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COLLECTIONS
OF THE
Piscataquis County Historical Society
VOLUME I
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
OF
Piscataquis County, Maine
CONSISTING OF PAPERS READ AT MEETINGS OF
Piscataquis County Historical Society
ALSO
The North Eastern Boundary Controversy and the Aroostook War
With Documentary Matter Pertaining Thereto
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
DOVER:
OBSERVER PRESS
1910
Gift
WAR 9 UH
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
An Address Delivered Before the Piscataquis County Historical Society by Its President, John Francis Sprague, at Sebec, Maine, July 23, 1908, 1
Early History of the Town of Sebec. Its Incor- poration and Development. Read at the meeting of the society in Sebec July 23, 1908, by Major Wainwright Gushing, 10
Some Facts in Regard to the Early History of the
Town of Guilford. By Henry Hudson, Esq. , 35
Some Facts Relating to the Early History of Greenville and Moosehead Lake. Presented by Charles D. Shaw, Esq., 52
History of the Baptist Churches in Piscataquis
County. By Rev. F. H. Pratt, 66
Universalism in Piscataquis County. By Rev. A.
Gertrude Earle, 86
Foxcroft Academy. By Hon. Willis E. Parsons, 100
Historical Sketch of Monson Academy. By John
Francis Sprague, 118
Early Navigation on Sebec Lake. By Charles W.
Hayes, Esq., 127
Peter Brawn and His Celebrated Bear Fight on
Sebec Lake. By Edgar Crosby Smith, 138
VI TAIU.E OF CONTENTS
Sketch of Hunter John Ellis. By Sarah A. Martin, 142 Edgar Wilson Nye, By John Francis Sprague, 147
Sketches of Some Revolutionary Soldiers of Pis- cataquis County. By Edgar Crosby Smith, 154 Notes of the Crosby Family and a Sketch of the
Life of Josiah Crosby. By S. P. Crosby, 204
^The North Eastern Boundary Controversy and the
Aroostook War. By John Francis Sprague, 216 ^ Documentary History of the North Eastern Bound-
ar}' Controversy, 282
State Papers Relative to the North Eastern
Boundary Controversy, 328
History of the Shaw Family with a Sketch of
Milton G. Shaw of Greenville. Presented by
Charles D. Shaw, 424
William Bingham and the Million Acre Tract.
By John Francis Sprague, 434
The Blanchard Family of Blanchard. By Edward
P. Blanchard, 442
Resolutions on the Death of Dr. William Buck of
Foxcroft, 446
Resolutions on the Death of Columbus W. Ellis of
Guilford, 449
An Address Delivered Before the Pis- cataquis County Historical Society by its President, John Francis Sprague, at Sebec, Maine, July 23, 1908
Members of the Piscataquis County Historical Society. Ladies and Gentlemen :
IT is customary with the members of historical soci- eties to have an outing, or, as it is usually called, a "field day," at least once a year, and the places usually selected, are those of especial historical interest, thus combining the work which they are engaged in with pleasure and recreation.
Your standing committee concluded, and I think wisely, to have our first outing at this sylvan lake, and in this pretty and picturesque little village, quietly reposing at its gatewa}', and which was one of the earliest settlements in our county.
At first thought it might seem that while they desig- nated a most delightful spot for pleasure and enjoyment it is not of particular historical interest; that it is only one of hundreds of other lakes in our Pine Tree State where nature has been lavish in fashioning the scenery, the beauty and the grandeur about it — that it is after all only Sebec Lake, bearing the same name as the town of Sebec.
This would appear to be true to the casual observer, but possibly it will occur to the more thoughtful that we
2 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
may be to-day upon what is really and in fact historic ground. In the early part of the present year some prominent men from the new State of Oklahoma, who were interested in the Indians, their reservations, lands and varied interests in their state, called upon President Roosevelt to present to him some plans or projects rela- tive to those Indians, In his reply Mr. Roosevelt gave utterance to one of his characteristic expressions that, "It should ever be remembered that the Indian was the first American."
We are now within the limits of a route traveled when this was all a vast wilderness by the first Americans for untold centuries, before the white man ever saw it, in their journey ings from the land of the Delawares, the Iroquois, and other more western nations to the country now known as Canada, and especially to and from what is now known as Mount Kineo, midway of Moosehead Lake.
The rock formation of Kineo mountain is what in com- mon language we know as hornstone or horn flint and is peculiar to itself in many ways, so that whenever a mineralogist or geological student familiar with it finds its fragments in any part of the country he can immedi- ately recognize it as the Kineo rock.
Jackson in his report on the geology of Maine, in 1838, says of this mountain, "Hornstone, which will answer for flints, occurs in various parts of the State, where trap-rocks have acted upon silicious slate. The largest mass of this stone known in this country is Mount Kineo, upon Moosehead Lake, which appears to be entirely composed of it, and rises 700 feet above the lake level. This variety of hornstone I have seen in every part of New England in the form of Indian arrow- heads, hatchets, chisels, etc., which were probably
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY O
obtained from this mountain by the aboriginal inhab- itants of the country. ' '
Henry D. Thoreau in his valuable work, which has done so much to make our magnificent forestry famous throughout the world, ' 'The Maine Woods, ' ' referring to this subject sa^s: "I have myself found hundreds of arrow-heads made of the same material."
The late Honorable Augustus Choate Hamlin of Ban- gor, besides being an eminent physician and surgeon, was also a mineralogist of considerable fame, and several of his books upon these subjects were published from 1866 to 1870.
He once informed me that the Kineo rock was in some respects so much different from the ordinary horn- stone that scientists could easily distinguish it from that found in any other localities, and that arrow-heads, etc., made from this rock had been discovered much farther south and west than the boundaries of New England. Thus the evidence seems to be conclusive that aboriginals traveled from distant parts of the country to obtain this rock, which they made into crude implements for their use in war and in peace and in the pursuit of game.
We are now within the limits of their great thorough- fare from the Penobscot River to Kineo and Canada, which has, perhaps, been trodden by millions during ages which we know not of.
To substantiate this contention I will refer to "An account of a journey from Fort Pownal, now Fort Point, up the Penobscot River to Quebec, in 1764, by Joseph Chadwick, surveyor," who was employed by the Colony of Massachusetts to make a survey and exploration of a route for a highway from Fort Pownal to Quebec, which was published in Vol. 4 (1898) of the Bangor Historical Magazine, edited by the late Col. Joseph W. Porter,
4 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
who was a most accurate student of the history of east- ei-n Maine.
A journal of the work of Mr. Chad wick, accompanied b}^ a plan of the territory over which he passed, is now in the archives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a copy of which was furnished to this magazine by Doctor John F. Pratt of Chelsea, Mass.
He (Chad wick) was a stranger and had no knowledge of the country and had to depend entirely upon Indian guides whom he employed at Old Town. The party consisted of John Preble, who acted as captain and in- terpreter, and who was afterwards much employed dur- ing the Revolutionary War in that capacity and in dealing with the Indians. He died in Portland in 1787. Also Joseph Chad wick, surveyor ; Doctor William Craw- ford, second surveyor; Philip Nuton, assistant; and Joseph Askequenent, Sock Tomah, Assony Neptune, Messer Edaweit, Sac Allexis, Joseph Mary, Sakabis and Francis, who were the Indian guides.
Here was a man penetrating an unknown wilderness, relying entirely upon the knowledge and good faith of the Indians to lead him and point out the way to Que- bec. The Indians were friendly and had no object in traversing other than the old trails which they and all of their ancestors had ever traversed so far as they knew.
From the Penobscot River they went up the Piscata- quis, which in Chad wick's journal is spelled Perscatie- quess, and the notes are that it, "Is a rapid stream and rocky, rough land, but in some parts are good tracts of land on which grow pine and other timber. ' '
The next place noted in the journal is Soback Pond, and now known as Sebec Lake. The name given the beautiful and charming Lake Onawa is Obernestzame- booh Pond, and the notes mentioned Borestone Mountain by saying that, "It has a very remarkable mountain
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY O
which serves to rectify our reckoning about 50 miles each way,"
Moosehead Lake is called Lake Sebem or Moose Hills, and Chesuncook Lake is named Gesencook, while Mount Katahdin is given the name of Satinhungemoss Hill.
These unfamiliar names for places, which conflict with our ideas regarding their original Indian names, can be accounted for from the fact well known to students of Indian history and tradition, that different tribes often had different names for the same places.
We find in this journal further evidence that this had been a way long used by the Indians when it states: "At Quebec some of the gentlemen being desirous of forwarding so good a design of opening a road to New England, they began an inquiry of their hunters and Indian traders, who all advised that the above passage is the nighest and most practicable part of the country for opening a road from Quebec to New England," etc.
When one contemplates the awful story of that disas- trous and fatal expedition of Arnold's up the treacherous Dead River and through the Maine woods to Quebec, and thinks of its tragedies, its cruelties, its terrible sufferings, of soldiers resorting to eating all of their dogs except one which belonged to the beautiful half-breed girl enamoured of Aaron Burr, and who accompanied the little army, as did two or three other women who were the wives of officers, and at last boiling their moc- casins for a soup in their desperate efforts to sustain life, he cannot but speculate as to what might have been the result if they had gone up the Penobscot instead of the Kennebec.
It is among the possibilities that if Washington and Arnold had informed themselves regarding this passage where we are to-day, and had found and studied this Chadwick survey and sailed to Penobscot Bay and not to
6 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Merrvmeeting Bay, the history of North America might have been changed.
Those of you whose imaginative powers are developed along poetic lines, who are often inspired by the muse, may here, at this moment, upon this ground, in your mental visions behold myriads of red men for ages un- counted paddling their birch canoes over these shimmer- ing waters and softly treading these shores, or you may see the deadly arrows and tomahawks aimed at enemies and hear the war-whoops and conflict of tribal battles ; or your strange reveries may lead you into the realms of mysterious romances, of a mysterious past peopled by sleek and swift-footed hunters, valiant and brave warriors and coy and fascinating maidens.
As has been expressed by our sweet singer of Piscata- quis, Anna Boynton Averill, we may well imagine that,
In the sunbeams Paleface fairies hide their tiny spark; In the raindrops Indian fairies veil their faces dark. Brightness hides the sunbeam fairies, smiling, fair and warm; Shadows shroud the dusky fairies, dwellers of the storm.
As this is the first meeting of our society since its organization, a word in regard to its objects may not be out of place.
History, concisely speaking, is a record of human events. Since the earliest dawn of civilization man has preserved this record and it has ever served as a beacon light to guide his footsteps in his advancement and prog- ress.
The rise and fall of the republics of histoiy aided our forefathers in laying the firm foundation for our govern- ment for freedom and liberty. And the history of the formation of the integral parts of our nation such as states, counties, cities and towns, is in a smaller way of the utmost importance and value to the generations as they appear and disappear in the mysterious procession
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 7
of human existence, having in their keeping the material, political, moral and intellectual welfare of the community while engaged in life's activities.
For these reasons historical societies are formed for the purpose of collecting and preserving such incidents in the lives of men and women, and such events in the history of localities as would necessarily be overlooked by the writers of general history. In this work we gather from state, county and town archives, recorded facts relating to the founding of municipalities and the lives of the founders; we save from destruction the con- tents of fugitive papers, letters, scrap-books and docu- ments, and rescue from the weakening memories of aged citizens facts and traditions which are rapidly passing into oblivion.
Then we make record of contemporaneous facts and events as we have knowledge of them ourselves, for the best time to write history is when it is being made. Such labors are not only an inspiration to those engaged in them, but their fruition will be of inestimable worth to those who will soon come after us.
The Maine Historical Society was organized in 1822 and has had a most prosperous career ever since, and has performed a great work for the State; but it cannot do for the subordinate communities all that ought to be done, hence local societies have been formed and are being formed to carry on this work.
Piscataquis County, although not chartered until 1838, was composed of towns taken from Somerset County, organized in 1809, and Penobscot County, or- ganized in 1816.
When the representatives of the people of the Prov- ince of Maine assembled at Portland on the eleventh of October, 1819, for the purpose of forming a constitution for the new State of Maine, five towns from Penobscot
8 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
County, which are now a part of Piscataquis County, were represented upon the floor of the convention as follows : Foxcroft, Samuel Chamberlain ; Guilford, Joseph Kelsey; Sangerville, Benjamin C. Goss; Sebec, William Lowney ; Atkinson, Eliazier W. Snow.
Among other members of this convention whose names are interwoven with the history of our county may be mentioned Col. Joseph E. Foxcroft of New Gloucester, proprietor of the township of what is now known as the town of Foxcroft; Sanford Kingsbury of Gardiner, once proprietor of Kingsbury Plantation, and for whom it was named; and Alexander Greenwood of Hebron, who subsequently became a citizen of Monson and a land survej^or of note in this county.
Ten of our municipalities have been named for men of prominence in the affairs of their day and generation as follows: Atkinson, Blanchard, Brownville, Foxcroft, Orneville, Parkman, Sangerville, Williamsburg, Elliotts- ville Plantation and Kingsbuiy Plantation.
Thus it will be seen that we have a field for exertion which reaches back into and is a part of the early history of our State. Very little, as compared with other parts of Maine, has been written of Piscataquis County, and yet its history, if compiled, would be of great interest to all.
The liberal policy which our Legislature has pursued in aid of the Maine Historical Society and similar in- stitutions is an earnest that wc may not be too optimistic in believing that our society may receive some assistance from the same source.
I sincerely hope that we may be enabled to publish occasional volumes of the proceedings of these meetings and the papers and collections which mav come to us from our members regarding the early days of our county, its pioneers, its civil, religious, political, indus-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 9
trial and military history, its Indian traditions and legends, its schools, churches, etc.
Whether the objects of this society are ever fully ac- complished will depend on the efforts which the members put forth and upon the sympathy and aid which we re- ceive from our fellow citizens generally.
We invite, therefore, the cooperation of all in carry- ing forward the work which we have begun.
Early History of the Town of Sebec
Its Incorporation and Development
THE following paper was read by Major Wainwright Gushing July 23, 1908, at the meeting of Pis- cataquis County Historical Society in Sebec. Mr. Gushing took pains to examine the early records of the county in Boston in order to get facts :
Petition for the incorporation of the town of Sebec which was circulated for signatures in the spring of 1811:
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representa- tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Gourt assembled:
Your petitioners, inhabitants of township number 4 in the seventh range, north of Waldo patent in the Gounty of Hancock, beg leave to represent that although it is now but about eight years since the commencement of the settlement of said township, it already contains between thirty and forty settlers, and that we are sub- ject to all the great and many evils that arise from our unincorporated state, we your petitioners therefore pray that said township may be incorporated into a town by the name of Sebec, vested with all the powers and privileges that other towns do or may enjoy in the Com- monwealth, and your petitioners are in duty bound and will ever pray.
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 11
No. 4, range 7, Count}' of Hancock, May 1811.
James Lyford Alex Thompson
Hez Hall Joseph Dennett
Daniel Hall John Smart
John Wentworth John Brien
Ric'd Dovvnmg Noah Cross
Clement Bunker Abiel Gould
Jason Hassell Joseph Noyes
Silas Herriman Abel Chase
Geo. Knight Peter Morrill
Jonathan LA'ford James Douglass
Jeremiah Douglass John Keene
Wm. Douglass, Jr. Wm. Douglass
Seth Dowman Jacob Doe
Joel Crockett Wm. McKinney
Patrick Morrill James Dennett Moses Page
Boston, Mass., June 11th, 1811. Read and committed to the Committee of towns. Sent up for concurrence.
Joseph W. Story, Speaker.
In the Senate June 11th. Read and concurred.
Samuel Dana, President.
Remonstrance against the incorporation of the town of Sebec.
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representa- tives, Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court assembled.
Humbly represent your memorialists inhabitants of township 4 range 7 north of Waldo patent in the County of Hancock, that a petition was presented to your Honorable Bod}- last session praying that this
12 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
township might be incorporated into a town by the name of Sebec, which prayer your memorialists, some of whom were subscribers to said petition, beg leave to say ought not to be granted. Because the signatures to said peti- tion were obtained in an improper manner, and under the influence of false representations, inasmuch as there was never any meeting of the inhabitants to consult upon the subject, or any means to take the sense col- lectively, but the petition was originated by a few in- dividuals and presented to the inhabitants separately, with a representation to each that the other inhabitants were mostly if not altogether in favor of the measure, that not only the inhabitants but the non-resident proprietors were desirous of incorporation, and that if the inhabitants would not petition the proprietors in- tended to take measures to procure an assessment of taxes on them which representations and the reasoning obviously drawn from them, were the prevailing if not the sole motives which induced many, among whom are some of your memorialists to sign the said petition, and it was circulated through the township with such rapidity that though the representations under the influence of which they signed said petition, have been since found to be wholly without foundation in truth, yet there was no opportunity to detect the deception which had been practiced upon them to obtain their signatures until it was too late to make a proper representation of their case at the last session of the Legislature. Therefore your memorialists pray that the petitioners for the in- corporation of the township aforesaid may have leave to withdraw their petition, and the prayer thereof may not at present be granted. As in duty bound will ever pray. Aug. 1811.
Ezra Gould Ezekiel Chase
Moses Cross Jeremiah Moulton
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 13
Caleb Cross John Johnston, Jr.
Thomas Roberts Jonathan Chase
John Webster Luke Perry
Jonathan Carter Noah Cross
Abel Chase Richard Townsend
Bill to establish the town of Sebec.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve.
An act to establish the town of Sebec in the County of Hancock.
Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, that the township numbered four in the seventh range of the Waldo Patent in the County of Hancock, be and hereby is established as a town by the name of Sebec, and by the following bound- aries, viz: East by number three in the same range. South by the river Piscataquis, West by number five in the same range now incorporated as Foxcroft, North by number six in the eighth range. And the said town of Sebec is hereby vested with all the corporate powers and privileges and subject to the like duties and requisitions of other towns according to the constitution and laws of the Commonwealth.
Section 2. Be it further enacted that any Justice of the Peace for the County of Hancock is hereby author- ized upon application therefor to issue a warrant directed to a freeholder and inhabitant of the said town of Sebec requiring him to notify and warn the inhabitants thereof to meet at such convenient time and place as shall be appointed in said warrant for the choice of such officers as towns are by law required to choose at their annual town meetings.
This bill having had two general readings passed to
14 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
be engrossed. Send down for concurrence. In Senate
Feb. 25th, 1812.
Samuel Dana, President.
In the House of Representatives. Feb. 20th, 1812. This bill having had three several readings passed to be engrossed.
In concurrence. E. W. Ripley, Speaker.
For some reason the town of Sebec did not vote at the annual election in 1813.
The first vote recorded was in 1814. For Governor Samuel Dexter, 33 votes
Caleb Strong, 21 votes
For Lieutenant Governor William Gray, 29 votes
William Phillips, 22 votes
1812
To James Lyford one of the freeholders of the town of Sebec. Greeting :
(L. S. ) You are hereby required in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to notify and warn the freeholders and other inhabitants living within the territorial limits of Number 4, seventh range North of the Waldo Patent now incorporated into a town by the name of Sebec, qualified by law to vote in town meet- ings, viz: Such male citizens as are twenty-one years of age and upwards, liable to be taxed, who have resided within said number four one year preceding his voting, to meet and assemble at the dwelling house of James Lyford in said town on Saturday the twenty-first instant
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 16
at ten o'clock in the forenoon to act on the following articles, viz:
First, to choose a town clerk.
Second, to choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
Third, to choose three able and discreet persons for selectmen.
Fourth, to choose a suitable person to be treasurer.
Fifth, to choose three meete persons to be assessors.
Sixth, to choose a constable.
Seventh, to choose a meete person to be collector of taxes.
Eighth, to choose two or more suitable persons for surveyors of lumber.
Ninth, to choose one or more suitable persons for surveyors and measurers of boards, plank timber and slitwork.
Tenth, to choose surveyors of shingles and clapboards.
Eleventh, to choose two or more judicious and dis- creet freeholders for fence viewers.
Twelvth, to choose a tythingman.
Thirteenth, to choose a fish warden.
Fourteenth, to choose two or more persons to be hog reeves.
Fifteenth, to choose a pound keeper.
Sixteenth, to choose a field driver.
Seventeenth, to choose a school committee if the town see fit.
Eighteenth, to agree in what manner they will have the future town meetings warned, or act anything rela- tive to the subject.
Nineteenth, to make such by-laws as the town sees fit, and choose all such committees as the town think necessary.
Given under my hand and seal the seventeenth day
16 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
of March in the jear of our Lord eighteen hundred and twelve.
John Whitney, Justice of the Peace. Hancock, S. S. March 17th, 1812. Then personally appeared the within named James Lyford and made oath that he would faithfully and impartially notif}^ and warn the inhabitants of Sebec as herein required agreeably to law.
Before me, John Whitney,
Justice of the Peace. Pursuant to the within warrant I have summoned and notified the inhabitants of said town qualified as herein expressed to assemble at the time and place and for the purposes within mentioned.
James Lvford.
Pursuant to the foregoing warrant the inhabitants assembled at the dwelling house of James Lyford on Saturday the 21st day of March 1812. Meeting opened by James Lyford.
Sworn Voted Jason Hassell Town Clerk
Voted James Lyford Moderator Selectmen voted Sworn John Sleeper, First
Sworn James Lyford, Second
Sworn Alexander Thompson, Third
Town Treasurer voted Sworn Jeremiah Molton
Assessors voted Sworn John Sleeper, James Lyford and Alexander
Thompson.
Constable and Collector voted Abel Chase, he ap- peared and took the oath prescribed by law.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 17
Voted to choose three surveyors of highways.
Voted, James Lyford, George Knight and George Brier (sworn.)
Surveyors of Boards, Plank Timber and Slitwork, voted Jonathan Chase and George Thompson (sworn. )
Surveyors of Clapboards and Shingles, voted Jonathan Chase and George Thompson (sworn. )
Fence Viewers, voted Jeremiah Molton and Silas Harriman (sworn.)
Tythingman, voted Moses Cross (sworn.)
Fish Wardens, voted, William Douglass, Jr., Heze- kiah Hall, Moses Cross, Jr., Peter Morrill and Jeremiah Douglass (sworn.)
Hog Reeves, voted, Jason Hassell and Luke Perry.
(Sworn) Pound Keeper, voted, James Lyford.
(Sworn) Field Driver, voted, George Knight and John Sleeper.
Voted to adjourn the meeting until the first Monday in April next at ten of the clock in the forenoon to this place.
Met according to adjournment.
Voted to choose five school committee men. Voted, Jason Hassell, William P. Lowny, Peter Morrill, Jere- miah Molton and James Lyford.
Voted to hold future annual town meetings on the second Monday in March. Voted that future town meetings should be warned by posting up ^vi-itten noti- fication in some one central place.
Voted to choose a committee to settle with the select- men at the close of the year. Committee voted, Silas Harriman, Jonathan Lyford and Ezra Gould. Voted to dissolve the meeting.
Jason Hassell, Town Clerk.
18 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
(Early in the summer of 1812 the British were mak- ing their way up the Penobscot and the town of Sebec made preparation to repel the invaders. )
These are to notify and warn the freeholders of the town of Sebec qualified by law to vote in said town affairs to meet at the barn of James Lyford near the centre of said town at three of the clock in the after- noon to act on the following articles that is.
1st. To choose a moderator to govern said meeting,
2d. To see if the town will vote to equip themselves.
3d. To vote in what way and manner they will equip themselves.
4th. To act on any other things relating to the
above articles if thought proper.
Sebec, July 8th, 1812.
John Sleeper, ] a ^ j.
^ V Selectmen. James Lyford, j
Pursuant to the foregoing warrant the inhabitants of the town of Sebec assembled at the barn of James Lyford in said Sebec.
Voted Mr. William R. Lowny, moderator.
Voted the town should equip themselves.
Voted the arms should be bought at the expense of the town.
Voted to choose a committee to send for the arms.
Voted the committee should consist of but one.
Voted Mr. James Lyford be the committee.
Voted to send for forty -five guns and sixty pounds of powder.
Voted the committee get what lead and balls he shall think proper.
Voted the committee shall get cartridge boxes or materials to make them as he thinks best.
Voted to close the meeting.
Jason Hassell, Town Clerk.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 19
Formation of Militia Company Aug. 1st, 1812. Ezekiel Chase, Captain. Jason Hassel, Lieutenant. Jonathan Chase, Ensign.
In the year 1812, the following sheep marks were registered :
May 5th. Abel Gould's artificial mark for sheep a swallow tail out of the left ear.
June 6th. James Lyford's artificial mark for sheep crop off the right ear and a slit in the left.
June 6th. James Douglass' artificial mark for sheep a crop from under the left ear.
June 6th. Abel Chase's artificial mark for sheep a swallow tail in left ear.
June 6th. Hezekiah Hall's artificial mark for sheep a crop off the left ear and a slit in the same.
June 6th. Daniel Hall's artificial mark for sheep a crop off the right ear and a slit in the left.
June 10th. John Sleeper's artificial mark for sheep a crop off of the left ear.
June 11th. Wm. R. Lowny's artificial mark for sheep a slit in the right ear, and a slit and a hapenny in the left.
Jason Hassell, Town Clerk.
In the election held Monday, Sept. 10th, 1821, the inhabitants of Sebec brought in their votes as follows:
Albion K. Paris, 50
For Governor, ,
Gen. Joshua Wingate, y
f Dr. Isaac Case, 61
For Senator, ■[
( bimeon Stetson, o
For Representative to ( W°^- ^- ^owny, Esq., 49
■j Ichabod Thomas, Esq., 8
Legislature of Maine, ( ^^^^^ Greenleaf, Esq., 3
20 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Sebec was originally Number Four, Seventh Range, the eastern of the Bowdoin College Townships. Its area is 22,228 acres. It was lotted in 1802 by Moses Hodgdon. In May, 1803, the treasurer of Bowdoin College deeded 16,000 acres to Richard Pike of New- buryport, Mass. He paid about seventy cents an acre. At the outlet of Sebec Lake among the hills lies Sebec Village. In a short distance there is a fall of 18 feet, making an excellent mill privilege. In 1804 Mark Trafton, Samuel Kimball and others built a dam and erected a mill, the first framed building raised in the county.
Roger Chase of Carratunk built the water-wheels and put a saw and grist-mill into operation. In these mills the first boards were sawed and the first grain ground in the county. For 25 years Sebec Village was the leading business center of the county. Large amounts of lumber were sawed and rafted down the rivers to Bangor.
Capt. Ezekiel Chase, a soldier of the Revolution, was the first settler, locating near where the Hon. A. J. Chase now lives, in 1802. Capt. Chase was a self-taught physician, very skilful among the sick. He was active in politics and was chosen a presidential elector by the Democrats. A grandson, Jonathan A. Chase, still lives on the farm which was settled by his father, Ezekiel Chase, Jr. A great-grandson, Ezekiel L. Chase of Brownville, is one of the deputy sheriffs for the County of Piscataquis.
In 1803 James Lyford settled on what is now known as the John Lyford place, now occupied by a son of Fremont Livermore. Later he was followed by his brother Jonathan. The Ly fords came from Canter- bury, N. H. James Lyford, Silas Harriman, John Morrill and Bylie Lyford, who settled in Atkinson, married sisters, whose maiden name was Lyford. John Morrill
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 21
was my maternal grandfather and father of Joseph Morrill, who was for many years prominent in town affairs and was at one time one of the county commis- sioners. The late A. M. Robinson told me this story of Joseph Morrill: During a session of the Supreme Judicial Court Uncle Joseph was foreman of one of the juries. A pauper case was on trial between the towns of Atkinson and Foxcroft ; the case was tried and after the jury retired a ballot was taken and the vote was 11 to one. Uncle Joe was the one. They commenced to dis- cuss the matter, and after a five hours' session the 11 men changed their views and a verdict was given accord- ingly.
Wm. R. Lowny settled in Sebec in 1812. He was prominent in town affairs, and in 1819 was a member of the convention which framed the Constitution of the new State of Maine and was the first member elected to the Maine Legislature from this section.
The "Minister's lot" so called, was voted in town meeting to Elder Asa Burnham, a Free Will Baptist minister, who labored in town for 40 years.
In 1816 Ichabod Young put a fulling-mill in oper- ation, the first in the county, and at a later date a card- ing mill, the second in the county. John and Nathaniel Bodwell succeeded Mr. Young. In 1835 the Bodwells sold out to my father, Joseph W. Cushing. The next year a woolen factory company was incorporated, a building was erected and two sets of machinery were put in operation. Mr. Cushing ran the mill for five years, when he moved to Milo and erected a new mill. The first store at Sebec Village was opened in 1821 by Mr. Towle, and soon after Solomon Parsons became his partner. In 1823 Jos. Lamson, Sr., and his son, Jos. Lamson, Jr., opened a second store. I have in my possession a day-book kept by J. Lamson & Son. The
22 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
most frequent charges were for New England rum. Isaac Terrill comes to town from Bowerbank. The following charges in the day-book will follow: Isaac Terrill to glass rum 4 cts. ; before returning to Bowerbank Isaac makes another purchase, Isaac Terrill to two qts. N. E. rum 25 cts., to one jug 12 cts.
In 1830 Benj. P. and John Gilman succeeded Towle & Parsons and also acquired the Morrison lumber mills and did a large business. B. P. Gilman afterwards moved to Orono, where he formed a partnership with Hon. John Morrison in lumbering and in manufacturing lumber. At Mr. Oilman's decease he left a goodly estate. Mr. John H. Gilman lived in Sebec for many years, was prominent in town affairs, represented his class in the State Legislature, and in the early sixties, during Israel Washburn's term as governor, served as a member of the executive council. He was an incorrigible wag and many stories have been handed down of his oddities. Once while at home on a furlough during the Civil War I called on Mr. Gilman. He had an ill turn and was Ij'ing on the lounge. While chatting with him his wife came into the room, and he said to her: "While Wain- wright is here I want to make a request of you ; I am not feeling well and am liable to be taken awa}^ suddenly, and I want you to promise me that when I die you won't have any d— d copperheads for bearers, for if you do I shall rise right up in my coffin and protest." Mrs. Gilman assured him that his wishes would be respected. Mr. Gilman moved to Foxcroft and later to Orono, where he resided until his death.
J, W. Jewett opened another store in 1832, and in 1833 Theodore Wyman formed a co-partnership with him. The business is still continued by Theodore H. Wyman. Mr. Theodore W3man was prominent in town affairs and at his decease he had the respect of ever}' one
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 23
in the community. He was an honored member of the Piscataquis Lodge, F. & A. M. At his funeral services the members evinced their respect by being present in large numbers.
The first lawyer to open an office in Sebec was Henry Parsons. He was followed by John Appleton, who after- wards moved to Bangor and became Chief Justice of Maine. He was succeeded by his brother Moses in 1833, who after a few years also moved to Bangor, In 1838 Hon. A, M, Robinson opened an office at the village. After six years he moved to Chase's Corner and later to Dover where he resided until he died.
David Shepherd was the onW physician in town from 1825 to 1863, when he was elected Register of Deeds and moved to Dover. He was an estimable citizen and at one time represented Piscataquis Count}^ in the Maine Senate and held many offices of trust in town.
By the courtes}^ of Judge Martin L. Durgin of Milo I am enabled to make extracts from an address made by him at the celebration of the eightieth anniversary of the formation of Piscataquis Lodge, F. & A, M., which was organized at Sebec Village: Eighty years ago last December 19th a certain number of Master Masons met at the house of Advardis Shaw in Sebec to discuss the expediency of establishing a lodge of Free Masons in that vicinity, and there were present at that meeting the following named brethren, Advardis Shaw, Eben Greenleaf, Josiah Towle, Moses Greenleaf, Jason Hassell, Col. Wm. Morrison, Eben Weston, Esq., Daniel Chase, Esq., John W. Thompson, Jonathan Robinson, Moses Morrill and Capt. Ephraim Moulton. These brethren came together again on January 2d, 1823, and it was voted that they thought it expedient to organize a lodge, and Moses Greenleaf, Josiah Towle and AVm. Morrison
24 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
were chosen a committee to transact all business neces- sary thereto.
On Februaiy 13th a meeting was held and it was then voted to postpone the designation of a name for the lodge until the next meeting when each brother was to propose a name. At the next meeting held on March 13th, 1823, it was voted unanimously to adopt the name of Piscataquis Lodge. At this meeting for the first time a record was made designating the three chair officers by their proper titles and Moses Greenleaf was acting as Master, Jason Hassell as Senior Warden and Wm. Morrison as Junior Warden. From that time on meetings were held at stated intervals.
On April 10th a petition was addressed to the Grand Lodge praying to be constituted a regular lodge, and Worshipful Master Moses Greenleaf was chosen a com- mittee to attend the next meeting of Penobscot and Rising Virtue Lodges, (being the two nearest) relative to the organization of Piscataquis Lodge. On November 6th Moses Greenleaf, Josiah Towle and Solomon Parsons were selected as a committee to procure the charter, jewels and furniture for the lodge; also a place to hold its meetings and to prepare a code of by-laws for the government of the lodge. And it is here worthy to note that the code of by-laws presented by the committee 80 years ago is practically unchanged to this day, I have learned that during the space of about a year Brother Towle was building a convenient hall for the accommo- dation of the lodge, and that the committee was procur- ing furniture, jewels, etc., as fast as the state of the treasury would permit.
On receiving the charter, which bears the date of Octo- ber 28th, 1823, from the Grand Lodge of Maine, a meet- ing was held on March 31st, 1825, and for the first time an election of officers was held, resulting as follows : Moses
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 25
Greeiileaf, W. M. ; David Shepherd, S. W. ; Solomon Parsons, J. W. ; Wm. Morrison, Treas. ; Eben Greenleaf, Sec'y ; Josiah Towle, S. D. ; Jason Hassell, J. D. ; Ephraim Moulton, S. S. ; Jonathan Robinson, J. S. ; J. W. Thompson, Tyler. In January, 1826, our breth- ren were asked to donate something for a monument to Washington. Just how much that fund was swelled by the brethren of Piscataquis Lodge I am unable to say. In September and October there were no commun- ications of the lodge by reason of the unparalleled prevalence of fevers in Sebec. At the December meet- ing a petition was received from sundry brethren in Sangerville, praying for the right to form a lodge in that town to be known as Mosaic Lodge. The petition was unanimously granted. Mosaic Lodge is now located at Foxcroft. Our brethren in those days did not let lodge matters interfere with business, for the Secretaiy tells us that on account of the pressure of other business in September and October, 1828, the members held no meetings of the lodge.
In April, 1829, owing to the extreme "badness" of the traveling no lodge was held. In September of this year action was taken looking to the surrender of the charter of the lodge and personal notice was given to each member to be present at next meeting to discuss the matter. In October and November owing in part to the inclemenc}' of the weather, but more to the apathy of the members, meetings of the lodge were not held. December 10th, however, a meeting was held and it was decided inexpedient to surrender the charter. I desire to call attention to three brothers who attended this meeting, namely, David Shepherd, Joseph Chase and Abner Ford, and you will agree with me that these men had tenacity of purpose, that they possessed what we term in these later days staying qualities. At this meet-
26 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
ing proposals were made to change by-laws so that our meetings should be held quarterly in the months of January, April, July and October. After some discus- sion a decision upon the foregoing was postponed until our next communication.
On November 22d, 1831, nearly two years later, the next meeting of the lodge was held. This was a special called by the Master and the lodge was honored by a visit from the D. D. G. M. of the seventh district, Dr. David Shepherd. At this meeting the question of amending the by-laws relative to time of meeting where it had been for two years, and it was sought to further amend it by having semiannual communications in the months of March and September and that a yearly tax of 25 cents be collected from each member as dues. It was finally decided to postpone the decision of this question until the next communication of the lodge ; but I fear that when the next meeting was held the commit- tee to whom this matter had been referred had passed to "that land where ends our dark uncertain travel," for I have failed to find their names recorded in any of the proceedings since. The members of that committee were Moses Greenleaf, Solomon Parsons and Advardis Shaw. I feel, however, that these brothers were excus- able for not being present at the next communication, or for dying before it was held, for twenty-three years, two months and twenty- two days elapsed before the next communication was held. Now permit me to revert to the three named brothers I spoke of as possessing so much tenacit}' of purpose. Brothers David Shepherd, Joseph Chase and Abner Ford. At the meeting of this lodge held in November, 1831, they were present and holding office. At the next meeting in Februar}', 1855, they were present and acted as W. M., S. W. and J. W. What, many of you may ask, was the cause of this long
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 27
hiatus of nearly 24 3 ears? I am told however that one William Morgan was claimed to have told tales out of school in 1826 and later he disappeared. He published in 1826 a pretended exposition of Masonry which attracted at the time more attention than it deserved. Morgan soon after disappeared, and the Masons were charged by some of the enemies of the order with having removed him by foul means. There were various myths of his disap- pearance, and his subsequent living in other countries. They ma}^ or maj' not be true, but it is certain that there is no evidence of his death that would be admitted in a Court of Probate. I am told that feeling in the matter ran high, enemies of the order were certain that Morgan was slain by members of the fraternity and missed no opportunity to injure the craft wherever dispersed, and we know that Masons are forbidden to talk back. The result was the craft suffered until time somewhat cooled the passions of men and reason once again asserted itself. This may have been one of the causes at least why Piscataquis Lodge lay fallow for so many years.
On March 14th, 1855, officers were once more regu- larly elected, and installed March 30th by R. W. , E. B. Averill, Past Master. Following are the names of officers installed : David Shepherd, W. M. ; Edward Nason, S. W. ; Abner Ford, J. W. ; Russell Kittredge, Secretary and Treasurer, by proxy ; Wm. H. Stanchfield, S. D. ; James W. Burton, J. D.
At the Grand Lodge session held in Portland May 4th, 1855, it was voted that Piscataquis Lodge be restored to the list of lodges under the jurisdiction and that it be removed from Sebec to Milo and that a dis- pensation be issued by the Grand Master for that purpose.
28 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Note. — Mr. Gushing in his sketch of Sebec carries the history of Piscataquis Lodge no farther than its connection with that town ; the following is the rest of the history as prepared by Judge Durgin. [Ed.]
On May 25th, 1855, Piscataquis Lodge, No. 44, met at Temperance Hall in Milo, At this meeting four petitions were received — a very good start in Temperance Hall.
On September 21st Piscataquis Lodge met at their lodge room and later at their hall instead of at Tem- perance Hall. At the November meeting Brothers J. S. Sampson, Russell Kittredge and William Stanchfield were chosen as a committee to furnish and fit up the hall. On December 7th our late Brother Stephen D. Millett was initiated. December 31st occurred the election of officers, and we find Abner Ford and David Shepherd still "in it," and W. E. Gould was elected S. D. It was decided not to install until the next regular communication, and that each Mason have the right to invite his wife or spouse. In these days we would say his ' 'best girl. ' ' At this meeting Joseph Chase disap- peared from the stage with a ' 'Card. ' '
On July 18th, 1856, Caleb J. Ford, father of our present Brother Ford, was raised as a M. M.
On January 24th Brother Henry Snow of Mechanics Lodge, Orono, visited this lodge.
On February 1st, 1856, occurred the first public installation, the installing officer being Brother E. B. Averill of Dover. Before the services began they listened to music from the choir, and closed with the same.
May 16th stated communication was substituted for regular communication.
On February 12th announcement was made that a Masonic convention would be held at Dover on the 12th
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 29
of the next November. Surely no one could say that he hadn't sufficient nptice.
December 4th, 1856, our present esteemed Brother William E. Gould, was elected W. M. We doubt if any other lodge in the State can present a P. M, of 46 years' standing.
On December 18th a special meeting was held for the purpose of installing officers which was done publicly by P. M., E. B. Averill, assisted by the perennial David Shepherd. After the installation a very appropriate address was given by Brother Averill.
In October, 1857, Brother Caleb Tolman of Hender- son, Ky., was a visitor.
On January 12th, 1858, the lodge was called off and its members met the ladies of Milo, who presented to them the Holy Writings, after which a prayer was offered, and the officers installed.
At a meeting held December 24th, 1858, a committee on resolutions on the death of Brother Abner Ford reported. From this report I learn that he died at Sebec November 10th, 1858. On June 10th, 1859, this lodge was incorporated.
In December, 1859, another public installation occurred, after which a collation was prepared.
On May 24th, 1860, the lodge attended the funeral services of Brother James Burton, who was buried with Masonic honors.
On June 29th the late Sheriff E. S. Ireland was initiated. December 5th, 1862, the committee of guard- ians was succeeded by our present committee of enquiry.
In September, 1863, the lodge purchased the hall in which it met, of Russell Kittredge.
Fearing to weary your patience I pass over years of our existence, as nothing of importance transpired of particular interest, except to the fraternity. I find
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scarcel}' a meeting recorded when there was not some- thing doing in the way of work, however.
On December 1st, 1865, there was an election of offi- cers, and Isaac Leonard was elected Treasurer, Charles S. Leonard, Secretary, and Abial E. Leonard, J. D. Members of this family have been much in evidence as officers of this lodge, ever since.
On January 22d, 1869, it was decided unanimously to let the Odd Fellows have the use of the hall at $12.50 per quarter.
March 3d, 1871, consent was given for the formation of a Masonic Lodge at Brownville.
September 22d Russell Kittredge was selected to complete the history of our lodge for the last decade.
On November 24;th consent was given for the forma- tion of a Masonic Lodge at La Grange.
April 19th, 1872, a committee, consisting of our late Brother S. D. Millett, and Brothers J. M. Palmer and H. F. Daggett, was chosen to ascertain on what terms our hall could be sold, and to confer with other societies, etc., relative to building a new hall.
At the next meeting the committee, as is usual in such matters, asked for further time. At the following meeting the committee was released and it was decided to take no action that summer.
On December 13th it was decided to have a public installation and a cordial invitation was voted to be given to Pleasant River and Composite Lodges of Brownville and La Grange.
In March, 1878, another committee was appointed to consider the question of building a new hall, and our late Brothers Wm. P. Young, Lambert Sands and W. H. Owen were appointed. This committee at the April meeting reported and asked for further time. In
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 31
September it was decided to accept an offer from Brother Feimo of $300 for our hall.
On August 29th, 1879, the stated communication was held at the office of W. P. Young. On September 26th the long anticipated moment had arrived when the Secretary could record the fact that Piscataquis Lodge met at its new hall, since which time this room has been our Masonic home. The furnishings of this room were but scanty. Hard wooden chairs and wooden settees with never a soft spot in them. Cloth curtains and bare walls; a debt that was as hard to get rid of as the pro- verbial seven years' sar-cop-tus scabeie, but thanks to the prudence and good judgment of "the boys" the debt has now become only a nightmare of the past.
Some years ago a committee on improvements was chosen and is still in harness. As a result of its labors you now see these tasty and comfortable furnishings. Our latch-string is always out and we are always at home, to the craft.
I have given you in a slipshod manner something of the history of this lodge covering a period of some sixty years, and leave that part of my subject. May I add a word relative to our ancient institution as a whole?
No great moral force for the uplift of humanity was ever organized in this world that did not meet a counter force, whose tendency was to degrade. Take for instance the Christian Church, founded as it is upon the pure pre- cepts enunciated by the Nazarene, yet it has been encom- passed roundabout continually by the forces of sin, watching for opportunity to destroy it. The church, however, is stronger to-day than in the beginning because of its inherent principles of right.
Truth and right may be obscured for a while by the dust of abuse and error, but in the end must prevail, because it is truth and right.
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Standing not loni)- since in the Cliff House at the Golden Gate, I watched for an hour the great waves as they came rolling in from across the bay. Like an army of white-plumed knights they came, tossing their foamy banners on high, and hurling themselves against the giant cliffs that disputed their farther progress. Again and again they came in their mad fury, beating like great demons at those silent, time-stained rocks, only to be hurled back into old ocean, and their white banners flung mountain high in air, and those grim and storm- beaten sentinels, whose foundations are as strong as the Eternal Will, will stand there bidding defiance to every onslaught of those mad, relentless waves until time shall cease writing her record across their weather-beaten faces. So it is with our ancient institution. Founded upon the rock of Truth, which is eternal, it has stood unwavering against the onslaught of every opposition.
Twenty-nine years ago, when living in Idaho, I had occasion to go to the town of Fairview on the summit of War Eagle Mountain. From this place, on a clear day, one may look off to the east and see lying before him the green valley of the Snake River, and traversing the valley from west to east I could mark here and there the glistening waters of the Shoshone or Snake River. On this day the clouds and mist had dropped down from the mountain tops and had spread like a dark funeral pall over the valley, and in imagination I was looking down into the Valley of the Shadow. Now and then light winds with deft fingers would draw aside those misty curtains, opening to my view long, dim aisles leading down into that gloomy imderworld, while here and there I could see dusky glimmers of the river Styx, with Charon waiting at the crossing. Suddenly, as I looked, the sun came out from behind a cloud and shot a i*ay of light down into that restless valley of cloud and mist.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY ?>?>
In an instant those particles of mist became grains of gold and precious stones, and lo, instead of the Valley of the Shadow, I was looking upon the city of the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Looking out over the valley of glorified color, I could see the golden streets, its walls of jasper and gates of pearl, while below, glis- tening with radiant light, I could see the River of the Water of Life proceeding out from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Once again the scene shifted, the city with golden streets and jasper walls had slowly drifted away on the wings of the lazy summer wind, and there was once more the broad valley of the Shoshone lying like a great emerald between the mountains and the sea.
Just when or where Masonry had its birth I am not able to say, but at some period in the remote ages it came as a ray of light out of the blackness of the night, leading man up from the gray, desolate barrens of Super- stition into the peopled cities of Reason; up out of the slough of Disappointment into the broad highway of Hope. A study of the art has broadened the intellect, and given to man a more profound and comprehensive understanding of life. It has taught you and me to answer that question that man has been asking ever since the morning of life, "If a man die, shall he live again.?" It has helped its true adherents to divest their minds and consciences of at least some of the vices and super- fluities of life, thus fitting them as living stones for that spiritual building eternal and in the heavens. It is not an opponent of Christianity, but walks hand in hand with it. Fierce antagonism and papal decree have sought to destroy the institution, but as some white- winged ship sails serenely on through troubled waters and past dangerous rocks to finally moor itself in a sun-
84 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY
kissed harbor of safety, so also will our grand institution survive and outride all the perils of antagonism and misconception.
I beg not to be misunderstood as taking this occasion to advertise the institution. Such an idea is farthest from my thought. I would as soon think of advertising the majesty of some lofty mountain standing in its silent grandeur amid the decay of the centuries, or some mighty rolling river sweeping along in all its restless and resistless power toward the sea; or the golden sunshine that kisses the green sod of the valley ; or the gentle rain that falls upon the just and unjust. My chief desire is no more than to pay humble tribute with my brethren, and to bring this simple testimony before you of my great esteem for an institution that is a part of the world's history.
"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." As Free Masons we know what it is to be overcomers, and have received the white stone with the new name.
Some Facts in Regard to the Early History of the Town of Guilford
By Henry Hudson, Esq,
ON May 1, 1794, the committee of the Common- wealth of Massachusetts for the sale of eastern lands, through Daniel Carey, issued letters of in- structions to Samuel Weston to proceed and survey three ranges of townships between Penobscot River and the east line of the million acres, located on the river Ken- nebec, to be bounded west on the million acres, south on the sixth range and a line extended east from the north- east corner of township number one in the sixth range aforesaid to Penobscot River, easterly on Penobscot River and north on unlocated lands to be numbered the seventh, eighth and ninth ranges progressing northerly, and the townships to be laid out six miles square except- ing those bordering on the Penobscot River. A copy of these instructions I embodied in my sketch. Under this letter of instructions Samuel Weston did in the year 1794 locate said three ranges and divide the ranges up into townships. I have also incorporated and made part of my sketch a letter written by Samuel Weston to the committee for sale of eastern lands under date of October 15, 1801. It would appear that complaint had been made in regard to the survey of township 4, range 7, and a request was made for a resurvey of that township. Township 4, range 7, is now the town of Sebec. This
36 HISTOEICAL COLLECTIONS
letter is a full explanation of the way in which said ranges and townships in the ranges were located. I incorporate a copy of these two original documents as a matter of historical interest to be preserved. These copies were obtained at considerable expense. I will say that in the case in this county between Edward Stetson and others and Sprague Adams and others these two documents were used as evidence.
On February 25, 1795, the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts granted to Bowdoin College four townships of land. These townships were number four, five, six and seven in the seventh range of townships north of Waldo Patent. These townships subsequently became the towns of Sebec, Foxcroft, Guilford and Abbot. Guil- ford was township number six, range seven. The north line of Waldo Patent is the south line of the towns of Hampden and Dixmont. The ranges, therefore, are numbered consecutively commencing at the south line of Hampden and Dixmont.
In 1803 Deacon Robert Lowe and Deacon Robert Herring, both of New Gloucester, bought from Bowdoin College a few thousand acres of land in township six, range seven, now Guilford. Immediately after said pur- chase they began to make preparations for forming a settlement therein.
In the plantation records of the town of Guilford is a short historical sketch, no doubt written by Robert Lowe. In this sketch he says that, "These men (mean- ing no doubt Deacon Robert Herring and Deacon Robert Lowe) formed a determination to admit on their part no person as a settler who was not industrious, orderly, moral and well disposed. In this they so far succeeded that for many years thereafter contentions, lawsuits and broils among neighbors were known only in name among the inhabitants."
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY Ol
We quote further from the historical sketch as follows : "In A. D. 1804, trees were felled in several places in the town and the next year corn was raised. On the 16th day of February, A. D. 1806, the first family moved into the town, and about the middle of March the second family came, together with several men who worked dur- ing the summer, and remained here the winter following. ' '
These two families were those of Deacon Robert Lowe, Jr., and Deacon Robert Herring, Jr. Robert Lowe, Jr., settled on the farm now occupied by Joseph H. Deering. Robert Herring, Jr., settled on the farm now occupied by Herbert L. Crafts.
In 1806 there were seven men residing in said town- ship. These men were Robert Lowe, Jr., Robert HeiTing, Jr., David Lowe, John Bennett, Isaac Bennett, Nathaniel Bennett and John Everton.
These men, deeming that there should be some suitable regulations to preserve good order and harmony, met and made such by-laws for one year as were deemed necessary. They chose a clerk to keep a record of their doings and such other officers as were thought necessary to carry these laws into execution. These laws so adopted were respected and rarely ever known to be evaded.
The public schools were supported by private sub- scription. Public worship was carried on constantly from about the time of the first settlement. Robert Lowe records the fact in regard to the obedience to these laws as follows: "Here let it be noticed that although the only barrier which supported the execution of these laAvs was a pledge of honor, they were rarely known to be evaded. ' '
From the records we find that Robert Herring was bom June 1, 1764, and his A^dfe, Sally Herring, May 20, 1765. The record further shows that they had eleven children. The eldest of these childi'en was Robert
38 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Herring, Jr., who was born January 1, 1784. Robert Herring, Jr., was married as early as 1806 according to the above statement, and was, with Robert Lowe, Jr., the first settlers in the town of Guilford. Robert Herring, Jr. , married Polly Herring, who was born April 25, 1782. They had eleven children. Robert Herring, Jr., died in Guilford in 1847. At the date of his death he owned the mills at North Guilford now owned by Ellis & Wise. The sons of Robert Herring settled in Guilford. Some of the girls, however, after marriage went to other places.
Robert Lowe, Jr., was born in New Boston, N. H., March 1, 1781. His wife, Rebecca Lowe, was born in New Gloucester September 1, 1782.
John Everton was born in Dorchester, Mass., April 5, 1765. Rebecca Everton, his wife, was born in North Yarmouth, Me., 1771. His second wife was born in North Yarmouth in 1767.
John Everton had three children, two sons and a daughter. John Everton settled on the road from Dover to Guilford on what is known as the Maxfield flat. We find nothing on the records in regard to what became of Mr. Everton and his family.
John Bennett was born in New Gloucester January 29, 1773. His wife, Sally Bennett, was born in New Gloucester March 14, 1772. They had eight children, — seven sons and one daughter. The daughter, Sally Bennett, was the wife of Isaac Edes, whose descendants now live in Guilford. The seven sons all settled, lived and died in Guilford. Many of their descendants are now living in town. John Bennett was known as Captain John Bennett.
Nathaniel Bennett was born in New Gloucester Novem- ber 19, 1768. His wife Rachel was born in North Yar- mouth June 22, 1774. Nathaniel Bennett had bv his
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY Qif
first wife eight children, — two sons and six daughters. Nathaniel Bennett's second wife was born in Lewiston July 9, 1778. She was the widow of James Douglass. At the time of her marriage to Nathaniel Bennett she had four children by her first husband, James Douglass, all boys. The youngest of the four was George H. Douglass, a respected citizen of our town and father of Henry Douglass, who recently died in our town. Nathaniel Bennett by his second marriage had six chil- dren,— four sons and two daughters.
Isaac Bennett was born in New Gloucester December 8, 1770. His wife Peggy was born in New Gloucester May 29, 1771. They had eleven children, — six sons and five daughters.
I have given a sketch of the first seven men who settled in Guilford, except David Lowe. I find no mention of David Lowe in the records. The three Bennetts were brothers. The descendants of some of these first settlers are still living with us.
In the conveyance of township six, range seven, now Guilford, by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to Bowdoin College, four lots of 320 acres each were reserved for public uses. These uses were as follows : One for the first settled minister, one for the ministry, one for the schools and one for the future disposition of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These lots after Guilford was incorporated as a town were located.
In the plantation records, at a warrant issued by the assessors for a meeting to be held on the 22d day of April, 1815, we find the following article: "To see if the plantation will agree to give Elder Thomas Macomber an invitation to settle here as a town minister on such conditions as shall be thought proper when met." At the doings of said meeting, "It was voted to give Elder Thomas Macomber an invitation to settle here
40 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
as a town minister on the condition following, to wit : That he shall serve the town as their minister ten years, but should he or the people be dissatisfied, or should he leave the town before ten years, then to have such pro- portion of the land appropriated for the first settled minister as the time he shall serve as aforesaid shall bear to ten years. ' '
It would seem that after this vote was called the people must have thought that the terms were rather exacting with their pastor, therefore a meeting was held on the 15th day of June, 1815. We find the article in the warrant for that meeting to be: "To see if the plan- tation will agree to settle Elder Thomas Macomber as a town minister." At this meeting it was voted that Elder Thomas Macomber be the minister of the town when it shall be incorporated so long as he and a majority of the people of the town are agreed.
We will say that Elder Thomas Macomber did settle as minister and preached at Guilford Center for many years. He died in Guilford. Some of his descendants now live in Guilford.
Thomas Macomber was born in Marshfield, Mass., August 17, 1773. His wife Phebe was born in Bedford, N. H., August 25, 1778.
On the 6th day of October, 1812, Phillip Leavitt of Athens, by virtue of a warrant from the treasurer of the County of Somerset, issued his warrant for organizing the township into a plantation. On November 11, 1812, said township was organized into a plantation. Robert Lowe was chosen clerk. Robert Herring, Nathaniel Graves and Robert Lowe were chosen assess- ors. Isaac Herring was chosen collector.
On July 7, 1813, the first road in the plantation was accepted by the plantation. This was known as the
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 41
river road and extended from the Foxcroft town line to Abbot town line on the north side of the river.
On February 8, 1816, Guilford was incorporated as a town. The original township line of township six, range seven, Guilford, was south of the Piscataquis River from the southwest corner of said township to a point nearly opposite to the buildings recently occupied by Mr. Samuel Crafts. When the town of Sangerville was incorporated June 13, 1813, its northern bound was the Piscataquis River. When Guilford was incorporated its southern bound was the original township line. There is therefore a small piece of land at the extreme southern bound of the Crafts farm nearly opposite the buildings which was not incorporated in either town. The center of the Piscataquis River, however, is the true division line between said towns.
The burden of supporting two of the bridges on the Piscataquis River was upon the towns of Guilford and Sangerville. Within three miles and a half there are three bridges across the Piscataquis River. The most westerly bridge is at Guilford village, entirely within the limits of the town of Guilford. The other two bridges are supported by said Sangerville and said Guilford as before stated.
From careful examination of the plantation records and of the early records of the town of Guilford facts have been learned which in some instances are different from what the popular opinion has been. The first record upon the record books of the plantation and of the town of Guilford in regard to any bridge is in the year 1822. On September 9, 1822, the voters in town meet- ing assembled voted to accept one half of the bridge across the Piscataquis River between Joseph Kelsey's and Carleton Mills. The first bridge across the Piscataquis River within the limits of the town of Guilford was built
4>S HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
where Sangerville station now is. Prior to building the bridge at this place the river was forded. In 1821 we are informed that a bridge was built at this place by sub- scription. It was a primitive affair but it served its purpose. In the spring of 1824 this bridge was carried out by the freshet.
At a special town meeting on Api'il 16, 1824, the town raised the sum of two hundred dollars to be applied to the building of the bridge across the Piscataquis River near J. Kelsey's. At the same meeting a committee of three was chosen to act with a like committee, chosen by the town of Sangerville. This committee was Joseph Kelsey, Seth Nelson and Stedman Davis. The town, "Voted to allow Joseph Kelsey one dollar and fift}' cents per week to attend the ferry until the bridge or some other thing shall render it unnecessary, provided that the town of Sangerville shall agree to pay to the town of Guilford one half of said expense and one half of the expense of a boat." The bridge which was then con- structed at this place was more substantial than the former one. There was a trestle in the middle of the river which supported the bridge.
Mr. Loring, in his history of Piscataquis County, says that this bridge was carried away by the high freshet in 1832. The bridge, however, at that time must have gone to decay considerably because we find on the records where a meeting was held on the 4th day of June, 1831, when the town voted, "That the selectmen cause Sangerville bridge, so-called, to be repaired in the cheapest and best possible way the}' can consistently with the interests of the town considering it is an old bridge and unworthy of expensive repairs," and voted, "To raise fifty dollars in corn or grain as we raised it in March last to pay the expense which ma}' arise in repair- ing said bridge. ' '
OF PISCATAaUIS COUNTY 43
The first record, however, which we find in regard to our rebuilding the bridge after it was carried out by the freshet was held on September 8, 1834. The town at this time passed a vote to take measures to have the road across the river at this point discontinued. Sangerville would not agree to this. Thereupon the town chose a committee to rebuild the bridge. This meeting was held on the 29th day of September, 1834. Joseph Kelsey, Robert Herring, Jr., and Seth Nelson were chosen a committee to superintend the building of the bridge.
At the annual town meeting held on March 2, 1835, the town raised six hundred and eighty-one dollars to defray the expense of building a bridge near Joseph Kelsey 's. The bridge, therefore, must have been built in 1835. Mr. Loring, in his histor}^ states that the bridge was completed in the fall of 1835. The records of the town of Guilford substantiate his statement. We are aware that the popular opinion has been for many years that this bridge was built in the year 1833. For many years there were the figures 1833 on the south end of the present bridge. The bridge is now in fair repair although it has done service for seventy-two years. It now is the oldest bridge on the Piscataquis River.
Where the places of business now are in Guilford vil- lage, on the north side of the river, there was a very thick cedar swamp. In 1824 Robert Herring, Jr., and S. and J. Morgan built a dam across the Piscataquis River and in the fall of that year put a sawmill in operation. In the fall of 1825 Addison Martin built the first store. This store was built on the spot where the building now is which is occupied by Straw & Martin. The road from what was called the river road near the old meeting-house to the river was accepted on September 12, 1825. Moses Stevens purchased from Bowdoin College all the
44 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
land on the north side of the river where the places of business now are. From him titles were taken. Moses Stevens lived where David Stevens lived in his lifetime near the station. On April 3, 1826, the town accepted the road from Herring and Morgan's mill towards Moses Stevens'. This now is Water Street.
In the early part of the year 1828 it had become necessary to have a bridge across the Piscataquis River at HeiTing and Morgan's mill. During the summer of that year a bridge was started to be built by subscription across the river, substantially where the present bridge now is. On September 8, 1828, a town meeting was called. Article four in the warrant was, "To see if the town will assist in building a bridge over the river near Herring's Mills." The town voted to pass over the article. At this time no road had been located across the river at this point or near the point. There must have been considerable contention as to just where the road should be located and the bridge built. We find upon the record where there was an attempt to locate the road and bridge across the river near the west end of the lot now occupied by Dr. Cowie. There was also an attempt to locate the road and bridge near where Hussey & Goldthwaite's elevator now is. Thereupon there must have been considerable agitation because we find that on the third day of November, 1828, there was an article, "To see if the town will petition to the Legislature to set off that part of the town lying between the river and the town of Parkman to the town of Parkman. " The town in town meeting, however, voted to pass over this article.
There were numerous town meetings held in regard to the building of the bridge across the river at Herring and Morgan's mill. We do not find, however, any definite action taken by the town towards the construction
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 45
of the bridge until the town meeting held on the 19th day of November, 1829. At that meeting the record states, "There are considerable sums subscribed by indi- viduals to expend on the bridge aforenamed." "Voted that after so much of the sum that can be collected has been expended the town will finish it in manner herein- after described. ' ' The town voted that a town agent be chosen to superintend the finishing of the bridge and made provision as to the amount to be paid for the ser- vices rendered, fixing the compensation of such persons. Isaac Smith was chosen such agent. The town voted, "That a man and his oxen shall be entitled to eight cents an hour." In the fall of 1830 the town held meetings and passed votes towards the completion of this bridge. We do not find that the bridge which was built at this time was carried away by the freshet of 1832. Mr. Loring states that it was. We find, how- ever, that after the year 1832 considerable sums of money were raised to build the bridge at Guilford village. We are of the opinion that this bridge was either carried away by freshet or became so unfit for service that it was necessary to build a new bridge, for the reason that in the year 1839 the records state that the bridge was not safe for travel, and a new bridge was built at that time. This bridge which was built was carried away in the spring of 1855 by the high freshet. During that season the bridge which has recently been removed was built. Willard W. Harris and Isaac B. Wharff took the con- tract to do the stonework and build the bridge. The selectmen for the year 1855 were George H. Douglass, Charles Loring and Isaac Weston. In the high freshet in the spring of 1857 this bridge received some injury and the town raised money that spring to repair it.
The first bridge built, where the bridge now known as Lowe's bridge is, was in the year 1830. This bridge was
46 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
damaged seriously by the freshet in the spring of 1837. It became necessary to rebuild this bridge and it was re- built in 1843. In the high freshet in the spring of 1857 the bridge was carried away. During the summer of 1857 this bridge was rebuilt. Isaac B. Wharff did the stonework. We wish to say that the abutments under this bridge show the thoroughness with which the work was done, and are a credit to the man who did it.
Mr. Loring, in his history, states that there have been nine bridges upon the Piscataquis River. From the statements above it can be seen that there have been three at Lowe's bridge, three at Sangerville and three at Guilford village prior to the present structure. The burden upon the town in its early years must necessarily have been large. It will be noted, however, that there must have been public sentiment in favor of them be- cause we find no record of any dissensions except possibly the one when the bridge was carried out at Sangerville in the year 1832.
Note. — The following letter of instractions to Samuel Weston, Esq., from the committee for the sale of east- ern lands, and a letter from Mr. Weston to the com- mittee, both relating to the survey of certain townships of lands in Piscataquis County, of which Guilford is one, are appended to Mr. Hudson's paper. These are not only important in so far as they relate to Guilford, but are valuable documents in considering the history of all the towns and townships in the seventh, eighth and ninth ranges. [Ed.]
Copy of Instructions
to Samuel Weston, Esquire.
May 1, 1794.
In behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts the
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 47
Committee for the Sale of Eastern Lands to Samuel Weston, Esquire, Surveyor — Sir you are hereby Author- ised and directed with Judicious Chainmen under oath to proceed and Survey three Ranges of townships between Penobscot River and the East line of the Million Acres located on the River Kenebeck and to be bounded West on the Said Million Acres South on the Sixth Range already Surveyed and a line to be extended east from the North East corner of township number one in the Sixth Range aforesaid to Penobscot River — Easterly on Penob- scot River — and North on unlocated lands — all the lines are to be run and well Spotted and the corners of each township marked the Ranges to extend from east to west and to be numbered the Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Range progressing northerly — and the townships to be numbei-ed in each range and to be laid out Six miles Square excepting those bordering on Penobscot River — which townships are to contain as nearly the quantity of Six miles Square as the course of the River and the adjoining townships will permit — the number of Acres to be noted on the plan in each township which contains a greater or less quantity than six miles square — And you will Survey accurately the Western bank or Water Edge of Penobscot River so far as the three Ranges aforesaid join on the same — taking proper care in the whole of this Survey to inspect the Chainmen ascending and descending the hills and dales, and make such allow- ance as to have the lines hold out horizontal measure.
And you are to make Return of the Survey with Duplicate plans representing the lines of the townships a border or margin of the adjoining lands the Rivers, Streams, Lakes, Ponds, and the most prominent heights
— and to be accompanied with such notes, minutes, and a field-book as may be necessary to illustrate the Survey
— Shewing the quality of the Soil — the growth of the
48 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
timber, and the quantity of Land covered with water — Such Return to be made into our office at Boston or to either of the Committee as soon as may be after the business is completed — for which Service you shall be entitled to receive including all expense attending this business when completed twelve pounds for each township Surveyed and returned in manner as aforesaid.
r in behalf DANIEL CAREY, ) of the
( Committee.
HaUowell, May 1, 1794.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Office of the Secretary,
Boston, Sept. 10, 1895. Compared with the Original and found Correctly Copied.
WM. M. OLIN,
Secretary.
Mr. Weston's Letter.
Canaan, Oct. 15, 1801. To the Committee for Sale of Eastern Lands. Gentlemen :
In compliance with the directions forwarded on the back of the Resolve of the Genl. Court authorizing a resurvey of Township No. 4 in the seventh range north of the Waldo Patent, I have employed by Brother Stephen Weston who assisted in the Original Survey to perform that business, after first writing to the College Com. to know what was the ground of the application for a resurvey not knowing whether any error was sup- posed to be discovered in the contents of the Town- ship or only in Numbering.
I did not suppose there was any need of employing more than two persons as my Brother aforesaid had
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 49
measured the line that divides the No. 3 and 4 ranges and found the three ranges to overrun 18 M but 6 rods only, he therefore from his own measure performed under oath has run a line West about, or nearly to the Million acre line, and consequently has rectified the error in all the Townships West in the 6 and 7 ranges.
How the mistake or error has crept into this business is at this time an absolutely mystery to me.
When the 7, 8 and 9th ranges were surveyed I employed my Brother to run the N. line and one Mr. John O'Neil to run the line between the 8th and 9th ranges with particular instructions where to leave the Million acre line. I proceeded up the Penobscot by water to the N. E. corner of Township No. 1, in the sixth ranges thence run east to the Penobscot. I then surveyed said River up and by casting the northing Easting dis I found where to make the corners of the Townships on the Range lines — until I came to the N. E. corner of the Township No. 1, 9th range — and there I waited until m}^ brother arrived, and so tine were my calculations and measure that my brother struck the River with his line within Six rods of my Station before made — and by repeated measurations said three Town- ships are honestly 18 miles wide together I have never had any reason to doubt but the Stations I had so care- fully made on the Penobscot were true and lines extend- ing from them west would be the true dividing line for the ranges — Master O'Neil met with so many obstacles from low swampy land and ponds on the line between the 8 and 9 ranges that he did arrive at Penobscot untill after my brother and I had left and gone to checking off the ToAvns — But he came down to the mouth of the Pis- cataquis and found me there and gave me some account of his voyage, and I rather concluded he had struck the River above my station made for him to come out at and
60 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
concluded there might be some difference in the Com- passes w. h. in so long a line had* * * * g^j^ easily dis- covered. I then sent my own land up to the corner I had made for him and gave up my * * * * own com- pass and fitted him out for to in the dividing * * * * line between the 7 and 8 range complained of by the * * * * trustees of Bowdoin College — under these cir- cumstances I confess I cannot tell how to account for the difference in the width of the 7 and 8 ranges as alto- gether the measure is good — and Master O'Neil has been a practical Surveyor, is called a man of ability and good understanding and the objection any person made against him when I enquired into his ability to undertake the task assigned him, was that he would be rather to nice, and curious to have the work performed Just so — which I thought would not by any means unqualify him — as the amount of the objections was that he would do the work well — but it would take the longer — But that he never would slight it nor can I now think that it is slighted — as an Instance of his faithfulness — he was so afraid lest a line be crosses and made a corner thereon which was undoubtedly the million acre line — should not prove so eventually that he continued running West until he had got within four miles of Kennebec River — and his being so much behind with the lines he ran pre- vented a discovery of the Error — Absolute exactness cannot be expected in so broken a country as that is, so many obstacles from ponds with all their arms legs inlets and outlets, swamps, bogs, thickets morasses. Mountain Cliffs and Gullies in so close a succession render it much more difficult to close lines than might often be wished for — sometimes interested persons wish to exaggerate any little errors, or rather they appear greater when found by the measure of persons influenced by interest
*Where asterisks are inserted words are missing in the original.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 51
altho' I do not pretend this to be the case in this instance I am conscious of the most upright and honest intentions in the whole progress of the survey of those ranges of Townships and the error in the amended line must have proved from and ought I think to be consi rod * * * * as a misfortune — and I hope I shall be exc * * * * J say that I think the expense ought rath * * * * fall on the Government than on the Committee.
most obed. Hum. Ser.
SAMUEL WESTON.
State of Maine. Land Office, Augusta, Jan. 15, 1897.
I certify the above to be a true copy of the original as filed in this office.
CHAS. E. OAK,
Land Agent.
Some Facts Relating to the Early History of Greenville and Moosehead Lake
Presented by Charles D. Shaw
"Memories waking happy tears, Bringing back the yester-years."
THE friends of other days often come before us, and then we see once more their pleasant faces and almost converse with them again. "Some moments there are that send their glad ripple down through life's stream to the very verge of the grave, and truly blest is one who can smile upon and kiss those memory waves and draw from them a bliss that never fails." To gratify a desire to review the past, we will invite the memory to bring back the scenes of other days, and write something remembered about Greenville and Moosehead Lake.
In the fall of the year 1844 Josiah Hinckley and Milton G. Shaw bought of Charles Gower the first hotel ever built at Greenville and also the farm connected with the same. What is now Greenville Village consisted at that time of one hotel, one store, two dwelling-houses, two blacksmith shops and a schoolhouse. One dwelling- house and one blacksmith shop was owned and occupied by old Mr. Hildreth ; the other dwelling-house was built, owned and occupied by Mr. Benjamin Bigney. After Mr. Gower sold the hotel he occupied the tenement over his store. The store is still standing and owned by M.
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 53
G. Shaw Lumber Company. Mr. Hildreth's blacksmith shop was on the corner of the street where D. T. Sanders' store now stands; the other blacksmith shop was on the corner of the street leading to West Cove, then so called. It was occupied by John Atwood. He was then unmarried and boarded at the hotel.
The hotel was two stories high, with ell running back to the north. It had been enlarged from time to time as the interests of business demanded, and at the time it was burned (March 15, 1849) would accommodate from fifty to sixty guests. (It was rebuilt in part the next year by Capt. Joshua Fogg. ) It was not an uncommon thing during the winters from 1844 to 1849 for from thirty to forty teamsters to stop there overnight. They were called toters; their business was hauling supplies for lumbermen about the lake and its tributaries, and on the waters of the Penobscot River.
In the year 1844 there was a hotel at Sandbar kept by Mr. Ephraim Nason and one at Kineo kept by H. G. O. Barrows. There were shanties kept as follows : One at the foot of the lake near what is now Eveleth wharf by John Pollard, one at Deer Island by Gen. Capen and his son Aaron, one at Lily Bay by Hildreth Bros., one at Roach River by Deacon Ford, one ten miles beyond on the road to Chesuncook Lake by Thomas Grant, one at the head of Chesuncook Lake by Ansel Smith. There was a hotel two miles from the foot of the lake on the road to Shirley kept by B. F. Greeley.
According to tradition the first settlers came to Green- ville by a road leading from Monson Village directly north to the easterly part of the town of Greenville, and the fii*st settlements in town were along that road. The names of those living there in the year 1844 were as follows: Mr. Wilson, William Shaw, Dea. Darling, Silas Cummings, Oliver Young, Orrin Grant, Joel
54 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Sawyer, Isaac Sawyer. Names of inhabitants living on the road leading from Greenville to Lily Bay were Jerry Varney, John Tyler, Rev. James Withee, Ed Scammon. Names of inhabitants living on the road leading from Greenville to Shirley were Charles Meserve, B. F. Greeley, William Connor, Hiram Mansell, Jefferson Mansell. Those on the road leading from foot of lake to the east part of the town were George Simpson, Elijah Young, Thomas Young. Those on the road leading to West Cove were John Masterman, Samuel Cole, James Nash. Mr. Cole was a farmer by occu- pation, and in connection with farming owned and operated a sawmill, the power of which was an overshot wheel. The saw was an up and down saw. As a matter of course each board had a stub-short. The mill could be run only in times of freshet, but with his mill he could supply the demand for boards in that vicinity.
At that time shingles were made by hand. They were made of cedar and pine trees. The trees were sawed into blocks and were then split and shaved by hand. It was called a day's work for a man to split, saw, shave and bunch one thousand shingles. Some shingle weavers, as they were then called, became experts, and some men claimed that after the shingles were split and ready to shave they could shave and throw them across the room where they were to be bunched and keep one in the air all the time. It may not be easy to prove such a statement now, but it is quite certain that some men could shave them very fast. Bangor was then the principal market for shingles. Pine shingles were then worth $4.00 per M.
The principal business of the inhabitants then was farming. They raised cattle, sheep and horses; sold to the lumbermen hay, grain and other products of the soil. As a rule they were industrious, prudent, discreet, honest
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 55
and prosperous. Their land at that time, being new, yielded large returns. One farmer at one time went to Foxcroft to mill with a grist of ninety bushels of wheat. This of course was an exceptional case but it emphasizes the push and energy of the early settlers of Greenville.
In the year 1844 the shipping of the lake consisted of one steamboat called the Amphitrite. She was about ninety feet long and very wide on the beam. Her boiler and engine were of primitive make and her rate of speed was about six miles an hour. She was used in the spring of the year for towing logs, and in the fall for carrying lumbermen's teams, crews and supplies, but she was too slow for a passenger-boat. She was commanded by Capt. King. There was also a two-masted schooner commanded by Capt. George Varney. She was also used for carrying heavy freight for lumbering business. There were two smaller one-masted vessels, one commanded by Captain Fletcher Flint, the other by Captain Monroe Brown. They were both fine vessels of their kind, and did a good business for several years. There were several kinds of small boats; one was the bateau, sometimes called the Maynard boat, and used mostly for river driv- ing, the other was the birch canoe made by the Indians. It was often the case that a canoe was made of the bark of one tree, and all of one piece.
At that time there was felt a pressing need of a pas- senger-boat with steam-power; sailing vessels often required too much time. The Amphitrite was lacking in too many points to meet the demand of the times. Business men demanded more speed, tourist and pleasure parties wanted more style, stockholders wanted quicker returns. Public sentiment would be satisfied with nothing short of a new and better steamboat, and the stock raised for that purpose was sold almost as soon as it was put onto the market. In the year 1848 the
56 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
steamer Moosehead was built at Varney's landing, Mr. Benjamin Bigney, master builder. She was built expressly for a passenger-boat, her finish and furnishings were fully up to date, a locomotive-boiler and engine with modern improvements gave her speed of fourteen miles per hour. She was very attractive in appearance, and gave general satisfaction to all concerned, as a pas- senger-boat. In early spring the Moosehead was used for towing logs, but in the summer she was used for pas- senger work, making two trips per week from Greenville to Northeast Carry, stopping at Kineo, going and com- ing, and at other points as business demanded, also one trip per week from Greenville to Kineo. She was com- manded by Captain Thomas Robinson.
At that time logs were towed from Moose River and North Bay by steamboat, and from Spencer Bay and the lower part of the lake by head works : a big raft made of logs with a small house on one end, wiiere the men cooked, ate and slept. On the other end of the raft was the capstan. A rope one half mile long was attached to the capstan, the other end to an anchor. The anchor was carried out to the end of the rope and thrown over- board ; the rope w^as then wound in on the capstan by twelve men with six bars. In this way a raft of twenty acres of logs could be moved one half mile an hour.
During the years from 1844 to 1854 the means of con- veyance to and from Greenville was by stage. One route was from Greenville to Bangor, the other from Greenville to Skowhegan. The last named made three round trips per week. The names of the drivers in the order named were: Warren Potter, Henry Potter, John Downing, William Young, William Blackden. Heavy freight was then hauled from Bangor to Greenville, with two, four and six-horse teams, making one trip per week.
In the year 1849 a wooden railroad was built from
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 57
the shore of the lake to the bank of the Penobscot River at Northeast Carry, distance two miles, twenty-seven rods. As the water at the shore of the lake was very shoal, it was necessary to build a pier forty rods from the shore and continue the track to the pier, making the entire length of the road two miles, sixty-seven rods. It had a wooden track and a platform car, drawn by one horse, weight of common load about two tons, making four trips per day. The business of the road was taking lumbermen's supplies from the steamboat pier to the West Branch of the Penobscot River. The cost of building and equipping the road was about S3, 000, price of freightage $4.00 per ton, length of business season about two months each year. It went to deca}'^ and was discontinued in about ten years, and a turnpike road was built in its place.
The principal fishermen during the early history of Moosehead Lake were Mr. Bard and the Cross brothers. Mr. Bard, in the winter, had a house on runners and hauled it from place to place. He lived in his house and fished in deep water. The Cross brothers fished in the thoroughfares. They were all quite successful in their line of business. The leading hunters and trappers were Uncle John Ellis and William Lyford. They both lived in the woods nearly all of their lives. Uncle John Ellis, as he was called, was a great story-teller, and when he was in company with those who liked to hear him talk he would relate his adventures with wild animals, (mostly bull moose) by the hour. He continued in the hunting business until he was an old man. His last camping place was near Spencer Bay ; the smoke of it could be plainly seen from Mr. Capen's house at Deer Island. They, knowing that he was liable to fall into distress at any time, kept a close watch for the smoke of his cabin, and one day there was no smoke to be seen. Mr. Capen
58 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
went immediately to his place and found him sick and unable to help himself. Mr. Capen, like the good Samaritan, took him to his own home (which was an inn) and took care of him. It proved to be his last sickness. He had a family and accumulated quite a good property.
Mr. Lyford was quite a fur hunter, and enjoyed telling his adventures with bears and wolves. He, too, was quite a successful hunter and trapper and followed the business until he was quite old.
Until the year 1850 there were no laws to protect large game in Maine. At that time moose and deer were very plenty in northern Maine, especially along the West Branch of the Penobscot River and around Moosehead Lake. No one seemed disposed to kill more than he needed for his own private use. In the year 1850 large numbers of St. Francis Indians came through from Canada and made great slaughter of moose, taking nothing but their hides, leaving their car- casses along the shores of the lake and the West Branch of the Penobscot and in the woods in almost every direction. So certain did it seem that large game would become extinct that complaints were made by the Penob- scot Indians, and large numbers of citizens petitioned the Legislature to pass laws to protect large game, and in response to the request of the people, laws were passed to that end and game wardens appointed, Isaac Labree being the first game warden in the vicinity of Moosehead Lake.
In the early days of game-laws the warden's duties were not always pleasant or even safe, as in the case of Calvin Graves, who killed Wardens Hill and Niles of Calais, Maine. The violators of the game-laws would shield themselves with the fact that they were in the solitude of the great wilderness of Maine and would sometimes say that there was no law where there was no
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 59
stone wall, and their means of defense was their rifle and sheath-knife.
Notwithstanding the liabilities incident to the enforce- ment of the game-laws, Warden Labree went to the Northeast Carry to meet a party of Indians who were coming up the West Branch of the Penobscot with their canoes loaded with dried moose hides. (The Indians' method for preparing moose hides to be carried in large quantities in their canoes was to stretch them on poles, shave off the hair, di'y, fold and pack them in bales.) He read to them the game-laws of Maine and the penal- ties. They seemed very much surprised, and with much indignation assumed a very savage and threatening position, and it looked for a while as though something serious might take place, but after much parleying they were allowed to go with their booty, on condition that they were not to come to Maine again to kill moose, deer, or caribou. But large game had got such a set- back that after fifty years it has hardly recovered from the loss.
Warden Labree in making his report gives the follow- ing reasons for making the settlement before named :
1. To have seized the property, canoes, rifles and hides would doubtless have resulted in bloodshed, and perhaps in loss of life and limb.
2. The property confiscated would have been nearly worthless to the State.
3. The propert}"^ would not in any way make good the loss or replace the large game that had been destroyed.
Therefore by the advice of his associates he concluded to settle as before-named.
Casualties.
The first death by drowning known to white men, occurred in the fall of 1849. The circumstances were
60 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
as follows: Three young men, viz., Downs, non-resident, Charles Stratton of Boston, Mass., clerk in the Eveleth store, and William Meserve, son of Charles Meserve of Greenville, went to Squaw Bay on a hunting excursion in a small boat, and when they returned they came through the narrows between Moose Island and Harford's Point. The wind was blowing a gale from the north and as they came around the point their boat filled with water. Downs jumped overboard and swam ashore. He said the boat was only a few rods from the land. After reaching the shore he said he told the boys to jump over- board and swim. Stratton jumped into the water but went down when about half-way to land. Meserve was in the boat when last seen by Downs. He started immediately for Greenville by the shore of the lake, where he arrived near night. Two boats were manned and started at once to search for the boj^s. The wind was blowing hard and the lake was rough. It was nearly dark when they reached the place. The boat was found on the shore of a small island, but neither of the boys were found that night. The next morning the search was renewed and the body of the Stratton boy was found near the place where Downs said he went down, but the body of William Meserve was never found. The search was continued for several days. The bottom was dragged with grapples many times over from Harford's Point to the place where the boat was lodged. Thus the tragedy was left somewhat surrounded in mystery.
In the early winter of the same year John Capen was drowned while out skating. He was alone at the time, and his body was found by means of his mittens being frozen to the ice where he broke in.
In the year 1851 or 1852 Freeman Shaw of Greenville was drowned from off the steamer Moosehead, near Scammon's landing. He was leaning over the gang rail
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 61
dipping a pail of water. When the pail dipped the water, the rail came out of its socket and he went over- board into the water. It was supposed that he was struck by the wheel, as he did not come to the surface. The water was very deep, and the bottom uneven and ledgy. After several days of searching, the body was found by a professional diver from Bangor.
Miscellaneous.
In the early fifties Louis Annance, chief of the St. Francis tribe of Indians, came to Maine with his family and resided here during the remainder of his life. He gave as a reason for leaving his tribe that they had practi- cally lost their visibility as a race of North American Indians, the lineage of which he himself was truly proud. He said that they had so mixed with the Canadian French that it was impossible to tell where the Indian left off and the French began.
Louis Annance was a true type of the North Ameri- can Indian. He was tall, straight, broad-shouldered, copper-colored, high cheek-boned, athletic in his general make-up. He was educated and graduated at Dart- mouth College, according to a treaty once made between the English Government and the St. Francis tribe. He spoke pure English. He was a great reader and an easy speaker. Although he lived in the solitude of the wilderness, nearly all of the time he kept himself well up on current events of the times. He could sit down with an educated person and converse with him on almost any subject. He was gentlemanly in his appearance, a member of the Congregational church, and also of the Free and Accepted Masons.
In the summer of 1852 Dr. John Hubbard, then Governor of Maine, made a tour through northern Maine with his two sons, twelve and fourteen years of
62 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
age. They went to Greenville, across the lake to North- east Carry, and down the West Branch of the Penobscot River to Katahdin Mountain. At the Northeast Carry he met his old college classmate, Louis Annance, for the first time since they left college. Contrary to former plans, Mr. Hubbard stopped over at the Carry one day to talk with Mr. Annance. It was a privilege of a life- time to listen to their conversation, not because two educated men were conversing, but because the chief executive of the State was conversing on a literary level with an Indian whose glory was in the hunt and the chase.
Educational.
Previous to the year 1855 the only institution of learning in Greenville was the "little red schoolhouse, " situated about forty rods north of Hotel No. 1. This memorable, unpretentious little building served the town for many years as schoolhouse, town house, church and city hall. Here the scholars in town received their first school education, and all the education they ever received, (eight weeks in summer and ten weeks in the winter) except such as were able to go away from home to older and larger to\\Tis, and yet it is true that the literary attainments of the scholars of Greenville at that time were fully up to the average rural towns of the State. Many of them could pass an academic graduating exami- nation with honors, and in history and passing events and many other branches they could lead the scholarship of fifty years later date. The latter may know a little of more things, but the former were so thoroughly estab- lished in the essential principles of a complete education that each seemed to be led in the active duties of life, making them useful and successful more or less.
The municipal records of Greenville will show that
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 68
the early settlers were self-supporting almost without exception, a state of things due largely to early instruc- tion. Their early education not only aided them in selecting the vocation for which they were best suited, but for the development of the resources found every- where in the vicinity of Moosehead Lake. It is a remarkable fact, and almost without parallel, that nearly all of the enterprises of northern Maine (railroads excepted) were instituted, improved and operated at the present time by home talent and home capital.
The few brief thoughts alread}' presented can but inspire feelings of gratitude and sincere respect for the ancestral blood to which every institution of Greenville today is largely indebted. "It is easy to say how we love new friends and what we think of them, but words can never trace out all the fibres that bind us to the old."
Entertainments.
Entertainments even of small importance were few and far between, although family visits were highly enjoyed and of fi'equent occurrence; but many of the society entertainments as they are enjoyed at the present time, were then unknown. Cheap traveling shows were quite common and patronized to some extent, but the results of those entertainments were not very encouraging to the proprietors. Dancing-schools, balls and social dances were indulged in to some extent, and as a rule were with- out the damaging effects to society that are often realized in later times. It is sometimes said that persons with strong and healthy constitutions may come in contact with germs of contagious diseases without serious effects, and sometimes it is the case that persons of strong moral training are not seriously affected by that which is classed as moral evil. This thought is not offered as an
64 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
apology for any moral wrong, but as a reason for the moral stamina that characterized the early settlers of Greenville and vicinity.
Open air excursions were some of the entertainments that were highly enjoyed by the people of Greenville, and were held at different points of interest around and in the vicinity of Moosehead Lake. All who have ever enjoyed an occasion of that kind will bear witness that words cannot express the enjoyment of such. To sail on the silvery sea, the pride of Maine, with your face Mount Kineo-ward, with Mount Katahdin on the right hand and Mount Squaw on the left, fills one with feelings too sublime to be expressed in words. It is a sensation that can be appreciated only by actual experi- ence. To creep along the crest of grand old Mount Kineo, whose fame is the joy of the world, to drink from that crystal fountain whose pure waters are sent up by a power known only to the Eternal Creator, to stand on the very top of Mount Kineo, to breathe the pure air among the clouds nearly 1,000 feet above the lake, to look upon the surrounding scenery as God has created it, as far as the eye can reach, is to feel that one is standing in the presence of the Infinite.
Moral and Religious.
Some things have already been mentioned about the morals of the early settlers of Greenville, and perhaps if more is said some may think that there is an attempt at flattery, but if such were the case it would only be saying some good things of those who have gone to that bourne from whence no traveler ever returns. Suffice it to say that the municipal and judicial records will show conclusively that the early settlers were not given to over much litigation or home disturbances, but as a rule were not only moral but religious, according to their most
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 65
serious convictions of true orthodoxy. The recognized leader in religious things was the Rev. James Withee. Mr. Withee was a farmer by occupation. He received but very little b}' way of salary but he was a man who had the spiritual interest of the people at heart. It is not certain that he ever developed any angel's wings, and it is very doubtful whether or not religious sentiment at that time would have allowed the use of such appendages if he had been in possession of them. But he was a true and faithful pastor of the people. Preaching to them the word of life on the Sabbath, "giving to each his portion of meat in due season," whenever and wherever opportunity opened the way, attending the funerals of the departed loved ones and solemnizing the marriages in town. As a man and pastor he was loved and respected by all. Mr. Withee was of the Methodist persuasion, but the people were divided among the differ- ent denominations. Some were Free Baptists, some regular Baptists, some Methodists and some Congrega- tionalists, but in their religious work denominational lines were left in the background, and by common con- sent all were allowed to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences.
