T^i-iii 11 -i I ■TWtii'rji -I ^^"'(l CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY FROM olin 3 1924 028 810 253 Date Due WovlO'47 , » J -» I Cornell University w Library The original of this bool< is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://archive.org/details/cu31924028810253 f/l^l^. d^^. t. Engraved by Johnson i.^ TiiOMrscjN, Boston. From a photograph made in iSw2 by Ing'alls & Knowlton, Farming^ton, Me A HISTORY TOWN OF INDUSTRY. FRANKLIN COUNTY, MAINE, From the Earliest Settlement in 1787 down to the Present Time, Embracing the Cessions of New Sharon, New Vineyard, Anson, and Stark. IN TWO PARTS, Including the History and Genealogy of Many of the Leading Families of the Town. WILLIAM COLLINS HATCH. FARMINGTON, MAINE: PRESS OF KNOWLTON, McLEARY & CO. 1893. TO ELIZABETH SHOREY PRICE, WHO, BY HER GENEROUS BENEFICENCE AND KINDLY INTEREST IN THE TOWN OF HER ADOPTION, HAS RENDERED HER NAME DEAR TO EVERY CITIZEN OF INDUSTRY, THIS HUMBLE WORK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. The novice in the literary arena is prone to apologize for his work, but, for the nonce, he has no apology to offer. His work is to be weighed by a discriminating public ; should it be found wanting, of what avail will apology prove? In undertaking this work the author was actuated by a higher motive than mere love for sordid gain. Though not widely known, Industry is a town that has a history of which every citizen may justly be proud. Larger towns may claim the peerage in other directions, but when its part in furnishing the brain and brawn of the busy world is taken into account, Industry is entitled to high rank among her sister towns. To rescue the life-story of these noble men and women from oblivion has been the author's aim. How well he has succeeded let the intelligent reader decide. Many years ago the author conceived the idea of writing a history of his native town, but not until 1882 did he become actively engaged in the work. The results of his researches are embodied in the following pages. Errors undoubtedly occur in this work, for surprising discrep- ancies often exist between family, town and church records. In some instances even town records contain conflicting dates. Again, memories are fallible, some of course to a greater degree than others. Hence, family records furnished the author from different sources sometimes disagree. To determine which is correct is often extremely difficult, if not an impossible task. In Part Second the author has conformed largely to peculiarities of each person in regard to the orthography of christian names. Occasionally q. v. (meaning which see) will be found in the Genea- logical Notes without the corresponding record to which reference is VI PREFACE. made. These omissions are due to the fact that the author was compelled to condense the last half of Part Second in the manuscript even to the elimination of many family records. The name of a neighboring town has been invariably spelled Stark. This the author beheved was correct, as it is so spelled in the act of incorporation recorded in the records of the town and also on the plan sent to the General Court with petition for incorporation. Recent developments, however, show that the name is spelled with a final s as recorded in the archives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The author would here acknowledge with a deep sense pf gratitude the assistance and untiring interest of Dr. John F. and Mrs. Annie (Currier) Pratt, of Chelsea, Mass., who have contributed in no small degree to the interest and completeness of this work. Great credit is also due the printers, Messrs. David H. Knowlton and Frank E. McLeary, for their constant personal attention to every detail of the work while the volume was passing through the press. To those who, by their hearty co-operation and friendly counsel, have done much to lighten the cares of his onerous labor, the author would tender his heartfelt thanks, with the assurance that while life lasts he will ever cherish pleasing recollections of their kindness. Finally, to one and all : If errors are discovered, as they usually can be in works of this description, will you oblige the author by not calling his attention to them ? J.-iNUARY 25, 1893. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY. General Characteristics. — Boundaries. — Soil. — Productions. — Objects of Interest. — Scenery, etc., . . ... 13 CHAPTER n. LAND TITLES. Early Attempts to Colonize New England. — King James's Grant. — The Kennel^ec Purchase. — The Appraising Commission, etc., etc., 24 CHAPTER III. SETTLEMENT OF THE TO UN. The Plymouth Patent. — The New Vineyard Gore. — The Lowell Strip. — North Industry, • • 4° CHAPTER IV. EVENTS FROM 1800 TO 1810. Condition of the Settlers. — Plantation Organized. — Town Incorporated. — Roads. — Early Town Officers. — The Embargo Act. — The Town Becomes a Part of Somerset County, etc., etc., . • 56 CHAPTER V. THE JOURNAL OF WM. ALLEN, ESQ. Being a Full Account of the Emigration of his Father, Capt. William Allen, from Martha's Vineyard to the District of Maine, together with an Interesting De- scription of their Pioneer Life, . • -72 viii CONTENTS. CHAPTER VI. SCHOOLS. First School.— Incompetence of Early Teachers.— The Log School-House on the Gore.— Other School-Houses.— High Schools.— Free High Schools.— Wade's Graduating System.— Text-Books.— Statistical, 9° CHAPTER Vn. RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. The Baptist Society.— The Methodists.— The Congregational Society.— The Free Will Baptists. — Protestant Methodists, etc., "4 CHAPTER Vni. THE MILITIA AND 1812 WAR. Military Company Organized. — Election of Officers. — Equipments Required by Law. — First Training. — Muster at Farmington. — Money Raised to Buy Military Stores. — Muster Roll of Capt. Daniel Beede's Company. — Cavalry Company Organized. — Powder-House Built, — ^I'he Industry Rifle Grays, 156 CHAPTER IX. MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. Water Powers of Industry. — First Grist-Mill Erected. — Capt. Peter West Erects Mills. — Cornforth's Grist-Mill. — Elisha^Lumbert's Grist and Saw-Mills. — Cutler's Mills. — Davis's Mills. — Gower's Mills. — Capt. John Thompson Erects Mills near Stark Line. — West and Manter's Saw-Mill. — Clover Mill. — First Shingle Machine. — Daggett and Brown's Shingle Mill. — WiUiam Cornforth's FuUing-Mill. — James Gower's Fulling-Mill. — Allen & Co.'s Starch-Factory. — Deacon Emery's Bark Mill. — Other Tanneries. — Shovel Handles. — Rake Manufacturing. — Smith & Coughlin's Spool- Factory. — Oliver Bros.' Steam Box- Factory. — RacklifPs Chair- Factory. — Mechanics, etc., . 166 CHAPTER X. MERCHANTS. First Store in Town. — Esq. Peter West, — John West. — Johnson & Mitchell. — Geo. Cornforth. — Capt. Jeruel Butler. — Chas. Butler. — Col. Peter A. West. — Capt. Freeman Butler. — John Allen, Jr. — Thing & Allen. — James Davis. — John Mason. — Moses Tolman, Jr. — Esq. Samuel Shaw, — Israel Folsom. — Col. Benj. Luce. — Christopher Goodridge. — Cyrus N. Hutchins. — Willis & Allen. — Zachariah Withee.— John W. Dunn,— Supply B. Norton. — Rufus Jennings. — Enoch Hinkley. — Amos S. Hinkley. — Isaac Norton. — Warren N. Willis. — Boyden &: Manter. — Maj. James Cutts. — Franklin and Somerset Mercantile Association. — John Willis. — Willis & Clayton. — John &'Benj. N. Willis. — Duley & Norcross. — James M. & Alonzo Norton. — James M. Norton & Co.— Asa H. Patterson. — Caswell & Hilton. — Shaw & Hinkley, — Harrison Daggett, etc, 193 CONTEN'TS. ix CHAPTER XI. EVENTS FROM 1810 TO 1830. Condition of the Settlers. — Expense of Transacting the Town Business. — Pounds and Pound-Keepers. — Attempts to Establish a New County to Include Industry. — Gower's (now Allen's) Mills Becomes a Part of Industry.— "The Cold Fever" Epidemic. — The Thompson Burial Ground. — New Vineyard Gore Becomes a Part of Industry. — Great Gale of 1815. — Question : " Shall .Maine Become an Indepen- dent State? " Agitated. — Vote for Maine's First Governor. — Population Increases. — " Blind Fogg." — First Sunday-School. — Road Troubles. — First Liquor License Issued. — The Residents of New N'ineyard Gore Pass the Ordinance of Secession and Ask- to be ^lade Citizens of Strong. — The Town Receives Additions from Stark and Anson. — Subject of Building a Town-House Discussed. — Great Drouth and Fire of 1S25. — First Meeting-House in Town. — Meeting-House Erected at the Centre of the Town. — The Industry North Meeting-House, 204 CHAPTER XII. POST-OFF/lES, reminiscences of JOHN MASON, AND CORRESPONDENCE OF CAPT. JERUEL BUTLER. Lack of Postal Facilities. — High Rates of Postage. — First Post-Office Established. — Jonathan Goodridge Appointed Postmaster. — Mail Brought from Farmington. — Mail from Stark Once a Week. — Mail Route Changed. — Mail Received via New Sharon. — James Davis Appointed Postmaster. — Other Postmasters. — Industry Post-Oftice Changed to Allen's Mills. — Post-Office Established at West's Mills. — Esq. Peter West Appointed Postmaster. — Lower Rates of Postage. — Stamps First Used. — Era of Cheap Postage Begins. — Rates Fixed According to Weight Instead of Distance. — Other Postmasters at West's Mills. — Glass Call-Boxes First Introduced. — Mail Carriers. — Change of Time. — Industry Gets a Daily Mail from Farmington. — \orth Industry Post-Office, etc., 226 CHAPTER XIII. TEMPERANCE MOVEMENTS. Prevalence of Rum Drinking. — The License Law. — Five Licenses Granted. — Town Votes " Not to License Retailers." — The Ministerial Association Passes Resolu- tions Against the Use of Spirituous Liquors.— First Temperance Society Formed. Esq. West's Temperance Society. — The Washingtonian Movement. — The Allen's Mills Watch Club. — First Division Sons of Temperance Organized. — The " Union Peace Temperance Society."— The Sons of Temperance at Allen's Mills. The Order of Good Templars in Industry.— Juvenile Temples.— The Iron Clad Club, • 246 CHAPTER XIV. REMINISCENCES. Religious Views of the Early Settlers.— Strict Observance of the Sabbath.— Destitute Circumstances.— Agricultural Implements.— Bread Baking.— Suljstitute for Cook- CONTENTS. ing Soda. — The I.uxuries of Pioneer Life. — Methods of Starting a Fire. — Harvesting Grain. — Depredations of Bears. — A Good Bear Story. — Cows and Swine Allowed to Roam at Will in the Woods. — Spinning and Weaving. — Domestic "Tow and Linen" Cloth. — Flax-Culture. — Wool-Growing in Industry. — The Tin Baker. — Introduction of Cooking Stoves. — First Thoroughbraced Wagon Brought to Town. — Shoe-Making. — First Threshing-Machine. — Sewing- Machine. — Mowing-Machines. — Air-Tight Cooking-Stoves. — Methods of Measuring the Flight of Time. — The Hour-Glass. — Sun Dials. — Clocks. — Nails. — Methods of Lighting the Settlers' Homes. — Tallow Dips. — Whale Oil. — Burn- ing Fluid. — Kerosene. — Sugar-Making. — Intentions of Marriage. — Quill Pens. — Anecdotes, etc., 261 CHAPTER XV. EVENTS FROM 1830 TO i860. Condition of the Town, — Population. — Valuation. — Small-Pox Scare. — Attempts to Change the Centre Post -Office to Withee's Corner. — First Public House Opened. — Extensive Land-Owners. — Large Stock-Owners. — Effect of the High Tariff on the Inhabitants of Industry. — Residents in the South Part of the Town Ask to be Made Citizens of New Sharon. — Remarkable Meteoric Shower. — " Temperance Hotel" Opened. — Other Public Houses. — Financial Crisis of 1837. — '^^^ Surplus Revenue Distributed. — Auroral Display. — Franklin County Incorporated. — Difli- culties in Choice of Representative. — Prevalence of the Millerite Doctrine. — End of the World Predicted. — 7000 Acres Set off from New Vineyard and Annexed to Industry. — Vigorous Fight of the Former Town to Recover its Lost Territory. — The Pioneers of Liberty. — Destructive Hail-storm. — New County Roads Estab- lished. — Subject of Erecting a Town-House Discussed. — A Grand Sunday-School Picnic. — The Free-Soil Party. — Efforts to Suppress Rumselling. — Town Liquor Agents. — The License Law. — General Prosperity of the Town. — One-half the New Vineyard Gore Set off to Farmington. — South Part of the Town Set off to New Sharon, etc., . 27 ^ CHAPTER XVI. EVENTS FROM i860 TO i866. Political Excitement. — The John Brown Insurrection. — Diphtheria Epidemic. — Resi- dents of Allen's Mills Petition the Legislature for Annexation to Farmington. War Meeting Held at West's Mills. — Patriotic Resolutions Passed. — Lively Times at Subsequent Meetings. — Muster and Celebration at West's Mills, July 4, 1866. — Call for Troops. — A Comet Appears. — Great Scarcity of Silver Money. — Methods Devised for Supplying the Defect. — The U. S. Fractional Currency. Disheartening News from the War.— Mason and Slidell Arrested.— Belligerent Attitude of England.— Total Failure of the Fruit Crop of 1 866.— Militia En- rolled and Organized.— First Industry Soldiers' Lives Sacrificed. — Obsequies at the Centre Meeting-House.- More Soldiers Wanted.— Liberal Town Bounty Offered for Enlistments. — A Call for Nine-Months' Troops. — Draft Ordered. CONTENTS. xi Generous Measures Adopted by the Town to Avoid a Draft. — A Stirring Mass Meeting for Raising Volunteers. — Provisions for Destitute Soldiers' Families. — News of the Emancipation Proclamation Reaches Industry. — The Conscription Act. — Anxieties of Those Liable to a Draft. — Disloyal Utterances in Other Towns. — Industry True to her Country. — Piratical Craft Reported off the Maine Coast. — Revenue Cutter "Caleb Cushing " Captured in Portland Harbor, 29!:! CHAPTER XVII. EVENTS FROM i860 TO 1866 CONTINUED. General Lee Begins the March of an Invader. — Crosses the " Mason and Dixon Line." — Gloomy Prospects of the Federal Cause. — Numerous Desertions from the Union Army. — Organization of the Districts under the Provisions of the Con- scription Act. — First Conscripts from Industry. — The Non Compos Conscript. — "The Kingfield Riot." — Efforts of Drafted Men to Secure Town Bounty. — The Somerset and Franklin Wool-Growers' Association. — Call for More Troops. — S300 Town Bounty Offered for \'olunteer Enlistments. — Stamp Act Passed. — Steamer "Chesapeake" Captured. — Attempts Made to Raid Maine's Eastern Border. — Re-enlistments. — Furloughed Soldiers Tendered a Banquet. — $600 Offered for Volunteer Enlistments. — Second Draft Made. — Small-Pox Outbreak. — Aid to Soldiers in the Field. — Inflated Prices. — Efforts of Men who Furnished Substitutes to Recover the Sum Paid for the Same. — Third Draft Made. — Close of the War. — Great Rejoicing. — Flag-raisings at Allen's and West's Mills. — Assassination of President Lincoln. — Memorial Services in Industry. — Cost of the War to the Town of Industry, . 312 CHAPTER XVIII. THE BOYS IN BLUE. Francis O. Bean.— Nelson O. Bean.— George W. Boyden.— Charles E. Burce.— James O. Burce.— John C. Burce.— William S. Burce.— George H. Butler.— John P. Butler.— Addison H. Chase.— Addison F. Collins.— Daniel S. Collins.— James W. Collins.— Daniel A. Conant.— John F. Daggett.— Hiram P. Durrell.— William H. Edwards.— John D. Elder.— Carlton P. Emery.— George C. Emery.— Zebulon M. Emery.— Calvin B. Fish.— Eben Fish.— Benjamin Follett.— William Q. Folsom.— William H. Frost.— John F. Gerry.— Bradford Gilmore.— Almore Haskell.— John M. Howes.— Adriance R. Johnson.— William G. Lewis.— Fifield A. Luce.— John T. Luce.— Henry S. Maines.— Gilbert R. Merry.— Elias Miller.— Henry G. Mitchell.— Atwood Morse.— John M. Nash.— David M. Norton.— Oliver D. Nor- ton.— James Pinkham.— Samuel Pinkham.— Wellington Pinkham.— Wilder Pratt. —Charles S. Prince.— Albanus D. Quint.— William L. Quint.— Edwin A. K. Rackliff,- Elbridge H. Rackliff.— John O. Rackliff.— Samuel Rackliff.— William J. Rackliff.— Reuel H. Rogers.— Lyman M. Shorey.— Andrew J. Spinney.— John C. Spinney.— Benjamin Tibbetts.— Benjamin F. Tibbetts.— Clinton B. Webster.— David C. Whitney.— Aaron E. Williams.— Geofge F. Williams.— O. L. Young, . . . . ■ • 3-7 XII CONTENTS. CHAPTER XIX. EVENTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. Road Matters. — The Curtis Pinkham Road. — Stark Asks for a Better Road through Industry to Farmington. — Route to Madison Bridge Shortened and Improved. — Industry Votes on Amendment to Liquor Law. — " The Gold Fever." — Unusual Snow-fall in the Winter of 1S68-9. — Destructive Freshet of 1869. — Heavy Thunder-storm. — Beautiful Display of Aurora Borealis. — A Heavy Gale. — The Great Earthquake of 1870. — Grasshopper Plague. — State Equalization Bonds. — Industry Farmers' and Mechanics' Club. — The Enterprise Cheese Manufacturing Company. — Orders Forged on the Town of Industry. — Prize Declamations at West's Mills. — Extensive Improvements on the Centre Meeting-House. — The Greenback Party in Industry. — Caterpillar Scourge. — Freshet of 1878. — Severe Drouth. — Cattle Show and Fair. — Independence Day Celebrated at West's Mills. — Destructive Fire. — A Bear Commits Many Depredations in Industry. — Red Sunsets. — Gale of November, 1883. — Planets in Perihelion, — Town Votes to Buy a Poor-Farm. — Allen's Mills Union Agricultural Society. — A Maine Blizzard. — Potato Crop Ruined by Rust. — Industry's New Methodist Church. — A Maine Cyclone. — La Grippe. — Shorey Chapel Erected, etc., . 385 CHAPTER XX. MISCELLANY. Physicians. — Tallest Soldier from Maine. — Table of Incidents. — Poem: "To the Old Church Bell." — Town Officers from the Incorporation of the Town to 1893. — County Commissioners. — Senators. — Representatives to the Legislature. — Marriages Solemnized by Esq. Cornelius Norton. — Examination Questions. — Statistical. — Town Officers' Bills. — Date of Ice Leaving Clear Water Pond. — Temperature Chart. — Industry's Gubernatorial Vote. — List of Voters in Industry, ■S55. 434 GENEALOGICAL NOTES. ALLEN, Ambrose, Ames, Atkinson, BAILEY, Bean, Beede, . Benson, Boardman, Boyden, Bradbury, Brown, Bryant, Burgess, Burns, Butler, CHESLEY, Clark, Coffin, Collins, . Cornforth, Cottle, Crompton, Cutler, Cutts, . . DAGGETT, Davis, EDGECOMB, Edwards, Elder, Ellis, . Emery, Eveleth, FISH, Follett, Frost, Furljush, . GILMORE, Goodridge, 471 Goodwin, 498 Gower, 500 Graham, 501 Greenleaf, Greenwood, 507 5°9 HAMMOND, 509 512 Harris, Hatch, 513 516 520 Hayes, Higgins, Hildreth, 521 Hilton, 523 524 Hinkley, Hobbs, . 524 525 Howes, Huston, 539 540 542 542 562 565 567 569 JEFFERS, Jennings, Jewett, Johnson, KYES, LOOK, Luce, 57° MANTER, 589 Marshall, Mason, 601 Meader, 602 Merrill, 603 603 604 614 Merry, . Moody, NORCROSS, Norton, . 617 621 OLIVER, 622 623 PATTERSON, 623 624 Pike, RACKLIFF, 626 628 630 631 635 637 637 638 642 647 648 650 65. 653 655 660 661 662 663 663 673 674 675 719 732 732 734 738 741 745 746 751 783 784 791 792 GENEALOGICAL NOTES. Remick, Roach, SHAW, Shorey, Smith, Spinney, Stevens, Swift, . THING, 797 800 801 808 811 S14 815 817 819 Thompson, Tolman, Trask, . True, VILES, WEST, Willis, . Winslow, Withee, . 820 825 827 832 834 840 844 ILLUSTRATIONS. Wm. C. Hatch, Frontispiece. Residence of Capt. John Thompson 44 Christopher S. Luce i icj M. E. Church at West's Mills, 140 Wm. a. Merrill, .■ :55 Ira Emery, 181 Centre Mketini^Hiuse 219 Wm. Har\'ev Edwards, 33S 374 Lym \n M. Shorey', Shorey Chapel 422 John Allen, 477 Asaph Boyhen, 516 Peter W. Butler, 536 Thomas C. Collins, 551 W-M, Broderick Davis, 598 Ira Emery, 609 Chas. R. Fish, 619 Nathan Goodridge, 625 Stephen H. Hayes, : 643 Edmund Hayes, 644 Geo. W. Johnson, 666 Henry True Luce, 677 Chas. Lrci. 70S George Manter, 729 S. Hawes Norton, 769 Franklin W. Patterson, 788 Daniel Shaw, 801 Pelatiah Shorey, 808 Eben G. Trask, S3 1 Zachariah Withee, 847 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. CHAPTER I. INTR OD UCTOR V. General Characteristics. — Boundaries. — Soil. — Productions. — Objects of Interest. — Scenery, Etc. On inspecting a topographical map of the town of Industry, the most striking feature which presents itself to the eye' of the observer, is the extreme irregularity of its boundary lines and the peculiar distribution of the lands comprising it. These peculiarities are to be attributed, in a large measure, to the acquirement of lands from adjoining towns since its incorpora- tion. When incorporated, the town of Industry contained only about thirteen thousand acres, bounded as follows: On the west by Farmington and New Vineyard, on the north by New Vineyard, on the east by Stark, and on the south by unincorpo- rated lands of the Plymouth Company and New Sharon. Since then, the town has received additions from all the adjoining towns with the exception of Farmington. In 1813, it received from New Sharon its first addition, consisting of a tract of land containing two thousand acres, including the village of Allen's Mills and a portion of Clear Water Pond. In 1815, that portion of New Vineyard known as the Gore, containing fifteen hundred and sixty-four acres, was set off from that town and annexed to Industry. Then from Stark, in 1822, a tract of land con- taining four hundred acres was added, and a year later, two lots of three hundred and twenty acres from the town of Anson. 14 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. In 1844, that part of New Vineyard, since known as North Industry, containing seven thousand acres, was set off from that town and annexed to Industry. Thus it will be seen that by the various acquisitions up to this date (1892) over ten thou- sand acres have been added to the original acreage of the town. Since 1850, lands have been set off from Industry to the adjoining towns of Farmington and New Sharon to the amount of two thousand acres. First to Farmington in 1850, three farms on the western part of the Gore, containing in the aggre- gate, seven hundred and eighty-two acres, including the farms of Nathan Cutler, Alexander Hillman, Eunice Davis, and others. By this concession, Industry lost seven polls, and six thousand dollars from the valuation of the town. Next, in 1852, a tract of land embracing lots No. 43,* 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 59, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, and all that portion of lot No. 70, in Stark, which lay in Industry, likewise a portion of lots H and M, the whole of lots I, N, P, Q and R, together with four small plots belonging to lots No. 72, 73, 74 and 75 in Stark, containing sixteen hundred and sixty-five acres, was set off from the south point of Industry and annexed to New Sharon. Industry lost by this concession fifteen polls, and sixteen thousand seven hundred dollars from its valuation, or over eleven hundred dol- lars for each poll. This tract of land embraced some of the best farms and wealthiest farmers in town, such as Asa H. Thompson, George Hobbs, Franklin Stone, and others. Thus * Esq. Wm. Allen fails to mention this lot, in his history of the town, also lots numbered 46, 47 and 66, but adds 41, 42 and 51, as among those set off to New Sharon. The following abstract from Acts and Resolves of the Maine Legislature for 1852, gives the boundaries of the piece set off as follows: "Commencing at the southeast corner of the town of Industry; thence running northwesterly on the dividing line between New Sharon and Industry till an east course will strike the southwest corner of lot number forty-live; thence on the south lines of forty-five, lot marked S, and lot number forty-one easterly to the southeast corner of number forty- one; thence on such a course as in a direct line will strike the northwestern corner of lot marked P; thence easterly on the line of lot marked P to the west line of lot marked i\I ; thence easterly the same course until it strikes the town line of Starks; thence on the dividing hne between Starks and Industry to the place of beginning." By a careful comparison of these bounds with Lemuel Perham's plan of the town, it will be seen that Mr. Allen was in error regarding the lots set off from Industry. INTR OD UCTOR Y. 15 it will be seen at the present time (1892), that the town con- tains about twenty-one thousand acres, including water, there being a pond in the western part of the town containing fifteen hundred or two thousand acres.* The surface of Industry is rough and uneven, and in some parts hill)' and mountainous. The soil consists of a yellowish loam mixed with sand and gravel, with a subsoil of clear gravel. Occasionally, however, the subsoil is found to be of blue clay, or a mixture of clay and gravel. In some places on the shores of Clear Water Pond, the whitest and nicest sand for plastering is found. This sand is of such a superior quality that builders have come long distances to procure it, and it is claimed that there is no other deposit in Franklin County which imparts such a beautiful whiteness to plastering as this. In many parts of the town the soil is quite stony, as is usu- ally the case with upland, and the early settlers experienced much difficulty in subduing the soil and rendering it suitable for cultivation. But when once cleared, the land was found to pos- sess an unusual degree of fertility, and bountiful crops rewarded the farmer's toil. Observation has shown that crops are less affected by severe drouths in this than other towns where the soil is of a lighter and more sandy character. Some land was found to be too wet and cold for profitable tillage when first cleared, but was, nevertheless, excellent grass land. The principal growth of wood is beech, birch and maple, of which, the last named variety predominates. Beside these varieties are to be found, red oak, cedar, hemlock, spruce and poplar, with scattering trees of other species. The point of land extending into Clear Water Pond, was originally covered with a heavy growth of pine timber ; but it was destroyed by fire at an early date, prior to the settlement of the town. There is a range of mountains in the west part of the town, north of Clear Water Pond, a peak of which is the highest elevation of land within its limits. Boardman Mountain,! situ- * Walter Wells's " Water Power of Maine." t This mountain was so named in honor of Esquire Herbert Boardman, who settled at its base in 1795. 1 6 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. ated in that part of Industry ceded by New Vineyard in 1844, was formerly regarded by the more superstitious and imagina- tive, as an extinct volcano, as some of the dwellers at its base aver to have heard, at times, mysterious rumblings within its rugged sides. This mountain, with slight exceptions, is still covered with woods, and from its southern aspect presents a very picturesque view. Bannock Hill, in the southeast part of the town, is a noted eminence. It is said to have received its name from a survey- ing party under Judge Joseph North, who encamped near its summit in 1780, and baked there a bannock for their breakfast. Whether this was the source from which it received its christen- ing, or whether it received its name from subsequent settlers, owing to its shape, which closely resembles that of a huge old- fashioned loaf of its delectable namesake, there seems to be a diversity of opinion. From the summit of this hill a magnifi- cent view greets the eye of the beholder on every side. Look- ing west the blue placid surface of Clear Water Pond is to be seen almost at your feet, with Backus Mountain rising abruptly from its western shore. While old Mount Blue, towering in lofty grandeur, can be plainly seen in the distance. North of the pond lies the chain of mountains which separates Industry and New Vineyard ; and rising above the top of this range the summit of Saddleback, Abraham and Bigelow mountains can be seen. Looking north, Boardman Mountain, situated wholly in the town of Industry, which forms an interesting feature of the New Vineyard chain, is seen just at hand. To the west, south and east, one gets a fine view of fertile fields, cozy farm- houses, interspersed, at frequent intervals, by large tracts of the forest primeval. Occasionally one gets a glimpse of Sandy River, winding its sinuous course to mingle its waters with those of the Kennebec. The villages at New Sharon, Stark and Madison Bridge, can likewise be seen. This hill, which has an altitude of 1227 feet above the mean sea level, affords a more commanding view of the surrounding country than can be ob- tained from any point within a radius of twenty miles. The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, of 1866, found it a INTR OD UCTOR V. I 7 desirable position for a signal station, as did also the Survey of 1891.* On that portion of the town set off from Industry and an- nexed to Farmington, is located a beautiful cascade, where the water takes a sudden leap of seventy-five feet over a precipice. This is counted one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the State. From a favorable position, on a sunny day, the colors of the rainbow can be seen amid its foamy spray, hence it has been called Rainbow Cascade by many. A large number of tourists visit this attractive locality each year, with whom its popularity seems to increase rather than to diminish. The waters forming this Cascade are derived from a small pond in the west part of Industry, known, probably on account of its diminutive size, as "The Little Pond." The stream from this pond flows in a southwesterly direction, and empties into Fairbanks Stream in the town of Farmington. Clear Water Pond, in the west part of the town, is, as its name indicates, a sheet of remarkably clear water. Among the early settlers it was almost invariably known by the name of "Bull-Horse Pond"; but the manner in which this name was acquired is veiled in obscurity. f Esq. \Vm. Allen, in speaking of Judge North's surveying party, says: "On arriving at the pond they watered their pack-horses, and proposed the name of ' Horse Pond,' but put a prefix to it and called it ' Bull-Horse Pond.' " The writer recollects of hearing, in his boyhood days, some of the older people say that the pond received its name from the circumstance that a bull and a horse were accidentally drowned there, at an early date. This statement can hardly be regarded as worthy of credence, and those best qualified to judge give it but little weight. Perhaps the most reasonable of all traditions bearing on this subject, and one fully as worthy of credit, is that a Frenchman named Blois once resided on its * Through the courtesy of Hon. T. C. Mendenhall, .Superintendent of this Survey, we learn that the geographical position of Bannock Hill is : Latitude 44°, 44', 01 .70", Longitude, 70°, 2', 23" .99, or 4 h. 40 m. 09.6 s. west of Greenwich. t Since the above was written it has been discovered that, as early as 1803— (Petition Inhabitants Northern Part of New Sharon) — \.V\% body of water was sometimes designated as Clear Water Pond. 1 8 HISTORY OF IJVDUSTJiV. shores, spending his time in hunting and trapping. It is claimed that in this way the lakelet acquired the name of Blois Pond. The advocates of this theory claim that Bull-Horse, or "Hoss," as it was almost invariably pronounced, was but a cor- ruption of the name Blois. True, it would require but a small amount of orthoepical license to effect this change, — not nearly as much as is sometimes taken with other words in the English language. This explanation, to say the least, has the merit of plausibility. On the map of Franklin County, published in 1861, it was laid down as Clear Water Pond, by which name it is now generally known. Clear Water Pond has many interesting features. Its western shore rises abruptly, forming what is known as Backus Mountain, in Farmington, and near this shore the water is very deep. Several mills derive their motive power from this source, as the pond furnishes an abundant supply of water the year around. When the fact that it receives the waters from only two or three small brooks is taken into consideration, and that these, which are usually dry a large portion of the summer, at no time supply a large amount of water, it is evident that this pond is fed by abundant springs beneath its surface. Another fact which goes to establish the theory of this spring-supply, is the temperature : the water during the warmest weather being several degrees colder than that of similar bodies of water known to receive their supply from streams. The principal farm crops of Industry are wheat, oats, corn and potatoes. Rye, in large quantities, was raised by the early settlers ; but it has almost entirely disappeared from the list of the farm products. The apple-tree seems to flourish well in the soil of Industry, and fruit-growing is a branch of husbandry that is steadily gaining ground. Maple syrup is also made to a considerable extent. The rock or sugar-maple (Acei' sac- cliarinnin) being indigenous to the soil, almost every farmer has at least a small sugar-orchard, from which he makes syrup for family use, while others engage more extensively, making from one to three hundred gallons each season. INTRODUCTORY. 19 The hills, with their many springs of deliciously cool water, afford unequalled facilities for grazing. This has rendered sheep-husbandry a paying branch of agriculture, and prompted many farmers to engage therein. The breeding of neat stock and horses has also received considerable attention. The time has been when Industry was noted for its many yoke of fine, large oxen, ranking in this respect second to no other town in Franklin County. Of late years, horses have come into more general use on the farm, hence the lively competition which formerly existed in raising nice oxen has in a large measure subsided. The scenery of Industry is by no means tame or uninterest- ing. Its mountains, covered with shady woods, the commanding views which their summits afford, the springs of pure cool water, issuing from their rugged sides, are all a source of con- stant admiration to the summer visitor. On the mill-stream, but a short distance from West's Mills, is a beautiful cascade,"* which, with its surrounding forest, forms, during the summer months, an interesting and attractive bit of scenery. Then, too, a body of water like Clear Water Pond would furnish a constant attraction for any summer resort. This is a favorite resort for fishermen and excursionists, and, during the summer months, parties frequently come here from adjoining towns to sail on its clear, placid waters, or to hold picnics on its cool, shady banks. The first attempt to make the carrying of pleasure parties on Clear Water Pond a business was made by Captain Reuben B. Jennings, a gentleman from Farmington, who, in the summer of 1868, put into its waters a sail-boat called the "Minnehaha." He likewise built a rude cabin, on the Backus Mountain shore, where he lived during the season, and where many parties landed for the purpose of holding picnics. So far as the writer has been able to learn, the season's work proved fairly remunerative. Since that time, excursionists have been dependent upon local resources for boats. At the present time, several very good ones are owned by parties residing at Allen's Mills. Probably *This cascade was given the name of Sunderland Kails, in early times. 20 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. there is not another pond of equal size in the State which affords more natural attractions, and whose surroundings are better adapted for a summer resort, than this. It is situated within an hour's drive of railroad connections, and a daily stage brings the mail on the arrival of the evening train. Let a com- modious hotel be built at Allen's Mills for the accommodation of guests ; let the same pains be taken to stock the waters of this pond with fish, as has already been taken with Rangeley Lake ; and a good supply of serviceable boats kept ready for use as occasion requires, and one of the most attractive inland summer resorts in Maine would be the result. Thus located, it would draw numerous visitors whose delicate health precludes even the thoughts of a journey to more remote and inaccessi- ble points. With the improvements mentioned, the clear brac- ing air, the fine scenery and perfect quiet, could but have a salutary influence in restoring invalids to a state of perfect health. The place would soon become popular, and eventually secure a patronage which could not prove otherwise than re- munerative to those interested in the enterprise. The principal varieties of fish found in Clear Water Pond, are : Lake-trout (Sahno confinis) — commonly called togue — cusk, chivens,* suckers and perch, with innumerable swarms of the smaller varieties. Of the edible kinds, the first named is the most valuable and eagerly sought. Probably the most success- ful fisherman in the waters of this pond was Isaac Webster, who died, at an advanced age, a few years since, in Taunton, Mass. He moved to Industry from Stark, and resided at Allen's Mills for many years. Though a shoemaker by trade, he was an ardent devotee of Izaak Walton, and spent much * For some years the writer has been of the opinion that this name was of local origin and incorrect. To settle the matter, a specimen, preserved in alcohol, was sent to the U. S. Fish Commissioner, Hon. Marshall McDonald, Washington, D. C. The following letter was received in reply : " Dear Sir : The fish sent by you for identi- ficati.m is the round white fish, shad waiter, or 'chivy' { Coregonsus quadrilateralis ) of ichthyologists. It is taken about this time of the year (April i6th) in some of the rivers and lakes of Maine. The species has a very wide range, including the whole width uf country in your latitude and a large part of British America and Alaska.' INTRODUCTORY. 2 1 time in luring the finny tribe with baited hook. Others may have caught larger specimens than he, but Mr. Webster un- questionably stands ahead of all competitors in point of num- ber and aggregate weight. The largest trout ever caught by him weighed seventeen and three-fourths pounds, with a great many weighing ten pounds and upward. Among those who have captured large fish from this pond are : John Daggett, 31 3-4 pounds; John Wesley Norton, 21 pounds; Samuel Rackliff, 20 1-4 pounds; James C. Luce, 16 pounds; Luther Luce, Sen., 21 1-2 pounds; Reuben Hatch, Sen., 16 pounds; Nelson W Fish, 13 lbs. 14 ozs. ; John Atwell Daggett, 22 1-2 pounds; John F. Daggett, 16 pounds; Wm. R. Daggett, 16 1-2 pounds; Fred F. Backus, 153-4 pounds. In 1833, Truman Luce caught a fine specimen weighing ten pounds, and in 1857, Daniel Sanders Collins, one weighing 16 pounds. In Jul}-, 1890, Harry Pierce of Farmington, and John Richards of Boston, each caught a trout, weighing 10 1-4 and 11 1-2 respec- tively. Chas. E. Oliver, West's Mills, caught a large specimen, in the summer of 1885, which weighed 13 pounds; and in the spring of 1891, John L. Sterry, Stark, while fishing through the ice, caught two trout weighing 11 and 12 pounds. But the greatest catch of late years, was made by George W. Dobbins, of Boston, in March, 1889, when he landed two splendid trout, weighing 16 and 20 pounds. Five were caught the next year, each weighing ten pounds or more, beside a large number of smaller ones.* Some effort has been made to stock Clear Water Pond with black bass and salmon, in the past decade, but the results have not been wholly satisfactory. Herbert B. Luce, of Allen's Mills, after a protracted correspondence with State Fish Com- missioner, Henry O. Stanley, of Dixfield, induced that gentle- man to visit Industry, in the summer of 1883, to consider the feasibility of stocking this pond with black bass. Being well * Since the foregoing was put in type, the writer learns that Chas. Augustus Allen, of Farmington, while a resident of his native town. Industry, caught a trout from Clear Water Pond which, by actual weight, tipped the beam at 163-4 pounds; and afterward, another of equal weight. 22 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. pleased with the natural facilities it afforded, he forwarded to Mr. Luce, twenty-five small bass (Grystes nigricans, Agassiz), taken from a pond in Wilton, Me. These measured from five to ten inches in length, and were put into Clear Water Pond in the month of September. Since then specimens have been caught, occasionally ; but for the most part, have been returned to the water, and it is believed that in the course of a few years the pond will be well stocked with this valuable fish.* It was not known for some years after the settlement of the town, that there were suckers in Clear Water Pond. The story of their discovery is as follows : Joseph Collins, Sr., then a mere boy, one day went down to the pond in company with a man named Otis Foster, to strip elm bark, which was much used in those early times to scare crows away from the corn- field. In the course of their rambles they came to the brook and found it full of fish. Not knowing what they were, young Collins went home and called his father, who, being an old sailor, was the authority of the settlement in all such matters. Mr. Collins, after catching and examining one, pronounced them suckers. Since that time a great many have been caught each spring. The first cusk ever taken from this pond, was caught by one of Josiah Butler's sons, about 1828, or perhaps later. This fish was also carried to Mr. Collins to be named. Chivens were not known to exist in the pond till about 1835. As they are a fish which can be caught only through the ice, in shoal water, their discovery was the result of the merest accident. At the mouth of the sucker brook, the bank of the pond makes off very suddenly from shoal to deep water. Several sons of David M. Luce were in the habit of fishing for pond trout, in the deep water just off the mouth of this brook. By a miscalculation, they one day cut their fishing holes in the ice too near the shore, and while angling through those holes, noticed numerous fish of an unknown species * Since the above was written, black bass have been caught in large numbers, some specimens being of good size. Among the largest taken, was one caught by John Vehue, in 1889, weighing six and one-fourth pounds. IJVTROD UCTOR V. 2 3 gathering about their bait. As they could not be induced to take a baited hook, a method was devised by which they were easily captured. A gaiT was made, by tying a large hook to a slender pole, and while one would troll a large piece of pork in the water, another would watch with his gaff and dextrously hook any fish which came near the bait. Even Daniel Collins did not know the name of these fish, and they were for a time called dun-fish, etc., etc. In June, 1886, while Fish Commissioner Henry O. Stanley was at Weld, Me., looking after the land-locked salmon there, it was suggested to him that Clear Water Pond, in Industry, possessed superior advantages for breeding and rearing salmon. Mr. Stanley, knowing something of its characteristics, at once agreed to put in a certain number of young salmon, providing some one would bear a portion of the necessary expenses. This Mr. D. W. Austin, of Farmington, volunteered to do, and under his immediate supervision, on the 17th of June, 5,000 young salmon were placed in the cool, limpid waters of this pond. Many argued that the black bass was an inveterate enemy of the salmon, and that it was absolutely impossible to breed them successfully in waters infested by the bass. Perhaps time may prove these views to have been erroneous ; but after the lapse of nearly six years, the result of Messrs. Stanley and Austin's experiment is still shrouded in doubt. CHAPTER II. LAND TITLES. Early Attempts to Colonize New England. — King James's Grant. — The Kennebec Purchase. — The Appraising Commission, Etc., Etc. After the failure of Capt. John Smith to estabhsh a colony in New England, in 1618, Sir Ferdinando Gorges turned his undivided attention to the formation of a new company, dis- tinct from that of the Virginia company, whose exclusive atten- tion should be devoted to the colonization of New England. A liberal charter was granted to this company, by the sole authority of the King, constituting them a corporation with perpetual succession, by the name of "The Council established at Plymouth in the county of Dev6n, for the planting, ruling, ordering and governing of New England in America." The original grant reads as follows, to wit. : "To ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, Greeting: Whereas his Majesty King James the first, for the advancement of a Colony and Plantation in New England, in America, by his Highness' Letters Patent, under the great seal of England, bearing date, at West- minster, the third day of November, [1620], in the eighteenth year of his Highness' reign of England, etc., did grant unto the right Honora- ble Lodowick, late Lord Duke of Lenox, George, late Marquis of Rockingham, James, Marquis of Hamilton, Thomas, Earl of Arundle, Robert, Earl of Warwick, Sir Ferdinando Gorges, Viscount, and divers others, whose names are expressed in the said Letters Patent, and their successors, that they should be one body politic and corporate, per- petually, consisting of forty persons, that they should have perpetual succession and one common seal to serve for the said body ; and that they and their successors should be incorporated, called and known by LAND TITLES. 25 the name of the Council established at Plymouth, in the county of Devon, for the planting, ruling, ordering and governing New England in America. And further did also grant unto the said Vice-President and Council, and their successors forever, under the reservations in the said Letters Patent expressed, all that part and portion of the said country called New England in America, situate, lying and being in breadth from forty degrees of northerly latitude, from the equinoctial line, to forty-eight degrees of the said northerly latitude, inclusively, and in length of, and in all the breadth aforesaid, throughout the main lands, from sea to sea, together, also, with all the firm lands, soils, grounds, creeks, inlets, havens, ports, seas, rivers, islands, waters, fishings, mines, minerals, precious stones, quarries, and all and singular the commodities and jurisdictions, both within the said tract of land lying upon the main, as also within the said islands adjoining. To have, hold, possess and enjoy the same unto the said Council and their successors and assigns forever, &c.'' This grant extended from New Jersey northward to the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, and nearly half of it was comprised in a former grant to the Virginia Company. Objec- tions were made to it, at the outset, from that quarter. Not succeeding with the King and the Privy Council, the complain- ants carried the matter before the House of Commons, and Gorges appeared three several times at the bar of the House to answer objections. On the last occasion, he was attended by eminent legal counsel. The result was unfavorable, and the House, in presenting to the King the public grievances of the kingdom, included amongst them the patent of New England. The effect of this movement was at first prejudicial to the Com- pany, for it was the means of discouraging those who proposed to establish plantations in this quarter, as well as some of the Council. But James was not inclined to have the propriety of his own acts disputed, or denied on the floor of Parliament. So, instead of destroying the patent, as he had intended to do, he dismissed the Parliament and committed to the Tower and other prisons, the members who had been most forward in condemning the charter and most free in questioning the prerogative of the Crown. Dr. Belknap well remarks, that "either from the jarring in- 26 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. terests of the members, or their indistinct knowledge of the country, or their inattention to business, or some other cause which does not fully appear, their affairs were transacted in a confused manner from the beginning; and the grants which they made were so inaccurately described, and interfered so much with each other, as to occasion controversies, some of which are not yet ended." No part of New England has suffered more from this cause than Maine, even as at last to a complete denial of the title of its proprietary by a neighboring colony. The first grant by the Council that included the lands of Industry, seems to have been the patent of Laconia, to Sir Ferdinando Gorges and Capt. John Mason, in 1622. This comprised "all lands situated between the rivers Merrimack and Sagadahock,* extending back to the great lakes and the river of Canada." Both patentees acted under this patent, although many subsequent grants of the Council were made within the same limits. After seven years joint title, Capt. Mason, Nov. 7, 1629, took out a separate patent of that portion lying south and west of the Piscataqua River, to which he gave the name of New Hampshire. The remaining portion became the exclusive property of Gorges, who, however, had no separate title until 1635, when he gave the territory between the Piscata- qua and the Kennebec, the name of New SOMERSETSHIRE. The next event of general interest in the history of the State, was the confirmation of the patent from the Council of Plymouth to Gorges, by a new charter from the Crown, in 1639, in which the territory is first styled the Province of Maine. After the death of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, the Province of Maine fell, by heirship, to Ferdinando Gorges, Esq., son of John Gorges, and grandson of the old lord proprietor. In 1678, Mr. Gorges sold and conveyed by his deed of the date * When the territory, now the State of Maine, was first l<.nown to the white peo- ple, the Kennebec River bore four different names. From its mouth to Merrymeeting Bay it was called Sagadahock ; from that bay to Skowhegan it bore the name of the Indian Chief Canabais, afterwards changed to Kennebec; from Skowhegan Falls to Norridgewock Falls at Madison, it was called Nansanisouak, afterwards called Norridgewock; the rest of the jriver to its source was called Orantsoak. LAND TITLES. 2^ of March 13th, to "John Usher, of Boston in New England in America, merchant," all the lands comprising the Province or County of Maine, for ^^1250, or about six thousand dollars. Two days thereafter, Mr. Usher conveyed his purchase to the Massachusetts Bay Company. After William and Mary ascended the throne of England, a new charter was received, uniting in one province the colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay, the Province of Maine and the territory east of it to the St. Croi.x River. In 1 66 1, the Colony of New Plymouth sold and conveyed a tract of land fifteen miles wide on each side of the Kennebec River and thirty miles in length from north to south, to Antipas Boies, Edward Tyng, Thomas Brattle and John Winslow, for £ipo, or " at a cost," as Wm. Allen states, " of about four cents and three mills per acre." These persons and their heirs held it for nearly a century without taking efficient means for its settlement. In 1749, however, they began to think of settling their lands, and in September of that year, a meeting of the proprietors was called, and new members were admitted. Four years later, Massachusetts passed an act permitting persons holding lands in common and undivided, to act as a corporation. In June, 1753, under this act, a corporation was formed by the name of the " Proprietors of the Kennebec Purchase, from the late colony of New Plymouth," which continued to be their legal title, though they are commonly known by the name of the Plymouth Company, and their lands as the Plymouth Patent. At the time of this incorporation, their claims were very ex- tensive, much exceeding the bounds already mentioned, — in fact, extending from Casco Bay eastward to Pemaquid, and north from the sea-coast to Carratunk Falls. Four adjoining companies claimed, however, large portions of this territory; whose claims, after tedious litigation, were finally settled, either by compromise or reference. The early explorers of Sandy River valley, supposing the land where they had decided to make clearings and establish their future homes, which was subsequently incorporated as the town of Farmington, belonged to the Plymouth Patent, en- 28 H /STORY OF INDUSTRY. tered into negotiations with the proprietors for the purpose of obtaining a title to the land. Judge Joseph North was em- ployed to survey the township, in the spring of 1780, agreeable to these pending negotiations. The first duty of the surveyor was to establish the northivest corner of the Plymouth Patent, which, according to the proprietors' claims, would likewise fix the northwest corner of the township. This corner he made on a basswood tree marked " K. 15 M." — to denote that it was fifteen miles from the Kennebec River.* Nine years later, after the close of the Revolutionary War, by a different construction of the grant, and by an agreement with the agents of the Commonwealth, dated June 26, 1789, Ephraim Ballard,! a surveyor agreed upon for the purpose, made the northwest corner of the patent eighty rods east of the northeast corner of Farmington. The boundary of the Plymouth claim thus being established near the western shore of what is now called Clear Water Pond. After the establish- ment of the northwest corner of the Plymouth Patent, in 1789, the Company obtained a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of a strip of land one mile and a half wide and thirty miles long, on their northern boundary, to compensate them for lands given to settlers. This new acquisition extended the northern limits of their possessions in Industry to the south line of the township of New Vineyard, as given in Osgood Carleton's Map of Maine, published about 1795. The meetings of the Company continued regularly, with the exception of the first year of the Revolutionary War, from 1749 till it finally sold the remnants of its possessions, at pub- lic auction, in 18 16, and dissolved by mutual consent. * Butler's History of Farmington, p. 24. Allen says (History of Imlustry, p. j) that the corner was marked " on a small beech tree." Mr. Butler quotes from the original plan of the survey, hence, his statement is to be accepted as indubitable testi- mony. Mr. Allen undoubtedly confounded this landmark with the small beech tree on the New Vineyard Gore which marked central corners of the four quarter sections. t Esquire William Allen states ( History of Industry, p. j) that this boundary was established by Samuel Titcomb, a noted surveyor; but by the evidence adduced in the action Winthrop vs. Curtis (Greenleaf's j Me. Reports, p. 1T2) it was shown to be Mr. Ballard, as stated above. LAND TITLES. 29 The lands of the Company were not surveyed and offered for sale as the advancement of the country demanded. At the close of the Revolutionary War, great numbers of the dis- banded soldiers, unlike those of Europe — the pest and scourge of society — came into the District of Maine to seek a per- manent home, and became industrious husbandmen. The Company having formerly taken such pains to extend the in- formation of their liberal offers of land to actual settlers, many came on to the patent and selected for their abode such lots as suited them, without inquiring whether these were designed for settlers or had been assigned to individual proprietors, or were yet among the unsurveyed lands of the proprietary ; and in 1799, it was found that large portions of the unlocated lands of the Plymouth Patent were taken up by persons who had intruded themselves without permission. "If," says R. H. Gar- diner, " the Company had, even at this late hour, resumed their former policy and given to the settlers half of the land, if so much had been required, for each to have one hundred acres, or if they had offered to sell at very low prices to actual set- tlers, there can be little doubt that the remaining portions would have been of more value than the whole proved to be ; but what is of infinitely more importance than pecuniary value, peace and quietness would have been at once established, and the subsequent scenes of violence avoided." The Company also found themselves deprived of disposing of their lands by dividing them among the proprietors; for division presupposes surveys and allotment, and the settlers would not allow surveys unless they could previously know what would be the price of their lands. After trying various expedients in their endeavors to gain possession of their lands, without success, the Company petitioned the General Court, in 1802, to authorize the Governor and Council to appoint com- missioners, "who should determine the terms upon which the Company should quiet each of the settlers in possession of certain portions of land as may include their improvements, in such a manner and on such terms as the Commissioners may 30 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. think best." The following resolve was passed, in conformity with the prayer of these petitioners : On the petition of Arodi Thayer, in behalf of the proprietors of the Kennebec Purchase, autliorizing the company to quiet the settlers on said lands, and empowering the Governor, with advice of the Council, to appoint Commissioners to adjust and settle all dis- putes between said proprietors and the settlers on said lands. February 19, 1802. On the petition of Arodi Thayer, in behalf of the proprietors of the Kennebec Purchase, from the late colony of New Plymouth, praying for leave to sell and dispose of certain of their lands for the quieting of settlers ; and for the establishing commissioners to quiet all such settlers as shall agree to submit themselves to their authority, and to fix and determine on the terms upon which they shall be so quieted : And the legislature being desirous to promote the laudable and liberal applica- tion of the Plymouth Company, to bring to a peaceable and final close, all matters not adjusted by its agent with the settlers on the undivided lands, by a submission of the same to three disinterested commissioners : Therefore, Resolved, That the proprietors of the common and undivided lands belonging to the Plymouth Company, so called, be, and they here- by are authorized and empowered, by their agent or agents, duly ap- pointed and authorized for that purpose, at any legal meeting of said proprietors, to compromise and settle with such persons, or each or any of them, who may have entered upon any of said lands, and made im- provements thereon ; and by deed under the hand and seals of such agents, sell and convey to such person or persons, any portion or por- tions of said lands which they may think best, and on such terms as the parties may agree ; and after payment of all such taxes and charges as may be due from any proprietor, to divide and pay over to every pro- prietor his share of the residue of the money arising from such settle- ment and sale, according to his proportion of lands : And all such sales shall be as valid in law as if the deed thereof had been executed by every individual proprietor, or his or her legal representative : And whereas it is conceived, That a final compromise and settle- ment of the claims of the said proprietors, with such persons as have intruded upon such common and undivided lands, will have a tendency to promote the peace and quiet of that part of the State ; and the said proprietors having, on their part, assured the Commonweahh, that they LAND TITLES. 3 I are willing to submit the terms of compromise with such persons as have set down on their said lands, and shall not have settled with said Company or their agent, to such commissioners as shall be appointed under the authority of this government : Therefore, It is further resolved. That the Governor with the consent of the Council, be, and he hereby is authorized and requested to nominate and commission three disinterested persons to adjust and settle all dis- putes between said proprietors and any such person or persons, their heirs or assigns, as have not settled with said proprietors or their agents : And the said commissioners, in settling the terms aforesaid for quieting any settler in the possession of one hundred acres of land, laid out so as to include his improvements, and be least iiajurious to adjoining lands, shall have reference to three descriptions of settlers, viz : Those settled before the war with Great-Britain, settlers during the war afore- said, and settlers since that period, or to any person whose possession has been transferred to claimants now in possession ; and award such compensation and terms of payment to the proprietors as shall appear just and equitable. And said commissioners shall repair to the land in dispute, and give due notice of the time of their meeting by the twen- tieth day of September next ; and thereupon proceed and complete the purposes of their commission as soon as may be, and make their report in writing, under their hands and seals, or under the hands and seals of a major part of them, into the office of the Secretary of this Commonwealth, who shall make out true and attested copies of the report, one for the said proprietors, and the other for the said setders ; And all reference by the settlers to the said commissioners shall be in writing, signed by the settlers, their agent or agents, representative or attorney, and by the agent of the proprietors, duly appointed and authorized for the purpose by a vote passed at a legal meeting of the said proprietors ; and the report of the said commissioners, made, exe- cuted and transmitted into the Secretary's office aforesaid, shall be final between the parties referring as aforesaid : And it shall be the duty of the agent for said proprietors to make and execute such deeds of conveyance upon performance of the conditions awarded, as may be necessary to give full effect to the report of said commissioners, which deed shall be as valid in law, as if the same was executed by every indi- vidual proprietor, or his agent, or legal representative, and all moneys received by said proprietors, or their agent, in virtue of said proceed- ings, shall be disposed of to the use of the several proprietors, in the same manner as is provided by this resolve in case of settlement by said proprietors, without submission to said commissioners : 32 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Provided, That the parties interested in this resolve shall, on or before the ist day of November next, submit themselves to the refer- ence aforesaid, otherwise they shall not be entitled to any of the pro- vision, or beneiit of this resolve. And whereas the peace, happiness and prosperity of a large and promising territory seems greatly to depend on an amicable settlement of existing controversies and disputes, which tend to public discord and private animosity, a submission to the commissioners to be appointed as aforesaid is earnestly recommended to all settlers on the lands afore- said, and all others interested, who wish hereafter to be considered as friends to peace, good order and the government of the Commonwealth. And all expenses and incidental charges of the aforesaid commission shall be paid, one half by the Commonwealth, and the other half by the said proprietors. The Commissioners appointed were, Hon. Peleg Coffin, State Treasurer, and a descendant of Sir Thomas Coffin, the original proprietor of the Island of Nantucket, whose descend- ants down to the time of the Revolutionary War exacted quit rents of all purchasers of real estate, out of the family line, of one hundred pounds of beef or pork or its equivalent, annually, with high aristocratic notions, was appointed chairman ; with Hon. Elijah Bridgham, a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and Col. Thomas Dwight, of Northampton, as associates. Although a recent writer claims that these men possessed the entire confidence of the public, yet Esquire William Allen says of them, "The selection of these Commissioners was very un- fortunate for the settlers ; they were all old-school Puritans of strict, unbending integrity of the patrician grade, with inflexible opinions as to the rights of freeholders, with no sympathy for trespassers or squatters as the settlers were called. They had no personal knowledge of the nature of the soil they were to appraise, and had no conception of the hardships and priva- tions of the settlers by whose hard labor not only the lands they occupied, but all in the vicinity had been made available and accessible by improvements and roads ; nor of the impos- sibility of raising money from the produce of the soil or from their labor, to pay the prices demanded by the proprietors." LAND TITLES. 33 Many settlers, who had served their country faithfully dur- ing the Revolutionary War and had been turned off without the least compensation for their services, were forced, from actual necessity, to take possession of wild land, wherever they could find it unoccupied, in order to save themselves and families from starvation. This they were invited and allowed to do on wild lands belonging to the State. Some of the Proprietors of the Plymouth Patent were PLnglishmen ; others were English sympathizers who had fled from the country, on the breaking out of the War, and had in a moral and equitable sense forfeited their estates by disloyalty to their country. Thus the early settlers in Industry believed, but the Courts thought differently. Others maintained that a title to their lots could be gained by possession, or at least for a small additional stipend. The Commission was required to repair to Maine and ex- amine the lands claimed by the Company, allow the settlers a hearing, and then state the terms and fix the price to be paid by each person who had been in possession of the land one year or more, for the lot on which he was located. As a necessar)' preliminary measure, Lemuel Perham, Jr., of Farm- ington, was employed, in September, 1802, to make a survey of the lands in Industry. This survey was made under the supervision of the Com- pany's agent, Isaac Pillsbury, of Hallowell, and by mutual agreement of the parties, Samuel Prescott, Esq., and Major Francis Mayhew, of New Sharon, were selected as chainmen. The surveyor was directed to run out a lot for each settler, to include all his improvements, with as little damage as possible to the adjoining lands. Under these directions, lots were laid out and numbered from one to seventy;* the survey com- mencing at Thompson's corner and embracing a large portion of Company's land, afterwards incorporated as the town of In- dustry, and extended north to the Mile-and-a-half or Lowell Strip. In October, after the completion of the survey, the Commission * Report of the Appraising Commission. Wm. Allen says (Hist, of /nJuslry,p. S7) . " He [Mr. Perham] thus proceeded from day to day till he had laid out a lot for each settler, numbering them from one to sixty-four." 34 HISTORY OF TNDUSTRY. came to Augusta, and established themselves at Thomas's Tav- ern, on the east side of the Kennebec River, — giving notice to all persons interested, to appear and submit their cases to be heard. When, without seeing a single lot to be appraised, as appraisers on executions are required to do, they affixed a price ranging from one hundred and twenty-five to two hundred and twenty-five dollars for a lot of one hundred acres. This sum, with back interest, the settlers were required to pay in Boston, within a specified time, in specie or Boston bank bills. As few of the settlers had ready funds sufficient to pay the expenses of a journey to Augusta to present their claims in person, Capt. William Allen and Nahum Baldwin were em- ployed by the settlers, as their lawful agents and attorneys. In comphance with this arrangement the following document was signed and executed : Submission of Settlers ok Plymouth Co.'s Land. Records of the Commonwealth, Vol. 3, page — . (In connection with Plans.) Know all men by these presents. That We, the Inhabitants and Settlers in the Plantation of Industry, in the County of Kennebec, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, viz : (Here follows a list of the names which appear below as signers, but not in the same order.) Do by these presents constitute and appoint Capt. William Allen and Nahum Baldwin of the Plantation of Industry aforesaid, to be our true and Lawful agents or attornies, and for us and for each of us & in our names & behalf, to appear before the Commissioners Appointed by his Excellency the Governor and Council, under a Resolve of the Legisla- ture of the Commonwealth aforesaid, passed the nineteenth day of Feby., One thousand eight hundred & two, to adjust & settle all disputes between the proprietors of the Kennebec purchase (so called) and the Settlers who have settled on the Undivided Lands of said Proprietors as described in the Resolve aforesaid, and us their Constituents to represent before said Commissioners, for us and in our names to make, sign & Execute In Submission or Reference to the. Commissioners aforesaid, the same to be good, valid & binding on us and each of us as tho. we were personally present, and had subscribed our names to such submission or Reference aforesaid to all intents, construcdons & purposes whatever. In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our LAND TITLES. 35 hands and seals this first day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and two. Signed & sealed in presence of (signed) Cornehus Norton John Patterson. (signed) Jonathan Williamson, Jr. John Thompson. Elijah Butler. Rufus Sanderson. Atkins Ellis. James Johnson. Samuel Moody. Zoe VVithee. Nathl. Davis. Jeremiah Bean. David Smith. Abijah Smith. Joshua Greenleaf Samuel Hinckley. Daniel EUet. John Lake. Sam Hill. Saml. Brown. John Thompson. Zephaniah Luce. his Daniel X Emmery. mark Silas Perham. Ambrose Arnold. De'Have Norton. Luther Burr. his Joseph X Taylor. mark John Gower. John Webber. Nath'l Willard. Levi Greenleaf. Zachariah Norton. Clark Works. Joel Works. Daniel Burr. Eben'r Williamson. Abraham Johnson. Bartlett Allen. Nathaniel Chapman. Peter Witham. Ebenezer Oakes. Samuel Leeman. Jacob Leeman. David Maxell. Dan'l Young. John Young. Lemuel Collins. his Benjamin X Jewett. mark his Jabez X Rollins. mark Levi Willard. Samuel Willard. Jonathan Knowlton. James Thompson. his Joseph X Moody. mark Hugh Thompson. Levi Joy. Eleazer Crowell. Peter West. James Winslow. William Baker Mann. James Heard. Isaac Young. Elijah Norton. Ebenezer Clark. John Coffin. Jacob Matthews. Thomas Johnson. Benjamin (Arnold?). Ii;benezer Stevens. Benja. Burges. John Vj. Stevens. Archelaus Luce. Joshua Pike. 36 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. his Freeman Allen. Ephraim X Moody. Samuel Stevens. mark his Shubael X Crowell. Elisha Luce. mark John Thompson, Jr. Benjamin Stevens. Henry N. Chamberlain. William Ladd. Seth Brooks. Alvan Howes. Kennebec, ss. Industry Plantation, October the first, 1802, then the above named persons Personally appeared and acknowledged the above Instrument to be their free act and Deed, before me. Justice of the Peace. (signed) Cornelius Norton The names of Henry N. Chamberlain and Seth Brooks, were ack. on Oct. 5. Money being almost wholly out of the question, the settlers paid Capt. Allen in grain, with the exception of one who gave him a silver dollar, which was all the casJi he got from them towards defraying the expenses of his journey. Their cases were presented in due form by the agent, who labored assidu- ously to secure favorable terms for his employers, but with little avail. The impartial reader can not fail to discern that the settlers of Industry were submitting their cause to a rigid tribunal, whose sympathies in the matter favored the proprietors. Not only was their able agent, Charles Vaughan, Esquire, in attend- ance at these hearings ; but likewise eminent legal counsel* and witnesses were subpoenaed to testify in behalf of the proprietors. On the other hand, settlers who were too poor to personally appear before the Commission in their own behalf, were in circumstances which precluded all thoughts of counsel to de- fend their rights, or witnesses to tell of the stubborn nature of the soil in Industry, or the abject poverty and want of its in- habitants. The proprietors' counsel availed themselves of the most trivial errors, making mountains of mole hills, in order to * These were Hon. James Bridge, an eminent counsellor of his day, and Reuel Williams, then a rising young lawyer. LAND TITLES. 37 gain an advantage over the settlers, whom the}' seemed to regard rather as criminals to be convicted, than honest men presenting equitable claims for adjudication. Forming an opinion from a few fertile spots on the beautiful Kennebec, and the glowing accounts of the Company's wit- nesses, the prices affixed to lots of land appraised was from sevent)'-fi\'e cents to one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, higher than equally as good land cost in adjoining towns. "Thirty-one settlers,"* writes Wm. Allen, "submitted their claims to the Commissioners, all of whom were greatly disap- pointed with the appraisal, and only eleven of this number, by the aid of friends, were able to make payment according to the appraisal, and not more than six from their own resources. Some of these had to sell every animal of stock they had, to do it. Ten others prevailed on friends to advance the money for them and take the deeds for their security and to give them time to purchase of them or redeem their mortgages. The other ten abandoned their possessions and left town. An age elapsed before the title of the proprietors or non-residents was extinguished." "My lot," continues Esq. Allen, "cost me two hundred and seven dollars and forty-two cents, in 1804. * * *" I was able, by selling my oxen and all my grain, and by appropriating my wages for teaching school, to raise the necessary sum within ten dollars, and Elijah Fairbanks, of VVinthrop, voluntarily lent me that sum to complete the payment. I then took a receipt and demanded my deed, but was refused for some time, till I paid the two dollars required by the agent and took a deed without warranty." Each claim adjusted required the execution of two sets of papers, one being a "submission," signed by the setder or his attorney, the other a written decision of the Commis- sioners. f The samples here given are verbatim copies of the originals. * (Hist, of Industry, p. 8.) The returns of the Commissioners show that forty- eight settlers submitted their claims. t In the originals, the words in italics were in writing, the rest in printing. 38 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. The Form used in the "Submission" or Reference, between the Kennebec Proprietors and the Seitlers in the Plantation of Industry, in 1802. Whereas the Legislature of this Commonwealth, by a resolution of the nineteenth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and two, made and provided for the quieting of settlers on the common and un- divided lands belonging to the proprietors of the Kennebec Purchase, from the late Colony of New Plymouth, and for establishing commis- sioners for that purpose, did Resolve as follows : " That the Governor, with the consent of the Council, be, and he " hereby is authorized and requested to nominate and commission three '• disinterested persons to adjust and settle all disputes between said " Proprietors and any such person or persons, their heirs and assigns, " as have not settled with said proprietors or their Agents. — And the " said Commissioners, in settling the terms aforesaid, for quieting any " settler in the possession of one hundred acres of land laid out so as "to include his improvements, and be least injurious to adjoining lands, " shall have a reference to three discriptions of settlers, viz : those set- " tied before the war with Great Brittain, settlers during the war afore- " said, and settlers since that period, or to any person whose possession " has been transferred to claimants now in possession." And whereas James Johnson, since the War with Great Brittain, to- »vit, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety- six, was a settler on a lot of — No. jg, sixty-nine acres of land, situated in Indiistry Plantation, the bounds whereof shall be ascertained and set- tled by the said Commissioners in their report hereon, the same lot being part of the land held under the Proprietors of the said Kennebec Purchase, James Johnson, a claimant now in possession thereof. Now, in pursuance of the said Resolve and appointment, I,- Charles Vaughan, Agent to the Proprietors aforesaid, and the said James Jolm- son, do refer and submit it to the said Commissioners, they, or the major part of them, to settle and declare the terms aforesaid, on which the said James Johnson, his heirs and assigns, shall be quieted in the possession of the said lot, the said Proprietors, by their Agent afore- said, and the said James Johnso7i, their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, respectively holden and bound by the report of said Com- missioners in the premises, when made into the Secretary's Ofifice of said Commonwealth, as directed by said Resolve. \\\ Witness whereof We hereto set our hands this sixteenth day of LAND TITLES. 39 Octobt-r, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hunch'ed and two. (signed) Clias. Vaughaii, Agnif. Signed in presence of (signed) Lemuel Pcrham. (signed) James Johnson, by his attornies, IVni. Allen, NaJium Baldwin. Commonwealth of Massachuseits. This Sixteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thou- sand eight hundred and ht.w, on the foregoing reference between the Proprietors of the Kennebec Purchase, by their Agent Charles Vai/ghan and James Johnson, for quieting the said James Johnson agreeably to the before mentioned Resolve, in the possession of the said lot of land, being lott number Thirty-nine on Plan No. 4, situated in the Plantation of Industry, containing sixtv-nine acres, As by the plan and description signed by Lemuel Perham surveyor, hereto annexed will appear, reference thereto being had. We, the Commissioners before named, having met and heard the parties, do settle, declare, and report, that the said James Johnson be quieted in the possession of the above bounded premises — To have and to hold the same to the said James Johnson his heirs and assigns, to his and their use forever, on the terms following, namely ; That the said James Johnson, his heirs, executors, or administrators, shall, on or before the first day of June which will be in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four, pay to Thomas Lindall Winthrop, esquire, Treasurer of the said Proprietors of the Kennebec- Purchase, or his successor in said office, the sum of ninety dollars, and fifty cents with interest, from the first day of April next, then the said Proprietors by their Agent, shall make or cause to be made to the said James Johnson his heirs or assigns, a deed of the above described premises, whereby he and they may hold the same in fee-simple for- ever. (signed) Elijah Brigham. Given under our hands and seals. P. Coffin. Thomas Dwight. CHAPTER III. SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN. The Plymouth Patent. — The New Vineyard Gore. — The Lowell Strip. — North Industry, Who are the nobles of the earth, The true aristocrats, Who need not bow their heads to lords. Nor dofi' to kings their hats? ******** Who are they, but the men of toil, Who cleave the forest down, And plant, amid the wilderness, The hamlet and the town? Sietvari. After the close of the Revolutionary War many who were in straitened circumstances were induced to come to Industry to settle, from the fact that this land had for the most part be- longed to Tories, or sympathizers with England, who, when the tocsin of war sounded, either clandestinely left the country or remained and used every means at their command to aid and abet the English soldiery. Under these circumstances, the assumption was not an unreasonable one that by such disloyalty all right and title to their estates would be forfeited and their lands become the property of the United States. On the strength of this hypothesis, many who had served faithfully in the Revolutionary War, having no means to buy, came hither and took up wild land, which they hoped to hold by posses- sion, or by the payment of a nominal sum to the government in consideration of their faithful service. These were substan- tially the circumstances under which many came and settled on SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN. 41 the Patent, appropriating land and erecting log cabins for their families wherever a desirable location could be found.* The first settler within the limits of Industry, as the town was afterward incorporated, was Levi Greenleaf, who settled on lot No. 61, in 1787.1 Mr. Greenleaf was from Massachu- setts,! a native of Bolton, and a young man of character and energy. He married about the time of his removal to the wilds of Maine, and brought his wife and household goods here on a sled drawn by four large oxen. The farm cleared by him was in that part of the town set off to New Sharon in 1852, and is now known as the Daniel Collins farm. Peter Witham, who came to Industry from the vicinity of Hallowell, in 1788, and settled north of Mr. Greenleaf, on Lot No. 67, § was the second settler on the Patent. He was coarse, vulgar and illiterate, and was not prosperous — possibly in con- sequence of intemperate habits. No further settlements were made on the Patent until 1792, when Nathaniel Willard and sons came from Dunstable, Mass., and settled on lot No. 14, at Thompson's Corner. A portion of this lot, if not the whole, is included in the Thomas M. Oli- ver farm, just south of the school-house in George W. John- son's district. Three years later, Mr. Willard's son, Levi, took up lot No. 15, adjoining his father's on the north. Samuel, * To the writer it seems a singular circumstance that the courts should invariably decide in favor of the disloyal proprietors when this matter was brought before them for adjudication some years later. t Esq. Wm. Allen says (Hist, of Induslry, p. if): "The first settlers in Industry on the patent were Joseph Taylor and Peter Witham in 1792, on that part set oft' to New Sharon, also about the same time Nathaniel Chapman, who was a Revolutionary soldier." Documentary evidence in the State-house in Massachusetts shows that Peter Witham came in 1788, Taylor in 1799, eleven years later, and that Mr. Chap- man did not settle in town until 1801. These same records show Levi Greenleaf to have been the first settler in town, as stated above. J Jonathan Greenleaf, in his Genealogy of the Greenleaf Family (see p. 78), says Mr. Greenleaf came to Maine from Dunstable, N. M., but the author has been unable to find a New Hampshire town of that name in any Gazetteer he has consulted. § Although the Plymouth Patent was not surveyed until many settlers had become residents thereon, the writer has, for convenience, designated the lots as subsequently numbered when the survey was afterward made. 42 HTSTORY OF INDUSTRY. another son, settled on lot No. 62, in the south part of the town, in 1799, his lot joining that of Levi Greenleaf Jonathan Knowlton settled on lot No. 18, north side of Bannock Hill, the same year as Mr. Willard. Mr. Knowlton was one of the original purchasers of the township of New Vineyard, and also owned the northwest section of the New Vineyard Gore. It is supposed that he occupied his lot but a short time. He was probably succeeded by Archelaus Luce, and in 1798 the lot reverted to Mr. Knowlton's son, Jonathan Knowlton, Jr., who lived there until after the town was incorporated and then sold his improvements to Dr. Aaron Stoyell, who obtained a title to the land from the proprietors' agent, and subsequently sold to Jacob Hayes, who came from Berwick, Me., about 1809. Mr. Hayes remained there a few years, and then exchanged farms with John Patterson and removed to the south side of the hill. Mr. Patterson and his son Samuel occupied this farm for many years. The Jand is now (1892) owned by George W. Johnson. A few apple-trees which stood near the house, and traces of the cellar, are still to be seen. Mr. Luce, on giving possession to Knowlton, settled on lot No. 27, at Goodridge's Corner, where he remained until 1808, when he sold to James Davis and moved to George's River.* Mr. Luce was from Martha's Vine- yard, as was also Mr. Davis. The farm he occupied was owned for many years by the late Hovey Thomas. John Thompson, Jr., and Jeremiah Beane, settled near Mr. Greenleaf, in 1793, on lots No. 64 and 66; but nothing has been learned concerning them. Mr. Beane is supposed to have left the settlement prior to the incorporation of the town. Mr. Thompson is not known to have been related to Capt. John Thompson, who figured prominently in the early history of the town. The following year saw quite an influx of immigrants among whom were James Thompson, Thomas Johnson and Zoe Withee. Mr. Thompson had resided in Norridgewock for some years previous to his settlement on the Patent, but was a native of New Hampshire. He settled on lot No. 2, a near neighbor * Allen's History of Industry, p. 4.4. SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN. 43 to Nathaniel Willard. He was a man of energy and enterprise, cleared a good farm, built a commodious frame house, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He eventually sold his farm to Samuel Norton, of Edgartown, Mass., and moved to the State of New York. This farm is now owned by George W. Johnson, and among the older townspeople is known as the Albert George farm. Thomas Johnson and sons, from Martha's Vineyard, came to Sandy River in 1793, and the following year began to clear land on lot No. 8 on the Patent, built a log cabin, and moved his family there in the autumn of the same year. His sons, Abraham and James, took up lots No. 13 and 39, adjoining their father's, in 1796. The land embraced in lots No. 8 and 39, is now owned by Augustus H. Swift, while No. 13 comprises the farm of McLaughlin Bros. Esq. Wm. Allen states that another son settled on lot No. 37 ; but there is nothing to show when he settled there or how long he remained. In "quieting" the settlers upon their lots, agreeably to a resolve of the General Court, in 1802, this lot was claimed by Joseph Moody, and the record shows that he took possession in 1797. Zoe Withee settled at Withee's Corner, a near neighbor to Mr. Johnson. His lot. No. 38, is now (1892) owned and occupied by Alvin L. Chapman. Mr. Withee was a soldier of the Revolution, and when he first came to Industry, intemperate in his habits. He was soundly converted, under the preaching of " Father John Thompson," and ever after lived an upright christian life. He came from Vienna, but was a native of New Hampshire. His farm in former years was regarded as one of the best in town. John Thompson, also from Vienna, came to Industry in 179s, and settled on lot No. 16, adjoining that of his brother James on the east. Here he cleared land, erected a cabin and made his home for some years; but subsequently, after the incorporation of the town, removed to lot No. 53, by Stark's line. John B. Stevens was the original settler on this lot in 1795, and had made some improvements thereon. On giving posses- sion to Mr. Thompson, he left town, and nothing of his subse- 44 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. quent history is known. Mr. Thompson cleared up a nice farm, erected mills on a small stream which flowed through his lot, and also a commodious two-story house, which still stands on the place. He was largely instrumental in erecting the " Red Meeting-House,'' the first house of worship in town, and figured prominently in every good work. The homestead fell by heir- ship to his son Robert, who spent his whole life thereon. It is now owned by the sons of Alvin L. Chapman. Joseph Badger settled on lot No. 51, at an early date, but made only a brief stay. The next settler on this lot was Joshua Pike, who came from Salisbury, Mass., in 1795. He spent the whole of his active life on this lot, clearing and bringing into cultivation the farm now owned by Wm. J. Gilmore. Samuel Crompton, a blunt Englishman, from Staffordshire County, came to Industry and settled on lot No. 46,"* in 1795, having commenced a clearing the previous year. His lot was located in that part of the town set off to New Sharon, and' is now (1892) known as the John Yeaton farm. Mr. Crompton was an honest, hard-working man, but rather poor when he first settled on the Patent. By diligence and perseverance, however, he made a good farm and acquired a comfortable competency. John Webber settled on lot No. 48, adjoining Mr. Crompton's lot, in 1796, and lived in town until after its incorporation. Further than this, nothing is known concerning him. Jonathan Bunker, a ropemaker, from Nantucket, Mass., settled on lot No. 5, on the east side of Ban- nock Hill, where he lived for fifteen years. He then sold to Henry Johnson, who came from Thomaston, Me., and removed to the State of New York. Samuel Moody and several of his sons, came to the settlement on the Patent in 1797. Of these, the father settled on lot No. 22, and Joseph, one of the sons, on lot No. 37, which is embraced in the farm now owned by Horatio A. B. Keyes. One or two other sons lived in town ; but all were very poor and eventually moved away. They were from Shapleigh. Joseph Broadbent took up lot No. 7, lying to the south of * Wm. Allen says (Hist, of Industry, p. ^j ) that Mr. Crompton's lot was No. 47, vhich does not agree with the records of the Appraising Commission. o m O "n O o -I o SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN. 45 the Jacob Hayes farm, in 1798, but left the settlement before the incorporation of the town. Hugh Thompson, who may have been the father of James and John, settled on lot No. 17, lying north of the forenamed John's lot. His name does not appear as a petitioner for incorporation of the town, or as one of the legal voters of 1803. The writer has been unable to ascertain anything in relation to his final destiny. Capt. William Allen, father of the historian, commenced a clearing on lot No. 34, on what has since been known as Allen Hill, in October, 1796. The next year he cut more trees, built a log-house, and on the 30th day of April, 1798, moved his family to their new home on the Patent. William, his eldest son, commenced a clearing on lot No. 28, in the spring of 1801, and sowed two acres of wheat and one of rye that season. This lot was made into a productive farm by young Mr. Allen. It is now known as the Deacon Ira Emery farm, and is owned by Charles V. Look. Bartlett, another son of Capt. William, set- tled on the farm now owned by Francis S. Rogers. Capt. Allen was a clothier by trade, and worked at that business be- fore coming to Industry. He was a native of Chilmark, Mass. Atkins Ellis, a Revolutionary soldier, came to Industry from Harwich, Mass., and settled on lot No. 35, on New Sharon line, in 1798. He was the father of a large family who frequently suffered for the common comforts of life. Being unable to pay for his land, he moved to lot L, south of Pike's Corner, and later to Ripley, Me. His lot is now known as the Russell Macomber farm. Alvin Howes commenced improvements on lot No. 44, in 1798. Being a single man, he boarded with James Johnson and others, until he finally married, in 1801. He was a practi- cal farmer, and labored incessantly to improve his farm and render it more valuable and productive. He was a native of Dennis, Mass., but came to the settlement on the Patent from Farmington. The farm on which he spent the whole of his active life is now owned by George W. Bailey. Lemuel Collins, a native of Massachusetts, settled in Indus- try on lot No. 50, the same year as did Mr. Howes who subse- quently married his eldest daughter, Mercy Collins. 6 46 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Isaac Young, Jr., and Benjamin Gray, also came to the Patent in 1798, and settled on lots No. 59 and 70, but both moved away prior to the incorporation of the town. Samuel Brown made a setdement on lot No. 19, in 1799. He came from Farmington, his father and Nathaniel Davis hav- ing been the first permanent setders in that town. His lot is now included in the Thomas Stevens farm, owned and occupied by David W. Merry. Elisha Luce made a small clearing on lot No. 33, in 1799, burned his chopping and sowed an acre of wheat, which he hoed in, being too poor to hire a yoke of oxen. He afterward enlarged his clearing, built a log-house, and sold out to Jona- than Goodridge. This farm is now the property of Alvarez N. Goodridge. Ephraim Moody and Eleazer Crowell settled on lots 32 and 43 the same year as Mr. Luce, but neither remained long. William Ladd from Mt. Vernon settled in town in 1798, first on lot No. 22, where he remained three years and then moved to lot 21. His habits were bad, and he was always poor. He eventually removed to Stark.* THE NEW VINEYARD GORE. The first settlement within the present limits of the town of Industry was made on the New Vineyard Gorej in 1791. This tract of land was a remnant, of rectangular shape, left after the survey of the township of New Vineyard, its longest sides being from east to west. It was bounded on the north by the township of New Vineyard, on the west by Readstown (now Strong), on the south by Sandy River Plantation (now Farmington), and on the east by the Lowell or Mile-and-a-half Strip. In extent it was six hundred and three rods long, four hundred and fifteen rods wide, and contained one thousand five hundred and sixty-four acres. This tract of land was purchased * More extended sketches of many of these settlers may be found in the genea- logical portion of this work. tThe early surveyors in laying out townships invariably applied the term gore to any fragment of land remaining after the survey, irrespective of size or shape. SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN. 47 of the land agent of Massachusetts in 1790 by a company consisting of Jonathan Knowlton and Ebenezer Norton, Esq., of Farmington, Deacon Cornelius Norton, Abner Norton and Daniel Collins, of Martha's Vineyard, for forty-five pounds sterling, or a little less than fourteen cents per acre. Knowl- ton, Ebenezer and Cornelius Norton, each taking a quarter section, and Abner Norton and Daniel Collins each taking, one-eighth of the tract. During the following winter these gentlemen proceeded to explore their purchase, and made a preliminary division of the same, so that those who wished could commence a clearing at once. They first divided their purchase into two equal parts by running a line, with a pocket compass, through the center from north to south. They then agreed to a proposition made by Esquire Ebenezer Norton, in consideration of the lots on the south half being more valua- ble on account of being nearer the settlement at Sandy River, to make those on the north half wider, and consented to run the line east and west from a beech-tree two rods south of the centre. They then proceeded to draw lots for the sections. The northwest section fell to Jonathan Knowlton, the northeast section to Deacon Cornelius Norton, the southwest section to Esquire Ebenezer Norton, and the southeast section to Abner Norton and Daniel Collins. It was said that after the division. Esquire Norton, who had designated the starting point for the east and west line, complained that Knowlton and Deacon Nor- tpn had got too much of the land, their lots being four rods wider than the others, whereas he had intended that there should have been only two rods difference. Doubtless this was the intention of the gentleman, but not stopping to think, in the haste of the moment, that it would be necessary to move the line but one rod south of the centre to make the required two rods difference in the width of the two lots on the north, he made an error in his calculations. But as all the others were satisfied with the division, it was confirmed ; and Esquire William Allen says: "To pacify the complainant, the others relinquished to him their right to purchase a fragment of good land adjoin- ing Clear Water Pond." Early in the spring of 1 791, Abner 48 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Norton and Daniel Collins commenced to make a clearing on their section of the Gore. They ran a line through the centre, from north to south, and agreed that in the final survey, pro- vided any errors occurred in the first division, that the perma- nent line should be so varied as to give each one the benefits of his improvements, and at the same time give each his equal share of the land. After the division was made, Mr. Norton took the western and Mr. Collins the eastern portion. These tracts of land comprised the farms now owned and occupied by J. Simon Furbush and John Vehue, the latter having been diminished by the sale of a strip containing fifty acres from its eastern extremity. In order to make an opening sufficiently large to secure a good draft of wind and thus insure a good burn, Messrs. Norton and Collins made their first clearings adjoining each other. During the summer following they each built a substantial log-house. Mr. Collins's new house stood on a ridge of land near where John Vehue's new house stands, at a turn in the road as it strikes the Farmington line. Mr. Nor- ton's was located on his clearing some rods further to the west. The walls of these houses were laid up of logs notched near the ends so as to fit each other snugly. The roof was covered with hemlock or spruce bark held in place by long poles withed down. The gables were also covered with bark, while the cracks between the logs were caulked with moss on the inside and plastered with clay on the outside. The chimneys were of stone laid in clay mortar and topped out with sticks. A path having been bushed out from their clearings on the Gore to the settlement at Sandy River, so that they could pass with a horse-sled before the snow became deep, Mr. Collins and Mr. Norton moved their families from Martha's Vineyard in Decem- ber, 1 79 1, to their new homes in the then almost unbroken wilds of northern Maine. At that time Mr. Collins's family consisted of himself, his wife and eight children. This number included two pair of twins, the eldest two and youngest two being coup- lets. The oldest two were twelve years of age, while the young- est two had hardly completed their first year. During the journey to their new home, Mr. and Mrs. Collins rode on horse- SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN. 49 back, carrying the two infants in their arms, the other children riding on the horse-sled with the goods. Mr. Norton's family was not so large as Mr. Collins's, though he had several children. A year later, in the fall of 1792, Capt. William Allen, also from Martha's Vineyard, settled in Farmington, within two miles of them, on the farm now occupied by Obed N. Collins, on a route from the River Settlement to the westerly part of the Gore. Captain Allen continued to live here until early in the spring of 1798, when he removed to land belonging to the Plymouth Company, east of Allen's Mills, and since known as Allen Hill. Cornelius Norton, Jr., of Tisbury, Mass., commenced clear- ing land on the northern part of his father's section of the Gore, about the same time that Mr. Collins came, but as he was a single man he did not make his permanent home there until the summer of 1794, when he married Margaret J. Belcher, a daughter of Supply Belcher, Esq., of Farmington, and com- menced housekeeping in his log-house. His father. Deacon Cornelius Norton, moved with his family into a log-house on the soutliern half of his section, about the same time. This house stood but a little distance to the southeast from where Wesley N. Luce lived in 1885. A small orchard is standing near the spot, and the limpid waters still bubble up from the spring which furnished the household supply for Mr. Nor- ton's family. John and Ebenezer Oakes, step-sons of Jonathan Knowlton, commenced a clearing on his section of the Gore, just west of the road leading to the Wesley N. Luce farm, in 1792. These gentlemen built a convenient log-house, and, as both were un- married, spent the following winter there in single blessedness. About the same time, one hundred and twenty-five acres from the northeast corner of Mr. Knowlton's section was sold to Elisha Lombart.* This lot he afterward exchanged for one on the western part of Mr. Knowlton's section. A stream of suffi- *This name is also spelled Lumbert, Lumber, etc., and is supposed to have originally been identical with the name now spelled Lambert. so HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. cient size to run a mill flowed through Mr. Lombart's last men- tioned lot, and on this he built a grist and saw-mill. In 1794, Ansel Norton bought Jonathan Knowlton's possession of John Oakes, and lived there until his death, which occurred in 18 10. In 1795, Capt. David Davis became a permanent settler on the southwest section of the Gore, on the farm owned by the late Alexander Hillman. He lived in a log-house until 1803, when he built a large convenient two-story house which, for more than three-fourths of a century, stood on the place.* He was a successful farmer, bore an excellent reputation and possessed considerable property. In 1803 he paid a money tax of $10.36, it being the highest tax paid by any individual on the Gore. In personal appearance Capt. Davis was of command- ing carriage, and extremely corpulent in his old age. It is claimed that he weighed nearly or quite 350 pounds. He died Aug. 27, 1837, aged 78 years. THE LOWELL STRIP. This tract of land in Industry was a portion of the grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (see p. 28), and had fallen by heirship or otherwise to Francis Cabot Lowell, a mer- chant residing in Boston. It extended the whole length of the township from east to west, and was a mile and a half wide. Like the lands of the Patent, it was settled without any pre- liminary survey. In 1802, nearly seven years after the first settlement. Esquire Cornelius Norton, Jr., made the survey, and numbered the lots from one to twenty-nine inclusive. Lots No. I, 2 and 29 being in Stark and comprising that por- tion of the town set off and annexed to Industry in 1822 (see P- 13)- As nearly as the writer can learn, Jabez Norton, Sr., was the first settler on the Lowell Strip. He settled in town in 1795, on the farm recently owned and occupied by Abel W. Spauld- ing. His lot was originally the north half of No. 21, but the farm has since been greatly enlarged by purchasing portions of *This house was destroyed by fire on Wednesday p. M., April 18, SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN. 51 adjoining lots. His son, Sprowel Norton, settled to the west of him on the north half of lot No. 20. Abraham Page, from Farmington, commenced a clearing on the Lowell Strip at the head of Clear Water Pond, probably about the same time as Mr. Norton. Though capable of per- forming a great deal of labor, he was of a roving disposition and remained on his land but a short time. In the fall of 1795, Tristram Daggett, having sold his lot and improvements to Esq. Herbert Boardman, bought Page's improvements on lot No. 11, on the Lowell Strip, now known as "the Collins Luce farm." On the first day of January, 1796, Mr. Daggett obtained a deed from Calvin Boyd,* of Farming- ton, purporting to convey one hundred and fifty acres of land to include the above-mentioned improvements of Page, the consideration being thirty-two dollars. He built a log-cabin on his lot, in which he and his family lived for many years. This house stood on the west side of the sucker brook and nearer the pond than the present one on the farm. He sold to David M. Luce, of New Vineyard, and removed to an adjoining lot which he subsequently sold to James Bailey, who in turn sold to Benjamin R. Rackliff, of Georgetown.! Daniel Luce, Sr., settled on lot No. 17, about 1796, and several of his sons and one son-in-law settled near him. Tru- man settled on lot No. 18, joining his father's lot on the east; Rowland on No. 19, still further to the east, on the farm now owned by James T. True. Daniel, Jr., married and settled on the western part of his father's lot, which is now (1892) owned by James Edgecomb, the eastern portion belonging to the heirs of Amos Stetson, Jr. Deacon Benjamin Cottle, a son-in-law of Mr. Luce, settled on lot No. 13, adjoining the New Vineyard Gore, where he lived until, in his old age, he went to live with his daughter, Mrs. David M. Luce. Captain Peter West took possession of lot No. 28, embrac- *The courts subsequently rlecided that the title of Mr. Boyil and others was illegal and that Francis Cabot Lowell was the legal owner. t Throughout this work where no State is mentioned, the State of Maine is gen- erally to be understood. 52 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. ing the site of the village of West's Mills, which was named in honor of him. Capt. William Allen and Benjamin Manter commenced a clearing for him in 1797, and felled two acres of trees. He subsequently built a log-house and moved his fam- ily to Industry in 1798. He did not, however, obtain a deed of his land, as we learn from Allen's History (see p. 6), until 1803. Peter Daggett was an early settler on lot No. 16, now owned by George Luce, but there is no means of learning the exact date of his settlement in town. Mr. Daggett purchased land in New Vineyard as early as 1793, and probably came to the District of Maine about that time. Asa Conant settled on lot No. 15 and built his log-house on the top of the hill between George Luce's and Oliver D. Norton's. The exact date of his settlement is veiled in ob- scurity, but both his name and that of Mr. Daggett appear in the list of voters for 1803. James Eveleth, Sr., came to Industry in 1800 or perhaps a year earlier, and settled on the Lowell Strip, on land now com- prising a portion of the farm owned and occupied by Davis Look. Some of the rose-bushes which grew near his log-house may still be seen. John Marshall and sons came from Lewiston, in 1800, and probably settled on land now comprising a part of the Davis Look farm, formerly owned by Samuel Frost for many years. Mr. Marshall was a carpenter by trade, and in indigent cir- cumstances. After living in town a few years, they all moved away. Ammiel Robbins also settled on the Lowell Strip, on lot No. 12, at the head of Clear Water Pond, and one of his sons on a part of the same lot. The orchards near their respective dwellings can still be seen, though the houses have long since gone to decay. Simeon Butler settled on a small tract of land lying to the south of lot No. 12, which afterwards, in 1824, passed into the hands of Sanders Luce. Mr. Luce moved a house on to his land from the Fish place, situated in the edge of Farmington, in which he lived for ten years. Peter Tilton and Francis S. Rogers each lived in the house after Mr. Luce SETTLFMENT OF THE TOH'N. 53 left, and it was finally bought by Joseph Collins, Sr., and moved to " Federal Row." NORTH INDUSTRY. This part of the town was first settled as a portion of New Vineyard, and was set off from that town and annexed to In- dustry in 1844 (see p. 14). The first settler in this portion of the town was Tristram Daggett, who commenced a clearing on the west half of lot No. 7, in 1791.* This land now comprises a portion of the farm owned and occupied by Asa Q. and Calvin B. Fish, additions having been made to it by Esquire Herbert Boardman, to whom Mr. Daggett sold his possession. Capt. Jeruel Butler came from Martha's Vineyard to Farm- ington, July 26, 1793. The following year he purchased lot No. 9, in the first range of lots adjoining the Lowell Strip, and recently owned by the late John O. Racklifif. The same year he felled trees, made a clearing and built a log-house. After its completion, he removed his furniture and provisions to his new home and made everything ready for occupancy. Un- fortunately the house and its contents were destroyed by fire before Mrs. Butler ever saw it. A second dwelling was immedi- ately erected, by the assistance of his neighbors, on the site of the one burned, in which he and his family spent the winter of 1794—5. About the same time that Captain Butler commenced his clearing, Henry Norton, of Edgartown, Mass., obtained a title to 200 acres of land, it being a part of lot No. 3 in the first range, and is now owned by Eli N. Oliver. Here Mr. Norton made a clearing and built a grist-mill, which never proved of any service, owing to its faulty construction. Ephraim Gould Butler, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Gould) Butler, of Martha's Vineyard, came with his family to the District of Maine in April, 1792. His family made a year's * Wm. Allen says (, History of Industry, p. 12) that Mr. Daggett settled on lot No. 6, which he afterward sold to Charles Luce. This is erroneous. He settled on the west half of lot No. 7, and sold to Esq. Herbert Boardman, Sept. 5, 1795. Mr. Luce bought his land of John Oakes, July 17, 1795, as shown by a deed recorded in the Lincoln County Registry. 