Town lore claims that a small rock in the ocean between Little Harbor and Gerry Island was called Jack’s Rock after Rev. Samuel Cheever’s enslaved man, Jack. The Marblehead Messenger of August 15, 1884 claims, “The island of bare ledge, close by Gerry’s Island, known as Jack's Rock is said to have been so named, after Parson Cheever’s slave man 'Jack,' to whom his master gave It as a spot to fish from.” There is no evidence in Cheever’s probate record, including his will, nor the deeds that Cheever gave an enslaved person any of his land. The lands he owned were passed down to his son and two daughters.

Bibliography:

J.J.H. Gregory, “Where Some of Our Old Ministers Lived,” Marblehead Messenger, August 15, 1884.

Where Some Ministers Lived, Marblehead Messenger, Page2, 1884-08-15