Many residents of Medford will recall the very old house demolished but a few years since when work began on the parkway. By the thoughtfulness of members of the Arlington Historical Society, a photograph of the same was secured just before its demolition, which by their courtesy we are able to present.
While there is no absolute proof that it is identical with the one Robert Long conveyed, it is highly probable that it was.
Returning to President Dunster, we notice that he acquired this dwelling and land in what must have been to him a strenuous time, one of much affliction and sorrow. He had then guided the affairs of the college for fourteen years. During the previous year he had seen fit to depart from the existing custom, and had not presented his infant child for baptism.
This was nothing less than rank heresy in the eyes of the theocratic leaders of the time, and led to his resignation on June 10, 1654.
Consistent in his belief, he publicly gave utterance to his views in the meeting-house on July 30, and resultant on action of the overseers, he made a final resignation on October 24.
On November 4 he asked his just due, an accounting for his services, which the General Court did not see fit to grant, evidently fearing he would take up the profession of law. Six days later he petitioned for liberty to remain in the president's house, which was allowed until the end of the year.
In March (the first month of 1655) the court took action against him for his speech of the previous July, and on April 3 arraigned him for the crime (?), sentencing him to be publicly admonished therefor.