54 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. sojourn in Sandy River township (Farmington), during which time he was probably engaged in niaking a clearing and erect- ing a log-cabin on his lot in New Vineyard township. This lot, to which he moved his family in the spring of 1793, was No. I in the first range, more recently known as the Henry Manter farm. It is now (1892) owned by the widow of the late William Lewis. Mr. Butler resided here till 1801, when he removed to another part of New Vineyard. Charles Luce commenced a clearing on the east half of lot No. 7, subsequently known as the Jeremy Bean farm, in 1795. Here he made a good farm, on which he spent the remainder of his life and brought up a large family. James Manter settled on lot No. 5, where James D. Badger now lives, about the same time as Mr. Luce, and died of "cold fever" early in the follow- ing winter. His sons, with the aid and advice of their mother, conducted the farm for many years after the father's death. Joseph Smith and sons settled on lot No. 3 in the second range, in 1795. He died in the following year, and the farm passed into the possession of his son, Joseph Warren Smith., There are no buildings standing on the place now, and the land is owned by Eli N. Oliver, Asa Merry was an early settler on lot No. i in the second range of lots. Here he made an excellent farm, kept a large stock, especially of cows, and became in later years a noted cheese-maker. This farm is now owned by Charles F. Oliver. Esquire Herbert Boardman, as has been previously stated, bought out Tristram Daggett, in September, 1795, and moved his household effects to his new home on an ox-sled in the month of December following. He was a man of some means, and greatly enlarged his farm by the purchase of adjacent lands. He lost heavily by the burning of his buildings and their contents on the night of January 22, 1824. The house was rebuilt, and he continued to live on the farm up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1838. John Daggett, Sr., came from Edgartown, Dukes County, Mass., and settled on lot No. 2 in the second range, about 1793-4- The deed of his lot, recorded in the Lincoln County SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN. 55 Registry, bears the date of Feb. 11, 1793. He died a few years after coming to the District of Maine, and his land was divided among his heirs. Mr. Daggett was a miller by occupa- tion, and tradition says, operated a wind-mill on the Vineyard. Being unused to the hardships of pioneer life, he was not able to withstand the exposure incident to his home on the very borders of civilization, hence his untimely death. CHAPTER IV. EVENTS FROM 1800 TO 1810. Condition of the Settlers. — Plantation Organized. — Town Incorporated. — Roads. — Early Town Officers. — The Embargo Act, — The Town becomes a part of Somerset County, Etc., Etc. At the beginning of the nineteenth century a bird's-eye- view of what now comprises the town of Industry would have revealed a vast expanse of forest dotted here and there with "openings" made by the axe of the settler. In each of these might be seen an unpretentious log-cabin with the smoke curl- ing upward from its rude chimney — the home of the settler and his family. A rude hovel or cow-house would also be seen, provided the occupant of the cabin was not too poor to own a cow, which was not unfrequently the case. A closer acquaintance with these cabin homes and the families that oc- cupied them would have told a story of toil and want, of which but few have any conception. Clothing of the poorest quality and insufficient in quantity, children clothed in rags and bare- footed even in the coldest weather, food of the coarsest kind and sometimes none at all, were a few of the many privations and hardships incident to the pioneer life of the early settler and his family in Industry. In 1800 and for several years thereafter, the population of the town increased very rapidly by reason of immigration. Among many others who moved into town in 1800, was Benja- min Jewett and family, who came from Shapleigh, York County, Maine, in March of that year, and settled on lot No. 42 adjoin- ing Alvin Howes's lot on the east. His family and goods were EVENTS FROM 1800 TO 1810. 57 drawn by a four-ox team, which crossed the Androscoggin River on the ice below Lewiston Falls. The only building in the cities of Lewiston and Auburn at that time, was a small mill on the Auburn side of the river. There were in fact no large settlements in the District of Maine at that time, save on the sea-coast. James Winslow, from Farmington, formerly of Gardiner, now Pittston, was another settler who came the same year as Mr. Jewett.* He took up lot No. 45, containing one hundred acres, and here he spent the whole of his life. The excellent farm which he cleared was set off in part to New Sharon in 1852, and is now owned and occupied by his granddaughter, Mrs. Betsey \V Stone, relict of the late Franklin Stone of that town. Zephaniah Luce, from Martha's Vineyard, settled on lot No. 31, in 1 801, but being in indigent circumstances, did not gain a title to the land. He removed to Farmington, prior to the incorporation of the town, and resided for some years on the " Fish place " near Industry line. The lot on which he first settled is now owned by Charles S. Racklifif. Lemuel Collins, Jr., married in December, 1800, and the following year took up lot No. 49, adjoining his father on the south. This land is now owned and occupied by William H. Manter of New Sharon, it having been included in Industry's cession to that town in 1852. Nathaniel Chapman, whom Esq. William Allen calls one of the earliest settlers in town, settled on a part of Joseph Taylor's lot. No. 68, in 1 801. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and was granted a pension by the government. He died in Kingfield, to which town he removed after Industry was incorporated. In 1802, David Maxwell, from Wells, Me., settled on lot No. 3, a near neighbor of Nathaniel Willard, Jonathan Bunker, James Thompson and others in that vicinity. Jacob Matthews, from Mt. Vernon, who settled on lot No. 9, adjoining Zoe *Wm. Allen, Esq., ( Hist, of Industry, p. 17) gives the date of Mr, Winslow's settlement as 1799. The date here given is from the official report of the Appraising Commission. S8 HISTORY OF lATDUSTRV. Withee on the east, also came in 1802. The following year he married a daughter of Mr. Withee, and in 1807 sold his pos- session to Moses Tolman, who came to Industry from New Sharon. This lot comprises the south part of the farm occu- pied by the late John Tolman. Benjamin Stevens was another settler who came in 1802, and took up lot No. 10, which he sold to Moses Tolman in 1807, but whither he went or whence he came the writer has been unable to learn. Ebenezer Stevens was Benjamin's nearest neighbor on the north. He also came in 1802, and settled on lot No. 11. It is supposed that these two gentlemen were in some way related, as well as John B. Stevens, whose lot joined theirs on the east. Samuel Stevens, a cooper by trade, settled on lot No. 12, prior to the incorporation of the town. Like many of the early settlers, he had served in the Continental Army and was in straitened pecuniary circumstances. Being unable to pay for his land, he removed to lot R, by New Sharon line, and after- ward left town. DeHave Norton, from Farmington, settled on lot No. 40, in 1802, lying south and west of Withee's Corner. He was a young man, the son of Zachariah and Hannah (Smith) Norton of F'armington, and although his name appears among the petitioners for incorporation of the town of Industry early in 1803, nothing further is known concerning his residence in Industry. Aside from the arrival of new settlers, but little of impor- tance occurred in the history of the settlement until 1802, when a State tax of forty-four dollars, and a county tax of nearly an equal amount, was assessed on the inhabitants. The sheriff was directed to serve the warrants on some principal inhabitant who was able to pay the amount if he did not cause the tax to be duly assessed. After passing through both parts of the set- tlement and failing to find any such principal inhabitant, he decided to leave the warrants with William Allen, Jr., who had just attained his majority. Mr. Allen procured a warrant from a Justice of the Peace, for calling a plantation meeting, and a legal organization was thus secured. In extent, the plantation EVEJVTS FROM 1800 TO 1810. 59 embraced all the lands comprising the towns of Industry and Mercer as subsequently incorporated, together with a part of the town of Smithfield, and to the whole was given the name of Industry Plantation. The manner in which the plantation received its name, notwithstanding every effort of the author to settle the fact, is still a mooted question. William Allen states in his history of the town (see p. ij), that "At a meeting for the choice of these [militia] officers [in the winter of 1799], my father proposed the name of Industry for the military territory, which was adopted by the company, and when the westerly portion of the territory was incorporated retained the name." There is also a tradition among the Winslows (see Hanson's History of Gardiner and Pittston, p. 66) that the plantation received its name from the wife of Capt. John Thompson, whose maiden name was Betsey Winslow. This tradition runs as follows: "When the town* was about being incorporated, Mr. Thompson said to his wife as he was leaving home, 'What shall we call the new town? ' ' Name it for the character of the people,' she replied, ' call it Industry.' He proposed the name and it was accepted." The inhabitants were warned to meet at the dwelling-house of Lieut. Ambrose Arnold, who lived in that part of the planta- tion subsequently incorporated as the town of Mercer. The organization was perfected by the election of the following officers: Clerk, Nahum Baldwin ; Assessors, Nahum Baldwin, Luther Burr and William Allen, Jr. All these with the excep- tion of Mr. Allen were chosen from the Mercer portion of the settlement, but the following year the voters from the back settlement, as the present town of Industry was then called, outnumbered the others, and consequently chose all the offi- cers from their own locality. The plantation also voted to raise a certain sum of money to buy powder for muster and to defray *The writer is of the opinion that it was on the organization of the plantation, instead of the incorporation of the town, that is here meant. Osgood Carlton's Map of Maine, published prior to the incorporation of the town, gives this territory the name of Industry Plantation, hence Mr. Hanson must have been slightly in error as to time. 6o HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Other necessary expenses ; and Samuel Hinkley was chosen treasurer. The next event of importance in the history of the settle- ment was the survey of the township (sec p. jj) in the month of September, 1802. No little excitement and anxiety prevailed among the settlers regarding this survey and the subsequent arbitration to which it was a preliminary measure. At that time, no person residing on the lands of the Plymouth Com- pany had any title to his land, and the usage they would receive at the hands of the Commission (see p. J2) promised to be anything but favorable. When the commissioners met at Augusta, in October, after the completion of the survey, the worst fears of the settlers became a reality. Exorbitant prices were affixed to the lots of the settlers, which those who re- mained were compelled to pay, while many of the poorer class were forced to abandon their homes and improvements for want of the necessary funds to purchase.* But little is known concerning the doings of the plantation at its second annual meeting, aside from the fact that all the officers were chosen from the back settlement, as has already been stated, and that James Thompson, Esq., was elected clerk. Probably William Allen, Jr., was re-elected as one of the asses- sors, but as the plantation records are not to be found, the fact cannot be established with absolute certainty. Esquire Allen says: "At the plantation meeting on the first Monday of April, 1803, the inhabitants for the first time gave in their votes for governor, all for Caleb Strong, except three, who voted for Gerry (these voters not knowing the christian name of the candidate), and were returned accord- ingly. The next year our Republicans, as the supporters of Mr. Gerry were called, were seasonably furnished with the Argus, which had then been established as a Republican paper, and *The appraisal of the forty-eight lots in Industry was a surprise to all. But twelve lots out of this number were valued at less than one dollar per acre; the re- maining thirty-six ranging in price from one dollar to two dollars and twenty cents per acre. EVENTS FROM 1800 TO 1810. 61 were then, as ever after, prepared to give in their votes accord- ing to order." INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN. Earl)- in the }-car 1803, an eftbrt was made to incorporate that portion of the Industry Plantation lying west of Stark and commonly known as the back settlement, to distinguish it from the other portion of the plantation, which was called the river settlement. By a careful enumeration it was found that the back settlement contained more than fifty ratable polls, and that its valuation when compared with the river settlement was as twenty-four is to twenty, or six-elevenths of the entire planta- tion according to the valuation of 1800. At the earnest re- quest of James Thompson, the plantation clerk, and others, William Allen, Jr., prepared the following petition to the Gen- eral Court [Legislature] of Massachusetts, then in session at Boston : To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives, of the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts in Genej-al Court assembled in Jan'y, 1803. The petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of the north part of the Plantation of Industry, in the County of Kennebec, respectfully sheweth that they are debarred from many priviledges which they would enjoy if they were incorporated into a town, such as the want of schools, high- ways, etc. That the said Plantation is in two distinct settlements which are in no way connected by roads and are not situated so as to form a town to commode the inhabitants as will appear by examining the map of the District of Maine, it being formed by two triangles, one to the west and the other to the south of the town of Starks. That on account of their peculiar situation they are in a great measure detached from and suffer great inconveniences by being con- nected with the south part in attending Plantation meetings which are holden sometimes nine miles from some of your petitioners. That the north part of said Plantation bounded as follows : Beginning at the S. W. Cor. of Starks running south 1-2 mile to New Sharon, thence N. W. by said New Sharon 5 miles, thence N. 3 miles to the New Vineyard, thence E. by said New Vineyard 4 miles to the N. W. Cor. of Starks, 02 H/STORY OF INDUSTRY. thence south by the west line of Starks 6 miles to the first mentioned boundary, containing about 50 ratable polls whose inconveniences would be alleviated by being set off from the rest of the Plantation. And therefore your petitioners earnestly solicit the Hon. Legislature to take the premises into their wise consideration and by setting off the afore- said tract from the rest of the Plantation of Industry, incorporate the same into a town by the name of Industry vested with those legal rights and priviledges which are allowed to other towns in the Commonwealth. And as in duty bound will ever pray. [Signed.] Levi Greenleaf John Thompson. DeHave Norton. Trueman Allen. Atkins ElHs. Thomas Johnson. Benj'n Burgess. Daniel Luce. Lemuel Collins. James Heard. Lemuel Coslins. Jeremiah Bean. Ebraim Page. Benjamin Cottel. Rolin Luce. Jabez Norton. Jabez Norton, Jr. Rowlon Luce.* Benjamin Cottle.* Trustom Dogit.* Abraham Page.* Archelaus Luce. Samuel Willard. James Thompson. William Allen, Jr. Zoe Withee. Jacob Mathews. John Thompson.* Levi Willard. John B. Stevens. Eben'r Stevens. Bartlett Allen. Benjamin Stevens. David Maxwell. Sam'l Brown. William Ladd. Nathaniel Willard. John Thompson, Jr. Shubael Crowel. James Johnson. Joseph Moody. Ephraim Moody. Daniel Moody. Will'm Allen. James Winslow. John Webber. This petition having been duly presented, passed the House of Representatives on the i'8th day of June, 1803, and on the 20th, having passed the Senate and received the signature of the governor, Caleb Strong, the town of Industry was declared legally incorporated. * These, and perhaps other names, were added apparently to swell the petition. EVENTS FROM 1800 TO 1810. 63 When it was definitely known tliat the inhabitants of Indus- try Plantation were to petition the General Court for incorpora- tion, the settlers living in the northern part of New Sharon also prepared and forwarded a petition asking that the north part of that town be set off and incorporated as a part of the new town of Industry. This petition, which is still preserved in the archives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, reads as follows : To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the General Court to be holden at Boston, January, 1803. We, your Petitioners, Inhabitants of the north part of the Town of New Sharon, in the County of Kennebec, humbly show : That, whereas the remote situation of our habitations from the centre of sd. town, the unimproved state of a large tract of land lying between us and Sandy River, the badness of the road through sd. tract, in which we have to pass, and the intervention of sd. River, which we have to cross, to get to sd. centre render it inconvenient for us to remain in our present state, attached to sd. Town in respect to corporation. And whereas the Inhabitants of the northwest part of a Plantation called Industry, situate in the northwest extremity of the Plymouth claim, and bounded eastward by Starks and the northward by New Vine- yard have petitioned the General Court that sd. northwest part of sd. Plantation be incorporated into a Town. We therefore pray your Honors to detach from New Sharon sd. North part, bounded as follows, viz : Beginning at the southmost corner of Lot No. 65 in New Sharon aforesaid, on the line between sd. Town and Farmington. Thence north by sd. line about 4 miles and 64 rods, to Clear Water Pond. Thence southward and eastward by sd. Pond to the line between New Sharon and the Plymouth Claim. Thence south 45 degrees East by sd. line about 4 miles, 284 rods to the northmost corner of lot No. 1 7 in New Sharon being near the southmost point of that part of Industry before mentioned, which the inhabitants thereof have pedtioned to be incorporated. Thence south 45 degrees, west between lots No. 17 and 25, 100 rods. Thence north 45 degrees, west between lots No. 24 and 25, 163 rods. Thence south 45 degrees, west between lots No. 24 and 23, 100 rods. Thence north 45 degrees, west 163 rods to the westmost corner of lot No. 32. Thence south 45 degrees, west 200 rods to the southmost corner of lot No. 40. Thence north 45 degrees, west 164 rods to the eastmost corner of lot No. 50. 64 HISTORY OF mDUSTRY. Thence south 45 degrees, west 200 rods to the southmost corner of lot No. 49. Thence north 45 degrees, west 163 rods to the southmost corner of lot No. 59. Thence south 45 degrees, west 200 rods to the southmost corner of lot No. 57. Thence north 45 degrees, west 163 rods to the line of lot No. 65. Thence south 45 degrees, west 100 rods to the bounds first mentioned, being nearly in a west direction from the southmost point of the northwest part of Industry above mentioned which is about 112 rods south of the southwest corner of Starks. And annex to and incorporate sd. north part of New Sharon with the inhabi- tants thereon with sd. northwest part of Industry into one Town. We your humble Petitioners as in duty bound ever pray. Joshua BuUen. Oliver Willard. Joseph Willard. John Goar. Daniel Gould. Elijah Peeas. John Rawlings. Jephah Coburn. Ebenezer Weeks. John Winslow. An attested excerpt from the plantation records accom- panied the petition, showing that the inhabitants of the pro- posed new town of Industry favored the measure. The petition was, as one would naturally infer, strongly opposed by the inhabitants of New Sharon not directly interested in the movement, consequently the legislative action was unfavorable for the petitioners. The act of incorporation designated Samuel Prescott, Esq., of New Sharon, as the justice to issue the warrant for calling the first meeting of the inhabitants. This instrument bore the date of September 24, 1803, and was directed to James Thomp- son, formerly plantation clerk. The inhabitants met agreeably to the call, at the dwelling-house of Capt. William Allen, on the 20th day of October, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, and pro- ceeded to perfect their organization by the choice of the follow- ing officers : Moderator, James Thompson ; Clerk, William Allen, Sr. ; Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor, William Allen, Jr., Peter West and Daniel Luce; Treasurer, James Thompson ; Constable and Collector, Sprowel Norton. Five highway surveyors were elected, who were also constituted a school committee. Among other officers elected were two EVENTS FROM 1800 TO 1810. 65 tithing-men, five hog-rceves, two field-drivers, pound-keeper, etc. After the election of officers, the meeting" adjourneil until November 14th, to meet at the dwelling-house of Joseph Moody. The following is the official list of voters for 1803, as prepared by the municipal officers of the town of Industr)- : Allen, Bartlett. Allen, William. Allen, William, Jr. Bradbury, Paul. Brown, Joseph. Brown, Samuel. Bunker, Jonathan. Burgess, Benjamin. Chapman, Nathaniel. Coffin, John. Conant, Asa. Collins, Lemuel. Collins, Lemuel, Jr. Cottle, Benjamin. Crompton, Samuel. Daggett, Peter. Daggett, Tristram. Elhs, Atkins. Eveleth, James. Greenleaf, Levi. Howes, Alvin. Huston, John. Jewett, Benjamin. Johnson, Abraham. Johnson, James. Johnson, Thomas. Knowlton, Jonathan. Ladd, William. Luce, Daniel. Luce, Daniel, Jr. Luce, Rowland. Luce, Truman. Moody, Ephraim. Moody, Joseph. 'Marshall, John. Mathews, Joseph. Norton, Jabez. Norton, Jabez, Jr. Norton, Sprowel. Page, Abraham. Pike, Joshua. Robbins. Ammiel. Robbins, Ammiel, Jr. Robbins, Elijah. Stevens, Ebenezer. Stevens, Jolm. Stevens, Samuel. Thompson, James. Thompson, John. Thompson, John, 2d.^ Webber, John. West, Peter. West, Peter, Jr. Willard, Levi. Willard, Nathaniel. Willard, Samuel. ^^'illiamson, Ebenezer. Williamson, Jonathan. Withee, Zoe. Witham, Peter. W'inslow, James. [Total 6 1 J. RO.VDS. In 1802 William Read and others laid out a county road from Waterville through the centre of Stark to Withee's Corner 66 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. in Industry ; thence by VVeeks's Mills to Farmington, A year later a branch road was laid out by them from Withee's Corner over the Allen hill and by Allen's Mills, to intersect the road from the New Vineyard Gore at the Rufus Allen place, now (1892) owned by John Furbush. Immediately after the in- corporation of the town, in 1803, the selectmen proceeded to lay out roads as follows : One from the corner to the west, from where Asa Q. and Calvin B. Fish now live, to Goodridge's Corner. One from the New Vineyard line southerly by West's Mills to Withee's Corner ; and a third from Thompson's Cor- ner westerly four hundred rods over Bannock Hill to intersect the road leading to Goodridge's Corner, near where Thomas F. Norton formerly lived. Also from the forementioned corner near Asa Q. and Calvin B. Fish's in a southwesterly direction over a wing of the mountain to the Collins place, now owned and occupied by John Vehue. On the loth day of June, 1804, a road or town-way was laid out by the selectmen, commencing near where William L. Rackliff now lives and running northerly by the residence of William D. Norton, to intersect the town road near " the Deacon Cottle Burying-Ground." On the 30th day of March, 1805, a committee, consisting of William Allen, Jr., and Capt. John Thompson, laid out a road from the county road near James Winslow's and Samuel Cromp- ton's, in a northerly direction over Howes Hill, to intersect the branch county road near what is known as Goodridge's Corner. In 1808, a road was laid out from the east line of the farm now owned by the heirs of Amos Stetson, Jr., southerly until it struck the town road at the burying-ground near the late resi- dence of Andrew Tibbetts. This, as well as the road over Ban- nock Hill, was extensively traveled for many years, but in the course of time the tide of travel changed to other roads and both have since been discontinued.* * The southern portion of this road was discontinued by a vote of the town March 2, 1 868. At which time a private way previously laid out for the accommodation of G. Franlv Woodcock, the only resident on the road at that time, was ai*cepted. The remaining northern portion was discontinued March 5, 1877. EVENTS FROM 1800 TO 1810. 6"] There was also laid out, during the same year, a road be- ginning at the county road leading from Waterville to Farm- ington and running northerly parallel with Stark line to the residence of Capt. John Thompson ; thence in such a direction as to strike the town road from West's Mills to Withee's Corner at a point where the Hayes Hill road intersects it, just south from where George VV. Johnson now lives. That portion of the road lying between the dwelling of Captain Thompson and the Hayes Hill road was after some years discontinued.* An- other road was laid out the same year running easterly and southerly from James Thompson's corner to intersect the above mentioned road near the residence of Capt. John Thompson. After the roads laid out by the selectmen in 1803 had been accepted, the town was divided into five highway districts, and William Allen, Sr., Benjamin Cottle, John Thompson, Abraham Johnson and Levi Greenleaf were elected surveyors. The selectmen were instructed by the town to petition the General Court to be allowed the privilege of appropriating the sum assessed on the town by the State, for the opening of these roads. At their annual meeting in 1804, the inhabitants voted to raise $800 for the opening and repair of these roads, and fixed the compensation of men and oxen at twelve and one- half cents per hour. A highway tax equal in amount to that of 1804, was raised the succeeding year. The early settlers upon whom devolved the duties of trans- acting the business of the town, though not having had the educational advantages which are now enjoyed, were neverthe- less men whose names were the very synonyms of honesty and integrity. To these ' sterling qualities was largely due the eminently satisfactory and prudent manner in which the early affairs of the town were conducted. Plain and simple in their habits of life, their modes of expression were often novel and * Although trees and bushes have long since obliterated the discontinued road, the bridge abutments on Thompson brook still remain. Many regard this stone- work as a part of the dam built by Capt. John Thompson, early in the present century, to augment the water supply of his mill. A careful inspection uf the structure by any- one conversant with dam and bridge-building will convince at once of the incorrect- ness of the prevailing opinion. 68 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. unique. The following entry appears among the early records of the doings of the town: "Voted, that those who prayed for an abatement of tax, by Peter Daggett, be indulged a while longer." This would seem rather an unusual manner of abat- ing a tax to the average voter of to-day, and one which gave the residents of Mr. Daggett's district considerable liberty, yet the writer has sufficient reasons for believing that this liberty was not abused. The town, according to the records, voted "to " except" as well as accept roads laid out by the selectmen, and in one instance the clerk, in mentioning the Commonwealth of IVIassachusetts, makes the entry "the Commonwealth of Massa- cutist." At the annual meeting in 1804, held at the house of John Patterson, William Allen, Jr., was re-elected chairman of the board of selectmen, but Captain West and Daniel Luce were dropped. Captain West, however, was elected treasurer, as a successor to James Thompson, and held the office for one year, and in 1806 he was elected chairman of the board. Rowland Luce was chosen constable and collector, and his compensation was fixed at nine cents on a dollar for collecting. The law specified that a settler, to be a legal voter for governor, must be "a freeholder or inhabitant of the town for the space of one year next preceding, having a freehold estate within said town of the annual income of ten dollars or any estate of the value of two hundred dollars." Prior to 1808 the town meetings were held at the houses of divers inhabitants, but during the summer of 1807, a school- house having been erected near Goodridge's Corner, the inhabi- tants were warned to meet at that place on the 4th day of April, 1808, to give in their votes for governor, lieutenant- governor, senator, etc. About this time the evil effects of the embargo,* which *This was a retaliatory measure adopted by President Jefferson in Deceml^er, 1807. I'he immediate effect of thiis measure was to tiirow a large number of sailors out uf employment. Skillful navigators were glad to labor in the hayfield for the small sum of t\2 per month. Merchandise of all kinds became very dear, and none felt the eflects more keenly than did those living on the borders of civilization. The act was repealed in p'ebruary, 1809. ErENTS FROM 1800 TO 18 10. 69 completely suspended all commercial intercourse, begun to be heavily felt, even in Industry, and a special town meeting was called " to consider the expediency of petitioning the President of the United States to remove the embargo." The people met on the 5th day of August, 1808, and after due deliberation, the proposition was deemed inexpedient. Up to Feb. 20, 1799, the lands of Industry comprised a part of Lincoln County, but on that date it was included in the concession of Lincoln to form the new County of Kennebec. Later, when an effort was being made to establish the County of Somerset, the inhabitants were generally opposed to the measure, and the selectmen were instructed to petition the General Court, asking that Industry be allowed to remain in Kennebec County. Notwithstanding this, the town became a part of Somerset County, on its incorporation, March i, 1809. So much difference existed between the prices of various articles of household use and convenience in 1808 and at the present time [1892], that the author takes the liberty to pre- sent herewith a comparative price-current, which renders these differences apparent at a glance. The prices in the left-hand column were copied from an old day-book kept in 1808, and in nearly every instance the sales were made to parties residing in Industry. The sleeve links, of which but one pair were sold on credit during the year, were sold to Esquire Cornelius Norton, and it is doubtful if any one but a country squire could afford such ornaments in those early times. The calico was purchased by Joseph Collins who, as well as Squire Norton, lived on " the Gore." Among other purcha.sers were Samuel Mason, Abner Norton, Abner C. Ames, Isaac Norton, Zebulon Manter, etc. : Molasses, per gallon, Salt, per bushel. Tobacco, per lb.. Souchong Tea, per lb.. Sugar, brown, per lb., " loaf. Fish, ^0.75 $0.40 1.50 •55 •25 ■50 1. 16 .60 .163 .04 ■30 .06 ■05 .07 70 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Honey, per lb., Nails, wrought, " " cut, " Allspice, " Copperas, " Butter-tubs, each, Eggs, per dozen. Vinegar, per gallon. Wool, per lb.. Steelyards, per pair. Wheat, per bushel, Oats, Pears, " Yarn, per skein, Thread, per skein. Pins, per paper. Knitting Pins, set, Buttons, pearl, per dozen. Combs, each. Toweling, per yard. Muslin, Velvet, Gingham, Calico, Cambric, Sleeve Links, per pair, Gloves, cotton, per pair. Hose, " " Padlocks, each, Shoes, ladies', New-England rum appeared to be a staple article with every merchant, at one dollar per gallon, and the large quantities sold seem to indicate its extensive use among the early settlers. The first decade of the nineteenth century closed with promising prospects for the town and its inhabitants. In popu- lation the town was growing very rapidly. By industrious and frugal habits the settlers had begun to emerge from their poverty, and some were able to substitute comfortable frame- houses for their log-cabins. The soil had been brought under %o. 1 6 1 ^0.25 .161 •07 none .04 .68 .40 .26 .10 ■17 •50 .12J .12 .42 .20 •33 \ •25 1.50 1. 00 1. 00 1.25 .42 •45 I -33-1 •75 .121 •13 .02 .00 .26 .08 .08 .04 •25 .20 ■17 .10 •37 i •15 1.08 .20 1. 00 ■50 .60 .12 •45 .06 1 . 1 2 1 •15 .14 none .42 .16 .92 .40 •75 •30 2.00 1^25 EVENTS FROAf 1800 TO 1810. 7 1 a better state of cultivation, thereby rendering it more produc- tive. Roads had been laid out and opened, affording the settlers better facilities for marketing their produce. Schools had been established, and education had already begun to exert a salutary influence in the community. According to the census of 1802, there were one hundred and sevent)' inhabitants in the town of Industry, and in 18 10 the number had increased to five hundred and sixty-two, being on an average a gain of forty-nine inhabitants per year. CHAPTER V. THE JOURNAL OF WILLIAM ALLEN, ES(2- Being a Full Account of the Emigration of his Father, Capt. William Allen, from Martha's Vineyard to the District of Maine, together with an Interesting Description of their Pioneer Life. Through the kindness of his son, Charles F. Allen, D. D., of Brunswick, Me., the writer has been permitted to publish that portion of William Allen's journal relating to the emigration of his father, Capt. William Allen, and family, from Martha's Vineyard to the District of Maine, together with an interesting account of the privations and hardships of their pioneer life in the early settlements of Farmington and Industry. My father returned to Martha's Vineyard from Down East, August, 1792, and commenced preparations for removing. He engaged Capt. Warren Howland to be at Lambert's Cove the first of September with his vessel, the Speedwell, to take his family and effects on board. His family then consisted of himself and my mother, each of them in the 37th year of their age ; William [the writer of this journal], aged 12 ; Bartlett, 11 ; Truman, 9 ; Deborah, 7 ; Jane, 5 ; Love, 2 ; Harrison, a babe of four months ; an Indian apprentice, John Coombs, aged 1 7 ; and Rachel, his mother, an Indian woman, an assistant of my mother. From much sympathy, my grand parents, on account of the largeness of the family, proposed to take Bartlett and keep him until he was 14, and Jane till she was 18, which was agreed to. We then numbered but nine, all told. Our stock consisted of a horse, a cow, a two-years-old heifer, a hog and six sheep, all of which were driven down to the harbor the first week in September, till the nth day of the month, when the Speedwell hove in sight ; and the next day, all on board, we took our departure from the old Vineyard for the land of promise — Down East. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 73 Other passengers were taken on board, making in all with the captain and crew, eighteen, to be quartered in a small sloop of forty tons. September 13th, we made sail and proceeded as far as the shoals, when the wind came round to the northeast directly ahead. The women and children were all sea-sick, occasioned by the rough head wind. As no progress could be made, and it not being safe to anchor on the shoals, we went back to Nantucket. On Friday, Sept. 14th, the wind being fair and the weather being moderate, in the afternoon we started again and got over the shoals before dark, but in the night the wind was again ahead. Saturday, Sept. 15th, was stormy, and the wind so near ahead that we made little progress that day or the night following. On Sunday morning, Sept. i6th, we made Seguin directly in the wind's eye, and could make our course no nearer than Harpswell. We therefore run into Harpswell Bay before noon and commenced beating along the shore for the Kennebec River till dark, when a violent northeast storm set in, — the line gale. When we reached within a mile of the river, we anchored in a dangerous place near the shore of Cape Small Point, where the swell of the sea was frightful. An anchor watch was set, with directions if the cable parted to make sail and keep off the rocks if possible. The anchor held fast, and the violence of the storm abating as the daylight appeared, we joyfully made sail, entered the river and proceeded up as far as Jones's Eddy on Monday. The wind being ahead, we could go no farther that day. Some of us went on shore and visited the old fort at Arrowsick. We saw round the windows the marks of the bullets shot at the fort by the Indians in old times, and examined the ancient inscriptions on the grave stones in the cemetery. We spent the night at Jones's Eddy, thankful that our sloop had escaped the dangers of the sea and that we could rest securely. Tuesday, Sept. iSth, wind still ahead, but when the tide favored, by beating and towing with the boat, we reached Bath before noon. I went up into the town and saw a company of boys in uniform go through a military drill, which was new sport to me. My father went to Col. Dummer Sewall's, bought a hundred pounds of hay for our stock, and bargained for land. Wednesday, Sept. 19, beat up to Lovejoy's Narrows, and then landed our horse, on a projecting rock, when my mother, with me for an escort, took her child in her arms and started for Doctor Tupper's in Dresden, five miles further up the river, Mrs. Tupper being a relative and early friend of my mother. We had proceeded but a short distance, when the horse stepped out of the path in quest of water, sank into the mire 74 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. and threw us all headlong into the mud. The child was covered with mire and almost suilbcated ; but no bones were broken, so I succeeded in getting the horse into the road. We all remounted, and arrived at the Doctor's about dark, where we were kindly received by Mrs. Tup- per. The Doctor was in Boston fitting out his famous timber ship, or raft, for England, which proved unmanageable and was abandoned, near Nova Scotia, a total loss. We remained in Dresden five days ; during that time the Speedwell passed by and arrived at Hallowell. Monday, Sept. 24th, we rode in a poor blind road to Hallowell. The horse refused to go into the ferry boat, and they had to plunge him into the river by main force and tow him across. After a long time we all arrived safe at Hallowell. There were then two or three stores and as many houses in the village of Hallowell. Tuesday, the 25th, we remained at Hallowell, packing up and waiting for a team. Wednesday, the 26th, all being in readiness, Seth Luce, of Read- field, was on hand with a cart and oxen to take a ton of furniture to Sandy River, our place of destination, fifty miles, on contract for twenty dollars. He had also procured a horse and saddle for our accommoda- tion. The cart was loaded and started in advance, then came our caravan, — the cow, heifer and sheep were driven by me, and the hog by Indian John. After we had passed out of the village, the hog refused to go, and escaped into the woods on a straight course for Martha's Vineyard. After a long chase, he was run down, conquered and sub- mitted to be led by John with a halter. The Indian made peace with him by obtaining a few ears of corn from a settler who was husking by the road, which he dealt out sparingly, and the hog followed quietly the whole distance, even wading the Sandy River. After the team and stock, my father came on horseback, with a bed m a sack across the saddle, a bundle of blankets behind him and a child two years old in his arms. Then my mother with a bed on the saddle, a daughter of five years behind her and an infant in her arms, — all making a train extending sometimes for the distance of a mile, moving at a slow pace, sometimes waiting for the team to get out of a tight place where we could not pass. It was past noon when we arrived at Evans's in Read- field, eight miles, where we obtained some refreshment and some clover hay for the stock. I had never seen anything of the kind before ; did not know what it was, but thought it was a kind of pea-vine. Our horse, being used only to fine hay, would not eat it. After resting an hour, we drove on two miles further and put up for the night with _Beniah Luce, where the railroad depot now is. Thursday, the 27th, we went over Kent's Hill, where three families JO (/RIVAL OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 75 lived, Benjamin and Reuben Kent, in framed houses, and Nathaniel Thomas in a log-house. In going up the hill I saw a red squirrel for the first time. The road parted on the hill, one branch going to Li\cr- more, the other to our place of destination, which we found much worse than the other part, and some of our furniture was broken going down the hill. \\'e arrived at Robert P.lake's to a late dinner. Stopped an hour or more to rest. Father and mother rode on ahead to make some provision for us at the stopping place at W'yman's Plantation [Vienna], six miles distant. In the last five miles there was no honse to be seen, and my sister, Deborah, tired of riding, chose to walk with me and the Indian woman, Rachel. .\ dreary long walk we found it, in a misty rain, but we all arrived at Judkins's Camp before dark. We there met two men trom Sandy River, who brought an evil report that all the corn on the intervales was destroyed by frost in August. Mr. Judkins was not provided with bread or accommodations for so great a multitude, there beuig ten of us. The house had two rooms, with a stone chimney, and oven between the rooms. The family li\'ed in one room, and the other in which the oven was, was packed with unthreshed wheat. The old man told his boys to move back the wheat and blast the oven, as he had no bread for the travelers. The oven was blasted, and by ten o'clock, bread was baked sufficient for our supper and breakfast. The men found lodgings on the hay in the hovel. Father and mother spread their bed on the floor, some found room in the attic and all fared as well as they could. Friday, Sept. 28TH. \^'e had now twelve miles to Sandy River and six more to our own camp. We started early, in the cold rain, Isy the way of the long ridge, six miles, — a better road than the day before, and stopped for dinner at Dummer Sewall, Jr.'s, in Chester [now Ches- terville]. We found Mrs. Sewall a kind-hearted woman, who had much sympathy for my mother, knowing the hardships and pri\'ations she would be exposed to in the desolate jjlace where we were going in the outposts of the settlements on Sandy River. \\'e had got so near our journey's end that we started off with good courage after dinner, arrived at Thomas Hiscock's before night, took a by-path across the river, and reached Solomon Adams's as the sun was setting. Here our company separated. Father, mother and the three children went down the river a mile to Esquire Titcomb's, where the family had an invitation to stO]3 till the log-house' was made habitable. We drove f)ur stock about a mile up the river, where provision had been made at Esquire Norton's for keeping them. Mr. Luce went with the furniture another route, on 76 HISTORY OF. INDUSTRY. the west side of the river a mile further on, and put up at Zaccheus Mayhew's. Our journey was now considered substantially at an end. We were all alive and well, except the fatigue, having had a con- tinued series of difficulties durmg the autumnal equinox and the line gales for sixteen days. I have since, on two occasions, accomplished the distance by the aid of a team in twenty-seven hours. Mr. Luce, by depositing the most valuable portion of his load at the river, made out to get the rest to the camp on Saturday, driving through the woods in a road over which no cart had ever been before. There was constant danger of upsetting and destroying his load. He succeeded, however, and returned the same day to the river on his way home. Saturday, Sept. 29TH, 1792. We boys, with Indian John to pilot us, went to see our new habitation in the woods, two miles beyond any other house or encampment.'- We found it in a rude, forbidding, deso- late looking place. The trees about the house and opening were mostly spruce and hemlock. They had been cut down on about five acres, a strip forty rods long and about twenty wide, on the first of July, and burned over. The whole surface was as black as a coal, the trees on the north side of the opening were burned to their tops, and the timber on the ground was burned black. A small bed of English tur- nips on a mellow knoll, sown soon after the fire, was the only green thing visible on the premises. A log-house forty feet long and twenty wide had been laid on the bank of a sinall brook. The building was formed of straight spruce logs about a foot in diameter, hewed a little on the inside. It was laid up seven feet high with hewed beams and a framed roof, covered with large sheets of spruce bark secured by long poles withed down. The gable ends were also rudely covered with bark. The house stood near the felled trees, there was neither door nor window, chimney nor floor, but a space had been cut out near the centre of the front side for a door. The building stood on uneven ground. The corner farthest from the brook was laid on a large log to bring the bottom logs to a level, leaving a space along that end nearly two feet from the ground. We thought it not a safe place to lodge in, as a bear or wolf could easily crawl in. We found our furniture in a pile on the ground. After viewing the premises, we returned to our lodgings at Estiuire Norton's with no pleasant feelings in regard to our lonely dwelling-place and future prospects. October ist. We obtained a bushel of corn of Esquire Titcomb, which I carried on horseback to the Falls [Farmington], to mill; and *This lot now (1892) comprises the farm of Obed N. Collins in the northern part of Farmington. — W. C. II. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM ALLEN. J -J then I went by a blind path over bad sloughs to Harlock Smith's, in New Sharon, to get a box of maple sugar which had been bought of him. I found part of the way obstructed with fallen trees lying in all directions, over which I made the horse jump, and succeeded in getting home safe with my meal and sugar. Being provided with bread and other necessary articles, a carpenter was engaged, and the next day we took formal possession of the camp. The carpenter prepared plank by splitting basswood logs for the floor of one room and the entry ; a half a thousand feet of boards were procured for doors and partitions ; one wide board was laid for a floor in front of the hearth to sit on while they rocked the baby, and a few boards were laid as a chamber floor for the boys to spread their beds on. The rest of the chamber floor was made of poles covered with basswood bark, on which the corn was spread to dry. Stones were collected by the boys on a hand-barrow for the jambs of a chimney and the foundation of an oven. In the course of the week the floor was laid, the doors were hung, the jambs of the chimney laid up, a hole was made in the roof for the smoke to escape, a rude entry partition was -put up and six squares of glass in a sash were inserted in an opening for a window. Other spaces, opened to let in the light, could be closed with boards when necessary. In this condition, on the eighth of October, my mother, with the children, moved in, — not to enjoy the comforts of life, but to suffer all the hard- ships that pioneers must undergo in a hard battle with poverty, for more than five years, in that desolate place, without friends or neighbors. Our first business was to harx-est our frost-bitten corn, about fifty bushels, which grew in two places, six or seven miles distant. It was brought home in a large sack that would hold six bushels of ears, laid upon the horse's back, over mud and mire, to the annoyance of the driver, Indian John, who had often to go a mile to get help to reload his corn, when the horse was mired, .laid down and threw off his load. After the snow came, a sled was used with better success. The corn being harvested, we proceeded to prepare our log-house for winter. The boys collected stones, an oven was built and the chimney carried up to the ridgepole with stones and topped out with sticks laid in clay. The cracks between the logs were caulked up with moss on the inside and plastered with clay on the outside. A hovel was built for the animals which was covered with boughs. The first snow fell in October, and it snowed every week till the first of January, without wind, ."^fter that time the snow was badly drifted, so there was but httle traveling. We explored the neighboring forests with our gun and found plenty of game, when the snow was not too deep. John, the Indian, was a 78 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. good sportsman. We kept account of the partridges killed, and found the number to be sixty-five killed during the first fall and the next spring. They disappeared when the snow was deep, and then we could sometimes kill a harmless rabbit. We had hard times during the win- ter, 1792-3, but suffered more intensely the next summer, under our severe tasks and privations, and from the torment of black flies and mosquitoes. Our camp was near a large swamp that swarmed with these pests, which tormented us day and night. We could scarcely see, our eyes were so swollen. Sometimes the boys had their necks bitten till there were raw sores with flies imbedded in them. Our fare was coarse and scanty and our work hard. The land was hard to clear and unproductive when cleared, not one-eighth of it being fit for culti- vation, and that a mile from the house. Our clothes were worn out and torn to pieces going through the bushes ; our bare feet and ankles scratched, and our necks bleeding from the bites of flies and mosqui- toes. When we cleared the land and planted corn on the further end of our lot, the bears ate it up, and we seemed to be doomed to suffer- ing and poverty. When fourteen years old, I once carried corn on my back ten miles to mill, and often carried it five miles, for we were obliged to sell our horse the first year of our sojourn in the forest, and we carried our corn on our backs to mill, or went three or four miles to get a horse, often a poor, lame, stumbhng Ijeast — taking a whole day to go to mill — and then two days' work of a boy or one of a man to pay the hire. The longer we lived in that wretched place the harder we fared. June 28th, 1793, we were visited with a most destructive hailstorm, accompanied with thunder and lightning. The hailstones — as large as hen's eggs — came through the bark roof of our camp by scores. My little sister was stunned by a hailstone that came through the roof and struck her on the forehead, causing the blood to flow freely. The storm was accompanied with such torrents of rain, beyond all concep- tion, with crashing peals of thunder and flashes of lightning, that it seemed to me that the end of the world had come. I grasped the Bible, but not a word could be read, for the water had drenched every- thing in the house. The torrents lasted not more than two or three minutes and ceased abruptly. My father moved into his new log-house on land belonging to the Plymouth Company [some four miles from his first abode, on a hill to the east of Allen's Mills], the last day of April, 1798. The house was twenty-four by twenty feet, built of logs. The roof was boarded and shingled ; there was a good floor, with bed-room, kitchen and JOURiXAL OF WTLLIAM ALLEN. 79 buttery partitioned off; a ladder leading to the attic which had two sleeeping rooms for the children. \\'e li\ed in this house till Decem- ber, 1802, making in all ten years of residence in log-houses. Eight acres of trees had been felled the year before and not burned. The ground had been cleared but a little about the house, and when the cut-down was burned there was great danger of the house ; we wet the house and the ground around, but, in spite of all our precaution, the house took fire ; we succeeded, however, in extinguishing the flames, not without danger of suffocation, before much damage was done. We raised a good crop of corn that year, about 200 bushels, and in the following years good crops of corn, wheat and rye were uniformly secured. Still we suffered for many comforts of life, with no stock at first, but one hired cow which ran in the woods in the summer to pick up a living. ^Ve bought calves that year and soon raised up a good stock. Our prospects in our new establishment were quite encouraging com- pared with those in the forbidding and barren spot where we suffered so much for six years in first coming into the wilderness. Now we could look forward with good hope of better times from year to year. We had a good sugar-orchard on the lot, and the first year on our new farm I made nine hundred pounds of sugar with no assistance after the trees were tapped, except one day's work cutting wood, Bartlett my next younger brother being sick, and Truman had left the place to go to sea. My father having raised a good crop of corn the first year that he lived in town [Industry], prepared a load of forty-five bushels for mar- ket to pay for leather for shoes and to procure necessaries, having bought one yoke of oxen, he procured another yoke on condition that he would pay at Winthrop, fifteen shillings in grain for the hire of them ; got all things in readiness on Saturday in January, 1 799, for an early start on Monday morning for a week's jaunt, and I was designated teamster.* The boys were called up early and one sent two miles for the hired oxen, and before daylight appeared I started with my load. The roads being rough and the track narrow, my father went with me four miles to Col. Fairbanks's, near the Titcomb place in Farmington, to pry up the sled when it run off the track. We arrived at Col. Fairbanks's before sunrise, let the oxen rest and eat half an hour, re-laid the load on the sled and squared up and made all secure, I then proceeded alone ; the road being better, crossed the river opposite Farmington village f and * Young Allen was then in his nineteenth year. — W. C. H. t Probably Farmington Falls is the village to which reference is here made.— W. C.H. 8o HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. arrived at Lowell's in Chesterville soon after noon, fed my oxen, eat my cold dinner, with a tumbler of cider to wasli it down ; stopped an hour and started again, got to Perry's at sunset and put up, having driven nineteen miles. Bought a pint of milk and ate bread and milk for sup- per. Got a warm breakfast and started again at sunrise, drove seventeen miles to Winthrop where I discharged ten bushels off from my load to pay the tanner for our winter stock of leather, tried to sell my load but no one would buy, and had to go three miles further to leave another portion of my load for ox-hire. On a cross road I was directed wrong and found myself at the end of a wood road in the dark. Could find no suitable place to turn, but with much trouble I got my sled turned by taking my forward oxen, with the chain, to one corner of the sled and starting the sled off and then starting the oxen on the tongue, then first one yoke then the other a little at a time till I got turned ; after half an hour thus spent, I at length got on the right track and having traveled twenty miles arrived at Fairbanks, my place of deposit, stopped over night and as my team was beat out I accepted an invitation to stop a day to rest. On the fourth day I started early and drove to Hallowell by noon, carried hay and baited my oxen in the street, sold my corn for four shillings per bushel, got ten dollars in money and the rest in goods ; and started for home without entering any building in the place except the stores. I drove to Carlton's by daylight, a distance of eight miles ; the next day to Lowell's twenty-two miles, and on the sixth day, in the afternoon, got home tired and hungry with about four dollars in money after paying expenses and ten dollars in necessary family stores, salt, etc., the proceeds of my load of corn after paying the tanner. At a meeting for the organization of the militia, January, 1 799, on what was then called the Plymouth Patent, my father proposed as a name for the place. Industry, which was adopted by vote and the name is still retained.* On the incorporation of the town he was chosen town clerk and held that office two years. On clearing up the land in Indus- try it was found productive. It was stony but bore good crops ; and we had bread enough and to spare. In i 799 a beginning was made on my lotf by cutting down five acres of trees, and three acres more the next year. So I had eight acres ready to be cleared when I arrived of age. I owned a good axe and had possession of a hundred acres of wild land, without a title ; but I had no whole suit of decent clothes. We all could make shingles, baskets and brooms to sell, and I made shoes for * See page 59. t This was lot No. 28 of Lemuel Perham's survey and is now known as the Dea- con Ira Emery farm. — W. C. H. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 8 1 the family and some for others when T could find no better employment. In the winter of 1 799 I was employed to teach a primary school for two months in Farmington for eight dollars a month. The next winter I worked with Enos Field, at North Yarmouth, making shoes at nine dollars a month. The next winter I had ten dollars a month for teach- ing in New Sharon, and in 1802 I had twelve dollars in a town school in Farmington ; but I was not qualified to teach English grammar. In the fall of that year I was persuaded by my friend, Joseph Titcomb, who had been one term at the Hallowell Academy, to join him and go for six weeks. Entering the Academy I was embarrassed with my defic- iencies and during the first week was thoroughly homesick. Preceptor Moody took pity on me — said that he was grieved that I was sick. With the encouragement of this judicious teacher I soon began to make progress in my studies in grammar, geometry and trigonometry. Han- nibal Shepard, one of the students, lent me books. The preceptor employed me in his garden and charged nothing for tuition ; and at the end of six weeks, without solicitation, gave me a first-class certificate that I was well qualified to teach all the branches of study usually taught in public schools. My clothes were shabby when I left the Academy, November 5th, and started for home on foot j but before I reached home I had, ragged as I was, two applications to teach in the best schools in the county. The attendance at the Acad- emy was the foundation of my success in business in after life. Mr. Moody was a kind friend as long as he lived. When he left the Academy he procured my appointment as assistant to his successor for two years. On my journey to Farmington I went out of my way to deliver a letter and message from Charles Vaughan, a land agent, to Captain [Lemuel] Perham, the surveyor, and was em- ployed by him two days in making plans, for which I received two dollars in money and more than ten dollars' worth of instruction in plot- ting lots of a given quantity, in various forms, bounded by a crooked river. I reached home with money in my pocket. April i6th, 1801. I left work for my father, who had then nearly completed his spring's work, and went to work for myself in good earnest. My lot was a mile from my father's and I made a contract to board at home, my mother kindly consenting to do my cooking and other work, on my furnishing provisions. I soon found means to pay for a good cow, so the family were no longer stinted to a tea-cupful of milk at a meal. I worked early and late burning off the logs ; and by rolling the logs 2 . HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. two or three in a place I cleared by hand, without assistance, except one or two hours' work, three acres ready for sowing. I sowed two acres of wheat and one acre of rye. Had a yoke of oxen one day to harrow in the crop and had the seed in the ground within a month from the time I began burning off the log. I spent a full day with a hoe cover- ing the grain arounil the stumps and other places where the harrow had not covered it. When it had grown I never saw a field of wheat that looked so well, — not a weed, bush or stump was to be seen, as the wheat was higher than the stumps, the heads large and hanging down with the weight of the grain. I had forty-two bushels of choice wheat from the two bushels sown worth an extra price ; much of it was sold for seed. The rye was also very good. I estimated that there were thirty-three bushels from one sown. I burnt the limbs on the other five acres which yielded me one hundred and twenty-eight bushels of corn besides what the birds and squirrels carried off. The whole was a satisfactory result. The pro- ceeds of the year's work, including improvement on the farm, was more than two hundred dollars. Always after, when I cultivated land per- sonally, I had good crops. In 1799 the inhabitants of the plantation, extending from New Vine- yard through Starks, Oak Hill and Mercer to Norridgewock, — a district reaching more than twenty miles from one extreme to the other, — were organized into a military company. The Captain [John Thompson] and Ensign [Jabez Norton, Jr.] were Methodists, and the Lieutenant [.Ambrose Arnold] was a Baptist. I was chosen clerk and it became my duty to see that the men were all warned for training four times a year, to meet with them at trainings and general muster and to note their deficiencies. In May, 1799, there was no road direct from the north part of the district to the south part ; and the snow was then so deep in the woods that we could not pass thro' the forest. I was first required to go three miles to see the captain and get his orders; then to travel through Farmington Village at the Falls, along the border of Chesterville to Cape Cod Hill, in New Sharon, to reach Lieutenant Arnolds's in what is now called Mercer, and receive the orders from him. The river could not be crossed in safety with a horse in a more direct course. Tuesday, May 5TH, i 799, was the day designated [by law] for the training. The snow was so deep as to be impassable where there was no track except on snowshoes. Some went to the training on snow- shoes ; I followed the only track to get from home to the place of train- ing near Withee's Corner, by going north to Hinkley's Corner [near the JOURNAL OF IVILUAM ALLEN. 83 Thomas F. Norton farm], then east to Thompson's Corner [near the old Thomas M. Oh\er farm], and then south to the Withee's Corner, being four times the distance in a direct line, where there was no path. It is therefore not strange that I was soon tired of military honor, and escaped from it, as I could be excused. I did not aspire to any pro- motion in the ser\-ice, and in due time resigned, having no wish for any office of more honor than profit. That spring of 1799 was more hack- ward than any I had ever known. The snow was more than a foot deep in the woods, and the Kennebec was passable on the ice at Norridge- wock, till the tenth of May. In the spring of 1802 while I was at work on the farm, I was sur- prised by a visit from a deputy sheriff, who served a warrant on me requiring a State tax of forty-four dollars, which was to be assessed on the inhabitants of the plantation. His directions required him to serve it on some "principal in- habitant, who would be able to pay the tax if he did not cause the same to be lawfully assessed. The deputy said he had been through the settlement and could not find any such person ; but that I had received enough money keeping school the previous winter to answer the purpose, and he therefore left the warrant with me. .After encjuiry and receiving directions how to avoid the penalty of neglect, I procured a warrant from Charles Vaughan, Esq., of Hallowell, for calling a meeting and the plantation was duly organized I was chosen one of the assessors and the tax was assessed and paid. A similar tax was assessed the next year. In the month of June, 1803, the west portion of the plantation was incorporated into a town by the name of Industry, and I was chosen one of the selectmen, with Capt. Peter West and Daniel Luce, Senior, for associates. My new farm did not require all my time for several years. I had time to make shingles and build a grain barn the first summer. I also worked out in haying. In the fall I made shoes, and kept school in the winter, with increased compensation, for twelve years, I did not have to go from home to look up a school, but my success and with the recommendation of my worthy friend, Preceptor Moody, my name was favorably known in the community, it may be, beyond my deserts. I taught town school ten winters, and was an assistant in Hallowell .Acad- emy nearly two years. I quit teaching on account of my health, and to cultivate my farm which needed my exclusive attention. Tumultuous meetings were held in various places on the Plymouth Company's lands in Maine prior to 1802 by reason of the decisions of court which established the proprietors' title to large tracts of land on 84 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. the Kennebec, to which many beHeved they had no right ; and on which the settlers had entered with the expectation that they would be protected by the State ; and would have the land for a small price. When the Plymouth proprietors obtained judgment in their favor, and demanded hard terms, many of the settlers resisted payment, and great commotions leading to bloodshed in some places arose. The Legisla- ture interposed by appointing Peleg Coffin, Treasurer of State ; Hon. Elijah Brigham, Judge of the Court, and Colonel Thomas Dwight, all high-toned Federalists, who had no sympathy for men who, as they believed, were trespassers on the lands ; a committee to come and view the land and appraise for each settler a lot of one hundred acres, — a very unfortunate committee for the poor settlers. The committee came to Augusta in October, 1802, put up at Thomas's Tavern on the east side, where they fared sumptuously, and notified the settlers on the lands in dispute, to appear and enter into a submission to abide the decision the committee should make as to the conditions of holding the lands. The settlers came from all directions, some from a distance of forty miles. Being at school at Hallowell I waited a week for the crowd to subside, and then I found a schoolboy to ferry me over the river for nothing, and to watch for me when I came back, with his canoe. I went up to Augusta on the east side of the river, more than twice the distance of the road on the west side, to avoid paying toll over the bridge, not having money to pay the toll. When I came to the tavern, I was obhged to wait some time for my turn, before I was admitted. Here I was confronted by Charles Vaughan, Esq., the agent of the proprietors, who was there with two attorneys. They disputed my claim to be heard, as I had not been of age a year, when the resolve was passed providing only for settlers who had been on the land a year ; though I had been in possession more than a year and had built a barn on the lot. After a full hearing the committee decided that I had a right to be heard, I signed the submission, and my time being exhausted, I had to leave without making any explanation of my case, and without any attorney to do it for me, while the proprietors had an efficient agent and the best lawyers in Augusta to manage for them.* I saw roast beef on the table, but could not eat of it, for I had no money to buy a dinner. I bought a good-sized cracker for a cent, and made a dinner of this, and walked back to Hallowell the same way that 1 came. The result of the appraisal was contrary to our expectations. Instead of adopting the price of lands made by the State, they doomed us to ' See note, p. 36. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 85 pay more than double. The State price had been from twenty-five to fifty cents an acre, and the committee appraised the lots in Industry, from one to two dollars and a quarter an acre. My lot was put at one dollar and ninety cents an acre, with thirteen months' interest, two dollars for a deed, twenty-five cents for the award and seventeen cents for the acknowledgement of the deed, all to be paid in specie, in Boston, before the first day of June, 1804. By great exertion, selling my oxen and all the grain and corn I had, and borrowing of a friend in AVinthrop ten dollars, I made the payment. I was obliged to pay two dollars to send the money to Boston. Thus my lot cost me two hundred and seven dollars, instead of fifty dollars which I expected to pay. There were thirty settlers who entered into submission to have their lands appraised ; ten only could raise the money by their own resources ; ten others obtained assistance from friends who advanced the money and held the land for security ; and the other ten gave all up and aban- doned their possessions. These commissioners did not go to view any of our land as it was e.xpected they would do. They saw some fertile gardens near the beautiful Kennebec, received glowing descriptions of the settlers' lands from the proprietors' agents, and made up their prices accordingly. If they had come as far as In- dustry, and seen for themselves the land covered with stones, and roads so rude that no wheeled carriage could pass a mile in any place in town, and if they had seen the evidence of our poverty everywhere apparent, I am sure they would not have set the price of our land half as high as they did. Being in Boston the summer of 1804 on business I saw Thomas L. Winthrop, Esq., and tried to negotiate with him for the land on which my father lived. He treated me kindly, invited me to his house, paid a bill for taxes which I had against the proprietors ; but I could make no bargain about the land. I had paid him a high price for my own lot, twice as much as it was worth, but could get no redress. RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. When we arrived at Sandy River in the autumn of 1791 a powerful revival of religion was in progress on the west side of the river under the labors of Elder Benjamin Randall, the founder of the Free Will Baptist Society, assisted by Elder Edward Locke. I attended their meetings in the winter at the house of David Wentworth, five miles from home. The meeting was not conducted with much order. Some individuals were boisterous and there was much confusion. Elder Randall was a worthy christian minister and enjoyed the confidence of 86 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. the community. He did not remain long in the place ; but exercised a good influence, and laid the foundation of a flourishing society. Mr. Locke was regarded from the first by the outsiders as an immoral man. He attempted to establish a community of goods for christians to have all things in common, when it was discovered that he was managing to get control of all the property. The church members left him, and he gave up preaching and abandoned his profession of piety. Notwithstanding the apostacy of one who had taken such a prominent part, a Free Will Baptist church was established containing a number of excellent persons, who sustained a good reputation for piety through life. Francis Tufts became the leader of the society, and having lived to a great age died in Ohio. In the autumn of 1793 the interest had mostly subsided; and in October, Rev. Jesse Lee, the first Methodist preacher in Maine, visited this place in his first tour through the State. He had no one to intro- duce him or to give notice of his approach. .After a hard day's ride over bad roads, arriving near night at Star- ling's Tavern, at Sandy River, he made known his errand as a preacher, had notice given to the few who lived near, and preached in the evening at the tavern. A few hearers were present, and among the rest, Mrs. Eaton, ■ a worthy widow who perceived the speaker was a gentleman and an extraordinary preacher, and she thought he was entitled to better accommodations than the country tavern could afford, where he might be annoyed by noisy company, and took the preacher home with her and volunteered to find a better place of entertainment. The ne.xt morning she conducted him to Stephen Titcomb, Esq.'s, the best place in town, where Mr. Lee was kindly received and treated with hospitality. The family were much interested in the preacher and his doctrines. A daughter of thirteen years experienced religion under his instructions, and they would gladly have persuaded him to remain longer ; but his arrangements were made to travel through the interior of the State, and to return to Boston and Lynn before winter. He could therefore con- sent only to stop a single day in a place. Esquire Titcomb gave him directions as to the most suitable houses to visit on his route, where he would be well received, and cordially invited him to come again. Mr. Lee then left for Esquire Read's, ten miles up the river. Esquire Read was a magistrate, respected for his integrity and hospitality, afterwards the proprietor of the township of Strong, Chief Justice of the Court of * This was undoiibteilly Elizabeth (Thorn) Eaton, relict of Jacol) Eaton, an early pioneer to the yircsunt town of Farmington. — W, C. II. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM ALLEN. .S; Sessions. Senator from the count)-, a worth)' citizen, licnevolent, pleasant and kind.* He received Mr. Lee joyfully, and became a leader of the Methodists in the town. The families of Mr. Read and of Mr. Tit- comb united subsequently with the Methodist Church. Mr. Lee pursued his journe)- to New \'ine\ard, .\nson, and so on to the eastern part of the State, attracting the attention of all classes wherever he went, by his personal appearance, social habits and gentlemanly christian deportment. He had traveled e.xtensivcl)' from Virginia to Maine, and was well ciualified to instruct and edify his hearers. In June, 1794, he made a second visit to Sand\- River, now mcor- porated as Farmington. Notice was gi\en that he would preach at Mr. Tufts'sf barn. This was eight miles from where we lived. I re- ceived notice, and made my way to the meeting Sunday, but did not arrive till near the close of the forenoon services. I found a large assembly present. When the preacher took the stand in the afternoon, I listened attentively. I had never heard such preaching, and under his fervent appeals deep impressions were made on my mind, which were never lost. The swallows chirped in the barn, but nothing dis- turbed the preacher or diverted the attention of his hearers. Several who lived in the upper part of the town were converted at this visit of Mr. Lee, and were united in a class with William Gay as leader. .\n- other class was formed at the Falls. After meeting I was invited by Joseph Titcomb to go home with him to his father's to supper, as the preacher would be there. I went with him and was pleased with the preacher's conversation with the children. MATRIMONIAL, ETC. I married Hannah Titcomb, daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth Titcomb, born at Topsham, Nov, 15, 1780. She was of good parent- age, and her personal appearance, good sense, domestic qualifications and sincere piety were not excelled by any one within the range of my acquaintance. Though I had been aciiuainted with her for fifteen years, I did not dare to make proposals to her until I had ac(iuired some reputation for industry and prudence, after I became of age. After our marriage, on the 28th of October, 1807, we moved into our *The gentleman here referred to was William Keari, of .Strong, — IV. C. //. tXhis was Francis Tufts, one of the wealthiest among the early settlers in Farmington. — W. C. H. 88 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. new unfinished house at Industry* I had exhausted my funds in building too high and large, and could not finish it. I reserved a small sum of fifty dollars for winter stores and necessary articles to begin house-keeping, which was all spent in one month. I abhorred running in debt, and chose rather to leave home and teach school to raise funds. I took a school for three months, seven miles from home, at S20 per month, the highest wages then given, and board around. I hired my wife's brother to take care of the barn, get up wood and cedar for fences. The whole bill of cash expenses for support the first year was ^128, besides the products of the farm and dairy consumed at home. We had four cows and six sheep. We made butter and cheese. My farm was productive, so that we ever after had bread and butter enough and to spare. We suffered some the first year from the cold house, and for want of some things. I had to work hard to subdue bushes and weeds, but succeeded, so that it was easier next year and ever afterwards, while my health was better than before. The people of the town were kind and attentive to us, and Divine Providence raised us up many friends. At the annual meeting in 1808 I was chosen chairman of the board of selectmen with good associates. I was continued in office till my removal to Norridgewock. On the 2d of September, 1808, our first son, William, was born, who grew up and became our idol. He gradu- ated at Bowdoin College, was distinguished for literary attainments, and died in early manhood. In 1809 I was appointed special Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and officiated one term. I did more business as Justice of the Peace than any other man in the county. The farm was more productive from year to year. I employed one hand during haying, and did the most of the farm work myself. Our second son, Stephen, was born March 10, 1810. I taught school in Farmington in 1809, eight miles from home, walking home Saturdays and returning the following Monday morning. In 1 810 I taught the winter school in our own district, and in 181 1 at Norridgewock, having a horse to ride home on Saturdays and return on Monday, without price. I had to get up and start before day to go fifteen miles before school time, — which I did not fail to do for three months. In November, 181 2, Mr. Jones, the Clerk of Courts, being sick. * This house was a roomy two-story edifice, and the same subsequently occupied by Deacon Ira Emery for many years. It was destroyed by fire, during a severe gale, on the evening of Feb. 25, 1887. — VV. C. II. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 89 sent for me to help him. When I arrived he was confined to his bed. I was appointed by the Judge, Clerk pro tempore. I was entirely un- acquainted with the forms of procedure, but, with much embarrass- ment, and by the kind assistance of the Court, I succeeded quite well in the performance of my several duties. George Jones* died January, 1813, and I was duly appointed his successor. On the first of April, we removed to Norridgewock, leaving the farm at Industry in the care of my brother Harrison and my sister Deborah. * The author is of the opinion that this is erroneous. Hanson's History of Norridgewock (see p.j4y), says that William Jones was Clerk of Courts in 1812, and that WiUiam Allen was appointed his successor. CHAPTER VI. SCHOOLS. First School. — Incompetence of Early Teachers. — The Log School-IIouse on the Gore. — Other School-Houses. — High Schools. — Free High Schools. — "Wade's Graduating System. — Text-Books. — Statistical. 'Tis education forms the common mind. — Pope. Says William Allen in his History of Industry (see p. 2j), "There were no schools of any note before the incorporation of the town. An old maiden lady"* was employed occasionally, a short time, to teach children their letters and to spell out words. Her school was kept one month in my barn. She did what she could ' to teach the young idea how to shoot,' but was quite incompetent. I visited her school on one occasion and she had a small class advanced to words of three syllables in the spelling-book, and when they came to the word 'anecdote' she called it ' a-neck-dote,' and defined it to be ' food eaten between meals.' "When the first town school was put in operation, the master was quite deficient in every way. When a boy hesi- tated at the word ' biscuit,' the master prompted him rashly — 'bee squit, you rascal.' But during the second year, a portion of the town united with a district in Farmington which extended * Campmeeting John Allen, a younger brother of the historian, wrote the author some years prior to his death, as follows: "This was Miss Dependence Luce, daughter of Robert Luce, an early settler in Industry. She subsequently married Benjamin Burgess." The Industry town records show Dependence to have been Ijorn Nov. 25, 1764. Robert Luce died in New Portland, in November, 1S57, aged 92 years, hence he could hardly be counted as the father of Dependence, although he may have been her brother. SCHOOLS. 9 1 from the [New] Vineyard Gore to the Titcomb place, more than four miles. The school was kept in a log school-house, near where [William] Mosher lives, by Samuel Belcher, a com- petent teacher, and our boj's made good progress. The master boarded with us a part of the time, two miles from the school- house. When the road was not broken out they had to get breakfast by candle-light, in order to be at school in season." Probably the first school-house erected within the present limits of the town was one built on the New Vineyard Gore. The date of its erection is not known. This house, which was built of logs, stood on the south side of the brook running from the " Little Pond" and on the east side of the road, nearly opposite from where the Presson house used to stand, the site of which is still marked by a large English poplar. This house was burned, at an early date, and another built on the opposite side of the brook on the west side of the road. In the course of time this house, which was a framed one, was thoroughl}' remodeled and greatly improved. One of the first teachers who taught school on the Gore was a Scotchman named Martin. For many years the school in this district was one of the largest in town, and its pupils ranked high for excellence in scholarship, l-^xentually the attendance grew less and less, until the school -house fell into disuse and was torn down and moved away about 1863. The second school-house in town was built near Davis Cor- ner in 1807. It was located about one hundred rods north of the present school-house at Goodridge's Corner, near a large granite boulder by the side of the road. Among those who taught here were William Allen, Jr., with several of his brothers and sisters, also Levi Young for three winter terms. Five )'ears later a second house was erected at the corner on the site now (1892) occupied by the factory of the Enterprise Cheese Com- pany, and in 1818 the old one was torn down.* The second *At the annual meeting, March 12, 1832, the tmvn voted to set the inhabitant? of Allen's Mills off from the Centre District, tu form a new school ilislrict. The brick school-house now standing in the village was Imilt in the summer nf i.Sjy, ur possibly a year later. 92 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. school-house was larger than the first, and had the then pre- vailing style of hip roof.* The principal text-book in those early times was Noah Webster's Spelling-Book, which served the three-fold purpose of primer, elementary reader and spell- ing-book. Pupils more advanced used the American Preceptor, and later the Columbian Orator. The first mentioned reader was a great favorite with the scholars, as was also Lindley Murray's English Reader, the second Hallowell edition of which appeared in 1817. This Reader was used for a time con- temporaneously with the American Preceptor and Columbian Orator, t Murray's Grammar, published in 1795, was for many years a standard work and the principal text-book in all schools where the science was taught. | These, with Kinnie's Arith- metic and Morse's Geography, completed the curriculum of study in the best town schools. A school-house was built near Butler's Corner, in Industry, about the same time as the one at Davis Corner. This house was used jointly by residents of Industry and New Vineyard. It was subsequently removed to near where the town pound was afterwards located. The exact date of its removal is not known, but it was standing on the last mentioned site as early as 1824. When it again became necessary to change the limits of the district the building was sold, and a new one, known as the Union school-house, erected. § This building was destroyed by fire, near the close of December, 1861, while a term of * The present school-building in this district was erected in 1868, at a cost of 5- t A book called the Art of Reading, was also used in town previous to or simultaneously with the Preceptor and Orator. % Grammar was studied but little in the early town schools, so far as the writer has been able to ascertain. As a rule the pupils' parents were bitterly opposed to such an innovation, sedulously maintaining that the studies embraced in the allitera- tive trio, " reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic," were all their children required to fit them for an intelligent discharge of the high duties of American citizenship. § This appellation was conferred upon the district in derision, not from the fact that several parts of districts were united in its formation, as many suppose. So many different opinions existed as to the most desirable location for the house, that outsiders applied the epithet " Union " to the district, in a spirit of levity. SCHOOLS. 93 school was in progress. After this the schools were kept in private houses, and one term, at least, in Benjamin Tibbetts's shoe-shop. The house was rebuilt in 1864, by Mr. Tibbetts, on contract, at a cost of $359.77. Ira Wilson taught a short term of school in a vacant log- house on the land of Moses Tolman, near Withee's Corner, in the winter of 1808-9. He was a competent teacher, and the scholars made good progress. The next summer the district built a school-house, and the following winter they had nearlj' two months of school. The teacher boarded around, and wood was furnished by private subscription. Respecting the early schools in this district, which is known as the Withee's Corner district, Phineas Tolman writes: "They were usually taught by such teachers as could be hired for ten dollars per month, and were commonly those without any experience." Among other schools in private houses, was an occasional term kept at the head of Clear Water Pond at the house of Ammiel Robbins, who lived on lot No. 12 on the Lowell Strip. The term of 1813 was taught by Eleazer Robbins, a son of Ammiel, Sr. A school-house was built near Daniel Luce's on the farm now owned by James Edgecomb, in 18 12. This house had an open fire-place and a stone chimney, which was afterward re- placed by a brick one. It was moved to the farm now owned by the heirs of Amos Stetson, Jr., in 1828, to better accommo- date the inhabitants of the district. Here, as well as on the Gore, a large number of scholars attended school, there being as many as 75 or 80 scholars in the district in its palmiest days. Some fifteen years later a number of the inhabitants, feeling that their accommodations were not the best, asked for a change in the boundaries of the district. For several years the town took no notice of their request, invariably voting " to pass by the article;" but at the annual meeting in 1847, it was voted to make the required changes. The following year the school- house was torn down, moved and erected on its present site near the residence of William D. Norton. It is much smaller now than when first built, having been cut down when last 94 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. moved. Formerly nearly sixty scholars attended school in this district, but for the year ending March i, 1 891, the average attendance was only five and one-half. The first school-house erected for the accommodation of those living in the vicinity of West's Mills, stood about half or two-thirds of the way up the hill toward Esq. Daniel Shaw's.* The date of its erection is not known, but is thought to be 1812. About the year 1818, Sophronia Mason, a daughter of Samuel Mason, came to Industry, and making her home in the family of Esquire Shaw, taught three terms of school in this house. f Her pupils were from the families of Esquire Shaw, Deacon Ira Emery, William Cornforth, Esquire Peter West, Gil- man Hilton, Samuel Pinkham, and occasionall)' the children of Jacob Hayes. This school was a large one, frequentl)' number- ing seventy scholars during the winter terms. On the 8th day of September, 1823, the town voted to divide this district, and the inhabitants of the village of West's Mills and as far south as Deacon Emery's south line, was con- stituted a new district. A wooden building was erected for a school-house on the southeast part of land now known as the old meeting-house lot. This house was burned in the winter of 1832-3, while Joshua S. Thompson was teaching the winter term. The succeeding fall the present brick edifice was built. The work was done on contract, by Christopher Sanborn Luce, who hired Elias L. Magoon, a Waterville College student, to do the mason work. When the house was finished the building committee refused to accept it, for the reason, as they claimed, that the foundation was not laid in a workmanlike manner. Matters were at last amicably settled by a board of referees, and after fifty-eight years the walls still stand, a substantial monument to the honesty and integrity of their builder. | *Thi3 farm is now owned and occupied by Joseph H. Sayer. fit was in tiiis school-house that the first Sunday-School organized in town was wont to meet. % The sum Mr. Luce received for this work is not known, but as a special tax of ^367.11 was levied on the inhabitants of the district that year, it is supposed his compensation did not exceed this amount. SCHOOLS. 95 During the time intervening between the burning of the old and the completion of the new school-house, the school was kept in \Vm. Cornforth's shed chamber. There were two rooms in the new brick building, one for pupils under twelve years of age, the other for those above that age. After five or six years the partitio;! was removed and the two departments of the school consolidated. Among the earl)' teachers of note in this district were: Abraham Wendell,* of Farmington, Howard B. Abbott, who taught in the brick school-house in 1835, and Phineas Tolman, of Industry. The latter was a strict disci- plinarian, and woe to the luckless wight who disobeyed his rules. It is said that he sometimes whipped disobedient pupils unmercifully.! Henry Cushman, of Farmington, was an ex- ' cellent teacher, and very generally liked. He frequently taught in Industry, and many of the older citizens remember him pleasantly. There was a school-house in the south part of the town near Esquire John Gower's. This school was largely attended for many years, and included some of the finest scholars in town. The school-house and most of the district were set off to New Sharon in 1852. After West's Mills was set off from the Esquire Shaw dis- trict, the school-house was moved to the south of the Esquire Daniel Shaw farm. At length, after many years' service, this building became so dilapidated that for some time prior to 1887, the schools were kept in a private house. In that year the district voted to move and repair the building, and chose Joseph H. Sayer, Nathan W. Johnson and David M. Foss, a * Mr. Wendell boarded at Deacon Ira Emery's while teaching, and studied medicine with Doctor John A. Barnard, who also boarded at the Deacon's. He eventually went to South America, and became one of the most skillful physicians and surgeons of that country. He died in New York City, Sept. 16, 1872. t A predominant idea with many of the early teachers seems to have been that a great amount of physical force was required to successfully govern a district school, and some were harsh and even cruel. Elihu Norton once taught school at West's Mills, and on one occasion pulled quite a large lock of hair from a pupil's head in correcting him. A female teacher In the same school once whipped a pupil till the blood ran down his back. 96 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. committee to superintend the removal and repairs. As soon as the haying season was over the house was hauled to its present site, known as Thompson's Corner in early times, and repairs immediately begun. The roof was raised and the whole structure thoroughly remodeled and transformed into one of the most attractive and pleasant school-houses in town. These repairs necessitated the expenditure of over four hundred dol- lars, which was raised by a special tax. Among the early teachers in that school may be mentioned, Hezekiah Merrick, of Pittsfield, George W. Luce and Daniel S. Johnson, of In- dustry. HIGH SCHOOLS. The first term of high school in town was opened at West's Mills, in the month of September, 1832, as nearly as the writer can learn. It was established mainly through the instrumentality of Deacon Ira Emery, a gentleman who had always manifested a deep interest in educational matters. The school was taught by Carlton Parker, a Waterville College stu- dent, and proved a decided success. Among those who gave it their support were the families of Esquire Peter West, Wil- liam Cornforth, Thomas Cutts, David, Daniel and Rowland Luce, David M. Luce, Esquire James Stanley, Esquire Daniel Shaw, Rev. Datus T. Allen, Jacob Hayes, James Eveleth, Jr., Obed Norton^ the four Manter families, Esquire Samuel Shaw and others. Says Rev. Ira Emery: "That high school was one of the best ever taught, and I firmly believe it gave an impetus to the educational interests of the town that has not yet died out." Mr. Parker also preached for the Baptists occasionally while here. Two years later (1834) Hezekiah Merrick, of Pittsfield, opened a high school in the new brick school-house at West's Mills. Mr. Merrick was an excellent scholar and could teach algebra, but was not very successful as a teacher. The same year there was a term of high school at Goodridge's Corner, taught by Sylvanus Sargent, also a Waterville College student. He afterwards became a successful minister of the Baptist Church in this State, and in 1883 resided in Augusta, SCHOOLS. 97 Maine. Mr. Sargent also taught a term of district school at the same place in 1836. Moses J. Kelley, of New Sharon, another WaterviUe College student, taught a term of high school at Goodridge's Corner about 1838. Others were taught in after years by Joshua S. and William Thompson, sons of James Thompson of Stark, who were likewise students at WaterviUe. John Dinsmore,* of Anson, a very excellent teacher, taught a term of high school at West's Mills, in the fall of 1844, and was so well liked that the district employed him for the succeeding winter and summer terms. John W. Colcord, a student at WaterviUe College, from New Hampshire, taught a term of high school in Esquire Daniel Shaw's district in the fall of 1840. The term was a very pleas- ant and fairly profitable one, and the attendance large. Among other teachers of high schools in Industry, may be mentioned J. S. Houghton, J. Milford Merchant, of Belgrade, George Nickerson, son of Rev. Heman Nickerson, M. A. Cochrane, of Litchfield, Llewellyn Luce, of Readfield, and Charles Lawrence. David Church, afterward for seventeen years a successful minis- ter of the Methodist Conference, taught an eminently profitable term of high school at West's Mills, in the fall of 1853. A. FitzRoy Chase also taught a term of high school at the same place in the spring of 1865. Mr. Chase was an excellent teacher, and afterward became a professor in the Maine Wes- leyan Seminary and Female College at Kent's Hill, Maine. A term was taught in the fall of 1866, by Bradford F Lancaster, of Anson. There was a large attendance, and the school proved fairly successful. FREE HIGH SCH(_>()LS. The Free High School law having been enacted February 24, 1873, the town, at its annual meeting in 1875, voted to ap- propriate the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars for the sup- * Mr. Uinsmore, while connected with the village school, effected several im- portant changes. In the summer of 1847, the interior of the school-house was entirely refinished and much improved, Mr. Dinsmore also set out trees about the grounds, and strove in every way to render the house and its surroundings pleasant and attractive. 98 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. port of such schools. The location of these schools was to be left with the selectmen and supervisor, who decided that one should be established at Goodridge's Corner and the other at West's Mills. Freelan O. Stanley, of Kingfield, was employed to teach the Goodridge Corner school, and Frank F. Whittier, of Farmington Falls, for the one at West's Mills, and both opened simultaneously. These schools closed about the middle of November, and were in every respect a success. The following year the town voted to " pass by the article" relative to raising money for the support of free high schools, and in 1877, voted to appropriate the unexpended money of 1875 "to the use of the town." No term of free high school was main- tained in town during the year 1878. The State Legislature of 1879 suspended the law by which they were established, for one year, consequently no term was held in Industry until the fall of 1880. On the sixth day of September, Adelbert O. Frederic, of Stark, who had taught the village school the previous winter, opened a free high school at West's Mills.* Mr. Frederic was an earnest thorough-going teacher, and the work done in the schoolroom was highly satisfactory to all concerned. Holmes H. Bailey, of Industry, a graduate of the regular and advanced course of the Farmington State Normal School, and a teacher of wide experience, made an effort to establish a free high school at West's Mills, in the fall of 1881. Having received assurance of abundant pecuniary aid from those inter- ested, he opened the school before the district had formally ratified the measure by a vote. When the district meeting was called to legalize the school, a certain dissatisfied clique, not in the least interested in the matter of education, defeated the measure, and Mr. Bailey was compelled to close his school. The next fall an adjoining district established a school, and *The catalogue of this school shows a total attendance of forty pupils, an aver- age attendance of thirty-two and forty-one fiftieths. The average rank in deportment was ninety-eight and seven-eighths. The studies taught in addition to reading, spell- ing and writing, were arithmetic, algebra, grammar, geography, book-keeping, physi- ology and natural philosophy. SC//OOLS. 99 engaged Mr. Bailey as teacher. The term proved both pleas- ant and profitable. In the spring of 1883,3 free high school was established at Goodridge's Corner, and Sylvester S. Wright was employed as principal. Mr. Wright was an indefatigable worker in the school-room and inspired his pupils with his own enthusiasm and love of learning, thus rendering the term one of impor- tance and worth. In the autumn of the same year he taught a term at West's Mills. This school was also well attended and fairly prosperous. The greatest revolution known in the educational annals of Industry was effected in the fall of 1882, when School Super- visor Sylvester S. Wright adopted " Wade's Graduating Sys- tem for town schools." Hitherto the pupils in the schools of Industry had plodded along term after term and year after year without any really definite object in view. Neither had they much knowledge of their attainments at the close of a term aside from the fact that they had conned the lessons in such a portion of their text-books. It is an undeniable fact that to attain the best results from a course of study, the pupil should have some definite object in view, some goal for which to strive. This incentive to stud)' the graduating system supplied, in the form of a diploma, signed by the supervisor, certifying that the holder had com- pleted the prescribed course of study and passed a satisfactory examination in the required branches. Furthermore, the exact standing of the pupil during the course was also known, for at the close of each term his thoroughness and proficiency were carefully ascertained by a series of tests, and the pupil ranked accordingly. The course embraced four years' study, and could be begun by any scholar " who could read well in Mon- roe's Third Reader or its equivalent, were familiar with the four fundamental principles of arithmetic, and equally as far ad- vanced in writing and spelling." The course of study included arithmetic, geography, gram- mar, United States history, book-keeping, physiology, civil government, reading, writing and spelling. The completion of lOO HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. the course qualified the pupil to teach in ordinary town schools. The first class of ten graduated under this system April 13, 1883, at the close of the term of free high school at Good- ridge's Corner, with the most satisfactory results. The examination questions* were of the most thorough and searching character, and the average rank of the class was a fraction over eighty-five ; an average of sixty-five per cent, being required to graduate. The class color was cardinal red, and its motto, " No excellence can be attained without labor." The final exercises occurred in the evening, and the roomy school-house was well filled on that occasion. The following interesting programme was carried out to the credit of the class and to the entire satisfaction of teacher and friends : Music. 1. Recitation. — Drafted. Lena M. .Swift. 2. Declamation. — Northern Laborers. Frank H. Bailey. iMnsic. 3. Select Reading. — How he Saved .St. Michael's. Altina R. Brainard 4. Declamation. — Danger of the Spirit of Conquest. Charles R. Fish. Music. 3. Reading. — Face against the Pane. Nellie Swift. 6. Declamation. — Patriotism. David M. Norton. Music. 7. Reading. — The Wreck of the Pocahontas. Clara A. Johnson. sequently or- dained an evangelist in 1814. The church records are not clear, and only in the last named instance is there anything to show whether the senior or junior iVIr. Young is meant. Accepting Esq. Allen's statement {History of Industry, p. 2y ) as correct, the author assumes that it was the junior Mr. Young to whom both licenses men- tioned above were granted. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 117 verts in the fall of 1809. Accordingly, near the close of Sep- tember he came, and after services, baptized Elijah Robbins and wife, Elisha Robbins, Henry Davis and Mrs. Abraham Page, and received them as members of the church. Tristram Daggett, an early pioneer, having experienced religion, was baptized on the 9th of October, 1809, and like- wise received as a member of the church. Among other mem- bers admitted during this j'ear were Peter Norton, Deborah and Love Allen, daughters of Capt. Wm. Allen. Also about the same time Robert Norton, son of Elijah and Margaret (Gower) Norton, of Farmington. The first money raised for church purposes was near the close of the year 18 10, when the conference voted to raise four dollars, and Deacon Cottle was chosen custodian of the church funds. Elisha Robbins, son of Ammiel Robbins, a young man of exemplar)' piety, was ordained to the ministry by an ecclesiasti- cal council, which assembled at the dwelling-house of Deacon Benjamin Cottle, on the 4th of October, 18 10.* Among the ministers present and participating in the exercises were Rev. Robert Lowe, of Re-adfield, Rev. Oliver Billings, of Fayette, Rev. Thomas Frances, of Leeds, and Rev. Samuel Sweat, of Farmington. The ordination sermon was preached by Elder Lowe, prayer by Elder Billings, charge to the candidate by Elder Frances, and the right hand of fellowship was extended to the candidate by Elder Sweat. Elder Robbins lived but a few days over six months after his ordination and died April 26, 181 1, at the age of twenty-six years, loved and respected by all. Elder Thomas Wyman labored in town for a short time in 1812, and during this year Dr. Jonathan Ambrose and wife were received as members of the church. Thomas Merrill came to Industry in 18 10, in the double capacity of school teacher and preacher. On the 13th of * William Allen says (History of Industry, p. sy) that he was licensed to preach, and died in 1809. This is obviously erroneous. See Robbins genealogy in Part Second of this work. 15 I 1 8 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. October, 1812, after having preached in this town and New Vineyard for upwards of two years, he was ordained pastor of the Industry Baptist Church by an ecclesiastical council which met at the house of Daniel Luce, Jr., in Industry. The church fixed Elder Merrill's salary at $50 for six months, with board for himself and horse. After the expiration of the six months he was employed for an additional period. In October, 1813, at his own request, he was dismissed, and supplied the church at Farmington for a time, but subsequently became pastor of the Baptist Church at Fayette. Elder Joseph Palmer supplied preaching in town for a short time in 18 14, but with what suc- cess is not known. Levi Young, Jr., was ordained an evangelist, at the school- house near Daniel Luce's, on "Federal Row,"* September 7, 1 8 14. Elder Elias Taylor, of Belgrade, preached the ordina- tion sermon ; prayer, at the laying on of hands, by Elder Joshua Macomber ; charge to the candidate, by Elder Thomas Merrill, of Farmington ; right hand of fellowship, by Elder Joseph Palmer, of Industry. Almost the first duty of Elder Young was to solemnize the marriage of Elder Thomas Merrill and Deborah Allen. Not having the benefits of an early education, and being conscious of the fact, greatly impaired the effectiveness of Elder Young's labors, and caused him after a time to relinquish his position. Robert Lambert was ordained by an ecclesiastical council, Jan. I, 1 8 19, and on the fourth day of the following April, the society voted to dismiss and recommend him, but to what church the writer is unable to learn. *The farm on which this house was located is now (1892) owned and occupied by James Edgecomb, but the school-house was moved away many years ago. The road on which Mr. Edgecomb resides acquired the name of " Federal Row" in the following manner : Soon after the close of the Revolutionary War the people be- came divided in opinion into two parties. The one was in favor of a strong central or constitutional form of government, a protective tariff and a national bank. The other was opposed to these measures and committed to the doctrine of State sover- eignty. The former was called Federalists, the latter Anti-Federalists or Republicans. The people living on the road from Tibbells's Corner westward to the town line of Farmington, were all Federalists. Hence the name. REV. C. S. LUCE. Engraved by Geo. E. Johnson, Boston. From a photograph iikkIl- about iyi5 by Merrill of Farniiriglon Me. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. I 19 Ira Emery, Sr., was appointed a deacon of the church April 4, 1 8 19, probably to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Deacon Cornelius Norton. Both Deacon Emery and his wife were people of eminent piety, and their lives were adorned by the practice of many christian virtues. They were respected by all and died, as they had lived, with a strong hope of a blessed immortality beyond the grave. Seven members were relinquished in January, 1820, by the Industry church, to unite with a society which had just been organized in Anson. Rev. Sylvanus Boardman, of New Sharon, was employed to preach once in four weeks in 182 1-2, either at Rowland Luce's or at some other private house or school-house, in different parts of the town. Christopher Sanborn Luce experienced religion in his youth, and' was received into the church in June, 1825. The following interesting item concerning him, was clipped from Zion's Advocate: "Rev. C. S. Luce, of Poway, San Diego County, California, arrived at Allen's Mills, Industry, his native town. May 22d, [1882]. It is fifty-three years since he first left town and twenty-five since he visited this locality. The elder is seventy-four years old, and remarkably smart and active. In early boyhood he was converted, and baptized in Clear Water Pond, in Industry, by Rev. Sylvanus Boardman, the father of George Dana Boardman, the missionary to Burmah. He finds but one or two families of his early acquaintances, and but five persons whom he recognized. He is collecting the names of his relatives, which number over 150 souls. He has visited the graves of his parents, brothers and sisters, and the old farm where he once lived, recalling many pleasant memories with the many sad ones. Elder Luce has been hold- ing a series of meetings, which were of much interest and gave general satisfaction. He has preached in the old meeting-house which he helped to build fifty years ago ; also gave liberally for its repair this year. Here his grandparents,* parents, brothers * This statement is not compatible with the facts in the case. Both of Rev. Mr. Luce's grandparents died prior to the erection of this house of worship. — W. C. H. 120 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. and sisters, uncles and aunts, have worshipped, but now are passed away. He finds but one brother and a half-sister now hving, eight having passed over the river. He attended the reunion of his brother's family, where there were four genera- tions present. Elder Luce has been an arduous worker in his Master's vineyard, and been the means of much good." He has baptized during his ministry over 1,300 persons. Datus T. Allen was received into the church by letter. May 14, 1827, and on the 21st of February, 1828, was ordained and installed pastor of the society ; the ecclesiastical council assembling at the house of Deacon Cottle on the day previous, for the purpose of examining the candidate and making other preliminary arrangements for the occasion. Among those pres- ent were Elder Sylvanus Boardman from the church of New Sharon, Elder John Butler from Winthrop, and Elder Joseph Torrey from Strong. Elder Torrey preached the ordination sermon, and Elder Boardman made the ordination prayer, gave the charge and extended the right hand of fellowship to the candidate, while to Elder Butler was assigned the duty of mak- ing the closing prayer. Jared F. Eveleth made a profession of religion at the age of fourteen years, and in June, 1828, was baptized and united with the church in his native town. He began to preach in 1858, and has filled many important positions. He is at pres- ent (1892) living in the town of Bluehill, Me., having retired from the more active duties of his calling in consequence of his advanced years. Hebron Luce was received into the church in 1828, and in 1 83 I, James Davis, Jr., and wife, also Benj. Franklin Norton. By the acquisition of wealthy and influential members, the Industry Baptist Church had become an organization of con- siderable importance, and its prospects were decidedly en- couraging.* For the most part the members were people of sterling character, and included some of the most worthy *The Kennebec Baptist Association was organized in 1830, and held its first meeting with the Industry church, at the Centre Meeting-House. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 12 I residents of the town. In 1832 the church raised by subscrip- tion a sum sufficient to purchase a communion service. There is no means of learning just how much of the time Elder Datus Allen preached in Industry prior to 1832, but in the month of September of that year the society voted to hire him one-fourth of the time for six months, fixing his salary at $65, or at the rate of $520 per year. Carlton Parker, a licentiate from VVaterville College, was also engaged to occupy the pulpit a short time in connection with Elder Allen. A church was organized in Stark on the 26th day of June, 1833, consisting of about fifteen members, a number of mem- bers from the Industry church having been previously dismissed to join this newly organized society.* Elder Allen was en- gaged as their pastor and preached to them a portion of the time. He was subsequently dismissed to that church March 3, 1838. He died at his former residence in Industry, May 30, 1862, aged 73 j'ears. During the autumn of 1833 we find Elder William Wyman, of Livermore, visiting the church at Industry, where he also preached. On the ninth of November the church voted to hire him, but for how long a time is not known. He preached one-fourth of the time at the Centre Meeting-House, and probably about as often at West's Mills. In the fall of 1836 the society chose a committee to settle with him, consequently one might infer that his labors extended up to that date. Elder Allen was also invited to preach during this time "as opportunity offered." The church invited William Smith to preach at the Centre Meeting-House on March 6, 1836, and were so well pleased with his effort that they voted to license him as a preacher. Shortly after this he moved to Belgrade, where he was ordained a minister of the Baptist Church. * In 1856 this society erected a small house of worship in .Stark, near the In- dustry line. This house was not completed until the following year, and was dedi- cated in the fall. It was commonly known as "The Union Street Church," and after some years fell into disuse. At length it was sold, torn down and moved away in the fall of 1882. 122 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Elder William Cross was employed to preach in town for a short time in 1836. In 1837 the church voted to raise fifty-four dollars to be expended in preaching. Elder Haynes, it appears, preached in town occasional.ly in 1838, and Elder Leach the following year. As the result of an extensive revival in 1840, under the labors of Elder John Butler, of Winthrop, assisted by Rev. John Perham, of Industry, a large number were added both to the Baptist and Congregational churches. A gentleman by the name of Pearson, probably a licentiate, preached to the society by invitation, for three months in 1842. James S. Emery, a son of Deacon Ira Emery, was received into the church during this year. He removed to Lawrence, Kansas, about 1854, where he still resides, an influential and highly respected citizen. Eben G. Trask, a young man of considerable ability, was licensed to preach April i, 1843. In the month of September following, he was engaged to preach in town for the term of one year. On the 5th of December, 1844, after the expiration of the term of his engagement, he was ordained a minister of the Baptist Church, the services being held at West's Mills. In the month of May, 1845, the society engaged him to preach one-half of the time for one year. ' From this date up to 1849, a break occurs in the records of the church, and consequently but little is known concerning the affairs of the society during this period. During the last mentioned year we find Rev. J. M. Follett acted as pastor of the society, and in the following year the pulpit was supplied by Elder Miller. Elder T. Brownson, an Englishman by birth, was employed as pastor in 1852 or 1853. In 1854 the society numbered fifty- six members. Ira Emery, Jr., a young man of eminent piety, was licensed to preach Dec. 22, 1866, and after laboring with the society a little more than a year he was dismissed, at his own request, and joined the Free Will Baptist Church. Rev. A. C. Hussey was employed in April, 1867, to preach RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 123 in Industry once in four weeks. During this year Thomas Stevens and wife moved into town, and were received by letter from the Anson church. In 1873 and 1874, Elder Heath preached occasionally in town. At this time there were only seven resident members. The membership having been reduced to four in 1885, the church was disbanded, and the members, viz. : Thomas Stevens, Sarah Stevens, Jesse Luce and Sophronia Norton, were received into the Farmington church.* Afterward, Rev. Edward A. Mason, of the Farmington church, preached in Industry occa- sionally until his removal to another field of labor in 1886. Prior to its annexation to the Farmington, and when it was a large and flourishing society, preaching was also supplied by such ministers as Revs. Arthur Drinkwater, John Haines, Squire Sherburne Brownson, and William E. Morse, who labored with the church a part of the time in 1859. HISTORY OF METHODISM. f In August, 1793, some six years after the first settlement of the town. Rev. Jesse Lee, a noted Methodist preacher, was sent to the District of Maine, by the New England Conference, and came as far north as the settlement at Farmington. After traveling extensively in his new field he returned to Lynn, * Mr. Luce is now (1892) the only surviving resident member. t The author completed this sketch about the time Dr. Stephen Allen began preparing his elaborate work, " Methodism in Maine." On receiving Dr. Allen's circular of inquiry, the pastor on Industry circuit being unable to gather much of importance from members of the society, applied to the author for assistance. Wish- ing to oblige, the manuscript was placed in his hands and permission given to copy such parts as he might deem of value to Dr. Allen. The copy was mafle in extenso, and forwarded without the least hint as to the source of his information. Dr. Allen, on learning of this some years later, employed every means at his command to correct the error into which he had unintentionally fallen. A short time before his death he wrote for the Farmington (Me.) Chronicle a very flattering notice of the History of Industry, from which we lake the liberty to make the following extract: "The sketch of the Methodist Society in Industry, as given in the history of 'Metho- dism in Maine,' was prepared by Dr. Hatch, though from no fault of the under- signed, credited to another person." * * <■ [Signed] S. Allen, This explanation is made by the author, that his readers may not adjudge him guilty of plagiarism. 124 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Mass., near the close of October, 1793, and remained in the vicinity of that place till January, 1794, when he started on a second visit to the District of Maine. According to his Jour- nal* he visited New Vineyard and preached there, June 2, 1794. He subsequently (see p. 87) preached to a large con- gregation at Farmington Falls, in Deacon Francis Tufts's barn. Neither Lee in his Journal, nor Butler in his History of Farm- ington, mentions this second visit to that town. Lee planned a circuit for succeeding ministers, and at the conference, July 25, 1794, Philip Wager and Thomas Coopj were appointed to take charge of a circuit which embraced the whole of the District of Maine, and Rev. Mr. Lee was made presiding elder. Lee came to Maine in November, 1794, and near the close of that month started over a lonely way to visit the settlements on Sandy River. He preached in Middletown (Strong), Novem- ber 27th, and immediately returned to Farmington. On Mon- day, Dec. I, 1794, having procured a guide, J Rev. Mr. Lee set out to visit the settlements at Industry, New Vineyard, Anson and Stark. He visited the settlement on the Gore with the intention of preaching at Deacon Cornelius Norton's, but owing to sickness in the Deacon's family, the plan was deemed infeasi- ble and he went on to Daniel Luce's in New Vineyard, where he spent the night and preached on the following morning. § ' Methodism in Maine, p. ij, by Stephen Allen, D. D. f Stephen Allen, D. D., in his " Methodism in Maine," makes no mention of this gentleman or his labors, but writes the author under the date of March 17, 1888 : " I notice your mention of Rev. Thomas Coop with Rev. Philip Wager, as preachers, in 1794. You are undoubtedly correct. In my account of Industry circuit I do not mention Thomas Coop, His name is entirely omitted by Dr. Abel Stevens in his History, and I was led to omit his name by taking my sketch mainly from Stevens. Mr. Coop was on what was called the Readfield circuit, but a short time, so far as I can learn, and his name does not appear on the early records of Readfield circuit. According to Bangs's History he was soon after 1794 expelled, and no account is given of him in any Methodist history that I have seen. So our historians have passed over his name in silence." X The guide who accompanied Mr. Lee, according to Rev. John Perrin, was Capt. John Thompson, of Industry. § Allen's History of Industry (see p. 28) gives the date as December ist, as does also Dr. Stephen Allen's "Methodism in Maine " {see p. ^11), but in a more de- RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 125 The writer is unable to learn anything regarding the labors of Wager and Coop, and is uncertain whether they visited the Gore settlement or not. In 1795 Rev. Enoch Mudge and Elias Hull were appointed as successors of Wager and Coop. They visited the settlement on the Gore and preached occasionally at Abner Norton's. During their labors here, Mr. Norton and his wife, with several of their children, made a profession of religion, as did also Daniel Collins and several others. These converts were organized into a society and a class was formed. The class gained numbers rapidly and Methodist preaching was furnished once in four weeks, either at Mr. Norton's or Mr. Collins's, for many \'ears. The author recalls an anecdote related to him by one of the early members, illustrating the inconveniences of pioneer life : " On one occasion the quarterly meeting was held at Abner Norton's, and as was the usual custom, the person at whose house the meeting was held furnished refreshments for those in attendance. In those days the settlers' china closets did not contain a superabundance of table ware, and in this in- stance the demand was far in excess of the supply. To remedy this deficiency, a quantity of nice large maple chips were pro- cured, from which the food was eaten, in lieu of plates." Elders Mudge and Hull were succeeded in the pastorate in 1796, by Rev. John Broadhead. About this time a second class was formed at the house of Esquire Herbert Boardman, who settled on the farm now owned by Asa Q. and Calvin B. Fish, in the fall of 1795. Both Esquire Boardman and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist Church for many years. Capt. John Thompson, afterwards a licensed local preacher, succeeded in forming a class in his neighborhood in 1798. Capt. Thompson was an assiduous laborer in his Master's vine- yard, and through the instrumentality of his preaching much good was accomplished. tailed account of Mr. Lee's labors (see p. 16), Dr. Allen gives as stated by the author. Esq. William Allen declares this to have been the first sermon preached in New Vineyard, which, according to Lee's journal, is incorrect. Rev. Mr. Lee preached his first as well as Ike first sermon in New Vineyard June 2, 1 794. 126 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. In 1802 Esquire John Gower, also a licensed local preacher, moved from Farmington and settled in the south part of the town. Here he formed a class and preached as opportunity offered for many years, until that insidious disease, consump- tion, made such inroads upon his health as to entirely incapaci- tate him for further labor. Esq. William Allen says of him : " He was a man of much firmness and decision, of a benevolent disposition, of strong mind and of strict integrity, a useful citizen, highly respected by all who knew him." The exem- plary christian lives of such men as Capt. Thompson and Esquire Gower were powerful auxiliaries in behalf of early Methodism in Industry, and at the same time exercised a salutary restraining influence over the more turbulent portion of the populace. At all times these good men were ready and willing to acknowledge the power and goodness of God, and by earnest appeals urged others to avail themselves of His precious promises. Prior to 1809, Industry was not a separate circuit, but was an appointment on the Norridgewock circuit. But in this year we find it mentioned as a circuit, and Rev. Isaiah Emerson stationed here as preacher in charge. Rev. Howard Winslow, a local Methodist preacher of note, everywhere known as Father Winslow, often preached in In- dustry during a period dating from his earliest efforts in 1812, up to near the time of his death, which occurred in June, 1858. Although Father Winslow's educational advantages were limited,- he was in the fullest sense of the term one of Nature's noble- men. Simple and unostentatious in his habits of life, meek and inoffensive in his disposition, he won a strong position in the affections of the people of Industry, and many were gathered into the fold through the influence of his teachings. Anec- dotes showing the truly wonderful power of his preaching, in this town, are related in his biography. . Daniel Collins, Jr., made a profession of religion in early life, joined the class, and was a licensed local preacher, in which capacity he labored with considerable acceptance for several years. From the earliest Methodist preaching up to 1825, no RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 127 statistical knowledge of the Industry church is attainable. Up to 1825 Maine had no conference, but was under the jurisdic- tion of the New England Conference. The first session of the Maine Conference was held by the clergy at Gardiner, com- mencing Jul}' 7, 1825. This separation established a new era in the history of Methodism in Maine, for during this year we find the first attempt made to keep a record of proceedings and a list of members, by the church in Industry. At this time the circuit included Stark and Xew Vineyard, with por- tions of Anson, New Portland and Strong. At that time there were four classes in Industr}-, viz. : Class No. i having a mem- bership of twenty-one, with Robert Thompson, a licensed exhorter, as leader, and Lemuel Howes, Jr., assistant leader. In this class the female members were largely in the majority. Among the male members were Ichabod Johnson, Wesley Thompson and a few others. Class No. 2, with thirty-five members and Nehemiah Howes, leader. Among its more prominent members were Esq. John Gower, of whom mention has already been made, and Nahum Baldwin, Jr. Class No. 3, at the head of Clear Water Pond, Peter Daggett, leader, had twenty-one members. Among these were Daniel Collins, Sr., Obed Norton and Zepheniah Luce, together with their wives ; also Isaac Norton and B. Ashley Collins. Class No. 4, at West's Mills, was formed December 9th, 1824, with thirteen members and Matthew Benson for leader. Although having the smallest membership of any class in town, it contained some of the wealthiest and most influential members in the church. William Cornforth, a licensed exhorter of much abiL ity, was a member of this class, as was also Esq. Peter West and wife, Peter W. Willis and wife, Capt. Benjamin Manter, James Manter and James Stevens. John Gott and wife joined the class April 19, 1825, and on the same day Mr. Gott was appointed leader. During the year the various classes added largely to their numbers by receiving into full connection many who had been taken on probation. David Davis and wife made a profession of religion in 1824, and, after the prescribed period of probation, were received as " members in full con- 128 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. nection." Their son, Nathaniel M., experienced rehgion in 1825, joined the class, and in due time was received as a mem- ber of the church. In after life he took an active part in prayer and social meetings, and was a class leader at the time of his death, October 19, 1843. In June, 1825, a camp-meeting was held in a grove near Capt. John Thompson's. There were a dozen or fifteen rude cloth tents erected on the ground with a stand made of poles and a few rough boards. The total expense to be paid by the encampment was only eleven dollars ! This amount was promptly raised by taking up a collection. Father Thompson, as he was often called, took an active part in the meetings. Among the converts was the late John Allen, who has since won the title of "Campmeeting John" by his fondness for attending those religious gatherings. Soon after his conversion he received an exhorter's license, and in 1828, that of a local preacher, which he held for seven years, frequently participat- ing in revival work. In 1835 he was admitted to the Maine Conference, where he labored with success, as a circuit minister, for many years. On twelve circuits, after joining the confer- ence, he baptized 648 converts, or an average of 54 for each circuit. In several instances the rtumber exceeding one hun- dred on a single circuit. After traveling on circuits for twenty- two years, he became an evangelist, in which capacity he labored in various places in Maine and Massachusetts, and in nearly every instance his labors were blessed by a reformation. For the ten years or more that he thus labored he kept no account of the number converted, but left this to the preach- ers in charge. "But," says Elder Allen, "I hesitate not to say that quite a number of hundred were converted during these years." He lived to the ripe age of nearly ninety-two and one-half years, and died August 31, 1887, while attending the East Livermore Camp-meeting. William Frederic, of Stark, who died March 19, 1892, and Samuel Patterson, of this town, also deceased, were converted at the same camp-meeting. A second meeting held at the RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 129 same place in September, 1826, was well attended, and nearly one hundred persons were converted during its continuation. In the fall of 1841* a camp-meeting was held in a grove on the farm of David Merry, f one mile north from West's Mills, and was known as John Allen's Camp-meeting, from the fact that he was the originator of the project. At this meeting Rev. Heman Nickerson presided, but was called away when the meeting was about half through. On leaving. Elder Nickerson put the management into Elder Allen's hands, who conducted it to a successful termination. Quite a number were con- verted during the week, and on the whole it was a very prosper- ous meeting. "This," says the venerable Campmeeting John, "was the only time I acted as presiding elder at a camp- meeting.'' During the last days of the meeting a band of rowdies, from Anson, calling themselves " Shad-eyes, "± made a great deal of disturbance about the encampment. They were joined by a few of the more dissolute young men from Indus- try and during the night, before the breaking up of the en- campment in the morning, their yells and bowlings became hideous in the extreme. They also boasted " That they would carry Allen (meaning Campmeeting John) off before morning." How well they succeeded we will allow Elder John to relate in his own quaint yet forcible language : " On hearing their threat I felt somewhat alarmed, but called out a watch to go among them and if possible ascertain the names of the leaders. The men took lanterns and went up into the field where the desperadoes * Authority of Rev. John Allen. Mrs. Warren Cornforth, who possesses a remark- ably retentive memory, says this date is incorrect. She states that her father. Col. Benjamin Luce, who died July 14, 1842, was ill and died during the progress or very soon after the close of this meeting. Elder Allen was the circuit minister and attended Col. Luce's funeral. The conference which appointed him to this pastorate convened at Skowhegan, July 21, 1841, and the following year he was sent to an- other field of labor. The author is inclined to believe Elder Allen's memory was shghtly at fault in this instance, and to accept the dale as given by Mrs. Cornforth. t This farm is now owned and occupied by Charles F. Oliver. X This band existed for some years and became the terror of all law-abiding citizens in the communities they were wont to infest. Their depredations became of such frequent occurrence that, among the inhabitants shad-eying and malicious mis- chief became synonymous terms. I30 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. were making great outcry. One of their number, from Indus- try, not wishing to be recognized, on seeing our men, ran and pitched over a fence in order to elude them. He was caught, however, and brought to the hght, when it was discovered that it was a man by the name of Alien, — the son of a Baptist minister. He offered to go back and quell the racket and pay money if they would not reveal his name. The night wore away, and the next morning, as we were about packing up, I told the people, the last threat I heard from the rowdies was that ' Allen would be carried off before morning,' and so it was, but it did not prove to be uie." In 1823* a meeting-house was built near Capt. John Thomp- son's. In erecting this house Capt. Thompson was largely instrumental, giving liberally in material and money. At his mill the necessary lumber was sawed, and the house was almost universally known as the Thompson Meeting-House. It was occasionally called the Red Meeting-House, from the fact that it was painted red on the outside. By the most strenuous efforts the frame was raised, boarded and finished outside the first season, but for some years the inside remained unfinished and the congregation were obliged to sit on rough plank seats. The pulpit first erected was a huge affair, access to which was gained by a flight of stairs on the back side. When standing, the parson's head and shoulders could just be seen above the top of the desk. Afterwards the inside was finished, and years later the pulpit was rebuilt in a more modern style. This was the first, and with one exception, the only Methodist meeting-house, strictly speaking, ever built in Industry. For years large congregations gathered here to worship, but in time other houses were built in contiguous localities, and the tide of church-goers turned in other directions. It was torn down in the winter of 1872-3, and moved to Goodridge's * Dr. Allen's Methodism in Maine gives the date as 1822 (see pp. JI2,J2B), This date was drawn from the author's own manuscript (see note p. 2g2 }, but in the final revision the change was made in consequence of newly discovered evidence. Of the early days of this house Dr. Stephen Allen writes: "I sometimes attended meeting in the Thompson Meeting-House and heard lively singing and loud shout- ing." RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 13 I Corner, where it was rebuilt as a factory for the Enterprise Cheese Company. Thus was forever obhterated one of the most important mementos of early Methodism in Industry, and one with which the name of good old Father Thompson was inseparabl)' connected. General prosperity attended the church from 1825 to 1830. In the month of June, 1830, the Industry circuit was divided. New Portland and New Vineyard being set off as a separate circuit. Houses of worship had been erected at the centre of the town and at West's Mills, by the united efforts of the sev- eral christian denominations of the town. Many of the church members formed themselves into a missionary society in 1838. This society was auxiliary to the Maine Conference Missionary Society of the M. E. Church. The membership fee was twenty-five cents for males and twelve and one-half cents for females, to be paid annually. At the end of the second year this society numbered 139 members in the towns of Industry and Stark. From 1830 to 1835 many new converts were baptized and received into the church, and general prosperity attended the society. James Cutts experienced religion under the preaching of James Farrington in 1835, and two years afterwards was baptized by Father Winslow and joined the church, of which he was a leading and influential member for many years. He always contributed liberally for the support of the gospel, as well as for other worthy charitable objects. He was frequently called to fill important positions in the church, and held the office of district steward at the time of his removal to Farm- ington in 1868. In July, 1 841, "Campmeeting John Allen was appointed by the Conference as preacher on the Industry circuit. A series of revival meetings were started at West's Mills, in the month of March following, by Elder Allen, assisted by such of the laity as were willing to aid in the work. William Folsom, who is now (1892) a lawyer in Somerset County, was among the first fruits of this revival. Others followed in rapid suc- cession and a wonderful reformation was the ultimate result. 132 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. The good work thus begun spread rapidly, first to the Thomp- son neighborhood and from thence to the Goodridge neighbor- hood and the centre of the town, and from there to Stark. Within two months more than one hundred were converted, nearly all of whom Elder Allen baptized and received into the church on trial before leaving Industry. He had no ministerial assistance in this revival work save an occasional sermon from some brother minister. Some of the leading members of the church had opposed Elder Allen's appointment. There was a high school in the Thompson neighborhood, and they wanted a minister of greater learning. This placed Elder Allen at a disadvantage for a time, but on the breaking out of the reformation, nearly every pupil of the school was converted, together with the children of the steward who opposed his coming. This gentleman sub- sequently made a humble apology for his opposition, when Elder Allen retorted, "It's just good enough for yon, sir, to have all of your children converted." It is doubtful if ever a minister left town, after a year's sojourn, more loved and re- spected than was Elder Allen at the close of his labors in 1842. Though half a century has elapsed since he bade adieu to the church of Industry, as its pastor, children and grandchildren of those converted under his teachings rise up to call him blessed. Zebulon Manter, Jr., having experienced religion, was re- ceived into the church, and for a time was one of its class leaders. Being a person of marked ability he was licensed as local preacher, at a quarterly conference held Aug. 29, 1840. A year later he joined the Maine Conference, and in 1844 was stationed on the Industry circuit. While stationed here he married Mary Manter, daughter of Capt. Elijah Manter, and soon after located. He took the order of deacon in 1846, upon the recommendation of the quarterly conference. Of a reflec- tive turn of mind, he became convinced that from death to the resurrection, man would remain in an unconscious state and that, at the final resurrection, the righteous would be made immortal and the wicked be destroyed and reduced to the ele- RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 133 ments from which they originated. By disseminating these views, which were at variance with the acknowledged doctrines of the church, he soon attracted attention of the authorities and was suspended by a council of local preachers on the 31st day of March, 1S47. He was afterward expelled at the suc- ceeding quarterly conference, and though his only offense was a difference of religious opinion, he was dogmatically denied any participation in their subsequent religious meetings. He eventually joined a society known as the Christian Band, where he undoubtedly enjoyed greater freedom of thought and opinion. General Nathan Goodridge, a worthy and influential citizen of Industr)-, joined the Methodist class in his neighborhood soon after the great revival of 1842, and was immediately ap- pointed class leader. After the usual probation he was received into the church, of which he became a valued member. Uni- versally honored and respected, he wielded a powerful influence for the cause of religion and closed a blameless life Sept. 30, 1871. John Frost, an honest, upright man and a member of the M. E. Church, moved into town in 1835. He was for many years a class leader and a licensed exhorter. He lived in town more than a quarter of a century and then removed to Farm- ington. Me., where he died a few years since. Guy Gray came to Industry in 1833 and settled near Tibbetts's Corner, on what was afterwards known as the Leaver place. He was a member of the Free Will Baptist denomination, but, severing his connection with tha't church, he joined the Methodists. He was licensed as a local preacher in January, 1838, by the latter denomination, and subse- quently went to Dead River, where he continued his labors in the ministry. Prior to 1839 the Industry circuit had no parsonage for their pastor, but were obliged to hire a tenement for his use whcre- ever a suitable one could be found. But during this year a small house and stable were erected on a lot opposite the In- dustry North Meeting-House, at West's Mills, for 'the use of the 17 134 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. minister stationed on the circuit.* Notwithstanding the efforts made to raise funds to hquidate the indebtedness thus incurred, the debt hung heavily on their hands. Various expedients were resorted to, such as apportioning the amount to the various classes by the trustees, passing subscription papers, etc., but the debt still remained unpaid. Twice the trustees were instructed to sell the house and devote the proceeds to paying off the debt. But for want of a customer, or some other cause, the property was not sold. At the beginning of the year 1844 the debt had been reduced to $190. By July 20, 1844, so suc- cessful had those engaged in soliciting subscriptions been that only forty dollars remained unpaid. For this sum eight be- nevolent members became equally responsible, viz. : James Thompson, Isaac Daggett, Ebenezer Swift, Nathan Goodridge, Robert Thompson, James Cutts, John West Manter and James G. Waugh. Thus within five years the society freed itself from the heavy debt which the building of a parsonage had incurred. A committee was appointed by the quarterly con-- ference in May, 1852, previous to the appointment of Rev. Isaac Lord as pastor of the circuit, to examine the parsonage and make certain needed repairs. Although some work had been done, the house was still in an uninhabitable condition when the minister arrived. With the advice and consent of the brethren. Elder Lord built an addition of fourteen feet to the east end of the house and finished it throughout. He also moved and repaired the shed and stable. The total cost of these improvements, includ- *The parsonage lot was deeded to the society April 5, 1836, by Col. Samuel Daggett and James Thompson. The writer is unable to account for the discrepancy between this date and the one given in the text. The latter, gleaned from a careful examination of the church records for that period, was believed to be correct. But a discovery of 'the deed { So?nerset Registry of Deeds, Book 42, p. 208) wherein the bounds are described as follows, shows that the house must have been erected prior to 1836: "Beginning one foot north of the northwest corner of the parsonage house, thence south by the road four rods and three feet, thence east three rods and six feet to a stake and stone, thence north four rods and three feet to a stake and stone, thence west to the first mentioned bounds. Likewise to east line of Lot. No. 28." The only explanation the writer can offer is that, although erected previously, it was not rendered habitable until the date named in the church records. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 135 ing labor, was nearly $200. The cash portion, or the sum paid for material, etc., was promptly raised, by contribution, about the time or soon after the work was completed. Rev. Jonathan Fairbanks, when stationed on this circuit, in 1863, made exten- sive repairs on the stable, and by enlarging added greatly to its capacity and convenience. In May, 1878, Rev. Silas F. Strout was appointed pastor of the church on Industry circuit. Soon after his arrival the church people, ably seconded by those outside, begun impor- tant repairs on the parsonage, the first step in this direction be- ing a substantial underpinning of split stone. The inside finish was torn out and the rooms more conveniently arranged, the chimney rebuilt, the roof shingled and a portion of the walls clapboarded, the final result of all these improvements being a house which would suffer no disparagement by comparison with the parsonage of any country village. Perhaps to no two men was due so large a share of credit for the success of this undertaking as to Richard Caswell and Hovey Thomas, the lat- ter planning the interior and superintending all the carpentry work. The total cost of these repairs was $319.50, of which sum the people of Stark contributed about forty dollars in labor and money. The following persons in Industry gave in labor, material and money to the amount of five dollars or more : Richard Caswell, ^43-oo Hovey Thomas, 35-97 Amos S. Hinkley, 41-5° Augustus H. Swift, 14-00 Warren Cornforth, 20.68 Philip A. Storer. 20.00 Benj'n W. Norton, 18.74 Ellas H. Yeaton, 8.00 Asa H. Patterson and wife, 9-00 Franklin W. Patterson, 8.00 Alonzo Norton and wife, 7-oo David M. Norton and wife, 7-SO John W. Frederic, 8.25 George W. Johnson, 5-oo Rev. Silas F. Strout, 10.21 136 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. In addition to the above, thirty persons contributed sums varying from fifty cents to four dollars. When the work was nearly completed, it was found that unless some method was adopted to equalize the expense it would fall with unjust weight on Messrs. Caswell and Thomas. On the 14th of October seven of the wealthiest church mem- bers in town, including the two gentlemen just mentioned, drew up and signed an agreement to pay all expenses not otherwise provided for, incurred in making repairs on the parsonage, each one's proportion to be determined by the selectmen's valuation of the previous spring. Though some paid their assess- ment promptly, by the failure of others to comply with the terms of the agreement, Mr. Caswell and Mr. Thomas each lost a considerable sum. From 1842 to 1853 little of importance occurred in the history of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Industry. As a. rule the meetings were well attended and the alTairs of the society, both spiritually and financially, were in a prosperous condition. John Allen was succeeded in the pastorate by Abel Alton, who remained with the society but one year. He in turn was followed by Harry W. Latham. The church sustained a serious loss in 1854, by the death of Robert Thompson, Esq., an active and influential member who died on the 21st day of February, after a long and painful illness. He had been a licensed exhorter for many years, also a class leader, and his death was lamented by all. Occasional revivals occurred after the great revival in 1842 up to 1865, but none of great extent. Heman Nickerson, a preacher of considerable ability, was stationed on the circuit in 1849. He was succeeded the following year by Joseph Gerry, and Elder Gerry in turn, by James Farrington, in 185 i. Elder Farrington was a man of eminent piety, of a mild disposition, and greatly loved and respected by his parishioners. He was again stationed upon the circuit for a year in 1857.* *The church voted in 1857 to allow Elder James Farrington to preach at Madi- son Bridge once in four weeks. The following year the time was divided as follows : "At the Industry North Meeting-House, Centre and Thompson Meeting-Houses in Industry, and at the Union Meeting-House in Stark, once in four weeks." RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 137 James Stevens, a very benevolent and influential member of the church, died in 1858. He had been a member of the Industry church for nearly forty years, and durini; this time had done much for the support of the gospel besides con- tributing liberally for the missionary and Bible cause. Jonathan Fairbanks was stationed on the circuit during the years 1863 and 1864. During the last )-ear of his stay, ten converts were received on probation. Elder Fairbanks was succeeded by Thomas J. True,* who also remained on the circuit for two years. During the second year of his pastorate he commenced a series of meetings at the Union school-house, on the 2 1 St of October, 1866, which culminated in an exten- sive revival. On the iith of December following, the meetings were removed to West's Mills. During the continuation of these meetings a large number of persons were converted, among whom were James Norton and several members of his family, Daniel Hilton, Charles E. Woodcock, now a successful minister of the Free Will Baptist Church. While the meetings were being held at West's Mills, another revival was in progress at Withee's Corner, where the labors of Elder John P. Cole and others were producing a marked result. As the fruits of this extended reformation sixty-seven persons were received on probation by the Methodist Church, while a considerable num- ber joined other churches. George Manter, who had made a profession of religion in 1837, became awakened under the preaching of Rev. Thomas J. True, during the progress of the revival in the winter of 1866-7, and joined the Methodist Church, of which he re- mained an active and useful member to the close of his life. He filled many responsible positions in the society, such as * Thomas Jefferson True was born Sept. i, 1808. He entered the minis- try at the age of twenty-eight, and was for thirty-five years a member of the Maine Conference of the M. E. Church. In consequence of poor health, he was obhged to lay aside all ministerial work in 1879. He subsequently settled in Minot, Me., where he died, after a long and painful illness, Dec. 21, 1886. His parents, Zebulon and Martha (Kannady) True, were among the pioneer settlers to the town of Farmington. After a few years they removed to Temple, where their son Thomas J., the tenth of a family of twelve children, was born. 138 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Steward, class leader and superintendent of the Sunday-school. Benjamin Warren Norton, and also his wife, made a profession of religion during the 1866-7 revival. He immediately identified himself with the Methodist Society at West's Mills, and, like Mr. Manter, became a prominent member. He was highly esteemed for his sterling worth and exemplary christian life. His removal to the State of Iowa in the spring of 1886 was a great loss to the society. Warren Cornforth made a public profession of religion about the same time as did Mr. Norton and others. He has ever been a faithful, consistent christian and a worthy member of the church militant, giving liberally for the support of the gospel and other charitable objects. Both he and his wife were deeply interested in the erection of the new Methodist Church at West's Mills, and were instrumental in hastening its completion. Amos S. Hinkley and several members of his family pro- fessed religion under the labors of David Pratt, Jr., and became members of the Industry church. Mr. Hinkley was a christian whose life abounded in works as well as words, being a gener- ous giver as well as an earnest advocate of the cause of Christ. His family were highly respected and wielded a powerful influ- ence in behalf of the christian religion. Their removal to Farmington in 1883 was a loss to both church and community. Philip A. Storer and wife, were also active members of the church until their removal from town in 1880. Calvin Bryant Fish and wife, are among the most efficient members of the church at the present time. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fish have held the office of steward, and the former has been trustee of church property and superintendent of the Sunday-school at West's Mills for several years. Richard Caswell and wife, who came to Industry from Farmington in 1875, and subsequently settled at West's Mills, are also among those who support the gospel by generous gifts. Another convert of the great revival of 1866-7 was Elisha Fish, a man who had been a slave to strong drink for many RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 139 years. Through Divine grace he was enabled to break away from his habit, and although sometimes sorely tempted by former associates, he led, for a period of more than twenty years prior to his death, a temperate, christian life. James Edgecomb and wife, who came from Livermore, Me., in 1854, were admitted to the Industry church by letter soon after their arrival in town. Their kindly deeds of christian charity and interest in every good work, have won for them the friendly regard and high esteem of a wide circle of acquaintances. In the death of Hovey Thomas, Oct. 25, 1891, the society sustained a serious loss. Mr. Thomas came to town from New Vineyard, about 1870, and resided at Goodridge's Corner with his father-in-law, Mark Emery. He was ever ready to assist in every good work and a generous giver for the support of preaching. When the Centre Meeting-House was repaired the work was done after his plans and largely by himself, as was also the repairs on the Methodist parsonage at West's Mills. He likewise planned and framed the Methodist Church at the same place. Daniel Waterhouse was Rev. Mr. True's successor on the Industry and Stark circuit in the spring of 1867. During his pastorate he labored zealously for the interests of the society. Several were converted, quite a number baptized and many re- ceived into the church. He also did much toward building up a flourishing Sunday-school at West's Mills, where many new books were added to the library.* There was no unusual re- ligious interest in town after the departure of Rev. Mr. Water- house, until Rev. David Pratt, Jr., came to the circuit as pastor, in 1876-7. True, there had been occasional conversions, but nothing like a revival interest manifested. The second year of Elder Pratt's labors was marked by a deep interest and several conversions. * His pastoral labors during the last year (1868) of his sojourn on the Industry and Stark circuit, were of a decidedly onerous nature, beset with many embarrassing perplexities. The movement which culminated in the erection of a Methodist house of worship at Stark village had its origin, growth and fruition ere Elder Waterhouse left the circuit. 140 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. The Methodist Society, in common with other christian denominations in Industry, has lost heavily in membership dur- ing the past quarter of a century, by reason of deaths and re- movals, until at the present writing (1892) the society numbers not more than thirty-five resident members in good standing. The house of worship at West's Mills, built to replace the one burned in 1 88 1, gave a new impetus, not only to the Sunday- school, but also to church attendance.* This house was built largely through the untiring labors of Rev. John R. Masterman, ably seconded by his parishioners, and is a worthy monument to his three years' pastorate on Industry circuit. Rev. George W. Barber was appointed pastor on Industry circuit in 1890, as successor to Elder Masterman, and is still serving. The circuit was enlarged in the spring of 1890 by the addition of New Vineyard, and Methodist preaching is had once in four weeks at New Vineyard Mills and Talcott's Corner. A List of the Ministers stationed on the Industry Circuit frot?i i'/g4 to i8g2. 1794 Philip Wager and Thomas Coop 1795 Elias Hull and Enoch Mudge. 1796 John Broadhead. 1797 Joshua Taylor. 1798 Oliver Beal. 1799 John Broadhead. 1800 Daniel Webb. I80I Aaron Humphrey. 1802 Nathan Emery. 1803 Joseph Baker. 1804 -5. Daniel Ricker. 1806 Luther Chamberlain. 1807 Eben Fairbank. 1808 Caleb Fogg. 1809 Isaiah Emerson. *For a full history of this church, its erection and dedication, see Chapter XIX. of this volume. M. E. CHURCH AT WEST'S MILLS. Kny;r:i\i-(l I)y the Lux Eng [< a\'i .\'. e'i>., BosLnn. Frrjiii a photograj^h made in 1892 by Ingalls \' Knowlton, p^ariiiiii^lon, ,M< RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 141 18 10. Joshua Randall. 1 8 1 1 . Jonathan W'orthen. 1S12. Joseph Baker. 1813. Robert Hayes. 1 8 14. Joshua Randall. I Si 5. Henry True. 18 1 6. John Atwell. 181 7. David Hutchinson. 18 18. John S. Ayer. 1819. Benjamin Ayer. 1820. William McGrey. 1 82 1. John Atwell. 1822. Philip Ayer. 1823. Daniel Wentworth. 1824-5. Ezekiel Robinson. 1826. Henry True and Elliott B.Fletcher. 1827. Elisha Streeter and Martin Ward. 1828. Peter Burgess. 1829. Peter Burgess and James \Varren, ist. 1830. Elisha Streeter. 1 83 1. John Perrin. 1832. Samuel P. Blake. 1833. Aaron Fuller. 1834. Asa Heath. 1835. James Farrington. 1836. To be supplied.* 1837-8. Thomas Smith. T839. Charles L. Browning. 1840. Jesse Harriman. 1 84 1. John Allen. 1842. Abel xAlton. *■ Although having an appointment on Palmyra circuit, it is believed Rev. Theo- dore Hill v\as one of the supplies in 1836. He held a series of revival meetings at the Union School-house during the autumnal months, and the author's mother was one of his converts. She was baptized the following year and in September, 1S37, received as a member of the class in John P'rost's neighborhood. Since the foregoing was put in type the writer has learned that when the census was taken, March I, 1837, preparatory to apportioning the surplus revenue (see Chap. XV.), Rev. Mr. Hill was a resident of Industry. Therefore, if Dr. Allen is correct in stationing him on Palmyra circuit ( Melhodisin in Maine, p. jg/), it is presumable that his labors there occupied but a small portion of his time, and that he was a non-resident pastor. 18 142 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. 1843. Harry W. Latham. 1844.* Zebulon Manter, Jr.j 1845. Peter Burgess. 1846. Marcus Wight. 1847-8. Silas B. Brackett. 1849. Heman Nickerson. 1850. Joseph Gerry. 1 85 1. James Farrington. 1852-3. Isaac Lord. 1854. James Armstrong. 1855-6. Joseph Mooar 1857. James Farrington. 1858. Isaac Lord. 1859. Phineas Libby. 1 860-1. Simeon W. Pierce. 1862. William H. Foster. 1863-4. Jonathan Fairbanks. 1865-6. Thomas J. True. 1867-8. Daniel Waterhouse. 1869-70. Henry D. Crockett. 1871-2. David Church. 1873-4. Jeremiah Hayden. 1875. Jonathan Fairbanks. 1876-7. David Pratt, Jr. 1878-9. Silas F. Strout. 1 880-1. John W. Perry. 1882-3. Luther P. French. 1884. Benjamin F. Pease. t 1885-6. John Robinson. 1887-8-9. John R. Masterman. 1890-1-2. George W. Barber. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. "About the time of the first settlement in Industry," says William Allen, "Judith Luce, daughter of Daniel Luce, of New Vineyard, went to live with Samuel Sewall, in Farmington, and * Two ministers to be supplied, f A preacher but not an elder. % Resigned his pastorate in June on account of feeble health, and died in July, 1884. Pulpit in Industry supplied by Rev. Peter E. Norton, of Stark. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 143 while living in that excellent family she experienced religion and united with the Congregational Church." She subsequently married John Trask, a brother of Mrs. Sewall. In the mean- time her father had removed from New Vineyard to Industry, and soon after her marriage she and her husband went to live with him. A young man by the name of Jonathan Bunker, living near Mr. Sewall, experienced religion under the teachings of Mr. Sewall and Rev. Jotham Sewall, as did also Mr. Trask. They embraced fully the creed of their patrons and united with the Congregational Church at Farmington. About 1797 Mr. Bunker married and moved to Industry. These three persons formed the nucleus of the Congregational Church in this town. Probably the first sermon preached in town by a minister of this denomination was by Rev. Jotham Sewall, of Chesterville, about the middle of December in the year 1800.* Consid- erable snow lay on the ground at the time, and the roads were untrodden. Previous to the day appointed for the meeting a heavy rain had fallen ; the storm cleared off cold, forming a crust, and rendering riding extremely uncomfortable, if not decidedly infeasible. Consequently, on Saturday morning Father Sewall started on foot to travel the distance, some ten or twelve miles. Reaching Sandy River, he found it greatly swollen from the recent rain, insomuch that it had overflowed much of the adjoining interval land. By the aid of a friend with his canoe, and without getting much wet, he reached the opposite shore in safety. Continuing his weary way he did not * Jotham Sewall was born in York, District of Maine, Jan. i, 1760. He was a son of Henry and Abigail Sewall, the youngest of a family of five children. He was a mason by trade and worked at this business previous to entering the ministry. His personal appearance is thus described by Rev. George Shepard, D. D. : " He was tall, large and massy. Dignity, gravity and impressiveness were borne on his frame and features — one of those robust, compact, solidly-built men, whose very size and structure indicated the natively strong and great mind. ' What a wide man he is,' said a little girl as he left the room. A wide man he was, in the singular breadth of his frame, and in the reach of his christian heart, as well as in his labor for souls — broad in the field svhich under God he blessed — and bright his crown in heaven.'- He was remarkably simple in his habits of living and dress, and proverbially punctual to his appointments. He died at the advanced age of ninety years. 144 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. reach his destination until long after sundown.* Thus it will be seen that the labors of the pioneer ministers in Industry were attended by great and sometimes perplexing difficulties. On the 2 1st day of January, 1802, a little more than a year after his first visit, Rev. Jotham Sewall, accompanied by his brother-in-law, Mr. Samuel Sewall, f a licentiate, visited Industry and held a meeting for the purpose of organizing a church. A society was formed, consisting, as we learn from Rev. Jotham Sewall's Memoirs, of eight members, among whom were William Allen, Sr., John Trask and wife, and Jonathan Bunker. At first the church was under the care of Samuel Sewall, of Farmington, as missionary. Prior to the organization of a church, Rev. Jotham Sewall, as has already been stated, occa- sionally preached in town, and scarcely more than three weeks had elapsed, after its organization, ere we find him back again laboring zealously for the cause of his Master in the new settle- ment. During his labors in this town, extending over a period of nearly fifty years, he preached two hundred and ten sermons. Through the influence of his daughter, Mrs. Trask, and her husband, Mr. Luce and three of his sons, namely, Daniel, Truman, I and David, having experienced religion, were induced to join this church. * It is related that on the way, being greatly fatigued he paused to rest. Almost disheartened by the difficulties of his journey, he kneeled on the snow and asked God to grant him the salvation of one soul as a reward for his labor. His prayer was heard and graciously answered; in after years a lady frequently declared that her conversion was due to his preaching on the occasion of this visit to Industry settle- ment. t This Samuel Sewall was the one afterwards ordained and installed pastor of the Congregational Church in Edgecomb, and not as Mr. Greenleaf, in his Ecclesias- tical Sketches (see p. 214), says, in Sumner. The two Samuels were cousins, but the one settled in Sumner was not licensed until some years after the organization of the church in Industry. X This information, gleaned from Allen's History of Industry, must be erroneous, for according to the Christian Mirror Deacon Luce made a profession of religion in 1795, and was the first deacon of the Industry Church. Therefore it would seem that he was one of its original members. Although, in its early days, the church did not, as a body, advocate or practice infant baptism. Deacon Luce formed a worthy exception. Being a firm believer in the Abrahamic covenant, he gave up all his children in the ordinance of baptism. Later this custom was generally adopted by members of the Industry church. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 145 No records of the church can be found prior to the date of its re-organization, July 5, 1808, at which time Samuel Mason was elected clerk. As near as the writer can learn, there were some fifteen members at that time, including Thomas Johnson, Samuel Mason, and William Remick, together with their wives. On the loth of February, 1810, at a church conference held at his house in New Vineyard, Dr. Thomas Flint and wife related their christian experience and were received as members of the Industry church ; also, about the same time, Sylvanus Allen, probably by letter from the Congregational Church at Chilmark, Mass. Aside from the labors of the Sewalls, the first minister to preach in Industry was Rev. David P. Smith, sent here in 181 1 by the Maine Missionary Society, one-third of the time for three months. After Rev. Mr. Smith closed his labors with the church, Rev. Jotham Sewall supplied them with preaching a portion of the time up to 1820. In 18 19 he speaks of a special religious interest being manifested in town. During the follow- ing year (1820) Rev. Maurice Carey supplied the society with preaching. Rev. Fifield Holt was employed for a short time in 1 82 1, and one-fourth of the time in 1825. In 1821 Rev. Jacob Hardy also preached in Industry one-half of the time for six months, and occasionally for several years thereafter. Rev. Seneca White occupied the position of pastor for a few months in 1823. From 1827 to 1830 Rev. Joseph Underwood labored with the society one-half of the time. Soon after this. Rev. Josiah Tucker preached in town at irregular intervals for a short time. On the i6th day of September, 1832, the society extended an invitation to Alden Boynton,* a licentiate of liberal education, to assume the pastoral care of their church. The invitation was accepted, and consequently, on the 17th of October, 1832, he was ordained pastor at the Centre Meeting-House. Among the ministers who were present on the occasion and partici- pated in the exercises, were Josiah Peet, Seneca White, Jotham * Mr. Boynton was a graduate of Bowdoin College in the same class with the poet Longfellow and John S. C. Abbott. 146 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Sewall, Josiah Tucker, and Isaac Rogers. The ordination sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. White, and the address to the church was delivered by Rev. Isaac Rogers. After his ordination. Rev. Mr. Boynton, being a single man, boarded in the family of David Luce a large portion of the time during his stay in town. Among other ministers who had occasionally preached in Industry up to this date were Rev. Josiah Peet,* of Norridge- wock, or " Parson Peet," as he was frequently called ; also, Rev. Isaac Rogers, of Farmington.f From the earliest preaching up to near the close of the year 1829, there were no conveniences for public worship, save at the school-houses or at the homes of the settlers. During this year, however, houses of worship were built at West's Mills and at the centre of the town, in which the members of this church owned an interest in common with other religious denominations of the town. The additional facilities which the erection of these houses afforded the society was a matter of * Rev. Josiah Peet, who for a period of nearly forty years was pastor of the Congregational Church at Norridgewock, was a man of noble and commanding presence, tall, dignified and erect, with a countenance indicative of frankness and benevolence. He was held in high esteem by his parishioners, and though his countenance invariably wore a look of melancholy sadness, he could appreciate a good joke even at his own expense. A correspondent in the Le'wiston Journal relates the following anecdote as illustrative of this characteristic ; " We remember at the raising of a barn, Mr. Peet was present, and also a burly Scotchman named McDonald, but who was known in the vicinity as ' Never-flinch.' On meeting Mc- Donald, Mr. Peet pleasantly made the remark : ' I am told you never flinch.' ' No,' said Sandy, ' except when I hear you preach.' In the general laughter that followed, Mr. Peet contributed an audible smile. Mr. Peet was indeed a fine type of an old school Clergyman of the * Standing Order.' " t Rev. Isaac Rogers, son of William and Elizabeth (Lowe) Rogers, and grand- son of Rev. John Rogers of Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass., was born in that place July 13, 1795. He served an apprenticeship as a printer in Boston, and was em- ployed as a compositor in Newburyport; was a student at Phillips Academy, An- dover. He graduated from Dartmouth College, in 1822, and from the Andover Theological Seminary in 1825. March 9, 1826, he was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church at Farmington, Me., which position he filled for a period of thirty-two years. He married, July 7, 1826, Miss Eliza French, of Newburyport, Mass. He closed a well spent life at Farmington, Me., Feb. 15, 1872, having survived his wife nearly five years. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 147 considerable importance, and unquestionably added greatly to the general prosperity of the church. The first statistical information which the writer has been able to obtain concerning the church was for the year 1833, at which time there were thirty-three members reported. They also had a Sunday-school in full operation, likewise a tract and foreign missionary society. Among the members received up to this time were Esq. Daniel Shaw and wife, by letter, from the Tamworth, N. H., church ; Esq. Cornelius Norton,* by let- ter, from the Congregational Church at Farmington ; Supply B. Norton, Fisher Viles, Jacob Hayes, David M. Luce, Stephen H. Hayes, Pelatiah Shorey and wife, Asaph Boyden and others. The church sustained a serious loss in 1833 by the with- drawal of William Remick and wife, in consequence of their removal from town. Both were highly esteemed members of the church and Mr. Remick had served as a clerk of the society for a number of years. With very few exceptions, the early members of the Con- gregational church were people of the strictest integrity. This soon gained for the society a reputation for respectability which it has sedulously maintained down to the present time. Rev. Mr. Boynton, was much liked, and remained with the society until Jan. i, 1839, when he was dismissed at his own request, on account of poor health. He had not been able on this account to preach regularly for some time previous to his dismissal. He states that while here his labors were greatly encouraged by the deep interest manifested. He died at Wis- casset, Me., Dec. 25, 1858, aged fifty-three years. During the last years of Mr. Boynton's stay, Rev. Josiah Tucker, Jotham Sewall and others, kindly supplied his pulpit a portion of the time. An invitation was extended in August, 1838, to John Per- ham to become the pastor of the church at Industry. The * It was evidently this name which Dr. Stephen Allen confounds with that of Dea. CorneUus Norton (see foot note, p. 114). Esq. Cornelius Norton was the Deacon's son. 148 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. "call" was accepted, and on the 2d of January, 1839, he was ordained at the Industry North Meeting-House, at West's Mills. Among the ministers present and assisting in the ordination were : Rev. Joseph Underwood, Daniel Sewall, Isaac Rogers, Samuel Talbot, Jotham Sewall,* Josiah Tucker, Parson Peet, etc. Elder Perham's labors proved very acceptable to the church and he was held in high esteem by all who knew him. In consequence of the organization of Franklin County, in 1838, it became necessary to organize a new county conference. The meeting for this purpose was held at Strong, Jan. 14 and 15, 1839, and Rev. John Perham, Esq. Cornelius Norton, Levi Cutler and Newman T. Allen, were sent as delegates from the church at Industry. Supply Belcher Norton was elected a deacon of the church March 23, 1839, and continued to serve in that capacity until he removed from town in the spring of 1844. At a conference meeting held at the Centre Meeting-House in September, 1839, the society voted to hire Elder Perham two-thirds of the time for the ensuing year, and fixed his sal- ary at $233.33. While stationed here, he labored a portion of the time at Flagstaff, where he formed a branch society of the Industry church. An unusual religious interest was manifested in town in 1 841, and between twenty and thirty conversions were reported. Elder Perham further states that " of the twenty-five members of the choir only one is without a hope in Christ."t Another branch of the Industry church was formed at Lexington in May, 1842, with eleven members, to which five others were soon after added by letter. The branch church at Flagstaff also added largely to its membership during this year. Probably the first county conference ever held in town as- * On the evening before the ordination, a meeting was held in honor of Rev. Jotham Sewall, at which he was invited to preach, it being the 79th anniversary of his birth. t This was the choir at the Centre of the town, and the person referred to is said to have been Benjamin Allen. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 149 sembled at the Industry North Meeting-House, at West's Mills, May 14 and 15, 1842. Jacob Hayes, Daniel Luce and Wil- liam H. Luce were elected delegates to this conference. So rapidly did the church increase in numbers that in 1843 the membership was 143, more than four times as large as the membership of 1833. Among the members added during this decade were: William Henry Luce and wife, in 1838, and about the same time Esq. Peter West and wife, who had pre- viously left the Methodist Church. Hiram and Elijah Manter joined the church in 1840; also George W. and Luther Luce and Truman A. Merrill the following year. Rev. John Perham closed his labors with the church as pastor on Sunda}-, Nov. 27, 1842,* though he was not officially dismissed until May 25, 1848. After leaving Industry he went to Madison, returning occasionally to this town to preach and baptize converts. He died in Beloit, Wisconsin, after a long and successful ministry, Dec. 4, 1874, aged 66 years. Rev. Henry Smith succeeded John Perham as pastor of the church, preaching in Industry one-half of the time from the month of October, 1843, up to May, 1845. The branch churches at Flagstaff and Lexington, having asked for a dismission, that they might unite and organize a separate church, accordingly on the i6th of September, 1843, the Industr}' church voted to grant their request. By this con- cession the church lost heavily from its total membership, as both branches were in a flourishing condition at the time of their separation. Hiram Manter was unanimously elected deacon of the church in 1844, to fill the vacancy caused by the removal of Supply B. Norton from town. From July, 1847, to July, 1848, Rev. Dana Cloyes was em- ployed as pastor. While stationed here this gentleman effected an important change in the social life of his parishioners, by introducing religious reading into their homes. The eagerness * Prior to Elder Perham's leaving town, an effort was made to purchase a house for a parsonage. Although the church received what seemed to be a very advan- tageous offer, the trade was never consummated. ISO HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. with which this innovation was received is almost without precedent in the history of any church or town, and its good results can hardly be estimated. Among the books, magazines and papers disposed of were : forty sets of the Christian's Library ; eighty-two volumes of different Bible commentaries, chiefly Scott's ; one hundred volumes of the Missionary Herald, four hundred volumes were added to the Sunday-school library, making a grand total of 2382 volumes. In addition to these, seven subscribers to the Christian Mirror were also obtained. Rev. Josiah Tucker supplied the church with preaching one- half of the time from October, 1849, to October, 1851, preach- ing alternately at West's Mills and the Centre Meeting-House. Elder Tucker possessed a mild disposition and a kind heart, and it is believed that his labors proved generally acceptable to the church. There was a union protracted meeting in 1849, during which, thirty persons were converted. By the withdrawal of the branch churches at Flagstaff and Lexington, to form a separate society, and by deaths and re- movals, the membership of the society became so much reduced that at the beginning of the year 1853 there were but seventy- one members, twenty of whom were non-resident. John Dinsmore, a licentiate, supplied the pulpit for a few months in 1852, and R. H. Fuller, another licentiate, for a sea- son in 1853. Rev. Eliphalet S. Hopkins was employed by the society one-half of the time in 1853. In June, 1855, the county conference was again held at West's Mills, and George W. Luce, Hiram Manter, Fisher Viles and Charles Hayes were chosen as delegates. Early in June, 1855, Rev. Jonas Burnham, principal of the Farmington Academy, received and accepted an invitation to act as pastor of the church, and supplied preaching in town once in four weeks, occasionally oftener, until 1863. As a result of his sojourn in town. Elder Burnham pays the follow- ing tribute to the people of Industry: "The people received RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 151 me with great cordiality and the citizens of all denominations favored me with an attentive and interested audience. It gives me pleasure to recollect and name their generous hospitality. * * * * While life lasts I shall cherish a grateful remem- brance of the man\' excellent families there. May rich bless- ings from above descend upon them." While acting as pastor at Industry he solemnized sixteen marriages and attended eighteen funerals. There were fifty-two members in 1863, of whom fifteen were non-resident. From 1855 to 1864 the church lost heavily by removals from town and the consequent dismissal of mem- bers to unite with churches in other localities. The quarterly conferences were held at infrequent and irregular intervals, and the records were indifferently kept, hence from about the last mentioned date (1864) down to the present time, the writer has been able to gain but very little definite knowledge in rela- tion to the church and its affairs. As supplementary to the labors of their pastor, Rev. John Furbush was employed one- fourth of the time in 1856-7 and 1859-60. Rev. Alexander R. Plumer, a minister of wide and varied attainments, accepted an invitation to become pastor of the church in April, 1863, and preached here one-third of the time until 1869. He resided in town nearly the whole of this time, though much of his labor was in the neighboring towns.* Rev. John Lawrence, of Wilton, supplied the pulpit at West's Mills a part of the time in 1867-8. Rev. Stephen Titcomb, of Farmington, a minister of liberal education, preached at the Centre Meeting-House once in four weeks during the years 1869-71. There were but forty members of the Congregational Church in 1873, fourteen of whom were non-resident. The resident members were now so scattered that it was hardly possible to maintain preaching with any degree of regularity. *The last session of the county conference holden in Industry, convened at the "Industry North Meeting-House" at West's Mills, in June, 1866, and continued for two days. Favorable weather brought out a full delegation, and the attendance of the laity was also large. The session was pronounced one of the most successful ever held in the county in many respects. I 52 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Lauriston Reynolds, a licentiate from the Bangor Theologi- cal Seminary, subsequently pastor of Congregational Church at Auburn, Me., preached in town occasionally during the sum- mer of 1874 and 1875. Also Henry Jones, a licentiate from the same institution, for a short time in 1875 and 1876. George W Reynolds, another licentiate, was sent to Indus- try by the Maine Missionary Society one-half of the time for three months in the summer of 1878. The same society sent a young licentiate, Jabez Backus, to the church for a short time in 1879 and 1 880. In 1880 T. A. Balcom, licentiate, was sent to the church one-half of the time for two months, and one-half of the time for three months in 1881. From that date until 1 89 1 there was preaching only occasionally by pastors of this denomination from neighboring churches. There were thirty- two members in the church in 1883, ten of whom were non- resident. About the time Shorey Chapel was completed,* its builder, Mrs. Elizabeth Price, of Auburndale, Mass., engaged Rev. Truman A. Merrill as pastor. He came to Industry prior to the dedication of the chapel, and on its completion was duly installed as pastor, a position which he is still filling with a good degree of acceptance. The Industry Congregational Church has received pecuniary aid from the Maine Missionary Society for fifty different years since its organization, yet had it not been for the timely interposition of Mrs. Price, the society would probably have sank into a state of lethargy past re- suscitation. The following worthy members have died since 1871, viz.: Daniel Luce, David Luce and wife, Fisher Viles and wife, Wil- liam Henry Luce and wife, George W. Luce and wife, Peter W. Butler, Pelatiah Shorey, Luther Luce, Hiram Manter, Asaph Boyden and wife, Eliza Hilton and' others. William M. Bryant is the present church clerk, and both he and his wife are among the oldest as well as the most highly esteemed members of the society in Industry. ■ See Chapter XIX, RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 153 PROTESTANT METHODISTS. Early in the year 1843, Rev. John McLeish, an able and eloquent minister of this denomination, visited that part of Industry formerly known as the Gore. He held a series of meetings at the school-house near Capt. Clifford B. Norton's, and quite a number were converted. Among these were Joseph, Jr., Obed N. and Thomas C. Collins, who, with Barnabas A. Collins, William Cornforth, Daniel Collins, Jr., and a few con- verts from the adjoining towns of Farmington and New Vineyard, united themselves and formed a society. Soon after this their pastor left them and went to labor in other fields, and the organization became extinct, most of its members uniting with other denominations. FREE WILL BAPTISTS. Little if any missionary work was done in Industry by ministers of this order prior to 1830. About that time several families of this faith moved into town, and in the fall of I 831 a church was organized consisting of some eight or ten members,* This society was organized through the instrumentality of Rev. Stephen Williamson, of Stark, assisted by Rev. Timothy Johnson, of Farmington. The society consisted of Benjamin R. Rackliff and wife, Henry B. Racklififf and wife, William Harvey and wife, and Nathaniel Ring. Capt. Ezekiel Hinkley and wife were probably among the original members of this church, although there is no evidence by which the fact can be established. Brice S. Edwards, who came to Industry about the time this society was organized, and who was its deacon during his residence in town, may also have been among the original members. The first year of this society's existence was a prosperous one, and at its close the membership had * The writer regrets to say that a most careful inquiry, and even advertising, has failed to bring to light the early records of this church, hence the sketch of this society must necessarily be fragmentary and incomplete. t Mr. Rackliff is also claimed to have been the first subscriber to The Morning Star from Industry. This paper was then, as it now is, the official organ of the F. W. B. denomination in New England 154 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. increased to twenty-six. Rev. John Lennon, son of James Lennon, of Georgetown, Me., became the pastor of this society as early as 1832. He subsequently moved into town and settled on Bannock Hill, dividing his time between farming and his ministerial duties. He returned to Georgetown in 1840, where he continued to reside up to the time of his death. Rev. Stephen Williamson manifested much interest in the church and preached in town as opportunity offered for many years. Among others who labored with the society were Rev. and Mrs. Roger Ela, of New Sharon, for a period beginning soon after its organization down to the year 1861 or thereabout. Also Rev. Mark Merrill, Rev. Mr. Badger, and Rev. Samuel S. Paine. The labors of the latter, who preached in town in 1858, were blessed with a deep revival interest, and on one occasion five converts were baptized. Rev. Samuel Savage succeeded Elder Paine in 1859. His-labors were likewise blessed with a revival interest. Rev. John Spinney preached in town regularly for two years about 1854, and occasionally thereafter down to the present time. Other ministers have undoubtedly labored in town for a longer or shorter time, but there is no record of them. When the church was re-organized in 1867, there was but one resident male member of the original society living. The church was re-organized with twenty-eight members, Feb- ruary 1 8, 1867, and George Frank Woodcock elected deacon. The organization was effected by Rev. Ira Emery, Jr., assisted by Rev. John Spinney. The society now (1892) numbers eighteen members. Rev. Herbert Tilden, of Farmington, and others, have preached for the society. John W Hatch, also of Farmington, has for some years manifested a deep interest in the church, and frequently preaches at Allen's Mills and in contiguous localities. The Advents were never very numerous in town, but minis- ters of that denomination, such as I. C. Welcome, of Yarmouth, A. H. Walker, of Belgrade, and Daniel R. Hargraves, of New Sharon, have preached in town. f '^<^f^. r ■r^ *>. ^^/^/^. %e4Ai'£ Engraved by Geo. E. "[oiinson, Boston. From a photog-riiph made in 1SS7 by F. Clarence PhUpot, Springvale, Mc RELIGIOUS INDUSTRY. 155 Industry has sent out a corps of ministers of which any town might justly be proud. The subjoined is a partial list of those who are either natives of the town or residents at the time of taking clerical orders : Allen, Harrison, Congregational. Allen, John, Methodist. Allen, Stephen, Methodist. Ambrose, Samuel G., Methodist. Brown, Moses, Protestant Methodist. Edwards, Brice M., Free Will Baptist. Emery, Ira, Jr., Baptist. Eveleth, Jared F., Baptist. Hayes, Stephen H., Congregational. Howes, John M., Methodist. Johnson, Ebenezer S., Free Will Baptist. Johnson, Zebadiah, Free AA'ill Baptist. Luce, Charles, Methodist. Luce, Christopher Sanborn, Baptist. Luce, Daniel, 3d, Free Will Baptist. Luce, George Alphonso, Methodist. Manter, Zebulon, Jr., Methodist. Merrill, Truman A., Congregational. Merrill, William A., Congregational. Robbins, Elisha, Baptist. Shorey, Harrison A., Congregational. Trask, Ebenezer G., Baptist. Woodcock, Charies E., Free Will Baptist. Young, Levi, Jr., Baptist. CHAPTER VIII. THE MILITIA AND 1812 WAR. Military Company Organized. — Election of Officers. — Equipments Required by Law. — First Training. — Muster at Farmington. — Money Raised to Buy Military Stores. — Muster Roll of Capt. Daniel Beede's Company. — Cavalry Company Organized. — Powder-FIouse Built. — The Industry Rifle Grays. At the close of the year 1798 there were about forty fami- lies residing on a tract of territory, some twenty miles in length, now (1892) comprising a part of the town of Industry, the whole of Mercer, and a part of Smithfield. Ardent patriots in adjoining towns, and ambitious military officers anxious to extend their jurisdiction, represented to the proper authorities that there was a sufficient number of men on this territory to form a company of militia. Consequently, early in the winter of 1798—9 orders were issued to the inhabitants liable to do military duty to meet for the election of officers. At this meeting John Thompson was chosen captain ; Ambrose Arnold, lieutenant, and Jabez Norton, Jr., ensign. The formation of a military company required in most cases a pecuniary outlay for equipments very burdensome to those liable to military duty, even if they were able to purchase them at all. The equip- ments required by law were "a good musket or firelock, a sufficient bayonet and belt, two spare flints, and a knapsack, a pouch with a box therein to contain not less than twenty cartridges suited to the bore of his musket or firelock, each cartridge to contain a proper quantity of powder and ball : or with a good rifle, knapsack, shot-pouch and powder-horn, twenty balls suited to the bore and a quarter of a pound of powder." The commissioned officers were required to be THE MILJTIA AND 1812 WAR. 157 equipped with "a sword or hanger and espontoon," and the balls were required to weigh the eighteenth part of a pound. It is hardly necessary to sn)- that the first company organized in Industry fell far short of the requirements of the law. Captain Thompson appointed William Allen, Jr., clerk of the company, and it w as his duty to warn the members to meet for trainings, etc. The dut)' of notifying the first training was a task arduous in the extreme (sec p. 82). "At the first training,"* saj-s Esq. William Allen, " Cap- tain Thompson kneeled down on the snow before his company and made a fervent prayer commending his men to the protec- tion of Almighty God and entreated for wisdom and discretion in the performance of his duties." "At the first general muster at Farmington," continues Mr. Allen, " one of the Farmington companies took offense at the posting of the companies in the line, thought the compan)- degraded by being assigned a lower position than they were entitled to, on a concerted signal, mutinied and left the field. " Capt. Thompson, being extremely ardent and patriotic in all his movements, immediatel}- tendered his services to the field officers to go with his Falstaff company and bring back the deserters with force and arms ; but more prudent councils prevailed, and the general and field officers after a long parley prevailed on the deserters to come back and take their place." At the annual meeting, April i, 1805, the town voted to raise $110 to buy military stores and to defray town charges. What part of this sum was devoted to purchasing militar)- stores the records do not show, but it is presumable that the larger part was expended for the munitions of war.j The formal declaration of war between the United States and England, June 18, 1812, marked an era of renewed activity in military affairs. The previous aggressive attitude of the English government caused every town to keep on hand an * Tuesday, May 5, 1799. t Allen says ( IHslory of Industry, p. iS): "The price of powder was a dollar a pound, at Hallowell, and the cost of furnishing powder for the town stock and to be used at musters exceeded all our other money taxes for several years." IS8 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. ample supply of ammunition. A reminder of those troublous times is found among the records of the town where, at a meet- ing held April 6, 1812, it was "voted to pay Peter Norton one dollar and seventeen cents for running bullets." Captain Daniel Beede's company of militia was called out in 1 8 14, and was stationed at Waterville for fourteen days.* A Lis/ of Officers and Men in Capt. Daniel Beede's Company, which served in the detachment at Waterville, Me., in 1814. The List also shows the number of days each person served, a?id compensa- tion received: LIEUTENANT. James Thompson. ENSIGN. Josiah Blackstone. SERGEANTS. I I Daniel Luce. 14 Moses True. 14 John Russell. 14 Peter W. Willis. CORPORALS. 14 James Eveleth. 14 Robert Thompson. 14 Truman Allen. 14 Joseph Ames. MUSICIANS. II William Johnson. I I Job Swift. 12 Days in Service. Compensation. II $15.80 12.13 6-53 6-53 6-53 6.53 6.06 6.06 6.06 4.76 4.22 4.60 * Tradition says Daniel Witham, of Industry, was drafted and served in this war, but there are no records to verify the assertion. Capt. Elijah Butler, Jr., of Farmington, commanded a detached company which was ordered to Bath in the fall of 1814. His first sergeant was Joseph Viles, from that part of New Vineyard subsequently set off to Intlustry, as were also Leonard Boardman, Joseph Collins, Joseph Butler, Zebulon Manter, and Isaac Norton; while Plimmington Daggett and Ebenezer Collins were then of Industry. Peter Norton, of the same place, and William Butler, of New Vineyard, were soldiers in other Farmington companies. THE MILITIA AND 1812 -ffW/e. 159 PRIVATES. Allen, Harrison. 14 4.90 Atkinson, James. 14 4.90 Atkinson, Thomas. 14 4.90 Benson, Matthew. 14 4.90 Bradbury, John S. 1 1 3-85 Brooks, Benjamin. 14 4.90 Church, Silas. 14 5-13 Clark, Humphrey. 14 5-13 Colhns, James. 14 S-I3 CoUins, Lemuel, Jr. 14 5-13 Crawford, Benjamin T. 14 5-13 Crompton, George. 1 1 4-03 Davis, Cornelius. 14 5-13 Davis, James. 1 1 4.76 Ellis, Wilham. 14 5-13 Eveleth, Joseph. 1 1 4-03 Goodridge, Jonathan. II 4-03 Hayes, Jacob. 14 5-13 Hildreth, David, Jr. 14 5-13 Howes, Alvin. 14 S-13 Howes, Lemuel, Jr. II 3-85 Johnson, D[arius?]. II 4-03 Johnson, Henry. 1 1 4-03 Luce, Arvin. 14 5-13 Luce, Benjamin. 1 1 3-85 Luce, David. 14 5-13 Luce, Rowland. 14 5-13 Morse, Caleb. II 4-03 Norton, Peter. 14 S-I3 Norton, Obed. 14 S-I3 Norton, Samuel. 14 5-13 Pike, Joshua. 14 5-13 Remick, Francis. 14 5-13 Remick, True. 14 S-I3 Rogers, Thomas. 14 S-I3 Shaw, Daniel. 14 5-13 Smith, Henry. 14 5-13 Stanley, James. II 4-03 Swift, Benjamin. 14 S-I3 White, James. 9 3-30 Williamson, Ebenezer. 14 5-13 l6o HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. In addition to their regular pay, twenty-three cents extra was allowed each soldier who furnished his own arms and equipments. The town also voted, at a special meeting holden Nov. 7, 1 8 14, to draw thirty dollars from the treasury to pay the expenses of the militia while at Waterville. At the same meeting it was also voted to raise seventy dollars for the pur- chase of firearms. After the close of the 1 8 1 2 war the military trainings and musters were events of great importance for many years. This was especially true with the juvenile portion of the community who, as well as their elders, seemed determined to get all the fun they possibly could out of these holidays. The annual muster, surpassing in their estimation, the Fourth of July in importance. One of the objectionable features of these gather- ings was the prevalence of rum drinking.' Even after temper- ance reform had gained a strong foothold among the people, this custom was still kept up, and never practically ceased until the militia was disbanded. Another custom universally observed was for the captain to furnish his company a dinner on training day. This, with the cost of treating, caused militia offices to become positions of honor rather than profit. On muster days it usually cost the town for rations from twenty to twenty-five dollars, besides a considerable sum for powder and other military stores. Agreeably to an act of the Legislature, authorizing its forma- tion, a regiment of cavalry was organized in 1823, or perhaps a little earlier, as a portion of the State militia. One company of this regiment was composed of men from Farmington and Industry. The uniforms of this company were of blue broad- cloth ornamented with brass buttons and gilt lace ; their sword belts being of very showy red morocco, fastened with heavy brass buckles, the officers having straps of the same material passing over each shoulder, crossing in front and be- hind. The caps worn were of the style common to the militia *Col. James Davis, who moved to Industry in 1S63, related that on muster day he had sometimes paid out as much as ^25 for liquor without taking a single glass himself. THE MILITIA AND 1812 WAR. 161 of those days. The musicians were dressed in suits of red bombazette, cut in the same style as those of the officers and trimmed with buttons and lace, white vests and cravats, citizens' hats with white plumes. The horses of both officers and privates were gaily caparisoned, and on muster days the company made a very fine appearance. Among the mem- bers from Industry, George Gower and Daniel Shaw, Jr., rose to the position of captain, Benjamin Luce to colonel of the regiment, and George Crompton to major on the regimental staff. An amusing anecdote is told of Daniel Shaw, Jr., when captain of the company. At that time the VVashingtonian temperance movement was being everywhere agitated and Cap- tain Shaw was a firm believer in its abstemious doctrines. Just previous to the annual State muster the company met at the residence of its commander for drill. At such times a dinner and a generous supply of ardent spirits were usually furnished by the commanding officer. On this occasion, however, the ladies brought out bottles of pepper-sauce which they face- tiously ofi'ered the men as a substitute for the customary bumpers of liquor. The men regarded this as a capital joke, and each tasted the pungent condiment before going in to dinner. It was probably on this occasion that the company was presented with a beautiful banner, a gift from the ladies of the town. The presentation was made in behalf of the donors by Miss Adeline Shaw, a sister of the captain. On muster day it was the practice for the members of each company to assemble at the house of their captain and awaken him at an early hour, by the simultaneous discharge of pistols or other fire-arms. Once when Capt. Silas Perham, of Farm- ington commanded the company, George Cornforth, a mem- ber from Industry, in discharging his pistol, which was heavily loaded, was struck in the face by the weapon with such force as to inflict a wound, the scar of which he carried for many years. This circumstance is related to give the reader an idea of the customs in days agone, and to show that even military musters l62 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. were not devoid of adventure and incident. The subjoined is a partial list of the members from the organization of the company down to the time of its disbanding, who resided in Industry. In the last years of its existence the members from this town were excellent horsemen and daring, sturdy fellows. Their hardihood and bravery won for them the name of " Industry Bears." MEMBERS. Allen, Benjamin M. Allen, Freeman. Beede, Daniel. Boardman, Andrew. Board man, George H. Butler, David M. Butler, Josiah. Butler, Thomas. Cornforth, George. Crompton, George. Crompton, Isaac. Emery, Josiah. Eveleth, Benjamin G. Eveleth, James. Eveleth, Joseph. Fassett, Elbridge C. Gower, George. Hobbs, George. Luce, Benjamin. Manter, Asa M. Manter, Benjamin, 2d. Manter, Elijah, Jr. Manter, Hiram. Manter, James. Manter, John C. Manter, John Wells. Manter, William. Manter, Zebulon. Manter, Zebulon, Jr. Norton, James. Norton, John Wesley. Norton, Thomas F. Norton, Wilham D. Rogers, Francis S. Shaw, Albert. Shaw, Daniel, Jr. Storer, Phihp A. Thing, Jesse. Trask, Ebenezer G. West, John. West, Shubael C. Wilhs, John. Winslow, George. Winslow, James. Withee, Samuel. Withee, Zachariah. The person who had in custody the town's stock of powder was often obliged to store it in or near his dwelling, for want of some more suitable place. This was an extremely hazard- ous thing to do and but few could be found willing to assume such a risk. Consequently the town voted on the 26th day of December, 1825, to build a powder house of brick 5x5 feet, in which to store its arms -and ammunition. The selectmen were THE MILITIA AND i8i2 WAR. 163 chosen as a committee to superintend its construction, and to William Harvey was given the contract of building the house. ' The site selected was on a large granite boulder in Capt. Ezek- iel Hinkley's field, a short distance in a westerly direction from the late residence of Andrew Tibbetts. Mr. Harvey built the house the next summer, and for nearly a score of years it admirably filled the purpose for which it was built. After the disbanding of the militia it stood for many years a monument to the armigerous history of the town. Concerning the history of the regular infantry militia, the writer has been unable to gather but few facts of importance. At the annual muster, Sept. 26, 1839, fifty-eight men were on review at Farmington, and Capt. Eben G. Trask commanded the company. I The following gentlemen have served as offi- cers in the militia : Name. Allen, Newman T., Blackstone, Josiah, Boardman, Leonard, Collins, Elias B., Cutts, James, Goodridge, Nathan, Gower, George. Hildreth, David, Johnson, Abraham, Look, Valentine, Luce, Benjamin, Luce, Sanders, Rank. Captain. Major. Brig. Gen. Captain. Colonel. Captain. Name. Manter, Elijah, Sr., Norton, Clifford B., Norton, Jabez, Jr., Remick, True, Shaw, Daniel, Jr., Thompson, John, Tolman, Moses, Sr., Trask, Eben G., Willis, Peter W., Wilson, Isaac, Winslow, Carpenter, Rank. Captain. THE INDUSTRY RIFLE GRAYS. The law requiring enrollment in the militia the names of all able-bodied male citizens, between the age of eighteen and forty-five years, brought together on training and muster days a heterogeneous crowd ranging from the beardless youth to the * Mr. Harvey's bid on the job was the surprising low figure of JSig.yS- tThe Industry company was designated as Co. D, ist Reg't, 2d Brigade, 8th Division of the State Militia. 1 64 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. gray-haired veteran. Each person thus enrolled, though re- quired to furnish his own equipments, was not restricted in selecting, but every one was permitted to follow his own taste in the matter. Consequently, as one would naturally infer, these equipments varied greatly in pattern and were often of the most primitive kind. Their muskets were of every con- ceivable pattern from the old-fashioned "Queen's Arm'' down to the more modern weapon with its percussion lock. A com- pany differing so widely in the age of its' members, and present- ing such striking dissimilarities in style of dress and equipment, could hardly be expected to make an imposing appearance on muster days, or attain distinction for the precision of its drill. For years these conditions were a source of much dissatisfac- tion, especially among the younger members, and in some way it had gained the pseudonym of "String-bean Company" by its unpopularity.* At length a large number of the dissatisfied members withdrew, and with a small addition to their number from Farmington, formed an independent company known as The Industry Rifle Grays. The company was mustered in by General Enoch C. Belcher, but the date of its organization can not be learned, as the records have either been lost or de- stroyed. The uniforms were of gray satinet trimmed with red, and the rifles of the most approved pattern and carried a bullet weighing thirty-two to the pound. The total expense of equip- ping the company was about thirty dollars per man, and each member bore his proportional part. At the first meeting for election of officers Newman T. Allen was chosen captain, and John 'West and William Webster lieutenants. Capt. Allen was a thorough-going tactician, and under his instruction the men made rapid progress in their drill, and the company soon took rank among the best disciplined in the county if not in the ♦ Among the older inhabitants of the town is a tradition concerning the manner in which this title was earned : After each election of officers it was the custom for the newly elected captain to furnish a dinner for his command. On one occasion the principal dish on the table was string beans, cooked according to the usual manner of those days. Wherever the company went after this, it was known among the ple- beians as the " String-bean Company." THE MILITIA AND 1812 WAR. 165 State.* The company had probably been organized some four years when the militia disbanded. This is not definitely known, however, though one of the membersf is confident that the company mustered four times during its existence as an organ- ization. The following is a partial list of its officers and members : CAPTAIN. Newman T. Allen. John U'est. Fifield Luce. Truman Luce. Wesley Meader. William Dyer. Francis Meader. Thomas W. Luce. LIEUTENANTS. SERGEANT. Isaac Webster. PIONEERS. MUSICIANS. William Webster. Henry Smith. Warren Smith. William Q. Folsom. Ezekiel Rackliff. Hugh Stewart. Allen, Hiram. Allen, Samuel R. Atkinson, Charles. Collins, Joseph, Jr. CoUins, Obed N. Craig, Hiram. Craig, John. Emery, Ira, Jr. Hatch, David. Hayes, Charles. Higgins, Karnabas Higgins, John C. Holley, Henry. Look, John J. A. Luce, Charles. Luce, True R. Manter, George. Meader, Charles. Meader, Shubael L. Merrill, James. Norton, Clifford B. Ramsdell, Abner. Stevens, Oliver. Titcomb, Henry. Titcomb, John. Wendell, Thomas, 3d. West, George. * At a general muster held in Farmington, Col. William Nye paid this company the high compliment of being the best drilled company in his command, t Obed N. Collins. CHAPTER IX. MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. Water Powers of Industry. — First f Jrist-Mill Erected. — Capt. Peter West Erects Mills. — Cornforth's Grist-Mill. — Elisha Lumbert's Grist and Saw-Mills.— Cutler's Mills. — Davis's Mills. — Gower's Mills. — Capt. John Thompson Erects Mills near Stark Line. — West & Manter's Saw-Mill. — Clover-Mill. — First Shingle-Machine. — Daggett & Brown's Shingle-Mill. — William Cornforth's Fulling-Mill. — James Gower's P'ulUng-Mill. — Allen & Co.'s Starch-Factory. — Deacon Emery's Bark-Mill. — r)ther Tanneries. — Shovel Handles. — Rake Manufacturing. — Smith & Coughlin's Spool-Factory. — Oliver Bros.' Steam Box-Factory. — Rackliff's Chair-Factory. — Mechanics, Etc. The most valuable water power in Industry is that furnished by Clear Water Pond, in the western part of the town. At Allen's Mills, situated at the outlet of this pond, there is a fall of thirty-three feet in fifty-five rods.* A wheel discharging eight hundred inches of water, under a twelve-foot head, has been operated twelve hours per day, continuously, for many years. This by no means represents the full capacity of this excellent water power, which has absolute immunity from danger by freshets and is considered one of the most valuable in this section of the State. The water power at West's Mills is derived from two streams of considerable size, which unite just before reaching the village. In years past these streams have usually furnished sufficient power for operating the grist- mill the whole year, and the saw-mill during the spring and fall. As the town became more thickly settled, large tracts of forest were cut away, admitting the sun's rays and causing much of the surface-water to pass off by evaporation. In * Walter Wells's " Water Power of Maine.' MILLS AND MANUFACTUKIXC. 167 consequence of this, the grist-miU is useless in times of pro- tracted drouth. One of the greatest inconveniences to the earl)' settlers in Industry was their remoteness from grist and saw-mills. To these hardy pioneers, inured as the\' were to toil and hardsliips, the business of going to mill was " no boy's play." The)' must go either to Starling's (now Walton's) Mill in Farmington, or nearly double that distance to Wilton, much of the way follow- ing a spotted line through the dense forest and over the roughest of rough roads, with their grists on their shoulders in summer and on handsleds in winter. When the snow became very deep, it was necessary to travel on snowshoes. At such times "blazed trees" was the settler's onU' guide.* The first grist-mill built within the present limits of Industry was on the north branch of the stream which flows through the village of West's Mills. This mill stood on land now (1892) owned by Eli N. Oliver, and was erected by Henry Norton in the summer of 1794, the land on which it was located having been purchased the previous year. Mr. Norton carried the provision for his workmen and a portion of the mill irons on his back from Abner Norton's, on the Gore, a distance of nearly six miles, following a spotted line over the mountain. | This mill, owing to its faulty construction, proved entirely useless and was a dead loss to its owner. There are still living, persons who recollect having seen portions of the old dam, and doubt- less some traces of the mill can still be found. Capt. Peter West began a clearing on the mill lot, near the village which now bears his name, in 1796, settled there two years later, and soon after built a grist and saw-mill on a stream near his log-cabin. t These mills must have proved a great conven- * A tree with a spot of bark hewed off so as to sh(jw the underlying wood was known among the early settlers as " blazed tree." These blazes likewise indicated the origin and character of the road. Three blazes in a perpendicular line on the same tree indicating a legislative road, the single blaze a settlement or neighborhood road. t Allen's History of Industry, p. 21. t Esq. Allen says (History of Industry, p. 21 ) that " Capt. West's mills were built in 1798." He further states on page 15 that Captain West built a house on his lot in 1798 and moved into it the same season. While the latter date is probably 1 68 HISTORY OF rNDUSTRY. ience to the early settlers, and it is but reasonable to presume that they were well patronized and the builder abundantly rewarded for his enterprise. On the approach of old age, Capt. West retired from active business, and the mills became the property of his son, Esquire Peter West. Respecting these mills, Capt. John Mason, of Fairfax County, Virginia, writes : "When I arrived in Industry, April 20, 18 19, Esquire West was the first man to employ me. At that time the saw-mill could be used, but it was a rickety affair. The grist-mill was in good order, the big wheel outside the mill.* Cornforth's fulling- mill was in the basement, his carding-machine in an upper room, while the grist-mill was on a floor between the two. Just before I came to the place the grist-mill had been sold to Rufus Viles, Esq. West taking a mortgage, as security, on the property. It was rumored, however, that Esq. West would have to take the mill back. The next year (1820) the saw- mill was sold to Esq. Daniel Shaw, and re-built by him in right good order. He raised the frame of his mill in August, 1820. Being a wealthy and liberal man, the people flocked from far and near, so sure were they that a generous supply of liquor would be furnished for the occasion. As was anticipated, liquor flowed freely, and nearly fourteen gallons were required to treat this large assemblage. f The mill was perfect in all its correct, circumstances lead the author to question the correctness of the former. To erect a log-cabin on the very borders of civilization and remove his family and house- hold goods thither from Hallowell, a distance of forty miles, over roads rough in the extreme, must have furnished quite enough labor to occupy the attention of Capt. West for one season. In the absence of records or documentary evidence it becomes extremely difficult, if not an impossibility, to bridge over nearly a century and establish a date beyond question. Therefore, Esq. Allen's statement must necessarily be ac- cepted as an approximatiou to accuracy. * The author is of the opinion that the grist-mill was rebuilt by Esq. West at the time William Cornforth established his fulling-mill at West's Mills, but has been unable to verify his impressions. tThis was no guess work on the part of Captain Mason. At that time he kept a small grocery store and like every one engaged in the business of those days sold ardent spirits; it was of him that Esq. Shaw bought the liquor for his raising. The reader may notice a discrepancy between the date of erecting Esq. Shaw's mill and the date of Capt. Mason's engaging in trade. The matter is easily explained. Capt. Mason kept his goods in Deacon Emery's house for time prior to the erection and completion of his store, and it was during this time that Esq. Shaw's mill was raised. MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. 169 appointments, and the water-wheel one of the finest I had ever seen." Esquire Peter West sold and conveyed the grist-mill to William Cornforth, Feb. 27, 1835. Immediately after gaining possession of this property, Mr. Cornforth tore down the old mill and began framing a new structure that would better accommodate not only the patrons of the grist-mill, but like- wise his growing business in wool-carding and cloth-dressing. The frame was raised about the time or soon after the ground settled in the spring of 1835. It was an established custom in those days for some one to "name the frame" after the last piece had been raised and fastened in its proper place. On this occasion the men worked with a will, all being anxious to hear the frame named. The ridge-pole being in place, Josiah Emery, standing on an elevated part of the frame, made a short speech, and closed by saying: "Now from West's ilills We'll transfer the honor, And henceforth say, from Withee's Corner Three miles to Cornforth's IMills'' * The frame was covered with as little delay as possible, and Charles Russell, a skillful millwright from Norridgewock, was employed to construct the gear and put the mill in running order. I So expeditiously was the work forwarded, that the mill was ready for business in October, 1835, and Thomas J. True was engaged to come to Industry and operate it. In the succeeding years this mill was liberally patronized, and during the busiest part of the year it was often necessary * This fact was related to the author by Elijah Manter, son of Capt. Benjamin Manter of Industry. As a further proof that it was from the frame of this mill, and not, as some claim, that of the saw-mill built by Shaw & Cornforth in 1845, that the doggerel above referred to was promulgated, the author would say in 1836, the municipal officers designated the place as Cornforth's Mills in their warrant for the September town meeting. tElbridge H. Rackliff informs the writer that "Mr Cornforth purchased a set of black buhr-stones for grinding wheat. They had been imported from France by a gendeman who being unable to find a bolt of suitable fineness was obliged to sell them. Mr. Cornforth was more fortunate in that respect, however, and when set up in his mill they worked to a charm." 170 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. to run it night and day to accommodate its patrons. Some idea of the extent of the business done can be gained from the fact that in 1837 the town produced 6,078 bushels of wheat. Allowing five bushels of wheat to make a barrel of flour, and that one barrel per year was consumed by each inhabitant, there would be a net surplus of 199 3—5 barrels. Mr. Corn- forth sold his mill to Asa M. Manter, then of Parkman, Oct. 28, 1845. Mr. Manter made extensive improvements during his ownership, including the refitting of the mill with buhr-stones in the summer of 1848. Jan. 2, 1850, Mr. Manter sold a half interest in the mill to his brother, Zebulon Manter, Jr., and together they owned it for a period of over six years. The Manter Bros, did not operate the mill personally during their entire ownership, but employed Deacon Ephraim Heald a por- tion of the time. At length Zebulon re-sold his interest to Asa M., who in turn sold, on March 24, 1856, to Hazen Black, an experienced miller from Fairfield, Me. Mr. Black had as a partner a man by the name of Bray. George Cutts, of New Portland, was the next owner of this mill, purchasing it of Black and Bray, March 10, 1858. Mr. Cutts did not operate the mill himself, but placed it in charge of his son-in-law, J. Warren Vaughan, who subsequently, on the 28th day of September, 1859, purchased a half interest of Mr. Cutts. Two days prior to the forenamed date, Samuel R. Allen had purchased of Mr. Cutts a half interest in the same property, and after a brief ownership, Mr. Vaughan also sold out to Mr. Allen. Up to this time the motive power of the mill had been a twent}--foot overshot wheel. While in the possession of Mr. Allen, the main shaft of the water-wheel broke, and a turbine wheel, known as Gould's Patent, was substituted. This wheel, being improperly geared, did not work well at first; but in the spring of 1 86 1 it was re-geared by Hazen Black, who purchased the property in company with Oliver Stevens. They also added a new run of stones for grinding feed, and made other improve- ments. In the winter of 1863, George W. Johnson and Albert Shaw bought Mr. Black's interest in the mill and Leonard Viles MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. 17 I Operated it, probabh' as lessee, for a period of nearly two years.