here one discovers a perfect treasure trove of antiques, for in addition to wonderful furniture, there is some of the finest china to be found in the country.

At the right is the living-room, where the woodwork shows wide panels, the fireplace having an old-time, soapstone fire-frame. Every piece of furniture is of the colonial type, the sofas being of the Empire period, and the chairs of Sheraton, showing rush bottom and often known as fancy chairs. A wonderful old cabinet is filled with relics such as are rarely found, even in a colonial home.

The parlor is on the opposite side of the hallway; the woodwork around the fireplace in this room is hand-carved, with baskets of flowers for the center ornamentation, and festoon effects on either side. It has a facing of tiles, on which are depicted Biblical scenes. The woodwork shows well planned panelling, with a deep cornice above the quaint wall hangings. The recessed windows are fitted with built-in seats and the old-time shutters which were originally used as safeguard against the Indians.

Every piece of furniture is a genuine antique, the Hepplewhite with the favorite shield or heart-shaped back and straight legs, and the cozy arm-chair of Sheraton design known in this country as "Martha Washington," owing to the fact that one of this design was included in the furnishings at Mt. Vernon, all being choice examples. Equally as interesting as these fine bits is a quaint, old bronze lamp, 1820, with lusters and glass shades. The Roundabout Chippendale chair, and the center table, with its thin top, plain tripod, and ball feet, are typical of those designed about the first of the nineteenth century.

In the dining-room, which opens from the rear of the hallway, the same dignified simplicity is a dominant feature. The furnishing of mahogany, the china cupboards, and the rare pieces of Chippendale and Sheraton are worthy of their attractive setting. The fireplace, with its exquisite carving, brings into relief the fine lines of the mantel above. Rare old pewter, silver, and exquisite bits of Sheffield plate are found in the deep closets in this room.

The second story is in keeping with the good taste displayed on the lower floor. The furnishings here are antique also, including some of the best examples of four-posters to be found in New England. The fireplaces vary from the Franklin stove, to the large, open fireplaces of our grand-dames' time, with broad spaces of panelled woodwork; the white finish, mellowed to ivory tones, affords a suitable background for the wonderful old pictures.

The house as a whole typifies the highest ideals of a bygone period. No modern touch is allowed to mar the beauty of its simple dignity. Never since its erection has it been out of the family. As before stated, the builder was one of three sons, all physicians. There was also a sister Elizabeth, who inherited medical ability to such a marked degree that she took charge of her father's patients, and after her marriage and removal to Londonderry, New Hampshire, was frequently called upon to assist at surgical operations. There is a story extant relating to her visit to a patient during a dark night. While on her way she slipped and fell, breaking her leg. Nothing daunted, she set the bone herself, and so well did she do it that she suffered no serious inconvenience from her mishap.

Doctor Thomas Kittredge commenced his practice in Andover about 1775. At the commencement of the Revolution, he enlisted in the Continental army, rendering very valuable services as surgeon in Colonel James Fry's regiment. Of him it has been well said that he had more natural skill than any man in the country. A dignified and commanding gentleman, he enjoyed unusual facilities for aiding the sick and the wounded, not only through his wealth, which allowed him to procure for them many delicacies, but through the services of his brother-in-law, Major Samuel Osgood, who was in charge of the department of supplies.

His father, while not taking an active part in the work, did much for the welfare of the soldiers who were sent home to recuperate. He frequently kept them in the old house for many months, or until they had fully recovered their health.

At the close of the Revolution, Doctor Thomas served a long term in the Legislature, and his sterling character and fine intellect combined to make him one of the most valued members of this learned body of men. The last act of his life was in keeping with the kindly traits that had always distinguished him and had made him generally beloved. He encountered at the roadway a man coming from afar, with yet many miles to go before his destination was reached. Noticing the worn-out condition of the horse he rode, the doctor commanded the animal to be installed in his own barn and offered the stranger the use of one of his horses that he might continue on his way. The next morning the borrowed animal was sent home, but the kindly master who had so graciously loaned him was not present to note his return, having passed quietly away in his sleep during the night.

In his day slavery was countenanced in Massachusetts, and the affairs of the colored servants, however trivial, were attended to by the good doctor and his wife, who were ever thoughtful of the interests of their slaves. The raising of the great house, known as the Kittredge mansion, was a source of great rejoicing among those servitors, and one of the slaves, CÆsar by name, held in his arms the baby of the family, Doctor Joseph Kittredge, first, then nine months old, that he might be able to say, when he was a man grown, that he was at the raising.

There were many incidents in which the slaves afforded the doctor great amusement, particularly one which occurred when Cato was about to be married. The family and guests were gathered in the parlor, and Doctor Sims, the pastor of the church, was asked to officiate. Cato had been presented for the occasion with a suit of small-clothes, and half a crown for a wedding fee. He was very much impressed with the responsibility of the money, but he could not determine when or where the fee was to come in. This led him to keep his ears and eyes wide open, watching the minister's every word and action. The ceremony concluded, Doctor Sims said in a solemn voice: "Let us pray," stretching out his hand as he spoke. The nervous bridegroom understood it as "Let us pay," and he thrust his hand hastily into his pocket and brought out the half-crown, placing it in the minister's hand before the voice of supplication showed him that the summons was to "pray" and not to "pay."

Doctor Joseph Kittredge succeeded to his father's practice in 1818. He married Miss Hannah Hodges of Salem, and two of their sons were educated for the medical profession,—Doctor Joseph Kittredge, second, and Doctor John Kittredge. The first named succeeded his father in practice and was a highly respected and beloved physician of North Andover until his death in 1878. Two of his sons are doctors, Doctor Thomas Kittredge of Salem, and Doctor Joseph Kittredge, third.

The standard of hospitality established by the builder has been rigidly adhered to through all the passing years, and more especially during the summer season the old rooms re-echo with the merry chatter of gay young voices, much as they did in the olden days.