Public Invited to Visit Memorials to Andover’s First Settlers

The Emery Homestead in East Andover, built in 1775, is the site of the burial ground for Joseph Fellows and his family, the first settlers of Andover. A nearby monument marks the actual site of Fellows' home. Photo: Larry Chase — The Emery Homestead in East Andover, built in 1775, is the site of the burial ground for Joseph Fellows and his family, the first settlers of Andover. A nearby monument marks the actual site of Fellows’ home. Photo: Larry Chase

Two little-known and seldom-seen Andover landmarks – the burial ground of first settler Joseph Fellows and family members, and a nearby monument commemorating his role in the town’s settlement – may be visited by local residents on Sunday, October 13, between 1 and 3 PM.

At that time, visitors will be guided to the landmarks’ locations by members of the Andover Historical Society and offered a short presentation. Sturdy shoes are recommended. The event, sponsored by the Historical Society, is free and open to the public. No advance registration is necessary.

The monument erected about 100 years ago to Andover settler Joseph Fellows. On the reverse it reads: "Here Joseph and Margaret (Webster) Fellows founded the first home in Andover." On the left is Susan Chase; on the right is Pam Cooper. Photo: Larry Chase — The monument erected about 100 years ago to Andover settler Joseph Fellows. On the reverse it reads: “Here Joseph and Margaret (Webster) Fellows founded the first home in Andover.” On the left is Susan Chase; on the right is Pam Cooper. Photo: Larry Chase

The landmarks are on property currently owned by Ron and Pam Cooper at 363 Chase Hill Road in East Andover. Their home, known locally as the Emery Homestead and built in 1775, is hidden from the road at the end of a long driveway. Behind the house and barn, about an eighth of a mile north, is the picturesque burial ground of Fellows, his wife, their son-in-law, and the son-in-law’s eight infant children. The single gravestone is surrounded by old stone walls and huge pine trees.

At the southern end of the Coopers’ property, again an eighth of a mile or so from the house, sits the Fellows memorial, a granite marker surrounded by iron railings. It was erected by the town about a hundred years ago and reads: “On this spot in 1761 Joseph Fellows, pioneer and soldier, built the first house in Andover.” The reverse side reads: “Here Joseph and Margaret (Webster) Fellows founded the first home in Andover.”

Residents who would like to view the landmarks but are unable to attend the October 13 event may contact the Coopers to schedule a visit at another time. Pam Cooper can be reached at PamC102@nullaol.com or 671-8007.