History of the Baptist Churches in Piscataquis County
By Rev. F. H. Pratt
VERY properly should the history of the churches become a part of the history of Piscataquis. This is the more appreciated and the more necessary because of the almost entire lack of the history of the churches in the secular histories of the state and nation. Not that the churches are not mentioned in such histories, they are mentioned, but little more than that, and this despite the fact of the large place the Christian church has held in the lives of the people of the state and nation. The church historians have done something along the line above mentioned but very often this has been found to be incomplete.
The present treatise claims to be a history of but one branch of the church, and therefore is not a history of the church in the count3\
If there is to be a history of the county written, of which various papers presented in the meetings of this historical societ}' are to become a part, the other Christian bodies should be represented.
One hundred years ago the settlements in this part of the State of Maine were hardly beyond the experimental stage. People came into the forest and made their homes on sites that promised well for the work of their lives, which was largely farming. In many instances
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 67
these places of settlement did not prove to be the centers of future populations, when the history of manufactur- ing was well under way. Of course this would affect the churches that might have been formed by the first settlers. Very often the financial resources of the settlers were very meager which prevented the support of pastors or the erection of places of worship, thus the church at its birth would be shorn of what would be called in this day the strong pillars under the structure of the church's existence. Besides this, the country was almost without roads and the means of transportation, and of course had no railroads and few mail routes. Hence traveling for the strengthening of the weak churches, and the sending of literature (of which there was very little at best) for their encouragement was difficult. Those were the days of sharp disputes and strong prejudices preventing the uniting of weak and struggling church interests, and besides these things many other elements of division, and these would hinder the organization of the churches and tend to their disso- lution after they were organized. Hence the weakness of some of the early attempts to give these frontier settlements permanent church homes.
According to Rev. Amasa Loring's History of Pis- cataquis County, the Baptists were the first to preach gospel truth in these parts. He says towards the close of 1807 Elder Thomas Macomber of Sumner and Elder Nathaniel Gould of Vassalborough were sent by the Baptist Society on an exploring tour into these frontier settlements. In Amestown, now Sangerville, they found only thirteen families. Here they preached the word, an interest sprang up and very soon twelve persons were ready to be organized into a Baptist church, and in January of the following year one was organized, the first Baptist church in the county ; in fact we are told by
68 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
other authorities that it was the first church of any kind in this county. The number of members above named was increased to sixteen. Splendid help was given the church by Rev. H. Kendall. William Oakes, who had fallen away from the faith, was reclaimed about this time and was soon licensed to preach, and he also rendered valuable service. During the interest above mentioned several from Guilford were converted and united with the church.
Rev. Joshua Millett says further concerning the church : "In 1809 the church reported to Bowdoinham Associa- tion twenty-one members, but being small, and without a leader, and situated at so great a distance from the places where the association usually met, it withdrew its relation from that bod}', and remained isolated and alone until it lost its visibility. In 1823 it was again organ- ized with several members from Guilford, and Rev. Daniel Bartlett became the pastor. It united again with the Bowdoinham Association with thirty-four members. Rev. Mr. Bartlett officiated until 1828, when he resigned, leaving the church with its numbers increased to seventy-two — by a revival in 1827. This was the most prosperous pei'iod of the church. The year 1831 was a fruitful one for the church, their numbers being increased by fifty-four by baptism. It has since had one pastor, Rev. A. Clark, from 1836 two or three years. A train of trials now began, which for some years disturbed the peace of the church, and although aided by the semi- monthly labors of Rev. W. E. Cressy, in 1838 and 1839, and C. P. Sinclair, in 1841, yet constant internal com- motion and the separation of some of the members to form a new church, have operated to reduce the numbers to the small total of twenty-one. These brethren are in a low, discouraged state. ' ' It might be well to say in addition to what the gentleman has stated, that the
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 69
Sangerville church has ceased to exist as a church. The writer above quoted speaks of a number of the members of the church withdrawing to form another church. This church, composed of eleven members, was formed in 1839, and was located in the south part of the town. It maintained worship a part of the time until 1847, when it was dropped from the association. This church was always small. This makes three Baptist churches that have had an existence in the town, but of course not all in the same part of the town. None of these churches survive to the present. None of them ever owned a church building. The second church that was organized in 1823 started to build a house of worship in 1830, but it was not completed until 1835, and then it was partly owned by other denominations.
Mr. Loring speaks of a church that was organized in "Atkinson and Milton," now Orneville, in 1825, in the south part of the town, but does not sa}^ in which of the towns. He speaks of Mr. Jonathan Page being instru- mental in the organization of the church, and this brother being set apart as an evangelist by this church. The church at one time had thirty-four members, but is now extinct.
Before the town of Blanchard was incorporated a Baptist church was organized there in 1828. It resulted from the labors of Rev. Zenas Hall and William Oakes. It was a hard field to cultivate, but the church at one time had thirty members. It ceased to exist in 1837.
The historian above named mentions a church that was organized in one of the towns of Greenville or Shir- ley, but does not mention which town, (perhaps organ- ized to accommodate both towns) in 1843, by O. B. Walker, he becoming this same year the pastor of the church in Dover. The church did not long survive.
A church was organized in Bowerbank in 1836 and at
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one time had thirty members, but its earthly career was short.
Another church of as short a life as some of the others was organized in Foxcroft. Many of the older settlers were Congregationalists, but as the population increased, quite a number of Baptists were sprinkled through it. A church was organized at what is now called "Foxcroft Four Corners," in March, 1832, composed of nineteen members. The following September they were increased to thirty-two by a revival; in 1838 nineteen more were added by baptism. The church received only occasional preaching and after the organization of the Dover village church, now known as the People's Baptist church, the church in Foxcroft was disbanded and the most of the members of the church united with the church in Dover.
Many of the churches of the present time feel that they have a hard struggle for life in the mad rage of worldliness that is coming in like a flood, but the strug- gles of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the trials and hardships of the brethren of the for- mer time. All that is true of the Baptist churches is also true of the other churches. Many of them lived only to be overcome with the hastening feet of time which takes away the worthiest and best, and the changing character of the population, and above all the great indifference to the things of the spirit, for the rank and file of the people are after the things that make for wealth rather than the things of the soul. Among the people, however, were some of the staunchest and the most saintly of the children of God anywhere, but they were unable to stem the tides of opposition that set against them ; yet many lived their lives and closed the full measure of their days in the faith of the Lord and the apostolic zeal of the early fathers.
The first permanent Baptist church that was formed
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 71
in the county, of which we have any record, was organized in Guilford. Settlement began here in 1806. Among those who came in 1808 was Deacon Robert Herring, a member of the church in New Gloucester. As this was about the time of some of the special revivals in Sangerville, and as people were going from Guilford to Sangerville to attend services, special desire was exercised as to the beginning of work in Guilford. Deacon Herring began with a prayer service in his own home. It is said that while a number of believers were engaged in prayer at this place, and praying that a messenger of God would be sent to them, they were surprised by the coming of Rev. John Daggett, who came as a missionary among them. He is reported to have been of great strength to these believers in this far-away wilderness.
After others had moved to these parts, some coming from New Gloucester, Elder Robert Lowe, the pastor, organized a church in Guilford in 1813. This was what is now known as Guilford Center. The visits of the last named gentlemen were continued for several years, some of the visits being before the organization of the church. There were thirteen members when the church began its visible existence. There was considerable growth for several years, and in 1815 he visited the place and meas- ures were taken to make him the pastor of the church, and he received the minister's lot of land of 320 acres. The next year he moved to the place and remained pas- tor of the church for nineteen years. The pastorate was as profitable as it was prolonged, for soon after his set- tlement, and again in 1827, strong revivals were sent to them, and in a little while the church numbered one hundred members.
In the spring of 1831 the church raised a meeting- house, the first in the town, and dedicated the same July 4, 1833. Rev. R. C. Spaulding preached the dedica-
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tory sermon. This was a day of religious as well as ot patriotic joy for this people. In 1835 Mr. Macomber resigned, but preached here and at other places, as he was able, his health being impaired. Without the edu- cation of the schools, this brother was a well-learned man in the things of God and the school of experience, and served his day and generation well, receiving one hundred and eighteen persons to the church during his pastorate. Aside from the lot of land, he had received no compen- sation for his services, that could in these days be called a salary. He remained the rest of his days in the town, and died December 18, 1852, aged seventy- eight, loved and honored by all for his loving service for the kingdom, and his stalwart Christian character.
After Mr. Macomber' s retirement there was an effort to raise the church to the dignity of pajdng the pastor a salary, and to it they rallied grandly. This was prob- ably because an educated ministry was now sought. Elder D. E. Burbank was the first beneficiary of this new arrangement, a student of Waterville College, the present Colby College. His labors were much blessed but ill health soon terminated his days in the pulpit, after a two years' pastorate, and he died in Winthrop at an early age. Rev. Lucius Bradford came to the pastor- ate in 1838, and was followed by T. Goldthwaite, L. Kingman, O. B. Walker and others for short periods from 1837 to 1873, dividing their labors with some neighboring church or churches. Rev. Sewall Browne, who is well known in these parts, was for quite a long time pastor, and saw great prosperity of the church, many being gathered into the fold.
During all the years the church has had many trials, but has met them in the spirit of fairness and firm deal- ing ; liberal to the causes represented across the seas in heathen lands, a missionary, Rev. James F. Norris, being
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 73
for some time pastor of the church. The church at one time had a parsonage, and still has a small fund of money in the bank and some real estate besides the church property. It has however been in a weakened condition for some years and receives only transient pastoral help. The pastor and people at Dover have given it considerable aid lately. Some splendid men have been reared in this church, among them being Revs. C. M. Herring, A. J. Nelson and E. B. Haskell, and Elders Zenas Hall and Daniel Bartlett. The churches in Monson, Parkman, Sangerville and Abbot have received members from this church. While no church should rest on its laurels, the church in Guilford would have some excuse, if not reason, for doing so, for their gifts to the Christian world have been by no means small.
The next church by way of seniority is the church at South Dover, which came into existence in June, 1818, composed of six members. The forest here was first broken by the settlers in 1803, who at first were few and scattered, but some of them were members of distant churches and of course longed for the church privileges of their home surroundings. Besides this they saw their children and those of their neighbors' grow- ing up in ignorance and carelessness as to their moral and spiritual concerns. Without any help from out- side the place, so far as we can learn, they called the council that recognized the church on the above date. Before long there were a few additions, as the result of missionary work done among them, but the first three years were ones of trial, much of which was caused by Christians of other names who resided in the place, and church discipline, which they seemed to be obliged to administer. In 1821 Elder Nathaniel Robinson of Cherrvfield visited them, and by their request became
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their pastor in 1822, and he received the one half lot of land and lived thereon and retained the pastorate tiU 1834. This church was the first religious societ}^ in town, and this brother was probably the first pastor in the town. This is interesting, since in the whole town there are now seven.
Mr. Robinson left the church to engage in the exten- sion of Bible work among all churches. Elder E. Hunting was then em pi 03' ed for several months, and in 1835 Elder J. F. Page became the pastor. In 1838 a house of worship was built, and dedicated Oct. 10, Rev. Adam Wilson preaching the sermon. In 1826 the Free Baptists were organized in the same neighborhood, and eventually they obtained an interest in the church on condition that the}^ support preaching one half the time. This excellent arrangement still continues. During much of the time since, the church has received pastoral care from the village church, that was later organized. For several years Rev. George H. Hamilton (a Methodist clergyman who was reared here and who had come back to regain his health) has been engaged by the two churches to supply jointly the pulpit, he giving much of his time to labor on his farm.
The church in South Dover did not long antedate the church in Parkman for in two months and nine days from the organization of the South Dover church, the church in Parkman was organized, Aug. 29, 1818. Man}' of the early settlers in the town were Baptists, some coming from Greene, those who first came uniting with the church in Guilford in 1813, and although the roads hardly deserved the name and the distance was consider- able, attendance on the covenant and other meetings was well kept up. It was not long after this however that William Cole, Peter Cummings and Joshua Coburn began holding meetings in their own town. Elders Macomber
OF PISCATAauIS COUNTY 75
and Zenas Hall assisted these brethren considerably, and in 1818 a special work of grace among them made it possible to organize an independent church, and on the date above named they were duly organized with sixteen members. Peter Cummings and Joshua Coburn were made the deacons of the new church. Zenas Hall had been licensed by the Guilford church, and the people of Parkman becoming attached to him, he was invited to become the pastor and on the 14th of January, 1819, he was ordained. He received a salary of from $60 to $100 per year and the minister's lot of land, a part of which he afterwards relinquished to the Universalists and the Methodists.
Notwithstanding this the Baptists seem to have been the only ones that held religious services in the town, and as the showers of divine grace were frequent the growth of the church was steady and its life healthy. Their present house was dedicated Dec. 20, 1831, during the sessions of a quarterly meeting that was being held with them, at which time also a special work of grace was begun among them and not a few were brought into the church, and in the years 1839 and 1843 great showers of blessings came upon them and the church was much enlarged.
Mr. Hall, the pastor, was unceasing in his labors, not for his own town alone but for the other parts also. The churches in Dexter and Blanchard owed their exist- ence to Mr. Hall and the members of the Parkman church. This brother was also active in his interest in the matter of politics and was clerk and selectman of his town, and was also sent to the Legislature and was withal a very active and useful man. At the time of the great temperance movement in the town Mr. Hall took no part and those that were carrying it on did not consult him, which would have been a very wise thing to do because
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of his prestige and the benefit it would have been to the cause. He was as great in confessing his faults as in the other elements of his character. His political views being such as they were he opposed the war of secession but after moving to Ohio he changed his views on this point, and when he returned made full confession of his change of political faith on that point. He probably opposed the Maine law and the town of Parkman rolled up a larger vote against that measure than any other town in the county. Mr. Hall was, however, always temperate in his personal habits.
The church in Parkman had in 1845 two hundred members. In after years when it was somewhat weak- ened, it made an arrangement with the Free Baptists to occupy the house of worship with them. Still later, the Free Baptists having failed somewhat in keeping up the arrangement, they made terms with the Maine Baptist Missionary Convention in 1890, by which they relin- quished the use of their house and gave up their own society on condition that the Baptists hold regular serv- ices in the church. Rev. W. H. Clark was the first pastor under this arrangement, and the work carried on by him and his talented wife was successful. At the present time this church is an example of what help can be given through the wise expenditure of denomina- tional funds. While at the present time it is not large it may be called a strong church. About three years ago the church bought a parsonage.
The next in the order of seniority is the church in Monson. Like many of the other churches the reason for the organization of a church there was the immi- gration of Baptists from other towns, but we are not told from where. The church was organized August 10, 1827, consisting of fourteen members. It only had occasional supplies till 1842, when the Rev. Lebbeus
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 77
Kingman became the pastor. In 1845 a house of wor- ship was built and the Rev. Lucius Bradford was from this time the pastor for six years. In 1853 Rev. Dudley P. Bailey became the pastor, spending half the time in other places in preaching the Gospel ; the length of his pastorate being eighteen years. From 1871 to 1880 there were several short pastorates. In connection with these Rev. W. S. Knowlton's name appears three times in the annual minutes of the association, and the name of Rev. J. S. Bicknell once. Since that time have been such men as Rev. E. C. Long, the sainted B. F. Shaw, D. D., Revs. A. C. Chipman, C. F. Whitcomb, E. M. Bartlett, H. C. Speed and E. S. Drew. At the present time the church is without a pastor. It reports one hundred and one members. The last few years have been on the whole fruitful ones, and the pastors have done well for the church.
The church in Abbot should be treated next. This was organized in 1829. This has been a small interest, and at the present time (1909) the light has nearly gone out. At the beginning of the life of the church they had nine members, coming from different parts of the settlement, they having only partial acquaintance with each other. Very soon the voice of young converts gladdened their hearts and the wilderness rang with the songs of praise. In 1831 Joseph Hall was qualified to preach, and until difficulties arose he was successful, but this pastorate lasted for only two or three years, and in 1835 the church nearly became extinct. Life was revived again by the efforts of Rev. Thomas Macomber of Guilford and William Oakes of Sangerville, who gave them help in 1836 and 1837. In 1840 they united with other denominations in building a church. Among these was the Free Baptist, which church has for some years been extinct. At the present time there are but very
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few members left and the matter of dropping them from the list of the churches of the association has several times been discussed. There are however one or two strong Christian believers left.
The church of Sebec claims for itself to have begun its organized life in 1836. But 1859 is given as the probable date, and I can find no record of its existence before that date, yet Rev. Thomas Macomber is said to have preached there, and he died in 1852. We shall have to say the beginnings in Sebec are doubtful so far as the exact date is concerned. No record of the exist- ence of the church is found in the reports of the asso- ciation for several years before 1878, when the church is supposed to have been reorganized. At this time a pastor was secured and the church building in the village belonging to the Congregationalists was secured and repaired. At times the outlook for the church has been regarded as hopeful. For more than twenty years it has been in a very weakened condition and has had no pastor for much longer than that, but has occasional supplies.
Baptist beginnings came in Milo in June, 1840. The church then had twelve members, the number of the twelve apostles, and the number of the associations in the State. Like almost every other church, the Baptists came here by immigration, some of them probably soon after the town was incorporated in 1823. Here, also, the Rev. Thomas Macomber did efficient service in the early days of the church, preaching monthly. These monthly services continued through 1842, when a revival came to them, and in 1843 they had preaching every third Sunday by Elder A. G. Tibbetts. They built a union meeting-house in 1853, uniting with the Free Bap- tists, and alternating with them in the use of the house. This church is now owned by the Free Baptists.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 79
In 1888 they built a very attractive church of their own, and then began their separate existence from other churches. They have been prospered in men and money, and the church and the work of the same, has grown and been strengthened. Because of increasing numbers they were obliged to enlarge, and therefore the present beauti- ful edifice was erected in 1907, being an enlargement of the structure built in 1888. This church has had a suc- cession of faithful pastors, and with the increase of the business that has come to the town within a few years, the church has kept pace. All departments of the church life are well kept up and it probably has one of the largest, if not the largest Sunday-schools in the county. As there are only three churches in the town, including Milo Junction, if rightly managed they are all bound to be progressive and useful and eminently suc- cessful. The church has a very convenient parsonage.
The church in Dover was not long in following the church in Milo in seeing the light. It came August 26 of the same year, 1840, two months later than the church in Milo. Members of this church came from the church in Foxcroft before referred to, and tradition has it that some came from the church at South Dover also referred to before. This church became necessary and possible because of the growth at the village commonly known as the "Falls." The council met in Foxcroft village schoolhouse on the above mentioned date and after discussion the church was organized under the name of the "Foxcroft and Dover Village Baptist Church," Rev. Z. Bradford being moderator of the council. The members were: William Farnham, B. B. Vaughan, Joshua Jordan, Dr. Samuel Laughton, John Ames, Benjamin T. Buck, Joshua Hazelton, Elizabeth Farnham, Almira Tucker, Martha Jordan, Rachel Rob- inson and Almira Buck, twelve members in all. The
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articles of faith and church covenant of Piscataquis Asso- ciation were adopted, together with a strong temperance pledge. After this the moderator of the council preached from John 21:22, "What is that to thee? follow thou me. ' ' William Farnham was elected deacon and B. B. Vaughan clerk. The public services of the church were held in the schoolhouse, the vestry of the Congregational church and other places. It is quite likely the moderator of the council, Mr, Bradford, helped the church in a pastoral way for some time, but two histories assert that Rev. C, P. St. Clair became the first regular supply, who preached twice a month, and this was followed by an arrangement by which the church had preaching monthly. Rev. O. B. Walker came in 1843 and remained till 1846. The first church was built in 1842 and dedicated in December of that year, the land being bought of Messrs. Harmon and Douglass for one hundred dollars. The pastors of the church besides Mr. Walker have been Rev. S. Adlum, Rev. J. M. Follett, Rev. C. M. Herring, Rev. A. D. F. Palmer, Rev. A. B. Pendleton, second pastorate of J. M. Follett, Rev. E. A. Van Kleek, Rev. S. P. Pendleton, Rev. George E. Tufts, Rev. Thomas N. Lord, Rev. C. C. Tilley, Rev. William J. Clouse, Rev. T. M. Butler, Rev. H. R. Mitchell, Rev. H. B. Tilden, and the present pastor, Rev. F. H. Pratt, who came here in 1901. The first church, which was built in 1842, was used as a part of the present People's Baptist church that now stands on the old lot. The vestry of the present church is a part of the old church, which however had in 1851 been enlarged. The new church was built in 1886 and 1887, and the part containing the present auditorium and tower was entirely new, the entire cost of rebuilding amounting to $5,375.75. The church was dedicated September 21, 1888, G. D. B. Pepper, D. D.,
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 81
L. L. D., president of Colby University, preaching the sermon. The building committee was G. A. Meder, Daniel S, Dexter and H. J. Dexter; James T. Roberts being the treasurer of the building committee. This church is modern in all its appointments, and now after more than twenty years, stands as a model of church architecture, having the largest seating capacity of any church in the town. The annual reports of 1908 give the church a membership of 188, the largest of any church of the same order in the county or the asso- ciation. It ought to continue to be one of the strong village churches in the State. During the pastorate of Rev. H. R. Mitchell, a parsonage was built, costing $3,500 above the foundation.
The church in Wellington was organized in 1896. Rev. A. A. Walsh was quite instrumental in the organi- zation of the church, he being at the time pastor of the church in Cambridge. A neat church was built at about this time, also one at "Burdin's Corner" so called in the same town. The church holds its services in the former that is located at what is called "Wellington Stores." Mrs. A. A. Walsh, the wife of the man who organized the church, is the pastor at the present time, he being engaged in evangelistic work in different parts of the State and country. They report a membership of thirty-three. While young, they are rich in faith, and while they are small in numbers as yet, they entertained the quarterly meeting of Piscataquis Association in the summer of 1908.
This completes the churches in the Baptist denomi- nation belonging in Piscataquis County. But this history, to be of the greatest use, particularly of the church above named, should contain the history of Piscataquis Association. This will be referred to later.
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Other churches that should be referred to are in the main as follows :
The first of these to deserve mention is the church in Cambridge. This church is located in Somerset County and is one of the two belonging to this association that are located in that county. This church was organized in 1 822. The name of the town was formerly ' 'Ripley, ' ' and before that "No. 5." In the winter of 1808 Rev. Thomas Macomber, while doing mission work under the Maine Mission Society, passed through the place visiting the different openings in the forest, and called at the house of Mr. Jacob Hale for the night. He found them sympathetic with the work he had come to perform, and he was asked to preach that evening, and word being sent to their nearest neighbor, who lived four miles away, he preached to the two families. In 1809 Rev. H. Kendall visited the place and reported that at this time there were two pious families in the place and they lived a mile apart and a swamp between them in the midst of which they used to meet and pray. About two years after this Mr. Kendall again visited the place and bap- tized Mr. Hale and his wife, the first to receive the ordinance in Ripley. In 1822 Rev. Isaac Case, the man famous for the preaching of the Gospel in many parts of the State and a man of great power and influence, visited the opening in the forest. He reported there had been a revival, the fruits of a pious school-teacher, and Mr. Case reported "The new settlement resounded with the praise of God." Before Mr. Case left, the present church was organized, and Jacob Hatch became the pastor, he being ordained for the purpose, under whose pastorate the church gradually increased. In 1828 Deacon Forrest Hatch was ordained pastor and was very successful until his death in 1834. During his pastorate he baptized twenty-two persons, his sister, daughter and
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 83
aged father being among them. The church has seen its daj^s of prosperity and adversity, but after these many years it still sheds forth its light and is a very useful church of Christ, and I believe has never in its history received any outside aid towards its financial support. Many 3'ears ago a very useful house of worship was built and later a tower was built and a bell placed in position. The fruit of this church may be seen when it is under- stood that the present secretary of the Maine Baptist Missionary Convention, I. B. Mower, D. D., came from this church; also Rev. B. F. Turner, another useful pastor in this State ; and Rev. T. E. Ham, who lives in the place, and has on many instances at present supplied the church, beside the fact of preaching to many surrounding churches. This is one of our good rural churches.
The only church belonging to the association in Penobscot County is the church in Dexter. The pastor of the Parkman church. Elder Zenas Hall, amid the very busy life he lived found time to do much religious work at Dexter as well as at many other points. For many years this interest was carried on as a branch of the Parkman church, Mr. Hall giving a part of his ministr}^ to that church. It became independent in 1825, and from 1826 to 1832 Elder Jacob Hatch was its pastor, coming here from Cambridge, but from 1830 he gave them only a part of his time, Elder W. Marshall taking his place. In 1839 they built their house of worship ; later a vestry was built on the same level as the floor of the church, and still later a splendid parsonage was also built, and after this the church was remodeled. The present pastor is Rev. J. Chester Hyde, coming to them from Newport, R. I. The present membership is 158 and it is one of our progressive and hopeful churches.
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The last church to be mentioned is the church in Hart- land. This is also in Somerset County. This was organized somewhere between 1843 and 1849 and has usually been one of the weak churches so far as men and means are concerned. In 1854 it reported only sixteen members. Many of its years have been sad ones, but the last few years have been more prosperous, it having called to its pastorate, Rev. H. L. Caulkins, bought a parsonage, and is enjoying a state of prosperity seldom before known.
Among the Baptists the State organization is known as the Maine Baptist Missionary Convention. The object of this organization is to support the weak churches by collecting from all and distributing to those in need. Existing under this convention are the associ- ations of which there are twelve. The association to which the churches here belong takes its name from the county and is known as Piscataquis Association. For the most part the churches composing it belonged to Penobscot Association. The churches composing it were dismissed from that association in 1838 and the first meeting was held in Parkman in 1839 where the asso- ciation was organized with the above name. Including the churches that were received at this time that had been but a short time organized, together with the older ones, the association contained sixteen churches, ten ordained ministers, two licensed preachers and 807 mem- bers. Rev. Joshua Millett in his book, "Maine Bap- tists, ' ' says concerning the churches of the association : "There is no cause of benevolence or wide spreading sin that receives the attention of other associations, that is indifferently passed over by this body. Their resolutions are copious and spirited and their zeal corresponds to their resolves. In their minutes of 1843 instead of the usual long list of resolves published by the associations
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 85
almost annually, they inserted the following one as expressing the will and spirit of the churches : Resolved ; That our views in regard to all the benevolent operations have not changed, nor our zeal abated. And we recom- mend more of the book of Acts and less of the book of resolves. Although the association has usually been small as to numbers of the churches and the aggregate membership they have always maintained the spirit as above. ' '
At the present time there is a movement to bring the Baptist and the Free Baptist churches together. This will doubtless be consummated in a few years at the most. When this is done it will be a very desirable union of forces between two bodies that are very much alike, the differences that divided them about one hundred years ago having largely disappeared. The intended union will include all the bodies in the entire nation in so far as each individual church chooses to unite with it, which will be very far-reaching.
Universalism in Piscataquis County
By Rev. A. Gertrude Earle
THE history of Universalism in Piscataquis County antedates the organization of the county itself. Universalism had its beginning in Maine in the later years of the eighteenth century, in the towns of New Gloucester, Gray, Turner and Norway.
The Eastern Association of Universalists was organized in 1799, later merged into the State Convention at its organization in 1828. Soon after the beginning of settlements in this part of the State, Sylvanus Cobb and other Universalist preachers paid visits here and were heard by large numbers. Rev. William Frost was the first minister to live in the county.
On March 7, 1825, an informal meeting was held at the schoolhouse in District Number 1, of such of the inhabitants of Dover, Foxcroft and Sangerville as were desirous of forming themselves into a Universalist society. This resulted in the organization of a society on April 4, 1825. Nathaniel Chamberlain was the moderator of this meeting and Isaac Allen the clerk. A committee was appointed to enact b} -laws, and a dele- gate to the General Convention to be holden the follow- ing July was chosen. It was voted to meet every Sab- bath whether we have preaching or not.
It would be interesting to know whether this worthy plan was carried out, but the records do not tell us.
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 87
Rev. William Frost is the only minister mentioned in this early period. At one annual parish meeting he was invited to preach one half the time, at another, such part of the year as the funds would permit.
In 1827, assistant clerks were chosen, William Campbell for Sangerville and Nathaniel Chamberlain for Foxcroft.
The constitution of this early society is interesting. Its opening paragraphs read as follows :
"Whereas the Almighty has manifested the most per- fect order in all his works it is reasonable that we, hio offspring, should pattern after him in all that we do. Under this impression we, the undersigned, have formed ourselves into a society to be known by the name of the First Universalist Society of Dover, Foxcroft and Sanger- ville, and have adopted the following rules for our own government and regulation.
"1st. Any person may become a member of this society who professes a belief in the doctrine of Uni- versal Salvation by Jesus Christ, and supports a good moral character.
"2d. There shall be a committee chosen annually for the purpose of admitting members, whose duty it shall be to examine all who apply to them for membership as to their sentiments and moral character and to report the names of all they admit to the clerk, who shall record the same in a book kept for that purpose, whereupon they shall become members.
"3d. It shall be the duty of the standing committee to admonish disorderly members in love and meekness."
The signers are William Frost, John Spaulding, Seth Spaulding, Artemus Spaulding, Allen Dwelle}-, Bela Hammond, Thomas Rose, Asa Sprague, Henry Coy, William Campbell, Isaac Beaver, David Bryant, Moses Buck, William Thayer, Pelham Bryant, Nathaniel Chamberlain, Daniel Brown, Jonathan S. Plummer,
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M. H. Plummer, Adoniram Blake, Benjamin Spaulding, James Call, Moses Sawyer, Zarah Hammond, Daniel Buck, Owen Record, Isaac A. Thayer.
Meetings were called at the schoolhouse in District Nmnber 1, at Potter's store, at J. S. Philbrick's hall and at Patten's store. There is no record of the place where preaching services were held, but it is perhaps fair to assume that it was the schoolhouse. This was undoubtedly the first schoolhouse built in Dover village, on the lot where the Blethen House now stands.
These earliest records end with 1830. The next record which has been preserved is of the organization in 1837 of a society called the Dover and Foxcroft Universalist Society. The meeting for this organization was called at "the Meeting House in Dover upper village." This must be the meeting-house which stood on the lot now occupied by the Dover schoolhouse. The land was given by John Merrick and Charles Vaughan, proprietors of the town. No records of the erection of this church are preserved, but an old Bible in the Thompson Free Library records that it was dedicated in 1833 by Rev. George Bates of Turner.
This old Bible has the following list of ministers: J. R. Fulmer, 1834
Gibson Smith,
Joel Miller, ' ^^^^
B. Tasker, 1836
A. A. Richards, ] , „„,«
Joel Miller, | ^^'^^
Joel Miller, 1838
J. M. Dennis, 1839-41
E. B. Averill, 1842-45
W. A. P. Dillingham, 1850-51
Other information enables us to add the names of W. C. George, W. W. Wilson and Hiram P. Osgood.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 89
No mention in records or in print is found of a minister named Burnham, but some of the older people tell of a minister of that name who lived in a house just beyond the Dover bridge. The tradition is that he wore a full beard, which was an offense to the congre- gation. In deference to opinion he shaved and con- tracted a cold which led to his death.
Some interesting items appear in the records. Mr. Tasker was engaged for one half the time at Dover, one fourth at Guilford and one fourth at Charleston. A. A. Richards came from Milo and was engaged for six or seven Sabbaths at six dollars a day.
The ministry of that period was itinerant in its methods. The "Gospel Banner" of the thirties and forties mentions many different preachers who visited the Dover church, preaching at the same time in the neigh- boring towns. In 1851, the care of the meeting-house, sweeping, building fires, etc., for the ensuing year, was let out to the lowest bidder. It was bid off by E. B. Averill for $6.75. It is related that it was a son of that gentleman who did all the work, and evidently the lad thought the price too low, for the next year the amount voted was $12, and the name of the son, George Averill, appears as the recipient. If a boy must work for so small pay, surely he would prefer to receive the mone}' in his own name.
During the fifties, this church was very prosperous. Its choir was led by Ann Holmes. Dr. Elliott played the violin, Isaac Plummer the bass viol, Gilbert Chandler the melodeon, and Mordecai Mitchell the clarionet.
The public exhibitions of Foxcroft Academy were often held in this church, and the building was used as a court house from 1838 to 1845.
In the winter of 1838, when the bill establishing Piscataquis County was before the Legislature, one of the
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objections to it was the expense of county buildings. To obviate this difficulty the proprietors of the Universalist church in Dover signed a written obligation that the county might use their church as a court house so long as desired, free of expense, provided that Dover be established as the shire town. They finished off a jury room in the church and cut down the pulpit so as to make a more convenient judge's desk, and took out two of the body pews.
The first court held in the county was the session of the S. J. Court held in Dover in the Universalist meet- ing-house June 25, 1838. Nathan Weston, chief justice, presided.
The first term of the Court of Common Pleas held in Dover in the Universalist meeting-house convened Sep- tember 18, 1838, Judge David Perham presiding. Other justices who presided over this court in the meet- ing-house were Asa Redington, Anson G. Chandler, Frederick H. Allen.
The prosperity and prestige which have come to Dover because of its rank as the county seat are due to the far- seeing public spirit of the proprietors of this old church.
William W. Wilson, minister of this church from 1851 to 1856, lived in Foxcroft, in the house now known as the Pillsbuiy house. Some extracts from his diary are very interesting:
"December 17, 1851. Thermometer sixteen degrees below zero. Persons froze their faces in going a few rods.
"March 27, 1852. Snow four feet deep. Went out this morning with several children and spent two hours sliding down hill on a hand sled. Fine time; it revived the scenes of boyhood days.
"April 29, A. M., wrote sermon. P. M., walked six miles and made calls.
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"April 30, 1853. Opened the Court of Common Pleas with prayer, by request of the High Sheriff.
"February 19, 1854. Sunday. I felt obliged to rebuke certain noisy mirth-making persons in the singers' gallery, for their improper conduct during divine service today. Doubtless I gave offense, but I thought it was my duty.
"March 12, 1855. Town meeting. Unanimously elected Superintendent of Schools for the coming year.
"March 30, 1856. Close my labors with this parish today. Under God my labors have been measurably successful. Solemnized twenty marriages, attended fifty- five funerals, revived the observance of the communion and admitted five members to the church by water baptism. ' '
But during these years that the church in Dover was flourishing, there was preaching of the faith in other towns in the county. In Milo, Sangerville, Guilford, Parkman and Abbot the faith was preached with more or less regularity.
Among the early settlers of Guilford were two Bennett brothers, who came from New Gloucester and had been identified with the Universalist movement there. Captain John Bennett died in Guilford in 1854, aged eighty-one, and of him it was written, "If every one believing our heavenly faith would do as Father Bennett did, the desert would rejoice and blossom as the rose." Joshua Buck, another early settler of Guilford, married Lovisa Barnes, daughter of Rev. Thomas Barnes, the first, Universalist minister to settle in Maine.
Mr. Moses Carr, the oldest resident of Sangerville, now nearly ninety-nine years old, and who came to San- gerville as a young man, was also a Universalist.
At Sangerville, the Universalists owned some pews in the church built by the Baptists. At Guilford, Joseph
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Kelsey, Universalist, and Abel Curtis, Methodist, built a union or free meeting-house and sold the pews to get their pay. Mr. Kelsey was a member of the Consti- tutional Convention of Maine and held many offices in the gift of his town. Later Mr. Curtis sold his interest in the church to Mr. Kelsey. This building still stands in the village of Guilford, transformed into a dwelling- house. The land upon which it stands was deeded to the proprietors of the Guilford Free Meeting-house in 1834 by Jesse Washburn.
Amos A. Richards was the first minister to live in Milo. He was there in 1837, when the Dover church engaged him for six Sabbaths. An item in the Gospel Banner in 1838, states that the cause was in a flourishing condition in Milo at that time.
In 1838, the Maine Convention met at Sangerville. The invitation, published in the Gospel Banner, is signed by Barnabas Burscley. Some paragraphs from the invita- tion are of interest :
"You will meet at the convention a great multitude of people who have never attended a meeting of the kind, and many perhaps of whom have never been cor- rectly informed as to the doctrines which will be advanced on the occasion.
' 'The convention will be a new thing under the sun to many, and will excite an interest which would not be felt in an older part of the State. In no community more than in this is the spirit of inquiry abroad.
"Our friends from abroad, as they arrive in the village, will please call on Brothers Stephen Lowell and Moses Parshley who will conduct them to places of entertain- ment. ' '
The minutes of the convention tell us that twenty- eight preachers and twenty-five delegates were present. The prophecy of the invitation that the occasion would
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 93
excite much interest was fulfilled. Not half the people could get into the church. Simultaneous meetings were held in the church at Sangerville and in the schoolhouse, and on one day at Guilford. The first business meeting for organization was held at the home of Barnabas Burseley, and subsequent business sessions at the school- house. Three ministers were ordained during the session. Delegates named from this county were Joseph Kelsey, Guilford; A. S. Patten and J. Miller, Dover; B. Davis, Milo.
Rev. William A. Drew, editor of the Gospel Banner, describes his journey from Augusta to Sangerville. It was made by team, of course, and he was joined by others on the way. He speaks of the rich resources of the new county and is surprised to find the season two weeks behind Kennebec Count3\ He declares that he shall long remember the convention both on account of the spiritual blessings and also on account of the brethren who enter- tained so hospitably.
No parish records have been discovered in either Guil- ford or Sangerville, so the only facts obtainable are the somewhat uncertain memories of the older people.
Rev. Charles Hussey is said to have been the first minister to live in Sangerville. This was about 1848 or '49. The names of Robert Blacker, A. A. Richards, D. T. Stevens, Nathaniel Gunnison and J. M. H. Smith are mentioned as preaching both at Guilford and Sanger- ville.
In 1843, the church at East Sangerville was built by the Baptists, Methodists and Universalists, and occasional services were held there by Universalist preachers. It was in that church that one of the good Methodist sisters made a famous mistake. She was accustomed to fan herself during service with a turkey-tail fan, and murmur gently as her favorite preachers discoursed, ' 'Do,
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Lord. Do, Lord." But one day the preacher was a Universahst but no one had told the good sister, so she fanned herself as usual and murmured her approval. Presently some one whispered to her the denomination of the preacher. The turkey-tail fan still waved, but the murmur was promptly changed to "Don't, Lord. Don't, Lord."
In those days of itinerant preachers, these mistakes often occurred. It was also in the town of Sangerville that a Baptist deacon in his favorite seat in the schoolhouse, slept calmly through the sermon, all unconscious that the heresy of Universalism was being preached. At the close of the sermon opportunity was given for all who wished to speak, and the deacon, now awake, rose and testified to the truth of the preaching, much to the amusement of his Universalist neighbors.
But with the dawn of the sixties came a new teaching into the county — that of Spiritualism. Hiram P. Osgood, minister of the church at Dover, and some other leaders, embraced it. In Milo and in Sangerville the same influence was felt. Throughout the county, Uni- versalism suffered a decline.
The doors of the old church at Dover were closed and the building fell into decay. Efforts were made to reopen it by the Spiritualists and by Unitarians, but unsuccessfully. The land reverted to the Merrick heirs and was secured by the town for the schoolhouse. The old church was torn down and the lumber used for the construction of the building used as a grist-mill, just east of Foxcroft bridge.
Universalism seems to have held its own longer in Guilford than in any other town, for in May, 1866, a Sunday-school was organized with fifty-four scholars and sessions held once in two weeks. Amasa Loring, in his county history, published in 1880, speaks of Guilford as
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 95
the only place then maintaining Universalist preaching and that only in the summer. Thus ends the first chapter in the history of Universalism in Piscataquis County.
But with the present generation has come a renaissance of this faith. In the seventies, a Ladies' Circle was organized in Sangerville and through their efforts a min- ister named Carr was engaged, who drove from Milo to preach on Sunday afternoons.
In the eai-ly days, no names are mentioned in con- nection with the M^ork except those of men, but from this point on the women are prominent and are often the leaders.
It was also in the seventies that the Universalists of Milo built a church in union with the Adventists. But after a time both societies declined and the church has been made into a tenement house.
In the spring of 1884, a few Universalist people in Monson, desiring to hear their own faith preached, sent for the State superintendent. Rev. J. H. Little. He came and preached two Sundays. A parish was organ- ized with T. P. Elliott as clerk, and a Ladies' Circle with Mrs. A. B. Crockett as president. Dr. J. C. Snow and Rev. G. G. Hamilton each preached two Sundays during the summer of 1884.
In 1885, Rev. C. F. Mclntire, then a student in Tufts Divinity School, preached three months in Tarr's Hall. Other services were held in the academy, the Congre- gational or the Baptist church.
Dr. O. F. SafFord, at that time editor of the Sunday School Helper, preached during the summer of 1886 and 1887. In 1887, Dr. SafFord was engaged in writing the life of Hosea Ballou, one of the earliest and greatest of Universalist theologians. It was his custom to gather the people together on Sunday mornings and read to them
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what he had written during the week, while in the after- noon was held the preaching service. Since his time, no preaching has been held in Monson, but a fund raised by the ladies during their activity is now in the hands of the State Convention, held in trust for Universalist work in Monson.
In 1889, Rev, R. H. Aldrich came to Guilford, an event of the utmost importance to Universalism in Pis- cataquis County. A young man with the genuine missionary spirit, he is the leading figure in the reorgani- zation of the Universalist church in this county.
During May, 1890, a new parish was organized in Guilford with M. L. Hussey as moderator; John Houston, clerk ; Z. L. Turner, treasurer ; S. Webber, Z. Grover, and A. Beal, standing committee. In July of the same year it was voted to buy the lot upon which the present church stands. The church itself was completed in 1891. In 1903, a parsonage was added to the prop- erty of the parish. The ministers have been R. H. Aldrich, 1889-1901; A. M. Bradley, 1901-1904; C. F. Mclntire, 1904-1906; and Rev. F. L. Payson, who is the present incumbent.
Mr. Aldrich preached also at Sangerville, and in 1890 a parish was organized with S. M. Gile as moderator ; H. C. Ford, clerk; Chester Coburn, collector; E. N. Mc- Kechnie, treasurer. In 1897, it was voted to solicit funds for building a church. Rev. R. H. Aldrich, F. H. Carr and H. L. Thomas were the building com- mittee.
The church was dedicated in 1898. In 1904, largely through the generosity of Mr. Moses Carr, the church was freed from debt. The ministers have been R. H. Aldrich and A. M. Bradley, both of whom served also at Guilford, and Harry Enos Rouillard and Hannah Jewett Powell, who have preached at Sangerville only.
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At about the same time that the new movement began in Guilford and Sangerville, there were stirrings of hfe in Dover and Foxcroft. During the years 1887-1889 there were occasional preaching services by Rev. H. K. White of Dexter, Rev. E. F. Pember of Bangor and Dr. O. F. SafFord, who came from Monson. In the late fall of 1890, a little band of thirteen women met at the home of Mrs. E. B. Averill and organized the "Ladies' Uni- versalist Circle. ' '
It was not until March, 1894, that the parish was organized in the Town Hall, Foxcroft. D. F. Aver was moderator; V. A. Gray, C. W. Hayes, O. P. Martin and
A. M. Warren, trustees; K. P. Sargent, treasurer, and Anna B. Averill, clerk. The second meeting of the parish was held at the home of A. M. WaiTen. At this time it was suggested that the Ladies' Circle purchase the Brann lot, so called, on Pleasant Street. It was voted at the same meeting to extend a call to Rev. F. E. Wheeler.
In 1896, the erection of the present church edifice was begun. The building committee was Rev. M. B. Townsend, then the pastor, Geo. W. Goff, C. W. Hayes,
B. L. Batchelor and K. P. Sargent. The church was completed in the spring of 1897 and dedicated in June of that year.
In June, 1898, the parish entertained the State Con- vention, sixty years after that gathering in Sangerville in the first year of the organization of the county. The pastors of this church have been Rev. F. E. Wheeler, 1894-1895; Rev. Manley B. Townsend, 1895-1898; Rev. Harry L. Canfield, 1898-1902; Rev. A. Gertrude Earle, 1903 to the present date. During Mr. Canfield's pastorate the parish was freed from debt.
About 1897, Rev. W. W. Hooper, then State super- intendent, visited Milo and aroused enough interest so
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that preaching was supported two summers in connection with La Grange. Efforts to secure a permanent organ- ization at Milo were continued by Rev. F. E. Barton, Mr. Hooper's successor, and by Rev. H. H. Hoyt, the present State superintendent.
A parish and a Ladies' Circle have been organized and a lot of land purchased. Mr. Hoyt preaches once a month in the Free Baptist church, and also at Milo Junction in the office of the Bangor & Aroostook Rail- road.
In the town of Greenville, there was occasional preach- ing of Universalism in the early days. Father French, W. W. Lovejoy of Old Town and J. M. H. Smith of Guilford were among the preachers. These services were held in the Union church. Among early Universalists were Mr. and Mrs. B. S. Bigney, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Sawyer, Mr. and Mrs. George O. Varney, Mrs. Marshall Walden and D. T. Sanders.
March 13, 1899, an organization of the ladies was formed under the direction of Rev. W. W. Hooper, State superintendent. The officers were : President, Mrs. D. T. Sanders; first vice president, Mrs. C. D. Shaw; second vice president, Mrs. L. H. Folsom ; secretary and treasurer. Miss E. Adeline Bigney.
In 1903, a chapel costing $5,000 was built, the land being given by D. T. Sanders and Harry Sanders. It was dedicated in September, 1904, immediately after the session of the Piscataquis Association of Universalists, held at Dover. Occasional preaching services are held under the direction of the State superintendent.
The present status of Universalism in the county is :
Four parishes: Guilford, Sangerville, Dover and Fox- croft, Milo.
Three churches : Guilford, Sangerville, Dover and Fox- croft.
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One chapel : Greenville.
Land owned for church: Milo.
Three settled ministei-s: Guilford, Sangerville, Dover and Foxcroft.
The work at Greenville and at Milo is under the direction of the State superintendent, Rev. H. H. Hoyt.
April 1, 1909.
Foxcroft Academy
By Hon. Willis E. Parsons
THE town of Foxcroft, which is one of the six townships granted to Bowdoin College by the Massachusetts Assembly in 1794, and purchased of that college by Joseph Ellery Foxcroft in 1800, received its first permanent settler in 1806.
Although incorporated as a town six years later, or February 29, 1812, clearing the forest and establishing homes in the wilderness proved a slow process, even for the sturdy pioneers of those early days, and when the act of separation from Massachusetts took effect in 1820, Foxcroft numbered but 211 souls.
Common schools, furnishing the rudiments of edu- cation, were then supported by Foxcroft and the sur- rounding towns, but nothing like a high school was attempted until 1822.
Early in that year James Stewart Holmes, a brilliant young lawyer and graduate of Brown University, opened at Foxcroft the first law office in the county. Presuma- bly while waiting for his first clients and seeing the great necessity of a higher branch of learning in the county, Mr. Holmes organized a high school in Foxcroft, acting himself, as preceptor.
This high school immediately became the Mecca of learning for the more advanced students of Foxcroft and other towns, and so much enthusiasm was created among the inhabitants by this young lawyer, that the next
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 101
Legislature was asked for a charter for an academy, which was promptly granted, January 31st, 1823.
That charter the institution is still working under; hence, Foxcroft Academy lacks but three years of being as old as the State and it was the first one incorporated after Maine became a separate commonwealth.
By the act of incorporation certain conditions were imposed, which, if not complied with, would render the charter null and void. From a perusal of that act we may understand something of what this then poor and sparsely populated town had to contend with in order to establish for themselves and posterity this higher insti- tution of learning, or what they termed "poor man's college. ' '
Act of Incorporation, state of maine.
In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.
An Act establishing Foxcroft Academy.
Section 1st. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Legislature assembled. That William Emerson, Daniel Wilkins, Thomas Williams, John Bradbury, Samuel Chamberlain, James S. Holmes, Philip Greeley, Joshua Carpenter, Joseph Kelsey, Samuel McClanathan, Samuel C. Clark and Jason Hassell and their successors forever, be and they hereby are consti- tuted a body politic by the name of the Trustees of Foxcroft Academy, with power to prosecute and defend suits at law ; to have a common seal and to alter it at pleasure, to establish an academy at Foxcroft in the county of Penobscot for the promotion of literature, u/' science, morality and piety ; to make any by-laws for the management of their affairs, not repugnant to the laws of the State; and to choose such officers as they may
102 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
deem proper, to hold any property, real and personal, by gift, grant or otherwise, the yearly income of which shall not exceed the sum of $3,000, and to receive all property which may heretofore have been given or sub- scribed for the benefit of such Academy.
Section 2d. Be it further enacted. That said trustees may at any time remove any one of their number whom they shall adjudge incapable of discharging such trust, and choose additional trustees, and fill vacancies in said board by ballot. Provided, however, that the number of said trustees shall at no time be less than nine, nor more than fifteen, any five of whom shall constitute a quorum.
Section 3d. Be it further enacted, That Joshua Carpenter, Esq., is hereby authorized to call the first meeting of said trustees, in such manner as he shall deem proper; provided, however, that the Legislature shall at any time have power to alter or repeal the provisions of this act; and provided further, that unless the said trustees shall within one year from the passing of this act, be in possession of funds or property for the use of said academy or vested in a building for the same purpose which together shall amount to at least fifteen hundred dollars, and have also commenced instruction in said institution, within that time, the powers granted by this act shall be null and void.
It will be seen by the act that the trustees must, within one year from its passage, have in possession funds or property for the use of said academy, or vested in a building for the same purpose, which together should amount to at least $1 , 500, and also commence instructions in said institution within that time.
The voters of Foxcroft in 1823, as shown by the records of the town meeting held in April of that year,
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numbered but fifty-seven. The whole assessment for town purposes in 1823 was but $1,140, $900 of which was to be paid in work on the highways, $100 was for schools, $90 for town charges and $50 for powder and balls. The records do not show whether the powder and balls were to be used for shooting bears or Indians, but the aggregate was $1,140, or $360 less than was required to be raised by subscription for the academy in a single year. The same ratio above our assessment last year would have given a fund of over $35, 000.
How should that large amount be raised in so short a time.'^ The records of the academy disclose something of the difficulty which those trustees and the inhabitants encountered.
Here was an amount to be raised by voluntary sub- scription, largely from those fifty-seven voters, many of whom with difficulty maintained their families and kept their children in the common schools, which could only be acquired through great personal sacrifice and heroic devotion to their children and posterity.
A meeting was promptly called, however, on February 22, 1823, by Joshua Carpenter, Esq., as authorized in the act, at the house of John Bradbury, located where the Exchange now stands, and the trustees proceeded to organize under the act.
David Wilkins, Esq., was chosen president and James S. Holmes, secretary, which position he held for many years, and Samuel Chamberlain, Esq., was chosen treasurer.
At this meeting a committee consisting of John Bradbury, Joshua Carpenter, Samuel McClanathan, Jason Hassell, Thomas Williams, Samuel C. Clark and Daniel Wilkins was appointed to ascertain "what sum of money could be obtained for the purpose of erecting
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a building for an Academy and as funds for the use and benefit of the same."
And the records further say that "Nathaniel Chamberlain, Esq., then came before the Board of Trustees and informed the president that Joseph E. Foxcroft, Esq., had deposited in his hands $50 to be paid over to the treasurer of the Board of Trustees of Foxcroft Academy for the use and benefit of said Academy, provided the Trustees should fulfill the requisition of the act establishing the same.
"It was then voted that we accept the very liberal donation of Joseph E. Foxcroft, Esq., and that the Secretary be directed to return him the thanks of this Board for his generosity and the early encouragement he has given to an object so deeply interesting to them aU."
Other meetings were held in rapid succession to hear reports of committees on subscription and to discuss generally ways and means of raising the coveted amount. The subscriptions were made to be paid in labor, boards, shingles, and other necessary materials, with small sums of money, and so much encouragement was given that on March 8th of the same j^ear a committee consisting of Joshua Carpenter, John Bradbury and Rev, Thomas Wilkins was appointed to select a site for the building.
This committee a few days later reported in favor of a half acre of land ' 'situate and lying between the house of David Greeley, Esq., and his sawmill." This half acre was secured and is the present site of the academy. The house of David Greeley, Esq. , stood where the Congre- gational chapel is now located and his sawmill occupied the present site of Mayo & Son's woolen-mill.
On the 28th day of the following May, Col. Joshua Carpenter was appointed agent to superintend the erection of a building for an academy, and a general
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superintending committee from whom the agent should receive instructions, was appointed, composed of John Bradbury, Thomas Davee and the Rev. Thomas Williams.
Work was soon begun, but the building was not ready for a school until 1825, although it was let for religious services as early as October 1, 1824.
One of the provisions of the act of incorporation was that instruction should be begun within one year from the passage of the act, and December 31, 1823, at a meeting of the trustees, a committee consisting of James S. Holmes, Thomas Williams and Thomas Davee, was appointed to notify the Legislature that they had complied with the conditions of the act, showing that a fall term must have been held in 1823, although not in the academy building.
The records also disclose the fact that James Gooch taught from March, 1824, until the following June, as a committee was then appointed to settle with him ; and no other teacher being mentioned, it is presumed that he taught the previous fall term.
Then followed Charles P. Chandler, as preceptor, for several terms and Foxcroft Academy was well launched on its long career of usefulness.
That the trustees understood the value of continuous educational work is shown by the by-laws, which provided for three terms a year of twelve weeks each ; and that they also stood upon a proper amount of decorum is evidenced by the fact that one of the first of the by-laws provided that no trustee should speak in any meeting of the board without first rising and addressing the presi- dent.
In 1825 a half township of land was granted to the academy by the Legislature, being what is now the north half of the town of Springfield. This half township
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embraced 11,020 acres and was sold the same 3' ear for 30 1-2 cents per acre, thus creating a fund for the use of the academy of $3,361.10. A small tuition of $2.50 per term was charged, but in some instances even this was abated.
At the annual meeting in 1829, James S. Holmes, Charles P. Chandler, Thomas Williams and Thomas Davee were chosen a committee to "look into the pro- priety of purchasing some land to be connected with the academy whereby scholars, if they desire, may have the privilege of working thereon and thereby pay a part of their expenses, and further to consult the public opinion on that subject."
Two years later, in 1831, a committee was appointed to inquire into the expedienc}' of having a mechanic shop connected with the academy. So much interest was manifested that the committee was reappointed the next year although no such building was erected. They did, however, by their action anticipate instruction in manual training which is a comparatively new idea among edu- cators in this country.
In 1832 a committee was chosen "to finish off the chamber and entry of the academy."
That the academy was formerly used by the preceptors as a stepping stone to the professions is shown by a vote taken in 1838, not to engage as preceptor any person "who is or may be studying for any profession or engaged in any other business than the care and attention of the academy. " Certain it is, as will be seen by a perusal of the list of preceptors annexed to this article, that many did rise to professional distinction in later years.
The academy in the early days, the same as now, was a great blessing to the entire community. Students gathered within its walls from near and far and in 1843
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there were one hundred and thirty pupils. Young men did not cease their attendance on arriving at the age of twenty -one. Not having the present advantage of thirty- six weeks a yeen' in the common schools, but only a short term in the fall and winter, or winter and spring, rarely more than two terms a year, the 3'oung men and women Avere usually of a maturer age on entering the academy than now.
I remember well of hearing my father, Levi Parsons, who fitted himself for teaching in this institution, speak of the young men who attended after they had become voters.
The students had their exhibitions and one was given in 1840, which continued six hours. It does not state whether the auditors sat on benches or in cushioned pews.
The young men had, too, their lyceums, or debating societies. The first one in the academy was organized October 4, 1 842, and it may interest the good people of the present day to know that the first question opened for debate was in relation to temperance: "Resolved that the old temperance society has done more towards advancing the temperance reformation than the Washing- tonian society, now in operation."
A story is told of A. G. Lebroke, when a student in the academy, that indicated at least that masterly oratory for which he afterwards became famous. He had entered into the spirit of one of the debates with such vigor that it was promptly decided in his favor. He there- upon asked for the privilege of speaking again, which was granted. He then took the other side, tore his former argument into fragments and won that side of the question, the students then and there voting that he had beaten himself.
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In 1859 the first academy building, which had long been inadequate to the needs of the school, was removed to the north end of Foxcroft bridge on the east side of Main Street, where it is now occupied as a store and workshop, and in 1860 a much larger and more commo- dious building was erected. Although this was done partly by subscription, it reduced very materially the funds of the institution.
In 1868, by Chapter 277 of the Resolves, the Legis- lature granted $1,000 to the trustees of the academy to be deposited in the treasury of State, the annual interest to be paid annually to the trustees of said academy. The annuity of $60, thus created, is received regularly by the trustees.
The second academy building, like the former, stood on stone posts and was heated with stoves. Its rooms were ill arranged, with poor ventilation, and in 1891 the trustees voted to make general repairs. A cellar was dug, a good stone foundation put under the building, large furnaces installed for heating, and the rooms generally remodeled, at an expense of about $2,500, which was paid out of the balance of the fund and liberal subscrip- tions of the citizens. Also a large piazza was thrown across the front end of the building, adding much to its architectural appearance as well as the comfort of the students.
The piazza was the liberal gift of the late Eliza Ann Mayo, who later joined her husband, Hon. Josiah B. Mayo, in presenting to the trustees the imposing three- story structure which, annexed to the former, makes one of the finest academy buildings in the State.
Many students from Dover as well as Foxcroft fitted for college, or completed their education in this old institution, and for many years there was a strong feel- ing on the part of some that it would be an advantage
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to both towns to unite in the support of Foxcroft Academy.
Finally, in 1903, the voters of Dover discontinued their high school and voted to expend their free high school money in Foxcroft Academy, to pay tuition for such of their high school scholars as wished to attend that school.
By this move the student body was increased about one third and, although additional seats were provided and everything done that could be to make room for the increase, the old building proved wholly inadequate, and an enlargement of the building became absolutely neces- sary. Architects were employed to di-aw plans and speci- fications for a new building on the front of the old and annexed to it so as to make one large school building.
At a meeting of the trustees held March 4, 1904, the plans were examined and approved by the trustees, but as the academy had no fund for the purpose, the erection of a large three-story structure provided with an expen- sive heating plant, school furniture and necessary equip- ment, seemed an almost hopeless undertaking. It must be done by voluntary contribution.
While the ways and means were being discussed in a not too cheerful mood, one of the trustees, Edward J. Mayo, in behalf of his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Josiah B. Mayo, made the following offer : That if the trustees and other citizens would raise a fund sufficient to put in a good heating plant, build the foundation for the new building and thoroughly equip the school, Mr. and Mrs. Mayo would erect the building, according to the architects' plans.
The generous offer was promptly accepted and an earnest vote of thanks and hearty appreciation of the same then and there spread upon the records. Two of the trustees, James Bathgate and W. E. Parsons, acted
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as soliciting committee, and not only the trustees but citizens of both towns responded generously, raising a fund of about $3,100 for the purpose.
Three trustees, E. J. Mayo, C. C. Hall and W. E. Parsons, were appointed a building committee, and work was immediately begun on the new building and the next year saw the present large and beautiful structure which faces Foxcroft Square, fully completed and thoroughly equipped as one of the best jfitting schools in Maine.
In June, 1905, the new building was dedicated and formal presentation of the keys made by Mr. J. B. Mayo to the treasurer, W. E. Parsons, in the presence of a grateful throng of Dover and Foxcroft citizens.
In addition to the contributions previously spoken of, Mr. John G. Mayo gave $600, for the purchase of a laboratory equipment, which is of great advantage in physics and chemistry.
The school is now thoroughly equipped and in a prosperous condition, being well patronized by the sur- rounding towns. What it needs most is an endowment fund. Some years ago a small endowment fund was raised of about $2,700, of which Josiah B. Mayo and Sarah C. Vaughan gave $1,000 each. Hannah E. and Julia R. Gilman by soliciting made up largely the balance, while Evans S. Pillsbury, one of its alumni, gave $100.
Last fall it was found that some of the students who sought admission to the academy had to return to their homes because boarding places for them could not be found either in Foxcroft or Dover. The trustees then purchased with the endowment fund the large house on Grange Street known as the Chamberlain house, to be furnished the coming summer for a dormitory for the out of town students.
The school has always been non-sectarian and has gathered within its portals for mental training and
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-advancement the well-meaning seekers of knowledge of every sect or denomination in the county. It has ever been the aim of the trustees to furnish a school where students could not only fit for college but where the great majority who could not afford to attend higher institutions of learning, could equip themselves for busi- ness and the great duties of life, and well they have succeeded.
The long list of illustrious names among its alumni testifies to that success. After the early struggles of this institution, followed by a noble career of usefulness, its future seems now assured. Its commodious building, its thorough equipment, and loyal support of Dover and Poxcroft bespeaks for it that success which must meet the expectations of its most sanguine supporters.
The recent development of the school has been such that reference to it can scarcely be made without giving credit to the board of trustees, who labored so zealously for its accomplishment. The board of trustees in 1904 consisted of E. A. Thompson of Dover, president; J. B. Mayo of Foxcroft, vice president; Willis E. Parsons of Foxcroft, secretary and treasurer; the remaining trustees being also residents of Dover and Foxcroft : S. O. Brown, J. B. Cochrane, J. B. Peaks, C. C. Hall, P. E. Guernsey and Henry S. Towne of Dover, and William Buck, A. W. Gilman, W. T. Stubbs, John F. Hughes, E. J. Mayo and James Bathgate of Foxcroft; the fifteen trustees being divided as nearly as possible between the two towns, with a preponderance of one in favor of Dover.
Foxcroft Academy has no doubt had some poor instructors, but on the whole during its long career has been remarkably successful in its preceptors, thus enabling it to keep abreast of like institutions and up to date in its educational methods, being ranked to-day as one of the
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best fitting schools in Maine. In fact, it has been on the preferred hst for several years, and is one of the few fit- ting schools of our State whose graduates are admitted to the New England colleges on certificate, without examination.
A four years' commercial course is now well established, whose graduates are qualified to perform intelligent work in offices and business houses, for, unlike business colleges, no one can be admitted who has not had at least two years in the academy or its equivalent. No grammar school scholars can gain admission to the commercial department.
A feature of the school is the school city government, introduced by Principal Fred U. Ward in 1905, with consent of the trustees, which has proved a great success, and was the first to be undertaken b}' any school in Maine. It is no longer an experiment. Space will not permit an explanation of its workings, but by it the students take pride in not only maintaining the best of discipline in the assembly-room, but in all departments of the school, so that the expense of one teacher is practically saved to the institution each year. And the students are also getting valuable training in the forms and duties of municipal government.
The graduating class of 1906, at an expense of $100, furnished with desks and chairs a room in the third story of the academy for the school city government.
Other gifts have been made by friends of the insti- tution. The Cosmopolitan Club gave the institution $50 for shelves and furniture in the library, and, recently, $50 towards furnishing a reception-room in the dormitory, the balance required to be made up by the club as needed.
The C. S. Douty Circle, Number 11, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, of Foxcroft, gave $75
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for furnishing an additional recitation room ; the citizens, $105 to furnish cabinets for the laboratory; and the carnival committee gave a balance on hand of $30 to the academy. Hon. J. B. Mayo donated some electric lights, and Sarah J. Lebroke a cluster of electric lights in the library in memory of her deceased husband, A. G. Lebroke, and daughter, Harriet Beecher ; these recent gifts showing the kind regards which the people have for the academy. Others have suggested furnishing rooms in the new dormitory the coming summer, this substantial aid from time to time being greatly appre- ciated by the trustees.
The student body is increasing steadily, the Freshman class alone numbering fifty at the beginning of the present school year.
The career of Foxcroft Academy has been in many respects a remarkable one and the value to the county and State of eighty-six years of uninterrupted educa- tional work is beyond estimate. There have been many dark days, however, and this article would not be com- plete without a list of those trustees who in the past have given liberally of their time and moneys that it should not falter, but be preserved in all its usefulness to future generations.
A List of the Trustees and Date of Their Election.
Appointed by the act of incorporation were: Joseph E. Foxcroft, William Emerson, Daniel Wilkins, Thomas Williams, John Bradbury, Samuel Chamberlain, James S. Holmes, Philip Crosb}^, Joshua Carpenter, Joseph Kelsey, Samuel McClanathan, Samuel C. Clark and Jason Hassell.
Trustees elected: February 22, 1823, Thomas Davee; May 28, 1823, Oliver Crosby and Nathaniel Robinson;
114 HISTORICAL COLLFXTIOXS
November IT, 1824, Samuel Whitney; November 15, 1825, Isaac E. Wilkins; November 15, 1826, Isaac Macomber and Charles P. Chandler; October 15, 1828, Costillo Hamlin, Nathan Carpenter and Nathan W. Shelden; November 24, 1829, James Norcross; October 20, 1830, David R. Straw; October 19, 1831, Dennis Lambert, Anson Hubbard and Solomon Parsons; Octo- ber 17, 1832, Moses Greenleaf; October 16, 1833, Jonathan C. Everett and John H. Loring; October 15,
1834, Gilman Clark and Abram Sanborn; October 21,
1835, Gilman Burleigh; October 19, 1836, Jonathan F. Page, Caleb Prentiss and Harvey Evans; October 18, 1837, William Oakes, Benjamin P. Gilman and Stephen P. BroWn; October 17, 1838, Calvin Chamberlain; Octo- ber 16, 1839, Richard R. Rice and James S. Wiley; October 20, 1842, Salmon Holmes; October 21, 1846, Benjamin Johnson; October 15, 1850, Woster Parker and Alex. M. Robinson; October 16, 1855, Simeon Mudgett and Elihu B. Averill; October 19, 1858, Thomas S. Pullen; October 15, 1861, Ephraim Flint; October 21, 1867, Edwin P. Snow, Stanley T. Pullen and S. Orman Brown; October 18, 1870, Elbridge A. Thompson, Theodore Wyman and David R. Straw, Jr. ; October 15, 1872, Elias J. Hale and William Buck; October 21, 1873, William P. Oakes; October 19, 1875, Ezra Towne and Benjamin F. Hammond; October 17, 1876, Augustus W. Gilman; October 15, 1878, Augustus G. Lebroke; October 19, 1880, Josiah B. Mayo; October 18, 1887, WiUis E. Parsons, James B. Cochrane and William T. Stubbs; October 15, 1889, Joseph B. Peaks and John F. Hughes; October 25, 1892, Crowell C. Hall; October 30, 1894, Edward J. Mayo; October 23, 1895, James Bathgate; October 27, 1898, Frank E. Guernsey; October 29, 1900, Henry S.
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Towne; October 31, 1906, Charles W. Hayes; October 29, 1908, Walter J. Mayo.
Much credit is due to those members in the early days, who, living at a distance, were constant at the meetings of the trustees and active in their support of the insti- tution, notably Colonel William Oakes of Sangerville and Joseph Kelsey of Guilford, both of whom were at different times president of the board.
The presidents of the board, in their order, have been Daniel Wilkins, Thomas Williams, Nathaniel Robinson, Abram Sanborn, Thomas Davee, Joseph Kelsey, Dennis Lambert, James S. Holmes, William Oakes, Elihu B. Averill, Stephen P. Brown, Ephraim Flint, Elias J. Hale, Calvin Chamberlain, Alexander M. Robinson, Elbridge A. Thompson and the present incumbent, Josiah B. Mayo.
The secretaries have been six in number, James S. Holmes, Thomas Davee, John Bradbury, Caleb Prentiss, James S. Wiley and Willis E. Parsons.
In eighty-six years there have also been six treasurers, Samuel Chamberlain, sixteen years ; Charles P. Chandler, twenty years ; James S. Wiley, three years ; Freeland S. Holmes, a part of two years; Ephraim Flint, three years ; James S. Wiley, again, twenty-five years ; since 1889, Willis E. Parsons.
From the records of the secretary and books of the treasurer, a list of preceptors is gleaned and here given in the order in which they were employed and approxi- mately their terms of service:
James S. Holmes, 1822-3 ; James Gooch, spring of 1824; Charles P. Chandler, fall of 1824 and until 1827; Samuel H. Blake, spring of 1827; Charles P. Chandler, fall of 1827; Randall A. Sanborn, Mr. Richardson, Dr. Stevens, William H. Ropes and James S. Wiley,
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then fill up the time to 1838; Thomas Moulton, fall term of 1838; Robert Wyman, spring term of 1839, and Samuel Johnson, fall term of 1839; Mr. Dole, 1840; Ezra Abbot, 1841; Thomas Tash from 1842 to 1848. In 1845, David Bugbee, late of Bangor, held his first writing school in the academy. Samuel F. Humphrey taught, 1848 to 1851 ; J. F. Butterfield, 1851-3; Freeland S. Holmes, 1854; Warren Johnson, faU of 1854; Silas Hardy, 1855; F. C. Davis, 1856-7; S. C. Belcher, 1858-60; Mark Pitman, 1861-3; Stanley T. PuUen, 1864; William S. Knowlton, 1865; M. C. Femald, 1866-8; J. G. Soule, 1868-70; James S. RoweU, 1871-3; Thomas N. Lord, 1873; William S. Rix, 1874 ; William Goldthwaite, spring of 1875 ; James R. Brackett, fall of 1875 to 1878; Edwin P. Sampson, 1878-83; Stephen A. Lowell, 1883-4; Frank RoUins, 1884; R. E. Donald, 1885-8; C. E. B. Libby and G. H. Libby, 1888-90; Eugene L. Sampson, 1890-4; William F. Sims, 1895; W. R. Fletcher, 1896-8; Lyman K. Lee, 1898-1903; Fred U. Ward, 1903-7; since September, 1907, Louis B. Farnham.
Among the alumni of Foxcroft Academy have been many who have distinguished themselves in civil and military life. Hon. Josiah Crosby, late of Dexter, is remembered for his great ability and legal acumen. Hon. N. A. Luce, once State superintendent of schools, is still remembered.
Mrs. L. M. N. Stevens, president of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union, received her early training in this academy, as did Hon. Charles E. Littlefield, late distinguished member of Congress; the late Hon. Samuel F. Humphrey of Bangor ; Hon. Alfred E. Buck, late minister to Japan, now deceased ; the late Hon. A. G. Lebroke of Foxcroft, and Hon. A. M. Robinson of Dover. The late Hon. Lewis Barker, the
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lawyer, and David Barker, the poet, were both educated in this institution.
M. C. Fernald, so long president of the college at Orono, received a part of his training here, and there were the military heroes, General Jameson, Col. Calvin S. Douty, Col. Charles P. Chandler, Col. Lowell, Col. Clark, and a hundred more, gallant defenders of the Union in her hour of peril, better qualified to serve their country by reason of the instructions received in the old academy.
The roll of honor, embracing many distinguished citizens, both living and dead, is a long one; too long to be included here, as this article must be brought to a close.
Already Maine is indebted to this academy as to but few others within her borders, and may the years to come increase its power and prolong its usefulness to the State and nation.
It stands to-day a monument to those sturdy pioneers who, by great sacrifice and heroic devotion to the cause of education, wrought valiantly in establishing for their own and succeeding generations such an institution of learning.
Historical Sketch of Monson Academy
By John Francis Sprague
THE very earliest settlement of what is now the town of Monson was in 1815, and seven years later in 1822 it was incorporated as a town by an act of the Legislature, and only two years after what was formerly the District of Maine was admitted into the Union of States.
Many of the earliest settlers came from Monson, Massachusetts, and located on the east half of the town- ship which had been granted to Monson (Massachusetts) Academy, and our town derived its name from the fact.
The west half of the township was granted to Hebron (Maine) Academy, hence quite a number of men, many Avith families came here from that town and vicinity and made homes in that part of Monson.
These hardy pioneers penetrated the depths and the shadowy fastnesses of the forest primeval and were sub- ject to such hardships and privations, and encountered such obstacles as all are subject to and as all encounter who emigrate to untrodden soil. But they were the intrepid descendants of brave men who had been Separa- tists, Puritans, Round Heads and followers of John Calvin in England, and the iron blood of the Puritan flowed in their veins.
These brave-hearted men who chopped down the huge trees, subdued the wilds of nature, cleared the land and
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 119
made happy homes for themselves and their posterity ; built mills, cut out the roots of fallen giants of the for- est and made highways, also stood for something besides the material advancement of the new settlement.
They had high ideals and noble aspirations. Next to their abounding zeal for their austere religion was a belief inherent in their breasts that a community could never be well and safely founded unless intelligence and learn- ing were among its bed-rocks.
They were the sons of men who had shed blood for the maintainance of principles from which had evolved the freedom of universal education.
And so it is not at all strange that among the many plans which the progressive ones discussed very much in the first days, the one for an academy was ever upper- most in their minds. Some of the older citizens who have since passed into the unseen have told me when they were here, that when our village consisted of only a small cluster of dwellings, a crude saw and grist-mill, a black- smith shop, a store and a schoolhouse at the foot of the pond, "academy talk" was even then heard among those who had the public welfare at heart ; and it may well be presumed that the good parson. Lot Ryder, and his devout successors would seldom reach the "fifthly" in their sermons without alluding to it and were often mindful of it when addressing the throne of grace.
There were pessimists then as now, those who are born with a cold sneer upon their lips, who seem to be created for the sole purpose of engaging their cheap abilities in the work of obstructing the advance of the world about them, and undoubtedly the advocates of this worthy enterprise met with many rebuffs and many a scornful laugh.
But they were not to be discouraged by croakers, and what was for a long time considered bv such as onlv a
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fanciful dream of a vague vision was finally fully realized. The persistent cultivation of a lofty ideal produced the desired fruition. The Legislature passed an act to incorporate the "Stockholders of Monson Academy," which is Chap. 62, Private Laws of 1847, and it was approved by Gov. Dana on July 26th of that year, as follows :
Chapter 62. Private Laws of 1847.
An act to incorporate the Stockholders of Monson Academy.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- tives in Legislature assembled, as follows :
Ephraim Flint, Zenas Scales, Aretus Chapin, Peabody H. Rice, Horace Pullen, Lucius Bradford, Samuel Jenkins, Hiram Folsom, Josiah Jordan, Horatio Ilsley, Henry MiUs, Alpheus Davison, Benjamin Ward, Will D. Horn, S. B. Kittredge, Abner Brown, Horace Flanders, James K. Whiting, George H. Gates, Benjamin R. Scribner, John H. Rice, Joseph M. Curtis, James H. Whitney, Leonard S. Crafts, E. C. Buker, Josiah P. Haynes, Robert Barbour, Horace Adams, Paul S. Merrill, Josiah Norris, Samuel Pillsbury, Jr., John E. Sawyer, Bowman Varney, Nelson Savage, Joshua Buck, Norman S. Williams, William Tenney, Roland Taylor, Alonzo H. Davee, Isaac Philips, Hiram Vinton, Henry Hills, Ozias Blanchard, Leonard Howard, Robert Barbour, Jr., John Pollard, Charles W. Gower, Davis N. Gower, Samuel Cole, Stephen Brown, Solomon F. Dane, Charles Blanchard, Solomon Cushman and Justin E. Crafts, their associates, successors and assigns, are hereby constituted a corporation by the name of the Stockholders of Monson Academy ; and by this name may sue and be sued; have a common seal; appoint
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 121
trustees to manage their affairs ; take and hold any estate, personal or real, that they may receive by donation or otherwise, the annual income of which not to exceed two thousand dollars; said income to be faithfully applied to the purpose of education ; and the stock- holders aforesaid, are authorized to make any by-laws they may deem necessary, not repugnant to the laws of the State, and to have all the powers and privileges incident to similar corporations.
This act was approved by Gov. Dana July 26th, 1847. So far as known these incorporators have all passed away except John H. Rice, who is now (1908) living in Chicago, at the advanced age of 92 years.
By virtue of this authority an organization was formed for the purposes indicated and has been maintained ever since. Its by-laws provide for a board of trustees con- sisting of not less than nine nor more than fifteen per- sons. At the first election October 25th, 1847, fifteen trustees were elected as follows:
Charles W. Gower, Isaac Philips, P. H. Rice, Ozias Blanchard, Horatio Ilsley, William Tenney, Leonard Howard, Wm. D. Hoar, Alpheus Davison, Samuel PiUsbury, Hiram Folsom, Horace PuUen, Roland Taylor, J. Henry Pullen and Abner Brown.
A notice of this meeting was published in the Piscata- quis Farmer.
The trustees at their first meeting chose Lucius Bradford, president; Zenas Scales, vice-president; Ephraim Flint, clerk ; Aretus Chapin, treasurer.
Elder Lucius Bradford, who was a resident Baptist minister, served as president until 1861. Zenas Scales was chosen for the years 1861-2. There is no record of an election of officers for the years 1863-4. In 1865 Wm. Tenney was chosen president and served until
122 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
1870. Since then the presidents have been Charles Davison, 1870-1877; Sumner A. Patten, 1877-1879; Horace Pullen, 1881-1902. In 1903 Alvin Gray was chosen president and is holding this office at the present time.
The treasurers have been Aretus Chapin, Roland Taylor, H. E. Homer, Alvin Gray and Albert F. Jackson.
The principals of this academy from 1849 to 1873 were W. H. Seavey, Mr. Hunt, Jacob Tuck, V. B. Oakes, Eben B. Higgins, F. W. Hardy, T. F. McFadden, T. F. Batchelder, J. W. Staples, George Webster, Reuben A. Rideout, W. S. Knowlton, Justin S. Thompson, Miss Gilman and Thomas N. Lord ; and from 1873 to 1908, have been Fred B. Osgood, G. B. Hescock, James Jenkins, Edgar H. Crosby, C. E. B. Libby, L. E. Moulton, H. W, Dunn, W. S. Knowlton, John L. Dyer, W. H. Russell and John D. Whittier.
It is quite impossible for us of the present day to fully appreciate exactlj^ what it meant for those men to per- form their self-imposed task of founding and maintain- ing this institution.
The men that came here from old Monson and other parts did not bring riches but only strong hands and stout hearts. They had to dig out of these wilderness hillsides the means for existence and a competency to "save for a rainy day;" hence their methods and habits of life were most strenuously frugal.
They were farmers and laborers in the woods and on the "drives," with farm produce and labor bringing very low remuneration, while whatever they purchased from the store was in price extremely high.
Cotton cloth, brown sugar, lamp-oil and coffee were luxuries which only the "forehanded" ones could afford. It was men thus conditioned who united together and by
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 123
a popular subscription marshaled labor and materials for the wherewith to erect a building to be used for the edu- cational work which the State had imposed upon them by this act of the Legislature.
The policy of the State of Maine then was to aid academies, schools and. colleges by donating to them wild lands owned by the State ; in fact, the politicians of those days favored anything that would be an excuse for selling these lands to their favorites and friends, who stood ready to grab anything for sale at prices so low that we now look back upon the system as manifestly a disgrace to our State. The trustees of our academy very properly took advantage of that condition of pub- lic affairs and in 1848 succeeded in obtaining a resolve from the Legislature appropriating one quarter of a town- ship of wild land in Aroostook County, which resolve was, however, rescinded by the Legislature in 1849, (Chap. 154, Private Laws, 1849) and at the same time ' 'one-half of a township of land from any of the lands
* * * * jjQ^ otherwise appropriated" was granted to this academy ' 'not to exceed in value $3, 000. ' '
In 1860 a devastating fire swept over the village of Monson and destroyed the academy buildings, and again the Legislature aided it (Chap. 22, Resolves 1861) by giving it one fourth of another township of land.
It is from these sources that our "academy fund" of $4,000 was derived.
From the time of the erection of the first academy building until the late James Tarr built a public hall in Monson Village, which is now known as Spencer's Hall, the upper story was used for town meetings, elections, and other public purposes.
At the present time the entire building is used for school work. Quite a large number of the graduates of Monson Academy have become public men of prominence,
124! HISTOEICAL COLLECTIONS
among whom may be mentioned Hon. Dudley P. Bailey, a well known citizen of Everett, Mass., and a practicing lawyer in Boston, and who has served in the Legislature of his commonwealth two or three terms as representa- tive from the city of Everett ; Hon. Evans S. Pillsbury, a lawyer in California, and who has held the office of U. S. district attorney and other positions of trust; the late Leonard D, Carver of Augusta, Maine, who formerly practiced law in Kennebec County, and was for many years the able and faithful librarian of the Maine State Library ; Prof. Norris H. Hart of Orono, Maine, now professor of mathematics and astronomy in the Uni- versity of Maine, and Artemus Gates, who became a lawyer and financier of prominence in New York City.
Among the business men of note may be named Charles W. Curtis of Dexter, Maine, who was for many years at the head of the banking business of that town; the late Walter D. Eaton, formerly a merchant in Dexter and later in life engaged in mercantile business in Boston, Mass., and Malcolm Hart, who holds in the West an important position as civil engineer. It was the evident design of the founders of this institution that it should never become an annex to or a preparatory school for any sectarian or denominational college or university, as the original stockholders were of different religious faiths and nothing app)ears in the old records to suggest any differ- ent conclusion.
There were among them Congregationalists, Baptists and Universalists ; the Rices belonged to the latter denomination, while the late Hon. Ephraim Flint was always a pronounced Unitarian.
It was established upon absolutely independent and entirely non-sectarian grounds.
I herewith append the resolves of the Legislature rela-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 125
ting to these academy grants which I have herein referred to as follows :
Chapter 73. Resolve in Favor of Monson Academy.
Resolved. That the land agent of this State is hereby authorized and directed to convey to the trustees of Mon- son Academy, one-half township of land situated in the County of Aroostook; said land to be selected by the land agent, and to be equal in value per acre as near as may be to the east half of township number three, range four, in the County of Aroostook, at the time said half township was conveyed to the trustees of Lee Normal School; provided however, that the land agent shall not make the conveyance herein provided for unless the said trustees of said Monson Academy shall, on or before the first Monday of October, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty-nine prove to the satisfaction of the governor and council that the corporators apply- ing for such conveyance shall have furnished a good and convenient academical building and actually commenced school herein and shall have corporate property at least to the amount of twelve hundred dollars over and above the debts of said corporation.
(Approved July 14th, 1848.)
Chapter 154.
Resolve in Favor of Monson Academy.
Resolved. That the land agent of this State is hereby authorized and directed to convey to the trustees of Monson Academy one half township of land from any of the lands in M^hich the State is interested in severalty or in common, not otherwise appropriated ; said land to be
126 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY
selected by the land agent; provided said half township shall not exceed in value three thousand dollars. Pro- vided, however, that the land agent shall not make the conveyance herein provided for, unless the trustees of said Monson Academy shall, on or before the first Monday of October, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty-nine, prove to the satisfaction of the governor and council that the corporators applying for such conveyance, shall have furnished a good and conve- nient academical building, and actually commenced school therein, and shall have corporate property at least, to the amount of twelve hundred dollars over and above the debts of said corporation.
Resolved. That a resolve in favor of Monson Academy, approved July fourteenth, eighteen hundred and forty-eight is hereby rescinded.
(Approved August 7th, 1849.)
Chapter 22.
Resolved. That the land agent be and hereby is authorized and directed to convey to the trustees of Monson Academy, Monmouth Academy, Limington Academy and Corinna Union Academy, one township of land of average quality and price in common and undi- vided, in proportions of one fourth to each of said insti- tutions.
(Approved February 23, 1861.)
Early Navigation on Sebec Lake
By Charles W. Hayes, Esq.
BEFORE the era of the overland thoroughfares, the turnpikes, and the railroads, the waterways of the country were the great highways of commerce. Not only did Lo, the poor Indian, avail himself of these waterways for the transportation of himself, and the spoils of the chase, but succeeding him, our early settlers used the lakes and rivers as a means of transportation. It was owing to this advantage, as well as to the power developed by falls in our rivers, that led the early settlers to choose as sites of their settlements, the banks of rivers and lakes.
I have been informed that the first farms cleared and settled in Foxcroft, were those near the shore of Sebec Lake, at and near the site of the old town farm, called, in the olden time, the "North Cant," because this place, by means of Sebec Lake, gave them cheap and easy access to the grist-mills and lumber mills of Sebec Village.
The birch canoe of the Indian was succeeded by the more substantial boat of the white man, but both pro- pelled by "one-man power," on Sebec Lake till about 1857. Just one half a century elapsed from the time when Fulton's crude and primitive steamboat first suc- cessfully navigated the Hudson River, when attention was given to a power boat for navigating Sebec Lake.
128 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
The first attempt to propel a boat on Sebec Lake by power, was made, apparently by Thomas A. Keating and G. E. S. Bryant, and they conceived the idea of using for power, the horse-power of the treadmill tj'^pe. And, although they did not invest a very considerable sum in financing the enterprise, yet they felt that they could not risk even what they did invest, unless protected by legislative monopoly ; for we find that the Legislature of Maine, in 1857, by a private act of that year, being Private Laws, Chapter 49, granted to them a charter by the name of Sebec Pond Boat Company, made them a corporate body, authorized them to build a boat or boats to be propelled by horse-power, and to hold real and personal property to an amount not exceeding $12,000. And, provided they should organize before the next October, and should place upon Sebec Pond at least one horse-boat in proper condition for conveying passengers, they should have and enjoy the exclusive right for eight years from the date of organization to operate a horse- boat on Sebec Pond. The act provided that the county commissioners for Piscataquis County might establish prices for carriage of passengers and freight, and might establish a ferry over any part of said pond, and place such boats thereon as they might deem proper. They should forfeit their monopoly, if they should fail for thirty days to run a horse-boat on said pond during the months of July and August every year.
Thus armed with their "Magna Charta," and pro- tected from competition by the Legislature, they pro- ceeded to organize, and they went down the Piscataquis River, somewhere, and bought, or had given them an old ferry-boat, which they transported to Sebec Pond. They built a floor on it, equipped it with side paddle- wheels and a shaft, connected this to a treadmill horse- power, and when they had put in a pair of fairly heavy
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 129
horses, and the wind was not adverse, they were enabled to navigate the length of the pond in the remarkable time of about four hours. In bad or rough weather, auxiliary power must be furnished by human exertion, or navigation must temporarih^ cease.
Probably a cruder boat, or a more uncertain method of transportation was never devised or operated by man; yet it was a novelty, and commanded the trade of the blueberry pickers, and campers on the mountains and shores of the lake, which trade the enterprising proprie- tors stimulated by the use of printer's ink. The follow- ing is a copy of an advertisement in The Piscataquis Observer of August 4, 1859, wherein the uncertainty of the running time must be noticeable :
BOAT NOTICE!!
The subscribers • would hereby give public notice that they will run a
HORSE BOAT
Daily, for a few weeks, commencing August 1st, 1859, from Whittemore's Landing, to the head of
SEBEC LAKE,
for the accommodation of those who wish to engage in the delightful enjoyment of Fishing in the Lake and Stream, or
SPORTING and BLUEBERRYING
on the surrounding mountains, or enjoying Nature spread out in unsurpassed loveliness in both Lake and Mountain Scenery.
The boat is large and safe, capable of carry- ing from seventy-five to one hundred pas- sengers.
Leave Whittemore's Landing at 7 1-2 o'clock, A. M., Returning the same evening.
Parties from a distance, so wishing, by noti-
130 HISTOEICAL COLLECTIONS
fjang us, will be accommodated so they can take the Boat at 1 o'clock P. M.
Fare up and back only 50 cents.
BRYANT & KEATING.
Observing the advantages and disadvantages of this enterprise, it must have occurred to certain people that a boat operated by steam would afford a better and more certain mode of navigation, and while Brj^ant and Keating had authority and the exclusive right to operate a horse- boat, their charter gave them no exclusive right, and in the express terms of their charter, no right, to operate a steamboat. And so, in 1861, Lathrop C. Jones and William N. Thompson, both of Foxcroft, procured a charter from the Legislature to navigate Sebec Lake by steam.
This charter is Chapter 15, of the Private Laws of 1861, and creates the said proprietors into a body cor- porate by the name of Sebec Lake Steamboat Company ; authorized them to operate a steamboat or steamboats on Sebec Lake, to hold real and personal property not exceeding $15,000; gave them the monopoly of the exclusive right of steam-navigation of said lake for a period of fourteen years, from July 1, 1862; gave the county commissioners the right to fix rates, if they should see fit; and obligated them, in order to maintain the monopoly, to build and put in running order on said lake, at least one steamboat of not less than fifteen tons, and not more than fifty tons burden, and to run such boat every day, Sundays excepted, during the months of July and August of each of said fourteen years, from Sebec Village to the head of the lake. Now a legisla- tive charter is of the nature of a contract. The Consti- tution of the United States provides that no state shall pass any law impairing the obligation of contracts.
or PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 131
Bryant and Keating had such charter as was above described, which would not expire for more than four years after the charter of Jones and Thompson was granted. And so the Legislature inserted into Jones and Thompson's charter this section: Sect. 4. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to interfere with rights and privileges granted to Thomas A. Keating and G. E. S. Bryant and their associates, by "an act to incorporate the Sebec Pond Company" approved March 30th, 1857.