* Hiram Oliver, the present owner, purchased Mr. Stevens's inter- est Nov. 14, 1S65, and some twenty years later the other half, which had been severally owned by Albert Shaw, Eli N. Oliver, and James M. Norton. About the same time or soon after Captain West built his mills, Elisha Lumbert built a saw-mill on a small stream which flowed through the western part of the New Vineyard Gore. In the lower part of this mill were the requisite conveniences for grinding corn and wheat. The flour was separated from the bran, after the wheat was ground, by passing it through a bolt turned by hand power. These mills were afterwards owned by Levi Y. Lumbert, and still later by Nathan Cutler. They were carried away by a freshet about 1830 and were rebuilt by Mr. Cutler and sons. After a few years the patronage began to change from these to other mills, and they were torn down prior to 1 850. Rufus Davis, a son-in-law of Joseph Smith, built a grist and saw-mill at the outlet of Clear Water Pond in i8o4.t He be- gan operations by building a dam at the outlet of the pond and another across the stream, some rods below the first, on which was located his mill. The building contained a saw-mill and one run of stones for grinding grain. The motive power for this mill was furnished by a huge undershot wheel fully fifteen feet in diameter. The late Rev. John Allen once related to the author how a man fell into the flume, when this mill was running, passed with the water through the wheel and came out below safe and sound. | * It was during this period that a peculiarly sad accident occurred to a son of Joseph B. Viles. When the old overshot wheel was replaced by a Could wheel the vertical iron wheel-shaft was extended through the main floor to the loft above. On the main floor this shaft had never been covered. < )ne rainy day while Mr. \ des was grinding, his grandson came into the mill. In some way his wet sleeve was caught by the swiftly revolving shaft and before the wheel could be stopped his arm had been torn from his body and other injuries of a serious nature sustained. Physicians were summoned at once, but their skill was of no avail and he died July — , 1864, a few hours after the accident. t See Allen's History of /ndiistry, p. 2r. X Mr. Davis likewise built a dwelling-house near his mill, concerning the raising of which. Rev. John Allen once wrote the author : " I was present when Rufus 172 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. James Gower came to Industry from Farmington about 1812 and bought Mr. Davis's property. He replaced the wooden dam at the outlet of the pond by a substantial stone one, and re-built the grist-mill with two sets of stones.'* He sold his property to Newman T. Allen, June 6, 1822. Mr. Allen was a practical millwright, and after successfully operating the mill for nearly three years, sold to his brother, Benjamin Allen. This gentleman operated the mill for a long term of years, re- ceiving a liberal patronage not only from the inhabitants of Industry, but likewise from those of Farmington and New Sharon. Forming a co-partnership with his brother, of whom he bought the property, the mill was thoroughly repaired and buhr-stones added. After the death of his brother, Captain Newman T. Allen, Benjamin continued to operate the grist-mill until he sold out and moved to New Sharon, in the spring of 1864. Amos S. Hinkley eventually became the owner of this mill, and sold it with his other property to Holman Johnson & Sons, of Wayne. About 1872 the machinery was taken out of the mill and a portion carried to Wayne. Capt. John Thompson built a saw-mill in i8o5,| which also Davis had a small one-story dwelling-house raised by only himself and my father. When they raised the broadsides my brother Harrison and I (then small boys) each held the foot of a post with bars. A hard lift they had, but as both were strong men, the frame went up." * Rev. John Allen. Says Truman A. Allen : "A saw-mill was built at an early day half-way between the grist-mill and the road. This mill was burned, for I have seen the charred timbers at times when the waters of the mill-pond were drawn off." The writer is of the opinion that the mill here referred to was the old Rufus Davis saw and grist-mill, and that the one above mentioned was built to replace it. Charles Augustus Allen (born 1830), son of Capt. Newman T. Allen, takes exceptions to the foregoing statement of Truman A. Allen (born 18 10), and most emphatically declares it to be incorrect. Charles A. positively states that there never was a mill between the grist-mill owned for many years by his father and uncle (Benjamin) and the road, but that there are traces of an old dam below the grist- mill. In correspondence with Truman A. Allen relative to this matter, the writer prepared a diagram of the mills and dams as they now exist and sent it to Mr. Allen, requesting him to locate thereon the burned mill. This he did very readily, and described all the surroundings so clearly and minutely as to leave little chance for doubt as to the correctness of his recollections, t Allen's History of Industry. MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. I 73 contained a run of stones for grinding grain. This mill was situated near the Stark line on a small stream that flowed through lot No. 53, where Captain Thompson had previously settled. B}' flowing a large meadow lying in a westerly direc- tion from the mill, an abundant supply of water was obtained. For a time this mill was fairly patronized, and it was here that much of the lumber for the first meeting-house erected in town was sawed ; but it eventually fell into disuse and has long since been demolished. A saw-mill was erected at Allen's Mills on the site of the one now (1892) owned by John P. Rackliff", probably in 1820 or earlier. The exact date of its erection, as well as the name of its builders, is shrouded with a degree of uncertainty, notwithstanding the most diligent research of the writer. In a letter to the author, Truman A. Allen, of Vine- yard Haven, Mass., says : " Possibly James Gower and Rufus Allen built the saw-mill below the grist-mill. It was run a year or more by strangers at my earliest recollection. After- wards James Gower's sons ran it for a time, and then Rufus Allen took it. He ran it long enough to saw off one of his fingers, and later he fell out the lower end of the mill. His fall was somewhat broken by a pile of slabs, from which he rolled down on to the rocks below and into the water. This fall put an end to his sawing logs, for he received such a shak- ing up that- he never fully recovered from the shock."* Benja- min and Newman T. Allen eventually became sole owners of the mill, and by them it was re-built about 1837. Later it was repaired by Newman T. Allen, who adjusted the saw to run at a very high rate of speed. Capt. Newman T. Allen died in the * Rev. John Allen wrote the author some years prior to his death that "The Aliens made some improvements on the grist-mill and built a dam and saw-mill below it." If Elder Allen's statement is correct it was probably Rufus Allen and sons who built this mill, instead of James Gower and Rufus Allen as suggested by Truman A. Allen. Rufus Jennings, who purchased a fulling and carding-mill at Allen's Mills in 1825, once told the writer that when he came to town James Gower and Rufus Allen owned the saw-mill referred to, and that to the best of his recollections it was built by them. As Mr. Jennings memory was not very clear on this point the writer is inclined to favor Rev. John Allen's statements, he being fifteen years the senior of Truman A. Allen and four years older than Mr. Jennings. Beside, the latter was not very intimately acquainted with the history of the village prior to 1825. 174 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. fall of 1855, and in settling his estate his interest in the saw-mill fell to his sons, Samuel R. and Charles A. Allen. Oct. 13, 1859, Samuel R. Allen, having previously purchased his brother's interest, sold out to Charles S. Prince, of Industry. March 15, 1859, previous to Mr. Prince's purchasing an interest in the mill, Tobias C. Walton bought Benjamin Allen's share of the property. Mr. Prince sold out to Mr. Walton, after a part- nership of nearly four years, and the latter became sole owner of the property. A year later he sold to Amos S. Hinkley, who had recently moved into town and was manufacturing shovel-handles in the old starch-factory. Mr. Hinkley kept the mill about four years and sold to Oliver and Bryce H. Waugh, of Stark. These gentlemen at once took possession of the mill, put it in good order and were well patronized for a time. Aug. 29, 1873, Oliver Waugh bought his son's interest and continued the business for a period of over ten years. He was not successful, however, in operating the mill alone, and failed to retain the generous patronage accorded the father and son.* In September, 1875, John P. Rackliff, who had been engaged in manufacturing wheel-hubs in Stark, came to Industry and set up his machinery in the old tannery at Allen's Mills. After making hubs for three years, he engaged in the manufacture of packing-boxes for canned sweet-corn, disbursing for labor and material between eight and nine hundred dollars the first sea- son. He continued the business there until the fall of 1883, readily selling all the boxes he could make. He purchased of Oliver Waugh the saw-mill previously mentioned, Nov. 8, 1883. In March following he purchased and set a forty-horse-power Chase turbine wheel to supplement the power furnished by a Gould wheel already in the mill. He also bought and set up a twenty-five-foot Ricker board-machine, and soon after built a box-mill, 24x50 feet, to connect with his saw-mill. The next year he added to his already finely equipped mill, one of * The senior member of this firm, after gaining sole possession of the mill, in addition to his custom sawing, associated himself with J. William Patten, and for some years manufactured brush-blocks, trunk-cleats and dowels, doing quite a busi- ness, especially in the manufacture of the last named article. MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. I 75 Ricker's self-feeding box-board machines and also a twenty-four- inch planer. In the spring of 1888, he further added to the value of his mill by the introduction of an improved upright shingle-machine. Mr. Rackliff now has one of the best ap- pointed mills to be found in any country town. He saws about 4 200 M. of long lumber and 250 M. of shingles per year, sawing annually, in addition to this, some fifty cords of white birch into spool stock. In the fall of 1891 he manufactured at his shop 17,000 boxes and crates for canned corn and apple. The present season (1892) he has bought 118 cords of poplar, and anticipates a busy time the coming fall. He pays the farmers $3.50 per cord for poplar delivered at his mill. In the summer of 1825 or 1826,* Esquire Peter West, hav- ing previously disposed of the mill built by his father, erected a saw-mill about seventy-five rods below the grist-mill at West's Mills. His brother-in-law, Henry Manter, was an equal partner with him in this enterprise. The mill was afterwards owned by numerous individuals, several of whom purchased only an eighth interest. A blacksmith by the name of Freeman at one time leased the mill and set up a forge and trip-hammer in it, for the manufacture of axes. Owing to financial difficulties he suspended business after a short time and soon left town. Esquire West retained his interest in the mill up to near the time of his death. In the process of time the mill became the property of Col. Benjamin Luce, and was carried away by a freshet in 1847.! Nathaniel M. Davis built a clover-mill in 1837, on the farm which he inherited from his father, Capt. David Davis. Col. Joseph Fairbanks, having purchased the mill privilege at what is now Fairbanks Mills, in Farmington, erected a grist- mill in 1807, and soon after purchased the right to flow a small pond on the Gore and constructed a dam at its outlet. Mr. Davis purchased this right of flowage to furnish the required power for his clover-mill. He greatly improved his property by building a stone dam in place of the wooden one, as well as * Authority of George, son of Henry Manter. t Authority of Mrs. John H. Viles, daughter of Col. Peter A. West. 176 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. by other improvements. Mr. Davis lost his life in this mill, Oct. 9, 1843.* Soon after this the mill, with the farm and other property, was purchased by Alexander Hillman. The mill was carried off by a freshet in 1850, and Mr. Hillman soon after built a saw-mill on the same site, which was for many years in successful operation.! In the fall of 1844 William Cornforth, Albert and Daniel Shaw, Jr., I having torn down the old mill built by Esq. Daniel Shaw in 1820, began laying the foundation for a new mill. The stone work was done in a most thorough and substantial manner, and though it has been standing more than forty-seven years, is to all appearances as solid as on the day of its com- pletion. During the summer of 1845 the mill was built and put in operation, and for many years it received a large patron- age. Albert Shaw bought his brother's share, after the mill had been built some years, and ever after owned a half interest in the property. William Cornforth, Sr., sold his half of the mill to his son Bateman, April 28, 1858. The mill was not * A singular circumstance in relation to the finding of Mr. Davis's body, as well as the facts concerning his death, seem worthy of record in these pages : Below the main floor of the mill was a horizontal shaft with a crank at one end. Just previous to Mr. Davis's death workmen had repaired the mill, and in keying the sweep to this crank had allowed the head of the key to project a considerable distance. The bear- ings of the shaft sometimes becam.e unduly heated when the mill was in operation and required constant watching. On the day of his death the mill was in charge of an employee and it is supposed that Mr. Davis went below to examine the bearings of the shaft as was his custom. In the darkness he failed to see the projecting key on the rapidly moving sweep, and in reaching for the journal was struck on the head and killed. That night as soon as he was missed search was made, but no one seemed to know in what direction to look for the missing man. After a fruitless search, the neighbors returned home for a little rest, agreeing to meet on the morrow and continue the search. On re-asseinbling in the morning, Capt. Clifford 15. Norton in discussing the matter, casually remarked that last night he had dreamed where the body of Mr. Davis lay, and then added, " to dispel the illusion and prove the fallacy of dreams, I am going to that spot." Imagine the surprise of Captain Norton when, on reaching the dark basement of the mill and putting his hand where he had dreamed the body lay, to tind his dream veritable reality. fThis mill, which had not been used for several years, was taken down April 25, 1891, and the timber used for other purposes. X Albert and Daniel Shaw, Jr., came into possession of a half interest in this property by a deed from their father bearing date June 17, 1834. MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. IJJ usually operated by the owners, but was leased to parties skilled in the business. David Hatch bought Cornforth's interest in the mill March 1 6, 1866. When the mill came into Mr. Hatch's possession extensive repairs were in progress, and the next fall a machine was purchased and shingle-sawing was added to the business of the mill. Mr. Hatch continued to operate the mill in company with Albert Shaw until the summer of 1868, when he sold out to John E. Johnson. Samuel R. Allen purchased the prop- erty immediately after it came into Johnson's possession, and during the summer and fall rebuilt the flume and undergear of the mill in a most thorough and substantial manner. He sold, Aug. 5, 1870, to Eli N. Oliver, a practical millwright, who had recently moved into town from Stark. Nov. 6, 1870, Mr. Oliver purchased the other half of the property of the heirs of Albert Shaw, and thus became sole owner of the mill. Two years later Thomas M. Oliver bought the mill, and it was operated for many years by his brother-in-law, John W. Frederic. The mill was purchased in the fall of 1884 by Eugene L. Smith and George F. Lovejoy, its present owners. These gentlemen made some repairs on their property in the spring, and the following autumn they purchased and set up one of Harvey Scribner's upright shingle-machines, which they had in operation by the middle of November, 1885. Having secured a contract for spool stock, Messrs. Smith & Lovejoy began to buy white birch for its manufacture early in the winter of 1889, and during the season purchased upward of 100 cords. Purchasing the neces- sary machinery, they have continued to make this a branch of their business down to the present time. They purchased and seta powerful Gould water-wheel in the fall of 1889, and in the spring of 1890 they added to their mill one of Ricker's rotary board-machines, having previously rebuilt the entire running gear in a most thorough and substantial manner. They now saw about 100 M. of long lumber and 125 M. shingles, beside a large quantity of white birch and poplar each season. Recently they have done something in the line of sawing staves and bobbin stock. 178 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Without doubt the first shingle-machine brought into the town was set up in the saw-mill at Allen's Mills in 1843, ^nd operated by Capt. Newman T. Allen. Then such a machine was a great curiosity and its productions one of the novelties of the day. In the summer of 1848 John W. Frederic and Samuel D. Luce rebuilt the dam of the saw-mill, built by Esquire West and Henry Manter (sec p. 175), and having constructed a suit- able building for a shingle-mill, purchased in Augusta, Me., a Johnson Machine which they immediately set up in the building. This was the first shingle-machine ever operated at West's Mills. After passing through numerous hands it at length became the property of David Merry. The mill and a larger part of the dam were carried off in a freshet in the fall of 1855.* The mill was rebuilt about 1858 by David Merry and John W. Frederic. John Smith succeeded Mr. Merry as owner of the mill. After operating it a few years, the flume and a portion of the dam was carried off by a freshet in the fall of 1866. He then sold the machinery to Albert Shaw and David Hatch, and it was set up in the saw-mill where it was successfully operated for a number of years. It was supplanted by a greatly improved machine in the fall of 1885. John Brown, 2d, and Isaac Daggett purchased a shingle- machine of Carpenter Winslow, Nov. 5, 1847, which they set up on a small stream just south of the John T. Daggett farm in the north part of the town. In consequence of the limited supply of water, this mill could be operated only during the early spring and after the fall rains. Not finding the enter- prise a profitable one, the machinery was moved elsewhere after a few years. CARDING AND FULLING-MILLS. In the home of the early settler in Industry many kinds of work were done with which the housewife of the present day is *This freshet, which occurred Oct. 13, 1855, had not, it was said, been equalled for fifty years. The " long bridge " at VVest's Mills was swept away, as well as the shingle-mill and much other property along the course of the stream. MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. 179 wholly unacquainted. Then ever)- farmer kept at least a few sheep and sowed a piece of flax, and from these sources the wearing apparel of the family was derived. Then the carding, spinning, weaving, dyeing, cutting and making were all done by the skillful hand of the industrious wife and mother. As the people began to emerge from the poverty and want incident to every new settlement, a gradual change dawned on the inhabi- tants. Vast tracts of forest had gradually yielded to the sturdy strokes of the settler's axe, and the land been converted into grass-bearing fields. As a matter of course, more hay was cut, and more neat stock and larger flocks of sheep could be kept. The increase in the amount of wool now produced ne- cessitated the introduction of a carding-machine and the estab- lishing of a mill for fulling, dyeing and dressing cloth. James Gower built a fulling-mill about 1818 at the outlet of Clear Water Pond, just below his grist-mill and nearl)- opposite where John P. RackliiT's saw-mill now (1892) stands. The writer regrets that he has been unable to fix the date of its erection more definitely. It was undoubtedly operated by Samuel Gower, a younger brother of James, who had previously learned the business. Dec. 25, 1820, James Gower sold his fulling-mill to Samuel Pierce, of Malta, now (1892) Windsor, Maine. This mill either contained a carding-machine when Mr. Pierce bought it, or else one was set up soon after the property came into his possession. The building, together with lot No. 84, comprising the farm now occupied by D. Collins Luce, was purchased, Jan. 23, 1824, by Rufus Jennings, of Farmington, Pierce, who was a skillful clothier, reserving all the machinery. Mr. Jennings refitted the mill with new machiner}- and after an ownership of two years sold the fulling-mill to Eben Willard, of New Portland, but reserved the carding- machine and the room it occupied. Mr. Willard resold to Jennings, Aug. 9, 1830, who afterwards conducted the whole business. He had a large patronage and two sets of cards were run night and day during the busiest part of the season, and the fulling-mill was frequently operated six months in the year. Samuel Gower was a clothier, and Mr. Jennings often l8o HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. employed him to take charge of his fulHng-mill. Cyprian Bis- bee operated the mill several years prior to 1836, and it may have been operated by John Folsom and others at dififerent periods. William Cornforth, a clothier by trade, erected a building, connected with Esq. West's grist-mill, in 181 8, in which to full, dye and dress cloth. The necessary motive power was obtained from the water-wheel of the grist-mill. He also set up a card- ing-machine, anc^ wool-carding became an important branch of his business. He purchased the grist-mill in the winter of 1835, and immediately rebuilt it with spacious apartments for his carding-machine and dye works.* He operated his mill some nine years after rebuilding, and then sold his fulling-mill, June 6, 1844, to his son, George Cornfoi'th, and at the same time leased him the carding-machine for a term of years. George Cornforth operated the mill a few years and then abandoned the business, and the mill was eventually converted to other uses. Benjamin and Newman T. Allen, in company with Henry Titcomb, Joseph and Eben Norton of Farmington, built a starch-factory just below the grist-mill at Allen's Mills, about 1845. Each of these gentlemen, excepting Joseph and Eben Norton, owned one-fourth interest in the property. About the time the factory was ready for business the potato rot made its appearance in Industry, and many who had planted potatoes for the factory lost their entire crop. Joseph, Jr., and Obed N. Collins, planted five acres for Messrs. Allen & Co., and barely harvested sound potatoes enough for seed. But not- withstanding this unfavorable turn of affairs, the Company subsequently engaged in the manufacture of starch, to some extent, for six or seven years, sometimes purchasing as many as 4000 bushels of potatoes .in a single season. * Mr. Cornforth's fulling-mill, a large building, was carried away by an ice freshet in Ihe month of Feljruary, 1837. During a warm rain the ice on the brook broke up and formed an immense jam on the flat just outside the village. This jam broke, and the waters swept down upon the village with resistless force, causing great loss to mill owners. DEA. IRA EMERY. Eng^ravcd by Geo. E. Johnson, Boston. From a photograph by Merrill of Farmington, Mc. MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. l8l DEACON emery's BARK-MILL. At least one door-stone in Industry possesses rare historical interest, and fifty years hence its value will be greatly en- hanced, as showing the difTerence between the primitive imple- ments of the early settlers and the labor-saving machinery of the present day. In 1818 Deacon Ira Emery, a tanner and shoemaker by trade, came to Industry and bought of Esquire Peter West the house and land near West's Mills, recently occupied by Sidney Watson. Soon after his arrival in town he built a bark-mill,* where he tanned leather for his own and other's use. This mill stood a short distance west of the house, in a low run where an abundant supply of water could be had. In this mill were some six or eight vats in which the hides were submitted to the influence of the tanning liquid. The process was slow and tedious, requiring from six to twelve months to complete it. In those days cold liquor was invariably used, and years later, when the hot-liquor process was first introduced, it was re- garded with much disfavor, and tanners who had practiced the former process all their lives were slow in adopting what seemed to them an uncalled for innovation upon their estab- lished method of tanning. The bark used was ground, not in the patent mill of the present day, which evenly and rapidly reduces it to the required degree of fineness, but by the aid of a large circular stone made fast to a shaft passing through its centre. One end of this shaft was attached to a post set in the ground, while by the other end the stone was rolled around and over the bark, which it crushed by reason of its great weight. For this purpose the bark was laid in a circle in the rut or track of the heavy crusher. This stone, with traces of the old tan-vats, are the only mementos left by Father Time of the first tannery erected in Industry. The stone now serves as a door- *Capt. John Mason, writing from Fairfax County, Va., under date of Oct. 25, 1883, says: "The stone from which the bark-crusher was made originally lay in the bottom of Capt. West's mill-pond. It was hauled out by Esquire Daniel Shaw, drilled and rounded by Oilman Hilton, and set up by Samuel Pinkham and myself." The planks for the vats were purchased of Major Francis Mayhew, of New Sharon, and were hauled to Industry by Samuel Patterson, who then lived on Bannock Hill. 23 I 82 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. step for the dwelling on the premises. When converted to its present use, a portion of it was broken off that it might better fit the position it was to occupy. Otherwise it is in as good a state of preservation as in the days of yore, when it ground the bark for tanning a large portion of the leather used in Industry. By actual measurement this stone is five feet in diameter and nearly seven inches thick. Its past history is here given, but who can predict its future? Half a century hence, when noth- ing remains of the structure of which it now forms a part save the stones of its foundation, will some gray-haired patriarch point it out as an important part of the first tannery estab- lished in town? Or, will this important relict be desecrated by the hand of the ruthless destroyer, thus plunging into oblivion one more mute chronicler of past events? Henry Butler probably erected the first and only tannery ever built in that section of New Vineyard annexed to Industry in 1844. Mr. Butler settled in New Vineyard in 1795, but the date of erecting his tannery can not be learned. The tan-vats were located on a small stream flowing through the farm now (1892) owned by John C. Pratt, and traces of them are still discernible. David H. Harris, from Greene, Me., settled at the centre of the town, and constructed several tan-vats near where the meeting-house stands, simultaneously or shortly after the erec- tion of Deacon Emery's tannery at West's Mills. Mr. Harris was a tanner and shoemaker by trade, and died in 1824, after living in town a few years. Cornelius Davis, who came from Martha's Vineyard in 18 10 and settled on "Federal Row," was also a shoemaker and tan- ner. He did something at tanning, but as to the extent of his business the writer has not been able to learn anything definite. Soon after coming to Industry, Rufus Jennings built a bark- mill and constructed some half-dozen tan-vats for tanning leather for his own manufacture.* He afterwards enlarged his tannery * Mr. Jennings also owned and ojierated a clover-mill in connection with his tanner)' and other business, but nothing is knov\n as to the amount of patronage he received. MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. 183 and did much tanning for the people of the surroundinL;- country. This mill had a patent cast-iron grinder, and was undoubtedly the first of the kind ever seen in town. Charles L. Allen,* in company with his brothers, Benjamin and Newman T. Allen, erected a tannery, soon after Mr. Jennings's, which they operated simultaneously with his as a rival for the public patronage. It had been idle, however, for some years prior to the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion. October 2, i860, Sylvanus B. Philbrick, a tanner by trade, came to Industry, purchased the property and re-established the business of tanning in town. He continued the business with a good degree of success until December 10, 1873, when he sold out to Deacon Joseph P. Thwing, of Farmington, and the establishment was soon after closed. f Dudley L. Thing built a bark-mill near the east end of the "long bridge" at West's Mills, in 1838. He conducted the business of tanning for eight or ten j'ears, using the Col. Peter A. West store for a currying room until his brother, Jesse Thing, purchased a stock of goods, and there established him- self in trade. SHOVEL-HANDLE ^LVNUFACTURING. In the fall of 1862 or early in the winter of 1863, Amos S. Hinkley moved into town and settled at Allen's Mills, rented the starch-factory, and began to manufacture shovel-handles. This new enterprise greatly favored the farmers of Industry, as nearly every one had some of the white ash, from which the handles were made, growing on his farm, and cutting the timber * This gentleman did not remain long in partnership with his brothers, but sold out to them after three or four years. Messrs. Allen had some twenty vats in their tannery, and devoted their time principally to tanning sole-leather, which they shipped to Boston. Sometimes, however, they tanned upper leather, which they hired an experienced currier to finish. They eventually bought out, thereby adding his pat- ronage to their own. t Mr. Philbrick was a native of Chesterville, where he worked at his trade up to 1857, but came to Industry from Canton, Me. He did not become sole owner of the tannery until May 7, 1861, when he purchased the remaining half of Gen. Nathan Goodridge, guardian of the minor child of Capt. Newman T. Allen. 184 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. and working it into blocks afforded employment at a season when little else could be done. This new industry opened up an avenue whereby hundreds of dollars were eventually added to the income of the fortunate land-owners in this town and its vicinity. Although this factory was supplied with machinery of the most primitive kind, Mr. Hinkley was able to finish lOOO dozen handles per month. He purchased of several share- holders their interest in the property in the fall of 1863, and afterward of others in the following years until he became sole owner of the property. He continued to do a prosperous business until the autumn of 1869, when he sold to Holman Johnson & Sons, of Wayne. These gentlemen had been en- gaged in the business for years, and controlled the patents on an improved lathe and other important machinery. The fac- tory was entirely refitted and furnished with the latest and best machinery, and the business greatly enlarged.* Their lathe, which was capable of performing a great amount of work, was often run day and night in order to supply the demand for handles. After the death of Holman Johnson the business at Allen's Mills passed into the hands of William H. Johnson, under whose superintendency it had previously been. The factory gave employment to from eight to fifteen hands the year around, and one year 33,000 dozen handles were finished. Ash at length became scarce, and the factory was taken down in the summer of 1883. The manufacture of the D handle was superseded by that of a patent handle, the invention of the proprietor, William H. Johnson. For the manufacture of these Mr. Johnson rebuilt the old grist-mill, in the summer of 1 88 1, and fitted it up with the necessary machinery, much of which was of his own invention. He made as many as three hundred dozen per week when running his factory to its fullest * The new machinery, which largely increased the capacity of the factory, was regarded with much interest and curiosity by the citizens of that locality. The latter turned a handle complete by a single movement of the operator's hand after the block had been placed in the machine. The D part of the handle had been punched in Mr. Hinkley's factory by a die-press worked by hand power. Messrs. Johnson did this work with a machine the capacity of which was only limited by the dexterity of the operator. MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. 185 capacity. Though possessing greater durability than its older rival, and other important advantages, the cost of manufacture was so large that it did not prove a remunerative enterprise to its inventor, and their manufacture was suspended in 1891.* Mr. Johnson was also engaged in the manufacture of the D handle, at Auburn, Me., in company with Columbus Marshall, of Anson, prior to leaving Industry. Hiram Oliver, who had for several years occupied the Wil- liam Cornforth fulling-mill building as a carpenter shop, began taking it down early in the summer of 1868, and also made preparations for erecting a larger and more convenient shop. By the following winter he had finished the building and like- wise constructed the necessary machinery required for the manufacture of rakes. Taking Gustavus W Spinney, of Stark, into partnership, they manufactured during the winter fully one hundred dozen rakes. Owing to the great cost of suitable lum- ber and the competition of other manufacturers, the enterprise did not prove sufficiently remunerative to warrant its continu- ance. Mr. Oliver next engaged in the manufacture of drag-rakes, for several years, with more satisfactory returns. After this he fitted up his shop with machinery for wood-working, and has since done a good business in the general jobbing line.f SMITH AND COUGHLIN'S SPOOL-FACTORY. Late in the summer of 1871, Lauriston A. Smith and Joseph L. Coughlin, two enterprising young men from New Vineyard, conceived the idea of erecting a factory for the manufacture of spools and staves in some convenient location in the town of Industry. Having thoroughly explored the * Immediately on shutting down at the Allen's Mills factory, the machinery was taken out and shipped to Veedersburgh, Fountain County, Indiana, where he is still engaged in the business. t On first coming to Industry, Mr. Oliver invented a washing-machine that proved a decided success. Backed by abundant capital and business ability, it might have become a paying invention. As it was, Mr. Oliver manufactured them alone, hence they were only known to the people of a limited locality. 1 86 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. timber lands which would furnish the desired supply of ma- terial, and finding it abundant the enterprise became a fixed fact. Philip A. Storer generously offered these gentlemen a free lease of sufficient land for a site and yard for their pro- posed mill. The offer was accepted and the lot selected near Mr. Storer's dwelling-house, but on the opposite side of the road. The first stick of timber for the frame of the building was cut in September, and so expeditiously was the work pushed that by the time cold weather had fully set in the building was completed and ready for the machinery. The motive power was furnished by a stationary engine of thirty horse-power.* In January, 1872, the first stick of lumber was sawed, and during that winter nearly 400 cords of white birch and poplar were bought and sawed into spool timber and staves. During the summer of 1872 they put in two complete sets of spool machinery and finished their first spool in Aug- ust of that year. For the year ending August, 1874, Messrs. Smith & Coughlin finished at their factory, on an average, 150 gross of spools per day. They also manufactured 150 thou- sand staves in addition to their spool business. In the fall of 1874 Mr. Smith sold out to his partner and retired from the business. After this Mr. Coughlin continued the business alone till near the close of the year 1875, when the factory was de- stroyed by fire. The fire was discovered at about 12 o'clock on the night of Wednesday, December 8th. Owing to the highly combustible character of the factory and its contents, nothing was saved from the flames. The cause of the fire was unknown, but is supposed to have originated from a defective stove in the finishing room. THE OLIVER brothers' STEAM BOX-FACTORY. In December, 1871, Eli N., Hiram and Alexander Oliver, broke ground for the foundation of a steam box-factory. The site chosen for the building was a few rods north of the brick * This engine was regarded as quite a curiosity among machinists, from the fact that it had a forty-two-inch stroke. MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. 187 school-house at West's Mills. Great enthusiasm was manifested by the citizens, and many contributed labor in aid of the enter- prise. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the season, the excavating for the basement was vigorously prosecuted, and in due time the stone foundation was completed ready for the frame. Previous to this the frame had been sawed at the saw- mill, and in an incredibly short time the frame was up and the building was boarded. The structure was 30x60 feet, one story in height, with a basement for engine-room, etc. By the middle of March everything was in readiness for the machinery. At that time the snow was very deep in the roads, and the moving of the hea\'y flj'-wheel and other parts of the engine from the depot at Farmington seemed to present almost insur- mountable difficulties. By skill and perseverance, however, the task was at last accomplished, and before the middle of April the engine was in complete running order. This engine was a portable one of forty-five horse-power. The fly-wheel was over eight feet in diameter and weighed two tons. The main belt contained eleven sides of hca\'}- sole-leather, and the shaft- ing and pulleys weighed several tons in the aggregate. The factory contained three saws for cutting the lumber into box- boards, besides a large circular bolting saw, planer, and two full sets of saws for cutting the planed boards into boxes. A shed nearly one hundred feet long was erected to protect the sawed lumber from the weather while in the process of season- ing. This shed connected with the factory by means of a wooden track, over which the sawed lumber was convc)'ed on hand-cars. When in full operation the factory gave employ- ment to twelve or fourteen hands, and the largest amount of poplar bought in any one season was nine hundred cords. The factory was operated by its builders until May 12, 1.S74, when they sold out to David M. Norton, who, in connection with his brothers, James M. and Alonzo Norton, continued the business until the factory was burned, Oct. 9, 1878. After Joseph L. Coughlin's spool-factory was burned, in 1875, Hiram Oliver bought the castings of the spool machinery, and during the following winter rebuilt the lathes and set them up in a room 1 88 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. in the basement of the box-factory. Here they were success- fully operated for a period of over two years. The destruction of this factory by fire was a great loss to the community, as well as to the owners, for its existence had created a demand, at remunerative prices, for poplar and birch, which grew in abundance in many parts of the town. rackliff's chair-factory. Ezekiel Rackliff moved from Stark to Industry in Novem- ber, 1874, and settled at Allen's Mills. He purchased the old grist-mill building and water-privilege, moved his chair machin- ery from Stark, and continued the manufacture of common wooden or dining-chairs. At the end of two years, failing health forced him to abandon work, and the business passed into the hands of his sons, William H. and Caleb A. Rackliff, who carried it on for some years. They eventually sold out to William H. Johnson, of whom the water-power and building had been purchased. THE INDUSTRY LUMBER COMPANY'S STEAM-MILL. In September, 1886, a company of five gentlemen, consist- ing of Eugene L. Smith, George F. Lovejoy, Marshall W. Smith, John W. Frederic and Samuel Rackliff, formed a co- partnership for the purpose of erecting a steam saw-mill in Industry. The site selected was on the land of Thomas M. Oliver, about two miles and a half in a northerly direction from the village of West's Mills. The building erected was 20 X 30 feet, with basement and engine-house. A portable engine of twenty-five horse-power was purchased, and on the 27th day of October was safely landed at its destination, hav- ing been three days on the road from Farmington depot. By the middle of November the engine was in running order, and by December 5th they had a shingle-machine set up and ready for business. During that fall and the succeeding winter their custom sawing amounted to between 800 and 900 thou- sand of shingles. They also bought a quantity of poplar, which MILLS AATD MANUFACTVRmc. 189 was manufactured into boxes, beside sawing a large amount of white birch spool-stock. After a year or two, Samuel C. Rand became associated with the firm under the name of the Industry Lumber Co., and in the succeeding two j'ears they bought and manufactured fifteen hundred cords of poplar, in addition to a considerable quantity of white birch spool-stock. Their spe- cialty being packing boxes for scythes and canned sweet corn, together with boxes for dairy salt. On the completion of the coat-shop over Harrison Daggett's store, Franklin Brackett associated himself with Mr. Daggett, under the firm name of Franklin Brackett & Co., and began the manufacture of sale coats. They started their first machines Oct. 31, 1889, increasing gradually until by March, 1890, they had eleven machines in operation and finished 200 coats per week. As the spring advanced, work became scarce, and busi- ness was suspended at the expiration of eight months. During the time the shop was in operation, from $1000 to $1500 worth of coats were finished. MECHANICS. The first blacksmith to come to Industry was undoubtedly Jonathan Goodridge, who located at the centre af the town on the farm now (1892) owned by his grandson, Alvarez N. Good- ridge. Soon after this, Oilman Hilton settled at West's Mills, and had a shop just north of the village on what is now known as the steam-mill lot. Mr. Hilton was a good workman, but intemperate in his habits. His son, Jeremiah Hilton, learned the father's trade and also worked at West's Mills. He was a skillful workman and very ingenious, but like the father, a love of strong drink was his besetting sin. His shop was located on the flat just west of the village, and was a rude affair, made by setting four posts in the ground and nailing the boards to them. John Trafton came to town about 181 5, and settled on a lot opposite where the Centre Meeting-House now stands. He built a shop, and divided his time alternately between black- smithing and farming. Francis Meader, 2d, learned the trade 24 I go HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. of Mr. Trafton, and located at Allen's Mills, where he worked for many years. Elder EHas Bryant, a local Methodist preacher, came to West's Mills and worked at blacksmithing in a shop which was afterwards purchased by Thomas Cutts and son, who came to West's Mills in 1829. But no clue can be found as to the date of his settling in town or how long he remained. It is not cer- tain that Thomas Cutts and his son were the immediate suc- cessors of Elder Bryant, though there is nothing to show to the contrary excepting the fact that they purchased the shop of Samuel Patterson. It stood on the site of Joseph Eveleth's stable, but was afterwards moved across the road, and was oc- cupied at a later date by Alvin Greenleaf as a cabinet and carriage shop. The two-story shop now occupied by J. Warren Smith was built by James Cutts, in the summer of 1840. Con- cerning his labors in Industry he says : " We had some rivals in business. Oilman Hilton was a blacksmith and an old settler there. He worked in an old shop nearly opposite the Corn- forth house* and next to the saw-mill lot. Jerry Hilton had a little shop at the west end of the ' Long Bridge,' and a Mr. Riggs worked there a while. They did not trouble me much, — the Hiltons were very intemperate men. I attended to my business and always had something to do." After gaining a comfortable competence at his trade, James Cutts sold his shop and devoted his time to farming, wool-buying and stock-raising. Holmes Bruce, from Stark, worked in a shop owned by Esquire Peter West, in 1838, and perhaps earlier. His son, Silas Bruce, was also a blacksmith, and worked at his trade in Industry. Among others who worked at blacksmithing in In- dustry was William C. Will. He came to town near the close of 1844, settled on the farm now owned by John A. Seavy, and worked in a small shop on the premises. After three or four years he closed his shop and left town. Andrew Ken- nedy, Jr., and Simeon P. Keith, worked at West's Mills prior to the War of the Rebellion, and subsequently for several years, * This house is now (1892) occupied by Richard Caswell. MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. 191 John Spinney, who learned his trade of Major James Cutts. John W Frederic has hkewise worked at this trade for many years at West's Mills. Near the close of the war, J. War- ren Smith bought the Major Cutts shop, hired Steven Bennett, and subsequently Norris Savage, of whom he gained a practical knowledge of the business, which he has successfully followed up to the present time. John Calvin Oliver, a skillful workman, pursued his trade in a shop about half a mile west of Withee's Corner, and received a generous patronage up to the time of his death. J. Frank Hutchins worked at blacksmithing at Allen's Mills for some years, and then moved to Strong. He was succeeded by Alonzo O. Rackliff, who still follows the trade. In 1828 a cooper, by the name of Joshua S. Wingate, came to West's -Mills and worked in near where James M. Norton's stables stand. He was a young unmarried man, and after living in town a few years, moved away in 1832 or soon after that date. Israel Folsom, a shoemaker by trade, worked in a shop which stood just west of Charles M. Hilton's grocery store. In 1827 he lived in a house which stood to the north of the present Methodist parsonage. Many other shoemakers, such as Josiah Emery, Isaac Webster, Benjamin Tibbetts, Jesse Luce, Daniel Hilton, Samuel D. Luce, Alexander Austin and Charles Wright, have plied their trade in town at different dates, and some contemporaneously. John R. Buker, a harness-maker, from Greene, Andro- scoggin County, Maine, came to Industry about 1820, or a little later, and worked at his trade in James Davis's store at Davis's Corner. His son Orlando, according to the town records, was born in Industry, Jan. 10, 1825, but he had left town prior to April I, 1832, as his name does not appear on the tax list of that year. His wife was a sister to David H. Harris. T. Frank Davis came from New Portland, in the fall of 1 87 1, and worked at harness-making in an apartment of J. War- ren Smith's blacksmith shop, at West's Mills. He was rather unsteady in his habits, and remained in town less than a year. 192 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Charles M. Hilton, having served an apprenticeship at harness- making with John Woodward, of New Portland, and subse- quently worked at his trade in Lewiston, began business for himself at West's Mills in the spring of 1873. He first located in his father's shoe-shop, at the west end of the " Long Bridge," where he remained until he formed a co-partnership with Richard Caswell in the grocery business. While thus engaged, his shop occupied a part of the store. On dissolving, Mr. Hilton rented the Butler house and moved his harnesses, stock and tools there, where he remained until the completion of his grocery store in the fall of 1880. Since then he has carried on both harness-making and the grocery business together. CHAPTER X. MERCHANTS. First Store in Town.— Esq. Peter West.— John West.— Johnson & Mitchell.— George Cornforth.— Capt. Jeruel Butler. — Charles Butler.— Col. Peter A. West.— Capt. Freeman Butler. — John Allen, Jr. — Thing & Allen. — James Davis. — John Ma- son. — Muses Tolman, Jr. — Esq. Samuel' Shaw. — Israel Folsom. — Col. Benjamin Luce. — Christopher Goodridge. — Cyrus N. Hutchins. — Willis & Allen. — Zacha- riah Withee. — John W. Dunn. — Supply B. Norton. — Rufus Jennings. — Enoch Hinkley. — Amos S. Hinkley. — Isaac Norton. — Warren N. Willis. — Boyden & Manter. — Maj. James Cutts. — FrankUn & Somerset Mercantile Association. — John Willis. — Willis & Clayton. — John and Benjamin N. Willis. — Duley & Nor- cross. — James M. and Alonzo Norton. — James M. Norton & Co. — Asa H. Patterson. — Caswell & Hilton. — Shaw & Hinkley. — Harrison Daggett, Etc. Undoubtedly the first store in Industry was opened and kept by Aaron Daggett, who came to this town from New Vineyard. He erected his store on lot No. i6, on the Lowell Strip, owned by his brother, Peter Daggett, and also built the house now (1892) owned and occupied by George Luce. The date of his entering trade cannot be learned, but the period of his mercantile operations must have been about 181 1.* At that early period goods were very dear at Hallowell and Boston, and the great expense of transportation added much to the cost. These conditions were very unfavorable to the country trader, especially in a new settlement like Industry, where the people had but little to exchange for goods aside from the products of their land. Some bad debts could hardly be *The fact that Mr. Daggett sold his real estate in New Vineyard Dec. lo, 1810, would seem to indicate this. The land sold consisted of the homestead lot No. 18, in 2d Range, bought of his father and brother Peter, and lot No. 15, in the same range, Jonathan Look being the purchaser. 194 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. avoided, and when all the circumstances are taken into con- sideration, it does not seem so very strange to find that after a few years Mr. Daggett became involved in debt and was com- pelled to clandestinely leave the country. His brother, who had been his surety, was drawn to the verge of financial ruin by this unsuccessful venture. Esquire Peter West was the first merchant at West's Mills. Soon after his removal into his new two-story house, in 1812, he purchased a small stock of groceries and sold them out at his house. A few years later he built a large store, two stories high, in which he traded for many years. His son, John West, succeeded him in the store and conducted the business for several years. He exchanged his store in 1843 with Daniel S. Johnson, for a house in Gardiner, Me. Mr. Johnson, in com- pany with Isaac S. Mitchell, purchased some goods in addition to those bought of Mr. West and traded for a short time. He subsequently sold out to a younger brother, Nathan S. John- son, who likewise traded in company with Mitchell for a brief period. These last named gentlemen were at one time located in the Col. Benjamin Luce store. George Cornforth began trading in the West store Sept. i, 1847, ^nd continued in busi- ness until 1853, when he closed out his stock and went to Australia to dig for gold. Capt. Jeruel Butler built a store at Butler's Corner early in the present century, and being a man of means, carried quite a heavy stock of goods. He manufactured potash in connection with his other business, and frequently went on long foreign voyages in command of merchant vessels. Charles Butler, a son of Capt. Jeruel, erected a store in 1817 on the site now (1892) occupied by Charles M. Hilton's harness shop and grocery store. After trading here some five years, he sold his goods to his brother-in-law. Col. Peter A. West. Colonel West continued in trade up to near the time of his death, which occurred Feb. 12, 1828. Moses Tolman, Jr., took charge of Col. West's store and sold out his stock of goods and settled up his business. The store then passed into the hands of Capt. Freeman Butler, who had previously been MERCHANTS. 1 95 in trade with Albert Dillingham at Farmington Centre Village. Capt. Butler traded here until 1834, when he became financially embarrassed, and his brother, Edward K. Butler, came to In- dustry in 1835, sold out his goods and settled up the business as best he could. John Allen, Jr., then came to town, rented the store and opened for trade with a fine assortment of dry goods and groceries. Like all tradesmen of his time, Mr. Allen sold liquor. He traded until 1839 with varying success, but, finding the business unremunerative, he left town, and his goods passed into the hands of his creditors. He went from Indus- try to Presque Isle, in Aroostook County, where he engaged in farming and eventually acquired a handsome fortune. Jesse Thing, having purchased the store in 1836, devoted it to various uses until 1845, when he procured a sniall stock of goods and, in company with his father-in-law. Elder Datus T. Allen, began trading. They added largely to their stock in trade, its value increasing three-fold from 1845 to 1849. How long Elder Allen was in company with Mr. Thing is not defi- nitely known. It seems that misfortune followed the occupants of this store with an unrelenting hand. Mr. Thing traded until 1854, when he became encumbered with debts and his property passed into the possession of his creditors. A year later the store was destroyed by fire, together with several other build- ings standing near, including a dwelling-house, stable and a building in which potash was manufactured. James Davis erected a store at Davis's (now Goodridge's) Corner, probably about 181 8. There is a degree of uncertainty as to the extent of his business, but it is believed he did not carry a very extensive stock of goods. Capt. John Mason, of Accotink, Fairfax County, Va., writes : "In 1821 there were four stores in Industry, but none were in active business. Esq. West's store was in charge of his nephew, Col. Peter A. West, and had very little custom. James Davis's store at the centre of the town was little more than a post-office, while Capt. Jeruel Butler's store at Butler's Corner, was closed entirely."* *The fourth store was at West's Mills, owned and occupied by Charles Butler. 196 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. During that year Mr. Mason built a small store and shoe- shop a short distance south of Deacon Emery's and opposite the Jonathan Pollard house. He was a single man and made his home in the family of Deacon Emery. Me traded here about two years, dealing principally in groceries, boots and shoes. Moses Tolman, Jr., came to West's Mills in the spring of 1826, and erected the store now (1892) occupied as a dwell- ing-house by Joseph Eveleth. By the middle of July Mr Tol- man was established in business and continued in trade until December, 1827, when he sold out to Esq. Samuel Shaw, who came from Tamworth, N. H. Esquire Shaw engaged Asaph Boyden to come to Industry as his clerk, and to him was en- trusted nearly the entire management of the business. Thomas H. Mead, also from New Hampshire, began trad- ing in the Shaw store early in the year 1830. He lived first in the John Gott house, more recently occupied for many years by Richard Fassett, and afterwards in the family of Jacob G. Rem- ick. Having a large sum of money stolen, he became dis- heartened, gave up his business and left the place in the latter part of the year 1833. Israel Folsom was Mr. Mead's succes- sor, and although the latter did not leave town till 1833, as previously stated, the town records show that Mr. Folsom was licensed to retail liquors at his store June 9, 1832. The store remained the property of Esquire Shaw until 1836, when he sold it to Col. Benjamin Luce. In November of that year Col. Luce purchased a stock of goods, re-opened the store and es- tablished himself in trade. He had either as a clerk or a part- ner for a short time, John W. Dunn,* who had previously been in trade at Allen's Mills. Colonel Luce continued in trade until his death, which occurred quite suddenly July 14, 1842. ♦There must be an error in the date of Col. Luce's entering trade, which was furnished the writer by his daughter, Mrs. Warren Cornforth. John W. Dunn was chosen constaljlc and collector of taxes in Industry April 12, 1836. On the second day of May following, a special town meeting was called " to choose a collector and constable in place of John W. Dunn, who is about to leave town." Consequently it must have been in November, iSj^, that Col. Luce opened his store. MERCHANTS. 197 Just previous to his decease he bought a very extensive stock of merchandise, which was sold out by his brother-in-law, John West Manter, who had been appointed administrator of the estate. Christopher Goodridge came from Rome, Me., early in October, 1843, and located in the Col. Luce store at West's Mills. His brother-in-law, David Rockwood, acted as clerk, and had entire control of the business much of the time. Mr. Goodridge remained in town until the spring of 1844, when he returned to Rome. The next occupants of this store, as nearly as can be learned, were Mitchell & Johnson, of whom mention has previously been made. As to who succeeded Isaac Mitchell and Nathan S. Johnson there seems to be a diversity of opinion. One, in particular, whom it seems ought to know, is confident that it was Cyrus N. Hutchins.* Another is of the opinion that Asaph Boyden and John C. Manter occupied the store in the winter of 1846-7, and that Mr. Boyden finished off his shop for a store the following summer. f Much as the author regrets his inability to verify either of the above state- ments, the matter must remain a question of doubt. John West and Peter West Manter, two brothers, were in trade in this store a short time between 1843 and 1849, but the exact date can not be determined. J Benjamin N. Willis began trading in this store in the fall of 1849, or early in the year 1 850. At the end of two years he took in as a partner E. Norris Alien, son of Elder Datus T. Allen, and the business was continued for a year or more under the firm name of W^illis & Allen. The store was subsequently used for a blacksmith shop, tin shop, post-office and dwelling- house, until late in the year 1865, when it was again fitted up as a store by Thomas P. Patterson, who opened with a well selected stock of dry goods and groceries. Pearly in the spring of 1866 he disposed of his stock of goods to R. Oraville Cald- * Mrs. Mary C. Gilmure, relict of Nathan .S. Johnsun, and daughter of Peter West Butler. t Mrs. John H. Viles, daughter of Col. Peter A. West. X Mrs. Warren Cornforth, a niece of the above-named gentlemen, is of the opinion that they were in trade in the winter of 1848-9. 25 198 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. well and Joel Hutchins, who came to Industry from Rumford, Maine. The business was conducted under the firm name of Caldwell & Hutchins for two years, and then sold out to John and Benjamin N. Willis, who were trading in the store built by the latter, and the business of the two firms merged into one. About the time that Moses Tolman, Jr., began trading at West's Mills, Zachariah Withee built a store at Withee's Corner, where he traded for many years. He also bought ashes and manufactured potash, as did nearly every country merchant in those days. John W. Dunn, whom, it is said, came from Lewiston,* erected a two-story building at Allen's Mills, probably in the summer of 1833, and finished the first floor as a store. He immediately began trading, and early in 1834 took into partner- ship Supply B. Norton, to whom he sold a half interest in store and goods. Their stock in trade was valued at six hundred dollars by the assessors in 1835, though its actual value un- doubtedly exceeded that amount. They kept an excellent assortment of dry goods and groceries, and received a liberal patronage. These gentlemen remained in partnership only a few months. Mr. Dunn then sold his entire interest to Mr. Norton, who thenceforth conducted the business alone. He remained in trade and also made potash until he sold out to Rufus Jennings, April 10, 1841. Mr. Jennings traded eleven years with varying success and no little opposition from those envious of his successful enterprises. Such opposition not be- ing conducive to a remunerative business, Mr. Jennings was at length compelled to close up his business at a great sacrifice. While in trade he was largely interested in the manufacture of potash, and also operated a carding-machine and fulling-mill a portion of the time. Since Mr. Jennings closed up his busi- ness, the store has been occupied at infrequent intervals by different individuals with a limited stock of merchandise, but no one remained long in trade. Early in 1832 Enoch Hinkley, Jr., of Freeman, Me., built a * Authority of Joseph Collins, Jr., son of Joseph and Annah (Hatch) Collins. MERCHANTS. 1 99 store at West's Mills, now (1892) occupied by Harrison Dag- gett as store and post-office. He began trading early in the summer of 1832. Ere he had been long established in his new store he was succeeded by his brother, Amos S. Hinkley. The career of the latter as a merchant was as brief as that of the former, and we next find Isaac Norton in charge of the business. Before the store had been built a twelve-month, it passed into the hands of Cyrus Freeman, a shoemaker and tanner, who made boots and shoes in connection with waiting upon customers. Freeman becoming embarrassed through heavy pecuniary losses of his brother, eventually disposed of his goods, but continued to occupy the store as a shop and dwelling-house for several years. The writer has not been able to learn that this building was again occupied as a store until 1859, when Warren N. Willis enlarged, remodeled and greatly improved it. He then opened the store with a fine stock of general merchandise, and traded until May, i860, when, in consequence of financial embarrassments, the store was abruptly closed. It was subsequently partitioned off into a dwelling-house, and occupied for many years by Peter W. Butler and family. Later it was occupied by Charles M. Hil- ton as a harness shop, and in the fall of 1889 the building was purchased by Harrison Daggett. In the spring of 1847 Asaph Boyden and John C. Manter formed a co-partnership. An addition was built to Mr. Boy- den's cabinet shop and the building finished for a store. They began active business in August, 1847, and continued in trade until the fall of 1848. Their goods were purchased in Hal- lowell and Boston, and from the former place were hauled to Industry, this being the most accessible point from which to receive freight. Major James Cutts succeeded Mr. Boyden, and the firm name was changed to Cutts & Manter. These gentle- men traded some five years and then closed their store. Early in 1854 a number of enterprising gentlemen residing in the vicinity of West's Mills, began agitating the subject of forming a stock company for the purpose of establishing a general merchandise store at that place. The Franklin and 200 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Somerset Mercantile Association was organized February 19, 1854, as the result of this movement. The Association drew up and adopted a constitution and enacted a code of by-laws to govern its transactions. The store previously occupied by Cutts & Manter was leased, an extensive stock of goods pur- chased, and the Association opened their store about April i, 1854, with Moses Bradbury as salesman or agent. The Asso- ciation continued in business until the spring of 1862, when Nathan S. Johnson, who had previously been salesman for the Company, bought out the entire stock, the whole business be- ing formally conveyed to him May 12, 1862. Mr. Johnson proceeded to sell out the goods and closed the store in about a year after he came into possession of the property. Benjamin N. Willis, in 1853, after closing up trade in the Tolman store, by selling his goods at auction, erected a com- modious structure nearly opposite the one just mentioned. Here he again entered trade, and later took in as a partner his brother, Warren N. Willis. He exchanged his store, goods and stand in the autumn of 1855, with Oliver Stevens, for a farm. Mr. Stevens traded about four years and sold out to John Willis, Oct. 9, 1859. Early in the summer of i860 Mr. Willis purchased his brother Warren's stock of goods, and subsequently took him in as a partner. In 1862, having pur- chased the old Esquire West store, he moved it back from its original site a sufficient distance to make room for the Stevens store, which he also moved across the street, connecting and virtually formed them into one building. John Willis and his brother continued in trade until March, 1865, when the former sold out his interest in the goods to his brother-in-law, George W. Clayton, who, in company with Warren N. Willis, continued the business under the firm name of Willis & Clayton. Early in the winter of 1866 Willis & Clayton closed up their business and left town, and the store was unoccupied for a short time. Soon after this John and Benjamin N. Willis remodeled the interior, made some needed repairs and re-opened the store near the middle of April, 1866, with a large and varied stock of merchandise. These gentlemen remained in trade a little more MERCHANTS. 20I than two years, in the meantime absorbing the business of Caldwell & Hutchins as previously stated. May 8, 1868, John and Benjamin N. Willis sold store and goods to Sampson Dulc\- and William W. Norcross, who came from Stark. The firm of Duley & Norcross had a large run of custom and was generally liked. Mr. Norcross retired from the firm in the fall of 1868, after which the senior member continued the busi- ness alone until September, 1 87 1, when he sold out his entire property, consisting of store, goods, house and land, to James M. Norton. Mr. Norton immediately took into partnership his brother, Alonzo Norton, and together they conducted the busi- ness for a period of over twelve years. The firm also engaged largely in lumbering for several winters. January 14, 1884, J. M. & A. Norton dissolved partnership, and Alonzo withdrew from the firm. James M. Norton, who retained the business, then took in as a partner his nephew, Harrison Daggett, who had previously served him as clerk, and the firm was known as J. M. Norton & Co. Mr. Daggett was very popular with the patrons of the store, and while a member of the firm had nearly the entire charge of the business. Owing to impaired health he withdrew from the firm, and the co-partnership was dissolved April 23, 1888, greatly to the regret of his many friends. Since the retirement of Mr. Daggett, James M. Norton has given his personal and undivided attention to the business, re- ceiving a good share of the public patronage. Late in the fall of 1874, Asa H. Patterson, who then owned the William Corn- forth farm at West's Mills, moved a building to the south end of the bridge which spans the mill pond and finished and fitted it up as a store. He purchased a good assortment of dry goods and groceries and had been in trade nearly two years, when, on the 5th day of August, 1876, he sold his property to Richard Caswell, reserving his stock of merchandise and the use of his store for one year. Mr. Patterson sold out the larger part of his goods and retired from trade on the expira- tion of the lease of the store. On the 13th of August, 1877, Charles M. Hilton moved his harness business into this store, and in company with Richard 202 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Caswell purchased a small stock of groceries. They continued in trade until the fall of 1879, when the co-partnership was dissolved and Mr. Hilton retired from the business. For nearly ten years thereafter Mr. Caswell continued trading in groceries to a limited extent and then closed his store. Soon after this Harrison Daggett leased the building, purchased a line of groceries, and on the 7th of March, 1889, re-opened the store to the public. Mr. Daggett occupied it about eight months and again it was closed. The next and last occupant wa-s Henry Oliver, who traded there about a year and moved to Madison Bridge in the summer of 1891. Early in the month of August, 1880, Charles M. Hilton laid the foundation for a harness shop and grocery store on the site of the old Thing store, burned in the spring of 1855. Work was forwarded expeditiously, and by December the structure was ready for occupancy. A well-selected stock of groceries was purchased, and by the last of December Mr. Hilton was well established in his new quarters. Up to the present time (1892) the capacity of his store has been enlarged by two separate additions. Adeline Shaw and Eunice Hinkley opened a millinery and fancy goods store in October, 1842, in a portion of the John West house, now (1892) occupied by James M. Norton, but for want of sufficient patronage they closed up their business after a few months. John H. and Alonzo Goodwin, sons of Reuel Goodwin, of Industry, opened a shoe store at West's Mills, in 1855, locating in the old Esq. West store. They continued in busi- ness some three years, with varying success, and then engaged in other pursuits. In the fall of 1889, Harrison Daggett purchased the store built by Enoch Hinkley, more recently known as the Peter W. Butler stand, employed Rev. John R. Masterman and Rufus Jennings to raise the roof and finish the building inside and out. The work was so expeditiously pushed that inside of six weeks the low ordinary looking one-story building was trans- formed into a comely two-story edifice. The ground floor being MERCHANTS. 203 a neat pleasant store, the second floor a large well-lighted room to be used as a shop for the manufacture of men's coats. Nov. 2, 1889, Mr. Daggett moved his goods from the Caswell store and established himself in this store, where he still re- mains, receiving a full share of the public patronage. At Allen's Mills, Herbert B. Luce has kept, for some years, a small stock of groceries. In the summer of 1891 Mr. Luce finished a building, which he purchased, into a convenient store, and now he carries a well-selected stock of groceries and pro- visions. Elbridge H. Rackliff also carries a small stock of groceries, etc., in connection with a full line of tinware and Yankee notions. A few others, whose names are not mentioned in the forego- ing chapter, have probably traded in Industry to some extent, such as Pelatiah Shorey, David M. Luce, John E. Johnson, Joseph Eveleth, Oscar O. Allen, etc., etc. CHAPTER XL EVENTS FROM 1810 TO 1830. Condition of the Settlers. — Expense of Transacting the Town Business. — Pounds and Pound-Keepers. — Attempts to Establish a New County to Include Industry. — Gower's (now Allen's) Mills Becomes a Part of Industry. — "The C'old Fever" Epidemic. — The Thompson Burial Ground. — New Vineyard Becomes a Part of Industry. — Great Gale of 1815. — Question; "Shall the District of Maine Be- come an Inde])endent State? " Agitated. — Vote for Maine's P'irst Governor. — Population Increases. — " Blind Fogg." — First Sunday-School, — Road Troubles. — First Liquor License Issued. — The Residents of New Vineyard Gore Pass the Ordinance of Secession and Ask to be Made Citizens of Strong. — The Town Receives Additions from Stark and Anson. — Subject of Building a Town-House Discussed. — Great Drouth and Fire of 1825. — First Meeting-House in Town. — Meeling-House Erected at the Centre of the Town. — The Industry North Meeting-House. Tpie commencement of the second decade of the nineteenth century found the inhabitants of Ifidustry strugghng bravely for existence. Although their condition in some respects showed a marked improvement, still their lives were character- ized by incessant toil and frugal economy. The oppressive Embargo Act had been repealed, but the want of unity among the States composing the Federal Union and the threatening and aggressive attitude of England, were sources of constant anxiety and alarm. Having no regular mail, the suspense when an alarming rumor once got abroad was, to say the least, decided!}' unpleasant. At the annual meeting March ii, 1811, Josiah Butler was elected chairman of the board of selectmen, with William Allen, Jr., and Esquire John Gower as associates. These gentlemen, it is believed, transacted the business of the town with care and ability, yet charged a very moderate sum for their EVENTS FROIif iSio TO 1830. 205 services. Butler and Allen's bill was $3.50 and $4.50 respec- tively, while Samuel Mason, as town clerk, charged but $1.50 for his services. From these figures the reader can gain a good idea of the frugal manner in which the early affairs of the town were managed, as this was not an exceptional year. The high- wa)' tax this year was $800, and men and oxen were allowed twelve and one-half cents per hour for labor on the roads. The sum of $110 was raised to defray town charges, including powder, which was very expensive, and other necessary military stores. The fences in Industry, as is always the case in newly set- tled localities, were very poor, while as a rule the mowing land and tillage were unenclosed. Consequently depredations from horses, cattle and sheep on the growing crops of the settler were of common occurrence, and the pound-keeper was a necessary and important town officer. There were three of these indis- pensable officers chosen at the annual meeting of 1812, and it was their duty " to receive and safely keep all animals found running at large until claimed by its lawful owner," who was first required to pay all damages together with the cost of keeping. At the same meeting the town voted to accept a pound previously built in the south part of the town near Esquire John Gower's, "provided no charge be made for build- ing the same." Where there was no legal enclosure the officer was invariably authorized to use his barn-yard for impounding purposes. Whether the yard of the average farmer had ceased to be regarded as a safe enclosure for estray animals, or whether the action was prompted by some other cause, is not known, but the town voted March 3, 1823, to build a pound of the following dimensions, viz. : " To be two rods square, inside, with walls of stone four feet thick at the base and eighteen inches thick at the top ; the waU to be sunk in a sufficient depth below the surface to prevent damage from hogs, and rise six feet above the surface." A further requirement was that the walls be surmounted by timbers " hewed three-square," and that the entrance be closed by a gate hung on iron hinges and secured by a lock and key. The contract to build the yard, 26 206 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. agreeable to the above specifications, was let to Rowland Luce, for twenty-six dollars. Finding the job a work of more magni- tude than he at first supposed, he subsequently sought and obtained a release from his obligation. The site selected was near the centre of the town, on land owned by Capt. Ezekiel Hinkley, and during the summer of 1825 the yard was com- pleted. Here, in by-gone days, neighbor A was wont to im- prison neighbor B's cattle and sheep when found trespassing upon his domain, and vice versa, but pounds and pound- keepers have long since become a thing of the past. In 1858, by a vote of the town, the walls were demolished and the stone used for road-building purposes. An effort was made in the fall of 181 3 to establish a new county which would include the town of Industry. The move- ment caused no little discussion, and many were bitterly op- posed to the measure. Capt. David Hildreth and seventeen others petitioned the selectmen to call a meeting of the legal voters to see if they would instruct the municipal officers to oppose the project by sending a remonstrance to the General Court. The meeting assembled at the house of William Allen, Jr., Dec. 23, 1813, and after mature deliberation it was deemed inexpedient to further oppose the movement. The measure proved unsuccessful, however, and the town of Industry con- tinued to form a part of Somerset County. At the session of the General Court for 181 3, the following petition was presented from the inhabitants of Gower's (now Allen's) Mills, in the town of New Sharon: To the Hon. Se?iafe and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, Jan. 7, 181J : The Petition of the Subscribers, inhabitants of the Town of New Sharon in the County of Kennebec, respectfully shows their local situa- tion is such as in a great measure, if not wholly, prevents them from enjoying the common and ordinary privileges of the other inhabitants of said town, being situated at an extreme part of said town and sepa- rated by bogs and swamps that are utterly impassable even for a horse, and at a distance of six or seven miles from where the meetings are holden for transacting town business, &c., and at the same time being EVENTS FROM 1810 TO 1830. 207 not more than a mile and a half from where the town meetings are held in Industry, to which place we have a direct road in good repair, that we have uniformly joined with the Town of Industry in the Support of Schools for our Children, and we there i)erform Military duty. Being thus situated, we humbly reijuest your honorable body to take the premises into your consideration, and grant us relief, by setting off our Polls and estates from the Town of New Sharon aforesaid and annexing the same to the Town of Industry in the County of Somerset, by a line as follows, to-wit : beginning at the east corner of lot No. 84, in New Sharon on the westerly line of Industry, thence south forty-five degrees west about three-fourths of a mile to the East line of the Town of Farmington, and then to include all that part of New Sharon which Hes to the northwest of said line, being lots No. 84 and 85, containing together, about one hundred and seventy acres. xAnd as in duty bound will ever pray. (Signed) Henry SmxH. James Gower. RuFus Davis. The prayer of these petitioners was granted, and Gower's Mills (sec p. 172) straightway became a part of the Town of Industry, and the inhabitants were annexed to school district No. 2, at Davis's (now Goodridge's) Corner, where their children had previously attended school. Early in 18 14 the "Cold Plague" or "Cold Fever,"* as it was often called, prevailed as an epidemic, with great mortality, in many towns on the Kennebec and Sandy Rivers, in many instances extending to contiguous towns, and everywhere strik- ing terror to the bravest hearts, causing the ruggedest cheek to blanch and the stoutest to tremble. Since the first settle- ment of the town occasional cases had occurred, but these being isolated from each other, no thoughts of its prevailing as an epidemic ever entered the minds of the settlers. But in this year it assumed a very malignant type, in many instances ac- complishing its fatal work in a few days, and in some cases even in a few hours. This was a new form of the disease, and *This disease is now known as Typhus Fever, Ship Fever, etc. Though the writer is not aware that, at present, it prevails as an epidemic in this State. 208 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. the rapidity and dreadfulness of its work was truly appalling. In many instances it swept through whole neighborhoods and towns, prostrating entire families, tearing loved members from the family circle, claiming its victim with scarcely a moment's warning, bringing mourning to many a happy home, and every- where marking its course by scores of newly-made graves. Truly, without exaggeration, this might well be styled the reign of terror in Industry. Families and individuals were forced to suffer and die without the sympathy or aid of neighbors and friends, as few had the courage to imperil their lives by a visit to the abode of victims of this terrible disease. Of the number of deaths which occurred in this town during the prevalence of this disease, the writer has been able to gather but little definite information. Fragmentary records in his possession, however, show an unusual death rate during the year, and judging from these, we would infer that a fearful mortality was the result of its visitation to Industry. Ebenezer Norton, who lived on the Gore on the farm now (1892) owned by Hiram Norton, was one of the early victims of this malady. As nearly as can be learned, he had been visiting an afflicted family, and on returning home was himself prostrated by the disease and lived but a few hours. William Atkinson, who lived on the farm recently owned by John W. Perkins, and his entire family, with one exception, were prostrated with this disease early in March. One morning during their illness one of the neighbors. Rev. John Thompson, called to see how they were getting along, when a sight which beggars description met his gaze 1 On a bed lay the husband and father, his eyelids forever closed in death, while nestled by his side, w|jolly unconscious of her father's condition, lay a little babe scarce two years old ; the mother in an almost helpless condition from the effects of the same disease, which but a few hours before had bereft her of a loving husband, while in the same room the other children were suffering all the agonies incident to this dreadful disease. Kind " Father Thompson," his heart melting with pity at the scene of suffering and woe before him, after doing what he could for the comfort of the EVENTS FROM 1810 TO 1830. 209 sick ones, wrapped the little daughter in a blanket and bore her tenderly to his own home. Here she was kindly cared for, and grew to womanhood, to honor and respect her kind bene- factor. She subsequently married Hiram Manter, Esq., for many years a worthy and influential citizen of Industry. Among the deaths which occurred about the same time of Mr. Atkinson's, probably from the same cause, may be men- tioned : Hannah Stimpson, March 26 ; Betsey Butler, March 29; Betsey, wife of James Eveleth, April -; Abner C. Ames, April 13; Harrison Davis, April 14; Dependence, wife of Benjamin Burgess, May i ; Job Swift, May i ; Eleazer Robbins, June 11; Daniel Luce, Sr., July 10; Henry Smith, Nov. 19, and Bennett Young, December 3. Amid the weighty cares and perplexing anxieties incident to this period, with money scarce and taxes burdensome, the people of Industry were not unmindful of those who had passed away. But with a spirit worthy of emulation, made a generous appropriation for enclos- ing the burial ground near Capt. John Thompson's. This burial-place is said to be the oldest one in town, and the re- mains of many of the early settlers repose therein. The inhabi- tants residing on the Gore, a valuable tract of land which had been incorporated with the town of New Vineyard, petitioned the General Court for a separation from New Vineyard and annexation to Industry. The petitioners were thoroughly in earnest, and ardently prosecuted their claims. On the other hand, the inhabitants of New Vineyard, not favoring secession, were bitterly opposed to the separation, and left nothing un- done to defeat the purpose of the petitioners. A special town meeting was called Nov. 7, 1814, at which time the selectmen were instructed to prepare a petition against the proposed separation. The full text of the petitions, with a supple- mentary letter from William Allen, Jr., then of Norridgewock, favoring the Gore petitioners, were as follows : To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled : Your petitioners, inhabitants of a Gore of land, so-called, contain- ing about 1600 acres attached to the town of New Vineyard, in the 2IO HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. County of Somerset, humbly represent that they labor under many disadvantages by being annexed to said town of New Vineyard, being separated therefrom by a range of mountains extending almost the whole length of said town, which, with the badness of the roads, in a great measure cuts off all communication between us and the other inhabitants of said town ; so that we frequently have to travel a distance equal to the whole length of said town, and commonly travel as far without the limits of said town as would nearly carry us to the centre of the town of Industry (where the roads are much better), in order to attend our town meetings. These, with other disadvantages which we labor under, in a manner debars us from enjoying the privileges com- monly enjoyed by town inhabitants. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that said Gore of land, with the inhabitants thereon, may be set off to the town of Industry in said County of Somerset, and as in duty bound will ever pray. New Vineyard, June 14, 1814. [Signed] Cornelius Norton. Daniel Collins, Jr. Elisha Lambert. Tristram N. Presson. James Graham. Jaines Presson. Nathan Cutler. Daniel Colhns. William Davis. Joseph Collins. William Presson. Zephaniah Luce. In the House of Representatives, Jan. 13, 1815. Read and com- mitted to the committee on towns. Sent up for concurrence. [Signed] Timothy Bigelow, Speaker. In Senate, Jan. 13, 1S15. Read and concurred. [Signed] John Phillips, President. PvCad and committed to committee on towns. [Signed] John Phillips, President. House of Representatives, Feb. 4, 1815. Read and concurred. [Signed] Timothy Bigelow, Speaker. To the Hon. Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court assembled ; Your petitioners, inhabitants of the Town of New Vineyard, in the County of Somerset, humbly represent : That they are much opposed to the setting of the Gore of Land, so-called, from the Town of New EVENTS FROM iSio TO 1S30. :i I Vineyard, and annexing the same to the town of Industry, for the following reasons, viz. . ily. By taking of said Gore of land the best tract of- land of the same bigness if taken off which will impoverish the remainder of said town. 2dy. The men that principally own the land in said Gore are much against its being set off from said New Vineyard, feeling themselves much injured thereby. 3ly. The signers of the petition for setting off said Gore, six or seven of them, do not own one foot of land in said Gore. We further state that the chain of mountains alluded to by your petitioners in said Gore, does not intercept between the inhabitants of said Gore and the Centre of the Town in the least, therefore can't view that as any reason for setting off the said Gore. Our town meetings has been alternately, so that the inhabitants of said Gore have not experienced any peculiar disadvantage by going to town meetings. We, the under- signed do therefore humbly pray that said Gore may not be set off from the Town of New Vineyard. And as in duty bound will e\'er pray. New Vineyard, Dec. 13, 1814. [Signed] Benj'n C. Norton. Elijah Manter. Henry Manter. Elijah Norton. Charles Luce, Jr. Isaac Norton. John Spencer. Stephen Birse (?) William Talbot.* Joseph Butler. Solomon Butler, ]x.\ Paul Pratt. David Pratt. James Ridgway. Sam'l Daggeit, ) Tm. Norton, > Selectmen. .Asa Merry, ) Joseph W. Smith, Town Clerk. Joseph Viles. John Daggett. Charles Luce. Henry Butler, Jr. Simpson White. Howard Winslow. Daniel Gould. Nathan Daggett. Thomas Daggett. Eben'r Casey. ( ?) Nathan Daggett. J David Luce. Peter Butler. Elijah Butler. * Probably William Talcott. t Undoubtedly Simeon Butler, Jr. I In the opinion of the author, this should be Nathan Daggett, Jr. 212 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Micah Bryant, Jr. John Berry. Tristram Bresson. Eben'r Bratt. James Graham. Jonah Vaughn. Rufus Viles. Levi Young. John Flint. Zebulon Manter. Solomon Luce. Wm. Bresson. Thorns Flint. Joseph Viles, Jr. Wm. Barker. David Davis. John C. Davis. John T. Luce. Henry Butler. ( ?) Davis. James Bresson. ( ?) Wm. Anderson. NoRRiDGEWOCK, Jan. 23, 1815. William Sylvester, Esq. Dear Sir : — I am told there will be some opposition to the petition of C. Norton and others, and that proper measures have not been taken to fix the valuation of that part of New Vineyard described in the petition : That the whole town, by the last valuation, contained 26,000 acres and no polls. The Gore described in the petition contains but 1600 acres and I believe 10 ratable polls, but as the land in the Gore is more valuable than the rest of the town, I think it would be correct to estimate it at ^\ of the whole town ; so if the prayer of the petition- ers should be granted, three cents (on the 1000 dollars) ought to be taken from New Vineyard, which now pays 37 cents on the 1000, and added to Industry, which now pays 34 cents on the 1000. It has been proposed to have recourse to the returns of the selectmen on the last valuation, but this would be incorrect, as several of the petitioners own large tracts of land in the other part of the town, so that the valuation of their estates as returned would be no guide for making the estimate, and it would be desirable to have an estimate made as correct as the case will admit, so as not to have the petitioners to pay their State and County taxes in New Vineyard till the next valuation. I sketch you a rough plan of the towns of Industry and New Vineyard, by which you may see the situation of the petitioners. Yours Respectfully, [Signed] Wm. Allen, Jr. The prayer of these petitioners was granted, and that valua- ble tract of land known as the New Vineyard Gore became a part of the town of Industry. On Sept. 23, 181 5, occurred one of the most violent and extended gales known in the annals of New England ; but EVENTS FROM iSio TO 1S30. 213 every effort of the writer to learn something of its effects in Industry has proved unavailing. Hardly had a year elapsed after the close of the second war with England, ere the separation of the District of Maine from Massachusetts became a subject of much discussion. For a time the legal voters in town were about equally divided on the question, and at a town meeting held May 20, 1816, the vote stood twenty-four opposed and twenty-six in favor of a separa- tion. At a second meeting holden Sept. 2, 18 16, the oppo- nents of the project were in the majority, the vote standing thirty-eight and forty. No further action appears to have been taken by the town relative to this question until May 3, 1 819. On that date a special meeting was called and a majority voted in favor of the separation. At a subsequent meeting, holden July 26, 18 19, when the question was finally submitted to the people, the vote stood : in favor of separation, 5 i ; op- posed to it, II. Captain Ezekiel Hinkley was chosen delegate to the constitutional convention, which assembled at Portland on Monday, Oct. 2, 18 19. The constitution there framed, when submitted to the people for ratification, was unanimously adopted by the voters of Industry. On April 3, 1820, the legal voters for the first time gave in their votes for governor of Maine. These were declared as follows : William King, 40 votes ; Mark L. Hill, 7 votes ; Samuel S. Wild, 3 votes ; Scat- tering, 2 votes. The vote for a representative to the first Maine Legislature given in at a subsequent meeting was : For Esquire John Gower', 55 votes; for Capt. John Reed, 36 votes. From 1 8 10 to 1820, the town made a gain of two hundred and sixteen in population, and also added forty-one ratable polls to the number of its tax-paying inhabitants. There was likewise a net gain, between 181 2 and 1821, of $30,- 521 in the value of property as shown by the State valua- tion of that period. But little of importance occurred in the history of the town between 1820 and 1825. In 182 1 the sub- ject of forming a new county was again agitated, and on the loth of September the town voted forty-nine to six against leaving the County of Somerset. Capt. John Thompson, 27 214 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Bartlett Allen, Capt. Jabez Norton and Esq. Daniel Shaw were chosen a committee to draft a remonstrance. In the winter of 1821, Sherburne Fogg and family, from Sandwich, New Hampshire, became chargeable to the town. Mr. Fogg was blind and infirm, and one of his daughters is said to have been non compos mentis. In their indigent circum- stances the inhabitants of the town felt that the expenses of this family were an unjust and onerous burden. Learning that the legal residence of this family was in Sandwich,* various meas- ures were suggested for relieving the town of its burden, and at different times offers were made and accepted for their removal to that place. Notwithstanding this, the Foggs con- tinued to make their home in Industry, and for several years were a source of much trouble and great expense. A Sunday-school, probably the first in town, was organized in Deacon Emery's neighborhood about 1821. This school held its sessions in the school-house to the south of Deacon Emery's residence (sec p. g/f-). Nothing can be learned regarding the school aside from the fact the Deacon and John Mason were ardent supporters, if not the originators of the movement. | Between 1820 and 1824, many roads and private ways were laid out by the selectmen. These, from some unexplained reason, became a cause of frequent dissensions and proved a source of no little trouble to the municipal officers. One short piece of road in particular, running north from West's Mills to the New Vineyard line, was located and re-located several times before it became permanently established. To keep its roads safe and passable was a work of considerable magnitude and great expense to the town. When the sum annually ap- propriated for that purpose proved insufficient, all propositions to raise an additional sum were invariably voted down. The * See " Reminiscences of John Mason," in Chapter XII. t A Sunday-school was something new, and the term did not sound right to the Orthodox ears of the townspeople. The subject occasioned no little discussion, and some regarded it as an unwarranted desecration of the day of rest. Esq. Samuel Norton was so thoroughly convinced of this that he made the suggestion that the school be held on Saturday afternoon, for a while, until people could have an oppor- tunity to judge of its fitness for the holy Sabbath. El'ENTS FROM 1810 TO 1830. 215 beginning of the year 1826 found the roads in an extremely bad condition. Indeed, a complaint against them had already been made to the Grand Jury, and a law-suit seemed imminent with a prominent townsman for injuries his horse had sustained in consequence of their defective condition. These develop- ments seem to have roused the people to action, and at a town meeting held Sept. 23, 1826, the highway surveyors were in- structed to open the roads at the expense of the town when- ever obstructed by snow. James Davis was licensed to retail spirituous liquors, by the selectmen, in December, 1821, being the first person so licensed in Industry under the new State license law. In 1822 the inhabitants residing in the New Vineyard Gore (sec p. 46) sent a petition to the Legislature, praying that their estates be set off from Industry and annexed to the town of Strong. This movement was strongly opposed by the town of Industry, and the prayer of the petitioners was not granted. When the Lowell, or Mile-and-a-half Strip, was surveyed by Esq. Cornelius Norton, in 1802, the boundaries at Stark line were not known. Consequently the whole of Lot No. i, and a portion of No. 2, in the first range, with nearly seven- eighths of Lot No. 29, in the second range, were found to be in Stark, when the boundaries were at length permanently established. Esq. Peter West, the first settler on Lot No. 29, found to his surprise that his barn was in the town of Stark, though his house was in Industry. The grist-mill at West's Mills proved to be in close proximity to the town line, as did also the barn on the lot north of the brick school-house. A petition was drawn up in 1820, and presented to the Legislature early in 1821, but no action was taken, aside from notifying the towns interested, until January, 1822, when the prayer of the petition, which reads as follows, was allowed : * * Although the records of that town do not show they were authorized so to do, the selectmen and town clerk strongly remonstrated against granting the request of the petitioners. Their claims and assertions were of the most sweeping character, as the following excerpt abundantly proves : If the petitioners labored under any real grievance, although it might injure the town of Starks, we should be silent. The town line was well known at the time of 2l6 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Mass.* in Legislature assembled : Respectfully show your petitioners that they are the proprietors and owners of a lot of land, numbered twenty-nine, situated part in the North East corner of Industry, and part in the North West corner of Starks, in the County of Somerset, containing about three hundred and sixty acres : The course of the town line not being known, when this lot was originally laid out and settled, one of your petitioners erected his buildings inadvertantly so that a part of them are in Starks. That the most convenient places for building are in that part which is in Starks. That your petitioners have for fifteen or twenty years past, been settled in, and become inhabitants of the town of Industry : That they are unwilling to relinquish their privileges and rights as inhabitants of this town, where their interests and connections are identified, and that their estates would become much more saleable and would be im- proved to a much better advantage if the whole of said lot were annexed to said Industry. That the above lot is so separated by bogs and swamps, from the other settlements in Starks, that no benefit could be derived from town privileges if your petitioners were to build their houses on that part of said lot which lies in Starks, and thereby become inhabitants of that town, that their interests would be greatly promoted and no one would be injured if the prayer of this petition should be granted. They therefore humbly pray that, that part of the lot of land num- bered twenty-nine, which lies in the North West corner of Starks, may the settlement of said lot, and if a part of the buildings of one of the petitioners was inadvertantly located in gtarks, it was his own choice, and he onght not now to attempt to encroach on the limits of the town. Besides, if the prayer of the petition should be granted, one encroachment will follow another until the town will be dismembered of the best part of its territory and settlers. The town now nearly square and taking a large lot out of one corner will be of more injury to the town than any possible benefit to the petitioners. We therefore earnestly pray that the prayer of the said petitioners may not be granted, and as in duty bound will ever pray. Starks, Dec, 1821. [Signed] BENJAMIN Holbrook, ] Selectmen Edgar Hilton, \ of Leanard Greaton, J Starks. James Waugh, Town Clerk. * It will be noticed that this petition was addressed to the Legislature of the .State of Massachusetts. Soon after that the District of Maine became an independ- ent State and this petition, with other documents, was transferred to the State Legislature of Maine. This circumstance also explains the delay in granting the prayer of the petitioners. EVENTS FROM 1810 TO 1830. 217 be set off from said Starks and annexed to the town of Industry. Industry, 1820. Peter West, Jr. True Remick. Samuel Pinkham. I own a small part of the above lot, and join in the above petition. [Signed] Benj'n Manter. The success of Peter West, Jr., and others, in securing an- nexation of this lot so changed the northern boundary line of Industry as to render it possible for the inhabitants on the southwest corner of Anson, who were isolated in a measure from the rest of the town, to petition for and secure the neces- sary legislation to constitute them citizens of Industry and their farms a part of the town. This petition, now preserved in the archives of the State at Augusta, reads as follows : To the Hon. Senate and Hoicse of Representatives, of the State of Maine, in Legislature assembled : Your petitioners would humbly represent that they are inhabitants of the Town of Anson, in the County of Somerset, in said .State, that they are situated in the southwest corner of said town, that they are highly discommoded in their situation in said town as to town privi- leges, being separated from said town by a swamp or bog, which renders our route to trainings and town meeting circular and lengthy, a distance of about ten miles to the usual place of holding town meetings, as also being very inconvenient as to schools, it being a number of miles to any other inhabitants in said town, and our number is not sufficient to support a school ourselves. We therefore pray that we, the sub- scribers, may be set off from the said town of Anson and annexed to the town of Industry adjoining ; together with the several lots of land on which we live, with all the privileges thereon, being Lots No. one and two in the first range of lots in said Town of Anson, containing four hundred acres. The granting the above petition will much im- prove our situation in town affairs in particular, the education of our children, and advance the value of our farms ; as in duty bound will ever pray. Anson, Oct. 8, 1822. [Signed] Peter W. Willis. Benj'n Manter. James Stevens. William Butler. 21 8 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. This petition received the immediate attention of the Legis- lature, and ere the month of February, 1823, had passed, the petitioners had their prayer granted. Early in 1825 parties who had been for some time discuss- ing the subject, caused to be inserted in the warrant for the annual meeting, an article " To see what sum of money the town would raise to build a town-house." The article was summarily dismissed without action, at the meeting. A similar article fared the same fate in a meeting held Sept. 11, 1826. On the following day the selectmen issued a second warrant calling a meeting of the legal voters on the twenty-third day of the same month. At this meeting Thomas Bondley, of Hal- lowell, was elected to select a convenient site for a town-house. The location of the house seems to have remained an unsettled question until February, 1827, when the town voted to locate it " at the junction of the Bannock Hill and New Sharon roads, near widow Anna Norton's." But to this selection there were many dissenting voices and other locations proposed. This want of harmony paralyzed all action, and Industry's town- house existed only in the fancies of its projectors. In the autumn of 1825, after a drouth, the severity of which had never been equalled in the history of the town, fires broke out in the woods in Industry, about the same time as the great fire at Mirimichi. There was a great scarcity of water all over the town ; wells were either dry or yielded a limited and uncertain supply, and springs which had previously been con- sidered "never-failing" now absolutely refused to yield a single drop. A fire in the woods, dreaded as it naturally is at any time, becomes infinitely more dreadful when it occurs during a great scarcity of water, — when our homes are threatened by the fire fiend without any means at command to defend them. Such was the situation in Industry when the fire broke out. The protracted drouth had rendered the half-decayed vegeta- tion of the woods and swamps as combustible as tinder, and, fanned by a strong breeze, even evergreens burned like pine kindlings. Is it strange that, under such circumstances, the inhabitants stood abashed and appalled at the spectacle? The o EVENTS FROM 1810 TO 1830. 219 fire first broke out on the mountain near the house of Rowland Luce. From thence it spread rapidly in many directions, burn- ing over large tracts of territory and destroying much valuable timber, and in some instances happy homes were reduced to ashes by the devouring element. For days at a time the smoke would be so thick as to render breathing very oppressive. Among the burnt lands was a large tract eastward from Tib- betts's Corner, a portion of which now belongs to the so-called William Henry Luce farm. Also a portion of the farm re- cently occupied by the widow of Charles H. B. True. As the people of Industry began to emerge from poverty and want, they keenly felt the need of better accommodations for public worship. Hitherto religious meetings had been held in school-houses or in the dwellings of such as were willing to open their houses on those occasions. Now even the largest school-houses were not of sufficient capacity to accommodate the church-goers. To meet the requirements of the case, the town voted Sept. 9, 1822, to appropriate $200 for building a meeting-house, and chose a committee of nine to locate the house, procure plans and make all necessary preliminary arrangements for its erection. There is no record of this com- mittee, and it is probable no report was ever made, for so large a number could hardly be expected to agree on any subject when so great a chance existed for difference of opinion. No further action is shown to have been taken by the town in regard to a meeting-house until March, 1824, when the town was again asked to appropriate money for that purpose. The record of the meeting is incomplete, hence what action was taken on the article is not known. The Methodists, aided largely by Capt. John Thompson, erected a house of worship in 1823 (sec p. ijo), near Pike's Corner, in the east part of the town. Evidently those interested in the erection of a house of Worship, becoming discouraged, ceased to look to the town for aid, and resolved to erect a house by private subscription. The first movement in this direction was made by the citizens of Industry on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 1827, when a meeting was held 220 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. at the Centre School-house at Davis's Corner. The assembly organized by calling Benjamin Allen to preside, and electing Capt. Newman T. Allen clerk. The meeting voted to build a house of worship, and chose Esquire Moses Tolman, John Trafton, Jacob Hayes, George Hobbs, Capt. Ezekiel Hinkley, James Eveleth and John C. Butterfield, a building committee. It was also voted that each subscriber for a pew should give a " confession note " to indemnify the building committee. The constitution framed and adopted was as follows : CONSTITUTION OF THE INDUSTRY UNION MEETING-HOUSE.* Art. isi. Each person shall be entitled to a vote respecting the occupying [of] the desk and the time of occupying [to] be divided by the votes for the time [or term] of one year in [a] succession of Sab- baths, and any pewholder shall have the right of altering his vote at the expiration of one year from the time the vote was last taken. Art. 2d. Each denomination shall have an agent appointed that other denominations shall apply to respecting his denomination occupy- ing the desk when belonging to them, and if they are not going [to use it] the first denomination applying shall have the same right to occupy as though it was their turn. Art. jii. Each pewholder shall have a right to occupy the desk himself or by any other person at any time, providing he does not infringe upon previous appointments ; providing, nevertheless, that no man shall occupy the desk himself or make appointments for any other [person] except he be a professor of the christian religion and of good moral character and suitably recommended as a preacher of the gospel. Art. 4th. No meeting of the proprietors shall be holden unless the agent of each denomination shall be notified seven days previous to said meeting. [Signed] Henry B. Rackliff. Ezekiel Hinkley. Alvan Smith. James Davis. Moses Tolman. Nathan Goodridge. Freeman Allen. James Eveleth. Eben WiUard. Newman T. Allen. William Harvey. George Hobbs. Rufus Gennings. Benjamin Allen. * The words here inclosed in brackets were obvious omissions, either in draw- ing up or recording the instrument. They are here supplied to complete the sense. EVENTS FROM 1810 TO 1830. 