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]{ Brief historical Slietcl?

of tl^e

tTOWN»OF.VINALHAVEN,f

FROM ITS EARLIEST KNOWN SETTLEMENT.

•|-^

^Fdparcd by ©pdep ot fr^e H'^owr),

ON THE OCCASION OF ITS

Q|n1E: |-|J[NlDREDJh| y^^jMlNllVERSARy.

ROCKLAND, ME.

PRINTED AT THE FREE PRESS OFFICE.

1889.

INTRODUCTION.

In writing this brief sketch of the town, we are (owing to the limited means at our disposal, and the short time allotted us in which to prepare it,) compelled to confine ourselves to such published references as can be most readily obtained, and to such information, traditional and otherwise, as can be gleaned from those who are now living, and records that are easily accessible. No doubt many will be disappointed that notice of their ancestors does not appear here, but to those we can only say that we did the best we could under the circumstances, and hope this brief sketch, crude as it is, may be, may prove an incentive to the town, or some enterprising individual, to take measures for having published a more extended and complete work. Nor can we vouch for the absolute correctness of all that is herein written, but judging from the source of our information, and by careful comparisons, we think that on the whole it may be taken as authority. It is a lamentable fact that scarcely a tradition even, exists here of events that must have occurred during the first quarter century of settlement here. The first settling of any country is generally beset with dangers, a battle for subsistence, a period of hardships, suffering and privations, and those who first came here must have had their full share. Coming as they did to a wilderness, with miles of old ocean between them and other settlements, exposed at first to the missiles of the Indians, and later to the indignities of the British, their lot must have been a hard one. No records of those stirring times have been preserved, at least we have not learned of any. That the people displayed a

4 HJSTOKY OF VINALHAVEN.

military s[)irit, and were organized for their own protection seems evident, but when such companies were formed, how officered, etc., we have not been able to . ascertain. The only evidence we have seen that a military organization existed here previous to 1789, is a commission as Lieutenant of Militia to James Calderwood, signed by John Hancock, Governor of Massachusetts, dated 1787, the original of which is now in possession of Kufus Calderwood. Many of the settlers here were men of learning, some of whom attained distinction in the war for independence. This little work is not classed as a history in the strict sense of the term, but that it may lead to further developments is the sincere wish of those who have undertaken to compile it.

DESCRIPTION AND POPULATION.

The town of Vinal Haven, in the county of Knox, State of Maine, is situated in Penobscot Bay, and is the largest of the group formerly called the " Fox Islands." The village, (Carver's Harbor), is in about 44 N. latitude, and is, by the route traveled, about 15 miles east from Rockland. Its greatest length from N. W. to S. E. extremity is seven and one-half miles, and about five miles in width, but so cut into by Mother Ocean that no point is distant more than one mile from salt water. According to the survey made by Rufus Putnam in 1785, the island contains about 10,000 acres, and there are several small fresh ponds, namely ; Cedar, Otter, Folly, Long, and Round Ponds. The climate of the place, surrounded as it is by waters that mingle with those of every zone, and which have a considerable effect in equalizing temperature, is mild, compared with that more inland ; the mercury though rauQ'ino- from 10 deg-rees below zero to 90 deg-rees above in the shade, seldom reaches those points. There are numerous small islands and ledges in the vicinity, which are often visited by our sportsmen after sea-fowl, which are not so plenty as formerly. These birds were very abundant in the early days of settlement here, and was one source of supply upon which the inhabitants relied for sustenance. One manner of capturing them aside from the usual mode of shooting, was called " duck driving," and was certainly novel and exciting, though it would not be considered sportsman-like in our day. A brief description of how it was done may not be out of place here. For several days in the month of August the birds could not fly, as they were then shedding their feathers, a fact which was well known to the settlers, and at such times a sufificient number would

6 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

get together in boats, and proceeding to the rendezvous of the birds, would form a circle partially surrounding them, and in that way they were driven into some cove or creek, up onto the shore, where they were overtaken and killed. Capt. Heuben Carver has informed us that his father was one of a party tluu captured 2,100 birds in a single drive.

Granite, of which there are several varieties, is found here in inexhaustible quantities, and is the principal geological feature of the town.

It is said that at one time, bears, foxes, otter, and mink were quite numerous here, but as the settlers multiplied, and the land became cleared, those animals grew less in numbers, until at present there is scarcely a vestige of them to be found. The last bear killed here was shot b}- William Vinal, Jr., and Silas Mills, in the swamp a short distance to the westward of W. H. Vinal's residence. As near as we can learn, it occurred about 75 years ago. An occasional sly Reynard is all that remains of the specie that caused Pring to give these islands th-e primitive name by wliicli they are often called at the present time.

The population of the town in 1790 was 855, and in 1880, 2,855. The former included Noith Haven (set off in 1846), Hurricane (set off in 1878), and all islands within three miles. The combined population in 1880 of the islands originally within the jurisdiction of Vinal Haven was o,830. According to the Assessors' returns, there were, on the first of April this year, 2,712 inhabitants .in tills town, a loss since 1880 of 1-43.

DISCOVERY.

In the year 1603, Martin Pring, with two vessels, sailed from England for the new world, and on the 7th of June of the same year entered Penobscot Bay. He was well pleased with the scenery of the bay, the excellent anchorage, and abundance of fish in its waters. He probably landed upon one of the ishmds in this locality to obtain water and game, and seeing a number of silver grey foxes he named

HISTOKY OF VINALHAVP:N. • i

the group the " Fox Islands." This appears to be the first reference in history to these islands up to the year 1603, It is said that in the year 1556 Theret, a French explorer, entered the Penobscot and landed in the vicinity of Islesboro. He must have seen tlie islands to the southeast of him, but if he did it does not appear that he made any record of it. There are accounts of earlier visits to the coast of Maine, but no mention is made of this particular locality. To Martin Pring, then, belongs the honor of having been the first to discover and name the " Fox Islands." History records that he did not stay long in this vicinity, but, sailing farther south, procured a valuable cargo and returned to England. His dealings with the natives appear to have been honorable, a fact of which is not recorded of several of his countrymen who subsequently visited these shores.

SETTLEMENTS, ETC.

It has been said that the first permanent settlement liere was made in 1765, but by whom we have not been able to learn. As will be noted, Francis Cogswell, of Ipswich, Mass., is supposed to have been here as early as 1760, but as we understand it,his was only a temporary residence. He was probably attracted by the growth of timber near the shore, and having erected a saw mill, he for several years, in the spring and summer, manufactured into boards, etc., such as could be felled near the water. About 1760 there were several who attempt^ed to establish themselves in tlie north island, but were driven away by the Indians. It appears that David Wooster was the first permanent settler on the north island, having come there in 1762, and we are also informed that a son of his was the first white child born in town. About 1766 the Carvers came, and up to the year 1775 a great advance in settlements was made. The first year of the Revolution was a period of distress for the inhabitants, says the historian. They were unable to raise corn and grain sufficient for support, and there

8 • HISTORY OF VTNALHAVEN.

were few calls for wood and lumber, and with other settlements petitions were sent to the Provincial Congress, asking for food, ammunition and arms. All, or nearly all of the settlers here were friendly to the cause of the colonies, and during the war a number left here, some to seek quarters less exposed and others to take up arms in defense of their rights. All through the war the people suffered much from the ravages of marauding Tories, who went about in boats called " shaving mills " robbing them of their crops and stores. During the occupancy of Castine by the British, many of the inhabitants were compelled to leave their families and to work upon the fort, and other indignities were heaped upon them. After the peace, new settlers began to arrive, and some of those who had left during the war returned again. A meeting was held in March, 1785, when it was voted by the inhabitants to petition the General Court praying to be quieted in full possession of the lots they occupied. It was also voted that if the prayer of their petition was answered favorably each man should stand by his buts and bounds, and no landmarks should be removed. Following is a copy of the petition and response thereto :

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

To tJie Honorable Senate ovd H()i(s(' (if Rei)rescntat'tv(;s hi General

Court assembled : —

The petition of th^ inhabitants of Fox Islands, in the County of Lincoln, Humbly Sheweth that your Petitioners of their Ancestors, did about twenty years since. Settle on the small Island known by the name of the Fox Islands, which was then in the State of Nature, and not claimed by any Power, Potentate or Individual, in any other way than the Crown of England laid claim to the whole Common- wealth. That your Petitioners removed with their families to the said Islands, which they divided into lots and have cleared the Land in part. That when the British Troops took possession of Bagaduce, the inhabitants of said Islands

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 9

(not choosing to be under the tyrany of the British King) removed Avith their families, within the Protection of the Commonwealth, and did serve during the Expeditions to the Penobscot, bearing arms against the enemy ; but upon the defeat of the Troops of this Commonwealth, the greatest part of your Petitioners were obliged to abandon their possessions to the Mercy of the enemy who came on to the Island and burnt their houses, plundered them of all the substance that they were obliged to leave upon the Islands, and many of the inhabitants they (out of rev^enge) took from their families and obliged them to work upon their Fortifications at Bagaduce, and cruelly treated those who sliowed any reluctance at it.

Your Petitioners are now peaceably resettled upon the said Islands, have erected huts, until they can rebuild their houses, and are determined, soon as circumstances will admit, to erect a building for Public Worship, and to settle a minister of the Gospel among them, and also to found a Public School for the education of their children. The Petitioners now entreat your Honors to take into your wise consideration their peculiar ciicumstances and sufferings, and quiet them in full possession of the said Islands that the}' nv'iy enjoy privilege and Immunity with the rest of their fellow citizens in the Commonwealth, and under that government they ardently wish to be su[)ported in their person and property. They tlierefore pray that your Honors would relinquish any claims that this Commonwealth may have to the said Islands, to all the inhabitants and their Heirs and Assigns forever, and your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever Pray.

(Signed) George White, i Attorneys for

John CaldeuWOOD, S t/tc Inliahltants.

whose names are as follows :

John Calderwood, William Vinal, James Stinson, James Calderwood, Increase Leadbetter, Job Philbrook, James Jewell, John Leadbetter, Anthony Coombs, Joseph Green,

10 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEK.

James Douglas, Thos. Brown, Maiy Coombs (widow), Reuben Brown, Jeremiah Philbrooks, John Burgess, Increase Leadbetter, Jr., Isaac Air3% John Smith, John Hambleton, Israel Carver, Thaddeus Carver, Caleb Carver, Jona. Foster, Sam'l Calderwood, Penelope Winslow (widow), Isachar Lane, Wm. Cooper, John Burgess, Jr., James Cooper, Ji'., Ephraim Perry, Benjamin Bobbins, James Beveridge, Thomas Cooper, Mark Eames, William Bassick, Cnshen Thomas (a minor), Thomas Beveridge, Joseph Woster, Jr., James Cooper, James Heard, Joseph Waterman, James Dunham, Anthony Dyer, John Perry, Wm. Dyer, James Wlialing, Stephen Carver, Wm. Perry, Justus Eames, Benjamin Kent, Archibald McMullen, Nathl Woster, Jona. Bobbins, Benjamin Carr, Sam'l Thomas, Thomas Gray, Sam'l Thomas, Jr., Joseph Woster, Joel Philbrooks, Ebenezer Crabtree, Luthei' Leadbetter, Matthew Beveridge (a minor), William Calderwood (a minor).

A foot note added the information that one of them was a negro.

In response to the foregoing petition, a survey was made by liufus Putnam, and the following resolutions were passed by the General Court :

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, / In Sp:nate, March 11th, 1786. j

Whereas, it appears to this court from a survey and plan of certain Islands lying in the Penobscot Bay, within the County of Lincoln, called Fox Islands, taken by Kufus Putnam in the year 1785, that said Islands contained 16,527 acres, (and that not more than one-half of said islands is of any value) whereon were seventy-five settlers before the first day of January, 1784; and wdiereas John Calderwood and other settlers on said Islands have petitioned this court for a grant of the same to tliem, their heirs and assimis :

Therefore, resolved. That all the Islands belonging to and composing the division of tlie Fox Islands, as described in

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 11

the aforesaid plan, viz.: Bounded westerly and northerly l)y Penobscot Bay, easterly by Fox Island Bay (which separates these Islands from the Isle au Haut and Deer Island division of Islands) and southerly by the Atlantic Ocean, be and are hereby granted and coniirmed, with all the privileges and appurtenances to the same, belonging to John Calderwood and the other settlers who settled there before the first day of January, 1784, their heirs and assigns, on condition that the said Calderwood and others interested as aforesaid, appropriate (of good land) two hundred acres for the use of the Ministry, and two hundred acres for the use of a grammar school ; and that they pay into the treasury of this Commonwealth within one year from this date, on interest the sum of one hundred and eight pounds in specie, for the expense of surveying the said Islands and other charges, and also the sum of sixty-six pounds, seven shillings, in consolidated securities of this Commonwealth.

Provided, that where any original settler has sold, or otherwise disposed of his improvements to any other person, the purchaser of such improvements, his heirs or assigns, shall hold the same lands which such original settler would have held by virtue of this resolve, if there had been no such sale or disposition.

Sent down for concurrence.

Sam'l Phillips, Jij., Frcs'uTt.

In the House of Representatives, March 13th, 1780. Read and concurred.

Approved, Akteaius Waiid, Spcaler.

True copy, — Attest : JoHX BowDOiN.

John Aveijy, Jr., Secirfanj.

MUNICIPAL.

The first meeting of which we have seen any record was held March lltli, 1785, at the house of Benjamin Kent, on the north island. Tliomas Beverage was chosen Clerk. It appears that previous to this a petition had been sent out

12 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

•

to the General Court, by the settlers, praying for a grant of the land which they then occupied, but at this meeting it was voted to withdraw the first petition and present a new one, and Capt. George White was chosen to forward it to the General Court. The latter is probably the one known as the Calderwood petition, and was exhumed from the Massachusetts Archives by Dr. J. F, Pratt, and a copy is printed on a preceding page. The meeting also voted to raise the sum of twelve pounds to pay for forwanling said petition. The same year a survey of the islands was made b}' Rufus Putnam. A meeting was held in March, 1786. Captain George White was chosen Moderator, and Abner C. Lunt, Clerk. The resolve of the General Court, relative to granting the land to the settlers here, Avas read and accepted, and it was voted to pay Mr. John Yinal, of Boston, the sum of thirty-six pounds for his sei'vices in obtaining" leg-islation in their favor.

At the meeting held October 28th, 1788, Thomas Beverage was elected Plantation Clerk, and Capt. Joseph Waterman, William Vinal, Esq., and Capt. George White were chosen Assessors. On February 2-lth, 1789, the inhabitants voted that the Assessors employ Mr. John Vinal, of Boston, to petition the General Court, in behalf of tliis plantation for an abatement of taxes. At the annual meeting in March, Thomas Beverage was chosen Clerk, and Capt. Josepli Waterman, William Vinal, Esq., and Stephen Carver, Assessors. Committees were appointed to lay out roads on the South and North Islands.

TOWN MEETINGS.

Following is the act of incorporation. Ax Act to incorporate the islands in Penobscot Bay

commonly called the North and South Fox Islands, in

the County of Lincoln, into a town by the name of Vinal

Haven.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 13

siuiie, that the ishands in the Penobscot Bay, in the County of Lincoln, commonly called the North and South Fox Islands, Ijounded as follows : Westerly and northerly on Penobscot Bay, easterly on Fox Island Bay, which separates the islands from the Isle of Holt and Deer Island, division of islands, and southerly on the Atlantic Ocean, together with the inhabitants thereon, be and they are hereby incorporated into a town by the name of Vinal Haven ; and the inhabitants of tlie said town are hereby invested with all the powers, privileges and immunities which the inhabitants of towns within this Commonwealth do, or may by law enjoy.

