Barrell, Joseph, 1739-1804

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Joseph Barrell was a successful merchant. Born in Boston, Ma. in 1739, his father was a merchant and shipbuilder. He, like his brother, became involved in mercantile operations. In 1764, he married Ann Pierce. He was listed as a member of the Sons of Liberty in 1769. Barrell's first wife died and in 1771, he married Hannah Fitch. Although the business was moved to Waltham, he maintained a residence on Summer St. in Boston. Barrell remained active in public affairs and even ran unsuccessfully for governor of Massachusetts. Early in the 1790s, Barrell acquired over 200 acres of land overlooking the Charles River at Cobble Hill in Charlestown. A dwelling for the property was designed by Charles Bulfinch, who had worked in Barrell's counting office between 1781 and 1786. In 1795, Barrell married Electra Brigham. She died a few years later and he married Sarah Webb. During the 1790s, much of Barrell's time was devoted to constructing and furnishing his new home, Pleasant Hill. He died in 1804 and the property was sold.

From the description of Letters and letterbooks, 1776-1800. (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 147437398

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Barrell, Joseph, 1739-1800. Letters and letterbooks, 1776-1800. Winterthur Library
creatorOf Columbia (Ship). Columbia (Ship) papers, 1787-1817, bulk: 1787-1792. Massachusetts Historical Society
referencedIn McLean Asylum [graphic]. Boston Athenaeum
creatorOf Kendrick, John, ca. 1740-1794. John Kendrick letters [manuscript], 1787-1845. Oregon Historical Society Research Library
creatorOf Joseph Barrell letters, 1763, 1765, 1786, 1787, 1802 New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
creatorOf Columbia (Ship). Papers II, 1790. Massachusetts Historical Society
creatorOf Deblois, Gilbert, 1725-1791. Gilbert Deblois ledger book, 1769-1792 Massachusetts Historical Society
referencedIn Barrell, Charles. Barrell-Webb papers, 1891-1893. Massachusetts Historical Society
referencedIn John de Neufville & Son (Amsterdam, Netherlands). Records, 1780-1853 (bulk 1780-1786). Churchill County Museum
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Bulfinch, Charles, 1763-1844. person
associatedWith Columbia (Ship) corporateBody
associatedWith Deblois, Gilbert, 1725-1791. person
associatedWith John de Neufville & Son (Amsterdam, Netherlands) corporateBody
associatedWith Kendrick, John, ca. 1740-1794. person
Place Name Admin Code Country
London (England)
Boston (Mass.)
Massachusetts--Boston
Subject
Architectural design
Dwellings
Finance, Personal
Gardens
House construction
House furnishings
Plants, Ornamental
Occupation
Architect
Gardeners
Merchants
Activity

Person

Birth 1739-02-28

Death 1804-10-13

Information

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