^IK' 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 Chap. f^;2^3 
 
 i Shelf ^ C7 Pi. 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
EARLY GLEANINGS 
 
 AND 
 
 RANDOM RECOLLECTIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 T 
 
 OF CORINTH 
 
 MAINE, 
 FROM 1792 TO 1883, 
 
 BY / 
 / 
 
 MASON S. PALMER. 
 
 BANGOR : 
 
 PRESS OF B. A. BURR, (WHIG AND COURIER JOB OFFICE.) 
 
 1883. 
 
 

Um GlEMWS 111) 
 
 OF THE 
 
 TOWN OF CORINTH, MAINE. 
 
 In tlio early ages of inaiikiiul. tlie products of the earth were spon- 
 taneous; man had little to do. but eat. drink, and be happj^ If our 
 associations are reliable, tlie life of our race began in a climate producing 
 all that was needful for animal sustenance without man's care. Yet, in 
 that position, man never rose, — he lived in a barbarous state, browsing 
 in the primitive pastures of animal life. — Much like the animal he lived 
 and slept; and sleeping, sometimes dreaming; ''but he awaketh, and 
 his soul is empty; he is faint, and his soul hath appetite." 
 
 Then began the original purposes of man's nature ; then commenced 
 the stir of human faculties. The breadth of his nature began to work ; 
 — he feels the stir of impassioned endeavor;— he begins to think — to 
 philosopliize — he sees grand fields of opportunity, and hears the command, 
 "till those acres."' and soon perceives that by applying his own intelli- 
 gence lo his work, he improves himself. Thus the earth became the 
 educator of her childi-en. This wonderful earth was made for the accom- 
 modation of our race, not only for man's outward growth, exhibition, 
 exposure, out-of-door contact, but the interior life, looking eternity- 
 wise. 
 
 Every child born into the world is fed spontaneously at first. But 
 this is not to be through life; growing cliildren soon arrive at manhood, 
 and are commanded to toil and earn a living. The ages move on, and 
 a grand progressive woi-k comes upon the stage of life. In our world's 
 schools there are no vacations, her doors are never closed, and her 
 schools are being kept forever, each generation only steps up to a 
 higher class. 
 
 In this world's school our early settlers first learned their lessons — 
 a7id learned them well, enabling them to go out into the broad, active 
 world, with an outfit of powers furnished by their Maker, and soon be- 
 came enthusiastic workers — with maul}^ courage our fathers sought the 
 forest, rtinging wide open their doors, that health might enter at morn, 
 meridian, evening and midnight, giving her such welcome that she for- 
 got the home of city life, and became the sojourner of the wilds of our 
 forests. Here all were lovers and worshipers ; and that they might 
 love all things wisely, they gave to all things the pure, deep joy of their 
 intercommunion with nature. 
 
 In our Kandom Recollections, we go back to the early and fresh days 
 of young life, the springtide of our Township's joyous existence — as we 
 saw it in its struggling infancy, so with memory's eye we see it to-day, 
 joyous and happy. It is not through the dim and dull eyes of feeble 
 
HO'e we are to look at events in the past, but with clear vision examine 
 ail matters, as life itself, at life's earliest remembered periods, and tluis 
 we enjoy todaj'. the snnshine of all past yesterdays — onr brief history 
 will thus be cloudless. ^if storms must come, let them be hereafter. 
 
 Tiie glorious sun is hailed with the greatest rapture at his rising. Yet 
 the jaundiced eye of a diseased soul, after long gazing upon the splen- 
 dois of our world, dulls in its vision, and the heart exclaims. "All is 
 vanity and vexation of sj)irit." 
 
 The town of Corinth is situated in the County of Penobscot. State of 
 Maine, in latitude forty-tive degrees (45°) nortii ; longitude seven de- 
 grees, tifty-eight minutes (7° 58') east from Washington, or sixty-nine 
 degrees two minutes (69° 2') west from Greeuvvich; and is seventeen 
 and one ft)urth (17^) miles in a North West direction from the County 
 Court House in Bangor in a direct line to the center of the town of 
 Corinth, ai.d eighteen and one half (18^) miles by the traveled I'oad to 
 the Town Hall; and is sixty-live (65) miles in a direct Hue North East 
 from the State House in Augusta. 
 
 The town is six miles square, containing 23.040 acres, and is bounded 
 on the North by Charlf^ston. East by Hudson. West by Exeter, South bj' 
 Levant; and is the 186tii town within the District of Maine, and was 
 located as a township by a survey of its exterior lines in the year 1792. 
 and known as township No 2. in the fouith range of townships north of 
 the Waldo Patent, and one of the 21 townships surveyed by Ephraim 
 Ballard and Sauniel Weston, under the direction of the ••Committee for 
 the sale of the Eastern Lands." 
 
 Said township was purchased by Messrs. Weston and Peck, and by 
 them conveyed to Benjamin Joy and others. The town is watered by 
 the Kenduskeag Stream, which runs in a South Easterly direction nearly 
 through the center of the town, receiving the waters of the Crooked 
 Brook and *PieiTe Paul Brook, while Bear Bi'ook. situated in the North 
 Easterly part of the town, gives its waters to little Pushaw Pond. 
 
 For many years the early settlers obtained from Kenduskeag Stream, 
 salmon of good size, at a distance of 17 miles from the watei s of the 
 Penobscot River. 
 
 'J'he surface of the town is level, and was densely covered with a 
 growth of trees in which the maple, birch, beech, ash. bass, hemlock, 
 spruce and cedar, seemingly strove for prominency ; yet the bird's-eye 
 maple must have seen, — if it saw at all — that the attempt would be 
 futile to vie with the mujestic pines, scattered over the entire township. 
 
 The solenni grandeur of the township's native growth of hardj^ trees, 
 tall and thickly planted, demanded the admiration of the explorer, as he 
 traversed groimds free from fallen trees, — grounds where the foot of 
 civilized man had never trod, where no effort at improvement had marred 
 the forests' primeval beauty, save that of the industrious beaver, by 
 damming running waters, and adding broad acres to his original home- 
 atead. 
 
 Such was township No 2 in 1792, when Mr. Abner Tibbetts and Mr. 
 Daniel Budge, while on an exploring excursion, were so well pleased 
 with it, that they decided at once to abandon the idea of removing to 
 the State of Ohio, and immediately made arrangements for settling upon 
 lands by them recently discovered, naming them ••New Ohio." 
 
 Mr. Abner Tibbetts and Mr. Daniel Budge were men of large capaci- 
 ties and indomitable will, and were striving to find the gateway of 
 
 *Pierre Paul was the name of an Indian living upon the banks of tlie brook. 
 
opportunity for greatness and usefulness; and tliat such were many of 
 their associates, their \vorl\S i)i'ove them. 
 
 The forests of Maine were being explored, and several townships near 
 the waters of Penobscot were already surveyed. Provisione(l for a 
 week's cruise, they followed the spotteil lines of the surveyor as far as 
 his lines extended, and tinding themselves in wood-land heretofore un- 
 seen by the eye of civilized man. here they pitched tlieir tent upon 
 grounds they deteiniineU should become their future home ; here they 
 dedicated the forest; here ottered oblations, and sang "New Ohio." 
 
 Tile children of Israel were led througii the w ilderness bv the blaze 
 of the jtillar of light, and our fathers were led to ovn- township bj'' 
 Idazed trees. Soon after a few aci'es of the forest trees were felled 
 upon lot No. 10. in tiie fij-st Kange. upon grounds where now stands the 
 buildings of Mr. I.ucas. Befoi-e these grounds were cleared, or any 
 buildings erected. Mr. Daniel Skinner, formerly from Mansfield Mass., 
 l)ut more recently from Brewei- (Me.) withthiee sons and three daugh- 
 ters, all at ages of maturity, made an opening about two miles in a 
 northerly direction from the Ohio Settlement, and nearer the center of 
 the township, and as the members of the Skinner familj' married early, 
 and settled in tlieir father's neighborliood. a numerous, industrious and 
 intelligent piogeny soonjilled the territoral neighborhood with loving 
 souls, through whose veins ran quietly the Skinner love of domestic 
 life ; and so numerous were they, that the neighborhood was very prop- 
 erly called the "•Skinner Settlement." Mr. Jacob Wheeler, from Peters- 
 ham. Mass., and Mr. Kichard Palmer, from Parsonstield, Me., each mar- 
 ried, for their first wives, daughteis of Mr. Daniel Skinner. 
 
 For variety, which is the spice of life. Mr. Isaac Ilodsdon and Mr. 
 Nathan Hodsdon, with their families from Berwick (Me.) domiciled 
 within the quiet pi-eciiicts of the Puritan family. 
 
 Here was the first house erected, and here commenced domestic life — 
 here the wanderer among tlie townships found a home, and the adven- 
 turer was eared for. 
 
 AVhen Messrs. Tibbetts and Budge returned to clear the grounds where 
 lay the trees of their falling, others came with them, and tinding true 
 all they had heard of the promised land, entered quickly into the work 
 of cultivating these lands, and hope lent them energy and impulse to 
 make homes in this quiet and peaceful solitude. 
 
 Among the new comers was Mr. William Tibbetts, Mark Trafton. 
 Joshua C. Thompson, John Goodhue, William Hammond, Eoyal Clark, 
 Peletiah Simpson, Dr. William Peabody, Lemuel Tozier, and others. 
 
 A young wife, writing her friends after her arrival with her husband 
 at NeW' Ohio, thus gave expression to her feelings. '"I am the Bride of 
 the Wilderness, and at her altars humbl}^ bow. while enjoying the pres- 
 ence of suiroundings which give warmth to feelings and promptings to 
 religious expressions. This wilderness is a temple of continuous wor- 
 ship — a dwelling too wide for walls, too high for dome. On every side 
 I am admonished to join Nature's worship; the rough unhewn walls of 
 my cabin, prompts the singing of Soloman's first song, Ch. 1, v. 7 — 'The 
 beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters are fir.' To those who 
 would sing the song of gladness in Nature's Temple, the spirit and the 
 Bride say. come!" 
 
 Much that transpired in those early days, comes down to us through 
 those early social gatherings, where life's incidents were fully discussed 
 and by hearers treasiu'ed in memory's store-house, for the i^en of the 
 coming historian, and be this pen truthful in its records. 
 
In 1794. Mr. Josiah Simpson, Robert Simpson. Eobert Campbell, 
 Simon Prescott. Jonatlian Snow, Rufns Inraan, and others, passing 
 tliron<>;h the "Skinner Settlement"' and proceeding in a north westerly- 
 direction some two miles, and near the line of said townsiiip. entered 
 upon lauds inviting both the Inmberman and the agricaitui'ist. aud here 
 planted a neigliborhood. which, until tlie year of 1818. was known as the 
 Simpson Settlement, after whicli time, in consequence of a cliange of 
 ownership, the i)lace lia^ been known as the ''Eddy Settlement." 
 
 On tlie easterly side of the Kenduskeag Stream, lay an elevation of 
 grounds |)eculiarly adapted for planting an Eden neigliborhood. on wliich 
 Deacon John Hunting. Eben Hunting. Joshua Herrick, Eeuben Ball, 
 Isaac Ball. Benjamin Dyer. Sanuiel Gould. Josiah Gregory, David A. 
 Gove, Andrew Strong, and others commenced operations in 1808; and 
 soon a correct taste, judicious management, and untiring industry, gave 
 remarkable evidences of the future growth and beauty of the coming 
 neighborhood. 
 
 The far reaching vision of Deacon Hunting and his associates saw that 
 the joint and individual eflort of tlieir little colonj^ would convert the 
 woodlands on the easterly side of the Kenduskeag into tields of grow- 
 ing grain, and soon teach the a)>parently useless waters of stream and 
 brooks, to turn the wheels of industry for .niaii's special benefit. Much 
 that was at first seen by the prophetic eye, was soon realized, and as the 
 wortliy deacon was entering in every needed effort to hasten the growth 
 of his neighborhood, it was called the Hunting settlement, but now 
 East Corinth, 
 
 Thus from 1792 to 1811, these neighborhoods were constantly receiv- 
 ing additions to their respective localities, and seemed to feel, by a 
 mystic free masonry, that they were inseparable. The 19 years occu- 
 pied as a township, were years of quiet. Litigation was unknown; 
 scandal and falsehood on no human lip; man was at all times con- 
 tiding and accommodating. The scarcity of implements of husbandry 
 prompted invention, and the mechanic's eye readily saw in the trees 
 surrounding him. the wanting material from which was readily 
 made tlie rough article wanted for immediate use. The straight ash for 
 beam, the sapling with appropriate bends for handles, and the beech 
 of serpentine twist for inouldboard in the hands of Mr. Abner Tibbetts, 
 soon became the wood work, waiting only to be ironed by Mr. Joliii 
 Goodhue to become the Pioneer plow. Whilst the young maple, early 
 bent by malaria's chronic rheumatism, was forced into the ungraceful 
 shape of scythe snath, a form necessary for early mowing, giving evi- 
 dence of a co-partnersliip between nature and tlie farmer. 
 
 Mr. Joshua C. Thompson framed and linished buildings of all descrip- 
 tions, while Mr. Mason Skinner, from trees straight in gi-ain. standing 
 within sight of his siiop. manufactured tubs, boxes, kegs, chairs, and 
 almost every wooden article required for use. 
 
 Mr. Eufuslnman,a master workman in wood, iron and steel, manufac- 
 tured spinning wheels of every description, made surgical instruments, 
 and with wonderful skill used them, — extracted teeth for six and one- 
 fourth cents singly, and ten cents for two at one sitting; would let 
 blood when necessary, with a lance of his own making, with edge as 
 sharp as his own wit. With Mr. Iiiinan tliere was no storm; clouds 
 lifted at his presence; he carried sunshine with him, and while his 
 neighbor Snow, with heart as cold as the name he bore, sighed over 
 ''fallen man," and wept over the world's condition, and the depravity of 
 
 the human heart, the merry sounds of the Inman voice was heard, de- 
 
chiriiig that in the himiaii soul was vested iinhvidual powers to make tlie 
 coining man all God desig'iietl liim to be, "a little lower tlian tlie angels." 
 and all that was wanting was patient tinishing, everv material for which 
 was in man (Inman.) 
 