221 Jacob Hayes. John Trafton. William Allen. Francis Meader, 2ri. Elisha Luce. Josiah Hinkley. Josiah Butler. James Bailey. James Stanley. Rowland Luce. Valentine Look. Daniel Luce. Aholiab Bigelow. Benjamin Cottle. Cornelius Davis. David Luce.* Francis Remick. John C. Butterfield. Charles L. Allen. At a meeting held by adjournment on Friday, December 14, it was decided to put up at public auction the furnishing of material and construction of the house. Accordingly the vari- ous contracts were struck off as follows : Foundation and Underpinning, to Josiah Hinkley, $49.00 Frame, to William Harvey, 100.00 Finishing the Outside, to Benjamin Allen, 375-oo Lime, to Rufus Gennings, at $2.48 per cask. Furring and Lathing inside, to James Davis, 46.50 Sand, to Elisha Luce, 6.75 Hair and Plastering, to Gen. Nathan Goodridge, 16.00 Finishing Inside, to James Eveleth, 325.00 S918.25 Thus it is seen that the house, exclusive of lime for plaster- ing, etc., cost nine hundred and eighteen dollars and twenty-five cents. In the month of February following, the proprietors chose Revs. Sylvanus Boardman and Fifield Holt, and Judge Thomas Parker, of Farmington, a committee to locate or select a site for the structure. The report of the committee is dated at Industry, Feb. 27, 1828, and the site selected is the one on which the house now (1892) stands. There is much uncertainty as to the date when the house was completed, as the records of the proprietors are incomplete. They chose a committee to *This was David M., son of Charles and Catherine (Merry) Luce. He was commonly called " Pond David Luce," from the fact that he lived near the shore of Clear Water Pond, and to distinguish him from another person of the same name who resided near West's Mills. 28 222 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. settle with the building committee April 30, 1829, hence it is but reasonable to infer that the house was completed prior to that date. The financial afifairs were managed with so much ability that an excess of $56.65 remained in the hands of the building committee after all expenses were paid. The author has not been able to learn anything definite concerning the dedication of the house or the date of its occurrence.* The proprietors continued to hold business meetings regularly up to the close of 1838, but their organization was eventually lost by deaths and removals from town. A number of wealthy gentlemen residing at or near West's Mills, met in the spring of 1828 to consider the propriety of erecting a third house of worship in Industry. As the result of this conference, the following constitution was drawn up and accepted : INDUSTRY NORTH MEETING-HOUSE CONSTITUTIOM. Art. 1st. The house shall be called the Industry North Meeting- House. Art. 2d. The house shall be built on the south line of a piece of land now owned by Mr. lohn Remick, on the west side of the road leading from West's Mills to the New Vineyard [line] a few rods north of the school-house. Art. jd. The house shall be considered the Methodist and Con- gregational Meeting-House, one-half to each denomination. The Methodist shall have [the] right to improve [use] said house one-half of the time and the Congregationalists the other half, to be divided into weeks [of] equal [length]. A?-f. 4th. The house shall be built by all the pews [pew owners] in proportion to what the pews may sell for. Art. ^th. Each [owner of one] pew shall be entitled to two votes. Art. 6th. The weeks of each denomination's turn to use said house shall commence on the Sabbath. * From the best recollections of ihe older people, such as Mrs. Phebe Cushman, Teressa Luce and Nancy Leavitt, Rev. Joseph Underwood, of New .Sharon, preached the dedicatory sermon, and Rev. Sylvanus Boardman offered the dedicatory prayer. Mrs. Cushman, who assisted in the singing on that occasion, is of the opinion that the house was dedicated in the fall. She states that the weather was fine and the exercises very interesting and enjoyable. EVENTS E'ROM iSio TO 1830. , 223 Art. ■jtli. Either denomination shall have [the] right to use said house for the Worship of God on the Sabbath or on week days, not- withstanding it is not their turn to use it, i)rovided it is not used by those whose right it is to use it. Art. 8th. No person Shall have a right to Sell a pew at jjrivate Sale without posting up Notice of the same in said house three weeks previous to the Day of Sale. Art. gth. There Shall be a Committee to Superintend the build- ing of said house. Art. lOth. There Shall be an annual Meeting holden on the first Monday of May forever, to transact any business that may be thought necessary Relati\'e to said house. Art. nth. This Constitution Shall be binding in all its parts after Being Signed by two-thirds of the pew holders. Art. I2th. Said house Shall be at Liberty at any time, and for the use of pew-holders, one-half Day for funeral Services. Art. 13th. This Constitution may be Revised at any annual meet- ing, by a majority of two-thirds of the Voters who may be present at said meeting. Said meeting shall be notified four weeks previous to said day. Notice Shall be posted up in said house by an agent who Shall be chosen for that purpose. Art. I4ih. Each denomination shall have [aj right to admit or exclude any person to or from any private meeting agreeable to the usual custom of said churches. Art. ijth. Each denomination shall have [aJ right to use the house at any time for yearly and Quarterly meeting. Art. 16th. The Calvinist Baptist church shall have [a] right to use said house out of the half [of the time] belonging to said Con- gregational church in proportion [to] what they own in said house. Art. Jjth. The house shall be built agreeable to the annexed plan, and shall be built by the lowest bidder at auction by his giving bonds to the acceptance [satisfaction] of the [building] Committee. Industry, [Maine,] May 17th, 1828. [Signed] Daniel Shaw. John D. Spaulding. William Cornforth. Ira Emery. Samuel Shaw. Henry Luce. True Remick. Joseph Viles. Peter VV. Willis. Rufus Viles, Jr. James Stevens. Samuel Daggett. 224 . HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Matthew Benson. Menzir Boardman.* Hiram Manter. James Manter. Isaac Norton. John S. Bradbury. John Gott. Zebulon Manter. Benjamin Manter. James Thompson. Peter West. Jabez Norton. David Luce. Leonard Luce. Benjamin C. Norton. The signers of this constitution are all dead (1887) and no record of their transactions as a society is to be found. The house was built on contract by John Gott, of Industry, for one thousand dollars. Mr. Gott was an excellent workman, and so long as it stood the house was a worthy monument to the honor and integrity of its builder. The excellence of the material used, and the superiority of its construction, were the constant admiration of all. Although the society was organized in the spring of 1828, the house was not erected until the following year. It was completed near the close of December, 1829,1 and dedicated in the month of February following. The completion and dedication of this house was an impor- tant event to those interested in the enterprise ; but of the dedicatory exercises the writer has been able to gather but little worthy of note. The number present on that occasion was * This is the identical person whose name Hon. Francis G. Butler (History of Farviington, p. ^61) spells " Melzer." Undoubtedly Mr. Boardman's christian name had its origin in the old Scripture name, Melzer, but he did not so spell it in 1828, when he affixed his name to the constitution of the Industry North Meeting-House. t From a memorandum in the day-book of Hiram Manter, Esq. This date cor- responds with the recollection of Major James Cutts, who writes the author as follows : "My father moved to Industry in 1829. I was in my twentieth year. The church was built that fall or early in the winter." Stephen Allen, D. D., thinks it was dedicated in 1828 or 1829, but does not seem to be positive as to the exact date. Major Cutts further says, in regard to the house, " It was remodeled — the gallery cut down in 1862, and a bell-tower built in 1864. My brother, Capt. Oliver Cutts, sent a bell to me with the request that I present it to the societies worshipping there. I wish to add that thirty-four years had elapsed since the house was first dedicated, and on both occasions the house was packed to its utmost capacity. I was present on both occasions, and on presenting the bell, I asked all in the congregation who were present at the first dedication to rise; there were but six present beside myself! " EVENTS FROM 1810 TO 1830. 225 very large, and the sermon was preached by Rev. Obed Wilson, of Bingham, Me., a local preacher of talent and ability.* Rev. James Warren was "preacher in charge" at that time, but his part in the exercises is unknown. Thus it will be seen that in the incredibly short period of eight years the inhabitants of Industry erected three churches, costing in the aggregate not far from $3,000, and that, too, without incurring any indebted- ness. *Obed Wilson, son of Oliver and Sarah (Haywood) Wilson, was born in Nor- ridgewock. Me., Oct. 15, 1778. He was converted in 1804 or 1805, and soon after began to preach. He was a man of much natural ability and an eloquent speaker. He died in Skowhegan, Me., Nov. iS, 1840, aged 62 years, I month and 3 days. CHAPTER XII. POST-OFFICES, REMINISCENCES OF JOHN MASON, AND CORRESPONDENCE OF CAPT. JERUEE BUTLER. Lack of Postal Facilities. — High Rates of Postage. — P'irst Post-Office Established. — Jonathan Goodridge Appointed Post-Master. — Mail Brought from Farniington. — Mail from Stark Once a Week. — Mail Route Changed. — Mail Received via New Sharon. — lames Davis Appointed Post-Master. — Other Post-Masters. — Industry Post-Offlce Changed to Allen's Mills. — Post-Office Established at West's Mills. — Esq. Peter West Appointed Post-Master. — Lower Rates of Postage. — Stamps First Used. — Era of Cheap Postage Begins. — Rates Fixed According to Weight Instead of Distance.— Other Post-Masters at West's Mills. — Glass " Call- Boxes" First Introduced. — Mail Carriers. — Change of Time. — Industry Gets a Daily Mail from Farmington. — North Industry Post-Office, Etc. For many years after its settlement the town of Industry was wholly destitute of postal facilities. Indeed the present complicated and efficient system of mail service was then in its infancy. If any resident of the town found it necessary to communicate with friends or acquaintances living at a distance, the letter must needs be sent to a post-office in some neighbor- ing town. Then, too, it required considerable time for a letter to reach its destination, however short the distance might be. The rates of postage were so extremely dear that letters of friendship were seldom written, save by those in affluent circum- stances. Consequently the inconveniences resulting from the remoteness of a post-office may not have been so keenly felt in those days as they would be at the present time. When the town was incorporated six cents was the smallest fee charged for a single letter, and this increased up to twenty- five cents for carrying one of equal weight a distance of four hundred and fifty miles. These continued with slight variations POST-OFF/CES, ETC. 227 up to 1 8 16, at which time the rates charged were six cents for any distance less than thirty miles, ten cents for eighty miles, twelve and one-half cents for one hundred and fifty miles, eighteen and one-half cents for four hundred miles, and twenty- five cents for a greater distance. Early in the year just men- tioned, an effort was made to establish a post-office at the centre of the town, and the names of Jonathan Goodridge and Bartlett Allen were presented as candidates for the position of post-master. Timothy Johnson, then post-master at Farm- ington, wrote a letter bearing date of June 12, 18 16, to the authorities in Washington, stating that "Jonathan Goodridge and Bartlett Allen, living near the centre of the town, are respectable men and capable of making good post-masters." He further stated that Mr. Goodridge was a strong supporter of the government, while Mr. Allen, the other candidate, was not in sympathy with the administration. The office was established Oct. 12, 18 16, and took for its name that of the town in which it was located. With the customary partizan spirit manifested b)- the dominant political party, Mr. Goodridge received the appointment. This office, when first established, was supplied from Farmington, but subsequently a mail was received once a week from Stark.* Still later the route was changed, and the mail was brought from New Sharon via Winslow's Corner to Davis's [now Goodridge's] Corner, once a week. When the office at West's Mills was established, the route was extended to that place, and from thence to the ofifice at East New Vineyard. James Davis, Sr., having erected a store and entered trade at the Corner which for many years bore his name, was Mr. Goodridge's successor as post-master, and conducted the ofifice in connection with his mercantile business. After a continuous service of more than eighteen years, Mr. Davis was succeeded by Gen. Nathan Goodridge, a son of Jonathan Goodridge, previously mentioned. Gen. Good- ridge was a man much respected by his townsmen, and filled the position of post-master acceptably for man)' years. He *The writer gained this information from Truman, son of Bartlett Allen. 22 8 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. was commissioned three times under different administrations, and was holding the office at the time of his death. In the interim several persons, including Deacon Ira and Mark Em- ery, held the office for longer or shorter periods, according to the length of time their party was in the ascendency. During all these years the office remained in the vicinity of the spot where it was first established, with the exception of a little more than a year and a half when Samuel R. Allen was post-master. Mr. Allen was appointed March 6, 1863, and the office was thereupon removed to Allen's Mills and kept in the house recently occupied by Wm. H. Johnson, although its name remained unchanged. Mr. Allen was a popular official, but the change in location was strongly opposed, and on his removal from town Gen. Nathan Goodridge was appointed his successor and the office was again established in the vicinity of its original site. Strenuous efforts were frequently made, how- ever, to secure its permanent location at Allen's Mills, but without avail. After the death of Gen. Goodridge, Hovey Thomas was appointed to fill the vacancy, and continued in office until the fall of 1879, when, by mutual consent, the office was removed to Allen's Mills and the name changed to that of the village in which it was located. The following is a list of the persons who have held the office of post-master of the Industry and Allen's Mills post-office, with date of ap- pointment : INDUSTRY POST-OFFICE. Name. Date of Appointment. Jonathan Goodridge, October 12, 1816. James Davis, June 16, 1821. Nathan Goodridge, November 20, 1839. Ira Emery, June 29, 1841. Nathan Goodridge, July 29, 1845. Mark Emery, December 15, 1856. Samuel R. Allen, March 6, 1863. Nathan Goodridge, October 7, 1864. Hovey Thomas, September 27, 1871. POST-OFFJCES, ETC. 2 2Cj CHANGED TO ALLEN'S MILLS, OCI'OBER 24, 1S79. POST-MASTERS : Name. Djl^. of Appoiiitmi-nt. ^[oses M. Luce, . October 24, 1879. Herbert B. Luce, September 28, 1881. Elbridge H. Rackliff, August 17, 1S89. The office at West's Mills was established March 8, 1S28, and first kept in Esquire Peter West's store, he having been appointed post-master. His son, John West, succeeded him in 1839, but held the office less than two years. The inaugura- tion of William Henry Harrison, president, in 1841, caused a change in the political character of the government, and im- mediately after steps were taken to secure the appointment of Jesse Thing to succeed Mr. West. At that time Mr. Thing lived in a house just north of where Charles M. Hilton's store now (1892) stands. He was appointed July 10, 1841, and removed the office to his house, where it was kept during his term of service, which terminated July 24, 1845, by the appoint- ment of John West Manter as his successor. During a portion of his term of office Mr. Manter was in trade with his brother Peter, in the store built by Moses Tolman, Jr., (sec p. igj) and here the office was kept. The letters were kept exposed to the public view on a bulletin board, and held in place by a narrow tape tacked across it at regular intervals. These letters were accessible to all who called at the store, yet it is believed none were ever taken by other than their legitimate owners. In 1849 Mr. Thing was re-appointed and kept the office in his store. While Mr. Thing was in office an important change occurred in the rates of postage. The rates had been much simplified in 1845, by making the fee five cents for any dis- tance under three hundred miles, and any distance greater than that ten cents. In 1847 stamps were introduced, and the rates fixed according to weight instead of distance.* The era of * Prior to the inlrofluction of postage stamps, the pre-payment of postage was optional with the sender, who could either pay it in advance or allow the sum due to be collected of the person to whom the missive was addressed. 29 230 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. cheap postage really dates from 1851, when the rate on prepaid letters was made three cents for any distance within 3000 miles. Mr. Thing held the office a few days over three years, when he was succeeded by Cyrus N. Hutchins. No one held the office any length of time after Mr. Thing, until Nov. 10, 1854, when Peter VV. Butler was appointed to fill the position. Mr. Butler was a carpenter and wheelwright by trade, and kept the office in one corner of his shop which was partitioned off for that purpose. He gave general satisfaction to his constituents and held the office until 1861, when the administration changed and the business passed into the hands of Elbridge H. Rackliff. Mr. Rackliff fitted up a convenient office in one end of the Tolman store, and sold stationery and conducted an extensive newspaper and periodical agency in connection with his official business. Warren N. Willis was the next appointee to fill the position, and the office was removed to his brother's store, where it remained until the fall of 1865, when, preparatory to settling up his business to go West, he resigned his office in favor of his father-in-law, Asaph Boyden. Mr, Boyden kept his office in Thomas P. Patterson's store a short time in the winter of 1866, but after a brief period removed it to his home, where it was kept for a period of nearly thirteen years. Mr. Boyden resigned his position in the fall of 1879, on account of the infirmities of age, and Alonzo Norton of the firm of James M. & A. Norton was appointed to fill the vacancy. A com- modious office was fitted up in the store of the firm, and nearly a hundred glass call-boxes were constructed and furnished to the patrons of the office, rental free. The excellent accommo- dations, the central location and the careful and courteous manner in which the duties of the office were discharged, made it very popular with its patrons and largely increased its receipts. April i, 1886, Charles M. Hilton, having been appointed post-master, the office was removed to his store and an apartment fitted up with considerable elaboration for its reception, where it remained some three years. Though much had been said in relation to the civil service rules, by the Republicans, during President Cleveland's administration, the POST-OFF/CES, ETC. 231 more candid had but little faith in their pretentions. No sooner than fairly established in office did President Harrison and his coadjutors commence a systematic course of removals from federal offices of the appointees of their predecessors. Among the early petitions received by the post-office depart- ment at Washington, was one asking the removal of Charles M. Hilton and the appointment of Harrison Daggett as post- master at West's Mills. Just previous to this, Mr. Daggett had gone into trade in the Richard Caswell store (see p. 202), and on receiving his appointment, immediately fitted up an apart- ment in his store for the transaction of the business of the office. He purchased his predecessor's glass call-boxes, a very fine set numbering over 100, took possession of the office, and on the 13th day of June, 1889, the mail was delivered for the first time from the office in its new location. The new appointee was not a novice at the business, having served as a clerk in the office nearly five years when his uncle, Alonzo Norton, was post-master. Always courteous and obliging in his business transactions, Mr. Daggett's popularity with the patrons of the office became an established fact ere he had held his position many months. The following persons have served as post- masters at the West's Mills office : Nnme. Peter West, John West, Jesse Thing, John West Manter, Jesse Thing, Cyrus N. Hutchins, Benjamin N. Willis, Peter West Willis, Peter West Butler, Elbridge H. Rackliff, Warren N. Willis, Asaph Boyden, Alonzo Norton, Charles M. Hilton, Harrison Daggett, D.ite ot Appointment March 8, 1828 October 19, 1839 July 10, 1 84 1 July 24, 1845 April 27, 1849 May 31, 1852 February 2, 1853 January 1 1, 1854 November 10, 1854 August 3, 1 86 1 April 26, 1864 January 15, 1866 November 7, 1879 March i, 1886 May 16, 1889 232 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Owing to the destruction by fire of a portion of the records in the P. O. Department at Washington but little knowledge of the avenues through which the Industry offices received their mail or the frequency of the trips can be obtained.* In 1863 and for several years thereafter Moses Chandler, of Temple, owned the route and drove three times a week, viz., Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from Farmington to Stark via the Industry and West's Mills Post-Offices, arriving at his destination about noon, — making the return trip the same day. He was succeeded by Isaac Edwards as owner of the route. About January 1st, 1866, the time of arrival and departure of the mail was changed so as to connect at Farmington with the out-going morning and in-coming evening train. By this arrangement the mail left Farmington on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays after the arrival of the evening train, reaching West's Mills at about 8 o'clock P. M., and arriving at Stark about 9.15. Leaving Stark early the following morning the mail reached Farmington in season to depart on the morning train. This arrangement proved a great convenience, for while it existed a letter could be sent to or received from Boston the same day it was mailed. But after a continuation of four years it was again changed and the old schedule time adopted. About 1878 the citizens of Stark petitioned the authorities at Washington to discontinue the three-trip-a-week route from West's Mills to Stark and establish, instead, a daily mail route from Madison Bridge via Stark to West's Mills. The mail to leave Madison Bridge on the arrival of the evening train and leave West's Mills on the following morning in season to. connect with the first out-going train. Asaph Boyden, who at the time was post-master at West's Mills, strongly opposed the measure, though the patrons of his office generally favored it. The re- sult was West's Mills was made the terminus of the Farmington route and Stark got its daily route from Madison Bridge. Soon after the post-office at West's Mills came into the hands * Among the early mail-carriers was Fred V. Stewart, of Farmington, who carried the mail in a two-wheeled carriage or gig from Farmington to Norridgewock via Industry and .Stark post-offices. POST-OFF/CES, ETC. 233 of Alonzo Norton a petition was sent to Washington asking that a daily mail-route be established between Farmington and West's Mills. The prayer of these petitioners was granted, and the arrangement went into effect July i, 1880. The change not only proved a great convenience to the patrons but largely in- creased the receipts of the ofhce. On receiving its concession from New Vineyard in 1844, Industry added a third post-office to its number. This office was kept by Isaac Daggett, in the house recently owned and occupied by his son, John T. Daggett, and comprised a portion of the Industry post-route, being its northern terminus. From its estabhshment, December 6, 1827, to May 14, 1847, it was known as the New Vineyard Post-Ofifice. On the last mentioned date the name was changed to West Industry. This name proved to be a misnomer, and on the 8th of June, 1847, the name of the office was changed to North Industry Mr. Dag- gett continued to serve as post-master until June 8, 1855, when the office was discontinued for lack of patronage. Prior to August, 1889, the mail arrived at West's Mills from Farmington at 1 1 o'clock A. M. and returned in season to connect with the out-going afternoon train. During the month previously mentioned a change was effected whereby the mail left West's Mills each day (Sundays excepted) at 11 o'clock the year around. Returning, it left Farmington from May ist to Decem- ber 1st on the arrival of the evening train, and from December 1st to May ist at three o'clock P. M. While the summer arrange- ment was very convenient,* the winter time-table could not have been more illy contrived, and the result was frequent and vexa- tious delays in the delivery of important messages. This ar- rangement continued in force until March, 1891, when agreeably to a strong petition the time of leaving West's Mills was changed so as to connect with the out-going morning train at Farmington. Returning, it left Farmington on the arrival of the evening train, reaching West's Mills at about 8 o'clock P. il. This time- * Illustralive of the convenience of the summer arrangement the author will say that a letter post-marked Washington, D. C, August 7, 1890, was delivered to the person addressed, at West's Mills, in just 31 hours. 2 34 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. schedule, which remains in force the year around, proves a great convenience and enables the citizens of Industry to send a letter to Boston in about fourteen hours, or receive one from that place in the same length of time. CORRESPONDENCE OF JOHN MASON. John Mason,* a nephew of Samuel Mason, came to Indus- try, Maine, in April, 1819. He came from New Hampshire and was a descendant of John Mason who, in company with Ferdinando Gorges, received a grant from the council for New England in 1622 of a tract of land extending east from the Merrimac to the Kennebec, and from the Atlantic to the Saint Lawrence. We give an account of the journey in his own words : In October, 18 18, Daniel .Shaw and others induced Uncle Samuel Mason's eldest daughter, Sophronia, or Froney, as she was called, to come to Industry as a teacher. I went into Industry the April follow- ing, when only a little over nineteen years of age — little more than a boy. I left home with but a small fortune, the larger share of which consisted of good health, a tolerable education and plenty of pluck. Previous to this I had served an apprenticeship to a tanner and currier. After I left home I went into Maine to seek my fortune, as I had served my apprenticeship there. Not finding wages as good as I anticipated, when I got to Portland, I invested all my money in such trinkets as people must have, and went to trading in the back settlements of * John Mason was born at Hampton, New Hampshire, July 6, 1799, and died at Woodlawn, near AccoLink, Fairfax County, Virginia, Friday, September 21, 1888. He was the son of Robert Tufton Mason ami Sarah Mason, nee Oilman. In childhood he was adopted by his Aunt Newman of Andover. On her second marriage he began to learn the tanner's trade, but soon quit it for a mercantile life. He married in East- port, Maine, September 6, 1827, Rachel Lincoln, daughter of Otis Lincoln. In 1828 he joined the Baptist Church, in which communion he remained a faithful deacon until his death. In 1S37-1S38 his fortune was wrecked by the great crisis, and in 1840 he located in Haddonslield, New Jersey, where he lived until 1850 and then removed to his late residence at Woodlawn. Mr. Mason was a zealous reformer in schools, public morals and religion. On Monday, September 24, 1888, his neighbors thronged to honor the departed. They placed an anchor of roses on his breast, emblem of his early life; a sheaf of wheat upon his folded hands, token of a. ripened career. On his feet were palm branches, suggestive of immortal rest. Then they laid him in the little cemetery under the very oak tree he had selected to shade his grave. CORRESPONDENCE OF JOHN MASON. 235 Maine. In this peddling expedition I succeeded very well, besides affording me an opportunity to see the country. After going east of the Kennebec River until my stock got quite small, I came back to Waterville ; stopped there some days to see Moses Dalton, a cousin to my father, who was away from home with a party exploring laud in the vicinity of Moosehead Lake, but failed to see him. As my stock needed replenishing I thought that perhaps I might be able to get some goods at Norridgewock, — if not it would take me nearer to Portland. When I arrived at Norridgewock, I found that I was but eleven miles from Industry. I knew that we had relatives there besides Cousin Sophronia Mason : The wives of Daniel Shaw and William Remick were my mother's own cousins ; while (iilman Hilton and Rowland Luce's wives were cousins to my father. While at Industry I attended a meeting and assisted in the sing- ing, for which I had a good talent, and could also teach vocal music. This brought me favorably before the people, and as there was no tanner or currier in town, nor in any of the towns back of Industry, they all set in for me to settle there. I first hired with Esquire Peter West for a month and a half, and commenced buying all the hides and calf-skins I could. Took them to Henry Butler's at Farmington Hill to have them tanned, and worked with Mr. Butler to pay for tanning thera. I also worked a month in haying for Benjamin Norton. After this I went to Boston by water, and then to Andover to visit an aunt, who had married Mark Newman for her second husband, with whom I had lived from my seventh to my twelfth year. (Jn my return to Maine I was employed by Berry, the tanner, to work at my trade, in New Sharon, with Deacon Ira Emery as my boss. Deacon Emery invited me to make it my home with him. We took our pay for our work at New Sharon in leather out of the tan, and I curried it. We then hired shoemakers to work it up together with my stock at Farmington Hill. Deacon Emery took his boots and shoes East, I took mine to Boston. There I met an old school-mate who was in the employ of a firm engaged in the importation of rectified spirits, who wished me to introduce their liquors into Maine. Would give me a right good chance. I refused at first, but told him if they would buy my boots and shoes and would make me out an assortment of groceries, I would try their liquors. They took my stock, gave me a right good price ; some money with a good assortment of groceries at a low price. I sent my goods in a vessel to Hallowell and returned by the way of New Hampshire. I examined the records in Sandwich, and found 236 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. that old blind Fogg,* who, with his wife and non compos daughter were paupers in Industry, had a pauper residence in that town and was entitled to a support there. The superior quality of my liquor an^ other goods, together with relieving the town of the expense of the Fogg family, gained for me a strong affection in the hearts of the people. Immediately on my return from Boston I commenced the erection of a building, near Deacon Ira Emery's, 20x32 feet, with a basement, in which to display ray goods and also to serve as a shop and dwelling-house. The day on which I raised my building was extremely warm and the men got so drunk that they could not put the roof on.f That advertised my liquor, and notwithstanding the fact that I was making nearly 200 per cent, profit on it the people said that " they were glad that one honest trader had come into the place." On the opening of my store, there were none in successful operation in town. Everybody liked me ; my educational and other advantages had been superior to theirs, and my musical talents soon gave me the lead among the young people. In fact, it was the verdict of all that there was not a young man in Somerset County whose business prospects were more flattering. I had continued the sale of liquor only about ten months when I became convinced of its harmfulness and have ever since been an active advocate of temper- ance principles. At the time I was engaged in trade it was considered a perfectly honorable and legitimate business to retail ardent spirits, and no grocery dealer failed to keep a supply. Owing to an unfavorable turn in a love affair, on account of a rival whom the young lady's parents favored, I felt that I could no longer remain in a place where everything seemed to remind me of my dis- appointment ; so, hastily settling up my business, I went to New Sharon. Soon after this I joined Esquire Daniel Shaw and Captain Benjamin Manter, of Industry, in a trading expedition to Saint Andrews, New Brunswick. We hired a vessel, got our cargo loaded, and sailed from Wiscasset on the night of the 13th of January. There had been but very little rough weather thus far, but the first day out we encountered * Prior 10 this date articles had frequently been inserted in town meeting war- rants relative to a disposal of this family. The overseers of the poor were confident that this town was under no legal obligation for their support, yet was unable to establish the residence of the family elsewhere. — W. C. H. t The reader must recollect that in those days it was thought to be impossible to raise a building without "plenty of rum,'' and the person who failed to furnish it was in no wise popular in the community. — W. C. H. CORRESPONDENCE OF JOHN MASON. 237 a fearful storm, and the' following night was truly terrifying. I kept making ginger tea for the men to keep them from freezing ; indeed some of them did get frost-bitten in spite of my efforts. About mid- night the stoutest man on board came below bellowing, " If I must die I will die below deck." I looked up. Esquire Shaw and Captain Manter were both engaged in prayer, while the waves ran mountains high. I, too, felt very badly, and placing my forehead in my hand, I uttered the words of Christ's disciples to their Master : " Lord, save us ; we perish," and immediately my fears left me. I broke open a box of clothing, put on several extra garments to protect me from the intense cold and went on deck. There I saw Captain Manter seated on the binacle hatch, his nose and ears frozen. When I saw this, the same feeling of the helplessness of our situation returned. Again I bowed my head and uttered my former prayer, when my fears instantly van- ished. I offered to take the captain's place at the wheel, but he would not consent to this at first, \^'hen I told him that I knew what he was doing, that it was his intention to take the seas on the starboard quarter, for if the vessel fell into the trough of the sea she might tip over, or if she made a plunge she might not come up again, — he then consented for me to relieve him at the wheel. The only sail we could carry was the fore gaff lashed to the fore boom with the throat hoisted up. The scene was awfully grand ! I sang as loud as I could, to keep the men's courage up : Thy works of glory, mighty Lord, That rule the boisterous sea, The sons of courage shall record, Who tempt the dangerous way. At thy command the winds arise, And swell the towering waves; The men, astonished, mount the skies, And sink in gaping graves. Again they climb the watery hills, And plunge in deeps again : Each like a tottering drunkard reels, And finds his courage vain. Frighted to hear the tempest roar, They pant with fluttering breath; And, hopeless of the distant shore, Expect immediate death. Then to the Lord they raise their cries; He hears the loud request, 30 238 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. And orders silence through the skies, And lays the floods to rest. Sailors rejoice to lose their fears, And see the storm allayed : Now to their eyes the port appears; There, let their vows be paid. 'Tis God that brings them safe to land : Let stupid mortals know, That waves are under his command. And all the winds that blow. O that the sons of men would praise ^ The goodness of the Lord ! And those that see Thy wondrous ways. Thy wondrous love record. Fortunately our vessel outrode the gale and we reached our destina- tion in safety, though many of us suffered from the effects of frost-bitten ears, noses and fingers. We had, as a passenger on this eventful voyage, a son of old Captain Thompson of Industry.* The time spent among the people of Industry is among the most pleasant memories of my long and eventful hfe, and I often think it was the great mistake of my life in leaving the town. The saying of, I think, Shakespeare has often occurred to me : " There is a time of tide in man's life if taken on the flood leads on to wealth and fame. That time lost all is lost, you can not recall that time." It was certainly flood tide with me while there, especially in regard to the good will of the people. Just prior to my departure I received a long letter from my merchants is Boston advising me to enlarge my business to the fullest extent which the country would bear. Had I remained in Industry I should have hired Esquire West's store and filled it from cellar to garret, so as to wholesale as well as retail. I have an idea, had I remained, that I might have been elected to the Legislature in 1822 and perhaps reached the State Senate in 1825. I was of the opinion that West's Mills would eventually become the outlet for all the back towns in going to Hallowell and to a market. Moreover the village at Farmington Falls was down flat. I saw all its mills go sailing down the Sandy River in the great freshet of i82i.t * This was probably Captain John Thompson's second son William, who, when a young man, went to the British Provinces, where he married and raised up a family. — W. C. H. t Butler gives the date of this freshet as 1S20 (Hist, of Farmington, p. 13s) which is unquestionably correct. He also gives the month and day as October i6th, CORRESPONDENCE OF CAPTAIN BUTLER. 239 There were five in one fleet ; three were stove by the New Sharon bridge while the fourth, a very large one, took the bridge along with it. As this had usually been the thoroughfare to Hallowell the calamity just mentioned would have had a tendency to turn the travel from the back towns in another channel, and through West's Mills seemed to be the most feasible route. CORRESPONDENCE OF CAPT. JERUEL BUTLER. Some years since the author had placed at his disposal a package of old letters possessing great intrinsic interest. They were written by Captain Jeruel Butler to his wife and family during the time he was engaged in an extensive coast and foreign trade, and in many instances were of such thrilling interest that the writer feels constrained to make some excerpts therefrom. Capt. Butler was a sea captain, a native of Martha's Vineyard, and an early settler in that part of New Vineyard set off to Industry in 1844. The farm on which he settled lies at the terminus of the road running north from Tibbetts's Corner, and has been known of late years as the John O. Rackliff farm. Boston, Mass., April loth, 1819. I left Bath [Me. J last Wednesday and arrived at Portland the same day. On Friday at 8 o'clock a. jm. left Portland and in eight hours and eight minutes I came to anchor in Boston harbor. I do not know what to write or say to comfort you ; we are here in the hurry and confusion of the great city of Boston. The chiming of bells and the sound of the coach wheels on the pavements often salute our ears. Boston, Mass., June loth, 1819. I have this moment arrived from Providence, Rhode Island. All well, full freight and a pleasant passage. Shall sail for Hallowell [Me. J weather permitting on Saturday the 19th instant. Bath, Me., Sept. 14th, 1819. I have been detained here for two days by head winds. I shall sail this afternoon if the weather clears. I am well and hope these lines on page 314. On that day the Selectmen of New Sharon issued their warrant for a meeting to see what measures the town would take relative to re-building the bridge across Sandy River. This clearly shows the correctness of Mr. Butler's date and proves Mr. Mason to have been slightly in error. — W. C. H. 2 40 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. will find you enjoying the same blessing. The salt which I sent you by Lovejoy you will keep for your own use, letting Mrs. Roach have half a bushel. Mr. Roach* is well and desires to be remembered. Wilmington, N. C, Nov. 12th, 1819. I have thought that it might be of interest to you to read a statement of my voyage from Portsmouth. After landing Charles, f I got under way and put to sea ; ran out about eight leagues when the weather be- came so bad that I put back and came to anchor in Portsmouth before night. Oct. 30TH. Went to sea in company with one hundred sail of ves- sels. Oct. 31st, past Holmes Hole with fresh gales from N. E., did not stop but went to sea that night. From the ist to the 4th of November southerly winds and bad weather. On the 4th I had a violent squall with wind W. N. W. which terminated in a severe gale that lasted thirty-six hours. During the first twenty hours I made 210 miles. The sea then became so bad that I hove to after shipping a sea that stove my weather waist- boards. After the gale was over it was calm for about four hours and then commenced blowing a gale from the South. This wind brought me to the east coast of North Carolina in twenty fathoms of water. On the 8th of November I past the outer shoal of Hatteras in five fathoms of water. I saw four green turtles ; into one of these I hove a harpoon, but as the vessel was going very fast it tore out. I caught a porpoise that made two gallons of oil. On the 9th, loth and nth of November it was a dead calm and as warm as any weather we had last summer. The rays of the sun seemed to almost burn. On Wednesday the loth I made Cape Fear; it was the first land I saw after leaving Block Island. While I was becalmed we caught nearly one hundred black fish, of the same kind we used to catch in Vineyard Sound. After beating off Cape Fear till Friday the 12th at 11 a. m., with the wmd dead ahead, I bore up and ran into Wilmington, N. C. I shall sail again for Charles- ton the first fair wind. I am in good health and have a good crew but a poor scamp for a mate. I shall turn him on shore as soon as I get to Charleston. He is the most indolent sleepy-head I ever saw. I find the Atlantic as rough as ever. Charleston, S. C, Dec. 12th, 1819. I have been one trip to Savannah as you will see by the letters and * The gentleman here referred to was probably Capt. William Roach, who lived near Captain Butler's, on the farm recently owned by Benjamin Tibbetts. — W. C. H. t His son is probably the person here referred to. — W. C. H. CORRESPONDENCE OF CAPTAIN BUTLER. 241 papers from that place. Savannah remains sickly ; about sixteen white people die per day. I was there only four days and fifty-one new graves were made in that time. In one instance three coffins were put into one grave. Savannah, Ga., ]3ec. 19, 181 9. I arrived here yesterday in fourteen hours from Charleston. Just before I left there I gave Perley Wood twenty Spanish dollars for you. He will leave them with Uncle Shubael's wife [Mrs. West]. I did not send them because I thought you needed the money, but as a token of my esteem. For the last four days the weather has been cool but nothing like a frost. Business remains dull here, and will until we have rains to rise the rivers. I brought a passenger, by the name of Butler, from Charleston, who is said to be worth two million dollars. New York, March 31, 1820. I wrote you on my arrival here and stated that I had been robbed in Havana de Cuba of about S3 10. I left Mobile on the 19th of February and put to sea on the morning of the 21st, having on board two passengers who had every appearance of a gentleman and con- ducted themselves as such during the whole passage. One day after we had been out some time they stated to me that they had unsettled business of some consequence in Havana, and if I would stop there and get some water (of which I stood in need by so long delay by head winds) they would pay port charges and after one day would pay twenty-five dollars for each day that I should be detained ; and would put on board ninety bags of coffee, &c. On the last day of February, as we were beating in the gulf of Florida, we made the island of Cuba. It was blowing a heavy gale at N. E. by N., with bad weather. I stood in for the land till five p. m., at which time we were within five leagues of the Island. However, as I did not know the particular place, I tacked ship and stood off till two o'clock on the first of March, when I stood in for Cuba with a strong gale from E. N. E. and a bad sea. At daylight I saw the high mountains of Cuba, and at 9 a. m. made the Moro Castle. The gale was heavy, and I called a council and got a unanimous vote in favor of making a harbor. I wrote a protest and had it signed by a major part of the crew and passengers. At i p. m. I came to an anchor in the port of Havana. At 5 p. m. on the same day I was permitted to land. The next day I was invited to dine on shore and had a splendid dinner, — green peas, string beans, cucumbers, melons, green corn and many tropical fruits, together with seven dishes of meat victuals. It was a good dinner indeed — but alas ! I had to pay the pirates who invited me too dear for it. These pirates, my passen- 242 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. gers, had undoubtedly selected my vessel at Mobile for their piratical purposes, as they knew by information which they obtained in Mobile that she was the fastest sailer in that port. They were well prepared, with pistols and other arms, to take the vessel whenever they pleased and kill the crew and myself. From some cause or other, unknown to me, they changed their plans and concluded to rob me of as much as they could and let me go alive. Perceiving that I had confidence in them, they asked me if I could speak the Spanish language, and I told them I could not. They said that they would grant me any aid I should wish, as they were well acquainted with the place and with the language. On March 2d I went on shore to report my vessel and get water. At 10 a. m. one of them came to me and asked me to change an ounce of gold, as he was out of small change. I told him that there was a small loss on gold ; he said, " then lend me ten Spanish dollars and I will hand them back this day." I did so. Soon after, while I was transacting my business, he came to me and asked, " Have you any American bank bills that you wish to change for Spanish dol- lars?" I answered, "Yes." "Come with me," he said, "and you can have them changed." So I went with him to a store where he spoke to the clerk in Spanish and then told me that the man had gone out to another store, so we went there, and, as he said, did not find him. (The fact is, he did not wish to find anybody, it being his plan to draw my money from me.) He then said, "Sir, if you please I will take the bills ; I shall see him soon and will get them changed with the greatest pleasure." Having the fullest confidence in him, I counted him out the money. He was as compliant, likely-looking and well-behaved a man as I ever saw. His name was " Deek " or Daniel Boster. Soon after this the other German, named William Datche,* came on board and went into his state-room where all their trunks were kept, and packed all the best of their clothing in his trunks. He then took some clothes tied up in a handkerchief and carried them ashore to be washed, as he stated. The next morning he returned and said that he should stop in Havana, as he could not get through with his business as soon as he expected, and took his trunks ashore. I went with him to receive 90 bags of coffee which was to come on board. I went and saw the coffee in a lighter. He spoke to the negroes in Spanish, and then told me that the coffee would be off at 1 1 a. m. I went on board to receive it, but it did not come. The following evening Captain Watts, of Hal- * There is some uncertainty regarding the orthography of these names, as they are very indistinct in the original manuscript. CORRESPONDENCE OF CAPTAIN BUTLER. 243 lowell, told me that one of his passengers from New Orleans told him, that these two men were agents for the pirates ; and that they had absconded from New Orleans and were on piratical business, and cautioned me to look out for them. This gave me the alarm, and early the next morn- ing I went on shore and went to their lodgings, found them both in bed. I called for my money and they both seemed sorry that I should doubt them. They both sprang up and dressed themselves and one said he would go with me and get the money. I went out with him and soon found things were wrong. The stores were not generally open, however, so they said they would settle with me at 9 o'clock. When 9 o'clock came they were gone. I went to the Alcaid officer and got a search warrant, two officers and an interpreter and searched for them some hours, till I was tired, worn out and almost mad. A Span- iard came to me and said, " .Are you Captain Butler of the Sea Flower?" I replied in the affirmative. He said, " I wish to speak with you." He then told me that Boster and Datche knew that I was in search of them and that they could and would keep out of my way. They had lost my money at billiards the night before, but had got more and would now pay if I would go with him some two miles to the place where they were hid. I went and found them in a small upper room of a store-house. My guide left me with them and we began and com- pleted the writings for a final settlement. Receipts were wrote and a botde of wine was brought in for a friendly drink. One of the men put his hands in his pockets, to take out the money, as I supposed, and drew two pistols therefrom and pointing them at my breast said, " Sub- mission or death." I said, "don't fire;" I saw that death was in his countenance. I looked towards the door. It was shut and the other man stood by it with a sword and a dirk. The man with the pistols said, " Sign that receipt or die, — and quick too." Finding I had no retreat, I took the pen and signed the receipt without receiving one cent. The door was then opened and I was conducted down stairs to the outer door. One of them, in the presence of the guide, gave me a watch and said, " Captain, we make you a present of this watch." As soon as I got on the street again I exclaimed, " I have been robbed in that house," but all were Spaniards and no one understood me. I got the officers and renewed my search, but to no effect. Business went well with me till this time, but since then I have been the most dis- couraged that I ever was. I wish I was at home, but hope I shall have fortitude and wisdom to guide me aright in this hour of affliction. I never before felt the need of friends so much to console me and soften my cares. 244 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Charleston, S. C, May 21st, 1820. I am coming home as fast as the wind will blow me along. I shall come by the way of New York and hope to be at home soon after this letter arrives. True I have not earned as much money as I could wish and have lost some but I have got for myself and the owner about one peck of Spanish dollars and some gold, besides ^400.00 in paper. If they will take the cargo I can keep the cash for my share. I arrived here last night from Darien, Georgia, via Savannah. I shall in all prob- abihty sail for New York the last of this week. Since I left New York I have enjoyed good health but remain somewhat depressed in spirits on account of my loss. I have got quite acclimatized and am as black as a Spaniard. May 24TH. I shall sail for New York to-morrow at 10 a. m. I shall have forty passengers, which pays well. There will be thirteen ladies and eleven small children if no changes are made. Bahama Islands, Feb. 5 th, 1822. As I passed Cape Tiberoon I saw a piratical craft, — a large Ameri- can schooner. As soon as she saw us she bore up and came so near that I could see the color of the crew's clothes. I thought I was gone hook and line sure. However I rounded to and fired my cannon into them, and as God would have it they were afraid and bore round and stood off out of sight. Mobile, Ala., March 2d, 1822. I arrived from sea February 27th. I came from St. Domingo via Rum Rio, Bahama, with salt. Have come to a poor market. I had rough weather on the coast and was twice driven off by northern gales. I made Mobile Point eleven days before I got in over the bar. I have had the yellow fever and have regained a reasonable degree of health, but my flesh is all gone. I shall go from here either to Havana or to the Middle States and will write }'ou before I sail. I write this letter in the Custom- House and with all the haste encumbent on human nature. At St. Domingo I wrote you four letters and sent you a journal of my voyage ; whether they reached you or not I can not say. I am con- vinced that I shall have a good voyage, for I do believe I have almost worried out the Devil and his imps. Mobile, Ala., March 8th, 1822. I arrived here six days ago with a cargo of salt which belongs to me, and it will not fetch the first cost and duties. I have not heard from you since I left home. I shall go from here to New York and if the weather is favorable I shall call at Charleston, S. C, but as that is un- CORRESPONDENCE OF CAPTAIN BUTLER. 245 certain I want you to write me a line and send it by mail to New York and send another by some of the packets in case the first gets lost. Charleston, S. C, June 12, 1822. I arrived here to-day and have had the high satisfaction of finding my sons* well and doing well. It is in vain for me to attempt to express the satisfaction it gives me to see them again and to find them steady and prudent. I think they will come home with me, though Peter is unwilling to leave his trade ; but I do not think it will do for him to stay. We shall come home some better off than when we left ; and if I ever felt a degree of thankfulness, if my heart ever melted with love to Him who has preserved me through so many dangers, I think I now feel a full sense of the obligation that I owe my Preserver for the many bless- ings bestowed upon me and my sons. The boys look very pale and white but are as smart as bees. Am much pleased to hear how well gentlemen, of high standing here, speak of them. WiscASSET, Me., Mar. ist, 1823. I have just arrived here from Boston, having been eighteen hours on the way. I have a sleigh-load of articles that you may need. If one of the boys will come and get them I should be pleased to have them. If not I shall send them to Hallowell to the care of Mr. Wales, and you can get them when you please. Peter-f has gone to Charleston, S. C, with a lot of English and India goods valued at some ^4, 000. 00. He found friends in Boston who were willing to credit him to any amount he wished. He sailed on the i8th of February in the schooner " Maine," Captain Bungoon. I think they had a good time off the coast. I have concluded to run my vessel as a packet between Hallowell and Boston this season. I shall return to Boston in about ten days and shall be in Hallowell as soon as the ice is out. *The sons here referred to were Peter W. and David Butler, t Peter W. Butler, his son. 31 CHAPTER XIII. TEMPERANCE MOVEMENTS. The Prevalence of Rum-Drinking. — Thie License Law. — Five Licenses Granted. — Town Votes "Not to License Retailers.'' — The Ministerial Association Passes Resolutions Against the Use of Spirituous Liquors. — First Temperance Society Formed. — Esq. Peter West's Temperance Society. — The Washingtonian Move- ment. — The Allen's Mills Watch Club. — F'irst Division Sons of Temperance Organized. — The " Union Peace Temperance Society.'' — The Sons of Temper- ance at Allen's Mills. — The Order of Good Templars in Industry. — Juvenile Temples. — The Iron Clad Club. The use of ardent spirits as a beverage was a practice of almost universal prevalence among the early settlers. At the old-fashioned log-rollings it was regarded as a necessary article ; the hay crop could not be secured without its aid, while a " leetle drop " never came amiss during the busy harvest season. For many years it was claimed that the frame of no building could be raised without "plenty of rum," which was often so freely drank as to cause intoxication. At musters and on holidays grog in large quantities was also drank, while no one could properly entertain company if there was no liquor in the house.* It was customary for every grocery dealer to sell spirits, which was by no means a small item of his trade. Soon after Maine became a separate State a law was enacted requiring retailers to obtain license from the municipal ofificers and leaving each town free to decide, by a vote, whether or not persons should be so licensed. Under this act James Davis, who kept store at Davis's * A gentleman informs the author that, when a small boy, he was frequently sent to the store, about a mile away, to buy spirits for the entertainment of viinisters who chanced to visit his father's house. TEMPERANCE MOVEMENTS. 247 ( now Goodridge's ) Corner, was the first person to receive a license to sell. Seven years later five persons were granted lieejises to retail spirituous liquors. It appears that this number gave the people rather "too much of a good thing," for at their annual meeting in 1829 the town \'oted not to license sellers. Perhaps it is not generally known that ministers of the gospel began to realize the evil effects of intemperance as early as 1812. During that year the Ministerial Associations of nearly all the religious denominations adopted the following resolution : "That we will ourselves, and in our families, abstain from the use of strong drink, except as a medicine, and will use our influence to have others renounce the practice, and have it understood that civility does not require, and expediency does not permit, the production [offering] of it as a part of hospitable entertainment in social visits." This resolution formed the germ from which all subsequent temperance efforts sprung. With such powerful allies as the ministers of the gospel much good was accomplished in Indus- try, as well as elsewhere, and some were led to abandon the use of strong drink entirely. The first temperance society organized in Industry was com- posed entirely of lady members from Industry and adjoining towns, and was known as the Industry Female Temperance Society. Though the exact date of its formation is not known, it is probable that this society existed prior to 1829. The full text of the preamble and articles of the constitution are here given, together with a list of the members : We, the subscribers, having witnessed and heard of many cases of misery and ruin, in consequence of the free use of ardent spirits, and [being] desirous to prevent, if possible, evils of such magnitude, [do] agree to form ourselves into a Temperance Society and adopt the follow- ing Constitution : Article ist, we will wholly abstain from the use of ardent spirits on all occasions, except it be found indispensably necessary as a medicine. Art. 2nd, we will discountenance all addresses from any of the male sex, with a view of matrimony, if they shall be known to drink spirits either periodically or on any public occasion. 248 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Art. 3rd, We, as mothers, daughters and sisters will use our influence to prevent the marriage of our friends with a man who shall habitually drink any of [the] ardent spirits. [Signed.] Jane Atkinson, Industry. Sally Pollard, Industry. Susan Patterson, " Lucy Underwood, New Sharon. Betsey Thompson, " Clarissa J. Atkinson, Mercer. Nancy Goodridge, " Sally Merry, New Vineyard. Mary Howes, " Susan Thompson, Starks. Anna Norton, " Julia Ann Greenleaf, " Mary Ann Norton, " Mary Gould, " Eliza Norton, " Annah Button, " Nancy Withee, " Sophia W. Button, " Betsey A. Snell, " Martha A. Stevens, " Anna West, " Harriet Stevens, " As woman was the first to visit the sepulchre of her Master, as she has been first in nearly every good work since, so was she first to labor for the cause of temperance in Industry. Of the success of this society but little is known, as with very few exceptions its members have all passed away. Esquire Peter West organized a temperance society in 1829 or 1830. It was composed entirely of male members and un- questionably exerted a salutary restraining influence over the intemperate portion of the community. This society continued to exist for several years, when the interest in a measure died out.* The VVashingtonian movement about 1840 caused a re- vival of the interest in temperance work, and the society re- organized and continued to meet for a few years thereafter, but in the course of time it ceased to exist. f *The following is a record of their meeting holden July 4, 1836: " Meeting held at the Meeting House near West's Mills on above date. Chose Capt. Ezekiel Hinklcy, president; Wm. Cornforth, Esq., vice-president; and Col. Benjamin Luce, secretary. Standing committee : — James Cutts, Samuel Patterson, John W. Manter, Benjamin W. Norton, Zebulon Manter, Brice S. Edwards. Voted to adjourn until the last Saturday in September." From a memorandum on the sheet containing this record it appears that Rev. Alden Boynton delivered an address on that occasion. t As an evidence of the good accomplished by these early efforts the writer will add that at a meeting held in September, 1849, the town voted to choose a committee of three to prevent the unlawful sale of liquor. These gentlemen were instructed to prosecute whenever milder measures failed to stop this illicit traffic. TEMPERANCE MOVEMENTS. 249 Soon after the enactment of the "Maine Liquor Law" a Watch Ckib was organized at Allen's Mills; this club was a secret organization whose purpose was to enforce the principles of this law. Among the members were Capt. Clifford B. Nor- ton, Capt. Newman T. Allen, Gen. Nathan Goodridgc, Isaac Webster, Benjamin Allen, Brice S. Edwards, Samuel R. Allen, etc., with a number of members from Farmington, among whom were Thomas H. McLain and Augustus Backus. Like all or- ganizations of a similar character, the Lrdustry Watch Club had some bitter opponents who sought its destruction. Notwith- standing this opposition the organization continued to hold meetings for several years and was undoubtedly instrumental in doing much good. After the disbanding of the Watch Club, no other event of importance occurred until the early part of 1859, when con- siderable interest in the cause of temperance was manifested in Industry. The celebrated "Maine Liquor Law" had been in force for nearly a decade, and the better classes were every- where awakening to the evils of intemperance. The day when it was thought that the frame of a building could not be raised or a crop of hay secured without the free use of rum, or other ardent spirits, had passed away. Science had demonstrated the fact that it neither sustained nor prolonged the period of physical endurance, and that it did not augment the ability of the system to withstand the effects of cold and exposure, while from the pulpit ministers of the gospel were crying out against the evils of this scourge of mankind in terms of strong con- demnation. But in spite of the Maine Law a great deal of liquor was sold in town; perhaps not quite so openly as it would other- wise have been done, still it was generally known by those interested where and liow it could be obtained. Early in the month of February a movement was made to organize a Divis- ion of the Sons of Temperance at West's Mills, and on the 15th of February, 1859, those interested met at the meeting- house for the purpose of organization. Although the numbgr was not large, it was composed of many of the leading and 250 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. most influential men of the town. Their organization was per- fected by the choice of the following officers : Asaph Boyden, Worthy Patriarch ; Peter West Willis, Past Worthy Patriarch ; Rev. Isaac Lord, Chaplain; Hiram Manter, Worthy Assistant; George W. Clayton, Recording Scribe ; James A. Manter, Assistant Recording Scribe ; Warren N. Willis, Financial Scribe ; James Manter, Treasurer ; Benjamin Tibbets, Conductor ; Isaac Daggett, Assistant Conductor; Wm. H. Luce, Sr., Inside Senti- nel; Peter B. Smith, Outside Sentinel. Their second meeting was held, by adjournment, at the dwelling of widow Abigail Stevens, who then lived in the Esquire Peter West house. This organization, which was known as the Putnam Division, No. 62, Sons of Temperance, continued to meet through the winter and added largely to its number. On the 4th of July, 1859, the members of the Division celebrated at West's Mills and held a picnic in Hiram Manter's grove. Great preparations were made for the occasion, and an invitation was extended to the Stark Division to join in the celebration which was gratefully accepted. The day was all that heart could wish, and everyone was in high spirits. A portion of the Stark delegation came in a large hay- rack gaily bedecked with flags, as were also the yokes of the oxen drawing the rack. The exercises of the occasion consisted in forming a procession at the meeting-house and marching to the grove, where a speaker's stand had been erected and from which an eloquent address was delivered. After the address came various other exercises, including interesting remarks on temperance, interspersed with music, both vocal and instru- mental. Next in order came dinner, which in so pleasant a grove was really an enjoyable affair. Everything passed off agreeably, and all returned to their homes well pleased with the enjoyment which the day had afforded.* The Putnam Division continued * Not to be out-done by their contemporaries, the Union Peace Temperance Society also made preparations to celebrate the anniversary of their National Inde- pendence. They engaged as their speaker, Daniel G. Harriman, of New Sharon, a young man of ability, who acquired the degree of A. M. about that time, and soon after became a teacher at the Kent's Hill Seminary. He subsequently became a lawyer and practiced in New York City. They selected as a place for their exercises a jDeautiful spot in the grove on the left of the road leading to New Sharon, and but a short distance south of the village. In the afternoon the Society held a rousing mass meeting in Oliver Stevens's hall, and added many new names to their pledge. TEMPERAJVCE MOVEMENTS. 251 to meet through the year 1859, but in the winter of i860 certain members gave the society a vast amount of trouble by divulg- ing the pass-word of the order. As these members became more and more troublesome it was thought advisable by the majority of the members to surrender their charter. Accord- ingly, in the latter part of June, i860, their charter was returned to the Grand Division, from whence it originated, and the soci- ety disbanded. This condition of things did not continue long, however, for on the loth of July following, a number of the original members met and re-organized under the same name and number as the former society had borne. Up to this date no permanent place for holding their meetings could be obtained, but before the close of this year a hall was finished over Warren N. Willis's store, afterward known as the Peter W. Butler stand, and was used for the first time by the Division on the 4th day of December, i860. The expenses of finishing this hall were borne by a number of public-spirited gentlemen, namely, Asaph Boyden, Capt. Peter W. Willis, George W. Luce, Benjamin Tib- betts, Cyrus Chase, Almore Haskell, Isaac Daggett, Peter B. Smith, David M. Norton, Alonzo Norton, John E. Johnson, John T. Daggett and James A. Manter. The generous act of these gentlemen placed the Society on a substantial footing, financially, and relieved it of much trouble and anxiety. The society's meetings were well attended until the winter of 1863, when from the excitement caused by the war and from other causes the interest seemed to abate. Some of the members continued to hold meetings in private houses for a while, but ere long these meetings were discontinued and Putnam Division, S. of T., became a thing of the past. This society's motto was, "the strict enforcement of the law," and with this object in view the rumseller's position became anything but an agreeable one. A sharp watch was kept for law-breakers, and no opportunity to prosecute them was allowed to pass unimproved. Though the venders of ardent spirits received frequent chastisements at the hands of the Sons of Temperance, the sale of intoxicants was not wholly suppressed. But the restraint exerted by this course had a very beneficial effect in the town and community, and the 252 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. amount of good resulting from this organization can hardly be estimated. Prior to the organization of the forementioned society, some of the most influential men in town united to form "The Union Peace Temperance Society." The exact date of its formation is unknown, but at a meeting holden Jan. lo, 1859, Nelson C. Luce presented a constitution for adoption. From this fact it is to be inferred that the date was very near the beginning of the year 1859. While the Sons of Temperance favored a rigid enforcement of the law, the Union Society declared in favor of milder measures and favored prosecution only as a dernier res- sort. Feelings of intense bitterness existed between the mem- bers of the two organizations, and a few of the Sons even went so far as to declare that the Union Society was organized in the interest of and controlled by the rumseller, and many epithets of vile abuse were heaped upon the heads of its mem- bers. The meetings of the society were largely attended and the total membership reached a high figure. Among its mem- bers were Nelson C. Luce, Elbridge H. RacklifT, David Luce, Silas Burse. Nearly contemporaneous with the Putnam Division, there existed at Allen's Mills a similar organization, of which the writer has failed to learn any facts — not even the name by which it is was known. The "Guiding Star" Division, Sons of Temperance, was organized at West's Mills, March 3, 1865, and at one time had forty-five members, but it did not live to celebrate its first anniversary. The Order of Good Templars first gained a foothold in Industry at Allen's Mills, where, in April, 1870, the citizens of that place and "Mcinity organized a lodge with twenty charter members. Among these members were Gen'l Nathan Good- ridge, Moses M. Luce, Sylvanus B. Philbrick, Henry B. Rack- lifif, Daniel Collins Luce, Deacon Ira Emery, William J. Rackliff and John E. Johnson. The officers elected and installed for the first quarter were as follows : Worthy Chief Templar, William J. Rackliff; W. V. Templar, Miriam C. Luce; W. Chap- TEMPERANCE MOVEMENTS. 253 lain, Ira Emery ; W. Secretary, Sarah E. Johnson ; W. Finan- cial Secretary, Henry B. Rackliff; W. Treasurer, Moses M. Luce ; W. Marshal, J. Warren Collins ; W. Deputy, Mary G. Rackliff; W. Inside Guard, William Seaver ; W. Outside Guard, Charles A. Craig; Past W. C. T., John E. Johnson. This organization, known as Clear Water Lodge, held its meetings on Wednesday of each week, but subsequently changed the da)' to Saturday. With so many persons of sterling char- acter among the charter members, the lodge was a success from the very start. Regular meetings were held during the summer, new regalias and other paraphernalia of the Order procured, and a few new members were received. The lodge numbered 29 members in good standing on the 13th of August, 1870. October 12, 1870, the Grand Lodge of Maine met at Farm- ington, and Clear Water Lodge sent William J. Rackliff, Daniel Collins Luce and Mary G. Rackliff as delegates to that meeting. The usual routine of business was interspersed and enlivened by vocal and instrumental music, as well as by papers, debates, dia- logues, declamations, tableaux and charades. Occasionally the members would give an exhibition or get up a supper, which invariably added something to the cash account of the lodge. During the winter of 1870— i the meetings were held at the house of Moses M. Luce. Early the following spring, however, the members rented a hall over Oscar O. Allen's store, and here the lodge continued to hold its meetings as long as it existed. These meetings were well attended, and new members were from time to time added, until by the close of July, 1871, the lodge numbered forty-six members in good standing. The order sustained a serious loss in the death of General Nathan Goodridge, which occurred Sept. 30, 1871. Gen. Goodridge was a worthy and highly esteemed member, and at a subse- quent meeting the following resolutions in memoriam were passed and sent to the Farmington Chronicle and Riverside Echo for publication : Whereas it has pleased the great Father to remove from us our esteemed brother, Gen. Nathan Goodridge, and while we would remem- 32 2 54 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. ber our fraternal obligation which demands an expression of pur sorrow, and our sympathy for the afflicted family, therefore be it Resolved, That by the death of our beloved brother we are bereft of a kind and gentle associate, rich in every virtue that adorns mankind, and loved most by those who knew him best. Resolved, That in our sadness we do not forget to recognize the over-ruling hand of Providence, who does not allow even a sparrow to fall without His notice. Resolved, That our sympathy is tendered to the bereaved and afflicted friends, and that we point them to Him who doeth all things well, in their hour of sorrow. The early part of the year 1872 marked a period of gen- eral prosperity in the history of Clear Water Lodge, and its meetings continued through the winter of 187 1—2 with un- abated interest, and its entertainments were well patronized. But as the year drew near its close the interest seemed to abate, and meetings were held less and less frequently the following winter. The last entry in the lodge journal bears the date of March I, 1873. Among the persons who served as Chief Templar in this lodge were : John R. Luce, Horatio A. B. Kyes, Daniel C. and Moses M. Luce. Prominent among the members were. Rev. Chas. E. Woodcock, Amos S. Hinkley, Oscar O. Allen, Herbert B. Luce and Josiah Emery. In the summer of 1873 a representative of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars came to West's Mills and attempted to organize a lodge, but from some reason a permanent organiza- tion was never gained. After meeting two or three times, the interest seemed to die out and a charter was never obtained. Thus ended the first attempt to establish a Lodge of Good Templars at West's Mills. Again, in the winter of 1878, while the Iron Clad Club was holding its most interesting meetings, Mr. L. W. Starbird, of East Dixmont, Maine, a member of the Grand Lodge, came to West's Mills and addressed the club, on the subject of forming a lodge, at one of its regular meetings. Though Mr. Starbird labored incessantly for the cause, both among the club members and the community at large, he failed to secure sufficient support to enable him to organize a lodge. TEMPERANCE MOVEMENTS. 255 During the winter of 1881 Albert O. Frederic, of Start:, wlio was teaching the village school at West's Mills, having been commissioned as a special deputy of the Grand Lodge, proposed that the persons interested in the cause of temper- ance unite to form a lodge of the Order of Good Templars. Accordingly a paper was circulated and a sufficient number of names to insure the success of the enterprise was obtained, and on the evening of March 12th these persons met at Norton's Hall for the purpose of organization. The traveling being very bad at the time, several who had pledged their support failed to be present. Consequently the lodge was organized with scarcely members enough for the necessary officers. The organization was perfected by the election and installation of the following officers, viz : John W. Frederic, Worthy Chief Templar; Ida M. Oliver, Worthy Vice Templar; Eugene L. Smith, Worthy Secretary; Harrison Daggett, Worthy Financial Secretary; Flora M. Rackliff, Worthy Treasurer; Rev. John W. Perry, Worthy Chaplain ; Frank W. Smith, Worthy Mar- shal; Emma N. Luce, Worthy Inside Guard; Ward Burns, Worthy Outside Guard ; David W. Merry, Past Worthy Chief Templar; William C. Hatch, Lodge Deputy. This organiza- tion was given the name of Protection Lodge, doubtless from the fact that one of its objects was to protect its members from the temptations and baleful influences of intemperance. For a time the prospects of this organization were gloomy indeed, notwithstanding the fact that it was fully organized and free from debt. The society met with strong opposition, the mem- bership was small, and owing to outside influences it seemed for a time that it would never be any larger. At first it met only to adjourn from time to time, but after a while its pros- pects began to brighten ; several new members were added, and the lodge thus re-enforced took a new lease of life. Meetings were held regularly, and in addition to the usual routine of business, questions were discussed, select readings were given ; an organ having been procured, vocal and instrumental music were included among the exercises. After once getting a start, at nearly every meeting new and valuable acquisitions were 256 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. added to its list of members, and the interest was well main- tained throughout the entire year. Protection Lodge num- bered about fift)^ members in good standing at the beginning of 1882, and had a sum in the treasury more than sufficient to pay all expenses, notwithstanding a considerable sum had been expended in furnishings for the hall. The members were regular in their attendance, and the year was a prosperous one in the history of the lodge. During the succeeding winter the interest seemed to abate, and no meetings were held after Feb. 12, 1883. But in the fall of that year they were again resumed with a varying degree of interest and continued up to near the close of December. Owing to the unsettled condition of affairs, it was thought best to surrender the charter and re-organize under a new one. Thus closed up the affairs of Protection Lodge, No. 334, L O. of G. T., after an existence of nearly three years. The Chief Templars of this Lodge were: John W. Frederic, Rev. John W. Perry, David M. Nor- ton and Wilham D. Randall. The deputies : William C. Hatch and Harrison Daggett. Through the efforts of Rev. Luther P. French the co-opera- tion of a sufficient number of children was secured to form a juvenile temple. For this purpose a meeting was held in Norton's Hall at West's Mills, on Saturday evening, Feb. 2, 1884. The temple was organized by F. A. Marston, of Oak- land, a representative of the Grand Lodge of Maine, and num- bered seventeen members. The officers elected were as follows : Chief Templar, Frank C. Luce ; Right-Hand Supporter, Frances A. Norton ; Left-Hand Supporter, Annie C. Randall ; Vice- Templar, Nellie B. Stevens ; Secretary, Samuel C. Pinkham ; As- sistant Secretary, Henry C. French ; Financial Secretary, George W. Patterson; Treasurer, Frances E. Daggett; Chaplain, Amy A. Norton ; Marshal, Rufus F. Pinkham ; Guard, Ellen S. Norton ; Sentinel, Reuel B. Norton ; Superintendent of the Tem- ple, Rev. Luther P. French. This temple was known as the " Gatherers," No. 72, and continued to meet every Saturday afternoon through the winter and spring. After Elder French left the Industry Circuit in the spring, Mrs. Sarah J. Randall was TEMPERANCE MOVEMENTS. 257 chosen Superintendent. The busy spring and summer season caused a very marked decrease in the attendance at the meet- ings, and by autumn the organization had become a thing of the past. In consultation with State Deputy Marston the officers and members of Protection Lodge decided to surrender their charter, as has already been stated, and continue the work of the Order under a new dispensation from the Grand Lodge. Consequently a petition was drawn up asking for a new charter, and on the evening appointed for organization it contained the signatures of 126 persons who desired to become charter members. This result was the outgrowth of the earnest, unremitting efforts of Eben S. Ladd and Asa H. Patterson, who thorougly canvassed for signatures at every house within a radius of several miles of the village, and is said to be without a parallel in the history of temperance work in the State of Maine. Prominent among the petitioners were Rev. Luther P. P>ench, Franklin W. Patterson, Benjamin Warren Norton, Joseph W. Smith, William D. Ran- dall, Warren Cornforth, Benjamin Tibbetts, Rosalvin Robbins, John W. Frederic and others. The petioners met for organiza- tion on Friday evening, February 8, 1884. The members, seventy in number, were initiated by State Deputy Marston of Oakland. The name "Clear Water Lodge" was adopted, and Saturday evening of each week was selected for holding their meetings. Officers were then elected and installed as follows : W. C. T., Wm. D. Randall; W. V. T., Eva L. Luce; W. S., Sidney Watson; W. F. S., Benjamin Warren Norton; W. T., Franklin W. Patterson; W. C, Rev. Luther P. French; W. M., Asa H. Patterson; W. L G., Ward Burns; W. O. G., John F. Gordon; P. W. C. T., John W. Frederic; L. D., Harrison Dag- gett; W. L. H. S., Sarah E. Tolman ; W. R. H. S., Deborah Norton; W. D. M., F. Octavia Ladd. A board of trustees, consisting of Joseph W. Smith, James M. Norton and Eben S. Ladd, was also chosen. At the next election of officers, April 26, 1884, Harrison Daggett was chosen Chief Templar and Sherman G. Tinkham selected for Lodge Deputy. While the zeal of its originators remained at white 258 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. heat the prospects of Clear Water Lodge were flattering, indeed, and its meetings were well sustained for a few months. But in this case the axiom, "Go up like a rocket and come down like the stick" was again to be verified. A perceptible declension in the interest occurred during the months of May and June, and but seven meetings were held after July first, the last being October 11, 1884. Near the close of November, 1887, James H. Hamilton, Councillor of the Grand Lodge of Maine, visited West's Mills and lectured at Norton's Hall on "The Object of the Order." At the close of his lecture he re-organized Clear Water Lodge with nine charter members. The officers elected and installed were: W. C. T., Calvin B. Fish; W. V. T., Amy A. Norton; W. S., Samuel C. Finkham ; W. F. S., Robert Burns; W. T., Ellen A. Frederic; W. M., Rufus F. Pinkham ; W. C, Lilla Masterman; W. I. G., Clara E. Norton; W. O. G., George W. Patterson; L. D., Arthur H. Oliver. The lodge met with some degree of regularity during the winter of 1887-8 and gained a few new members, but it never secured a very permanent basis. Soon after his visit to West's Mills, Mr. Hamilton visited Allen's Mills and on Thursday, December 8, 1887, organized a second lodge in Industry to be known as Crystal Lake Lodge. This temple had thirty-five charter members, and to perfect its organization elected and installed the following officers: W. C. T., Herbert B. Luce; W. V. T., Juliet Bailey; W. S., Alfred F Johnson; W. A. S., Etta M. Norton; W. F. S., John T. Luce; W. T., John C. Higgins; W. M., Alonzo O. RackHff; W. D. M., Amy A. Luce; W. C, D. Collins Luce; W. L G., Carrie M. True; W. O. G., Andrew S. Emery; P. W. C T., William. J. Rackliff"; L. D., Llewellyn Norton. At the present time (June, 1892), this lodge is holding its meetings regularly and is in a prosperous condition. It numbers sixty-one members in good standing and is wielding a powerful influence for the cause of temperance. On the day following the organization of " Crystal Lake Lodge" at Allen's Mills, a juvenile temple was also organized at the same place, taking for its name the title " Sparkling Jewel." TEMPERANCE A/OIEMENTS. 259 The first set of officers elected were: C. T., Frank C. Luce; V. T., Minnie O. Purdy; C, Melvin Purdy; Sec, Mrs. Rose Spin- ney; Ass't Sec, Berley Viles; F. S., Allie Spinney ; T., C. Ern- est Wyman; M., Kent R. Rackliff"; D. M., Eugene Rackliff; G., Mabel Rathey ; S., Neddie Rathey ; R. H. S., Maude Rack- liff; L. H. S., Lena Racklifi"; P. C. T., Andrew Spinney ; Sup't of Temple, Juliet Bailey. This Temple has been one of the most prosperous in Franklin County. Early in October, 1877, several zealous workers in the cause of temperance from the Iron Clad Club at Farmington, came to West's Mills and succeeded in organizing an Iron Clad Club there. This temperance movement was originated by Joshua K. Osgood, of Gardiner, Me., and at the time a club was organ- ized at West's Mills, several efficient organizations of the kind existed in the State. This new departure in temperance work soon became very popular, and through its instrumentality many persons of intemperate habits were reclaimed and have since led strictly temperate lives. In organizing at West's Mills, the labors of the visitors were ably supplemented by aid from many representative citizens of the place, including Rev. David Pratt, Moses Bradbury, Richard Caswell, Elias H. Yeaton and others. Mr. Bradbury was chosen president of the Club and filled the position in a very able and acceptable manner. Elias H. Yeaton was elected vice-president, and Coridon W. Luce,* secretary. The new club took for its name " Eureka," signify- ing I have found it. So diligently did the members labor that at the close of the fifth meeting their pledge contained one hun- dred and eighty names. Weekly meetings were held during the winter of 1877—8 with a deep and widespread interest. Josiah Emery, who had previously been a member of the Farmington Club, succeeded Mr. Bradbury as president of Eureka Club. Mr. Emery was an earnest and able worker in the cause of temperance, and his selection for this high office proved a judicious choice. At nearly every meeting new names -were added, and the total membership increased to nearly two hundred * Mr. Luce was certainly secretary of the club soon after its organization, but the writer is unable to learn positively that he was the Jirst secretary. 26o HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. and fifty by spring. The meetings were continued at intervals through the following summer, and in the fall the club celebrated its first anniversary. The exercises of this occasion were held in the Union Church at West's Mills and consisted of an oration, spirited remarks on temperance, besides other interesting and instructive features. A large delegation from the Madison Bridge Club was present and participated in the celebration. The oration was delivered by Rev. Silas F. Strout, the minister in charge of the M. E. Church on Industry circuit, and was pro- nounced an able effort by all present. While the club and its visitors were at the church the ladies were busily engaged in preparing a bountiful repast at Norton's Hall, whither the com- pany repaired after the closing exercises. Here a pleasant hour was spent around the social board and the time of parting came only too soon. When the visitors departed it was with many good wishes for the success of Eureka Club and the pros- perity of its members. The meetings were continued through the winter of 1878—9, but with a lessening degree of interest in consequence of dissatisfaction and withdrawal of some of the prominent members of the club. During the next summer the meetings were held at intervals less and less frequent, until at length they ceased entirely. John E. Johnson and John W. Frederic were among the presiding officers in addition to those already mentioned. The good influences of the Iron Clad Club over the intemperate portion of the community can hardly be estimated, and though nearly a decade has elapsed since it ceased to hold meetings its influence still lives. It is a noteworthy fact that but three times in the history of the town have the municipal officers appointed a liquor agent as the law permits them to do. Another fact showing the good results of temperance work in Industry is the fact that in 1884, when the prohibitory constitu- tional amendment came before the, people, the vote in this town stood: Yes, 79; No, 19. CHAPTER XIV REMINISCENCES. Religious Mews of the Early Settlers.— Strict Observance of the Sabbath.— Destitute Circumstances. — Agricultural Implements. — Bread-Baking. — Substitutes for Cooking Soda. — The Luxuries of Pioneer Life. — Methods of Starting a Fire. — Harvesting Grain. — Depredations of Bears. — A Good Bear Story. — Cows and Swine Allowed to Roam at Will in the Woods. — Spinning and Weaving. — Do- mestic "Tow and Linen "Cloth. — Flax-Culture. — Wool-Growing in Industry. — The Tin Baker. — Introduction of Cooking-Stoves. — First Thorough-braced Wagon Brought to Town. — Shoe-Making. — First Threshing-Machine. — Sewing- Machines. — Mowing-Machines. — " Air-tight " Cooking-Stoves. — Methods of Measuring the Flight of Time. — The Hour-Glass. — Sun-Dials. — Clocks, — Nails. — Methods of Lighting the Settlers' Homes.— Tallow Dips.— Whale Oil.— Burn- ing Fluid. — Kerosene. — Sugar-Making. — Intentions of Marriage. — Quill Pens. — Anecdotes, Etc. The customs and manners of the early settlers in Industry were so different from those of the present day, that the author devotes an entire chapter to their consideration. With few ex- ceptions, the first settlers came from Martha's Vineyard, and were strictly Puritanic in their religious views. A rigid observ- ance of the Sabbath, which with them usually began at sunset on Saturday evening, was enjoined on all, and when the town was incorporated several tything-men were chosen, whose sole duty consisted in keeping a sharp lookout for Sabbath-breakers. To the log-cabin of the early pioneers in Industry, poverty and want were no strangers. Money was scarce, roads almost im- passable, and markets for produce a long way off. Food and clothing were of the coarsest quality, and not infrequently in- sufficient in quantity. The agricultural and household imple- ments were few in number and of the most primitive sort. When a clearing had been made and the grain sown, a hoe was 33 262 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. often used to cover the seed for want of a harrow and a suit- able team to drag it. Hay and grain were usually hauled on sleds or carried to the place of stacking, by two men, on a couple of long slender poles. The plow of the settler was a rude, clumsy affair, — a mould-board hewed out of wood and covered with a mail of iron. With such an implement it is plain to be seen that plowing could be done only in the most imperfect manner, in fact, it was but a step in advance of the modes of tilling the soil as practiced by the ancient nations. The hoes, like the plows, were heavy, awkward affairs, ham- mered out by the nearest blacksmith, with a sapling from the forest for a handle. Doubtless in their day, these were con- sidered very effective instruments, but to-day there is not a boy in town who would consider one of them suitable to dig bait enough for a day's fishing. The scythes were formed by the hand of the same artisan who made the hoes, and the snath was of the same material as the handle of the hoe, only of a larger size. The scythe was hung to a straight snath, which was grasped in the hands while mowing, nibs, or handles, not having come into use in those days. To mow with such an implement must have been very fatiguing, for while at work the farmer was obliged to stand nearly half bent. The boys, whose duty it was to do the tedding, were supplied with " tedding-sticks" made from small saplings pointed at both ends, with which the hay was thrown to the right and left, using each end of the stick alternately. After the hay was properly cured it was usually stacked in close proximity to the hovel where the cow and other stock was kept during the winter. The bread for the family, usually made of corn meal, was either cooked on a board before the open fire, in the cabin, or in an oven built of flat stones laid in clay mortar, which was "blasted" whenever the supply of that needful article became low. Soda or saleratus was not known in those days, but many substitutes for it were devised by the frugal housewife. One of these was the burning of corn-cobs, which made very white and strongly alkaline ashes, which were used much in the same manner as the soda of to-day. Sugar and molasses, save what REAIIN/SCENCES. 263 was made from the sap of the rock- maple, were kixuries seldom if ever seen in the home of the hardy pioneer. Friction matches, now an indispensable article in every household, were unknown in the earl)- days of the town. Various expedients were resorted to in lighting the fires ; one of the most common ways of keeping fire over night was to cover up a brand with coals and hot ashes in the large open fire-place. Some kept a box of tinder which was ignited by a spark produced by striking flint against steel. Others would put a little powder in the pan of their flint-lock musket, and with the flash of the pow- der ignite a bunch of tow. Occasionally, when none of these conveniences for starting a fire were at hand, a brand would be borrowed from a neighboring settler's fire. If the distance was long, a slow match would be made by tightly rolling a live coal in a piece of linen rag. In this manner fire was sometimes carried more than a mile. The grain when ready to harvest was usually reaped and bound into bundles or sheaves, and when thoroughly dried was threshed with the old-fashioned flails. When corn was planted the bears proved a source of much annoyance by eating and destroying large quantities after the kernel was filled. To pre- vent these depredations fires were sometimes kindled around the piece at nightfall and kept burning until morning. An Indian named Pierpole, who lived for many years on the Sandy River in Farmington and Strong, would sometimes come and watch for bears and seldom it was, indeed, that the black marauder escaped his steady aim. In connection with these depredations the following interesting adventure is related of JAMES GOWER AND THE BEAR. In 1 8 19 James Gower owned and occupied the house at Allen's (then Gower's) Mills now owned by Herbert B. Luce. He also owned a grist-mill a little below the house, on the stream at the outlet of the pond, and sometimes a pressure of work at the mill would compel him to work nearly half of the night. On the high ground to the west of the mill Mr. Gower had 264 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. a patch of corn enclosed by a log fence. A bear made frequent nocturnal visits to this cornfield, much to the annoyance of its owner. Bruin would gain entrance by tearing down a length of fence and usually passed out at his place of entrance. " Happening into his mill late one afternoon," writes Mr. Truman A. Allen, " I found Mr. Gower with a neighbor planning a scheme for the capture of the depredator that very night. Going to the house Mr. Gower soon returned with an old flint- lock musket of Revolutionary fame. The gun was in a sad condition, the barrel all eaten with rust and the lock separated from the stock. Scouring it up as best he could, he oiled the lock and fastened it in its proper place by a couple of wooden pins. Then to make the parts still more solid a tow bag-string was tied around the whole. The next thing in order was to load this formidable weapon. A large handful of powder was poured into the barrel and a huge wad rammed down on top of it. Then two leaden bullets, weighing one ounce each and wrapped in a rag to make them fit the bore of the weapon, were also rammed home." By this time the barrel of the old musket was nearly half-full, " and," says Mr. Allen, " it was a question of doubt in my boyish mind whether the miller or the bear would be killed." The manner of attack decided upon was to be a flank movement from the north, as the wind was blowing from the south. Mr. Gower was to lead the van with his gun, fol- lowed by his aid carrying an axe, and a lantern concealed in a bag. Mr. Allen, then a lad of nine years, volunteered to carry the bag, but was coolly informed that it was high time that all babies were at home and in their beds. The next morning he was up bright and early, after dreaming of bears all night. Eating a hasty breakfast he hurried to the cornfield. Here he found some half-dozen men standing in a circle around some object and was soon among them. There lay the bear with two round holes in his head. The story of the capture which he then heard was as follows: "At ten o'clock Mr. Gower stopped his mill and extinguished the lights. After waiting an hour they noiselessly proceeded to the cornfield and found the bear already there, evidently enjoying REiMINISCENCES. 265 his meal of the succulent green corn. Approaching within twenty yards of the bear without being discovered, the miller took deliberate aim and fired. His aid immediately drew the lantern from the bag and rushed forward to learn the result of the shot. Finding the bear hors dc combat, he returned to look for the miller, but lo, he was not to be found where he had stood when he fired the shot. After some search he was found some distance away, apparently in an unconscious condition. He revived, however, and with the exception of a few severe bruises was soon all right. The gun was found the next morning somewhere in the lot." Soon a pair of oxen hitched to a dr^g came along, and the bear was hauled down to the mill where he tipped the scales at four hundred pounds. Thus ended one of Industry's most famous bear hunts. If the settler was fortunate enough to own a cow, a bell was suspended from her neck and she was allowed to wander through the forest at her own sweet will. Hogs were marked and, like the cows, turned loose in the early spring and were not driven home until it was time to fatten them in the fall. After the early settlers had become well established in their new homes, the whir-r-whir-r of the spinning-wheel and the rattle of the loom were familiar sounds in many cabins, and by their aid the industrious housewife wrought nearly every yard of fabric from which her own and her family's wardrobes were replenished. Flax was extensively cultivated, and the little foot-wheels whereon the fibre was twisted into thread can occasionally be found. Home-made tow and linen cloth were the housewife's main reliance, and from them was made a large portion of all the clothing worn by her family. When the flax was ready to harvest no small amount of labor was required to prepare it for the spinner. After it was pulled, dried and deprived of the seed, the stalks were spread upon the ground to be rotted by the alternate action of the dew and sunshine. This process rendered the woody portion of the stalk brittle, but left the tough fibre intact. The bundles were then re-bound and packed away to await the leisure of the winter months. It 266 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. was then broken, swingled, hatcheled and spun into thread. The hatchehng, as well as the spinning, was done by the madam. There is a tradition that Industry's first representative* in the Legislature was clad in garments all of which were manufactured by members of his own family. Sheep were kept and woolen cloth was also made. It is a matter of regret that no statistics exist from which a reliable estimate of the conditions of this industry can be made. Greenleaf in his Survey of Maine, published in 1829, on page 210, says: "Sheep form an important part of the agri- cultural capital of the State, their products form much of its annual income, and will probably at some day constitute one of the principal, if not the staple, commodities of the state. It is to be regretted that no returns have been made of this valuable animal with which the State abounds, nor any data exist from which an estimate, to be depended on for any considerable degree of accuracy, can be drawn. It is known that besides furnishing the material for a large part of the clothing of the inhabitants and not a small part of their food, large numbers are annually driven to other New England States ; how many we have no means of knowing except from an account of the number which passed Haverhill and Piscataqua Bridges in 1827, which was more than 3300." In 1832, the earliest date of which we have any reliable in- formation, there were 663 sheep owned in Industry. The fact that Wm. Cornforth, who came to Industry in 181 7, built a full- ing-mill soon after his arrival in town also shows that woolen cloth must have been extensively made at this early date. As the manufacture of that commodity pre-supposes the raising of wool, it would be but reasonable to infer that the introduction of sheep was nearly contemporaneous with the settlement of the town. The first innovation made in the early methods of cooking was by the introduction of the tin baker, brought into town by the ubiquitous John Smith, a tin-peddler from Cumberland * James Davis. REMTNISCENCES. 267 County. These bakers were first used about 1830, and were considered a great improvement. Deacon Ira Emery bought one of the very first sold in this town. The deacon also bought the first, or one of the first, cook-stoves ever used in town. This he purchased in Augusta in the winter of 1836. A few years after that Mr. Crowell, of New Sharon, introduced the Hampden stove, having an elevated oven, which afterwards came into very general use. In this instance Deacon Emery bought the first and General Nathan Goodridge the second one used in town. The first cast-iron plows were brought into town by Captain Martin Moore, who moved on to the farm on " Mount Hungar" in Stark, now owned by the heirs of James Brackett. These plows were made of poor iron and proved decidedly un- satisfactory to Deacon Emery and others who bought them. Later a better built plow was offered for sale which eventually became ver}' popular in this town as well as elsewhere. The first thorough-braced wagon was brought into town by Thomas Meade, from Bridgton, somewhere between 1830 and 1834. James Stanley, then living between where Davis Look and David W. Merry now live, bought it of Meade. This carriage was 'Squire Stanley's special pride, as well as the wonder and envy of the neighborhood. Shoe-making for the most part, especially in large families, was done by some itinerant shoemaker who, with his kit of tools on his back, would wander through the settlement working for whoever desired his services. Some of the larger families would keep him employed for a week or more. Each shoemaker was obliged to make his own pegs and his shoe-thread was also home-made, spun from flax and often in the same family where it was used. The stock was bought, not by the shoemaker, as is the custom at the present time, but by the settler himself General Nathan Goodridge and Ebenezer Swift were the first to bring a threshing-machine into town. This machine was probably purchased as early as 1837. It consisted of a double horse power and an iron beater, without any accessory machin- ery for separating and winnowing the grain. The latter operation was usually performed by the men with a hand-mill, in the even- 268 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. ing after the completion of the day's work with the machine. More recently machines with a winnowing attachment were con- structed which soon superseded all others. The sewing-machine was first used in Industry in the family of Rev. Simeon W. Pierce, in i860. This was an Elias^Howe machine, sewing what is known as a chain-stitch. The lock- stitch machine soon followed, and so rapidly has this valuable invention gained favor in the past twenty-five years that more than three-fourths of the families in town are now using it. About the time of the introduction of the sewing-machine Al- bert Shaw bought a mowing-machine, which he continued to use on his farm until his death, which occurred in 1868.* Gen. Nathan Goodridge purchased a machine about the same time or soon after Mr. Shaw, and in 1866 George W. Johnson bought and used the first Buckeye mowing-machine ever seen in In- dustry. The Hampden stove, of which previous mention has been made, was very popular and extensively used for many years. Its enormous fire-box gave it a remarkable capacity for consum- ing fuel and, as a natural consequence, it proved a great heat generator. When the box or "air-tight" cook-stoves, as they were sometimes called, first made their appearance they were regarded with much disfavor, and up to the year i860 were little used in this town. Since then, however, they have steadily gained favor and have entirely supplanted their former rival. Among the early settlers various methods of ascertaining the flight of time were adopted. Some used a sand-glass, the contents of which would run from one compartment of the in- strument to the other in a given time, usually an hour. Others made use of the sun-dial, which was a rather uncertain chron- icler, as the sun southed at a different time nearly every day in the year. At night the hour was predicted from the position of certain stars ; but on a cloudy night how lonely must have been * Compared with the latest improved machines, Mr. Shaw's mower was a clumsy affair, and quite expensive. Vet it did its work well and was a great improvement over the hand scythe. This machine, known as the Union Mower, cost about ^150, as nearly as can be learned. REMINISCENCES. 269 the vigil of the anxious watcher ! The first clocks brought into town were made of wood without cases. They were manufac- tured by S. Hoadley, of Plymouth, Connecticut, and cost up- ward of twenty dollars. The cases were made by some ingen- ious carpenter, or they were occasionally suspended from the wall and run without a case. The Seth Thomas clock was a good time-keeper and also quite popular in its day. The Hoadley and Thomas clocks were much alike in their construc- tion. Nails were hammered out, one at a heat, at the blacksmith's forge in early times, and consequently were very expensive. Indeed, but few could afford them, and in many instances boards were fastened to the frames of buildings with wooden pins. The cheerful glow of the fire in the large op.en fire-place, with its fore-log and back-log, was the only evening light of which the cabin of the early settler could boast. After a time the tallow dips came into use. These were made, as their name indicates, by dipping wicks of cotton into melted tallow and allowing them to cool, then repeating the process until the dip attained the required size. To economize time a dozen wicks would be suspended from a slender rod, all of which were dipped into the melted tallow at the same time. Even so simple a matter as "dipping candles" required skill and judgment to produce a candle, firm in texture, which would burn with a clear steady light. In this manner the thrifty housewife would make her year's supply of candles and suspend them from a numer- ously-branched hook for safe keeping. Moulded candles were also used to some extent, but at first when only a single or per- haps a double mould was used the process was slow and incon- venient. Lamps for burning fish-oil were afterwards introduced to some extent, but the oil had its disadvantages. A burning- fluid, composed of camphene and alcohol, was used by a limited number. It gave a very good light, but was quite expensive. Most people regarded it as very dangerous, hence but few had the hardihood to use it. Kerosene oil was first used in Industry about 1861 or 1862. Like other radical innovations upon established methods, it was 34 270 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. regarded with much disfavor at first, but its illuminating quali- ties were so excellent that it rapidly gained favor and soon came to be very generally used. The method of making maple-sugar has also undergone im- portant changes since the first settler notched the trees with his axe, caught the sap in birch-bark buckets and "boiled it down'' in large iron kettles out of doors.