F 29 ■F2 P3 Copy 2 OF F A R M I N G T O N , MAINE, FROM ITS FIRST SETTIEMENT TO 1846, With Sketches of the HISTORY OF OTHER TOWNS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY. £> By thr late Thomas Parker, JuDotoro^pROBATE. Second Edition. r §: 07 "i FARMINGtOI^ J. S. Swift, Publisher. 1875. X X k^r ' nomdus HISTORY OF ARM IN GTONfep MAINE, ^ROM ITS SETTLEMENT TO THE YElR ^ 18 4 6. ■ ' '^ )y the Late Thomas Parker, Judge of IProbat SECOND EDITION. FARMINGTON; J. S. Swift, Publisher. 1875. '^^ :^ W chrojSOlogical notes. 177(j— N Stei)hen Titcomb and others made the first ••eutdown" in Farniington. JBattle of Bunker Hill. 1781 — First families moved into Farniington and first sawmill built. 1782 — Stephen Titcomb born, Nov. 14, being the first white child born in Farniington. — First gristmill built. Abraham Wyman settled in Cnesterville. 1785 — Great freshet in October. 178G — Wm. Thorn died in Autumn, the first death among the settlers, 17'J0 — Township purchased of the State. 1794 — Town incorporated Feb. 1. — Frost, June IG, killed all the corn in the low lands. 1795 — Greac winter freshet in Jan. broke up the Kennebec and Sandy Riv- ers, causing nmcli damage at Haiiowell. Bread scarce in conse- (Xuence of frost. 1799 — Great freshet June 8. Remarkably wet season. 1800 — Bread very scarce. 1801 — Washburn drowned at the center of the town; found April 21 near James Butterrteid s. 1804 — Dysentery prevailed; very mortal; from thirty to forty died. 180G — Sept. 10, frost killed the corn; none ripe; some saved on high lands. June IG, great eclipse of tlie sun. 1808 — Corn killed by frost in some places. 1810— Cold Friday, Jan. 19. 1814 — Cold or typhus fever appeared and prevailed to great extent in this and adjacent towns. 181G — Cold season; very little corn raisetL 1817 — Great scarcity of bread. 1820 — Great freshet in October ; water rose seventeen feet. 1825 — Dysentery prevailed the second time ; not so mortal as in 1804. 1828 — Caleb Sprague killed, March 28, by a fall from his wagon; aged 73.. 1830 — William Tilton died at the age of 95. 1831 — Joseph Fairbanks, 1st, kUled by falling from his wagon in Augusta; Sept. 12. 1832 — Asiatic Cholera made its appearance in Quebec and Montreal, and soon after in the United States. 1833 — Nov. 4 ; Solomon Adams killed by being thrown from his carriage in Vienna. 1836 — Jan 20; Dinah June died at the age^of 104. 1838 — County of Franklin organized. 1846— Aug. 8 ; Tremendous hail storm in the easterly part of the town ;. more M-ater fell than was ever before known to fall in town in the same space of tune; crops much injured. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. Judge Parker's History of Farmington and Sketch- es of other Towns in Frankhn County was published in 1846. Almost thirty years have since elapsed. — The edition then published was very limited, and the work has been for several years out of the market, and the original publisher has been often urged to issue another edition. And indeed the necessity for a second edition has become urgent. Years ago Judge Parker was called to that more perfect world, where, during an unselfish and a long life, he had accumulated eternal treasure in cheerful, happy, and holy memories ; and the aged cotemporaries from whom with unwearied industry he gathered facts and incidents — are no longer accessible to mortals ; and the very existence of the mass of important and in- teresting facts — the result of his observations and collection, depends entirely upon the only history of Farmington ever yet written. This preface is not the place for a Memoir of Judge Parker, and while assigning a place for an attempt to do justice to his memory in an Appendix and Continuation of his History, the publisher will here merely say that Judge Parker was conspicuous for one ruling trait of character — a love of usefulness — a consecration to usefulness. To this trait we are in' 4 Preface. .deb ted for this history, and for the peculiarities of the work. In the immense labor of accumulating: the materials he sought no remuneration — nor in its pub- lication did he receive any — excepting a few copies for distribution among a few particular friends. Lit- erary considerations he sought not. Embellishment he never attempted, and imagination he studiously sup- pressed. With, the mere object of usefulness in res- cuing facts from oblivion he made his book a vast magazine of facts and dates upon which future histo- rians may draw indefinitely. Thus he has left us, within a narrow compass facts numerous enough to have tempted others to stretch them through a pon- derous volume. It was the dying wish of Judge Parker, expressed to the publisher a few days before his death — that when another edition might be called for, the origi- nal work — with a few corrections indicated — should appear in its original simplicity, while such additions as it might seem to need should be appended rather than incorporated. This explains the plan of the issue of this second edition. Only a very few chang- es — these merely for correction — and occasionally a few explanatory words in brackets are incorporated, while a continuation of the history, through thirtv years succeeding its first publication, and additional facts associated with older dates, may be expected to follow the publication of this edition in the form of an appendix. The change of the divisions into num-' bered and titled sections, is necessary to facilitate references in the appendix, Farmington, Me., 1875. Publisher. HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 1. — Situation and Boundaries. Farmington, the shire town of the County of Franklin, is located in that section of the State of Maine commonly called tbe Sandy River, situated thirty miles from Augusta, the capital of the State, and about seventy miles, something east of north from the city of Portland. Farmington is bounded west by the towns of Wilton and Temple, north by Strong and Industry, east by Industry and New Sha- ron, and south by Chesterville. 2. — The Sandy Biver. Farmington is drained by the Sandy River and its tributaries. The Sandy river takes its rise in the highlands which divide the waters of the Kennebec from those of the Androscoggin. Mount Abraham, Saddleback and Mount Blue, summits of this highland range, are among the highest elevations in the State. The westerly or principal branch of the Sandy River takes its rise in the Sandy River Pond, a small pond south of Saddleback, and running in a south-easterly direction through the eastern part of Letter E, and Madrid to Phillips, unites with the eastern branch, which taking its rise in and about Mount Abraham, runs through Phillips and Avon to Strong, where it unites with the north-east branch, and runs to Farm- ington Falls, dividing Farmington nearly in the cen- ter. From Farmington Falls the river flows in a north-easterly direction through New Sharon, Mercer 6 History of Faumington. and Starks, and discharges its waters into the Ken- nebec, opposite the Monument. Mills have been erected on this river in Starks. New Sharon, Farming- ton, Strong, Phillips, and Madrid. 3 — Wilso)i Stream. The next considerable stream is the Wilson Stream. It rises in Saddleback and Bald Mountain in Car- thage and the highlands in the south part of Temple, and after falling into Wilson and Varnum Ponds in Wilton, the waters are discharged at the southern extremities of each, and uniting near the Lower Vil- lage in Wilton, run in an easterly direction through Wilton, F'armington and a small part of Chesterville and form a junction with the Little Norridgewock, when the united rivers run in an easterly direction, dividing the towns of Farmington nnd Chesterville, and fall into the Sandy River just above Farmington Falls. On this stream are some of the best mill sites in 'this section of the State. It now has four sawmills and three gristmills in Wilton, with two starch facto- ries, and a woolen factory, besides other machinery. It has also a gristmill, a fulling-mill and carding-ma- chine in Chesterville, and a sawmill in Farmington. It is crossed by two bridges connecting Farmington and Chesterville, and by several others of less note. 4. — Davia^ Starling, or Temple Strednt. The Davis' — formerly Starling's Mill Stream — takes its rise on the southern slope of Mount Blue, in Tem- ple, being mostly fed by springs. The different branch- es unite near the outlet of Drury Pond in the east part of Temple, the stream running in a southerly di- rection through the remaining part of that town and a part of Farmington, and falling into the Sandy Riv- er a little below the center of the town. This stream is also favorable for mills. It now has several saw- History of FakmiiNGion. T mills and , one gristmill in Temple, and one starch factory; and a starch factory, sawmill, gristmill and a clover-mill in Farniington. Numerous bridges cross this stream bot'n in Temple and Farmington. 5. — Fairbanks^ or Jonea^ Mill Stream The F'airbanks' — formerly Jones' Mill Stream — ris- es in New Vineyard Mountains and fills a small pond in Industry. Running in a south-west direction it discharges its waters into the Sandy River a short dis- tance below Fairbanks' Bridge. On this stream are a tannery, a sawmill, gristmill and clover-mill, and it is crossed by a bridge on the river road. 6. — Blunt' s Brook —Beaver Dam Brook, dc. In addition to waters already named may be reck- oned Blunt's Brook, and Beaver Dam Brook, which run fiom the north-easterly part of the town in a southtrly direction, and fall into the Sandy River be- tween the Center Village and the Falls. Small streams and springs everywhere abound, affording water to every farm and family in town. Good water may be found in almost any place at a moderate depth. 7 . — Fish; Salmon ; A leioi ves . Salmon were formerly plenty in the Sandy River and were the only fish of much consequence to the inhabitants. They were taken by seines and spears to advantage as late as 119'2 or 119'S, after which date they decreased rapidly in consequence of Jie erection of mills. Ft w if any now get above the Falls at the lower extremity of the town. Alewives were formerly taken as high up as Titcombs Mills on the Davis' Mill Stream, but have now^ become extinct in this region. The salmon-trout and pickerel are the principal fish now taken from the Sandy River and its tributary waters, and with which many of the ponds and streams abound. 8 His ! OILY of Farmington. 8. — Wild Ariimah; Hunting. The streams and forests of the Sandy liiver Valley originally abounded with beaver, otter, sable, and va- jious species of animals yielding furs which afforded liberal encouragement to hunters. Moose were taken in great abundance in the winter season. Prior to the exa.;:ination of the region in 1776, for the pur- pose of making a settlement, it was unknown to any civilized people excepting those who explored it for the purpose of hunting, for which purpose a Mr. Stewart Foster and a Mr. Ephraira Allen of Winthrop made a stand on the Sandy River through the winter of 1780. They encamped near where the Fairbanks Bridge now stands, in a camp belonging to Pier- pole — he being absent. They killed a large quantity of moose, and at the opening of spring constructed a canoe of their skins, in which they went down the river, with their eifects, to Hallowell.* 9. — Natural Meadoxos. There are but fe^v natural meadov/s in Farming- ton and these are small, but such as they were they afforded great assistance to the early settlers in win- tering their stock. The intervales and forests served them for pasture in the summer season. 10. — Soil ; Forest Growth ; Scenery. The soil of Farmington is generally fertile and more easily cultivated than that of the State general- ly, especially the intervales and the uplands adjacent to them; though some of the highlands, particularly in the north-west section of the town are somewhat * The game in the Sandy Eiver Valley attracted the attention of the In- dians, and hence they gave the river the name "Mus-.sa-hin-.sc[uit,"' which they subsequently, in their quaint English, translated to the whites as mean- ing — " A place where you can go and get jjlenty of moose, deer, fur," &c. ; — literallv. "GoodHuntinff Ground."' — Farmington Chronicle. No. ();">. History of Farmjngton, 9 rocky and hard to cultivate, but their superior qual- ity for grazing and the raising of stock, well recom- penses the labor of the husbandman. The natural forest growth is that of the several kinds of maple, birch, beach, ash, elm, bass wood, pine, hemlock, fir, spruce, cedar, with some oak on the highlands, and hackmetack on the low lands. The appletree and ma- ny kinds of fruit are cultivated with success, ihe soil is productive of most kinds of grain and vegeta- bles, the low lands being best adapted to the growth of corn, and the highlands to that of wheat. Lime rock has been discovered In many nlaces in this and adjacent towns, but those who have attempted its manufacture into lime have had but little success, and owing to its inferior quality perhaps it may never be profitable for mechanical purposes. The extent of the intervales, the gentle rise of the uplands, the convenient ridges into which it is thrown, the superior quality of the soil and the varied natural forests with Avhich the town abounds, present one of the most pleasing prospects in the State, and one which perhaps is not surpassed by any.* 11. — Roads. There are two leading county roads through Farm- higton passing longitudinally north and south— one on each side of the river, which, with various others, leading in various directions, all centering in, and passing the center of the town, take a large amount of travel. The great roads that pass north and south accommodate most of the travel from the interior towns to Hallowell and Augusta— the principal market for this part of the State. Much of the business, howev- * The editor of the Gospel Banner, who has been somewhat of a traveler, refers to a spot a little above Farmington Falls, as aflbrding one of the two most magnificent landscape views he has ever beheld. It is somethmg of a oompliment to the taste of the now venerable Stephen Titcomb, Esq , that the spot in which his axe first disturbed the slumbers ot the primeval for- est is embraced in the foreground of this view. 10 History of Farmington. er, which was formerly done in these towns is now done in Farmington. 12. — Bridges; Puhhc Ihcilditigt^; Comvion. There are two bridges across the Sandy Kiver, sup- ported by the town of Farmington, and the most of another supported in connection with Chesterville. — The public buildings consist of an Academy, Court House, Jail, a County Building for several offices, iive Meeting Houses and twenty-two School Houses. The Common — a public square in the center of the Village — encircled by rows of rock or sugar maple, forms a pleasant and agreeable object, and adds much to the beauty and convenience of the place. 13. — Farmington Ftrd Explored; The Party; TJieir Route. The tract now comprised within the territorial lim- its of the town of Farmington was first explored, with a view to settlement, in 1776. The exploring party consisted of Stephen Titcomb, Kobert Gower, James Henry, Robert Alexander, and James Macdonnell. — They were piloted by Thomas Wilson, who had pre- viously explored the region as a hunter. The whole party were from Topsham, and they came in canoes up the Kennebec as far as Hallowell, which then con- tained but three or four houses and some fish stores. From Hallowell they proceeded by a bad road, ever a very thinly settled tract, to Mr. Rumford Smith's, just above the present site of Lane's Oil Mill, Mr. Smith's being the last house. From this place they traveled by a compass a west-north-west course, sup- posing that this would enable them to strike at or near the ''Great Intervale." They struck the Sandy River at New Sharon F'alls, near where the mills now stand — crossed the river, and traveled along its north- ern bank to Farmington F'alls. From the Falls they proceeded up the river about a mile, to the south- east line of the farm known as the Tufts Farm, now History of Fakmington. 11 owned by Samuel Daggett. Here they stripped some basswood bark for a substitute for a chain, and com- menced measuring off lots for farms. They made the lots one hundred rods in width. They measured off six lots which they divided by lot among them. Af- ter prosecuting their explorations further up the river they concluded to return to Topsham, procure tools, and return to commence clearing, in two weeks from the time of concluding the agreement. 14. — Indians. At Farmington Falls Mr. Titcomb and his party found two Indian camps — Pierpole's and Phillip's — and some Indian corn and potatoes growing. They here found a considerable tract of land cleared, ex- tending from the upper part of the present site of the village down the river to the edge of New Sha- ron. The remains of a considerable Indian village, and of a fort enclosing about an acre of land, were to be seen. The fort was situated near the center of the tract now covered by the Falls Village. The In- dian burying-ground has since been discovered in dig- ging the cellar to the Croswell house. Several skel- etons were found in an upright position. Tradition relates that many years before, a boy by the name of Knights, was captured in the town of Gorham, and carried to the Sandy River, where he was kept through the winter. The camp of the Indians was on the "Great Intervale," near the spot hrst improv-"^ ed by Mr. Titcomb. In the spring the boy was left with the squaws while the Indians again repaired to Gorham to obtain scalps and more prisoners. Young Knights found a way of escape, and passing within sight of the Indians, arrived in Gorham in season to give notice of their approach, which warning prob- ably prevented an inhuman massacre. Tomahawks, arrow-heads, and other Indian relics have been dis- covered in different parts of the town. iS?>« 12 History of Farmingto:^-. 15. — The Party return to the Sandy Jiiver by a New Route, At the time appointed the party supplied them- selves with batteaux, and ascended the Kennebec to the Cobosseconte Stream, (now Gardiner.) — carried their batteaux around the falls, and followed the stream till they came to the Indian Great Carryino- Place, which leads to Winthrop Great Pond, passed up this pond to South Pond, near Winthrop Facto- ry, carried to the pond near Readfield Corner, then proceeded up Bog Stream to Greely's Pond, and car- ried one mile to Crotchet Pond, [Parker's Pond?] — From Crotchet Pond they carried two miles to a pond west of the Ridge in Chesterville, [Norcross Pond?] and followed its waters down the Little Norridgewock to Sandy River. They felled some trees on the lots they had previously selected, and after exploring the country to a greater extent than they had done on their first visit, descended the Sandy River to the Kennebec, and navigated that river and Merrymeet- ing Bay to their homes in Topsham. IQ.—Frovi mC to 1181. From the date of the beginning described, this com- pany, with others, continued to make improvements in different parts of the town till 17B1, when the first famiUes removed into the Sandy River Valley. About this time another company came from the vi- cinity of Hallowell to explore, with a view of mak- ing a settlement on the Sandy River. The two par- ties formed an Association in Hallowell, Dec. 17, 1777, known by the title of '^The Proprietors of a Township on Sandy River." The Association after- wards became known as the firm of "Reuben Colburn and his Associates." At their meeting Ephraim Cow- an was chosen Clerk, and arrangements were made for laying out a road to the township. James Cowan and Moses Aires were chosen a Committee to petition History of Farmhsqion. 13 the General Court for the road. At the first attempt the petitioners failed to procure a grant in conse- quence of a supposition that the township would fall within the limits of the Plymouth Claim. In the fol- io wino- season — July 'J8, 1778, — the Associates had a meeting- to petition to the Plymouth Company, but as doubts respecting the title were entertained, they concluded not to petition, but made arrangements to open the road laid out the previous winter, from John Stearns' land to the mill stream on which Tit- comb's [Walton's] Mills now stand. The meetings of the Associates were generally held at Amos Pollard's, in that part of Hallowell now Augusta, and their bu- siness was conducted by a clerk, treasurer and a com- mittee of three, who were chosen annually, and their expenses were paid by assessments on the rights in the townj-hip. After some verbal communications from Mr. Bowdoin, Chairman of the committee of the Proprietors of the Kennebec Purchase from the Colo- ny of New Plymouth, it was voted, at a meeting held on the '24th of May, 11(79, to make some pro- posals to Mr. Bowdoin on condition that he would give warrantee deeds, and Mr. Weston was chosen to make the proposition. 17. — The Original Survey. It appears by a memorandum signed in Boston, Oct. 4, 1779, by James Bowdoin, Daniel Jeffries, Jas. Hewing and John Hancock, and from an alteration annexed, dated at Boston, March 3, 1780, signed by Henry Allen, Proprietor's Clerk, that the following arrangement was made with the Committee of the Proprietors of the Kennebec Purchase, by Reuben Colburn and his Associates, viz: — That the Associates should cause a survey to be taken of all that tract of land west of Kennebec River and north of the southerly line of Settler's Lot No. 70, in the tow^n of Vassalborough, now Sidney, and south of the 14 HisTOR-Y OF Farmington. mouth of Sandy Kiver, and extending westerly fifteen miles ; viz: — The course of Kennebec River to be taken, then, commencing at the mouth of Sandy Riv- er, to run a due west course fifteen miles, there to make a corner marked K. 15 M.; thence southerly two miles; thence varying the courses so as to con- form to the courses taken on the Kennebec River, until it strikes the Little Norridgewock Stream, there to be marked K. 15 M., to show that it is 15 miles from Kennebec River, on ti west-north-west course ; and from thence to the first mentioned bound. The ponds and rivers to be laid down on the field-book, together with the growth of timber on the land, and the quality of the soil, and every thing of a remark- able nature, including the road laid out to the town- ship which was to be surveyed from the rear of this tract of land, and the line of which was to com- mence at the junction of the Little Norridgewock with the Wilson Stream — from thence to follow down the Wilson Stream to Sandy River, thence down the river about half a mile, from thence a due north course until it should intersect the fifteen mile line running west from Kennebec River, making the town about ten miles in its longest extent. The township was to be laid out in lots of two hundred acres, and two hundred and fifty acres, alternately, that is, first a lot of two hundred acres, then a lot of two hun- dred and fifty acres, next another lot of two hundred acres, and so on through the whole town, except on the Sandy River, where all the lots were to be of equal extent, — sixty rods on the river, and not to ex- ceed one hundred and fifty acres; the whole to be laid out with as much equality as possible. One of the one hundred and fifty acre lots was to be for the first settled minister, and one of the two hundred acre lots to be for the use of the ministry, both to be marked M. The one hundred and fifty acre lots on the river were to be marked, first, P. for propri- History of Farmington. 