Gc M. lJ
974 102
W31W OENEALOGY COLLECTION
1151618
3 1833 01092 2828
Digitized by the Internet Arciiive
in 2010 with funding from
Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
http://www.archive.org/details/centennialhistorOOwhitin
i 8o2 THE j_902
CENTENNIAL HISTORY
OF
WATERVILLE
■■•mmmtmmmmmmmmmmmmtmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Kennebec County, Maine
INCLUDING
THE ORATION THE HISTORICAL ADDRESS AND THE POEM
PRESENTED AT THE CELEBRATION OF THE CENTENNIAL
ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION
OF THE TOWN
June 23d, 1902
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Rev. EDWIN CAREY W'HITTE.MORE,^
Editor. ~ ~ ' '^ ""^
ARTHUR J. ROBERTS, FRANKLIN W. JOHNSON.
MRS. MARTHA BAKER DUNN, MRS. ESTELLE FOSTER
EATON, HORATIO D. BATES,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS.
Published by the
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Waterville, 1902.
^
PREFACE.
1151G18
, To make a permanent record of the events of the centennial
ycelebration, to trace the development of the town from its earliest
[settlement, and to give biographical sketches of some of its
representative men is the purpose of this volume. To accomplish
/this within the limits of time and space allowed has been no
easy task, and the book has grown to nearly twice the size that
was planned and promised. Grateful recognition should be
given to the generous labors of those who have contributed the
several chapters of the book. Each writer is solely responsible
for the statements made in his article. Credit is due to Rev.
Asa L. Lane, who gathered from the town records and from the
files of the Waterville Mail a large amount of valuable matter.
Dr. Edward W. Hall has made the resources of the library of
Colby College always available, and L. D. Carver, Esq., librarian
of the State Library, has shown the editors many courtesies.
The officials of the City of Waterville and the town officers of
Winslow, have kindly allowed the use of all records and docu-
ments which are on file in their respective offices. The thanks
of the editors are due to Messrs. Joshua and Charles E. Cush-
man of Winslow, for access to the papers of Rev. Joshua Cush-
man ; to Miss Julia Stackpole for the use of the diaries of Capt.
James Stackpole; to Wallace B. Smith for the papers of his
grandfather, Abijah Smith; to ^Irs. W. P. Stewart for the
account book and diar\' of Dr. John McKechnie ; and to Mrs.
Frank Skinner for the use of the manuscript prepared by Rev.
J. O. Skinner for a history of Waterville. The editors are
grateful to the Executive Committee of the centennial celebra-
tion for their constant encouragement and support, and to the
printers, Messrs. Burleigh & Flynt, for many favors. Con-
iv PREFACE.
siderable material has been gathered which could not be used
in this volume. This, and the many valuable historical papers
which are scattered among the homes of the city should be /
preserved in some safe place for the future historian of Water- \
ville, who, with ample leisure for research and verification, will
write more adequately the history of our city. The more one
comes to know of the history and life of Waterville, the more
does he respect its past and have confidence in its future.
The Editors.
Waterville, Sept. 19, 1902. j
r
ii
CONTENTS.
PAGE)
NTRODUCTION. Preparing for the Centennial. Frederick W.
Clair, Esq 1-7
Chapter I. The Centennial Celebration. William Abbott
Smith, A. M.
Description of the city as prepared for the Centennial. 9
The Religious Mass Meeting 9
The Sermon by President Faunce 11-12
Dedication of City Hall 13-18
The Literary Exercises 18-21
The Illumination 21
The Reception 21
I The Parade 23-27
I The Sports 27-28
KDhapter II. Teconnet and Winslow. Rev. Edwin Carey
Whittemore 29-54
Chapter III. Waterville, 1802-1902. Rev. Edwin Carey
Whittemore 55-IOI
Chapter IV. The Centennial Oration. Hon. Warren Coffin
Philbrook 102-110
The Centennial Poem. Mrs. Julian D. Taylor 111-112
Chapter V. Early Settlers and Their Work. Aaron Appleton
Plaisted, A. M 1 13-139
Chapter VI. Recollections of Waterville in the Olden Time.
William Mathews, LL. D 140-152
Chapter VII. The Military History of Waterville.* Brevet
Brigadier General Isaac Sparrow Bangs 153-224
Chapter VIII. The Churches of Waterville. George Dana
Boardman Pepper, D. D.. LL. D 225-267
Chapter IX. The Public Schools of Waterville. Elwood T.
Wyman, A. M 268-280
Copyright September, 1902, by Dennis M. Bangs.
vi CONTENTS.
page'
Chapter X. Coburn Classical Institute. Franklin W. John-
son, A. M 281-295^
Chapter XI. Colby College. Edward W. Hall, LL. D 296-305'
Chapter XII. The Secret Fraternal Orders of Waterville. 1
Norman Keith Fuller, Esq 3o6-3d
Chapter XIII. Social Life in Waterville. Martha Baker
Dunn 318-33C
Chapter XIV. Waterville Agriculturally Considered. E. P.
Mayo 33i-33is
Chapter XV. The Manufacturing Industries of Waterville. |
Reuben Wesley Dunn, A. M 339-35^
Chapter XVI. Banking in Waterville. Horatio D. Bates... 357-38c
Chapter XVII. The Waterville Woman's Association. Mrs.
James H. Hanson 381-385
Chapter XVIII. The Waterville Free Library. Estelle 1
Foster Eaton 386-392^
Chapter XIX. The Press of Waterville. Henry C. Prince.. 393-405
Chapter XX. Other Organizations and Institutions. The
Waterville Y. M. C. A.— The Stevens Hospital— )
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union — The \
Kiest Business College — Hall's Military Band — The
Cecilia Club — Garfield Camp No. i, Sons of Vet-
erans — Co. H, Second Regiment National Guard,
State of Maine— The Waterville Bicycle Club— The
Waterville Gun Club 406-414
Chapter XXI. The Present Business of Waterville; Some
Comparisons with the Past and a Glance into the ^
Future Business Conditions. Frank Redington 415-439
Chapter XXII. The Pulpit of Waterville. George Dana
Boardman Pepper, D. D., LL. D 440-458
Chapter XXIII. The Medical Profession. Frederick Charles
Thayer, M. D 459-477
Chapti^r XX IV. The Bar of Waterville. Hon. Simon Strat-
ton Brown 478-492
Chapter XXV. The Teachers of Waterville. Arthur J.
Roberts 493-506
Chapter XXVI. Some of the Business Men of Waterville.
Rev. Asa L. Lane, A. Appleton Plaisted and Edwin
C. Whittemore 507-542
CONTEXTS. VU
PAGE
Chapter XXVII. Copies of Documents and Other Historical
Data. Submission of Indians. Pemaquid, 1693.... 543
Letter of Col. Lithgow to Gov. Shirley 546
Records of Winslow Proprietors 548
Grant to James Pitts of Lot 104 551
Settlement of Mr. Cushman as Town Minister, Agree-
ments 556
Muster Roll of Capt. Stackpole's Company. Letter of
Reuben Kidder 562
Epitaph of Richard Thomas 563
Representatives of Winslow and Waterville in Legis-
lature of Massachusetts 564
Militia 565
Sunday School 565
Waterville Incorporation Act 566
Letter of Asa Redington 568
The City Charter 571
Table of Valuation, Tax Rate and Debt 582
Mayors of W^aterville 583
Waterville Social Library, Bill of Books 584
PREPARING FOR THE CENTENNIAL.
By Frederick W. Clair, Esq., Secretary of the Committee of
One Hundred and of the Executive Committee.
At the close of a meeting of the Waterville Board of Trade in
the spring of 1901 at which there had been discussion as to the
advisability of celebrating the 4th of July, the suggestion was
made, "Let it pass ; next year we must celebrate our centennial."
Attention was called to the fact that the old city hall would be
a poor place in which to celebrate and that the new hall consisted
only of a cellar. However the idea took root in many minds not
only of celebrating the centennial of the incorporation of Water-
ville but of preparing to do it in a suitable manner. In Septem-
ber, 1901, at the suggestion of the president, Dr. Hill, the matter
was brought formally before the Board of Trade in a petition
signed and circulated by Hon. S. S. Brown and Frank Redington
and bearing the names of a large number of influential citizens
urging the Board of Trade to call a meeting for considering the
matter of the proper observance of the centennial.
In accord with this petition which was published in the Water-
ville Mail and met with general approval. President Hill called
a meeting of the citizens at city hall October 9, 1901. This meet-
ing was not so largely attended as was expected. However
there was a sufficient number to warrant the promoters of the
celebration in proceeding to business. Hon. S. S. Brown called
the meeting to order. F. C. Thayer, M. D., was elected chair-
man of this meeting and F. W. Clair, Esq., secretary. It was
voted that a committee of one hundred be elected, said committee
to have charge of the centennial celebration. It was voted that
the following named persons be members of the committee of
one hundred.
The CommiUce of One Hundred — Walter Getchell, ^Simeon
Keith, E. G. Header, A. A. Plaisted, C. K. iSIathews, Nathaniel
Header, James P. Hill, George E. Shores, Rev. S. K. Smith,
2 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Rev. G. D. B. Pepper, John Ware, S. S. Brown, C. H. Reding-
ton, W. B. Arnold, Wallace B. Smith, Rev. N. Charland, Chris-
tian Knauff, M. C. Foster, W. M. Lincoln, E. R. Drummond,
S. I. Abbott, W. T. Haines, C. F. Johnson, Dr. C. L. White,
Dr. C. W. Abbott, Rev. G. B. Nicholson, Rev. A. G. Pettengill,
Dr. J. L. Fortier, A. J. Roberts, F. W. Johnson, Dr. E. L. Jones,
E. T. Wyman, E. W. Hall, C. A. Leighton, Geo. F. Davies, Fred
Pooler, A. S. Hall, G. K. Boutelle, Dr. A. Joly, H. C. Prince,
George Overend, C. E. Matthews, L. H. Soper, G. W. Dorr,
H. R. Dunham, Mark Gallert, F. J. Goodridge, Horace Purinton,
Robert L. Proctor, H. E. Judkins, Homer C. Proctor, E. C.
Wardwell, Jules Gamache,'H. R. Mitchell, S. E. Berry, F. K.
Shaw, H. D. Eaton, Arthur Alden, I. S. Bangs, H. L. Emery,
W. A. R. Boothby, A. W. Flood, ]. F. Percival, H. D. Bates,
Hascall S. Hall, Ernest E. Decker, Dr. J. F. Hill, W. C. Phil-
brook, Frank Redington, Rev. E. L. Marsh, G. Fred Terry, P. S.
Heald, C. W. Davids, W. H. K. Abbott, R. W. Dunn, Martin
Blaisdell, Gedeon Richer, Rev. A. A. Lewis, Rev. E. C. Whitte-
more, Patrick McLaughlin, F. E. Boston, W. M. Dunn, L. G.
Salisbury, Frank B. Philbrick, John N. Webber, George Ballen-
tine, C. J. Clukey, John E. Nelson, A. B. Reny, Leslie P. Loud,
Arthur Darviau, Marshall Peavy, Frank E. Brown, Edward
Ware, Colby Getchell, F. D. Lunt, Horace Toward. ^Deceased.
This first meeting had the desired result. The celebration was
the general topic of conversation among the people of the city,
and it was seen at that early date that the celebration would be
a success. The city hall was to have its exterior walls finished
and the roof placed by the first day of January, 1902. It was the
intention of the city government of 1901-02 to do no more work
upon the building. At the first mass meetino- a motion was made
and carried "that it is the sense of this meeting that the work on
the new city building be prosecuted so that it may be finished and
dedicated at the time of the celebration."
October 18, 1901, the committee of one hundred met at the
Ware parlors, called in accordance with the vote of the mass
meeting. The meeting was called to order by F. W. Clair,
secretary of the meeting. F. C. Thayer, M. D., was elected
chairman of the committee of one hundred. F. W. Clair was
elected secretary, and F. A. KnaufF was elected treasurer. A
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 3
committee of eleven was selected by the chair to report a date
thought most advisable for the celebration and to give, as early
as possible, an outline for the program for the celebration. This
committee was to report at a meeting to be called by the chair-
man of the committee of one hundred, the chairman and clerk of
the committee of one hundred to be ex-officio members of said
committee. The chair appointed S. S. Brown, W. M. Dunn,
W. T. Haines, E. R. Drummond, E. L. Jones, J. F. Hill, H. E.
Judkins, Gedeon Picher, and E. T. Wyman. This meeting
adjourned to the following Wednesday at 7.30 P. M. On Octo-
ber 23d, the date to which the last meeting adjourned, the com-
mittee met at the Ware parlors. The report of the committee
of eleven was made by the secretary and was as follows :
"To the Committee of One Hundred:
Your committee has attended to the duty assigned them, and
beg leave to make the following report : It has decided that the
centennial celebration should take place on the twenty-second,
twenty-third, and twenty-fourth days of June, A. D. 1902. It
has decided upon these dates, because it has come to the con-
clusion, after an examination of the records, that the incorpora-
tion and birth of the town of Waterville took place on the twenty-
third day of June, A. D. 1802. It decided that the twenty-second,
falling on Sunday, should be given over to the churches, to have
such exercises as they deem best. It decided to report the fol-
lowing program. Monday, the twenty-third, dedication exer-
cises of the new city building, in the forenoon. Anniversary exer-
cises of the incorporation of the town, in the afternoon, at the
park. Reception tendered to the past and present* residents of
the city, at City Hall, in the evening. Tuesday, the twenty-
fourth, forenoon, parade; evening, illumination. Your com-
committee decided to report the following sub-committees as
necessary. Executive, Finance, Literary, Invitation, Advertising
and printing, Transportation and military. Horses, carriages and
equipments, Badges and emblems. Trades display. Decoration,
Fire department, Illumination, Reception, Entertainment, Schools,
Churches, Music, and Sports.
The report was accepted and it was voted to adopt the report.
A committee on sub-committees had been appointed and made
the following report.
4 HISTORY OF WATERVILLi;.
SPECIAL COMMITTEES.
Invitation Committee — E. R. Drummond, A. A. Plaisted,
Walter Getchell, W. B. Arnold, Mrs. J. H. Hanson, Mrs. N. G.
H. Pulsifer, Mrs. S. S. Brown.
Church Committee — Rev. E. L. Marsh, Dr. Charles L. White,
Rev. N. Charland, Dr. G. D. B. Pepper, Rev. A. A. Lewis, Rev.
G. B. Nicholson, Rev. A. G. Pettengill.
Bntertninment Committee — S. S. Brown, P. S. Heald, Fred
Pooler, Frank Walker, T. E. Ransted, Mrs. C. A. Flood, Mrs.
W. B. Arnold, Mrs. F. C. Thayer, Mrs. George K. Boutelle.
Literary Committee — Rev. E. C. AA'^hittemore, A. J. Roberts,
H. D. Bates, F. W. Johnson, Mrs. R. W. Dunn, Mrs. H. D.
Eaton.
Decoration Committee — Frank Redington, Hascall S. Hall,
Daniel Berrv, S. S. Lightbody, D. M. Bangs, Mrs. C. F. Johnson,
Mrs. H. E. Jiidkins. Mrs. Geo. West, ^liss Eva Getchell.
Finance Committee — \V. T. Haines, F. A. Knanff, C. F. John-
son, W. H. K Abbott, Cyrus W. Davis, Martin Blaisdell, Gedeon
Richer.
School Committtee — E. T. Wyman, John E. Nelson, Horace
Purinton, D. S. Wheeler, J. W. Black, Sara Lang, Fannie Angle.
Transportation and Military Committee — R. W. Dunn,
Edward Ware, R. L. Proctor, W. F. Bodge, A. B. Renv, John
H. Gould.
Horses, Carriages and Equipment Committee — B. P. Wells, E.
E. Decker, F. E. Brown, G. E. Barrows, Frank Paul. <
Committee on Reception — The Mayor and Mrs. Blaisdell, Dr.
and Mrs. F. C. Thayer, Mr. and Mrs. \V. B. Arnold, Miss Grace
E. Matthews, Rev. and Mrs. E. L. Marsh, P. S. Heald, Mrs.
J. H. Grondin, Pres. and Mrs. C. L. White, W. A. R. Boothby,
Mrs. Ann M. Pulsifer, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Flood, Rev. N.
Charland.
Trades Display Committee — E. C. Wardwell, L. H. Soper,
George Overend, G. YV. Dorr, J. F. Elden, S. E. Whitcomb, H.
R. Dunham, W. C. Hawker, O. G. Springfield, E. D. Noyes,
Harry Haskell.
Parade Committee— W. C. Philbrook, W. E. Reid, Dr. A. Joly,
Dana P. Foster, Dr. L. G. Bunker, L. G. Salisbury, G. S. Dolloff.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLK. 5
Fireworks and Illumination Committee — H. E. Judkins, Frank
Chase, F. J. Arnold, W. A. Hager, F. J. Goodridge, W. H.
Savage.
Advertising and Printing Committee — Dr. J. F. Hill, C. E.
Matthews, J. H. Welch, C. A. Redington, J. N. Webber.
Badges and Emblems Committee — Dr. E. L. Jones, F. B.
Hubbard, F. W. Noble, Daisy Plaisted, Mrs. W. M. Dunn, Annie
Dorr, Emma F, Lovering.
fire Department Committee — George F. Davies, George L.
Learned, W. H. Rancourt, Calvin C. Dow, C. E. Bushey.
Music Committee — W. M. Dunn, Llewellyn B. Cain, Prof. C.
B. Stetson, Charles Wentworth, Mrs. F. W. Johnson, Mrs.
George F. Davies, Mrs. A. W. Flood.
Committee on Sports and Athletics — Dr. C. W. Abbott, H. L.
Simpson, John DeOrsay, Leslie P. Loud, H. B. Snell, Charles
Walsh, S. F. Brann.
The executive committee consisted of the chairman of the
committee of one hundred, the secretary and treasurer, and the
respective chairmen of the sub-committees, as follows :
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Dr. Frederick C. Thayer, President ; F. W. Clair, Esq., Clerk ;
F. A. KnauflF, Treasurer ; The Mayor, W. T. Haines, W. C.
Philbrook, S. S. Brown, Frank Redington, Dr. E. L. Jones, G. F.
Davies, Rev. E. C. Whittemore, B. P. Wells, H. E. Judkins, Rev.
E. L. Marsh, Dr. C. W. Abbott, F. A. Knauff. Dr. J. F. Hill,
W. M. Dunn, E. R. Drummond, E. C. Wardwell, E. T. Wyman,
R. W. Dunn.
The committee on invitation was instructed to invite the gov-
ernor and stafiF to be the guests of the city.
Rev. E. C. Whittemore made a report for the literary com-
mittee, in which they recommended a history of the town, a poem,
and an oration, as the literary program for the celebration.
They recommended that the history be published in book form.
The committee were given full power to act as they thought
advisable.
The finance committee was instructed to raise the sum of five
thousand dollars for the payment of the expenses of the
centennial.
6 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
It was voted that the literary committee be given full power
to have written and published a book containing a history of the
town and city. It was voted to construct a centennial arch, and
that power be given to the illuminating and decorating commit-
tee to build the same, after conference with the next city gov-
ernment. Attention was called to the fact that the dates of the
centennial celebration and the commencement of Colby College
were the same, and in order to avoid having the exercises of both
come at the same time, a committee was appointed, consisting
of Dr. F. C. Thayer, Rev. E. C. Whittemore, and S. S. Brown,
whose duties were to confer with the authorities of the college
for the purpose of arr^ging hours and dates to avoid conflict.
This committee attended to its duty, and the authorities of the
college very graciously decided to postpone the commencement
exercises until Wednesday, the 25th. At the meeting on April
4, 1902, it was voted that the regular meetings of the committee
be held on Friday evening of each week.
Invitations were extended to the towns of Winslow and Oak-
land to send official representatives to be the guests of the city.
Right Reverends Robert Codman and W. H. O'Connell were
also invited.
June 2d, Rev. E. C. Whittemore reported that Hon. J. Man-
chester Haynes, who had been engaged to deliver the centennial
oration, on account of poor health would not be able to keep
the engagement and that the committee had secured as orator,
Hon. Warren C. Philbrook of this city. Dr. Frederick C.
Thayer was elected marshal of the parade. A special committee
was appointed consisting of Dr. Thayer, Dr. Hill and Rev. E. C.
Whittemore, and this committee was directed to prepare and
publish an official program of the centennial celebration.
From the beginning the committees had worked with great
vigor, careful attention to detail and in the utmost harmony. No
unpleasant incident occurred in the committees and none occurred
in the celebration. The citizens showed their sympathy by
hearty co-operation : it was notably an affair of the whole city,
there v/as no such thing as class, party, faction or favoritism in
the matter. 1^. lay or Blaisdell heartily recommended in his inau-
gural address a liberal appropriation and the sum of two thousand
five hundred dollars was voted by the city government. The
HISTORY OF WATi:RVILLK. 7
citizens and the corporations responded cheerfully and liberally to
the calls of the finance committee, so that the bills of the centen-
nial are all provided for. Dr. F. H. Getchell of Philadelphia sent
an unsolicited contribution of twenty-five dollars to the committee.
Mayor Blaisdell and the contractors used utmost endeavors to
have the new citv hall in readiness. The city was ready when
the day came for the opening of its doors to its great "at home,"
but it had meant a vast amount of careful, hard and persistent
work.
At all of the meetings of the committee great interest was mani-
fested by the members. The committee did not adjourn at any
time for want of a quorum and at almost every meeting of the
committee nearly every member was present. The sub-com-
mittees attended to the duties assigned them and worked with
energ\^ for the success of the celebration. They made frequent
reports to the executive committee. The executive committee,
at no time found any fault, but on the contrary, have nothing
but praise for the sub-committees. The chairman of the com-
mittee attended all the meetings and his enthusiasm and labors
were unbounded.
The authorities of Colby College co-operated with good will,
postponing their exercises, and lending the committee the use
of their athletic field. Members of the faculty, who were upon
the sub-committees, faithfully performed their duties. The
thanks of the citizens arc due to the authorities and faculty of
Colby College.
CHAPTER I.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
By William Abbott Smith, A. M.
The celebration of the city's centennial occupied three days,
Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, June 22-24, 1902. By way of
preparation for this event the citizens seem to have vied with
each other in the taste and elegance of the decorations with
which their homes and places of business were adorned. Spec-
ially noticeable were the stores and offices on Main street, the
buildings themselves being scarcely visible for the profusion of
red, white, and blue with w^hich they were hung, yet every part
of the city announced its loyalty and appreciation of the events
which were transpiring by donning more or less extensively a
holiday attire. The public buildings were tastefully decorated,
and prominent among the decorative features was the arch which
spanned the square near the Elmwood Hotel. This was so sit-
uated as to show to advantage from Main street. Elm street, and
College avenue. On the north side of this arch over the center
was painted the city seal, on the right of which was a painting of
Fort Halifax, and on the left one of Ticonic falls. The south
side of the arch was tastefully decorated with flags and bunting,
while over four hundred electric lamps provided a brilliant
illumination of the whole.
Along the principal streets at short intervals banners and flags
were hung, and everywhere the city gave evidence that it was
conscious of having reached a milestone in its history, the pass-
ing of which was a signal for a brief holiday, in which it might
look back upon the hundred years just passed with excusable
pride and self-congratulation, and to the future with renewed
hope and confidence.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE).
9
Several days before the time appointed for the celebration to
begin, there was published and put into circulation "The Official
Programme." This contained a complete list of the executive
committee, the committee of One Hundred, and of all special
committees appointed to further the interests of the celebratio|?f
These were followed by several pages of interesting^ f^cTih'erated,
ing to the city's history p?^gPImme oT^flie centennial celebra-
tion was given.
The pamphlet also contained half-tone cuts of the new City
Hall, several of the churches, schoolhouses, Alumni Chemical
Building of Colby College, etc.
But the final preparations for the festivities of the celebration
were indeed the most fitting of all. These consisted of the ser-
vices held in each of the churches on the morning of Sunday,
June 22nd. The capacity of each house of worship was tested
to its utmost, so that a large proportion of the citizens and
visitors were enabled to join in appropriate services at the
churches of their choice. The pastors ordered their services and
adapted their discourses with special reference to the city's cen-
tennial. At the Baptist church the centennial celebration gave
place to the baccalaureate sermon before the graduation classes
of Colby College by President White.
Sunday evening at City Hall occurred the first of the exercises
under the auspices of the centennial committee. For this service
the following programme was arranged :
RELIGIOUS MASS MEETING SUNDAY EVENING.
Religious Mass Meeting, City Hall, 7.30 P. M. Rev. Edward
Lester Marsh, presiding.
Music by Hall's orchestra. Prof. R. B. Hall, conductor; the
Cecilia Club, 80 voices ; Prof. C. B. Stetson, president ; Dr.
Latham True, conductor ; Mrs. Franklin W. Johnson, pianist.
Order.
Overture, selected, Hall's Orchestra
Invocation, Rev. Arthur G. Pettengill
jQ HISTORY O^ WATERVILLE.
. , ^, Handel
Hallelujah Chonis,
Cecilia Club.
Scripture Lesson. Rev. Albert A. Lewis
"Judge Me, O God," Dudley Buck
Mr. Llewellvn B. Cam.
pj.^^,gj. ■ Rev. George Bruce Nicholson
.^/ -r' 1 • T ■ 1 4- '- AUistein
"The Lord is my Lignt,
Miss Eva M. Goodrich.
Selection from iNin... .... Rfiv..\Y^lliam H. P. Faunce, D. D.,
Cecilia Club.
Trayer, Rev. Charles L. White
President of Colby College.
Hymn, Kipling's Recessional
Benediction, Rev. J. F. Rhodes
It will always be a source of pleasure and satisfaction to the
citizens of Waterville to recall this first gathering in the city's
new hall. In every way the opera house demonstrated its ability
to satisfy the fondest hopes of its builders, and to fulfill its
promise of furnishing the city with a commodious, useful and
beautiful room for public gatherings. On this occasion it was
artistically decorated with ferns and palms, with flowers in
abundance. But one regret obtruded itself upon the observer,
and that was that hundreds, perhaps thousands of people were
unable to find even standing room within hearing of the speakers.
This fact, however, instead of furnishing a ground for criticism
of the capacity of the audience room, was only a true prophecy
of the interest and enthusiasm with which the inhabitants and
friends of the city were to enter into the celebration of its one
hundredth birthday. The doors were opened at 6.45 to holders
of tickets which had been distributed through the pastors of the
churches ; and when, at 7.20 the hall was thrown open to the
public, comparatively few of the multitude which stood w^aiting
could find accommodation.
As the evening advanced it became evident that every partici-
pant in the programme had made preparation with full appre-
ciation of the signficance of the occasion. Prof. Hall never
fails to master his audiences, especially when his local orchestra
HISTORY OF WAT^RVILLK. II
is augmented by artists from the ^Taine Symphony. Mr. Cain
and Miss Goodrich are always favorites Vv'ith Waterville audi-
ences, and at this time amply justified the artistic taste of their
many admirers. The Cecilia Club showed the result of the con-
scientious and thorough work of Dr. True. The selection from
the 95th psalm in which the aria was sung by Miss Kate Sturte-
vant was enjoved. Specially impressive, however, was the
rendition of Kipling's "Recessional," in which the audience
joined, and which was certainiv no less appropriate on this occa-
sion than at the Queen's Jubilee for which it was first designed.
The sermon by President Faunce was a masterpiece. To do
it justice in a brief report is an impossibility. Indeed it is only
when every word is emphasized by the strong personality and
powerful magnetism of the speaker himself that any true impres-
sion of the sermon can be obtained.
The following abstract appeared in the Waterville Mail and
The Sentinel, and will give as well perhaps as can be given the
preacher's general line of thought.
Subject — The State, The School and the Church.
The century which has elapsed since the founding of Water-
ville has been justly called the "wonderful century." Men have
discovered more facts, and invented more mechanisms in the last
TOO years than in all preceding history. But the greatness of
our apparatus ought to mean greatness of intellect and character.
The difiference between the old hand loom and the modern loom
is enormous ; is the difference a.^ great between the man who
stood behind the former and the man who stands behind the lat-
ter? What is the use of the incandescent light if it does not
enable the citizen to see his duty? What is the advantage of
travelling at 60 miles an hour if we are as discontented at the end
of the journey as at the beginning? The aim of our civilization
is not to w^hiten the seas with the sails of commerce, but to
develop the simple, homely virtues which are the chief defense
of our nation, the best safeguards of the fireside and the home.
We owe to the state our freedom to speak and to act. It is
said that our New England fathers were narrow. Yes they
were, as Niagara is narrow when it gathers up the waters of the
Great Lakes in smooth, green flood, and pours them through one
narrow channel with the power of eight million horses plunging
12 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
toward the sea. They that live delicately are in king's houses,
but the founders of state are of sterner stuff.
We, the sons of the Puritan, must develop a new sense of civic
pride and municipal duty. Americans have succeeded nobly in
founding states, but they have not yet learned to govern cities.
We shall never learn to govern them until we establish non-
partisanship in municipal affairs. The provision of parks, libra-
ries, pure water, good light, has no relation whatever to national
policies. These are business matters to be decided pn business
principles by men eager to serve their city. The enemies of the
fathers were the Indians ; ours are the spoilsmen. Their devil
was painted red with horns and hoofs ; ours is the sleek modern
gentleman with the Mephistophelian smile.
The schools of this country are the chief bond of national
unity. They are the digestive apparatus of the body politic. It
is a common language, a common social ideal a common love of
order and liberty, a common political tradition that makes the
common school. The army of 16,000,000 children in our public
schools is the best defense of the nation.
Our higher schools and colleges have contributed much to the
national seriousness. In the records of the oldest church in
Rhode Island we read : "This meeting house was built for the
worship of God and to hold Commencements in." Yale began
with 40 books contributed by ten men. Colgate began with an
endowment of $13 contributed by 13 ministers in a village inn.
Colby College was founded by men of the same spirit as Judson
and Livingstone. The profession in those early days belonged
to the noble army of martyrs. Our colleges have given America
much of its seriousness of purpose and lofty ideal.
State and school and church must combine in the making of
men. We are to perpetuate the Puritan type not by mere imi-
tation, but by reproducing the Puritan spirit. We are weary
of conventionalized religion — of millinery and formulas and
heresies. But our age is eager for the religion which can make
men who shall be sturdy citizens, true scholars and servants of
their generation.
Monday, June 2^d, was the city's birthday, and its age was
announced at sun-rise by a salute fired from a neighboring hill ;
one gun for each year of the city's life.
HISTORY OF WATERVILL^. 1 3
In the forenoon occurred the dedication of the new City Hall.
Certainly Waterville could hardly have selected for herself a
more fitting birthday gift than this fair and convenient home
for her officials and this comfortable and inspiring meeting place
for her citizens. If the expressions of satisfaction which came
from the vast throng that visited every corner of the new build-
ing on this dedication day is evidence of the opinion of the gen-
eral public, certainly the efforts of the promoters and builders of
our city's new hall are not without due appreciation on the part
of Waterville's citizens. Everywhere there was manifest a sense
of pleasure and satisfaction that the work was done, and done
so well.
At 10 O'clock occurred the dedicatory exercises in the Opera
House, with the programme as follows :
Dedication of Nezu City Hall.
]\Ir. Frank Redington, Presiding.
Music Hall's Orchestra
Prof. R. B. Hall, Conductor.
Music, The Cecilia Club
Prayer, Rev. Albert A. Lewis
Music, Children of the Public Schools
Miss Lillian Berry, Director.
Address, Hon. S. S. Brown
Solo, Mrs. Antonia H. Sawyer
Address, Frederick W. Clair, Esq.
Music, The Cecilia Club
Presentation of the keys of City Hall, ^.Ir. Horace Purinton.
Acceptance of the keys. His Honor, ]\Iayor ^Martin Blaisdell
Solo, ^Ir. Llewellyn B. Cain
Address, Ex-]\Iayor Hon. Chas. F. Johnson
Music, Halls' Orchestra
Here again, as on Sunday evening, all gave evidence of the
wisdom of those who were entrusted with the duty of furnishing
an appropriate programme for this interesting occasion.
Mrs. Sawyer is always heard with pleasure in Waterville as
elsewhere, and it was specially fitting that one of \\'aterville's
former residents who has gained a national reputation as an
14 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
artist of unusual ability should be heard on this occasion at her
old home. Also the efficient work of ]Miss Lillian Berry as
director of music in the public schools was shown to excellent
advantage by the really artistic rendering of the "Soldier's
Chorus" from Gounod's "Faust," by fifty children from the
eighth and ninth grades.
The speakers were all at their best, as might have been learned
by one far beyond the sound of their voices by the frequent and
prolonged applause which greeted and often interrupted them,
and never failed to stamp the approval of the listeners at the close
of each address.
Probably no man in Waterville has been more industrious and
inRuential in arousing the citizens to the need and advantages
of a new City Hall than Mr. Frank Redington, ex-president of
the Waterville Board of Trade, and every one recognized the
appropriateness of the selection of him as presiding officer at
the dedication of the building which he had labored so faithfully
to procure.
Mr. Redington' s Address.
]\Ir. Mayor, Gentlemen of the city council, Ladies and Gen-
tlemen : I assure you it is with a profound sense of honor that
I assume the position of presiding officer at this first secular
gathering of our citizens within the walls of this splendid edi-
fice, and I thank the official board for tendering me this great
favor. My great grandfather who was a soldier in the war of
the Revolution, after peace was declared, came to Winslow, and
cast in his lot with the people of this vicinity. Afterward he
settled on this side of the river in what is now the city of Water-
ville, and in co-operation with others built the first dam across
the Kennebec river at this point more than one hundred years
ago. Ever since then some of the Redington family have been
residents of Waterville, and you may readily see that the history
of our city is one in which I have much interest.
One hundred years ago Waterville had a citizenship of about
eight hundred souls, and as we come along down the stream of
time we find an almost continuous growth with a lull now and
then which only emphasized the growth. x\bout 1870 it seemed
that we were sinking into a state called by Grover Cleveland
'Inocuous desuetude," but rescue was at hand and the Lockwood
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 1 5
Cotton Mill started the ball to rolling in the right direction.
Since then our progress has been steady and wholesome. Nearly
all of you are familiar with our recent history, and I will only say
that we have reached our present size of 10,000 in good season
to celebrate our looth anniversary.
This building which we dedicate today is a structure of which
we may well be proud. Its career began more than seven years
ago, when was first conceived the idea of a municipal building,
suitable and commensurate with our needs. It has had a check-
ered life, and at times it seemed as if it were drawing its last
breath, but a renewed effort on the part of its friends brought it
into activity once again, and we now rejoice that we have a
suitable home for our city officials, a hall large enough, hand-
some enough, and properly constructed and equipped for all
public gatherings. Here we ma\ laugh, and here we may cry.
Here we may listen to the voice of oratory and the charms of
oratorio. Here thousands may be swayed by the power of elo-
quence, and questions of great moment be considered, debated
and determined.
This structure is stately and beautiful and accords well with
the sentiment expressed by Polonius in his precepts to Laertes
"Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, rich not gaudy, for the
apparel oft proclaims the man," and so it is with cities as with
individuals. It has been said that the world will make a path-
way to his cabin door who does his work the best, even though
his home be in the wilderness, and people will surely find us if
we find ourselves.
I am undecided whether to place the church or the school first
in the order of great benefits to a town or city. Certainly religion
without learning is but a series of superstitions but the two com-
bined are perhaps co-equal in their great results.
Next in order, so far as the past is concerned, I would put the
old town meeting house, wherein the people gathered to discuss
matters of common interest, and settle questions of municipal
needs ; and in this building we have the convention hall, the old
town house remodelled, enlarged, beautified, adorned, and ful-
filled. Some of you are perhaps thinking of the entertainment
element which is introduced, for the human mind is so con-
structed that it needs entertainment as much as the body needs
1 6 HISTORY O? WATKRVILLE.
nourishment. Its desires and demands are God given, and the
man who thinks to suppress them will find himself ever on the
wrong side. In the municipal action which has built this hall
we are on the right road and our future progress depends upon
ourselves. If we in fancy should attempt to reach the source of
all knowledge and prosperity and should ask of the Goddess of
Knowledge the keys to her treasure house that w^e might learn
its secret, she would point back to earth and with a smile would
utter the one word "\\^ork." Work with the hands, and work
with the brain ; this it is that brings results.
But I am not here to speak to you. I am here to introduce
speakers. The first man whom I shall call upon is the Hon.
Simon S. Brown of the Waterville Bar.
Mr. Brown's address was largely of congratulation. In very
appropriate words he congratulated the city on its solid pros-
perity. He paid a fitting tribute to Mayor Blaisdell for his
arduous and valuable labors in connection with the erection of
City Hall and to the builders, Horace Purinton and Co., for the
thoroughness as well as the beauty of the building. He referred
with feeling to the old City Hall and to the men who had spoken
there in the past. Because of what the old hall had been in the
life of the town he thought that it should have been appropri-
ately decorated for the Centennial. Its own centennial might
have been observed several years ago.
After singing by Mrs. Antonia II. Sawyer, which was greatly
enjoyed and greatly applauded, Frederick W. Clair, Esq., was
introduced. His address was fittingly historical. He sketched
the somewhat checkered history of the City Hall movement in a
delightfully humorous fashion. In an able and suggestive man-
ner he spoke of the true policy of the progressive city.
In presenting the keys of the building to Mayor Blaisdell, Mr.
Horace Purinton, of the firm of Horace Purinton and Co., the
builders, spoke as follows :
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen :
On an occasion like this very little need be said by the builder
of the building. What we say here today will soon be forgotten
but what has been done here will abide and will be speaking long
after we are gone. On the 12th day of last July contracts were
HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE. I7
signed for the erection of this building-. At that time the most of
the material entering into the construction of this building was in
its natural state.
The stone for the trimmings was in the quarries of northern
New York and ^Michigan. The material for the terra cotta was
then in the clay banks of New Jersey. The material for the brick
was in its natural state in the clay banks within our borders.
The lumber for the finish was at the mills in Indiana and Georgia
in the rough, the lumber for the frame being in the log on its
way to the mill on our beautiful Kennebec river. It is worthy
of note at this time that the facilities are such in this our day to
bring the material from so great a distance, have it worked into
form and put together in less than a year's time.
Hon. S. S. Brown, who has spoken this morning, has very
kindly spoken of our part in the construction of this building.
In behalf of the members of our firm I thank him but not all the
credit belongs to us. The architect and building committees
have planned and directed wisely, and other contractors have
done work here and deserve credit w^ith ourselves. And there
are others who deserve great honor and credit w^ho are sometimes
overlooked on occasions like this. I refer to the skilled
mechanics and workmen who have taken the raw material,
molded, and built it into this structure, and whose skill and
workmanship will be a joy and beauty to us and generations fol-
lowing.
I want to express here my appreciation of this skill and faith-
fulness with which these men have wrought, many of them our
own fellow citizens.
Mr. Mayor, chairman of the building committee, I thank you
and the gentlemen associated with you for the courtesy and
patience w^ith w^hich you have treated us during the construction
of this building.
It only remains now for me to pass to you the keys and give
the building for the use and pleasure of the people of our beloved
city.
In accepting the keys ]\Iayor Blaisdell spoke briefly of the sig-
nificence of the event, and in behalf of the building committee
and the City Government expressed appreciation of the faithful
and honest work done by the builders, making special mention
2
l8 HISTORY OF W'ATERVILLE.
of the foreman, Mr. Frank Merriman. He included in his appre-
ciation the mechanics and laborers who had been employed upon
the building.
A noticeable thing in the addresses of Mr. Purinton and Mayor
Blaisdell was their kindly appreciation of the work of others.
The final address of the morning was given by Hon. Charles
F. Johnson, ex-mayor of the city.
The Centennial element of the celebration, the connection of
the past with the present, the memory of those whom we revere
and the pathos as well as the gladness of the home-coming of
the old residents, all these found place in an address which was
not only eloquent but in perfect accord with the spirit of the
occasion.
A pleasant feature, unannounced on the programme, was the
arrival during the exercises of Governor and ]Mrs. Hill attended
by several of the Governor's staff and members of his Council.
Hon. Wm. T. Haines of the Council did the honors of the
occasion and entertained the Governor and his party during their
stay in the city.
MONDAY AFTERNOON.
On Monday afternoon the literary exercises of the Centennial
were held at Monument Park. It is doubtful if so many people
were ever gathered into an audience within the limits of the city
as on this afternoon. The expectations of those who had
arranged for the accommodation and comfort of a large audience
by an open-air meeting were not disappointed.
A large platform had been erected against the north side of
the Coburn Institute building. Here were seated the Governor
and party, the executive committee of the Centennial, members
of the city government and visitors. Among the sons of Water-
ville who were there were Hon. Frederic E. Boothby, mayor of
Portland; Hon. J. ^Manchester Haynes of Augusta; Hon.
Josiah H. Drummond of Portland : Prof. William Alathews, L.
L. D., of Boston, and many others. The descendants of many
of the early residents of the town were present and their presence
added greatly to the enjoyment of the occasion.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. I9
The progTamme was as follows :
Dr. Frederick C. Thayer, Presiding.
Music, Hall's Military Band
Prof. R. B. Hall, leader.
Greeting, His Honor, Martin Blaisdell, ]Mayor of \\'aterville
Prayer,
Rev. Geo. D. B. Pepper, D. D., LL. D., Lately President of Colby
College.
Welcome by chairman of Centennial Committee of One Hundred,
Dr. Frederick C. Thayer.
Music.
Response, His Excellency, Gov. John F. Hill
Historical Address, Rev. Edwin Carey Whittemore
^NFusic.
Poem, ]\Irs. Julian D. Taylor
Read by Prof. Arthur J. Roberts of Colby College.
Oration, Hon. W. C. Philbrook
Lately ]\Iayor of Waterville.
Music, Hall's Military Band
Dr. Thayer's Address.
Waterville has rounded out the first century of its existence
as a distinct municipality and today its sons and daughters,
neighbors and friends celebrate this supreme event.
In behalf of the committee of One Hundred, who have had in
charge all matters pertaining to this celebration, the very pleasant
duty devolves upon me to welcome you, everyone, to the fes-
tivities of this significant occasion.
From the east, from the west, from the north, from the south,
you have come back to the place of your birth to lay your tribute
of loyalty and affection at its shrine, to rejoice in its prosperity
and the fulfillment of its first century of corporate existence, and
to you especially do we extend a most cordial welcome.
Our one hundred years stand for more in the way of achieve-
ment than all the previous centuries within historic times. The
most cursory glance at its history reveals this truth, and shows
how its great inventions and their adaptation to the needs of man
have marked new epochs in the development of the human race.
Human life as it now exists in this country would be well nigh
impossible without our present means of transit and transporta-
20 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
tion, without the rapid interchange of thought and opinion, and
the quick knowledge of current events transpiring daily within
its vast domain.
The comforts of life have been vastly enhanced by the adop-
tion and use of a thousand things now called common, all the
gift of the nineteenth century.
Science, art, letters, indeed, every phase of human development
and attainment are greatly in advance, yes, immeasurably so, of
the time when our forefathers laid the foundation upon which
we have builded.
While we may not be able to boast that from our midst have
gone forth any of the great minds which have moved the world,
or that we have given to mankind any wonderful [invention, or
great idea which has changed the trend of thought or action, yet
we may well pride ourselves that we have contributed our share
to the great store of general knowledge, the sum of which has
been so potent in the advancement of the world, in the better-
ment of the human race.
Again I extend to you our most cordial greetings and welcome
you to our hearts and our hearthstones.
To His Excellency, the Chief Alagistrate of this good old
Commonwealth, who for the time has laid aside the cares of
state and honored us with his presence, do we extend the cordial
warm hand of welcome.
To the sons and daughters of Waterville, who by their success
and eminence in the homes of their adoption, have brought
special honor to the place of their birth, in short to all as to those
who have wrought well their part, do we give glad welcome to
the home of their childhood, the home of their fathers. We are
glad to welcome also the representatives of so many of the cities
and towns of our goodly State of ]Maine and to respond to the
good will which has brought them to celebrate with us the cen-
tennial of Waterville.
The response to the above address, given by His Excellency,
Governor Hill, was an eloquent appreciation of what Waterville
stands for in the Commonwealth, and of congratulation on her
progress and prospects. The presence of Governor and Mrs.
Hill and their evident sympathy with the spirit of the occasion
was highly appreciated by both citizens and visitors.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 21
The History, Poem, and Oration are to be found elsewhere
in this vohime and speak for themselves. Xo feature of the cen-
tennial however will be of such lasting value and interest to all
inhabitants of Waterville as the History which has been pre-
pared by Rev. Edwin C. Whittemore, a portion of which was
read by him at the Park. It was the universal testimony of his
hearers that a work of unusual excellence and value had been
accomplished, which the city both now and in future generations
will not fail to appreciate. All parts of the program were
listened to with much pleasure, and the large audience was held
to the end by the freshness of thought and power of eloquence
which each speaker displayed.
MONDAY EVENING.
For Monday evening a grand illumination of the city was
announced, and surely the city made itself more impressive under
the glare of the many thousands of electric lamps than under the
direct rays of the sun. Crowds of people passed to and fro
under what appeared at a distance as a continuous arch of lights,
extending through all the principal streets. The centennial arch
at Elmwood Park was seen to best advantage at night, with its
hundreds of electric lights, arranged in graceful lines.
The center of attraction Monday evening, however, was at
City Hall, where a reception of the citizens and visitors was held.
Hall's orchestra occupied the back of the stage, while the receiv-
ing line extended across the entire front. On the right of the
line were His Excellency, Governor Hill and Mrs. Hill, beyond
them in order were: The Mayor and Mrs. INIartin Blaisdell,
Dr. and ^Irs. Frederick C. Thayer, JNIr. and :Mrs. Willard B.
Arnold, Rev. Edward Lester Marsh, President and :\Irs. Charles
Lincoln White, ^liss Grace E. Alathews, Perham S. Heald, Mrs.
J. H. Grondin, Gedeon Picher, Mrs. Ann U. Pulsifer, jMr. and
Mrs. Alpheus W. Flood.
The presentations were made by I\Ir. John E. Nelson and Hon.
Chas. F. Johnson. The other ushers were: Frank J. Good-
ridge, Dr. J. L. Fortier, Albert F. Drummond, Dennis ]\L Bangs,
Charles A. Redington, George A. Kennison, Dr. J. Frederick
Hill, Frederick J. Arnold, William A. Smith, Harry Dubois,
22 HISTORY OF Vv ATERVILLi:.
Horatio R. Dunham, Harvey D. Eaton, Frank W. Alden, Charles
J. Clukey, Wilham Fogarty, Elwood T. Wyman, Dr. John G.
Towne, Dr. E. E. Goodrich, Henry Darrah.
For nearly two hours a constant stream of guests passed along
the line and grasped the hand of each of the receiving committee.
TUESDAY.
The last day of the celebration was as brilliant and successful
in point of the spectacular as the others w^ere from a literary and
social standpoint. Tuesday forenoon at 10.05 o'clock was thd
time appointed for the civic, military, trade, and industrial
parade. It would not have been surprising if such an hetero-
geneous column as made up this procession should have been
anywhere from a half an hour to an hour late in starting, but
surely if such had been the case all would have felt a jar in the
otherwise absolute precision of the entire celebration. Fortu-
nately the chief marshal. Dr. F. C. Thayer, felt the incongruity
of such a delay beforehand, and had the ability to prevent it.
The procession began to move at exactly the appointed time, and
the whole parade passed oft* as smoothly as though it had been
drilled for w^eks.
The line of march was as follows : Elm street, to Center, to
Pleasant, to Western avenue, to Elm, to Spring, to Gold, to j\Iain,
to Water, to Silver, to ]\Iain, to College avenue, to Depot Square,
to Main, to Elm, to Monument Park where the parade was
dismissed.
The length of the parade was such that any extended descrip-
tion of each of its separate attractions would require all the pages
that this volume contains. Yet it will always be of interest to
the friends of Waterville to have a brief record of this proces-
sion, sufficiently detailed to convey some impression of the inge-
nuity of the many men and w^omen who contributed so lavishly
of their means and skill to make this parade a truly magnificent
affair, such a record was found in the W^aterville Sentinel of
Wednesday, June 25th, and is copied here with but slight and
unimportant omissions which lack of space compels.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 23
THE PARADE.
Platoon of police.
Dr. Frederick C. Thayer, chief marshal, and staff.
Adjutant and Chief of Staff*. Dana P. Foster.
The staff: Dr. A. Joly, Lowell G. Salisbury, Ernest E.
Decker, Cyrus W. Davis, Horatio D. Bates, Dr. J. F. Hill, Dr.
L. G. Bunker, George S. Dolloff, Howard B. Snell, George H.
Groder, Elwood T. Wyman, Hascall S. Hall, Dr. E. E. Goodrich.
Elm City Guards, mounted, Capt. Ray Blanchard.
First Division.
Hall's :\lilitary Band.
Dr. L. G. Bunker, chief of division, with two aids. • .
Centennial float, "Fair Waterville."
Co. H., Infantry, Second Regiment, N. G. S. M., Capt. A. T,
Shurtleff'.
Battalionl Second Regiment, Patriarchs Militant, Maj. Evander
Gilpatrick, commanding.
Canton Halifax.
Canton Augusta.
Society Union Lafayette, Gedeon Richer, commander.
Float showing the first meeting of Gen. Washington and the
Marquis de Lafayette. Two stalwart figures in the dress of two
centuries ago amicably conferring across a table.
Ancient Order of United Workmen, Uniform Rank, Edwin
Towne commanding.
Waterville Cadets, uniformed, Capt. George E. Tolman.
W. S. Heath Post, No. 14, G. A. R., in carriages. Department
Commander James L. ^Merrick in first carriage.
Second Division.
Knights of Pythias Second Regiment Band.
George S. Dolloff, chief with two aids.
Uniform Rank, K. P., E. J. Brown, captain.
Float representing Damon and Pythias in classic robes grasp-
ing each other's hand with the mystic grip.
St. John Baptist Society, I^Iichael Morin, commander.
24 HISTORY OF V/ATERVILLE.
Float containing a dainty little maiden in white, the cross and
banner of the order in one hand and the other resting lovingly
in the fleece of a snowy white lamb.
The Bricklayer's Union, Joseph Preault, president.
Allan Williams, deputy. The masons marched in well kept
ranks clad in white duck suits. These were followed by a float
showing bricklayers and masons of Union No. 8 busily at work
on a structure of brick and granite.
Union St. Joseph, Jules Gamach, commander, showing the
carpenter at work at the bench.
Third Division.
George Groder, chief, with two aids.
Float, "The Village School," a representation of a red brick
schoolhouse, green yard and white fence.
Carriages with invited guests and Waterville city government.
Members of the Centennial executive committee.
C. H. Nelson driving the famous Nelson, 2.09.
Horses from Sunnyside Farm, driven by young ladies, two
mounted, handsomely arrayed.
H. R. Mitchell, the florist, had a beautiful float, consisting of
a monster basket of flowers, tied with white ribbons and
streamers.
E. S. Dunn, the tailor, had a beautifully decorated cart in the
flower section.
fourth Division.
Howard B. Snell, chief, with two aids.
Waterville Bicycle Club with floats of four bicycles abreast
drawing a chariot.
The club followed in double rank of decorated wheels.
Olympia Band of Augusta.
Then came the trades display, complete and beautiful, and
made up as follows :
Otten, the baker, had a handsome display of thirteen men in
white duck with white top hats, carrying white canes. Then
came a brick oven hard at work and after that Fleischman &
Go's, team, followed by the Otten deliverv wagons and a big float
of "Uneeda's," with four girls on the corners, tossing National
biscuits into the crowd.
I
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 25
W. B. Arnold, hardware and plumbing.
L. H. Soper put in a beautiful float in yellow and white on
which rode nine girls. The sides and ends of the float formed
open oval panels and the effect was charming.
The Hollingsworth & Whitney Company had a notable exhibit
drawn by six powerful horses. The lower part of the float was
made up of the various kinds of paper their mills turn out and
on the top of all was a giant roll of paper 148 inches wide, weigh-
ing 5,250 pounds and measuring seven and one-half miles in
length.
The Florence fruit store, four teams.
Singer Sewing Machine Company, one team.
Standard Oil Company, one tank,
J. J. Pray, carriages and harnesses.
The Bay \''iew Hotel, one carriage.
The Dickinson City Harness Store, three floats, one with
bicycles and one with trunks.
Allen & Pollard, groceries, delivery wagon and float with forty
barrels of flour.
Redington & Co., two teams, one a float with a parlor suit and
the other piled high with rich carpeting.
Young & Chalmers had four decorated ice carts of the present,
followed by an ante-diluvian rig labelled "the ice cart of 1850."
Whitcomb & Cannon advertised their meats with an elaborate
and tasty collection of garnished loins and quarters, the team
being driven by a boy in white.
Blanchard, the music dealer, livened the waits with a phono-
graph which was working overtime on the wagon seat.
Proctor & Bowie of Winslow, had a float showing a modern
kitchen, followed by a float advertising Sun Proof paints and
containing an excellent miniature of the block house at Fort
Halifax.
G. S. Flood & Co., coal cart decorated in green and white.
H. C. Haskell, grocer, one team.
Wardwell Brothers had a beautiful float in red and white, a
courtly array with a high throne filled by a queen in red and
white, with a white parasol, while below her sat the beauties of
the court, all in white. The effect was unusually attractive.
Pomerleau had a schooner-rigged float filled with school chil-
dren, the sails of the vessel furnishing advertising space.
26 HISTORY 01^ WATERVILLE.
P. P. Herbst had a handsome float driven by two Indian war-
riors, eight men being busily engaged making cigars.
S. A. and A. B. Green had their coal wagons filled with anthra-
cite and decorated with flowers and bunting.
E. W. Drake, assistant superintendent of the International
Correspondence School of Scranton, Pa., made a good hit with
his Resolution Club in parade.
Dunham, the clothier, set forth the changes in the dress of the
American in the four centuries past, each period being repre-
sented by a youth in the attire of that time.
Cunningham & Smith had a big white shoe on their float filled
with so many children they didn't know what to do. A clown
did the driving.
Armour & Co., had a yellow wagon filled with their products,
surmounted by a monster ham.
The Maine Central market had a tea and coffee wagon filled to
the brim.
Clukey 8l Libby Co., had four representations, including
twenty-four boys in gray dusters with red advertising umbrellas ;
a float with twelve young ladies in white with white and rose
sunshades, the team being decorated with 500 poppies and drawn
by four gray horses with white harnesses.
G. S. DollofT & Co., had a float representing "Our Defenders —
The Men Behind the Guns." The float contained a five-inch
brass cannon manned by four jackies in white.
The Whittemore Furniture Company had a float in green and
garnet filled with couches of their manufacture.
Arthur Daviau, a decorated grocery wagon.
The Ticonic Mineral Spring Company had a float of the forest
primeval with a bark tepee and a trio of dusky braves in their
blankets, followed by one of the delivery carts.
H. C. Shores, milk and cream.
H. L. Emery's dry goods float represented a big round daisy
made of dainty little girls in white with damsels in yellow form-
ing the center.
The Vigue Harness & Carriage Company had a four-horse
float with a bicycle carriage and show window horse of shining
proportions.
The Loverinp: Hair Store had two pretty little misses in a pony
cart, shaded by a rose trimmed parasol.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 2J
J. L. Light, grocery wagon.
W'aterville Steam Dye House, two teams.
Golden Oil Company, Henry Tucker, one team.
Union Farm Creamery, two teams, the latter filled with young
porkers.
W. P. Stewart & Co., grocers, two teams.
Atherton Furniture Company, a wagon-load of attractive
goods.
A float representing the old ferry boat of commerce, filled with
boys.
E. G. Grondin, clothier, a float in which a Chinee washerman
was making the ringer hum.
'Pijth Division.
Payne's Second Regiment Band, Lewiston.
George F. Davies, chief engineer, of Waterville fire depart-
ment, as chief of division, with two aids.
Waterville steamer No. i.
Hose Truck Xo. i.
Hook and Ladder Xo. i.
Hose Company X'^o. 2.
Hose Company X'o. 3.
Hose Company X'o. 4.
Columbia racing team and reel.
■ 1 The "Bloomer/'
Carriages with ex-chiefs of the Waterville fire department.
The summary of the parade is given as follows : Time in
passing a given point, 38 minutes ; number of floats, 95 ; number
men on foot, 594; number men on horses, 35 ; number bands, 4;
number carriages, 22 ; number men on bicycles, 22. To the eye-
witness the procession was one that will linger long in memory.
TUESDAY AFTERNOON.
Although Tuesday forenoon's parade was, in point of display,
the high water mark of the celebration, yet the vast multitude of
visitors which had come with the intention of enjoying a long
1. The Bloomer was a reproduction of Waterville's first fire engine bought
in 1810.
28 HISTORY or WATERVILLE.
day of festivities was not to be left without entertainment. In
the afternoon the contests by the fire companies, directed by
Chief Engineer George F. Davies ; the sports, under the direc-
tion of Dr. C. W. Abbott, consisting of the baseball game between
the Waterville city team and Colby, and the balloon ascension on
the college campus, were amply sufficient to keep the spectator
occupied and interested ; and in the evening the concert by Hall's
Military Band on Elmwood Park formed a fitting close to the
celebration.
No accident of any kind occurred to mar the pleasure of the
occasion. As the railroads sold about twenty thousand Water-
ville tickets, it is a conservative estimate that at least twenty-five
thousand people visited the city during the centennial. Many
estimated the number as high as thirty-five thousand. The good
work in advertising done by Chairman Dr. J. Frederick Hill,
the interest of Maine in Waterville, and the central location of
the city all contributed to this satisfactory result. There was
no drunkenness, disorder or even incivility upon the streets. The
labors of the centennial committee and of its efficient chairman.
Dr. Thayer, were abundantly successful. The public spirit and
the civic patriotism of the citizens were increased and their love
was quickened for the fair city in which they dwell. Perhaps
the most appropriate characterization of the whole celebration
would be, that it was in every way worthy of the city under
whose auspices it took place and whose birth day it celebrated.
CHAPTER II.
TECONXET AND WINSLOW.
By Rev. Edwin Carey Whittemore.
One hundred years have passed since on June 23, 1802, the
Great and General Court of Massachusetts incorporated the town
of Waterville. Today under conditions which place her among
the most favored of the cities of New England, Waterville
gathers her citizens, calls back those whom unkind fortune has
compelled to reside elsewhere, reviews the ascending path of
her prosperity and with tender thoughts of those whose life work
has been given to the past, faces the future with confidence
and with hope. Appropriate is the place (Monument Park) in
which we are convened. On one side, this noble building and
the nobler name which it bears, stand for discipline, education,
sound preparation for life. In the center of the park as in our
history, stands the Soldiers' Monument, the perpetual memorial
to the patriotism of those sons of Waterville who died that the
nation might live, and over yonder is a Christian church. These
three, education, patriotism, religion, have determined the char-
acter of the town's civil life and when sound and productive busi-
ness, as represented by the stores and the great manufactories
beside Ticonic Falls is added, the foundation of permanent pros-
perity is complete.
In order, however, the better to understand and the more
highly to appreciate the century which we celebrate, a glance
should be given to the centuries which were before it. If
Assiminasqua, the eloquent orator of old Teconnet could speak to
Note. Chapters II and III were delivered in part, as the historical address at
the celebration of the centennial of Waterville June 23, 1902.
30 HISTORY OF W'ATERVILLE.
US today, he would narrate events more thrilling than those
which living man can tell though it is ours to record the
unmerited disaster, tragedy and annihilation of his race.
In 1497, five years after the discovery of America by Colum-
bus, Henry VII of England sent an expedition to these shores.
John Cabot was in command and with him was his son Sebastian.
The expedition reached Labrador, June 24, 1497, ^^d after cruis-
ing along the coast for three hundred leagues returned to Eng-
land. The next year, 1498, Sebastian Cabot sailed along the
whole coast of Maine and across ^Massachusetts bay.^ He was
disappointed in the matter of finding a course to China but on
his discoveries England established a claim to the whole country
from Labrador to New York.
In 1534 Jaques Cartier under commission of Francis I. of
France, discovered the St. Lawrence river and took possession
of all adjacent territory in the name of France, thus beginning
the rival claims which were to vex the country for two hundred
years.
Under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth, Sir Humphrey
Gilbert took possession of Newfoundland August 3, 1583, "in a
very formal and solemn manner." On the return voyage his
vessel of only ten tons, foundered and Sir Humphrey and all on
board were lost.
In 1603 sailing from Milford Haven, April 10, Martin Pring
entered Penobscot bay on the 7th of June. He describes the
country and its products in enthusiastic terms but as he found
no sassafras, he shaped his course for Massachusetts.
The same year (1603) King Henry IV of France granted to
Sieur De Monts the whole of North America between 40° and 46°
north, viz : the territory between Cape Breton and the Hudson
river which was named Acadia. Samuel Champlain was the-
most eminent man connected with the De Monts expedition. He
explored the entire Maine coast - and his very accurate maps
were published in Paris in 1613. July 6, 1604, De Monts and
Champlain had ascended the Sheepscot river and had come out
into the Kennebec proceeding as far as Merrymeeting bay. The
1. See Biddle's Memoir of Sebastian Cabot. London, 1832.
2. "Coasting? Voyages in the Gulf of Maine, made in the years 1604-5 and 6. by
Samuel Champlain." By Gen. John Marshall Brown. Coll. Me. Historical Society.
Vol. VII, pp. 242-243.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 3I
Indians were friendly and informed Champlain that the Kenne-
bec and the Chaudiere were the great route to the north, also
that the Indians in this section cultivated the soil. Champlain
set up a cross on the bank of the river and formally claimed the
territory as a part of Acadia. This was the first claim made to
Kennebec territory and it is worthy of note that it was made by
the father of French colonization in America, Governor of New
France and founder of Quebec, Samuel Champlain. In his writ-
ings we find for the first time the name Ouinebequi applied to the
river, the name signifies dragons or monsters and referred to the
monsters whose writhings vexed the waters at the Hell Gate in
the Sheepscot. The expedition of Capt. George Waymouth,
which sailed from the Downs on March 31st, 1605, anchored of¥
Monhegan May 17th. After considerable exploration, the claim-
ing of territory for England and the kidnapping of five Indians,
Capt. Waymouth sailed for home. The claim has been made
that he entered and explored the Kennebec river,^ but the weight
of evidence is against it.- The same year, 1605. Champlain was
again in the Kennebec and heard of a vessel six leagues away
which had captured or killed five natives, evidently Waymouth's.
Captains Hanham and Pring under the patronage of Sir John
Popham explored the Sagadahoc in 1606 and were probably the
first Englishmen to enter the river.^
The year 1607 is notable for the founding of the first English
Colony in New England under Popham and Gilbert at the mouth
of the Kennebec river, called the Popham Colony. The expedi-
tion which was supported by some of the greatest men irj Eng-
land sailed j\Iay 31st, 1607.
August 19, 1607, the site for a plantation was chosen and forti-
fications were begun. The colony was planned on a large scale
and of^cers were appointed. Worship was instituted according
to the forms of the English church. September 23d, the colonists
sent an exploring expedition up the river and on Sunday the 27th,
they were at Vassalboro, where they set up a cross. On Decem-
ber 13 Gov. Geo. Popham made a glowing report of the pros-
pects of the colony: this has been called the first state paper
1. John McKeen in Coll. Me. Hist. Soc, vol. 5. pp. 307-340.
2. "Rosier's True Relation" by Henry Sweetaer Barrage, vol. Ill of the publica-
tion of the Gorges Society. Portland, 1S87.
3. Thayer. "The Sagadahoc Colony." Gorges Society, vol. IV.
32 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
written in America. At that time the colonists were busy build-
ing the ''Virginia," a vessel "about some thirty tonne ;" thus the
first wooden ship built in America by colonists, was built in a
Kennebec yard. The severity of the winter (1608) the harsh
treatment of the Indians by the colonists which provoked repris-
als, the death of Gov. Geo. Popham and the return of Gilbert
to England caused the failure of the colony in 1608.
