From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

            Many of the families that have made up the Rochester community over the years have left their mark in street and place names. Just a few of them are Varella and Bisbee Corners, Dexter Lane, Raynor Gifford Memorial Park, Hartley and Rounseville Roads, and Plumb Corner.

            One early inhabitant of Rochester and his descendants left a legacy of large and lovely homes along New Bedford Road. The Haskell family’s patriarch came from Salem to Rochester in 1692. As the story goes, he was called to be a juror serving on one of the Salem witch trials. He was so appalled by the injustices being perpetuated that he saddled his horse and vowed to go as far as his horse could carry him in 24 hours. Because of this, he is referred to as “Witchcraft” Mark Haskell in Rochester historic accounts.

            After his arrival in town, he bought many acres along what is now New Bedford Road. He became active in the work of the town and was the first Town Clerk and the oldest town records began with him in 1697. The plans for the first meeting house, built by Peter Blackmer, as well as those for Center Cemetery were laid out at his house.

            The houses at 600, 541, 561, and 575 New Bedford Rd. were built by Haskell’s family over the years and while the houses remain the Haskells are long gone.

            The last of “Witchcraft” Mark Haskell’s descendants was Eugenia Haskell. She has always caught the imagination of Rochester historians. Born in 1819 she was said to have been a “youthful beauty” with many lovestruck suitors. Eugenia had a unique and interesting personality and could speak knowledgeably about books, plays, politics and current events. She entertained poets, philosophers, and at least one President at her home.

            Eugenia never married and eventually lived alone at the family home on Walnut Plain Road, which she managed with the help of a hired hand. My favorite story about Eugenia is that as she was entertaining guests in her drawing room, the hired hand came in to say that one of the cows had a turnip stuck in its throat. Eugenia excused herself to her guests and went out to the barn. While the hired man held the cow’s mouth open, she pushed up the sleeve of her “dainty” gown, reached in, and pulled out the turnip. Then she went back to her guests. I hope she washed her hands first.

            Eugenia died tragically at 89 in 1907 when an early blizzard struck unexpectedly. Alone, she went to tend to the animals in the barn. When her hired man was finally able to get there, he found her, frozen to death. 

            Anyone with questions about Rochester history can contact us either on the Rochester Historical Society website or at eshbach2@ aol.com.

By Connie Eshbach