15 etors, next S, for settlers, and so on, alternately, and the two hundred and fifty acre lots were to be mark- ed P. for proprietors, and the two hundred acre lots S. for settlers; first laymg out a lot on the mill stream for encouraging the building of a gristmill and a sawmill for the accommodation of the inhabitants, not to exceed one hundred and fifty rods in width, and to run three hundred rods back from the river, if there should be room. An exact plan of the town was to be made out, and the plan, with the field-book to be returned to the Clerk of the Proprietors of the Kennebeec Purchase, by the tenth of the follow- ing May. The survey was to be at the expense of the Associates, if they were admitted as settlers on certain conditions. When the survey was completed and the return made according to directions, the Com- mittee concluded to recommend to the owners to ad- mit the applicants as settlers in the township. They were to obtain a written license from the owners, and with such as might associate with them, each select a settler's lot, to which he was to be entitled after a residence of two years, with conditions that he should build a house not less than twenty feet square, and seven feet in the stud, clear five acres of land with- in three years, and actually live on the premises him- self during three years, or in case of his death, his heirs or some one under them t "> complete the term of residence, he or some one under him likewise to reside on the premises seven years longer, and work on the ministerial lot, or on a house for the public worship of God, two days in a year for ten years, when required by the Committee of the Proprietors or their agent, — and also two days each year on the public roads till the lands should be incorporated into a town ; each one likewise agreeing to submit in public affairs to the decision of the majority of the settlers at any public meeting regularly called. The settlers were to petition the owners, and the 16 History of Farmington, plan was to be made and returned by the lOth of May, 1780. It appears that the survey was completed, and the returns were made, agreeably to directions, in June, 1780, by Joseph North, Esq. But as it was consid- ered somewhat doubtful whether the town would fall within the limits of the Plymouth Claim, no further measures were taken to obtain a title to the lands till after the Revolutionary War, when the bounda- ries were settled between the State and the Plymouth Company. A front lot and a back lot making a right in the toAvn, the settlers chose a Committee to couple them according to quality, and draw them by lot, on the 17th of May, 1780. Some, however, who had com- menced improvements on particular lots were exempt- ed from this mode of division, and permitted to retain the lots they had before selected. The result of draw- ing the lots was recorded in a book kept by the Clerk of the associates, and agreeably to a vote of the associates, all conveyances of lots were to be re- corded by their Clerk in his book, which was admit- ted as evidence in the trial of the action, "Simeon Pane vs. Thomas and Timothy Johnson," in the Su- preme Judicial Court, at the October Term, 1816, by the Court directing depositions to be taken of some persons who were present when the lands were divid- ed and the lots drawn, and also that the deposition of Solomon Adams, Esq., should be taken in perpetuam, identifying said book, and confirming the records of said book, — he being the last Clerk of the Associates. This being done agreeably to the directions of the Court, and the deposition recorded in the Registry of Deeds for Kennebec County, and annexed to the book, it was directed that it should be lodged in the Town Clerk's Office for the use of the town, or any person who may have occasion to use it in defense of his title. History of Farmington. IT lS,—Laijing out Boad— Survey Finished. In July, 1780, measures were taken to lay out and open a road from the head of Chandler's Pond^ to Farmington, and to build a bridge over the Little Nor- lidgewock Stream, and in the year followmg a con- tract was made to have one built over Wilsons Stream. In 1782 a vote was passed to have the sur- vey completed as soon as might be, the side lines of the lots not having been run when the plan of the town was made, the lots only having been fronted on the river, with the corners of the back lots marked on the range lines of the first survey. lQ,-~First Mills Built in 1781. It was agreed by the Associates, July 4. 1780, that Reuben Colburn and Stephen Pullen should build the mills at Sandy River, upon their giving bonds that it should be done by the first of August, 1781, and that they should be kept in repair seven years. The sawmill was first put in operation in Nov. 1781, and the gristmill in the following August. 20. — Meetings of the Associates. The first meeting of "Colburn and his Associates," held at Sandv River, was on the 15th of Oct., 1783, at the dwelling house of Samuel Butterfield, where their meetings were afterwards held as long as they continued to transact business in that capacity. At this meeting they chose Samuel Bullen Moderator ; Nehemiah Blodget, Clerk; Peter Corbet, Treasurer ; and Reuben Colburn, Samuel Butterfield and Nathan- iel Davis, Committee,— who were empowered to finish the survey in the most convenient possible manner for ;he Associates. The next meeting was held on the 12th of May, 1785, which was organized by choos- ing Samuel Butterfield, Moderator; Solomon Adams was chosen Clerk; Peter Corbet, Treasurer; and Sam- uel Butterfield, Solomon Adams and Nehemiah Blodget, 18 History of Faii.mington. Committee for that year. At this meeting they took measures to settle with Joseph North and Solomon Adams for the survey of the town, which had previ- ously heen completed. Samuel Butteriield, Church Brainard and Solomon Adams were chosen a Commit- tee to dispose of lots on which the dividends had not been paid. Ttiis meeting was continued by adjourn- ment to the first Wednesday in March, 17H6, in the course of which period the Proprietors closed most of their business, and made an assessment of one pound on a right for the repair of roads, to be paid in labor at four shillings a day. Seth Greely and Church Brainard were chosen Surveyors to see it expended, and make returns to the Committee. Samuel Butter- field, Solomon Adams and Samuel Bulien were chosen Agents on matters relative to securing their titles ; but it does not a])pear that anything decisive was done till Feb , 1790, or any records kept of the doings of the Associates. 2 1 . — Stephen Titcomh. We shall now trace the settlement of the town from the commencement in 1781, till the title was obtained in 1790, from the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts. Stephen Titcomh, Esq., as has already been staled, commenced making improvements on the farm on which Capt. Gill now lives, in Sept , 1776, which he continued to enlarge till 1780, when he built a log house, having before lived in a temporary camp. — ■ That season he raised some corn, [)otatoes and turnips. Having secured his corn in a crib, and his potatoes and turnips in the ground, he returned to Topsham. From Topsham he started with his family in the win- ter of 1781, intending to move immediately into his log house, but on account of the depth of the snow he was compelled to stop through the winter at Con- stant Norton's in lleadfield, near the spot now occu- pied by the Brick School House, his being the last History of Farmington. 19 house. In the spring he came np and got in his crop, and then went down after his family. On the road he met Joseph Brown and Nathaniel Davis, on the way, with their families, to the Sandy River. — Mr. Titcomb immediately returned with his family. The corn, which the fall before he had secured in' a crib, was destroyed by bears while he was detained by the snow. His potatoes and tinnips having kept well, the potatoes supplied seed for the settlers that year. The stock which Mr. Titcomb brought with him consisted of a yoke of oxen and three cows, which he provided for by pasturing them in the woods in the summer season, and by cutting meadow hay and raising oats for fodder in the winter. The nearest mill at this time was at Winthrop where the Facto- ry now stands, about thirty miles distant. This cir- cumstance subjected the settlers to great inconvenience, as the road was bad and the settlers were deficient in means of transportation. A sawmill, however, was put in operation as early as November, 1781, when Mr. Titcomb went up with his team to haul in tim- ber to saw for the running gear for a gristmill. He staid all night and sawed a thousand feet of boards in the evening, being the first boards sawed on the Sandy River or any of its tributaries. The gristmill was set in operation in August following, which re- lieved the settlers from one of their greatest embar- rasments, Mr. Titcomb built his first barn in April, 1785, and his house in 1788, into which he moved in 1789. The Rev. Mr. Emerson preached the first sermon in the Valley of the Sandy River in Mr. Tit- comb's log house. Stephen Titcomb, Jr., son of Mr. Titcomb, was born Nov. 4, 1782, being the first white male child born in the town. He died Sept. 26, 1830, Mrs. Titcomb was a native of Johnstown, Rhode Isl- and. She died Nov. 6, 1839, at the age of ninety. Mr. Titcomb lived on the farm on which he first set- tled 59 years. In 1840 he sold his farm to Capt. Charles Gill, and removed to the village, where he 20 History of Farmington. was living in 1846 at the advanced age of ninety- three years. At that date he was the only survivor among the heads of the seven families who first spent the winter in the town. 22. — Joseph Brotvn. Joseph Brown and Nathaniel Davis removed from Winthrop to this then uninhabited wilderness in May, 1781. Their families were the first "families who moved into the town, or anywhere this side of Read- field. Mr. Brown settled on the farm which in 1846 was owned by John Brooks and Loring Sweet. Hav- ing made but little preparation for the accommoda- tion of a family, Mr. Brown erected a temporary camp, which answered his purpose till he became able to build a more substantial one. Mrs Brown, whose maiden name was Mary Greely, was one of the six heads of families of the same name, and children of Greely, who early settled in this town. They were natives of Haverhill, Mass. Mrs. Brown being lame and there being only a path bushed out along the river, was under the necessity of riding on horse- back, notwithstanding the many dangers of the road. Coming down a steep descent within a short distance of their destined residence, she was thrown over the horse's head at the risk of her life. Mr. Brown built his first house on the intervale where it was surround- ed by water to a considerable depth in the great fresh- et of 1785, when the family had to make their es- cape in a conoe during the darkness of night. Af- ter this he built another log house on the upland. He suffered severely by the loss of his crops in 1783, by a frost on the 9th of August. He put up the first framed barn in the upper part of the town in about 1787, the boards of which were fastened on by pegs. This was an invention not uncommon with the early settlers, and which answered a valuable pur- pose. He erected his house in 1793. Mr. Brown History or Farmington. 21 was born on the banks of the iMerrimac, in Massachu- setts. He served as a soldier in the French War, in which he was made partially a cripple through life, by the lodgement of a ball in his leg. The ball was never extracted. He came to the place poor, himself and wife partially crippled, but by persevering indus- try and strict economy they soon became clear of debt and independent, but from circumstances mostly beyond his control, he subsequently became reduc- ed in circumstances and his farm was sold to John Patterson, from Damariscotta. About 1796 he remov- ed to Industry, (then Plymouth Paten^,) with his eld- est son, Samuel Brown, where his wife soon after died, and the wife of his son likewise. The family having been broken up, he was supported by the town of Industry, where he died about 1810. 23. — Nathaniel Davis. Mr. Davis, who as has been already stated, remov- ed to Farmington in May, 1781, and whose wife also was a Greely, settled on the farm now owned by Jacob Abbott, Esq. His situation was similar to that of Mr. Brown, he having made little or no pre- paration for the reception of a family. He, howev- er, fitted up a camp which answered his purpose for a time. He afterwards erected a more substantial log dwelling. He subsequently became insane, and, in- clining to forsake the society of his family and betake himself to the forest, he made the little eminence just south of the in'esent residence of Rev. Samuel Abbott [since the Little Blue Family School] his prin- cipal abode. The eminence was then covered with a thick growth of spruce. He afterwards became quite rational. For abont three years previous to 1793, Jeriah Blake lived with Mr. Davis and his wife, who had no children. Mr. Davis, about this time remov- ed to the "Upper Town," — now Phillips, — where his wife died. He afterwards resided in the family of 22 History of Farmington. Mr. Blake, in Temple. He was subject at times to partial insanity, and was afterwards supported by the town of Temple, where be died. Mr. Davis' farm passed into the hands of Samuel Pool, who set up a tannery and continued business for some years. Mr. Pool was a soldier in the war of the Eevolution and with his wife was living at advanced age in Mount Vernon, in 1846. 24 Jeriah Blalce. About 1190 Jeriah Blake removed with his family from Augusta into this town, and took up his resi- dence, as already stated, with Mr. Dayis. About 1798 he removed to the farm in Wilton, owned in 1846 by Adam Mott. Mr. Blake died at the residence of his son, John L. Blake, in Phillips, July 14, 1840, at the age of 89. He was an officer in the Revolu- tionary Army. 25.' — Enoch Craig. In June, 1781, Enoch .Craig, Kobert Kannady, Cal- vin Edson and Gerret Burns came from that part of Hallowell now Augusta, for the purpose of viewing the country. Mr. Kannady had drawn a right in the town the year previous. Mr. Craig was a native of Wrenthara, Mass. He early enlisted in the Conti- nental service and served until 1 780, when he left the army and came into this part of the country for the purpose of procuring land on which to settle. — His brother Elias was then settled at Augusta. The party returned immediately, and in Sept. Mr. Craig, with William Kannady came up and felled some trees on the farm on which Joseph S. Craig now lives, and on that known as the Heath Farm, on which Mr. Kannady settled. They^ found some bark peeled, of which they constructed a camp, Mr. Craig sowed two bushels of winter wheat in the fall of 1782, which was all winter Killed. He sowed the same History of Farm lng ion. 23 gronud with sprins: wheat in 1783. and planted some corn which was all killed by the great frost in Au- gust. In 17S5 ho suffered considerable damage by the great freshet which flowed his hovel to a consid- erable depth, and injured his grain. Mr. Craig con- tinned to make improvements, and added to his farm the lot immediately above it. He erected a superior log house near the intervale. In the winter of 1789 he went to Augusta, Avith Dorothy Starling his in- tended wife, for the purpose of being married. There was then no one nearer who was authorized to sol- emnize marriages Their intentions of marriage had been previously published at Augusta. He erected his framed barn about this time, but his house was not raised till 1795 or. 1796. He possessed the uni- versal confidence of his townsmen, and was elected one of the first selectmen, in which oflfice he served some years. He was subsequently town treasurer, and held other responsible offices, all of which he filled with fidelity. He died Dec. 10, 18:35, at the age of 77, and his wife Feb. 2, 1^29, at the age of 66. 26. — William Kannadxj. William Kannady, as has been stated, commenced on what has since been called the Heath Farm, in 1781, where he made a permanent settlement. He erected a log house on the fi.rst rise from the inter- vale. In Jan. 1788 his wife died. She was the third adult who had died in the town. Mr. Philip Daven- port, who lived near the present site of Fairbank's Bridge, lost a child a few days before, and they were both buried in what is called the Old Burying Ground, near the Center Bridge. This was the first Burying Ground in town. Mr. Kannady was afterwards mar- ried to Sarah Smith. They accompanied Mr. Craig to Hallowell for that purpose. He continued on the farm on which be first began till 1792, when he sold to Benjamin Heath, from Freetown, Mass. Mr. H. set up and carried on the blacksmithing business in 24 History of Farmington. connection with forming, for some years. About 1817 he 'sold and removed with his sons to what is now Salem, and built the first mills in that place, where he died in 1826. Mr, Kannady removed to what is now Temple, and, after a number of removals he again settled in Farmington, where he died in 1820, aged 57. His wife was living in 1846. 27. — Solomon Adams. Solomon Adams, a native of Chelmsford, (now Low- ell, Mass.,) having served iij the War of the Revolu- tion from its commencement to near 1781, in the course of that year came to the Sandy River for the purpose of settling. He made some improvementson the farm on which Benjamin Adams now lives, and built a log house. At this time he brought his pro- visions from Chelmsford to Boston by land, from Bos- ton to Hallowell by water, and from there to his destination on horseback. He lost his barn by lire, with all his effects, in 17b8. He erected his first framed house in 1788, and married Hannah Butter- field about the same time. He was a practical survey- or, in which capaciy he was of great use in the then new country. Mr. Adams held various ofiftces in the militia, was early commissioned as Justice of the . Peace, was chosen Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Select Man, in all of which offices he served for many years with credit to himself, and to the interest of the town. He was killed in V^ienna by being thrown from his carriage, Nov. 4, 1833, at the age of seventy-five. His wife was living in 1845 on the same farm, and was drawing a pension from the United States for the services of her husband in the War of the Revolu- tion. 28.— Nehemiah Blodgel. Nehemiah Blodget begun on the farm known as the Brown Farm, in the lower part of the town, now owned bv Daniel Beal, Jr., [George Gower,] in 1780, History of Farming ion. 25 where he made a permanent settlement and built the first framed house in Farmington, about 17^5. The same house has since been fitted up and now stands on what was a part of the Tufts Farm, a little east of its former location. Mr. Blodget sold to a Mr. Ditson. Capt. Samuel Brown settled on this farm in L'^Ol, and erected new buildings. He died in 1811. His widow, Susannah Brown, was living in 1846 at the advanced age of 94 years. Mr, Blodget soon left the place and little is known of his history. 29. — Samuel and Jonas Butterfield. Samuel Butterfield and Jonas Butlerfield removed from Dunstable, M^ss., to Farmington in Nov., 1781, bringing their families in a wagon. They came through Lewiston to Monmouth, over a new road, where there was only a spotted line the spring pre- vious. Samuel Butterfield settled on the lot now owned by Moses Butterfield. Having no buildings erected, he set up four crotches on which he laid poles and covered them with elm bark, which answer- ed a valuable purpose for a dwelling house for some years, with the addition of a small framed building, the first of the kind put up in the town. These build- ings were occupied by Mr. Butterfield till he built what was long called the Butterfield Red House, about 1789, (now white, and occupied by Moses But- terfield.) Mr. Butterfield built the brick house now owned by Col. James Butterfield, in 1800, the first brick building erected in town. Mr. Butterfield was one of the three who purchased the town in 1790. He was chosen representative in 1808, and died the same year at the age of b6. Prudence Butterfield, his youngest daughter, (now [1846] Widow Whittier, formerly Russell,) born Feb. 12, 1184, is said to have been the first female born in town, but it appears by the Records that she was the second, a Mr. Page having had a daughter born in the winter of 1783. 26 History of FarmiiNgton. Jonas Butterfield settled on the farm now owned by David Ingham, where he died at an advanced age. The farm cleared by him passed to David Ingham, a son-in-law, and from him to the present occupant. y!> .—Jonathan KnoxoUon. Jonathan Knowlton 1st, moved into this town in 1781, from Damariscotta. He was a native of Ips- w^ich, Mass., and he settled on the farm now [1846] owned by Jonathan and Francis Knowlton. He built his first log house on the intervale, where it was surrounded by water in the great freshet in Oct. 1785, to the depth of four feet. He was compelled to con- vey his family across the river in the night in a ca- noe, to a higher peak of intervale on which Francis Tufts had built a log house, which was all surround- ed by water. Here they all remained in trembling anxiety, expecting to see the canoe sunk by the drift stuff which run without cessation from the low lands then in the process of clearing, till the last trip was made, and to their astonishment and joy all were safe- ly landed. Mr. Knowlton soon after built a more substantial log building on the upland. He lived in this till about 1796 when he built a framed house. At this date he was in easy circumstances, though in the commencement of pioneer life his family suffered in common with many others, as is frequently the case in making new settlements so far in the wilder- ness. For the first year they were not favored with a chair or a table, and for the want of a mill had to hull corn and pound samp. Mr. Knowlton was one of the principal agents in the purchase of the town- ship now New Vineyard. He was also the principal owner of the mills and machinery at Farmington Falls for a time. He died in 1819, at the age of 70. — JSamuel Knowlton, his second son, was born Jan. 1 4, llH-i, being the second male child born in town. History of Farmtngton. 27 ^\.— Peter Corbelt. iPeter Corbett brought his family into the new set- tlement from Winthrop in Jan. 1782. Mr. Corbett was a native of Millford, Mass. He had moved his family from Millford to Winthrop the year previous, His family remained in Winthrop while he was mak- ing preparations for their residence in Farmington — He was one of the Associates and drew the lot on %vhich he settled. It was the south part of the farm now [1846] occupied and owned by Rufus Corbett and sons, on which he built the second framed house in the town, in 1786. (This has recently been torn down.) Mr. Corbett made the bricks for his chim- ney on his farm. He is supposed to have made the first bricks made in Farmington. Mr. Corbett made the seventh family that wintered in town in 1782. — He w^as one of the first selectmen, in which office he acted for many years. 32.— Francis Tufts. Francis Tufts, a native of Medford, Mass., having married a daughter of Ebenezer Blunt and settled in Nobleborough in 1780, came on horseback to a Mr. Emerson's on the farm since known as the Ingham Farm, at the foot of the Folsom Hill in Mount Ver- non, from thence by a compass struck the Wilson Stream near the present location of the Whittier Bridge, and then traveled up as far as Strong, his object having been to explore the country. He pur- chased a possession of one Mr. Knights, the farm on which Samuel Daggett now [1846] lives, and contin- ued to make improvements till Nov. 1783, when he removed his family, together with Mr. and Mrs. Blunt, his wife's parents. He was four days on the road. He brought his children in hanyards made of basket stuff, on horseback. He came some distance on the east side of the Kennebec, under the bank at low water to Pittston Ferry, there crossed, then had a road 28 History of Farmington. to Mount Vernon, and then followed a spotted line. They brought little more than their beds. Mr. Tufts had erected a log house which he covered with elm bark and floored with hewn basswood planks and made partitions of lumber of the same description. — The jambs and back were of hemlock. He cut the first English hay, though Mr. Titcomb raised the first corn and grain. His corn was injured by the frost on the 9th of Aug., 1783, yet he saved his red corn. Mr. Blunt died in 1784, the first instance of the death of an adult in the town. Mr. Tufts built the first mills at the Falls in 1788, sold one half to Mr. Jones in 1790, and he built his framed house on the intervale in 1791, and his barn previously to that time, and his brick house on the road in 1800. He was one of three who purchased the town in 1790. He sold his farm and removed to the upper part of the town about 18 — , and subsequently to his son's, near the old farm, when he relinquished business. — On the death of his wife he went to the State of Ohio, in 1831, where he died in Oct., 183-1, at the age of 93 years, 33. — Je8.se and William Gould. Jesse and William Gould removed from Dunstablcy Mass., in 1782. Jesse settled on the farm now own- ed by Ira Armsby, and married with Starling. They sold in 1837 and removed to Ohio, with their son, where both have since died. — William Gould settled on the farm where Daniel Sewall now lives, and where he died. He -was appointed Adjutant in the Militia soon after it was organized on the Sandy River, and subsequently held the office of Brigadier General. He represented the town in the General Court of Massachusetts in 1822, and died at his res- idence some vears since. History of Fakmington. 