 In those earlj^ days, the Sabbatii was religionslj' observed, and dwell- 
 ing houses were opened for woi'ship. For many years, by invitation of 
 the owner, the house of Mr. Jacob AVheeler was deemed a home for 
 prayer and praise. But on a certain time a large congregation met in a 
 newly finished stable, and Htting ])raise was offered the ■•Bal)e of the 
 manger." This meeting was on a pleasant dav of .Time, children from 
 every part of the township were in attendance, occupying seats pre- 
 pared for them, as this was designed for childhood worship. Tlie 
 speaker was young; his subject. •'The Life of the Saviour." his text. 
 '"Follow me." The preacher's heart lay oi)en. •■nd his si)ontaneous 
 thoughts were in sympathy with all that pertained to childiiood. Of the 
 Saviour's manger-birth, his infancy, childhood, manhood, and tragical 
 death; of these he spoke in solemn tone of voice, but in his face t^iere 
 was the christian's cheerful look, while with an eloquence particularly 
 his own. he threw back the blinds which darken the windows of child- 
 hood, and fastened fair images on the brain, never dimmed by touch of 
 time. Eaphael and Phideas excelled in their respective vocations, but 
 painters nor sculptors make themselves inunortal; but he who hapjiily 
 makes good impressions upon the human mind and character, and lays 
 foundations for the inward growth of tlie human soul. Uvesforerer. Then 
 live our fathers evermore. 
 
 No painter ever wrought upon canvas a foi-m more clearly resembling- 
 its original in all proportions— more accurate in look and bearing than 
 did our young clergyman the entire personification of the Saviour. And 
 as childi'en listened, the fashion of face was changed, and seemingly, fire 
 from heaven came down and was kindled in an alabaster vase; — -it was 
 no outward illumination; the lamp was inside, an orb of glory shooting 
 up kindling rays, tilling the atmosphere with dawn and daj^-break and 
 became a sun-rise, while the intimate connection between bodv and 
 spirit translated the mystic meanings declaring "we will follow thee." 
 And so forcibly and graphically was the doctrine of the text impressed, 
 that when the working-day came, and a child was told by its father, that 
 he was not old enough to follow him (the father) over rough grounds to 
 the "clearing," the boy cheerfully replied, ••Well, father, if I am not 
 old enough to follow you over rough places, am I not old enough to fol- 
 low the S.aviour?" 
 
 To the praise of the first settlers be it published, that especial care 
 was taken to properlj'^ instruct the young — in this parents never tired. 
 The fireside and the closet were institutions of learning, where were 
 taught the theology of pure thought, goodness, truth, justice, love. 
 Both childi-en and parents alike learned to read, and were enabled by 
 careful reading to become self-instructors. What they studied was prac- 
 tical, efficient find good, and by reading, readily obtained the common 
 use of words, and though no '•Webster" was before them, they soon 
 learned that their own thoughts were "unabridged." 
 
 Schools were early formed in the townsliip, but of the precise period, 
 the month, and day of the month, we are unable to give, but this we 
 know, '■•It was in the beginning.'''' Historians of the present time, while 
 sti'iving to give the day and hour of each event, lose sight of important 
 facts, incidents and events as essential to historj- as flesh, blood, sinew 
 and brain are to the frame-work of the human bod}'. In the early period 
 
8 
 
 of creation, when the great historian wrote the first books of tlie Old 
 Testament, the Maker of heaven and earth was pleased that his historian 
 Moses, shoidd say. '••In the. hpgiuninr/ God crentpcl the heavens and the 
 earth," To the FJeity this was sufficiently specific as to time, and men 
 of faith and brain, then and to-day, read, believed and ar • satisfied; but, 
 with sorrow be it spoken, scientists, with pocket hammers are smiting- 
 rocks or prominent sione, that with chips or splniters, they may build 
 arguments to invalidate the wisdom of God and his approved recoids. 
 Many persons love to doubt, to waver, to suspect I An early skeptical 
 ac(iuaintance of ours was of this class — was full of uncertainty, a caviler 
 — diove sliunbers from his couch in thinking that we caimot tell when 
 sleep begins, when childhood ends, and manhood assumes its |)lace. 
 Our friend believed he had been "horn again," but was greath' troubled 
 that he could not name the day of his second birth, and he marvelled 
 much that this new created world ot ours — man's homestead — was a 
 dateless conveyance. But the Maker of our world had forethought 
 not to be implicated in a jar. break or omission needing amendment. 
 
 Those devoid of confidence in God, who have no Gotlly fear, are those 
 who understand not the perfections and purposes of His works. Our 
 first settlers "searched the Scriptures." and learned that there are secrets 
 in God for us; that His internal being is populous with whispers not yet 
 spoken, and revelations not yet fully revealed, and that He has confi- 
 dence enough in those who fear Him to trust such with His secrets. 
 Psalms, 25:14, "The secret of the Lord was with them that fear Him."" 
 
 If the date of our world's formation is a secret, the seciet is with Him 
 who made it, and if there be those who are striving for the secret, let 
 such fear the world's Malier. Thus rciisoned our fathers, hungering 
 never for the fa')ulous teachings of Miller, Huxley, and Darwin. 'but 
 content ever in the liuowledge that our veiled world of stillness, made 
 "'ift the beyinning" is full of inaudible music with which the Deity, with 
 loving and confidential intercourse of mystic power, sets our whole 
 nature to singing, touching some chord of shattei ed harps that gave 
 melody in the first new song at our world"s creation. Happy parents! 
 
 Schools were formed as early as 1806, perhaps sooner, and while 
 fathers were preparing grounds for earlj^ sowing, mothers, by living in 
 God's forests with open ej'Cs became the architectress for the growth of 
 childhood's granulation in coming years. Thus our school's visiting 
 committee were generally mothers, self-elected ; they insisted upon 
 development in which lay the grand evolving problems of civilization. 
 Our committee were graduates of the forest, for they there saw in the 
 earth a little germ to whicli a beam of light found its way tlirough 
 branches and whispering leaves, and woke up the primal germ; it devel- 
 ops, unfolds, organizes a knot here, a branch there, and at the proper 
 time, husbands bend and smooth and cover them with mysterious polish, 
 preserving the grain of the wood. This they saw and noticed, and this 
 they called development. 
 
 [Shades of our early departed mothers, revisit, we pray thee, the 
 scenes of early life, and teach now the beauties and excellence of school 
 .super visorship.] 
 
 Among the first schools in this township, we name that taught by Miss 
 Eunice Fisher of Canton, Mass. For want of juvenile school-books, this 
 ingenious teacher resorted to object teaching and oral instructions, and 
 the nest of the bird in the lower branches of the tree near the school- 
 room, taught the infant mind the beauty of bird-life, the connubial ten- 
 derness between St. Valentine's mated birds, the care of their little ones, 
 
9 • 
 
 the cvidt'iicp thiit tlie iiiiflodged bird gained strengtii of wing by failure 
 ;iud rciit'Wfd effort, iiiitii. by its unaided vviiig-power. it reached tiie 
 higlic^t braiK'li of tlie ti-ee-t(^p— tln'se thoughts being so clearly pressed 
 on tiie clean brain of tlie child, they were retained 'while nieniory held 
 her throne. The tirst winter school was tanglit by Gen. Isaac Hodsdon, 
 wiierc scliolars learned to enter tiie scthool-rooni with deferential bow. 
 and. nnbi(hlen. rose wlieii parents or strangers entei-ed or left the school 
 room, and at all times, in street oi- elsewhei-e. with uncovered iiead gave 
 civil salutation to all tiiey met. This tin y called the school of good 
 maimers; the observance of these rules became the admii-ation of all 
 persons of good breeding. From the leaving of liome to their return, 
 scholars considered tliemselves under tlie care and discipline of the 
 teaeiier. ill tlie seiiool-iooni tiiey were tauglit to Ije dignilied in look 
 and pure of sjieecii. tainting notliing witii pencil of lewdness, or making 
 records tliat would jjaiiit sliaiiie in tlie iiumaii face. For the return of 
 these (hiys prayers are ottered. All lovers of good breeding liold the 
 name of Gen. Hodsdon in kind remembrance for tli(> much he did foi- the 
 benefit of scliolars and the jiurity of the scliool-room. Parents wlio 
 were lax in government, for the tiiiie-b(4ng tiiought him arbitrary, and 
 so it ai)i)eaied. but to-day tliank him for his ;ij>i(areiit severit3^ and wish 
 its reign had extended to the day in wliich they live. 
 
 About this time there came among the settleis, a ]Mr. Kimball, who 
 was an original genius — a man about 40 years of age, by occupation a 
 blacksmith. — who liad obtained a large store of information, and pos- 
 sessed a remarkable faculty of diffusing knowledoe to all wlio had "an 
 ear to hear." He received newsjiapers from the States, and as he had no 
 familj'of ills own he visited all who gave a willing ear to events transpir- 
 ing around them, being a complete encyclopedia of all matters of interest. 
 Saturday evcings he read aloud to tilled rooms of anxious listeners of 
 both sexes. Parents respected him and children loved him. Genial and 
 liappy himself, he spread sunshine and happiness over the inhabited sec- 
 tions of the township. fie sought children, and was with tiiem in their 
 lessons aiid often tiieir play. He taught them the love of nature, home, 
 and country, and as the Fourth of July was chjseupou them, it was pro- 
 posed that there be a child's celebration of that day. Boys trimmed a 
 sapling for a •'liberty pole,"' and little girls sewed together handker- 
 chiefs for a flag of our country. Children becoming enthusiastic, par- 
 ents and others soon caugiit this inspiration, and on the F'ourth the se- 
 lected ground contained nearly all the living souls within the township. 
 Mr. Asahel Skinner read the Declaration of Indeijendence, Mr. Kimball 
 delivered the oi'ation, Mr. Simon Prescott sang the Ode on Science. The 
 toasts were read also by Mr. Kimball, which were probably mostly from 
 the bakery of liis own brain, and we regret to say that we are not in pos- 
 session of a cofiy. and must therefore give them from our own impei'fect 
 memory as delivered, aided much, however, from the remembrance of 
 men of mature years. 
 
 Toasts : — 1st. Our Celebration Day — The best day our country ever 
 knew, excepting the Lord's Day. 
 
 2. Our Country — A goodly portion of the six days w^ork, bearing the 
 impress of "Him who made all things, and saw them to be good." 
 
 3. Our Township — Our garden, where no serpent shall ever enter, or 
 man in his official acts remind one f Satan's crookedness. 
 
 4. Our First Parents — Adam^ finely molded from the dust of the 
 ground ; Eve, an improvement, and made of bone dust. 
 
10 
 
 5. Shivery. — Tlip Slave, a liuiiian heiii*^, ilarkeiied extenially. Tlip 
 Slave Holder, a being supposed to l)e limuan, but dark of soul. 
 
 6. Congressional Contentions. — Hens tliittering over tiie nest egg of 
 Slavery, that the yolk be separated from the white, and the shell reniain 
 unbroken. 
 
 7. Ciioice Pictures, — Cliildliood's early u) >i-iiiiig. a:hl i/iarilKiod's even- 
 ing star. 
 
 8. Our Temple of Worshii), — The groves, which were (iod's tirst 
 temple. 
 
 9. Our Orchesti'a, — Trees, ever making melody. 
 
 10. Om- Chorister, — Our Pine Bassonest. 
 
 Among the early settlers weiv many endoweti with lai'ge capacities, 
 who had sensibly felt tiie wai t of scIuxjIs in eaidy life, aiuli-esolved to do 
 all in their power to enable the young, by eai'iy instruciion. t(j become 
 more fully educated than themselves, and being thus imbued v ith the 
 truth that now is tiie planting hour, busied themselves as l)est they could 
 in depositing the acorn, that those coming in aftei-tii.e might find the 
 oak. 
 
 The venerable Fatlier Sawyer. "Ihe pilgrim of nn inuHh-ed years."" 
 whose ettb; ts hail much to do in establishing the Theological Seminary 
 in Bangor, while performing missionary laDors through the Penobscot 
 region, visited the newly made settlements, and in fitting words with 
 voice sweet to the ear of childhood, spake trutiis which overwh(dmed 
 them with floods of hap])y thought, and the influence of that good man's 
 christian woixls live to-day. as they lived more than half a century ago. 
 while strengthening parent and child in the putting forth that sti'etcli of 
 endeavor, which taxed muscle of mind, heart and hand — taxes now wil- 
 lingly paid . 
 
 Among the first settlers was a man of military bearing and of strong 
 military proclivities. He loved war anil its appendages more than a.l 
 things else. His faculties, energies and genius enlisted in the military ser- 
 vice, and warfare grew into the life and vigor of a passion. Though he 
 loved the shining stars of the firmament, yet he loved more the shunting 
 star-^ and the open arms of the father of the prodigal son were arms pleas- 
 ing to the christian, yet the stacked arms of musketry on the tented 
 field had greater charms for our warrior. With keen relish he read the 
 histories of ancient wars, and when he read the scriptures he dwelt hap- 
 piljr on those pages describing the rigor of contending armies, and be- 
 lieving the Deity was the God of battle, our warrior desired a long 
 sword, a nodding plume, and ample room /or a commandant on the battle 
 field. In military tactics he had become a proficient, having studied 
 Stuben as the scholar studies mathematics, and loved the work of this 
 author the more because Baron Stuben was oiice an officer under Fred- 
 erick the Great, and coming to this country, received an appointment in 
 the American armj- in 1777. These facts gave a charm to his study, and 
 an impetus to his ambition. In September, 1818, Major General Jedediah 
 Herrick, of Hampden, issued a division order, calling out the militia to 
 meet on the field north of Mr. John Hancock's house in Bangor, which 
 order, after designating many military manoeuvres, closes by stating, 
 ••tlie senior officer of the Brigade will assume the command, anil add such 
 evolutions as he may deem expedient." At the time designated, the 
 militia, armed and equipped, were in attendance; officers" plumes waved 
 as thistle blows on fields of nodding grain, while cannon and nuisketrj'^ 
 hy their own mouths declared they were present. Spectatois were in- 
 numerable, whose eyes viewed, while His Excellency j'eyJetoetZ the mov- 
 ing military mass, keeping step to the beat of the drum. 
 
11 
 
 'I'liosc (l;iys of panidc were hai)p3' 'Ij'.vs. and the liistorian vvlio writes 
 tlie military liistoi-y ot our tiiiie«, will probably rroionize each event, and 
 pass tbeui (low;i to future o-cnerations. 
 