And be it further enacted, that William Vinal, Esq., is hereby authorized and empowered to issue his warrant directed to some suitable inhabitant of the said town of Vinal Haven, directing him to notify the inhabitants of the said town, to meet at such time and place as he shall appoint, to choose such officers as other towns are empowered to choose at their annual meetings, in the months of March or April annually.

Tliis act passed June 25th, 1789.

A meeting was held December 15th, when Stephen Carver, Anthony Dyer and Mark Fames were chosen Selectmen to lay out roads on the North Island, and Israel Carver, Thomas Brown and James Jewell for the same purpose on the South Island. For labor on the roads it was voted to pay three shillings per day for men, and one shilling and sixpence for oxen, and also voted that roads should be eighteen feet wide.

In the following description of town meetings, it should be noted that they were held alternately each year on the North and South Island, and a majority of the selectmen were generally chosen in the same way. In the matter of appropriations, each island raised its own school money until about 1820, but we give only the total amount, with a few exceptions. The tax collecting was always given to the lowest bidder, and was paid from the town charges, but we give it separate as an item of interest.

14 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

1790. — This year it was voted to hire two schoolmasters for the ensuing year. Voted to hire Michael Brown to teach school on the North Island, and the selectmen were instructed to make a contract with Brown for salary. The sum of four pounds eight shillings was raised to pay assessors' salaries for the previous year, and ten pounds was voted to defray town charges.

1791. — This year, James Stinson and Anthony Dyer were chosen Church Wardens, and three pounds was raised for town charges, and one pound for a record book. At a meeting in May, three pounds six shillings was voted to pay for collecting taxes ; eleven pounds to pay Michael Brown for teaching school the previous year, and three pounds to purchase a standard of weights and measures.

1792. — This year, Anthony Dyer and Stephen Carver were chosen Church Wardens, and seven pounds was voted for town charges. In May it was voted to hire a minister for four months and sixteen pounds was raised for that purpose. It was also voted to have the preaching at the house of James Calderwood, on the South Island, and Eleazar Crabtree and Samuel Thomas on the North Island.

1793. — This year, Mark Eames and Benjamin Daggett were chosen Church Wardens, and eighteen pounds thirteen shillings was raised for town charges. At a subsequent meeting it was voted to raise thirty-six pounds to pay Mr. John Vinal for past services as agent. Voted to buy one and one-half acres of land of Joseph Waterman, for a meeting house lot and burial ground.

1794. — This year Abel Whitman and James Calderwood were chosen Church Wardens. Ten pounds was raised for town charges, and four pounds for collecting taxes. It was voted to divide the town into two districts, viz.: the North and South Districts. Voted to hire a school master for twelve months in the North District. At a later meeting it was voted to raise forty-six pounds ten shillings in the North District, to pay Michael Brown for teaching school. The article relative to hiring a minister was passed over.

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 15

1795. — This year it was voted to pay tour pounds for collecting taxes ; and Stephen Carver and James Stinson were chosen Church Wardens. Fifteen pounds was raised for town charges. At a meeting held in October, it was voted to raise six pounds to pay for having a plan of the town transcribed from a plan originally made by Rufus Putnam, Esq.

1796. — This year John Day and Tliomas Brown were chosen Church Wardens, and forty pounds was raised for town charges.

1797. — This year it was voted to hire a minister, and forty pounds was raised for that purpose ; sixty pounds for town charges ; thirty-two pounds, nine shillings and sixpence for support of poor ; and twelve pounds five shillings for collecting taxes.

1798. — This year one hundred pounds was voted for support of preaching ; two hundred pounds for schools ; lifty pounds for town charges, and forty-eight pounds for support of poor. James Glover and Ezekiel Burgess were chosen Church Wardens, and it was voted that any balance remaining from town charge appropriations of former years be devoted to support of schools and preaching.

1799. — This year it was voted not to raise any money for preaching. Jf^lOO was voted for support of schools ; $60 for town charges ; and f 140 to John Day for support of poor the previous year. The collection of taxes was bid off by Ebenezer Eames for -foO, and %'2F) Avas voted to William Vinal, Esq., for past services.

1800. — This year it was voted to divide the town into eight districts, four on the North and four on the South Islands ; and the article relating to raising money for preaching was negatived. It was voted not to raise any money for support of schools on the North Island, but it was agreed to engage a schoolmaster for the South Island, and a committee of three, namely : William Vinal, James Calderwood and Cyril Brown, were appointed for that purpose. It was voted that each island draw their

16 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

proportion of all moneys in the treasury and that each island repair their own roads. Voted to raise $200 for repairs of roads on the South Island. The collection of taxes was bid off to Mark Calderwood for 'f 30, and |230 was raised for town charges.

1801. — This year the following sums were raised : for town charges, •li'200 ; roads, f 100 ; schools, 1320 ; collecting taxes, $25 ; preaching on North Island, $60. The following matters were carried : To pay a .bounty of three cents on crows' heads ; not to engage a minister on the South Island ; not to allow Matinicus to pay taxes to this town. At the meeting in May, William Vinal, Esq., was chosen Representative to the General Court, the first chosen from this town.

1802. — Voted this year not to hire any minister, and also to prosecute any person cutting down trees on the town's land. $100 was raised for roads ; $150 for town charges ; $280 for support of schools ; and $24 for collecting taxes. No representative this year.

1803. — This year James Calderwood and Samuel Glover were chosen Overseers of the Poor, and it was voted not to hire a minister. Support of schools, $320 ; town charges, $100 ; poor bills $51 ; ammunition for town, $70 ; collecting taxes, $25.50 ; and school arrearages on South Island, $56.

1804. — This year the articles relating to hiring a minister and building a meeting house were passed over. The following sums were raised : Support of schools, $330 ; town charges, $100 ; poor, $20 ; roads, $50 ; collecting taxes, $23.25 ; and for weights and measures, $40.

1805. — This year it was voted not to have any school on the North Island, and the article to raise money for preaching was passed over. Voted to have schools on the South Island and $230 was raised for that purpose. $150 was voted for roads ; $125 for town charges ; $20 for support of poor ; and $21 for collecting taxes. At the meeting held for election of State officers Uriah Norton received several votes for governor.

HISTOllY OF VINALHAVEN. 17

1806. — This year a motion was carried to pay a bounty of ten cents on crows and bluejays and twenty cents a head on eagles. Tliere was voted for town charges -^300 ; c-ollecting taxes, $20, and for support of schools on the South Island, >^'2'^0.

1807. — This year on the question of separting Maine from Massachusetts, there were 84 votes against and none for. Voted not to have any schools on the North Island. The following sums were raised : Town charges, $250 ; roads, $250 : poor, $20 ; collecting taxes, $28 ; and $260 for support of schools on the South Island. It was voted to pay one shilling per hour for labor on the highway, and the same for oxen.

1808. — This year the following amounts were raised : For support of schools. North Island, $200 ; South Island, $200; roads, North Island, $500; South Island, $200; town charges, $250 ; and collecting taxes, $32. William Vinal, Esq., was chosen Representative.

1809. — The appropriations this year were : Roads, $600 ; schools, $400 ; town charges, $240 ; and collecting taxes, $43. At the meeting in May, William Vinal was chosen Representative.

1810. — This, as in previous years, the town's poor were taken l)y individuals, at a stated sum per week. Voted not to have a school on the North Island. Two collectors of taxes were chosen, one each for the vSouth and North Islands, the former to receive $28 and the latter $11. It was voted to raise $240 for town charges, $600 for roads, and $230 for schools on the South Island. Several meetings were held in May, when the vote of the annual meeting to raise $230 for schools on the South Island was reconsidered, and it was voted not to have any schools this year. William Vinal, Esq., was chosen Representative.

1811. — This year David Woster, Stephen Delano and Ezekiel Dyer were chosen Assessors of Taxes, and it was voted not to raise any money for the support of the gospel. There were voted for schools $400 ; roads, $200 ; town

18 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

charges, -1150 ; and collecting taxes, •144. For labor on the roads it was voted to pay twelve cents per hour for men, twelve cents for oxen, twelve cents for ploughs, and six cents for carts. William Vinal, Esq., was chosen Representative.

1812. — Tliis year the following sums were raised : For roads, -fSOO ; schools, •'1400 ; town charges, -ijfSOO ; and for collecting taxes, $40. It was voted not to raise any money for support of a minister. Cyril Brown was elected Representative. At a meeting held on the 17th of July !|100 was voted to purchase powder for the town. A committee, consisting of Cyril Brown and William Vinal, was chosen to confer with the towns Thomaston, Camden, Islesboro and Lincolnville as to the expediency of petitioning the government to send an armed vessel to cruise in Penobscot Bay. A committee of safety was also chosen.

1813. — This 3'ear it was voted not to have any schools, and $400 was voted for roads, $350 for current expenses, and '$43 for collecting taxes. At the meeting in May Cyril Brown was elected Representative, and a committee was chosen to remonstrate against the removal of the courts from Castine. At a subsequent meeting it was voted that exempts form themselves into a company of militia. It was also voted that the town make application to the State government for sixty guns and a supply of powder. In this, the second year of the war with England, our mariners were greatly harassed by the enemy and the coast was so beset by their war ships that it was unsafe for any vessel to put to sea. In June or July an occurrence, of which the Wliite Island was tlie scene of action and the settlers of those islands the actors, will be of interest to the readers of this little volume. The British schooner ^ FI3'," while lying in the roadstead at Owl's Head, flying American colors, had captured five or six coasters, two or three of wliich managed to escape, by being run upon the beach, after having received orders from the Britisher to get under weigh and follow. Eaton, in his history of Thomaston,

HISTOKY OP VINALHAYEN. 19

etc., says : With her three prizes, the privateer stood out of the harhor and stretched across the bay towards the southern extremity of the South Fox Ishmds, where, in one of the most romantic harbors (White Island) on our coast, they all came to anchor. The sun had now set, and a brisk northeast wind, which had been sweeping all day over the water, had died away, leaving a long ground swell heaving in upon this rock-bound and apparently uninhabited island. In this secluded spot, in anticipation of uninter- rupted security, (a small whale-boat only being seen to enter the harbor), the privateer commenced putting on board the Oliver (one of the prizes) the goods taken from the other two prizes. But, by means of that boat, it afterwards appeared, the inhabitants, notwithstanding the ominous silence that prevailed, had been warned of their close proximity to a British privateer, and, as soon as the dusk of evening had begun to gather, men collected from every nook and corner with musket, pusee, and fowling-piece, ready to give her battle at early morn. At its coming, the men of the privateer were busily engaged in finishing the transfer of the goods, while the fishermen fi-om their well selected positions were watching unconcernedly these operations. " What'schooner is that ? " cried, at length, a voice from the shore. " The Shear Water, of Baltimore ; won't you come on board ? " replied the captain of the privateer. "■ No ; but we invite you to come ashore."

" I'll see you d d first," replied the officer. This abiiipt

answer caused a simultaneous fire from the land in all directions. The captain of the privateer fell at the fii-st discharge, having two balls shot through his body. Taken so completely were the officers and crew by surprise that they sought safety below ; while their boat was ordered ashore and captured. There they were, seventy-five in number, driven from the deck ; and not a solitary being- could show his head without being shot. But the inventive genius of man, always greatest when put to the severest test, was called into requisition, and one man, stimulated

20 HISTORY OF VTNALHAYEN.

by the dying injunction of the captain " not to be taken," volunteered his services to cut the cable. He accordingly ventured on deck, and, by creeping along under the hammock nettings, succeeded in accomplishing his object. But while in the act of passing below the halliards of the jib and mainsail, he dearly paid for his temerity, for the bullet of some correct-sighted fisherman shattered his under jaw. He fell, but succeeded in creeping below. Changeable as fortune had thus far been to this luckless vessel, a ra}^ of hope yet lingered among her crew, and an attempt at escape was resolved on. To keep in check in some measure the continual pelting which they were receiving, it was proposed to open a fire from the main hatch ; but, in the first attempt to do this, a well-directed bullet grazed the beard and lip of the venturesome Englishman and lodged in the combings of the hatch. The plan was then abandoned as futile in the extreme. But a gentle breeze and favorable current came to their assistance, and, by hoisting the jib and mainsail and managing to steer the vessel by means of a bayonet and musket thrust through the sky-light, the3^ at length got out of harm's way, and finally made their escape, leaving the brave and hardy fishermen of Fox Islands the successful captors of their boat's crew and the three prize vessels. The same writer says that Captain B. Webb, who gave an account of this adventure, was a prisoner witli four others on board the privateer, and that subsequently they were given their liberty, and landed on Matinicus rock.

1814. — This year a vote was passed not to allow minors and men exempt from taxation to work on the roads, and also voted not to raise any money for the support of the gospel or schools. tflOO was voted for roads ; |550 for town charges ; and |)38.50 for collecting taxes. At tlie. May meeting it was voted not to send a representative to the General Court.

1815. — This year the following amounts were raised : Support of schools, $24:0 ; town charges, #500 ; roads and

htstory of vtnalhaven. 21

bridges, |400 ; and collecting taxes, $-47.50. It was voted to pay for labor on the roads twenty-five cents per hour for men, twenty-five cents for ploughs, and twelve and a half cents for oxen. The article to raise money for support of the gospel was negatived. No representative chosen this year.

181(3. — This year it was voted to pay the same sum for labor on the roads as the preceding year. Appropriations : Roads, 1600 ; town charges, $350 ; schools, $400 ; collecting taxes, $31 ; and $50 was voted to purchase ammunition. At the May meeting there were fourteen candidates for representative. Neither having a majority, the meeting- was adjourned to the first Monday in May, 1817. In the early part of September Thomas Beverage was chosen to attend a convention held at Brunswick on the last Monday of the same month. On the question of separating Maine from Massachusetts there were given for the separation, none ; against it, thirty-three votes.

1817. — The sums raised this year were : For support of schools, $400 ; roads, $400 ; town charges, $500 ; collecting- taxes, $24.75. In May Cyril Brown was chosen Representative.

1818. — This year it was voted to pay four cents per hour for labor on the roads, the same for oxen and ploughs, and two cents for carts. $500 was voted for town charges ; $400 for support of schools ; $100 for roads ; and $30 for collecting taxes. No representative was chosen this year. A special meeting was held in June, when the article relative to building a schoolhouse in the southern district was passed over.

1819. — This year it was voted not to raise any money for support of the Gospel, and the poor were auctioned oft" to the lowest bidder. A list of such as were disposed of under this vote are given. The following sums were raised : Roads, $500 ; schools, $430 ; town charges, $750 ; and collecting taxes, $33.50. At the May meeting it Avas voted not to choose any representative, and voted to assess

22 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

a tax on the Matinicus Island, and John Green was chosen Collector for that island. A meeting was held in September when Benjamin Beverage was chosen a delegate to' attend a convention at Portland, for the purpose of forming a State constitution, and in December the constitution was voted upon. The number in favor was thirty-two, and opposed two votes.

1820.— This year |4D0 was raised for roads ; .t400 for schools ; !i<250 for town charges ; and 't29.25 for collecting taxes. The poor were auctioned off to the lowest bidder, and the article relative to selling unoccupied lands was passed over. Thomas Waterman was elected Representa- tive.

1821. — This year it was voted to pay 12 1-2 cents per hour for labor on the roads, the same for oxen, and the surveyors were instructed to procure carts and ploughs as cheap as possible. Raised .^400 for roads ; -f 400 for schools ; -tSOO for town charges ; and |'27 for collecting taxes. Ezekiel Dyer was chosen Representative.