29 34. — Benjamin. Wealhtrv. Ill 1783 Benjamin Weathern, from Nobleborough, made a beginning on the farm now owned by his son, of the same name. Here he subsequently made a settlement, and died of Cold Fever about 1814. 35. — Reuben Lowell. Reuben Lowell, from Kingston, Mass., also settled about 1783 on the west side of the river, where Sam- uel Lowell now lives. He was a man of intelligence, and filled several responsible offices in the early set- tlement of the country. He died in Chesterville. 36. — Jesse Butterfield. Jesse Butterfield, formerly of Dunstable, Mass., M'as also among the settlers of 1783. He settled on the farm adjoining Mr. Lowell's, where Nathan- iel Greenwood now lives. [Zina Greenwood.] Here he lived to the advanced age of ninety to enjoy the liberality of his country for the services he had ren- dered in the War of the Revolution. He died March 7, 1842. 3 7 . — Robert Goiver. Robert Gower moved his family from Topsham in 1783. He was a native of England, and his wife was from Johnstown, R. I. He settled on the farm adjoin- ing Mr. Titcomb's, where he began to make improve- ments in 1776, and where he made a permanent set- tlement in 1782. He died Aug. 26, 1806, at the age of 84. His wife died in New Sharon, Jan. 15, 1836, at the age of 91. 38. — Joseph Greely; Zacheus Mayheiv; Harison Cony. In the course of the year 1783 Joseph and Seth Greely, with their father, moved to Farmington from 30 History of Farmington. Winthrop. Joseph settled on the lot now owned by Mr. Stoyell and others, and on which a large por- tion of the Center Village is now situated. He pur- chased the possession of a Mr. Snow, who had made a temporary beginning. Mr. G. made considerable improvements, and built the first framed barn in the neighborhood in 1788 He sold to Zacheus Mayhew, a native of Martha's Vineyard, about 1791. He re- moved to Pond Town — now Belgrade — where he died some years since. Mr. Mayhew built a large house in 1792, and made considerable improvements, and soon after sold to Hartson Cony, a native of Easton, Mass., and commenced improvpments on the farm now owned by Abraham Johnson. He subsequently removed to Nobleborough, where he died. Mr. Cony was naturally a business man, and was one of the first who became retailing merchants in Farmington. He afterwards sold to Ebenezer Sweet. He died in Can- ada. S9.—Seih Greehj. Seth Greely, with his father, settled on the farm now [1846] owned by Enoch C. Belcher and Hiram Belcher, and continued to make improvements till 1790, when he sold to Supply Belcher, and soon af- ter, with his father, removed to Phillips, where his father died. He removed in 1818, with his son Mo- ses Greely, to Ohio, his wife having died at Phillips. He has since died. 40. — Supply Belcher. Mr. Belcher was a native of Stoughton, Mass. He removed to that part of Hallo well, now Augusta, from which place he removed his family to the farm be- fore owned by Mr. Greely, in the winter of 1791. — He acted as agent for the inhabitants of the then Plantation in procuring the act of incorporation in 1794, and was the first Town Clerk, and afterwards one of the Selectmen. He represented the town in History of Farmington. 31 the General Court of Massachusetts at different peri- ods. He early held a commission of Justice of the Peace, and was one of the principal acting magis- trates till near his death. He died in 1836, aged 84. 41. — Sim eon Buss . Simeon Russ, in the course of the year 1783, set- tled on the farm now owned by Samuel Stanley, whose family is said to have been the first that moved above Joseph Brown's, He subsequently removed to the farm now occupied by Joseph Riant, and afterwards to the upper lot in the town, now occupied by James ^ Wellman, where he made some improvements, erect- ed temporary buildings, and after losing his wife, em- igrated to Canada. The farm on which Mr. Russ first settled passed into the hands of Jason U. Cony, where he made a settlement about 1794, and built the first mill in the upper part of the town, in con- nection with Robert Jones. 42. — Joseph Sylvester; Benjamin Butler. Joseph Sylvester settled on the farm now owned by Thomas Hunter, sold to Benjamin Butler who was from Martha's Vineyard, in 1790, and commenced on the other side of the river. Mr. Butler conveyed to his son, from whom it passed into the hands of Mr. Hunter. Mr. Butler was a house joiner by trade, and took the lead in building most of the first dwell- ing houses on the river. He died in Avon. 43 . — Joseph Holland. First Marriage. Joseph Holland made a settlement on the farm on which the upper part of the Center Village is situ- ated, about 1783. He built a temporary house near the intervale. It is said that the first marriage sol- emnized in Farmington was in this house, while it 32 His'ioiiY OF Fakmlngton. was without a floDr. Joseph Battle and Eunice Ma- loon Avere joined in marriage by Dumraer Sewall, Esq., of Bath. They were served with a good quarter of baked lamb, but had no knives excepting those they carried with them. Mr. Holland sold to John Church in 1790, and re- moved to the other side of the river, and from there to No. 1. — now Temple, being one of the iirst settlers in that town. 44. John Church Mr. Church moved his family from Augusta to Farming-ton in company with Mr. Belcher, in the winter of 1791. The winter before he had worked in company with Josiah Blake, at his trade, in Solo- mon Butterfield's old log house, on the western side of the river. Mr. Church with his family went into a log house which had been built by Mr, Holland, Avhich was his second log house and stood on the hill, a few feet north of where the Church house now stands. The Old Church House was built by Mr. C. in 1793 or 1794. This was the first house on the rise where the village now is, the whole neighbor- hood being an unbroken forest excepting a small tract around this house. Mr. Church had caused a shop to be put up the season before, in which he com- menced business as a blacksmith, which business he continued to carry on in connection with farming. — Soon after he opened a public house, which was the first tavern in town. He removed to what is now Sa- lem, in connection with his son Samuel Church, and afterwards returned to his former residence. He was a native of Kiniston, Conn., and died March 12, 1838, at the age of 85 years. His wife, whose maiden name was Susannah Cony, was from F^aston, Mass., She died May 6, 1844, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. History of Fahmington. oo 45 — Reuben Page — E. Sweet — Micah Wtathern — B. Blackston. About 178o Reuben Page settled on the lot after- wards owned by Fbenezer Sweet. On this lot the southerly part of the Center Village is now located. Mr. Page early removed from the place, and little is known of his history. It appears by the Records that he had a daughter born in the winter of 1783, the first female born in the town. — Mr. Sweet was from Attleborough, Mass., and succeeded Mr. Page some time previous to 1784. He com.menced the first tannery in town in 1785. It was situated near the present site of the Congregationalist Meeting-house. He afterwards enlarged his farm by the purchase of the lot adjoining on the north. He died Nov. 4, 1835, at the age of 96. His wife. Desire Sweet, died Dec. 12, lcS39, at the age of 95. Mr. and Mrs. Sweet. were of industrious habits and attained a competen- cy of the conveniences of life by their own industry and economy. A "felled piece," about where the Congregational Meeting-house now stands, was first planted late in June by Mrs. Sweet, with a caseknife for the want of a more suitable instrument of hus- bandry. From the corn thus planted they gathered a plentiful harvest. This was one of their first helps. In 1781, or 82, Micah \\'eathern visited the Sandy River region for the purpose of settlement. He com- menced on the lot now owned by Amasa Corbett, and soon after exchanged with Benj Blackston, and mov- ed to Middle Town — now Strong. Mr. Blackston dying, Lydia Blackston, his widow, became the own- er in the right of her husband, from whom it passed to Peter Corbett, who had settled on the lot joining it on the south. 46 — Reuben Butterfield. Reuben Butterfield came from Dunstable, Mass., while a single man, in 1781, with Samuel Butterfield, and made a temporary stay. He, however, returned 34 History of Faumington. to his native place, but after a stay of a year or two, he returned again to the Sandy River and recom- menced improvements oi purchased a new possession of Abraham Page. This was the farm now owned by Thomas Lewis and Alfred Bradford, and which soon after passed into the hands of Joseph Bradford. Mr. Buttertield then purchased of Moses Chandler, who had previously commenced on the farm where he now [1»46] resides, in the family of Geo. Wheeler, on the west side of the river. 47 — Iluseg Chandler. After selling his first lot to Mr. Buttertield, Mr. C. purchased the lot adjoining, now owned by his son, Moses Chandler. This he purchased of a Mr. Kinney, from Hallowell, who had made some improvements. Mr. Kinney's crops having been injured by the frost he became discouraged and returned to his native place. Mr. Chandler was chosen Captain of the south company of Militia, when it was organized, and he was the second Colonel who commanded the regiment first ornanized on the Sandy River. He represented the town in the General Court of Massachusetts in 1806. He died some twenty years since. His wife is still livinia:. 48 — Joseph'- Brad/ard — Indian Cruelly — Wonderful Escape. Joseph Bradford was from Meduncook, now Friend- ship, in this State. His wife, formerly Abigail Star- ling, with her sister Dorothy, — afterwards Mrs. Craig, — came from Friendship on horseback, but as they had one of Mrs. B.'s children to transport they could only ride by turns, — the one riding taking charge of the child. The road then was only a spotted line bushed out. During the French and Indian War of 1755 the parents of Mr. Bradford were inhumanly History of Farmington. 35 murdered by the Indians. They, with others equally enterprizing. had lo'cated themselves in what was then the new and thinly settled portion of the State known as Meduncook, and already had their labors been crowned with success. But the din of war, with its attendant perils, broke in upon their peaceful toils. A garrison was speedily erected and the various fami- lies removed there. Mr. B. residing but a short dis- tance from the fort, and directly in view from it, he did not deem it necessary to remove, supposing that if alarmed they could easily reach its protecting shel- ter. One morning while Mr. B. was engaged in pounding corn — a simple process of obtaining meal, a party of Indians was seen from the garrison to be approaching the house. An alarm gun was soon fired, but owing to the noise of the mortar it was not heard by the inmates, and the Savages were not per- ceived till they entered the dwelling. They immedi- ately dispatched Mr. and Mrs. B. A daughter of some twelve or fourteen years of age, who had sought a momentary concealment, sprung from under the bed, and caught the infant as it fell unharmed from the mother's arms, and fled through the open door for the garrison. The Indians pursued, but not being able to overtake her, threw a tomahawk, which in- flicted a deep wound in her side. But the heroic girl, claspin Elijah Butler and Abiatha Green. — Q5Barter Trade — Exports. During this period most of the business was done by exchange of articles. Corn and grain at first, and afterwards neat stock, were the staple commodities produced by the farmers, and most of the paper tak- en was for specific articles of this character, at a st3ted market or cash price, as might be agreed upon. In 1791. Mr Brown received a silver dollar — silver being the only money then in circulation — in payment for the labor of himself and team for a day, which he observed, was the first dollar he had received for the ten years he had lived in the place. At this pe- riod considerable quantities of corn and grain were hauled »to Ilallowell, the nearest market, and exchang- ed for such commodities as were needed by the in- habitauts; a trade which continued for many years, while the new lands were being cleared. Since this, grass seed, beef, store cattle, sheep and wool have become the chief articles of export. The potatoe crop has almost invariably been abundant, until afi'ect- ed by the rot the last year, but the situation is too far in the interior to afford a profit by transportation to market. Should the potatoe rot cease, however, it is thought they will afford a profit to the produc- er by being manufactured into starch. From the sugar History of FARMrNGux 45 maple considerable quantities of sugar and syrap have been produced, and were sufficient attention paid to the subject a liberal supply might be made for many of the inhabitants, and in many instances a surpbis might be furnished. .In 1791," being ten years from the first settlement, there were about 85 families in the town. 66 — Question of Proprietorship Settled. Previous to the winter session of the General Court of Massachusetts for 1790, the boundary line between the Plymouth Company and the State Lands had been settled by agreement that the boundary of the former should begin at the mouth of the Wisserunset Stream, which empties into the Kennebec just below Skowhe- gan Falls, in Milburn, running from thence due north, three miles, thence west twenty miles, thence south- erly to agree with the courses of the Kennebec. A survey having been taken by Samuel Titcomb, Esq., it was found that this town would fall without the Plymouth Claim. A meeting of the inhabitants was held at the house of Samuel Butterfield for the pur- pose of petitioning the General Court to obtain a title to their land. It was agreed to petition jointly, that the Colburn Associates who had settled on settler's lot should be used as they were to have been used under the Plymouth Company, and that the settlers on the proprietor's lots should be used as other set- tlers were on State lands. Samuel Butterfield and Benj. Whittier were chosen agents on the part of the proprietors of the set'tler's lots, and Francis Tufts on the part of the settlers on the lots reserved for the proprietors of the Kennebec Purchase, agreeably to the arrangement made with them by Reuben Colburn and his Associates. — This Committee attended the General Court at the winter session of 1790, and ob- tained the following Resolve in favor of the inhabit- ants, and granting the residue of the unsettled lands 46 His'ioriY OF Fai^mington. to Diimmer Sewall, Francis Tufts and Samuel But- terfield. (Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In Sfxate, February 4th, 1790. Whereas, the proprietors of the Kennebec Purchase, by their Committee, on the fourth day of October, 1779, tinder the apprehension that the tract now called the Sandy Iliver Lower Township, liclonged to said proprietors, did enter into an agreement or contract respecting the land contained in said township, with Eenben Colburn and his Associates, wherein the said Associ- ates on their part agreed to survey and lay out said township, divide the same into lots, mark the lots for settlers with the letter S.. and the lots to be reserved for said proprietors with the leiter P.. and return a plan thereof to the Clerk of said Proprietors, and within a certain time to settle said- township, make improvements therein, clear roads. &c. ; and in considera- tion thereof the said Committee, in behalf of said Proprietors, on their part agreed that the said Eeuben Colburn and his Associates, should hold all the lots in said township marked with the letter S., in the said plan returned, a duplicate whereof accompanies this Eesolve. And whereas it appears to this Court, that said Reuben Colburn and his Associates have complied with the said agreement, on their part, and would have been entitled to the several lots in said township marked with the letter S., if the said township had really belonged to the said Proprietors. But whereas it now appears tb.at the lands in said Township are the property of this Commonwealth, and inasmuch as considerable advantage has resulted to said Commonwealth from the settlement of said Township by said Asso- ciates ; and in order that said Associates may not be disturbed in the posses- sion of their settlements : Tlierefore, Eelolved, That there be, and hereby is, granted and confirmed unto the said Eeuben and his Associates aforesaid, their heirs and assigns, all the lots in said plan marked with the letter S., together wiih the Mill Lot in said Township, so called, as tenants in common, excepting such lots as have already been drawn to the Associates, which shall be held in sever- alty by each Associate, his heirs and assigns accordingly. And it is further Eesolvcd, That there be. and hereby is granted and con- firmed to Dummer Sewall of Bath. Esq., Francis Tufts and Samuel Butter- field, of Sandy Eiver, aforesaid, yeomen, their heirs and assigns, all the rest and residue of said Township, on the following conditions, and with the following reservations, viz. — That the said Dummer, Francis and Samu- el shall quit the settlers hereafter named, who settled in said Township be- fore the first day of January, 1784:, viz. Benjamin Weathren, William Gould, Eeuben Lowell, Jonathan Knowlton, William Gower. John Austin, Simeon Euss, John Huston, Enoch Craig, Joseph Sylvester, Joseph Holland, Eben- ezer Sweet, Abram Page, William White, Samuel Keen, Lydia Blackstone, Stephen Titcomb, Eobert Gower, and Francis Tufts, by granting to each of them to hold in fee one hundred acres of land, to be so laid out as will best include his or her improvements, and be least injurious to the adjoining lands, upon the receipt of thirty shillings from such settler, to be paid by each within nine months from this date. And also shall quit the settlers hereafter named, who settled in saidTownship after the first dnj' of Jamiary, 1784, viz. — Josiah Blake, Samuel Ames, Sanmel Briggs, Joseph Eiant, Hugh Cox, David Wentworth, Joseph Bradford, Benjamin Handy, Isaac Powers, Abram Page, Silas Gould, Samuel Chandler, Ephraim Cowen, Noah Billington, Susannah Davenport, Isaac Teague, Abram Smitli. Joseph Ralph and Oliver Bailey, by granting to esich of them to hold in fee, one hundred acres of land, to be so laid out as will best include his or her improvements History of Farmington. 47 find be least injurious to the adjoinint,^ lands, upon the reeeipt of six pounds from each settler, to be paid within nine months from this date. Reservinsr, however, four lots of three hundred and twenty acres each, for public uses, viz. — one for the first settled minister, one for the use of the ministry, one for the use of schools in said Township, and one for the future appropriation of tlie Gener.al Court, to be laid out near the center of said Township, and to average in goodness with the other lots tlierein ; and on condition that the said Dummer Sewall. Francis Tufts, and Samuel Butterfield shall pay or give sufficient security to pay to the Committee on the subject of unappropriated lands in the Counties of York, Cumberland and Lincoln, or to their succes- sors in office, for the use of the Commonwealth, the sum of four hundred pounds in specie, within the space of one j^ear from the time of passing this llesolve, which Committee upon the receipt of said sum of four hundred pounds, or sufficient security therefor, are hereby empowered to make and execute a good and lawful deed to the said Dummer, Francis and Samuel, their heirs and assigns, of the land granted to them in this Resolve, on the conditions, and with the reservations therein contained. Sent down for concurrence. Thomas Daws, President pro tem. In the House of Representatives, February 4th, 1790. Read and concurred. David Cobb, Speaker. A True Copy, Attest, Johk Avery, Jun., Secretary. The aforesaid Sewall, Tufts, and Butterfield gave security to the satisfaction of the Committee and re- ceived a Deed before they returned home. Although the purchase of the town was not entirely to the sat- isfaction of the inhabitants, yet they complied with the provisions of the Resolve, and received titles to their lands agreeably to the conditions therein speci- fied. 67 — Town Iiicorpo rated. From this time till 1794, when the town was in- corporated the settlers had no particular mode of trans- acting public business. They were never organized as a Plantation, but proceeded in regard to roads, schools, &c. as individuals were disposed to associate. In the latter part of 1793, the inhabitants at a meet- ing held for that purpose, agreed to petition to be incorporated agreeably to the original survey of the town; and Supply Belcher Esq., was agreed upon to attend the General Court at its next session, with the Petition, which was signed by most of the inhabitants. He accordingly attended, and obtained ;m act of in- 48 History of Faemington. corporntioii, which was signed by Samuel Adams, then Lieutenant Governor and Acting Governor of Massachusetts, on the 1st day of February, 1794, in- corporating the Plantation of kSandy River, with the inhabitants thereof, into a town by the name of Farni- ington. The name was given to the town by Col. Porter, by the consent of the inhabitants. The Act thus bounds the town:— 68 — Bovndaries. '•Beginning at a maple tree marked, on the east- erly side of the Sandy River, and near the same, at the south-east corner of said Plantation, thence run- ning north eight miles and hfty-six rods to a beech tree marked; thence west five miles and two hundred rods to a bass tree marked, thence south two miles, thence south thirteen degrees east three miles, thence south thirty-five degrees east two miles one hundred and fourteen rods to a hemlock tree marked, thence north sixty-seven degrees east one mile one hundred and ninety rods to the junction of the Little Norridge- wock with the Wilson Stream to a birch tree mark- ed K. 15 M. 1780, thence north forty-nine degrees east one mile and ninety rods to the Sandy River, thence down the Sandy River to the first mentioned bound — estimated to contain 27,000 acres." The last course has been so altered as to make the Wilson Stream the line, which varies but little from the former course. The beech tree marked, first men- tioned, stands a few feet from the original corner made by North in 1780, for the corner of the Plym- outh Claim, marked K. 15 M. on a small birch tree, denoting 15 miles from the Kennebec River. Stone monuments have since been erected at the several corners and angles of the town, and in most cases on the roads. History of P'armington. 49 69 — Orgamzalion. By the xict of Incorporation AVm. Reed Esq of Middle Town — now Strong — was authorized to call the first meeting of the inhabitants for the choice of such toAvn officers as towns are required to choosy in the month of March or April annually, by directing a warrant to some one of the principal inhabitants of the Plantation for that purpose. On the 15th of March a warrant was issued by Mr Reed to Moses Starling Esq., requiring him to notify the inhabitants to meet at the dwelling house of Thomas Elint — now Wm. Marvefs — in said town, on Monday the 7th day of April, 1794, at 10 o'clock, A. M., for the choice of Town, County, and State officers. The meeting was organized by the choice of Solomon Adams for Moderator, and Supply Belcher for Town Clerk. Pe- ter Corbett, Ezekiel Porter, and Enoch Craig were chosen Selectmen ; Moses Starling, Treasurer, and Benj. Whittier, Constable and Collector. 70 — Representatives. Farmington was represented in the General Court for the first time, in 1798, by Supply Belcher Esq. In 1799 the town was represented by Col. Ezekiel Porter, and in 1800 by Stephen Titcomb Esq. In 1809 the town being entitled to two Representatives, Supply Belcher Esq. and Nathan Cutler Esq. were elected. Joseph Fairbanks and Josiah Prescott rep- resented the town in the Convention which met at Brunswick in 1816 for the purpose of forming a Con- stitution, had the requisite number of votes been giv- en in favor of separation from Massachusetts. Nathan Cutler and Jabez Gay were elected delegates to the Convention which met in Portland on the 'ind Mon- day in Oct. 1819, for the purpose of forming a Con- stitution for the State of Maine. In 1820 Jabez Gay represented the town in the first Legislature of this State. 