 'I'lie Sabbath t'oUowiuji' the jubilee week of military parade was a day 
 pleasant and warm. Attire usual iiour the good citizens of Corinth 
 assembled foi' I'eligioiis worship, and to listen to the gospel from a much 
 loved clergyman. The house was well tilled, sei'vices had conunenced. 
 and while tiie singers were singing a hymn in the time of Old Hundred, 
 our military man. on his way home fiom muster grounds, entered the 
 liouse in full uniform, and by close packing. r<^oni was made for him. 
 Singing ended, the clergyman annonnc((i for hi-S text a passage of 
 scrijitnre fonno in Keel. !^):]S, "•Wisdeni is bt ttei" than weapons of war, 
 but one sinnei- dest)()^ eth much gf/cd." 'i he sei nion A\as forcible and 
 interesting, showing lii'st, of ^\i.^dom — its origin and tendencies; second, 
 the weajions of war; third, the one sinner (h-stroyeth much good. The 
 discourse was aljle. Ko person conld liave listened to the speaker's foi'ci- 
 bh> words and not liave fallen in love with wisdom, without detesting the 
 weapons of wai' and becoming fearfully atiaid of the sinner. 
 
 At the close of the discourse tbe speaker, as was the custom in those 
 days, gave liberty for remarl<s; \vhereu|)on. our military man was u])on 
 his feet, and with a voice more mililarv tl an devotional, declared the 
 discourse unscriptural and false in many of its assumed essential points; 
 tiiat the attack upon war was but a skirmish in words; liis "'weapons of 
 war" were w(joden Hints snapped against a sparkless hammer. Our mil- 
 itary man. though greatly excited, gave evidence of uuich reading, as 
 well as the character ot that reading — was ingenious, witty even; but 
 failed in this, as in some other points, the showing that he was compe- 
 tent to control armies, this evidence being apparent that he could not 
 even control himself. Every histoi-ical fact in the Old Testament in 
 which tiie Almighty is represented as leading in battles, were quoted as 
 evidence that war and slaughter is as nuich the design and pleasure of 
 the Deity as Christianity, and that such warriors as Alexender the Great, 
 and Napolean Bonapaite were endowed witli greater abilities than the 
 Apostles, and that for intelligence and manly Ijeai'ing. the generals in 
 oiH' army are men far .surpassing the preachei'S of the gospel in our pul- 
 pits at the present day. After which, our warrior resumed his seat, 
 waiting reply. The man of God (worthy that name), calmly surveying 
 his audience with an eye beaming witli jteace and christian tenderness, 
 lifting his hands and looking heavenward, said. '"Let us pray.'" The au- 
 dience, (save those who with the preacher knelt,) stood during prayer, 
 but our warrior retained his sitting. The clergyman's prayer was the 
 breathings of the soul in symi)athetic intercourse with its Maker, and his 
 words were utterances of faith and trust for tlie ear of a listening Father, 
 joyous in the belief that He is the Piince of peace, and humbly asking 
 that war cease upon the earth, and pe-ice have its home among the chil- 
 dren of men the wide world over, which piayer received a hearty amen 
 from the audience, which, could a listening world (not in niilitarj^ attire) 
 have heard, universal peace would have been proclaimed. The lirst per- 
 son leaving the house was our warrior, who, quickly throwing himself 
 into his saddle, left for his residence, making no reply. But in after time 
 the warrior, having dwelt much upon the matter, became thoughtful 
 and said lie found much in the clergyman to admire : in the tirst place, 
 the keeping a force in reserve, and by strategy, outllanking his enemy by 
 dignitied silence, this was military ; in the second place, the preacher's 
 masterly christian eloquence upon "wisdom," which, despite his early 
 
12 
 
 prejudices found a lod^iueut in the mind. ejeetin;ii' much liis early li)ve 
 tor war and its dis|)lay. and tlKuig'li the eye loved militai-y tactics and the 
 plnijofvmr. yet he loved more tlie livim; principles of Christianity, and 
 tliou<jh generally I'eticent, yet in his last days vvlieu life was wasting", sober 
 reason «palve and our warrior declared. •• Wisdoni is bfdte/ than ireapons 
 of ujor." and so declaring. dei)arted this lite in peace. 
 
 Our tii-st i)arents in our township were fearless and just, never liiding 
 rliemselves among trees of ancient planting, and were early enabl 'd to 
 partake of tile fruit of tiieir own industry, and we would gladly name 
 them all. hut bv so doing we should become a mere' t(>mbsto)ie in com- 
 memorating tile dates of the liirtli and death of early settlei'S. 
 
 Biograiihical notices we would gladly give, if our proposed limits 
 would allow. b,it what could be interesting to the reading pul)lic, in the 
 lives of men wiiose chief merit consisted in the due fuUillment of the 
 duties of private life? 
 
 The names of the first settlers are interesting because they were the 
 tirst settlers. Of them we have no affecting tale to relate, no perils by 
 tire, flood, tield or railway ; no crimes to i-elate by the wrong doing of 
 others or themselves — but of them we can saj' and are happy in the say- 
 ing, that they were a moral, religious and prudent people, lovers of na- 
 ture, kindred, countiy, living lives of industry and admirable foresight, 
 made the best of their situation, were cheerful and lived in quest of 
 comfort, begat children, and died, and in the next decade a more able 
 iiistorian will name them. The reader will And much matter in these 
 ''Early Gleanings'" that tirst appeared in the '-History of Penobscot 
 County.'' by Williams. Chase and Co.. Cleveland, Ohio. 
 
 By an act of the Senate and House of Eei)resentatives in General 
 Court assembled June 21, 1811, township No. 2, in the 4th range north 
 of the Waldo Patent, in the Countj- of Hancock, was incorporated arid 
 established as a town, by the name of Corinth. At the time of incorpor- 
 ation there were 197 inhabitants of the town. The warrant for the flrst 
 town-meeting was issued by Moses Hodsdon, of Levant, a Justice of 
 the Peace. 
 
 The first town-meeting was held on the 17th day of March, 1812, at the 
 dwelling house of Elijah Skinner. The meeting was calle,i to order by 
 Moses Hodsdon, Esq.. of Levant, and Mark Trafton was chosen Modera- 
 tor, — Isaac Hodsdon. Town Clerk. — William Hammond. Elijah Skinner, 
 John Hunting. Selectmen, — WiUiam Peabody, Elijah Skinnn-, David 
 A. Gove, Assessors. — Mark Trafton, Treasurer, — Joshua C. Thompson, 
 Keuben Ball. Constables, — Andrew Goodhue, Elijah Skinner, Jonathan 
 Snow, Joseph Bragdon, Surverors of Highways. — Josiah Simpson, 
 Jonathan Snow, Simon Prescott. Tythingmen, — Benjamin Dj-er, Pobert 
 Campbell, Eichard Palmer, Abner Tibbetts, Fence-viewers, — Kufus 
 Simpson, Mason Skinner, Joseph Prescott, Joshua Herrick, Hog-i-eeves. 
 
 Eaised #700 for higinvays; — voted that !3;1.25 be allowed for a day's 
 work, eight hours constituting the day. Eaised )s200 for support of 
 schools, to be paid in corn at .$1.00 per bushel, rye at #1.17 and wheat at 
 #1.33. Eaised $150 to defray town charges. Established a road from 
 New Charleston througli Hunting Settlement to South line of Corinth. 
 Established a road from Mr. John Goodhue's (Ohio Settlement,) run- 
 ning in a northerly direction through the Skinner settlement and the 
 Simpson settlement (now Eddy settlement,) to Exeter line. Estab- 
 lished a road from Mr. Lewis Bean's, Ohio settlement, running westerly 
 to Exeter line. 
 
 Notwithstanding the necessary labor in building roads, the forming 
 
13 
 
 <if scliool (Harriets. iTectiiig seliool houses, selecting groiiii<ls for 
 cemeteries were duties uot neglected. Schools also received prompt 
 attention, and were commenced as soon as school houses were in 
 i-<'adiness. 
 
 In 1818 sevei-al families from Eddington (Me.) moved into the Eddy 
 settlement, whicli was an imjjortant acquisition to the town. Among 
 tile new-comers was ^Ir. William Edd\\ wlio was born in Sackville, 
 N.B.. July 1. 1775. died in Corinth. January 22. 1852. His death was 
 occasioned by a fall from a scaffold; his loss to the entire community 
 was very great. 
 
 Mr. Jonatlian M. Edily. eldest son of ^Mr. William Eddy, was born 
 in Eddington. Oct. 22. 1797, died in Corinth. August 5, 1875. Pope 
 pronounced a fitting eulogy on Mr. Eddy, wlien he declared: '"An 
 honest man is tlie noblest work of God." 
 
 For his first wife he married Miss Eliza Morrill, who died Feb. 5. 
 ISGl. His second wife was Mrs. Elizabetii G. Twombly. witii whom he 
 liappily jjassed the last days of a useful and quiet life, — the wife still 
 living "and making luippv new and respectable connections. 
 
 :Mi-. Willaid Eddy and Sylvester Eddy, sons of Mr. William Eddy, 
 and also the several sons of Mr. Joseph Eddv. together with Mr. 
 Jolin Cami)bell, son of tiie pioneer Itobert Campbell, all men uniting 
 in life's laudable efforts for good, have rendered efficient service In 
 making the Eddj* Ncigliborliood a pleasant residence. 
 
 East Ridge. 
 
 In 1816 Mr. Samuel Houston commenced farming on lands lying 
 East of East Corinth, and asked by petition that the town cause a 
 road to be laid out from his "chopping" to East Corinth, and after 
 tills granting of the petition, otlier persons commenced clearing lands, 
 and soon a neighborliood was in existence, called the Savage Settle- 
 ment, but the name was soon ciianged to East Bidge. 
 
 The land was productive, and families increased, and the road asked 
 for was soon extended farther east, and '-East Ridge'* soon embraced 
 a large territory extending from the Kidge in an easterly direction to 
 the Hudson line, and those having the gift of prophecy pi-edicted that 
 in coming time -'East Ridge" in beauty and comeliness would equal 
 her elder sister. East Corinth. Tiie first settlers of East Ridge have 
 been gathered to their fathers; others, loving more a warmer clime, 
 have left; j-et to-daj- the Ridge lesounds with the farmer's cheering 
 voice from the cultivated fields, and tlie mechanic's hammer in the shop. 
 
 The road from Charleston line, leading through the Ridge is mostly 
 on elevatt d ground, and farms on each side show due cultivation, while 
 merry sound of voices tell of happy firesides. The children in the 
 street greet you happily, and with smiling faces hasten to the school 
 room. Tiiose just cominencing to teach show early development and 
 rare fitness for teaching. 
 
 Crossing the main road leading to Kenduskeag. you proceed in an 
 easterly direction to "Bear Brook," the waters of which, after putting 
 in ciuick motion the saw^ mill, shingle mill, and planing mill of Mr. 
 James R. Trim, join the Avaters of Pushaw Pond; pursuing still fur- 
 ther in the same diiection, you intersect the Farrar road, leading from 
 Charleston to Kenduskeag and are within 150 rods of the town line 
 of Hudson. 
 
14 
 
 III 1823 Eev. St('}>lit'ii Dexter becjiine tlic first settled miiiistiM' in 
 tlie town. i\Ir. DextiT was horn ju Cape Cod. Mass., in 177(i. dii^l in 
 Corintli. August. 188(5. Mr. Dexter's ininisti-y was very aeee|)t:d)le to 
 his peo))le ; he was a man of industry, and equally at home on the farm, 
 in the shop or pul|)it; his family was large iind sows and daughters 
 learned to follow a father's judicious <'xamp]e and timtdy instructions. 
 'I'he lii'st church editi<'e (IJaptist) was huiit in 18:>2. near tlie residence 
 of the i^astor. In 18."){i the huilding was removed to a very desirable lo- 
 cation in East Corinth village, and being remodeled and widl tinished. 
 with fitting stee])le and line toned b(dl. it was ndnni'ed for its architect- 
 iM-al fitness and sweetly toned belfry music. Tliis churcli has generally 
 been fortunate, as now. in having in it* i)ulpit. [tasfors of marked abili- 
 ties, while the singing gallery uiiiversally gives notes divinely sweet to 
 the cultivated ear. Deacon Dexter's heail is always there, and oft you 
 hear his mellow notes of praise, soothingly sweet, even now in his even- 
 ing of life, ascending from his family pew. 
 
 The Methodists have two churches, one in Corinth, thi; other in East 
 Corinth with a recently purchased bell of large size and great f)ower. 
 Both churches are of medium size, well finished, and so cleaidy kei)t that 
 all must admit the fact tliat Methodists btdieve in internal purity in the 
 sanctuary, as well as in practical life. In 1856, the Free Uaptisis erected 
 a connnodious house in East Corinth, excellent in a.ll its ai)i)ointmeiits. 
 where they woi'ship with a frcn irUJ anil connnendahle zeal. Connecteil 
 with each church are Sabbath schools wliich are doing wonders in the 
 great work of chilstian intelligence and practical purity. Looking re- 
 centlj' into the Sabbath schools, where the teaching of the young en- 
 grossed the philanthropic energies of the devoted christian, we read in 
 the face of teacher and scholar that there is bliss in life's working days, 
 and that none need wait for death ere heaven's joys begin, and the soul 
 that waits will never find. Connected also with these churches, are 
 social societies, sometimes called "sewing societies,''' which are principally 
 managed by the intelligent ladies interested in the churclies. These 
 meetings are generally weekly, in which all can participate, and while 
 W'oman's industry works for church or pastorate, each contributes to its 
 social enjoyment under the admonition from apostolic lips. "Let your 
 speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how 
 to answer every man." While these societies refrain from all scandal 
 and evil speaking, thej* make their own speech the vehicle of the mind, 
 sometimes running light, sometimes loaded, endeavoring at all times to 
 make language the garment of the soul, knowing that grace of utterance 
 comes from a root deeply within. The preacher's thoughts which come 
 to us through the trained carpentry of words sometimes fall dull on the 
 ear. but become fragrant with a ciiarm when the spirit of the words are 
 sensibly spoken in those societies which give social fitness of expression. 
 Gems, scattered broadcast from the pulpit, after being reliandled and 
 reset to words of social, graceful utterances, coming from the fountain 
 of pure thought, become not only gracious, but divine. 
 
