THE HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BOWDOINHAM 1762 - 1912 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Cornell University Library F 29B78 A2 History of the town of Bowdoinham ,.1.762- olin 3 1924 028 809 832 Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028809832 SILAS ADAMS, Historian. THE HISTORY OF THE Town of Bowdoinham 1762-1912 BY SILAS^ADAMS OF WATERVILLE. MAINE FAIRFIELD, MAINE FAIEFIELD PUBLISHING COMPANY 1912 (:0UI\1I 1 I UNIVLKeii Y \ \ A l.-/!l;Y copyrighted 1912 by Silas Adams, Wateevillb, Maine. PREFACE The author modestly presents this book to the public and ded- icate it to the memory of those dead; and to the living, who generously contributed much toward the history of Bowdoinham and made this volume possible; in recording her early settle- ment; her struggles in the wilderness, and in poverty; her rise and steady growth; her development into full manhood as the seventeenth town organized in our state; her mercantile inter- ests on the seas; and her loyalty to Country in the wars for Liberty. First, in the birth of a new nation and second, for the preservation of this country as handed down to us today. It has been a labor of love to record her history whether of pros- perity or adversity, that the new generations may become familiar with her past. In 1884, the author of this volume received an invitation from the editor of the Bowdoinham Advertiser, a paper just estab- lished, to write something for its columns to help along the new undertaking. So a series of articles on our town's history were prepared and printed which proved to be not only interesting subject to the writer, who became intensely interested in her history as it was unfolded by a long and persistent search among the old records and authorities, but we believe an inter- esting and instructive matter to the readers in opening up and bringing to light a story of their own fireside. The greatest help received in this undertaking was from the old people at that time, many of whom had been identified with the early settle- ments or were at the farthest not over two generations from the earliest settler, who first built his log hut in the wilds of her boundary,- — persons who clearly understood the facts there gave valuable information, much of which had either come under their personal observation or by tradition directly from the actors. The ages of my informers were from sixty to one hundred and three years, the latter being Mrs. Small living on the Post Road, she being of that age in 1884. With a won- derfully clear mind she gave with perfect accuracy a concise record of the first settlers on that road. The number of people at that time interviewed were fifty, and the information gained from them in relation to the town's history was most valuable, and above all, authentic, and they received my most sincere thanks. As to the authors I have liberally copied from, I am 4 PREFACE compelled to make an apology for not giving credit in this volume. When the sketches were written in 1884, I had not thought of putting them into book form and deemed it inexpe- dient to make any references and now it is impracticable to do so. From the History of Brunswick and Topsham, by the "Wheeler Brothers," I have copied much and wish to give that work full credit. Why I consulted and copied from this work so largely was that Cathance Neck to the Bridge at the Depot was Topsham for many years but finally became a permanent fixture to Bowdoinham. A large part of our early history came to pass on that neck of land. The History of Gardiner assisted much, as that contained much belonging to Bowdoin- ham, (now Richmond). The old Pejepscot Records, in the archives of the Historical Society, contain a fund of valuable information, which gave much that was essential to this work. Another consideration which should be taken into account is, that the only records of the town matters in existence from 1762 — (when the town was organized — ^to 1820 when the Dis- trict of Maine was set off from Massachusetts) were written in the sketches by the author in 1884, the original town records having been consumed in the fire which destroyed Capt. Andrew Curtis' house in June, 1900; so if any part of the town records are ever preserved it needs to be done immediately from these sketches as only two copies of those papers published in 1884 are in existence. Delays mean a complete loss of everything pertaining to our town history. So the importance of this mat- ter was not only one of concern to the author personally, but to the people of Bowdoinham who should take great pride in pre- serving their records. This book may appear wanting in sketches of the life of early settlers who became prominent in our town's history. Having decided at this late day to put in book form, it became very evident that it was too late to attempt anything of the kind. It is with much pleasure that this book appears to the reader on the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the organization of our town, in the District of Maine, in the Province of Massachu- setts. Since the task of compiling this work began many per- sons have taken especial interest in collecting material for the book, thereby greatly assisting in the almost hopeless task of the author, and for such good service they have our most sincere thanks. The author wishes to acknowledge with many thanks the liberal appropriation made by the Town of Bowdoinham, to assist in the publication of her history. CONTENTS CHAPTER I. PAGE The Early Settlement — Land Disputes between Rival Co.'s — Fort Richmond 9 CHAPTER II. Building of Mills in Town— Organization of Town — First Town Meetings — Attempt to Set Off Cathance Point from Bowdoinham — Town Furnish Preachers 29 CHAPTER III. Organization and Names of the Different Churches in Town 47 CHAPTER IV. Voting Places Previous to 1800 — Laying out and Building Roads — Legal Documents and Transfers about 1810 — Specimen Account of those Days 66 CHAPTER V. Lists of Buildings and their Uses at Cathance Landing about 1810 — Settlement and Road Building 87 CHAPTER VI. History of the Schools in Bowdoinham 97 CHAPTER VII Vessels Built in Bowdoinham from 1768 to the Present Time 110 CHAPTER VIII. Religious Character of the People of Bowdoinham 122 6 CONTENTS CHAPTER IX. PAGE The Revolutionary War Period 127 CHAPTER X. The War of 1812 to 1815 142 CHAPTER XI. Qualification of Voters — Separation of the State from Mas- sachusetts — Doctors — Prom the Early Settlement to the Present Time 152 CHAPTER XII. Officials of the Town from the Organization to the Present — Eminent Men — Postmasters — Custom and Habits of the People 159 CHAPTER XIII. The Civil War of 1861 to 1865 179 CHAPTER XIV. How Richmond was Settled and Improved — Christopher Lawson's Purchase — Fort Richmond, Its Location and Purpose — A Battle with the Indians near the Ferry — Capt. Sam'l Goodwin relieved a Beleaguered Garrison — The Beginning of a Famous School System — Solid Citi- zens Gave the Town a Good Send-off — Hard Times and High Prices — The Increase in Population — A Healthy Child That Bowdoinham Should Be Proud of 209 CHAPTER XV Population and Growth of the Town — Destructive Fire in the Village in 1902 218 CHAPTER XVI. The Weston Family — Molasses Creek — Organization of State Militia in 1828 — Business Men of the Village in 1850 — Blacksmiths in Bowdoinham — Represenatives to the Legislature 225 CONTENTS 7 CHAPTER XVII. PAGE Hotels — Telegraphs — Ice Business — Old Cemeteries — Rail- roads — Village Bank — Bequests to the Town — New High School Building 240 CHAPTER XVIII History of the Diiferent Secret Societies in Bowdoinham. . 259 CHAPTER XIX The One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Organi- zation of the Town — Conclusions 276 ILLUSTRATIONS. Map of Cathance Neck, 1759 24-25 Map of Cathance Village 86-87 Map of Location of Early Settlers 286-287 Map of Methodist Church at Hall's 46-47 Map of Road from Harward's Corner 72-73 Map of Town, 1795 94-95 Silas Adams Frontispiece J. L. Brown 266-267 S. W. Carr 90-91 D. G. Cornish 162-163 Esther Graves 194-195 J. Madison Kendall 30-31 Colonel Josiah Merrow 148-149 John Raymond 164-165 L. D. Small 160-161 William White 158-159 Baptist Church 46-47 Fort Richmond 24-25 Grange Hall 262-263 High School Building 254-255 Main Street, Bowdoinham, Before the Fire 220-221 Masonic Hall 258-259 Methodist Church 54-55 Ridge Church 60-61 Stinson House 240-241 Soldiers' Monument 206-207 The Gray Homestead 88-89 Universalist Church 64-65 History of Bowdoinham CHAPTER I. THE EARLY SETTLEMENT— LAND DISPUTES BE- TWEEN RIVAL COMPANIES— FORT RICHMOND. The history of Bowdoinham, like most of the earlier settled towns on the borders of our state, is to a great extent a sealed book and so far as the early writings are concerned, is the most interesting epoch of our history. The means of sending down to posterity a history of their trials and privations were extremely limited and the art and facilities for keeping records in a wil- derness so sparingly settled were very meagre. There were no roads for the exchange of intercourse, only that afforded by rivers and streams, as a highway of migration from one scanty settlement to another. The early pioneers settled along the rivers, and in such localities as would afford the better protection from the treacherous and revengeful Indian. In preparing the early sketches most of the conclu- sions were drawn from tradition. Tradition is, many times, very questionable authority when allied to superstition especially in connection with our habits, customs and belief. But in this connection it trends in a wholly different and safer channel, and cannot be considered an element in the proposition. Most of the matter of tradition comes to us from old people who heard it from the actors themselves, or at the farthest 10 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM two generations, and the mind and intellect, of those men and women were brilliant and clear: as well as from many authentic sources in history. The plantation of Bowdoinham received her name from Dr. Peter Bowdoin, a Protestant, who fled from France after the revocation of the edict of Nantes in 1685, and settled in Boston and afterwards purchased that tract of land which now bears his name. This was the Richard Wharton claim, known as the Pejep- scot Patent. The later named claim extended from the Kennebec River to Lewiston Falls, then northeast to the Kennebec River. After Wharton's death, in 1714, it was sold for one hundred pounds, and laid out in town- ships. The Bowdoin purchase followed and the tract received its name. Doctor Peter Bowdoin must not be confounded with James Bowdoin, Jr., of Massachu- setts, son of the Governor, the founder of Bowdoin College, who honored the town of Bowdoin with his name. Doctor Peter was from France and Governor Bowdoin was from England, and a very singular coincident it is that the adjoining town bears the same name. Abbott, the historian, gives the name of the owner of this town as Doctor Peter Bowdoin but the Maine Register gives it as William Bowdoin. The opinion of the later authority is however generally accepted as it is given by other authorities. Governor Sullivan of Massachusetts, says there were eighty-four families besides fishermen, about Merrymeeting Bay, Sheep- scot, Pemaquid and St. George in 1630, and it would be very reasonable to presume that this settlement on Merrymeeting Bay, or in our early history known as New Somerset Lake, from the general attractiveness of the country, level and inviting soil, would be the most accessible place to settle; the other vicinities about the bay are rocky and barren in comparison with that presented on the north side of the lake. If there were a few inhabitants in the vicinity of the bay HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 11 they must have been eradicated by the Indians, as nothing has been left to show of their long existence or any permanent settlement till about the year 1725 or 1730. It is very difficult to arrive at any positive conclusion as to who was the first actual settler who remained up- on the land and became a permanent resident in the limits of the town of Bowdoinham. Very many settlements were made in different parts of the town, but none made a permanent stay. The Indians were very aggressive, and gave the earlier settlers much trouble and they were obliged many times to flee for their lives, and others were massacred leaving no record of their temporary stay or hasty going out. The great cause of the trouble with the In- dians was the unjust treatment of them by the early English settlers. They took the land without con- sulting the Indian, — so the red man retaliated. We find a very early settlement at Fort Richmond in 1656 by Alex. Thwait but made no extended stay. In 1720, Thos. McFadden settled near Bluff head, but was driv- en off and his home destroyed. Deeds and transfers were made of Abagadasset Point in 1719 but no actual settlement. Again in 1714 a settlement was made by Alex. Brown at Reed's Point and remained there a short time. Evidently there was a settlement and a short stay by Capt. John Gyles in 1720 on the George Sampson estate. Positive proofs of even an earlier settlement on same estate by Thos. Gyles as early as 1669 were found but none became permanent. Thos. Purchase settled on Pleasant Point in 1625 and re- mained but a short time. Fort Richmond. The site of Richmond Fort was not far from the margin of the river on ground twelve or fifteen feet above the water, from which the land gradually as- 12 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM cends. In 1820 there were thereabout a hamlet of fifteen or twenty houses, a few stores and two or three wharves.* The English had seized many peaceful Indians, who were guilty of no crime and held them as hostage for good behavior of the tribes. On the 13th of June 1721, two parties of Indians, the one from the Andros- cogin and the other from the Kennebec met at Merry- meeting Bay. There were twenty canoes in all, con- taining sixty men. By way of reprisal they seized nine families.! Trouble was again stirred up in 1744 by the en- croachment of the English upon the Indian treaties. Governor Shirley with several commissioners met a number of the Sagamores at Ft. Richmond. There is something pitable in the tone of the chief speaker on this occasion, he said, "There is a river that belongs to us, you have lately a new garrison here. We now only ask that you be contented to go no farther up the river than this fort. We live whoUy by this land and live but poorly. The Penobscot Indians hunt on one side and the Canadian Indians on the other. There- fore do not turn us off this. We are willing that you should hold possession of all the land from this fort downward to the sea." The Governor exhibited a deed signed by the Indian chief in proof that the English had purchased the land. Ongewasgone replied and without doubt very truth- fully: "I am an old man and yet I never heard any of my ancestors say that these lands were sold. We do not think these deeds are false but we apprehend that you got the Indians drunk and so took advantage of them when you bought the lands." The Chief closed by appealing to the Governor to give orders to Capt. Lithcrow not to let anyone of his young men have any more rum than one quart in two days. * Williamson, Vol. II, page 98. t Abbott's History of Maine, page 300. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 13 Of course the English decided in their own favor. This conference took place at Fort Richmond in 1744. So it appears that some of the momentus events pertain- ing to the settlement of the Kennebec Valley -took place in the limit of our town. Undoubtedly much of the Indian troubles are due directly to the unfair treatment of the Indian on the part of the English officials who were overzealous to obtain the land, even by dishonor- able transaction with an ignorant and uncultivated man of the forests and their only remedy was in retaliation. Land transfers and sales were numerous and with- out specific boundaries. They purchased an unknown wilderness that had not been trod by a white man, or even surveyed, and the most of them were merely land grabbers, their only ob- ject being to accumulate wealth by the way of specula- tion. April 10, 1684, Richard Calicut of Boston, Merchant, deeded to Thomas and Samuel Holman land as follows, viz : "From the place where Alexander Thwait's dwell- ing house stood (on Thwait's Point, site of Fort Rich- mond) down the Kennebec river to the lower part of a point of land called Abagadasset Point, taking in the whole of said point, and from said point to run in a straight line into the main land four miles inward from the aforsaid river, and also from the place where the dwelling house stood, to run in a straight line four miles into the main land from the river and to run from said river four miles into the land from every part of said river," etc. In 1714, Alexander Brown was settled on the East side of the mouth of the Cathance River opposite Ful- ton's Point, probably on what is now called Jellerson's or Reed's Point. December 10, 1717, John Holaman quitclaims to John Wentworth, et als. Swan Island and all the land con- veyed to his father from Thwait's Point to Abagadasset Point, because of superior title, etc. 14 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM January 20, 1719, Oliver Noyes of Boston deeds to John Penhallow a certain tract of land situate and being in the County of York in New England being called in the front Abagadasset Point or Point Agree- able, bounded southerly and easterly by Merrymeeting Bay, westerly on a course 11 deg. E. by land of David Jeffries 888 rods, in the rear on a course of 11 deg. S. 314 rods, making up 1000 acres, etc., etc. Considera- tion ten pounds. December 3rd, 1719, Benj. Allen deeded to Benj. Snow, his heirs and assigns forever, certain lands sit- uate, lying and being at a place commonly called Ken- nebec in Eastern country, at or near a place commonly called Abagadasset Point, that is to say, one-half of all that tract of land that I bought of Thomas Linkhorn (Lincoln) and Kachel Linkhorn, his wife, whether upon the main at Abagadasset Point aforesaid, or up- on Swan Island near unto the said tract, etc. March 28, 1752, Jabez Fox and wife Ann, together with Nicholas Hodges and Joshua Freeman, for and in consideration of the sum of pounds 133-6-8 conveyed to Jas. Bowdoin 1-48 part of a tract of land situate and lying in the Eastern part of the Province of Maine and lying on each side of the Kennebec River, and is thus described, "All that tract of land or part of New Eng- land in America aforesaith which lieth in or between and extendeth itself from the utmost limits of Cobbos- contee, alias Comasconte, which adjoineth to the river Kennebec towards the Western Ocean, and a place cal- led the Falls of Nequamike in America aforesaid and the space of fifteen miles on each side of the river com- monly called Kennebeck River," etc., etc. May 10, 1754, John, Elizabeth, Mary, Katherine, Eli- zabeth and Mary Walley convey 1-210 part of the same lands, also 1-210 part of the same on both sides of the river Kennebec from Cushenoc upwards to Warra- rumslet bought, etc. to James Bowdoin. In a letter from Belcher Noyes in October, 1762, to HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 15 some unknown person, he says, "The Plymouth Com- pany have at the last session of the General Court got a tract of land without inhabitants incorporated into a township by the name of Bowdoinham, etc. This takes off a small part of Topsham and a few families on Cathance Point, etc." — Wheeler's History. And when settlers took up lands to make a perma- nent stay they little knew who the owner was or to whom to look for a title, or how soon other land own- ers might call upon them to pay or leave. The location of Bowdoinham was such, as to induce people, who wanted to found a home, to settle in her border. In coming up the Kennebec River the settler would find nothing very attractive as a farming country from the mouth of the river till they reached Merrymeeting Bay. The land was rocky and of an uninviting character, unsuited to their use. The east side of the Bay even, does not present the facilities for farming, as the north and west holds out to the new comer, with its undulat- ing surface and light soil to make lighter their hard- ships in getting a living in this new country. Of the many who came and located under these con- ditions, the most of them returned to safer and more thickly settled regions. The prospects were too severe even for these hardy pioneers under then existing con- ditions to remain. Even the agents of the big land owners knew but little of the interior of these pur- chases, their knowledge of the country was largely from the water frontage. In 1713 there were only nine towns incorporated in the limits of this state, and all of these were upon the sea coast in York and Cumberland Counties. Among the early inducements to settle in Bowdoinham was one offered in 1636, by Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Richard Edgecomb, of eight thousand acres of land near New Somerset Lake in Bowdoinham, but there seems to have been a lack of zeal on the part of the movers of these projects and it came to naught. 16 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Alexander Thwait purchased land of the Indians and lived at Fort Richmond before 1656, then he removed to Bath for a few years but returned in 1665. "Thwait's Point was the site of the old Fort Richmond on the west side of the Kennebec River, opposite the head of Swan Island, Vol. 5, 2nd series Me. Hist. Col., page 129." It is recorded that during the first Indian war, nine families living on the north shore of Merry- meeting Bay were destroyed or made captive by the Indians previously referred to. Remains of orchards planted before this date have been mentioned by later inhabitants. Previous to 1652, the territory of Maine was known as Yorkshire, when Massachusetts, accord- ing to the charter of 1691, assumed control over the district which extended over the whole state and re- mained so until 1760, when Cumberland and Lincoln Counties were taken off. Abagadasset or Point Agreeable was named after the Indian Sachem, — whose home was upon the Point — who showed a remarkable taste in the selection, for the beauty of the situation, it being surrounded by water, and accessible to all parts of his tribe. The former name of this Point was Nagusset (Pejep- scot papers) ; at a later date Point Agreeable, after- wards Abagadasset, meaning "to shine," probably re- ferring to the reilection of light from the water of the bay. (Coast survey 1868.) We find many versions as to the origin of the name given to this Point. One, that of the name of an Indian Chief who lived there, and another by a tradition of a white man by the name of Abby, killing an Indian by the name of Dassy and the combining of the two names made the word Abagadasset. One thing that is true about this point of land is that it bore the name long before 1762, as the name is men- tioned in the town charter of that date as a boundary line of the town. Some claim that the name given to the Point came to it as late as 1780 or 1790, and that HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 17 the tragedy took place at this later date, but this could not be so, as it appears in documents prior to 1750. A settlement was made a little south of Bluff Head (Center's Point) about 1720, by Thos. McFadden of Georgetown, who brought his family and cattle. The Indians planned a raid on his home and, chancing to be warned, he took his family in boats and started across the lake, and soon after leaving the shore the savages appeared, applied the torch and he saw his buildings burned. He went to the block house, some authorities say at Chop's Point, others say Georgetown, now Arrowsic as Georgetown included Bath, Woolwich and Arrowsic. The writer is of the opinion that the block house referred to was at Chop's Point. A party of twelve men returned at night while they were roast- ing McFadden's cow, stealthily crept up and gave the Indians a volley of buckshot, killing many. The next day they observed the Indians ferrying their dead across the bay to their burying ground, on what is now Captain Robert Jack's Point. This is another illustration of the unjust manner of taking the land without buying or consulting the owner. Better results could have been reached by a compromise with the Indians as history of other localities have proven, of a lasting peace between the whites and the aborigines. Even an Indian loves honorable treat- ment. In order to understand more clearly the names and object of the two companies that figure so conspicuous- ly in our history, a little explanation may be necessary. The Plymouth Company, or more properly called the "New Plymouth Co.," bought a tract of land. "All the tract of land or part of New England in America which lies between Cobossecontee, now Gardiner, which adjoineth the Kennebec toward the western ocean, and a place called the falls of Neguamkike, and a space of fifteen miles on each side of the Kennebec." It will be perceived that these boundaries were very indefinite. 18 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM The southern boundry of this company was finally settled on the north lines of the town of Woolwich. But the disposition to get more territory, was soon developed to reach south toward the Cathance River. But they found an enemy on the south, who was as anxious to grab land as themselves. The acquisition came about by a purchase by Richard Wharton, a mer- chant of Boston, Mass., of land of several Sagamore Chiefs and he contended that it included all the land between the two rivers, thence dovni the Kennebec to Small Point. And from the indefinite boundaries and descriptions, disputes, law suits and even Legislature contests arose, and raged for many years. Pejepscot Papers. Deed of the two companies, jointly of land to John and William Patten and others confirmed by James Bowdoin north of the south line of Bowdoinham, Vol. I, Page 240. "Line between Bowdoinham and Topsham beginning at Brick Island in Merrymeeting Bay, and running west, northwest to west line of said companies reputed to be fifteen miles from Kennebec River. This was given by Belcher & Noyes empowered. Page 232, Vol. I, to James Bowdoin and Benj. Hallowell." The attention of the colony at York being directed to the Kennebec, these early pioneers were soon fol- lowed by others, and the settlements soon extended farther up the point also up the west side of the Abaga- dasset River; and when the town organized, in 1762, nearly all the people lived in this vicinity. We will now extend our sketches to the early settle- ments upon the western side of Merrymeeting Bay and upon a point of land mostly surrounded by the Cathance River, earliest known as Cathance Neck. Cathance or the Indian name, Kat-hah-nis, was used by them to mean bent or crooked river. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 19 The Indian name for Merrymeeting Bay was Quavocook, meaning "The duck water place," in some ancient deeds as "Swan Pond" (from Pejepscot pa- pers), also (Dr. True) ; but the English name by tra- dition and the one, most probable, "Merrymeeting," had its origin in the meeting of the waters of the five rivers ; still another tradition says that the name is due to two surveying parties meeting in the Bay, and the enjoyment and merry meeting upon the shore. In many old deeds and boundaries it was quite generally known as New Somerset Lake previous to the adoption of the present name. Center's Point was early known as Somerset Point, and the "History of Topsham" says Moffit's Point. No authority for the latter name can be found either from tradition or records. In a deed from Sir Ferdinand Gorges to Sir Richard Edgecomb, 1637, it was there called Somerset Point, but no tradition that we have consulted ever knew of such a name, even the son of the first settler living upon the Point in 1884 was never aware of it. Sometimes the name was spelt Samoset. The Pejepscot record states that what is now known as "Center's Point" had been known to that company for forty years as "Somerset Point," this was in 1768. So to go back it was known by that name in 1728. It bore that name till about 1802, when it was permanently settled by Samuel Center and since that time the latter name became fixed to that Point. At that time there were no traces of previous occupa- tion with the exception of an old cellar below the Ray- mond estate a little south of Bluff Head. In this old cellar was a pine tree a foot in diameter. This may be inferred to have been the home of the McFadden family previously referred to. In this connection, there was a claim of Lord and Edgecomb to 8000 acres, unsettled. The company sold this Edgecomb claim September, 1767. "The claim in- cluded all the Point of land lying between the north 20 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Branch of the Cathance River, and the Abagadasset River and runs from north Branch of Cathance River 356 chains, or 1424 rods, on a course northerly, and from the head of a creek in said Abagadasset River, on the same course 329 chains, or 1316 rods." ("Paper marked 15. Pejepscot records.") This measurement would be from where the north branch of Cathance River joins the Cathance at the village, run- ning in a northerly direction, four and one-half miles, and the easterly measurement began at a creek, north of Center Point running northerly about four miles, or about what was afterwards the town north line. Reed's Point was originally settled by Alexander Brown in 1714, and evidently remained so but a short time, when Mr. Abram Whittemore settled there and kept a store, his trade being exclusively with the Indi- ans who never disturbed him. He lived there in 1800, at the time of the settlement of Somerset Point. The early pioneers found the west side of the bay an in- viting locality to make pleasant homes, the land being good and the water privileges very fine. We shall be obliged to refer to the original proprie- torship and boundaries claimed by early land pro- prietors in order that later pages may become more intelligible. Early records established the fact that Captain Gyles and Watkins settled on Cathance Neck about 1720, near the George Sampson estate, and we have reason to believe that other pre-existing and tem- porary settlements were at the same date, and met with the same fate. During the Lovewell war, in 1725, all the settlers were killed or driven out by the Indians in this vicinity which so discouraged all immigration that none was tempted until 1735, when they came in good numbers and made permanent stay, the Indians becoming too weak by continual war and severe de- feats for any further aggression upon the settlers. history of bowdoinham 21 Settlement of Capt. John Gyles, 1720. On July 30, 1720, Capt. John Gyles received a title from the Pejepscot proprietors of the first lot of land, (Pleasant Point) on conditions, "that he would build a suitable dwelling within three years; also 515 acres of land on Cathance Neck, now Bowdoinham." Gyles did not comply with the conditions, "for in 1714, the old title of Thomas Gyles of 1669, and in consideration of five shillings to us paid by John Gyles and Brethren, bearing date and in a consideration of a quit claim for land at Topsham, signed by John Gyles and Breth- ren bearing date of 1727, transferred to Gyles a point of land containing sixty acres in Topsham, bounded south by Lot No. 1, and northerly by Merrymeeting Bay, westerly by mouth of Muddy River. Also an- other tract, lying westerly of the former, bounded southerly by Lot No. 1, westerly by Cathance River; northerly by land belonging to us, and easterly by Mer- rymeeting Bay and entrance to Muddy River contain- ing 515 acres." The former tract was on the south side of Cathance River, and on the east side of Muddy Riv- er. The second tract was on the west side of the same rivers. The Plymouth Company granted a patent to the New Plymouth or Kennebec Company, and this latter com- pany we are interested in as Bowdoinham was in- cluded in the transfer. This new company granted a patent to Thomas Purchase in 1632, of land in the vicin- ity of the Androscoggin River, but he had previously settled there in 1628. This grant of land was at "Shel- drake's Point," better known as "Pleasant Point." On July 6, 1683, Richard Wharton of Boston, came in possession of, and held this Thomas Purchase tract imtil his death in 1697. A Worumbo Chief gave a deed to this Wharton, land formerly conveyed to, and possessed by Thomas Purchase, but the enterprise came to naught. In 1714, eight men of the Pejepscot Com- 22 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM pany bought of the Wharton administrators land bounded on the west by the Lewiston Falls, thence running in a northeasterly direction to the Kennebec River, thence down the Kennebec to the sea, thence from Lewiston Falls to Maquoit Bay in Brunswick, in that direction. This boundary, one will see, included Bowdoinham in the limits, by this southern or Pejepscot Company. The Plymouth or northern company protested against this over-reaching of territory, as the latter company claimed their bouudary to be the south line of this town. On this controversy the legal battle was fought, not only in the courts, but in the General Court of Mas- sachusetts. As the Pejepscot Company claimed to the north end of Swan Island and five miles back, they laid out lots in sections one mile wide, beginning at the Abagadasset Point and north of Cathance River: Lots Numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, lay on the Kennebec River, west side, and north of dividing line between Topsham and Bowdoinham. The following named men were purchasers of the above numbered lots in 1714: Lot No. 4 was taken by Thomas Hutchinson ; Lot No. 5 was taken by Oliver Noyes ; Lot No. 6 was taken by John Black ; Lot No. 7 was taken by Davis & Jeff eries ; Lot No. 8 was taken by John Watts. The southern boundary of the town will next interest us, and the manner in which a long contested controv- ersy was ended. Older inhabitants have often heard of an old established line running from Brick Island in Merrymeeting Bay, to Lewiston Falls. Bowdoinham became disputed territory between two large land com- panies known as the Plymouth Company upon the north, and the Pejepscot Company on the south, both claiming the plantation of Bowdoinham. The General Court of Massachusetts passed a resolu- tion that some towns be laid out in the eastern county, and the Pejepscot owners requested the court to lay out HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 23 townships in their purchase, to encourage people to settle on them, and this the court did. They claimed the tract from Lewiston Falls to Gardiner south line; and the Plymouth Company claimed to Pejepscot Falls. The controversy hinged upon the "Worumbo deed," as to which falls were intended in that instrument, — the Pejepscot, Worumbo, or Lewiston Falls. The Pe- jepscot Company claimed the latter falls; the Ply- mouth, the Pejepscot Falls, as their southern boundary. This controversy was not settled till 1758, when a line was drawn from the mouth of Cathance River, or more particularly the west end of Brick Island in Merry- meeting Bay, running west, northwest to Lewiston Falls. This settlement, however, proved unsatisfact- ory, and in June, 1766, the contending parties fixed up- on the southern line of Bowdoinham as the line between the companies ; and in 1787, the Legislature of Massa- chusetts passed a resolution that the falls at Lewiston be considered as the falls intended in the deed, but the matter was not permanently settled until 1814. The line of 1758, has been recognized as the true line be- tween the contending parties. After the settlement in 1758, the Kennebec (or Plymouth) Company, holding the title to a large tract north of Merrymeeting Bay, sold the land in sections, one mile wide on the Kennebec River, and five miles back. The first lot was sold to Benjamin Hallowell in 1760, from the Abagadasset Point, northerly one mile ; Lot No. 2, to Samuel Good- win ; Lot No. 3, to Capt. Francis Whitmore and Stone ; Lot No. 4, to Wm. Bowdoin ; Lot No. 5, to Jeffries and and Flagg; Lot No. 6, to Thomas Hancock, in 1760; Lot No. 7, to Chas. Apthorp, in 1756; Lot No. 8, to Jas. Pitts, in 1756 ; Lot No. 9, to Jas. Bowdoin, in 1760 ; Lot No. 10, to Wm. Bowdoin; Lot No. 11, to Thos. Han- cock ; the latter tract was in the southern part of Gard- iner. Here at this date, we find new proprietors hold- ing territory that had been settled for thirty years, who supposed they owned their places; or, at least 24 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM never expected to be molested in the homes they had worked so hard to build. Contentions now arose as to prior rights ; and nearly all who had previously settled on what was now the company's land — ^being squatters, having occupied the land without title — were in most cases compelled to buy their homes of the company, or leave the land. Most of them paid the company, while others refused, and were obliged to vacate or rent their farms. This piece of land bordering on the Cathance River and mostly surrounded by it, was known as Cathance Neck, or Point. From the Lilly farm along the river were the following settlers: Gowen Fulton's farm south of George Sampson's ; Wm. Patten on the George Sampson estate ; Capt. Jameson on John Hall's ; Samuel Jameson on Capt. John Fulton's; Robert Fulton on Capt. Reed's and Capt. Robert Patten on Capt. Bard- well Patten's. By the courtesy of Mr. George Samp- son, the author was shown a very fine map of Cathance Neck, showing the lines, and giving the names of set- tlers. This is a most valuable relic, and is of intrinsic value, it having been drawn in 1759. A copy appears in this book. It appears from records and traditions, that this small colony was settled at one time, between 1750 and 1755, their farms, especially those on the north, running across the Neck. Tradition informs -us that a family by the name of Gyles — previously re- ferred to — settled near the river on the Lilly farm at a very early date, and were all murdered by the Indi- ans, except one boy, whom they carried into captivity and kept several years. They finally released him, and he afterwards lived at Pejepscot Falls and was em- ployed as an interpreter. Whether this be true or not, the old cellar is visible now, and speaks of something ancient for itself ; and early settlers cut a poplar tree, nearly twenty inches through, which stood in the old cellar. One Watkin settled upon the George Sampson estate at about the same time, 1669, that Thomas ySi*. ^^^<*-' f^. 1^J^. ttz:^- '-— i ~ -- r^t ^^I^ ft-X-vrt, CATHANCE NECK. lj B n a o a o K « O HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 25 Gyles settled in the vicinity. That cellar is also to be seen now, and it is presumed that Watkins was either murdered or driven off by the Indians, as was the prob- able fate of Gyles. On the west side of the Abagadas- set River, the land was generally taken up about 1749 or 1750, by settlers from old York ; and many names at that day are familiar to us now. Some of these are Elenathan Raymond, who settled at Harvey Camp- bell's ; Nath Jellerson, at Jas. Allen's ; Robert Sedgley, at George Weymouth's; Andrew Tibbetts, at Everett Williams'; James Buker, at Amasa Williams'; Jo- seph Sedgley, at N. H. Williams'; Richard Temple, at J. M. Cromwell's ; George Thomas, at Dr. Elliott es- tate, and Zacheus Reals, at Capt. Joseph Hall estate. Many of their names appear upon the town records as officials of the town. While on the Kennebec, Zethro Hatch made the first permanent settlement near M. H. Powers' shore where Norton's ice houses stood, also Elihu Getchell at Hill's ; Capt. Whitmore on Benjamin Whitmore's estate; Western on the Western estate ; Harward, on the farm now bearing that name; Sandford on Thompson place; but the dates of the settlements on this latter river, are presumed to be about the same as those on the Abagadasset. Fort Richmond (which was built in 1719) was in the limit of Bowdoinham, one-half a mile above Rich- mond village, on the west bank of the river. Bowdoin- ham then extended from the Merrymeeting Bay to the Gardiner line, and Richmond was then known as the Plantation of Richmond, but belonged to Bowdoinham. This fort was built as a better protection for the set- tlers against the Indian depredations, but more partic- ularly to deter them, and keep them quiet. In reality, the fort acted in an opposite direction — that of a men- ace against their territory, and as evidence of further encroachment. This produced more Indian wars and raids in this vicinity, and the early settlers suffered 26 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM more bitterly by its threatening appearance. It was dismantled in 1754, the material being taken to build Fort Frankfort at the mouth of Eastern River. From old York the first pioneers came to this town and made a permanent stay — three men, by the name of Preble ; one of them, Abraham Preble, whose name is most prominent in our town records, after its organization. For many years, Abraham Preble, the first settler, was town clerk, and many times selectman, and from the old records, this man seemed to have been the leading spirit in all good work. Religious worship was held in his house for years, — for the old English laws exacted the town to support religious meetings. Many town meetings were held in his house, and when schools were founded, one-half of the time they were held there. Thus throughout his life, his home was open to the public good. His house was built upon the Leonard Preble estate near Birch Point, and the relic of the cel- lar is at this late day plainly to be seen several rods from the shore upon the flats, — showing the rapidity with which the sandy bank is washed away by the action of the water. The frame of the house was white oak, built with a shed roof, about the year 1725 or 1730, and when the present house on that farm was built, this old house on Birch Point was hauled and attached as an L for many years, and was later taken down to make room for the present one. The other Preble by the name of Jonathan located on the west side of the Bay on the George Center estate, now occupied by John Welch. The next house of which there is a positive record, was built by Judge Western's father in 1738. The Judge once visited the Point, and the old homestead, and gave that information. When Mr. John Brown came to Abagadasset Point in 1812, there were four houses in that vicinity. He settled there, and came in possession of the Western house, and occupied it until HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 27 1852, when he took it down to build a more convenient one. In the years 1738 and 1739 Samuel Adams settled in Bowdoinham, on the west bank of the Abagadasset between Cromwell's and Pratt's. His eldest son born there, was taken prisoner by the French while fishing on the banks and incarcerated in prison at Quebec, The father, learning of this, enlisted in the colonial army, and took part in the battle of Quebec on the "Plains of Abraham." After the city surrended in 1759 he found the son, and came home with him. The son later re- sided in Philadelphia. When we consider that there were only eighty-four families about the Kennebec river and eastward in 1713, we can safely conclude that about 1725 or 1730 was the earliest date of the first permanent settlement in the limits of our town. The Preble family formerly settled in old York from England, but have no date. As this family name fig- ures in a very conspicuous manner in our town's histo- ry, it would be proper so that we may get a better esti- mate of their character, that a further sketch of them be written. They were men of sterling worth ; making homes in the unsettled wilderness ; moulding the unor- ganized families into society, bringing order out of chaos, leading in all public movements toward the orga- nization of this town, and setting it in running order, holding offices of trust for many years, not only to their own honor, but to that of the town. One of the de- scendants, Jonathan, settled in Arrowsic, Maine, in 1720. He married and had a family of four boys and one girl. The names of the boys were Abraham, Jona- than, Zebulon and Ebeneezer. The latter settled in Woolwich about one mile north of Sagadahoc ferry, near the east bank of the Kennebec River. During the French and Indian war, he and his wife were mur- dered (June 1758) by the Indians, when he was at work in his field, his children captured and carried 28 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM by the savages to Canada. After peace had been re- stored the children were found and brought back. The other three sons settled in Bowdoinham. Abraham settled on the southwest part of Abagadasset Point, on land now occupied by Myrick Heath. Jonathan settled on the George Center farm now occupied by John Welch west side of Merrymeeting Bay. The third brother Zebulon, settled on the east side of Abagadasset Point, known as the Harvey Preble farm. The Preble families have been very numerous in this town and have filled a large place in her history. The son of Abraham Preble settled on what is now known as the town farm near the shore. This was Abraham Preble, Jr. His son "Abraham" settled on the Elder Cone place on the road leading from Bowdoinham village, to the southern part of Bowdoin, or the Borough Road, a little east of the town line. The fourth generation "Abraham" lived north of the village near the angle of the road, the south one going to the Borough, the other to Bowdoin Center. This history of the family is according to the latter's statement, and was written in 1827. As far as can be learned the last male descend- ant of the Abraham Preble family — ^the town's first set- tler — ^has passed away. No record of the Jonathan Preble family can be found. Zebulon Preble has many descendants now living in this town. Other families like the Preble family, who were once very numerous and prominent in the town, have been nearly or completely obliterated. The Adams, Buker, Sedgley, Beals, Hatch, Getchell and many other names familiar in our history, and very numerous in their day, now a scanty remnant is left. CHAPTER II. BUILDING OF MILLS IN TOWN— ORGANIZATION OF TOWN— FIRST TOWN MEETING— ATTEMPT TO SET OFF CATHANCE POINT FROM BOWDOINHAM— TOWN FURNISHED PREACHING. These early settlers had to begin life in this new country with nothing except courage, even if they had money, they could buy nothing as no one had anything to sell, and it took time to produce merchandise for a market. When people settle in a new country, one of the first necessities for their permanent stay is a mill for sawing lumber and grinding grain. Mills for the manufacture of lumber have been a very potent factor in developing the interests and industries of the town. The business enterprise introduced was that of sawing logs and shipping the lumber from the primeval forests. In cutting off they not only cleared the land, ready for farming, but shipped to localities where there was a demand, which gave them a small income. They were obliged to build mills, not always in the most convenient places for the people to get to, but in the most accessible places where they could get a fall of water, so they were compelled to go from their set- tlements for that purpose. The first evidence of any business of that kind is near the south line of the Gapt. Hiram Stinson estate, where a dam was built across the Abagadasset River, and doubtless built a tide mill. This dam is two-thirds of a mile below the head of tide-water. If a mill was ever built, the oldest inhabitants in 1884 never knew or heard of it, by record or tradition. Still the dam is there now, in fairly good condition, built of stone and earth, by a white man, but when it cannot be learned 29 30 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM with any certainty. As this was in Capt. Whitmore's tract, from Wm. Maxwell's south line to Stinson's north line, one mile wide, it might have been begun by Capt. Whitmore, and built; there being no flood tide it proved a failure and was removed. But one was built above at the head of tide water by Elihu Getchell, who did have a mill at the latter place. We find by records of 1763, that there was a bridge in this vicinity, and it might be a fair conjecture that this dam was used as a bridge for pedestrians, and perhaps horses, as they travelled long journeys in those days on horse- back. This was called Whitmore's Bridge. The first grist mill was built by the proprietor of section No. 1, by the name of Hallowell at the mill privilege on West Branch which was last owned by Capt. R. W. Denham. This mill was there at the orga- nization of the town, as a saw and grist mill. At a later date a man by the nome of Lithgow owned the mills. Avery Hulett had a grist mill on the stream west of the above named stream. This water power of Hallowell's passed into the hands of Abial Cobb, then to "Wilson and Spear," and then to Merrow and Fisher, finally to James and R. W. Denham, who sawed lumber many years and took the mill down in 1857. In 1808, Hatherly Randall had a grist mill near his house on the Post Road. The steam mill at the village was built in 1837, by a stock company, who operated the mill till 1843; the property proving a losing investment, they suspended the business. Gen. Joseph Berry, of Georgetown, bought the property at this time, and put it upon a good paying basis, and carried on a large business for many years, both in sawing lumber, and shipping by coasters. The mill had three up and down saws, till about 1848, when a gang-saw was added in the western end of the mill. The mill faced toward the railroad, the two slips running so near the railroad, that it was diflficult to get logs in to the foot of the slips at low J. MADISON KENDALL. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 31 water. Wm. Berry, son of the General of Georgetown, was the manager. They had a store north of the rail- road, and William Whitmore had charge of it for many years. Berry failed in 1857, and about two years after the mill was demolished and the machinery was car- ried to Bath. The present mill was built by Cobb in 1866, and since that time it has been operated by sev- eral different firms. The Berry firm of Gardiner got control of the property in 1874, and operated it till 1882 when T. W. Fogg Company bought and ran the business till 1906, when the property was transferred to the Lawrence Brothers of South Gardiner, who continue to manage it to the present time. The facilities for sawing lumber was of the best, and a large amount was sawed daily by the introduction of modern machin- ery. The lumber was shipped by railroad and vessels to markets. The grist mill now owned by the Kendalls was originally the old Patten barn, converted into a mill by Macomber, Kendall and Butterfield about 1859, who built the dam agreeably to an act of the Legisla- ture. Butterfield soon sold out, and Macomber and Kendall carried on the business. They never made a success of the enterprise, and Macomber sold it to to J. M. Kendall in 1870; since that time the concern have made extensive repairs and additions, and carry on a large and lucrative business. They have also built up a large trade in fertilizers, and are steadily increasing the amount manufactured. A new and novel water wheel was invented and put in operation in the river by J. M. Kendall, who was a wheelwright and authority on saw mills. This wheel was put in operation in 1860, and has been in continual service ever since and has sufficient power to drive the im- mense plant for the "Fertilizer Company." The saw mill at the head of the tide waters of the Abagadasset River was built in 1856 by Winfield Allen and Harvey Campbell. It operated an up and down saw, and one shingle machine, and later an iron grist 32 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM mill. They bought one-half of the water power, the other half was owned by McFadden, who operated a grist mill on his half, but later the McFadden part was bought by Allen & Campbell. Allen did not remain long in the firm and sold to Campbell. About 1864, Dinsmore & Maxwell bought it out and conducted the business a number of years, when Maxwell sold to Dinsmore who continues the business to the present time. Captain Francis Whitmore, an original settler upon the Kennebec built a mill for sawing lumber, before any settlement was made upon the Ridge. This mill was on the main stream, east of Mr. Thomas Whitmore's house, and was washed away. The second mill was built in 1810, by John, Samuel, William and Benjamin Whitmore, and was burned down in 1822. John, Sam- uel and William settled upon the southern part of Bow- doinham Ridge in 1793, and afterwards, built this mill. It was these men's grandfather, Captain Frances Whit- more, who bought lot No. 3 in 1760, one mile upon the Kennebec River and five miles back to the Bowdoin line, and it was upon that section that the three brothers settled, one upon the Philena Whitmore estate, the sec- ond near Alexander's, the third near Captain George L. Whitmore's. The Carding Machine Mill. This mill was built by Springer and Kidder about 1800. In 1821, Mr. Ira Brooks, a weaver from Mass- achusetts, bought Kidder's one-half interest. Previous to this date, this mill was run as a flour and grain mill also carding and cloth finishing. After Mr. Brooks purchased a one-half interest in the mill they carried on the carding and cloth finishing business as before. It was for coloring and dressing home made cloth a dye house being connected with their works. About this time the flour business began to decline, and they nee- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 33 essarily dropped that branch of the industry, but the grinding of grain continued for several years. The other half of the mill was soon bought by Mr. Brooks, who continued in the finishing work, till the passing of the home made cloth. From 1845 to 1858, the grinding of grains was resumed and carried on, and a shingle machine was added and they were run till about 1880. The property is owned by George Libby, who demolish- ed the mill, converting the lumber into a barn, while the shafting and pulleys were installed in the Holbrook and Williams saw mill near the bay, where it continues to serve the public in the manufacture of lumber. The mill was four stories in height. The wheel that turned the machinery was an overshot, with buckets on the out circle to hold the water brought by a spout from the dam. So the old mill of nearly a century ago has passed out of existence, and those who once knew the old structure and the spot so romantic, so secluded, are reminded of the wonderful change in one's own recollections which are sometimes very painful. Williams and Holbrook Mill. This mill was built in 1882 by Amasa C. Williams and William W. Brown. It was a small affair and used only as a shingle and threshing mill. In 1884 Charles S. Holbrook bought out Mr. Brown, then the mill was enlarged, and a larger engine and boiler were put in, also a rotary saw, lathe machine, planer and matcher and they are the present owners and still doing a good business. Four or five men have steady employment, sometimes more. The condition of the people in plantations during the early settlements was emblematical of the negro pre- vious to the rebellion; they possessed no rights that another individual or commuinty was bound to re- spect. These people were without any form of muni- cipal government ; they possessed no power to enforce 34 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM order, and it was difficult to get or to award justice; they had no power to assess taxes for the support of schools, or the building of roads; but were compelled to submit, without any voice, to obnoxious taxations from the county, and from big land proprietors, all this without receiving adequate compensation. It was for these reasons that the people of this town made application for organization. We should not conceive the idea that they were incentive to this action as a formula to set the municipal machinery in action to secure a more perfect system of order, but to bring order out of disorder, and security out of chaos. The people petitioned the General Court of Massachusetts for an act to incorporate them into a town, this being the initiative step to simplify the undertaking. Appli- cation was made for this petition to the Secretary of State of Massachusetts, and his answer was that the petition could not be found among the archives of the State. It would have been a prize to have obtained the coveted document, which would have given so much light as to the names of the signers and the number of inhabitants at that time. From such statistics as can be gathered from notes recorded some twenty years after, on four occasions, and from facts of their holding meetings for worship, also town meetings, in private houses — ^and their houses were small — the voters of the town could not have been more than twenty-five, and it is doubtful if there were even that number; but a recently found record states Bowdoinham to have had in 1764, 220 white people, one negro and thirty-eight houses. The town at this time extended from Merrymeeting Bay and Cathance River on the south, to Gardiner on the north, extending from the Kennebec River on the east and westward five miles. From what can be gathered from the town records the next year after incorporation and later, it confirms the statement of about two-score voters. In one sense, the town after HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 35 its organization might be termed a paradise, as there were offices enough for every man and no one could feel offended unless it was because he was elected to the responsible office of hogreef, instead of that of selectman. The people lived upon Abagadasset Point, skirting the shores, upon the western side of Abaga- dasset river and bay, and along the Cathance river. The settlements were wholly along the shores of these rivers, and none more than one-fourth of a mile distance from them. They had no roads, no schools, no churches, no means of intercourse except nature's highway — the rivers — and had no other settlements except those too distant to render any relief or assist- ance. They possessed but a few cattle and no pastur- age, and horses were uncommon and little required. Their farming tools were of the crudest form ; no mon- ey in circulation with which to buy, trade being done almost wholly by barter. Their requirements were simple and their means were extremely limited, and at this day, with all the modern conveniences at hand, the destitute condition of that day, cannot be conceived. It is much more impossible to put ourselves back one hundred and fifty years, and try the rougher and stern- er realities of an early settler's life. We now introduce the Act of Incorporation, which gave these people an organization : — ANNO REGNI REGIS GEORGII TERTII SECUNDO. An Act for incorporating a certain tract of land in the county of Lincoln into a township by the name of Bowdoinham. Whereas the inhabitants of a certain tract of land lying on the west side of Kennebec River, in the county of Lincoln, are desirous of enjoying the privileges that will arise to them by being incorporated into a town, Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and House of Representatives, that the tract of land aforesaid butted and bounded as follows, viz: — beginning upon Kenne- bec River on the northerly line of a lot of land contain- ing thirty-two hundred acres being lot Number Four, 36 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM granted by the Proprietors of the Kennebec Puchase from the late Colony of New Plymouth, to William Bowdoin, Esq. The line aforesaid being about four miles above or to the Northward of a Point of Land called Abagadasset Point, which makes the most Northerly part of Merrymeeting Bay in said River and where said Bay begins on that side ; from thence viz, — from the River aforesaid where said Line strikes it, to run a West Northwest Course upon the Northerly Line of the Lot aforesaid five miles ; and from the end of said five miles to run a South Southwest Course 'til it shall strike a line running from the southwesterly end of Brick Island a west-north-west course into the land (this line being the southerly line of a tract of land granted by the proprietors aforesaid to James Bowdoin, Esq. ) and from thence running an east-south- east course upon the last mentioned line to the south- westerly end of the island aforesaid, which lies in Mer- rymeeting Bay, and contains about ten acres more or less ; and from thence, running (including said island) to Abagadasset Point aforesaid, and from thence up the river aforesaid to the line first mentioned, be and hereby is erected into a township by the name of Bowdoinham. And that the inhabitants thereof be and hereby are invested with all the Powers, Privileges and Immuni- ties which the Inhabitants of the Towns within this Province respectively do or by law ought to enjoy. And be it further enacted. That William Lithgow, Esqr. be and hereby is empowered to issue his warrant directed to some principal Inhabitant in said Town- ship qualified by law to vote in Town Affairs to meet at such time and place as shall be therein set forth, to choose all such officers as shall be necessary to manage the affairs of said Township. September 14th, 1762 — This Bill having been read three several times in the House of Representatives, Passed to be enacted, Timo. Ruggles, Speaker. September 18th, 1762.— This Bill having been read three several times in Council, Passed to be enacted, A. Oliver, Secretary. September 18th, 1762. — By the Governor. I consent to the enacting this Bill, — Fra Berward. The boundaries of the town to many became some- what uncertain. The northern boundary was, by the HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 37 Act, four miles up the Kennebec River from the south- ern part of Abagadasset Point, to the north line of William Bowdoin's tract of land, which as you have learned by a former statement was No. 4, and each tract was one mile wide. These bounds would not car- ry the northern limit so far north as the northern line is at present, by two miles, still the town limits were nearly six miles from the above named Point. And further, that which became the town of Richmond, be- longed to this town as a plantation, and afterwards as a part of the town; their people voted here, and did military duty in the old militia companies. A subsequent Act extended the boundary to Gardiner line, as the records show that this town established roads in that vicinity, such as the County road from Richmond village to Richmond corner, and the Parks road organizing a school district near the Gardiner line, and doing many other acts pertaining to that section. The boundary, at any rate, must have been rectified af- ter the town was organized, as the town extends farth- er north than in 1762, when incorporated. There is every reason to believe that there was a mistake in the act; instead of reading four miles it should have read ten miles, as William Bowdoin had a second tract fur- ther north, No. 10, the north line of which was Gardi- ner's south line. The southern boundary of the town now became another source of vexation between the Pejepscot and the Plymouth companies. Mr. Noyes, secretary of the former company, complained that: "The Plymouth company has, at the last session of our General Court, got a tract of land without inhabitants, incorporated into a township by the name of Bowdoinham, the bounds of which are enclosed. This takes a small part of Topsham and a few families on Cathance Point, and by this means they have crowded themselves on us contrary to their agreement. This was perfected before I knew anything of it. The people of Topsham 38 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM are uneasy that their township is not laid out." The Pejepscot company and the people of Topsham still claimed Cathance Neck as their possessions. They were out-generaled, and their secretary was finding fault with their former agreement of two years previous. It has been implied that a subsequent Act must have been passed by the General Court, annexing the plan- tation of Richmond to Bowdoinham. The following is a copy of the Act : State of Massachusetts Bay. In ye year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine. An Act for incorporating the plan- tation called Gardinerston, in the county of Lincoln, into a town of the name of Pittston, and for annexing certain lands in the said county to the town of Bow- doinham. Extract: "And whereas, it is expedient that certain lots of land on the west side of the said Kennebec River, which were understood to be within the said plantation of Gardiner town, should, until the further order of General Court, be annexed to and in- corporated with the town of Bowdoinham in the county of Lincoln aforesaid. Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the said lots of land lying between the north line of said Bowdoinham, and the north line of lot numbered ten aforesaid, being numbered five, six, seven, eight, nine and ten respectively, and each being about one mile wide, running west northwest five miles back from said Kennebec River, shall be and hereby are annexed to, and incorporated with the town of Bowdoinham aforesaid, and made a part thereof; and the Inhabitants of the same in conjunction with the other Inhabitants of said Town are hereby vested with all town Privileges, whatsoever agreeable to an Act of the General Court, passed in the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty-two, for incorporating the Town of Bowdoinham aforesaid. Provided nevertheless and be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the said lots shall be and hereby are subjected to pay their rateable and proportionable part of all taxes, which have been hereto according to law laid on the said Plantation of Gardinerston and remaining un- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 39 paid ; and also of any further Tax which have been laid on the said plantation (including said lots) and assessed thereon before a new and general valuation of Estates, throughout this State shall take place; and before such valuation the said lots shall not be subject to pay any part of any taxes on the Town of Bowdoin- ham aforesaid. In the House of Representatives, Feb. 4, 1779. This Bill having been read three several times, passed to be enacted. John Pickering, Speaker. In Council, Feb. 4th, 1779. This Bill having had two several readings, passed to be enacted. John Avery, D'y Sec'y. Consented to by the major part of the Council. This gave an acquisition to the town, of six miles from north to south and five miles from the Kennebec westward, making the area ten miles on the Kennebec River and five miles wide. Richmond at that time had very few inhabitants, and was a vast wilderness. Bowdoinham became the eighteenth town in the orga- nization, within the limit of the State, so it ranks among the very earliest in the State's history, there being something over four hundred towns at the pre- sent time in her limits. The statement is frequently made that the town of Bowdoin once fontned a part of Bowdoinham as the plantation of "West Bowdoinham," and if that were so, our town was well surrounded by satelites, both upon the west and north. But the au- thority for the statement cannot be found, but on the contrary, authority which tends to show that she was never considered anywise connected with it, by any legal title. The Plymouth company sold in 1756 rights only five miles back from the Kennebec River; the Act of Incorporation only extended back from the Kenne- bec the same distance, and the town records make no mention of that territory being a part of this town, either by building roads or establishing schools. It is found that they exercised authority over that district 40 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM in the matter of collecting taxes. In 1785 the town voted Stephen Whitmore, Constable and Collector of Taxes on the east side of the Cathance River, and Abial Cobb in West Bowdoinham and in Fairfield and at the same meeting mention was made relative to Abial Cobb having eighteen pence per pound, for col- lecting in the woods, doubtless meaning West Bowdoin- ham and Fairfield; also in 1788 voted that Zebulon Preble be Constable to collect taxes in the limits of the town, and James Sampson a Constable, to collect taxes in the adjacent annexes. This seems to convey the idea that our town exercised an authority over her boundary, thinking perhaps, a decree had gone out to tax the whole world, and the straggling settlement in Bowdoin belonged to her jurisdiction. Where Fair- field was is not known. It might have been some par- ticular section more remote, west of the Branch River, or it might have meant that section now comprising the west part of Richmond, this town, assuming the same right to tax and exercise authority over Bowdoin, that Brunswick claimed to hold over the people of Topsham previous to her incorporation. If the people of this town exercised that prerogative, simply because they were without any organization, then that terri- tory might properly have been termed "Plantation of West Bowdoinham," but it is doubted if ever by any legal title. The General Court of Massachusetts may have put that unorganized territory under the juris- diction of Bowdoinham, but never annexed it to the town as a part of the organization. It will be observed in the act to incorporate, that William Lithgow, Esq., was empowered to issue his warrant to some of the principal inhabitants, to notify them to meet and elect such officers as may be deemed necessary to manage the affairs of said town. Captain Lithgow was of Irish de- scent, and a man of stern qualities. In early life he was a gunsmith and employed by the Government at some of the eastern forts. He was in command of Fort HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 41 Richmond for a time, when he was transferred to Fort Halifax, and had then been in the employ of the Gov- ernment about twenty years. After the French and Indian war. Captain Lithgow continued at Fort Halifax for some years, engaged in trade with the Indians and became possessed of con- siderable money. Just before the Revolution, he moved to Georgetown, then Phippsburg, where he pur- chased a farm and erected a house, where he dwelt the remainder of his days. For many years, he was a magistrate, and at the organization of Lincoln County, he was a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas with Henry Hinkley and John North; and in 1775 he was commissioned Judge of the same court under the Rev- olutionary Government. Captain Lithgow was also a Justice of the Peace, holding a commission, from the King of England, his home being in Phippsburg op- posite Fiddler's Reach, a short distance below Bath, on what more recently was known as the Morse estate. Captain Lithgow was buried there, and since that time his grave has been ruthlessly plowed over and no trace of its location is now known. This man was very prominent as a leader in the Indian wars and after- ward as captain in the Revolution. His warrant was directed to Abraham Preble, bearing the date of Feb- ruary 2, 1763, warning the inhabitants to meet at the house of Joshua Bickford. At this meeting they chose Capt. Francis Whitmore, Moderator ; Abraham Preble, Zaccheus Beals and Joshua Bickford, Selectmen and Assessors; and Agreen Crabtree, Constable and Col- lector. This was all that was done at the first town meeting. On the 14th day of March, only one month later, they held another town meeting and elected a full board of town officers. This warrant was issued by the Selectmen given under their hand and seal the fifth day of February, 1763, and in the third year of his Majestie's Reign. The full board is given as a speci- men, and perhaps we may find offices that long ago 42 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM became obsolete, but recently re-established, falling again into those early Puritan ideas, on which we have so often looked as a past relic of folly, limiting people's opinion to bigotry. Moderator, Abraham Preble; Town Clerk, Richard Temple; Selectmen, Abraham Preble, Joshua Bickford, and David Wilson; Town Treasurer, Abraham Preble ; Constable, David Puring- ton; Surveyors of Highways, Robert Sedgley and Joshua Bickford; Wardens, Agreen Crabtree and Nathaniel Jellerson; Tythingmen, Dennis Getchell and Thomas Springer; Field Drivers and Fence Viewers, Job Jellerson and Sam Getchell. In all future meet- ings they elected men as Hog-reefs, doubtless a very essential office at that time when porkers ran at large. In future meetings other names appear, which are to- day familiar to the people, such as Harwards, Whit- more, Webber, Thomas, Raymond, Wilson, Patten, Fulton, Adams, and Sampson. The town became fully organized to transact any legitimate business to promote its internal improve- ment, and they had a monstrous task upon their hands to raise sufficient means for her needs. The town was now running in order, but aU was not fair weather even in this small corporation, for John and William Patten on Cathance Neck petitioned the General Court of Massachusetts that they and other inhabitants on said Neck be set off from Bowdoinham and annexed to the town of Topsham, the latter town having been incorporated two years after Bowdoinham. In May 1765, the town voted that Abraham Preble, John McKeeine and Richard Temple be a committee to answer before the General Court against the petition- ers. It appears that the scheme was defeated for the time being, and this town held her territory. That troublesome south line now made itself conspicuous again in 1766, and the two towns agreed to have it run out, and they did so, and the following is the return of selectmen and surveyors of the two towns : — HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 43 "Bowdoinham, July 3rd, 1766. This day Abraham Preble, John McKeeine, and John Patten, selectmen of Bowdoinham, meet with Capt. Adam Hunter and James Henry, selectmen of Topsham, who being lawfully notified thereto by the selectmen of Bowdoin, run or perambulated ye line between ye towns of Bowdoinham and Topsham as ye law directs. When the above mentioned line was run, there was present with the Selectmen aforesaid-men- tioned, a surveyor from each town to wit, — John Mc- Keeine, from Bowdoinham, and John Merrill from Topsham. They began ye line at the waters edge at a small gully to ye northward of the line between Mr. Gowing Fulton and William Patten's near the north side of which, about two poles from the water's edge, stood the stump of a black cherry tree, with some green sprouts growing out of it, at ye roots which was then laid several stones, and running from thence a west north-west course as far as they thought the town of Bowdoinham would extend that way, which line went to ye southward of William Patten's house, about one pole, which line is ye line mentioned in ye act of incor- poration of the town of Bowdoinham as the south line of said town." This line was run agreeably to that mentioned in the act of incorporation and its metes and bounds made visible. In 1764 the town instructed the selectmen to petition the General Court to not assess taxes on them for a few years, owing to their inability to pay. The next move among the people to rectify the lines was again upon the south in 1787 by the people on Cathance Neck asking to be set off from Bowdoinham and annexed to the town of Topsham. The town chose Abraham Preble, Abraham Whitmore and Facheuis Beale as a committee to introduce a remonstrance against it before the General Court. But they were more unfortunate this time, as the petitioners got their application answered and the whole of Cathance Neck was set off from Bowdoinham and annexed to Topsham. This Neck took all the Point from the bridge at Ken- dall's mill to the Bay, bounded by the Cathance River 44 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM on the north. Topsham was fortunate and Bowdoin- ham equally unfortunate by the setting off of a most beautiful portion of her territory. Topsham now had the finest water front on Merrymeeting Bay, and Bowdoinham had lost it, opposite to which a thriving village was starting into prominence, and it would work a positive injury to her future prosperity. The next question of boundary came up on our north, by an article in the warrant in April 1794, to see if the town will set off the land lying between the south line of Lot No. 6 and the south line of Pittston, and extending five miles back from the Kennebec River, or any part thereof that the same may be annexed to the west precinct of the town of Pownalborough. Pownalborough was incorporated as a town in 1760, embracing the three towns of Dresden, Wiscaset and Alna, also Swan Island. Jurymen were often drawn in the town and sent to court at Pownalborough. An effort was doubtless made to get a portion of this town, which caused the article in the warrant, against which the people voted. The part proposed to be taken off was the whole, which is now the town of Richmond down to about the present line near the southern part of Richmond village. It seemed they proposed to an- nex it as a precinct, or plantation to that town. Pittston originally embraced the towns of Gardiner, West Gardiner, and Pittston and was incorporated in 1779. Gardiner was set off from Pittston and incor- porated into a town in 1803. So our northern neigh- bor up to this latter date was Pittston instead of Gardiner. The topic which very early interested the people was in the support of the gospel, and the building of a house of worship. At their town meeting they appropriated £16 to hire a minister for the ensuing year, and author- ized the selectmen to procure one on reasonable terms, and they hired the Rev. John Dennis to expound the Scriptures to them, and the town voted that the meet- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 45 ing for preaching should be held at the houses of Cap- tain Francis Whitmore and Nathaniel Jellerson for the ensuing year. The town annually afterwards voted the same amount, and hired the same preacher. It appears that the Rev. Mr. Dennis preached two Sabbaths more than the contract, and the town officers refused to pay for the two sermons, so an article was put into the warrant at the next town meeting, to see if the town would pay for the sermons, and the town voted at a special town meeting to compromise the mat- ter and pay him for one sermon only. To support the established church seemed to have been conceived as of more importance than education, and this became as prominent a matter to look after, as the election of town officers, or any other town business. In 1765 the town voted to build a house for the wor- ship of God, and raised a certain amount to carry on the work. The church was located on the line be- tween Richard Temple's and the Hallowell estate. That location is about ten rods north of J. M. Crom- well's house, on the east side of the road. They wished it to be near the Abadagasset River for a convenient landing for people as they came to meeting by water, on horse back, and on foot a distance of five or six miles, showing a zeal for the support of Christianity which might well be imitated at this day with our ex- traordinary means of travel. It should not be inferred that this house was built in one year, for they had many obstacles to overcome and diversions of opinion to har- monize as all did not run smoothly. On May 16, 1775 the house was all finished except the pews, at which time they held a town meeting upon a matter pertain- ing to the Revolutionary War, the people being enthus- iastic for a separation from England ; and between this date and June 21st, same year, the house was burned and they were obliged to hold future town meetings at private houses. The belief was strong that the land proprietors burned it as they were usually Tories. The 46 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM glass was a present from Gov. James Bowdoin of Bos- ton, and when it was burned in 1775 the glass and nails were saved, and the town put these articles into a committee's hands to dispose of for its use. It seems that the town lost sight of the glass for two years, when the town raised a committee to find out what had become of the glass and nails. Many years ago the writer visited the spot, and found a quantity of the glass which had been melted. Public worship was in the future held in private houses, the town paying for the minister until 1797, when the town voted to raise one hundred and fifty dollars to build a meeting house, and chose Elihu Get- chell, Thomas Reed, Thomas Harward, William Den- ham and Zebia Eaton a committee to settle upon the most convenient and central place between the two bridges, (meaning the Branch bridge and the bridge at Harward's crossing) and they located it near Hall's corner, a little south of Dr. Stephen Elliot's house, but in a few weeks they called another meeting and rescind- ed that vote and ordered the tax book corrected. The house was finally built by a private subscription, and dedicated in 1799, and the dedicatorial sermon was preached by the Rev. Benjamin Randall, the founder of the Free Will Baptist denomination. Mr. William Maxwell's heirs now have the original plan of the house, and the names of the pew holders, and have kindly allowed a copy to be made for the use of this book. This house, some twenty years later, was taken down and rebuilt a little north of James Decker's, where Capt. Sheldon's house now stands. About 1866 Mr. Powers bought the church and took it down. So the meeting house so early connected with the history of our town, has now gone out of existence. After the meeting house near Elliots was finished the town held their meetings there for many years. J/\MES BuOKER Jk I A J^f £S Bowl OIN *\i; :'|6 *\; PT. Hatch Isaac Purinton Will M Dotten #2 4- Cot Georoe Maxwell 422- Stephen Whitmore Isaac Bunker ^s 4a Samuel Whitmore LwKE PmELP5 #7 Thomas Haward 16 Elisha Pratt n3~ *5 *4 Benj. Whitmore Zeneas Hatch 12 0- #3 1 Thomas Haward ♦ 51 — "^9 Elihu Getchell *40] Thomas Den ham Morel Jordan »4I JflMES Bunker "3? Thomas Haward #36*^ *42 ZeBi/lon Preble John Raymond Benj Raymond + 33°-^ *3S 2ene.as Hatch #30°-° James Morton #38^2 Stephen Preble Morel Jordan *33 Alexander Preble #28- ,^^ EOW MULIKEN MiCKEL HoWLAND Amos Whitney ^^^ Zeba Eaton ^3/ John Alexander #/«a Capt Thomas 12 0°-^ *z Nathan Hatch ♦ £0- */ #/8 SflAC PuRlNTON #24« Thomas Read :V3 *21°- EUHU PuRINTON *20 James Maxwell #25« Zebulon Preble «2 ElihuGetchell mi William Whitmore 12 2" #24 Samuel Preble ♦ 2 2 - ^ZO"-^ #26 Stephen Weston 121°- #2 7 CaptZiba Eaton *28 *30 Job Jelerson Byron Whitmore #29 Capt George Maxwell 4Z0'- This Plan Made July 6. 1799 Ano AccEPTto Br A Vore or tmc Pho^9i£Tors SEATING PLAN OF METHODIST CHURCH NEAR HALL'S CORNER CHAPTER III. THE ORGANIZATION AND NAME OF THE DIFFERENT CHURCHES IN TOWN. Sketch of Baptist Church. Elder Job Macomber, the first Baptist Minister in the town was born in Middleboro, Mass., and served in the Revolutionary army, and following that war, settled in this town. He settled about 1782 one mile north of the Harwood estate, about where the north end of the Norton Ice houses stood, near the west bank of the river. About 1790 he bought a farm of 50 acres of John Davis known as the Hugh Curtis place on the Millay road. Before settling in Bowdoinham, he preached at Par- kers Island near the mouth of the Kennebec River, in 1782 and in Pottertown(Bowdoin) 1783. Pottertown took its name from Rev. James Potter, a Baptist Min- ister and co-worker with Elder Macomber. The fol- lowing year Macomber settled in this town. He was ordained Pastor of the First Baptist Church, Aug. 18, 1784. He had organized the First Baptist Church two or three years before. Rev. Simon Lock, assisting. This was the first church of the Calvanistic creed in town, and as the first church founded in the state was in Gor- ham in 1768, there could have been but a few, when Bowdoinham church was organized. He was elected town preacher several times from about 1790 to 1800. He was solid in his Calvanistic views, and carried the people along with him in that belief. He was a very active man and aggressive in his views, especially in hatred of oppression, and of the English Government. 47 48 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM On July 4, 1805, he delivered an address or poem in Bowdoinham, his theme being "Liberty and Right- eousness." As the poem is too long to insert it entire, a portion of the first pages and a few of the closing will give something of an idea of the poetical mind on such an occasion. ADDRESS. [A Poem delivered in Bowdoinham to a respectable audience on the Fourth of July, 1806, it being the anniversary of Ameri- can Independence. By Rev. Job. Macomber, pastor of Baptist Church.] Come all you young Americans, Possessors of the soil ; I pray that you would now attend; To you. Oh! men I call. Come hear my voice, I will rehearse What wonders God has done. Here in this howling wilderness. Before that you were bom. A land of plenty and of peace. With joy you call your own; A land of liberty and ease, A kingdom scarcely known. But Oh ! what have you heard them tell. Have not your fathers told How many thousands victims fell, In blood their garments roll? Oh ! call to mind Columbia's voyage, Who first this land espied; Who but the Lord could be his guide. Through raging wind and tide. Perils by land. Perils by sea, He often passed through. To find this land of liberty. That now belongs to you. After this voyage, there was a door Of refuge for to flee From enemies (who rage and tear) To enjoy their liberty, It was fifteen hundred twenty Our English fathers fied; And here they found a great plenty, Of land, but not of bread. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 49 Though Plymouth was a barren land, Yet they the Lord would praise For treasures that lie in the land, And 'bundance in the sea. Our fathers left their native land, And cross'd that raging sea. And were preserv'd by God's right hand T' enjoy their liberty The liberty they had in view. It was to worship God; Pled from their persecuted crew. To enjoy a safe abode, T'was tribulation more or less. They daily passed through. Here in' this howling wilderness Filled with a savage crew. Almighty God, they did adore. For his abounding love; Though enemies did rage and roar. They enjoyed the heavenly dove. And that was liberty indeed. That worldings do not flee From sin and bondage they were freed; 'Twas glorious liberty! Some Indians, though a savage brood, They stood in awful fear. Saying Englishman, his God is good; Chose rather peace than war. But after thes, a number came Off from the British land; As for their views 'twere not the same. They were a cruel band. To rob and steal, they were engaged. Of the poor Indians store ; And set the Indians in a rage. For to proclaim a war. From time to time the war increas'd. The Indians rage and yell; But the poor saints their God would praise. Though hundreds victims fell. And after these a number more Profess'd this liberty; But pray examine their error, And you may plainly see. They whipt, and hanged, and banish'dsome 50 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM That I do now believe Are gone to their eternal home, Let all the brethren say amen, And sing the jubilee, Come brethren look upon my head, What do you see me have? You see me drawing near the dead, The tokens of the grave. When I depart I leave you here, I leave you with the Lord; Oh! may you all henceforth appear To be of one accord. And if I never see you more While we on earth remain, Oh ! may we meet on Canaan's shore. And never part again; Where we may join to sing God's praise And all his wonders tell. And triumph in his holiness, So brethren now farewell, I'm now advanced to a great age, Almost three score and ten; Ere long, and I shall quit this stage So I conclude. Amen. It seemed by the town records that the first Baptist church was incorporated in 1796, by a petition present- ed to the General Court of Mass., signed by 55 citizens of Bowdoinham; and a like petition from citizens of Woolwich, praying that they might be incorporated into the Baptist Society of their own denomination. This movement was fought hard by the orthodox ele- ment but the General Court of Massachusetts granted the petition and the world moved on. The following statements were taken from the record made by Symns Gardiner, who was a prominent mem- ber of that church; as well as town official for many years. It seems the accounts of the early history of HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 51 the society were from his pen and are preserved among the church records. This society became very large, covering much terri- tory for one church, so they formed a new society called the Second Baptist Church,* on December 21, 1820, at Cathance Landing. The charter members, who formed the new church were— Daniel Parsons, Urial Hunting- ton, Wm. Denham, John Rogers, Robert Jack, Richard Coombs, Wm. Purington, Robert Staples, Rachel Pear- sons, Betsy Huntington, Sarah Springer, Rosanna Coombs, Jane Fisher, Isabella Henry, Jane Staples, Sarah Denham, Polly Colby, Rebecca Ross, Elizabeth Purington, Emma Summer, Eunice Bloomore, Abigail Graves, Delia Huntington, Mercy Ross, Abigail Mac- omber, Martha Graves and Betsy Stewart. The coun- cil were from the 2nd church in Litchfield; the 1st church in Bowdoin and the 1st church in Lisbon. This council proceeded to organize the church by electing Wm. Stinson, Moderator of the council, and Urial Huntington, Clerk. This church soon after became what is now known as the new School Baptist, and separated themselves from the old creed in 1834 ; and the new church building was dedicated in June, 1837. This Baptist association was organized in 1787 of only three churches — ^from Bowdoinham, Thomaston and * For reasons which are apparent to close students of Baptist interests at that early time, it is believed that the real ground for this division was not so much an over-crowded church mem- bership as a difference of doctrinal belief. The anti-mission sen- timent, along with other beliefs that mark the standard faith of the Old School Baptists, had been accepted by many of the mem- bers of the First Baptist church. Therefore, those members who had continued in the Regular Baptist faith, naturally found their environment unfavorable for developing the Mis- sionary spirit. So, in an orderly and regular manner they were formally dismissed from the First Church in order to form themselves into the Second Baptist Church, the same to be locat- ed in Bowdoinham village. It will be seen, therefore, that, in doctrinal belief and practice, the Second Baptist Church of Bowdoinham, is but the perpetua- tion of the First Baptist Church which, on May 24, 1787, helped to organize the Bowdoinham Baptist Association to which it still belongs. 52 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Harpswell. It took its name from that of the town, where it was formed, and has up to the present time been known as "Bowdoinham Baptist Association." The old School Baptist kept and continued their or- ganization and meetings at the Raymond school house for years, until 1884, when they chose a site of ground, and built a church just east of the village, near the junction of the road leading to the Abagadasset Point, and do up to the present time use the church as their place of worship. It was dedicated July 5th of that year. Today both of these Baptist churches are weak in number, having but a little of their former power and greatness. The following was taken from the Topsham record dated 1794, in which the Baptist petitioned to incor- porate a Baptist society : "At a meeting of the town held May 20, 1794, It was voted not to oppose the petition of John Merrill, Esq., and others, praying the General Court for an act of Incorporation as a Baptist Society, provided they would withdraw their suit at law, of Job Macomber vs. The Town of Topshanj, in which case the town agreed that the execution against Abraham Cummings should not be put in force, and that all future taxes for the minister's salary of members of the Baptist society might be drawn by them from the Treasurer, or the constable, they producing a certificate that they had paid an equal sum for the Baptist society, provided they obtain an Act of Incorporation within year. An attempt was made this year to obtain a two-thirds vote to dismiss Rev. Mr. Ellis, but failed After this date the first parish held a meeting dis- tinct from those of the town, and the latter therefore, has only occasionally since then taken any action in regard to religious matters." This suit against Cummings was probably for min- ister tax he refused to pay and why this is inserted from Topsham Record is, that Job Macomber of Bow- doinham, a pioneer in the Baptist church, was stirring the people of that town up in religious matter. So we HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 53 find this remarkable man preaching the Baptist creed and organizing churches, not only in Bowdoinham, but Bowdoin, Topsham, Phippsburg and Arrowsic, dissolv- ing the old churches, so long supported by the tax pay- ers for the support of the one established church. History of the Methodist Church at Bowdoinham. The Bowdoinham circuit included Richmond, Dur- ham and Topsham, dated back to 1803, with Rev. True Glidden as its first pastor. The church membership in this entire region at that time was only seventy-four persons. From date to 1807, Rev. Daniel Dudley, S. H. Cobb, Samuel Ricker and John Wilkinson served the circuit as pastors. From 1807 to 1830 the name of Bowdoinham disappeared from the list of appoint- ments, and this town was included in the Durham charge. The official and prominent members of the church at that time were Elijah, Eben and Thomas Hatch, Robert Maxwell and Daniel Waterhouse. The following is a financial report of the support given to their pastors in those days from their church records. In 1831 received for pastoral support, $214.85; dis- bursed as follows: To Rev. John Atwell, pastor, $175.55. In 1838 the charge had grown in number and means and reported the following collections: Bowdoinham Village, $179.29; Bowdoinham Foreside, $93.11; Back River, $13.02; Richmond Village, $40.75; Bowdoinham carding mill neighborhood, $48.45; Col- lections, $28.81. During the pastorate of Rev. Thomas Greenbaigh, 1838-1839, the Methodist parsonage was built. The Methodist church building that stood on the river road on the lot where Captain Sheldon's house now stands, was moved from near Stephen Elliot's north of Hall's Corner to this place about 1820, and served this people for twenty-five years and left to go to decay when it was demolished and the material put into a house. 54 history of bowdoinham Sketch op Methodist Episcopal Church at Bow- DOINHAM, At the sixth annual session of the Maine Annual Conference held at Portland, June 9th, 1830, the Meth- odists of Bowdoinham, Richmond and Topsham were given recognition by the annual conference. The above towns were formed into a circuit and Rev. John Atwell was appointed preacher in charge. In July, 1831, the conference was held at Hallowell, and the preacher returned to the same place. This arrange- ment of the circuit continued until 1842, when Rich- mond and part of Bowdoinham were set oflf into a charge by themselves, and Bowdoinham village and the class in Topsham constituted the Bowdoinham station, preaching three-fourths of the time at the village, and one-fourth at Topsham, services being held in what is now the Town Hall, formerly a church, occupied by the Methodists, the Universalists, and the Baptists. The conference known as the Bowdoinham Quarterly Conference was organized October 27, 1832, after it had been in the circuit two years with the following official members: Stewards: — Elihu Hatch, Thomas Hatch, Robert Merrill, Daniel Waterhouse, Eben Hatch. In 1847 it was decided that the members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Bowdoinham as a duty toward God, and themselves and posterity, needed a place of worship ; and steps were taken to build. In February, 1849, the trustees of the Methodist church, in consideration of the sum of $450, paid by W. H. Lunt, Edmund Eaton, Silas North, Lemuel Rich- ards, George Gray, Solon Staples and John Fulton, the lot was bought, and the building was erected, and the dedication sermon was preached in 1849 by Rev. A. P. Hillman, pastor of the church. The first record, 1854, of official members gives the following names: James Haynes, Lemuel Richards, HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 55 James Carr, Solon Staples, John Givens, George Pow- ers, Edmond Eaton, Silas North, Edward Britt, Wil- liam H. Lunt and John Fulton. The church was enlarged and rededicated under the ministry of J. McMillan in 1865. During the labors of Rev. W. P. Merrill in 1894 the important changes were made to the front entrance of the church. In May 1909 the pastor. Rev. J. E. Clancy called a meeting of the official board and made plans for the immediate rehabitation of the interior of the church edifice, the plans including steel walls, steel ceilings, platform, altar rail, staining and varnishing pews and other improvements. In 1910, the vestry also under- went great changes, a partition being made and a fine assembly Memorial room, dining room, and kitchen, being finished in convenient shape, — ^this last being made possible by the generous gift of $150.00, from Mrs. Frances Plummer. The church at this time is a credit to the church people and the town ; and is a monument to the united labor of the pastor and people. Much credit is due to the untiring efforts of Rev. J. E. Clancy, and also the Ladies' Aid of the church. In 1905, the church lost one of her staunch and gen- erous friends in the person of Miss Elizabeth Puring- ton who, in many ways showed her love for the church. She presented the society with a pulpit set, the pipe organ was made possible by her generosity, and the splendid parsonage now occupied was a gift of this noble woman. During the pastorate of Rev. C. H. Young, it was made into a two and one-half story house, making it at a cost of $1,025.73, one of the finest par- sonages in the conference. Many noble men and wo- men of God helped in the work of the church ; a number of them, as they have gone to their reward have had the future welfare of the church at heart and remem- bered it in their wills, the last to go at this time being Mrs. Luella Hinkley. 56 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Up to this time, November, 1911, forty-six preachers have been stationed here, the present pastor being Rev. W. C. Beedy. The following is a complete list from the organization to the present time : John Atwell, 1830-1831; Aaron Sanderson, 1832- 1833 ; Benjamin Burnham, 1834 ; J. G. Warren, 1835 ; John Young, 1836j Moses Donnell, 1837; Thomas Granhalgh, 1838-1839 ; C. C. Cone, 1840 ; J. Thviring and J. Hawke, 1841; Daniel Fuller, 1842-1843; Freeman Gales, 1844-1845; Joseph Hawke, 1846-1847; S. L. Emerson, 1848; A. P. Hillman, 1849-1850; Benjamin Foster, 1851-1852; A. F. Barnard, 1853; John Young, 1854; R. H. Stinchfield, 1845-1846; Abial Rideout, 1857-1858; John Cobb, 1859; Charles W. Morse, 1860- 1861; C. C. Mason, 1862-1863; J. McMillan, 1864-1865; H. B, Mitchell, 1866-1867; Benjamin Freeman, 1868- 1869 ; F. C. Ayer, 1870-1871 ; T. P. Adams, 1872-1873- 1874; A. R. Sylvester, 1875-1876; William H. Foster, 1877-1878; W. L. Mclntire, 1879-1880-1881; Thomas Jones, 1882; H. B. Mitchell, 1883-1884; Asbury C, Trafton, 1885-1886; Melvin E. King, 1887; S. T. Rec- ords, 1888-1889; D. R. Ford, 1890-1891; W. P. Merrill, 1892-1893; C. E. Springer, 1894-1895-1896; A. W. Pottle, 1897-1898-1899; J. B. Howard, 1900-1901; A. J. Bryant, 1902-1903; C. H. Young, 1904-1905; F. K. Beem, 1906; G. C. Andrews and A. S. Todd, 1907-1908; J. E. Clancy, 1909-1910. First Free Will Baptist Church in Bowdoinham. The First Free Will Baptist Church in Bowdoinham was organized October 22, 1825, with the following members, viz : — Samuel Hathorn, Christopher Lancas- ter, Jonathan Purington, Samuel Wilson, Galen Gray, Samuel Hinckley, James T. Hathorn, Isabella Hathorn, Margret Hinckley, Sarah Gray, Hannah Woodworth, Martha Green, Eunice Varnam, 2nd ; and the next day HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 57 the 23rd, four more joined, viz: — Andrew Rideout, James Ridley, Isaac Owen, and Jane Thorn, Met according to appointment of the Quarterly meeting with the brethren in this'place and chose Elder Humphrey Purington, Moderator; Elder George Lamb, Clerk. Adjourned until Sabbath morning when twen- ty-three met, Chose Brother James T. Hathorn, clerk; and Christopher Lancaster and Jonathan Purington, Deacons, then "repaired to the meeting house for pub- lic worship." It seems as though this church must have been orga- nized in the village for the next meeting, November 12, 1825, "met in Conference at the Village Meeting House." Meetings were held at the Village Meeting House, Ridge School House, Village School House and School House near Galen Gray's," and at J. T. Hathorn's. December, 25, 1827. Voted to hold Conference at the school house near Brother White's, at Lower Aba- gadaset school house, at the village, and at the Ridge school house, at each place once in two months. March 14, 1829. Voted for quarterly church meet- ings to be held at the new school house near Brother Perry's. September 10, 1831. Voted to dismiss Brother John Small to the second church in Bowdoinham. June 8, 1832. Voted to request the next October quarterly meeting to be holden at the old meeting house in Bowdoinham provided the Second church unite in the request. Chose Brother John Raymond to visit Second church in Bowdoinham and notify them of said request. Elder George Lamb was the first pastor of the new church. Brother Samuel Hathorn was ordained to the ministry January 12, 1826, and soon after became the regular pastor, serving as such about thirteen years. He was followed by Elder Cyrus Campbell, who served from 1847 to 1853. The meetings being held in the 58 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Perry school house. Winship R. Whitmore came next, serving as pastor at intervals till 1860. Rev. Leman Bard became pastor February 14, 1863, and united the two churches into one in 1864, and resigned Febru- ary 6, 1866. Then Rev. Elisha Purington vi^as called to the church and served till about 1869, doing a great work during his ministry. Bryce M. Edwards fol- lowed from 1872 to 1876, and during his service the new church was built in 1874. After 1876 the society was served by several different men from the Bates Theological school at Lewiston. Samuel Hinkley, the last surviving member of the original fourteen that joined the church at its organization, died April 10, 1882, age eighty-one years, and ten months. Jo- seph Nickerson was pastor about two years, about 1880-1882. June 10, 1836. Met in Quarterly Church meeting: Voted, it is the opinion of this church that the time has come when the cause of God requires that a third church be organized in Bowdoinham on the Ridge, and that the Quarterly Meeting be requested to appoint a committee for that purpose. July 2, 1836, met in conference at the Town House. Voted to dismiss Samuel Hinckley, Rachel Whitmore, Nicholas Sparks, Lettice Whitmore, Caleb Rich and Patience Sparks to the new church. September 9, 1836. Voted to establish a monthly Conference at the Village. September 9, 1837. Voted to establish the meetings at the Town House; Perry School House; and Raymond School House: October 19, 1840. Church meeting. Voted to dismiss John Adams, Daniel Allen, John P. Coleman, Daniel Adams, Elias Dinsmore, Christopher Lancaster, Joseph Hall, Joseph Coleman, Charles Dinsmore, Francis Preble, Enoch Allen, John Raymond, Jr., Olive Sedgley, Mar- garet Preble, Abigal Preble, Mary Jane Kelly, Ruth Buker, Hannah Coleman, Katherine W. Pratt, Rachel Center, Amanda Buker, Mary Hall, Mary Jane Beal, HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 59 Phebe Dinsmore, Hannah S. Adams, Philene R. Allen, when they shall be organized in A New Church. The New Church was organized, and the Committee from the Quarterly Meeting gave them the "Right Hand of Fellowship." (Fourth Church, Raymond District.) February 20, 1847. Voted to adopt the following Resolutions that we think it will be for the Glory of God that the First and Fourth Churches be reunited, chose Elder Elisha Purington, Simeon B. Given, and Nicholas Sparks to meet with the Fourth Church for that purpose. December 25, 1847. No action taken. Voted to accept the resignation of Brother J. T. Hathorn as clerk of this church, having served 22 years, then Simeon B. Given was chosen clerk and he held it to his death. December 19, 1851. Voted to give the Second Free Will Baptist Church at Bowdoinham an invitation to join us, Elder Cyrus Campbell to correspond with said Church in respect to union. No action taken. September 26, 1856. Efforts were again made to unite the two churches, but they failed. Bowdoinham Ridge Church. The Free Will Baptist Society on Bowdoinham Ridge was organized July 5, 1836, with twenty-one charter members, by a committee appointed by the Bowdoin Quarterly Conference composed of Elders George Lamb, Samuel Hathorne, and Jesse Swett. The mem- bers were: Winship R. Whitmore, Mary Whitmore, Joel Card, Mary Card, Nicholas Sparks, Patience Sparks, William White, Zeluma White, William Wood- worth, Caroline Woodworth, Caleb Rich, Parker Ding- ley, Rachel Whitmore, Sarah Gray, Samuel Hinckley, James Rich, Elsa Rich, Jane Rich, Louisa Sparks, Elsa Sparks, and Lettice Whitmore. The school house was used as a place of worship till 1838, when the present building was erected, dedicatory 60 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM services being held July 12, 1838, Rev. Silas Curtis preaching the first sermon. The old brick church has been "Like a city set on a hill that cannot be hid," as a beacon light, and dear to the hearts of many that have come from north and south, east and west, to worship within its walls. Samuel Hathorn, its first pastor, an active consecrated man, after leaving, made four tours of the western states, finally settling in Maine, and returned to preach his last sermon in this church on May 30, 1858. Revs. A. Rollins, Constant Quinnam, and W. R. Whitmore, filled the pulpit till 1850, after which the following clergy served as pastors with occasional supplies. Revs. W. P. Nevens, Charles Beane, CoUamore Purin- ton, William C. Stinson, Constant Quinnam, Levi Her- sey, John Miller, Almon Libby, E. G. Page, Nehemiah Preble, W. H. Ward, G. W. Gould, David Allen, Lucian C. Graves, Humphrey Small, Thomas Kenney, G. E. Paine, Joseph Nickerson, R. D. Frost, George C. Junk- ins, and Herbert C. Cummings. In 1841, the world revolved, for on May 20, the brethren very gallantly invited "the female members to sit with them in conference." Rev. Constant Quinnam was pastor for 18 years, baptising many who afterwards became members of the church. He represented the towns of Bowdoinham and Litchfield in the State Legislature. There were present at his obsequies sixteen of his brother ministers as they laid him to rest in the beautiful Ridge cemetery. Many are the loving testimonials to his memory. During Rev. Almon Libby's pastorate a session of the Bowdoin Quarterly meeting was held at the church attended by forty ministers of the gospel. William White efficiently served as clerk of the church from its organization till his death, a period of thirty-four years. He was a staunch defender of, and friend to the church, and there was always "the cham- ber in the wall for the man of God" in his home. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 61 George Small filled the same office acceptably for twenty-six years, and resigned, The deacons, Thomas Ring, Solon White, John Whitmore, Thomas Knight, and others, good men and true, waited their going home for their reward. But one member is now living who united with the church in the year of its organization, Mrs. Rachel S. Wilson ; but one, Mrs. Eleanor Sparks, uniting previous to 1850, and Joseph Hall in 1850. Mr. Hall was born in 1826, for fifty-three years a constant attendant, never missing a communion service, and rarely the monthly conference, with memory so unimpaired that he can tell clearly and connectedly the names of the pastors, the date and length of service, in succession for over half a century. With the interest of the church at heart, God's ser- vants always found a cordial welcome and resting place with him. This church has always been particularly favored in, and noted for its sweet voiced singers. John White was leader of the singing for over forty years. The building was renewed and remodeled in 1895 and re- dedicated August 11, during the pastorate of Rev. Humphrey Small. Three hundred persons including eight ministers were present and the services were in- teresting and impressive. The interior was rearrang- ed with new heating apparatus, vestry, steel ceiling, etc., while the exterior was repainted to remain the "Old Red Brick Church". Fourth Free Will Baptist Church at Bowdoinham. September 26, 1840. Agreeably to previous notice a number of the members of the First Free Will Baptist Church in Bowdoinham met at the Abagadasset School House (so called) for the purpose of considering the expediency of organizing a church in this place. After addressing the throne of grace, chose Brother Christo- 62 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM pher Lancaster, moderator; chose Brother John Ray- mond, Jr., clerk. Voted that the form of a church covenant presented by Brother Raymond meets our views, and we accept it. Prepared a request to the Bowdoin Quarterly Meeting for a council to sit with us and organize a church, if the council shall think it proper. Signed: Charles Dins- more, Joseph Hall, Christopher Lancaster, Jr., Joseph Coleman, Daniel Adams, John Coleman, Francis Preble. Voted to adjourn without date. John Ray- mond, Jr., Clerk. October 19, 1840. The Quarterly Meeting chose Elders Constant Quinnam and Andrew Rollins, and Brothers Burnam Ring, Abiel Stinson, and David Brown to meet with the First Church at School House district No. 7, (Perry School House.) First Church voted to dismiss all members who re- quested to be organized into another church. Elders Quinnam and Rollins examined the candidates for the new church. Twenty members were found who wished to unite with same. Those brethem and sisters then rose and joined hands while Elders Quinnam and Rol- lins proceeded to give them the Right Hand of Fel- lowship, and to present the Bible to them as the rule of faith practice for the church. Meeting was appointed to meet at Abagadasset School House on Saturday, October 24th, to choose officers and transact other business. The twenty members were: John Adams, Daniel Allen, John P. Coleman, Daniel Adams, Elias Dinsmore, Christopher Lancaster, Joseph Hall, Joseph Coleman, Charles Dinsmore, Francis Preble, Enoch Allen, John Raymond, Olive Sedgley, Margaret Preble, Abigail Preble, Mary J. Kelly, Ruth Buker, Hannah Coleman, Katherine Pratt Wing, and Hannah S. Adams. October 24th. Meeting met as adjourned, choose, Brother Charles Dinsmore, moderator; choose, Brother John Raymond, clerk, pro tem; choose Brothers John HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 63 Raymond, Charles Dinsmore, Joseph Hall, Daniel Adams, and Francis Preble a committee to prepare re- solves for the church. Chose Brother John Raymond, standing clerk ; chose Brother John Adams, treasurer ; chose Brothers Joseph Hall, Charles Dinsmore, Dan- iel Adams, and Joseph Coleman a committee to nomi- nate a deacon. They reported the name of Brother Christopher Lancaster. Report was accepted and Brother Lancaster chosen deacon. Meetings were held in the Raymond school house. Extended an invitation to Brother Raymond to preach with this church as often as convenient. The church was organized June 5, 1841. Elder John Raymond was chosen pastor of this church June 2, 1855, and remained with them until his death in August, 1862. June 2, 1855, Brother Daniel Adams was chosen deacon. John Raymond was the first church clerk, and held the office twenty-two years and resigned, then Daniel Adams was clerk about three years, then Simeon B. Given from December 2, 1865 to end of records in 1875. May 9, 1885, William S. Pratt was chosen clerk, and held the office until his death in March, 1899. June 5, 1841, voted to recommend to the members to pay the sum of twelve and one-half cents each, yearly into the hands of the treasurer. Church meetings were held at the homes of Dexter Preble, John Raymond, Daniel Adams, Susan P. Buker and at Brother Weymouth's and probably at other houses. June 5, 1847. At church meeting in School House district No. 3. Voted that we take the name of the 2nd church in Bowdoinham instead of the 4th church as hitherto styled. February 14, 1865. At church meeting in School House district No. 3. Voted that we, the first and second Free Will Baptist Churches in Bowdoinham 64 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM unite in one church. Voted that we keep the records and books of the 2nd church. Voted that we take the name of the East Bowdoinham Free Will Baptist Church, and the long cherished hope of uniting the two churches was accomplished. Meetings were appointed to be held the first and third Sundays at the Raymond School House, and the second and fourth Sundays of each month at the Weymouth School House. Abraham Preble and Stephen Preble were chosen a committee to nominate a deacon, they nominated Simeon B, Given. Universalist Society. The Universalist Society of Bowdoinham dates back to the early history of the town. The first record we get of the Society having a house of worship was about the year 1823 when a Meeting House was erected in the village and jointly occupied for a long time by the Universalist, Baptist, and Methodist Societies. About the year 1837 the Baptists withdrewand occupiedtheir new house, which they had built, and in 1849 the Methodists had also built a church edifice and with- drew leaving the Universalists in full possession. Where they continued to hold services with different pastors (of whom we do not have a list of the names) until about 1856 when regular services ceased, except occasional meetings and the house was not in condition to hold services until it was rebuilt by the town in 1882. When Rev. J. H. Little then located in Brunswick and who had attended quite a number of funerals in this vicinity, seeing a desire on the part of a few for the revival of the society and the maintenance of preaching service came over one Sunday and held services in what was once the old church edifice, but at that time the Town Hall, which had passed into the town's pos- session with the proviso in the deed that the Universa- list should have the right to occupy it for religious pur- poses. At the close of this service, arrangements 'i '. ';'■-: H^^lf'^ HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 65 were made to hold services during the year with Rev. Mr. Little as pastor, in connection with the Brunswick Universalist Society. Here the society remained until 1890, meeting with a good degree of prosperity. They had for sometime felt the need of a better church home and with the assistance of the pastor. Rev. Mr. Little, who had continued his labors with the society most of the time and who was much interested in the enter- prise, a building committee was chosen consisting of the following members: J. P. Rideout, chairman; S. W. Carr, William Bibber, C. F. Staples ; with R. W. Carr, secretary and treasurer. To these gentlemen much credit is due for the success of the enterprise. As a result a fine edifice was erected, furnished and dedi- cated January 29, 1890, at a cost of between four and five thousand dollars. The officers of the society were Wm. Bibber, Pres- ident; F. K. Jack, clerk; trustees, Edward Raymond, George W. Rideout, G. M. Gowell, Elbridge Curtis ; col- lector and treasurer, F. K. Jack. The pastors of the church since 1882 have been. Rev. J. H. Little, Rev. S. L. Crosley, Rev. W. R. French, Rev. B. Brunning, Rev. E. W. Webber, Rev. E. A. Reed, Rev. W. F. Small, Rev. F. T. Nelson. • The old church has been a conspicuous landmark in this town for ninety years. Situated on the highest ground in this locality, it has been a vigilant sentinel overlooking and noting the rapid flight of time, on the spot where Samuel Coombs, the first settler in this vil- lage, located. May this old guard which has withstood so many tempests in its lifetime, continue for many years as a proud ancestor, preserved from the waste of time. CHAPTER IV. VOTING PLACES PREVIOUS TO 1800— LAYING OUT AND BUILDING ROADS — LEGAL DOCUMENTS AND TRANSFERS ABOUT 1810— SPECIMEN ACCOUNT OF THOSE DAYS. Previous to 1800 about all the town meetings were held in private houses, and we will mention those houses then used mostly for that purpose and now standing, — The Leonard Preble house, Maj. John Har- ward, Rodney L. Preble and the house taken down by William Hill in about 1880. The Harward house was built in 1777 by Captain Thomas Harward, who raised a large family of children there. It might be well to mention Thomas Harward of Bath who was bom in this house and died in Bath at nearly one hundred years of age. This house and Leonard Preble's was the most com- monly used in town for town meetings. Another house should not be overlooked, that on the N. W. Pur- ington estate on Reeds Point, a portion of which was formerly a store owned by Abraham Whittemore, built before the town was incorporated, and where he carried on his trade with the Indians for many years. Previous to this Alex Browne settled here in 1714, remaining but a short time being driven off by Indians. Almost immediately after the organization of the town the people began public improvements by laying out and making roads. For so few people as the town contained at that date, it was a big undertaking, through so heavily wooded and somewhat broken coun- try. The first movement at road making was at their first town meeting in 1763. The town voted that the road laid out by the selectmen, from the north line of 66 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 67 said town, near the Kennebec River to Abraham Preble's; and from Joseph Webber's to the Cathance River, and a road from Captain Whitmore's Bridge down the west side of Abagadasset to said Webber's, be confirmed. The first mentioned road is the river road on Kennebec River from below Richmond village to the Point, and as no other mention was made rela- tive to the road, it is to be presumed that it was built about this time, but this road only run south to Zebu- Ion Preble's near the late Sewell Preble's. In 1802 the two branches were built, that leads to Wesley Wil- liams and the other to Captain Robert Jack's. The next road to claim their attention was the one running from near Eben Lancaster's to Stephen Sedgeley's (George Weymouth's) which they voted to confirm, by continuing to Cathance River. But the road was only built to Stephen Sedgeley's (George Weymouth's) at that time. This road was finally built in 1774 after nine years of contest with much doing and undoing be- fore it was completed to Center's Point. The bridge over Beal's Creek was built in 1778, consequently this is the oldest bridge in town, and is the one south of Joseph Hall's house. The road from Weymouth's to Center's Point was accepted about 1808. In 1815 the selectmen laid out a road from John Patten's northerly on that neck of land to the Cathance River, opposite Davis Springer's house. It was built sometime after. In 1774 they voted to confirm a road laid out from Topsham line to Hallowell's mill. This road is the one running by the town farm and crossed directly to the post road, then northerly by R. D. Spear's house to James Graces' corner and easterly to Hallowell's mill (now R. W. Denham estate.) The owner of this mill was one of the land proprie- tors, who bought a mile section previously referred to. The object of this road was to get to this mill, which was afterwards known as Lithgow's mill. We have no means of knowing how they crossed the creek near 68 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM the southern part of the town ; evidently some passable bridge was built before the present one was located for travel, as the present bridge was established and built in 1802 by Abraham Preble and Henry Fisher, who built the frame-work for one hundred and ten dol- lars, and the town to furnish the plank. In 1789, the town sent Elisha Getchell to Hallowell to the court of sessions, to get a road laid out from opposite the court house at Hallowell to the north line, as they had no facilities of travel to that court except by water. The road was built at that time, the court not ordering it. The road from John Harward's Comer to the road near Captain Joseph Hall's house was established in 1773, and they built a bridge a few rods below the pre- sent one, the road to be three poles wide, running be- tween the land of Sarah Dagget of Boston, and Joseph Barker of Nantucket. The present bridge was built in 1798, and the people walked across on the stringers when they came to the dedication of the meeting house near Hall's Corner in 1799. Captain Thomas Harward built the bridge for two hundred and fifty dollars. In 1790, the town voted to send a petition to the General Court for a lottery to build bridges over the Abagadasset and the Cathance Rivers; and chose Elihu Getchell, Zacheus Beals and James Maxwell as a committee for the purpose of writ- ing their petition, with a like committee from Topsham in the interest of the bridge over the Cathance River. The bridges proposed to be built were the ones near East Bowdoinham and at Kendall's grist mill. March 25, 1805, an Act was passed by the Massa- chusetts Legislature incorporating Zacheus Beals, Josiah Colby, James Fulton, Elihu Getchell, Robert Patten, David Patten, William Patten, Thomas Reed, Joseph Sprague and James Sampson as "Proprietors of Cathance Bridge," to erect a bridge over Cathance River at the termination of the road laid out by the town of Topsham, to the landing at Bowdoinham, said HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 69 bridge to be twelve feet high above high water across the channel. The tolls authorized were, viz: — Foot passengers 2 cents each. Horse and rider 6 cents. Two-wheel carriage for pleasure 10 cents. Four-wheel carriage with two horses .... 25 cents. Four-wheel carriage with more than two horses, for each horse 4 cents. Sleigh or sled drawn by one beast 6 cents. Sleigh or sled drawn by two beasts 8 cents. Sleigh or sled drawn by more than two, for each beast 2 cents. Sheep or swine, each 1 cent. One driver and team with each drove free. March 6, 1826, the Legislature of Maine passed an Act, authorizing John Patten, Isaac Purington, Syms Gardiner .and Samuel Gray to rebuild, repair and main- tain a free bridge across Cathance River on the road leading from Topsham to Bowdoinham Village with suitable draw or passage way for vessels. February 20, 1828, this Act was repealed and the towns of Topsham and Bowdoinham were authorized to rebuild, etc., with the same conditions. February 4, 1826, the town of Bowdoinham was authorized to build and forever maintain a bridge over the eastern branch of Cathance River, provided said town shall always keep open sufficient passage ways and sluice ways for gondolas and rafts. After the bridge was made free in 1828, the toll house was taken by Col. Josiah Merrow and used by him as a cobbler's shop (he was a shoemaker) . After he was done with it, it was purchased by Charles Pres- ton and hauled to the cross-roads, north of the Hathorn house, where he and his mother, Eunice Preston, re- sided till her death. It is not known what finally became of it, but think it was torn down by Isaac Wilson in 70 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 1860, with the old schoolhouse from District No. 10, which Preston had bought and hauled there. The action of the two towns for the lottery came to nothing, as the bridge was built as a toll bridge by a company composed of Captain Robert Patten and others of Cathance Neck (Topsham) who were the prime movers in the project, and it remained a toll bridge until after we became a state, when the town took it. The ox work on the bridge during the whole time of building was forty dollars, while the rum bills amounted to fifty dollars, giving a balance in favor of Medford of ten dollars. Knowing and hearing of the necessity of the fluid in those early days upon all such undertakings, it must be imagined that it must have been a great factor to strengthen the muscles and to clear the mind, not only in building this one bridge, but in building all the bridges and roads in the town. In 1796, they had a big undertaking upon their hands, in order to comply with an order from the Court of Sessions at Hallowell, in answer to repeated com- plaints being made to the court, that no road extended across the town as a means of intercourse with dif- ferent sections, as public needs demanded, to build two bridges, one across the Abagadasset, and the other across the eastern branch of the Cathance River, and a road to connect them. The town at its next meeting voted to raise one thousand dollars for the bridges, and two hundred dol- lars for the road, and the next year they raised two hundred dollars more to finish the bridges. So the road from the Branch bridge to East Bowdoinham was the first connecting link between the Kennebec and the Cathance Rivers. The bridge built over the Aba- gadasset, by order of the court, was the one referred to at the time the meeting house was dedicated in 1799. The other is near Captain R. W. Denham's estate. When the town voted to raise the one thousand dollars for the bridges, they voted as their opinion "that a HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 71 bridge over Call's ferry in Dresden would be of much greater public utility than a bridge over said river at or near Lithgow's mill." This town being in Lincoln County, and Pownalborough or Dresden being the shire town, their attention was early directed to build- ing a bridge across the Kennebec River. Call's ferry referred to was the one above Richmond Village. This scheme was objected to quite generally, as it would re- sult in a great injury to navigation. Again in 1805 the scheme was brought forward, and the town gave consent to have a bridge built over the Kennebec River at Swan Island, and for the same reason given above, this also came to grief. Pownalborough was organized as a town, February 20, 1760, comprising the three towns of Dresden, Wis- casset, Alna, and Swan's Island. It was also shire town of Lincoln County, by act of the Massachusetts Legislature of the same date, and the Court House was built the same summer, and continued as County seat until removed to Wiscasset in 1794. Soon after the Revolution, this court ordered Bowdoinham to build a road from Topsham line to Pownalborough, and this embryo road was built, be- ginning near the present town line of Topsham, fol- lowing up Cathance Neck to a point opposite Reed's Point, crossing the river by ferry ; going north to near where Albert Gowell lived on the Pratt road, thence turning easterly across the land of Newall Purington, coming out near the schoolhouse, thence northeasterly to a point of land east of James Dunlap's to the Aba- gadasset River, which was crossed by ferry, thence easterly to near where Robert Maxwell lived, from here following about the line of the present road to Ice- boro, opposite the Court House. One cannot presume this primitive road was a fit driveway for fast horses or automobiles. It was simply a passable road for travelling on horseback, or might probably be termed a wood road. The old Court House is now standing, 72 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM a substantial reminder of the past. The dotted line on the accompanying map shows the course of the road. In laying out and establishing roads, in the early part of the town's history, the certainty as to when the task was finally accomplished may in many cases be properly questioned, while in other cases there is no doubt. They show much fickleness in their town busi- ness, especially in road making. They vote to confirm a road, and several years afterwards you will find the same road again established. They vote to build a road, and at the next meeting or at a special, they would undo the whole thing. They voted often to build, while the records do not show when the work of building the road was actually accomplished. One road in particular was confirmed and ripped up four or five times, and finally built. So it is exceedingly difficult to give the exact date of the building of some of the roads, but we can approximate very nearly. In 1803, the town established the road from Rich- mond Village to Litchfield, or the Bog, as it was then called, now known as the County Road. Said road is three rods wide and was built about that time. The same year the town established the road from the Western farm (Stuart estate) to John Preble's at the road leading from the Kennebec River to Litchfield. This road is known as the Carding Machine Road, then north to Country Road. The road from William Maxwell's, north of Hall's Corner, to Abagadasset Mill, and from the corner near Samuel Graves to the road in Richmond was established in 1790. We give a rough sketch of the road leading from Harward's Corner to Elisha Pratt's Corner. The original road ran from the first mentioned corner on a line between the Harward estate, and the Samuel Dagget lot, running nearly to the Abagadasset River, then in a southwesterly course and then a westerly course to the bridge. The road left the bridge west of \<^-pf- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 73 Harward's Crossing, following the line between Esq. Zacheus Beals on the south and George Thomas on the north, to near the church just south of Stephen Elliot's house, thence southwesterly to near the center of Beal's field west of road, thence northwesterly, pass- ing south of the hill near the residence of J. M. Hall to the East Creek bridge, crossing that, following thence the line of Esq. Beals, Sr., and Zacheus Beals, Jr., to near the road leading by the estate of J. C. Hobbs, thence southwesterly to the corner near the residence of Elisha Pratt. At a later date this was changed to its present location. The first object was to build a road between the farms, or go square across them. Many roads to-day can be seen built on that plan. As new ideas enter into road building they are changed to meet new con- ditions. Previous to 1811, a person on the Abagadas- set Point, in order to get to Cathance Landing, would go to Harward's Comer thence westward by the Simeon Given estate, thence down the cross road, over the old Branch Bridge to the corner at William Graves, then down the Post Road to the village. No roads up to 1797 had been built by the town to give an outlet to the people of Bowdoin for their pro- ducts or to reach the tide waters, as a measure of inter- course and trade. They, as a town, were entirely isolated from the outside world. It seems that in 1797, Bowdoinham, in compliance with a grant from the early land proprietors for a road in the south west- ern portion of the town "voted to establish a road from Cobb's pasture to the Bowdoin line, formerly laid out by the land proprietors, and it should be as a town road." This road was built and maintained as such, continuing to the Topsham road in Bowdoin. This it is presumed is the road known as the Booker road, and the proprietors reserve this strip of land for that pur- pose only, and can be used for no other, and the town cannot abandon it, a portion of this road is now used 74 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM and public travel demands it for an outlet. This is an extension of a road formerly laid out from Abraham Preble Jr.'s Landing (now the Town Farm) to Abial Cobb's pasture (now J. W. Lang's) laid out about the same time, and was about a mile in length. The latter road cannot be said to have been built, but it was es- tablished and particulars of the location given, evi- dently expecting that a bridge would be built further up the river; but a few years after, the town voted to allow Preble to work out his road tax on his private way. It appears that Preble lived near the river, on the above named farm, some distance from the town highway. This Preble was the son of the Abraham Preble who was the first settler in Bowdoinham, on Abagadasset Point, and a grandfather to Abraham Preble who died about 1880. He was long known as an upright man and one of the town's most worthy citizens. This terminates a very long and unbroken line of Prebles and the curtain drops on the last of the male descend- ants of the worthy pioneer settlers in this tovsoi, at least from this branch of the family. It may not be out of place to take some particular notice of Cathance Landing, as it appears so conspicu- ously in the old records. This Landing was formed by the uniting of the two branches of the river by the same name. The larger branch running in a westerly direction into the town of Topsham and the smaller in a more northerly. And at this convenient junction considerable business was established in way of land- ing products for shipments to other markets. The name of Cathance Landing became a permanent fixture for that point as well as for the village that rapidly grew in that locality, and stubbornly held to that name for more than fifty years, when the old primitive name gradually wore off, and a more modern term was adopted, that of Bowdoinham Village, and all that remains of that honored name, may now be HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 75 be found at Roger's crossing in Topsham, imported there by the Maine Central Railroad. The settlers on the Cathance River and its branches, naturally, caused by their energy a surplus of their productions, while the forest furnished abundant products, for a distant demand, and in their need they naturally selected the most central and convenient point as the place from which to send their exports and receive supplies. The geography of the country at that time pointed out Cathance Landing as the most available position for that purpose. As places became prominent as landings, and people congregated there to ship their products, it was but natural for Yankee in- telligence to open a mart of trade, by way of a store, even on a small scale. This again attracted others, and soon a settlement or a beginning of a village was begun. This soon developed into a big commercial center. There is nothing to show, either by records or tradi- tion, that it was anything more than the ordinary stopping place or landing till 1790, at which time there was probably two or three houses and a store, when the business of shipping lumber and wood demanded that roads be built to enable the people to reach the river, and it is fair to presume, that it could not have been of much importance, before any were built, as their ex- ports were of heavy materials and could only be moved on roads. The people of Bowdoin, through some of their prom- inent men, urged the matter upon Bowdoinham to build a road from the Landing to the Bowdoin line for their convenience and need. But the town seemed to be very unwilling to undertake the task, at least of one of such charitable dimensions where she was to receive no apparent advantage from it herself, and consequent- ly threw the burden upon the people of Bowdoin to work out their own salvation, but upon Bowdoinham's terms. 