In 1609 the Jesuits Biard and Masse established a mission at
Mount Desert and two years later Biencourt and Biard were at
the Kennebec. The Cannibas, the Indians of the valley "received
the reverend father with respect and cordiality"^ and the first
Catholic service was held near the Sheepscot.
In 1614 Capt. John Smith of Virginia fame came with two
vessels to the Kennebec on a trading expedition. Though he
spent most of his time in fishing for whales, yet in his book he
says "We got for trifles, eleven thousand beaver, one hundred
martens and as many otters. We took and cured forty thousand
fish, corned or in pickle."- Capt. Smith gave to the country
between the Hudson river and New-foundland the name of New
England. After Capt. Smith's departure, his subordinate, Capt.
Thomas Hunt, who delayed to complete his cargo, kidnapped
twenty-four natives whom he conveyed to Spain and sold into
slavery at one hundred dollars each.
One of the most destructive wars which this state has ever
known broke out auong the Indians themselves in 161 5. The
Indians of the Penobscot and the East were arrayed against those
of the Kennebec and the West. For two years the conflict raged
with all the horrible cruelty of savage warfare. It was immedi-
ately followed by a pestilence, which annihilated many tribes and
nearly depopulated New England.
November 3, 1620 King James I granted to the "Council of
Plymouth in the County of Devon" successors to the Plymouth
Co. of 1603, the "New England Charter." The council included
the Duke of Lenox, the Earl of Arundel, Sir Ferdinando Gorges,
Francis Popham, Raleigh Gilbert and others. The territory con-
veyed was all the land in North America between the 40th and
48th parallel of latitude. Thus when the Pilgrims landed at
1. Governor Lincoln's Papers. Me. Hist. Soc. Coll. vol. I, p. 429.
2- Description of New England by Capt. Jobn Smith. London, 1616.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLK. 33
Plymouth in December of 1620 the territory was already the
property of another corporation.
In 1625 the Plymouth Counctt granted to Gorges and Mason
and others all the territory between the Kennebec and the Merri-
mac which was termed the ''Province of Laconia." The same
year, according to Gov. Bradford, the Pilgrims of Plymouth,
"after harveste they sende out a boats load of corne, 40 or 50
leagues to ye eastward, up a river called Kenibeck." After refer-
ring to their hardships he concludes, "But God preserved them
and gave them good success for they brought home 700 pounds
of beaver besides some other furrs, having litle or nothing els
but this corne which themselves had raised out of ye earth. This
viage was made by Mr. Winslow and some of ye old standards
for seamen they had none."^
January 13, 1629 a grant was made by the Plymouth Council
to the Pilgrim Colony called the Plymouth or Kennebec Patent.^
It conveyed exclusive rights to a territory fifteen miles wide on
either side of the Kennebec river extending from Topsham to
the Wessarunsett river at Cornville ; the patent received the
previous year having been "so strate and ill bounded as they were
faine to renew and inlarge it."^
They now erected a trading house "up above on ye river in ye
most convenientest place for trade,"* probably at Cushnoc
(Augusta).
The Plymouth Council discouraged by its losses and by thei
persistence of its enemies held its last meeting April 25, 1635 and
surrendered its charter to the King. He appointed his Privy
Councillors, Lords Commissioners of all his American Planta-
tions. This board appointed Sir Ferdinando Gorges Governor
General of New England.
The Council, before its dissolution had divided its territory
into twelve royal provinces and assigned these to its members
by lot. The third and fourth lots covering the entire territory
between the Kennebec and the Piscataqua, fell to Sir Ferdinando
Gorges and was called New Somersetshire. Sir F. Gorges,
1. Bradford's History of Plimoth Plantation. Boston, 1898, p. 247.
2. Hazlitt Coll. p. 298-303.
3. Bradford, p. 280.
4. Bradford, p. 280.
3
34 HISTORY OF WATe:RVILL^.
detained by an accident to the vessel which was to convey him to
his new government, never set foot in New England.
On the third of April, 1639, the King conferred upon Sir Fer-
dinando Gorges yet more extensive territory and vice: regal power
over what was called "the Province of Maine." It could hardly
be regarded a limitation of his rights that the Lord Proprietor
was to give to the King a fifth of the profit arising from the
pearl fishings, and from gold and silver mines. Full executive
powers were given and the right of legislation in connection with
the citizens. The Lord Proprietor was to give deeds and titles
to land, erect courts and appoint officers. The English church
was established. The Lord Proprietor Gorges had sent over his
nephew William Gorges as Governor who established his capital
at Saco and opened court there March 28, 1636. As there were
at the time no settlements on the Kennebec, the government of
Gorges was not exercised here, but the Pilgrim Colony main-
tained their rights to a monopoly of the trade with the Indians.
The Indians of the Kennebec.
The French gave the name Abenaquiois to all the Indians east
of the Connecticut river, but the name became gradually restric-
ted to the dwellers in the Kennebec valley. These Indians bore
also the name Canibas, or Narhantsouaks. Before the great
Indian war of 161 5 it appears that the Rashaba or great chief
who lived on the Penobscot exercised a kind of general sover-
eignty over all the Maine tribes : later, the chief of the Kennebecs
dwelt on Swan Island. The tribe extended from Merryrneeting
bay to Moosehead lake and enjoyed in the forests, the fertile
meadows, the rivers teeming with fish and affording a broad
highway for their canoes, an ideal place for Indian habitation.
In the winter the Indians retired to the woods and lakes further
north where they found it easy to secure the moose and deer in
the deep snow. With the coming of spring they descended the
rivers in time to secure the salmon, shad and alewives ; in the
summer they had their scanty harvests and the berries and wild
fruits of the forest. Several important Indian villages were on
the river. At Fort Hill, Winslow, was a large village extending
along the banks of the Sebasticook and of the Kennebec for
nearly a mile. Mr. F. F. Graves who has carefullv searched the
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 35
site has found large quantities of pottery, wholly of Indian make.
Flint chippings are very abundant, as well as fine specimens of
arrow points, gouges, etc. It is noteworthy that no metal has
been found here except beads of pure copper, thus showing that
the settlement antedated European trade and also the village
at Norridgewock where iron of European manufacture, pipe
stems, etc., are found. The village on Fort Hill was probably
the ancient Teconnet although the name belonging first to the
Falls, was applied to territory on both sides of the river. The
only grave yard in the western part of Winslow was small in
extent and was located near the present wheel house of the paper
mill. In Waterville there are no indications of Indian villages.
No pottery is found, but along the river and streams, sinkers and
arrow heads are common. There was, however, a large burial
ground here extending from what is now Temple street to the
site of the Lockwood Mills. When Dunn Block was erected,
the body of an Indian buried in a sitting posture was found.
Many implements were buried with him and about tw^o quarts
of copper beads. About the same time Mr. Graves and two assis-
tants discovered six skeletons in a single forenoon's digging in
the open space at the junction of Main and Water streets. Here
evidently was the burial place of old Teconnet.^
The Cannibas Indians were well disposed to the white men
though the kidnapping of their neighbors at the mouth of the
river and the brutalities at Fort St. George soon made them sus-
picious. It is not to the credit of the Plymouth Colonists that
during all the earlier years of the trade with the Indians, nothing
was done for their intellectual or moral improvement.
In 1643 ^^ Indian who had become a Christian under the labors
of the Catholic French missionaries at Sillery and Quebec, came
down the Kennebec as far as Augusta and told the Indians of
the beauty and majesty of the new faith. He took back with him
an Indian chief whose life had been saved by the intercession of
the missionaries. He was baptized in Sillery under the name of
John Baptist. Later a considerable intercourse grew up between
the Indians of the Kennebec and those about Sillery and in 1646
a delegation appeared before a council of the fathers at that place
1. Mr. Graves has in his collection a stone war club fifteen inches long by one
and one-half Inches in diameter, also pestles and corn grinders.
'^'^-jL'kJA^^
36 HISTORY OF WATERVILLS.
and begged that a missionary might be sent to the Indians of the
Kennebec. They said that thirty men and six women had
embraced the new faith and they desired a missionary to baptise
and teach them. Father Gabriel Druillette was appointed and
August 29th, 1646 started for his mission field. He found a
heartv welcome. After a stay at Nahrantsouak and Teconnet
he arrived at Cushnoc late in September where he was hospitably
entertained by John Winslow the Pilgrim trader. Father Druil-
lette received the encouragement of the Plymouth Company and
established a successful mission called "The Mission of the
Assumption among the Abenakis," ^ at Gilley's Point about three
miles north of Augusta. During the winter he shared the expe-
riencesof the Indians in the hunting season about Moosehead Lake
and by the time of the spring gathering of the tribe had wholly
won their confidence. He had emphasized three things as essen-
tial, viz., to have nothing to do with the traders' firewater ; to
cease quarreling among themselves and to throw away their idols.
After the return of Father Druilette to Sillery in 1647, it seems
unfortunate that the Jesuit Fathers did not see their way clear
to allow him to return until 1650, although three delegations were
sent by the Indians asking his return. This year, in addition to
his missionary labors, he was envoy to the New England Con-
federacy (formed in 1643 ^^^ defense against the Iroquois) and
visited Boston, being the first Jesuit priest to enter that city. He
was honorably received at both Boston and Plymouth and
returned with high hopes for the success of his mission. Again
he spends the winter among the Indians. After heroic service
and other journeys for the public defense his labors on the Ken-
nebec closed in 1652, but he had exerted a marvellous influence
over the Indians who had been won to him as a true friend and
to the faith which he preached. -
Meanwhile the English had been getting more assured pos-
session of the land. The titles to land coming into question,
the English secured deeds of the Sagamores though it is a matter
of question whether the Indians understood that they were con-
veying exclusive rights. In 1648 a Sagamore conveyed to Gov.
1. Jesuit Relations for 1647, chap. X.
2. Father Druillette after his return from the Kennehec was constantly em-
ployed. In 1666 he went west with Marquette and labored at Sault St Mary for
thirteen years. He died in Quebec in 1681.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 37
Bradford all land on both sides the river to Wessarunsett. In
this deed Waterville is included.
The very next year Kennebis and Abbagadasset sold to Chris-
topher Lawson^ the Kennebec land up as far as Teconnet Falls,
which was afterward assigned to Clark and Lake traders in
1653-^
The Plymouth trade with the Kennebec had been declining
for years and in June 1649 ^^ was leased for three years at the rate
of £50 per year to William Bradford, Edward Winslow, Thomas
Prince, Thomas Willet and William Paddy. Renewals of the
lease at lower rates followed until on the 27th of October 1661
the patent was conveyed by sale to Artemas Boies, Edward Tyng,
Thomas Brattle and John Winslow for £400 sterling.
In 1653 the General Court of Massachusetts directed Thomas
Prince to summon the citizens on the river Kennebeck that
they might take an oath of allegiance and arrange a judicial code.
This was done at the residence of Thomas Ashley near Merry-
meeting bay, where on May 23, 1654, sixteen men assembled,
took the oath and in their code of laws promulgated the first
prohibitory law of Maine. It provided penalties for selling liquor
to the Indians as they, when intoxicated, were often guilty of
"much horrid wickedness."''
As the new proprietors of 1661 made no effort for the improve-
ment of their property or to set up a government, very little was
done in the settlement of the valley for nearly one hundred years.
Its nominal government, however, was matter of more interest.
After the restoration of Charles II, Ferdinando Gorges, grand-
son of Sir Ferdinando, petitioned the throne that the Province of
Maine might be restored to him. January 11, 1664 the King
issued an order that the Massachusetts Colony should give
Gorges quiet possession of his Province.^ As this was not done
the King sent over commissioners'"^ who assumed the government
and set up courts on the Sheepscot September 5, 1665. This
action of the King was stoutly resisted by Massachusetts and
the tyrannical acts of the commissioners soon brought the settlers
1. Christopher Lawson was brougrht before the Duke of York's Court at Arrow-
sic on an action for debt by warrant dated Nov. 1, 1665. Sullivan, 290.
2. Sullivan Hist. Dist. of Maine, p. 147.
3. Williamson's Me., Vol. I, pp. 366, 367.
4. Hutchinson's Hist. p. 234: Williamson I, p. 412.
5. Hutchinson's Hist. Appendix No. XV, p. 459-60.
38 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
to the verge of rebellion. The commissioners were recalled in
1668 and Massachusetts resumed control. To avoid future
trouble Massachusetts purchased, May 6, 1677, for £1250 ster-
Lng, of Gorges, all his rights m the province, much to the dis-
gust of the King whose designs were thereby thwarted. In 1780
Massachusetts organized a Provincial government of Maine and
Thomas Danfoith v/as appointed President. This administra-
tion, with some interruption by Dudley and Andros, continued
until 1 69 1 when the charter of William and Mary included
Maine in the Province over which Royal Governors were
appointed by the crown until the Revolution in 1775.
King Philip's War, the first war with the Indians, extended
to Maine in the autumn of 1675. For years there had been
increasing friction between the Indians and the English. The
French had won the friendship of the Indians, sent them priests,
sold them powder and guns and had been their allies in conflicts
with other tribes. The English had treated them as inferiors,
had sought profit in sharp business practices, had been suspicious
and prompt to punish offenses and often refused to sell powder
or guns. With the first outbreak of hostilities the Canibas tribe
retired to this place, Teconnet, to await developments. The
trade upon the river at this time was largely in the hands of
Clark and Lake and Richard Hammond. Hammond had a trad-
ing house at Woolwich, Clark and Lake had a large establishment
at Arrowsic and both had trading houses at Teconnet Falls. The
committee sent by Massachusetts to have general control over
military and other measures of safety. Captains Lake, Flatter-
hall and Wiswell, ascending the Kennebec, met seven of the
Canibas tribe and live of the Androscoggins, ]\Iahotiwormet or
Robinhood being leader. The Indians surrendered their guns
and mutual professions of friendship were made. A little later
Capt. Davis, from the Clark and Lake house at Arrowsic sent a
messenger to Teconnet to remove the arms which were in the
trading house there. He was also to promise that if the Indians
would come to Arrowsic they would be supplied. The messen-
ger disobeyed his instructions by assuring the Indians that "if
they did not go down and give up their arms the English would
come up and kill them." Meanwhile Magistrate Abraham
vShurte at Pemaquid was doing his utmost to secure peace. He
HISTORY OF wati;rville. 39
called a number of the chiefs to Pemaquid for conference. They
complained that their people had been frightened away from
their cornfields, were not allowed to purchase powder and so
were unable to kill any game or venison. Some had died of
hunger. Some had been kidnapped. jNIr. Shurte spoke kindly
to them, assured them that he would do his utmost to punish
those who had wronged them and to restore their captives. The
Indians were greatly pleased, gave up a captive boy and presented
Shurte with a belt of wampum. But the strife went on. During
the autumn about one hundred of the English were barbarously
murdered and the dwellers on ]\lonhegan offered a bounty of £5
for every Indian head.
Those were anxious days at Teconnet. The Indians carefully
abstained from acts of violence but the situation grew worse and
worse. At last they sent a swift runner through the woods to
Pemaquid to invite Magistrate Shurte to a council at Teconnet.
Immediately he set out in his small boat, was joined at Arrowsic
by Capt. Davis and arrived safely at Teconnet. The council
was held in a great w'igwam where five chiefs sat in state while
a throng of warriors stood about the door. Assiminasqua the
Prince and orator of Waterville opened the council. As Shurte
and Davis proceeded to lay aside their arms he said: "Brothers
keep your arms as honorable men. Be without apprehension.
We do not, like the Mohawks seize messengers w^ho come to us.
Nay we never do as you people once did with fourteen of our
Indians sent to treat with you, taking away their arms and put-
ting them under guard. We have been in deep waters. You
told us to come down and give up our arms and powder or you
would kill us, so we were forced to part with our hunting guns
or to leave both our fort and our corn. What we did was a great
loss, we feel its weight." Shurte responded with professions of
friendship. Tarumkin ansvrered : "I love the clear streams of
friendship that meet and unite. Certainly I myself choose the
shades of peace. IMy heart is true and I give you my hand in
pledge of the truth. "^
But the differences between the parties in council were hard
to meet. The Indians must have guns and ammunition or they
would starve. If the whites sold them these they were providing
1. History Kennebec County, p. 41.
40 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
means for their own destruction. At last Madockawando adopted
son of Assiminasqua and son-in-law of Baron Castine cried out :
"Do we not meet here on equal ground? We ask w4iere shall
we buy powder and shot for our winter's hunting? Shall we
leave the English and apply to the French for it, or shall we let
our Indians die. We have waited long to hear you tell us. Now
we want yes or no." Shurte was not able to give a satisfactory
answer. A little more confidence would have averted much
bloodshed.
August 13, 1676 the first blow w-as struck in which the Tecon-
net Indians had part. Richard Hammond the trader had a bad
reputation at Teconnet. The Indians declared that he cheated
them, filled them with strong drink and robbed them of their
furs. In revenge they burned Hammond's place at Woolwich,
killed him and two others and took sixteen persons captive who
were conveyed to Teconnet and there kept under guard.
The next night, August 14, the mansion and large establish-
ment of Capt. Lake at Arrowsic was destroyed. Capt. Lake was
killed and Capt. Davis of the Teconnet Council severely
wounded. Thirty-five prisoners were taken.
In a few weeks the whole county from Falmouth to Pemaquid
was desolated, the inhabitants killed, captured or driven awav.
Then Madockawando and Mugg,-his lieutenant, saw that it would
be a good time to arrange for peace. Mugg was conveyed to
Boston where he arranged provisional terms. Returning he was
sent to Teconnet to arrange for the release of the prisoners.
While here he laughingly told the Indians "I know how we can
even burn Boston and drive all the country before us. We must
go to the fishing islands and take all the white men's vessels."^
Mugg was killed in an attack upon Wells, May 16, 1667.
April 12, 1678 the Kennebec and other Sagamores signed a
treaty of peace at Casco. This treaty provided for the release of
prisoners and for the payment of a peck of corn annually by each
white family to the Indians in acknowledgment of their right
to the land. Among the prisoners returned from Teconnet was
Mrs. Hammond who bore a letter dictated by her captors in
which they boasted of their clemency and fair dealing. It is true
1. Hubbard's Indian Wars, p. 386-391.
2. Abbott. History of Me., p. 197. Notes.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 4I
that we have no record that the Kennebecs ever tortured a
prisoner.
Ten years of peace and rapid progress on the part of the Eng-
lish were followed by King Williams' War which opened August
13, 1688. In this war the French were actively engaged and its
most effective expeditions were planned and officered from Que-
bec. The French had used to the full the religious influence
which had been gained over the refugee Indians who had
ascended the Kennebec to the neighborhood of Sillery. King
Williams' War was one of the most costly episodes in the long
struggle between England and France for the possession of
Acadia and ultimately, the continent. Teconnet was used dur-
ing the early years of the war as a station for captives until they
could be ransomed or sold north into slavery. Hither from
Merrymeeting, New Dartmouth, Sheepscot, Winter Harbor and
Kennebunk prisoners were brought and W'aterville became a
central station on the prisoners' sad march to slavery, death or
long delayed ransom.
^In 1692 Col. Church, on his third Eastern expedition, burned
the fort and settlement at Teconnet, and the history of earliest
Waterville the metropolis of the Cannibas Indians was ended. The
white men claimed that the Indians set it on fire at their approach ;
the Indians that the white men burned the place. In 1693
Maj. Converse who was more feared by 5ie Indians than any
other English officer, was at Teconnet and at so many other
places in rapid succession that the Indians were dismayed. They
were gaining nothing from their alliance with the French and
came to feel that they were fighting the battles of another power
beyond the seas. Their own share was to fight against an ever
increasing enemy and to die. i\ccordingly, August 12, 1692,
eighteen of the Maine Sagamores met at Pemaquid and agreed
to a treaty of peace. This treaty provided for a release of all
captives and was signed by all the Sagamores, including Bom-
aseen of the Kennebecs and Wenobson of Teconnet, in behalf
of ^loxus. The peace, however, was not observed. Later in the
same year Bomaseen was supposed to be concerned in the
1. Hon. Thomas B. Reed in his centennial oration at Portland states, without
citing authorities, that the French from Quebec and the Indians from Castine met
at Ticonnet and thence proceeded on the expedition which destroyed Portland
May 16-20, 1690.
42 HISTORY 0:P WATERVILLE.
destruction of Dover, N. H. November 19, 1694, while visiting
Pemaquid with a flag of truce Bomaseen was recognized, arrested
as a spy and sent to Boston where he w^as imprisoned for five
years. Enraged at this the Kennebec warriors became the more
zealous in the conduct of the war and shared in the destruction
of Fort William Henry at Pemaquid in 1696, and did not agree
to peace until its terms included the release of Bomaseen. Peace
was attained in 1699. Bomaseen was restored to his people
and the captives confined at X^orridgewock, which after the burn-
ing of Teconnet became the prison station, were released.
Meanwhile the man who for thirty years was to exercise the most
potent influence on the Kennebec had arrived. It was Father
Sebastian Rale, He was a native of France, of excellent edu-
cation and of high rank. In 1693 he was sent by the French
leaders at Quebec to Norridgewock where the brothers Bigot
already had revived the mission founded half a century before
by Druillette. With utter devotion, Rale gave himself to his
work. He shared the Indian's lot, sought to guard his rights
and naturally shared his country's hatred of the English. It
was to be expected also that the Quebec authorities would keep
in correspondence with him as the one best fitted to report the
conditions on what they regarded as their Acadian frontier.
Soon he became an object of suspicion and hatred to the English,
They charged him with hindering the formation of treaties and
with preventing the execution of them, and with encouraging
the Indians in their deeds of bloodshed : certainly he gave them
his blessing and the sacrament before they set out. In 171 7,
when Gov. Shurte of Massachusettts, visited the Kennebec in
order to make a treaty with the Indians, Father Rale championed
both the Indians and France in the effort to prevent alienation
of lands and the erection of forts. The treaty was against his
protest. As earlv as 1605, during Queen Anne's War, which
was brought on by French intrigues, an expedition under Col.
Hilton ascended the Kennebec on snow shoes in mid-winter to
capture Rale. They found Norridgewock deserted. In 1721
Rale secured united protest on the part of several Indian villages
against the advance of the English whom he virtually threatened
with the vengeance of France. August ist ninety Indians with
Rale as adviser, appeared at Arrowsic and ordered the settlers
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 43
to leave within three weeks or they would be killed. Regarding
Father Rale as the real source of the disturbances and depreda-
tions made by the Indians who certainly were so fully under his
control that he could direct or restrain them, Massachusetts, in
the winter of 1721-22, sent Col. Thomas Westbrook to Nor-
ridgewock to apprehend the ])riest and convey him to Boston,
The expedition found Xorridgewock deserted, a notice posted
upon the door of the church threatening the destruction of the
English meeting-houses if the soldiers dared to harm it and
stoutly maintaining the right of the French and the Indians to
the territory.^ A box was found containing the correspondence
of Rale and Vaudreuil, French Governor at Quebec, which
proved the complicity of the priest in the plots of the French and
the duplicity of the Governor in his dealings with Massachu-
setts. Enraged at this expedition, the Indians began the sys-
tematic plunder of all the little settlements on the river, burning
Brunswick in July, 1722 and taking many captives. War v/as
declared by ^Massachusetts upon the Eastern Indians, July 26,
1722 and a reward of iioo for the bringing of the person of
Father Rale to Boston.
On the 19th of August, 1724, an expedition numbering 208
men led by Captains Harmon and Moulton, left Richmond Fort.
They arrived at Teconnet August 20, where they left forty men
to guard their boats while the rest marched silently and swiftly
through the woods toward Norridgewock. On the way they
came upon an Indian with his wife and daughter, Remember-
mg the failure of the Westbrook expedition, they immediately
fired upon them lest Norridgewock should receive warning. The
man was killed while trying to escape across the river; it was
the noted chief Bomaseen. Norridgewock was taken wholly by
surprise and the inhabitants fled panic stricken. Many were
drowned while trying to escape, m.any were shot among whom
was Father Rale. Charlevoix's romantic story that Rale came
forth boldly to his death while seven heroic Indians covered him
with their own bodies until all were shot down is disposed of by
the testimony of Lieut. Jaques, that he himself shot the priest in
a cabin while he was in the act of loading a gun.-
1. For letter, see "Pioneers of New France," Baxter, pp. 122-3.
2. Jaques was afterward arraigned by Capt. Moulton for killing Rale instead
of taking him captive. He defended himself on the ground that the priest refused
quarter.
44 HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE.
August 22, 1/24 Capt. Johnson Harmon appeared before the
Governor and council at Boston with twenty-seven Indian scalps
and with the scalp of Father Rale. "In consideration of the
extraordinary service of said Capt. Harmon, the Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor presented him with a commission for Lieutenant-Colonel,"
and a warrant was drawn in his favor for the promised reward
of iioo.^
The destruction of Norridgewock, terrible though it was, was
in reprisal for the destruction of hundreds of homes and many
villages of the English settlers, and it was practically the end of
trouble with the Indians on the Kennebec. Father Rale was a
remarkable man. His love for his Indian converts and his self
sacrificing devotion to what he believed to be their interest were
beyond question, but as a loyal citizen of France he felt called
upon to do everything in his power to prevent the English from
getting control of the country. He was the victim on the banks
of the Kennebec, of strifes, which had their origin on the banks
of the Thames and of the Seine, strifes which destroyed both him
and his followers, but among all the pictures of early Maine is
none more beautiful than that of the priest and the reverent
Indian worshippers as they gathered morning and evening in
the chapel at Xorridgewock. After the death of Rale the
Indians fled in despair to Canada. For twenty-five years there
is little to record. The half century of war had nearly destroyed
both the Indians and the English settlers and as late as 1749 there
were only two white families left above Merrymeeting bay.
September i, 1749 nine of the heirs of the men who had bought
the rights of the Colony of New Plymouth to Kennebec territory
in 1 66 1, met in Boston and became incorporated for the purpose
of defending their rights and opening their lands to settlement.
The great obstacle was the constant danger from the French and
Indians. In 1753 the Plymouth Company petitioned Gov.
Shirley for the erection of a fort at Teconnet Falls. This was
regarded as a strategic point : the highway between ?vlaine and
Quebec was up the Kennebec and down the Chaudiere. Even the
Penobscots came down the Sebasticook to Teconnet and thence
ascended the Kennebec. Rumors were always afloat that the
1. Mass. Council Records, Vol. VIII, pp. 71-72.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLi:. 45
French and the Indians who had been driven from their lands
were about to come down the river with hostile intent.
In answer to the petition, Gov. Shirley proposed that if the
Plymouth Company would build a defensible house for stores
and fort, at the head of the tide water, Cushnoc, Augusta, he
would build a fort at Teconnet Falls.
Under the direction of the General Court which was alarmed
at the rumor of French invasion. Gov. Shirley with Col. Paul
Mascarene, Commissioner of Nova Scotia, General John Wins-
low in command of the troops and several high officials with
800 soldiers, set sail. Tune 21, 1754, in the frigate Massachu-
setts for Falmouth. There 42 Indians from the Kennebec met
the Governor in conference. He expressed his purpose to build
a fort at Teconnet to which the Indians made desperate pro-
test.^ They besought him to build no forts higher up the Kenne-
bec than Fort Richmond ; declared themselves willing that set-
tlers should occupy the lands but were afraid of more forts.
Their eloquent plea was wholly unavailing. Governor Shirley
produced deeds signed by Sagamores long since dead, conveying
the lands in question. Against this fact no words could avail
and the Indians acquiesced though asserting that their ancestors
had been cheated.
Immediately the troops began their march for Teconnet.
There Gen. Winslow laid out the Fort and detailed 300 men for
its construction while he with 500 troops ascended (August 8)
the Kennebec in search of the French fortification which had
been reported. Gen. Winslow was taken ill at Norridgewock
and returned to Teconnet, the command of the expedition devolv-
mg upon Col. Preble, who ascended to the head waters of the
Kennebec but found no French.
In a very short time five buildings were erected at Fort Hali-
fax,- a stockade 800 feet long erected, the cannon and arms
brought up in scows from Cushnoc and mounted and a road for
wheel carriages cut through from. Fort Western to Fort Halifax.
1. "July 1st Norridgewock Indiana gave their answer and refused the fort being
built at Ticonnet. July 2, treaty signed." Parson Smith's Journal.
2. While at Falmouth Gen. Shirley contracted with Capt. Isaac Ilsley as head
carpenter, who was to take with him twelve others for the building of the fort at
Ticonnet. Their wages were to include "the Province's ordinary allowance of
provisions and drink." The bill of Capt. Ilsley was filed Sept. 28, for 82 days labor
of himself and men, amounting to £1660, 10s. Goold's account of Fort Halifax.
Me. Hist. Soc. Coll. Vol. 8, p. 229.
A.6 HISTORY 01? WATERVILLK.
Gov. Shirley who had personally inspected the work was greatly
gratified and highly commended Gen. Winslow and his men. Capt.
William Lithgow, who had been commander of Fort Richmond,
was assigned to Fort Halifax and a garrison of 80 ^ men left in
charge. A whale boat express was arranged running from Fort
Halifax to Portland in twenty hours. The route was down the
Kennebec to Merr>^meeting Bay, thence by the Androscoggin
and across to New Meadows river and Casco Bay.
Gov. Shirley returned in great state to Boston in September.
For two months Falmouth had been very gay. Parson Smith
writes in his diary : "Thus ends a summer scene of as much blus-
ter as a Cambridge commencement and now comes on a vacation
when our house and the town seem quite solitary."
Capt. Lithgow assumed a heavy task. The fort was unfin-
ished. About the first of November a party of six men from
the fort, who were cutting timber, were attacked by the Indians.
One was killed and scalped, four were carried away captive,
only one, wounded, succeeded in reaching the fort. Some rein-
forcements were sent and Capt. Lithgow received authority to
impress men as needed. The winter of 1755 was a sad time at
Fort Halifax.^ As Capt. Lithgow wrote "The fort was the most
extraordinary one for ordinariness I ever saw." The soldiers
lacked shoes, clothing and blankets. The exposure and hard-
ships of the men in hauling their fuel by hand through the deep
snow soon prostrated them with sickness. Of the eighty men
only thirty were left who were fit for duty.^ Five died during
the winter. Supplies ran short and the distressed captain started
down the Kennebec to secure aid. The journey was both hard
and dangerous. Supplies had already been sent by the Gov-
ernor which were landed at Arrowsic and gundalowed to Merry-
meeting bay. By the aid of Capt. Hunter of Topsham and Capt.
Dunning of Brunswick and their men, the supplies were brought
to Fort Halifax. Despite all their hardships the garrison had
hauled by hand to the hill 200 tons hewn timber also 100 tons
board logs and bolts for shingles. The fortification including
. Rept. Commancling Gen. Dec. 21, 1754.
2. Letter of Capt. Lithgow to Gen. Shirley. See Chapter of Historical Documents.
3. Williamson, Vol. 2, p. 302, states that 100 men with five cohorn mortars were
sent as reinforcements in the fall of 1754. The Lithgow correspondence proves
that this was not done, and the Council Records of Mass. under date of Dec. 21
1754, give as reason that there were not sufficient provisions at the fort and at tha
time of year it would be difficult to forward more.
FORT HALIFAX.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 47
the great house for the officers' quarters and stores, was com-
pleted by Capt. Lithgow in 1755. Early in the spring of that
year two men from the garrison who were fishing were mortally
wounded by the Indians. June 11, the Provincial Government
declared war with the Indians and offered $200 for each Indian
scalp and $250 for each captive. Col. Lithgow had now the
strongest and most important fortification in IMaine, but found it
difficult to secure men and supplies. He complains that his
men are lonely, being about fifty miles from inhabitants, and are
over-worked in guarding night and day the main fort, store house
and two redoubts upon the hill.^ Col. Lithgow removed his
family from Fort Richmond to Fort Halifax in 1755.
May 18, 1757 occurred the last skirmish with the Indians.
Col. Lithgow noticed a few days before, some rafts drifting by
the fort.- Concluding that the Indians had used them to cross
the river and that they were intendmg to attack the settlement,
he sent a boat containing an ensign and nine men down the river
to give warning. On their return, about ten miles below the
fort, they were fired upon by seventeen Indians. Two of the
boat's crew were wounded but they kept up the fight with great
gallantry. One Indian was killed and at last his comrades
retreated bearing the dead body and another of their number
who was wounded. It was the final shot and retreat of the
Indians, almost on the same spot where Capt. Gilbert of the Pop-
ham Colony had first met the Indians and erected the cross
exactly one hundred and fifty years before.
The garrison at Fort Halifax, though much reduced, was con-
tinued for several years, in 1759 sixteen soldiers petitioned the
Governor for a discharge, affirming that they had been impressed
into the service and already had served far beyond their time.
The request was granted and Col. Lithgow was authorized to
offer "a bounty of five dollars to each of three men who would
enlist. If they cannot he enlisted to he impressed.'' After the
Peace of Paris in 1763, the fort was dismantled. At the time
of Arnold's expedition in 1775, the large house within the fort
was used as a tavern, "Fort House." Afterward it was used
as a dwelling-house, meeting-house, town hall, where all the
1. Letter to Gov. Shirley Oct. 22, 1755.
2. Me. Hist. Soc. Coll. Vol. 8, p. 269-70.
48 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
earlier town meetings of \Vinslo\v were held, a hall for public
dancing parties, finally a home for poor families until it was
taken down by 'Mr. Thomas and some of its material used in the
construction of the Halifax House in 1797. Col. Lithgow was
engaged in trade at the fort for several years. In 1760 he was
appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Lincoln
county, the first magistrate on the Kennebec above Pownalboro,
and was continued by the Am.erican government. Before 1772
he retired to Georgetown to the Noble farm which was his wife's
inheritance and died there in 1798 at the age of eighty-three.
Abbott states that eleven families settled in Winslow in 1754
but if so they have left neither trace nor name. Among the
earliest settlers were Ensign Ezekiel Pattee, who lived in the fort
house on the hill and kept store. Pie afterward removed the
block house to his farm below the present village. March 12,
1766 the Plymouth Company granted to Gamaliel Bradford,
John Winslow, Daniel Howard, James Warren and William
Taylor a tract of land covering the present Winslow, of 18,600
acres, on condition that within four years they should have fifty
settlers on the premises, twenty-five of them to have families, and
to build fifty houses not less than twenty feet square and seven
feet studd each. Said fifty settlers were each to clear and pre-
pare for mowing, not less than five acres of land adjoining each
house. "^ This arrangement was carried out and was the only
one to succeed of many similar propositions. (For records con-
cerning the Plymouth Grant see chapter of Historical Docu-
ments). Within a few years the names which have remained
prominent through all the history of Winslow appeared upon the
records, viz. Pattee, Howard, Haywood, Crosby, Heald, Getchell,
Drummond, Hayden, Redington, Stackpole, Blackwell, Phillips,
Runnels, Simpson, Town and others.
Up to the year 1771 the plantation was called Kingfield. By
act of the General Court of Massachusetts, April 26, 1771, it was
incorporated as a town, the fourth in the State and named in
honor of General John Winslow of a family which had been
prominent in Kennebec history since 1525. By warrant of
James Howard, a justice of the peace in and for the county of
Lincoln, directed to Mr. Ezekiel Pattee, the Freeholders and
1. History of Kennebec Co. Vol. I, p. 542.
HISTORY or WATERVILLH. 49
Other inhabitants of Winslow qualified to vote in town affairs
met at Fort Halifax ^lay 2^,, 1771, at 8 o'clock A. yi. They
chose Lieut. Timothv Healcl, moderator ; Ezekiel Pattee, town
clerk and treasurer ; Ezekiel Pattee, Timothy Heald and John
Tozer, selectmen ; Robert Crosby, John Peter Cool and Nathaniel
Carter, wardens ; Francis Dudley, Joel Crosby and John Ayer,
surveyors of highways ; Jonah Crosby, fence viewer. At a sub-
sequent meeting summoned ''in His Majesty's name" the ''clear-
ing the banks of the river for the purposes of navieation, and the
hireing of preaching," were considered but no action taken.
March 2, 1772, Dr. McKechnie was "employed to apply to Dr.
Sylvester Gardiner for a tract of land for a burying ground and
for a road leading through his Improvement." This secured the
old cemetery on Fort Hill. In May, 1772. it was voted "to hire
one month's preaching this summer." The road which is now
Main street and College avenue was accepted. Early in 1773
the authorities of Hallowell (Augusta) sent five men in a boat
to Boothbay to carr}- to the town the Rev. John Murray who was
the first minister to be hired by that town. He proceeded to
Winslow and Waterville and July 3, ij/^y baptised three child-
ren of Dr. John ^NIcKechnie. This is the first baptism in town
of which we have record.
In the autumn of 1775 the ill-fated Arnold expedition with
1,100 men passed through Winslow and \\^aterville on its way
through the wilderness to Quebec where it arrived at last with
men half starved, worn out with incredible hardships and fit only
for the hospital rather than the battlefield. Of the exploring
expedition sent in advance Nehemiah Getchell and John Horn
were guides. For the expedition itself a "guide by the name of
Jackins was obtained, living north of Teconnet Falls."
That the Revolution meant more than the mere passing of
armed expeditions became apparent in 1776 when the town
appointed a "Committee of Safety'' consisting of Timothy Heald,
John Tozer and Zimri Haywood. July 8, 1776, the town meet-
ing was for the first time called in the name of "The Government
and People of ^Massachusetts Bay." The general law required
that each town should provide itself with a stock of ammunition,
but there was no money in the Winslow treasury. The town
therefore voted, "To borrozu of Esquire Pattee, 100,000 of
50 HISTORY OF WATERVILLK.
shingles; of Deacon Tozer, 80,000 ditto; of Timo. Heald, Jr.,
4,000 ditto ; of Ambrose Davis, 3,000 ditto ; of Lawrence Costa-
gan, 1,000 clapboards, and of Nathaniel Carter, 5,000 of shingles ;
to purchase a town stock of ammunition and that the produce of
the same or what the same shall clear in the market shall be
assessed upon this town some time in the month of October
next." (Winslow Record). It also voted to hire three men to
go up the river on scout duty to see whether any British force
was approaching, and petitioned the General Court for
defence against the Canadians. Those who served on the Com-
mittees of Correspondence, Inspection and Safety during the
Revolution were : Timothy Heald, John Tozer, Zimri Haywood,
Ezekiel Pattee. Robert Crosby, Manuel Smith, Ephraim Osborne,
Nathaniel Low, Hezekiah Stratton, William Richardson and
Benjamin Runnels. The town had not a little trouble with the
roving Indians who came into it without means of support and
called upon the selectmen to feed them. This was done by
Squire Pattee until the town voted to pay him for 1,000 pounds
beef found the Indians at the rate of five dollars per pound,
which price would indicate either a depreciated currency or that
some primordial beef trust already had taken possession of the
country. Under such conditions it became difficult to secure the
clothing and beef required by the Court for the Continental
Army. The quota of soldiers also fell short and the town voted
to hire "tow" men for the town of Winslow to serve; for three
years or during the war. It is no wonder that the articles con-
cerning preaching and schooling at the town's expense w^re so
often passed over or voted down.
May 21, 1782, Zimri Haywood was elected as the town's repre-
sentative in the Massachusetts Court. The next year Ezekiel
Pattee was chosen and Zimri Haywood, Solomon Parker and
Benjamin Runnels were made a committee "to give their repre-
sentative instructions."
In 1784 it was voted not to hire preaching, not to hire school-
ing and not to raise any money for town expenses. The next
year it was voted to raise i 20 for preaching, i 60 for schooling
and i 100 for work on the roads which liberality was afterward
reconsidered and recalled. In December, 1785, Capt. Haywood
attended the Falmouth Conference with reference to the separa-
tion of Maine from Massachusetts.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 5I
In 1786 on petition to the g-overnor, the plantations of Han-
cock (Clinton) and Canaan were relieved of the taxes assessed
upon them by Winslow on account of their ''greate povertie and
inabilitie." December 3, 1787, Jonah Crosby was chosen to
attend the convention at Boston "to see whether the people will
accept the constitution set forth at Philadelphia, September 17,
1787."
The town was slowly becoming prosperous. The farms were
productive, several grist and saw mills were in operation, the
river afforded means for conveying the lumber to market, while
its fisheries supplied both food and an important article of trade.
In 1 79 1 there were eighty-one polls in town and George Warren,
Winslow's first lawyer, had begun business. In the same year
he petitioned the General Court for authority to conduct a lottery
for the building of a bridge across the Sebasticook. He was
representative to the General Court for that year. An article in
the warrant to set off the territory of Winslow on the west side
.of the Kennebec, was at last approved by a vote of thirteen to
seven. The smallness of the vote probably prevented any
further action. In 1793, however, perhaps to remove the griev-
ance which had caused the desire for separation two collectors
were appointed of whom one, Asa Emerson, was to serve for the
west side of the river. It was also voted that the preaching in
the future should be half on the east and half on the west side of
the river and that the town meetings were to be held alternately.
Several times action had been brought against the town under
the general statute for not having a "Gospel Teacher." Feb-
ruary 10, 1794, at a town meeting held at John McKechnie's it
was voted "to erect a meeting house on the east side of the river
on land to be given by Arthur Lithgow, Esq. One hundred
pounds were to be raised by a tax on polls and estates for the
purpose of building said meeting house." Jonah Crosby, Capt.
Timo. Heald, Capt. Josiah Hayden, David Pattee, Jonathan
Soule, Nathaniel Low and Ezekiel Pattee, Esq., were appointed
to carry this vote into effect. A fish committee of nineteen mem-
bers was to regulate the fisheries for the year. The same year
two names appear in the town records which were to hold large
place there for many years ; Rev. Joshua Cushman and
Elnathan Sherwin. At a meeting held at the house of Elnathan
52
HISTORY 01? WATERVILLE.
Sherwin on the site of the Silas Redington place, Sherwin street,
Rev. Joshua Cushman was invited to settle in the town as a
religious instructor. His salary was to be one hundred and ten
pounds annually so long as he should remain their minister. A
committee of ten, headed by Col. Hayden, was appointed to wait
upon Mr. Cushman and receive his answer.
Mr. Cushman already had seen much of Hfe. Bom in 1759 at
Halifax, he served with distinction in the Revolutionary^ army
and endured the hardships of Valley Forge. He was graduated
from Harvard in the class of 1788 with John Quincy Adams.
At the age of thirty-six he was now to enter the ministry. He
proved himself a man of high character, great ability as a
preacher and a politician of no mean degree. In addition to
twenty years service as pastor in Winslow, he served in both
branches of the Legislature of Massachusetts, was then a mem-
ber of Congress for three terms where he made a decided impres-
sion, and was a member of the Legislature of IMaine when he
died. The constitution and agreement for a religious society
under which he began work, which was supposed to come from
his pen was very liberal so that his society has been termed the
first Unitarian church in America.^
The ecclesiastical council for the ordination of Mr. Cushman
to which the Church of Christ in Canaan, in Pownalboro, in
Woolwich, in Brunswick, in Topsham, Second Church in Wells,
First Church in Kittery, First Church in Pembroke and two
others were called, was received in great state. Twenty of the
leading citizens of the town were made a committee to conduct
the council to the large booth of evergreen erected on the plains
where the meeting was to be held.
March 7, 1796, the town voted to build a meeting house on the
hill near or in Ticonic village. The next day it was voted to
build another on the Lithgow lot in Winslow, the previous vote
concerning it having been reconsidered.
The committee for the west side was : Nehemiah Getchell,
James Stackpole, Jr., John Pierce, Obadiah Williams, Reuben
Kidder. The committees reported March 16 that the meeting
houses should be erected, the pews valued and the choice sold at
1. For tbe "Constitution and Agreement" under which Mr. Cushman became
town minister of Winslow, with the report of the Committee. See chapter of his-
torical documents.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 53
auction, the highest bidder to have two minutes to make his
choice, payment for pews and premium was to be made in four
quarterly installments in cash, corn, grain, any building materials
or merchantable lumber. Such was the beginning of the meet-
ing house which is now a part of the old city hall. Difficulty
arose as to the location. Dr. Obadiah Williams generously
offered to the town the present city hall park as a location for
the meeting house and an academy or school house\ court house,
etc. Then Asa Emerson and David Pattee who lived by the
Messalonskee or Emerson stream as it was then called petitioned
that the house be placed at a more central point. Their petition
was not granted. The house was not completed for many years.
The pews were sold, forfeited, resold, forfeited again. About
sixty pages of the first volume of Waterville records are taken
up with pew deeds and many more with meeting house business.
The first town meeting was held in the new meeting house June
25, 1798, and Elnathan Sherwin was paid $30 for the use of his
house for previous town meetings and religious services. Mean-
while questions of division had been constantly before the public.
For years the matter of the separation of Maine from Massa-
chusetts had been agitated and vote after vote taken in its favor.
The division of Lincoln county and the erection of Kennebec
county took place February 20, 1799. The dividing of the town
usually with the river as line though once a line one mile west of
the river was proposed, had been discussed and voted on again
and again. The expedient of holding town meetings alternately
on the east and on the west side of the river was not satisfactory.
Two collectors and a double set of town officials did not conduce
to harmony. Air. Cushman preached at the meeting houses in
turn, even going to West Waterville one-fourth of the time.
There was no bridge across the Kennebec and when the inhab-
itants set forth in petition their grievances what wonder that the
General Court listened to their prayer and divided the town.^
The population now amounted to 1,250 of which 800 were on
the west side of the river.
December 28, 1801 the town voted "To petition the General
Court to set off that part of the town which lieth on the westerly
side of the Kennebec river and to incorporate it into a separate
1. See copy of deed, chapter of historical documents.
2. Petition for division. Page 54, note.
54 HISTORY OP WATERVILLE.
town," and chose Reuben Kidder, Thomas Rice, Josiah Hayden,
Nehemiah G. Parker and Asa Soule a committee for the purpose.
Considering the circumstances the development of the town had
been worthy even remarkable and when the time of separation
came, the mother and daughter parted without a quarrel.
PETITION FOR DIVISION,
Note. To the Honourable the Senate and House of Representatives of the Com-
monwealth of Massachusetts iu General Court assembled:
The Petition of the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the town of Winslow, in the
county of Kennebeck, being a committee chosen by said Town in Town meeting
assembled, humbly Report to your Honours that it is the wish of the Inhabitants
of the said Town that the territory lying on the Westerly side of said River, in
said town, as it is now bounded, should be set off from said Town by the name of
Waterville. Your Petitioners would in behalf of said Town, beg leave to offer to
your Honours the following reasons:
That the value of the property now owned in said Town is nearly equally
divided on each side of said river;
That the Town and religious meetings in said town are held alternately at the
meeting bouses now erected on each side of said River, and that in several parts
of the year it is very difficult and almost impossible to cross said River to attend
said meetings;
That in the spring season, at the annual meetings held in said Town, the Inhab-
itants thereof living on the opposite side from where the said meeting is to be
held, are frequently prevented by the particular situation of said River from
crossing the same to attend said meeting;
That said River near by divides said Town of Winslow in equal halves;
Wherefore your Petitioners in behalf of said Town humbly pray that said terri-
tory may be set off and as in duty bound will ever pray.
(Signed.)
ASA SOULE, ]
THOMAS RICE, |
NEHEMIAH A. PARKER, )■ Com. of Town of Winslow.
.lOSIAH HAYDEN, |
REUBEN KIDDER, J
That the now Town of Winslow shall be divided through the middle of the
River Kennebeck as the River usually runs across the width of said Town;
That that part of said Town which lay on the Eastern side of the Kennebeck
shall retain the name of Winslow and the part which lay on the Western side be
erected into a town by the name of Waterville;
That all debts except such as concern meeting houses that shall be due from the
Town when divided, or Damages the Town may be liable to pay, shall be appor-
tioned and paid by each Town according to the present valuation;
That Josiah Hayden, Esq., being the only selectman of the present Town of
Winslow residing on the east side of the Kennebeck River, shall, after a Division,
have power to call the first meeting without consulting his colleagues.
The above are articles agreed on by us in a Division of the now Town of Wins-
low, in behalf of said Town.
(Signed.)
JOSIAH HAYDEN, 1
REUBEN KIDDER, |
ASA SOULE, ^Com.
NEHEMIAH A. PARKER, |
THOMAS RICE,
CHAPTER III
WATERVILLE 1802-1902. ^
By Rev. Edwin Carey Whittemore.
By act of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Waterville was
incorporated June 230!, 1802.^ July 13, 1802 Asa Redington,^
Justice of the Peace, issued to Moses Appleton,^ physician, his
warrant to call the first town meeting to be held on July 26, at
the East meeting- house. These were men long prominent in the
life of the town as their character, ability and public spirit
deserved. Justice Redington, the old "soldier of Washington's
body guard "'^ was ever faithful to his trust. Dr. Appleton is
still remembered by aged men who say "He was kind to the
poor."
Of the first town meeting, Elnathan Sherwin, long a prom-
inent citizen of the place, who already had served three years as
representative in the Massachusetts Legislature and who w^as to
serve thirteen years longer, was chosen moderator, and Abijah
Smith, to whom every one who consults the Waterville records
covering the long period of his clerkship, is under obligation, was
elected town clerk. The selectmen were Elnathan Sherwin, Asa
Soule and Ebenezer Bacon ; David Pattee was elected town
treasurer, and the long official list of surveyors, cullers, meas-
urers, scalers, agents, tythingmen, fish wardens, fence viewers,
field drivers, saxons (sextons), pound keepers, ended with the
names of eighteen good men and true who were elected hog
reeves. Evidently the new town was to be sufficiently governed.
At the second town meeting, August 9, 1802, held at the West
1. Act of Division and Incorporation. Wat. Records, Vol. I, p. 1-4. See chapter
of historical documents.
2. See Biographical chapter.
3. Letter of Asa Redington to Hon. Daniel P. Ring. (In full.) See chapter of
historical documents.
^6 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
meeting- house, (Oakland) $i,ooo was voted for town expenses
and $300 for schools. The prospects of the new town were
good. Already through the efforts of Reuben Kidder, Abijah
Smith and others the "Waterville Social Library" had been estab-
lished, which though not large, included books of the highest
class.^ Many of these books are still in the city and it is hoped
that they will find a proper place in the new public library. In
1791 only sixty-three tax payers were living on the "\\'est Side"
but the year following, Redington and Getchell built the first
dam on the Kennebec and a large mill, which movement began
our earliest business boom.- Considerable business also was car-
ried on by the earlier mills on the Messalonskee, the McKechnie,
Pattee and others. Capt. John Clark and his son Geo. Clark had
a shipyard, where in 1800 the ship Ticonic of 268 tons was built.^
The fisheries of shad, salmon, and especially alewives were of
profit to many and of annoyance to others, for in 1804 "the
dressing of fish between Capt. Geo. Clarke's shipyard and the
road leading from Isaac Temple's landing was prohibited.
Waterville became a distributing point for the cargoes of mer-
chandise that came up the river on the "long boats." As the
most of this merchandise consisted of rum and molasses, both of
which came bv the hogshead, it is charitable to suppose that it
was intended for distribution rather than for home consumption.
The collection of taxes was let to the lowest bidder, who in 1804
was Capt. James Stackpole at 5^%- Later as much as 6%
was paid. The most of the money for preaching voted by the
town was paid to Rev. Joshua Cushman of W'inslow, by an
agreement with that town. In 1803 the town had been divided
into ten school districts and in 1806 we find as school committee,
Moses Appleton, Reuben Kidder, Timothy Boutelle, James
Stackpole and Thomas C. Norris, a committee to inspire the
teacher with dread and the scholar with awe. Squire Kidder
was the town's first lawyer and he rendered it in many ways an
important service. Hon. Timothy Boutelle was eminent through
his entire career in Waterville for public spirit and high char-
1. Via Public Libraries of Waterville, by Estelle Foster Eaton. Also Water-
ville Social Library. See chapter of historical documents.
2. Via "Early Settlers ana Settlements," by A. A. Plaisted.
3. For shipping list Virt "Early Settlers and Settlements."
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 57
acter. He served the town, the State, and the Nation in many
official duties and in all with distinction and honor.
In 1806 the mail privileges of the town were g^reatly increased
by the estahlishment of a stag'e line from Norridgewock to Hal-
lowell by Peter Oilman. The old days of the Revolution, when
the mail was brought at long and irregular intervals, during the
winter on snowshoes, seemed primitive indeed, for this stage
made two trips per week.
That home amusement as well as foreign travel was not neg-
lected, we learn from Capt. Stackpole's diary which, under the
suggestive date of July 27. states that he carried his children to
the dancing school .at Col. Sherwin's kept by one. Moore.
The Embargo Act of December 22, 1807, which by way of
reprisal upon England, forbade American vessels to leave port,
was a crushing blow to the shipping of Maine. A town meeting
was called. A petition to the U. S. government for the removal
of the Embargo was presented, but the spirit of patriotism pre-
vailed and the town authorized a resolution approving the
Embargo and chose a committee to prepare and forward to the
President such resolution. The same year it was voted to build
a powder magazine in the loft of the meeting house, probably
as ihe driest place available though that the people were discrim-
inating in the matter of their preaching is shown by their vote
to pay $100 for preaching if Mr. Allen of Duxbury can be
secured, otherwise $50.
In 1809 the fire department makes its first appearance, in the
election of Elnathan Sherwin, James L. Wood, Moses Dalton,
Asa Redington and Eleazer W. Ripley as fire wardens, who were
duly sworn. From that time on some of the foremost citizens
of the town have served in the fire department. It has been to
them a matter of patriotism, an honor and the secret of its
efficiency to the department and a safeguard to the town. The
first engine company included Capt. Abijah Smith, Nehemiah
Note. In a tax list for 1809 so given to Baxter CroweU for collection, occur276
names of reslflent tax payers. The list here given.contains 21 names of persons pay-
ing over ten dollars: Moses Appleton, $19.30; Ebenezer Bacon, S10.44; .James Bur-
gess, 810.18; Thomas Cook, S11..51; George Clarke, S15.62; .Jonathan Combs, $11.11;
John Cool, $11.03; Isaac Corson, $21.28; Baxter Crowell, $13.70; Moses Dalton, $12.95;
Daniel R. Emerson, $10.06; Jonathan Heywood, $10.17; Jeremiah Fairfield, $16.66;
Kaihaniel Gilnian, S23.59; Keuben Kidder, $19.31; Joseph Mitchell, $10.42; William
Pullen, $11.60; Asa Redington, $25.93; Asa Soule, $10.60; James Stackpole, $23.98!
James L. Wood, $31.53.
58 HISTORY OV WATERVILLE.
Getchell, James Stackpole, Timothy Boiitelle, Russell Blackwell
and many others. An engine was purchased. It consisted of a
central tub into which water was poured by pails to be pumped
out by an ordinary pump through a short and leaky hose. Some
one wrote the name Bloomer upon it and the "Bloomer" it was
through the many years of its somewhat doubtful service.
In 1810 Waterville sent to the ]\Iassachusetts Legislature,
Eleazer W. Ripley. He was a Dartmouth graduate, had studied
law in the office of Hon. Timothy Boutelle and had become prom-
inent :n town affairs. He was re-elected the next year, became
State Senator but resigned to enter the army. His promotion
for brave and meritorious service was rapid until he reached the
rank of Major-General. He received the thanks of Congress
and a gold medal inscribed "Chippewa, Erie and Niagara." in
each of these battles he had fought with distinguished bravery
and commanded at Lundy's Lane after the death of Gen. Brown.
He remained in the regular army until 1820 and was afterward
Congressman from Louisiana. During the War of 181 2 Elna-
than Sherwin was lieutenant-colonel commanding the First Regi-
ment in the 2nd Brigade of the 8th Division. Of that regiment
Joseph H. Hallett was quartermaster ; jMoses Appleton, surgeon ;
David AA^heeler, paymaster; and Jedekiah Belknap, chaplain.
Capt. Dean Bangs' company belonged to Chandler's Battalion of
Aitillery and included some men from Vassalboro. Capt.
Joseph Hitching's company (29 men) and Capt. William Pul-
len's company (40 men) were raised in \\'aterville. Waterville
was invaded but once during the war. Great alarm was raised
one afternoon by the report that an armed force was marching
upon the town. Preparations for defense were rapidly made
and the bravest youths started out to meet the foe and to defend
their homes. The enemy, when met, proved to be the crew, who
were marching across from the Penobscot, of the U. S. vessel,
Adams, which her commander had burned to keep her from fall-
ing intc the hands of the enemy. The friendly foes soon entered
the town and the event was celebrated in what was considered
the appropriate manner. At that time whiskey was made on
Silver street.
In 1814 the largest ship ever built here, the Francis and Sarah,
290 tons, was successfully launched. The carrying trade on the
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. • 59
river now became regularly established and a lively trade in
lumber, farm products, groceries, etc., followed the proclamation
of peace in 181 5.
I'he next important event in the history of the town vras the
establishment here of the Maine Literary and Theological Insti-
tution, afterward U'aterville, now Colby college.^ A charter
was granted by the General Court of ]\Iassachusetts, February 27,
1813, and after the question of location in the township No. 3, on
the Penobscot, then practically a wilderness which had been
granted by the Legislature, or in Bloomiield (Skowhegan) or
in Fannington or in Waterville, had been decided by the trustees
in favor of Waterville, the Vaughan lot of 179 acres was pur-
chased of R. A. Gardiner for $1897.50. In 18 16 the town had
voted to raise $3,000 for the benefit of the institution should it
be located here. For some reason this money was not paid.
On the arrival of President Jeremiah Chaplin in 1818, theo-
logical instruction began and the literary department was opened
with the coming of Prof. Avery Briggs in 18 19. The history of
the college, written by one qualified by long and valuable service
in it, appears in Chapter X. The college has brought to the
tov\n in the roll of its presidents and professors, a large number
of eminent citizens, men who have been interested in all that
pertains to the life of the town and by voice and influence have
sought its good. It has created an intellectual atmosphere,
stimulating to thought and high conceptions of life, which has
led many of the youth of the town to seek instruction within its
halls and has benefitted a far wider circle. It has brought
together a large number of youth representing the best life of
the communities from which they came and has trained them
for useful lives. The actual business of the college is no small
item in the transactions and profits of the town. But the
supreme advantage has been the continued residence of pro-
fessors and their families, who bv work and influence in social,
1. As early as 1788 Dr. Obadiab Williams adflressed a letter to Doctor N. Whit-
aker of Canaan, Me., with reference to the best location for a college, and the
method of establishing such an institution. The answer, dated May 5, 1788, is in
possession of Mr. Wallace B. Smith, grandson of Dr. Williams. The first sen-
tences are as follows :
"Sir— Your fav'r of April 30th came to hand last Friday. I have weighed the
contents. Am agreeably affected by the noble and important design of erecting
a Seminary of learning in these parts, where little skill is required to discern a
too hasty return to a state of Barbarism."
6o . HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
religious and civic life have conferred an inestimable benefit upon
the community. The names of Prof. Keely, Prof. Hamlin, Prof.
Loomis, President Champlin, Prof. Smith, Prof. Foster, Prof.
Lvford, Prof. Hall, Prof. Elder, Prof. Taylor, Prof. Warren
and others who long resided in the town should receive honor-
able mention. The great gift of money which is to broaden and
to establish Colby's foundation, to supply her needs and open
higher possibilities is yet to come. The financial question has
been a troublesome one but in darkest hours the town always has
come to the relief of the college.^ Especially close and har-
monious did the relations of the college and the town become
during the administration of President Nathaniel Butler and in
this closer union which he secured is possibility of great mutual
good. The annual festival of the town has been the college com-
mencement, and even now it enhances the glory of the Centennial.
A son of President Chaplin writes of the first Commencement
Day : "What a day it was ! The grand festival was to be held in
the so-called meeting house that belonged to nobody in particular.
The morning opened grandly. From miles around and from
distant towns the people flocked to the new Olympic. The vil-
lage was literally crowded with strangers to see this new wonder.
Stands for the sale of gingerbread, pies and cakes, cheese, cider
and beer were on every hand. The people were on tiptoe of
expectation. At length, about to o'clock, the college bell rang
out its hilarious peal. The procession was seen advancing
toward the center of the village. The Governor of the State,
the marshal with his stafif, the trustees, the president with his
silk robe and official hat, the professors in their silk gowns, the
graduating class, a duet composed of George Dana Boardman
and Ephraim Tripp also in their gowns, the rest of the students,
citizens, etc., the whole preceded by a military company (the
Waterville Artillery) and a band of music. Oh it was mag-
nificent ! On. on, it came till it reached the meeting house.
There was a halt. The procession parted ; the great and the
1. In 1840 when the college broke down for lack of money and its professors
resigned, Mr. Lucius Allen made strenuous efforts in its behalf. He secured the
holding of a public meeting over which Hon. Timothy Boutelle presided. Stephen
Stark undertook to collect money for the college and so liberal was the response
that $50,000 were subscribed. Widow Caffrey, the hard-working and loyal keeper
of the Commons House, subscribed fifty dollars.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 6l
noble and the wise passed in first and then, as the rear were
entering, the outside crowd, no longer able to endure the sus-
pense, rushed for the door determined to find entrance. For a
few moments there was a fearful struggle. Order, however, was
restored. The exercises began when, in a few minutes, the tor-
rent, which had flowed so frightfully into the house, took a reflex
turn. Out they came, they had seen the elephant and were sat-
isfied.
The coming of Dr. Chaplin to Waterville meant also the estab-
lishment of regular religious services on Sunday in the old
meeting house. Very soon the Baptist church was organized
with twenty members. This took place at the ''Wood House"
where the Elmwood Hotel now stands. The church was served
by the president and professors of the college in an unpaid pas-
torate of ten years. It held its meetings in various locations in
the town until the erection of its fine meeting house in 1826 on
land presented by Hon. Timothy Boutelle.
In 1 814 the old Waterville Bank was chartered, erected a one-
story building on lower Main street, chose Nathaniel Giiman as
president and Asa Redington, Jr., as cashier. The name was
afterward changed to "Ticonic Bank." It has had connected
with it many of the financial leaders of the town and for thirty-
eight years had the efficient and successful service of A. A.
Plaisted, Esq., as cashier.
The town had repeatedly put itself on record as in favor of
the separation of Maine from Massachusetts and in September,
1 81 9, chose Abijah Smith and Ebenezer Bacon to attend the
convention called at Portland for the formation of a State Consti-
tution. The draft then drawn was accepted and Maine became
an independent state, Alarch 15, 1820. The vote for William
King for Governor was practically unanimous. Baxter Crowell
v/as elected representative to the Maine Legislature.
As previously noted the trade of the early days included the
sale of liquors to a great extent. The regulation of the sale was
In the hands of the town. In 1821, 12 licenses were issued by
the town at S6 each, in 1822, 16; in 1823, 34. This was the
high water, say rather, the low water mark in the town's liquor
business.
May 23d, 1823 the first number of the first newspaper pub-
lished in the town v/as issued. It was the Waterville Intelli-
62 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
gencer. It was published by \Vm. Hastings, and printed by John
Burleigh. The proprietor, in his first issue, states his satisfac-
tion that more than i,ooo subscribers had been obtained and a
printer engaged "who to correct morals, and the requisite skill
in typography adds a capital sufficient for all the exigencies of
his employment." The paper was under the auspices of the
college and was designed as a State paper for the Baptist denom-
ination. It was able and instructive but local news found small
place within it. It became, in 1828, the foundation of Zion's
Advocate.
The town was growing rapidly. Ticonic bridge, a wooden
structure built by private parties as a toll bridge, was opened to
the public and the good effect upon the business of the town was
apparent. There was competition in the stage business between
here and Augusta. Seth Robins ran an extra stage at a fare
of seventy-five cents. The regular line of Washburne mail
stages charged one dollar for passage and left "on Mondays,
Wednesdays and Fridays at 4 o'clock in the morning."