1822. — This year it was voted to re-district the South Island, and two districts were constituted, making six in all. Several bills against the town were presented and allowed ; and voted for roads, f 400 ; schools, f 523.20 ; town charges, $250 ; collecting taxes, #24.50. A committee was chosen to consider the feasibility of establishing an ale wive fishery on the North Island, for the benefit of the town. A petition remonstrating against a division of the town was not acted upon. Ezekiel Philbrooks was chosen Representative.

1823.— This year #400 was voted for roads ; $520.20 for schools ; $350 for town charges ; and $22.90 for collecting taxes. It is presumed that the committee appointed at the last annual meeting to consider the feasibility of establishing an alewive fishery for the benefit of the town reported favorably, for at this meeting another committee was appointed and given discretionary power to act in the matter. John Glover was elected Representative.

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 23

1824. — This year a committee of three, namely : Mahxtiah Luce, George Dyer and David Woster, were chosen to superintend the alewive fishery, and it was voted not to allow any of said fish to be taken this year. The following sums were raised : Roads, >ii'400 ; schools, $523.20; town charges, 1450; collecting taxes, 118.50. At the annual election in Septeml)er, Ebenezer Calderwood was chosen Representative.

1825. — This year there was voted for schools, -^524 ; roads, $400 ; town charges, $650 ; collecting taxes, $24.75 ; The alewive privilege was sold to Ethelbert Lindsay for $16, for one year, with the understanding that he sell the fish to the inhabitants of the town, at a price not exceeding 33 cents per hundred. At a subsequent meeting, the selectmen were instructed to offer a reward of $20 for the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons who had destroyed the dam at the outlet of the fresh pond. George Dyer was chosen Representative.

1826. — This year the sum of $650 was voted for town charges ; $400 for roads ; $524 for schools ; and $35 for collecting taxes ; and the article relative to paying the poor bills semi-annually was passed over. At the annual election, Rufus Calderwood was elected Representative.

1827. — This year, voted to improve the alewive fishery, and a committee was appointed to superintend the same, and constables were instructed to post certified copies of warrants according to law. Voted that the treasurer have for services one per cent, of all moneys paid to him, and $650 was voted for town charges ; $525 for schools ; $400 for roads and bridges ; $27 for collecting taxes ; and $40 for repairing bridge at the outlet of Carvers' Pond. Nathaniel Beverage was chosen Representative.

1828. — This year the privilege of taking alewives was sold to Ephraim Luce for $2.50 ; and $523.23 was voted for schools ; $400 for roads ; $450 for town charges ; and $100 to build a bridge across Carver's mill stream ; for collecting taxes on the South Island, $10 ; North Island,

24 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEK.

•t4. The assessors were instructed to take the valuation this year. At the annual election John Carver was chosen llepresentative.

1829. — This year the town voted to grant licenses to sell spirituous liquors, and also to exempt those living- on Green's, Lane's and Dyer's Islands from paying highway tax. Raised •|!524 for schools ; -^400 for roads and bridges ; •1600 for town charges : and -120 for collecting taxes. Benjamin Cral)tree was elected Representative, having a majority of two votes. A special meeting was called in October to vote on the questions of building a bridge across Vinal's Falls, and entering a protest to the Legislature against the election of Benjamin Crabtree as Representative. The contract for building said bridge was taken by John Vinal for -fl-jQ, and there were in favor of the protest twenty-one, and against, eighty-nine votes.

1830. — This year it was voted to pay the collectors two per cent, for collecting, with the understanding that they collect all of the taxes committed to tliem in one year from date of commitment, otherwise they were to have nothing for services. Voted to pay the selectmen and other town officers seventji'-five cents per day. Raised- #600 for roads and bridges ; 1523.20 for support of schools ; and |850 for support of poor and other town charges. At the annual election Perez Babbidge was chosen Representative.

1831. — This year the following amounts were raised: Roads and bridges, -1600 ; schools, 1628.40 ; support of poor, #650 ; and 120 to build a bridge across Old Harbor Falls, and also $39 for collecting taxes. At the annual election John Carver was chosen Representative, and the selectmen were chosen a committee to remonstrate to the Legislature against the removal of the courts from Castine to Ellsworth.

1833. — This year Josiah Beverage, Benjamin Crabtree and Samuel Young were elected S. S. Committee, and tlie choosing of school agents was left with the several districts. Voted $600 for roads and bridges ; $628.40 for schools ;

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 25

!|600 for town charges ; and i|45.50 for collecting taxes. Joseph Wooster was chosen Representative.

1884. — This year there was voted for schools f628.40 ; roads and bridges, -fBOO ; town charges, $500 ; collecting taxes, -^41. All of the town's poor were taken to support for one year by Samuel Young, for which he was to i-eceive •f2o0. Francis McMuUen was elected Representative.

1885. — This year the town's poor were taken by Benjamin Coombs to support, for ■'$264, and there was voted for the support of schools 1628.40 ; roads and bridges, $600 ; town charges, -1400 ; and collecting taxes, $41.50. It was voted to pay constables $1.50 for warning town meetings. At the September meeting, James Smith was elected Representative.

1836. — This year there was voted for roads, $600 ; town charges $600 ; support of schools, $628.40 ; collecting taxes, $48. At the annual election, David Smith was chosen Representative. The vote for shire town was, Castine, 158 ; Ellsworth, 1 vote. In October occurred that frightful disaster, which is still remembered by many of our people, the burning of the steamer " Royal Tar." The story as related to us by Mrs. Roxanna Dyer, whose husband was captain of the Castine cutter " Veto," that rescued all who were saved, is as follows : The Royal Tar was bound to Boston from St. Johns, having on board a number of passengers, and a caravan of wild animals. In the midst of a severe gale (that was blowing off shore) while heading for the thoroughfare, the steamer was anchored off Coombs' Head. Captain Edward Waite, of Portland, who was a passenger, was below at the time, but happening to come on deck some time afterwards discovered that the ship was on fire and that the crew had left in the boats. Captain Waite managed to have the cable slipped and to hoist the mainsail, and would probably have succeeded in beaching the steamer had not the sail caught fire. The ship was fast drifting seaward when the cutter arrived. About sixty were saved, including those in the boats. Among

26 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

tlie passengers were sixteen women and twelve children, and all but four of the former and one of the latter perished. Captain Dyer cared for a number of the rescued at his home on the North Island, expending one way and another several hundred dollars for which he was never reimbursed. In these days of frequent marine disasters we get accustomed to such appalling recitals, but fifty years ago an occurrence of this kind was talked over for many days.

1837. — At the annuiil meeting there was voted for support of schools $628.40 ; roads and bridges, -$600 ; town charges, "1600 ; collecting taxes, i29. This year the surplus revenue was divided among the towns in the State by the Legislature, and it was voted that this town receive its proportion of such money. Benjamin Crabtree was chosen to receive it from the State Treasurer, and to conform to all the requirements of the act, which shall be obligatory upon the town. The management of said money was left with the selectmen and treasurer, and in loaning any of it they were not to charge more than six nor less than five per cent, interest. At a meeting in May the boundary lines of Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5 were re-established. James Smith was chosen Representative. A meeting in October voted -f 100 to build a new road in District No. 5*

1838. — This year there was raised for support of schools, $628.40 ; town charges, $800 ; collecting taxes, $48 ; roads and bridges, $600, and an additional $100 that was voted at a previous meeting. It was voted to make a per capita division of the surplus, so that each person should receive two dollars. At the September meeting David Smith was chosen Representative.

1839. — This year the territory from John Creed's cove northerly to Otis Shaw's line was set off from District No. 4 and constituted as District No. 7, and there was raised for roads $600 ; support of schools, $720 ; town charges, $800 ; collecting taxes, $30. The articles in the warrant relative to erecting gates instead of bars, and building a

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 27

bridge across Carver's mill stream large enough to allow teams to cross were passed over. At a subsequent meeting- it was voted that certain loans due the town from individuals be paid to the treasurer to cancel notes held against the town, and also voted not to pay the assessors more than one dollar for services. James Smith was elected Representative. On the question of amending the constitution to make the terms of all judicial officers seven years there were for, 136 ; against, 15 votes.

1840. — This year the town's poor were taken to support by Samuel Young, for -f600. A vote passed, prohibiting the treasurer from paying any further claims on account of the surplus, unless b}' order of the selectmen. The vote of last annual meeting, dividing District No. 4, was re-considered, and a committee appointed to re-district and report at a future meeting. There was voted for town charges, 1800 ; support of schools, f 630 ; roads and bridges, $600 ; collecting taxes,$39.50. At the September meeting David Vinal was chosen Representative.

1841.— This year -$780 was voted for schools ; |700 for town charges ; !f!600 for roads and bridges, and $50 for collecting taxes. Two new districts were set off from No. 4, viz.: 8 and 9, and one from No. 3, viz.: No. 7. At the September meeting, William Thomas was elected Re})resentative ; and on the question of biennial elections there were, for, 31 ; against, 116. It appears that this year a number of citizens petitioned the county commis- sioners, praying to have a town way laid out over the tide waters of " Carver's Mill stream," and a town meeting held in December appointed a committee to remonstrate to the Legislature against said petition. A vote was carried to instruct the representative from this town to use all honorable means to restrain the Legislature from favoring said petition.

1842. — This year the article relative to licensing retail dealers of spirituous liquors, was indefinitely postponed, and -f 600 was voted for roads and bridges ; |500 for

28 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

support of schools ; fSOO for town charges ; and -117.50 for collecting taxes. At a meeting in May an additional sum of |>280 was voted for schools. James Crockett, Jr., Avas chosen Representative. At a subsequent meeting in November 'fl25 was voted to remove school house in District No. 4, and l|545 to Samuel Young for support of poor.

1843. — This year the following sums were raised : -f 600 for schools ; -f 600 for roads and bridges ; $800 for town charges, and 135.50 for collecting taxes. On the question of setting off the North Island into a separate town, there were in favor 62 ; against, 83 votes. Fifty dollars was voted to repair the bridge at Vinal's mill. At the annual election William Thomas was chosen Representative.

1844. — This year there was raised for town charges, .1900 ; schools, -f600 ; roads and bridges, |400 ; and collecting taxes, $*54. Green's Island was made a school district. Dexter Farnam, of Islesboro, was elected Representative.

1845. — This year the article in the warrant relative to building a town house was passed over, and |<900 was voted for town charges ; $780 for support of schools ; $600 for highways, and $40 for collecting taxes. At the September meeting David Vinal was chosen Representative.

1846. — An article in the warrant relative to settino- off the North Island, on the strength of a petition from James Beverage, 2nd, and 178 others, was passed over. Notwithstanding this action, the North Island was set off, and incorporated June 30tli of this year. There was raised for roads $600 ; schools, $780 ; town charges, $750 ; collecting taxes, $41.21. At the September meeting David Ames, of Fox Island, was elected Representative.

1847. — A meeting was held in March at which a committee was appointed to settle the accounts, make a division of the poor, etc., between this town and Fox Isle, and at the annual meeting the report of the commiitee was adopted. Raised for support of schools, $470 ; roads,

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 29

|)400 ; town charges, $400 ; collecting taxes, $20. Joseph Boardman, of Tslesboro, was elected Representative.

1848. — This year there was voted for roads and bridges, 'f 500 ; town charges, 1500 ; support of schools, !|470 ; collecting taxes, $S2. At the September meeting David Smith was chosen Representative.

1849. — This year the following amounts were raised : For support of schools, $410 ; roads and bridges, -1400 ; town charges, $500 ; collecting taxes, $34. The contract for building a bridge across Carver's mill stream was awarded to John Carver, for $300. The piers (five in number) of said bridge were to be 12 feet in length, and G feet wide, built of stone. At a subsequent meeting the bridge was accepted, and a sum sufficient to pay for it, raised. For representative, David Ames, of North Haven, was chosen.

1850. — This year there was voted for schools $470 ; roads and bridges, $400 ; town charges, $350 ; collecting taxes, $35.50. The article relating to setting off District No. 6 into a separate town was passed over. For representative, Joseph Boardman, of Islesboro, was chosen. At a meeting held in November, William Vinal, Esq., was chosen an agent to ascertain if the town was obliged to pay a bill presented by the county commissioners for laying out a road the previous year, and he was vested with power to authorize the selectmen to settle said bill, or take measures for defence in law.

1851. — The special act of the Legislature granting permission to owners of land to erect gates across the town roads was read and approved, and it was voted to have open roads from the 20th of November to the 20th of March. For schools there was voted $501 ; town charges, $350 ; highways, $400 ; collecting taxes, $38.50, and $75 to build a bridge across the carrying place (so called). The contract for building said bridge was awarded to F. A. Hunt, for which he was to receive $73. No representa- tive elected this j^ear.

30 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

1852. — This year 1)200 in money was voted for highways, to be expended under the supervision of the selectmen ; $501 for support of schools ; $400 for town charges, and $44.50 for collecting taxes. At the September meeting it was voted to abate the highway tax of those living on adjacent islands. Elisha Smith was elected Representative.

1853. — This year the articles in the warrant relative to establishing a liquor agency, and also to prosecute for selling liquors contrary to law, were passed over, and $501 Avas raised for support of schools ; $350 for town charges ; $400 for roads and bridges ; $40 for collecting taxes, and $100 for building a bridge across Vinal's Falls. The contract for building said bridge was awarded to F. A. Hunt. Jonathan Woster, of North Haven, was chosen Representative.

1854. — This year there was an article in the warrant to see what method the town would take to build a town house, but the meeting passed it over. For schools there was voted $G2G ; roads, $400 ; town charges, $550 ; collecting taxes, $G0 ; repairing carrying place bridge, $30, and an additional $50 for roads in Districts 5 and 6. The treasurer was authorized to obtain a loan of $100. Calvin Fames, of Islesboro, was chosen Representative.

1855. — This year the following amounts were raised : Support of schools, $752 ; roads and bridges, $350 ; town charges, $750 ; collecting taxes, $55, and the treasurer was authorized to obtain a loan of $125. At the September meeting F. A. Hunt was elected Representative.

1856. — This year the matter of collecting money from the town of Gouldsboro* for support of poor was left with the town agent, and the question of building a bridge across the Little Basin Falls was indefinitely postponed. There was voted for town charges, $800 ; support of schools, $752 ; roads and bridges, $400 ; and collecting taxes, $43.25. Lewis Leadbetter, of North Haven, was chosen Representative.

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 31

1857.— This year $752 was voted for schools ; *750 for town charges ; '$59 for collecting taxes ; -f 400 for liighways and bridges, and #25 to build a road around Folly Brook Hill. It was voted to buikl a town house, and -flOO was raised for that purpose. The selectmen were made a committee to provide a suitable location for said house. At a subsequent meeting the contract for building town house was bid off at auction to F. A. Hunt. His figures were t|499.50. It was voted to open the town house for religious, temperance and political meetings. Nelson Gilkey, of Islesboro, was elected Representative.

1858. — This year there were ten collectors of taxes, and the total sum voted for collecting was $22, and $752 was raised for support of schools ; $450 for highways, and $1,000 for town charges. At a meeting held in June it was voted to pay Thomas Arey, of Gouldsboro' $100 per year for the support of his father and mother for a term of five years. At the same meeting there were four votes for the license law of 1856, and twenty-six votes for the prohibitory law of 1858. Moses Webster was chosen Representative.