 In the loth century, jests, opinions and bon-mots spoken in conversa- 
 tion by men of genius were published and transmitted to posterity. 
 Giles Menage met with assemblies of literary men, and wrote their say- 
 ings which were published in 1G93, and all admirers of genuine wit and 
 deep thought, love the published literarj^ conversations of Horace Wal- 
 pole, and the table talk of Selden. AVhile men of colloquial eloquence 
 thus give to the woi'ld thoughts worthy remembrance, may not mothers 
 and sisters in their "Table Talk'' at their social gatherings, teach the 
 
15 
 
 world tiuit, rlicrt' is m power uiid sweetness in words spoken from tlie 
 fnll lieiirt ;iiid pure life ul rultiviited woniiiniioodi' And will not Cor- 
 intliiiiiis aeknowk'dge tlnit such jiower :ind sweetness are found in 
 our soeial gatlierings? And to which will not cukiired man give liis 
 l)i-esencc":' 
 
 For niiiny yeai's after the town was incorporated, political and sec- 
 tional strife was uiiUiiown. Honesty and ahility wei-e tiie i-e(piisite 
 (lualilications for otHce; and for [)ositions of trust, candidates wei'e se- 
 lected with that cjire that the master builder culls from his lumber 
 the fitting' timbers for his edifice, and that man would have blushed 
 if found intiigning- for ]>osition by bargain or deception. Hut a change 
 came. Diiriilg' the presidential canvass in which John Adams. General 
 Jackson. ^V. 11. Crawfoid and Henry Clay were candidates, the doc- 
 ti-ii.e — tliat "the spoils belonged to tlie victors." and he who did most 
 for his i)arty deserved largely from his party the offices and emolu- 
 meiit^ w ithin his party's gifts — became the doctrine of the multitudes. 
 I!e who had formeily been favorably regarded for the raising i vvo 
 blad.s of grass wlieie but one had previously grown, was considered 
 an idiot, when compared witli him who could deposit two votes for 
 his party wheie only one honest vote was due. i\Ieii, honest in all 
 things else, weie seldom trnthfid in political mattei's; and men who 
 wonhl attemiit to stay the breeze of political fraud soon found them- 
 selves contending with volcanic matter, lava and j)olitical gases. 
 
 Conservative men predicted disastrous effects from tlie '-spoil sys- 
 tem," and witii long reaching pro|jhetic eye saw human beings sow- 
 ing broadcast, discord, fraud and demoralization, and. as "'coming events 
 cast t! eir shadows before," may it not be imagined that the forms thus 
 seen wei'e a Conkling oi' a (juiteau? 
 
 While we have under consideration such matters as pertain to the inter- 
 ests of the community, we cannot refrain from alluding to malaria, 
 which physicians of well earned fame declare ''the angel of destruction." 
 Few people are aware of the extent to which malaria affects us. It is 
 the source of more than half of the diseases to which the human race is 
 subject, and more than half the mortality which depopulates our com- 
 numity. From works published in 1827, by the learned physician, Dr. 
 James M'Culloch, and other distinguished physicians, we have derived 
 facts and reasonings deeply interesting to every man in the communitj'. 
 and to sucli works we call the attention of our reading conuiuuiity. 
 With us, malaria is most active in the months of July, August and Sep- 
 tember, producing dropsy, obstructions of the liver and spleen, hebeta- 
 ting- the intellect, causirig- general lassitude, rheumatism and dyspepsia. 
 Not that these disorders do not in many cases originate from other causes, 
 but that they are in many Instances fully ascribable to the effects of ma- 
 laria. Dr. Fodrie in his excellent treatise observes that malaria stints 
 and debilitates the population, even where there is no particular disease. 
 The times, seasons, places and circumstances where malaria is found, 
 are the same as where insects abound. Insects are of all sizes from the 
 largest to the myriads of various kinds, which nothing but the most 
 powerful microscope can exhibit to our sight. But large or small, the 
 laws of their production are the same. Malaria originates in low 
 grounds, where vegetables having grown, die and putrefy, and where the 
 air IS impregfiated tvith animalcttke. Dry air is never a conductor of mi- 
 asma; fires in the morning and evening accompanied with smoke, destroy 
 both insects and malaria. 
 
16 
 
 There is in like manner, and more to be dreaded in society, a mental 
 malaria, originatinu- in lovv and nnenltivated minds, where diseased and 
 half grown pntref ving thoughts create infections, morbid matter, and tiie 
 miasma air, poisoning tiie scenes of mental and social liapp\- life. 
 
 In districts thus infested, peace soon departs — strife of words iind 
 false accusations become the circulating medium of i x|)ression — the 
 slanderer becomes a walking pestilence, the evil minded give gieed_y car 
 to falsehoods, and the oil}^ tongue of the defamer finds constant emplo}-- 
 ment. 
 
 :f sK * * * * 
 
 In 1830, without previous announcement, a small four ]»aged monthlv 
 newspaper, called the 3firr(tr and purporting to be published in Corinth. 
 WHS widely distributed tin-ough tiie town. From the tone of its pid)- 
 lished articles, it was readily ascertained that its objects were to make 
 odious the abuse of the faculty of speech, and wliii(> profane language 
 and falsehood were treated us evils, demanding the censure of all persons 
 scandal received the scathing denunciations of a pen. shai-p as a serpent's 
 tooth, and as keenly felt as the sting of the wasp. 'I'lip sheet was small, 
 but the presuming juvenile editor who was called the Porcupine, averred 
 his ability to show it was the contents of a paper which made the paper 
 great, while, with artistic skill he made each issue a moving picture of 
 the passing day. If there were any fearing that the Hood gates of scan- 
 dal might be raised, and a quiet people inundated with tales of falsehood 
 "strange and vile." these fears were soon allayed, for a forced cliange 
 came— words became ashamed longer to run shallow and ceased to be 
 such, and conversation was no longer mere babbling surface of impure 
 waters — scandal stopped — and so did the Mirror. 'Tis said the Por- 
 cupine lives. 
 
 From the noitherly line of the town, and ruiniing in a south easterly 
 direction to Kenduskeag, are live main roads : 
 
 First — From Exeter nearly on the line between Corinth (Ohio Settle- 
 ment) and Levant to Kenduskeag. 
 
 Second — From Exeter through Eddy and Skinner settlements to Ken- 
 duskeag. 
 
 Third — From Charleston through East Corinth to Kenduskeag. 
 
 Between these two last named roads, runs the Kenduskeag Stream. 
 
 Fourth — From Charleston through East Kidge to Kenduskeag. 
 
 Fifth — From Charleston through the Farrar settlement, intersecting 
 with roads leading to Kenduskeag. 
 
 These are well made roads, and are the leading avenues to Bangor. 
 Other roads are intersecting or town roads and that mostly traveled is 
 the cross road, — so called — established in 1810, leading from Smitlfs 
 Corner, East Corinth, in a westerly direction, crossing the stream, and 
 thence to Coi'iuth, Skinner settlement. From this cross road, com- 
 mencing near the bridge over the Kenduskeag stream, and still nearer 
 the entrance of the Pierre Paul brook with the stream, and runnin<? 
 nearly parallel with the same, is a road leading through a farming 
 neighborhood prolific in hay crops, and terminating at a road running 
 between Corinth and Kenduskeag, and near the residence of Andrew G. 
 Fitz. 
 
 East Corinth Academy was built in 1843. The Legislature of 1848, at 
 its summer session, donated for said Academy, h township of land. For 
 six j^ears now last past, Mr. David Fletcher has been principal, and his 
 present assistant is Miss M. E. Mathews. The school is well patronized. 
 
17 
 
 Corinth Cheese ami Caiiinn<x Factoiy's Association was oi-ganized i?) 
 1874. in town there are six eider mills. ni;ikiM<J^ in all about l"iOO bbls of 
 eider annually. Tiie motive power of the mill recently built by Wilbur 
 K. Clark is steam, with an engine of sufficient yxiwer to drive saws, mills 
 for u:ritidin*r ^rnin. jilaiiing- lumber, and making cider. 
 
 Tlie new Tiiirn 7/o»^s^, just eoni])leted. is an imposing edifice, costing as 
 a whole, about §5. 200. On ttie ground fioor is tlie Town Hall, especially 
 adapted to the town's wants, <-osting the town $2,200. On the second 
 floor i a large Hall built by the Corinthian Lodge of 1. O. O. F.. ad- 
 mirably constructed, well liiiisiied ^ul(l furnished, costing the Lodge 
 .$3,000. The Lodge numbers about 100 members. Regular meetings in 
 the Hall every Wednesday evening. 
 
 There are two societies < f Good Templars in town. That in Corinth — 
 the Ivy Lodge — contains oO members — meet every Saturday evening at 
 their own Hall, .\nchor Lodge in Last Corinth, containing between one 
 and two hundred uHMubers. meet in Grange Hall every Monday evening. 
 While it is believed that tiiese societies ilo much goof for tlie cause of 
 temperance, it is evident they produce much social enjoj-ment. 
 
 In 1875 tile ratroiis of Husbandry established the Orient Grange in 
 Corinth. Senior ( liarles (lark was first Worthy Master. At its com- 
 mencement its munhers were few, and for several years its growth was 
 tardy; yet those loving its principles were untiring in their efibrts to 
 sustain an institution which ])iomised the growth and culture of the hu- 
 man mind. Foi- this they woiked as works the philanthropist and the 
 christian, believing that faith and works in a good cause would eventu- 
 ally be rewarded, and so it proved. To-day the Grange numbers between 
 one and two hundred, and those who entered dotihting are now happy in 
 knoicing that sympathetic and fraternal intercourse with the laws of mind 
 and the great truths of nature will give to the inquiring hiunan soul 
 wondrous growth. 
 
 Membei-s have learned that the Grange is not a place for the lazy of 
 brain, or the sluggard in thought; that it is a mental working institution, 
 and while it has hours of pleasant recreation, it has W'.rking hours, hours 
 of study, deep thought, where piu-e expression, oral and written, are 
 oidy practical lessons that initiate theiu into the great millennial lan- 
 guage of a coming period, where falsehood and rough words will be un- 
 known, and unkindness will lose its name among men. The Grange 
 meets every Saturday evening at Grange Hall. 
 
 The Penobscot Central Agricultural Society hold their annual exhibi- 
 tions and fair generally on grounds of Mr. John Morrison, near Hunting's 
 tavern in East Corinth, u«ing the large hall connected with the public 
 house for an agricultural hall during show days. These shows exhibit 
 in miniature the energy of the farming community and the handy work 
 of wives and daughters. 
 
 During the war of the rebellion, Henry W. Palmer enlisted in Compa- 
 ny H, 31st Regiment Maine Volunteers, and in the battle at the Wilder- 
 ness lost his entire right arm. On the same day of amputation on the 
 field, he travelled on foot sixteen miles to the nearest hospital. He is 
 now at the home of his boyhood, a lover of books, has a large library, 
 caring for his parents, and With his yoimger brother, Clifford E. Palmer, 
 manages the f ai m luade by their father, Mason S. Palmer, more than 
 half a century ago. 
 
 From the conunencement of farming to about the year 1845, the pine 
 and the cedar were seemingly doomed to extermination. The ordinary- 
 pine gave boards, clapboards and shingles for the outside completion of 
 
18 
 
 pvei-}' building, while tliaf of a better quality furnished inatei-ial for i i- 
 side linisii; and while the devout builder of his own h )usp, for hi* even- 
 ing devotions read from the Scriptures the words of tiie King to Nathan, 
 tlie Prophet, 'See, now I dwell in ;: house of cedar." this fai nier of huui- 
 ble pretensions exelainis. •'See.t o. I dwell in a house of pine." But the 
 great demand for shingles caused farmers to lay waste the cedars on their 
 low lands, conveiting those of fitting size and straight of rilt into mer- 
 chandise. For many years, farmers spent their wiiUers in sliingle mak- 
 ing. This made wanton havoc with the cedars of the foi'est, and tiee- 
 to[)S thickly scattered gave the api)earance of waste. But within a few 
 years the down timber, still generally sound, is finding its ap|)ro!)riate 
 i)lace in fencing the farms of the husl)andman. thus keeping cattle witiiin 
 tlie well fenced boun<laries of ownership. 
 
 Mr. Z. McKusic, a fence builder, has made in town, witliii the last ten 
 years, as by memorandum b^' him Kept, eleven miles and one hundreil 
 and thirty rods of cedar fence. 
 
 Until recently, tiie ceda'- lias not been duly appreciated. Cedar wood, 
 as noticed in r^eviticus. was prescrilied among the materials used for the 
 cleansing of leprosy. The fourscore tliousand hewers employed \\y Sol- 
 omon for cutting timber, robbed Lebanon of its glory; and instead of 
 regretting that we have no Solomon among us. of lavish proclivities, we 
 are happy in saying that in our swami)S and low lands we h ive a second 
 growing of cedar. 
 
 Andrew Strong, one of Corinth's most prominent men and one of her 
 early settlers, was a man of unusual capacities, was a surveyor of land, 
 and being appointed the agent of Benjamin Joy. Ksq.. the principal pro- 
 prietor of the town, nearly all the sales of land were made by him; and 
 while he faithfidly performed the duties of Agent, in no single instance 
 lias it api-eared tliat he lost sight of the inti'rests of his townsmen. ^Ir. 
 Strong for many y(^ars was one of the municipal officers of the town — 
 laid out luu- roads and svas generally foremost in all matters pertaining 
 to her interests, and in 1S19 was chosen delegate to meet in convention 
 for the forming a constitution of the State of Maine. In 1S;^5 Mr. Strong 
 became bliml and placed in the hands of his linpil, Aiulrew G. Fitz, the 
 unfinished public business of his life, delivering him his compass and 
 surveying apparatus, his mimites. niemoiauda and field notes, which are 
 complete from 1S08 to 1835. Thus the compass and chain long used by 
 Mr. Strong, are now in the hands of Mr. Fitz. and still used with that 
 care and ability which distinguished the character of Corinth's veteran 
 surveyor. 
 
