Essex Co, MA Probate Index, FHL film #860, 479
29676    James Whittemore, guardianship   1823 April 1   Book 25, page 85  (874,632)

Essex County Probate New Series, Book 25  FHL film #874,632
Guardianship of James Whittemore
"Stephen Whittemore of Salem in said county , ropemaker, that there is occasion for a guardian to be appointed for James Whittemore, a minor aged 19 years, son of James Whittemore, ropemaker, [deceased is crossed out]; that your petitioner has a legal right to take such guardianship and is ready to give bond with sufficient sureties for the faithful discharge therof." 1 April 1823
"On this first Tuesday in April 1823 James Whittemore, a minor aged nineteen years, son of James Whittemore [late crossed out] of Salem in said county, ropemaker [deceased crossed out, comes into court and makes choice of Stephen Whittemore of Salem in said county, ropemaker, to be his guardian which choice is allowed."

James Whittemore Senior is not dead at this time. Stephen Whittemore is his younger brother, (15 years younger). Stephen Whittemore, James Whittemore, and Elijah Porter put up a $500 surety bond.

1840 Census, Salem, Essex Co, MA , page 255

Stephen Whittemore
1 Male 15-20 (William age 19)
1 Male 20-30 (Benjamin age 20)
1 Male 50-60 (Stephen age 55
1 Female 10-15 (Rebecca or Sarah)
1 Female 15-20 (Rebecca or Sarah)
3 Females 20-30 (Elizabeth age 22, Anna age 26, Mary age 28)
1 Female 50-60 (Betsy age 54)

Stephen's brother's step-son, Richard Preston is three houses away.