Thus was the constitutional safeguard against the impairment of contracts avoided, although the Jones and Thompson charter did, as the Legislature well knew it would, kill the rights of Bryant and Keating under their charter, even more effectually than would a direct violation of it, by the authorizing of another company to operate a horse-boat.
Pursuant to their charter, and the monopoly thereby granted, Jones and Thompson, in the winter and spring of 1861, got together about $150 worth of material with which to construct a steamboat. And here, Capt. A. G. Crockett, then a young man of about thirty years of age, and who had been employed on Bryant and Keating's horse-boat more or less, becomes the prominent figure in steam-navigation of Sebec Lake. He bought out the interest of Mr. Thompson, and he, with Mr. Jones, proceeded to construct a steamboat, which they put in commission during the summer of 1861, which they named the Favorite. For power, they placed in her, at first a 4 h. p. donkey, or hoisting-engine, which they connected to a shaft by wooden gearing, or by one iron and one wood gear. She was a side-wheel steamer. I have been unable to get her dimensions, or amount of displacement. Crockett and Mr. Jones oper- ated her with only moderate financial success till 1865,
132 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
when Capt. Crockett bought out the interest of Mr. Jones. Meanwhile, in 1862, their charter was amended, by changing the compulsory running season, from July and August, to six weeks from the fifth day of July. Capt. Crockett's and Mr. Jones' operation of the "Favorite," it will be observed, was the period covered by the Civil War, and naturally such an enterprise was greatly hampered by that great struggle.
The motive power of the Favorite was changed, after two years, to an 8 h. p. Hoadly engine, con- nected with the wheel shaft by a belt. This engine was owned by Mr. Charles H. Chandler, and while his engine provided the power, he was a partner with Crockett and Jones. The engine was put in the boat each summer, and taken out each fall, being hauled to and from Fox- croft village. Again, in 1866, the motive power was changed to a 15 h. p. Hoadly engine, which was bought second-hand by Mr. Crockett.
This last engine was for the first few years used in the summer on the Favorite, and later on the Rippling Wave, and in the winter, it was taken to Foxcroft Four Corners, and used in sawing shingles.
After 1865, Capt. Crockett M^as the sole proprietor of the steamboat Favorite. In 1866 and 1867, it proved quite a financial success, and the business grew to such an extent, that, in 1868, Capt. Crockett determined to place on the lake, a larger and more convenient steamer. Accordingly, in that year, he built the Rippling Wave, a boat which all of the older residents easily remember. She was built from lumber cut from the township of Bowerbank, the knees being taken from juniper swamps in Sebec. Her keel was 87 feet, 13 1-2 beam, 92 feet over all, and with overhanging guards, making her entire width in the widest part, 24 feet. She was double- decked, had a commodious cabin in the stern of the
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 133
lower deck, and in the bow and between the cabin and the engine-house were large spaces for baggage. In front of the engine-house was a ticket office and a confectionery store in one small room. The upper deck had a seat extending around the entire boat, forming a guard-rail, as well as seats for passengers. It had a small pilot- house on the upper deck. Stairs from the space in front of the cabin to the upper deck, gave the passengers safe and ample means of reaching the upper deck. Her power was the last engine described as being in the Favorite. Her draft was small, only about 36 inches. Her paddle-wheels were 12 feet in diameter, and were well boxed in, the wheel-boxes extending about three feet above the upper deck. She was a very convenient steamer, capable of carrying five hundred passengers, although her small draft of water, as compared with the size of her hull, gave great wind resistance.
She was placed in commission in the summer of 1 868, and replaced the Favorite, which was not thereafter run.
Joseph Lamson, Esq., of Sebec, Maine, a man who figured quite prominently in the history of Piscataquis County, was among other things, quite an artist, and painted a picture of the Favorite and also of the Rip- pling Wave. Capt. Crockett has preserved these pictures, and has kindly loaned them to the writer, who has placed them in the hands of F. H. Thompson, who has redrawn and reduced them, and they are here for the inspection of the society, and will remain in the archives of the society as a part of this paper.
The writer's father, William C. Hayes, ever since 1866, and so long as Capt. Crockett operated the said steamers, and for a few seasons after, was employed on the above-named steamers, either in the capacity of master or engineer, and so I have a very early recollection of the scenes and happenings on the lake. I remember
134 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
that a day's trip up the lake was the ne plus ultra of enjoyment, the sail in the refreshing air, the boy's fasci- nation with machinery, and the partaking of Aunt Sarah's (Mrs. Crockett's) good dinners, consisting in part, always, of blueberry pie, all made an enjoyable day. That other and older people also were interested in outings at Sebec Lake is evidenced by an article in The Piscataquis Observer of May 7, 1868, concerning the building of the Rippling Wave.
"NEW STEAMER ON SEBEC LAKE. We learn from Capt. A. G. Crockett that work on his new boat, which was commenced about a month ago, is progressing favorably as was anticipated, and that it will probably be ready for a trip on the 4th of July next. This boat is 80 feet keel and 90 feet over all ; 24 feet beam, and 24 feet across the guards. It will have a cabin and six or eight state-rooms. The boat will be about fift}^ tons burthen with a capacity of 500 passengers, and will be carried by a twenty horse-power engine. Its cost is estimated at $5,000. The building of this boat is under the superintendence of Major Bigney, who built the Moosehead Lake boat, "Fairy of the Lake." It is intended to launch this craft about the last of June ; due notice of which will be given. Capt. Crockett deserves much credit for the energy with which he has undertaken an enterprise that the convenience of the public has so long demanded, and we heartily wish him success."
I can also remember in my very young days, of read- ing, I think, in the Observer, a little poem from the pen of Piscataquis County's well-known and well-appreciated poetess, Anna Bo3'nton Averill, * which showed the
*Since writing the above, Miss Averill denies the authorship of the quoted lines and the writer is unable to find the original paper but remembers the lines distinctly.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 135
poet's appreciation of the lake and the boat, and beauties of the lake. I think the first stanza was something as follows :
"Over the lake, the Lake Sebec, On the breezy deck, Of the Rippling Wave,
Staunch little steamer True and brave."
I have searched the pages of her book of poems, "Birch Stream and Other Poems," and regret that I fail to find the poem there.
In 1876, the charter for the exclusive right of steam- navigation on Sebec Lake was renewed to Capt. Crockett. He operated the steamer till 1878, when he sold out his boat to John Mon*ison of Corinth, who built her over, and ran it for two or three years, and finally abandoned her and allowed his monopoly to become lapsed.
The navigation of the lake since that time is within the memory of most men now living here, and I pur- posely close the history at this point. It can be readily seen that the history of navigation on Sebec Lake could not have been written without the aid of Capt. Crockett, and the wi-iter acknowledges the great assistance which he derived in an interview with him in the fall of 1908, when I found the Captain confined to his bed by rheu- matism.
Capt. Crockett told the writer that he lost by dro^v-n- ing accident only one person while he was engaged in the steamboat business: Daniel W. Hayes, in 1870. He told me the stoiT and it so closely accords with the account given in the Observer, August 18, 1870, that I am inserting it.
"SAD CASE OF DROWNING. A young man named Daniel Hayes, about twenty j^ears of age, and employed on the steamer Rippling Wave, was drowned
136 HISTOEICAL COLLECTIONS
in Sebec Lake on Friday afternoon last. A passenger on losing his hat overboard, the engine reversed steam, and young Hayes jumped into a small boat attached to the steamer, secured the hat and on approaching the steamer i-an his boat too near and was knocked overboard by the guards of the boat. He arose, and under excitement it is thought, or by being strangled, commenced swimming towards the shore, and away from the steamer and small boat, but was noticed soon to falter, and before assistance could be rendered he sank for the last time, within a few rods of the steamer. Grapples were soon procured and parties commenced dragging the pond until Saturday afternoon, when his body was found near where he sank in about thirty feet of water. His body was brought to Foxcroft, M^here funeral services were held on Sunday, attended largely by the people."
In the early days of navigation on the lake, there was no hotel at the head of the lake, there were no cottages along its shores, no industry at Willimantic, but it was almost as it was when first formed by the hand of Nature, unimproved and unmarred by the hand of man. The surface of the lake was as left by Nature, the charter for the Sebec dam being granted in 1866. Mr. Crockett remembers the great benefit to steamboating occasioned by the raising of the waters of the lake by that dam. In more modern times, the management of that same dam has caused more or less annoyance to owners of boats and cottages on the lake.
Wm. D. Blethen and Geo. W. Gilman built the Lake House in 1865. Capt. Crockett said that the house took $2,000 the first eight weeks after it was opened. It was thereafter run by different individuals. Nelson Thompson having it in charge at one time. Crockett took a lease of it for $10 a year for fifteen years, and
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 137
later bought it. From this history of the house, it would appear that its first glories fast faded, and from some chance remarks dropped by the Captain, it might be inferred that the strict enforcement of the prohibitory law had something to do with the reduction of its revenues.
Of the cottages now standing on the shores of Sebec Lake, the first was built by Hon. A. G. Lebroke, on Wilson Stream, part way up Granite Mountain. Hon. Ephraim Flint had built and occupied a cottage on the stream near Greeley's Falls, some ten or twelve years before the Lebroke cottage was built. Now cottages line nearly all the shores of the lake, an enumeration of which would appear almost like a city directory.
Thinking of these changes, Captain Crockett told this story :
Sometime not far from 1850, William Davis, the father of H. S. Davis and B. H. Davis, was standing, with Mr. Crockett on Dundee, the highest point of land in Foxcroft, from which point a great part of the lake caq be seen. Mr. Davis, speaking to Mr. Crockett, and pointing towards the lake, said: "Mr. Crockett, that is going to be a great resort. There will be steamboats running on the lake, and there will be hundreds and hundreds of people go there, but I shall be gone before this happens."
When we remember that at that remote period summer resorting was almost unknown, and Maine had not then been discovered as the playground of the United States, this prophecy and its accurate fulfillment seems truly remarkable, and reflects great credit on the foresight of Mr. Davis.
Peter Brawn and His Celebrated Bear- Fight on Sebec Lake
By Edgar Crosby Smith
NO history of the settlements about the shores of Sebec Lake, and of the characters who contributed to make that history, would be complete without an account of Peter Brawn.
But little is known of his ancestry. He was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, about 1770, and moved to what is now the town of Madison, probably in the latter part of the eighteenth centur3\
He first came to Piscataquis County about 1805, when he came to Dover and took up a tract of land on Lot 2, Range 12, which was afterwards known as the Spaulding place. After making something of a clearing and erecting a log cabin, in the spring of 1806 he brought his family to Dover. During the next year he lost his wife, and in 1808 he sold out his possessions in Dover and moved to Moorstown, now Abbot. He was the second or third settler of that town. Here he lived until the memorable cold seasons of 1815-16, and becom- ing discouraged with the prospects of farming in that locality, he again sold out and removed to Foxcroft. Just where he lived or what his occupation Avas while in Foxcroft is not known. He remained there until 1826, when the first clearing was made at the head of Sebec Lake. He took up a lot of land on the shore of the
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 139
lake and Wilson Stream, and in company with John Greeley, who erected the first mills there the same year, moved his family thither.
I do not find that he paid so much attention to farm- ing while living at the lake, as he did to the occupation of a shingle shaver. It was during his residence here and his connection with the mill, that one incident occurred which will preserve his memory to future gener- ations, even if all other things about him should be for- gotten. I refer to his celebrated bear-fight on Sebec Lake, of which I give an account below.
Mr. Brawn hved at the head of the lake for twenty years or more, until Mr. Greeley sold out the mills, and they were abandoned. He then moved to Guilford, in. that localit}^ now known as the Brawn neighborhood, and there passed his declining years.
In personal appearance Mr. Brawn was tall and erect. His first wife was Catherine Becky, a woman of Scotch descent, whom he probably married during his residence in Madison. As above stated, she died in Dover in 1808, and was buried in Foxcroft. His second wife was Betsey Kincaid, whom he married during his residence in Abbot.
Mr. Brawn died in 1855, about eighty-five years of age, and his remains rest in the Brawn cemetery, or what was then known as the Poplar Hill yard, in an unmarked grave.
I have been fortunate enough to secure an account of the celebrated bear-fight above referred to, the account being written just about the time the event occurred, and one which I believe to be fully authentic.
Every one who has read Seba Smith's "Way Dowti East Stories" remembers the story of "Uncle Pete and the Bear. " It is said that Peter Brawn was the character
140 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
upon whom this story was founded. Whether or not this is correct, I am unable to state.
The story as recorded, is as follows:
"A few days since as Brawn and a Mr. Ayer were coming down the Sebec Lake with a load of shingles, in a batteau, they discovered a bear swimming in the water, and they gave chase to him. As they approached him the bear turned upon them and showed belligerent symptoms, displaying a set of formidable teeth, and per- forming his evolutions with an activity that convinced them that they had no insignificant enemy to contend with. Being, however, armed with a small axe, they were not disposed to retreat. The moment they reached him he raised his fore feet and placed them on the side of the boat. Ayer struck at him with the axe, but it glanced down his cheek cutting off a slice of it. Before he could strike another blow. Bruin was on board the boat and seizing Ayer by the wrist with his teeth, he struck him a blow with his paw that tore the flesh from his side to the ribs, and they both fell overboard together. The bear relinquished his hold, and Ayer sank in the water. 'And now,' said Uncle Peter as he told his story, 'I begun to think it was time for me to be stir- rin' myself. The bear had canted the boat and let a couple of barrels of water in, and had like to tumblus all into the puddle together, and the shingles were piled so there want much gittin' about, but as I seed the old feller swimmin' round waitin' for Ayer to come up so as to make another grab at him, I swung the boat round a little, and showed myself.
" 'At that the bear come grinnin' towards me as lovin' as a meat axe. I had nothin' but a paddle to defend myself with, but I gin' him a wipe with it over the nose, an' he shook his head and snuffled a little, and kinder turned broad side to me; so I hit him a nudge in
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 141
the ribs — it didn't set easy, and he made off. I'd jest time to give him a friendly lick on the hinder by the way of a partin' salute, and the varmint was out of my reach makin' his way across the pond. Well, Ayer had been comin' up and going down two or three times, and was about sinkin' for the last time, when I made a grab at him and ketched him by the hair and hauled him in. He'd got to be good for nothin' by this time, for he couldn't help me nor help himself. There he lay a drip- pin' as wet as a drownded rat and as bloody as a stuck pig. He had lost his hatchet in his grapple with the bear, and we had nothin' to fight with. I couldn't make much headway along with the boat and the shingles and two barrels of water, so we lost the bear. I tacked about and run ashore — got Ayer up to Stearns' and left him to have his scratches dressed, and hired Clark to help me down with the shingles.' 'And now,' said Uncle Peter, raising his arms and placing himself in the atti- tude of taking aim, 'if ever that bear crosses my track agin on the Sebec Pond he'll find me ready to give him a blue pill from the ban-el of my old fusee. ' ' '
J. L.
Sketch of Hunter John EUis
By Sarah A. Martin
HUNTER John EUis is one of the familiar figures which stands out as a remarkably original char- acter in my remembrance of earlier days in my native town, Guilford.
John Ellis was born in Smithfield, Me., in 1784, resided for a time in Mercer and came to Guilford in August, 1844, and from that time until his death in 1867, spent most of his time as hunter and guide in the forests about Moosehead Lake.
He was a hunter before coming to Guilford, even in his youth.
As a boy he had a cat which he had trained to accom- pany him in his quest for squirrels and other small game, and who was as sagacious and helpful as a dog. The delight he took with this intelligent companion in these early days may have been largely influential in making him a lover of life in the woods.
Yet he was no hermit. He enjoyed his fellows, was a genuine wit, and his return from the woods was an occasion for rejoicing in the village; while the circle in the loafing places had to be enlarged when Hunter Ellis returned, that all might listen to his stories and adventures.
Could these stories but be collected, they would make a valuable asset to the literature of the county ; and yet
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 143
they would lack the inimitable setting of his magnetic telling.
When planning for one of his long trips he began for at least a month to place together articles he might need.
This characteristic care saved him from leaving the needed or being burdened with unneeded articles.
When trapping or hunting by himself, his camp was made where suited best his purpose, but hospitably open to the chance sportsman. The floor was the trodden earth. On one occasion he made use of an Indian mound as a pillow for his head. "How can you sleep with your head on that mound?" said a visitor: "Why," said Hunter, "I fear no live Indian ; why a dead one.^"
In trapping, hunting and fishing his skill was unsur- passed. Spare of figure, lithe as an Indian, no white man was his equal in his chosen craft.
From his trips he ever returned laden with furs, often most valuable; frequently with four or five hundred muskrat skins and in the earlier days with wolfskins. Frequently he was alone for weeks and perhaps months, seeing no white face. As a guide, his services were eagerly sought by sportsmen who rarely failed to render him due courtesy.
However on one occasion, one of a party of New York men failed to show him the respect to which Hunter was accustomed. EUis bided his time. One day "New York" complained that his watch, an elegant gold one, had stopped. Hunter said he was used to watches and could take it apart all right and see what ailed it. He did so and told the sportsman it was but a bit of dirt which had got in and he had removed it. "Well put it together now." "O!" says old Hunter, "I can't put watches together; I can only take them apart." "New York" took his valuable watch home
144 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
tied up in a handkerchief — but he didn't chafF old Hunter any more.
There are stories of wonderful adventures, the partic- ulars of which are hard to get at this late date when they are rarely obtainable from those who listened to them, but from a later generation as told them by their fathers. There is the story of the struggle with the two bears ; the second putting in an active appearance while Hunter was busy with the first. For a time it was a question who would win out. Old Hunter, how- ever, came into camp with two bearskins.
Another is an exploit with a moose who took him on his antlers and carried him across a brook. An account of this was published in the Somerset Journal in 1824 to the files of which I have not had access.
Old John had a quiet way of overcapping the big fish stories as often told by sportsmen. The following story to that effect is as told in The Piscataquis Observer of November 15, 1860: "Around the fireside at the Kineo House a party of sportsmen were recounting the wonders which they had at various times accomplished in the way of trout-catching. Hunter John listened for a while in silence. At length with a contemptuous whiff from the pipe which he was smoking, he broke in : ' 'Call that fishing do 3'ou boys? Let me tell you: I get trout on this lake anywhere, day or night any time or any season of the year. Let me tell you : I was crossing the North Bend last winter; ice three feet thick; I happened to have with me a one-inch auger which I was going to use for some purpose or other. The thought struck me: wonder if trout could be found here this time of year ! No sooner said than done. I had a bit of twine and a pointed nail in my pocket. I just took the auger, bored a hole in the ice, and in less than five minutes had a sixteen-pound laker on the ice before me. What do
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 145
you think of that?' The crowd was dumb with astonish- ment, while the hunter smoked his pipe in triumph. Presently one of the number, turning suddenly, exclaimed : 'Uncle John, how came that sixteen-pound trout through that one-inch auger hole?' 'Goodness gracious!' exclaimed the old man, starting to his feet and clapping his hands together, 'I never thought of that. ' Laughter went round at once, but no more big fish stories were told that night. ' '
I have spoken of him as ever companionable, but he did not believe in new-fangled notions. The late Dwight Maxfield in an article published in the Dexter Gazette in 1882 tells this story: "Once some sort of a reformer lectured in the old schoolhouse against eating animal food. Hunter was there and was terribly disgusted and interrupted the man by asking him, '^Vhat can we fry our doughnuts in if we can't use lard?' and other pertinent questions which the lecturer found hard to answer. Finally old Hunter was too disgusted to remain any longer, whereupon he arose, pointed his finger at the speaker and said: 'Mister your talk is all mune-shine. You'd better go to a woman's skule awhile and then maybe you'll know sunthin. ' He then went out of the room followed by the whole assembly, for the meeting was essentially done for."
Your historian herself recalls an episode in which Hunter Ellis figured in that same old schoolhouse. The lyceum was a feature of Guilford life then, where ques- tions serious or otherwise were wisely discussed by the village men-folk. I remember as a little girl once listen- ing to a discussion by the dignitaries on this question : ' 'Resolved ; that women are less intelligent than men. ' ' The subject was discussed with much vigor, and my girlish heart swelled with anguish as the affirmative seemed to clinch the argument by asserting and appar-
146 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY
ently proving by figures that women's brains are smaller than men's. Old Hunter Ellis was sitting quietly in the corner but he rose angrily and exclaimed as he stalked vigorously from the house, "Calves have large brains." The negative won out, and your histo- rian ever after loved Hunter EUis,
But the days of the old Guilford lyceum are past, and the huntsman hunts no more. His last venture was in the fall of 1866. Camping alone far beyond Spencer Bay, he was taken seriously ill, and crawled ten miles on hands and knees to reach human aid. Word was sent to his family at Guilford. It was late in November and the lake was not frozen over. Mr. Joseph Cousins, the husband of his step-daughter, to whom I am indebted for reliable data, went mth a logging sled, the long dis- tance around the lake and brought the worn hunter home.
It was in February of 1867 they laid him away in beautiful Elmwood Cemetery, and the sparkling waters of the lovely Piscataquis come murmuring by, whisper- ing softly of the woods and streams he loved. He rests with the many who with him had dwelt happily together in the dear old town "in the old days."
"There bide the true friends —
The first and the best; There clings the green grass
Close where they rest; Would they were here ? No; —
Would we were there ! The old days — the lost days —
How lovely they were ! ' '
Edgar Wilson Nye
By John Francis Sprague
PISCATAQUIS County has produced men who have become famous in the professional, industrial and military life of the country.
Two of her sons have acquired international renown, although in widely different spheres. Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim, the great inventor and the inventor of the origi- nal machine gun, was born in the town of Sangerville ; and Edgar Wilson Nye, known in the world of letters as Bill Nye, the prolific humorous writer and lecturer, was born in the town of Shirley, Maine, February 26th, 1850, and died in Asheville, North Carolina, February 22, 1896.
He was the son of Franklin Nye, who was a direct descendant of Benjamin Nye, who came to this country from England in 1637. He married Elizabeth Loring of Shirley, November 5th, 1846; the marriage ceremony having been performed by Stephen Brown, Esquire, a justice of the peace.
Elizabeth Loring was one of the well-known family of Lorings in Piscataquis County, who were prominent in its early history. The Rev. Amasa Loring, a clergyman of the Congregational denomination, and the author of Loring's History of Piscataquis County, was of this family.
When Edgar Wilson Nye was about three years of age his parents emigrated to Wisconsin. The territory
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of Wisconsin had then been a state less than two years, and its early settlers were subject to all of the hard- ships, sacrifices and sufferings which are the fate of all pioneers in a new country.
The Nyes had but little except their own hands for capital with which to start in life, hence his boyhood days were spent in the dark shadows of a family struggle with poverty.
He was what is popularly known as a self-made man, never having obtained from schools any education except what he was able to acquire when a youth from the crude system of district schools, which the poor and struggling Wisconsin pioneers were able to maintain in those days.
His son, Frank Nye of New York, at a reunion of the Nye family in Sandwich, Massachusetts, in an address delivered at that meeting, is authority for the statement that his father never attended a high school.
Apropos to this may be cited an anecdote of him related in this same address. Once he was sitting at the breakfast table of a Sunday morning with James Whitcomb Riley. Riley said to him : ' 'Bill did it ever strike you that all of this praise and adoration offered God has never spoiled him?" And Mr. Nye's quick retort was: "Yes, Jim, and I sometimes think he is self- made. ' '
Bill Nye failed as a farmer, a miller, a teacher, a book- agent and a lawyer. At the age of twenty-four he went to Toring, Wyoming, where he did his first literary work as a correspondent for a small weekly newspaper published in a new mining town, for which he received as compensation the sum of one dollar a column. Years afterwards he quaintly describes this event by saying, "The column was short, the type was large and I needed the dollar."
He became postmaster and it was his letters to the
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 149
officials in Washington, written in a humorous vein, which first brought him into the public view.
Later he moved to Laramie, where he first met Miss Clara T. Smith, who was destined to become his wife.
Of this Frank Nye has said: "He went to the station one night in search of any news he could find there and saw Miss Clara T. Smith alight from the train. She saw Mr. Nye ; Mr. Nye saw her, and imme- diately the sensation of love at first sight thrilled two hearts. Anyway, they finally visited the parson and she became the wife of Mr. Nye."
His own humorous version of the affair was that he "had two reasons for marrying ; the first was to get rid of one more Smith ; the second was that Miss Smith being an orphan there would be no mother-in-law sequel to the wedding. ' '
He subsequently became a citizen of New York, where he resided several years. It is most often the fate of genius to influence mankind in the serious and tragic aspects of life, to lead the race in the gloom of human passion, avarice, and the cruelty of one to another.
It was Bill Nye's mission to make the children of earth laugh and to cheer the hearts of the weary, the sorrowing and the despondent.
Who can say that his mission was not as noble as that of the warrior, the preacher or the statesman? His tarry in this life was brief but it cast a broad ray of sunshine athwart the path of men while it endured.
During his life he visited Shirley and the following is from his account of that visit as published in Wit and Humor :
"A man ought not to criticise his birthplace, I presume, and yet, if I were to do it all over again, I do not know whether I would select that particular spot or not. Sometimes I think I would not. And yet, what
150 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
memories cluster about that old house ! There was the place where I first met my parents. It was at that time that an acquaintance sprang up which has ripened in later years into mutual respect and esteem.
"It was there that what might be termed a casual meeting took place, that has, under the alchemy of resist- less years, turned to golden links, forming a pleasant but powerful bond of union between my parents and myself. For that reason, I hope that I may be spared to my parents for many years to come.
"Many memories now cluster about that old home, as I have said. There is, also, other bric-a-brac which has accumulated since I was born there. I took a small stone from the front yard as a kind of memento of the occa- sion and the place. I do not think it has been detected yet.
"There was another stone in the yard, so it may be weeks before any one finds out that I took one of them.
"How humble the home, and 3^et what a lesson it should teach the boys of America! Here, amid the barren and inhospitable waste of rocks and cold, the last place in the world that a great man would naturally select to be born in, began the life of one, who, by his own unaided effort, in after years rose to the proud height of postmaster at Laramie City, Wy. T., and with an estimate of the future that seemed almost prophetic, resigned before he could be characterized as an offensive partisan.
"Here on the banks of the raging Piscataquis, where winter lingers in the lap of spring till it occasions a good deal of talk, there began a career which has been the wonder and admiration of every vigilance committee west of the turbulent Missouri.
* 'There on that spot, with no inheritance but a predis- position to baldness and a bitter hatred of rum ; with no
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 151
personal property but a misfit suspender and a stone- bruise, began a life history which has never ceased to be a warning to people who have sold goods on credit.
"It should teach the youth of our great broad land what glorious possibilities may lie concealed in the rough and tough bosom of the reluctant present. It shows how steady perseverance and a good appetite will always win in the end. It teaches us that wealth is not indis- pensable, and that if we live as we should, draw out of politics at the proper time, and die a few days before the public absolutely demands it, the matter of our birth- place will not be considered.
"Still, my birthplace is all right as a birthplace. It was a good quiet place in which to be born. All the old neighbors said that Shirley was a very quiet place up to the time I was born there, and when I took my parents by the hand and gently led them away in the spring of '53, saying, 'Parents, this is no place for us,' it again became quiet.
"It is the only birthplace that I have, however, and I hope that all the readers of this sketch will feel perfectly free to go there any time and visit it and carry their dinner as I did.
"Extravagant cordiality and overflowing hospitality have always kept my birthplace back. ' '
He died near Asheville, North Carolina, February 22, 1896.
Among his published books are:
Bill Nye and Boomerang, (1881); Forty Liars, (1883); Remarks, (1886); Fun, Wit and Humor, (1889) with James Whitcomb Riley; Comic History of the United States, (1894); Comic History of Eng- land, (1896) and Baled Hay.
152 HISTOEICAL COLLECTIONS
I received the following letter from Honorable Frank Mellen Nye, a member of Congress from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and a brother of Bill Nye, in response to a letter requesting information relative to his family history :
Washington, D. C,
January 26th, 1909. Mr. J, F. Sprague,
Monson, Maine. My dear Sir:
Several days ago Mr. Guernsey handed me your letter requesting some further facts concerning my family. I have been exceed- ingly busy, and hardly know now exactly what you want. You seem to know something of my mother and father, and brother, Edgar Wilson Nye, who died in February 1896. My parents moved to Wisconsin when I was two years old. I grew up on a farm, attained a common school education, and attended the academy at River Falls, Wis. ; studied law, and was admitted to practice in the spring of 1878. Practiced law in Wisconsin until 1886. Was prosecuting attorney in Polk County, Wis., and a member of the Wisconsin Legislature in 1884. Removed to Minneapolis in '86, where I have since resided. Have been prosecuting attorney four years in Minneapolis, and continued actively in m}^ profession until 1906 when I was elected to Congress. Was reelected last fall to the 61st Congress. I have one brother living, nine years younger, whose name is Carrol A. Nye, and whose home is Moorehead, Minn. He is also a lawyer, hav-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 153
ing met with unusual success. He is now on a trip around the world. My father has been dead twenty-two years. Mother is still living, and is now in New York City with an adopted sister of mine. She is in her 82d year. As you say she was a Loring. I shall be glad to answer any further specific questions you may desire to ask.
Sincerely yours,
Frank M. Nye.
Sketches of Some Revolutionary Sol- diers of Piscataquis County
By Edgar Crosby Smith
DURING the period covered by the Revolutionary War the territory which is now Piscataquis County was but a wilderness, visited only by the Indian and an occasional trapper; hence hers could not be the honor of furnishing any of her sturdy sons to her country. However, a number of the veterans of that war were among the early settlers of the county.
In the sketches which follow, will be found chronicled some account of the lives of a number of these pioneers, but at present the writer has been unable to obtain data to any degree of completeness regarding them all.
PHINEAS AMES. Sangerville.
Phineas Ames was the son of Samuel Ames and Sarah (Ball) Ames, and was born in Rutland, Mass., October 26, 1757.
His first service in the Continental Army appears to have been eleven days, commencing August 20, 1777. The battle of Bennington occurred August 16, 1777, and although the result was a complete victory for the Americans, the whole northern country was up in arms. Men poured in from New York and New England, A company was detached from Rutland to march to Ben-
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 155
nington, and Phineas Ames was a member of this com- pany. The captain was David Bent, and he was in Col. Nathan Sparhawk's regiment. As the British were so completely routed it was not deemed necessary to keep a large force at the place, and most of the companies ordered out for this special service were discharged and sent home. Ames returned to Rutland with his company after a service of eleven days.
His second service of which we have any record is that of his enlistment of September 27, 1777. After the battle of Bemis' Heights, September 19, 1777, reserves were hurried on to Saratoga to assist Gen. Gates. Ames enlisted in Capt. John Boynton's company. Col. Sparhawk's regiment, under the command of Major Jonas Wilder, and this regiment was ordered to join the army of the Northern Department. It is probable that he arrived at the seat of war in season to participate in the battle of October 7. Burgoyne surrendered and laid down his arms October 17, 1777, and many of the mihtia companies were then discharged. Phineas Ames' dis- charge was dated October 18, 1777, the day after Burgoyne' s surrender. Service, twenty-nine days.
This is all the recorded service that can be found on the rolls credited to Phineas Ames, but he undoubtedly saw other service as he frequently used to relate his experiences, "while with the army in 'Jarsey'."
About 1780 he removed from Rutland to Hancock, N. H., and in 1785 he married Mehitable Jewett of Hollis, N. H. During the years 1781 and 1782 he was one of the selectmen of Hancock. His two oldest chil- dren, Daniel and Samuel, were born here. In 1796 he moved to Harmony, Me., and was one of the first set- tlers there.
It was in 1801 or 1802 that he first came into Piscata- quis County. He then came across from Harmony and
156 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
cleared an opening in Sangerville on the north side of Marr Pond, near Lane's Corner. In the fall of 1803 he moved in with his family, and became the first settler in Sangerville. His trip here, like all others of those early settlers, was attended with hardship. He came by the way of a spotted line, his wife on horseback, carrying in her arms a babe only a few months old; but they reached their destination in safety, and went to work with a will to make for themselves a comfortable home. The township was then called Amestown.
From 1803 to 1810 were busy years for Mr. Ames; besides clearing his farm and getting a number of acres under cultivation, he built a grist-mill on Black Stream, on the upper falls, and sometime before 1807 he surveyed Col. Sanger's lots in the town. On account of the crude construction of the mill it was not a success, and did not prove to be a source of profit to the owner. About 1810 Mr. Ames exchanged the mill and privilege with Col. Sanger for thi-ee lots of land. On one of these he settled, leaving his place on Marr Pond. He lived here but a short time and then exchanged with Edward Magoon and settled near Knowlton's Mills.
Mr. Ames was always prominent in the deliberations of the settlement, plantation and town. He was called King Ames, and his counsel was frequently sought, and generally accepted in affairs of moment. It was he who advised moderation when the Indian scare pervaded the settlements at the declaration of war with Great Britain in 1812. The settlers all along the Piscataquis River were much alarmed, fearing the Indians, incited by the British, would take to the tomahawk and scalping-knife. A mass-meeting was held at Foxcroft in August, 1812, to see what means should be taken for mutual defense. After listening to the remarks of various settlers express- ing their views, who had as many ideas as there were
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 157
speakers, King Ames was called for. H^ told them that the Indians, if they took any part at all in the hostilities, would undoubtedly attach themselves to some portion of the enemy's army, and that in his opinion little need be feared at present from the red men. His view of the situation was generally accepted and the people retired to their homes with their fears somewhat abated.
Mr. Ames lived at Knowlton's Mills until 1824, when he, with his son Samuel, moved to West Dover and set- tled upon what is now the Dover poor farm. Here he lived for a number of years, but his last days were spent in the family of his daughter Betsey, who married James C. Doore, and lived near South Dover. He died in 1839, at the age of 82, and is buried in an unmarked grave in the South Dover cemetery.
Phineas Ames was a man of many occupations; the records of Hancock, N, H. , give him as a carpenter ; he was also a farmer, blacksmith, land-surveyor and mill- wright. He reared a family of eight children. The town of Sangerville was known as Amestown until its incorporation in 1815, and it is said that Col. Sanger made Mrs. Ames a present of quite a substantial sum in cash for the privilege of changing the name to Sanger- ville.
ENOCH BROWN. Sebec.
Enoch Bro%vn was bom in the year 1751, but of what place he was a native it is impossible to obtain any information. It may have been Arrowsic, as he was a resident there in 1777, but this is mere conjecture. Of his ancestry, like that of many of our pioneers, time has obliterated the last trace. Interviews with all his living descendants fail to bring to light a thread which it is possible to take up and unravel to any solution.
158 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
The Arrowsic settlement is one of the oldest in Maine, yet but little is preserved regarding its early families, and it has been impossible to glean any information relative to Mr. Brown's family from any early records.
He enlisted in 1777. The best record obtainable of his service in the Continental Army is that over his own signature, made in his application for state bounty in 1835. It is as follows :
"I Enoch Brown of Sebec in the county of Piscata- quis and State of Maine, aged eighty-four years, do, upon oath declare, in order to obtain the benefit of a Resolve of the Legislature of Maine, passed March 17, 1835, entitled a 'Resolve in favor of certain Officers and Soldiers of the Revolutionary War, and the Widows of the Deceased Officers and Soldiers, ' that I enlisted in the year 1777 for one year into and joined a Company in Portland, Commanded by Capt. Blaisdell, went to Ticon- deroga in Capt. Johnson's Company and Col. Brewer's regiment. At the close of the year I was discharged at Albany. In the month of December following, I enlisted at Ticonderoga under Lieut. James Lunt, for during the war and joined Capt. Stetson's Company and Col. Alden's regiment, and employed William Wallace to take my place by giving him two hundred dollars, who was accepted in my place, and who fulfilled my time, for dur- ing the war and I was then discharged. I am now upon the U. States pension roll of the Maine agency.
"I do further on oath declare that at the time of my said enlistment, I was an inhabitant of Rousick Island (Arrowsic) in the then district of Maine, and was on the 17th day of March, 1835, have been ever since, and am now an inhabitant of the State of Maine, residing in Sebec aforesaid, where I have resided for several years past. That neither I, nor anyone claiming under me, has ever received a grant of Land, or money in lieu
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 159
thereof, from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for my said service, or any other service during the Revo- lutionary War, and that I am justly entitled to the benefit of said resolve.
Witness his
Joseph Lamson Enoch X Brown
George P. Logan mark
Dated September 12, 1835."
From the Massachusetts Archives we find Enoch Brown credited to Capt. Samuel Johnson's company, and Col. Wigglesworth's regiment.
After his service in the army he returned to Arrowsic, and he probably lived there until his removal to Sebec. Here we are again at a loss for accurate information; just when Mr. Brown came to Sebec it is impossible to determine. His son Samuel came there quite early, probably not far from 1820, and took up lot number one, range eight, being the lot just across the road from the old town farm. After the son had made a clearing and built a cabin he brought his parents from Arrowsic to his new home. Samuel at this time was unmarried ; he afterwards married Mary Angove, and their first child was born in 1829. This child, Mrs. Sarah Bartlett, is now (1908), hving in Dover.
The remainder of his life Mr. Brown lived with his son Samuel, on the homestead that their labors had rescued from the wilderness. The simple, rugged life of the pioneer combined with a strong constitution meted out to him a long span of life ; he lived to the age of 93 years, and died December 17, 1844. His ashes rest in the little cemetery just south of his old home, but there is nothing to mark the grave, and its exact location has now been forgotten. He received a pension for his Revolutionary service January 8, 1819.
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Where or when he married, or the maiden name of his wife, are not known. ' Her Christian name was Phebia. She died March 10, 1843.
EZEKIEL CHASE. Sebec.
Ezekiel Chase was born in Hallowell, July 9th, 1761, his father being one of the early settlers at "The Hook," as the locality was then known. At the breaking out of the Revolution he was very anxious to enlist, though but a boy of fourteen ; his parents, how- ever, kept him at home, but as the months passed the desire grew stronger, and the first of the year of 1778, hearing that his brothers, Jacob and Jonathan, who then were at Kittery, intended to enlist, he ran away from home and joined them there and with them went on to Roxbury where they enlisted. Ezekiel was enrolled for the town of Milton, Mass., May 18, 1778.
He was in Capt. Cox's company. Col. North's regi- ment, but a part of this regiment was turned over to Major Stephen Badlam and was conducted by Capt. Benjamin Burton of Col. Sherburne's regiment to Brig. Gen. Jonathan Warner at Fishkill, N. Y., agreeable to the order of the General Court of April 20, 1778. Here he was transferred to Gen. Varnum's brigade, and in June marched for Rhode Island, and was in the action at Newport. His regiment went into winter quarters at Bristol and remained there until the British marched on the place in the fall.
Mr. Chase was transferred a number of times to differ- ent commands. He was in Capt. Scott's company, Col. H. Ogden's regiment, also in Capt. Hastings' company. Col. Jackson's regiment. It was in the latter regiment that he served the longest. While in Capt. Scott's company he was under the command of Gen. de La
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY Igl
Fayette. The winter of 1779-80 his regiment was in winter quarters at Morristown, N. J. The winter of 1780-81 his winter quarters were at West Point. It was here that he reenhsted for "during the war," Janu- ary 7, 1781, and was again attached to Capt. Hastings' company, Col. Jackson's regiment.
On his reenlistment he was granted a furlough of three months, and he visited his parents in Hallowell. At the expiration of his furlough he started to return to his regiment, and was on his way to Philadelphia by water, when he was taken prisoner by the British ship Renown, and was confined in the Jersey Prison Ship in New York harbor. Here Mr. Chase remained for nearly two years and suffered the greatest tortures. While here he had the smallpox and yellow fever. The treatment of the prisoners on board this ship is said to have been most inhuman ; over eleven thousand died from exposure, neglect and disease. As said before Mr. Chase remained here for about two years, or until the close of the war, being released at the declaration of peace. His two brothers with whom he enlisted never reached home, one being killed in battle, and the other dying from disease. After his release he was for some time unable to return home on account of his feeble condition, but finally was taken to Boston in a horse cart.
After his return to HaUoweU he married Betsey Goodwin, and moved to and settled in Bingham, then called Caratunk. Here some of his children were born. In the summer of 1802 he came to Sebec and felled an opening on the intervale near the present Atkinson bridge. He returned to Bingham for the winter, but came back in the spring of 1803 and put in a crop, and in September of the latter year he moved in his family and became the first settler in Sebec, and the second in the county.
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He had raised a crop of corn, and stacked quite an amount of meadow-hay during the summer, and when he came with his family he drove in some stock, which was the first on the Piscataquis River. On July 15, 1804, a son was born, Charles Vaughan Chase, the first white child born within the limits of Piscataquis County.
Mr. Chase, during his residence on the Kennebec, had commanded a rifle company, and consequently ever after was known as Captain. He was a great hunter and trapper, and on one trip is said to have taken over four hundred dollars' worth of furs. During his service in the arm}', and his long confinement on the prison ship he acquired quite a knowledge of medicine, and for many years after his settlement in Sebec his services as a physi- cian were in demand in all the nearby settlements.
In September, 1814, when the British occupied Ban- gor, much anxiety was felt in the up-river districts as to what the outcome would be; fearing that the Indians might be induced to start on the war-path, also that the inhabitants of Bangor might need assistance to repel the invaders. A company was formed of citizens of Dover, Foxcroft and Sebec, and Ezekiel Chase was elected captain. They started on their march for Bangor, but before reaching there they received the humiliating news of the capitulation, and they turned about for home.
Capt. Chase lived for a number of years in his log cabin, built when he first settled in Sebec, and then he built himself a frame house on the shore of the river near the present Atkinson bridge. This house is still standing, and is now occupied by Andrew J. Chase, hav- ing been moved a few rods north from its original loca- tion and somewhat remodeled.
Ezekiel Chase received a pension in 1818 for his army service. He died September 14, 1843, and is buried in the Chase cemetery at Sebec Station. He has numerous descendants living in Piscataquis County.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 163
EBENEZER DEAN. Blanchard.
Ebenezer Dean was born December 5, 1760, or 1762. Probably 1760 is the correct date. The record of births and deaths of the town of Blanchard give the date 1762, but in the list of Revolutionary pen- sioners published in connection with the census returns of 1840, and compiled from information collected by the enumerators, his age is given then 80 years ; in his per- sonal application for State bounty, dated September 14, 1836, he there states his age to be 75 ; and in the notice of his death in the New England Historical and Genea- logical Recorder the date of his birth is given 1760. All these seem to indicate that the date given on the Blanchard records is an error.
Mr. Dean was the fifth in descent from William Dean of Woburn, Mass. The line is as follows : William Dean by his wife Martha Bateman, had John, born 1677 John by his wife Mary Farmer, had Ebenezer, born 1709 Ebenezer by his wife Mary, had Ebenezer, born 1733.
Ebenezer by his wife , had Ebenezer the subject
of this sketch, born 1760. Where Mr. Dean was born I am unable to state, but it is quite probable that it was in Woburn, Mass. , as this was the home of his ancestors for a number of generations.
He was one of the very early settlers of Canaan, of that part now Skowhegan, and he enlisted into the Revo- lutionary army from that town in 1781. His Revolu- tionary service was in Col. Jackson's regiment of the Massachusetts Line. He enlisted for three years in 1781, and received an honorable discharge at the close of the war.
In an article in The Piscataquis Observer of June 22, 1876, dealing with the early settlement of Blanchard in this county, and signed "Historicus, " reference is made
164 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
to Mr. Dean as follows : ' 'E. Dean had been in the Revo- lutionary army, but for good reasons had left hastily, not stopping for an 'honorable discharge,' and never obtaining a pension." That this is incorrect is certain, and it was possibly malicious. He was a pensioner in 1836, on the Maine agency, as is evidenced in his appli- cation for State bounty, and in this application he makes particular mention of his ''honorable discharge." The census returns of 1840 list him as a living pensioner, then a resident of Madison. There is no question about his having been a pensioner of many years' standing.
The town of Abbot was settled in 1807 and Ebenezer Dean was among the first settlers, coming there about 1810, possibly before. He lived in Abbot but a few years, five or six, and then moved to Blanchard, and became the first settler of that town, coming there May 5, 1815.
The story of how he became the first settler of Blanchard, winning his choice of land, and his strategy in so doing, is told in Loring's History of Piscataquis County ; another account of it was published in The Piscataquis Observer in 1876, agreeing in the main with Mr. Loring's, from which the following is taken: "Moorstown, (now Abbot) was settled in 1807; and at the time of this event several families were residing there. Among them were A. Moore, Peter Brawn, E. Richards, Eben Dean, and others. * * * * Brawn had moved to Moorstown from Dover, and was now plan- ning another up-river move. So one afternoon in June, probably in 1810 or '11, he passed his neighbor Dean, and tells him : 'Tomorrow I start for the great intervale, up river, to fall a piece of trees there.' Dean said nothing, but when Brawn had passed out of sight, he and his oldest son, Eben, ground up their axes, packed up provision, shouldered their burdens and started for
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 165
the same intervale. Ten miles of rough, unbroken, path- less forest lay before them ; the night was dark. Rocks, ledges and fallen trees obstructed their way. Swamps, marshes and brooks must be crossed, for, as the river was their only guide they must keep near its rippling current. But they were 'stealing a march' to gain preoccupancy, and they quailed at nothing, and by daylight next morn- ing, stood upon those coveted acres. Near the middle of the intervale they unslung their packs, lunched hastily with a keen appetite, and began to level those monarchs of the vale, breaking the stillness of the forest with the echoes of their axes. Brawn, too, started that same morning, axe in hand and pack upon his back, to make an onslaught upon those sturdy maples. Towards noon, as he drew near, those echoes fell upon his ear and he began to fear that someone had stepped in before him ; and so it proved, for a half acre of trees was already felled. But when he saw who had supplanted him, loud talk and bad adjectives made the air very blue. Had there not been two of the Deans there probably would have been a pitched battle, as it was words alone vented the volcano and ended the strife. Brawn gave up set- tling in that part and went elsewhere. Dean stuck to the intervale, cut out a road to the settlement below and moved in his family. * * * * * "
The date of the event as given in this narrative as 1810 or '11, is incorrect; 1813 was the year. Mr. Dean, as stated previously, moved his family into Blanch- ard in 1815. He lived there on his intervale farm for twenty-one years and then sold out his possessions and in June, 1836, moved to Madison, where he resided the rest of his life.
While in Blanchard Mr. Dean was a successful farmer ; he raised the first crops the year he moved in, 1815. That year he had four or five acres of wheat and nine
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acres of corn. In 1817 he put in twenty acres of rye and raised three hundred and fifty bushels.
When the town was incorporated in 1831 he was its first fence-viewer, also was pound-keeper.
He was twice married; to his second wife, Jane, he was united in marriage at about the time he moved into Piscataquis County. The first child born in Blanchard was John Dean, born December 31, 1817, son of Ebenezer and Jane. Who his first wife was is not known, but at least two children were born to this marriage, Ebenezer, Jr., and Daniel, who lived with their father during his residence in this county, and assisted him in clearing his lands in Abbot and Blanchard. Frank Butler now (1909) lives on the farm in Blanchard, taken up by Mr. Dean.
Ebenezer Dean died in Madison, Me., June 24, 1857, at the age of 97 years.
ALLEN DWELLEY. Dover.
Allen Dwelley was a native of Massachusetts, probably of the town of Pembroke, as he enlisted into the Conti- nental Army from that town when but eighteen or nine- teen years of age. He was born in 1762 or 1763. Of his ancestry and life prior to his settlement in Paris, Me., I am unable to find anything, other than the record of his service in the Revolution.
He enlisted April 3, 1781, for three years, into Capt. Lebbeus Drew's company. Col. Shepard's regiment, (4th Mass. Line). He served with his regiment until the proclamation disbanding the army in October, 1783, and soon after received an honorable discharge. A part of his service was under Capt. Clapp, but in Shepard's regiment. He received a pension for his war services under the act of March 18, 1818, being placed on the pension rolls September 7, 1819, commencing to draw
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 167
from April 29, 1818, from which time until his death he received his annual allowance of ninety-six dollars.
The town of Paris, Me., was settled about the close of the war, and among the early settlers was Allen Dwelley ; just when he came there, there are no records to determine, but he was one of the petitioners for the incorporation of the town, October 11, 1792. He lived there until 1808 or 1809 when he removed to Dover. We take from the Paris records the following, showing his continued residence in that town : October, 1792, he was one of the petitioners for the incorporation of the town; in 1796 he was one of the hog-reeves; in 1798 he was taxed for fifty acres of land, valued at two hundred dollars; in September, 1802, he was one of the petitioners for the division of the town ; and from an old deed, dated December 3, 1807, his residence is given as Paris.
In February, 1808 or 1809, Mr. Dwelley moved to Dover. I think it more probable in 1808, as he had purchased land here in December, 1807, with the evident intention of coming here, so he quite likely came at once. He bought of Jeremiah Fifield, lot 1, in range 12, the deed being dated December 3, 1807. This land is on the south side of the river just west of the present village, a part of which is now owned by Volney A. Gray, and on which his homestead stands.
Of Mr. Dwelley's trip from Paris to Dover, Mr. Loring in his history of Piscataquis County, gives an account, and from which I quote, as showing some of the hardships encountered by the early settlers in reaching these then remote settlements. He says: "He started from Paris, but on reaching Mr. Hale's in Ripley, the road was so poor, and his team was so worn out, that he could not proceed with his load. Upon hearing of his condition, Capt. John Bennett started from Lowstown,
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(Guilford) with a team to help him through. On Bennett's arrival at Hale's, Mr, Dwelley started, leaving one daughter there sick and another to nurse her, but taking his wife and seven other children, and their lading with them. Full ten miles of unbroken forest lay between Hale's and the next settlement. Deep and loose snow impeded their progress ; they soon concluded that without more team they could not get through the woods before night, so they sent William Dwelley (a lad of thirteen) forward on horseback, to raise more help. But darkness overtook him before he reached inhabitants, and he tied his horse to a tree and camped out as best he could, for the night. In the morning he found he was only a half a mile from a habitation. Making known his message, the people promptly started to aid the slow- coming party, and met them only about half way through the woods. They, too, had camped out through the night. With these recruits they pressed on, but were all day in getting to Dexter."
He finally reached his coveted destination in the new settlement, where he took up his abode and reared him- self a home, and where he lived comfortably for about twenty years.
In June, 1825, Mr. Dwelley sold his Dover property to John Bradbury of Foxcroft, and soon after moved away. While in Dover he was interested in the pros- perity of the community, and from 1814 to 1825 he held various minor offices. Mr. Loring says he moved to Old Town. In June, 1836, when he applied for land granted to Revolutionary soldiers, he resided in the town of Springfield. In 1840, when the census was taken, the government published a list of all the living pen- sioners, giving their residences and in whose family they resided. In that list we find Allen Dwelley residing in the west half of Township No. 6, Penobscot County.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY
169
That is the present town of Lee ; he maintained a home of his own ; his age was given as 78 years. He undoubt- edly died there shortly after. He has descendants still living in that locality.
JOHN HART. Atkinson.
The ancestry of John Hart cannot be accurately determined. He was born in the month of July, 1T66, probably in the town of Gilmanton, N. H. He was brought up in the family of Capt. Jacob Sherburne of that town, and until his removal to Piscataquis County was closely connected with Capt. Sherburne in business interests.
When barely sixteen years of age he enlisted into the army. His enlistment papers bear date of July 1, 1782, and he was in Capt. Chase's company, Col. George Reid's regiment, of the New Hampshire Line. During all of Mr. Hart's service in the army his regiment was stationed in the state of New York, at Saratoga and on the Mohawk River.
He was not of large stature, and at the time of his joining the army he was obliged to stretch up to his extreme height, almost standing upon his toes, to pass muster, and in addition declare himself a few weeks older than his actual age; but his ardor to give his country his assistance in her time of need was such that he finally passed all the requirements, and was permitted to attain the coveted place, a member of the Continental Army.
Although his regiment, after his enlistment, did not engage in any great battles, yet he suffered all the hard- ship attendant on the life of a soldier in camp. The men were poorly clothed, and during the winter his feet were frozen, necessitating the amputation of his toes, leaving him with that halting walk for the remainder of
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his life as a reminder of the suffering and sacrifice neces- sary in giving his service to his countiy.
He received his discharge July 10, 1783, making him a few daj^s over a year of service ; he then returned to Gilmanton to the family of Capt. Sherburne.
About 1790, probably a little before, Capt. Sherburne settled in Orland, Me. , taking up a lot in partnership with Ebenezer Eastman, on which they built a sawmill and erected a dwelling house ; Mr. Hart came with them. On October 5, 1791, Mr. Hart bought out Eastman's interest in the property, Mr. Eastman returning to New Hampshire. Mr. Hart lived here but a few years and then moved to Penobscot. We find b}' the Registry of Deeds in Hancock County that he was a resident of the last named town on August 2, 1794, that being the date on which he purchased of Abraham Stover, one hundred acres of land, being the same on which Mr. Stover then lived, and lying between that of his two sons, Jeremiah and Jonathan, and fronting the bay.
During Mr. Hart's residence in Penobscot he married Elizabeth, the daughter of Abraham Stover ; the exact date of which I am unable to determine, but about the year 1795. He lived in that town until 1813, when he exchanged his place in Penobscot with James Hadlock of Atkinson, Hadlock being desirous of moving to the coast, and Mr. Hart being particularly anxious of getting back into the country on account of his boys, John and Peleg, who early showed an inclination to follow the sea, much to the distress of their mother.
The land he purchased in Atkinson was lot 14, range 5, and a part of lot 13 in the same range, according to the plan of Andrew Strong. Here he brought his family, consisting of his wife and five children, Olive, Polly, John, Peleg and Lucy ; the last two being twins. His
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 171
farm was originally taken up by Deacon Harvey, who sold to Mr. Hadlock.
Mr. Hart lived a useful and energetic life, and spent the remainder of his days on his Atkinson property. His wife died November 9, 1839, and he survived her but a little over two years, departing this life December 21, 1841, at the age of 75 years and five months.
He is buried in the Hart cemetery, within a stone's throw of his old homestead; he and his life companion resting side by side, their graves being marked with modest marble slabs, his bearing the simple inscription :
John Hart
a soldier of the
Revolution
Died
Dec. 21, 1841
M 75 yrs. & 5 ms.
NIMROD HINDS. Dovee.
Nimrod Hinds was the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Temple) Hinds, and was born in West Boylston, Mass., January 12, 1758.
He was the fifth in descent from James Hinds, the immigrant, who probably came from England and settled in Salem, Mass., as early as 1637. The line of descent is as follows: John, son of James, born in Salem 1639, died in Lancaster, Mass., 1720; Jacob, son of John, born in Brookfield, Mass., 1685, died in West Boylston about 1765 ; Benjamin, son of Jacob, born in Shrews- bury, Mass., 1725, died in 1794; Nimrod, the subject of this sketch, was the son of Benjamin.
Benjamin Hinds settled in West Boylston in 1746; he was a farmer, and apparently a very prosperous one as he loaned the Continental Congress the sum of $60,000
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to assist in canying on the war of the Revolution, and received a part of his pay, at least, in Continental currency.
Nimrod Hinds' first enlistment in the Continental Army was May 4, 1777, as a private in Capt. Isaac Martin's company. Col. Joseph Whitney's regiment. His regiment was under Maj. Gen. Spencer in Rhode Island, and he served at this time two months and eight days. On August 12, 1777, he enlisted in Capt. Francis Wilson's company. Col. Danforth Keyes' regiment, and was finally discharged January 3, 1778. During all of his service he was stationed in Rhode Island.
In 1779 Mr. Hinds came to Maine, and was one of the early settlers of Norridgewock. In March, 1794, at Fairfield, he was united in marriage to Betsey Pishon, and went to reside in Fairfax (now Albion). He lived in Fairfax until about 1800, when he returned to Nor- ridgewock; he lived there until about 1812 and then settled in Bloomfield, now a part of Skowhegan. He made his home in Bloomfield until the early thirties, when he came to Dover.
We are able to trace his itinerary by his family record, which fortunately has been preserved. From his tomb- stone in the Dover village cemetery we take the inform- ation that he "was born in Boylston, Mass., and was one of the early settlers of Norridgewock in 1779." Three childi'en were born in Fairfax, Nimrod in 1795, Betsey Temple in 1797 and Jason in 1798; five were born in Norridgewock, Peter in 1800, Mary in 1802, Lydia in 1805, Amos in 1807 and Ulmer in 1809; and three children in Bloomfield, Rebecca in 1812, Asher in 1815 and Charles in 1819.
The life of the pioneer must have held fascinations for Mr. Hinds, as we find him among the earliest settlers in several Maine towns. In 1779 the settlers in Norridge-
OF PISCATAftlTIS COUNTY 173
wock were few and far between, but it was about this time that a number of men, who had seen service in the Revolutionary War, came into the town and took up lots. William Allen in his history of the town says: "The first settlers of this town were mostly young men, whose robust constitutions had been formed by the hard services of the camp, in the army, and by breathing the bracing air of poverty in their youths. ' ' This was true of Mr. Hinds, except possibly the poverty; it seems that his father was a man of some considerable means, but it also appears that his sons were nevertheless enured to hardship, and their early training had been one that taught that honest toil was an element of future success.
Fairfax was quite an old settlement at the time he lived there, yet it was small and a long distance from the larger towns where more of the comforts of civilization might be had. Mr. Hinds was an early settler of Bloom- field, going there about the time it was set off from Canaan and incorporated as a separate town.
I have been unable to establish the exact date of his coming to Dover, but it was in the early thirties. He preceded his son Nimrod a short time. He took up a farm on the Dexter road, about a mile south of the village, on what is now familiar to all as Hinds' Hill. Nimrod Hinds, Jr., the son, came here in 1835 at about the time his father died; moved onto the premises made vacant by his father's death, and here spent the remain- der of his life. Nimrod Hinds, Sr., died February 12, 1835, at the age of 77 years and one month. His wife Betsey survived him more than thirty years, living until October 20, 1866, having attained the advanced age of 91 years and seven months. They are buried in the Dover village cemetery, their graves being marked by a marble slab.
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Mr. Hinds, Sr., living such a short time after his settlement in Dover, left but little impress on the history of this county, but his son Nimrod was prominent in the affairs of the county and town during his residence of forty years in Dover. He is remembered for his upright life, honesty, and firm convictions. He was county treasurer in 1847 and in 1870, '71 and '72; representa- tive to the Legislature in 1856 and '57; he helped to form the Abolition party in Piscataquis County, and earh' joined in the temperance reform movement. He had five children, one djnng when very young, the other four living only to attain young manhood and woman- hood. He died June 19, 1875, at the age of 80 years. He was the last of his race in this county, father, mother, brothers, sisters, wife and all his children had gone before him, and with him the line in this section of the State became extinct.
Nimrod Hinds, Sr. , received a pension for his Revo- lutionary services July 19, 1833, with back pay from March 4, 1831.
Ten graves side by side in the village cemetery are all that remain except the memories. Father and son, the father the soldier of the Revolution, the son a veteran of the War of 1812, peacefully sleeping, and attended by ^11 their loved ones.
ENOCH LEATHERS. Sangerville.
Enoch Leathers was born in Dover, N. H., October 2, 1763. In June, 1782, he enlisted in the Continental Army in the company of Capt. Samuel Cherry, in Col. George Reid's regiment. He served two years, and received an honorable discharge in June, 1784.
Soon after leaving the army Mr. Leathers settled in Maine. On November 15, 1788, he married Mary
Knoch Lkathers
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 175
Cilley of Westbrook, and settled in Buckfield; here he lived a number of years, but later removed to Brooks. He was a resident of Brooks in 1810. From Brooks he M'ent to Etna, then called Crosbvtown ; he was a resident of the latter town in 1818.
Like many others of the early settlers in Maine, Mr. Leathers seemed to have a desire to keep on the frontier of civilization ; he was one of the very early settlers in all of the last named towns.
When hostilities commenced in the War of 1812, he again enlisted; he was in Capt. Vose's company and Col. Ripley's regiment, and took part in several engage- ments, among them was the battle of Lundy's Lane.
On November 26, 1829, his youngest daughter, Lois Asenath, married Jonathan Roberts, a A'oung man who had just settled in Sangerville, and the newly married couple went to live in their new home, which the husband was making in Piscataquis County. Mr. Leathers, who was a man quite advanced in years, being then 66, came with them and ever after made his home in their family.
Mr. Roberts moved to Foxcroft in 1849, and Mr. Leathers died there May 28, 1858, in the 95th year of his age. His remains rest in the cemetery at East San- gerville. His wife Mary died August 31, 1852, at the age of 87, and she is buried beside him. He was granted a pension September 7, 1819.
An obituary notice appeared in The Piscataquis Observer in the issue of June 24, 1858, in part as follows :
" * * * * Died, in Foxcroft, on the 28th of May last, at the residence of his son-in-law, Jonathan Roberts, Esq., Mr. Enoch Leathers, a Revolutionary soldier and pensioner, aged 94 years, seven months and 26 days.
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"He took part in several engagements during the war of the Revolution, and in 1812, when our country was again invaded, that same patriotic love of liberty that fired his youthful bosom, called him to go forth and vindicate his country's rights, and he again enlisted; he was in the battle of Chisterfield (by him called) in which the Americans attacked the fort ; on both sides a num- ber were killed and wounded.
' 'Conversing with a friend in relation to the battle, he thus remarked : 'I had serious reflections of the propriety of war;' said he fired forty-four rounds, and how many proved fatal he did not know, but he prayed that God would save him from any more battles, and his prayer was answered.
"He was, during the remainder of the war, when not in the hospital, stationed on the frontier to guard the inhabitants against the Indians.
"Mr. Leathers was blessed with a very retentive memory and could until a few weeks before his death, relate the story of the Revolution and other events, very accurately. Being of a social temperament and one who had seen much of this world, his society was much sought for and enjoyed by all; his age and the events with which he had been connected, added to his virtues, caused him to be respected by all who knew him, and if there was ever a man without an enemy, he was one. * * * He was a firm supporter of the political principles of Washington and Jefferson, and if he ever went averse therefrom, the dereliction should be ascribed to that of the hand, not of the heart.
"He lived to see his country's flag, the emblem of his nation's glory, that he had in two wars helped to sustain, proudly waving its stars and stripes over thirty- two independent states of the Union.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 177
" * * * * The places that knew him will know him no more, but though gone froi^ this earth, his memory is embalmed in the hearts of all who knew him, and his name is enrolled with patriots of the Revolution — there it will remain, honored and cherished by the friends of his country, and by all who loved liberty, long after we, who are now enjoying the blessings of that legacy bequeathed to us by the man of that day, shall have passed away. ' '
HENRY LELAND. Sangerville.
Henry Leland was a native of Sherburne, Mass., and was born April 30, 1761. He was the son of Henry and Mary (Morse) Leland. His father was cap- tain of a company of militia in Col. John BuUard's regiment, and was one of Sherburne's minute-men who were called out on the memorable alarm of April 19, 1775. The elder Leland was under arms eleven days at this time.
The son, Henry, inherited the patriotism of the father, for when he was a few days less than sixteen years of age he enlisted as a soldier of the Revolution. The return of Nathaniel Barber, muster master for Suffolk County, shows that he was mustered in April 27, 1777, for three years' service. He was in Capt. Alexander's company of Col. Edward Wiggles worth's regiment, of the 13th regiment of the Massachusetts Line, and was engaged for the town of Sherburne. In an affidavit signed by his widow, in an application for lands granted to Revo- lutionary soldiers, she states, that he served the whole of the three years, excepting about three months, when he was at home on a furlough on account of sickness.
To follow the career of Col. Wigglesworth will give the career of his soldiers. He first received a commis-
178 HISTOEICAL COLLECTIONS
sion as colonel in June 1776; his regiment was raised in the counties of Essex, York and Cumberland, principally from the District of Maine. During the winter of 1777 he returned to his home in Newbury port to raise a second regiment, and it was then, in April, that Mr. Leland enlisted with him ; but before a full complement of men could be recruited, he was ordered to march to Ticon- deroga, to join the army of the Northern Department under Gen. Schuyler, to assist in repelling Burgoyne's invasion. Mr. Leland undoubtedly took part in the battle of Saratoga. He was at Valley Forge and suffered the terrible hardships of that winter, and then took part in the battle of Monmouth. After completing his three years' service, he received his discharge in the spring of 1780.
After leaving the arm}' he returned to Sherburne, and in 1783 married Sarah Phipps. His children were Walter, Kesiah, Lowell, Henry B., Jedediah P., Sarah, Lucy and Mary, all born in Sherburne. In 1802 he removed to Hubbardston, Mass., where he resided until 1816, when he came to Maine, and settled in Sangerville.
The first member of Mr. Leland's family to come to Sangerville was his daughter Kesiah, wife of Samuel McLanathan, they emigrating there in 1807. His son Walter was the second of the family to come to the town, he settling there in 1809. Walter was a nephew of Col. Sanger, the proprietor, and acted as his agent. In 1810 Sangerville had a population of one hundred and twenty-six, and in 1820 it had increased to three hundred and ten, being the third largest town in what is now Piscataquis County ; Sebec and Guilford being larger. There is no doubt but what the judicious management of the resident agent contributed in no small degree to the rapid settlement of the place.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 179
Henry Leland was of the fifth generation from Henry Leland, the common ancestor of nearly all the Lelands in America. All bore the name of Henry with one exception; this was Hopestill, the eldest son of the first Henry.
The common ancestor came to America about 1652 and settled in Dorchester. He lived there but a short time when he removed to what is now Sherburne, then an unincorporated place. The ancestors of the subject of this sketch all were born and died there, and there Mr. Leland lived until 1802.
In an unbroken line from the common ancestor, the Lelands have been farmers, so it is not at all surprising that the Lelands of to-day in Piscataquis County, are successful farmers, they having the blood of seven and eight generations of farmers behind them.
Henry Leland was quite a tall, spare man, of medium complexion and very active. He was an exceptionally good shot, and at the shoots held on Thanksgiving days, it was said, if he chose, he could take his bird at every shot. He would make misses in order not to dishearten the other contestants. At one of the shoots, at his first shot he took his goose ; a neighbor of Mr. Leland's was present with a stranger who was a visitor ; the neighbor said to the visitor, "You notice the small knoll at the left of the birds, well, you'll see the dust fly there this time." True to his prophecy it did. Mr. Leland missed his bird purposely, and so on throughout the shoot when he saw fit he won his prize or missed, as pleased him.
He settled in Sangerville on the farm now (1908) owned by Edgar H. Leland, a great grandson. He died June 26, 1835, at a little over 74 years of age. His wife survived him about three years, dying May 26, 1838. They are buried in the Knowlton Mills cemetery,
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Sangerville, their graves being appropriately marked by a marble slab.
ZACHARIAH LONGLEY. Dover.
As near as can be ascertained, Zachariah Longley was born in Groton, Mass., about the year 1758. His father's name was Zachariah, and the subject of this sketch sometimes had "junior" attached to his name, and at other times it was omitted, so that in some instances it is difficult to tell whether the father or the son is intended in the records.
Zachariah Longley enlisted from Groton April 7, 1777, for three years. He first joined Capt. William H. Ballard's company, Col. Ichabod Alden's regiment, as a fifer. While in the records of the pension depart- ment he is given as attached to that company and regi- ment during the whole of his three years' service, the records in the Massachusetts archives show him some- times under other commands. For a short time he was in Capt. Watson's company. During the last few months of his service he appears to have been in Col. John Brook's regiment, and in the company of Capt. White. He completed his full three-years' term, and received his discharge April 12, 1780.
He again enlisted as a fifer in a regiment raised for the Rhode Island service for three months. The date of this enlistment was July 27, 1780, and he was discharged October 30. He was in Capt. John Porter's company. Col. Cyprian How's regiment and Col. Commandant Jacobs' brigade.
Mr. Longley was in the battle of Saratoga, and he used to tell of witnessing the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne.
After his last service he returned to Groton, and in 1781, he, with his father and another brother, removed
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 181
to Norridgewock, Me. , and settled on lots C and D in that town. He lived here for more than twenty-five years, married, and raised up a family.
In 1806 his son Jonas came over into Piscataquis County, and took up the northwest corner lot in number 3, range 6, now Dover, cleared a part of it and got it under cultivation. He and his brother Luke were here most all of the time working on the land and building a house until 1808, when their father Zachariah moved in with his whole family.
It was from this family that the first death in the town of Dover occurred. Luke, the oldest brother, while attempting to tow a raft of logs across the river to the mill in Foxcroft, in the fall of 1807, was di'owned. He was in a boat and was towing the logs, and it is thought that he got ensnarled in the rigging, lost his balance and fell overboard. His body was not recovered until the following spring, when it was found lodged on some rocks at the Great Falls ; it was buried on the bank of the river not far from the eastern end of the present Dover bridge.
When Zachariah Longley came to Dover in 1808, he settled on the northwest corner lot, on which his sons had made improvements, and he lived there the remain- der of his days. On his trip from Norridgewock he brought with him a bushel and a half of potatoes, and these he planted on his new farm, from which was obtained the great yield of seventy bushels.
The second son, Jonas, met with an untimely death, in December, 1811. He started out with his dog fox- hunting; it is probable that he strayed farther away from home than he intended, and traveled so far that he was overcome with exhaustion, and died from exposure. It is hardly possible that he was lost at the time of his death, as his body was found on the Woodbury hill, not
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far from where James Woodbury afterwards built his house, and in plain hearing of the sound of the falls. His track showed that he was taking a straight course for the falls.
Zachariah Longley had quite a large family. Among his children were Betsey, who was the second wife of Eli Towne, the first settler of Dover; Susan, who married Isaac Blethen ; and Sylvanus, who remained a resident of Dover until his death. Sylvanus was one of the committee elected by the plantation in 1816 to present the petition to the General Court, when it was voted to petition the Legislature of Massachusetts for an act of incorporation under the name of Manley, "in honor of the brave Commodore Manley. ' ' The act was not passed on account of some opposition.
Mr. Longley held various offices under the plantation organization: In 1812 he was elected one of the com- mittee to see how much the plantation was in debt ; in 1813 he was a fish- warden, highway surveyor, ti thing- man, and a member of the committee to lay out a bury- ing ground; in 1814 a member of the school committee; in 1816 and 1817 a tithingman; and in 1817 a highway surveyor.
In July, 1824, he conveyed his farm near the village to his son Sylvanus and the following year, June 28, 1825, he died. His widow Betsey survived him a number of years. He was undoubtedly buried in the Dover village cemetery, but his grave is unmarked and cannot be located to-day.
Mr. Longley received a pension under the first act granting pensions to Revolutionary soldiers, and his widow received a land bounty from the State of Maine after his death.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 183
JEREMIAH ROLFE. Abbot.
Mr. J. M. Marshall in his history of Buxton says: "It was asserted, on the authority of Nathaniel Gorham, and has been reported by others, but on what authority I am not informed, that the town of Buxton, in proportion to the number of her inhabitants, furnished more soldiers to the Continental army than any other town under the government of Massachusetts Bay. " It was in this old York County town, in the year 1759, that Jeremiah Rolfe was born. Nothing is known of his ancestry; one Samuel Rolfe was one of the early settlers of the town, being located there as early as 1751. John was another of that name, who came there early. Jeremiah was undoubtedly the son of one of these settlers.
Mr. Rolfe lived in Buxton up to the time of his enlistment in the Continental Army, which took place late in 1781 or early in 1782. The only official record of his service is under the name of Jeremiah Ralf, and this dated from March 1, 1782, twelve months, in Col. Benjamin Tupper's (10th) regiment. In his applica- tion for State bounty, dated September 20, 1836, he states: "I enlisted as a private in the year 1781 for three years into Captain Abbot's Company & Col. Tupper's regiment, and received an honorable discharge. The said regiment was in the Mass. Line, for which ser- vice I am now a pensioner of the United States upon the Maine Agency." Mr. Loring's statement in his history of Piscataquis County that, "He * * * fought on the field of Saratoga and after Burgoyne sun-endered, marched with Gen. Gates to South Carolina," is clearly incorrect, as we have Mr. Rolfe's own statement that he did not enlist until 1781.
After the close of the war he lived for a short time in Rochester, N. H., but soon moved back to his native
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State, and settled in Buckfield. On April 2, 1799, he bought a parcel of land in the town of Paris, being lot 29, in the 7th range, and probably settled there at about that time, for the following year, 1800, the records show that he was one of the officers of the town, being elected a tythingman. In Paris he cleared a good farm, and while there was more or less prominent in the affairs of the town.
It was in 1808 that Mr. Rolfe first came to Piscata- quis County. He settled in Foxcroft and cleared up a part of the Daniel Buck lot. He lived in Foxcroft only four years, when he sold out his interests, and in 1812 located in Guilford. He lived in the latter town until 1818 on what is now known as the Webber farm, and then removed to Abbot, where he spent the remainder of his days. Here he cleared up one of the finest farms in the county, located about one mile south of Abbot Village, and under his diligent and skilful tilling it became one of the most productive agricultural properties in the locality.
If there was nothing else to rescue his name from oblivion, one thing alone will preserve and perpetuate his memory ; that is the apple which bears his name— the Rolfe.
The following is a sketch of its origin :
A small part of the land bought by Mr. Rolfe when he settled in Abbot had been cleared and cultivated, and a former owner had planted some apple seeds taken from the variety known as the Blue Pearmain. When these seedlings became large enough to transplant, the farm was in the possession of Mr. Rolfe. He presented twelve of the small trees to Rev. Thomas Macomber of Guil- ford, who set out eleven of them on his own homestead, and the twelfth Mr. Macomber gave to his son, who lived on a farm adjoining his father's. The son's farm came
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 185
into the possession of the father before any of the trees came into bearing. Curiously enough, the one tree out of all the seedlings which produced fruit of any par- ticular merit, was the one planted on the son's farm ; and many were the apple-hungry youngsters chased from under the young tree by the Elder's good wife in her efforts to preserve enough of the fruit for a sample for the old folks.
The apple is medium to large, yellowish in color, shaded and striped with red, flesh white, fine-grained, tender and juicy. Withal a most luscious fruit.
The original tree is dead, but a sprout which sprang up from its roots developed into a hardy tree, and this is still alive and bearing fruit on its native soil. The apple was first called the Rolfe and then for a time was called by some the Macomber, owing to its being first grown on the Rev. Macomber's farm ; but gradually the name Rolfe supplanted the other, and to-day Rolfe is the onl}' name by which the apple is known.
In his later years Mr. Rolfe was familiarly known as "Uncle Rolfe. " He died at his home in Abbot April 1, 1841, at the age of 82 years.
An obituary notice in The Piscataquis Observer says: ' 'He was one of the first settlers of Abbot. He endured every hardship and privation of which human nature is susceptible, and was a very industrious citizen. The best days of his life he spent in the struggle with the mother country for Independence and Liberty — his heart burning with the love of country ; he manifested it by periling his life in the faithful performance of a soldier. He aided in securing the blessings that Columbia's sons now enjoy, and lived long to admonish them not to depart from the virtues of their fathers ; and at the event- ful hour of death, though in much pain of body, met his faith with composure and resignation, and went
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down to the grave like a shock of corn that is fully ripe, and is gathered to the sepulchre of his fathers."
ISAAC ROYAL. Dover.
Unfortunately, records and documents relating to the early history of our navy and the men who served in it, have not been so carefully preserved as those relating to the army, and to obtain official records of the service of ordinary seamen is very difficult and oftentimes impossi- ble. Each individual state kept the records of its sol- diers, but the sailors for a single ship were often recruited from widely scattered points, and the only record of their names was the roster kept on board the vessel, and in some instances this has been lost.
That Isaac Royal, the subject of this sketch, was a sailor, or rather a cabin-boy, under the command of John Paul Jones, is well settled. Many are still living who have heard the story told by his sons, as told to the sons by Mr. Royal himself, yet no official proof is now obtainable.
Diligent search has been made, and correspondence had with all those members of the family whom it was thought might be able to furnish information regarding the ancestry and place of birth of Isaac Royal, but it has been impossible to obtain an}' data; but it seems more than probable that he was born in New Hampshire, at or near Portsmouth. The famil}^ Bible which is still in the possession of a descendant, gives the date of his birth, March 10, 1765.
Probably the memory of no one of those early settlers of this county who served their country in the war of the Revolution is better preserved in this locality, than that of Isaac Royal ; quite likely from the fact that he served under that eminent naval hero, Paul Jones.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 187
Popular local tradition has it that he served with Jones on the Bon Homme Richard and took part in the cele- brated fight with the Serapis, but those of Mr. Royal's descendants who best remember the stories of his service, as told by him, which have been handed down to the present generation, fail to recollect anything ever related by him about that great fight. Take all the facts obtain- able and compare them with the history of John Paul Jones and of his several commands, it seems quite con- clusive that Mr. Royal was a cabin-boy on the Ranger, and that his service was confined to that ship.
Mrs. Mary L. Proctor of Maynard, Mass., is a descendant who seems to have the history of her ancestor best preserved in memory, and she writes: "I got the impression when I was very young that the Royals came from New Hampshire. ***** j j^g^^g always understood that my great grandfather (Isaac Royal) enlisted as a cabin-boy at the age of twelve years, on board John Paul Jones' vessel, the Bon Homme Richard. ' ' Mrs. Proctor is undoubtedly correct, except that the ship was the Ranger instead of the Richard. A large part of the Ranger's crew was recruited in Ports- mouth, and she sailed from that port November 1, 1777; at that time Mr. Royal would have been twelve years old, so this corresponds with the family tradition of his enlistment at the age of twelve.
The crew of the Bon Homme Richard numbered three hundred and seventy-five, but not more than fifty of these were Americans, and these fifty were nearly all exchanged prisoners from England. There is a complete roster of the Richard in existence, including the cabin- boys, and the name of Isaac Royal does not appear there. So while we must somewhat reluctantly deny him the honor of being a member of that celebrated ship's crew, the honor of having served on the Ranger, the ship
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which first caused an English ship of war to lower her colors to an enemy of equal or inferior strength, is hardly a lesser one.
No official roster of the crew of the Ranger is in existence, hence it is impossible to determine authorita- tively the service of all those who made up her comple- ment of sailors and apprentice boys.
The story of the cruise of the Ranger, bearing the official dispatches to our commissioners in France, con- taining the news of Burgoyne's surrender, the prizes captured by her, and the fight with the Drake, are mat- ters of history of which there is no need of repeating here. Those were the stirring scenes in which Isaac Royal in his humble position, as a cabin-boy, took part.
Maclay, in his History of the Navy, in describing the make-up of the crew of a war frigate at the time of the Revolution, says of the cabin-boy: "Then came that institution peculiar to sea life known as the 'boy. ' He was employed chiefly as a servant to officers and messes, but in time of battle he was called a 'powder monkey,' for then he was required to bring ammunition from the passing scuttles to the guns. The captain of a frigate usually had both a steward and a boy who acted as his servants, while the lieutenants, purser, surgeon and sail- ing master were entitled to one boy each. * * * * One boy was allotted to the gunner, boatswain and a few others as a special favor, while a man and a boy were appointed to a certain number of midshipmen."
The following story was told to me by a great grand- son of Isaac Royal, who said it was one of the many told him by his grandfather, John Royal. Mr. John Royal had heard it related many times by his father Isaac. ' 'At one time when I was a cabin-boy with John Paul Jones, we were cruising in English waters and fell in with an English merchant ship, at night, and anchored
OF PISCATAaUIS COUNTY 189
near her. I think we were flying the Enghsh flag. In the early morning Capt. Jones invited the English captain on board for breakfast. The Englishman accepted the invitation and came to our ship with several of his offi- cers. While at breakfast, Jones, unbeknown to the Englishmen, ordered the American flag to be run up to the masthead. Breakfast over the visitors were escorted on deck and Capt. Jones, directing their attention to the colors, said, 'Look at the handsome flag at the masthead, the colors under which I sail.' They did so, and to their intense chagrin and wrath saw the stars and stripes. They were made prisoners, and their vessel was taken as a prize."
Very little can be learned about Isaac Royal prior to his settlement in Dover. He was married to his wife Tabitha probably in 1786; their first child, Olive, was born May 7, 1787. In 1806 he was a resident of Frank- fort, Me., and it is quite likely that this was his first place of settlement in this State. The fact of his resi- dence in Frankfort is established by a reference to the family record of the son, John, which record states that he, John, was born in Frankfort, July 18, 1806.
Isaac Royal settled in Dover about the year 1810, possibly a little earlier, on lot 12, in the 10th range, and partially cleared the farm now (1909) owned by Lincoln Dow. He brought with him his family of ten or eleven children, and the first land cleared was the field south of the present house of Mr. Dow.
He lived only a few years after his settlement in Dover. He died of typhus fever November 20, 1816, and is buried on the land that he first cleared when he came to Dover. The grave has never been desecrated by the several owners, and although at times the land all around it has been cultivated, the plow has never turned these hallowed sods since the time when that which was
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mortal of Mr. Royal was placed there. One daughter, Dorcas, who died April 1, 1814, at the age of about sixteen years, is buried beside him.
Mr. Royal was the father of eleven children: Olive, Jacob, Mitchell, Isaac, Ephraim, Dorcas, Eunice, Lucy, Esther, John and Richard.
In 1896 some of the public spirited citizens of Dover thought that the village cemetery would be a more fitting resting place for the remains of Mr. Royal than the field where they had lain so long. An article was inserted in the warrant for the annual town meeting for that year, to see if the town would vote to remove them to the vil- lage cemetery and erect a suitable stone to mark the spot. The town voted so to do, and appropriated fifty dollars to purchase a monument. After this action by the town, communication was had with some of the liv- ing descendants, and it was discovered that it was one of the last expressed wishes of Mr. Royal that he be buried in the field that he had labored so hard to redeem to cultivation, and at their request his wish was respected.
ELEAZER SPAULDING. Foxcroft— Dover.
Eleazer Spaulding was born in Pepperell, Mass., Janu- ary 21, 1759, was the son of Eleazer, and was the oldest of a family of seven children. He enlisted in the Con- tinental Army as a private April 25, 1775, in Capt. Asa Lawrence's company, Col. William Prescott's regiment, of the Massachusetts Line, and served at this enlistment three months and eight days. Later he reenlisted in the same regiment, and his total service was about two years. He was in the battles of Bunker Hill and White Plains.
In 1778 Eleazer Spaulding, Sr., with his four sons, Eleazer, Josiah, John and Seth, moved to Norridgewock in the District of Maine, and were among the early set-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 191
tiers of that place. In 1784, Eleazer, Jr., married Sarah Spaulding, the daughter of Lemuel Spaulding. He reared a family of eight children, all of whom were born in Norridgewock. In 1806 he removed to Foxcroft with his family and became one of the first three settlers of the town. For a number of years the place was called Spauldingtown, from the three brothers, John, Eleazer and Seth, who were the three first settlers.
Eleazer, with his two brothers above mentioned, built the first dam and erected the first saw and grist-mill in Foxcroft. Col. Joseph E. Foxcroft, the proprietor, con- tracted with John Spaulding and Abel Blood in 1805 to build the dam and mills, and in 1806 Mr. Blood sold out his interests to Eleazer and Seth Spaulding, and the three brothers completed the contract, which was to have the mills in operation on or before January 1, 1807. This was the first dam across the Piscataquis River.
When one stops to consider the difficulties encountered in undertaking such a contract he will then understand something of the character of these sturdy pioneers who settled our territory. Hardly a horse could be had to haul the timber for the dam and mills ; every timber and board was hewed and prepared by hand ; all the machinery and hardware used in the construction were brought up from Bangor, and for about twenty miles the road was nothing but a trail through the forest, not passable for wagons; there were no bridges across the streams and bogs; the load was hauled on two long shafts, the ends of which dragged on the ground; and the horse stuck fast in the mire, or the load dumped into a stream, were not infrequent occurrences. Yet, in spite of all these obstacles, the dam and mills were completed within the contract limit.
When Eleazer Spaulding came to Foxcroft he settled on lot number 11, near the falls, where the village
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now is, and built himself a log house. Within a very few years after the completion of the dam and mills all the Spauldings sold out their interests in Foxcroft and settled in Dover. Eleazer took up lot 27, in the center range, Perham's surve}^, located on the south side of the river about two miles east of the present village. Here he cleared up a farm, erected comfortable buildings, and lived the remainder of his days. During the last few years of his life he lived in the family of his son Joseph, to whom he deeded his farm in consideration of his life maintenance.
He died April 19, 1850, aged 91 years and three months, and his remains rest in the Dover village ceme- tery. In 1818 he received a pension for his Revolu- tionary services.
SAMUEL STICKNEY. Brownville.
Samuel Stickney was the son of William Stickney and Maiy (Sawyer) Stickney, and was born in Rowley, Mass., May 13, and baptized in Bayfield May 16, 1762. He was the eighth of a family of nine children.
Mr. Stickney enlisted in the army four times. His first enlistment was July 6, 1778, as a fifer in Capt. Simeon Brown's company, Col. Nathan Wade's regi- ment, for six months. This was for service at Rhode Island. He was discharged at East Greenwich, R. I., at the expiration of his service. His second enlistment was as a sergeant in Capt. Benjamin Peabody's company, Col. Jacob Gerrish's regiment, October 14, 1779; was discharged November 22, 1779, and was allowed one month and nineteen days' service, which included eleven days' travel home, which was a distance of two hundred and twenty miles.
Mr. Stickney again enlisted July 31, 1780, and this
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 193
time for the town of Bradford, Mass. , and marched from that place July 24, 1780, and arrived at Springfield July 30, and then marched to camp the day following in Capt. Moses GreenleaFs company, where he enlisted. He is described as eighteen years old ; stature five feet, nine inches ; complexion ruddy. This enlistment was for six months and he was discharged at West Point, Decem- ber 16, 1780, and was allowed five months and four days' service, giving him travel home, two hundred and forty miles. On August 4, 1781, he again entered the service as a fifer in Capt. John Robinson's compan}'. Col. William Turner's regiment. He served until November 27 of that year in Rhode Island, when he received an honorable discharge with the rank of major.
After his army service he returned to his home in Rowley, and on May 11, 1784, he married Irene Rawlings of Newbury. Not long after his marriage he removed to Newbury and resided there until the death of his wife, which occurred in September, 1787. Two chil- dren, Irene and Samuel, were born to them. Soon after the death of his wife he removed to Bradford, Mass., and on April 29, 1792, he married Patty Atwood. He moved from Bradford to Ware, N. H., before 1799.
He came to Brown ville. Me., in 1809, and was an early settler here. By his second marriage he had eleven children, making in all thirteen, all but three of whom lived to grow to manhood and womanhood. When he came to Brownville he settled on the farm that is known to-day as the Stickney place, about a mile east of the village, on the road to Lake View, and that farm is still occupied (1909) by one of his direct descendants, Clinton Stickney, a great grandson.
Mr. Stickney was a man of strong physique, although not of great stature, and many stories are told of his great endurance and strength, many of which have
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undoubtedly lost nothing in their repetition. He was the first mail-carrier between Brownville and Bangor, and some of the tales of the great loads carried by him are remarkable. On one of his trips, it is said, he car- ried on his back from Sebec to Brownville an old-fashioned hand-loom. When he commenced his duties as mail- carrier the trips were made on foot, and on one occasion as he started to step over a fallen tree, an old she bear rose up from the other side and was about to attack him. He had nothing with which to defend himself, but on his shoulder he was carrying a bag of potatoes; this he threw, striking the bear full in the head, causing her to beat a hasty retreat. He then gathered up his potatoes and went on his journey unmolested.
He resided in Brownville until his death, which occurred January 9, 1835, at the age of 72 years and eight months. He had lived long enough to see that which was a wilderness when he settled there, grow into a prosperous community, and from his homestead on Stickney Hill he could look down onto the village, where, when he came to make a home for himself, there were only two or three buildings.
