The center chimney cape, built around 1780, is one of the earliest surviving houses of the region. TheTarr-Eaton House was built by William Tarr II in 1783 over what may have been an earlier, original structure by William Tarr. The existing structure is composed of a full 1½ story cape typical of the late 18th century. At some later date, probably 1840's or 1850's, a small barn was annexed to the north-east corner of the original structure. The exterior trim of the barn represents the Greek Revival style. The south and east elevations of the cape were altered at this time toward the new style and a columned porch was attached to the East elevation. Today the house and its 2-acre grounds make a vital contribution to the open space and historical character of the village of Harpswell Center.
Easement Acquired: 1983
Public Access: None, though the house and grounds may be easily viewed from the Harpswell Neck Road
Property Owner: Private
Easement Holder: HHLT
Easement Type and Purpose
Preservation Easement: to maintain the traditional appearance and structural soundness of the building; to conserve the field around the building as open space; and to protect the road view from the north of the Old Meeting-House and the Kellogg church
Other
From the Cumberland County Commissioner's files about William Tarr:
Book 2, page 166
October, 1784 William Tarr, Innholder (Harpswell)
License by Cumberland County Court to keep Tavern & Retail Spiritous Liquors for one year next ensuing...100 Sureties.
Book 2, page 206
October, 1781 By Marlborough Sylvester, Obe Hubbs, Jos.McLellan
In October 1778, 1779 Joseph Linscot (Harpswell) held the . License.
by Charles Tarr, 1994
I did find that William Tarr first arrived in Merriconeage Neck in 1738, he recorded his intent to marry Sarah Henery in 1748 at Brunswick, Maine and he signed a petition to separate Harpswell from North Yarmouth in 1748. I still have not been able to find a source for their [William I and Sarah] children, but I believe them to be Joseph Tarr b. 1758 ; William Tarr b. 1760; and possibly some daughters that are not listed.
Joseph Tarr's Revolutionary War records by Marium Stover Thomas state that "The Tarr family lived next to the Old First Church, Harpswell Center in the house that was later the Aunt Mary Eaton house." This seams odd if the house was built by William II in 1783! I wonder if the lot was owned by the Tarr family and then William built his house over an old homestead in 1783? I do know that Joseph left Harpswell prior to 1780 and moved to Topsham, Brunswick, and then Bowdoin. William II moved to Topsham after he sold the home to Joseph Eaton and he died in Topsham in 1817.
You were correct about the six children being born in the house. William and Elizabeth (Clark) Tarr had two boys and four girls, all born in Harpswell.
Petition: To the Select men of the Town of Northyarmouth
To be Communicated to the inhabitants of the _?_ Town at their first Town Meeting
Gentlemen
We the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Neck of Land Called Merriconeage and Islands adjacent
within the township of Northyarmouth. Being Sensible that that we are Required by the Laws of God and of Me Province to attend the Publick worship on the Lords Day and Enjoy the Privileges of the Gospel and by reason of our Living at So great a Distance from the Stated place of Worship in the Town or any Neighboring Town both by Land and Water as to Deprive us of the privileges of the Gospel. And being Desirous to Support the Gospel among Selves where we may with Convenience and Comfort Enjoy the advantages of it. And not being able to Effect this unless we are set off as a Distinct Precinct do Request of the Inhabitants of the Town Meeting Vote to be a Distinct and Separate precinct all that Tract of Land Called Merrico- neage Neck and all the Islands with two miles Westward of _?_ Neck and all the Islands and main Land Lying Eastward of _?_ within the Township of Northyarmouth; and as far as it is in your power _?_ us the Inhabitants with the Privileges of a Distinct & Separate Precinct , and your Granting this Request. We shall esteem as an great favor
Merriconeage January 30th 1748
John Stover
William Tarr
Timothy Bailey of New Capenewagon
Wait Webber
Patrick Phalen
William Black of Little Sebascohedegan
Seth Toothaker
James Doyle
William Macgray
John Matthews
William Black Gurnet
Richard Hafen
Jonathon Webber
Elisha Alling
William Alexander
Nathaniel Barns
Benjamin Barns