* William Allen, Jr., one spring soon after his father settled in town, made nine hundred pounds of sugar in this way by his own unaided labor. Other settlers also made it in large quantities. Formerly all intentions of marriage were "cried," at public religious meetings, for three Sundays in succession.! The town clerk acted as crier on these occasions, and undoubtedly his announcements sometimes created quite a sensation among the assembled worshipers. Subsequently a written copy of the intention was posted, usually on the meeting-house, which sup- planted the custom of " crying. "| From Oct. 6, 1863, to June 10, 1868, every certificate of intention of marriage, from the town clerk, required a five-cent revenue stamp to render it valid. Business writing and correspondence were practiced under difficulties wholly unknown to the modern letter-writer. Quill pens were then used, and the writer must needs make and fre- quently thereafter mend his own pen. Indeed, it was as much a part of the pupil's education to become skilled in making and mending pens as it was to form the letters with neatness and accuracy. Without the one the other was hardly attainable. *The first patent sap-evaporator in town was purchased and used by Thomas A. Allen, about 1883. t Years ago a queer custom prevailed in newly-seltled towns, where large num- bers uf swine were turned loose to roam the woods. Each year, at the annual meeting, several hog-reeves were elected to capture and impound all hogs found trespassing on the settlers' growing crops. Whenever a marriage occurred in the settlement, the happy groom was sure to be elected hog-reeve at the next annual meeting. J The author recollects of frequently hearing, in his younger days, of persons being " j^osted " when their intention of marriage had been entered with the town clerk, long after the practice had fallen into disuse. REMINISCENCES. 2 7 I A deft hand was required to successfully whittle, point and split a quill pen. For this purpose a sharp, small-bladed knife was used, which thus gained the name of " pen-knife." The final and most difficult part of pen-making was to cut and split a point. Concerning this operation the following homely, but oft-repeated quatrain was their guide : ** Cut it on wuod, 'Twill never be good ; Cut it on your nail, 'Twill never fail." Although quill pens have long since gone out of use, pen- knives are still sold by nearly every dealer in cutlery. Large sheets of heavy unruled paper were generally used. Envelopes were unknown. In correspondence the address was placed on the back of the sheet, which was then folded and sealed either with wafers or sealing-wax. Among the queer people of Industry in its early days was an itinerant shoemaker by the name of Morse. This nomadic cordwainer used to travel through the town and work up the settler's supply of leather into boots and shoes for the family. Morse was an inveterate story-teller and noted for his habit of exaggeration. Once while at work for Capt. Benjamin Manter he entertained his employer with an account of an enormous Indian pudding which he once made. "Why,'' said he, " it was so large that when the people gathered around it and began to eat, those on one side ate a little too fast, the mass lost its equi- librium and tumbled over, killing two men and a dog. After this," continued the narrator, "to prevent further loss of life a law was passed prohibiting the use of more than ten bushels of meal in a single pudding." A good story is told of Dr. Jonathan Ambrose at the expense of Dr. John A. Barnard. Dr. B. was a very spare pale-faced person with black hair and flowing beard, which rendered the paleness of his countenance all the more striking. On one oc- casion Doctor Ambrose asked his opinion in regard to some real or fancied ill. After a careful examination Doctor B., who was something of a wag, said in hollow, sepulchral tones, " Doc- 2/2 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. tor, I think you are very near to the boundless shores of eternity." " I beHeve you are right," quickly replied Doctor A., in his peculiar squeaky voice, "one ghost has already appeared to me." A good story is related concerning a camp-meeting held by Father Thompson over half a century ago. There had been considerable revival interest manifested, and many lost sheep had been gathered into the fold. One morning good Father Thompson took for his text the words of the Lord unto Moses from the burning bush : " Put off thy shoes from off thy feet ; for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." On hearing which Mr. B., a gentleman from a neighboring town, who had just passed " From darkness unto light," and who de- termined to obey the scriptures in the literal as well as the spiritual sense, immediately removed his shoes, which he did not replace until the close of the services. An amusing anecdote is related of an Indian named Takoo- sa, of the Nantacket tribe, who once lived in Industry. One very cold morning Capt. Benjamin Manter, meeting him on the road, bantered him in regard to his half-clothed conditon and remarked, " I should think you would be cold," to which the Indian replied : " Is your face cold, Mr. Manter?" " No," replied Capt. M. "Well, me all face," was Takoosa's laconic reply. CHAPTER XV. EVENTS FROM 1830 TO i860. Condition of the Town — Population. — Valuation. — ,Small-pox Scare. — .Vttempt to Change the Centre Post-Office to Withee's Corner. — First Public House Opened. — Extensive Land-owners. — Large Stock-owners. — EITect of the High Tariff on the Inhabitants of Industry. — Residents in the South Part of the Town Ask to be Made Citizens of New Sharon. — Remarkable Meteoric Shower. — "Temperance Hotel" Opened. — Other Public Houses. — Financial Crisis of 1837. — The Surplus Revenue Distributed. — Auroral Display. — Frankhn County Incorporated. — Diffi- culties in Choice of Representative. — Prevalence of the Millerite Doctrine. — End of the World Predicted. — 7000 Acres Set off from New Vineyard and Annexed to Industry. — Vigorous Fight of the F'ormer Town to Recover its Lost Territory. — The Pioneers of Liberty. — Destructive Hail-storm. — New County Roads Estab- lished. — Subject of Erecting a Town-house Discussed. — A Grand Sunday-School Picnic. — The Free-Soil Party. — Efforts to Suppress Rumselling. — Town Liquor Agents. — The License Law. — General Prosperity of the Town. — One-half of the New Vineyard Gore Set off to Farmington. — South Point of the Town Set off to New Sharon, etc. The town of Industry entered upon a new decade with brightening prospects for its future, and the ten years succeeding rank among the most prosperous in its history. At the begin- ning of this decade the town could boast of three churches (two of them newly erected), two post-offices, four stores and a population of 902, being an increase of nearly sixteen per cent, in the last ten years. There were in town one hundred and sixty-one polls of the age of twenty-one years or more, and the whole sum of money raised in 1830, exclusive of county tax, was $682. This sum making the rate per cent, of taxation only twelve mills on a dollar, taking the State valuation of 1831 as A basis. Not yet deprived of its pristine fertility the soil yielded bountifully and corn, wheat and rye were among the more im- portant cereal crops, while potatoes yielded at the rate of from 2 74 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. three to five hundred bushels per acre. Socially a new era was gradually dawning on the inhabitants of the town. The refining influences of Christianity were gradually pervading the land, and under its benign rule they were fast becoming an industri- ous, frugal and temperate people. True, in this as in every town, there were some of intemperate habits and a few who were idle and shiftless, but this class was largely in the minority.* Under such favorable conditions the growth of the town was very rapid — the wealth increasing over 182 per cent, in the ten years, while the growth in population for the same time was only a fraction over 1 5 per cent. Feeling keenly the need of better roads the citizens of the town voted, at their annual meeting in 1830, to raise $2000 for the repair of highways, it being the largest sum ever appropri- ated for that purpose in any one year. At the same meeting the selectmen were instructed "To contract with some physician to inoculate the inhabitants of the town with Kine Pock forth- with." From the peremptory tone of these instructions it may be inferred that an outbreak of small-pox was feared, but the author has not been able to learn anything definite in regard to the matter. I * About this time or somewhat earUer a circulating library was established at Allen's Mills. Though small in size, the influence it exerted upon the social lives of the residents in that part of the town was great. The following letter from Kev. Stephen H. Hayes gives all the information the writer has been able to gather con- cerning it: " I cannot give you much account of that library, but it was a great affair to me who saw few books in my childhood, and I am sure it was regarded in like manner by my associates, ft was called, I think, the "Social Library." Benjamin Allen was the librarian and it was kept in a small case in his house. I think there were less than a hundred volumes, such as Robertson's History of America, IvIacKenzie's Travels; I think it was Bary O'Meary's Life of Bonaparte on St. Helena, in 3 vols. ; some of the Waverly novels. This was the character of the books. Boy as I was, I read them with great interest, but how or by whom it was originated I do not remember. But few books were added, those in it were gradually scattered, and my impression is that it came to an end. But that small library had no small influence on the people of that neighborhood. I am sorry I can say no more, but I am glad for you to know of this library, but I suppose few of the people you have known had any knowledge of it. But it was a treasure to the people of my generation and earlier — it kindled a taste for books — it stirred our young minds and was prized by our fathers.'' t Rev. Ira Emery writes : " I very well remember a small-pox scare about the time EVEI^S FROM 1830 ro i860. 275 In the fall of 1830 the inhabitants in the southern and west- ern part of the town agitated the topic of changing the post- route through Industry from VVinslow's Corner by Davis's Corner (now Goodridge's), and from thence to West's Mills so that the stage would go by Withee's Corner and Esq. Daniel Shaw's direct to West's Mills. The agitators further proposed that the post-office at Davis's Corner be removed to Withee's Corner, which would bring it directly in line of the proposed route. At length the subject reached such a degree of importance that a town meeting was called to consider the advisability of peti- tioning the Postmaster General to make the proposed change. Though the agitators may have deemed their prospects of suc- cess very promising, it seems a majority of the town thought otherwise, and the proposition was ignominiously voted down in town meeting, and both office and post-route remained un- changed. A notable event of the year 1832 was the opening of the first public house in Industry. This house was located at West's Mills, on the lot where Oliver Bros, subsequently built their steam-mill in 1871-2, and Asaph Boyden and wife were landlord and landlady. His tavern sign was a plain, unostentatious affair and bore the simple inscription, "A. Boyden, 18 j 2." This house supplied a long-felt want, and the good accommodations it afforded soon made it very popular with the traveling public, and the enterprise proved a remunerative one. The earliest statistical knowledge of Industry's agricultural interests is also for the forementioned year. At that time Boyden swung his tavern sign. It must have been as early as 1832 and near the time when the new Canada road from Quebec to the .State Une was openerl. Some were afraid foreigners would come in on that road and bring the small-pux. There was talk of asking Mr. Boyden to take down his sign as a preventive measure. In this connection I am reminded of a little incident. In those years strangers were not often seen in the little village of West's Mills. On a Sabbath during the summer of 1S32 or 1833 there was a baptism in the mill-stream just above the lower bridge. There was present a stranger of gentlemanly appearance, well dressed and civil — a mere looker- on, Many were the enquiries made, but no one could tell who he was, A report was currently circulated that he was a Spaniard, In the estimation of us boys a Spaniaril was next akin to the devil himself, and thereafter we gazed on him with awe and wondered that Mr. Boyden should put up such people,'' 2/6 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. among the largest land-owners were George Hobbs, who owned 391 acres ; Esq. Daniel Shaw, 380 acres ; Widow Annie Norton, 353 acres; and Nathaniel M. Davis, 341 acres. Real estate to the value of one thousand dollars or more was owned by the following persons, Mz. : Esq. Peter West, $1900 ; Nathaniel M. Davis, $1800; Esq. Daniel Shaw, $1800; James Winslow, $1600; Widow Annie Norton, $1500; Esq. James Stanley, $1050; Capt. Ezekiel Hinkley & Son, $1050; Capt. Valentine Look, $1025 ; William Cornforth, $1000; Jacob Hayes, $1000 ; Jonathan Trask, $1000. There were six hundred and sixty-three sheep in town at that time, and Esq. Daniel Shaw, whose flock numbered 160, was the largest individual owner. James Stanley was the next largest sheep-owner, having a flock of 140. The inventory of neat stock was as follows: Oxen, 223 ; cows and heifers, three- years-old, 484. Hogs, 281. Dairying and stock-raising were given much attention, and several farmers kept large herds of cows. James Winslow, one of the most thriving and prosperous farmers in town, owned twelve cows, and Nathaniel M. Davis, Esq., John Gower, Capt. Moses Tolman, and Jonathan Trask each owned a herd of ten cows. Numerous others owned herds nearly as large as those mentioned. The following persons owned personal property to the value of $400 or more : Esq. James Stanley, $1409; Esq. Daniel Shaw, $1343; Nathaniel M. Davis, $658 ; Jonathan Trask, $434 ; James Winslow, $544 ; Esq. Peter West, $478 ; Esq. John Gower, $449 ; Cornelius Davis, $443. The poll tax assessed this year was the small sum of eighty-eight cents per capita. The high tariff adopted during the presidency, of John Ouincy Adams, for the purpose of protecting American manu- factures from the competition of foreign importations, became oppressive and burdensome to those engaged in agricultural pursuits. This tariff, which imposed a high tax on many necessaries of life, proved a great burden to the inhabitants of Industry, many of whom were just emerging from the hardships and privations incident to all newly-settled towns. Andrew Jackson succeeded Adams, and during his administration the El'EJVrS FROM 1830 TO i860. 277 tariff question assumed formidable proportions. Congress further increased the burden by imposing a still higher rate of duties in 1832. As it was "the last straw that broke the camel's back," so it was this last act of Congress that roused the indignation of the citizens of Industry. On the third day of July, 1832, a special town meeting was called to consider the feasibility of instructing the Maine delegation in Congress to protest against the " tariff system " as oppressive and burden- some. Though the meeting favored this course it was found that there would not be sufficient time for the instructions to reach Washington before the probable adjournment of Congress. Consequentl}- the subject was dismissed and the meeting adjourned shie die. Near the close of the year a movement was made by the inhabitants residing on a tract of territory in the southern part of the town to secure by an act of the Legisla- ture a separation from Industry and annexation to New Sharon.* This measure was strongly opposed by all save those directly interested, and although a special town meeting was called to see if the town would consent to the proposed division the matter was promptly dismissed without action, as the record shows. Thus was defeated for a time a movement which, greatly to the joy of its originators, triumphed after a lapse of nearly twenty years. At the annual meeting in 1833 a precedent was established which might have been followed down to the present time with benefit to the town. At that meeting the town voted that each officer be required to produce and read his bill in "open town meeting." *This tract of land was bounded as follows: "Beginning at the westerly corner of lot No. 47, on New Sliaron line, belonging to Lemuel Collins, Jr., thence north-east to the Pressy road, so-called, thence on the southerly side of said road to the northerly line of lot marked Q, on which Moses Pressy now lives; thence southerly by said lot line to Stark line; thence south by Stark and Mercer hnes to New Sharon line; thence north-west on New Sharon line to the first-mentioned bounds." At a town meeting holden November 5, 1832, the citizens of New Sharon on the article: "To see if the town will vote to receive John Gower, Joseph S. Tibbetts, John Trask, Jr., Wyman Oliver, Daniel Howes and Lemuel Collins, with their estates, from the town of Industry;" vote stood as follows: Nays, 117; Veas, 98. 35 278 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. The most remarkable meteoric shower on record occurred on the evening of Nov. 13, 1833. This grand display of celes- tial fire-works caused great alarm among the more timorous, and even the bravest felt an indescribable awe steal over their senses as they watched the imposing scene. The event had been previously predicted by scientific men, but nearly every one had forgotten the matter. The superstitious ones regarded the event as a harbinger of some dreadful calamity, and for nearly half a century the occurrence was a topic of unflagging interest with all classes. About Jan. i, 1835, Deacon Ira Emery, having returned to West's Mills from a year's sojourn in Waterville, went to live in the house subsequently occupied by Richard Fassett for many years. Here he opened a public house and swung out a sign bearing this significant inscription, " Temperance Hotel!' The opening of the house was celebrated by a grand supper. There was a temperance meeting* at the church on the opening day, and at its close a number of influential members with their wives repaired to the "Temperance Hotel" and took supper by way of encouragement to the landlord in his laudable enterprise. Among those present were Capt. Peter W. Willis, William Corn- forth and David Luce, with their wives ; some of the Manters and others to the number of twenty or more. The volume of business was not large, as some were opposed to patronizing a hotel where temperance principles were so rigidly adhered to. Deacon Emery's career as proprietor of the "Temperance Hotel" was of short duration. In April, 1835, he bought the Esq. William Allen farm near the centre of the town, and moved there immediately after making his purchase. A few years later Benjamin Heald of Anson moved into the Dr. Francis Caldwell house (now, 1892, occupied by Mrs. Mary C. Gilmore), bar- gained for Deacon Emery's tavern sign, and again it proclaimed to the weary traveler that Industry had a temperance hotel. But this time it was temperance in name only, for it was gen- erally known that Mr. Heald sold "the ardent" to his patrons. * This was undoubtedly a meeling of the temperance society organized by Esquire Peter West (see p. 248). EVENTS FROM 1S30 TO 1S60. 279 He remained in town about two years and then returned to Anson. To what end this hotel sign ultimately came is not known. Christopher Sanborn Luce also kept a public house at West's Mills contemporaneously with Asaph Boyden and others. The year 1837 was an eventful one in the history of the town, as well as in that of the State and Nation. The great financial crisis precipitated upon the country early in that year was keenly felt by the people of Industry, and the stringency it caused in the money market lasted through the whole term of President Van Buren's office. Under the existing high tariff laws the surplus revenue had steadily accumulated until it repre- sented a colossal sum. As the charter of the United States Bank was about to expire by limitation. President Jackson near the close of his term of office ordered the funds there deposited to be removed to specified State banks. This order was the first step towards disbursing these funds among the people, and in conformity with this measure a census was taken by the municipal officers, of which the following is the full text: FAMILIES RESIDING IN INDUSTRY MARCH 1ST, 1 837, WITH THE NUMBER OF PERSONS IN EACH FAMILY. Collins, Daniel, Jr., Collins, James, Collins, John, Collins, Joseph, Collins, Lemuel, Jr., Cornforth, William, lo Cottle, Benjamin, 4 Crompton, Isaac, 5 Cutler, Levi, 3 Cutler, Nathan, 12 Cutler, Seth, 3 Cutts, James, 7 Cutts, Thomas, 2 Daggett, Timothy, i Daggett, Tristram, 3 Davis, Andrew, 3 Davis, Cornelius, 5 Adams, Joseph, 3- Allen, Benjamin, 6. Allen, Charles L., 2 . Allen, Datus T., 7- Allen, John, Jr., 5- Allen, Newman T., 6. Athearn, Benjamin, 7- Benson, Bardett, 3- Boardman, Sally, 3- Boyden, Asaph, 7 Bradbury, John S., 4 Briggs, Adian, 7- Bryant, James, 7 Caldwell, Dr. Francis, 7 Clark, Jacob, 5- Collins, Barnabas A., 6. CoUins, Daniel, I 28o HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Davis, James, 3 Howes, Lemuel, Jr., 6. Davis, James, Jr., 7- Hutchins, James, 9- Davis, Nathaniel, 3- Ingalls, Arthur, 3- Davis, Wendell, 2. Ingalls, John, 6. Dutton, Susannah, I Jewell, John, 7- Edwards, Bryce S., 7 Johnson, Henry, 12. Emery, Ira, ID. Joy, Samuel, 4- Emery, Josiah, 4 Knight, Helon H., 2. Eveleth, Joseph, 6. Lawry, William, 7- Fogg, Asa, 8. Leathers, Alfred, 8. Fogg, John, 4- Lewis, Joseph, 5- Fogg, Sylvester, 2 Linen, John, 3- Folsom, Daniel, 6. Look, Valentine, 12. Frost, John, 4 Luce, Benjamin, 5- Frost, Samuel, lO Luce, Charles, I. Gennings, Rufus, 4 Luce, Daniel, 5- Gilmore, James, lO Luce, David, 7- Goodridge, Jonathan, 5 Luce, David M., 9- Goodridge, Nathan, 5 Luce, Elisha, 3- Gower, George, 5 Luce, Elisha, 2d, 7- Gower, John, 6 Luce, Ezekiel, 6. Gower, John, Jr., S Luce, Henry, 4- Graham, James, 4 Luce, Leonard, 4- Gray, Guy, 9 Luce, Luther, 5- Green, Aurelia, 2 Luce, Rowland, 5- Harvey, William, 5 Luce, Samuel, 3- Hayes, Jacob, 8 Luce, William, 2. Henderson, Dr. Josiah, 9 Luce, WiUiam H., 4- Hibbard, Orrin, 7 Manter, Asa M., 2. Hibbard, Stephen, 2 Manter, Benjamin, 6. Higgins, Barnabas A., 2 Manter, James, 5- Hill, Theodore, 4 McKinney, John, 10. Hilton, Gilman, 3 McLaughlin, Richard, 5- Hinkley, Ezekiel, 3 Meader, Francis, 9- Hinkley, Ezekiel, Jr., 3 Meader, John W., 4- Hinkley, Josiah, 9 Meader, Shubael L., 7- Hinkley, Oliver, 5 Meader, William, 10. Hobbs, George, 9 Morse, Caleb, 7- Howes, Alvin, 6 Morse, Samuel, 2. Howes, John, 3 Morse, Thomas, 3- Howes, Lemuel, 3 Norcross, Philip, 5 EVENTS FROM 1830 TO i860. 281 Norton, Anna, 7 Stevens, Moses, 12. Norton, Charles, Norton, Clifford B., 6 6 Storer, Mary, Swift, Ebenezer, 9- 8. Norton, Cornelius, 5 Taylor, John, 10. Norton, Isaac, 1 1 Thing, 1 )udley. 3- Norton, Jamea, Norton, Obed, Norton, Rhoda, Norton, Supply B., Norton, William D., 2 9 2 6 3 Thing, Dudley L., Thing, Jesse, Thompson, Betsey, Thompson, Robert, Thwing, Nathaniel, 3- 4- I. 7- 7- Oliver, Wyman, 8 Tolman, Moses, 9- Parker, Simon, 3 Trask, Eben, 3- Patterson, Samuel, 12 Trask, James, 3- Perkins, George, I Trask, Jonathan, 12. Pike, Joshua, 3 Trask, Nathaniel, 8. Pollard, Jonathan, 9 True, Moses, 8. Pratt, Jesse, 7 True, Thomas J., 5- Prince, Paul, Rackliff, Benjamin R., Rackliff, Henry B., Rackliff, William, 8 It 6 8 Viles, Joseph, Wade, Mary, West, Peter, Willard, Eben, 3- 6. 10. 5- Remick, Francis, 8 WiUard, Haskell, 4- Ring, Joseph, Ring, Samuel, 2 6 Williamson, Joseph, Willis, Peter W., 3- 8. Roach, Phebe, Roach, Royal, Roach, William, I 4 2 Winslow, George, Winslow, James, Withee, Daniel, 7- 6. 4- Savage, Charles, Shaw, Albert and Daniel, 3 8 Withee, H. T., Withee, Nancy, 1 1. 3- Shorey, Pelatiah, 9 Withee, Zachariah, 7- Smith, Alvin, 5 Withee, Zoe, 2 Smith, William D., 3 Woodcock, David, 4 Spencer, John, Stevens, James, 8 4 Young, D.^niel, 6. By this distribution Maine received the sum of $955,838.25, on the condition that it should be refunded to the United States on demand. The State Legislature immediately passed an act authorizing each town to receive its proportional part on the same conditions stipulated by the National Government. At a meeting held at the Centre Meeting-House, April i, 1837, 2 82 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. the town voted to receive its proportional part of the fund on the terms specified, and William Cornforth was chosen an agent "to demand and receive the money" from the State Treasurer. The town decided that this money should be held by trustees as a permanent loan fund for the benefit of residents of the town. The vote specified that the loans should be in sums of not less than ten or more than one hundred dollars to any one individual, the borrower to pay six per cent, interest on the loan and one-half of one per cent, as a compensation to the trustees. Two responsible sureties were required in addition to the borrower's name. The trustees chosen as custodians of this fund were William Cornforth, James Winslow and George Hobbs, and the sum received was $2,133.60. Many became dissatisfied with this arrangement, and at the annual meeting, March 26, 1838, the town annulled its previous doings bypass- ing a vote " To divide the surplus revenue per capita among the inhabitants of the town."* At a meeting held Sept. 10, 1838, Capt. Peter W. Willis was chosen a trustee and instructed to settle with the State Treasurer and collect any balance found due the town. Thus was practically wasted, by the injudicious action of the town, a fund which, had it been wisely managed, would have proved of permanent and lasting benefit. The wonderful auroral display on the evening of Jan. 25, 1837,1 stands second only to the meteoric shower of 1833 in point of grandeur. At the time of its occurrence the ground was covered with snow, and the lurid glare of this mysterious flame gave it a blood-red appearance. These lights were first observed early in the evening, and as they increased in extent and brilliancy, a large number of people gathered at West's * Butler says in his " History of Farmington " (see p. 174) that the Legislature of 1839 passed the act authorizing towns to distribute this money among its inhabitants. Thus it seems that the citizens of Industry had anticipated legislative action by tak- ing the initiative step in the matter. t Table of Incidents in Butler's History of Farmington, p. 316. "Our First Century," by R. M. Devins, published by C. A. Nichols & Co., Springfield, Mass., 1876, gives the date as November 14, 1837. The author's investigations all go to substantiate the date as given by Mr. Butler, yet he has not been able to establish it beyond the shadow of doubt. EVENTS FROM 1830 ZO i860. 2 S3 Mills and watched with fear and trembling this wonderful sight. The stillness and solemnity of the hour was hardly broken save by the rushing sound of the auroral flame and occasionally the subdued voices of the assembled people. The flame was of such brilliancy that ordinary print could be easily read out of doors, and the houses for a considerable distance were plainly discernible. The superstitious regarded this manifestation as the forerunner of some dire calamity. The crimson hue imparted to the snow led some to imagine that a bloody war was at hand, while others believed that the judgment day had surely come. The Legislature of 1838 passed an act to incorporate Franklin County. This act was approved by Governor Kent March 20, 1838, and at a meeting called April 9th, the vote of Industry stood eighty-six in favor of the new county to five against it. The total senatorial vote of Sept. 10, 1838, was one hundred and ninety-six, and two years later the aggregate vote for presi- dential electors was two hundred and ten. At that time the town was about equally divided politically. The Harrison and Van Buren electors each received one hundred and four votes — scattering, two. The representative di.strict, which included Industry, experi- enced much difficulty in electing a representative to the Legis- lature in the fall of 1842. At the September election Capt. Newman T. Allen was the leading candidate in Industry, out of ten persons receiving votes for that office, having received sixty- five votes. Meeting after meeting was called and, although Capt. Allen was a leading candidate, fie failed to receive a majority of the votes in town until the seventh meeting. Even this result did not decide the contest, as Capt. Allen failed to have a majority in his district, which was composed of Industry, New Sharon and New Vineyard. Several meetings were called in the early part of 1843, and Dr. John Cook's name was sub- stituted for that of Capt. Allen, but with no better result, and the writer is of the opinion that this district was unrepresented in the Legislature of that year. 284 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. A remarkable event of the year 1843 was the widespread prevalence of a religious belief known as " Millerism." The fundamental principle of this doctrine was the immediate sec- ond coming of the Messiah. William Miller, the originator of this doctrine, by an ingenious interpretation of the Prophecies, had fixed the date of this important event sometime between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844. He visited Farmington in March, 1843, 3-"^ addressed the people on the impending dissolution of all things terrestrial. Whether or not Miller or any of his confreres visited Industry, the writer is unable to say, but the subject attracted much attention, and created no little excitement in this as well as in other towns. A few even went so far as to claim that they could read the date ( 1843) foretold by Miller, on blades of grass and grain. The appearance in the heavens during the year of a blazing comet of great magnitude, gave additional weight to the predictions of Miller in the minds of the superstitious. As time rolled on and the prophecies remained unfulfilled, the infatuation gradually ceased, and "the Millerite craze" became a thing of the past. A tract of land containing seven thousand acres was set off from New Vineyard and annexed to Industry in 1844. A sys- tem of intercepting mountains prevented free social intercourse with the rest of the town and rendered this change almost an imperative necessity. The following is the full text of the petition, together with the names of its signers : To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatwes of the State of Maine, in Legislature assembled : Humbly represents the undersigned Inhabitants of the town of New Vineyard, that said town is so situated that it is extremely inconvenient for the Inhabitants to assemble at any one place for the purpose of do- ing town business, there being a range of high hills or mountains, run- ning diagonally nearly through the center of the town. That the South- easterly part of said town would be much better convened by being annexed to the town of Industry. AMierefore your petitioners pray that the following described tract be set off from New Vineyard and annexed to Industry. To wit : be- ginning at the Southeast corner of said New Vineyard, Thence running EVENTS FROM i?,2,o TO i860. 285 North on the East line of said town to the center of the fourth range of lots ; thence West to the West line of lot Number ten in said range, Thence South on the deviding line between lots numbered ten and eleven, to the North line of the town of Industry, Thence East on said North line to the first mentioned corner, with as much more as your honors may think propper, And as in duty bound will ever pray. Dated at New Vineyard the 25th day of Jan'y, 1S44. David Merry. Benjm. W. Norton. Levi H. Perkins. Obed W. Gray. Leander Perkins. Silas Spauklmg. Richmond Doyen. Isaac Elder, 2nd. ^^'illiam Welch. Leonard Viles. Columbus Harvey. Dennis H. Viles. Isaac Daggett. Ebenezer Smith. Henry Adkinson. Alvan Smith. Lory Furbish. Peter B. Smith. Edmund A. Norton. Joseph W . Smith. Lawson Butler. John Daggett. Henry Manter. John A. Daggett. John W. Manter. Orrin Daggett. Zebulon Manter. Sam'l Daggett. At a town meeting held Feb. 23, 1844, Alfred Leathers was chosen moderator and the citizens voted to receive the land and inhabitants, the vote standing thirty-five for, to fourteen against the measure. Accordingly the Legislature, by an act approved March 21, 1844, set off and annexed the land and inhabitants agreeably to the prayer of the petitioners.* The inhabitants of New Vineyard were greatly dissatisfied with the Legislature for granting the prayer of these petitioners, but as it was near the close of the session nothing could be done until the next Legis- lature convened. Soon after the organization of the House in 1845 the following petition was presented for the consideration of that body : 7o the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives in Legislature assembled: The undersigned authorized agent and attorney in behalf of the town of New Vineyard would represent that heretofore three pieces of * Industry thus gained forty-three ratable polls and added ^^28,447 ^^ ^^^ valuation. 36 286 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. said town have been annexed to other towns to wit, two pieces to the town of Industry, the other to the town of Anson, that this dismember- ing of said town has made it small and of inconvenient shape and has increased the burdens and expenses of its inhabitants, that a project is now started to annihilate said town, against which a large majority of its inhabitants are opposed. Passing over the inconveniences arising from having a great distance to travel in order to attend town meetings, altering county lines, break- ing up Senatorial and representative districts, and many other evils of like nature, they object to the extinguishment of the name of their town for the reason that thereby associations will be broken up, the bonds of fellowship that bind the inhabitants together in social union severed, and their influence in the support of Republican principles greatly weakened or destroyed. They ask for the re- annexation to New Vineyard the territory form- erly belonging to it, and the establishment of the old town lines, then their town would be the fifth or sixth town in the county of Franklin in point of size, population, and property, the inhabitants would be as well accommodated in attending to tlieir town affairs, and other business, as they can be by any other arrangement, and the interest of the whole promoted. At a legal meeting, on the thirteenth instant, of the said inhabitants called to consider the subject, they voted to petition the Legislature to re-instate said town in the same shape as at the time of its incorporation. The undersigned prays that the parcels set off may be re-annexed, and his town re-instated in its original size and shape. [Signed.] Joseph L. Hackett, Agent of said town. A true copy. J. O. L. Foster, Secretary of the Senate. State of Maine. In Senate January twenty-fourth, 1845, on the petition aforesaid, ordered, that the petitioner cause an attested copy of petition with this order thereon to be served on the Town Clerks of Anson and Industry, ten days at least before the thirteenth day of February next, that all persons interested may there appear and show cause, if any they have, why the prayer of said petitioner should not be granted. [Signed.] C. Chadwick, Chairman. EVHXrS FROM 1830 TO i860. 287 Read and accepted. Sent down for concurrence. J. O. L. Foster, Secretary. In the House of Representatives, Jan'y 24, 1845, Read and concurred. Samuel Belcher, Clerk. -A true copy. Attest: J. O. L. Foster, A true copy. Secretary of the Senate. Joseph L. Hackett, Town Agent. I hereby acknowledge the serxice of the above petition and order thereon, Industry, February 3, 1S45. Attest : Peter W. Butler, Town Clerk. Vigorous measures were adopted by Industry as soon as it became definitely known that the inhabitants of New Vineyard would make the attempt to regain their lost territory. Their claims, as will be seen by the foregoing petition, were of the most radical and sweeping character. They demanded at the hands of the Legislature not only the land set off to Industry the previous year, but likewise the Gore (see p. 2og), which had been a part of Industry since 181 5. A town meeting was promptly called, and agreeably to notice the citizens of Industry met at the Centre Meeting-House on the 5th day of February, 1845. General Nathan Goodridge was called to preside, and a vote to elect two special agents to defend the town lines, as they then existed, was passed. Hiram Manter and Captain Newman T. Allen were then unanimously elected to that office. These gentlemen were further instructed to use every expedient and legitimate means to defeat the petition of Joseph L. Hackett and all other petitions of a similar purport. The faithfulness of these gentlemen in the discharge of their duty is shown from the fact that no legislative action was taken in the matter. 288 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. PIONEERS OF LIBERTY IN INDUSTRY. The "Liberty Party" first gained a foothold in Industry at the presidential election of 1840, when two votes were cast for the electors of James G. Birney, the candidate of that party.* These votes were cast by Truman Allen Merrill and Warren Smith, both young men, and this was the first time they had exercised the right of suffrage at the polls. Much enthusiasm was manifested by voters of both parties — the Whigs and Democrats of those times. The friends of those two young men were greatly shocked at their determination to vote the despised " Liberty ticket,'' and took all reasonable pains to dissuade them from their purpose. These young men, one of whom is still living, never regretted their action. With them it was no fitful impulse but a matter of principle. It was a subject to which they had given much study, and satisfying themselves of the correctness of its underlying principles they made up their minds to brave whatever opposition might come. They were not politicians, but young men who firmly believed that to act in accordance with one's sincere convictions was the right thing to do. Five years later the action of these young men was vin- dicated in the election of Mr. Merrill to represent his district in the State Legislature of 1846. In Maine the Abolition or Lib- erty party nominated its candidate for governor each year from its inception until 1849. In 1848 Samuel Fessenden, its candi- date for governor, received si.xty-two votes in Industry and 12,- 037 in the State. After this the party made no nominations for State and county officers, and was eventually absorbed by the Republican party on its organization. The election of Abraham Lincoln in i860 was essentially a triumph of Liberty party prin- ciples in the nation, though under a foreign name. The town voted at a meeting held September 19, 1844, to * An eye-witness informs the author that these two votes came very near not be- ing counted. In making up the returns, and just as they were about to seal them up, the two young men who had voted the " Liberty ticket " called attention to the fact that their votes had not been included in the returns. " Oh, yes," said Capt. Norton, " I did see one or two votes but failed to credit them in the returns." Thereupon they were counted, declared and properly entered on the returns. EVENTS FROM 1830 TO i860. 289 furnish William Header and family a sufficient sum of money to defray their traveling expenses to some Western State The family were in indigent circumstances when they left Industry, but were fortunate in their new home in Illinois, where they were soon able to earn a comfortable living. The sons and daughters married well and became useful and respected mem- bers of society. August 8, 1846, there occurred one of the most devastating hail-storms known in the history of the town. The course of this storm was from a westerly direction, and although very nar- row in the limits of its destructiveness, caused much damage along its track in the northern part of Farmington and at Allen's Mills. In the centre of the storm fruit-trees were stripped of their half-grown fruit and foliage, fields of corn and unharvested grain were completely destroyed, and much glass was broken. Rills were turned to raging rivers in a few moments, and wash- outs four feet in depth were made in the solid road. A few miles beyond Allen's Mills the force of the storm seemed spent and only a heavy rainfall was experienced. About this time road matters seemed to occupy the attention of the town to a considerable extent. A road having been laid out from near where David W. Merry now (1892) lives east- ward to the Shaw farm, the town voted September 14, 1846, to discontinue the old road over Bannock Hill, and also voted to raise the sum of fifty dollars to open "a winter road" over the proposed new route.* The following year the matter again came up for action of the town. The meeting assembled Sep- tember 12, 1847; at this meeting Albert Shaw made the town an offer to build the road from his house to the west line of the Hinkley farmj gratis, and agreed to put his portion in a condition suitable for a winter road immediately. It was proposed to let the opening of the remainder to the lowest bidder, stipulating that it should be completed by September 15, 1848. * This road, eslablibhed on petition of Daniel Shaw ci als., was laid out Novem- ber 19, 1S45, ^'i James Russell, Abraham L. Harmon and William Whittier, County Commissioners. The road as established runs a direct east and west course, is four rods wide and 452 rods long. t About three-eighths of the entire distance. 290 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. March i, 1847, a road was accepted on the Gore, running easterly from James Graham's to the new county road near the school-house in Capt. Clififord B. Norton's district. The " Pres- son Hill road," so-called, having become a superfluity by reason of this newly established route, was discontinued. Up to this time the county road from Goodridge's Corner by Allen's Mills ran over the hill on which the residence of the late Capt. William Allen was located. On petition the County Commissioners laid out a new road around this hill. At the forementioned meeting this matter also came up for considera- tion of the town. Of course there were dissenting voices and the disadvantages as well as the merits of the new route were discussed by the citizens present. One gentleman urged as an important objection that the distance by the new route would be greater. Rufus Jennings, who favored the new road, wishing to convince the dissenter of his error arose and said, " Mr. Mod- erator, I would like to ask the gentleman what difference it makes in the distance whether a kettle-bail stands upright or lies in a horizontal position on the edge of the vessel?" This ques- tion placed the matter in so clear a light that no further objection was offered. A vote to accept the road was passed, and also to have it opened to the public by July I, 1848 Although the new road was opened by the date specified, the road over the hill was not discontinued until some years had elapsed. At the annual meeting March 5 , 1 849, the subject of building a town-house, which had for some years remained dormant, was again brought before the citizens of the town, and Major James Cutts, Capt. Newman T. Allen, George Gower and Capt. Clifford B. Norton were chosen a committee " to select a site and report at some future meeting." This committee selected as a suitable and accessible location for such a building, a site at the western terminus of "the Shaw road,"* and reported at a meeting holden at the Centre Meeting-House, September 10, 1849. The report was accepted by a vote of the town, but an article in the warrant * This was the newly established road running in a westerly direction from the Albert Shaw farm. Down to the present time (1892) it is known both as the new road and the Knowles road. EVENTS FROM 1830 TO i860. 291 to raise funds to bicild the house failed to pass. The matter was revived by the insertion in the warrant, for the annual meeting in 1852, of an article in relation to the subject, but the voters did not seem disposed to take any action relative to it. November 2, 1852, at a town meeting, the town-house question was again agitated, and another committee chosen to select a site for the structure. This committee selected Roach's (now Tibbetts's) Corner as the most suitable location, and their report was like- wise accepted. At a subsequent meeting Sept. 12, 1853, the citizens voted on the above report to build a town-house on the site selected, and a committee of five was chosen and instructed to draft plans, make an estimate of the cost of construction and report at the next meeting. At an adjourned session of this meeting, held Sept. 26, 1853, General Nathan Goodridge made a report in behalf of the committee, which was accepted by a vote of 60 yeas to 33 nays.. The sum of $275 was raised by vote to build the house, and the contract for its erection was bid off by George W. Johnson at $250. The contract stipulated that the house should be completed by September, 1854. Capt. Peter W. Willis, General Nathan Goodridge and James Elliott were chosen as a committee to superintend its construction. The action of the town had a business-like appearance, and the prospect of a town-house seemed very promising .indeed. But at the succeeding annual meeting the town voted to change the location, and the whole scheme collapsed. Directly afterward a special meeting was called, to assemble at George Cornforth's hall, at West's Mills. The meeting convened March 20, 1854, and a motion to pass by the articles in relation to building a town-house was carried by a majority of one vote. A few, still undaunted by these repeated defeats, caused another meeting to be called July i, 1854, but unfortunately no action was taken and the interest in the matter died out. Thus ended all efforts toward erecting a town-house in Industry. One of the most grand and imposing celebrations ever witnessed in Industry, occurred at West's Mills, July 4, 1849, under the auspices or the West's Mills and Centre Sunday- 292 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. schools. These schools united in making the necessary prep- arations for the event, and invitations were extended to the Sunday-schools at Anson, Madison and Stark, to participate in the festivities of the occasion. At an early hour on the appointed day the members of the West's Mills school were astir, putting the finishing touches to the elaborate and perfect arrangements for the reception of their invited guests. The officers of the day were as follows : President, John Dinsmore ; Marshal, Gen. Nathan Goodridge ; Ass't Marshal, Maj. James Cutts; John Frost, chairman of Committee of Arrangements. The visiting schools arrived in a body about 9 o'clock A. M., and were welcomed by John Frost, in a brief but well-chosen speech, to which J[ohn?] M. Wood responded in behalf of the invited guests. At the close of these ceremonies a pleasant episode occurred. Miss Ann Shaw stepped forward and, in a neat little speech, presented John Dinsmore, superintendent of the West's Mills Sunday-school, a beautiful gold pencil, as a slight token of the love and esteem of his pupils. A proces- sion was then formed in the following order, under the direction of the marshal and his assistant: Band of Music. Choir. Centre Sunday-school. West's Mills Sunday-school. Madison Sunday-school. Anson Sunday-school. Stark Sunday-school. President of the Day. Clergymen. Parents and Friends of Sunday-school Children. Citizens. The procession numbered more than one thousand persons, there being fully five hundred Sunday-school children in the line. The various schools bore many pretty banners with appropriate mottoes and inscriptions. Escorted by the band, the procession marched to a delightful grove near David Luce's, which had previously been fitted up in an elegant manner EVENTS FRO:SI 1830 TO i860. 293 with speaker's stand and a large number of seats for the accom- modation of the schools and spectators. The number of peo- ple in the grove during the exercises was estimated to be fully 1500. The exercises, interspersed with frequent volunta- ries from the choir, were as follows : Prayer. Rev. Silas B. Brackett, Industry. Addresses by Rev. Abel Alton, Solon. Rev. Samuel P. Morrill, Far?nington. Rev. Andrews, Strong. Rev. James M. Follett, New Sharon. Rev. Silas B. Brackett, Industry. At the close of the exercises in the grove, the procession was re-formed, and at 2 o'clock P. M. marched to a cool, shady orchard in front of Mr. Luce's house, where four long tables, tastefully decorated, fairly groaned beneath their weight of tempting viands. Here fully one thousand persons gathered to satisfy the demands of a keen appetite. After the repast was ended, the schools formed a hollow square, and listened to an address by Rev. James M. Follett, and a valedictory by Rev. John Perham, of Madison. Returning to the church at the village, a reciprocal expression of thanks was exchanged for the enjoyment which the day had afforded. Rev. John Perham then dismissed the assembly with the benediction, and the company returned to their several homes. A new political party known as " Free-soilers " suddenly sprang into existence during the presidential campaign of 1848 and put in nomination as their candidate Martin Van Buren. This party held that Congress should prohibit the introduction of slavery into the territories. The electors of Van Buren received more than one-third of the votes cast in Industry. The next year their gubernatorial candidate, George F. Talbot, received forty-nine votes. But in 1852, Dr. Ezekiel Holmes, received only five votes in this town. Some years later the party merged into the newly formed Republican party. 37 294 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. On the question of temperance, public sentiment was strongly in its favor, and at a town meeting held Sept. lo, 1849, the views of its legal voters were tersely set forth in the follow- ing language: "Voted, that we are not willing rum should be unlawfully sold." A committee of three was chosen, and instructed to visit all rumsellers and, if possible, persuade them to stop their illicit traffic. If unsuccessful in this, they were authorized to prosecute them at the expense of the town. This committee consisted of Deacon Brice S. Edwards, Lewis Prince and Orrin Daggett. At a subsequent town meeting holden Sept. 10, 1850, the matter was again brought before the citizens and the town agent was instructed to prosecute all persons found selling liquor unlawfully. But notwithstanding these stringent measures and the vigilance exe;rcised by the people, spirituous liquors were still sold in Industry. True, there was but one or two engaged in the business, but they clung to their unlawful trade with a pertinacity worthy of a better cause. Doubtless, hoping to counteract in a measure the evil effect by drawing off a certain class of customers who occasionally bought spirits for medicinal purposes, the municipal officers decided to appoint a liquor agent in conformity with a provi- sion of the statutes authorizing it. Consequently on the 27th of June, 1854, John Frost,* a gentleman of irreproachable character, was selected for the position. He was succeeded in the following year by Nelson C. Luce, and later Moses M. Luce was appointed to the office. This agency was always an outset to the town, and was abandoned after three or four years. The Legislature of 1856 having passed a license law, Rich- ard Fassett made application and was licensed agreeably to that act Ma}' 5, 1856, "to sell wines and malt liquors for medicinal and mechanical purposes for the term of one year." This was the only license issued in Industry during the existence of the license law, and if others sold liquors it must have been in a clandestine manner. When the prohibitory law of 1858 came * Mr. Frost was the y?;'j/ liquur agent Industry ever had, and Moses M. Luce the last. EVENTS EROM 1830 TO 1S60. 295 before the people for action, the vote of Industry given in at a meeting held June 7, 1858, was as follows: For the Prohibitory Law of 1858, 72 votes. For the License Law of 1856, 00 \'otes. The year 1850 ushered in a decade of peace and general prosperity in the history of the town. The State valuation for this year was $147,545. There were owned in town at that time 3,445 sheep, which would have given a flock of sixteen to every family of five persons. The largest individual owner was Daniel S. Gordon, whose flock numbered 240. There were 611 milch cows and heifers owned in town on the first day of April; 283 oxen and 122 hogs. The following gentlemen owned real estate to the value of $1000 or more, viz. : Benjamin Allen, $1250; Capt. Newman T. Allen, $1400; Maj. James Cutts, $1500; Gen. Nathan Goodridge, $1335; Daniel S. Gordon, $1000; George Hobbs, $1700; Charles Hayes, $1580; Alexander Hillman, $1700 ; John Wells Manter, $1100; James Manter, $1 100 ; Zebulon Manter, $1200 ; Peter West Manter, $1300; Obed Norton, $1050; Benj. Warren Norton, $1300; Albert and Daniel Shaw, $3000; Franklin Stone, $1120; Ebenezer Swift, $1120; Capt. Moses Tolman, $1000. The whole sum of money raised this year, including State and county taxes, was $1866.16, and the rate per cent, of taxation, according to the State valuation, was only a fraction over twelve mills on the dollar. Promising as were the pros- pects of the town at this time, it was destined, ere the first half of the decade had passed, to lose some of its wealthiest citi- zens and most valuable territory. First, in 1850, (see p. ^6), the western half of the "New Vineyard Gore" was set off to Farmington, and two years later George Hobbs and others residing in the south part of the town were set off from Indus- try and annexed to New Sharon. Aside from the petitioners, the people of Industry were much opposed to these concessions and took prompt and vigorous measures to prevent legislative action, especially against the subjoined petition of George Hobbs et als.: 290 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. To the Senate and House of Representatives of Maine in Legislature assembled. The undersigned inhabitants of the town of Industry, in the County of Franklin, respectfully represent that so much of the territory of the town of Industry, adjoining the town of New Sharon in said County, as is embraced in the following description, containing an entire school district, ought to be set off from the town of Industry and annexed to the town of New Sharon. (Here followed a description of the hounds as given in the foot 7iote on page 14 q. v.) The undersigned further say that some of the reasons for asking the Legislature to set off said section of Industry and annex to New Sharon may be enumerated as follows, to wit : First, as inhabitants of that part of Industry, they labor under very great inconveniences in respect to their town business and post-office communications. Situated in a remote corner of Industry, distant from any place of business or post-office in that town. They are about entirely cut off from all com- munication with its inhabitants. Whereas all their business and trade is at New Sharon, as well as their post-office communications. Second, the inhabitants of this part of Industry have all or nearly all their moral and religious connections and associations at New Sharon, and with its inhabitants. They have also buried their dead at New Sharon village to a certain extent, and they also own church property and generally attend pubHc worship in New Sharon. If annexed to New Sharon, the inhabitants of this territory would be conveniently situated in all these respects, as well as much better convened in the matter of roads and other means of communications. For the foregoing, among many other reasons, the undersigned do most humbly and respectfully pray the Legislature to set off said territory and annex it to New Sharon, and thus will they ever pray. George Hobbs. William D. Smith. Geo. Gower, 2d. Simon Collins. Oren Hebberd. George Hobbs, Jr. Ransford Norcross. Eben G. Collins. John G. Collins. Franklin Stone. John Gower. Robert Trask. James Collins. Wyman Oliver. Roger Ela. John Colhns. Philip Norcross. WiUiam F. Williamson. Though the case of the town was ably managed before the legislative committee, it was hardly possible to prevent the loss. EVENTS FROM 1830 TO 1 860. 297 and the flourishing town of New Sharon received a valuable addition to its already extensive domain. The town was more successful, however, in its opposition to petition of Luther Luce and others residing on the eastern part of the " New Vineyard Gore," who asked the Legislature in the winter of 1857 for a separation from Industry and annexation, with their estates, to the town of Farmington. The last decade of which this chapter treats, was one of peace and general prosperity, and uneventful aside from the war cloud which near its close lowered on the national horizon. CHAPTER XVI. EVENTS FROM i860 TO 1866. Political Excitement. — The John Brown Insurrection. — Diphtheria Epidemic. — Resi- dents of Allen's Mills Petition the Legislature for Annexation to Farmington. — War Meeting Held at West's Mills. — Patriotic Resolutions Passed. — Lively Times at Subsequent Meetings. — Muster and Celebration at West's Mills, July 4, 1S61. — Call for Troops. — A Comet Appears. — Great Scarcity of Silver Money. — Methods Devised for Supplying the Defect. — The U. S. Fractional Currency. — Disheartening News From the War. — Mason and Slidell Arrested. — Belligerent Attitude of England. — Total p'ailure of the Fruit Crop of 1861. — Militia En- rolled and Organized. — F'irst Industry Soldiers' Lives Sacrificed. — Obsequies at the Centre Meeting-House. — More Soldiers Wanted. — Liberal Town Bounty Offered for Enlistments. — A Call for Nine Months' Troops. — Draft Ordered. — Generous Measures Adopted by the Town to Avoid a Draft. — A Stirring Mass Meeting for Raising Volunteers. — Provision for Destitute Soldiers' Famihes. — News of the Emancipation Proclamation Reaches Industry. — The Conscription Act. — Anxieties of Those Liable to a Draft. — Disloyal Utterances in Other Towns. — Industry True to Her Country. — Piratical Craft Reported off the Maine Coast. — Revenue Cutter "Caleb Gushing" Captured in Portland Harbor. Tl-IE year i860 ushered in an eventful era in the history of the town of Industry, as well as in that of the State and Nation. At its dawn the John Brown insurrection with its resulting trial and execution were the all-absorbing topics of discussion. Po- litical excitement, already at fever heat, was still further intensi- fied by one of the most hotly contested gubernatorial and pres- idential campaigns known for years. At the September election the gubernatorial vote was the largest polled for many years. Bitter animosities often existed between neighbors differing in political sentiments, and wordy discussions were frequently in- dulged in. This condition of things grew worse rather than better up to the breaking out, and all through the early part of the great Civil War. « EVENTS FROiM i860 TO 1866. 299 A widespread epidemic of diphtheria visited Industry in the fall of i860, and prevailed with alarming mortality for many months. This was a new disease to the physician and its path- ology and treatment were not well understood. So sudden and virulent was the attack, and so intractable did the disease seem, even to the most carefully selected remedies, that patients were often entrusted to the care of empirics in preference to the educated physician. Blindly ignorant of its highly contagious character, the disease was carried from family to family in the clothing of nurses and attendants on the sick. Thus was this dreadful disease spread from house to house and neighborhood to neighborhood, leaving desolate homes and sorrowing families in its track.* Wholly ignorant of the result, public funerals were with few exceptions held over the remains of those dj-ing with this disease, thus affording another fertile source for its dissemination. Many decjared the disease non-contagious, bas- ing their assertion on personal immunit}- from contagion. Yet these same persons would hesitate and often decline assistance in caring for those ill with this disease, thus clearly showing that they did not care to take the risk, notwithstanding their strong faith. Others considered the disease highly contagious, and would under no consideration enter a house where a case was known to exist. Fortunately the number of cases diminished and people began to feel a certain degree of safety. Though * The following editorial item which will give the rearler some iiiea of the fearful ravages of this disease, was clipped from the I-'armington Chronicle of January 31, 1861 : "This fearful disease is making sad ravages around us in every direction. In one small neighborhood in Chesterville we understand ten persons have fallen ils victims within a brief period. In one family the father died while his child was being conveyed to its burial. In another, three children lay dead in the house at one time, and four prostrated with the disease. .Scores of families in this and adjoining towns are mourning the loss of one or more loved ones, who have been suddenly smitten down with this fatal disease. The skill of the physician is baffled in staying its pro- gress and saving its victims." Below in the same column the editor adds: " We understand that in the neigh- borhood in Chesterville, mentioned in this column, where the diphtheria has raged with such fearful fatality, there are five lying dead to-day (Wednesday) in three families. One entire family has been carried away and all the children, seven in number, in another. The whole number of deaths in the neighborhood is upwards of fifteen." 300 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. not so prevalent, yet there were many deaths from this disease in 1862-3-4-5. Late in the year i860 Barnabas A. Higgins and others re- siding at Allen's Mills sent a petition to the State Legislature asking that they and their estates, embracing the whole village, be set off" from Industry and annexed to Farmington. The in- habitants of Industry being opposed to such secessionary pro- ceedings and not wishing to lose so valuable a tract of their domain, promptly called a special town meeting to adopt such measures as the exigencies of the case required. The meeting was held January 7, 1861, and Josiah Emery was chosen agent to appear before the legislative committee in opposition to the petitioners. About the same time Farmington also held a town meeting, at which it was voted not to receive the petitioners and their estates. Had that town voted otherwise it is doubtful whether the petitioners could have Ijeen successfully thwarted in their purpose. Scarcely had the boom of the last cannon fired on Fort Sumter died away and the wires flashed the news of its fall over the length and breadth of the land, ere the citizens of Indus- try, fired with zeal and patriotism, began active preparations for the defense of the Union. A "war meeting" was held at West's Mills on Saturday, May 4, 1861, scarcely more than three weeks after the commencement of hostilities. The day was fair and the gathering large, being estimated at fully 500 people. Early in the morning the people began to gather. At eleven o'clock in the forenoon a flagstaff was erected and a flag raised amid the loud huzzas of the assembled crowd.* Mrs. Silas H. Burce then sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" in a manner highly creditable to herself, and to the great satisfaction of all present. This was followed by stirring speeches from Josiah '^ Asaph Boyden, secretary of these meetings, wrote The Franklin Patriot^ under date of May 6, 1861, that "the blue used by the Ladies' Circle in making the flag was spun and woven by Mrs. Dudley Thing, a heroine of the Revolution." This was evidently a slip of the pen, the 1812 War being undoubtedly meant, for Mrs. Thing was only five years of age when the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed. The flagstaff above referred to was located very near the northeast corner of Richard Fassett's tavern. EVENTS FROM i860 TO 1866. 30 1 Emery and David Merry, Esq. When they had finished, the assembly again saluted its National emblem with loud cheers and the boom of cannon, as it proudly floated on the breeze from its lofty position. A speaker's stand was improvised, Albert Shaw called upon to preside and Asaph Boyden chosen secretary of the meeting. A fervent prayer was then offered by Dea. Ira Emery. This was followed by earnest and patriotic appeals to the people, urging them to stand by their beloved Union in her hour of peril. Among the citizens who addressed the assemblage were Hiram Manter, Gen. Nathan Goodridge, Elbridge H. Racklifif, Capt. Curtis Pinkham, Benjamin Tibbetts, Isaac Daggett and many others. The speaking was interspersed with national and patriotic airs acceptably rendered by a choir wholly composed of local talent. A committee on resolutions, appointed at the opening of the meeting, then reported and read amid the most vociferous cheering the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : Whereas : Almighty God in blessing our fathers gave them a republican form of government and Constitution, securing to all citizens of these United States, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness ; and whereas that government has been transmitted to us, their children, for safety and perpetuity ; and whereas, under the benign and equal opera- tion of the said government, we have achieved a national character second to none ; and whereas, at the present time our government and liberties are in imminent peril from the action of the States of this Union in that they have : I St, given to the Constitution new and strange interpretations un- known to the framers. 2d, They have barbarously treated many of the free men of this nation. 3rd, They have set at naught the laws of the land. 4th, they have withdrawn from the Union without consent of the re- maining States. 5th, They have inaugurated a new government in a way and manner that has never before been known, or even attempted in the civilized world. 6th, They have elected their officers. 38 302 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. 7th, They have seized an immense amount of money, munitions of war, and other property belonging to the United States. 8th, They have actually commenced a war by attacking Fort Sumter, and threatening to march upon the Capitol, thus aiming to overthrow that Government, the securing and establishing of which cost our fathers a seven years' conflict with Great Britain, and thus leaving us two alter- natives : 1st, To submit to Jefferson Davis as cowards unworthy of our birth- right ; or, 2d, To arise in the strength and dignity of freemen and show the traitors that we will maintain our constitutional rights. Therefore, Resolved, — ist, That the Constitution and laws must and shall be maintained at all and every hazard. 2d, That this great crisis imperatively demands the firm and united support of every patriot, irrespective of party organization. 3rd, That we prefer no other Ijanner to float over us during the im- pending conflict, than that of the "red, white and blue," the American eagle with thirty-four stars. 4th, That in the immortal language of the heroes of '76, to preserve our Independence united, we pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor. Resolved, That we, citizens of Industry, do hereby pledge ourselves to stand by and support the families that may be left in consequence of enlistments which have or may be made in the arnjy to defend our con- stitutional rights, if need be. [Signed.] Josiah Emery. Rufus Jennings. Oliver Stevens. Hiram Manter. James Cutts. David Patterson. Benjamin N. Willis. David Merry. Andrew Tibbetts. James Elliott. Isaac Daggett. Nathan Goodridge. Committee on Resolutions. After other exercises, including the presentation of a sword and epaulettes to Capt. Curtis Pinkham by Josiah Emery, the meeting adjourned to meet in two weeks. During these war meetings, which continued up to and culminated in a grand celebration on July 4th, many exciting scenes transpired. A company was organized and equipped with "wooden guns." EVENTS FROM iS6o TO 1866. 303 Swords, pistols, belts and other military trappings were brought down from the garrets to which they had been consigned years before. Articles of military dress became all the rage, and the boy who did not make some pretentions in this direction was counted unpatriotic and of little account by his companions. Martial music became popular, and the shrill notes of the fife and the lively rattle, of the tenor drum were familiar sounds to all. Daniel Hilton was a skillful performer on the fife, and with William O. Folsom as drummer, usually furnished music for the war meetings or " trainings," as nearly every one called them. The cannon used on these occasions was a rude piece of ordnance, improvised by drilling out a piece of heavy mill shafting and mounting it on a pair of wagon wheels, to which a long rope was attached for hauling it about. Gen. William Nye, having been authorized to raise a volunteer company in Franklin County, occasionally attended these meetings for the purpose of securing enlistments. At such times he was politely tendered the command of this extemporaneous company. On one of these occasions, as General Nye was engaged in exer- cising the men in the various military evolutions and firing the cannon at frequent intervals, a large number of by-standers formed themselves into an impromptu company, and, after some manoeuvring, seized the cannon and hauled it away before he or his men were fully aware of their intent. Captain Pinkham denounced the captors as " rebels," and gallantly tendered General Nye the services of himself and company to re-capture the piece. After securing their booty, "the rebels" had retreated and took refuge in John W. Frederic's blacksmith shop. Capt. Pinkham, at the head of his company, boldly marched his men to the front of the building and demanded an immediate sur- render " in the name of the United States of America." There- upon the door was thrown open as if in obedience to the command. If such an idea had, for an instant, entered Capt. Pinkham's head, it was speedily dispelled, for, instead of a vanquished foe ready to surrender, the formidable cannon was 304 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. seen leveled on the crowd instantly ready to belch forth smoke and flame. This was more than the valiant captain could stand, and he beat a precipitous retreat. A hearty laugh followed, for his men had discovered that the cannon was not loaded. Acting upon this discovery, the men went at it, and a regular melee ensued before the piece was regained. The muster and celebration at West's Mills on July 4th, 1 86 1, probably brought together the largest number of people ever seen in that village, if not in the town. The exercises were such as are usually had on these occasions, including speaking at the church and the mustering and review of a regiment of militia by Gen. William Nye, on the flat west of the village. On that day the General, either willfully or inadvert- ently offered the Industry company an aff'ront which came near resulting in serious trouble. This company formed at the church, and was commanded by Reuben Hatch. It was custom- ary, on such occasions, as each company arrived, for the colonel to send out his band as an escort to their place in the line. This General Nye failed to do on the arrival of the Industry company, which caused much feeling among the members, and even threats of personal violence to General Nye were freely indulged in by a few of the more passionate ones. The calmer judgment of the leading members prevailed, however, order was at length restored, the company took its place in the line, and by the promptness and precision of its movements, received the high compliment of being the best-drilled company in the regiment. April 15, 1 86 1, President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 men, to serve three months. This call was responded to with alacrity and enthusiasm, and the required number soon raised without apportioning to each State and town its quota. No enlistrrients occurred in Industry under this call, and the few who entered the service from this town enlisted elsewhere. Many of the events during the early days of the Civil War were to the citizens of the Northern States of deep interest and momentous consequence. Among these, the abandonment and EVENTS FROM i860 TO 1866. 305 destruction of Norfolk Navy Yard, on the night of April 19, 1 86 1, was an irreparable loss to the United States. This yard was conceded to be the finest in the world, and its wanton de- struction was greatly deplored. Epithets of bitter opprobrium were heaped on the commandant, McCauley, in every little ham- let throughout the North, for his cowardice and hypocrisy. By this and other events excitement was kept at a white heat all through the early days of the war. While all were turning their attention toward the Sunny South, eagerly watching for "news from the war," a comet of considerable magnitude made its appearance in the heavens. This in time of peace would have created no little interest, but with an internecine war of so great importance raging between two powerful factions of the Union this matter received but a passing thought. Possibly the more superstitious saw in the presence of this celestial visitor the harbinger of a long and sanguinary war. A general scarcity of silver money occurred soon after the breaking out of the war. As small silver coin grew more and more scarce, the inconvenience of making change was very great, and postage stamps were employed to remedy the ■defect. But these were inconvenient, especially in the hot, sweltering weather of summer, or when handled with moist or wet hands. To obviate this difficulty, and at the same time advertise their business, enterprising business firms had postage stamps framed in small oval metal cases, the face of the stamp being covered with a thin piece of isinglass, or mica, more correctly speaking. The metal back usually bore the name and business of the firm by whom it was issued. Among country merchants cotton thread was legal tender at its par value, i. e., one cent per skein. During the war many small medals of bronze were struck, and these were frequently used in making change. The most common among these was every- where known as the " Army and Navy Cent." This medal was of bronze, and about the same size and weight as the U. S. bronze cent contemporaneously coined. One side bore the inscription, "Army and Navy," the obverse, "The Federal Union, it must and shall be preserved." 3o6 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. By the early fall in 1861, silver coin had been wholly with- drawn from circulation. At this juncture merchants and other business men issued what was popularly known as individual currency. This in form was something like the United States fractional currency afterward issued, although in some instances it varied to suit the fancy of the individual. This currency was signed by the person issuing it, and each piece was virtu- ally a note of hand, payable in goods, for the fractional part of a dollar specified. John Willis was the only person in Industry to issue this variety of currency, and at one time he had be- tween five and eight hundred dollars in circulation. It has been claimed that the United States Government got the idea for the design of its fractional currency from the common prac- tice of using stamps and individual currency for change. In- deed, in general appearance the early issues did resemble a piece of "individual scrip" with a postage stamp stuck on the centre of its face side. The United States currency was not well received at first, and was contemptuously called "shin plasters." The central figure on this currency was subsequently surrounded by a circle of bronze or gilt. For a long time it was a current joke that this was done " to give the currency a metal ring." The tragical death of Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, on the 24th of May, 1 86 1, cast a shadow of gloom over the people of Industry, as did that of Col. Baker the same, and Gen. Nathaniel Lyon the following year. The intelligence of the battle of Bull Run filled the hearts of all with sad and gloomy forebodings. It was now evident that the Nation had a foe to contend with in every respect worthy of his steel, and although the people of the Northern States were no less brave, the result of this battle thoroughly stamped out that effervescent enthu- siasm so conspicuous at the commencement of hostilities. After this no one had the foolhardiness to predict the speedy termina- tion of the war, or that the sons of the South would not fight. The Confederate Government sent James M. Mason and John Slidell to France and England, as commissioners, in November, 1861, hoping to obtain assistance from these coun- EVENTS FROM i860 TO 1866. 307 tries. Messrs. Mason and Slidell embarked on the English mail-.steamer " Trent," and were arrested on the high seas, by Capt. Charles Wilkes of the U. S. steamer " San Jacinto," and taken to Boston. England was greatly exasperated at this audacious act and promptly demanded the prisoners' release, on a threat of war in case the demand was not immediately heeded. This event caused much excitement and discussion, as the attitude of England clearly indicated war in case the prison- ers were not speedily released. As war with England at such a critical juncture was not to be thought of, the government released the prisoners and promptly disavowed the action of Captain Wilkes. The year 1861 was remarkable from the fact that the apple crop in Industry was a total failure. Orchards, which had hitherto borne bountifully, were wholly devoid of fruit this year and a great scarcity of apples was the result. But little of interest occurred during the winter of 1 861-2. The following spring the militia was enrolled, and on the 17th of July, 1862, a meeting was held for the election of officers. The members met at West's Mills, and the following officers were chosen: Captain, Josiah Emery; ist Lieutenant, Nathan S.Johnson; 2d Lieutenant, Benjamin Learned; 3d Lieutenant, Melvin Viles ; 4th Lieutenant, Joseph Warren Smith. William Henry Frost and John T. Luce were first among the brave boys from Industry to sacrifice their lives on the altar of their country. The former died at Beaufort, South Carolina, the latter at Ship Island, Miss. The obsequies of these patriots held at the Centre Meeting-House on a Sabbath day in August, 1862, was a season of deep and impressive solemnity. The house was appropriately decorated for the occasion, and the processions marched to and from the church to the music of muffled drums, and under the escort of a detachment of the Industry militia. Under the President's call of July 2, 1862, for men to serve three years. Industry's quota was nine men. Soon after this requisition a meeting of the citizens was called by the selectmen to assemble in John Willis's hall at West's Mills, July 26, 1862, 308 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. at one o'clock in the afternoon. At this meeting Daniel H. Taylor was chosen moderator, and after some discussion the town voted to raise the sum of $iOO for each person who would volunteer until the forementioned quota of nine should be filled. In response to this call Francis O. Bean, Nelson O. Bean, Sam- uel H. and Oliver D. Norton and others enlisted.* August 4, 1862, the President made a further call for 300,000 men to serve nine months, and under this call Industry's quota was 13. The authorities were ordered to make a draft from the enrolled militia to answer the call. The day fixed for the draft throughout the State was Wednesday, September 3d, and the members of the militia in Industry were duly notified to meet at West's Mills at nine o'clock on the day specified. The manner of conducting such a draft was to be as follows : A suitable box was to be provided for the purpose, and therein the clerk was directed to place, in the presence of the company, as many slips of paper as there were names enrolled ; upon these slips were to be written in letters, and not figures, the numbers from one to that which expressed the entire number of men enrolled, each slip having but one name written thereon. The box was to be closed and the papers therein thoroughly shaken up. The roll was then to be called in alphabetical order, and each man in answer to his name was required to come forward and draw one slip, which he handed to the clerk, who read the number aloud and entered it opposite the person's name who drew it; thus the draft was to be continued until all the numbers were drawn. Then beginning at the lowest number on this list and extending upward in regular numerical order, the names were selected until the required number was obtained. Nelson C. Luce was chosen clerk, and every preparation for the draft was * Alonzo Frost also enlisted under this call and received his order for bounty money August 5, 1862. This order was given before Mr. Frost was mustered in, and was issued by the chairman of the board without the knowledge or sanction of the other selectmen. There was an unsuccessful effort on the part of the town to have the order rescinded. A member of the board at that time writes : " The selectmen as a board were censured for this act and justly too, I think. But like many things in those days of hurry, excitement and illegal proceedings, all was forgotten in the feeling for the common cause and all mistakes were swallowed without much sugar coating." EVENTS FROM i860 TO i866. 309 made. The matter created considerable excitement throughout the town, and each person Hable to be drawn was constantly asking himself, "Is it I?" The selectmen issued their warrant, dated Aug. 26, 1862, calling a meeting of the legal voters at ten o'clock on the day set for the draft. The object of this meeting, as set forth in article second of the warrant, was "to see what measures the town will take in regard to raising money for vol- unteers or drafted men." Meeting at the appointed hour for the draft it was ascertained that several held themselves in read- iness to enlist, providing the town would offer sufficient induce- ment in the way of bounty, and it was confidently believed by many that a draft could thus be averted. To anticipate the probable action of the town, at its approaching meeting, an informal vote of the assembled people was taken. This was unanimously in favor of offering a bounty for volunteer enlist- ments. Thus encouraged, the draft was postponed until after the town should have held its meeting and legalized its informal vote. At ten o'clock the meeting assembled and chose Daniel Hilton moderator. Thereupon it was voted to pay each volun- teer enlisting on the nine months' quota $100, until the requi- site number should be obtained. At an adjourned session of this meeting, holden on Saturday, September 6th, at four o'clock in the afternoon, an additional sum of fifty dollars was voted to each volunteer who had already enlisted or would now volunteer. After the vote to pay $100 bounty was passed, several signified a willingness to enlist. Others said they would volunteer providing the bounty was made a little larger. As the day was oppressively warm, and the citizens of the town with their wives and children were out in full force, it was proposed to adjourn from the street to the church. Here matters went on much the same as at a Methodist revival meet- ing. There were earnest exhortations for those present to volunteer, and much cheering as one after another signified his willingness to enlist. All who had thus pledged themselves were invited to take a seat in the pulpit. As one of these, William Q. Folsom, took his seat in the sacred desk, he said : "Well, now I feel better since I have taken this step." Those 39 3IO HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. willing to enlist for $150 bounty were also requested to take a seat with the others. Thus, amid patriotic appeals, cheers, and the tears of mothers, wives and friends, one after another joined the little company until the required number was well-nigh obtained.* As previously stated, the citizens at an adjourned session of their meeting, voted the additional fifty dollars and were thus enabled to fill the town's quota without resorting to a draft. The citizens at the same meeting made generous provis- ions for any drafted men who might enter the service in case non- acceptance of the volunteer recruits rendered a draft necessary. In such case the drafted men were to receive the same bounty from the town, subject to the same conditions, as the volunteers. As fast as enlisted and accepted, the nine months' men from Industry were rendezvoused at Camp E. D. Keyes, at the State capital. t So zealously and effectually did the authorities labor in enlisting men, that on the twentieth of November, 1862, the selectmen received official notice that Industry's apportionment under the President's call of July 2d, for men to serve three years, and August 4th, for nine months' men, had been can- celled. Deprived of the support of sons, husbands and fathers, by reason of their enlistment, many families were left in destitute circumstances, and their needs now claimed the attention of the citizens of Industry. An act was passed by the State Legislature, and approved March 18, 1862, authorizing towns to extend aid to the needy families of soldiers in the service. A special town meeting was called Dec. i, 1862, and the town * Rev. Ira Emery, an eye-witness of these proceedings, thus writes of the meet- ing: "That day and its events was one of the most striliing and impressive of any in town during the war and its scenes I shall never forget. There were gathered in that church fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, all interested witnesses of that almost dramatic scene. As one after another volunteered, the scene was deeply solemn and impressive. Some clapped their hands and cheer followed cheer. Others, and there were many such, wept." t The following is a list of the men who enlisted under the call for nine months' volunteers: Iliram P. Durrell, William H. Edwards, Benjamin FoUett, William Q. Folsom, John F. Gerry, Gilbert R. Merry, Elias Miller, David M. Norton, Charles S. Prince, Samuel Rackliff, Benjamin Tibbetts, George F. Williams, Ilublmrd S. Rob- erts. Unl)* twelve of these men were mustered into the U. S. service. EVENTS FROM i860 TO 1866. 31 I voted to appropriate $100 for the relief of needy families of soldiers agreeably to an act of the State Legislature. At the annual meeting in 1863, the town voted to extend aid to D. Collins Luce, whose minor son, John T. Luce, had died in the service ; also to other needy families. By this opportune action of the State Legislature, the wants of the man}' indigent fami- lies were relieved. This privilege, in some instances, may have been abused, but such cases were rare and exceptional. The town voted to raise $1000 for the support of soldiers' families, at its annual meeting March 14, 1864, and ever afterward a most liberal course was pursued in supplying their wants. Repeated disasters and disappointments had prepared the people of Industry for almost any change that might occur; hence the Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln, made public Sept. 22, 1862, declaring that on Jan. i, 1863, " all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State the people whereof shall be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then and thenceforward and forever free," was received with little or no surprise, and only passing comment. The events of 1863 were of a character well calculated to create intense excitement in every hamlet and town throughout the country, and at times to cause a feeling of personal uncer- tainty even among the citizens of Industry. Congress had passed a " conscription act,'' more troops were needed and a draft seemed imminent. No person enrolled under this act for a moment felt safe when a call for fresh troops was made. How eagerly were lists of drafted men scrutinized by each one liable to do military duty, to ascertain if his name was among the unfortunate ones, — not to mention mothers, wives, sisters and friends of the enrolled. This act was regarded with much dis- favor by a class of ignorant, unprincipled citizens, so numerous especially in all large cities and towns. These manifested their disloyalty by openly denouncing the action of Congress, and threatening resistance to any attempt to execute its provisions. Fortunately the citizens of Industry formed an exception and remained true to the Federal cause, though sharing the same 312 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. feeling of insecurity experienced by the loyal citizens in other towns throughout the State. This sense of personal insecurity was still further intensified by well-authenticated reports that a piratical-looking craft had been seen hovering off the Maine coast. Soon after this, on the 26th of June, 1863, the rebel privateer "Tacony" entered Portland harbor and captured the revenue cutter " Caleb Gushing." This act of audacious daring everywhere caused the most intense excitement and alarm. CHAPTER XVII. EVENTS FROM i860 TO i866, CONTINUED. General Lee Begins the March of an Invader, — Crosses the " Mason and Dixon Line." — Gloomy Prospects of the Federal Cause. — Numerous Desertions from the Union Army. — Organization of Districts under the Provisions of the Conscription Act. — First Conscripts from Industry. — The Xon Compos Conscript. — " The Kingfield Riot." — Eflbrts of Drafted Men to Secure Town Bounty. — The Somerset and Franklin Wool-Growers' Association. — Call for More Troops. — S30oTown Bounty Offered for Volunteer Enlistments. — Stamp Act Passed. — Steamer " Chesapeake " Captured. — Attempts Made to Raid Maine's Eastern Border. — Re-enlistments. — Furloughed Soldiers Tendered a Banquet. — J600 Town Bounty Offered for Vol- unteer Enlistments. — Second Draft Made. — Small-pox Outbreak. — Aid to Soldiers in the Field. — Inflated Prices. — Efforts of Men who Furnished Substitutes to Recover the Sum Paid for the Same. — Third Draft Made. — Close of the War. — Great Rejoicing. — Flag-raisings at Allen's and West's Mills. — Assassination of President Lincoln. — Memorial Services in Industry. — Cost of the War to the Town of Industry. On the 26th day of June, 1863, Lee, inspired no doubt by his victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, boldly crossed the Potomac River into Maryland and began the march of an invader. Marching his army across the State of Maryland he entered Pennsylvania. At this juncture the Federal cause looked gloomy indeed, and desertions were of frequent occurrence, amounting at one time to two hundred men per day. These circumstances combined created the most intense excitement and trepidation among the peace-loving citizens of Industry, and not till after the decisive victory on the field of Gettysburg did the people breathe easily. It was during the suspense of this exciting period that the first draft occurred under the President's call of , 1863. By the newly-enacted conscription law, each congressional district was placed under the control of a 314 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. board of enrollment, consisting of a provost marshal, commis- sioner and examining surgeon. Each drafting district was divided into sub-districts of convenient size. The headquarters of the Second Congressional District, which included Industry,* was at Lewiston, and under control of the following board : Provost Marshal, John S. Baker; Commissioner, Joel Perham, Jr. ; Surgeon, Alexander Burbank. A draft for the sub-district of Industry was held early in the month of July, and the follow- ing names were drawn : Hiram P. Durrell. J. Calvin Oliver. Alvin S. Gray. William J. Gilmore. Menzir B. Merry. Loren A. Shaw. Daniel Collins, Jr. Charles S. Prince. John D. Ixaver. James Edgecomb. Warren N. Willis. Zebadiah Johnson, Jr. Ebenezer Swift, Jr. Joseph Eveleth. John W. McLaughlin. Ehas H. Johnson. Benjamin W. Norton, Jr. George Luce. Tobias C. Walton. Out of this number, so far as can be learned, not one entered the service. Those not exempted by physical disability either hired substitutes or paid $300 commutation money. Warren N. Willis furnished as a substitute, Charles E. Thompson of Lewiston, and Benjamin W. Norton, Jr., Frank E. Hutchins of New Portland. COMMUTATORS. Menzir B. Merry. Daniel Collins, Jr. George Luce. William J. Gilmore. The measures sometimes resorted to in order to secure exemption, while of a questionable character, were occasionally quite amusing. One of the most laughable as well as success- ful of these deceptions, was perpetrated on the examining board by a citizen of Industry. The person in question was naturally of fine physique and commanding personal appearance. But for the occasion he arrayed himself in a grotesque suit, much * Industry was the seventh sub-district. EVENTS FROM i860 TO 1866. 3 I 5 too small, and from which legs and arms protruded in the most surprising manner ; pantaloons of the most ancient pattern, white vest, blue swallow-tail coat, ornamented with rows of brass buttons, which his grandfather might perchance have worn on his wedding da}^ On his head he wore a battered white tile of by-gone days. With stooping form, wildly dis- hevelled hair and bleary eyes, protected by a pair of green spectacles, he presented himself at the Provost Marshal's head- quarters, lead by an attendant. With tottering gait, he was lead to a vacant chair, where he seated himself and with mouth agap and idiotic stare gazed straight up at the ceiling, to all appearances totall}' unconscious of his surroundings. Soon the surgeon began to question him, but for a time he paid no heed to his interrogatories. At length he turned to his attend- ant and, in a deep, nasal, bass tone, drawled out: "Be they talkin' to you ur to mc, pa?" "To you, Erastus," shouted his attendant, in stentorian tones. "Ha?" interrogated the con- script, as his chin dropped until it nearly rested on his shirt front. "To you, Erastus," again yelled his attendant, placing his mouth close to the listener's ear and shouting out his reply in tones which might have been heard several blocks away. "Tell-um to tawk louder^' roared the conscript. "Here's a pretty go," exclaimed the examining officer, " a fellow as deaf as an adder, and evidently not sound in the upper story. Enter this man noil compos, Mr. Clerk," remarked the surgeon, as he turned to receive the next waiting applicant. Although no disrespect was shown the notifying officer in Industry, these servants of the law were not so well received in some of the towns in North Franklin. The public mind had been wrought to a high state of excitement by the events of the past few months and the uncertain prospects of the Federal Government. With such a condition of tTie public mind, a more unpropitious time for a draft could not have been found. But more troops were needed in the field, and these must be had. The Kingfield riot, so-called, was, briefly stated, the outgrowth of an attempt by the notifying officer to conceal the fact that 3l6 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. he had in his possession the notices to be served on the drafted men, on the one part, and the action of a few injudicious, hasty- tempered young men on the other. The statement that he did not have the notices in his possession proved to be untrue. Angered by this deception a few men and boys told the officer he must leave the town, which he did. Those concerned in this treasonable act were not by any means the leading men of the town. The existing bitter partisan spirit had a tendency to magnify and distort the reports and great excitement prevailed, even in the little town of Industry. A detachment of the militia was sent to Kingfield to restore order and enforce the law. They found nothing to do, however, but to spend their time in hunt- ing, fishing and feasting. Carefully considered, the bare facts show nothing to justify the application of the term " riot" to the Kingfield affair. A special town meeting was called, July i, 1863, to see if the town would vote "to raise $100 or any other sum to pay each man who may be drafted under the present conscription act." After choosing Col. James Davis moderator, voted to pass by the article and adjourn sme die. Undiscouraged by their defeat the interested parties immedi- ately petitioned the selectmen to call a second meeting to as- semble at West's Mills, July 11, 1863, "to see if the town would vote to raise $300, or any sum, to hire substitutes for men called into the U. S. service under the existing conscription act." This proposition shared the fate of its predecessor, as did a subse- quent proposition made before the close of the month. THE WOOL-GROWERS' ASSOCIATION. It had been a fact long known and frequently discussed, that the wool-growers were in a large measure dependent upon, and at the mercy of the wool-buyers ; that by the united manage- ment of the last-named parties wool was frequently bought up at a figure considerably below the market price, and one that gave these middlemen an unusually large profit. These facts became topics of such moment among wool-producers that, with a view of improving their condition, a number of gentle- EVENTS FROM i860 TO 1866. 317 men from Industry and Anson, met at the house of Hiram Manter, in Industry, on the 27th of June, 1863, and formed themselves into a wool-growers' association. Their object, as set forth in the constitution, was: "That, being desirous of a better understanding, and, for the better protection of our inter- ests do unite ourselves into a society for that purpose." The qualifications required to render a person eligible to member- ship were, that they should own a flock of at least ten sheep. This society was double-officered, i. e., had a full set of officers for each county, and was known as the " Somerset and Frank- lin County Wool-Growers' Association." In Franklin County the members were all residents of Industry. General Nathan Goodridge was chosen president, and Hiram Manter, secretary. David Patterson was chosen treasurer and agent, and Benjamin W. Norton, Sr., Gen. Nathan Goodridge and James Elliott, directors. George Manter, David Patterson and Hiram Manter were elected to receive and sort the wool of the Association. All wool was required to be well-washed, and each member was allowed to draw from the treasury a sum of money not exceeding in amount two-thirds of the estimated value of his wool, upon the same being deposited with the agent. The directors were authorized to hire a sufficient sum of money to meet the demands of individual members, and the treasurer was required to give bonds to the amount of five thousand dollars. Among the more prominent members were : George W Luce, Peter B. Smith, Benjamin W. Norton, Jr., Isaac Dag- gett, John T. Daggett, Joseph W Smith, Alonzo Norton, etc., etc. The wool of the members in this town alone amounted to some five thousand pounds. Owing to the disagreement of the members in regard to the time their wool should be sold, the enterprise was abandoned. The opinion of able men was that, had it continued, it would have, in time, become an effect- ual ally of the wool-grower. The call of Oct. 17, 1863, for 300,000 men to serve three years, necessitated a special town meeting to raise money " for war purposes." This meeting accordingly assembled Dec. 2, 1863, and chose Ira Emery, Jr., moderator. It was then voted 40 3l8 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. to pay each volunteer enlisting for three years, the sum of $300, until the town's quota of eleven, under the President's last call, shall be filled. The treasurer was also authorized and instructed to hire money for that purpose. It was about this time (1863) that Congress passed its famous stamp act, requiring a revenue stamp on every docu- ment, from a town clerk's certificate of marriage intention up to a warranty deed. Stamps were required on each package of friction-matches, also on proprietary medicines, playing-cards, photographs, tobacco, cigars, and, in brief, nearly every article to which a stamp could be affixed.* A two-dollar stamp was necessary to make valid the title to a farm valued at $1000, and the person who sold a bunch of matches without a one-cent stamp affixed, was subject to a heavy penalty. The first certi- ficate of intended marriage, issued in Industry after the passage of the stamp act, was to Alonzo Norton. This document was dated Oct. 31, 1863, and had a five-cent revenue stamp affi.xed. An excise tax was also assessed on carriages and harnesses. The amount assessed on a wagon and harness valued at fifty dollars was one dollar, and in the same ratio on those of higher value. The seizure of the " Chesapeake," Capt. VVillett, a screw- steamer of the New York and Portland Line, Dec. 13, 1863, was a feat of the most audacious daring, and everywhere caused great excitement. She was captured when off" Cape Cod, on her passage from New York to Portland, by Lieut. John Clib- bon Braine and party. She was subsequently re-captured De- cember 17th, by the gunboat Ella and Anna. Another cause of great anxiety was an attempt to raid towns on the eastern border of Maine, in the summer of 1864, by Confederates, who found refuge in the British Provinces. This created a widespread alarm, in which the citizens of Industry largely shared. On July i8th a detachment of three men from * For years merchants sold 300 matches for five cents, of which sum three cents went to the U. S. Government for stamps, and whenever a photographer received an order for half a dozen small photographs he must needs pay eighteen cents for the stamps required by law. . EVENTS FROM i860 TO i866. SI9 one of these raiding parties boldly entered the Calais Bank, which they attempted to pillage in broad daylight. Their scheme was discovered in season to thwart their plans, and they were promptly arrested, convicted and sent to State's prison. During the fall of 1863 and early winter of 1864, re-enlist- ments in the field became very numerous, and quite a number of the Industry boys, anxious to see the war through, re-enlisted and were granted a furlough of thirty days. While at home, and shortly before their return to the front, the citizens of West's Mills and vicinity tendered them a banquet at John Willis's hall, on Thursday, March 17, 1864. There was speaking with other exercises at the church in the forenoon, of which the author has been unable to procure any definite description. The spread at the hall was of the most unstinted proportions and the viands of the choicest quality. The central attraction at the feast was a large " monument cake," beautifully frosted and ornamented, a present from Mr. and Mrs. Elbridge H. Rackliff.* Several distinguished guests from adjoining towns were present on the occasion, and among the after-dinner speak- ers were : Leonard Keith, of Farmington, Rev. Ira Emery and his brother Josiah, of Industry, also Nelson C. Luce and others. The event was a decided success, and no doubt a pleasant incident in the lives of the furloughed soldiers present. Under the President's call of July 18, 1864, for troops, In- dustry's proportion was sixteen men, but having a surplus of nine men previously furnished, to its credit, only seven were required. Anxious to avoid a draft, if possible, a special town meeting was called at the Centre Meeting-House, August 23, 1864, and Nelson C. Luce was called to preside. The meeting then voted to offer $500 to any who would enlist for one year on the town's quota before September 5th, until the required number be reached. Nathan S. Johnson was chosen agent to secure enlistments on the town's quota, and voted a compensa- * The baking-tins for this immense cake were specially made for the purpose by Mr. Rackliff. The total cost of the cake when placed on the table was not far from ten dollars. 320 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. tion of twenty dollars for each soldier mustered in.* The meet- ing further voted to pay $6oo bounty on enlistments for three years. The selectmen were authorized to hire money to pay these bounties. At an adjourned session of the same meeting, the bounty for one-year enlistments was raised to $600. Not- withstanding the liberal bounties offered, and the most strenu- ous efforts of enlisting officers, a deficiency still existed, and on Sept. 26, 1864, a draft was made by the Provost Marshal and the following names drawn : Elbridge H. Rackliff, George W. Johnson, Atwood Morse and William Cornforth, Jr. On pre- senting themselves before the examining board, Elbridge H. Rackliff, the first drawn, was accepted, and George W. Johnson exempted, by reason of physical disability. Atwood Morse, the third person drawn, was accepted, which made up the deficiency. The selectmen paid these two drafted men the same bounty as the town had voted to pay for enlistments. Their authority so to do was subsequently questioned, but their doings were promptly ratified by the town at a meeting held at the Centre Meeting-House, Jan. 4, 1865. As a draft was impending, the same meeting voted to raise $3500, to be placed in the selectmen's hands, with instructions to use it in securing enlistments on the most favorable terms possible. This sum the assessors were instructed to assess immediately and place the bills in the collector's hands. They were also instructed to pay $300 to any who would put in a substitute for three years to count on the town's quota. The meeting subsequently voted at an adjourned session, to add $150 to the $300 previously offered for substitutes. Convinced that Industry's quotas were too large, by reason of the enrollment of persons physically disqualified for military duty, the selectmen were directed to employ such measures as * Mr. Johnson was a very successful recruiting officer, as tfie following enlistments copied from an autographic list abundantly proves : Adriance R. Johnson, Andrew J Spinney, Eben P'ish, George C. Emery, Reuel H. Rogers, John ]VI. Nash, Nathan G. Dyer, Albanus D. Quint, William S. Burce, Henry S. Maines, George H. Butler, John P. Butler, Addison F. Collins, James W. Collins, John F. Daggett, Henry G. Mitchell, Samuel Rackliff. Dec. 11, 1S63, Mr, Johnson was also deputized by the Provost Marshal General to arrest and return deserters, procure recruits, etc. EVENTS FROM i860 TO 1866. 321 they deemed expedient to reduce the number enrolled. Tht-y were further instructed to take men to Lewiston for examina- tion, at the town's expense, if necessary. Through the well- directed eliforts of these gentlemen many names were stricken from the rolls.* About the first of July, 1864, an outbreak of small-pox occurred near West's Mills, in the town of Stark, and spread to a limited extent into the town of Industry. Through ignorance of the true character of the disease at first, it spread to a much greater extent than it otherwise would have done. There were some ten cases in both towns, but fortunately only one death occurred. This was the infant daughter of Peter W. Pinkham. Other cases were, Nellie Ellis, Betsey Pinkham, Sally Stevens, T. Gardner Daggett, J. Warren Smith, Josephine S. Viles, Benjamin Tibbets, and Silas Daggett. The suffering and want incident to camp life, especially dur- ing the winter season, early claimed the attention of friends at home and many packages, containing nice warm socks and mit- tens, were sent to the bo}'s through the U. S. mail, while boxes containing provisions, flannel underclothing, boots and other articles of comfort and convenience were not unfrequently despatched on their errands of good cheer to the brave boys in field and camp. At times the anxiety and suspense among relatives and friends, as they watched day after day for intelligence of dear ones far away, was terrible to endure. And when at length after weary days of watching and waiting, the sad news of some dear one's death was received, how terribly rended were the heart- strings of wives, mothers, sisters and friends ! It was indeed a terrible ordeal for loving, trusting hearts. As time passed on, prices became greatly inflated. Gold was at a premium of $1.50. Wool for a short time sold at one dollar per pound, and all the necessaries of life were proportion- ally high, as the following list compiled from actual sales plainly shows ; *This year (1864) by a singular coincidence the Republicans in Industry polled 94 votes at both the gubernatorial and presidential elections. 