 Doctor \^'illiam I'eabody was the first educated i)hysician in town. The 
 Dr. was born in Boxford, Mass.. January 10. 1768. received his education 
 n B y field, JIass. : studied medicine with Dr. Skinner, of Brewer; was 
 surgeon in the war of 1812; was at the battle in Hampden; commenced 
 practice in Corinth in 1812; was a successful physician and a worthy and 
 highly respected citizen; died December 14. 1857. There was a particu- 
 lar instance in the doctor's medical practice which history (for the con- 
 sideration of pi-esent physicians) deems worthy of record : After pre- 
 scribing for a patient evidently very sick, the doctor found that the 
 medicine administered had no effect upon the disease, and for ;i long time 
 he studiously labored to reach the case of the sick man, but the disease 
 was i-efractory. yielding in no wise to the doctor's medicinal curatives; 
 in short, the doctor saw and honestly admitted he did not understand the 
 nature of the complaint; yet the patient, being a man of strong constitu- 
 tion, recovered. For his services the doctor refused compensation, 
 
19 
 
 alleging' rliat wo iiliysiciaii i^liould receive pay for treating a disease 
 wliieli was beyond Ills reading and research I 
 
 Doctor .fared Fuller canie'to (orintli in 1832. at wliicii time lie com- 
 menced practice as a i)liysiciaii ; was generally snccessfnl in his pi'ofes- 
 sion ; was moderate in his ciiarges. kind to the poor and circumspect in 
 all his social rtdations. lie served one term in the State Legislature; 
 was twice of tiie Goveiaior's (Jouncil. In 18G8 he was chairman of a 
 committee ro investigate charges i)referred against fihe Insane Asyhuu ; 
 was, at the time of his decease, October 6, 1878, Postmaster at East Cor- 
 inth. While one of the municipal officers of the town, the only charge 
 biongiit against his official duties was Ids unipertial kindness to the town's 
 pmir ! 
 
 Doctor Jason Iluckins graduated at Castleton. Vt., Medical College, 
 November, 1859: commenced jjractice in Corinth, June, 1860; enteTed 
 military service as assistant sm-geon of the 22d Regiment Maine Volun- 
 teers in Angnst. 18G2, and sei-ved one year in the Department of the Gulf, 
 principally in Louisiana. Since his retiu'n from military service as a sur- 
 geon, he has been in full piactice in Corinth and its vicinity. His resi- 
 dence is in East Corinth. 
 
 (/. 8. Philbrick, Ilonueopathic Piiysician and Surgeon, resides at East 
 Corinth. 
 
 VV. F. Jolmson. Dentist, has an office in East Corinth. 
 
 Eliab .Shaw. Veterinary Surgeon, resides near 'I'liisselTs Mills. 
 
 Charles Megquier keeps drugs and a full assortment of medicines at 
 liis store in J^ast Corinth. 
 
 Charles Edmunds keeps on hand a large assortment of coffins in East 
 Corinth 
 
 Town hearse in East Corintli. 
 
 ^lajor Ora Oakmau was born in Bangor. Nov. 12. 1809. died in Corinth, 
 April 12. 1872. In early boyhood, with his father's family, he came to 
 ('orinth (Ohio Settlement), labored on his father's farm during Spring, 
 Sununer and Autumn months, and attended the town school during Win- 
 ter. Young Oakman easily accomplished any study he undertooli, and 
 resolved to study himself as he would study a problem in algebra, and 
 tlms make himself a proficient in all matters within the province of self- 
 taught human attainments. The bird of song in the hedge taught him 
 the love of music, hence he studied music. But it was in the branches 
 of education taught in our common schools that he applied the energies 
 of studious thought. To teach others what he had learned himself, was 
 mere pastime. In the school room he was perfectly at home — his man- 
 ner was imposing and dignitied. and as a disciplinarian no teacher ex- 
 celled him. Order in the school room was the first thing in order. No 
 scholar cared to be otherwise than orderly in his presence. Although a 
 practical farmei'. he taught forty town schools and sixty singing schools. 
 His name and character were syuonjanous — he was an Oak-man. showing 
 at all times the grain of the wood without a blemish, and that he was 
 '•Live Oak" was evident from his active life. He earned much money, 
 but his liberality exceeded usual bounds. Four Oaken sons survive the 
 fallen Oak. and all are musicians. 
 
 The citizens of Corinth, ever loving the remembrance of their heroic 
 dead who fought in the war of the Rebellion, now most respectfully give 
 to historj' the names of those killed in battle, or who died from wounds 
 received or disease contracted in the army. 
 
 In life they were our loved ones ; by death they are embalmed^ and live in 
 our thoughts forever. 
 
20 
 
 George B. F. Ilosmer. J?imes Stevens. 
 
 Stillm in Gnp|)v^ Henry .1. Hnnl. 
 
 Austin W. Whi'ttier. Moses W. Fiske. 
 
 W'ni. H. Ilerrick. Geoio;e \V. Hurd. 
 
 *E\\ W. Parknian. Aaron Iloiistou. 
 
 Andrew J. Wliittier. C. An^jn-^tus Kesor. 
 
 Sumner S. Bean. Z. Taj'lor Reynolds. 
 
 Rufns H. Gibnan. Israel Ilodsdon. 
 
 Henry C. Heald. John Ham. 
 
 Chester Pearson. Allen [Inntini;. 
 
 David B. Herrick. Fraidi Uonndy. 
 
 Josiah M. Whittier. John Huntin*:;. 
 
 Levi Stevens. Isaac R. W'orcli. 
 
 Alfred W. Warren. Chester M. II rriek. 
 
 Nathan Chaniberiaiu. Henry I). Fnller. 
 
 Asa H. Sawyer. Alonzo liatchelder, 
 
 Charles A. Whittier. ' C.vrus Perkins. 
 
 Edgar Sargent. Walter A. Crowell. 
 
 Evander C. Curtis. Benjamin Crowell. 
 
 Henry Lyford. Thomas K. Hinckley. 
 
 Newell J. Bradley. William Eddy. 
 
 Fred J. Rollins. Stephen Barker. 
 
 On the easterlj' side of Kenduskeag Stream and runniiig nearly in a 
 southerly direction, as runs the stream, and nearly parallel with the road 
 on the westerly side, is a road leading to Kobieville. near Kendnskeag's 
 northerlj' line, at which place there is an excellent water privilege, 
 owned and recently occupied by Mr. Clark Hersey. Here the stream is 
 spanned by a covered bridge which gives Robieville a business-like 
 aspect. By changing the starting point on the road last named, and 
 proceeding in a northerly direction from Robieville. and crossing the 
 road leading from East Corinth to Corinth, you so ni find j'ourself in the 
 vicinity of the saw mill and shingle mill on the waters of the Crooked 
 Brook, owned by the heirs of Mr. John Thissell. At this place the mills 
 were built bj"^ Deacon John Hunting. A short distance from these mills, 
 but situated upon the waters of the Kenduskeag, are the saw mill, shingle 
 mill and grist mill owned and occupied by Messrs. McGregors. All the 
 above named mills have done, and are now in condition of doing good 
 work. 
 
 In the vicinity of these mills, farmers are tilling a soil of easy cul- 
 ture, and ver}' productive. A pleasant road leading from East Cor- 
 inth, and passing near the "Corinthian cemeterj^," crosses the Crooked 
 Brook and the Kenduskeag stream, and branches in divei"se directions. 
 
 There are in town four Post Otfices, each supplied with a daily mail. 
 Isaac Hodsdon was the first Post Master in Corinth. 
 Elbridge H. Bragdon present Post Master in Corinth. 
 David A. Gove first Post Master in East Corinth. 
 Timothy McDonald present Post Master in East Corinth. 
 Humphrey Nichols present Post Master in South Corinth. 
 Thomas Hajnies present Post Master in West Corinth. 
 
 From the report of General John L. Hodsdon, formerly Adjutant Gen- 
 eral of the State, the following extracts of Military Biographies of Col. 
 George Fuller, Lieutenant H. D. Fuller and Sergeant Israel Hodsdon are 
 gleaned. 
 
 *Parkman lived in Charleston, but buried with Corinth's dead. 
 
21 
 
 Lieutenant Colom 1 George Fuller enlisted as a private on the 24th of 
 Ai)ril. 1861, in a company raisrd in Corinth, of which he was elected 
 Lieutenant, and which became Company IL 6th Regiment, and subse- 
 quently elected Captain, and was mustered in with his Regiment July 
 15th. 1S61. and on April 24th. 1864. was promoted Lieutenant Colonel 
 and was in many liattles. In the battle of Garnell's Farm, he was struck 
 in the breast by a spent ball; at Rappahannock Station his horse was 
 killed under him. his sword shot oil", and Ik; wounded and carried from 
 tile field. After being in the sei-vice of his countr}' thirtj^-nine months, 
 he tendered his resignation, and was honorably uuistered cue. 
 
 Lieutenant Henry D Fidler of Corinth enteied the service in March, 
 1864. as Second Lieutenant in Baker's District of Columbia Cavalry. He 
 vServed with his regiment in the Arn»y of the James under General But- 
 ler, and in Octi>l)er. 1864, wlien he was captured by the enemy at the bat- 
 tle of Cox's Mills, and remained in prison until December of that year. 
 In the meantime his regiment had been consolidated with the 1st Maine 
 Cavalry, and after iiis release ln' Joined that regiment for duty as 2nd 
 Lieutenant of Company H, and served in tiiat capacity with great credit 
 till the close of the. war. In the last campaign of the Army of the 
 Potomac he was severely woinided. After the surrender of Lee, he was 
 detailed on provost duty at Petersburgh, Virginia, for four months and 
 was mustered out of service with his regiment in August. 1868. 
 
 Sergeant Israel Hodsdou of Company H. 6th Maine Volunteers of Cor- 
 inth, aged 25 years, son of Nathan Hodsdon. was mortally wounded in 
 the battle of Rappahannock Station on the 7th day of November, 1863, 
 and died during his removal from the battle-field to Washington. His 
 remains were embalmed by order of his Captain, and sent to his home in 
 Corinth. 
 
 Chauncey Cochrane, the son of James Cochrane Jr.. was born at Pem- 
 broke, N. H., Nov. 24th, 1801; was married Nov. 26th, 1828. to Sarah 
 Cochrane of the same place. In June. 1833, Mrs. Cochrane, the wife of 
 the said Chauncey, was murdered by a young man named Prescott, who, 
 upon being convicted, suttered the penalty of the law. Receiving a se- 
 vere blow upon the head. Mr. Cochrane barely escaped the fate of his 
 wife. Suffering deeply from the tragic death of the wife, with two small 
 children he sought a home in Maine, and in 1834 commenced business as 
 a trader in East Corinth. In February, 1838, he was married to Miss 
 Maria Gay, of New Loudon, N. H. Bj- this marriage he had nine chil- 
 dren, of whom two sons and three daughters are now living. Owing to 
 ill health in 1851 he abandoned trade and engaged in farming, in which 
 he has been very successful. Being a practical business man, and having 
 the confidence of his townsmen, he was often in town business, and in 
 1851-2 was elected a member of our State Legislature. Mr. Cochrane is of 
 Scotch descent. His great-grandfather came from the south of Scotland 
 and settled in Pembroke, N. H., before its incorporation. His grand- 
 father, James Cochrane, was a soldier of the Revolution. Chauncey 
 Cochran interested himself much for schools and the ministry, and the 
 well educated and religiously inclined family of his ow^n household tells 
 of the wonderful success of his home teaching ; and those who have loved 
 the reading of Scottish history, and the singing of '"Auld Lang Syne," by 
 Robert Burns, will love them the more by an intimate acquaintance with 
 the Cochrane family. 
 
 Mr. James Knowles, who for many years was the popular landlord of 
 the Parker House, has taken possession of his private residence, which, 
 for structure and fine finish is unsurpassed in our county, and, while the 
 
22 
 
 coiiiiiiunity liiive perfect coiitidence in liis suecessni-. ;\Ii-. J. Wesley 
 Hunting, yet tlie ever cht^ertul face nf (uirl.itc liii.-r will long lie missed, 
 by those who h)ved liis words of kindiii'ss.n d liis pronipr ;ictii>n in behalf 
 of all asking i.is assistance. 'I'iie pn sent landlord lias made improve- 
 ments, and Ills foiir-horse mail stage coach leaves for llangor every 
 day at six A. M.. returning, arrives at six i". m. 
 
 The numy years that Ex-Governor Davis and his brothei-. Ira W. Da- 
 vis were Counsellors and Attorneys in town, demonstrated the fact that 
 lawyers may. at all times, strictly jieiform all the re(|uirements of the 
 law. to^\■ard all parties, and at the same time lie lo\('i-s of jK-ace — puiv in 
 thought and action, so essential to the vital iiitcrests of the comnuiinty. 
 
 The first efforts to establish Salibath Schools were made in 18^2 liy 
 Deacon .Stephen Dexter, and Miss P]lina Ilerrick.to which .Mrs. John To- 
 zier. now eighty-six years of age. contributed valual)le books. 
 
 In 1850 Coriiith contained 1600 souls; in 1800, 18(;0 souls; in 1870,1402 
 souls; in 1880. i;;3;j soids. 
 
 Ever 'iince Maine became a State, her citizens have comidained of the 
 injnstice done the grand old Pine, as represented in the device of our 
 State Seal, and a citizen of Corinth forwarded the following petition t(> 
 the LegislatiU'c, which was resjiectfidly i-eeeived and read to the Senate. 
 
 To the Honoralih' Senate and House of Bepresentalires of Maine, in Legis- 
 lature assemhled : 
 
 Respectfully represents your petioner. a citizen of the town of Cor- 
 inth, in the County of Penobscot and State of Maine, that more than half 
 a century- ago he was permitted to enjoy his tirst remembered outlook 
 upon the dense forests of the ""Pine Tree State;"' — that his early dom- 
 licile. and the rocking cradle of his infancy, were alike made of the flesh 
 colored ])ines so bountifully intersperse(I throughout our groves and 
 woodlands; — that while his mirsing childhood drew nutriment from its 
 surroundings, producing eidargement from what it fed upon, the bal- 
 samic properties of the pine permeated the entire make up of his com- 
 plex nature — i.nanhood and pinehootl. 
 
