Located at the edge of the Town Common in Strafford, Vermont, this handsome Federal style residence dates to the early 19th century and has ties to a prominent local family. The house was built around 1807 and originally owned by a Benjamin Wood and by 1823, the property was owned by Daniel Cobb. Judge Daniel Cobb (1787-1868) served as the town’s Chief lawyer, Assistant Judge of Orange County Court, the town’s first postmaster, and as an elected representative to the state legislature. After his death, the property was inherited by Daniel’s son, Nathan Cobb (1827-1906), who was largely housebound from an injury while a student at Norwich University. Nathan Cobb became Strafford’s town clerk in 1863 and would hold that position for 43 years. He would also serve as the town treasurer, tax collector, school superintendent, and librarian. He housed the town’s library in the home for a number of decades and was also a justice of the peace and ran a printmaking business. Dr. Gardner Cobb, whose mother died shortly after his birth, was Nathan’s only child. He became a pediatrician and owned the house until his death in 1967. For 150 years, the house has been known as the Cobb House and is notable for its pressed metal roof.