50 History of Farmi>gton. Il—lioads. The first County Road was laid out from Hallow- ell, through Chesterville, to the Old Fordway, just above the Center Bridge, and afterwards continued on the west side of the river to Strong. The County Road was laid out on the east side of the river by iJr. Hubbard, and others, in 179'3. It was located near the intervale and some parts of the location were altered by the town before it was opened. Subse- quently the town altered the location of other parts of the route, but the whole has been since established by the County Commissioners, and the road has been continued across the Fairbanks Bridge. The principal Town Roads were laid out and established in 179-1 and 1795 Others have since been laid out as occasion has required. The Temple Road was first laid out by the Town in 1802, and afterwards estab- lished as a County Road. Various alterations have been made in the old ones, and several new County Roads have been made from time to time as circum- stances seemed to require, the most of which have proved to be advantageous. 12—3Iails. The mail was first brought from Hallowell to Farm- ington about 179o, by Zacheus Mayhew. Moses Starling was appointed the first Postmaster. A Mr. Willis had brought newspapers, &c. a short time pre- vious. The mail was carried on horseback till 1829, when the means of conveyance Avas increased by a contract with Moses Hanscom, to a two horse team. By this contract the mail was to be carried under cov- er, and continued twice a week till 1841. In 1841 the establishment was increased to a four horse team, with post coaches to Farmington, and from thence to Phillips with two horses. This line is now owned by F. V. Stewart, who employs some 24 horses, and it is one of the best managed routes in the State. The History of Farmington. 51 mail route from Farmington direct to Portland was established about 1830— was purchased in 1834 by F. V. Stewart, and in 1838 passed into the hands of Thomas Beede, the present owner. This employs a two horse team to Minot where it connects with the Hallowell and Augusta line. This furnishes a quick and expedicious conveyance west, by land, and the route is well managed. Beside those already mention- ed there is a cross mail, carried by one horse, passing from Anson, through Farmington, to Wilton. IS— First Mills ; Starling's Mills. The first mill in Farmington, as has been stated, was built by Colburn and PuUen, where the Titcomb Mills now stand. The Sawmill was set in operation in Nov. 1781, and the Gristmill in Aug. 1782. These mills were injured by the great freshet in 1785, on which account, and on account of the scarcity of wa- ter, — the dam being defective, as is common in new establishments in new countries, — the inhabitants suf- fered greatly for the want of facilities for procuring grinding, and were compelled to go to Winthrop to mill, a part of the time, for some years, and frequently with handsleds. To remedy this hardship many of them prepared mortars with a spring-pole to raise the pestle, by the help of which they made tolerable meal. This was the only mill for something like seven or eight years. It was rebuilt by Jacob Eaton and Moses Starling in 1790, and some time after again rebuilt by Mr. Starling, and more recently by Capt. Davis, and again by Butterfield & Witham in 1836. The first run of stones that was put into this mill was hauled from Winthrop in the winter of 1781. It has now four runs of stones, one of them Burr stones, with a superior cleanser, and the mill does a good business. The Sawmill was rebuilt at the same time with the Gristmill, both being greatly improved. [Now Walton's Mills.] 52 History of Farmington. 14:— Mills ai Farmington Falls. The next Mills were built by Francis Tufts, at the Falls, on the main river, at the lower end of the town, about 1788. About 1790 one half was sold to Ebenezer Jones, and the remaining half soon after to Jonathan Knowlton. Jonathan Russ purchased these mills in 1803. The dam having been carried away, he rebuilt it the same season, and rebuilt the mills in 1804, These mills were burned on the 29th of January, 1813, and rebuilt by John and Henry Russ immediately after. They were carried away by the great freshet in Oct- 1820, and again rebuilt by the same individuals. These mills once suffered some embarrasraent for the want of water, occasioned by the owners not having the control of the opposite bank, which has been remedied by the erection of mills on the Chesterville side. This water privilege would be one of the best in the vicinity were it not for great risk in freshets, occasioned by the water being confined to a narrow channel. Ebenezer Jones built a Sawmill and a Gristmill at the foot of these Falls, about 1802. The Gristmill was carried away by the water in 1814, and the Sawmill in 1820. The mills were supplied with water by a canal from the dam at the head of the Fall. David Dwinnel erected a shop on the canal which conveyed the water to the lower mills, with a trip hammer, which was carried away at the same time with the mill. John Russ hav- ing purchased the site where the Fulling Mill and Carding Machine formerly stood, erected a Sawmill, which was burned soon after, and another put in op- eration by Thomas Chase. nb—Keiih's 3Iills. The mills commonly known as Morrison's or Keith's Mills were first built by Samuel Sewall, about 1792. They were sold by Mr. Sewall about 1796. and pas- History or Farmington. 53 sedinto the hands ofEdwiird Lock. Not much at- tention was bestowed npon them for some years after. The Sawmill on the Farmins^ton side of the Wilson Stream was rebuilt by John Morrisan and others. — The Gristmill is now on the Chesterviile side, the line passing between that and the Sawmill. It is owned by Mr. Davis, by whom it was rebuilt, and it has a liberal business. Here is also a Fulling Mill and Carding Machine on the Chesterviile side, owned by Joseph Keith, which has been for many years one of the best establishments in this section of the State. 16 — Fairbanks s Milh: The Mills at the upper end of Farmington, known as Fairbank's Mills, were first built by Jason D. Co- ny, in 1 794, and were owned by him and Kobert Jones, who owned the privilege. They were situated where Mr. Townsend's Bark Mill now stands, in connection with which a Sa-wmill was afterwards erected. They passed into the hands of Hartson Cony, about 1797 or 98, who commenced digging the canal where the Mills now stand. He put up a Sawmill frame, near the site of the present Sawmill, which was carried away by the freshet in June, 1799. He sold to John Patterson, who fitted them up. In the winter of 1801 they were burned. The privilege and remains of the mills were purchased by Joseph Fairbanks, and the mills were rebuilt the same season. Col. Fairbanks completed the canal commenced by Mr. Cony, and built a Gristmill where the present one stands, in 1S07; and afterwards the Sawmill at the same place. May 14, 1814, the dam was mostly carried away by the freshet, which was attended with considerable loss to the owner, in the mills as well as in his store, which was then connected with the mills. In 1820 the Mills were rebuilt by Col. Fairbanks, and greatly improved. At this time he introduced a cleanser, 54 History of Farminoton. which was the first put in operation in the vicinity. These mills are now owned by Hiram Belcher and Lu- ther Townsend, who rebuilt them in 1, at an expense of i5$r250. History of Farmington. 59 including the cost of the lot. The sum was raised by the sale of the pews. It is built of brick in the present st\le of building. Its dimensions are 36 bv 43 feet, and it contains 43 pews. 83 — Bapiisff Meeting Hou!rmission of ])arents. Pupils are received at any time, and ar(^ charged in proportion to the time of their connection with the school. No deduction is made for absence of less than one week. Payments are made (piartcrly, and in ad\ance when convenient. The onlv regular vacation commences on the first Monday in May, and continues six weeks. Mr. Ab- bott endeavors to exert over his pupils, the govern- ment of a Christian parent, and he expects them to be under his entire direction and control, except as he receives specific dii-ections from those who entrust them to his care. The present number of pupils is seventeen. S*^— Public Funds. In 1811, agreeably to a petition of the town, Oliver Bailey, Elijah Norton, Nathan Cutler and Timothy Johnson were incorporated into a body politic, by the name of the Trustees of the Farmington Ministerial and School Funds, with power to sell and convey the ministerial and school lands belonging to the town, and to put at use the moneys arising from the sale of the same, as soon as might be ; the interest aris- ng from the money due for the ministerial lands to )e annually appropriated to the supy)0rt of the gospel 64 History of Farmington. ministry in said town, in the same way and manner as the income and profits of said ministerial land would by law be appropriated if this law had not been passed. And the interest arising on the money due for school lands, to be annually appropriated for the use of the public free schools in the town, it never being in the power of the Trustees or Town to alter or alienate the appropriation of the fands aforesaid. This Act passed Feb. 5, ISll. At the first nieeting of the Trustees Oliver Bailey was chosen President of the Board, Nathan Cutler, Treasurer, and Timothy Johnson, Clerk. The Board was then filled up by the choice of Moses Chandler, Jabez Gay, and Jesse Cjould, milking seven in the whole, any four of whom were to form a quorum for doing business, agreeably to the aet of incorporation. The whole of the lands have been sold at different periods. The total amount of sales amounted to, — Ministerial Fund ^1297, ^5y, interest, |77,s7,— School Fund |U4y,25, interest, $86,95. The income arising from the School Fund has been annually applied to the support of free schools in the town, agreeably to the original design of the appropriation made by the State. In 1824 the land reserved for the first settled minister was sold by the board of town officers, agreeably to the direction of the town ; an Act having been passed by the Legislature of the State on the r2th day of Feb. 1824, making them a body corporate for that pur- pose, and declaring the lands vested in the inhabit- ants, where trustees had not already been appointed, and the lands become otherwise vested. The lands were sold, and the securities received amounted to ^1368,08, bearing date the 15th day of May, 1824., By the provisions of the act the interest accruing from this fund was to be added to the principal an- nually, and the whole kept at interest for the original purpose. This fund ^vas kept at interest and manag- ed according to the foregoing regulations till Sept. 10, History of Farmington. 65 1832. The interest arising on the former fund raised from the land reserved for the use of the ministry, having been divided by the town equally between the different religious societies existing at the time, was by the societies appropriated for the support of preach- ing. — An Act was passed by the Legislature in 1832 authorizing the inhabitants of Farmington to distribute the proceeds of the land reserved for the first settled minister equally among the six following religious Societies, viz: — the Congregational, Baptist, Freewill Baptist, Methodist, Universalist, and Unitarian. But doubts were entertaimed of the constitutionality of the law, and it was thought advisable to settle a minister by the first Parish, which was organized on the 10th day of Sept. 1832, at a meeting duly called for that purpose, when it was agreed to give the Rev. Timo- thy Johnson a call to become their pastor, on condi- tion of his givino^ his consent to an equal distribution of the whole of the ministerial fund, excepting fifty dollars, — which he was to retain for his own personal benefit, — among the six following religious Societies, viz: — the Congregational, Baptist, Freewill Baptist, Methodist, Universalist, and Unitarian, to be by them received and managed at their discretion, and for their individual benefit. Mr. Johnson having signi- fied his acceptance, the parish passed a vote confirm- ing the sale of the lands, and also giving their con- sent to the foregoing arrangement, which was accord- ingly carried into eff'ect by the proper officers, and the funds transferred into the hands of agents chosen by the Town, in trust, for the Societies, and by them passed over to the several Societies, and by them have been appropriated to their individual benefit, — amounting to |636,17 to each society. 90— Bridges. The first bridge across the Sandy River was built by Benj. Butler, at the center of the Town, on the 66 History of Farmington, road laid out on the dividing line between the Church and the Stoyell lots, being a continuation of the Per- ham Road west across the river, and thence norther- ly around the hill to intersect the County Road near where Jedediah Thomas formerly lived, the whole of which has since been discontinued. The bridge was begun in 1805 and completed in 1808, on a contract made by Ezekiel Porter and Timothy Johnson, who were to pay Mr. Butler flOOO on its completion. — A small part of the amount was paid by subscription. The bridge was damaged by the freshet in 1812, and repaired by the town. It was rendered impassable by the freshet of 1814, when the road on the inter- vale was much damaged, and it was soon after dis- continued. 91 — Fanninglon Falls Bridge The second bridge built across the Sandy River was at the Falls, in about 1808. It was built by volun- tary subscription. A part of it was carried away by the freshet of 1814, and was repaired by the Town. By the great freshet of 1820 it was wholly swept away, and it was rebuilt in the following winter by the towns of Farmington and Chesterville. — Chester- ville now builds and keeps in repair about one third part of this bridge. — The larger part of the bridge was again carried away, and the Farmington part rebuilt at the expense of the town by John Russ, in 1827^ and again by Mr. Russ in the winter of 1828, and again in 18^31, at an expense of sf^l^OO, and covered. Since that time $250 only have been expended. 02 — Fairbanks Bridge. The third bridge was built in 1811 at the upper part of the town, by subscription. It is commonly called the Fairbanks Bridge, It was accepted by the Town in 1813, free of any expense. In May, 1814, History of Farmington. 67 the bridge was carried away by the freshet. It was rebuilt by the town in 1815, and was somewhat dam- aged by the great freshet of Oct. 1820 and again re- paired by the town. In the winter of 1826 it was rebuilt by John Russ, on a warrant for ten years, for the sum of ^890. He partially rebuilt it once during the period. In 18o8 it was built with stone abutments and covered, at an expense of |1800, and destroyed by the ice in the winter following. It was again rebuilt, in its present form, in 1839, at an ex- pense of $600, and again rebuilt in part in 1842, since which time it has undrgone some repairs. 93 — Cenier Bridge. The first bridge built where the one now stands, at the center of the town, was in 1818. The cost was ^4837,12, of which ^497,91 was raised by sub- scription, and $1357,12 was paid by the town. In 1820 it was somewhat damaged by the great freshet, and repaised by the town. It was again repaired in 1827, and extended in length. In 1831 it was re- built at an expense of |2 11 7, the road from the east- ern abutment being filled to the high bank. It fell in 1841, and was rebuilt the same year at an expense of $700. The eastern abutment was injured by the Nov. freshet in 1845, and has since been rebuilt. 94 — Poioder Souse. The town has a substantial brick magazine for the deposite of military stores, which was built in 1817. It is now of little use, as by the present laws, the town is not required to keep such stores on hand. [Since the publication of the first edition of Judge Parker's history, Farmington has had a race of boys, and consequently we have now no Powder Magazine. The Powder House, however, has given a permanent name to the hill on which it once stood.] 68 Hi«:tory of Faumtngtov. 9 o — Tann erie^. The first tanyard in Farmington was commenced by Ebenezer Sweet about 1785, a few rods south- west of the present site of the Cong. Meeting House. This was the first tannery this side of Winthrop. — Samuel Sewall commenced tanning at the lower end of the town soon after Mr. Sweet. Samuel Pool com- menced about the same time, nefcr Mr. Sweet, on the farm now owned by Jacob Abbott, Esq. Messrs. Ba- ker & Hopkinson constructed a Tannery at the yard afterwards owned by Joseph Knowlton, in 1805. Mr. Baker soon after sold out to Mr. Hopkinson and re- moved to Wilton. Mr. Hopkinson continued to car- ry on the business with success till 1^18, when he sold to Mr. Knowlton and removed to Ohio. Mr. K. made considerable improvement, and continued the bu- siness with apparent success till 1842, when he failed in business and went to Indiana, where he has since removed "his family. This Tannery is now improved by Mr. Taylor. Elijah Butler built a Tannery on the farm now owned by James Presson, in the upper part of the town, about the same time. He continued the business for some time, after which it passed into the hands of his son, Winthrop Butler, who carried it on till near his death, in 1835, since which time the buildings have been taken away, and the yard has become extinct. Luther Townsend began the es- tabhshment now owned by him in the upper section of the town, in 1810. The dam connected with the Bark Mill was swept away by the freshet in 1827, when his yard was much injured. He has since re- built it with considerable improvement. He has a Bark Mill which goes by water. Mr. T. has since turned his attention to farming, and the Tannery is now managed by his son, Samuel O. Townsend. — Joshua Adams commenced the Tannery formerly own- ed by him, at the Center Village, in 1828, where he did considerable business until the present season. HisT(mY OF Farmington. 69 He has removed to Wilton. The yard now owned and improved by Charles Hutchins was put in ope- ration by Henry Brooks about the year ls35, in con- nection with Apollos Osgood. 96 — Blacksmiths. The first Blacksmith Shop put up in Farmington is said to have been opened by one Sally, on the west side of the river, near where Mr. Austin lived, op- posite the Center Village. He continued the busi- ness but a short time. Peter Gay put up a tempo- rary shop where he settled, at the upper part of the town, on the west side of the river, about 1789 or 90, where he did some business for some eight or ten years. — Soon after this a Mr. Bowley commenced, and continued the business for some years, near Mr. Knowlton's, at the lower end of the town. — John Church put up a shop at the center of the town in 1790. He was the principal workman for some time.— John Young commenced the business at the Falls about 1800, where he has continued the business most of the time since. — Benjamin Heath made a set- tlement on what is commonly called the Heath Farm, now owned by Henry Titcomb and others, in 1792, where he continued to carry on the Blacksmithing business till he removed to Salem in this County, about 1818, who with his sons were among the first settlers in that place. — Asahel Wyman, from Groton, Mass., set up the business on the farm since owned by Mr. Quincy, prior to 1800, and continued it while he was able to attend to business. After him Jere- my Wyman, his son, set up the business on the west side of the river. He built the brick shop now oc- cupied by M. S. Norcross for the Pottery business, in 1810, where he continued till March, 1814, when he died with the spotted or cold fever, being the second case in town. — Nathan Backus first commenced the business on the w^est side of the river, about 1800, 70 History of Farmington. and soon removed to the east side and built what is now called tlie Backus Shop in the Center Village, where he continued business the most os the time to his death in 1841. — The Blacksmith business was commenced at Fairbanks' Mills by a Mr. Ailen ^in 1812, who continued but a short time, and was suc- ceeded by another man by the name of Allen. After him Robert Bangs prosecuted the business. — Ephraim J. Green commenced in IS 24 and has since done a good business. — Daniel Baker has more recently set up the business at the same place, and Hosea Bump at, the Corner just below. — Charles Savage from An- son commenced business at the lower part of the vil- lage, about 1817, where he did a good business for some years. He left about 1833 since which time various others have occupied the stand. — Many work- men have set up the business in different parts of the town, and at different periods, and various shifts have beon made too numerous to mention, our object be- ing to give a clue only to the first 'rise and progress of the Various kinds of business pursued in town. 97 — Carpenters. The following is a list of some of the first Carpen- ters and House Joiners in town. — Moses Starling, Jo- seph Sysvester, Hugh Cox, Benj. Butler, Elvaton Parker, Hugh Stewart, Thomas Wendell, Rufus Davis, Peter West, David Morrill, Jonathan Graves, Lemuel Bursley, Henry Stewart, Daniel Stanley, and Zenas Backus. Many of these carried on the Cabinet and Chair Making business in the winter season, and most of them were more or less engaged in farming. 99— I?a«ers. A Hatter's Shop was built by Robert Baker in 1805 at the Center V^illage, where he carried on the business for a few years. When he left it passed into the hands of Samuel Belcher who occupied it History of Farmington. 71 as a store. — In 1811 Christopher xltkinson commenced the hat business at the same place. He built a shop soon after, where he continued thej^business for a time. He was followed by Coburn Emerson for a short time. Wood & Bond set up the business in 1825. Mr. Bond soon left, and Mr. Wood continued for some time after. — In 1816 Isaac Hibbard set up the business at the Falls, where he has continued it most of the time since. — Thomas Spooner commenced business at the same place in 1826, but soon left. l(n)~-Merchanl-i. Thr^mas Flint and Hartson Cony were the first two who brought goods into the place to trade upon. Dr. Flint opened his store in a small building on the farm now improved by John Bailey, and built the first Potash, near what is called the Old Beaver Dam Brook, not far .fiom the east end of the Center Bridge. Mr Cony opened his store in a part of Mr. Church's log house, in the winter of 1792. Thomas Whittier and Nathaniel Bishop built a store at the Falls, and furnished it with goods about 1796. — This Store was afterwards fitted up, and with some addi- tions, changed to a dwelling house, and is known as the Kuss House. Whittier & Bishop sold to Zacha- riah Butterfield, who continued trading and manufac- .turing potash till 1802, when he sold to Jonathan Russ, who continued the business for some time to a considerable extent. Daniel Beal opened a Store at the Falls about the year 1800, where he continued to do business for some time under different firms. He is now engaged, in connection with his son, D. Beal, Jr., at the Center Village, where they have continued the mercantile business for some years with success. Thomas Croswell commenced as a retail merchant at the Falls a few years after Mr, Beal, where he made a permanent settlement, and has continued the busi- ness to the present time. Benj. Sampson was con- 72 History of Farmiington. nected with Mr. C. for a while, after which Mr. S. commenced business by himself, A. B. Caswell, Lem- uel Bursley Jr., L. S. Caswell, and some others have been engaged in trade at the Falls to a considerable extent. David Moors, from Groton, Mass., moved to Farm- ington with his family in 1799, and opened a store in the Church House. The house was then occupi- ed by John Church 1st. Mr. Moors soon after built what is now called the Moors House, on what was then called the New Road [now Pleasant Street] a part of which he occupied for a store. The first County lload lying under the hill, the Town laid out a new road in 1797, from the (Jounty Koad west of where the Freewill Baptist Meeting House now stands, direct to the top of the hill in front of Thomas Hunt- er's house, and from thence so as to intersect the former road at Enoch Craig's north line. The first beginning on the hill where the village is now situ- ated, as has been before stated, was made by Joseph Holland, who was succeeded by John Church 1st, whose house, and that of Ur. Stoyell, were the only ones on the Hill prior to Mr. Moors'. Timothy and Thomas Johnson soon after put up what is now called the Lowell House, on the rear of the same lot, on the Front Street, a part of which was occupied by Tim- othy as a store, which he opened in 1800 or 1801. The Messrs. Johnsons soon after built a store on the same street, adjoining the Common, which was after- wards moved on to Main Street, and is now occupi- ed by Lemuel Adams as a Saddle and Harness Mak- er's Shop. [Now the dwelling house next north of the Forest House.] The Johnsons subsequently built a large and convenient Store, by the Common, which was afterwards purchased by Edward Butler and changed to a dwelling house, and is now occupied, with some additions by J. S. Milliken as a tavern. — The Johnsons and Mr. Moors both erected Potash- History of Farmington. IS eries and Pearl Ovens, and carried on a large amount of business for some years. Timothy Johnson, after a short recess from trade, agsin commenced with his brother, Joseph Johnson, in a small shop then own- ed by Ebenezer Childs, near the upper part of the Village. Subsequently they traded separately, lower down, where the center of business now is, Joseph and his son Joseph S. still continue to trade. Clif- ford Belcher and Joseph Titcomb commenced trade soon after the Messrs. Johnsons, at the upper part of the Village, where most of the business v/as done for many years. Mr. T. sold to his brother, John Titcomb, and retired to his present farm in 1820.