1859. — This year Leadbetter's Island was set off into a district and $1,300 was voted for town charges ; $800 for support of schools ; $450 for roads and bridges ; $58 for collecting taxes, and $25 to repair the bridge across Carver's mill stream. Harrison Beverage, of North Haven, was chosen Representative. A special meeting was held in December to choose a representative in place of Harrison Beverage, who resigned. Lewis Leadbetter was elected.

1860. — This year it was voted to allow a discount of five per cent, on taxes paid before the 20th of August, and three per cent, on all taxes paid before the 20th of November. Leadbetter's Island and adjacent land were constituted as District No. 11. This town's interest in the fishery privilege at North Haven was sold to H. C. Lane for six dollars. $1,200 was voted for town charges ; $700 for schools ; $500 for highways and bridges ; $57 for

32 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

collecting taxes, and $25 for a bridge across Old Harbor Falls. It was also voted to expend $25 of the money voted for highways on said bridge. Andrew P. Gilkey, of Islesboro, was chosen Representative.

1861. — This year there was raised for support of schools $1000.20 ; town charges, $1000 ; roads and bridges, 1500 ; collecting taxes, $68. At a subsequent meeting Isaac Murch was chosen selectman in place of Willard Calderwood^ deceased. At the September meeting David Vinal was elected Representative.

1862. — This year there was voted for schools $800 ; roads and bridges, $200 ; town charges, $900 ; collecting taxes, $49.37. By vote of the town the overseers of poor were instructed to purchase a stock of cheap, wholesome food, to be used for such of the poor as were not boarded out by the year. At a special meeting -140 was voted to repair the bridge at the Harbor, and 1300 for roads in addition to the amount raised at the annual meeting. At a meeting held July 26th to provide for filling the town's quota ; it was voted to pay each volunteer a bounty of ■$100 when mustered into the service ; and a committee of three, namely, David Vinal, Martin N. Hopkins and S. B. Perry, were chosen to negotiate for and enlist volunteers. Voted to give*three cheers for the first volunteer, which, a little later, were given for James P. Mills. On the 27th of August a vote was passed to pay each volunteer -flOO ; twenty in cash and a note or town order for the balance, payable in five years or sooner if the town so directs. Jesse Sleeper, Jr., of South Thomaston, was chosen Representative.

1863. — This year the article relating to raising money for State aid was passed over, and -f 1,600 was voted for town charges ; -1800 for support of schools ; 1200 for roads and bridges ; 173.50 for collecting taxes, and |30 to build a bridge at Dyer's Island. At a town meeting held August 24th it was voted to pay $300 to every drafted man who might be accepted by the United States, and the selectmen were authorized to borrow money for the same. On the

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 33

4th day of September the town voted to pay a bounty of -f 300 to each drafted man or substitute, when mustered into the U. S. service from this town. William Thomas, of North Haven, was chosen Representative. At the town meeting held November 21st, it was voted to pay $'200 to each volunteer who shall be mustered in tlie United States service from this town, and an additional $15 to each man tliat enlists, or to any person that induces another to enlist, and the selectmen were authorized to borrow a sum sufficient for the purpose. Another meeting was held December oth. It was voted to pay -IjIOO in addition to the amount voted at the last meeting for volunteers entering the service from this town.

1864. — This year it was voted totax dogs, and to raise the amount required by law for support of schools. There was voted for town charges, •'§'1,800 ; roads and bridges, I IrOO : collecting taxes, 84.75, and !|oO to be expended on the road between the town house and Carver's Harbor. At the September meeting Reuben Carver was chosen Representative. A town meeting was held November the 8th. It was voted to pay |300 to each drafted man or substitute who shall be mustered into the service of the United States from this town. A town meeting was held January the second, 1865, to provide measure for filling town's quota, under the last callof the President for troops. The selectmen were authorized to hire a sum sufficient for filling such quota, and that notes for said sum, of the denomination of •*#25 and upwards, be issued by the selectmen, payable in from three to five years, and said loans were to be exempt from taxation. Robert L. Crockett was chosen an agent to assist the selectmen in hiring monej^ and enlisting recruits.

1865. — This year it was voted to raise the amount required by law for support of schools ; ^2,500 for town charges ; •1200 for roads and bridges ; $142 for collecting taxes, and •l5l,400 for war debt. James Newhall, of South Thomaston, was elected Representative.

34 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

1866. — This year the article in the warrant relative to taxing small open boats, nets and lobster gear was passed over, as was the article to have open roads from Carver's Harbor to the Thoroughfare. Voted to set off John Vinal and W. H. Vinal from District No. 4 and that they be allowed to draw their proportion of school money. The following amounts were raised : Town charges, (|2,500 ; roads and bridges, $450 ; war debt, $8,000 ; collecting taxes, 1192.50, and $100 to build a foot bridge over the Little Basin Falls. For schools, the amount required by law was voted. At the September meeting Simon G. Webster was chosen Representative.

1867. — This year $2,000 was voted for town charges ; $1,000 for roads and bridges ; $1,500 for war debt ; $187 for collecting taxes, and $75 for the bridge over Little Basin Falls. A vote was taken in June on the act for the suppression of " drinking houses, and tippling shops." There were in favor, 18 ; against, 7 votes. James Newhall, of South Thomaston, was elected Representative.

1868. — This year there was voted for town charges, $2,000 ; schools, $1,500 ; roads and bridges, $1,000 ; war debt, $1,000 ; and $243.50 for collecting taxes. It was voted that persons chargeable to the town be employed breaking rocks in the winter time. Hanson T. Carver, of North Haven, was chosen Representative. Upon the amendment to the constitution, authorizing a limited reimbursement of war expenses, by loaning the credit of the State, there were 301 votes in favor of and none against.

1869. — This year a committee of three was chosen to ascertain the probable cost of a soldiers' monument for this town, and to report at next annual meeting. The committee were John Carver, F. A. Hunt and S. G. Webster. $2,500 was voted for town charges ; $1,700 for support of schools ; $500 for roads and bridges ; $2,500 for. war debt, and $200 for collecting taxes. At the September meeting William H. Paige was chosen Representative.

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 35

At a meeting held P'ebruary first, 1870, E. R. Graffamwas elected Representative in place of W. H. Paige, deceased.

1870. — This year it was voted to allow a discount of eight per cent, on all taxes paid on or before the first day of August ; six per cent, on all paid by the 1st of October, and four per cent, on all paid by the first of December, and it was also voted to add six per cent, to all taxes remaining unpaid after the first day of January, 1871. There was raised for town charges •'12,500 ; roads and bridges, -1700 ; war debt, •'$500 ; collecting taxes, -$145, and one dollar per capita for support of schools. There was voted for a soldiers' monument -"^SOO, and for widening the stone work on Carver's bridge •i'lOO, John A. Emery, of South Thomaston, was chosen Representative.

Representatives since 1870, with years of election:

1871 — Israel C. Glidden, Vinal Haven.

1872 — Simon G. Webster, Vinal Haven.

1873— Nelson Mullin, North Haven.

1874— Martin H. Kiff, Vinal Haven.

1875 — David H. Sawyer, South Thomaston.

1676 — Horace M. Noyes, Vinal Haven.

1877 — Bushrod H. Clay, South Thomaston.

1878 — Albert G. Beverage, Not-th Haven.

1879 — Levi W. Smith, Vinal Haven.

1880 — Joseph T. McKellar, South Thomaston.

1882— Levi W. Smith, Vinal Haven.

1884 — George F. Lewis, North Haven.

1886 — Thomas J. Lyons, Vinal Haven.

1888 — Robert A. Harrington, South Thomaston.

Following is a list of those who have held the office of town clerk, treasurer, and selectman, each year for the past century, the names appearing in the order given :

* resigned; t died.

1790 — Thomas Beverage ; Joseph Waterman ; George White, Eleazer Crabtree, Samuel Young.

1791 — Thomas Beverage ; Joseph Waterman ; George White, William Vinal, Stephen Carver.

36 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

1792 — Thomas Beverage ; Joseph Waterman ; William Vinal, George White, Stephen Carver.

1793 — Thomas Beverage ; Joseph Waterman ; George White, Stephen Carver, William Vinal.

1794 — Thomas Beverage ; Joseph Waterman ; William Vinal, Stephen Carver, Anthon}^ Dyer.

1795 — Thomas Beverage ; Joseph Waterman ; *William Vinal, Cyril Brown, Samuel Thomas, Benjamin Daggett.

1796 — Thomas Beverage ; Joseph Waterman ; William Vinal, George White, Uriah Norton.

1797 — Thomas Beverage ; Samuel Thomas ; George White, Uriah Norton, Thomas Beverage.

1798 — Thomas Beverage ; Anthony Dyer : Stephen Carver, Uriah Norton, Thomas Waterman.

1799 — John Beverage ; Anthony Dyer ; Samuel Thomas, Cyril Blown, George White.

1800 — John Beverage ; Anthony Dyer ; Cyril Brown, George White, William Vinal.

1801 — John Beverage ; Anthony Dyer ; Cyril Brown, George White, Cushing Thomas.

1802 — John Beverage : Uriah Norton : George White, Cyril Brown, Cushing Thomas.

1808 — John Beverage ,•• Uriah Norton ; Cyril Brown, George White, Cushing Thomas.

1804 — John Beverage ; Uriah Norton ; George White, Cyril Brown, Cushing Thomas.

1805 — John Beverage ; Uriah Noi'ton ; William Vinal, Stephen Carver, Cyril Brown.

1806 — John Beverage ; Uriah Norton ; Benjamin Beverage, Cyril Brown, Stephen Carver.

1807^.Iohn I)everage ; Uiiah Norton: (3yril Biown, Benjamin Beverage, David Wostcn'.

1808 — John Beverage ; Uriah Norton ; Cyril r>rown, Benjamin Beveiage, David Woster.

1809 — lolni Beverage; Uriah Norton; Cyril Biown, Benjamin Beveiage, Thomas Watei'man.

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 37

1810 — John Beverage ; Uriah Norton ; Benjamin Beverage, Cyril Brown, Thomas Beverage.

1811 — John Beverage ; Uriah Norton ; James Calder- wood, John Vinal, Thomas Waterman.

1812 — John Beverage ; William Norwood ; Cyril Brown, Nathaniel Beverage, Benjamin Beverage.

1813 — George Dyer ; Nathaniel Beverage ; Cyril Brown, Samuel Young, Jr., David Woster.

1814 — George Dyer ; Nathaniel Beverage ; Cyril Brown, Thomas Waterman, David Woster.

1815 — George Dyer ; Nathaniel Beverage ; Cyril Brown, Benjamin Beverage, David Woster.

1816 — George Dyer ; Nathaniel Beverage ; Benjamin Beverage, Thomas Waterman, Ebenezer Calderwood.

1817 — George Dyer : Nathaniel Beverage ; Benjamin Beverage, Ebenezer Calderwood, David Woster.

1818 — George Dyer ; Nathaniel Beverage ; Ebenezer Calderwood, Nathaniel Beverage, Zebulon Stanly,

1819 — George Dyer; Nathaniel Beverage; Benjamin Beverage, Ebenezer Calderwood, Cyril Brown.

1820 — George Dyer; Samuel Thomas; Ezekiel Phil- brooks, Benjamin Crabtree, Benjamin Beverage.

1821 — George Dyer ; Samuel Thomas ; Benjamin Beverage, Benjamin Crabtree, Ebenezer Calderwood.

1822 — George Dyer ; Samuel Thomas ; James Babbidge, Benjamin Beverage, Benjamin Crabtree.

1823 — George Dj^er ; Samuel Thomas ; Benjamin Crabtree, Ebenezer Calderwood, James Babbidge.

1824 — George D3'er ; Samuel Thomas ; Benjamin Crabtree, Ebenezer Calderwood, Josiah Thomas.

1825 — George Dj^er ; Samuel Thomas ; Ebenezer Calderwood, William Vinal, Benjamin Crabtree.

1826 — George Dyer ; Ebenezer Calderwood ; Benjamin Crabtree, Wilham Vinal, John Glover.

1827 — George Dyer ; James Thomas ; William Vinal, John Carver, Benjamin Crabtree.

38 HISTORY OF VESTALHAVEN.

1328 — George Dyer ; Ebenezer Caldervvood ; John Carver, George Dyer, Nathaniel Beverage.

1829 — George Dyer ; Ebenezer Caklerwoocl : Riifus Caklerwood, Benjamin Crabtree, Willliam Vinal.

1830 — John Vinal ; Ebenezer Caklerwood ; George Dyer, David Woster, John Carver.

1831 — John Vinal ; Ebenezer Caklerwood ; John Carver, David Woster, William Vinal.

1832 — John Kent ; Ebenezer Calderwood ; David Woster, Francis McMullin, John Kent.

1833 — Rufus Calderwood : Ebenezer Calderwood; Francis McMullin, William Vinal, James Beverage.

1834 — Rufus Calderwood ; Ebenezer Calderwood ; Francis McMullin, Joseph Woster, 2nd, James Beverage.

1835 — Rufus Calderwood ; Ebenezer Calderwood ; Francis McMullin, Joseph Woster, David Woster.

1836 — Rufus Caklerwood ; David Wostei- ; Joseph Woster, Benjamin Beverage, Reuben Carver.

1837 — Rufus Calderwood ; David Woster ; Benjamin Beverage, Luther Calderwood, Rufus Calderwood.

1838 — Rufus Calderwood ; David Woster ; James Smith, David Vinal, Perez Babbidge.

1839 — Rufus Calderwood ; David Woster ; John Carver, Benjamin Beverage, James Crockett, Jr.

1840 — Rufus Calderwood ; David VVoster ; James Crockett, Jr., Levi Dyer, Perez Babbidge.

1841 — Rufus Calderwood ; f David Woster, James Crockett; James Crockett, Jr., Francis McMullm, Levi Dyer.

1842 — Rufus Calderwood ; James Crockett ; Hiram Woster, James Crockett, Jr., James Beverage.

1843 — Rufus Calderwood; Joseph Woster; James Crockett, Jr., Perez Babbidge, Francis McMullin.

1844 — Rufus Calderwood; Joseph Woster; Perez Babbidge, James Crockett, Jr., David Woster.

1845 — Rufus Calderwood ; Joseph VVoster ; Rufus Calderwood, Francis McMullin, David Ames.

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 39

1846 — Rufus Calclerwood ; Joseph Woster ; Francis McMullin, Josiali Beverage, Lewis Leadbetter.

1847 — Rufus Calderwood ; James Fernald ; David Vinal, Rufus Calderwood, Joseph Ginn.

1848 — Rufus Calderwood ; David Vinal ; Reuben Carver, Ezra Calderwood, Isaiah Pierce.

1849— Watson H. Vinal ; David Vinal ; William Vinal, John Carver, Ebenezer Calderwood.

1850 — Watson H. Vinal; David Vinal; John Carver, Francis McMullin, Luther Calderwood.

1851 — Watson H. Vinal ; William Vinal ; Elisha Smith, Rufus Calderwood, Joseph Ginn.

1852— Watson H. Vinal ; William Vinal ; Fitz A. Hunt, Elisha Smith, Watson H. Vinal.

1853 — Watson H. Vinal; William Vinal; Joseph Ginn, Ezra Calderwood, Elisha Smith.

1854— Watson H. Vinal ; William Vinal ; Watson H. Vinal, Nathan H. Carver, Joel Philbrooks.

1855— Watson H. Vinal ; William Vinal ; Watson H. Vinal, F. A. Hunt, Joel Philbrooks.

1856— Watson H. Vinal ; William Vinal ; Joel Philbrook, F. A. Hunt, Seth Calderwood.