An echo comes to us today from the direction of the Cecilia
Club, from the "Waterville Branch of the Northern Harmonic
Society," John Hovey, Sec, but the echo is not descriptive. We
have the very record book of the Ticonick Debating Society,
organized September 18, 1824 and including in its membership
the leading men in the town. Great questions were investigated
by committees and debated with all possible deference to parlia-
mentary usage. Among the members were Abijah Smith, R.
A. L. Codman, Eben F. Bacon, James Stackpole, Jr., Samuel
Wells, Geo. Stickney, William Richards, Alpheus Lyon, Clark
Lillybridge, Julius A Men, William Hastings, W. P. Norton,
Johnson Williams, Asher Hinds, James Burleigh, Lemuel Paine,
Asa Redington, Jr., Eliphalet Gow, Samuel Plaisted, Herman
Stevens and others. The next prominent debating society was
the Waterville Lyceum, organized in 1837. The secretary and
moving spirit in this enterprise was William Mathews. After
two years of debate there was silence, broken however, when
the Waterville Debating Society was formed in 184T with M.
S. Chase as secretary. This society had a long and influential
list of members but after one brief season we read in the record :
"Adjourned then to the party." The society has not reas-
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 63
seiiibled. The records of the above societies are in the possession
of E. R. Drummond, Esq.
Though Waterville always has been generous in the matter
of her pubHc schools, private and corporation schools have been
quite a feature of the school life of the town. In 1823 Miss Pet-
tengill had here a school for the education of young ladies. The
next year ^Ir. John Butler and Miss Lewis opened a school
which with its modern methods and apparatus won enthusiastic
approval. Such teaching has continued from that time to the
days of Miss Julia Stackpole and has been a special work of great
importance.
The Liberal Institute under the patronage of the Universalist
church did good work until it became apparent that the field was
already supplied.
The great freshet of March 25-7, 1826, carried away a part
of Ticonic bridge which immediately was rebuilt. The Fourth
of July was usually celebrated but the semi-centennial of the
Declaration of Independence was observed in a more formal
w^ay. The procession formed at Dow's Hotel at 11 o'clock and
led by a band of music and the Waterville Artillery, Col. John-
son \\'illiams in command, proceeded down Silver street, up
Back street. (Elm) and down Main to the meeting house where
a sensible and patriotic oration was pronounced by Samuel
Wells, Esq. Thence to the hotel "where a dinner was served
by Mr. Dow in his usual style of elegance and liberality."
Timothy Boutelle presided with ]\Ioses Appleton and James
Stackpole as vice-presidents. Responses were given to thir-
teen regular toasts while several volunteers contributed to the
rhetorical splendor of the day.
In the same year Wm. Hastings established a circulating
library of well selected books which were loaned at the rate of
four cents per week.
In 1S27 Waterville in open town meeting adopted very forcible
resolutions of sympathy with the Greeks in their struggle against
Turkey. The feeling throughout New England was intense,
greater than that aroused for Cuba in her recent struggle for
liberty and equalled only by New England's compassion for the
slave.
The location of the State capitol was under discussion but as
the Waterville Board of Trade had not yet been born the capitol
64 HISTORY OP" WATERVILLi:.
was allowed to get stranded on the Augusta hills twenty miles
helow its logical and proper location at W'aterville. For two
years Col. Abert, under employment of the U. S. Government,
had been making surveys of the Kennebec with a view to secur-
ing a waterway to Canada. In 1828 the Colonel recommended
the building of a canal around the falls from Ticonic Bay to
Kendall's Mills. Local facilities for traveling were improved
the same year by the introduction of plank sidewalks. The first
theatrical performance given in town was at the old cotton mill
on the ]\Iessalonskee and the Waterville \\'atchman, which in an
unguarded moment had advertised it, atoned for the error by
printing several articles upon the evils of the theatre.
Notable events in the year were the erection and opening of
\\'aterville Academy (vid. chapter on Coburn Institute), the
ordination of Harvey Fitz as pastor of the Baptist church, an
attempt to rob the bank and the accident to ''The Eagle."
In 1830 a village corporation was formed which adopted an
extensive and stringent code of "By-laws" and appointed an
inspector of police to put them into eftect. It w'as forbidden on
penalty of fine to carry a lighted pipe or cigar on the sidewalk
or to allow even the chimney of one's house to burn out. The
boys v^ere not allowed to play ball or throw snowballs on the
street, or "to steal rides on the rear of carts or wagons."
The great freshet in 1832 remained for seventy years without
an equal. Very cold weather extending to the middle of May
kept the frost in the ground, and the snow from melting. Then
Vvarm weather and five days of continuous rain brought on the
deluge. May 22 the river reached its greatest height. Part of
the bridge, the Redington saw mill and other buildings, like many
offenders who first and last have gotten out of order, went down
to Augusta. The losses along the river were very heavy. June
I, 1832, the "Ticonic" the first steamboat to visit Waterville
arrived. This was a stern-wheeler built at Gardiner. It was
received with the firing of cannon, the ringing of bells and every
expression of jubilant welcome. It was the beginning of steam-
boat traffic which increased and prospered until the coming of
the railways. The Moors, the Getchells and others w^ere inter-
ested in the building and management of steamers and soon quite
a fleet was owned here. Sometimes as many as six Waterville
steamboats could be seen at the wharves. Rival companies
reduced the passenger rates until it became possible to bi y a
]11 STORY OT' WATERVILLE. 65
ticket from Waterville to Boston for one dollar. Capt. Geo.
Jewell is well remembered by many as for many years com-
mander of river steamboats.
In the summer of 1832 Wm. Lloyd Garrison visited Water-
ville and gave an address on the slavery question. It aroused
great interest among the students who, on the 4th of July formed
an Anti-Slavery Society. Their celebration was so boisterous as
to call out the censure of President Chaplin. In a second after-
chapel address on the subject he compared the noise to the bray-
ing of so many wild asses. The students sprang to their feet
and demanded that he should retract his charge and then left the
chapel. Expulsion was then threatened but the students declared
that if one went all would go. President Chaplin and two of the
professors then resigned and left the institution. The service of
the president had been of the highest order, as the memorial
tablet in the chapel testifies he was the "auctor" of the college,
and misunderstanding rather than fault on either side was the
unfortunate occasion of his withdrawal.
The citizens seem to have shared the sentiments of the students
for in 1 8.34 we find an anti-slavery society here with 150 members.
The fine building of the Universalist church had been erected in
1833. Patriotism and temperance seemed to be on the increase.
In 1834 we find Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, pastor of the Bap-
tist church, teaching his Sunday school children to sing his great
national hymn "America," and also lecturing on the subject of
temperance. The town voted not to license the selling of liquors
to be drunk on the premises. Having tried license for several
years it came squarely into the no license ranks and was among
the earliest of the Maine towns so to do. The same year
appeared the ''North American Galaxy." ''A semi-monthly jour-
nal devoted to Tales, Essays, Music, Biography, Poetry, Anec-
dotes, etc., besides a great many things that it ain't devoted to at
all." F. R. Wells and William Mathews were the editors and
Daniel Wing the printer. Its ability and wit were beyond ques-
tion nor did its support remain long in doubt for in the swan
song in the fourth number, the editors cheerfully declare, "The
productions of our uncallowed youth shall not rise up in judg-
ment against the productions of our riper years." This certainly
has been fulfilled in case of our honored Dr. William Mathews.
5
66 HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE.
For many years he was a resident of Waterville showing in the
Watervillonian the same brilliant qualities of mind which have
made his many books so popular and so helpful. His "Getting
on in the World" has helped multitudes to get on more honorably
and successfully. We hail him as our literary Nestor and are
glad that his presence graces this occasion. Despite the news-
paper protest that the fire department "wouldn't let a building
burn long enough to be worth telling about," the town voted to
purchase two fire engines. This was not carried out until 1836
when the "Ticonic Village Corporation" was formed, mainly to
secure protection against fire. Engine "Ticonic No. I" was pur-
chased and the leading citizens of the town organized an engine
company.^ An important step in the religious history of Water-
ville was taken when, September 2y, 1836, the meeting house of
the Congregational church was dedicated and Rev. Thomas
Adams installed as pastor. (Vid. Hist. Cong'l.Ch., chapter VHI).
The murder of Elijah Parish Lovejoy at Alton, 111., November
7, 1837, by a pro-slavery mob, greatly moved the citizens of
Waterville. Lovejoy was graduated with honor in the class of
'26 at Waterville College and had shown great ability and
patriotism. He was the first martyr of the college in the cause
of civil liberty.
So decided was the sentiment of the town on the subject of
liquor selling,^ that the Washingtonian temperance movement
1. The members of the company in 1S39 were: Sam'l Appleton, Joseph Hasty,
Joseph O. Pearson, William Getchell, Jr., James Pearson, Geo. Wentworth, John
A. Rhodes, Isaac W. Wheeler, Jonathan Stanley, Llewellyn E. Crommett, David
Shorey, Joseph Percival, Ruel Howard, Jr., Arthur Blish, James Hasty, Jr.,
Walter Getchell, B. K. Scribner, Eben Freeman, William G. Penney, Eliphalet
Gilman, Elisha Howard, Sumner Percival, William Golder, Otis Getchell, William
H. Pearson, Silas Getchell, Charles H. Thayer, Philander Soule, Estes W. French,
Jarvis Barney. Moses Getchell, Dr. N. R. Boutelle, James S. Read, Wadsworth
Chipman, Lewis Purrington, Edward H. Piper, Hiram P. Cousins. Orea Doolittle,
Daniel Golder, C. K. White, Geo. H. Esty, Joseph Nudd, S. S. Parker, H. H. Eames,
Joseph C. Whitman, Eldridge Getchell, S. T. Williams, Aaron Healy, W. H. Blair,
Oliver Paine, N. Gilman, Jr., Albert Balcom, C. F. Gilman.
2. "At a meeting of the licensing board Sept. 8, 1840, it was Resolved by the
selectmen, treasurer and town clerk of the town of Waterville, that the opinions
of the inhabitants of said town heretofore expressed in the instructions to the
licensing board by vote passed Mar. 13, 1837, are in the opinion of this board en-
titled to the highest respect as having their foundations in a just regard for the
best interests of the people of this town and for the happiness and well-being of
society. Resolved, therefore, that this board do not deem it necessary or consis-
tent with the public good to license any persons within said town to be sellers of
Wine. Brandy, Rum or any other strong drinks by retail, and that no license for
HISTORY OF VVATERVILLE. 67
found ready supporters here and the Watervillonian informs us
that "alcohol reels and staggers worse than ever." The town
was slowly growing through the employment of its water power.
The Fairbanks establishment was sending out great quantities of
its ploughs and the lumber business was increased by the erection
by Col. Redington of a double sawmill at the excavation made
by the rush of water in 1839.
Ralph Waldo Emerson visited Waterville to deliver his address
on "The Method of Nature" before the Society of the Adelphi
in the College, August 11, 1841. He said that he was heard
"with cold, silent, unresponsive attention in which there seemed
to be a continuous, unuttered rebuke and protest."^
The contest for the office of representative in the legislature
for 1842 was not without interest. Nine town meetings were
held before a choice was made. Moses Hanscom, William Dorr,
and Wyman B. S. ]Moor were in the contest. Mr, Moor from
start to finish but at the finish, by the ninth ballot of the ninth
meeting, Timothy Boutelle was elected. The same year the old
east meeting house was moved back and fitted up for a town hall.
In 1843 Dearborn Plantation (Smithfield) was annexed to
W^aterville in spite of the protests and votes of this town. It was
purely a political move intended to give a majority to the Demo-
cratic party.
A night watch of fourteen men to serve two each night in
order was appointed January 22, 1847. The same year a com-
mittee of fifteen was chosen to prosecute violators of the liquor
law.^ The early newspapers of Waterville had finished their
brief existence and on July 22, 1847, the first number of the
Eastern Mail, which became the Waterville Mail was issued.
Ephraim T^Taxham was the editor. Maxham and Drummond
that purpose shall be granted by this board. Voted that the town clerk be
directed to enter the foregoing resolutions in the records of the town. Present,
Samuel Appleton, Samuel Doolittle, Selectmen, James Stackpole, Jr., Treasurer,
and Augustine Perkins, Town Clerk.
1. Emerson arrived in Waterville by stage late at Inight and thoroughly tired .
As there was doubt where he was to pass the night, the stage driver visited
several houses and awakened their inmates by loud rapping only to find that the
right place had not been found. At last both shelter and welcome were secured.
2. The Committee, Johnson Williams, John R. Philbrick, Moses Hanscom,
William Golder, Enoch Merrill, Samuel Redington, Joseph Hill, Samuel Scam-
mon.RufusNason, George W. Pressey, Cyrus Wheeler, Eusebius Heald, John
Cornforth, William Lewis and Jonathan Higgins.
68 HISTORY OF WATERVILLi;.
the printers. Daniel R. Wing was connected with the paper
from the start. This paper has been largely influential in the
life of the town. Conservative in its early days it has become
progressive in the best sense, being quick to see and to urge what-
ever will contribute to the good of the city. Its editors have
been men of character and responsibility and in bringing to pass
much that is included in the present prosperity of the city the
Waterville Mail has had large share. ^ The difficulties under
which it started may be argued from the fact that it took three
weeks to get news from the Mexican War then in progress. Its
service in the matter of the Centennial has been of the highest
order.
September 30, 1847, occurred the first and only murder in the
entire* history of Waterville. Next morning the body of Edward
Mathews, son of Simeon Mathews and brother of William
Mathews was found in the cellar under what was then Shorey's
clothing store, now Learned & Brown's shop. There were no
marks of violence upon the body but as demonstrated by Prof.
J. R. Loomis of the College, Mr. Mathews had come to his death
by poison, a dose of prussic acid having been given to him. The
crime was soon fastened upon Dr. Valorous P. Coolidge, a very
successful young physician of the town into whose room at the
Williams House Mathews had gone on the evening of the
murder. On account of the circumstances and the high oosition
of the parties involved great interest was awakened. The trial
occurred in Augusta in March, 1848. The government was
represented by Samuel H. Blake, Attorney-General, and Lot M.
Morrill, Hon. Geo. Evans and Edwin Noyes, Esq., conducted the
defense in an exceedingly able manner. The jury after being out
twenty-four hours rendered a verdict of guilty.
Whether Waterville or Augusta should be the terminus of the
Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad, which by the charter of
1845 was authorized to touch the Kennebec at any point between
the north line of Waterville and the south line of Hallowell, was
a burning question. Great interests and powerful men favored
1. The paper has rendered valuable service in gathering and preserving his-
torical and biographical matter, a very large amount of which it has published.
Prof. Asa L. Lane has carefully examined the file of the Mail owned by Mrs
Wing, who kindly allowed its use, and has gathered a vast amount of interesting
matter which has been freely used in the preparation of this volume. Eds.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 69
Augiista. A mass meeting was called at which Timothy
Boutelle, Samuel Taylor and Prof. Champlin made addresses.
The classical scholar made a great speech and the men of affairs
were quickly engaged in the acts which determined that Water-
ville and not Augusta should be the great railroad center of
Maine.^ When on July 4, 1848, the annual meeting of the stock-
holders of the A. & K. R. R. w^as held in the towm hall, five of
the directors chosen were Waterville men. Timothy Boutelle,
President ; Jediah Alorrill, John Ware, Reuben B. Dunn, W. B.
S. Moor. A petition to unite with Waterville that portion of
Winslow lying between the Kennebec and the Sebasticook shared
the fate now' historic of its successors.
The year 1849 saw the practical end of river travel. The A.
& K. Railroad was com^pleted and passengers and freight found
a new way of entrance.
The commencement of '49 w^as notable for the oration by
Theodore Parker, the poems by S. F. Smith and John G. Saxe
and the oration for the master's degree by Josiah Hayden Drum-
mond of Winslow. Mr. Drummond's subject was "Physical
Astronomy."
November 27, 1849, ^^e Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad
was finished to Waterville and a grand stockholders' meeting
was held in celebration of the event. The first train ever to leave
Waterville went down to Readfield to meet the Portland train.
On the return it was greeted with thunder of cannon, ringing of
bells and the cheers of citizens. The banquet was held in the
freight house, which was thronged with people. Prayer was
ofi'ered by Dr. Sheldon and addresses were made by Hon.
1. A railroad song by Silas Redington was sung at an exhibition of the Liberal
Institute Feb. 23, 1847. Tune, "Old Dan Tucker. The first stanza was :
We've beat the bush and caught the bird,
Now onward, forward is the word,
By opposition strong assailed,
That opposition now has failed.
Chorus. Then clear the track the engine's coming.
In forty nine you'll hear it humming.
Last verse. Now ply the spade and ply the shovel,
And bow the hilltops to a level ;
Fill up the valley, bridge the stream,
And then bring on your iron team.
Chorus. Now clear the track for Androscoggin,
The steam is up and we'll be joggin.
yO HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Timothy Boutelle, Judge Preble of Portland, W. B. S. Moor of
Bangor, then holding the office of United States senator ; Lot M.
Morrill and several others. In the evening the floor was cleared
for a dance which ended the hearty celebration of a very signifi-
cant day.
The ''great fire'' of 1849 swept the business section of the town,
about the wharves and mills. The jMoors were the heaviest
losers.
The grocers may be interested in the fact that the delivering
of groceries was introduced this year by E. L. Smith as ''Smith's
Accommodation Grocery Express." A milk route was estab-
lished by Mr. Hayward of Winslow.
The year 1850 saw the opening of the Elm wood Hotel under
the management of Seavey and Williams. The old taverns from
the Jackins Tavern of 1795 down, presided over by such genial
landlords as Daniel Fairfield, Col. Mathews, Major Bolcom,
William Dorr, Joseph Freeman, Levi Dow, Elisha Howard.
Deacon Abial P. Follansbee who, on the site of the Elmwood and
afterward in the house now the residence of W. M. True, kept a
"Temperance Hotel," Cyrus Williams and others had satisfac-
torily met the demands of the time. Something on a larger scale
became desirable with the growing importance of the town.
This was secured and has been maintained by the Elmwood.
After its destruction by fire it was rebuilt in 1878 and has been
frequently improved until its enlargement during the present
year. It has furnished a pleasant home to its many city board-
ers, a fine headquarters for convention delegates, a worthy place
of entertainment for commencement dignitaries, and the scene
of many festal occasions when clubs and college societies have
celebrated after their fashion.
The landlords of the Elmwood have been : A. D. Seavey,
Dr. Fitzgerald, James Osborne, Eben ]\Iurch and for the last
twelve years Henry E. Judkins to whom its increased efficiency
is due.
March 10, 185 1, Samuel Appleton and Isaiah Marston were
appointed a committee to purchase a farm and buildings for a
poorhouse establishment, not to exceed $3,000 in cost.
June I, 1 85 1, saw the dedication of Pine Grove Cemetery.
The earliest place of burial in the town was the high ground
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 7I
lying south of Western Avenue near the water works and
bordered on three sides by the Messalonskee. Here the
McKechnies, Toziers and about forty of the early inhabitants of
the town were buried. No stones have marked their resting
place, within the memory of present citizens, but the writer has
found on the spot pieces of the flat stone usually employed in
early times to mark graves. The next cemetery was what is now
Monument Park. It early became apparent that this would be
entirely inadequate, and after the purchase of Pine Grove the
bodies here buried were removed thither and the Soldiers' jNlonu-
ment Association was allowed to place the monument in the
center of the park. Pine Grove had been purchased in 1842 but
was not prepared for use and dedicated until 1851.^ The church
services of Sunday afternoon were suspended. A great throng
gathered in the new cemetery whose first open grave received the
body of Miss Helena Low. The services were continued by
prayer by Dr. Sheldon and addresses by Rev. Mr. Gardner and
Prof. J. R. Loomis. An original hymn written by Miss Julia
Moor was sung.
The town has been well served by the men who have managed
Pine Grove Cemetery. In 1854 Samuel Appleton gave eight
acres of land as an addition to the cemetery, this has been
increased by purchase and by gift until at present (1902) it
includes thirty acres.
The gift in 1883, by Mr. W. H. Arnold, of $5,000 for the use
of the cemetery committee has been of great significance, and has
made possible the improvements which are of so great satisfac-
tion to the citizens. Much credit is due to the cemetery com-
mittee on which have served C. R. McFadden, F. E. Heath, E.
L. Getchell, N. Meader, W. B. Arnold, Frank Redington and
H. B. Snell.
The semi-centennial of Waterville in 1852 was not celebrated,
but the 4th of July was observed by a great procession, an oration
at the Baptist church by ]\Ioses L. Appleton of Bangor, and a
1. June 6, 1842, tlie town voted that Sam'l Appleton, Joseph Hitchings, F. O.
Saunders, Oliver Gardner and Hall Chase be a Com. authorized to purchase of
Wm. Pearson eight acres of Land on the Plains for a Burying Ground, paying him
t-wo hundred and fifty dollars therefor, he having the right to take off three fourths
of the timber standing on the same within one year under their supervision.
72 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
collation at the railroad station, when Josiah H. Drummond
acted as toastmaster.
The work on the Penobscot & Kennebec Railroad, which was
to extend from Waterville to Bangor, began September 27, 1852.
It will surprise no one that the building now employed as the
high school building dates from the year 1853 and that as it was
not constructed for such a purpose it' has been unworthily pro-
moted entirely out of its proper grade.
In 1854 the fugitive slave, Anthony Burns, was carried by
armed force back from Boston into slavery. June 3rd the fol-
lowing notice was posted on the trees along the streets of Water-
ville.
The Knell of Freedom ! !
The undersigned, not doubting the full sympathy of the citi-
zens of Waterville in the fate of Burns, recently remanded into
slavery in the city of Boston, take the liberty of calling a public
meeting in the town hall at 3 o'clock this afternoon to see if they
will have the bells tolled in token of their sympathy and also
take any other measures in regard to the case.
J. T. Champlin Moses Hanscom
J. R. Elden T. Boutelle
J. H. Drummond F. Kimball
A most emphatic discussion was held and the bells were tolled
for an hour.
At the annual town meeting. March 13, 1854, the regular order
had been suspended and the Nebraska Resolutions introduced
by James Stackpole, Esq., given unanimous passage.^
1. Resolved, That the Eighth Section of the Act of Congress by which Missouri
was admitted to the Union of North American States, which provided for the
exclusion of Slavery forever from that part of the territory ceded to the United
States by France, called Louisiana lying north of latitude 36° 30', except said State
of Missouri, was in effect and intention a solemn compact between the slave-
holding and non-slaveholding States, which cannot be directly or indirectly
repealed, abrogated or impaired, by any action of Congress or territorial or State
governments, without a gross violation of that good faith between the Slave-
holding and Free States, on the preservation of which depends the existence of
the Union.
Resolved, That the bill now pending for the organization and government of
the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, whereby it is proposed to abrogate and
repeal the socalled Missouri Compromise, is viewed by the people of this town
with deep concern and alarm, as lending to destroy all mutual respect and con-
fidence between the members of the Union, and with deep abhorrence as destroy-
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. y^^
The fire engine, the ever victorious ''Waterville 3" arrived
March 3rd, 1854, and on July 4th began her career of conquest
by capturing a silver trumpet in a contest at Augusta. J. H.
Drummond was foreman, W. A. CaflFrey, assistant; E. L.
Getchell, clerk. This engine won trophies for many years and
never failed to receive a prize. In November, 1854 telegraphic
communication was established in \\'aterville. The railroad
bridge across the Kennebec, built in 1854, was first used January
I9» 1855- ^ Waterville Library Association was formed in
1854 with Joseph Percival as president.^
The Fourth of July, 1855 was celebrated by a great procession
and a banquet. Three fire engines, one of them ''the Bloomer"
with a company of seventy boys, were in line. Twenty men,
and as many ladies on horseback rode forth a vision of strength
and beauty. Floral cars and floats with tradesmen at work
formed part of the parade. Six pairs of boots for example, were
made during its progress.
July 30, 1855 the Penobscot & Kennebec Railroad was opened
to Bangor. Hon. Timothy Boutelle died, November 12, 1855,
and Hon. Stephen Stark, who in many ways had served his town
with conspicuous ability, died November 18.
These were the days when great public questions were agitat-
ing the minds of the people. "The Mechanics' Debating Club"
enrolled many young men whose names were to become well
knowm. C. S. Newell was president ; G. A. L. Merrifield, secre-
tary ; J. Manchester Haynes, treasurer ; W. B. Marston, E. R.
Drummond, C. H. Alden, F. B. Chandler, William Stevens, C. D.
Swett, C. M. Emery, Nathaniel Meader, Frank F. Dunbar and
others were members.
ing the great interests of human liberty, and consigning a vast and beautiful
territory, once secured to Freedom to the blight and curse of Slavery.
Resolved, That we have beheld with great satisfaction the stand taken by the
Senators of Maine against this tremendous outrage and iniquity; that it will be
our pride and glory to sustain them in their noble efforts to save our national
character from so foul a blot, and that in such a conflict the father of iniquity
could not have bestowed a higher compliment or greater praise on the Senator
from Maine, than by attributing to him— simplicity— an attribute which we pray
he may preserve— the simplicity of truth, of justice and of integrity, amidst the
temptations with which he is surrounded, before which our greatest and best, as
well as our meanest and most corrupt Statesmen, have too often fallen."
1. This Association had a course of Lectures in 1855-6 with the following lect-
urers: Frederick Douglas, Bayai'd Taylor, John G. Saxe, Edwin P. Whipple, Mrs.
E. Oakes Smith, Rev. T. Starr King, Rev. William H. Milburn, Dr. J. P. Thompson,
Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes and Dr. E. H. Chapin.
74 HISTORY O? WATERVILLE.
Waterville was very decided in the matter of temperance legis-
lation and when it came to a vote, for the License Law of 1856,
there were 18 votes. For the Prohibitory Law of 1858, 292.
At the college commencement in 1858, Dr. James T. Champlin
became president and John B. Foster was elected Professor of
the Greek and Latin languages. S. S. Brown and Sabine Emery
were among the graduates.
Joshua Nye was busily engaged in that temperance instruc-
tion of the children which characterizes his life. From his duties
as an official of the railroad he was never too weary to lead the
"Cadets of Temperance." On one occasion they presented Mr.
Nye a silver goblet, the presentation speech being made by Frank
C. Lowe, while the officers of the society, Boutelle Noyes, Fred
E. Boothby, W. M. and R. W. Dunn and Fred C. Thayer, gave
him their moral support.
The night of August 20, 1859 was made memorable by a fire
which destroyed over $12,000 worth of property in mills and
machinery belonging to Daniel Aloor, W. & W. Getchell and
Furbush & Drummond.
Waterville's representative in the Legislature, Hon. Josiah H.
Drummond, was speaker of the House in 1858.
These were years of prosperity in the churches. The member-
ship of the Baptist church was greatly increased, the Congrega-
tional church built an addition to its building and the movement
which resulted in the Unitarian church was begun.
The sentiment of the town in national afifairs is shown ,by the
vote for presidential electors, November 6th, i860, when Abner
Coburn and William Willis, the Lincoln electors, received 504
votes to 186 for three other tickets.
September 6, i860 was ordained as pastor of the Baptist
church, George D. B. Pepper, a man of keen mind, great ability,
true and lofty patriotism. Through the troubled days that fol-
lowed, his pulpit gave no uncertain sound. Later as president
and professor in the college and as a citizen of the highest order,
he has deserved the honor which he receives.
Note. "Waterville Engine No. 3" was victorious over the "Victor" at Kendall's
Mills, and at the State Fair in Bangor, A reception and collation was given at
the Engine Hall on their return. July 4, 1859, a third silver trumpet was won at
Bangor.
HISTORY OF WATHRVILLE. 75
Waterville gathered as one man in the old town hall, April
20, 1861, to take action concerning the rebellion. Joshua Nye
called the meeting to order, Solyman Heath was chosen chair-
man, I. S. Bangs, Jr., secretary. \V. A. Hatch of the college
stated the action of the special session of the Legislature at
Augusta. Hon. W. H. Weeks of California gave a thrilling
speech and addresses were made by Joshua Nye, Edwin Noyes,
F. S. Hesseltine, D. L. ^lilliken, Rev. Edward Hawes, F. P.
Haviland and others. A company of about seventy-five men
was formed on the spot for purposes of drill. Edwin Noyes
promised to furnish a drill master for three months. Two com-
panies of soldiers were immediately formed, one of eighty-three
men under Capt. F. S. Hesseltine, containing fourteen college
students, the other of eighty men under Capt. William S. Heath
with Francis E. Heath as first lieutenant and John R. Day as
second. The first march of the companies was to C. F. Hatha-
way's shirt factory, where each man was presented with a pair
of French flannel shirts by ]\lr. Hathaway. On Tuesday, ]\lay
21, 1 86 1 the companies went to Augusta where they were m.us-
tered in as Co's. G and H of the Third Maine Regiment which
soon was led to the front by its gallant Col. O. O. Howard.
These companies gave good account of themselves on the field,
w^ere complimented by their superior officers for dauntless
bravery and were unsurpassed in the old Third Regiment which
bore home on its banner the names of fourteen battles, among
which were Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
Sergeant-]\lajor F. W. Haskell was promoted for gallant con-
duct at Fair Oaks. Wm. S. Heath was killed at Gaines Mills
having risen to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the Ffth Maine,
Of him the New York Herald said, "Perhaps no one is more
regretted in his division than Lieut. -Col. Heath of Waterville.
He was of all men the most consistent, courageous and chiv-
alrous. We S2LW him a little before the battle reading in the
shady serenity of his tent a Latin copy of Caesar's Commen-
taries." Capt. F. S. Hesseltine rose to the rank of colonel.
Lieut. Francis E. Heath became Colonel of the Nineteenth Maine
and commanded a brigade at Gettysburg. On that historic field
he not only distinguished himself by great bravery, but he and
his command rendered a service of the utmost importance at a
70 HISTORY OF WATERVILLK.
critical time in the battle. Waterville men were in the i6th
Maine when it led the charge at Fredericksburg and suffered at
Cbancellorsville. At Gettysburg were Capt. W. A. Stevens,
Sergeant Edwin C. Stevens, Corporal William Ballentine and
manv private soldiers among whom our French fellow citizens
had honorable place.
Capt. Isaac S. Bangs, who went out from Waterville in com-
mand of Co. A of the 20th Maine, was promoted for gallant con-
duct, February 26, 1863, to be Lieutenant-Colonel of the 8ist
U. S. C. troops, was again promoted to be Colonel of the loth U.
S. C. Artillery and was made Brigadier-General by brevet, March
13, 1865. Among the dead at Gettysburg were many Waterville
men ; among the wounded was Sergt. Geo. W. Reynolds. Our
soldiers followed the fortunes of war until the end and were in
the line which Gen. Chamberlain drew up to receive the sur-
render of Gen. Lee.
From the western part of the town many soldiers went to the
front. Several were in the 3d Regiment and many in the 21st.
Among the bravest men who gave his life in the service was
Sergeant William W. Wyman, for whom Post No. 97 is named.
Throughout the war the soldiers of Waterville acquitted them-
selves with great credit. They were brave in battle, patient
under hardships, faithful and loyal to duty. If the saving of
this Nation and the making possible its magnificent present and
its more wonderful future be worthy of credit, then in that credit
Waterville deserves a full share. She gave to the service 421
men of whom more than one-eighth died before the war was over.
Some incidents of 1864 will indicate how closely Waterville
was in touch with the army. Charles R. Shorey was promoted
to be 1st Lieut. Co. A, 20th Maine. Geo. S. Scammon recruited
a company for the nth Maine and went to the front as Captain.
September 24, 1864, the body of Henry E. Tozier of Co. I, 8th
Maine, was brought home and buried with Masonic honors. Of
him Col. now General IMcArthur said : "We have lost a brave
and true man, there was not his superior as an officer in this
regiment."
June 19, 1864, Capt. William A. Stevens was shot at Peters-
burg and lived only an hour. To his brother Edwin he said,
"Tell the friends at home that I died thinking of them and that
HISTORY OF WATERVILLH. 'J'J
I died calm and happy." Two months later that brother, Sergt.-
Major Edwin C. Stevens was killed in the battle for the defense
of the Weldon Railroad.
At home the loyalty of the citizens was shown in many ways.
A soldiers' Aid Association was formed August 28, ^1861 with
Mrs. G. D. B. Pepper as president; Mrs. C. E. Hamlin, vice-
president; Mrs. Edward Hawes, secretary; Mrs. S. Hoag,
treasurer.
The town was liberal in the matter of bounties, giving at the
rate of $100 in 1S62 and of $500 for three years' men, July 18,
1864.
March 14, 1864, a concert by local talent was given in the town
hall for the purpose of starting a fund for a soldiers' monument.
At a second concert. The Soldiers' Monument Association was
formed with Geo. A. Phillips as president ; William A. Caffrey,
vice-president; Daniel R. Wing, secretary; Geo. L. Robinson,
treasurer ; and Jones R. Elden, E. G. Meader and C. M. Morse
trustees. Annual membership fees were placed at one dollar
each for males, and fifty cents for females. When the member-
ship fees did not come in rapidly enough, committees made a
canvass for members. Thus in 1875 the committee consisted of
Col. F. E. Heath, Dr. Atwood Crosby, P. S. Heald, Miss
Florence Plaisted, Mrs. L. A. Dow and Mrs. C. G. Carleton.
The association continued its work until, with an appropriation
of Si, 000 by the town,^ it obtained funds sufficient to secure the
beautiful bronze statue of the "Citizen Soldier" by Milmore
which adorns Monument Park. The town, March 13, 1865,
granted the use of the park as a site for the monument which
was dedicated May 30, 1876.
During the war, the college also had seen dark days. The
class of '62 was the largest which the college ever had graduated.
Many wore the soldier's uniform, some to be distinguished soon
by the soldier's heroic death, some to render long and important
service in life's work. Richard C. Shannon became distin-
guished in the army rising to the rank of colonel. His affection
for the college is witnessed by the Shannon Observatory and
Physical Building, his gift in 1887. Another of the class was
Edward W. Hall, so long professor and librarian at the college.
1. The town gave an equal amount for a Soldiers' Memorial at West Waterville.
v8 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE:.
So many of the students entered the army and so many were
kept at home by the war that the classes almost reached the
vanishing point. The funds also were very low. Commence-
ment Day, August lo, 1864, President Champlin announced that
Gardner Colby of Newton, Mass., a former resident of Water-
ville, had promised the college $50,000 on condition that $100,000
additional be raised. This secured the continuance and the
enlargement of the college.
A Sunday school convention held here in 1865 is remembered
as the first appearance in Waterville of Samuel Osborne. He
had come north with Col. S. C. Fletcher of the 7th Maine. He
bore at the convention a banner with the couplet "A man's a man
for a' that,'' a sentiment which by long and faithful service to the
college he has proved to a succession of classes and to the public
generally. In the same year Dr. James H. Hanson returned
to the great work of his life at the institute, though meanwhile
he was to fill a very important place in the church and the com-
munity.
The Waterville Mail declared, in 1865, that the ''business of
the village is slowly working up town." To the casual visitor
it was not apparent that it was working in any direction. The
magnificent water power of the Kennebec was contemptuously
turning the wheels of one saw and one grist mill. As late as
1867 S. L. Boardman in his "History of Kennebec County" says
of Waterville : "The East village is celebrated for its beauty ;
the West, (Oakland) for its business." On account of the large
development of the manufacture of scythes and axes by the
Dunns and others at West Waterville, this was true and the
prospect of growth in the western part of the town seemed much
brighter than it did here. Some, however, had confidence in the
future of this village. The Unitarian church was built at a cost
of $17,000 and dedicated September 4, 1866 with a sermon by
Rev. Edward Everett Hale of Boston. The quick charity of the
town appeared when, on the news of the great fire in Portland, a
meeting was held, $1,448.75 was raised and sent by special mes-
senger to the Mayor of Portland. This gift to Portland may
seem small in comparison with the gift of Hon. Josiah H. Drum-
mond. Mayor Frederic E. Boothby and many others but it shows
our kindly disposition toward the Maine metropolis.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 79
The college class at commencement numbered five, but when
we note that one of the graduates was F. W. Bakeman and an
oration for the Master's Degree was given by William Penn
Whitehouse. we discern the quality of the college work.
Rival caucuses in which the W^est village was unanimous for
Abner R. Small for Representative and the East for Reuben
Foster, indicated something beside the perfect harmony of the
ideal town.
For some time it had been apparent to the wisest business men
of the place that the day of the old minor industries of Water-
ville was past. Something on a new and larger scale was neces-
sary or the town would never increase. Quietly a new move-
ment was made. The leading spirit in it was George Alfred
Phillips, long a prominent and progressive citizen of the town.
The water power and shore rights along the Kennebec were
owned by about fifty proprietors. Upon this property, at great
labor, Mr. Phillips secured options. February 6, 1866 "The
Ticonic Water Power and Manufacturing Company" was char-
tered by the Maine Legislature, with authority to carry on general
manufactures. Its members were D. L. Milliken, N. R. Boutelle,
T. W. Herrick, C. R. ^lathews, C. R. McFadden, E. G. Meader,
A. A. Plaisted. Nathaniel :\Ieader, E. L. Getchell, E. F. Webb,
Solyman Heath. G. A. Phillips, J. W. Philbrick, I. S. Bangs,
Samuel Appleton, W. B. Arnold, E. R. Drummond, James
Drummond and J. P. Richardson. G. A. Phillips was made
treasurer and perfected the purchase of the bonded property.
In 1868 the Lockwood Dam^ across the Kennebec was built and
power leased to Smith & ]\Ieader for a lumber mill and to D. L.
r^Iilliken for a grist mill. Over $125,000 of local capital had
gone into the enterprise and the great industry for which prep-
aration had been made was not yet in sight. The price of stock
fell to a very low figure.
In 1873 Reuben B. Dunn, who had had large place in devel-
oping the manufacturing at West Waterville, bought a controlling
interest in the stock of the Ticonic Company. In 1873 plans for
a cotton mill of 33,000 spindles were accepted and Mr. Dunn
Note. At the Firemen'3 Muster, Lewiston July 4, 1866, the Ticonic Ones of
Waterville took first prize, a silver trumpet.
1. The Dana was built by Mr. Thomas I. Emery, and was completed Nov. 14, 1868.
80 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
with his sons Willard M. and Reuben W. began the construction
of the mill. Mr. Amos D. Lockwood became interested in the
project and the Lockwood Company was formed. The first
cloth was woven in February, 1876. The plant was increased in
1882 by the erection of mill No. 2 with a capacity of 55,000
spindles. Such was the origin of the Lockwood Company, a
company which now employs about 1,300 hands with a pay roll
of $415,000 per year. ^Ir. Stephen L Abbott has been the agent
of the mills from the start and his son, W. H. K. Abbott, has
held the important position of superintendent with signal ability
since 1890.
The introduction of such a manufacturing industry means
much to any city, but in Waterville it meant a great deal more
than its own product. It turned the attention of the people to
manufacturing as the fitting use for the great power which was
floating past their doors to the sea. The iron foundry, oldest
and most constant of Waterville industries was busy. The
Hathaway Shirt Factory had been long established and had been
of much value to the town, but these had not given the impulse
necessary to the development of Waterville as a manufacturing
city. The work at the Lockwood Mills brought a large increase
to the population, notably of the French people.
The first French immigrant to Waterville was Jean Matthieu,
who came about 1827. He was the first among the French to
have a "framed house," rebuilding a house which had been moved
from Fairfield into the "Matthieu house" which stands on the
east side of Water street. A little later Jean Marcou settled in
Winslow. In the thirties came Peter DeRocher, Abraham and
Joseph Roneo and others. When Jacob Pare desired to be mar-
ried he was obliged to go with his lady to Whitefield in order to
find a priest to perform the ceremony. Mass was said for the
first time on the plains by Father Fortier in the old Matthieu
house. The Poulins, Lacombes and many others came during
the forties. All the immigrants were poor. Several families
made shelters by digging into the steep hillside and putting up
a rude cabin of slabs as a front. One of the citizens whose
wealth now amounts to several tens of thousands of dollars tells
how an unsuspicious cow who had strayed upon one of these turf
roofs came down through it into the midst of the astonished
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 8l
family. As early as 1851 a movement was started which secured
the chapel in which the Catholics worshipped until the erection
of their large and fine church on Elm street.
Peter Bolduc opened the first French store in 1862 continuing
in business until he sold out to Exear Reny and moved west.
He was the first of a long line of trench merchants, many of
whom have been successful and have amassed wealth.
In the early days there was bitter feeling between the young
men of the plains and the young men of the town. The town
young men did not go down to the plains with good intent and
when the plains men came up town they came in bands strong
enough for offense or defense, as the case might require. Some-
times the French warriors imported some redoubtable fighter
from Bangor or Orono to retrieve disaster or to lead their clans
to victory. All this is far past. The progress of the French
citizens in education, wealth and position has been remarkable.
They own their homes and also a large amount of property in
stores and business enterprises. They are well represented in the
learned professions, law, medicine and theology and have had
important share in the city government. To a large degree has
the history of the French people been the history of the
Catholic church (see chapter on churches of Water-
ville) and the noble edifice of St. Francis de Sales church
with its convent and its parochial schools, now being enlarged,
is a worthy monument to their progress as well as to their devo-
tion. His predecessors had wrought well but an unparalleled
work in building up his church and its schools and in the civil
life of the community, has been done in his quarter century pas-
torate by the Rev. Father Narcisse Charland.
The Protestant French also are highly regarded. They have
carried on an increasingly important church work for many yeaf s,
have a fine chapel on Water street with good congregations and
efficient work in all departments. They have an able and hon-
ored pastor. Rev. Paul N. Cayer, who (1902) has been seven
years in this church. An excellent spirit prevails between
Catholic and Protestant, each recognizing the other's sincerity
and his right to worship God according to the dictates of his
conscience.
82 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
The first observance of Memorial Day in Waterville was bn
May 30, 1868. The college students, under Capt. R. W. Dunn,
marched to Pine Grove. At the grave of Major Geo. C. Getchell
prayer was offered, at the graves of Capt. Wm. A. and Sergt.
Major E. C. Stevens a short oration was given by Mr. J. B.
Clough of the senior class. Halt was made at the grave oi
Surgeon Wallace W. West, and the graves of all the soldiers
were decorated with flowers.
Among the graduates of that year were Julian D. Taylor, who
immediately was appointed tutor, R. W. Dunn and L. D. Carver.
Memorial Hall and Library Building were dedicated at the
commencement of 1869. Ex-Governor Coburn of the building
committee, Hon. Hannibal Hamlin, president of the Board of
• Trustees, President Champlin and Gen. H. M. Plaisted, president
of the Alumni Association passed the keys with fitting words
and the chief address was given by Rev. Geo. W. Bosworth, D.
D., of Haverhill, Mass.
That good work was done in the old railroad shops was
evidenced when some seventy-five friends gathered at the
rooms of Master Mechanic J. W. Philbrick to celebrate
the completion of a locomotive built in the shops from his
own designs. The signal mechanical ability of Mr. Phil-
brick during his thirty-three years of connection with the Maine
Central Railroad as master mechanic was of the utmost value
to the road. Mr. Philbrick turned the first and also the last
piece of iron turned in the old railroad shops. Waterville Sav-
ings Bank, which has had not a little to do with the development
and prosperity of the city, was organized May 4, 1869 with Wm.
Dyer as president and Homer Percival as treasurer. Hon.
Reuben Foster succeeded Mr. Dyer in the office which he held
till his death. In 1874 Mr. Everett R. Drummond became
cashier, who still continues a work which has been abundantly
successful. In 1869 the name of Redington (C. H.) appears
in the furniture business and ever since has been prominently
identified with the larger business interests of Waterville.
October 5, 1869 the Ticonic toll bridge was carried away by a
freshet. Augusta, fearing danger, sent a crew up river by train,
Note. J. H. Monroe's paper mill on the Messalonskee was burned Mar. 14, 1868,
involving a loss of about $20,000.
HISTORY OF \\'ATERVILLE. 83
who grappled and captured the bridge at Vassalboro. It had
been built in 1835, damaged in 1855 but soon rebuilt. The con-
tract for a new bridge was let to a syndicate of W^aterville men.
Great opposition to the building of an expensive bridge, to be
free and without tolls was aroused. Finally a special act of the
Legislature was secured and the county commissioners ordered
the bridge. It was completed and opened to travel December
I, 1870 at a cost of $32,000, of which Waterville paid $26,000.
The fine edifice of the Methodist church was built in 1869.
The society was not large but as it had within its membership
one man, Reuben B. Dunn, who was willing to give fourteen
thousand of the eighteen thousand dollars which the building
cost, in this instance size was not necessary to success. Decem-
ber 30, 1869 Major Henry S. Burrage was ordained pastor of
the Baptist church. In his brief but successful pastorate before
removing to Portland to become editor of Zion's Advocate, he
closely identified himself with the interests of the town, and with
A. A. Plaisted organized the Waterville Library Association.
Kach member paid $3 annually which was expended for books.
Colby opened her doors to women in 1871 and ]Miss Mary C.
Low of this town was the first woman to enter. She was gradu-
ated with honor in 1875 having shown herself amply able to cope
with the young men in all matters intellectual. She is now the
wife of Hon. L. D. Carver of Augusta, State Librarian, and their
daughter, Miss Ruby Carver, is a member of Colby, Class of
1904.
Edwin Noyes, Esq., resigned the office of superintendent of
the M. C. R. R. in 1871 and December 28 about 200 of the
employes of the road gathered at his home and presented him
a costly gold watch as a token of regard.
Hon. Reuben Foster, Waterville's representative, was speaker
of the House in 1870 and 1871. In 1872 he was president of the
Maine Senate.
The event of the year 1873 was the division of the town. A
petition for division was circulated by Mr. A. P. Benjamin of
the West village, chairman of the board of selectmen, and 350
signers were secured. A counter petition was circulated. At
a town meeting in Waterville, January 28, 227 to 130 or a
majority of 97 favored division. February 4, at a town meeting
§4 HISTORY OF WATERVILLK.
held in the West village, those favoring division took no part
and 393 votes were cast against it. In the legislative committee
of nine, five were against division and four favored it. The
four urged the distance between the villages, their separate cor-
porate capacity, differing business interests, opposition of each
to improvements in the other, the struggle over the free bridge
with loss to the town of $8,000, etc. The bill for the division was
approved February 2.6, 1873. The name West Waterville was
changed to Oakland March 10, 1883.
The Waterville Temperance Reform Club was organized April
14, 1873 and within one week had over 200 members. At the
college commencement Dr. Champlin closed his thirty-one years
of efficient labor for the college and Rev. Henry E. Robms, his
successor, was installed. Hon, Edmund F. Webb, so long and
honorably known as among the ablest of Waterville's lawyers
was speaker of the Maine House in 1873 was also in his second
term in the Maine Senate president of that body. In 1874 two
men came to Waterville who were to have much to do with its
business interests. M. C. Foster and Horace Purinton. The
firms of M. C. Foster & Son and Horace Purinton & Co. are
known all over the State, for many of the largest and most expen-
sive public buildings in the State have been constructed by one
or the other of these firms.
The St. Francis de Sales Catholic church was dedicated June
14, 1874.
The Fourth of July, 1874 was celebrated by the boys in their
usual manner. By the adults by an oration on the Park by Rev.
S. P. Merrill, by a grand dinner in the town hall at which a gold
badge was presented to Wlllard B. Arnold, chief engineer of
the fire department. Hon. E. F. Webb presided at the dinner
and after dinner speeches were made by President Robins, Dr.
F. C. Thayer, R. J. Barry, Hon. Reuben Foster, E. R. Drum-
mond, Joshua Nye, Prof. E. W. Hall,, Simeon Keith, C. H. Red-
ington and others. At a trial of fire engines, in the afternoon,
the Ticonic played 198 feet 6 inches ; the Waterville Three, 185
feet, 2 inches. Fireworks in Nudd field completed the celebra-
tion.
The gift by Hon. Abner Coburn of $50,000 to the institute
was announced at commencement, 1874. The town enjoyed
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 85
during that year the largest "'building boom" in its history to
that time. The new mill is a part of the explanation. Lamp
posts were erected and street lamps were introduced in 1874 and
in the same year the wooden railroad bridge over the falls was
replaced by the present structure of iron.
In 1875 a new town hall was proposed but the town decided
to enlarge the old one by adding to it thirty-three feet at an
expense of $5,000. The Baptist meeting house was remodelled
and improved at an expense of $17,000.
The exercises of Memorial Day were for the first time under
the auspices of W. S. Heath Post No. 14, Department of Maine,
G. A. R. Original hymns by Mrs. M. K. Boutelle and A. L.
Hinds were read. Rev. S. P. Merrill gave an address and Prof.
J. B. Foster read a poem written for the occasion by Mrs.
Atwood Crosby.
The Merchants National Bank was organized August 4, 1875
with Hon. John \\''are as president ; Geo. C. Getchell, secretary ;
Geo. H. Ware, cashier. From the start it has been an important
element in the business of the town and never more so than at
the present time with Mr. John Ware, son of the first president,
as president and Mr. Horatio D. Bates as cashier.
The Waterville Free High School was established in 1876.
The arrangement by which the town pupils of high school grade
had attended the institute having terminated the year before.
In 1876 began also the twenty-five years of faithful work of Prof.
Asa L. Lane at the institute. His departments in the school
involved a broad field but his enthusiasm for nature took him
yet farther afield with results shown in the Lane Museum at
Coburn and in the delight and instruction of his classes and of
all who have heard his lectures.
Telephone connection between Waterville and Portland was
established in 1878, the first conversation being between Payson
Tucker and Geo. A. Alden, March 31st.
St. Mark's Episcopal church was opened July 5, 1878, and
August 25th the Congregational church celebrated its semi-cen-
tennial with an historical sermon by the pastor, Rev. E. N. Smith.
The burning of the shank factory on the Messalonskee, ?vlarch
6, 1879, threw about fifty hands out of employment. Mr. C.
R. McFadden closed his eighteen years of duty as postmaster
86 HISTORY or' WATERVILLE.
of Waterville. He had been both efficient and popular. Rev.
Wm. H. Spencer began his twenty years' pastorate of the Baptist
church during which so much was to be wrought for the
church and the city. Mr. Gardner Colby died April 2, 1879, at
his home at Newton, Mass. He had befriended the college in
its darkest hour ; by gift and bequest he bestowed upon it about
$200,000 and rightly does it perpetuate his name. While a boy
he had lived for a while in Waterville. His father, who had
been a shipbuilder, came to Waterville and engaged in the potash
business on Silver street. The family home was on Temple
street. After the death of the father the family removed to
Boston where Mr. Colby won that business success which enabled
him to be the princely benefactor of so many important interests
in education, religion and philanthropy.
The semi-centennial of the Classical Institute was celebrated
July 3, 1879, with addresses by Dr. William Mathews and Rev.
Geo. B. Gow. Hon. Henry W. Paine, first preceptor, Ex-Gov.
Dingley and others spoke in praise of the school and its principal.
The event of 1880 in Maine was the "count out" by which the
Governor, through the throwing out of ballots on technicalities,
sought to overrule the will of a majority of the citizens of the
State. Meetings of indignation and remonstrance were held
and other meetings of approval. January 15, 1880, fifty vol-
unteers left Waterville for Augusta, where a clash of arms was
expected. Through wise management at headquarters, blood-
shed was averted and our soldiers returned home the same day.
The Waterville Sentinel appeared in 1880 under the manage-
ment of Leger and Robinson, It has won a large place for itself
on its merits and under its present owners, W. M. Ladd Co. is
worthily influential.
A new code of by-laws was adopted by the town, March 14,
i88t (Waterville Records, Vol. Ill pp. 735-748.) Rev. Dr. G. D.
B. Pepper was elected president of the college, March ^j, 1882.
On July 4th, 1882, Hon. Stephen Coburn of Skowhegan and
his only son, Charles Miller Coburn, were drowned. Both were
graduates of Colby, were true and noble men and were held in
high honor. As fitting memorial, Hon. Abner Coburn erected
the fine building which since has been the home of Coburn
Classical Institute. During 1882 the first steps were taken for
HISTORY OF* WATERVILLE. 87
protection against fire according to modern methods. Permis-
sion was secured to use the steam pump of the Lockwood Com-
pany in case of fire and pipes were laid and hose purchased for
hydrants at the corner of Common, Temple and Appleton streets
at their junction with Alain.
The death of Lieut. Boutelle Noyes, on the U. S. Ship Rich-
mond, near Japan, August 29, 1883, brought sorrow to his many
friends. He was a gallant officer who had performed faithfully
the duties of his station and who gave promise of rising to the
highest rank in his profession.
In 1884 the town enjoyed quite a building boom, the most
important construction being the iron bridge across the Kenne-
bec which is still in use. The old bridge had proved too light
for the work and was badly decayed. The new bridge was built
under the direction of John Ware, S. J. Abbott and the selectmen,
Nathaniel Header, C. E. Mitchell and Geo. Jewell as building
committee, and cost $36,863.46. It was paid for by town bonds.
That the town was not anxious for city privileges was indi-
cated by its refusal to accept the city charter granted by the Leg-
islature, bv a vote of 344 no to 223 yes.
As to the amendment to the State Constitution, prohibiting
forever the manufacture, sale and keeping for sale of intoxicating
liquors, the vote stood, yes, 563, no, 238.
An event of great importance to the business history of
Waterville was the securing of the locomotive and car shops of
the Maine Central Railroad for this city. There was sharp com-
petition and Portland seemed to have the preference. Waterville,
however, voted exemption from taxation (practically for twenty
years) and raised $7,500 for the purchase of a site. Mr. G. A.
Phillips was active in the matter. Mr. W. B. Arnold and Mr.
C. E. Gray raised a subscription among the citizens. As a result
the shops, among the best in the country, were built in Waterville
to the mutual satisfaction of the company and the town. This
brought in an industry of the first order, a large number of very
desirable citizens, is building up a fine quarter of the city and
contributed not a little to the making of Waterville as a railroad
center. January 4, 1885, Ex-Gov. Abner Coburn died at Skow-
hegan, the greatest of our Maine philanthropists. His interest
in Waterville and its educational work was proved by the
88 HISTORY 01^ WATERVILLE.
$100,000 which he gave to Coburn Classical Institute and the
$200,000 which he gave with much of personal attention and
labor on its board of trustees, to Colby College.
The question of water supply was considered in 1886. A
committee consisting of Reuben Foster, Moses Lyford, F. A.
Waldron, S. S. Brown, W. T. Haines, Geo. E. Shores and C. G.
Carleton reported against the making of a contract with a private
corporation and in favor of assuming the charter of the VVater-
ville Water Company. This was voted but was afterward recon-
sidered and a contract was signed with the Water Company in
May, 1887, to run for twenty years.
Watervill began her career as a city by the acceptance,
January 23, 1888, of the amended city charter, which had
been granted by the Maine Legislature. March 4, 1887,^ the
vote on acceptance stood 543 in favor, 432 in opposition. March
9th, Hon. Reuben Foster was elected mayor by a vote of 734;
S. J. Abbott having 651. Charles F. Johnson was elected city
clerk. The beautiful north grammar school building had been
erected under the direction of G. A. Phillips, J. D. Hayden,
N. G. H. Pulsifer, M. C. Foster, W. T. Haines and the school
committee at a cost of $20,000. It was dedicated February 28,
1888. Prof. A. W. Small read a poem "The Building of the
School House" by Mrs. Martha Baker Dunn.
Early in March the parochial school of the St. Francis de Sales
church, through whose doors such a multitude of children were
to pass was opened. The death of Edwin Noyes March 23, 1888,
at Young's Hotel, Boston, removed a man long prominent in
railroad and business circles. The citizens have never become
quite reconciled to having the Noyes mansion, in the very heart
of the city, closed. September i, 1888, died Gen. Franklin
Smith, son of Abijah Smith and grandson of Dr. Obadiah
Williams. He was prominent in business circles, not only of the
town but of the State. September 9, 1889, Hon. Reuben B.
Dunn died at his residence on College street. He had been a
leader in the development of the great manufacturing industries
at Oakland, the building of the Somerset Railroad, the establish-
ment of the Lockwood Company and was its only president until
his death. Dr. David N. Sheldon died October 4, 1889. He
1. City charter. Chapter Historical Documenta.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 89
as pastor of churches, president of the College, author, member
of the school board and a most kindly citizen, had exercised large
influence in the community.
A representative of an earlier day, Daniel Moor, died February
14, 1890. As merchant, manufacturer and ship builder he had
contributed not a little to the early prosperity of the town.
Major Samuel Appleton, son of Dr. Aloses Appleton and one of
the most prominent citizens of the town and also Dr. Nathaniel
R. Boutelle, son of Hon. Timothy Boutelle, and long eminent in
his profession, died during 1890. Evidently the old order was
changing. The men of the town who had given it character and
success were passing away, but the men of the new era were at
hand.
The Waterville Board of Trade had been organized in 1889
with Mayor Nathaniel Meader as president. This board with
its successive presidents, M. C. Foster, Frank Redington and Dr.
J. Frederick Hill, has done much for the business interests of the
town and has had large influence in such important matters as
the building of the new city hall, the Waterville and Wiscasset
Railroad, etc.
Among the earliest, most important and most expensive per-
manent improvements made by the city was the construction at
a cost of about $100,000, of an admirable system of sewers. The
facts of the new business era in Waterville must be reviewed
briefly. The Hollingsworth and Whitney pulp and paper
mills were established on the east side of the Kennebec in
1892 and have steadily increased to their present immense
plant. Though in Winslow, these mills are nearer to the
Waterville business center than are the car shops and they
are practically a part of the Waterville business resources.
Their pay roll of $360,000 annually is in itself sufficient
for the maintenance of quite a city. It soon became appar-
ent to the merchants that the day of larger business opportunities
had come and they enlarged stores and stocks accordingly. The
Waterville and Fairfield Railway and Light Company bound
Waterville and Fairfield into close connection and brought much
business to the city. This company began running electric cars
in 1892 one of the first companies in the State so to do. The
same company began to furnish power for manufacturing pur-
90 HISTORY OF WATKRVILLK.
poses. The Gamewell Fire Alarm System was installed Septem-
ber, 1892, at cost of $2,300. Later Mr. Frank Chase bought the
old Webber and Philbrick water privilege on the ]\Iessalonskee
and erected a fine stone dam for electric power. This was sold
to the Union Gas and Electric Company and is now connected
with the older company. Yet later the Messalonskee Electric
Company was formed, Harvey D. Eaton and Walter S. Wyman
constituting the company. This company now lights our streets
and soon will have large increase of facilities through utilization
of the famous cascade at Oakland. This distribution of electric
power at cheap rates has greatly increased the business of thq
city. The Riverview Worsted Mills built under the manage-
ment of Mr. Thomas Sampson, the \\'hittemore Furniture
Company, the Sawyer Publishing Company, etc., mean much
to the business prosperity of the city. This development
has come largely through the efforts of certain public spirited
professional and business men among whom are Dr. F. C.
Thayer, Frank Chase, I. C. Libby, Frank Redington, William
T. Haines, Thomas Sampson, Harvey D. Eaton, Cyrus W. Davis,
W. B. Arnold, Geo. K. Boutelle, G. F. Terry and others.
Other events of the decade though fresh in memory should
have some record here. Early in 1893 the Waterville Trust
Company began business in Masonic Block. This company with
its ample capital and its enterprising and progressive manage-
ment has been a large factor in the development of the city. The
death of Dr. James H. Hanson, who with characteristic energy
toiled to the very last, carried personal sorrow to the citizens of
Waterville and to the students throughout the nation who had
enjoyed the high privilege of his instruction. Of his half cen-
tury of teaching he had given forty-two years to Waterville and
the Institute is his memorial as well as that of his friends whose
name it bears. Associated with him in the work and in the
honor of its success is his wife Mrs. Mary Hanson.
In 1895 the College celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary
of its founding as a college with an oration by Dr. Nathaniel
Butler of Chicago, his subject being ''The College Ideal and
American Life." Judge W. P. Whitehouse at the same com-
mencement delivered the oration before the Delta Kappa Epsilon
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 9I
Fraternity at their fiftieth anniversary. Dr. Butler became
president of the College the same year. On Saturday, February
29, 1896, the first public meeting was held in the interests of the
public library. Forty volumes had already been given and
placed in the office of Harvey D. Eaton, Esq. The library began
its work with j\lrs. ]\I. B. Johnson as librarian on Saturday,
August 22, 1896. She has continued in efificient service to the
present time. The library has had abundant patronage and the
gift by Hon. Andrew Carnegie of $20,000 for a building makes
the centennial year a signal one in the history of the library.
The new city hall appears first in a call for a meeting ^lay 18,
1896 "To see if the voters of the city will instruct the city council
to build a city hall and opera house this season."
Dr. F. C. Tha}'er was chairman of the meeting which was
largely attended. The call seemed to be with reason. The old
city hall, the east meetinghouse of 1796 with sundry remodel-
lings, was no longer on a plane with the dignity or the demands
of the city. The meeting voted in favor of a building to cost
$75,000. Of course the citizens were not unanimous as to the
wisdom or necessity of such a course. May 4, 1897, the city
voted in favor of the special enabling act to incorporate the City
Building Commission, 526 to 404. Plans were accepted, the old
hall was moved back, contracts were signed and the foundation
of the new hall was partly laid when at the instance of conserva-
tive or as some said reactionary Waterville an injunction was
issued and the work stopped. Certainly the completion of the
hall would have carried the debt of the city beyond the constitu-
tional limit. Nothing more was done for some time though the
Board of Trade and especially its president, Mr. Frank Reding-
ton, did not give up the enterprise. Early in 1901 public meet-
ings were held and it was ascertained that the sentiment of the
citizens was in favor of the erection of the hall. jNIayor Martin
Blaisdell favored the enterprise. It was decided by the city
council to erect the hall and to raise the amount necessary to pay
for it by taxation, the amount to be distributed over a term of
years. The building committee consisted of Mayor Blaisdell,
Aldermen Gedeon Picher and E. C. Wardwell and Councilmen
H. R. Mitchell and E. E. Decker, ^vlodified plans by the archi-
tect, Geo. D. Adams, were adopted and the contract to erect and
92 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
cover the building was let to Horace Purinton and Company.
During 1901 $22,500 were raised by direct taxation and with the
transfer of funds saved from other amounts $29,800 was paid on
city hall. Contracts for the completion of the hall were let to
Horace Purinton & Co. The building committee for 1902 con-
sisted of Mayor Blaisdell and Aldermen E. C. Wardwell and
G. L. Learned with Councilmen Greaney, Wm. King and Leslie
P. Loud. The total cost of the hall will be about $70,000.
Mayor Blaisdell through the whole enterprise has given himself
without reserve to the work. He has been careful in his con-
tracts, constant in his oversight and has rendered an important
and permanent service to the city. The builders have given a
construction which is a credit both to themselves and to the city.
Waterville at last has a city hall of which she may well be proud.
Turning again to the year 1896 we note the sudden death,
December 19, of F. A. Waldron, Esq., city solicitor, respected
and beloved for his ability and high character.
Rev. B. F. Shaw, D. D., died March i, 1897. He had been
the eminently successful pastor of the Baptist church, a trustee
of the College and was honored in his denomination for his
ability and unselfish ministration. He was the father of Judge
Frank K. Shaw of the municipal court.
Two events of importance in the temperance history of the
city and State marked the year 1897. March 21, a mass temper-
ance meeting filled city hall and a petition containing 1,227 names
was presented to Mayor Redington requesting him to enforce
the law against the rum traffic in Waterville. March 29', the
Christian Civic League of Maine was organized with Principal
G. C. Purington of Farmington as president ; Rev. W. F. Berry
of Waterville, secretary, and Horace Purinton of Waterville,
treasurer. This work has been carried on with great vigor and
with encouraging and increasing success.