322 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. PRICE-CURRENT OF GOODS " IN WAR TIMES," 1861 TO 1865. Flour per bbl., ^i8 oo Corn per bushel, 2 00 Molasses, W. I., per gal., i 00 Tea, per lb., i 50 Salt, per box of 20 lbs., 50 Sugar, White, per lb., 25 Sheeting (best cotton), per yd., 80 Print, per yd., 40 Nails, cut, per lb., 12 Salt Pork, per lb., 21 Indigo, per oz., 20 Glass, 7x9, per light, 10 Kerosene oil, per gal., i 20 Men's boots, (thick) pair, 5 50 The drafted men of 1863 who hired substitutes, for many years made persistent and repeated efforts to recover from the town the sum such substitutes had cost them. For more than half a dozen different times the town was asked to grant this request, and on one occasion those who had paid commutation money joined in the demand. These propositions were per- emptorily dismissed without action, however, and only ceased to be made when the parties removed from town. Although large sums of money were raised, and tempting bounties offered for enlistments, the town's quota of 1865 re- mained unfilled, and again a draft became necessary. Under the President's call of March — , 1865, the town's deficiency was nine men. To secure these, sometime during the month of March, 1865, eighteen names were drawn from the enrolled militia, as follows : Augustus H. Swift. Ira Emery, Jr. Wm. M. Bryant. Wm. L. Metcalf. Francis R. Merry. John S. Fassett. John Oilman. Eli N. Rackliff. Alvin S. Gray. John W. Perkins. Wm. Cornforth, Jr. Caleb W. Gilmore. Daniel Gilman. Alonzo Frost. EVENTS FROM i860 TO 1866. 323 Warren Cornforth. Jeremy Bean. Daniel Brown. Charles H. B. True. The drafted men were never mustered into the service, for on the 9th of April, 1865, Lee's army surrendered, which vir- tually brought the war to a close.* Great was the rejoicing everywhere at the cessation of hostilities. Everyone's cup of joy seemed full to the brim. Day after day, as additional and more detailed reports of the closing-up of this long and sanguin- ary struggle were received, the church bell at West's Mills was rung, and in other ways was the joy of the people manifested.! FLAG-RAISINGS AT ALLEN'S AND WEST'S MILLS. The long and bloody war was near its close. Already the people, who had long and anxiously watched while the destiny of their beloved Union seemed poised and trembling in the bal- ance, began to feel that buoyancy of spirit which is but the natural reaction of the mind after any prolonged period of deep suspense. The glad tidings spread from house to house, and rejoicing was heard on every hand. An event of so great mag- nitude must necessarily be commemorated by some public dem- onstration. Consequently the citizens of Allen's Mills and vicinity decided to raise a flag in honor of the event. A paper was drawn up and subscriptions solicited by Mary G. Luce, daughter of Moses M. Luce, Esq., and in an incredibly short time a sum sufficient to purchase a beautiful banner was raised. While awaiting the arrival of their flag from Bath, Maine, where it was purchased, a large number of men and boys went to the point of land extending into Clear Water Pond, felled a tree suitable for a staff, and triumphantly dragged it across the pond on the ice to the village, where it was erected in the most *The voters of Industry seem to have had a premonition that Ihe war uas near its close, for on the day previous to Lee's surrender they had voted to pass hy the article whereby money was to be raised to pay drafted men and hire substitutes. t At Farmington the joy was turned to sadness by a fatal accident, the result of bursting a cannon while engaged in firing a salute in honor of the close of the war. At the same time several others were more or less injured. 3 24 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. commanding locality to be found. At lo o'clock A. M., on Friday, April 14, 1865, the new banner was for the first time hoisted to its proud position, by Misses Mary G. Luce and Josephine Hinkley, amid the loud cheers of the assembled multitude. Rev. A. R. Plumer, of Industry, then delivered an able address, after which a procession was formed which marched to a large hall in the starch-factory, where a sumptuous repast had been prepared by the ladies. After dinner, toasts were proposed, and responded to by Gen. Nathan Goodridge, Moses M. Luce, Esq., Isaac Webster, Edwin A. R. Rackliff and others. The exercises were enlivened by vocal music furnished by a choir consisting of some of the best talent in Franklin County, such as Charles S. and Lizzie (Allen) Prince, Orlando T. Good- ridge, Eliphalet Miller and others. But alas, how changed the scene in a few short hours ! How strikingly true are the following lines : " 'Tis the wink of an eye, 'tis the draught of breath, From the blossom of health to the paleness of death, From the gilded saloon to the bier and the shroud, (Jh, why should the spirit of mortal be proud?"* Hardly had those who participated in the festivities just mentioned, returned to their homes, when President Lincoln received his death wound, at the hand of an assassin. The second time their beautiful flag was raised it was placed at half-mast, and draped with black, in honor to the martyred President. Nearly simultaneously with the movement at Allen's Mills, the people at West's Mills made preparation for the erection of a fine " liberty pole." This pole, which was of pine, was con- structed on the most modern principles, and measured seventy- two feet from its base to the truck of the top-mast. It was probably raised on the same day as the one at Allen's Mills, at which time a large concourse of people assembled at the village * The poem from which this extract is made was a great favorite with President Lincoln. EJ-EiVTS FROM iS6o TO 1866. 325 to witness and assist in its erection. '^ The raising of a pole of this height was no small task, and notwithstanding the assistance of the many willing hands, it was near sunset when the stars and stripes were raised to their lofty position. Intelligence of the assassination and death of President Lincoln reached West's Mills Saturday evening, April 15, 1865, and all day Sunday following, flags floated at half-mast and the solemn tones of the tolling church-bell were heard. Among all classes, irrespective of party affiliations, the deepest sorrow and respect for the martyred President was manifested. On the day of his burial, memorial services were held in the Union Church at West's Mills, in which many participated. The address was delivered by Rev. Charles E. Blake, pastor of the Free Will Baptist Church in Farmington. The house was well filled and the exercises solemn and impressive. The close of the war afforded the citizens of Industry an opportunit}' to take a retrospective view of the part the town had taken in suppressing the rebellion. This view was not altogether unpleasant. With a population of 827 in i860, the town had furnished sixty-one men for the service under the various calls. These had invariably merited the esteem of their superiors by patriotism and valor, as well as by a faithful dis- charge of their soldierly duties. Ever mindful of its obligations to these brave men, the town had always been liberal in its bounties for enlistments and also made generous provisions for the soldiers' families. The subjoined table shows the amount paid in bounties to soldiers, under the various calls: To 3 years' men of 1862, $1,000 00 9 months' men of 1862, i)9SO 00 Volunteers of 1863, 3.300 00 " 1S64 and 5, lo.Soo 00 Drafted men entering the service, 1,200 00 Am't Contributed by individuals toward bounties, 481 00 $18,731 00 * Since the above was written it has been flefinitely learned that the raising occurred on Friday, April 14, 1865. Also that the village choir was present on that occasion, and rendered several appropriate selections, greatly to the enjoyment of all present. 41 326 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Contributed supplies for the relief of soldiers, 950 00 Aid to soldiers' families, 2,682 49 ^22,363 49 Though reimbursed for aid to soldiers' families by the State, the expense of enlisting men, paying commutations and hiring substitutes, must have swelled the expense of the war to the citizens of Industry to fully $25,000, this sum being nearly one- seventh of its valuation in 1S60. CHAPTER Will. THE BOYS IX BLUE. Francis l ). Bean. — Nelson < i. Bean. — George \V. Boyden. — Charles K. Burce, — James O. Burce. — John C. Burce. — William .S. Burce. — George IJ. Butler. — John P. Butler. — Addison H. Chase. — Aildison F.Collins. — Daniel S.Collins. — James \V. Collins. — Daniel A. Conant. — John F. Daggett. — Hiram P. Durrell. — William H. Edwards. — John D. Flder. — Carlton P. Emery. — George C. Emery. — Zebulon M. Emery. — Calvin B. Fish. — Eben Fish. — Benjamin Follett. — William (J. F'olsom. — WiUiam H. Frost. — J.ihn V. Gerry. — Bradford Gilmore. — Almore Maskell. — John M. Howes. — Adriancc R. Johnson. — William G. Lewis. — Filield A. Luce. — John T. Luce — Flenry .S. Maines. — Gilbert R. .Merry. — Elias Miller. — Henry G. .Mitchell. — .Atwood Morse. — John M. Nash. — David M. Norton. — Oliver D. Norton. — James Pinkham. — Samuel Pinkham. — Wellington Pinkham. — Wililer Pratt. — Charles S. Prince. — Albanus D. (Juint. — William L. (Juint. — Edwin A. R. Rackliff.— Elbridge PL Racklifi.— John C). Rackliff.— Samuel Rackliff.— William J. Rackliff. — Reuel H. Rogers. — Lyman M. Shorey. — Andrew J. .Spinney. — John C. Spinney. — Benjamin Tibbetts. — Benjamin F. Tii^betts. — Clinton B. Webster. — David C, Whitney. — Aaron E. Williams. — George F. Williams. — O. L. Young. FRANCIS O. BEAN. Fr.vncis O. Bean, son of John C. and Olive (Berry) Bean, came to Industry in the winter of 1862 and settled on the Ad- dison H. Chase farm. He enlisted with others, his brother among the number, the following summer, as a member of the 17th Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into the U. S. service at Portland, August 14th, and assigned to Co. G, Capt. Edward I. Merrill. Soon after going South he was de- tailed as teamster and was with the wagon train about eighteen months. After this he was at the division headquarters in the mail dejjartment. Mr. Bean was with General Burnside during his famous mud march, and reached Gettysburg with the wagon train on the morning following the last day's battle. He J 2 8 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. continued in the service until finally mustered out, June 4, 1865. NELSON O. BEAN. Nelson O. Bean, a brother of the forenamed Francis, had resided in Industry for some years prior to the breaking out of the Civil War, in the family of an elder brother. He enlisted in the 17th Maine Regiment and was mustered into the U. S. service August 18, 1862, at Portland, and assigned to Co. G. They left Portland for Washington, D. C, August 21st, where they remained doing garrison duty until the 7th of Octo- ber. Mr. Bean participated in the battle of Fredericksburg on the 13th of December. His regiment re-crossed the Rappahan- nock River on the 15th, and remained encamped at Falmouth, Va., until May I, 1863. The regiment was also present at the battle of ChancellorsviUe, engaging the enemy May 2d and 3d. On the 2d day of July they arrived at Gettysburg and engaged the enemy on that and the following day. On the 27th of No- vember Mr. Bean's regiment took a prominent part in the battle of " Orange Grove." Returning to Brandy Station on the ist day of December, the regiment remained encamped there until the 25th of March, 1864. He also took an active part, with his regiment, in the battle of the Wilderness, on the 5th and 6th of May. From this time to the 21st his regiment was almost con- tinually under fire. On the 23rd of May Mr. Bean's regiment joined the 5th Army Corps near North Anna River and partici- pated in a charge which resulted in driving the enemy across the river and gaining possession of the bridge. During this charge, when near the river, Mr. Bean was wounded in the left side by a minnie ball, which fractured the lower rib in two places. He was sent first to the hospital at Washington, D. C, and afterwards to Centre Street Hospital, Newark, New Jersey. His wound was of an extremely painful nature and very slow to heal. After a time he was removed to the U. S. General Hospital at Augusta, Maine, where, finding that the aggra- vating nature of his wound would incapacitate him for active service for a long time, he was discharged. He is now a mill operative and resides in Suncook, N. H. THE BOYS IN BLUE. 329 GEORGE \V, BOVDEN.* George Wyatt Boydcn, son of Asaph and Susan (Butler) Boyden, was born in Industry, April 10, 1833. When a young man he went to the State of New Hampshire, where he married and was living when the war broke out. Here he sub- sequently enHsted as a member of Co. F, 9th N. H. Volunteer Infantry. Near the expiration of his term of enlistment, he re-enlisted and faithfully served his country until the close of the war. The following extracts from his letters give the reader some vivid pen pictures of tha ups and downs of army life: Fort Alex-^nder Hayes, V.\., Dec. 23, 1864. Dear Father and Mother: The box you sent me arrived here to-day, after being twenty-three da3's on the road. Everything in it was good and in good order except the pie, which was a little mouldy on the under side, but not enough to hurt it for army eating. The cake is first rate, as good as I ever ate, so are the doughnuts and dried apple, sausages and butter. I shall have some good apple-sauce as soon as I can stew the apple. Bread, butter and apple-sauce on a private soldier's plate in this army, well I never ! never!.' The towel was very acceptable, and I will try and keep it as long as I can. I hardly know how to thank you for your kindness in sending me so much good food. I told my three tent- mates, when the box came, I did not deserve it but mother would no doubt sleep better if she knew I had received it, and that I would write as soon as my day's work was done and let her know it had come. You can hardly conceive the satisfaction of us poor soldiers when we get anything from home. Men who would take no notice of such matters at home will flock around and say : " Did you get a box? Did you get a box?" I tell you they always bring with them memories sweet of "childhood's sunny hours," of a time when we had no fears of war taking us away from the homes we so clearly love. My boyhood home and its scenes, among the hills of Maine, are still as fresh in my memory as if I had only just left it, but time tells me it is nearly fifteen years. " Thus with the year seasons return," and each brings its hopes and fears, its joys and sorrows, sunshine and shade. I had a pleasant * Though this name does not properly Ijelong to the list of Industry soldiers, the writer has inserted it in order to afford his readers the opportunity of perusing some very interesting war correspondence. 330 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. home till this war took me away from it, and I have it now — " 'tis home where the heart is," but the pleasing memories are all of the past, while the present is only made bearable by the good wishes and kind deeds of friends at home, sweet home. Still having faith in the future because of my good luck in the past, I hope again to be at home with wife, boy, father, mother, sisters and brother, and remember only that which is pleasant and forget that a bloody war ever called me away. But should I be among the host that is now and will be left here, only to be remembered by friends at home, if these friends can truthfully say, " He has done his duty to his country," it is all I ask. But I hope to live to see this rebellion Wrought to an end at no very distant day. The rebels must soon give it up entirely, come back to the Union they should never have left, and by good behavior in the future atone for their sins political of the past, so that we may sit in the shade of the outstretched arms of our worthy Uncle Samuel, and sing " Hail Colum- bia " till our children and children's children are — are — are old enough to sing it for us. " So mote it be.^' Although the soldier's life was characterized by many hard- ships, and although disease and death were constantly thinning their ranks, yet, amid all these vicissitudes of war, "the boys" found some pleasantries — "Some sugar in the cane'' — as the following anecdote related by Mr. Boyden goes to prove: "At one time we had to cut a great deal of cord-wood, and com- panies were detailed for that purpose. In our company was one James Carlton, who had won the sobriquet of ' Truthful Jeemes,' as he was the soul of honor and did not look like a liar. He was the fastest chopper in the whole army, and we often tried to get a bet up on the amount of wood he could chop in a day, he to cut the trees, cut, split and pile up the wood. With all our persuasion he would not consent, as he would not be a party to any gambling scheme. We urged, argued and tried to persuade, all to no purpose, except to arouse his own curiosity as to how much wood he really could cut. To put the matter to test he took his axe, slipped away out of camp one morning when we were ofif duty, and went to chopping by himself. He chopped until about three o'clock in the afternoon, when he looked around and decided he had as much cut as he could pile before sunset. He piled it up and THE BOYS JN BLUE. 33 I found he had only fifty-three cords, which, he said, disappointed him. He went back to where he began work in the morning, and following up his work, discovered by appearances, that his axe must have flew oft" of the handle about eleven o'clock in the forenoon and he had been chopping with the handle the rest of the day. This is his stor\- just as he told it to me, and he made me promise not to add an)thing that would make a lie of it. He also expressed much regret that he did not yet know how much wood he could cut in a day." CHARLES E. liURCE. Charles Edward Burce, son of Silas and Rachel (Oliver) Burce, enlisted as a private in Co. H, 14th Maine Regiment, Vol- unteer Infantry, and was mustered into the U. S. service Dec. 14, 1 86 1. Re-enlisted Jan. i, 1864. Transferred to Co. A, Battalion, 14th Regiment, Infantry. Mustered out at Darien, Ga., Aug. 28, 1865. Resides at Porter's Mills, Wisconsin, where he is engaged in farming. JAMES O. BURCE. James Oliver Burce, son of Silas and Rachel (Oliver) Burce, enlisted at the age of sixteen years as a private in Co. H, 14th Maine Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into the U. S. service Dec. 14, 1861. Re-enlisted Jan. i, 1864. Pro- moted to musician. Taken prisoner at the battle of Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864. Confined in Salisbury and other rebel prisons. Discharged for disability July 8, 1865. He is a farmer and re- sides at Porter's Mills, Eau Claire Co., Wisconsin. JOHN C. BURCE. Among the many brave men who served their country faith- fully and well, in the war between the States, not one can lay claim to a more brilliant and honorable record than he whose name stands at the head of this sketch. PInlisting near the breaking out of the war, he gave to his country nearly three and one-half of the best years of his life, and in his death left behind a record to which relatives and friends alike point with pride. 332 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. John Calvin Burce, son of Silas and Rachel (Oliver) Burce, was born in Stark, Maine, in 1834. He first enlisted for three months as a member of the 3d Regiment, Maine Volunteer In- fantry, and was mustered into the U. S. service June 4, 1861, as- signed to Co. F, and was immediately appointed corporal. On the 5th the regiment left Augusta for Washington, D. C, and on their arrival went into camp on Meridian Hill. Crossing the Potomac River July 6th, they entered Virginia and remained in the vicinity of Alexandria until the 1 5th of July, when Mr. Burce was discharged for re-enlistment and returned to Maine on a furlough. On the 22d of September, 1861, he was mustered in as a private in Co. D, 9th Regiment, Maine Veteran Infantry. The regiment started on the 24th for Fortress Monroe ; here they joined a portion of General Sherman's expedition for the capture of Port Royal, S. C. The expedition sailed from Fortress Monroe October 29th, and on November 8th landed at Hilton Head. Remaining in that vicinity until Feb. 21, 1862, the regi- ment formed a part of the expedition which captured I'ernan- dina, Fla., the 9th Maine being the first regiment to land from the transports on the occupation of the town by the Union forces. It is impossible within the limits of this brief sketch to fol- low Mr. Burce through his long and honorable career as a soldier, or even mention all the engagements in which his regiment par- ticipated. But the part they bore in the capture of Morris Island is bright on history's page, as well as their determined bravery at Fort Wagner, where, in an assault, they only retreated when ordered so to do, after other regiments had fallen back and they alone confronted the enemy. In December, 1863, he re-enlisted and was mustered into the service on the 12th day of that month, and later returned to Maine on a thirty-days' furlough. While at home he married (published March 2, 1864) Ada H. Andrews, daughter of Levi and Lydia (Hurd) Andrews of Anson. Returning to the front he rejoined his regiment on the 28th of March. They engaged the enemy at Walthall Junction May 7th, and at Drury's Bluff on the 17th of the same month. They THE BOYS IN BLUE. 333 also fought the enemy at Bermuda Hundred and Cold Harbor, and likewise participated in the siege of Petersburg. The following October he was taken ill, and died at White Hall Hos- pital, Philadelphia, Oct. 18,* 1864, aged 30 years. WILLIAM S. BURCE. Willliam Stacy Burce, son of Silas and Rachel (Oliver) Burce, enlisted as a member of Co. F, 14th Regiment, Maine Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into the service March 30, f 1864. Transferred to Co. B, June 18, 1864, and on muster- ing out the original members he was assigned to the 14th Battalion, Co. C. The 14th Battalion was subsequently increased to a full regiment by the addition of certain companies of unassigned infantry. Mustered out at Darien, Ga., Aug. 28, 1865. Mr. Burce was in Minnesota at last accounts. GEORGE H. BUTLER. George Halser Butler, son of Peter \V. and Mary E. (Rob- inson) Butler, was born in Industry Jan. 6, 1833. He married, Jan. 2.1, 1858, Catherine Nichols, daughter of Aholiab and Elmeda (Messer) Nichols, by whom he had three children. Early in the fall of 1864 he enlisted for one year in the first compan}' Unassigned Infantry, Capt. Edward S. Butler. He was mustered into the service Sept. 16, 1864. The compan}' immediately after its organization left for the front, and was assigned to the 29th Regiment as Co. A. Joining the regiment October 1 8th, he participated in the battle of Cedar Creek on the following day. During this engagement he received a severe bullet wound in the shoulder. He was conveyed to the hospital at Winchester, Va., where he died Nov. 9, 1864. JOHN P. BUTLER. John Perham Butler, also a son of Peter W. and Mary E (Robinson) Butler, enlisted about the same time and in the * Adjutant General's Report. A headstone erected to his memory in the cemetery near West's Mills gives the date October 23d. t Another record has the date March 24th. 42 334 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. same company as his brother George. When the company went South he was left sick at Augusta, and was not able to join his regiment for some time. Nothing is definitely known respecting his service in the field. He subsequently learned the trade of a watchmaker and jeweler. Died of consumption, in Industry, April 1 6, 1 87 1, aged 28 years and 6 days. ADDLSON H. CHASE. Addison Hayes Chase, son of Thomas and Phebe (Hatha- way) Chase, was born in Livermore, Maine, April 4, 1826. His father was a soldier in the 1812 War. His grandfather, also named Thomas, was a gunner on board the "Alliance," and participated in the fight with the English "Serapis." On the 1st day of January, 1850, he married Harriet C. Bean, daughter of Jeremy and Miriam (Currier) Bean, of Jay, and on the 13th of April, 1855, he removed with his family to Industry and settled Near Tibbetts's Corner on the farm now (1892) occupied by Arthur W. Hawes. Here he was living when the War of the Rebellion broke out. On Dec. 2, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Co. E, 13th Maine Regiment, Volun- teer Infantry, and was mustered into the service at Augusta, Me., Dec. 10, 1861. His company left Augusta, Feb. 18, 1862, and arrived in Boston on the same day. Two days later Mr. Chase and his comrades embarked for Ship Island, Miss., via Fortress Monroe. Owing to various hindrances, the company did not reach its destination till March 20th. He remained on the Island doing camp, guard and laborious fatigue duty until July iith, when they left the Island, made a brief stop at New Orleans, and arrived at Fort St. Philip on the 15th. Here the subject of this sketch remained until he sickened and died, Oct. 28, 1862, aged 36 years, 6 months and 24 days. ADDISON F. COLLINS. Addison Franklin Collins, son of Eben G. and Cordelia (Howes) Collins, was born in Industry, June 4, 1847. At the age of seventeen years he enlisted in Co. A, 29th Regi- ment, Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Edward S. Butler, and was THE BOYS LY BLUE. 335 mustered in Sept. 16, 1864. Going South with his company, he participated in all its movements, including the battle of Cedar Creek, etc. He was mustered out of the service June 5, 1865, some two months after the close of the war. Resides in New Sharon, Me. DAMEL S. COLLINS. Daniel Saunders Collins, son of Daniel, Jr., and Harriet (Knowlton) Collins, was born in Industry, April 23, 1834. When about fifteen years of age, he went to live with a maternal aunt who resided in Belfast, Me A year later he entered the office of The State Signal, a newspaper published in that city, where he served the usual apprenticeship, and afterwards worked on that paper, as a journeyman printer, some two years. He next worked in Bangor, Me., and also in Bos- ton for a short time. He enlisted under the President's call for men to serve nine months, and was mustered into the U. S. service Oct. 10, 1862, as a private in Co. B, 22d Regiment, Volunteer Infantry. He served his full term of enlistment and was mustered out Aug. 14, 1863. He next enlisted as a private in Co. A, State Guards Infantry, to serve sixty days. He was mustered into the service July 7, 1864, and stationed at Fort McClary, in Maine. On the expiration of his term of service, Sept. 8, 1864, he was discharged and returned to his native town. Shortly after this he again enlisted as a member of the 1st Maine Regiment, Sharpshooters, then being organized, and was mustered into the service Nov. 28, 1864, and assigned to Co. E, with the rank of corporal. His company was rendez- voused at Camp Coburn, Augusta, Me. The company left Augusta, for Galloupe's Island, Dec. 7, 1864. They were ordered from thence to City Point, Va., Jan. i, 1865, and arrived there on the 5th. June 21st Mr. Collins's Company was consolidated with the 20th Maine Regiment, Infantry, where he was also promoted to the rank of corporal in Co. E. July 16, 1865, he was mustered out and discharged, at Washington, D. C, and immediately returned to his native State. He died in Middleborough, Mass., Oct. 20, 1885. 330 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. JAMES \V. COLLINS. James Warren Collins, son of George and Mary A. (Nor- cross) Collins, was born in Industry, Nov. 3, 1825. On the breaking out of the war he was living on a small farm near Goodridge's Corner in Industry. He enlisted as a member of Co. A, 28th Maine Regiment, Infantry, and was mustered into the U. S. service Sept. 16, 1864. He was wounded in the battle of Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864. Discharged in 1865. He died in Brunswick, Maine. DANIEL A. CONANT. Daniel A. Conant was a resident of Temple, Me., When tlie war broke out. He enlisted as a substitute for Samuel H. Nor- ton of Industry, and consequently counted on that town's quota. He was mustered into the service at Portland, Me., August 18, 1862, as a member of Co. G, 17th Maine Regiment, Volunteer Infantry. Taken prisoner at the battle of ChancellorsviUe, Va. Exchanged. Mustered out June 4, 1865. JOHN F. DAGGETT. John Fred Daggett, son of John A. and Cynthia P. (Fur- bush) Daggett, enlisted for one year in the first Company of Unassigned Infantry, Capt. Edward S. Butler, and was mustered into the U. S. service Sept. 16, 1864, at Augusta, Maine. Remaining at this place but a few days they went to Portland, and from thence to Washington, D. C. Here the company en- camped one night, when it was ordered to Harper's Ferry, Va. On their way thither they stopped over night in Philadelphia. Reaching Winchester they went into camp with the 29th Maine, acting with them in their various movements until Oct. 18, 1864, when Company A was discharged, its term of service having expired, and Mr. Daggett's company was assigned to the regiment to fill the vacancy. Prior to this date Mr. Daggett participated in the engagement of Fisher's Hill, — this was his first experience of being under fire. He took an active part in the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19th, his company's casualties being twenty-six in killed, wounded and missing. On the even- it THE BOYS IN BLUE. 337 ing following the battle, while engaged in removing the wounded from the field, the subject of this sketch was run over by an empty ambulance wagon driven at a furious speed ; by this accident he was forced to remain in the hospital five weeks. Reported to his company while it was stationed at Newtown, and was detailed for safe guard duty, continuing to act in that capacity for nearly a month. During the remainder of the winter Mr. Daggett's company was engaged in special service. Breaking camp at their winter quarters they marched down the Shen- andoah Valley, and while waiting for orders at Winchester, news of the fall of Richmond reached them. From this date to June 5, 1865, they were engaged in various light guard duties, at which time the company was mustered out of the service and discharged at Washington, D. C. Mr. Daggett resides in New Sharon, Me., and has for many years been engaged in selling fruit trees, etc. HIRAM P. DURRELL.* Hiram P. Durrell, son of John G. and Hannah (Parent) Durrell, was born in Hodgdon, Me., June 23, 1832. In 1849, when seventeen years old, he came to Industry and for a time hired with Rufus Jennings, alternating his time between farming and clerking in his employer's store. He married (published Sept. 28, 1850) Lucy A. W Brewster, daughter of Daniel W. and Mercy (Hanson) Brewster of Carratunk, Me., and had the following children born in Industry, viz. : Hiram L,, born April 24, 1851; died in Lawrence, Mass., Sept. 12, 1878. Ellen L., born Sept. 12, 1853; died, in Industry, Aug. 28, 1857. Wesley G., born June 29, 1855. Will H., born Dec. 28, 1858, married Capitola Daggett, of Industry. Hattie Estmer, born May 11, 1861 ; died in Lawrence, Mass., Nov. 20, 1880. On the loth day of September, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Co. K, 24th Regiment, Maine Infantry, and was mustered into the service at Augusta on the 13th of the follow- ing month. While the company was stationed at East New York, Mr. Durrell had the misfortune to break his ankle and was *This name appears among the intentions of marriage as Hiram D. P. Durrell. 338 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. discharged Dec. Ii, 1862. He now resides in Freeman, Me., where he is engaged in farming. His wife, born in Carratunk, Me., July 3, 1832, died in Boston June 4, 1879, and he has since re-married.* WILLIAM H. EDWARDS. William Harvey Edwards, son of Bryce S. and Abigail (Flood) Edwards, was born in Industry, Nov. 28, 1842. He was brought up as a farmer's son. He enlisted as a private in the 24th Maine Regiment, Infantry, Sept. 2, 1862, and on the loth day of the same month was mustered into the service and assigned to Co. H. Dec. 31, 1862, he was promoted to First Sergeant, in which capacity he served until June 13, 1863 ; promoted to Second Lieutenant, | while at Port Hudson, Louisiana; mustered out at Augusta, Me., by reason of expira- tion of his term of enlistment, Aug. 25, 1863. He is now a physician and resides in Houtzdale, Penn. JOHN D. ELDER. John Daggett Elder, son of Isaac and Sally (Daggett) Elder, was born in New Vineyard, Me., Nov. lO, 1842. Studi- ously inclined, he acquired during his youth a good education, considering his advantages. In February, 1862, he enlisted as a recruit for the 9th Maine Regiment, and was mustered into the U. S. .service March 3d, and assigned to Co. I. He remained at Augusta, Me., until May 23d, when, with others, he took the cars for Boston. On their arrival at that place the ladies had an excellent supper in waiting for them, after which, they continued their journey to New York, where they arrived at five o'clock on the morning of the 24th, having been twenty- four hours on the way from Augusta. After a few days spent * Nathan G. Dyer, of the 19th Company, Unassigned Infantry, who enlisted and was mustered into the U. S. service at Augusta, Me., March 21, 1865, was undoubtedly an Industry recruit (see note, p. ^20) although credited to the town of Bradford in the Adjutant General's Report. In consequence of the close of the war, Mr. Dyer never left Augusta, but was mustered out May 23, 1865, and soon after discharged. f Adjutant General's Report says, July 23, 1863. IM^/Ia^ 9 cyd^i^c<:^'-<^Sy^ Engraved by Geo. E. Johnsox, Boston. From a photograpli made in 1SS7. THE BOYS IN BLUE. 339 in New York, Mr. Elder with his comrades embarked on board a transport for Hilton Head, S. C, where they arrived on the 8th of June. During this voyage Mr. Elder suffered severely from sea-sickness. On the following day they embarked for Fernandina, Florida, where they arrived June 15, 1862. In a letter to his father dated July 18, 1862, he says: " I was on guard last night and the mosquitoes were as thick as you ever saw them, and they were nearly as large as wasps. The rebels came in with a flag of truce yesterday, and told us that General Mc- Clellan had been whipped before Richmond and that General Fre- mont's army had been all cut up ; and gave us three days to lea\ c the Island, — but they have got to come and fake it before we shall leave. Last night we got news from New York that Richmond was taken. The company to which I belong is called the Bangor Tigers. The average weight of the men is iSo pounds ; average height 5 feet 1 1 inches." In speaking of the fight of James Island, before Charleston, he wrote : " It was a shocking sight, after a battle, to see five hundred poor fellows wounded and mangled in ever\- concenable manner, ns I did. Provisions are \-ery high here ; butter is worth fifty cents per pound ; cheese, 25 cents ; molasses one dollar and fifty cents a gallon, and tobacco one dollar and fifty cents per pound." During the summer the duties of the soldiers were very light. They were required to keep their equipments in order, and drill four hours a day, with an occasional turn on guard. Many families fled from their homes when the Union forces occupied the place, and in these the soldiers were quartered instead of in the usual tents or barracks. In a letter dated at Fernandina, Florida, Sept. 25, 1862, he wrote: " We have had one fight since my last letter was written. The Colonel sent our company and about twenty men from Co. A, up aliout twenty- five miles into Georgia, to capture a band of guerrillas. We went in boats and arrived at our destination about three o'clock in the morning. Landing as still as we could, we crept up to surround the house in which the guerrillas were rendezvoused. \Vhen we were within a few 34° HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. rods of the house their dogs gave the alarm and they commenced to fire on us with their double-barrelled shot-guns, loaded with buck-shot, and we replied with ounce slugs fi^om our rifled muskets. Finding that we were making it too warm for them, they ran, leaving four of their comrades dead, five wounded and two made prisoners. Besides the prisoners, we captured a large number of Sharpe's rifles and revolvers. One of the best men in our company was killed. lam afraid it will be hard work to conquer the South, for they fight just as our forefathers did in the Revolution." Five days later he writes : "We went down to Pine Island, yesterday, in the steamer' Darlington,' which ran on to a sand-bar, and we had to keep the pumps going all night to keep from sinking, but at last we got her off and got back. I have got one of the nicest silver-mounted double-barrelled shot-guns, which I captured from a rebel, that you ever saw. He said it cost him sixty dollars, and I had to threaten to shoot him before I got it. I will send father a piece of the telegraph wire which ran under water from Savannah to Fort Pulaski.* When the Union forces captured the fort they took up as much of the wire as they could without ex- posing themselves to the rebels." Writing from the same place (Fernandina, Fla.) on the loth of November, 1862, Mr. Elder says: "We have had quite a fight. Two companies, A and I, with a gun- boat, went up and took St. Mary's and burned the place to ashes. I went on shore with the captain to get some furniture. I got about eighty dollars' worth, nice for my own quarters, besides a piano worth five or six hundred dollars, for the captain, and a looking-glass six feet tall by four wide for the colonel. William W. Lunt, a deserter from our company, has been returned and will be shot on the first day of December. This is the second person who has been executed for desertion since the war begun." From an account of the execution sent his parents, we give the following extract : " The condemned man's real name was Albert, though it appears oh the muster rolls as William. He, was nearly 22 years of age, and was * This wire, or rather cable, consisted of a single fine copper wire, insulated in a resinous substance. In size it was about as large as an ordinary pipe-stem. THE BOYS IN BLUE. 341 born in Hampden, Maine, of respectable parents. In early youth he became restive under parental restraint, and ran off with a circus com- pany, with which he continued some six years. He was of remarkable physique, being more than six feet in height and of a frame propor- tionally large and muscular. At half-past ten o'clock the prisoner was brought from his tent, and approached the wagon between a guard of two men, with side arms. He was habited in the usual blue army over- coat and wore a black felt hat. He still retained his almost stoical firmness of manner ; not a muscle of his features moved, nor a limb trembled, as he entered the wagon and seated himself on the coffin so soon to contain his mortal remains. The wagon was guarded by the squad of men who were selected as the firing party, under Captain Eddy, and was preceded by an escort of forty men from the 47th New York Volunteers. Chaplains Butts of the 47th New York and Hill of the 3d New Hampshire, who acted as his spiritual attendants, followed im- mediately in the rear — together with those of the medical department who were to assist m the proceedings, all mounted. The solemn procession moved forward to the sound of muffled drums — the escort with shoul- dered arms and the guard with arms reversed. Nothing was neglected which could add to the solemnity of the occasion. Throughout the march the prisoner sat upon his coffin, almost without motion, his head resting upon his hand — no moisture on his brow, no tear bedewed his cheek, his whole manner betokened .perfect calmness and resignation. The spot selected for the scene of the execution was without the en- trenchments and opposite the southern sallyport. Here the entire regiments of the command were drawn up to witness the tragic scene, formed in three sides of a hollow square. Near the centre of the square was stationed General Terry and his staff, with several promi- nent officers. The procession halted directly opposite the general and his staff, and the condemned man alighted without assistance. The coffin was taken out and placed beside him, and his sentence was then read to him in a clear and distinct voice by Lieutenant Oallaer, Adju- tant of the Provost Marshal's force, to which he listened without manifesting the slightest emotion. After the reading of the sentence. Major Van Brunt addressed a few words to him to the effect that his sentence was about to be carried out, and if he desired to make any remarks he was at liberty to do so. At the invitation the prisoner arose and in a calm voice said : ' Fellow soldiers, I want you to take warning by me and seek salvation from the Lord before it is too late. I am not guilty of the crime for which I have been condemned to death.' " Having made these few remarks he was divested of his outer cloth- 43 342 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. ing, and in his shirt- sleeves, required to kneel upon his coffin. In this position his eyes were bandaged with a white cloth, and the squad of twelve men were silently motioned to take their position directly in front of him at twenty paces distance, at the same time preparing to aim. Everything was now ready, and Chaplains Butts and Hall both went to the prisoner to receive his parting words. He expressed him- self as perfectly resigned to his fate and ready and willing to die. The chaplains having retired, Major Van Brunt shook the prisoner by the hand and, after bidding him farewell, stepped a few paces back, and with a wave of his handkerchief, announced that the fatal moment had come. With a motion of his sword Captain Eddy commanded his men to the position of 'Ready, aim,' and instantly uttering the word 'fire,' there followed a flash and loud report, and at the same moment the wretched man fell forward, pierced with nine balls. One cap exploded and the piece missed fire ; one shot failed to take effect, and the twelfth musket contained a blank cartridge. Thus ended the second execution of the kind which has taken place in our army since the com- mencement of the war." On the 17th of January, 1863, the regiment returned to Hilton Head, S. C. Soon after this Mr. Elder was detailed as hospital nurse, in the General Hospital at that place. Speak- ing of the bombardment of Charleston, to which he was an eye- witness, after his return to Hilton Head, he says: " It was the most terrific cannonading I ever witnessed. It was one con- tinuous sheet of flame from Fort Moultrie and Battery Bee." He continued as hospital nurse until the month of May, when he was stricken with fever and ague and afterward with typhoid fever, which resulted in his death June 5, 1863. Mr. Elder was a young man of good habits, a dutiful son and a brave soldier. His conduct while in the army, won both the respect of his comrades and esteem of his superiors, and his early death was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances. CARLTON P. EMERY. Carlton Parker Emery, son of Josiah and Hannah C. (Man- ter) Emery, was born in New Vineyard, Me., Feb. 13, 1844. Enlisted as a recruit for Co. L, ist Maine Regiment, Cav- alry, and was mustered into the service Dec. 28, 1863. Promoted THE BOYS IN BLUE. 343 to sergeant near the close of his term of service. Mustered out Aug. I, 1865. He was subsequently killed in a billiard saloon in one of the Western States. GEORGE C. EMERY. George Cornforth Emery, brother of the foregoing, was born in New Vineyard, Me., December 23, 1848. At the age of fif- teen he enlisted as a recruit for Co. L, ist Maine Regiment, Cavalry, and was mustered into the service Dec. 26, 1863. Mustered out Aug. i, 1865. ZEBULON M. EMERY. Zebulon Manter Emery, son of Josiah and Hannah C. (Man- ter) Emery, was born in New Vineyard, Dec. 20,* 1838. Though a native of New Vineyard he had for some years prior to the war been a resident of Industry. He enlisted in the fall of 1861 as a member of Co. L, ist Maine Regiment, Cavalry, and was mustered into the service at Augusta, Me., Nov. i, 1861, and immediately appointed corporal. He was discharged for disability Eeb. 11, 1862, before the regiment left Augusta. He subsequently married, Nov. — , 1862, Ann H. Johnson, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Sullivan) Johnson of Industry, and soon after went to the newly-settled Territory of Nebraska and engaged in stage-coaching. Illustrative of his coolness and bravery the following anecdote is related in the " History of Nebraska :" This young man was one of the most fearless, kind-hearted and gen- erous young men that ever braved the dangers of frontier life. In 1864 he was stage-driver along the St. Joe and Denver route. In August of that year occurred the great Indian raid, when so many settlers lost all their property and a great many their lives. There were nine in his coach, seven gentlemen and two ladies. Although exceedingly danger- ous, he offered to drive to Liberty farm, where his brother, Calvin N. Emery, hved. The morning of August 9th, 1864, was a most delightful one. The sky was clear, and a cool breeze came from the Northwest. The coach left the station of Big Sandy, with its freight of human lives. * December 10, New Vineyard Town Records. 344 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. drawn by four large and mettled steeds, in which the driver had un- bounded confidence and over them perfect control. The journey was without accident or unusual incident until about eleven o'cock ; up to that time no signs of Indians had been seen, but just as the lead horses had' passed over the hill and on a spur that led into the "bottom land" or valley, (this was narrow and bordered on either side by deep ravines worn by the water) just as the coach had commenced the descent the driver discovered a band of Indians about thirty rods in advance. He wheeled his horses in an instant (two rods further on he could not have accomplished the turning) and laying the whip to their backs he com- menced an impetuous retreat. The passengers were terrified and were at once all on their feet. Emery said, " if you value your lives for God's sake keep your seats, or we are lost." The Indians, about fifty in num- ber, gave chase with their terrifying yell, and for about three miles, which were accomplished in about twelve minutes, pursued and pursuers made the most desperate efforts at speed. The savage yells of those blood- thirsty villains and the wails of despair of the men and women in the coach are past the power of pen to describe. But to the glory of the driver, be it said, he was the only steady-nerved and unexcited person in this memorable chase. The coach bristled with arrows "like quills upon the fretful porcupine." They grazed young Emery on every side, but the young man heeded nothing but his driving. There were two points at which all would have been lost but for the driver's wonderful presence of mind. These were two abrupt turns in the road, where the coach would have been thrown over, had he not brought the team to a halt and turned with care. But this he did, greatly to the dismay of some of the passengers who saw escape only in speed. But their sub- sequent praise of his conduct was as great as his courage had been cool and calculating. George Constable, who was conducting an ox-team over the route, saw the coach about a mile ahead and at once corralled his twenty- five wagons. The brave driver drove his nine passengers into their shelter in safety. Words could not express the gratitude felt by the passengers to their hero and deliverer. In the dehrium of their delight they em- braced and kissed him, and thanked God that he held the lines, and that they were in a position where they could not interfere. And the noble steeds were not forgotten ; the passengers patted them and cast their arms about their necks with feelings of grateful emotion. This memor- able drive would never be forgotten if not recorded here ; for the story would be handed down to posterity by the survivors of the saved. The hero of that day's chase won not his best laurels in that hour, THE BOYS /JV BLUE. 345 for wherever he was known his gentle manners and kind deeds won for him a welcome in every home, and wheresoever known, there were his praises heard. Devoid of boastful pretense, he wore meekly his vvell- deserved honois — silently carried a hero's heart. His health was fraii, and in about one year from that day he was prostrated with fever, and while on his death-bed, yet still conscious, Mrs. Randolph, one of the number he had saved from a horrible death, placed upon his finger a beautiful ring on which was engraved the following : " E. Umphey, G. E. Randolph and Hattie P. Randolph, to Z. M. Emery, in acknowl- edgement of what we owe to his cool conduct on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 1864." Oh, how this must have eased his pillow of pain, for soon after this he passed away from these scenes of warfare to the silent and peaceful realm of the dead. The doctor who attended him in his last hours eulogized him as a silent hero and as, all in all, one of the noblest of mankind — God's nobleman. CALVIN B. FISH. Calvin Bryant Fish, son of Elisha and Mary (Robinson) Fish, enlisted as a member of Co. G., 9th Maine Regi- ment, in September, 1861, and was mustered into the U. S. service on the 22d of that month. Two days later the regi- ment left Augusta and reached Fortress Monroe in season to join General Sherman's expedition for the capture of Port Royal, S. C. Writing home from this place, October 13th, he says : "We were on the boat twenty days and in the steerage at that." Their rations during this time were scant in quantity and poor in quality. When off Cape Hatteras the fleet experienced rough weather and some of the vessels were badly damaged. In the gulf stream they encountered a storm which lasted for eighteen hours, during which two of their fleet was lost. Mr. Fish and his comrades were in an unseaworthy craft, which, although it got badly racked, carried them safely through the storm. As the fleet neared Port Royal, five rebel gunboats opened fire on the fleet but were soon driven back to the pro- tection of the guns of the land batteries. Two days later, after five hours of bombardment, in which the whole fleet of forty- six vessels participated, the troops landed and took possession 346 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. of the place.* Here Mr. Fish remained for some time and assisted in building the fortifications and government store- houses at that place. From Hilton Head he went to Warsaw Island, Feb. 7, 1862, and on the 21st joined in the expe- dition for the capture of Fernandina, Florida, where he remained for ten months after the fall of that place. Writing home of his experiences on the sea, he says : " When you have been put in the hold of a steamer in company with a thousand soldiers, with the mud half way to your knees, with water to drink, the stench of which is enough to make you vomit and have to eat boiled pork swimming in cold fat with hard bread, and not half enough of that, you may have seen hard times." Returning to Hilton Head, in January, 1863, he was engaged in doing out-post duty until June 24th, when his regiment moved to St. Helena Islandf to form part of a column then organizing under Gen. George C. Strong to assault Morris Island. Mr. Fish participated in a charge upon the enemy's rifle-pits on Morris Island July lOth, and on Fort Wagner on the follow- ing day. In a subsequent charge, on the 1 8th of July, the 9th Maine also held an important position in the assaulting column. On the 1st of August Mr. Fish had an attack of sunstroke, which disqualified him for duty for a considerable length of * In a subsequent leUer, dated at Hilton Head, S. C, Dec, 5, 1861, he says, referring tu this voyage : "We had a hard time getting down here; it was terrible rough and nearly all our regiment were seasick. To us was accorded the dangerous honor of being the second regiment to land on Port lioyal Island when it was captured. We effected a landing in the night and lay down on the sand for a little rest. As the night was quite cold it about used the boys up. We have lost twenty- two men thus far, but I am as tough as a knot." t From there he wrote as a bit of news, June 23, 1S63: "On the 17th inst. the rebel ram, ' Fingal', came down the Savannah River, evidently with the intention of capturing one of our monitors and destroying our blockading fleet. Her plans were frustrated and she herself captured. The monitor fired five shots, four of which went clear through the ' Fingal'. The first one struck the pilot house, kiUing the captain and the man at the wheel. There were sixteen killed and wounded and 165 prisoners, she is a formidable looking craft, I can tell you, and has caused much anxiety among our fleet." THE BOYS IN BLUE. 347 time.* In January, 1864, he re-enlisted and was granted a furlough with the others of his company who had likewise re-enlisted. On his return to Washington the ship on which he took passage encountered a three days' storm, which gave them a pretty thorough shaking up. On the 28th of April he rejoined his regiment at Gloucester Point, Va. On the 4th of May his regiment sailed up the James River and disembarked at Bermuda Landing on the following day. On the 7th his regiment engaged the enemy at Walthall Junction. On the 15th they marched to Drury's Bluff and engaged the enemy at that place on the 17th. After again engaging the enemy at Bermuda Hundred on the 20th, and at Cold Harbor, June ist, they arrived in front of Petersburg on the 23d and engaged the enemy on the 30th, and was with the regiment in all its opera- tions around Petersburg. In a letter dated before Petersburg July 13, 1864, he writes: "We hear little except the continual crack of the sharpshooter's rifle and the incessant boom of cannon. The two contending armies are within five hundred yards of each other, and on some parts of the line they talk together. But on our front if a man, on either side, shows his head above the breast-works he gets it hurt. We lay in a Hne of battle all the time, and have done so ever since we commenced this campaign, our only protection from the weather being a small shelter tent about five feet square. It is hard work this hot weather, I assure you. The shoes we get here are very poor, indeed ; they will not last over six weeks, with careful usage, and cost us ^2.50 per pair." During the entire summer's campaign the duties were of an extremely fatiguing nature, and to use Mr. Fish's own language : "It has been fight and dig, dig and fight, ever since this cam- paign commenced." After engaging the enemy before Peters- burg, July 30th, and at Deep Bottom on the i6th and i8th of August, they returned to Petersburg on the 20th and there * During this time occurred the bombardment of Fort Sumter, by the P'ederal gun-boats, of which he thus writes: "Nov. 2, 1863. They are pelting away at Sumter. Have been at it a week to-day, and it has been one continuous roar right and day. The fort looks like a loose pile of brick, and ere this reaches you, it will he in our possession.'' 348 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. remained on duty in the trenches until September 28th, when they were ordered to Chapin's Farm. Here on the following day they formed a part of the forces which made the assault on Fort Gilmore. During this engagement Mr. Fish was wounded in the side by a fragment of a shell, and in the left foot by a minnie-ball, which cut the sole of his shoe completely in two. He was conveyed to Hampton Hospital, near Fortress Monroe, where he slowly recovered from the effects of his wounds. Of him, Lieut. Bradley Smith writes : " I am glad to be able to state at no time during my knowledge of him, from September, 1 86 1, to November, 1864, did I ever consider him to merit less than this endorsement, viz. : One of the bravest and best soldiers in the company." During the war he served three years and two months, and participated in seventeen battles and skirmishes. EBEN FISH. Eben Fish, son of Elisha and Mary (Robinson) Fish, was born in Stark, Somerset Co., Me., Nov. 29, 1844. During his boyhood his life was spent much the same as that of other farmers' sons. Previous to the breaking out of the war his father moved to Industry; and in the fall of 1863 he enlisted as a recruit for the 9th Maine Regiment. He was mustered into the U. S. service, at Portland, Me., Dec. 9, 1863, and rendezvoused with other recruits at Camp Berry, until Jan. 17, 1864, when he left Portland to join his regiment, and was assigned to Co. G, of which his brother Calvin B., was a mem- ber, then stationed at Black Island, S. C. They remained here until the 1 8th of April, when the regiment was ordered to Morris Island, where they arrived on the 22d. On the 4th of May they sailed up the James River and disembarked at Ber- muda Landing on the following day. On the 7th, Mr. Fish's regiment engaged the enemy at Walthall Junction, and he assisted in destroying the railroad at that place. The regiment also fought the enemy at Bermuda Hundred, on the 20th, and on the 1st of June made an assault on the enemy's works at Cold Harbor, the subject of this sketch participating in both THE BOYS IN BLUE. 349 engagements. On the 23d of June the regiment arrived in front of Petersburg. On the 30th, Mr. Fish was one of a hun- dred men detailed from the 9th Maine for a reconnoissance. The\' met and engaged the enemy, and out of the one hundred men the loss, in killed and wounded, was forty-nine. Mr. Fish received eight wounds, the most serious of which was a ball passing through the left leg near the knee, and lodging in the right knee. His right hand was so badly mangled as to render amputation at the wrist necessary. After his wounds were properly dressed he was removed to the Hammond General Hospital, at Point Lookout, Maryland. For a time his wounds seemed to be doing well, but ere long matters took an unfavor- able turn, — he sank rapidly and passed away Aug. 14, 1864, forty-five days after receiving his wounds. His body lies buried at Point Lookout, by the side of the Potomac, where it will rest until that day when the " mortal shall put on im- mortality." IJEXJAMIN FOLLETT. Benjamin Follett, son of Benjamin and Abigail Follett, was born in Industry, July 10, 1 8 19. Enlisting under the call for troops to serve nine months, and was mustered into the U. S. service Oct. 13, 1862, as a private in Co. K, 24th Regiment, Maine Volunteer Infantry. Although the regiment left camp at Augusta Oct. 29, 1862, they did not reach their destination (New Orleans) until Feb. 14, 1863, having been detained at East New York by an outbreak of measles, and on the way by contrary winds and rough weather. On May 21, 1863, they embarked for Port Hudson, La., where Mr Follett died June 7, 1863, aged 43 years, 10 months and 27 days. WILLIAM Q. FOLSOM. William Ouimby Folsom, son of Daniel and Martha (Quimby) Folsom, was born in Industry in 18 19. He enlisted as a member of Co. K, 24th Maine Regiment, Infantry, to serve nine months, and was mustered into the U. S. service 44 3 so HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. at Augusta, Oct. 13, 1862. Being a skillful performer on the tenor drum, he was immediately appointed company musician. He died at Bonne Carre, La., April 19, 1863, aged 44 years. WILLIAM H. FROST. William Henry Frost, son of Samuel and Martha (Littlefield) Frost, was born in Industry, May 16, 1 841. On the breaking out of the war he went to New Hampshire, and there enlisted in Co. — , 7th Regiment, N. H. Volunteer Infantry. In the summer of 1862 the regiment made a long march on the "double quick.'' Being much fatigued, he seated himself on the ground, took a severe cold, which resulted in typhoid fever. He died at Beaufort, S. C, July 20, 1862. Appropriate memorial services were held at the Centre Meeting-House. JOHN F. GERRV. John Fairfield Gerry, son of Elbridge and Esther Jane (Frost) Gerry, was born in Alfred, Me., April 19, 1839. He enlisted from the town of Industry, for nine months, and was mustered into the service Dec. 12, 1862, and assigned to Co. K, 24th Maine Regiment. When his comrades were ordered South he was retained on duty as orderly, at headquarters, Augusta, Me., where he remained until the expiration of his term of service, and was mustered out with his company. He was instantly killed by a locomotive engine, at Prison Point, Mass., April 5, 1882, aged 43 years, 1 I months and 16 days. BRADFORD GILMORE. Bradford Gilmore, son of James and Rachel (Wade) Gil- more, was born in Industry, Jan. 8, 1845. He enlisted as a recruit in Co. F, 14th Maine Regiment, Infantry, and was mus- tered into the service Jan. 9, 1862, joining the regiment before it went South. Leaving Augusta for Boston on the 5th of February, they embarked at that place on the ship " North America," for Ship Island, Miss., on the 6th. Sailing on the 8th, they reached their destination on the 8th of March, having THE BOYS IN BLUE. 351 been a full month in making the passage. Stopping here some over two months, they sailed for New Orleans, La., on board the ship "Premier," where they arrived on the 25th. On the 26th they landed and quartered in Frcret's Cotton Press. They remained stationed in and about New Orleans during the month of June. Died of consumption July 26, 1862, aged 17 years, 6 months and 18 days. ALMORE HASKELL. Almore Haskell was a native of Harrison, Me., and a pho- tographer by profession. He enlisted as a member of Co. L, 1st Maine Cavalry, and was mustered into the U. S. service Nov. I, 1 86 1. Owing to various hindrances the regiment did not receive their equipments until near the following spring. In consequence of disability Mr. Haskell was discharged on the nth day of February, 1862, nearly six weeks before his com- pany left for the seat of war. JOHN U. HOWES. John Martin Howes, son of John and Annah (Button) Howes, was born in Industry, May 8, 1839. He enlisted in Co. K, 13th Maine Regiment, Nov. 16, 1861, for three years, and was mustered into the U. S. service on the 28th day of the following month. The regiment went into camp at Augusta, where it remained until the i8th of February, when it was ordered South, and started for Boston, where they arrived the same day. Remaining here until the 21st, they proceeded to New York, and from thence directly to Ship Island, Miss. Mr. Howes participated in every battle in which his regiment was engaged. He was wounded at the battle of Pleasant Hill, April 9, 1864, from the effects of which he was obliged to remain in Charity Hospital near New Orleans, about two months. On the 1st of August, 1864, near Frederick, Md., he was again disabled by sunstroke, and was sent to the Field Hospital at Sandy Hook. Here, after partially recovering, he served for nearly three months as chief nurse and ward-master. From thence he rejoined his regiment at Martinsburg, Va., and with 3 5- HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. the other original members, of whom only 155 remained, started for Augusta, Me., where Mr. Howes was finally discharged, Jan. 6, 1865. Proniotion was offered and declined in several instances, he preferring no more than the ordinary soldier's responsibilities. Notwithstanding this, he was ever ready to stand in any gap where duty called, and frequently filled official positions for a brief space of time. He was not found wanting in the hour when men were needed, and chose his lot with "the boys" the better to help and encourage them in the endurance of the privations and hardships incident to the soldier's life. He subsequently became an able minister of the Methodist de- nomination, and now resides in Caribou, Aroostook County, Me. ADRIANCE R. JOHNSON. Adriance Regal Johnson, son of Nathan S. and Mary C. (Butler) Johnson, was born in Industry, Jan. 3, 1848. Possess- ing an ardent desire to enlist, which was contrary to the wishes of his parents, he several times clandestinely left home and enlisted but was invariably restored to his parents upon proof that he was not of the required age. At length near the end of his sixteenth year he gained his parents' consent and enlisted as a private in Co. F, 2d Regiment, Maine Cavalry, and was mustered into the service Dec. 11, 1863. Going South in April following, the stress of his arduous duties caused his health to break down after some months' service. Later he was granted a furlough, and subsecjuently discharged for disa- bility, April 21, 1865. A few years afterward Mr. Johnson went to the Pacific Slope and at last accounts was living at Baker City, Oregon. WILLLVM G. LEWIS. William G. Lewis, son of William and Sarah (Beal) Lewis, was born in New Vineyard, Maine, in 1831. He married, Oct. — , 1852, Julia A., daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Beal) Norman, of Waterville, Maine. He was drafted under the conscription act in the summer of 1863, and mustered into the U. S. service July i 5th. He was then assigned to Co. A, 8th THE BOYS IN BLUE. 353 Maine Regiment, Infantry, which he joined while it was sta- tioned at Hilton Head, S. C. Here his company remained until Nov. 14, 1863. From here they went to Beaufort, where the}' were encamped until April 13, 1864, when they were trans- ferred to the Department of Virginia. On the 4th of May they moved to Bermuda Hundred, where they took part in all the active operations of the Army of the James. On the i6th Mr. Lewis participated in the engagement at Drury's Bluff, where the regiment's loss was three killed, sixty-four wounded and twenty-nine taken prisoners. On the 3d of June he participated in an assault on the enemy's lines at Cold Harbor. On the 1 2th they moved to White House Landing and from thence to Petersburg, where on the 15th, l6th and 17th they engaged the enemy, and on the i8th made a successful attack and carried a portion of the enemy's line. From this date to the middle of July Mr. Lewis was engaged in picket duty and work on the trenches. On the 17th of July he was wounded in the head by a rebel sharpshooter, while on picket duty. He was conveyed to the hospital, where he remained in an uncon- scious condition up to the time of his death, which occurred July 22, 1864. Aged 34 years. FIFIELU A. LUCE. Fifield Augustus Luce, son of Daniel C. and Lucy A. (Lake) Luce, enlisted on Lewiston's quota, in the 20th Company, Unas- signed Infantry, for one year, and was mustered into the U. S. service March 22, 1865, at Augusta. Immediately after its organization the company was sent to Galloupe's Island in Boston Harbor, where the members were under the constant instruction of a drill master for nearly two weeks. At the end of that time the company embarked on the U. S. transport " Blackstone " for Savannah, Ga., where they joined the 14th Maine Regiment as Co. H on the loth of April. On the 6th day of May the regi- ment moved toward Augusta, Ga., "where," says Mr. Luce, "we arrived after an uneventful march of seven days." Here they remained until May 3 1st, when they were ordered back to Savan- nah, where they arrived June 7th. Two days later they marched 3 54 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. to Darien, Ga., from which place Mr. Luce's company was ordered to Brunswick, Ga., where it remained until about August loth, when it joined the regiment at Darien. Up to August 28th the soldiers were engaged in guard and patrol duty, and on that day were mustered out of the service. Sept. i, 1865, Mr. Luce and his comrades started for Augusta, Me., where they arrived on the 17th. Here they were paid off and finally discharged on the 28th of September, having served 159 days. When last heard from he resided in Springfield, Mo. JOHN T. LUCE. John Truman Luce, son of Daniel C. and Lucy A. (Lake) Luce, was born in Industry, Feb. 21, 1843, and like most boys born in Industry, was brought up on a farm. His educational ad- vantages were limited to the common district schools. On the breaking out of the war in 1 86 1, he became inspired with an ardent desire to enlist. Gaining the consent of his parents, he enlisted in the 13th Maine Regiment, and was assigned to Co. E. For a while after his enlistment he was stationed at Camp Beaufort, Augusta, Me. Here, with his comrades, he was con- stantly engaged in drill, preparatory to active service in the field. After some ten weeks the regiment started for Boston, where it arrived Feb. 19, 1862. Before leaving Augusta, the boys were treated with hot coffee, by the patriotic citizens, and at various places on the way many similar kindnesses were shown them. Mr. Luce and his comrades left Boston on the 21st of February, embarking on board the transport "Missis- sippi " for Fortress Monroe, and from thence they sailed for Ship Island, Miss., on the 25th. After leaving Fortress Mon- roe, they experienced rough weather, and ran on to the Frying Pan Shoals, where they remained for over twenty-four hours. This accident caused the ship to leak badly, and it became necessary to bail water incessantly to keep the ship afloat. They hoisted a signal of distress and fired the minute gun, which brought one of the blockade gunboats to their rescue. They went on board the gunboat and remained until morning. The " Mississippi" thus lightened, was kept afloat by the crew, and in THE BOYS IN BLUE. 355 the morning the troops returned and she put into Hilton Head for repairs. Finding that the " Mississippi" was so badly dam- aged that considerable time would be required for repairs, they embarked on the transport " Matanza " for Ship Island, where they arrived on the 21st of March, having been 31 days on the way from Boston. While on the Island the rations of the soldiers were of good quality and sufficient quantity, and Mr. Luce's health was remarkabl)- good. About the middle of May, however, he had an attack of t>'phoid fever, but possess- ing rare recuperative powers, he rallied from this disease and was pronounced convalescent. He continued to steadily im- prove until Wednesday, June 4th, when he was stricken with diphtheria, which resulted in his death three da)S later, aged 19 years, 3 months and 16 days. Of him, a superior officer writes: "John was a good boy, prompt and active, cheerful and contented, respected and loved by all who knew him." During his last illness he was complimented by his attending surgeon for the heroic fortitude with which he endured his sufferings. He was buried on the Island, with all the honors of a soldier, the entire company following his remains to the grave. HEXRV S. MAINES. Henry S. Maines, as nearly as can be learned, was a native of Georgetown, Me. He married, Dec. 9, 1855, Fannie N. Morse, daughter of Thomas and Aurilla (Green) Morse, of Stark. At the time of his enlistment, he was a resident of Industry. He enlisted as a member of Co. E, 32d Regiment, Maine Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into the service April 2, 1864. There being an urgent demand for troops at the front, Mr. Maines's company was ordered South soon after its organization. He was taken ill en route and died in Rhode Island, May 15, 1864, aged 44 years. GILBERT R. MERRY. Gilbert Remick Merry, son of David and Betsey (Remick) Merry, was born in New Vineyard, Me., July 17, 1838. He enlisted under the President's call for nine months men in the 35 6 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. fall of 1862, and was mustered into the U. S. service as a mem- ber of Co. K, 24th Maine Regiment, Infantry, October 13th, and was soon after appointed company wagoner. He was taken ill while stationed at Bonne Carre, La., and died May 17, 1863, aged 24 years and 10 months. ELIAS MILLER. Elias Miller, son of Capt. Jacob and Hannah M. Miller, was born in Farmington, Me., April 23, 1841. When quite young, his parents moved to Industry. His educational advan- tages were such as were afforded by town schools at that time, with the exception of two terms of high school at New Sharon. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted in Co. K, 24th Maine Regiment, Infantry, and was mustered into the U. S. service on the 13th day of October. He went South with his regiment and partici- pated in all its privations and hardships until the following summer, when his health broke down in consequence of ex- posure and the unhealthfulness of the climate, and he died at Port Hudson, La., July 5, 1863, aged 21 years. HENRY G. MITCHELL. Henry Gilbert Mitchell, son of James W. L. and Julia (Gilbert) Mitchell, was born in Leeds, Androscoggin Co., Me., May 31, 1826. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Jonah and Miriam (Getchell) Jacobs, of Pittsfield, Me., and came to Industry in 1858 or soon after, and settled on the Dr. Josiah Henderson farm, which he purchased of John Mosher. He enlisted for one year as a private in the 1st Company, Unassigned Infantry, Capt. Edward S. Butler. He was mustered into the U. S. ser- vice Sept. 16, 1864, and the company was assigned to the 29th Regiment, as Co. A. There being an urgent demand for troops at the front, Mr. Mitchell's company left Augusta for Washing- ton, D. C, as soon as it was properly equipped, and reached its destination on the day that Sheridan made his famous ride during the battle of Winchester. Oct. 19, 1864, he partici- pated in the battle of Cedar Creek, and afterwards in the innum- erable skirmishes which characterized the last davs of the THE BOYS IN BLUE. 357 great civil conflict. Receiving his discharge June 5, 1865, he returned to Industry, and continued to cultivate his farm for some )'ears. He then went to Lowell, Mass., where he remained for a time serving as night watch in a large mill. He returned to his native town some years ago, where he still lives, engaged in farming. ATWOOD MOR.SE. Atwood Morse came to Industry, from New Portland, with his widowed mother, and engaged to work in Amos S. Hink- ley's shovel-handle factor}' at Allen's Mills. Sept. 26, 1864, a draft was made from the enrolled militia in Industry, to make up an existing deficiency of two men under the various calls for soldiers. Mr. Morse's name was the third drawn, and by the exemption of the second person drafted he was held for service and assigned to Co. F, 9th Maine Regiment, Infantry. He participated in all the various movements and engagements of his regiment, after joining it at Chapin's Farm, up to the time of his discharge, June 30, 1865. He returned to Somer- set County, after his discharge, married, and raised up a family. In the fall of 1885 he was granted a pension with arrearages, amounting to $1100. Soon after this he disappeared from North Anson, where he was then living, and is reported to have gone West. JOHN M. NASH. John M. Nash came to Industry from Hallowell, and settled on the Deacon Brice S. Edwards farm in the spring of 1863. He enlisted as a recruit for the 2d Battery, Mounted Artillery, and was mustered into the service Jan. 4, 1864. Discharged in 1865, date not known. He died at his home in Industry, from disease contracted in the service, March 3, 1869, aged 57 years.* * Mr. Nash was also captain of Co. E, 3d Regiment, Maine Volunteer Infantry. Resigned July 30, 1861. His remains lie buried in an unmarked grave in the ceme- tery near George W. Johnson's. 45 358 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. DAVID M. NORTON. David Merry Norton, son of Benjamin W. and Amy A. (Manter) Norton, was born in New Vineyard, March 23, 1841. He was educated in the public schools of Industry, with an occasional term at some high school, and before he had attained his majority he began to teach. At the time of his enlistment, in the fall of 1862, he was attending a term of high school at West's Mills. He enlisted on the lOth day of Sep- tember, as a private in Co. K, 24th Maine Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, and on the i6th was appointed orderly sergeant. Oct. 29, 1862, the regiment left Augusta for East New York, where the subject of this sketch was prostrated with rheumatic fever, from which he had not fully recovered when the regiment was ordered on board the ship " Onward," bound for New Orleans, La. After a passage of twenty-one days, they arrived at Car- rollton, where he was attacked with pneumonia, and was sent to the hospital. He was afterward sent to the University Hos- pital at New Orleans. Here he, with many others, suffered for want of food, and was often glad to get a crust of bread, and even bacon rinds were eaten with relish. Receiving his dis- charge from the hospital, he started to rejoin his regiment, then engaged in the investment of Port Hudson, but was detained at Springfield Landing by the examining surgeon, who did not consider him yet well enough for active service at the front. While here Mr. Norton assisted for a short time in the care of the sick and wounded. Joining his regiment on the 12th of June, he participated in the engagement which occurred on the next day. Remaining in the trenches until the 4th of July, he participated in the action of that day. On the 24th of July, took passage up the Mississippi River on board the steamer "Louis- iana Belle," for Cairo, 111., from whence they came to Augusta, Me., by rail. Here, on the 25th of August, 1863, they were paid off and finally discharged. He now resides in Anson, Me. OLIVER D. NORTON. Oliver Davis Norton, son of James and Mary (Davis) Nor- ton, was born in Industry, Jan. 21, 1841. He enlisted in the THE BOYS IN BLUE. 359 summer of 1862, after he became of age, and was mustered into the U. S. service August i8th, as a private in Co. G, 17th Regiment, Maine Vohmteer Infantry,* Capt. Edward I. Merrill, of Farmington. This regiment rendezvoused at Camp Berry, in Portland, Me., and started for Washington on the 21st. Mr. Norton's regiment saw much active service and has a fine record. Among the incidents in his army life he relates the following, showing his narrow escape at Gettysburg: "At this battle our regiment occupied a commanding position. Just in front of me was a large boulder, behind which one of our boys had taken refuge and was busily engaged in firing at the enemy. As my musket had become extremely foul from constant use, I joined this fellow that I might place the end of my ramrod against the rock in forcing the bullet down the barrel. We were so busily occupied as not to notice a change of position made by our regiment. Soon the enemy advanced their line and we were compelled to retreat. The enemy fired at us as we ran up the hill, and one of the bullets tore the sleeve of my blouse. This was the nearest I came to being wounded during my term of service in the army." Another incident relative to his experience at the battle of the Wilderness, is as follows: "While stationed in a piece of woods, our regi- ment was ordered to retreat from the position it occupied. While on the move a wounded horse came dashing through the woods from our rear and threw me violently to the ground. On regaining my feet my regiment had passed out of sight. Taking the direction I supposed they had gone, I soon came to a road. Glancing up this road I discovered, a few rods distant, a battery of rebel artillery in the act of firing. I only had time to lie down in the ditch by the roadside, when a volley of grape and canister went crashing over me. I continued my search, and at length found our regiment without further adventure." Mr. Norton is now a farmer and resides on the homestead in Industry. *The 17th Maine participated in thirty-two battles, and is said to have lost more men in killed, wounded and prisoners, in proportion to its size, than any other Maine regiment in the service. 36o HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. JAMES PINKHAM. James Pinkham, son of Curtis and Rebecca (Ditson) Pink- ham, was born in Stark, Me., March 25, 1835. He enHsted as a recruit for Co. L, ist Regiment, Maine Cavahy, and was mus- tered into the service Sept. 2, 1862. Mustered out at Peters- burg, Va., Aug. I, 1865. The members of the regiment immediately started for Augusta, Me., where they arrived on the 9th, and were paid off and finally discharged. Mr. Pink- ham now resides in Farmington, Me. SAMUEL PINKHAM. Samuel Pinkham, son of Curtis and Rebecca (Ditson) Pinkham, was born in Anson, Me., April 2, 1841. He enlisted as a recruit for Co. L, ist Maine Regiment, Cavalry, and was mustered into the service Sept. 3, 1862. But little can be learned of Mr. Pinkham's army life aside from the fact that he was detailed as a dispatch carrier at the battle of Williamsburg. His health became much impaired by the hardships of camp life, and he was sent to the hospital in Washington, D. C, Sept. 13, 1863. Mustered out of the service Aug. i, 1865, and soon after discharged. Disease had made such fearful inroads on his vital powers that he never regained his health. He died May 9, 1866, aged 25 years, i month and 7 days. WELLINGTON PINKHAM. Wellington Pinkham, son of Curtis and Rebecca (Ditson) Pinkham, was born in Stark, Me., May 28, 1839. He was brought up in pretty much the same way as the average far- mer's son, — at work on the farm in the summer and attending the district school, in winter. When the War of the Rebellion broke out, Mr. Pinkham enlisted as a member of Co. L, in the 1st Regiment of Maine Cavalry, and was mustered into the U. S. service Nov. i, 1861. In March, 1862, his company left Augusta for Washington, D. C, where they arrived on the 28th of that month. He remained in the vicinity of Washing- ton about six weeks, when he was taken sick with brain fever and died at Meridian Hill, after a brief illness. May 24, 1862. THE BOYS IN BLUE. 361 WILDER PRATT.* Wilder Pratt, eldest son of Stephen M. and Elizabeth (Cushman) Pratt, was born in New Vineyard, Me., Oct. 3, 1829. He entered the service under the conscription act July 21, 1863, and was mustered out at City Point, Va., Feb. 2, 1866, having served 2 years, 6 months and 1 1 days. CHARLES S. PRINCE. Charles S. Prince, son of Ami and Abigail (Reed) Prince, was a native of Cumberland, Me. He settled at Allen's Mills prior to the War of the Rebellion, and eventually married a daughter of Benjamin Allen. He volunteered, with others, in the fall of 1862, to serve nine months. He was mustered in Oct. 13, 1862, as a member of Co. K, 24th Maine Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, and soon after was appointed corporal. Discharged for disability, Dec. 23, 1862, while the regiment was stationed at East New York. He resides in Canton, Dakota. ALBANUS D. QUINT. Albanus Dudley Quint, son of Capt. Joab and Elizabeth (Thing) Quint, enlisted as a musician in the 14th Maine Veteran Infantry in March, 1864, and was mustered into the U. S. service and assigned to Co. B on the 26th day of that month, — at which time he had not completed the first half of his fif- teenth year. On the 9th of April he left Augusta for Portland, where he embarked on board the steam transport " Merrimac," and sailed on the following day. Arriving at New Orleans, La., on the 19th of April, he landed on the following day at the " Parapet,'' some eight miles above the city. Here he remained stationed until May 5th, when his regiment sailed up the river to Baton Rouge, where they remained about three weeks, and then proceeded to Morganza. On the 3d of July they sailed down the river to Algiers, opposite New Orleans, preparatory to an unknown sea voyage. On the 13th the regiment sailed, * From the Adjutant General's Reports. The writer fails to find this name, how- ever, in any list of conscripts in Industry that he has examined. 362 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. under sealed orders, for Bermuda Hundred, Va., where it arrived on the 22d. Here Mr. Quint and James O. Burce, also an Industry boy, obtained permission to visit some acquaintances in the 9th Maine, which was stationed about six miles from their own regiment. On the way they passed rather too near the enemy's out-posts and received the fire of some twenty of the enemy. "This," says Mr. Quint, "was my first experience at being under fire, and as the bullets whistled over us I involunta- rily 'ducked' my head a little, whereupon Burce chaffed me by asking 'what I was dodging for?' I noticed, however, that lie was in favor of an immediate retreat to a piece of timber which stood near, and made excellent time on the way." They made their visit and returned without further adventure. On the following day Mr. Quint had his first experience at march- ing, when the brigade to which he belonged made a double- quick march of five miles, expecting to make a charge on the enemy's works, but from some cause the attack was not made. On the 31st of July they sailed for Washington, "where," says Mr. Quint, " we had the honor of dining on chocolate coffee and sour bread." August 14th they started for the Shenan- doah Valley, marching fifteen miles per day. On the 4th day, at about 2 o'clock, having made their day's march, they re- ceived orders to be ready in five minutes to make a forced march, as a large body of the enemy was moving to cut them off from the main body of Sheridan's army at Berryville. This distance, thirty-two miles, they accomplished without making a single halt, marching through Snicker's Gap and fording the Shenandoah River after dark, and arriving at their destination soon after midnight. Making a total march ol forty-seven miles without scarcely a halt. During the last three hours of their march it rained hard, and as a result of the fatigue and expos- ure of this march, Mr. Quint suffered severely from cramps, followed by varicose veins of his lower limbs. Had his regi- ment moved again immediately, his injuries would have com- pelled him to have sought treatment at the hospital ; this he felt loth to do, "for," says he, "I had previously sworn that I would die rather than apply to the regimental surgeon for aid. THE BOYS IN BLUE. 363 This gentleman had gained my displeasure on one occasion when I applied to him for an ounce of Epsom salts by roughly saying, ' Get out, you have been* here enough already ' — mistak- ing me for a regular patient. Then and there," adds Mr. Quint, "I 'got out' and kept out, never having been excused from duty for a single day during my term of service." The next movement made by the regiment was to within a few miles of Winchester, where they remained entrenched until September 19th, when they took part in the battle of Winchester. At the battle of Fisher's Hill, the brigade to which Mr. Quint belonged was detailed to harass the enemy's rear. Following the retreating enemy as far as Harrisonburg, they marched from thence to Stanton. Here they were so far from their supplies that for several days they drew only quarter rations. " On the 4th of October," says Mr. Quint, "James Burce and I formed part of a party detailed for a foraging expedition. We had good luck, and I brought in four chick- ens and a quarter of mutton. I was fifteen years old on that day, and celebrated the occasion by eating a big supper, — my first square meal for a week. One big burly Irishman brought in a tanned calf-skin, and I still have in my possession a can- teen strap made from it." From here they returned down the valley and entrenched on Cedar Creek. On the evening of the 1 8th of October orders were issued to the 14th to be ready at sunrise on the following morning for a reconnoissance. They were barely ready for duty when Early made his dashing charge on our forces, the rest of the troops being still asleep. Attempt- ing to check the onward rush of the enemy, the 14th was swept aside. At this juncture the colonel gave the order to retreat. What followed we will allow Mr. Quint to relate in his own words: "At the moment the colonel gave his order, James Burce, George Whittier, of Fayette, and myself, were standing together. Whittier said, 'Which way shall we go?' I replied, across that ravine. Burce said, ' They will shoot every one of us if we go there.' 'Well,' I replied, 'I had rather be shot than taken prisoner.' We then parted, they going in one direc- tion and I another. Burce was taken prisoner and Whittier I 364 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. have never seen since. Eleven of us, including Lieut. -Colonel Bickmore, started to cross the ravine, and on rising the opposite bank we saw the enemy at the point we had just left. Rest assured our position was not an enviable one, as we were within easy range of the enemy and the air was as clear as a bell. Our lieutenant-colonel was the first man that fell, mortally wounded in the abdomen. A middle-aged Irishman and I were in the rear of all, and although it was but the work of a moment to scale the hill, yet my Irish companion and I were the only ones to reach the top in safety. When we had nearly gained the top and but three of us remained standing, — I was running just behind a tall man when my toe struck against something and I fell forward just in time to let a bullet pass over me ; it struck the man squarely between the shoulders and he fell forward and expired without a groan. The Irishman on seeing me prostrate exclaimed, 'Ah, me sonney is gone too ! ' but I was unhurt, my fall had probably saved my life. Gaining the top of the hill my Irish comrade and a wounded soldier with their muskets and I with my revolver gave the horde a parting shot. I believe it to be a fact that these four shots, I having fired two from my revol- ver, was the last resistance made by our brigade until Sheridan rallied the troops in the afternoon." This engagement is known as the battle of Cedar Creek. Remaining in the vicinity of this battlefield several weeks they moved to Kearnestown, where heavy works were erected, in which they remained until Dec. 23, 1864. Shortly after this the regiment was ordered South. They proceeded to Baltimore, Md., and embarked on the nth of January, 1865, for Savannah, Ga., at which place they arrived on the 20th, and occupied the city till May 7th. From thence they went to Augusta, Ga., where they arrived on the 14th and remained until the 31st of May, when they were ordered back to Savannah. On the 9th of June they left Savannah for Darien, Ga., and there remained engaged in guard and patrol duty until Aug. 28, 1865, when they were mustered out of the service and finally discharged at Augusta, Me., Sept. 28, 1865. Mr. Quint arrived at his home in Industry a few days before his sixteenth birthday, having been in the service upward of eighteen months. THE BOYS IN BLUE. 365 WILLIAM L. QUINT. William Lawry Quint, son of Capt. Joab and Elizabeth (Thing) Quint, was born in Stark, Me., Feb. 7, 1847. Early in the first year of the war he enlisted, but was stricken with diphtheria before he was mustered into the service and died Sept. 8, 1 86 1, aged 14 years, 7 months and i day. EDWIN .-v. R. R.VCKLIFF. Edwin Albert Ruthven Racklifif, son of Benjamin R. and Rachel (Oliver) Racklifif, was born in Industry, Aug. 17, 1841. Soon after completing his twentieth year he enlisted as a mem- ber of Co. E, 13th Maine Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, Col. Neal Dow. Although the regiment filled quite rapidly Mr. Racklifif was obliged to remain at home some weeks after his enlistment. At length a sufficient number of men were secured and on the loth of December, 1861, he was mustered into the U. S. service at Augusta, Me., where the regiment was ren- dezvoused. After some weeks spent in drill and the usual camp duties the regiment left the State capital, Feb. 18, 1862, to as- sume its part in the great civil conflict, and arrived in Boston the same day. While in this cit)- the regiment was quartered in Faneuil Hall. On the 20th a detachment including Mr. Rackliff''s company, under the command of Colonel Dow, em- barked on board the new iron steamer " Mississipi," bound for Ship Island, Miss. They touched at Fortress Monroe on the 24th to take on board General Butler, and put to sea on the following day. The steamer encountered a tremendous gale off Cape Hatteras, which placed it in great peril for a few hours. In consequence of damages sustained by grounding on Frying Pan Shoals the "Mississipi" put into Port Royal, S. C, March 2d, and the detachment went into camp. They sailed for Ship Island on the 12th and arrived there on the 20th. July iith Mr. Racklifif's company left the Island, under the command of Colonel Dow, and after a brief stay at New Orleans moved down the river and occupied Fort St. Philip on the 15th. Remaining in the vicinity of New Orleans until Oct. 24, 1863, the regiment 366 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. was ordered to Texas, forming a portion of General Banks's expedition. Here they participated in the capture of Point Isa- bella, Mustang Island and Fort Esperanza. Remaining in that locality until Feb. i8, 1864, the regiment was ordered back to Louisiana, and took a part in the Red River campaign. The regiment subsequently joined General Banks's forces and bore an honorable part in the battle of Pleasant Hill. Mr. Rackliff and his comrades were in active service at various places until December, when he, with others whose term of enlistment had expired, started for Maine, arriving at Augusta on the 30th of that month. Here they were mustered out of the service Jan. 6, 1865, paid off and finally discharged. He now resides in Kansas City, Mo. ELBRIDGE H. RACKLIFF. Elbridge Henry Rackliff, son of Henry B. and Elizabeth (Oliver) Rackliff, was drafted under the conscription act Sept. 26, 1864 Going before the board of the examining surgeons, he was examined and accepted October 4th, and ordered to report at Camp Berry, in Portland, Me. Here he was again examined and on the iith of October was mustered into the service of his country. Three days later he left Portland, for the place of rendezvous on Galloupe's Island, in Boston Harbor. Here he remained until October 20th, when, in company with a large number of recruits, he embarked on board the steam transport "Ashland." This vessel, like many others employed during the war in transporting troops, was a clumsy affair. During the voyage South the "Ashland" encountered a severe gale, and it became necessary to order the soldiers below and batten down the hatches. Five of the soldiers, however, hid themselves on the hurricane deck and were washed overboard during the night. Touching at Fortress Monroe, they sailed up the James River and landed opposite City Point on the 24th of October. The following day Mr. Rackliff and over one hundred others who had been assigned to the 8th Maine Regiment, marched to Bermuda Hundred, and on the 26th to Chapin's Farm, where the recruits joined the regiment and Mr. Rackliff was assigned THE BOYS IN BLUE. 367 to Co. B. As evening approached, the regiment was ordered to "fall in," and during the night marched, by a circuitous route, sixteen miles to the old battlefield of Fair Oaks, arriv- ing in the early dawn of the 27th. Orders were given to charge the rebel works, and as the column advanced they received volley after volley of musketry from their watchful enemy. "So heavy and continuous was the firing," writes Mr. R., "that we were ordered to lie down. Some, contrary to orders, beat a hasty retreat, and in so doing lost their lives. Not wishing to be captured, I took my chances with those who retreated, and fortunately got out of range of the firing uninjured." The fol- lowing night they returned to the entrenchments at Chapin's Farm, having been without food or rest during their absence. "I was somewhat curious," continues Mr. Racklifif, "to see what the papers would say regarding our futile attack on the enemy. Imagine my surprise on reading in the New York Herald a report substantially as follows : 'October 27th General Butler made a reconnoissance in the vicinity of Fair Oaks, and, having gained the information desired, the troops retired in good order,' no mention being made of the fact that over half of three brigades were lost in the engagement." " On one occasion shortly after this," adds Mr. Rackliff, "our pickets were under fire for three nights in succession, with a loss of only thirteen in killed and wounded, when, niirabile dietit, this same Herald gave a three-column account of the affair. Thus will be seen the unreliability of the war news, as promulgated through that great civilizing medium, the news- paper."* On November 6th Mr. Racklifif was detailed to pre- * Since the above was written, a correspondent of the Chicago Inter-Occan, in speaking of the *' War Correspondents' Methods," says : " Sometimes correspondents were attached to the personal staiT of a subordinate general, and naturally they saw a battle from the standpoint of the general who favored them. In scores of cases this class of correspondents described a great battle, making the commander of some division the hero of the occasion. Nearly every soldier in the army would recognize the injustice of this, but it was accepted at home as the truth. Such correspondents saw only the fighting of the division to which they were attached, and they were prone to believe that the one division did all the. fighting that was done on that day. They described what they saw, and often gave a column to a division that did little or nothing, and a paragraph to the remainder of the army that bore the brunt of a contest." 368 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. pare the regimental voting-list for the presidential election which occurred two days later. He also served as company clerk for a time. After thoroughly testing the skill and endurance of the regiment, it was assigned to a skirmishing brigade, and Mr. Rackliff and his comrades were kept continuously on the move during the winter. He participated in the capture of Fort Gregg, on the 3d of April, 1865, and his regiment bore an honorable part in the engagement at Rice's Station on the 6th. Likewise at Appomattox Court House, April 9th. After the surrender of General Lee, the regiment marched to Richmond, Va., where the subject of this sketch remained on duty till about the first of June, when he was paid off and finally dis- charged. He is post-master at Allen's Mills, where he now resides. JOHN O. RACKLIFF. John Oliver Rackliff, son of Benjamin R. and Rachel (Oli- ver) Rackliff, enlisted as a private in Co. F, 2d Maine Regiment of Cavalry, and was mustered into the U. S. service Dec. 31, 1863.* The men of this regiment were rendezvoused at Augusta, Me., and so great was the tax upon the government facilities for shelter at that time, many actually suffered for want of suitable protection from the inclemency of the season. To meet the urgent demand for additional barracks, green, wet lumber was taken from the river and sawed into boards and frames. As soon as sawed the lumber was taken to the camp- ground and used. Many of these barracks were single-boarded, without battening strips, leaving the inmates much exposed. In one of these rude cabins Mr. Rackliff was obliged to spend his time, night and day, when not on duty. By the exposure incident to this mode of living he contracted a severe cold, which resulted in an attack of bronchitis, and for many weeks he was unable to speak aloud. During this time he did not give up work, but assisted in building barracks, and for a time, was in charge of the officers' quarters. He was also frequently * The Adjutant General's Reports give the date as December nth, but Mr. RacklifPs discharge gives it as mentioned above. THE BOYS IN BLUE. 369 detailed for other light duties. He afterward had a severe attack of pulmonary hemorrhage, which incapacitated him for further military duty, consequently he was not sent into the field with his regiment. He was kept at Augusta doing light camp duties until May 22, 1865, when he was discharged, with health seriously impaired. SAMUEL RACKLIFF. Samuel Rackliff, son of Benjamin and Rachel (Oliver) Racklifif, was born in Georgetown, Me., Dec. 18, 1823, and was nearly seven years old when his father moved to Industry. After attaining iiis majority he worked away from home much of the time, often working for neighboring farmers by the season. On the 27th day of January, 1852, he married Sarah R., daugh- ter of Peter W. Butler, by whom he had four children. After his marriage he engaged in farming until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in the fall of 1862 as a member of the 24th Maine, and on the organization of the regiment was assigned to Co. K. He accompanied his regiment in all its various marches and counter-marches during the nine months for which they had enlisted. Was slightly wounded at Port Hudson, Miss., May 27th, and was mustered out of the service with his regiment, Aug. 25, 1863, their term of enlistment hav- ing expired. In September, 1864, he re-enlisted in the ist Company, Unassigned Infantry, Capt. Edward S. Butler, and was mustered into the U. S. service on the 19th of the same month. On the 1 8th of October his company was assigned to the 29th Regi- ment as Co. A. The following day they participated in the battle of Cedar Creek, Va. During this engagement Mr. Rack- lifif was detailed to carry the wounded ofif the field. Early in the day a change in the position of his regiment left him exposed to the enemy, and he was made a prisoner while assist- ing a wounded comrade from the field. He, with other prison- ers, was hurried ofif the field and marched to Richmond, Va. After an incarceration of sixteen days in Castle Thunder, he was transferred to Salisbury Prison in North Carolina. Here, 370 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. exposed to all the changes and inclemencies of the weather, at this season of the year, his only protection being a small shelter-tent, coupled with enervating effects of a meagre allow- ance of food, soon made serious inroads on his physical strength, and he died during the night of Dec. 5, 1864, aged 40 years, 11 months and 17 days. He was called to meet the grim Messenger of Death all alone. No mother with tender love was near to soothe and comfort his dying moments ; no sister was by his side to watch the sands of life as they ebbed away and wipe the death-dew from his pallid brow, — not even a comrade was near to carry his dying message to his wife and family in their far-off home. But all alone in^a rebel prison, in the silent hours of the solemn night, with the little stars shedding their feeble light on the slumbering world, — and with no watcher, save the eye of Him who never sleeps, he claimed as his that peaceful sleep which knows no waking. WILLIAM J. RACKLIFF. William Jackson Rackliff, son of Benjamin R. and Rachel (Oliver) Rackliff, was at work at Kendall's Mills, having nearly completed his term of apprenticeship at the carriage-maker's trade, when the war broke out. The vocations of peace, how- ever, became of minor importance as the clouds of an interne- cine war loomed high in the southern horizon, and the matter became the topic of universal discussion. Feeling a deep con- viction that his country needed his services, Mr. Rackliff laid aside the tools of his craft and enlisted in a company then re- cruiting at Kendall's Mills. After drilling about a month the company disbanded, and on the following morning, in company with several of his comrades, he took the cars for Augusta, hoping to get a chance in the 3d Maine Regiment, then recruit- ing at that place and rendezvoused at Camp Hamlin. Fortu- nately the regiment was not quite full, and signing the muster rolls he was assigned to Co. F, Capt. Wm. C. Morgan, and mustered into the service with the regiment, June 4, 1861. On the following day the regiment left Augusta for Washington, D. C. At various places on the way the patriotic citizens came out THE BOYS IN BLUE. 371 en masse to pay homage to these brave men. At New York 'some former residents of Maine presented the boys with a beau- tiful banner, which they carried until it was literally torn in pieces by the enemy's bullets. What remains of it can still be seen in the State House at Augusta. Arriving at Washington on the 8th, they marched to Meridian Hill during a heavy shower which completely drenched their clothing, and went into camp. All that night Mr. Racklifif stood on guard, wet to the skin, with- out being relieved. One day while here, he and his comrades drew as rations some beef that was badly hurt. This the boys thought had remained above ground long enough, so they buried it under arms, which brought down the indignation of the colonel. "But," continues Mr. Racklifif, "we saw many days afterward when we would have been glad to have had just such beef" His regiment crossed the Potomac River on the 6th of July, and participated in the first Bull Run fight on the 2 1st. F"alling back with the Union forces they reached Alexandria on the night of the 22d. During the retreat Mr. Racklifil", as well as his comrades, lost all their extra clothing, and on reaching Alexan- dria, it being a hard rainstorm, they sought shelter in an old warehouse used for storing liquors. Here many of the company spent the night in drinking, but having no desire for the liquor or for the boisterous company of the revelers, Mr. Racklifif went into the loft and there had quite a good night's rest. In August, while encamped near Alexandria, the subject of our sketch was afflicted with the measles ; during this time he says, " I was my own physician, nurse and cook, though my culinary expenses for a time were not large." No beds were furnished the sick at this early date of the war, and he was compelled during his ill- ness to lie on the bare floor of a dwelling-house they had been obliged to use as a hospital. His recovery from the measles was somewhat protracted, and he frequently labored all day when unable to eat a mouthful of dinner. The "bill of fare" at this meal consisted of salt fat pork cut fine and boiled in a large quantity of water; into this when done, hard-tack was crumbled and the mixture was eaten with a spoon. Through the winter of 186 1-2 the regiment remained at 372 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Camp Howard, on Fowle's estate near Alexandria. During the winter the members of the 3d Maine were obhged to go out some ten or twelve miles to do picket duty. Leaving their win- ter quarters on the 17th of March for Yorktown, they embarked on board transports for Fortress Monroe. During this move- ment the services of every available craft were brought into requisition for the conveyance of the troops. Mr. Rackliff's company was put on board an old canal-boat fitted up to run on the Potomac. On Hearing the mouth of the river, as there was a strong wind blowing and the sea running high, the cap- tain of the craft put in at St. Mary's for a harbor. Here they waited for five days, and as the soldiers had taken only three days' rations with them, the inner man began to make demands which nothing short of a good square meal could appease. Spurred on by the pangs of hunger, some of the boys broke into the cook-house and stole a ham. After eating all the meat off the bone, the flag was lowered and the ham-bone hoisted to half-mast, presumably as a signal of their distressed condition. While engaged in the siege of Yorktown, the regiment was under fire more or less every day for a month. On one occa- sion, a shell from one of the enemy's guns buried itself in the ground, near where Mr. Rackliff's company was stationed, and exploded, excavating an enormous hole in the ground and throwing the dirt in every direction, but doing no further dam- age. Food became quite scarce during this siege, from the fact that the roads were almost impassable for the supply teams on account of the mud. In this emergency Mr. Racklifif obtained a quantity of wheat, from an old barn near by, which he boiled and ate. He was in the battle of Williamsburg, May 5th, and Fair Oaks on the 31st. Here his regiment made a successful charge on the enemy's lines, losing nearly one-third of their number present in the engagement. His regiment engaged the enemy, as skirmishers, at Seven Pines, June 1st, after having been on picket duty for three days and nights, without sleep, and were ordered to fall back after fighting all day. Then followed the seven days' fight, — fighting by day and falling back by night, THE BOYS IN BLUE. 373 until the morning of July ist found the 3d Maine massed with McClellan's forces at Malvern Hill. During this engagement they were exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries, and fully sustained their previous reputation for coolness and bravery. After the final repulse of the enemy, footsore and exhausted, they fell back to Harrison's Landing. Mr. Rackliff's regiment embarked for Alexandria, and on their arrival were sent to join General Pope's army, which was manceuvring on the Rappahannock to keep between General Lee and Wash- ington. The next engagement in which the 3d Maine took part was the second Bull Run, August 29th, followed by the battle of Chantilly, on the next day. Falling back to Alexandria, the regiment was deemed unfit for duty, being so reduced in num- bers, and consequently did not participate in the Antietam fight. The next battle in which they participated was at Fred- ericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. Soon after this they went into winter quarters and remained inactive until the spring of 1863, when they fought the enemy at the Wilderness and Chan- cellorsville, May 2d and 3d. Their loss in killed, wounded and missing, in these two engagements, was sixty-one officers and men. On the i ith of June they joined in the campaign which resulted in the battle of Gettysburg. Mr. Rackliff's regiment did not arrive on the field until the evening of the ist of July. An account of their engagement, on the following morning, we extract from a letter of Captain Morgan, to the Skowlicgan Clarion, dated July 27, 1863 : "The entire regiment, consisting of 196 rifles and 14 officers, were chosen by General Sickles to open the engagement on the left flank, on the morning of the 2d, and the manner in which the order was obeyed was the theme of universal admiration throughout the entire corps. The regiment held an entire division in check for half an hour, while lines were being formed and positions taken to receive them suitably. General Sickles then said, 'The little 3d Maine has saved the army to-day.' " Captain Morgan also makes special honorable mention of the bravery of Mr. Rackliff, in his letter, during that day. They lost during this engagement in killed, 47 374 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. wounded and prisoners, 66 men and officers. Mr. Rackliff was wounded twice between sunset and dark, after one of the hard- est day's fight known in history. The character of his injuries were gun-shot wound in right thigh and buck-shot wound in the arm. Mr. Rackhff waited ^tt days before it came his turn to have his wounds dressed. By this time the wound had become somewhat sore and inflamed, and although the surgeon used the probe freely, he failed to discover the bullet. From Gettys- burg he was sent to Annapolis, Md., where he remained until just before the expiration of his term of enlistment, when he was granted a furlough and returned home, and was discharged with the regiment at Augusta, Me., June 28, 1864, having served nearly 37 months, and during which time he had partici- pated in sixteen battles and skirmishes. He now resides at Allen's Mills. REUEL H. ROGERS. Reuel Howard Rogers, son of Francis S. and Rhoda T. (Rowe) Rogers, was born in Moscow, Me., Aug. 8, 1844. When only a few years of age, his father removed to Industry, where his boyhood and youth were spent. At the age of nineteen years he enlisted as a recruit for Co. L, 1st Regiment, Maine Cavalry, and was mustered into the U. S. service Dec. 26, 1863. He was discharged by order of the War Depart- ment June 21, 1865, and died in Bangor, Me., Sept. 13, 1885. LYMAN M. SHOREY. Lyman Munson Shorey, son of Pelatiah and Sarah (Fogg) Shorey, was born in Industry, Oct. 29, 1836. On the breaking out of the war he was at Skowhegan, and in the fall of 1861 enlisted as a member of an independent company then organiz- ing in that town and vicinity. Jan. 23, 1862, the company was mustered into the U. S. service and assigned to the 7th Maine Regiment as Co. F, a vacancy having been created by the con- solidation of that company with others of the regiment. Mr. Shorey was elected first lieutenant, and two days later received his commission. They joined the regiment while stationed in LIEUT. LYMAN M. SHOREY, Engraved by Geo. E. John.wn, Boston. From a photograph made in 1S62. THE BOYS IN BLUE. 375 its winter quarters at " Camp Griffin," on the Virginia side of the Potomac. Being unused to such hardships the company suffered severely, and many deaths occurred. The regiment embarked for Fortress Monroe early the following spring, and joined in the Peninsular campaign. Lieutenant Shorey's first experience was a reconnaissance, which all supposed would occupy but two or three hours, hence the advance was made without blankets or rations. The result was a night of the most intense suffering, and for fifty-seven hours they were under fire, exposed to a drenching rain and had neither sleep nor rations. "We after a very few such experiences," writes Lieutenant Shorey, "always moved with blankets and rations, a rule cardinal with green troops." The siege of Yorktown followed, where weeks were spent in building corduroy roads, varied by an occasional reconnaissance and exchange of shots with the Confederate sharpshooters. On the evacuation of Yorktown the 7th Maine joined in the pursuit which culminated in the battle of Williamsburg, May 5, 1862. At this battle their brigade was under the command of Gen. Winfield S. Hancock. The 7th was stationed near a piece of woods to keep the enemy from flanking, where they stood firm until an attempt was made to take one of our batteries, when they, with three companies of the New York'33d, aided by the fire of a few skirmishers repelled a charge made by six rebel regi- ments, charged upon them in turn, driving them back a terror- stricken mob, — capturing the colors of one regiment, taking many prisoners and inflicting a heavy loss in killed and wounded. The account of this engagement we will allow Lieutenant Shorey to relate in his own language : " Crossing a swamp by a narrow dike we formed a line in front of a low ridge. Extending be- yond was a long level plain, skirted on the right by a strip of wood. At the end of this plain in front was a large fort of the enemy, and beyond in the woods on the left of the army, the battle raged fierce and hot. We lay quietly till about 5 o'clock P. M. On the left the firing had nearly ceased. Suddenly a line of battle extending nearly across the plain started from the vicinity of the fort and rapidly approached our position. It 376 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. was our first engagement and we were of course excited and getting ready in an instant. Our artillery considerably in ad- vance fired rapidly, but finally had to fall back. The enemy came steadily on ; our turn was quick to come. General Han- cock suddenly ordered ' about face,' — we were then on the crest, — what were we to do ? Fall back with only a narrow dike to cross? We quickly reached the foot, then came the commands in quick succession ' about face,' ' fix bayonets ! ' Hancock rode along the line. I well recollect the look on his face and the bearing of the man ; no word was necessary to tell us the gen- eral's blood was up. All now understood that the object of the movement was to cover us from the fire of the advancing line. The enemy was now within short range, almost at the other side of the crest. Drawing his sword, Hancock dashed along the line, shouting ' charge, gentlemen, give them h — 1,' with a ring and vigor that was truly electrifying. The boys bounded for the crest of the ridge ; it was almost impossible for the officers to keep them in line. Volley after volley was discharged until the order was given to cease firing. When the smoke lifted, all that could be seen was here and there a rebel running zigzag to the cover of the woods, where nearly every one was captured by a force we had previously stationed there. The remainder lay dead and wounded in our front.