His wife Patty survived him over ten years, residing with her son Simeon on the old homestead. In 1840 she received a pension as a widow of a Revolutionary soldier. She died October 2, 1845; aged 73 years. They are buried in the Brownville village cemetery, and a suitable monument marks their last earthly resting place.
ASA STURTEVANT. Dover.
Although Asa Sturtevant was not a long-time resident of Piscataquis County, yet he lived in Dover for a num- ber of years in the family of his son Asa; long enough to be considered a permanent resident here, and he has numerous descendants still living in the town.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 195
He was born in the town of Halifax, Mass., in the year 1761.
Mr. Sturtevant had a long and . varied career in the Continental Army. His first service was as a private in Lieut. Joshua Perkins' detachment from Capt. George Hammond's company. Col. Thomas Lothrop's regiment, on an alarm. This detachment marched to Bristol, R. I., in March, 1777, and was in the service fourteen days. His second enlistment was September 3, 1777, as a private in Capt. Edward Sparrow's company, Col. Danforth Key's regiment, to serve in the New England States, and he served with his regiment in Rhode Island. He received his discharge January 2, 1778, giving him four months of service.
On February 8, 1778, he again enlisted, this time for the remainder of the first three years. He was mustered into Capt. Joshua Benson's company and Col. Rufus Putnam's regiment of the Massachusetts Line. He was discharged Ma}' 14, 1780, at the Highlands, near West Point. His whole service at this enlistment was two years, three months and twenty days, the last nineteen months of which he had the rank of a fifer. He was one of the twelve hundred men under Mad Anthony Wayne, who participated in the storming and capture of Stony Point, July 16, 1779.
In June, 1781, Mr. Sturtevant again enlisted for another three years' service, making the fourth gift of his services to his countiy in her great struggle for inde- pendence. I will use his own words, found in an affidavit signed by him in his application for a pension, to describe this term. He states: "I again enlisted into the Revo- lutionary War, against the common enemy, in the month of June, 1781, for the term of three years, into the company commanded by Captain (Henry) Sewall and regt. commanded by Col. (Ebeneazer) Sproat, of the
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Mass. Line. After a few months I was transferred into Capt. Robt. Bradford's company in the same regt. and line. I continued to serve until the 18th day of Dec. 1783, when at West Point I received my final discharge from the Army. My discharge was signed by Genl. Knox. It has since been burnt in and with my camps in the woods. My last three years above stated in the Continental establishment, was as a private soldier." So, from 1777 until the final discharge of the soldiers in 1783, Mr. Sturtevant was almost constantly in the service ; a record to be proud of, and an honorable legacy to his heirs.
It is impossible to obtain data so as to give any con- nected history of his life, as he seemed to be of a roving disposition, and enjoyed the society of strangers to that of intimates ; even in his old age he preferred to be alone and by himself, rather than to be with his relatives.
As stated before, he was born in Halifax; three of his enlistments seem to be credited to the town of Plympton, Mass., and one to Middleboro, all Plymouth County towns.
On June 3, 1786, he married Sally Washburn. It was probably about this time that he came to Maine. He settled on lot 4, range 9, in the place then caUed Number 4, the present town of Paris. Just how long he lived here cannot be ascertained. He was one of the re- monstrants against the incorporation of the town in the autumn of 1792; in 1798 he appears on the list of tax- payers in the town, being the possessor of lands valued at one hundred and twenty dollars; in 1802 a movement was made to divide the town, and Mr. Sturtevant' s name appears on a petition in favor of the measure, and later he, with others, signed a second petition against the proposed division, stating that the first petition was signed under a misapprehension of the existing facts.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 197
In 1804 he sold his interest in lot 6, range 9, to Deacon Caleb Prentiss. His wife Sally died October S, 1805. His children by this wife were William, Jonah, Asa and Mary (.?).
April 16, 1806, he married Eunice Morse, who died in June or July, 1813. By her he had four children, Mary A., Mercy, Azubah and Eunice. It appears that he lived in Paris until his second wife's death, in 1813, as we have it on very good authority that his daughter Eunice was born there in 1812 or 1813.
From the last named date up to the time of his death his itinerary cannot be accurately traced. He applied for a pension April 25, 1818, and in his application gives his residence as Fairfax, (now Albion). In 1820, in affidavits filed in the pension department, he gives his residence, Winslow; in this paper he mentions a third wife, named Dorcas.
His son Asa was an early settler in the town of Dover, Me., and for a number of years Mr. Sturtevant resided with him. On April 30, 1835, he applied for State bounty granted to Revolutionary soldiers, and gave his residence as Dover. He lived here for a time after this, but not long after removed ; to what place is unknown. His descendants here and in other parts of Maine have no trace of him after leaving Dover.
When he died, or where he is buried, are unknown to any of the living.
"All that tread The globe are but a handful to the tribes That slumber in its bosom."
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ICHABOD THOMAS. Brownville.
Ichabod Thomas was born in Duxbury, Mass., the latter part of the year 1757 or early in 1758. His parents, Joseph and Eleanor Thomas, were of Quaker stock.
Being one of the non-fighting Quakers, he did not enlist in the army of his own accord, but was drafted for the service. In the fall of 1776, after the disastrous battle of Long Island and the evacuation of New York, there was a great need of troops, and many were drafted, and Ichabod Thomas was one of the many.
He entered the service September 23, 1776, and served fifty-eight days with the Massachusetts militia in Rhode Island. He was in Capt. Calvin Partridge's company, and Col. John Cushing's regiment. After the particular exigency for which the militia was called out had passed, he received his discharge. Mr. Thomas did not again enlist; probably on account of his religious views.
Many of the early settlers of the town of Sidney, in Kennebec County, were Friends, and Mr. Thomas removed from Duxbury to this settlement at about the close of the Revolution, or in a short time afterwards. Sidney was incorporated as a town January 30, 1792, and for many years Mr. Thomas was one of its most prominent citizens. He was the first town clerk, in 1792 ; he also held that office in 1798 and in 1813. He served five successive terms as selectman, from 1795 to 1800. He was town treasurer in 1802 and again in 1804. He represented his class in the General Court of Massachusetts for two terms, 1812 and 1813. During his residence in Sidney he married Mehitable Crosby.
In April, 1815, he purchased the north half of town- ship number 6, range 19, N. W. P., now known as Katahdin Iron Works township, gave up his comfortable
or PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 199
home in Sidney, and moved into a new and rugged country. He lived in Williamsburg for about a year before going onto his new possession. He leased a farm there, in that part now Barnard, and had a temporary home while he was engaged in opening a road to his lands, building him a house and making something of a clearing for his farm.
It was in the year 1816 that he moved onto his farm in number 6, with his family. The place is located on the intervale about three miles above the present settle- ment, and at that time he was ten miles or more from his nearest neighbors in Williamsburg and Brownville. He lived there but a few years, and in 1821 sold his Iron Works property and moved to Brownville. His reason for so doing I am unable to state, but it seems quite probable that the isolation of the place, and the lone- someness and inconvenience in living so far from any other habitation, might have tended towards the change.
On January 8, 1821, he bought of Moses Brown, the proprietor of Brownville, five hundred acres of land in Brownville and immediately moved his family to that town. His old home is still standing, known as the Joseph W. Davis place, (1908), and Stephen A. Thomas, a grandson of Ichabod, is still living on another part of the farm in the buildings erected by one of Ichabod' s sons. The farm at Katahdin Iron Works has never been occupied since Mr. Thomas abandoned it, although it has always been cultivated, and it is one of the productive farms of the county to-day.
After his removal to Brownville, Mr. Thomas at once assumed a prominent position in the affairs of the town. He held various offices under the plantation organization, and in 1824, when the town was incorporated, he was elected one of the selectmen, also a ti thing-man; he was also elected to various minor offices such as pound-keeper,
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fish-warden, etc. In 1821 he received every vote cast in his town for representative to the Legislature, but did not receive the election.
Mr. Thomas always dressed in the garb of the Quakers, and a very few of the oldest residents of Brownville remember him as he appeared in the long drab coat and broad-brim hat commonly worn by the Friends.
He died in Brownville February 25, 1845, at the age of 87 years. His remains are buried in the Brownville village cemetery, beside his wife and mother, and the spot is marked by a marble shaft. He received a pension for his military services March 10, 1834.
THOMAS TOWNE. Dover.
Thomas Towne was the son of Elisha and Mercy (Foster) Towne, and was born at Topsfield, Mass., February 8, 1743. He was the fifth generation from William Towne, who was the common ancestor of nearly all the Townes of New England, and who came to this continent about 1640 and first settled in Salem, but shortly after removed to Topsfield, Mass.
Thomas Towne first married Elizabeth Towne of Thompson, Conn. She lived but a short time after her marriage, and for a second wife he married Sarah Burton of Wilton, N. H. He was the father of a family of thirteen children; the first, Sarah, born in 1775, and the last, Mary, born March 4, 1790.
Mr. Towne was one of the early settlers of Wilton, N. H., which was incorporated in 1762, but in the year 1778 or 1779 he changed his residence to Temple in the same state, where he resided until he came to Maine in 1802; except he possibly may have lived for a short time in Lyndeborough.
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Thomas Towne's first service in the Continental Army was in Capt. Benjamin Taylor's company of militia, which marched from Amherst, N. H., December 8, 1775, to join the regulars at Winter Hill, near Boston. Just how long his service was at this time is not certain, but it appears that he served until after the evacuation of Boston by the British, March 17, 1776. His next enlistment was in Capt. John Goss' company, Nichols' regiment and Gen. Stark's brigade, with the Northern Department. He enlisted July 20, 1777, and was in the service at this time two months and eight days, receiving his discharge September 27, 1777. He was one of those patriots who won enduring fame and glory at the battle of Bennington, on August 16, 1777, and who assisted Gen. Stark in winning for his services the just recognition of merit so long deferred.
These soldiers under Stark to the number of about eight hundred, were gathered together hurriedly, and were entirely independent of the regular army ; in fact, the whole conduct of the General in the matter was a piece of insubordination, but such splendid success crowned his doings that the insubordination was over- looked, and the man and his services were accepted at their true worth.
Thomas Towne's military services are credited to the town of Wilton, N. H. , where he resided at the time.
As above stated, he removed to Temple, N. H., in 1778 or 1779, and Hved there until 1802 when he came to Maine. He came to that part of Piscataquis County which is now Dover, in the fall of 1801, on a hunting expedition, accompanied by his son Moses. While here Moses bargained with Abel Blood for a part of a tract of land which Blood had bought of the proprietors, and on which he was then making a clearing. In the spring of 1802, Thomas, with two of his sons, Moses and Eli,
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returned and made a clearing, planted a small crop, and built a cabin. Their land was located on the site of the present village of East Dover. ITiey remained here until fall, when Eli went back to Temple, having made arrangements to return the following spring with his family. Thomas and Moses spent the winter of 1802-3 on their new possessions, subsisting on the small crop they had harvested in the autumn, but no doubt well supplied with fish and game by the old gentleman, whose prowess as a hunter is unquestioned.
After the corn had been harvested Mr. Towne fash- ioned from stone, a mortar and pestle by the means of which, with considerable labor, they reduced the corn to a coarse meal, or, as then called, samp, an article of diet originating with the American Indians. Father and son wintered in good health and with a fair degree of com- fort, and were ready and waiting to welcome Eli, who arrived with his wife and child on May 8, 1803. Eli was the first settler who came into Piscataquis County with his family, and became a permanent resident. Moses sold out his interest to Eli and soon after took up another tract of land nearby, but the father, Thomas, always made his home with Eli.
Thomas Towne was a famous hunter. He once made the remark, *'I never lost any game for fear of being bitten or scratched, sir." Some of the stories told of him are well avouched for and are worth repeating. Once a loupcervier was discovered in a cornfield not far from the cabin, and one of his sons started out to capture it; the old gentleman followed close in his wake, and as the younger man was about to fire, his father cautioned : "Take good sight, son, take good sight." The shot was fired, but the wound was not fatal, and before the son could reload his firearm, Mr. Towne had rushed upon the animal and throttled it.
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On another occasion he had fired a shot at a bear swimming across a pond, and as the shot did not take effect in a vital part, the bear kept on swimming for the shore. As he neared the land the hunter's dog rushed in and grappled with him ; the bear, in self-defense, started to put up a vigorous fight, and succeeded in dragging the dog under water where he soon would have drowned. Uncle Thomas seeing the danger to his favor- ite comrade, took to the water himself with the cry, "Drown my dog, wiU ye!" and soon, with his own hands, came off the conqueror, and came to the shore with a dead bear and a live dog.
Thomas Towne first received a pension under the act of 1818, which benefit he drew until his death. During the later years of his life his eyesight began to fail, and for a few years before he died he became totally blind. He lived to a ripe old age and before he passed away he had seen the unbroken wilderness about his primitive homestead assume the aspects of civilization ; a thriving settlement grown up about his humble cabin, and Piscat- aquis County, instead of having one lone family for its inhabitants, supporting a population numbered by thousands, with twelve incorporated towns and settle- ments on nearly as many more townships.
Mr. Towne died May 28, 1824, at the age of 81 years. His remains rest in an unmarked grave in the East Dover cemetery, almost within the shadow of his first dwelling place here. He has numerous descendants in this locality.
Notes of the Crosby Family and a Sketch of the Life of Josiah Crosby
By S. P. Crosby
To THE Piscataquis County Historical Society:
I HAVE the honor of being asked by your president to contribute a paper upon the ancestry of the Crosby family, and especially a sketch of my father's life, the late Josiah Crosby of Dexter, Me.
In consenting to undertake this work I have decided to state the facts as well as I remember them in a plain and simple manner, without rhetorical or literary effect.
Having visited the "Old Crosby Home" and farm in Atkinson many times in my boyhood and manhood, and usually in company with my father and other relations, and having had many conversations with my father and his brothers and sisters concerning the lives of their parents, I feel somewhat informed concerning them.
My grandfather, Oliver Crosby, was born in Billerica, Mass., March 17th, 1769; graduated from Harvard College in 1795, (standing second in class rank) and married Harriet Chase of Portsmouth, N. H., Septem- ber 11, 1800.
It was in Billerica that grandfather heard the first guns fired at Lexington, the commencement of the Revo- lution. Later in life he frequently stated this thrilling fact to his children, also giving many incidents of those days.
He moved with his family from Billerica to Dover,
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N. H., where he was admitted to the bar and practiced law until 1822.
In 1812 he was part owner in a sailing vessel which was seized by the British; and in 1817-22 he was owner of a cotton manufacturing plant in Dover.
In 1820 there was an exodus from the interior and southern parts of New England to a more eastern part of that section of the country, where land was selling cheap. It was this movement, in part at least, that induced Grandfather Oliver Crosby to leave the pleasant and prosperous village of Dover and to seek a home in the "woods of Maine."
This act of his, leaving a cultivated locality, happy surroundings, the comforts of life, was not only criti- cised by his family but met with many objections.
But the man being the head of the household (a com- mon characteristic in the Crosby family) the move was decided upon. The move was made by team. Atkinson in Piscataquis County was the destination. A log house Avas constructed, which was located about eight hundred feet south of the large and commodious frame house subse- quently built. This latter building yet stands in a fair state of preservation.
It will be remembered by the elder residents of Piscat- aquis that the "Old Crosby Place," so-called, is about one mile east and a little north of Atkinson Corner. The members of the family have often spoken of the happy days spent in the log house, which served well for several years, until the commodious frame "mansion" was erected. One peculiarity of the latter house is the sliding shutters on the windows, sliding into and through the casings and into the walls, but when pulled out over the windows excluding every ray of light, thus making the rooms almost sealed, and more private than any mod- ern curtain or blind.
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The old clock in the hall, with its dignified propor- tions, the fireplaces, one in each room, a speaking-tube from cellar to garret, the old well with its windlass and oaken bucket in the ell of the house, with its never fail- ing supply of water, sparkling and cold, were among the many things of interest in the old house.
The towns of Atkinson and Charleston were originally owned by Atkinson, Livermore and Crosby, the three owning about equal parts.
When a boy I occasionally met a man who would say during conversation, "I bought my land from your grand- father." He sold many thousand acres, finally reserv- ing for himself between three and four hundred acres for his homestead, and farmed it all. Although before the days of railroads, or even common highways, and farm machinery and modern methods unknown, he made farming on a large scale very successful.
In those primitive days more thought, or much thought, was bestowed by the progressive citizen upon rearing and educating a large family of children, build- ing up character, and instilling into them strong man- hood and womanhood, rather than concentrating their forces upon accumulating large wealth.
In haying time about twenty extra men were employed. They slept in the attic upon camp-beds. It was one of my father's childhood delights during heavy rain-storms to go up and sleep with the men, and hear the big drops of rain patter on the roof.
In its day the old place was well known in that part of the State, and its many social gatherings brought friends from long distances. The old-fashioned "carryall" being the only vehicle of comfort in doubtful weather, was always used by friends from Bangor and other places in what was called a "carryall drive." Some came on horseback.
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The old barn-raisings, husking-bees and paring-bees were in vogue in those days. Appropriate poetry was written by someone upon the raising of the long barn on the old place, and many years after this poem was resurrected and published in the Bangor Commercial. I remember the poem recited something about the refresh- ments, and that one happy-spirited fellow climbed up the newly erected frame to the ridge-pole and there pro- posed a toast, and threw his bottle to the ground. I do not think the nature of the contents of said bottle were mentioned. It must not be forgotten, however, that the temperance question did not engage the minds of the people in those days so strongly and decisively as at the present time, and prohibition had not achieved such strength.
My grandfather had the acquaintance and friendship of all the more prominent and intellectual families in that vicinity, some of whom became especially eminent. The late Chief Justice John Apple ton lived at Sebec, about three miles away, and was a frequent visitor, as was also Hon. Abram Sanborn, Judge Kent and others from Bangor. There were man}' visitors from Foxcroft and Dover, and in fact from over Piscataquis County and Penobscot, whose names I shall not attempt to give. But it was safe to say the latch-string was always out at the "Old Crosby Homestead."
The Piscataquis River runs through the farm on the north, and in the days of which we are writing, salmon abounded in plenty in the old river. They must have been plentiful, as this delicious fish then retailed at three cents a pound.
There were six children born to my grandparents: Harriet, born June 12, 1801, married Ephraim T. Morrill, and for a while they carried on the old farm. She died in Bangor. Their children were Oliver Crosby
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Morrill, Caroline Frothingham, George Prentice and DeWitt Clinton. Caroline (or Carrie) is the only sur- vivor ; she married a INIr. Brown, deceased, and the widow now lives in the South. She has a grown son and daughter.
Oliver, the second child, was born in Dover, N. H. , November 30, 1802; married Elizabeth Foss. They car- ried on a small farm in Atkinson, about half a mile from the old place, nearer "the Corner." They moved to Fountaindale, 111., in the early seventies, where they are now survived by their two children, Harriet Chase (Mrs. Edward Bebb) and Frances or Fannie.
William Chase, the third child, was born in Dover, N. H., Decembers, 1806. Early in life he was a farmer in Atkinson and built the house now standing nearly opposite the old home. Later he became a lawyer in Bangor, whose counsel was much engaged in a certain class of cases, especially in city affairs and bankruptcy pro- ceedings. He married Mary Wilson, November 26, 1832, who died October 28, 1865. Their children were Wilson, born October 18, 1834; Horace, born June 6, 1838; Mary, born December 24, 1839; and William, born July 3, 1843. The survivors are Horace, residing in New Rochelle, N. Y. ; William, residing in California, and Mary, residing in Bangor. William was married the second time to Susan W. Dunmore, now deceased; no children.
Cornelia, the fourth child, was born in Dover, N. H., March 20, 1810, married to Dr. Amasa Barett in 1844, resided in Bangor for a number of years, and later on a farm in Brewer. Their children were Martha and Harriet. Martha died many years ago but Harriet still lives. She married Jules Golay, now deceased, and later one Powers. She now resides in Machiasport, Me., with her married daughters.
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Henrietta, the fifth child, was born in Dover, N. H., November 27, 1814; she married George W. Ingersoll of Bangor; at one time he was attorney general for Maine. Three children were born : Edward Chase, Alice C. , and Frances H. The only survivor is Frances, who now resides in Washington, D. C, and holds an important government position.
Josiah, the youngest child of Oliver and Harriet, will be mentioned under a separate heading.
There are now no survivors of the original family of Oliver Crosby of Atkinson, the last to pass away being Cornelia, in 1906, in the 95th year of her age. The remains of Oliver and Harriet are interred in the old family burying-ground on the farm, a short distance west of the house.
The artistic stone wall suiTounding this sacred place is made of stones in their natural shape, with uniform faces; an artistic iron gate forms the entrance, placed there a few years ago by my brother Oliver, the name- sake of the family. Some of the stately old evergreen trees still remain, and others have grown up. Two plain marble slabs stand erect, and silent. Upon the one marking grandfather's resting place is a brief epitaph mentioning some of the principal events of his life, and closing with the Scriptural verse: "Mark the just man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace. ' '
In writing of our ancestors we are naturally partial, and no doubt lean in their direction in extolling their virtues, perhaps unduly. While I never saw my grand- parents I have talked with many who knew them well, many besides the relations, and I believe I have portrayed them truthfully. Grandfather was a man eminently just in all things, but I do not think his mannerisms or mode of speech were always attractive, being somewhat com-
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manding and exacting of others, possibly a little self- centered, and might not, if living at the present day, be a very popular man. It is true, however, that those who knew him best were his warmest friends. He was classed as a rustic gentleman ; but if not possessed of those finishing touches and suaveness of manner, he car- ried through life those essentially sterling qualities which make the man.
His wife was a woman of strong intellect and most thoroughly informed for her sex. Was very benevolent. She adhered to the old orthodox religion and its literal teachings till late in life when she seemed to have out- grown the old creeds and dogmas, and embraced the more rational faith of the Golden Rule and the Sermon on the Mount.
About twenty years ago quite an unusual incident happened on my grandmother's side of the family. Her father, Stephen Chase of Portsmouth, N. H., was a ship owner, and engaged in the carrying trade. Three vessels, one with a cargo, were seized and confiscated by the French, in the days of Napoleon; these acts of depredation giving rise to the so-called French Spoliation Claims. It will be remembered that our government received its indemnity from France by arbitration a few years after ; but not until many years later and after a presidential veto, and then after a change of adminis- tration, were any of these claims allowed by Uncle Sam, and then only in part. The value of a single vessel was allowed and paid, which inured to the heirs of Stephen Chase, either as heirs or by right of representation. When divided a small sum was received by each of them.
It has given me great pleasure to present the above.
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JOSIAH CROSBY.
Josiah Crosby was born in Dover, N. H., November 24, 1816. He was the youngest son of Oliver and Harriet Crosby. He prepared for college at Foxcroft Academy, and by private instruction, and entered Bow- doin College, from which institution he was graduated in 1835, standing with the first five in his class in rank. He was admitted to the Piscataquis County bar in 1838, and after commencing practice in Kenduskeag (then Levant) and for a short time at Exeter, also, he located permanently at Dexter in 1845, where he resided and practiced law for fifty-nine years, being a member of the Maine State bar for sixty-six years, and continued in active practice up to the time of his death.
Josiah Crosby married Henrietta Hill of Exeter, February 15, 1844, who died December 29, 1846. Two children were born, but both died in infancy.
He married Mary Bradbury Foss of Dexter, daugh- ter of Simon Foss, February 27, 1849, and to them nine children were born, seven of whom are now living.
The old homestead in Dexter, beautifully situated on Zion's Hill, a commodious structure with extensive grounds, is quite a landmark. It was always the pleasure of my parents to keep "open house" for friends, and strangers were always welcomed. A short distance below the beautiful terraces and among the stately elms is located the law ofl^ce, where for more than half a century continuously clients were received, advice given, cases prepared for court, and the practice of law pursued in all its various forms. If those old walls could speak they could tell of a vast amount of hard work. My father was a great worker. Besides knowing the facts of a case as represented to him, and the law as well, he would give his most concentrated thought and reason as
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to how and in what way his case would best impress itself upon the court and jury. During all my close relations with him in the same office during my student days, I never heard him utter or hint, by a suggestive word to a witness to modify or change his testimony ; but, on the contrary, I have repeatedly heard him frankly advise clients to drop a case, or lose a verdict absolutely, than to attempt to win by questionable methods.
As a lawyer he believed his clients' rights should be protected, and nothing left undone in their behalf, and never failed to thrust his spear into the hole in his brother lawyer's armor whenever he saw an opportunity. Lawyers will concede that this is permissible, in a legal fray.
Lawyer Crosby in the court room was quite a different man than when in his home, on the street, or in his office. I mean by this that while his honor and man- hood were never forgotten, the gentle, amiable, unassum- ing man out of court was a big contrast to this advocate in the legal forum. In court his faculties were aroused to a superlative degree, and, gladiatorlike, he was ready for any new fact or legal question that might arise. He had that characteristic quality of quick thought with wise judgment, so that when opposing counsel changed position and took a new tack he was equal to the occa- sion. It was these qualities he possessed, of which many more could be mentioned, together with his painstaking preparation of cases that made hira so successful in the trial court. In the trial of a case he could not get his mind off the matter in hand from start to finish, and during the pendency of a case would eat lightly and sleep but little.
In the room he always occupied in the Blethen House in Dover he could be seen burning the midnight oil pre- paring for the next day's battle.
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Among some of the noted cases he successfully tried were, the arson case of the State vs. Trustam H. Hurd, (associated with him being the late Hon. A. M. Robinson,) for the burning of a dwelling-house in the night time, a crime punishable by death at that time; verdict, not guilty; State vs. Mrs. Hall (arson) of Ripley ; verdict, not guilty ; State vs. Chadbournes (murder) of Parkman; verdict, guilty; (the elder Chadbourne died in prison, and a pardon was secured for the son later;) State vs. Dr. Weed, charged with rob- bing Peter Bennett of Plymouth of $30,000; verdict, not guilty.
Lawyer Crosby's practice was large and successful upon the civil side of the court, in law and equity. During the last twenty years of his practice he was greatly relieved and assisted by his son, J. Willis Crosby, who became his partner, and has since succeeded to the busi- ness, and who is held in high respect.
The most friendly relations existed between Josiah Crosby and the members of the bench and bar. He was often associated with legal brethren in important cases, and with whom he would always take the part wherein he could be most useful ; bending his energies towards good results rather than for the glory or the emoluments of the case.
In politics he was quite prominent, but in no sense could he be called a politician as the term is understood nowadays. He was a Whig until the Republican party came into existence, of which he was one of the original, and had a hand in the making of this popular party. He stood by his party until the early eighties, when he differed with its leaders upon the high protective policy and what seemed to him a strong leaning to favor the trusts and those who had accumulated large wealth, and ignoring the people at large who were the consumers and
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paid for these luxuries. From this time he joined the Democratic ranks. As to whether he acted wisel}' or otherwise I shall not attempt to say or express an opinion, but will unhesitatingly assert that his change in politics was not on account of disappointment of office nor because he was personally disgruntled.
By this time he had liberally educated nearly all of his children, which had been the great ambition of his life. He was enjoying a good law practice, and in com- fortable circumstances, and had no time or liking for many of the modern political methods used in getting elected to office.
In 1856, 1863 and 1865 he was a member of the House of Representatives of Maine, and in 1867-8 he was a member of the Senate from Penobscot County, and was elected president of the Senate in 1868, being op- posed in the election by Nelson Dingle}' and Frederick Robie, both of whom were subsequently elected Gov- ernors of the State. He took a conspicuous part in im- portant legislation and made man}' effective speeches.
Without solicitation he was nominated as the Demo- cratic candidate for Congress in 1890 from the Fourth District. He did not look for victory and spent the campaign period in Minnesota and Colorado, as he in- formed the convention he should do when nominated. He had no objection to being called a "mug-wump, " a political name of this time which will be remembered.
My father was one of the happiest men in his family, and the children well knew they could always learn from him. It was while carrying on conversation with mem- bers of his family and friends that some of the resources of his mind were most noticeable. He would not be considered a stranger when invited into any new field of knowledge; and as to what had been accomplished in the literary world he was easily at home in discussing. He
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was a great reader, and the books he especially liked he would be found reading again and again. He was a great admirer of the literature of the Bible; of some portions of it beyond all other books. His familiarity with Shakespeare was something remarkable.
His habits were abstemious, but he preferred high license and local option to prohibition. He thought cider a blessing to the human race, notwithstanding its occasional abuse.
His habit of bathing in cold water out of doors summer and winter, every morning, or jumping into the newly fallen snow as a substitute, might be called his eccentricity ; but he prized the daily practice as a means of preventing fevers, and giving to him the health and vigor which he enjoyed.
He had travelled much in his own country and in 1887 visited many parts of Europe.
In one respect, that of being town-meeting moderator, he held the State record. From 1857 to 1887 he was continuously Dexter's town-meeting moderator, and after his trip abroad he was again several times elected.
The surviving children are Etta (now Mrs. James Bird), residing in Anacortes, Wash. ; May (Mrs. A. B. Stickne}^), residing in St. Paul, Minn. ; Oliver of St. Paul; S. P. of Braham, Minn.; J. Willis of Dexter, Me. ; Annie C. of St. Mary's College, Dallas, Tex., and Clara I., (Mrs. Chas. Altenberg), of Fairmont, Minn. ; and I am happy to add, all are in good health.
In closing this brief sketch I will say that no more fitting words could be written of my father than those selected by the writer, concurred in by the famih^ and engraved upon his monument: "His life was gentle; and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world: This was a man."
The North Eastern Boundary Contro- versy and the Aroostook War
By John Francis Sprague
A SERIOUS disagreement existed between the United States and Great Britain from the treaty of peace (1783) to the Webster- A shburton treaty (1842), respecting the boundary hne between what is now and was in 1842, the State of Maine and Canada, and known in history as the Northeast Frontier.
In tracing back to the sources of this contention, which was acute for more than a half century, it seems to me that two causes were among the earliest and most predominating which led up to the general confu- sion.
The first was the fact that the English sovereigns were very ignorant of American geography and were perpetually making grants of lands irreconciliably and often grotesquely conflicting, and the second was the instinctive desire of the Anglo Saxon to possess himself of all of the territory of this earth within his reach.
In 1493, Alexander VI, Pope of Rome, issued a bull, granting the New World, which Columbus had discov- ered, to the sovereigns of Spain and Portugal.
In that age a papal bull was generally regarded by Christian nations as a sufficient title to heathen lands, and under this title Spain claimed the entire North American coast from Cape Florida to Cape Breton.
John 1' ai liii i:i,|) CovKUNoit oi Maim:. 1S:{!»
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 217
France, although a CathoHc nation, was in unison with England, which had then become Protestant, in protesting against such an exclusive and unfair grant.
So far as there was an issue between England and Spain about American territory it was settled by Sir Francis Drake in 1588, by the victory over the Spanish Armada in the British Channel, which has been the scene of so many famous naval battles and where so much of the world's history has been made.
But England had not submitted to the slow process of waiting for the God of battles to determine her rights by discovery and conquest as they then stood in the western hemisphere. In 1495-6, three years after its discovery and before Columbus had seen it, Henry VII, King of England, issued a commission to John Cabot and his sons, "to seek out, discover and find whatsoever Isles, Countries, Regions or Provinces of the heathens and infidels" hitherto unknown to all Christians, and, as vassals of the king, to hold the same by his authority.
In 1502, the same king issued authority to Hugh Eliot and Thomas Ashurst to discover and take possession of the "Islands and Continents" in America.
As early as 1524 and many years before England had actually asserted jurisdictional rights on this continent, Francis I, King of France, doubted the "clause in Adam's will" which made this continent the incontro- vertible possession of "his brothers of Spain and Portu- gal'* and sent out discoverers and explorers, who explored the entire coast from the thirtieth to the fiftieth degree of latitude, and named the whole region New France.
Ten years later Jacques Quartier, known in English history as "Cartier, " commissioned by the same king, made several voyages to America and took possession of Canada. The French government maintained it ever after until its titles were lost by treaties and conquest.
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On the 8th of November, 1603, Henry IV, King of France, appointed Pier de Monts, his lieutenant-general, in the country, territories, coast and limits of Cadia, (la Cadia) since called Acadia, commencing at the fortieth degree and thence to the forty-sixth degree.
By charter of the 10th of September, 1621, James I granted to Sir William Alexander, a certain territory, under the name of "Nova Scotia," with the following boundaries: "Beginning at Cape Sable, in forty-three degrees north latitude, or thereabout, extending thence westwardly along the seashore, to the road commonly called St. Mary^s Ba}"; thence towards the north by a direct line crossing the entrance or mouth of that great ship road, which runs into the eastern tract of land between the territories of the Souriquois and of the Etchemins, (Bay of Fundy) to the river commonly called St. Croix, and to the most remote spring or source, which, from the western part thereof, first mingles itself with the river aforesaid; from thence, by an imaginary direct line, which may be conceived to stretch through the land, or to run towards the north, to the nearest road, river or spring emptj'ing itself into the great river de Canada (River St. Lawrence) ; and from thence proceeding eastwardl}' along the seashores of the said river de Canada, to the river, road, port, or shore, commonly known and called b}^ the name of Gachepe or Gaspe ; and thence south-eastwardly to the islands called Baccaleos or Cape Breton, leaving these islands on the right and the gulf of the said river de Canada or of the great ship road and the lands of Newfoundland, with the islands to the same pertaining, on the left; and thence to the head land or promontory of Cape Breton aforesaid, lying near the latitude of forty-five degrees, or thereabout; and from the said promontory of Cape Breton, towards the south and west, to Cape Sable afore-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 219
said, where the perambulation began, ***** all which lands aforesaid, shall at all times hereafter be called and known by the name of Nova Scotia, or New Scotland, in America."
Albert Gallatin in his introduction to "The Right of the United States of America to the North Eastern Boundary Claimed by Them," (1840) says:
"The western boundary thereby assigned to Nova Scotia differs from the eastern boundary of the United States, as described by the treaty of peace of 1783, in the following particulars.
"1st. The western source of the river St. Croix was intended b}' Sir William Alexander's charter; but by the treat}^ of 1783, the said river from its mouth to its source, without particularly designating which source, is made the boundary ; and this has been decided to be the river from its mouth to the source of its north branch.
"2nd. The line from the source of the River St. Croix, is, according to the charter, to run towards the north ; (versus septentrionem ;) by the treaty, it must run due north, or directly north.
"3rd. The said line, by the charter, extends to the river St. Lawrence, and, by the treaty, to the highlands dividing the rivers, &c. "
On the 3d of April, 1639, Charles I granted to Ferdinand Gorges, by the name of Province or Country of Maine, a territory bounded on the west by Piscata- way Harbor and the river Newichewanocke, (Piscataqua River) to the farthest head thereof, and thence one hun- dred and twenty miles northwestwards, extending from Piscataway Harbor, northeastwards, along the seacoast to Sagadahock, (the river Kennebec below the confluence of the river Androscoggin,) and up the river thereof to Kynybecky River, and, through the same, to the head thereof, and into the land northwestwards one hundz'ed
220 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
and twenty miles from the mouth of Sagadahock. Etc.
This last named grant was purchased in the year 1674. by the Colony of Massachusetts.
By the twelfth article of the treaty of Utrecht, in 1713. '^e Most Christian King of France" ceded to the Queen of England in perpetuity Acadia or Nova Scotia entire, * 'according to its ancient boxmdaries, ' * Etc.
But what its "ancient boundaries" were was for nearly fifty years after the treaty of Utrecht a matter of dispute between England and France and more especiallr betweai the pioneers and settlers of New France, and the Massachusetts Colony and the inhabitants of the Province of Maine, who had settled east of the Kennebec River.
The Governor of New France contended that the ancient bounds of Acadia extended as far west as the Ksmebec Riv^ under the grant of Charles I to Gorges, and had never beei changed by any act of England.
Attempts at a settlement were made between the two governments at various times but the results were futile.
When Wolfe conquered Quebec in 1759, all of Canada passed to the domain of the English by conquest and the minor questions of boundary lines were lost sight of.
Incidental to this long contention as to what was the westerly line of Acadia, was the destruction of the Jesuit Mission at Norridgewock and the killing of its missionary, Father Sebastian Rale, in 17:24. by the Massachusetts colonists.
Gallatiii in the work above referred to, in speaking of this Gorges grant and its subsequent purchase by the Colony of Massachusetts, asserts that it throws no light on the question as to how England acqviired any title to liie territory between the Koinebec and St. Croix, and says: "Although the name of Maine has since been extended to the country, eastwardly, as far as the boimda- ries of Nova Scotia, the ancient Province of Maine,
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 221
according to the aforesaid original grant, was bounded on the east by the river Sadahock or Kennebec.''
These facts are only referred to here, parenthetically, for the purpose of calhng attention to the generally chaotic condition of the sources of the jurisdictional rights of England in the Province of Maine, at the time of the treaty of peace in 1783.
The English had themselves, whether wrongfully or rightfully, whether by overt acts or not, made permanent the title of Massachusetts to the Province of Maine as far east as the St. Croix River, but how far north it extended was another matter and one of the principal causes of all the trouble between the people of Maine and New Brunswick and the American and Enghsh governments.
In the several treaties between France and England ceding to each other Acadia, no specific mention is made of boundaries, so the student is obliged to rely upon the grants from the Enghsh crown to its subjects for informa- tion as to what was the original intent of the English government, regarding the northerly hne of the Province of Maine.
On the 12th day of March, 1663, Charles II granted to his brother James, Duke of York, "all that part of the main land of New England, beginning at a certain place, called or known by the name of St. Croix adjoin- ing to New Scotland in America, and from thence extend- ing along the sea coast, into a place called Pemaquin or Pemaquid, and so up the river thereof to the furtherest head of the same as it tendeth northward to the river of Kennebec and so up, by the shortest course, to the river of Canada, northwards. ' '
All authorities agreed that the name "Maine" at some time in some way extended over all the above described territory and that the river Kennebec was what was in
222 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
the ancient maps Sadahock, and that "the river Canada" was the river St. Lawrence.
October 7th, 1691, William and Mary, by grant, annexed to the charter of the Massachusetts Colony, Nova Scotia, the ancient Province of Maine, and Saga- dahock, or the Duke of York's grant, containing how- ever, this proviso, "and it is our royal will and pleasure that no grants of any lands lying or extending from the river Sagadahock (Kennebec) to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Canada rivers, (St. Lawrence River) and to the main sea northward and eastward, to be made or passed by the Governor and General Assembly of our said Province, be of any force, validity, or effect, until we, our assigns and successors shall have signified our or their approba- tion of the same."
This grant is valuable herein, only for the purpose of showing that the English then claimed territory as far north as the St. Lawrence.
There does not seem to be any reason for this grant of Nova Scotia or Acadia to Massachusetts, which had been restored to France by the treaty of Breda, other than the fact that a state of war existed between the nations in 1691.
By the treaty of Ryswick, (1697) Great Britain, how- ever, agreed to restore to France "all countries, islands, forts and colonies, wheresoever situated, which the French did possess before the declaration of war. ' '
The Massachusetts Colony asserted jurisdiction over all of that part of the Province of Maine annexed to their charter by William and Mary, which was situated east of the Kennebec River, and the last claim of the French to this territory was extinguished with the destruction of the Kennebec Mission in 1724.
Subsequent to this a question arose among the colonists as to their legal title to the territory between the Kenne-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 223
bee and St. Croix, which was referred to the attorney and solicitor general of the crown, who gave it as their opinion (Aug. 11, 1731) "that all the tract of land lying between the rivers of Kennebec and St. Croix, is granted by their charter to the inhabitants of the said Province; that the rights of government granted to the said Province extend over this tract of land."
In Mitchell's map in the year 1755, the river St. Croix, in accordance with their decision, and a due north line from its source to the river St. Lawrence, are made the boundary between Nova Scotia and New England.
And Gallatin says that "in this map the river St. Croix, and a due north line from its source to the river St. Lawrence, are, accordingly, made the boundary between Nova Scotia and New England; embracing, under this last designation, the eastern part of Massa- chusetts, by the name of Sagadahock. "
Both Nova Scotia and New England are, in that map, published with the approbation of the board of trade, bounded to the north by the river St. Lawrence. And that river continued, accordingly, to be the northern boundary of both, till the 7th of October, 1763; when Canada, and all the possessions claimed by France in that quarter, having, by virtue of the treaty of peace of February, 1763, been definitively ceded by her to Great Britain, His Britannic Majesty issued a proclama- tion establishing new governments, and, amongst others, that of Quebec.
The boundaries of that government were, by the said proclamation, fixed as follows: "Bounded on the Labra- dor Coast by the river St. John ; and from thence, by a line drawn from the head of that river, through the Lake St. John, to the south end of the Lake Nipissing, from whence the said line, crossing the river St. Lawrence and the Lake Champlain, in forty-five degrees of north lati-
224 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
tude, passes along the Highlands which divide the rivers that empty themselves into the said river St. Lawrence from those which fall into the sea, and also along the north coast of the Bay des Chaleurs and the Coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, to Cape Hosiers ; and from thence, crossing the mouth of the river St. Lawrence, by the west end of the island of Anticosti, terminates at the aforesaid river St. John."
The Highlands designated above were thus assigned as the southern boundary of the province of Quebec and became the northern boundary of Nova Scotia; the northwest corner of which, instead of being, as hereto- fore, on the banks of the St. Lawrence, was thereby placed on the Highlands.
This boundary of the Province of Quebec was again ratified by the British government by the act of Parlia- ment of the 14th, Geo. IH, Chap. 83, (1774) commonly called the Quebec Act.
The treaty of peace between the Colonies and England at the close of the war of the Revolution and known in history as the treaty of 1783, provides — "And that all disputes, which might arise in the future on the subject of the boundaries of the said United States, may be prevented, it is hereby agreed and declared, that the following are and shall be their boundaries, viz: From the northwest angle of Nova Scotia, viz: that angle which is formed by a line drawn due north from the source of the St. Croix River, to the Highlands, which divide those rivers, that empty themselves into the river St. Lawrence from those which fall into the Atlantic Ocean, to the northwesternmost head of Connecticut River ; east, by a line to be drawn along the middle of the river St. Croix, from its mouth in the Bay of Fundy to its source; and from its source, directly north, to the aforesaid Highlands, which divide the rivers which fall
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 225
into the Atlantic Ocean from those that fall into the river St. Lawrence."
Subsequent to this treaty doubts arose as to which was the St. Croix River, and commissioners were appointed under the provisions of its fifth article who declared October 25, 1798, that a river called "Scoodiac, " and the northern branch of it (called "Cheputnaticook") to be the true river St. Croix as intended by the treaty, that its mouth was in the Bay of Passamaquoddy at a place called Joe's Point, and its source at the northern- most head spring of the northern branch aforesaid.
During the War of 1812 the British seized and held Moose Island on which the city of Eastport now stands, and at the treaty of Ghent they refused to restore it.
It was generally stipulated that all territory, places, and possessions taken by either party during the war should be restored, and it was specially provided that such of the islands in Passamaquoddy Bay as were claimed by both parties, should remain in the possession of the party in whose occupation they might be at the time of the exchange or the ratification of the treaty, without prejudice to either party, till the question of title should be settled. For such a settlement Art. IV provided that the question should be referred to two commis- sioners to be appointed by the two governments.
The King of Great Britain appointed Thomas Barclay and President Madison appointed John Holmes, who was a resident of the Province or District of Maine.
Their decision, which was rendered November 24, 1817, seems to have been acquiesced in by all parties and with a few exceptions I do not find that it was very seriously criticised by the writers at that time.*
*The first question that arose before these commissioners was, which of the three rivers falling into the Bay of Fundy was the St. Croix contemplated by the treaty of 1783. [over]
226 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
It was well understood by both governments that the boundary line of Nova Scotia was left very indefinite by the treaty of 1783, but as there were but few settlers on the disputed territory and but little business or com- merce, and as both nations were engrossed in struggles with each other of more consequence, there was but little controversy about it.
The fact was, however, recognized by the treaty of Ghent (1814) and they made provision for its adjustment
These rivers had all been known and described at various times by the name of St. Croix. The most easterly had likewise been called the Magaquadavic; the intermediate, the Schoodic; the most west- erly, the Cobscook.
The decision of the commissioners was that the middle river, known sometimes as the Schoodic, was the true St. Croix River. It having been thus fixed, it was so regarded by both governments, at the treaty of Ghent, and in the proceedings when the whole matter was finally adjusted by the Webster-Ashburton treaty.
It has, however, been the opinion of students of history who have since investigated the subject, that a grave error was committed, by which the American government, and ultimately the State of Maine, were grossly wronged, that if the subject had been properly con- sidered and fairly adjudicated, the easterly river, rather than the Schoodic or the intermediate river, would have been the easterly boundary of the State of Maine.
Probably no man in the days of this controversy gave the subject more consideration than the late Col. John G. Deane of Portland, and formerly of Ellsworth. He was a leading member of the Legis- lature during that time and was the author of several official reports relating to the North Eastern Boundary, and he was firmly con- vinced that the commissioners selected the wrong river for the St. Croix.
By this blunder, if such it were. Col. Deane estimated that the State of Maine "lost a strip of territory from fifteen to twenty miles in breadth, and one hundred and seventy-five miles in length."
(See a sketch of the life of John G. Deane, Maine Hist. Coll. 2d Series, Vol. 1, p. 179. "The North Eastern Boundary," by Israel Washburn, Jr., read before the Maine Historical Society, May 15, 1879.)
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 227
by the fifth article of this treaty, a part of which is as follows :
"Whereas neither that point of the Highlands lying due north from the source of the River St. Croix, and designated in the former treaty of Peace between the two Powers, as the north-west angle of Nova Scotia, nor the north-western most head of the Connecticut River, has yet been ascertained; and whereas that part of the boundary line between the Dominions of the two Powers, which extends from the source of the River St. Croix, directly north, to the above-mentioned north-west angle of Nova Scotia; thence, along the said Highlands which divide those rivers that empty themselves into the River St. Lawi-ence from those which fall into the Atlantic Ocean, to the north-western most head of Connecticut River; thence, down along the middle of that river, to the forty-fifth degree of north latitude ; thence, by a line due west, on said latitude, until it strikes the River Iroquois or Cataraquy, has not yet been surveyed ; it is agreed that for those several purposes, two Commissioners shall be appointed, sworn and authorized to act, &c. ******* 'Y\^Q said Commissioners shall have power to ascertain and determine the points above mentioned, in conformity with the provisions of the said treaty of Peace of 1783, and shall cause the boundary aforesaid, from the source of the River St. Croix to the River Iroquois or Cataraquy, to be surveyed and marked according to the said provisions. The said Commission- ers shall make a map of the said boundary and annex to it a declaration under their hands and seals, certifying it to be the true map of the said boundary, and particular- izing the latitude and longitude of the north-west angle of Nova Scotia, of the north-western most head of Con- necticut River, and of such other points of the said boundary as they may deem proper. And both parties
228 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
agree to consider such map and declaration as finally and conclusively fixing the said boundary."
The same article further provided for a reference to a friendly sovereign or state, in the event of the commis- sioners being unable to agree.
The two governments appointed commissioners con- formitory with this provision, namely, George III appointed on the part of Great Britain, Thomas Barclay, September 4, 1815, and President Madison appointed Cornelius Van Ness, April 3, 1816. Mr. Van Ness was a native of New York but at the time of his appoint- ment resided in Vermont, and it appears that John Holmes, who was one of the commissioners to adjudicate in regard to the titles of the islands in Passamaquoddy Bay, also acted with them. Henry H. Orne was appointed secretary to this commission. Mr. Orne, who in the record was simply described as "a citizen of the United States," was presumably Judge Henry Orne of Boston, from whom the town of Orneville in the county of Piscataquis derived its name.
This commission, after sitting for five 3^ ears, could not even agree on a plan for a general map of the country exhibiting the boundaries respectively claimed by each party ; much less could they settle any of the matters referred to them.
They accordingly dissolved and made separate reports to both governments, stating the points on which they differed, and the grounds of their difference.
Soon after the close of the War of 1812, settlements, not only in the northeastern parts of the Province of Maine, but in Nova Scotia and Quebec as well, began to increase; business was expanding and land under both flags was becoming more valuable.
All of these things tended to reawaken the interest in
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 229
the question of boundary lines between the two dominions.
Maine became a state in 1820, and by the Articles of Separation the Commonwealth of Massachusetts re- served to herself one half of the unincorporated lands within the Province of Maine.*
Hence not only the inhabitants of eastern Maine, but both of these states were intensely interested in having the matter decided.
Finally the statesmen of both governments concluded that a condition had arisen which made it necessary to refer the points of difference to a friendly sovereign under the terms of the treaty of Ghent ; and on the 29th day of September, 1827, a convention to that effect was con- cluded.
Consequently in 1826, Albert Gallatin, who was one of the commissioners of the United States at Ghent in 1814, went to England as minister of the United States, charged with the duty of arranging various questions of difference and among them the North Eastern Boundary. He had many conferences with the plenipotentiaries rep- resenting that government, the principal result of which was the convention to refer the matter to a friendly sovereign under the provision of the treaty of Ghent herein before referred to.
The statements of the United States were prepared and submitted to the arbitrator by Mr. Gallatin who had associated with him Wm. Pitt Preble of Portland, t
*Act of Separation passed by Legislature of Massachusetts June 19, 1819, Sec. 1, part first.
tWilliam P. Preble was a resident of Portland and was born in York, Me., November 27, 1783, and died October 11, 1857. He was graduated from Harvard College in 1806, studied law with Benjamin Hasey at Topsham and Mr. Orr in Brunswick. Practiced law in Alfred and Saco before he removed to Portland in 1818. In 1814 he
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It was stipulated therein that Mitchell's map, by which the framers of the treaty of 1783 had regulated their j oint and official proceedings, and a map denomi- nated A, had been agreed upon b}' the contracting parties, as a delineation of the water courses and a general outline of the territory.
The King of the Netherlands was selected as arbiter and when he heard the case of the high contracting parties, changes of magnitude had taken place in both the American and English possessions since the treaty of 1783.
The Province of Maine was independent from the mother Commonwealth of Massachusetts and had entered upon her career as a sovereign state of the Union.
Nova Scotia had been divided and a new province erected called New Brunswick, within the borders of which was the territory about which the contention had arisen, and Quebec had been made into two provinces, then known as Upper Canada and Lower Canada.
The task imposed upon the arbiter was an onerous one but the duties were plain and not at all obscure.
He was to construe the provisions of the treaty of 1783, which related to this boundary, and make a deci- sion which, if ratified by the two governments, would be binding upon them.
This necessitated his making findings among other things as to the following questions :
received the appointment of U. S. District Attorney from President Madison.
In 1820 he was selected as one of the three judges composing the highest judicial court of the new State of Maine.
In 1828 he resigned from the bench and entered upon diplomatic service.
President Jackson appointed him Minister Plenipotentiary to The Hague, and he was serving in this capacity when the King of Hol- land rendered his decision. He was in various ways active in the affairs of the North Eastern Boundary question until its final settle- ment by the Webster-Ashburton treaty.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 231
1 . What was the ' 'north-west angle of Nova Scotia?"
2. The "Source" of the St. Croix River?
3. What were the "Highlands," which "divide those rivers that empty themselves into the River St. Lawrence from those which fall into the Atlantic Ocean?"
4. What was the "Northwesternmost head of the Connecticut River?"
Incidental with, or subordinate to these were other questions which arose in the investigations and discus- sions as the case progressed before him, but I regard the foregoing as the principal or leading points in the con- troversy.
It was undoubtedly unfortunate for all parties to this imbroglio, that, in designating the northerly boundary between the territory of Massachusetts (Province of Maine) and Nova Scotia, in the treaty of 1783, the term "Highlands" should have been used. It was indefinite and susceptible of widely different construction. No writer has since maintained or even insinuated that the word was placed there by either party designedly or for any ulterior purpose.
It was without doubt, purely and simply, a case of careless and inconsiderate use of language. It should be observed that this word was not used in these treaties except in the sense of dividing rivers, and that in the early grants the intention of making the St. Lawrence River the northerly boundary of Maine seemed to be apparent.
This was the position taken by the American commis- sioners before the King of the Netherlands, and it was furthermore contended by them that, taking the whole article together, the word "Highlands" as therein expressed, referred to an unexplored country and was applicable to any ground, whatever might be its nature or elevation, along which the line dividing the rivers
232 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
should be found to pass; and that the fact that the ground dividing rivers was necessarily more elevated than those rivers and their banks, was sufficient to entitle it to the designation of "Highlands" in relation to those rivers.
The United States claimed that a line from the source of the river St. Croix "directly north" reaches a ridge or "Highland" which divides tributary streams of the St. John River, which falls into the Bay of Fundy, from the waters of the Ristigouche River, which falls through the Bay des Chaleurs, into the Gulf of St. Lawrence; that this line crosses no other rivers for a distance exceeding ninety miles, but tributary streams of the St. John and that river itself. And furthermore that it was not necessary to find an}' continuous range of mountains, but continuous land which divided these rivers.
To be exact I copy the following from Gallatin's notes on the "American line" (page 17) which he compiled from the statements laid before the King of the Nether- lands :
"At about ninety-seven miles from the source of the River St. Croix, the due north line reaches a ridge or Highland which divides tributary streams of the River St. John, which falls into the Bay of Fundy, from the waters of the River Ristigouche, which falls through the Bay des Chaleurs, into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. And, in its further north course, the said line, after crossing several upper branches of the River Ristigouche, reaches, at the distance of about 140 miles from the source of the River St. Croix the Highlands, which divide the waters of the said River Ristigouche from the tributary streams of the River Metis, which falls into the River St. Lawrence. It is clear that there is no other possible choice but between those two places, and that the north-
OF PISCATAdUIS COUNTY 233
west angle of Nova Scotia must, of necessity, be found at the intersection of the said due north line with, either the Highlands which divide the waters of the River St. John from those of the River Ristigouche, or the High- lands which divide the waters of the River Ristigouche from those of the River Metis ; since there is no other point, through the whole course of the due north line, which divides any other waters but such as empty them- selves into the same river.
"The selection between those two dividing Highlands evidently depends on what is meant, according to the treaty of 1783, by rivers that empty themselves or fall into the River St. Lawrence, and by rivers which fall into the Atlantic Ocean.
"The treaty recognizes but two classes of rivers. The first class embraces only the rivers falling into a river, designated by its specific name, and cannot be construed to include any rivers that do not empty themselves into the river thus specially designated. All the rivers, met by the due north line, which do not actually empty themselves into the River St. Lawi-ence, according to its known limits, are, by the treaty, considered as falling into the Atlantic Ocean."
The British theory from first to last was that "High- lands" represented a mountainous or hilly country or district.
They would not admit its American significance as a continuous line dividing rivers regardless of whether such line was mountainous or not.
There may have been some reason for this as they had been familiar with the term as applied to a region of Highlands in Scotland which distinguished it from the Lowlands, Etc.
Their writers from time immemorial had thus described sections which were of high elevation and had not gener-
234 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
ally used the word in the American sense as a dividing^ line, a ridge or a range.
In the same notes (page 18) Mr. Gallatin says:
"It is denied on the part of Great Britain, that the boundary thus claimed by the United States, is that which is prescribed or intended by the treaty principally, if not exclusively, on two grounds:
"1st. That the Bay of Fundy, as mentioned in the treaty of 1783, is, (as well as the Gulf of St. Law- rence,) intended to be separate and distinct from the Atlantic Ocean ; and that the River St. John, which falls into the Bay of Fundy, (as well as the River Ristigouche which, through the Bay des Chaleurs, falls into the Gulf of St. Lawrence,) is intended, on that as well as on separate grounds, to be excepted from that class of rivers which are described in the treaty as falling into the Atlantic Ocean.
"2ndly. That the ground over which the boundary line claimed by the United States does pass, has neither the mountainous character, nor the continuous elevation necessary to entitle it to the designation of 'High- lands, ' as intended by the treaty ; and therefore, that the Highlands, claimed on the part of the United States, conform neither in position or character, to the conditions imposed on them by the treat}'.
"From those premises, and with reference particularly to the assertion, that the River St. John must be excepted from that class of rivers described in the treaty as falling into the Atlantic Ocean, it is inferred, on the part of Great Britain, that, consequently the Higlilands described in the treaty must lie to the southward of that River. And it is further affirmed, that the Highlands, claimed, on the part of Great Britain, as those desig- nated in the treaty of 1783, conform, in every particu- lar, to the conditions imposed on them by that treaty."
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 235
The north line would terminate at Mars Hill as the British construed the treaty, while under the American construction it would run as far north as the sources of the Ristigouche River, which empties into the Bay des Chaleurs.
The St. John River was midway between the two lines, or in about the central part of the disputed terri- tory.
Had the British claim prevailed, all of what is now Aroostook County, north of Mars Hill, and the most of what is now Piscataquis County, northerly of the Penob- scot waters, would be a part of Canada; and if the Americans had finally been sustained in all that they con- tended for, the rich St. John River valley and a large stretch of territory northerly, easterly and northwesterly would now be a part of the State of Maine.
For the purpose of this sketch it is not necessary to consider the numerous subjects which were involved when the case was tried out before the arbiter. Thirty or more maps published in London subsequent to the proc- lamation of 1768, were among the exhibits placed before him by the United States, eighteen of which were pub- lished before the treaty of 1783.
The English made the point that the negotiators of the treat}' of 1783 had no evidence before them of the actual geography of the country, and hence the words of the treaty were not effectual, and yet these last-named eighteen maps all made plain the situation of the basin of the St. John, the sources of the Penobscot, which were rivers and streams falling into the Atlantic, and those of the tributary streams of the St. Lawrence.
The negotiators of that treaty had access to these maps and made use of them, consequently the Americans contended that the highland or ridge of land which divided these tributary streams, was the "Highlands'*
236 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
described in the treaty, and that it constituted a well- defined boundary line which could be found upon the face of the earth, and that there was no reason whatever for assuming that when those words were mutually written into the treaty their significance and meaning were not fully understood.
It would seem that the gist of the entire issue before the King of the Netherlands was, what were the inten- tions of the negotiators of the treaty of 1783, and it is difficult to perceive just how any acts of jurisdiction subsequently exercised by either party over the contested territory, could have thrown any light on these inten- tions or affected in any manner the terms of the treaty.
And yet both sides were allowed to and did present evidence of this nature, some of which is interesting even though its materiality at that time may be doubted.
It appeared that in the year 1784, a native Indian was tried and convicted by a court of the Province of Quebec, and accordingly executed for a murder com- mitted, as was suggested, on the waters of the river St. John; that between the years, 1789 and 1791, two suits were instituted and judgment obtained, before the courts of Quebec by some inhabitants of Canada against persons residing on the river Madawaska; that an extract from a list of the parishes in the Province of Quebec, taken from the minutes of the Executive Council for 1791, includes that of Madawaska,* and that, in the year
*A part of the disputed territory was during the entire contro- versy over the North Eastern Boundary, known as Madawaska. Upon a part of this is now situated the town of Madawaska in the State of Maine. This territory was anciently called the Fief of Madawaska; the original concession of it having been made by the Government of Canada to the children of the Sieur Charles Auburt de la Chenaye, November 26, 1683. This concession contained the following condition :
"Subject to the Foi et hommage, which the grantees, their heirs
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 237
1785, that council issued an order for opening a road from Kaniarouska on the river St. Lawrence to Lake Temisquata, which hes on the southeastern side of the dividing Highlands, claimed as their boundary by the L^nited States.
Seldom has an international question been so thor- oughly discussed as was that of this disputed boundaiy. *
and assigns, shall he holden to render at the Castle of St. Louis of Quebec of which they are to hold, and subject to the customary rights and dues in conformity with the Contume de Paris."
By an adjudication of the Prevotal Court of Quebec, dated Octo- ber 29th, 1709, this Seigniory of Madawaska was seized by virtue of a sentence of that court and was sold to Joseph Blondeau dit la Franchise as the highest bidder at a public judicial sale for the sum of 1,300 livres, and was accordingly adjudged to the said Joseph Blondeau.
On the 13th day of February, 1723, it appears, by some kind of a judicial proceeding or report, that "on the Fief of Madawaska there was a domain, on which the buildings had been, burnt by the Indians, and that there were six 'arpens' of land cleared, but at that time no settlement."
By an adjudication by the Prevotal Court of Quebec, dated July 29th, 1755, founded on what was called a "voluntary judicial sale," Madawaska passed to Pierre Claverie. After Canada became a part of the dominion of Great Britain by conquest, the title to this terri- tory passed by judicial sale to Richard Murray and on August 2, 1768, by deed of assignment by Richard Murray to Malcolm Fraser.
The latest deed of Madawaska under these titles that we have evi- dence of was dated August 2, 1802, but between this and the last named date there had been several transfers by judicial sale and otherwise.
This chain of titles was introduced before the King of the Nether- lands, by the British commissioners, to show continuous possession and ownership by Great Britain to Madawaska. The reply of the United States to this contention was, that since the conquest no one had performed acts of fealty and homage under the condition of the original concession of 1683, and hence the title had been for- feited and abandoned by reason of the failure to comply with these feudal services.
(Appendix to the first British Statement before the King of the Netherlands.)
*History and Digest of International Arbitrations, Vol. I, p. 91.
238 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Gallatin asserted that he devoted nearly two years in studying and preparing the case, and bestowed on it more time than he ever did on any other question.*
Finally on the 10th day of January, 1831, the deci- sion of the King of the Netherlands was made public and it was a surprise to both governments and to all parties of interest.
When his award was analyzed, it was found that he had sustained in words the American contention that the term "Highlands" was applicable to ground which, with- out being mountainous or hilly, divided rivers flowing in the opposite directions; but that it was not shown that the boundaries described in the treaty of 1783 coincided with the ancient limits of the British provinces; and that neither the line of Highlands claimed by Great Britain so nearly answered the requirements of the treaty of 1783 in respect to division of rivers as to give prefei'- ence one over the other.
Abandoning therefore the attempt to determine this part of the boundary according to the treaty of 1783, he recommended what was termed a line of "conven- ience"! or in other words, he made an arbitrary line, not found in Mitchell's map. Map A, or in any of the maps used by the negotiators of the treaty of 1783, of the treaty of Ghent, or by either party before him.
It was evidently intended by him as a compromise, pure and simple.
On the 12th day of January, 1831, Mr. Preble, who was then envoy-extraordinary of the United States at The Hague, addressed to the British Minister of Foreign Affairs, a note, respectfully protesting against the award and reserving the rights and interests of the
*Adams' Writings of Gallatin, Vol. II, p. 549.
tHistory and Digest of International Arbitrations, Vol. I, p. 136.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 239
United States on the ground that the proceedings of the arbitrator constituted a departure from his powers.
Mr. Preble also took the ground that the object of the arbitration was to have executed the terms of the treaty of 1783 and that if this could not be done, the question of boundaries ought never again be submitted to any sovereign. And he thus formally entered his protest against the proceedings.
The British government, while apparently not satis- fied with the award, expressed its acquiescence in it, but authorized its minister privately to intimate to the United States that it would not consider the formal acceptance of the award as precluding modifications of the line by mutual exchange and consideration.
The government at Washington for a time hesitated as to what course to pursue. Mr. Preble's protest had been entered without instructions from his government and President Jackson was at first inclined to accept the award.
As the action of the King of the Netherlands became more fully understood by the people of Maine and Massachusetts, its discussion by newspapers and public men became bitter and its criticism more and more intense; and the President's political enemies in both states were severely blaming him for his procrastination in the matter.
At one time he was disposed to issue a proclamation, accepting of the terms of the award without consulting the Senate, but was driven from this course by his politi- cal friends in Maine, who represented to him that such a course would change the politics of the State.*
It is said that he regretted in after years that he did
*Webster's Works, Vol. 1, p. 119.
240 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
not follow out his own inclinations in regard to the subj ect. *
President Jackson therefore submitted the question of acceptance or rejection to the Senate on the 7th day of December, 1831, and in June, 1832, the award was rejected by a vote of 35 to 8, and the Senate at the same time advised the President to open a new negotia- tion with Great Britain for the ascertainment of the line.
The British government promised to enter upon the negotiations in a friendly spirit; and it was stipulated and agreed that both sides should refrain from exercising any jurisdiction be3'Ond the boundaries which they actu- ally possessed.
Meanwhile the government of the United States made earnest though unsuccessful attempts to obtain from the State of Maine full authority to adjust the matter with Great Britain.
The proposition was for Maine to provisionally sur- render to the Federal government all of her right to the disputed territory for the purpose of a settlement.
These offers were, however, all rejected by the State of Maine and then the British government formally with- drew its offer to accept the compromise recommended by the King of the Netherlands.
No real progress was made and nothing accomplished towards a settlement of the controversy during the remainder of President Jackson's administration.
President Van Buren sent a message to the Senate March 20, 1838, with recent correspondence about the subject between the Secretary of State, Mr. Forsyth, and the British Minister, Mr. Fox.
Mr. Forsyth recommended a new conventional line, or another submission to arbitration and the President in
*Webster's Works, Vol. 1, p. 119.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 241
his message expressed the hope that "an early and satis- factory adjustment of it could be effected."
Governor Kent submitted the question to the Legis- lature of Maine, which body on the 23d day of March, 1838, resolved that it was not expedient to assent to the Federal government's treating for a conventional line, but that the State should insist on the line established by the treaty of 1783, and that the senators and representatives in Congress be requested to urge the passage of a bill then pending for a survey of the boundary.
In 1839, Messrs. Featherstonhaugh and Mudge, employed by the English authorities, surveyed a part of the line and the government at Washington provided for a survey in 1840.
Nothing of importance resulted from either of these surveys.
For a decade of years subsequent to the award of the King of the Netherlands it was a theme of vast interest to the people of Maine and of Massachusetts as well.
The General Court of that commonwealth made vari- ous reports regarding it at different times. The Gov- ernors of Maine discussed it in their messages and the Legislature made several exhaustive reports upon it.
Indissolubly interwoven with this controversy is the arrest, imprisonment and punishment of one John Baker, a resident of what was known as the Madawaska Settle- ment.
The rights of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to Madawaska and adjacent lands on the Aroostook River were recognized at an early period after the source of the St. Croix was settled by the convention of 1794.
Grants were accordingly made by the Legislature of
Massachusetts of lots of land embracing both branches
of the Aroostook River* and bordering on the boundary
*This river was originally known as "Restook" and "Ristook."
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
line, namely : One to the town of Plymouth and one to General Eaton.
Locations and surveys of these lands were made under authority of Massachusetts.
Among other grants was that of a lot of land to John Baker "of a plantation called and known by the name of Madawaska Settlement, in the County of Penobscot, and State of Maine," the deed of which was executed jointly by "George W. Coffin, agent for the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, and James Irish, agent for the State of Maine," on the third day of October, 1825. Another deed of land situated below Baker's was made to James Bacon.
Baker had a farm and a small store, and also a grist and sawmill. Other settlers soon became his neighbors and his place was a center and headquarters for the American settlers in that locality.
One George Morehouse resided in Tobique, in a parish then recently formed and known as Kent.
He held a magistrate's commission from the Province of New Brunswick, and the first of the Madawaska troubles seem to have arisen from a practice which he had instituted as magistrate, although there is no evi- dence that he was in the first instance in any way authorized or instructed by the province authorities to pursue it.
This was no less a procedure than issuing precepts directed to the constables of the Parish of Kent, for the recovery of small demands against the inhabitants along the Aroostook River.
Criminal processes against these inhabitants were also occasionally issued by Magistrate Morehouse.
The serving of these precepts was often resisted by them and sometimes by force.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 248
That Baker was a leader among these settlers is true and that he may have advised them to thus resist the officers which he believed had no authority or jurisdiction there, is also undoubtedly a fact.
Thus the strife between Morehouse and his followers on the one hand, and the American settlers, led by Baker, on the other hand, continually increased until it seemed to have culminated some time in the early fall of 1827 by an incident which now seems more amusing than tragic.
The Americans had erected a staff, or what might have been known as a "liberty pole," although it does not appear that they had any flag, and upon the top of it had attached a rude representation of the American Eagle.
The Americans had occasional gatherings and festivi- ties around this national emblem, which it may be imagined, were more or less convivial, and they sometimes jeered and perhaps annoyed passers-by from the province who acknowledged allegiance to the Sovereign of Eng- land.
When Morehouse learned of this he became enraged and called upon Baker and ordered him to remove it. This Baker refused to do, whereupon Morehouse procured a subpoena from Thomas Wetmore, Esq., attorney- general of New Brunswick, dated September IT, 1827, for his arrest.
Early in the morning of September 25th, while Baker and his family were asleep, his house was surrounded by an armed force and he was arrested and taken before Magistrate Morehouse,* who committed him to the jail in
*Report of Charles S. Davies to the Governor of Maine, January 31, 1831, p. 29. There may be some doubt however about this statement as the subpoena commanded him to appear before the court in Fredericton.
244 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Fredericton without even examination or trial, if the accounts of the transaction pubHshed at the time are to be believed.
But while Morehouse may or may not have been incited by the New Brunswick authorities to do these unlawful acts, they were themselves responsible for some things equally as illegal, among which was that of assess- ing and levying a special and wholly illegal tax upon these settlers which was known as the "Alien tax."*
Baker was prosecuted at various times and one of the alleged grounds for action against him and for several other similar proceedings against Americans in Mada- waska and along the Aroostook River was, that they were trespassers on crown lands. Lumber that had been sawed at Baker's mill was seized and confiscated while being transported down the St. John.
Magistrate Morehouse seems to have spent consider- able time in harassing the settlers on the Aroostook in devious ways.
Early in the spring of 1827 he assumed to have author- ity to prevent them from working on the lands which they occupied, and forbade their doing so, and also posted up wi'itten notices to this effect on the Eaton Grant, and in different places; and marked some small piles of tim- ber which they had cut, for seizure, t
He did not even treat them as English subjects but apparently regarded them as outlaws and intruders with- out a country, and without rights which anyone was bound to respect.
In July, 1827, Daniel Craig, a deputy sheriff of the Parish of Kent, who was sent by Morehouse, delivered summonses to all of the inhabitants to appear before the
*Gov. Lincoln's letter to the Secretary of State of the United States, September 3, 1827. tDavies' Report, p. 10.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 245
court in Fredericton in pleas of trespass and intrusion on crown lands.*
This sudden and unexpected proceeding naturally created a state of consternation and alarm.
The precepts were served only a few days before the court was to convene. Some went to Fredericton only to learn that the cases were delayed until the next winter. Some went part way and then returned home, while many did not heed the summonses at all.
It was said that those who did go suffered much hard- ship as they were far from home without means of suste- nance.
One man, James Armstrong, was seized in the house of his brother, Ferdinand Armstrong, placed in a canoe and forcibly deported beyond the territory, t
Their market was at Houlton and their only means of transportation was down the St. John River, but as their produce was often seized while en route and as they were subject to so much oppression from the provincial officers, in the fall and winter of 1827-8 they deter- mined to cut out a woods road to Houlton which should be wholly on undisputed American soil.
The first attempt at this was a failure as the explorers who were employed to "spot" out the road, lost their way and after much suffering and privation, found them- selves in Foxcroft. J
It is evident that these American settlers desired to live quiet and peaceful lives, for the means which they resorted to to circumvent provincial authority fuUy demonstrate this.
When they had endured the methods and practices of Morehouse and others as long as they felt it was possible,
*Davies' Report, p. 11. tib. p. 12. Jib. p. 12.
246 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
instead of organizing an armed revolt which might have been natural under the circumstances, they conceived the idea of a general agreement to avoid all resort to courts or legal proceedings whatever.
The plan was simple and yet unique and perhaps in a degree communistic.
A paper was accordingly drawn up and signed by the American inhabitants generally, constituting a sort of compact, by which they mutually agreed to adjust all disputes of whatever nature which might arise among themselves, by virtue of referees, without admission of British authority, and that they would support each other in abiding by this determination.
This was to be a provisional agreement, to continue in force only for one year ; and, in the meantime, appli- cation was to be made to the government, in order to obtain, if possible, the benefit of some regular authority. *
Thus these isolated and primitive people in that deso- late and remote region, buffeted by the persecutions of one government, and forsaken and abandoned to their own resources by another government, more than half a century after the treaty of 1783, proposed to free them- selves from the tyranny of all magistrates, courts, lawyers and officers.
This paper or written agreement among the inhabi- tants of Madawaska, was, as will hereafter appear, one of the grounds for the indictment against Baker and others for alleged conspiracy and sedition.
The redoubtable Morehouse, as might have been anticipated, appeared upon the scene as soon as he learned of the existence of this written agreement and demanded it of them, but it was in their estimation, too sacred a document to part with, and they refused to
*Davies' Report, p. 23.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 247
deliver it up as did the people of Connecticut refuse to surrender their ancient charter to James II in 1687.
At the Hilary term* of the Supreme Court in 1828, the grand jury for the County of York in the Province of New Brunswick found a true bill of indictment against John Baker, James Bacon and Charles Studson, for conspiracy.
The defendants, Bacon and Studson, were never taken into custody, but John Baker was arrested and arraigned Thursday, May 8, 1828, before the Honorable Chief Justice Saunders, Mr. Justice Bliss and Mr. Justice Chipman.
The indictment alleged that the defendants "being persons greatly disaffected to our said lord the now King, and his Government, within this his Majesty's Province of New Brunswick, and being factiously and seditiously disposed, on the fourth day of July in the eighth year of the reign of our said Sovereign Lord George the Fourth, with force and arms, at the parish aforesaid, in the county aforesaid, did amongst them- selves, conspire, combine, confederate, and agree together, falsely, maliciously, factiously, and seditiously, and to bring hatred and contempt on our said lord the King, etc, etc."
The first overt act complained of in this indictment was that on the said fourth day of July at the place above named, the defendants "in pursuance of, and according to said conspiracy," * * * * jj^j "cause to be raised and erected, a certain flag-staff, and did place thereon a certain flag, as the Standard of the United States of America. ' '
*Hilary Terra. In English law. A terra of court, beginning on the 11th and ending on the 31st of January in each year. Super- seded (1875) by Hilary sittings, which begin January 11th, and end on the Wednesday before Easter.
248 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
The second overt act relates to the provisional paper which the inhabitants had signed as above referred to and alleged that the defendants had "applied to divers liege subjects of our said lord the King, and then and there presented to the same subjects a paper writing, which they the said John Baker, James Bacon and Charles Studson, then and there requested the said sub- jects to sign, then and there declaring that, by the said paper, they the said subjects, would bind themselves to oppose the execution of the laws of Great Britain, to wit, in the Madawaska settlement, so called. ' '
The third overt act states that the defendants "did oppose and obstruct the post man" in carrying the mail through Madawaska settlement, etc.
The attorney general appeared and prosecuted the case for the crown while the defendant Baker appeared without counsel and defended himself during the trial. Baker was found guilty, and sentenced to two months imprisonment, and to pay a fine of £25 to the king.
Prior to the arrest of Baker he and James Bacon had been selected by the inhabitants as "a deputation" to proceed to the seat of government of Maine with a request to have their case laid before the Legislature at its next session ; and to enquire of the executive authority whether they were recognized as citizens of the State of Maine and entitled to its protection.
These two men attended to this duty by traveling on foot and by canoe much of the way ; they then "returned through the wilderness by the way the}^ came."
One of the results of their mission was the following proclamation by the Governor of Maine:
"Whereas it has been made known to this State, that one of its citizens has been conveyed from it, by a Foreign Power, to a gaol in the Province of New Bruns- wick ; and that many trespasses have been committed by
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 249
inhabitants of the same Province upon the sovereignty of Maine and the rights of those she is bound to protect.
"Be it also known, that, relying on the government and people of the Union, the proper exertion will be applied to obtain reparation and security.
"Those, therefore, suffering wrong, or threatened with it, and those interested by sympathy, on account of the violation of our territory and immunities, are exhorted to forbearance and peace, so that the prepara- tions for preventing the removal of our land marks, and guarding the sacred and inestimable rights of American citizens may not be embarrassed by any unauthorized acts.
ENOCH LINCOLN.
Portland, November 9, 1827."
The Legislature of 1828 also passed this resolve: "Whereas the sovereignty of this State has been repeatedly violated by the acts of the agents and officers of the Government of the British Province of New Brunswick, and that government, by its agents and officers, has wantonly and injuriously harassed the citi- zens of this State, residing on the North Eastern frontier of the same, and within its limits, by assuming to exer- cise jurisdiction over them, in issuing and executing civil and criminal process against them, by which their property has been seized, and some of them arrested and conveyed out of the State, and subjected to the opera- tion of the laws of that Province; and in establishing military companies within the territory of this State; imposing fines for neglect of military duty ; imposing upon our said citizens an alien tax, and requiring pay- ment of the same; and Whereas, by the exercise of the aforesaid unwarranted acts of jurisdiction by the govern-
250 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
ment of the said Province, some of our citizens have been deprived of their liberty, their property destroyed, many of them driven from their lands and dwellings, the tranquility and peace of all of them disturbed, and the settlement and population of that part of the State adjoining said Province, greatly retarded, if not wholly prevented : Therefore,
"RESOLVED, That the present is a crisis, in which the government and people of this State, have good cause to look to the government of the United States for defence and protection against foreign aggression.
"RESOLVED FURTHER, That if new aggressions shall be made by the government of the Province of New-Brunswick upon the territory of this State, and upon its citizens, and seasonable protection shall not be given by the United States, the Governor be, and he hereby is requested to use all proper and constitutional means in his power, to protect and defend the citizens aforesaid in the enjo3'ment of their rights.
"RESOLVED FURTHER, That, in the opinion of this Legislature, the Executive of the United States ought, without delay, to demand of the British Govern- ment the immediate restoration of John Baker, a citizen of this State, who has been seized by the officers of the Province of New Brunswick, within the territory of the State of Maine, and by them conveyed to Fredericton, in said Province, where he is now confined in prison ; and to take such measures as will effect his early release.
"RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Governor be, and he hereby is, authorized and requested, with the advice and consent of Council, from time to time, to extend to the family of the said John Baker, such relief as shall be deemed necessary ; and he is hereby author- ized to draw his warrant on the Treasury for such sum or sums as shall be required for that purpose.
OF PISCATAaUIS COUNTY 251
In the House of Representatives, Feb. 16, 1828. Read and passed,
JOHN RUGGLES, Speaker. Attest, James L. Child, Clerk.
In Senate, February 18, 1828, Read and passed, ROBERT P. DUNLAP, President. Attest, Ebenezer Hutchinson, Sec'y.
February 18, 1828 — Approved,
ENOCH LINCOLN."
In 1831 the attempt of certain persons to hold an election at Madawaska Settlement under the laws of Maine, led to their arrest and trial by the authorities of New Bi*unswick.
They were convicted and sentenced to fine and impris- onment, but were afterwards released on the request of the United States government, their action having been disavowed by the authorities of Maine.
In June, 1837, Ebenezer Greeley of Dover, Maine, was employed by the State of Maine as an agent to take the census of the people of Madawaska, and at the same time, to distribute their share of the surplus money which had accumulated in the United States Treasury. *
A provincial constable arrested Mr. Greeley and car- ried him as a prisoner to Fredericton, N. B.
But while the Fredericton officials had for some time unhesitatingly imprisoned humble and uninfluential citi- zens of Maine when brought to them in custody, they were alarmed at this bold procedure. The sheriff there feared to detain in gaol an agent or officer of the State of Maine while in the discharge of his duties, and refused to receive the prisoner. After being liberated,
•Abbot's History of Maine, p. 431.
252 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Mr. Greeley returned to the Aroostook and resumed his labors as census taker.
In a short time after this, however, Governor Harvey of New Brunswick, hearing that Mr. Greeley was distrib- uting money to the people,* assumed, without making any attempt to obtain evidence of the facts, that it was done as a bribe to induce the inhabitants to continue their allegiance to the United States.
He therefore ordered Mr. Greeley to be rearrested, and he was lodged in Fredericton jail.t
Governor Dunlap of Maine issued a general order announcing that the soil of the State had been invaded by a foreign power and the militia was called upon to hold itself in readiness for momentary and active service.
A few weeks later, the British authorities, influenced by a message from President Van Buren, again liberated Mr. Greeley, who once more returned to the turbulent Aroostook and remained there until he had completed his services. J
That the people of the new State of Maine were actuated by a spirit of patriotism, in vigorously oppos- ing the encroachment of the officials of the Province of New Brunswick, upon what they believed to be their terri- tory ; that the feeling, when the District of Maine was separated from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in 1820, and admitted into the Union of States, was intense and increased year by year, as they saw what they deemed to be their unquestioned rights, trampled upon by the
*This was the famous "distribution of the surplus" under Pres. Jackson which was one of the most notable events of his administration.
t Abbot's History of Maine, p. 431.
+Mr. Greeley was released "without trial or explanation and returned to his home." (Message of Gov. Kent, 1839.)
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 253
province, supported and protected by Great Britain, was bitter and uncompromising, is true.
William King, the first Governor of Maine, in his message to the Legislature, June 2, 1820, refers to the importance of the North Eastern Boundary question, to both Maine and Massachusetts.
Governor Paris, in 1822, expressed "great anxiety," because of the disagreement of the commissioners, under the treaty of Ghent, "in relation to the true boundary, between the United States and the British Provinces," and he again referred to it in his message, in 1824.
In 1825, he also called attention to it, and to the fact "that depredations, to a very considerable extent, have been committed on our timber lands, lying on the Aroos- took and Mawascah and other streams, ' ' and that ' 'these depredations were committed by British Subjects."
And in 1826, a considerable part of his annual mes- sage is devoted to this subject.
On January 17, 1826, the Joint Standing Committee on State Lands, made a report to the Legislature, rela- tive to the boundary question accompanied by the follow- ing resolve, which received a passage:
"Resolved, That the Governor, for the time being, be authorized and requested to take such measures as he may think expedient and effectual, to procure for the use of the State, copies of all such maps, documents, publications, papers and surveys, relating to the North Eastern Boundary of the United States, described in the treaty of 1783, and such other information on that sub- ject, as he may deem necessary and useful for this State to be possessed of; and that the sum of five hundred dollars be appropriated to carry into effect the provisions of this Resolve ; and that the Governor be authorized to draw his warrants on the treasury for the same, as occa-
254 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
sion, from time to time, may require, he to be accounta- ble for the same.
"Resolved, That the Governor of this State, in con- junction with the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, (provided said Commonwealth shall con- cur in the measure,) be authorized to cause the Eastern and Northern lines of the State of Maine to be explored, and the monuments, upon those lines, men- tioned in the treaty of 1783, to be ascertained in such manner as may be deemed most expedient. ' '
In 1829, Gov. Lincoln said in his message, "that the decision of the dispute, as to our North Eastern Boundary, is referred to the King of the Netherlands, and while I submit that no reference in such a case, was warrantable, yet there seems to be no objection to the personage selected, for how can he, the subject of impartial history, and not apparently dependent on any advantage from either party, being an umpire between nations, act but as the magnanimous dispenser of justice, who has the power to achieve the most glorious victory by the suppression of the most extreme error?"
When the Legislature of Maine convened, in 1831, the King of the Netherlands had rendered his decision. \»''
An official communication from President Van DuiLliJi to Governor Smith, together with a translation of the full text of the award, was transmitted to the Legisla- ture, with a special message by the Governor, who had also devoted a considerable portion of his annual mes- sage to the matter.
A joint select committee was appointed by the Legis- lature to consider the whole subject, who submitted an elaborate and exhaustive report, full of indignation at the findings of the arbitrator, signed by its chairman, John G. Deane.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTi' 255
It not only attacked the impartiality of the arbitrator, but strongly intimated, that he was not in fact, a sover- eign, within the true meaning of the convention, which clothed him with the power and authority to act.
These resolutions closed as follows :
"Whereas, By the convention of September, 1827, an independent sovereign Avas to be selected by the gov- ernments of the United States and Great Britain, to arbitrate and settle such disputes as had arisen, and the King of the Netherlands was pursuant to that convention selected the arbiter, while an independent' sovereign, in the plentitude of his power, exercising dominion and authority over more than 6,000,000 of subjects:
"And Whereas, By the force of the prevalence of liberal opinions in Belgium, the Belgians overthrew his power and deprived him of more than half of his dominions and reduced him to the former dominions of the Stadtholder, leaving him with the empty title of the King of the Netherlands while he is only the King of Holland, and thereby increasing his dependence upon Great Britain for holding his power even in Holland, which from Public appearances, he held from a very doubtful tenure in the affections of the Dutch.
"And Whereas, The King of the Netherlands had not decided before his Kingdom was dismembered and he consented to the division, and his public character had changed, so that he had ceased to be that public char- acter, and occupying that independent station among the sovereigns of Europe contemplated by the convention of September, 1827, and which led to his selection.
"Therefore Resolved in the opinion of this Legis- lature, That the decision of the King of the Nether- lands, cannot and ought not to be considered obligatory upon the government of the United States, either on the principles of right and justice, or of honor.
256 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
"Resolved Further — for the reasons before stated, That no decision made by any umpire under any circum- stances, if the decision dismembers a state, has or can have, any constitutional force or obligation upon the State thus dismembered unless the State adopt and sanc- tion the decision. ' '
At the session of the Legislature of 1831, an act was passed to incorporate the town of Madawaska, including territory southward of the river St. John, and the dis- puted territory northward* of that river.
In 1832, Governor Smith, in his annual message said:
"In the month of October last, information was received that a number of the inhabitants of Madawaska had organized themselves into a corporation, chosen municipal officers, and subsequently a representative; and that in consequence of these acts, the lieutenant- governor and other authorities of New Brunswick, accom- panied with a military force, had proceeded to Mada- waska, and arrested a number of American citizens, who were carried to Fredericton, and there imprisoned.
"Though the measures adopted by the inhabitants, voluntarily organizing themselves into a corporation at that place, then claimed to be under the actual juris- diction of the Province of New Brunswick, were unex- pected by me, and undertaken without my knowledge; yet, as they acted in territory known to be within the limits of Maine, and in obedience to the laws and con- stitution, I considered that they were entitled to the aid and protection of their government.
"Immediately, therefore, on receiving evidence of these transactions, they were communicated, together with all the circumstances in relation to them within my knowledge, to the Department of State of the United
*Now Upper Madawaska in the Province of New Brunswick.
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States, with a request that the proper measures might be adopted by the General Government to procure the release of our citizens, and to protect the territory of our State from invasion. Upon the receipt of this com- munication, though the proceedings of the inhabitants of Madawaska were considered to be a breach of the arrangement made with the British Minister, for preserv- ing the state of things as it then existed on both sides, till a final disposition of the question, those measures were promptly adopted by the President, which resulted in the release of our citizens from imprisonment, and rendered further proceedings on the part of this State, in reference to that object, unnecessary."
A special committee was appointed, to which was referred that part of Governor Smith's message that re- lated to the North Eastern Boundar}'. Among its members appear the names of Reuel Williams and Nathan Clifford. They submitted the following resolves:
"Resolved, That the Constitution of the United States does not invest the General Government with unlimited and absolute powers, but confers only a special and modified sovereignty, without authority to cede to a foreign power any portion of territory belonging to a State, without its consent.
"Resolved, That if there is any attribute of State Sovereignty which is unqualified and undeniable, it is the right of jurisdiction to the utmost limits of State Terri- tory; and if a single obligation under the Constitution rests upon the Confederacy, it is to guarantee the integ- rity of this territory to the quiet and undisturbed enjoy- ment of the States.
' 'Resolved, That the doings of the King of Holland, on the subject of the boundary between the United States and Great Britain, are not a decision of the question submitted to the King of the Netherlands; and
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that his recommendation of a suitable or convenient line of boundar}^ is not obligatory upon the parties to the submission.
"Resolved, That this State protests against the adoption, b}^ the Government of the United States, of the line of boundary recommended by the King of Holland as a suitable boundary between Great Britain and the United States ; inasmuch as it will be a violation of the rights of Maine, — rights acknowledged and insisted upon by the General Government, — and will be a prece- dent which endangers the integrity, as well as the inde- pendence, of every State in the Union.
"Resolved, That while the people of this State are disposed to yield a ready obedience to the Constitution and laws of the United States, they will never consent to surrender any portion of their territory, on the recom- mendation of a foreign power.
"Resolved, That the Governor, with advice of Council, be authorized to appoint a competent agent, whose duty it shall be, as soon as may be, to repair to the City of Washington, and deliver to the President of the United States a copy of the preceding Report and these Resolutions, with a request that he will lay the same before the Senate of the United States; and also deliver a copy to the Vice President, to each of the Heads of Departments, and to each member of the Senate, and to our Representative in Congress.
"Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested, to use their best efforts to prevent our State from being dis- membered, our territory alienated, and our just rights prostrated, by the adoption of a new line for our North Eastern Boundary, as recommended by the King of Holland.
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"Resolved, That the agent to be appointed by the Governor and Council, be instioicted to cooperate with our Senators and Representatives, in advocating and enforcing the principles advanced, and positions taken, in the foregoing Resolutions, and in supporting all such measures as shall be deemed best calculated to preserve the integrity of our State, and prevent any portion of our territory and citizens from being transferred to a Foreign Power. ' '
Governor Dunlap, in 1834, notes that this question is still unsettled, but considers that the way "is now open for the ultimate attainment of our rights," inasmuch that the President of the United States had announced as the policy of the national administration, in negoti- ations with foreign powers, to "submit to nothing that is wrong. "
In the years 1834, 1835 and 1836 the Governors' messages refer to it only as "yet being in an unsettled state," but in 1837, Governor Dunlap regrets that he has "received no information to warrant the opinion that a speedy adjustment is expected," and asserts that "our soil and our sovereignty have been invaded."
A joint committee at this session of the Legislature was appointed to investigate and report. John Holmes was its chairman on the part of the House.
Their report of ten pages was one of the most search- ing that had been made, and they submitted the follow- ing resolutions:
"Resolved, That we view with much solicitude the British usurpations and encroachments on the north- eastern part of the territory of this State.
"Resolved, That pretensions so groundless and extravagant indicate a spirit of hostility which we had no reason to expect from a nation with whom we are at peace.
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"Resolved, That vigilance, resolution, firmness and union on the part of this State, are necessary in this state of the controversy.
"Resolved, That the Governor be authorized and requested to call on the President of the United States to cause the North Eastei'n Boundary of this State to be explored and surveyed and monuments erected according to the Treaty of 1783.
"Resolved, That the cooperation of Massachusetts be requested.
"Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested to endeavor to obtain a speedy adjustment of the controversy.
"Resolved, That copies of this report and resolutions be transmitted to the Governor of Massachusetts, the President of the United States, to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress and other Senators in Congress, and the Governors of the several States. ' '
When the Legislature of 1838 had assembled, the people of Maine had become exasperated, for since the adjournment of the last Legislature, the depredations and trespasses upon territory that was in dispute, also upon portions of territory to which the title of Maine was practically undisputed, had increased to an alarming degree.
The province people, evidently fully supported by their officials and the government of Great Britain, had never before been so arrogant, defiant and insolent in extend- ing by force and unlawful means, their alleged jurisdic- tional rights, as during the years then drawing to a close. The conditions were acute and the situation serious.
The Whigs had gained the ascendancy in Maine and had elected Edward Kent, governor. Governor Kent was an able lawyer and a profound jurist, and was for
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 261
many years after, one of the ablest, members of the Supreme Court of this State. He had informed himself fully of the complex conditions and had given the whole matter careful consideration, hence, his elaboration of it in his annual message is such a lucid history of the events to that time, and the rights of Maine as viewed from a conservative and judicial standpoint, that copious extracts are herein made from it. Among other things he said:
"Constitutional Law is the broad and ample shield under which a whole people rest in security and peace. Like the atmosphere in which we move, it presses with immense, but equal and balanced power, to sustain the body politic. It protects the infant in its cradle and the magistrate in the seat of Justice. It gives the conscious- ness of security and safety to the unarmed and the peace- ful, and is more than bolts and bars in guarding every man's castle — his own domestic hearth. The weak fear not the strength of the powerful, and the poor and despised tremble not at the oppressor's frown. To such law every good citizen bows in cheerful submission, and with ready acquiescence, for it is but the embodied expression of his own sovereignty. But when, instead of the law of legislation, we have the law of the strong- est, and, instead of judicial and executive administration, the summary inflictions of an infuriated mob, stung to madness by temporary rage, savage, remorseless and irre- sponsible, excited by some imagined insult or real injury, or perhaps by the expression of obnoxious and unpopular sentiments — we have a state of society at which the boldest may well tremble, and the most ardent despair. *********
"It is certainly a remarkable fact, that fifty-five years after the recognition of American independence by Great Britain, and the formal and precise demarkation
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of our limits, in the treaty of peace, the extent of those hmits, and the territory rightfully subject to our juris- diction, should be a matter of dispute and difference. I feel it to be my duty, in this my first official act, to call your attention to that vitally important question, the true limits of our State, and to express to you and the people my views of the claim set up by a foreign State to the rightful possession of a large part of our territory.
"I do not intend to enter into a historical detail, or an elaborate argument to sustain the American claim on our North Eastern Boundar3\ The whole subject has been for years before the people, and our rights, and the grounds upon which thev rest, have been ably main- tained, and clearly set forth, in our formal documents and informal discussions.
"I will not trespass needlessly upon your time and patience by a recapitulation. If there is any meaning in plain language, and any binding force in treaty engagements — if recognition and acquiescence for a long series of years on the part of Great Britain in one uni- form expression and construction of the boundaries of her Provinces of Canada and Nova Scotia, is of any weight, then the right of Maine to the territory- in dispute is as clear and unquestionable as to the spot upon which we now stand. It requires, indeed, the exercise of charity to reconcile the claim now made by Great Britain with her professions of strict integrity and Jiigh sense of justice in her dealings with other nations; for it is a claim of very recent origin, growing from an admitted right in us, and proceeding, first, to a request to vary our acknowledged line for an equivalent, and then, upon a denial, to a wavering doubt, and from thence to an absolute claim.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 263
"It has required and still requires, all the talents of her statesmen, and skill of her diplomatists, to render that obscure and indefinite, which is clear and unam- biguous. I cannot for a moment doubt that if the same question should arise in private life, in relation of the boundaries of two adjacent farms, with the same evidence and the same arguments, it would be decided by any court, in any civilized country, without hesitation or doubt, according to our claim.
' 'But Great Britain was anxious for a direct communi- cation between her provinces. She sought it first as a favor and a grant. She now demands about one third part of our territory as her right.
"The pertinacity and apparent earnestness and confi- dence with which this claim is urged, in the very face of the treaty, and the facts bearing upon the question, have been increased, I fear, by the probably unexpected forbearance, if not favor, with which they have been received and treated by the American authorities. It can hardly be a matter of surprise that the claim is pressed upon us, when instead of standing upon the treaty — plain, definite and capable of execution as it manifestly is — our own General Government has volun- tarily suggested a variation of that line, certainly in their favor, by running west of the due north line of the treaty, and there to seek the highlands ; thus yielding up the starting point, the northwest angle of Nova Scotia, and throwing the whole matter into uncertainty and con- fusion. Fortunately for us, the English negotiators, thinking, probably, that a nation which would yield so much, would probably yield more, declined the proposition, unless other concessions were made. The remarkable adjudication made by the arbiter selected under the treaty, resulting merely in advice, the move- ment on the part of Maine, in 1832, in the negotiation
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to yielding up the territory for an equivalent, the appar- ent apathy and indifference of the General Government to the encroaching jurisdiction by New Brunswick, her unopposed establishment of a wardenship over the terri- tory—the repeated incarceration of the citizens of Maine, for acts done on this her territory, almost with- out a murmur of disapprobation or remonstrance, and the delay of the President to run the line as authorized by Congress, have all, I fear, served to strengthen and encourage the claim, which was first put forth with doubt and argued with many misgivings.
"The commission and arbitration under treaty having failed, and our ultra liberal offers either declined or neglected, the parties are turned back to their rights and their limits under the treaties of 1783 and 1814.
"But in truth, the only question in dispute, or about which there was any difference between the two govern- ments, until since the last war and the last treaty, was to which river was the true St. Croix of the treaty. This being settled, and its head or source fixed, (as it has been) the line is to run due north to the south line of Canada, and the northwest angle of Nova Scotia. That line should be run without delay, as authorized by Congress.
"We warrant the information and the facts; we wish to examine the heighth of land which divides the waters flowing into the St. Lawrence from those running into the Atlantic, and ascertain its elevation and character. We wish to have our land marks placed on our exterior limits, and maintain our own.
"We wish to test the truth of the assertion, that there is no northwest angle of Nova Scotia, and no such dividing heighth of land as the treaty contemplates, by a correct and scientific examination on the face of the earth. Surely rights of examination, which are secured
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 265
to individual claimants, are not to be denied to sovereign States.
"Our situation in relation to this question, owing to the peculiar nature of our government and institutions, is interesting, viewed either with reference to the foreign power with which we are at issue, or our own General Government. Our right and title, clear and perfect as we believe them to be, are, it must be admitted, subjects of dispute, and the first and great question is, how is this dispute to be settled.'' The line disputed is the Eastern boundary of the United States and of the State of Maine. The General Government is the only power which by the constitution can treat with a foreign government, or be acknowledged or known by that government, in negotiations. Maine acknowledges the right of the General Government to establish the line, according to the terms of the treaty of 1783, and claims a performance of that duty without delay. But whilst she concedes that power, she insists with equal confidence upon the position, that no variation of the treaty line, no concession of any part of our territory, and no con- ventional line can be granted or adopted, without the consent of this State.
"Whatever territory is included within the line run- ning from the northwest angle of Nova Scotia west- wardly along the highlands which divide those rivers that empty themselves into the St. Lawrence, from those which fall into the Atlantic ocean, to the northwestern- most head of the Connecticut river, and the line running directly south from said angle to the established source of the St. Croix, is within the State of Maine.
' 'If there is a dispute as to the location of that angle, and those lines — that question, and that question only, is to be settled by the general government.
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"In making this assertion, we do not more distinctly acknowledge a power than claim the performance of a duty. In the first sentence of the Constitution of the United States, one of the important objects in the information of that constitution, as there expressed, is 'to provide for the common defence,' and this duty is afterwards in the same instrument, more specifically pointed out in the provision, that, 'The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them against invasion.' Under that constitution, the exer- cise of certain rights was denied to the States ; all not expressly taken away were reserved to the States — and certain new rights were created.
"Foremost, and most important, of these newly created State rights, is the right, on the part of each State, to demand the aid of all, by the action of the general government, whenever any foreign power inter- feres with the territorial rights of such State,
"No State is to be left to defend its soil and maintain its just rights single handed and alone, — to engage in border skirmishes and partisan warfare, and sustain that warfare at its own expense.
"It is the duty of a State to claim and assert its rights to jurisdiction, and it is the duty of the general government to protect and maintain them, if just and well founded. The acknowledgement of this State right to protection is particularly important to Maine, environed by foreign territory, and forming a frontier State in the Union. Denied the power to negotiate with foreign governments, or to declare and carry on war in defence of her rights, this State can call, in a strong voice, upon that government to which has been delegated those high powers, for protection in the exer- cise of her jurisdictional rights. Perfect unity of pur-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 267
pose and frankness in disclosures ought to characterise all intercourse between the State and National Govern- ments, on this topic. No course is so well calculated to lead to distrust and embarrassment, and to inspire confi- dence in the opposing claimants, as diplomatic evasions and jarring and discordant correspondence. We would use no threats of disunion or resistance. We trust that it will never be necessary for a State to assume a hostile attitude, or threatening language, to enforce practically its claims to protection.
"But Maine has a right to know, fully and explicitly, the opinion and determination of the general govern- ment, and whether she is to be protected, or left to struggle alone and unaided. I see little to hope from the forbearance or action of the British government. Their policy, it is apparent, is to delay a settlement of the question, and to extend their actual jurisdiction over the territoiy, that it may ripen into aright, or at least in future controversies give them the advantage of pos- session.
"The loose and extremely undefined jurisdiction over the small French Settlement at Madawaska, has been the foundation of a claim to actual jurisdiction, and the establishment of wardenship over the whole territory. In pursuance of this plan and policy, they have seized, at various times, heretofore, American citizens, and thrust them into prison, for alleged offences, — and dur- ing the past season, the Lieut. Governor of New Bruns- wick has visited the territory in person, and received the loyal assurance of such of its inhabitants as were ready to acknowledge their allegiance. A citizen of our State, Ebenezer S. Greeley, now lies imprisoned at Fredericton, seized, as it is said, for exercising power delegated to him under a law of this State. The facts connected
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with this arrest are unknown to me, and I therefore for- bear to comment at this time upon them.
"If the facts are, that he was so seized, for such a lawful act, the dignity and sovereignty of the State and nation demand his immediate release.
"I am aware that we are met by the assertion that the parties have agreed to permit the actual j urisdiction to remain, pending the negotiation as it existed before. I have yet seen no evidence that such an agreement was ever formally entered into by the parties. But certainly Maine was no party to such an understanding, and at all events it could never have been intended to be perpetu- ally binding, or to extend beyond the termination of the then pending negotiation. That negotiation is ended. The old ground of claim at Mars Hill is abandoned; a new allegation is made — that the treaty cannot be exe- cuted and must be laid aside. In the meantime this wardenship is established, and the claim to absolute jurisdiction, not merely at Madawaska, but over the whole territory north, is asserted and enforced.
"If this jurisdiction is to be tolerated and acquiesced in indefinitely, we can easily see why negotiation lags, and two years elapse between a proposition and the reply. They have all they want, and the jurisdiction is claimed by them so absolutely that we cannot send an agent to number the people, and must hesitate before the disputed line can be run, to fix our limits and ascer- tain important facts.
"The first duty of Maine, as it seems to me, is to claim the immediate action of the general government, to move efficiently and decidedly, to bring the controversy to a conclusion. We have had years of negotiation, and we are told that we are apparently no nearer to a termination than at the commencement. Maine has
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 269
waited with most exemplary patience, until even her large stock is almost exhausted.
' 'She has no disposition to embarrass the action of the General Government, but she asks that some action be had — some movement made with a determined purpose to end the controversy.
"She cannot quietly submit to have her territory wrested from her, her citizens imprisoned, her territorial jurisdiction annihilated, and her rights lost by the bold and persevering and unopposed claims of a foreign power. She cannot consent to be left alone in the con- troversy, or to be left in doubt as to the aid or counte- nance she may receive from the authorities of the Union in maintaining her acknowledged rights. She asks the quiet and undisturbed possession of her territory, accord- ing to the treaty, and that foreign and intrusive posses- sion be put an end to ; and by this claim she will abide. She will do nothing rashly, and indulge in no spirit of nullification ; and it will not be until all hope of settling the vexed question by negotiation, and all requests for other aid are denied or neglected, that she will throw herself entirely upon her own resources, and maintain, unaided and alone, her just rights, in the determined spirit of injured freemen. But those rights must be vindicated and maintained ; and if all appeals for aid and protection are in vain, and her constitutional rights are disregarded, forbearance must cease to be a virtue — and, in the language of the lamented Lincoln, Maine may be 'compelled to deliberate on an alternative which will test the strictness of her principles and the firmness of her temper. ' The recent movement in Congress by one of our Representatives — sustained, as we confidently trust, by his colleagues, gives some encouragement to hope that the day for decisive action is at hand.
"To you — delegated guardians of the people's rights
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— I submit these remarks, and to you I leave the consid- eration of this momentous subject, confident that you will not yield to an unjust claim, or jeopardize our rights by delay in asserting them. It is for you to say upon mature reflection, whether, in speaking in the name of Maine, I have exceeded the bounds of prudence, or mistaken the feelings of the people. I confess that my convictions are strong, that Maine has been wronged by a foreign government, and neglected by our o^vn — and I do not understand the diplomatic art of softening the expression of unpalatable truths.
"I can only assure you that I most cheerfully co-op- erate in maintaining our rights to protection in the exer- cise of our rightful jurisdiction. "
From the time when the King of the Netherlands in 1831, rendered his decision until the whole matter came to a crisis in Maine in 1839, the Federal government did not make any decisive move that would be a notice to the world that her frontier in Maine was to be pro- tected at all hazards.
History often repeats itself. Then even more than now the party in power was inclined to consider first of all what effect such action would have upon its political fortunes.
President Jackson had not acted with his usual vigor and aggressiveness in any attempts to settle this question with England and preserve our rights, maintain our national honor, and protect the rights and honor of a sovereign state against the overt acts of a foreign power. He had disappointed his political friends and lent encouragement to his enemies in both Maine and Massa- chusetts.
President Van Buren took his seat in 1838, and, although the situation was much more serious than at any time during Jackson's administration, he was equally
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as inclined to procrastinate if not to vacillate about this subject of such vast importance, as was his predecessor.
During this period Maine had been ably represented in both houses of Congress.
In the Senate had been such men as Ether Shepley, Peleg Sprague, John Holmes and Reuel Williams.
In the lower house had been George Evans, F. O. J. Smith, Gorham Parks, I^eonard Jarvis and Virgil D. Paris. It was at this time, 1837-39, that Thomas Davee of Blanchard was a representative.
The Maine delegation heartily supported by the Massachusetts delegation had been incessant in their efforts to force the administration to action.
Of their vigilance and faithfulness in this respect and their endeavors to constantly keep this issue a prominent one before the country there can be no doubt.
And yet eloquent speeches in Congress, convincing passages in Governors' messages and exciting reports and resolves of legislative committees, however much they might have aroused public sentiment in Maine, failed of having any salutory effect upon our arrogant neighbors across the border, sustained as they were by the power- ful arm of Great Britain, so long as the policy of the national government was a passive one.
Rather did their magistrates become more defiant in claiming jurisdictional rights over the disputed territory, by issuing civil and criminal processes against the settlers along the Aroostook, Madawaska and upper St. John Rivers, and their officers more bold and domineering, and trespassing on these lands was increasing.
On the 14th of December, 1838, the land agents of Massachusetts and Maine, appointed George W. Buck- more an agent to proceed to the Fish Rivers, and investi- gate the trespassing by New Brunswick parties and pre- vent such trespassing if possible.
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Based upon the report which Buckmore made to the land agent and other similar reports Governor Fairfield, January 23, 1839, submitted to the Legislature a mes- sage, in which he asserted that, "Bv this report it appears that a large number of men, many of them, I am informed, from the British provinces, are trespassing ver}' extensively upon the lands belonging to this State : that, they not only refuse to desist, but defy the power of this government to prevent their cutting timber to any extent they please.
"Upon the Grand River, it is estimated there are from forty to fifty men at work. On the Green River, from twenty to thirty.
"On the Fish River, from fifty to seventy-five men with sixteen yoke of oxen and ten pair of horses, and more daily expected to go in. On township H ten men, six oxen and one pair of horses. On the little Mada- waska seventy-five men, with twenty yoke of oxen and ten horses. At the Aroostook Falls fifteen men with six yoke of oxen.
"The quantity of timber which these trespassers will cut the present winter is estimated in value, by the Land Agent at one hundred thousand dollars. ' '
And the Governor very pertinently remarked that it was not merely the property that was at stake, but "the character of the State is clearly involved."
He recommended to the Legislature that the land agent be instructed forthwith to proceed to the place of operation on the Aroostook and Fish Rivers with a suf- ficient number of men suitably equipped, to "seize the teams and provisions, break up the camps, and disperse those who are engaged in this work of devastation and pillage. ' '
RiTFus McIntire LAxn A(;ext of Maixe, 1839
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In this report Mr. Buckmore* says: "During my stop at the Madawaska settlement, I was called upon by Francis Rice, and Leonard R. Coombs, Esquires, two of the Magistrates living at Madawaska, to learn my busi- ness on the St. John River, which I freely communicated. They said they were authorized by the Governor to arrest all persons attempting to exercise jurisdiction, on the part of the American Government, in the Madawaska settlement, and that they should forward a copy of my instructions to the Governor at Fredericton. "
January 24, 1839, the Legislature passed a resolve instructing and empowering the land agent to carry out the recommendations of the Governor and appropriating ten thousand dollars for the purpose.
Li 1838, the Democrats had defeated Governor Kent, the Whig governor, and were again in power in Maine and had elected John Fairfield, governor, who was inaugurated in 1839.
He appointed Rufus Mclntire of Parsonsfield, land agent.
Mr. Mclntire was unquestionably a man of ability and integrity. He was a lawyer and had represented his district in Congress four terms.
Pursuant to the legislative resolve above referred to, Governor Fairfield ordered the land agent to go to the Aroostook and Madawaska country for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the resolve.
Mr. Mclntire employed Major Hastings Strickland of Bangor, then sheriff of Penobscot County, to accompany and assist him in this work.
Consequently an expedition left Bangor during the first week of February, 1839, consisting of the land agent, Major Hastings Strickland, with a large civil
*Buckmore's report was made to Elijah L. Hamlin, land agent, in 1838.
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posse, Ebenezer Webster and Captain Stover Rines of Orono, and Gustavus G. Cushman of Bangor.
They proceeded to the mouth of the Little Madawaska River, where they encamped.
During the night of P^ebruary 12, the house or camp where Mclntire slept was surrounded by about forty armed men. Mclntire and those with him were awak- ened, placed under arrest and ordered to be ready at once to march to Fredericton. Mclntire demanded by what authority they arrested him, and the commander pointing his musket at Mclntire's breast, said, "This is our authority."
They were taken before a magistrate at Woodstock, who issued a warrant against Land Agent Mclntire, Gustavus G. Cushman and Thomas B. Bartlett of Ban- gor, and they were forthwith marched to Fredericton and lodged in jail.
On Sunday, February 17th, the citizens of Bangor enjoj'ed the sight of two of the leading men among the province trespassers, Mr. McLaughlin, warden of the public lands in New Brunswick, and Captain Tibbets of the Tobique settlement, being escorted as prisoners through the streets of that city.
They had been captured by the Maine soldiers a few days before and were taken to Bangor, but unlike the prisoners captured by the British they were not lodged in the Bangor jail, but were lodged in the Bangor House and fared sumptuously.*
*The Bangor Whig, in speaking of this occurrence, editorially, remarked :
"It is worthy of remark and remembrance, that our Land Agent, when passing through Woodstock, was greeted with jeers and insults by British Subjects, but when the British Land Agent rode through this city, although there were over a thousand people assem- bled in the streets, he was suffered to pass in silence. Not a lip was opened or an insult offered."
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 275
On March 1, 1839, news was received in Bangor that a regiment of eight hundred Fusileers had arrived in the city of St. John, from Cork, Ireland, and would march forthwith to the disputed territory. Five hundred British Regulars had arrived at Madawaska from the city of Quebec, and eight pieces of cannon had been transported up the St. John River from Fredericton. The people of Maine were kept informed of the doings at the "Seat of War" by special mes- sengers, stages and express teams, daily coming into Bangor. The Bangor Whig was published daily, and was one of the most enterprising of the Maine news- papers of the day.
It kept a "war correspondent" at Houlton and had a column or more in every issue for several weeks, giving graphic descriptions of the scenes of "war," of the hardships which were encountered, and of the soldiers tenting on the melting snow-drifts, all the way from Houlton to Madawaska. Some of this correspondence would have done credit to the "stories" of the "yellow" journals of today.
In one of these letters, published March 7th, the writer says: * * * * '^j^^ ^^g gj^g every hireling and subject of a monarchy, that grant to territory, which King Harold of yore was willing to give to the Norwegian King — seven feet by two. ' '
The news of that day and the editorials in the papers at the time, were more or less colored by the issues of Maine politics. The Bangor Whig was violently parti- san and for a time did not give Governor Fairfield, who was a Democrat, and had been chosen governor over Governor Kent, credit for being either competent or patriotic. But as the public mind became intensified in favor of protecting our border, it changed its course and was soon supporting his official acts as loyally as did
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The Argus, The Age, or any of the Democratic papers.
When Sheriff Strickland first went to the Aroostook with his posse, and when Mclntire was taken prisoner by Sir John Harvey's officers, the Whig papers contended that Mclntire* left his camp and troops and went within a mile of the enemy to obtain a feather bed to sleep upon, and was thus seen and captured, and that if he had been content to have reposed upon spruce boughs he would not have fallen into the toils of the enemy.
Some slurs were also cast upon Hastings Strickland for what they termed his "untimely haste," in escaping from the British officers, intimating that he was cowardly, and retreated very unceremoniously. The facts however were that he was alert enough not to be taken prisoner, as some of his companions were, and perceived at once the necessity for immediate and decisive action on the part of Governor Fairfield and Adjutant General Hodgdon, if Maine's rights were to be protected. Being a man of great energy he went from Madawaska to Augusta as rapidly as relays of swift horses would carry himt for the purpose of prevailing upon the State gov- ernment at Augusta to mobilize troops upon the border without further delay. Maj. Strickland was a man of political sagacity and a leader of influence in the Demo- cratic party, and one that Governor Fairfield relied upon for advice and counsel.
Naturally both political parties tried to make political capital for themselves ; the effect of which was to hinder efficient progress in protecting our frontier.
The Democrats criticized Governor Kent in 1838, and
*When Mclntire was imprisoned Governor Fairfield appointed Colonel Charles Jarvis provisional land agent.
tBangor newspapers stated that Major Strickland did not even stop at his home in Bangor but proceeded directly to Augusta.
Major Hastinhs Sthu ki.and SHrmi'F oi' PrxoiisioT Corviv. lSSS-!»
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 277
in turn the Whigs blamed Governor Fairfield whenever it was possible to do so.
As the "Aroostook War" or the military movement of troops to the frontier was made under Governor Fair- field, the Whigs for many years thereafter, kept up an incessant fire of ridicule against him, and Land Agent Mclntire and Major Strickland.
In this way it became a false tradition that the latter ran away from a conflict to escape imprisonment. One of the doggerels of the day commenced :
"Run. Strickland, run!
Fire, Stover, fire!
Were the last words of Mclntire."
In the meantime the situation was becoming more and more inflammatory. It was the subject of discussion and agitation in England as well as America. On the 7th of March, 1839, both Lord Brougham and the Duke of Wellington made speeches regarding it in the House of Lords, calling attention to information which had been received from Canada and New Brunswick to the effect that lawless Yankees were invading and trespassing upon the British soil.
When the people of Maine received news of the proc- lamation of Sir John Harvey, lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick, of February 13, 1839, which was a dec- laration of war, and the imprisonment of the land agent, the feeling of indignation was deep and universal.
The Legislature appropriated eight hundred thousand dollars to be used by the Governor for the protection of the public lands.
A draft was also ordered for ten thousand three hun- dred and forty-three men from the militia to be ready for immediate action.
General Bachelder was commander of the western division of militia. Many volunteers from Penobscot
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and Piscataquis Counties and other eastern portions of the State were also enlisted.
Within a week ten thousand American troops were either in the Aroostook region, or on the march there.
The national government was at last awake to the seriousness of the situation. Congress passed a bill authorizing the President of the United States to raise fifty thousand troops for the support of Maine, and appropriating ten million dollars to meet the expense if war became unavoidable.
General Scott was ordered to the scene of action, informing Governor Fairfield that he was "specially charged with maintaining the peace and safety of the entire northern and eastern frontiers." He arrived in Augusta with his staff the fifth of March, 1839, and opened headquarters.
General Scott was also clothed with full power to act as mediator between the State of Maine and the Province of New Brunswick and on entering upon negotiations which would if possible end further hostilities. He immediately communicated officially with Governor Fairfield and Sir John Harvey.
The result was that on March 23, 1839, Sir John Harvey agreed to the terms of settlement negotiated b}^ General Scott, and on March 25 the same were ratified by Governor Fairfield, who immediately issued orders to recall the troops from the Aroostook and the prisoners on both sides were liberated.
Thus ended the famous "Aroostook War," and fortunately for the people of the State and the province it was a bloodless one. It has been derided and scoffed at and regarded as a huge international joke, and often has it been the subject for jest and laughter on the stump, and ever a fertile field for the grotesque wit of newspaper writers.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 279
And yet it is an incident in international history, in the history of the nation, and of the State of Maine, that is of supreme importance and interest.
For years its solution puzzled the wisest of our states- men. The people of Maine believed that the territory which they possessed, and to which no one else had any rightful or lawful interest, was being wrongfully and iUegally taken from them and that the government at Washington delayed the assertion of our rights unnec- essarily, because it feared Great Britain.
Two expeditions were made to the Ai-oostook and Madawaska country. The first one as we have seen, was by the land agent, accompanied by Major Strickland as sheriff of Penobscot County, with a posse of men, for the purpose of driving off trespassers upon Maine soil. The second expedition was a military one to repel an invasion of the State, which the lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick, Sir John Harvey, had threatened to make.
Patriotic sons of the Pine Tree State left their homes and firesides in the most inclement season known to our rigorous climate and marched through the deep snows of a wilderness, two hundred miles, to defend our frontier from foreign invasion, when the Federal government was needlessly procrastinating and turning a deaf ear to the cries of suffering and oppressed pioneers in the upper St. John valley.
Because the good fortunes of diplomacy triumphed and averted the shedding of blood, is no reason why they are not entitled to a high place in the roll of honor^ with all of the other hosts of patriotic defenders of our country, and the protection of her glory and renown.
In his annual message January 3, 1840, Governor Fairfield in referring to the Resolves of the Legislature, passed in March, 1839, explains the withdrawal of the
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troops, by saying: "Soon after the adoption of the resolution, I received the written assent of the Lieu- tenant Governor of New Brunswick to the following, made to him by Major General Scott, to wit: 'That it is not the intention of the Lieutenant Governor of Her Britannic Majesty's Province of New Brunswick, under the expected renewal of negotiations between the Cabi- nets of London and Washington on the subject of said disputed territory, without renewed instructions to that effect, from his government, to seek to take military possession of that territory, or to seek by military force, to expel the armed civil posse or the troops of Maine.' "
Upon the basis of this arrangement the troops were recalled by the Governor, but he kept quite a large force or civil posse there after the withdrawal of the troops, under the direction and control of the land agent.
But war between the United States and England was averted through friendly diplomacy. What is known as the Webster- Ashburton treaty in American history was its final adjustment. This treaty was negotiated b}' Daniel AVebster and Lord Alexander Baring Ashburton in August, 1842, and subsequently accepted and ratified b}' both governments.
The commissioners who represented the State of Maine at the hearings before Webster and Ashburton were Edward Kavanagh, Edward Kent, Wm. P. Preble and John Otis.
On the part of Massachusetts appeared Abbot Lawrence, John Mills and Charles Allen.
At this treaty the frontier line between the State of Maine and Canada was settled for all time.
By it, seven twelfths of the disputed ground, including that part of Madawaska that lies on the southerly side of the St. John River, were given to the United States, and five twelfths of the ground to Great Britain ; but it
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 281
secured a better military frontier for England, and included heights commanding the St. Lawrence, which the award of the King of the Netherlands had assigned to the Americans.
Documentary History of the North Eastern Boundary Controversy.
(From State Papers, 2nd Sess. 20th Cong. 1828-9, Doc. No. 90.) Report of the trial of John Baker, at the Bar of the
Supreme Court, on Thursday, the 8th May, 1828,
for conspiracy.
In the Hilary term of the Supreme Court, the Grand Jury for the county of York found a true bill of indict- ment against John Baker, James Bacon and Charles Studson, for conspiracy. The two defendants, James Bacon and Charles Studson, were not taken; but the defendant, John Baker, being in custody, was brought to the bar and arraigned, and thereupon pleaded not guilty, at the same time protesting against the proceed- ings, and that he was not amenable to the jurisdiction of this court.
He was afterwards, during the term, admitted to bail, and entered into recognizance, himself in £100, and two sureties in £50 each, for his appearance at the present term, to traverse the indictment, and in the meantime to keep the peace and be of good behavior.
On Wednesday, the 7th instant, the Attorney General states to the Court, that, having understood the defend- ant, John Baker, was in attendance, he should be ready, at the opening of the Court on the next day, to proceed with the trial. One of the bail for the defendant then said that the defendant would appear whenever he was
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 283
required. Thursday was, therefore, appointed by the Court for the trial.
Thursday, May 8, 1828. The Honorable Chief Justice Saunders, Mr. Justice Bliss, Mr. Justice Chipman, came into court, and took their seats.
The defendant, John Baker, was called, and appeared, and declared he was ready for his trial : Mr. Attorney General then moved for trial, and the clerk of the crown proceeded to call over the names of the jury.
Mr. Justice Chipman stated to the defendant that he might challenge any of the jurors for cause, but he declined availing himself of this privilege.
The following jurors were called, and sworn in the order they appeared :
Michael P'isher, Joseph Estabrooks, Jr.,
William Miller, John Collins,
Edward Cambridge, Samuel Curry,
John Bain, Thomas W. Peters,
Joseph Sutherland, William S. Esty,
Donald McLeod, Anthony Stewart.
The clerk of the crown then read the indictment, which is as follows:
York, to wit. The jurors for our lord the King, upon their oath, present, that John Baker, late of the parish of Kent, in the county of York, laborer, James Bacon, late of the same place, laborer, and Charles Studson, late of the same place, laborer, being persons greatly disaffected to our said lord the now King, and his government, within this. His Majesty's Province of New Brunswick, and being factiously and seditiously disposed, on the fourth day of July, in the eighth year of the reign of our said sovereign lord George the
284 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Fourth, with force and arms, at the parish aforesaid, in the county aforesaid, did, amongst themselves, con- spire, combine, confederate, and agree together, falsely, maliciously, factiously, and seditiously, to molest and disturb the peace and common tranquility of this Prov- ince, and to bring into hatred and contempt our said lord the King, and his Government, and to create false opinions and suspicions in the subjects of our said lord the King, of and concerning the Government and administration of our said lord the King, and of the royal power and prerogative of our said lord the King within this Province.
First overt act. And the jurors aforesaid, upon their oath aforesaid, do further present, that the said John Baker, James Bacon, and Charles Studson, after- wards, to wit, on the same day and year aforesaid, at the parish aforesaid, in the county aforesaid, in pursu- ance of, and according to, the said conspiracy, combina- tion, confederacy and agreement, amongst themselves had as aforesaid, did erect, and cause to be raised and erected, a certain flag staff, and did place thereon a cer- tain flag, as the standard of the United States of America, and did then and there declare, in the presence and hearing of divers liege subjects of our said lord the King, that the said place on which the same flag staffs was so erected was a part of the territory of the said United States, and that they, the said liege subjects, must thereafter, look upon themselves as subjects of the said United States.
Second overt act. And the jurors aforesaid, upon their oath aforesaid, do further present, that the said John Baker, James Bacon, and Charles Studson, after- wards, to wit, on the 15th day of July aforesaid, in the year aforesaid, at the parish aforesaid, in the county aforesaid, in further pursuance of, and according to, the
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY g85
said conspiracy, combination, confederacy and agreement amongst themselves had as aforesaid, applied to divert lege subjects of our said lord the King, and then and there presented to the same subjects a paper writing, which they the said John Baker, James Bacon, and Charles Studson, then and there requested the said sub- jects to sign, then and there declaring that, by the said paper, they, the said subjects would bind themselves to oppose the execution of the laws of Great Britain, to wit, in the Madawaska settlement, so called
Third overt act. And the jurors aforesaid, upon their oath aforesaid, do further present, that the said John Baker, James Bacon, and Charles Studson, after- wards, to wit, on the 18th day of July, in the vear aforesaid, m further pursuance of, and according to,^he said conspiracy, combination, confederacy, and agree- ment, amongst themselves had as aforesaid, did oppose and obstruct the postman then and there having the custody and carriage of His Majesty's mail to the I'rovince of Lower Canada, in the prosecution of his journey with the said mail; they, the said John Baker James Bacon, and Charles Studson, declaring to the said postman that the British Government had no right to send Its mails by that route, meaning through that part of the said parish of Kent called the Madawaska settle- ment; and that they, the said John Baker, James Bacon, and Charles Studson, had received orders from the Gov- ernment of the said United States to stop the carriage of the said mail through the same.
Fourth overt act. And the jurors aforesaid, upon their oath aforesaid, do further present, that the said John Baker, James Bacon, and Charles Studson, after- wards, to wit, on the tenth day of August, in the year aforesaid, at the parish aforesaid, in the county aforesaid, m further pursuance of, and according to, the said con-
286 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
spiracy, combination, confederacy, and agreement, amongst themselves had as aforesaid, did hoist the flag of the said United States of America on a certain flag staff* there erected and placed ; they, the said John Baker, James Bacon, and Charles Studson, then and there declaring, in the presence and hearing of divers subjects of our said lord the King, that they, the said John Baker, James Bacon, and Charles Studson, had so hoisted the same flag, and that they had mutually entered into a written agreement to keep the same flag there, and that nothing but a force superior to their own should take it down ; and further, that they considered, and had a right to consider, themselves then and there on the terri- tory of the said United States ; and that they had bound themselves to resist by force the execution of the laws of Great Britain among them there; in very great con- tempt of our said lord the King and his laws, to the evil example of all others in the like case offending, and against the peace of our said lord the King, his crown and dignity.
The Attorney General, who conducted the prosecution, then opened the case to the jury, and stated generally the nature of the offence, and the facts necessary to be proved in order to support the indictment: he then briefly set forth the evidence which he intended to adduce to substantiate the charge; and particularly stated it would be shown that the jurisdiction of this Province had always extended over the part of this country where the offence was committed: that the defendants were acting under no authority whatever; and this was an indictment found by the grand jury in the ordinary exercise of their duties. He desired the jury to dismiss from their mind every thing that they had heard or seen written on this case, and decide on the guilt or innocence of the party by the evidence alone; and, if they could
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY' 287
not conscientiously say he Mas guilty, to acquit him. Several authorities were then read ; but as the whole case was most fully and ably gone into by the learned judge who charged the jury, and the same view of the law and facts taken by him as by the Attorney General, it is not necessary to go into a full detail of the opening speech.
Mr. Attorney General then proceeded to call the wit- nesses.
William Feirio, one of the witnesses recognized at the last term, was called but did not appear.
George ^lorehouse was the first witness examined: his evidence was as follows:
I am a Justice of the Peace for the county of York, and reside in the parish of Kent, on the river St. John, about thirty miles below the Grand Falls. The Mada- waska settlers commence a few miles above the Falls, and extend up forty to fifty miles. I have been settled where I now live six years ; but my acquaintance with the Madawaska settlement commenced in the year 1819. At this time the inhabitants were principally French; there were a few American citizens. I cannot say whether defendant was there then ; his brother Nathan was. I do not recollect the defendant's being there until September, 1822: he and the other Americans had formed a lumbering establishment at the head of the Madawaska settlement, on the east side of the river St, John, by the Meriumpticook stream. That part of the country where the French and Americans were has been invariably under the jurisdiction and laws of this Province since I knew it. I have been in the constant habit, as a Magistrate, of sending my writs and waiTants there, and no interruption or obj ection was made to the service of them until last August, until then, it was my belief that all the inhabitants there considered themselves under the jurisdiction of, and subject to, the laws of
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
this Province, both American citizens and French set- tlers.
When I speak of last August, I mean that this was the first intimation I had of any objection being made to the exercise of the jurisdiction of this Province there. That intimation was made by a report or communication from Mr. Rice, that John Baker, the defendant, had been guilty of seditious practices. I forwarded the communication to the Secretary of the Province; a few days after, about the third of August, I received writ- ten instructions from His Majesty's Attorney General to proceed to Madawaska and take depositions, and get a copy of the written paper which it was reported the defendants had handed about for signature. I accord- ingly proceeded to Madawaska on the seventh of August, and arrived at the place where Baker's house is situate, and went into the house of James Bacon, and asked him to let me see the paper which had been handed about for signature: he said he had it not. I then requested Bacon to go with me to Baker's to look for the paper; he declined going: I then went towards Baker's house, and met him on his mill dam. The mill dam is made across the river Meriumpticook. I stated to him that it had been reported to Government that he and other American citizens residing there had been guilty of seditious practices; that I was authorized to make inquiry. I told him it was reported that he had drawn up, and circulated among the settlers, a paper, the purport of which was that they were American citizens, and had bound themselves to resist the execution of the laws of Great Britain : he neither admitted or denied it, but said that he had been charged with an attempt to stop the mail, which was false. I requested him to show me the paper which had been handed round for signa- ture: he said he believed it was not in his possession,
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 289
but did not deny the existence of such a paper : he said he did not know whether it was in his possession or not ; he thought Studson had it. I requested him to go to his house and search his papers ; perhaps he might find it; we proceeded together towards his house; between his residence and the mill, there is a new house, where ten or twelve Americans were assembled. I did not know them to be Americans : but supposed them to be so ; they were not French settlers : when we got there. Baker took two or three aside, and consulted with them a few minutes; he then came back, and said to me, "Mr. Morehouse, I have consulted with the committee, and we have determined that you shall not see this paper : we have formerly shown you papers in similar cases, which has been very prejudicial to us." I observed, when I went there, a flag staff" erected on the point of land where Baker lives; the point is formed by the junction of the Meriumpticook river with the St. John; there was then no flag on it, but after coming out of Bacon's, I observed a flag hoisted — a white flag, with an American eagle and semicircle of stars, red. In the conversation I had with Bacon he deprecated Baker's practices, and said he would not desist until he brought the Americans there into trouble. I think the persons Baker took aside to consult with, were Bartlett and Savage. After I had received the answer before men- tioned, I pointed to the flag, and asked Baker what that was. He said, "the American flag, Mr. Morehouse: did you never see it before, if not, you can see it now." I asked him who planted it there : he said, ' 'he and the other Americans there." Bacon was present at the time: I required him in His Majesty's name to pull it down. He replied, "no, I will not; we have placed it there, and we are determined we will support it, and nothing but a superior force to ourselves shall take it
290 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
down ; we are on American territory ; Great Britain has no jurisdiction here; what we are doing we will be supported in ; we have a right to be protected, and will be protected, in what we are doing, by our Govern- ment. ' '
He did not produce or exhibit any authority. I then turned to Bacon, and said, "Bacon, you have hea;-d Baker's declaration, do you mean to support him in it?" He said, "of course I do. " I then left him and came away. Baker, about the 1st February, 1825, applied to me, as a Magistrate, for summonses against some of the Madawaska settlers to collect debts. I gave him six summonses against persons all living in the Mada- waska settlement: the return made to me was that the debts were paid when the writs were served.
Baker has a considerable improvement, and raises more or less grain every year. In 1823, I was at the place where he resides. I understood from what passed, that Baker and Bacon both acknowledged they had signed the paper ; the}^ spoke of having bound themselves by a written agreement to resist the laws of England.
The direct examination having closed, the defendant was informed he might cross-question the witness: he declined doing it, saying, under the circumstances which he stood there, he did not intend asking any questions.
To questions then put by the Court, the witness stated :
The Madawaska settlement proper terminates at the Madawaska river ; above the river, there are a few miles interval, with a few scattering houses; the main settle- ment then commences about nine miles above the Mada- waska, and extends seven or eight miles. The Meri- umpticook is about eighteen miles above the Madawaska. This settlement has formerly gone by the name of Chat- eaugay : Lately it has been called Sainte Emilie by the
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 291
French settlers in the settlement. I mean distinctly that the upper as well as the lower settlement has been subject to the British laws. It is at the head of the settlement the Americans reside. The whole settlement has gone by the general name of Madawaska Settlement throughout the country; the name Chateaugay caused some difference amongst themselves ; the Priest changed it to Sainte Emilie ; there has been no distinction in the actual exercise of jurisdiction between the upper and lower part of this settlement ; the lower bound of the parish of Kent is eighteen miles below my residence.
Francis Rice sworn. I reside in the Madawaska settle- ment, at the head or the first part. I am adjutant of the fourth battalion York county militia: the Mada- waska settlers are enrolled in this battalion. I have been in court, and heard Mr. Morehouse's evidence. 1 made a report to him, as he has stated. I did not know the facts myself; they were reported to me. I accom- panied Mr. Morehouse on his visit to the settlement on the 7th August last, and was present at the conversations with Baker and Bacon : the facts all took place as he has stated: I can say nothing more. The Madawaska set- tlers attend and turn out at the militia training pretty regularly, both above and below the confluence of the Madawaska.
The French settlers not being able to speak English distinctly, the witness, Francis Rice, had previously been sworn as interpreter, and acted as such throughout the trial.
Abraham Chamberlain sworn. I live in the upper part of the Madawaska settlement, above the Mada- waska river; have resided there four years this Summer; was born at Bay Chaleur; came from there to this Pro\ince four years ago and have always lived since in the Madawaska settlement. Charles Studson presented
292 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
me a paper, I think in July last. I don't remember seeing Baker. Bacon and Emery, and some other Americans, were present. I was passing by ; they were drinking rum; they asked me to take some; I agreed. When they handed the paper, I asked whether an}^ of the French had signed it; they said, not yet.
The witness being then asked as to the contents of the paper, and the propriety of such evidence being ques- tioned by the court, the Attorney General cited the case of Rex versus Hunt and others, 3 Barn, and Aid. 566, where it was decided, on an indictment for con- spiracy, that secondary evidence of the contents of a paper which was in the defendant's possession was admissible without producing the original, or giving notice to produce it; and that parole evidence of inscriptions and devices on banners and flags is also admissible. The question was then put; but the wit- ness could say nothing as to the contents, stating that it was read to him, but, being in English, he did not understand it. They asked him to sign it; but he did not understand for what reason. He wanted to know whether any of the French had signed it. This took place at the point of land near the mill. There was a flag hoisted with an eagle and stars on it ; they did not say anything about having signed the paper themselves.
Peter Marque sworn. I live in the St. Emilie settle- ment, (the upper one.) Bacon and Studson, some time last Summer, tried to make me sign a paper. Studson handed it to me; I do not know for what reason: they read the paper, but I did not understand it, and asked whether the French had signed it : they said, not yet. I then said I would not sign it. I told Mr. Morehouse they wanted me to sign a paper. This was at the place where the pole stands. I never understood the purpose for which I was called to sign the paper. I worked
OF PISCATAaUIS COUNTY 293
eleven days for Baker last year, at the time of getting hay : I now work for myself. They told me Chamber- lain had signed the paper. I dont remember anything more.
Peter Sileste sworn. I was employed last Summer to carry the mail from Madawaska to Lake Timisconatee : as I was taking it up the river, polling up in a canoe, I met John Baker coming down the river on a raft; he came off to me in a small skiff; neither of us stopped. Baker asked me in English, "Do you carry the mail?" I said ' 'Yes. ' ' He said he had orders from America not to let the mail pass that way. I replied, I had no orders to stop there. This was all that passed. This was, I think, in July.
Joseph Sanfason sworn. I live in the Madawaska settlement, half a mile below the Green river: the Green river is below the Madawaska. I was born at Mada- waska. I bought land from J. Souci: he had a grant from the government of this Province. I bought it six years ago. I have been a constable for two years for the parish of Kent. I was obstructed in my duty of constable by Baker, Bacon, Bartlett, Savage, Shelly, and Jones. I had an execution from Mr. Morehouse against J. Bacon. I asked Bacon if he would come? He said he would not leave the place. Baker said, it is of no use for you to go there ; you shall not have the man. Bacon talked about settling it. Baker said, Bacon you must not settle it now; you must settle it another time; I will not allow any officer to go up there. He asked me if I had any authority to go there. I showed him the warrant: he said, if it came from the States he would mind it ; but it was only from Mr. Morehouse, and he would not mind it. They pre- vented my taking Bacon, who refused to go. This took place near Baker's mill.
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Edward William Miller, Esq., sworn. I am high sheriff of the county of York, and have been so since 1814. I have been acquainted with the Madawaska settlement seven years. I never could make an}' division in the settlement between the upper and the lower. When I first knew it, it extended to seven miles from the Falls ; lately, it has come within three or four miles. I know the Meriumpticook river. I have been in the habit of serving writs throughout the whole of the settlement, the same as in any other part of my baili- wick. When I first became acquainted with the settle- ment, I considered the inhabitants under the jurisdic- tion and government of this Province, without any dis- pute whatever. The distance is so great, I have never summoned them as jurors: it would be so inconvenient to attend : the inhabitants serve in the militia. I never met with any obstruction in the discharge of my duty.
Peter Eraser, Esq., sworn. I have been an inhabit- ant of this Province since 1784: am acquainted with the Madawaska settlement. It is about seven or eight years since I was first there; but I have been acquainted with the settlers since 1787. I considered them always under the government of this Province. The first settler I knew was Capt. Duperree, a captain of the militia of this Province: the date of his commission was between 1787 and 1790. He resided in the settlement. The settlers have voted at elections : there was some difficulty at first in their doing so, on account of the oath which was required to be taken, as they were Catholics; but when this was altered, they have voted without diffi- culty. To my own knowledge, the}^ voted in 1809, and ever since. I consider the Madawaska settlement as extending from the Great Falls to the Canada line. I have been where Baker lives ; and always deemed the part above the Madawaska river as in the Madawaska
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 295
settlement.. There is no distinction, in this respect, between what is above and below that river. The Madawaska settlers are enrolled in the militia of this Province; in Captain Duperree's time, there were two companies. In 1824, they were formed into a separate battalion, consisting of five companies: I am major of the battalion. They turn out very regularly. I never heard of their making any objections to training.
Henry Clopper sworn. I am clerk of the peace and register of deeds for this county. I was appointed clerk in 1823, and register in 1821. I succeeded my father in both offices. I have discharged the duties since 1820, having acted for him before receiving the appointment myself. Parish officers were appointed by the sessions for the parish of Kent. There was a separ- ate list for the Madawaska district, in that parish. I have been as far up the river as ten miles above the Grand Falls. There are a great many deeds registered in my office of land in Madawaska, where the parties are the Madawaska settlers, some as long since as twenty- five or thirty years back. As clerk of the peace, I receive the money given as bounty for grain raised on new ground in this county. In May, 1825, the defend- ant, John Baker, applied to me for the bounty for grain raised by him on new land. He received the bounty from me. The paper now produced by me is the docu- ment under which he became entitled to it. I observed to him that he was an alien, and I was not aware whether he was strictly entitled to it. He said his certificate had passed the session. The paper I now hold is the certifi- cate, and the only one; it has been on file in my office since.
The paper was here put in, and read by the clerk of the Crown, and is as follows :
"I, John Baker, of Kent, do swear that ninety
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bushels of wheat were really and truly raised on the land occupied by me, and are actually of the crop of the year 1823, (1822) and that the wood was cut down, burnt, or cleared off from the land on which the same was raised within two years previous to the time that the said crop was taken off, and that they were of the first and only crop of grain raised on land from which the said wood was so cut doMii, burnt, or cleared off, as aforesaid.
"John Baker. "Sworn before me, at Woodstock, the 2d of July, 1825, (1823.)
"John Bedell, Justice of the Peace. "I verily believe the facts above stated to be just and true.
"John Bedell."
I paid him by a check on Mr. Needham ; the amount was £4 5s 3d; this is the order I gave Mr. Needham.
Cross-examined by defendant. Have you got the receipt I gave for the money? The witness here pro- duced the schedule and signature to it by Baker, and said this is the only receipt he gave me, except the one given to Mr. Needham.
Mark Needham sworn. I remember the circumstance of paying this order; the words "received payment" on it are in my writing. I have no doubt I paid it, but have not now any particular recollection of the defendant. I considered it paid, and charged Mr. Clopper with it.
George I. Dibblee sworn. I am acquainted with the hand- writing of the defendant, John Baker — have seen him write ; the signature to the receipt on the order is his hand-writing ; I have no doubt of it.
Simon Abear, or Hibert, sworn. I live two miles below Madawaska river; have lived there four (forty) years next month; I moved there from the French vil-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY" 297
lage about ten miles above Frederickton, I have a grant of my land from this Province ; it is the first grant in the Madawaska, and was made about two or three years after I moved up. I live under this government, and have always lived under it; all the Madawaska settlers live under the same Government. I vote at elections ; the first time was about eight years ago. Baker came last year to my house ; he asked me what time I go to train my company; I am a captain of militia; he said there is not much occasion to train at Madawaska. I inquired the reason; he said nothing; I told him I would go next Saturday — he must be stronger than me to prevent me. I know where Baker lives ; he came five or six years ago; he has always lived at the same place — raised grain there; I believe he cultivated no where else. Baker said I had better not train but did (not) ask me not to train.
George West sworn. I know the defendant, Baker ; have known him since 1820; he was then settled at the Bay Chaleur; I saw him next at the Madawaska; this was when Judge Bliss was President, I believe 1824. I seized 300 logs from him; I was then a seizing officer; he said he wished to become a British subject, as he had been here the necessary time; he inquired of me what steps it would be necessary for him to take; I told him as far as my information went; this was at the place where he lives; it is called Baker's mill stream; he spoke as if he considered himself a resident within this Prov- ince, and wished to have all the lenity shown him on that account ; it was shown him ; he was allowed to redeem the loss at the rate of 2s 6d per thousand feet, counting three logs to a thousand. The logs were seized as cut on Crown lands without license. I have seen him since ; there was a warrant of survey sent to me to execute of this land where Baker resides; it was in Samuel
298 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Nevers' name ; Baker himself attended the execution of the warrant, and directed the course of the lines ; the privilege was considered Baker's, but taken in Nevers' name, as Baker was not a British subject: I think this was about two years ago.
The evidence on the part of the prosecution having here closed, the defendant was called upon for his defence ; he addressed the court nearly as follows :
"I am a citizen of the United States, and owe alleg- iance to that country. I have lately received my deed from the States of Maine and Massachusetts. I hold myself bound to their Courts. I live in American terri- tory, and hold myself only liable to the courts of that place, being the county of Penobscot, in the State of Maine. I enter no defence, and call no evidence. I do decline the jurisdiction of this court."
The defendant alluded to a letter he had, in the course of the trial, handed to the Chief Justice ; which was delivered to him, and he was informed he might, if he chose, read it as part of his defense, but declined doing so.
The Attorney General then addressed the Court, and said, that, as he had, in his opening, stated generally the nature of the case and evidence, and the defendant had not made any defence, he did not think it necessary, after so much time had been taken up and the evidence so fully gone into, to address the jury, but would merely read two or three additional authorities, (which he did, from Starkie's Evidence, Compyn's Digest, Blackstone's Commentaries, and Archbold's Criminal Pleading,) and then leave the case in the hands of the Court.
Mr. Justice Chipman charged the Jury. He began by stating the indictment and plea, the general nature of the offence, and the proofs requisite to support the charge. He said that the body of the offence was the
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 299
conspiracy, and combining and confederating together Avith the intent laid in the indictment. In the present case, the intent charged was to bring into contempt the King's authority, to spread false opinions among his subjects as to his power and prerogative over them, and in fact completely to unsettle their minds as to their allegiance to the Government under which they lived. This mind and intention must be made manifest by overt acts. It was usual, though held not to be absolutely necessary, to set forth overt acts in the indictment; but if, from the facts proved in evidence, the jury should be satisfied that the defendant, Baker, now on trial, did combine and confederate with one or both of the other defendants named in the indictment with the intent imputed to them, that would be sufficient to make up the offence. As the essence of the crime was the combining, two persons at least must be engaged in it. The Judge then stated that before going into a consideration of the evidence, he would dispose of the ground which the defendant had set up when called upon his defence: which was, that the place where the acts were committed was in the territory of the United States, and that he, the defendant, was not amenable to the laws, or subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts of this Province. The Judge then stated that the question as to the national rights to this territor}^ now well known to be in controversy, is one which this Court is utterly incompetent to enter into, and can have nothing to do with. It is a matter of state, to be settled between the two nations. Great Britain and the United States ; to be dealt with by the Governments of the two countries, and not by this Court. The Court will only inquire whether the place in question is actually in the possession and under the jurisdiction, and laws of this Province ; and if so, the Court will maintain
300 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
that jurisdiction, and continue the exercise and protec- tion of those laws, until some act of the King's Govern- ment shall effect a change. There can be no stronger evidence of the possession of a country than the free and uncontrolled exercise of jurisdiction within it; and the Court is bound by its allegiance to the Crown, and its duty to the King's subjects, to act upon this, which it considers as the only principle truly applicable to the case. This principle has already been acted upon in this Province.
The learned Judge then referred to the case of the sloop Falmouth, adjudged in the Court of Vice Admir- alty of this Province many years ago, (1806.) He stated this to have been the case of a seizure by a British officer of an American vessel lying in the waters of Passamaquoddy Bay, for landing her cargo within this Province ; no foreign vessels being at that time admis- sible into the ports of these colonies. The counsel for the prosecution in that case went at large into the ques- tion of right to all the islands in that bay, under the provisions of the treaty of 1783, and contended that, by virtue of that treaty, all the islands, including Moose, Dudley, and Frederick Islands, then in the actual pos- session of the United States, of right belonged to Great Britain; and that no foreign vessel could lawfully lade (land) a cargo in any part of that bay ; but the learned judge of that Court at that time, now one of the Judges of this Court, (Mr. Justice Botsford,) in pronouncing judgment, would not enter upon the question of right to the islands, which he considered a matter of state for the two Governments to decide upon ; but finding the three islands beforenamed to be under the actual pos- session and jurisdiction of the United States, he applied the principle of the law of nations applicable to a water boundary between two different countries, and directed
or PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 301
his attention solely to the point whether the vessel laded her cargo on the British side of a middle line drawn between these islands then in the possession of the United States, and the British islands opposite. It thus appears that this doctrine of taking the actual state of things as we find them, and applying the law accordingly, has been already acted upon in this Prov- ince, in an instance where it was favorable to citizens of the United States; and this Court has no hesitation in applying the same doctrine, which it considers as the true doctrine, to the present case. It is to be observed that the defendant in the present case has given no evidence whatever of the place in question being in the possession or under the jurisdiction of the United States; that he does not appear to be in any respect an agent of that Government, or acting under its authority ; and that what has been done must be considered as being altogether the acts of unauthor- ized individuals. The place where the transaction occurred goes by the general name of the Madawaska settlement; and if this settlement shall appear to be, in point of fact, under the jurisdiction of this Province, the case must receive the same consideration, and the conduct of the defendant be viewed in the same light, as if the acts complained of had been committed in any other part of the Province, one hundred miles further down on the river St. John, or even in this town of Frederickton.
The learned Judge then proceeded to read over the whole of the testimony from his notes, commenting upon the several parts of it as he went on. He considered the overt acts as to hoisting of the flag of the United States with the express intention of subverting British authority, as most distinctly and fully proved and asked what more unequivocal indication there could be of an
302 HISTORICAI- COLLECTIONS
intention to bring the King's Government into con- tempt, and of unsettling the administration of the laws of the Province, than the erecting of a foreign standard with this declared purpose. With respect to the trans- action with the postman he directed the jury that if they considered the acts of the defendant in this instance to have proceeded from the combination and confederacy to subvert the King's authority, the defendant was properly chargeable with them under this indictment; and that, in forming their judgment of this and all the other facts detailed in evidence, they should take into view all the circumstances of time and place, and of action, in determining the character of the several transactions. With respect to the written agreement, by which they bound themselves to resist the British laws, he thought that was sufficiently proved with regard to the American citizens; but it was not made out in proof that this was the same paper which was handed to the French settlers; but the learned Judge said that he could not admit of any distinction in this respect between aliens being under the jurisdiction and protection of the British laws and natural born subjects; the former owed a local allegiance ; and what would be a breach of the laws by the one, would be so by the other, The learned Judge, in closing, stated, that if, in determining the present case, this court was to under- take to enter upon a question of a conflict of rights between the two nations, it might be disposed to approach it with a degree of trepidation : but this case was altogether unembarrassed by any such considerations. It presented a chain of evidence of clear possession and undisturbed jurisdiction on the part of this Province from the period of its first erection down to the present time — a space of more than forty years. One of the oldest inhabitants in the Madawaska settlement had
OF PISCATA(iUIS COUNTY 303
proved that he removed thither from the lower part of this Province forty years ago; that he, and all the set- tlers there, alwaj's considered themselves as living under this Government. It is also proved that these inhabi- tants have received grants of land from this Govern- ment, and have, from the beginning, been enrolled in the militia; that they have voted at elections for the county of York; have applied to the Provincial courts for redress in all suits at law; and have uniformly exer- cised all the privileges, and been subject to all the duties, of other inhabitants of the Province; excepting only that the sheriff states that he has not summoned them to attend on juries at Frederickton by reason of their great distance; but he expressly declared that he has always been in the habit of serving writs throughout the whole of that settlement, as much as in any other part of his bailiwick. It appears also that the defend- ant, Baker, considered himself as living within the terri- tory, and under the jurisdiction of this Province; that he applied to Mr. Morehouse, the Provincial magistrate for processes to recover his debts from inhabitants in the Madawaska settlement; that he received the Provincial bounty for grain raised on land, which there can be no question is the land on which he now resides, and this on his own affidavit, stating himself to be John Baker, of the parish of Kent. It further appears that he attended a Provincial Surveyor in laying out this very land, for which a warrant of survey, under the authority of the Province, was in a course of execution, giving directions as to the course of the lines ; the grant being intended for the benefit of Baker, although it was to be taken out in the name of Nevers, a British subject. Baker himself, also, had an intention of being naturalized, and stated to one of the witnesses, Mr. George West, that he had resided the necessary time, and wished to know
304 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
what other steps were necessary for this purpose. This conversation taking place on the spot where he lived, at the head of the Madawaska settlement, and at a time when logs cut by him had been seized as being cut on crown lands without license; and Baker claimed to be dealt favorably with by reason of his residence within the Province, and his intention to become naturalized. The learned Judge also stated that it appeared from the evidence that there was no line of division to be drawn between any parts of that whole settlement, as to the possession and exercise of jurisdiction by this Province; that he could not imagine any principle upon which any such line of division could be made; that one of the witnesses spoke of the settlement having, when he first knew it, commenced seven miles above the Great Falls ; that it has since extended downwards to within two or three miles of the Falls. It has also been gradually extending upwards, and all the inhabitants, in every part of it, were equally under the jurisdiction of this Prov- ince, and entitled to the benefit and protection of its laws; and if they were to be transferred from this juris- diction and protection, it must be by some act of the King's Government, competent for that purpose.
The learned Judge, with these observations, left the case to the Jury, directing them to consider it in the same light, and to give the defendant the benefit of the same considerations, that they would in the case of any other inhabitants of the Province.
The jury retired from the box, and, after about an hour's deliberation, returned into court with a verdict of guilty.
The defendant was then required to enter into recog- nizance to appear on Monday next to receive the sentence of the court. The same bail were accepted as before, in the same amount.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY g05
The Attorney General stated to the court that he
W^rTl ' "°" P™'"1"' ™ *h' ^"-"ffi^i" information wh,ch had been filed against the defendant; and also on
the md,c taent wh,eh had been found against John Baker
The witnesses were informed that their further attend- ance would not be required.
Monday, May 12, 1828
Jrd^e Chtar-^ *^ ^"'^^ ^-«- ^"'- B>- The defendant being caUed, and appearing, the Attor- ney General proceeded to make several observations on the case, and concluded by moving the judgment of the court.
His Honor, Mr. Justice Bliss, then inquired of the defendant .f he had anything to say in mitigation, or any attidavits to produce.
The defendant said he had little to say. He was brought there, and made amenable to the jurisdiction of the court, and must of course submit. He had no affi- davits to produce: there were some facts, which, if they had been brought forward, might have been material- but as he was not prepared with the whole, he had thought It better not to adduce any proof. He con- cluded by submitting himself to the consideration of the court.
Mr Justice Bliss then proceeded to pass sentence to the tollowing effect :
That the defendant had been indicted by the grand jury of the county of York for a seditious conspiracy entered into by him and others, within the jurisdiction of this court, to which he had pleaded not guilty, alleg- ing, at the same time, that he did not consider himself
306 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
amenable to the process of this court, being a citizen of the United States, and that the offence charged was committed within their territory; but the court could not admit this to be the case, it appearing clearly that the Madawaska settlement where the offence was com- mitted, has been, from the first erection of the Province, hitherto under our laws, and subject to our jurisdiction; and that the defendant, after a very fair and full investi- gation of the case, had been convicted by a jury of the country; and it now remains for the court to pass their sentence upon him for this offence; in doing which their object was to treat him with that lenity which, so far as was consistent with the end of justice, is uniformly extended to His Majesty's natural born subjects; and, although the court considered the offence of which he had been found guilty of a very aggravated nature, they have had regard to his previous long imprisonment; and their object being to secure the future peace of the country, and not to pass a vindictive sentence personally against him, they had awarded the punishment accord- ingly ; and did sentence him to be imprisoned in the common gaol of the county of York for the term of two calendar months, and to pay a fine to our lord the King of twenty five pounds, and remain committed until the same was paid.
The defendant John Baker was then taken into custody by the Sheriff.
Defence of the Frontier of Maine.
A communication in relation to this subject has been made by the Secretary of War, in compliance with a resolution, to the U. S. Senate. It contains a variety of documents, and among them the reports of Gen. Wool and Major Graham, of a reconnoissance of our
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 307
Frontier made by them the past summer. This recon- noissance was made in obedience to instructions from the War Department, given in consequence of the repre- sentations to the department by Gov. Kent, and the earnest solicitations made by him of the importance of such a movement, and the necessity of having our frontier better fortified. We shall give such portions of these reports as will be of interest to our readers, commencing with Gen. Wool's.
From the Report of Brigadier General John E. Wool to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Head Quarters, Troy, N. Y. )
October 30, 1838. \
Sir:
Herewith, I have the honor to transmit a report of the military reconnoissance of the frontier of Maine, made during the summer past, in obedience to instruc- tions received from the War Department, dated the 12th May and 16th of June last.
Agreeably to your verbal instructions communicated at Washington, I repaired to Augusta, (Maine.) and conferred with his Excellency Edward Kent, on the sub- ject of the reconnoissance required. He not only appeared much pleased with the object, but offered every assistance in his power to aid in its prosecution. I remained at Augusta until I was joined, the 28th June, by Major Graham and Lieutenant Johnson, of the topo- graphical engineers. On the 29th of June, we pro- ceeded to Bangor, where I was delayed until the 3d of July, in consequence of some preparations on the part of Major Graham, before he could commence his topo- graphical sketches or surveys. The Major having com- pleted his arrangements, we set out on the 3d of July
808 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
for the examination of the northwestern frontier of the State, confining ourselves within the undisputed limits, as prescribed by your instructions of the 16th June.
After exploring Moosehead lake. Moose River, and the country west of Moosehead lake as far as the high- lands which divide the State of Maine from Lower Canada, I selected a position for the establishment of a military post for the protection and defense of the northwestern frontier of the State, on the height about one mile north of Moose river, fourteen miles south of the line, on the road called the Canada road, leading to Quebec. This position is a commanding one, and would be highly important if by any circumstance England should be induced to invade Maine, from the direction of Quebec or Lower Canada. It is situated on the only route by which a military force would attempt to pene- trate the country from Lower Canada. Any other route would be attended with almost insurmountable difficulties, and could not fail to retard the advance of any army. On either side of the Canada road, for nearly or quite forty miles south of the line, the country is unsettled and covered with a dense forest, through which roads must be cut and made, streams bridged, and boats built, and where neither forage, provisions or any other sup- plies could be obtained. If England, however, should make war upon the United States in order to secure the possession of the disputed territory in question, she would not waste her resources by contending for it in the wilds or dense forests of Maine. Having an army and a navy at her disposal, she would endeavor to compel the U. States to a cession of it by the destruction of our commerce, navy depots, commercial cities and frontier towns. These, with the present disposition of the military establishment of the country constitute our vulnerable points, and of which England would not fail
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 309
to take advantage. She would neither send her armies into our forests, nor into the heart of the country, from whence it is not probable they would return. She may, however, threaten Maine, from Quebec, and perhaps carry on a predatory warfare, by means of the Canada road. To protect the frontier and prevent such inroads upon the people, I would establish a post with two com- panies of infantry, near Moose river, with a post of observation on the height of land dividing Maine from Lower Canada. The depot of supplies for those posts I would establish on the south side of Moose river, one mile from the principal post. The Kennebec forks I would designate as a principal depot and place of con- centration for the militia of that section of the country.
The heights surrounding the forks are well calculated for defence, and would enable a small force, well directed, to hold a larger one in check until the militia of the country could be collected.
Before closing this part of my report it may not be improper to remark, that a road has been cut out, but not made, north of the military position selected near Moose river, leading from the Canada road to the head of Moosehead Lake. It has been suggested that a mili- tary force from Quebec or Lower Canada, might pene- trate Maine by that road and Moosehead lake. In answer to which I have only to observe that no general, who understood his profession, would invade Maine by any route destitute of forage, provisions, or the means of transportation. On the contrary, he would take the route that would furnish the greatest amount of supplies, and the greatest facilities of marching into the heart of the country. To take the route referred to, he would be compelled to make roads, construct bridges and boats, and to carry with him his forage, provisions, and the means of land transportation. In such a case, it would
310 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
require no foresight to predict the result. He would beyond all question be defeated, if the people of Maine were true to themselves, and true to the country.
Deeming no other posts than those above mentioned necessary for the defence or protection of the north- western frontier of Maine, I returned to Bangor, leaving Major Graham and Lieutenant Johnson to make the required surveys and sketches.
On the 16th of July, accompanied by his Excellency Edward Kent, I set out to examine the eastern and northeastern frontier of the State. — On the 17th, we examined the military position at Houlton, which I con- sider well calculated for the defence and protection of that region of country. With proper works, and a gar- rison composed of six companies of infantry, and two of artillery, I do not believe any attempt would be made from New Brunswick to invade the disputed territory, or by that route to invade the settled parts of Maine. A general commanding at Fredericton, or St. Johns, with a large disposable force, might attempt an enterprise against the garrison at Houlton, intercept its communi- cation with, and cut off its retreat to Bangor. — This might be done by way of Woodstock, Eel river, or the Lakes Magaguadaweek and Chiputnaticook, or Grand Lake. From Woodstock, through by roads, the Mili- tary road could be reached five miles south and in the rear of Houlton. By Eel river and Dunn's on the Calais road, the same point could be reached. By the lakes above mentioned, and Butterfield's on the Calais road, the military road could be intercepted by a cross road, eight miles south of the Mattawamkeag forks, and about thirty eight miles south of Houlton.
This route will be the shortest from Fredericton and in the winter the easiest to be accomplished. It is, however, not probable that in the present wild state of
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 311
the country, no roads being made except from Fredericton to Woodstock, any movement of the kind would be made with eight companies of regular troops at Houlton and a respectable force at Calais. Such a movement by the British forces would undoubtedly produce a cor- responding one on the part of the United States troops at Calais, against Fredericton or St. Johns, which, unless the British were in great force at those places, would produce a recall of any movement against Houlton or the disputed territory. No military commander would hazard an enterprise against Houlton or the disputed territory, if by such a movement he could possibly lose Fredericton or St. Johns which would give to the con- querors the finest part of New Brunswick.
To guard against any movement as suggested, I would recommend that a regiment of infantry and two com- panies of artilleiy be stationed at Calais, and one com- pany of infantry and one of artillery at Eastport, with posts of observation at Butterfield's and Dunn's on the Calais road, leading to Houlton. From Calais, Frederic- ton or St. Johns might be reached in three days. Should the above recommendations be adopted, I would desig- nate Calais as a proper place for the main depot of sup- plies and concentration of the militia for the defence of the eastern frontier; and the Mattawamkeag forks for the depot and concentration of the militia for the defence of the disputed territory and the northeastern frontier.
In addition to the above, I would recommend the erection of an arsenal near Bangor, on the right or left bank of the Penobscot. Also a fortification and garri- son at the entrance of both the Penobscot and Kenne- bec.
From a statement received from his excellency Edward Kent, it would appear that the militia of Maine exceeds forty-one thousand.
SI 2 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Of these, in the course of ten days, 4,500 could be collected at the forks of the Kennebec, 4,000 at the Mattawamkeag forks, and 2,500 at Calais. In twenty daj's there could be 12,000 collected at the Kennebec forks, 10,000 at the Mattawamkeag forks and 8,000 at Calais.
The above calculation, however, is made up on the supposition that they would be called out as organized by regiments and brigades. A draft would take a longer period, but the same number of men could be obtained.
It would also appear, from the same statement, that the State has in depot 9,000 muskets, 2,200 rifles, 350 pistols, and 850 swords, and a good supply of equip- ments, all in good order and fit for service. The arms and equipments, however, in the possession of the militia, are generally small, and too light for active ser- vice.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient survent,
JOHN E. WOOL. To the Hon. J. R. Poinsett,
Secretary of War.
Fredericton, Feb. 13, 1839.
By His Excellency Major General Sir John Harvey, K. C. B. and K. C. H., Lieut. Governor and Com- mander in Chief of the Province of New Brunswick, etc. etc. etc.
John Harvey.
A Proclamation.
Whereas, I have received information that a party of armed persons to the number of two hundred or more, have invaded a portion of this province, under the juris- diction of Her Majesty's Government, from the neighbor-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 313
ing State of Maine, for the professed object of exercis- ing authority, and driving off persons stated to be cut- ting therein — and that divers other persons have without any legal authority, taken up arms for the purpose of resisting such invasion and outrage, and have broken open certain stores in Woodstock, in which Arms and Ammunition belonging to Her Majesty were deposited, and have taken the same away for that purpose — I do hereby charge and command all persons concerned in such illegal acts, forthwith to return the Arms and Ammunition, so illegally taken, to their place of deposite, as the Government of the Province will take care to adopt all necessary measures for resisting any hostile invasion or outrage that may be attempted upon any part of Her Majesty's Territory or Subjects.
And I do hereby charge and command all Magistrates, Sheriffs, and other officers, to be vigilent, aiding and assisting in the apprehension of all persons so offending, and to bring them to justice. And in order to aid and assist the Civil Power in that respect, if necessary, I have ordered sufficient Military Force to proceed forth- with to the places where these Outrages are represented to have been committed as well to prevent Foreign invasion, as to prevent the illegal assumption of Arms by her Majesty's Subjects in this Province.
And further, in order to be prepared, if necessary to call in the aid of the Constitutional Militia Force of the country. I do hereby charge and command the officers commanding the first and second Battalions of the militia of the County of Carleton, forthwith to proceed as the Law directs, to the drafting of a body of men, to con- sist of one fourth of the strength of each of these battal- ions, to be in readiness for actual service, should occa- sion require.
314 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Given under my Hand and Seal at Fredericton, the Thirteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- nine, and in the second year of Her Majesty's reign.
By his Excellency's Command.
WM. F. ODELL.
(Whig Editorial, Feb. 6, 1839.) The Aroostook Expedition.
When we first heard of the capture of the Land Agent and several others, and the sudden retreat of the Sheriff with his posse, we supposed in common with most of our fellow citizens here, that this was effected by a small body of trespassers, who would hold together only a few days, and that the prisoners would be released after a short detention — and that this whole matter in the way it had been conducted and terminated, was a fair sub- ject of ridicule, and was treated accordingly. It was a proper subject of game, which any one had a right to hunt down. We wish, however, to be understood, that we are wholly in favor of the object of this expedition, we feel desirous of seeing our country protected and jurisdiction enforced within our territorial lines according to the treaty of 1783.
If the Provincial Government have interferred in this matter by arresting and imprisoning any of our citizens, in the rightful exercise of their legal duties within our own territory, we stand ready to shoulder our musket and take our chance in the front rank of our militia — and entertain not the slightest doubt but that the whole body of our citizens would rise as one man, to defend the territory purchased by the blood of our fathers..
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 315
But we have the right to demand that wise counsellors and energetic men shall move in this business and stand at the head of affairs — not such brawling and noisy politicians, such weak, inefficient and feather-bed men as have recently been shoved forward into this Aroostook expedition and have disgraced it. We have no desire to throw the slightest obstacle in the way of this affair, and it gives us great pleasure to learn that Jonathan P. Rogers, Esq. has been despatched by the Governor and Council, to hold an interview with Sir John Harvey, in reference to this business.
If Gov. Fairfield had taken this step in the first place, as Gov. Kent did in reference to the Boundary Commis- sioners, there would have been little or no trouble in driving off the trespassers from the disputed territory. But this, the Governor was unwilling to do, after his party had reviled and ridiculed Gov. Kent, in the man- ner they have done, for the course he took. Having now begun this business upon the Whig policy pursued by Gov. Kent, we cannot doubt of a successful issue.
(Editorial in Whig, Feb. ii, 1839.)
Steady.
Our State has been for the 3d time invaded and our citizens forcibly arrested, carried away and incarcerated in a FOREIGN JAIL. The first time, Mr. Baker and his neighbors, next Mr. Greely, and now the Land Agent and his assistants. We have remonstrated and entreated long enough and to no purpose. We now appeal to arms. We now appeal to the law of nature, recognized by all communities, for that protection which has been denied us by the General Government. Be the issue what it may, upon this question the whole State is united to a man, and will carry into the conflict its
316 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
undivided energies. As we are in this city in the midst of a great excitement it behooves us all to keep calm and cool and proceed vt^ith the utmost deliberation. Expresses are passing every day through this city from the Aroostook and from the Province to Augusta and back — our streets for the last two days have been filled with the busy preparations for the Aroostook expedition. The artillery has been forwarded and large quantities of amunition, provisions, forage, etc. Twenty men are engaged at the Foundry casting balls. Bodies of volun- teers from the country are passing through the city hourly, and not less than 500 are now between this place and Matawamkeag Point. The draft of one thous- and men has been made in this division, and they will all be on the march to morrow.
(Whig Correspondence.)
Friday, 9 o'clock. A. M.
Aroostook Expedition.
The remainder of the detachment have left the city, and somewhat of the intense excitement is abated which has pervaded our own citizens, and the crowd of specta- tors which have thi'onged the city. Most of the detach- ment left the city yesterday in small squads, and this arrangement of the march we hope will secure comfortable and warm quarters to the zealous and patriotic Militia. Every aid will be given by the citizens along the line to the proper officers, and the men will be received in the most kind and hospitable manner. The appearance of the troops was such as excited our surprise and admira- tion. Coming together at a moments notice, every man seemed to be prepared for duty and eager to reach the scene of operations. The Commander in Chief ordered,
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 31 T
we understand, a rendezvous of the force on Thursday at 10 o'clock, most of which, we have said, left town the same day, and the remainder this morning. The promptitude with which the call of the Commanding General has been obeyed and the order and enthusiasm of the troops and the universal impression of the ability and energy of the Commanding General, has impressed the whole community with a full confidence in its success.
(Editorial in Whig, Feb. 23, 1839.)
The Assertion of the Age.
The assertion of the Age, that we wished to cast ridicule on the Aroostook Expedition, is wholly false. We shall not bandy words with a paper which thus attempts to turn the present crisis to political account. We did think it strange that the person entrusted with the command, should have suffered himself to have been taken in the manner he was. We are not opposed to the Expedition, and never have been, and as long as it is conducted properly we shall not utter a syllable against it. The Whigs of the State have but one wish, one opinion, in regard to the course to be pursued — they are anxious that Gov. Fairfield should go on, without falter- ing in the least ; — we hope that he will not, and that the State will not retrace a single step, in the position she has taken. A holier spirit than that of party, should now animate the people. The crisis demands the united energy and action of all parties, and we doubt not, that the one sentiment, the one feeling, the deep enthusiasm which pervades every bosom, will continue thus universal, until the rights of our noble State are established beyond a doubt and fally and honorably recognized. The honor and interest of the whole State must be maintained at all hazards. We shall have no fears of the issue of the
318 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
conflict, knowing as we do, that the citizens of Maine will not prove recreant to duty, and the obligations now resting upon them.
While we would not have the Whigs, as a party for- get for a moment, the ancient landmarks, of their political faith, and the strong grounds of their opposition to the State and National Administrations, — so neither would we have them, in the least, abate in their ardor and anxiety to bring our boundary rights to a successful termination. Though we may have occasion, hereafter, to revert to the conduct and management of certain individuals at the commencement of this interesting enterprise, we shall not be backward in upholding the great object which the State, as one people, has in view. The present movement we should regard as National, and we shall not be found wanting in the bold mainte- nance of the honor and welfare of the State.
(Whig Correspondence.) From Houlton.
Tuesday, 9 o'clock A. M. An express has just arrived from the Aroostook bring- ing the information that our Land Agent has been put into close jail. Just look at the contrast. The British Land Agent was brought here in a coach with four horses, a prisoner, carried to the Bangor House, and invited to one of the best rooms in the House, and received the best of fare, while our Agent was dragged on a horse sled to Frederickton and incarcerated within the walls of a prison. Should not such treatment cause the blood of every American to boil with indignation?
11 o'clock A. M. The Augusta Light Infantry Company has just arrived in this city.
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(Whig Correspondence.)
Saturday, 5 o'clock, P. M.
A company of Cavalry, consisting of 48 men, have just arrived in this city from Waldo county.
We have just seen a gentleman who left the Aroostook on Thursday. The volunteers have erected a fort with logs, and have five field pieces mounted. They were all in fine spirits. The Waldo volunteers, the Piscataquis volunteers, and the Brewer volunteers, arrived at No. 4, about 36 miles this side of the camp on Thursday night. The Bangor Artillery and Dexter Artillery arrived at Lincoln on Friday night, and the Dexter Rifle corps were about 5 miles this side of Lincoln on Saturday morning.
Four of the British Regular troops, deserters from the Provinces, arrived at Lincoln on Friday night. Deser- tions are taking place daily, and some of these liberty- loving fellows have already enlisted in one of the com- panies of the 3d Division. The "stars and stripes" will coax many of her Majesty's subjects to their ample folds.
Governor Fairfield's Address to Troops.
Fellow Soldiers: — An unfounded, unjust, and insult- ing claim of title has been made by the British Govern- ment to more than one-third of the whole territory of your State. More than this, it insists upon having exclusive jurisdiction and possession until its claims of title is settled — while in the meantime its subjects are stripping this territory of its valuable growth of timber, in defiance of your authority and your power. A few days since you sent a civil force under your Land Agent, to drive off these bands of armed plunderers and protect your property from their work of devastation. But the Agent while employed in the performance of this duty,
320 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
with two of his assistants, were seized, transported beyond the bounds of the State, and incarcerated in a foreign jail under British authorities. Those who remain are threatened with a forcible expulsion by British troops, if they do not immediately leave the territory and abandon your property to proffered protection of Her Majesty's Lieutenant Governor, And perhaps before this moment, your soil has not only been polluted by the invader's footsteps, but the blood of our citizens may have been shed by British Myrmidons.
The Age states that part of the detachment left for the frontier on Wednesday, and the remainder on Thurs- day morning.
(From Maine Newspapers, 1839.) The Soldiers Song.
Tune— Auld Lang Syne.
We are marching on to Madawask, To fight the trespassers; We'll teach the British how to walk — And come off conquerors.
We'll have our land right good and clear, For all the English say; They shall not cut another log. Nor stay another day.
They need not think to have our land. We Yankees can fight well; We've whipped them twice most manfully, As every child can tell.
And if the Tyrants say one word, A third time we will show, How high the Yankee spirit runs, And what our guns can do.
They better much all stay at home. And mind their business there; The way we treated them before. Made all the Nations stare.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 321
Come on! brace fellows, one and all! The Red-coats ne'er shall say. We Yankees, feared to meet them armed. So gave our land away.
We'll feed them well with ball and shot. We'll cut these Red-coats down, Before we yield to them an inch Or title of our ground.
Ye Husbands, Fathers, Brothers, Sons, From every quarter come! March, to the bugle and the fife! March, to the beating drum!
Onward! my Lads so brave and true Our Country's right demands With justice, and with glory fight. For these Aroostook lands.
Bangor, Feb. 21, 1839.
(From Maine Newspapers, 1839.) Maine Battle Song.
Come, sogers! take your muskets up.
And grasp your faithful rifles; We're going to lick the red coat men.
Who call us yankees, "trifles." Bring out the big gun made of brass.
Which forges July thunder; Bring out the flag of Bennington,
And strike the foe with wonder.
We'll lick the red coats any how.
And drive them from our border; The loggers are awake — and all
Await the Gin'rals order; Britannia shall not rule the Maine,
Nor shall she rule the water; They've sung that song full long enough.
Much longer than they oughter.
The Aroostook's right slick stream, Has nation sights of woodlands,
And hang the feller that would lose His footing on such good lands.
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And all along the boundary line There's pasturing for cattle;
But where that line of boundary is. We must decide by battle.
We do not care about the land.
But they shan't hook it from us;
Our country, right or wrong, we cry- No budging or compromise.
So — beat the sheepskin blow the fife. And march in training order;
Our wave is through the wilderness. And all along the border.
Head Quarters, Eastern Division, )
United States, Army, >
Augusta, Me. March 21, 1839. )
The undersigned, a Major General in the Army of the United States being specially charged with maintain- ing the peace and safet}' of their entire Northern and Eastern Frontiers, having cause to apprehend a collision of arms between the proximate forces of New Brunswick and the State of Maine on the disputed territory which is claimed by both, has the honor, in the sincere desire of the United States to preserve the relations of peace and amity with Great Britain — relations which might be much endangered by such untoward collison — to invite from His Excellency Major General Sir John Harvey, Lieutenant Governor, etc. etc., — a general declaration to this effect.
That it is not the intention of the Lieutenant Gov- ernor of Her Brittannic Majesty's Province of New Brunswick, under the expected renewal of negociations between the Cabinets of London and Washington on the subject of the said disputed territory, without renewed instructions to that effect from his Government, to seek to take the Military possession of that territory, or to
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 323
seek to expel therefrom the armed Civil posse, or the troops of Maine.
Should the undersigned have tlie honor to be favored with such declaration or assurance to be by him com- municated to his Excellency the Governor of the State of Maine, the undersigned does not in the least doubt that he would be immediately and fully authorized by the Governor of Maine to communicate to his Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick a corre- sponding pacific declaration to this effect : —
That in the hope of a speedy and satisfactory settle- ment, by negociation between the Governments of the United States and Great Britain of the principal or boundary question between the State of Maine and the Province of New Brunswick, it is not the intention of the Governor of Maine, without renewed instructions from the Legislature of the State, to attempt to disturb by arms, the said Province in the possession of the Madawaska settlements, or to attempt to interrupt the usual communications between that Province and Her Majesty's Upper Provinces; and that he is willing in the mean time, to leave the question of possession and juris- diction as they at present stand ; that is, Great Britain, holding, in fact, possession of a part of the said territory and the Government of Maine denying her right to such possession; and the State of Maine holding, in fact, possession of another portion of the same territory to which her right is denied by Great Britain.
With this understanding the Governor of Maine will, without unnecessary delay, withdraw the Military force of the State from the said disputed territory — leaving only, under a Land Agent, a small civil posse, armed or unarmed, to protect the timber recently cut, and to prevent future depredations.
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Reciprocal assurance of the foregoing friendly char- acter having been, through the undersigned, inter- changed, all danger of collision between the immediate parties to the controversy will be at once removed, and time allowed the United States and Great Britain to settle amicably the great question of limits.
The undersigned has much pleasure in renewing to His Excellency, Major General Sir John Harvey the assurances of his ancient high consideration and respect.
WINFIELD SCOTT.
To a copy of the foregoing, Sir John Harvey annexed the following : —
The undersigned, Major General Sir John Harvey, Lieutenant Governor of Her Britannic Majesty's Province of New Brunswick, having received a proposition from Major General Winfield Scott of the United States Army, of which the foregoing is a copy, hereby, on his part, signifies his concurrence and acquiescence therein.
Sir John Harvey renews with great pleasure to Major General Scott, the assurance of his warmest personal consideration, regard and respect.
J. HARVEY.
Government House, Fredericton,
New Brunswick, March 23, 1839.
To a paper containing the note of General Scott, and the acceptance of Sir John Harvey, Governor Fairfield annexed his acceptance in these words :
Executive Department, \
Augusta, March 25, 1839. ) The undersigned, Governor of Maine, in consideration of the foregoing, the exigency for calling out the troops of Maine have ceased, has no hesitation in signifying his entire acquiescence in the proposition of Major General Scott.
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The undersigned has the honor to tender to Major General Scott the assurance of his high respect and esteem.
JOHN FAIRFIELD.
(From Bangor Whig, April 12, 1839.)
The Soldier's Return.
On Wednesday evening, about 6 o'clock, the Bangor Independent Volunteers marched into the city, under command of Lieut. Dunning, on their return from the Aroostook. The Company numbered about fifty, princi- pally young men, who are known as among the most respectable and enterprising of the city. We were rejoiced to preceive so much interest and spirit mani- fested at their return. They marched with a firm and elastic step, to the tune of Home! Sweet Home' The appropriateness of the music to the ocassion, excited one common impulse of satisfaction. We have rarely known an instance which appealed so directly to the heart
Tuesday evening, the Hancock Guards, a rifle com- pany, under command of Capt. Wing, arrived, also. Ihis is a fine company, from Castine and Bluehill They were furnished for the campaign with Hall's Patent Rifles.