A mass meeting under the auspices of the Board of Trade was
held in City Hall April i, 1897, at which the relations between
the city and the College were discussed. President Butler spoke
at length and several of the leading business men followed. The
result was a closer sympathv between city and College than had
existed before and a generous subscription in the city to the new
chemical building.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 93
The fine Myrtle street schoolhouse thoroughly built by Con-
tractor S. F. Brann, under the supervision of J. D. Hayden, was
dedicated December 17, 1897. The building committee were
Aldermen F. D. Lunt and Geo. K. Boutelle, Councilmen H. C.
Prince and S. F. Merrill with S. S. Brown and A. L. Lane of the
school board.
That gallant soldier of the Civil War, Col. Francis E. Heath,
died December 20, 1897. He was worthily honored not only as
a soldier but as a public spirited citizen. He introduced the
manufacture of wood pulp into ]^Iaine, building the first mill for
that purpose at Benton Falls.
October 19, 1898, Hon. Reuben Foster, first mayor of Water-
ville, long a prominent lawyer, Speaker of the Maine House of
Representatives and President of the Senate died at his home on
Park street.
Hon. Edmund F. Webb, the last of the older lawyers of
Waterville, died suddenly at the Revere House, Boston, Decem-
ber 7, 1808. He also had been mayor of W^aterville, Speaker of
the Maine House of Representatives, President of the Senate,
trustee of Colby, Republican elector and delegate to national
conventions.
The year 1898 marks an epoch in the history of the United
States and of the world through the new position in world poli-
tics assumed by this government. The devastation of Cuba by
Spain, the destruction of the U. S. Battleship ^Nlaine in Havana
Harbor, and the failure of diplomacy to secure satisfaction from
Spain led to the President's message of April 14, 1898, in which
he said, "In the name of humanity, in the name of civilization, in
behalf of endangered American interests which give us the right
and the duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba must stop."^
1. At its annual meeting March 28, 1S9S, the Waterville Board of Trade, Frank
Redington, President, had passed the following resolutions:
"We, the Waterville Board of Trade, fully recognizing and understanding the
gravity of the conditions existing between this country and Spain, do hereby
adopt the following resolutions:
Resolved, That we heartily commend the action of the President of the United
States in his conservative yet manly and courageous action in the crisis pending
with Spain.
That we deprecate war and will do all in our power to preserve peace with
honor, but we demand the vindication of the nation's honor even though war
should be the alternative.
94 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Already the Board of Trade had passed resokitions pledging
support of the President's policy for the maintaining the honor
of the United States and the deliverance of Cuba.
On May 2, 1898, Co. H, National Guard State of Maine,
seventy-three men, Captain A. T. Shurtleff, left the city to join
the regiment at Augusta. The city gave them an overwhelming
demonstration of their confidence and patriotic approval. The
streets on the line of march were profusely decorated. At the
armory ]\Ir. Frank Redington presented the company with a fine
flag. Capt. Shurtleff responded. A patriotic address was given
by Mr. J. H. McCone. The company was escorted to the station
by the Waterville Military Band, Prof. R. B. Hall, leader. Sev-
eral fraternal societies, the students of the college, the institute
and the high school, and at the right of the line was W. S. Heath
Post No. 14, G. A. R., the old soldiers guiding the march of the
new. At the platform near the station, prayer was offered by
Rev. William H. Spencer, D. D., himself a veteran of the Civil
War, who knew what war meant, who in his own body for thirty-
five years had felt what it meant. Eloquent addresses were
given by President Nathaniel Butler of Colby and by General
Isaac S. Bangs, whose heart was thrilled with the spirit of the
old days of strife and victory.
As the 2nd Regiment was not needed at the front, the com-
panies returned home. May 14. Several of Co. H volunteered
and were mustered into the ist Regiment and the 1st Maine Bat-
tery. Later several Waterville men saw service in the Philip-
pines and the city fulfilled well her part offering vastly more of
service than could be received in the Spanish-American War.
The establishing of the Whittemore Furniture Co. in 1899, and
of the Riverview Worsted Mill in 1900, were events of import-
That we can see no way in view of the present state of affairs, knowing that
the people are being starved to death not by ones and twos, but by thousands and
hundreds of thousands by the action of Spain, except to declare the independence
of Cuba and recognize her as a free people.
That as the finding of the Naval Commission declares external explosions as
the cause of the destruction of the Maine, we demand all possible reparation from,
the parties who may be found responsible for loss of life and property.
That we, the merchants, doctors, lawyers, clerks, business and professional
men without distinction of party or class uphold the President in his course, and
if war be the result we pledge ourselves to do all in our power in defense of the
«tars and Stripes."
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 95
ance in the business history of the town. Both of these plants
have since been enlarged. 1901 saw the erection of the new
City Hall, its corner stone was laid with Masonic ceremonies
August 4 ; and the departure of President Butler to the University
of Chicago. Dr. Butler had shown himself a pubhc spirited and
genial citizen as well as the head of the college. The Alumni
Chemical Building with its splendid facilities and equipment
was the result of his initiative and enthusiastic leadership. A
banquet was given in his honor by the Board of Trade at the
Elmwood and expression was given of the high esteem in which
he was regarded in the city.
The Maine Christian Endeavor Union held its convention in
Waterville in September 1901, one of the largest and most suc-
cessful in the history of the Union.
The death of President McKinlcy was a great shock to the city.
A public memorial service was held, September 19th in Monu-
ment Park, in which many thousands of the citizens reverently
joined. Hon. C. F. Johnson presided. Prayer was offered by
Kev. A. G. Pettengill ; addresses were given by President
Charles L. White, Rev. Edward L. Marsh, Rev. N. Charland,
closing with prayer by Rev. Edwin C. Whittemore and bene-
diction by Rev. Dr. Pepper who had shared in Waterville's mem-
orial service in honor of President Lincoln, thirty-six years
before.
A little later the death of Rev. George D.Lindsay, who had been
the efficient pastor of the Methodist church for five years and by
whose labors the church had greatly prospered, called out an
expression of universal regret and sympathy.
On Sunday, December 15, the melting of a great body of snow
hy a heavy rain caused the rivers of Maine to rise to a higher
point than at any other time since 1832. Bridges were carried
away, the railroad tracks v/ere undermined for miles, streets
were channeled to the depth of many feet by the rushing waters.
Homes were swept away and their occupants drowned. In
Waterville, however, the principal damage was the carrying
away of the iron foot-bridge extending from the foot of Temple
street to the Winslow side near the Hollings worth and Whitney
mills. This had been built by the enterprise and at the cost of
Hon. Wm. T. Haines and Harvey D. Eaton Esq., and although
96 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
it had been opened for travel but a few days, had proved itself
a great convenience.
1902 has seen the acceptance, on the part of the city, of the
offer of that munificent and magnificent giver, Hon. Andrew
Carnegie of New York, of $20,000 for the erection of a building
for a free public library on condition that the city raise $2,000
per year for its support. Mr. Elwood T. Wyman, superintend-
ent of schools had been in correspondence with him as to the use
which a library here would have. The committee had invited
him to be present at the Centennial and in the letter announcing
his gift was an expression of regret that he could not attend the
Centennial.
The Centennial. This is the event of 1902. It means much
to the city to receive back again so many who have gone out from
Waterville to successful and important work in the world. The
city is coming by these events into a clearer consciousness of its
power and of its possibilities. The century's history has been
like that of our New England towns of the first rank, without
much that is sensational, but that New England life has leavened
the history of the Nation and has done its full share to secure
our National progress and present greatness.
The intellectual life of the community, with the college as its
center, has been of a high order. Thoroughness rather than
show has been the ruling principle and this has sent out a great
number of men and women to work, not so much for self as for
humanity and for God. Reverently do the thoughts of many
turn to-day to the great teachers of the earlier day. Chkplin
and Anderson and Keely and Loomis and Hamlin and Champlin
and Hanson and Lyford and Foster and to others who still live
to carry on important work. Presidents Robbins and Pepper and
Small and Whitman and Butler, each did their work and are
worthy of their reward. The college and the town have still the
advantage of the tried service of professors who have given more
than a quarter of a century in far-reaching labors, while younger
men with the best equipment of the time are at hand for the
enlarging work.
The history of the several churches has been such that their
influence in the community has been of the highest order while
their missionary consecration has borne fruit to the ends of the
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 97
earth. The reHgious Hfe of the community has been broad,
rational, Hberal, not highly emotional but thoroughly reliable and
in no time of test or crisis has it been found wanting. It has
employed its strength not in sectarian controversy but in the
doing of the work of the Kingdom of God. The names of
Cushman and S. F. Smith and Adams and Cobb and Park and
Gardner and Sheldon and Shaw and Hawes and Pepper and
Burrage and Ladd and Seward and Spencer themselves declare
the quality of religious life which has characterized the town,
and, among a large part of our population, while other names
are highly honored, especial honor for his long and increas-
ingly useful pastorate will be given to Father Narcisse Charland.
The deacons and office-bearers in the churches have con-
tributed in no small degree to the high esteem in which religion
is held in this community. The preaching of noble living from
the pulpit has had powerful reinforcement from the pew.
The medical profession in Waterville from the time of Dr.
Obadiah Williams and Dr. ]Moses Appleton down to the time
of Dr. Thayer has been an honor to the town. It has kept high
ideals of professional honor and of the privilege of the profession
to render a service to the community, priceless in its helpfulness
and Christ-like in its charity. Some members of the profession
have attained eminence and wide fame by their success. In the
time of war our physicians were there on their errands of mercy,
Crosby and Boutelle and West. In the business development
of the town our doctors have had large place and the present
membership of the profession is worthy of the honor and suc-
cess which its leaders have won and to which its junior members
will yet attain.
The bar of Waterville has enrolled many men of eminent
ability. Few of them have made politics a profession and so
they have not risen to high political preferment though we have
furnished many leaders to the Maine House and Senate. The
old lawyers have come to their graves full of years and of honors,
and the young men of to-day have a professional and a political
prospect which is unsurpassed.
From the date of the establishment of the Masonic lodge in
Waterville, Tune 2^, 1820, until now, with the exception of a few
98 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
years of the Anti-Masonic movement, Waterville Lodge has had
honored place and influence in the life of the town. Many of its
members have attained very high rank in Masonry, while one who
holds a rank attained by no other Mason in the United States,
Hon. Josiah H. Drummond, is still a member of Waterville
Lodge. In this and in the many orders which since have come
in to take their place and work, again and again has the head
of the Maine jurisdiction been found in a Waterville man. The
orator of the day, Hon. Warren C. Philbrook, was last year
Chancellor Commander of the Maine Knights of Pythias, and
the present commander of the Department of Maine, G. A. R.,
is an old soldier of the 19th Maine, James L. Merrick. The
list might be largely extended. The many orders for mutual,
insurance, protection, relief and improvement are accomplishing
a great deal of good in the community, while that devastating
flood of all imaginable evil which the anti-secret society men are
ever declaring, seems to have passed us by.
The business history- of Waterville is important in its attain-
ment but more in its prophecy. Even in the eighteenth century
John McKechnie, who built the first dam on the Messalonskee
and Redington & Getchell, who built on the Kennebec, saw that
this was to be a manufacturing center. The early traders under-
stood that this was to be the trade center of central Maine.
With the passing of the old order of things and the extension of
the railroads, it seemed for a while that Waterville was left
behind. Had it not been for the public spirit and the business
genius of George Alfred Phillips and the executive ability of R.
B. Dunn, Waterville would not have been what it is to-day.
Other men of means and public spirit and administrative
capacity were found who brought in the new era.
As early as 1839 it had been pointed out that within a radius
of five miles of Waterville were fifteen waterfalls, thus affording
power for a manufacturing city of the first rank. Our great
manufacturies, our pay rolls of $1,700,000 per year are a definite
and well-established and incontrovertible prophecy of the greater
things which are to be.
The past century has made Waterville a railroad center. The
business of the Maine Central Railroad at the Waterville station
has increased, since 1879, i" ticket business, 400% and in freight
HISTORY OP WATERVILLE. 99
business, 600%. The coming of the Wiscasset, Waterville &
Farmington road, for which VVaterville citizens have worked
so long, will mean much to the business of the city. The exten-
sion of electric roads will write a new page in the prosperity of
Waterville. And for larger things — study the map and your
eyes may discern the laden trains of the Canadian Pacific Trans-
Continental system rolling through Waterville to the nearest
ever-open harbor of the Atlantic.
The conditions upon which our grandsires looked in 1802
should give inspiration and courage to us who look into the
second century of Waterville's life. They are to us also a chal-
lenge. If under those conditions they wrought so well and
accomplished so much, what shall be required of us?
In order to this grander and larger future, certain things are
essential. The intellectual, moral, religious and civic life of the
community must be ever higher and nobler. The schools must
be well supported and properly housed. The churches must
carry forward their work of love which binds man to his
brother man and both to God.
The laws of the State and the Nation must be kept. We
record with gratitude and pride to-day, that only one murder
stains Waterville's record for a hundred years and that was com-
mitted by one who hardly had been here long enough to be
called a citizen of Waterville. For the true prosperity of the city
there must be respect for law and enforcement of law.
In material things much is yet desired. The old days when
every man kept his own store and cried down his neighbor, are
past. In order to large individual prosperity there must be gen-
eral and corporate prosperity. The public spirit which unites
the resource of all for the general good, alone can meet the needs
of the new era. The Board of Trade has given example and
suggestion in this regard. The prosperity of Waterville is not
matter of accident or uncertainty. Let its citizens work together
on rational lines and that prosperity is as certain as the laws of
nature, which are the thoughts of God.
Let the things essential to the more great and glorious future
of Waterville be supplied. The railroads needed, will be built,
men who know an opportunity will utilize the power of our
rivers for manufactures. Let the higher things of the city*s
100 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
life be regarded. The new library must have a fitting site, and
is there no land except this sacred spot ? The high school which
has so well proved its efficiency should have a building worthy
of its work. Other schools have like needs. Colby and Coburn
should receive large increase in endowment that they may be
leaders in the new era. The Fire Department which has had
such an honorable past and has such present efficiency should
have a suitable central station.
We are not discouraged by our needs, they are only proofs
of the city's progress and growth by which they have been
created. As to their supply : It seems strange that no prosper-
ous son of the city, who in broader fields has gained wealth, has
ever given anvthing to supply some of these needs in his native
town. Such gifts would be alike honorable to the giver and to
the recipient. But if they come not, then let the city in good,
sturdy, self-respecting fashion out of its own increasing revenue
supply its needs, and build even higher the enduring structure
of its prosperity and its fame. The City Hall yonder, in its
beauty, its convenience and its strength which will make memor-
able the administration of Mayor Blaisdell, shows what the city
can do. The needs of progress are better than the competence of
stagnation.
This centennial celebration in which, led and marshalled by our
efficient chairman, Dr. Frederick C. Thayer, we, as committees
and citizens, have worked heartily together, should arouse a spirit
which will make larger things possible. Let us go forward to
that larger future. In it v*"hatever may come, whatever dariger
befall our beloved country in this new century of her larger life,
the men of Waterville will not be wanting. Her fair daughters
still will adorn and make happy her homes, unless induced by
men of the right sort to establish in larger but less favored cities,
homes of the Waterville order. Our college still will send forth
men and women who because they know, can teach, because of
what they are, can lead, however rapidly the front line of the
world's progress may advance.
Yet we pause a moment in our progress, to-day, to salute the
men and women of the past from whom we have received our
goodly heritage. Only a few of their names could be recorded
in this brief sketch but their work abides, their descendents ful-
HISTORY OF WATERVILI.E. 101
fil well their part in the city of to-day and will cherish and honor
their memory.
We salute Winslow, our mother, still fair in her ever renewed
youth and comfortable in her ever increasing prosperity. (Even
though she lost her covered bridge.) Sometimes this Mother
Winslow, has been a bit cross and severe to her beautiful and
somewhat headstrong daughter, Waterville, but on the whole
she has been a good mother and has secured her daughter's fond
approval.
We salute our own daughter, Oakland, regretful that family
jars led to her setting up housekeeping for herself and rejoicing
in all her new promise of prosperity. We are about building
a new railroad in order to make it more convenient for mother
and daughter to exchange calls and the light of Oakland shines
in our streets by night.
Yea, more, as I study the record of the past, and regard the
signs of the future there comes before me a vision of a city
restored to the limits of the old town of 1771. Winslow, Water-
ville, Oakland, together again, bound by the modern hooks of
steel, the steam and electric roads, and by interests in common.
That city will be strong and efficient in its great industries, rich
in its commerce, grand in its educational institutions, happy in
its homes, pure in its civil life and loyal to the brotherhood of
man in the service of Almighty God. Of that city it matters
little whether the name be Waterville or Winslow or Teconnet,
it will be the fair city of our heart's love, of our faith and of our
prayers. Meanwhile Waterville, city beloved and fair, in the
words of the old Hebrew benediction "the Lord bless thee and
keep thee, the Lord mxake His face to shine upon thee and be
gracious unto thee, the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee
and give thee peace."
CHAPTER IV.
THE CENTENNIAL ORATION
By Hon. Warrex Coffin Philbrook, A. ]\I., Lately ]\Iayor
of Waterville.
The first hundred years of the existence of our municipality
is so nearly contemporaneous with the nineteenth calendar cen-
tury that it may not be inappropriate, while we are celebrating
our centennial, to glance over that most important period of the
world's history and compare present with past conditions, for,
though years glide by unheeded and centuries pass into eternity
to be forgotten, yet men who filled those years with notable deeds
of right or wrong, and events which illuminated the records of
the centuries, or stained the pages of the book of Time, still hold
their place in the halls of memory.
The most correct estimates are those formed by comparison
and in order to judge of the conditions of our own national exis-
tence a hundred years ago we should scan the conditions, at 'that
time, of our neighbors beyond the sea. And first it should be
remembered that monarchies, more or less absolute, then held
sway throughout Europe and while some rulers were apparently
attempting to ameliorate the conditions of their subjects yet, for
the most part, kings and emperors sought wealth and power
only for their own aggrandizement. But, as threatening an
eclipse of all European government, written across the heavens
from Gibraltar to the land of the midnight sun, was the name of
Napoleon, whose ambitions were forcing Europe into a general
war. The respite from continental struggles granted by the
treaty of Amiens was so brief as to be hardly called a respite.
The alliance of Paul of Russia with the First Consul had been
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. IO3
abandoned by Alexander I, who succeeded the murdered Paul,
and Russia, still exhausted by forty years of ceaseless strife,
found herself allied to England, the bitterest enemy of France,
under mutual vows to drive Bonaparte from northern Germany
and to make Holland and Switzerland independent. Sweden
entered the Anglo-Russian alliance and Prussia, with eighty
thousand men, fought on the side of the lion and the bear.
Austria had already begun war against the Corsican, while in
Spain, Ferdinand \'II, who had come to the throne on a wave
of absolutism, who had publicly burned the constitution, who
had declared the acts of the Cortes illegal and who had restored
the inquisition, found himself and his country forced into a coali-
tion with the man whose hand was against all Europe.
The disastrous campaigns of ]\Iarengo and Hohenlinden soon
compelled Francis, in behalf of Austria, and in the name of the
German Empire, to sign the treaty of Luneville whereby Ger-
m.any lost twenty-four thousand square miles of its best territory
and three and a half millions of its people. Austerlitz was fol-
lowed by Waterloo and the struggle of nation with nation for
supremacy on the one hand and independence on the other
absorbed the attention of a continent. Everywhere on that side
of the Atlantic was heard the martial drum beat, the roar of
cannon, and the moans of the dying, everywhere was the war
cloud, everywhere was intrigue, plot and counterplot.
From this hasty view of that land where monarchies and wars
to support monarchies held sway, we turn to the western world
in which the youngest nation of the earth had begun the experi-
ment of a government "of the people, by the people and for the
people." Across our heavens, in letters of glorious light, was
written the name of that great patriot who had just closed his
eyes on scenes of earth, our own illustrious, incomparable Wash-
ington. Upon our soil no king, no potentate, no emperor had
set foot. Our institutions were dedicated to the immortal prin-
ciple "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by
their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these
are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Than this no
statement could have been framed more comprehensive, more
significant, more prophetic, when viewed in the light of all that
has happened during the century which has just closed. Have
104 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE).
we had wars? They were not for the acquirement of territory,
the subjugation of a nation, or the glory of a king, but rather
in defence of the lives of American citizens, for the liberty of
American subjects and the down trodden of other races. Have
art, science, invention and philanthropy borne fruit ? The golden
harvest has not been gleaned by the favored few of rank and
station but, in all its bounty, has been laid at the door of the rich
and the poor, of the lofty and of the lowly, and herein has the
pursuit of happiness been richly rewarded.
It is not my intention to dwell upon the wars through which
we have been called to pass during the century. Every one was
a necessitv and unavoidable. But whether in our chastisement
of the piratical Barbary states, our final war with the mother
country, our occupation of the halls of the Montezumas, our
domestic tragedy in the early sixties, or the latest conquest of
the Spaniard, in every instance the stars and stripes were
unfurled in a righteous cause, were defended by gallant soldiers
and sailors and were never lowered until the cause was won. It
is rather my purpose to emphasize the victories of peace, tne
glorious achievements of invention, the splendid progress of art
and science, and the holy conquests of philanthropy. In the
development of this purpose I shall not invoke the graces of
trope and metaphor, nor seek the aid of eloquence, but rather let
the story be a plain, unvarnished tale, only pausing from time to
time to emphasize the thought that these things are all the fruit
of the century in which our fair city has grown from a struggling
hamlet to its present beautiful proportions, a time almost covered
by the memory of some who honor me with their attention at
this hour.
First then let us consider those inventions which have anni-
hilated time and space in the transportation of thought and arti-
cles of commerce. One hundred years ago no swifter courier
than the stage coach and the breeze driven ship brought tidings
of life or death, communications as to the affairs of state, or the
message of the merchant. The sail waited for the favoring wind
and the slow moving wagon was at the mercy of the horse or the
ox when the storehouses of commerce were empty. To Ameri-
can ingenuity we owe the first improvement in this condition
when Robert Fulton began to navigate the Hudson river by
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. IO5
Steamboat in 1807, thereby preceding by five years like naviga-
tion on the Clyde and by ten years that upon the Thames. If
the nineteenth century had produced no other invention than the
application of steam power to navigation it would still have easily
held first place among the ages by reason of the material bene-
fits which it has bestowed upon mankind. So familiar are we
now with the steamboat from the tiny launch to the mammoth
floating palaces costing fortunes, that it might seem to the
younger generation a fable to say that when their grandfathers
left the little hamlet of Waterville to fight the battles of 1812
there were but eleven steam driven vessels in the world, one in
England and ten in America. At that time Dr. Lardner, the
great English scientist, was reported to have declared that steam
iiavigatioti coiild never be made practicable, on account of the
great expense of operation, and that no ship could ever cross the
Atlantic ocean by steam power alone because it would not be
possible to carry coal sufficient for the voyage. And yet, thanks
to Yankee ingenuity which our British cousins always reluc-
tantly admit, so rapid and so successful was the development of
steam navigation that the same learned gentleman, in less than
three decades after the trial trip of Fulton's little craft was made,
used the following gracious langu.age ; ''Among the various ways
in which the steam engine has ministered to the social progress
of our race none is more important and interesting than the aid
it has afforded to steam navigation. Before it lent its giant
power to that art, locomotion over the deep was attended with a
degree of danger and uncertainty which seemed so necessary and
so inevitable that, as a common proverb, it became the type and
representative of everything else which was precarious and
perilous." How great has been that social progress, and in
what directions, every one may have some conception who will
contemplate the amount of business now done daily by steam
vessels, how safely and how swiftly it is done, and how its per-
formance brings the markets of the w^orld to our very doors.
But we should not forget that steam navigation, grown from the
little "Clermont" with a speed of less than five miles an hour
to that great ocean greyhound which a short time ago crossed the
broad Atlantic in a trifle over five days ; grown from the "Demo-
logos" a steam orooelled batterv of two thousand four hundred
I06 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
and seventy-five tons to the magnificent ships of the "California'*
class with a record of thirteen thousand six hundred eighty-
tons, is a gift of the century whose close we celebrate today.
Made first by our English cousins, this same century has also
seen the experiment with steam locomotion for railway purposes
pass into the realms of established necessities and today we whirl
across a continent in less time than one might go from here to
New York when Waterville asked incorporation from the hands
of the Legislature of Massachusetts.
The transmission of thought by telegraph and telephone has
new become so common as to excite no comment but it remained
for Americans in the nineteenth century, to perfect telegraphy
so as to make it practical, and to invent the telephone which was
an absolutely unknown factor in the world's progress a little
more than twenty-five years ago. None can tell what the future
may have in store for those who have abandoned the wire for the
transmission of messages and are teaching the whispering airs
of heaven to tell the story of Marconi, but we may well be proud
of the fact that American enterprise and American capital have
not been sought in vain with which to test the practical value of
this latest gift of invention.
Descending to what might be called a humbler line I borrow
for a moment the words of a noted author who says : "The
comforts of life have been immeasurably increased by the uni-
versal adoption of things now termed common and indispensable,
such as friction matches, gas lighting, electric light and appli-
ances, or steel pens as well as modern methods of heating, plumb-
ing and construction." But human life, as it now exists among
civilized communities, owes still more, perhaps, to our new labor
saving machines. Should w^e attempt to enumerate the inven-
tions of the century in this class time would fail and patience be
exhausted with the telling. Machines for the working of wood
and iron, machines for the spinning and weaving of wool and
cotton, machines for the manufacture of hats and machines for
the manufacture of shoes, that most marvellous product of
American brain, the sewing machine, which one enthusiastic
writer declared was the greatest blessing, save alone the Christian
religion, ever bestowed on civilized woman ; machines, in short,
to do almost everything which was necessarily done by human
HISTORY OF WATe:rvILLE. I07
ton a hundred years ago, are the fruits of a century at whose
close we stand.
As a natural sequence to the appHcation of steam to trans-
portation by sea and land, the last hundred years has seen an
enormous expansion of business in which our country has greatly
shared. This is neither the time or the place to give extended
statistics relating to the commerce of our country, either foreign
or domestic, but a few figures may be used to indicate the enor-
mous amount of our sales to foreign nations and their increase
during the memory of this generation. In many other avenues
of industry might the illustration be found but it now suffices
the purpose to speak of some exported products.
Exports 1885 1900
Machinery, agricultural implements,
instruments and apparatus, $14,893,000 $74,681,000
Other manufactured metals, 5,950,000 41,891,000
Cp.ide iron and steel, (in tons) 13,000 747,095
1897 1900
Copper, $31,075,636 $55,772,166
1898 1900
Refined petroleum, $51,242,933 $67,740,106
Such figures as these, to the thoughtless mind, are as empty
sounds, meaning nothing, but to the student of events, to the
intelligent business man they speak volumes. They represent
thousands upon thousands of men employed at honest, profitable
labor, they represent hundreds upon hundreds of happy homes on
which there is no mortgage and for the occupation of which no
rent falls due, they represent cities and towns newly sprung into
existence and the life of many municipalities which celebrate an
anniversary, they mean education and refinement for the masses,
luxuries for those who are possessed only of moderate means,
enlarsred fortunes for the wealthv and in short everv material
blessing to which man is heir.
Great as the advance has been in the realm of invention and
commerce, yet an equal forward movement has been made along
the lines of science. Only the most passing allusion can be
given to this advance, nor indeed is there great need of particu-
larizing in the presence of an audience composed of those who
I08 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
are so well versed, as this one is, in the development of the times.
Some reference is due however, to the great strides taken in the
science and practice of medicine and surgery. Imagine, if you
please, a patient in the full possession of his senses and with
every nerve of feeling alert, bound firmly to an operating table,
about to feel the knife and the saw, follow his agony through
the necessary amputation of a limb or the opening of a cavity,
watch the life blood follow the scalpel, listen to his cries of
anguish, see him swoon with pain, and then say how great a
blessing the nineteenth century conferred on humanity when an
American doctor, either Morton, Jackson or Wells, in 1846, dis-
covered that by the mere inhalation of pure sulphuric ether the
most dreaded of surgical operations may be performed during
the happy unconsciousness of the patient. For screaming and
struggles and intense suffering under the surgeon's knife, etheri-
zation substituted complete exemption from pain, associated in
some with the quietude, mental and bodily, of deep sleep ; in
others, with pleasing dreams, imaginary scenes and sweet music.
And for this great boon the modest physician who first made it
possible asked of the world no recompense, no reward. It was
simply a gift to mankind, a trophy which science laid at the feet
of the nineteenth century, a garland whose perfume filled the air
with sweetness for the comfort of all men. In like manner, and
v/ith equal largess, have the members of that splendid profession
given ungrudginglv the beneficial results arising from the dis-
covery of the functions of the blood corpuscles, the germ theory
of disease and the use of the Roentgen rays. Boldly let it be
said that the century's achievements in invention, commerce and
science outnumber like results of all previous centuries within
historic time.
But when all is said neither the achievements of invention, the
growth of commerce, nor the progress of science is at all com-
parable with these deeds of philanthropy which the sons of
Columbia have made the crowning glory of the century. Their
altruism has not been confined to the household of their own
faith, nor even to the stranger within their gates, but has been
extended to those beyond seas ; has blessed not only the Anglo-
Saxon but has thrown its arm about the starving dwellers on the
Emerald soil, the dusky sons of Africa and those who live upon
HISTORY OF WATERVILLi:. IO9
the islands of the tropics. In 1846 Ireland was afflicted with
one of the most dreadful famines known to modern times.
Destitution, pestilence and death were seen on every hand. No
tongue could tell the sad stories of the time, no pen could chron-
icle the awful record of the hour. Then it was that America
won her first great victory of peace and challenged the admira-
tion of the world. Scarce thirty years had passed since the
smoking guns of our warships had humbled the proud flag of
George III, and yet the same generation which manned those
guns now sailed toward England in one of those same warships
laden with food for the starving subjects of the British King.
It was not an event of passing importance but was the forerunner
of the policy of our country through the years which were to
follow. Two decades passed by and we were able to show the
world the proud record at home of a race of slaves made free
from bondage, even at the cost of hundreds of thousands of
human lives and thousands of millions of dollars. To be sure
the question of the stability of the Union is said to have been the
cause of the Civil War but that stability was threatened on the
one hand by southern tyranny and on the other by northern phil-
anthropy. In the end the latter came off victor and added
another star to America's crown of glory. But it remained for
these latest days to witness a spectacle never before beheld by the
people of any age, race or clime. In the midst of unequalled
material prosperity at home, at a time when peace and harmony
cemented the hearts of all the American people as never before,
at a time when strife was farthest from our minds, the breeze
from ofif the ocean brought a cry for help. It came not from
territory which we had peopled, in the veins of its dwellers ran
no drop of our blood, their traditions were not ours, their man-
ners and customs were not ours, their ancestors were not ours ;
no obligation bound us to them, no claim had they upon us save
alone the moral claim to protect the weak, to succor the afflicted
and to raise up those who were bowed down by the burden of an
unequal and an unjust foe. At the sound of that cry America
arose in her majestic strength. Calmly, without passion and
without fear she drew around her more closely the white robes
of justice, on her fair brow she placed the blazing helmet of love,
in her right hand she took the sword of freedom and, calling
no HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
xipon her sons in blue and her sons in gray, went forth upon such
a mission as never had been known before since time began.
Here was no offensive alHance for gain of lands or treasure, no
defensive union for the protection of her own, but as a messenger
of the God of nations she went forth to do His will. Recall the
myths of earliest times, delve into the legends of prehistoric days,
search the records since history began, and tell the world, with
proudest boast, if you can find the equal of this philanthropic act
of America with which she wrote the closing chapter of our
century.
In the environment of this moment we maw well be proud and
thankful for what the years have brought to us and to our fair
city. Last night the moon shone fair and bright as I passed
through yonder walk and paused a moment to contemplate the
scene. The hour was late. The fragrant stillness, the lights
and shadows, the graceful foliage of the majestic elms, the arch-
ing blue of heaven and the perfect verdure of earth formed a
picture not soon to be forgotten. From the east came faint
sounds of the rushing river on whose banks the tired mill wheels
waited a new day of busy, profitable toil for hundreds of our
people ; the southern sky, bending closely down upon this stately
temple of learning told its vacant halls new secrets of the wisdom
of the ages for the earnest student of the coming years ; toward
the west I saw happy homes where untroubled sleep held the
weary dreamers close to its restful bosom ; between me and the
northern polar star I saw the church spire standing as a symbol
of the moral and spiritual aspirations which characterize so many
who have tried to follow the teachings of the gentle Nazarene,
and in the midst of all stood that bronze sentinel whose eyelids
never slumber. And I said, O city beautiful ! surrounded by all
the benefits of the century, by the fruits of its invention and pros-
perity, by the advantages of every branch of education, by the
henison of pure, enlightened homes, by the benediction of the
infiuence of religion, as long as bronze and stone may withstand
the action of the elements, so long may every moral, social and
material blessing be thine, so long may thy children at home and
abroad love and cherish thee, until all are welcomed to that City
''which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God!"
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. Ill
A HUNDRED YEARS.
Mrs. Julian D. Taylor.
Who will not love his country — the dear land where he was born?
And we who love thee, in our pride today will love thee more —
Thou who sitst between the seas, with a hand on either shore ;
The sunset gold is in thy locks, thy face is toward the dawn,
And in thy lap the orchards lie, the vineyards and the corn.
Thy mountain heights stand guard for thee ; their white crests greet
the sun ;
League on league thy forests marshal their serried pines below ;
A hundred rivers draw thy streams, rushing sea-ward, as they go
With the tribute of thy harvests, and the triumphs thou hast won —
Iron fruit of forge and furnace — who hath wrought as thou hast done?
The roar of mighty cities, the din of steel-clad ways that meet.
And clang and cross each other thou hearest, night and day,
But thou art barkening to the children, in their school time and their
play.
And they grow to fight thy battles and fling beneath thy feet
The accursed fraud and falsehood that would mar thy forehead sweet.
Thy voice is heard in the Old World; they listen there — and heed; —
*'What child of yesterday is this, that bids us all beware?
She waxes bold as beautiful; she has strength and gold to spare;"
So they forge their guns and build their ships, and are thy friends indeed ;
But England laughs across the sea — "Blood tells — we know the breed!"
O well it is to dwell with thee. North or South, or East or West,
But in all thy pleasant borders, from the mountains to the sea,
The valley of the Kennebec is the place where I would be ;
And here's a little city, dearer far than all the rest, —
'Tis her Hundredth Birthday !— cheer her, now,— you who know her best !
You who know how fair her homes are, beneath her summer shade,
How many churches lift their spires— how trimly court and lawn
With verdure charm the stranger's eye,— how cheerily, at dawn.
Bell and whistle wake her echoes,— how Time's magic touch has laid
112 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
A spell upon her College walls whose memory shall not fade,
Look back on the old Teconnet ; your Waterville lies there,
A cluster of rude dwellings in the clearing by the stream,
Where the shining salmon leaps, and the prowling wildcat's scream
At midnight scares the settler, in his troubled dream aware
Of the dreaded Indian war-whoop, and the burning roof-tree's glare.
Other days, and other lives, now ! But many a time since then,
In peace and war the little town has borne her part right well ;
She has her roll of heroes ; some who unrecorded fell.
They have passed; but what they stood for, stands. This day we bless
the men
Who taught, and toiled, and fought for us, with sword and spade, and pen.
They have passed — as we shall pass ! Another century will see
The green turf growmg over our own unheeded dust ;
Well for thee, O little city, if some lives, generous, pure and just,
Sow in thee today the seed whose bright harvest then shall be
A city's crown of glory — a people worthy to be free !
CHAPTER V.
EARLY SETTLERS AND THEIR WORK.
By Aaron Applkton Plaisted, A. M.
From 1 77 1, the date of the incorporation of Winslow, and
earher, to 1802, the date of the incorporation of Waterville, the
history of Winslow inckides the history of VVaterville. When
Fort HaHfax was built in 1754 there were no settlers. Under
the protection of the Fort and induced by the liberal offers of
the Kennebec Purchase Co., people began to come in, but slowly.
It IS supposed that ten years later, in 1764, there were about one
hundred inhabitants. How many were on either side of the
Kennebec is not known. At first the settlers would naturally
keep within the shelter of the fort, but after the Peace of 1763,
between England and France, there was less danger from hostile
Indians and the little settlement expanded its borders.
The two portions of Winslow were known as the East Side
and West Side, the latter hamlet frequently called Ticonic and,
pity 'tis that the name has not been retained. There is a flavor
about the Aboriginal name that is wanting in the hybrid French
and English word Waterville.
The name of the Falls has been spelled in various ways : Gov.
Shirley, 1754, says Taconett ; Parson Smith, 1755, Teuconic ; Gen.
Winslow, 1754, Ticonnett; Col. Montessor, 1760, Ticonic; Judge
Lithgow, 1763, Taconick — Teconnet however appears in the
treaty of 1693. The name that was proposed for the town we
happily escaped. In 1795 a petition was sent to the General
Court by the inhabitants of the West Side praying for a division
of the town and praying the new town might be called Williams-
burgh, perhaps to honor the first signer, Dr. Obadiah Williams.
8
114 • HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
The first white man known to have any connection with the
West Side was Richard Hammond, who had a trading house
here in 1660, but "as he was so imprudent as to rob the Indians
of their furs" he was killed by them as were Clark and Lake
who had a trading house in this vicinity seven years earlier. For
a hundred years, until the building of Fort Halifax in 1754, his-
tory is essentially a blank, Codman, in his account of Arnold's
Expedition, estimates the total population above Georgetown,
near the mouth of the river, at 500 in 1775.
The U. S. Census gives the population of Winslow in 1790 as
779, of whom E. A. Paine says 479 were on the West Side. In
1800 Winslow had 1,250, in 1810 Winslow had 658 and Water-
ville 1,314. It is probable that Waterville began its existence
with about 800 inhabitants and included, besides its present
limits, the town of Oakland. In 1791 sixty-three persons on
the West Side paid taxes. Ebenezer Bacon, Wm. Brooks and
Deacon John Tozier were here as early as 1770. The first had
a large farm on the river road on the hill, a little south of the
Fairfield line, the latter owned Lot No. 106, according to Dr.
McKechnie's plan, where the Elmwood now stands. He prob-
ably built the first of the several houses erected on that site.
These lots ran from the Kennebec river to the Messalonskee.
The next. Lot 105, south of John Tozier, was held by Isaac
Tem.ple, north of Temple street. Next on the south, No. 104,
by Dr. Obadiah Williams, and then 103, including the water
power on Ticonic Falls and the Messalonskee was taken by the
old surveyor himself. Dr. John McKechnie.
The first settlers on the river road, beginning at the Sidney
line, were Wellington Hamblen, James Crommett, Nathan Lowe,
Isaac Stevens, Edward Blanchard, Dea. Thos. Parker, Edward
Dillingham, Pelatiah Soule, Jonathan Soule, David Webb,
Samuel Webb, Silas and Abijah Wing, William Colcord, Her-
bert Moore, Asa Redington, Reuben Kidder and Asa Emerson.
The splendid water power of Ticonic Falls and of the Messal-
onskee was earlv appreciated and was largely the cause of the
more rapid growth of the West than of the East Side. Dr. John
McKechnie, who surveyed for the Plymouth Co., both sides of
the Kennebec from Winslow to Hallowell, built a small saw
mill at what we now call Crommett's Mills : another soon after
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. II5
was built near the same place by David Pattee, this, before the
greater power on the Kennebec was utilized, though Moses Dal-
ton seems to have had a small mill of some kind just above this
end of the bridge.
In 17Q2 Asa Redington and Nehemiah Getchell came from
Vassalboro. In connection with the heirs of Dr. McKechnie,
who paid half the expense, they built the first dam across the
river, essentially on the site of the present Lockwood dam. In
August of the same year they had completed a double saw mill.
The building of the dam and the necessity for access to the
river made that vicinity then and for many years the center of
business. The building of the Lockwood mills entirely changed
its topography. Front street then w^as continued from the
present west end of the bridge to the Plains near the bank of
the river, with room on the east side of the road for dwellings
and shops. The position from the upper Lockwood boarding
house to the Plains being the same as now. It is not only the
road that has changed but shore and river as well.
A hundred years ago there were two small islands, the upper
one, the Healey Island, nearly opposite the Healey house, the
lower one, Leeman Island. Now they are of much greater
extent and in low water are separated from the shore by a nar-
row thread of water where there was a broad and quite deep
channel. The shore, south of the Lockwood mills, w^here now
is a thick growth of tall trees and tangled underbrush, a century
ago was a scene of life and business activity. All merchandise,
not only for this town but for all the country above, came by
vessel from Boston or Portland to Hallowell and thence by long
boats to Waterville. So Waterville became the distributing
center for a large extent of country and its first traders became
rich. Many now living can remember those curious crafts, the
long boats — long, low, square at both ends like a ferry boat,
steered by a long oar, one tall mast with three or four square
sails, drawing but little water, they made a not ungraceful pic-
ture as with all sails set and a good south wdnd, they ploughed
their way past Fort Point to the landing to disgorge their
freight of dry goods, barrels of rum and quintals of dry cod fish
to return with the next favoring wind loaded with bark, shingles
and lumber. They retained their supremacy till superseded by
steamboats in the thirties.
ii6 HISTORY OF waterville;.
Asa Redington came in 1792. He has left this record of
houses then existing. "When I first came to this place John
Lane lived in a shell of a house on the site where Moor's store-
house now (1832) stands, and Isaac Temple lived in another
old thing on the site where my workshop now stands, both per-
haps worth fifty dollars." The Lockwood covers the sites of
both these. "There were also two small houses up street, one
where or near where the Wood's house now stands, occupied by
Ivory Low and the other one where Lemuel Dunbar now (1832)
lives. No other building nearer than David Pattee's house and
saw mill now occupied by Mr. Crommett.
The first mentioned was probably built by Deacon John Tozier,
the latter was known as the McKim house. In 1792, probably
aided by the new dam, something like what we call a boom was
started. In that year Dr. Williams built the oldest house now
standing. The next year Mr. Redington built for himself a
small house somewhat above the present Healey house. Mr.
Temple moved from his "old thing" to a better one on Front
street, near the city hall. The condition of things a few years
letter is shown by the following letter written by Reuben Kidder,
the first lawyer on this side the river to Moses Appleton, a young
physician seeking a place to settle.
Win SLOW, Jan'y i, 1796.
"Dear Sir: Rec'd yours of Nov. 23, 1795, Dec. 20, '95, in
v/hich you signify A'our intention of coming into our vicinity soon
to establish yourself in the Profession of Physic. You request
a little more particular information — "Whether it be a place of
much trade?" Answer: Within 50 rods of my ofiice there are
six traders, mostly men of considerable business. Within the
same distance 30 buildings, including every kind, have been
erected (where not one stood before) within 3^/2 years. Several
more are likely to be put up soon. Land sells for 2 Dolls, per
square rod.
"Is there an Apothecary shop?" — None within 20 miles in any
direction and only one within 50 miles that I know of, which is
at Hallowell. The stand must be good if any in the county is
for an Apothecary.
"Is the Country in that quarter rough, hilly, rocky or other-
wise?"
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 11^
The river roads, above and below, where most of your practice
will be, are very good; from here to Hallowell, i8 miles, there is
as good a chaise road as from Concord to Boston, but as the
country above is very new, the roads are, I suppose in the spring
season, somewhat mirey. We live in quite a level country where
stone is hard to be found.
"What is the population of Winslow ?" I should suppose that
Winslow has more than i,ooo inhabitants.
Nature has lavished her charms profusely on Winslow ; the
situation is the most pleasant on the Kennebeck, but don't expect
too much ; we are an infant country, everything yet appears in
the rough.
If you are inclined to settle with us, the sooner the better. I
think the stand will not be unoccupied 3 months. Had you been
here the three months past your practice within two miles would
have been sufficient to support you 12 months, as we have been
remarkably sickly.
Dr. Williams is pleased with the idea of your coming and says
he will do any thing for you. I shall build an office in 5 months,
— 1 guess you may occupy one end."
R. Kidder.
This letter seems to have been convincing as the young doctor
came the same year.
What was once a thriving and profitable industry has long
since disappeared and been almost forgotten. That Waterville
was ever a ship building port will probably be news to many.
Not only long boats, for home use, but schooners, brigs and even
ships, were built, some as early as 1794. The abundance of ship
tim.ber close at hand made it possible to build cheaply and orders
were received from Boston and elsewhere. The shipyard of
John Clark was at the foot of Sherwin St., next above the yard
of Nath'l Oilman, then that of Asa Redington and next north
W. & D. Moor's built many steamboats. It was necessary to
launch them, the sea-going vessels, on the spring or fall freshets ;
they were then floated down river to Hallowell or Gardiner,
where they received their rigging and outfit and took their place
in the commerce of the country, but never to return to the port
whence they started.
Il8 HISTORY O? WATERVILLE.
The following is probably a complete list with masters and
owners.
1794. Schooner Sally, 92 tons, master, Rillae; owner, John
G etch ell.
1800. Ship Ticonic, 268 tons, master, Geo. Clarke; owner,
John Clarke.
1810. Ship Hornet, 214 tons, master Wm. Fletcher; owner,
N. B. Dingley.
1818. Brig Dingley, 106 tons, master, Thos. Jones; owner,
Nath'l Dingley.
1826. Brig Elizabeth, 182 tons, master, John Sylvester;
owner, Johnson Williams.
1805. Brig William Gray, 156 tons, master, Gideon Colcord;
owner, Geo. Crosby.
1807. Schooner, Ticonic, 123 tons, master, Daniel Smith;
owner, Nath'l Gilman.
1807. Schooner Thomas, 70 tons, master, Levi Palmer;
owner, F. P. Stilson.
1810. Schooner James, 117 tons, master, Gideon Colcord;
owner, Jas. Stackpole.
1809. Brig America, 136 tons, master, Wm. Pattee; owner,
Peleg Tallman.
1809. Brig Madison, 160 tons, master, Caleb Heath; owner,
Wmi. Sylvester.
181 1. Brig Hiram, 14.2 tons, master, Jos. Lemont.
1812. Sloop Aurora, 61 tons, master, Wm. Poole; owner,
Asa Redington.
1814. Francis & Sarah, 290 tons, master, T. S. Winslow;
owner, Rob't G. Shaw.
1824. Brig Gov. King, 138 tons, master, N. Harding; owner,
Nath'l Gilman.
1824. Schooner North vStar, T07 tons, master, R. Crooker;
owner, N. Gilman.
1825. Brig Waterville, 178 tons, master, N. Harding; owner,
Johnson Williams.
1826. Brig Lydia, 178 tons, master, J. W. Lamont; owner,
Johnson Williams.
1826. Brig Neutrality, 132 tons, master, R. Crooker; owner,
Johnson Williams.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. Iig
1827. Schooner Brilliant, 82 tons, master, R. Brown; owner,
K. G. Robinson.
1829. Schooner Martha, 89 tons, master, R. Ellis ; owner,.
Russell Ellis.
1835. Brig Wave, 47 tons, master, John Lewis ; owner, J. M.
Moor.
After the passing of ship building came the era of steamboats.
William and Daniel Moor under the firm name of W. & D. Moor
were the leading captains of industry in this line. The first was
the Ticonic, built at Gardiner. She made the first trip to Water-
ville, June i, 1832, and was received with great demonstrations
of rejoicing.
The Water Witch built by W. & D. Moor in 1842 was the first
steamer launched in Waterville. It was quickly followed by
others and soon a considerable fleet was plying between here and
Augusta and Gardiner. In one season five steamers left the
wharf daily. They were flat bottomed, of light draft, with stern
wheels, and were of about 42 tons burden.
They prospered until the opening of the railroad to Augusta
when the doctrine of the "survival of the fittest" relegated them
to other scenes.
In 1890 an attempt was made by some of our enterprising
citizens to restore steam navigation on the Kennebec. July loth
the steamer City of Waterville sailed from Bangor for this port.
She has not yet arrived.
Near its close the era of steamboats was marked by a terrible
accident. May 2},, 1848, the steamer Halifax, a new boat and
the finest of the fleet, w^as making her record trip to Augusta ;
on leaving the lock the boiler exploded and six persons were killed
and others severely wounded. Of the dead James Hasty, the
pilot, and Vedo Micue, fireman, resided here.
In 1802 the only streets were Main, Silver, Mill, Temple and
a part of what is now Front street. Main street, where Temple
crosses it was little better than a bog with a corduroy bridge over
it. From there to Appleton street there was quite a rise; the
level road of to-day has been made so by filling twelve or more
feet.
On the Plains the only houses were those of Mr. Leeman and
Daniel Moor, both near the upper end. The latter is still in
I20 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
existence. Of French Canadians, there was then not a single
family. Among the first to establish himself here was Peter
DeRocher, who built a cabin at the lower end of the Plains, below
Grove street in the early thirties. His son Peter carried on the
meat business for some years.
It is to be regretted that both space and scarcity of material
allow mention of but few of the hardy pioneers who laid the
foundation of our good city. There were others as well deserv-
ing notice as those of whom imperfect sketches here follow.
JOHN McKECHNIE.
No one of the early settlers was more active and useful and
entitled to respectful memory than Dr. John McKechnie. He
was a Scotchman, educated as a physician and civil engineer.
He came to this country in 1755 ^ and was soon employed by the
Plymouth Company as a surveyor. His surveys extended from
Winslow to Augusta and the titles to property between those
cities rest largely on what is known as the McKechnie plan.
He married Mary North of Pemaquid, January i, 1760. He
was lieutenant at Fort St. George under Capt. John North. In
1764 he was at Bowdoinham, in 1771 he moved to Winslow and
in 1775 to this side the river. He built a log cabin on the east
side of the Messalonskee near the Crommett bridge and also a
saw mill on the same stream. He practiced his profession and
had charge of some of the sick soldiers of Arnold's expedition,
1775. In 1774 and the three succeeding years he was one of
the selectmen of Winslow. He had thirteen children, one of
whom, Alexander, is the father of Erastus W. McKechnie who
lives on a farm on the road to Oakland, which has been in the
possession of the family since 1801.
1. In the possession of Mrs. W. Parker Stewart is an ancient account or pocket
book bound in leather. On tlie first page is written in a very clear hand.
"John McKechnie bought this Pocket Book ns.*)." The first entry is as follows:
"Scotland, Greenock, July 26th, 1755. This day about 4 o'clock afternoon we set
sail in the Crawford Bridge, Captain Cury, commander, bound for Boston, New
England, there being 17 pasengers. And landed all in perfect health Sept. 12th
thereafter at 7 o'clock at night at the Long Wharf, Boston."
The book records Dr. McKechnie's marriage Jan. 1, 1760 to Mary North, daughter
of Col. North of Fort St. George and the birth and baptism of their thirteen
children. His account of surveys for the Kennebec Company begins May 15, 1760.
Dr. McKechnie cared for a considerable number of soldiers of the Ai-nold expedi-
tion and his hospital record gives their names, ailments and the treatment em-
ployed by him.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 121
A daughter, Rebecca, married Simeon Tozier, whose daughter
married Sumner A. Wheeler, whose son, Sumner Wheeler, is
now a resident of this city. A son of Simeon Tozier, also named
Simeon, married Miss Pullen. Their son, Horace Tozier, a
young man of eighty-two years, until within a few years an
active member of the fire department, also lives here. Mrs.
Caroline Tilton, daughter of Sumner A. Wheeler, is another of
Dr. McKechnie's descendants. Mary, a daughter of Dr. Mc-
Kechnie, married James Stackpole, 2nd, long prominent in the
life of Waterville. Alexander, a son, married Betsy Roberts and
one of their daughters, Mrs. Solomon Kimball, was the grand-
mother of Mrs. W. Parker Stewart, (Miss Daisy Marston). A
daughter of Alexander McKechnie married Mr. Henry A.
Shorey.
Dr. McKechnie died in 1782 and v^as buried on the south side
of what is now called Western avenue, on the rising ground a
little east of the bridge over the Messalonskee. This was the
earliest burial ground and forty or more of the "forefathers of
the hamlet" were there laid to rest.
REUBEN KIDDER.
Reuben Kidder, the first of the long line of Waterville lawyers,
was born in New Ipswich, N. H., April 3, 1768. He was grad-
uated at Dartmouth College, 1791, qualified himself for the pro-
fession of the law and established himself at Winslow in the
spring of 1795, not only the first lawyer here, but the first who
had ventured so far north any where in the wilderness of Maine.
He arrived four days before Thomas Rice, who, disappointed in
having been anticipated, went to the east side of the river where
he passed a long and useful life. Mr. Kidder married Lois
Crosby of Winslow. His two sons, Cornelius and Jerome, went
to Boston and became wealthy but he left no descendants resident
here. His office was on Silver street where a livery stable now
stands. He was one of the selectmen of Winslow, 1798.
Mr. Kidder was a man of abilities and had considerable busi-
ness at the bar. He engaged in various speculations, one of
which was the establishment of a smelting furnace and a foundry
at CUnton, near which was a bed of iron ore. The writer has
122 HISTORY OI? WATHRVILLE.
seen a large iron crowbar which was made there. The venture
was not successful and the capital invested was lost. In 1816,
Mr. Kidder was attacked by the ''western fever" and emigrated
to New Harmony, Indiana. The move was an unfortunate one
and he died the following year, 1817.
ASA REDINGTON.
Asa Redington was born in Boxford, Mass., December 22,
1761. His father, owner and master of a trading schooner, was
drowned in the wreck of his vessel when Asa was eight years
old. From that time till he was seventeen he worked on different
farms in the neighborhood, working hard and getting but little
schooling. In 177S he enlisted in a New Hampshire regiment
and served till the close of the war, undergoing the terrible suffer-
ings of the dreadful winter at Valley Forge, and witnessing the
close of the long struggle at Yorktown.
In 1784 he drifted to the Kennebec and, with his brother
Thomas, stopped in Vassalboro. One winter he taught school
at eight dollars a month, and quite successfully, which as he
quaintly remarks, "indicates the low state of learning in this
region at that time." He traded somewhat, going on foot at
one time to Portsmouth, N. H., to buy goods.
September 2, 1787, he married Mary, the oldest daughter of
Capt. Nehemiah Getchell, with whom he boarded. He remained
in Vassalboro till 1792, "lumbering some, farming some and
doing considerable land surveying." In that year both he and
Capt. Getchell came to Winslow, west side, and built the first
dam across the Kennebec at the Falls, nearly on the site of the
present Lock wood dam. Redington and Getchell paying one-
half the cost, the heirs of Dr. McKechnie the other half. The
next year he built a small house a little north of the house now
occupied by the Misses Healey ; a few years later, the exact date
not known, he built a much larger one, the site of which is now
covered by the Lockwood mills. It was then and for many years
the largest in town. It now exists as the middle one of the three
mill boarding houses.
In 1793 in connection with Nehemiah Getchell, he built a large
couble saw mill, the first on the new dam. He dissolved part-
HISTORY OK WATERVILLE.
123
nership with Getchell in 1799, but continued lumbering on a
large scale for those days, till 1830, building several more saw
mills.
In 1831, w4th his sons, Samuel and William, he bought the
Dalton privilege at the end of the bridge, where the electric power
station now is, and built a four stone grist mill. He was select-
man 1819 and the five succeeding years, and issued the warrant
for the first town meeting in 1802. He took an active interest
in all town affairs and in town meetings spoke, especially on
questions of appropriations, with an earnestness and natural
eloquence that made him a match for his superiors in education.
He died I\Iarch 31, 1845, ^S^^ eighty-three years. He had
nine children, Asa, Samuel, Silas, William, Harriet, Mary,
George, Isaac and Emily. Of these the following were residents
of Waterville : Samuel, father of Chas. H. Redington of Sher-
win street ; Silas, father of Harriet A. Redington, Sherwin
street ; William, father of Sophia A. Redington of Silver street ;
Harriet died unmarried; Mary married Elah Esty, a grandson,
Elah E. Kimball is living on Silver street ; George died unmar-
ried, Emily married Solyman Heath, their children now living
are, Mrs. Helen R. Buck and Mrs. A. A. Plaisted.
DR. OBADIAH WILLIAMS.
Obadiah Williams was born in 1752, probably in New Hamp-
shire. He served in the War of the Revolution in the regiment
of Gen, Stark as surgeon. At the close of the war he came with
his family to Winslow and established himself as a physician on
this side of the river, the first in what is now Waterville. He
settled on Lot 104 of the McKechnie plan, next north of the falls
and extending back to the Messalonskee. In 1792 he built the
first frame house that is still in existence, the so-called "Parker
house" on the west side of Water street, just above the bridge.
He also built, before 1795, on the north side of Silver street, the
first two story house in Waterville. It was occupied as a tavern
by Fred Jackins and Col. Jabez Mathews. Nathl. Gilman at one
time occupied it and several of his children were born there. It
was taken down in 1883 and the massive hewn timbers, some of
them, oak, excited the admiration of the spectators.
124 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Dr. Williams was a generous, public spirited citizen and we,
today, owe him a debt of gratitude which should not be forgot-
ten. The Common in front of the City Hall, the completion of
which we are celebrating in these Centennial Days, was deeded
to the town of Win slow in 1796. It was given expressly for the
erection of a church and school house. The church was built
the same year and, very much transformed, still exists as the
old Town Hall. The school house too was built on the east
side of the Common and the little yellow building still survives
in the memory of our older citizens. It outlived its usefulness
and one night it went up in flames.
Most of the pioneers of the new country, despite the toilsome
lives they led, were long-lived, but Dr. Williams died in 1799 at
the age of 47, but his memory should be kept green as long as
' grass grows on the Common.
Two of his sons, Johnson and Clifford, were for many years
in business here. Clifford was a prominent member and a Dea-
con of the Baptist church. His only descendents of the Williams
name now living here are Frank Williams, a farmer, Temmia
and Annie S. W^illiams and Elizabeth (Williams) Graves, grand-
children of Dea. Clift'ord.
He was buried in the old burial ground on the south side of
Western avenue, and in 18 10 his remains were removed to the
cemetery, now Monument Park.
ABIJAH SMITH.
Abijah Smith came from Alna, Maine to Winslow, 1794,
then twenty-one years of age. He was one of the selectmen of
Waterville in 1803-4-5 and was elected town clerk in 1802 at the
first election held after the separation. He held the office for
twenty-nine years, a good indication of the esteem in which he
was held by his fellow citizens. He was appointed postmaster
by President Jackson in 1832, which office he held till 1841 when
the political overturn and the election of Gen. Harrison retired
him to private life. The little postoffice on the west edge of the
Common is still remembered by the oldest of us.
He married Clymena Williams, daughter of Dr. Obadiah Wil-
liams, April 28, 1790. His children were, Franklin Smith, for
many years a respected and valued citizen, prominent in politics
HISTORY OF WATERVILLK. 1 25
and engaged in extensive lumbering operations, Harrison A.,
for some time a lawyer here, Edwin L. and daughters, Clymena,
Susan and Orinda. The descendants of Abijah now resident
here are Mrs. Helen S. daughter of Franklin Smith, wife of
Edw. G. Meader, Wallace and Alice, children of Harrison A.
Smith. In 1800 he was living in the house of Dr. Williams, the
so-called Parker house, afterward, and for the greater part of his
life, in the large house on Front street, opposite Common street.
He died September, 1841, aged sixty-seven years. Mr. Smith
was actively interested in whatever concerned the intellectual
and social life of the town. His part in the Waterville Social
Library and the Ticonick Debating Society was that of a leader.
MOSES APPLETON.
Moses Appleton was born in New Ipswich, N. H., March 17,
1773. He graduated at Dartmouth college, 1791, then taught
school in Medford, Mass. and Boston, studied medicine and
received his diploma from the Massachusetts Medical Society in
1796. In the same year he established himself in Winslow,
induced by a letter from his friend, Reuben Kidder, elsewhere
referred to. He lived in, and probably built, the house on Silver
street lately occupied by Sumner A. Wheeler. His office and
store were directly opposite, being the first apothecary shop in
the town. In 18 14 this building was moved up across the Gil-
man bog to the corner of Main and Appleton street, the site of
the house of W. T. Haines. Dr. Appleton lived in it, enlarged
and renovated, till 1847 when he built on the corner of Front and
Appleton streets. The old house was then sold to Edwin Noyes
and moved to the north side of Appleton street. Its next move
was across the street where it is now the residence of A. A.
Plaisted.
Dr. Obadiah Williams was the only physician here and he was
pleased to retire and leave the care and toil to a younger man.
The life of the country doctor, in those days, was not a pleasant
one. Visits to patients twelve and fifteen miles distant were
common. Carriages were unknown, roads were bad, but with
saddle-bags filled with drugs thrown over his horse's back, the
country practicioner rode many miles every week on his errand
T26 HISTORY OF WATI^RVILLi:.
of healing. Dr. Appleton's account book shows charges against
ninety-six different persons the first year, the first being against
Dr. WilHams for pulHng a tooth. Not infrequently contracts by
the year were made with patients. Jonathan Clark agrees to fur-
nish the doctor's family for a year with boots and shoes in return
for medical treatment for the same time. Jabez Mathews agrees
to give two and a half cords wood for such medicine as he should
need for a year.
Dr. Appleton was interested in establishing the old Waterville
Bank (1814) and was a director many years.
In the absence of a regular minister he was frequently called
upon to read a sermon in the little yellow school house on the
Common.
December 6, 180T, he married Ann Clarke, daughter of Capt.
John Clarke. Their children were, Louisa, who married Samuel
Wells, for a few years a lawyer in this town, afterwards judge
and Governor. Samuel, a well-known and much esteemed citizen,
who died September 30, 1890, aged ^y, Mary Jane, who married
Dr. Samuel Plaisted and Moses L., a lawyer of Bangor.
A skilful physician, kind and courteous in manner, he was
always welcome by his patients as a friend as well as a physician.
He died May 5, 1849.
NATHANIEL OILMAN.
Nathl. Gilman was born in Exeter, N. H., February 15, 1779.
A natural born trader, self reliant and intelligent, before he was
of age he freighted a vessel with goods and made a trading
voyage up the Kennebec. In 1802 he settled in Waterville and
began business in a small way where the Dunn block now stands.
His business increased but, more ambitious than the other traders,
Mr. Gilman was not satisfied with the local traffic, which, on
account of the scarcity of money, was mostly barter, the
exchange of dry goods and West India groceries, for farm pro-
duce, lumber and fish, salmon being current at 4 to 6 cents per
pound.
He extended his business to the West Indies and even to the
coast of Africa, thus laying the foundations of the fortune which
made him a millionaire at the time of his death.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE;. 12/
He never sought or received public office. Though not an edu-
cated man he was a trustee of Waterville College from its begin-
ning in 1821 to his death in 1859. Seldom, indeed, was there a
Commencement when his tall form, slightly bowed toward the last
years, with his long, white hair hanging over his shoulders, did
not appear in the procession.
He was the first president of the first bank established in
Waterville.
Twice married, he had sixteen children, but the only descendant
now resident in Waterville is Charles, a child of Charles B. Gil-
man, son of Mr. Oilman's second wife, Joanna Boyd. William,
one of his sons, was in business with Samuel Appleton in a store
a little north of the Common. Elizabeth, one of the daughters,
married Isaac Redington. They lived on the corner of Spring
and Elm streets. Charlotte, another daughter, married Sumner
Percival, cashier of the Ticonic and afterwards of the Peoples'
Bank. Chas. B. Gilm.an lived and died here, engaged in no busi-
ness except looking after his property.
The last years of Mr. Oilman's life were spent in New York,
though he usually passed the summers in his house on Silver
street. He died in 1859.
JAMES STACKPOLE.
For three generations the name of James Stackpole has been
a prominent and honored one in the annals of Waterville. The
first James was born in Biddeford, Maine, 1732. His immigrant
ancestor was James Stackpole of Sligo, Ireland, who came over
in 1680. He came to Winslow about 1780 and at first settled
on the east side coming to this side probably, about 1790.