* Hancock was the hero of the hour and the same evening was complimented by a sere- nade from the members of our regiment." Passing over the battles of Mechanicsville, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill and South Mountain, in all of which Lieutenant Shorey bore an honorable part, brings the brave 7th to the bloody field of Antietam. " Here," writes the subject of this sketch, " our regiment suffered severely. Incom- * Their brilliant conduct during this battle was the means of General McClellan, that night at dress parade, paying them a visit and making the following speech : " Soldiers ! I have come to thank you for your good conduct and gallantry. On that plain you and your comrades saved the army from a disgraceful deffeat. You deserve the highest thanks your country can bestow, and your State should justly be proud of you. You would have deserved just as much praise had you been overwhelmed by the masses hurled against you. Bear ever afterward upon your banners the name of Williamsburg, in token of your bravery.'' THE BOYS IN BLUE. 377 origin. petency, causing a most censurable blunder, was its Against the remonstrance of Major Hyde, then commanding, the regiment was sent at the double-quick to dislodge a power- ful force of the enemy from a strong position.*" As it passed around a crest it received the flank fire of the main rebel line of battle as well as that of the enemy in our front. In a moment, almost, the regiment lost ten or twelve officers and nearly two- thirds of its men." Lieutenant Shorey was severely wounded in the foot during this charge, but managed to get out of range and back to the Federal lines. Finding his wound would incapaci- tate him for active service for a long time, he regretfully resigned his position Dec. 21, 1862. He died in New York City, Dec. 28, 1889. ANDREW J. SPINNEY. Andrew Jackson Spinney, son of Rev. John and Patience J. (Oliver) Spinney, was born in Stark, Somerset Co., Me., Jan. 16, 1846. In the autumn of 1863 he enlisted in the 2d Regi- ment of Maine Cavalry, which was then being organized at Augusta, Me. He was mustered into the U. S. service Dec. 11, * At this battle the 7th was ordered to drive the enemy from a strong position about nine hundred yards in front of the line of battle. Every private in the ranks knew that a brigade of the enemy was massed there with a battery of artillery, and that an awful blunder had been made; but as obedience is the first duty of a soldier they promptly advanced under a shower of bullets, halting twice to return the fire of the enemy. After halting the second time to deliver their fire, the regiment rushed forward with one of its characteristic cheers, driving the enemy before them, who took refuge behind a stone wall and opened a galling fire of muslietry. At this point the regiment had arrived within range of one of its own batteries which had been playing upon the enemy, and not aware of the absence of the 7th, continued firing. The rebels opened their battery with grape and canister. The regiment seemed now de- voted to destruction, yet the men delivered their fire with steadiness and terrible effect, as they moved by the left flank to gain the cover of an orchard. Thence through a cornfield by a circuitous route they returned to their old position in the line of battle. Not a man bad straggled — all that the bullets had spared were there, but how thinned the ranks ! Major Thomas W. Hyde, who had command of the regiment, in his report stated that he " brought out of the battle four officers and sixty-five men out of fifteen officers and one hundred and sixty-six men that went in.'' For its distinguished conduct the regiment was temporarily made the body guard of Generals Franklin and Smith, the highest honor which could be bestowed upon it. 378 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. 1863, and assigned to Co. F, Capt. Gustavus A. Stanley. Mr. Spinney and his comrades were rendezvoused at Camp Coburn till the 23d of March, 1864, when they took the cars for Port- land, Me. Here they embarked on board the ship "Westmore- land," for New Orleans, La., and were twenty-nine days on the way. Mr. Spinney enjoyed the voyage very much, being in good health and spirits during the whole time. His regiment remained near New Orleans until May 26th, when it moved to Thibodeaux, La. Co. F was ordered to Brasher City, and while there Mr. Spinney was detailed as a blacksmith, in which capacity he served for some time. From this place they re- turned to New Orleans, where they embarked for Pensacola, Fla., from which place he wrote under the date of Aug. 15, 1864, saying: " I gave fifty cents for a sheet of paper, stamp and envelope in order to write home." The hardships and sufferings which Mr. Spinney and his comrades were obliged to endure, have hardly a parallel among other regiments from the State. When organized the company numbered 103 men, including commissioned officers, and writing home just five months after leaving Augusta, he says: "Our company can muster but 29 men, and about half of those are on light duty." Soon after this he was relieved from duty and afterward sent to the Post Hospital at Barrancas, Fla., at which place the company was then stationed. He died Nov. 19, 1864, and was buried in grave No. 173, in the National Cemetery at that place. Of him Capt. Gustavus A. Stanley wrote his parents : " He was a good and faithful soldier so long as he had health, and his death is a great loss to us." JOHN C. SPINNEY. John Colby Spinney, son of Rev. John and Patience J. ( Oliver) Spinney, was among those who enlisted under the President's call for men to serve nine months. He entered the service from the town of Lexington on the 13th of October, 1862, as a private in Co. A, 28th Maine Regiment, Infantry. Discharged Aug. 31, 1863. He subsequently enlisted from the THE BOYS IN BLUE. 379 town of Industry as a recruit for the 9th Maine Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in Sept. 23, 1864, and assigned to Co. H. He was discharged by order, June 30, 1865, a few months after the close of the war. He resides at Allen's Mills. BENJAMIN TIT1I5ETTS. Benjamin Tibbetts, son of Josiah and Joan (Roberts) Tib- betts, was a shoemaker by trade. He came to Industry' in i S42 and settled on the Capt. W'm. Roach farm, where he was living when the war broke out. The quota apportioned to the town of Industry, under the call for men to serve nine months, was thirteen. For a time it seemed that the only manner of secur- ing the required number of men was by a draft; but at the September election, Mr. Tibbetts, after making some stirring and patriotic remarks, inscribed his name on the enlistment rolls. This was a signal for a general enlistment, and in the course of a few da3's the required number of volunteers was obtained. Mr. Tibbetts was mustered into the U. S. service at Augusta, Me., on the 13th day of October, 1862, and assigned to the 24th Maine Regiment as a private in Co. K. In consequence of the exposure incident to camp life he contracted a violent cold and was suffering from an attack of pneumonia when his regiment was ordered south. By the last of December, however, he had recovered his health, and with others started to rejoin his comrades. From Augusta to Hartford, Conn., the journey was performed by rail ; here he embarked on board a steamer for New York, where he arrived after an uneventful voyage. From that place to Bonne Carre on the Mississippi, where his regiment was stationed, his journey by water was slow and irk- some in the extreme. Joining his regiment, he remained at Bonne Carre until Maj- 21, 1863, when his regiment was ordered to Port Hudson, where they remained during the entire period of its investment. While thus engaged Mr. Tibbetts and his comrades suffered many hardships, and the death-rate of the regiment was enormous. He was frequently detailed to care for the sick and for other 38o HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. special duties, being a great favorite with his superior officers. On the 24th day of July the regiment started for Maine, via Cairo, 111., and arrived at Augusta, August 6th, where they re- mained until the 25th, when they were mustered out of the ser- vice and finally discharged. After the death of his wife, he went to Biddeford to live with his daughter, where he died June 27, 1892, in his 83d year. BENJAMIN F. TIBBETTS.* Benjamin Franklin Tibbetts, son of Benjamin and Miriam (Cousens) Tibbetts, was born in Industry in 1843. He enlisted as a member of Co. F, 2d Regiment, Maine Cavalry, and on being mustered into the service, Dec. 11, 1863, was appointed sergeant. Died at Barrancas, Fla , Aug. 11, 1864. CLINTON B, WEBSTER. Clinton B. Webster was the son of Isaac Webster, who lived for many years at Allen's Mills. On the breaking out of the war in 1 861, he was in Lewiston, Me. In June following, he joined a company of sappers and miners, then organizing, whose duties were to repair railroads and build fortifications in and about Washington. The War Department notified the company to hold themselves in readiness for duty, and promised them a chance providing there was a camp call. Not receiving a call, the company subsequently disbanded and Mr. Webster re- turned to his home in Industry. At the earnest solicitation of his friend, William A. Brainerd, of Farmington, who afterward be- came second lieutenant and captain of Co. E, he enlisted in the month of October and went to Farmington, where he and others drilled for about three weeks. He was mustered into the U. S. service at Augusta, Me., Dec. 13, 1861, and assigned to Co. K, 13th Maine Regiment, Infantry. Mr. Webster left Augusta for Boston, with his regiment, Feb. 18, 1862. From thence they embarked on board transports for Fortress Monroe, * Although a resident of Industry at the time of his enlistment, Mr. Tihbetts counted on the Farmington quota. THE BOYS IN BLUE. 381 Va., from which place they sailed to Ship Island, Miss., where they arrived on the 5th of March. During the forty-four months he was in the service, he participated in all the march- ings and counter-marchings of his company, manfully bearing the privations and hardships incident to army life. Among the battles in which he participated, some ten in number, were: Point Isabella, Texas, Nov. 6, 1863 ; Mustang Island, Nov. 15, 1863; Fort Esperanza, Nov. 29, 1863; Pleasant Hill, Louisi- ana, April 8, 1864, and Cane River Crossing, April 23d, beside numerous skirmishes. In 1862 he was transferred to Co. E, and was afterwards promoted to corporal. On the 29th of Februar)', 1864, he re-enlisted for an additional term of years. At the battle of Pleasant Hill Mr. Webster had a narrow escape from instant death. At that time he was on the color- guard, every man of whom, with two exceptions, was shot. During this engagement a ball passed through his blouse in front, inflicting a slight flesh wound. The variation of an inch in the course of this bullet would, it is believed, have proved speedil)- fatal. Earl}' in the year 1865 he was promoted to carry the colors, and on the 20th day of August he was mus- tered out and discharged from the service. At the present time (1892) he resides in Easton, Mass., having moved away from Industry more than twenty years ago. DAVID C. WHITNEY. David Chandler Whitney, son of Reuben and Lucy (Saw- yer) Whitney, was born in Norridgewock, Me., Dec. 24, 1834. Just prior to the breaking out of the war, he came with his widowed mother from Lewiston to the town of Industry and settled on a small farm near Goodridge's Corner. In the sum- mer of 1862, when a call for troops was made, he volunteered as a member of Co. C, i6th Regiment, Maine Infantry, and was mustered in Aug. 14, 1862. After seven months' service, he was discharged for disability, March 14, 1863. The next fall he re-enlisted as a member of Co. F, 2d Regiment, Maine Cavalry. He was mustered in Dec. 11, 1863, and appointed 382 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. corporal the same day. In due time he went South with his regiment and took an active part in all its campaigns. During a raid on Marianna, Fla., Sept. 27, 1864, he was wounded by a ball which passed completely through his chest, also inflicting a severe flesh wound in his arm.* His wounds were dressed by the surgeon and he was made as comfortable as circum- stances would allow. That night it was decided that a retreat was an imperative necessity. As Mr. Whitney was unable to ride they found it necessary to leave him behind with several of his comrades to fall into the hands of the enemy. He died of his wounds Oct. 24, 1864, aged 29 years and 10 months. Of him a comrade and fellow prisoner wrote the sorrowing mother: " Many spoke of his bravery during the action, and only when he was struck did he waver. I did not see him while in action, but I remember his words as he came out, and I do not deny that I was surprised to learn that the 2d Cavalry could boast of such a brave patriot as was Corporal Whitney. He walked past me, almost touching my horse, very pallid, but with com- pressed lips. I could not but follow him with my eyes. He had not gone far before we were ordered to charge. I did not see him again until we were both in the hospital together. He could not have gone but a few steps farther, for he was bleeding very badly. I know him to have been perfectly rational during his illness, for when the chaplain came into the hospital to pray with him he talked of home and his desire for recovery. I think he entertained doubts of his recovery, but he never expressed them only once to me, and it was when I asked his mother's address. " I was leaning over his couch when he breathed his last, supported by two of the nurses. I never was more affected in my life, for I had learned to respect him for his fortitude dur- ing his sickness, and it seemed as if I had lost all my friends in his death. He was buried near the village church-yard with * There seems to be some conflicting of statements concerning the character of Corporal Whitney's wound. Simon VV. Parlin, second lieutenant of the company, says the ball lodged in the chest. The writer is prone to consider the description as given above the better authority. THE BOYS IN BLUE. 383 the rest of the boys, but his burial was very different from theirs. He was placed in a rude coffin, and a board marks his final resting-place. I shall never forget the people of Mari- anna, for this last sacred rite, nor for their many former kind- nesses to my comrade, — it was the only treatment we ever received." His lieutenant, Evander S. Prescott, of Wilton, thus writes of him : " He was a good soldier, always ready to do his duty. He was likewise an honest, good, kind-hearted man." His second lieutenant, Simon VV. Parlin, also bore testimony of his worth and moral rectitude as follows : " Daniel was a faith- ful soldier, always discharging his duties in a soldier-like manner, and had by his integrity and uprightness won the confidence of both officers and men. Painful as is his untimely fate, it must be highly gratifying to his friends to know that he fought man- fully and fell in the foremost of the fight. He died in the faithful discharge of his duty, respected and beloved by all who knew him." AARON E. WILLIAMS. Aaron E. Williams, a resident of Anson, Me., enlisted on Industry's quota, and was mustered into the U. S. service at Lewiston, Me., Dec. 28, 1863, to serve three years. He was soon afterward assigned to Co. G, ist Maine Regiment, Heavy Artillery. Wounded before Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864. Died of disease Jan. 21, 1865, aged 27 years. GEORGE F. WILLIAMS. George F Williams was a native of Anson, though a resident of Industry at the time of his enlistment. He enlisted for nine months in September, 1862, and was mustered into the U. S. service on the 13th of the following month, and on the same day was appointed sergeant. Wounded at Port Hudson, La., June 14, 1863. Mustered out with his regiment Aug. 25, 1863. Now resides in Embden, Me. 384 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. O. L. YOUNG. O. L. Young enlisted on Industry's quota, to serve one year, and was mustered into the U. S. service, at Lewiston, Me., March 8, 1865, and assigned to the iitli Co., Unassigned Infantry. Peace having been declared while he was stationed at the place of rendezvous, Mr. Young was discharged before joining the company to which he was assigned. CHAPTER XIX. EVENTS FJiOA/ 1866 TO 1893. Road Matters. — The Curtis Pinkham Road. — Stark Asks for a Better Road through Industry to Farmington. — Route to Madison Bridge Shortened and Improved. — Industry \oles on Amendment to Liquor Law. — "The Gold Fever." — Unusual Snow-fall in Winter of 186S-9. — Destructive Freshet of 1869. — Heavy Thunder- storm. — Beautiful Display of Aurora Borealis. — A Heavy Gale. — The Great Earthquake of 1S70. — Grasshopper Plague. — State Equalization Bonils. — Industry Farmers' and Mechanics' Club. — The Enterprise Cheese Manufacturing Company. — Orders Forged on the Town of Industry. — Prize Declamations at West's Mills. — Extensive Improvements on the Centre Meeting-House. — The Greenback Party in Industry. — Caterpillar Scourge. — F'reshet of 1878. — Severe Drouth. — Cattle Show and Fair. — Independence Day Celebrated at West's Mills. — Destructive Fire. — A Bear Commits Many Depredations in Industry. — Red Sunsets. — Gale of November, 1883. — Planets in Perihelion. — Town \otes to Buy a Poor-F'arm. — -Allen's ;\Iills Union Agricultural Society. — A Maine Bliz- zard. — Potato Crop Ruined by Rust. — Industry's New Methodist Church. — A Maine Cyclone. — La Grippe. — Shorey Chapel Erected, etc. The cruel and sanguinary war was at an end, and the people had returned to the pursuits of peace. At this juncture better and more convenient roads became for a time an important topic with the citizens of Industry. A road had been laid out by the selectmen to accommodate the residents of the extreme north part of the town, commencing near the house of Samuel Dag- gett and running in a southerly direction to intercept the town road at the Capt. Jeruel Butler place. A large majority of the voters in town were not in sympathy with this movement, regard- ing it as incurring unnecessary expense. Consequently when the doings of the selectmen were brought before the town for ratification, Sept. 25, 1865, the citizens voted not to accept the road. 386 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Failing in their appeal to the selectmen, Curtis Pinkham and twenty-eight others petitioned the County Commissioners to establish the road which the town had refused them. A hearing was given the petitioners Sept. 25, 1866, at the house of Samuel Daggett. Deeming the road a necessity they proceeded to lay it out. The road as established was four rods wide and 762 1-2 rods long, costing the town $75.50, thirty dollars of which was for land damages. Notwithstanding the success of the petitioners with the County Commissioners, the disinterested tax-payers were not disposed to build the road. To detract attention from the county road a town road was laid out over a different route, and again modified or wholly relaid. The question of raising money to open the county road was brought before the town at its annual meeting, March 9, 1869. The petitioners, led by Curtis Pinkham, made desperate efforts to secure an appropria- tion, but with a large majority against them they were powerless, and after a heated discussion a motion to pass by the article was carried. The road between Stark village and Farmington, especially from Stark village to Goodridge's Corner, was a hard and hilly one. For some years the citizens of Stark, in common with those of the southern and central part of Industry, had been discussing the matter of a more direct and convenient road be- tween the two places. Late in the fall of 1866 James M. Snell, of Stark, and fifty others residing along the proposed route, peti- tioned the commissioners of Franklin and Somerset counties for a change in the road between Sawyer's Mills and Farmington village, or more strictly speaking, for a new road from the former place to some point west of Goodridge's Corner in Industry. The petition was dated Dec. 8, 1866, and a hearing was given the petitioners Aug. 20, 1867. The petitioners failed to secure their road. On the petition of Benjamin N. Willis and forty-five others a short piece of road was laid out by the County Commissioners, Oct. 22, 1867, which greatly improved and shortened the road from West's Mills to Madison Bridge. This road commenced near the present residence of Elijah Manter, and running in a EVENTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 387 south-westerly direction througli a corner of Stark intersected the road leading from West's Mills to Stark, west of the resi- dence of the late John H. Vilcs. The town promptly raised a sum of money to build this road, and in due time it was opened to the traveling public* The State Legislature had, at its recent session, amended Chapter 33 of the Laws of 1858, for the suppression of drinking- houses and tippling-shops, and on the 3d day of June, 1867, the citizens of Industry were called upon to give in their votes for or against the measure. In consequence of the busy season the vote was very small, but stood, in favor of the amendment, 29 votes ; against it, 5 votes. " THE GOLD FEVER." In the summer of 1867 Joseph Warren Smith and William R. Daggett began a prospecting tour of the town, in search of deposits of the precious metals. They conducted their explora- tions in such a quiet manner that few were aware, for a time, of the real object of their search. The wise ones said they were "lining bees." After occupying considerable time in their search they were rewarded by finding a deposit of lead, though at the time of its discovery they did not know its proper name, having the impression it might be silver ore. This deposit was found in the bed-rock of a small brook which flowed at the base of Boardman Mountain on its western side. In the search Mr. Smith was the first to notice the deposit, and with his jack- knife loosened a small quantity of ore from its rock>' bed. This he took to his blacksmith shop at West's Mills, where, by melt- ing it in the forge, they soon found it to possess characteristics which would indicate a metal of value. The news spread * At the annual meeting held at West's Mills, March 4, I.'^67, after hearing the reports of the several town officers the moderator inquired, " Gentlemen, v\'hat will you do with the reports of your town officers?" Thereupon some wag facetioasly mosed that the selec/7nen^s report be placed on file in the clerk's office and to let the others "go to the devil," and thus the vote stands recorded. At this meeting J!2I00 was raised to pay town charges, and $3000 to be expended on the highway. At the annual meeting in 1868 the town voted to raise ^1000 to pay on the town debt, and the follow- ing year ^800. In 1870 no money was raised for that purpose. 388 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. rapidly that silver, and perhaps gold, had been discovered on the farm of Daniel Gilman, and many persons visited the place. The " gold fever" ran high, and almost every one had a pocket- ful of the rock containing the precious stuff. About this time John Willis obtained a title to the land on which the deposit was located. After the land came into the possession of Mr. Willis, Luther Curtis, of New Sharon, whose attention had no doubt been attracted by the flattering reports afloat, purchased an interest in " the mine," as the people were wont to call it. The manner in which Mr. Curtis worded his deed was said to be somewhat peculiar and eccentric, the clause granting privi- leges reading as follows: "To pass to and fro, dig and blow, dam and flow and raise the d — 1 generally for mining pur- poses," causing a great deal of gossip and not a little merriment. During the latter part of the fall a large section of the ledge was unearthed, a few blasts were made, and samples of the quartz from near the surface forwarded to S. Dana Hayes, of Boston, State Assayer of Massachusetts. The only valuable metal that this batch of quartz contained was traces of copper. An effort was made later in the fall to sink a shaft in the ledge, but after a time the undertaking was abandoned on account of the coldness of the weather. In 1868 the stockholders formed themselves into a com- pany known as the " Franklin Mining Association," with John Willis, John Wesley Norton and Daniel Gilman as directors, and Luther Curtis, of New Sharon, as secretary and treasurer. A tax was assessed on the shares, and active preparations for sinking a shaft were begun. The directors contracted with Joseph W. Smith to sink a shaft ten feet deep, and work was commenced in good earnest early in the month of August. Samples of ore taken from this shaft are claimed to have assayed silver to the value of nearly fifteen dollars to each ton of quartz. But trouble for the Franklin Mining Association was in store in the near future. Some of the shareholders be- came dissatisfied at being obliged to pay an assessment on their shares, — they having imagined that the only thing necessary to accumulate a fortune, in this direction, was just to buy a EVENTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 389 few shares of the stock, when wealth would roll in upon them without further trouble or expense. To the sudden interruption of their " golden dreams " must be attributed their dissatisfac- tion, and at the same time making the discovery that the com- pany was not legally organized, and therefore the collection of the assessments could not be enforced, they flatly refused to pay the tax. The consequence was that, though some paid their proportion of the tax promptly, Mr. Smith was forced to quit work, with a shaft only six feet deep, and even then losing heavil}', owing to the perversity of the non-paying shareholders. This state of things proved a material hindrance to further development of the deposit. Had this company been legally organized, the collection of the assessments could have been enforced and funds sufficient to fully develop the deposit easily raised. Had such a course been pursued, there are abundant reasons to believe that this deposit would have eventually paid not only for working it, but something to its stockholders. The winter of 1868—9 was notable for its frequent and heavy storms and the unusual depth of snow. Storm followed storm until roads were blockaded, fences buried from sight, and in some instances dwelling-houses were nearly buried in huge drifts. The autumn of 1869 was rendered memorable to the inhabi- tants of Franklin County, and especially so to the dwellers of Sandy River Valley, by a freshet of great magnitude. This in point of destructiveness had not been equaled for many years, if indeed, it had a parallel in the history of the valley. Rain began to fall early Sunday morning, October 3d, gently at first, but as the day advanced gradually increasing until by noon the rain fell in sheets. This continued, with slight interruption, all through the following night and until six o'clock Monday after- noon. The water rose rapidly in Sandy River, inundating the adjacent interval lands, and slowly but surely rose higher and higher until it grew to a torrent of irresistible magnitude and power. Every bridge on Sandy River was either partially car- ried away or rendered impassable by the water. At Phillips a 49 390 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. portion of the cemetery was washed away and many coffins carried down the river. The bridges at the village and Whit- ney's Mills were also swept away. The suspension bridge at Strong was somewhat damaged, while the western span of the Fairbanks and Centre bridges in Farmington, as well as the Chesterville portion of the bridge at Farmington Falls, were carried away by the water. Near the Centre Bridge in Farm- ington was the newly erected corn-canning factory of J. VVinslow Jones, with its heavy burden of machinery and packed corn. This was raised from its foundation and carried down the river, as was also the spool-factory of B. Frank Morrill at Farming- ton Falls. Farmers living along the river in many instances sustained serious losses from the flood. But little damage was done in Industry by this freshet aside from the destruction of the mill-dam at West's Mills. The town was visited by a very heavy thunder storm on Thursday afternoon, July 14, 1.370, accompanied by a gale of wind of such power and violence as had seldom if ever been known. The rain descended in torrents, the incessant flashing of the lightning was scarcely less terrifying than the accom- panying peals of thunder, which could be heard with almost painful distinctness above the roar of the wind. So powerful was the force of the wind that in some instances the trunks of large forest trees were broken like pipe-stems, while apple-trees were uprooted, fences blown down, crops injured and much other damage done in the track of the tornado. No hail fell in Industry, but in other towns it proved very destructive to window-glass and growing crops. A very singular and strikingly beautiful auroral display occurred on Friday evening, Oct. 14, 1870. The singular ap- pearance of the heavens was first noticed about eight o'clock in the evening, when it was discovered that the whole southern sk}' was aglow with the weird mystical light of the aurora borealis. The form was like that of a huge fan, having its cen- tre directly overhead and extending east and west from this point to the horizon, while to the north of this boundary the sky was perfectly clear. At the zenith and along the eastern EVENTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 391 and western boundaries the color was of a fiery red, and rays of tlie same color streamed into the mass of silvery light which flooded the whole southern sky, — the whole forming an excellent representation of an enormous opened fan. In less than an hour from the time it was discovered, this beautiful picture had entirely disappeared. At noon on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 1870, after an interval of warm, foggy weather, the sky cleared and a strong breeze sprung up, which rapidly increased in intensity until by the middle of the afternoon it became almost resistless in its power. Although the wind continued to blow about twelve hours, con- siderable damage was done to buildings, fences and orchards. THE EARTHQUAKE OF 187O. On Thursday, Oct. 20, 1870, at about half-past eleven o'clock in the forenoon, a low, heavy rumbling sound was heard which was thought to be thunder, as it was raining hard at the time. Soon, however, its real nature was revealed. The shock seemed to move in two waves, the second being much heavier than the first. During the heaviest part of the convulsion, windows, stoves, crockery ware, etc., rattled in an alarming manner, and the buildings themselves rocked and swayed from the violence of the shock. Many families, thoroughly fright- ened, rushed out of doors, regardless of the rain, and only returned when the convulsive heaving of the earth had ceased. Its duration was nearly or quite seventy seconds, and it was claimed to have been the heaviest shock of earthquake which had occurred in the last hundred years. THE GRASSHOPPER PLAGUE. Early in the summer of 1871, an innumerable swarm of grasshoppers made their appearance in Industry. Their advent was the beginning of a period of devastation never before equaled in the history of the town. Not only was the grass crop nearly ruined by the insatiable eating proclivities of this insect horde, but every growing crop of the farmer was alike 392 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. attacked and frequently completely destroyed. Farms that had previously cut from ten to fifteen tons of hay, yielded from three to eight tons this season. Occasionally a piece of corn would be completely ruined by having the silks eaten off as soon as they appeared. Grain of all kinds suffered great damage by having the head-stalks eaten off, and in some instances the harvest did not equal the amount of seed sown. A remarkable trait of these insects was a tendency to confine their depredations to the highest ground, and seldom if ever troubling the grass on wet land. Under the existing circumstances nothing remained for the farmers but to reduce their stock to correspond with their limited crop of hay, and this reduction was effected at a ruinous sacrifice. Light beef was a drug in the market at three dollars per hundred, and good sheep sold as low as fifty cents per head. According to the inventory taken by the selectmen in April, 1870, there were 4333 sheep owned in town. From the same source it is learned that the number had been reduced to 2358 in 1872. During the same time the amount of neat stock was reduced to 218 head. Even after thus reducing their stock it would have been impossible for the farmers of this town to have wintered the balance without the free use of western corn. The amount of damage done in Industry can hardly be esti- mated, and many years must elapse before "the grasshopper year" will cease to be an important event in the farmer's calendar. The citizens of Allen's Mills and vicinity observed the ninety-fifth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by a picnic dinner and other exercises in a cool shady grove just west of the village. Here tables, speaker's stand, and seats were built for the accommodation of those present. The day was exceptionally fine, and the usual programme of such occa- sions was carried out under the direction of Moses M. Luce, President of the Day, and his Marshal, Josiah Emery. After the usual morning street-parade, a procession was formed and EVENTS EROM 1866 TO 1893. 393 marched to the grove.* The following is a partial list of the exercises in the grove : Prayer, Samuel G. Gould, Industry. Reading the Declaration of Independence, Virgil L. Craig, Fannington. Oration, Rev. George N. Harden, Farmitigton. Dinner. After dinner occurred other exercises, followed by a pyro- technic display on Clear Water Pond in the evening. A large concourse of people were present, by whom the exercises were greatly enjoyed. After the close of the war it was found that some towns had paid a much larger sum in bounties to their soldiers than others. To remedy this inequality, the State issued to such towns Equalization Bonds drawing interest at the rate of six per cent. At the annual meeting, March 7, 1870, Gen. Nathan Goodridge was chosen an agent to effect the sale of those belonging to Industry. $3,677.61, including accrued interest, was received from their sale. In the fall of 1 87 1 the citizens residing in the vicinity of Goodridge's Corner met at the Centre school-house, on Wednes- day evening, November 15th, and organized a society for the diffusion of knowledge and mutual improvement of its members. This organization, composed of very many prominent citizens, was known as the Industry Farmers' and Mechanics' Club. A constitution was drawn up and adopted, and the following officers chosen : President, Horatio A. B. Keyes ; Vice-Presi- dent, Sylvanus B. Philbrick; Recording Secretary, William M. Bryant; Treasurer and Librarian, Hovey Thomas ; Correspond- ing Secretary, Augustus W. Morrell. The exercises were to consist of lectures, essays, and discussions on topics of timely interest and practical importance pertaining to agriculture and * Daniel Hilton, a skilful performer on the fife, furnished the music for this occasion, and it is believed to be the last time he ever played in public. 394 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. the mechanic arts. Gentlemen were admitted as members on signing the constitution and paying a nominal membership fee, while ladies became members by signing the constitution and by-laws. During its existence seventy-nine persons inscribed their names upon the club records as members. The club frequently employed lecturers, on practical topics, such as Major Lorin Adams, of Wilton, Major Alexander H. S. Davis, of Farmington, N. G. Foster, of Wilton, Rev. Mr. Kim- ball, of New Sharon, and others. Questions relating to the various branches of husbandry were discussed, books on agri- culture purchased and read, and many valuable essays were also prepared and delivered. Thus by the intelligent, well- directed efforts of its members, the Industry Farmers' and Mechanics' Club proved a great and lasting benefit. Meetings were held regularly during the fall and winter months up to the spring of 1877, when they abruptly ceased. Prominent among the members not previously mentioned were Thomas Stevens, Josiah Emery, D. Collins Luce, Truman Luce, Moses M. Luce, Augustus H. Swift, Francis S. Rogers, Alvarez N. Goodridge, Amos S. Hinkley, Brice H. Waugh, John R. Luce, Virgil L. Craig, William O. Hargraves, Holmes H. Bailey, and others. The movement which lead to the organization of the Enter- prise Cheese Manufacturing Company had its origin with the Industry Farmers' and Mechanics' Club. At a meeting held Oct. 30, 1872, the question "Would a cheese-factory in this vicinity prove a paying business? " was discussed with a great deal of earnestness and enthusiasm. The question was decided in the affirmative, and a committee of three was chosen to visit the factory at Strong. Soon after this J. O. Keyes, of Jay, gave the club a talk on the importance of cheese-factories, and methods employed in the manufacture of cheese. The result of these discussions and talks was the association of several gentlemen, who purchased the "Old Red Meeting-House" (see p. ijo) of Augustus H. Swift, took it down and moved it to Goodridge's Corner during the winter. The parties inter- ested organized by the choice of the following officers : Presi- dent, Horatio A. B. Keyes ; Vice-President, Llewellyn Norton ; EVENTS FROM 1866 TO 1S93. 395 Secretary, Josiah Emery. A Board of Directors, consisting of John A. Stover, Truman Luce, Augustus H. Swift, William D. Mcintosh, and Hovey Thomas, was also chosen. In June following, the factory was built. The building was 24x28 feet, two stories in height, and was furnished ^vith a Ralph vat and the latest improved apparatus. The company divided its stock into twenty-five-dollar shares, and its factory was erected and furnished at a cost of $1300. The first season, the factory was in operation sixty-one days under the superintendency of Nathan Strickland and produced 7000 pounds of cured cheese, each cheese weighing 32 pounds on an average. These were marketed, principally at Farmington, for fifteen cents per pound. The total cost of manufacturing was three cents per pound. The State Legislature, by an act approved Feb. 3, 1874, incorporated Horatio A. B. Keyes, Hovcy Thomas, Augustus H. Swift, William D. Mcintosh, Warren Bullen, Thomas Stevens, Alvarez X. Goodridge, and Josiah Emery, with their associates, a body politic to be known as the Enterprise Cheese Manufacturing Company, with a maximum capital stock of $5000. Under this charter the company organized by the choice of the following officers : President, Horatio A. B. Keyes ; Vice-President, Llewellyn Norton ; Secretary, Josiah Emery; Treasurer, Alvarez N. Goodridge; Directors, William D. Mcintosh, Thomas Stevens and Hiram Titcomb. This year the company began the manufacture of cheese June ist, and the factory was in operation eighty-one days. This year the milk of one hundred cows, aggregating 1600 pounds per day, was received at the factory, Snd 14,000 pounds of cheese made during the season. The following year (1875), 7626 pounds of cheese was made, and about the same amount in 1876-7-8. But the company had found it necessary to hire a portion of the money required to build and fit up their factory. They were doing a good business and had paid the interest on the indebt- edness promptly, likewise something on the principal. But the several creditors becoming alarmed, sued and attached the property, which virtually put an end to all further operations, and the factory fell into disuse. 396 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. In the fall of 1872, two orders on the treasurer of Industry, amounting to $3100, were sent by mail to the First National Bank of Lewiston, Me., with the request that a part of their face value be advanced. These purported to have been given by the selectmen to Eli N. Oliver for expenses in the Betsey Nichols pauper case. The letter containing them was post- marked at Norridgewock, and requested that the remittance be sent to a certain hotel at West Farmington, obviously to a person under an assumed name. Suspicious that all was not right, the bank officials notified the selectmen, when it was discovered that the orders were base forgeries. At this time it would have been an easy matter to have detected the guilty party or parties, but the secret got abroad and the golden opportunity was lost. This event caused much excitement and a great deal of talk in Industry and vicinity. The topic reached such proportions at length, that a special town meeting was called to assemble at West's Mills, Dec. 7, 1872. After choos- ing Moses Bradbury, Moderator, Josiah Emery motioned that a reward of $200 be offered for the detection and conviction of the guilty parties, which was promptly seconded and unani- mously carried. Though some effort was made to earn the reward, it was never claimed, and the criminals escaped un- punished. Rev. David Church, a gentleman of culture and fine literary tastes, was stationed at Industry in 1873 as pastor of the Methodist Church. While engaged in his pastoral labors, he conceived the idea of offering a prize for the best delivered declamation and holding the competitive test in the Union Church at West's Mills. This proposal was received with much favor, and Elder Church immediately set about perfecting his plans. The hearty support of many students and teachers was obtained, and a large number volunteered to compete for the prize. The date set for the exercises was Wednesday evening, Feb. 12, 1873. The weather and sleighing being favorable, the attendance was large, filling the church to its utmost capacity. An orchestra was improvised for the occasion, and the decla- mations were interspersed with excellent music. Rev. Mr. EJ'ENTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 397 Church acted as president of the evening, and C)rville W. Collins, Stark, John G. Brown, New Sharon, and John Willis, Industry, were selected as awarding judges. The desk of the pulpit had been replaced by a convenient stage, on which were seated the president and adjudging committee, and from which the votaries of Demosthenes and Cicero delivered their orations. Among those present from abroad was Rev. Joseph Colby, Presiding Elder of Readfield District, who offered prayer at the commencement of the exercises. The programme in full was as follows : Music. Prayer. Discovery of America. — Everett. Henry D. Watson, Anson. Sheridan's Ride. — Read. John R. Luce, Industry." The Pipes of Lucknow. Samuel Sherliurne Day, Slark. Horatius at the Piridge. — Macaulay. Franli Pinltham, Anson. Extract. Joseph L. Coughlin, Industry. "The Skeeter" (a parody). Fred R. Trask, A'eio Sharon (aged 10 years). Assassinalion of President Lincoln. Adalbert O. Frederic, Slark. The Inebriate's Death-Bed. John II. Smith, Stark. Sparlicus to the Gladiators. — Kellogg. Robert Dana Trask, A'rw Sharon. Irish Aliens and English \'ictories. W. D. Morse, Nc-w Sharon. On the American War. — Lord Chatham. James B. Greaton, Stark. Rum's Maniac— Allison. James E. Trask, h\iv Sharon. Launching of the Ship.— LongfelhiH . Newton J. Jones, Farinin;.;ton. Extract. Frank C. Stone, Ncio Sharon. The Diver.— Schiller. Fred lU.xby, Anson. Much ability was shown by the contestants in the rendering of their respective parts and the interest was sufficient to hold the close attention of the large and appreciative audience. So ex- cellent was every part that the committee found it no easy inatter to determine which really was the best, but after carefully weigh- ing the matter the prize was awarded to James E. Trask, New Sharon, with honorable mention of James B. Greaton, Stark. The Centre Meeting-House had by long years of constant service fallen into a state of poor repair. At a meeting of the proprietors holden April 16, 1874, it was voted to raise $100 for * Absent. Omitted. 398 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. repairs by tax on pews. This tax was promptly assessed on the forty-seven pews which the house contained. During that year the roof was shingled, the outside nicely painted, and later the pews were cut down and modernized and the whole interior thoroughly remodeled. A fine Daniel F. Beatty organ was also purchased in 1878 and the house nicely furnished, and although not much used since the completion of Shorey Chapel, it is still a pleasant, attractive church. The Greenback party made its first appearance in American politics with the nomination of William Allen for governor of Ohio by the Democratic State Convention of 1874, in opposition to Rutherford B. Hayes, upon a platform containing a soft- money clause. This party made its first appearance in Maine with the introduction into the Democratic State Convention of 1875, by Solon Chase, of Turner, a resolution containing this Ohio clause. This resolution was refused a passage. Before the next campaign Solon Chase established a Greenback newspaper, and a party was formed which nominated Almon Gage, of Lewiston, for governor, who received 520 votes. The next year their can- didate received 5,291 votes in the State, and in 1878 Joseph L. Smith received 41,371 votes for governor. The first votes cast by the Greenback party in Industry was at the gubernatorial election, Sept. 10, 1877, when 21 votes were polled for Henry C. Munson. On the evening of December 6th in that year, Solon Chase came to Industry and lectured on finance in the brick school-house at Allen's Mills. His sound logical arguments won many converts for the Greenback party, and the next year (1878) Joseph L. Smith received iii votes in town. The largest vote ever polled by the Greenback party in Industry was in 1879, when Joseph L. Smith received 130 votes for governor. There was a slight falling off from this at the two succeeding elections. But in the following years the party lost heavily, and in the course of time ceased to exist. The summer of 1875 witnessed one of the greatest scourges from the forest tent-caterpillar (Clisiocmnpa sylvatica, Harris) known in the history of the town. So numerous were they that whole orchards were as completely stripped of their foliage as EVENTS EROM 1866 TO 1S93. 399 they could have been by fire. So ravenous were these pests that maple and other shade-trees were attacked when the fruit- trees failed to supply the demands of their appetites. The next year (1876) orchards were again infested, but there seemed to be some diminution in number. Any orchard which chanced to escape in 1875 was sure to suffer in 1876. It was no uncommon sight to see, at evening, large windrows of these insects piled along fences and on buildings and trees. Strange as the state- ment may appear, it was currently reported that railroad travel was seriously impeded by these insects gathering on the iron rails in great numbers. THE FRESHET OF 1878. In December, 1878, the inhabitants of West's Mills witnessed a freshet which is without a parallel in the history of the town. For some time previous to the loth the ground had been deeply frozen, as it usually is at this season of the year. Sno\V began falling early on the morning of the loth, and continued to fall until fully ten inches lay upon the ground. The snow was very damp and heavy, and sufficient in quantity to make good sleigh- ing. Towards night a warm rain set in, and by midnight but very little of this snow remained. As the ground was frozen, the water from the fast-melting snow ran off the surface into the brooks. At dark they were bank full, and a few hours' time was sufficient to swell their volume to a flood. Becoming alarmed for the safety of his property, Mr. James M. Norton summoned assistance and at about 10.30 P. M. commenced the removal of his stock from the stable just in front of his house. So strong was the current at this time that it was extremely hazardous to cross the road between the house and stable. A rope, made fast to a tree in front of the house, was stretched across the road and fastened to a post in the stable, by the aid of which the men crossed and re-crossed the road until cows, oxen and horses were removed to a place of safety. While thus engaged a heifer lost her footing and was carried some rods by the current and barely escaped being swept over a steep bluff 400 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. near the grist-mill. After the stock had been removed, Mr. Norton next gave the store, occupied by himself and brother, his attention. Already the water was on a level with the floor and was flowing under a door on the west side. Mr. Norton, aided by his assistants, commenced hoisting corn and other things, which the water might injure, to the second floor of his back store. Soon after midnight the dam of the grist and saw- mill gave way under the immense pressure brought to bear upon it, after which the water began to abate. At Charles M. Hilton's during the rise of the water matters also assumed a serious nature. His stable, which sat on very low ground, was filled with water to the depth of several feet. As his buildings were entirely surrounded by water, and the current was strong, the only place of safety which he could find for his cow and horse was by housing the former in his pig-pen and the latter in his woodhouse. These being connected with the house, were built at an elevation beyond reach of the water. Joseph Eveleth, with whom lived his aged mother and a sister, was completely isolated from the rest of the village, as it would have been extremely hazardous, if not impossible, to cross the street in any direction. By daylight the water had settled to the bank- level of the previous night. An examination revealed the fol- lowing casualties, among many others of minor importance: The dam of the grist and saw-mill was gone, the penstock of the former was also gone, and a large hole stove in the stone foundation. Several of James M. and Alonzo Norton's heavy lumbering sleds were gone, a portion of which were never found. A mowing-machine, minus the pole, standing just in front of J. Warren Smith's blacksmith shop, was swept away by the flood. A pile of boards some ten rods north of Norton's store was floated from beside the road nearly down to the Four Corners. 'J. Warren Smith's garden, near the mill-stream, was completely ruined by the wash of water, and James M. Norton's sustained serious damage from the same cause. A great amount of labor was required to repair the roads, which were also badly washed. A careful measurement showed the water to have EVEiVrS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 40 1 been seventeen and one-fourth inches higher than it was ckiring the freshet of 1869. A drouth occurred in the summer of 1880, claimed by many to be full)' equal in severity to that of 1825. During the month of June the amount of rainfall was small, and this soon evapor- ated beneath the rays of the hot summer sun. The roads became dr\' and oppressively dusty, while brooks and rills furnished only a limited supply of water. As time passed on, streams of considerable size began to get low, and at length became completely dry and wells began to fail. The flow of water in the mill-stream at West's Mills grew less and less, and at length entirely ceased. Wells in which the utmost confidence had heretofore been placed, failed, and as the drouth grew more and more intense, many residents of Industry found it necessary to drive their stock long distances to water, while for culinary and drinking purposes water was sometimes hauled nearly a mile. Fortunately no fires occurred in town during this pro- tracted drouth, which did not end until near the time winter set in. CATTLE SHOW AND FAIR AT WEST'S MILLS. The year 1880 having been a prosperous one with the farmers of Industry, they decided to hold a show and fair for the exhibition of farm and household products at some conven- ient date during the fall. In accordance with their determi- nation, notice was given to all persons interested to meet at James M. and A. Norton's hall, at West's Mills, to choose officers and make necessary arrangements for the exhibition. A society was organized and the following officers elected : President, Col. Samuel W. Tinkham ; Vice-President, Melvin Viles ; Sec- retary, William C. Hatch ; Marshal, Josiah Emery. To some it may seem a little strange that a gentleman from an adjoining town should be selected as president, but as the colonel intended to exhibit largely at the proposed show, the office was bestowed upon him as a token of esteem. Saturday, October 9th, was set as the day for holding the show. The committee of arrange- 402 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. merits hired a field of James Oliver, at West's Mills, on the Stark road just cast of John VV. Frederic's house, and erected necessary stanchions and pens for the accommodation of the stock, — Messrs, Norton generously giving the use of their hall for the fair. The morning of October 9th dawned fair and bright, and at a seasonable hour cattle and sheep, horses and colts came pouring in from all parts of the town, as well as from the adjoining towns of Anson, Farmington and Stark, until by noon as large and handsome a display of stock was on the ground as is seldom seen at a town show. At the hall, which was under the immediate supervision of Eli N. Oliver and lady, the display of farm produce, fancy and useful manufactured articles, butter, cheese, etc., was large and of an excellent quality, and the hall was constantly thronged with people. Among the many exhibitors of neat stock we will mention the following : Eli N. Oliver, John Willis, William Henry Luce, Wesley N. Luce, Benjamin W. Norton, Lorenzo Watson, Samuel C. Rand, Peter W. Merry, Curtis Pinkham, Benjamin P. Look, Fred JetTers, and last but by no means least, James M. and A. Norton. Sheep : William H. Luce, Peter W. Merry, Melvin Viles, John C. Pratt, Benjamin W. Norton, and Lorenzo Watson. Horses and Colts: J. M. and A. Norton, Elias H. Yeaton, A. N. Good- ridge, Melvin Viles, Albert H. Huntoon, etc. On the whole the show was a decided success. Not until the fall of 1884 did the Industry Agricultural Society hold its second annual show and fair. On Saturday, Sept. 13, 1864, the members met at the school-house at West's Mills, and organized for the season by choosing Holmes H. Bailey, of Industry, president, and William C. Hatch, secretary. The society voted to award preferences, and effected a radical change by electing a board of five trustees and authorizing them to appoint the awarding committees and make all necessary arrangements for the coming show. These trustees were Col. Samuel W. Tinkham, of Anson; Joseph H. Sayer, Benjamin W. Norton, and P2ben S. Ladd, of Industry; George M. Hatch, of Farmington. Joseph Elder was elected marshal, and Rosal- vin Robbins collector and treasurer. The society's advertising EVENTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 403 bills this year (1884) contained the names of the awarding committees, and the exhibits were classed in three separate divisions, and these divisions were sub-divided into twenty classes. Tuesday, September 30th, the da}- set for the show, was very fine and the exhibition was pronounced a decided success. There were one hundred and seventeen entries of neat stock alone, while the other departments were equally well patronized. The next year the society retained its old board of officers with the exception of its president and one trustee, who asked to be excused, and these vacancies were filled by the election of John Willis as president, and Orrin \V. Greaton, of Stark, as trustee, vice Benjamin W. Norton, resigned. The third annual show and fair of the society occurred on Tuesday-, Oct. 13, 1885, and although rather late in the season, the weather was very favorable and all things considered it was the best show ever held by the society. Never was a better exhibit of fruit, vegetables and dairy products seen in Industry than graced the tables in Norton's Hall on that day. Among the most extensive exhibitors of fruit were Alvarez N. Good- ridge, who made a fine display of twenty-seven varieties of apples and ten of grapes, Thomas Stevens, with fourteen varieties, William W Campbell, Horatio A. B. Keyes, Lorenzo Watson, Charles W. Cookson, Herbert B. Luce, etc. The entries in the stock department were more numerous than on the previous year, and everything passed off in a pleasing and satisfactory manner. CELEBRATION AT WEST'S MILTS, JULV 4, 1881. Late Saturday afternoon, before the celebration on the fol- lowing Monday, news reached our village of the shooting of President Garfield, which, with the expectation that every hour would bring the sad intelligence of his death, caused the day to be one of sorrow rather than of joy. Eli N. Oliver was chosen president of the day, and Josiah Emery served as marshal. The Anson Cornet Band had been 404 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. engaged for the occasion, and at an early hour was on the ground. The stars and stripes were flung to the breeze, and at 9 o'clock A.M. the exercises commenced with a street-parade of the " Ancients and Honorables," led by the cornet band. This parade afforded the children considerable amusement, and some of the older ones opened their eyes in wonderment when, trudging along in the rear of the procession, came a queerly- dressed character on a pair of tall stilts. At 10.30 a procession of citizens, headed by the veterans of the late Civil War and led by the band, marched to the grove near James Oliver's. Here a stand for the speaker and officers of the day had been erected, and after an opening prayer by Rev. John W. Perry, Virgil L. Craig, of Farmington, delivered a very able address, which was listened to with marked attention. At one o'clock the great event of the day, the bal- loon ascension, was to take place. These balloons, two in number, made of tissue paper, were to be inflated with hot air. The larger one accidentally took fire in the process of inflation, and being of such light material was reduced to a mass of charred cinders in less than a moment's time. The second was successfully inflated, however, and sailed majestically away. It afterwards took fire and burned in the air. This was probably the first balloon ascension which had ever occurred in town, and without doubt its course was watched by a thousand persons who never saw a similar sight. The foot-race and other minor features of the programme were carried out to the satis- faction of all present. Not a single instance of intoxication was observed during the day, which was greatly to the credit of all concerned. The expenses of the occasion were defrayed by the citizens of our town, who contributed liberally for the purpose. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT WEST'S MILLS. It was seldom that an alarm of fire disturbed the quiet of the little village of West's Mills, but on one unfortunate even- ing, just as the villagers were retiring for the night, the church bell pealed out an alarm the meaning of which could not be EVENTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 405 mistaken. The account of the fire given below was prepared by the author and pubHshed in the Faniiinj^toii Herald soon after the occurrence of the event it portrays : At about 8.30 p. M. on the evening of Aug. 26, 1881, fire was discov- ered in the barn owned by John Willis. The alarm spread rapidly, as did also the fire, and in an incredibly short time the whole barn was a mass of flame. The house was connected with the barn by an ell, wood- house and sheep-shed, the upper part of the latter being filled with hay. Through these the fire swept with the speed of a race-horse, and com- municating with the main house that, too, in a short time was enveloped in flame. Mr. Willis's stable next shared the fate of the house and barn, quickly followed by the Union Church.* A perfect shower of burning shingles and cinders were rained down on the adjoining build- ings of Messrs. Eben S. Ladd, Alonzo Norton, and Rev. John VV. Perry; these, as it seemed impossible to save them from destruction, were cleared of their contents, and the furniture, etc., removed to a place of safety. At the same time a score of willing hands procured ladders and pails and commenced one of the most determined battles ever fought against the destroying element, and by their united and unre- mitting efforts further destruction was prevented. Mr. Willis loses heavily by the fire, but it is almost impossible to give anything like an accurate estimate of the amount. Among the property destroyed was his entire crop of hay and grain, three cows, thirty cords of wood, all their winter clothes and bedding, glass, china, silverware, etc. There was an insurance of Si 000 on the property, but this is a small fraction of the entire loss. There was no insurance on the church, and its destruction is a dead loss to the society. Extensive repairs had just been completed, which made it one of the most pleasant country churches to be found. In the fall of 1883 the town was visited by a bear, which committed many depredations among the farmers in the north- ern part of Industry, such as killing sheep and lambs and strip- ping apple-trees of their fruit. At length these acts of plunder became much too frequent to render sheep-raising profitable to * A somewhat singular circumstance occurred during the burning of this struc- ture : While the belfry was enveloped in flame and the crowd were expectantly watching to see the bell fall, the giving way of a burning timber caused it to lurch slightly to one side and give forth a low, distinct peal, thus toUing its own knell. 5' 4o6 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. some, and considerable excitement prevailed in the neighbor- hood where the losses occurred. Several women and children who were blackberrying on one occasion were nearly frightened out of their senses by Sir Bruin. At another time he was seen by Hosea W. Emery and Amos Stetson, Jr., in the very act of killing and devouring a nice fat lamb. Later in the fall it is believed that the animal went away, as nothing was seen or heard of him for several years. Early in the summer of 1888 Charles A. Eveleth, who had recently moved on to the John O. Racklifif farm, missed eleven sheep from his flock. A careful search brought to light seven pelts and one sheep badly maimed Those acquainted with the habits of that animal, pronounced it unmistakably the work of a bear or bears. Tracks of his bearship were occasionally seen during the summer in the soft mud near his most frequented haunts, but no one got a glimpse of the animal. On Friday morning, Nov. 1 1, 1888, Eugene L. and Fred W. Smith discovered his track in the newly-fallen snow near the base of Boardman Mountain. In company with their father, Joseph W. Smith, they followed the track until the darkness of night compelled them to desist. Once during the day bruin crossed the track of his pursuers in a manner that showed him to be not far in advance of them. The next day the same party followed him through New Vineyard to New Port- land and back to the place of starting in Industry. Relays of men and boys kept up the chase for nearly a week, and though sometimes seen in open land far ahead of his pursuers, no one got a shot at him, although reports reached town to the effect that he had been killed in Freeman by John Luce of that town. At length it became impossible to track him in the fast- disappearing snow, and the chase was reluctantly abandoned. RED SUNSETS. For many nights during the fall of 1883 a peculiar luminous appearance of the sky was noticed after sunset and before sun- rise in the morning. Through the day, and more especially in the afternoon, the sun seemed to be obscured by a thin veil of a dull leaden hue, which, as the sun receded towards the horizon. EVENTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 407 became more luminous ; first the color would be a pale yellow, then changing to orange and afterwards to a brilliant red, which graduall)- faded to a dull purple. This unusual phenomenon occasioned considerable solicitude and anxiety among the peo- ple of Industry as well as elsewhere, and various spectdations as to its origin were indulged in. Some claimed this luminous appearance to be only the ordinary sunset reflections, but this idea was refuted by the fact that they continued for a much longer time after sunset than such reflections were ever known to. Others claimed that this veil was composed of meteoric dust which reflected the rays of the sun, while a few held that the earth was passing through the tail of an immense unseen comet. The writer is not aware that .the question has ever been satisfactorily settled. As time passed on the occurrence grew less aad less frequent, and in the course of a few months ceased to be a topic of popular comment. THE GALE OF NOV. 12, 1 883. The following account of this gale was written by the author of this volume for the Franklin Journal, a local newspaper published at Farmington, Me., and appeared in the issue of Nov. 17, 1883: "We were visited on Monday last by one of the most terrific gales ever witnessed, even by our oldest citizens. Al- though no one in this locality sustained any personal injury, yet much damage was done to property by breaking of windows, blowing down fences, unroofing of barns, out-buildings, etc. The gale commenced early Monday morning, but did not attain its greatest violence until after sunset Monday evening. By nine o'clock in the evening the gale had attained the strength of a hurricane, and dwellings, never before affected by the wind, trembled and swayed in a frightful manner. Bricks were dis- lodged from substantially-built chimneys and fell upon the roof with great din, while the air seemed full of flying branches of trees, dirt and even small stones. Many, an.xious for the safety of their property, extended their vigils far into the small hours of the night, and even stock, carefully housed, seemed appre- hensive of danger. During the night a portion of the roof was 408 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. blown from Joseph H. Sayer's ' hundred-foot barn.' An Enghsh poplar was blown down on the Deacon Ira Emery place and another on the farm of Francis S. Rogers. A portion of Mr. Rogers's barn was also unroofed, as were likewise the barns of Ward Burns and Hiram Look. Three windows were demolished in the Esquire Peter West house at West's Mills. Joseph W. Smith's stable and house were damaged to the amount of twenty- five or thirty dollars. A shed connected with John Willis's sheep barn was moved from its foundation and otherwise badly damaged. At George W. Johnson's a large hay-rack was blown several rods, smashing a picket fence in its course, and much other damage was done on the premises. Probably within a radius of five miles from West's Mills the damage done would amount to more than a thousand dollars. At sunrise Tuesday morning the fury of the gale began to abate, and by sunset it was almost a dead calm." The predicted perihelion of the four great planets of the solar system, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, began to attract attention about 1872. At that time Dr. Knapp, who had studied the history of great epidemics, claimed that in every instance he had traced them to perihelia of these planets. The Science of Health, a New York health Journal, in its issue for April gives a summary of Dr. Knapp's theory without any comment or expression of opinion. Other publications took up the subject and spread these reports broadcast over the land. In many instances the matter was greatly exaggerated by a class of sensational writers, who reveled in whatever savored of the supernatural. One of these writers averred that these four planets had not been in perihelion since the beginning of the christian era. This the London Telegrapli subsequently claimed to be incorrect and stated that all four were in perihelion in 1708. Notwithstanding the calm, candid tone of this and a few other papers, many whose "bump of credulity" was largely developed accepted the statements of Dr. Knapp as gospel truth. As the time of perihelion drew near, a few were almost overcome with fear, believing the end of the world was at EVEXTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 409 hand. Tlie date which someone had set for the final winding up of all things terrestrial was Saturda}-, June 18, 1881. On that night not a few passed the time, or at least a portion of it, in anxious watching, and not until Sunday morning dawned did the}' breathe easily. The perihclial influences brought no epidemic or dire calamity upon the citizens of Industry, and now even the most timorous ones can look back and smile at their credulity. At its annual meeting, March 2, 1885, the town voted to purchase a poor-farm, and instructed a committee, then ap- pointed, consisting of Franklin W. Patterson, George W . John- son, and George Manter, to negotiate for some suitable set of buildings and land for that purpose. They failed, however, to appropriate any money for this purpose, consequently the measure was not carried out. The citizens residing in the vicinity of Goodridge's Corner met at the school-house on Saturday evening, Dec. 29, 1883, and organized a society for mutual improvement in public speaking and debate. This organization adopted the name of Industry Centre Literary Society, and held its meetings on Saturday evening of each -week. The officers elected on the organization of the society were : President, John T. Luce : Vice-President, Elmer O. Goodridge ; Secretary, Lucien VV. Goodridge. This society held regular meetings through the fall and winter months up to Jan. 6, 1888, when they abruptly ceased. During its existence the society held frequent debates and conducted all their proceedings in accordance with parlia- mentary rules. The practice here gained has already proved of great value to the members, and it is to be regretted that the organization could not have been sustained. THE ALLEN'S MILL.S UNION AGRICULTURAL .SOCIETY. One September evening in the fall of 1886, a number of the most enterprising farmers living in the vicinity of Allen's Mills met for the purpose of discussing the subject of organ- izing a local agricultural society, the object of which should be to hold an exhibition each season at some convenient place. 41 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. All seeming to favor the proposition, an organization was effected by choosing Horatio A. B. Keyes, Industry, president; John M. Craig, Farmington, ' vice-president, and Herbert B. Luce, Industry, secretary and treasurer. A board of five trustees, consisting of Newell P. Luce and Fred A. Allen, of Industry, Ira Blanchard and George B. Jennings, of Farmington, and John Smelledge, of New Sharoji, was also elected. The trustees decided to hold their first exhibition at Allen's Mills, on Saturday, Oct. 9, 1886. A good degree of interest was shown, and all preliminary work was seasonably and faithfully done. The day was all that one could desire, and the exhibits were numerous and of a superior quality. Through the able management of its efficient board of officers, the show was a most successful one and would have done credit to any locality. Fully 250 head of neat stock was on the ground, while other branches of stock husbandry were well represented. Judging from its first exhibition, the outlook for the Allen's Mills Union Agricultural Society is very promising. Exhibitions were held the two succeeding years with a good degree of success. But since the fall of 1888 no exhibition has been held by the society. For several days prior to Jan. 26, 1888, indications of an approaching storm had been observed and duly promulgated by the local weather prophets, and on Wednesday evening an immense halo surrounded the moon and its brightness was dimmed by a dense hazy atmosphere. Even at this time no one dreamed of the nearness of such an unparalleled storm. Early Thursday morning, Jan. 26, 1888, the storm set in with a strong breeze from the northeast. The snow fell so fast that by 1 1 o'clock A. M. the roads were rendered impassable, and the mail due at West's Mills on that hour failed to arrive. During the afternoon the wind increased to a gale, and the fast- falling snow was piled into huge drifts as it fell. The cold was intense, and the severity of the storm and huge drifts almost completely isolated even near neighbors in the villages. About midnight the storm ceased, the wind changed to the west and EVENTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 411 blew a piping gale all through the following day. At noon on Friday the thermometer indicated four degrees below zero. Saturday morning the wind ha\'ing abated, the services of every available man and boy were called into requisition to open the roads. Fully three days were required to open them in Industr)', and the expense was estimated at upward of $500. This storm was pronounced the worst for many years, and is generally known as "the great blizzard," and as such it will long be remembered.* The summer of 1889 will long be remembered for the unusual amount of its rainfall and the almost complete failure of the potato crop. The early summer had been characterized by frequent and copious rains. These continued with slight varia- tion all through the autumnal months. Near the close of July, a protracted period of warm, muggy weather occurred, and by the 4th of August the potato vines were as dead as if blighted by a severe frost. At that time but very few if any of the tubers had reached maturity, and this condition no doubt favored the rot which set in soon after the death of the tops. The quantity harvested was in many instances insufficient for the farmer's own use, and the tubers were for the most part small and immature, and when cooked, poor and soggy. IXDU.STRV'S NEW ^\. E. CHURCH. For a long time after the burning of the Union Church at West's Mills the energies of the people seemed paralyzed, and no effort was made to rebuild the burned structure. The house destroyed had been erected by the joint efforts of the several *This storm caused a general suspension of railway travel in Northern New England, and gave a good deal of trouble on the lines as far south as Pennsylvania. The most severe portion of the storm was confined to Western Maine, New Hamp- shire, Vermont, and Western Massachusetts. In Farmington Village, on liroadway and Main .Street drifts from four to si.\ feet deep JDlocked the store entrances and caused a suspension of all travel. All the incoming Maine Central trains were can- celed, and the first to arrive was at 2 o'clock 1'. >[., on .Saturday, followed f)y the regular passenger train seven hours later. Conductor Locke's mixed train was snowed in at Crowley's; Conductor Healey's train, Friday, was four hours on the road from Brunswick to Lewiston. 412 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. religious denominations existing in the vicinity. As time passed on some of these societies sustained heavy losses from deaths and removals until for many years previous to the fire none but the Methodist society held regular services there. This society was by no means a wealth}' one, though it had managed to sustain preaching regularly and keep out of debt. But ex- pensive repairs on the parsonage in 1878 and on the church just prior to the fire had proved a heavy tax on the purses of many, and left the society and people in poor circumstances to meet the exigencies of the present case. Late in the fall of 1882 a meeting of the original proprietors was called. At this meeting, after voting to rebuild, the propri- etors proceeded to perfect an organization by electing all neces- sary officers. Committees were chosen to revise the constitution and prepare plans for the proposed structure, for approval of the corporation. The second meeting of the proprietors was held at the West's Mills school-house on Tuesday evening, Nov. 28, 1882. At that meeting Benjamin W. Norton in behalf of the committee presented the revised constitution, which after a few additions and some alterations was adopted. The plan of a new house was presented by Eli N. Oliver, which seemed to meet the approval of all present. Agreeably to the resolutions of the meeting, a committee consisting of Franklin W. Patterson, James M. Norton, Rev. Luther P. French, Augustus H. Swift, Hovey Thomas, Calvin B. Fish, Warren Cornforth, George W. Johnson and Ariel T. Tinkham was chosen to solicit subscrip- tions. Notwithstanding the harmonious feelings existing among members of the organization, the new church failed to materialize. Time passed on, the Methodist society led a nomadic life, wor- shipping in school-house and halls. Ministers came, served their allotted pastorate and went away again. The urgent need of a church was a frequent topic of conversation and admitted by all, but here the matter ended. The Methodist Conference of Maine, at its annual session in the spring of 1887, sent Rev. John R. Masterman* to the Indus- *JnIiN RoiiERTSON Masiekman, through whose untiring labors West's Mills rebuilt its burned church, was born in Weld, Me., July 28, 1837, ^"'^ *^^ ^^ ^'"^ "^ ErENTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 413 try circuit. Elder Masterman was a gentleman of great cnerg)^ and rare executive ability. As soon as he was fairly established in his new home he directed his attention to the matter of a new church. Earl}' in August while in conversation with Richard Caswell, one of his parishioners, that gentleman remarked, " I will give seventy-five dollars toward erecting a church in this village." On the strength of this statement a subscription paper was drawn up and circulated, soliciting funds to build a free-seated Methodist church at West's Mills. Warren Cornforth, George W. Johnson and Franklin W Patterson followed Mr. Caswell's ex- ample and each subscribed a similar sum. The work of soliciting funds was vigorously prosecuted through the labors of Rev. John R. Masterman, assisted by Richard Caswell and others, and once started in the work of soliciting, the prospects of the enter- prise grew brighter and brighter every day, and substantial aid was frequently received from unexpected sources. First among these surprises was a gift to the society of a superb Wilcox & White cabinet-organ from TwitchcU, Champlin & Co., wholesale grocers, of Portland, Me. A little later a munificent cash pres- ent of $225 was received from Mr. and Mrs. Alanson C. Bruce, of Minneapolis, Minn. Ere long a sufficient sum had been secured to assure the success of the enterprise, and on the 29th day of October the Methodist Quarterly Conference which met at Stark, appointed Warren Cornforth, Samuel C. Rand, Ben- jamin H. Luce, Calvin B. Fish, George W. Johnson, James M. Norton and Franklin W Patterson a building committee to superintend the construction of the proposed structure. The first meeting of the committee was held at Norton's Hall on Saturday evening, Nov. 5, 1887, and was largely attended Ira and Susan D. (Robertson) Masterman. Early in life he entertained views wholly at variance with the Bible and Christianity, but was converted in 1854, at the age of 17 years, and joined the Christian Band. Was licensed to preach Sept. 14, 1856. lie joined the M. E. Church in the fall of 1858 and soon after was licensed to preach by that denomination. He was admitted to the Maine Conference in 1866, and since that time, with the exception of four years, has been in active itinerant service. Previous to coming to Industry circuit he had been largely instrumental in erecting a union church at Kingfield, and also built a Methodist house of worship while stationed on Belgrade circuit. 52 414 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. by interested citizens. The committee proceeded to organize by choosing James M. Norton, president, Frankh'n W. Patterson, secretary, Calvin B. Fish, treasurer, and Warren Cornforth, col- lector. The committee immediately closed contracts for the granite with Asa O. and Calvin B. Fish, and with George W Johnson for the necessary lumber. Hovey Thomas was engaged to put up and board the frame as soon as the lumber was ready in the spring. A lot for the new house had been previously selected and engaged of James Oliver, and Nov. 15, 1887, the society took a deed of the land and two days later the lot was surveyed and the boundaries established. The sills were cut and hewn before the snow fell in the fall, and many of the preliminary arrange- ments made. During the winter and spring many became dis- satisfied with the lot purchased of Mr. Oliver in consequence of the wet and heavy condition of the soil. At this juncture an ad- vantageous offer was made the society by Franklin W. Patterson, which was accepted by a unanimous vote of the subscribers to the building fund. On the 18th day of June, 1 888, the work of clearing the lot was begun, and on the following day a large party of men and boys broke ground for the cellar. Consider- able enthusiasm prevailed, and under the direction of Samuel C. Rand, who had been specially selected to take care of digging and stoning the cellar, work proceeded rapidly. In due time the cellar was completed, granite dressed, sills framed and in position, and by July 4th the walls were up and nearly boarded. At this point it was deemed expedient to suspend work until the hay crop had been harvested. Work was resumed at the earliest possible moment, and soon the roof was raised and covered. The committee then engaged Edward A. Maxim, of Madison, to build the tower and superintend the finishing of the outside. The committee were very fortunate in their selection of Mr. Maxim as master workman, and the beauty of the exterior is a credit to his skill and judgment. The outside was finished late in the fall of 1888, and finding their funds exhausted and not wishing to incur any indebted- ness, the committee deemed it advisable to suspend work until EVENTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 415 from some source the treasury should be replenished. At that time the interior was partially lathed and some other work had been done. Upon the dismissal of the workmen, Rev. John R. Masterman voluntarily took up the work and only ceased his labors when the interior was ready for the masons. Through the solicitations of the pastor, ably seconded by those of Rev. George C. Andrews, Presiding Elder, the Maine Methodist Conference, in the spring of 1889, voted the West's Mills society the benefit of its Church Aid fund for that year, from which source $180.79 was realized, and but for this opportune aid the work of finishing the church must have been greatly delayed. From the following churches a donation of five dollars or more was received : Auburn, §5.00 North Anson, $ 5.00 Augusta, 7-50 Portland, Chestnut Street Biddeford, S-oo Church, 12.00 Conway, N. H., 7-50 Portland, Congress Street Cumberland, 7.00 Church, 7.00 Farmington, 8.00 Skovvhegan, 6.50 Gardiner, 9.00 South Berwick, 6.00 Kittery, 5.00 Waterville, 15.00 Madison, 5.00 Wilton, 540 Mt. Vernon, 5.00 Woodfords, 5.00 Nearly contemporaneous with the starting of the subscription paper, the ladies of West's Mills and vicinity began looking about to see in what manner they could best aid in erecting the proposed new house of worship. As the result a Ladies' Circle was organized on Tuesday evening, Nov. 15, 1887, and the following officers elected : President, Miss Ellen A. Frederic ; Vice-President, Miss Eva L. Luce ; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. James M. Norton. A good degree of success attended the circle from the very first, and although the fees charged at their suppers and entertainments were merely nominal, a con- siderable sum was raised in this manner. From these funds was purchased and set up, at a cost of seventy-five dollars, one of the Doran Furnace Co.'s furnaces, known as the Siberian Heater. In addition to this, the circle rendered the building committee substantial and opportune aid in other directions. 41 6 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Franklin W. Patterson and Alonzo Sawtelle completed the chimney June 24th, and on the following day Cyrus A. Thomas & Sons, of Farmington, began plastering the walls. Early in August, Rev. John R. Masterman and Rufus Jennings began the work of finishing the interior. The completion of this work again found the society destitute of funds, and the interior yet to be painted. Here, as in previous emergencies, aid came from an unex- pected source. One pleasant morning, Mrs. John R. Master- man, wife of the pastor, started out with a subscription paper soliciting contributions to aid in painting. Her efforts were so successful that in a very short time sufficient money was obtained to pay for the paint and leave a small balance toward paying the painter. Robert Campbell, of Farmington, was employed to paint and grain the interior of the house, which he did in a skilful manner, and to the satisfaction of all concerned. The Methodist Society at Farmington, with characteristic generosity, presented the West's Mills church a number of pew-cushions taken from their church at the time it was burned in the fall of 1886. With a small amount of labor these were fitted to the pews by the ladies, and they proved no small addition to the comfort and beauty of the edifice. The house is 34x40 feet on the ground, with fifteen feet posts. The spire, which rises from the southwest corner, is fifty-nine feet tall, exclusive of weather-vane. The main entrance is in the south end, directly under the tower, and opens into an entry 8x10 feet; two doors lead from the entry, one to the audience room, 30x34 feet, the other on the right opens into the vestry, 10x22 feet ; this is connected with the main house by means of folding doors. At the eastern extremity of this room is a flight of winding stairs leading to a room over and of the same size as the vestry. This room has conveniences for setting up a stove, and can be used as a kitchen in event of a church festival, or to augment the seating capacity of the church, with which it is connected with two large windows that can be raised as occasion requires. With the exception of this room, the whole interior is grained in ash, effectively set off by the judicious use of walnut EVENTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 417 stain for prominent mouldings, etc. The faithful labors and untiring interest manifested by Chairman James M. Norton and other members of the building committee, also Rev. John R. Masterman, the family and friends of George VV. Johnson, Mrs. Warren Cornforth, and others, are worthy of all praise and to them, in no small measure, is due the success of the enterprise. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 1890, was the time set for the dedicatory services, and a more beautiful day could not have been had. The sky was cloudless and the sleighing excellent. Under such favorable circumstances, it does not seem so very strange that a large number were in attendance. Among the clergymen who were present and participated in the services were Rev. Wilber F. Berr)-, of Farmington ; Rev. Henry Crockett, of Kingfield, a former pastor ; Rev. George C. Andrews, Presiding Elder of the Augusta District, and Rev. John R. Masterman, the present pastor. Among the congregation, bowed down by the weight of his many years but still possessing a retentive memory, was Samuel Remick, of Stark, who sixty years before had attended the dedicatory services of the Union Church at West's Mills. Although on that occasion the house was packed to its utmost capacity, nearly all had gone over to " the silent majority." Of the remaining few, so far as the writer can learn, Mr. Remick was the only one present. Settees were brought from Norton's Hall and chairs from the neighboring houses, and by the hour appointed for the services the church was completely filled. The services, which began at 2 o'clock V. M., were both interesting and impressive. Much care and attention had been bestowed upon the details of the programme, and its general excellence was a credit to Rev. John R. Masterman, by whom it was prepared. I'ROGKAMMK. 1. hinging. Anthem: " Praise Ye the Lord." Choir. 2. Introductory Remarks. Rev. John R. Masterman. 3. Singing: "The Old Bell."* Choir. *The cast-steel bell saved from the old house was the only thing that could be utilized for the new. This hymn was arranged for the occasion by Elder Masterman and sung in commemoration of the fact. 41 8 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. Report of Building Committee. James M. Norton. Singing. Choir. Scripture Reading. Rev. George C. Andrews. Prayer. Rev. Henry Crockett. Reading of Discipline. Rev. Wilber F. Berry. Singing. Choir. Collection. Rev. George C. Andrews. Prayer and Sermon. Rev. George C. Andrews. Presentation of Church to Society for Dedication by Chairman of Board of Trustees. Franklin W. Patterson. Dedicatory Service. Revs. George C. Andrews and Wilber F. Berry. Dedicatory Prayer. Rev. W. F. Berry. Singing Doxology. Congregation. Benediction by the Pastor. Rev. John R. Masterman. James M. Norton, chairman of the building committee, reported as follows : Received on subscription paper dated Aug. 5, 1887, $992.60 Of Ladies' Circle, 131.88 Church Aid Fund, 180.79 Subscription for paint and painting, Mrs. Masterman, 31-00 From sale of the Union Meeting- House lot, 20.00 By sale of stove, 2.00 In labor and material from individuals, 96.78 From Harrison Daggett and Eugene L. Smith for vane,* 19.00 By letter method, 26.61 For land sold to Ellen A. Frederic, 25.00 Liabilities in excess of resources, 22.00 Total cost of house, §1547.66 Music for the occasion was furnished by a choir composed of the following persons, viz. : Miss Lilla Masterman, alto ; Mrs. John R. Masterman and Mrs. Alonzo Norton, soprano; Rufus Jennings, tenor, and Messrs. John R. Masterman and Harrison Daggett, bass, with Miss Carrie L. Norton, organist. * This vane was bought with funds raised by subscription, J. Warren Smith gen- erously donating five dollars. The vane was three feet in length, known as the ban- nerette style, and was placed on the spire on Monday, Nov. 5, 1888, by Melvin A. Burns, a painter who chanced to be stopping in the village. EVENTS FROM 1866 TO 1893. 419 Every detail of the programme was carried out successfully, and the dedicatory exercises were much enjoyed by all present. The sermon was pointed and practical and, taken as a whole, an eminently able discourse. The completion and opening of the new church for public worship at once gave a powerful impetus to church attendance, and the accruing good results on the morals of the community are hardly to be estimated. The spring of 1890 was noted for being one of the coldest and most backward in a long series of years. Added to this a protracted series of cold heavy rains prevented many farmers from completing their spring's work until near the middle of June, while a few were at work on their tillage as late as the twenty-first of June. Occasionally a piece of land would be found too wet to cultivate, and from this cause many acres lay idle through the succeeding summer. Even after the seed was in the ground germination proved to be a very slow process, and re-planting in some instances became necessary. A TERRIBLE TORNADO. Tuesday, July 8, 1890, was an unusually hot day. During a large part of the season the weather had been cool and agree- able, but on the day in question the mercury rose steadily until it ranged from 90 to 95 degrees in the shade, varying according to the locality. To add to the discomfort of sweltering human- ity scarcely a breath of air was stirring to relieve the awful intensity of the heat. During the afternoon dark and threaten- ing clouds were observed rising above the western horizon ; as this was no uncommon occurrence during the hottest days of summer no notice was taken of the matter. These huge masses of sullen clouds remained almost motionless in the western sky for several hours. Then, as if having gained motive power from their own inactivity, they began to rise, towering higher and higher in the heavens. On and on came the storm, the leaden black clouds rolling volume on volume, driven by some unper- ceived power. The sight was truly grand and appalling ! A wilight gloom settled over the land, and the little birds ceased 420 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. their singing and sought shelter from the coming storm. Driven by an irresistible wind, thick clouds of dust, mingled with leaves and branches of trees, and even small gravel stones, filled the air and added to the gloom which enshrouded the land. The rain now fell in torrents, while the roar of the wind, the inces- sant flashing of the lightning and the pealing thunder presented a scene of weird and striking grandeur. The tornado began at six o'clock P. M., and lasted about thirty minutes, but in that brief period many valuable shade, field and forest trees were uprooted, while others were seriously injured by having large branches twisted from their trunks. The roads in many places were rendered impassable, so thickly were they strewn with fallen trees. But aside from the demolition of a barn in the northern part of the town, owned by Thomas M. Oliver, build- ings in Industry escaped with slight injury. Other towns were less fortunate in this respect, and great damage was done to property, such as farm-buildings and fences, as well as to fruit and shade trees. The lattice-work railroad bridge, 150 feet long, across the Sandy River at Phillips, was lifted from its foundation and dashed to kindling wood by the gale. At. Winthrop, Me., the steeple was blown from the Methodist Church, and falling through the roof of a neighboring house, so injured an aged lady that she died soon after the accident. Had the surface of Maine been unbroken by hill or forest, this tornado must have reached the intensity of a western cyclone. A new disease made its appearance in the fall of 1889, and prevailed widely as an epidemic during the following winter, and also during the succeeding winters of 1891— 2.* This * The ravages of this disease in an adjoining State during the winter of 1S91-2 is vividly pictured in the subjoined editorial clipped from the Manchester ( X . 11.) Mirror : There is always a tendency to overestimate the extent and effects of a widespread epidemic, especially in a community that reads newspapers extensively, for the disposition to state things quite as strongly as the facts will warrant is not one in which newspaper reporters and editors are generally lacking, but we question whether the peojile of New Hampshire are aware how violent has been the sweep of the disease which, with its numerous attendant and resulting ailments, is known as the EVENTS FROM iS66 TO 1893. 421 disease was characterized by many of the symptoms of a severe attack of influenza. By some it was supposed to have had its origin in Siberia, hence was given the name '' Russian Influenza." La Grippe, the name by which the disease was most widely known, is said to have come from the Polish crypka, meaning hoarse. Others claim to recognize its origin in the French word " gripper," meaning to seize. It spreads with great ra- pidit}-, and in the epidemic just mentioned traveled from St. Petersburg to New York in about six weeks. Children enjoyed to a certain extent immunit}- from this disease. The invasion was usually sudden, accompanied by accelerated pulse, high fever, severe lumbar and muscular pains, with intense headache. Catarrhal s}'mptoms were usually prominent characteristics, though in some instances they were slight or entirely wanting. These attacks invariably left the patient weak and extremely susceptible to other diseases, especially to pneumonia. A large number died in Industry and adjoining towns, either from the disease itself or its sequelje during its prex'alence in 1 890-1-2. grip. More than half of the public men of the .Stale who desired to attend the funeral of Hon. Daniel Barnard at Franklin, Wednesday, were restricted to their homes on that day by sickness, and we think it is a fact that more than three-fourths of the entire population of the State has within the last two months been stricken down by this strange disease. A majority of them have recovered or are slowlv convalescing, but the death roll for Deceml:)er and January must be longer than that for any other two months for many years. The grip goes everywhere and seizes its victims from all classes. It is quite as prevalent anfl virulent in the country towns as in the cities. In one town it rages on the hills and in another in the valleys. It does as deadly work in the homes of the poor as in those of the rich and well to do. It does not distinguish between those who work in the open air and those who are closely confined in warm and poorly-ventilated rooms, and young and old are alike its subjects, though it is more fatal among the aged, because they have less strength tu withstand it. As a rule, when it enters a family it spares no member of it, and we hear of cases in almost every town in which all the occupants of a house are restricted to their beds. Physicians are everywhere worl'ted to the limit of their enrlurance and neither love nor money can command the services of nurses in many instances. The cause no one knows. The weather is as bad as bad can lie, but the grip rages where the weather is fine as fiercely as it does here, and of the cure, if cure there be, physicians seem to be nearly as ignorant as of the cause. In its every phase and from every point of view it is as mysterious as it is prostrating and fatal. 53 42 2 HISTORY OF INDUSTRY. SIIOREY CHAPEL. It was in the month of February, 1824, that Pelatiah Shorey came with his family from Berwick, Maine, to make his home in the town of Industry. Mr. Shorey was a native of Berwick, and the youngest of a family of ten children. He was of Eng- lish extraction on his father's side, while his mother was of Scottish descent. Both his father and grandfather were deacons of the Baptist church in their day, and his mother was an eminently pious woman and a constant, earnest student of the Bible. Pelatiah Shorey married, Feb. 23, 181 8, Sarah Fogg, daughter of Joseph and Phebe (Hayes) Fogg, of Berwick, a lady of sincere piety and sterling moral worth. On coming to Industry, Mr. Shorey's family consisted of a wife and two chil- dren, — Elizabeth, through whose generosity Shorey Chapel has been erected, and George, who now resides in Cambridge, Mass. The people of Industry found their newly-acquired towns- man and neighbor to be a man of strong, positive convictions, firm and unwavering in his defense of the principles of right and justice, a christian whose profession of faith adorned the walks of his daily life, and a man in every respect worthy of love and esteem. Mr. and Mrs. Shorey were the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood to lead useful christian lives, thus honoring the name of their revered parents and benefiting their fellowmen. Dec. 21, 1838, the family sustained an overwhelming and irreparable loss in the death of a kind, loving wife and mother. Two years later Mr. Shorey married Elizabeth Walbridge Lowe, with whom he lived happily for nearly a third of a century. She died in Industry, May 14, 1869, and in the month of September following, Mr. Shorey left town to make his home in Wayland, Mass., with his eldest daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Price. Here, impelled by the promptings of true filial affection, the daughter anticipated and ministered to his every want, thus making his last days as the flow of a peaceful river. Calmly, and apparently painlessl)', on the morning of March 18, 1880, his immortal spirit parted its tenement of clay and was wafted SHOREY CHAPEL. , photograph ma