 The marveUous beauty of a pine grown upon the soil of Norridgewock 
 ill otu' State, one hiuulred aiul ftfty feet in length and four and one-half 
 feet in diameter, while little laberty in Waldo County, competing for the 
 mastery in tree growing, gave a pine seveii feet at stump, maldiig ten 
 thousand six hundred and ten feet of square edged boards, claimed the 
 admiration of v^our petitioner's juvenile life; and while his nursery tales 
 partook largely of mythology and fable, it was not difficult to believe 
 that at a Congress of Trees, the dimpled ej^e of the bird's eyed maple, 
 clearly saw the coming popularity of the majestic pine, and secured an 
 honest Congressiorial vote, declaring her tiie queen of the AVoods, at 
 which all the pines, with waving branches invoked the gentle winds of 
 the breathing hill, thus chanting a melody so soft and plaintively sweet, 
 that Orpheus ceased his notes, and dancing trees gave listening ear to 
 the Te Deum Laudamus of the worshiiiping pine — a music sweeter than 
 breathings of harp or lute, until woodlands felt the inlluence of the re- 
 ligion of the forest, and the inspired poet wrote, -'The (/roves icere God's 
 first Temple. 
 
 And while thus entranced with the pine and its worship, the historical 
 readings of your petitioner taught lim, that as early as the 17th century, 
 good mother Massachusetts so loved the gold in th«' mine and the pine in 
 forest, that she stamped the gold with the figure of the pine, giving it a 
 currenc}' known as Pine Tree Money- and while he loved the current 
 coin, and hoping for its plenteous acciunulations, coming years brought 
 
;niti<'i|i:it('i] muiiliDiMl ainl Maine's (ioviTuor honored your |)( titioiier with 
 a eoiuiiiissioii bf.-iriiiii' tlic seal of the State. Tlieii tlie eye fell sadly up- 
 on the meager l)iish I'epresentiiig the pine of Elaine I — a nondesei'ipt — a 
 mere shnd) vvirhoiit majestic comeliness, a forest f niigns I 
 
 All that had been said and written on the heaiity of the i)ine came has- 
 tily l)ack and forced memory's doors for enlraiice. and yonr petioiier sor- 
 rowed I hat in early life lie had said to one of Maine's fairest danghtei'S — 
 now his wife — that she was as gTaceful in stature as tiie |)ine: — at a mere 
 glance at the husii on the seal, the fair one declined the hon(jr of lesem- 
 hlance. ))referring rathei' being tlie sprnc<' girl of the i)eii(jd. 
 
 Sensitively elii'ving that the engraved pine upon the State's Seal, in- 
 decorously and strang(dy syndiolizes a meanness and dwarfage no where 
 found in .Slaine's varied industries, judicial powers or legislative, bodies, 
 your petitionei' has long hoped foi- a more truthful leitresentation of 
 Mdiiic na she is, engraven, not oidy upon memory's tablets, but fittingly 
 depicted in signet and shield. 
 
 'I'o study the pine as nmi^ ei}gra\eu upon the seal of our State for sem- 
 blance of the 1 ine of our forests would be as futile as to read the de- 
 scription of animals in zoological cabinets to tind the likeness of the 
 beast ri.^ing out of the sea with seven heads and ten horns, seen by John 
 the Kevelator. I'lien^foie. and that your memorialist may no longer pine 
 over the denmralized jjineiy of his State, he asks that the seal now in use 
 be at once remodeled and liE Pined, and in duty bound will ever pray. 
 
 Mason S. Palmee. 
 
 Coi'inth. January. 187!). 
 
 Mason S. Palniei- of Corinth, was born in that town October 27, 1803 
 His first remembered outlook upon the world was among forests, and 
 the then recently felled ti'ees. and small patches of cleared land incident 
 to farm undiiuii To this vvoi'k he devoted his days of boyhood, except- 
 ing always such times as he was enabled to attend such schools as were 
 early introduced into the township. In early life he became a teacher, 
 and on arriving at his majoritj- was chosen superintendent of schools. 
 He afterwai'ds wrote in tlie various county offices; at a suitable age he 
 was appointed assistant Post Master at Bangor, and left that position 
 was appointed Eegister of Probate for Penobscot County, which office 
 he held for many j-ears. For several years Mr. Palmer had charge of 
 the Katahdin Iron Works in Piscataquis County, from which he went 
 to Briggs Iron Company, Berkshire County Massachusetts, as its agent, 
 wliere he was engaged nine years, during which time he served one term 
 as a member of the Legislature of Massachusetts and was also appointed 
 clerk of the court of insolvency for the county of Berkshire and one of 
 the supervisors of schools. After suffering seriously by tire, he re- 
 turned to his native town, and at this writing, resides on the farm in the 
 neighborhood of his birih. Mr. Palmer married Miss Mary Jolmson 
 Coy, daughter of the late Captain Henry Coy, of Minot, Maine, an offi- 
 cer of the war of 1812. 
 
 Hon. Noah Barker was born in Blaisdell Plantation, now Exeter, Nov. 
 14. 1807. After receiving a conuuon school education, the Academies of 
 Hampden and Foxcroft gave him such further suitable training as fitted 
 liim for business life, and he commenced surveying in 1830, and has 
 surveyed not only the Northern parts of Maine into townships, but has per- 
 formed efficient work in New Hampshire and Canada. After serving his 
 term in the capacity of school commissioner, and several years as select- 
 man, he was elected to the Legislature in 1837, 1839 and in 1855; and to 
 the Senate in 1878 and 1879 ; was also County Couimlssioner for several 
 
24 
 
 years and State Land A^ent 1867 and 1859. He married Tenipei-ance B« 
 Eddy in 183V). and in 1856 settled in the place once (x^enpied by Wil- 
 liam Eddy, Esq. Keeently Mr. Barker has removed to Exeter. his son Wil- 
 liam now occupying the farm rtrstly known as the Simpson Farm, then 
 William Eddy, afterwards Noah B;irkeiand now William Barker. 
 
 Henry L. Pearson, was born in Warren. iMainc Jan 3. 1805. He nnir- 
 ried Knthy Dntton. daughter of James Dntton who died while she was 
 an infant, she was bn)nght np by the llni. S. E. Dntton, of Bangor, and 
 having received a. good education in early life came to Corinth as a 
 teacher, and has successfidly tanght not cndy childhood's schools ; but 
 by noble example. tanght woman-hood dntics ; then wife-hood. then moth- 
 er-hood. Ml', and Mrs. Pearson have had ten children all retlecting cred- 
 it to parental tt aehings; and the parents are now spending a (piiet old 
 age on the beautiful farm tiiey made fiom the wilderness, cared for by 
 their son Mr. Charles Pearson and his wife with six children, twci son's 
 and four daughters. 
 
 Clifford W. Shores, after becoming of age engaged in the liverj' bus- 
 iness in Waterville — in 1858 settled on the phice he now oc<nipies. He 
 married Adesta Koundy. diinghter of John Koundy, of Corinth. They 
 have two children; own sixty acres of land in town, making a tine farm 
 and are highl}- respected citizens. 
 
 William Spratt tirst settled in Sebec. married Pamelia Miller, daughter 
 of Benjamin Miller, of Barnard,Piscataqnis County. Me. moved to Corinth 
 in 1851. settled on the farm on which he now lives near the centre of the 
 town. Bitt one of his four children now lives viz.. Frank, who resides 
 with his parents on the homestead of about one hundred acres of excel- 
 lent land, on which are ver^' desirable buildings. 
 
 Humphrej^ Nichols was born Januarv 13, 1807. married Marcia G. 
 Tyler, by whom he had ten children; his second vvife was Hannah 
 Eovren, of Deering. New Hampshire. Mr. Nichols first settled where 
 he now resides; is Postmaster of South Corinth, which otHce he has 
 filled most of the time for tliirty years. He owns three hundred and 
 ten acres of land in town, and though now seventy four years of age, 
 takes much interest in the current events of the day. 
 
 Nathaniel Smith, who came here in 1827 from New London, NewHamp- 
 shire, and settled on the farm he aow occupies with his son, George H. 
 was a soldier in the war of 1812. He married Betsey Herrick, 
 daughter of Jonathan Herrick. of New London. Age has not abated his 
 industry works on the farm as a man of less years. 
 
 George H. Smith, son of Nathaniel Smith was born September 16, 
 1838. He married Emma C. Blanchard, daughter of John C. Blanchard 
 and settled on the homestead about one mile south of the Town House 
 which is a farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres, holding the 
 ottice of Selectman of the town. and the husbandry of a wife, that -'seeketh 
 wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands," They have six 
 pattern children, 
 
 Hon. John Thissell was born in Fishersfield.now called Newbury, New 
 Hampshire, Dec. 31, 1804. He lived in N. H. until he was twent5'-one 
 yearsof age, where he received a common school education. He came to 
 Corinth in 1831. and settled on the East Ridge on the farm now occupied 
 by Stephen H. Worth. 
 
 In 1869 he purchased the farm in East Corinth, where he lived happi" 
 ly and pleasantly, respected by all ; was one of the Selectmen for nearly 
 twenty years. In 1848 he was a member of the State Legislature. In 
 1859 and 1860 was in the Senate, was a member of the State Board 
 
'25 
 
 <>r A<iriciilriiu' tor three years. In 1881 lie inai-ried for liis first wife Al- 
 lasel)a H. Ramsdell a native of Luiieiibui'g. Massacluisetts. vvlio died in 
 ("oriiitli liaviiig hronsj^lit liini two children. Ciiarles T.. wiio married Mar- 
 riett Fr. ueii. of ( ^orintii, and Henry VV.. who died in said town at tiie age 
 of twenty-seven years. He afterwards married Mrs. Abby 'J'riie. a native 
 of Mont\ ille.who was ;i d(>VMt;'d wife and with wiioui lie s])ent life's hap- 
 py afternoon. .Mr. Tiiissell was reserved. not aml)itioiis of talk. but divine- 
 ly retieent. The hunsehold he so miicii loved was enhanced by the pres- 
 ence of his stepdaughter Canie M. Ti-ue whose words ever fell happily on 
 his ear in a home of snch stirring interests and inspirations ; our friend al- 
 ways of deep thought dwelt upon the wonderful things whi<:'h were told 
 by the early Shepherds, and pondered them in his heart; for tlie heart 
 is profouhdei- than the head. It is the head that makes all the shallow 
 racket in tli< uoild. It is tiie heail that is t-omparatively superficial. It 
 is the lack of th" heart that makes the lack of all we lack. To our fri nd 
 Christianity was a matter of heait.and a matter of reason, and out of the 
 heart t-anu' his i)rofoimd meditarions. 
 
 Oiu' Iriend loved qiuet. Deep beneath the tempestuous sea are the still 
 waters, and there the pearls ai-e found. He was deeply Interior — was not 
 wholly undei- the resti'aint of the church — he pondered deeply on the 
 promised glories of another life; and while thus pondering, entered that 
 life. 
 
 Thomas G. Watson came from Farmington. N. H., in 1823 and served 
 an apprenticeship at the carpenter and millwright business. In 1829 he 
 married Miss Sophia Came of Buxton. Me., worked at his trade until 1831 
 when he moved to Corinth. He has had six children, buried two, one 
 killed in battle, the othei- dying young. Mr. Watson has held many town 
 offices, and in 18r)(j. re|)resented his t( wii in the Legislature, but is con- 
 tent with being a farmer, and is a remarkably healthy man, having never 
 known sickness. 
 
 Clark, llersey was born Jamiary 14. 1806. and settled in the south part 
 of Corinth in 1832 In 1834 married Olive Trefren, daughter of George 
 Trefren of Salem, Mass., has had nine children, six boys and three 
 girls. He moved to his present farm in East Corinth in 1869, owns 
 over three hundred acres of excellent land, and though for many years 
 an invalid, he is at all times busy, fully retaining his facidties. ' He 
 has held important offices and posesses largelj^ those rare qualities con- 
 stituting a good neighbor. 
 
 N. S. White was born in 1840 and married ^NUss Helen Palmer, daugh- 
 ter of John Palmer of North Bangor, he settled in (Corinth in 1869 on a 
 valuable farm in the centre of the town with good buildings; is a lover 
 of agriculture and his home. 
 
 John Morrison came from Sebec. purchased the early homestead of the 
 late Stephen Dexter, adding largely to its acres, number and elegance of 
 its buildings. Has tilled, satisfactorily the various positions assigned him 
 in the Senate, and House of Representatives and town municipalites; 
 takes great interest in all agricultural matters, loves much his house- 
 hold, his farm, his oxen and'the pine on his timber lands, and without 
 murmurs or the making of wry faces at his assessors, pays the largest 
 tax in town. 
 
 Mellville C. Palmer, youngest son of the late Kichard Palmer, was 
 born June 12, 1822 married Miss Elizabeth Leavltt daughter of Thomas 
 Leavitt; Ik; purchased the farm first occupied by Deacon Stephen Dex- 
 ter; made improvements on buildings already erected, adding all necessa- 
 ry outbuildings including a large and finely finished stable. They have had 
 five children one died in early childhood, and Mary H. lived to grow to 
 
•if) 
 
 perfect woinaiiliood. ami thus i^ro\viii<j i^n-u deeply into the affeetion 
 of parents ami all who knew her. She died recently aged 2(t years. 
 
 Fairfield M. the oldest son resides in the west. (?harl<'s L. and Frank 
 reside with their parents on a farm clearly showing admirable culture 
 and care. 
 
 .Josei)h Bragdon was born Augu-t 10. 1784; died Nov. 20. 1S19. By his 
 wife Abigail, sister of Deacon Hunting, he iiad two sons. Elbridge H., 
 born Jan. 7. 1812 and Enoch H.. born dan. 2. 18U. Mi. Jacob Wheeler 
 married the widow Bragdon who became tin; mother of Joseph B. Wheel- 
 er Feb. 23, 1823, who married a daughter of Mr. Francis Hill of Exeter, 
 and to whom was born Dr. Leslie Wheeler, a practicng physician in 
 Brewer, and Myra Wheeler, a daughter at home. Mr. Just'ph B. Wheel- 
 er has man_v years served as one of the Seleetmen of Corinth, has been a 
 member of our State Legislature, owns the farm once occupied by Gen. 
 L Hodsdon. and has recentl}' added thereto the farm of the late Elijah 
 Skinner. Jr.. making a large and desiral).e homestead. 
 