76 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM The following is the partial return of the road from Cathance Landing to Bowdoin line : — Bowdoinham, June 2nd, 1797. We the subscribers, selectmen of the town of Bow- doinham, with a surveyor, have laid out a road through the town Bowdoinham, beginning at Bowdoin line at the westward of Joseph Tarr's house, to Cathance Landing so called, a little to the westward of Captain Zibia Eaton's house, beginning the course from said Tarr's house running south and by east (courses here omitted) to said landing. Said road to be three rods wide ; and it. is agreed by the two parties Bowdoinham, and James Rogers and James Temple, that the latter parties are to pay all of the cost of clearing, repairing and all damage that shall arise in consequence of run- ning said road through any person's land. The road is laid out on these conditions: No expense to the town of Bowdoinham from any person or persons. It appears that "James Rogers and Ebenezer Temple of Bowdoin became holden and firmly bound and obliged unto Elihu Getchell, Stephen Whitmore and Zebia Eaton of Bowdoinham and their successor in that office, in the full and just sum of two thousand dollars, to be paid unto the selectmen of Bowdoinham ;" and they bound themselves, heirs, executors and ad- ministrators, firmly with these presents sealed on the second day of June, 1797. The conditions were such that "James Rogers and Ebenezer Temple bound them- selves to the town of Bowdoinham to the sum of two thousand dollars to clear and repair and pay all dam- ages to all person or persons, that may arise by run- ning the road through the land from Joseph Tarr's to the Branch Cathance River, a little to the westward of Zebia Eaton's house, as the road is now laid out to ac- commodate the said Rogers and Temple, through the town ; to join the town of Bowdoin without any expense to the town of Bowdoinham, and the selectmen gave as a free gift to the said Rogers and Temple, yearly, the road taxes of Zebia Eaton, Elijah Davis, Thomas HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 77 Denham and Joseph Tarr, after this pr6sent year, and if any of them remove, the ones that after improve them ; and the said Rogers and Temple agree to pay all damages and keep it in repair for thirty years at their own expense. Should the said Rogers and Temple at any time fail to fulfill their part of the contract, the town of Bowdoinham may at any time disannul the road. And James Rogers and Ebenezer Temple fur- ther declare that the inhabitants of Bowdoinham may pass and repass upon the road at any time, free and clear in the road named in their bond." This is the road that passes from near P. K. Millay's through the center of the village or Main street, terminating below the bank at the Town Dock. This road has been one of the largest thoroughfares in our town, and was the real outlet from Bowdoin, Lisbon, and Webster, for many years in their commercial trade. We do not know how long the town held Messrs. Rogers and Temple to the contract, but at no time since building could either town dispense with that, then apparently useless, road. It seems that the town in 1805 felt disposed to fur- ther help Rogers and Temple in their big undertaking, by voting that Joseph Langdon, Elijah Parlin, Isaiah Booker, Joseph Cable, James Sampson and Dr. Hunt- ington be allowed to work out their road taxes, on the road leading from the landing on Cathance River, to Bowdoin line, under James Rogers and Ebenezer Temple. Some two years after, this vote was rescind- ed, after helping them two years, thinking doubtless her gratuity had extended far enough in that direction. The above names were of those residents at the landing and they should be noted as the pioneer settlers of our village who gave it a vigorous impulse into prominence and wealth. The next road of prominence which claims our at- tention is one from William Preble's (now Will Graves') to Robert Jack's (now Zebulon Jack's es- tate) house in 1796. This road was laid out before 78 HISTORY OF BOWPOINHAM this date, but this year its courses were changed some- what and built on conditions that it should be no ex- pense to the town of Bowdoinham, or to any individual for damages. This road was further extended by es- tablishing a road on the line between Robert Jack's and James Spark's extending to Bowdoinham line. This was the road by W. R. Whitmore's estate and was established in 1794. In 1806 the road beginning at the grist mill near the depot, at the swamp opposite the said bridge, on land of Jonathan and Samuel Davis, was established, running generally in a northerly di- rection into the town road, that leads to Foster Wat- erman's wharf. This is, without doubt, the street that runs past S. W. Carr's house, continuing by Wil- liam Whitmore's, and to the junction of the Millay and Post Road north of the village. There was quite a settlement in the western portion store and wharf, running in a northerly direction, to near the house of Dr. Rowland, deceased. Jordan's was the first wharf in the village, and is now the town dock. It was built previous to 1800. There was quite a settlement in the western portion of the town, now known as the Post Road, and in the Fisher neighborhood, and even in the Millay district, before the village came into existence. In 1804 there were not more than eight dwelling houses, at what is now known as Bowdoinham village. We gather these facts from our town records, as all the inhabitants at that landing, by vote of the town, worked out their road tax upon the road leading to Bowdoin, under Rogers and Temple in 1805, and the following are the names: — Joseph Langdon, Elijah Parlen, Isaiah Booker, Josiah Cable, James Sampson, and Dr. Uria Huntington. They had previously put Zebia Eaton's tax into Rogers' bill for labor on high- way. As no road was established to lead into the landing until 1797, and was not built for some two or three years, we may safely conclude that in 1800 there HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 79 were not more than five houses and stores at that place, and even at a time as late as 1813 there were only about fifteen buildings of all kinds in that village, and some of these were of the most shabby character, and prob- ably there were not over ten or twelve families. It may be of interest to the readers to introduce a few copies of legal documents for the purpose of show- ing methods in those days of doing legal business, to compare with the present. INDENTURE BOND PETER ALLEN TO D. PEIRSON. This indenture witneseth that Hezekiah P. Allen of Bowdoinham in the County of Lincoln yeoman, hath put & placed, by these presents doth put & place his son Peter Allen a minor under the age of fourteen years as a servant to Daniel Pierson of Bowdoinham aforesaid Clergyman, the said Peter Allen after the manner of a servant to dwell with & serve the said Daniel Peirson from the day of the date hereof until the twentieth day of August Eighteen hundred & twenty nine, at which time the said Peter Allen if he shall be living will be twenty one years of age. During which term the said Peter Allen, his said master well & faithfully shall serve; he shall do no damage to his said master nor wilfully suffer any to be done by others, he shall not waste his master's goods, nor lend them unlawfully to any, from the service of his said master he shall not absent himself but shall in all things behave himself as a good & faithful servant ought, during the whole time or term aforesaid, andthe said Hezekiah P. Allen is to pay forty dollars on De- mand to the said Daniel Peirson. And the said Daniel Peirson on his part doth hereby promise Covenant & agree to Give the said apprentice or servant a Good and respectable Education suitable for a Clerk in a Mer- chant's store, if he be Capable to learn and shall well & faithfully find & provide for the said apprentice or servant Good & sufficient meat, drink, clothing, lodg- ing & all other necessaries fit & convenient for such an apprentice or servant during the term aforesaid and at the expiration thereof shall Give to the said appren- tice or servant two Suits of wearing apparel one suta- ble for the Lord's days & the other for working days. In Testimony whereof the said parties have here- 80 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM unto interchangeable set their hands & seals the 18th day of June in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & twelve. Daniel Pearson (Seal) Hez. p. Allen (Seal) Signed, sealed & delivered in the presence of us Allen Smith Deborah Smith June 18th, 1812 — Received the within sum 40 dollars Daniel Pierson. wanton S. VARNAM to HEZEKIAH p. ALLEN, REG. AUGUST 12, 1813. PAID. Know all Men by these Presents, That I Wanton Stover Varnam of Bowdoinham in the County of Lin- coln Mariner in consideration of two hundred dollars to me paid by Hezekiah Peter Allen of said Bowdoin- ham Mariner (the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowl- edge) do hereby give grant, sell and convey unto the said Allen his heirs and assigns forever the following piece and parcel of land together with the building thereon standing, situate in said Bowdoinham and bounded thus: Viz. beginning on the street tearing by Sampson's store and bounded Southerly by said Sampson's lot of land on which the said Sampson's store stands ; Westerly, by the said Varnam's garden ; Northerly by the Ally-way leading to said Varnam's dwelling house. Easterly by the street aforesaid Meaning to convey hereby the new store lately built by said Varnam together with the land under said store and in front of the same store together with the priv- ledge of making a pair of stairs on the northerly side of said store, to go into the chamber door, and also the right of passing to and from the said stairs to the street aforesaid. In Witness Whereof, I the said Wanton S. Varnam together with Betsey Varnam wife of me the said Wanton, in token of the relinquishment of his right of dower in the premises have hereunto set our hands and seals this Second day of June in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirteen. W. S. Varnam (Seal) Signed, Sealed, and delivered, in presence of Solomon Eaton. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 81 Lincoln ss. August 3, 1813. Then the above named Wanton S. Varnam acknowledged this Instrument by him subscribed, to be his free Act and Deed, before me, Samuel Gray, Justice of the Peace. Lincoln Rec. August 12, 1813, & entered with the Records for Deeds for said County Lib. 84 Fol. 24 Att. Warren Rice, Reg'r. Know all Men by these Presents, that I, Hez. P. Allen, of Bowdoinham in the county of Lincoln & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gent, do in consid- eration of the sum of Thirty One Dollars to me paid, demise, lease & to farm let unto Stephen Whitmore of said Bowdoinham, Junior, Bricklayer, to him and his assigns a certain part of a Store, meaning the under or cellar part of the same situated at Cathance Landing in said Bowdoinham and the middle part or story of said store is now occupied by Ebr.Herrick, Esq. — To have and to hold the demised and leased premises to him the said Whitmore him, his Executors, Adminrs. & Assigns for five months, to begin in the twenty-fifth day of Dec. inst. & further I do hereby for myself, my Exrs. Adminrs. & Assigns, covenant to faith the said Allen, that at the end of said term I will quietly and peacebly deliver up the demised Premises to him the said Allen or his proper representative the demised premises in the same good repair as was received. Casualities and providential calamities excepted. In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this twenty-second day of December, 1815. Hez P. Allen (Seal) Stephen Whitmore (Seal) Signed, sealed & delivered in presence of Wm. Booker, Jr. James McLellan. specimen account between HEZEKIAH p. ALLEN and ANDREW CUSHMAN. 1815 HEZEKIAH P. Allen, Dr. April 17 To Eighteen Bushels and one half potoes $6.17 May 9 " Cash three Dollars 3.00 23 " Cash five Dollars and eighteen pound of veal 5.88 82 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 27 " cash three dollars and loading Boards 25c. . 3.25 June 13 " Cash three dollars and twenty-five cents,.. 3.25 July 16 " twenty pounds lamb at 7 cents 1.40 Nov. 8 " Boarding a man four weeks at 2$ 8.00 " my self and horse to the landing six times. . 2.00 " four days work myself with Bibber 3.33 " one day hailing the porch down and drawing nails 0.83 " one Day clearing and Burning stumps .... 0.83 16 " under pining your house one day 1.00 17 " one westcoat $3 to finding Curtises oxen and two meals of night 3.50 " boarding mason two Days and tending mason 1.50 " going after Bricks and lime twice to Max- wells 0.50 " timber at the landing 160 feet 2.50 26 " boot between grate Coats 5.00 1816 April 9 " Boarding joiners three weeks at $2 per week 6.00 " five hundred of hay delivered to yourself. . . . 2.50 " going to Wescasset as an evidence 3.50 12 " making one pair of trouses 0.50 " five hundred of hay and hailing it to the landing 3.00 " makeing one pair of trouses 0.50 " one goose and Cash lent 2$ one days work on the road 3.00 July 9 " seven pounds and one half lamb at 4 cents . . 0.30 " detaining the Corn house on the farm one year 5.00 " Bringing Casks and Cart from your house to the landing 0.75 " trouble of moving thing in the house when seling the house 1.00 " Bilding fence on the line between your field and Dinmore 5.00 " detaining your Cart to be repaired four months 4.00 " paying Russell for wagon to Bring your things over 0.25 " carrying your child to Mr. Jack and to Mr. Henrys 1.00 " three days work my self and watson two days 1.50 " Beef after takeing pay for swine out sixty to pounds 2.48 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 83 1817 Jan. 13 " Eight 3-16 Cheese at seventeen Cents per lb 1.40 May 17 " fish at sedgleys 8.35 " one quart of Rum when sick 0.35 " one pint of Brandy and loaf sugar at lunts 0.60 " Cash lent forty eight cents 0.48 " tending and Doctoring your leg when sick 5.00 " one pair of trouses for George 0.50 " Bording N. P. Allen eleven weeks one half. . 28.75 " Bording George Allen six weeks and one half 16.25 " my wife Before going to take her Deposition 0.50 " Bill at Hannaford " abuse of my house and family 10.00 June the 23d 1817 Received pay in full in note of hand by Judgement of referee Andrew Cushman. Andrew Cushman Accempt. This Indenture of Lease of two parts, viz : of Heze- kiah P. Allen of Bowdoinham in the County of Lincoln & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, on the one Part & Ebenezer Herrick of said Bowdoinham, Trader, on the other part witnesseth — That the said Allen in consideration of the covenants & rents hereinafter named on the part of the said Her- rick to be performed, hath demised, leased & to farm let & doth hereby lease, demise, & to farm let to said Herrick, his assigns. Executors & Administrators, the following part of a Store, situate in said Bowdoinham, at Cathance Landing; that is to say, the middle or second story of the store now lately finished or fin- ishing by the said Allen, between a Store by one James Sampson or James Sampson & Son & a dwell- inghouse in which dwells one Wanton Stover Varnam, with all privileges & appurtenances to said, or rather said part thereof belonging — In testimony whereof the parties have hereunto set their hands & seals this nineteenth day of September, A. D., 1815. Hez. p. Allen. Signed, sealed & delivered in presence of Foster Waterman. Nathl. Potter. 84 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM April the 2nd, 1817. This day settled. JOSIAH SANDFORD, Robert Wilson, Gardeans. E. Herrick. Allen at one time was quite prominent in the town, had been master of vessels and owned considerable shipping property. It appears that in the later years of his life he drank to excess and was put under guar- dianship. In the licenses issued by the Court at Wiscassett he is styled "Hezekiah P. Allen, Spend- thrif." The guardians were Robert Wilson and Jos. W. Sandford. DEED OF ISRAEL MILLET. Know all Men by these Presents, that I Israel Millet of Bowdoinham in the County of Lincoln & Com- monwealth of Massachusetts yeoman for and In Con- sideration of the sum of one hundred and Seventeen Dollars to Me in Hand paid by Hezekiah P. Allen of said Bowdoinham. Do by these presents Bargin sell assign transfer & set over to the said Allen one Half of a certain Building or store by Me Bought of John Small on the fifth day of December Last standing on Land of Jonathan & Samuel Davis, on Cathance River in Bow- doinham subject to any Rights of the said Jonathan & Samuel to have & to hold the one Half of the said Building or store with privileges & Rights to the said Building belonging, subject aforesaid, to Him the said Allen his Executors Administrators & assigns In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty-fifth day of March, A. D. 1806. Israel Millet. (Seal.) Signed Sealed & delivered in presence of The following are connected to Cathance Landing History: — Capt. Allen built the store occupied by Al- phonso Berry, in the village and next to the building in which was the office of the Selectmen. He leased a part of it to E. Herrick who occupied it as a grocery HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 85 store for some time. The basement was occupied by Stephen Whitmore, mason. The street was formerly much lower than now, as there was quite a basement under it. SPECIMEN ACCOUNT BETWEEN E. HERRICK AND HEZEKIAH P. ALLEN. 1816 Hez p. Allen to E. Herrick, Dr. Jan. 4 To paid Sedgley 4s $ .67 " " 17 " Cash paid 5.00 " 25 " 1 qt Rum 49 " 24 " Cash 2.62 Feb. 24 " 1 qt Rum 49 " 24 " Paid R. Harnsworth 3.12 " 11 " 1 gill Rum 08 Apr. 20 " 1 lb 2 oz Clear pork 22 " 23 " 1 qt Rum 1 doz Bread and 1 gill Rum 64 May 1 " 41/2 gills Rum 26 7 " 3 pts Rum 66 2 " Cash 25 9 " 1 gill Rum 08 " 10 " Cash paid C. Potter 1.25 " 10 " Cash paid T. Sandford 4.92 " 10 " Cash paid Lunt 8.00 " 22 " 3 glasses rum 12 " 22 " 1 pint Rum 24 " 24 " 3 glasses Rum & 1 pt Rum 30 " 27 " 45/2 gills Rum 36 " 27 " 1 Mug egg pop 25 " 30 " % pint W I Rum & 1 qt Rum 56 " 30 " Cash lent 1.00 " 31 " l%pt & 1 gill Rum 42 June 3 " 1 pk. Salt % lb. Butter & 1 glass rum 44 " 7 " 1 quarter veal 50 7 " 1 Spelling Book 1-6 25 8 " 1 pt W I Rum 22 " 11 " 1 pt & 1 gill Rum 30 " 11 " V4, lb Tea to Mr. Bowie 25 " 17 " Cash paid Wm. Booker Jr 1.00 " 13 " 6 yhs Calico to Mr. Bibber 2.76 " 18 " 1 qt W. I. Rum 40 " 18 " 1 yd flannel 3-9 & - Lemon & % doz bread. . .75 " 20 " V2 lb Cheese 08 " 20 " Cash paid Watson & al 1.08 Showing E^nLi&sr ScTTLEfts CATHANCE LANDING. CHAPTER V. LIST OF BUILDINGS AND THEIR USES AT CATHANCE LANDING ABOUT 1810— SETTLEMENT AND ROAD BUILDING. L. D. Small's store was a new building, unoccupied in about 1808, and used occasionally for meetings. Mr. John Patten preached there at different times, and it was owned by Hesikiah P. Allen, the collector of the town. Chapman's blacksmith shop was a variety store owned and occupied by Stephen Whitmore. There was a tavern kept (where S. D. Thorn edited his paper and kept store) by Walton Varnum. The old Sampson store, used by the bank and Fulton, was occupied by James Sampson, grandfather of H. I. Sampson, and was probably the first settler at the land- ing. The old Carroll building which was used as a store years ago was later occupied by S. W. Carr as a coat factory, but was burned in 1902, and has been re- placed by a new building which is now used as a post office and Adams' coal office. A one story house was built on the spot where the Masonic Block now stands and was used for a tannery of morocco. This house was moved down the railroad, below the depot and occupied years ago by Edmund Thorn. The Sumner building was where Rideout hotel stood. Avery Hulet's blacksmith shop occupied the place where R. W. Carr's store now stands and a bake house where Lucerne Newall's store now is. The M. E. Church lot was occupied by Joseph Leonard's Tav- ern. Thomas Graves house stood where S. W. Carr's house now stands. Dennett & Alexander traded in the store later used as a dwelling by Mrs. Steward. Josiah 87 88 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Colby's store stood between the Sampson store and Mrs. Steward's house. Waterhouse lived on the John Rideout lot, back street. The house on the Gray estate was built by Dr. Hanson in 1802, and soon passed into lawyer Waterman's possession, and in 1813, Sam- uel Gray bought it and has since remained in that name. Wm. Lunt lived at the landing, but cannot locate his residence. Dr. Urial Huntington lived near Pleasant Street. Alexander, the trader, had a black- smith shop near Lithco Allen's on the opposite side of the creek, and undertook to operate a trip hammer, but could not make a success of it, and converted the building into a tannery, but soon after it passed into the hands of Robert Hunter, who continued business several years. The Point of land in Charles E. Purington's field was known in 1800 as McCurdie's Point from a family of McCurdies who lived there. Dr. James Tupper lived in the vicinity of the landing in 1805. John Coombs built a house where Capt. H. Q. Samp- son's house stood, about the same date. He was a hatter by trade, and some of our older people have worn some of his make of hats. Ebenezer Macomber operated a grist mill near Lithco Allen's from 1805 to about 1825. This was the extent of Bowdoinham village as we gather facts from the recollections of our oldest citizen Reuben Blake in 1884 and the town records from 1805 to 1812. In 1817 there were not over twenty buildings at the land- ing, of all descriptions, and compared with our day, some would hardly be recognized as a model habita- tion. This is the beginning which soon brought the obscure and random collection of houses into some notoriety, for the amount of public enterprise exhibit- ed by her people, and the extraordinary prominent position taken in the shipping business, soon gave an impulse to the progressive genius of ship building. The mercantile traffic carried on from this port was m O K HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 89 truly wonderful in her trade with the West Indies and Boston, and a large fleet of vessels were employed in carrying her products and bringing her supplies. Her commercial industries soon became large, but her manufacturies were small. Her exports in the landing's infancy were chiefly bark, hay, and wood and after the steam mill was built lumber. For so unpre- tending a landing, her imports were also large and were drawn by horses twenty-five to forty miles in- terior from this tide water, giving the place a real busi- ness appearance. This straggling village, after 1815 became a prominent place of business and progress; new build- ings of more artistic taste were erected, and, for a small place it gained a splendid reputation as a com- mercial port. The Esquire Gray homestead is one of earliest residences now standing, and was built by Dr. Hanson in 1802 near the beginning of the nine- teenth century. John Colby, Samuel Gray, James Sampson, Ebenezer Macomber, Zebia Eaton, Doctor Huntington and Josiah Cable, were the leading spirits in the town's prosperity and did much for her welfare. An early pioneer by the name of John Springer lived in Charles E. Purington's field, north of Wood- worth's near the stream known as Springer's Creek. There was a landing in Springer's field, known quite generally at that date as Springer's Landing, and we presume it was at this place the ship yard was located, in William Woodworth's field. Dr. Michael Howland settled at R. D. Spear's place as early as 1790, and was the first doctor who ever afflicted Bowdoinham. He died in 1800, and was buried in the Morse graveyard. In the same year a Mr. Watson lived south of R. D. Spear's house, on the west side of the road south of the brook. William Denham lived upon the Morse estate and built a wharf a few rods south of the Branch bridge on the west side of the river, and was engaged in ship building as early as 1790. We are under many 90 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM obligations to our aged and highly esteemed citizens, Col. Josiah Merrow and Reuben Blake, for the many favors and valuable information gained in unravelling much which, at first, seemed to be a sealed page in her early history, and to a certain extent must always re- main so. Captain John White settled on the Obadiah Curtis estate, upon the northern part of the ridge, a little northwest of F. W. White's, in 1803. Although some clearings had been made in that vicinity, nothing like a settlement was made before the above date. Mr. White came from Topsham, and after remaining upon that place a short time, he located on the Siegars' farm where he became a prominent farmer. Thomas San- ford settled upon the Sanford farm about the same date, and these might properly be called the pioneer settlers in that section of the town. Others soon came in there, as William Dinsmore located in the late Cap- tain Nicholas Sparks' east field, near the stream, and on the Samuel Sparks' estate. On the western side of Captain R. W. Denham's mill dam is a high bluff of land dividing the main stream from Hulett's mill stream on the west. This point became quite prom- inent as the landing which was the only way to reach the settlers upon the ridge. A bridle-path followed along the west side of the stream upon the level, evad- ing the high land, terminating at the northern settler's home. This point was known as Whitmore's Landing. This primitive road was the only egress for many years for the people on the ridge, hauling by teams all heavy materials to this point, where they met the tide waters, nature's highway, the early settler's great- est friend. Frances Whitmore, Esq., was born in 1799, on the homestead where he died, a man of ster- ling principles, well known to his townspeople, and he gave much valuable information upon early history in that vicinity. In 1803, the Ridgeroad, which opened up to Bow- HON. STEPHEN W. CARR, Insurance Commissioner of IVIaine, 1893-1908. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 91 doinham a fine section of farming land, was first es- tablished, but after several years of contests, incon- venience and isolation from the rest of the town, was built about 1806. This road continued by Captain John White's to William Robinson's, now Robinson's Corner, in Richmond. It must have crossed to the Dingley road north of Marshal White's place and continued to Richmond Corner, but the vote says to "Cobbossee- contee Pond, and to Robinson's." It extended south- ward to the corner north of Joseph Morse's, and then westward to the Post road at James Graves', thence to the village. As road building is one of the most treacherous matters to settle by records, we can only infer it to be built about this time. The road was first located in the old bridle road, near the stream, east of the high land, but was soon after changed to its present locality. It was never built under the hill. A road was established for many years from Clark Hatch's (which was in Sparks' east field) to Hath- em's, now Frank Seigars', and we infer was partially built. This was previous to 1800. It was afterwards abandoned and the Dingley road opened. When the road was established from Captain R. W. Denham's upon the west bank of the stream, and terminated at the point, the object was to meet tide- water, as no bridge was provided across either branch to connect with other roads in town. In 1805 the following families lived upon what is now known as the Post road. Isaac Leonard built, be- tween 1790 and 1800, and occupied the large tavern, afterwards known as Mustard's Tavern. Robert Jack lived upon the Zebulon Jack estate; Robert Spear on the farm now bearing that name. A man by the name of Woodworth lived on the Luther Curtis place, Hetherly Randall at Samuel Randall's and Robert Wilson at John Wilson's. John Henry settled on the Nealey farm now Booker Douglass' in 1807. John Small from Bowdoin settled in 1804 upon the 92 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Rufus Small farm, having been married two years pre- vious ; they came from Bowdoin with two children, into the wilderness, with only a bridle path to get out into civilization. The writer visited that old homestead in 1884 and gathered many interesting facts from the widow, in the one hundred and second year of her life and about eighty years on that farm. Her extreme age is remarkable proof of the vitality and vigor of many of our early settlers whose constitutions became healthy and rugged by hardships of a rustic pioneer life. Richard Webber lived on the farm now bearing that name. The road from James Graves' corner ex- tended north only to Zebulori Jack's north line, and those who lived upon the road in 1795, Spear, Wilson and Webber, worked out their road tax on this primi- tive road, which was not built by the town, or rather was not completed, only established, and those who lived upon it worked out their tax. North of this point no road existed. Yet there were settlers scattered quite to the Pond. The following dates may safely be accepted as quite correct as to the time of settlement of the following persons : — Hetherly Randall from 1790 to 1793 ; Robert Jack in 1790; Robert Spear in 1795; Isaac Leonard about 1795 and Joseph Mustard came into town in 1819 at the age of twelve years and in time came into pos- session of the tavern which he continued to run as such until 1853, when the stage on that road was taken off by the advent of the railroad, which ruined his busi- ness. Robert Wilson settled in about 1795. Post road was built in 1807, from north of Richard Webber's to Cobbosseecontee pond, and this road must have opened up a good travel and brisk business for the tavern at Mustard's and induced other settlers to come in. On the Millay road was James Millay who settled in about 1790 at the Millay estate. Israel Millet in about 1790, at a farm now owned by Chas. Hatch. John Hayden settled some time previous to 1788, but HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 93 cannot fix the date exactly. He located on the farm formerly owned by Horace Graves. He doubtless was the earliest settler in that part of the town. This is as far as the settlement extended on that road at that date, 1790. The road from the junction of the Millay and Post roads, north of the village to the Millay estate by the way of Will Graves was built previous to 1790. James Millay, John Hayden and Israel Millett, were quite often elected to some of the town offices, Millay at that time was spelled Melee. Martin Jameson bought of Jonathan Davis fifty acres of land for the sum of twenty-two pounds, ten shillings, lawful money. The deed is dated July 25, 1791. By deed dated August 19, 1798, Martin Jameson sells the above named lot of fifty acres to Joseph Green for the sum of four hundred dollars. (The above is now called the Jos. Green place.) Jonathan Davis sold another fifty acres, next south of the above named to Jos. Macomber for twenty-two pounds, ten shillings, and in 1801 Job Macomber sold the same to Wm. Curtis. Next south of Macomber's lot was the lot upon which Jas. Melee (now spelled Millay) settled, and from there to the cross-roads was a heavy growth of hardwood, and the highway took a sharp turn at Melee's north line to the east in a nearly direct line to near where Will Graves now lives, then as it runs at present to the cross-roads and to what used to be called the Hathorn hill, then to the left again, passing by the cemetery to the Landing. The present road from Melee's or Millay's to the cross-roads and from the Hathorn hill to the Methodist church was laid out in 1808. Next north of Millay's, Wm. Curtis bought (on the east side of the highway) land of John Alexander, and north of that on the east of the highway, John Alexan- der sold to John Heddean. Heddean's land west of the road extended to the Bowdoin line. On the west side 94 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM of the road and nearly half a mile from the present road lived a family by the name of Maloon. Their farm was west of the Heddean farm. Next north of Heddean and Maloon lived Israel Millett; then came Dinslow, and then Joshua Purinton, whose house was close to the westerly line of Bowdoinham. Israel Millett was a prominent man in town aifairs and for a long time was constable and collector. A road was laid out but never built from the turn in the highway near Jas. Melee's house on a westerly course between the farms of Melee and Macomber extending to the Bowdoin line. It was never used only by Macomber to get to his house, which stood some forty or fifty rods from the main highway on the high- est part of the field. The lot of land bought of John Alexander by Wm. Curtis extended to the so-called Post road. Subsequently it was sold, or a part of it, to Robert Wilson. The part of Robert Wilson's farm lying east of the Post road was bought by him of Thos. Denham. It contained one hundred acres and extend- ed to the western stream of the eastern branch of Cat- hance River. Thos. Denham's house stood in the field now owned by Josiah Morse and was a few rods south of Will Graves' present residence. The Post road, on being built to Richmond Comer, completed a continual thoroughfare to Gardiner, and a mail route was soon established on this road from Brunswick to Gardiner, and this became the first Post road in the town, and continued to be used as such till about 1850, when the railroad took the patronage of carrying the mail. Henry Fisher settled on the Drum- mond Fisher estate prior to 1790, and his name is quite prominent among the town oflScials. The road from Rufus Small's to Obadiah Curtis' Cor- ner, was established in 1810, and this connected with the Ridge road to Richmond Corner and the Pond. The way to connect Richmond Corner with Gardiner was established in 1790, when they started a road in ^^./y/.^/ "iU--j — ■ •« /"-T"^ A^--^ A..i/»n ^uW 'i-™ -^ Mi>^yA j^ c^ ^/:,«. /'■«^fw«*'ff A^ * V« ««A ^■'« -*'-^ x,/;..^*. //-^-/-v. ,,/. .^^ ■/ V-^-- -^-«- '^■^'- BOWDOINHAM 1795. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 95 the northwestern part of Richmond on lot No. 10, and run southerly a short distance, when it divided, and the west branch continued to Richmond Corner to connect with the road from the branch; the other road went in an easterly direction, which we presume to be the road leading east to the Reed meeting house, thence in a southeasterly direction to the county road from the village to the Bog, and thence southerly into the road that leads to Beal's Creek. We cannot assert that the road in the western part of Richmond was built then, but it was established and accepted by the town. This road from Shingleman's creek by the way of the Post road to Richmond Corner and thence to Gardiner (then Pittston) was the first through road from Brunswick to Gardiner in the town. Have received from Boston a map of the town of Bowdoinham, drawn in 1795, discovered among the ar- chives of our state, and this map represents a town whose length from north to south is two and one-half times its width, extending from the Cathance River on the south to Pittston on the north (now Gardiner) and from the Kennebec River on the east, to Bowdoin and Litchfield five miles on the west. Swan Island is repre- sented as a part of Dresden. The part of our town lying east of Cobbossecontee Pond, then called South Pond, did not extend back to the pond, but from Rich- mond Corner it made a sweep to the east of the pond, nearly one mile, and then drew back westward again, making a sharp angle about one mile south of Pittston line to the northwest, crossing the pond taking a piece of Litchfield before reaching our northern boundary. The singular part of this western line of what is now Richmond, was, that according to the oiginal charter, the town extended back five miles from the Kennebec river and had they established the Pond as the line be- tween Richmond and Litchfield they would exceed the limit of the charter, so they measured from the river, the five miles back, and accurately established the line 96 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM agreeably, to the boundary mentioned in that instru- ment. This line was easterly of the Pond, nearly across the town of Richmond. There was no village of Cathance Landing upon the map, as none existed at that time. By that map our western boundary is not straight, making some square angles which probably exist to-day. The following is the endorsement upon the map: — "This is an accurate plan of the town of Bowdoinham, in the county of Lincoln, on which is delineated or de- scribed, and here inserted or specified all and every article and thing agreeable to a resolve of the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed June 18th, 1794. There is no proper county roads in said town, as the passing is chiefly done by water, and has no particular house for public worship. "The reputed distance of the centre of the town where the courts were held at Pownalborough is fifteen miles, from Hallowell twenty miles, and from Boston one hundred and seventy-two miles. "Taken upon actual survey in the month of March and April A. D., 1795, and delineated upon a scale of 200 rods to the inch," by Ephraim Ballard, Sylvester G. Moore, Surveyors. The dotted lines on the south represent a disputed territory between this town and Topsham. CHAPTER VI. THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOLS OF BOWDOINHAM. In the early settlement of this country the people who braved the possibilities of a new life and home in an unknown land, hoping to breathe the air of freedom had much to contend with. They really were opening a new era in the world's history, quite different from any previous history or conditions of any other people. They had to begin life in a new and unknown wilder- ness, surrounded by hordes of savage tribes of Indians that showed no love or mercy to these strange aggres- sors of their homes and hunting grounds. The early settlers came here equipped only with a rugged constitution and a determined will, entirely without wealth, with little or no education, but with perfect faith in their success. Money could buy noth- ing, for there was nothing to buy. Then it became a battle of life to subdue the forest and break the virgin soil, in order to get the scantiest necessities of life. Education could not assist them much in felling the trees or breaking the soil. They knew that by expe- rience and hard work alone could they do this work. Nothing in mathematics or rhetoric could pull out one stump. They came from the poor but sturdy classes of Europe, and were so ignorant of book learning that they could not understand or see the need of it. In their new homes their lives were extremely hard and their thoughts were not directed toward education, as that was not a helper in their arduous toils. But the situation that stared them in the face quick- ened them into extreme activity — to convert the wild- erness into a home — and this called for daring men 97 98 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM and determined wills. When these people became settled and fixed in their settlement, the nation that assumed control of their lives and homes made their lives still harder by exacting of these poor people a tax to support the established church, which was forced upon them to the exclusion of every other want or necessity. So these people struggled, year after year, to tax themselves to meet the demand of an aristocratic church, to the detriment of their own private belief or wants. So we see that education had no place to develop under such conditions. After supplying their own imperative needs and that of the church, what had they left for schools? A few among the many saw the necessity of schools, and as soon as these communities were fairly organized they began to advocate education to raise the people to a higher standard of life. But their arguments and reasoning fell on deaf ears and darkened minds. At this period it was difficult, first, to find a place to hold a school; second, a teacher who was qualified to instruct the youth. At the time the first move was made to establish a school in Bowdoinham there were only two roads in town, or semblance of a road, and these were from Harvey Preble's, on the Point, to the northern part of the town, about one mile below the village of Richmond, or White's Landing; the other, on the west side of the Abagadasset River, from Cen- tre's Point to Getchell's Mills, now Dinsmore's, and these were very primitive affairs in comparison with the roads of to-day. In order to locate a school, many of the scholars must come two or three miles by boats and through the woods, and, in the winter, walk over many a dreary path or river to get to the house. The communities were widely scattered, principally upon Abagadasset Point, on the west side of the river of the same name, and upon the Cathance River, so the prospect of estab- lishing schools, where the extreme distance is eight HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 99 miles, mostly through a wilderness, or by boats, was not a ilattering one. The education question was a serious one to the few bright minds who looked into the future and saw the urgent need of schools. Many times the promoters of schools had articles put into the town warrant to see if the town would appropriate money for schools, only to see it voted down every time, till 1774. Previous to this, in 1764, the town raised £16 for the support of a minister, and at the same town meet- ing voted against raising £1 for schools, showing the conditions under which the voters had been trained and minds moulded. When, in the year 1774, they voted the first money for schools, they put in a proviso that the £13, 13 shillings should be put to the support of two schools, located in different parts of the town. The town had been incorporated twelve years, and here was the beginning of our town school system. The two places where schools were held were Abram Preble's on the farm now owned by Myric Heath; the other at Thomas Harward's, the same estate now owned by the Harwards. If held in any other place it cannot be located. The town did not see fit to vote any more money for schools for fifteen years, or until 1789. Evidently they voted this first sum more to quiet the persistent advocates for the schools than for any spec- ial benefit they expected to derive from the outlay. One reason why no money was raised for many years was the Revolutionary War, which broke out the next year, and the people felt it incumbent upon them to do all in their power to assist the colonies with both men and money in that war; and then the schools and their benefits were not what they had expected, so they quietly killed the measure every year afterward when it came up, but they could vote £20 to support the gos- pel, according to the law under which they lived. Can we at this late day, surrounded by everything progressive, picture in the mind's eye that pedagogue 100 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM in the dignity of an instructor, attempting for the first time to shoot new ideas into the minds of those un- tutored rustics, whose minds were void of the first principles of education? Many bright minds were gathered in that rude room, seated on chairs, boxes and blocks of wood, before an old open fireplace. We know the branches taught were confined to the three "R's." Possibly the reaction may have come from the small impression made upon the untrained mind, as one would suppose. In one short term and under such unfavorable conditions a teacher could hardly get the rust off the undeveloped mind. The most we can say is that the seed had been sown, the entering wedge had been driven and the scales of illiteracy be- gan to fall from their eyes, to clear the brain for some- thing better. In the year 1787, the town voted to raise £10 for the support of schools, and that they should be kept in three different parts of the town. Probably two of the schools were kept in the same houses where the first schools were held, but this third school may have been held on the west side of the Abagadasset River. The first move to organize districts in the town was in 1791, when the selectmen, by order of the town, di- vided the town into three districts. The first district included the inhabitants in what is now Richmond, on the River road, as far south as Porter's, a little south of Richmond village, then known as White's Landing. The second district extended from the southern limits of District No. 1 to Merrymeeting Bay, taking all on the strip of land bounded by the Kennebec and Aba- gadasset Rivers. District No. 3 included all the in- habitants west of the Abagadasset River to the east branch of Cathance River, otherwise known as the Denham mill stream. The £10 was equally divided among the three districts. The fourth district was organized in 1791 and the money divided accordingly. I am unable to locate the HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 101 building of the schoolhouse in District No. 1, but prob- ably it was at White's Landing, now Richmond village. The town in 1794 voted that Theopolius Blanche be a committee to build the house at White's Landing; Elisha Getchell and Capt. Thomas Harward, in Dis- trict No. 2; George Maxwell and George Thomas in District No. 3, and Israel Millitt and William Denham in District No. 4. The house for District No. 2, was built at Zethro Hatch's near where Norton's ice houses stood. The third district house was built on the spot where the meeting house was burned, north of Cromwell's in the old cemetery lot. The fourth district house was in the vicinity of Cathance village but I can locate the spot as the Cheney-Warren lot. The town by some lucky stroke, received some money from the land proprietors and the town voted to di- vide the money equally among the districts. In 1792 the town voted 40 shillings to build another schoolhouse located west of the east branch of Cathance River. This was district No. 5. And the town voted for the fourth district to divide the sum of money voted to them the year before with the newly organized dis- trict. This new district is hard to locate, but it was without doubt on the Post road near John Wilson's as there was no settlement on the Ridge at that period. The appropriations for the four districts were as follows: First district, eighteen shillings; second district, eight pounds, three pence; third district, five pounds, twelve shillings; fourth district, five pounds, seven shillings, six pence. In 1792 the town voted to build a schoolhouse on East Neck (Abagadasset Point) and one on the Neck, on the west side of the river. The former was on the Abagadasset Point near William Maxwell's. The lat- ter building was near James Allen's west of the bay. In 1796 the town voted to build another schoolhouse in the western part of the town on the Millay road. 102 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM In 1800 the town voted that the school money be "divided by the children." Truly this must have been fun for the urchins. In 1803, by the rapidly increasing population, the town made four districts in the western part of the town. The first commenced at Topsham line extend- ing to Eaton's Creek; the second, from said creek to Ross, which was west of the village, evidently the Fisher district; the third, from Ross to upper end of Millay road or Johnson's, the fourth, from Johnson's to north of Richmond corner. The town built the schoolhouses in the early history of our schools, which was a correct principle, but, early in 1800 a district system was adopted and the district was obliged to build its own houses. Then in 1795 we had three districts in the eastern part of the town and four in the western portion. The reserve of a certain amount of land by the early pro- prietors, from each section as laid off, one mile on Kennebec River and five miles back — gave great help to the weak districts both in building houses and sup- porting of the school as the money received from their sale went wholly to help the educational interests. The district system brought the schools very near to the people, and they took great care and cultivated a high ideal. The State to-day has taken these cares from the people, as they are managed wholly by a central power, so the people have little or no interest in the town school at the present day. It is here in our school history that we find our- selves handicapped, by finding records from which but a little can be gleaned. The town record book which contained our town's doings from 1762, at the organization of the town, to 1820, when our State be- came separated from Massachusetts, was burned at the time Captain Andrew Curtis' house was destroyed, so the only records we have of that important period are found in my sketches of the history of Bowdoinham HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 103 written in 1884. In 1820, the new record book was be- gun, but nothing pertaining to the schools can be found except the amount of money appropriated year by year. In the superintendent of school's department at Au- gusta nothing can be found to give any light on the matter, except to give the number of scholars, and a part of the appropriations. This shows the indif- ference and easy going way our public schools were managed. The teachers were hired by the school agent, elected annually by the school district. Then the teacher was examined by the school committee usually composed of three members, and if in their judg- ment, he or she was qualified to teach that particular school, the committee would give the applicant certifi- cate empowering him to teach. This committee made its report to the annual town meeting and previous to 1860, the reports were written, and was read by the chairman of the committee. None of the reports have been preserved, so but little can be secured from any record now in existence. The rapid growth of the town after 1800, caused a very rapid increase in our school districts. Between 1805 and 1853, the districts went from 5 to 18 in num- ber, and the number of scholars mounted up to 996. The growth of the school system from 1820 to 1854 was steady and healthy. The young men attended school till 21 years of age, and remained at home, but after that date the alluring prospects of the western life too often proved too attractive for their broadening minds. So they left the home of their birth and sought fairer lands, at least more productive ones. Then the appropriations of money steadily increased as rapidly as the number of scholars decreased. The district system which came into operation about 1800 was continued nearly 90 years. The manage- ment of the district and school was entirely under the control of the voters of said district. If a new district was organized the property holders 104 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM of the new district taxed themselves to build them a school house or to make it more clear the district voted to raise a certain amount of money to build for itself a house. The town official levied this tax on the sever- al voters in said district and the tax was collected by any ordinary tax collector and the town treasurer paid the bill on the house up to the amount raised. There was a large and flourishing district upon the upper Post road known as the Mustard district, but it gave so much travel to the scholars at the south end of the district, that John Henry, who was a prominent and wealthy farmer, located on the farm now owned by Booker Douglass, requested the town to divide the district, so the people at the south portion could have a house nearer for their own use. But the town refused to do so, whereupon Mr. Henry built a schoolhouse with his own means just north of the Rufus Small place and established a school. The town soon complied with his reasonable request and divided the district and established a new school. The following extracts from my writings in 1884 will give some idea of how our public schools were managed, and what was needed in the make up of a teacher to successfully control and teach these schools. "The schools were held in uncomfortable rooms of private houses where they were warmed by an old- fashioned fireplace, with its huge back log and poetical forestick, and where muscle on the part of the teacher was of much greater value for discipline than profic- iency in the simple rules usually taught. All the boys and girls attended winter school until twenty-one years of age, and the free spirit of these early rustics, having developed into independence knew no bound of restraint or authority to question their perogative to do as they pleased, subject only to the strong arm of the teacher, as there was little law or public opinion to hinder. So in the early times many pugilistic contests were the order of the day, while the old-fashioned amphi- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 105 theatre seats gave the interested observer ample view to witness the closely contested honors of the prize rings. Such was the spirit of the times and both parent and scholar thought that it was necessary to have a pugilist to keep school, not to teach school. The young ladies were not exempt from receiving the same attention from the master's ruler, and with the same severity that the boy winced under. For the benefit of those who may have lost the ident- ity of the old district organizations, also for the younger generation we will insert the names and loca- tion of the eighteen districts in Bowdoinham from 1854 to 1875. This first period was the high water mark of this system. District No. 1. — Near Mr. Little's, two miles south of Richmond village, a brick house, afterwards south of Charles Hill's. District No. 2. — South of Albion Maxwell's, on the Point. District No. 3 — Near James Allen's. District No. 4 — Near Eben Lancaster's. District No. 5 — Brook's district. District No. 6 — Near John White's. District No. 7 — Perry district near George Hack- ett's. District No. 8 — Fisher district. District No. 9 — Village district, old town house. District No. 10 — Near Horace Graves', Millay road. District No. 11 — Near John Wilson's, Post road. District No. 12 — Mustard's upper Post road. District No. 13 — Cross road N. W. and M. H. White's. District No. 14 — The Ridge district. District No. 15 — Near Chas. Purinton's in the vil- lage. District No. 16 — Bay road. District No. 17 — Near Booker Douglas', Post road. 106 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM District No. 18 — One mile south of Richmond village on River road. Not more than four of the original houses are stand- ing today, and of these the one in District 17, is the oldest, having been built originally by John Henry. Herewith I append a list of the appropriations and number of scholars as far as the records show. ■.->-~i Y Amount ^^^ Eaiaed 1774.... £13 1789.... 10 1791.... 20 1796.... 50 1810 $200 1821 900 1822.... 1000 1823 700 1824 750 1825 800 1826.... 800 1827 800 1828.... 900 1829 .... 900 1830 900 1831 850 1832 850 1833.... 850 1834.... 850 1835 1000 to 1847 each year No. of Scholars Year 1847.. 1848.. 1849.. 1850.. 1851.. 1852.. 1853.. 1854.. 1855.. 1856.. 1857.. 1858. . 1859.. I860.. 1861.. 1862.. 1863 . . 1864.. 1868.. 1869.. 1870.. Amount Raised No. of Scholars . . .. 971 . . 1200 .. .. 951 . . 1000 .. .. 963 . . 1000 .. .. 941 . . 1000 .. .. 962 . . 1000 .. .. 956 . . 1000 .. .. 961 . . 1500 .. .. 996 . . 1800 .. .. 980 . . 1800 .. .. 963 . . 1800 .. .. 936 . . 1500 .. .. 876 . . 1500 .. .. 880 . . 1500 .. .. 888 . . 1800 .. .. 891 . . 1800 .. .. 884 . . 1560 .. .. 765 . . 1500 .. .. 741 . . 2349 .. . . 679 . . 2349 .. .. 648 . . 2349 .. . . 620 -r-^ -«vx^^. In closing I will say that the writer has tried faith- fully to give the readers of this book as full and accur- ate account of the rise and progress of the schools and school system as can be obtained from researches, for twenty-five years, from old records as well as from old citizens living in 1884. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 107 School Matter. We will now show the comparative cost of educating a scholar in 1854 and in 1910, fifty-six years later, in which comparison there seems to be considerable food for thought. Bowdoinham School Fund for 1910. Appropriated $1900.00 Unexpended balance 1909 306.00 Received from State 1285.00 Total $3491.00 Whole number of scholars 338 Highest number attending school 211 Cost per scholar for one year $10.32 Bowdoinham School Fund for 1854. Appropriated $1500.00 Number of scholars 996 Cost per scholar for one year $1.50 Evidently there is something radically wrong in our present school system when in 1854 it cost only one dollar and fifty cents per year to educate a scholar and in 1910 it costs ten dollars and thirty two cents to support a scholar in school for the same period. As a matter of fact the scholars came from the old schools in the fifties better equipped for the battle in life than the scholars of today under the present condition of our school system. There was hardly a school district in this town but what sent one or more of her scholars into the schoolroom well equipped as school teachers, amply fitted in the fundamental branches, so essential for a successful instructor of the youth. How much better are they fitted today with every advantage than they were in 1854? Now we will contrast the pay in 1855 to 1860 with that of the present and see a sharp comparison. All winter terms were taught by male and the summer 108 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM terms by female teachers. The wages of an old exper- ienced male teacher were from twenty to twenty-two dollars per month of twenty-two days. For beginners the wages were from twelve to fifteen dollars per month. In 1857-58 the writer taught two terms for the magnificent sum of twelve dollars per month. These wages means that the man teacher boarded around in the smaller districts but was boarded in the large ones, the teacher's board being auctioned off to the lowest bidder at the annual district meeting. The female teachers received from one dollar to one dollar and a half per week, according to her experience and success in the past, and all boarded around which gave them a grand opportunity to get acquainted with the people. The present system precludes the parent from taking any noticeable interest in the schools of today. The state has assumed the greater part of the burden and responsibilities of management of the educational part, leaving the remainder for the town superinten- dents to do which is but little — especially in the course of study — ^thereby taking it from the people who should be most directly interested in the welfare of their own scholars, and to the great detriment of the schools. The scholars get a smattering of many studies, but are well grounded and equipped in few. We are record- ing conditions, not theories, facts that stand out con- spicuously to every close observer of results, of the past, and conditions of the present. They are pouring out oceans of money to educate the youth of today without adequate results. Too much time is spent in teaching professions and too little of the necessity of labor. Let us follow the routine duties of the school room through one day and get an insight into the duties in those monotonous six hours spent in their study that the young readers may understand somewhat our old town school system. The teacher with great solemnity called the scholars in and to order by rapping vigorous- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 109 ly on the top of the lower sash with the heavy pointer. As soon as all were in their places and the tittering stopped, reading in the New Testament was in order. All who could read did so commencing on the back seat reading by turn and then the scholars in the next row of seats in front took up the musical strain, till the last one had read his verse. The discords in their reading or perhaps may be called singing did not show much culture in either branch. Following this came the first class in reading, this exercise usual- ly by rising from their seats and reading. The small- er classes in reading followed. The first class in arith- metic came in for their share of attention from the teacher. Other classes in this branch of study follow- ed, until the smallest dot, was lifted a little higher in the mysteries of figures. When we speak of arithmetic it is safe to say that the scholars were taught to such a degree that would put to shame many of our High schools of the present day. Then the recess. Ah ! what scampering for the door, as they go out with a leap and a war whoop, that would discount an Apache Indian. After recess the smaller classes in arithmetic followed, then reading of smaller classes and spelling for all. Dinner one hour. In the afternoon the reading and spelling was similar to the forenoon but the principal lessons were geography and grammar and they knew these text books thoroughly and many tough and knotty questions in analyzing and parsing were discussed by keen wits, and deep thinkers. They did not have much of the polished and high sounding subjects of the present day but they were well grounded in that which makes a foundation for future usefulness. Other branches may be an embellishment, but the lessons taught here were the bed rock on which their future greatness must rest to build their fabric. CHAPTER VII. VESSELS BUILT IN BOWDOINHAM FROM 1768 TO THE PRESENT TIME. Not only were the early settlers of our town given to farming and lumbering and to the building of per- manent homes, but their minds were directed into a pursuit of a wholly different character. Their abili- ties were intuitively of a mechanical turn, and early developed a genius at ship building, a trade these hardy emigrants brought from the mother country. There were no inducements to build vessels while the provin- ces were under the British Government, as that nation then enacted laws to crush out the industry of manu- facturing of every description in every quarter of her vast dominion, except in England itself; so heavy duties were laid upon shipbuilding material in this country to prevent the enterprise from competing with her people. At the earliest date of building under the English laws no official record was kept by the colonies of its extent or history. Not until 1783, at the formation of this goverment, did the official record begin and the Custom House at Bath, to preserve them for future reference. The people, at that date, becoming an independent nation, began to develop an energy in this new industry with as vigorous a zeal as they had been hampered by the mother country, to deprive them of an honorable occupation, for which they, by inception, had become most remarkably fitted. Let us not be understood to assert that no vessels were built in any of the colonies before the above date, for even under the most adverse conditions and cir- 110 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 111 cumstances shipbuilding was fostered in a limited degree, and history informs us that the first vessel built in these colonies was in Georgetown, Maine, (Phipsburg). In no place upon the Kennebec River, except Bath, did this new industry receive a greater impulse, and constructed as many vessels as in this town, and for many years this was one of the leading pursuits of her people. The first vessel built above the chops and the second above Bath was built by John Patten, John Fulton and Adam Hunter of Topsham about the year 1768. She was a sloop of about 90 tons and was named the "Merry Meeting." When she was launched all the people in the neighboring towns came to see her and all were provided with a dinner. Captain William Patten was master of the Merry Meeting. They loaded her with wood and sent her to Boston and sold the wood for $1.50 per cord. Wages were very low at that time. Howard, the shipwright, who lived at New Meadows received four shillings per day. Captains in the West Indies' business received four pounds per month, mates three pounds, and seaman's wages about six dollars per month. The Defiance was afterwards built and owned prin- cipally by John Patten. The schooner Industry was the first that ever went to the West Indies from the Kennebec. It was owned by John Patten, his son Robert and his son-in-law, Robert Fulton, Mr Jameson and Captain Harwood. She was built about 1772. Capt. James Maxwell was Master. She was loaded the first time with boards, shingles and four masts. They were sold for four dollars per thousand. Capt. Maxwell went twice to the West Indies in the Industry. She was sold during the Revolutionary War, the owners taking their pay in paper money. Capt. Robert Pat- ten's eighth part enabled him to buy a horse and saddle for four hundred dollars in this currency.* * Extract from Robert Patten's diary. 