SQUIRE SAMUEL TARBOX

The first generation, John Tarbox came from Hertfordshire, England to Lynn, Massachusetts in 1639. One of his sons moved to Maine to command a garrison during the period of Indian unrest. Samuel Tarbox was a great-grandson, born February 10, 1780.

Samuel married Polly Brown of Litchfield, Maine on September 7, 1805 and had twelve children.

One of his sons, Valentine, became a photographer and some of the photos in the
front hall are his. Valentine's son, Byron, died with Custer at the battle of Little Big Horn.

Samuel was an enterprising business man who had a thriving fishing and shipping business in the early 1800's. Because of his involvement in local government, he was Westport's first, First Selectman and Postmaster.

It is believed he received the honorary title "Squire" because of his wealth, his land holdings and his influence on the community. Samuel died March 19, 1861 and is buried with his family in the wrought iron fenced enclosure just north of the parking area.