April 19,1775, the American Revolution begins

CAPTIONS FOR IMAGE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

IMAGE 1. The parsonage of the Second Parish Meetinghouse, later known as the Sewall house, sheltered the American Patriot leaders John Hancock and Samuel Adams for a brief time on April 19, 1775. The 16 room house was built in 1732 and became the home of the town ministers from 1751-1840. Many important town records and artifacts were kept here and lost in a fire that destroyed this historic house in 1897. Residents may recognize a depiction of this house on the Burlington town seal.

IMAGE 2. An artistic interpretation of the Salmon dinner hosted by Madame Abagail Jones for John Hancock and Samuel Adams, at the Sewall house, on April 19, 1775. The famous Patriot leaders were sheltered from British patrols in this house for a short time. A fine meal was prepared but never consumed as the guests had to flee upon word of the proximity of the patrols. Pictured in the mural from left to right, Rev. John Marrett ( with back to the viewer), Madame Abigail Jones ( in doorway), John Hancock, Cuff Trot (African-American slave of the Jones family) serving the salmon, Samuel Adams and Dorothy Quincy. The mural was painted by Don Gorvett and Jeff Weaver, ( members of the BHS class of 1968 and currently professional artist. It can be viewed in the Burlington Historical Museum.

IMAGE 3. The Walker House ca.1780 was built by Captain Joshua Walker and his son John. Joshua Walker was a commander of the SecondParish militia who fought in the battles of Lexington and Concord. His gravestone is found in the Second Parish Burial ground

IMAGE 4. The John Winn house was built in 1732 on the site of the first house built in what is now present Burlington. Lt. Joseph Winn lived here in 1775 and fought in the American Revolution.

IMAGE 5. The gravesite of Abigail Jones who hosted the visit of Hancock and Adams at the Sewall house on April 19,1775.

IMAGE 6. The Captain James Reed house, once located the road to Lexington. British prisoners of war were held captive here for a short time on April 19, 1775. The house was moved to construct the Burlington mall and later was destroyed by fire.

IMAGE 7. The Jonathan Simonds house , built in 1781, and now threatened with demolition. Once the home of Jonathan Simonds who at age 22, fought in the battles of Lexington and Concord.

IMAGE 8. 1799 map of Burlington showing lower Lexington St. and the Jonathan Simonds house.

IMAGE 9. Muster roll of the men who served in the American Revolution, showing the name of Jonathan Simonds.

IMAGE 10. The gravestone of Jonathan Simonds whose house still stands in Burlington but may soon be lost to development.