- — Mr. Belcher continued trade till near his death, in 1832. Samuel Belcher commenced trade in a build- ing opposite his brother's in 1811, and died in 1814. His business was closed soon after by his brother, B. M. Belcher. Ebenezer Childs commenced trade about 1815, and continued business till within a few years, when he became engaged in other business.— Rosimus K. Jjowell commenced business also in the upper part of the Village in 1817. His health fail- ing, he closed in about 1830, and died in 1837. — Asa Abbot commenced in 1827. He retired in 1841, and has since pursued his former occupation of farm- ing with success. Isaac Tyler commenced trade in the lower part of the Village about 1825, where he continued till 1835. Abiatha Green put up the first Potash at the upper part of the town about 1802, and took in ashes in connection with Mr. Beal, then trading at the Falls. Francis Norton opened the first store at Backus' Corner in 1804. Joseph Fairbanks commenced trade at his mills in 1808, having before been connected with Leonard Merry, on the other side of the river. He soon after put up a potash and entered largely into trade in all its various branches. He continued the business nearly twenty years. He was followed by Francis Butler in 1828, Mr. B. afterward? sold 74 HlSlOllY OF FaRMINGTON. lo Hiise & Read. Edward Butler and Samuel Jones traded at Backus' Corner for a time, and were fol- lowed by Zenas Backus. Trade has since inclined to the center of the town, and little is done here. 101 — Center Village. In 1802 the road, or what was then called the Back Street, — now Main Street, — ^was laid out by the Town. It commenced near what was then Benjamin Brainard's now Jacob Abbott's, and running easterly of the Moors Lot, and the Lowell Lot, northerly un- til it intersected the formor road near Mr. Belcher's Office. The former County Koad, excepting that part between the Stoyell Lot and the north line of the Common, has since been discontinued, and the before described Town Hoad established as a County Koad. A Town E,oad has recently been laid out and established, extending from the Perham Koad south, to a line opposite the north line of the Academy Lot,/rom thence westerly between the Academy and the Baptist Meeting House to the County Koad, or Main Street. Most of the lots on this street have been taken up and built on. 102— Center Village in 184G. Dwelling Houses 86 Saddle and Harness Makei-s 3 Stores 14 Blacksmiths 4 Milliner's Shoijs 4 Carriage and Sleigh Maker 1 Mechauic's Shops • IS Tin Factories 2 Law Offices 5 Lawyers 7 Brick School House 1 Physicians 3 Brick Meeting Houses 3 Tailors 2 Academy Printing Establishment 1 Boarding School Pi-ovision Shop 1 Court House Cabinet and Chair Makers 1 Jail Watch Makers 2 Firei^ roof Building for County House Joiners 8 Othces and Post Office Pi-oportionate number of Shoe- Tannery makero and other Mechanics. Boot and Shoe Factory HiSTOUY OF FaRMINGTON. 75 103 — Town Officers: From Dale of Incorporation to 1846. Selectmen, Assessors, &c. 1894; Peter Corbett, E. Porter, E. Craig. 1795, P. Corhett. E. Porter, E. Craitr. 1796, P. Corhett. Jothani Smith. S. Belclier, 1797, P. Corhett. Jotliam Smith. S. Belcher. 1798, P. Corl)ett, E. Porter, J. Smith. 1799, P. Corhett. E. Porter. J. Smitli. 1800, P. Corhett. E. Porter. J. Smith, Clerk. Treasurer. Supply Belcher, M. Starlitii?, Solomon Adams, M. Starling, Solomon Adams, M. Starling, Solomon Adams, M' Starling, Solomon Adams, M. Starling, Solomon Adams. M. Starlin"-, Solomon Adams. M. Starling. 1801, Ben.i.Whittier. H. Holly. Ehen. Norton. Solomon Adams, C. Brainard' 1802, S.Adams. Jon.Cushman. Tho.Hisceck, H.V. Chamberlain C. Brainard! 1803, Peuhen Lowell. E. Craig, E. Norton, Church Brainard, C. Brainard! 1804, E. Norton, J. P. Woods, Jahez Gay, C. Brainard, John Holly! 1805, E. Norton. J. F. Woods. S'l. Lovejoy. C. Brainard, Zac. Norton, 1806, J.F. Woods. Oliver Bailey, L. Perham. C. Brainard, E. Porter. 1807, E. Norton. O. Bailey, Thos. Wendell, C. Brainard, Sol. Adams 1808, 0. Bailey. T. Wendell, J. Stinchfield. C. Brainard, Sol. Adams! 1809, 0. BailcV. Elii. Norton. Jona. Buss. C. Brainard, Th, Hiscock 1810, O. Bailey. Elij. Norton. Wm. Gonld. C. Brainard. Th. Johnson 1811, Leonard Merry. T. D. Blake.O.Bailev. C. Brainard. Nath. Cutler 1812, L.Merry. J. F.Woods. Jere. Stinchfield, C. Brainard, N. Cutler. 1813, L. Merfv. J. F. Woods. J. Stinchfield. C. Brainard. N Cutlet-, 1814, J. Stinckfield, Joh Brooks. O. Bailey, H. Belcher. N. Cutler. 1815, J. Stinckfield. J. Brooks. Step.Titcomh H. Belcher. J.Fairbanks 1816, J. Stinchfield, J. Brooks. S. Titcomb. H. Belcher. J.Fairbanks 1817, J. Fairbanks. Jas.Butterfield. J.Smith H. Belcher. J.Fairbanks 1818, J.Fairbanks. Tho. Parker.Beni. Butler. H. Belcher. E. Craig. 1819, J. Fairbanks, J.Butterfield.John Buss. H. Belcher, E. Craig, 1820, J. Fairlianks, J. Bntterfield, J. Buss, N. Cutler, E. Craig. 1821, J. Butterfield. J.Morrison, J.Fairbrtnks T. Parker. E. Craig. 1822, J. Morrison. B.M.Belcher.T. Parker. T. Parker. J. Titcomb. 1823 T. Parker. B. M.Bclcher. J.Stinchfield, T. Parker. Jos. Titcomb 1824 J.Stinchfield. died March 15. B. M. Bel- cher, died Mar. 15. J. Fairbanks .Tr.T. Parker. Nath'l Woods, T. Parker, Jos. Titcomb 1825, J. Fairbanks .Jr. T.Parker. John Buss. T. Parker, Jos. Titcomb 1826, J. Fairbanks jr. T. Parker. J. Buss, T. Parker, Jos. Titcomb 1827, T. Parker, J. Buss, John Church, T. Parker, Jos.Titcomb 1828, T. Parker. J. Buss, John Church jr. T. Parker. Jos. Titcomb 1829, J. Buss, J. Butterfield, Francis Butler T. Johnson, Ed. Butler, 1830, J. Buss, J. Butterfield. F. Butler. T. Johnson, Ed. Butler, 1831, J. Butterfield, F. Butler, Sam'l Stanley T. Johnson, Isaac Tyler. 1832, J. Butterfield. F. Butler, S. Stanley. I. Tvler. M.Butterfi'd 1833, T. Parker. Henry Johnson. I. Tyler., I.Tyler. Thos.Hunt'r 1834, T. Parker, F. Butler. John Bus'^s. I. Tyler. T. Hunter, 1835, T. Parker. S. Stanley. J. Butterfield, T. .Johnson, Fran. Butler 1836, T. Parker, J.Fairbanks. John Morrison. H. B. Stoyell, T. Hunter. 1837, T. Parker. S. Norton. Benj. Sampson. H. B. Stoyell. T. Hunter. 1838, J'Jewett. Moses Chandler. A. B.Caswell Sam'lBelchef, Sam'Stanley 1839, J. Butterfield. .LFairbanks. A. B.Caswell S. Belcher, S. Stanley 1840, A. B. Caswell. B. Pease. Wm. Tufts, S. Belcher. A. Corbett 1841, A. B. CasweU, B Pease, Eliab Eaton, Z. T.fMilliken A. Corbett 1842, S. Stanley. E. Eaton, Amasa Corbett, C. E. Johnson, Ale.Hillmari 1843, S. Stanley. E- Eaton, Amasa Corbettt, C. E. Johnson, A. Hillman 1844, A.Corbett,Aly:in Currier, M. Chandler, A. G.Wheeler Sam. Stanley 1845, M- Chandler, A. Currier, Henry Buss. A. GWheeler. P. P. Tufts 1846, S. Stanley. P. P. Tufts, Henry"Clark. A G.Wheeler. E.G. Butler 76 History of Farmington. 1 04 — Represenlative.i' 1798, Supply Bc-lcher 8124, 1799, Ezckiel Porter 1825, 1800, Stephen Titcomb 182fi, 1801, Supply Belcher 1827, 1802, Vote not to send representative 1828, 1803, Vote not to send representative 1829, 1804, Ebehezer Norton 1830, 1805, Ezekiel Porter 1831, 1806, Moses Chandler 1832, 1807, Zechariah Norton 1833, 1808, Samuel Butterfield 1834, 1809, Supply Belcher, Nathan Cutler 1835, 1810, Nathan Butler, Joseph Norton 1836, 1811, Nather Cutler, Timothy Johnson 1837, 1812, Leonard Merry, T. Johnson 1838, 1S13, Leonard MeiTy, Asahel Gross 1839, 1814, Vote not to send representative 1840, 1S15, Vote not to send representative 1841, 1816, Meeting adjourned without day 1842, 1817, Vote not tt send representative 1843 1818, Vote not to send representative 1819, Nathan Cutler, Joseph Fairbanks 1820, Jabez Gay 1844, 1821, Hiram Belcher 1845, 1822, William Gould 1846, 1823, James Butterfield James Buttertield Edward Butler Edward Butler Joseph Johnson Hiram Belcher Jose]ih Jonson Jolin Ituss Hiram Belcher Francis Butler Lsaac Tyler Moses Butterfield Joseph Russell Samuel Stanley Josiah Prescott Samuel B. Norton Alanson B. Caswell Samuel Belcher Moses Chandler John Jewett , Classed with Temple, not rei>- resented ; Nathan Cutler chos- en April 29, 1844 James A. Duns more, Temple Eliab Eaton Peter R. Titfcs 105 — Fhysicia n s. Theophilus Hopkins was the first Phy- sician who settled in Farmington. He settled on the place now occupi- ed by John Bailey, where he re- mained only a few years. Aaron Stoyell was the second. He set- tled at the Center Village in 1794, where he remained 40 years, and had an extensive run of practice. His was the second house built on the Hill, which was in about 1796, and was rebuilt by him in 1827. He died in Ohio, in 1834. Samuel Guile made a partial settle- ment m the place about 1796, but soon left. Ebenezer Taylor commenced practice in the town in 1804 and left soon after. Josiah Prescott commenced practice in 1813, and has continued practice in the place the most of the time since. Joseph Caldwell commenced practiee in 1825. He remained but a short time. Thomas Flint in 1826. Allen Phillips in 1829. Liifayette Perkins in 1836. C. W. Staples in 1840. [N. Dillingham, Botanic, 1840; a short time.] Jophanus Henderson, 1831. [ Blake, at the Falls, in ] 106 — Valuation. Polls. Inhab's. Valuation. 1790 494 1794 136 $24,183 1800 218 942 58,752 1810 279 1639 93,761 1820 320 1938 1830 397 2341 1840 452 2613 115,462 16e,798 462,375 Last date raised to cash value. History of Farmikgton. 77 107 — LaKHjers. Henry V. Chamberlain, from Worces- till 1828, when he removed to New ter, Mass., settled in the town as an Sharon. attorney in 1800, where he continu- Hiram Belcher commenced the practice ed to do business till 1808, when he of law in 1812, and continues the moved to the South. practice under the firm of H. & H. Nathan Cutler, from Weston, Mass., Belcher. settled in the place in 1804, and is Hannibal Beicher was admitted to the still living, but from age has dis- Bar in 1839. continued practice. His palce is sup- Samuel Belcher commenced practice plied by in 1835. John L. Cutler, his second son. Robert Goodenow, from Alfred, remov- Zachariah Soule, from Halifax, Mass., ed froin Wilton, in 1832, and still came to Farmington from Paris, continues to practice. Me., about 1806, opened an office Joshua Randall, who commenced prac- and practiced till 1812. tice in Phillips, opened an office in Elnathau Poj^c opened an office at the Farmington in 1841. Falls in 1809, where he cotitinued 108 — Growth of Farmington. The growth of the town from the commencement has been rather gi'adual. — The increase of population was most rapid while the new lands were settling. The increase of the Center Village was considerable from 1799 to 1810. From that time to 1820 it did not compare with former years , which was the case with the country geneially, which perhaps may be accounted for from the unset- tled state of our trade with other nations, and the unfruitfulness of some of the seasons Since that time it has increased, not only in population, but in wealth, and every kind of business, equaUy if not beyond any village in the State, which is destitute of water power, and situated so far from water com- munication. 109 — Religious Societies — Freewill Baptists. The Valley of the Sandy River, although settled by a moral and to some extent a religious communi- ty, was to a great extent, for some years after the first settlement commenced, destitute of the means of forming and sustaining a proper organization for re- ligious worship on the Sabbath. The first preacher who visited the place was the E,ev. Mr.. Emerson, of Georgetown. At the request of Mrs. Stephen Tit- comb he visited the family, and preached the first sermon in the then almost entire wilderness of the Sandy River, in Mr. T.'s log house. After this the place was visited by the Rev. Mr. Little, of that part 78 History of Farmington. of Wells DOW Kennebunk, as a missionary. He was followed by some others. In the summer of 17P4 the Rev. Joseph Thaxter, from Edgarton, Mass., un- der the patronage of the Massachusetts Missionary Society, pretty extensively explored the Valley of the Sandy River, and attended to the distribution of books to some of the most destitute of the inhabitants. — Some few years prior to this Elder Eliphalet Smith, a Baptist preacher from Fayette, attended some few meetings in the plage. In the summer of 1792 Elder Edward Lock, who had previously been pastor of a large and independ- ent church in Loudon and Canterbury, N. H , remov- ed to this State and settled in whnt is now Chester- vill. The church of which he had been pastor had held views in sympathy with those of Benjamin Ran- dal, the founder of the Freewill Baptist connection, but most of its members, with Mr. L., were induced to join the Shakers. Mr. Lock, however, abandoned the Shakers before comeins: to Chesterville. Mr. L. established Sabbath appointments at the dwelling house of Moses Starling, Esq. , on the west side of the river, and at a barn on the farm now ow^ned by Dea. John Bailey, on the east side, There was no particular interest manifested till near the close of the year, when Oliver Billings — since Elder Billings — made a visit to the family of Mr. J. Everet, a relative of his on the west side of the river. Mr. Billings had very recently been brought to a knowledge of the truth in a most powerful reformation then in progress in what was then called Starling, — now Fay- ette. Such was the change in his deportment, and such the interest and affection with which he rec- ommended to others the blessing so undeservedly — to use his own expression — bestowed upon him, that it was the means in the hands of God of carrying conviction, not only to some of the family, but to ma- ny in the neighborhood, who were hopefully brought HisTouY OF Farmington. 79 to a saving knowledge of the truth. Thus from the faithful yet humble labors of a private individual pro- ceeded one of the most extensive revivals ever vv^it- nessed in this section of the State. Mr. Billings soon after became an efficient minister , of the Baptist church. From the commencement the revival continued to increase. Elder Lock proceeded to baptize a num- ber not long after, among whom were Josiah Everet, Reuben Turner, John F. Woods and Joseph Sylves- ter, with their wives, and Francis Tufts, Joseph Hol- land, Abigail Bradford, and some others, who proceed- ed to unite in church fellowship, together with Elder Lock, on the 29th day of March, 1793. Elder Lock took the particular oversight of the church. Fran- cis Tufts and John F. Woods were appointed ruling elders. This office has since been discontinued by the F. Baptists. Joseph Sylvester was chosen dea- con and Joseph Holland, clerk. Mr. Everet is the only individual now living who was embodied in the Freewill Baptist Church in this town at its first or- ganization. In Sept. following Elder Benjamin Ran- dall of New Durham, N. H., who was, under God, the founder of the Freewill Baptist Church in New Hampshire, and afterwards in Maine, after attending the Yearly Meeting at Edgecomb and visiting the churches already organized, traveled up the Sandy River. With others as a Committee from the Yearly Meeting, after a proper examination, he proceeded to extend the right hand of fellowship to the church already formed, as a sister church in the Freewill Baptist denomination. This was on the 2.3d day of Sept. 1793, and the church was then constituted what was then called a Monthly Meeting. It was repre- sented for the first time in the Yearly Meeting held at Gorham on the 25th of Oct. following. This was the first church organized in this State east of Gor- ham, or north of Woolwich and Kd^recomb. From 80 History of FAJmiNGTON. this beginning have proceeded the most of the Church- es and Quarterly Meetings in the Kennebec and Pe- nobscot Yearly Meetings, now numbering 15 Quar- terly Meetings, 256 Churches, 176 ordained, and 37 licensed preachers, and 12,147 communicants. At this time the revival continued to increase, additions were made to the Church in this place, and branches were formed at West Pond — now Belgrade, — and Seven Mile Brook — now Embden and Anson, — which after- wards became separate churches. In Sept. 1794 Elder liandall, in company with El- der John Buzzel, again visited the Sandy River, em- bodied a church at Upper Town, — now Phillips, — which constituted a separate Monthly Meeting. On their return Elder Randal preached on the Sabbath, being the 28th, at Dea. Tufts', at the lower part of the town, and attended to the administration of the Lord's Supper. This is supposed to be the first time that the ordinance was administered in the town. — Eld. Buzzel preached the same day at Starks, where a reformation was then in progress. At the Yearly Meeting held on the 6th of Sept. at Edgecomb, the Edgecomb and Farmington Quar- terly Meetings were both established, and their respect- ive bounds defined, that of Farmington to comprise all the churches belonging to the connection north of Edgecomb and east of the Androscoggin River, ex- cepting Lewiston, Edgecomb, and all the sea shore east of Brunswick and Lewiston. Eld. Jesse Lee was fippointed by the New England Conference to travel in the Province of Maine for the Conference year of 1793. He preached in this town for the first time on the 15th of Oct. of that year. At the succeeding Conference in 1794 two preachers were appointed to travel on the Circuit laid out by him in the year previous. They arrived here in the latter part of the year and took part in the revival then in progress, and, with Samuel Sewail, then liv- History of Farmington. 81 ing in the south part of the town, and who had es- tablished society meetings in the place, — rendered essential service in the establishment of such a Chris- tian influence as has never been effticed, and laid the foundation for the establishment of several churches of different denominations, which have since been em- bodied. The revival which' had been in progress nearly two years, was still on the increase, and had extended into almost every section of the countrj^ then settled, in some instances interesting almost the entire popu- lation. Additions continued to be made to the church which now numbered something near forty in all. Besides those already named may be reckoned Joseph, Elisha, Moses, Sarah, Huldah, and Polly Bradford, David Wentworth and wife, Isaac Powers and wife, Dolly Craig, Joseph Riant and wife, Elisha Gay, John Tufts, and Pruda Parker of this town, and Isaac, Ebenezer, and Eliphalet Brown, Job and Eliphalet Hardy, of Wilton, in which direction the church con- tinued to increase. In 1796, Joseph Sylvester having left, Isaac Brown and Elisha Gay were chosen Deacons. They had early taken means to provide funds which it was agreed should be raised upon principles of equality, not only for the maintenance of the ministry but to afford relief to such of the church as were in needy or distressed circumstances. They took the New Testament as' their only rule of faith and practice, and were well agreed in its ap- plication to the Church of Christ. In 1798 the church had become so extended in territory as to render it necessary to establish three Sabbath appointments and church conferences, which were alternatley at- tended at Isaac Brown's in Wilton, and at J. F. Woods, and David Wentworth's in Farmington, for some years, which appointments were generally well at- tended by the members from, each section, who 2:en- 82 History of Farmington. erally came through the woods on foot, by spotted lines at first, and afterwards by a poor road. Elder Lock, who had continued to take the over- sight of the church up to' near this time, although possessed of more than ordinary mind and talent, and apparently zealous in the cause of truth, perhaps never possessed that disinterested devotedness to the cause of the Redeemer necessary in a minister of the gospel, to be truly useful in the building up of the church of God. He soon attempted to create a schism in the churches by introducing a plan for forming a community of Christians, which were to have all things in common; their property to be thrown into one common stock, with himself to control, if not to possess the whole. He partially succeeded in drawing up a platform and in drawing off a few, but when his plan was more fully understood, it resulted in an entire failure, and he soon lost the confidence of the Christian public by a course of life which not only lessened his influence as a preacher of the gospel, but ended in the prostration of his moral character. His connection with the church was dissolved about 1800, and never after renewed. He died in Emb- den in 1824, aged 82. While these troubles were in progress the church established society meetings, and regularly sustained them. Ebenezer Brown, a man of deep piety, and who possessed an acceptable gift, rendered essential service in sustaining public worship, and during this period they were sometimes visited bj the Western Elders, and they had preaching occasionally from other sources. Ebenezer Scales was ordained in Oct. 1804, and Ebenezer Brown in May following, both members of this church. The practice of preaching at this period had more of an itinerant character than at present, and produced a more general circulation of public gifts. History of Farmington. 83 The church having increased very considerably, and embracing both Farmington and Wilton, it was divided in 1807, when separate Sabbath appointments and conferences were established in each town. Elder Benaiah Pratt was ordained on the 17th of Oct. 1807, who, with Elder Timothy Johnson, took the particular oversight of the church for some time. Isaac Perkins and Jedediah Thomas acted as deacons for the time being, and in 1814 Elisha Gay and Isaac Perkins were set apart to that office, and in 1818 John Corbett was appointed, and Isaac Perkins was continued in office. After Dew. Corbett ceased to officiate Dea. Gay again filled the office, which he continued to fill till his death, in 1842. He was a member of the church nearly 48 years. His place has been supplied by the choice of Benj. Adams. The years 1808 and 1809 were seasons of special revival in the church, and additions were received. From this time to 1821 was for the greatest part of the time a season of trial and discouragement, and at different periods the church suffered considerable diminution, both from the disorderly walk of its mem- bers, and from difference of opinion in those who, it is to be hoped, remained steadfast in their profession. There were, however, occasional seasons of revival and some additions. The year 1821 was a season of more special reviv- al, and the prospects of the church seemed to bright- en, and additions were made. Eld. Pratt having re- moved, the church was supplied with occasional preaching from this time till 1834 by Elders S. and E. Hutchins, H. Chandler. S. Curtis, S. Hathern, and many others; Elder Johnson still remaining and taking the more particular oversight of the church. In 1834 a Union protracted meeting was held, commencing on the 22nd of August, which resulted in a very extensive revival, when very considerable additions were made to the several churches. On the 22nd of September an invitation was extended to 84 History of Farmikgton. Elder John Chany to preach with them one half of the time and to take the oversight of the chnrch, — a previous understanding having been had with Elder Johnson, — which invitation was accepted. During this season large accessions were made to the church at the center of the town, where, as well as in the lower part of the town, the church had for some time been increasing in numbers. For some years the Sab- bath appointments and conferences had been divided and held alternately at the center and the upper parts of the town, but from' this time the meetings were held on the Sabbath altogether at the Center Villlage, mostly at the Brick School House. In the following year, 1835, the society built the Meeting House now occupied by them, and Elder Chany soon after confined his labors wholly to this church, with which he remained till June, 1840, when, at his request, he was dismissed, and Elder Dexter Waterman took his place, but preached to the church but half the time, the remaining half be- ing taken up in Phillips. This arrangement contin- ued till the spring of 1843, when at his request, he was dismissed and was succeeded by George W. Bean, who devoted his entire labor to this church from that time to July 1845. He was ordained on the 14th of June 1843. He was succeeded by Isaac Libby, the present occupant, who commenced his la- bors in May, 1846. Since 1834 the church has enjoyed several seasons of revival, and received additions, especially in the spring of 1813. A revival then commenced in the upper part of the town under the improvement of Rev. Jabez Talbot Gay, which soon after extended to the center, and resulted in an extensive work in which all the churches shared, and in which consid- erable additions were made to this church. The church has suffered considerably both from re- movals and in the death of some of its most efficient History of Farmington. 