Richard Wattles was the earliest owner of record, and sold in 1663, his house and an acre of land “in the Hill St.” to Henry Hussell of Marblehead, April 18. (Ips. Deeds 2: 149). Russell, “sope-boyler,” sold to Margaret Bishop, Oct. 13, 1671 (Ips. Deeds 3: 301) and Margaret and her son Samuel, joint executors of Thomas Bishop, sold to Thomas Lull, March 14, 1678 (Ips. Deeds 4: 140).
William Caldwell married a daughter of Lull, and after Lull ‘s decease, his daughter Elizabeth, wife of William Herbert, sold Caldwell, her brother-in-law, half the home-
stead, bounded northwest by John Holland, Nov. 21, 1733. On July 10, 1753, Elizabeth Herbert, then a widow, conveyed to him the balance, then bounded northwest by Daniel Ringe. Caldwell probably built the house on the lot after purchasing it in 1733, The house was still owned by the Caldwell heirs at the beginning of the 20th Century.
Key features of the house include a large kitchen fireplace and exceptional period trim. The house was restored by Larl Newton in the 1950’s. It was renovated in 1985 by James LaVereiere.
The earlier William Caldwell
From “John Caldwell and Sarah Dillingham Caldwell”: William and Lydia Caldwell began domestic life in certain rooms of the original Lull house on High street. The house was built about 1670, and was demolished a few years since. (See photo A pen sketch of the ancient dwelling was made, which will be valued by descendants. An “Item” of Thomas Lull’s will is: ” I give to my Daughters Elisabeth and Liddia Lulls, my Mansion house & barn, and all ye Land Adjoyneing and orchard with all and singular there unto in any manner of wise appertaining.”
William Caldwell bought Elisabeth Lull’s half of the house on November 21, 1733 from Elizabeth and her husband William.
Both William Caldwells descended from John and Sarah Dillingham Caldwell, whose house on High Street still stands and is known as the Waldo-Caldwell house.
RESOURCES
- MACRIS
- Ipswich in the Massachusetts Bay colony by Thomas Franklin Waters
Historic Ipswich 
Hi…. Is it known if the Caldwell house was ever operated as a Hotel? I have a receipt dated January 19, 1811 for the High Street Hotel operated by William Caldwell. Thanks
I don’t have any record of a hotel at that location. Are you certain that it is Ipswich?
Hi…. Based on the research, this seems like the most logical place using the dates, names and street address. William Caldwell is shown as the owner/proprietor. The “guest” that the receipt was made out to was a Jonas Harvey of Connecticut for 2 which is itemized as Supper, Lodging, and Horse Keeping. Harvey, from what I can tell was from Connecticut, but moved to New Hampshire. I am in the process of going through my father’s collection of ephemera and this was an item. My goal is to find the right place for it if there is one. Thanks.