He was one of the selectmen of Winslow from 1785 to 1794.
In 1787 he was one of the commissioners to settle the line between
Win.sldw and Vassalboro. In 1796 he was town clerk and town
treasurer in 1798.
Like most of the pioneers he was engaged in various occupa-
tions. He carried on a farm on which he raised flax among
other things, which was spun and woven into linen under his own
roof.
He built the second saw mill on the Redington and Getchell
dam and others afterwards. He kept store from 1783 to 1787,
128 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
built several vessels and was interested in various other indus-
tries. He was captain of the first militia company. His com-
mission, signed by Gov. John Hancock with the bold signature
familiar to us from the Declaration of Independence, is in the
possession of his granddaughter, Julia A. Stackpole.
Ill his diary he records the arrival of the first menagerie that
visited Waterville. "J^^b' i' 1816. This day is at the village
an elephant, a lion and a man without feet or legs and only one
arm, playing on violin." The exhibition was in a bam behind
Plaisted's Block.
He married Abiel Hill, 1754, by whom he had thirteen chil-
dren, of whom four settled in Waterville, Mary, who married
Charles Dingley, two of whose grandchildren, Mrs. Eunice Corn-
forth and George Dingley are living here. Jotham, whose
daughters, Julia A. Stackpole and Mrs. Elizabeth Soule, reside
here. James, born in Biddeford, May 28, 1769, married Mary,
daughter of Dr. John McKechnie. No descendant of his is now
living. Susie (Nudd) Stewart, a granddaughter of Jotham,
resides here. The first James was a man of stalwart constitution.
November 25, 181 2, he writes "I am this day eighty years old and
carried a bushel of corn and grain on my back to the mill." He
lived in a small house on Silver street, where, in 1813, he, with his
son James, built the larger house which is still standing though
moved a little from its original site.
He died September 8, 1824, aged 92 years.
The second James was an enterprising and successful trader,
lumberman and builder of vessels. His store stood a little below
the west end of the bridge, its site being now covered by the
Lockwood Mills. He was one of the selectmen of 1822-1823.
He had a good reputation as a land surveyor and was appointed
in 1 8 10 by Gov. Gore as a commissioner to lay out a road from
Augusta to Canada. He surveyed part of it but the road was not
built, though later a State road was made from the Forks to the
Canada line.
He died September i, 1852, aged 83 years.
The third James, son of James Jr., was born in Waterville,
November 19, 1708. He entered Bowdoin college, 181 6, goingf
thither then and on several subsequent returns by canoe to Hal-
lowell. He studied law, began practice in Clinton but soon
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 12g
returned and continued for many years in active practice of his
profession.
He was a member of the State Legislature, 1859, was seven-
teen years treasurer of Waterville college and director of the
second Waterville bank. A man of strong will and decided
opinions, he was never disturbed at finding himself in a minority.
He was a constant attendant at town meetings where his vote
and voice were always against what seemed to him municipal
extravagance.
He married, October 31, 1825, Hannah Chase of Fryeburg,
and died, July, 18, 1880, leaving no children.
CAPT. JOHN CLARKE.
John Clarke was born in England, November, 1741. He came
to Boston, 1772, and there is a tradition that he was one of the
historic Boston Tea Party in 1773. With his son George he
came to Waterville, 1797, engaged in trade and built several ves-
sels, one of them, the ship Ticonic, 268 tons, being the 2nd largest
launched from the Waterville shipyards.
He married in Vienna, Austria, Maria Theresa Laske, by
whom he had fifteen children. One of his daughters, Ann
Clarke, married Dr. Moses Appleton, who is mentioned else-
where. About 1803 Mr. Clarke moved to Canterbury, Conn.,
where he died, August 21, 1834, aged 93. His son George
remained in Waterville till his death, July 23, 1823. He built
and occupied, about 1808, the house on College avenue, now
known .hs Ladies' Hall.
JEDIAH MORRILL.
Jediah Morrill was born of sturdy Quaker stock in Berwick,
Maine, 1778, though he did not retain his connection with that
denomination.
He came here in 1799 and his brother Josiah about the same
time. Josiah settled on what is known as "the Neck" and several
farms in that locality are still held by his descendants.
Jediah, like many of the early settlers, engaged in the three
occupations of trading, lumbering and farming, all of which he
carried on with success.
9
130 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
His store was on the west side of Main street where the Barrell
store now stands. His house was on the east side of Main street,
corner of Common street. The house next adjoining was occu-
pied by David Nourse, — both gone long since. About 1840 he
built on Silver street where he lived till his death.
He soon became one of the leading citizens, foremost in every
good work. He was one of the founders of the Universalist
church and its most liberal supporter, leaving at his death a large
bequest for its continued support. He was for many years a
director of the Ticonic Bank, though he rarely, if ever held public
office.
He did much to originate and carry to completion the A. & K.
R. R. of which he was a director.
He married Miss Taylor, a daughter of Col. Ezra Taylor, who
in 1757 was an officer in the British army.
His sister, Mrs. Peace Meader, was a member of his family.
She was the mother of Edw. G. Meader and Mrs. Susan L.
Hoag. She died 1888, aged 94. Mr. Morrill died December 12,
1872, in the 96th year of his age.
COL. JABEZ MATHEWS.
Jabez Mathews was born in Gray, Maine, in 1743. Before
he finally settled here he had passed through the place. He was
in Col. Ward's division of Arnold's army on its march up the
river September, 1775. After reaching the Dead River region
Ccl. Ward's command deserted Arnold and returned to Cam-
bridge.
Mr. Mathews remained at Gray till 1794 when, with his young
sons, John and Simeon he came to Winslow. He kept tavern
for a time in a house on the north side of Silver street, near
Main. It was built by Dr. Williams about 1795 and was the
first two-storied house on this side the river.
He owned the lot now covered by the Milliken block, bought
of Dr. Williams. He lived in the small house on the east side
of Silver street, next below the residence of W. B. Arnold. Col.
Mathews died in Waterville, 1828.
John Mathews, son of Jabez, was born in 1783. For some
years he was a trader in West Waterville in partnership with
HISTORY OF WATE:RVILLE. I3I
Samuel Kimball, whose sister he married; in 1808 he bought a
large tract of land on the west side of the ]^Iessalonskee which
he cultivated till he moved into the village. His children were :
Charlotte, b. November 22, 1813, married John S. Carter.
Caroline, b. February 16, 181 7, married Moses Smart.
Susan, b. February 21, 1819, married Johnson Williams.
John, b. October 3, 1821.
Chas. K., b. November 19, 1823, for many years a bookseller
in this city, afterward with his son, Charles W., in the insurance
business. He died in August, 1902.
George, b. July 6, 1825.
Ann, b, November 13, 1827, married Calvin Davis.
Simeon Mathews, son of Col. Jabez Mathews, was born June
8, 1785.
In partnership with Nath'l Gilman he carried on an extensive
business in the store on Main street next north of the Common.
The kind and amount of their business transactions is shown by
their purchase and shipping in one year 6,000 bushels of wheat
and corn and 20,000 bushels of oats, all bought of the farmers in
this vicinity. In 1826 he built and lived in till his death, the
house on lower Silver street now owned by G. F. Terry. The
long line of beautiful elm trees on the street shows his generous
forethought for posterity. His children were :
William, born July 28, 181 8. The well known scholar, editor
and author, now living in Boston.
Edward E., born June 26, 1822. Murdered by Dr. V. P.
Coolidge September 30, 1847.
Ann E., born August 28, 1824; now living in Hartland.
Simeon, born May, 1827; not living.
Jesse R., born September 15, 1830; not living.
Climena, born March i, 1833 ; not living. '
DANIEL MOOR.
Daniel Moor was born in Pembroke, N. H., February 17, 1770,
and came to Winslow 1779. His father, Capt. Daniel Moor, was
with Gen. Montgomery's column that marched to Canada by
Lake Champlain to assist Arnold in his disastrous attack on
Quebec.
132 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
His grandfather, James Moor, came from Tyrone County,
north of Ireland, 1723. Most of his six sons took part in the
War of the Revolution.
Daniel Moor married Rebecca Spring, 1797. Their children
were : Joseph March Moor, born 1798 ; a business man of Ban-
gor where he died, 1866.
Agnes Moor, not married, born October 5, 1800; died June
28, 1881.
Julia Ann Moor, not married, born March 11, 1802; died May
9, 1875. She will be remembered as a writer of graceful verses
which occasionally appeared in the local newspaper.
William Moor, born March i, 1804; died November 24, 1872.
Henry Moor, born February 17, 1807. Received a commis-
sion as lieutenant in U. S. navy, resigned on account of ill health,
went to California where he was killed by a steamboat explo-
sion on the Sacramento river, March, 1853.
Daniel Moor, bom July i, 1809.
W'Vm.an B. S. Moor, born November 3, 181 1 ; died in Lynch-
burg, Va., March 11, 1869.
Rebecca E. Moor, born September 13, 1814 ; died April i, 1902.
She married Freeman Tilton and later Rev. Arthur Drinkwater.
By her brilliant intellectual powers and high character she won
many friends. She was deeply interested in the centennial which
she did not live to see.
The first house of the elder Daniel was opposite the steam-
boat landing. About 1800 he built and occupied a large house
which is still standing at the upper end of the Plains.
His sons, W^illiam and Daniel, under the firm name of W. &
D. Moor, were for a long period prominent among the business
men as traders, as boatmen and more especially as builders of
steamboats. In this industry they were easilv first. Of the
boats employed on the river between Waterville and Gardiner
the larger part were owned and run by them. One of their boats
was on the Merrimac and more than one on the rivers of Cali-
fornia. After the dissolution of partnership William went west
and lived in Minneapolis till his death.
Daniel remained here and devoted much time to searching for
coal and gold which he was confident existed in this vicinity.
In 1877 he invented a machine for dredging gold from the bot-
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. I33
torn of rivers which was tried in Colorado, British Columbia and
South America. Its success was not notable. The descendants
of the first Daniel now residing here are : Frank A. Moor, son
of Lieut. Henry Moor, now living on a farm on the west side
of the Messalonskee, and Mrs. N. G. H. Pulsifer, a daughter of
William Moor.
NEHEMIAH GETCHELL.
Nehemiah Getchell, the youngest of seven brothers, was born
1744. He came to Vassalboro about 1770 where he carried on
trading and farming. He, together with John Horn, were
employed by Arnold in 1775 as scouts and preceded his army on
his expedition against Quebec, going probably as far as the Dead
River country.
He was one of the selectmen of Vassalboro two years and
town treasurer one year. In 1792 with his son-in-law, Asa
Redington, he moved to Winslow, west side, and together they
built the first dam and sawmill on Ticonic Falls. He continued
with Redington till 1799, after that carrying on an extensive
lumbering business, building mills, and manufacturing and ship-
ping lumber. Even at that early date he as well as others oper-
ated as far away as Dead River.
He married January 23, 1768, Hannah Bragg of Vassalboro,
by whom he had eight children. Of these who have any asso-
ciation with Waterville are Mary, v/ho married Asa Redington
and died December 8, 1804; Nehemiah, Jr., who married Philo-
mela A. Williams, widow of Dr. Obadiah Williams, May 22.,
1803, He lived in the house on Elm street known as the Dow
house. Nehemiah, Jr., had nine children, of whom Mrs. Charles
C. Dow, Horace Getchell and Eldridge L. Getchell lived and
died in this town, all upright, useful and esteemed citizens.
William, the fifth child of Nehemiah, was born November 12,
1786; married Eliz. Burrell January 22, 1807; died February 14,
1876. He lived on a farm on the bank of the Sebasticook, which
included the beautiful groves and grounds known as Beulah.
Like most of the men of those days he had a large family —
seven sons and two daughters. Four of these sons were actively
associated with the business interests of Waterville. Otis and
Charles were for many years engaged in boating, lumbering and
other enterprises.
134 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
The other sons, William and Walter, under the firm name of
W. & W. Getchell, by their enterprise and by the extent of their
operations became well known from Bath to Moosehead lake.
William was born February ii, 1808. Married Mary F. Crom-
mett January i, 1833. Died January 24, 1878.
Walter was born December 24, 1809. Married Annie E.
Balcom December i, 1833. ^^ married Antoinette Colby, 1847.
He is with us to-day, active, strong and in good health in his
ninety-third year.
Walter began life as a clerk with Gilman & Mathews, (Nath'l
Gilman and Simeon Mathews) on the east side of Main street,
a little above the Common, When of age he began trading for
himself nearly opposite Gilman & Mathews, and about 1832 with
his brother William began business on the site now 11-13 Main
street. Their trade was large, they built and used several saw-
mills, lumbered extensively, built a plaster mill and three stern
v.'heel boats. They accumulated a respectable fortune but ill
luck came to them. In 1835 their store was burned. In 1849
and again in 1859 all their mills were destroyed by fire, and more
than once great amounts of lumber were swept to sea by floods.
The children of William now living here are Mrs. Ellen
(Getchell) Read and Mrs. Caroline (Getchell) Carleton.
Of Walter, Eva Getchell.
TIMOTHY BOUTELLE.
Although not among the earliest settlers, Timothy Boutelle
filled a large place in the history of Waterville. He was bom in
Leominster, Mass., Nov. 10, 1777. His father served as an
officer in one or more campaigns in the War of the Revolution.
He graduated at Harvard College in 1800, studied law in
Boston, was admitted to the bar in 1804 and the same year came
to Waterville. being the third lawyer in this vicinity and the
second on this side the river. Reuben Kidder here and Thomas
Rice in Winslow being his predecessors. His business soon
became very large. As an advocate he was eminently successful,
and he uniformly had the confidence of the court as a sound and
able lawyer. He was a presidential elector in 1816. The first
senator from Kennebec county after the separation of Maine
from IMassachusetts and fi.ve years subsequently, and five years
a member of the Maine House of Representatives.
HOX. TT-AIOTHY E' ;UTEI.T.E.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLH. I35
In 1814 he procured the charter for the Waterville (now
Ticonic National) Bank, was its president more than twenty-
years and a director from its organization till his death. He was
an active and valuable tr^^tee of Waterville College from 1821
to 1855. Always zealous for whatever might promote the pros-
perity of the town he was largely instrumental in building the
A. & K. R. R., of which he was the first president. His house,
built early in the century was on the corner of Elm and Temple
street. Some time in the fifties it was moved further down
Temple street and converted into shops and on the old site a new
one much larger and more elegant was erected and occupied by
Edwin Noyes, who married his daughter Helen.
In 181 1 Mr. Boutelle married Helen, a daughter of Judge
Rogers of Exeter, N. H. The children who survived him were :
Helen, who married Edwin Noyes, a lawyer, afterwards super-
intendent of the Alaine Central Railroad and N. R. Boutelle, a
skillful and much esteemed physician of this city. November
8, 1852, Dr. Boutelle married JNIary, daughter of Prof. G. W.
Keely. Their son, Geo. K. Boutelle, is a resident of Waterville.
He is president of the Ticonic National Bank as were his father
and grandfather before him.
Timothy Boutelle died November 12, 1855, mourned and
honored by all.
Moses and Aaron Healey, brothers, came from Roxbury,
Mass., about 1800. They carried on quite a large business as
manufacturers of hats, one of those industries which, like ship
building and the distilling of gin, has ceased to exist. Their
shop was on the east side of Water street, nearly opposite the
present Healey house. Later they had a shop on Main street
below Boutelle block. Moses died in 1841 at the age of 63. His
two daughters, Emily E. Healey and Pamela Healey are living
in the house at the foot of Sherwin hill built by their father in
1802, Aaron married a sister of Nathaniel Gilman. His grand-
sons are wealthy leather merchants of New York.
In 1 79 1 sixty-three persons paid taxes on this side the river,
of these a few have been already mentioned. Some, the Parkers,
Soules, Lows, Toziers, Shaws, and perhaps others, have repre-
sentatives now living here. Others are names only, of whom we
know nothing and still others of whom we get brief glimpses.
136 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Deacon John Tozier was here in 1770. He was a large land-
holder and built the first of the several houses on the site of the
Elmwood. He was a selectman of Winslow 1771 and four years
following.
James Crommett built sawmills on the Messalonskee in the
locality known since as Crommett's Mills.
James McKim, whose house was on the site of the present
Lemuel Dunbar house.
Lieut. Thomas and John McKechnie were sons of the old
surveyor, Dr. John McKechnie. John was a selectman of Wins-
low 1774 and three other years.
Solomon Parker was selectman five years beginning 1777.
John Cool was a soldier of the Revolution. He lived on a
large farm on the west side of the Messalonskee.
Isaac Temple was a large land owner in the vicinity of the
present Temple street. The river shore at the foot of Temple
street was known as Temple's landing.
William Phillips, grandfather of G. A. Phillips, than whom
no one has contributed more to the growth and prosperity of
Waterville.
Moses Dalton was an active, useful citizen at a very early date,
probably before 1790. He seems to have had some kind of a
manufacturing establishment at this end of the bridge before the
Redington & Getchell dam of 1792, perhaps a woolen mill.
Afterward he built a grist mill and other works on the same site
which were carried away by floods. Later he built the house
still standing, opposite the bridge, known as the Nudd house.
He also built the first brick building, a three-story store where
the Merchants' Bank now stands. The ground proving too soft
to sustain the weight the upper story had to be removed. The
brick for it was made at the yard of Elnathan Sherwin at the foot
of Sherwin street. He was a selectman nine years, beginning
1807.
Among those who settled here before 1800 was Isaac Stevens.
His ancestors came to Wells, Maine, from Paisley, Scotland
He came to Winslow, west side, about 1793. He was a trader
carriage builder and carpenter. About 1795 he built and occu-
pied the house on Silver street known as the Stevens house, its
site at the time being covered with woods. He also built in 1836
one of the brick stores of the so-called Ticonic row.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE, I37
There is a tradition that Mr. Stevens gave the name to Silver
street, so naming it on account of the "soHd men" residing there.
Of his three sons two, Isaac and Augustus, made their homes
here ; Hermon was a lawyer in Thomaston.
Isaac was a trader ; he was killed by a railroad train at the
Temple street crossing.
Augustus was a machinist and carpenter.
Isaac Stevens, the elder, died September 23, 1837.
Col. Elnathan Sherwin was prominent in town affairs in the
early days. He was a selectman of Winslow in 1797 and the
four succeeding years and in 1802, after the separation, one of
the first selectmen of Waterville. He was for many years repre-
sentative in the legislature of Massachusetts. During the war
of 1812 he was colonel of the 2nd Maine Regiment. His house
was on Sherwin hill. The house built and occupied by Silas
Redington now stands on its site. He jfinally moved to Ohio,
**the Ohio," as it was commonly called, then more distant than
Oregon is to-day. His daughter Caroline married Asa Reding-
ton, Jr. ; their grandson. Hon. Asa Redington Reed and only
descendant, is now living in Waldoboro, Maine.
Of others here before 1800 but scant mention can be made.
\^ery early Asa Emerson built a sawmill on the stream for a
long time called by his name. It was on the site of the Webber
& Haviland foundry.
One of the election notices in 1790 was posted by vote of the
town on Emerson's mill.
Jonathan Clark, a shoemaker, lived near the ]\Iain street rail-
road crossing.
Ephraim Getchell, a colonel of a militia regiment.
David Nourse — his chief occupation was fishing. His house
was next to Jediah Morrill's, corner Main and Common street.
Henry, one of his sons, was in the hardware business with
Stephen Stark.
James Hasty, a trader. His store was on the west side of
Main street where Wardwell's now stands. His house was on the
corner of Main and Center streets ; the house of Miss Florence
Plaisted occupies its site. He died in 1846.
Jonathan Haywood — the first harness maker in Waterville.
His shop was on the north side of the Common, his house on
Silver street next the Stevens house.
138 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
His son, Charles Haywood, was a lieutenant in the U. S. navy
and won distinction in the Mexican war. He died at sea.
Charles, the son of Lieutenant Haywood, is general of the U. S.
Marine Corps, the highest in command, with headquarters in
Washington.
Salathiel Penney was a soldier of the War of the Revolution.
Solomon Parker, David Webb and Asa Soule, residents of the
west side were selectmen of W^inslow for five, one and five years
respectively, between 1777 and 1802.
Frederick Jackins kept tavern in several places, among others
in the present Hanscom house on College avenue. This house
was built by Jackins probably before 1800.
With a single exception all those before mentioned were here
before the division of the town in 1802. Those who came soon
after seem entitled to be reckoned among the early settlers.
Lemuel Dunbar was born in Bridgewater, Alass., 1781, came
to Waterville about 1808. A carpenter by trade, in 18 10 he built
on the corner of North and Main street. The house has been
removed and another erected on the same site by his son Lemuel
Dunbar. In his carpenter shop the well-known missionary,
George Dana Boardman, taught school in 1820. That shop has
been made into a house which is now occupied by Mr. A. M.
Dunbar. He had nine children of whom Lemuel is the only one
now living. He died 1865.
Dr. Wright seems to have been the next after Dr. Appleton
to settle here as a physician. His house was on Main street next
north of the store of James Hasty. He was here as early as 1807.
Dr. Eigelow was here the same year.
Dr. Daniel Cook, one of the most prominent men of his time
both as a physician and a man of affairs, came about 1812. A
fuller notice of him is given elsewhere.
Dr. Hall Chase was probably the next physician. He too is
noticed elsewhere. He lived in, and presumably built the house
on Silver street now occupied by W. B. Arnold.
Capt. Asa Faunce came about 1800. He built and occupied a
two storv house at the foot of Main street which was enlarged
and for a time known as the Continental House. Some years
since it was moved into the valley near the Lockwood Mills.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 1 39
Capt. Faunce was a skilful cabinet maker and specimens of his
work are preserved at the house of his granddaughters, the
Misses Bacon of Silver street. J. M. Crooker, for nearly iifty
ycar? a jeweler and watch maker on ]\Iain street, married a
daughter of Capt. Faunce : another daughter, Mrs. Angeline
Wheeler, widow of Isaac Wheeler, died in April, 1902, at the age
of ninety-three years.
Capt. William Pearson was born in Exeter, N. H., February
17, 1784, and removed to W^aterville, June, 1816, a year memor-
able as the coldest summer on record. He arrived in a snow-
storm which covered the ground to the depth of six inches.
He built his first tannery on the site now occupied by the Lock-
wood Mills. In excavating for the mills old vats were discov-
ered containing sides of leather in perfect preservation.
He afterward, with his sons, built a much larger tannery on
the LMessalonskee, lately owned by Henry Ricker.
His children were Joseph, Edmund, James, William and Har-
riet. Harriet married William Redington, son of Asa Reding-
ton. Of their children, William is a merchant in San Fran-
cisco, Sophia resides with her mother in the homestead on Silver
street. Capt. Pearson died June 29, 1844.
For a long time after its settlement, the population of Water-
ville was entirely American. As mentioned before, there were
no French Canadians here until a single family came in the early
thirties. A few families of Irish came as employes of the A. &
K. R. R., about 1847. There was one family of colored persons
by the name of Seco some time in the twenties. The first barber
in town, George Boardman, was a colored man, very much of
a dandy and more elegant in his dress and manners than many
of his white fellow citizens.
The early establishment of the college and academy made
Waterville an educational center and elevated the social and
moral character of the town : its unsurpassed water power and
favorable situation for business attracted people from abroad and
so. with its natural increase, the little hamlet of 800 souls (much
less, if only the present territory of Waterville is included) a cen-
tury ago, has grown into the beautiful city of 10,000 inhabitants
whose centenarv we celebrate to-day.
CHAPTER VI.
RECOLLECTIONS OF WATERVILLE IN "THE
OLDEN TIME."
By Professor William Mathews, LL. D.
My recoilections of Waterville in "the olden time" beefin with
the year 1822, when, at the age of four years, I was sent to school
to learn the alphabet and to spell "ab," "eb," "ib," preliminary
to wrestling with such words as "baker," "brier," and "cider."
My first teacher was Nancy Dingley, who taught first in a two-
story dwelling-house on Main street, standing nearly where the
millinery shop of Misses Mathews and Irish now stands, and
afterward in "the Powers house," the next building east of Dr.
Hall Chase's residence on Silver street, now the home of Mr.
Willard Arnold. Miss Dingley was a very kind-hearted teacher,
giving us, if we did tolerably well, frequent "rewards of merit,"
as they were called. Her sister, who also taught a primary
school, was a rigid disciplinarian, and used to chalk an X on
my seat, on each side of me, and tell me, on peril of the rod, not
to move an inch beyond it.
In this sketch I shall try to give my recollections of Water-
ville as it was during the years 1825-1850, Until 1830 or later,
there were no streets west of Elm, or west of Main where Elm
street touches it. I remember well when Spring street was
opened. It was not till the railway days, that there was any
cross street from College to Main. In 1835, when I graduated
from Waterville college, there were but seven or eight dwelling
houses on College street, but five or six on Elm, and but sixteen
or seventeen on Silver, which is a mile long. Front street
extended north only to Temple. On what was called "the Plain,"
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE;. I4I
now covered with the houses and shops of Frenchmen, there
was not a building, except possibly at the extreme north end.
Between Spring street and Temple there was a large swamp or
bog, filled with flags and frogs, which gave concerts nightly. In
the winter the boys utilized it for skating. It had two outlets ;
one at the north end and across Main street into the Kennebec
river; the other at the south end, where the water ran between
Silver street and Elm into "the Emerson stream," now called
the Messalonskee. Trout were caught in this stream, one of
which weighed four pounds. The hollow between north Silver
street and Front, now occupied by the boarding-houses of the
Lockwocd Mills corporation, was marshy, and peopled by frogs
whose music rivalled that of "the Gilman bog."
In my early boyhood — in 1826, or thereabouts — a bear was
shot on "the mountain," as the high ridge was called between
Summer street and "the Plain," and my father obtained some
steaks from it for the family breakfast. "The Mountain" was
covered mostly with trees and bushes, and boys used to go there
for blueberries, which were plentiful, and for juicy "slivers"
from the pine trees.
A favorite place for swimming in those days was the Kennebec
river a little south of the foot of Temple street. There was a
fine sandy bottom there, and frequently a raft of pine boards,
from which one could dive deep into the water. Baptisms some-
times took place there, and sometimes near the ferry, lower down
the river, inside of the island. In my childhood there was no
bridge across the Kennebec or the Sebasticook river, and I
remember that when the Congregation alist church in Winslow
was dedicated — which, I think, must have been before 1826, the
citizens of Waterville, who attended the exercises in large num-
bers, were transported across the two rivers in ferry boats. In
the winter, as soon as the water had frozen on the sides of the
Kennebec, it was customary to cut a huge cake of ice, and swing
one end of it to the other side of the rapid current, and thus form
a bridge. It must have been as early as 1827 that tollbridges
were built across the Kennebec and the Sebasticook. The year
1S32 was memorable for the greatest freshet ever known on the
Kennebec. All the bridges on the river were swept away with
many mills and other buildings, and the citizens of Winslow
142 HISTORY OF WATERVILLEJ.
village who lived near the river were obliged to leave their houses
one night and occupy higher land. The spectacle of the raging
flood at "the bay," as it swept southward with its prey of logs,
boards, timber, and buildings, was picturesque and impressive.
Skating on the frozen river was a favorite amusement in
winter, which the bitterest cold did not prevent. In the evenings
a huge slab fire was built on the upper island by the boys, by
whose light (for warmth, it might as well have been built on the
planet Uranus or Neptune,) they raced along the ice, or played
the game of "Chorum," till a late hour in the evening.
The only public conveyances for travelers in those days were
stage-coaches and steamboats, one of which latter ran from Hal-
lowell to Portland. A memorable epoch in the history of Water-
ville was when the stern-wheel steamboat, Ticonic, made her first
trip from Hallowell to Waterville, where her arrival was greeted
by a throng of citizens with the thunder of artillery and loud
huzzas. All goods for the Waterville stores were brought from
Boston to Hallowell in ships, and thence in "long-boats." Navi-
gation of the Kennebec, when the water was low, was somewhat
difficult, on account of "the rips," the "six mile falls," and other
rapids, and a dangerous rock called "Old Coon," a few miles
north of Augusta, on which the boat Eagle, owned by my father,
Simeon Mathews, and loaded with a heavy and valuable cargo
of goods for his stores in Waterville, Fairfield, Skowhegan,
China, and East Vassalborough, was once wrecked.
The arrival of the mail-stage from Augusta, which was at
about eleven A. M. daily, was in my boyish days an important
event. As it rounded the bend in Silver street, just north of my
father's house, the driver drew forth his long horn, and blew a
loud and vigorous blast. As the stage stopped at Levi Dow's
tavern, on Main street, nearly opposite the head of Silver, all the
quidnuncs and loafers of the village flocked there to learn the
latest news. Before the steam car came, it took from three to
four days to go by stage-coach to Boston. The first day one
could get no farther than to Augusta, where he had to stay
twenty-one hours at a hotel ; and, on the next day he could go
but sixty miles more, to Portland. There he passed the night,
and on the third day had his choice, either to pay six dollars for
a ride to Boston in the "Accommodation" stage, which would
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 1 43
require two days, with considerable expense for meals and lodg-
ing, or to pay ten dollars and ride seventeen hours, or from 4
o'clock, A. M. till nine P. M., in the mail stage.
In January, 1837, w^hen I was a student in Harvard Law
School, it took me six days in the Christmas vacation to go back
in the mail-stage from Waterville to Boston. As we left Gardi-
ner .1 furious snow-storm set in, and at West Gardiner our
progress was completely blocked, so that the stage with its occu-
pants was compelled to tarry two days at a small country inn,
^vhich was packed to overflowing with Americans and Canadians
of all ages and callings. As I had in a capacious outside pocket
of my overcoat a package, five or six inches thick, of bank bills,
amounting to 84,000, entrusted to me by the Ticonic Bank,
Waterville, to be delivered to the Suffolk Bank, Boston, — to
which sum the Canal Bank, of Portland, afterward added $2,500
more, — and as, having no trunk, T was obliged to carry the
package all day, the situation was not very pleasant. Fortu-
nately, as no one could have a bed to himself, I found a student
of Waterville college, whom I knew, among the guests, and had
him and my package for bed fellows. After two days' delay,
the mail bags were put into a pung, and, sometimes riding in it,
sometimes w^ading through big drifts of snow, I reached Bruns-
wick at night, and next morning rode on the crust of the deep
snow, which covered all the fences except the tops of the posts,
to Portland. On the next day a ride of seventeen hours in the
mail -stage — six of them in darkness — took me to the Eastern
Stage Tavern, Ann St., Boston. Once on the way, we were
upset in the darkness, and a big fat man rolled dow^n upon me
and my bank-bills, but fortunately no bones were broken.
At this time there were three hotels in Waterville, — one kept
by Levi Dow on Main street, nearly opposite Silver ; another on
the opposite side of ]\Iain, a little farther north, and the third on
Silver street, kept successively by Major Balcom and a Mr. Page
— the west half of it being the building next west of Redington's
furniture shop. In the dancing-hall of this inn, public exhibi-
tions and lectures were sometimes given, and I remember some
kind of a theatrical show there in 1827 or 1828, on the drop cur-
tain of w^hich was depicted the Battle of Waterloo fought twelve
or thirteen vear? before, in which Napoleon was seen flying for
144 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
life before the victorious squadrons of Wellington. Here one
day Mr. Wilbur, of Newburyport, Mass., gave an astronomical
lecture, after which he showed us a minature railway car, which
ran to and fro on the floor, to give us an idea of a projected new
mode of conveyance, which was expected soon to be a reality.
Where Mr. Turner's dry goods store now stands, was a wide
carriage way to Mr. Dow's stable, in the yard of which all men-
ageries and circuses were for many years exhibited — the latter
exhibition always closing with "the laughable farce of Billy
Button," who, divesting himself of a dozen garments as he rode
around the ring, was transformed from a beggar into a Croesus.
Trade in the early days of Waterville was more profitable than
to-day. Large prices were charged for goods, which were usu-
ally sold on long credits, and paid for by farmers in country
produce. In the two largest of my father's stores, of which there
were six, the upper stories were filled with great bins of wheat,
corn, barley, oats, grass and clover seed, etc, etc., taken in
exchange for goods, which were shipped for sale to Boston.
One year he shipped 40,000 bushels of potatoes to Boston, and
one season bought a large quantity at six cents a bushel.
Before the Lockw^ood Mills were built, there were four or five
sawmills near, perhaps partly on the site of the southern part of
the former mills, and, during the spring freshets many men were
employed in catching for the mills, logs that had been cut in the
vicinity of Moosehead lake. Great rafts of boards were floated
from time to time down the Kennebec to market, and sometimes
shipped from Hallowell or Bath to Boston. The dam in the
river at Waterville in those days extended only to what was called
"Rock Island," on the east side of which was an excellent passage
way for the fish, provided they did not get caught in the traps
set for them on the falls. Just north of the sawmills there was
for many years a tannery carried on by William Pearson, then or
afterward a trader on Main street. There seems to have been
at an early period a small tannery back of the Powers house
(already mentioned) on Silver street; at any rate, when a very
small boy I got a good ducking by walking into a tanpit there,
the layer of tan on the surface of which seemed to offer a sure
footing.
It may be worth while to note a w^hoiesale and economical way
of shodding families that prevailed in the twenties, before the
HISTORY OF WATEPVILLE. 145
era when nearly the whole population of many villages and even
cities were engaged in making boots and shoes. A country cob-
bler was installed and boarded in a private house for a week or
v/eeks, which he spent in making boots and shoes for all the
members of a family. As he was sometimes an amateur fiddler,
and brought his fiddle with him, it can be imagined what delight
"we boys" took, first in watching the growing boots designed
for us, during the day, and next in listening to the strains of
"Bonaparte's March," as they were scraped away by the rural
Paginini in the evening, or in leading our blushing partners
through the mazes of the merry dance in the wake of our silver-
headed elders.
Something here reminds me of a hoax of which the citizens of
Waterville were made the victims in 1833 or 1834. A placard
headed "Another Wonder!" was posted about the village,
announcing that Pedro Batiste, a waterman on the Thames, had
invented a "Life Preserver," by which a person could walk on
water for miles with perfect ease and safety. Like many other
m.arvellous inventions, it was the result of a happy accident, and
had deeply interested the scientists of Europe. The inventor,
just from England via Quebec, would exhibit the preserver to
th(' inhabitants of Waterville, and walk across the Kennebec "on
Monday, the 28th day of July, at 2 o'clock, P. M., at the head
of the Falls." To exclude any suspicion of deception, the inven-
tion would be explained, and any spectator would be able "to
perform the experiment himself, and test the invention to his
satisfaction." At the appointed hour, hundreds of persons from
all parts of the town flocked to the banks of the Kennebec to wit-
ness the startling exhibition ; but no Pedro Batiste appeared.
A half hour — three-quarters — an hour passed, with the same
result, when suspicion ripened into conviction that the promised
exhibition was a hoax. Great was the wrath that ensued, and
loud the imprecations ; but no one suspected the perpetrator —
F. Burt Wells — who, all the while laughing in his sleeve, was
outwardly the most indignant man in the assemblage.
It will surprise many persons to learn that ship building was
once a branch of business in Waterville. Before 1830, and per-
haps later, vessels were built in the early spring on the bank of
10
146 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
the Kennebec, near the foot of Shervvin hill — just south of the
island. They were built at that time in order to take advantage
of the spring freshet in the river for launching them.
Before the Augusta dam was built, and when the Kennebec
was comparatively free from sawdust, great quantities of salmon,
shad, alewives, and other fish were caught in its waters. My
father had a trap on the east side of Ticonic Falls, which he
visited twice daily, and from which he took salmon weighing
from ten to twenty or thirty pounds. It is difficult to tell a big
fish story without exaggerating, but, if I can trust my memory,
he caught one salmon at least, that weighed forty pounds. Shad
and alewives were so plentiful as to command a very low price.
The early settlers of this region lived largely on the fish they
caught. The Sebasticook river was one of the best fishing
grounds of the State — a fact of which the Indians had been well
aware.
Waterville, in the days of my boyhood, had three fine military
companies. First, there was the Light Infantry, commanded
successively by William Phillips, a trader on Main street, father
of the late Alfred Phillips, — by William Hume, a shoemaker
living in the brick building next north of the present Unitarian
church grounds, and by Josiah Crosby, then, I think, a saddle
and harness maker. Second, there was a large artillery com-
pany, commanded for a time by Shubael jMarston, a trader,
w^hich had its quarters on Temple street, a little east of Front,
where in a small house it had two brass cannon. Third, there
w^as the Militia, a large company with no uniform but a bayonet-
beh and knapsack, — only its officers wearing plumed hats and
epaulettes — which, for this reason, w^as jeeringly called "The
String Beans." "Hurrah for the Stringbeans !" was the con-
temptuous cry of the street boys that heralded its march, wdio,
in general, preferred to swarm about the other more showy com-
panies, which were in uniform, and could boast of finer bands of
music. The annual muster of these companies and those of
adjoining towns was a great occasion — a red-letter day for young
and old, who flocked early to the fields of Mars from near and
far. Peddlers of all kinds of edibles and potables, — notably of
gingerbread, cider, and rum, and of new inventions and "gim-
cracks," — had booths adjoining the muster-field, or carts upon it.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. I47
where, with loud and vehement harangues upon the matchless
virtues of their vendibles, they exchanged them for Spanish four
pences, ninepences, and quarters. The military exercises closed
with a sham fight, in which all the troops exhibited to crowds of
admiring spectators their prowess and military skill ; after which
the soldiers and spectators who were able to stand up and to
avoid a zigzag step, in which there was much motion but little
progress, dispersed to their homes. One of the most successful
of these musters was held on "the Plain."
In those days persons living in cities and villages did not deem
it necessary to go to the seashore or the mountains for rest and
recreation in the summer. Sometimes a party of the citizens of
Waterville, however, would fit up a long-boat with an awning,
beds, chairs, etc., and take a trip to the mouth of the Kennebec,
where they would spend a v.-eek in loafing, story-telling, dancing
and mackerel-catching. Usually they took a fiddler with them,
who scraped away while they went through the mazes of the
"\^irginia Reel" or other contra-dance that was popular in those
days. Tea parties, dance parties, and balls were frequent in
those days, and I remember that in 1825 the Fourth of July was
celebrated by a tea party at four o'clock P. ]\I., in a woolen mill
and on the grounds that fronted it, on the bank of the ]\Iessalon-
skee, a little below the spot where the public waterworks now are.
Alcoholic liquors were sold in those ante-Xeal Dow days in
nearly all the stores in Waterville, and there were comparatively
few abstainers. Punctually, as the clock struck eleven A. M. and
four P. I\I., the dry-throated citizens thronged to the barrooms
and stores, and quenched their thirst with "toddies" — brandy,
gin, or New England rum, which in those days were generally
pure, and not ''warranted to kill at forty paces." In the dwell-
ing-houses of the well-to-do citizens, side-boards, with bottles
of brandy, gin, and wine for guests and callers, were common
pieces of furniture.
It is remarkable that there was a circulating library in Water-
ville as early as 1827, if not earlier. It w^as kept by Edward ( ?)
Savage, in his bookstore, nearly where Mr. Dorr's drug-store
now stands. Thanks to ]\Ir. Savage, whose name belied his call-
ing, I was enabled by his enterprise to cheat the weariness and
monotony of many a school hour by the aid of the charming
pages of DeFoe, Jane Porter, and Dean Swift.
148 HISTORY OF WATFRVIL.LE.
Till 1826, when the Baptist church was dedicated, there was
but one meeting-house in the village, and that — an unpainted
building resting on blocks, afterwards converted, with some
changes, into a town hall, — stood about in the center of the Com-
mon, fronting south. Here Christians of different denomina-
tions worshipped; but usually it was occupied by the Baptists,
Jeremiah Chaplin, D. D., president of Waterville college, being
the preacher. He was a tall, spare man, very grave in look and
utterance ; and well do I remember how weary at the age of six
or seven I used to be, when, to my inexpressible relief, he finished
his sixthly, seventhly, or eighthly, and closed the big quarto
Bible, and — as it seemed to me — his protracted and ponderous
discourse. In the afternoon, the Universalists, whose meeting-
house on Silver street was dedicated in February, 1832, some-
times occupied the town meeting-house, and listened to a dis-
course by Rev. William A. Drew, of Augusta. On one Sunday
morning. Dr. Chaplin, whose general gravity did not forbid his
uttering at times a dry and pungent witticisim, made the follow-
ing announcement : "I am requested to give notice that the Rev.
William A. Drew, of Augusta, will preach in this house this
afternoon, at four o'clock. The Gospel will be preached in the
schoolhouse, at the same hour." The schoolhouse of which the
Doctor spoke, and in which the unadulterated Gospel was to be
preached by himself, was that of the "lower district," a one-story
}cllow building back of the meeting-house on Front street, that of
the upper district, a small brick building, being located on College
street, just north of the spot on which Daniel R. Wing long after-
ward built his house. That yellow schoolhouse — shall I ever
forget it, or the scenes that I once witnessed therein ? Shall I —
can I — forget the great open fireplace, with its blazing logs,
before which, under various pretexts, such as the necessity of
thawing our frozen ink, etc., we lingered so long on frosty morn-
ings, — between which and the hot stove class after class stood
up to read or spell, at the imminent risk of its flanks being
scorched, to avoid which it crooked into a shape which the peda-
gogue vainly tried to straighten ? Shall I ever forget how, when
I was one day penning a fly in a hollow cut in the desk, or was
following with breathless interest the fortunes of Robinson
Crusoe, or Gulliver, or Alonzo and Melissa, as narrated in a book
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 1 49
kept "on the sly" under the desk, I suddenly found myself seized
by "the master" by the jacket collar, and whisked unceremoni-
ously into the centre of the room? Shall I forget the exciting
scene when one day "Gus D — ," who had been a sailor, was
ordered on account of some misdemeanor to come to the master's
desk, and thereupon flew to the fireplace, and, seizing the fire-
shovel, held it up in the air by its long iron handle in a threaten-
ing manner, and, when asked by the master, "What are you going
to do with that?" replied: "Knock your brains out, if you come
near me !" — and, again, how the insurgent was suddenly dis-
armed and compelled to submit to a severe feruling? Shall I
forget the spelling-match on every Saturday, which we all
enjoyed so much, when the whole school was divided into two
contesting parties, ranged on opposite side of the schoolhouse,
and the correct spelling by a boy or girl on our side, of a w^ord
which had been mispelled by one on the other, was hailed with
an exultation equal to that at a point scored at baseball to-day?
Jonathan Heywood, our master, who was a strict disciplinarian,
was afterward a physician in Alethuen, Mass., where he lived to
a good old age — doubtless owing, in part, to the vigorous athletic
exercise he had had in administering the "oil of birch" to his
refractory pupils at Waterville.
The Waterville college commencement differed for many years
materially from that of Colby. It was the great, notable event
of the year, and took place in August. The citizens were very
hospitable to visitors, and for weeks preceding the event the ques-
tion most frequently put by the ladies of the village to one
another was : "Are you expecting much company at commence-
ment ?" The sheriff of the county always attended the exercises,
and magnified his office. With a cockade on his hat, and a red
sash about his waist, he accompanied the procession from the
college to the church on horseback, — sat on the stage on the right
hand of the Governor of the State, — and, with his official wand,
a long white rod or pole, announced the opening of the exercises
by rapping loudly on the floor, and crying: "O-r-d-e-r!" This
was repeated, whenever there was any loud talking or other dis-
turbance in the house. The stage was large and high, reaching
from the north to the south gallery ; on one side sat the trustees
and faculty of the college; on the other, distinguished guests
150 HISTORY 01^ WATERVILLE.
and visitors ; between them, in front of the pulpit, sat the Gov-
ernor of Maine. The first page of the large quarto order of
exercises "astonished the natives" with a formidable array of
Latin words "of learned length and thundering sound." In front
of the church, and on both sides of Elm street, for a little dis-
tance, were booths, stands, and wagons, where refreshments,
candies, et id omnc^ were sold during the day.
Commencement day in 1840 was memorable for a political
discussion in the Baptist church between George Evans, Whig
Representative in Congress from Alaine, and Robert Rantoul, Jr.,
of Massachusetts, a "Jackson Democrat," afterward Representa-
tive in Congress from that state. The discussion was a vigorous
one, and lasted from four o'clock in the afternoon till eleven at
night.
Political contests in the years 1820- 1850 were often decidedly
warm in Waterville. While the Whigs or National Republicans
usually elected their candidates for office, the victory was seldom
"a walk-over," and the Democrats often triumphed. A notable
bone of contention for some years was the proposed annexation
of Dearborn, or part of that town, which was peopled almost
wholly by Democrats, to Waterville, whereby the leaders of that
party expected to turn the political scale in the latter place for-
ever in their favor. After a stubborn contest, the measure was
carried through the Legislature, nobody then dreaming of an
Oakland.
The somewhat invidious name of Silver street, which was
chosen by some of the richest men of the town, who dwelt on^that
street, was fought against in town meeting by other citizens, who
were outvoted.
Waterville has always had a goodly number of lawyers, two
of whom became members of the Supreme Judicial Court of
Maine, viz : Asa Redington and Samuel Wells — the latter being
also elected Governor. It is not generally known that among
the members of the bar in Waterville early in the nineteenth
century was Eleazar Wheelock Ripley, born in Hanover, N. H.
in 1782, who graduated at Dartmouth college in 1800, and died
in West Feliciana, Louisiana, in 1839. In 1810 he was speaker
of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, later a senator,
and, in the second war with Great Britain, rose in the armv from
HISTORY OF WATERVILL^. H I5I
the rank of lieutenant to that of brigadier-general, and finally
to that of major-general. He fought with great gallantry in the
bloody battles of Chippewa and Niagara, and was known as "the
hero of Lundy's Lane," where was one of the most desperate
fights of the war. Another early lawyer of Waterville was Rus-
sell Freeman, who appears to have been the wit of the bar. It
used to be told that once when he was replying in some court to
one of his brethren whose eyes were inflamed by frequent pota-
tions of aqua fitae, and who had quoted the legal maxim. Id
certiiin est quod certnm reddi potest, he retorted, with a signifi-
cant gesture: "Yes, your honor, id certuin est quod redd-i!'"
Once he was dining in Augusta with Ruel Williams and other
luminaries of the bar, when, as the meal was finished, it was
proposed that toasts be given. The other attorneys gave suc-
cessively as toasts the colleges at which they had been educated.
When the turn of Air. Freeman came, who, like ]\Ir. Williams,
was not a college graduate, he responded thus : "Gentlemen, I
give to you, as a toast, no college — not Harvard, Dartmouth,
Brown, or Yale — but the University from which were graduated
George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, David Rittenhouse,
Ruel Williams, and Rnss Freeman."
V"^aterville never could boast of many wealthy citizens, even
in the days when a man possessing ten thousand dollars was
regarded as "independent," and one possessing twenty-five or
thirtv thousand was pronounced rich. The citizens of the town
were generally prudent and thrifty, spending less than they
earned, rarely tempted into financial speculations, and accumu-
lating their moderate fortunes by patient industry and safe
investments. The few persons who flew their financial kites
higri were looked upon with suspicion, and usually came to grief.
Nathaniel Gilman, for many years the richest man in the town,
made the bulk of his fortune in the leather business in New York
City. He once told me that he had m.ade thirty thousand dollars,
by the rise in the value of his stock of leather, of two cents on
a pound. Among the natives of W^aterville who became wealthy
after leaving Waterville, were Mr. Gilman's sons, W^atson,
Nathaniel, and George— the last of whom, at his recent death in
Bridgeport, Conn., left an estate of two or more millions,— and
William and Aaron Healey. But richer far than any of these—
152 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE:.
the richest native of Waterville, and one of the longest-hved,
was the multi-milHonaire, Daniel Wells, who, born July 16, 1808,
on the west bank of the Messalonskee, close by the spot where
the new dam has been built, and where his father had a fulling
mill, died on March 18, 1900, in his ninety-fourth year, in Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin. He was the wealthiest man in that state,
his estate being estimated to amount from fifteen to twenty-five
millions of dollars.
It is not generally known that Sylvanus Cobb, author of "The
King's Talisman," "The Patriot Cruiser," "Ben Hamed," and
many other popular novelettes, and for a long time a leading
story-writer for the New York "Ledger," was a native of Water-
ville. He was the son of Sylvanus Cobb, a well-known Univer-
salist clergyman, — a brother of the noted artists, Cyrus and
Darius Cobb — and was born in 1S23.
To conclude these imperfect recollections — Waterville in its
youth was a pretty village, and its attractions have increased with
each successive year. Never advancing by leaps and bounds,
it has had a steady and healthful growth, and its citizens have
taken a pride in making it attractive by the beauty and tidiness
of their dwellings. Situated in the heart of the State, near the
junction of three beautiful rivers ; with lakes on every side of it ;
possessing fine water-powers, abundant railway communication,
and plenty of excellent diversified land for buildings ; with its
streets shaded by a multitude of fine trees ; enjoying in its col-
lege, classical institute, and graded public schools, rare educa-
tional facilities ; it ofl^ers to persons seeking a pleasant, healthful,
and attractive place of residence, many advantages. Till the
present summer it has lacked a town hall in keeping with its other
improvements ; but now an elegant and commodious brick build-
ing for this purpose has been completed. There is no reason to
doubt that the city, already the most beautiful in the State of
Maine, will continue to grow in attraction, till, at a not far dis-
tant day one may truthfully address it in the proud language of
the Roman poet, Catullus, to Verona :
"Qui te viderit.
Et non amarit protinus
Amore perditissimo,
Is, credo, seipsum non aniat,
Caretque amandi sensibus,
Et odit omnes ^ratias."
CHAPTER VII.
THE MILITARY HISTORY OF WATERVILLE*
Its record in the Revolution— the War of 1812— The Aroostook War—
the Mexican, Spanish and PhiHppine Wars, with rosters of soldiers
who have served in each, military records, etc. — also sketch of the
Waterville Soldiers' Monument Association and of W. S. Heath Post,
No. 14, Department of Maine. G. A. R.
By Brevet. Brig. General Isaac Sparrow Bangs.
Of all the magnificent pageants this cotmtry has ever seen,
from its settlement to the present year, none m point of interest
can compare to the grand review of the armies of the Union on
May 23 and 24, 1865.
The most causeless, crtiel, bloody war in the world's history
had jtist been brought to a triumphant close by the surrender of
the army of Northern Virginia, under General Robert E. Lee, to
General Grant, at Appomattox, April 9th, and the surrender of
Johnston's and all confederate armies east of the Mississippi by
the military convention of April 26th.
The identical flag that was lowered from the flagstaff of Fort
Sumter by Major Robert Anderson April 14, 1861, was floating
over Fort Sumter again, having been raised by Brevet Major
General Robert Anderson on the 14th of April, 1865 ! the fourth
anniversary to commemorate in the most fitting manner the
restoration of national authority on the spot where the great
rebellion was first inaugurated.
On the evening of that same day. President Lincoln had fallen
a victim to the hate engendered by the war, by the bullet of John
Wilker. Booth, at Ford's theater in Washington.
* Copyright September, 1902, by Dennis M. Bangs.
154 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
May 1 8th, by Special Orders No. 239, war department, adju-
tant general's office, a grand review by General Grant, President
Johnson and cabinet, was ordered of all the armies then near
Washington ; to take place ]\Iay 23rd and 24th. These great
armies had bivouacked in the streets of the capital the previous
night, and when the hour arrived, the army of the Potomac led
the way around the capitol, down Pennsylvania avenue, out past
the reviewing stand at the White House; passing for the last
time as regimental organizations before their beloved com-
mander.
With tattered flags, faded uniforms, marks of battle and
exposure ; but keen-eyed, alert, bronzed, they swung along with
elastic stride in close column by division ; cheered by thousands
who gloried in their loyalty, their victories and final triumph.
These were the men of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg,
the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, whose undaunted courage had
stood between their country and ruin, between their flag and dis-
honor, for four long years ; — the men whose exultant faces were
set toward home.
The 24th brought Sherman's splendid army, who in a cam-
paign of two thousand miles of marching and fighting had cut
the confederacy in twain, and joined Grant at the Nation's cap-
ital. Sixty-five thousand bronzed veterans who had won each
a blazonry for his "shield without device" at Chattanooga, Dal-
ton. Resaca, Kenesaw, or Atlanta, — in the army of the Tennessee
under Howard, — in the army of Georgia under Slocum, — in the
army of the Ohio under Schofield, or in the cavalry division with
Kilpatrick.
For two entire days these marching hosts filled Washington's
streets • serried ranks of glistening steel with touches of color in
the tattered flags they had carried for four long years and loved
so well ; martial music, songs, shouts of welcome, and ringing
cheers filled the air with sound ; while the hearts of the welcom-
ing thousands were overflowing with gladness that peace had
come at last and "come to stay."
The efifect of this moving military pageant must be lost, except
as an historical incident, to the generation born since the war;
but tc those then living it bore tremendous significance. No one
can ever know, who was not then living, the tumultuous joy of
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. jcc
the people over the close of the war and the return of the men
who had saved the country.
It may well be asked by those who do not know : "If the War
of the Rebellion ended with so much rejoicing, bv what fanfare
was it inaugurated ?"
We will turn back the pages of history for four years and stand
in the streets of the village of Waterville, the embryo city of
to-day, just forty-one years ago. It is not the purpose of this
article to describe the physical changes that man and "God hath
wrought." Indeed, these have been so insidious, so gradual and
at the same time so radical, that old things have become new
Even the people are new ! One wonders where the old buildings
are, since one misses them,— and the old faces; just like any
child who puzzles his wits to know where all the m'oons go.
It is impossible not to remember that the enduring quality of
Its buildings was then represented by a few unpretentious brick
stores: the Ticonic row, Getchell block, the Noyes fPhcenix)
block, Morrill, and the one "where David Webb traded," and
just replaced by the Flood block. As for the others, they were
more or less pretentious frames, and have been moved-no one
can remember zvhen or hozv, and handsome brick blocks fill their
places. The old stores can be found out on back streets meta-
morphosed into dwellings with front piazzas, bow windows, and
new paint,— "spruced up" like a widower with a second wife.
The popular resorts in the late 50s and the 60s were "the hard-
ware store," John Caffrey's, and the gymnasium, which stood on
the site of the post office block. At the gymnasium, the evening
classes were popular and comprised representative men of the
town; life-long friends who had "Lived and loved together
through many a changing year," and stood shoulder to shoulder
m support of the government and in sympathy with the soldier,
through all the weary days of the tedious months, of the terrible
years of the war. Among these were Edwin Noves, Dr. Bou-
telle, Charles M. Morse, Jones Elden, Nathaniel and John
Meader, C. R. McFadden, John and William Caffrey, W. B.
Arnold, Joshua Nye, George Robinson, G. A. Phillips, J. P. Hill,
William Blunt, A. A. Plaisted, Simeon Keith, E. G. Meader and
I. S. Bangs ; names to conjure with ; of men who controlled pub-
lic sentiment and stood for law and order always and every-
where.
156 HISTORY O? WATERVILLE.
A history of "Watervllle in the war" would be incomplete
without mentioning a few of the prominent older men :
Hon. D. L. Milliken, Gen. Franklin Smith, F. D. Haviland,
Major Samuel Appleton, Dr. D. N. Sheldon. Dr. J. T. Champlin,
John Ware, Julius Alden, William and Walter Getchell, R. B.
Dunn, John Webber, Prof. George Keeley, — noble men of wise
counsels and great hearts, whose waking thoughts when conflict
was joined, were always with our armies ; whose "purse and
pen" sustained the government and encouraged the leaders to
final victory and peace.
The years in which these men lived and wrought have gone
where the roses go ; many have crossed the river, but the influ-
ence of their lives and their loyalty in "the times that tried men's
souls," has left a fragrant memory with those that knew them.
As for the questions the solution of which was so important
to the great Republic of to-day, it may be said : God wrought
them out in his own way, in his own appointed time, through the
Civil War, and they were settled forever.
The first rebel gun fired at Fort Sumter, April 12, 1861, roused
all the latent patriotism of the North united all parties or, better,
obliterated all parties, and when the President's call of April 15th
for 75,000 men was flashed over the wires, the enthusiasm was
so great that a million men would have offered their services if
required, and they could have been armed and fed.
In Waterville a recruiting office was opened in the office of
Joshua Nye, then treasurer of the old Androscoggin and Ken-
nebec Railroad Company, on the second floor of the HansQom
block, corner of Elm and Main streets, on the morning of April
1 6th, the day following the call of President Lincoln.
Charles A. Henrickson, then an undergraduate at Waterville
College, was the first to sign the roll as a volunteer from Water-
ville, and his patriotic zeal and his exaltation as a new volunteer
proved so irresistibly contagious at the college that the classes
and recitations were broken up. Finally, to save the classes,
the president and faculty voted to close the college temporarily.
Another recruiting office was opened on the second floor of
the Plaisted building, which now stands on Charles street. This
was in charge of William S. Heath, his brother Frank E. Heath,
and J. H. Plaisted, who were the first to volunteer there, and each
arrived at distinction in the service.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 1 57
In a few days the companies were filled and began squad and
company drill in our streets ; were soon ordered to Augusta into
camp, and on June 4th were mustered into the service of the
United States as Companies G and H of the Third Maine Infan-
try Volunteers. Company G was commanded by Frank S. Hes-
seltine, with Nathaniel Hanscom ist lieutenant and William A.
Hatch 2nd lieutenant. Company H was commanded by W. S.
Heath, with F. E. Heath as ist lieutenant and John R. Day as
2nd lieutenant.
O. O. Howard was appointed colonel of the regiment, and on
the 5th of June he was ordered to Washington with his com-
mand, carrying with him, as Waterville's first contingent,
seventy-four of her boys into the maelstrom of war.
Meantime, apprehending the embarrassment under which the
general government would labor to defend itself against the
organized rebellion of the South, the legislature of }^Iaine, at an
extra session called to consider and provide for the exigencies of
the hour, determined to furnish the government at the earliest
moment with ten regiments fully armed and equipped, from the
enrolled but unarmed militia of 60,000 men, to serve for two
years. This act was passed and approved April 25th.
How the men who voted for this measure expected to arm and
equip these men, f//n' never knew, but they did knowit must he done.
Thus the regiments from the ist to the loth inclusive were
organized by this act of the legislature, and all succeeding organ-
izations by the general government or by its authority.
It must be born in mind that the ist Regiment ]\[aine Infantry
had been mustered into service for three months at Portland
May 4th, and the 2nd Regiment Alaine Infantry mustered at
Bangor May 28th, and both sent at once to the front.
The 3rd was mustered June 5th: the 4th June 15th; the 5th
June 24th ; the 6th July 15th ; the 7th August 21st; the 8th Sep-
tember 7th ; the 9th September 22nd ; the loth October 4th ; the
nth November 4th; the 12th November 15th: the T3th Novem-
ber 20th ; the 14th December nth ; the 15th December 17th ; the
first cavalry October 19th. and six batteries ; making with five
companies of sharpshooters and coast guards,* 16,669 men ; and
of this number Waterville furnished 121 in 1861.
*TLe U. S. Governmert credited the State of ]\Jaine with IS.STo for the year 1S61.
158 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Waterville College furnished from its alumni and undergrad-
uate classes the following list of patriotic young men for Com-
pany G, 3rd Maine: Charles A. Henrickson, class of 1864;
William E. Brown, class of 1864; George H. Bassett, class of
1864, died in service; At wood Crosby, class of 1864; Moses W.
Young, class of 1864; E. P. Stearns, class of 1864, died in ser-
vice ; Frank S. Hesseltine, class of 1863 ; A. C. Hinds, class of
1863, died in service; Samuel Hamblen, class of ,1862; Amasa
Bigelow, Jr., class of 1862; J. A. Philbrook, class of 1862; Wil-
liam A. Hatch, class of 1861.
For Company H, 3rd Maine: W. S. Heath, class of 1855,
killed in battle; Francis E. Heath, class of 1858.
These companies received their baptism of fire at Bull Run,
July 21, 1 86 1, and of the above named, C. A. Henrickson and
Atwood Crosby were taken prisoners there ; the latter a voluntary
one to care for his brother who was shot through the lungs.*
David Bates was mortally wounded, taken prisoner and died
at Richmond, \'a., the first Waterville soldier killed ; and a num-
ber of the Waterville contingent were wounded and captured.
During the year the following changes were made in the line
and non-commissioned officers :
Capt. Frank S. Hesseltine, promoted November 14th to major
of the 13th Maine.
Lieut. Nath'l Hanscom, promoted November 15th to captain
of his company.
2nd Lieut. W. A. Hatch, promoted November 15th to ist lieu-
tenant of his company.
Capt. \y. S. Heath was promoted lieutenant colonel 5th regi-
ment, September 25th.
Lieut. F. E. Heath was promoted captain of his own Com-
pany H.
2nd Lieut. Jno. R. Day was promoted ist lieutenant of his
own company.
1st Sergt. E. C. Lowe was promoted 2nd lieutenant of his
own company, and
•Henrickson was a prisoner eleven montlis in Libby and Salisbury prisons and
the Parish prison in New Orleans; was exchanged and returned to Waterville. In
'63 he enlisted in the navy, and was promoted to Ensign. While serving as gun-
ner in the turret of the monitor Saugus, in the second attack on Fort Fisher, one
of the 15-inch Rodman guns exploded, prostrating the executive ofBccr and seven-
teen men in the turret, wounding every man except Henrickson, but.miraculously,
killing none.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 1 59
Sergt. J. H. Plaisled was promoted Tst sergeant of his own
company.
These were the changes and casuahies of our neighbors and
friends at the front for the year 1861, in Companies G and H,
'^rd Maine.
Of the boys from our State, 188 were killed or died of disease
or wounds, and 165 were prisoners or missing.
The excitement ; the ten thousand details of the recruiting,
arming, equipping, and transportation of Maine troops to the seat
of war; their military discipline there; the campaigns, battles,
skirmishes, marches, sickness and deaths among these Maine
boys in that first year of the war, filled the minds of the men and
women of our town, and of the State, to the almost total exclu-
sion of all else, except sympathy for those who mourned the loss
of loved ones, and sympathy for the sick, suffering, homesick,
heartsick boys who lingered in the populous hospitals where
parting life was laid.
No sooner had our first contingent, Companies G and H, been
uniformed at Augusta, than wnth natural instinct, devotion and
helpfulness, the women of Waterville commenced their arduous
duties of picking lint, making bandages, seeking contributions of
money for hospital stores for soldiers in camp in our State, in
the field and general hospitals : and these duties were continuous,
untiring, during the war. Commencing in the modest home —
individual labor, sympathy and love, developed into the town,
county, State and general organizations that spent fabulous sums
for the sick and wounded, relieving distress in ways never before
known.
The approximate estimate of Waterville's contributions in
money, hospital stores, etc., in public channels, from 1861 to
1865 is:
To soldiers in Maine camps and hospitals .... $600 00
To general hospitals in loyal states 300 00
To regimental hospitals and individuals 350 00
To New York, Philadelphia, Boston, etc 200 00
To United States Sanitary Commission 400 00
To United States Christian Commission 1,500 00
To aid to 652 persons in 215 families 10,234 42
$13,584 42
l60 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
The modest beginnings of individuals and local associations
of relief grew so helpful, so necessary, and finally so vast in
scope, as to eclipse any and all efiforts before or since made to
supplement the hospital service of the army in its efforts to alle-
viate suffering. Contributions were enormous. Government
was calling for the last man and the last dollar to save the coun-
try, and to those at home money seemed worthless zvitJwiit coun-
try, flag, and honor.