85 members. It now numbers 79 members, but some 25 of that number reside out of town, and are so sit- uated as not to enjoy the privilege of associating with the church, but have not found it convenient, or have not been disposed to unite with other churches. — The whole number received has been something over two hundred and twenty-five. 110— ^Ai Extinct Freewill Baptist Church. About the year 1813 a small church was gather- ed in the south-west part of Farmingtou, known as the Second Freewill Baptist Church in Farmington, which, after existing for a few years, was disbanded. A part of its members were embodied in the Chris- tian Church in that vicinity, and others united with such Freewill Baptist churches as afforded local ac- commodations. [Knowlton's Corner was the central point of this Church.] 1 1 1 — Farmington Falls Freewill Baptist Church. Another Church has since been established at Farm- ington Falls, but as it is mostly made up of members in Chesterville we shall fobear giving its particular history. David Morrill, a licensed preacher, was one of the most active members from its organization to the date of his death, which occurred Dec. 28, 1842. This Church was small at the time of its organization, and remained so for some time. They were favored with a special revival in 1841 and 1842, in which Elder Timothy Johnson took a conspicuous part, and where he removed his church relation, and where he has continued his labors the most of the time since. This Church now numbers 28 members, and it is now nearly destitute of preaching. [After the publication of the first edition of Judge Parker's History, this church declined till it became extinct. The present 86 History of Fahmington. Farmington Falls Freewill Baptist Church is a more recent organization.] 112— Methodists. At the New England Conference held at Lynn, Mass., in September of 1793, Jesse Lee. who had been the Pioneer of Methodism in New England, was appointed to travel in the then Province of Maine the ensuing year, and to form a circuit where he might think best. He preached his first sermon at Saco, Sept. 10, from Acts xiii; 41, "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish; for I work a work in your days, a work which you shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you." On the 13th of Oct. following, he preached at Hallowell, and on the 15th at the house of Moses Starling, Esq., in this town, from Heb. iv; 1, " Let us therefore fear," &c. From thence he proceeded to visit nearly all the towns then settled, from the Androscoggin to the Penob- scot River. He formed a Circuit extending from Hal- lowell and Monmouth to Sandy River, and on his return to the Conference in 1794, Philip Wager and Thomas Coop were appointed to take charge of it. The first Society formed in the Province of Maine was at Monmouth, on the 1st of Nov.^ 1794; the 2d in Readfield, and the third in Farmington, soon af- ter. Something over a year prior to this time a re- vival had commenced on the west side of the river, and a Freewill Baptist Church was organized. The reformation was becoming general, in every section of the country, and the new order of people seemed well prepared to assist in carrying forward the good begun work. A class was first formed on the west side of the river in the neighborhood of Mr. Gay, consisting of Jotham Smith and wife, Micah Weth- ern and wife, William Gay, John Austin and wife, and some others. Jotham Smith was appointed lead- History of Farmington. 87 er. Immediately after another class was organized on the east side of the river, in the neighborhood of Elvaton Parker, who with his wife and most of his family became members, together with Mary and Pol- ly Brown, Eleazer Pratt of New Vineyard, and Jacob Chandler, Nabby Pease, Zilpha Green, Sally Gay, Patience Butler, and some others. Here a Sabbath appointment was established and continued for some years, at first at the dwelling house of Mr. Brown, and afterwards at that of Mr. Parker. Wm. Gay was appointed leader of this class. It continued for some few years, when it became reduced by the death of some, and the removal of others, when the class was dissolved and the remain- ing members united with those on the west side of the river, which has ever continued its operations, and perhaps has been one of the most substantial and efficient in town. The Class at Farmington Falls was organized in 1798. Stephen Titcomb, Jonathan Knowlton, with many members of their families. John and Sarah Gower, Nathaniel Whittier, Desire Stinchfield, Ruth Whittier, and Jesse Ingham were among the first gathered in the place. At the Conference in 1795 Enoch Mudge, and Ell- as Hull were stationed on this Circuit, which com- prized four Sabbath appointments, viz: Monmouth, Eeadfield, Farmington, and Livermore, together with weekly appointments in most of the towns from Mon- mouth to the upper settlements on Sandy River. During this time a very efficient Class had been formed in Strong, consisting of William Reed, Eliab Eaton, Edward FHnt, Richard Clark, and their wives, and many others. Another Class was organized at Avon, among the members of which were Joshua Soule, Moses Dudley, Ebenezer Thompson, with many of their families, and others. From this Class were soon raised up three acceptable preachers, viz: Josh- ua Soule Jr. Samuel Thompson, and Daniel Dudley, 88 History of Farmington. the former of whom is now one of the acting Bish- ops of the Episcopal Methodist Church, resident in Ohio. This era of the Methodist Societies in Maine forms a striking contrast with the present. They not only had to contend with embarrassments incident to the formation of societies on new ground, but much of the country was little more than an unbroken wilderness.. They traveled at all seasons on horseback and not unfrequently by spotted lines, experiencing all the inconveniences incident to new settlements, which seemed only to nerve them up to more zealous exer- tions for the conversion of souls, and the building up of the church. The first Quarterly Meeting in the State was held at Monmouth, on the 23rd of June, 1795, and the first on the Sandy River in December following. — Jesse Lee was Presiding Eider, who continued in that station for some time, when he was succeeded by Joshua Taylor. Mr. Lee visited Maine in 1800, and, for the last time, in 1808. He preached his last discourse in this section at Farming ton Falls, from Isaiah xxxiii; 13; — "Hear ye, that are afar off, what I have done: and ye that are near, acknowledge my might. " After a rehearsal of the goodness of God in the conversion of souls, and the building up and spread of the societies, witnessed by himself, he pow- erfully enforced the exhortation of Joshua to the Children of Israel, "Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and truth." Mr. Lee was born in Prince George County, Va. He entered the traveling connection in 1782, and first visited New England in 1789. At the Conference in New York in 1790 he was ordained Deacon, and then Elder, and appointed to travel in New England. In 1791 he was appointed Presiding Elder over the first New England District. He died at Hillsborough, on Annapolis Circuit, Dec. 12, 1816. He was a man History of Farmington. 89 well qualified to fill the station he occupied, that of an itinerant preacher. Though a plain and pungent preacher he possessed an affable disposition, and was well calculated to disarm opposition in all its forms. The first Methodist Meeting House in this State was built in Readfield, and dedicated by Mr. Lee, on the 21st of June, 1795. In this house the first Conference was held Aug. 29, 1798, of which Fran- cis Asbury was Presiding Bishop. The Society at Farmington Falls proceeded to build a Meeting House about 1800, — being the first in town, — where Sabbath appointments were established and continued with success for some time; but owing to various causes, the house was suffered to go to decay, and the Class became much reduced. In 1820 a Class was organized on Porter's Hill. Osgood Eaton, Job Brooks, Wm. Russell, with their wives, and many of their families, were among the members. In 1831 the Brick Meeting House on the west side of the river was built, mostly by the Methodist Soci- ety, where they now have preaching half the time. Near this time a Class was organized at the Cen- ter Village, one in the eastern part of the town, one in the Holly Neighborhood, and one at Backus' Cor- ner. This town and Vienna now form a Circuit, furnish- ing preaching alternately on the Sabbath, once in two weeks at the Brick Meeting House, once in four weeks at Farmington Falls, and at Vienna, and va- rious lectures through the week in the more remote sections of the towns. There are now six classes in town, viz: at Farm- ington Falls, the Center Village, Mosher Neiglibor- hood. Holly Class, at Backus' Corner, the West Side of the River, and Porter's Hill, numbering, — after the formation of the Protestant and Wesleyan socie- ties in 1843, — 114. About 80 of this number were 90 History of Farmington. members of the church, the remainder being members of classes on trial. Several preachers have been raised up, viz: Benj. F. Sprague, John Allen, Jabez Talbot Gay, who were successful preachers in the traveling connection, and John Gower, Joseph Russell, Jeremiah Butler, John Norton, and^Moses Brown, who have acted in a local capacity. In the society's progress very many have been the changes as to the formation and alteration of classes and circuits and districts, but the Traveling Connec- tion has always furnished preaching to a greater or less extent. The societies have been occasionally fa- vored with special revivals, among which may be noticed those of 1794 and 5, 1808 and 9, 1821, 1824, and 1843, and others of less note. In looking back on the past we readily see that most of those who filled places of usefulness both in the ministry and membership, in the former part of that period of which we have been speaking, are gone the way of all the earth and their places are now filled by others ; while many who remain have shifted their fields of labor and usefulness, and their stations are supplied by new gifts. Among those who have labored successively for the edification of these societies, not already noticed, may be named Stebbins, Broadhead, Kibby, Heath, Stone, S. Hull, Williston, Searl, Hall, Bates, and many others, among whom ought not to be omitted the name of Eleazer Wells, who traveled in this district a number of years. It may be said of him as of Stephen, he was a "man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost' AVhen attending a Quarterly Meeting it Strong on the 18th of July, 1823, it being a time of unusual drouth, and it seeming to all human appearance that sustenance for man and beast must fail unless pre- vented by an interposition of Divine Providence, — Mr. Wells was l"d to exercise unusual faith in pray- History of Farmington. 91 er for assistance in that time of distress, from that God who is wont to hear and answer the prayers of those who humbly and devoutly implore his assistance. At the close of his prayer he recommended the ob- servance of the 1 7th of that month as a day of fast- ing, humiliation and prayer, on account of the drouth. The day was religiously observed by many of the societies, and at its close a most refreshing rain com- menced, which resulted in again reviving the hopes of the husbandman, and enabled the earth to produce a plentiful harvest. 113 — Baptists. The first preacher of the Baptist denomination known to have visited the Sandy River Valley was Rev. Eliphalet Smith, from Massachusetts. He was an itinerant preacher, and was engaged in a revival in what was then called Starling, now Fayette. He penetrated the then thinly settled region of country as far as this place, and attended some appoint- ments at the house of Moses Starling as early as 1792, A Church was that year organized at Fayette, being the fruits of the revival referred to. Mr. Smith was constituted its pastor. In the course of the winter following, Oliver Bil- lings, — since known as Elder Billings, — who had been a subject of the revival, and who had united with the newly constituted church in Fayette, made a visit to Farmington. His testimony to the truths of the gos- pel carried conviction to the hearts of several in the place, which was the commencement of one of the most extensive revivals ever known in this section of the country. It continued to progress through 1793, 1794, and 1795. Most of the early converts in this revival were baptized and gathered into a church by Elder Lock, soon after, and united with the Freewill Baptists. 92 History of Farmington. Some, howover, enibraced Baptist sentiments and oc- casionally Baptist preachino- was had in the town from Elders Smith, Case, Billings, and some others, but no church was organized till 1797, when a small church was gathered by Elders Case and Smith. It consisted at first of seven members. Among the first members were^ Church Brainard, Abigail Brainard, Eliphalet Bailey, Joseph Fairbanks, and 'Abel Sweet of Farmington, and Wm. Bradbury, of Chesterville. Church Brainard was chosen Deacon. The church was furnished with but little preaching, and had but small accessions for some time, so that in 1807 it consisted of nine members only. About 1809 the place was again favored M^ith a pretty extensive revival and an addition was made to the church of some thirteen members. In 1810, in consequence of some internal difficul- ties, the Church was dissolved, and a new church was organized — July 20, 1810— by the assistance of a Council called from the Churches in Fayette and Jay, and which consisted of Elder Oliver Billings and five others. The Church then contained eight male, and fourteen female members. Benj. Brainard was chos- en Clerk, and Isaac Thomas Deacon. Several others united with it soon after, among whom was EHphalet Bailey who was appointed Deacon. From its first organization to 1821, a period of about 24 years, it received only occasional preaching by Messrs. Case, Smith, Billings, Briggs, Low, Board- man and some others. In 1816 the church was fa- vored with the labors of Elder Billings, to a consid- erable extent, which were greatly blessed to the edification of its members, and to the gathering in of a number who had not before made a public profes- sion of their faith in Christ. In 1821 Rev. Winthrop Morse from Massachusetts became pastor. The Church had then 52 members, History of Farmington. 93 but in three years it was again left destitute of a pastor by the resignation of Mr. Morse. Their next minister was Eev. Hezekiah Hull from Nova Scotia, who labored with the Church accepta- bly in 1828 and 1829, and some additions were made. In 1834 a number were added as the fruit of a un- ion protracted meeting held in Aug. of that year. Rev. Nathan Mayhew preached the former part of the year, and Eev. Wm. Wyman the latter part of that year and a part of the succeeding year, one half the time, to the advantage of the Church. Till this time the Church had been destitute of a suitable house for public worship. Their meetings were at first held in barns and dwelling houses, and subsequently in School Houses, in different neigh- borhoods, and a part of the time in what is now the Court House, which was for many years the only Meeting House in the center of the town, and which was owned by six or seven different societies. In 1835 they erected a house for worship which was completed the following season. The expense of building the house was a source of some embarrass- ment to the Church, but from which they have near- ly recovered. The Church, however, continued to sustain preaching statedly, one half or three fourths OS the time, generally, till the settlement of Rev. Amaziah Joy as their pastor. He was ordained Dec. 5, 1838, and continued his labors with the Church till Feb. 8, 1840, when he was dismissed. His place was supplied by Rev. Levi B. Hathaway, whose or- dination took place June 30, 1841. They were soon left destitute again, as Mr. Hathaway closed his pas- toral relation with them on the 30th of May, 1842. In September following the Church gave Rev. N. M. Williams a call to Ijecome their pastor for five years, which was accepted by him. Application was made to the Missionary Society for assistance in his support, which was afforded to some extent for one year. The Church continued to make provision for 94 History of Farmijsgton. his support year by year, by subscription, that being their usual method. In April following a union protracted meeting was held in the place, in which the Church took a part. A general revival ensued, and considerable additions were made to its numbers, as fruits of the revival, in the course of the season. Occasional additions have since been made by letter, and the Church now numbers about ninety. Mr. Williams continued his labors with the Church till the 3rd of May, 1846, being a period of nearly four years, when he presented a letter of resignation, which was accepted, and the Church is now destitute of a pastor. Cyrus Case, who united with the Church in 1835, was licensed to preach in 1840, and ordained as pastor of the First Baptist Church in Monmouth, in October, 1842. 114 — Universalists. The first preacher of the Universalist denomination who visited this town, is thought to have been the Rev. Mr. Barns, and after him a Mr. Smith, and per- haps some others. In 1811 the Universalists obtain- ed an Act of Incorporation from the General Court of Massachusetts, by which they were denominated the "First Universalist Society in Farmington." This was the first incorporated society in town, and it consisted of fifty members who principally resided in the lower part of the town. They were organized Sept. 2, 1811 by making choice of Jeremiah Stinch- field for Clerk, Benj. Weathern, E-euben Lowell, and Jeremy Wyman for Assessors, Wm. Gould for Treas- urer, and Reuben Lowell Jr. for Collector. At the same meeting, Thomas Gorden, Reuben Lowell, and Horatio G. Quincy were appointed delegates to rep- resent the society in the General Convention to be History of Farmington. 95 hold at Freeport on the second Wednesday of that month. They took immediate measnres to raise funds by an assessment of one hundred dollars on the polls and estates of the society, for the support of preach- ing. The Rev. Mr. Root appears to have been em- ployed for one third of the time. In 1812 the Gen- eral Convention was held at Farmington for the first time. From that time to 1824 preaching was furnished for a part of the time only, as contacts were made from time to time; but at this time Wm. A. Drew united with them and soon after commenced preach- ing, and being a young man of talent he soon became an able speaker. He however soon removed, and has since confined his labors mostly to the County of Kennebec, where he has acted a prominent part, both as a preacher and as editor of a paper devoted to the interests of the denomination and to other useful objects. Soon after this period the Rev. Zenas Thompson settled with this society and continued his labors for some time. The Society up to this time, had received additional members to the amount of -38, m.aking 88 in the whole, which number had been diminished by deaths, removals and dismissions to about 70. In 1829 the state of the Society having become somewhat unpromising, it was thought best to organ- ize a new Society as the First Universalist Society in Farmington and Vicinity, which was done under the then existing law, by a Warrant from a Justice of the Peace, on the petition of Wm. Gould and sixteen other individuals, desirous thus to be embodied, who met at the Schoolhouse near Reuben Butterfield's, on the 29th of June, 1829. Gen. Wm. Gould was chos- en Moderator, and Zenas Thompson, Clerk. The meeting was then adjourned to the first Wednesday in Sept. at which meeting ten additional members were received, and the following officers were chosen, viz: John Russ, James Butterfield, and I^emuel Bursley, 96 History of Fahmington. Assessors; Nathaniel Whittier, Collector; Moses But- terfield, Treasurer; and Leonard Billings, Ira Morse, and Wm. Gould, Standing Committee. The Society voted that the annual meetings should be held in March, or April, and also to raise the^ sum of one hundred dollars for she support of preaching for the year. Mr. Thompson's labors were continued with the Society till April 27, 1833, when his pastoral re- lation with the Society was by his request dissolved. Since this time preaching on the Sabbath has been continued but a part of the time. In 1832 the society received in securities from the first Parish in the town the amount of $636 17, being the proceeds of the funds arising from the lands ap- propriated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the use of the ministry, and for the first settled minister, an arrangement having been made by which the funds were divided equally between the six dif- ferent religious societies in town, The organization of this society has beeii regularly kept up, [^ and the expenses have been borne by regular assessments, from the interest of the iund, and by voluntary con- tributions or subscription. 1 1 5 — Congregalionalists. The first preaching in Farmington was by the Con- gregationalists. Kev. Mr. Emerson, of Georgetown, in this State, who visited the place some time previ- ous to 1788, preached the first sermon in Mr. Tit- comb's log house, and baptized his child, being the first born, and the fi.rst baptized in this town. In 1790 the place was visited by Eev. Mr. Little, then pastor of a church in Kennebunk, who was employed bv the Massachusetts Missionay Society as a missionary. For several years succeeding the Rev. Jotham Sewall of Chesterville, and Kev. Samuel Sew- a,ll, then of the south-westerly part of this town, History of Farmington. 