WESTFORD CENTER — The Westford Museum and Historical Society will host local historian Bob Oliphant for a presentation titled “John Abbott, Esq.: The Man, The Myth, The Legend” on Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at the Westford Museum, 2 Boston Road.
John Abbott, Esq., of Westford was a prominent figure in the town’s early history. He served as Grand Master of the Masons of Massachusetts and presided over the cornerstone-laying ceremony of the Bunker Hill Monument on June 17, 1825, alongside the Marquis de Lafayette and orator Daniel Webster.
Born Jan. 27, 1777, in Westford, Abbott was among the first students at Westford Academy when it opened in 1792. He later graduated from Harvard College, served as a preceptor at Westford Academy, and became a trustee. He also served as the academy treasurer for more than 50 years.
In addition to his work in education, Abbott practiced law, served in the Massachusetts State Senate, and participated in the 1820 convention that revised the Massachusetts Constitution. His leadership in the Masonic order ultimately led him to become Grand Master of the Masons of Massachusetts.
The Abbott family is considered one of Westford’s founding families and played a significant role in the town’s early development. The family is frequently referenced in local history for its civic contributions and involvement in early industry, including the development of worsted mills that influenced the town’s growth in the early 20th century.
Dr. Robert “Bob” Oliphant, a Westford historian, will lead the program. Oliphant has served on the Westford Historical Commission, the Westford Museum and Historical Society board, the Parkerville Schoolhouse Committee, and the Records and Archives Management Committee. He is the author of “The Westford Gazetteer” and writes the “Museum Musings” column, which he has contributed to since 2008.
Suggested program donation is $10.
The Westford Museum and Historical Society works to enhance community appreciation of Westford’s history through programs highlighting local residents’ lives and achievements. The organization collects, preserves, and exhibits historical documents, photographs, and artifacts and supports related initiatives by other organizations.