In her "Epistle to Posterity" Mrs. Sherwood says : "Dr. Bel-
lows was president of the Sanitary Commission, and I became
secretary of the Metropolitan Fair and wrote innumerable letters
to all our representatives in Europe. All answered well. After
a winter's work we sent Dr. Bellows one million three hundred
and sixty-five dollars in one check, as the result of our work."*
Among the many schemes for the benefit of our soldiers in the
field was a plan for transmitting their pay or a portion of it to
their families at home, authorized by General Orders No. 8i,
war department, adjutant general's office, September 19, 1861,
by "Allotment Rolls," to be signed by the soldier who designated
b's assignee, his address, and the amount per month to be
reserved. These rolls were transmitted by company and regi-
mental officers to the paymaster general, and by him to the dis-
tributors or trustees appointed by the governor, who generously
and patriotically consented not only to act without compensation,
but to give bonds to Nathan Dane and John S. Hodsdon in the
sum of $15,000 each for the faithful performance of their duties.
The volunteer trustee for Waterville and vicinity was Homer
Percival, Esq., cashier of the Peoples' Bank, who performed the
onerous duties of this office during the war, although many of
these trustees resigned their offices, finding the duties too
exactinsf.
The amount received and distributed by banks and private
individuals as trustees in these allotment rolls prior to the trans-
* The writer has in Ills possession a fine lithograph receipt of the "Committee
on Military Donations of the City of Boston," reading:
"Boston, 1861."
"This certifies that the ladies of the Waterville Association have given sixty
dollars and thirty cents for the soldiers "who leave Boston under the requisition
of the President of the United States."
(signed) Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis
for the Com. on Military Donations.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. l6l
fer of a part of these duties to the State treasurer by act of the
legislature, and the few who continued to discharge those duties
without compensation, must amount to some hundreds of thou-
sands of dollars.
The vState treasurer alone received and disbursed $559,526.37.
It could only gratify idle curiosity, to indicate how much of
this sum came to Waterville from our boys in the field, and the
suggestion is only made to show how impossible it is to-day to
group events chronologically, which most interest us locally.
Our neighbors and friends joined this or that regiment and lost
their identity in the Grand Army of the Republic, that for four
long years held in its grasp, not only the destiny of this Nation,
but the fate of Liberty and good government throughout the
globe, an army which knew no law but Loyalty, no thought but
obedience ; an army that served under as many commanders as
it fought campaigns ; yet marched as cheerfully and fought as
loyally under the new commander as under the old ; an army
that fought over more miles of ground than most continental
armies ever marched over; an army baptized in blood, conse-
crated in tears, and hallowed in prayers.
In such a school, the fathers of this generation, were taught
what loyalty meant ; what our flag symbolized ; while the
mothers sat with sorrow and wrought with busy hands and tear-
ful eyes.
From homes of peaceful traditions ; lives of peaceful pursuits ;
our Waterville boys stood up to be counted "for three years or
for the war" — anxious to do their duty.
Waterville was represented in each of the fifteen infantry regi-
ments sent out in '61, except the 2nd, 4th, and 12th; as also in
the 1st Cavalry and the 4th Battery, as follows :
One in the ist Infantry; seventy-four in the 3rd Infantry;
three in the 5th Infantry ; one in the 6th Infantry ; eight in the
7th Infantry; fourteen in the 8th Infantry; three in the 9th
Infantry; one in the loth Infantry; two in the nth Infantry;
one m the 13th Infantry; one in the 14th Infantry; one in the
15th Infantry ; four in the First Cavalry ; one in the 4th Battery.
In 1862 Waterville furnished 102 volunteers for the twelve
regiments of infantry and one regiment of heavy artillery, besides
recruits, as follows :
II
l62 HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE.
Twenty-two for the i6th Infantry; two for the 17th Infantry;
eight for the 19th Infantry ; twenty-nine for the 20th Infantry ;
forty-one for the 21st Infantry.
Commissioned officers from Waterville in the i6th ; Abner R.
Small, adjutant, promoted major; William A. Stevens, 2nd
lieut., 1st lieut., and captain, killed before Petersburg.
Commissioned officers from Waterville in the 19th ; Francis
E. Heath, promoted from the 3rd Me., to lieut.-col. of the 19th,
colonel and brevet brigadier-general ; F. W. Haskell, adjutant.
Commissioned officers from Waterville in the 20th ; Isaac S.
Bangs, captain; lieut.-col. 8ist U. S. C. I.; col. loth Heavy
Artillery, brevet brigadier-general U. S. Vols. ; George C.
Getchell, ist sergt., 2nd lieut., ist lieut., captain 81 st U. S. C. L,
major, lieut.-col., and brevet-colonel; Addison W. Lewis, ist
lieut. and captain; Charles W. Billings, 2nd lieut., ist lieut., and
captain, died of wounds at Gettysburg; Charles R. Shorey
sergt., 1st sergt., 2nd lieut., and ist lieut; W. H. Low, sergt.
and 1st lieut; Henry A. Batchelder, sergt. and 2nd lieut.
Commissioned officers from Waterville in the 21st Regiment:
John U. Hubbard, captain ; George W. Hubbard, sergt. -major,
2nd lieut. ; Andrew Pinkham, 2nd lieut ; Frank Bodfish, hospital
steward to assist, surgeon.
Casualties and Promotions of commissioned officers from
Waterville: Lieut.-Colonel W. S. Heath, 5th Me., killed at
Gaines Mill; Chaplain Henry C. Leonard, from 3rd to 18th
Regt. ; William A. Hatch, ist lieut. in 3rd Me., and major 72nd
U. S. C. I. ; George A. Mclntire, 2nd lieut., ist lieut., and cap-
tain ; James H. Plaisted, sergt., sergt. -major, to adjutant and
captain; Samuel Hamblen, to 2nd lieut., captain, major, and
lieut.-col. in Ullman's Brigade ; E. C. Lowe, sergt., to 2nd lieut.,
resigned ; Frank H. Getchell, hospital steward to assist, sur-
geon ; John R. Day, 2nd lieut. to ist lieut. and captain ; Charles
W. Lowe, 2nd lieut. to ist lieut. and captain; William H. Copp,
to 1st lieut. Co. I, 17th Me. ; Charles A. Farrington, to lieut. 31st
Me. ; Samuel J. Haines, to lieut. U. S. N. ; Henry E. Tozier, to
lieut. 8th Me. ; John B. Wilson, to surgeon 96th U. S. C. I.
Waterville furnished for the two regiments of infantry and one
of cavalry in 1863 ■ Four for the 29th Infantry ; sixteen for the
30th Infantry; two for the 2nd Cavalry; and in 1864: Seven-
HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE;. 165
teen for the 31st Infantry; three for the 32nd Infantry; and
many recruits for all the regiments and batteries in the field, the
unassigned companies, the coast guards and naval service.
The figures given for 186 1-2-3-4 being for the regiments, etc.,
as originally sent to the field, but these and all subsequent allot-
ments of men under the President's call were always up to the
requirements.
In 1861 more than its share was furnished of men who
received no bounty from the government and the town received
no credit for the excess.
The enlistments from Waterville for the years 1861 and 1862
can be quite accurately determined, but to ascertain the actual
enlistments in any succeeding year, to include recruits, drafted
men, and substitutes, is a task of such magnitude that it will
never be undertaken, because the results are unimportant and
not commensurate with the labor.
The quotas of Waterville and all the other towns and cities
for 1863 and subsequent calls were not apportioned to such
municipalities, but to the respective provost marshals, districts,
sub-districts or to congressional districts, and no adequate record
of these apportionments exists.
The foregoing figures show that the enlistments for the orig-
inal companies in different organizations of named men were 121
in 1861 ; 102 in 1862; 22 in 1863; and 20 in 1864, while the
alphabetical list printed herewith gives the names of 421 men;
showing that 156 more men joined these organizations as recruits
during these foin- vears or one in nine of the entire population in,
1861.
Waterville paid in bounties for enlistments as follows :
Call of i86t Nothing
1862 3 years men $4,700
1862 9 month men 5, 200
1863 Volunteers 8,925
1864-5 Volunteers and drafted men
who furnished substitutes 45^79^
Drafted men that entered service 1,200
Substitutes 1,900
It -'"- ' •
$67,715
164 HISTORY OF WATERVILLK.
Out of the 400 estimated alumni and undergraduates of Water-
ville (now Colby) college in 1865, 142 entered service during
the war.
Thirty-eight members of \\'aterville ^Masonic Lodge entered
service and seven were killed in battle.
The State of Maine furnished 72,945 men for the war. The
total number of troops killed or died of wounds was 2,801. The
total number of troops died of disease was 4,521. Total, 7,322,
or about one in ten of the men who enlisted.
The losses in naval service are not here included.
It is impossible for the present generation to realize the danger,
the privation, the suftering of those whom we knew ; who went
out from among us ; or the agonizing suspense of the mothers,
wives, sisters and daughters who were left at home ; of their
waiting, fearing, hoping, as the long campaigns followed each
other, leaving in their trail waste, ruin and lonely graves.
And when battle was on, their faith in God was almost a pre-
monition, while their constant prayer was for hope in his mercy,
or strength to bear their pain.
To those who remember the dreadful years of the war, it is
no longer real, but a horrid dream of blood, and horror and woe.
These will know that some of our boys followed their tattered
flags, representing their State, their town, their home, in every
campaign, in every great battle, and every prison of the South.
David Bates, our first martyr, represents W'aterville at Bull
Run, killed there forty-one years ago this month.
George Bowman and Roscoe Young died at Yorktown.
Lieut. -Col. W. S. Heath, the gallant soldier ; so early lost to
his home and his country ; killed at the disastrous battle of
Gaines Mill, where for forty years he has slept under the grass
and flowers in an unknown grave.
Miner W. Savage at South ^Mountain.
Isaac W. Clark at Antietam ;
Lorenzo Clark, Charles F. Lyford, James O. Wes4;, and John
M. Wheeler at Fredericksburg ;
William F. Bates, Albert Corson, and Joseph D. Simpson at
Gettysburg ;
Hadley P. Dyer, Stephen Ellis, and Richard Perley at Port
Hudson ;
LT. COL. WILLIAM S. HEATH.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 165
William Chapman, C. R. Atwoocl, Peter Roderick, and Capt
William A. Stevens before Petersburg ;
Lieut. Charles A. Farrington at the Wilderness; •
John O. James, and Albert Quimby buried at sea ;
Six died at Salisbury prison, two at Andersonville, one at
Belle Isle, and one at Camp Gross, Texas ;
The yellow fever found a victim in the brilliant young officer,
George C. Getchell. at New Orleans, and a soldier's death met
our boys at Hatchers Run, Pleasant Hill, La. Weldon Railroad,
Chantilly, Ship Island, Winchester, and Belle Plain.
The Bacon family sent five sons ; but three returned.
The iMesser family sent three sons ; none returned.
The "Penney Boys" — four brothers, three killed or died in
service, one returned to die at home, of disease contracted in the
army.
Deacon Stevens sent his two sons ; most promising young
micn, both killed in battle.
Companies G and H of the Third Infantry, and Co. A of the
20th Infantry were well known as Waterville companies, and
from the first to last, the town furnished eighty-five men for the
former and forty-five for the latter.
Of these, but three are living here of the eighty-five who went
to the front in '61, in the Third Regiment, Charles R. Shorey,
F. W. Haskell, and Charles Bacon ; in Oakland two, Baxter
Crowell and George T. Benson.
Of the forty-five who went into the 20th (Co. A), but two are
living in Waterville, I. S. Bangs and Charles R. Shorey, and one
in Oakland, William H. Stevens.
Our Roll of Honor contains the names and military record of
140 of our dead, including a few who came here to live at some
time since the war and died, and found a resting place in Pine
Grove Cemetery. Fifty of these went from here and are buried
here. As many more "unheeded — unknown" lie where they fell
and were thrown into trenches without a prayer, or died in hos-
pital and prison and drifted away into the dawning eternities.
]Many of these are they who came back to us "when war was
done," thro' the blood-red haze of a score of battlefields. These
and the living are the representatives of the men who bequeathed
IbO HISTORY OF WATEJRVILLE.
to this and the coming s:-enerations, in trust forever, the heritage
of a Nation saved, which they must learn how to defend.
These are the names of men that in the annals of this fair city-
deserve imperishable fame, and in reverent spirit let every citi-
zen of Waterville read this
Roll of Honor.
Allen, Benjamin C. : Co. B, 14th Mass. Inf. Vol., afterwards
designated as ist Mass. H'y Art. Died in Armory Square Hos-
pital, Washington, May 23d, 1864, of wounds received at Spott-
sylvania May 19, 1864.
Aderton, Wm. H. : Private, Co. B, 13th :Me. ; died, July 17,
1862, of disease at Ship Island.
Atwood, Charles R. : Sergeant, Co. B. 32nd Me.; killed,
July 30th, 1864, at Petersburg.
Balentine, Elijah: Private, Co. L, 4th ?vlass. Cav. Buried
here.
Balentine, Samuel: Corporal, Co. K, 7th Me. Vols. Died
December 29, 1883. Buried here.
Bates, David : Private, Co. G, 3d Me. Killed at Bull Run,
July 21, 1861. First man killed from Waterville.
Bowman, Geo. W., Jr.: Private, Co. E, 3rd Me. Died at
Yorktown, May 13, 1862.
Brackett, Orrin . Private, 6th Me. Battery. Died at Water-
ville, March 21, 1863.
Bickford, Bennett : Private, Co. E, 30th Me. Died at Kew
Orleans, May 4, 1864.
Bacon, Chas. : Private, Co. G, 3rd :^re. Died at Citv Point,
1864.
Boothby, Warren J.: Private, Co. I, 31st Me. Died at
Waterville, April 24, 1869.
Blair, John : Private, Co. B, i6th Me., Co. G, 20th Me. Died
at Fairfield, 1891.
Bacon, Wm. H. : Corporal, 3rd Me. Died at Waterville,
1862.
Barrett, Wm. K. : Private, Co. H, 3rd IMe. Died at Libby
Prison or Belle Isle. Date unknown.
Bates, Isaac W. : Private, Co. F, 32nd Me. Died at Salis-
burv Prison.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 167
Bates, Wm. T. : Private, Co. E, i6th Me. Killed at Battle
of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863.
Bates, Phineas : Private, Co. F, 32nd Me. Died in Salis-
bury Prison.
Blake, Geo. E. A.: Private, Co. E, 8th Me. Killed at
Hatcher's Run, Va., April 2, 1865.
Butler, Daniel: Private, Co. B, 12th Me. Inf. Vet. Vol.
Died here, June 18, 1896.
Bushey, Levi, died December 15, 1900.
Bushey, William : Private, Co. C, 9th Maine. Died here, June
15, 1902. Buried here.
Copp, Wm. H. : ist lieut., Co. I, 17th Me. Died in Minne-
sota, April, 1883.
Copp, Alonzo : Private, Co. B, 34 Regt. Pa. Vol. and 5th Pa.
Reserves; private, Co. C, 191st Pa. Died in Salisbury Prison,
of starvation, December 28, 1864.
Gary, Joseph : Private, Co. A, 7th Me. Died in Waterville.
Buried here.
Crosby, Atwood : Asst. surgeon, U. S. Navy, Co. G, 3rd
Me. Died in Las Vegas, N. M., January 25, 1883. Buried
here.
Chapman, William: Private, Co. D, 8th Me.; Co. E, 27th
Ale. Killed at Petersburg, June 15, 1864.
Clark, Lorenzo D. : Private, Co. A, 20th Me. Died at Fred-
ericksburg, Va., 1863.
Clark, Isaac W. : Private. Co. A, 20th Me. Died at Antie-
tam, November, 1862.
Cochran, Hiram : Private, Co. K, 3rd Me. Wounded at
Gettysburg, July 3rd, 1863. Died in Libby prison, December
23rd, 1863.
Cochran, Thaddeus : Private, Co. C, 41st Mass. Died at
Alexandria, La., in hospital.
Clark, Charles: Co. I, 3rd Me. Regt. Transferred to 3rd
U. S. x\rtillery.
Corson, Albert : Co. H, 3rd Regt. Died of wounds, July 2,
1863.
Dusty, Frank: Private, Co. I, 31st Me. Died kere, of
wounds, April 10, 1866. Buried here.
De Wolfe, W^m. H. : Private, Co. M, ist Me. Heavy Art.
Died at Washington, of wounds, June 11, 1864. Buried here.
l68 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Davis, Octavius A. : Private, Co. K, ist D. C. Cav. Died in
Salisbury prison, November 4, 1864.
Dyer, Hadley P. : Sergeant, Co. B, 21st Me. Died at Cairo,
111., en route home, of wounds received at Port Hudson.
Dubor, Isaac : Private, Co. A, ^le. Coast Guards. Died here,
April 15, 1869.
Davis, Arba P. : Corporal, Co. I, 31st Me. Died here, Nov-
ember 30, 1885.
Ellis, Stephen: Private, Co. B, 21st Me. Killed at Port
Hudson, May 2^, 1863.
Euarde, Paulette : Private, Co. A, qth ]\Ie. Died of wounds,
July 24, 1864.
Ellis, Dighton: Co. E, ist Regt. \^eteran Infantry.
Folsom,, Samuel P.: Private, 3rd ^le. Died December 22,
1861.
Farrington, Chas. A.: Lieut., 31st Me. Died at Washing-
ton, June 20, 1864, of wounds received at the Battle of the
Wilderness.
Farnham, Wm. H. : Private, Co. B. 21st 'Me. Died at New
Orleans, May 16, 1863.
Fish, Hiram : Co. H, 3rd Regt. Died at Hospital, Harrison's
Landing.
Getchell, Geo. C. : Bvt. lieut.-col. U. S. Vols.; major, 8ist
V. S. C. I. Died of yellow fever at New Orleans, September
21, 1866. Buried here.
Gibbs, Thos. A.: Private, Co. G, i6th Me. Died Dec. 9,
1863. Body brought home. Buried here.
Gibbs, David B., Jr. : Private, Co. B, 14th :Me. Died, April
I, 1863.
Gilcot, Frank: Private, Co. I, 31st Me. No headstone; no
record.
Grant, Isaiah : Private, Co. F, 32nd Me. Died here, Decem-
er 22, 1882. Buried here.
Hardy, D. W. : Assistant surgeon, surgeon, U. S. Col'd Inf.
Died at Billerica, Mass., July 28, 1901. Buried here.
Plerbert, Edw. B. : Private, ist ]\Ie. Cav. Died at Washing-
ton, D. C, of wounds. May 3, 1865. Returned prisoner.
Hubbard, Albro : Sergeant, Co. H, 3rd Me. Released from
Andersonville, March 10. Died at Annapolis, Md., ^larch 16,
1864, from effects of want and exposure at Andersonville.
HISTORY 01^ WATERVILLi:. l6o
Heath, W. S. : Lieut.-col. 5th Me. Killed at Gaines Mill,
June 27, 1862.
Ham, W. H. : Private, 31st Me. Died at Poplar Grove
Church, Va., November 26, 1864.
Hayv/ard, \V. E. ; Co. A, ist Alass. Died here, August 19,
18690 Buried here.
Haynes, Samuel J. : Lieut., U. S. Navy. Died here, May,
1892. Buried here.
Heath, Francis Edw. : Col., 19th Me. Died here, December
20, 1897.
Plerrick, Algernon P. : Co. G, 3rd Regt. Taken prisoner,
July 2, 1863. Died in prison.
Hubbard, A. J.: Capt. Co. F, 31st ls\^. Died at Morganza,
La., July 16, 1864. Capt. Hubbard was twin brother of Capt.
Geo. ^^^ and brother of Capt. John U. ; was born in Waterville,
lived here until past his majority and went into the service from
the west.
Jero, Joseph: Private, 30th ]\le. Died in prison at Camp
(^ross, Texas, December i, 1864.
James, John O. : Private, seaman ship "Colorado.*' Died at
sea of yellow fever, September 10, 1863.
Jackson, John: Private, ist Me. Heavy Art. Died here,
April 3, 1875. Buried here.
Keith, Sidney: Private, Co. A, 20th Ale. Died, October 10,
1890. Buried here.
King, ]\Ioses : Private, 30th j\Ie. Died on steamer near
Portland, August 26, 1865, when returning home.
Kelley, Moses : Chaplain Soldiers Home, Togus ; chaplain
U. S. Army from 1870 to 1879, when he was retired. Died at
Damariscotta, ]\Ie., August 25, 1898. Buried here.
Lowe, Chas. W. : ist lieut., Co. G, 3rd Me. Died at Skow-
hcgan, April 11, 1887. Buried there.
Lyford, Chas. F. : Private, i6th ]\Ie. Killed at Fredericks-
burg, Va., December 14, 1862.
Libby, B. M. : Private, Co. L 31st Me. Buried here.
La Fontaine, Alex: Private, Co. H, 7th Me. Died, March
26, 1 886 Buried here.
Loring, E. P. : Lieut.-col. 10th LL S. Heavy Art. Col. Died
in Boston, October 30, 1894. Buried here.
I/O HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Messer, Orin : Private, Co. E, 7th Me. Taken prisoner at
Spottsylvania, May 12. 1864. Died in Libby prison, of wounds.
Messer, Alvin : Private, Co. G, 7th Me. Died at Alexandria,
September 24, 1862.
Messer, John N. : Private, Co. G, 7th Me. Killed on skir-
mish line, May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va.
]\lacomber, Otis: Private, Co. K, i6th Me. Died at Belle
Plain, Va., March 15, 1863. Buried here.
Murray, Lewis: Private, Co. B, i6th Me. Killed at Fred-
ericksburg, December 13th, 1862.
jNIcFarland, Ira I.: ist Me. Cav. Died at Waterville, Feb-
ruary 8, 1864. Buried here.
Marston, A\'m. H. : Sergeant, 32nd Mass. Died at Win-
chester, Va., in hospital. Date unknown.
Paine, John A.: 5th Me. Battery. Died at Portland, May
20, 1871. Buried here.
Penney, Jos. :\I. : Sergeant, Co. B, 7th Me. Died here, Nov-
ember 19, 1862. Was at home on furlough when he died.
Buried here.
Penney, Wm. W. : Private, 15th Me. Died at Xew Orleans,
March 5, 1864. Buried here.
Penney, Peletiah : Private, 3rd Me. Died at Washington,
November i, 1862. Buried here.
Penney, Ira D. : Private, 31st ^^le. Died in Salisbury
prison, January 10, 1865, oi starvation and despair: died "crying
for bread."
Percival, Albert W. : Private, Engineer Corps. Died here,
August 22,, 1872. Buried here.
Percival, \\'m. C. : Private, U. S. Navy. Killed at Bangor
in railroad accident, August 9, T871.
Percival, Geo. G. : Assistant surgeon, 80th U. S. C. I. Died
here, August 3, 1882. Buried here.
Pease Elias :
Perley, Richard: Private, 21st Me. Killed at Port Hudson,
May 27, 1S63.
Perry, Joseph : Private, 3rd Me. A\'ounded and made pris-
oner at Chantilly, August 31, 1862, and never heard from.
Perry, James : Private, Co. G, 3rd Me. Died here, April 15,
1875. Bnried here.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. I/I
Peters, Thomas: Private, Co. H, 12th Me. Died here, ]March
7, 1902.
Phelps, Lewis G. : Private, Co. G, i6th }vle. Died July 28,
1863. Buried here.
Phelps, Wm. H. : Private, Co. H, 13th ^le. ; Co. H, 30th Me.
Plummer, Edwin: Private, Co. P>, 21st Me. Died at Port
Hudson, La., July 24, 1863.
Pooler, Peter : Co. C, 28th I. lass. Inf. Buried here.
Pooler, Jos.: Private, ist ]\Ie., Heavy Art. Died at Ports-
mouth July 14, 1864, of wounds.
Pooler, Ephraim : Private, Co. E, 30th ^le. Died at Water-
ville, October 15, 1868. Buried here.
Pooler, Henry : Private, Co. H, 30th ^le. Died at New
Orleans, July 11, 1864.
Pooler, Jos. : Private, Co. E, 19th Me. Died here, January
2^, 1887. Buried here.
Prescott, E. E. : 21st Me. Died here, April 18, 1874. Buried
here.
Proctor, Sumner B. : Private, Co. F, ^le. Coast Guards.
Died here, July 16. 1892. Buried here.
PuUen, James Burney : Corporal, Co. E, 30th Me. Wounded
at Pleasant Hill, La. Died in prison, April 29, 1864.
Quimby, Albert : Private, 30th I\Ie. Died on steamer en
route to New^ Orleans and buried at sea, ]\Iarch 17, 1864.
Ricker, James F. : Private, Co. G, 3rd Me. Died at Alex-
andria, Va., Sept. II, 1861.
Rodrick, Peter : Private, 19th Ale. Killed on picket before
Petersburg, November 12, 1864.
Rice, Thos. G. : Lieutenant, 2nd Me. Cav. Buried here.
Roberts, Winslow : Lieutenant, Co. I, 14th Me. ; captain, Co.
H, 14th :\Ie. ; captain, Co. G, ]^Iaine Coast Guards. Died here,
June 17, 1879. Buried here.
Ronco, Jos. : Private, Co. K, 29th Ale. Died in Waterville.
Buried here.
Richards, Jos. : Private, Co. B, 21st Me. Died here, Alarch
3, 1892. Buried here in Catholic cemetery.
Ronco, Abram, 2nd: Private, Co. A, 9th Me. Died here,
September 10, 189 1. Buried here.
172 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Richardson, Royal: Private, Co. B, 21st ]Me. Died here,
September 20, 1863.
Roderick, John : Private, Co. A, 20th ]\le. Died here,
November 17, 1898. Bnried here.
Savage, jNIiner W. : Corporal, 12th ?^Iass. Killed at South
Mountain, September 17, 1862.
Simpson, Jos. D. : Corporal, Co. A, 20th 'Me. Killed at
Gettysburg, July 2, 1863.
Shepherd, Rich A. : Private, Co. C, 19th Me. Killed in the
battle of the Wilderness, May 7, 1864.
Stevens, \Vm. A. : Captain i6th Me. Killed near Peters-
burg, June 19, 1864. Buried here.
Stevens, Edwin C. : Sergeant major, i6th ^^le. Killed at the
Weldon Railroad, August 18, 1864. Buried here.
Sawtelle, John R. : 3rd Me. Died August 18, 1862. Buried
here.
Scates, Edgar : Private, Co. A, 20th Me. Died at Portland,
March 29, 1881. Buried here.
Soule, Daniel A. : Private, Co. E, i6th yie. Died here, Octo-
ber 13, 1883. Buried here.
Stevens, Jason R. : Private, Co. D, 7th Me. Died in Water-
ville, 1863. Buried here.
Stevens, G. G. : 26th Co. Unassigned.
Saunders, Theodore O. : ist Sergeant, Co. G, 62nd 111. Died
at Soldiers' Home at Togus, July 3, 1896. Buried here.
Tilley, George M.: Private, Co. I, 31st Me. Died at
Augusta, Me., April 2, 1864.
Thayer, Adin B. : Private, Co. B, i6th Me. Taken prisoner
at Weldon Railroad, August 18, 1864. Died at Salisbury prison.
Tallouse, oMartin : Private, i6th Me. \\'ounded and missing
at battle of Weldon Railroad, October 18, 1864.
Tozier, Henry E. : Captain, Co. I, 8th Me. Killed at Fort
Holly, Spring Hill, V^a., December 10, 1864. Buried there.
Tozier, Albert F. : Private, Co. H, nth Me. Died at Water-
ville, March 13, 1865. Buried here.
Tozier, W. M. : Private, Co. E, 30th Me. Died at Pleasant
Hill, La., of wounds, December i, 1864. Buried here.
West, W^allace W. : Hospital lieutenant, 8th Me. Died here,
February 5, 1862.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLH. 1 73
Wyman, Wm. W. : Sergeant, 3rd and 21st Me. Died of
wounds received at Port Hudson, June i, 1863.
Woodman, Erastus D. : Corporal, 14th U. S. I. Died at
Washington under surgeon's hands while undergoing amputa-
tion of his leg.
\Mieeler, George ly. : Private, Co. G, 3rd Me. Killed at
Chantilly, September i, 1862.
West, James O. : Private, 31st ?\Ie. Died at Fredericksburg,
j\Iay 23, 1864, of wounds.
Wilson, John B. : Surgeon, 96th U. S. C. I. Died at Dexter,
]\rarch 15, 1866. Buried here.
Washburn, John N. : No record.
Wheeler, John ^l. : Private, Co. G, i6th I\Ie. Wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13. Died December 18, 1862.
White, Henry: 2nd Battery, ist Mounted Artillery; 1st
Cavalry.
Young, Eben W. : Private, 3rd Me. Died in prison at
Columbus, Ga., March 26, 1864.
Young, Eugene H. : Co. H, 3rd Me. Died here, February
19, 1893.
Young, Roscoe G. : Private, Co. H, 3rd Ale. Died at York-
town, Va., April 22, 1862.
The long years come and go,
And the Past,
The sorrowful, splendid Past,
With its glory and its woe,
Seems never to have been.
Seems never to have been?
O sombre days and grand.
How ye crowd back again.
Seeing our heroes' graves are green.
•'- i: :}; ^ ;); ^ ^
Tears will well to our eyes.
And the bitter doubt will rise —
But hush ! for the strife is done,
Forgiven are wound and scar ;
The fight was fought and won
Long since, on sea and shore,
And every scattered star
Set in the blue once more;
We are one as before.
With the blot from our scutcheon gone !
174 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
The writer began more than four years ago, the preparation of
a hst of the soldiers who served in the Civil War from the town
of Waterville ; intending to print the same for distribution among
our citizens.
It has been a fascinating pursuit, a labor of love ; better, a
tribute to the living and the dead of our brave volunteers.
In the pursuit of detailed information in regard to the military-
record of different soldiers, inquiry developed interesting statis-
tics in regard to previous wars in which this country has been
engaged and in which citizens of Waterville bore a part. These
have accumulated until they cover something of the details of
the Revolutionary \\'ar, the \\'ar of 1812, the Aroostook War,
the Mexican War, the War of the Rebellion, the War with Spain
and the Phillipine War. All too long, the preservation of prec-
ious material has been delayed. What has been secured the
writer hopes will prove of interest if printed here.
Sixty years ago, more than a score of Revolutionary soldiers
lived here, who carried all the material in their memory, for a
record of their lives.
Fifty years ago the War of 181 2 could have been intelligently
rehearsed by men living. The same is true of the ]\lexican.
The facts, so important historically and so difficult of proof
to-day, were rehearsed for years by men whose memory was
better than books.
Survivors of the Civil War, who went from Waterville, are
scattered far and wide over the length and breadth of this coun-
try and will never return. "
The feeling of the writer has been, that it was a duty someone
owed to the boys of '61 ; the least of whom, from here, took his
life in his hand with his rifle, and living or dead deserves a
record.
The simple alphabetical list indicates little of the labor required
to perfect it, or the great expense of research, copying and
recopying, typewriting and material. It is not claimed to-day
as perfect, but perfection has been aimed at, and if anyone who
is interested can discover an error, the writer will be grateful for
information.
The list contains the name of every soldier who enlisted from
Waterville, or who having been born and reared here, left home,,
and when war was declared enlisted in another town or state.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 1 75
The writer trusts the citizens of Waterville will appreciate the
list and the labor.
Grateful acknowledgments are tendered to the very able and
soldierly Adjutant General John T. Richards, and his chief clerk,
Thomas Clark, for valuable information and careful revision of
the list, as well as to the courteous Colonel F. C. Ainsworth,
chief, Record and Pension office of the war department, for valu-
able advice and prompt and painstaking replies to all inquiries.
Much kindness has also been shown the writer by Hon. Wm.
M. Olin, secretary of the Commonwealth of ^Massachusetts, to
whom thanks are due for Civil War and Revolutionarv records.
Waterville Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion.
Aderton, Wm. H., 13th Infantry, volunteer; Alexander, Geo.
E., 1st Cavalry, volunteer; Allen, ]\Ianley, 19th Infantry, substi-
tute; Allen, Benjamin C, 14th Massachusetts, volunteer; Atkin-
son, Leroy, 7th Infantry, volunteer ; Atwood, Chas. R., 32nd
Infantry, volunteer; Avery, John, 21st Infantry, volunteer.
Bacon, Chas., 3rd Infantry, volunteer ; Bacon, John H., 3rd
Infantry, volunteer ; Bacon, W. H., 3rd Infantry, volunteer ;
Bacon, James R., 7th Infantry, volunteer; Bacon, George, 7th
Infantry, volunteer; Bagley, Alexander, 19th Infantry, substi-
tute; Balentine, \Villiam, i6th Infantry, volunteer; Balentine,
Elijah, 4th Massachusetts, volunteer; Bangs, I. S., 20th Infantry,
volunteer ; Barney, Henry, 3rd Infantry, volunteer ; Barrett, Wm.
K., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Bartlett, Nelson G., Coast Guards,
volunteer; Basford, Andrew J., 19th Infantry, drafted; Bates,
David, 3rd Infantry, volunteer ; Bates, Geo. W., U. S. Navy,
volunteer; Bates, John H., 20th Infantry, volunteer; Bates, W^m.
F., i6th Infantry, volunteer : Benson, Geo. T., 3rd Infantry,
volunteer; Bickford, Levi S., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Bickford,
Bennett, 30th Infantry, volunteer ; Bickford, Cyrus, 20th Infan-
trv', volunteer; Billings, Hiram, 15th Infantry, volunteer; Black,
Portal jNI., 7th Infantry, volunteer; Blackstone, Daniel, 8th
Infantry, volunteer; Blackstone, Daniel, 31st Infantry, volunteer;
Blackstone, Chas. H., 32nd Infantry, volunteer; Blackstone, Geo.
C. 32 Infantry, volunteer ; Blackwell, Sam'l H., 52nd Massachu-
setts, volunteer; Blair, John, i6th Infantry, substitute; Blake,
iy6 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Geo. A. E., 8th Infantry, volnnteer; Bodfish, Frank, 21st Infan-
try, volunteer; Boothby, \A'arren, 31st Infantry, volunteer; Bow,
Horace, 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Bowden, Henry H., 21st Infan-
try, volunteer; Bowlett, Frederic, 21st Infantry, volunteer; Bow-
man, Geo. W., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Brackett, Orrin, 6th Bat-
tery, volunteer; Branch, ]Milton M., ist D. C. Cavalry and 1st
Cavalry, volunteer ; Branch, Chas. H., U. S. Navy, substitute ;
Branch, Elisha R., U. S. Navy, substitute : Bray, Robert,
substitute; Brooks, Wm. E., i6th Infantry, volunteer; Brown,
James, ist Cavalry, volunteer; Brown, Wm. W., 15th Infantry,
volunteer ; Bryant, Geo. H., Coast Guards, volunteer ; Bubier,
John, 20th Infantry, substitute; Burns, John W., 19th Infantry,
substitute; Bushey, Levi, 8th Infantry, volunteer; Bussford,
Andrew J., 19th Infantry, drafted ; Butler, Thomas, 8th Infantry,
volunteer.
Calder, John G., ist Veteran Infantry, substitute; Campbell,
Augustus, 19th Infantry, substitute; Carey, Joseph, 7th Infantry,
volunteer; Carson, Chas. J., ist Cavalry, volunteer; Cayouette,
Levi, 30th Infantry, volunteer; Chandler, Henry A., i6th Infan-
try, substitute; Chapman. W'm., 8th Infantry, volunteer; Chase,
George, 19th Infantry, substitute; Chick, Isaac, 15th Infantry,
volunteer; Clark, Albert M., 20th Infantry, volunteer; Clark,
Charles, 3rd Infantry, volunteer ; Clark, Isaac \\'., 20th Infantry,
volunteer; Clark, Lorenzo D.. 20th Infantry, volunteer; Clifford,
Selden I., 21st Infantry, volunteer; Clukey, Chas. H., 13th Infan-
try, volunteer; Cochran, Robert, 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Coch-
ran, Andrew, 31st Infantry, volunteer; Cochran, Hiram, 3rd
Infantry, vohuiteer; Cook, IMoses \V., i6th Infantry, volunteer;
Copp, Alonzo, 5th Pensylvania Reserves and 19th Regiment
Pensylvania Volunteers, volunteer ; Copp, Wm. H., 3rd Infantry,
volunteer; Corson, Albert, 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Cousens,
Prentiss Al., 12th Infantry, volunteer; Cross, Chas. E., i6th
Infantry, volunteer; Cross, Carlostine, 17th Infantry, substitute;
Cross, Joseph, i6th Infantry, substitute; Crowell, Henry, 3rd
Infantrv, volunteer ; Crowell, Baxter, 3rd Infantry, volunteer ;
Cummings, Walter L., 15th Infantry, volunteer; Cunningham,
Francis M., 15th Infantry, volunteer; Curtis, James M., 3rd
Infantry, volunteer; Cushman, Andrew J., 8th Infantry, volun-
teer.
HISTORY OF WATKRVILLi:.
177
Davis, Arba P., 31st Infantry, volunteer; Davis, Daniel B.,
9th Infantry, volunteer ; Davis, Geo. W., 3rd Infantry, volunteer ;
Davis, Octavus A., D. C. Cavalry, volunteer; Day, John R., 3rd
Infantry, volunteer; Day, Isaac C, 20th Infantry, volunteer;
Dearborn, Geo. H., 19th Infantry, volunteer; Deleware, Geo.,
30th Infantry, volunteer; Derocher, Chas. W., 3rd Infantry,
volunteer; Derocher, Henry, 3rd Infantry, volunteer; DeWolf,
V/m. H., 1st Heavy Artillery, volunteer; Dore, Henry A., 19th
Infantry, substitute; Dow, Levi A., 21st Infantry, volunteer;
Downes, Geo. A., 19th Infantry, substitute; Drake, Nelson, V.
S. ; Dusty. Frank, 3Jst Infantry, volunteer; Dusty, James, 8th
Infantry, volunteer; Dyer, Hadley P., 3rd and 21st Infantry, vol-
unteer ; Dyer, James A., U. S. Navy, substitute.
Eames, Luther N., 3rd Infantry, volunteer ; Ellis, Luther, 6th
Battery, volunteer; Ellis, Stephen, 21st Infantry, volunteer;
Ellis. Sullivan, 21st Infantry, volunteer; Ellis, Dighton, ist
Maine Veteran Infantry, volunteer; Emery, Fanuel H., 20th
Infantry, volunteer; Emery, John W., 26th Massachusetts, vol-
unteer; Emery, Nath'l S., D. C. Cavalry, volunteer; Emery,
Samuel D., 14th Massachusetts, volunteer; Enman, Paul, 30th
Infantry, volunteer; Euarde, Paulette, 9th Infantry, volunteer;
Evans, Leander H., 8th Infantry, substitute.
Fairbanks, Henry L., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Fairbanks,
Henry N., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Farrington, Chas. A., 31st
Infantry, volunteer; Fenno, Chas. A., 3rd Infantry, volunteer;
Fish, Hiram, 3rd Infantry, volunteer: Folsom, Samuel P., ist
Infantry, volunteer; Foster, Dennis M., 20 Infantry, volunteer;
Frazier, Dudley C, ist Heavy Artillery, volunteer; Frizzle, Geo.
B., Coast Guards, volunteer; Frost, Henry M., 7th Infantry^
volunteer ; Fuller, Franklin Z., U. S. Navy, substitute.
Galusha. Cyrus C, 13th Infantry, volunteer; Garland, John,
Jr., 2ist Infantr}^, volunteer; Garney, George, ist Cavalry, vol-
unteer; Gayrough, George, 7th Infantry, volunteer; Gerald,
Ezekiel, 20th Infantry, volunteer ; Gerough, Joseph, 30th Infan-
try, volunteer; Getchell, Frank H., 3rd Infantry, volunteer;
Getchell, Geo. C, 20th Infantry, volunteer; Getchell, Marshall
P., 9th Infantry, volunteer; Gibbs, John F., 31st Infantry and
12
178 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
i6th Massachusetts, volunteer; Gibbs, Thomas A., i6th Infantry,
voUmteer; Gibbs, David B., 14th Infantry, volunteer; Gibbs,
David B., Jr., I4tli Infantry, volunteer ; Gibbs, John F., i6th
Massachusetts, volunteer; Gilbear, Chas., 7th Infantry, volun-
teer; Gilcott, Frank, 31st Infantry, volunteer; Gleason, Russell,
2ist Infantry, volunteer; Gleason, Geo. R., 21st Infantry, volun-
teer; Goff, Alonzo, 2 1st Infantry, volunteer; Gofif, Alonzo, 31st
Infantry, volunteer; Gonnea, Geo., 9th Infantry, volunteer;
Goodrich, Daniel, drafted ; Goodridge, Foster, ist Veteran Infan-
try, volunteer; Goodwin, John F., 3rd Infantry, volunteer;
Gordon, Edmund, 2nd Infantry, volunteer; Goulding, Henry,
3rd Infantry, volunteer ; Gray, Albert J., 19th Infantry, substi-
tute; Gullifer, JNIoses H., D. C. Cavalry, volunteer.
Haines, Samuel J., Lieutenant U. S. Navy, volunteer; Ham,
Wm. H., 31st Infantry, volunteer; Hamblen, Samuel, 3rd Infan-
try, volunteer; Hanuth, John H., V. S., volunteer; Haskell,
Frank W., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Hatch, Frederick C., D. C.
Cavalry, volunteer; Hatch, Joseph H., 20th Infantry, volunteer;
Hatch, Wm. A., 3rd Infantry ; volunteer ; Hawes, Wilson, 19th
Infantry, substitute; Heath, Wm. S., 3rd Infantry, volunteer;
Heath, Francis E., 3rd Infantry, volunteer ; Henrickson, Chas.
A., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Herbert, Edward B,, ist Maine
Cavalry, volunteer; Herbert, Thos. G., U. S. Xavy, substitute;
Herrick, Algernon P., 3rd Infantry, volunteer ; Hersom, Milford,
3rd Infantry; volunteer; Hersom, Samuel T., 21st Infantry, vol-
unteer; Hersom, Wm. H., 21st Infantry, volunteer; Hesseltine,
Frank S., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Higgins, Albert H., ist Cav-
alry, volunteer ; Hill, George, substitute ; Hitchings, Frank E.,
i6th Infantry, volunteer; Hodgdon, John S., nth Infantry, vol-
unteer; Horn, Hiram, 17th Infantry; drafted; Horn, Llewellyn,
15th Infantry, volunteer; Houghton, Daniel F., i6th Infantry,
volunteer; Howes, Wilson, 19th Infantry, volunteer; Huard,
Paul, 9th Infantry, volunteer ; Hubbard, Albro, 3rd Infantry,
volunteer; Hubbard, Geo. W., 21st Infantry, volunteer; Hub-
bard, John W., 2ist Infantry, volunteer; Hutchins, Parker P.,
20th Infantry, volunteer.
James, Isaiah H., 3rd Infantry, volunteer ; James, John O.,
U. S. Navy, volunteer ; Jibbear, Chas., 7th Infantry ; volunteer ;
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 1 79
Jones, Geo. J., 21st Infantry, volunteer; Joy, \Vm. P., 19th Infan-
try, volunteer.
Keene, Josiah T., nth Infantry, volunteer ; Keith, Sidney, 20th
Infantry, volunteer; Kendall, Chas., 14th Infantry; volunteer;
King, Moses, 21st Infantry, volunteer; King, John, 20th Infan-
try, volunteer ; Kirby, John J., volunteer ; Knox, Sylvester, 3rd
Infantry, volunteer; Knox, William, 15th Infantry, volunteer;
Knox, Sylvanus, 19th Infantry, volunteer.
Lachanse, A'eidal, i6th Infantry, volunteer; Lashus, Geo., 3rd
Infantry, volunteer; Latlip, Gott, 29th Infantry, volunteer; Lat-
lip, Geo., 7th Infantry, volunteer ; Leonard, Henry C, 3rd Infan-
try, (chaplain), volunteer; Lewis, Solomon B., 3rd Infantry,
volunteer; Lewis, David J., 20th Infantry, volunteer; Lewis,
Addison W., 20th Infantry, volunteer ; Libby, Henry H., sub-
stitute; Libby, Albert L., 6th Infantry, volunteer; Littlefield,
Geo., 3rd Infantry, volunteer ; Lonelon, Chas, W., V. S. ; Lore,
Wm., i6th Infantry, substitute; Love, Chas., 20th Infantry, vol-
unteer; Low, Edw. C, 13th Infantry, volunteer; Lowe, Edw. C,
3rd Infantry, volunteer; Lowe, Chas. W., 3rd Infantry, volun-
teer ; Lowe, Wm. H., 20th Infantry, volunteer ; Lowe, Franklin
B., D. C. Cavalry, volunteer ; Lowell, A. M., U. S. Navy, substi-
tute; Lubier, Gott, 8th Infantry, volunteer; Lyford, Chas. F.,
i6th Infantry, volunteer; Lyford, James M., i6th Infantry,
volunteer.
Maines, Geo., Jr., U. S. Navy, substitute; Mains, Graham,
U. S. A., volunteer ; Manton, Wm. H., 32nd Massachusetts, vol-
unteer; Marshall, Joseph, 30th Infantry, volunteer; Marston,
Watson, 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Martin, Daniel E., 15th Infan-
try, volunteer; Mason, Fred T., nth Infantry, volunteer; Maury,
Joseph, i6th Infantry, volunteer; Maxham, Geo, M., 5th Infan-
try, volunteer; Merchant, Harrison, i6th Infantry, volunteer;
Merrill, Chas. W., Hancock's Corps, volunteer; ]\Ierton, Ernest,
19th Infantry, substitute; Messer, John N., 7th Infantry, volun-
teer ; Messer, Orrin, 7th Infantry, volunteer ; Messer, Alvin, 7th
Infantry, volunteer; Messer, Eugene P., 30th Infantry, volun-
teer; McCartney, Wm. H., 21st Infantry, volunteer; McDonald,
Hugh, Sharpshooters, volunteer; McDonald, Dugald, 31st Infan-
try, volunteer; McFadden, Michael, 3rd Infantry, volunteer;
l8o HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
McGilvery, John, i6th Infantry, volunteer; McGrath, Daniel,
29th Infantry, volunteer ; Mclntire, Geo. A,, 3rd Infantry, vol-
unteer ; McLaughlin, Timothy, 20th Infantry, volunteer ; Morri-
son, John, 19th Infantry, substitute; Mosher, Francis B., 21st
Infantry, volunteer; Mosher, Madison, 21st Infantry, volunteer;
Morton, Wm. H., 32nd Massachusetts, volunteer; Murphy,
Chas. D., V. S. ; Murray, Louis, i6th Infantry, volunteer; Muz-
zey, Geo. E., 20th Infantry, volunteer; Muzzey, Geo. E., 7th
Infantry, drafted.
Newland, Wm. H., 21st Infantry, volunteer; Nickerson,
Hezekiah, ist Cavalry, volunteer: Nock, Sylvanus, 6th Battery,
volunteer; Noyes, Alonzo, 5th Infantry, volunteer.
Oliver, Frank H., 15th Infantry, volunteer; Oliver, Fayette,
3rd Infantry, volunteer.
Paige, Ezekiel, Jr., 14th Infantry, volunteer ; Parker, John H.,
nth Infantry, substitute; Parker, Benj., 3rd Infantry, volunteer;
Pattee, Orlando J., 21st Infantry, volunteer; Pattee, Orlando I.,
Coast Guards, volunteer; Peasley, Richard, 21st Infantry, vol-
unteer; Peavey, John M., 9th Infantry, volunteer; Peavy, Wm.
D., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Penney, Chas. H., 21st Infantry,
volunteer; Penney, Ira D., 31st Infantry, volunteer; Penney,
Everett A., 19th Infantry, volunteer; Penney, Wm. W., 15th
Infantry, volunteer; Penney, Peltiah, 3rd Infantry, volunteer;
Penney, Joseph M., 7th Infantry, volunteer; Percival, Edw. S.,
3rd Infantry, volunteer; Percival, Albert W., U. S. A., volun-
teer; Percival, Henry H., U. S. A., volunteer; Percival, Geo. G.,
80th U. S. C. I., volunteer; Perkins, James L., 21st Infantry,
volunteer; Perley, Richard, 21st Infantry, volunteer; Perley,
Nathaniel, 3rd Infantry, volunteer ; Perley, Henry J., 3rd Infan-
try, volunteer ; Perry, George, 8th Infantry, volunteer ; Perry,
Chas., 8th Infantry, volunteer ; Perry, James, 3rd Infantry, vol-
unteer; Perry, Joseph, 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Perry, David,
7th Infantry, volunteer; Phelps, Wm. H., 13th Infantry, vol-
unteer; Pinkham, Andrew, 21st Infantry, volunteer; Plaisted,
James H., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Plummer, Edwin, 21st
Infantry, volunteer; Plummer, John PL, 6th Battery, volunteer;
Pooler, Henrv, 30th Infantry, volunteer ; Pooler, Gott 7th Infan-
try, volunteer; Pooler, Ephriam, 30th Infantry, volunteer;
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. l8l
Pooler, Joseph, ist Heavy Artillery, volunteer; Pooler, Joseph,
i6th Infantry, volunteer : Pooler, George, 29th Infantry, volun-
teer ; Porter, John, 9th Infantr}^, volunteer ; Porter, Andrew H.,
6th Battery, volunteer; Preo, Peter, 8th Infantry, volunteer;
Prescott, Edmund, E., 21st Infantry, volunteer; Preson, Thos.
E., Hancocks Corps, volunteer ; Pulsifer, Alexander, W., i6th
Infantry, volunteer ; Pullen, Frank D., 3rd Infantry, volunteer ;
Pullen, James Burney, 30th Infantry, volunteer.
Quimby, Clement, 5th Infantry, volunteer ; Quimby, Albert,
30th Infantry, volunteer.
Ranco, Tsloses, 8th Infantry, volunteer : Ranco, Abram, 9th
Infantry, volunteer; Ranco, George, 31st Infantry, volunteer;
Ranco, Joseph, lOth Infantry, volunteer : Rankins, Lucius, 8th
Infantry, volunteer ; Rankins. William, 20th Infantry, volun-
teer ; Ray, Robert, U. S. Navy, substitute ; Richards, Joseph,
2ist Infantry, volunteer; Ricker, James F., 3rd Infantry, volun-
teer ; Roderick, John, 20th Infantry, volunteer ; Roderick, Peter,
igth Infantry, volunteer ; Rodgers. Edwin J., substitute ; Ronco,
Frank, 29th Infantry, volunteer; Rowan, David, V. S. ;
Rowe, Elisha ^l., 3rd Infantry, volunteer ; Rowe, Welcome, 3rd
Infantry, volunteer; Rowe, Addison H., 9th Infantry, volunteer;
Roy, Lorenzo D., nth Infantry, substitute.
Sands, Joseph, U. S. Xavy, substitute ; Sawyer, James A.,
unassigned, volunteer; Savage, Stephen D., 17th Infantry,
drafted: Savage, ^Nliner W., 12th ^Massachusetts ; Scammon,
George S., nth Infantry, volunteer; Scates, Edgar, 20th Infan-
try, volunteer ; Shaw, Resolvo, 20th Infantry, volunteer ; Shep-
herd, Alfred, 21st Infantry, volunteer; Shepherd, Richard A.,
19th Infantry, drafted; Sherburn, Jacob, 3rd Infantry, volun-
teer; Shorey, Chas. R., 20th Infantry, volunteer; Shorey, Chas.
R., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Sharp, Wm. J., 5th Battery; Simp-
son, Joseph D., 20th Infantry, volunteer ; Small, Abner R., 3rd
Infantry, volunteer; Smart, John yi., 21st Infantry, volunteer;
Smart, John M., Coast Guards, volunteer ; Smiley, Albert R.,
20th Infantry, volunteer ; Smiley, Chas. N., 20th Infantry, vol-
unteer; Smiley, Frank O., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Smiith,
James P., i6th Infantry, volunteer; Smith, Lemuel H., 3rd
Infantry, volunteer; Smith, Allen, V. S., volunteer; Soule,
l82 HISTORY OF WATERVILLS.
Martin B., i6th Infantry, volunteer; Soule, John W., i6th
Massachusetts, volunteer; Soule, Josiah, 20th Infantry, volun-
teer; Soule, Daniel A., 20th Infantry, volunteer; Southard,
Cyrus, 2nd Cavalry, volunteer; Spaulding, Nathan F., 15th
Infantry, volunteer; Stevens, William A., i6th Infantry, volun-
teer; Stevens, Gilbert G., 26th Co. Infantry, unassigned ;
Stevens, Jason R., 7th Infantry, volunteer; Stevens, Wm. H.,
20th Infantry, volunteer; Stevens, Edwin C, 16th Infantry, vol-
unteer; Stuart, Chas. H., 31st Infantry, volunteer; Sturtevant,
Reward A., 20th Infantry, volunteer.
Tallouse, John, 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Tallouse, Martin,
l6th Infantry, volunteer; Thayer, Samuel J., 21st Infantry, vol-
unteer ; Thayer, Welcome, 3rd Infantry, volunteer ; Thayer,
Adin B., i6th Infantry, volunteer; Thing, Henry A., 3rd Infan-
try, volunteer; Thing, Chas. W., ist Infantry, volunteer; Thing,
Chas. W,, 14th Infantry, volunteer; Thing, George S., ist Dis-
trict of Columbia Cavalry and ist Cavalry, volunteer; Thomas,
John P. H., 2nd Cavalry, volunteer; Thomas, David S., i6th
Infantry, volunteer; Thompson, James, 9th Infantry, volunteer;
Thompson, Asa L., 4th Battery, volunteer ; Thorn, James H.,
1st District of Columbia Cavalry and ist Cavalry, volunteer;
Tilley, Geo. M., 31st Infantry, volunteer; Tozer, Henry M.,
20th Infantry, volunteer; Tozier, Walter N., 30th Infantry, vol-
unteer; Tozier, Albert F., nth Infantry, volunteer; Tozier,
Henry E., 8th Infantry, volunteer ; Tracy, Geo. C, 5th Battery
R. R. ; Trask, Alexander, 21st Infantry, volunteer; Trask,
Elbridge, Coast Guards, volunteer.
Vigue, Levi, ist Cavalry, volunteer; Vigue, Levi, 31st Infan-
try, volunteer.
Ward. N. A., 17th Infantry, drafted; Watson, Andrew P.,
2ist Infantry, volunteer; Welch, ]\Ioses A., 31st Infantry, vol-
unteer; Welch, James B., ist District of Columbia Cavalry and
1st Cavalry, volunteer; W^ells, Howard W., i6th Infantry, vol-
unteer; West, Wallace W., 8th Infantry, volunteer; West,
James O., 31st Infantry, volunteer; Wheeler, Geo. L., 3rd
Infantry, volunteer; Wheeler, John N., i6th Infantry, volun-
teer ; W^hite, Henry, i st Cavalry, volunteer ; Williams, Andrew
J., 14th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, volunteer; Wilson, Geo.
HISTORY OF WATERVIL,LE. 1 83
A. 2ist Infantry, volunteer; Wilson, John B., 96th U. S. C. L,
volunteer; Wingate, Henry, T4th Infantry, volunteer; Winslow,
Hiram C, 21st Infantry, volunteer; Witham, Albert B., 4th
Battery, volunteer; Woodbury, David, 3rd Uns. Co., R. R. ;
Woodman, Alvin B., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Woodman, Eras-
tus W., 14th Infantry, United States Army, volunteer; Wyman,
Wm. W., 3rd Infantry, volunteer ; Wyman, Hiram, Coast
Guards, volunteer ; W>man, Hiram R., Qth Infantry, volunteer :
Wyman, Increase, 2nd Cavalry, volunteer; Wyman, W. W.,
2ist Infantry, volunteer; Wyman, Hiram, 21st Infantry, vol-
unteer.
Young, Eugene H., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Young, Roscoe
G., 3rd Infantry, volunteer; Young, Eben W., 3rd Infantry, vol-
unteer: Young, Laroy, F., 30th Infantry, volunteer; Young,
John M., 7th Infantry, volunteer.
Waterville furnished 525 soldiers during the Civil War,
according to Adjutant-General's Report (page 24-1864-5) and
yet the above list includes every name that can be found in town
or State records, and numbers but 421.
The great discrepancy between these figures and the credits
allowed this town by the Adjutant-General, occurs in several
ways :
First : Many non-residents and foreigners were enlisted and
credited on the town's quota whose enlistment papers would
show some other residence, and would thus only count in the
summary of town credits.
Second: A further discrepancy is caused by the commis-
sioners of equalization refusing to credit the town ; men orig-
inally placed to their credit, and in refusing to credit commis-
sioned officers.
All calls for men by the President prior to July 2nd, 1862, were
filled by voluntary enlistments, promiscuously ; cities, towns and
plantations not being called upon to furnish their proportional
number of the State's allotment.
Men enlisting prior to July 2nd, 1862, were not credited upon
the quota of any city or town in the State, but were simply placed
upon the lists of names and classified to the cities and towns in
which thev resided.
184 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Maine furnished more than her allotment of men under the
President's calls in 1861 and had great difficulty in inducing the
Government to accept two of her regiments of infantry and the
1st Maine Cavalry. Waterville furnished more than her share,
but never received any credit for the excess.
Of the list furnished the commissioners of equalization by the
municipal officers of Waterville, they allowed 171 three years
men, i two years man, 50 one year men, 42 nine months men!
Making a total of 264 men subsequent to July 2, 1862, and
allowed a credit for same of $19,883.33.
Third : The town secured an additional credit for each re-en-
listment, while but one name appears for the two.
Fourth : The twenty-six '"paper men" for which Joseph Per-
cival, 1st selectman, paid $11,050, and ten "paper men" for which
Mr. Percival paid $4,250. As this brings up the whole corrup-
tion of the ''Paper credit" scandal, some explanation is necessary.
When the question of strengthening the armies of the Union
was a simple one, of life or death with the Government, substi-
tute brokers appeared in Augusta with lists of names which they
claimed were those of men already in service not assigned to any
quota.
These were ofifered to officers and agents of the towns and
municipalities of Maine who were looking for men to fill their
quota and re-inforce our depleted regiments. Where these sub-
stitute brokers obtained these lists of names ; by what villainous
connivance and corruption the necessary authority was procured
to enable the proper officers to certify officially to municipal Offi-
cers on their quotas, hundreds of names of men never enlisted, —
without residence as required by law, without date of enlist-
ment ; — to certify even to two, ten or twenty recruits to a town
without any names, — will never be known !
No one will ever know how much money the cities and
towns of Maine were swindled out of by these ghouls of living
and ;iead soldiers, because no one will ever know how many
"paper men" were sold to them ; but the commissioners, report
"an aggregate of 1,380 after deducting the 251 said to have been
grattiitonsly distributed by the Governor of Maine."
Mr. Pike, the member of Congress from the 5th District,
speaking in the debate in the National House of Representatives
HISTORY O^ WATERVILLE. 185
in February, 1865, on this matter, said: "But worse than this;
credits have been given by these states when no men have ever
been furnished, anywhere, by anybody."
''Bold frauds ! Paper men have been substituted for sailors,
and up to this time fifty per cent, more sailors have been credited
to the different states than there are in the navy altogether."
Under the President's call of April 15, 1861, for 75,000 militia
for three months, the quota of Maine was 780; men furnished,
77^-
Call of May 2, 1861, for 500,000 men, quota of Maine was
17,560; men furnished for three years, 18,104.
Call of July 2, 1862, for 300,000 men for three years, quota of
Maine, 9,609 : men furnished, 6,644.
Call of August 4, 1862, for 300.000 militia for nine months :
Quota of Maine, 9,609 ; men furnished, 7,620.
Calls of October 17, 1863, (embracing men raised by draft of
1863) and February i, 1864, for 500,000 for three years : Quota
of Maine, 11,803; ^J-en furnished, 11,958; paid commutation,
1,986; total, 13,944.
Call of March 14, 1864, for 200,000 men for three years:
Quota of Maine, 4,721 ; men furnished, 7,042.
Call of July 18, 1864, for 500,000 men (reduced by excess of
credits on previous calls) : Quota of Maine, 11,116; men fur-
nished, 11,042; paid commutation, 11; total, 11,053.
Call of December 19, 1864, for 300,000 men: Quota of
Maine, 8,389 ; men furnished, 6,936.
Under these eight calls there were furnished by the different
states and territories more men than were ever put into the field
by any nation in the history of the world, as will be seen by the
following summary :
(i) Total number of men furnished during the war
(credits) 2,778,304
To army 2,672,341
To navy 105,963
(2) Estimated total number of re-enlistments 564^939
In army 543.393
In navy 21,546
(3) Estimated total number of desertions I2I,8q6
1 86 HISTORY 01^ WATERVILLK.
From army 1 1 7,247
From navy 4^649
(4) Total number of deaths 364,1 16
In army 359.52B
In navy 4,588
(5) Estimated total number of individuals in ser-
vice 2,213,365
In army 2,128.948
In navy 84,417
(6) Estimated total number of survivors at termin-
ation of service (deserters excluded) 1,727,353
In army 1,652,173
In navy 75, 180
Estimated total number of survivors (deserters
excluded) June 30, 1902 930,380
Estimated average age of survivors at close of the
war 28 years.
According to the mortality tables, 355,091 have died since
1890, and the average mortality will be about the same until the
year 1925, although the percentage among the survivors rapidly
increases.
In 1930 there will remain 37,033 ; in 1935 there will remain
6,296; in 1940 there will remain 340; in 1945 there will be no
survivor of the War of the Rebellion.
TOTAL NUMBER OF MEN FURNISHED BY THE STATE OF MAINE
DURING THE WAR.
In 1861.
15 Regiments Infantry, i Cavalry, 6 Batteries Mounted
Artillery, i Company Sharpshooters, 3 Companies
for Coast Fortifications, Recruits, etc 16,669
In 1862.
12 Regiments Infantry, i Regiment Heavy Artillery,
Recruits, etc 1 5,690
In 1863.
2 Regiments Infantry, 2 Cavalry, i Battery of Artillery,
Volunteers and Drafted men 10,223
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 1 8/
In 1864-5.
2 Regiments Infantry, 30 Companies Unassigned Infan-
try, 6 Companies Sharpshooters, 3 Companies
Coast Guards, Drafted men and Navy 30.363
72,945
Maine sent this great army of her sons to the field, sealed with
the traditions of their ancestors for courage and devotion ; boys
half of them, who passed straight from their mother's arms to
the embrace of war.
There they left more than 7,000 of their number in known and
unknown graves, among the hills and valleys of the South ;
buried where they fell ; buried from the hospitals in camp and
field or from the great hospitals of the cities, despite the devotion
of heroic women ; buried from the prison pens of the South,
where they perished so miserably of exposure, starvation, deli-
rium and despair; husbands, fathers, lovers, sons, comrades,
friends ; the patriotic, the brave, the true.
They are our uncalendared heroes. The language of their
lives is written in the annals of our country. They helped with
point of sword or bayonet to pen a chapter in American history
that will be read while patriotism is honored or liberty cherished.
Lowell speaks of the heroes of the Civil War as marching
"on a shining track
heroes mustered in a gleaming row,
Beautiful evermore, and with the rays
Of morn on their white shields of expectation."
BOUNTIES.
The 1st Regiment of Infantry was enlisted for two years,
though mustered into the United States service for three months
only. The $22 bounty was paid to this organization. The 2nd
Regiment of Infantry was enlisted and mustered into the United
States service for two years, and received only the same State
bounty as the 1st Regiment. Having originally some two hun-
dred more men than the First, and recruits who enlisted when
large bounties were paid, the aggregate amount of State bounty
paid it, is much more than that to the First.
1 88 HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE.
The 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Regiments of Infantry
were enlisted and mustered into the United States service for
three years. They received the %22 State bounty at their muster
into service. The re-inlisted men and some recruits of 1864 for
those regiments received $300 State bounty. Recruits of 1862
and 1863 for those regiments received $55 State bounty.
