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Samuel Morey House

Samuel Morey Houseenlarge

 

Morey Tax Recordenlarge

The Morey house was built by Samuel, son of Israel Morey. Israel Morey left Hebron, Connecticut, with a team of oxen, his wife and a six-month old infant, arriving in Orford in 1766. He owned a number of mills, timberland and the ferrying rights mentioned earlier. Israel died in 1820. Israel's son Samuel, best known for his invention of the steamboat, was credited with many other inventions including the internal combustion engine and heating systems for homes. Samuel was an interesting person and his creations must have been the talk of the town. His house faces Bridge Street and the Connecticut River, the site of many of his experiments. The middle section of the house was actually the first frame house in town and was built in 1773 by the first minister Reverand Noble. The entire house was finished by 1805.

Morey Tax Record

Although living on the Ridge often implied substantial wealth, Samuel Morey had some financial struggles. The 1820 census shows Morey having buildings worth $420 and just $120 worth of carriages.