112 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM It will be noticed that these vessels were built in the present limits of Bowdoinham and all the names men- tioned were from Cathance Neck, except Adam Hun- ter, who resided in Topsham near Cathance Station. These vessels were built in the vicinity of Sampson's Point. This point of land at that time belonged to Topsham. Their tonnage ranged from 60 to 200 tons, and these, in comparison to the 2400 ton ships launch- ed in the limit of "old Bowdoinham" in 1884, were min- ature vessels and those that were classed as ships then, will today pass for only schooners of the smallest dimensions. The workmanship as well as the form of the vessels of our day show remarkable and ingenious inventive abilities, and will rank as one of the most conspicuous and progressive revolutions in this age of science. In 1785, the building of vessels took its start on a perma- nent basis and continued from that date to gather its force and develop its power until 1856, when it reached the zenith of its glory, and a terrible financial crash undermined the whole industry and it has never since risen to its former importance. Among the first ship yards established in this town was the one by Elihu Getchell on his farm on the Ken- nebec River, (now Charles Hill's) . He built three ves- sels, the Vassalboro, 99 tons, in 1786; the Rainbow, 125 tons, in 1795; and the Jefferson, 115 tons, in 1801. These were all that were built at this place. Elihu Getchell was one of Bowdoinham's most wealthy and active citizens, and for more than forty years held continually the most responsible offices in the gift of this town. We have previously stated that Cathance Neck was set off to Topsham in 1788, and taken back again into Bowdoinham in 1830, and during the time of that people's wanderings they built many vessels on that neck and it should justly now be classed among the in- dustries of this town. One yard was established on HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 113 Patten's Point. This was owned by Captain Robert Patten, grandfather of Captain Bardwell Patten, and he lived on that farm. He built twelve vessels. The following is the list: Year Name Class Tonnage Captain 1783 Industry Schooner 94 Thomas Patten 1785 Friendship Sloop 89 J. Fulton 1795 Peggy Schooner 100 Robert Patten 1796 Orange Schooner 119 Thomas Holman 1797 Menerva Brig 128 Robert Patten 1799 Susanna Schooner 93 J. Fulton 1800 Topsham Brig 99 William Patten 1800 Lark Schooner 108 Thomas Patten 1802 Mercury Schooner 105 John Rogers 1804 Venus Schooner 106 Robert Patten 1805 Lucinda Sloop 81 J. Todd 1811 Comet Brig 187 WUliam Patten Further down the Cathance River was the ship yard of James Sampson on what is now known as Sampson's Point. He built about half a dozen vessels and follow- ing is a partial list of the vessels built by Sampson and others : — Year Name Class Tonnage 1798 Topsham Schooner 73 1815 Sampson Brig 165 1817 Olive Branch Schooner 97 1816 Leopard Brig 165 1819 Phenix Brig 133 Still further down the river was the ship yard of Isaac Purington, on what is now the Lilly Farm, estab- lished about 1826. The number of vessels built is unknown but probably three or four. Upon the east- em branch of the Cathance River Mr. William Denham located a ship yard for building vessels at the west end of the Branch bridge on the south side and built ves- sels as early as 1792 and as late as 1819. The follow- ing are names of four but the others we cannot verify : Year Name Class 1794 Experiment Schooner 1804 Betsey Schooner 1806 Denham Schooner 1812 Wm.& Dorcas Schooner Tonnage Owner 121 Wm. Denham 108 J. C. Colby 114 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM John Springer had a yard located on the point in Thompson's field about 1804. This farm with William Woodworth's and a part of C. E. Purington's was known as the old Springer estate, the creek as Spring- er's creek. Springer afterwards built vessels on his shore in Woodworth's field, and we infer that Josiah E. Colby built a number of vessels there, and then located his yard at the Landing, where he carried on an exten- sive business for many years. Four generations of Springers were ship builders, the last one being Harri- son Springer of Richmond, who built many vessels at that place in the fifties. On the McCurdies Point (late C. E. Purington's) another ship yard served its day and purpose, and we have little idea how many vessels were built here, or when built, or by whom. At Molasses Creek (the upper Cathance) a sketch of which follows this article, Samuel Winters and Henry Fisher built several vessels about 1824 and 1827. The names so far as known, are. The Brig. William, 178 tons, in 1824 and the Brig. Fisher, 174 tons, in 1825. William Higgins was Captain of the latter named vessel. One vessel was built at Small's Narrows but cannot learn the date or by whom it was built. The following list of vessels were built at Cathance Neck, except the Fisher: Year Name 1800 Lydia 1816 Hannah 1819 Surprise Katharine 1822 1822 Lion 1825 Fisher 1825 Element 1826 Paragon 1827 Geo. Fenner Class Tonnasfe Sch. 102 Sch. 118 Sch. 125 Brig 148 Brig 196 Brig 174 Sch. 115 Brig 147 Brig 102 CaptaiD Thos. Adams Owner James Rogers I. Purington I. Purington I. Purington Wm. Higgins Benj. Stinson E. Purington I. Purin^on Henry Fisher S. Whitmore John Potter J. W. Sanford The ship yard that had the longest existence and built the most vessels was upon the Kennebec River about two miles north of Merrymeeting Bay. This yard was established by Captain Thomas Harward HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 115 and he began building in 1817. He and his son, John, had a prosperous and most successful career until 1869, building and sending to sea thirty-two vessels of all classes. These vessels, since 1847, were almost exclu- sively ships of the largest tonnage of their day. This yard did much towards the prosperity of this town and vicinity adding wealth and industry to her people. Al- though the builders were obliged to succumb to the decree of fate and the unprofitable returns of shipping, our people owed them a debt of gratitude for their perseverance and determined struggle to maintain the industry which brought so many blessings to our community. The following is the complete list of the vessels built by the Harwards : Year Name Class Tonnage Owner 1817 Two Brothers Brig 113 Thomas Harward 1819 Hamilton Schooner 88 Thomas Harward 1821 Margaret Schooner 200 S. G. Bowman 1824 Hanibal Schooner 142 S. G. Bowman 1826 Flamingo Brig 126 John Harward 1828 Harward Brig 128 John Harward 1831 Canton Brig 298 J. H. McLellen 1833 Commerce Brig 152 D. B. Tallman 1834 Grecian Brig 159 Edward Hodgkins 1836 Wave Brig 178 John Harward 1838 Bordeaux Barque 236 John Harward 1841 Convoy Brig 249 James Carney 1839 Wellington Ship 442 James Carney 1844 Harward Ship 330 James Carney 1845 Wonderer Brig 197 James Carney 1846 Jane Tudor Ship 349 D. C. Magoun 1847 Genoa Ship 549 D. C. Magoun 1848 John & Albert Ship 566 John Harward 1849 Rhine Ship 534 D. C. Magoun 1850 Naples Ship 508 D. C. Magoun 1851 Tonquin Ship 406 Magoun & Clapp 1852 Wm. & Mary Ship 512 John Harward 1853 Tranquebar Ship 868 John Harward 1854 Agamemnon Ship 894 John Harward 1855 Asia Ship 899 Magoun & Clapp 1862 Jennie East- man Ship 100 John Harward 1863 Sarepta Ship 359 D. & L. Patten 1864 Jane M. Har- ward Ship 577 John Harward 1866 Emma Ship 763 John Harward 1867 Albert Ship 510 John Harward 1869 Henry F.San- ford Ship 1150 John Harward 116 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM This completes the list of ship yards and number of vessels built as far as can be learned in this town ex- cept at Cathance Landing. Following is the list of vessels built at Cathance Landing : Year Name 1793 Francis and Mary 1794 Harriet 1801 Hance 1801 Betsey 1804 Union 1804 Olympas 1805 Welcome Re- turn 1806 Messina 1807 Eros 1809 Tim Brooks 1809 Success 1809 Friendship 1810 Liberty 1810 Horus 1811 Henry 1811 Clarissa Ann 1811 Seguin 1811 Fame 1811 Superior 1812 Tantamount 1812 Sophia & Jane 1815 Caroline 1815 Abeona 1815 Mercater 1815 Betsey 1816 Emerline 1816 Hero 1816 Paramount 1817 Lydia & Mary 1817 Hammer 1817 Cash 1817 Carr 1817 Mary and Nancy 1818 News 1819 Mind 1819 Ernitt 1819 Mary Ann 1820 Arms 1821 Margaret 1822 Armada 1822 Maine 1823 Rodney 1823 Hercules 1823 Francis 1824 Fulton Class Tonnage Owner Ship 312 Jonithan Bowman Schooner 72 William Potter Brig 141 Wm. Wiggery Schooner 88 James Rogers Ship 77 Jos. Carr Brig 170 David Sumner Brig 175 Josiah C. Colby Schooner 125 Josiah C. Colby Schooner 126 Josiah C. Colby Schooner 91 H. P. Allen Schooner 136 Josiah C. Colby Schooner 90 George Ridley Brig 121 Francis Adams Schooner 90 Jos. Carr Brig 191 Isaiah Crooker Brig 197 D. Stan wood Ship 336 Josiah C. Colby Brig 188 F. Purington Schooner 181 James Rogers, Jr. Schooner 107 John Donnell Brig 166 Benj. Bangs Brig 159 R. Freeman Brig 126 Sam'l Gray Brig 176 Sam'l B. Graves Ship 78 T. Alexander Brig 188 Sam'l Winters Schooner 117 Jas. M. Rogers Schooner 117 Soloman Eaton Schooner 104 S. G. Johnson Brig 173 Jas. M. Pollard Schooner 81 George Henry Schooner 101 George Henry Schooner 108 George Hondlett Schooner 109 Joseph Carr Schooner 82 Thomas Reed Schooner 118 Wm. Purington Brig 126 Benj. Johnson Schooner 113 Benj. Foster S. G. Bowman Brig 199 Schooner 114 William Carr Schooner 125 David Storey Brig 149 Jona. Hyde Brig 193 Wm. Whitmore Brig 296 D. C. Magoun Schooner 117 Jas. W. Sanford HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 117 Year Name Class Tonnagfe Owner 1824 Purington Brig 273 Wm. Purington 1824 William Brig 130 John Fulton 1825 Hunter Brig 128 William Carr 1825 Thomas Brig 160 John Potter 1825 Fox Brig 136 Wm. Purington 1825 Henry Brig 180 Wm. Purington 1825 Brutus Brig 224 C. S. Bowman 1825 Albion Brig 152 Joseph Carr 1826 Horace Brig 139 George Gray 1826 Harriet Schooner 112 Joseph Nye 1827 Susan & Jane Brig 127 Wm. Purington 1828 Triad Ship 336 David Storer 1829 Agile Brig 140 M. Millay 1830 Mary Jane Brig 213 Wm. Purington 1831 Humphrey Ship 477 John Potter 1831 Augusta Ship 432 W. Richardson 1832 Lagrange Ship 398 John Henry 1832 Atlantic Ship 417 Isaac Purington 1832 Ann Brig 168 W. C. Langdon 1832 Fox Brig 146 Wm. Purington 1832 Kennebec Brig 197 Samuel Gray 1832 Adamant Brig 186 S. Whitmore 1833 Baltic Brig 158 John Henry 1833 Mary Maria Ship 409 Isaac Purington 1833 Commerce Brig 152 B. D. Tallman 1833 Llewellyn Brig 158 Jas. W. Sanford 1833 Bulah Brig 227 Isaac Purington 1833 Margaret Schooner 110 Benj. Rideout 1834 Susan Schooner 97 J. Millay 1834 Grecian Brig 159 Edw. Hodgkins 1834 John Brig 149 Jas. W. Sanford 1834 New Orleans Ship 411 Wm. Purington 1834 Cornelia ■Brig 156 Samuel Gray 1834 Frances Ann Ship 446 H. L. Soule 1835 Isaac Jackson Schooner 105 Isaac Jackson 1885 James Brig 164 Jeremiah Millay 1835 Cuba Bark 240 David Storer 1836 Union Schooner 96 Jona. Brown 1837 Chas. Thomas Brig 133 Charles Thomas 1837 Lion Brig 180 William Purington 1837 Napoleon Brig 192 St. Vincent Given 1838 Wm. Puring- ton Brig 158 William Purington 1839 Hellespont Brig 193 William Purington 1839 Eowland Brig 230 Benj. Adams 1840 Sam'l N. Gott Brig 198 Horace A. Gray 1840 Partridge Brig 195 Jeremiah Millay 1841 Mt. Vernon Ship 446 St. Vincent Given 1841 Quinnebang Bark 248 William Purington 1844 Benj. Adams Bark 246 Benj. Adams 1845 Robert Patten Ship 376 William Purington 1845 Enterprise Schooner 99 William H. Lunt 1846 Isnadon Bark 246 K. Millay 1846 John Colby Brig 248 J. C. Coombs 1846 Dudley Bark 248 William Purington 1847 Sylvia Brig 197 William Purington 118 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Year Name Class Tonnage Ovraer 1848 John H. Mil- lay Bark 249 Benj. Adams 1848 Manilla Ship 539 St. Vincent Given 1848 Solomon Eat- on Brig 234 J. C. Coombs 1848 Lamartine Schooner 100 William H. Lunt 1849 Marathon Ship 486 William Purington 1851 S. V. Given Ship 593 St. Vincent Given 1851 Sea Nympt Ship 732 Robert Patten 1852 Shanghai Ship 650 St. Vincent Given 1853 William Ship 523 Joseph Berry 1853 Horatio Ship 509 Horatio Hall 1853 John Fyfe Ship 839 Thomas Denham 1854 Geo. L. Samp- son Ship 1005 Joseph Berry 1854 Rolling Wave Brig 236 Joseph Berry 1854 Forest Winder Ship 1256 Joseph Berry 1854 Lavinia Adams Ship 883 Samuel H. Fuller 1854 Juan Fernan- des Ship 1019 St. Vincent Given 1855 Protector Ship 1268 Joseph Berry 1856 Sea Dog Ship 570 Joseph Berry 1859 Shatemuc Ship 849 Robert Purington 1860 John Leslie Ship 893 Robert Purington 1864 Neptune Ship 1183 Robert Purington 1865 Violet Brig 208 Robert Purington 1866 Vigillate Ship 991 Robert Purington 1873 G. E. Merrow Schooner 179 J. H. Merrow 1874 St. Luce Bark 707 Elwell & Co. 1877 Sea King Ship 1491 G. H. Theobald Additional list of vessels built at Bowdoinham : Year Name Class Tonnage Owner 1800 Bowdoin Sloop 103 Nathaniel Stetson 1812 Jane Sloop 76 J. C. Colby 1815 Portumnus Schooner 192 Brazilla White 1816 Eliza Brig 168 Brazilla White 1819 Reed Sloop 85 Thomas Reed 1819 Peace Schooner 166 J. Brown 1819 Eliza Schooner 127 Windsor Fay 1832 Abigail Schooner 61 Jeremiah Millay 1832 Mary Nancy Schooner 87 Josiah Merrow 1836 Octavia Schooner 99 H. Sampson 1836 Union Schooner 95 Moses Merrill 1841 Convoy Bark 250 James Carney 1858 C. W. Dexter Steamer 110 H. Macomber 1866 May Day Schooner 102 H. Macomber 1869 May Morn Schooner 184 H. Macomber 1869 Fred Walton Schooner 464 E. M. Gardiner 1870 Mattie At- wood Schooner 402 T. M. Newcomb 1873 R.W. Denham Schooner 117 John A. Given Odell Schooner 141 T. J. Winslow HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 119 Recapitulation of vessels built in Bowdoinham, to- gether with their tonnage : Steamers 1 110 tonnage Ships 45 30,280 tonnage Barks 14 5,013 tonnage Brigs 71 12,495 tonnage Schooners 57 6,854 tonnage Sloops 7 522 tonnage Total 195 65,277 tonnage Another piece of enterprise we almost forgot, wheth- er it should be classed as a vehicle to plow the sea or a creature of the land, we will not determine. It was a simple Gondola, with paddles, driven by a double horse power. It went down the river with the tide beauti- fully as far as Sampson's Point, but could not stem the current to get back again. It was an experiment and a failure. Ship building had been carried on in some portion of the town for ten years before we find evidence of es- tablishing any industry of this kind at Cathance Land- ing. This place was not as prominent as many other locations in town, and to the town of Bowdoin, doubt- less, belongs the honor of founding this village. As this was the most available landing on tide water to be reached by them, it soon became somewhat central, opening up a sort of depot for those at a distance. The people of this town were utilizing other landings which served all the necessary purposes. In the early inception of building vessels at this landing several citizens of Bowdoin were engaged in this enterprise. The first record of building at this place was in 1804, by Joseph Carr, who built occasionally for many years. In our list we find it impossible to separate the ves- sels built at William Woodworth's shore from those built at the point proper, so they are classed together as built at the Landing. Josiah E. Colby in 1805 be- gan building here, and from this time forward for many years carried on a large business. In 1807 Mr, 120 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM James Rogers of Bowdoin began building and con- structed several. George Henry commenced business at ship building in 1817, and from that time on was a prominent build- er. Captain Isaac Purington began building here in 1819, and built two vessels, and in 1826 located his yard at his shore (Lilly's) . Captain William Puring- ton went into business in 1824 and built for a long series of years. James W. Sanford and Samuel Gray appear as ship builders, the former in 1824, and the latter in 1832, and Saint Vincent Given in 1841. The latter was quite a prominent actor in building for many years, his yard being located just east of the Merrill point, now used as a part of the mill yard. Joseph Berry began business here in 1851, and con- tinued to build until 1856. His ship yard was between the present steam mill and Given's yard. Robert Purington commenced in 1859 and built sev- eral, and then located his yard at his shore on the Mer- rymeeting farm. N. H. Macomber commenced his career at building in 1858, by sending the C. W. Dexter, a steamer, into the coasting business. We merely make mention of these men who were the most prominent as builders or owners in our town, as a complete list of the different builders would occupy too much space. Many vessels were built upon a contract, the build- er's name not appearing, only the owner; so many were constructed by our own builders for those whose names are unfamiliar to our towns people, therefore the number built by our prominent builders cannot be ascertained. From what we learn vessels were built in this town, that were neither registered or enrolled, a fact we can- not explain — for example, the schooner Experiment was built by William Denham, at the Branch Bridge in 1794, and that name does not appear upon the cus- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 121 tom-house records, and we are satisfied others were not recorded. The natural advantages of this town to build vessels and carry on a mercantile trade is good, and perhaps not excelled by any town on the Kennebec Eiver. Not that the Cathance River possesses the necessary depth of water for the largest class of la- dened vessels, but for building and sending to the Kennebec it has sufficient depth for vessels, of the largest class. But for ship building, not only does the Cathance River possess a good location for this in- dustry by its close proximity to the railroad and mill, but the Kennebec furnishes an unparalleled location to establish shipyards unexcelled in this state. No town upon the Kennebec River possesses so many miles of water frontage as does Bowdoinham, and of ac- cess to the railroad. The extremely low condition of our ship building industry in this state is not the result of any inability or pluck on the part of her people, or directly to any party as a primitive cause, but from a cause fully out of their reach. The history of the Rebellion, and of the annihilation of our shipping by rebel cruisers, and the transfer of the larger part to the English flag for protection, left our shipping, at its close a complete wreck and in our helplessness, she established her supremacy, from the liberality of her treasury, and still continues to do so. Our shipping interest receives, as yet, no encour- agement from our Congress. Pickney, when Minister to the French Court, and that Court demanded a tribute from this government, answered that the "United States had millions for de- fence, but not one cent for tribute." This government has millions for railroads and other public utilities and wastes, but not one cent to help re-establish our shipping industry, or even to relieve it of the bur- den now unjustly placed upon it. CHAPTER VIII. RELIGIOUS CHARACTER OP THE PEOPLE OF BOWDOINHAM. At the earliest settlement of our town the matter of religious worship was never forgotten or overlooked. It was, in fact, paramount to every other public inter- est. The schools were obliged to waive all of her claims, as a civilizer, before the strict orthodox creed of our early ancestors. Poverty was no barrier to limit their zeal to appropriate liberally from their scanty means to keep awake the interest of the estab- lished church, and their creed was not wanting in ed- ucating the people, that all must attend at some public place of worship. When the meeting house was built near J. M. Cromwell's and again near Captain Joseph Hall's, people came there to meeting from Cathance Neck, such men as Captain Jameson, Robert Patten, Fulton, and others, travelling on horse back by the way of the Post Road, and from our northern boundary, and for miles back from the Kennebec, all being regular attendants. The whole people made it a practice to attend wor- ship on Sundays. They had none of the conveniences for warming meeting houses then that we have now. On cold winter days the audience would contentedly sit and listen to a sermon two hours in length without fire to warm the building, and not a complaint from the people. They thought it a duty as well as a neces- sity to attend church. The town built the meeting houses and hired the ministers, for twenty-five years, and the law and custom was as rigid in enforcing at- tendance to hear the gospel as in compelling a jury- man to attend court. In 1796, this town was indicted 122 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 123 by the Supreme Court at Pownalborough, for not pro- viding a minister to preach the word of God, and the the town chose Elihu Getchell as agent to appear be- fore said court to answer the complaint, and they also chose a committee of three to draft a petition for Getchell to present. The town immediately authorized the selectmen to make a contract with Elder Macomber to preach for one year. From the earliest existence of our town they elected tything men and church wardens, who closely looked after absentees on the Sabbath. The conscience of mankind was limited to one church and one belief, and with no choice but to go to meet- ing; and we think it not ungenerous in saying, it would be a monstrous task for our tything men to strictly enforce that old law at the present time, and very likely many would skedaddle out of one door while he was carefully marching another brigade into the opposite; and we imagine they would go to church in no meek and contrite spirit, and we fear that many would wend their way to church on the beautiful and serene Sabbath morn in a condition of mind not ex- actly fitted to bow reverently in humble petition to the Giver of all good and perfect gifts and the blessings of hearing the gospel. Strictly speaking, the town supported the religious interests from 1768 to 1800, and after that date, it branched out into different de- nominations and all were left to their own resources and energy. In 1796 a petition was presented to the General Court of Massachusetts signed by fifty-five citizens of this town, and a like petition from Wool- wich, praymg that they might be incorporated into a Baptist Society, that they might improve and support a teacher of their own denomination. We insert the whole petition: — COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. To the Honorable Senate and House of Representa- tives in General Court assembled, November, 1796. 124 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM The petition of a number of the inhabitants of the towns of Bowdoinham and Woolwich humbly showeth that, whereas, we profess ourselves to be of the Bap- tist Denomination in sentiment, and as we desire to improve and support a teacher or teachers of our own denomination only, and the majority of the inhabitants of the town of Bowdoinham are of the Baptist denom- ination and improve a Baptist teacher, the above said petitioners of Woolwich and agreed with the said teacher and the Baptist church of Bowdoinham as a branch of said church, to have a certain part of the said teacher's administration with full liberty to call on the Bowdoinham association as occasion calls for more support ; notwithstanding the said petitioners of Wool- wich have their own teachers to support as they im- prove them, yet the town of Woolwich will not release them from paying taxes to the Congregational minister of said town, but have annually assessed said petition- ers and received a proportion from them towards his salary, and we humbly conceive our constitution appro- bates every denomination to improve and pay accord- ing to dictates of their own conscience. We only desire equal rights with the rest of our brethren as free citi- zens. We therefore humbly pray that this honorable court would take our cause into their most serious con- sideration, and grant us incorporation as a Baptist society, with all persons that now improve with us, and pay to our teachers, or at any future time may improve with us, may be considered with us of the same incor- poration, and that we, with them, may be cleared from paying taxes to any denomination but our own, with such other regulations respecting said incorporation as your wisdom shall think fit, and as in duty bound will ever pray. This petition was presented to the General Court, and the following order issued : — Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the petition of Bowdoinham and Woolwich, praying to be incorporated into a religious Baptist Society, ordered that the peti- tioners notify the town of Bowdoinham and Woolwich, by leaving an attest copy of this petition, and this order thereon, with the town clerk of each town, thirty days at least before the second Wednesday of the first setting of the next General Court that they may appear HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 125 on said day and show cause if any they have, why the prayer of said petitioners should not be granted. In Senate Feb. 13, 1797. Sent down for concur- rence. Samuel Phillips, President. In the House of Representatives, Feb. 14th, 1797. A true copy. Attest : Edward McLane, Clerk of Senate. The town received the above notice and great indig- nation prevailed among the most orthodox portion of our people, to think a portion of her citizens were breaking from the true faith. A town meeting was soon called, and apparently they held a heated dis- cussion; and a second and third one were held, to see if the town would raise a committee to go before the General Court at Boston, to protest against it. Evi- dently they thought the world was being turned upside down, and a creed was going to the wind, and they did struggle nobly to save it; but reason triumphed, and the act was passed and every one became free in the exercise of his own free will and to support his own church. Still they were obliged to go to church, and such people of this town who attended the meetings at the Baptist church were obliged to get a certificate from the clerk of that parish that he attended meeting regularly at that place. Here is a specimen certificate : This certifies that Ephraim Hatch attends public worship with the Baptist Society in Bowdoinham, and is received as a member of the incorpoation of Baptists in Bowdoinham and Woolwich. Seth Hathorn, Clerk of the incorporation. Woolwich, March 5th, 1798. These certificates were recorded on the town records as well as all other matters pertaining to meeting of public worship. The next church built in town, after the two on the eastern portion of the town, was the Union Church 126 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM (now the Town House) in 1823. It was built by three societies, the Methodist, Baptist and Universalist. In 1837 or 1838, the Baptist Church was built, and it has been occupied by that society continually to the present time. The Methodist Church was built in 1849, and enlarged in 1869, and has been used by that society ever since. This left the Union Church to the Univer- salists alone, who kept up meetings for several years, when this society ceased to support worship, and the house rapidly decayed. The town came in posses- sion in 1882, and converted it into a town house, and now is used for that purpose. The church at Bowdoin- ham Ridge was built in 1838 by the Free Baptists, and since then used by that society continually. The East Bowdoinham Free Baptist Church was built in 1874, and ever since used by them. The Calvinist Baptist Church was built in 1884, and completes the list of churches in our town. Of the dif- ferent denominations we have the Methodist, Baptist, Advent, Universalist, Free Baptist and Calvinist Bap- tist. We have abundant accommodations for all to hear the Word and if the same zeal was shown to attend church at the present time that was manifested by our early ancestors, the churches would be unable to con- tain them. CHAPTER IX. THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD, Nothing has added so much to our history as a peo- ple, or to place us in such an enviable position before the world, and to give liberty such prominent found- ation as the wars of this country, from the Revolution to the present time. We cannot characterize it as a particularly inviting manner of settling sectional or national disputes, still it has always been regarded as the last resort to cut irreconcilable knotty questions by the sword, instead of unravelling them by diplom- acy. Our wars, except perhaps the Mexican, have, we believe, been for a National existence. First, to establish a nation, second to confirm our acquired rights, and lastly to decide whether we have one gov- erment or a score or more of them. This nation came out of the conflicts, not only with honor, but with a brighter future and unstained escutcheon. Capture of Men in Merrymeeting Bay. About August, 1775, Robert Fulton, John and Wil- liam Patten, Thomas Harward, Joseph Berry and David Fowler from Topsham, went to the mouth of the Androscoggin River to cut hay, and were taken by the English sailors from the war vessel and carried to Eng- land. Robert Fulton and William Patten died there, the others returned in time. Most of these men lived on Cathance Neck, then Topsham, now Bowdoinham. The English made inland excursions to annoy the people who were loyal to the colonies. Their cruisers at different times, were hovering along our coast and repeatedly made these excursions into our rivers, to 127 128 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM get supplies bought of the tories, and to plunder from the loyal ones, gaining much information. At no time in the history of the country since its first settlement has it passed through such a terrible contention as the war from 1776 to 1783. It is im- possible at this late day to draw any comparison be- tween the condition of the country at that early date and the subsequent war for the Nation's honor in 1861- 1865. The Colonies were poor, society was unsettled with no facilities to manufacture even a pound of powder. The embryo country being wholly a farming commu- nity, depended exclusively on the Mother country for all manufactured goods. For a people of only four mil- lions, and under such adverse conditions to throw down the gauge of battle, to protect their rights as freemen, to wage war against the most powerful nation on the globe, was a most daring and seemingly hopeless task. This contest opened with the battle of Lexington, April 19th, 1775, and continued until the surrender of Com- wallis, October 19th, 1781, and the Treaty of Peace, September 3rd, 1783, nearly two years later. The wars could not be cariried on in a country with- out affecting the whole people, state and town, all grasping at the question, which is uppermost in our national strifes, the preservation of our republic. Even the small towns were ready reasoners to extort a humble apology from any trespasser of our natural rights. When the fires of the Revolution were kindled, we find the people of this town were not found wanting in zeal and enthusiasm, in sending her sturdy sons into the field to fight for their existence. Even before the outbreak at Lexington, in April, 1775, this town held several meetings, in relation to the disturbed state of the country, and cheerfully entered into the strife for our protection with zeal and energy. The town pro- vided itself with ammunition and made general plans for resistance. Within two weeks after the battle HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 129 of Lexington, a town meeting was called, to provide measures for a common interest. The following is a call issued January 9, 1775, pre- vious to the rupture : Bowdoinham, January 9, 1775. This is to desire all the Inhabitants of this town, liable by law to bear arms, in defence of their country against an enemy, to assemble and meet together at the dwelling of Abraham Preble, inholder in sd. town on Tuesday the 17th instant at ten of the clock in the fore- noon then and there to consider of the Resolves of Con- gress, and to act anything further that may be thought fit relative thereto. By order of the selectmen. Abem. Feeble, Town Clerk. At the meeting January 17th, 1775, they voted first to abide by the resolves of Congress ; second to choose officers or leaders and elected Abraham Preble, cap- tain; Robert Patten, lieutenant; George Thomas, en- sign; Zaccheus Beals, clerk. Another warrant, calling a town meeting, was is- sued January 23rd, 1775, for the purpose of war measures, and the following postscript was added : — Gentlemen, all you that are able to bear arms are likewise desired to appear at the same time and place, in order to choose the rest of our militia officers, and to have something of a training, from your friend to serve. Abraham Preble, Captain. An article was in the warrant to see if the town would join Woolwich and Topsham to choose a man as delegate to the Provincial Congress. This article was voted in the negative. Another meeting was held on the 27th of the same month, and it was voted to join Woolwich and the second Parish of Georgetown in sending a delegate to the Provincial Congress at Cambridge, and to choose a committee of five to join like committees from the other towns to select the man. At the March meeting 130 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM they elected John Patten to meet a like committee from other towns to ascertain the state of feeling among the different towns in resisting the demands of the English. At a meeting held in May, 1775, they chose a committee of correspondence and inspection, said committee being Elihu Getchell, John Patten, and George Thomas; also elected John Patten and Elihu Getchell as a committee to meet committees from Pow- nalborough from the several towns in our state, and voted to abide by the contract made in behalf of the towns, by that committee. The town voted that the ammunition purchased to the westward be left in Getchell's care, and chose the selectmen as a committee to write to the Provincial Congress. In May, 1776, the town raised £10 to buy ammunition, and in February, 1778, the town "voted to pay a compensation to those persons that went into the Continental army." The same month the town raised four hundred dollars to pay two men who should enlist in the above named army. It appears that in the summer of 1779 the English threatened a descent upon the people of Penobscot, and this town was called upon for men, and the selectmen made an agreement of a special pay for men to go into the service and at the town meeting held July 10, 1779, Voted, "That they confirm the agreement made on the 6th inst. in behalf of men then raised to go to Penobscot, viz, : to pay them six pounds per month in addition to what they may receive from the State, on condition they continue in ye cervice till ye expedition is over if with- in three months from that time ; and also voted to give those who will enlist in the future eighteen pounds per month in addition to regular pay." In March, 1781, the town voted twenty pounds to two men for the Continental army. We have made these extended references to the acts of the town, to show that our people were thoroughly aroused and full of enthusiasm, and did all in their power to assist HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 131 the overthrow of the English power in this country. To convey the meaning of such high bounties paid during the Revolution more clearly, we give the price current of some of the necessities at that time, and also at a previous date — 1760, paper was eight cents per sheet, boards $5.00 per thousand, corn $5.00 per bushel, shoes $15.00 per pair, butter $1.33 per pound, and other articles in proportion. Price current of 1779, during the war one dollar in specie was worth forty in currency, tea was $19.00 per pound, corn $35.00 per bushel, molasses $16.00 per gallon, W. I. rum $26.00 per gallon, coffee, $3.00 per pound, salt $45.00 per bushel, wheat $45.00 per bushel, and hay $200.00 per ton. This was war times and war prices. We now give the schedule of prices two years after the treaty of peace, 1785, coffee 25 cents, honey 20 cents, vinegar 33 cents per gallon, candles 20 cents per pound, rum 25 cents per quart, tea 75 cents per pound, tobacco 17 cents per pound, chocolate 28 cents per pound, shingles $1.33 per thousand, salt 83 cents per bushel, silk eight cents per skein, turnips $1.33 cents per bushel, cinnamon 23 cents per ounce, potatoes 33 cents per bushel, writing paper 25 cents per quire, corn 67 cents per bushel, wool 25 cents per pound, cider 25 cents per gallon, pork 12 cents per pound, beans $1.33 per bushel, stockings 90 cents per pair, butter 17 cents per pound. The General Court of Massachusetts demanded of Bowdoinham that the town furnish a certain amount of beef in 1779. The town was unable to comply as the beef could not be had. The town of Topsham in 1780, voted to buy shoes giving $50.00 per pair; $60.00 per pair for shirts; and $40.00 per pair for stockings. These prices were in depreciated currency, issued by Massachusetts. About this time nails were so costly the people could not afford them, so they shingled their houses by using wooden pegs. They had no such thing as cut nails in those days and they were all made by 132 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM hand, therefore they were costly, even at the extreme low price of labor. They were made of wrought iron. The prices of 1785 were the result of free trade and our markets were glutted by English goods, while this young republic was paralyzed. This country was very poor during the Revolution and resorted to the expediency of issuing irredeema- able money, or at least for such an amount, the thought of redemption was out of the question, and the more the government issued, the less of the commodities of life would the dollar buy, until it was worth only two and one-half cents, and a soldier's pay of $8.00 in paper per month amounted to twenty cents in specie. The number and names of soldiers who went into the Con- tinental army, are given at the present time, also those of the 1812 war. The General Court having made requisition upon the towns for a certain amount of beef during the Revolu- tion, and this town failed to comply with the order, and, after the war closed, the town voted to apply the amount demanded to making town roads, providing the General Court would relieve them from paying, on those conditions and chose Zaccheus Beals as a committee to draw a petition to the General Court to show that Court our inability to pay the demand. The following is the petition : — COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. To the Hon'bl the Senate and House of Represen- tatives in General Court Assembled: The petition of the Selectmen of Bowdoinham Hum- bly Showeth that the Collectors of Back Taxes Have been called upon By way of Execution Which has Made the Distress and Cry of the Inhabitants of this Town to be Verry great. In addition to that We are Alarmed With an Execution for a Defecency of Beef The Reason of his Defecency Was Wholly occasioned By our Not Having The Order for Raising it Season- abley and is the only Defecency that Hapen'd in the Town Through the Late Tedious War. Through ev- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 133 ery Expense and Dificulty as Loyal Subjects to There Country. Not only Complyed with, But fulfiled Eve- ry Requisition of the Honb'l General Court Both for Men and Clothing etc. Beef only Excepted. There was a Committee appointed and Through a Consider- able Trouble and Expense in fact Procured the s'd Beef But Could git Nobody to Receive it and now to Be Call'd upon in This Time of our Distress Involved in Debt for Money We Borrowed in the Time of the War to Hire Soldiers, Procure Clothing etc, Rend'rs it Ut- terly impossible for us to Satisfie the Said Execution Sure We Are, Had your Hono's But a Right Under- standing of this Town you would Not Hesitate a mo- ment on the Subject. We Therefore your Petitioners Relying Wholy on Your Hon's Tender Mercy and Com- passion Humbly Pray that your Honours Would Order that the Said Execution May Be Recaled and that the Beef Tax May Be Abated to the Town of Bowdoinham and as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray. By order of the Town. Sam'l Jameson, Zach. Beal, Stephen Whitmore, Selectmen. 1787 Perhaps some events most noted, may be inserted here :— The winter of 1779-80 was intensely cold. Gen- eral Sewall says, "The river was frozen as far down as Judge Hill's in Pippsburg, and the ice sufficiently strong to bear teams. That winter a mast was hauled from Potter's mills, through Fiddler's Reach, to Bath." The snow was over four feet deep and did not disappear until the latter part of April. The following year food was so scarce that potatoes were dug up after they were planted, to eat to prevent starvation. This was the most terrible winter on record, it being the same winter Washington's army lay at Valley Forge. After the Revolution the militia organizations were perfected and held in readiness for any emergency. The country had so long been a military camp, the spirit of those martial days were kept fully aroused. 134 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM In the disturbed state of this country in 1794, this town offered special inducements for men to enlist by the following vote on the 15th day of September, 1794. "To give each man enlisting five dollars as a bounty and their wages to be ten dollars per month, with the Continental wages from the time they are called into actual service till they return, allowing them a rea- sonable time for travel home, and they are to equip themselves with every equipment, as the law directs, upon their own expense." How many men were raised and for what purpose we have been unable to learn, but presume it was in anticipation of trouble with France. The number of troops furnished during the war will always remain an open question. The report of the secretary of war May 10th, 1790, stated, that the number of troops furnished from time to time by the different colonies during the war to be 395,330, but whether this meant the additions to the Army already in the field, or this was the total force in the field it is impossible to ascertain. It is certain that men in this war served two, three and even four tours of duty. Maine at that time and until 1820, was a district of Massachusetts and all credit for both men and supplies went to her credit, so we are obliged to pick out from a tangled mass of disconnected and fragmentary records, that which properly belongs to Maine — so it became a thankless undertaking to properly account for the men who went from Bowdoinham. The author has searched the Colonial Record of Massachusetts and gathered from old people nearly forty years ago, much about these old worthies who hewed out a Republic from the jealous and distracted Colonies, and gave us a large space on the map of the world. The larger part of the soldiers in the Continental Army were single men, and Massachusetts by an act of her Legislature granted to her veterans 150 acres of HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 135 land in the District of Maine, at one dollar per acre, or 100 acres free, provided the occupant cleared six- teen acres in two years, and many of her soldiers set- tled here on these terms, at the close of the Revolu- tion. So, many men who lived most of their lives in Bowdoinham served in the Army from Massachusetts. Then it is very difficult to fix the time of their com- ing but it may be reasonable to assume that they came directly after the close of the war, to take advantage of the Legislative Acts, and so it appears fair to class them as Bowdoinham men in the Army, as we learn that to be the practice among compilers of town his- tories. List of Soldiers Who Lived in and Served from Bowdoinham. History copied from the Colonial Records of Massa- chusetts. Samuel Coombs, Private in Captain James Lemont's Co. Enlisted July 18, 1775. Service to Dec. 31, 1775, 5 mos, 26 days. Company stationed at Georgetown, Maine, Lincoln County. Also his receipt from same Company, for wages one month, dated Georgetown, Nov. 24th, 1775. Buried at Col. Coombs estate. Jedediah Adams, Bowdoinham. Return of men enlisted into the Continental Army, from 2nd Essex Co. Regt. dated Essex Feb. 16, 1778. Enlisted for the town of Newburyport, Mass. for three years. Joined Capt. Ballard's Co., Col. Brooks' Regt. (late Adams) Continental Army pay account for service from Mar. 11, 1777 to Dec. 31, 1779. Also return of men dated Al- bany Jan. 12, 1776, reported furlough Jan. 80, 1778. Also mus- ter roll for March and April 1779, dated Cherry Valley. Re- ported returned to Co. March 15, 1779, also Capt. White's Co., Col. Brooks Regt. Continental pay from Jan. 1, 1780 to Apr. 20, 1780. Buried near Cromwell's. James Woodworth, Private, Lenthall Ellis' Co. of Militia in Hanover Apr. 19, 1775. Long record and mustered out Dec. 13, 1780. Buried in village cemetery. Joseph Sedgley, Private in Capt. Samuel Young, late Maj. Littlefleld Detachment of York Militia. Enlisted July 7, 1779. 136 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Discharged Sept. 6, 1779 on Penobscot expedition. Again a Private in Capt. James Lemont's Co. Enlisted July 18, 1775 served to Dec. 31, 1775, 5 mos, 26 days. Stationed at George- town for defence of sea coast. Also Corporal, Capt. Lemont's Co., Maj. Lithcow's Detached. Enlisted Sept. 15, 1779. Dis- charged Nov. 1, 1779, 1 mo, 18 days, near Penobscot. Buried near Cromwell's. John Sedgley in Capt. Solomon's Co., Lieut. Col. Jas. Prine's Regt. Entered service Apr. 30, 1780, discharged Dec. 24, 1780. Service 7 mos and 26 days, under Brig. General Woodworth at the Eastward. Buried at Center's Point and removed to Ridge cemetery. Hezekiah P. Allen of Dedham, Private in Capt. Caleb Cham- prey's Co., Maj. Nathaniel Heath's Detachment of Guards. En- listed July 27, 1779. Discharged Oct. 1, 1779, service 2 mos, 4 days at Boston. Also in Capt. Thompson's Co. under com- mand of Maj. Gen. Hancock; enlisted Oct. 8, 1779. Discharged Nov. 10. 1779. Also pay roll for 6 month's men raised by the town of Dedham for service in the Continental Army during 1780. Marched July 17, 1780. Discharged Dec. 23, 1780, ser- vice 5 mos, 17 days. Again enlisted Mar. 24, 1781, for 3 years. Buried in village cemetery. Robert Jack, Private in Capt. Wm. Lithgow's Co. Marched Feb. 19, 1776. Discharged July 20, 1776. Service 5 mos. Company stationed at Falmouth for coast defence. Buried in village cemetery. Humphrey Purington of Harpswell, Private in Capt. James Curtis' Co., muster roll dated Aug. 1, 1775. Enlisted July 1, 1775, service 1 mo, 11 days. Also Capt. Curtis' Co., Col James Cargill's Reg. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1775. Service 5 mos, 5 days in defence of seacoast; also Capt. Samuel Johnson's Co., Col. Wiggleworth's Regt. Pay abstract for travel allowance from Albany, N. Y. home, sworn to Mar. 7, 1777 — 300 miles travel allowed to said Purington. Buried in Bowdoin. John Temple. Receipt given to Dummer Sewall, dated George- town, Nov. 2, 1775, signed by said Temple and others belong- ing to Capt. James Lemont's Co. for advance pay for 1 month; also Private in Capt. Lemont's Co.; enlisted July 22, 1775; ser- vice to Dec. 31, 1775, 5 mos, 22 days. Company stationed at Georgetown, Lincoln Co. for defence of seacoast. Buried on Samael Randall's estate. Isaac Stewart, age 45, 1st Brig. Capt. Patten's Co. local. Capt. Leonard's Co., Col William Lithco's Regt., enlisted Sept. 5, 1779. Discharged Nov. 1, 1779. Service at the Eastward. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 137 Again enlisted Apr. 29, 1782. Discharged Nov. 20, 1782. Ar- rived at Pishkill. Time of service, 6 mos, 22 days. Jonathan Bryant of Col. McCobb's 1st Lincoln County Regt. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1778. Service under Gen. Heath, guarding troops of convalescent, magazines and stores. George Henry, Cavalry, Private in Capt. Baker's Co., John Mansfield's Regt. (19th) commanded by Lieut. Col. Hutching- son. Enlisted 1775 from Bowdoinham. Joel Richardson, age 22, statue 6 feet, in 1st Lincoln County Guards Regt. Capt. Patten's Co., Col Samuel McCobb's Regt. Enlisted July 6, 1779. Discharged Sept. 25, 1779. Time 2 mos, 19 days. Bounty paid and receipt given Mar. 5, 1781. Time of service 3 years. A veteran of Capt. Matt Chamberlain's Co., Col. Calvin Smith's Regt. Paid for service to Dec. 31, 1782 for the year 1782. Served in Benj. Tupper's Regt. (10th) from Mar. 5, 1782 to time of discharge. Service 2 mos, 25 days. Jonathan Sampson, age 48 years, enlisted June 3, 1778, Cush- ing's Brig. Lincoln Co. Enlisted out of Col. McCobb's Regt., Capt. Patten's Co. 1st Regt. Time of arrival at Fashkill, N. Y., June 20, 1778. Enlisted for 9 mos, first enlistment July 18, 1775, served to Dec. 31, 1775. Time of service 5 mos and 26 days. Stationed at Georgetown, Lincoln County. Service in defence of seacoast. Enlisted service July 22, 1777. Discharged Sept. 4, 1777. Time of service 1 mo, 15 days. Certificate shows on roll that, above company was raised for the expedition against the St. John river, N. S., for the term of six months, and in readiness to enter said service until discharged Sept. 4, 1777. Andrew Springer, enlisted at Pownalborough, July 2, 1778. Col. Wade's Regt. Came from Col. McCobb's Regt. (local) 1st Lincoln County. Discharged Jan. 1, 1779. Service 6 mos, 12 days. James Patten, Bowdoinham. List of men mustered by Nath- aniel Barber, muster master for Suffolk County, dated Boston, February 2, 1777; Capt. Asa Haynes Co., Col Edward Wiggle- worth's Regt.; also private, Capt. John Smith's Co., Col. Calvin Smith's Regt. Continental Army pay account for service from January 15, 1777 to June 7, 1779, also Capt. Aaron Hayne's Co., Col. Edward Wiggleworth's Regt. — return (year not given). Residence, Bowdoinham; engaged for town of Bowdoinham, mustered by Maj. Barber at Boston, also same Co. and Regt.; muster roll for May, 1778 dated Valley Forge; reported on command of army at Redno; also same Co. and Regt. muster roll for June 1778 dated Camp Greeneage; also same Co. and Regt. pay roll for October, 1778; also Capt. John K. Smith's 138 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Co., Col. Wiggleworth's Regt.; muster roll for March and April, 1779, dated Providence. Enlisted February 15, 1777. Enlist- ment during the war, also Capt. J. K. Smith's Co. and Col. Smith's Regt.; Continental Army pay account for service from June 8, 1780 to Dec. 31, 1780, reported deserted June 17, 1779, and returned to duty June 8, 1780; also descriptive list dated at West Point, January 29, 1781; Capt. Pillsbury's Co. C. Mass. Regt. commanded by Lieut. Col. Calvin Smith. Age 30 years, statue 5 feet, 10 inches. Complexion light, hair light, eyes light. Residence, Bowdoinham. Enlisted January 15, 1777, by Lieut. Leonard Miller; enlisted during the war; also Private Capt. Peter Clayes (Light Infantry) Co., commanded by Capt. John K. Smith prior to May 1, 1781. Lieut. Col. Calvin Smith's 6th Regt. Return for wages for year 1781; wages allowed said Patten for October, December, 1781; three months. Re- ported transferred from Capt. Pillsbury's Co.; also order on Capt. Howard, agent 6th Mass. Regt., payable to Samuel Arm- strong, dated Brunswick, August 9, 1784, signed by said Patten, for balance due for services in late 6th Mass. Regt. Edward Parkus, Private. Capt. Nathan Watkin's Co., Col. Sam'l Brewer's Regt.; return made agreeable to order of Coun- cil of Dec. 20, 1777. Residence Bowdoinham; enlisted for town of Bowdoinham. Mustered by State Muster Master; said Parkus and others never joined the company and were returned as deserters. Robert Patten, Bowdoinham. Capt. 10th Company, 1st Lin- coln Co. Regt. of Mass. Militia; list of officers chosen by the several campanies in said Regt. as returned by Dummer Sewall and others. Ordered in Council July 1, 1776, that said officers be commissioned; reported commissioned July 1, 1776; also Capt. 10th Co., Col. Sam'l McCobb's (Lincoln County) Regt. Regimental returns made by Lieut. Col. Dummer Sewall, dated Georgetown, Nov. 19, 1779. Residence, Bowdoinham. Martin Hall. Private Captain White's Co., Col Benj. Tup- per's Regt. Continental Army pay account for services from January 12, 1777 to Dec. 3, 1777. Residence, Bowdoinham. Reported died Dec. 3, 1777. Also Capt. Geo. White's Co., Col. Ebenezer Francis Regt. Subsistence allowed from date of en- listment, Jan. 12, 1777 to time of arrival at Bennington; credit with 70 days allowance; 378 miles travel allowed said Hall. Also Capt. White's Co., Col. Tupper's Regt.; return dated Jan. 1778. Residence, Bowdoinham. Enlisted for the town of Bow- doinham; mustered by County Muster Master Ilsley, and by Continental Muster Master Verrick. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 139 Luther Hall. Capt. Geo. White's Co., Col. Benj. Tupper's Regt.; Continental Army pay account for service from Jan. 8, 1777 to Dec. 31, 1779; also Capt. White's Co., Col. Ebenezer Francis' Regt.; subsistence allowed from date of enlistment Jan. 8, 1777 to time of arrival at Bennington, credit with 74 day's allowance; 378 miles travel allowed said Hall; also Capt. White's Co., Col. Benj. Tupper's Regt.; return dated Jan. 6, 1778. Residence, Bowdoinham. Mustered by County Muster Master Ilsley, and by Continental Muster Master Varrick; also same Company and Regt. muster roll for March, 1779, dated West Point. Enlistment 3 years, also Lieut. Col. Co., Col. Tupper's Regt. ; Continental Army pay account for services from Jan. 1, 1780 to Jan. 8, 1780, reported discharged. James Maxwell. Boy Ship Protector, commanded by Capt. John Foster Williams; engaged Nov. 10, 1780. Discharged Aug. 26, 1781, service 9 mos, 16 days. Also pay roll for same service certified at Boston. Joseph Green, Falmouth, Cumberland County. Capt. Sam'l Noyes' Co., Edmund Phinney's 31st Regt. Billeting allowed from date of enlistment June 23, 1775 to date of marching from Falmouth, July 13, 1775; credited with 2 week's and 6 day's allowance; roll dated Cambridge; also Private same Co. and Regt. Company return dated Fort No. 2, Cambridge, probably Oct., 1775. Also order for bounty coat or its equivalent in money, dated Fort No. 2, Cambridge, Oct. 27, 1775; also Priv- ate Capt. Hart William's Co., Col. Edmund Phinney, muster roll, dated Fort George, Dec. 8, 1770. Enlisted Jan. 1, 1776; also return of men raised to serve in the Continental Army from Capt. Elisha Jackson's Co., 8th Worcester County Regt., dated Westminister, Dec. 26, 1777. Residence, Falmouth, Cum- berland County, engaged for the town of Westminister; joined Capt. Burbank's Co., Col. Brewster's Regt.; term 3 years. Also list of men mustered by Nathaniel Barber, Muster Master for Suffolk Co., dated Boston, Feb. 2, 1777. Capt. Silas Burbank's Co., Sam'l Brewster's Regt.; also Private Capt. Burbank's Co., Col. Ebenezer Sprout's Regt.; Continental Army pay account for service from Jan. 1, 1777 to Dec. 31, 1779. Also Capt. Burbank's Co., Col. Brewster's Regt. Return dated Camp near Valley Forge, Jan. 23, 1778. Residence Falmouth. Enlisted for the town of Falmouth. Mustered by Daniel Illsley, State Muster Master, reported on furlough. Ebenezer Macomber. Private in company commanded by Lieut. Stephen Farrington; enlisted Aug. 14, 1782. Discharged Nov. 21, 1782, served 3 mos, 7 days. Company raised in and 140 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM for the defence of York and Cumberland Counties, and stationed at Sudbury, Canada. Roll dated Fryeburg. Samuel Adams, Harpswell. Return of men enlisted into Continental Army from Capt. Nehemiah Curtis' Co. (1st Harps- well) Co., Col Jonathan Mitchell's Regt. (2nd Cumberland), dated Dec. 15, 1777; joined Capt. White's Co., Col. Benj. Tup- per's Regt.; Continental Army pay account for services from Jan. 3, to Dec. 28, 1779; also muster roll for Feb., 1779, dated West Point. Also Lieut. Colonel's Co., Col. Tupper's Regt.; Continental Army pay account for services from Jan. 1, 1780 to Jan. 3, 1780. Reported discharged. Mr. Adams moved from Harpswell to Bowdoin soon after the war closed, the town be- ing under the jurisdiction of Bowdoinham until 1788. The famous Embargo Act of December, 1807, by Congress, restricting all American vessels to Ameri- can ports, was a most severe blow to New England shipping interests ; vessels rotted upon the stocks, half finished, and others decayed in ports, for want of a cargo, and this condition of things told so heavily up- on our shipping industry that the town of Boston held a meeting and adopted a memorial to the President to remove the embargo, and sent petitions to the several towns in the State for their co-operation. The fol- lowing is the action of the town of Boston : — TOWN MEETING. At a very numerous meeting of the Freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned, in town meeting asembled at Fan- uel Hall on Tuesday the 9th day of August, 1808. Voted, that it is expedient for this town, respect- fully to petition the President of the United States to suspend the embargo, either wholly or partially, ac- cording to the power vested in him by Congress of the United States, and if any doubt should exist, as to the sufficiency of these powers, that he be requested to call Congress together as soon as possible. A committee was then chosen to prepare a petition, which, having been read, was accepted almost unani- mously. Whereupon voted, "That the Selectmen be a committee to communicate the proceedings of this town to the selectmen of the other towns in the Com- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 141 monwealth to request them if they see fit, to lay the same before their several towns for concurrence. To the Selectmen of the Town of Bowdoinham : — Gentlemen: — In conformity to the directions of the Town of Boston as above expressed, we enclose you a copy of the petition to the President of the United, and request you to lay the same before your inhabi- tant, that if they see fit, that they may adopt similar measures. Charles Bulpinch William Porter Selectmen Eben Oliver of Jon. Hunewell Boston John May Francis Wright Joseph Foster Boston, August 10, 1806. CHAPTER X. THE WAR OF 1812 TO 1815. The cause of this war, was the gross injustice of England against our seaman. They usurped the right to board our vessels, and claimed any man who had ever been an Englishman, under the theory, that whoever was born an Englishman, always remained a subject to the British Empire, and thousands of American citi- zens were taken from our vessels and compelled to do service in their navy. This Government protested in vain. The President of the United States issued a proclamation forbidding British vessels to enter our harbors. This did not have the desired effect, so Con- gress passed the celebrated "Embargo Act" December 21, 1807, compelling all American vessels to remain in the American ports. The object was to cut off all in- tercourse with England. It made a havoc on our mer- chant vessels. They rotted at the wharves. The fol- lowing petition prepared by the town of Boston was sent to Bowdoinham for signers and support, to have the "Embargo Act" repealed : MEMORIAL to the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. The inhabitants of the Town of Boston, in legal Town Meeting assembled, beg leave respectfully to rep- resent. That uniformly influenced by a sense of patriotism, and a respect for the constituted authorities of their Country, they have sustained, without opposition, or complaint the embarrassments and losses arising from the existing Embargo on the vessels and export trade of the United States ; and they trust that the history of the Revolutionary War, and the annals of the present 142 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 148 government, will furnish ample testimony of their readiness to make any personal sacrifices, and to en- dure any privations, which the public welfare may truly require. That they are fully aware of the indispensable neces- sity of supporting, at all times, the laws enacted by the Government of their choice. Under this impression, they have refrained from expressing the wishes they most sensibly feel for the removal of the Embargo ; and but for the great events in Europe, which materially change the aspect of our Foreign Relations, they would yet silently wait for the meeting of Congress, in the hope of obtaining from that honorable body, relief from the pressure of this great calamity, which bears with peculiar weight on the Eastern States. Denied by nature those valuable and luxurient sta- ples which constitute the riches of the South, they necessarily owe much of their prosperity, under the blessing of Heaven, to their own enterprize and indus- try on the Ocean. It is therefore a duty as well as a right, to avail themselves of every fair occasion which offers for procuring the removal of the existing re- straints upon their maritime commerce, more especial- ly when this may be effected in a mode consistent with the laws and policy by which they were imposed. They therefore pray that the Embargo, in whole, or in part, may be suspended, according to the powers vested in the President by Congress of the United States, and if any doubt should exist of the competency of those powers, they would humbly request that Con- gress may be convened as early as possible, for the pur- pose of taking the subject into their consideration." A meeting was called on August 27th, 1808, and the town voted to send a petition to Congress to take off the Embargo similar to the memorial sent by Boston, and chose Zach. Beal, Urial Huntington and William Denham as commitee to draw the petition. The embargo was soon afterwards removed and shipbuild- ing revived. Following is a copy of a commission issued to Robert Wilson as first lieutenant in the militia in 1802 : 144 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM BY HIS EXCELLENCY. CALEB STRONG, ESQ. GOVERNOR AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF of the COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. (SEAL) (SIGNED) CALEB STRONG. To Robert Wilson, Gentleman, Greeting: You being appointed Lieutenant of a Company in the first Regiment of the first Brigade & Eighth Divi- sion of the Militia of this Commonw^ealth. Reporting special trust and confidence in your ability, courage and good conduct, I do, by these presents. Commission you accordingly. You are, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duties of said office, accord- ing to the Laws of this Commonwealth, and to Military Rule and Discipline. And all Inferior Officers and Soldiers are hereby commanded to obey you in your said capacity ; and you are yourself to observe and fol- low such orders and instructions as you shall, from time to time, receive from me or others your Superior Officers. Given under my Hand and Seal of the said Common- wealth, the fifth day of July in the year of our Lord, 1802, and in the twenty-seventh year of the Independ- ence of the United States of America. John Avery, Secretary. (On the outside of the paper on which above is writ- ten is the following) First Regiment, 1st Brigade, 8th Division, August 29, 1803, then the within named Robert Wilson person- ally appeared and took and subscribed the Declarations and Oaths required by the Constitution and Laws of this Commonwealth to qualify him to act under this Commission, and also the oaths to support the Consti- tution of the United States of America. Before me, James Rogers, Justice of the Peace. By virtue of the power & authority to me given by the General Orders of the 9th of February last, I here- by certify that the within Commission is to considered of the same force and validity as if it had been origi- nally numbered and made out for the fifty Regiment of the 1 Brigade & I Division, to which Regiment, by a HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 145 later arrangement & transfer, the said Lieut. Robert Wilson now belongs, & where he is to be obeyed & re- spected accordingly. Given under my hand at Augus- ta this 15th day of September A. D. 1803. F. H, Sewall, M. Gen. 8 Div. During the 1812 war, evidently there was not that patriotism among the people that was manifested in the Revolution. From what can be gathered from records, the war was quite unpopular at the beginning and little disposition shown to assist the government in the second contest with England. The town re- fused to assist the soldiers in any manner until the latter part of the war in 1814, when the town voted that captains of military companies make the best terms possible with drafted men for compensation and the town would pay them, and also voted to hire money to pay the militia that was called to Bath, September, 1814. Many of our citizens were drafted from the militia campany of this town to serve as coast guard at the mouth of the Kennebec River, in anticipation of the English War vessels ascending the Kennebec to attack Bath, and perhaps other towns further up the river. They served about sixty days and were then ordered home. "The War op 1812." The war of 1812 was the outcome of a claim of Great Britain to the right of such of our Merchant Vessels, and the impressment of American seamen, under va- rious pretexts, into their Navy, which culminated in this Government declaring war June 18th, 1812, and the proclamation by President Madison the next day announcing it. The men of our state, between the ages of 18 and 45 were organized under our old Militia Laws into companies of 100 men, and many of the towns had men enough to form two or more of these into regiments of ten companies, and further into brigades of four or more regiments; and further in 146 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM divisions of four brigades ; when men were needed for tile regular army or to fill up organizations on the coast, they sent them as a body, or drafted as many from the ranks as were needed. Many times, men were drafted and sent to Bath and to Fort Popham at the mouth of the river to prevent the British fleet from coming up the river to attack Bath and other places above. Men were sent down the back river, and stationed between Georgetown and Westport at what is known as "Hells Gate" to prevent the approach of the British from that direction. They -were called out most of them, twice, and served two or more tours of duty varying from two days to one month. They were al- lowed $8.00 per month, and travel two ways. They were subject to call at any time, as the British fleet hovered about our coast a great deal, keeping our peo- ple in continual alarm. These men in after years re- ceived a substantial recognition in the form of land warrants, giving to them 160 acres of land, which they could occupy or sell at their own pleasure. In 1850 to 1855 there was a ready market for these warrants to land-brokers and settlers at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, a grand tribute in old age. It appears from the annexed list of soldiers that there were three companies of 100 men in the town. This includes what is now the town of Richmond and was at that time a part of Bowdoinham. The first company under command of Eben Hatch was from the eastern part of the town, including Whites' Landing, now Richmond Village. The second company was under command of John White, men from the north western part of the town, toward Gardiner, The third company was from the south western portion of our town, including the village, under the command of David Haynes. Roll of Captain Ebenezer Hatch's Company of Mili- tia in Lieutenant Colonel Abel Merrill's Regiment HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 147 raised in Bowdoinham and in service at Bath, 20th to 22d, June and 10th to 28th, September, 1814. Captain — Ebenezer Hatch, Bowdoinham. Lieutenant — Job Jellerson, Bowdoinham. Ensign — Caleb Baker, Bowdoinham. Sergeants— Stephen Weston, Jeremiah Preble, William P. Oliver, Thomas Catlin. Corporals— George Maxwell, John I. Hixall. Musician — Zenos Baker. Privates — John Adams, Derice Preble, Caleb Booker, Ebenezer Beal, Daniel Allen, William Blanchard, John Baker, Solomon Blanchard, Samuel Dinsmore, Jacob Farran, Nicholas Gauburt, Joseph Coombs, William Cathall, John Hatch, Elisha Hatch, Joseph G. Holmes, William Jellerson, Isaac Maloon, William Maxwell, John Maxwell, John McFadden, William P. Oliver, Thomas Harwood, John Haskell Jr., George Maxwell, John Maines, Benjamin Pratt, Samuel Pratt, David Pottle, Jr., Isaac Purinton, Joseph Preble, Richard Preble, Jeremiah Preble, Reu- ben Preble, William Preble, Thomas J. Parks, Chetham Parks, James Rajnnond, David Speed, William Simpson, Joseph Sedgley, Elisha Springer, Stephen Sedgley, Elias Tolman, John Thomas, Benjamin Taylor, Samuel Woodward, Abraham Whit- more, Samuel Wilson, Samuel Wilson, 2d. Roll of Captain John White's Company of Militia in Lieutenant Colonel Abel Merrill's Regiment raised in Bowdoinham and in service at Bath from 20th to 22d, June and 10th to 28th, September, 1814. Captain — John White, Bowdoinham. Lieutenant — Chapman Jennings, Bowdoinham. Ensign — Josiah Sanford, Bowdoinham. Sergeants — Enoch Libby, William Wilson, Joseph Totman, Benjamin Randall, William Dinsmore. Corporals — George Jackson, William White, John Starbird, Dummer Mitchell, Jr. Musicians — Daniel Plummer, Samuel Harlow, Elihu Purring- ton, Humphrey Purrington. Privates — Abel Dinslow, John Aderton, James Bates, Frederic Bates, Samuel Buker, Daniel Bragdon, Matthew Brown, Obadiah Curtis, William Collier, Charles Dinsmore, John Dingley, Eben- ezer D. Haskell, Joseph Jack, Joseph Lancaster, Jr., Edward Meader, William Jellerson, Charles Mitchell, Zebulon Newell, Aaron Plummer, Isaac Plummer, Samuel Paine, Daniel Ridley, William Ridley, Benjamin Raymond, David Rollins, James 148 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Sanford, Thomas Shaw, Abial Stinson, Sylvester Scales, John Stinson, Jonathan Sturtevant, Caleb Rich, Rufus Stinson, Jo- seph Toothaker, John Tibbetts, Ralph Varnum, Loring Webber, Stephen Webber, Stephen Webber, Jr., Samuel Webber, Benja- min Waterhouse, Elias Waterhouse, James Waterhouse, Zenas Waterhouse, Samuel Watson, Samuel Williams, Damer Mitchell, Stephen Whitmore, John Whitmore. Roll of Captain David Haynes' Company of Militia in Colonel Abel Merrill's Regiment raised in Bowdoin- ham and in service at Bath from 10th to 28th, Septem- ber, 1814. Captain — David Haynes, Bowdoinham. Lieutenant — Samuel Coombs, Bowdoinham. Sergeants — William Booker, Jr., Jeremiah Millay, John Preble, Jr. Musicians — Enoch Elliott, James Wadsworth. Privates — Benjamin Barnes, Curtis Barstow, Levi Curtis, Cyrus Cobb, Samuel Cobb, Enoch Eaton, William Fisher, Thomas Fisher, Thomas Graves, Johnson Graves, John Henry, George Hiddon, Samuel Jordan, Samuel Jack, Asa Keith, Calvin A. Littlefield, Gershom Orr, John Page, Joshua Paine, William Purinton, Nathaniel Purinton, James B. Reed, William Sampson, Robert Staples, Thomas Spear, Robert Spear, Warren Stanford, Joseph Stewart, Philip Tarbox, Mark Welch. The militia laws previous to the second war with England are not generally understood now, but proba- bly did not differ materially from those after the close of the war. The law, after our state was formed, re- quired every able bodied man between the ages of eighteen and forty-five to perform military duty, and all were organized in companies, regiments, brigades, etc., throughout the state. This town had two com- panies, and afterwards three, and after Richmond sep- arated from this town in 1823, they still held together in one military organization. There was one company east of the Branch River, extending to Gardiner line, and one to the west of the Branch, and the latter be- coming too large, it was divided into two companies, one being at the village and vicinity and the other in • • "^liiHiEf'- ^r^ """'^^^^H :i^H '^'^ ^^^^^^^^^^H 1 ^^^^^^1 f '■ A P* ' -^*«5^ Wm' ^MS^^^^^^S^^ - ^ 1 ; ■•' ■ '*»» :;3 COL. JOSIAH MERRILL, Selectman 29 years, Senator, Represenative, Member of Gov. Council, High Sheriff, and Trial Justice. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 149 the northwestern part of Bowdoinham and the western part of Richmond. Abial Libby was captain at one time of the latter company. Whitney and Solomon Sally were captains of the Eastern company. Richmond becoming strong in num- bers in the Eastern company, they out voted their com- rades from this town, and elected their own towns- men to fill all the offices. The members from Bowdoin- ham soon got tired of seeing all the honors go to Rich- mond, and privates in Bowdoinham petitioned the Leg- islature to divide the company, which was done in 1828, and Joseph Hall was elected its first captain ; then followed Zep. Lancaster, Bradford Pratt, and J. A. Decker. When the militia laws were repealed our peo- ple lost all their interest in military parades. Military officers were commissioned by the State au- thorities for five years. The company at Cathance Landing being too large, Josiah Merrow organized an independent company in the state's service, called the "Lincoln Guards" about 1824, and he was elected to the first captaincy over Lawyer Jewett, the lapstone winning over the law. Captain Merrow was after- wards elected major, and from that position to colo- nel over Jewett who was lieutenant-colonel of the reg- iment. The companies in Col. Merrow's regiment em- braced Bowdoinham, a part of Topsham, Bowdoin, Richmond, Lisbon, Litchfield and Webster. The next captains of the "Lincoln Guards" were David Booker, Joseph Curtis, and last, John Raymond. They had other captains of whom we cannot learn. The militia had two training days each year, one in May, and then a general muster of the Regiment in the fall. Until toward the last of the militia trainings, the men were compelled to do military duty without compensation, but during the last few years of its ex- istence, the men received fifty cents per day. The men were obliged to equip themselves at their own expense, with a gun, cartridge box and ammunition, all ready 150 HISTORY OP BOWDOINHAM for service, and any persons absent from drill, or fail- ing to equip themeslves were fined. In 1837 the Artillery Company was formed, with Colby Coombs captain, the state furnishing them with two six pounder cannons (old style). This company was formed from the young men who preferred an in- dependent organization in the state service, rather than to serve in the state militia. James Elliott, Rob- ert Purington and William Lunt, severally served as captains of this company. The company became some- what run down. Edward Merrill re-organized it and was elected captain, and he was followed by Nelson Additon, George F. Tinker, and Alfonso Godfrey, as captains. Tinker got the guns exchanged and received in their stead, two brass six-pounders, a more modern gun, got the company armed with rifles by the state, that they could serve as infantry as well as artillery. These cannons were turned over to the state about 1860, and since that time the gunhouse was sold and turned into a building of less warlike pretensions. This company lost its organization about 1857, and from that time to the breaking out of the rebellion there was no military organization in the town. At the outbreak of the rebellion the militia was organized, but there was nothing done to make it of any service. This town's military companies were not drawn into that exciting and terrible Madawaska war, over a dis- puted territory. Canada and Maine marshalled their troops for deadly contest, but we believe those blood- thirsty troopers never caught sight of each other, as General Scott from Washington, came here and spoiled the fun. Orders came for a draft from Bowdoinham, but the commanding officers of this section being ab- sent, the orders were not promulgated, and by the time the officers returned, this bloodless conflict closed. This occurred in the winter of 1839. At no time since 1775 has this town been without military organization till the year 1857 to 1860, and from the close of the re- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 151 bellion to the present time. The state has been the promoter of the military spirit, and the authority for the organization and drilling the troops; but this has very properly fallen into disuse, retaining only those in its service, necessary for the preservation of order in her borders. CHAPTER XI. QUALIFICATION OP VOTERS— SEPARATION OF STATE FROM MASSACHUSETTS— DOCTORS PROM THE EARLY SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME. Voting in Bowdoinham during the first half century of the town history was limited to a certain class, simi- lar to the laws in English jurisprudence, as to the abridgement or extension of the right of suffrage. The object of such legislation was to put the voting power with more discretion, than with a person who had no pecuniary interest in the government. This argument will hold good in some cases at the present time, where money is to be raised, and taxes levied up- on the property holders, is concerned while the non property holders are not to share any of the burdens they so magnanimously impose upon others. In be- ginning the warrant, they summoned the freeholders who had an annual income of ten dollars and an es- tate of two hundred dollars and resided in the town one year ; and at other times, to those who pay a tax equal to two thirds of a single poll tax, besides their poll tax ; to assemble, etc. In 1811, the qualification of a voter was three pounds annual income and an estate valued at sixty pounds. These, we perceive, were severe re- strictions and it was safe to say that one-half of the people must have been deprived of the ballot, a restric- tion which at the present day would be deemed a se- vere and arbitrary law, and denounced in unmeasured terms. Following is a list of voters for the town of Bowdoin- ham, 1808 : 152 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 153 Allen, Hez. Peter Adams, Jedediah Adams, John Aderton, John Brown, Loyalist Blanchard, Samuel Bates, Frederick Booker, Isaiah, Junr. Booker, Isaiah Beal, &iccheus Beal, Josiah Beal, Joshua Buker, James Buker, James, Junr. Beedle, John Blanchard, Theoph. Buker, Elihu Bunker, James Booker, Joseph Booker, William Center, Samuel Cobb, John Card, Joel Curtis, Joseph Curtis, Michael Curtis, John Cobb, Abiah Curtis, Obadiah L. Colby, Josiah Cushman, Andrew Coombs, Samuel C. Coombs, John, Junr. Curtis, Wm. Dennet, John Dinsmore, John Dinsmore, Thomas Decker, William Dunham, William Denslow, Joseph Denslow, Abel Dingley, John Eaton, Warren Eaton, Enoch Fisher, Henry Fisher, John Given, William Gardner, Isaiah Gaubert, Nicholas Green, William Graves, Johnson Graves, Daniel Hatch, Ebenezer Herodon, Joseph Hatch, John Hatch, Samuel Hatch, Nathan Hatch, Clark Hatch, Elihu Hatch, Zenas Harward, Thomas Haynes, David Huntington, Uriel Heddean, John Hathorn, Jacob Jellerson, Job , Jinkins, Adon Jackson, George Jack, Robert Jackman, Richard Langdon, Joseph Lancaster, Stephen Lancaster, Daniel Leonard, Isaac Leonard, Wm. Milliken, Edward Maxwell, George Maloon, Abraham McLelland, James Maxwell, James Melee, James Millet, Israel Melee, James, Junr. Mallee, John Morgerage, Charles Preble, Zebulon Preble, Stephen Preble, Zebulon, Jr. Preble, Joseph Preble, Samuel Preble, David Pratt, Elisha Purington, Elihu Pottle, David Parks, Wm. Parks, John Patten, Wm. Preble, James Preble, Abraham Preble, Jonathan, Junr. Preble, Alexander Purinton, Hezekiah Purinton, Hezekiah, Junr. Preble, Thomas Preble, Abraham, Junr. Preble, Wm. Pettingall, Jacob Purington, Joshua Perry, Joseph Parks, John, Junr. Ring, Joseph Raymond, Elnathan Raymond, John Rasmiond, James Reed, Thomas 154 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Robertson, Joseph Temple, John Robertson, Wm. Varnam, Ralph Randal, Hetherly Varnam, Wanton S. Randal, Isaac Wiggin, Phineas Small, Taylor Williams, James Sampson, Wm. Whitmore, John Sedgley, Joseph Whitmore, Wm. Surtiphan, Jonathan Whitmore, Samuel Sedgley, Stephen Woodward, Samuel Scales, Sylvester Weston, Stephen Spring, John Weston, Caleb Small, Robert Whitmore, Benjamin Shaw, Benjamin White, John Sandford, Thomas Waterman, Foster Stinson, John Whitmore, Stephen Small, John, Junr. Woodworth, James Sparks, James Wilson, Robert Thomas, George Webber, Richard Tyler, Dean Welch, Wm. Many curious customs and habits prevailed among our people at that early day which were reasonable to them in their early associations, and transcended to their conception through successive generations as sa- cred and unquestionable theories or the embodiment of all that was good and perfect. But the progressive ideas of genius have eradicated not only those absurd laws from the statutes, which might have been good in their day, but they are almost effaced from the memory of those living in our day, of which the rising generation have no knowledge only in sketches gath- ered from the archives of some musty heirloom. By our records it was a rule to order every objection- able person out of town, giving them fifteen days' no- tice, or they would be dealt with according to law. The following is a specimen order: — "To Mr. James Purington, constable of the town of Bowdoinham, Greeting, You are in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, directed to warn and give notice unto Olive Cook, who has lately come into this town, for the purpose of abiding therein, and not having ob- tained the town's consent, therefore that she depart the limits thereof, with all her effects within fifteen days. Given under hand and seal of the selectmen, 1798." We probably can find forty or more such or- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 155 ders upon our town records, and in most cases they were directed against men with families, and in one case against a schoolmaster. This latter case must have been a peculiar one, that a town should order a schoolmaster out of its limits. The town had little sympathy for the schools or their masters before 1800. The town controlled its fisheries from the town's organization till long since this state was set off from Massachusetts, and they put the matter of regulating them into a "Committee of Fishery" control. The town sometimes voted to forbid seining wholly, and at other times to permit it. They limited the length of nets for drifting in the Abagadasset River. The fish wardens would measure their nets, and cut off the ex- cess. Numerous schemes were practiced to deceive the officials, when ascertaining the number and length of their nets. The town imposed a fine of $4.50 for each offence, and ten cents for each alewive taken in a seine contrary to law. In certain cases the town for- bade weirs being built within the limits of the town, and imposed a fine of $30.00 on each weir. Also at one time the privilege of seining at the Great Sands was set up at auction, and bid off by John Raymond for $16.00. There were several tanneries in town during the first sixty years of our history. One was located on Merrill's Hill, at the village, and one was operated by Nathaniel Purington in the early part of this century. Another was located at T. C. Maxwell's shore, owned by Zethro Hatch. This was as early as 1780. Robert Hunter had one, which has already been mentioned near Lithco Allen's. There was a large one on the Hezekiah and David Purington estate, on the River road, about 1830, located between the house and river. The town elected sealers for leather. The town also elected Ebenezer Macomber, harbor master for Cat- hance Landing. We infer from this the magnitude to which the mercantile business had grown, as a large 156 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM fleet of vessels was constantly leaving and returning with cargoes. The town offered, for a series of years, a bounty on bears, for old ones $5.00, yearlings $2.00 and cubs $1.00; also a bounty for crows, of a sixpence, and one must bring the head of the crow to the town clerk, who gave an order on the treasurer. The town purchased a set of weights and measures in 1793, the first in town ; Elihu Getchell purchased them. The separation of the district of Maine from Massa- chusetts claimed the attention of our people at a very early date, many years before the act was accom- plished. As early as 1791 the town acted upon the matter and laid it over for future action. In 1792 the town voted strongly against separation. They voted in 1797 nine to twenty-five against it. In 1807, twenty for it to thirty-five against; 1815, sixty-three for, twenty against; 1816, fifty-one for, thirty-six against; 1819, eighty-four for, twenty-three against. After a long contest the battle was won, and a con- vention called, and met in Portland, September, 1819, and Ebenezer Herrick and Elihu Hatch were chosen delegates to the convention to frame a constitution for the new state. This work was submitted to the people on the sixth day of December, 1819, and the people adopted it, this town voting forty-two in favor of con- stitution. The state was admitted the following year. In 1815, the town voted "that horses, neat cattle, hogs, and sheep shall not run at large in the winter sea- son, from Cathance River to the school house," now Bethsheba Curtis's. Bethsheba Curtis lived where the Robert Warren estate is, and this was a vote to rid the village of the presence of a nuisance in the streets. It seemed to have been the custom for their stock to run at large all winter in the streets of the village, as it was a general custom in early times to house their stock but a very small portion of the cold weather ; and their cattle depended as much upon hemlock and hardwood HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 157 browse as upon hay during the winter season, and it was the practice for farmers to go into the woods to cut and haul boughs to feed to their cattle. Richmond, which up to 1823, formed the northern portion of our town, and the natural advantages of that section being upon the Kennebec, as a more direct thoroughfare, naturally grew very rapidly in popula- tion. The general interests of the two sections were not similar, and soon antagonized each other in every public and private enterprise; Richmond's Interest centered at White's landing (now Richmond village) while Bowdoinham's was centering at Cathance Land- ing. The town was very long from the north to the south, rendering it inconvenient to meet at any one place to transact town business. The people of Rich- mond had come to be aggressive, taking many of the town honors to her own citizens, the daughter ruling the mother, which created a feeling of jealousy. Rich- mond demanded to be set off from this town, and they voted upon the matter May 20th, 1816, in favor of a division, on the south line of lot No. 6. This action was unexpected and unsatisfactory to Bowdoinham people. During the year that followed this action of the town, the contest was bitter, and the advocates of the measure unrelenting. The contest finally termi- nated by the organization of the town of Richmond in 1823. Bowdoinham had done much for that section by building long and costly roads, bridges and school houses. This was done in Richmond's infancy, when her people could not help her, and Bowdoinham was strong enough to do it. By annexing Richmond in 1779, and then withdrawing in 1823 this town extend- ed her northern boundary two miles, giving to us a most beautiful farming section, not to be excelled in scenery in the Kennebec Valley. The first doctor in Bowdoinham was Dr. Michael Howland, who settled where R. D. Spear now lives. 158 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM probably about 1790, and died in 1799. He was a prominent man in town affairs. Dr. James Tupper lived in Bowdoinham at White's Landing (Richmond village) and engaged in ship build- ing. Dr. Urial Huntington came to this town in 1810, and continued practice till 1839 or 1840. Dr. George W. Tinker located in this town in 1822, and practiced medicine till 1876, and died in 1881. Dr. Tinker was eminently a man of fine intellect and ability and was in the front rank of his profession. He was from Ells- worth, Maine. Dr. Lemuel Richards settled here in 1841 or '42 and moved to Kennebunk in 1857. Dr. A. H. Cheney be- gan to practice medicine here in 1855 and continued till the time of his death, carrying with him the high es- teem of our people in his long and successful career. Dr. Henry S. B. Smith settled here in 1866, having served as assistant surgeon in the army. He worked up a large practice during the twelve years he resided here and was considered a skilled physician. Dr. I. C. Irish then took the field and continues to the present time in helping to equalize the population. There were Doctors Ham and Andrews who made short tarries and small practices. This was from 1876 to 1879. Dr. Palmer resided in Bowdoinham for sev- eral years and met with good success in his profession. He later moved to Brunswick where he has a large practice. WILLIAM WHITE, Selectman, 21 years. CHAPTER XII. OFFICIALS OF THE TOWN FROM ORGANIZATION TO THE PRESENT— EMINENT MEN— POSTMASTERS- CUSTOMS AND HABITS OF THE PEOPLE. At the time of the settlement of Abraham Preble on the Leonard Preble farm about 1730 or '35, a Jonathan Preble settled in this town and we are convinced by record that he was a brother to Abraham Preble, but his location could not until recently, be established. We have found that he lived upon the George Center farm, now John Welch's and we further learn that a child of Abraham Preble's died. The body was carried across the Merrymeeting Bay to Jona. Preble's for burial, on the 17th day of May, on the ice, from town record, and as the winter of 1779-80, and the summer following were remarkable cold seasons, we have suffi- cient reason to establish this as the year of the passage of the funeral cortage across the ice to the burial ground. Jonathan Preble's name appears as a town official from the town's organization till 1774, and we are satisfied that he lived to a much later date. These two men were the earliest settlers in Bowdoin- ham, which was then a perfect wilderness and sur- rounded by the merciless savages, and it was then the customs as well as the necessity of those times to carry their guns into the field for protection, while they cared for their crops. The following is a copy from the records of the se- lectmen and town clerks, from the organization of the town in 1762 to 1820. We give them in the order they appear upon the records: — 159 ' 160 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM SELECTMEN. Abraham Preble, 1763-64-66-67-69-70-71-75-81. Zaccheus Beals, 1763-64-72-79-80-82-83-84-85-86-87-88-89-93- 95, 1803. David Wilson, 1763. Richard Temple, 1764-67-68-71-73-74-79-80-82. Stephen Whitmore, 1765-76-77-78-84-87-88-90-92-93-95-96-97- 99, 1800-1-2-4-5-6-7. John McKeenie, 1765-66-67. John Patten, 1765-66-69-70-71. Jona. Getchell, 1768. Elihu Getchell, 1768-69-72-76-89-90-91-96-97-98-99-1800-1-2- 4-5. James Buker, 1700. Robert Fulton, 1772-74-75. William Patten, 1773. Benjamin Gardiner, 1773-74. Abram Whittemore, 1775-76-77-78-81-85-86-88-91. Samuel Jameson, 1777-78-85-86-87. Robert Patten, 1779-80-82-83-84. Barnabas Paddock, 1781-83. James Maxwell, 1789-91-1801-9. Abraham Preble, Jr., 1790-1809. Elijah Davis, 1796. William Denham, 1792-93-95-1807-8. George Maxwell, 1792-1807. Zeba Eaton, 1797-98-99-1800-1. John Parks, 1794. George Thomas, 1794. Israel Millet, 1794, 1803-4-5-6. William Curtis, 1802. Thomas Reed, 1803. Hetherly Randall, 1806. Thomas Sanford, 1808-9-10-11-16-19-20. John Hayden, 1809-10-11-16. Joseph Langdon, 1810. Loyalist Browne, 1811-12-13-14-15-16-20. Robert Wilson, 1812-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20. Elihu Hatch, 1812-13-14-15-16-17-18-19. Josiah Sanford, 1807-18. TOWN CLERKS. Richard Temple, 1763. Abraham Preble, 1764-65-66-69-70-71-73-74-75-76-77-78-79-80- 81-82-83-84-85. L. D. SMALL, Town Clerk, 39 years. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 161 Zaccheus Beals, 1772-86-87-88. John McKeenie, 1767-68. James Maxwell, 1789-90-91-92-93-94. Stephen Whitmore, 1795-96-97-98-99-1800. Stephen Whitmore, 1801-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10. Zaccheus Beals, 1811. S. Gardiner, 1812-13-14-15-16-17-18-19. The writer having presented the list of town officers, from the organization of the town in 1763 to 1820, when the district became a state, observations on their services will be in order. If there is one thing more noticeable in this record than another, it is the extreme length of service of many of the town officers. The peculiarity of this showing may be attributed to one of two causes : First, — The people must necessari- ly have been in general intelligence far inferior to the people of other towns, and few were competent to man- age its complicated duties; Second, — If possessing ordinary intelligence, there must exist a few remark- able men, noted for shrewdness and business tact over and above their fellow-men that they were continually kept at the helm of town affairs. Children were born became voters and died, and we find the same members of the Board directing old Bowdoinham's destiny. Be- low is the continued list of Selectmen since 1820 : — Robert Wilson, 1821-22-23. Thomas Sanford, 1821-27-28-29-30. Loyalist Browne, 1821-22-23-24-25-27-28-29-30. Barzille White, 1822. Josiah Sanford, 1823-25-26. William Lunt, 1824-25. Frederick Bates, 1824. Hezekiah Purington, 1826. Nathaniel Purington, 1825-26. Josiah Merrow, 1828-29-30-31-33-34-35-36-37-38-39-40-41-42- 43-51-52-53-54-56-57-58-59-64-65-67-68-69-70. Robert Maxwell, 1831-40-41-42-43. John Rogers, 1831. William Stinson, 1832. Elihu Hatch, 1832-33-34-35. David Booker, 1832-33. 162 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM William White, 1834-35-36-37-44-45-46-48-49-50-52-53-54-56- 57-60-61-62-65-66-69. John Raymond, 1836-37-44-45-46-47-48-49-51-52-53-54. Levi Mustard, 1838-39-40-41-42-43. John Browne, 1838-39-55. John Patten, 1844-45-46-47-48-49-50. Hugh Curtis, 1847-51. Elijah C. Hatch, 1850. William H. Lunt, 1855. Samuel Whitmore, 1st, 1855. James P. Thomas, 1856-57-58-59-60-61-62. Samuel Whitmore, 2nd, 1858-59-63-64-65-66-67-68. John A. Thompson, 1860-61-62. C. P. Quint, 1863. John P. Harward, 1863. Jas. A. Decker, 1864-66-67-68. R. D. Spear, 1869-70-71-72. Daniel G. Cornish, 1870-71-72-73-74-75-76-77-78-79-80-81-82-83- 84-85-86-87-88-91-92. Thomas P. Whitmore, 1871-72-73-74-75-80-81-82-83. William Whitmore, 1873-74-75-77-78-79-80-81-82-83. Samuel Donnell, 1876-77. Thomas C. Maxwell, 1876-77-78-79-83-84-85-86-87-88. A. S. Purington, 1880-81-82-83-84-85-86-87-88-89. For convenience and reference the complete list is compiled by years, and is introduced to show the regu- lar order in which they come. Those who served since 1884 are not in the Chronological order as that only included the officials serving from 1762 till 1884 inclu- sive. Robt. Wilson, Thos. Sanford and Loyalist Brown, 1821-1823. Robt. Wilson, Barzille White, and L. Browne, 1822. Loyalist Browne, Wm. Lunt, and Frederick Bates, 1824. L. Browne, Wm. Lunt, and Thos. Sanford, 1825. Josiah Sanford, Hez. Purington, and Nath. Purington, 2d, 1826. Nath. Purington, L. Browne, and Thos. Sanford, 1827. Loyalist Browne, Josiah Merrow, and Thos. Sanford, 1828-29- 30. Josiah Merrow, Robt. Maxwell, and John Rogers, 1831. Wm. Stinson, Elihu Hatch, and David Booker, 1832. Josiah Merrow, Elihu Hatch, and David Booker, 1833. Josiah Merrow, Elihu Hatch, and Wm. White, 1834-1835. Josiah Merrow, Wm. White, and John Raymond, 1836-1837. DANIEL G. CORNISH, Selectman, 21 years. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 163 Josiah Merrow, Levi Mustard, and John Browne, 1838-1839. Josiah Merrow, Levi Mustard and Robt. Maxwell, 1840-1841- 1842-1843. John Patten, Wm. White, and John Raymond, 1844-1845-1846- 1847-1848-1849. John Patten, Wm. White, and Elijah C. Hatch, 1850. Wm. White, Josiah Merrow, and John Raymond, 1851-1852- 1853-1854. Wm. Lunt, Saml. Whitmore, 1st, and John Browne, 1855. Josiah Merrow, Wm. White, and Jas. P. Thomas, 1856-1857. J. Merrow, S. Whitmore, and J. P. Thomas, 1858-1859. Wm. White, J. A. Thompson, and J. P. Thomas, 1860-1861- 1862. C. P. Quint, John F. Harward, and Saml. Whitmore, 1863. Josiah Merrow, S. Whitmore and J. A. Decker, 1864. Wm. White, J. Merrow, and S. Whitmore, 1865. Wm. White, S. Whitmore, and J. A. Decker, 1866. J. Merrow, S. Whitmore, and J. A. Decker, 1867-1868. Wm. White, J. Merrow, and R. D. Spear, 1869. J. Merrow, R. D. Spear, and Daniel G. Cornish, 1870. R. D. Spear, D. G. Cornish and Thos. P. Whitmore, 1871-72-73. D. G. Cornish, T. P. Whitmore, and Wm. Whitmore, 1874-75- 76. S. Donnell, T. C. Maxwell, and D. G. Cornish, 1877. D. G. Cornish, T. C. Maxwell, and Wm. Whitmore, 1878-79-80. D. G. Cornish, Wm. Whitmore, and A. S. Purington, 1881-82- 83. D. G. Cornish, A. S. Purington, and T. C. Maxwell, 1884-85-86- 87-88. J. L. Browne, A. S. Purington, and M. H. White, 1889. D. G. Cornish, J. F. Gray, and M. H. White, 1890-91. D. G. Cornish, F. K. Jack, and M. H. White, 1892. F. K. Jack, J. L. Browne, and M. H. White, 1893. F. K. Jack, J. L. Browne, and Silas Thompson, 1894. J. L. Browne, L. M. Fulton, and J. H. Millay, 1895. M. H. White, Geo. H. Hackett, and S. Donnell, 1896. M. H. White, Frank H. Purington, and Geo. H. Hackett, 1897- 1898. L. M. Fulton, J. L. Browne, and Elmer E. Small, 1899-1900- 1901. L. M. Fulton, Elmer Small, and U. S. Hulse, 1902-1903. L. M. Fulton, U. S. Hulse, and A. C. Williams, 1904-1905-1906- 1907. J. H. Ames, W. J. Graves, and W. S. Given, 1908. L. M. Fulton, A. R. Harward, and L. M. Small, 1901-1910. L. M. Fulton, L. M. Small, and Wm. J. Graves, 1911. 164 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM The following is the list of town clerks and years of service since 1820, or the time the district of Maine became a state, to the present time: — Cyrus Tarbox, 1821-22-23-24-25. William Lunt, 1826-27-30. William Stinson, 1828-29-31-32-33. Robert Butterfield, 1834-35. Matthew P. Spear, 1836-37. Orrington Lunt, 1838-39-40-41-42. Urial Huntington, 1840. William B. Ware, 1843. Syms Gardiner, 1844-45-46-47-48-49-50-51-52. William Smith, 1853-54-55-56-57-58-59-60-61-62-63-64-65-66- 67-68-69-70-71-72. L. D. Small, 1873-74-75-76-77-78-79-80-81-82-83-84-85-86, to the present. Recapitulation of those holding the longest terms, — SELECTMEN. Abraham Preble held the oflBce nine years, and Stephen Whit- more twenty-one years; Zaccheus Beals, fifteen years; Richard Temple, nine years; Elihu Getchell, sixteen years; Abram Whittemore, nine years; Thomas Sanford, seven years; Loyalist Browne, seven years; Robert Wilson, nine years; Elihu Hatch, twelve years ; Josiah Merrow, twenty-nine years ; William White, twenty-one years; John Raymond, twelve years; Levi Mustard, six years; John Patten, seven years; James P. Thomas, seven years; Samuel Whitmore, 2nd, eight years; D. G. Cornish, twen- ty-two years; T. P. Williams, eight years; William Whitmore, six years; T. C. Maxwell, eight years; A. S. Purington, seven years; L. M. Fulton, thirteen years. TOWN CLERKS. Abraham Preble held the office nineteen years; James Maxwell six years; Stephen Whitmore, sixteen years; S. Gardner, seven- teen years; William Smith, twenty years; L. D. Small, thirty- nine years. The writer has simply enumerated those holding oiRce the longest periods. No man since Abraham Preble and Stephen Whit- more has been so closely identified with the town as an officer, as Colonel Merrow, and he bears the honor of REV. JOHN RAYMOND. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 165 the longest service upon the Board of Selectmen of this town. As he lived to be past ninety three years and gave the writer these facts, it may be well to record them here. His home was in Salem, Massachusetts, and at the time the war broke out in 1812 he was at Machias, Maine, on a vessel. He returned to Salem and shipped on a privateer, built at Dorchester, Mass., mounting eight guns, with a crew of eighty men. The Swordfish, the name of the privateer, after being out seventeen days, and off the Western Islands, was over- hauled and captured by a British war vesssel, the crew carried to Portsmouth, England, and lodged in a prison ship. After a long imprisonment he was released and re- turned home. In 1817 he settled in Bowdoinham and up to 1870 he was one of her most prominent men. While living in Bowdoinham he was, besides being selectman, representative to the legislature several times, state senator, one of the council to the governor, high sheriff, trial justice, and justice of the peace. He was elected Captain of the militia in 1824, and won his promotion up to rank of Colonel, and good author- ity says he was a fine looking and energetic officer. He was married in 1817 and built his house in 1820. He served the town 29 years as selectman and his grandson, L. M. Fulton, living in the same house has served 13 years. Forty-two years service from this old house. John Raymond. The subject of this sketch was a man, born in Bow- doinham, 1809, who possessed a most eminent ability with a penetrating mind to grasp the most difficult questions, and he was a most convincing speaker as well as sound adviser in law. He was early identi- fied with establishing the Free Will Baptist Church in this town, and through his earnest preaching scores were converted and joined that church. He was 166 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM selectman of the town twelve years, and was a member of the school committee or supervisor for many years ; served one term in the Maine Legislature, and for several years was County Commissioner. It is doubt- ful if Bowdoinham ever produced an abler man. Gould of Thomaston first began to work for fame in Bowdoinham, as a lawyer, and he was recognized as the leading talent in our state. Ebenezer Herrick who was a member of Congress from Maine, several terms, after Maine became a state, was a citizen of Bowdoinham and practiced law there. He was also elected as delegate to the constitutional convention in Portland to form our state constitution. Judge Nathan Cleaves of Portland commenced his practice of law in this town, and held a leading posi- tion in his profession in that city. He moved to Port- land in 1865, having practised law in this town about five years. Colby, the benefactor of Colby College in Waterville, was raised in Bowdoinham and was the son of Josiah C. Colby. At an early age his father died, when the mother, in rather destitute circumstances, moved with her two sons to Boston, and one became very wealthy and endowed the college. Israel Washburn, the father of the famous Wash- burn family, settled and conducted business in Bow- doinham (afterwards Richmond) a number of years previous to his going to Livermore. He commenced his most useful career in this town, of giving several states governors, members of Congress, generals and a foreign minister to represent us at the court of France. The partnership of Washburn and White existed a number of years, about the year 1820. The following is the list of postmasters and date of appointments. The office was established December 31, 1810, at Bowdoinham : — HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 167 POSTMASTER DATE OP APPOINTMENT Syms Gardiner Dec. 31st, 1810 Josiah Merrow May 1st, 1829 Robert Butterfield June 4th, 1841 Josiah M. Merrow July 1st, 1845 Robert P. Carr July 1st, 1849 Charles P. Quint May 13th, 1853 Edmund L. Thorn July 26th, 1856 William Smith Sept. 18th, 1861 Rowland E. Coombs Nov. 23rd, 1866 Orders rescinded Mar. 23rd, 1868 Albert S. Purington Apr. 23rd, 1877 F. K. Jack 1885 William A. Wood 1890 James Sampson 1893 William Brown 1897 The postmasters of East Bowdoinham office, estab- lished 1852, were as follows:— POSTMASTBMS DATE OF APPOINTMENT Converse Hatch About 1852 Joseph Hall September, 1860 J. L. Browne July 9th, 1856 Eben Lancaster March, 1873 Frederick Corliss August, 1880 H. W. Gilpatrick March, 1883 William K. Maxwell July, 1884 After the death of William K. Maxwell, Charles Brown was appointed and acted as postmaster until 1910, when the post office was discontinued by R. F. D. We have then a space of forty-eight years after this town was organized before we had a post office, or any means of receiving intelligence by any authorized authority. Still letters and packages were sent and received many years before that date, which must have been from the Brunswick post office or by private transmission or coasters. There is probably no one thing that has done so much to promulgate intelligence, to circulate benefits and to build up civilization as our mail system. It may be termed our greatest public educator. 168 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM The necessities of the people, at the earlier date of the town's history, were of the most simple and un- ostentatious character. That which to us at the pre- sent time, seems a strict necessity, to them would ap- pear as a most lavish luxury. They sought for only simple necessities and the desires extended no furthur than the meager supply of their daily wants. We refer to this as their condition and simplicity of life in the earlier epoch in their new homes. But it should not be conceded that, as they began to prosper in world- ly goods, the principles of rivalry never became a pas- sion, which they cultivated with as much pride in their sphere, as any at the present day. The houses of our day are palaces in comparison to those humble domicils which protected those hardy pioneers on these uninviting shores. Their houses were almost unexceptionally built of logs, with thatch- ed roofs or covered with long shingles ripped from trees by the skilled hand of their builder. Plastered houses were unknown until nearly 1800, when the ad- vantages became known as a protection against our severe winters. Since then the practice has become universal. The first house ever plastered in Bowdoin- ham was that of John Adams, about that date, the work being done with a hoe as a tool most adequately fitted to represent a trowel. Very few had cellars under their houses suitable for holding their vegetables, so they dug large holes upon some dry knoll, which they filled with potatoes, covering them carefully, and were safely kept until spring without freezing. After saw mills were built sawed lumber was used for building purposes. Machinery was unknown to fit any of the lumber so muscle did the whole, 'while the amount of labor expended in finish, as a matter of taste or fancy, was truly surprising. Few houses at the present day are so lavishly finished with moulding and fancy work as the houses of one century ago presents to the architectural eye. If the croakers of our day com- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 169 plain of the pride displayed by the builders in this age of improvement, what must be said of the ex- quisite show and superfluous energy exerted by their ancestors, to compare the means at their command to accomplish, and the objects and desires to gratify. Nor indeed would we confine our comparison of pride to their dwellings alone, for in the matter of dress they showed so much more absurdity in their tunics as a matter of extreme pride, that the people of the present time even with better facilities to command would not attempt even to approximate. Could anything in dress appear more absurd, as a matter of comfort and beauty, than the short snug breeches, with knee buckles, a claw-hammer coat, with heavy collar, and a ruffled bosom shirt with a wide ruffled collar around the neck, the long hair braided in a queue and powdered white. We look upon the dress of women at the present time with much wonder and abhorrence, at the attempt (and a futile one) to improve the form which the Creator had made perfect and called good ; but how much more ridiculous were those peculiar belles of fashion with their huge bonnets and caps, cut of dress, which they, in their pride, and pride which excelled ours, were made prominent in their every day life. We cannot term that pride which adds to comfort, but that which is added for the admiration of the beholder and to gain the plaudits of others and no comfort to themselves, must be classed as one of their foibles, as conspicuous as the majesty of pride of our day. The use of intoxi- cating liquors was a great drawback to the advance- ment of moral conditions of those people. The march of this terrible evil never leaves any doubt as to the route it had travelled. Evidence of its fiendish work was seen in every step of our early history, and left a dark spot on its record, which kept them servants of its power and emblems of its poverty. It was a mighty curse to them, which blocked the wheels to most im- provements — a common leveler in their ranks. Every 170 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM store, shop and public place had a vender of the ardent, and no insignificant job could be undertaken without the inspiration of its presence. Gatherings of every kind were supplied with its enthusiasm, while quarrels and law-suits were the outcome of its nefarious work. The clergyman appeared in the pulpit not only filled with the spirit of the Holy Ghost, but quite as full of the spirit from the wine cup, which tended to loosen his tongue to give utterance from the heart, and to carry the fire of enthusiasm to the souls of others, to lead them upon the road of peace and love. Yet this was their custom, and custom was a great leveler; while it bridged over many sins it apologized for many terrible errors. They were more solid in their habits and traditions, as best fitted the times and their cir- cumstances, than any of their followers dare to imitate, wihout bringing the condemnation and ridicule of cen- sure upon their presumptuous pride. Sociality was a trait in their character, which the people of our time are fast letting pass into unknown bygones. None of their virtues stand out more conspicuously pure among them, than that of a social and hospitable people ; social intercourse made them a warm hearted and happy people. Their lives were that of severe daily toil in subduing the forest and virgin soil, all being upon the same plain, establishing a future greatness for their country. Their religion was of the established church, and was of a traditional character, accepting those creeds as a matter of fact without questioning the reasons for such theories or the origin of such tablets of faith. They were not searchers for truth, but accepters of ances- tral opinions. We can find no advancement either in the matter of religion or general intelligence, till the schoolhouse broke the spell, and its majestic power dis- pelled many delusions in which they had for many years been unhappily sequestered. Immigration and the raising of large families very HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 171 quickly settled our town. The inducements of free land and a social people developed her resources in a practical manner. Three branches of her industry were open to the world, that of lumber, ship building and farming. The business of lumber and shipbuild- ing have been explained to some extent on previous pages, but that of farming has never been a subject in which our people have taken that advanced movement which brought them much notoriety as practical far- mers. The land when new was rich and productive, and with little labor and a smaller blessing, it would bring forth an abundant yield to feed and clothe the body. The spinning and flax wheels were found in nearly every home, while maiden as well as matron was skilled in the use required to produce the most perfect thread. The old cumbrous looms added vigor and health by useful occupation, while perambulating the streets was an unknown custom, which is an out- come of the grand march of civilization of the nine- teenth century. The dimensions of Bowdoinham, as previously stat- ed, at the time of its incorporation in 1762 were four miles from north to south, five miles from the Kennebec to the west. This was its extent till 1779, when the Plantation of Richmond was added, making a frontage of ten miles on the Kennebec River. Its boundaries were not changed again until 1789, when Topsham captured a part of its territory on the Cathance River. In 1823 Richmond was taken from Bowdoinham and incorporated as a town, leaving five miles upon the Kennebec. The western boundary was unsettled. About 1830 this town recovered its lost territory from Topsham, besides acquiring a large strip from its original boundary, whereby the boundary was extended nearly three miles south of the line, run- ning west northwest, from the north bay shore. Bowdoin was taken from it in 1788, and Lisbon, 172 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM doubtless, about the same time. Since that time its limits have not changed. Its people bent their energies more particularly to clearing a farm, as the primitive forest covered the entire surface of the land. The virgin soil vi^as rich from the accumulations of ages, and yielded abundant returns for a small amount of labor. The land v(ras made more productive by felling the forests, and burning the vv^hole upon the ground. Potatoes vs^ere the staple crop, which grev? almost spontaneously, and a crop of 400 or 500 bushels. to the acre was only an average yield. Wheat and rye were also largely grown, as the people depended principally upon their own products from their farm — not only to feed the body but to clothe it. The spinning jenny was unknown. The shoemaker made his annual visit to make shoes for the family. So rich was the ground that it required only a small plat to furnish subsistence for a large family. But those early pioneers were not looking forward to a per- manent production from their lands, for they returned but a little to the land from which they received such bountiful crops. They continued from generation to generation to reap large incomes from their land, until nature began to give warning that the soil which was once so rich and productive, was being exhausted by continual cropping and want of proper care. Several reasons might be advanced why farms be- came exhausted and no efforts made to reclaim them : — First, the people bent their energies, from 1800 to 1854, to shipbuilding, which had become the most prominent industry in our State. Men who owned farms turned their attention more particularly to the shipyard as a means of getting money, a much quicker process than that of coining wealth from the somewhat tardy acres, which had become long neglected and abused. Nature had been generous even beyond endurance, but could not always pour wealth into the lap of the indolent and unsystematical farmer, who regarded not her wants or HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 173 studied her necessities. They could buy more bushels of corn from the income of one day's work, than they could extort from the farm by three days' labor, so as a matter of gain, the shipyard offered the advantageous field for immediate profit, while Yankee ingenuity studied that only, and led them to the conclusion that the surest road to wealth was by the quickest route, and that three dollars a day was a most flattering in- ducement to allow their farms to remain idle, as they counted their gains, by, to them, a more practical rea- soning. A second reason may be advanced, as to why the soil was exhausted or allowed to be without any equivalent return to nature's workshop, which was from exceed- ingly high price of hay. The demand was such in the southern markets, as well as in the northern, that they made a specialty of cropping the land for hay crops only, as a means of profit from the farm, and the one having the largest returns for labor. This disastrous mode of farming has been the rule almost to the pre- sent day, and the farmers were even reaching for larg- er incomes and for more land, simply for hay farms, as a matter of profit. The matter of preserving their fertility was not a subject of consideration; but "how can I extort the most from mother earth." It is un- necessary to say that Bowdoinham farms were worn out, and might, with propriety, have grown up to tim- ber, as was the practice in the Southern states when they had exhausted the soil. As long as he could raise the hay, the owner had no need to inquire into the rea- sons of the failure of the farm to give its accustomed yield. But the past years have wrought a great change in the minds of our people and in the produc- tiveness of the farm. They have learned, in order to reap a big harvest, they must return something to the land, and high cultivation is taking the place of lax and uncertain labor upon the farm, and a systematic order of fertilizing is being instituted. 174 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM It is not from the inability of the land of this town that its people do not reap large returns from a very- small amount of labor, for no town in the Kennebec valley possesses land and qualifications better adapted to a high state of agriculture than this. Within its limits a very small per cent of its area is of a hard or sterile nature, and none valueless for farming. A small portion is sandy in the vicinity of the bay, while further back the formation presents alternately, clay and gravel, not broken by deep ravines and chasms, or by high hills, but by gentle and rolling swells, which are necessary for proper drainage. The land is adapted for agriculture, with a fair amount of labor, and by restoring to the land such ele- ments as have been taken out of the soil, these acres will again be as willing to supply the wants of her ten- ants as she was spontaneous in the past to supply bountifully their needs. The tendency has been to devote too many acres to the hay crop, when that product commanded high prices. Virginia committed the same error by contin- ually cropping the land with tobacco. She would wear out one field and take up another. The error has been discovered, and now is being rapidly corrected, and artificial as well as natural means adopted to improve the land, also, we might observe, with good results. The water power of our town is not at the present time of much importance, although at a time in our past history, it has been of great service to the people in the manufacturing of their lumber, and grinding the corn and other grains. Really we have no water power now, comparatively, to that of one hundred years ago. The Abagadasset River and the East Branch of the Cathance then aiforded abundance of water most of the year to turn the wheels, but with improved machinery and with wheels requiring less water, the supply is adequate for only a limited portion of the year. The HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 175 decimation of the forests have prevented the usual rainfalls, the springs have disappeared, and the streams once with an abundant flow are but mere brooks, and remain so the greater part of the year. During the summer months it would be safe to estimate the amount of water running in those streams, in com- parison to 100 years ago, at two-thirds, and even in the recollection of the older people, it has fallen off one half. Then to utilize the water power is wholly out of the question, as we have none. The axe did the work and did it effectually. We can find the remnants of mills on our streams, but the element necessary to turn their wheels, is absorbed by the air and the parched earth, with none to spare to fill the channels. We have many streams, with clear, sparkling water, but not abundant enough for practical use. What is to be done for Bowdoinham must be done by steam power, which by cheap coal and improved machinery, renders the extra cost but nominal, and not one to stand in the way of locating factories of any description in our beautiful town. We say beautiful town, and we mean it in the strictest sense of the word. Her location up the Kennebec, her facilities to a good and ready mar- ket, her productive soil, and even surface with abund- ance of wood, really make her an inviting field for capital and manufacturing, not excelled in our State. During the administration of Gen. Jackson, a sur- plus had accumulated in our treasury and he conceived the idea to divide it among the states, so without wait- ing the sanction of Congress, he assumed the authority and ordered it done, (Maine receiving her proportional part.) This order was issued October, 1833. Upon Maine receiving that money her legislature ordered it divided among the several towns of the state, and Bow- doinham used the money allotted to her in building a Town House about 1884, the old building so well re- membered by the older inhabitants situated west of the present Town House and demolished when the 176 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM present building was remodeled and accepted as a Town House in 1884. The old building served as a Town House, a school house, church and lecture hall. Wages and Labor. It may be well to compare the times of 1825, with the present period, as to the hours of labor, and the compensation in return for that service. We will illustrate this point by the experience of a certain man, who related his early struggle to the writ- er many years ago. He came to Bowdoinham about 1826, a boy of eighteen years and began life in the ship- yard managed by George Henry at Cathance Landing. He worked as a carpenter, doing all that pertains to a carpenter's life in that rugged and hard service. He worked for seventy-five cents a day and boarded, and the hours of work were from sunrise to sunset, one continual round of muscular toil, not pleasure. In the summer time the men were called before sunrise in time to get into the shipyard as the sun peeped above the horizon. They worked about an hour and then went to breakfast, returning to work again. About 10 o'clock a. m. a lunch of food and drink of rum and molasses, was sent to the yard. At noon, the men went to dinner, but they did not have an hour's nooning as now, for when they had finished their dinner, they immediately returned to work. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon another lunch was served similar to the one in the forenoon, and they continued their work until sunset, when the labors ceased. About 8 o'clock in the evening, they ate their supper, leaving only time to smoke and go to bed. If any man came into the yard after the sun was up clear of the horizon, he came with a sneakish look upon his face. After one year of work this man's pay was raised to one dollar per day, and the third year he got another raise to one dollar and twenty-five cents per day, and then he felt he was growing rich very rapidly HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 177 with such an income and in four years was able to buy a farm for $1200, and pay cash down. Compare this with the present eight hour system and high wages, and yet there is more grumbling about the hours of labor, and the wages of the working man to-day, than was ever known before in this country, and as we en- joy more comforts, the greater demands for more com- pensation the greater is the discontent of laborers, that they cannot have the luxuries of the rich. High wages create extravagance and then discontent, hence the great labor questions come to the surface for solution. We would further elucidate this subject by showing the difference in the cost of living and of compensation of labor. By the courtesy of the Hon. Horace Puring- ton of Waterville, the writer was allowed to make ex- tracts from an account book, kept by his grandfather who lived on the Amos Purington place in the northeast part of Bowdoin. He seemed to have been a man of large business capacities, but his principal business was shoemaking. He did business with all the people on the Post Road in Bowdoinham and the eastern part of Bowdoin. These accounts extend from 1800 to 1810. We find that the wages for all kinds of labor, largely farm labor, ranged from forty cents to sixty- cents per day — carpentering, peeling bark, chopping wood and in fact all occupations were on the same basis. Do not let it be understood or even inferred that these people worked only eight hours a day, for such was not the case, they worked from twelve to fifteen hours of solid labor, and were thankful for even this small wage. We do not read of any Union or combi- nation of labor for higher wages. Some reader will rapidly come to the conclusion that necessities of life were cheap, especially food. Let us see,:— in the period of ten years, molasses ranged from 50 to 60 cents per gallon, corn from $1.00 to $2.50 per bushel, the latter price being in 1804 and other articles 178 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM of food in the same proportion, and now from our standpoint to look back upon this family of father, mother and thirteen children, hewing a living out on a hard rocky farm, clearing the soil, building for them- selves a comfortable house, improving their minds, de- veloping into men and women, constantly gaining in worldly goods, — under such adverse conditions is a mystery that we at this late day cannot readily under- stand. It is true their necessities were few and simple, and these could all be supplied from the farm. In the matter of wages and labor, then, the hours were long and the wages small, now the hours are short and the wages high. Men were obliged in those days to exercise the most rigid economy if they saved anything out of their hard earnings that they might have something to procure a home in this new and progressive country. Economy was one of the most exacting teachers in the newly organized community. Poverty was the common lot of the people and the struggle for a decent existence was a long and many times a losing battle. Take a retrospective view of these early pioneers in their rude and cramped houses, settled along the shores of the rivers, trying to force a living out of the virgin soil and the rivers, with nothing to do with, only a strong arm and a determined will, no cattle, no farming tools, no roads, no mills, surrounded by the primitive forest and the terror of the war whoop. We become lost in wonderment, at what they accom- plished in their comparative helplessness in these con- ditions. We fail to comprehend their then hopeless condition, and the present age, with its boundless leaps for admiration and grandeur. Their simplicity was of a reverential nature to the Maker of the universe. CHAPTER XIII. THE CIVIL WAR OF 1861 TO 1865. The first rebel shot was fired upon Fort Sumter, Charleston, S. C. harbor, April 12, 1861, and never in the history of this Country was there such a shock ; and for the moment the north was confounded at the das- tardly act of the slave power, but this soon gave away to patriotism and determination, on the part of the peo- ple, and party lines were nearly all obliterated and every lover of the country was alligned on the side of the Union. The act aroused the latent powers of de- fense among the people. Five hundred thousand men could have been enrolled on the impulse of the startling uncertainty of our fu- ture, as to whether we had a Country or not. The fact that the South had opened a war for the perpetuation of Slavery brought the whole question home to every lover of liberty, whether the nation was to founder on the rock of human bondage, or that the strong arm of liberty would be able to parry the blow, and save our northern homes from the curse that was attempting our overthrow. No other path was left for us to travel but that of self-defence, and to draw the sword so long sheathed. So the challenge was accepted, and the north flew to arms, and daily we saw the young men of our town going to other localities and enlist under the old flag, and don the army blue. Both the state and people showed their loyalty to the government in these dark days, in every form that they were able, and ready to assist in putting down the re- bellion. 179 180 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM A Resolution to Raise Money. At a special town meeting held at Bowdoinham, May 1, 1861, for the purpose of raising money or voting the town's credit to assist in carrying on the war for the Union. Hon. Josiah Merrow asked and obtained unan- mous consent to introduce the following resolve: Resolved, that in the language of the illustrious Thomas Jefferson we regard the preservation of the General Government in all its constitutional vigor as the sheet anchor of our peace at home and our safety abroad. Resolved, that while reiterating the sentiment of the soldier and Patriot Jackson, "The union must and shall be preserved" we reaffirm it to be the duty of every American citizen at this critical moment in public af- fairs, to aid in its preservation by giving a patriotic and earnest support to the General Government in all its constitutional efforts to vindicate the supremacy of the constitution and laws against the revolutionary and traitorous combinations now threatening their over- throw and to preserve this noble structure of Free Gov- ernment as it came to us from our fathers intact. Resolved, that it is the duty of every citizen of Maine to co-operate with the State and Government in re- sponding with both men and money to the call of the federal Government to maintain constitutional Liberty on this continent and preserve the glorious flag of the American Union with not a star or stripe obliterated. There were no recuiting offices in Bowdoinham dur- ing the first year of the war, but many of her sons en- listed and joined the regiments that were being orga- nized in the state, under the call of President Lincoln for troops. The first move at any organization was made under orders from the State authorities — to form or organize the men between the ages of 18 and 45 into companies, and in a measure to review the old militia system. The men at the Eastern part of the town met at the Lancaster school house and went through the form of electing officers, as follows : John F. Harward was elected Captain; Jas. A. Decker, 1st Lieutenant; Franklin Adams, 2d Lieutenant. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 181 The men of the western portion of the town met at the Town house in the village and elected officers. The third section met at the school house on Bowdoinham Ridge and performed like functionary duties and felt as though the martial spirit was put into running order. Nothing came out of these organizations and the whole matter fell flat on that line. But matters did not stop here, as the situation demanded action ; so the young men formed an independent military company and offered their services to the Governor who declined them. Geo. F. Tinker was the drill master, and they drilled evenings in the hall, afterward owned by Con- verse and Albert Purington, corner of Main and Bridge streets. During the fall there were two mus- ters of companies from Bowdoinham, Lisbon, Bowdoin, Topsham and other towns in that vicinity. The first muster was held near Cowan's tavern in Lisbon, and the second at Bowdoinham in Capt. Adams' field near the village. This was a good move and accomplished a grand work in fitting the men for military service, and giving them an insight into the school of the sol- dier into which most of them were called to be active participants in the most terrific conflict of centuries Under these conditions, many men went into the army already equipped to fill any company office from cap- tain to corporal. Many men went into the regular army 11th U. S. Infantry, while others enlisted in the 3rd Regiment organized at Augusta. Others joined the 7th Me. Regiment. So as new regiments were formed other men went into them, to swell their ranks. The first enlistment for the army from this town was in the fall of 1861, by James H. Whitmore later Major of 15th Me. Regiment, who recruited thirteen men for Co. B 15th Me. Regiment, Capt. Seth Leonard of Bowdoin, and went into camp at Augusta. There was no regular recruiting office in town until the summer of 1862, when Nathan Cleaves opened a recruiting station in his law office in the block where the Masonic 182 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM building now stands, and enrolled the men that went in the 19th Me. Regiment in July and August 1862, also men for the 24th Me., a nine months' regiment. The town held a meeting in the latter part of July to take measures to enlist men and raise money, and voted $150.00 to every man who would volunteer from Bow- doinham, and serve in the army or navy for 3 years. Previous to this no bounties were offered. The town voted $120.00 to nine months' men. The Government at first was so confident of its ability to cope with the rebellion and crush it out, that they discouraged enlist- ments ; and troops were actually disbanded as not need- ed. In June the summer of 1861 seventeen men from this town went into the 3d Me. Regiment and were hur- ried into the vortex of war for the defense of Washing- ton no one realizing how long they would be gone, or what they were to be called upon to endure, or sacri- fices made before their return to their homes, if ever. Wm. D. Morse was the first man to enlist from Bow- doinham, going in under the first call for 75,000 men, in April, 1861. After serving three months' tour he re-entered the service in Co. D, 5th Me. There was no lack of patriotism on the part of the people of this town, and as often as the Government called for troops, the young men responded readily; so it was not neces- sary to resort to drafts until 1863, when fate seemed to be against our armies in the mighty contest, and this to a certain degree discouraged enlistment during the latter part of the war; and in some cases drafting be- came necessary. Following are the number of men that served in dif- ferent regiments from our state, from Bowdoinham. The 11th U. S. Infantry, eight men; 1st Me., three months, one man; 3d Me., nineteen men; 4th Me., one man ; 5th Me., nine men ; 7th Me., sixteen men ; 9th Me., two men; 11th Me., seven men; 12th Me., eight men; 15th Me., twenty-one men; 16th Me., one man; 17th Me., five men; 19th Me., thirty-three men; 24th Me., HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 183 thirty-nine men; 29th Me., one man; 30th Me., three men; 1st H. Artillery, seven men; 1st Me. Cav., five men ; 1st Vet. Corps, two men ; Coast Guard, four men ; D. C. Cav., five men; 2d Me. Cav., six men; 1st Me. Sharpshooters, two men; unassigned, two men; Navy, twenty men. The patriotic spirit of our people was fully demon- strated in the ready way our quotas were filled by the young men of this town, and if there was ever a period in our town's history that her people can look upon with pride, it was the period of 1861-1865, when her young defended her homes with honor. Perhaps a retrospective view of the village and the business men of that day — 1861 — might be of interest to the new generation and perhaps bring back to mem- ory many of the old land-marks of fifty years ago. Bowdoinham at that time had reached the high-water mark of her prosperity and the tide had begun to turn, not to such a degree that our young men had begun their westward movement, for fairer skies and more bountiful return for their labor. Let us now take a view of Main street as it was in 1861. On the west side of the street was a small shop kept by Bracket Andros. He was a shoe-maker, and kept knicknacks of various kinds and later had a room fitted up to take pictures. Doubtless many of his pictures are to-day gracing the albums of many Bowdoinham homes, or at the present time kept as a souvenir. Below here was Cornish, the Tailor. Next came R. P. Carr's general store of everything a man or woman needed. Then came N. H. Macomber's — the brick store, keeping almost everything in the grocery, hardware and shoe line. Below here our genial friend Geo. Hillman, the harness-maker had a good shop and did a good busi- ness. Quint & Purington came next, situated on the corner, where Cornish now trades, a general assort- ment of everything. The hotel did a fair business un- der the management of Chas. Work, who sold a small 184 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM amount of the ardent, diluted strongly with water. On the opposite corner, where S. W. Carr's building now stands, Dr. Cheney had a drug store. Next below this was the Enoch Sampson store. The next building to claim our attention was the store of E. L. Thorne, who used it as the Post Office from 1856 to 1861. Thomas Tyler occupied a shop below here, where the latest style of gent's clothes were cut and made. Then the Bamet Thorn house, still further down was the Sampson store, one of the oldest buildings in the village, the national bank occupying the half next to the railroad. On the opposite side, where Nealy trades J. H. Whitmore had a bookstore, and above Esther Graves a millinery store. Then came Hinkley and Adams, dry goods, boots and shoes, in which they did a large business. Where L. D. Small now does a drug business, John A. Thomp- son run the Union store. Across from Gray's the new block was built, owned by H. A. Gray and Nathaniel Purington. Converse Purington changed over about this time going into a new store, and Albert Purington occupying the other half. Harmon Jaques had his sign out as jeweler to the south. There were several minor buildings below, towards the railroad. The first of im- portance was the Butterfield store, occupied by him many years prior to his going into the bank. Then came the old Whitmore store, later used by Chapman as a blacksmith shop ; conspicuous was the Reuel Wil- liams building nearly to the railroad. Last and not least across the track was the store of Colby Coombs, with its great sign painted on the end of the building, "Groceries & West India Goods." Now we have come to that part of our history which treats directly with recruiting and the raising of money to pay bounties during the latter part of the war. We open up this subject carefully and tenderly, as there has been so much sensitiveness manifested over the subject heretofore, that we feel we should let the past HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 185 remain buried. But for the sake of truth and history, we will give something of the record. The amount of money appropriated by the town as shown by the records $39,483.00. This was expended for war purposes, of hiring men, paying bounties, many of these bounties to re-enlisted men, and the re- cord shows that considerable went for paper men. No official of this town should be accused of any wrong dealing, in their anxiety to get men to fill our quota. This leads us up to the paper credit scandal, so a little explanation is necessary. When this Government was in the throes of a death struggle certain brokers ap- peared in Augusta with lists of names of soldiers, who they claimed were already in the service and not as- signed to any town quota. These names were offered to agents of towns, who desired men to fill their quota. The innocent town officials bought of these lists, men enough to supply the needed number, and this town paid from $450 to $650 apiece for these men, supposing them to be genuine names, but they proved to be only paper men. This whole matter was brought out by the committee on equalization of bounty, by commissioners, appointed by the Legislature — under resolve of March, 1868. They brought to light the most rotten and dis- graceful acts of plundering of our towns — in the paper credit system, that ever afflicted a struggling and patri- otic people; and the perpetrators should have been branded with infamy and prison. It is necessary to say this much ; but to say any more on this unpleasant subject is unnecessary. Brief History of the Soldiers and Sailors Who Served from Bowdoinham in Union Army in the War of the Rebellion, 1861 to 1865. Compiled by the writer in 1874. The duty devolving upon the writer to briefly give a concise history of each man that served Bowdoinham U' 186 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM in the Union Army to aid in crushing out a rebellion aimed at the Nation's life, is one of great magnitude. To do justice to the men, pages would be required to perform the simple task of unfolding to this generation the deeds of valor, their sufferings and death of the in- dividual actor in that great drama. George F. Tinker. Enlisted in Regular Army 11 U. S. Infty. Dec. 1861; promoted Is Sergt., promoted 1 Lt. and Q. M. 2nd U. S. vols. 7 March, 1863; promoted Capt. and A. Q. M. in Gen. Hamblin's 17 Army Corps. In Gen. Bank's campaign to Shrevesport, served in Internal Revenue department as asses- sor in La. Discharged 1867. Alonzo Cutler. Enlisted March, 1862, in 11 U. S. Infty. and served during the three years of hard service in fifth Army Corps under Gen. Sykes. Duane Salley. Enlisted March, 1862, in 11 U. S. Infty. and served thirteen months and then entered the Navy August 31, '64 and was upon blockade till end of war. Was in fight at Fort Fisher. Edmund B. Thorn. Enlisted in 11 U. S. Regulars and served one year and then entered the Navy and was on the blockade and in that terrible bombardment on the Colorado at the battle of Fort Fisher. Charles B. Elliott. Enlisted as musician in Co. "D" 3d Maine Vol. and served with regiment three years; promoted to N. C. Staff. Died in insane asylum. Nathaniel Gilpatrick. Co. "D" 3d Maine Vol. but remained but a short time ; was discharged. Darius Dinsmore. Enlisted in Co. "A" 3d Maine Vols. Served for a short time and suddenly left. Died recently. Wm. M. Graves. Co. "G" 3d Maine mustered June 4, '61, was continually with Regt. Taken prisoner at Chancellorsville ; afterwards exchanged and remained with Regt. till mustered out at the end of three years. Robert S. Hatch. Enlisted in Co. "A" 3d Maine Vols. Served during three years in the Regt. and was paroled prisoner. Discharged with the Regt. Benj. Sedgley. Co. "B" 3d Maine Vol. Went out with the regiment at beginning of the war. Helped make up the noble history of that Regt. and came home with it. Re-enlisted Nov- ember 16, '64, in Co "B" IBth Maine and served till the end of the war. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 187 Ivory G. Smith. Co. "B" 3d Maine. Served a while with the Regt. and then discharged for disability. Winship W. Sparks. Co. "B" 3d Maine. In all the contests of his Regt. until taken prisoner at Fredericksburg, and after- wards exchanged and returned to his Regt. Served his three years in that Regt. in the Army of Potomac and was mustered out with it. Stephen D. Hatch. Co. "D" 5th Maine Vol. Enlisted June 24, '61, and served three years and mustered out. Horace Ross. Co. "D" 7th Maine. I can find out nothing as to his history only he served his two years in his Regt. and was mustered out with them. Alonzo Durgin. Co. "B" 11th Maine but remained with the Regt. a short time. Re-enlisted in Co. "P" 19th Maine, made a two month tarry and was discharged. George W. Irvings. Co. "B" 11th Maine Vols. Served a short time and was discharged for disability, November 4, '62. Don't know of his history. Wm. D. Irvings. Co. "G" 11th Maine Vol. Served three years in that Regt. and then re-enlisted and served to the end of the war. Josiah Harding. Co. "B" 11th Maine. Can get no record. Wilbur C. White. Co. "B" 11th Maine Vol. Enlisted Jan- uary 8, '64. Was detailed in the Artillery service upon Morris Island, So. Carolina. Know nothing of his history. James A. Cromwell. Co "B" 15th Maine Vols. Went to Ship Island with Reg. and was discharged May, '62 for disabil- ity. Died in Bowdoinham, 1909. Isaac J. Gilpatrick. Co. "B" 15th Maine Vol. Went south with the Regt. in February, '62, and was discharged in July '62. Harvey M. Gould. Co. "B" 15th Maine Vols. Mustered December 7, '61, and went to Ship Island and there discharged for disability. Died in Bowdoinham. Charles E. Graves. Co. "B" 15th Maine, promoted Sergt. Went to department of Gulf and soon after promoted 2d Lieut, and then to 1st Lieut. Followed the fortunes of the Regt. three years. Settled in the West. Carlton Lancaster. Co. "B" 15th Maine. Appointed Sergt. He followed the fortunes of the Regt. through the Gulf and Shenandoah Departments. At the end of three years re-en- listed and served South Carolina. Lives in Bowdoinham. James H. Whitmore. First Lieut. Co. "B" 15th Maine Vol. Served in Dept. of Gulf afterwards in Shenandoah Valley, 188 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM promoted Capt. and then Major of 15th Maine, and mustered out at the end of the war. Settled in Lynn, Mass., and died there. Lorenzo D. Small. Co. "P" 15th Maine Vols. Enlisted Dec. '61, and followed the fortunes of the Reg:t. for three years and was promoted Sergeant. Was in the Gulf Dept. most of his term and was in the Port Hudson campaign and all others of the Regt. in the Shenandoah Valley. J. K. Brooks. Co. "C" 1st Maine Cavalry. Entered service Oct. '61, as Com. Sergt. Was promoted 2nd and the 1st Lieut, and served in the Regt. till the close of the war. Edward W. McClure. Co. "C" 1st Maine Cavalry. Enlisted Oct. '61, and served three years and then re-enlisted and served till the end of the war. Was promoted Sergt. and bears a noble record. Thomas J. Sanford. Co. "K" 1st Maine Cav. This soldier served nearly four years in the war and was promoted Sergt. and only prejudice prevented him from having a Commission. None has a better record. Lives in Marlboro, Mass. Melville Douglass. Co. "B" 15th Maine Vols, and served but a short time. George F. Tyler. Co. "B" 2d Maine Cavalry. Enlisted Nov. 30, '63, and served with the Regt. in Gulf Dept. until after the war closed. Settled in Massachusetts. Chadbourne W. Sally. Entered Navy Oct. 1861, and was in the Frigate Congress when she was sunk by the Merrimac and swam nearly one-half mile to the shore. After a term of service expired he re-enlisted and was in the Colorado during the Fort Fisher Bombardment and was a Q. M. Discharged after the war closed. Henry C. Barnes. Entered the Navy many years before the Rebellion and was a Commissioned officer during the war. Re- sided in Salem, Mass. Franklin P. Hatch. Served in the Navy. No record. A. K. P. Small. Enlisted in the Navy and served upon the Frigate Congress when sunk by Merrimac. Served his term in the Navy then enlisted in a Massachusetts Regt. and served during war. Lived in Bath, Me. Isaac F. Eaton. Enlisted in 9th Battery in Massachusetts, and served during the war. It was a very noted Battery and he made a noble record and saw much hard service. Lives in Bowdoinham. Edward O. Fisher. Enlisted in 3 Batt. of Rifles of Massa- chusetts for three months then entered the 43d Massachusetts HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 189 for nine months then went to Military school, Philadelphia, and commissioned Capt. and assigned to 32d U. S. C. Vols, upon Morris Island and served to the end of the war. Charles C. Harmon. Enlisted in Co. "G" 7th Maine, Jan. 29, '61, and served his term of enlistment. Have no further history of him. Frank M. Leavitt. Co. "F" 19th Maine. He served about one year with the Regt. and being sick sent to Philadelphia to the hospital and was an attendant about one year and dis- charged for disability having served two years. Israel A. Gardiner. Co. "F" 19th Maine mustered Aug. 25, '62. He shared the fortunes of the Regt. for two years and the balance of the time as teamster in the artillery trains. He lives in Belfast. Silas Adams. Co. "F" 19th Maine. Mustered Aug. 25, '62, and was vnth the Regt. till after Gettysburg battle and then sent to the hospital and after three months detailed as Messen- ger at army headquarters. Went to Military school at Phila- delphia passed for 1st Lieut. Rejoined his Regt. when the army got to Petersburg. Appointed Sergt. Major during Wm. A. Wood's trip to Andersonville Prison. Commissioned 1st Lieut. 41st U. S. Vols, and occupied trenches four miles from Rich- mond. Was A. D. C. on Gen. Hawley's staff, then served six months as A. A. I. G. on Gen. Wild's staff. After the capture of Richmond sent to Texas. Commissioned Capt. but not mus- tered as Regt. had orders to be mustered out. Captured a flag, 31st Georgia at the capture of Richmond, April 3, 1865. John Richards. Co. "F" 19th Maine. Served with Regt. about one year and then upon detached service recruiting and af^-erwards in Commissary Department. Died at Freeman, 1907. Simeon S. Given. Co. "F" 19th Maine. This soldier followed the fortunes of the Reg. for three years and the greater portion of time in his Company. He saw a good deal of Army life and did his part well. Made his home in Chicago, 111. George T. Durgin. Co. "F" 19th Maine. He went out with the Regt. and remained his three years, and most of the time up- on duty with his company. During the last of the war he was detailed at Brig. Head Quarters. Died recently at Cambridge, Mass. Nathaniel P. Jaques. Co. "F" 19th Maine. Went out with the Reg. soon after promoted Corpl. afterward Sergt. but re- duced to rank by his own request. Came home with the Regt. Last heard from in Nevada. 190 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM David Hamlin. Co. "F" 19th Maine. He went out with the Regt. and remained about six months and was discharged for disability. Do not know of his whereabouts. Rufus P. Glass. Co. "F" 19th Maine. This soldier enlisted with the Regt. and served constantly with it till after the battle of Gettysburg when he straggled in the march and was captured by Mosebys men and spent the rest of enlistment in Anderson- ville prison. Died in 1909, burial in Bowdoinham. Thomas R. Ridley. Co. "F" 19th Maine. Went out with the Regt. and served about one year and sent to hospital and dis- charged May, '64. Again re-enlisted in Co. "B" 15th Maine and served to the end of the war. Died at Tog^is. Robert T. Warren. Enlisted April 27th, 1861, in Co. "H" 11th Massachusetts Infy. Discharged May 11th, 1863. Franklin Adams. Co. "F" 19th Maine. Went out with the Regt. He was one of the two men in the company who was nev- er off duty during the three years, out of the 100 men, and was in every battle of the Regt. save one. He was promoted to Corpl. Sergt, 1st Sergt. and 2d Lieut, of Co. "D"- He died in Brunswick. William A. Wood. Co. "P" 19th Maine. Went out Corpl. of this company. He was promoted Sergt. Major of Regt. and was taken prisoner upon the picket line at the North Anna River, May 24, '64, and carried to Andersonville prison and kept to the close of the war. He was a noble soldier. The Regt. had no braver man in its ranks. Died March 9, 1896. Jere M. Cromwell. Co. "D" 19th Maine Vol. He had his usual ups and downs with the rest of us in that Regt., but a bullet through the knee joint was a poser he could not be cheerful over with a rebel doctor threatening to cut the affected member off. But he would not stay upon the amputating table but cursed the doctors for trying to shorten him, and they left him as a paroled prisoner to die. Jere lived out of spite for the doc- tor. He was killed by the explosion of a cartridge in 1885. J. Loyalist Brown. Co. "A" 19th Maine. He entered the service as musician from Co. "A" but soon after promoted to Drum Major of the Regt. He served three years in continual service. He filled a place of great responsibility, and did his duty nobly. Died May 7th, 1910. Lauriston Chamberlain. Musician from Co. "F" 19th Maine Vols., and was appointed Fife Major of the Regt. and after one and one-half years as musician he was detailed as Adj. Clerk which position he held till the close of the war. Lives in Con- cord, N. H. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 191 Capt. George L. Whitmore. Co. "F" 19th Maine. He entered the service as 1st Lieut, of the company "F" and a few months later he was promoted Captain of Co. "C" 19th Maine which position he held till Nov. 7, '63, having been in the service four- teen months. Discharged for disability. Died, 1906. Eli Merriman. Sergt. Co. "F" 24th Maine. This soldier served in the nine months Regt. and through the campaign at Port Hudson and was mustered out with the Regt. James L. Stuart. Corpl. Co. "F" 24th Maine. He served during the whole nine months enlistment and a portion of the time at Port Hudson had charge of wagon train. Lives in Richmond. George R. Foster. Co. "F" 24th Maine. He was a musician and served his time with the Regt. He lives at Lisbon Falls as postmaster. This Regt. saw much hard service at Fort Hudson in a bad climate. John Stuart. Co. "F" 24th Maine. He was also a musician in that Regt. Term of service nine months. Served in La. at Port Hudson Mustered out with Regt. Leander Card. Co. "F" 24th Maine. He served the term of enlistment and was mustered out with the Regt. Was in the Gulf Dept. and in Port Hudson campaign. Died 1905. Lewis B. Graves. Co. "F" 24th Maine. Served in Louisiana at Port Hudson and was mustered out with the Regt. Died soon after the war closed. Albion L. Hatch. Co. "F" 24th Maine. Served his full en- listment in Louisiana and mustered out at end of service Served 11 months. Solon W. Hatch. Co. "F" 24th Maine. Was continually with his Regt. at Port Hudson during that siege and mustered out with the Regt. At this date resides in Bowdoinham. Levi D. Johnson. Co. "F" 24th Maine. Served during the entire enlistment in Louisiana. Re-enlisted Co. "B" 15th Nov. '64, and served to the end of war. Lived in Richmond. Chas. R. Johnson. Co. "F" 24th Maine. Served during the entire enlistment in Louisiana. Re-enlisted Co. "B" 15th, Nov. '64, and served to the end of war. Lived in Richmond. Hiram Frost. Entered the Navy and served about 16 months in Frigate Colorado and was in the fight at Fort Wagner, Jan. 15th, 1865 and its capture. Resides in Fall River, Mass. Warren M. Phelps. Co. "F" 24th Maine. Served with his Regt. in Louisiana at Port Hudson in 1863. Mustered out with the Regt. Lived in Bowdoin. 192 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Edward P. Raymond. Co. "F" 24th Maine. He served with his Regt. in Louisiana at Port Hudson and came home with it. Died in Bowdoinham. James H. Small. Co. "P" 24th Maine. He was continually with his Regt. Served in Louisiana. Levi S. Stockman. Co. "P" 24th Maine. Served in Louisiana at Port Hudson. Enlisted for nine months and served eleven months and bore the part of a true soldier. James Hutchinson. Co. "F" 24th Maine. Served the full en- listment in this Regt. at Port Hudson and mustered out, then he re-enlisted in Co. "B" 19th Maine and was badly wounded June 18, '64, in the arm on the Petersburg front. Lived in Lynn, Mass. W. H. Gardiner. Co. "P" 24th Maine. I have no particular history of this soldier only he served with his Regt. in the Port Hudson campaign, and mustered out with them. John S. Getchell. Co. "P" 24th Maine. He served the entire time of enlistment in the Dept. of the Gulf, Texas and Port Hudson campaigns. Was promoted to corporal. Sylvanus C. Small. Qr. Mr. Sergt. 24th Maine Vols, and served in that capacity during the term of the Regts. enlistment. Capt. Robert H. Purington. Co. "F" 24th Maine. Went with his company to New Orleans, taken sick and sent home and for a while his recovery was doubtful. Settled in Colorado. Elbridge (3. Raymond. Co. "D" 19th Maine. Joined the Regt. August 1863, and was constantly on duty. He was wound- ed May 6, 1864, at the battle of the Wilderness and lay eight days upon the field before removed or received medical assis- tance. Discharged April 3, 1864. Died in Bowdoinham. John O. Sedgley. First Vet. 7th Maine and served seven months but have not much history of the soldier. Deserted. Lived in Harpswell. Geo. M. Hatch. Co. "C" 19th Maine. Enlisted Dec. 9, '63, and remained with the Regt. through the winter and was discharged in April, 1864. Albert E. Williams. Co. "A" 19th Maine. Enlisted Dec. 23, '63, and joined the Regt. and was constantly on duty till the war closed and Regt. mustered out, then he was transferred to the first heavy artillery. Resides in Boston. William Hatch. Co. "G" 19th Maine Vol. Enlisted Jan. 12, '64. He was a temporary visitor viewing the Va. scenery upon Uncle Sam's expense and when he had seen enough he came home. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 193 Zaccheus S. Vajrney. Co. "F" 14th Maine. He served in this Regt. during the entire service in La. at Port Hudson and was promoted Sergeant of the company. Came home with the Regt. Lived and died in Bowdoinham. Robert Breckenridge. Co. "B" 15th Maine Regt. Enlisted Dec. 19th, 1861, and served his term of service and re-enlisted and was detached in 1st Maine Battery. Artemus Meads. Co. "K" 1st Vet. (formerly 7th Maine). Mustered April 9, 1864, and served in that Regt. till June 26, 1865, when he was discharged. James W. Wilson. Co. "B" 15th Maine Vols. He entered the service only two months before the war closed and remained in the service nearly one year. Lived in Auburn. Capt. Andrew Curtis. In the winter of 1863-4, was drafted into the army. He got a substitute and then applied for a posi- tion in the U. S. Navy, served as acting ensign on the U. S. fri- gate Savannah and the U. S. sloop of War Potomska, in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron under Admiral John A. Dahlgren. In the latter part of June, 1865, was ordered home, giving two months' leave and honorably discharged. He was wounded in a skirmish at Back River, Georgia. Robert H. Webber. Co. "A" 1st Maine Sharpshooters. Mus- tered Oct. '64, and was stationed at City Point, Va. In the spring his Regt. served in repelling Lee's assault upon our lines March, 1865. Lives in Chelsea, Mass. Henry Fisher, of the Navy. He entered the Navy upon the Harvest Moon and was appointed 3rd Asst. Engineer and served upon the Atlantic blockade and discharged one year after war closed. Died in St. Louis. Alcott F. Webber. Entered the Navy Sept., 1861, and was upon the blockade on the Carolina coast. He re-enlisted and served upon the Grand Gulf in West Gulf squadron and served till war closed and then discharged. Died in Bowdoinham. Sabel Curtis. Enlisted in Co. "F" 24th Maine Regt. and served during the entire service of the Regt. in Louisiana and at the sieges of Port Hudson. Died in Durham, 1877. List of men who went on Bowdoinham's quota, but a portion of them were from other towns, whose quotas were already full : *Moses Dennett. Enlisted in Co. "F" 19th Maine Regt. and mustered in Aug. 27th, 1862. This soldier went out Corporal, and was finally promoted 1st Seargt. of "F" Co. He was con- tinually on duty, with the Regt. till the battle of the Wilderness, 194 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM May 6, 1864, when he was shot dead in that conflict, and was doubtless in the fire that raged over that field, that burned up many of our wounded. His home was in Litchfield. *Samuel Smith of Litchfield. Entered the service in Co. "F" 19th Maine on Bowdoinham's quota, and served faithfully in all the conflicts of the Regt. and mustered out with it. ♦John B. Adams of Bowdoin. Co. "C" 19th Maine Regt. on this town's quota and was wounded at Gettysburg, July 2, '63. ♦Henry H. Lake of Leeds. Co. "F" 19th Maine Regt. went upon Bowdoinham's quota and served about six months with the Regt. and was then transferred to 4th U. S. Battery, and served to the end of the war in that organization. Eli Merriman. Entered Co. "F" 24th Maine Regt. Died of disease, Feb. 5, 1863. Lithco C. Allen. Co. "A" 24th Maine Regt. Discharged for disability, Jan. 8, 1863. Dennis Williams. Co. "A" 24th Maine Regt. Killed by ac- cident, Jan. 4, 1863. Henry Grover. Co. "E" 21st Maine Regt. Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. Transferred to Gen. Banks' Hd. Qrs. Dept. of the Gulf. Wm. P. Johnson. 7th Maine Regt. No record. Marcus Wight. Co. "I" 29th Maine Regt. Enlisted Jan. 4, 1864. He taught the High school in the village during the early part of the war and then joined the army from this town. Benj. N. Foster. Co. "H" 1st Heavy Art. No record. Wm. Williams. "F" Coast Guards and company assigned to Co. "F" 12th Maine Regt. On Bowdoinham's quota. Levi Appleby. "D" 3d Maine Regt. Dropped from rolls. No further record. Alfred Henry Wilson. Enlisted as musician June 5, 1861 in Co. "B" 3rd Maine Regt. and discharged Aug. 12, 1862. He died Dec. 30, 1874. Buried in Bowdoin, Maine. William Page Woodworth. He entered the service Mar. 8,1861 in Co. "P" 11th U. S. Infy. He was killed at Bealton Sta., Va., Sept. 1863 upon the skirmish line being struck by a solid shot crushing both legs. One of the noblest of soldiers. John H. Morse. Co. "F" 24th Maine Regt. When Regt. left state, was left in Bowdoinham sick. Have no further record. Dropped from rolls. James H. Small. "F" 24th Maine Regt. Served with the Regt. in the Dept. of the Gulf, and at Port Hudson, La. Mus- tered out with the Regt. ESTHER GRAVES, Served 4 years as Nurse in Civil War. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 195 Esther Graves. None from Bowdoinham deserves more hon- or for services during the war in the hospitals than this lady. The sights and horrors of the battle field are bad enough but the hospital is worse. She went out upon her own responsibility and served four and one-half months most of the time without pay and upon her own means with the 3rd Maine Vols, then five months in 7th Brig, hospital, called the Round House, near Fort Lyons, Alexandria, Va., five and one-half months in Baltimore, Md. Went via Ea. N. York to South Carolina, Port Koyal Island, and re- mained there till the close of the war and came out of the ser- vice with just $24, her entire savings of nearly four years' labor. We read of a Florence Nightingale at the Crimea, or a Mrs. Sampson from our own State, but none deserve any nobler tri- bute than this lady from our own town, and when the names of Bowdoinham's heroes are chiseled on that tablet, let the name of Esther Graves be inscribed in a most conspicuous place, as Bowdoinham's most noble and patriotic woman. Records of deceased soldiers who died in the service or immediately afterward from wounds or disease : Isaac Adams. Enlisted in Co. "F" 24th Maine, Sept. 13, 1862. After serving his term of service in that Regt. of nine months re-enlisted Dec. 31, 1864, in Co. "L" 1st Maine Heavy Artillery. He died, Sept. 1864, of wounds received in front of Petersburg. Buried there. Wm. Adams. Enlisted Co. "B" 15th Maine, and died of fever in New Orleans in March, 1863. Seargt. Hiram Buker. Enlisted June, 1861 in Co. "K" 7th Maine Reg. in the Monmouth Co., and went into camp at Augusta, where the Regt. was organized. They were soon sent to the front. He passed through all of the battles, up to An- tietam where a missile striking his body, tearing it to pieces, killed him immediately. Buried on the field. Ara C. Brooks. First Lieutenant Co. "K" 7th Maine Regt. Died Sept. 26, 1862, at Point Lookout, Md., and buried there. The record of this soldier was brilliant and Bowdoinham should be proud of his history. Sergt. Edward Britt. Enlisted March 1862, Co. "F" 11th Regt. U. S. Infty. Wounded at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. Went to the rear and had wound dressed and then went back to his company, against the protest of the surgeon and before night ha was shot dead. He passed through all the battles of which the Putomac army was engaged only to fall on this bloody field. 196 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Joseph H. Beal. Enlisted June, 1862, Co. "K" 7th Maine Regt. Bv the eflfects of a sunstroke at Antietam he was sent to Alex- andria, Va., and died in the hospital. He was in every battle this Regt. was engaged in, and a noble life was sacrificed for his country. Henry M. Curtis. Entered Co. "F" 24th Maine Regt. Went as far as New York, taken sick and discharged Dec. 1863. Re- turning home he died Dec. 30, 1863. Oliver Cromwell. Entered the service July 17, 1863 in Co. "D" 19th Maine Regt., taken prisoner, June 22, 1864 at the Jerusalem Plank Road, Petersburg. Died of starvation in Rebel prison, Oct. 20, 1864. John Graves. Co. "K" 12th Maine Regt. Have no official record. Died April, 1872. Moses C. Hanscom. Enlisted August 5, 1862 Co. "F" 19th Maine Regt. Captured flag of 22nd No. Carolina Regt. at Bris- tow Station. Died in Auburn, Maine, October 14, 1873. George H. Huntress. This young man was in the employ of Dr. A. H. Cheney as druggist and entered the service August 5, 1863 in Co. "F" 19th Maine Regt. Died at Warrenton, Va., Oct. 16, 1862. Buried there. Lieut. Allen Hanscom. 61 U. S. C. Troops. Served to the close of the war. Died in this town in winter 1866. Colon Hatch. Enlisted Nov. 15, 1861 in Co. "B" 15th Maine Regt. Died at Ship Island about April, 1862 and buried there. Eugene Hatch. Entered the service Nov. 1861 in Co. "F" 15th Maine Regt. Died of quick consumption at Pensacola, Fla , Oct. 25, 1862 and buried at that place. Sewall H. Johnson. Joined Co. "D" 19th Maine Regt. July 17, 1863. Wounded May 6, at the Wilderness shattering the arm making amputation necessary. Died of fever at Philadel- phia, July 22, 1864. Buried in Bowdoinham. George H. Jennings. Mustered in Dec. 7, 1863 into "A" 3rd Maine Regt. After expiration of term of service was trans- ferred to Co. "G" 17th Maine Regt. Died Sept. 20, 1864 at Alexandria. Body removed to Bowdoinham and buried among his own kindred. Daniel Lambert. Mustered in Jan. 6, 1864 into Co. "H" 30th Maine Regt. and sent to New Orleans and on Red River cam- paign. Died at New Orleans July 22, 1864. Buried there. Martin Morse. First enlisted in 1858 and served two and one half years before the war began. All I could learn about him was that he served in the Potomac Army about four years. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 197 His relatives could give me no history. Was last at sea, 1866 with Capt. Benj. Adams. William D. Morse. Enlisted March 11, 1865, Co. "B" 15th Maine Regrt. Was in So. Carolina. Came home on furlough Oct. 14, 1865 dying seven days after getting home. William H. Preble. Enlisted Sept. 10, 1862 in Co. "F" 24th Maine Eegt. Served in Louisiana. Discharged Aug. 5, 1863. Was drowned at Abagadasset Bridge, June 18, 1867. Charles H. Goodwin. Mustered in Nov 8, 1861 Co. "G" 11th Maine Regt. Served in So. Carolina. Died at Hilton Head, S. C. May 6, 1863. Thomas T. Rideout. Orderly Sergt. Co. "F" 19th Maine. Enlisted Aug. 5, 1862. Was with the company continually till he was wounded in the shoulder July 3, 1863 in the famous Pick- etts charge. Died July 8, 1863, and his body was brought home by his friend and buried in the village cemetery. Charles E. Raymond. Began his army life Feb. 19, 1864 in Bakers D. C. Cavalry. Afterwards transferred to 1st Maine. Taken prisoner Sept. 16, 1864 at Coggins Point on the James River, and died of starvation in Salisbury Prison, No. Caro- lina Dec. 24, 1864. Albion Ross. Enlisted June 24, 1861 in Co. "E" 5th Maine Regt. and was killed at Spottsylvania Court House May 10, 1864. A noble soldier's sacrifice. Charles F. Sedgley. Enlisted May 18, 1864 in Bakers D. C. Cavalry and then transferred to "B" 1st Maine Cavalry. Taken prisoner Aug. 1864 and died from want and exposure in a rebel dungeon. Date of death unknown. Samuel B. Hatch. Mustered Oct. 13, 1863 into Co. "F" 24th Maine Regt. Discharged Feb. 18, 1863 for disability. Died Aug. 1864. Buried in Bowdoinham. Joseph Foster. Joined Co. "F" 24th Maine Regt. Oct. 13, 1862. Died in the service Mar. 26, 1863. Have no furthur record. William 0. Powers. Mustered Oct. 13, 1862 in Co. "F" 24th Maine Regt. Taken sick in New York and died at Eastern New York Hospital Dec. 29, 1862. Joseph T. Sedgley. Joined Co. "B" 3rd Maine Regt. June 3, 1861 among the first volunteers. Taken sick soon after Battle of Fredericksburg. Got a furlough and started for home but died in cars before reaching Philadelphia and was buried in that city, June, 1863. Stephen Sedgley. Entered the regular army March, 1862 in 198 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Co. "F" 11th U. S. Infty. Taken prisoner May 12, 1864, after three months parolled, went to Annapolis and died of scurvy April 10, 1865. Hicks V. Stevens. Enlisted Aug. 5, 1862 in Co. "F" 19th Maine Regt. taken sick near Falmouth, Va., and died Dec. 24, 1862 and buried at that place. We sadly buried him in a sol- dier's grave. One of God's noblemen. James C. Rumrill. Mustered in June 4, 1861 of Co. "B" 3rd Maine Vols, and served at Yorktown, Va., when taken sick with fever and then a relapse and died May 16, 1862, and was buried there. George H. Small. Joined Co. "K" 1st Maine Cavalry, Nov. 1861 and died in camp at Augusta, Maine, of diphtheria Feb. 8, 1862. Buried at Bowdoinham. Winfield Scott Small. Enlisted Oct. 27, 1864 in Co. "A" 1st Maine Sharpshooters and served at City Point. Transferred to 20th Maine Regt. and discharged July 7, 1865. With health shattered he gradually failed and died in Minneapolis, Minn., Jan. 17, 1873 and was buried there. Henry S. Small. Sergt. Maj. Enlisted June 3, 1861 in Co. "A" 3rd Maine Regt. and was killed July 2, 1863 at Gettysburg, Pa. in the terrible contest in the Peach Orchard. Randall J. Sampson. Entered the service Mar. 12, 1864, in Bakers D. C. Cavalry and was taken prisoner at Sycamore Church and died in Salisbury Prison, N. C. Date of his death unknown. One of the many subjects of treason, hate and barbarism. Hiram Varney. Enlisted from Gloucester, Mass., in Co. "D" 32d Massachusetts and died at Alexandria, Va., only five weeks after leaving the state. Buried in Bowdoinham. John G. Thomas. Enlisted Oct. 13, 1862, in Co. "F" 24th Maine Regt. Served at Port Hudson and mustered out with Regt. Died July 26, 1863. Buried in Bowdoinham. Robert C. Thomas. Enlisted Oct. 13, 1862, and served full time of the Regt. at Port Hudson. Died July 22, 1863, only four days before the brother. Jeremiah M. Additon. Entered the service Aug. 18, 1863, and assigned to Co. "D" 3rd Maine Regt. and died after three months service, Nov. 11, 1863. Alden S. Webber. Entered the Navy March 2, 1862, and served on the ship Ino. Discharged Sept. 12, 1863. Died at home March 11, 1867. Buried in Bowdoinham. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 199 Geo. A. Cutler. Co. "F" H U. S. Infty. Enlisted March, 1862 and served three years. Taken prisoner at Mine Run, Va. Died at home, August 11, 1874. Brainbridge P. Bro.ra. Joined Co. "D" 3rd Maine Regt. Died in Bowdoinham May, 1878, and buried in family cemetery. Roland C. Coombs. Entered the Navy July, 1864, as ensign. Was blown up by torpedoes three times. Mustered out at the end of service. Died in Bowdoinham, Feb. 2, 1868. *Calvin Keene. Co. "F" 19th Maine, was from Leeds, Me., but went of this town's quota. This soldier served continually in the Regiment, till July 2, '63, at Gettysburg, when he was wounded and soon after discharged. Roster of men whom I have been unable to get much personal record : Israel Leavitt. 7th Maine Regt. Enlisted June 24, 1863. Aaron Williams. Enlisted Aug. 22, 1861, in Co. "D" 7th Maine Regt. Nathan W. Allen. Served in the Navy. No record. Stephen Williams. Enlisted Dec. 6, 1861, and went to the Gulf Dept. and discharged and came home. Matthew S. Berry. Enlisted Nov. 4, 1861, in Co. "H" 11th Maine Regt. E. A. Richardson. Mustered Feb. 11, 1864, and served in D. C. Cavalry. Transferred to 1st Maine Cav., and was mustered out with this Regt. Levi D. Curtis. Co. "A" 1st Heavy Artillery. Enlisted Dec. 15, 1863, and served as wagoner and mustered out with the Regt. Benj. B. Segars. Enlisted July 18, 1863, and served in Co. "A" 1st Heavy Artillery. No record. Edward Parsons. Mustered Jan. 7, 1865, in Co. "H" 1st Maine Heavy Artillery. William A. Calkin. Enlisted Nov. 1, 1861, in Co. "H" 1st Maine Heavy Artillery. No record. Reuel Cunningham, jiinlisted Oct. 13, 1862, in Co. "F" 24th Maine Regt. Discharged Jan. 8, 1862 John Brooks. Co. "G" 9th Maine Regt. *Pelig Mitchell. Co. "D" 16th Maine Regt. Entered the ser- vice Sept. 11, 1863. Died in Washington, D. C, Dec. 19, 1863, was from Peru, Maine. John Ford. "D" 9th Maine Regt. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1863. 200 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM *Otto Smith. Co. "K" 4th Maine Regt. Enlisted Aug. 29, 1863. ♦Patrick Sullivan. Enlisted Sept. 8, 1863, in Co. "H" 17th Maine Regt. *John Sullivan. Enlisted Sept. 8, 1863, in Co. "H" 17th Maine Regt. Alonzo Blanchard. Enlisted Dec. 24, 1863, 2nd Maine Caval- ry Co. "L". Discharged Dec. 20, 1864. James Scanlon. Enlisted Dec. 29, 1863. Co. "D" 30th Maine. William J. Ward. Enlisted Jan. 2, 1864. Co. "M" 2nd Maine Cavalry. Joseph B. Stetson. Enlisted Jan. 2, 1864. 2nd Maine Cavalry. Charles B. Church. Enlisted Dec. 12, 1863. Co. "I" 7th Maine. Charles M. Farnham. Enlisted Dec. 14, 1863. Co. "H" 7th Maine. George Mclntyre. Enlisted Dec. 12, 1863. Co., "D" 7th Maine. John F. Mullen. Enlisted Dec. 12, 1863. Co. "D" 7th Maine. James Phair. Enlisted Dec. 12, 1863. Co. "I" 7th Maine. Charles Lishon. Enlisted Dec. 31, 1863. Co. "I" 17th Maine. Sam F. Emery. Enlisted Dec. 31, 1863. Co. "I" 17th Maine. Bartholomew Coburn. Enlisted Dec. 31, 1863. 1st H. Art. Chas. M. Bryant. Enlisted Dec. 31, 1863. Co. "h" 1st H. Artillery. Edward McPick. Enlisted Dec. 22, 1863. Co. "I" 2nd Maine Cavalry. William W. Harris. Enlisted Dec. 14, 1863. Co. "C" 7th Maine. William Maxwell. Enlisted Jan. 25, 1864. Co. "B" 15th Maine. Charles Holt. Enlisted Aug. 22, 1864. Co. "D" 30th Maine. Thomas Denham. Enlisted Nov. 16, 1864. Co. "B" 15th Maine. Albion Pray. Enlisted Dec. 30, 1864. Co. "D" Coast Guard. Rufus Page. Enlisted Dec. 12, 1864. Navy. Wilbur Hatch. Enlisted Aug. 23, 1864. Navy. Henry Graves. Enlisted Oct. 13, 1862. Co. "E" 21st Maine. Francis Whitcomb. Enlisted Oct. 13, 1862. Co. "F" 24th Maine. Those marked by a * indicate men from other towns, who went out on Bowdoinham's quota. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 201 I have thus far given historical sketches of 170 sol- diers and sailors and of this number 48 soldiers and sailors from Bowdoinham died in the army or immedi- ately afterward from disease contracted there, as far as could be gathered from statistics and diligent en- quiry of relatives and friends, up to 1874, and of this number 35 died of disease and wound, and 16 since. We find eight killed in battle, five died from starvation in Rebel prison, and many of the boys were buried in unknown graves scattered over the south with no me- morial to tell of their deeds of valor, or sufferings in the hospital. The whole number of men furnished by Bowdoinham during the war was 217. There has been given to you a very brief sketch of the men that served Bowdoinham in the preservation of this Union, but what has been given is very unsatisfactory to me, as we were obliged to condense so much for want of space, that full justice is not done to these heroes of the Civil War, whose monuments cannot tell and only the cold facts of his- tory can convey to this generation, written in an im- partial spirit, what they did. The wars wasting influence upon those of long ser- vice, has been extremely fatal, the death rates are very much higher than those of home firesides during the war. Not only did the town furnish money for the paying of bounties for soldiers who went from Bow- doinham's quota, but they paid $3428.00 for support of the families during the war. They further paid, by the hand of the Sanitary and Christian Commis- sion, $1850.00 for the care of the soldier. Men from Bowdoinham who bore the rank of Com- missioned Officers : Geo. L Whitmore, Captain, 19th Me. Regt. Jas. H. Whitmore, Major, 15th Me. Regt. Geo. F. Tinker, Captain, 11th U. S. Ifty. Silas Adams, 1st Lieutenant, commissioned Capt., not mus- tered, 41st U. S. C. T. 202 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Franklin Adams, 2nd Lieutenant, 19th Me. Regt. E. 0. Fisher, Captain, 32d U. S. C. T. Henry Fisher, Assistant Engineer, Navy Robt. H. Purington, Captain, 24th Me. Regt. Chas. E. Graves, 1st. Lieutenant, 15th Me. Regt. Ara C. Brooks, 2d Lieutenant, 7th Me. Regt. J. Kidder Brooks, 1st Lieutenant, 1st Me. Cav. Roster of men of whom I have been unable to get much Rebellion from April 19th, 1861 to April 19th, 1865 : Geo. F. Tinker 3 yrs. Alonzo Cutler 3 yrs. George A. Cutler 3 yrs. Edward Britt 3 yrs. Duane Sally 3 yrs. Wm. P. Woodworth 3 yrs. Stephen Sedgley 3 yrs. Edmund Thorn 3 yrs. Levi Appleby 3 yrs. B. P. Brown 3 yrs. Charles B. Elliott 3 yrs. Charles Gardiner 3 yrs. Henry S. Small 3 yrs. Nathaniel Gilpatrick 3 yrs. Darius Dinsmore 3 yrs. William M. Graves 3 yrs. Robert S. Hatch 3 yrs. James C. Rumrell 3 yrs. Joseph T. Sedgley 3 yrs. Benjamin Sedgley 3 yrs. Nathaniel W. Sedgley 3 yrs. Ivory G. Smith 3 yrs. Winship W. Sparks 3 yrs. Alfred H. Wilson 3 yrs. William Hamblin 3 yrs. Stephen D. Hatch 3 yrs. William D. Morse 3 yrs. Albion Ross 3 yrs. Israel Leavitt 3 yrs. Hiram Buker 3 yrs. Joseph A. Beals 3 yrs. Horace Ross 3 yrs. Aaron Williams 3 yrs. Nathan W. Allen 3 yrs. Ara C. Brooks 3 yrs. Alonzo A. Durgin 3 yrs. George W. Irving 3 yrs. William L. Irving 3 yrs. Charles H. Goodwin 3 yrs. Josiah Harding 3 yrs. Wilber C. White 3 yrs. William Adams 3 yrs. Date of Co Regriment Entering or Corps 1861 F 11th U.S. , Infty 1861 F 11th U.S. , Infty 1861 F 11th U.S. Infty 1861 F 11th U.S. Infty 1861 F 11th U.S. Infty 1861 F 11th U.S. Infty 1861 F 11th U.S. Infty 1861 F 11th U.S. Infty June 4, '61 D 3rd Me. Vols. June 4, '61 D 3rd Me. Vols. June 4, '61 D 3rd Me. Vols. 3rd Me. Vols. June 4, '61 A 3rd Me. Vols. June 4, '61 D 3rd Me. Vols. A 3rd Me. Vols. June 4, '61 G 3rd Me. Vols. June 4, '61 A 3rd Me. Vols. June 4, '61 A 3rd Me. Vols. June 4, '61 A 3rd Me. Vols. June 4, '61 A 3rd Me. Vols. June 4, '61 Srd Me. Vols. June 4, '61 3rd Me. Vols. June 4, '61 3rd Me. Vols. June 4, '61 3rd Me. Vols. June 24, '61 D 5th Me. Vols. June 24, '61 D 5th Me. Vols. June 24, '61 5th Me. Vols. June 24; '61 E 5th Me. Vols. 7th Me. Vols. Aug. 21, '61 K 7th Me. Vols. Aug. 21, '61 K 7th Me. Vols. Aug. 22, '61 D 7th Me. Vols. Aug. 22, '61 D 7th Me. Vols. In Navy Aug. 21, '61 K 7th Me. Vols. Aug. 11, '61 B 11th Me. Vols. Nov. 8, '61 B 11th Me. Vols. Nov. 8, '64 G 11th Me. Vols. Nov. 8, '64 G 11th Me. Vols. Aug. 11, '61 B 11th Me. Vols. Nov. 8, '64 G 11th Me. Vols. Dec. 7, '61 B 15th Me. Vols. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 203 ■vr.—- Term of Date of p„ Regiment ^"■""^ Service Entering ^- or Corps James A. Cromwell 3 yrs. Dec. 7, '61 B 15th Me. Vols. Wm. Maxwell 3 yrs. Dec. 7, '61 B 15th Me. Vols. Isaac J. Gilpatrick 3 yrs. Dec. 7, '61 B 15th Me. Vols. Harvey M. Gould 3 yrs. Dec. 7, '61 B 15th Me. Vols. Chas. E. Graves 3 yrs. Dec. 7, '61 B 15th Me. Vols. Colon C. Hatch 3 yrs. Dec. 7, '61 B 15th Me. Vols. Eugene Hatch 3 yrs. Dec. 7, '61 F 15th Me. Vols Carlton Lancaster 3 yrs. Dec. 7, '61 B 15th Me. Vols. Robt. Breckenridge 3 yrs. Dec. 7, '61 B 15th Me. Vols. James H. Whitmore 3 yrs. Dec. 7, '61 B 15th Me. Vols. Stephen Williams 3 yrs. Dec. 7, '61 Lorenzo D. Small F 15th Me. Vols. J. K. Brooks 3 yrs. Oct. 16, '61 C 1st Me. Cav. Edward W. McClure 3 yrs. Oct. 16, '61 C 1st Me. Cav. Thos. J. Sanford 3 yrs. Oct. 16; '61 K 1st Me. Cav. George H. Small 3 yrs. Oct. 16, '61 K 1st Me. Cav. Matthew S. Berry 3 yrs. Nov. 4, '61 H 11th Me. Cav. Melville Douglass 3 yrs. Dec. 10, '61 B 15th Me. Cav. George Jennings 3 yrs. Dec. 7, '63 G 17th Me. Cav. Chas. E. Raymond 3 yrs. Feb. 19, '64 D. C. Cav. E. A. Richardson 3 yrs. Feb. 19, '64 D. C. Cav. Randall Sampson 3 yrs. Mar. 12, '64 D. C. Cav. Charles F. Sedgley 3 yrs. May 18, '64 D. C. Cav. Levi D. Curtis 3 yrs. Dec. 15, '63 A 1st H. Art. Benjamin Segars 3 yrs. July 18, '63 D 1st H. Art. Benjamin W. Foster 3 yrs. Aug. 17, '63 H 1st H. Art. Edward H. Parsons 3 yrs. Jan. 7, '65 H 1st H. Art. George F. Tyler 3 yrs. Nov. 30, '63 D 2d Me. Cav. Wm. A. Calkin 3 yrs. Nov. 4, '61 H 11th Me. Infty Jere M. Additon 3 yrs. Aug. 18, '63 D 3rd Me. Chas. C. Harmon 3 yrs. June 23, '63 G 7th Me. Robt. H. Webber 3 yrs. Oct. 27, '64 A 1st Me. Shpt'r Winfield Scott Small 3 yrs. Oct. 27, '64 A 1st Me. Shpt'r Zaccheus S. Varney 3 yrs. Oct. 13, '62 F 24th Me. RE-ENLISTED MEN. Levi D. Johnson, Chas. R. Johnson, James H. Hutchinson, Alonzo A. Durgin, William W. Harris, Edward W. McClure, Thos. J. Sanford, Chas. B. Elliot. William Adams, Robert Breck- inridge, Chas. E. Graves, Carlton Lancaster, Wm. Maxwell, Lorenzo D. Small, Edmund B. Thorn. The following list was prepared by the selectmen of Bowdoinham, and approved by the Commissioners on Equalization of bounties : Date of p Regiment H„,,_t„ Entering ^°- or Corps Bounty July 25, '62 F 19th Reg. Inf. $150 July 25, '62 F 19th Reg. Inf. 150 July 25, '62 F 19th Reg. Inf. 150 July 25, '62 C 19th Reg. Inf. 150 Gardiner, Israel A. 3 yrs. July 25, '62 F 19th Reg. Inf. 150 Name Term of Service Dennett, Moses S. 3 yrs. Leavitt, Frank M. 3 yrs. Smith, Sam'l 3 yrs. Adams, John B. 3 yrs. 204 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Name Lake, Henry H. Adams, Silas Richards, John Term of Service 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 3yrs. 9 mos. 9 mos. 9 mos. 9 mos. 9 mos. 9 mos. Co. Date of Enteringr July 25, '62 F July 25; Given, Simeon S. Durgin, George T. Jaques, Nath'l P. Hamlin, David Stevens, Hicks V. Hanscom, Moses C Rideout, Thos. T. Glass, Rufus P. Ridley, Thos. R. Adams, Franklin Cross, Frank W. Wood, Wm. A. Cromwell, Jere M. Brown, J. L. Huntress, Geo. H. Whitmore, Geo. L. Chamberlain, L. Curtis, Henry M. Merriman, Eli Steward, James L. Foster, George R. Stuart, John Adams, Isaac Cunningham, Reuel 9 mos. Card, Leander 9 mos. Curtis, Sabil 9 mos. Dunn, Thos. 9 mos. Foster, Joseph 9 mos. Groves, Lewis B. 9 mos. Hatch, Albion L. 9 mos. Hatch, Solon W. 9 mos. Hatch, Samuel B. 9 mos. Johnson, Levi D. 9 mos. Moore, John H. 9 mos. Phelps, Warren 9 mos. Preble, Wm. H. 9 mos. Powers, Wm. O. 9 mos. Raymond, Edw. F. 9 mos. Small, James H. 9 mos. Stockman, Levi G. 9 mos. Thomas, Robt. C. 9 mos. Thomas, John G. 9 mos. Whitcomb, Francis 9 mos. Hutchinson, James 9 mos. Gardiner, Wm. H. 9 mos. Getchell, John S. 9 mos. Johnson, Chas. R. 9 mos. Allen, Lithco C. 9 mos. Williams, Dennis 9 mos. Small, Sylvanus C July 25 July 25 July 25 July 25; July 25: July 25: July 25! July 25 July 25 July 25 July 25 July 25 July 25 July 25: July 25 July 25 July 25: July 25 Oct. 13 Oct. 13: Oct. 13: Oct. 13 Oct. 13: Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13: Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13: Oct. 13: Oct. 13 Oct. 13: Oct. 13! Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 29! Oct. 11 '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 C '62 F '62 D '62 G '62 C '62 F '62 G. '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 F '62 '62 '62 A '62 9 mos. Sept. 29. bunla'p, Melville C. Des'd before must'r F Grover, Henry 9 mos. ' Oct. 13, '62 E Regiment t>„„„j.„ or Corps B°""*y 19th Res:. Inf. $150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 19th Reg. Inf. 150 23rd Reg. Inf. 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 24th Infy. 120 Q. M. Sgt 24th 120 24th Infy. 21st Infy. 120 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 205 Brooks, John 3 yrs. Cromwell, Oliver 3 yrs. Ford, John 3 yrs. Johnson, Sewall H. 3 yrs. Mitchell, Peleg 3 yrs. Eaymond, Elb'ge G. 3 yrs. Smith, Otto 3 yrs. Sullivan, Patrick 3 yrs. Sullivan, John 3 yrs. Johnson, Wm. P. 3 yrs. Sedgley, John O. 3 yrs. Hutchinson, Jas. H. 3 yrs. Hatch, Geo2 M. Stetson, Alfred 3 yrs. Blanchard, Alonzo 8 yrs. Scanlon, James 3 yrs. Ward, Wm. J. 3 yrs. Stetson, Joseph B. 3 yrs. Wight, Marcus, Jr. 3 yrs. Mitchell, James 3 yrs. Adams, Isaac 3 yrs. Williams, Albert E. 3 yrs. Church, Chas. H. 3 yrs. Farnham, Chas. M. 3 yrs. Mclntyre, George 3 yrs. Mullen, John F. 3 yrs. Phair, James Lombard, Dan'l P. 3 yrs. Lisbon, Chas. 3 yrs. Emery, Sam'l F. 3 yrs. Coburn, Barth. 3 yrs. Bryant, Chas. M. 3 yrs. McPeck, Edward 3 yrs. Hatch, Wm. 3 yrs. Durgin, Alonzo A. 3 yrs. Harris, Wm. W. 3 yrs. McClare, Edw. W. 3 yrs. Sanford, Thomas J. 3 yrs. Elliot, Chas. B. 3 yrs. Sampson, Randall 3 yrs. Adams, Wm. 3 yrs. Breckenbridge, Robt. 3 yrs. Graves, Chas. E. 3 yrs. Lancaster, Carlton 3 yrs. Maxwell, Wm. 3 yrs. Small, Lorenzo D. 8 yrs. Sedgley, Chas. F. 3 yrs. Meads, Artemus 1 yr. Holt, Charles 8 yrs. Denham, Thos. Jr. 1 yr. Johnson, Chas. R. 1 yr. Morse, Wm. D. 1 yr. Sedgley, Benj. 1 yr. Johnson, Levi D. 1 yr. Pray, Albion 1 yr. Date of p Eegriment i5„,,_i.„ Enterins ^°- or Corps Bounty Oct. 27, '63 I 9th Infy. Sub. $200 July 17, '63 D 19th Infy. Dftd 200 Aug. 20, '63 9th Infy. Sub. 200 July 20,'63 D 19th Infy. Dftd 200 Sept. 11, '63 D 16th Infy. Sub. 200 July 17, '63 D 19th Inf. 200 Aug. 20, '63 K 4th Infy. Sub. 200 Sept. 8, '63 H 17th Infy. Sub. 200 Sept. 8, '63 H 17th Infy. Sub. 200 July '63 7th Inf. July '63 7th Inf. Dec. 3, '63 B 19th Inf. C 19th Inf. 350 Dec. 24, '63 L 2d Cav. 350 Dec. 24, '63 L 2d Cav. 350 Dec. 29 '63 D 30th Inf. 360 Jan. 2, '64 M 2d Cav. 350 Jan. 2, '64 M 2d Cav. 350 Jan. 4, '64 I 29th Inf. 350 14th Inf. 350 Dec. 31, '63 L 19th Inf. 350 Dec. 23, '68 A 19th Inf. 350 Dec. 12, '63 I 7th Inf. re-enlst 400 Dec. 14, '63 H 7th Inf. re-enlst 400 Dec. 12, '63 I 7th Inf. re-enlst 400 Dec. 12, '63 D 7th Inf. re-enlst 400 I 7th Inf. re-enlst 400 Jan. 6, '64 H 30th Inf. 350 Dec. 31, '63 I 17th Inf. 340 Dec. 31, '63 I 17th Infy. 340 1st H. Art. 375 Dec. 31, '63 L 1st H. Art. 375 Dec. 22, '63 I 2nd Cav. 350 Jan. 12, '64 G 19th Inf. 850 Jan. 12, '64 F 19th Inf. re-enl 350 Dec. 14, '63 C 7th Inf. re-enlst 400 Jan. 1, '64 C 1st Cav. re-enl 200 Dec. 29, '63 K 1st Cav. re-enlisted Feb. 11, '64 D 3d Inf. re-enlisted Mar. 12, '64 1st D. C. Vol. Jan. 25, '64 B 15th Inf. re-enlisted Jan. 25, '64 B 15th Inf. re-enlisted Jan. 25, '64 B 15th Inf. re-enlisted Jan. 25, '64 B 15th Inf. re-enlisted Jan. 25, '64 B 15th Inf. re-enlisted Jan. 25, '64 F 15th Inf. re-enlisted May 18, '64 1st D. C. 300 Aug. 8, '64 K 1st Vet. 300 Aug. 22, '64 D 80th Inf. 300 Nov. 15, '64 B 15th Inf. 300 Nov. 15, '64 B 15th Inf. 300 Nov. 15, '64 B 15th Inf. 300 Nov. 15, '64 B 15th Inf. 800 Nov. 15, '64 B 15th Inf. 800 Dec. 80, '64 D C. G. 206 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Name Term of Service Date of Entering Co. Regiment or Corps Bounty FoRarty, Wm. J. Howard, Alvah G. Ham, Henry 3yrs. Feb. 2, '65 Unassigned $650 3yrs. Feb. 7, '65 Unassigned 650 3yrs. Feb. 11, '65 Unassigned 650 Morse, George A. 3yr8. Mar. 11, '65 B 15th Inf. 400 O'Brine, Chas. Priie, John Syrs. Feb. 13, '65 Unassigned 650 3yrs. Feb. 6, '65 Rowe, Geo. P. 3yrs. Feb. 8, '65 F 12th Inf. Williams, Wm. Syrs. Feb. 18, '65 Co. F 12 Ward, John 3yrs. Feb. 18, '65 Co. F 12 Wilson, James W. lyr. Mar. 11, '65 B 15th Inf. 400 Allen. Thos. S. Coombs, Frank B. lyr. Apr. 11, '65 1st Army Corps 300 lyr. Apr. 14, '65 15th Inf. 250 NAVY. Card, Sam'l S. lyr. Aug. 23, '64 Vol. 300 Preble, Edwd. P. lyr. Aug. 29, '64 Vol. 300 Thorn, Edward B. lyr. Aug. 25, '64 Vol. 300 Webber, Chas. W. lyr. Aug. 31 '64 Vol. 300 Webber, Richard D '. lyr. Aug. 31 '64 Vol. 300 Davis, Thos. Syrs. Dec. 7, '64 Sub. 300 Hatch, Wilbur W. lyr. Aug. 25, '64 Sub. 300 Morse, Geo. C. lyr. Aug. 25, '64 Vol. 300 Page, Rufus S. lyr. Dec. 12, '64 Vol. 300 Nathan W. Allen, Franklin P. Hatch, Alcott F. Wilbur, Henry C. Barnes, Martin V. Morse, no record; Andrew Curtis, sailing master under Dupont; Roland L. C. Coombs, A. K. P. Small, no record; Henry Fisher, assistant engineer; Alden Webber, March 2, 1862; Hiram Frost, Frigate Colorado. Men from Bowdoinham who served in other Regi- ments, than Maine Regiment, not on Bowdoinham quota : William H. Given, Massachusetts; Robert T. Warren, April, 27, '61, Co. H, 11th Massachusetts; Hiram Varney, Co. D, 32d Massachusetts; E. O. Fisher, Corporal 32d U. S. C. Troops; Isaac F. Eaton, 3rd Massachusetts Battalion; Allen H. Hanscom, 61st U. S. C. T.; Otis Thompson, 11th Massachusetts. Monument to the Memory of Bowdoinham Soldiers Who Served in the Civil War, 1861-1865. The ex- soldiers of this town, and citizens generally felt that the time had arrived in which some movement should be inaugurated to carry into operation this de- sign. So a committee was appointed to take up the matter, composed of W. B. Kendall, F. H. Purington and J. L. Brown. The question of selecting a suitable MONUMENT TO BOWDOINHAM SOLDIERS 1861-1865. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 207 lot for the monument became a vexed question. Two lots were offered, the Rideout lot where the hotel stood and the lot on the south side of the street on Merrill's Hill. The committee could not agree on this matter, so a new committee was appointed of L. M. Fulton, J. L. Brown and George Minot, Captain Benj. Adams, treasurer. These men made a strong and prosperous committee, and work began to move along rapidly. They finally selected the Rideout lot. Mr. Kendall while on the committee secured a cannon from Fort Popham, and it was delivered in Bowdoinham, April 26, 1905. The town bought the lot paying $350.00 for the same. The filling had progressed far enough for the mounting of the gun. May 1, 1908. The financial end of the un- dertaking was in good hands. Requests for money were sent out to the people of the town and former resi- dents who they thought might be interested in her be- half, soliciting their co-operation in the good work. The response was most liberal. From the treasurer's re- port we find the following receipts : From the town $400.00 From contributions and other sources 428.28 From Mr. Gay concert fund net. . . . 29.50 $857.78 The town of Bowdoinham accepted the custody of the lot. In pushing forward this work it needed some leading spirit to lead off and guide the work. They found J. L. Brown to be the right man in the right place, as he worked early and late to accomplish the work, which lay so dear to his heart, and to the heart of every soldier in this town, that it might be done in their lifetime. He saw it finished and then went to his rest. He was nobly supported by the other mem- bers of the committee and much credit belongs to them in consummating the work. Mention should be made of R. A. Dickerson the road commissioner, who did 208 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM much toward filling and completing the grading. The monument was dedicated August 18, 1909. The prin- cipal exercises took place in the Grange hall. The early part of the day was overcast, with some rain, and it was muddy. Thomas T. Rideout Post No. 14, were few in number and could not perform the Memorial service, so John Merrill Post G. A. R. of Richmond performed the service. They marched from the hall to the town square and formed around the monument. Prayer was offered by Rev. M. N. Reed of the Baptist Church. The Memorial tablet was then transferred from the committee to the town. Judge Lewis M. Fulton who was chairman of the committee presided during the exercises of the day. Kennebec Lodge, Knights of Pythias, presented the national colors, which will be displayed from the beautiful flag staff erected on the lot. The services by the Post were simple and beauti- ful, after which all marched back to the hall and par- took of a bountiful dinner gotten up by the ladies of Bowdoinham. In the afternoon the literary program was given in the hall by a chorus, followed by a prayer by Rev. J. E. Clancey. Mr. A. B. Drummond of Free- port, formerly of Bowdoinham, gave a fine address, "Only a Volunteer." The oration was delivered by L. C. Bateman of Lewiston; this was followed by a solo by Rev. J, E. Clancey. The historical address was given by Captain Silas Adams of Waterville, formerly of Bowdoinham. The singing of the national air closed the program of the day. The committee did their work well, and it is hoped by the donors and the ex-soldiers that the patriotic spirit of old Bowdoinham will never let her interest falter in looking after this plat and monument; keeping green and bright the lawn and cannon; and that the memory of her defenders may never be clouded or dimmed. CHAPTER XIV. HOW RICHMOND WAS SETTLED AND IMPROVED- CHRISTOPHER LAWSON'S PURCHASE— FORT RICH- MOND; ITS LOCATION AND PURPOSE— A BATTLE WITH INDIANS NEAR THE PERRY— HOW CAPTAIN SAMUEL GOODWIN RELIEVED A BELEAGUERED GARRISON — THE BEGINNING OF A FAMOUS SCHOOL SYSTEM— SOLID CITIZENS WHO GAVE THE TOWN A GOOD NAME— HARD TIMES AND HIGH PRICES — THE INCREASE OF POPULATION— A HEALTHY CHILD THAT BOWDOINHAM SHOULD BE PROUD OF. The early history of Richmond is so closely connected with that of Bowdoinham that an account of the latter town becomes in a great degree a history of the former. Sensational writers have invented a very peculiar his- tory for Richmond, thereby confusing instead of estab- lishing facts. As occurrences previous to 1780 would be little likely to interest readers of the present day, the writer will not attempt to write an exhaustive his- tory of Richmond, but will aim to give a correct one. Such facts as will be given have been gathered from reliable sources — mainly from town records, and Capt. Carney, and constitute a truthful history of Richmond up to 1823 ; in which year the enterprising town set up housekeeping for itself. The earliest white settlement in the present town of Richmond was in 1629. It consisted of a trading post, established in the same year in which the famous patent was obtained from the Plymouth Company by the Ken- nebec Company. Twenty years later, in 1649, one Christopher Lawson purchased of the Indians a tract of land on the west side of the Kennebec, extending from the mouth of a stream flowing into the river near the head of Swan Island, to the mouth of Cobbos- 209 210 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM seecontee stream. This was the breadth, or water front, of Lawson's tract, which extended back from the Kennebec a distance of five miles. In 1650 Lawson sold this territory to Clark and Lake, the land being very equally divided between what are now known as the townships of Richmond and Gardiner. These early sales have no particular significance at the present, as they were simply transfers of an unknown wilderness, and do not imply any settlement. We should bear in mind the fact that a trading post does not mean a set- tlement, but simply a station for the carrying on of a trade with the Indians. Such establishments were mere temporary affairs, and in reality had no con- nection with subsequent settlements. Fort Richmond, from which the town derives its name was built in 1719, and dismantled in 1754. It was poorly constructed, and situated near the water's edge. It was erected by the Plymouth Company, which in 1620 had settled Massachusetts. This "Council of Plymouth" granted several patents in the Province of Maine. Among others thus favored was the Kennebec, or New Plymouth Company. Its possessions were on the west side of the Kennebec River, running thence fifteen miles west-north-west, and running a westerly course parallel with the river. In 1725 a trading house was established at Fort Rich- mond, and its constantly increasing business speedily attracted visitors to the new country. In 1732 Jon- athan Belcher, Governor of the Massachusetts Colony, visited the Kennebec region. After praising its beauty and fertility, the shrewd observer said: "Fort Rich- mon, if rendered defensible, is so situated as to com- mand the waters of the Kennebec." Governor Belcher urged the necessity of repairing and enlarging the fortification, and the wisdom of his suggestion is apparent from the fact that for several years after his visit the place was almost constantly besieged. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 211 The early Indian wars were the hardest trials en- countered by the enterprising settlers, and during "Lovwell's War," many skirmishes occurred at or near the poorly equipped fort. In 1723 two Mohawk In- dians entered the service of the settlers, and were sent to Fort Richmond. Captain Heath, the Commander, commissioned Ensign Colby and three white men to undertake a scouting expedition up the river. Guided by the two Mohawks they proceeded a few miles, and refused to go farther without reinforcements. A m.es- senger who was dispatched to the Fort for aid, return- ed presently with thirteen soldiers, and with its force thus strengthened the party advanced. A little farther on they encountered about thirty Abnakis. In the conflict which ensued two Indians were killed; where- upon the others retreated in a hurry. The whites, however, did not escape uninjured, Ensign Colby be- ing killed and two soldiers wounded. This engage- ment undoubtedly took place in Richmond, a short dis- tance above the present ferry. In 1742 the people at the Fort were taxed thirty-four pounds. A year later the garrison consisted of ten soldiers. In 1744 the force was increased to twenty- five men. The object of the post was to encourage immigration by affording protection for settlers. The latter certainly were in need of all the aid that could be given them. In 1750-52 the danger was particularly menacing, the Indians indulging in many threats against the settlers occupying lands above the Fort. Previous to this date the Fort had been assailed more than once. In 1722, and again in 1750, its little band of defenders was called upon to repel organized attacks made by the savages, and in the interval between these dates the garrison was continually harassed by petty raids from the Kennebec. In 1749 an unfortunate affair at Wiscasset resulted in the killing of an Indian. The act enraged two warlike tribes, and a hundred braves at once proceeded to Fort Richmond, then garrisoned 212 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM bv fourteen men. On September 11, they made a vio- lent attack on the post and for a time its destruction appeared almost certain. However, during the night Captain Samuel Goodwin managed to enter the Fort with reinforcements, thus delivering its occupants and obliging the savages to raise the siege. In 1752, more peaceful measures were adopted ; Government deposit- ing several casks of bread and barrels of pork at the Fort, for distribution among the Indians. It was not deemed advisable, however, to depend entirely upon conciliation, and to further insure protection for the people Fort Western was constructed at Cushnoc, (now Augusta) and Fort Halifax at Winslow, opposite Wat- erville. These block-houses were established in 1755. At about this time Fort Richmond, which had long stood as the outer sentinel of this portion of the State, was dismantled. Its material was conveyed to Car- ney's Point in Dresden, nearly opposite the foot of Swan Island, and was used in the construction of Fort Frankfort, a post built by the Plymouth Company to command the east channel of the Kennebec, and protect the entrance of the Eastern river. It does not appear that the early inhabitants of Fort Richmond were per- manent settlers. They seem to have been mere traf- fickers with the Indians, and were gathered around the Fort as a matter of self-protection. However, at about the time of the establishment of posts at Cushnoc and Winslow, settlers began to move into Richmond with a view of making that pleasant town their constant abid- ing-place. In 1755, the proprietors of the Plymouth Company, who had acquired this lovely region after a long legal contest with the Pejepscot Company, divided their land into lots one mile wide on the Kennebec River, and ex- tending five miles back into the country. Lots number six, seven, eight, nine and ten were included in the pre- sent township of Richmond. Lot number six was granted to one Thomas Hancock; number seven to HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 213 Charles Apthrop, number eight to James Pitts, number nine to James Bowdoin, and number ten to William Bowdoin. Each section contained 3,200 acres. This township was earliest known as Richmond Plantation. Until the year 1779 it was not considered of sufficient importance and population to be put under the protec- tion of any organized body. At that date, however, it was annexed to Bowdoinham. At that time its south- ern boundary was two miles farther south than at the present day, while its northern limit extended as far as Pittston, (now Gardiner.) In 1794 the people of Pownalborough endeavored to have four miles of the northern part of Richmond an- nexed to their own town. The measure was defeated by a solid vote of Bowdoinham, whose inhabitants were fast awakening to the advantages to be gained from a united town government. Three years previous they had divided the town into four districts. District No. 1 included the present town of Richmond. It embraced a tract of land two miles wide, and extended from the Pittston line down the river almost as far as the Fort.. This district was to be favored with a school, for whose maintenance the sum of eighteen shillings and three- pence was appropriated. This was the Embryo school system of Richmond, which is in striking contrast with the excellent school facilities of today. The money ap- propriated for schools was apportioned to each district according to its number of pupils. District No. 1 drew one twenty-second part of the whole : from which it ap- pears that Richmond had one pupil while Bowdoinham proper had twenty-one. This difference in the number of pupils indicates the ratio of inhabitants between the sections of the town. There seems to have been a discrepancy between the town records of 1794, and the above statements and even that of Capt. Carney, given to the author in 1884. A school district was organized at White's Landing and vicinity in 1796. So if there were scholars enough to 214 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM have a school, as there doubtless were, the settlement must have been on the County and Alexander roads with little or no settlement at the Landing, and it prob- ably included the two miles south of the village "for- merly Richmond plantation" — evidently Capt. Carney's statement is correct, as to being no settlement at White's Landing till after 1810. In 1794, the town voted to build a schoolhouse in District No. 1, and appointed John Parks and Theophi- lus Blanche a committee to construct the same. The first mentioned individual was the solid man of the town. He lived in the northern part of the village, and the stream now known as the Mill Brook was then called "Parks' stream." At a much earlier date it had been named "Bowman's Creek." Mr. Parks' sons had a mill on this stream, located near the present site of Milliken's saw mill. John Parks figured prominently in the early history of the town. He served as chair- man of the Board of Selectmen, and was the proprietor of Parks' Ferry, established where the present ferry is now in operation. His house was near this landing, and was a substantial dwelling for the times, being liberally plastered on the outside. William Gardiner, a son of Robert Hallowell Gardi- ner, was one of the well-known early residents of Rich- mond. In 1824 he built a large house at White's Land- ing, which for many years was occupied by Judge B. F. Tallman. The locality now known as Richmond village was first named "White's Landing," in honor of Barzille White, who settled there in the beginning of the 19th century. White was a son-in-law of Dr. Tupper. He kept a store and surveyed the wood and bark that was hauled to his landing for shipment. He lived with his father-in-law in a house which stood near the present site of the cotton mill, but which now stands on White street, in the rear of the Southard block. This stout HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 215 old dwelling was built in 1806, and is the oldest house in Richmond village. In the course of events Mr. White formed a partner- ship with Israel Washburn, who was the father of the famous Washburn family of Livermore. Although Washburn moved to the last named town at an early date, he remained in partnership with White until 1835. White's father-in-law, Dr. Tupper, was a man of property, and at one time was engaged in shipbuild- ing. In a yard near the ferry he built a timber ship which sailed for England. The craft proved unsea- worthy, and after a short career was abandoned on the ocean. She speedily went to pieces, though her crew managed to get back to their homes. At White's Landing there were but two buildings in 1813. Five years later there were eight buildings, all told. In 1826 there were but thirteen. At this date Captain James Carney came to Richmond, though he had been familiar with the place for some years pre- vious. In 1818 the eastern portion of the town was burned over, destroying thousands of acres of forest, which in its charred and blackened state must have ap- peared dismal beyond description. But the fire, though destructive, afforded a fine opportunity for clearing the heavily wooded district. The energetic inhabitants were not slow in seizing upon the advantage, and from that time forward White's Landing continued to grow and prosper. The County road, from Litchfield line, or "the Bog," to the Kennebec River, was constructed as early as 1795. In 1803 an effort was made in town meeting to discontinue the road, but without success. Even had that road been built by the town in those early days, it would not have afforded better facilities for travel than a wood road of the present time. This was the first town road in Richmond. The Meserve road was first known as the Langdon road. The Pitt's road was laid out across Section No. 8, belonging to James Pitts. It 216 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM was a one mile section, and came into his possession in 1756. This road must have been nearly three miles south of the Gardiner line. It was originally laid out five miles long and four rods wide, and so remains to this day. The town road from Gardiner line to Parks' Ferry was laid out in 1811, passing over Welmore's creek. It is now known as the River road, and is much traveled. These were the principal roads in Richmond at the time of which we write. They were so wisely located and planned that succeeding generations have made few attempts to change or improve them. As a matter of curiosity to readers with a taste for financial affairs, we give the price current for 1779. To begin with, one dollar in specie was worth forty dol- lars in currency. Tea was $19.00 per pound; com, $35.00 per bushel; molasses, $16.00 per gallon; coffee, $3.00 per pound ; salt, $45.00 per bushel ; wheat, $45.00 per bushel; hay, $200.00 per ton. The foregoing fig- ures may serve to give an idea of the curse resulting from an inflated currency. The material which enables the historian to form a correct idea of the population of Richmond from 1790 to 1820, is entirely wanting ; consequently, figures can- not be quoted with exactness. The best that can be done is to form estimates from scattered statistics, and the general condition of the settlement. There cannot have been any permanent settlement previous to the Revolu- tionary war, although "fishing stations" were located at two or three points on the Kennebec before that period. Bowdoinham had grown to be quite well set- tled along the river at a time when Richmond was a howling wilderness ; yet even as late as 1776 Bowdoin- ham could not have had more than forty voters, and Richmond, as a part of Bowdoinham, ten more: mak- ing fifty votes, or a total population of about 200 souls. In 1790 there were 455 persons in Bowdoinham. In 1800 the population had increased to 794. Of these in- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 217 habitants about 600 were in Bowdoinham proper, and the remainder in Richmond. In 1810 the population was 1412. In 1820 the returns showed a population of 2259. In 1808 there were 150 names on the voting list, and not more than 30 could have belonged to Richmond residents. In comparing the census of 1800 and 1810 with the voting list of 1808, when the names of only 150 voters appeared, it shows that there must have been seven persons to every voter, and indicates the large families that existed in those early communities. Very few persons settled in Richmond from 1775 to 1815, as the increase of population in Bowdoinham for 35 years embraced in that period was only 1200. After this date the increase was very rapid. The war with England had ended, and the tide of immigration was set this way. The new comers settled principally at Cathance Landing in Bowdoinham, and along the banks of the Kennebec and upon the Langdon road in Richmond. The growth of Richmond village was not rapid until after the year 1825. The first church built in the town was erected in 1828. It was known as "the yellow meeting house," or Union church. It is now the prop- erty of the Free Baptist society, and has been remod- eled and improved beyond recognition. Richmond's history is closely connected with many of the earliest and most interesting events in our state. Though its growth previous to 1815 was extremely slow, its subsequent advancement was so rapid that in a few years its inhabitants began to clamor loudly for a separation from Bowdoinham. After many sharp con- troversies, and adverse votes on the part of Bowdoin- ham, Richmond finally accomplished her object in 1825. At that time her roads were well built and her schools were in a prosperous condition; Bowdoinham, like a true mother, nobly provided for her daughter, thus enabling the latter to appear to good advantage in her new role of an independent housekeeper, which character Richmond has thus far ably sustained. CHAPTER XV. POPULATION AND GROWTH OF TOWN— DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN THE VILLAGE, 1902. We have made special efforts to obtain statistics per- taining to our population at each decennial of our exis- tence. To get at these matters it required much time, patience and work, and even w^ith special efforts, we then find ourselves confronted with the most stubborn fact that a full and complete return of our population cannot be had, as it is not in existence, and we think those whom we have reason to believe have wished us success in our undertaking, to give to our people some- thing of our early history, manners and customs, will meet with disappointment. To review some- what what has before been stated, we reassert that at the time of our organization, this town could not have had more than twenty-four voters. This only took Bowdoinham proper from Merrymeeting Bay up four miles to the north of the Kennebec River, or nearly two miles south of the Richmond line and five miles westward. Our settlements were only along the rivers and to no great distance from them, as all conveyance was wholly by water. From items culled from records, and hints gathered from the same source, as well as reason- ing upon the condition of roads, the amount of money raised, and the little they accomplished, leads us to the conclusion that her voters could not have numbered more than twenty-five. Then to get at the population, we might with safety conclude that a family con- sisted of five persons and then we have a population of one hundred and twenty-five. This was at its 218 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 219 organization in 1762, and after that date the town set- tled more rapidly. A map of the town has been drawn, from such min- utes and locations as we have been enabled to establish, and hope it may be useful to future generations. In 1779 the plantation of Richmond was added to our town, and with it a small population in and about Fort Richmond. There is no proof that, at Fort Richmond, from 1720 to 1760, there was any consider- able settlement, although there were ten soldiers sta- tioned at the Fort, more as traders with Indians than permanent settlers to occupy the country. We can find no proof that any settlement was made except in the vicinity of the fort in 1779, when Richmond was an- nexed to this town. When the Revolution began our people were very loyal to the Colonies, and from what we can gather there might possibly have been fifty vo- ters, not more — and it is a question if there could have been over fifty (even with Richmond added it was but slightly increased) so as to number two hundred and fifty persons in her limits. If we take into considera- tion that Bowdoin and Lisbon belonged to our domain, it might have been nearly double that number. The increase from 1775 to 1800 was about five hun- dred persons or twenty each year, which was a decid- edly small gain. The cause was from the long war of the Revolution and from the unorganized condition of the country up to 1789, when our present constitution was adopted and the machinery put in motion. We made an application to the Census Department at Washington for the official record, supposing that office possessed all of the statistics since our govern- ment was organized, but in their reply, they stated that the department did not possess a complete set of the published reports, but they gave such as were in the office. Population of Bowdoinham :— 1800, 794; 1820, 2259; 1850, 2382; 1860, 2343; 1870, 1804; 1880, 1681; 1890, 220 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 1508 ; 1900, 1305 ; 1910, 1385. It will be observed that the population for the year 1800 and 1820 included Richmond, which was a portion of our town until 1823, and after that date the statistics refer to Bowdoinham as her boundaries now exist. In 1764, Bowdoinham had 220 white people, one negro, thirty-seven families, and thirty-eight houses. Statistics place six as the approximate number in each family ; then upon this basis the population of 794, in 1800, would give 132 voters. In 1808, the number of voters were 150, and then allowing six to a family, we get 900 as the population, or about 1000 in 1810, ac- cording to our conclusions. Of this number four- fifths were in the present limit of Bowdoinham, and the balance in that portion now Richmond. On this basis for the next ten years, the increase must have been about 1200; and this can readily be accounted for by the very rapidly growing village at Cathance Landing, and to the remarkable energy manifested in its ship- building, as well as to the influx of settlers in White's Landing (now Richmond village.) At both of these landings these embryo villagers took a quick start, and grew rapidly under the stimulating influence of this new enterprise. From 1815 to 1822 Richmond had rapidly gained upon Bowdoinham prop- er in population, and had begun to take control of the town matters and shape her politics, much to the cha- grin of our own people. We would not be understood to assert that her voters alone were as numerous as ours, but with some assistance from our people they were too powerful to be dealt with as an auxiliary or suburbs of Bowdoinham, but as a lusty and full grown child, fractious by constant care and indulgence. In 1820 Richmond's population might possibly have been one-half of Bowdoinham's. The population of 1830 and 1840 we have been unable to obtain from the many sources which we have tried. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 221 Our population was at the highest in 1850, since when it has rapidly fallen off to less than 1400. Brighter fields wave and richer gems sparkle in the far west, and many, yes, too many, have sought those imaginative comforts in that land far from kindreds and homes, leaving the old fireside desolate and lonely, guarded only by the faithful parents as the only senti- nels. By this we have today less than four in a family to a voter, which is a most remarkable low ratio. December 14, 1902, occurred the most destructive fire in the history of the town, and one of the worst ever known in Sagadahoc County, which broke out in Bow- doinham a little after one o'clock Sunday morning, and before the flames were under control they had ruined thirteen buildings, damaged a number of others and devoured about $35,000 worth of property as well as turned nearly half a hundred people into the street to be sheltered by their friends and neighbors. The first man to discover the blaze was Ira Williams, the night watchman at the kindling wood factory, who saw smoke and the reflection of the fire in the building at the corner of Bridge and Main streets. He at once tied down the steam whistle valve to give the alarm. The wind was blowing a gale and fanned the fire quick- ly into a hot blaze. At the first sound of the whistle, William T. Salie awoke, and, looking out of the window, saw Gould's store on fire. He dressed and ran to the church where he rang the bell to call people out. A. J. Gowell was also awakened by the first blast of the whistle, and saw the fire breaking through the side of the building on the northeast corner about half way be- tween the eaves and the ridge pole. It took put a few minutes for the building which was owned by J. H. Purington and Heatherly Hinckley to be a mass of flames. The building was valued at $2,800, and Mr. Purington's interest was insured for $1,000, while that of Mr. Hinckley was without insur- ance. Mr. Gould's stock consisted of groceries and 222 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM hardware, and was valued at $3,500, and insured for only $1,000. Over Mr. Gould's store were the halls of the village lodge of Masons, Merrymeeting Grange, Electa Chap- ter, Order of Eastern Star, and Rideout Post. The property in these rooms, as well as the charters of the several orders — with the exception of that of the Ma- sons — and that in a damaged condition, were lost. Next below Gould's store on the easterly side and towards the Maine Central R. R. tracks was the two story and a half building occupied by William E. Rideout, the gro- cer. In the lower part was his store, and he lived over- head. Mr. Rideout was awakened by the sound of smashing glass in the Gould store, and looking out of the window saw a column of fire shoot out and curl over his own building. He knew that his building was doomed and made haste to get his wife and daughter out of the house. The little girl, Emily, was sleeping on the third floor. She courageously dressed and carried an armful of her clothing with her; but Mrs. Rideout was unable to save anything, escap- ing in her nightclothes. She and her daughter took refuge at the home of Green H. McKay. Mr. Rideout lost $400 in money. About this time the flames leaped across the street to the two story wooden office building of Stephen W. Carr, the insur- ance commissioner, on the corner of Elm and Main streets, which took fire, and then the villagers, the most of whom had reached the scene by this time, realized that they had a conflagration on their hands. Bowdoinham had but two pieces of fire apparatus, two handtubs, the Water Witch and the Phenix. The former is a large machine and was in good shape, while the latter, a small one, has been in the town over half a century. Foreman McEwen, finding that men enough to man the brakes on the Water Witch could not be secured, ran a line of hose from the steam pump at HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 223 the kindling wood factory, and proceeded to fight the flames. Mrs. Horace Snell, the telegraph operator, was at her post and sent to the train despatcher at Portland for help and also summoned Gardiner, Waterville, Bath, and Brunswick. The train despatcher did his level best for the town, and deserves the praise of every good man. From Mr. Carr's building which was also occupied as the office of the kindling wood factory, and Capt. Ben- jamin Adams, dealer in wood and coal, the books and papers, the safe and other articles of value were re- moved before the building was burned to the ground; but the fire in this building spread to the Stinson house, owned by George W. Rideout, and burned that flat. This was one of the largest buildings in the village, contain- ing twenty-six rooms. Some of the furniture of the house was also saved, but not a great deal of it. The big hotel made a very hot fire, and the heat and sparks set fire to the house of Miss Maria Sampson down Elm street some distance, and a small storehouse across the street, both of which were destroyed. Adjoining the building, or within a few feet of it was the stable, a very large building which was filled with and contained many horses. This building was saved, but only after the most heroic kind of work. The horses, of course, were removed about the first thing. Dr. I. C. Irish, George Minot, and Alphonso Berry, whose own store below on Main street was in the path of fire, got on the roof of this stable and fought the blaze from there. They had only buckets of water which had to be passed or carried from the river about two hundred yards away. They were exposed to the great heat of the hotel fire, their faces and all the ex- posed parts of their bodies were blistered by the heat, and they were almost suffocated by the smoke. The wind was fortunately blowing from them, but more than once it was thought the stable was going. 224 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM The old handtub, Phenix, was brought into commis- sion. She had to be filled with water from buckets, and before it could be pumped out of her, the machine froze solid and the attempt had to be given up. Wet blankets put on the roof and the end nearest the hotel, saved the stable. Had this gone, more buildings must have been destroyed. In the same building with S. W. Carr, was the barber shop of C. H. McEwen. There he sold tobacco, and other things of that kind, and he estimated his loss at $750.00 with $150.00 insurance. Next below Carr's office on the same side of Main street was the store of C. Mosher. This was a two story and a half building. The store on the ground floor was unoccupied, but over- head lived Bert Hatch, who lost the greater part of his furniture and all that he had. He said that $700.00 would not cover his loss and he had no insurance. Below this was the story and a half building owned by Mrs. D. O.Foye of Bath, valued at $600.00 and not insured. Then came the dwelling house and store combined of George Thorne which he valued at $900.00 and which was insured for $400.00. He saved some of his furniture, but the stock of W. H. Gould who used a part of the building for his undertaking rooms, was nearly all lost. Mr. Gould's loss on this stock is included in the loss on his store and stock given above. Alphonso Berry owned a two story dwelling and store combined next below the house of Thorn. In the front part of the house he kept a small variety store. Little of his stock was saved and he estimated his loss at $1,500 and had no insurance. Only a very few articles of furniture were saved from this building and in a few minutes about all that Mr. Berry had in the world was swept away by the consuming flames. Overhead lived John Bodwell whose furniture, valued at $200.00 was lost and he had no insurance on his property. On this same westerly side of Main street and just below the house of Mrs. Berry was the old historic village bank HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 225 building, the scene of the sensational robbery in 1866 when $80,000 were secured. The selectmen of Bow- doinham had occupied a part of the old building for their office for twenty years. They got out the town books with some difficulty and stored them away in a safe place. Josiah M. Fulton had his carriage shop in this building losing all his stock and carried no insur- ance. This was the last building on this side of Main street with the exception of the gate tender's house at the railroad crossing. The fire stopped at the bank building because there was nothing else to burn. The water from the kindling wood factory saved the gate tender's little house, but this was badly scorched and the paint blistered by the flames. On the east side of Main street after destroying the Rideout store, the flames spread to the store of L. D. Small, druggist. His stock of drugs and the building which he owned he estimated as being worth $2,500. Mr. Small was the town clerk and about the first thing he got out of his building was the safe in which were the town books and records. John Carney lived over Mr. Small's store and lost his furniture amounting to $500.00 with no insurance. The office building of Dr. C. A. Palmer, a small struc- ture was next destroyed and he lost $250.00. He had no insurance. It was here that the fire was stopped on the easterly side of Main street by the pump from the kindling wood factory. An unoccupied building used for years as a blacksmith shop was partially burned, but the old structure was not very inflammable, and the progress of the fire on this side of the street was checked. This saved the blacksmith shop of James Brawn, and the dwelling house of Capt. George T. Getchell, not occupied. This was the last house on the easterly side of Main street, and was very near the rail- road track. Probably no harder fight was made than that to save the Red House, so called, one of the finest mansions in 226 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM the village, and owned by E. P. Kendall. When the residence of Miss Maria Sampson caught, the danger to the Kendall house was seen. In the Sampson house was a lot of old fashioned furniture and valuable bric-a- brac, which Capt. Sampson had been bringing home from his sea voyages for years. There were eleven hundred dollars insurance on this dwelling and the loss on it was all of $2,500.00. It was seen that this place could not be saved and the men gave their attention to saving Mr. Kendall's property. It was the only house in Bowdoinham which was piped for water. A gar- den hose was taken out of the second story window to the roof, and the owner of the house together with W. B. Kendall and their crew of men from the mill had aU they could do to save the house and stable. That they did, it seems wonderful, for the house is very near the Sampson house. The furniture from E. P. Kendall's house was all removed even to the mantles and some of the finishings, because it was not believed possible to save the building. Across the railroad tracks during the time that the buildings on Main street were burning, W. B. and E. P. Kendall's grain storehouse and mill were in danger, and a crew of men had hard work to save these build- ings. The iron roof on one and the snow on the other helped them a good deal in doing this. Early in the fight, the telephone ofl[ice was put out of business by the loss of wires, and the only communication with the out- er world was by telegraph. Station agent Snell, Mrs. Snell and their son Steven stuck to their posts at the station while their own house was in danger. Finally the station itself caught, but through the heroic efforts of Mr. Snell and son, it was saved. A steamer and a company of firemen arrived from Bath about five o'clock and played on the smouldering ruins. A steamer arrived from Waterville about noon and played on the ruins all the afternoon. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 227 Of the $35,000 worth of property destroyed, about one-third was covered by insurance. The fire fiend did not seem satisfied at the work of destruction in 1902, so it was let loose again March 1, 1904, by its breaking out in the basement of J. E. Cor- nish Co. store destroying the building and large stock of goods. The Marrow store occupied by Wm. Gould with a big stock of goods also went up in the flames. (Mr. Gould had previously in 1902 been burned out in the Purington building where the fire originated.) Then the brick store, known as the Macomber store, was damaged ; this was occupied by Wm. Rideout as a grocery store. The stable that belonged to the Stinson house, (which was burned in the former fire) was de- stroyed. Here the fire stopped, having nearly com- pleted the work of wiping out all of the business part of this once thriving village and left every branch of industry completely paralyzed and but a poor outlook for rebuilding. Loss about $6,500.00. CHAPTER XVI. THE WESTON FAMILY— MOLASSES CREEK— ORGANI- ZATION OF STATE MILITIA IN 1828— BUSINESS MEN OF BOWDOINHAM IN 1850— BLACKSMITHS IN BOW- DOINHAM— REPRESENTATIVES TO LEGISLATURE. Through the courtesy of Chas. F. Hill of Bowdoin- ham, we are enabled to give to our readers a very good sketch of these early settlers in our town. The Judge Weston mentioned below, was the son of Nathan, who settled on the Point in 1766. Judge Wes- ton as stated on former pages, visited the Point, soon after John Brown settled there, and gave him this in- formation. John Weston was born in Buckingham, England, in 1631 and came to this country in 1644. He lived in Salem, Mass., and then moved to Redding in 1653. He married Sarah Fitch of that place ; eight children were born, two sons came to Bowdoinham. Nathan settled at Abbagadasset Point in 1766, where he lived twelve years. He engaged in trading, farming and shipping wood by vessels from the Kennebec. He then moved to Hallowell and from there to Augusta and one of this branch of Westons was a Judge of the Supreme Court. The late Chief Justice Fuller's wife was a Wes- ton, also of this branch. The other brother — Caleb who came to Bowdoinham with Nathan, settled on the farm now owned by Elias Powers ; he lived on the east side of the road. A row of poplar trees that Caleb planted, were growing by the roadside since 1870. Mr. Stuart thinks that Caleb Weston must have owned all the land between the two rivers and up as far as the Carding Machine road. Caleb had four sons and one daughter ; three sons were drowned at one time in the 228 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 229 Kennebec; the other son, Stephen, born October 16, 1776, married Sarah Clifford of Bath, September 16, 1797. He built a house in 1795 on the west side of the road near the old corn house, which is still standing on what is now the Stuart farm. Stephen was twice mar- ried, he had one daughter by his first marriage who became the wife of John B. Stuart of Bowdoinham, now Richmond. By his second marriage he had a son who married a Preble who lived on the Chas. Perry place. Stephen was Wm. Stuart's grandfather, Caleb his great grandfather, and John his great-great-grand- father. Stephen built a house in Richmond which is still standing on Main Street opposite the Lake Block he lived in this house until he died. Elihu Getchell. Elihu Getchell, one of the earliest settlers in Bow- doinham, was born 1742, probably in this town, on the Charles F. Hill farm. The town records, as well as the history of shipbuilding, places him at the head of the business interest of the town. He was a man of property and was prominent in business life as well as town matters. The house he lived in overlooked the Kennebec River, and the cellar marks the spot where it once stood. He had one daughter, Mercy, who mar- ried Jethro Hatch, and they had a large family of children. Their son Elihu, married Peggy Maxwell, a sister to Capt. Noble and William Maxwell. Their son James lived on the old homestead and the daughter married Daniel Holway. James' widow married Wm. Hill and his descendant, Chas. F. Hill occupies the old farm at the present time. He died in 1806. Sketch of James Madison Kendall, Millwright. The Kendall family seem to have been one of genius. Inventors of mill machinery and waterwheels. The ancestors settled in Fairfield, then Winslow and later widely known as "Kendalls Mills" and owned most of 230 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM the land in that vicinity. The result of the labor and genius was the .establishing of the mills, and the "Fer- tilizer Business," which has become well known in the state. James Madison Kendall was bom in Kendall's Mills, Fairfield, October 11, 1816, and died January 27, 1905, 89 years of age. Came down the lower Kennebec in early life. He was a man of unusual mechanical fore- sight. His early life was spent in the building of and as engineer of the Berry saw mill here, after this was torn down he took up general millwright work in building and repairing a score of tide water mills at Phippsburg, Winnegance, and various other points on the lower Kennebec. His father was Capt. William Kendall, the inventor, and his grandfather served in the Revolutionary War from Winslow. He married Emily R. Whitten of Topsham January 9, 1843. They had nine children, of which Carrie H., Edward P., and William B., are now living. James M. Kendall bought the old grist mill and unique water wheel from N. H. Macomber and Robert Butterfield in 1872, and at 16 years of age William B. Kendall came from Bath High School and was put in charge of it. There was a plaster mill and three run of stones for grinding grain and a shingling machine in the mill. A few years later he was joined by his brother Edward P., and in 1880 commenced the manu- facture of commercial fertilizer in a small way, mixing up the first parcels in an old ash kettle, their entire sales the first year being 7600 pounds, and thus they established the Sagadahoc Fertilizer Co. In connec- tion with this embryo fertilizer business they bought ten acres of worn out hay lands and fertilized it for the production of grain and hay, this was successful and stands to-day doubtless the longest cultivated field of its size in the State, it having been dressed with nothing but commercial fertilizer for thirty-two years. The fertilizer business soon outgrew the capacity of HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 231 one end of the old grist mill, where they first com- menced its manufacture, and a new grist mill was built, 40 X 80 feet, adjoining the Maine Central Railroad, and a shaft over 300 feet long installed to convey the power from the old tide water wheel to the railroad. This mill had a storage capacity of 20,000 bushels of corn and 200 tons of feed. In the meantime the old grist mill had been greatly enlarged to accommodate the in- creasing fertilizer business and forty to sixty men were employed. The grist mill was burned July 31, 1907, and one year and thirty days later, August 29, 1908, the fer- tilizer factory was burned carrying a heavy loss. The Kendall's were not daunted or dismayed by these two fires, which swept away years of their hard toil and accumulations, but they at once commenced the erection of a larger fertilizer factory, 320 x 120 feet on the old Butterfield field, which they had previously purchased. The Maine Central Railroad put in a siding, and the ten brands of Sagadahoc fertilizers, which they had been manufacturing, found such a ready market among the farmers of Maine that their business increased in 1909-10-11-12 so that their pay roll showed consider- ably over 100 men employed at times. With the growth of the fertilizer business had come a gradual purchase of various farms on which their fertilizers were used for the production of hay. The arable land in the va- rious farms amounting to upwards of 500 acres, and the hay crop some years amounting to over 450 tons besides fifty or one hundred acres sowed to grain. Molasses Creek. Previous to 1805 when the bridge across Cathance River was built all the travel from Topsham and Bruns- wick was by way of what is now called the "Back Road" from Cathance Mills through the Graves dis- trict and by Henry Fisher's to Bowdoinham Village. The road from Robert Patten's to the bridge had lately 232 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM been laid out. The tavern between Cathance Mills and Bowdoinham was kept by Adam Hunter, who lived near the Mills and Henry Fisher, Senior. Perhaps there were others, but it is not known. Henry Fisher built a brig on Molasses Creek in the year 1823. The origin of the name of "Molasses Creek" is given in the Lewiston Journal of January 25th, 1902, by E. O. Fisher, of Bowdoinham. As his grandfather owned the land about there he ought to know if anyone. This Stewart of whom he speaks was an inveterate torment to the business men of the town, stealing everything he could lay his hands on. I think his name was Michael. "One summer," wrote Mr. Fisher, "when my great grandfather, Robert Patten, was building a vessel he called the old man and said: 'Mike, if you won't steal any tools from the yard this summer I will give you twenty dollars.' Mike thought a minute and then said : 'I can do better than that Capt. Patten,' " (meaning that he could make more stealing tools). "It almost seems too bad to spoil a good story that comes down to us in the line of tradition and with which one of our early settlers was associated. The account in the Journal of December 7th, 1901, was very ingenious and contained the shadow of the real origin. Cathance River just below the present village oppo- site "West Branch" makes a distance of over half a mile, when it takes another sharp turn, continuing its course southerly. Its western shores, or right hand side going up the river is mostly swamp land, until you reach Small's Narrows, a distance of some two miles. Within this long stretch only three times the high land makes down to its shores, first at the village; second just above on land now owned by Dexter Thorn, and third about a mile and a half up stream, on land owned by George Andros. Early pioneers settled on these points. On the sec- ond one lived one Stewart, the chief figure in the his- tory. "Molasses Creek" was made prominent of late HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 233 by the finding of a dead body of one of our citizens in its waters at a place near where the railroad crosses. It takes its head in a swamp nearby, formerly belonging to the estate of Henry Fisher, Senior. Its mouth flows into the Cathance at the north angle of the last mentioned bend. Its entire length is hardly half a mile, a short distance above the railroad and there still exists the remains of one of the oldest trails in this section. The bridge was built of logs, as was also the trail across the swamp. In those early days the pioneers back from the river either walked or travelled, on horseback, as there were no wagons, and no roads for their use. At the top of the hill going east this trail divided, one part continuing to the river at the second point of high land, the other turned abruptly, took a northerly and easterly direction, entering the present village lim- its near the residence of Mr. George Andros and con- tinuing down the hill to the first mentioned point or "landing", so called. In this trail an early settler by the name of Coombs while at work in his corn patch was attacked by a bear and killed. The corn hills were to be seen many years after the tragedy occurred within a stone's throw of the home of Mr. R. W. Carr. On the second point of land following the other trail was a hovel occupied by a man and his family named Stuart. This Stuart had the reputation of taking things that did not belong to him. Early settlers living on the shores of the river usual- ly went down to the landing in boats. One day Stuart was down there when a vessel was in port. A jug of molasses set on the deck. When Stuart got ready to go home he spied the jug and looking about he saw no one on board. Slipping it in his boat he paddled up the stream rapidly. There was no bridge in those early days. Some of the crew of the vessel shortly after going aboard missed the jug and seeing Stuart away 234 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM up the reach, mistrusted what had become of the molasses. Jumping into the boat they gave chase. Stuart seeing them coming after him, and guessing their object, did not dare land at his home, but contin- ued up the river. The race was on, his followers grad- ually gaining on him, when he turned the bend and dis- appeared from his pursuers. They, turning this bend, caught a glimpse of Stuart just as he entered the mouth of a small creek, paddling up this creek until he came to the log bridge and being hard pressed he dropped the jug overboard, and left his boat in haste and ran up the trail towards home. The men in the boat, who gave chase, waited until low water and recovered their molasses. Thus named 'Molasses Creek.' Evidence of these trails can now be seen and about the spot where the Stuart house stood, the grass continues to grow a little greener, after so many years have passed." Town Pound. In 1808 the town voted to build a Pound between George Maxwell's and Nathan Hatch's and voted to pay George Maxwell $40.00 to procure the rock and build the Pound, to be 25 feet square and 6 feet high, a tim- ber 1 foot square on the top, with a frame gate. The wall was to be 3 feet thick at the bottom and 1 foot at the top. This Pound was used until about 1855, when it fell into decay and never was used afterwards. It stood where John Maxwell's barn now stands. Fourth Division of State Militia in 1828. Richard T. Dunlap of Brunswick, Major General. THIRD REGIMENT. Josiah Merrow, Colonel, Bowdoinham. George Jewett, Lieutenant Colonel, Bowdoinham. Edmund Hinckley, Major, Lisbon. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 235 Henry Sampson, Adjutant, Bowdoinham. Stephen Whitmore, Quarter-master, Bowdoinham. William Stinson, Paymaster, Bowdoinham. Daniel Garcelon, Surgeon, Lisbon. Adratus R. Chamberlain, Surgeon's Mate, Bowdoin- ham. BATTALION OF CAVALRY. John Harward, Major, Bowdoinham. David Tyler, Adjutant, Bowdoin. Robert Maxwell, Quarter-master, Bowdoinham. Bowdoinham, Lisbon, Richmond, Webster, Bowdoin, and a part of Topsham furnished men enough to form a Regiment, and Josiah Merrow was elected Colonel in 1828, and held that office three years. Traders and Manufacturers in Bowdoinham Vil- lage IN 1850. B. R. Andros, Confectionery; Joseph Berry & Son, Lumber; Robert Butterfield, Dry Goods; Edw. Britt, Shoemaker ; Martin Bibber, House Joiner ; Mrs. Bailey, Milliner; J. C. Coombs, East and West Indies Goods; James Carr & Son, Dry Goods and Groceries ; James H. Chamberlain, Tailor; Syms Gardiner; George G. Hill- man, Harness-maker ; Wm. H. Lunt, Dry Goods ; N. H. Macomber, Dry Goods and Groceries; Josiah M. Mer- row, Dry Goods and Groceries ; North & Haynes, Tin- ware ; Lemuel Richards, M. D. and Apothecary ; James Sampson, Drugs and Medicines; H. Sampson, Dry Goods and Hardware; Anthony Staples, Shoe Store; Thomas Tyler, Tailor; John Tetherly, Cooper; E. L. Thorn, Hatter; Wilson & Ware, Groceries; Aldrich Cutler, Barber; Esther Graves, Milliner and Fancy Goods; Edward Merrill, Pumps and Blocks; Moses Merrill, Cabinet Maker; D. N. Additon, Shoemaker; James Curtis, Blacksmith; Robert McFarland, Black- smith; Wm. Mosley, House Joiner; Wm. Mitchell, Blacksmith; Harvey Gould, Painter. 236 history of bowdoinham Blacksmiths in Bowt)oinham. The first blacksmith of which there is any record, was Benj. Gardiner on the Abagadasset Point at the time of the early settlement. Alvin Dimmick had a shop near Hall's Corner in latter part of 1700. Mr. Alexander run a shop near Lithco Allen's in the village in 1810. James Barber worked at that trade, on the Cathance at a very early date but the location cannot be verified. William Sampson, grandfather of George Sampson, came from England at an early date. He had a shop on the Sampson farm, was a fine workman, made darning needles, pipe tongs, nails, or anything that could be made of iron. Barstow Curtis had a shop in Warren Cheney's front yard about 1825. His sons, Walter, Joseph and Horace were all blacksmiths. Horace afterwards turned preacher. Avery Hulett had three different shops in this vil- lage. One on the back of the Starbird lot (later E. L. Thorn's) the second where R. W. Carr's store now stands, and the last one on the spot where A. J. Gowell now lives. James Staples worked with him in the first shop. In 1843, Robert McFarland and son Thaddeus worked in a shop at the east of the lockup ; and later lo- cated on home place near the bridge opposite the depot. They made pitchforks, and used the old bark mill pow- er on the Cripps stream to polish them. Then came in regular order, Joseph Curtis opposite the lockup, who sold to Rufus P. Glass 1840 ; he sold to James Hunting- ton, and he to Joseph Curtis, who sold to Wm. D. Cur- tis, who worked there many years. At his death the place was sold to John F. Hyster in 1909. John G. Miadow did the shop work for Berry in the shop be- tween the Merrill hill and the bridge in 1852-55. St. Vincent Given had a shop in the same vicinity in 1850- 56, where his shop work was done. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 237 Martin V. Chapman when a young man, worked in the Berry shop and later years worked in the old Whit- more store till 1902. James W. Brawn worked in the Reuel Williams building, and in 1910 Bradley Smith worked in the same shop. There were three shops near together in the vicinity of the Creek ; one was near the Creek bridge and hung out over the water; one east of the lockup, and the other on the opposite side of the bridge. On the upper Ridge Road a blacksmith shop was run many years by E. Whitney. Representatives to Legislature. This town sent the following as Representatives to Legislature of Massachusetts as far as known: Rev. Timothy Merritt. Representative to the Gen- eral Court at Boston in 1812, was born in Barkham- stead. Conn., in October, 1775. He was a Methodist minister in Bowdoinham, and also practiced farming from 1805 till 1817. He then took up his profession again and preached in various places in New England, besides doing literary work till his health failed. He married in November, 1801, Mary Maxwell, of Bow- doinham. He died in Lynn, Mass., in 1845, aged 70 years. Ebenezer Herrick, who represented Bowdoinham in the General Court at Boston in 1819, was born in Bark- erville, Lewiston, October 21, 1785. He was a gradu- ate of Harvard and moved to Bowdoinham and kept a general store there about 1816 and 1818. Have ac- counts of his from 1814 to 1816 ; he practiced law after leaving trade and represented the town in Congress from the Second District and served from 1821 to 1828 inclusive. He moved back to his old homestead in Barkerville either during his last term in Congress or soon after, and remained there until his death, May 7, 1839. He was buried in the old ceme- tery at Barkerville about half a mile north of the pre- 238 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM sent Maine State Fair grounds. In Bowdoinham he lived in what was called the Hulett house, which stood where the residence of T. W. Fogg now stands. Zaccheus Beal. Resident of Bowdoinham, represen- tative 1784 and 1786, died October 11, 1816. Elihu Getchell. Representative to Court in 1779, 1801, 1805, 1806. Died September 6, 1806, aged 64. James Maxwell. Representative in 1809, 1810, 1811, Died September 17, 1836, aged 90 years. Syms Gardiner. Representative in 1816. Married Amelia Hough, published July 24, 1810. Died in Bow- doinham, June 4, 1854. Elihu Getchell was returned in 1800, but his seat was contested and declared vacant. The reason for the town not being represented every year as given by Mr. J. C. Elder of Lewiston, was, the town was obliged to pay the expenses of the representatives and they did not always appropriate funds for it ; so unless a candi- date himself furnished them, the town went without representation. Representatives to Legislature of Maine. 1822, Samuel Gray; 1823-24, Elihu Hatch; 1825-26- 27-28, George Jewett; 1829, Ebenezer Hatch; 1830, Samuel Gray; 1831, John Patten; 1832, William Stin- son; 1883, Josiah Merrow; 1834, Wm. Lunt; 1835, Wm. Purington; 1836, Avery Hulett; 1837-38-39, Job Gray; 1840, Samuel Gray; 1841, Wm. Purington; 1842, no record; 1843-44, John Patten; 1845, no record; 1846, John Harward ; 1847, Josiah Merrow ; 1848, no record ; 1849, Josiah Merrow; 1850, John Raymond; 1851-52, unrepresented; 1853, John Fulton; 1855, Wm. H. Lunt; 1856, unrepresented ; 1857, Chas. P. Quint ; 1858, Rob- ert P. Carr; 1859, Wm. White; 1860, unrepresented, none elected; 1861, Joseph Mustard; 1862, unrepresent- ed; 1863, Constant Quinnam; 1864, unrepresented; 1865, James Decker ; 1866, unrepresented ; 1867, Josiah Merrow; 1868, unrepresented; 1869, Robert Paring- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 239 ton; 1870, unrepresented; 1871, E. J. Millay; 1872, Geo. Barron of Topsham; 1873, Geo. L. Whitmore; 1874, Geo. Barron of Topsham; 1875, Isaiah Percy of West Bath; 1876-77, J. L. Browne; 1878, James Barron of Topsham; 1879, Converse Purington; 1880, I. E. Mal- lett, Topsham; 1882, Robt. D. Spear; 1886, Charles E. Purington ; 1890, Daniel G. Cornish ; 1900, J. H. Moul- ton; 1908, W. B. Kendall. CHAPTER XVII. HOTELS— TELEGRAPHS— ICE BUSINESS— OLD CEME- TERIES—RAILROADS—VILLAGE B ANK— BEQUE STS TO THE TOWN— NEW HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING. The first hotel of which we have any record was built on the spot where Thos. Tyler's building stood on the west side of Main street, and was managed by W. S. Varnum. Have no exact date when it was built, but about 1808 or 1810. There were five other hotels in town at different times of which we have the following particulars concerning them. The next in order was Joseph Leonard's tavern, on the lot where the Metho- dist church now stands, formerly the George Henry lot and was burned in 1847 ; but the stable, not burned, was moved down Bridge street to the lot of the old toll house, where Wm. B. Kendall's ofl[ice now stands and converted it into a store house for lime. High tides flooded it and set the lime on fire burning the building. The old toll house had previously been moved to the Rufus Glass lot for an ell and was afterward torn down. This is the S. D. Thorn house. During the period of stage coaches, hotels were more in demand than at the present time, with our modern conveyances. The other hotel was managed by Jo- seph Curtis and stood on the Robert Warren (Dr. Che- ney) lot and was burned in August, 1843, the stable did not burn. Have no date when the hotel was built but later than 1820, as a school house stood there before this date. The property came into the possession of Miss Bethsheba Curtis when she converted the stable into a dwelling house and lived there many years. Gen. Winfield S. Scott of military fame, passed through Bowdoinham in 1839 on his way to Aroostook 240 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 241 to settle the war question which was rapidly being in- augurated in that region, and called at this hotel and, while the stage horses were changed, many of our peo- ple had the privilege to shake hands with the old hero of many wars. The next house of prominence was the Stinson house, built by William Stinson about 1839. Joseph Arm- strong run this house in 1840-41. Wm. Lunt in 1842 and 1843, when Wm. Stinson, the owner, run the house till about 1856, when Chas. Temple took control of the house and managed it till 1858. Again it changed hands and Charles Work at the latter date became man- ager and continued in that business till 1867, when Geo. W. Rideout bought the building and in a few years he built over the house making it a modern hotel, con- tinuing as manager till the disastrous fire that de- stroyed so much of the business portion of the village. This hostelry was consumed by the flames in December, 1902, and since that date this village has been without a hotel. Still there was another hotel on the spot where the E. P. Kendall house now stands, built by Alfred Carr about 1855 or '56 which was run as a hotel for a short time and ceased business in 1864. It came into the possession of Robert P. Carr, who rented it as a tene- ment house and coat factory. The business of the village was not large enough to support two hotels. It was destroyed by fire in 1883. "The Mustard Tavern" should not be forgotten, as that has been a prominent land mark for about 100 years. The hotel was built by Isaac Leonard about 1795 but as there were no roads in that part of the town till 1807, there could not have been much wisdom in building a house of such dimensions in a wilderness, as it must have been on that date, as no road existed north of Zebulon Jack's at this time only in a primitive state. 242 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Joseph Mustard came to Bowdoinham in 1819 and came in possession soon after and run it as a public house till 1853, when it ceased business. The road from Zebulon Jack's to Richmond Corner and the Pond was built in 1807 so the hotel was erected ten years before the road was built. There might have been quite a lot of travel in that di- rection, enough to induce the proprietor to build, but it must have been wholly by horseback. The settlement of Litchfield and other sections in the vicinity gave the prospect for an opening which could not have been very flattering. From information given, Joseph Mustard, Sr., came originally from Woolwich and with his son, Joseph, Jr., "swapped" the place with Isaac Leonard in 1819, and for years thereafter Mustard's Tavern was one of the best known public houses in this part of the country. It is to-day called by its old name, "Mustard's Tavern," and so long as it stands, and it looks good for another century at least, it will still carry the title which it so well earned. Being upon a direct stage line between Augusta and Portland, it could not well help becoming prominent, and here it was that all stages stopped, for a change of horses and to secure refreshments for the travelers. The big yellow coaches dashing along over the roads, drawn by four horses did a large business before the iron horse came into use, and to supply fresh animals for these coaches there were always seventeen to thirty-five horses stabled in the old barn across the road which is still standing, although it was built 100 years ago. This ancient hostelry, once the scene of so much gayety and bustle, has been kept in a good state of repair and in the front yard bloom those plants so pop- ular in the old New England gardens of a century ago. The interior of the old tavern has undergone no great changes since the days when it was a public house. Connected with the tavern were large fields and gar- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 243 dens wherein were raised the vegetables for the table and the grain and hay for the stock. It is said that Landlord Mustard used to raise 1000 bushels of pota- toes in a season, 200 bushels of shelled corn and other vegetables and grains in like proportions. Melvin White is the present owner of the tavern. The Telegraph Company. The first telegraph company was organized in 1852, and the holes for the poles were dug and poles set through Bowdoinham in the summer of 1853, and great was the surprise to the common lot of humanity how messages could be sent on wires strung on these poles. At that early date this was an experiment, as the busi- ness world had not caught up with the idea of quick dispatches, and business came very slowly until time developed its uses. For many years this one wire dis- patched all the business between Portland, Augusta and Bangor. The line was owned by the Maine Telegraph Compa- ny. Previous to 1877 the only opposition was the In- ternational Telegraph Company, but they had no office at Bowdoinham. The former company always main- tained one here, and the office was located in the E. L. Thorn building, and he was operator and served many years in that position. His son, S. D. Thorn, followed and served until the office was transferred to the depot in 1869, -when Mrs. Snell took charge of the office, hold- ing that position until 1904. In 1865 several more wires were added. In 1877 the Atlantic & Pacific established a line through the town as an independent company, but soon all were consoli- dated into the "Western Union" and the number of wires increased rapidly to meet the demands of busi- ness in the new branch of quick communication and push. 244 history of bowdoinham Mails. The United States mail system starting from a very- insignificant beginning in the latter part of the 18th century has now become a wonderful working machine. The early mails were carried by coasters from Bow- doinham to Boston, or by private conveyance, as one might chance to meet parties to send by, as letters in those days were a rarity. As early as the Revolution there was a kind of a mail system in vogue, as mails were received in Brunswick from Boston once every fortnight by stage coach or by horseback, and as there was no postoffice in Bruns- wick until 1793, it could not have been received and carried under the Government protection. After the introduction of the railroad the mail system developed by leaps and bounds. When the Colonial Government was inaugurated in 1775 there was a Postoffice Department established, and Benjamin Franklin was appointed Postmaster General, February 5, 1775. Then postoffices were es- tablished between the larger towns in the colonies. As there was but little correspondence in those days, there was not much mail to carry. So it was not till the Republic was established in 1789, that the mail bus- ness began to expand, as the conditions of the country began to develop, that it should keep up with the phe- nominal growth and development of her industries. In 1790 there were only seventy-five postoffices in the United States, and only nine hundred and three in 1800, so they could not have been very numerous in Maine, and from that small beginning it has become the greatest business concern in the world. The first mail between Boston, Brunswick and Bath was established about 1800, when Brunswick and vicin- ity received mail from Boston on the third day, and was carried on horseback, usually in the pockets of the driv- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 245 er. In 1803 there were three mails per week, reaching the latter place on the third day, and two years later it covered the same distance in two days. (His. rec- ords) . Much uncertainty exists about the origin of the mail routes in this state.' The first postofRce in Bowdoin- ham was established December 31, 1810, and Syms Gardiner was appointed postmaster. There must have been some organized system that furnished a means of sending letters from place to place, but whether it was by private contracts or under official supervision it can- not be decided, and must always remain a question. All that can be said about the system is that it came into action, and did its work imperfectly, until a better one was developed and quickly changed over. There are certain things that can be stated as facts, that Bowdoinham received and sent letters many years before a postoffice was established here, but by what system, and how, no authority has given any light on the matter. "In 1802, T. S. Estabrook began to carry the mail to Augusta, passing through Topsham and Litchfield, via Gardiner. He carried it at first on horseback, leaving Brunswick every Monday. In 1806 he commenced to run a passenger coach twice a week. It left Brunswick on Saturday and Tuesday at 11 A. M. and arrived in Augusta on Sunday and Wednesday at 10 A. M. On returning he left Augusta at noon on Sunday, and at 8 A. M. on Thursday. The mail must have been car- ried on horseback after 1802 for a number of years." We take the above statement from the "Farmers Almanac" of 1810, but it is incorrect in one thing. The mail route did not run through Litchfield, but from Brunswick to Bowdoinham village, thence up the Post Road to Richmond Corner, then via Gardiner to Aug- usta. At Richmond Comer it was very near the South east boundry of Litchfield. We cannot conceive how a stage coach could go through the town in 1806, as the 246 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM road was not built from Zebulon Jack's to Richmond Corner until 1807, thence to the Pond, (Town records), and it must have been several years before this new road was passable for a stage coach. The first daily mail is thought to have commenced in 1810. In 1824 no mail could reach towns on the Androscoggin River, except by the way of Portland or Hallowell. (The above statements are from the His- tory of Brunswick and Topsham.) This mail route through Bowdoinham beginning 1810, the year the Post office was established in that town, continued until the railroad commenced opera- tion to Augusta. When the mails were transferred to the railroad, the stage line died a natural death. In 1820 the postage on a single letter not exceeding thirty miles, was six cents; over thirty and not over eighty, ten cents ; over eighty and not over one hundred and fifty, twelve and one-half cents; over one hundred and fifty and not over four hundred, twenty-five cents ; double letter, or those composed of two pieces of paper, double the above rate. It may be well to note the rate of postage prevailing in 1833. The postage on a letter to Boston was twelve and one-half cents. Eighteen and three-fourths cents to New York, and twenty-five cents from any distance over five hundred miles. Envelopes did not come into use until about 1850. Previous to that date the letter was folded in such a way as to make its own cover and then sealing wax was used to fasten it. As we have but little that we have gained in knowl- edge in the matter of stage lines through this town, it might, with propriety, be inserted here under the mail system as both were in the same enterprise, advancing into a new country. In 1806 Col. Estabrook drove the first bi-weekly stage from Brunswick to Augusta and this stage line, as previously stated, was on the Post HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 247 Road, until 1848, when the route was changed from the latter named road to the one leading directly from Bowdoinham to Richmond Village, via Harward and •the River Road to Richmond. This coach carried the mail until the railroad took the business, in 1853. These coaches were probably run by the "Maine Stage Co," as this is the earliest company of which we have any record. Ice Business. In the latter part of '60, soon after the Civil War, a new industry sprang into existence that promised to open up a great field to capital and labor in the State of Maine, especially in those localities bordering on tide waters. We refer to the ice business. The object was to store ice in conveniently constructed buildings in the winter and ship during the warmer weather to south- em cities, and localities, for their consumption. The people had begun to learn that ice was not only a luxury but a necessity, and the best part of this business was that it did not impoverish the state to the extent of one dollar, and gave thousands of people employment. This industry sprang up in a time of great depres- sion in business and brought a large amount of capital into circulation. Men came for miles around to the tide waters for employment for themselves and horses, and it proved a great boon to labor. The first time that ice was put up for shipment, was in 1856 when R. P. Carr and Samuel Fuller took a con- tract of the "Tudars of Boston" to store a certain amount for them. The old Patten barn, so well known to most of our older people, was used as an ice house and filled. Long blocks of ice were hauled to the build- ing and hoisted up by a snatch block, and then swung into the building on an incline and run into the house. The men stowed the cakes of ice by hand, using wisps of hay to prevent the hands from slipping. 248 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM The next attempt at storing ice was by Capt. N. H. Macomber, one of Bowdoinham's progressive business men, in 1868 on his wharf in this village, now occupied by Capt. Adams as a coal wharf. The ice was shipped in the summer and the business proved to be so very profitable, that many invested their money in this new industry. Each year witnessed many new houses erected on the banks of the Kennebec and Cathance Rivers, and filled with this commodity. In a few years every avail- able position on the latter river was taken up by the ice companies. The following companies and locations have been compiled and are practically correct: In the Capt. James Sampson field near the depot, David Williams & Co., Capacity 3000 tons, and after- wards S. W. Carr had an ice house, capacity 3000 tons. On Kendall's wharf, Joel Curtis & Co., 3000 tons. On Capt. Adams' wharf then N. H. Macomber, 1872, 3000 tons. Bath parties, Elgin, Pike & Cross, 2500 tons. John Gray's field, 1876, Whitmore, Quint & Glazier, 4000 tons. Patten's shore, 1870, Crystal Ice Co., Berry & Pur- ington, 9000 tons. On Patten's below Crystal Ice Co., 1876, B. L. Hig- gins Co., 3000 tons. Sedgley's Point, Umberhind & Chas. Purington, 3000 tons. Thos. Pratt field, Tidal Wave, S. D. Thorn Co., 3500 tons. Brick Yard, J. H. Millay & B. Pratt, 8500 tons. Newall Purington field, N. Purington & Allen, 2500 tons. Capt. Reed farm, Jarvis Patten Co., 5000 tons. Houses on the Ben Allen place, 3000 tons. Will Williams shore, 4000 tons. John Hall's shore, C. Purington & Co., 3000 tons. T. B. Reed's shore, Reed & Co., 3000 tons. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 249 Geo. Sampson shore two houses, Spring Cove Co., 2000 tons and 3000 tons. On H. Campbell's shore, Nath'l Williams & N. Pur- ington, 1876, 1500 tons. Later Humphrey Purington put up ice here, 1880, two houses, 4000 tons. On Abagadasset Point, J. L. & Wm. W. Brown, 1880, Pine Grove Ice Company, 10,000 tons. On Jack's Point, Robt. Brown, Chas Purington and others, 2,500 tons. On Jack's Point, S. W. Carr & Co., 1890, 2500 tons. Cold Wave Company built on Brown's Point, by Brown, Kendall, Fulton and others, 4500 tons. On the Thos. Maxwell's shore on the Kennebec, the proprietor put up in 1880 an ice house storing 2000 tons. Ice was put up here for several years. J. P. Norton of the Lewiston Company stacked ice upon the Chas. Hill shore in 1874, being a year of great demand for ice and in 1878 the company bought the land and erected six houses on the M. H. Powers shore, each house being 200 feet long and 40 feet wide, and in 1882 the company erected six more, all being under four roofs, with a capacity of 70,000 tons of ice. Later they were sold to Clark and Chapman of Portland. Other houses of smaller capacity were built on the Hill farm, known as the Sagadahoc Ice Company, and did a large business for many years. On the Hiram Cooper place — Russell erected large houses and carried on a large business. In the northern part of the town large buildings were erected on the Hodges place, storing a large amount of ice and continues to do business up to the present time, 1912. Houses were built on the No- ble Preble shore by the Morses of Bath, and put up about 5000 tons. The business prospered and grew rapidly until large capitalists began to get a large hold of the business con- trolling the price and market, resulting in driving the smaller firms out of business, and in 1889, the ice trust 250 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM was formed and headed by Chas. W. Morse of Bath, later of New York, under the name of the "American Ice Company," placing all the business under the man- agement of this company, remaining so to the present time. A very few of the houses remain on the Kenne- bec River and none on the Cathance. Many of the buildings burned down, while others blew down, there not being sufficient support in them, when empty to withstand the gales. So the ice business, which prom- ised to be such a source of wealth to our people is now a matter of past history, crushed out by a grasping and an unscrupulous monopoly. No ice has been put up on the Cathance River since 1890, and that year S. W. Carr bought all that was for sale on the Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers. "The American Ice Co." has con- tinued business on the Kennebec in a limited capacity, putting up only enough to fill their requirements for their business, using the ice from other localities first. Old Cemeteries. Probably the oldest cemetery in town is that located on the west side of the Abagadasset River about three- fourths of a mile south of Harward's Crossing, on the hill near where the first meeting house was built, just north of the Cromwell estate. The earliest settlers, who located on the shores of this river, were buried there. Years ago, when the cemetery was quite free from trees and weeds one could count scores of graves on this side hill, marked only by a flat rock for the head and foot stones. Old people pointed out to the writer, nearly fifty years ago, many graves of men who had been well known in our town's history. This was a convenient burying ground for the whole community on the above named river, by bringing the dead by water, or conveying by land, as the road by it was one of the earliest in town. This beautiful location has been most sadly neglected for many years, it having been used for pasture and is now grown to HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 251 bushes and weeds. This ancient cemetery should be taken charge of by the town, cleared up, as it is historic. When this plot became somewhat neglected the people adopted the absurd practice of burying on their home- stead,- so when the farm falls into other hands the identity of the graves becomes lost. This practice is fast going out of use. We find large yards of family cemeteries in many places in the eastern part of the town, one especially on Abagadasset Point. As these cemeteries are in later years sadly neglected, all inter- est is lost and the sacred memory of the dead forgotten. Nearly every farm had its private cemetery. To-day very many of these yards have lost their identity. Ridge Cemetery. One of the most beautiful cemeteries in town is sit- uated on Bowdoinham Ridge, which was used first as a private burying ground about 1800. This is the larg- est of any, but there are not so many buried here as in the village grounds. Its elevation, dryness and neat and tasty care attract many purchasers of lots in which to bury their dead. The Ridge cemetery was first laid out about 1800 or soon after, as stones there bear the date of 1806— one in 1809. William White first took up a piece of his land and sold it in lots, then he took in another piece as it was needed^ and later Benj. Flan- ders, Lemuel Seigars and Wm. H. Given took in land for the same purpose. The early stones are Joseph Bates, died April 6, 1806 ; David Bates died May 21, 1809. The cemetery was not incorporated into an association until January, 1888, when it was organized under the name of "The Bowdoinham Ridge Burying Ground Association," af- terwards changed to "The Bowdoinham Ridge Ceme- tery Association." The incorporators were Thomas P. Whitmore, William H. Given, Daniel B. Cornish, Frank E. Given, Joel Carde, Joseph N. Hall. The first officers were William H. Given, President; Marshall H. White, 252 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Secretary ; Joseph N. Hall, Treasurer. Mr. White and Mr. Hall each have held their office continuously to the present day. The annual meeting is held the first Tuesday in Jan- uary. The present officers are Pearl Carde, President ; Marshall H. White, Secretary; and Joseph N. Hall, Treasurer. The three directors are Pearl Carde, U. Grant Hulse and Edward L. White. Various sums of money have been left for the Asso- ciation, viz. : Received $625.00 from Charles T. Sanford estate, February 25, 1888. Received $200.00 in February, 1890, from Sarah M. Whitmore for herself and sister, Hannah Whitmore. Received $200.00 in July, 1890, from Philena Whit- more. May, 1896, received $100.00 from Margaret White and $200.00 in 1904, from Mrs. Minerva Sparks. Railroad. The railroad which passes through this town was surveyed in 1845, and in 1846 it had another survey and located and then the work began. The road was com- menced in the fall of 1846, and pushed rapidly in 1847 by a corporation, known as the Kennebec and Portland Railroad Company. They started out for Augusta. On December 30, 1850, the first engine passed over the road from Brunswick to Richmond, and for two years this latter town was the terminal, as the funds failed to push further. When this crisis arose, it became neces- sary to devise a scheme whereby loans could be ob- tained for the road. The towns and cities along the line were called upon for help to continue the enter- prise. The work had been suspended most of the time during the years of 1848 and 1849. The leaders and capitalists who were financing the work advanced the theory that if the road was built through a town it would help to increase the town's HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 253 valuation, and bring industries into the localities, there- fore it would not only be for the interest of the road, but that of the town to help build it, by a loan of credit to the enterprise, which would prove of such benefit to the towns and state. So towns and cities along the line of the railroad were called upon, and animated and heated discussions were the order of the day. The farming communities were very decidedly against the loan. They had strong advocates, both for and against the proposition in this town. Finally the measure was defeated by a decisive vote and killed. But one other town on the line rejected the measure. Richmond was against the loan. The credit of the towns were not contemplated at the beginning of the construction of the road. But in 1850 necessity com- pelled the company to take this step and ask aid with which to complete the work. As most of the towns and cities on the line of the road loaned their credit, the work began in good earnest and was carried to comple- tion — first to Richmond, then to Augusta, and finally to Skowhegan. During 1851 and 1852, the road made its terminal at Richmond. About 1854 the road changed hands and the name was changed from "Kennebec & Portland" to Portland & Kennebec R. R. Co., and later it merged into the Maine Central and since then has been swallowed up by the Boston & Maine System. In 1909, the whole was taken possession of by the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, so now Maine pays homage to foreign interest for the necessaries of life. Station at Bowdoinham. This station was built in 1850, it being a small one story building, with the freight department in the west end will long be remembered by the old people for its peculiar color (brown). This old structure was torn down and the new one built in 1872. The first Station Agent was Wm. Lunt, who served for a short time, then 254 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Samuel Douglas became Agent and served till 1863, when R. P. Carr was appointed. He retired from that place in 1870, when Horace Snell became the Agent holding that position till 1904; on account of poor health he retired and for two years another served in that place. In 1907 Mr. Nichols was appointed and now serves the railroad and public creditably. The station is doing a large business, especially in shipping fertilizers for the Kendall concern and lumber from the steam mill. Village Bank of Bowdoinham. The Village Bank was incorporated by a special act of the Legislature in 1852, and again under the Private and Special Laws of 1856. An act was passed, ap- proved February 15, 1856, to incorporate the Village Bank of Bowdoinham. This remained as a State in- stitution until March 28, 1865, when it was authorized to do business as a National Bank. The capital stock was $50,000. Mr. Berry was elected president at its organization and Robert Butterfield as cashier. When the Berry firm failed in 1857, the president resigned and Nathaniel Purington became president, when he re- signed in 18 — , Robert P. Carr became the head of the institution remaining as such till 1882, when he re- signed and Capt. John Coombs of Bowdoin was elected and held that position till about 1888. Samuel W. Randall became president of the bank, remaining there till February 14, 1890, when William K. Maxwell be- came president of the institution serving about six months, when the affairs of the bank were closed up. Robert Butterfield resigned the office of cashier about 1867, and Henry Q. Sampson was chosen for the place and remained in that position till 1884. Herbert P. Kendall became cashier September 18, 1884, and held the office till August 28, 1890, when the bank went into voluntary liquidation and closed up its business, and since that date the town has had no bank. The bank HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 255 had been a useful and successful institution during its existence. This brings up the matter of the robbery of the bank in June, 1866, when four burglars entered the house of the cashier, Mr. Butterfield in the night, se- cured the keys to the vault and went to the bank and tried in vain to open the doors, leaving the cashier un- der guard during the time. They returned and forcing Mr. Butterfield to march up the railroad track to the bank between two of the robbers at the points of re- volvers and compelled him to unlock the vault, releasing to them the $80,000, representing the savings of many, many years of hard labor and industry to the deposi- tors, and made their escape. Three of the burglars were apprehended and tried in Bath, Me., in September 1866, convicted and sentenced to State Prison for fif- teen years. They served their time and were released. The three men sent to prison for the robbery were Bartlett, Syms, and Maguire. The fourth man was never found. Bequests. In 1878, A. Q. Randall direct and bequeathed to the town of Bowdoinham one-tenth of his estate, amount- ing to about $3200, the same to be held in trust, and the interest to be paid annually to the worthy poor. In 1894, Mrs. Eliza Mustard bequeathed the sum of $3000, for the same purpose; so the town now holds more than $6000 in trust for charitable purposes. New High School Building. Bowdoinham auspiciously opened the new year of 1912, with the dedication of her new high school, and a proud day it was for her citizens. Painted light yellow with white trimmings, eighty- seven feet long by forty-nine wide, it stands on "The Ledges" of Schoolhouse Hill, one of the most pictur- esque sites in the village. From its grounds, which 256 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM have 150-feet frontage by 300 deep, the town spreads as a panorama, while Merrymeeting Bay sparkles like a distant gem, and the Cathance, nearer at hand, winds seaward like a silver thread. The building was erected by Contractor E. H. Well- man of Augusta, with E. L. White, S. W. Carr, and T. W. Fogg, building committee, and C. W. Frost, super- intendent of construction for the town. It cost ap- proximately $9,500, and it is claimed that no town in the State of like population can boast a finer or better equipped high school. It contains three class-rooms to be used by the high, grammar and intermediate grades. The two lower grades are provided with rooms thirty by twenty-five feet long with eleven foot ceilings, and have a seating capacity for thirty-five. The walls and floors are finely polished North Caro- lina pine. All the furnishings, including one hundred and twenty seats, of which one-third were presented by the alumni, are new and of the best material and make. In the basement is a splendidly equipped laboratory, two good play-rooms, two modern hot-air furnaces, and the best facilities for storage of coal. The floors here are of concrete. The lavatory has the new crema- tive system. The building is provided with call bells run by electric push-button arrangement. In the yard is a bored well esventy feet deep that furnishes, it is said, some of the finest drinking water in the State. This new high school fills a keenly felt want in Bow- doinham. The old building, which will soon be re- moved, was erected in 1855 but was not voted as a high school until twenty years later. For the dedicatory session the program opened with a piano duet by Hattie Jack and Ida Fowle followed by prayer, Rev. Walter Beedy ; vocal duet, Blanche Round and Pearl Ames ; report of the building committee, E. L. White ; delivery of keys to school board, Hon. S. W. Carr; response of school board, Ivan G. Lang, chair- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 257 man; vocal duet, Bessie and Jessie Ames; acceptance of building by town, Hon, Lewis M. Fulton ; acceptance of high school, Walter E. Matthews, principal ; address by Payson Smith, State Superintendent of schools; singing, "America" by audience; benediction. Hon. Lewis Fulton offered the following tribute : "Recently Miss Viola V. Coombs, sister of the late John C. Coombs of Boston expressed a desire to assist in the construction of this building and has tendered to the town through its selectmen, the sum of $2500. This munificent gift has been accepted and it has been mutually agreed between the town officials and Miss Coombs that this building shall bear the name of the John C. Coombs school, as a memorial to Mr. Coombs. "At an early day Miss Coombs will have a tablet of bronze suitably inscribed and placed in a prominent position at the entrance. Now fellow citizens I know you all appreciate the generosity of this noble act, and will join with us in extending to the donor our heart- felt thanks and many Happy New Years. To the com- mittee and all others, who have assisted in the con- struction of this building we also extend our thanks and fully appreciate the work that they have done." Amid enthusiastic applauding Miss Viola Coombs was called for and from a seat in the rear of the room responded : "I have never made a speech in my life," Miss Coombs said, "but this one thing I would like to say. I am truly glad and proud of my townspeople, that they had the disposition and energy to erect this beautiful building; and now at its dedication, January 1, 1912, I wish the school many years of prosperity and happi- ness." At 7.30 the town hall was filled to listen to the second program of the day. Hon. Lewis Fulton, chairman, an- nounced the order of exercises which began with a pi- ano duet by Mrs. Bert Jack and Miss Ida Fowle, fol- lowed by prayer by Rev. Miles Reed. Then the male 258 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM quartette composed of Mr. Henderson, Mr. Kendall, Mr. Doe and Mr. Stuart, sang. This number was respond- ed to with an encore. A cornet solo by Ed Warren de- manded another after which Superintendent Payson Smith was introduced and from the first carried the au- dience by his wit and logic. This evening address laid special stress on three things: First, the low wages paid to Maine teachers in comparison to other states; second, a plea for education of the hands as well as brain ; third, the need of a place for the social gather- ing for the youth of our small towns. The quartette sang again, and yet once more before the gathering was contented. The audience rose to the singing of "America" and after the benediction dispersed to hold January 1st, 1912, among their cherished memories. CHAPTER XVIII. history of the different secret societies in bowdoinham. Village Lodge No. 26. The history of Free Masonry in this town dates back to the early settlement of the town, at least back to the beginning of the Eighteenth Century, not in an organ- ized form, however, for it was not until the year 1817, that the brethren had become numerous enough to feel the need of a closer bond of union, and also to extend the rights and benefits of Masonry to their fellow cit- izens. The brethren of this and the adjoining towns of Bowdoin and Litchfield petitioned to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, to grant them a charter to open and hold a Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, by the name of Village Lodge, to be located in the town of Bowdoinham. Agreeable to their prayer a charter was issued by the most worshipful Grand Lodge of Massa- chusetts dated September 16, 1817, directed to Syms Gardiner, Henry Snow, Urial Huntington, William Dunham, Jonathan Purington, Solomon Eaton, John Rogers Jr., Joseph Wheeler, Josiah C. Colby, George Rogers, James Rogers, Benjamin Shaw, Isaac Leonard, John Temple, Elihu Purington, Robert Patten, Timo- thy Morgridge, John Hall; and Syms Gardiner was appointed its first Worshipful Master, and we are in- formed that in September or October of the same year the Grand. Lodge of Massachusetts met in the house of Bro. Samuel Gray in the chamber fronting the street and opened a lodge for the purpose of constituting Vil- lage Lodge and installing its officers, and we learn that this was a day of great importance in this community ; 259 260 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM and this Village Lodge became one of the leading in- stitutions of the town, which position it has continued to hold in this community for nearly one hundred years. When the charter members received their degrees, or how long they had been Masons we have no means of knowing. They were among the leading and influential men of their time in this vicinity, and thus the Lodge started under favorable conditions and continued to flourish for a long time, although like everything else it has had its seasons of depression. It surrendered its charter for a while, into the keeping of the Grand Lodge, but in 1855, it was restored to the brethren, some of the orig- inal members being then alive. Not then having any Masonic Hall they held their meetings for a time in the office of their Bro. Dr. Geo. W. Tinker, but soon fitted up a Masonic home in a building situated where the Hinckley Block now stands. It was in this building that the Lodge was burned out — February, 1858, losing all but their charter and one jewel. They then leased and fitted up a hall in the building owned by Reuel Wil- liams, and now owned by Mrs. Nancy Cornish. They soon out-grew this small hall and about 1864 leased and fitted up a very fine home for those times, in the block built by Purington & Gray where the Masonic block now stands, where they remained until the disastrous fire in this village, December 14, 1902, at which time they lost everything but their charter and records which were in the safe. Through the kindness o'f the brethren in Richmond and Brunswick they immediate- ly commenced work in Hinckley's Hall, where they re- mained until they erected their present Masonic block where the lodge now has a fine home and through the kindness of the Eastern Star Chapter and friends, some of whose ancestors had been members of this lodge, they have one of the finest furnished lodge rooms to be found in any country town in the state. The member- ship is the largest and its financial condition the best HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 261 in its history. This new hall was dedicated December 3, 1904, and it is a striking co-incidence that the Grand Lodge of Maine when it met here to dedicate this new hall of Masonry, through the kindness of John F, Gray, Esq., son of the Senior Gray, opened its session in the same room in which the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts occupied eighty-six years previous. In this short and imperfect sketch of Village Lodge which is furnished, it would not be doing justice did we not give credit to our late Brother Capt. Frank H. Pur- ington, for many of the facts herein contained, and who by his untiring interest in the Lodge left a valuable collection of matter pertaining to its history. Hugh Curtis. The subject of this sketch was born in Harps- well at High-Head, October 21, 1800, and was the son of William Curtis and Betsey Alexander. His father moved to Bowdoinham when the son was but one year old, on to the farm where he passed the most of his life. He attended the common schools of the town and later attended Buckfield Academy. On finishing his course at the Academy he took up the profession of teaching and in about the year 1825 or 1826 he made a tour of the Middle and Southern States, first going to New Orleans in a brig from Boston. He remained in Louisiana more than a year, teaching, and for the greater part of the time boarded with General Zachary Taylor afterwards President of the United States. He taught in Mississippi, Kentucky, and for quite a time taught in the interior of Pennsylvania, where, as he used to say, the English language was never spoken ex- cept on compulsion. The people were the descendants of the Early Dutch and German settlers and still ad- hered to their old customs in manners and language. He returned in 1831, but while in New Orleans was made a Free Mason, to which order he was steadfastly devoted throughout his life. After the anti-Masonic 262 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM troubles were mostly over and Village Lodge of Bowdoinham resumed work he joined it and several times was its W. M. He took an active part in organizing the Richmond Lodge, of which he was made an honorary member. Ex-Gov. R. P. Dunlap used to say he was the "Father of Masonry in Bowdoin- ham." Since he came back from the Southern States he taught local schools mostly in Bowdoinham with the exception of three or four years from 1832 to about 1837, when he lived and taught school in Topsham. He married in 1832 Miss Margaret Rogers, daughter of Capt. John Rogers and Susanna Patten. He taught at least two terms each year in winters and carried on the homestead farm in the summer, until about 1868, when he retired, having taught for fifty years. For many years he was Superintending School Committee or Su- pervisor, and esteemed by all as an honest, upright and scholarly man. He died March 20, 1881. Herewith is a list of Worshipful Masters of Village Lodge F. and A. M., from the time the Lodge was in- stituted in 1817 to 1833. At that time there appeared to be a great upheaval against Free Masonry, better known as the "Morgan exposure" so that Masons were subjected to ridicule and insult, no matter what their character was in a community. The feeling was so intense that the brethren thought it to be advisable to close the lodge for a time till the passion of men cooled down. So the last business of the lodge was done in 1830, according to our historian, the late Brother F. H. Purington, but the charter and paraphernalia were not formally surrendered into the keeping of the Grand Lodge until 1848. But no records exist of any meetings during this period of fifteen years. Probably they were in the safe keeping of some faithful member of the order. The charter was restored in 1855, and a healthy and steady growth has been with this lodge ever since. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 263 Syms Gardiner, 1817-1818 ; Ebenezer Herrick, 1818- 1819 ; Jonathan Purington, 1819-1821 ; Syms Gardiner, 1821-1822; Samuel Gray, 1822-1824; James W. San- ford, 1824-1826; George Jewett, 1826-1827; James W. Sandford, 1827-1829 ; George W. Tinker, 1830-1833. Worshipful Masters of Village Lodge from 1855 to 1912: George W. Tinker, 1855 and 1856; Abial H. Cheney, 1856-58; Hugh Curtis, 1858-59 ; Abial H. Cheney, 1859- 60 ; Samuel Donnell, 1860-62 ; Nathan Cleaves, 1862-64 ; Samuel Donnell, 1864-65; James H. Wilson, 1865-67; A. H. Cheney, 1867-68; H. S. B. Smith, 1868-70 ; George L. Whitmore, 1870-73 ; Robert W. Carr, 1873-75 ; Sam- uel Donnell, 1875-77 ; James H. Wilson, 1877-79 ; Silas Adams, 1879-82 ; Franklin K. Jack, 1882-84 ; Converse Purington, 1884-86. Brother Purington died August 31, 1886, while in office; John L. Brown,1886-88 ; Geo. H. Blodgett, 1888-90; Henry E. Cornish, 1890-93; George H. Blodgett, 1893-94; George D. Pratt, 1894-95; R. W. Carr, 1895-96 ; Geo. H. Blodgett, 1896-98 ; Frank- lin K. Jack, 1898-1901; Geo. H. Blodgett, 1901-02; A. P. M. Given, 1902-04; Edward L. White, 1904-07; Mil- ton Given, 1907-11 ; Charles M. White, present Master, elected October 1911. Merrymeeting Grange No. 258. The first meeting to organize a "Grange" was held in Mechanics Hall, October 27, 1883, Bowdoinham. The following were the Charter Members of Merry- meeting Grange : Mr. and Mrs. J. W, Lang, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Wil- son, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Cobb, Mr. and Mrs M. H. White, Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Adams, Carrie Kendall, R. D. Spear, Fletcher White, T. W. Merriman, W. B, Ken- dall, E. P. Kendall, T, P. Whitmore, Susie M. Whit- more, W. B. Merriman, Abbie G. Hulte, John P. Wil- son, F. A. Getchell, C. E. Sanford. 264 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM At that time the following officers were elected and installed by County Deputy, W. S. Rogers of Topsham Grange. Master, J. W. Lang; Overseer, J. P. Cobb Lecturer, W. B. Kendall; Chaplain, M. H. White Treasurer, T. P. Whitmore; Secretary, F. S. Adams Gate Keeper, W. B. Merriman ; Ceres, Mrs. J. W. Lang Pomona, Mrs. Isaac Wilson ; Flora, Mrs. J. P. Cobb, L. A. Steward, Susie M. Whitmore. At the annual meet- ing held December 14, 1883, the same officers were elected. Two meetings were held in Mechanics Hall, and after that were held in the G. A. R. Hall. J. L. Brown was the first applicant for membership, and he became a member of the Grange November 23, 1883, by obligation. Ella Williams and Annie Brown were the first mem- bers to receive the degrees in full form, they received the first degree January 4, 1884. The first subject on the Lecturer's program for discussion was orcharding, December 14, 1883, opened by the Worthy Lecturer, W. B. Kendall. This question proved so interesting that it was laid on the table for the next meeting. The other subjects discussed during the winters of 1883 and '84 were commercial fertilizers, fences, jersey cattle, what crops to raise. Associated Dairying and County Fairs. J. L. Brown, Chairman of the Finance Committee re- ported from January 4, 1884, balance in the treasury of $24,82. The first Pomona meeting was held in June, 1884. On December 14, 1902, the Grange lost all its prop- erty by fire which destroyed the G. A. R. Hall. Work on the foundation was in progress for a new hall on the lot at the time of the fire which was purchased of Mr. John Gray on Main street, on September 9, 1898, for $225.00. In the following summer of 1903, work was begun on the present new Grange Hall, by a committee consisting of C. S. Holbrook, Chairman ; F. B. Meserve, A. R. Harward, A. J. Gowell, Henry Wilson, W. H. Gould, Miss Alice Fulton, and Mrs. Amasa Williams. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 265 The Hall was dedicated on January 21, 1904, by State Master Obadiah Gardner. The following were the officers of the Grange at the time of dedication : C. S. Holbrook, W. M. ; C. M. White, W. O. ; R. W. Carr, W. L. ; J. H. King, W. S. ; F. P. Blodgett, W. A. S. ; John M. Curtis, W. Chap. ; W. B. Williams, W. Y. ; E. L. White, W. Secy. ; F, N. Wood, W. G. K. ; Alice Fulton, W. C. ; Eliza Ferguson, W. F. ; Ella Williams, W. P. ; Susan Quint, W. L. A. The committee gave a report of the cost of the building to be $2,550.00. Since the dedication a heating system has been installed, and furniture put in, that is the equal of any other organi- zation. Both costing $525.00, the lower hall has been finished at a cost of $175.00, stables have been built at a cost of $500.00. The following are the present officers for 1912 : Foster B. Meserve, Worthy Master; John Pratt, Lecturer; Milton Given, Overseer; Mrs. Ferguson, Chaplain; Lysle Temple, Secretary; Charles Carey, Treasurer; Viola White, Flora; Ethel Temple, Ceres; Mildred Given, Pomona ; Susie Maloon, Lady Assistant Steward; Charlie Berry, Assistant Steward; Leon Richardson, Steward ; Harry Mosher, Gate Keeper. The following is the list of Masters of Merrymeeting Grange, No. 258, from its organization to the present time: J. W. Lang, 1883-84; F. S. Adams, 1885-86; George H. Blodgett, 1887-88; T. P. Whitmore, 1889-90; A. C. Williams, 1891-92; Wm. S. Aderton, 1893-94; A. R. Harward, 1895-96; John M. Curtis, 1897-98; A. C. Williams, 1899; E. S. Blodgett, 1900; F. B. Meserve, 1901-02; C. S. Holbrook, 1903-04; C. M. White, 1905- 06; F. B. Meserve, 1907-08; E. L. White, 1909; J. H. King, 1910-11. RiDEOUT Post. In 1877 the veterans of the Civil War in Bowdoinham deemed it proper and advisable to form some organiza- 266 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM tion, that they may better observe Memorial in a spirit befitting the day and its duties. So just before Memo- rial Day they met and arranged to participate in and carry out a program for the first exercises in this town. Teams were secured and the Veterans rode over and flagged every soldier's grave known, in the town. This day was ended by holding a meeting in the evening at the Methodist vestry, and forming the "Ar- my and Navy Union." Under this organization the veterans continued this patriotic labor of remembering their dead comrades. In 1880, the comrades made an application for a Charter to form a Grand Army Post. This being granted, the post was organized and mustered July 9, 1880, by Gen. I. W. Bangs, Dept. Commander of Maine. The Post had eighteen charter members. The first Commander elected was J. L. Brown, who served in that capacity three years. The Post was named in honor of Thomas T. Kideout, a soldier from Bowdoinham, serving in Co, F, 19th Me. Regt. during Pickett's famous charge on July 3d, 1863. He was struck by a ball passing into his shoulder, caus- ing death three days later. No nobler, man went from this town and died for her honor than he. The following named veterans formed the Post and their names appear as Charter Members: George L. Whitmore, Robert T. Warren, Seth H. Leonard, Jere M. Cromwell, Chas. A. Jordan, Geo. F. Tinker, F. S. Trufant, E. O. Fisher, John A. Fisher, Silas Adams, John Trufant, J. L. Brown, W. A. Wood, Alonzo Cutler, James A. Cromwell, W. H. Given, C. W. Salie, S. A. Kingsbury. The Post became known as Thomas J. Rideout Post No. 26, Dept. of Maine G. A. R. For many years the Post held meetings regular every 1st and 3d Saturday evening of each month. Since 1896 the membership was so small they have held no meetings except to elect officers and to make arrangements for Memorial Day, J. L. BROWN. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 267 when they meet and carry out their regular order of exercises, with a Memorial Address. The following is the list of commanders for the first ten years: 1880-81-82, J. L. Brown; 1883-84, G. L. Whitmore; 1885, Geo. F. Tinker; 1886, Silas Adams; 1887, E. 0. Fisher; 1888, Geo. H. Blodget; 1889, Thos. H. Sprague; 1890, W. A. Wood. The ranks of the Post for the past 15 years were rapidly thinned out, and only ten members remained upon the rolls January, 1911. But this Post, since the year 1911 came in, took a new lease of power and acti- vity, and have recruited their ranks to nearly twenty members, and more in view. This is an organization into which they cannot get any young blood for recruits they must get old soldiers, for all are quite three score and ten years, and it can be but a very few years before the last veteran of Thos. T. Rideout Post must answer to the last bugle call, and pitch his white tent on Heav- en's eternal camping ground. During the past fifteen years J. L. Brown as Commander, and Alonzo Cutler as Adjutant, have been the chief supporters of the Post in its adversity and apparent dissolution. Those two comrades stood by it, and now, one lives to see it rise again to a position of honor among those people. Com. Browne has passed over to receive his reward. Formerly this Post numbered forty members. Sons of Veterans Camp. This camp was organized in Woodman's Hall Bow- doinham, October 26, 1911, by Vice Commander L. L. Hooker of the Bath Camp. Charter members were: Frank J. Nichols, Charles H. Carey, Randall S. War- ren, Charles A. Newton, Horace L. Raymond, Edward B. Sprague, C. Edward Newton, Earle Browne, Milton Lang, Theodore Lang, E. Trufant. Meetings to be held the first Monday in each month. The order to be called the J. Loyalist Browne Camp. 268 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM First officers installed were: Commander, Frank J. Nichols; Senior Vice-Com- mander, Charles H. Carey; Junior Vice-Commander, Randall S. Warren ; Chaplain, Charles A. Newton ; Sec- retary, Horace L. Raymond; Treasurer, Edward B. Sprague; Patriotic Instructor, C. Edward Newton; Guide, Earle Browne; Inner Guard, Milton Douglass; Outer Guard, Roscoe Douglass; Color Bearer, Herbert Stewart; Camp Council, Charles A. Newton, E. Tru- fant and Earle Browne. Ladies' Auxiliary. The patriotic sentiment of old Bowdoinham has add- ed one more page to her history in remembering what the boys in blue from this town did from 1861-1865, by organizing a "Ladies' Auxiliary" of the J. Loyalist Browne Camp Sons of Veterans. The Auxiliary No. 19, was organized March 26, 1912, by Mrs. Carrie Gilchrist, President of the T. W. Hyde Auxiliary of Bath and Division President of Maine, assisted by other members of that order. The twenty-two charter members were : Mrs. Mary Crooker, Mrs. Hazel G. Browne, Mrs. Eliza Lancaster, Mrs. Mary M. Webber, Mrs. Effie E. Nichols, Mrs. Lizzie Newton, Mrs. Emma Ferguson, Mrs. Hortense M. Cannon, Mrs. Annie L. Newton, Mrs. Eliza Ferguson, Mrs. Lillian Cone, Mrs. Nellie Gilford, Mrs. Catherine Sprague, Mrs. Agnes Newton, Mrs. Stella King, Mrs. Georgia McFarland, Mrs. Hattie Jack, Mrs. Louise A. Cornish, Mrs. Mary Newton, Miss Viola Coombs, Miss Marjory Cone, Miss Lillian Douglass. The following were installed : President, Mrs. Nellie Gifford ; Vice-President, Mrs. Emma Ferguson; Past President, Mrs Effie Nichols; Secretary, Mrs. Lillian Cone; Treasurer, Mrs. Eliza Ferguson; Patriotic Instructor, Mrs. Catherine Sprague; Guide, Marjory Cone; Assistant Guide, Hat- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 269 tie Jack; Right Color Guard, Lillian Douglass; Left Color Guard, Hazel Browne; Chaplain, Mrs. Georgia McFarland ; Inner Guard, Mrs. Annie L. Newton ; Out- er Guard, Mrs. Mary M. Webber; Advocate Instructor, F. J. Nichols; Trustees, Mrs. Stella King, Mrs. Eliza Lancaster, and Mrs. Annie L. Newton. Kennebec Lodge No. 42, Knights of Pythias. Kennebec Lodge K. of P. was instituted December 27, 1883, with twenty charter members. J. L. Brown, Chas. F. Staples, Chas. E. Purington, B. L. Higgins, Ed. S. McKeeman, Geo. W. Thompson, L. M. Blanchard, Geo. W. Hideout, W. D. Curtis, Fred E. Lancaster, J. E. Cornish, Chas. E. H. Elliott, L. M. Fulton, Geo. F. Blake, John Carney, John P. Rideout, Thos. W. Skelton, M. H. Bibber, Josiah M. Fulton, J. P. Card. The first officers were : Chancellor Commander, J. L. Browne; Vice Chan- cellor, J. E. Cornish ; Past Chancellor, Geo. W. Thomp- son; M. at A., C. F. Staples; Prelate, L. M. Fulton; K. of R. & S., Geo. F. Blake; M. of Ex., Chas. E. Puring- ton; O. G., Chas. Elliott; I. G., E. S. McKeeman. The installation occurred in Masonic Hall and a full corps of grand officers were present. Grand Chancel- lor Montgomery S. Gibson of Portland being in the chair. The proceedings occupied the whole night, and was a memorable one in the history of the Lodge. A special meeting was held at its new lodge room in Mer- row's Hall. As it was a beneficiary society its mem- bership grew rapidly and it has grown steadily in popularity and now its membership is above 100. The lodge occupied the same hall until March 1, 1904, when the hall was destroyed by fire, losing all their furni- ture. On March 8, held a meeting at the Grange Hall. On March 22, the lodge appointed the following com- mittee to build a hall : John P. Rideout, Geo. Minot, and 270 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM L. M. Fulton. Work was begun immediately and the building completed and dedicated January 1, 1905. Temperance Societies. The sale of intoxicating liquors in the early history of this town left its trail of devastation and misery in its path, and the better element of the thinking people became aroused at its terrible work. They formulat- ed a movement to check the work of this destroyer — by arousing public opinion to organize societies to bat- tle against this monster. At the earliest inception of our history, intoxicating liquors were sold and a great majority of our people became slaves to the habit. Of the many cases tried in the Trial Justice Courts in Bowdoinham a great majority arose from liquor quar- rels and disputes, so every Saturday and frequently in the middle of the week a court was held to decide these matters. These conditions were from the earliest history of the town to 1850, when "rum ruled riot." The first society, that made a movement and stirred the people, was the old "Washington Movement" in 1841, the object was to induce men to stop the use of liquors, by appealing to their manhood and better judgment, through the moral influences of a nobler life of a temperance man. This movement swept the town and state with great success. Scores of men in this town were enrolled under this banner, and they were led into a better life of sobriety. It seemed to have had its day and did its work faith- fully, and passed out of existence; still its works fol- lowed, as Bowdoinham had been raised out of the gutter of filth and degradation, and placed upon her feet, in all her manhood and glory. From this move- ment the town became a temperance community in reality. The appearance of the home showed the won- derful change not only of sentiment, but of the ap- pearance of their houses, which formerly had many windows with rags or an old hat in them, to fill the HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 271 spaces once occupied by a pane of glass. The houses and out buildings presented a new and pleasing appear- ance under a coat of paint and other repairs, and the surroundings showed thrift and improvement. "The Sons of Temperance" came into existence as a power for good in 1856 and occupied the vestry of the Methodist Church, as their first home, and later the hall of Purington & Gray in 1858, a new building, and finally located in Hinkley Hall making this their home till the stress and excitement of the Civil War caused it to gradually die out. This organization did much good. Many of our young men and women besides many of maturer age joined earnestly in their efforts for the good work of the lodge in saving the drinking ones. At one time at least one hundred and fifty names were upon the rolls, and some were the most hardened drunkards of the town, who afterwards lived and died sober men. Wish this could be said of some of the young men, who joined and for a time were zealous workers, for the good cause, but in time violat- ed their oath for the cup. In 1871, the Good Templars took the ground vacated by the former order, and occupied the Hinkley Hall for years. They took in a large class of our good peo- ple. The order flourished and was of great good in this community. In the height of its prosperity, there has been one hundred names upon the rolls, and its influ- ence was uplifting of the people The organization known as the "Iron Clads" sudden- ly burst into this community and swept most of the young, and notably the drinking men, into its ranks. The wave of excitement ran high and the old town house was filled to overflowing with eager workers and enthusiastic endorsers. This wave soon receded and many of the men who joined the ranks, soon re- turned to their former degrading habits, the intoxi- cating cup of disgrace and dishonor. Upon the whole, much good came out of these organizations by direct- 272 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM ing public attention to the disreputable side — and show- ing up the better side of life. There were societies previous to 1841, of which no record is left, but the seed sown took root and the advantages of a cleaner life left a lasting impression upon society. Modern Woodmen. The Order of Modem Woodmen of America, Camp No. 9871, was organized in Bowdoinham, July 16, 1901, with twelve charter members. The charter members were : Charles R. Blair, A. F. Heath, W. E. Miller, Charles H. McEwen, Charles E. Newton, Charles A. Palmer, William Rollins, C. S. Savage, J. N. Small, A. S. Tem- ple, G. F. Temple. The order was organized in the room over R. S. War- ren's store and meetings held there for a number of years, then they moved into the hall over Hinckley's store where they now hold their meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month. The order is both Fraternal and Insurance, and has fifty-three mem- bers enrolled (April 1912). First officers chosen were : Venerable Counsel, Charles R. Palmer; Worthy Ad- viser, Chas. E. Newton; Banker, Chas. R. Blair; Clerk, Chas. H. McEwen ; Escort, Wm. E. Miller ; Watchman, A. S. Temple; Sentry, C. E. Savs^yer. Electa Chapter No. 2, Order of Eastern Star. On the fourth day of September, 1888, "Overcome Chapter of Eastern Star" was instituted in town with charter membership of thirty ; and with the assistance of Mrs. Julia E. Forbes as Grand Marshal, the follow- ing officers were installed : Worthy Matron, Mrs. Susan E. Blodgett ; W. Patron, Bro. J. K. Jack ; Assistant Matron, Mrs. Addie L. Hig- gins; Secretary, Mrs. Cleora Adams; Treasurer, Mrs. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 273 Lizzie E. Carr; Conductress, Josie F. Chapman ; Assist- ant Conductress, Ella F. Brown; Adah, Carrie C. Frost;; Ruth, Princess V. Blanchard; Esther, Ola Brown; Martha, Sarah C. Young; Electa, Alma B. Bibber; Chaplin, Rev. James H. Little; Organist, W. W. Brown; Warden, Georgianna M. Chapman; Sentinel, Henry E. Cornish. The remaining charter members were: Sisters Ida M. McFadden, Alice V. Jack, Susie J. Purington, Mary A. Brown, Georgie H. Little, Brothers Benj. L. Higgins, John F. Young, J. L. Brown, Charles W. Frost, Geo. McFadden, Geo. H. Blodgett, M. V. Chapman, Enoch D. Howlett, A. S. Purington and R. W. Carr. The officers of this Chapter were installed by Mrs. E. M. Forbes, D. M. W. G. Patron of Maine, of Biddeford and was accompanied by sixteen members of Adah Chapter No. 1, of that city, and with the assistance of the Worthy Matron, Miss Sawyer and Worthy Patron Dr. Abbott, organized "Overcome Chapter" and con- ferred the degrees upon thirty-two Charter Members in a manner that was pleasing to the officials and visit- ing members and must have been instructive to the re- cipients of the degrees. After a very pleasant evening the visitors returned to their homes on the midnight train. It is due the associate matron of "Overcome Chapter," Mrs. Addie L. Higgins, that mention be made of the luxurious en- tertainment they received at her residence where they were all furnished a most palatable supper. Sister Higgins received the most sincere thanks of all the vis- itors for her kindness and at the close of the meeting she was presented with a beautiful emblematic pin of the order. The Chapter was again visited September 25, by the installing officer at a special meeting and worked the degrees in a very commendable manner. Present officers of Electa Chapter, No. 2, Order of Eastern Star. Officers installed in January, 1912: Worthy Matron, Mildred Snell Given ; Worthy Patron, 274 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Milton Given; Associate Matron, May T. Purington; Conductress, Hattie Nichols Jack; Associate Conduc- tress, Ida McKay; Secretary, Sarah C. Young; Treas- urer, Cleora Adams; Adah, Mary Purington Nealey; Ruth, Hattie Rideout; Esther, Hannie Denham; Mar- tha, Ethel Douglass Temple; Electa, Carrie Frost; Chaplain, Mrs. Henry Wilson; Organist, Effie Small; Warder, Emma Snell; Sentinel, Bert Jack. This Chapter was organized as "Overcome" Chapter, No. 2, O. of E. Star, but on February 21, 1889, the name of the order -was changed to "Electa Chapter." This change of name w^as granted by the proper authority. At the present time they have a membership of one hundred and two. Electa Chapter is the second chap- ter in the state and they have members from Bath, Brunswick, Litchfield and Richmond. Meetings are held on second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Electa Chapter is bound to succeed. Location op Original Settlers. Richard Temple, J. M. Cromwell estate, east side of hill. Samuel Adams, on farm north of cemetery. Joseph Webber, on Scott Davis farm. Francis Whitmore, on Benj. Whitmore estate, River road. Nathaniel Jellerson, on James Allen farm. Geo. Thomas, on Stephen Elliott estate, later H. P. Allen. Andrew Tibbetts, Everett and John Williams farms. Elihu Getchell, on Chas. Hill farm also a shipyard. James Buker, on James Dunlap farm. Zaccheus Beals, Sr., on Jos. Hall estate. Abraham Preble, southwest of M. Heath on flats. Jonathan Preble, at Geo. Center, now John Welch. Zebulon Preble, on Rodney Preble estate. Joseph Sedgley, Nathaniel Williams estate, now Ed- win Denham, HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 275 Elihu Purington, Job Jellerson, at corner of road. Elnathan Raymond, Raymond estate, west side of Merrymeeting Bay. Zaccheus Beals, Jr., Shepherd Hobbs estate. David Wilson, on John Adams farm west of ceme- tery. Geo. Harward, the Harward estate. James Maxwell, Wm. Maxwell estate, south of Har- wards. Samuel Doggett, James Decker estate now Dinsmore. Zethro Hatch, Thos. Maxwell, north of Norton ice house. Paul Hatch, at Miles Powers, now Sheldon. Elder Merrill, Wm. K. Maxwell estate, Pork Pt. David Springer, Chas. Purington field, north of mill. Wm. Patten, on George Sampson estate. John Patten, Thos. Reed estate. Capt. Jameson, on John Hall estate. Samuel Jameson, on Capt. John Fulton estate. Robert Fulton, on Capt. Elias Reed estate. Abraham Preble, Jr., on town farm near shore. Wm. Denham, on Jos. Morse estate, opposite Wm. Graves. Wm. Preble, on Wm. Graves farm. Robert Jack, on Zebulon Jack estate. Elder Job Macomber, on west shore Kennebec near Norton's ice houses, later on Hugh Curtis's. Wm. Whitmore, on west end of tide dam, Hiram Stinson estate. J. F. Hathorn, north of M. E. church, near Jc. of Millay and Post Roads. Capt. Robt. Patten, on Bardwell Patten estate. Gowen Patten, on James Lilly farm. Robt. Sedgley, Jr., son of Robt. Sedgley, Sr., on Sedgley's Point. Dr. Michael Howland, on R, D. Spear estate. John Henry, on Booker Douglass farm. Jacob Hathorn, on Frank Siegars farm. 276 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM Wm. Dinsmore, at Nich. Sparks east field. John Small, 1802, at Rufus Small's Robt. Wilson, 1795, at John Wilson estate. Heatherly Randall, 1790, at Samuel Randall's. Morrill Jordan store, Main St., near Town Dock. Samuel Coombs, on Town House lot. Jno. and Samuel Davis, near the M. C. depot. Foster Whitman's wharf, south Merrill's hill, south of railroad. John Hayden, 1787, on Horace Graves estate. Henry Fisher, 1787, at Drummond Fishers. Ross, on cross road. Dr. Urial Huntington, near Lorenzo Minot's. Ebenezer Macomber, near Lithco Allen's. Dr. James Tupper, at White's Landing, Richmond. John McKennie, west side Abagadassett River. James Milee, 1790, on Millay estate, Millay road. Israel Millett, Millay road on Chas. Hatch's farm. John Springer, in Wood worth's field near the shore. Richard Webber, 1795, on Post road. Robert Spear, 1795, on Spear estate. Lancaster, 1798, on Post road. Zeba Eaton, east side Main St., near the Whitmore store. Josiah G. Colby, Dr. Tinker estate. Isaiah Booker, on Booker road, west of Town House. Sheba Curtis, this building was formerly a hotel, Dr. Cheney estate. Jos. Leonard Tavern, on site of M. E. church burned in 1845. Dr. Hanson built Gray house in 1802, then went to Lawyer Waterman, and then to Samuel Gray about 1813, on John Gray estate. Waterhouse, on Bridge St., between cor. and Col. Merrow's. Tabor traded in the Stewart store near the R. R. track, and later Dennet and Alexander. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 277 Avery Hudlett lived where Mr. Fogg nov? resides, first settler on that street. Thomas Graves lived vs^here S. W. Carr's house now stands. John Coombs built a house on the spot where H. Q. Sampson afterward lived between the Stinson house and E. P. Kendall's. H. P. Allen built the Alphonso Berry house about 1800, burned in 1902. A man by the name of Woodworth settled on the Luther Curtis place. Isaac Leonard, 1795, built Mustard Tavern, Jos. Mustard bought in 1820. Elijah Parlin settled on lot where L. D. Small's store stands. Jonathan Brown wharf was west of the Town Dock, 1810. W. S. Langdon bought the lot where Whitmore's old store stands, 1802, then passed to Whitmore. Taber built a house just north of Donnell's store towards Baptist church. David Purington on estate north of Chas. Hall, the Purington farm; settled prior to 1760. CHAPTER XIX ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWN OF BOWDOINHAM— CONCLUSIONS. 1762—1912. This being the one hundred and fiftieth anniver- sary of the organization of the town of Bowdoinham, it is proper for the people of the old Homestead to turn back the wheels of time and take a retrospective view of conditions, advancements, declines, and our standing of to-day, not only in the industrial world, but in the educational standard and spiritual life. In recognition of this event, the town has cheerfully endorsed a plan, whereby some legacy may be left to a future generation in commemoration of this event and of our thoughtfulness, and foresight, in the form of a substantial sum of money to be deposited in banks under the direction of the selectmen of the town of Bowdoinham for safe keeping and accumulation for one hundred years, the interest compounded annually during that period ; also the name of the donor with a short personal sketch. At the end of the hundred years this money shall be withdrawn, and the amount shall be used for educational and charitable purposes, except a sum of, at least, five times the amount of the original sum which shall be re-deposited to remain for another century, under similar terms and conditions; and by the action taken at their annual town meeting, March 4, 1912, authority was given by the adoption of the following article : "To see if the town will vote to appoint a committee to solicit funds, which will be deposited in various 278 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 279 savings institutions which compound their interest. Said deposit is to remain on interest to the credit of the town of Bowdoinham, until September in the year 2012. At that time the accumulation is to be used by the town of Bowdoinham for educational and charita- ble purposes." Following are the names of the com- mittee : W. B. Kendall, L. M. Fulton, S. W. Carr, J. H. Ames, F. K. Jack, W. S. Given, C. H. McEwen, R. H. Jack, W. B. Williams, R. J. Hatch, Chas. F. Hill, John T. Pratt, Rev. E. E. Crockett, P. A. Cannon, C. W. Syl- vester, W. H. Gould, Rotheus Douglass, Mrs. W. B. Williams, Mrs. Annie White, Mrs. W. S. Given, Mrs. Chas. F. Staples, Miss Lottie M. Cobb, Miss Hattie 0. Andros. Capt. Chas. F. Staples, Secretary and Treas- urer. At this writing this committee is organized and at work to carry out the terms of the vote of the town, to raise a fund and to make a record which will be a memorial in 2012, Conclusions. It may not be improper in closing this history, to draw some conclusions and comment briefly on the con- ditions as we find them to-day; comparing them with our early settlement, before breaking out into the light of civilization and progress, with the present. What might be called by them luxury in their day, would by us, be looked upon as man in his primitive state. They lived in a different sphere of life, and under different conditions. Their lives and duties were largely marked out for them, and there was but a little choice left to the individual except to obey. Force had been the arbiter and dictator. This people naturally be- came an agricultural people from necessity in order to support themselves and families. It did not require much skill to extract a fair living out of the land and 280 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM rivers, after the land was once cleared, and between the two they made a good living from their labors. But to-day after a century and one-half, the tillers of the soil are suddenly confronted with stubborn facts that the land has been impoverished by constant crop- ping, from not returning something to replace that taken out. Farming is rapidly assuming a new posi- tion on entirely new and scientific principles. So Bowdoinham is rapidly catching up with the spirit of advancement in the agricultural world. But there is another side to account for in this farm- ing question. Within the memory of our oldest citi- zen, every farmer had a herd of cattle; raised horses for market; hundreds of sheep, quietly and safely, feeding upon her hills ; her store houses were crowded with corn and grain of all kinds, the result of their own labor. And how is it to-day? The horses are brought from the West, the cattle have largely disap- peared from the pastures and the flocks of sheep are rarely seen upon the farm, so the Bowdoinham farmer who should raise his own meats, flour and grains of all kinds depends largely upon the western farmer for the necessities of life. Maine farmers are obliged to rake the old farm hard for the dollars to send to the western farmer to enrich him. In this respect Bow- doinham is losing. FISHERIES. One century ago our rivers abounded in fish of all kinds, especially shad, herring, smelts and salmon, and that branch of industry brought large returns for their labor. To-day the fish are so scare it hardly pays to depend upon that business for any fair return for their labor. The fish are not coming into our rivers. Smelts have become nearly extinct, whereas they once abounded. Experts assert that the chemicals from the pulp mills is the cause. So Bowdoinham is rapid- ly losing her fishery. HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 281 ICE. The ice business, upon which we supposed no one except the "Creator" could lay any claims, we find that the C. W. Morse American Ice Trust extended their grasping maw over, and absorbed and purloined the waters from the rivers for gain; and that industry known as the ice industry upon which the people looked for employment, shall — in the future — only be known in history. ROADS. The early settlers gave great attention to road build- ing and the result was they built and maintained good roads, expending much labor and money in their sup- port. They gave to the public better roads for their use, than we find to-day under modern systems. How much money that may be invested for road building, by the State and Town — ^largely for the accommoda- tion of the automobile — and by their demand — remains to be seen — and how far the rights of the private teams, will be recognized in the struggle for better roads. Has the town taken advanced steps in road matters ? TRADE. By a study of the business concerns in the village in 1850, one will see the large numbers of various indus- tries, carried on by that progressive people. Since the fire of 1902, which wiped out so much of her savings the conditions for her future prosperity are truly discouraging. Bowdoinham was once a wealthy town with a large amount of capital invested in ship- ping, banking and mercantile business. Her wealth and prosperity are gone. Innovation has wrought this change. The loss of the Bay Bridge was a bad set- back for the town, as it badly crippled her trade. The railroad affords a ready avenue to transport her sur- 282 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM plus to ready market. Her fleet of coasters which brought large business to the town have disappeared from our rivers. LAWYERS. Men of this profession in early times in this town had a good practice and prospered in their business, when people differed more then and was willing to sub- mit their cases to the arbitration of law for adjudica- tion. It appears that the people are rapidly learning that it costs too much and takes too much time, to risk their differences to the tender mercies of our courts of to-day. It would be cheaper to give the debt. This town does not seem to be a good field for lawyers. LUMBER. It can truthfully be said that our ancestors had only one object in view, and that was to clear the land of the lumber so that cultivated fields might spread out to give them larger crops and greater re- turns. The clearing of the land and the wholesale destruction of the wood did not occur to them as a reckless and dangerous practice that the streams and the farm must sooner or later suffer for want of the natural supply of water from nature's reservoir. The work of stripping the land goes on merrily to gratify the greed for the almighty dollar. This reckless work will soon bring disastrous results. SHIPPING. Up to 1875 this was one of the town's chief indus- tries, which built her up in prosperity, and invited people to settle here; causing her to grow rapidly in wealth and influence. So in time she became the sec- ond largest shipbuilding town on the Kennebec River. Causes of her decline need not be enumerated here. This is all passed away. The wharfs have either rot- HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM 283 ted or are being employed for other purposes. The disappearance of shipbuilding is not due to any fault of her people. Wooden vessels are simply wiped off the map. MILLS. Mills for sawing lumber and for grinding grain were introduced at the earliest settlement of this town and has continued to be one of its great industries. So the town has lost nothing in the manufacture of lum- ber except by the introduction of the portable saw mill and by it her forests are fast being depleted SCHOOLS. This great civilizer works marvelous changes in our communities, and it becomes a serious question if these changes are for the betterment of the student. As this subject has been more fully commented upon on former pages, we will leave it to the scholars for their discussion and candid judgment. THE HOME. Much might be said on this vital topic as the question comes to every home and invades it in its strictest sense, how the income can meet the outlay. The dif- ference of cost of fitting up a home a century ago and now is as wide as the poles. Then a young couple could sit up at housekeeping in a respectable way on less than one hundred dollars; while to-day to fit up on the same plain of respectability, it would re- quire one thousand dollars. Can the earning capacity endure the terrible outlay? With this great increase, which fashion dictates, are not many young men liv- ing in single blessedness to-day because the burden and responsibilities of married life are too heavy to as- sume? Fashion makes our burden unbearable. Why should not the inventions of modern machin- ery make our necessities, adapted to the home, cheap- 284 HISTORY OF BOWDOINHAM er? When will this drainage and rivalry that is sap- ping society, cease, and reason be enthroned again, to cut the garment according to the cloth. This is a matter of simple waste. Then it was a fight for a simple existence and now it is a matter of simple ex- travagance. COMMENTS ON THE CHURCH. The history of the church a century ago, and its condition at the present time, suggests certain ques- tions, although not directly pertinent to a history which might be elucidated without prejudice to any one's religious belief. In the early days of our history when the law and the church discipline compelled every person to go to church and hear the scriptures ex- pounded, was it a benefit or an injury to the cause of religion? These are sometimes termed the "Blue Laws" and often ridiculed and condemned as tying one's conscience, yet no state has seen fit to repeal them for should they do so, would not the act of repeal tol- erate and legalize the violation of the "Divine Law"? And further did not the people get instructions in the "Divine Law" by being compelled to go and hear it, that they do not get to-day? Did the hearing of the word of God make them any worse by deadening the conscience to their own responsibility? Are we called a Christian Nation, simply on the grounds of our civil- ization or on the basis of her Christian character when a great majority of our people never darken the church doors? Is a Christian only an inert mass of humanity, acting solely for their own gratification. During the last two generations there has been a noticeable decrease in church attendance. Formerly the church consisted of bare walls with rough uncom- fortable board benches on which many devout worship- pers sat. Now there are beautifully adorned walls, stained glass windows and comfortable pews, on which a few worshippers sit sometimes desiring to be lulled INDEX INDEX PAGE Abagadasset Point, temporary settlement 11 Abagadasset Point, boundary of 14 Abagadasset Point, origin of name 16 Abagadasset River, settlement on west side 25 Abagadasset River, dam across 25 Abbott, the historian 10 Act, copy of annexing Richmond 28 Act, Embargo 142 Account, specimen between Allen & Cushman 81 Account, specimen between Herrick & Allen 85 Adams, Sam'l, settled 27 Adams, Sam'l, enlistment 27 Adams, Sam'l, son taken prisoner 27 Alexander, John, sale of land 93 Allen, Benj., transfers 14 Army, Union, soldiers 185 Auxiliary, Ladies 265 Bank, Village incorporated 254 Bank, robbery 255 Bequests 255 Berry, Gen'l Joseph 30 Berry, Gen'l Joseph '. 120 Berry, Gen'l Joseph, built store 84 Berry, A., built store 84 Berry, W. Whitmore, manager 31 Blacksmiths 236 Boundaries 37 Boundaries, running of 43 Boundaries, Southern 22 Boundaries, change of 171 Bounty, offered for men to enlist 134 Bounty, offered for Volunteers Civil War 182 Bounty, offered for latter part of war 185 Bounty, on bears and crows 156 Bond, from Peter Allen to Pierson 79 Bowdoin, Dr 10 Bowdoin, James, purchase 14 Bowdoin, James, purchase of Belcher & Noyes 18 Bowdoin, town set off 171 Bridge, oldest in town 67 Bridge, Preble & Fisher 69 Bridge, built by Capt. Harward 68 Bridge, at Kendalls Mills 68 Bridge, near E^ Bowdoinham 68 Bridge, Toll 69 Bridge, Cathance River , 69 289 290 INDEX Bridges, money raised for 70 Brown, Alexander, settlement 11 Brown, Alexander, on Cathance River 13 Brown, John, settled 26 Brooks, Ara, purchase 32 Calicut, Richard, transfer 13 Carney, Capt. James 215 Cathance, meaning of 18 Cathance Neck, settlers on 19 Cathance Landing 74 Cathance Landing, buildings at 87 Cellar, ancient 25 Cemeteries 250 Centers Point 19 Center, Sam'l, settlement 19 Churches, organization and names 47 Church, to be built 45 Church, burnt 46 Church, Baptist 47 Church, Calvinist Baptist 126 Church, Union 125 and 217 Church, Union, incorporated 59 Church, Methodist 53 and 126 Church, First Free Will Baptist 56 Church, Bowdoinham Ridge 59 and 126 Church, Fourth Free Will Baptist 61 Church, Universalist 64 Church, certificate of attendance at 125 Cleaves, Judge Nathan 166 Colby, Josiah E 119 Colby, Josiah E., son of 166 Colby, Ensign, killed 211 Companies, controversy between 23 Company, Artillery 150 Court House of Lincoln County 71 Court petitioned for townships 23 Creek, Bowman's 214 Creek, Molasses 232 Curtis, Wm., purchase 93 Curtis, Hugh, sketch of 261 Dam across Abagadasset River 29 Davis, sale of land 93 Deed from Varnam to H. P. Allen 80 Deed from H. P. Allen to S. Whitmore 81 Deed from Israel Millet 84 Delegates to Con. for separate State 156 Denham, Thos. house 94 Dennis, Rev. Mr., hired 45 Dinsmore and Maxwell 32 Dinsmore, William 90 Doctors 157 Dress, absurdity of 169 Edgecomb claim, sale of 19 Enlistment 181 Envelopes, first used 246 Estabrook, T. S., mail carrier 245 Farming, results of 172 INDEX 291 Fogg, T. W. Co 31 Pox, Jabez 14 Fort Richmond 11 Fort Richmond built , 25 ad 210 Fort Richmond assailed 211 Fort Richmond dismantled 26 and 212 Fort Frankfort 26 Fort Frankfort constructed 212 Fort Western constructed 212 Fort Halifax 212 Fire of 1902 221 Gardier, Syms, first postmaster 245 General Court passes resolution 23 Getchel, Elihu, sketch of 229 Gondola 119 Goodwin, Capt. Sam'l 212 Gorges, Perdinando 15 Gospel, supported 44 Gould of Thomaston 166 Gray, homestead 89 Grange, Merrymeeting 263 Gyles, Capt. John settled 11 Gyles, Capt. John, details of settlement 21 Gyles, Capt. John, murdered 24 Gyles, Capt. John, son, capture, etc 24 Hallowell, Benj., purchase 18 Handtubs, Water Witch and Phenix 222 Harwards, built vessels 115 Hatch, Zethro, settlement 25 Hathorn, Bro. Sam'l, ordained 57 Hayden, John . . . ^ 92 Heath, Capt., expedition of 211 Heddean, John, purchase 93 Henry, George 120 Herrick, Ebenezer 166 High School Building (new) 255 Holaman, John, transfer 13 Homes, simplicity of 168 Hotels 240 House, first built 26 House, Toll 69 Ice Business 247 Incident of Ancient cellar 24 Incorporation, Act of 35 Indians, attitude toward settlers 11 Indians, reprisal in Merrymeeting Bay 12 Indians, discourage immigration 20 Indians, Mohawk, as guides 211 Intoxicating Liquors, uses of 168 Jack, Robert 92 Jackson, Gen'l, ordered surplus divided 175 Jameson's purchase and sale 93 Jealousy between Bowdoinham and Richmond 157 Kendall's purchase 31 Kendall's invention 31 Kendall, Jas. Madison, (sketch) 229 Kennebec Co. receives transfer 21 292 INDEX Kennebec Lodge, K. of P 269 Kidder built mill 32 Lake, New Somerset 10 Lamb, Elder George 57 Landing, White's 214 Lawson, Christopher, purchase 209 Lease of Store, Allen to Herrick 83 Legislature, Representatives to Massachusetts 237 Legislature, Representatives to Maine 238 Leonard, Isaac 92 Leonard, Capt. Seth 181 Libby, Abial 149 Lincoln Guards organized 149 Lisbon, set off 171 Lithcow, Capt 12 Lithcovsr, Capt., to issue warrant 40 Lithgow, Capt., trades with Indians 41 Lithgow, Capt., grave 41 Lodge, Village 259 Lord & Edgecomb claim 19 Lovewell's War 20 Lunt, William, first Station Agent 253 Macomber sale 31 Macomber, Rev. Job, Poem 48 Macomber, N. H., built vessels 120 Mails 244 Mail-route on Post Road 94 McFadden, Thomas, settlement 11 McFadden, Thomas, settlement, details of 17 McFadden, Thomas, house burnt 17 McFadden, family, old home of 19 McCurdies Point 88 Men serving from Bowdoinham 182 Men who re-enlisted 203 Merrow, Jos., organized company 149 Merrow, Jos., sketch of 164 Merrymeeting Bay, origin 19 Merrymeeting Bay, families on shore destroyed 16 Merrymeeting Bay, settlement on west side 18 Merrymeeting Bay, capture of men in 127 Militia, Roll of Eben. Hatch Co 146 Militia, Roll of Capt. White's Co 147 Militia, Roll of Capt. David Haynes' Co 148 Militia, State, 4th Division 234 Mills 29 Mill built by Allen 31 Mill built by Springer 32 Mill built by Capt. Whitmore 32 Mill built by Williams & Holbrook 33 Mill built by Cobb 31 Mill, Carding Machine 32 Mill, Grist, built by E. Macomber 88 Mill, Saw, built by Campbell 31 Millay, Jas 92 Millet, Israel 92 Monument, Soldiers 206 Morse, Wm. D., first man to enlist 182 INDEX 293 Mustard, Joseph 92 and 242 Muster, near Cowan's tavern 181 Muster, in Capt. Adam's field 181 Name of town, origin of 10 Navy, Union sailors 185 New Somerset Lake 10 New Somerset Lake, settlements near 11 Noyes, Oliver, transfer 14 Noyes & Belcher letter regarding Topsham 15 Officialo of town 159 Oificials, English, dishonorable transactions of 13 OflBcers commissioned from Bowdoinham 201 Order from selectmen expelling townspeople 154 Parks' Stream 24 Patten's petition to be set oflf 42 Pejepscot Papers 18 Pejepscot proprietors' transfer 21 Pejepscot Patent 10 Penhallow, John, purchase 14 Petition from Woolwich and Bowdoinham 123 Plymouth Company, purchase 17 Plymouth Company, protest to General Court 22 Plymouth Company, divide land 212 Post, Rideout 265 Postmasters 166 Postage, rates of 246 Pound, town 234 Powers, Mr., purchases church 4 Pownalborough, incorporated 44 Pownalborough, organized 71 Preble, Abram, first settler 26 Preble, Abraham Jr 44 Preble, Jonathan 26 Preble, Jonathan, official 159 Preble family, sketch of 27 Preble, Ebenezer, murdered 27 Price, current 1760-1779-1785 131 Price, current 1779 216 Purchase, Thos., settled 11 Purchase, Thos., receives traansfer 21 Purchase of lots 1714 22 Puring^ton, Capt. Isaac 120 Purington, Capt. William 120 Purington, Robert 120 Quebec, battle of 27 Railroad 252 Randall, Rev. Benj 46 Randall, Heatherly 92 Raymond, John, sketch of 165 Reeds, Point, settlement on 13 Richmond, annexed by General Court 38 Richmond, derivation of name 210 Richmond, oldest house in 215 Roads 66 Road, River 67 Road, from Harwards Corner 68 Road, ordered by Court 71 294 INDEX Road, from Richmond Village to Litchfield 72 Road, Carding Machine 72 Road, from Maxwell's to Abagadasset Mill 72 Road, Booker 73 Road, from Cathance Landing to Bowdoin 76 Road, Ridge 91 Road, from Millay and Post Road Junction 93 Road, Post 91 Road, Post, First 94 Road, from Rufus Small's to Curtis' Corner 94 Road, first from Richmond Corner to Gardiner 95 Road, County 215 Road, Meserve 215 Road, Pitts 215 Road, River 216 Roster, of men from 1861 to 1865 202 Sagamores, their appeal 12 Sales, north of Merrymeeting Bay 23 Scenery, attractiveness of 15 Schoolmaster, ordered from town 155 School, system of Richmond 213 Scott, General , 240 Settlers, extermination of 20 Settlers, original location 274 Settlement, date of first permanent 27 Settlement, on Post Road 78 Selectmen, in 1820 161 Sewall, Gen'l 133 Separation, of Richmond and Bowdoinham 157 Shirley, Gov. shows deed 12 Shirley, Gov., decision 13 Soldiers, provision to enlist 129 Soldiers, in Revolutionary 135 Societies, Secret 259 Village Lodge 259 Merrymeeting Grange 263 Rideout Post 265 Sons of Veterans Camp 267 Ladies Auxiliary 268 K. of P 269 Modern Woodmen 272 Order of Eastern Star 272 Societies, Temperance Washington Movement • 270 Sons of Temperance 271 Good Templars 271 Iron Clads 271 Spear, Robert 92 Statistics, official record of 219 Station 253 Station, Recruiting 181 Stores, built by Berrys 84 Street, Main, in 1861 183 Sullivan, Gov., statement 10 "Tanneries 155 Tavern, Mustards 241 Telegraph 243 INDEX 295 Thwait, makes settlement 11 Thwait, Alexander 16 Town, dimensions 171 Town, voted to build church 45 Town, water frontage of 121 Town, religion of 122 Town, indicted by Court 122 Town, voted money to buy ammunition 130 Town, voted to rid streets of nuisance 156 Town, population of from 1790 216 Town House 126 Town House, built 175 Town Meeting, first 41 Traders and Manufacturers, in 1850 235 Trading, House established 210 Tradition 9 Transfers 14 Trials, of early settlers 9 Union, Soldiers and Sailors 185 Vessels, built by Harwards 115 Vessels, built at Cathance Landing 116 Veterans, Sons of 267 Voters, in town 34 Voters, qualifications of 152 Voters, list of, in 1808 153 Voting, places 66 Wages and Labor 176 Walley's, convey to Jas. Bowdoin 14 War, Indian, cause of 26 War, Revolutionary 127 War, Revolutionary, bounties 131 War, of 1812 to 1815 142 War, Civil 179 War, Lovewells 20 Washburn, Israel 166 Watkins, settlement 20 Watkins, settlement, early 25 Watkins, expulsion of 25 Waterwheel, invented 31 Waterpower 174 Wentworth, John, receives quit claim 13 Weston, Judge, house 26 Weston, family 228 Wharf, first built 78 Wharton, Richard, purchase 18 Wharton, Richard, receives deed from Worumbo chief. ... 21 Whitmore's Bridge 30 Whitmore's Landing 90 Whitmore's, Capt., purchase 32 White, Capt., John 90 Whitmore, Frances 90 Whittemore, Abram, settlement 20 Wilson, Robert 92 Woolwich and Bowdoinham, petition 123