1857— Watson H. Vinal ; William Vinal ; Watson H. Vinal, James Roberts, Rufus Calderwood.

1858— Watson H. Vinal; William Vinal; Rufus Calderwood, David Smith, 3rd, F. A. Hunt.

1859 — Watson H. Vinal ; John Vinal ; Reuben Carver, Elisha Smith, Willard Calderwood.

I860— Watson H. Vinal ; John Vinal; W. B. Calder- wood, Elisha Carver, Moses Webster.

1861— Watson H. Vinal ; John Vinal ; Moses Webster, Elisha Carver, fW. B. Calderwood, Isaac Murch.

1862 — Watson H. Vinal ; John Carver ; Reuben Carver, Elisha Smith, Isaac Murch.

1863— Watson H. Vinal ; John Carver ; S. G. Webster, Reuben Carver, Elisha Smith.

40 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

1864— Watson H. Vinal ; F. A. Hunt ; Simon G. Webster, Elislia Smith, Jesse Calderwood.

1865— Watson H. Vinal ; F. A. Hunt ; F. A. Hunt, James Roberts, E. P. Walker.

1866 — Watson H. Vinal; F. A. Hunt; James Ginn, Jr., F. A. Hunt, Elisha Smith.

1867— Watson H. Vinal; F. A. Hunt; F. A. Hunt, Elisha Smith, James Ginn, Jr.

1869— Watson H. Vinal ; F. A. Hunt ; William H. Paige, VV. H. Vinal, L. J. Calderwood.

1870 — Watson H. Vinal ; F. A. Hunt ; John B. Carver, Freeman C. Carver, James C. Calderwood.

1871 — Watson H. Vinal ; F. A. Hunt ; James C. Calderwood, Freeman C. Carver, Otis Mills.

1872— Watson H. Vinal; F. A. Hunt; James C. Calderwood, Freeman C. Carver, Otis Mills.

1873— Watson H. Vinal; F. A. Hunt; James C. Calderwood, Otis Mills, Ezekiel Burgess.

1874— Watson H. Vinal ; F. A. Hunt ; Martin H. Kiff, Calvin Smith, Martin N. Hopkins.

1875— Watson H. Vinal ; F. A. Hunt ; Martin H. Kiff, Calvin Smith, Charles B. Vinal.

1876— Watson H. Vinal ; William B. Kittredge ; Martin H. Kiff, Calvin Smith, Charles B. Vinal.

1877— Watson H. Vinal ; Calvin Smith, Mark Arey, Thaddeus C. Creed.

1878— Watson H. Vinal; F. A. Hunt ; Charles B. Vinal, 1 Levi W. Smith, Daniel H. Glidden.

1879— Watson H. Vinal; F. A. Hunt; Levi W. Smith, Daniel H. Glidden, David L. (Carver.

1880— Watson H. Vinal; F. A. Hunt; Daniel H. Glidden, David L. Carver, Charles B. Vinal.

1881— Justin S. Hopkins ; F. A. Hunt ; David L. Carver, Charles B. Vinal, Jonas Mills.

1882— Justin S. Hopkins ; F. A. Hunt ; Daniel H. Glidden, Jonas Mills, Levi W. Smith.

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 41

1883— Justin S. Hopkins; F. A. Hunt; Daniel H. Glidden, Tliaddeus C. Creed, Jonas Mills.

1881— * Justin S. Hopkins, F. S. Walls ; F. A. Hunt, Levi W. Smith, O. P. Lyons, F. B. Vinal.

1885— F. S. Walls ; F.A.Hunt; O. P. Lyons, F. V. Crocker, F. B. Vinal.

1886— F. S. Walls ; F. A. Hunt ; O. P. Lyons, F. V. Crocker, F. B. Vinal.

1887— E. W. Arey ; F. A. Hunt ; Fred J. Ware, Leroy Calderwood, C. E. Boman.

1888— Daniel H. Glidden ; William V. Hunt ; Fred J. Ware, Lerby Calderwood, C. E. Boman.

1889— Daniel H. Glidden; William V. Hunt; C. E. Boman, C. H. Healey, J. C. Calderwood.

NOTICES OF FIRST SETTLERS AND EARLY INHABITANTS.

Thomas Ginn was a native of Liverpool, England, where he was born in 1762. When seven years old, he with his parents, emigrated to this country and settled in Maryland. He afterwards lived for some years in Bucksport, Me., and came here about 1785. He was a mariner, and ran a freighter between here and Boston. In 1786 he married Miss Sarah Young, of Old York, and the same year built a frame house (which is standing at present) on Green's Island. Mr. Ginn was the father of ten children, only one of whom is now living. He died at the age of 52 years.

Peter Smith came here at an early date, what year is not known. He occupied a small tract, on Calderwood's Neck, and was probably one of the very first to settle in that part of town. It is said that after living there several years he sold out to John Calderwood, and moved away. Nothing more is known of him.

John Smith, son of the former, was one of the first settlers here. He located on what is now called Roole's Hill, and his tract contained about 320 acres. He married twice, his first wife being a Miss Philbrook, by whom he had six children. His second wife was Mary Calderwood, daughter of John and Elizabeth Calderwood, and eight children were born to them. He was one of those who, during the Revolutionary War, was compelled by the British to work upon the fortifications at Castine. Mr. Smith used to relate that the English got but very little benefit from his labor, as he would pound his axe on a rock at every opportunity, so that it took him about all the time

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 43

to grind it. He was a noted sportsman, and many stories are told of his exploits with the gun. There are a large number of his descendants living here, some of whom are past fourscore. During the last years of his life, he and his wife lived with their son Levi, in the town of Knox, Waldo County, where they died at a ripe old age.

James Roberts was born in Liverpool, England, in the year 1770. When about nine years old he ran away from home and shipped as cabin boy on a vessel bound to the West Indies. About the year 1789 he met Captain Isachar Lane, at Annapolis, N. S., with whom he shipped and came here. He finally purchased Capt. Lane's place, (the Roberts homestead) where he passed his life. In 1792 he married Sarah Hall, of Matinicus Isle, and nine children were born to them. Mrs. Susan Coombs, who now resides in Wisconsin, was the youngest child and is the only one living. He died at an advanced age, within a few rods of where he first landed.

William Roberts, oldest son of the above, was born October, 1792. He was married in 1815 to Susanna Coombs, daughter of Anthony Coombs, by whom he had 14 children, several of whom are now living here. He always lived on the old homestead, and was highly respected by all who knew him. For a number of years before his death, at each succeeding anniversary of his birth, his descendants, of whom there are many here, would gather at his home, and it was always a feast of pleasure for the old gentleman as well as a day of enjoyment for those present. He died March 26th, 1888, in his 96th year.

Doctor Theophilus Hopkins was born in 1757, and came here from Starks, Me., about 1805. It is said that he was a skillful physician, and was the first settled doctor of whom we have seen any record. He was also an assistant surgeon in the Revolutionary army. Doctor Hopkins was married four times, his first wife having died in less than a week after marriage. He at first resided on Calderwood's Neck, but afterwards purcliased from a Mr. Conery the

44 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

place occupied by the late M. N. Hopkins. He was the first of that name in town, and a number of his descendants are now living here. He died in 1836, aged 79 years.

Francis McMullin was born on the North Island in 1796. He married Lavina Hopkins, a daughter of Theophilus, and four children were born to them, all of whom are living. He was prominent in town affairs, having served several years as selectman, and also a term in the Legislature. He was a carpenter by trade, and lived on the place now occupied by Thomas Perry, where he died, aged 61.

James Stinson settled on the place now occupied by J. R. Merrithew. He was one of the seventy-two who obtained a grant of their lots from the General Court in 1786. He was somewhat prominent in the early affairs of the town, but we have not learned anything more concerning him.

IsACHAR Lane was one of the early settlers here. He married Susan Hall, of Matinicus, and lived on what is now the Roberts homestead. While gunning on Malcolm's Ledge an accidental discharge of a gun so mangled one of his hands that amputation was necessary. He went at once to Rockland, where the operation was performed by Dr. Barnard. He afterwards followed the sea for awhile, and then moved away from here.

Benjamin Lane, brother of the above, was born 1762. He was probably a native of Massachusetts, and came here after the Revolutionary War, His wife was Margaret Hall, of Matinicus, and they had seven children. He settled on Griffin's (Lane's) Island, which he purchased from Thaddeus Carver. He died in 1842, his wife having passed away five years before.

Joseph Lane, son of Benjamin, was born 1800. He married Abagail, daughter of Joseph Arey, and four children were born to them. He settled on the place now owned by Capt. Emery Smith, where he carried on quite an extensive business curing fish, etc. About 1834 he

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 45

began furnishing outfits for fishing vessels, the first one here to start this branch of the business. He died 1871. His wife survived him a few years.

Timothy Lane, brother of the above, was born in 1805. He married Rebecca, daughter of William Smith, and they had six children born to them. He resided on Lane's Island, and about 1850 commenced curing fish and furnishing outfits. He carried on a large business, and at one time was owner in from twenty to twenty-five vessels. He accumulated a considerable property, and in 1865 paid the largest tax ever assessed against any one person in town, amounting to $1,328.73. Besides this, the firm of Timothy Lane and Sons paid -1238.95. He died in 1871, aged 6Q years. His wife died in 1888, aged 81 years.

Samuel Pease was a native of JMartha's Vineyard, and probably came here about 1790. In 1798 he married Miss Jane Rich, and eleven children were born to them. He was a fisherman, and resided near the Old Harbor. Isaiah is the only child of his now living here. He died aged about 80.

Havilla Pease, brother of Samuel, came here about 1790, and in 1793 married Abagail Norton. He lived on the place now occupied by J. R. Merrithew, and sometime afterwards resided in Rockland.

Thomas Pierce was probably a native of Provincetown, and came here about 1796. He was a fisherman, and resided near the Old Harbor. Two of his twelve children are now living. Mrs. Sally Arey, wife of the late Capt. Mark Arey, resides here, and one other in Aroostook County. He died aged about 79.

Isaac Arey was a native of Cape Cod, and in the year 1770, while on his way to Mount Desert, with his wife and one child, he put into what is now called " Arey's Harbor," and being pleased with the surroundings, he bought a tract of land, comprising about 700 acres, for the sum' of -fiSO, from a man named Wheeler, who was then living there.

46 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

He lived for a while at the head of the harbor, but afterwards moved onto the island now owned by Smith Hopkins. He is said to have owned the first horse ever brought to this town, Mr. Arey was drowned while crossing to Isle au Haut in a small boat. Mrs. Arey was a skilled midwife, and had been called to Isle au Haut, and it was while going after her that he lost his life. He was the first of that name to come here. His grandson, John Arey, is the oldest person of that name in town. His age is 86.

Thaddeus Caeveu was born December 7th, 1751. In 1766, when 15 years old, he came here from Marshfield, Mass., with his father and an elder brother. The father and brother left here sometime after, but Thaddeus remained. He worked for Francis Cogswell, of Ipswich, Mass., who at that time had a double sawmill here on the site of the present polishing works. In 1776 he bought Cogswell's interest here, which consisted of seven hundred acres of land, sawmill, etc., and for which he paid two liundred and sixty pounds. He married Hannah Hall, of Matinicus, and ten children were born to them, only one of whom is now living. He died in 1832, aged 81 years.

John Carver, oldest son of Thaddeus, was born April 12, 1793. He lived until his death on the old homestead, which is now occupied by his daughter, Mrs. H. S. Hopkins. He at times was engaged in fishing and coasting. Once, while fishing off shore, his vessel was run down by a coaster. Captain Carver was below at the time, and barely escaped with his life. One man named Reuben Brown was drowned. He was also prominent in town affairs, having served several years on the board of selectmen, besides representing his townsmen in the Legislature. He married Rhoda Arey, second daughter of Ebenezer Arey. They- had 13 children, nine of whom are now living. He died in 1877. His wife survived him several years.

• HISTORY OF VESTALHAVEN. 47

Reuben Carver, son of Thadcleiis, was born August 27th, 1797. When 23 years old he married Hannah Calderwood, daughter of James Calderwood, who at that time owned the late Jere Hall estate, near the carrying place. He built a log hut on the site where now stands the late Moses Webster residence, and after living there six years he erected the house where he now resides and which has been his home ever since. Mr. Carver's has been a busy life. He early engaged in trade, but about 1826 commenced building vessels, which has been his principal occupation, though largely interested in other business, such as lumbering, curing dry and smoked fish, running sawmills, erecting buildings, etc. At one time he and his brother John built a lime kiln near where the post ofifice is now located. It was the first and only one ever built in town, but it did not prove a paying venture. He was several years one of the board of selectmen, postmaster six years, and has served one term in the Legislature. He is now in his 92nd year, surrounded by relatives, who attend to his every comfort. His wife died in 1856, and two years later he married Mrs. Diana Coombs, of Belfast. Some four years ago she died. There were nine children born to him by his first wife, and all but one are now living.

Anthony Coombs came here from Pemaquid Point about 1775, and purchased what is now called Coombs' Neck, and settled there. Whom he bought from is not known. It is said that he first occupied himself in cutting a passage through the woods from his hut so that he could see the thoroughfare. He afterwards built a frame house where his grandson, B. R. Coombs, now resides. It is one of the oldest houses in town. His wife was Anna Stinson, daughter of James Stinson, who is mentioned in this work. Fourteen children were born to them, two of whom, Anthony and Sylvanus, were twins.

48 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

John Caldekwood. The Calderwoods are said to be of Scotch origin but emigrated to Ireland at an early date, where John was born February 15th, 1725, and the same year his parents emigrated to this country and settled in Londondery, N. H. In 1850 he was in Warren, Me., where he purchased a farm. He married Elizabeth McCurdy, a lady of superior intellect, and to them thirteen children were born. In 1769 he sold his place in Warren and came to this town, settling on the North Island, near where the Baptist meeting house now stands, but soon after (1770) exchanged with Major White for a lot on the " Neck " (so called) on the South Island to where he removed and built a house, where his grandson Jonathan now resides, and where he lived at the time of his death in 1808. He was the first of that name to come here, and his was probably the first frame house built in this town.

John Vinal was a resident of Boston, Mass., and it is not known that he ever visited this town, but we mention his name because of his relations with the early settlers here. Being a man of influence, he was employed by the inhabitants to obtain legislation for them from the General Court, and it was also in compliment to him that the town received the beautiful name by which it is known.

William Vinal, son of the above was born in Boston, in 1762, and was among those who settled here previous to 1786. He owned a large tract of land here which he purchased from a Mr. Philbrooks, and he also owned land on the North Island where he lived several years. His first wife was Peggy Woster, by whom he had three children, John, William and David. (The latter enlisted in the United States service in the war of 1812, and died in the hospital at Burlington, Canada, in 1814.) His wife died in 1791, and seven years later he married Penelope Dyer, and they had two children, Peggy and Charlotte. He was a man of decided ability and was a justice of the peace as early as 1785. It was under his warrant that the first town meeting was held. He was also a member of

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 49

the board of selectmen ii iiuniber of years, and in 1801 was elected to the General Court, the first representative from this town. In later life he was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Hancock Co. He died at his father's house in Boston, January 21st, 1821. His real estate here was divided between liis two sons, John, born 1788, and William, Jr., born 1789. John married Susanna Carver, and they had five children (two are living, Watson H. and William). He lived on that part of the estate where his son W. H. Vinal now resides. He died January 25th, 1838. William Vinal, Jr., who for many years was known as 'Squire Vinal, was a prominent figure in town affairs, having held several positions of trust. He was justice of the peace, and at the time of his death was town treasurer. His wife was Sally Carver, by whom he had nine children. Three are living, George at Rockland, Me.; Charles B, and John here. His residence was on the north side of Vinal's bridge, where he died January 23d, 1859.