The loth Regiment was designed to be a re-organization of
the 1st Regiment, which owed twenty-one months service to the
government. The few men of the ist Regiment who recognized
their continuing Hability to government under their enhstment,
received no State bounty at the muster into United States ser-
vice of this regiment ; the remainder were paid the State bounty
of %22. Fifty-five dollars State bounty was paid to recruits for
three years service who were assigned to this regiment.
The nth, I2th, 13th, 14th and 15th Regiments of Infantry
received no State bounty whatever. The amounts exhibited as
paid to them were received by their recruits and re-enlisted men,
in sums of from $55 to $300.
The 1 6th, 17th, i8th, 19th and 20th Regiments of Infantry
were paid a State bounty of $45. Recruits for these regiments
were paid from $55 to $300 State bounty, except the i8th, which
early ceased to exist as an infantry organization, and became the
1st Heavy Artillery, the recruits for which, as will be seen, were
paid less than $100,000, mostly in $55 bounties.
The 2 1 St, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th Regi-
ments of Infantry were enlisted and mustered into the United
States service for nine months, and were paid no State bounty.
The 29th and 30th Regiments of Infantry received $100 State
bounty.
The 31st and 32nd Regiments of Infantry were paid from $100
to $300 State bounty, their organization extending over the
period during which these widely varying State bounties of from
$100 to $300 were authorized. These regiments received but
very few recruits. Two of the unassigned companies were
incorporated into the 31st Regiment.
The 1st Veteran Regiment of Infantry was composed largely
of the recruits and re-enlisted men of the 5th, 6th and 7th Regi-
ments of Infantry, who had received from $55 to $300 State
HISTORY OF WATERVILLK. 1 89
bounty. Enlistments in this regiment proper were paid from
$100 to $300 State boimty.
The 1st Regiment of Heavy Artillery is alluded to above.
The 1st Regiment of Cavalry was paid no State bounty at its
muster into the United States service. The amount shown was
paid its recruits and re-enlisted men in State bounties of from
$55 to $300 each.
The 2nd Regiment of Cavalry was paid Si 00 State bounty,
generally, though some few of the men received more. Its
organization was commenced with a State bounty of $100, but
before it was mustered into the United States service, $300 was
authorized.
The 1st Regiment of D. C, or Baker's Cavalry, was being
enlisted from the authorization of $55 bounties to those of $300,
though most of the men were paid Si 00 State bounty.
The first six batteries of Mounted Artillery received no bounty
from the State. Their recruits and re-enlisted men were paid
from $55 to $300 State bounty.
The 7th Battery received from $100 to $300 State bounty.
Coast Guards and unassigned companies received from $100
to $300 State bounty. The most of these companies were
assigned to regiments in the field.
Hancock's Corps received $100 State bounty.
1st Battalion Sharpshooters received from $100 to $300 State
bounty.
Co. D, 2nd Regiment U. S. Sharpshooters, received $22 State
bounty, and recruits and re-enlisted men from $55 to $300 each.
United States' organizations, and those of other states, received
from $55 to $300 State bounty.
The State paid for actual naval enlistments made subsequent
to February 2, 1864, of our own citizens duly credited to locali-
ties in this State, bounties of $100, $200 and $300, for one, two,
or three years' service, except as stipulated in order of Novem-
ber, 1864, confirmed by subsequent statute, that not exceeding
$100 should be paid for any period of enlistment not less than
one year, if nlace of recruit's credit had filled all calls without
him. This order also applied to enlistments for land service in
Maine organizations, as also for those of the government and
other states.
190 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
All these State bounty payments were made only for new bona
fide enlistments, when the enlistment contract, and descriptive
and muster-in-rolls were duly filed in the adjutant general's
ofiice, and when entering organizations other than those of Maine
volunteers, in addition to the foregoing papers, the place of credit
in this State was duly certified by the proper officer having offi-
cial knowledge of the enlistment and credit.
Citizens of this State enlisted in the navy to the credit of local-
ities herein, subsequent to February 2, 1864, though credited only
by the "commission," were paid State bounty under the statute
if, in addition to the receipts in duplicate invariably required, the
enlistment and other papers above specified were filed in the
adjutant general's office. It will be observed that a smaller
amount of State bounty was paid the original members of the
entire first ten regiments of infantry and company of sharp-
shooters, the most of whom were mustered into United States
service for three years, than was received by a single regiment
of infantry two years later for a like enlistment, but a shorter
period of service as eventually proved. The original members
of thirteen regiments of infantry, one regiment of cavalry, and
six batteries of mounted artillery, were paid no State bounty.
The original members of five regiments of infantry received $45
each. The entire State bounties paid the original members of
twenty-eight of our infantry regiments, from the ist to the 28th
inclusive, the ist Cavalry, and first six batteries of Mounted
Artillery, amounted to only about $400,000. All of the re-en- ,
listed men of those organizations (some 4,000 in number received
$300 each, State bounty, and some of them a large local bounty
in addition thereto, although the same was prohibited by the
statute. ]\Iany members of the eight regiments for nine months'
service are found among the recruits of old regiments in 1864,
and received liberal State and local bounties. The same is found
to be the case with members of the two "two years" regiments,
and a large number of those of other regiments of 1861 and 1862,
who were discharged for disability, and upon their recovery
enlisted into our old and new organizations and were paid liberal
bounties.
It is not generally known that the War of the Rebellion did not
begin or close at the same time in all the states. The dates of
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. I9I
the commencement and the termination of that war indicated in
the opinion of the supreme court of the United States in the case
of "The Protector" which is reported in twelve Wallace, 700,
and is in substance, that the proclamation of the intended block-
ade by the President may be assumicd as marking the first of
these dates, and the proclamation that the war had closed, as
marking the second.
There were two proclamations of the intended blockade; the
first of the 19th of April, 1861, embracing the states of South
Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, ^^lississippi, Louisiana, and
Texas; the second of the 27th of April, 1861, embracing the
states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia,
Florida, ^Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkan-
sas, and the other issued on the 20th of August, 1866, embracing
the state of Texas.
In the absence of more certain criteria, of equally general
application we must take the dates of these proclamations as
determining the commencement and the close of the war in the
states mentioned in them.
WATrRVILtE soldiers' MONUMENT ASSOCIATION.
Many of our citizens still living will recall the terrible days of
the war; when battle was on and victory hung in the balance;
when care for the sick and wounded, and honoring the dead, was
the duty and desire of all the living, — that even then a few of
our patriotic citizens inaugurated a plan to raise funds for the
erection of a suitable monument to perpetuate the memory of our
dead soldiers.
The inception and successful prosecution of this plan is due
to the patriotism and untiring energy of ^Ir. G. A. Phillips, as
to him more than any man living here to-day or who has ever
lived here is due the present prosperity of Waterville.
The following facts, copied from the records of the Waterville
Monument Association, will interest our older citizens, and
should interest the younger.
"On the evening of the 14th of March, 1864, a concert was
given in this village, the proceeds of which, by previous
announcement, were to be donated in aid of erecting a suitable
192 HISTORY 01? WATERVILLE.
monument to the memory of our soldiers who had fallen in
defence of the Union, or who should thereafter lose their lives in
the same holy service.
The names of these performers, which all will agree should
appear upon the first page of this record, were : Mrs. J. E. Dow,
Miss A. M. Bates, Miss C. M. Barney, IMiss L. S. Carroll, ^Miss
E. Piper, Miss H. C. ]\Iarston, ^liss S. E. Ransted, Mr. Wm. A.
Caffrey, Mr. S. C. Marston, Yiv. J. R. Pitman, Mr. G. A. Phillips.
During the intermission, a proposition to form a permanent
organization for the more speedy and certain accomplishment of
the work was introduced ; and after some explanations and dis-
cussion, a committee was chosen to prepare a plan of organiza-
tion, to be submitted at a future meeting, with a list of officers,
etc. The following gentlemen were put upon this committee :
J. Nye, J. B. Foster, G. A. Phillips, E. G. Meader, and C. M.
Morse.
A second concert in aid of this object was given by the same
individuals on the evening of the 23rd of the same month, at
which time the committee named above reported a constitution,
which was unanimrusly adopted. The following list of candi-
dates was also presented, and after the adoption of the constitu-
tion, they were chosen to the several offices for which they were
severally designated.
G. A. Phillips, president ; Wm. A. Caffrey, vice-president ;
Daniel R. Wing, secretary ; Geo. L. Robinson, treasurer ; Jones
R. Elden, E. G. Meader, C. M. Morse, trustees.
Article 2 of the constitution reads as follows : ''The object
of this association shall be to procure the erection, at such time'
and in such place within the town as shall hereafter be desig-
nated, of a suitable monument in honor of those of our fellow-
citizens, residents of Waterville, who shall have died in the mili-
tary or naval service of the United States during the present
war."
Appended to the constitution are the names of ninety-two
persons.
A second benefit concert was given in 1865 and efforts were
made to secure a contribution of one dollar from each citizen
for the association.
BREVET BRIG GFX. FRANCIS E. HEATH.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 193
Here occurs a hiatus of nearly ten years, or from November
29, 1865, to June 14, 1875, during which there is no record of any
kind, nor any explanation of the interregnum.
There were doubtless good reasons, and the first that suggests
itself is the effervesence of zeal, as this has occurred in the his-
tory of many commemorative monuments ; but the purpose was
fixed in the minds of good men and the funds drawing interest.
In 1875 ^he fund with accumulated interest amounted to
$1,000, this with the $1,000 voted by the town made $2,000 avail-
able for the purpose of the association. The meeting of the
association at which such report was made was the last meeting
held in the old town hall before it was remodeled. This fact
Secretary Daniel R. Wing thought was worthy of permanent
record. The committee to submit plans and estimates for a
monument was as follows : Col. F. E. Heath, Dr. Atwood
Crosby, Edwin Noyes, Reuben Foster, J. H. Plaisted.
This committee recommended the purchase of Milmore's
"Citizen Soldier" in bronze, the price to be $2,000. This recom-
mendation was accepted and a committee consisting of the ofii-
cers of the association, Edwin Noyes, Col. I. S. Bangs and J. H.
Plaisted was appointed to procure a suitable monument upon
which to place the statue.
The committee to locate the monument consisted of Nathaniel
Meader, E. R. Emerson, Miss Florence Plaisted, Miss Roxana
Hanscom, Dr. Crosby and Mrs. Crosby, C. G. Carleton, M. C.
Foster, C. K. Mathews, C. R. McFadden, F. P. Haviland, P. S.
Heald, Reuben Foster, W. B. Arnold, Prof. E. W. Hall, Prof.
M. Lyford, A. A. Plaisted and Mrs. Plaisted, Dr. N. R. Boutelle
and Mrs. Boutelle, E. B. Cummings, E. F. Webb and the officers
of the association.
The following inscriptions were accepted. On the Elm street
front, "To the memory of the Soldiers and Sailors of Waterville
who gave their lives for the preservation of the Republic
1861-1865." On the opposite front, "Erected by the citizens of
Waterville."
In order to raise the balance of the money needed for the mon-
ument the ladies of the committee decided to have an entertain-
ment on two evenings, the i6th and 17th of May, 1876, the first
13
194 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
evening to consist of an antiquarian supper and concert the sec-
ond of music, tableaux, free lunch, presentation of flag to
G. A. R. Post by the ladies, etc. And this was ratified by the
association.
The entertainments were a grand success, in every way, and
will be long remembered with pleasure by those present. A full
account will be found in the Mail of May 19, 1876. Three hun-
dred and fifty dollars were added to the funds of the association.
The Waterville Soldiers' Monument was dedicated with appro-
priate ceremonies on ^lemorial day, Tuesday, May 30, 1876.
Col. F. E. Heath acted as marshal ; the Waterville brass band
furnished the music ; the members of W. S. Heath Post, G. A. R.,
joined in the possession, with Waterville 3 Engine Company,
Ticonic i, Appleton Hook and Ladder Company and the Colby
Rifles did escort duty. These formed in procession on the Com-
mon, and with the officers of the association in carriages and
citizens following, marched through the streets to ^Monument
Park, where prayer was oflfered by Rev. C. D. Crane ; a financial
statement and the Roll of Honor were read by Mr. G. A. Phillips,
the president : the monument was unveiled ; an oration delivered
by Mr. L. Stevens, Esq., of Portland; a poem read by A. L.
Hinds, Esq., of Benton, and a hymn sung by a select choir.
The Roll of Honor, deposited beneath the monument, with a
list of the officers, etc., is as follows :
Benjamin C. Allen, William H. Aderton, Charles R. Atwood,
David Bates, Charles Bowen, William H. Bowen, Elijah Ballan-
tyne, George W. Bowman, Jr., Joseph Oren Brackett, Bfennet
Bickford, George A. E. Blake, William Barrett, Hiram Cochran,
Alonzo Copp, William Chapman, Isaac W. Clark, Charles Clark,
Lorenzo D. Clark, Albert Corson, William H. DeWolfe, Octa-
vius A. Davis, Hadley P. Dyer, Stephen Ellis, Dighton Ellis,
Pawlette Euarde, Charles A. Farrington, Hiram Fish,
Thomas A. Gibbs, David B. Gibbs, George C. Getchell, Edward
B. Herbert, William S. Heath, William H. Ham, Algernon P.
Herrick, Albro Hubbard, Joseph Jerow, John O. James, Moses
King, Charles F. Lyford, William H. Alarston, Alvin Messer,
John N. Messer, Orren Messer, Lewis Murray, Joseph M. Pen-
ney, William W. Penney, Pelatiah Penney, Ira D. Penney,
Richard Perley, William H. Phelps, James B. Pullen, Henry
HISTORY O? WATERVILLE. 1 95
Pooler, Edwin Plummer, Edward E. Prescott, Albert Quimby,
James F. Ricker, Peter Roderick, Miner W. Savage, Joseph D.
Simpson, Richard A. Shepherd, W. A. Stevens, Edwin C.
Stevens, Gilbert G. Stevens, Jason R. Stevens, Adin B. Thayer,
George Tilley, Martin Tallow, Henry E. Tozier, Wallace W.
West, James O. West, Erastus D. Woodman, George L. Wheeler,
John AL Wheeler, Henry White, William W. Wyman, Eben W.
Woung, Roscoe G. Young. (The name of Wm. H. Bacon
should have been added to this list as he died here in 1862).
(I. S. B.)
The financial statement submitted by President Phillips read
as follows : "We have received from all sources, since our asso-
ciation Vv-as organized, $2,772.84; we have expended for filling
and grading, $76.90 : for plans for pedestal, $25.00 ; for freight
on statute, $16.18; for pedestal, including foundation, $982.75;
for bronze statute, $1,600.00; total expenditure, $2,700,83;
balance in treasury, $72.01.
Daniel R. W^ing, Secretary.
The number of persons who were members of the Monument
Association was 239.
W. S. HEATH POST NO. 14, DEPARTMENT OF MAINE, G. A. R.
The Grand x\rmy of the Republic was founded by Dr. B. F.
Stevenson of Springfield, 111., in 1866.
Dr. Stevenson devoted the best years of his life to his grand
idea of a brotherhood of old soldiers, to perpetuate the memories
of the camp, the march and the battlefield, and to perpetuate the
memory and history of the dead. Could he have lived to see the
day, what a tribute to his prophetic vision, what a reward for his
labor, would have been the increasing numbers of his comrades
till they reached the high water mark of 400,000 in 1888 to 1892 ;
these recruited from the men who served as citizen soldiers and
as soldier citizens with equal credit in war and peace !
The Grand Army of the Republic symbolizes fraternity, charity
and loyalty. It stands for American manhood. It epitomizes
the heroism of a Nation. It is the trustee of patriotism.
Memorial Dav is their creation and they who love liberty must
succeed them in their annual pilgrimage to the shrines of their
196 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
dead when their last member shall have passed beyond our feeble
following.
W. S. Heath Post, No. 14, Department of Maine, G. A. R.,
was organized in 1874 and chartered December 29th of the same
year, under the administration of Department Commander Gen-
eral Selden Connor, with the following charter members :
* Atwood Crosby, * F. E. Heath, I. S. Bangs, * J. H. Plaisted,
O. F. Mayo, ^ Levi A. Dow, A. P. Webb, * Addison Dolley,
* Sidney Keith, Redford M. Estes, Alpheus S. Webber, John
U. Hubbard, George W. Hubbard, Henry J. Goulding, George
W. Goulding, E. P. Buck, W. H. Emery, W. H. Russell, R. T.
Beazley, * G. A. Osborne, James W. King, ^' Moses J. Kelley,
* Charles W. Lowe, E. N. Small, G. T. Stevens, A. M. Sawtelle.
The Post was named by these veterans after Lieutenant
Colonel W. S. Heath of the 5th Maine Infantry, who was killed
at the battle of Gaines Mill.
Its first commander was General * Francis E. Heath, and he
was succeeded by General I. S. Bangs, Dr. * Atwood Crosby,
G. H. Mathews, Captain * Charles Bridges, A. O. Libby, ^= J. G.
Stover, Dr. D. P. Stowell, N. S. Emery, George W. Reynolds,
S. S. Vose, George A. Wilson, P. S. Heald, J. L. Merrick, F. D.
Lunt, E. Gilpatrick, A. E. Ellis, Captain J. P. Garland, J. H.
Coombs, O. P. Richardson, Captain Silas Adams, H. C. Proctor,
and J. R. Pollard.
The Post has on its roll of membership 195 names.
Death, emigration, and other causes have reduced its mem-
bership to fifty-seven, but it is still one of the vigorous active
Posts of the order, and is doing a noble charitable work, looking
with great fidelity after the necessities of sick and disabled com-
rades, their widows and orphans, whether members of their
organization or not.
If it performed no other duty, it would commend itself to the
charitable and hum.ane, but in a higher sphere of influence, it is
an organized examplar of loyalty, by the service of its members
to the land they helped to save, and a lesson in loyalty to the
generation that are to follow them.
January 30, 1891, Hon. Nathaniel Meader, then Mayor of the
city of Waterville, presented to the Post a very beautiful record
* Deceased.
HISTORY 01c WATERVILL^. I97
book, especially designed for recording the name and military
history of its members.
It has taken the writer and Comrade A. O. Libbey of the com-
mittee, five or six years to secure the names and record of 105
of these members from Waterville and Winslow, verify them,
have them re-written and engrossed in the great book.
The labors of the committee are finished, and the record — the
lasting memorial to her patriotic sons, is to be presented to the
city of Waterville as soon as a depository is provided for its safe
keeping.
The Post has had leading place and influence in all observ-
ances of a patriotic character, has made its campfires schools of
patriotism, has furnished to the Department of Maine, Com-
mander Gen. I. S. Bangs and Commander James L. Merrick. It
has pleasant headquarters in Masonic block which are always
open. The Womans Relief Corps has added greatly to the com-
fort and efficiency of the Post.
Since its organization, the Post has paid its annual tribute of
respect to the memory of dead comrades whose graves are within
its jurisdiction in Waterville and Winslow.
The number of these is so rapidly augmenting, that they
already number nearly three times the Post membership, and will
mcrease until all have joined the ranks of the great army of the
dead, to take up their march under the loving eye and guiding
hand, to which we confidentlv commit them.
the: revolutionary war.
The Revolutionary War commenced with the battle of Lex-
ington, April 19, 1775. Provisional articles of peace were
signed, November 30, 1782, and proclamation of cessation of
hostilities ordered by the Continental Congress, April 11, 1783.
Definite treaty of peace was concluded, September 3, 1783,
ratifi.ed by the Continental Congress and proclaimed, January
14, 1784.
From a report of the Secretary of War to the House of Repre-
sentatives, dated May 10, 1790, and published in American State
Papers, Military Afifairs, Volume I, pages 14 to 19, it appears
that the number of troops and militia furnished from time to
198 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
time by the several states during the Revokitionary War was
395,330. It is impossible to ascertain whether the figures, which
are given in the report for each year of the war, and which aggre-
gate 395,330 for the whole period of the war, represent only the
number of new enlistments each year, or whether they include
not only men who enlisted during each year but also those who
were in the service at some time during that year but who
enlisted during a prior year. In other words, it cannot be deter-
mined positively whether the figures for each year merely rep-
resent additions to the force during that year, or whether they
represent these additions together with the force remaining in
service from a prior year. It is certain that, in either case, they
do not represent the total number of individuals in service in any
year, or the total number of individuals added to the force in
any year, because there must have been many duplications caused
by counting the same man over again for each successive enlist-
ment. It is well known that a very large proportion of the men
who served in the American arm.y during the Revolutionary
War rendered two, three or more terms, or "tours" of service.
This was notably the case in militia organizations in which men
frequently served tours of a few days each at comparatively short
intervals.
The writer feels it unnecessary to apologize for the meager
incidents that serve to connect this generation with events of a
century and more ago.
The time for detail was passed when the old Revolutionary
soldiers passed away and their families were separated.
Their military history was carefully preserved by the Com-''
monwealth of Massachusetts, and if identity could be established,
a biographical sketch might be written that would confer credit
upon the soldier and his biographer.
The writer presents the most and the best sketch of these old
worthies possible who went from Waterville (then Winslow)
or came here after the war and found a home and a final resting
place here or in the immediate vicinity.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. IQQ
RECORDS OF SERVICE IN THE REVOLUTION.
Captain Dean Bangs, grandfather of Isaac Sparrow Bangs,
was born May 31, 1756, in Harwich, (now Brewster), Cape Cod,
Mass. He married April 21, 1780, Eunice Sparrow, daughter
of Isaac, son of Jonathan, son of Jonathan, son of Jonathan, who
married Hannah, daughter of Gov. Thomas Prence and Patience,
daughter of Elder Brewster.
He "followed the sea" as boy and man for forty years ; became
mate and master in the East India trade, was a privateer in the
first year of the War of the Revolution, and then enlisted in
Abijah Bangs' company. Colonel Dike's Regiment in 1776 and
served two years.
In 1802 he came to Sidney and brought a large tract of land
on the Kennebec river and there lived and reared a large family.
Waterville was his mercantile home and here he raised a com-
pany of artillery during the \\'ar of 18 12 for Major Joseph
Chandler's Battalion of Artillery, and marched to Augusta with
the other companies of the Waterville contingent. He died,
December 6, 1845 ^^^ ^^'^^ buried in a private cemetery on his
own farm in a beautiful spot overlooking the Kennebec river,
where lie several of his family, including his wife and one son.
The cemetery is enclosed by a permanent granite and iron
fence, and in this enclosure near Captain Bangs' grave is a ceno-
taph in memory of his father, whose m.ilitary record is inscribed
as follows :
To the memory of
ELKANAH BANGS,
(father of Dean Bangs),
who was in the privateer service of the Revolution ; was taken
prisoner with three of his neighbors, and died on board the Jersey
prison ship at Wallabout Bay, New York, in July, 1777, aged
44 years ; this
CENOTAPH
is respectfully dedicated by his great-grandson, Isaac Sparrow,
son of Isaac Sparrow, son of Dean Bangs, who settled upon this
farm in the year 1802.
Thomas Bates: Corporal, Capt. John Gibb's Co., Col. Eben-
ezer Sprout's Regt. ; service from December 8 to December 10,
200 HISTORY O^ WATERVILLE.
1776, two days, marched to Falmouth on an alarm at Elizabeth
Islands : Roll dated at Wareham :
Also, Private Capt. Samuel Brigg's Co., Col. Theophilis Cot-
ton's Regt., General Palmer's Brigade ; service 32 days on a
secret expedition to Tiverton, R. I., September 29, 1777. (Do.
Vol. I page 803).
Also, Capt. Gibb's Co. (4th Plymouth), Col. Sprout's Regt.,
service from September 6 to September 10, 1778, 5 days,
marched to Dartmouth on an alarm :
Also, pay roll for five days' service from September 13, 1778,
marched to Falmouth on an alarm :
Also, Capt. Gibbs' (4th Plymouth) Co., Lt.-Col. White's Regt.
Thomas Bates: Enlisted July 31, 1780, discharged August
9, 1780, service nine days at Rhode Island: Roll sworn to at
Wareham. (Ibid. Vol. I, page 804).
Thomas Bates: Sergeant, Capt. Joseph Parker's Co., Col.
Ebenezer Sprout's Regiment: Cluster roll dated February 13,
1778: Enlisted January 9, 1778, enlisted for three months from
January i, 1778: stationed at Rhode Island.
Also, Capt. John Gibbs' Co., Col. John Jacobs' Regiment:
Enlisted July 23, 1780, discharged October 27, 1780; service
three months, six days on an alarm at Rhode Island : Enlist-
ment three months ; company raised to reinforce Continental
Army: Roll dated Wareham. (Ibid. Vol. I, page 804).
Was a pensioner and lived in Waterville in 1840. Date of
death, and burial place unknown.
John Cole: Appears with rank of Private (on Continental
Army pay accounts. Captain Redding's company, 5th) in Col.
Bradford's regiment for service from March 8, 1777 to Decem-
ber 31, 1779. Residence, Winslow, Me. V^ol. : 14:2:74.
He appears with rank of Private on Continental Army pay
accounts of Capt. Haskell's company, Col. Bradford's regiment,
for service from January i, 1780 to March 8, 1780. Residence,
Winslow. Vol. :i4 :i :35.
He appears in Capt. John Samont's company, Colonel Gamaliel
Bradford's (15th) regiment Massachusetts. Line from Wins-
low. Was pensioned in 181 8. He moved to Albion about 18 14
and died there January 11, 1824. His age unknown, but prob-
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 20I
ably less than seventy years. His widow, Polly Cole, on papers
signed by her July 7, 1835, alleges her age then as seventy-one.
John Cool: Appears with rank of private on Continental
Army pay accounts of Capt. Sewell's company, Colonel Sprout's
regiment for service from March 12, 1777 to December 31, 1779.
Residence, Winslow, also given in Capt. Josiah Jenkins company,
Col. Brewer's regiment, dated, Camp near Valley Forge, January
23,1778. Vol. :i2:2 79:10:319.
Was discharged at Fishkill, N. Y., March 12th, 1780, having
served full three years : his term of enlistment. He alleged on
a paper dated May 26, 1835, that he w^as then seventy-eight years
old and had lived in Waterville, (Winslow) seventy years. He
lived on Cool street, which after his death was named for him.
He died October 5, 1845, ag^d eighty-nine years, six months,
and was buried in the old cemetery and afterwards removed to
Pine Grove cemetery.
. .Levi Croivell: Born, reared and enlisted on Cape Cod. After
the war drifted "down east" to Winslow (that part in which is
now Oakland) with Elisha and Solomon Hallett. Date of death
unknov.'n. Buried in old cemetery, Oakland.
Mono ah Crozvell: Was pensioned in 1834 for service in the
Massachusetts militia, but his name is not to be found in Massa-
chusetts records. He was said to be seventy-one years old in
1835, but is put down at seventy-eight in 1840, when he was
living in Waterville (now Oakland) and drawing his pension
there.
The date of his death is unknown, but he was a soldier in the
War of 1812.
John Davis: Appears with rank of private on muster roll of
Capt. Jeremiah Hill's company. Col Scammon's regiment, dated
August I, 1775. Enlisted May 5, 1775. Time of service,
tv/elve weeks, four days. Residence, Biddeford. Eight month's
service. Vol. 15, p. 28.
He appears with rank of drummer on company return of Capt.
liill's company, Col. Scammon's regiment, (30th) dated Sep-
t'jmber 2y, 1775. Enlisted May 5, 1775. Residence, Bidde-
ford. Coat Rolls. Eight months' service. Vol. 56, p. 199.
He appears among signatures to an order for bounty coat
or its equivalent in money, due for the eight months' service in
202 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Capt. Jeremiah Hill's company, Col. James Scammon's regi-
ment, dated October 6, 1775. Coat Rolls. Vol. 57, File 21.
He appears with rank of drummer on muster roll of Capt. Jere-
miah Hill's company, Col. Edmund Phinney's regiment, dated
in garrison. Fort George, December 8, 1776. Enlisted January
I, 1776. Re-enlisted November 14, 1776. Vol. 46, p. 3.
During the winter months of 1776 he enlisted for the
war and served as drummer and drum-major in Col. Joseph
Vose's (First) Regiment, Massachusetts Line and was dis-
charged in June 1783. He was five feet, six inches high,
light complexion, light hair. He claimed to have been in the
Battle of Monmouth and at the surrender of Burgoyne, and to
have marched to Yorktown and been present at the surrender of
Cornwallis. He was at one time reported as a deserter, but the
charge was cancelled and this record removed.
He came to New Sharon in 1794 and to Waterville about 1830.
He had nine children, but never owned any property in New
Sharon or Waterville. He was probably a skilled mechanic.
Mr. Davis was born in Simbross, Cork county, Ireland, about
1754- I'he date of his death and place of burial are unknown,
but he was living here in 1835 ^^^ ^t his great age would hardly
return to New Sharon. He died before 1840, if he died here,
as, although he was a pensioner, he was not on the list of fifteen
living here and in Winslow in 1840.
Oliver Dow, and his cousin Amos, enlisted in Captain Watts'
company in Salem, N. H., in 1756. Oliver continued in same
company in Colonel N. Meserve's regiment; fought at Crown
Point, Ticonderoga, and in other campaigns.
In 1777 he was in Captain Joseph Bailey's company, Moses
Kelly's regiment. General Vi'^hipple's brigade.
In 1 781 he served in Captain Nathaniel Head's company of
Lieut. -Col. David Reynolds' regiment of New Hampshire troops.
He was a lieutenant as earlv as 1776, as appears from military
archives ; his name appearing with other Hopkinton men.
Oliver Dow was born in Salem, N. H., in 1736; moved to
Hopkinton, in 1773, back to Salem about 1790 and lived there
till 1820, when he moved to Waterville with his son Levi, died
here December 18, 1824 and was buried in Monument Park.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 2O3
He was grandfather of Charles Dow who Hved and died here,
and great-grandfather of Levi A. Dow, late of Co. B, 21st Maine
Infantry Volunteers.
He was a great grand-father of Hon. Richard S. Dow, coun-
sellor-at-law, State street, Boston, Mass., to whom the writer
is indebted for this biographical sketch.
Sampson Preeman: x^ppears in a return of men enlisted into
the Continental Army from. 1st Essex county regiment. Resi-
dence, Salem. Term, three years. Joined Capt. Fairfield's
company. Col. Wigglesworth's regiment. Yo\. 41, p. 44.
Appears with rank of prk'ate on muster roll of Capt. Joseph
McNall's company, Col. Edward Wigglesworth's regiment,
Dated Camp at Valley Forge, June 2, 1778. Term three years.
Vol. 61, p. 24.
Appears with rank of private on muster and pay roll of Capt.
Peter Page's company, Col. Wigglesworth's regiment, for
March and April, 1770, dated at Providence, ]\Iay 5, 1779.
Enlisted February i, 1777, three }-ears. Transferred to Capt.
John K. Smith's company, Col. Smith's regiment. Yol. 22, p. 98.
Appears with rank of priratc on Continental Army pay
accounts of Capt. John K. Smith's company, Col. Smith's regi-
ment, for service from February i, 1777 to February 5, 1780.
Residence, Salem. Continental Army books.
Sampson Freeman was a free man of color who came to
W^aterville from Peru, Me., in 1835, ^^1*^ after a brief acquain-
tance married Venus, the widow of Prince Henry who lived on
the second rangeway and owned a small farm. Venus was
brought up in the family of Judge Redington of Vassalboro.
Her husband must have died before 1825 as she was a widow
in 1826 and lived on the farm she inherited from him and which
is now a part of the farm of J. C. Blaisdell on the 2nd rangeway.
Freeman lived with "Aunt Venus" six years, when she died and
was buried in JMonument Park. He died in 1843 ^^^ ^^as buried
near her.
Enoch Fuller, Revolutionary soldier, died in Winslow, January
29, 1842, aged eighty-seven, and was buried in the "Old Fort"
Cemetery.
Seth Getchell: Grandfather of Miss Julia Stackpole, enlisted
from Berwick, Maine, where he was born in 1753. He married
204 HISTORY OF WATKRVILLi;.
Sarah Grant by whom he had nine children, all of whom are
dead.
He came here soon after the close of the Revolutionary War,
owned a small farm about two and a half miles west of Water-
ville village, and worked in a grist mill, which might have been
near the dam of the Union Gas & Electric Co., on the Messalon-
skee or farther up that stream at the Rice bridge. In 1840 he
lived with Susan Stackpole.
He died in Pittsfield, INIaine, in July 1845, aged ninety-one
years, eight months. His wife survived him, but died in Febru-
ary of the following year, and the remains of both were brought
here and buried in Pine Grove Cemetery.
Nathaniel Gilman: Has record of service but no way to
identify him positively, as there are many of the same name.
He lived here and died here before 1840, as his widow, Sarah
Gilman, was a pensioner here at that date. The date of his birth,
death or place of enlistment are in doubt, but he was buried in
the family vault in the old cemetery and when it was made into
a park (Monument) the vault was demolished and all the bodies
removed to Pine Grove Cemetery.
Elisha Hallet: Private, Capt. Elisha Nye's company.
Enlisted February 14, 1776: service to November 21, 1776, nine
months, six days. Company stationed at Elizabeth Islands for
defense of sea coast, also, Capt. Elisha Hedge's company^ Col.
Freeman's regiment. Enlisted September 3, 1779. Discharged
September 18, 1779; service five days. Company detached "for
military service at Falmouth on an alarm. Massachusetts
Soldiers and Sailors in Revolution, Vol. VII, p. 122.
Received a pension; lived in Waterville, in 1840, at the age
of eighty-two years, with Jonathan Hallet. Date of death
unknown ; buried in old cemetery in Oakland.
Solomon Hallett: Private, Capt. Joshua Gray's company.*
Enlisted November i, 1775, discharged December 31, 1775, ser-
vice two months, five days in defense of sea coast. Roll dated
Barnstable.
*Capt. Joshua Gray of Yarmouth ; captain of a company of
minute-men, engaged July i, 1775, discharged December 31,
1775.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 205
Private, Capt. Ebenezer Baker's company, Col. Freeman's
regiment. Marched, October 4, 1777, service eighteen days.
Company marched to Tiverton, R. I., on a secret expedition.
Private, Capt. 2*^licah Hamlen's company, Col. Jonathan
Reed's (ist) regiment of Guards. ^larched, April 2, 1778.
Service to July 6, 1778, three months, four days, at Cambridge,
including four davs (eighty miles) travel home. Enlistment
three months from April 2, 1778.
Private, Capt. Elisha Hedge's company,* Col. Freeman's regi-
ment. Marched September 3, 1779. Discharged September 18,
1779. Service fifteen da}'s. Company detached from militia
for service at Falmouth on an alarm.
"^Capt. Elisha Hedge, Yarmouth, Capt. 2nd (ist Yarmouth)
company, 1st Barnstable County Regiment of Massachusetts
Militia.
Solomon Hallett was living in ^^'aterville (now Oakland) in
1840, at the age of eighty-six, and was a pensioner. He died
soon after this date and was buried in the old cemetery at West
Waterville (now Oakland).
Timothy Littleficld: Enlisted from Wells, Maine, September
4, 1775 in Capt. Noah Moulton Littlefield's company, and served
three months and fifteen days at Wells and Arundell, guarding
sea coast.
Also: In Capt. James Littlefield's company, Col. Stover's
regiment from August 14, 1777 to November 14, 1777, four
months and three days, including 300 miles travel home from
Coeman's (Oueman'sf ?) ) Heights with Northern Army.
Also : Served to reinforce the Continental Army from
August 2, 1780 to December 26, 1780, five months and nine days
including fifteen days' travel home.
Descriptive list, 6' 1" high, light complexion, age twenty-one
years.
Was a pensioner and lived here in 1840. Date of death and
place of interment unknown.
Salathiel Penny: Appears with rank of private on muster roll
of Capt. Samuel Sayer's company, Col. Jam.es Scammon's regi-
ment, dated August i, 1775. Time of service three months,
four days. Enlisted May 3, 1775. Residence, Wells, eight
months' service. Vol. 16, p. zy.
206 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Appears with rank of private on company return of Capt.
Samuel Saver's company, Col. James Scammon's regiment,
October, 1775. Enlisted May 3, 1775. Residence, Wells^ Me.
Coat Rolls, eight months' service. Vol. 56, p. 205.
Appears among signatures to an order for bounty coat or its
equivalent in money due for the eight months' service in 1775,
in Capt. Samuel Sayer's company, Col. James Scammon's (30th)
regiment, dated Cambridge, October, 2y, 1775. Coat Rolls, Vol.
57, File 21.
Appears with rank of private on muster roll of Capt. Silas
Wild's company. Col. Edmund Phinney's regiment, dated in Gar-
rison at Fort George, December, 1776. Enlisted January 10, 1776.
Time of service, ten months, four days. Reported sick in bar-
racks. Re-engaged, November 14, 1776, under Col. Brewer.
Vol. 46, p. 6.
Salathiel Penny : Appears with rank of private on muster
and pay roll of Capt. Daniel Merrill's company. Col. Samuel
Brewer's regiment. Marched to Bennington. Enlisted January
I, 1777. Was present at the surrender of Burgoyne. Dis-
charged ^larch 17, 1777. Residence, W>lls. Vol. 21, p. 100.
Was born in Wells, Maine, in 1756. First wife unknown;
second wife was Mr -garet C. Grant of Berwick.
Mr. Penney settled upon and cleared the farm where he lived
and died, and which is now owned by Mrs. Closes Penney.
By his first wife he had two daughters and one son. Peletiah,
father of William G. Penney, father of our "Penney Boys,>" Ira,
Peletiah, Charles, William and Fred and one daughter, Harriet,
who married Nelson McCrillis.
Salathiel Penney died September 22, 1847, aged ninety-one
years, and was buried in Alonument Park. About 1875 ^^^^
remains were removed to Pine Grove Cemetery.
John Pv.llen was born at Attleboro, Mass., May 7, 1763. He
was the youngest of the nine children of James Pullen and Lydia
Woodcock, his wife, who had been married at Attleboro, Febru-
ary 26, 1742. Lydia Woodcock was the daughter of Jonathan
Woodcock, who is said to have been a very brave man and of
much influence in the colony at that time.
John's grandfather and the father of James was Nicholas Pul-
len. He is the earliest ancestor that the familv have thus far
HISTORY 01^ WATERVILLE. 20/
been able to find, and nothing is known of him except the fact
of his marriage at Rehoboth, IMass., on January 19, 1709 to
Mary Tucker.
John Pullen was a Revolutionary soldier, his name appearing
in a descriptive list of men raised to reinforce the Continental
army for the term of six months agreeably to a resolve of June
5, 1780. He is there described as seventeen years of age, five
feet, four inches in height and of dark complexion. His resi-
dence is given as Attleboro. He arrived at Springfield, July 9,
1780, and with the nth Division, to which this re-enforcement
was assigned, marched to camp, July 11, 1780, under command
of Ensign Barrows. (]\Iass. Muster and Pay Rolls. Vol. 35,
page 192.)
The name of John Pullen of Attleboro also appears in a return
dated Camp Totoway, October 25, 1780, containing a list of
men raised for six months' service and returned by Brig.-Gen.
Patterson as having passed muster. (]Mass. ]Muster and Pay
Rolls, Vol. 25, page 241.)
He was in the Continental army from July 6, 1780 to January
8, 17S1, having seen six months' and two days' service.
John Pullen was married at Winthrop, Me., June 23, 1785,
to Amy Bishop, daughter and youngest ch'd of Squire Bishop
and Patience Titus. Eight children were born of this union,
one of whom, Sarah Boardman, married John Caffrey, who was
the grandfather of Mrs. L. D. Carver of Augusta.
John Pullen died March 29, 1810, at the age of forty-seven,
at Waterville, Me., and was buried in the old cemetery on Elm
street, now Monument Park.
His widow. Amy Bishop Pullen, resided for a number of years
in Waterville with her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Boardman Caffrey,
and was living as late as the year 1836, when she made applica-
tion for State bounty, as appears by the records in the land office
of Maine.
Asa Redington: Was born in the town of Boxford, Essex
Co., Mass, December 22, 1761. Son of Abraham and Sarah
(Kimball) Redington. In June 177S he enlisted in Wilton, N.
H., in Col. Peabody's regiment, and joined the forces of Gen.
Sullivan at Providence, R. I., where the troops were quartered
in Brown College.
208 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
In December he was discharged and returned to Wilton, N. H.
In June, 1779 re-enHsted in the "Continental Establishment" for
one year, joined the army at Fishkill on the Hudson and spent
the following winter at Danbury, Ct.
In spring of 1780 joined the regiment of Col. ]\Iiller and spent
the balance of his term of enlistment scouting as far north as
West Point and was discharged at expiration of term of service.
In March, 1781, he again enlisted and joined the army near West
Point in Col. Alex Scammel's regiment, which dropped down
the Hudson to Kingsbridge, thence to New Jersey, Philadelphia
and Annapolis and finally reached Yorktown in time to partici-
pate in the seige and surrender. Thence he followed the for-
tunes of the army in its long march to Saratoga, thence to
Princeton, New Jersey and West Point where he was discharged
December 23, 1783 without pay and left to travel 300 miles to
his home, carrying the musket he had borne through his long
service. The old musket was treasured many years in his family
and finally presented to the State of Maine by his oldest son,
Judge Redington..
Mr. Redington came to Vassalboro in 1784, married Mary,
daughter of Nehemiah Getchell, September 2, 1787. Came to
Waterville (then Winslow) in 1792 where he died, March 31,
1845. He was buried in Monument Park, where his remains
still lie.
Asa Redington was grandfather of Mrs. Appleton A, Plaisted
of Waterville.
Simeon Simpson: Simeon Simpson enlisted in Winslow in
July, 1782 for three years, in Capt. King's company, Lieut. -Col.
Brooks' regiment (the 7th Mass. Line) ; transferred to the 4th
Massachusetts Line and was discharged in the State of New
York, December 31, 1783. Mr. Simpson was pensioned in 1818.
In a paper dated October 11, 1836, he alleged that he was
seventy years old. This would make his birth in 1766, and his
age ninety-four at his death, September 24, i860, though he
claimed to be ninety-six.
He was buried in Winslow on the home farm, now owned
by the Lockwood Company. Before this article goes to press,
his remains will have been removed, with those of his family, to
Pine Grove Cemetery.
HISTORY 01^ WATKRVILLE. 20g
Jonathan Soule: Appears with rank of private on muster
and pay roll of Captain Calvin Partridge's company, Colonel
John Ciishing's regiment, for service at Rhode Island. Enlisted,
September 23, 1776. Time of service, one month, twenty-eight
days. Vol. 3, p. 62.
Jonathan Soule : Appears with rank of private on muster and
pay roll of Captain James Harlow's company. Col. Ezra Wood's
regiment, raised for eight months to guard the passage of North
river. Enlisted, June 5, 1778. Time of service, eight months,
four days. Vol. 20, p. 8.
He died January 6, 1832, aged eighty-four, and was buried
in the old Elm street cemetery, and in 1875 removed to Pine
Grove Cemetery.
Lot Sturtevant: Was born in Wareham, Mass., July 25, 1759.
He was the second son of Joseph and Mary (Gibbs) Sturte-
vant, Joseph was the son of Aloses, son of Samuel, son of
Samuel, who was at Plymouth, Mass., as early as May 1642.
His affidavit, on file in the land office at the State House,
Augusta, gives the following:
"Lot Sturtevant of Waterville, June 15, 1835, seventy-five
years old and upwards, enlisted at Wareham, Mass., 1777, for
three years in Capt. Josh Eddy's company. Gen. Bradford's regi-
ment, Massachusetts Line. Served his full time and was honor-
ably discharged at West Point in 1780. LTnited States pensioner.
Land certificate granted April 19, 1835."
It cannot be ascertained when he came to Waterville, but it
must have been before 1790, for his eldest son, Zenas, was born
here in November, 1790, and the succeeding children, seven
in all, were born here prior to 1806. He married Elizabeth
Bessie, who was born October 3, 1764 or 5, and died January 13,
1833, aged sixty-eight. Lot Sturtevant died at Waterville,
June 4, 1848, aged eighty-eight, at the home of Reward Sturte-
vant.
His farm w^as one of the "Ten Lots" of which he was the
original settler and proprietor. Here he lived, reared his family,
and was buried in the cemetery one mile north of Fairfield Center
on the Pishons Ferry road.
Richard Szveefser: Of North Yarmouth is credited with ser-
vice as a private in Capt. Noyes' company. Col. Phinney's regi-
14
210 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
ment of eight months' men with the army at the siege of Boston
in 1775.
Mr. Sweetzer Hved here in 1840 with David Parker; was a
pensioner and nmety years of age. When he came here, when
he died and where he was buried are unknown.
Philip Thayer: Supposed to have been born near Attleboro,
Mass. and enlisted from there. Came to Berwick after the war
and finally drifted "down east" to Waterville (now Oakland)
died and was buried in the old cemetery there. No other record.
Obadiah Williams: Was a surgeon in Gen. Starks' regiment
at Bunker Hill, and served during the entire Revolutionary War.
He came from Epping, N. H. to Waterville (then \\'inslow) in
1792, and built the first frame house in W^aterville, the small
one-story house still standing opposite the electric light station
at the end of the bridge. The view from this little home of his
down the bay and the broad Kennebec must have been very
delightful, (since obstructed by the old Dalton house and the
factories). Dr. Williams died in 1799, aged forty-nine. He
was buried in the old cemetery, now Monument Park, which was
then only an open field without fences, and was deeded to the
town of Winslow for a burying ground, with certain reservations.
When the lines were run to define the boundary on the south
side, it was found that Dr. Williams and his wife had been buried
outside the cemetery. Their remains were taken up and removed
so as to come within the bounds, and when the change was
effected, making a public park of the old cemetery, their remains
were again moved to Pine Grove cemetery.
George Young: Was a Revolutionary soldier wlio came to
Waterville (now Oakland) to five, died and was buried there in
the old cemetery. Birthplace, date of birth, military record, age
and date of death unknown.
Reference is had in Massachusetts military service record to
his being commissioned captain of the 5th company. Col.
Wheaton's (4th Lincoln county) regiment of Massachusetts
militia, in July, 1776, but no service is found credited to him as
such.
Note. The writer would acknowledge his indebtedness to C. J. House, Esq., of
the Industrial Bureau, Augusta, Me., and E. L. Getchell, Esq., of Harvard Univer-
sity for valuable research and results in Revolutionary records.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 211
THE WAR OF l8l2.
The War of 1812, as is well known grew out of the claim of
Great Britain to the right of search of our merchant vessels, and
the impressm.ent of American seamen under various pretexts,
which culminated in a "State of War," as declared by our
National Congress, June 18, 1812, and proclaimed by President
Madison, the following day.
The foUov/ing are the Rosters of the several companies of
militia enlisted from Waterville and vicinity for the war, with
their service as noted. The residence of the company officers is
given while that of the men is not and the records at Augusta
and Washington do not give them, but as the Waterville com-
panies were recruited here, the means of transportation at that
time primitive and limited, the inference is that they were prob-
ably residents of W^aterville.
Service from the 14th to 25th September, 1814.
Roll of the Field and Staff of Lieut. -Col. Elnathan Sherwin's
Regiment of Alilitia, being the ist Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 8th
Division, in service at Augusta from the 14th to the 25th of Sep-
tember, 18 1 4. This regiment started for the seaboard but was
ordered into camp at Augusta to await orders. On the 24th day
of September there was a draft from the regiment to fill up the
regiment of Lieut. -Col. Ellis Sweet in service at Bath. Those
of the regiment not drafted w^ere discharged on the 25th day of
September, 1814.
Elnathan Sherwin, lieut.-col., W^aterville; John Cleaveland,
major, Fairfield; Richard M. Dorr, major; Ephraim Getchell,
adjutant; Joseph H, Hallett, or.-mast., Waterville; Ambrose
Howard, or.-mast. -sgt. ; Moses Appleton, surgeon, Winslow ;
David W^heeler, paymaster, Waterville ; Zedekiah Belknap, chap-
lain, Waterville; Closes Healey, drum-major; Benjamin Foster,
fife-major; Thomas Leeman, fife-major.
Field and Staff Roll of Lieut.-Col. Elnathan Sherwin's drafted
regiment of militia in service at Wiscasset and Edgecomb from
the 24th of September to the loth of November, 1814.
Elnathan Sherwin, lieut.-col., Waterville; Richard M. Dorr,
major; Nathan Stanley, major, China; Moses Appleton, sur-
geon, Winslow; Joseph Bachellor, surgeon's mate; Ephraim
212 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Getchell, adjutant; David Wheeler, paymaster, Waterville;
Joseph H. Hallett, or. master; Charles Haydon, Jr., sergt.-
major; Benjamin Foster, or.-mast.-sgt. ; David Low, drum-
major; Thomas Leeman, fife-major.
Roll of Captain Dean Bangs' Company of Artillery in Major
Joseph Chandler's Battalion raised in Waterville and Vassalboro
and in service at Augusta waiting orders, from the 12th to the
24th of September, 1814.
Commissioned officers : Dean Bangs, capt,, Waterville ;
Lemuel Pullen, lieut., Waterville ; Abraham Smith, lieut.,
Waterville.
Sergeants : Jabez Dow, Artemus Smith, Levi Moore, Jr.,
William McFarland.
Corporals : William Marston, Alexander McKechnie, Abiel
Moore, James Bragg.
Musicians : Henry Richardson, Reward Sturtevant.
Privates: William Bates, Dennis Blackwell, Ellis Blackwell,
William Blish, Andrew Bradford, IMartin Bradford, Charles
Freeman, Joseph Gulliver, Samuel Hastings, Godfrey Jackson,
Joseph Marston, Josiah Merrill, Newall Page, Benjamin Rives,
James Shorey, Jeremiah Smith, Joseph Smiley, Jeremiah Tozier,
3, Alvin Trask, Jonathan C. Tozier.
Capt. Dean Bangs was a privateer and a soldier of the Ameri-
can Revolution.
Roll of Captain William Pullen's company of militia in Lieut. -
Col. Elnathan Sherwin's regiment, raised in Waterville and in
service at Augusta from the 14th to the 25th of September, 1814.
William Pullen, capt., Waterville ; Joseph Warren, lieut.,
Waterville ; Leonard Cornforth, ensign, Waterville.
Sergeants: Tchabod Smith, Reuben Ricker, Isaiah Hallett,
John Hallett.
Corporals : Samuel Merry, James Gilbert, Wiman Shorey,
Thomas Stevens.
Musicians : Dexter Pullen, Isaac Gage, Asa Bates.
Privates : Philip Badger, James Burgess, Thomas Bessey,
Seth Crowell, Isaiah Crowell, David Coombs, Miller Crowell,
John Cobb, Hiram Crowell, Seward Corson, Daniel Duren, Pliny
Farrington, Seth Gage, Bryant Gleason, Reuben Gage, Jr.,
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 213
Dennis Gibbs, Timothy B. Hayward, Elijah Hayden, EHsha Hal-
lett, Jr., Josiah M. Hallett, Ebenezer Hussey, John Hussey, Job
Harlow, Asa Lewis, Moody Lander, Ivory Low, Abraham
Lander, Jr., William Lewis, Jr., William Merryfield, Samuel
Merryfield, George Ricker, George Ricker, 2d or Jr., James Rice,
Benjamin Stevens, Philander Soule, Lsaac Terrill, Leonard Tup-
per, James White, Cyrus Wheeler, Lorin Wade.
Roll of Captain Joseph Hitchings' company of militia in
Lieut.-Col. Elnathan Sherwin's regiment raised in Waterville
and in service at Augusta from the 14th to the 25th of Septem-
ber, 1814.
Joseph Hitchings, capt., Waterville; Samuel Webb, lieut.,
Waterville; Thomas M'cFarland, ensign, Waterville.
Sergeants : Josiah Jacob, Jr., Abraham Morrill, Solomon
Berry, Calvin L. Getchell.
Corporals : Abraham Butts, Pelatiah Soule, Simeon Tozer, 2,
William Watson.
Musicians : David Low, Lewis Tozier.
Privates : John Bennet, Jonas Blanchard, Columbus Bacon,
John Clifford, Richard Clifford, Jacob Cool, Zacheus Foster,
Abel Getchell, Joseph Hogden, William Hume, Thomas Parker,
Jr., David Parker, William Phillips, David Priest, Arby Penney,
Moses Ricker, William Redington, Samuel Redington, Silas
Redington, John Stackpole, Benjamin Smith, William Smith,
George Soule, Daniel Soule, Sullivan Soule, Richard Sweetzer,
William Sweetzer, William Tozer, Stephen Tozer.
Roll of Capt. Child's company from Winslow.
James L. Child, capt. ; Washington Heald, lieut., ; Wm.
Getchell, ensign.
Sergeants : Wm. Harvey, James Heald, Joel Crosby, Abra-
ham Bean.
Corporals: Alvin Blackwell, Richard V. Hayden, Simeon
Heald, Elisha Ellis.
Privates : Charles Hayden, Jr., Hernend C. Barton, Samuel
Bates, Clark Drummond, James Fife, Wm. Fletcher, Asa
Getchell, Zipheroe Howard, Joseph Heald, Daniel Libby, Wm.
Pollard, Geo. Pillsbury, Thos. J. Pressey, Daniel Richards,
Rufus Rhodes, Ebenezer Richardson, Sam'l Richardson, Adna
Reynolds, Wm. Spring, Joseph Swift, Phinehas Small, Jeremiah
214 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
B. Thompson, Butler Wood, Ephriam Wilson, Jr., Samuel Wil-
son, Luke Wilson. Wm. Wyman, Benj. Windship, Geo. Abbot,
Wentworth Ross, Stephen Getchell, Levi Pollard, Wm. Ham,
Frederic R. Paine. John Gould, Nathaniel Dingley, Stephen
Abbot.
Amos P. Southard was born and enlisted in Litchfield or Edge-
comb. Soon after the war he moved to Winslow, where he lived
nearly fifty years, and died in 1870.
An act "Declaring war between Great Britain and her depend-
encies, and the LTnited States and their Territories" was passed
by Congress and signed by the President, June 18, 1812. Treaty
of peace was concluded. December 24, 1814, ratification
exchanged, February 17, 181 5, and proclaimed, February 18,
1815.
From reports of the third auditor of the Treasury Department
dated December 12, 1836, (published in Ex. Doc. No. 20, House
of Representatives, 24th Congress, 2nd Session.,) and February
22, 1858, (published in Ex. Doc. No. ^2, House of Representa-
tives, 35th Congress, ist Session), it appears that the total num-
ber of regulars, militia, volunteers and rangers who served the
United States at any time during the war of 181 2 was 528,274.
It is evident that this number represents only the number of
enlistments and not the actual number of individuals in service.
It is known that many of the men who served during the War of
1812 rendered more than one term, or ''tour," of service. But
the number of men who served more than one term cannbt be
ascertained, and it is impossible, therefore, to determine the
actual number of individuals in service during that war.
Waterville's most eminent soldier in the War of 181 2 was
Gen. Eleazer Wheelock Ripley.
Born in Hanover. N. H., April 15, 1782, he was a nephew
of President John Wheelock and son of Prof. Sylvanus Ripley,
D. D., of Dartmouth, and was graduated at Dartmouth in 1800,
He studied law in the office of Hon. Timothy Boutelle, and of
his tax assessed in 1809, $2 was tax on his income as a lawyer.
He was town agent in 1809 and 1810, was one of the first board
of fire wardens elected in 1809, was chosen by the town as one
of the petitioners to the general court to annex Waterville to
Somerset county.
HISTORY OF WATERVILL^. 21 5
May 7, 1810, he was elected by the town its representative to
the general court of ^.lassachusetts and was re-elected, May 13,
181 1. He was Speaker of the House and was elected Senator in
1812. He became lieutenant-colonel of the 21st Regiment Massa-
chusetts Infantry, March 12, 1812, and just one year later,
colonel. He was made brigadier-general, April 15, 1814, and
major-general, July 2^, 1814. He was wounded in the attack
on Toronto but soon after commanded the 2nd Brigade under
Gen. Brown on the Niagara frontier. At the battle of Lunday's
Lane, after the wounding of Gen. Brown, the command of ttie
army devolved on Gen. Ripley. He was severely wounded in the
battle of Niagara but was conspicuous for gallantry in defense
of Fort Erie, August 15, 1814. November 3, 1814, by resolution
of Congress, he was presented with a gold medal inscribed with
the names, "Niagara, Chippewa, Erie." He remained in the
U. S. Army until 1820, stationed in Louisiana. He then
resigned, practiced law in Louisiana, served in the State Senate,
and was a member of Congress from 1835 to 1839. He died in
Louisiana, March 2, 1839.
THE AROOSTOOK WAR.
From the close of the War of 181 2, the Northwestern bound-
ary of Maine was in dispute till 1839, when the Legislature (of
Maine) in private session took measures to drive trespassers
from their camps in the valley of the Aroostook river.
The first detachment in charge of a sheriff was captured and
taken to jail at Fredericton, N. B., whereupon the Governor of
New Brunswick sent word to Governor Fairfield that he had
orders to hold the disputed territory by military force and
demanded the recall of all militia from the Aroostook.
The people were aroused ; the Legislature indignant ! Money
was voted for the protection of the public lands, and a draft of
10,000 men from the militia was ordered and the men sent at
once, through the winter snows to the frontier, where they spent
three months near Presque Isle, on the Aroostook.
A company was drafted here and at Fairfield with Samuel
Burrill as captain, and on February 25, 1839 joined the 2nd
Regiment at Augusta, and marched through deep snow to the
frontier.
2l6 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
A peaceful settlement was enforced by this timely occupation
and the troops marched home.
A roster of the Waterville-Fairfield company with the names
of the Waterville men marked with a star, follows. But one
man of this company from Waterville survives, Adrastus Branch.
Roll of Capt. Samuel Burrill's Co. I of Infantry, in the detach-
ment of the drafted militia of Maine, 2nd Regiment, ist Brigade,
2nd Division, called into actual service by the State of Maine
for the protection of its Northwestern frontier, from the 25th
of February to the 19th of April, 1839.
Commissioned officers : Captain, Samuel Burrill, Fairfield ;
lieutenant, John J. Emery, Fairfield : ensign, Charles Cornforth,
Waterville.*
Sergeants: James Hasty, Jr.,* Elias C. Hallett,* William
Gardner,* William L. Maxwell.*
Corporals: John Bradbury, Ephriam W. Leach, Daniel W.
Tinkham,* Thurston H. Tozier.*
Musicians : Josiah Pearl, Silas Richardson.*
Privates: David P. Banks,* Goodwin Bradbury, W^alter
Burleigh,* Adrastus Branch,* Gersham Boston,* Charles
Church, Isaac B. Clifford.* Benjamin F. Corson,* Eben S. Cor-
son,* Charles E. Dillingham,* William Davis,* Briggs H.
Emery, 2nd, John Evans,* Joseph Fogg, William Green,*
Heman Gibbs, Jr.,* Abisha Higgins,* James Hey wood, INIoses
Healey, Jr.,* James Holmes,* Chancellor Johnson,* Williams
Lander,* Theodore McGrath,* George W. Priest,* Granville D.
Pullen,* Joseph G. Peavy,* William Peavy,* Joseph Peavy,*
John Rines, George Rose,* Joseph Ricker, Jr.,* Ivory Ricker,*
William Southwick, Henry A. Shorey,* Hartson Smith,* Peter
Sibley, Jr.,* Curtis Tobey, William P. Tozier,* William Wood-
man,* Charles S. Wyman, James E. Wyman, Sewell Wliitcomb,*
Thomas Whitcomb,* James Wyman.
Officers' servants : Joshua Ellis, Jr., capt's. ; Thomas J. ,
Emery,* lieut's. ; Oliver Cornforth,* ensign's. PO.
I of
er.
.rd
me
to
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 21/
MEXICAN WAR.
No record has been found on the rolls of the war department
of the enlistment of any volunteer soldiers from Waterville for
service during the ^lexican War, either for volunteer regiments
or for the regular army.
The principal recruiting in Maine was at Portland, Bangor,
Eastport and Lewiston.
Hiram Cothsan enlisted at Bangor, September 28, 1847, giv-
ing his birthplace as Waterville, jNIaine. He was assigned to
Company M, 2nd Artillery, U. S. A., and was discharged there-
from July 19, 1848, by expiration of service, as a musician.
Hostilities began x\pril 24, 1846, with a skirmish which
resulted in the capture of Captain Thornton and his party of
dragoons by the ]\Iexicans. The act of Congress approved May
13, 1846, declares that ''A state of war exists between that gov-
ernment (Mexico) and the United States.'' Treaty of peace
was concluded February 2, 1848, ratifications exchanged May
30, 1848, and proclaimed July 4, 1848.
From a report of the adjutant general, dated December 3,
1849, (published in Ex. Doc. No. 24, House of Representatives,
31st Congress, ist session), together with certain additions com-
piled from the official records on file in this office, it appears that
the number of regulars and volunteers received into service dur-
ing the war with iMexico was 101,110.
WAR WITH SPAIN.
From a ''Statistical Exhibit of Strength of Volunteer Forces
called into Service during the War with Spain," published by the
adjutant general's office, December 13, 1899, it appears that the
total number of volunteers in service during the war was 2^3,235.
This number includes 453 officers who were also officers in the
regular army.
Our representation in this war is as follows :
2l8
HISTORY 01^ WATERVILLE.
first Battalion
Heaz'y /.
h'tillcry.
Avery, Harley E.,
Co.
c,
Private.
Barnaby Alec,
C,
Private.
Barnes, Ernest A.,
c.
Private.
Barry, Richard J., Jr.,
c,
Private.
Bennett, Nelson,
A,
Private.
Butler. Joe,
A,
Private.
Buzzeli. Henry E.,
c,
Corporal.
Cabana, Charles L.,
A,
Private.
Chanpagne, ]\Iathias,
c,
Private.
Cone, Augustus,
c,
Private.
Conway, James J.,
A,
Private.
Button, James W.,
c,
2d Lieutenant
Ferguson, William,
c,
Sergeant.
Foster, Ralph H.,
D,
Musician.
Francouer, Joseph,
c,
Private.
Furlong, Richard E.,
c,
Private.
Greenwood, Arthur,
A,
Private.
Hall, Fred G..
D,
Private.
Keniston, Charles W.,
c,
Private.
Latlip, Frank C,
A,
Private.
Lessor, Edward,
A,
Private.
I/ibbey. Llewellyn AI.,
A,
Private.
jMcLellan, William J.,
c.
Sergeant. <
Alerrill, PMmund W.,
c,
Corporal.
Moore, Thomas F.,
A,
Private.
Perry, Frank F.,
A,
Private.
Pooler, David B.,
c.
Private.
Pooler, Fred E.,
A,
Private.
Pooler, Harry,
c,
Private.
Soucier, Oniseme,
c,
Private.
Sterling, William L,
c,
Corporal.
Thing, Daniel H.,
c.
Private.
Vigue, Joseph,
A,
Private.
Volier, Joseph D.,
c,
Private.
Willette, Edward,
c,
Private.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE:. 219
First Maine Infantry.
Co.
L,
Private.
M,
Private.
L,
Private.
B,
Private.
M,
Corporal
L,
Private.
H,
Private.
M,
Private.
Band,
Private.
M,
Private.
D,
Private.
E,
Private.
Berg, Lars,
Burgess, Fred E.,
Dor, George F.,
Ellis, Walter L.,
Gilman, Forest J.,
Hewes, Irving R.,
King, Joseph F.,
Lidstrom, Axel,
Pomelow, Trefflin,
Pooler, William J.,
Surman, William J.,
Winslow, Henrv L.,
PHILIPPINE WAR.
From a "Table Showing the Organization, Service and
Strength of the United States Volunteers Authorized by the
Act of March 2, 1899," published by the adjutant general's office
October i, 1901, it appears that the total number of volunteers
in service during the Philippine Insurrection was 39,178. This
number includes 252 officers who were also officers in the regular
army.
List of Soldiers of Philippine War from Waterville.