 Elbridge H. Bragdon in early life demonstrated the practical energies 
 of the man, was a mechanic, farmer, merchant, post master, and ad- 
 mirably raised an interesting fannly. Ora. his oldest, died while in trade 
 in Boston. Oressa S. resides in Boston, and for many years has been en- 
 gaged in the Department of the Post Office, and while possessing the 
 strong native business abilities of maidiood. nature^ ijrdce and edurntion 
 have given her those pleasing qualifications so mucli adnnred in woman- 
 hood, Mary E. Bragdon, the second daughter, resides witii her father, 
 and devotes her energies in caring for an only living parent whose life 
 is seemingly blended with her own existence. 
 
 Addie L. E. Bragdon, the youngest, having studiously gleaned knowl- 
 edge from books found in institutions of human teachings, recently en- 
 tered that higher class, where Eternity's readings are from the Book of 
 Life. 
 
 Enoch H. Bragdon, the younger brother of Elbridge II. Bragdon. was 
 a man remarkable for his industry, and the presence of the Hunting 
 blood was early apparent. He married Sarah, the second daughter of 
 Elijah Skinner, and the pleasant home the}^ occupied, (being greatly im- 
 proved) was that made by Mr. Jacob Wheeler for his own residence. 
 When citizens could enlist Mr. Bragdon in any enterprise, success was 
 assured. Mr. Bragdon had four children, two died during the life of the 
 father, and when he was called, he was in readiness, sorrowing only in 
 the leaving of a wife and two children, who are still living, viz., Charles, 
 the eldest, possessing largely of his father's qualifications, a man prompt 
 in action in all matters deemed by him to be right; and Emma, the 
 daughter, the meek child of sober tiiought; our world is better for her 
 existence. 
 
 Mr. Daniel Skinner, our patriarchal Dainel, kindred in spirit and life to 
 the Chaldean Daniel, called Belshazzar, was horn in Mansfield, Massa- 
 chusetts, June 29, 1744; died in Corinth in 1841. During the year 1793 
 Mr. Daniel Skinner erected in township No. 2 a cabin of large dimen- 
 sions, which was long occupied by his family, and was at all times the 
 welcome residence of the stranger; and this home became inexpressibly 
 dear to many. There could perhaps have been found a people who bet- 
 ter understood the qualities of soil, and could avail themselves of ad- 
 vantages with skill infinitely supeiior, but for purity of manners, warmth 
 of affection, kindness and courtesy, they home in the humble residence of 
 the original Skinner family, from whose rough cabin the first smoke ever 
 rose among lofty elms and proud pineries of the township. Here our 
 
)i:irt'iit Diiiiiel iind liis liouscliold worshipped, here tlie devotioiuil i)r:iy*r 
 wa.s ottered, and sweet tlie hyiiiiiing of praise ininglin<^ wi'.li the mellow 
 tones of worshipping natnre. 
 
 Mr. Skinner was a christian and philanthropist, and while he loved his 
 townsiiip and its peoi)le. lie deemed the world his conntrj'. and his conn- 
 trymen all mankind. He lived the ehristian's life, he died the chris- 
 tian's death. In a lile of niaimscripts marked •'1841" was recently found 
 the following lines pnrpoiting to have been -'written at the grave of Mi'. 
 Daniel Skinner on the day of his burial." 
 
 Take, boimteous earth, within thy bosom dear, 
 
 Our christian guide, and faithful pioneer; 
 
 Take tiie paternal heart beneath the soil. 
 
 In kind remembrance of his life long toil; 
 
 Who tirst enriched and ornamented thee, 
 
 With many a shrub and ornamental tree; 
 
 And lured the streams to fall in artful showers. 
 
 I'pon thy thirsty herbs and fainting flowers. 
 
 First in the Spring he taught the rose to rear. 
 
 First in the Autumn culled the ripened pear; 
 
 His vines were envied all the country round. 
 
 And favoring heaven showered plenty on his giound; 
 
 Therefore, kind earth, reward him in thy breast. 
 
 With a green covering, and an easy rest. 
 
 P. 
 
 Asahel Skinner, eldest son of Daniel Skinner, was born in Massachu- 
 setts, August 22. 1771, and with his father's family, moved into Corinth 
 in 1793. married Pliebe Gould and lived in Corinth until about the year 
 1818, when he left for the State of Ohio, taking with him his family of 
 thirteen children. He recently died, being the father of twenty-one chil- 
 dren. 
 
 Elijah Skinner was born Sept." 22. 1779; died April 18. 1857. For his 
 first wife he married Sarah Fishei-, of Canton. Mass. by whom he had ten 
 children. 
 
 Nathan F.. the eldest, was born April 23. 1804, died June 29, 1820. 
 
 Nancy, the widow of Capt. Ephraim Whitney, once of Corinth, now 
 of California, was born May 25. 1806. and still lives. 
 Elijah Skinner, Jr.. born May 19. 1809, died Feb. 10, 1881. 
 
 Sarah Skinner is now the widow of the late Enoch H. Bragdon. 
 
 Alvin Skinner died January 13. 1861. 
 
 Mary Skinner is the wife of Aaron French. 
 
 Harriet Skinner, deceased. 
 
 Elijah Skinner for his second wife married Nancy Budge, widow of 
 Capt. James Budge of Bangor, by whom he had one child, George F. 
 Skinner, who was born Nov. 12. 1829. and the said George F., and his son 
 and onlj- child. Frank H. Skinner, reside upon a portion of the farm first 
 occupied by Daniel Skinner in 1793. 
 
 George F. Skinner married Sarah J. Deering, a pi'actical seamstress 
 and taxidermist. Both father and son are excellent farmers and or- 
 chardists. Frank H. Skinner married Eva M. Gay of Charleston. 
 
 Mason Skinner, the youngest son of Daniel Skinner, married Rebecca 
 Batchelder. They had eleven children, and all deceased excepting John B. 
 Skinner, residing at Veazie. 
 
 Isaac Hodsdon died in Corinth May 24. 1864. 
 
 Nathan Hodsdon died in Corinth, May 3, 1848, leaving a widow ad- 
 
•28 
 
 Viiiipcd in years, vpt ri't;iiiiiii<j Iht nieiit;il facult I's in a woudiTt'ul decree. 
 His son Charles Flodsdon is one of Coriiitirs niercdiants. 
 
 ^Ir. Enoch Marsliail and wife are sjjendinu; a very (I'liet life on the 
 premises once the home of Alvin Skinner. Tlie store <iiice Skinner's hnt 
 more recently occupied hy E. H. Bragdon as stire and Post Office is 
 now unoccupied. 
 
 Mrs. Comins, whose first husband was Alonzo Batchelder. manages 
 with nnu'h skill her homestead premises, and fully d Muoistrates the fact 
 that if it is not good for man to live alone, wmnan nm. 
 
 Upon pleasant premises occupie(l by .1. Bailey during Ids life, now 
 lives his widow, and the youngest daughter s'> intent ail ni'dstering to 
 the wants of an invalid mother, that he wanting a wife fails in obtaining 
 the hand of Clara. 
 
 Upon the bank opposite the plat of meadow, once the home of a large 
 family of beavers, ami where in after time stood the wigwam of the In- 
 dian Pierre Paid, lives now Mr. Boutell who. when occasion re(|uires. 
 leaves the culture of his grounds, and plies the haurner of the smith. 
 
 Where stood sixty years ago the shoji of Mr. Mison Skinner, now 
 stands the large commodious shop of Mr. Koyal Swe(>t. containing everv 
 apparent requisite for the speedv manufacture of repairs of such articdes 
 as alarming community require. 
 
 The liomestead of the late Kichard Palmer is the residence of Charles 
 H. Ilodgdon. 
 
 Charles A. Robinson was born in Corinth in 1837: — in boyliood lie was 
 an industrious gleaner of incidents and facts, saw whatever came with- 
 in his observation, and in the storehouse of memory deposited what he 
 deemed might be useful in coming manhood, thus becoming self edu- 
 cated. In early life he served two years in the navy, and after the close 
 of the war. settled in Corinth, and was and now is engaged in stone cut- 
 ting, including both rough and monumental work. 
 
 Ill 1865 he married Miss Louisa Ide — they have no children. In all 
 business matters he is a practical man, and is chairman of the Selectmen 
 of his town. 
 
 Mr. Albert Ide and Albert Jr. reside in comfortable homes of tlieir 
 own providing and construction, and enjoy that traiiquillitv of mind 
 known only to lovers of peace. 
 
 Mr. Samuel Cressy died in Corinth. Oct. 30, 1882, aged 75 years, leav- 
 ing a widow and three children. Kev. Charles Cr. ssy, the son of Mr. 
 Samuel Cressy possessed more than ordinary abilities and became a 
 highly esteemed minister of the Methodist denomination, and his death 
 which occurred Dec. 21, 1881, at Hampton, Iowa, occasioned much sorrow 
 He was a man of energy in the pulpit and of pleasing social address 
 He married Miss Delia S. Robinson, daughter of John L. Robinson, for- 
 merly of Corinth, who died some months before her husband. They 
 leave three children, a son of fifteen j^ears and two daughters of less 
 years. 
 
 The town road leading directly west from Corinth Methodist meeting 
 house, after passing farms of J. B. VV heeler and C. B. Bragdon. lea<is 
 you to the neighborhood known as the Thomas Bean settlement, and you 
 pass farms of R. Folley, A. French, A. Johsoii, R. Doe, H. Clark, J. ller- 
 som and O. Jaqueth. 
 
 These are good farms and well cultivated ; that of Richard Doe shows 
 the working of tlie leaven in the entire measure of Doe soil, and horses 
 and stock tell of excellent care. In this neighboriiood orchards are excel- 
 lent. 
 
29 
 
 lie who i'l hoyliood's fl;iv« liad his plav o^ronnd amid tlie oiire active 
 scpiips (tf hiiildiiiiT fdir towiisliiji. will, in his pvpsent walks seo the foot- 
 steps of decay. Tlie dwellinir of Doctor William P eahody was a small 
 low posted house of one story, alvvays a bnsy house, beiiio; ocenpied as 
 the family home, the store, the tavern honse and the apothecary's shop, 
 for here the Doctor componnded and caretnlly mixed his own medi- 
 cines makinji: himself daily better acqnainted with, and the effects of 
 every ino^redient nsed and stndionsly attendinj; to that which many 
 a stndent to-d;iy bestows scarce a thou<;ht. viz.. study. 
 
 The pleasant residence of the Oakman Brothers was alternately the 
 home of r.emenl Tozier, Koyal Clark, Mark Trafton. 
 
 The home of Simon White was the first residence of Benjamin Tib- 
 betts aftei-war<1s of ('. Hersey. 
 
 The T.iicns family live where first lived Mr. Ahner Tibbetts. at the 
 (ioodhne corner. wJiere once a shop, store. Tavern Honse. etc., built by 
 Mr. Robinson were in requisition, little now is beino: accomplished; near 
 this corner, on the road leadin<>^ to the Skiinier Settlement, stands that 
 ancient inonnment of times tender mer(\v. the house lonji^ the home of 
 Mr. William llanunond and his numerous family ; and here lived Miss Eliza 
 Hammond who became the wife of our early school teacher, Thomas 
 Bean, and the fond mother of Edwin Bean, now jjrowino^ popular in the 
 oftlce of Sheritt" and Doctor Cliarles Bean of Chelsea. Mass.. still grow- 
 ing to fleshy notoriety, weighing at the time of this writing 450 pounds. 
 
 The premises once occupied by Dirk Eleischman. afterwards by C. 
 Bunker, then T. Hersey. is now the well managed farm of Isaac Duren, 
 giving large crops of excellent \\:iv. The adjoining farm known as the 
 Barter premises has been greatly improved by its present owner, Rich- 
 ard Bailey, and made the pleasant residence of a verv industrious fam- 
 
 Here the main road, which for many miles is the dividing line between 
 Corintii and Levant, leaves said town line, and riuis wholly on lands of 
 Levant to Kenduskeag Village, while the line severing the two towns of 
 Corinth and Kenduskeag, is still the road passing the ancient farm made 
 by Mr. Joseph Stevens, the brick maker, the shoe maker, and the 
 farmer. 
 
 Mr. Andrew G. Fitz, the surveyor, lives upon a portion of said farm, 
 and Captain Joseph Stevens, eldest son of the senior Stevens, lives upon 
 tlie remaining portion of the original homestead, so divided as to make 
 two valuable farms, and near the residence of Capt. Stevens, lives his son 
 George, upon a farm fertile as are all the farms upon this road. 
 
 The large homestead of Eliphalet Packard has at all times been a pay- 
 ing farm, the soil at all times seemingly willing to loan its accumula- 
 ting wealth to him seeking it. teaching life's lessons, which were (thus 
 demonstrated. A neighbor asks the veteran farmer for the loan of a few 
 hundred dollars. but he had none on hand, the son Avas short by reason of 
 recent loans, but the daughter, having no husband to provide for, from 
 funds of her own. happily loaned the amount desired. 
 
 That the farm where lived and died Mr. William Tibbetts. is carefully 
 cultivated by its present owner. Mr. Albana F. Dodge, is manifest from 
 the liberal planting of trees upon the road side. 
 
 Mr. Moses Mudgett. having spent a long life in the faithful perform- 
 ances of all life's duties, and finding his days nearly closed, gave to the 
 living wife liberally of his personal property, bequeathing to his daugh- 
 ters to whom he was greatly attached. his real estate, and then quietly en- 
 tered his homestead in his burial grounds, and quiet is his resting place. 
 
.'50 
 
 Mr. ('harles Bean, having made an exchange of farmss. and given in 
 })hice of himself, Mr. Orman Eastman, a wortliy citizen, the exchange is 
 deemed to be no robbery. 
 
 Mr. George Tibbetts hasbaen f )rtniiate in procnring a very desirable 
 farm; in the first place, his early and original purcliase was judicious, 
 and secondly the descent by law of the Black farm to the same family, 
 thus making one ownership of the two premises. 
 
 Mr. Keuben Goodwin and family live in tiie (piiet enjoyment of fert le 
 premises long their home, making such occasional additions tiiereto as 
 good husbandry suggests. 
 
 Here also resides tne frugal widow Jael Coffin, remembering her sons 
 slain in battle, and gratefully- receiving the pension of her government. 
 
 The farm of Benjamin O. Budge is the residence of most of the 
 Bodge family, who cultivate the farm in its season, deal in purchase and 
 sale of live stock, and also from their slaughter house send dressed 
 meats to the Boston markets. 
 