John Burgess was probably a native of Cape Cod, Mass. The time of his coming here is not known, but it must have been previous to 1785. He settled on what is now Dyer's Island, but years afterwards moved to Belfast, Me., where he died, aged 91. Of his children, two are known to have resided here, Ezekiel, who died on Matinicus Isle, aged 75, and Edward, who, it is said, died at Belfast at an advanced age. Capt. Thomas E. Burgess, of the schooner P. M. Bonnie, plying between here and Belfast, is a grandson of Ezekiel.

Joseph Green was the first to settle Green's Island, and is said to have come there not far from 1768. His father, David Green, was killed by Indians at the siege of Louisburg, in 1745, and his stepfather, Ebenezer Hall, was killed by Indians on Matinicus Isle, in 1757. He married Dorcas Young, a sister of liis lialf brother, Ebenezer Hall, Jr.'s, wife, and they had fourteen cliildren born to them. He took up the whole of Green's Island, but gave part of it to one Eben Pierce in order that he might have a

50 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

neighbor. Pierce some years later sold his interest to Joseph Ginn, whom we have noticed. Mr. Green and his wife were past fourscore when they died.

Cyril Browx came here at an early date, probably from Rhode Island. He was long a prominent man in town affairs, was several years one of the selectmen, and also represented the town in the General Court. His place was in the vicinity of Brown's Head Light, which probably derived its name from his. Several of his grandchildren are living here. He lived to an advanced age.

Uriah Norton was one of the early settlers here. He came from Cape Cod. His place was located at the thoroughfare, and until the last two or three years occupied by Geo. D. Hopkins. He was a trader, and had a small store on his place. He was honest and upright, and was for a number of years town treasurer. He had two daughters, one of whom married a son of Dr. Hopkins, and Geo. D. Emery, Jr., and the late M. N. Hopkins were children of theirs. Mr. Norton died 1811.

THE NORTH ISLAND.

The North Island was probably permanently settled before the South Island, and for a number of years their population was greater. In 1784 there were 68 tax payers on the North Island, and their tax amounted to X103, 13s., 5d., while the South Island had but 42 tax payers and their total tax was X32 Os. 2d. We regret not being able to give a more extended account of those who settled the North Island, as many of them were men of prominence in town affairs, but the brief time at our disposal for the preparation of this work compels us to confine ourselves to such information as we could hurriedly obtain.

Thomas Winslow was born in Old York in 1729, and it is said was here as early as 1760, remaining but a short time. He returned again in 1765 and settled on what is now the Samuel Carver farm. The Widow's Island was also included in his tract.

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 51

Caleb Carver was among the first to come liere, and his lot, containing about 200 acres, was located in the northeast part of town. His business was principally farming.

Benjamin Kent came here from Marshfield, Mass., when a boy. An apple tree he brought with him and planted here is still standing, and has withstood the elements for more than a hundred years, some seasons bearing 25 bushels of fruit. He was a farmer, and his place joined that of Cashing Thomas.

John Newbury was born in Newbury, Mass., and came here in 17G8, settling in the northeast part of town. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and was once taken prisoner, but escaped fi'om his captors. His occupation was farming, fishing and boat building. He died about 1832, at the age of 95 years.

Benjamin Carr was a native of Wellfleet, Mass., where he was born in 1738. He came here when about 30 years old, and settled on the northeast side of Pulpit Harbor. He was a farmer and his place contained about 500 acres.

Jonathan Robbins came here in 1766 from Dedham, Mass., and settled on what is called Indian Point. He was a well-to-do farmer and a worthy citizen.

William Banks was a native of Rhode Island, where he was born in 1726. He came here at an early date, and for a time lived on Eagle Island . He was a soldier in the French and Indian War, and while in the service had a very severe attack of smallpox.

JosiAH Hastings was among the first to come here. He settled on a large tract in the vicinity of Fresh Pond, but sometime afterwards sold his place and moved to Hope.

CusHiNG Thomas was born 1769 in Marshfield, Mass., and came here with his father and brother Samuel, about 1789. His place was wliat is now the Henry L. Smith farm. He was deacon of the Baptist church, and led the choir several years.

52 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN,

James Glover came here when a young man. He was born in Marshfield, Mass., in the year 1751. His phice was in the vicinity of Southern Harbor, and his occupation was farming.

Thomas Waterman was a native of Marshfield, Mass., where he was born in 1740. He was here in 1760 but did not remain long-. Returnino- ao-ain in 1765, he settled in the vicinity of Iron Point. His lot contained about 400 acres. He also took up what is now called Stimpson's Island.

David Wostek was a native of England, and was born 1732. He emigrated to this country when about 12 years old, and in 1762 settled here. He took lip land on the southeast side of Southern Harbor, where he settled.

Mark Ames was born in Marshfield, Mass., in 1742 and came here about 1765. He took up land about midway between Pulpit Harbor and Crabtree's Point. His time was employed farming, fishing and building boats. We have information that his son Benjamin was ordained Baptist minister at this place in 1809.

Justice Ames, a brother of the above, was born in the year 1744. His place included what is now called Pigeon Hill. He was a farmer and boat builder. His second wife was the Widow Orr, whose husband was killed in the Revolutionary War. It is said that he was one of the party that in 1813 attacked the British cruiser " Fly '"near the shores of the White Island.

John Lindsay was a native of Old York, where he was born about 1735. He came here in 1765, but did not remain long. Selling his place to Capt. Crabtree, he removed to Thomaston (now Rockland). His son George was afterwards proprietor of the Lindsay House, Rockland.

William C()0peii was born 1740, in Marshfield, Mass., and came here at an early date. He is said to have been a very eccentric man. He at first settled near the head of Southern Harbor, but afterwards removed to the .extreme northeast part of the Island.

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 53

Captain Thomas Beverage was a native of Topsham and was born 1750. He came here when a young man and settled near the southeast part of Pulpit Harbor stream. He was a very intelligent man and was engaged in farming and logging.

Benjamin Robbins was born in Newbury, Mass., in the year 1741. He was one of the early settlers, and owned what is called the Oak Hill farm. He was a farmer and boat builder and was often engaged hunting and trapping.

Richard Heath was born 1711 in Harpswell, Me. The date of his coming here is not known. His lot was what is now the Thurston farm. He lived here a few years and then returned to his native place. He was a man of intelligence, a thorough-going church member. He was at one time a land serveyor and also a soldier in the Revolution.

Stephen Carver belonged in Marshfield, Mass., and was born there in 1710. He was one of the early settlers, and was noted for his piety. He lived on what is now the W. O. Waterman farm.

Archibald McMullin was a native of Dedham, Mass. He was born about 1756. He came here in 1781, and settled on a lot which he purchased from his father-in-law, Jonathan Robbins. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary army and was with Washington at Valley Forge.

Michael Bowen was a native of Cork, Ireland, and was educated in the Dublin University. When a young man he emigrated to this country, and afterwards joined the Colonial forces in the war for independence. He served with distinction during the war and was promoted to the rank of major. After peace was declared he settled here. His business was farming and teaching school. In 1790 he married Sarah Carr, who survived him. The first teacher in town of whom we have seen any record was John O'Brien, who was employed as such by Mr. Beverage,

64 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN,

by whose aid he escaped from the British service. He was here but a short time. Aside from this, Bowen appears to have been the first school teacher in this town and the only one for several jea,rs after his coming here, his engagements alternating between the North and South Islands. He was well educated, and his pupils made rapid progress under his tutorage. It is said that he was a great lover of rum and that when any of the boys in his charge had advanced as far in mathematics as the " Rule of Three," they were obliged to furnish him with a gallon of his favorite beverage.

John Brown came here in 1760. He was a native of Marshfield, Mass., and was born in 1740. His lot joined Caleb Carver's on the southwest side. He was a carpenter and blacksmith.

Bethuel Luce was born in Martha's Vineyard in the year 1730. He was a soldier in the French War, and came here in 1765, bringing with him his three sons Maltiah, Elijah and Uriah. His was the lot known as the Luce and Hooper farms. He was engaged farming, fishing and curing fish.

James Heard came here about 1766 and took up a lot joining that of Bethuel Luce and Benjamin Carr. Years afterward he moved away, so we have been informed, to South Thomaston.

George White was a native of Georgetown, and we have been informed, settled on " Calderwood's Neck " on the South Island, but about 1770 exchanged with John Calderwood for a lot on the North Island, where the Baptist meeting house is now located. He enlisted as a private in the war for Independence and was promoted to the rank of major. He was highly respected for his sterling qualities, and was one of the first board of selectmen.

Samuel Thomas was born in Marshfield, Mass., 1741, and came here at an early date. He purchased from one Rufus Candish a lot of land located between Kent's Cove

HISTORY OF VtNALHAVEN. 55

und the Cubby Hole (so called) where he settled. He was by trade a carpenter.

William Dyer was a native of Marshfield, Mass., where he was born in 1739. He came here previous to the Revolution, and settled on a lot, part of which is now North Haven village. His occupation was farming and lishing, and he is said to have been an expert at shooting sea-fowl.

Benjamin Dyer, brother of the above, was a native of Marshfield, Mass., and came here with his brothers. He settled on the lot adjoining Capt. Joseph Waterman's, and extendino; to the east shore of Southern Harbor.

Anthony Dyer, brother of Benjamin, settled on the lot now known as the Crockett and Cabot farm. His occupation was farming. He was also prominent in town affairs.

Captain Eleazer Crabtree was a native of New York State, and was born 1738. He was here in 1760, but the Indians being troublesome he was obliged to leave. He returned again in 1784, and settled on a lot at the head of Southern Harbor. He also bought of John Perry the lot known as Crabtree's Point. He was a master mariner and shipbuilder. In 1804 he was cast away on the coast of Ireland, the vessel (ship Lucy and Nancy, built here by him the year previous) becoming a total loss. Capt. Crabtree and crew were picked up by a passing vessel and landed at Liverpool, England. He was one of the first board of selectmen, and was well advanced in years when he died. His grandson, E. C. Crabtree, Esq., is living here.

John Perry was born in Duxbury, Mass., in the year 1741, and came here about 17(J4. He settled on what is now Crabtree's Point. He also took up a lot between Perry's Creek and Seal Cove on the South Island. His first wife was a Miss Woster, and after her death he married a widow named Perry. He was father of sixteen children. About 1779 he was living on the South Island where he cultivated a small patch of land. He was one of those who

56 HISTORY OF VIKALHAVEN.

suffered from foragers during the occupanuy of Castine by the Britisli. One day a party of these foragers Linded at his phice and were helping themselves to his corn, etc., thinking probably that one man alone would not dare resent their actions (it is said there were fifteen of them), but Perry secured his guns and selecting a favorable spot shot two of the party and then fled into the woods. The rest of the party pursued him, but he evaded them by hiding in an old hollow tree. He remained in his hiding place about forty-eight hours and when it appeared that the coast was clear he hurried to the shore, sprang into his dug-out and paddled to Owl's Head. From there he went to Boston. He returned here shortly after, and when it came to the British strenuous efforts were made to capture him, but without success. Several times he came near falling into the hands of the enemy, but always managed to escape. Once, while picking up some birds that he had shot in the vicinity of Crockett's River, he was ordered to come ashore by some British who happened to be there. He answered that he would as soon as he gathered all of the birds. His would-be captors stood carelessly watching him, a fact which he probably noticed, and while pretending to be getting ready to go ashore he suddenly and with all his might paddled in the opposite direction. A shower of bullets followed him, but he escaped unharmed. He is said to have been a man very small in stature but full of pluck and endurance. He at one time owned a farm in Northport, but in his declining years resided here. He died at the age of ninety-three. Mr. James Smith, now living here, and Mrs. Roxanna Dyer on the South Island, are grandchildren of Perry's, and both are past fourscore.

MATINICUS ISLE.

Matinicus seems to have been regarded as an integral part of this town, though it does not appear to have been included in the act of incorporation. Taxes were assessed upon its estates by this town, but whether it was done by

HISTORY OF VLNALHAVEN. 57

direction of the State, petition of its inhabitants, or an assumption of authority, we have not learned. In 1794 there were seven resident tax payers, and the total tax was £5 13s. 4d. In 1801 it was voted not to allow Matinicus to pa}^ tax to this town, and in 1819 it was voted to assess a tax on Matinicus. This is all the reference we have seen to the municipal relations between the two islands. The iirst permanent settler was Ebenezer Hall, who came to the Island about 1751. His wife having died, he married the Widow Mary Bloom Green, who resided at Pemaquid and who had one son named Joseph. Hall had two daughters and a son by his Iirst Avife. The daughters he brought to the Island, having put his son to learn a trade. For the first two years his relations with the Indians (who were often in that vicinit}^ egging and fowling) were friendly but having burnt over the Green Island (a small island north of Matinicus) in order to laise a better crop of hay for his cattle, and being warned by the Indians not to do it again, as it interfered with their egging and fowling, he paid no attention to the warning but did burn it again, which seems to have excited their anger. He also appears to have bothered them in their sealing and fishing. The following is an extract of a letter to Governor Phips from four Penobscot Indians, in behalf of their tribe. It is dated April 25th, 1753, and was furnished to us by Mr. J. F. Calderwood, of Warren :

Brother, you did not barken to us about the Englishman on the Island, he hunts us in our seiling and fishing, its our livelihood and others too, for what we get we bring to your Truck Master, we don't hinder him from fisliing ; if you don't remove him in two months we shall be obliged to do it ourselves. We have writ to you before and have had no answer, if you don't answer we shan't write again, its our custom if our letters are not answered not to write again. We salute you and all the Council in behalf of the Penobscot Tribe.

58 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

(Signed) fCosEMES,

J MODOBT,

'\ Chebnood, ( mugdumbawit.

They did not remove liiiii in two months, as threatened, but in June, 1757, a party of them made their appearance on the island, and finding Hall absent they retired to a distant part of the island to await his return. He returned unobserved by them, and when it became known that he was at home they immediately laid siege to his house. The siege continued several days, when they finally succeeded in killing him. The boy Joseph Green made his escape through a back window and hid in some tall o-rass, where he remained until after the Indians had left. He was on the island two or three days, when he was taken off by a passing fishing vessel. Mrs. Hall and the two daughters were taken captives by the Indians, and it is said that the mother and daughters were separated at some point on the Penobscot and never afterwards met. Mrs. Hall was taken to Canada, where she was eventually ransomed, sent to England, and afterwards returned to Portland. In July, 1765, she married Mr. Chipman Cobb, and about 1775 moved to Gorham, where she died at the age of 89. Hall's son, Ebenezer, married Miss Susannah Young, of Old York, and moved to the island about 1763. There were fifteen children born to them, all of whom lived to marry and raise families. The Carvers, Lanes and Roberts are descendants of Hall's on the maternal side. Joseph Green married a sister of Mrs. Hall's, and afterwards applied to Hall for a share of the island. Mr. Hall would allow him but a small portion on the west side, which he refused, and then moved to Green's Island, as previously mentioned. The seven resident tax payers in 1794 were : Ebenezer Hall ; Ebenezer Hall, Jr., who married a Miss Calderwood of this town ; Abraham Young, whose wife was a sister to Mrs. Hall, and who moved to the island about 1765 ; Jonathan Allen, who was an officer

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 59

in the Revolutionaiy army; Josepli Young, son of Abraham, mairied Peggy Tolman ; John Crie, native of Scotland, majried Polly Hall, daughter of Ebenezer, Sr.; and Jeremiah Tolman.