97 supplied those who preferred Congregational preach- ing, either by the aid of the Society or by the volun- tary contributions of the people. In the early part of the present century, Rev. Jonathan Burr, who af- terwards settled at Sandwich, Mass., supplied the people for one season if not longer. In 1804 Rev. Mr. Gould preached with them as a missionary from Massachusetts. In 1805 Rev. Mr. Marcy labored here as a missionary from the Massachusetts Mission- ary Society. From 1806 to 1812 Rev. Jotham Sewall furnished the principal supply. He was so well received that upon his exchanging for a season with Rev. Mr. Cox of New Hampshire, Mr. Starling remarked, — "We paid Mr. Sewall for wheat, and he has given us oats." A Congregational Church wa:s early organized in Chesterville, with which those of that denomination in this town united, and remained till a church was formed here in 1814. In 1813 Rev. Fifield Holt came here from Andover Theological Seminary, Mass. He was a good man and deservedly popular. He af- terwards also preached occasionally in the place, and exercised a kind of pastoral supervision over the in- terests of the denomination till the settlement of Mr. Rogers. In 1814 Mr. Hezekiah Hall preached in Farming- ton and vicinity. He was a man of ready talent, and very fluent and copious in his words, and logical in his discourses, but he had many eccentricities, and so many and glaring faults, that although he was sub- sequently settled in New Sharon, he remamed there but nine months. In the years 1816, 1817, 1819, 1823, 1824, and 1825, Rev. John H. Ingraham, Rev. Thomas Adams, Rev. Elijah Jones, Rev. Seneca White, Rev. George W. Campbell, and Rev. Daniel D. Tappan labored here as missionaries for considerable periods of time, and others who came then and previously labored for 98 History of Farmington, shorter periods. To three of these — Hev. Messrs. Adams, White and Campbell, either overtures for settlement were extended, or movements to that ef- fect were made, but were not successful. The im- mediate predecessor of the present pastor, in mission- ary labors, was Rev. Fifield Holt, of Bloomfield, in this State. He closed his services in the fall of 1825, and died a few years after at the age of 48. Rev. Isaac Rogers, the present pastor, came here in Nov. 1825, and was ordained as Pastor of the First Congregational Church, on the 9th of March, 1826. At this time the only house for religious worship at the Center was what is now the Court House. That was then owned and liable to be occupied by six or seven denominations. For five years Mr. R. preached in Farmington three-fourths of the time, and the other fourth in Wilton and vicinity. The old Meeting House, being owned with others could not always be occupied by him even that part of the time. Hence they occupied school houses and dwel- ling houses, in different parts of the town, and they not unfrequently held interesting and profitable meet- ings in the Hall of the Academy, which is nov/ de- nominated the Chapel. In 1831-2 a new building was erected by Deacon Nathaniel Green, for the purpose of a High School. Through his gener- osity this afforded a quite convenient place of worshp for several years. The Congregationalists occupied the old Meeting House half the time, which was something less than the amount owned by the Soci- ety entitled them to. The building erected by Dea. Green is that recently occupied by S. G. L^dd Esq. as a hardware store. In 1837 the neat and convenient house of worship which the Society now occupies was dedicated to the service of Almighty God. Since that time their meet- ings have been stated and regular, and exceedingly History of Farmington. 99 well attended. The Church was organized Dec. 14, 1814. It then consisted of twelve members; viz; — Thomas Wendell, Prudence Minot, Abraham Smith, Dorothy Townsend, Luther Townsend, Mary Bailey, Ebenezer B. Wellman, Mary Case, Harrison Allen, Hannah C. Beale, Mehetable Titcomb, Susannah Richardson. The Deacons have been Abraham Smith, chosen 1814; Hebron Mayhew, chosen 1815, died Dec. 1826; Nathaniel Green, chosen 1828, dismissed 1845; Thos. Hunter, Chosen 1836. Thos. Wendell, the present Clerk, was chosen in Jan. 1818. J The church had increased at the time of the pres- ent pastor's ordination to not far from fifty who had been admitted, but by deaths and dismissions this number was diminished to forty. Some small addi- tions were made to the Church in the years 1826 and 1827, but its greatest times of enlargement have been in connection with three seasons of deep and general religious interest^ with which it has pleased God to favor the place since that period. These were in the years 1828, 1834, 1842, and 1843, and at these several periods, not far from 120 were added to their numbers by profession and letter, and upwards of 30 have been added since. There have been connected with this Church since its organization not far from 207 members. Of these upwards of 157 have been added under the present pastor. Of the whole number 38 have died, 42 have been dismissed to other churches, and four have been excommunicated. The present number is 122. Not far from 20 of these, however, reside in other plac- es, while not far from 10 members of Congregational Churches in other places reside in town and attend on Mr. Rogers' ministry. 100 . History of Farmington. 116 — Christian Church. On the 22nd of Dec. 1822 a number of professed Christians in the south-west part of the town, of different societies, but principally Freewill Baptists, met and formed an association for their mutual edi- fication as Christians, to promote their spirituality, and to adopt measures to extend the cause of the Redeemer on the earth — but without the intention of forming a distinct or separate church — but from have ing been impressed with the necessity of all the fol- lowers of Christ being knit together, in the spirit of love, as far as their locality would permit, without references to differences of opinion in things which they did not consider essential to their fellowship as Christians. They proceeded to establish monthly or conference meetings, which were constantly attended from 1822 to 1832, with a few exceptions. They entered into an agreement that they would watch over each other, not for their halting, but for their fur- therance in the divine life — that they would take the Scriptures for their rule of faith and practice, invit- ing all of every name and denomination, who sincere- ly love God and wish for the promation of Prince Immanuel, to unite with them for the purposes re- ferred to. It was further agreed that all such as might unite with them, should have the privilege of retain- ing their standing in whatever church they might be attached to, and to help or receive help, from any Christian church or society, but were required to at- tend, as far as consistent, all church or conference meetings appointed by the society. They continued to have accessions to their num- bers from different denominations, and some who had not attached themselves to any church, who signed the preceding agreement, so that their numbers in- creased to some 60 or 70. During this period preach- ers of various deuominations occasionally held meet- ings in the neighborhood where their conferences were History of Farmington. 101 held, but mostly of the Christian connection. On exchange of views with preachers of the last named denomination it was found that their views and prac- tices agreed with the views of most of the Society, and thinking it might be for their furtherance in the gospel, they appointed delegates to the Christian Ken- nebec Conference, held at Monmouth, on the 13th of Oct. 1S32, who bore a request for their admission to fellowship with that body, upon which they were received. On the 30th of April 1835 Elder Peter Young, formerly from York, in this State, united with this Church, and became its paster, and was much esteem- ed. His labors were blessed to the edification of the Church, and considerable additions were made during his ministry, which was continued most of the time till his death, being about three years. In April 1835 a number were dismissed for the purpose of forming another Church in Jay, who, with others, were soon after embodied in a Church of the same order, Mr. Young died at his residence in Chester- ville. May 24, 1838, when the Church was left des- titute of a pastor. In Oct. 1838, Elder Jonathan Bradley of Vienna, was received into the Church and assumed the pastoral charge, and- preached with the Church occasionally. He died Oct. 21, 1839. The Church remained destitute of a pastor till March 23, 1841, when Elder Daniel Rogers, from New Hamp- shire, united with the Church, took the oversight, and preached with them the principal part of the time. Under his labors there was some revival, and additions were made to the Church. He continued his labors about three years, and then returned to New Hampshire. He was a man who possessed the confidence and esteem of the Church, and of most of those who knew him. Some two or three years since, some fifteen members withdrew on account of some difference of opinion, and a number having 102 History of Farminqton. moved away, and some having died, trie Church is now reduced to about 30 members, whose local situ- ation is rather scattering. Since Mr. Rogers left, Elder Henry Frost has preached occasionally Avith the Church. They are at present destitute of stated meetings for religious worship. John F. Woods is the only one who now remains of the original mem- bers. 1 1*7 . — Unifaria n s. The first Unitarian Society in Farmington was or- ganized Feb. 27, 1830, on the petition of the follow- ing individuals, who constituted the original mem- bers; viz: Nathan Cutler, Asa Abbott Jr., Henry Tit- comb, Joseph Johnson, Isaac Tyler, Argalis Pease, Robert W. Tobey, Henry Stewart, John A. Stoyell, 'Wm. H. Johnson, E. Gilman Rosson, and Thomas Williams. — Wm. H. Johnson was chosen Clerk, and Isaac Tyler, Treasurer, and Henry Titcomb, Argalis Pease, and Henry Stewart a Standing Committee for the year. Asa Abbot Jr. was appointed agent to re- ceive the society's proportion of the ministerial fund. Nathan Cutler was chosen Treasurer in 1831, and A. H. Stewart Clerk in 1833, which offices they have filled to the present time. They soon after received considerable accession of numbers, and they proceed- ed by an arrangement with the Trustees of the Acad- emy, to fit up the upper story of the Academy Build- ing, for the accommodation of meetings for public worship, and which answered conveniently for the purpose, and which has since been known as "The Chapel." In 1836 the Rev. Thomas Beede, Abigail Beede, Hannah R. Beede, Elizabeth Moore, Deborah Belcher, Ann B. Titcomb, Caroline W. Belcher, and Josiah Prescott were received as members of the So- ciety. Mr. Beede was employed to preach with them, which he continued to do for some time. He was supported by subscription, and the interest arising History of Farmington. [ 103 from the share of the ministerial fund received from the town. Since Mr. Beede left they have not had stated preaching. Small appropriations have been made from the interest arising from the funds, for the purchase of tracts and books for gratuitous' dis- tribution—otherwise the interest has been added to the principal, which has considerably increased. The whole number of members received into the society appears to be -m. From deaths, removals, and other causes, the number has been somewhat reduced. The Society now numbers 23. '^l^~ Protestant Methodists. A Protestant Methodist Society was formed in the upper part of the town, Jan. 17, 1843, by Benjamin Dodge, who had formerly been an ordained local preacher m the Episcopal Methodist Church, but who had subsequently united with the Protestant Method- ists in Massachusetts, in the same capacity. The first organization embraced five persons; viz: Benj. Dodge, Richard H. Dorr, Nathan Davis, Moses Brown, and Stepnen Williams. Jabez T. Gay and Marchant Holly united immediately after. A religious revival soon after commenced in the neighborhood, which extended to the Center Village and into other sections of the town. About 70 were received into the Soci- ety, which was divided into several Classes, most of which remain, and which contain at the present time about 35 members. The Protestant Methodists have at the present time four ordained preachers- viz: Benj. Dodge, Richard H. Dorr, Nathan Davis^ and Marchant Holly. Jabez Talbot Gay united with this Society immediately after its formation, and act- ed a very conspicuous part in the reformation to which we have alluded. He was a man of undoubted Chris- tian character, thougn possessed of some eccentrici- ties. He possessed an acceptable gift, and was un- usually devoted to the work of preaching the gospel. 104 History of Fakmington. to which calling he devoted himself without reserve. The interest which he felt in the salvation of his fel- low men, and his incessant labors in the ministry, no doubt served to hasten his early death. He died in Feb., 1845, at the age of 35. 119— ^Wesleyan Methodisls. In March, 1843, a Wesley an Methodist Society was formed on the west side of the river, consisting of Moses Lufkin of Strong, Joseph Russell, Peter R. Tufts and wife, Ira Sprague and wife, Daniel Stan- ley and wife, Matthias S. Norcross and wife, Andrew Tuck and Daniel York of this town — twelve in all. Peter R. Tufts was appointed Leader, and at the en- suing Conference, Benjamin Bullock was stationed with the Society for half the time, where he contin- ued for the two years following, and occasionally since, occupying the Brick Meeting House alternately with the Episcopal Methodists. Messrs. Russell, Luf- kin, and E. Pope have occasionally supplied the lat- ter part of the time. Some additions have since been made, and the society now numbers about 20. SKETCHES OF NEIGHBORING TOWNS. 120 — -New Sharon, Mr. Prince Baker Was the first settler in the town of New Sharon. He was a native of Pembroke, Mass., from which place he removed to Readfieid, in this State, at an early day, and from there to what is now New Sha- ron, in 1782. Nathaniel Tibbits, Benjamin Cham- bers, Benjamin Rollins, James liov/es, and Samuel Prescott 1st, were among the first settlers in that town. History of Farmington= 105 The township was purchased of the State by Prince Baker, Feb. U, 1791. It contains 28,600 acres. The Mills at the Falls Were first built by Abel Baker, in 1801. They afterwards passed into the hands of Francis Mayhew, and were rebuilt by him and much improved. The water power privilege at the Falls is a superior one, and the location possesses many advantages for a business place. It has a Grist Mill, a Saw Mill, a Shingle Machine, Starch Factory, one or more Tan- neries, a Fulling Mill, a Carding Machine, a number of Blacksmith's Shops, and most kinds of Mechanics, a number of stores, two Lawver's Offices, and Four Meeting Houses, Baptist, Methodist, Congregationaiist and Univer- salist. The Freewill Baptists have a Meeting House in the south part of the town, and there is a free Meeting House at Weeks' Mills, In the North-west part of the town, where there is a set of Mills, a Starch Factory, and a considera- ble village. [The mills at Weeks' Mills have since been abandoned, as well as both the Starch Factories. Of the six meeting houses the Baptist has been aban- doned and the Universalist purchased by the Congre- gationalists for a Vestry. Another Saw Mill has been erected below Weeks' Mills, and the chair and car- riage manufacturing business have grown into import- ance.] The Bridge Was built about 1809 or 1810, and has since been rebuilt with permanent stone abutments, and covered. Incorporation- — Valuation— Soil — Fire. New Sharon was incorporated June 20, 1794. In 1840 it contained 1820 inhabitants — 319 polls— vaj- 106 History of Farmington, uation as|corrected^ by the Legislature, |'286,890. — The town possesses a variety of excellent soil and has an advantage in location over most of the towns in the County as to access to market and water commu- nication. A large and convenient Meeting House, built by the different religious societies, about 1816, on the site now occupied by the Congregational Meet- ing House, was burned in April, 1842. 121 — JAY. Name — Incorporation. Jay, which takes its name from Hon. John Jay, was incorporated Feb. 26, 1795. It was formerly known as Phipps' Canada, and was granted to Capt. Josiah Phipps And 63 others, for services in the French War of 1755. It was a large township situated on both sides of the Androscoggin, and embracing 27,200 acres, about one third of which, lying on the west side of the Kiver, was incorporated into a town by the name of Canton in 1821. By the grant it was to be divid- ed into rights of 400 acres each, one to be reserved for Harvard College, one for the first settled minister, one for the use of the ministry, and one for the use of schools. It was early surveyed and divided into lots of 100 acres each, a settling committee was ap- pointed by the associates, who subsequently purchas- ed the whole, and so managed the business that the original owners received little or no benefit from the grant. F^iRST Settlers. Actual settlements were not commenced till after the Revolutionary War. Simon Coolidge, Dea. Oli- ver Fuller, Samuel Eustis, Scarborough Parker, Mo- ses Crafts, Isaac West, Thos. Fuller, Joseph Hyde, History of Farmington. 107 Nathl. Jackson, Samuel Jackson, Wm. Godding, and James Adkinson were some of the first settlers. — There is something of a village on what is called Jay Hill, Where James Starr Esq., now a resident of the place settled as early as 1802. Here are two Stores, a Tavern, Meeting House, &c. Jay Bridge — Mills. Near Jay Hill there is a toll bridge across the An- droscoggin, where a first rate Grist Mill and a Saw Mill were put in operation in 1846. There is also a Meeting House in the northern part of the town, and another in the more easterly part. This town has derived little benefit from water power or floating capital, but was settled by, and possesses a population of industrious, independent yeomanry. There is al- so a small village known as Bean's Corner, In the north-east section of the town, where sev- eral sons of the late Friend Bean of Readfield, settled at an early day. [A fine union Meeting House has since been erected at Bean's Corner.] Religious History. At first the people of Jay had only occasional preaching from traveling preachers. A Baptist Church was organized in 1799, which became large and flour- ishing. Joseph Adams, one of its members, became its first pastor in 1804, where he continued his la- bors some 14 years with success. He was followed by Rev. E. Nelson in 1821, who continued 3 years. In 1824 the Church had 153 members. In 1826 it became divided in opinion, and nearly one third of the members were excluded. The excluded portion formed a second Church. Since this they have been supplied by various preachers, as employed from time 108 History of Farjviikgton. to time. Some six Baptist ministers have been raised lip from this Church. There is also a considerable Methodist Society, who have stated preaching, and two small Freewill Baptist Churches. In 18i0 the town had 1750 inhabitants, and 290 polls. — The val- uation in 1842, as corrected by the legislature, was 1239,077. 122 — STRONG. Early Settlers — Wm. Reed — Description. The first settlement in Strong — formerly Middle- Town—was made as early as 1784, by Wm. Reed, from Nobleborough, in this State. He was followed by Edward Flint, John Day, David and Joseph Hum- phrey, Jacob Sawyer, Wm. Hiscock, Benjamin Dodge, Timothy Merry, Eliab Eaton, Peter Patterson, Rob- ert McLeery, and Ellsworth, all from the same vicinity. The first framed barn was put up by Mr. Reed, in 1786-7, and his house — the first framed house — in 1791-2. The inhabitants of the town, as well as those located higher up the river, frequently had to go to Winthrop to mill, and to • se mortars for some years. Richard Clark and Joseph Kersey settled in Strong about 1792. The township was purchased of the State by an Association, of which Wm. Reed was one, and who acted as agent in the purchase and survey of the Town. The State reserv- ed one lot for Pier pole, on which he had settled, af- ter leaving Farmington Falls. He put up the second framed house, where he remained till 1801, when he went to Canada with his family. Strong is situated directly north of Farmington, on the Sandy River. It embraces a territory of seven miles from north to south, and five from east to west. The soil is strong and fertile, though the surface is somewhat uneven. It has a considerably large pond in the eastern ex- tremity, at the outlet of which a Saw Mill and Clover Mill, built and owned by Alexander Porter, are situ- History of Farmtngton. 109 ated. There is a Grist Mill on the Sandy River, and on the North-east Branch of the Sandy River a Grist Mill, Saw Mill, Fulling Mill, Carding Machine, Starch Factory, Tannery, and various kinds of Me- chanic Shops, and a very pretty village containing a number of Stores, a Post Offi.ce, Lawyer's Offiice, Meeting House, and two Taverns. Just below the village there is a Bridge across the Sandy River. At the lower part of the town there is also a Meeting House, and one in the easterly section, all of which were mostly built, and are chiefly occupied by the Episcopal Methodists. There is a Meeting House in the north-east part of the town which was built by the Congregationalists, and which they occupy. William Reed Was early commissioned a Justice of the Peace, and held many important offices till near the close of life. He was a man of more than ordinary talent and possessed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. His house was ever the home of the trav- eler, and his hands were ever open to the wants of the needy. His house was burned in April, 1823, which was the cause of his instant death. Name, Incorporation, &c. Strong was incorporated, Jan. 31, 1801, taking the name of Strong from the circumstance of the Act of Incorporation being the first act of the kind which bore the signature of Caleb Strong, who was for ma- ny years Governor of Massachusetts. In 1840 Strong contained 1109 inhabitants, and 155 polls. Its val- cation as corrected by the Legislature of 1842 is 58,989 dollars. 123— CHESTERVILLE. First Settlement and Settlers. The first settlement in Chesterville was made by Abraham Wyman in 1782. Hummer Sewall 2d, 110 History of Farmington. and Samuel Linscott commenced in 1783 near the Lower Mills. Rev. Jotham Sewall, Elder Edward Locke and others, moved into the town soon after. Mills, Village, Streams, Ponds, &c. The Mills at the Center were first built in 178t. There is now a considerable village at the place. The Saw Mills have afforded more pine lumber than any other in this section of country, a considerable part of the territory having been partially covered with a growth of pine. At this village there is a Meeting House, Starch Factory, one or more Stores, and Mechanics of various trades. There is also a Saw Mill at the southerly part of the town, and one at Farmington Falls. At Keith's Mills there is a Grist Mill, a Fulling Mill and a Carding Machine. Shin- gle Machines are attached to nearly all the Saw Mills. Chesterville is situated south of Farmington and is watered by Wilson's Stream, the Little Norridgewock, McGurdy's Stream, the Sandy River and a number of ponds. The territory does not conveniently accom- modate public meetings, as the town is some ten or twelve miles in length, and in width narrow and ir- regular. It has several excellent ridges of land for farming, and the town produces some of the best neat stock in the country. The population in 1840 was 1098, and the number of polls 197. The valua- tion in 1842 was 142,359 dollars Chesterville was incorporated Feb. 20, 1802. The title was derived from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the township contains 19,000 acres. 124— AVON. Description, Settlement, Settlers, ect. The Town of Avon — formerly called Upper Town, lies still higher up the Sandy River, and westerly of Strong; the Sandy River passing through the town in a nearly south-east direction. Settlements commenced History of Farmington. Ill in Avon about the same time as in Strong. [1784.] Capt. Joshua Soule, from Damariscotta River, and Capt. Perkins Allen, from Martha's Vineyard, Mass., moved into town prior to 1784. They were followed by Moses Dudley, Ebenezer Thompson, Mark Whit- ten, Thomas Humphrey, Charles Dwelley, and Samu- el and Jesse Ingham. The southern and western parts of Avon are somewhat uneven and not wholly settled. The summit of Mount Blue is near the south- west corner. There is a small village in the easterly part of the town, where there wns formerly a bridge across the Sandy River, which is a place of some trade. There are two Saw Mills on a small stream on the west side of the river. Avon was incorporat- ed Feb. 22, 1842. It had 828 inhabitants in 1840, and 141 polls. Valuation in 1842, 79,730 dollars. [Avon has no Meeting House, nor does it particular- ly need one, as its inhabitants are mostly accommo- dated by Meeting Houses at short distances from the boundary lines in Phillips, Strong and Freeman.] 125— NEW VINEYARD. Pu iicHASE • — Name — Early Settlers. The town of New Vineyard was purchased of the State by an x^issociation of individuals of Martha's Vineyard, Mass., together with Jonathan Knowlton, of Farmington, who acted as their agent. After the survey it was divided by lot among them. Nearly all the first settlers were from Martha's Vineyard, and hence it took the name of New Vineyard from the commencement of its settlement, and was incorporat- ed by that name, Feb. 22. 