 The farm once occupied by Stephen Barker and afterwards bj'^ A. 
 Norton is now the tidy home of Zimri McKusick on vvliich good f« nces 
 and a new and tinely finished dwelling house is just completed, and if 
 you would see a happy family "whose works pi-aise them" call at Mr. 
 McKusick's. 
 
 Daniel B. Dexter with his two sons (farmers and mechanics) and there 
 families 'live upon the farm made by Chase Eldt^n. near the Bridge cross- 
 ing the Kenduskeag Stream. In its present owners, the large farm 
 finds the industry and ability necessary for its profitable culture. The 
 widow of Chase Elden occupies the premises recently owned by the 
 Messrs. Dexters. 
 
 For many years now gone in the dwelling of the Keimie family on 
 the "horse back,''' a mother was wont to give judicious instructions to 
 her children, who now "rise up and call her blessed." 
 
 Mr. Benjamin Dyer venerable in years and remarkable for industry, 
 still cultivates the earth, and watches the heavens, scanning the worlds 
 upper stories, that he may find among the "fixed stars," some star "out 
 of fix,"' against which the straying comet may come in contact and pro- 
 duce a S7nash up. Mr. Dyer is well cared for in the family of his son 
 Martin F., whose ever active wife, little regarding the old gentleman's 
 prophecy, wears now as ever a cheerful, happy face while discharging 
 her household, of the duties of wife and mother. 
 
 Sorrow has recently entered the family of our neighbor James Brack- 
 ett, whose wife after passing through much acute sufiering, has entered in- 
 to rest. Mrs. Brackett was the daughter of Capt. Isaac Ball, whose memory 
 was always dear and whose household was the abode of that peace which 
 was so much sought among our earlj' settlers. Mr. Brackett and family 
 have their home with us and wiien we find those deserving more our re- 
 spect, we will make a note of the fact, and enclose it in (Bracketts). 
 
 The premises long ago occupied b}' Capt. Xathan Herrick, afterwards 
 by Chase Elden(the Potter), is now the pleasant residence of H.Whittier. 
 The glazed coating of pottery, being skillfull}^ applied to the brick con- 
 stituting the outer wall of the house, gives it not only a beautiful crysta- 
 lized appearance, but protects it from devastation of time and storm. 
 
 The buildings recently destroyed by lightning were originally tlie 
 home of Benjamin Ball, Esq., but at the time of burning were owned and 
 occupied by Mr. Cliflbrd Shores, who with commendable fortitude is now 
 rebuilding upon the spot so hastily made desolate by lightning's touch. 
 Mr. Shores now occupies the house of the Fuller family. 
 
31 
 
 The house built by Mr. Reuben Ball, and where he lived during his ac- 
 tive life, is now tiie home of Mr. .Jolui Ilerrick whose broad wing of 
 Philanthropy gives kindly shelter to many ueeding protection. 
 
 Friction sometimes assumes the garb of history, thus ; a child loving 
 much a medical man. and hearing her doctor was ill. exclaimed "Oh 
 mother. I am sure he will die. for In; is a careless man and has probably 
 taken a portion of his own medicine through mistake. 
 
 The physician of eminence can bear such an insinuation, while the 
 mere pretender to medical skill hates even the duck for constantly pro- 
 nouncing his professiou. 
 
 The house built by David A. Gove and occupied by him as a dwelling 
 and Post Office at East Corinth is now the residence of Moses Goss. 
 
 The house erected by Ilcmau S. Jackson, and where lived and died, 
 H'^nry K. Dexter now resides Timothy McDonald, many years the Co- 
 partner in trade of the said Dexter, Mr. McDonald has at -all times sus- 
 tained the reputation of a man of sterling worth, and though we have no 
 Price Current of such men as were re(iuire(l to save Sodom. Yet Mr. 
 McDonald and nine others of like value would have saved the doomed 
 city from destruction. 
 
 The house vacated by the recent death of Hon. John Thissell, is now 
 occupied by Charles Thissell the only living child of the deceased. 
 
 The house and premises long since built bv Mr. .fohn B. Nichols is the 
 residence of Mr. G. F. Hill, who has added nuich to the beauty of build- 
 ings and grounds since his purchase. Mr. Hill has been a member of the 
 Legislature, and a Deputy Sheriff of his County. 
 
 Iia W. Davis, Attorney at law resides in the house of the late Joshua 
 Hawes, office in C. E. Edmund's Block. 
 
 A few days previous to the decease of our esteemed friend Mr. Eph- 
 riam M, Gerry he spake tenderly of the wife, the son and the sous wife 
 and W# infant and said he could not find words fully expressing their 
 worth. 
 
 The good man has gone, and business and sympathy has made us ac- 
 quainted with those he prized so much, and we plainly see the impossi- 
 bility of finding suitable words for an appropriate inventor}- of the in- 
 mates of his household. 
 
 Edwin R. Bean owns and occupies the premises recently occupied by 
 Joseph Herrick and is a Deputy Sheriff of this County. 
 
 McDonald and Savage occupy the store lately occupied by Dexter & 
 McDonald, where they keep a large and carefully selected stock of such 
 goods as are wanted by farmers and mechanics. Purchasers say that 
 those who buy at this store buy safely. 
 
 A. D. Dnunmond has purchased the Mitchell place, once owned by 
 E. R. Bean. 
 
 Thecider mill, grist mill, saw mill and other machinery moved by steam 
 power, and built by W. R. Clark, are leased to James Copp, and the 
 dwelling house of the saidClai'k is occupied by J. VV. JunkUis. 
 
 That very desirable farm owned and occupied many years since by Mr. 
 Aaron Gould, is now the property of the town, and known as the Town 
 Farm. 
 
 The farm made and long occupied by Mr. William Gay, has now 
 passed b\' purchase into the hands and become the homestead of Mr. 
 Edwin A. Cole. who. for honesty of purpose, truthfulness of speech, and 
 benevolence in action, demands what we cheerfully accord him viz., 
 A heartv welcome to his new home. 
 
32 
 
 There have been in town eleven suicides — Tlie tii\-Jt was i>n Mav 15, 
 ISl.'). by the drownbig of Mi^s Louisa Knight, aged 20 years— in I lie 
 (looked Brook— Mis.s Ivnight was the persoaitieation of a liappy girl 
 j,,>,),| lif,. — ii sudden cloud appeared in t e mental horizon of her brain, 
 hidiiio- from her the presence of her Makei-, and she. destroyetl that 
 
 li^t^- " . , , . 
 
 .Should the stranger ask why there are in town at least tlirf<- energetic 
 
 accomijlished. and intelligent uiiiuarriel fcmaUis. to one unmarried male 
 
 we answer, that some years since the young ladit^s resolved that their 
 
 o-ood sense had tauglit them, that to reject an otler of marriage is far 
 
 better than to accept husbands, who. in point of intelligence, are in i.o 
 
 respect their equals. Adtling to this the fact, that during the War of tiie 
 
 Rebellion, girls of genuine patriotism conseiitetl that their atiianced ei.- 
 
 o-a"-ed in the battle of their country, not that they loved thcii- betrothed 
 
 fuss but their country more; consequently ("orinth may be regarded a 
 
 ha. I'kini'- institution f..r the benetit of those asking for safe matrimonial 
 
 deposits. Banking hours weekly after religions services. 
 
 Mr. Joshua llenick. one of the four men who commeiiceil on one and 
 the same day in felling trees for the making Hiintiug Settl.-ment. madi^ 
 a farm oil which he lived and died, the same being now occiipietl by his 
 son • Mr. llerrick was a man worthy the ilay in which he lived. 
 
 Mr. John Savage is the Agent of several insurance cijuipanies and 
 Trial Justice of Corinth. 
 
 Major James Blake removed from Brewer to Corinth in 1818 and pur- 
 chased of Jonathan Snow the large farm so long known as the Blake 
 farm, and owned it during his life and at his decease by will i)assed to 
 Xabl)V Blake, wife of the Major, and by her and her family occupied 
 durin'o- the life of the wife, and by her devised equally to her three 
 unmarried daughters viz., Nancy. Sarah and Mary. 
 
 The farm made and occupied by Colonel Josiah Morrill in Eddy settle- 
 ment is now occupied by Mr. Win. Blackwell aiul his two sons and their 
 families — the aged father performing fully the labor of a man of medium 
 
 years. 
 
 " After the Ritchie farm passed into the hands of Mr. John Farrar, it 
 received that attention which made it one of the most desirable farms in 
 the vicinitv. Mr. Farrar being himself a practical farmer, and with a 
 family of eight sons, ever ready to give their skilled labor to the stables 
 and cultivated grounds, increase in yield in th products of the farm, and 
 the conveniences of stables was apparent, while wife and daughter ever 
 lookino" well to the ways of the household, and eating never the bread of 
 idleness, made the entire premises a happy and prosperous home for an 
 intelligent family. 
 
 The morning after the fiie which destroyed the entire buildnigs of Mr. 
 C. D. Chapman, we saw our friend Chapman standing upon the heap of 
 ashes his building had made^ — there was a pensive shade upon his brow, 
 but he spake not a word — nor did we, but we fancied we saw the ashy 
 semblance of the fabulous bird wliich iNIythology teaches, when con- 
 sumetl, builds itself a nest from its own ashes. We left our friend 
 seemiiio'ly in deep meditation. Recentl,y we called— the buil ings in 
 proud beauty were standing where recently lay the ashes. Chapman 
 had received beauty foi ashes, and his hout;ehold was happy. A Plnvnix 
 o-enius had accomplished a work, the glimmer of which we fancied we 
 saw during his quiet meditation the morning after the tire. 
 
 When it was announced that Mr. Elijah's. Whitney and the entire 
 Whitney family proposed removing to California, there were citizens 
 
33 
 
 who feared that aueh removal would sensibly effeot the future growth 
 and prosperity of the Ridge. To lose those who had been so effpctive 
 and active in all good words and works, was losing much; but in no 
 manner did it lesson the energy and usefulness of those remaining; and 
 suceess following the timely and prudent foot steps of those now active- 
 ly engaged in giving gi'owth and character to Corinth's Eastern bounda- 
 ry, shows, that at proper times, energy, though half hidden, comes forth 
 and takes her peace in the world's grand workshop. 
 
 That pleasant elevation of grounds on which stand the buildings of 
 Mr. Bridgham, Mr. Bragg and Mr. Mayo, with other buildings in process 
 of erection, when so grouped as to form a nucleus, will demand the ad- 
 miration of those loving the blending of beauty with ulility. Those 
 give not only pleasure to the eye and profit to owners, but aid in largely 
 filling our agricultural halls with flowers of native growth reared by 
 woman's dexterous skill. 
 
 Not onlj' in those gardens of careful culture grow the "scentful nose- 
 gay" but such growings are ever brewing a sweet fragance and odor, that 
 ascending, maketh glad that Being that planted in the worlds first gar- 
 den, the Tree of Knowledge. 
 
 Corinthians. are to a great extent, practical Utilitarians. They believe 
 with Jerenij'^ Bentham. that the value of all institutions or pursuits is to 
 be tested by the principle of utility. 
 
 Go into our families, and you will find its various members engaged in 
 that pursiiit giving profitableness to some valuable end. 
 
 At the house of Mr. J. Ames, the father was manufacturing a harness 
 tor a neighbor, while two unmarried children, a son and daughter were 
 teaching our town schools. They belonged to the society of LTtilitarians 
 and believed in its principles. 
 
 Mr. J. Dunfree teaching a prime yoke of young oxen the use of the 
 yoke for farming purposes, utility whispered of a higher education for 
 agricultural premium purposes, and both oxen soon advanced in the al- 
 phabet so far as to know •■G." 
 
 Most of our thinking population, belong to this society. Mr. C. Dureu 
 when requested so to do. makes our taxes, and when made, helps pay 
 them. Mr. Stephen Worth, prompted by utility, removed to the farm 
 once the property of Mr. Thissel, and what was Worth performing on his. 
 ancient homestead, s now of like Worth in his present home. Our friend 
 Charles Clark the first, works well his farm, and when utility demands 
 the ingenius skill of his handy work, lo ! in his shop his skill and work are 
 hand in hand. 
 
 Men are oftimes wrongly named. The purest minded man we ever 
 knew in Corinth was named Gile. and owing to that purity and good- 
 ness of heart, an Apostle and your historian and all lovers of truthful ut- 
 terance knowing him well, say of him. "Behold an Israelite indeed in 
 whom theie is no Guile." 
 
 Were it not that our footsteps are tardy in leaving the assemblage of 
 those of graceful conversation, we would invite the" reader to call with 
 us upon those we now refer to. and with us in social call drink in those 
 words that come with the grace of utterance — that come as poetry 
 comes, that com ^ like a timely birth from the thoughtful speaker, musical 
 as the tones of the heart giving it harmony of sound; to such we would 
 gladly listen as in the past, did not those binding words prolong our stay 
 beyond our present purposes, and we should say as did Eve to Adam, 
 "With thee conversing, we forget all time." and thus offer forgetfulness 
 as an apology for tardiness in leaving. No I reader, we will not violate 
 
34 
 
 the promise of a hasty leturii. and though having little to say, now say 
 that little. 
 
 For more than half a century we have associated happily with the 
 good citizens of our town at public and so(!ial gatherings and have 
 learned, that speech is among the greatest gifts our Maker gave to man, 
 and that "always with grace"' means fitness and truthfulness. 
 
 With us, the ascending of intellect and increasing of information 
 came as come the hours of life, always coming, and if our observations 
 are correct, our women are far more intellectual than the men. partaking 
 largely of that gravity of expression which sits gracefully upon them, 
 enabling them to talk well of novels and poetry, authors and literature, 
 and public institutions, as well as domestic duties ; and it can be said of 
 them, and it is now spoken, that modesty of manners, delicacy of feeling, 
 sweetness of disposition, unsullied purity of thought, affectionate warmth 
 of heart, moral worth and a deep sense of religion are found in the 
 women who meet in our social gatherings in Corinth. 
 
EARLY GLEANINGS 
 
 RANDOM RECO 
 
 jll 
 
 n 
 
 NS 
 
 TOWN OF CORINTH 
 
 MAINE, 
 
 FROM 1792 TO 1883. 
 
 MASON 8. PALMER. 
 
 BANGOR: 
 
 PRESS OF B. A. BURR, (WHIG AND COURIER JOB OFFICE.) 
 
 1883. 
 
W: 
 
 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 013 983 625 A