Matinicus organized as a plantation 1 840.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

Probably many of the earl}^ settlers here were religious people, but we have not learned that for the first quarter of a century any measures were adopted by them to secure the services of a preacher of the Gospel. In 1785 the General Court directed that religious teachers be employed half the year, for the destitute plantations in Lincoln County, to be paid from the State tax collected from the inhabitants. As the people here had suffered severely during the Revolution, it is to be presumed came under that category, and were favored with a portion of such teachings. The first action taken in religious matters by the settlers was in 1792, when the town voted sixteen pounds to hire a minister four months. In 1797 forty pounds was raised, and in 1798 one hundred pounds for support of preaching. Since the latter year it does not appear that any aid was given by the town for religious purposes, except that for several years church wardens and tithing men were elected at town meetings. The first clergyman's name appearing on the town records is that of Rev. John Haines, who solemnized marriages in 1805. The North Island seems to have been ahead in religious matters, for about 1805 the Baptist Church was organized there, and in 1808 a meeting house was erected by them, which is still standing. Their first settled preacher was Rev. Nathaniel Haines. We have not been able to learn at what time the Methodist Church was established here, (South Island), but it appears that their teachers were the spiritual guides of the inhabitants up to the year 1835. About this time, Mormonism was preached here, and it is said held sway for several years, during which time a

60 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

iiuml)er of the leading members of the hitherto prevailing- faith were converted to its ranks. Rev. Ephraim Whitney, a Methodist clergyman, preached here in 1841, and was followed by others of the same persuasion until about the year 1860. During all the preceding years, so far as we can learn, no attempt had been made to erect a place for public worship, the meetings having been held in the several schoolhouses and at private residences. In the early part of the year 1860 a niimber of prominent citizens formed a society, the object of which was to build a meeting house. A code of by-laws were adopted, and a building committee, consisting of Reuben Carver, Timothy Lane and Moses Weljster, were chosen and authorized to borrow sufficient funds and go aliead with the work. It was also decided that the new building when finished should be a Union meeting house. The building was completed the same year, at a cost of $2,850, and the pews were appraised at a sum sufficient to cover the cost of the house. The trustees of tlie building were David Vinal, Ezekiel Burgess, Elisha Carver, Chancy Noyes and Nathaniel Ames. The first three have been laid away from earthly labors. The Free Will Baptist Church was organized here in 1863 by Rev. W. H. Littlefield, (who was. subsequently their pastor for several years), and since that time up to the present year the pulpit as a rule has been supplied by preachers of that faith. The Uni(m society was organized February 12th, 1863, and its first officers were James Roberts, chairman ; and David Vinal, Secretary ; S. G. Webster, David Vinal and Benjamin Lane, Executive Committee. This society virtually controls the preaching at Union Church, and among its first members were such well known names as Timothy Lane, John Carver, David Vinal, Moses Webster, S. G. Webster and John De Laski. There has been no settled pastor here tlie past year. A meeting was held April 5th, 1889, when, in order to raise funds for support of preaching the original pew holders consented to have their pews sold

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 61

for one ye;ir. Sonietliiiig over -fSOO was I'ealized from the sale, and the executive committee, namely : T. G. J^ibby, H. M. Noyes, and J. A. Babbidge, were authorized to negotiate for the services of a clergyman. Several were brought here on trial, and the society at a meeting held May 28th, (1889), voted to accept the services of Rev. Warren Applebee, at a salary of f|l,000 a year, and the use of tlie parsonage. Mr. Applebee is a Congregationalist minister, and we understand, the first of that faith to preach in this town. The only other religious society in town are the Second Advents, whose church was organized, about seven years ago, and two years ago their chapel was built. Their pulpit is supplied by laymen, with an occasional preacher from abroad. There are also a few Catholics, whose spiritual wants are attended to by the resident pastor at Rockland, Maine.

SOCIETIES.

There is probably not a town in the State of the same population, with as many organizations, that are any better supported than those in Vinal Haven. Nearly all of those we shall mention are in existence at present, and have a substantial membership.

MASONIC.

Moses Webster Lodge, so named in compliment to the late Hon. Moses Webster, was organized January 17th, 1868, by E. E. Wortman, D. D. G. M. The charter members were : George Roberts, Charles Littlefield, E. L. Roberts, Edwin Lane, A. A. Dolham, Eben Roberts, H. K. Webster, James Thompson, W. E. Avery, J. F. Talbot, Moses Webster, W. H. Paige, W. H. Paige, Jr., James McDonald, E.- H. Lyford, Smith Hopkins, Ezekiel Burgess, E. R. Graffam, F. C. Carver, B. J. Richards, J. D. Arey, Michael Carlin, J. R. Merrithew. The first officers appointed by the G. M. were George Roberts, W. M.; W. E. Avery, S. W.: Charles Littlefield, J. W. Tlie first

62 HISTORY or VINALHAVEN.

meeting was held on the upper floor of the hiulding now occupied by A. P. Green, and others, but afterwards a hall was fitted for their use in the same building, where their meetings were held for Jabout twelve years. The Masonic block was built in 1879, at a cost of 111,615.12, and the lodge moved into their new quarters in January, 1880. The present n)embership is 170.

Atlantic, R. A. Chapter, was instituted June 14th, 1876, with seventeen charter members ; J. B. Courrier, H. P.; John A. Miller, Treasurer; E. A. Mudgett, Secretary.

DeValois Commandery, K. T., was instituted October 14th, 1886, with twenty-four charter members. The first E. C. was Frederick S. Walls ; Calvin B. Vinal, Treasurer, and Charles Littlefield, Secretary. The present membership is tliirty-eight.

1. (). o. F.

Star of Hope Lodge was instituted November 23rd, 1874, by F. M. Laughton, M. W. Grand Master, and the charter members were : John Lowe, A. A. Beaton, M. H. Kiff, William H. Johnson, and John A. Miller. The first officers were : A. A. Beaton, N. G.; John Lowe, V. G.; M. T. Fitzsimmons, Secretary, and John A. Miller, Treasurer. The lodge held their meetings for several years in the hall over M. H. Kiff's store. They finally purchased the building, with the one adjoining, and in 1885 both were united, and a fine hall arranged on the upper floor. The total cost of the building was about #8,000. This lodge has paid in benefits about 1^4,000, and up to the present time 207 members have been initiated.

Island Home Encampment was instituted July 26th, 1883, with seven charter memberr. The first officers were : A. A. Beaton, C. P.; Everett Mills, S., and J. S. Black, Treas.

Canton Vinal Haven, Patriarchs Militant, was mustered April 25th, 1889, a wai'rant having been obtained by

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 63

thirty-four members of Island Home Eiieampmeiit. The first ofhcers were : Fred Hinckley, Captain ; C. E. Boman, Clerk ; Everett Mills, Accountant.

TEMPERANCE.

Granite Lodge, I. O. G. T., was organized February 2nd, 1866, with twenty charter members, and Reuben T. Carver, was the first W. C. T. This was at one time the banner lodge of the State, having had upwards of four hundred members.

Saint Joseph's C. T. A. S. was organized in the latter part of 1874, and was successful for a time, but finally disbanded. M. Maker was President, and John Murphy, Secretary.

Vinal Haven Reform Club organized in 1875. M. H. Kiff was the first President. This club flourished for several years.

There have been at different times several juvenile temperance societies, but none exist at present.

G. A. R.

Lafayette Carver Post was granted a charter November 26th, 1881, and there were twenty-four charter members. Henry C. Day was the first Commander.

Thomas G. Libby Camp, Sons of Veterans, was instituted December 10th, 1887, with seventeen charter members. James H. McLitosh was Captain.

Woman's State Relief Corps organized December 18th, 1883, with thirty charter members. Mrs. Celeste Carver was the first President.

LABOR SOCIETIES.

Rock Bound Assembly, K. of L., was organized January 30th, 1885. There were twenty charter members, and T. J. Lyons was the first Master Workman.

61 HISTOKY OF VINALHAVEN.

Viiiiil Haven Biaiicli, (j. C. N. U., organized February lOtli, 1877. Alexander Davidson was the lirst President. Lapsed in 1879, and re-organized in 1887, with Fred J.' Ware, President.

Vinal Haven Branch, Paving Cutters' Union, organized May 21st, 1888, with seven charter members. George Bettie was the first President.

INSURANCE SOCIETIES.

Ishmd City Lodge, K. of H., instituted September -1th, 1878, and there were nine charter members. George Roberts was the first Dictator.

Subordinate Council No. 307, United Friends, had their charter granted March 26th, 1888. There were forty-six charter members, and Mrs. Emma Roberts was the first Chief Councilor.

VINAL HAVEN LIBRARY AND BEADING ROOM.

The idea of establishing a reading room here was first suggested by the late Governor Bodwell, and upon his proposal to furnish free, a room with all necessary fixings^ a collection was taken up among the workmen and others, and something over $100 raised to purchase reading- material. A citizens' meeting was held August 11th, 1887, when John Lowe, T. G. Libbj^ F. V. Crocker, T. J. Lyons, J. A. Babbidge, Alexander Davidson and O. P. Lyons were elected Trustees, with T. J. Lyons Librarian. At the annual town meeting following, the amount of money allowed by law was raised to purchase books for a free public library, and in 1889 a similar amount was voted. The library has a fine selection of books, is well patronized, and it is hoped has become one of the fixed institutions of the town.

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

65

WAR EXPENSES AND LIST OF SOLDIERS.

The total expenses of the town for war purposes, exclusive of interest, was 138,322, or nearly one-lifth of the value of property as fixed by the State valuation, and the amount received from the State was $9,341.67. The number of men who were paid a bounty, and for whom the town was reimbursed by the State, 132, and the total number of men furnished by this town was, as near as can be ascertained, about 180 enlisted that were residents of the town

Following is a list of those who

Arey, Richard R., Arey, Rufus, 2nd, Arey, Hiram F., Arey, Benjamin, Arey, William H., Arey, Robert E., Allenwood, Ephraim F., Burns, Geo. W., Brown, Freeman, Brown, Thomas, Brown, Joseph, Bradstreet, Hiram M., Brewster, Robert, Burgess, Benjamin, Bray, Francis E., Colburn, Stephen S., Carver, Francis S., Carver, Reuben T., Carver, Lafayette, Conway, Orrin T., Coombs, Isaiah, Carver, George S., Conway, John M., Creed, Henry E., Calderwood, James C, Colby, George,

Coombs, George E., Clayton, John R., Calderwood, Luther J. Calderwood, Eben S., Carnes, William, Creed, William R., Coombs, Lewis H., Coombs, John, Colby, Warren, Carnes, Simeon, Carver, William E., Colby, James, Carver, Thaddeus C, Douglas, Chester R., Dyer, Thomas A., Dyer, Freeman, Dyer, Daniel, Dyer, James C, Dyer, Melzer T., Duncan, Daniel, Dunphy, Alexander, Dushane, Francis, Garrett, Silas A., Garrett, Freeman F., Gavett, Samuel A., Graffam, Joseph F.,

66

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

Gray, William C, Ginn, David R., Ginn, James, Jr., Green, Israel, Hall, Timothy, Hall, George, Hopkins, Henry S., Jacobs, George T., Kittredge, William W., Kiff, Martin H., Littlefield, Ivory C, Lane, Rodney, Linnekin, Robert E., Myrick, Rinaldo, Mills, Flavious, Mills, Stephen, Mills, Elisha, Mullin, David S., Murch, Isaac, Mcintosh, Henry, Mcintosh, James H., Myrick, Martin V., Mills, James P., Mills, Cyrus, Mullin, John, Mills, Willard C, Mills, Albion, Norton, Jonas, Norton, Joseph H., Norton, Paris, Norton, Vincent,

Neal, James, Orne, Amos, Pierce, Freeman G., Pierce, Horatio B., Pool, George, Rooney, David, Robbins, Oliver W., Roberts, Eben, Roberts, Edgar L., Roberts, Edwin R., Roberts, Joseph J., Smith, Levi W., Slater, John, Shirley, Christopher, Sanborn, James, Swears, Charles, Smith, Franklin, Smith, Charles V., Twitchell, Isaac J., Tewilliger, Gilbert, Tobin, Manford, Vinal, Reuben, Vinal, Woster S., Vinal, Calvin B., Vinal, John, Webber, Abel, Webber, Franklin, West, Samuel, West, William T., Young, Lorenzo, Young, Alexander,

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

67

NAMES OF THOSE FROM THIS TOWN WHO WERE KII^LKD OR DIED IN THE SERVICE.

Murcli, Isaac, Lieut., Smith, Charles V.,

Carver, Lafayette, 2iid Lieut., Sanbor, James,

Colburn, Stephen, Carver, Thacldeus C, Shirley, Christo[)her, Hall, George, Calderwood, Eben S., Brewster, Robert, Gavett, Samuel, Webber, Franklin, Coombs, George, Conway, Orrin T.,

Bray, Francis E.,

West, Samuel, Conway, John M., Coombs, Isaiah, Brown, Freeman, Tobin, Manford, Young, Alexander, Mills, Flavious, Roberts, Eben,

NAMES OF THOSE, AS NEAR AS WE COULD ASCERTAIN, WHO WERE IN THE WAR OF 1812. Steward, Cushing, Steward, Charles,

Ingerson, Josiah, Arey, James, Vinal, David, Philbrooks, Daniel, Brown, Cyril, Jr., Merrithew, Roger, Wooster, Joseph, Thayer, Lemuel, Thayer, Samuel, Jr.,

Grant, William, White, Matthew, Pendleton, Alexander, Lewis, Samuel, Jr., My rick, Paul, Are}', Eben, 2nd.

I

68

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

A LIST OF PERSONS RESIDING IN TOWN WHO WILL BE AGED 80 YEARS OR MORE, SOMETIME DFIMNG THE PKESENT YEAR.

Reuben Carver,

Mrs. Phebe Daily,

Elislia Smith,

Thaddeus Smith,

William Banks,

Samuel Smith,

Mrs. Mary Bradstreet,

Mrs. Sarah McKellar,

Mrs. Clementina Brown,

Timothy Dyer,

John Arey,

Mrs. Sally Norwood,

Phillip Arey,

Mrs. Jane Calderwood,

Mrs. Susan Dyer,

Mrs. Rebecca Rider,

Mrs. Jane Collamore probably, 82

Mrs. Clarissa Arey,

Mrs. Roxanna Dyer,

Aaron Merrithew,

Mrs. Josie Ann Merrithew,

Mrs. Emily Poole,

Isaac Lawry,

James Carver,

Mrs. Lucy Crockett,

92 y	ears.	August,
89	ii.	March,
88	Cl	October,
86	Li	November,
86	ik	May,
86	l(	June,
86	(C	October,
86	(I	June,
86	i(.	May,
86	u	December,
84	il.	March,
84	a	May,
84	a	May,
84	(.i	July,
82	u	September,
82	;(	April,
82	u
81	n	September,
81	1.1,	April,
81	a	October,
81	ii,	September,
81	(I	March,
80	ii.	Octobei-,
80	ii	October,
80	li	June,

1889

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 69

INDUSTRIES.

