Photograph
4.75″ x 7.5″ photograph of 14 Depot St, True Bean House, as it looked ca. 1895. The back lists from left to right: True A. Bean (1822-1905), Mrs. Rand and Mrs. Foss. The house was built by the 1850s. The Fisher family owned the house by the 1930s. With visible alterations, it still stands today. Google Maps
True Bean was born in Vermont, and came to Westford as a laborer for the then being built Stony Brook Railroad. He married Mary Ann Blake (1810-1895) in 1848. Mary was considered a prominent citizen in town, contrasting with True’s standing at the time. In 1861, he enlisted to fight in the Civil War. After, he had a variety of occupations, such as the Sealer of Weights and Measures, Town Hall janitor, and Town Librarian. He was variably described as a ubiquitous, irresponsible, and interesting New England character. For more info on True Bean, see the Notable of the Month article.
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