The Square House: The Revolutionary War

The Square House was transferred twice more before being acquired by Dr. Ebenezer Haviland, a surgeon and a barber, in 1770. Dr. Haviland, a prominent member of the Rye community, acted as town supervisor, town clerk and leader of the Rye Patriots. On August 10, 1774, a meeting of Rye residents was held, probably at the Square House, in response to the Boston Tea Party. The residents formed a committee, headed by Dr. Haviland, that supported the Continental Congress in Philadelphia and protested taxation without representation. During 1774, John and Samuel Adams stayed at the Square House as they traveled to and from the Continental Congress.

On August 4, 1775, Dr. Haviland was appointed as a surgeon in the Continental Army. He remained in the military until his death on July 28, 1781 in Connecticut. It is not known whether he died of battle wounds or disease.