1802. Daniel Collins and Abner Norton commenced improvements and remov- ed their families into town in the Fall of 1791. They were the only families who wintered in the place the following Winter. The first crops were raised in 1792. They were soon after followed by Samuel 112 History of Farmington. Daggett, Jonatiian Merry, James Manter, Ephraim Butler, John Spencer, Cornelius Norton, David Da- vis, John Daggett, Benjamin Benson, Joseph Smith, Henry Butler, Herbert Boardman, Charles Luce, Henry Norton, Wm. Farrand, Seth Hillman, Ezra Winslow, and Calvin Burden. Settlements north of the mountains were commenced soon after by people mostly from Middieborough, Mass., among whom vrere George Pratt, Eleazer Pratt, Paul Pratt, Elias Bryant, Simeon Hackett, Jabez Vaughan, Zephaniah Morton, and Benaiah Pratt. Change of Boundary— Description — Mills. That part called the Gore has since been set off to Industry, and besides which the town comprised a territory of six miles square. The south-easterly part, embracing about one-fourth part of the town, has been more recently set off, and now forms a part of Industry. The town has quite a range of mountains extending nearly across the town from east to west, near the center, dividing the waters of the Sandy River from those of the Seven Mile Brook. The soil is generally good, especially in the northerly and easterly sections. The principal stream is the outlet of Porter's Pond in Strong, which discharges into the Seven Mile Brook, and on which are a number of valuable mill sites. A first rate Grist Mill, two Saw Mills, a Clover Mill, a Shingle Machine, and vari- ous other kinds of machinery, two Meeting Houses, one Store, a number of Mechanic's Shops and Dwel- ling Houses form a considerable village, which has been called Vaughan's Mills. The mills are now owned by Messrs. Luce and Stewart New Vineyard is situated east of Strong and north of Industry, and the place of business is about ni?.ie miles from the Court House. It had a population of 927 in 1840. The valuation in 1842 amounted to 94,408 dollars. But the population and the valuation have, both been re- duced bv the transfer of t.erritorv to Industrv. History of Farminqton. 113 134— INDUSTRY. Industry was formed from a remnant of the north- west corner of the Plymouth Patent or Kennebec Pur- chase. It is situated easterly of Farmington, and is bounded on the west by that town and New Sharon, north by New V^ineyard — a part of which has been set off to Industry. The first settlements in the town were made by James and John Thompson, Zoe Withe, Thomas Johnson, and Wm. Allen, about 179f3 or 1794. Benjamin Cottle, Daniel Luce, Peter Daggett, Jabez N'jrton, Peter West, James Winslow, John Gower and Lemuel Howes were also early settlers. The lands were first taken up as each individual chose to select, and held by possession, and afterwards pur- chased of those claiming proprietorship under the original purchase. Bull Horse, or Clear Water Pond, Situated in the north-west corner of the town, af- fords an excellent stream of water, on which are a first rate Grist Mill, a Saw Mill, Tannery, and Starch Factory, which, with a Store and a number of Me- chanics' Shops, form a place of considerable business, near the outlet of the Pond. The mills were first built by Rufus Davis, and passed into the hands of James Gower, and from him to the present owners, Benj. and N, T. Allen. A set of mills was built in the north-east part of the town by Peter West, at the time of the first settlement of the place, where there is now a considerable village. They have a Meeting house, (Methodist,) Fulling Mill, Carding Machine, a number of Stores and Shops, and the village is known as West's Mills. There is also a union Meeting LLouse at the center of the town, and one in the Thompson Neighborhood in the eastern part of the otwn, owned by the Methodists. The town was in corporated June 20, 1803; had 1035 inhabitants in 1840, and 181 polls. The valuation in 1842 was 139,067 dollars. There are four churches in town; viz: Methodist, Baptist, Congregationalist and Free- will Baptist. 114 History of Faumtngton. 127— TEMPLE. The town of Temple lies west of Farmingto-a and north of Wilton, and was incorporated June 20, 1803. Temple and Wilton take their names from two towns in New Hampshire similarly situated, and from which many of the early settlers emigrated. Temple was formerly known as Number One of Abbott's Purchase. The first settlements were commenced about 1796. Josepii Holland and Samuel Briggs were the two first who moved into the place. They were soon fol- lowed by James Tuttle, Moses Adams, John Kenney, Jonathan Ballard, Wm. Drury, Asa Mitchell, Samu- el Lawrence, Messrs. Farmer, Tripp, and Poor, and Gedeon and George Staples. Mr. Tuttle, who set- tled at the center of the town, was soon succeeded by Benjamin Abbott, Esq., who was one or the most useful and respected citizens in the place, tie died in 1823, at the age of 58. Temple, at the commence- ment of its settlement, was owned by Benj. Phillips, of Boston, but was surveyed and settled under the agency of Jacob Abbott, Esq., late of Brunswick in this State, who subsequently purchased the residue of Mr. Phillips' eastern lands. Temple is somewhat mountainous, embracing quite a portion of the Blue ridge, but is good for grazing, and is said to furnish the best of sheep. The town is watered principally by the Starling or Davis' Mill Stream, on which there is a Grist Mill, and some two or three Saw Mills, a Starch Factory and a Machine Shop. Temple has two Meeting Houses — Congregational and xMethodist. [Since another, a Freewill Baptist.] Stated meetings have been continued from near the first settlement, by the Congregationalists, Methodists, and also by the Freewill Baptists. There has been one or two stores kept at the Mills for some years, where there is something of a village, and several mechanics. — The population in i84u was 955; polls, 149. Valu- ation m 1842, |::;0,504, History of Farmington. 115 128— WILTON. The town of Wilton — formerly called Tyngtown— was granted to Capt. Tyng, and a company under his command, by the State of Massachusetts, for de- stroying an Indian by the name of Harry. It was explored in 1785 by Solomon Adams and others, and located by Samuel Titcomb Esq., Surveyor to the State, and lotted by Solomon Adams in 1787. Saml. But- terfield built the first mills in Wilton about 1791. Isaac Brown was the first man who moved into the town. Wm. Walker, Ammial Clough, Joseph Web- ster, Silas Gould, Ebenezer Eaton, .losiah Perham, Ebenezer Brown, Joshua Perley and Josiah Blake were among the first settlers. Wilton lies west of, and adjoining Farmington. It has not only a pro- ductive soil but possesses superior advantages in wa- ter power; the Wilson Stream being one of the best in this section and running through the town from west to east. There are two considerable villages on the stream. What is called the Upper Village has a superior Grist Mill, two Saw Mills, two Starch Fac- tories, a Shingle Machine, a Fulling Mill, a Tripp Hammer, various kinds of Machinery, a Tannery, two Meeting Houses, a brick School House, two Tav- erns, a number of Stores, two Law Offices, with va- rious Mechanics. At the Lower Mills is a Grist Mill and Saw Mill, a Woolen Factory, one Meeting House, two Public Houses, a number of Stores, and various Mechanic Shops. There is also a Grist Mill and Saw Mill at the north part of the town, at the outlet to Varnum's Pond. The mills first built by Mr. Butter- field were where the Lower Village now stands. He soon after erected the first mills at the outlet of the pond at the Upper Village, where he successfully pros- ecuted business till his death, in about 1814. He was succeeded by Charles Morse who rebuilt the mills with considerable improvements, in 1840, when he introduced the first Burr Stones into this section, though some seven or eight sets have since been put in operation in the County. Col. Morse died in 1845. 116 HisTORYOF Farmington. He was a useful and much esteemed citizen. Wilton was incorporated June 2o, 1808 — population in 1810, 2198— polls, 401— valuation in 1842, |395,163.— There are three Freewill Baptist Churches, a Congre- gational Church, and several Methodist Societies in town. 129— FREEMAN. Freeman, which joins Strong on the north, is the westerly of two townships granted by the State of Massachusetts to the sufferers of Falmouth— now Portland, — in the burning of the town by the British in the Revolutionary War. It was surveyed and set- tled under the agency of Reuben Hill, about 1797. Wm. Brackley, David Hooper, Alexander Fassett, Saml. Weymouth, and Messrs Bui bank, Morton and Boston, were some of the first settlers. It derives lit- tle advantage from water power, but it has a produc- tive soil, though rather hard to cultivate. The north- erly part of the town, or what is called Freeman Ridge, is said to be the best for tillage Near the center of the town there has been a store for some years, but the town has no considerable village It was incorporated March 4, 1807, and takes its name from Samuel Freeman, late of Portland, who was one of the principal owners at the time of the settlement. Population in 1840, 838 — polls, 142 — valuation in 1842, ^83,902. It was formerly six miles square, but a part of its original territory has been attached to Salem. 130— PHILLIPS. Phillips, formerly Cixllcd Cnrvo, — a name it received from Capt, Perkins Allen on account of its resemblance to a port he had visited in a foreign voyage. — was incorporated Feb. 25,1812. It received the name of Phillips in honor of Mr. Phillips, the former proprietor. It lies about 17 miles in a nearly north-weft direction from the Court House in Farmington. It former- ly embraced a territory of al)out nine miles in length and five in Avidth; but in 1823 a section from the north-cast corner was set off to form apart of Salem, and recently a strip three miles wide, from what was formerly Berlin, has been attached to the west side. Improvements cinnmenced in Philli])s as early as 1700 or i»l. Perkins Allen, Seth Greely and son, .Jonathan Pratt, Uriah and Joseph Howard, and Isaac Davenport were among the first set- tlers. Sales were first made under the agency of Francis Tufts, but the agency subseqeently passed into the hands of Jacob Abbott, Esq., who event- ually became the owner of the unsold lands. — There are two important vil- History of Farmington. 117 lages, situated on the Sandy River, and near the southern extremity of the town. There is a noble waterfall at the Lower Village, (the best on the San- dy River,) where there is a superior grist mill, originally built by Francis Tufts, and afterwards rebuilt by Joel Whitney, into whose hands it passed, and who sold it to the present owners, Orin and Daniel Robins, by whom it has been enlarged and put in good repair. There are also at this village a tannery, a fulling mill and carding machine, a union Meeting House — the bell .of which was presented by Joel Whitney, Esq.. — a convenient school house, some four or five stores, a public house, a law ofRce, a saddle and harness maker's shop, two blacksmith's shops, a cabinet maker's shop,&c. — The Upper Village is situated about half a mile above the Lower Village It has a number of stores, two law offices, a tannery, a public house, a num- ber of mechanic shops, a school house, (and, just above,) a meeting house, (Methodist,) a bridge, a saw mill and a starch factory. There are aiso a grist mill and saw mill higher up the river. The town possesses a product- ive soil, superior advantages in water power, and is so situated as to com- mand the most of the trade and other business of the interior of the County; and.such is the policy pursued by the business men that the inhabitants find a readj' cash market for their surplus seed, wool, and most other articles. The most prominent religious societies are the Methodist and F. W. Baptist. The Congregationalists have a church. — Population in 1840, 1312; polls, 22fi. — Berlin had 442 inhabitants and 78 polls, which have mostly been add- ed to Phillips.— The valuation of Philips in 1842 was $l0fi,77O, and that of Berlin $28,220, a large proportion of which has also passed to Phillips. 131— ^ WELD. Weld, formerlj known as Number Five, or Webb's Pond Plantation, is a large town, containing about 48 square miles, and is about ten miles from the Court House in Farmington. It was settled about 1800. Nathaniel Kit- tredge, Caleb Holt. .James Houghton, Abel Holt, and .Joseph and Abel Russell were among the first settlers. There is a considerable village on the eastern side of Webb's Pond, on the Coos Road, known as Holt's Village, where there are two or three traders, a good grist mill, a blacksmith's shop, tannery, carding machine, and several good dwelling houses. About two miles above, on the same road, there is another village, containing a town house, starch fac- tory, 'sawmill, store, and blacksmith's shop. Webb's Pond is a considerable body of water included in Weld. Webb's River rises from this pond, and run- ning southerly through Carthage, falls into the Androscoggin at Dixfield Vil- lage. The land around the pond is level, but ranges of mountains hem it in and impart a picturesque and romantic aspect to the landscape. On the south is seen Bear Moantain, in Carlhage, on the east Mount Blue, the summit of which is 2360 feet above Webb's Pond, and nearly 4000 feet above the sea. On the north is Mount Metalic, which takes its name from an Indian who formerly inhabited it, and on the west is Ben Nevis. Weld, as well as several adjoining towns, was surveyed by samuelTitcomb, Esq., Surveyor to the State. It was lotted by Philip Bullenin 1797, and originally purchased of the State by Jona. Phillips, of Boston, together with Temple, Avon, Phillips, Madrid, and Car- thage. Sales to settlers were commenced by Jacob Abbott, Esq., of Wilton, N. H., who moved to Andover, Mass., and from there to Brunswick, in this State. Mr. A. acted as agent for PhilHps for some years. But in 1815 he purcha.sed, in company with Benj. Weld, of Boston, Mr. P. 's unsold lands in Maine. Mr. Abbott proceeded to the settlement of this and other towns, and procured the location of the Coos Road, by the State, from Chesterville, through Wilton, Car- thage, and Weld, passing the Notch by Mount Metalic, thence through Byron and Enst Andover to New Hampshire. Mr. Abbott died at Brunswick in 1820, aged 74. He was succeeded by his sou, the late Jacob Abbott, Esq., who di- ed in Farmington, Jan. 21, 1847, at the age of 70, (subsequently to the date at which the title page and first sheets of the first edition of this work were printed.) Mr. Abbott, as a man of business was prompt and systematic; as a Christian, devoted, and as a citizen, honest, pleasant, generous, useful, and re- 118 History of Farmingtox. spected. Weld was incorporated Feb. 2, 1816, and derived its name from Mr. V\ eld, then one of the owners. Benj. Weld was followed by his son William* who took the whole of Carthage, and one half of the remaininp; towns, and sub- sequently conveyed fo Dr. Lafayette Perkins, who settled in Wold in 1815, be- ing the first physician in the place. — A Congregational Church was early organ- ized in the town, of which David Sterret was the first pastor. He was succeed- ed by Hermon Stinson. Revr Mr. Gould is the present pastor. They have a convenient Meeting House in the eastern pai-t of the town. Rev. Lemuel Jack- son, from Green, opened a religious meeting in 1804, and a Baptist Church was constituted in 1809. Abel Holt and Amariah Reed were its Deacons.. The lat- ter w^as ordained an evangelist in 1811. Mr. Jackson remained till 182r>. Va- rious preachers have simce labored in the place, Luther Perkins is the present pastor. Members to the number of 200 have been received, and about one-fourth of that number remain. A small Freewill Baptist Church has been organized recently. 132— KINGFIELD. KiNGFiELD was formerly Plantation Number Three, Range One, Bingham's Purchase, and was surveyed by Solomon Adams in 1808. Settlements com- menced about 1806. It was iucorporatcd Jan. 24, 1816. Its name was se- lected in honor of Hon. Wm. King, the first Governor of Maine, a principal proprietor. It is situated about 20 miles from Farmington, in a direction near- ly north. It is watered by the Seven Mile Brook, two branches of which meet near the south-east corner of the town, where mills were early put in operation, and where there is a considerable village. It has no Meeting House, but meetings are sustained a part of the time by most of the religious socie- ties, and several churches have been organized. Population in 1840, 671 ; number of polls, 119; valuation in 1842, $64,171. 133— SALEM. Salem was formed of parts of Freeman, Phillips, and Number Four in the First Range, Bingham's Purchase, or the "Million Acres," and was incor- porated in 1823 by the name of North Salem, which was afterwards changed by leaving off the "North." It is drained by the westerly branch of the Seven Mile Brook, which empties into the Kennebec at Anson. It lies about fifteen miles northerly from the CourtHouse in Farmington. Benj. Heath. 2d, from Farmington, made the first "chopping," about 1815, where he and John Church, 1st, and Samuel Church removed in 1817, and who, with Messrs. Double and Hayford, who moved in the same season, were the first settlers in the place. The mills were put in operation by the Messrs. Heath, in 1818-19, when Benj. Heath, 1st, and Simeon A. Heath moved into the place. The town is very conveniently situated, has a free and produc- tive soil, and a valuable mill privilege, where there is a village containing two stores, a saw mill, a grist mill, starch factory, potash and various me- chanics. Population in 1840, 561; polls, 82; valuation in 1842, $39,381.^ The inhabitants have no meeting house, but meetings are sustained on the Sabbath a part of the time, principally by Methodists and Freewill Baptists. 134— CARTHAGE. Carthage, formerly Number Four, Abbott's Purchase, lies south of Weld, and west of Wilton and Temple. It was incorporated in 1829. It is drained by Webb's River, w^hich runs southerly. The eastern part of the town is bi'oken by quite a range of mountains, vai'iously denominared the Bear, Sad- dleback, or Blueberry Mountain, but it has a considerable quantity of land fit for cultivation. The town formerly had extensive forests of pine. William Bowley and Winter were the first who settled in the town, and the for- mer of whom built what are called Bowley's Mills, on Webb's River. The town was lotted by Solomon Adams in 1803. Dr. Perkins, of Farmington, is now the proprietor of the unsold lands. Populatien in 1840, 522; polls, 91; valuation in 1842, .$41,235. History of Farminqton. 119 135— MADKID. A .u;rii> IS s'HnK.tlm,- more than twenty miles in a direction about north- ed 1 vM? pV',r ""'* " i"'^, '" ^ '-ii-™"^""- The townsliip was formerly own- ed by Mr. Plnllips, and .sul)sequently passed into the hands of Jacob Abbott Whose heirs still own the unsetded land, amounting to nearly half the town- ship, and some of which is unfit for cultivation. Settlements were com- inenced about 1807, or 8. Abel Cook, David Koss, John Sar^rent, Lemud iJunimcr. Miller Hinkley. Joseph Dunham, Ebenezer Cawkins, and Nathl We Is were among the first settlers. Madrid has three Saw Mills, a Grisi Ml, tsvo Clapboard Machines, two Shingle Machines, but no house for i' i '!;i;' n '"^'- , ^^^'^;f '"«•; "re I'^l'I in i^chool houses and though, the town is uit partiaxly srltlcd tlie inhabitants have sustained stated meetings on the ^ab^ath most ot the time from the commencement of the settlement A F »v. JJaptist Church was early organized. Eld. Joseph Dver of Phillips, though at an advanced age. has gratuitously taken the oversight of the church, and mn -^rs n !'? "°f' "-^ ^^^ time for about 14 years. Population in IbiO, 368; polls, 64 ; valuation in 1842; $21,181. INDEX. The figures refer to £ Abbott, Asa, 100 Abbott, Jacob, Esq. 84 ; 127 • 131 Abbott, Benj. 197 ' Abbott, Rev. Samuel, 88 Abbott Family School, 58. Abbott, A. H. 86 Academy, 85 ; list of Trustees 85 ; List of Teachers. 86 Adams, Solomon, 17, 20, 27, 148 Joshua, 95 Allen, Rufus, 64 Austin, John. 51 Associates, Reu. Colburn&,16.17,20. Avon, Sketch of history &c 124 Baptists, 113 Baker, Prince, 120 Bailey, Oliver, 57 Battle, Joseph, 43, 62 Barter trade among settlers, 65 Beedy, Rev. Thomas, 117 Belcher, Supply, 40; Hiram, 107; Hannibal, 107 ; Samuel, 107 Beaver Dam Brook, 6 Beale, Daniel, 100 Billings, Oliver, 109, 103 Blacksmiths, 96 Blackstone, B. 45 Butterfield, Samuel, 29; Jonas, 39; Jesse, 36 ; P.euben, 46 Butler, Benj. 42Butler, Elijah, 95 Blake, Jeriah, 24 lilodget, Nehemiah. 28 Bridges, 12;Ceriter, 90, 93, Falls, 91, Fairbanks', 93 Brown, Joseph, 22 ; Ebenezer, 109 Bullen, S. .50 Bradford, Joseph, 48 Caldwell, Joseph, 105 Carpenters, 97 Carthage, 134 Chandler, Moses, 47 : Samuel, 50 Chamberlain. H. V. 107 ectiviis, not to Pages. Chesterville, 123 Childs, E. 100 Church, John, 44, 80 Christains, denomination of, 116 Chronological Notes, (see 2d dage) Congregationalists, 415 Cox, Hugh, 60 Common, 12 Corbett, Peter, 31 Cony, Plartson, 38; 100 Cowan, Ephraim. 56 ; D. B. 56 Craig, Enoch, 25 Croswell, Thomas, 100 Cushman, Jonathan, 59 CuUer, Nathan, 107; John L. 107 Davis, Nathl. 23; Nathan, 118 Davenport, Philip, 51 Dodge, Rev. Benj. 118 Dorr, R. H. 118 Dyar, Rev. Joseph, 135 Eaton, Jacob, 52 Emerson, Rev. Mr. 109 Exploration for settlement, the par- ty, their route, 13 ; Return route 15 Fairbanks, Jos. 63, 100 Fairbanks' Mills Stream, 5 Farmington, situatirn and Bounda- ries, 1, 68 ; Soil, 10 ; Forest trees, 10 ; Scenery, 10 ; Incorporation, 6/ : Organzation, 69 ;Growth,108 Survey, 17, 18; Town Ofllcers, 103; Title to Territory, 16 17 20, m ^ ' ' Freewill Baptists, 109, 110, 111,135 Fish, alewives, salmon, trout, &c 7 Flint, Dr. Thos. 100, 105 ; Ed 122 Funds, public, 89 Oay, Elisha, 59; J. Talbot, 109, 118 (loodenow, Robert, 107 Gould, Jesse, 33. Wm. 33; Silas, 33 Gower, Robert, 37 Green. Dea. Nathaniel. 115:Josiah liio His'iony of Fak.mincxTon, LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 013 983 651 ^ 5!) ; Jonas, 59 Guile, Saml. 105 Greely, Jos. 38; Seth. 39 Hall,"Kev. Hczekiali, lir, Hartwell, E, 58 Hatters, 99— lU)bert Eaktr, C. At- kinson, Colburn Ejiierson,Wood & Bond, Isaac Hibbard, Thomas Sjtooni. r, 99 Henderson, J)r. J. 105 Hiscock, Thomas, 50 Holland, Jos. i'd, 100 Holly Neighborhood, 62 Holly, Marchant, 118 Hopkins, Theopliilus, 105 Holt. Key. Filield, 115 Hunters, 8 Huston, John, 51 Indians, Traces of, llelics, 14, Cruel- ty, A heroic Girl, 48; Pierpole, 14, 122 Industry, Sketch of, 126 Jay, Sketch of history of, 121 Johnson, Jos. 100; Thos. lOO ; Tim- othy, 80, 109 Kannady, Wm. 26 Keen, Samuel, 50 Kingfield, 132 Knowlton, Jonathan, 30, 79, Fran- cis, Samuel, 30 Lawyers, 107 Lee, Rev. Jesse, 109, 112 Lock, Edward, 109 Lowell, Reuben, 35, Rosimus K.lOO Lumber, 97 Mails, 72 Mayhew, Zacheus, 38, 64,72 Marriage, First in F. 43 Madrid, 135 Maple Sugar, 65 Merchants, 100 Meadows, Natural, 9 Meeting Houses, First at Falls, 79 — Center, 80— Brick, 81— Freewill Baptist, 82— Baptist, 83— Cong. 84 Methodists, 112— Protestant M,118— Wesleyan Methodists, 119 Moors, David, 100 Morrill, David 111 Mills. First built in 1781; Starling's Mills, 73; Falls, 74; Keith's, 75; Fairbanks', 76; Russell's, 77 Fulling Mills, 78 Morse, Charles, 128 New Vineyard, 125 New Sharon, 120 Norton, Ebenezer, 55; Peter, 64 ; Eli- jah, 89 - Orchard, First planted in F., 63 Page, Reuben, 45; Isaac, 50; Amos 55; Ezekiel, 55 Parker, Thomas, [See Preface] Perliam, liCmuel, 57 Perkins, Dr. L., 105, 131 ; Isaac, 64 Phillips. Dr. A., 105 Phillips, hist, of, 130 Pliysicians, 105 Pope, E., 107 Porter, Ezekiel. 61 Powder House, 94 Pool, Samuel, 95 Prescott, Dr. J., 105 Prayer for Rain answered, 112 Proprietorship, original of the town, How settled, &c., 66 Randall, J.. 107 Representatives, list of, 70, 104 Resolve of legislature relative to pro- prietors' titles, 66 Reed, Wm., 122 Rice, John, 59 Riant, Joseph, 60 Rogers, Rev. I,. 115; Daniel, 110 Russ, Simeon, 41; John, 78 Ro.ads, 11, 18, 71, 101 Sandy River described, 2, Indian Name of, 8 'Salem, 133 School Funds, S9 Sewall, Rev. Jotham,115; Samuel, 54 Dummor, 43, 66 Shaw, John and Ebenezer, 78 Smith, AbrahaTU, 58 Soule, Z. 107 Smith, Eliphalet, 109 Starling, Moses, 53, 109, 112 Starling's Mill Stream, 1 Stowers, Saml. 58 Stoyell, Aaron, 105 Strong, 122 Stinchiield, Jeremiah, 78 Survey, original, by whom, &c. 17,18 Sylvester, Jos. 109, 42 Sweet, Ebenezer, 45, 95 Tanneries, 96 Teague, Isaac, 50 Titles to lands, 16, 17, 20, 06 Titcomb, Stephen, 13, 21, 79 Town Officers, 103 Townsend, S. O. 95; Luther, 95 Thompson, Zenas, 114 Temple, 127 Tufts, 32, lOo; John, 64 Unitarians, 117 Universalists, 114 Weld, 131 Weathern, Benj. 34; Micah, 45 Wendell, Thomas, 62 Whittier, Benjamin, 56 Wilton, 128 Woods, J. F. 57 58, 109, 116 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 983 6510 Hollinger pH 83 MiU Run F03-2193