Mills. — We have not been able to ascertain at what time the first mill was built here, but judging from what information we have received, it must have been as early as 1760. It was a double saw mill, erected by Francis Cogswell, of Ipswich, Mass., on the site of the polishing mill now occupied by the Bodwell Granite Co. Mr. Cogswell, previous to this, had undertaken to erect a mill at the Basin Falls, but after expending several hundred dollars, was obliged to abandon his purpose. In 1776, Cogswell sold his plant to Thaddeus Carver, and a few years after the mill was destroyed, probably fell down. It was rebuilt about 1840, by Reuben Carver, and later a grist mill was added. After the war, this mill was sold to Mr. Chaney Noyes, and about 1873 or '74 the whole site (except the grist mill, which is still owned by Mr. Noyes) was purchased by the Bodwell Granite Co. The first grist mill in town, it is said, was erected by Mr. Thomas Beverage, on Pulpit Harbor stream, but at what time we have not learned. There was at one time a grist mill at Arey's Harbor, occupied by Benjamin Coombs. Mr. John Calderwood erected a saw mill near the carrying place (so called) maybe as early as 1775, and a grist mill was afterwards added. There was a saw mill near the head of Crockett's River, built by Benjamin and Sylvanus Coombs, wdiich was occupied for a number of years by Mr. John Whitmore, of Deer Isle. William Vinal, Sr., erected mills at Mills Creek and Vinal's Falls. The latter was occupied by John and William Vinal after their father's death.

Fishing Industry. — It is doubtful if, for at least the first quarter of a century, the early settlers here engaged to any extent in curing fish for the market. Fish were plenty and literally swarmed the waters, but the chief difiiculty was in obtaining salt, an article most of which used here at that time was of home manufacture. Salt-works Avere estal)lished at several places in town, namely : At Indian Creek, Calderwood's Neck, Dodge's

70 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

(Smith's) Point, The Basin, Oak Hill (North Haven) and probably at other points. Salt was made by boiling sea water, of which only a small per cent, is salt. It was a slow and tedious process, as it required al)Out four hundred gallons of water to make a bushel of salt. But as years passed on, the population increased and more frequent intercourse was established with the outside world, the fishing industry grew, until in 1820, it is said that 700 tons of shipping were owned in town, most of which were engaged in the fisheries. P^or many years this l)usiness was the chief support of the inhabitants, and at any one time there were stands for curing hsh at Indian Creek, Carver's Cove, Arey's Harbor, Coombs' Head, Smith's Cove, Thoroughfare, Bartlett's Harbor, Northern Harbor, Crockett's Cove, Leadbetter's Island, Creed's Cove, Carver's Harl)or, and Lane's Island. In the palmy days of fishing, it is estimated that the amount of fish cured at those yaids exceeded seventy-five thousand quintals. The business of curing the fish, until about 1870, was conducted on the per centage plan ; that is, the fishermen would pay a certain per cent, of their earnings for curing. At one time from 75 to 100 vessels were owned here, and engaged in the fisheries ; and four freighters were almost continually employed carrying fish to Boston. Up to the year 1860, this industry held its own, and even through the first years of the war. At the close of the war and until 1870 there was a falling off, and for eight years after there was comparatively little fishing- done. In 1878, Edwin Lane and T. G. Libby commenced buyijig and curing fish for the Boston and Gloucester markets ; the first year handling about 3,000 quintals. Their business has increased each j^ear, until in 1888 they cured about 18,000 quintals, besides manufacturing some 350 barrels of fish oil, and curing about 14,000 pounds of liake sounds. Their fish find a market not only in Boston, but all through the west, and even in the West Indies. About 1879 F. M. Brown located at the Sands, started

HISTORY OF VTNALHAVEN. 71

buying and curing fish, and for several 3^ear8 carried on (^uite an extensive business. In 1881, H. V. Lane, J. H. Sanborn and F. S. Walls, in partnership commenced business on Lane's Island. They cured from 6,000 to 8,000 quintals each year, until 1885, when they discontinued business.

Lobster Fishing is an important brancli of this industry, as it furnishes employment for many of our people, though lobsters are not so plenty as in former years. Until within a few years the fishermen found a ready sale for their catch at the local factory. In 1884 Messrs. Johnson & Young, of Boston, erected a large lobster pound at the Basin, and from eighty to one hundred and fifty thousand lobsters are stored there annually, and are bought mostly from the fishermen hereabouts. They are taken out in the winter months and shipped to Boston, where they bring from $5 to -114 per barrel of 140 pounds. Lane & Libby, J. H. Sanborn, and R. T. Carver buy large quantities of lobsters each year, which they send away. There are several fish weirs about the Island, in which thousands of bushels of herring are caught. They are sold to fishermen for bait, and also to canning factories on the coast. The weir at " Wreck Ledge " was built in 1884 by R. R. Arey and George Roberts, and in 1886 the one at Lane's Island was erected by John Rogers and F. M. Lane.

CANNING FACTORIES.

The lobster canning business was first commenced in this town about 1847, by Messrs. Johnson & Hamlin, of Boston. The factory was located near the steamboat wharf, and was owned by Mr. William Smith. The above firm continued business for several years, and were followed by Rice and Carker, of Boston, and later by Wells and Prevost, of N. Y. This factory was destroyed by fire just after the war, and has never been rebuilt. About 1866 a large factory was built at the Reach, and was occupied several years by Shenck and Romaine, of New York ; then

72 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

by U. li. Dudley, of New York, and last by J. W. Jones, of Portland, Me. This building was demolished two years ago. The large factory owned by Lyford & Ginn was built in 1884, and large quantities of lobsters, clams and mackerel were put up by them, but for several years past the premises have been vacant. It is to be regretted that this industry has been allowed to die out here, as it furnished employment for many hands.

SHIP BUILDING.

This business, in former years, was carried on quite extensively here, and besides the numerous small craft there were many of quite large dimensions. The ship Lucy and Nancy was built at the head of Southern Harbor (North Island) in 1803, by Captain Eleazer Crabtree, and later there were vessels built by Joshua Thomas, James Fernald, William Vinal, Jr., Mark Calderwood, and others. In 1826 Captain Reuben Carver built the schooner Plymouth Rock for parties in Boston, and since that time twelve others (one a brig) have been constructed by him, the last one being the schooner Island Home, built in 1866.

GRANITE QUARRYING.

It is not known at what time the quarrying of granite was first commenced here, but from the most authentic information obtainable, operations were first begun in 1826. This year a man named Tuck, of New Hampshire, quarried a cargo of stone at Arey's Harbor for a Massachusetts prison, and chartered the schooner Plymouth Rock, (a vessel built the same year by Capt. Reuben Carver), to carry it to Boston. Two years later Capt. Nelson Spear, of Rockland, Me., quarried a small cargo at Dyer's Island. This, with probably an occacional small job for local purposes, was the extent of the business until about 181:6, when work was begun on Leadbetter's Island by the Messrs. Carlton. Work was commenced on East Boston quarry in 1849, by Joseph Kittredge and Enoch Carlton,

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 73

and the next year Joseph and his brother, William B. Kittredge, continued work at the same place. Moses Webster came here in 1851, and in 1852 he, with the late Gov. Bodwell, and S. G. Webster, operated the East Boston quarrj. At the end of the year S. G. Webster retired from the firm, and the former two continued in business under the iirm name of Bodwell and Webster, until the Bodwell Granite Company was organized. About 1853, Joseph Kittredge and S. G. Webster opened what is now called Diamond Rock quarry, and contniued in business there for about six years. The quarry on east side of Kittredge Hill (so called) was opened by Wm. B. Kittredge and S. G. Webster in 1860, and they operated there in partnership for about eleven years. At the same time the quarry on west side of the hill was opened by Joseph Kittredge, Samuel Clay and Ezekiel Sargent. In 1863, work was commenced on Dyer's Island by Garrett Coughlin, Edward Russell and James Sprague. After Sprague retired from tlie firm Messrs. Bodwell and Webster obtained an interest and work was continued there until about 1875. The Harbor quarry was first operated by Thornton Webber, the year we have not learned. Other quarries that have been worked but on which nothing is being tlone at present are the Wliarff quarry, in Mills District ; Carver and Graffam quarry, in Zion, (so called) ; Dogie Point and City Point quarries, owned by the B. G. Co.; and the John S. Hopkins quarry, on Granite Island. The quarries on Hurricane Isle were tirst started in 1870 by Gen. Tillson, Garrett Coughlin, John Hogan and Patrick McNamara. The Bodwell Granite Co. was incorporated in 1871, and since that time some immense contracts have been filled, some years employing from twelve to fifteen hundred men, with a monthly pay roll of from $45,000 to -1560,000. The most notable contract completed by this company (though but a cipher compared to others from a pecuniary standpoint) was the General Wool monument, erected at Troy, N. Y.,

74 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

which was quarried and cut in the year 1878, the length of the shaft alone being 60 feet, and weighed in the rough about 185 tons ; probably the largest granite shaft ever quarried in this country. The monument contains seven stone, the bottom base measuring 17.6, 17.6 by 2.0. It was shipped from here on the barge Jemima Leonard, August 16th, 1879, and weighed when on board, including foundation, about 650 tons. For several years past the firms of Booth Bros., J. S. Black, Kittredge and Smith, and J. P. Ambrust have engaged in the manufacture of paving blocks, giving employment to about 125 men, and many thousands of these stones are annually shipped from here.

NET BUSINESS.

An important branch of industry, here, and one that in past years has furnished employment in almost every family, is knitting horse nets. This business was begun about 1848 by James Fernald, first on a small scale ; later a factory was erected, and the business conducted for several years by Benjamin Lane. From about 1852, until 1867, this industry was carried on successively by John Carver, his son Thaddeus and daughter Josephine. The dwelling houses now owned by Israel Green and Lewis Hopkins were built by Mr. Carver, and first used as net factories. This business was taken up by Mr. E. L. Roberts in 1867 and has been conducted by him ever since. The nets are all made for the American Net Co., of Boston, Mass. At one time knitting and weaving nets was carried on the year round, employing more than four hundred persons, but at present not so many are employed and nothing is done during the summer months.

ADDITIONAL SETTLERS.

(Settlers of whom we have learned since placing first installment of this work in the printer's hands.)

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN. 75

Inckea.se Leadbettek, Jk., came here I'roni Massachu- setts about 17G7, aud took up a hirge tract in vicinity of Crockett's River. He married Elizabeth Calderwood, and they had thirteen children. About 1788 he removed to the town of Leeds, where he died.

John Leadbettek, brother of the above, was one of the early settlers. He owned the place now occu[)ied l)y William Lawry, which he purchased from his brother Increase. In 1780 he married Miss Mercy Brown. His second wife was the Widow Lucy Pool. He lived to a very old age.

Increase Leadbettek, father of the above, came here about 1769, and resided with his sons. He was by trade a blacksmith.

Thomas Bkown, familiarly known as Doctor Brown, was born in Wellfleet, Mass., and came here about 17 07. He owned the land now occupied by Isaiah Pease and others. He married three times and had a family of twenty-one children. His occupation was farming and fishing.

Israel Carvek came here in 1700, from Marshtield, Mass., and settled on the place now occupied by James C. Calderwood. Samuel Carver, residing at North Haven, and James Carver living here, in his eightieth year, are grandchildren of Israel.

Samuel Young came here from Cape Cod. He was one of the early settlers here, and occupied the place now owned by his grandson, James M. Young. He was probably the first of that name to come here. He died aged 63.

Job Philbkooks was born in 1729, probably in Biddeford, Me. About 1744, when 15 years old, he was taken by the Indians, and carried to Canada, but was ransomed, and settled at Job's Island, in Penobscot Bay. • He came here some years afterwards, but nothing more is known of him, probably did not remain long here. Two of his sons settled here, Jeremiah, who married Sarah

76 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEK.

Leadbetter, daughter of Increase, settled on the east side of Crockett's River, and Joel, who settled near Poole's Hill, in the Eastern District. Joel, after living here a number of years, moved away to Ohio. During the Revolutionary War, Jeremiah removed to Bath, where he remained until peace was declared, when he returned. Joel Philbrooks, living here at present, is a grandson of Jeremiah.

We cannot appropriately close this work without noticing one who, though not among the first settlers, Avas so intimately connected with the upbuilding of this town :

Moses Webster was born in Pelham, N. H., November ITtli, 1817, and at the age of twenty-four married Lydia M. Baker, of Manchester. He first learned the shoemaker's trade, and in early life became a granite cutter. He came here in 1851 and commenced business on the East Boston quarry. Durino- his thirty years of residence here, he took an earnest part in everything that served to advance the interests of tlie town and its people. He served several years as one of the selectmen, was one of the Legislature in '59, and State Senator for Knox County in '73 and '74. Mr. Webster was a descendant of John Webster, who came from England in 1684. He died January 15th, 1887, aged B9 years, his wife and one daughter, (Mrs. F. S. Walls) surviving him.

MISCELLANEOUS.

There is a tradition here that many years before the first settlers came a party of fishermen were killed by Indians, on a ledge near the Old Harbor, and that they were afterwards buried on a small island near by. We have tried to learn when this tragedy might have occurred but have been unable to do so. The only reference in history that we have seen which might justify this tradition, was when the Indians in 1724 raided the coast, taking 22 vessels, eight of which were captured in the vicinity of this island.

HISTORY OF VINALHAVEK. 77

There are large beds of clam shells near the Basin Falls about which there is no tradition, but they were probably made b}' Indians who came here at certain seasons, and as the place mentioned is a romantic spot, made it their camping place.

The schooner Greyhound was built in 185;"), and in August of the same year commenced running as a packet between this place and Rockland.

The Carver block was built by Reuben Carver in 1857.

The first steamboat to ply between this place and Rockland was the " Pioneer." She was placed on the route in June, 1868.

The Vinal Haven Band was organized in the fall of 1870, and on the National Independence Day following headed the procession on a wagon drawn by 72 yoke of oxen.

The first fire engine in town was the Lion, an ancient relic brought here in '70. In the early part of '71 the "■ Ellsworth "' was purchased by a local company, and in the latter part of the same year the fine hand engine (named here the E. P. Walker) Putnam was bought by a local company. The latter engine was afterwards sold in Marlboro, Mass. In 1888 the town purchased the steam fire engine " Reuben Carver," and the total cost for engine, ladder truck, hose, hose cart, etc., was '14,989.61. The Vinal Haven Volunteer Fire Dept. was organized in June of the same year.

The John Carver Cemetery Association was formed in May, 1871, with F. A. Hunt President. The Trustees were F. A. Hunt, Moses Webster, Charles Littlefield, James Ginn, Jr., and Benjamin R. Richards. The total cost of this cemetery to the association, for land, fences, etc., was #1,726.00. The original survey made 121 lots, but some more have since been added. The first interment was Mrs. Rachel Smith, wife of William Smith, and the second one (buried same day) Miss Alvira McKellar.

78 HISTORY OF VINALHAVEN.

At a special town meeting held October 18tli, 1878, it was voted to purchase the building now used as a Town Hall. The price paid was 'tl,300.

The first nevv^s paper published in town was a non-political sheet, named the " Wind." It was commenced January 5th, 1884, and the proprietors were O. P. Lyons and C. H. Healey.

The Granite Hotel was destroyed by tire March 30th, 188(3, and the E. F. Allenwood House January 16th, 1888.

REFERENCES.

In compiling this brief work we have availed ourselves of information contained in Eaton's excellent histories of Warren, Thomaston and Rockland; Williamson's valuable History of Maine ; Hosmer's History of Deer Isle, and other printed works. We are also much indebted for valuable information to Dr. J. F. Pratt, of Chelsea, Mass.; J, T. Calderwood, of Warren ; E. C. Crabtree, of North Haven ; Reuben Carver and many others of this town, to whom we here express our sincere thanks.

O. P. LYONS. ^

L. W. SMITH, I Centennial

T. G. LIBBY, }

GEORGE ROBERTS, | CommUtee. D. H. GLIDDEN, )

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