The appearance and bearing of these Companies do honor to the Militia of the State, and to their com- mander. Gen. Hodsdon. They have discipline and skill, almost equal to regular troops and perform the duties of the soldier in a manner deserving great praise. Let those who have been induced to speak lightlv of the mihtia system, view these men and ask themselves, whei-e else they would look for defence of our country against foreign aggression. And who are the men who
326 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
deserve sympathy and respect, if not those who so willingly have borne the hardships and privations of a winter campaign exposed to all the fatigues they are called upon to endure.
Gen. Hodsdon, a few days ago, ordered Col. Stevens to Bangor, to cause temporary Barracks to be erected on Thomas's Hill for the accommodation of the troops on their return. They will rendezvous at this place and be paid off as fast as may be convenient. It will however, be a work of several days. The men were principally supplied with arms by the State, and their old guns will be returned to them when the State's arms are surrended. As the troops will come in by companies or small detach- ments, some days must necessarily elapse, before they can be paid off and disbanded.
We think Gen. Hodsdon deserves much praise for his forethought in this matter. We all recollect the incon- venience of quartering 600 men under Gen. Bachelder's command in the midst of the city. Besides, these soldiers deserve better treatment, after their long march through the mud, than to be crowded in large companies of 50 or 60 men, into a room or two, 15 by 18, at this season of the year. We suppose they will be reviewed here by Gen. Hodsdon, and our citizens gratified by a display of their military discipline.
Letter from James Sullivan.
Scoodiac Falls, Sept'r 29th, 1796.
Brother :
I came here with a hope to see you — I am agent for the United States to appear before men who are appointed to find the river the United States and the King called St. Croix when the States became a great
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 327
nation. The men who are come and coming, want to hear what your old men can tell them truly on that question. I invite you to come before them with three or four of your old men at St. Andrews on friday the next week. I want you to tell them what is there and I will pay you for your time what ever is right —
Brother :
You know that the United States is your friend — you know that Massachusetts considers your tribe as her children and you will not be unwilling to come at their call to tell the truth.
I am your Brother
JAMES SULLIVAN. To Francis Joseph Governor the
Passimaquody Indians.
State Papers Relative to the North Eastern Boundary Controversy
THE following is a part of the original correspond- ence between the executive departments of the United States and of the State of Maine relative to this international dispute. The original documents are deposited in the Maine State Library.
His Excellency, Albion K. Parris. Governor of Maine, Portland, Department of State,
Washington, 25 November, 1825.
Sir,
I have the honour to transmit herewith to your Excellency, a copy of a Note with its accompany- ments, received at this Department, from the British Minister; and to request that a'ou will afford me such information on the subject matter of it, as shall enable me to present to the British Minister satisfactory expla- nations of the transactions to which his communication refers. It will occur to you, of course, as being proper that I should be informed whether the persons acting as the Agents of Massachusetts and Maine have been duly constituted such; what they have been authorized and directed to do, and by what authority, and what in fact have been their official transactions, at least, so far as regards the complaint of the L* Governor of New Bruns-
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 329
wick. I will be obliged to your Excellency for the information desired as soon as your convenience will admit of its transmission. In the meantime I offer you assur- ances of the distinguished consideration of your Obedient Servant.
H. Clay.
Washington, Nov»' 15th, 1825. Sir,
I have the honor to lay before you a copy of a letter with its enclosures, which I have received from Sir Howard Douglass. His Britannic Majesty's L*^ Gov- ernor of New Brunswick.
It appears that two American citizens representing themselves to be accredited Agents of the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, and the State of Maine, have circulated a Notice among the settlers upon the Rivers St. John & Madawaska, that they were authorized to execute deeds of conveyance of Lands in those Districts ; and the same persons on their passage through the settle- ment of Madawaska, endeavored to induce the men belonging to the Militia not to attend the general train- ing, asserting that they could not be fined for their absence, as the territory which they occupied belonged to the United States.
I regret that the difference of opinion which has resulted from the deliberations of the Commissioners under the 5th article of the Treaty of Ghent, for fixing the boundary between the possessions of His Britannic Majesty and the territory of the United States has not yet been adjusted, and that an opening is thereby left for complaints of the Nature I am now called upon to represent to you — I am sure, however, that you will con- cur with me in opinion, that so long as the question of
330 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
the boundary remains in the present undecided state, it will be the duty of our Governments to eontroul, mutu- ally, any conduct on the part of their respective sub- jects which is calculated to produce disunion and dis- agreement.
I trust, therefore, that the conduct of the individuals which I have thought it my duty to bring before you, will meet with the disapprobation and discountenance of the Government of the United States.
I have the honor to request, Sir, that you will accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
Signed- — Cha*. R. Vaughan.
The Hon"''^ Henry Clay &c. &c.
Frederickton New Brunswick, October 24th 1825. Sir,
I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency, copies of two papers communicated to me from Peter Fraser Esq., one of the Magistrates, and commandant of a Battalion of Militia in the county of York in this province, stating the conduct of two American Subjects who have represented themselves as accredited agents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and State of Maine.
I submit to your Excellency's consideration the pro- priety of making a representation to the American Gov- ernment, and demanding that an immediate stop be put to practices which have such a marked tendency to sow dissension, and insubordination in settlements long since established by grant from His Majesty, and considered as subject to the British Crown, and which, if persisted in, may lead to serious consequences which it will not be in my power to prevent.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY S31
I have the honour &c. Signed' Howard Douglas The Right Hon. Cha^ Vaughan &c &c &c.
We the subscribers, Land Agents for the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, and State of Maine, hereby give notice, that We are authorized and directed by the Legislatures of said Commonwealth and State, to make and execute good and sufficient deeds conveying to each settler on the Saint Johns and Madawaska Rivers, now in actual possession, their heirs or assigns, one hundred acres each of the land by them possessed to include their improvements on their respective lots, they paying to the Undersigned for the use of said Commonwealth and State, ten dollars each, and the expense of surveying the same. —
Those persons desirous of availing themselves of the above advantage may obtain the same by applying to Samuel Cook Esq. of Houlton Plantation, who will be authorised to survey the same, and deeds will be executed comformable to said Cook's survey whenever the same is made and plans returned to us. —
Signed' George W. Coffin- Signed' James Irish-
Madawaska Oct^ 3d 1825.
Madawaska Oct^ 8th 1825. Sir,
On the second inst. two Americans passed through here to Bakers, at the head of the settlement on the S*. Johns River. They are Land Agents from the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, and the State of Maine — They returned on tuesday, and on their way down offered
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
money to the Militia men not to appear at the general training, on that day, and said to them, that this part of the country belonged to them, we could not fine them for non-attendance. They also left at Captain Firman Thibedaus, on the same day, the enclosed paper for him to make public in the settlement, which you will be pleased to lay before His Excellency, the Governor. —
These Americans came, and returned so rapidly, that I had it not in my power to see them personally, for, if I had received the enclosed paper, and the information of their having offered Money to prevent the Men from attending the training, before their departure from here, I would have considered it my duty to have sent them
down prisoners to Frederickton.
I have the honor &c &c. P. Fraser Major Com^ 4(?) Bat°. Y. C. Militia. The Hon'*''^ L* Col. Geo. Shore Adjut. Gen'^ Y. C. Militia-
His Excellency Albion K. Parris,
Governor of the State of Maine.
Department of State Washington 29 January 1827. Sir,
I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency the Copy of a Letter from the British Minister here, under date the 16th of this month, upon the subject of the Eastern line of Boundary under the Treaty of Ghent, and complaining, at the suggestion & upon the informa- tion of the Lieut. Governor of New Brunswick, of further proceedings of Persons calling themselves Land- Agents and Surveyors, under the authority of the State
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 333
of Massachusetts and Maine, in laying out Townships in the disputed Territory in that quarter.
I am fully persuaded of your Excellency's disposition to take the steps required by the occasion for arresting the proceedings complained of— on the part of the Citi- sens of Maine, so far as they may be found repugnant to the conciliatory Course recommended by the President, in the Letter, which I had the honor, by his direction, to address to you on the 4th January 1826, and it is with this view that I now transmit to your Excellency the Copy of Mr. Vaughan's Letter, above referred to. I am, with great Respect, your obed*. Servt.
H. Clay.
Washington
16*^ January 1827. Sir,
About the latter end of the year 1825 and about the beginning of the last year, a correspondence took place between us, relative to encroachments of persons calling themselves Agents from the States of Maine, and Massachusetts, in the Territory in dispute between His Majesty's Government, and that of the United States, in consequence of the unsettled state of the North Eastern Line of Boundary under the Treaty of Ghent.
The representation which I had the honour to make was promptly answered by the Government of the United States. An enquiry into the circumstances of the encroachments complained of took place, and a spirit of forbearance and moderation was inculcated by the directions of the President, which induced me to hope that I should not have occasion to recur again to a representation of a similar nature.
I have received however, a Letter from Sir Howard
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Douglas, His Majest3''s L^ Governor of New Bruns- wick acquainting me with some further proceedings of persons calling themselves Land- Agents, and Surveyors, acting under the authority of the Governments of the States of Maine, and Massachusetts, in surveying, and laying out Townships in the disputed Territory in question.
The particular Acts which have excited uneasiness in the Government of New Brunswick, are, the laying out of Land into Townships, and marking out roads within a Territory, the assignment of which is not yet made to either of the Parties under the Treaty of Ghent.
My former representation was met by you in so con- ciliatory a spirit, that I am encouraged to hope, that the intervention of the Government of the United States will be effectually exerted to induce the Govern- ments of the States of Maine and Massachusetts to abstain from measures which can be construed into a premature exercise of authority in a disputed Territory, and which may lead to collision of a most disagreeable nature between the Settlers in that Territory.
I think it adviseable to make you acquainted without delay with the complaint which I have received from the Lt. Governor of New Brunswick, whom I beg leave to assure you cautiously abstains on his part from exercising any authority in the disputed Territory which could invite an encroachment, as a measure of retaliation.
I have the honor to request, that you will accept the assurances of my distinguished Consideration.
Signed' Cha®. R. Vaughan. The Hon"''^
Henry Clay,
&c. &c. &c.
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Executive Department of Massachusetts. To his Excellency Enoch Lincoln
I recently received from the Department of State of tlie United htates, a communication covering a copy of a note, addressed by the British Minister resident at Washington to M^. Clay, in which the former complains, in behalf of his Government, of acts of encroachment and aggression by American Citizens, upon the territory claimed to be within the Jurisdictional limits of his Majesty- Province of New Brunswick.- -The occasion of the communication referred to may probably have relation to the exercise of the rights of property and possession under the authority of this Commonwealth, and the State of Maine, in the Surveys and division of the pub- lic lands and the location of the Road from the Matta wamkeag Stream, to the mouth of Fish River, the last season. Presuming that you have likewise been addressed by the secretary of State on the subject of Mr Vaughan's note, I beg indulgence in asking" your corres- pondence upon the facts which are supposed to exist, and the benefit of such information as you possess of the merits & probable issue of the controversy, concerning our North eastern Boundary,- -And the evidence by which It may be justly established by title, or by posses- sion and occupancy, on our part, and acquiescence on the part of the British. The difficulty seems to lie in the application of the description of the Boundary, as defined by the Treaty of 1788, to the face of the Country. A practical constiniction, coeval with the date of the compact would have much force, in determining the intention of the parties. While it Cannot be admitted, that there is anything uncertain or ambiguous in the language of the Treaty, the pertinency of it, to the indiciae of the Line, upon which we insist, can only
336 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
be maintained by facts and appearances obvious to distinct and certain observation.
Will you also be pleased to favour me with your advice of the Measures, which the Government of Maine propose in regard to the Management of the property of this part of our Territory. It certainly is desirable that while we insist upon the rights of the States to their full extent, and omit nothing by which they may be success- fully vindicated, we forbear in respectful deference to the suggestion of the Natural Executive, all uimeccessary Acts of proprietorship and Jurisdictional Authority, which would lead to collisions between the citizens and subjects of the respective Governments, or create embar- rasment in the progress of negociation, for a final settle- ment of the controversy.
May we not without serious predjudice suspend the making of the Fish River Road, Another Session? I am not aware that any other definite work, has been proposed, the execution of which would conflict with the wishes, expressed in the Letter of the Secretary.
With earnest and interesting assurances of that great regard, which belongs to our official as well as personal relations I am &c
Levi Lincoln.
His Excellency Enoch Lincoln, Governor of Maine.
Department of State. Washington 27 March 1827. Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of the Letter which your excellency did me the honor to address to me on the 20th instant, with a Copy of the report of the Joint Select Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Maine, enclosed, both of
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 337
which I have submitted to the President. The deep interest which is taken by the State of Maine in the settlement of our North Eastern Boundary with Great Britain, is very natural. And I assure you that it is a subject on which the President feels the most hvely solid ude. Mr. Gallatin is charged with, and ha^ actually entered on, a negotiation concerning it, but which was not brought to a close at the last dates from him, nor is it probably yet terminated. At that period the prospect was, that there would be no other alterna- tive than that of referring the difference between the two governments to arbitration, according to the pro visions of the treaty of Ghent. Much difficulty was experienced even in adjusting certain preliminary points necessarily connected with the reference, and they have not yet been finally arranged.
When an application was made, during the Session of Congress prior to the last, by the Senators of Maine, for Copies of all the papers in this Department respect- ing the disputed boundary, it was not deemed expedient to furnish copies of the Reports and arguments of the Commissioners, the publication of which, it was believed would be prejudicial. Copies of any surveys. Maps, or documentary evidence, were offered. The same con- siderations, which then existed, are stiU believed to be opposed to letting Copies go from the Department of those reports and arguments. With that exception copies of any of the other papers returned by the Com- missioners will be furnished whenever application is made for them.
It is stated in the Report of the joint select Com- mittee that "We cannot view the acts complained of by the British Governments as encroachments upon the rights of New Brunswick or Great Britain, for they relate and were only intended to relate to the territory
838 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
within the description of the treaty." Although the President might be disposed entirely to coincide in this opinion with the State of Maine, it must not be for- gotten that an opposite opinion is entertained by Great Britain with whom we are now treating. If, whilst the controversy is unsetled, and during the progress of a negotiation, each party proceeds to take possession of what he claims to belong to him, as both assert title to the same territory, an immediate collision is unavoid- able. British Government has abstained, according to the assurances given through their Minister here, from the performance of any new Acts which might be con- strued into an exercise of the rights of soverignty or soil over the disputed territory ; and they so abstained on our representation, and at our instance. Under these circumstances the President continues to think, that it is most advisable that we should practice the like for- bearance as recommended in the Letters, which I had the honor of addressing to your Excellency on the 4**^ January of the last, and the 29"' of January of the present, year. This mutual forbearance is believed to be essential to the harmony between the two Countries, and may have a favorable tendency in the amicable adjustment of the difference between them.
It is worthy also of consideration that, although Maine is most, she is not the only State, interested in the settlement of this question.
Your Excellency may be perfectly persuaded, that every effort will be employed to obtain a satisfactory and as speedy a decision of this matter as may be practicable; and that not less attention will be paid to it, than has been shown on the part of the Executive of the United States in the adjustment of their boundary in another part of the Union to which you refer, whilst it is hoped
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 339
that some unpleasant incidents, which occurred there, may be avoided in the North East.
I transmit herewith, for the consideration of your Excellency, an extract from a despatch of Mr. Gallatin under the date the 30"' October last.
I am, with great Respect, Your Excellencys obed-Servt.
H. Clay.
Extract of a letter from Mr. Gallatin to the Secretary of State, dated London 30. Oct'' 1826.
"Permit me to add an observation on the subject of compromise. Agents had been appointed by the States of Massachusetts and Maine, whose operations have since been suspended at the request of the General Gov- ernment, for purposes connected with the rights of soverignty and soil of those States to the disputed terri- tory,— It would seem, from certain proceedings of the Legislature of New Brunswick, that some of those agents, besides performing their duties, suggested that an amicable arrangement of the boundary might take place, by making the river S* John's the line of division. This suggestion appears to me incautious; and I think that the States ought to be put on their guard on that subject. It must not be forgotten that the chance of an arrangement by compromise is extremely uncertain, and the necessity of resorting to the arbitration very prob- able. An umpire, whether he be king or a farmer, rarely decides on strict principles of law: he has always a bias to try if possible to split the difference: and with that bias, he is very apt to consider any previous pro- posal from either party as a concession that his title was defective, and as justifying a decision on his part that will not displease too much either party, instead of one
340 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
founded on a strict investigation of the title. It seems, indeed, that in any negotiation which may take place for a compromise, any proposition on our part inconsist- ent with our construction of the treat}^, and which would not secure to us all the waters that empty into the S* John's West of the line running North from the source of the S^ Croix, would be dangerous. If such proposal, deemed on the whole better than to run the chance of an arbitration, comes from Great Britain, it may then, but, I think, not till then, be taken into consideration. ' '
Department of State. Washington 7 May, 1827. To His Excellency E. Lincoln: Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency's letter of the 16**^ ult ™°, and to inform you that I have submitted it to the President. The solici- tude which is felt by your Excellency and the Legislature of Maine, in regard to the settlement of our northeastern boundary, so interesting to that state, and so important to the whole Union, is perfectly natural, and justly appreciated by the President. And he is intirely dis- posed to communicate any information in the possession of the Executive of the United States on that subject which can, in his opinion, be communicated without the danger of public detriment. Accordingly, when, at the session of Congress before the last, an application was made at this Department, by the Senators from Maine, for copies of all the papers, maps, and other documents reported by the Commissioners who were appointed under the fifth article of the Treaty of Ghent, it was stated to those gentlemen that the copies would be furnished whenever requested, with the exception of the reports
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 341
and arguments of the Commissioners, transcripts from which, considering their peculiar character, in the then state of the question, the President did not think it expedient to allow to be taken. The Senators from Maine availed themselves of the permission, and obtained copies of some of the maps. Copies of all the papers reported by the Commissioners, which are very volumi- nous, would require the services of two or three copyists for many weeks; but the labour of preparing them would be cheerfully encountered for the accomodation of the State of Maine.
The negotiation with Great Britain is still pending, but there is reason to expect that it will soon be brought to some conclusion ; perhaps in a shorter time than would be requisite to copy and transmit the papers reported by the Commissioners, to your Excellency. The President continues to think that the public interest requires that the communication of transcripts of the reports and arguments of the Commissioners, even under the limita- tion proposed by your Excellency, should be postponed for the present, and until it can be made without the wish of any injurious effect upon the state of the nego- tiation. Your Excellency's experience in public affairs will enable you to make a just estimate of the reserve and delicacy which ought to be observed in all negotia- tions with foreign Powers involving subjects of deep national interest. This consideration has such weight that it is the uniform practice of Congress, as no one knows better than your Excellency, to annex a qualifi- cation to the calls which are from time to time made, for papers relating to the Foreign negotiations of the Government. There would not be the smallest objection to an exhibition to the inspection of your Excellency, or confidentially, to any person that you might think
342 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
proper to designate, of all the papers, without exception, reported by the Commissioners.
I abstain from a particular notice of many of the topics of your Excellency's letter, not from the least want of respect, (on the contrary I entertain the high- est, personally and officialh) for your Excellency, but from a persuasion that the discussion of them is without utility. It has been thought most profitable to limit my answer to the specific requests contained in 3'our letter. I transmit, herewith, in conformity with your wish, a list of the papers reported b}^ the Commissioners, copies of any of which may be procured, for the use of the State of Maine, whenever desired, with the exception which has been stated.
I am,
With great respect. Sir, your obed. hu. serv* H. Clay.
A List of Books, papers he. relative to the V*^^ Article of the Treaty of Ghent.
Books.
Vol. I. Journal of Commission. Vol. II. Claims of Agents.
Contains Claim of the Agent of the United States. First Memorial concerning the Northwest Angle of Nova Scotia and the Northwest- ernmost head of Connecticut River &c.
By the Agent of H. B. Majesty. Second Memorial concerning Same. By Same.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY
343
Vol. III. Answers of Agents.
Contains A reply to the Memorial of the Agent of the United States filed 8^^ June 1821 exhibit- ing the line of the boundary of the U. States from the Source of the River S^ Croix to the Iroquois or Cataraquy.
Answer of the Agent of the U. States to the claim and opening argument of the Agent of H. B. Majesty.
Reed August 10**" 1821.
Vol. IV. Replies of the Agents.
Contains The Reply of the Agent of the United States to the answer of the Agent of H. B. Majesty to the claim and opening argument of the Agent of the United States &c.
Reed Sepf 27*'' 1821. Observations upon the Answer of the Agent of the United States to the Claim and open- ing argument of the Agent of H. B. Majesty.
Vol. V. General Appendix.
Contains Reports of the Surveyors and Astronomers, and Documents referred to in the Arguments of the Agents.
Appendix to British Agent's Reply. (Duplicate) Report of Commissioners C. P. Van Ness. Report of the Commissioner of H. B. Majesty Addressed to the Government of the United States.
Appendix to the Report of H. B. Majesty's Com- missioners.
344 historical collections
Index.
Numbers referred to in the U. S. Numbers referred in the Brit-
Argument, ish Arguments.
1. M'" Johnson's Survey of the Line north from
the S* Croix in 1817 1
2. Col. Bouehett's Survey of the same Line, 1817 2
3. M"* Johnson's Further Survey of the North
Line and adjacent country in 1818 . . 3
4. M'" Odell's Further Survey of the North Line H
5. Cap* Partridge's Section of the Country from
Point Levi to Hallowell, Maine 1819 of the different Heights, through the Grand Portage of Matawasca and S* John Rivers of Mars Hill 4
6. Survey of the Restook Sec- tion of the Same and of Mars Hill 5
7. M^ Odell's Survey of the Restook with a
Sketch of the Country as viewed from Mars Hill and the vicinity of the Houlton Plantation G
8. M^' Hunter's Survey of the Ailaguash River 6
9. " " " of the Penobscot, First
Part 7
10. " " " of the Penobscot, second
part 8
11. M"" Burnham's Survey of the Branches of
Connecticut River B
12. Doc. Tiark's Survey of Connecticut River and
its Tributary Streams A
13. M'" Burnham's Survey of Memkeswee and
Green Rivers, and Beaver Stream . . 9
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 345
14. M^ Burnham's survey of Tuladie River and
Grand Portage . . 10
15. Doc. Tiark's Survey of Tuladie and Green
Rivers 11
16. M^ Loring's Survej^ of Penobscot River . . 12
17. M^ Loring's Survey of Moose River . . 13
18. M'^ Campbell's Sketch of the Height of Land
annexed to M^'Odell's Report of the Sur- vey of 1819 F
19. M^' Hunter's Survey of the River S* John 14
20. M^ Loss' Survey of the River S* John . .15
21. M*" Partridges' Survey of the Chandiere, the
source of the Dead River, and the east Branch of the Connecticut . . . . 16
22. M'- Carlile's Survey of the Head Waters of
the Chaudiere & Kennebeck Rivers . . 17
23. M'' Burnham's Survey of the River Quelle &
of the Source of Black River . . . 18
24. M'" Carlile's Survey of the Same Rivers . 19
25. M'' Burnham's Survey of the Sources of the
Metjarmette, Penobscot and S* John Rivers 20
26. M^ Carlile's Survey of the same Sources . 21
27. Col° Bouchett's Barometrical Section of the
Line north from the S* Croix ... 22
28. Extract from Carrigan's Map of New Hamp-
shire C
From Mitchell's Map of Connecticut
River D
Col° Bouchett' concerning the parellel line E
29. Extract from Mitchel's Map as first filed by
the British Agents.
30. Plan of the former Survey of the Latitude of
Forty five degrees North in 1774.
346 historical collections
Additional.
Map of the Country explored in the years 1817, 1818, 1819 & 1820 by order of the Commissioners under the 5*^ article of the Treaty of Ghent.
Map referred to in the British Agent's Reply.
A. Map of Connecticut River by Doctor Tiarks.
B. Streams Tributary to Connecticut River by M^
Burnham.
C. Extract from Carrigains' map of New Hampshire.
D. Extract from Mitchells Map shewing the heads
of Connecticut River
E. Col. Bouchett's plan showing the different lines
considered as the parallel of 45° North
F. M. Campbell's Sketch of the height of land
annexed to M^ Odell's Report of the Survey of 1819
G. M. Odell's plan of the Survey of the Restook with
a Sketch of the Country as viewed Hill and the vicinity of Houlton H. Extract from M. Odell's plan of the due North
Line explored in 1818 I. General extract from Mitchell's map . K. Corrected Copy of same Extract ....
Filed August 14, 1821 (signed) S. Hale, Secretary.
Title of the British Copy.
This atlas (containing the Copies of Maps and parts of Maps and plans with the exception of the last Mitchell's Map which was filed as thereon stated) accom- panied the answering argument of the Agent of H. B. Majesty filed on the 14*'^ of August last.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 347
Department of State, Washington, 9th June, 1827. His Excellency Enoch Lincoln : Sir:
The President has received the letter which your Excellency addressed to him, under date the 29th ultimo; and I am charged by him to convey to you his assurances that your observations on the interesting sub- ject of our Northeastern boundary shall receive attentive and respectful consideration. I beg leave to add that in no contingency is any arbitration of the difference between the United States and Great Britain, relative to that boundary, contemplated, but that for which pro- vision has been solemnly made by treaty. It would afford great satisfaction to the President if a resort to that alternative for quieting the dispute could be avoided, by obtaining from Great Britain an explicit acknowledg- ment of the territorial claims of Maine, in their whole extent. Candor, however, compels me to state, that the prospects of such an acknowledgment, at the present time, are not encouraging.
I avail myself of this occasion to renew to your Excel- lency assurances of the high respect and consideration of
Your obedient servant,
H. Clay.
Department of State Washington 15 June, 1827. His Excellency Enoch Lincoln Governor of Maine. Portland Sir:
I was directed by the Secretary, before his departure from this City, a few days ago, on a visit to
S48 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Kentucky, to have copies prepared of the Books &c. Sec. requested in your Letter to him of the 29*^^ of May, and to transmit them to your Excellency, with all possi- ble despatch; and I have just collected together the manuscript Books containing the arguments of Mr. Chipman and Mr. Sullivan, agents under the Commission for determining the true St. Croix, and those containing the arguments of Mr. Austin and Mr. Chipman, agents under the 4**^ Article of the Treaty of Ghent, together with the Reports of the Commissioners in both cases, fourteen in number, and averaging, each, about two hundred and fifty pages of close writing on foolscap paper ; transcripts of these being particularly noticed by you as wanting. Added to those, the Arguments, Reports and Papers, including the Maps, under the 5*^ Article of the Treaty of Ghent which come, it would seem to me, within the scope of your request, embrace a mass of writing nearly as voluminous as that of these Books. I take the liberty under these circumstances, of troubling your Excellency with this Communication, to apprise you of the extent of the transcripts which appear to be thus required, and of the delay which must, of consequence, attend this execution of 3'our Excellencys commission, as it is, at present, understood by me.
I beg leave, however, to state that the subject is in- volved in so much obscurity from the prolix and compli- cated arguments, reports and replies of the several Commissioners, Agents, Astronomers and Surveyors, that I do not like to venture upon making a selection for the copyists, though I feel fullv persuaded that this might be advantageously done, to the great abridgment of their work and to the expediting of the fulfilment or your wish. The Senators from your State, Messrs Holmes and Chandler, have seen the Books, and, as well I recollect, were furnished with copious extracted from
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 349
them; and perhaps, they might favour this Department, through your Excellency, with some suggestions leading to a convenient curtailment, which should, nevertheless, be entirely compatible with your exceUency's object, in reference to the copies required by you.
I have the honour to be, with the highest respect, your Excellency's obedient humble servant,— D^nid Brent.
Monmouth 4 July 1827 Hon Enoch Lincoln
Governor of Maine Sir
I have the Honor to receive your Communi- cation of the 27 June, in reply to which will observe that, although I saw the Books containing the argu- ments of the agents, Mr Chapman and Mr Sullivan under the commission for determining the true St. Croix and those containing the arguments of Mr. Austin and Mr. Chapman agents under the 4 article of the treaty of Ghent together with the reports of the commissioners in both cases also the notes of the Surveyors, and the astronomical observations, but it was sometime ago and It would be impossible for me to form an opinion what part of either could be abridged with any advantage to the State, unless you should think that the estronomical part may be, of this you can Judge much better than I can. with respect to all the other part it would Seem to me that the Legislature expected the whole, & I Should think It necessary. Indeed they ought and I presume will be furnished without expense to the State, we have a right to expect it. it would be very extraordinary if after paying our proportion of Millions for making roads & canals in other States we should be called upon to pay
850 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
for copying papers in one of the departments, which are important to the State as it respects Jurisdiction and Ter- ritory, both of which are disputed by a foreign Country, and as it would be impossible to say what you could dis- pense with in Justice to the State, I Should think it the Safer Course to ask for the whole. I would say nothing about paying for copying, nor would I pay a cent for it, the appropriation not withstanding, let them ask the State to pay for copies of papers necessary for a State, they never will do it, we shall not be indebted to the general government if we git the whole, and I would ask for the whole. Mr Brent mentions Mr Holmes & my selfe having had extracts. I do not Recolect what we took, except a map, all we did take however was for- warded to the executive department of this State, you will pardon me for the positive manner in which I give an opinion when I assure you nothing improper is in- tended
Very Respectfully
your Humble Serv*^ John Chandler
To his Excellency Enoch Lincoln, Governor of the State of Maine
We, whose names are hereto signed have been chosen and sent by a considerable portion of the American Citizens, residing in the Madawascah Settlement so called to make a representation of their condition to the public authorities of this State, and the Legislature not being in session, we pray leave to make the same to your excellency, the chief magistrate thereof.
In performance of this duty they would humbly make known to you, that themselves and their constituants are situated far from their own government, and exposed
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 351
to and actuall}- suffer annoj-ance and oppression from the foreign government of New Brunswick.
That they themselves hold their title to their lands by virtue of deeds from Massachusetts and Maine Agents ; and that all our constituents have also applied for the like, and authorized us to act in that behalf for them ; but that the government of the adjoining province regards and treats them in all civil respects as aliens. It denies their right to hold their lands there situated in fee simple on the ground alleged of their being aliens. It assesses upon them and demands the alien tax. It refuses to allow them the right of transmitting their produce as American; and has actually seized such, refusing to receive the duty thereon — and manifest a disposition to harrass and drive us by force and violence out of the country.
When the agents of the two States were with us they authorized the undersigned James Bacon to receive ap- plications for timber and to give license for selling the same ; Whereupon a person by the name of Morehouse, under taking to exhibit himself as a magistrate, forbade my acting and threatened to imprison me if I should proceed. He also demanded the deed of the said John Baker upon similar threats. And the government of the Province has claimed the timber cut on lands thus conveyed and treats the same as forfeited.
On the fourth of July last we were met together in a peaceable manner, upon the land conveyed as before said, to commemorate the anniversary of American Inde- pendence ; and the same gentleman M"^ Morehouse appear- ing and acting as a magistrate commanded us in the name of the King to pull down our flag, raised on that occasion.
Over the other inhabitants situated in the same district the English agents and officers, acting as magistrates &c
352 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
undertake to exercise the same authority and power that they do over the natural subjects of the Province. They require them to train in militia, impose fines for not per- forming such service, and seize and sell their property by distress, therefor. They also send their civil writs and precepts in the same manner among us all, requiring us all alike, as the case may be, to appear before their magistrates in New Brunswick and attend their courts at Fredericton- And in all these particulars ourselves and our fellow citizens in the same conditions with ourselves are exposed to and do actually Experience great grievances-
That their constituents are very anxious and uneasy on account of the long delay of settling the line with New Brunswick, labouring in the meantime under the want of protection from the state, and of all the advan- tages of government.
That there are not far from three thousand inhabitants in the District of Madawascah. That the main branch of the St. Johns is boatable an hundred and eighty miles or more, above the intersectiary boundary line, with a great number of streams entering into it and navigable in the same manner, particularly the Alleguash, which contains several lakes, and there are two considerable lakes at the head of the main branch of the St Johns ;- the St Johns winding round to a low portage adjacent to the Penobscot, distant about a mile and a half between. And the Alleguash comes within two miles of a lake issuing into the Penobscot, making also a portage. The said Baker believes he is the first American that visited and surveyed the first above mentioned portage- and has been six seasons successivily hunting among the head branches of the great St. Johns, and they both per- formed their present journey by the river Alleguash, and traversing so round through Moosehead Lakes, in
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 858
their canoe to the Kennebec. That the said Baker is thereby enabled specially to state that the St. Johns river embraces and waters a very extensive and valuable territory, generally good land, and the most part of it highly fertile, more so probably than any part of the State. That the same contains a large body of valuable white pine timber- that the quality of the land for set- tlement is very fine and the proportions fit therefore very large, as much in their opinion as three fourths thereof and quite free from swamps, ledges, &c. Great crops have been raised in Madawascah for several years past- Latterly sufficient for their ovni consumption and the support of emigrants thither, besides Exporting four or five thousand bushels to Canada. The lands between the main waters of the St Johns and the St Lawrence are principally high- but some of the tribu- tary streams of both are very nigh, descending from the same eminence- and the principal communications with the country on the St Lawrence are by the Madawascah and St. Francis.- Inhabitants are frequently coming in,- but substantial people are afraid to vest their property in such an unsettled state of the country, and the natural increase of population and settlement is by these causes much embarressed and obstructed,- But for these causes, in their opinion, a constant influx of useful and valuable settlers might be expected into this tract of country forming their families and establishments around them and conducing to the strength, security, cultivation and prosperity of the State.
Your petitioners are unable fully and circumstantially to set forth all the evils and disadvantages under which they lie, from the absence of the protecting and foster- ing hand of government, and indeed from the total privation of any regular established authority of their own.- They therefore on behalf of their constituents
354 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
earnestly supplicate that the guardian care of the state may in some measure be extended over them, as citizens of this state and of the United States; that they may be enabled to exercise and enjoy a suitable portion of the proper rights of a civil community, and that they may at a due period be admitted to the invaluable rights and franchises belonging to members of districts or plantations, of being provided with their own officers and magistrates, and being represented in the councils of the state.
John Baker \ Committee of American Citizens James Bacon ) of Madawascah.
Cumberland ss Sepf 1** 1827 The above signed John Baker and James Bacon personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declarations accord- ing to their best knowledge and beleif respectively before
C. S. Davies Justice of the Peace.
His Excellency Enoch Lincoln, Portland, Maine.
Department of State Washington 14 Sepf 1827. Sir,
I have received the Letter which your Excellency did me the honor to address to me on the third instant, and I have lost no time in transmitting a Copy of it to the President of the United States who will no doubt give to it the most respectful and deliberate examination. In the mean time, I have also transmitted an Extract from it to the British Minister, accompanied by the expression of a confident expectation that the necessary orders will be given, on the part of the British Govern- ment, to enforce mutual forbearance from any new iacts
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 355
tending to strengthen the claims of either party to the disputed territory, which it has been understood in the correspondence between M^ Vaughan and myself, would be observed, on both sides.
I have the honor to be With great respect. Your Excellency's ob. Servt. H. Clay
Department of State.
„. ^ Washington, lO**^ September 1827
His Excellency Enoch Lincoln,
Governor of Maine.
Portland. Sir,
I have the honor to transmit to Your Excellency the enclosed copy of a letter from the British Minister with copies of its enclosures, in answer to the communi- cation which I made to him on the 14th. instant, and to which I referred in my letter to Your Excellency of that date, upon the subject of an alleged undue exercise of jurisdiction in a settlement upon the river St. John within the territory in dispute between the United States and Great Britain.
You will observe that Mr. Vaughan states that the American settlers on the St. Johns have recently estab- lished themselves there, within an antient British settle- ment; and that their titles have been lately obtained from the Agents of the States of Maine and Massachu- setts. I should be glad to be put in possession of any information which Your Excellency may have shewing whether that statement be correct or not.
I am, with great respect. Your Excellency's obedient servant.
H. Clay
356 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
M' Vaughan to M' Clay. Copy.
The Undersigned, His Britannick Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary k Minister Plenipotentiary, has the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Clay's note of the 14th inst. communicating a representation made to the Government of the United States by His Excellency Enoch Lincoln, Governor of the State of Maine, respecting certain acts of the Government of New Bininswick, which are considered as an undue exer- cise of jurisdiction in a settlement upon the river St. John, within the territory in dispute between Great Britain and the United States.
It appears from Governour Lincoln's Statement, that the settlement in question is a British settlement upon the River St. John, westward of the Madawaska, and that it is composed of the families of the original set- tlers, and of emigrants from the United States. The inhabitants of the latter description, it is stated, are considered by the Government of New Brunswick, as aliens, and they are therefore not entitled to hold real estate, are assessed to pay an alien tax, and cannot trans- mit the produce of their land as Americans. — Some of these emigrants, the Governour observes, hold land under deeds from the States of Maine and Massachusetts.
The Undersigned begs leave to remind Mr. Clay, that in the months of November and December 1825- and again in the month of January 1827, he had occasion to remonstrate against the conduct of persons calling them- selves Agents accredited by the States of Maine and Massachusetts for offering to sale in the British settle- ment upon the Madawaska River, grants of lands, and for surveying and laying out new settlements in that direction within the territory in dispute between Great Britain and the United States.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 357
Ever since the Province of New Brunswick was estab- lished in the year 1784, the Territory in dispute has always been considered as forming part of it, and previ- ously to that period, it was laid down as forming part of the Province of Nova Scotia, in a map published by the Board of Trade in 1755.- The rights of Soverignty have, in consequence, been exercised by the British Gov- ernment, and the Undersigned must protest against the validity of any title to lands in the ancient British settle- ments granted by the State of Maine and Massachusetts, until a change in the right of possession shall have been effected, in consequence of the Fifth Article of the Treaty of Ghent.
According to the statement of Governor Lincoln, the inhabitants of the settlement in question upon the St. John's River westward of the Madawaska, who are not emigrants from the United States, are treated by the Government of New Brunswick as British subjects, and it is observed that they are called upon to perform mili- tary service, an act of jurisdiction which may be made to imply a "rightfulness" of that jurisdiction.
The Undersigned is persuaded that no act of juris- diction, exercised in the settlements made by Great Britain, and still in her possession, though that possession may be disputed, can influence, in any shape, the decisin of the question of Boundary under the Treaty of Ghent.
The Undersigned will transmit a copy of Mr. Clay's note containing the representation of Governour Lincoln to His Majesty's Lieutenant Governour of New Bruns- wick, whose wish and whose duty it has always been to avoid giving the slightest uneasiness to the Government of the United States, on the Territory which has, unfortunately remained so long in dispute between the two Governments.
No attempt has ever been made to form new settle-
358 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
ments, and the Lieutenant Governour has abstained from exercisinjy any authority over the unoccupied parts of the disputed territory, excepting for the purpose of preserv- ing it in its present state. In proof of the friendly dis- position which animates him, the Undersigned has the honour to enclose a cop}' of a letter which Sir Howard Douglas addressed in the month of March last to the magistrates residing in the neighbourhood of the disputed territory, and a copy of a Letter dated the 13th of April, in which His Excellency informs the Undersigned, that he had directed the Attorney General of New Brunswick to prosecute some British subjects who had cut down timber upon the St. John's river.
The undersigned begs leave to assure Mr. Clay that he will submit to His Majesty's Government a copy of his note, and he cannot help expressing an anxious wish that the negotiations which are now going on in London, may finally terminate the question of Boundary between New Brunswick and the Territory of the United States, and put an end to the collision of authority for the future in the Territory which is now in dispute.
The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to renew to Mr. Clay the assurances of his distinguished consideration.
Signed — Cha's. R. Vaughan.
Washington, September 17th. 1827. The Hon'ble Henry Clay &c &c &c.
Copy. - Received with Mr. Vaughan's Letter " of the 17th September 1827.-
Secretar3^'s Office. Fredericton, 9*'^ March 1827. Sir,
Satisfactory assurances having been conveyed to H.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 359
M's Gov* of the earnest wish of the Gov* of the U. S. to reciprocate the conciliatory disposition shewn in regard to the disputed Territory at the upper part of the River St. John it is most desirable until the question thereto shall be finally settled that no new settlements shall be made or any timber or other trees felled in the wilder- ness part of that Territory nor any act done which may change the state of the question as it existed when the Treaty of Ghent was executed.
I am therefore commanded by H. E. the Lt. Governor to desire that you will be vigilant and use your utmost diligence to discover any attempt which may be made by any of H. M's subjects to intrude upon that Territory with a view to make settlements, or to procure timber, and to make immediate representation thereof to H. M's Attorney General that legal steps may be taken to pun- ish such intruders and trespassers. And should you dis- cover similar attempts to be made by any other persons whether unauthorized or appearing to act under color of authority, that you will use your best endeavours to ascertain the names of such persons and report the same to me, with affidavits to establish the facts for H. E. consideration.
I have &c. signed- W. F. Odell.
Copy.- Received with Mr. Vaughan's, as above.
Fredericton, 13th. April 1827. Sir,
In my letter of the 20*^ ulto. I had the honor to transmit to your E. a copy of a circular letter, which I had directed to be sent to all magistrates residing in the vicinity of the disputed territory, instructing them how to act in the event of any depredations being attempted by either party on the lands in question.
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I have just received a report, stating that a quantity of pine timber had been cut by certain British subjects on the waste lands now subject to negotiation; and I lose no time in putting your E. in possession of documents which will shew the prompt steps I have taken to repress and punish these depredations.
I beg further to acquaint Your Excellency that I immediately sent, by express, instructions to the nearest magistrates to repair to the spot, to procure information, and proper proof of the acts charged, and to transmit these to H. M's. Attorney General, who has already received my directions to proceed against the parties implicated in this transaction, without delay.
I have &c &c. (signed) H. Douglas.
The Right Hon^ie
Charles. R. Vaughan. &c &c ike.
Bingham Oct. 11. 1827—
Honourable Enoch Lincoln
Enclosed are certain papers one a petition from sundry inhabitants of Matawascah in behalf of John Baker of Sd. Matawascah and the other a coppy of writ on which the said Baker has been arested — and conveyed to Fredrciton Jail in New Brunswick —
After the arrest of the said Baker the Americans resi- dent at Matawascah Dispatched two persons Viz Asal Baker & Fineas K. Hafford with said papers addressed to your Honour — but after considering that should it be your pleasure to interfere in behalf and in favour of the said Bakeur, you would probably have corispondence with the authorities of New Brunswick-it was therefore thought advisable that the messengers Should immedi-
OF PISCATAdUIS COUNTY 361
ately return by the rout they came through the Wilder- ness to Matawascah, and the papers be forwarded by mail. —
In addition to what you will Learn by said papers the sd. Asal & Fineas, state that the Sheriff used the said Bakeur very roughly, and Stated in their hearing that the province of N. Brunswick would exersize Jurispru- dence over said Madawascah and that Baker should Suffer for his opposition to their Laws- and threatened him with the confiscation of his property — They further state that the Said John Bakeur was arrested in addition to the writ of Ejectment, uppon an Alien Tax, and are of opinion that the authorities intend to try him for high Treason, and rebellion, for opposing the Laws of New Brunswick, at Matawascah- at any rate it is to be feared that the said Baker will suffer the riger of their Laws without mercy, and without a fair Trial. -
Therefore considering the distressed situation of the said Baker- He being a Scitezan of this state and a man of peacible Habbits, and whose intentions according to our knowledge has been fair and peacible with all men, we pray your Honour, to enquire into, the Case, and pro- tect the person, and property of the said Baker as far as it is in your power, and agreable with your pleasure- and we also request this favour, being acquainted with, Sc Friends to the said Baker, that you will give us information of the result of your interposition (by let- ter, ) Should you please to interfere in behalf of the .Said Baker-
And as in duty bond will ever pray- Joseph Russell Asa Baker
Oliver C. Blunt- Levi G Fletcher
Charles Pierce Elijah Chapman
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
(L. S) George the Fourth by the Grace of God of
the United Kingdom of Great Gritain and Ireland King defendor of the faith &c, To John Baicer. Greeting: We command you firmly enjoining that Laying aside all Excuses whatsoever you be in your proper person before our Justices of our Supreme Court of
(Copy) Judicature for our Province of New Brunswick at Fredericton on the Second tuesday in Octo- ber next to answer to us of and concerning certain matters which on our behalf shall be then and there objected against you and this you are by no means to omit under the pen- alty of one hundred pounds which we will cause to be levied on Your Goods and chattels, Lands and tenements to our use if you neglect to obey this our present command Witness John Sannders Esquire our Chief Justice at Fredericton the Seventeenth day of Septem- ber in the eighth year of our Reign. By the Justices
(Signed) Putnam
(Indorsed) At the Suit of the Attorney General for trespass and Intrusion on the Crown Lands T. Wetmore atty Gen^ IT*'' September 1827.
To his Excelency Enoch Lincln Esq. Govennor of the State of Main Honourable Sir we received your Answer to our petition with highest Gratitude & esteem and unamimously return our sincere thanks for your Excelencys enedeavours to assist us — For unless we obtain speedy Releif we can-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY
not subsist in this place the British our Neighbours are growing outrageous Immediately on the return of our Agents A party of aremd Men consisting partly of men from below and the Remainder the Melitia of Mata- wascah Headed by the High SherrifF from Fredericton and four of his depuites broke into the House of Mr. J. Baker on the morning of the 25*** Inst after surrounding the House with a strong Guard they tore him out of Bed, and before any assistance could be obtained Hur- ried him away declaring that they Arrested him for act- ing against British Authority in this place & not paying the alien tax And Subverting other to do the same they likewise declared they had a writ of Rejectment to turn him out of his property. Mr Baker demanded the Sheriff authority when he received the aforementioned Reply his Answer was that he submitted as an American to a superor force what his fate is we Know not but we presume that he is confined in Fredericton Goal he has left his famaly in a lonely situation to Lament the absence of their best benafactor & friend and our little society to mourn the loss of its best Members they threat- ened in case they did not obtain their ends they would burn the building & likewise that they had authority to take Mr. Bacon & some others whitch they intended soon to accomplish. We earnestly entrust your Excellency, the General Government, & our fellow Citizens, to use some means to stop this growing evil and Releave Mr Baker should they keep him close confind for which we shall consider our selves under the gratest obligation we send enclosed a copy of the Writ obtained from the Sheriff.
Walter Powers
Cyrus Cannon
Charles M^pharson
Miles Emery
364 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Nathaniel Bartlett Daniel Savage Franklin Heald James Bacon John Skadder Matthias acorn David Pollard John Hafford junior Job
John Harford Elecious Oaks Louis Bodly Phineas R. Harford Asahel Baker
Bangor Oct 28 1827 Enoch Lincoln Esq
Gov of the State of Maine Sir—
I send enclosed the statements of William Dalton and Jonathan Wilson, made on oath before me, relative to the difficulties and complaints of the settlers near our North Eastern Boundary. The depositions were taken at the request of the Attorney General who attended the examination — and at his request I now enclose them to you — It is unnecessary for me to make any other re- mark, than that deponents appeared to be men of in- telligence and integrity and so far as my observation enabled me to judge, I should think them entitled to full credence and belief
With respect
Your obd servt Edward Kent
OF PISCATAftUIS COUNTY 365
I William Dal ton, born in Bloom field State of Maine, county of Somerset say — that for the last 3 years I have resided on the Aroostic River 30 miles within the line on the American Side 33 miles up said river- Many of the settlers on the river are emigrants from New Bruns- wick others from the States- Many of these settlers are poor- The constables and officers of the provinces have been in the habit, under the pretence of collecting debts of coming to the settlement where I lived, with precepts and taking and carrying away every species of property they could find They generally carried it to the Parish of Kent or Fredericton and there sold it at auction. - As an instance of the violent proceedings of the officers and subjects of the provinces- I would state that at the set- tlement where I lived a certain man named Joseph Arnold had a dispute with one William McCray about a cow— which was referred to 3 referees chosen among the neighbours- who decided that Arnold Should Keep the cow & McCray then went to one Esq Moorhouse said to be a magistrate in the parish of Kent- Moorhouse sent McNeil a constable of that parish to the Aroostic Settle- ment- the constable came with 5 men, armed with guns, pistols and sword, and took the cow by force from Arnold- Whilst they were there, I asked the constable for his precept and for his authority to come into the american territory- He said Moorhouse told him to go and take the animal and the man wherever he could find them — I saw the writ- it an order to replevy in the parish of Kent, I asked him if he did not Know that he was out of the parish of Kent. He said he did not care, for Moorhouse would bear him out in anything he did. I told him he had better not come again on any such business- He said, "When I come again I shall not be
obliged to show my authority to a parcel of d d
yankee settlers of Aroostic, that if 25 or 50 men would
366 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
not do he would bring 500 armed and equipped and take every Soul, men, women and children to Frederic- ton jail." He did not pretend that he was in the parish of Kent- he said "he was doing his duty and would go wherever his master should send him."
In consequence of this state of things, I have sold out all I possessed for what I could get and left the country, to return to China in the county of Kennebec in the State of Maine- I raised this year 150 bushels of wheat- 175 of oats- 60 of corn, 200 potatoes and garden vegetables. I had built a decent and comfortable log house and a barn I had 5 swine; cow & farming utensels- I had cleared 30 acres- I sold all my property for SI 84.28— all on credit except $32 in cash. I made the sacrifice solely on account of public difficulties. My farm, I think was as good land as any in North America, and the whole of the country on the Aroostic is very excellent land- and would be rapidly settled if it were not for public difficulties- My family were contented before the trouble- and had it not been for them I would not have taken $700 for my pro per ty-
For the last seven weeks the inhabitants of the Aroostic settlement have been unwilling and afraid to sleep in their own houses and have retired to the lower part of the settlement and spent the night on the banks of the river and in the woods and Keep watch night and day as in an Indian war —
I arrived here at Bangor the 27"' of October 1827 direct from Aroostic
Wm Ualton
State of Maine
Penobscot ss. Town of Bangor, on the 27th of October 1827 the aforesaid William Dalton personally
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 3g7
appeared and made oath to the tmth of the foregoing statement ^
Before me Edward Kent Jus Peace
IJonathan Wilson of Fairfield, county of Somerset State of Maine on oath depose and say that I left Fairfield about the 1st of October inst for Houlton Plantation and the British provinces to collect Some debts due me and others- I arrived at Houlton about the 10*^ inst and from thence went to Woodstock in the Province of New Brunswick to collect debts- AVoodstock is about 65 miles above Fredericton. I there learned that Mr Baker had been arrested by the British authorities. I was told this by Jos Harvey formerly of Bangor State of Maine, that he was arrested by 45 men sent up in barges armed- that he was taken from his bed in the night- that the charge against Baker was for refusing & objecting to permit the British mail to pass over his land- that they confined Baker in jail, have Since tried him and sentenced him to pay a fine of 150 pounds and to 6 months imprisonment in jail which to my knowledge is extremely loathsome, filthy and dangerous to health- and that Baker is now confined there- Baker lived on Madawasca river, within the American line. I also learnt at Houlton bv my son Leonard Wilson who has recently been at the Iroostic, that the settlers there complained bitterly of the oppres- sion of the officers and Subjects of the provinces- that there property was forcibley taken from them and carried oft even to the last cow.
c. ,. ^ ,, . Jonathan Wilson
state of Maine
Penobscot ss- Town of Bangor. On the 27^^ of Octo- ber 1827 the aforesaid deponent personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the foregoing Statement oerore me-
Edward Kent Jus Peace
368 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
His Excellency Enoch Lincoln,
Governor of the State of Maine, Portland.
Department of State Washington, 30 October 1827 Sir,
I have committed to the charge of M*" William Prentis, who will have the honor to deliver them and this Letter to your Excellency, and who is imployed for that purpose. Twenty four manuscript volumes of Books, according to the accompanying List, on the subject of the North and North Easterly Boundary Lines of the United States, prepared at this office for the State of Maine, conformably with the suggestions and desire expressed by your Excellency.- From the extent of these manuscripts, it is more than probable that they embrace Copies of a great deal more, in Documents, discussion and argument than was in the contempla- tion of your Excellency, or than was desired for the use of your State; but to secure a full Compliance with your Excellency's views, and to guard against any defi- ciency, I gave directions to have a Transcript made of every thing which might by possibility be useful or interesting upon the occasion, having the remotest bearing upon the subject, with the limitation stated in my previous correspondence; and as the selection was necessarily committed to others, who may not have had a very accurate view of the extent of the Commission entrusted to them, it is not improbable that it may comprise much which may be found superflous.
I send also forty two Copies of Maps, likewise pre- pared with the same views, and under the same circum- stances, which M*" Prentis will also have the honor to deliver to your Excellency.
I am, with great Respect,
Your Excellency's Obed* & hu. sev* H. Clay
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 869
Department of State Washington 10**^ Nov'" 1827. To His Excellency
Enoch Lincoln
Governor of the State of Maine. Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's letter of the 2"^^ Instant, transmitting copies of the affidavits of William Dalton and Jonathan Wilson, all of which I have submitted to the President. The copy of the proclamation mentioned by your Excel- lency, as also being enclosed in your letter, was not among the papers, and has not been received.
Information would be very acceptable as to the periods when the settlements were first respectively formed on the Madawasca and on the Aroostic over which the British Government is now attempting to exercise a jurisdiction; and also whether they were established under British or American authority, whether they were made by American citizens or British Subjects, and when the British Government first began to exercise any juris- diction within them.
According to late accounts from M"" Gallatin, it is probable that a convention has been concluded at Lon- don making provisions, in regard to the reference of the dispute between the two countries, to arbitration, agree- ably to the stipulations of the Treaty of Ghent- We shall, in a short time, know whether it has been actually signed or not, as well as the precise purport of the arti- cles composing it.
I have the honor to be
With great respect Your Excellency's Obed* Serv*
H. Clay.
370 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Worcester Mass. November 13 1827 To His Excellency Enoch Lincoln
Governor of the State of Maine Sir
The interesting relations between this Common- wealth and the State of Maine have never ceased to be a subject of deep and earnest regard by the Executive of Massachusetts. From the time of my induction to office, the unsettled and disturbed question of the North Eastern Boundary, immediately affecting a large amount of common property, and made the more important from jurisdictional rights involved in the decision, has met a solicious and watchful attention. The general views entertained by me, on this subject, were early, altho breifly expressed, in a communication to the Legislature, at the commencement of the January Session 1826, pub- lished with the Resolves, and forwarded to the Executive of Maine, to which I beg leave to refer, and the opinions then declared, have frequently since, and on all proper occasions, been repeated.
It has indeed been looked for, that the Government of the United States, alike impressed with the urgency of establishing their frontier Line of National Boundary, as sensible to the obligation of vindicating the rights of the States particularly interested in the soil and Sover- ignty of the Territory, would, ere this period, have effectually maintained th6 integrity of an actual posses- sion, and removed, by a clear and distinct designation of Monuments, all cause of challenge and controversy with a foreign Government, and of collisions and violence between their respective Citizens and Subjects. The Treaty of Ghent referred this question to a qualified arbitrament, not for the surrender or compromise of rights, but for the determination of them, as they pre existed. Commissioners appointed under that Instru-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 371
ment, having failed to agree upon the Boundary, the matter was made, as has been understood, of paramount attention with the American Minister at the Court of St. James, who, so far as is now known, has been ahke unsuccessful in procuring a recognition of the just demands of the United States, to the establishment of the Boundary, by the description in the Treaty of 1783. In the intermediate time, the patience of the Govern- ments, and the Citizens, both of Massachusetts and Maine, has been severely taxed by the embarrassment created to the improvement and disposition of their property in the soil, to which are now superadded com- plaints of flagrant acts of injustice and outrage, and violations of the personal liberty of American Citizens, by British Authority, claiming allegience from those who are purchasers and Settlers upon the land, under grants from the State Soverignties.
I need not. Sir, labor to assure you of the sympathy of Massachusetts in the injuries thus suffered, more immediately, by the People and Government of Maine. The Citizens of this Commonwealth have been too recently and too intimately in connexion and association with the younger Sister, to be insensible to any occur- rence which may inflict wrongs upon her. But, in the present instance, a community of interest and joint suf- fering will require and ensure a ready participation in all justifiable and constitutional means to obtain redress, and to vindicate the cause of injured individuals and a violated State.
With their views, I beg to be officially informed of the precise character and extent of the recent aggression, which have been committed at Madawasca, or elsewhere, within the State of Maine, under the pretext of orders from the Provincial Government of New Brunswick, and to be made acquainted with all other circumstances and
872 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
considerations, known to your Excellency, as important
to a true understanding of the honor and interest of the
Commonwealth, which, in this communication, I have
the duty and the responsibility to represent. —
With Sentiments of the highest
personal regard, and
official consideration
most faithfully
Your Obedient Servant
Levi Lincoln
Fredericton, New Brunswick. 15*^ November 1827. Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's letter of the 22^^ October, requesting me to communicate all the circumstances respecting the arrest of the individual named in your Excellency's letter.
It is not for me to question the propriety of your Excellency's opening a correspondence with the Govern- ment of this Province, on a question now pending in Negotiation between His Majesty's Government, and the Government of the United States, as contracted under the Treaty of Ghent ; but it would neither be consistent with my sense of duty, nor in conformity with my Instructions, to give the explanations your Excellency requests to any Persons excepting those with whom I am directed to correspond or under whose orders I am placed.
Should any reference be made by the General Govern- ment of the United States, to His Majesty's Minister upon this or any other matter connected with the Gov-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 373
ernment of this Province, it will be my duty to afford His Excellency the fullest information to enable him to give whatever explanation he may deem proper.
Although for these reasons I must decline any further correspondence with Your Excellency on this subject, yet it is in entire unison with the Sentements and dis- position which I know to animate His Majesty's Govern- ment, that I take this occasion to assure Your Excel- lency of my sincere and cordial desire to do all in my power, so far as I personally am at liberty to use any discretion in the duties which I am imperatively charged, to meet, with respect and consideration, the amicable disposition which Your Excellency professes. I trust my Conduct will be found to evince a just and manifest Solicitude to repress and punish any acts on the disputed Territory which might lead to the interruption of a good understanding between the two Countries, and to keep the question in a state propitious for a speedy and amica- ble adjustment.
I have the honor to be With the most respectful consideration, Your Excellency's Obedient Servant,
Howard Douglas.
Department of State, Washington, D. C. Nov. 19, 1827. His Excellency Enoch Lincoln,
Governor of Maine. Sir:
The president being desirous to possess certain information in respect to settlements within that part of the territorial limits of Maine which is claimed by Great Britain, and especially as to the causes of the arrest and
^74 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
condemnation of John Baker, an American citizen, has authorized me to employ Mr. Barrell to proceed to Maine, and, if necessary, to New Brunswick, to collect the information desired. I beg leave to present Mr. Barrell to your Excellency as a respectable and intelli- gent gentleman, worthy of respect and confidence. He will communicate to you, particularly, the various points on which the President wishes to obtain information ; and I have to request of your Excellency such assistance to Mr. Barrell, in the execution of his commission, as you may think proper to render.
I am, with great respect,
Your Excellency's obdt. servt.
H. Clay
His Excellency Enoch Lincoln, Portland, Maine.
Department of State Washington 27**^ Nov'' 1827. Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of the Letter which your Excellency did me the honor to address to me on the 19*^ instant with its accompany ments, all of which have been laid before the President. He sees with great regret the expression of the sentiment of your Excellency that "Maine has not been treated as she has endeavored to deserve." Without engaging, at this time, in a discussion of the whole subject of our dispute with Great Britain about the North Eastern boundary of the United States, in which the State of Maine is so deeply interested, which would be altogether unprofitable, I am sure I shall obtain your Excellency's indulgence for one or two general observations which seem called for by the above sentiment.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY ^76
By the Treaty of Ghent, in the contingency which unhappily occurred, of a nonconcurrence between the British and American Commissioners in fixing that boundary, they were directed respectively to report to their Governments, and the difference thus left unad- justed was to be referred to a Soverign Arbitrator. Your Excellency, in the course of the correspondence which has passed between you and this Department, has protested against this reference, and your objections to it have received the most respectful Consideration. The ftilfilment of solemn obligations imposed upon the United States by the faith of treaties ; & the duty with which the President is charged by the Constitution of taking care that the Laws (of which our treaties with foreign powers form part) be faithfully executed, did not appear to leave him at liberty to decline the stipulated reference. If any other practical mode of settling the difference had occurred, or been suggested by your Excellency, to the President, it would have received friendly and diliberate consideration.
It is certainly most desirable that Nations should arrange all differences between them, by direct negotia- tion, rather than through the friendly agency of third powers. This has been attempted and has failed. The Government of the U. States is fully convinced that the right to the territory in dispute is with us and not with G. Britain. The convictions of Maine are not stronger, in respect to the validity of our title, than those which are entertained by the President. But Great Britain professes to believe the contrary. The parties cannot come to the same conclusion. In this state of things what ought to be done? National disputes can be settled only amicably or by an appeal to the sword. All will agree that before resorting to the latter dread- ful alternative, every friendly and peaceble measures
376 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
should be tried and have failed. It is a happy expedi- ent, where Nations cannot themselves adjust their differ- ences, to avail themselves of the Umpirage of a friendly and impartial power. It multiplies the chances of avoiding the greatest of human calamities. It is true that it is a mode not free from all objection, and Mr. Gallatin has adverted to one, in the extract, which you give from one of his dispatches. But objectionable as it may be, it is better and not more uncertain than the events of war. Your Excellency seems to think that the clearness of our right should prevent the submission of the controversy to an Arbitrator. But the other party professes to be equally convinced of the indisputa- ble nature of his claims ; and if that consideration were to operate on the one side it would equally influence the other. The consequences will be at once perceived. Besides, the clearness of our title will attend it before the Arbitrator, and, if we are not deceived in it, his favorable decision is inevitable.
The President regrets, therefore, that in conducting the negotiation with G. Britain, he could not conform to the views of your Excellenc}', by refusing to carry into effect a treaty, to the execution of which the good faith of the Nation stood pledged, and which was moreover en- joined by the express terms of the Constitution. But, if he could have brought himself to disregard this double obligation under which he is placed, how could the interests of Maine have been advanced? She is not in possession of the disputed territory, or at most but of a small part. Both parties stand pledged to each other to practice forbearance, and to abstain from further acts of soverignty on the unoccupied waste, until the question of right is settled. If that question cannot be settled by the parties themselves, and may not be settled by arbitration, how is it to be determined? The re-
OF PISCATAdUIS COUNTi' 377
maining alternative has been suggested. Whether the time has arrived for the use of that does not belong to the President but to another branch of the Govern- ment to deside.
I cannot but hope that your Excellency, upon a review of the whole subject, in a spirit of candor, will be dis- posed to think, that the Executive of the U. States has been endeavoring, with the utmost zeal, in regard to our North Eastern boundary, to promote the true interests of the United States and of the State of Maine, and that this respectable State has been treated neither with ne- glect nor injustice,
I am, with great respect. Your Excellency's Obed* Servt. H. Clay
Portland Dec'- V^ 1827 Sir
In pursuance of the Commission which I have received from the President, the objects of which have been fully explained to your Excellency, I have to request that your Excellency would be pleased to furnish me with any documentary or other evidence which you may possess, or which it may be in your power to pro- cure, respecting the period when the right was first asserted to exercise authority from the States of Massa- chusetts or Maine, over the settlements on the Mada- wascah and Aroostic Rivers, branches of the S* Johns, or either of them.
I have the honor to be, with great respect. Sir Your Excellency's
Ob* Serv* S. B. Barrelle.
878 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
His Excellency
Enoch Lincoln
Governor of Maine.
Fredericton N. B. Dec"" 24**» 1827.
Sir
I have already had the pleasure to acquaint you with my an'ival here, and the obliging reception of your letter by Sir Howard Douglas. I was detained by the continuance of His Excellency's indisposition until the 11*^ instant. As soon as I understood that his health was so far confirmed that he would probably be able to attend to business, I prepared an application to him, in pursuance of your direction, for the release of John Baker, which I addressed to His Excellency, the Lieu- tenant Governor of New Brunswick, on that day. I had written a note on the same day to the Secretary of the Province, requesting him to lay the paper before Sir Howard Douglas, as soon as His Excellency's health and pleasure should permit.
Before I despatched it, I received a verbal communi- cation from Sir Howard Douglas, delivered by M'" Odell, the Secretary, together with Captain Douglas, His Excellency's private Secretary, stating that some time before my arrival His Excellency had received a former letter from you, to which he had also before my arrival returned an answer, acquainting you that it would be neither consistent with his sense of duty, nor in con- formity with his instructions to give the explanations required in that letter to any Persons, except those under whose orders he is placed, or with whom he is directed to correspond; and that consequently having no Power to treat, he could not in any way recognise me as an accredited agent from the State of Maine. At the same
OF riSCATAftUIS COUVTT 879
time, it was said, it would afford Sir Howard much sat- isfaction, if the government of the State of Maine should become fully and correctly informed of circumstances respecting which, he said, he regretted to find that very erroneous impressions and misrepresentations were preva- lent in that State.
M^ Odell also stated, that he was directed by Sir Howard Douglas to express his great regret that he had been so long prevented from making any communication to me respecting the letter, which I had borne from you, and to state that he had taken the very earliest oppor- tunity, that his health would permit, to give me the above information- and added very polite expressions, implying every hospitable regard and attention, that could be received by an American stranger passing through the Province.
In reply to M^ Odell I briefly expressed m}' regret, that His Excellency's health had not allowed me to be apprised earlier of a circumstance, which existed at my arrival, and the effect of which appeared so decisive. I adverted to the mention, that was made by the same gentlemen, when they formerly did me the honour to call upon me from Sir Howard Douglas for the purpose of receiving 3'our letter and preventing an}' unnecessary detention on my part, that a reply had been written to your first letter, which I told them had certainly not been received when I left Portland, and with the purport of which I was not until now made acquainted.
Touching the point of His Excellency Sir Howard Douglas's present communication, I took the liberty to allude to the practice prevailing between the adjoining states of the American Union and Provincial Gover- ments of His Britannic Majesty on the subject, and instanced the particular circumstance within our own experience as a State, of a like application having been
380 HISTOEICAL COLLECTIONS
made by the Earl of Dalhousie to Governor Parris. I wished to leave this circumstance open to the influence which it might possibly have in the determination of Sir Howard Douglas. I requested M'^ Odell to receive the note I had prepared and then exhibited to him, and to consider the paper which I prepared to present through him to His Excellency as proffered also at the same time: to which M"^ Odell assented, or made no objection.
I proceeded on the same day to enclose the before mentioned application, in a letter to Sir Howard Douglas, which I sent with the note to M'' Odell.
On the following day the paper was returned to me by M'" Odell, with a note from him signifying, that it was by His Excellency's command; and that in pursu- ance of the course which his Excellency had laid down and in conformity with the terms which he had caused to be communicated to me, if my Letter to His Excel- lency contained any matter relating to my visit to New Brunswick, His Excellency could not receive it.
In compliance with what I conceived to be the import of this communication, I immediately proceeded to reply to M'^ Odell, that I begged leave to acquaint Sir Howard Douglas, that the object of the letter which I had the honour to address to His Excellency, on the day before, was confined in its terms to an application to him, as Lieutenant Governor &c of this Province for the release of John Baker, a citizen of the State of Maine, in prison in this place in pursuance of my appointment, and in obedience to your direction ; that I referred therein to an application of a similar nature addressed by the Earl of Dalhousie Governor General &c of the Canadas to the Hon^^® Albion K. Parris late Governor of Maine, which I assured Sir Howard Douglas was most respect- fully received: and that I referred no further in my letter to the general purposes of my visit to this province,
OF PISCATAftUIS COUNTY 881
namely, to enable the government of Maine to become fully and correctly informed concerning the truth of cir- cumstances, respecting which His Excellency was pleased to express his regret that very erroneous impressions and misrepresentations were prevalent in that state,- than simply to say, that His Excellency was already apprized of those valuable and important purposes, by yourself. I persuaded myself that His Excellency was fully acquainted with the respectful sentiments and amicable dispositions which this proceeding on your part was intended to cherish.
While I could not avoid the occasion of expressing the pain I felt on account of the necessity imposed upon me of entering into a preliminary explanation of this nature, concerning the part of duty, which I was charged by yourself as Governor of Maine, with performing for such purposes and touching a point of such vital interest to the State of Maine, as the liberty of one of its citi- zens, I begged leave to renew the tender of my applica- tion, together with a copy of the Earl of Dalhousie's, for His Excellency's determination. —
I received a reply from M'' Odell dated the 14**^ inst. on the day subsequent of the date, acquainting me, that conformably to my request he transmitted the letter enclosed to be laid before Sir Howard Douglas, and had received His Excellency's instructions to return the same to me, and to state that His Excellency could not depart from the course of proceeding which, upon every view of the case in question, he had adopted, and which line of conduct had been already communicated to me
This reply left nothing for me but to ascertain whether I could depend upon the countenance of Sir Howard Douglas, in the manner solicited by you, to enable me to proceed upon the further duty to which I was directed by you to perform in different parts of the
382 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
country so far as it might lead me through this province ; and for facility of which you had been pleased to refer me to Sir Howard Douglas. The intimation previously conveyed to me by His Excellency concerning my visit to New Brunswick, had not escaped my notice, but as I did not wish to lose the benefit that you intended by your recommendation of me to Sir Howard, upon any mere ground of inference, in the present condition of the country, I was desirous to be made certain on that point.
I accordingly addressed a note on this subject the next day to M"" Odell, in which I also took occasion to acknowledge the favour he had done me in reducing to writing the substance of his verbal communication from Sir Howard Douglas to me, of the 11*^^ instant; and to recapitulate on my part the residue of what passed in that conversation.
Having the benefit of the communication made by M*' Odell at that time thus expressed in very distinct terms before me, I stated to him in this note, that if the remark, that His Excellency Sir Howard Douglas had no power to treat, had failed to attract my atten- tion, it was because the exercise of no such power was sought.
I also took occasion in this note to state that in the application which I addressed to Sir Howard Douglas for the release of Baker, I forbore to make a positive demand for the delivery of the persons, who might prove to have been active in the affair of the arrest and engaged in the abduction of that individual; although such further appeal to His Excellency's power would have been authorized by principles of public law, accordant with the usage existing between the Adjoining governments of the United States, and dominions of His Britannic Majesty-- and especially warranted by the cir-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY
cumstances of the case. This was an omission of form, which I could only excuse myself for endeavouring to reconcile with my duty, by considerations of respect for the authority of this government, on which I relied to render Such request unnecessary.
For the polite and condescending terms with which Sir Howard Douglas was pleased to accompany his former communication in regard to me personally I begged leave to express my most grateful and respectful acknowledg- ments.— My business however in this province, I stated further in my note to M*" Odell, was not of per- sonal, but public concern ; and that in the line of duty that had been marked out for me, it behoved me to ascertain what assurance I could have of the countenance of Sir Howard Douglas. I explained my view of the extent of this question to be, so far as might be required for my progress in the execution of the office assigned me by the Governor of Maine, to inquire into the nature of complaints recently made by citizens of Maine resid- ing near the frontier of aggressions committed by inhabi- tants of New Brunswick. I particularly expressed my wish it might be understood, that I was authorized by you, if an opportunity should be afforded, to invite His Excellency, Sir Howard Douglas's assistance, in this inquiry, with a view of conducing to a mutual, impartial, and satisfactory result, and that I had reason to think that Some degree of expectation was cherished by you that such a course of proceeding would be acceptable to His Excellency.
I added, that it became more interesting for me to be informed of the line of conduct, that it might be imper- ative on me to pursue, in consequence of the general inti- mation from His Excellency to which I have adverted, in connection with circumstances also, to which I knew not how far it might be suitable for me to advert;- which
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had been more immediately brought to my knowledge within a recent period ;- and which were further embar- rassed by the superadded difficulty of recognizing any right of interposition on the part of the State of Maine with the Executive Authority of His Majesty's Province of New Brunswick, under such views as might be adopted.
In reply to the inquiry which I respectfully solicited an opportunity to make, feeling precluded from any more direct communication with Sir Howard Douglas, I received a note from the Secretary of the Province, M^ Odell, that as he had no other instructions from His Excellency, other than those already communicated to me, he was not able to give me any answer, nor was he authorised to enter into any further correspondence on the subject. —
I received this last and conclusive communication on monday the 17**^ instant, — and on the Same day I had the pleasure of seeing M'" Barrell, who had arrived the evening but one before by the way of St. Johns, and whom I lost the opportunity of seeing on Sunday by being at Oromocto. I was exceedingly gratified by the privilege thus presented through your introduction to renew an early acquaintance on my part with M*" Barrel, and it is a very high satisfaction that he comes recom- mended by the President of the United States to seek the information so important to us, and to the councils of the federal government as it regards, the constitu- tional guarantee to each State in the union of an inde- pendent republican government, and of the integrity of its territory against invasion.
As you were pleased to express an opinion that my distinct agency is not intended to be superceded; but on the contrary to signify your determination, that I should proceed to the end of my original destination, so as to
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 385
leave no occasion to repeat my visit to this section; and at the same time invite me to avail myself of the essential advantage, that may be afforded by the valuable sanction of M'' Barrell's federal agency and personal in- fluence, I beg to assure your Excellency of my most cordial cooperation, and that he shall receive that friendly and respectful consideration from me, to which he is every way entitled. And while I shall faithfully indeavour to redeem your Excellency's promise to him of every assistance in my power to diminish the fatigue of his arduous office, I have already followed your Excel- lency's example, as well as directions, in free communi- cation with him, and shall proceed in that spirit of per- fect confidence which you enjoin and in pursuance of those principles, which you have impressed, to act with this gentlemen, as a friend, in the most open, frank and unreserved manner, in relation to the rights and senti- ments of Maine.
It was not until monday, the 17*'^ instant, that I received your Excellency's different letters, dated 19*^ November, enclosing a copy of a letter from His Excel- lency the Governor of Massachusetts,- - 26*^ November, acknowledging the receipt of my letter to you from Lubec,- and 3^' of December containing a copy of M"" Clay's letter to you of the 2T^ November.- -
In your letter of the 26*^ November, you stated and enforced the propriety of representing to the govern- ment of New Brunswick those independent rights of Maine as to territory and jurisdiction, of which it has been intended to deprive it. You observed it should be distinctly understood that the State holds its right to jurisdiction especially, as only restrained by the limited and concurrent authority which the federal constitution has conferred on the government of the United States within their acknowledged limits. You remark, that
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this is a point involving by possibility serious results, and considering that the occasion only requires the reit- eration of sentiment, which, you are pleased to accom- pany with the obliging remark, is repeated with the single view, of meeting in regard to me, a certain degree of responsibility, you omit to extend the observation. I understood your Excellency to be desirous, that I should not leave New Brunswick without presenting to the government of this Province the views entertained by our State in regard to the rights in question ; and that you wished me to exhibit those views at large in conformity to the facts I might ascertain and the same principles I presume, to which you have solicited the attention of the Government of the United States- This, you consider will preclude all future pretense of acquiescence in the foreign occupation or exercise of jurisdiction by which it is to be feared that the wrongs which are growing may be expected to ripen into right. The neighbouring government, you say, can never com- plain of the want of frankness although we shall with- out discussion simply declare, that while the State of Maine will without doubt be anxious to maintain a friendly communication, it will probably be obliged to refuse its acquiescence in any measures interfering with with its own territorial rights, or the personal Liberty of its citizens.
The object of my attempt to make a representation of the injury lately done to the State of Maine, and to ask for the relief and atonement required by the uni- versal principles of common justice and the general rules of public law having failed, I proceeded immediately to relate the occasion and to record the result, in the only mode that was open to me, namely, that of a memorial of the circumstances; and I endeavoured to fulfil the duty enjoined upon me by your instructions according to
OF PISCATAaUIS COUNTY 387
the limited means in iny power. I viewed it as proper to accompany it with a remonstrance against the exorbi- tant pretension set up on the part of the Province of New Brunswick to a large proportion of the State of Maine, which I know not by what strange means has latterly acquired the title of disputed territory; against the unauthorized assumption also of terming it and treating it as a subject of negotiation between the Gov- ernments of Great Britain and the United States; and against the extraordinary extension of a foreign juris- diction over the unquestionable territory of an independ- ent State.
I cannot profess to have prepared this paper in all respects as I could wish, or to have put it entirely into such a shape as might be most satisfactory to yourself or the State. Many particulars also are stiU to be ascer- tained, that belong to the general aggregate of aggres- sion. But the broad ground of complaint is not denied - It is even officially announced, that the whole of the territory, which it is true is now in question, is in the actual possession of His Britannic Majesty's Govern- ment established in this Province. It was stated last year on behalf of the Province of New Brunswick, that Great Britain was in possession of the most valuable parts of this country, and did not know it. It is pro- claimed the present year that the right to possession to this whole tract of country is in the crown of Great Britain, and that it is in the exclusive occupation of the government of this Province. No detail is, obvi- ously, necessary to develope the character of this bold and formidable usurpation.- - But it is certain that an extensive course of judicial proceedings has been adopted by the highest legal authority in this Province to eject the American settlers from the Territory, indiscrimi- nately with all who have gone on without license from
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the British Government. Acts of the most flagrant and arbitrary description appear to have been added; but their only eff'ect is to aggravate the general charges of complaint on the part of Maine to which the govern- ment of New Brunswick refuse to listen. It is time in my judgment that these facts should be known: and especially that the great prominent fact of the Provincial claim to the right of actual, entire, and exclusive occu- pancy, which goes to overthrow the authority of Maine and overwhelm all the rights that can exist under it, should also be made known, to the country.
His Excellency Sir Howard Douglas not having been able to give personal audience to any one, on account of the State of his health, on Saturday last 22*^ inst. I inquired personally of the Secretary of the Province at his office whether a paper of the description I had pre- pared, and the nature of which together with your instructions to me on the subject I explained to him, could be received:- requesting permission to offer it for that purpose. He stated that he was not authorized, and declined to communicate it to Sir Howard Douglas, or to receive it. His Excellency's private Secretary being also present and referred to by the Secretary of the Province, M"" Odell, confirmed the opinion from his positive knowledge of Sir Howard Douglas's determin- ation, that a paper of such nature could not be received from me. The only method, which was indicated to me, by which Such a representation proceeding from the Executive authority of Maine could arrive to His Excel- lency, was by means of circuitous communication through the Secretary of State of the United States to the Brit- ish Minister residing at Washington. As it was out of my power to avail myself of the benefit of this sugges- tion, and should reserve it indeed for your consideration, I could only retain the paper, to be disposed of on my
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 389
return, agreeable to your direction. -But for the present your purpose is frustrated.
I beg permission to express the very great satisfaction I have experienced from the language of His Excellency Governor Lincoln of Massachusetts, in the letter you were pleased to communicate to me, in connection with the general views and opinions heretofore stated by him in his public communications. The decided concurrence of the excellent chief magistrate of our original Com- monwealth, in the importance of vindicating the respec- tive rights of Soil and Sovereignty, appertaining to the two Sister States, and which are holden under the ancient charter of Massachusetts, recognized, confirmed, and established by the Treaty of 1 783, is a circumstance of the most gratifying kind ; and the obligation of requir- ing a recognition of the just demand of the United States, as well as the States of Massachusetts and Maine conjointly, and of the latter state in the most peculiar and emphatic manner, to the establishment of the Boundary by the description in that Treaty, is stated in terms worthy of the character of Massachusetts. The importance of maintaining the integrity of an actual pos- session by the exercise of an effectual Sovereignty, and of removing by a clear and distinct designation of monuments all cause of challenge and controvei'sy with a foreign government, is strikingly illustrated by transactions which have lately taken place not merely on our border, but within the body of Penobscot. It is grateful to be assured, of the sympathy of Massachusetts in the suffer- ings occasioned to individuals by acts of injustice and outrage committed upon the property and persons of individuals, and in the injuries arising to the State from the violation and invasion of its territory and the obstructions interposed from abroad to its settlement, improvement, and prosperity. It will become my duty,
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SO far as may be in my power to aid M*" Barrell in acquiring precise information in regard to the character and extent of the recent transactions that have been committed in the neighborhood of Madawaska and else- where, within the State of Maine, under the pretext of power from the British government of New Brunswick, demanding the allegiance of some as its subjects, who are tenants of the soil and settlers under this State and acting on American citizens as aliens, who hold the lands they live on by actual title of grant from Massachusetts and Maine. It is happy for them, and well as for us, that we are authorized by a community of interests and injuries to rely with confidence on a voluntar}^ and cheer- ful participation in all legitimate means to obtain security and redress ; and that no consideration will be wanting to the proper understanding of the true honour and interest of the Commonwealth over which His Excel- lency has the honour to preside and which he does not decline the responsibility for this purpose to represent. The remark that the Treaty of Ghent referred the question concerning the north-eastern angle of Maine only to a qualified arbitrament, not for the surrender or compromise of rights, but for the determination of them, as they pre-existed, is founded on eternal principles of truth and justice. Maine and Massachusetts are bound to protest before God and all good men, against any execution of the article of the Treaty of Ghent except according to the terms of the Treaty of Peace and Limits.
While the Letter of M"" Clay to your Excellency affords reasons to rely that any cause for regret on account of the refusal of confidence on the part of the federal government toward the State of Maine, will here- after be removed, it contains also the direct and full recognition of the unquestionable validity of our title to
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 391
the territory in demand ; and while the alternative that is holden out to an acquiescence in the submission to a Sovereign Arbitrator is of an extremely melancholy character, as implying that Great Britain resolved to effect by force an object she may not otherwise be able to accomplish ; — and while we voluntarily yield an extensive yet qualified controul to be exerted over the subject in question, by the federal government, it is our happiness to be encouraged to appeal to the guardian wisdom and protecting power, to which we are entitled. The public information that the basis of an umpirage has been arranged renders it exceedingly desireable to ascertain the rules and principles, on which it is to be instituted; and to be informed how far the rights of Maine are liable to be affected without her accession to the articles of agreement. This is quite important to the value of our reliance upon the clearness of our title before an absolute arbiter.
The Statement of the President, that the compact between the two great parties to the Treaty of Ghent, subsequent to the disagreement of the commissioners, which has been extended to exclude us from occupying the territory, went no further than to avoid any effect upon the naked question of right from any new exercise of authority, which it was hardly necessary to agree, reduces the pretense that has been asserted to defend the recent usurpation of territory, within very moderate limits. The remark of M'* Clay in his letter to M"^ Vaughan, in regard the character of some of these fresh applications of foreign power, that they could only be vindicated as exercises of the most incontestable author- ity, is extremely just and pertinent.
I have been permitted by the sheriff of this county, in a very civil manner, to see M"" Baker in prison. Con- cerning the particulars of his confinement I shall beg
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leave to refer entirely to M*" Barrell, who has also had the privilege of seeing him, and who can consider the subject perhaps free from the same bias, which, I am sensible, may influence me. M'' Baker appears to be in tolerable health, and he wi'ites to me that he finds he has to content himself at present in rigid confinement ; and that he shall wait his deliverance from "the States. " I have ascertained the particulars of M^ Baker's arrest. Permit me to say, also, that he has never enjoyed the title of General, until since that period. He was seized in his bed, at day light, under process from New Bruns- wick, by armed persons, on the land he holds under grant from Massachusetts and Maine. He is not actually accused of stopping, but of threatening the mail to Canada. The ofl'ense with which he is charged in that particular did not take place upon his land, but in a canoe, upon the St Johns, a short distance below the mouth of the Madawaska, and above where our line
crosses the St. Johns ; which I have not learned to
have been navigated by the subjects of His Britannic Majesty exclusively, I mean above that line. M^ Baker denies the offense with which he is charged, and which I understand to be supported by the affidavit of the mail carrier, who is ot French extraction, taken ex parte before a magestrate of New Brunswick, by the name of Morehouse, and who testifies positively as I am told, to the menaces of Baker. Baker on the contrary declares that he had no wish to stop the mail ; but that on the other hand he felt an interest in having it pass by his property. He says he had heard a report from Mada- waska, which by the way is over a hundred miles above Woodstock, which M"" Vaughan speaks of, that the mail had orders not to go the old route ; and that he paddled along by the side of the postman, who was polling up the stream, simply to inquire and ascertain the fact. He
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 393
thinks it possible, that his question whether the mail had, as he understood, orders to stop on that course, might have been misunderstood by the Frenchman, by a very easy transition, as an observation that the mail was so ordered,— and conscious that it was important for him to be careful in his conduct, he says he added that he should be sorry to have it stopped: And entered into general conversation with another Frenchman, who sat in the bow of the mail carrier's canoe, and who had recently been in Canada, and could better converse in English, keeping company a few minutes in his own canoe. On his return to his raft, he informed the man he left upon it, that it was a mistake for the mail was actually passing ; and on his return by Madawaska, he paid two dollars to the mail contractor for a Quebec paper which he concluded to take, as the mail route was not changed. - - This is his statement. On the other hand there are a great many suggestions to his disparage- ment and injurious to his fame and his family. But I can learn nothing distinctly that derogates from his right to be considered an American citizen, or to his claims for indemnity from the States of Maine and Massa- chusetts.
I beg your Excellency to overlook or correct any inac- curacy, in this letter, which may require your indul- gence, as M'' Barrel! and myself are on the point of set- ting off for Houlton tomorrow morning. M'" Barrell has the advantage of a letter from M"* Vaughan and been furnished with every facility by the government here. Although it was an occasion of regret to me on some accounts, it was perhaps a happy circumstance, upon the whole, that I was detained until the arrival of M' Barrell. I find him a friend, as well as a companion, and unless I receive your Excellency's directions to return
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from Houlton, I think it more than probable I shall
attend him to Madawaska.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, Your Excellency's obliged & faithful humble servant-
C. S. DAVIES
P. S. I ought not to omit to state to you, that I have enjoyed every attention and favour in this place, more especially from the gentlemen connected with the government; that it is possible to bestow on a stranger — and that I conceive I am much indebted in this respect to the obliging consideration of Sir Howard Douglas —
Fredericton N. B. December ll*'^ 1827— Sir
In obedience to your Excellency's commands I have had the honour to communicate to your Excellency the authority which I bear on behalf of the State of Maine from the Governor of the State for the reclaim of John Baker, a citizen thereof, forcibly seized, as has been made known to its Supreme Executive, while residing on its territory, by persons belonging to this province, and conveyed to goal in New Brunswick. — And my com- mission extends, of consequence, to enable me to invoke the aid of your Excellency in causing the persons, who may have been active in such violation of the Laws of Maine, to be subjected to the operation of its justice. —
It cannot be supposed, that such act will receive the sanction of your Excellency's Government.
It is such an insult to an independent State, such an aggression upon an established government, is so incom- patible with that spirit of amity and respect, which it is so important to preserve between adjoining govern- ments, and has hitherto subsisted with so much happi- ness between the neighbouring States of the union and
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 395
dominions of his Britannic Majesty in North America, that the Governor of Maine persuades himself it is only necessary to be presented to Your ExceUency's knowledge to ensure its prompt and just rebuke. --
Desirous to combine the performance of my immedi- ate duty with an observance of the due regard belong- ing to your Excellency's government; I abstain from further remarking on the character of a transaction, so exceedingly at variance with the friendly relations which have heretofore prevailed between Maine and New Bruns- wick. And I appeal to the high elevation of your Excellency's station and sentiments for an exercise of that authority, which exerts itself to respect the rights of others with the same virtue and moderation that it watches its own- - I can assure your Excellency, that I solicit no interposition on this occasion, which would not, on like occasion, be most anxiously accorded by the Chief Magistrate of Maine.
Although Maine may not be able to claim the observ- ance of a sovereign power, she is nevertheless subject to the duties of an independent state.— Permit me to add, that the rights of the citizen are so essentially involved in the constitution of the state, are so intimately inter- woven with the ties of the national compact, that a deep sensibility, on this subject pervades the whole community. —
It needs scarcely to be observed, that the absolute obligation of a free government to protect its citizens from foreign violence loses none of its force in conse- quence of their accidental distance from the seat of government;-- and is by no means impaired by the consideration of their remote and defenseless exposure to the precauious perils of a frontier position. The authority of Self-government exists in as full vigour at the circumference, as at the centre:-- and notwith-
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standing the circulation may be impeded, its vital prin- ciples extend to the extremities. The failure of the
ordinary security of the laws on this occasion makes it necessary to resort of your Excellency, to assist in erecting a higher moral, virtual barrier, against the future. —
Confiding, therefore, in the universal and inviolable principles of public law, and referring to your Excel- lency's authority for the terms and measures of the atonement, which may be required from any persons, who may be lawful subjects of this government and who may prove to have been concerned in this act of unlaw- ful violence in accordance with the above well estab- lished principles, I content myself in the first place, with preferring my most respectful application to your Excel- lency for the release of the citizen before named in prison.
