The site of the Peter Whitney parsonage has been a unique witness to the early development of Northborough's history. The land this house was built on was granted to John Radiet in 1672 as part of the original Marlborough Plantation. The first house was built sometime prior to 1741 by his son in-law Nathaniel Oaks who married his daughter Mehitabel.
From 1741 to 1744, before Northborough had its own meeting house, religious services were held here. Subsequently, Northborough's first two ministers (Rev. John Martyn and Rev. Peter Whitney) resided and penned their sermons at this location. In 1780, the original house burned and the current home was built on the original foundation.
In the days before separation of church and state, the clergy often set the political as well as religious tone. Peter Whitney in particular was very active in espousing the patriot cause before and during the revolution and published a number of pamphlets based on his sermons. Rev. Whitney was well acquainted with John Hancock and John Adams. He also wrote the first history of Worcester County here and dedicated it to his friend, John Adams – Vice President of the United States. His son, also named Peter and raised in the house, was ordained minister of Quincy and officiated at the funeral of President John Adams.
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The home and grounds have been lovingly restored by the current owners. Thank you Marie Nieber for information on this property.
Rev. Whitney Link Pages 41-47 in: http://books.google.com/books?id=4TEWAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA45&lpg=PA45&dq=Rev.+Whitney+Northborough&source=bl&ots=9nVgQpameD&sig=s6Dw_wVTSdQCBK_sbT9LZ9rLPtU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=gI4sU_j1JsqCyQGAm4GQAQ&ved=0CEMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Rev.%20Whitney%20Northborough&f=false