In connexion with this application to your Excel- lency, I beg leave to communicate open to your Excel- lency, a letter from his Excellency the Earl of Dalhousie, Captain General and Governor in Chief of the Canadas, addressed to the Honourable Albion Keith Parris lately Governor of Maine, and which I can assure your Excel- lency, was received with the most respectful attention.
Your Excellency, permit me to say, is already apprised of the general purposes of my appointment by the Governor of Maine, and made fully aware, I may trust, of the respectful sentiments and amicable dis- positions which it is intended to foster and promote.
I beg leave to express the very high consideration and respect with which I have the honour to be Your Excellency's Most Obedient, humble Servant
C. S. Davies
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His Excellency
Sir Howard Douglas, Bar^
Lieutenant Governor & Commander in Chief of the Province of New Brunswick.
In the Supreme Court Exchequer Side
York to wit, Be it remembered that Thomas Wetmore Esquire, Attorney General of our Sovereign Lord the King for this His Majesty's Province of New Brunswick, who prosecutes for our said Lord the King comes in his own proper person into the Court of our said Lord the King before the justices of our said Lord the King at Fredericton on the seven- teenth day of September in the eighth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord the now King, and for our said Lord the King gives the Court here to understand and be informed. — THAT WHEREAS, a certain Tract or Parcel of Land situate in the Parish of Kent in the county of York in the said Province and lying on both sides of the River Saint John between the Mouth of the Madawaska River and the River Saint Francis and containing in the whole fifty thousand acres, in the hands and possess- ion of our said Lord the King, on the first day of February in the first year of his Reign, and before and continually after was and of Right ought to be, and yet ought to be in the Right of his Imperial Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and as part of the Dominions of our said Lord the King in this Province ; and for so long a time as there is no remembrance of any Man to the contrary has been in the possession of the said Lord the King, and his Predecessors the Kings and Queens of Great Britain and Ireland and a part of
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the Dominions of the said Crown - Nevertheless one John Baker of the Parish aforesaid in the county aforesaid Farmer the I^aws of the said Lord the King in no wise regarding, but intending the disherison of the said Lord the King in the Premises in the first day of February in the second year of the Reign of our said present Sovereign Lord the King and on divers days and times before and since with force and arms and without any lawful author- ity in and upon the possession of the said Lord the King of a part of His said Lands, to wit the hundred acres thereof lying on the Westerly side of the Land — Turtle or Marcumpticook River, a branch of the said River Saint John at the Parish aforesaid in the County aforesaid intruded and entered and erected and built thereon a certain House and other Edifices and cut and felled divers, to wit, five hundred timber and other Trees thereon Standing and growing of the value together of one hundred pounds and took and carried away the . Timber and wood arising from the said Trees, and of his own will disposed thereof, and the issues and profits of the same Lands moving, received and had and yet doth receive and have to his own use : and still holds and Keeps possession of the same Lands; and the said Trespass aforesaid hitherto and yet continuing to the great annoyance of our said Lord the King and contrary to His Laws, in contempt of our said Lord the King, and against the Peace of our said Lord the King- Whereupon the said Attorney General of our said Lord the King for the said Lord the King prays the advice of the Court here in the premises, and that the aforesaid John Baker come here to answer the said Lord the King in the Premises
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 399
(signed) T Wetmore
Att^ General. Indorsed
I M Bliss. Examined by me and certified to be a true Copy
T R Wetmore Clerk to the Att^ General- 28^** November 1827.
Fredericktown Jail Nov'" 29*^ 1827 Charles S. Davis Esq*"
Sir,
I wish to inform you immediately after my arrival from Portland to home I was arrested by some of H. M^ Officers Conveyed and Commited to Fredericktown Jail in which place I made out a report to the governor of the State of Main having not rec*^ instructions I remain here in great anxiety waiting patiently what Method to adopt & hope measures will be taken as quick as possible to extricate me from this prison I am now placed in a veiy uncomfortable situation leaving a wife & family to lement me & would feel grateful to you if you would forward a note by some trusted person to inform me what to do — & would thank you to visit me if it is Consistant & by so doing you would much oblige
Your H Serv* Jn« Baker
Sir,
I make a remark on the statement I saw in the Fredericktown gazette Stating that the British govern- ment has not sufFerd any Squaters to settle on the dis- puted of Territory it is well known that there is many settled in Metewescher because if the are not Considered as British Subjects the must be Considered as Americans it appears the have appointed Millitary Officers over
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them and established Companies Principaly over the late settlers — — —
Dec^ 6*^ 1827 Charles S. Davis Esq'', Ag*^ for the State of Main
Sir,
I have to state on the 25^^' of Sepf last I was arrested at the dawn of day while in my bed, by some of H. M. Officers — Accompanied with armed men, and conveyed to Fredricktown jail for the Alleged offence for not being Emeneble to the English Government, & for Pretended offences of Interupting the mail, and on an action of Debt — and have further to observe that the rejected me from my land granted me by the legis- lature of the state, and that the Attorney general has proceeded against me in an Action of Trespass for cut- ting down trees on said land- and have been brought before the Court & have plead not guilty wherein the Court could not proceed to Trial- & having the Privi- lege of bail for my appearance at the nixt session for the penal sum of £100 & being as aforesaid embaressed still remains in jail with respect
I remain Your Obed*— Serv* John Baker
P, S. I have given the above statement having learned that the one I forwarded to the government had not been rec*^ —
Dec^ 6*^ 1827 Fredricktown Charles S. Davis Esq^,
Sir,
having made an application to Government of the state of Main for Protection- and the Governor by
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 401
his Proclamation having Claimed me as Citizen I should wish to know if I am under the necessity of answering to H. M. Court in any Case Criminal Or Civil, and would be obliged to you if you would give me Instruction as I am requested by the Kings Attorney to lay before the court my plea —
With
Respect Sir
I am Your Obed* Serv* John Baker- P. S.
Any Note you forward me for my instruction you may depend shall not be made public unless by your request
Frederickton Dec^ 12*^ 1827- Char^^ S. Davis Esq^' Sir,
has been much said in this Section of the country concerning the mail I have to state there was a report circulating in Matawascah that the mail had rec^ orders to stop going in that direction. I was a few day after- wards going down the river in a canoe with a raft saw a man whom I supposed carried the mail and asked him if he did and I further observed that I heard the mail had rec'* orders to stop, by way of question he not giving me a correct answer, I found he did not well under- stand the English language & then observed I should be sorry to have the mail stop then turned my discourse to a man by the name of Moorey on other subjects without the least discord the post man still continuing his Journey- and also a man with me by the name of Siras Cannon by whom the said Statement can be proved, that
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was the only time that I recollect conversing with the Post man on that Subject
I remain with respect Sir, Your Obed*^ humble Serv* Jn" Baker
Frederickton Jail 23'"^ Dec'" 1827 C. S Davis Esq' Sir,
I find that I have to content myself at present in ridgd confinement and shall untill I receive Assistance from the states
I wish when you return from Matawasha that you would inform me what ma}^ occur, give me information as may be necessary, and 3'ou would much Oblige Your Obed* Serv^ John Baker
That we, George W. Coffin Agent for the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, and James Irish Agent for the State of Maine, upon the subject of the Public Lands in said State, b}' virtue of powers vested in us by resolves of the said Commonwealth, dated 11th June 1825, and by resolves of said State dated 26^^ Februaiy 1825, and in consideration of the sum of Ten dollars to us paid by John Baker of a plantation called and knoMii b}' the name of the Madawaska settlement in the County of Penobscot and State aforesaid, situate upon the river Saint John, Yeoman for the use of said Commonwealth and State, the receipt whereot we do hereby acknowledge, do by these presents in behalf of the Commonwealth and State aforesaid, give, grant, bargain, sell and conve}' to said John Baker his heirs and assig-ns forever, the follow-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 403
ing parcel of land, viz. : — Beginning at Maryumticook Stream or point on the S* John's river, thence running west by said river sixty three rods to a stone marked N" 1. S. W. thence north three hundred and twenty rods, thence east fifty rods, thence south three hundred and eleven rods and one half a rod to a stake standing on the south side of said stream, thence by said stream south thirty eight and one half degrees east fifteen rods & seventeen links to the bounds first mentioned, containing One hundred Acres, be the same more or less.
To have and to hold the same, with all the privileges and appurtenances thereof, to the said John Baker his heirs and assigns to his and their use and behoof forever. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We the said Agents, in behalf of said Commonwealth and said Statp, have hereunto subscribed our names and afl^xed our seals, this third day of Oct'' 1825— Signed, Sealed and Dehvered Geo. W. Coffin (L. S.) in presence James Irish (L. S. )
of us. Walter Powers attest Hiram Baker
New BrunsMdck / Michaelmas Term in the eighth Supreme Court. \ year of the Reign of King George the Fourth.
York, to Wit, Be it remembered that Thomas Whetmore Esquire Attorney General of our Sovereign Lord the now King for this His Majesty's Province of New Brunswick, who for our said Lord the King prose- cutes, in this behalf in his own proper person comes here into the Court of our said Lord the King before the King himself at Fredericton in the county of York, on Saturday next after the second Tuesdav in October ii;
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this same Term, and for our said Lord the King gives the court here to understand and be informed That John Baker of the Parish of Kent in the county of York Labourer being a person greatly disaffected to our said Lord the now King and his Government within this His Majesty's Province of New Brunswick, and contriving, endeavouring and unlaAvfully maHciously, factiously and seditiously intending to vex molest and disturb the peace and common tranquillity of this Province, and to bring into hatred and contempt our most Serene Lord the now King and his Government, and for creating false opinions and suspicions in the people and subjects of our said Lord the King of and concerning the Government and administration of our said Lord the King and of the Royal power and undisputed prerogative of our said Lord the King within this Province he the said John Baker for performing perfecting and effecting his said most wicked contrivances and intentions on the fifteenth day of July in the eighth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King George the Fourth at the Parish of Kent aforesaid in the county aforesaid with force and arms contemptuously maliciously factiously applied to one Peter Markee being one of the Subjects of our said Lord the King residing and inhabiting within the said Parish and then and there endeavored to persuade and seduce the said Peter Markee to depart from and violate the allegiance which he owed to our said Lord the King and did then and there present to the said Peter Markee a written paper then and there requesting and persuad- ing him the said Peter Markee to subscribe his name thereto then and there stating to the said Peter Markee that the same paper was drawn up by him the said John Baker and others residing in the Madawaska Settlement in the Parish aforesaid and County aforesaid, with an intent thereby to bind those who subscribed the same
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paper to defend one another against any act of a British Officer civil or military and not to allow the British Laws to be put in force among them in the said Madawaska Settlement aforesaid (to wit in the Parish aforesaid and county aforesaid) he the said John Baker then and there declaring that the British Government, meaning the Government of our said Lord the King had no right to exercise any authority over the Inhabitants of the said settlement and that the government of the United States of America would protect him the said John Baker and others his confiderates as aforesaid in what they were then doing. And that he the said John Baker in order further to perform, perfect and effect his malicious practices and seditious intentions and designs aforesaid afterwards, to wit, on the eighteenth day of the same month of July in the year aforesaid, at the Parish afore- said in the county aforesaid endeavored to oppose and obstruct the Postman then and there having the custody and carriage of His Majesty's Mail to Canada in the prosecution of his Journey with the same mail he the said John Baker then and there declaring with a loud voice in presence and hearing of divers of the subjects of our said Lord the King that England had no right to send her mails by that rout meaning through that part of the Parish of Kent, and that the said John Baker had received orders from the said government of the United States to stop the conveyance of the said mails through the same to the derogation great damage, diminution and prejudice of our said Lord the King and his Laws, to the evil example of all others in the like case offending and against the Peace of our said Lord the King his Crown and Dignity.
Whereupon the said Attorney General of our said Lord the King who for our said Lord the King in this behalf prosecutes, for our said Lord the King prays the
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consideration of the Court here in the premises, and that due process in law may be awarded against the said John Baker in this behalf to make him answer to our said Lord the King tending and concerning the premises aforesaid.
Signed
T Wetmore
Dom : Reg. Gen^ Examined by me and certified to be a true copy.
T R Wetmore clerk to the Atty General 28^*^ Nov'- 182T--
I Asael Baker, aged twenty one years, declare and say I resided as a labourer in the family of John Baker, near the mouth of the River Mariumticook at the time he returned from a journey in September last. The family of said Baker consisted of his wife, and four daughters and one son of hers by her former husband, and two daughters of said Baker, the yovingest about a year old. —
Baker and his wife with the child slept in a room adjoining the kitchen. Three days after his return I was sleeping in the kitchen and about daylight, was awaked by the noise of persons entering violently from without into the outer room where I was. The first I saw was two persons entering about abreast, followed by several others with arms in their hands. I afterwards knew one of the two first who entered to be M'" Miller,
a sheriff of New Brunswick I was startened and
alarmed and sprung into the bedroom where Baker and his wife were sleeping, and was instantly followed by the forwai'd persons, who had entered the kitchen. Two of the persons that went into the bed room had arms-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 407
One by the name of Rice, an Irishman, represented to be an Adjutant ot mihtia, who carried a pistol, and another bore a musket. Baker lay on the back side of the bed, and did not immediately awake. They first took hold of Mrs. Baker, who was frightened, and cried out to them not to kill the child, and begged them to spare her. The principal person M^' Miller told her to be civil, and
he should not hurt her nor her husband, M^ Baker,
M^ Baker being awakened, and made sensible, rose out of bed, and they were removing him from the apartment, but his wife first and then he himself requested them to suffer him to put on his clothes,- which was allowed to be done. The principal person told him he was the one that had caused him so much trouble, as to make him come two hundred miles. This was before Baker got out of bed. As I was going towards the outer door the person, who carried the pistol, presented it at me and threatened to shoot me, if I moved. There were a considerable number of persons who followed into the house, some of whom had remained at first without- and I heard M^ Miller order them to enter.
I should say there were in all as many as a dozen. I saw as many as half a dozen muskets. There were two other persons in the house in the same manner as my- self, by the names of Walter Powers and John Scudder. - When M'" Baker was seized, he said he had writings from the states, which they should see if they would. He was answered, that was nothing to them,- that he must submit and follow- that he had better be as easy as possible, as he did not know which side he should fall upon.- M^' Baker proposed to take breakfast and requested time to get some money. The principal per- son refused the permission and hurried him away, tell- ing him he should fare as well as he did himself- I should judge it was not more than ten minutes from the
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time the party entered the house until they went away with Baker. M^ Baker gave me some general and hast}' du'ections about his affairs; and his wife in about half an hour after followed to have an interview with him on the road. I never heard him called General Baker until since this affair- I have since seen the person, who pre- sented the pistol at me, and he declared that he was so ordered- I have very recently seen another person of the part}' who seized Baker, whom I recognized, and asked if he was one of the men that took M*' Baker also whether he was in the house. He said he was. His name I understand is West. He asked me if I was the one that slept on the floor, and he said he saw me run. He also said it was the King's Express to take Baker dead or alive- I named to this person the circumstance that Rice presented the pistol at me, and I further said that Rice presented it at Powers. — West said, he guessed not- and added that Powers came down from the chamber and took up a chair and struck one of the fuses, that the men held, and broke the breech ; that this man, whose name was Battis Misshu, called out for help, and that thereupon he (West) went to Powers and drew the pistol, and told Powers he had better be civil and behave, otherwise he should be obliged to put the law in force. I had this conversation with this West, the IS^^ of December.— I know the person called Battis Misshu. He lives at the Grand Falls. I saw him that morning, when Baker was seized. — I do not recollect him in the house. The door was guarded outside, and Rice, stood guard at the door inside- and when I attempted to go out ]\P" Miller spoke to the guard in this manner,-- "men, stop that man from going out.-" Thereupon Rice pre- sented the pistol to me, and I stopped, and told him to fire if he liked- that I was not afraid of him a hair.- After M'' Miller and his party had conveyed M"" Baker
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 409
out of the house, and carried him down to the shore we had liberty to come out and I saw Battis Misshu, wh^^ was carrying a musket and was the last of the guard that remained. He shook hands with me at going away and said I must not blame him for he was obliged to do
as he did. Battis Misshu told me that one of Mrs.
Baker's daughters got out of the window, and that an other got out of the door and that two men took her and carried her into the house again. He said one of the girls was crying and asked what they were going to do to M^" Baker- He answered the}' were not going to hurt him. — I understood that these were the two eldest daughters, Amanda & Liser aged about eighteen & six- teen - I also heard another daughter, Sophronia, about twelve years of age, declare that she got out of the door and was brought back. — I saw the oldest daughter, Amander aged eighteen years after JM"" Baker was seized in the same room where he was- I understood, but do not know, that she attempted to get out at the door, and afterwards got out of the window, and afterwards came back, I saw her after that time again in the house before M^ Baker was removed.- I understood that Scudder passed out at the door, and was brought in again by the guard. Powers and myself were kept the first part of the time in the bedroom with Baker, and three persons were stationed in a small passage way into the kitchen to prevent our getting out. — After I was allowed to go into the kitchen I saw Cyrus Cannon, who lived in the neighborhood come into the house and went into the room where Baker was confined. — I also saw two other friendly persons belonging to the neighbor- hood standing without namely Miles Emery who has a lot at the mouth of Fish river, and another Matthias Acorn who is settled on the second lot above Baker. M"^ Baker offered no resistance at anv time, nor did he
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encourage any to my knowledge. Of the other per- sons with ]VP' Miller, one was William Dibble, who lives below the Grand Falls,- another named Soffysaw, who undertakes to act as a constable at Matawasca settle- ment under the direction of persons residing in New Brunswick- another was a M'^" Tibbets of Tobique,- I saw another named Joseph Deba- Another called Wezaw Nedder— both whom I knew belonging to the settlement of Madawasca — Another named John Battis D Aigle was of the party, and was stationed, as a guard at the canoes. — Another brother to Nedder- but I do not know his christian name.
Several of the persons of the party belong to the settlement from the Grand Falls along up to the Mada- wasca, and individuals of French extraction in the vicin- ity, who are required to bear arms and train in the militia of the Province of New Brunswick. Rice acts as Adju- tant of this militia, and lives near the mouth of the
Madawasca River. West said to me, at the same time
I have before mentioned, that they had but-five mus- kets,-and he also said they had several pistols.
Baker has one saw mill with two saws and a gristmill. He was also building him a two story house, the present habitation he lives in not being sufficiently commodious and tenantable for the winter. He had engaged two carpenters to finish the house, and a brick layer to com- plete the chimney this season- The house remains unfinished and the work is stopped.- It is boarded, and the window cases and one door case is in,— one side of the roof is shingled,- this piece of shingling is all that has been done since M^' Baker's absence,- His family remain together in the old house- His business is now all at a stand. His wife and family are left in a lonesome situ-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 411
ation and M*"^ Baker is very anxious and at times exceed- ingly distressed, and agitated.
Asahel Baker.
I further declare and say, that after the seizure of John Baker the American citizens in that vicinity became con- siderable uneasy and alarmed, James Bacon said he did not know what was to be done, and that he did not know but the English would come up and take them all away, and appeared to be disheartened and discouraged— for a short time. It was noticed and talked of among us, although we thought M^' Bacon did not wish to show it. — M^' Stutson, one of the settlers was also inquiring what was to be done- and I observed to him, that I thought he was afraid, He answered that he was afraid, that he was almost scared to death, and did not know what to do- I was absent immediately after this on a journey to Kennebeck, and when I returned Stutson had sold out and was gone, having moved, I understood, into Houlton.
Stutson was a blacksmith and had a shop and a family, consisting of a wife and two children, and about fifteen acres under improvement. — Jacob Goldthwaite had a place where he had been chopping on five or six acres, and had some stock, a horse and yoke of oxen. He said very little at first - and when it was intimated to him that he was alarmed, his answer was that those who talked about it most, were most afraid - when I returned from the westward, in about six weeks Goldthwaite had left his place and was gone- Charles Smart had also stock, and was present with Goldthwaite when he made the above remark- and declared that he would not make any resistance, or get himself into any scrape- On my return he also had departed,- Neither of those persons have returned- I heard Stephen Grover, say after my return, that as the state of things were and had been for
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some time, it might be a year, before it was settled and perhaps more and perhaps never. — And that it was impossible to live so, while the English were coming up to harrass us- and we did not know whether we could rely on the States- and had better move off and live some where else - and that if nothing should be done for them, he had determined to move off next summer. I heard Randall Harford say, that he meant to stay as long as he could - that he had a years provisions- that if it came on too hard, he would live on that, and then clear ovit. A very great and general alarm has prevailed among the people of our state in that quarter, in conse- quence on the proceedings they have experienced and the uncertainty of their dependence upon government- Dur- ing my absence, as I was informed after my return some person had been at Baker's and also called on several other persons to demand the alien tax, on what they call the Bear Tax- The same person I was also informed went up to S* Francis to call for it of Americans there. - And he is expected again this winter. I was also informed that an officer had been up with warrants to serve on a number of Americans holding lands there, to answer for Trespass and intrusions on Crown Lands under penalty of a hundred pounds. I saw copies that had been served on John Harford, Samuel Harford, Randall Harford, and Daniel Savage, and have also understood that there were several others. Fears have been entertained and expressed that when the winter- going became good the officers would be up there again and all carried down to Fredericton.
Asahel Baker.
I Charles Stetson, aged thirty four years, was born in Bristol, State of Maine- Lived in Eastport about eight
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 413
years- and moved from there above the river Madawaska five years ago last July. I settled within about a hun- dred rods of the mouth of the Mariumticook, where John Baker was carrying on business at his mills there situ- ated. It is generally called the Madawaska up as high as we live, but I do not know whether the Madawaska settlement, properly so called, extends above the river Madawaska. It is not properh^ Madawaska above the Madawaska river, but we generally call it by that name. There was no settler for several miles above the mouth of Madawaska on the north side of the main river up to Joseph Misshu's— but one at a place called the half way house for about some space of six miles up on the oppo- site side. There were several French Settlers on either side of the St Johns, between that vacancy and the place where we live,— and the French call at Chattiqua.— On the north side of the river from the mouth of the Mada- waska towards the Mariumticook where we are, there have come on since I went there about twenty French settlers, chiefly from Canada— and a good part of them have filled in the space above the Madawaska, They are about establishing a new Roman Catholic church at the settlement,—
My business is a blacksmith, I settled with my family next below James Bacon— There were none but French settlers below me The nearest to me lived on an
island next below a smaller island near the mouth of the Mariumticook,- The small island is nearly opposite my house,- It was Larrion D'Aigle. He was born in the settlement below where his father lives, and had been there I understood, three or four years, but I do not know exactly how long- The small island contains ten or twelve acres- There was no settler on it. There were none but settlers of French extraction at the mouth of the Madawasca. There was no French settler above
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US — One came on last summer from Canada and set- tled on the south side of the St Johns above the mouth of the Mariumticook— and he has also a neighbor lately moved from the Madawasca settlement below— There are two or three English and Irish families settled four or five miles up the Madawaska river— and one Irishman lives a little opposite the mouth of that river in a French House.
John Harford and his son John were settled with their families about fifteen miles above the Mariumticook on the Main River and about five miles below the mouth of the St Francis.— There were no settlers of any descrip- tion between us and the Harfords- Several persons have been employed in teaming, hauling and sawing at Bakers mill.- Matthias Acorn, an American came last winter and settled next above Bacon, I saw four or five rafts of boards and shingles belonging to Baker passing down the river, and understood the}' were afterwards seized and confiscated b}' the government of New Brunswick. Two years ago Bakei', Bacon, and myself were called upon to pa\- the alien tax b}' a person having orders he said from a colonel or major of Militia. There has been a new military company formed of late among the settlers, Some of the new comers among the French set above the Madawaska river and above Joseph Misshu's— those near us have had to pay fines for not training. The objection the}' made, as I understood, was that they considered themselves under American government,— There has been some suing from Tobique among the French at Madawascar from Esquire Morehouse. There is no civil magistrate any nearer. No civil process has been attempted to be served at the Mariumticook until the present year. I was not present but understood that Saufacon a constable came from Madawascer with a writ from George Morehouse Esq to serve on Bacon. I
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 415
understood that an arrest was attempted and repelled by the aid of Baker and some of his hired men- that the constable was driven off and the debt afterwards set- tled. I am not acquainted with the facts, I do not know that Bacon made any resistance— An American by the name of Owen Fitzgerald working at Fish River Mills was arrested about two 3'ears ago on a warrant from Justice Morehouse, on a complaint for stealing money from Bacon- He was arrested on the point below the mills at my shop where I was present. No force was used- and no resistance made. He was carried to Fredericton and acquitted. It afterwards appeared that the money was taken by another person.
Charles Stetson
Last 4^'^ of July we agreed to celebrate on Baker's proposal by raising a liberty pole, and hoisting the American Flag and having a dinner all at his home. We considered ourselves on American ground. The number of Americans present was fourteen. We hoisted the American flag before dinner, all of us Americans together. M^" Baker was the principal person. Two or three of the French were present; one of them Bellony Tarrio was the fiddler- and dined with us. I did not hear any invitation proposed to any of the French. Nobody interfered with us and we interfered with nobody. We drank toasts and spent the day together, and then went home— The next day Stephen Grover drew up a paper, purporting that we would settle our disputes among ourselves without having recourse to English laws for protection. Baker signed it first ; and then thirteen others.- I was present when Miles Emery offered it to Peter Markee- Baker was not present- and I am posi- tive not at home.
Three or four weeks afterwards I heard a story from the French settlers below that Baker had met the mail
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carrier and asked what mail he had— He said it was the Province mail- and that Baker replied if it was the English mail he would take it away, but as it was the Province mail it might pass.- I heard this from one Mattocks- an American who was with us the -i^^ — and he got it from the French.
I heard that the Carrier complained to ]M^ Morehouse and told him he was tlu'eatened by Baker— and did not like to carry the mail any more. In August AP Morehouse appeared at Baker's, as I understood from Bacon, and ordered Baker to take down the American flag which was flying and to cut down the staff*. Baker told him he considered it on American land, and that he should not take it down until he had orders from the American government. — He did not take it down- aud the flag Staff" was standing when I came away in September last.
I was not present when Baker was arrested- I saw the canoes earning him down, I think eight in number, with two or three persons in each. I never heard that the sheriff" at that time had any precept against me.-
About a week after this I received a summons by Joseph Sa^vfacon, a constable, to appear at Fredericton— This was in September. It was left at my house. It was to appear at Fredericton under penalty of £100,- I brought my summons with me and shewed it here— but have mislaid or lost it. I cannot find it.—
I remained at Madawaska three or four days after I was summoned and then came away. My possession was one that I had piu'chased of Miles Emery, an American. It was then a small clearing of about an acre.— I had about twelve acres cleared. I had I should judge an hundred bushels of potatoes in the ground— and had raised 25 or 30 bushels of wheat and 30 bushels of oats the present year- 1 sold out to Barnabas Hunewell for
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eight}' dollai's- principally paid- I should not have parted with my property but for the disturbance. I came away because I was afraid they would come upon me for the £100 penalty. I brought away my wife and children and blacksmith's tools- and remain at present in Houlton. I would not have taken less than £150 for my place, if I could have had a good title and been- andisturbed- It was good land— I was within a hundred rods of a sawmill and gristmill- I had a good situation, near a thriving settlement.- and no other blacksmith within eighteen miles.
Charles Stetson.
Washington ss. Houlton Plantation. Dec 31, 1827 Personally appeared the aforesigned Charles Stetson and made oath that the foregoing statement by him signed is wholly true according to his best knowledge & belief before me James Houlton Justice Peace.
I Jacob Goldthwaite, aged thirty three years, was born in Stoughton, Massachusetts, went to Madawasca four years ago- The two first years I was concerned with John Baker in lumbering and Sawing and lived with him — One year I have worked with Stutson as a black- smith and lived in his house the last year I worked for Stutson ik made my home there. I have no family. - I felled about three acres of trees this last summer. I laid to clear an hundred acres- I had one horse, two ctows, an ox and heifer- and three young creatures besides. About a week after the arrest of John Baker I received a summons to appear at Fredericton— I did not like to attend,- and disposed of my personal prop- erty chiefly to M^' Barnabas Hunewell, an American from Kennebec river- I made a barter trade- I brous-ht off one horse, one ox and a heifer. - I left the
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land as it was. I sold Hunewell the principal part of fifteen tons of hay that I had cut. I did not get the value of the property that I disposed of by a hundred dollars- It would have made this difference to me, but for my situation. Some of the people appeared to be considerably alarmed— I was one of the party on the 4"^ of July.
Jacob Goldthwaite.
Washington ss. Houlton Plantation Dec 31. 18^1 The aforesaid Jacob Goldthwaite personally appeared and made oath that the foregoing statement b}" him :signed is wholly true before
me James Houlton Justice of the
Peace.
(xeorge the Fourth, b}' the Grace of God of [L. S. ] the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ire- land King Defender of the Faith ike. To Jacob Goldthrite Greeting : We command you firmly enjoining that laying aside all excuses whatsoever you be in your proper per- son before our Justices of our Supreme Court of Judicature for oui- Province of New Brans- [Copy] wick at Fredericton, on the second Tuesday in October next, to answer to us of and concerning certain matters which on our behalf shall be then and there objected against you. And this you are by no means to omit undei" the penalty of one hundred poinids which we will cause to be levied on your Goods and Chattels Lands and Tenements to oiu* use if you neglect to obe}- this our present command witness John Saunders Esquire our Chief Justice at Frederic-
OF l'lS(ATA(iUlS COUNTV 419
ton the seventeenth day of September in the eighth 3ear of our Reign
By the Justices (signed)
Putnam. [Indoi'sed]
At the suit of the Attorney General j for Trespass and Intrusion on the Crown I^ands. T Wetmore Atty : Gen : )
IT"' day of September 1827.
I Cliarles Smart, aged twenty five a- ears was born in Monmouth, count}- of Kennebec, went to the Madawaska country two years ago last October.- I was engaged at Fish River, logging and sawing at the Mills- I was hired by Owen Fitzgerald, and Witham Peters became responsible for my compensatit)n- The first year— l^he next year I was employed by Daniel Savage and Nathaniel Bartlett- Savage, Bartlett and Fitzgerald are American citizens,— I had taken up an island at the mouth of St. Francis and cut the hay upon it two years— The first year I cut it for Savage and Bartlett- Last A-ear I and Jacob Goldthwaite cut it- It is called Burnt Island- I had also taken up a lot at the mouth of the St. Francis— which I intended to have commenced clear- ing. I left that country in October in consequence of the distiu'bance. I understootl that SaAage and Bartlett at the Fish River, and the Harfords about six miles below the St Francis were svmimoned- and that the settlers at the Mariumticook were smnmoned, to appear at Fredericton.
I understood there were about fifteen American settlers, summoned. I came awa}^ at the same time with Goldthraite and Stutson- I had signed the paper, drawn up, by Stephen Grover, as he infoi'med me by
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which the American settlers agreed to have questions among themselves settled by referees, chosen by ourselves, and without the English laws.- The paper was pre- sented to me by M^ Stutson- This was some time about the tenth of July- I did iiot like to remain after M*' Baker was taken- did not know what might take place. I had no courage to get forward— and did not feel secure to do anything at all. I was as liable as any one there— and should not feel secure there now— I dis- posed of my little property- a yoke of oxen- one cow and a horse— and came away-
Charles Smart
Washington Dec 29*^ 1827 The above said Charles Smart personally appeared and made oath that the fore- going statement by him signed, is wholly true, according to the best of his knowledge and belief before me
James Houlton, Justice of Peace
I George Fields, fifty years of age, now of Houlton, was born in Pensacola, where I lost my father- My mother married again, and moved with me into New Brunswick— I continued there excepting two or three years in Canada, until about four years ago,— I then went to the Aroostook.— I expected when I went there that I was going into the Territory of the United States- William Piles, an American went on the same year with me. I found there the two Johnson's Lewis and Charles, and a man by the name of William M. Crea. I settled about twelve miles up the stream- about nine miles above the line- The first year a Deputy sur- veyor General by the name of West came up from Prince William, and seized all my timber on the Aroostook, and made me pay a duty of two shillings a ton. The next year James Sisson of Tobique Settlement got a license
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to cut timber, and I with a number others cut under him and other people who had obtained licenses. - - and from whom we obtained our supplies- Afterwards we worked for ourselves. Last March George IMorehouse Esq came to the settlement with John Davison to mark timber to be seized and forbid the people from working- or occupying any further. I was then preparing to come away.
Two years ago I was arrested b}- Daniel Craig a Deputy Sheriff of Ncav Brunswick for a debt of £65, on the suit of William Hallet and carried down the river, almost to the St. Johns, a mile and a half below the lines- where I met one of my sons who gave bail for me- and I returned home- and afterwards settled the debt by letting Hallet have a farm, belonging to me on the St. Johns, a few miles below the Aroostook- of which I had a grant from the government of New Brunswick.
Early last March I was sued by Patrick Connelly before Justice Morehouse for three days work which was to be paid in work by me. The writ was served by Stephen M^ Neal a constable- A yoke of oxen were also taken by the constable at the same time out of my shed on a warrant for a debt of three pounds against my son and driven on to the river and he returned and told me. I agreed to settle both demands and give my note for the amount, and promised to pay the costs to the justice. I went down the next day to pay the costs which I did and complained of being sued and came home again.- 1 thought the note was written payable
in three months, which Connelly and I agreed upon.
On a week after my return, the constable came with a writ from Esq. Moorhouse on the same note, and took my body, about sunrise, as I was going to mills and as I could not get bail, carried me before the justice, who directed me to attend the next friday- and released me
422 HISTOIIKWL COLLP'.CTIONS
on mv promise so to do. On the friday appointed I attended to stand trial, because I considered it was in the States, and they had no right to sue me there, and so told M' Moorhouse, and talked hard to him about it. I ought not to have gone there— that I knew it was con- sidered to belong to the States when I went there, and that William Piles and I (who are brother's in law) did it to get into the Americail government- He said it was a cage of iniclean birds and he did not pity me— Also He said that I sjjoke disrespectfully of the govern- ment, and that if he had not known me from a boy he would have sent me to Fredericton, I told him he could not send me there- He said he could tie me neck and heels and send me there. -
The next day the constable came up with the execution and seized a yoke of oxen, five hogs, a couple of two year old bulls and my cow.- He got to my house before I returned fx*om Tobique— I met him about three miles below driving them down— They were car- ried to Tobique and Sold— but for not enough to pav debt and costs, as I found afterwards. How much it was, I did not stop to ask and never knew— My son bought the cow at the sale and brought her back to me— I was afraid they would take me next. I then set out with my family to come awa}^ and was on my way on the river with my wife and five children under ten vears of age and the cow. - Nearly opposite Mr Morehouses I met the constable with a fresh execution for the balance of the costs- upon which he took the cow again. My wife cried and advised me to give the money we had, which was twenty shillings, to redeem the cow. M^" M*"'Neal said he would take it and pay the rest him- self— M"" M'Neal was very civil to us and let me go.
All the property I have is some household furniture which I brought from Aroostook, with about £10. I
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 423
owed some debts upon the river- I had a horse that has gone to pay an honest debt- My sons are on the St. Johns- they are used to the rixer and do not like to. leave it. I am afraid of returning to my sons on account of my creditors- I should have come away, if I had not owed a dollar. I left the Aroostook because they would not let me live there in peace. They took every thing away from me as fast as I got it. I have a very large family and not very good health- and if I got a little timber or anything to procure supplies they would seize it — I now live in Houlton
his George X Fields mark Washington ss, Houlton Dec. 31, 1827- The above signed George Fields made oath that the foregoing facts by him stated are to his best knowledge & belief wholly true before me
James Houlton Justice of the Peace
History of the Shaw Family With a Sketch of Milton G. Shaw of Green- ville
Presented by Charles D. Shaw
OF THE disproportionately large number of Shaws who settled in the New England colonies before 1650, Roger Shaw, if in New England as early as 1630, as claimed, is the earliest. To him a multi- tude of descendants trace their lineage.
ROGER SHAW, immigrant, came to this country about 1630. The compiler of the "Shaw Notes'* gives him as the son of Ralph Shaw. The Register of St. Peter's, Cornhill, Lond<m, England, has the following entry: "1594, Sept. 1st, Sunda3\ Christening of Roger Shaw, sonne of Ralph Shaw, Vintnor, at the Sunne on Cornhill, born Monday, 26th of August. * ' By this record the occupation of Ralph was that of "Vintnor," and Roger the immigrant was a vintner and keeper of an ordinary. The similarit}' of occupations tends to prove this relationship. Roger Shaw first settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was in attendance on the general court in 1636, was made freeman in 1638, hav- ing bought one hundred acres of land and built a house on Arrow Street. He served on the jury 1639, was
HISTORICAL COLLEOTIOXS OF PISCATAQUIS COUN'n' 425
town clerk 1640, and selectman 1641-45. Roger's name appears among the petitioners for the incorpo- ration of Mapton, Ncm Hampshire. The town was incorporated 1639. He bought land of John Crosse in the new town in 1640: in 164T he was granted a large tract of land of King Charles First; in 1648 sold his property in Cambridge and removed to Hampton. He was a very prominent man ; was representative to the general court 1651-53, selectman 1649 and 1654, and filled many other offices, was appointed commissioner for trying small cases 1651, was chairman of a committee to reexamine the book of town land grants, and to lay out highways 1658. He was vintner and keeper of the ordinar}-, and w as authorized by the general court to sell liquors.
Died, May 29, 1661.
Married, (first) , Ann ,
daughter of and (-
( . She was the mother of all his
children. Married, (second) Susanna Tilton,
widow of William Tilton of I^ynn. Issue :
1. Margaret Shaw.
2. Joseph Shaw.
3. Ann Shaw.
4. Esther Shaw.
5. Mary Shaw, died young.
6. Benjamin Shaw, of whom below.
7. Deliverance Shaw.
n.
BENJx\MIN SHAW, youngest son of Roger and Ann Shaw, was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1641.
4J26 lllsrOKK'AI, ('()I,I,K("I'I()KS
He lived witli his fkthei- on the homestead, but was also a merchant and blaeksniith. Mis accovnit book is still in existence and is an interestini;' relic of this very remarkable man. As soon as possible after the first saw- mill was built in that region (about 1658) he })uilt a new frame house, which was consti-ucted so as to be used as a garrison in times of war was two stories in height and was afterwards enlarged and improved b\' his son Edward, but early in the fifties of the last century it was demolished by his descendants to make room for a modern structure. His name appears on the list of voters prepared by the president and coinicil in 1680, from that of the selectmen of each t(>v\n in New Hamp- shire when it was a royal province, eacii one named therein being eligible to the office of councilman and privileged to vote in their meetings. He is said to ha\e had great ingenuity and skill in mechanics, and though the possessor of great wealth for those days, made the gravestone which still marks his grave. In his will dated December !26, 1717, he mentions five sons and six daughters. His widow was generously remembered in his will and lived on the homestead with her son Edward, the two being named therein as executors of that instru- ment.
Died, according to family records, 13ecember 31, 1717, but according to the inscription on his gravestone, January 17, 1718.
Married, May 25, 1668, Esther, daughter of Ezekiel and Susannah Richardson. She died May 16, 1786, at the age of ninety -six years. Issue :
1. Mar}' Shaw.
2. Esther Shaw. S. Sarah Shaw. 4. Abigail Shaw.
OF PISCATAQns COrNTY 427
|
5. |
Ruth Shaw. |
|
6. |
Benjamin Shaw. |
|
7. |
Roger Shaw. |
|
8. |
Joseph Shaw. |
|
9. |
Edward Shaw, died young. |
|
10. |
Edward Shaw. |
|
11. |
John Shaw, of whom below, |
|
12. |
Hannah Shaw. |
III.
JOHN SHAW, eleventli child and sixth son of Benjamin and Esther (Richardson) Shaw, was living at the time of his father's death, and received a bequest in his will made in 1717. There is no further record of him.
'•John Shaw, who died in Holderness, New Hampshire, at the age of 103 years, is said to have come from Eng- land to New Hampshire early in the eighteenth century, and settled in that part of Durham which was incorpo- rated January 6, 1766, as the town of Lee. In spite of this tradition, however, after a large and fruitless search for particulars concerning the fate of John, the son of Benjamin Shaw, the yoinigest son of Roger Shaw, immi- grant from England prior to 1636, who was remembered in his father's will made in 1717, but never afterwards traced with any certainty by genealogists,*" says Harriette F. Earwell, compiler of the "Shaw Records," "it is believed that the latter may yet be identified as the John first mentioned above, having moved from Hampton, New Hampshire, where Roger and his son Benjamin, with others to localities theretofore unsettled and farther removed from the seacoast and civilization. The date of this son's birth must have been between 1680 and
428 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
1690." John Shaw of Lee, New Hampshire, was a man of sterling qualities morally, and of the most vig- orous constitution physically — never having been sick a day in his life, passing away suddenly and painlessly at the close of a day's labor at chopping wood. When in his one hundredth year he made a profession of religion and was baptized, being then in full possession of all his mental and physical faculties.
Died, .
Married, Mercy Vernet. Little has been ascertained concerning the family of this couple. Issue :
1. John Shaw.
2. Samuel Shaw.
3. Daniel Shaw^ of whom below.
4. George Shaw.
IV.
DANIEL SHAW, son of John and Mercy (Vernet) Shaw, was born in Lee, New Hampshire, and lived in Lee and Tamworth.
Died, .
Married, , in Kittery, Maine,
Elizabeth Staples.
Issue: (These are not known to be recorded in their natural order.) James Shaw. Olive Shaw.
Daniel Shaw, of whom below. Elizabeth Shaw. Mary Shaw. Hannah Shaw. Samuel Shaw. Noah Shaw.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 429
V.
DANIEL SHAW (2), third child and second son of Daniel (1) (the History of Industry, Maine, calls him Samuel) and Elizabeth (Staples) Shaw, was born in Lee, Strafford County, New Hampshire, April 16, 1784. He removed to Industry, Maine, about the time of his mar- riage, and settled and made a farm of several hundred acres. He was a man of much business ability and held in high esteem by his townsmen. He became an exten- sive drover and dealer in country produce, which he often shipped east to the British Provinces from Wiscasset, or to such other points as promised the most favorable market. He had thus accumulated about ten thousand dollars in ready money when the great land speculation craze of 1835 occurred. Though naturally very cautious in business transactions, he was at length drawn into speculative transactions from which he emerged a ruined man. He moved to Bangor about 1836 and continued in the stock and produce business in connection with farming.
Died, November 28, 1852, in Industry.
Married, (first) in Kittery, February 7, 1814, Elizabeth Staples, born March 9, 1787, and died in Industry, July 29, 1827. Married (second) (published June 10, 1831,) Alice (Lewis) Fernald, widow of Jonathan Fernald of Cherry field, Maine. She died in Bangor, April 8, I860.
Issue: (All by first wife.)
1. Albert Shaw.
2. Daniel Shaw.
3. Sarah Shaw.
4. Benjamin Gilman Shaw.
5. Emily Newell Shaw.
6. Milton Gilman Shaw, of whom below.
430 HISTORICAL COLLKCTIONS
r i ' < Two sons, died young.
7. 8.
9. Adeline Shaw.
10. Mehi table Shaw.
VI.
MILTON GILMAN SHAW, sixth child and fourth son of Daniel (2) and Elizabeth (Staples) Shaw, was born in Industry, December '31, 1820. He lived on the farm his father had cleared until he was twenty-five years old. AVhen a young' man, just setting out in life, he went to Chicago, performing a large part of the journey on foot. At that time the great metropolis of the West was but a small place and offered him no induce- ment to stay and he retiu'ned to Maine. In 1841 he went into the woods and engaged in farming and lumber- ing at Greenville and at Flagstaff, where Benedict Arnold camped and raised his Hag on his famous march to Que- bec. Mr. Shaw's first work was for his brothers, Albert and Daniel. The latter afterwards became prominent on the Chippewa River in AVisconsin, and it was not till 1845 that he began business for himself. In the fall of that year he located at Greenville, on the southern end of Moosehead Lake, which was afterwards the head- quarters of his operations. His business was logging and selling logs, both pine and spruce, and he lived there forty years, engaged also in farming and commercial pursuits. In 1 849 he began buying lands. He bought with others and for himself alone. He did not begin the manufacture until 1888, when with his sons he went to Bath to build the now massive Shaw mill, which gives constant employment to eighty men and annually manu- factures several million feet of logs into long and short
OF PISCATA«r[S COUNT V 431
lumber, .such as hoards. clai)hoar(ls, shmolcs and laths. Mr. Shaw had many partners during- his h)iig- business career, but his associates in his later years were his sons, Charles D., Albert H., and William M. The second named, Albert H., was general manager of the Bath business, the other two residing at Greenville. The M. G. ShaM- lAimber Company was incorporated in 1897, with Milton G. Shaw, president, Albert II. Shaw, treas- urer and manager, and William yi. Shaw, clerk. Mr. Shaw's lumbering experience covered the whole of what may be called, foi- lack of a better term, the modern histor\ of lumbering in Maine. When he began his career in the early forties the pine on the Moosehead had been i)retty well culled. During the first four vears, during which he was working for his brothers, from 1841 to 1845, when he began logging on his own account, began the falling of spruce, the latter being soon the most importaiit part of the business, though some pine has been cut every year down to this date.
As before stated, Mr. Shaw's first purchase of land was in 1849, when he bought a half interest in fifteen hundred acres at twenty-five cents an acre. Shortly after that, he with ex-Governor Coburn, Joseph Brad- street, Elias Milliken and a Mr. Drunmiond, bought land for which they paid $1.25 and $1.50 an acre. Tliose lands, after being cut over again, are now worth $3 to $5 an acre, and some of them more. In the early fifties the best pine then remaining on Moosehead waters could be bought for about a dollar a thousand. Now the timber, cutting everything of log size, and with very little pine in it is worth $3 to $6 a thousand.
When Mr. Shaw Ijegan his operation the sawmills were equipped with the old style sash saw. Later came the Muley and gang, and it was not until about 1860 that the rotary or circidar saw began its appearance
432 HISTOKirAL COLLKrnONS
in the mills of Maine. Later still came the band, which is now the leading sawing tool in all the larger mills. For more than sixty years Mr. Shaw was a prominent figure on Moosehead Lake and the Kennebec River. His logs went steadily to market every year after 1845, and he not only built up a handsome fortune for himself, but in the timber holdings of himself and the company there was the foundation for a business of indefinite duration. One of his sons, in speaking of the matter, said: "At our present rate we shall never cut our timber." The rule adopted by the company in logging was to cut nothing less than eight inches in top diameter in twenty- foot lengths or seven inches in diameter in thirty-foot lengths. This means practically twelve inches on the stump. The efficacy of this method of logging is shown by the fact that Mr, Shaw cut several times over the same land. Coupled with this method of felling was an exceptional degree of care in guarding against fire, with the result that a very few thousand dollars, perhaps a few hundred dollars, would cover the entire loss by forest fires. Mr. Shaw was also interested in Maine hotels on an extensive scale during his life, having built the Moosehead House at Greenville with Josiah Hinckley, his father-in-law. This hotel was successfully conducted until at last it burned. Mr. Shaw than built a new and much larger hotel on the same site, which he conducted for a year. He was also interested in the great indus- trial development of Rumford Falls several years ago, and besides erecting the largest hotel in the place, he also owned a large amount of real estate there. While a resident of Greenville he did a great deal in the way of building up the town, and filled at different times all the town offices of any importance, and was a member of the Maine Legislature in 1859. He was a strong, con- servative business man, keeping close control of his vast
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY
433
2.
3.
business interests until about ten days before his death. He was for many years president of the First National Bank of Bath, and was also a director in the Bath Trust Company.
Died, December 18, 1903.
Married, June 6, 1847; in Greenville, Eunice Spinner, born in Industry, Maine, January 6, 1824, daughter of Josiah and Nancy (WiUiams) Hinckley of Industry.
Issue :
1. Mellen Shaw, born May 27, 1849 ; married September 19, 1875, M. Ella Mitchell; he died March 4, 1880. Ellen Shaw, born February 1, 1851, died
April 20, 1863. Charles D. Shaw, born April 5, 1852, married October 25, 1875, Clara F. Norcross. Frank Shaw, born June 27, 1855. died Twins, -i ^^y 16, 1867.
I 5. Fred Shaw, born June 27, 1855, died [^ January 27, 1856.
6. Albert H. Shaw, born April
married August 19, 1879, Mansell, and resided in Bath; he was engaged in lumbering and mercantile business with his father.
7. William M. Shaw, born March 3, 1861,
married October 24, 1865, Ida J. Man- sell, and was a member of the fii-m of M. G. Shaw & Sons.
8. George M. Shaw, born February 20,
1863, died the following August.
9. Mary Emma Shaw, born September 6,
1865, married October 19, 1892, Frederick H. Kimball, and resides in Bath.
21, 1857, Martha E.
William Bingham and the Million Acre Tract
B}' John Francis Sprague
IN OLD deeds of land in Eastern Maine, in early records of titles in some parts of Western Piscata- quis, and in old files of newspapers reference is often made to the "million acres" or "the million acre tract. "
Three quarters of a century ago and until within the past twenty 3ears, the people living in Blanchard, Kings- bury and Shirley were often called "the million acre folks, ' ' and there are many records of marriages in the first records of the town of Monson where the magis- trate or minister has certified that one of the contract- ing parties "resided on the million acres."
Therefore it has seemed to me that a brief histor}- of the Million Acre Tract and of its original purchaser, the Honorable William Bingham, should find place in the archives of our society.
Samuel Phillips, Jr., Leonard Jarvis and John Read, on July 1st, 1791, contracted in writing for the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts, to sell to Colonel Henry • Jackson of Boston and Roj-al Flint of New York, two million acres of land in the district of Maine for ten cents per acre. (Col. Jackson commanded a regiment of Massachusetts soldiers diu-ing the Revolutionary War.) On July 25 of the same month, 1791, Jackson and Flint assigned their contract to William Duer of New
HISTORICAL COLLECTIOXS OF PISCATAQUIS COUXTV 435
York and Henrv Knox, secretary to the department of war of the United States of America.
In December, 1792, Duer and Knox assigned the con- tract to William Bingham of Philadelphia, and on January 28, 1793, the aliove named PhiUips, Jarvis and Read conveyed to him by sixteen deeds the above named two million acres of land.
One million acres of this land is within the outhnes of Hancock and Washington Counties, excepting three townships in Penobscot County, and were called "Bing- ham's Penobscot Purchase." (B. P. P.) The other million acres were on both sides of the Kennebec River and are all in Somei-set County except six townships in what is now Piscataquis County and four and a half townships in Franklin, and were called "Bingham's Kennebec Purchase. " (B. K. P.) The towns of Well- ington, Kingsbury (now a plantation), Blanchard, the original town of Shirley before a part of Wilson was annexed, and two townships called Squaw Mountain, are the Bingham towns in Piscataquis County.
A brief history of this land sale as I have gleaned it from the files of the Bangor Historical Magazine; Williamson's History of Maine; Massachusetts Records, and other sources, is that at the close of the Revolu- tionary War Massachusetts was indebted about $5,000,000 and her proportion of the National debt was supposed to be about as much.
There was no revenue but a direct tax, which was oppressive, unpopular and not easily collected. Governor Hancock called the attention of the General Court to the Eastern lands in the District of Maine, and although there was great confusion regarding titles to land in that section of the District, the Commonwealth of Massachu- setts did possess a good title to a large portion of its area.
436 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Many Massachusetts soldiers who had been discharged, not "without honor," save that they were paid off in paper money worth about ten cents on a dollar, had emi- grated to Maine and become settlers or "squatters" on an}' of these wild lands, wherevt their fanc}' led them, regardless of title or ownership.
Although land was offered at $1 . 50 per acre to actual settlers, not enough was paid to replenish the treasury. A land lottery was then proposed, and after much dis- cussion the General Court passed an act, November 9, 1786, entitled "An Act to Bring into the Public Treasury £163,200 in Public Securities, by sale of a part of the Eastern Lands and to Establish a Lotter}- for that Purpose." This act provided for the selling of fifty townships of land, six miles square each, containing in all 1,107,396 acres, the most of which was situated in what is now Hancock and Washington Counties, between the Penobscot and St. Croix Rivers.
There were in the lottery 1939 tickets, which were to be sold for $60.00 each, for which soldiers' notes, and all other public securities of the State would be received in payment.
The above named Samuel Phillips, Jr., Leonard Jarvis and Rufus Putman were sworn b}' Justice Samuel Bar- rett, October 11, 1787, to "the faithful performance of their trust as managers of the lottery. ' '
Up to the time of the drawing, October 12, 1787, 437 tickets had been sold, to about one hundred different purchasers. Among them were Harvard College, Rev. John Murray of Newburyport, and Rev. John Homer of Newton.
But the lottery scheme did not prove as successful as its promoters anticipated, and it was determined to make another effort to sell the Eastern lands. A new com- mittee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Jarvis,
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 437
Phillips and John Read, who through Col. Jackson and Royal Flint sold two million acres as before stated to William Bingham of Ph^adelphia, for ten cents per acre, this sale including the lottery lands. Mr. Bingham's agent subsequently bought up many, if not all, of the lottery titles.
One million acres of these lands were to be at or near the head of the Kennebec River and as before stated have ever since been known as the Bingham Kennebec Purchase. Some very distinguished Maine men have at various times acted as agents and attorneys for the owners and their descendants in the management of this vast pur- chase. Among these have been Gen. David Cobb of Taunton, Mass., who removed to Gouldsboro, Me., . in 1796, (General Cobb hved in Maine for nearly thirty years, though the Massachusetts historians have generally ignored this fact) ; John Richards, Esq. ; Col. John Black and his son, George N. Black ; and later Hon. Eugene Hale, now one of our United States Senators; Hon. Lucihus A. Emery, now Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, and Hannibal E. Hamlin, the present Attorney General of Maine.
Thus the name of William Bingham has become inter- woven with the early history of Eastern Maine, its records and land titles.
Much of this vast domain is yet forest, where Maine lumbermen carry on extensive operations and upon some of it are busy villages and farming communities.
The ownership to the most of it long since passed from the Bingham estate to numerous individuals and cor- porations.
William Bingham was born in Philadelphia in 1751 and died in Bath, England, February 7, 1804. He came from a long line of distinguished ancestors. His great grandfather, who was James Bingham, died in Phila-
438 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
delphia. William Bingham was one of the wealthiest men of his da}' in America, a factor in the political affairs of the colonies and later of the Union, and was known abroad as an eminent American citizen.
Mr. Bingham was graduated from the College of Philadelphia in 1768 and received a diplomatic appoint- ment under the British government at St. Pierre, Myzene, in the West Indies, \vhere he was consul in 1771-2.
During the Revolutionary War he remained there as agent for the Continental Congress and performed patri- otic service in furnishing money and supplies for the armv of the colonies.
He married Ann Willing, a brilliant and beautiful society girl of his native city, October 26, 1780, and in 1784 he visited Europe with his wife, and with her was presented at the Court of Louis XVI. In 1786 he was elected a member of the Congress of the Confederation, and served until 1789. He was captain of a troop of dragoons, and did escort dvity with his compau}' for Mrs. Washington from Chester to Philadelphia, she being on her journey to New York to join her husband, who had been elected President of the United States.
In 1790 he was elected a member of the Pennsylvania Assembl}', serving as speaker in his first term, which was an unusual honor, and was reelected in 1791. In 1795 he was elected to the United States Senate, and was a member until 1801. In 1797 he was elected president of the Senate, protempore, and administered the oath of office to Vice President Thomas Jefferson, March 4th, 1797.
He was a Federalist and a strong supporter of James Adams. While he was in the Senate Aaron Burr and Rufus King wei'e the senators from New York. His votes upon political questions are generalh' recorded in
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 439
opposition to Burr in the proceedings of Congress during all the time that both belonged to this bod3\
He was a liberal patron of the drama and in 1794 his name appears with that of Robert Morris in a long list of stockholders, who subscribed stock for a new theater which was the means of giving players and playing con- siderable note in the pious Quaker City, much to the consternation of many good people.
In 1T92, he presented to the Library Company of Philadelphia a costly marble statue of Franklin.
Alexander Baring, son of Sir Francis Baring, founder of the great banking concern, once of such importance and fame throughout the world of finance, was sent to the United States, when he had attained the age of man- hood, to acquire a knowledge of the commercial rela- tions of Great Britain and America.
While in Philadelphia he moved in the best of society and became acquainted with Mr. Bingham's daughter, Ann Louise Bingham, who, as her mother had been, was a societ}^ belle of that city. His acquaintance ripened into love, and marriage. While he was residing in Philadelphia, their son, William Bingham Baring, was born. Another one of their daughters, Maria Matilda, married (August 23, 1798) James Alexander Compte de Tilly ; for her second husband, Henry Baring, brother of Lord Ashburton, and for her third husband, the Marquis de Blaise]. She died in the year 1848.
Alexander Baring afterwards became in England, banker for the United States, and was subsequently made Lord Ashburton, and in 1842 he came once more to this country, as special ambassador from Great Britain to the government at Washington. During this time the famous Ashburton-Webster treaty was made, which ended a prolonged territorial struggle between the two govern- ments, which had caused the bloodless and somewhat
440 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
farcical "Aroostook War," the treaty resulting in the State of Maine losing what it is believed was by right a part of her domain, and being a strip of land that is now a rich and populous portion of the Province of New Brunswick.
For many years the Binghams maintained at Lans- down, near Philadelphia, a magnificent country seat. When Joseph Bonaparte, (ex-King of Spain) came to the United States he leased Lansdown and had a per- manent residence there for a year.
Mr. Bingham's residence in Philadelphia, known as the "Mansion House," was an elegant structure, and considered the most magnificent and elaborate private dwelling in America.
It was enclosed in a close line of Lombardy poplars, which he had imported and from which it has been said have sprung all the ornamental poplar shade trees now in this country. In Watson's Annals of Philadelphia it is stated that "the Mansion House built and lived in by William Bingham, Esquire, was the admiration of that day for its ornaments and magnificence. * * * 'pjjg grounds generally he had laid out in beautiful style, and filled the whole with curious and rare clumps and shades of trees."
He was believed to be the richest man of his time, in the colonies, for in addition to the fortune which he inherited, he accumulated large wealth in the West Indies as agent for American privateers.
It was alleged by some that his methods there had been dishonest and corrupt, but none of his critics at- tempted to bring direct charge against him.
Their accusations were merely innuendoes and hints of something mysterious, and appear to have been more the malicious carpings of the envious than the utterance of any one who possessed knowledge against his char-
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 441
acter. He was censured and villified and abused by the newspapers in a manner that would have done credit to some of the so called "yellow" journalistic performances of the present day.
Peter Marcoe, a writer of that period, in a poem published in the "Times" in 1788 had this doggerel about Mr. Bingham and his enterprise in the West Indies :
"Rapax, the Muse had slightly touched by crimes, And dares awake thee from thy golden dreams; In peculations various thee sits supreme. Though to thy 'Mansion" wits and fops repair, To game, to feast, to flatter, and to stare: But say, from what bright deeds dost thou derive That wealth that bids thee rival British Clive? Wrung from the hardy sons of toil and war. By arts which petty scoundrels would abhor."
And yet notwithstanding this tempest of calumny which he was for a time subject to, there is no evidence that he was other than a person of the highest honor and integrity in all of his public and private affairs of life.
William Bingham was a financier of ability, a patriotic citi/en, a leader in social and political circles, and a cultured gentleman.
The Blanchard Family of Blanchard
By Edward P. Blanchard
THE grandfather of Thomas Blanchard, who first came from England in 1639, was one of the French Huguenots who fled from France to Eng- land in 1572.
We know nothing more of their history prior to their coming to this country in 1639.
1. Thomas Blanchard, with his four sons by a first wife, and his second wife, widow Agnes Barnes, came from London, England, and landed in New England June 23, 1639. His wife died on the passage, also an infant child, and he again married for his third wife Mary , who died June 2, 1676. Thomas Blanch- ard lived in Brain tree, Mass., until February, 1651, when he bought a farm of 200 acres on the Mystick side, then a part of Charlestown, now the town of Maiden. He died on this farm May 21, 1654.
2. Nathaniel, son of Thomas, was born in 1636, probably in Andover, England ; he died August 27, 1676, in Weymouth, Mass., where he had resided most of his life. He was married December 16, 1658, to Susanna Bates. His children were John, Mary, Nathaniel, Edward, Merc\^ and Susanna.
3. John, eldest son of Nathaniel and Susanna (Bates), was born March 27, 1660, in Weymouth and is supposed to have passed his life in that town. He was married
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 443
there in 1685 to Abigail Phillips. He died March 10, 1733. They had nine children.
4. Nathaniel, sixth son of John and Abigail Blanch- ard, was born Ma}- 19, 1701, in Weymouth, Mass., and removed to North Yarmouth, Maine, in 1743. In 1745 he was admitted by letter from the Weymouth church to that at North Yarmouth; he died in that t(jwn August 15, 1773. He was married to Hannah Shaw in 1726; she died about 1770. They had eleven children.
5. Ozias, third son and ninth child of Nathaniel and Hannah (Shaw) Blanchard, was born at Weymouth, Mass., July 31, 1742. He was a resident of North Yarmouth, Maine, and served as a soldier in the Revolu- tionary army. He was a sergeant in Captain George Rogers' company, in the Second Cumberland Regiment, and served six days in November, 1775. This company was detached by order of Colonel Jonathan Mitchell to work on the fort at Falmouth. He was a second lieu- tenant in Captain John Winthrop's North Yarmouth company of Colonel Fogg's Cumberland County Regi- ment, as shown by the list May 9, 1776. He was also a second lieutenant in Captain John Gray's company of North Yarmouth, commissioned January 14, 1777. He again enlisted for service July 7, 1779, under Captain Gray and Col. Jonathan Richards, and was discharged September 12, 1779.
He also served two months and six days in the expedi- tion to the Penobscot. He was married in January, 1769, to Mercy Soule, who was born November 27, 1749, in North Yarmouth, daughter of Barnabas Soule and Jane Bradbury. They were the parents of Samuel, Jeremiah, David, Reuben, Daniel, Olive, Jacob, Dorcas, John and Rufus.
Their offspring are entitled to membership in The Society of Mayflower Descendants, and the Sons or
444 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Daughters of the Revolution ; Mercy Soule having been a direct descendant on the one side, of George Soule, and on the other side, of John and Priscilla Alden, and the father and mother of the latter, Mr. and Mrs. MuUins, all of whom were passengers on the Mayflower.
6. Jeremiah, second son of Ozias and Mercy (Soule) Blanchard, was baptized May 16, 1771, in North Yar- mouth, and was one of the original members of the Second Church of that town, now the Cumberland Church, of which he was the third deacon. He was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature when the state was divided and Maine became an independent state, and worked and voted for that measure.
He was married to Dorcas Bucknam ; their children were Dorcas, Ozias, William and Ann Aurora.
7. Ozias, son of Jeremiah and Dorcas (Bucknam) Blanchard, was born May 24, 1804, in North Yar- mouth, Maine. He was married November 13, 1828, at Cumberland, to Martha Sweetser, who was born Jan- uary 17, 1809, in Cumberland, Maine. After his mar- riage he moved to Blanchard, Maine, where he bought a farm, held many local offices, was a member of the House of Representatives and the Senate, where he was largely instrumental in the election of Hon. Hannibal Hamlin to the United States Senate. He was too old to enter the Civil War in the usual way, but on February 28, 1864, on the recommendation of Vice President Hamlin, was commissioned by President Lincoln, captain and A. Q. M., U. S. Vols., and served until August 10, 1865, after which he returned to Maine and lived in Dexter until 1870, when he moved to Herndon, Virginia.
In 1876 he was a delegate from Virginia to the Re- publican National Convention in Cincinnati, where he voted for the nomination of James G. Blaine.
OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 445
8. Howard W., son of Ozias, was born January 18, 1852, in Blanchard, Maine, where his boyhood was passed on a farm. He attended the public schools at Blanchard and Dexter, Maine, and Lockhaven, Pennsyl- vania, and graduated at George Washington Universit}^ D. C, with the degree of LL. B. in 1889. In the same year he was admitted to the bar in the District of Columbia and also in Virginia. He was twelve jears old when he left the State of Maine for Kentuck}-, where his father was in the military service, and returned there in 1866, locating at Dexter, where he continued until 1869. In 1870 he located at Herndon, Virginia, and has ever since made his home in that town.
He is a principal examiner in the U. S. Pension office at Washington, where he was appointed in 1880, and is a member of the Congregational church, and a Republi- can in politics. He is a member of the D. C. Societ}^ of Mayflower Descendants.
6. Jacob Blanchard, sixth son of Ozias Blanchard and Mercy Soule, was born July 2, 1784. He married Abigal Pratt in 1808.
He lived in Cumberland, Maine; was drowned while on a fishing trip July 5, 1815.
7. Jacob Blanchard, 2nd son of Jacob and Abigal Pratt, was born at Cumberland, Maine, January 28, 1812. He lived in Cumberland until 1833, when he moved to Blanchard, Maine. He married, March 8, 1836, Rachel C. Packard of Hebron. Jacob Blanchard was a carpenter, and lived in Blanchard all his life and died there January 30, 1899.
Edward P. Blanchard, son of Jacob Blanchard and Rachel Cole Packard, was born at Blanchard, September 8, 1857.
Resolutions
Presented on the Death of Dr. William Buck Before Piscataquis County Historical Society January 7, 1909.
Mr. President:
Since the meeting of this society at Sebec Village last Jul}', one of its prominent members, then present and today missed from this gathering, has been called to a higher life.
Dr. William Buck, a member of this society and one of the most prominent physicians and surgeons in this section of Maine, died at his residence in Foxcroft on the ninth day of August, 1908. William Buck was born in Hodgdon, in this State, in 18S3, son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Quail) Buck. His father was a well known lumber manufacturer in Miramichi for many years, where the Doctor attended the schools, later finishing his education in the public schools of Maine and in Foxcroft Academy. He studied medicine with Dr. Josiah Jordan and Dr. Holmes of Foxcroft and graduated from the Maine Medical School in Brunswick in the class of 1859. After graduating, he located for practice in Harmony, Somerset County, remaining two years.
In 1861 he entered the service as assistant surgeon of the 6th Maine Regiment, being promoted to surgeon in 1863. He was at Bellevue Hospital, New York, in 1865. He then settled in Foxcroft, where he resided to the time of his death, leading a life of usefulness and
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 447
probit}-, which won from his townsmen a degree of esteem and confidence which seldom falls to the lot of man.
Dr. Buck occupied many positions of trust, always discharging his duties with fidelity and care. He was for many years on the school board of Foxcroft, and to the time of his death was one of the trustees of Foxcroft Academy. For several years he was chairman of the selectmen of Foxcroft. He represented his class in the lower branch of the Legislature of 1878, and was county treasurer in 1873-74-79-82-89 and 90. For more than a third of a century he had been on the Pension Examin- ing Board. He was at the time of his death a member of the Maine Medical Society, Maine Pharmaceutical Association, and was also prominent in Masonic circles, having been Worshipful Master of Mosaic Lodge and High Priest of Piscataquis Royal Arch Chapter of Foxcroft.
He was the senior member of the firm of William Buck <k Co., which for so many years has conducted a drug business in Foxcroft, and was the trusted physician of many families in this county, and few men could be taken from aiw community who would be more missed or whose loss would be more keenly felt.
I liave given this brief and incomplete sketch of his life as a preamble to the resolutions which I now offer:
Whereas, this society is profoundly sensible of the great loss which the county and State have sustained in the death of Dr. William Buck,
And whereas, we desire to express our appreciation of his high character as well as our regard for his great personal worth, be it
Resolved, That in the death of Dr. William Buck this community has lost one of its most highly esteemed and best beloved members, and the State a most valua- ble citizen.
448 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Resolved, That in his death this county has lost one of its ablest medical advisers, a physician and surgeon eminent in his profession, and always conscientious and painstaking in the treatment of those under his care; and that in his death one has gone from our midst whose noble qualities of heart and generous disposition endeared him to all, whose kindh"^ impulses and cheerful presence will to his friends ever remain a pleasant memory.
Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the records of this society, and a copy of the same be sent to the family of the deceased.
Willis E, Parsons, ) Committee
E. A. Thompson, /• on
C. W. Hayes, ) Resolutions.
Resolutions
Upon the Death of Columbus W. Ellis of Guilford. Born January 31, 1837. Died January 3, 1909.
Presented April 6, 1909.
Whereas, in the death of Columbus W. Ellis of Guil- ford, The Piscataquis County Historical Society has been called upon to part with one of its first and most esteemed members, it is hereby
Resolved; That in the death of Mr. Ellis we feel that the town of Guilford and the County of Piscataquis loses one of the noblest citizens, and the association a highly respected and valuable member.
Resolved; That in the life of Columbus Ellis we feel that there was reflected those sturdy traits of honesty and integrity in business relations; those principles of true manhood in his home life and social relations that will hold him in our memories as a man who was an example of a true Christian. Such a character as makes its influence felt in the record left of good things accom- plished.
Resolved; That the recording of such a life as was his, when we can truly say : — He was an honest man, a temperate man, a man who served his God — make the brightest spots in the history of a community.
Resolved ; That the members of this society deeply mourn the loss of one who has been a close friend of many and respected acquaintance of all and that the
450 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY
sympathy of the society is extended to the family of Mr.
Ellis, while all will take comfort in the thought that
"Death's a path that must be trod If man would ever pass to God."
Resolved; That these resolutions be spread upon the records of the Piscataquis Historical Society and that a copy of the same be sent to the family of Columbus W. Ellis.
Henry Hudson, ) Committee
Wainwright Cushing, \- on
Frank W. Ball, ) Resolutions.
INDEX
Abbot, village or town, 36, 73, 77, 91, 138, 139, 164, 166, 184, 185.
Capt., 183.
Ezi'a, 116. Abbot's History of Maine, 251, 252. Abear, or Hibert, Simon, 296. Abolition party, 174. Academies,
Corinna Union, 126.
Foxcroft, 89, history of, pp 100 to 117; men- tioned, 446, 447.
Hebron, 118.
Limington, 126.
Monmouth, 126.
Monson, history of, pp 118 to 126. Acadia, 218, 220, 221, 222. Acorn, Matthias, 364, 409, 414.
Act, of incorporation of Foxcroft Academy, 101 ; Quebec, 224; of proprietorship, etc., 336; to bring £163,200 into public treasury, 436. Adams, Horace, 120.
James, 438.
Sprague, 36. Adams' writings of Gallatin, note 238. Adlum, Rev. S., 80.
Administrations, state and national, 318. Adventists, 95. Age, The, 276, 317, 320. Agents, from the states of Maine and Massachusetts, 333,
452 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
339, 351, 355, 356, 403; for Massachusetts, 402; for Maine, 402.
Albany. N. Y., 158.
Albion, Me., 172.
Alden, Colonel, 158.
Colonel Ichabod, 180. John, 444. Priscilla, 444.
Aldrich, Rev. R. H., 96.
Alexander, Capt., 177.
Sir William, 218, 219.
Alexander VI, Pope of Rome, issued a bull granting new world to Spain and Portugal, 216.
Alfred, Me., note 229.
Alien tax, 244,
AUeguash, The, 352.
Allen, Charles, 280. Isaac, 86.
Justice Frederick H., 90. William, 173.
Allexis, Sac, 4.
America, boys of, 150; mentioned, 179, 217, 219, 221, 277, 293, 435, 438, 439, 440.
American, an, 420; authority, 263; citizens, 256, 267, 287, 288, 302, 329, 335, 371, 390, 393, 438; claim on North Eastern Boundary, 262 ; commis- sioners, 375 ; contention, 238 ; eagle and flag, 289; government, 221, note 226, 273, 330, 422; history, 280; inhabitants, 246; Indepen- dence by Great Britain, 261 ; Independence, 351 ; line, 232, 367 ; minister, 371 ; possessions, 230; privateers, 440; sense, 234; settlers, 242, 243, 245, 355, 387, 420 ; side, 365 ; significance, 233 ; soil, 245; subjects, 330; submitted as an, 363; stranger, 379 ; territory, 217, 298; troops, 278; Union government, 379 ; vessel, 300 ; Americans who reside in Madawascah settlement, 350.
American Eagle, 243, 289, 351.
American Flag, 189, 286, 289, 415.
Americans, attacked fort, 176; mentioned, 235, 243, 244, 281, 289, 291, 292, 331, 332, 360; resi-
INDEX 453
dent at Matawascah, 360; mentioned, 399, 412; fourteen present at the celebration of John Baker and others, 415. Ames, Betsey, 157.
Daniel, 155.
John, 79.
Phineas, 154 to 157.
Samuel, 154, 155, 157.
Sarah Ball, wife of Samuel, 154. Amestown, now Sangerville, 67, 157. Amherst, N. H., 201.
Amphitrite, a Moosehead Lake steamboat, 55. Anacortes, Wash., 215. Andover, Eng., 442. Androscoggin River, 219. Anglo Saxon, 216.
Angove, Mary, married Samuel Brown, 159. Annance, Louis, chief of St. Francis Indians, came to
Maine, 61 ; meets Governor Hubbard, 62. Anticosta, Island of, 224. Appleton, John, a chief justice of Maine, 23, 207.
Moses, 23. Archbold's Criminal Pleading, 298. Argus, The, 276. Arms and ammunition, 313. Armstrong, Ferdinand, 245.
James, 245. Arnold, Benedict, mentioned 5, 430.
Joseph, 365. Aroostic settlement, 365, 366, 367. Aroostook Countv. 123, 125, 235, 252, 273, 316, 318, 319, 325,*^ (Aroostic, 366) 422.
Expedition, 314, 315, 316, 317.
Falls, 272.
Region or country, 276, 278, 279, 420, 422, 423.
River, 241, 244, 253, 271, 272, 365, 420, 421, originally known as Restook or Ristook, 241, spoken of as Aroostic, 366, 369, 377.
War, 277, 278, 440. Arrow Street, 424. Arrowsic, Me., 157, 158, 159.
454 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Articles of Separation, 229, note 229.
Ashburton, Lord Alexander Baring, 280, 439.
Ashburton-Webster treaty, 439.
Asheville, North Corolina, 147, 151.
Ashurst, Thomas, 217.
Atkinson, Livermore and Crosby, owners of Atkinson
and Charleston, 206. Atkinson, town of, 8, 20, 21, 69, 161, 162, 170, 171, 205, 206, 208.
Corner, 205, 208. Atlantic Ocean, 224, 225, 227, 231, 233, 234, 235,
264, 265. Attorney General, 282, 283, 286, 287, 288, 292, 298, 305, 359, 360, 362, 364, 397, 398, 400, 403, 405, 406, 419, 437. Atwood, John, 53.
Patty, second wife of Samuel Stickney, 193. Aubert, Sieur Charles, de la Chenaye, note 236. Augusta, Me., 124, 276, note 276, 278, 307, 316, 322. Augusta Light Infantry Company, 318. Austin, Mr. , agent under 4th article treaty of Ghent,
348, 349. Averill, Anna Boy n ton, poetess, 6.
Anna B. , made clerk of Universalist parish, 97.
E. B., 27, 28, 29.
ElihuB., 114, 115.
Mrs. E. B., 97.
Rev. E. B., 88. Ayer, D. F., 97.
Mr., in Peter Brawn and the Bear, 140.
B
Bachelder, General, 277, 326.
T. F., 122. Bacon, James, 242, 248, 282, 284, 285, 286, 288, 290, 291, 292, 293, 351, 354, 364, 411, 414, 416. Badlam, Major Stephen, 160. Bailey, Rev. Dudley P., 77, 124.
INDEX 455
Bain, John, 283.
Baker, Amanda, Liser and Sophronia, daughters of John Baker, 409. Asahel, 364, 411, 412. Asal, 360, 361, 406. Hiram, 403.
John, one of principal figures of Aroostook War, mentioned 241, 242, 243, 244, 246, 247, 248, 250, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 288, 289, 290. 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 303, 304, 305, 306, 315, (his place mentioned, 331) 351, 352, 353, 354, 360, 361, 362, (concerning his arrest, 363) 367, 374, 378, 380, 382, 391, 392, 394, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, (his arrest, 407,) (Mrs. Baker, 407, 411, ) 408, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 420. Nathan, brother to John, 287. Ball, Frank AV., 450. Ballard, Capt. Wilham H., 180.
Bangor, 20, 23, 54, 56, 97, 116, 162, 191, 194, 206,
207, 208, 209, 273, 274, (jail, 274) 275,
(newspapers, 276) note 276, 307, 310, 311,
(artillery, 319) 321, 326, 364, 366, 367, 429.
and Aroostook Railroad office, church services held
there, 98. Commercial, mentioned, 207.
Whig, note 274; referred to, 275 ; editorial, 314, 315, 317; correspondence, 316; The Soldier's Return, 325. Historical Magazine, 435. House, 274, 318. Independent Volunteers, 325. Baptist deacon's mistake, 94. Baptists, 65 ; history of in Piscataquis County, pp 66 to
85; mentioned 91, 93, 124. Barber, Nathaniel, 177. Barbour, Robert, 120. Robert, Jr., 120. Barclay, Thomas, 225, 228. Bard, Mr., fisherman on Moosehead Lake, 57. Barett, Dr. Amasa, 208.
456 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Barett, Harriet, married Jules Golay, 208; second hus- band a Powers, 208.
Martha, 208. Baring, Alexander, 439.
Henry, 439.
Sir Francis, 439.
William Bingham, 439. Barker, David, poet, 117.
Hon. Lewis, 116. Barnard, Me., 199. Barnes, Agnes, wife of Thomas Blanchard, 442.
Lovisa, 91.
Rev. Thomas, 91. Barrelle, S. B. , sent to Maine to collect information concerning arrest of John Baker and others, 374 ; mentioned 377, 384, 385, 390, 392, 393. Barrett, Justice Samuel, 436. Barrows, H. G. O., 53.
Bartlett, referred to in connection with John Baker, 289, mentioned 293.
E. M., 77.
Mrs. Sarah, 159.
Nathaniel, 364, 419.
Rev. Daniel, 68, 73.
Thomas B., 274. Barton, Rev. F. E., 98. Batchelor, B. L., 97. Bates, Rev. George, 88.
Susanna, married Nathaniel Blanchard, 442. Bath, Me., 430, 431, 433; England, 437.
Trust Company, 433. Bathgate, James, 1 09, 111, 114.
Battles, of Bennington, 154, 201; of Bemis Heights, 155; Lundy's Lane, 175; of "Chisterfield, '* 176; Saratoga, 178; Monmouth, 178; Bunker Hill, 190; White Plains, 190; storming of Stony Point, 195; of Long Island, 198. Bay des Chaleurs, 224, 282, 234, 235, 291, 297.
of Fundy, 218, 224, note 225, 232, 234.
of Passamaquoddy, 225. Bayfield, Mass., 192."
INDEX 457
Beal, A., 96.
Bear, or Brriin, Peter Brawn's experience with, 140; Samuel Stickney's experience with, 194 ; Thomas Towne's experience with, 203. Bear Tax, 412. Beaver, Isaac, 87. Bedell, John, 296. Bedford, N. H., 40. Beecher, Harriet, 113. Belcher, S. C, 116. Belgium and Belgians, 255. Bellevue Hospital, 446. Bennett, Capt. John, 91, 167, 168.
Isaac, 37, 39.
John, 37, 38.
Nathaniel, 37, 38, 39-
Peggv, wife of Isaac, 39.
Peter, 213.
Rachel, wife of Nathaniel, 38.
Sally, wife of John, 38.
Sally, daughter of John and Sally ; wife of Isaac Edes, 38. Benson, Capt. Joshua, 195. Bent, Captain David, 155. Bicknell, Rev. J. S., 77. Bigney, Benjamin, 52 ; built steamboat, 56.
Major, steamboat builder, 134.
Miss E. Adeline, 98.
Mr. and Mrs. B. S., 98. Billerica, Mass., 204. Bingham, Ann Louise, 439.
Ann (Willing), wife of William, 438.
Hon. William, 434.
James, 437.
Maria Matilda, 439.
towns in Piscataquis County, 435.
William and the Million Acre Tract, pp 434 to 441 . Bingham, Me., 161, 360. Bingham's Kennebec Purchase, 435, 437.
Penobscot Purchase, 435. Birch Stream and Other Poems, 135.
458 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Black, Colonel John, 437.
George N., 437. Black Stream, 156. Blackden, William, 56. Blacker, Robert, preacher, 93. Blackstone's Commentaries, 298. Blaine, James G. , 444. Blaisdell, Capt., 158. Blake, Adoniram, 88.
Samuel H., 115. Blanchard Family of Blanchard, pp 442 to 445.
Abigail (Phillips), 443.
Abigail (Pratt), 445.
Agnes (Barnes), 442,
Ann Aurora, 444.
Charles, 120.
Daniel, 443.
David, 443.
Dorcas, 443, 444.
Dorcas (Bucknam), 444.
Edward, 442.
Edward P., 445.
Hannah (Shaw), 443.
Howard W., 445.
Jacob, 443, 445.
Jeremiah, 443, 444.
John, 442, 443.
Martha (Sweetser), 444.
Mary, 442.
Mercy, 442,
Mercy (Soule), 444, 445.
Nathaniel, 442, 443.
Olive, 443.
Ozias, 120, 121, 443, 444, 445.
Rachel C, 445.
Rachel (Cole Packard), 445.
Reuben, 443.
Rufus, 443.
Samuel, 443.
Susanna, 442. Blanchard, Susanna (Bates), 442.
INDEX 459
Blanchard, William, 444.
Blanchard, Me., 8, 69, 75, 163, 164, 165, 166, 271, 434, 435, 444, 445.
Blethen, Wm. D., one of builders of Lake House, Sebec, 136. Isaac, 182.
Blethen House, Dover, 88, 212.
Bliss, Mr. Justice, 247, 283, 297, 305, 399.
Blondeau, Joseph, note 237.
Blood, Abel, 191, 201.
Bloomfield, now part of Skowhegan, Me., 172, 173, 365.
Blue Pearmain apples, 184.
Bluehill, Me., 325.
Blunt, Oliver C, 361.
Boats, kind used on Moosehead Lake, 55 ; horse-boat on Sebec Pond, 128; Boat Notice of horse-boat service on Sebec Lake, 129.
Bodly, Louis, 364.
Bodwell, John, 21. Nathaniel, 21.
Bonaparte. Joseph, ex-king of Spain, 440.
Books, of Bill Nye enumerated, 151 ; relating to the fifth article of the treaty of Ghent, all named, pp 342 to 343 ; others referred to on same, 348 ; containing arguments of the agents, mentioned, 349; on North Eastern Boundary, referred to, 368.
Borestone Mountain, 4.
Boston, Mass., 11, 124, 201, 228, 434.
Botsford, Mr. Justice, 300.
Bowdoin College, 20, 36, 39, 43, 50, 100, 211; town- ships, 20.
Bowdoinham Association, 68.
Bowerbank, Me., 22, 69, 132.
Boylston, Mass., 172.
Boynton, Captain John, 155.
Brackett, James R., 116.
Bradbury, John, 101, 103, 104, 105, 113, 115,168.
Bradford, Capt. Robert, 196.
Rev. Lucius, 72, 77, 120. 121. Rev. Z., 79, 80.
460 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Bradford, Mass., 193.
Bradley, Rev. A. M., 96.
Bradstreet, Joseph, 431.
Braham, Minn., 215.
Braintree, Mass., 442.
Brawn, Peter, his celebrated bear fight on Sebec Lake, pp 138 to 141 ; 164, 165. Katherine Becky, Peter's first wife, 139. Betsey Kincaid, second wife of Peter, 139.
Brawn cemetery, Foxcroft, 139. neighborhood, Foxcroft, 139.
Brent, Daniel, 349. Mr., 350.
Brewer, Colonel, 158.
Brewer Volunteers, 319.
Brien, John, 11.
Brier, George, 17.
Bristol, Me., 412.
R. I., 160, 195.
British, acts of parliament, 224 ; authority or authori- ties, 246, 252, 320, 363, 367, 371 ; commission- ers, 375; crown, 330; government, 239, 240, 250, 267, 285, 319, 337, 338, 354, 357, 388, 390, 399, 405, 438; government, authority, subjects, etc., 369; islands, 301; land agent, note 274, 318; laws, 291, 302; mentioned, 18, 155, 160, 162, 201, 205, 225, 235, 274, 335; minister, 238, 257, 328, 332, 335, 338, 354, 355, 388; Myrmidons, 320; officers, 276 ; officer and laws, 405 ; provinces, 238, 253, 272, 429; Regulars, 275, 319; settlements, 355, 356, 357; ship, 161; soil, 277; statement, note 237; subjects, 253, note 274, 297, 298, 357, 358, 360, 399 ; theory, 233 ; troops, 320 ; forces, 311.
British Channel, 217.
Brookfield, Mass., 171.
Brooks, Col. John, 180.
Brooks, Me., 175.
Brougham, Lord, 277.
Brown, Abner, 120, 121.
INDEX 461
Brown, Capt. Monroe, 55.
Capt. Simeon, 192.
Daniel, 87.
Enoch, Revolutionary soldier of Sebec, sketch of, pp 157 to 160.
Moses, 199.
Plebia, wife of Enoch, 160.
Samuel, son of Enoch, 159.
S. O., Ill, 114.
Stephen, 120, 147.
Stephen P., 114, 115. Brown University, 100. Browne, Rev. Sewall, 72. Brown ville. Me., 8, 20, 193, 194, 199, 200. Brown ville Village Cemetery, 194, 200. Brunswick, Me., note 229, 446. Bryant, David, 87.
G. E. S. , one of the first to propel boat by power on Sebec Lake, 128, 131.
Pelham, 87. Bryant & Keating, horse-boat owners, 130, 131. Buck, Almira, 79.
Benjamin T., 79.
Daniel, 88, 184.
Elizabeth (Quail), 446.
Hon. Alfred E. , ex-minister to Japan, attended Foxcroft Academy, 116.
Joshua, 91, 120. "^
Moses, 87.
Nathaniel, 446.
William, 111, 114, 446, 447.
Wm. & Co., 447. Buckfield, Me., 175, 184. Buckmore, George W., 271, 272, 273; his report to
land agent, note 273. Bucknam, Dorcas, married Jeremiah Blanchard, 444. Bugbee, David, 116. Buker, E. C, 120. Bullard, Col. John, 177. Bunker, Clement, 11. Burbank, Elder D. E., 72.
462 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Burdin's Corner, 81.
Burgoyne, his invasion, 178; surrender of, 155, 180,
183, 188. Burleigh, Gilman, 114. Burnham, Elder Asa, 21.
a minister said to have lived in Dover, 89. Burnt Island, 419.
Burr, Aaron, mentioned, 5, 438, 439. Burseley, Barnabas, 92, 93. Burton, Sarah, second wife of Thomas Towne, 200.
Capt. Benjamin, 160. Butler, Frank, 166.
Rev. T. M., 80. Buttei-field, J. R, 116. Butterfield's, on the Calais road, 310, 311. Buxton, Me., 183.
Cabinet of London and Washington, 280.
Cabot, John, 217.
Cadia, 218.
Calais, Me., 310, 311.
California, 124.
Call, James, 88.
Calvin, John, 118.
Cambridge, Edward, 283.
Cambridge, Mass., 424, 425. Me., 81, 82, 83.
Campbell, William, 87.
Canaan, 163.
Canada, mentioned, 2, 3, 58, 216, 217; river de, 218; mentioned, 220, 235, 236 ; government of, note 236, mentioned, note 237 ; provinces of, 262 ; men- tioned, 309, 277, 280 ; line, 294 ; road, 308, men- tioned, 264, 353; the Canadas, 380; mentioned, 392, 393; the Canadas, 396; mentioned, 405, 413, 414, 420.
Canfield, Rev. Hariy L., 97.
Cannon, Cyrus, 363.
INDEX
Cannon, Siras and Cyrus, 401, 409.
Canterbury, N. H., 20.
Cape Breton, 216; called Baccaleos, 218
Cape Florida, 216.
Cape Rosiers, 224.
Cape Sable, 218.
Capen, Aaron, 58.
Gen., 58.
John, drowned in Moosehead Lake, 60.
Mr., at Deer Island, 57, 58. Captain General and Governor in Chief of the Canadas,
396. Carey, Daniel, 48. Carleton, County of, 313. Carpenter, Col. Joshua, 101, 102, 103, 104, 113.
Nathan, 114. Carr, F. H., 96.
minister named, 95. • Moses, oldest resident of Sangerville, 91, 96. Carratunk, 20, 161. Carter, Jonathan, 13. Carver, Leonard D., 124. Case, Dr. Isaac, 19.
Rev. Isaac, 82. Castine, Me., 325.
Casualties, first drowning- in Moosehead Lake, 59. Catholic or Catholics, 217, 294. Caulkins, Rev. H. L. , 84. Chadbourne mui'der trial, 213. Chadwick, Joseph, surveyor, 3, 4. Chamberlain, Abraham, 291, 293.
Calvin, 114, 115.
Nathaniel, 86, 87, 104.
Samuel, 8, 101, 113, 115. Chamberlain house in Foxcroft, for dormitory, 110. Chandler, Anson G., Justice, 90.
Charles H., 132.
Charles P., preceptor of Foxcroft Academy, 105, 106, 114, 115, 117.
Gilbert, 89. Chandler, John, 350.
464 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Chandler, Mr., 348.
Chapel, one built at Greenville, 98.
Congregational in Foxcroft, 104. Chapin, Aretus, 120, 122. Chapman, agent for determining true St. Croix, 349.
Elijah, 361. Charles I, 219, 220.
II, 221. Charleston, Me., 89, 206. Charlestown, Mass., 442, Charter for Foxcroft Academy, 101. Chase, Abel, 11, 13, 16, 19."^
Andrew J., 162.
Capt., 169.
Captain Ezekiel, 20.
Charles Vaughan, son of Ezekiel, the first white child born in Piscataquis County, 162.
Daniel, Esq., 23.
Ezekiel, 12, 19.
Ezekiel, Revolutionar}' soldier, sketch of, pp 160 to 163.
Ezekiel, Jr., 20.
Ezekiel L., 20.
Harriet, married Josiah Crosby, 204.
Hon. A. J., 20.
Jacob, 160.
Jonathan, 13, 17, 19, 160.
Jonathan A., 20.
Joseph, 25, 26, 28.
Roger, 20.
Stephen, 210. Chase Cemetery, Sebec Station, 162. Chase's Corner, 23. Chateaugay, Madawaska, 290, 291. Chattiqua, 413. Cheputnaticook river, northern branch of Scoodiac, 225,
310. Cherrv, Capt. Samuel, 174. Cherryfield, Me., 73, 429. Chester, 438. Chesuncook Lake, 5, 53.
INDEX 465
Chicago, 111., 121, 430.
Chief Justice, 298, 437.
Chief Magistrate of Maine, 395.
Child, James L., 251.
China, Me., 366.
Chipman, Mr. Justice, 247, 283, 298, 305, 348. Rev. A. C, 77.
Chippewa river, 430.
Christians, 217.
Church, history of Baptist in Piscataquis County, pp 66 to 85; history of Universalist in Piscataquis County, pp 86 to 99; Universalist church used as a court house, 89, 90; Guilford Free Meeting- house, 92; built at East Sangerville, 93; Roman Catholic in settlement above Madawaska, 413; Weymouth, 443 ; second of North Yarmouth, 444 ; Cumberland, 444.
Cilley, Mary, married Enoch Leathers, 175.
Cincinnati, 444.
Civil posse, 323. Power, 313. War, 132, 444.
Clapp, Captain, 166.
Clark, Gilman, 114.
in Peter Brawn's anecdote, 141.
Rev. A., 68.
Rev. W. H., 76.
Samuel C, 101, 103, 113.
Claverie, Pierre, note 237.
Clay, Hon. H., 329, 330, 333, 334, 335, 339, 342, 347, 355, 356, 357, 358, 368, 369, 374, 377, 390, 391.
Clifford, Nathan, 257.
Clopper, Henry, 295, 296.
Clouse, Rev. William J., 80.
Cobb, General, 437.
Sylvanus, Universalist preacher, 86.
Cobscook, The, note 226.
Coburn, Chester, 96. ex-Governor, 431. Joshua, 74, 75,
466 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Cochrane, J. B., Ill, 114.
Coffin, George W., 242, 331, 402, 403.
Colby College, 72.
University, 81. Cole, Col. Clark, 117.
Samuel, 54, 120.
William, 74. College, Colby, 72.
Bowdoin, 20, 36, 39, 43, 50, 100, 211.
Harvard, 204.
of Philadelphia, 438.
Waterville, 72. Collins, John, 283. Colorado, 214. Colmnbus, 216, 217. Commander in Chief, 316. Commanding General, 317. Commissioners, to act on treaty of 1783, 227, 228;
American, 231, 280; Boundary, 315 ; under treaty
of Ghent, 329, 340, 342 ; for determining true St.
Croix, 348 ; commissioners, etc. , 348 ; appointed
under treaty of Ghent, 370, Committee, Joint Select, 336 ; report of, 337 ; of Ameri- can citizens, 354. Composite Lodge, F. & A. M., 30. Compyn's Digest, 298. Confederacy, 257.
Congregational church, 61, 95, 445; chapel, 104; de- nomination, 147. Congregationahsts, 65, 70, 78, 124.
Congress, mentioned, 214, 241; representative to, 258; mentioned, 260, 264, 269, 271, 273, 278, 282; session of, 337, 340 ; proceedings of, 439. Congress of the Confederation, 438. Connecticut, 247.
River, 224, 227, 231, 265. Connelly, Patrick, 421. Connor, William, 54. Constitution of the U. S., 257, 376. Constitutional Militia Force, 313. Continental army, 154, 158, 174, 183, 190, 195, 201.
INDEX 467
Continental Congress, 171, 438.
Cook, Samuel, Esq., 831.
Coombs, Leonard, 273.
Corinna Union Academy, 126.
Corinth, Me., 135.
Cork, Ireland, 275.
Cornhill, London, 424.
Cosmopolitan Club of Dover and Foxcroft, 112.
Council of Maine, 250, 259.
Court, first held in Piscataquis County in Universalist
meeting house, 90 ; mentioned, 299, 300. Cousins, Joseph, 146. Cowie, Dr., 44. Cox, Captain, 160. Coy, Henry, 87. Crafts, Herbert L. , 37.
Justin E., 120.
Leonard S., 120.
Samuel, 41. Craig, Daniel, 244, 421. Crawford, Dr. WiUiam, 4. Crea, William M., 420. Cressy, Rev. W. E., 68. Crockett, Aunt Sarah, 134.
Capt. A. G., connected with Sebec Lake steamers, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137.
Joel, 11.
Mrs. A. B., 95. Crockett & Jones, steamboat owners, 132. Crosby, (notes of family, pp 204 to 210.)
Annie C. , 215.
Clara I., (Mrs. Charles Altenberg), 215.
Cornelia, wife of Dr. Amasa Barett, 208, 209.
Edgar H., 122.
Elizabeth (Foss), wife of Ohver, 208.
Etta (Mrs. James Bird), 215.
Harriet, married Ephraim T. Morrill, 207, 211.
Harriet Chase, wife of Josiah, 204, 209.
Harriet Chase (Mrs. Edward Bebb), 208.
Henrietta, married Geo. W. Ingersoll, 209.
Henrietta Hill, first wife of Josiah, 211.
468 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Crosby, Hon. Josiah, 116.
Horace, 208.
J. Willis, 213, 215.
Josiah, of Dexter, 204, 209; sketch of life, pp 211 to 215.
Mary, 208.
Mary Bradbury (Foss), second wife of Josiah, 211.
Mary Wilson, first wife of William Chase, 208.
May (Mrs. A. B. Stickney), 215.
Mehitable, married Ichabod Thomas, 198.
Oliver, 113, 204, 205, 208, 209, 215.
Old Crosby Homestead, 207.
Old Crosby Place, 205.
Philip, 113.
Susan W. Dunmore, second wife of William Chase, 208.
S. P., 215.
William, 208.
William Chase, 208.
Wilson, 208. Crosby town, now Etna, 175. Cross, Caleb, 13.
Moses, 12, 17.
Moses, Jr., 17.
Noah, 11, 13. Cross brothers, Moosehead Lake fishermen, 57. Crosse, John, 425.
Crown, clerk of, 295; lands, 297, 300, 362, 412, 419. C. S. Douty Circle, of Foxcroft, 112. Cumberland, Me., 444, 445.
County, 178.
Regiment, 443. Cumraings, Peter, 74, 75.
Silas, 53. Curtis, Abel, 92.
Charles W., 124.
Joseph M., 120. Cushing, Col. John, 198.
Joseph W., 21.
Wainwright, 450. Cushman, Gustavus G. , 274.
Solomon, 120.
INDEX 469
D
Daggett, H. F., 30.
Rev. John, 71. D'Aigle, John Battis, 410.
Larrion, 413. Dallas, Tex., 215.
Dalton, William, 364, 365, 366, 369. Dana, Governor, 120, 121.
Samuel, 11, 14. Dane, Solomon F., 120. Darling, Deacon, 53. Dartmouth College, 61. Davee, Alonzo H., 120.
Thomas, 105, 106, 113, 115, 271. Davies, Charles S., note 243, 354, 394, 396, 399, 400,
401, 402. Davies' Report, note 244, note 245, note 246. Davis, B., 93.
B. H., 137.
F. C, 116.
H. S., 137.
Joseph W., 199.
Stedman, 42.
William, 137. Davison, Alpheus, 120, 121.
Charles, 122.
John, 421. D. C. Society of Mayflower Descendants, 445. Dead River, 5. Dean, Daniel, 166.
Eben, 164.
Ebenezer, of Blanchard, Revolutionary soldier, sketch of, pp 163 to 166.
Ebenezer, 163.
Ebenezer, Jr., 166.
Jane, wife of Eben, 166.
John, 163.
John, son of Ebenezer and Jane, first child born in Blanchard, 166.
Martha (Bateman), wife of William, 163.
470 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Dean, Mary, wife of Ebenezer, 163.
Marv (Farmer), wife of John, 163. William, 163. Deane, Colonel John G. , note 226, 254. Deba, Joseph, 410.
Deed, of land to Baker by Maine agents, 402. Deer Island, 53, 57. Deering, Joseph H., 37. Democrat, 273, 275, 276. Democratic candidate and ranks, 214; papers, 276;
party, 276. Dennett, James, 11.
Joseph, 11. Dennis, Rev. J. M., 88. Department of State of the United States, 256, 328,
332, 335, 336, 340, 347, 349, 354, 355, 368,
369, 373, 374. Deposition, of William Dalton, 365 ; of Jonathan
Wilson, 367; of Asael Baker, 406, 411; of
Charles Stetson, 412, 415; of Jacob Goldthwaite,
417; of Charles Smart, 419. Deputy sheriff, 421. Dexter, Daniel S. , 81. H. J., 81. Samuel, 14. Dexter, town of, 75, 83, 97, 116, 124, 168, (road, 173,)
211, 215, 444. Dexter, artillery, 319; Gazette, 145; rifle corps, 319. Dibble, William, 410. Dibblee, George I., 296. Dilhngham, Rev. W. A. P., 88. Dingley, Nelson, 214. District of Columbia, 445. Dixmont, 36. Documentar}^ history of the North Eastern Boundary
Controversy, pp 282 to 327. Doe, Jacob, 11.
Dole, Mr., a preceptor of Foxcroft Academy, 116. Donald, R. E., 116. Doore, James C, 157. Dorchester, Mass., 38, 179.
INDEX 471
Douglass, George H., 39, 45. Henry, 39. James, 11, 19, 39. Jeremiah, 11, IT. Sir Howard, 329, 331, 334, 358, 360, 373, 378,
379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 388, 394, 397. William, 11, 17. William, Jr., 11. Douty, Calvin S., 117.
Dover, Me., 23, 28, 38, 69, 70, 73, 79, 86, 88, 89, 90, 91, 93, 94, 97, 98, 99, 108, 109, 110, 111, 116, 138, 139, 162, 164, 167, 168, 172, 173, 174,
181, 189, 190, 192, 194, 197, 201, 207,212, 251; poor farm, 157; village cemetery, 172. 173,
182, 192.
N. H., 174, 204, 205, 208, 209, 211. Dow, Lincoln, 189. Dovvman, Seth, 11. Downing, John, 56.
Ric'd, 11. Drake, Captain Lebbeus, 166.
Sir Francis, 217. Drew, Rev. E. S., 77.
Re\. William A., editor of the Gospel Banner, 93. Drummond, aMr. , 431. Dudley Island, 300. Duer, William, 434, 435.
Dundee, highest point of land in Foxcroft, 137. Dunlap, Governor, 252, 259.
Robert P., 251. Dunmore, Susan W., 208. Dunn, H. W., 122. Dunning, Lieut., 325. Dunn's, on the Calais road, 310, 311. Duperree, Captain, 294, 295. Durgin, Judge Martin L. , 23. Durham, N. H., 427. Dutch, 255. Dux bur}', Mass., 198. Dwelley, Allen, 87 ; Revolutionary soldier, sketch of, pp
166 to 169. Dyer, John L., 122.
472 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
E
Earl of Dalhousie, 380, 381, 396.
Earie, Rev. A. Gertrude, 97.
East Dover, 202.
East Dover cemetery, 203.
East Greenwich, R. I., 192.
East Sangerville, 93.
East Sangerville cemetery, 175.
Eastern Boundary, 265.
Eastern lands in district of Maine, 435, 436.
Eastern Maine, 434, 437.
Eastman, Ebenezer, 170.
Eastport, 225, 311, 412.
Eaton Grant, 244.
Eaton, Walter D., 124.
Edaweit, Messer, 4.
Edes, Isaac, 38.
Education, earl}^ in Greenville, 62.
Eel River, 310.
Elliott, Dr., 89. Hugh, 217. T. P., 95.
EUiottsville plantation, 8.
Ellis, Columbus W., 449, 450.
Uncle John, hunter and trapper, 57 ; paper on him, pp 142 to 146.
Ellis & Wise, 38.
Ellsworth, Me., note 226.
Elmwood cemetery, 146.
Emerson, William, 101, 113.
Emery, Hon. Lucilius A., chief justice Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, 437. in Baker trial, 292. Miles, 363, 409, 415, 416.
England, 147, 217, 220, 221, 270, 277, 280, 281, 308, 405, 424, 427, 439, 442.
English, agents and officers, 351 ; authorities, 241 ; cap- tain, 189; claimed territory, 222; crown, 221; families on Madawasca, 414; flag, 189; govern- ment, 221; history, 217; law, note 247; laws.
INDEX 473
420; mentioned, 220, 221, 235; merchantship,
188; possessions, 230; ship of war, 188;
sovereigns, 216 ; subjects, 244; the, 411, 412;
waters, 188, Entertainment, of early days in Greenville, 63, 64. Essex County, Mass., 178. Estabrooks, Joseph, Jr., 283. Esty, William S., 283. Etchemins, 218. Europe, 215, 255, 438. Evans, George, 271.
Harvey, 114. Everett, Jonathan C, 114. Everton, John, 37, 38.
Rebecca, 38. Exchange Hotel in Foxcroft, 103. Executive Council, 236. Exeter, Me., 211. Exhibitions, Foxcroft academ}', 107.
F
Fairfax, now Albion, 172, 173, 197. Fairfield, Governor, 272, 273, 275, 276, note 276, 277, 278, 279, 315, 317, (his address to troops, 319,) 324, 325. Fairfield, Me., 172, 367. Fairmont, Minn., 215. Fairview, 32. Falmouth, 443.
sloop, 300. Farmer, Mary, married John Dean, 163. Farnham, Elizabeth, 79.
Louis B. , 116.
William, 79, 80. Farwell, Harriette F., 427. Featherstonhaugh, Mr., 241. Federal Government, 240, 241. Federalist, 438. Feirio, William, 287.
474 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Fenno (Brother), 31, Fernald, Alice (Lewis), 429.
Jonathan, 429.
M. C, 116, 117. Fields, George, 420, 423. Fifield, Jeremiah, 167. First National Bank of Bath, 433. Fish River, 271, 272, 335, (road, 336,) 409, (mills, 415,)
419. Fisher, Michael, 283. Fishkill, N. v., 160. Fitzgerald, Owen, 415, 419.
Flag, American, 189, 289, 415; Baker ordered to take American flag down, 416; English, 189; of U. S. of America, was hoisted by John Baker and others, 286 ; same referred to, 289 ; was over 32 independent states of Union, 176, FlaggstafF, 430. Flanders, Horace, 120. Fletcher, Levi G., 361.
W. R., 116. Flint, Captain Fletcher, 55,
Ephraim, 114, 115, 120, 124, 137.
Royal, 434, 437. Fogg, Capt. Joshua, 53.
Colonel, 443, Follett, Rev. J. M., 80. Folsom, Hiram, 120, 121.
Mrs. L. H,, 98. Ford, Abner, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,
Caleb J., 28.
Deacon, 53.
H. C, 96. Foreign, jail, 315.
Negotiations, 341,
Power, 259,
Powers, 341, Fort Point, 3. Fort Pownal, 3.
Forsyth, Secretary of State, 240, Foss, Elizabeth, married Oliver Crosby, 208.
475
Foss, Mary (Bradbury), married Josiah Crosby, 211. Simeon, 211.
Fountaindale, 111., 208.
Fox, British Minister, 240.
Foxcroft, Col. Joseph E. , proprietor of town of Foxcroft, 8, 191. Joseph Ellerv, 100; offer to Academy accepted, 104.
Foxcroft, Me., 8, 13, 21, 22, 25, 36, 41, 55, 70, 79, 86, 90, (bridge, 94,) 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 108, 110, 111, 112, 116, 127, 136, 137, 138, 139, 156, 162, 168, 175. 181, 184, (called SpauldingtoAvn, 191,) 192, 207, 245, 446, 447.
Foxcroft Academy, exhibitions held, 89; history of, pp 100 to 117; mentioned, 211, 446, 447. "
Foxcroft Four Corners, 70, 132.
Foxcroft Square, 110.
France, 188, 210, 217, 220, 221, 222, 442.
Francis, Indian guide, 4.
Francis I, King of France, 217.
Frankfort, Me., 189.
Franklin, marble statue of, 439.
Franklin, Me., 435.
Eraser, Major P., 332. Malcolm, note 237. Peter, Esq., 294, 330.
Frederick Islands, 300.
Fredericton, N. B., note 243, 244, 245, 250, 251, 256, 267, 274, 275, 297, 301, 303, 310, 311, 312, 314, 318, 324, 330, 332, 352, 358, 359, 362, 363, 365, 372, 378, 394, 401, 403, 412, 415, 416, 417, 419, 422; Gazette, 399; jail, 252, 360, 363, 366, 399, 400, 402.
Free Baptists, mentioned 65, 74, 76, 77, 78 ; attempt to unite with Baptists in Piscataquis County, 85, (church, 98.)
French, at Madawaska, 414; extraction, 392, 410, 413; government, 217; house, 414; Huguenots, 442; present at 4th of July celebration, 415; set, 414; settlement at Madawaska, 267; settlers, 288, 289, 291, 302, 413; spoliation claims, 210;
476 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
the, 210, 287, 292, 416; village above Frederic- ton, 296.
French, Father, 98.
Friends, Society of, 200.
Frontier, 307.
Frontiers, Northern and Eastern, 322.
Frost, Rev. Wm., first Universalist minister to live in county, 86, 87. WiUiam, 87.
Fulmer, Rev. J. R., 88.
Fusileers, regiment of 800 from Cork, Ireland, 275.
G
Gallatin, Albert, historian, 220; went to England as U. S. minister, 229 ; mentioned, 234, 238, 337, 339, 369, 376. Gatchepe or Gaspe, 218. Gates, Artemus, 124. General, 155, 183. Geo. H., 120. General Court, order of, 160; mentioned, 182, 241, 435,
436. General Government, 257, 258, 263, 264, 265, 269,
315, 339, 363, 372. George, Rev. W, C. , 88.
III, 228.
IV, 247, 284, 362, 403, 404, 418. George Washington University, 445. Gerrish, Col. Jacob, 192.
Ghent, 229.
Gile, S. M., 96.
Gilman, A. W., Ill, 114.
Benj. P., 22, 114.
Geo. W., one of builders of Lake House, Sebec, 136.
Hannah E., 110.
John, 22.
John H., 22.
Julia R., 110.
INDEX 477
Gilman, Miss, preceptress M. A., 122.
Mrs. John H., 22. Gilmantown, N. H., 169, 170. God of battles, 217. Goff, Geo. W., 97. . Golay, Jules, 208.
Goldthwaite, Jacob, 411, 417, 418, 419. T., 72. William, 116. Gooch, James, 105, 115.
Goodwin, Betsey, married Ezekiel Chase, 161. Gorges, Ferdinand, 219; his grant, 220. Gorham, Nathaniel, 183.
"Gospel Banner," mentioned, 89; invitation to Maine Universalist Convention in Sangerville, 92; editor describes journey from Augusta to Sangerville by team in 1838, 93. Goss, Benjamin, 8.
Capt. John, 201. Gould, Abel, 19. Abiel, 11.
Elder Nathaniel, 67. Ezi-a, 12, 17. W. E., 28, 29. Gouldsboro, Me., 437.
Government, different ones referred to, 241, 249, 258, 267, 270, 273, 279, 285, 288, 290, 297, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 312, 313, 314, 322, 323, 330, 333, 334, 335, 336, 356, 357, 359, 370, 371, 372, 375, 377, 379, 382, 386, 387, 394, 400, 404, 439. Government House, 324. Governor and Council, 259, 315. Governor and General Assembly of Province of Maine,
222. Governor General of the Provinces, 380. Governor of New France, 220.
Governors, of Maine, 241, note 243, 248, 250, 253, 254, 258, 259, 315, 323, 324, 328, (referred to, 332,) 336, 349, 350, 355, 356, 362, 364, 368, 369, 370, 373, 378, 381, 383, 394, 395, 396,
478 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
400 ; of Massachusetts, 254, 260, 385 ; messages, 259, 271 : of the several states, 260. Gower, Charles, 52.
Charles W., 120, 121.
Davis N., 120. Graham, Major, 306, 307, 310. Grand Falls, 287, 295, 408, 410. Grand Jury, 282. Grand Lake, 310. Grand Lodge of Masons, 24, 27. Grand River, 272. Granite Mountain, 137. Grant, Orrin, 53.
Thomas, 53. Graves, Calvin, killed wardens, 58.
Nathaniel, 40. Gray, Alvin, 122.
Captain John, 443.
V. A., 97.
Wilham, 14. Gray, Me., 86.
Great Britain, war with in 1812, 156; mentioned, 216, 222, 223, 228, 234, note 237, 238, 240, 248, 253, 255, 258, 260, 261, 262, 263, 271, 279, 280, 285, 286, 288, 290, 299, 300, 322, 323, 362, 373, 338, 340, 341, 347, 355, 356, 357, 324, 337, 374, 375, 387, 391, 397, 418, 439. Great Falls, 294, 304. Great Falls, Dover, 181. Greeley, B. F., 53, 54.
David, 104.
Ebenezer, 251, 252, note 252, 267.
John, 139.
Mr., incarcerated in a Foreign Jail, 315. Greeley's Falls, 137. Green River, 272, 293. Greene, 74. Greenleaf, Capt. Moses, 193.
Eben, 23, 25.
Moses, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 114. Greenville, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 60, 62, 63, 64, 69, 98,
INDEX 479
99, 430, 431, 432, 433.
Greenwood, Alexander, 8,
Groton, Mass., 180.
Grover, Stephen, 411, 415, 419. Z., 96.
Guernsey, F. E., Ill, 114, 152.
Guilford, facts relating to its history, 35 to 51 ; men- tioned, 68, 71, 73, 74, (church, 75,) 89, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, 98, 115, 139, 142, 145, 146, 168, 178, 184, 449.
Guilford Center, 40, 71 .
Gulf of St. Lawrence, 222, 224, 232, 234.
Gunnison, Nathaniel, 93.
H
H township, 272. Hadlock, James, 170, 171. Hafford, Tineas, 360, 361.
John, Jr., 364. Hale, Elias J., 114, 115.
Hon. Eugene, 437.
Jacob, 82.
Mr., of Ripley, 167, 168. Halifax, Mass., 195, 196. Hall, C. C, 110, 111, 114.
Daniel, 11, 19.
Hez, 11.
Hezekiah, 17, 19.
Joseph, 77.
Mrs., 213.
Rev. Zenas, 69, 73, 75, 76, 83. Hailett, William, 421.
HaUowell, 48, (called "The Hook," 160,) 161. Hall's patent rifles, 325. Ham, Rev. T. E., 83. Hamilton, Rev. Geo., 74.
Rev. G. G., 95. Harve}^ Deacon, 171.
Governor, 252.
480 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Harvev, Joseph, 367.
S'ir John, 276, 277, 278, 279, 312, 315, 322, 324. Hasey, Benjamin, note 229. Haskell, Rev. E. B., 73. Hassell, Jason, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 101,
103, 113. Hastings, Capt. , 160, 161. Hatch, Deacon Forrest, 82.
Jacob, 82, 83. Hayes, C. W., 97, 115, 448.
Daniel W., drowned in Sebec Lake, 135, 136.
William C, 133. Haynes, Josiah P., 120. Hazelton, Joshua, 79. Head Quarters, Eastern Division, 322. Heald, Franklin, 364. Hebron, 8, 445. Henderson, Ky., 29.
Her Majesty's, government, 312; lieutenant governor, 320; reign, 314; subjects, 313; territory or subjects, 313; upper provinces, 323; Her Brittannic Majesty's Province of New Bruns- wick, 322, 324. Herndon, Virginia, 444, 445. Herriman, Silas, 11. Herring, Deacon Robert, 36, 40, 71.
Deacon Robert, Jr., 37, 38, 43.
Isaac, 40.
Polly, wife of Robert, Jr., 38.
Rev. C. M., 73, 80.
Sally, wife of Robert, 37. Herring and Morgan's mill, 44. Higgins, Eben B., 122.
High Priest of Piscataquis Royal Arch Chapter, 447. High Sheriff of New Brunswick, 363. Highlands, near West Point, 195. "Highlands," The, 224, 227, 231, 232, 233, 234,
235, 237, 238. Hilary term, note 247, (sittings, note 247,) 282. Hildreth, a blacksmith of Greenville, 52, 53. Hildreth Bros., 53.
INDEX 481
Hill, Henrietta, married Josiah Crosby, 211.
Warden, killed by Graves, 58. Hills, Henry, 120. Hinckley, Josiah, 52, 432, 433.
Mary Williams, 433. Hinds, Amos, 172. Asher, 172. Benjamin, 171. Betsey Temple, 172, 173. Betsey (Pishon), wife of Nimrod, 172. Charles, 172. Elizabeth (Temple), 171. James, 171. Jason, 172. Jacob, 171. John, 171. Lida, 172. Mary, 172. Nimrod, of Dover, Revolutionary soldier, sketch of,
pp 171 to 174. Nimrod, Jr., 172, 173, 174. Peter, 172. Rebecca, 172. Ulmer, 172. Hinds' Hill, 173.
His Britannic Majesty, 323, 329, 379. His Britannic Majesty's dominions, 882, 395, 397; envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary, 356 ; government in Province, 387 ; L* Governor of New Brunswick, 329 ; subjects, 392. His Majesty, 330.
His Majesty's, attorney general, 388, 359, 360 ; court, 401 ; dominions, 397 ; government, 333, 358, 372, 373; lieutenant governor, 357; L* Gov- ernor of New Brunswick, 334 ; mail, 285, 405 ; minister, 372; name, 289; officers, 399, 400; Province of New Brunswick, 283, 335, 384, 397, 404; subjects, 359; territory or government, 359. Historicus, 163. History repeats itself, 270.
482 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
History and Digest of International Arbitrations, note
237, note 238. History of Industiy, Me., referred to, 429. Hoadley engine, used in Sebec Lake steamer, 132. Hoar, Wm. D., 121. Hodgdon, Adjutant General, 276.
Moses, 20. Hodgdon, Me., 446. Hodsdon, General, 325, 326. Holderness, N. H., 427. Holland. 255. Hollis, N. H., 155. Holmes, Ann, Universalist choir leader, 89.
Dr. , of Foxcroft, 446.
Freeland S., 116.
James S., 100, 103, 105, 106, 113, 115.
John, 225, 228, 259, 271.
Mr., 348,350.
Salmon, 114. Home Sweet Home, song mentioned, 325. Homer, H. E., 122.
Rev. John, 436. Hooper, Rev. W. W., Universalist State Superintendent,
97, 98. Horn, Will D., 120.
Hotel in Greenville, 52, 53, 62; at Sandbar, 53; Lake House, Sebec, 136; Kineo House, 144; M. G. ShaAv interested in Maine hotels, 432.
Houlton, James, 417, 418, 420, 423.
Houlton, Me., 245, 275, 310, 311, 318, 331, 367, 393, 394, 411, 417, 418, 420, 423.
House of Lords, 277.
House of Representatives, 251.
Houston, John, 96.
Howard, Leonard, 120, 121.
Howe, Col. Cyprian, 180.
Hoyt, Rev. H. H., Universalist State Superintendent,
98, 99. Hubbard, Anson, 114.
Dr. John, Governor of Maine, tour through State, 61.
INDEX 483
Hubbardston, Mass., 178.
Hudson, Henry, 450.
Hudson River, 127.
Hughes, John F., Ill, 114.
Humphrey, Hon. Samuel F., 116.
Hunewell, Barnabas, 416, 417.
Hunt, Mr., a principal of M. A., 122.
Hunting, Elder E., 74.
Hussey, M. L., 96.
Rev. Charles, first Universalist minister in Sanger- viUe, 93. Hussey & Goldthwaite's elevator, 44. Hyde, Rev. J. Chester, 83.
I
Idaho, 32.
Index of numbers relating to the U. S. and British arguments, pp 344 to 346.
Indian, native, was tried and convicted by court of Prov- ince of Quebec, 236.
Indians, American, 202 ; Penobscot, 58 ; St. Francis, 58; violators of game laws, 59; "Lo, the poor Indian," 127; expression of Hunter Ellis, 143; Indian scare, 156 ; company formed to repel, 162 ; governor of, 327 ; Indian war, 366 ; men- . tioned, 2, 4, 5, 6, 61, 103, 157, 176.
Industry, Me., 429, 430, 433.
Ingersoll, Alice C. , 209. Edward Chase, 209. Francis H., 209. Geo. W., 209.
Ireland, Sheriff E. S., 29.
Ireland, 362, 397, 418.
Irish, James, 242, 331, 402.
Irish families in Madawaska settlement, 414.
Iroquois River or Cataraquy, 227.
484 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Jackson, Albert F., 122.
Colonel, 160, 161, 163.
Col. Henry, 434, 437.
a geologian, 2.
President, note 230, 239, 240, note 252 ; mentioned, 270. Jacob, Colonel, 180. James I, 218. James II, 247. James, Duke of York, 221. Jameson, Gen., 117. Jarvis. Colonel Charles, note 276.
Leonard, 271, 434, 435, 436. Jefferson, Vice-President Thomas, 438. Jenkins, James, 122.
Samuel, 120. Jesuit Mission, 220. Jewett, J. W., 22.
Mehitable, married Phineas Ames, 155. Joe's Point, 225. Johnson, Benjamin, 114.
Capt. , his company, 1 58.
Capt. Samuel, 159.
Charles, 420.
Lewis, 420.
Lieutenant, 307, 310.
Samuel, 116.
Warren, 116. Johnston, John Jr., 13.
Joint Standing Committee on State Lands, 253. Jones, John Paul, mentioned, 186; mention of some of his ships, 187, 188, 189.
Lathrop C. , 130, 131; referred to in connection with John Baker trial, 293. Jones and Thompson's charter for steamboat, 131 ; got
material for steamboat, 131. Jordan, Dr. Josiah, 446.
Joshua, 79.
Josiah, 120.
INDEX 485
Jordan, Martha, 79.
Joseph, Francis, Gov. of Passamaquoddy Indians, 827.
Jury, 298.
Justice of the Peace, 287.
K
Kamarouska, 237.
Katahdin Iron Works, 198, 199.
Katahdin Mountain, 62.
Kavanagh, Edward, 280.
Keating, Thomas A., first to attempt propelhng boat by
power on Sebec Lake, 128, 131. Keene, John, 11. Kelsey, Joseph, member of Constitutional Convention of
Maine, 92; mentioned 8, 41, 42, 43, 93, 101,
113, 115. Kendall, Rev. H., 68, 82. Kenduskeag, 211. Kenebec forks, 309, 312.
Kennebec County, 93, 124, 198, 366, 411, 419. Kennebec Mission, 222. Kennebec River, (Kenebeck river, 47,) 50, 162, 219, 220,
221, 222, 223, 311, 353, 417, 432, 435. Kent, Governor, 241, note 252, 260, 273, 275, 276,
307, 315. Governor Edward, 260, 280, 310, 311, 364, 367. Judge, 207. Kent, Parish of, 242, 244, 283, 285, 287, 291, 293,
295, 303, 365, 366, 397, 404, 405. Kentucky, 348, 445. Keyes, Colonel Danforth, 172, 195. Kimball, Frederick H. , married Mary Emma Shaw, 433.
Samuel, 20. Kineo, 3, 56. Kineo House, 144. King, Charles I, 425; of England, 217; of France, 217,
218, 220 ; of Great Britain, 225 ; Harold of yore,
275; of HoUand, note 230, 255, 257, 258; of
the Netherlands, 230, 231, 236, note 237, 238,
486 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
239, 240, 241, 254, 255, 257, 270, 281;
Norwegian, 275; said lord the, 247, 248, 283,
284, 285, 286, 397, 398, 404, 405, 406;
Sovereign Lord the, 397, 398 ; the, 326, 351 ;
king's authority, 299; attorney, 401. King, Capt. , captain of Amphitrite, 55. Rufus, 438.
William, first governor of Maine, 253. Kingman, L., 72.
Rev. Lebbeiis, 77. Kingsbury, Sanford, once proprietor of Kingsbury
Plantation, 8. Kingsbury Plantation or town, 8, 434, 435. Kittery, 160. Kittery, Me., 428. Kittredge, Hon. S. B., 120. Russell, 27, 28, 29, 30. Knight, Geo., 11, 17. Knowlton, Rev. W. S., 77, 116, 122. Knowlton's Mills, 156, 157. Knowlton's Mill's cemetery, 179. Knox, Gen., 196.
Henry, secretary to the department of war, United
States, 435. Kynybecky River, 219.
Labrador Coast, 223.
Labree, Isaac, first game warden in Moosehead Lake
vicinity, 58 ; intercepted violators of game laws,
59; makes report, 59. Ladies' Circle, organized in Sangerville, 95 ; at Monson,
95 ; in Dover, 97 ; in Milo, 98. Ladies of the G. A. R., of Foxcroft, 112. La Fayette, Gen. de, 161. La Grange, 30, 98. Lake Cham plain, 223. Lake House, Sebec, 136. Lake Nipissing, 223.
INDEX 487
Lake Onawa, 4,
Lake View, Me., 193.
Lambert, Dennis, 114, 115,
Lamson, Jos., Sr. , 21. Jos., Jr., 21. J. & Son, 21. Joseph, Esq., 133, 159.
Lancaster, Mass., 171.
Land Agent, 126, 272, note 274, 280, 314, 315, 318, 319, 323, 331, (and surveyors, 332, 334.)
Land Bounty, 182.
Lane's Corner, 156.
Laramie, Wy., 149, 150.
Laughton, Dr. Samuel, 79.
Law, first game laws passed, 58 ; Private Laws of 1847 to incorporate Monson Academy, 120; Private Laws 1849, 123; of Maine, 251, 394; Consti- tutional Law, 261; law directs, 313; Laws of New Brunswick, 361 ; of our said Lord the King, 398, 405 ; British, 405 ; English, 420.
Lawrence, Abbot, 280. Capt. Asa, 190.
Leathers, Enoch, of Sangerville, Revolutionary soldier, sketch of, pp 174 to 177. Lois Asenath, 175. Mary, wife of Enoch, 175.
Leavitt, Philip, 40.
Lebroke, A. G., ability as debator, 107 ; mentioned, 113, 114, 116, 137^ Sarah J., 113.
Lee, Lyman K. , 116.
Lee, Me., 169.
Lee, N. H., 427, 428, 429.
Lee Normal School, 125.
Legislature, petition to Legislature of Massachusetts, 10; remonstrance to, 11; Act to establish town ofSebec, 13; bill establishing Piscataquis county before Maine Legislature, 89 ; asked for charter for Foxcroft Academy, 101; account of incor- poration of this Academy, 101 ; Monson made town bv, 118; incorporates stockholders of
488 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Monson Academy, 120; resolves in favor of Monson Academy, 125, 126; granted charter to Sebec Pond Boat Company, 128; granted charter to Steamboat Company, Sebec Lake, 130; of Massachusetts, 182, note 229, 444; House of Representatives, 214; Senate, 214, note 226; of Maine, 241, 323; resolve passed, 249; resolves, 279 ; of Maine and Massachusetts, 331 ; of New Brunswick, 339; House of Representatives and Senate of Maine, 444; of 1878, 447; mentioned, 8, 44, 58, 75, 102, 105, 108, 123, 124, 131, 158, 200, 248, 250, 253, 254, 255, 256, 259, 260, 272, 273, 277, 349, 350, 370. Leland, Edgar H., 179.
Henry, of Sangerville, Revolutionaiy soldier, sketch of, pp 177 to 180.
Henry, father of subject of sketch, 177.
Henrv B.. 178.
Hopestill, 179.
Jedediah P., 178.
Kesiah, 178.
Lowell, 178,
Lucy, 178.
Mary, 178.
Mary (Morse), 177.
Sarah, 178.
Sarah (Phipps), wife of Henry, 178.
Walter, 178. Leonard, Abial, 30.
Charles S., 30.
Isaac. 30. Letters of. Baker, John, 399, 400, 402.
Baker, John and James, 350.
Barrelle, S. B., 378.
Brent, Daniel, 347 to 349.
Chandler, John, 349, 350.
citizens, 362.
Clay, H., 328, 333, 336 to 339, 347, 354, 355, 368, 369, 373, 374.
Davies, C. S., 378 to 394.
Douglass, Howard, 331, 359, 372.
INDEX 489
Fairfield, Governor, 324.
Fraser, Major P., 332.
Harvey, Sir John, 324.
Kent, Edward, 364.
Lincoln, Levi, 335, 370.
Nye, Frank M., 1-52.
Odell, W. F., 358 and 359.
Sullivan, James, 327.
Scott, Major Gen. Winfield, 324.
Vaughan, Charles R., 329, 333, 334, 356.
Weston, Mr., 48. Libby, C. E. B., 116, 122.
G. H., 116. Library Company of Philadelphia, 439. Lieut. Governor of New Brunswick, 267, 280, 322, 324. 328, 332, 334, 357, 358, 359, 378, 380, 397. Lily Bay, 53, 54. Limington Academy, 126.
Lincoln, Governor Enoch, note 244, 249, 251, 254, 335, 336, 340, 347, 349, 350, 354, 355, 356, 357, 360, 362, 364, 368, 369, 370, 373, 374, 378.
Levi, 336.
President, 444 ; lamented President, 269. Lincoln, Me., 319. Line of National Boundar}', 370. Little, Rev. J. H., Universalist State Superintendent,
95. Littlefield, Hon. Chas. E., ex-member of Congress, at- tended Foxcroft Academy, 116. Livermore, Fremont, 20. Lockhaven, Penn., 445. Logan, Geo. P., 159. Lorabardy poplars, 440.
London, 235, 280, 322, 339, 358, 369, 424, 442. Long, Rev. E. C, 77. Longley, Betsey, wife of Zachariah, 182.
Betsey, daughter of Zachariah, married Eli Towne, 182.
Jonas, died from exposure to elements, 181.
Luke, account of his drowning in Piscataquis
490 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
River, 181. Longley, Susan, married Isaac Blethen, 182.
Sylvanus, 182.
Zachariah, of Dover, Revolutionary soldier, sketch of, pp 180 to 182. Lord, Rev. Thomas N., 80, 116, 122. Loring, Charles, 45.
Ehzabeth, 147.
historian of Piscataquis County, 42, 43, 45, 46, 67, 69, 94, 147, 168.
John H., 114.
Bill Nye's mother was a Loring, 153. Loring's History of Piscataquis County, 147, 164, 167,
183. Lothrop, Col. Thomas, 195. Lottery for sale of land, 436. Louis XVI, court of, 438. Lovejoy, W. W., preacher, 98. Lowe, David, 37, 39.
Deacon Robert, 36.
Deacon Robert, Jr., 37, 38.
Elder Robert, 71.
Robert, 40. Lowell, Stephen A., 116.
Colonel, 117. Lowell, Mass., 138, Lower Canada, 230, 285, 308, 309. Lowe's Bridge, 45, 46. Lowlands, 233, Lowney, William, 8.
Wilham R., 18. Lownv, Wilham P., 17.
William R., 19, 21. Lowstown, 167. Lubec, 385.
Luce, Hon. N. A., 116. Lundy's Lane, 175. Lunt, Lieutenant James, 158. Lyceums of Foxcroft Academy, 107. Lvford, Bylie, 20.
James, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
INDEX 491
Lyford, John, 20.
Jonathan, 11, 17, 20.
William, hunter and trapper, 57 ; tales of his ad- ventures, 58. Lyndeborough, N. H., 200. Lynn, Mass., 425.
M
Machiasport, Me., 208. Maclay, his history of the navy, 188. Macomber, Elder or Rev. Thomas, 39 ; settled as town minister of Guilford and died after many years of preaching, 40; mentioned, 67, 72, 74, 77, 78, 82, 184. Isaac, 114.
Phebe, wife of Thomas, 40. Madawaska, Madawasca or Mawascah, country, 273,
279, 419; district, 295, 352; inhabitants of, 257; settlement of, note 237, 241, 242, 244, 246, 248, 251, 256, 267, 268, 273, 275, 276,
280, 285, 287, 288, 290, 291, 293, 294, 295, 301, 302, 303, 304, 306, 329, 331, 350, 353, 354, 360, 361, 371, 390, 393, 399, 401, 402, 405, 410, 413, 414, 416, 417; settlers, 287, 290, 291, 295, 297.
Madawaska, Fief of, note 236, note 237.
Madawaska, Madawasca or Mawascah River, 236, note 236, 253, 271, (Little, 272, 274,) 290, 291, 294, 296, 329, 331, 353, 356, 357, 367, 369, 377, 392, 397, 410, 413, 414.
Madison, President, 225, 228, note 230.
Madison, Me., 138, 139, 164, 165, 166.
Magaguadavic, note 226.
Magaguadaweek Lake, 310.
Magoon, Edward, 156.
Maine, province or State of, mentioned, 7, 8, 21, 61, 64, 66, 91, 101, 112, 117, 123, 137, 158, 174, 175, 178, 200, 201, 205, 216, 219, 220, 221, 222, 225, note 226, 228, 229, 230, 231, 235,
492 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
note 236, 239, 240, 241, 242, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 256, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 298, 307, 308, 309, 310, 313, 322, 323, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 342, 347, 350, 355, 356, 357, 362, 364, 365. 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 380, 381, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 392, 393, 394, 395, 400, 402, 412, 430, 431, 432, 435, 436, 437, 440, 444, 445, 446; agents, 351; "Battle Song," 321; citizens of, 318, 333, 383; district, 118, 190, 434, 435; enterprises of Northern Me., 63; militia of, 311; newspapers, 320, 321; no game laws, 58, 59 ; Senate and House, 336 ; senators from, 340, 341; State bounty, 164; troops of, 323, 324.
Maine Agency, 164, 183.
Maine Baptist Missionary Convention, 84.
Maine Historical Coll., note 226.
Maine Historical Society, 8 ; note 226.
Maine Medical School, 446.
Maine Medical Society, 447.
Maine Mission Society, 82.
Maine Pharmaceutical Association, 447.
Maine State Library, 124, 328.
Maine woods, 3, 5.
Major General in the army of the United States, 322.
Maiden, Mass., 442.
Manley, Commodore, 182.
Mansell, Hiram, 54.
Ida J. , married William M. Shaw, 433.
Jefferson, 54.
Martha E., married Albert H. Shaw, 433.
"Mansion House," 440.
Mapton, N. H., 425.
Marcoe, Peter, 441.
Marks: Enoch Brown's, 159; George Field's, 423.
Marque, Peter, 292; (Markee, 404, 415.)
Marquis de Blaisel, 439.
INDEX 493
Marr Pond, 156.
Mars Hill, 235, 268.
Marshall, Elder N., 83.
Mr., historian of Buxton, 183.
Marshfield, Mass., 40.
Martin, Addison, 43. Capt. Isaac, 172. O. P., 97.
Mary, Joseph, 4.
Masonic circles, 447.
Masons, Free and Accepted, in Piscataquis County, 23 to 34, 61.
Massachusetts, Commonwealth or State of, 4, 10, 11, 13, 14, 36, 39, 48, 148, 221, 223, 229, 230, 239, 241, 242, 252, 253, 254, 260, 270, 271, 298, 327, 329, 330, 331, 356, 357, 370, 371, 377, 389, 390, 392, 393, 402, 417, 424, 434, 435, 436, 437; agents of, 328, 333, 339, 351, 355 ; act of separation, 100 ; archives, 159, 180; colonists kill Sebastian Rale, 220; colony, 220, 222; general court of, 198; militia, 198; territory of, 231.
Massachusetts Assembly, 100.
Massachusetts Bay, government of, 183.
Massachusetts Line, 163, 166, 177, 183, 190, 195.
Massachusetts Records, 435.
Masterman, John, 54.
Matawamkeag Point, 316.
Mattawamkeag forks, 310, 311, 312.
Mattawamkeag Stream, 335.
Maxlield, Dwight, 145.
Maxim, Sir Hiram Stevens, great inventor, mentioned, 147.
Mayflower, the, 444, 445.
Maynard, Mass., 187.
Mayo, Edward J., 109, 110, 111. Eliza Ann, 108, 109.
Hon. Josiah B., 108, 109, 110, 111, 115. John G., 110. Walter J., 115.
Mayo & Son's, 104.
494 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
McCray, William, 365.
McClanathan, Samuel, 101, 103. 113, 178.
McFadden, T. F., 122.
McTntire, Rev. C. R, 95, 96.
Rufus, land agent who figured prominently in
Aroostook War, 273, 274, 276, note 276, 277. McKechnie, E. N., 96. McKinney, Wm., 11. McLanathan, Kesiah (Leland), 178. McLaughlin, Mr., warden of public lands in New
Brunswick, 274. McLeod, Donald, 283. McNeal, Stephen, 421, 422. McNeil, a constable, 365. M^pharson, Charles, 363. Mechanics Lodge, F. and A. M. , 28. Meder, G. A., 81. Mercer, Me., 142. Meriumpticook, stream, 287; river, 288, 289, 290,
294, 403, 406, 413, 414; settlers at, 419. Merrick, John, 88.
heirs, 94. Merrill, Paul S., 120. Merry meeting Bay, 6. Meserve, Charles, 54, 60.
William, son of Charles, drowned at Moosehead
Lake, 60. Methodists, 65, 75, 92, 93; mistake of Methodist sis- ter, 93. Metis River, 232, 233. Michaelmas Term, 403. Middleboro, Mass., 196. Mihtary force, 313, 323; officers, 399; possessions, 322;
road, 310. Militia, 316, 325, 329, 330, 332, 414; of Matawascah,
363; of New Brunswick, 410. Miller, Edward William, Esq., 294. J., 93.
Rev. Joel, 88. William, 283. Millet, Stephen D., 28, 30.
INDEX 495
Millett, Rev. Joshua, 68 ; as an author, 84, MiUiken, Elias, 431. Million Acres, 47. Million Acre Tract, 434. Mills, Henry, 120.
John, 280. Milo, 21, 23, 78, 79, 89, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, 9S, 99. ■ Milo Jet., 79, 98. Milton, Mass., 160. Milton, Me., now Orneville, 69. Minister Plenipotentiary to the Hague, note 230. Minneapolis, Minn., 152. Minnesota, 214. Minute-men, 177. Miramichi, 446. Misshue, Battis, 408, 409.
Joseph, 413, 414. Missouri, 150. Mitchell, Colonel Jonathan, 443.
M. Ella, married Mellen Shaw, 433.
Mordecai, 89.
Rev. H. R., 80, 81. Mitchell's map, 223, 230, 238. Mohawk River, 169. Molton, Jeremiah, 16, 17. Monmouth Academy, 126. Monmouth, battle of, 178. Monmouth, Me., 419. Monson, Mass., 118. Monson, Me., 8, 53, 73, 76, 95, 96, 97, 118, 122,
123, 152. Monson Academy, historical sketch of, pp 118 to 126. Moore, A., 164. Moorehead, Minn., 152. Moorstown, now Abbot, Me., 138, 164. "Moosehead," steamer built for lake of that name,
56, 60. Moosehead House, hotel built by M. G. Shaw at
Greenville, 432. Moosehead Lake, 2, 5, 52, 57, 63, 64, 134, 142, 308,
496 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
309, 352, 430, 431, 432. Moose Island, 60; where Eastport, Me., now stands,.
225, 300. Moose River, 56, 308, 309.
Morehouse, Magistrate George, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 287, 289, 292, 293, 303, 351, 365, 392, 414, 415, 416, 421, 422. Morgan, S. and J., 43.
Wm., 27. Morrill, Caroline Frothingham, 208 ; married Mr. Brown, 208.
DeWitt, Clinton, 208.
Ephraim T., 207.
George Prentice, 208.
John, 20.
Joseph, 21.
Moses, 23.
Oliver Crosby, 207.
Patrick, 11.
Peter, 11, 17. Morris, Robert, 439. Morrison, Col. Wm., 23, 24.
Hon. John, 22.
John, 135.
Wm., 25. Morristown, N. J., 161.
Morse, Eunice, second wife of Asa Sturtevant, 197. Mosaic Lodge, F. & A. M. , 25, 447. Moulton, Capt. Ephraim, 23.
Ephraim, 25.
Jeremiah, 12.
L. E., 122.
Thomas, 116. Mount Katahdin, 5, 64. Mount Kineo, 2, 64. Mount Squaw, 64.
Mower, Rev. I. B., secretary of Maine Baptist Mission- ary Asso., 83. Mudge, Mr., 241. Mudgett, Simeon, 114. "Mug-wump," 214.
INDEX 497
"Muley" and gang saw, also rotary saw, 431.
Mullins, Mr. and Mrs., passengers on Mayflower, 444.
Murray, Rev. John, 436.
Richard, note 237. Mystick side, 442.
N
Napoleon, 210.
Nash, James, 54.
Nason, Edward, 27. Ephraim, 53.
National debt, 435 ; disputes can be settled only, 375.
Nedder, Wezaw, 410.
Needham, Mark, 296.
Nelson, Rev. A. J., 73. Seth, 42, 43.
Neptune, Assony, 4.
Nevers, Samuel,' 298, 303.
New Boston, N. H., 38.
New Brunswick, mentioned, 221, 230, 242, 243, 244, 247, 248. 249, 250, 251, 252, 256, note 256, 264, 267, 271, 274, 277, 278, 279, 280, 283, 310, 311, 312, 322, 323, 324, 328, 329. 332, 334, 335, 337, 339, 351, 352, 356, 357, 358, 360, 361, 362, 365, 371, 372, 378, 380, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 390, 392, 394, 395, 397, 403, 404, 406, 410, 414, 418, 420, 421, 440; referred to by word Province, 286, 287, 291, 293, 294, 295, 297. 299, 300, 301, 302, 313, 316, 323, 351, 352, 372. 379, 380, 397, 416.
New England, 2, 5, 112, 154, 195, 200, 205, 221, 223; colonies, 424.
New England Historical and Genealogical Recorder, 163.
New France, 217, 220.
New Gloucester, Me., 8, 36, 38, 39, 71, 86.
New Hampshire, (line, 169,) 170, 186, 187, 426.
New Rochelle, N. Y., 208.
New Scotland, 219, 221.
498 HISTOEICAL COLLECTIONS
New World, 216.
New York, city or state, 124, 143, 148, 149, 153, 154, 169, 228, 434, 435, 438, 446; harbor, 161 ; evacuation of, 198.
Newbury, Mass., ]93.
Newbury port, Mass.. 20, 178, 436.
Newfoundland, 218.
Newichewanoche River, 219.
Newport, R. I., 83, 160.
Newton, Mass., 436.
Nichols' regiment, 201.
Niles, warden, killed by Graves, 58.
Norcross, Clara F., 433. James, 114.
Norridgewock, Me., 172, 181, 190, 191, 220.
Norris, Josiah, 120.
Rev. James F. , missionary, 72.
North, Colonel, 160.
North America, 6, 366, 395.
North American coast, 216.
North bay, 56.
North Bend, 144.
"North Cant," 127.
North East, 339.
North Eastern Boundary, 229, note 230, note 236, 254, 257, 258, 260, (documentary histor}^ of, pp 282 to 321,) 333, 335, 337, 347, 364, (North and North Easterly Boundar}^ lines of the U. S., 368,) 370, (referred to, 371,) 374, 377.
North Eastern Boundary Controversy, and the Aroos- took War, by John Francis Sprague, pp 216 to 327.
North Guilford, 38.
North Yarmouth, Me., 38, 443, 444.
North Yarmouth Company, 443.
Northeast Carry, 56, 57, 59, 62.
Northeast Frontier, 216, 249.
Northern Department, army of, 155, 178; mentioned, 201.
Norway, Me., 86.
Nova Scotia, 218, 219, 220, 222, 223, 224, 226, 227,
INDEX 499
228, 230, 231, 233, 262, 263, 264, 265, 357. Noyes, Joseph, 11. Nuton, Philip, 4. Nye, Benjamin, 147. Carroll A., 152. Edgar Wilson, 152; sketch by John F. Sprague,
pp 147 to 153. Frank, 148, 149, 153. Franklin, 147.
Hon. Frank Mellen, member of Congress, 152, 153. Nyes, The, 148.
o
Oak, Chas. E., land agent, 51. Oakes, Col. William, 115.
V. B., 122.
William, 68, 69, 77, 114, 115.
William P., 114. Oaks, Elecious, 364. Odell, William F., 314, 359, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382,
383, 384, 388. Ogden, Colonel H., 160. Ohio, 76.
Oklahoma, state of, 2. "Old Crosby House," 204. Old Town, Me., 4, 98, 168. Olin, Wm. M., 48. O'Neil, surveyor, 49. Orland, Me., 170. Orne, Judge Henry H., 228. Orneville, Me., 8, 228. Oromocto, 384.
Orono, Me., 22, 117, 124, 274. Orr, Mr., note 229. Osgood, Fred B., 122.
Rev. Hiram P., 88, 94. Otis, John, 280. Owen, W. H., 30.
500 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Packard, Rachel Cole, wife of Jacob Blanchard, 445. Page, Elder J. F., 74, 114.
Jonathan, 69.
Moses, 11. Palmer, J. M., 30.
Rev. A. D. F., 80. Paris, Albion K., 19, (Gov., 253).
Virgil D., 271. Paris, Contume de, note 237. Paris, Me., 166, 167, 184, 196, 197. Parker, Woster, 114. Parkman, 8, 44, 73, 74, 75, 76, (church, 83,) 84, 91,
213. Parks, Gorham, 271.
Parris, Gov. Albion Keith, 328, 332, 380, 396. Parsons, Henry, first lawyer in Sebec, 23.
Solomon,' 21, 24, 25, 26, 114.
Levi, 107.
W. E., 109, 110, 111, 114, 115, 448. Parsonsfield, Me., 273. Partridge, Capt. Calvin, 198. Passaraaq noddy Bay, 225, 228. Passimaquody Indians, 327. Patten, A. S., 93.
Sumner A., 122. Patten's store, 88. Payson, Rev. F. L., 96. Peabodv. Capt. Benjamin, 192. Peaks. J. B., 111. 114. Pemaquin or Pemaquid, Me., 221. Pember, Rev. E. F., 97. Pembroke, Mass., 166. Pendleton. Rev. A. B., 80.
Rev. S. P., 80. Pennsylvania Assembly, 438. Penobscot Association. 84. Penobscot Bay, 5.
Penobscot County, 7. 83, 101. 168, 207, 214, 242, 273, 277, 279, 298. 389, 402, 435.
INDEX 501
Penobscot, expedition to the, 443.
Penobscot Lodge, F. & A. M., 24.
Penobscot, Me., 170.
Penobscot River, 3, 4, 5, 18, 35, 47, 49, 53, 57, 58,
62, 235, 311, 352, 436. Pensacola, 420. Pension Act, first granting pension to Revolutionary
soldiers, 182. Pension Examining Board, 447. People's Baptist Church of Dover, 80. Pepper, G. D. B., (D. D.), (L. L. D.), president of
Colby University, 81. Pepperell, Mass., 190. Perham, Judge David, 90. Perham's survey, 192. Perkins, Lieut. Joshua, 195. Perry, Luke, 13, 17. Peters, Thomas W., 283.
Witham, 419. Petition to Governor, 360,
Philadelphia, Pa., 161, 435, 437, 438, 439, 440. Philbrick, J. S., his hall, 88. Phillips, Abigail, married John Blanchard, 443.
Isaac, 120, 121.
Samuel, Jr., 434, 435, 436, 437.
Wm., 14. Phipps, Sarah, married Henry Leland, 178. Pierce, Charles, 361. PierdeMonts, 218. Pike, Richard, 20. Piles, WiUiam, 420, 422. Pillsbury, Evans S., 110, 124.
Samuel, 121.
Samuel, Jr., 120. Pillsbury house, Foxcroft, 90. Pine Tree State, 279. Piscataquis Association of churches, articles of faith, etc.
adopted, 80, 81, 84 ; of Universalists, 98. Piscataquis Countv, mentioned, 7, 8, 20, 23, 42, 67, 81, (bill establishing, 89,) 95, 96, 128, 133, 138, 147, 154, 155, 158, 167, 169, 175, 178, 179,
502 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
181. 184, 194, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 207, (bar, 211,) 228, 235, 278, 435, 449.
Piscataquis County Historical Society, 10, 449.
Piscataquis Farmer, 121.
Piscataquis Lodge, F. &A. M., mentioned, 23; its organ- ization, 23 ; charter received, 24 ; other facts, 25 to 34.
Piscataquis Observer, advertisement in it for Sebec Lake boats, 129; advertisement for Rippling Wave, 134; drowning of Daniel W. Hayes, 135; fish story of Hunter Ellis, 144; article concerning settlement of Blanchard, 163; story of how E. Dean became first settler of Blanchard, 164; obituary notice of Enoch Leathers, 175; obituary of Jeremiah Rolf e, 185.
Piscataquis River, mentioned 4, 13, 41, 42, 44, 46, 49, 146, 150, 156, 162; bridge, 43; first dam across, 191 ; salmon plentiful, 207.
Piscataquis Royal Arch Chapter, 447.
Piscataquis volunteers, 319.
Piscataway Harbor, 219.
Pitman, Mark, 116.
Pleasant River Lodge, F. & A. M., 30.
Plummer, Isaac, 89. Jonathan S. , 87. M. H., 88.
Plymouth County, Mass., 196.
Plymouth, Mass., 242.
Plymouth, Me., 213.
Plympton, Mass., 196.
Poinsett, Hon. J. R., 312.
Polk County, Wis., 152.
Pollard, John, 53, 120. David, 364.
Pope of Rome, 216.
Poplar Hill yard, 139.
Porter, Capt. John, 180.
Col. Joseph W., editor of Bangor Historical Maga- zine, 3.
Portland, Me., 158, note 226, note 229, 249, 328, 354, 355, 368, 374, 377, 379, 399.
INDEX 508
Portsmouth, N. H., 186, 187, 204, 210. Portugal, 216, 217. Potter, Henry, 56.
Warren, 56. Potter's Store, 88. Powell, Rev. Hannah Jewett, 96. Powers, Walter, 363, 403, 407, 408, 409. Pratt, Abigail, married Jacob Blanchard, 445.
Dr. John F. , of Chelsea, Mass. , 4.
Rev. F. H., 80. Preble, Wm. Pitt, 229, note 229, 238, 239, 280.
John, 4. Prentis, Wilham, 368. Prentiss, Caleb, 114, 115, 197. Prescott, Colonel William, 190.
President of U. S., 257, 258, 259, 260, 264, 278, 333, 337, 338, 340, 341, 347, 354, 369, 374, 375, 376, 377, 384, 391, 438. Priest, changed name Chateaugay to Sainte Emilie, 291. Prince William, 420. Proclamation, a, 312. Proctor, Mrs. Mary L., 187. Protestant, 217. Provinces, 319. Provincial Surveyor, 303. Public Lands in Maine, 402. Public Securities, 436. Pullen, Horace, 120, 121, 122.
J. Henry, 121.
Stanley T., 114, 116.
Thomas S. , 114. Puritans, 118. Putnam, Col. Rufus, 195.
Rufus, 436.
(Signed), 419.
(Signed), 362.
Q
Quaker City, 439.
504 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Quakers, mentioned, 198, 200,
Quartier Jacques, known as "Cartier, " 217.
Quebec, S, 5, 220, 223, 224, 228, 230, 236, note 237,
275, 308, 309, (paper, 393,) 430; Prevotal
court of, note 237. Queen of England, 220.
R
Railroad, built from Penobscot River to Northeast Carry,
56, 57 ; lack of, 67. Rale, Father Sebastian, was killed, 220. Read, John, 434, 435, 437. Record, Owen, 88. Redington, Justice Asa, 90. Register of St. Peters, Cornhill, London, 424. Registry of deeds, Hancock County, 170. Reid, Colonel George, 169, 174. Religion in early days of Greenville, 64, 65. Republican National Convention in Cincinnati, 444. Republican Party, 213, 445. Resolutions, 257^, 258, 259. Resolutions, on death of Wm. Buck, 446 ; of Columbus
Ellis, 449. Revolution, The, 160, 176, 177, 186, 188, 198, 204. Revolutionary, army, 163, 164, 443; pensioners, 163;
services, 159, 163, 174; soldier, 182, 194; war,
4, 154, 158, 159, 195, 434, 435, 438. Revolutionary Soldiers, of Piscataquis County and others,
mentioned, pp 154 to 215; land granted to
them, 177. Rex vs. Hunt case cited, 292. Rhode Island, 172, 180, 193, 198. Rice, an Irishman, 407, 408. Francis, 273, 288, 291. John H., 120, 121. Peabody H., 120, 121. Richard R., 114. Rices, The, of Monson, 124.
INDEX 505
Richards, Col. Jonathan, 443.
K, 164.
John, Esq., 437.
Rev. A. A. , 88, 89 ; first minister in Milo, 92, 93. Richardson, Esther, 427.
Ezekiel, 426.
Mr., a preceptor of Foxcroft Academy, 115.
Susannah, 426. Rideout, Reuben A., 122. Riley, James Whitcomb, a saying of his, 148. Rines, Captain Stover, 274 ; mentioned, 277. Ripley, Col., 175.
E. W., 14. "Ripley," formerly "No 5," 82, 167, 213. Rising Virtue Lodge, F. & A. M., 24. Ristigouche River, 232, 233, 234, 235. River Falls, Wis., 152. River of Canada, 221. Rix, William S., 116. Roach River, Me., 53. Roberts, James T. , 81.
Jonathan, 175.
Thomas, 13. Robie, Frederick, 214. Robinson, A. M., 21, 23, 114, 115, 116, 313.
Capt. John, 193.
Capt. Thomas, 56.
Elder Nathaniel, 73, 74.
Jonathan, 23, 25.
Nathaniel, 113, 115.
Rachel, 79. Rochester, N. H., 183. Rogers, Capt., 443.
Jonathan P., Esq., 315. Rolf, Jeremiah, 183.
Rolfe, Jeremiah, of Abbot, Revolutionary soldier, sketch of, pp 183 to 186.
John, 183.
Samuel, 183. Rollins, Frank, 116.
Irene, married Samuel Stickney, 193.
506 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Roosevelt, President, 2.
Rose, Thomas, 87.
Rouillard, Rev. Harry Enos, 96.
Round-Heads, 118.
Rousick Island, 158.
Rowell, James S., 116.
Rowley, Mass., 192, 193.
Roxbur}, Mass., 160.
Royal, Dorcas, 190.
Ephraim, 190.
Esther, 190.
Eunice, 190.
Isaac, of Dover, Revolutionary soldier, sketch of, pp 186 to 190; his son Isaac, 190.
Jacob, 190.
John, 188, 189, 190.
Lucy, 190.
Mitchell, 190.
Oliver, first child of Isaac and Tabitha, 189.
Richard, 190.
Tabitha, wife of Isaac Royal, 189. Ruggles, John, 251. Rumford Falls, Me., 432. Russell, Joseph, 361.
W. H., 122. Rutland, Mass., 154, 155. Ryder, Lot, 119.
Saco, Me., note 229.
SafFord, Dr. O. F., 95, 97.
Sagadahock, eastern part of Massachusetts so called, 223 ;
(river, 219, 220, 222,) Sagadahock or Kennebec
River, 221. Saint Mary's College, 215. Saint Paul, Minn., 215. Sainte Emilie, 291, 292. Sakabis, Indian guide, 4. Salarv of minister in Guilford, 75.
INDEX 507
Salem, Mass., 171, 200. Sampson, Edwin P., 116.
Eugene L., 116.
J. S., 28. Sanborn, Abram, 114, 115.
Randall A., 115. Sandbar, 53. Sanders, D. T., 53, 98.
Harry, 98.
Mrs. D. T., 98. Sands, Lambert, 30. Sandwich, Mass., 148. Sanfason, Joseph, 293. Sanger, Col., 156, 157, 178.
Sangerville, 8, 41, 42, 43, 46, 67, 71, 73, 86, 91, 94, 97, 98, 99, 115, 147, 154, 156, 157, 175, 178, 179 ; Maine Universalist Convention met there, 92. Saratoga, 169; battle of, 178, 180; field of, 183; re- serves hurried to, 155. Sargent, K. P., 97.
Saunders, Hon. Chief Justice, 247, 283, 362, 418. Savage, referred to in connection with John Baker, 289.
Daniel, 364, 412, 419.
Nelson, 120. Sawfacon, Joseph, 416. Sawyer, Joel, 54, 98.
John E., 120.
Isaac, 54.
Moses, 88.
Mrs. Joel, 98. Scales, Zenas, 120, 121. Scammon, Ed, 54. Schoodic, The, note 226. Schoolhouse, little red in Greenville, 62 ; in Dover, 88,
94; at Sangerville, 93, 94; in Monson, 119. Schuyler, General, 178.
Scoodiac River, probably true St. Croix, 225. Scotland, 233. Scott, Captain, 160.
Major General Winfield, 278, 280, 324, 325.
508 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Scribner, Benjamin R. , 120. Sciidder, John, 407, 409. Seat of War, 275. Seavey, W. H., 122.
Sebec, 1, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 29, 36, (church, 78,) 127, 130, 133, 158, 159, 161, 162, 178, 194, 207, 446. Sebec dam, charter granted, 136. Sebec Lake, 20, 127, 128, 130, 134, 135, 136, 137,
138, 139. Sebec Lake Steamboat Co., 130. Sebec Pond, 128, 141. Sebec Pond Boat Co., 128. Second Cumberland Regiment, 443.
Secretary of Province, 288, 378, 384, 388; letter of, 336 ; of State, 240, 339, 347 ; letter from Secre- tary of Province, 358. Secretary of State of the United States, 388. Secretary of War, 306, 312. Senate, 239, 240, 258.
Senators and Representatives, 259, 260, 336, 348. Separatists, 118. Sewall, Capt. Henry, 195. Shakespeare, 215.
Shaw, History of the family with a sketch of Milton G. Shaw of Greenville, pp 424 to 433; "Shaw notes," 424; "Records," 427; mill at Bath, 430. Shaw, Abigail, 426.
Adeline, 430.
Advardis, 23, 26.
Albert, 429, 430.
Albert H., 431, 433.
Alice (Lewis) Fernald, 429.
Ann, 425.
B. F., (D. D.,) 77.
Benjamin, 425, 427.
Benjamin Gilman, 429.
Charles D., 431, 433.
Clara F. (Norcross), 433.
Daniel, 428, 429, 430.
Deliverance, 425.
INDEX 509
Shaw, Edward, 426, 427.
Elizabeth, 428.
Elizabeth Staples, 428.
Ellen, 433.
Emily Newall, 429.
Esther, 425, 426.
Eunice (Spinney), married Milton G. Shaw, 433.
Frank, 433.
Fred, 433.
Freeman, di'owned at Moosehead Lake, 60.
George, 428.
George M., 433.
Hannah, 427, 428; married Nathaniel Blanchard, 443.
Ida J. (Mansell), 433.
James, 428.
John, 427, 428.
Joseph, 425, 427.
M. Ella (Mitchell), 433.
M. G. & Sons, 433.
Margaret, 425.
Mary, 425, 426, 428,
Mary Emma, married Frederick H. Kimball, 433.
Martha E. (Mansell), 433.
Mehitable, 430.
Mellen, 433.
Mercy (Vernet), 428.
Milton G., 52.
Milton Gilman, 429, 430, 431, 432.
Mrs. C. D., 98.
Noah, 428.
Olive, 428.
Ralph, 424.
Roger, 424, 425, 427.
Ruth, 427.
Sarah, 426, 429.
William, 53.
William M., 431, 433. Shaw Lumber Co., 53. Shelden, Nathan W., 114. Shelley, referred to in connection with John Baker, SlOS.
510 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Shepherd, Colonel, 166.
David, 23, 25, 27, 28.
Dr. David, 26. Shepley, Ether, 271. Sherburne, Capt. Jacob, 169, 170.
Colonel, 160. Sherburne, Mass., 177, 178, 179. Sherburne's Minute Men, 177.
Ship, Bon Homme Richaid, 187; British Renown, 161 Drake, 188; English Merchant Ship, 188 English Ship of War, 188; Jersey Prison, 161 Ranger, 187 and 188; Serapis, 187. Shirley, Me., 53, 54, 69, 147, 149, 151, 434, 435. Shore, Lieut. Colonel George, 332. Shrewsbury, Mass., 171. Sidney, Me., 198, 199. Sileste, Peter, 293. Simpson, George, 54. Sims, William F., 116. Sinclair, C. P., 68. Sisson, James, 420. Sixth Maine Regiment, 446. Skadder, John, 364. Skowhegan, 56, 163, 172. Sleeper, John, 16, 17, 18, 19. Smart, Charles, 411, 419, 420.
John, 1 1. Smith, Ansel, 53.
F. O. J., 271.
Governor, 254, 256, 257.
Isaac, 45.
J. M. H., 93, 98.
Miss Clara T., wife of Bill Nye, 149.
Rev. Gibson, 88.
Seba, his "Way Down East Stories," 139. Smithfield, Me., 142. Snake River, 32. Snow, Dr. J. C, 95.
Edwin P., 114.
Eleazer W., 8.
Henry, 28.
INDKX 511
Society of Mayflower Descendants, 443.
Soffysaw, mentioned as constable in John Baker affairs,
410. Soldiers Song, The, 3520.
Somerset County, 7, 40, 82, 365, 367, 435, 446. Somerset Journal, moose story of Hunter Ellis, 144. Sons or Daughters of the Revolution. 444. Souci, J., 293. Soule, Barnabas, 443.
George, 444.
J. G., 116.
Jane (Bradbury), 443.
Mercy, married Ozias Blanchard, 443, 444. Souriquois, 218. South, The, 208. South Carolina, 1 88. South Dover, Me., 73, 74, 79, 157. South Dover Cemetery, 157. Sovereign Lord the King, 397, 403. Sovereign of England, 243. Soverign Arbitrator, 375, (Sovereign, 391.) Spain, 216, 217. Spanish Armada, 217. Sparhawk, Colonel Nathan, 155, Sparrow, Capt. Edward, 195. Spaulding, Artemus, 87.
Benjamin, 88.
Eleazer, of Foxcroft-Dover, Revolutionary Soldier, sketch of, 190 to 192; his father, 190."^
John, 87, 190, 191.
Joseph, son of subject of sketch, 192.
Josiah, 190.
Lemuel, 191.
Rev. R. C, 71.
Sarah, wife of Eleazer, daughter of Lemuel Spauld- ing, 191.
Seth, 87, 190, 191. Spaulding Place in Dover, 138. Spauldings, sold out interests in Foxcroft, settled in
Dover, 192. Spauldingtown, now Foxcroft, 191.
512 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Speed, Rev. H. C, 77. Spencer, Major Gen., 172. Spencer Bay, 56, 57, 146. Spencer's Hall, Monson, 123. Spinney, Eunice, 433.
Spiritualism came into Piscataquis County, 94. Spiritualists, 94. Sprague, Asa, 87. Mr. J. F., 152. Peleg, 271. Springfield, Me., 105, 168. Sproat, Col. Ebeneazer, 195. Squaw Bay, 60. Squaw Mountain, 435. St. Andrews, 327. St. Clair, Rev. C. P., 80. St. Croix River, 218, 219, 220, 221, 223, 224, 225,
note 226, 227, 231, 232, 241, 264, 265, 326,
340, 436. St. Francis, 412, 414. St. Francis River, 353, 397, 419. St. James, Court of, 371. St. John, N. B., 275, 310, 311. St. John River, 223, 224, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236,
244, 245. 256, 271, 273, 275, 280, 289, 301,
329, 331, 339, 340, 352, 353, 355, 356, 357,
358, 359, 377, 392, 398, 402, 403, 413, 414,
421, 423. St. Lawrence River, 218, 222, 223, 224, 225, 227,
231, (gulf and river, 232,) 233, 235, 237, 264,
265, 281, 353. St. Louis, Castle of, note 237. St. Mary's Bay, 218.
St. Pierre, Myzene, in the West Indies, 438. Stadtholder, 255. Stanchfield, Wm. H., 27, 28. Staples, Elizabeth, 428; married Daniel Shaw, 429.
J. W., 122. Stark, General, 201. Starkie's Evidence, 298. State Papers, relating to John Baker's trial, 282;
INDEX 513
relative to North Eastern Boundary' Controversy, pp 828 to 423. Steamboats, Amphitrite, 55 ; charter for first on Sebec Lake, 130; Fairy of the Lake, a Moosehead Lake steamer, 1 34 ; Favorite, first steamboat on Sebec Lake, 131, 132; Fulton's, 1 27; Moose- head, 56, 60; Rippling Wave, Sebec Lake steamer, 132, 133, 134, 135. Stearns* (place), 141. Stetson, Captain, 158.
Charles, 412, 415, 417. Edward, 36. Simeon, 19. Stevens, Col., 326.
D. T. , preacher, 93. David, 44.
Dr., a preceptor of Foxcroft Academy, 115. Mrs. L. M. N., president of National Woman's Christian Temperance Union, educated at Fox- croft Academy, 116. Stewart, Anthony, 283. Sticknev, Clinton, 193, Irene, 193.
Irene (Rollins), first wife of Samuel, 193. Mary (Sawyer), 192.
Patt}' (Atwood), second wife of Samuel, 193. Samuel, of Brownville, Revolutionary soldier,
sketch of, pp 192 to 194; his son, 193!! Simeon, son of subject of sketch, 194. William, 192. Stickney Hill, 194.
Stockholders of Monson Academy, 120. Stony Point, 195. Story, Joseph W. , 11. Stoughton, Mass., 417. Stover, Abraham, 170.
Elizabeth, married John Hart of Penobscot, 170. Jeremiah, 170. Jonathan, 170. Strafford County, N. H., 429. Stratton, Charles, drowned in Moosehead Lake, 60.
514 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Straw, David R., 114.
David R., Jr., 114. Straw & Martin, 43.
Strickland, Major Hastings of Bangor, Sheriff of Penob- scot County at time of Aroostook War, 273, 276, note 276, 277, 279. Strong, Andrew, 170.
Caleb, 14. Stubbs, W. T., Ill, 114. Studson, Charles, 247, 248, 282. 284, 285, 286, 289,
291, 292. Sturtevant, Asa, of Dover, Revolutionary soldier, sketch of, pp 194 to 197; son Asa, 194*^ 197. Azubah, 197.
Dorcas, third wife of Asa, 197. Eunice, 197.
Eunice (Morse), second wife of Asa, 197. Jonah, 197. Mary A., 197. Mercy, 197.
Sally (Washburn), first wife of Asa, 196. William, 197. Stutson, a blacksmith, 411, 417, 419, 420. Suffolk County, 177. Sulhvan, James, 326, 327.
Mr., one of agents to determine true St. Croix, 348, 349. Summons, of Jacob Goldthrite before Court at Frederic- ton, 418. Sumner, Me., 67. Sunday School Helper, 95.
Sunday-schools, largest in county, 79; Universalist or- ganized in Guilford, 94. Supreme Court, 247, 261, 282, 437; of New Bruns- wick, 362, 403. Supreme Executive, 394. Sutherland, Joseph, 283. Sweetser, Martha, married Ozias Blanchard, 444.
INDEX 515
Tarn worth, N. H., 428.
Tarr, James, built public hall, 123.
Tarrio, Bellony, 415.
Tarr's Hall, Monson, 95.
Tash, Thomas, 116.
Tasker, Rev. B., 88, 89.
Taunton, Mass., 437.
Taylor, Capt. Benjamin, 201.
Roland, 120, 121, 122. Temisquata Lake, 237. Temperance Hall in Milo, 28. Temple, N. H., 200, 201, 202. Tenney, William, 120, 121. Terrill, Isaac, 22. Thanksgiving days, 179. Thayer, Isaac A., 88.
Wm., 87. The Hague, 238. Thibedaus, Captain Firman, 332. Thomas, Eleanor, 198.
H. L., 96.
Ichabod, 19; sketch of Revolutionary soldier of that name of Brownville, pp 198 to 200.
Joseph, 198.
Mehitable (Crosby), wife of subject of sketch, 198.
Stephen A., 199. Thomas's Hill, 326. Thompson, Alex, 11.
Alexander, 16.
E. A., Ill, 114, 115, 448.
F. H., 133. George, 17. John W., 23, 25. Justin S., 122. Nelson, 136. William N., 130.
Thompson, Conn., 200.
Thompson Free Library, Dover, 88.
Thoreau, Henry D., 3.
516 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Tibbetts, Capt., 274.
Elder A. G., 78.
Mr., 410. Ticonderoga, 158, 178. Tilden, Rev. H. B., 80. TiUey, Rev. C. C, 80. Tilly, James Alexander, Compte de, 439. Tilton, Susanna, 425.
William, 425. "Times," The, 441. Timisconatee Lake, 293. Tobique, 242, 274, 414, 420, 422. Tolman, Caleb, 29. Tomah, Sock, 4. Topsfield, Mass., 200. Topsham, Me., note 229. Toring, Wyoming, 148. Towle, Josiah, 23, 24, 25.
Mr., 21. Towne, Eli, first settler of Dover, 182, 201, 202.
Elisha, 200.
Elizabeth (Towne), first wife of Thomas, 200,
Ezra, 114.
Henry S., Ill, 115.
Mercy (Foster), 200.
Moses, 201, 202.
Sarah, 200.
Sarah (Burton), second wife of Thomas, 200.
Thomas, of Dover, Revolutionary soldier, sketch of, 200 to 203.
William, 200. Town Hall, Foxcroft, 97. Townsend, Rev. M. B., 97.
Richard, 13. Township No. 6, 168. Trafton, Mark, 20. Treasury, 250.
Treaties, of Breda, 222 ; of Ghent, 225, 226, note 226, 229, 238, 253, 329, 332, 333, 334, 337, 340, (list of books relating to, 342,) 348, 349, 357, 359, 369, 370, 372, 375, 390, 391 ; of Peace,
INDEX 517
(1783,) 216, 219, 224, 227, 230, 231, 233, 234, 235, 236, 238, 239, 246, 253, 254, 260, 265, 300, 314, 335, 371, 389; of Ryswick, 222; of Utrecht, 220; Webster- Ashburton, 216.
Troy, N. Y., 307.
Ti-ustees of Foxcroft Academy, 101, 104.
Tuck, Jacob, 122.
Tucker, Almira, 79.
Tufts, Rev. George E., 80.
Tufts Divinity School, 95.
Tupper, Col. Benjamin, 183.
Turner, Col. William, 193, Rev. B. F., 83. Z. L., 96.
Turner, Me., 86, 88.
Turtle or Marcumpticook River, 398.
Tyler, John, 54.
u
"Uncle Peter and the Bear," 139. Uncle Sam, 210.
Union, The, 176, 230, 249, 258, 266, 269, 338, 340. Union of States, Maine admitted, 118, 252. Unitarians, 94, 124.
United States, mentioned, 137, 183, 216, 219, 224, 228, 232, 234, 235, 237, 2-38, 239, 240, 247, 250, 251, 252, 253, 255, 257, 258, 259, 265, 266, 278, 280, 284, 286, 298, 299, 300, 301, 306, 308, 311, 322, 323, 324, 326, 327, 328, 329, 333, 335, 340, 347, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 368, 370, 371, 372, 374, 375, 382, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 405, 420, 435, 438, 439, 440. United States Senators, 437. U. S. Army, 324.
District Attorney, note 230. Pension Office, 445. Sec'y of State, note 244. Senate, 306, 438, 444.
518 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Universalism, History of in Piscataquis County, pp 86 to
99. Universalists, 75, 124; Eastern Association of, 86;
State Convention of, 86 ; first Universalist Society
of Dover, Foxcroft and Sangerville, rules, etc.,
86, 87. University, Colby, 81. University of Maine, 124. Upper Canada, 230. Upper Madawasca, note 256.
Valley Forge, hardships mentioned, 178. Van Buren, Pres., 240, 242, 252, 254, 270. Van Kleek, Rev. E. A. , 80. Van Ness, Cornelius, 228. Varney, Bowman, 120.
Capt. George, 55.
Jerry, 54.
Mr. and Mrs. George ( ). , 98. Varnum, General, 160. Vassal borough, 67. Vaughan, B. B., 79, 80.
Charles, 88.
Charles R., 330, 331, 333, 334, 335, 355, 356, 358, 359, 360, 392, 393.
Sarah C. , 110. Vermont, 228.
Vernet, Mercy, married John Shaw, 428. Vice Admiralty, 300. Vice President of U. S. , 258.
"Vintnor, " Ralph Shaw, vintner and keeper of the ordi- nary, 424 ; Roger Shaw also a vintner, 424, 425. Vinton, Hiram, 120. Virginia, 444, 445. Vose, Captain, 175.
INDEX 519
w
Wade, Colonel Nathan, 192. Walden, Mrs. Marshall, 98. Waldo County, 319; volunteers, 319. Waldo patent, 10, 11, 13, 14, 36. Walker, Rev. O. B., 69, 72, 80. Wallace, William, 158. Walsh, Mrs. A. A., 81.
Rev. A. A., 81. War Department, 307.
War of 1812, mentioned 174, 175, 176, 225, 228. Ward, Benjamin, 120.
Principal Fred U., 112, 116. Ware, N. H., 193. Warner, Brig. Gen. Jonathan, 160. Warren, A. M., 97. Washburn, Israel, 22.
Israel, Jr. , note 226.
Sally, married Asa Sturtevant, 1 96. Washington, (Geo.), 5.
Mrs., 438. Washington County, 418, 420, 423, 435, 436. Washington, D. C.', 149, 152, 239, 241, 258, 280, 307, 322, 328, 329, 332, 335, 336, 340, 347, 354, 368, 369, 373, 374, 439, 445. Washingtonian Society, mentioned, 107. Waterville College, 72. Watson, Capt., 180. Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, 440. Wavne, Mad Anthony, 195. Webber, S., 96. Webber Farm, Guilford, 184. Webster, Daniel, 280.
Ebenezer, 274.
George, 122.
John, 13. Webster- Ashburton treaty, 216, note 226, note 230,
280. Webster's Works, note 239. Weed, Dr., 213.
520 HISTOBICAL COLLECTIONS
Wellington, Duke of, 277. Wellington, Me., 81, 435. "Wellington Stores," 81. Wentworth, John, 11. West, a deput}^ surveyor general, 420.
George, 297, 303.
person mentioned in John Baker's arrest, 408. West, the, 430. West Branch, 57, 58, 59, 62. West Boylston, Mass., 171. West Cove, 54. West Dover, Me., 157. West Indies, 438, 440, 441. West Point, 161, 193, 195, 196. Westbrook, Me., 175. Western Piscataquis, 434. Weston, Eben, Esq., 23.
Isaac, 4.5,
Nathan, chief justice, first that presided in Piscata- quis County, 90.
Samuel, surveyor of eastern lands, 35 ; letter of instructions concerning sale of lands, 46, 47; his letter to land committee, 48, 49, 51. Wetmore, Thomas, Esq., 243, 362, 397, 399, 403, 406,
419. Weymouth, Mass., 442, 443. Wharff, Isaac B., 45, 46. Wheeler, Rev. F. E., 97.
Whig or Whigs, mentioned, 213, 260, 277, 317, 318; correspondence, 318, 319; governor, 273; papers, 276. Whitcomb, Rev. C. F., 77. White, Capt., 180.
Rev. H. K., 97. Whiting, James K., 120. Whitney, Col. Joseph, 172.
James H., 120.
John, 16.
Samuel, 114. Whittemore's Landing, 129. Whittier, John D., 122.
INDEX 521
Wigglesworth, Colonel Edward, 159, 177.
Wilder, Major Jonas, 155.
Wilderness, 361.
Wiley, James S., 114, 115.
Wilkins, Daniel, 101, 103, 113, 115.
David, Esq., 103.
Isaac, 114.
Rev. Thomas, 104. William and Mary, king and queen, 222. Williams, Norman S., 120.
Reuel, 257, 271.
Rev. Thomas, 101, 103, 105, 106, 113, 115. Williamsburg, 8, 199. Williamson's History of Maine, 435. Willimantic, Me., 1S6.
Willing, Ann, married William Bingham, 438. Wilson, Capt. Francis, 172.
Jonathan, 364, 367, 369.
Leonard, 367.
Mary, married William Chase Crosby, 208.
Mr., of Greenville, 53.
Rev. Adam, 74.
Rev. W. W., 88.
Rev. William W., minister of Dover Universalist church, 90 ; interesting extracts from his diary, pp 90, 91. Wilson, Me., 435. Wilson Stream, 137, 139. Wilton, N. H., 200, 201. Wing, Capt., 325. Wingate, Gen. Joshua, 19. Winslow, Me., 197. Winter Hill, near Boston, 201. Winthrop, Capt. John, 443. Winthrop, Me., 72. Wiscasset, Me., 429. Wisconsin, 147, 148, 152, 430. Withee, Rev. James, 54 ; leader in religious matters in
Greenville, 65. Woburn, Mass., 163. Wolfe, 220,
522 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
Woman's Christian Temperance Union, 116.
Woodbury, James, 182.
Woodbury Hill, Dover, 181.
Woodstock, N. B., 274, note 274, 310, 311, 313, 367,
392. Wool, Gen. John E., 306, 307, 312. Woolen Mill, Mayo & Son's, 104. Worcester, Mass., 370. Worshipful Master of Mosaic Lodge, 447. Writ, a. Province of New Brunswick vs. John Baker,
397. Wvman, Jesse, 92.
Robert, 116.
Theodore, 22, 114.
Theodore H., 22.
Yankee settlers of "Aroostic, '' 365. Yankees, 277.
York County, mentioned, 178, 183, 247, 282, 283, 287, (mihtia, 291,) 294, 303, 305, 330, 397, 403, 404. York, Duke of, 222. York, Me. , note 229. Young, Elijah, 54.
Ichabod, 21.
Oliver, 53.
Thomas, 54.
William, 56.
Wm. P., 30, 31.
Zion's Hill, 211.
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