Burgess, private, Co. C, 43rd U. S. Inf. ; Butler, Melville, pri-
vate, Co. B, 43rd U. S. Inf. ; Barker, Edwin, private, Co. B, 43rd
U. S. Inf.; Besse, Edward H., O. M. sergeant, 5th U. S.
Inf. ; Chamberlain, William, private Co. B, 43rd U. S. Inf. ;
Doe, George Fred, sergeant, Co. I, 43rd U. S. Inf ; Dutton, J.
W., 1st lieutenant, Co. B, 43rd U. S. Inf.; Furlong, Richard E.,
Jr., private Co. I, 46th U. S. Inf. ; Hawes, Percy W., private, Co.
B, 43rd U. S. Inf. ; Larkin, Phillip, private, Co. B, 43rd U. S.
Inf.; Latlip, Fred, private, Co. B, 43rd U. S. Inf.; McLellan,
William J., sergeant, Co. B, 43rd U. S. Inf. ; McFarland,
Howard, sergeant, Co. B, 43rd U. S. Inf. ; Micue, John, private,
Co. B, 43rd U. S. Inf, ; Micue, Joseph, private, Co. B, 43rd U. S.
Inf; Micue, Gus, private, Co. B, 43rd U. S. Inf. ; Morgan, G. A.,
220 HISTORY OF WAT^RVILLE.
U. S. Art. ; Pomelean, Trefflie, private, Co. B, 43rd U. S. Inf.,
(killed in action) ; Preble, Hallis, musician (band) 43rd U. S.
Inf.; Pooler, Barney, private, Co. B., 43rd U. S. Infantry;
Quint, Willis, private, Co. B, 43rd U. S. Inf. ; Tallouse, Willie,
private, Co. H, 43rd U. S. Inf. ; Towle, Winfred, private, Co. B,
43rd U. S. Inf. ; Wilson, George A., Jr., musician (band) 43rd
U. S. Inf.
REGULAR ARMY AND NAVY.
Among the sons of Waterville who have served in the regular
army and the navy are :
Lieut. Boutelle Noyes. U. S. N. the son of Edwin and Helen
(Boutelle) Noyes, was born in Waterville, January 3, 1848. He
entered the United Statess Naval Academy, September 26, 1864,
and was graduated with honor in 1868. His first service afloat
was on the Guerrierreer, flag-ship of the South Atlantic Squadron,
1868-69. He was promoted to be ensign in 1869. He was in
the European fleet from 1869- 1872, was promoted to be master
in 1870 and commissioned lieutenant in 1873, which rank he held
at his death. From 1873- 1877 he was with the South Pacific
fleet; was on the training ship Minnesota from 1877 ^^ 1880.
In 1 88 1 he was ordered to the Asiatic squadron on board the
Richmond where he met his death by accident, August 29, 1883.
His last command was for his men to save themselves while he,
looking out for their safety, died at his post of duty. He had
previously received honorable mention for saving the lives of
seamen at peril to his own. It was in the days of the Civil War
when naval service was of utmost value that Boutelle Noyes gave
himself to his country. In the days of peace, promotion was
slow, but his high ideals, great ability, and faithful performance
of duty seemed to assure the highest rank in his profession,
Lieut. Noyes was married, June 25, 1879, ^^ Miss Charlotte
Bleecker Luce. Two sons were born to them. Robert Boutelle
Noyes and Stephen Henley Noyes. The family home is at New-
, port, R. I.
John Herbert Philbrick, was born in Waterville, Maine, June
15th, 1853; fitted for college at the Waterville Classical Insti-
tute (now Coburn Classical Institute) ; entered Colby Univer-
sity, (now Colby College), in 1869; graduated in 1873, A. B. ;
HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE. 221
entered West Point Military Academy, July i, 1873, and served
there as a cadet until June 15, 1877, when he was graduated and
appointed 2nd lieutenant in the nth U. S. Infantry; he was at
first stationed at Fort Bennett, and afterwards at Fort Sully, on
the western frontier; in 1879 he was ordered to West Point as
acting assistant professor of modern languages at the Alilitary
Academy; at the expiration of this assignment he rejoined his
regiment at Fort Sully; he was promoted ist lieutenant, April
24, 1886 and served as regimental adjutant from December i,
1889, until the date of his death, July 24, 1890.
Francis Bdzvard Nye, son of Hon. Joshua Nye, was born in
Waterville, Maine, August 27, 1847; entered W^est Point Mili-
tary Academy in 1865, and was graduated in 1869, being
assigned to the 2nd U. S. Cavalry, in which he served four years ;
at the expiration of this service he resigned and was in business
in Augusta, Maine for twelve years, was then appointed captain
in the Commissary Department, by President Arthur in 1885 ;
was stationed at Fort Monroe for four years ; at Washington,
D. C. for five years; June i, 1896 he was commissioned major,
and was stationed at Omaha, Nebraska, for four years, at Chat-
tanooga, Tenn., and Huntsville, Ala., for one year ; he was in
San Juan, P. R., for two years and since that time has been at
Vancouver Barracks, Washington. By regular promotion he
has attained the rank of colonel.
Major-General Charles Heywood, Commander of the Marine
Corps of the U. S. Army, was a Waterville boy, the son of Lieut.
Charles Heywood of the United States Navy, who died at sea.
Before he was twenty years old he received a commission in the
Marine Corps, April 5, 1858. Before the Civil War he had seen
service off the coast of Africa, and off Nicaragua. He was on
the Cumberland at Vera Cruz, Mexico, at the outbreak of the
war. He commanded the after-gun deck division in the fight
between the Merrimac and the Cumberland, and when the latter
went down with the flag flying, Capt. Heywood fired the last gun
and jumped overboard. "For gallant and meritorious service on
this occasion he was brevetted major and received honorable
mention from his commander. Afterward he was in command
of the guard on the Hartford, Farragut's flagship and, January,
1864, was made fleet marine oflicer. He was on the Hartford in
222 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
the battle of ^lobile Bay, commanding a division of nine-inch
guns. For his part in this action he was commended and
brevetted lieutenant-colonel. He shared several other engage-
ments and at the close of the war was recommended for advance-
ment five numbers by a special board. During the railroad riot
of 1877 ^^ commanded a battalion of marines and was highly
commended for the efficiency of his soldiers as well as for his
care of them. He received the thanks of the Navy Department.
He rendered important service on the Isthmus of Panama in
1885, commanding a force of 1,100 men and keeping the Panama
Railroad open in the midst of revolution. He was made lieu-
tenant-colonel in 1888 and three years later became commandant
at Washington Barracks. The good work of the marines during
the Spanish War and the present superb condition of the force
is largely the result of the work of Gen. Heywood, who has
inspired the force with his own spirit, perfected its discipline and
provided its thorough equipment. At present the Marine Corps
enrolls 6,000 men. Gen. Heywood became brigadier-general in
March, 1899 and major-general in July, 1902. On the latter
occasion a very unusual compliment was paid Gen. Heywood.
The Secretary of the Navy, instead of sending the commission
by an aid, the usual custom, called in person and presented the
commission with words of high appreciation.
Charles Leonard Phillips, was a member of the class of 1881
at Colby University (now Colby College), and for three years
took high rank in his class ; at the end of his third year he par-
ticipated in a competitive examination for entrance to the, West
Point ^lilitary Academy and was the successful candidate ; he
entered the Academy and graduated with his class ; was
appointed 2nd lieutenant and has since been promoted ist lieu-
tenant and captain. Colby College conferred upon him the
degree of A. M. (out of course).
Otho IV. B. Farr was born February 6, 1871. He entered
Colby in 1888 and West Point Military Academy in June, 1889.
He was graduated in 1893 and was assigned to the 2nd Artillery,
stationed at Fort Preble, Me. Afterward at Fort Warren, Mass.,
Fort Riley, Kan., and Fort Sheridan, 111. He served with light
battery A, 2nd Artillery, during the Spanish-American War,
taking part in the battle before Santiago de Cuba, July, 1898.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 223
Promoted to be ist lieutenant, March, 1889, and to captain, July
I, 1901. Served in Cuba from January, 1899 to January, 1902.
Capt, Farr is now stationed at Fort Warren, Mass., and is in
command of the 77th Co. Coast Artillery.
Alexander Fred. Hamuwnd Yates, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. R.
Yates of this city, was born January it, 1879. He entered the
U. S. Naval Academy at Annapohs in September, 1895, and was
graduated, January 28, 1899. He served as ensign on the U. S.
Ship Detroit during the Spanish-American War, from June ist
to August 23, 1898. In January, 1899, he was ordered to the
Asiatic Station, where he has served on the Oregon and Pam-
panga and has been in command of the Leyte and Arayat until,
his three years' cruise being completed, he was ordered to the
United States in the summer of 1902 on a furlough.
General Isaac Sparrozv Bangs'^ was born in Canaan, Me., March
17, 1 83 1, the son of Isaac Sparrow Bangs and of a family which
already for three generations had been prominent in the military
and civil history of the Kennebec valley. He was prepared at
Rochester, N. Y., for the first class that was graduated at
Rochester University but on account of trouble with his eyes did
not enter.
He began his business life in 1856, was for sometime cashier
of the Waterville Bank and afterward becoming interested in
granite quarries has done a large business as a contractor. He
has also owned interests in millmg and other industries.
Mr. Bangs had prominent share in the Civil War history of
Waterville. He became captain of Co. A, 20th Regiment, Maine
Infantry Volunteers ; was soon promoted to be lieutenant colonel
8 1 St U. S. C. Infantry and afterward to be colonel of the loth
U. S. C. Heavy Artillery. As reward of meritorious service hd
was made brigadier general by brevet at the close of the war.
Since the war General Bangs has shown himself loyal to the old
soldiers and has done much to advance their interests. He is a
charter member and past commander of W. S. Heath Post No.
14, Department of Maine, G. A. R., has been department com-
mander and junior vice commander-in-chief of the Grand Army
1. The sketch of Gen. Isaac Sparrow Bangs was prepared by the editors of this
volume. It seems to them fitting that it should be inserted here. Editors.
224 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
of the Republic. He organized the Sons of Veterans of the six
New England states as the first Grand Division S. of V. of the
U. S. A.
General Bangs is the author of the chapter m this volume upon
the military history of Waterville. To the securing of the list
of soldiers which accompanies it he has given a great deal of
time and labor and expense. He deserves great credit for this
labor of love and patriotism.
General Bangs is also member and past commander of the
Commandery of Maine of the Military Order of the Loyal
Legion. He is a member of the ]\Iaine Society of the Sons of
the American Revolution and a member of the "Ancient and
Honorable Artillery Company of Boston."
In Masonic circles he is a member of the lodge, chapter,
council and commandery ; Past Commander and Grand Com-
mander of the Grand Commandery of Maine, Knights Templar ;
Maine Consistory Ancient and Accepted Rite and Mystic Shrine.
October 20, 1857, General Bangs was married to Miss Hadas-
sah Jane Milliken, daughter of Hon. Dennis Milliken of Water-
ville. They have one son, Dennis Milliken Bangs, who was
graduated at Bowdoin and is at present engaged with his father
in the insurance and real estate business under the firm name of
The L S. Bangs Company with offices in Milliken block.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE CHURCHES OF WATERVILLE.
By Gkokge Dana Boardman Pepper, D. D., EL. D., Lately
President of Colby College.
The chief wealth of a community and the permanent basis of
all its other wealth is character, but morals and religion, if not
identical, are at least inseparable. Moral law has its origin and
seat in the nature of God and he who consciously honors God
will take care to conform to his laws. In a centennial review,
therefore, a sketch of the history of Waterville's religious life
may well have place. It is not practicable, however, to trace
that life definitely, save as it has come to organized expression.
Hence our view must be confined mainly to the origin and devel-
opment of our churches and religious societies. Of the churches-
here organized none have died out. Nine have been born and
nine still live. Named in the order of age they are the follow-
ing: Baptist, Universalist, Congregationalist, Roman Catholic,
Unitarian, Methodist, Episcopalian, Second Adventist, and Free
Baptist. Along with these are . other religious organizations,
some of them included in some or all of the churches or closely
connected with them, and more or less under their care and over-
sight. Such are the Christian Endeavor Society, Epworth
League, the Young Men's Christian Association, Woman's Asso-
ciation and the like. There are other religious movements of
more or less significance which are independent of the churches
named, such for example as that of "Christian Science," which
may claim a passing recognition.
From the beginning ]Massachusetts had, as a state, assumed
the control of the religious as well as of the civil life of its citi--
226 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
zens and required the several towns to provide religious instruc-
tion by legal enactment and to support it by taxation. Before
the incorporation of Waterville, Winslow had discharged this
duty. — at times, however, so poorly as twice at least to subject
itself to legal prosecution ; had built meeting-houses on both sides
of the Kennebec ; had secured an able minister of the "standing
order" Rev. Joshua Cushman, D. D., (see historical chapter) to
divide his services equitably between the different sections of the
town and had even voted the terms on which persons might come
to the Lord's table. These terms required acceptance of the
Bible as a creed and engagement to live purely and peacefully.
When Waterville was made a separate town much care was taken
in the act of incorporation to define exactly the relative duties
or rights of each town as to the existing houses of worship.
Waterville at once looked after the religious instruction of its
people. It voted in one instance Si no on condition a certain
minister by the name of Allen of Duxbury, Mass., could be
secured otherwise only fifty dollars. The usual annual appro-
priation seems to have been fifty dollars. The town put a pulpit
and in front of the pulpit, ''a deacon's seat," in its ''east meeting-
house" which through subsequent changes became our old town
hall, and granted the use of the house for religious meetings to
different denominations under certain conditions. It was thus
that the old meeting-house, our venerable town hall, became for-
most of the churches now in the city a temporary home in the
period of their infancy. The town was in the beginning, and
from the beginning, catholic and considerate in its treatment of
all. Indeed throughout Maine there was, at the beginning of the
century, a more liberal spirit toward those not of the state church
or "standing order" than elsewhere in iNIassachusetts, This is
probably due to the fact that in Maine the various sects had been
represented more fully among the original settlers.
THE BAPTISTS.
The First Baptist church of Waterville was organized August
2"/, i8iS. Prior to this there were Baptist churches in the neigh-
boring towns of Vassalboro, Sidney, Clinton, China, Bloomfield
(Skowhegan), and Belgrade. The first of these was organized
UNITARIAN CHURCH.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 22/
in 1788, the last in 1806. Waterville was doubtless visited occa-
sionally by Baptist preachers. A preacher's diary, under date
of 1803, reports a visit to "Watervail" for a preaching service
and speaks of the "Methirdous" as meeting in a dwelling house,
of "a meeting kept up by a number of Baptists," and of an
apparent "revival of religion in the place of late." The Water-
ville Baptist church is, in a sense, a child of the college. The
Massachusetts legislature in 181 3 chartered The Maine Literary
and Theological Institution, which in 1820 on a charter given by
the Maine legislature, became Waterville College. The Theo-
logical Institution began operations in t8i8. Its first faculty
was a learned and powerful one, although it consisted of only
one man. Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin. He with his family and sev-
eral (probably seven) theological students arrived at Waterville
on the 25th of June of that year and was welcomed with great
gratification by the leading men of the town, and indeed by the
citizens generally, for they had earnestly desired and had con-
tributed to, the origination of the institution. His residence,
still known as the Wood's house, stood where now stands the
Elmwood Hotel, and here, as Mrs. Chaplin states in her interest-
ing diary, a number of gentlemen called before the first Sabbath,
requesting President Chaplin to preach in the meeting-house.
He gladly complied and his first sermon was on "God's love to
sinners." The attendance was large, the attention close. At
subsequent meetings the attention was not less and the attend-
ance was greater. Arrangements were made to make perma-
nent these public services. Hon. James Brooks, "the accom-
plished editor of the New York Express" characterized Dr.
Chaplin's discourse as "clear," "cogent" and "as irresistibly
convincing as problems in Euclid," and Dr. Wm. Lamson, years
after hearing them, remembered them as in style "chaste, simple,
suited to the subject and remarkable for their purity," also
as "enlivened with striking illustrations." Under the controlling
influence of this strong and Godly man twenty persons met at
liis house on the 27th of August, 1818, and organized The First
Baptist church of Waterville. Their names were Jeremiah
Chaplin, his wife Marcia Scott Chaplin, Hadley Proctor, John
Wakefield, Henry O. W\er, Samuel C. Dilleway, John Turner,
Jr., William Lewis, William Lewis, Jr., David Webb, Manoah
228 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Crowell, Thomas Parker, Abigail Lewis, Mary Showry, Mary
Coombs, Mary Coombs, Jr., Eliza Plummer, Hannah Yeaton,
Lydia Perkins, Alartha ^liller. Of these the first seven were
connected with the Literary and Theological Institute and the
other thirteen had been members of the Sidney, ^le.. Baptist
church. The new church adopted "Articles of Faith," "Articles
of Discipline," and a "Covenant." The articles of faith and
covenant were substantially like those still accepted, but the arti-
cles of discipline numbering twenty-five have disappeared as a
separate declaration. Their provision for ruling elders was in
a few years found superfluous and the elaborate provision for
the correction by punishment of offenses was doubtless found to
breed rather than correct transgressions. The early church
records containly show a vast expenditure of thought, time, and
labor in the line of "discipline." In the service of recognition at
the town meeting-house Rev. Asa Wilbur of Sidney gave the
hand of fellowship and Rev. Otis Briggs of North Yarmouth
preached the sermon. So was this ecclesiastical child born, hav-
ing by its union of the two elements of school and community,
a character which it has ever retained and which has determined
in large measure the signal nature and extent of its influence in
the world. To the original twenty members (ten of each sex)
there were added during the first year eighteen (nine of each
sex). In the first decade the additions were eighty, making a
total of one hundred. The need of a house of worship of their
own was soon felt, for the continual change of place for the
preaching and the social services alike, was unfavorable to
growth. Accordingly in 1824 a legally constituted society was
formed whose first work was the erection of a new meeting-
house. A building committee, consisting of Ephraim Tripp,
Daniel Cook, and Avery Briggs, was chosen with power to go
forward and build. The contract to build for $3,375 went to
James Packard of Readfield. For laying the foundation there
was an added expenditure of $100 and a pew worth $125.
According to a custom then general, the money was raised mainly
by the sale of pews. These were sold partly by private sale and
partly by auction and the process was continued for some years.
The house was dedicated December 6, 1826 "to the service and
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 229
worship of Almighty God by appropriate services consisting of
singing, prayer, and a sermon by Dr. Chapin." Stoves for heat-
ing the house were voted in 1832. It had the old-time lofty
pulpit and high backed pews and a gallery on three sides which
with some modifications still remains. As to location, size, plan,
adaptation to serve for public worship and for school and college
anniversaries, it has proved to be permanently admirable and
bears emphatic witness to the sagacity of the leaders in the Bap-
tist society of that day. Prior to 1875 it had been more than
once somewhat modified within, but it then underwent more radi-
cal changes. The small chapel on its north side built in 1836
by Mr. Samuel Redington at his own expense for social worship
was removed and the present vestry connecting with the west
end of the meeting-house and forming with it one structure was
erected. Until near the present time this addition has furnished,
with the main building, sufficient space, but so great has been the
enlargement of the Sunday school, that it has been decided to
make a still further enlargement and the matter has been placed
in the hands of a competent committee to form and report for
action a suitable plan.
Until 1829, that is, for twenty-one years the church was with-
out a pastor and was served by officers of the Literary and Theo-
logical Institute and College, for the most part gratuitously.
The ministerial services of Dr. Chaplin and after him of Dr.
Chapin were, however, as faithful and unremitting as though they
had had each no other office than that of pastor. On the 7th of
October, 1829, the church called and ordained as their first pastor
Mr. Hervey Fittz, a young man just graduated from Newton
Theological Institute. He had moral and spiritual earnestness,
good sense, tireless industry and an impressive utterance. His
salary was $500, of which $400 was paid by the society and the
remainder by the Massachusetts Baptist Convention, the first and
last aid ever received by the church from such a source. He
remained only one year but during that time there was a precious
revival at the Ten Lots. From that neighborhood ten were bap-
tized of whom seven were of the Bates families which have
since added so largely to religious work and worship at home
and abroad, especially to the service of song. Rev. H. Fittz
after several brief pastorates elsewhere served the Massachusetts
230 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Baptist Convention as its general agent or secretary for thirty-
five years, until his death in 187S. In his care and labor for the
weak churches of Massachusetts, by visitation, counsel, and
preaching, he did very important service.
Rev. Henry H. Greene, salary $600, served two years, during
which time over forty were received by baptism. We are thus
brought to the close of 1833 and of the first fifteen years of the
church. The record shows that the total of known living mem-
bers of the church at that time was one hundred and twenty-
seven. The clerk for the year 1834 states that ''owing to defi-
ciencies in the former clerks, the records do not contain the names
of all the members but this is the most accurate that could be
obtained."
January i, 1834, was an eventful day for the Baptist church
and society and indeed for the town of Waterville, the beginning
of a new era, for on that day began the ministry of the young,
boyish looking student, fresh from his studies in Andover Theo-
logical Seminary, Samuel Francis Smith. He was ordained the
month following, February 12, 1834, Dr. Babcock preaching the
sermon. His name, history and writings are known in many
lands. At the seventy-fifth anniversary of the church he fur-
nished a paper of "personal recollections'' of his pastorate from
which the following extracts are made.
"I found the congregation peculiar, being made up of three
elements, the college, the village people, and the families from
the farms in different directions for a distance of five njiles.
* * "^ My first sermon after my ordination was from the text
Jer. I : 6, 'Then said I, Ah Lord, God, behold I cannot speak for
I am a child.' * * * Those were the days of 'protracted
meetings,' so-called, continuing usually four days, hence called
'four-days meetings.' They began on Tuesday ; for four days
there was preaching forenoon, afternoon and evening, prayer
meetings and inquiry meetings intervened. Saturday brought a
single service for prayer and the following Sabbath was the great
day of the feast. Evangelists and hired helpers were unknown.
The neighboring pastors offered their services without pay in aid
of brother ministers. * * * The first meeting of this kind
was held by this church in April, 1834. Rev. Dr. Tappan of
Augusta preached several times most acceptably. Father Sewall,
HISTORY O^ WATERVILLK. 23 1
home missionary in Maine, gave useful help (both Congrega-
tionalists.) ^ --i^ ^-^ i remember one season of about sixteen
weeks during which it did not occur to us that we were living
in the midst of a revival, but souls, averaging one every week,
entered into the kingdom of God." He proceeds to speak of a
revival in 1858 which had its origin in the families at the Ten
Lots and thence extended to other parts of the town. Personal
religion was the general and absorbing topic of thought and con-
versation and protracted meetings were held in different parts
of the town. The college shared fully in the work and its results.
The singing of familiar hymns had a large place in the social
services especially at the Ten Lots. Dr. Smith says ''There was
no visible excitement, there were no sensational discourses. The
spirit spoke with his still small voice and human hearts w^ere
tender to hear and obey. Attempts were made only to enlist
conscience on the side of God and the truth." He speaks of a
Sabbath in the early summer when thirty-five received the hand
of fellowship. His ministry continued eight years, 1833-1841,
during which 170 were received into the church, sixty men and
no women, nearly all by baptism. Among them were; men and
women of high standing and large influence, names still familiar.
In 1838, sixty-four joined the church, twenty-nine men and
thirty- five women. No wonder that the people of Waterville
and especially the Baptist church were exceedingly precious in
Dr. Smith's memory until the day of his death and no wonder
that the church and community have ever given him a large place
in their affections. In his *" Personal Recollections" he names
and felicitously characterizes one by one over fifty of his former
Waterville members and friends, although more than a half cen-
tury had passed since his removal from Waterville. Rev. David
N. Sheldon at once succeeded to the pastorate but after a year
and a half resigned (September, 1843) ^o become president of
the college. In this brief pastorate sixty-four persons became
members mostly by baptism and mostly in the last six months
of the pastorate during which there was a powerful revival.
In this the families of the Ten Lots shared largely as did
the College. Professors Martin P). Anderson and Justin
R. Loomis were very active and efficient aids to the pas-
tor. After a year, in September, 1844, Mr. John C. Stock-
232 HISTORY OF W'ATERVILLE.
bridge, just graduated from the Newton Theological Sem-
inary came to supply the pulpit and on the nth of Novem-
ber, 1844, was ordained as pastor ; Professor Loomis being at the
same time ordained as Evangelist. On the 13th of August, pre-
ceding, forty-four members had been dismissed to organize a
church in the west part of the town, now Oakland. Mr. Stock-
bridge was a man of fine presence, scholarly, genial, courteous,
and after leaving Waterville held important pastorates and other
positions of influence and from Harvard University received in
1859 the degree of Doctor of Divinity. His pastorate closed
August 15, 1847. His successor, William Crowell, (made D. D.
1857 by Rochester University) began his ministry in November,
1848, was ordained January 31, 1849, ^"^ terminated his pasto-
rate November 30, 1850. He was earnest, scholarly and able,
• but less fitted to be a pastor than an editor which he had been
before coming to Waterville and again became after leaving.
During his pastorate only eight were added to the church, but of
discipline and dissatisfaction there was an excess.
Rev. N. ■Milton Wood was pastor during the eight years 1852-
1859. In these years there were two powerful revivals, the first
in 1852, the second in 1858, each resulting in large accessions
to the church. The whole number received during Mr. Wood's
pastorate was 135, seventy-four of them by baptism. Mr.
Wood's preaching was clear, strong, direct, scriptural. Pro-
foundly in earnest he urged with tremendous emphasis at once,
the terrors and the mercies of the Lord, while his known down-
right integrity mightily re-enforced his words. Around him
as leader, the strong forces of the church rallied and wrought
with a will. His unique personality and his remarkable sermons
are still remembered clearly by citizens of Waterville. ]\Ir. Geo.
D. B. Pepper, a student just graduated from Newton Theological
Institute was ordained as pastor of the church, September 6,
i860, and remained five years. The Nation's tremendous strug-
gle for life, engrossed much of the thought of both people and
pastor, as it did the thought of the whole community and nation.
It was felt to be the will of the Master that the great principles
of righteousness involved in the Civil War and the immeasurable
interests pending, should be emphasized by the pulpit, while the
fearful sacrifices made by members of the church and society
HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE. 233
demanded continual words of encouragement, cheer and consola-
tion. Perhaps this, in part, is the reason why there was no
larger increase in the membership of the church in those years.
The total additions were fifty-three. The pastor has never
ceased to think with grateful wonder of the kindly forbearance
and sympathetic helpfulness of his people, both men and women,
to Deacon W. A. F. Stevens, superintendent of the Sunday school,
and President Champlin, his debt was beyond measure.
In February, 1867, after about a year and a half of pulpit sup-
ply by Dr. Adam Wilson and others, Rev. B. F. Shaw, D. D.,
became pastor, continuing his pastorate two and a half years.
He is said, and probably truly, to have been the most popular
pastor the church has ever had. Excelling as a strong and
winning preacher, he still more excelled in the social meetings,
by his direct address to the conscience and his sweetly persua-
sive appeal to the heart. Truly so large was the attendance at
these meetings that it became necessary to enlarge the vestry,
and in his short pastorate, sixty-three members were added to
the church, forty-three of them by baptism. The salary also,
which until 1S52 had been $600 and from that time to Dr. Shaw's,
about $800, was now raised to $1,200, and the old time cry of
deficit was no longer heard. Four months after Dr. Shaw's
withdrawal, Mr. Henry S. Burrage was ordained as pastor,
December 30, 1869, and remained until October i, 1873. His
preaching was thoughful and instructive ; his interest in all that
pertained to the life, at once of the church and the community,
intelligent and active ; and his influence wholesome and per-
manent. At Dea. Stevens' suggestion he prepared and preached,
July 9, 1871, a sermon on the history of the church's Sunday-
school from its organization in 1827. President Henry E.
Robins' was received into the church just before Pastor Burrage
left, and through Dr. Robins' influence Rev. Samuel P. Merrill
became the next pastor in November, 1873. The church then
numbered 207 members. At the close of Mr. Merrill's pastorate,
January 15, 1879, ^^''^ membership was about 360, of whom 144
had been received by baptism. These five and a half years were
years of intense activity and great achievement. The pastor was
a mati of boundless enterprise, energy, power of w^ork, and prac-
tical wisdom. President Robins, Dr. Hanson, and others were
234 HISTORY or WATERVILLE.
at the front with him and their contagious enthusiasm took pos-
session of the whole body. He, with the co-operation of these
workers, at once held a series of special meetings ; set a going
a flourishing young people's meeting; brought in, at one time
in his pastorate. Evangelist Earle, and at another joined his
Methodist brethren in revival meetings under lead of the Lynn
Praying Band ; got the students at work in live of the adjacent
school districts, holding services in the school-houses ; moved in
the formation of a Baptist church in Fairfield ; saw accomplished
the transformation of the old meeting-house, and the erection
of the present large and commodious connected vestry ; and
effected the full inauguration of that mission work among the
French people of the place, which has since been successfully
prosecuted and now flourishes under the wise and able ministry
of Rev. P. N. Cayer.
On the 17th of April, 1879, Rev. Wm, H. Spencer (see biog.
ch.) began his happy and successful pastorate of twenty years.
He brought to the duties of his office and to his life as a citizen
such qualities of mind and heart, such integrity, fidelity, industry,
nobility, as to command universal respect and to achieve con-
tinuous success. He sought and gained for every department
of Christian work a constant symmetrical, wholesome develop-
ment. To this, his able pulpit ministrations, his watchful pas-
toral care, and his practical business sagacity alike contributed.
The church was made to see and feel its obligations, not to the
people of Waterville only, but to the whole world, and by all
possible means to meet those obligations. Special prominence
w^as given to foreign missions, though not to the neglect of any
other department of Christian work. His appreciation of the
best music secured an enrichment of the service of song, notably
in the purchase by the church of a new organ at a cost of $2,200.
This ideal pastorate closed February 12, 1899. Thq number of
additions during it was 590, of which 376 were by baptism. The
number of members at its close was 457. There were several
seasons of unusual revival interest, but for the most part the
growth in number was continuous in connection with the regular
services of the church. A considerable fraction of the increase
was from the French population. The French mission on the
plains, under the immediate pastoral care of its successive min-
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 235
isters, has been from the beginning a source of gain to the church
and indeed is itself a branch of the church.
On the 6th of October, 1899, Rev. E. C. Whittemore was called
to the pastorate and has since discharged its duties with signal
ability and success and with rich promise for the future. The
purchase of the Gallert property on Pleasant street for a parson-
age, was largely through his influence. A Sunday-school which
in all its departments, not including the French or any other mis-
sion school, numbers about six hundred, and is under the efficient
leadership of Superintendents Dea. Horace Purinton and Mrs.
A. T. Dunn, powerfully re-enforces the pastor's efficiency. The
Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor is large and vigor-
ous, especially when the college and institute students are in town.
The woman's mission societies, both home and foreign, are
aggressive and helpful to every interest of the church. The
organization of women for the care of the church building and
other material interests of the church, raises much money for its
purposes and promotes its social and spiritual welfare. The
church, not including the French mission, raises annually, for
home expenses, about $3,500, and for outside causes, nearly
$1,000. These figures do not include the mone}' that is given
in other than the regular process of collection. Of the large
representation which the church, by virtue of its connection with
the college, has in various departments of Christian work at
home and abroad and of the members, men and women, who for
like reason have attained to great distinction, it has not seemed
best to speak. A grand roll-call it would be if their names
should all be spoken. Yet the church has not attained. The
word of both pastor and people is "Forward:'
THE UNIVERSALISTS.
It is noteworthy that the first Universalist minister of Water-
ville, Thomas Barnes, was also the first Universalist minister
ordained in the State, and has been called "the father of the
faith in the State of IMaine." He visited Belgrade, Water-
ville and Farmington in 1802. He had been a Baptist but
became a Universalist in Jaffrey, N. H., in 1783. In 1798
he visited Maine and the next year organized the Eastern
236 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Association of Universalists in Gray, where the next two
annual meetings were held, where he was ordained, January
6, 1802. The 1 2th annual meeting of the association was held
in West Waterville, called in a report of the meeting "back
\\'aterville," September 5, 1810, and with Father Barnes was
another minister, Rev. Isaac Root. Mr. Barnes wrote that "the
services were performed before a respectable and crowded assem-
bly, with vocal and instrumental music truly animating to every
soul." The 15th annual meeting of the association was also held
in "back Waterville" and the circular letter written by "Thomas
Barnes, clerk" and the minutes of the proceedings signed by
"Isaac Root, moderator and "Thomas Barnes, clerk" are still
extant. At a meeting of the association held in Winthrop in
1821, there were present eight Universalist ministers. Three
"came into the work of the ministry" at that time, "Br. Frost,
recently converted from the Baptist order," Sylvanus Cobb, and
\\'m. A. Drew. It is thus evident that in West Waterville there
was more of Universalism than in the east part of the town, and
that in this vicinity there had been made a considerable progress
by that faith. It is, therefore, not surprising that in this part of
the town there should have been so much of welcome to the cause
that it was decided to hold here the annual meeting in 1823.
At that meeting a sermon preached by the eminent Rev. Hosea
Ballou, won over to the Universalist faith, I\Ir. Jediah Morrill.
From that day until his death he devoted himself whole-heartedly
and effectively to the Universalist cause, and as a crowning testi-
monial of his love for the society, made to it in his extreme old
age, a gift of $3,000, to be a perpetual fund whose income should
go for the maintenance of preaching. In 1826, May 28, Rev.
Sylvanus Cobb organized a Universalist church in Waterville,
consisting of the following persons: Sylvanus Cobb, pastor;
Eunice H. Cobb, Nathan Sawtelle, Sarah J. Sawtelle, Elizabeth
Blackwell, Hampden Keith, Levi Barrett, Rebecca Barrett, Abel
Wheeler, Erastus O. Wheeler, Susanna A. Wheeler, Cyrenus
Wheeler, May M. Wheeler, May Eaton, Elizabeth McFarland,
Benjamin Carson. Of these, eleven belonged in Waterville, the
other six in the neighboring towns of Fairfield, Winslow and
Sidnev.
HEV. S. F. SMITH, D. D. REV. D. N. SHELDON, D. D.
REV. CALVIN GARDNER.
REV. GEORGE D. LINDSAY. REV. THOMAS ADAMS, D. D.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 237
After seven years' service, the last two as pastor of the new
church, Mr. Cobb removed to Maiden, Mass., to prosecute that
work which gave him so great distinction as a writer and leader.
On his removal Rev. \\\ A. Drew of Augusta preached here
occasionally. It was apparently not accidental, that as the Bap-
tists began their work in the town under the leadership of men
who were in ability and standing among the foremost of their
denomination, so also the Universalists had for their first leaders,
men of like eminence. The character of the people and the cir-
cumstances combined to make this a requisite to immediate suc-
cess.
Until 1 83 1 the preaching services had been held, by consent of
the town, in the town meeting-houses, under an arrangement
equitable to other denominations. The disadvantage of this
arrangement and the importance of having a church home of
their own had become so obvious and urgent to the Universalists
in this part of the town, that they now decided to build for them-
selves, a house of worship. To this end the First Universalist
Society was organized ''at a local meeting of the Members of
the First Universalist Society in Waterville holden at the East
meeting-house in W^aterville, pursuant to notice given on a war-
rant granted by Tim. Boutelle Esquire, on the 17th day of Nov-
ember, A. D. 183 1, at 4 o'clock P. M." Col. Chas. Hayden was
chosen moderator; Alpheus Lyon, clerk; Jediah Morrill, treas-
urer ; Wm. Dorr, collector. A committee of six, of which
Jediah Morrill was chairman, was "raised" with full power in
the name of the society to form plans for a meeting-house, secure
a suitable lot, contract for the erection of the house, and sell pews
to pay expenses, "the house to be completed one year from date."
That they acted with com.mendable efficiency is apparent, for the
next record, bearing date "1832, November Sth," shows votes
passed "that the meeting-house be dedicated on the ist day of
January, next" ; that a committee of which Jediah ^lorrill was
chairman "purchase a stove, carpets, etc.," and that "Brother
George Bates be invited to preach the sermon at the dedication."
A glad day for the societv was that first day of January, for now
they had their own "house and hom.e." It is an interesting fact
that there still remains with us in a vigorous, cheerful old age,
one of the forty men who signed the request to Timothy Boutelle
238 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
to issue a warrant to call the meeting for the first organization
of the society, — his name, the last on the list, as he is himself the
last in the land of the living, — our venerable friend Walter
Getchell, whose zeal for his church, to this day, has not failed
or even flagged.
The cost of the house was $4,200. The clock, costing $300,
was given by Jediah Morrill and a part of the lot (valued at
$100), on which the house was built and still stands, by Simeon
Mathews. An interesting letter of the building committee, being
dated, "W'aterville, ist July, 1832," written to Mr. Samuel
Appleton is still in existence in the possession of Mr. A. A. Plais-
ted, the committee consisting of Jediah Morrill, Simeon Mathews,
Elah Esty, Alpheus Lyon and Chas, Hayden, say: "Dear Sir:
We have raised by subscription, a sum to purchase a bell for our
new meeting-house. We wish you to purchase one and have
the same shipped immediately. As this is pro bono publico we
hope you will not think us trespassing on your goodness too far.
We want to purchase a bell from ten to twelve hundred weight.
Consult your own judgment in regard to tone and size within
these limits : not to exceed in price, $360, should like it on six
months ; we should like one not too sharp or flat, but about on
letter F for tone. You will, of course, buy on best possible
terms." In a postscript ^^Ir. Appleton is asked to inquire for
the cost of a clock "suitable for the place, in position," and adds
that "we understand that it is the practice to warrant bells ." On
the eleventh of the following March the town voted to authorize
the selectmen to hire a suitable person to ring the bell on the
Universalist meeting-house, three times a day for one year, at an
expense not above $30. The building committee had shown
excellent judgment in the choice of location and lot, and in the
plan for the house and its equipment, and much business energy
and ability in the executing of their plan. The goodly house
continued to render satisfactorily the designed service until the
beginning of 1894, when it was greatly damaged by fire. The
society at once set to work to repair it, meeting, meanwhile, in
the Unitarian house on invitation of that society. It was voted
by the pewholders to expend $1,500 to repair and remodel the
house, and the proposition of Mr. Geo. H. Ware to move the
house back near to the north line of the lot midway between Elm
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE:. 239
street and Silver street, and to turn it so' that it should front
to the south, and to make under it a suitable celler, all at his own
expense, was thankfully accepted. The first bell, which for some
time had been speaking with a cracked voice, was now given in
exchange as part payment for a new bell costing $300. Mr.
Charles Barney of St. Louis, Mo., gave $150 toward this, and the
old bell, estimated at the same amount, paid the remainder. The
organ had been sold and a new one bought in 1852, and thorough
repairs, at an expense of $600, made in 1854. Mrs. Susan Hoag
gave S500 for further repairs in 1879. The house has three
memorial windows, one behind the pulpit, given by the late Mrs.
F. Smith in honor of her parents. Rev. and ]\Irs. Gardner ; one
by Mr. W. B. Arnold and sisters in honor of their parents ; a
third by Miss Hannah Powell's Sunday-school class of young
men. From the beginning the society has been vigilant, prompt,
and efficient in its business, and has, at the present time, free
of debt, a commodious church home admirably fitted to its pur-
pose. It is as good as new and in some respects better than when
new — better certainly in cherished and sacred memories.
The pastors, since the organization of the society, have been
Rev. Calvin Gardner, twenty years, September, 1833 — January,
1853; Rev. W. B. Lovejoy, 1853 — '54; Rev. Henry C. Leonard,
seven years, 1854 — '61; Rev. A. P. Dillingham, 1862 — '64;
Rev. Frank Maguire, 1865 — '68; Rev. Joseph O. Skinner, 1869
— '73. Since Mr. Skinner's pastorate, the pastoral care of the
society has, for most of the time, been in charge of ministers
who have divided their labors between this and societies in the
neighboring towns. Rev. E. AL Grant of West Waterville, 1875
— '76; Rev. Amos Battles of Bangor. 18S0; Rev. G. G. Hamil-
ton of Oakland, 1882— "84; Rev. R. H. Aldrich of Fairfield,
1884— '88; Rev. S. G. Davis of Fairfield, 1889—^1 ; Rev. E. L.
Houghton, 1892 — '95; Rev. \\m. E. Gaskin, 1895 — '98; Rev.
J. F. Rhoades of Fairfield, 1898 to 1902.
Under the long and prosperous pastorate of Mr. Gardner the
congregations were large and the Sunday school flourishing.
Indeed this state of things continued until the organization of
the Unitarian society. That event was a severe blow to the Uni-
versalist interest, for it drew away not a few valued and influ-
ential members. To some, at least, of those that remained, this
240 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
withdrawal seemed almost like treason, and even to have in it a
tinge of matricide. But the location of the places of worship
respectively, prior religious views and preferences, and perhaps
social and other considerations were potent. Probably the old
home has been not a whit less dear to the brothers and sisters
that remained than it would have been if all had stayed by, and
perhaps the influences in the home have been for each heart more
strong and helpful — the greater the sacrifice the greater and
sweeter the blessing. The interest in the Sunday school and
Young People's Christian Union and other religious work is
effective and fruitful. A pastorate of twenty years among a
people of such intelligence, and financial, business and social
standing is itself a high testimony to the worth of ]\lr. Gardner.
The warm regard with which Mr. Leonard is still remembered
is due to his signally genial spirit and the purity and elevation
of both his life and his preaching. The others have had each
his own marked excellencies and wrought faithfully in his own
special way and power. The bare mention of some of the famliy
names constantly appearing in the records of the society is the
most impressive exhibition of its historic position in the town.
Among them the Morrill, Mathews, Smith, ^loor, Crommett,
Hayden, Redington, Philbrick, Getchell, Dorr, Paine, Moor,
Arnold, Percival, Esty, Dunn, Phillips, Vose, Tozier — , but one
must stop somewhere, though it seems almost an injustice not to
go on to the end. One wonders, especially one familiar with the
history of the town, where was to be found material for other
churches. But Waterville has been and is rich in men and
women. There have been enough to go around, and so all the
churches and societies come to the end of the century, not only
with inspiring memories but also with inspired hope.
Under the history of education in Waterville due recognition
will be given to the Waterville Liberal Institute. In this con-
nection is to be noted the fact that it was a child of the Univer-
salist society and an evidence of the intelligence and enterprise
of its members. The Baptist society had the college for its
mother; the Universalist societv, the Liberal Institute for its
child.
HISTORY O? WATDRVILLi;. 24I
THE CONGREGATIONALISTS.
The Congregational churches of New England are a continua-
tion of the Puritan churches, but with important changes. The
connection which they held with the state has been severed, and
other changes in doctrine and practice have come with the lapse
of time, but the Congregationalists and the Puritans of New
England are still reckoned as one. In this view it would seem
that the religious life provided by the town of Winslow before
Waterville's separate incorporation, and by Waterville immedi-
ately afterward should gradually and without a break, have
developed itself into a Congregational church of the more modern
type. This, however, was not to be. Not until August 21, 1828,
ten years after the organization of the Baptist church, was the
Waterville Congregational church established. Attempts to
organize a church of this order, however, were made as early as
1806. Rev. David Thurston of Winthrop, at that time labored
here nine weeks. In his journal he writes : "I found no man
at the river who was a member of any church. At West Water-
ville there were a few members of a Baptist church. The state of
religion was low indeed." After eleven years (1817) a Mr.
Emerson of Vassalboro was sent here by the Maine Missionary
Society to examine the field and, if advisable, to make a second
attempt to gather a church. He reported to the society a sad lack
of evangelical piety in the place. In consequence of this report,
and of the organization of the Baptist church the next year
(1818) under the lead of President Chaplin, further effort was
for the time suspended. In 1828 the population of the town had
so increased (estimated at 2,200 — 2,500, of whom 800 lived in
the village) that there seemed to be room for a second evangeUcal
church. Accordingly the live Congregationalists (one man and
four women) then residing here, secured the services of Rev.
Eben Carpenter to hold a series of revival meetings for six
weeks. These were so successful that steps were taken to
organize a Congregational church. A council was called to
meet August 21, 1828, composed of Revs. David Thurston, of
Winthrop ; Benjamin Tappan of Augusta ; George Shepherd of
Hallowell ; Josiah Peck of Norridgewock ; and Thomas Adams
of Vassalboro, with the lay delegates of their churches. David
16
242 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Thurston was moderator and Thomas Adams scribe. The coun-
cil gave its approval to the steps taken and the church was duly
organized and recognized. The constituent members were
twelve, three men and nine women, seven bringing letters from
churches in other towns and five uniting with these by confes-
sion of faith. Their names were Geo. W. Osborn, Sophia Pear-
son, Rhoda Stetson, Alvan and Sally Blackwell, Sophia Red-
ington, Violinda Piper, Asa Redington, Jr., Susan Hastings,
Mary Hayden, Cyrena Withman, and Amy Pullen. Rev. Ezra
N. Smith, in his historical discourse preached at the church's
semi-centennial, said : "This then (was) the little germ of our
present vigorous family tree. * * * The church thus estab-
lished was small and weak, utterly unable to sustain the regular
preaching of the gospel, yet full of courage and hope for the
future. Preachers were sent occasionally by the Maine Mis-
sionary Society, Rev. Dr. Gillett, the secretary of the society,
coming most frequently. --^ ^ ^ The church remained for
seven years following its organization without a permanent
minister, small and weak, with very little to strengthen it, and
laboring under the additional disadvantage of having its place
of meeting shifted hither and thither." In the latter part of 1834
Rev. Thomas Adams, who for sixteen years had been the very
successful pastor of the Vassalboro Congregationalist church,
came to Waterville, held a protracted meeting, infused new life
into the church, welcomed to its fellowship new members, secured
the erection of a good meeting-house and on the day of its dedi-
cation, September 27, 1836, was installed as pastor. Up to this
time, while acting as stated supply, twenty-six new members had
been received. Another protracted meeting of eight days' con-
tinuance was held immediately after his installation in which
Drs. Pond of Bangor and Tappan of Augusta had part.
Although his pastorate closed August 31, 1838, one year and
eight months after his installation, twenty-one persons had mean-
while been added to the church, making in all, during his minis-
try, forty-seven additions.
Rev. Calvin E. Park, ordained and installed as pastor, October,
1838, served five years and eight months and the results of his
work were seen in a steady growth in the members of the church.
The new members received, during that time, were thirty-nine.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 243
Roswell Dwight Hitchcock, afterward eminent as an educator
and president of Union Theological Seminary, supplied the
church for one year, 1844-5. He was succeeded by Richard B.
Thurston, who was ordained and installed November 10, 1846.
Next to the pastorate of Rev. E. N. Smith, Mr. Thurston's is the
longest in the history of the church, eight years and four months,
closing March, 1855, Under him thirty-seven were added to the
church. On the 15th of November of this same year Rev. Wm.
B. Greene became pastor, receiving, like his two predecessors,
both ordination and installation. During his three years' stay,
forty-five were added to the church.
Rev. Edward Hawes was the next pastor. He came directly
from the Bangor Theological Seminary and was ordained and
installed in 1858, remaining as pastor until 1864.
It is an interesting fact that Rev. Josiah T. Hawes, the father
of Edward, was the first young man whom Rev. Thomas Adams,
the first pastor of the church, received into the Vassalboro church,
and, indeed, into any church, since the Vassalboro pastorate was
his first. For a man only twenty-four years of age and without
experience in public life to take his place in the line of pastoral
succession was a severe test. Mr. Hawes stood this test grandly.
He had a clear mind, an appreciation of the best thought, a strong
hold on the truths of the Gospel, practical tact and good sense,
loyalty and love to his denomination and church, a fine presence,
excellent rhetoric and oratory, and sweetness combined with
light. He excelled as a platform speaker not less than as a
preacher, and at the outbreak of the war, was in demand for
rally meetings. His church and society were as one with him
in all his efforts. He writes of his ministry here, that he "lived
it happily for six years, without friction, and without a single
unkind act or word to remember, and that the parting was, he
believed, with mutual regret." There are many living who will
not doubt that this is a true statement. During his ministry,
fifty-five were added to the church, and important changes for
the better made in the material and social interests ot the society.
After Mr. Hawes had left, the Rev. P. C. Headley, author of
several biographical volumes for young people, supplied the pul-
pit for some months, and on the 22nd of March, 1866, Benjamin
A. Robie, just graduated from Andover Theological Seminary,
244 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
was ordained and installed. His ministry of five years was
eminently satisfactory and his resignation in March, 1871, was
reluctantly accepted. During his pastorate, thirty-four new
members were received. After a supply of the pulpit for nine!
months by Mr. Calvin G. Hill, just graduated from Bangor, and
the short pastorates of Rev. James Cameron and Rev. Mr. Crum-
rine the Rev. C. D. Crane became pastor of the church. Although
not remaining a full two years, he wrought with such effect as
to make these years among the most prosperous in the history
of the church. His successor, Mr. Smith, said of him that he
introduced into the fold an element of youthful vigor and
strength containing great promise of future usefulness and
growth. By his ministry to the church and his marriage to a
daughter of Waterville, Mr. Crane identified himself with the
city in such a way as to make this a home where he is ever wel-
comed. Rev. Ezra N. Smith (1877 — '88) was a man of spirit-
ual wisdom and practical sense, and by his modest integrity and
wholesome influence commanded the respect of the entire com-
munity and greatly strengthened his church and society. Rev.
Leavitt H. Hallock, who succeeded him, (1889 — '92) was full
of enterprise, the results of which are visible to those who walk
our streets. His successor, Rev. George V. Washburn (1893 —
'96), was in theology conservative. A man of rare conscien-
tiousness and downrightness. The present pastor, Rev. Edward
L. Marsh, began his ministry here in 1897. Without neglecting
other applications of the Gospel, he emphasises especially, its
power for civic righteousness and for the salvation of the young.
Most of the pastors of the church have been young men. About
one-half of them directly from the theological seminaries. Yet
the pastorates, though averaging high for ability, have averaged
low for length. Dr. Hawes, in a recent letter writes as follows :
"I went back to Waterville to attend the fiftieth anniversary of
the church. I think it had had thirteen pastors. It was an inter-
esting fact that the first pastor, Rev. Thomas Adams, and the
last, myself, were present on that occasion, and that no one of
the number between had died. A ministry in Waterville was in
no case fatal."
The church has given to the Gospel ministry two of its mem-
bers, Revs. Charles H. Percival and William F. Jordan. Two
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 245
members of the society gained distinction in the Civil War, Wil-
liam S. Heath, who entering the army with the rank of captain,
became lieutenant-colonel, and was killed early in the war
at Gaines' Mill, and Francis E. Heath, familiarly known
as Colonel Heath, although he had reached the rank of
brevet general. In the teaching profession it has been repre-
sented by Mrs. Mary Hanson, long associated in instruction with
her husband in the Cobum Classical Institute ; Prof. Wallace S.
Elder, Miss H. M. Parmenter and others of like ability.
In addition to the regular preaching services of the church
on Sundays, and the weekly social meetings, there are maintained
the appropriate activities of Sunday school and Christian
Endeavor Societies (young people). The Sunday school has
221 members; the Y. P. S. C. E., 80 members. In this centen-
nial year there has been introduced a course of systematic instruc-
tion in the work of home and foreign missions, chiefly as carried
on by the Congregationalists. A graded course extending
through one year has been prepared by a competent committee.
The Sunday school gives the fourth Sunday of each month to one
lesson of this course, and a teachers' meeting is held in prepara-
tion to teach it. The amount given for missions, at present,
averages a trifle more than one-tenth of all moneys raised. The
average is $3,000 for home expenses, and $330 for missions.
The organizations for woman's work were in 1901 united under
the name "Federated Church Workers." One day each week is
known and observed for "church work." This centralization has
been a source of strength. The "Workers" are about to expend
$800 in church repairs.
The church at a very early date took an advanced position on
the temperance question. At a quarterly fast meeting, March 5,
1836, it was "resolved that in the future the unfermented fruit
of the vine be used by the church at its communion." x\gain,
September 3, 1837, after a preamble aflirming the current Chris-
tian judgment of the sin of the liquor traffic and the urgent need
that the church testify against it, it was "resolved, that those who
may hereafter unite with this church shall be considered as pledg-
ing themselves by that act totally to abstain from the use of
intoxicating drinks as a beverage. Resolved, that if any mem-
bers of this church shall, after this expression of its views be
246 HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE.
engaged in the traffic of intoxicating drinks except for use in
medicine or the arts, they shall be dealt with as for any other
immorality." The spirit of the fathers lived in those that fol-
lowed. Joshua Xye, still living in Boston, Mass.. at an advanced
age. was for many years foremost in the activities and support of
the church and foremost also in the enforcement of the prohib-
itory law. In i865-'66 he was by the town made ''inspector of
the police." and on the 12th of March, 1866. the town passed a
unanimous vote of thanks to him '"for his heroic and successful
efforts in shutting up the rum shops."
As soon as the church had a pastor (1834) it set itself to the
task of securing a suitable meeting-house. The sum of $1,000
was raised in the town by the sale of shares, the present site was
purchased, and a building begun. Its vestry was completed by
Thanksgiving Day, 1835. and on that day the first service in it
was held. The vestry served the church until the next year
(1836) when the whole house was finished and dedicated.
Father Adams preached the sermon. "During the pastorate of
Rev. Edward Hawes the meeting-house was cut in halves and
the two ends moved apart, the space between was then filled and
thus the building much enlarged." While Rev. Ezra N. Smith
was pastor the present vestr}- was built and the original vestry
under the church converted into a supper room. 'Tn 1889, dur-
ing the pastorate of L. H. Hallock, the meeting-house was again
extensively repaired at a cost of nearly $3,000. The organ was
moved to the front, the pews upholstered, the walls and ceiling
frescoed, a porte cochere built over the front door and the whole
building lighted by electricity. During this pastorate also the
parsonage was built. The so-called ]\Iayo lot at 9 Park street
was purchased for $3,000 and the parsonage built at a cost of
$5,000. Of this money $2,000 was raised at the time and a sink-
ing fund established in the Building and Loan Association by
which the balance was to be paid by shares of $1.00 a month
each. The church paid two legacies, one of $1,000 from the
estate of Mr. Alfred C. Burleigh, and one of $500 from the estate
of Mrs. Mehitable Stark toward this fund, and January i, 1902,
at its annual roll-call meeting, it subscribed $280 to pay the bal-
ance of the parsonage debt. The parsonage was dedicated
Christmas night, December 25, 1890, and the last dollar of indebt-
HISTORY O^ WATERVILLE. 247
edness for it paid January i, 1902. Another bequest of $500
from the estate of Miss Betsy R. Brown remains to the church
as a permanent fund. With such material equipment does this
church cross the Hne into the second century of Waterville's
history.
THK CATHOLICS.
In colonial days the conflict between the French and English
in this country carried with it somewhat of conflict between
CathoHcism and Protestantism. In this immediate vicinity was
this realized. The tragic story of Father Rale, the French mis-
sionary to the Indians, and of his tragic death with the destruc-
tion of his Christian Indian village in Norridgewock in 1724 has
been briefly recited in the historical address.
The monument which stands on the spot and commemorates
that bloody event of rough wild war, commemorates also the first
appearance of Roman Catholic work and workers in this neigh-
borhood and doubtless on the very ground where now stands our
flourishing city with its successful Catholic church. In that
old time war the French and their church were expelled ; in
this new time peace they and their faith are back again.
The antagonism has not returned. Politically we are one
as Americans : Religiously we grant each to the other that free-
dom which we claim each from the other. So do we dwell
together in peace and mutual good will.
After the year 1724 the Indians, who had been driven to the
Penobscot, were occasionally visited by priests from Quebec.
There were a few white Catholics, Acadian s, on territory belong-
ing to New Brunswick, along the St. John's river. In 1822,
nearly a hundred years after Father Rale's death forty-three
Catholics in Portland united in a request to the bishop of Boston
to send them a priest, at least for a visit. At that time the bishop
of Boston, the Rt. Reverend John Cheverus, afterward Cardinal
Archbishop of Bordeaux, governed all the Catholics of New'
England, among whom, however, there were; only four priests.
One of these, the Rev. Denis Ryan, was at Whitefield, Maine,
only a short distance, therefore, from Waterville. There is no
evidence that he ever visited Waterville, or that there were Cath-
olics here so early to require his services. The French had begun
248 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
to come down from Canada, by the route ever since taken in
1830, and in 1835 there were alread}^ in town, mostly if not
wholly on the Plains, some thirty families. Among these were
the families of James Perry, Caspar Pooler, and one by the name
of Ranco. At that time Father Fortier came now and then to
visit and minister to these people, and after him more frequently
there came to the growing flock Father Babbst from Bangor.
In 185 1 the number of Catholics had so increased that they
formed the purpose to erect a house of worship and to have stated
religious services. Hitherto they had met in a private dwelling,
still standing a little to the north of the Protestant mission
chapel and known as the Matthieu house. In the Waterville Mail
of that year appeared an article with the following heading: ''A
Catholic Church in Waterville." The article says : "We are
glad to learn that efforts are in progress to secure the erection of
a small chapel for the worship of the Catholics. Mr. Caspar
Pooler and Mr. James Pooler (Perry?) both of whom are said
to be honest and worthy men, are entrusted with the raising of
funds. We heartily commend the enterprise to the benevolent
and to the liberal minded of all sects and classes. A large num-
ber of families among us are deprived, by their honest convic-
tions, of the privileges and benefits of public worship. That a
church of their own will tend to their moral and mental improve-
ment we can hardly suppose there will be a doubt. The under-
taking is one that would improve that section of our village and
we heartily commend its movers for their efforts. Let those
connected with other sects see that 'the Creeks are at their doors'
and the charity which is at the basis of their religion will tell
them what to do."
This disposition of the Protestants to aid their French Catholic
friends was shown in liberality not only at the beginning but
subsequently from time to time in their larger and later enter-
prises, and was duly appreciated and acknowledged. More than
once did the Catholic pastor publish in the Waterville Mail his
card of thanks in behalf of his people for generous aid furnished
especially in connection with church fairs. This liberal dispo-
sition and grateful appreciation at and from the beginning have
contributed not a little to the development of that marked good
will which has ever characterized the mutual relations of Cath-
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 249
olics and Protestants, French and Americans in this town and
its neighborhood. The effort to secure funds for the new chapel
was successful. The chapel was erected on Grove street. It
was a modest structure, in every respect suited to its purpose.
An estimate by one who had something to do with its erection
and who worshipped in it regularly until the erection of the new
house reckons its seating capacity at not less than 300. This
exceeded the immediate needs of the church, but the leaders fore-
saw that there would be in the future as there had been in the
past a constant increase in the Catholic population by births and
immigration if in no other way. They could not forsee, nobody
could the rapidity and extent of the increase, especially that
which followed the erection of the Lockwood Mills and the initia-
tion and development of other industries. In the last part of
its twenty years of use as a chapel it was wholly inadequate, and
it was obviously necessary to substitute for it another structure
or to have two. The former decision was wisely reached and on
the erection of the large brick edifice now standing and in use at
the corner of Elm and East Winter streets the old chapel was
sold and moved up to a lot near the Congregational church
where it still renders service in changed form as a private dwell-
ing. Until 1857 the little church on the Plains was under the
pastoral care of visiting priests. Father Nicolyn was the first
resident pastor and was succeeded by Father L'Hiver and he in
turn by Father Picard.
The year 1870 begins a new era in the history of the Catholic
church in Waterville. In that year came to the pastorate Rev.
D. J. Halde. In was evident to him and to all that a large and
costly house in a better location was urgently needed, was,
indeed, an imperative necessity. He and his brethren set them-
selves at once with wisdom and vigor to the formation and execu-
tion of plans to secure the needed house. In a December num-
ber of the Waterville ]Mail of 1871, Father Halde has a card of
thanks to the American friends for their patronage of a fair for
raising funds for the new church and the Mail of July 5, 1872,
says : "The Catholics have broken ground for their new house,
corner of Elm and Winter streets. The old Sanger house, built
by Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, first Universalist minister in Waterville,
has been moved to near the south line of the lot and drawn back
250 HJSTORY OF WATERVILLE.
about six feet, and the church will be in line with the house. The
church will be a Gothic structure 50x120 feet, twenty-six feet
posts, with a spire 120 feet in height and it will seat about 600
persons. The outside will be of brick with heavy buttresses and
it will be an ornament to the street." There w^ere apparently
some changes of plan in its erection, for at its completion the
height of the spire is given as 126 feet. The height of the Uni-
tarian spire was given as 128 feet and of the ]\Iethodist as 133
feet, nine inches. Another Catholic fair, patronized by the
"Amercan friends" netted $955.22. The name given to the
church was that which it still bears, "St. Francis de Sales
Church, Waterville," and it was dedicated (consecrated) on Sun-
day, June 14, 1874. The sermon was by Bishop Bacon of Port-
land. A service of confirmation was held in the church in the
afternoon. The completion of this noble structure so admirably
located and so perfectly adapted to its purposes was an event of
great significance and a great joy to Father Halde and his flock.
They deserved and received the hearty congratulation of their
friends.
Another event of equal, if not greater, significance was the
coming of Rev. Narcisse Charland in 1880 as the successor of
Father Halde. For twenty-two years he has filled even to over-
flowing this important and ever increasingly important pastorate.
Abundant, tireless, faithful in his ministrations to his own people,
he has also labored not a little for the Catholic church in North
Vassalboro, Oakland and elsewhere and has always taken a deep
interest in all that pertains to the city's welfare. He has shown
great enterprise and sagacity in enlarging the plant of the church.
In 1886 he bought of Mrs. Ingalls the McCaffrey property for
$3,600 and expended upon it $1,000 additional to make of it a
parochial residence. The next year he built in the rear of this
property a parochial school which he completed in 1888 at a cost
of $7,000. In 1 89 1, at a cost of $8,788 he built and furnished
for the Ursuline Nuns, whom he had previously brought from
Canada, a convent building within which is a boarding school.
In the Ursuline community there are nineteen sisters who
instruct 500 children. Father Charland in 1895 built at an
expense of $8,000 the beautiful rectory in which he has lived
since the beginning of 1896.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 25I
There is need of more room for his schools and he is now erect-
ing another building. Early in his ministry he found it neces-
sary to associate with himself as assistant another priest, and
still later a second. As nearly the entire French population of
Waterville and vicinity and many besides are members of his
church it is obvious that there are ample demands upon the time
and strength of all three. The four successive services of each
Sunday at which there is on the average an a.ergregate attend-
ance of about 3,400, i. e., at the first and third services i,ioo each
and 600 at each of the other two. The constant succession of
marriages and of funerals, and the personal care and counsel of
the great multitude, a care which extends through all the days
of all the weeks, involve an incalculable amount of labor and
responsibility. No ordinary man could fill the pastoral office of
this great church as Father Charland fills it, and discharge with
signal success its multifarious duties as he discharges them. No
wonder that his people revere and love him. Nor is it wonder
that beyond the limits of his own parish his work and worth are
so recognized as to confer upon him honor and impose upon him
corresponding duties. Under Bishop Healy he was a member of
the Diocesan Council, and he now holds for the ]Maine Diocese
the two important positions of examiner of the younger clergy
and defensor of the marriage tie. Only fifty-two years of age,
with a strong constitution, robust health, and abounding vigor,
he may well look around for new worlds to conquer.
THE UNITARIANS.
Rev. J. L. Seward, m a discourse preached at the dedication
of the Ware parlors said : "In a very proper sense we may
regard Rev. D. N. Sheldon, D. D., as the father of Unitarianism
in Waterville." If, however, one were to seek for the father of
that Unitarian thought which unorganized had before been
diffused through the community and whose existence Mr.
Seward recognizes, it might appear that Rev. Joshua Cushman,
D. D., rather than any other could claim that distinction. The
tenor of his public discourse was signally 'iiberal" and much
more fitted to develop the faith of Unitarianism than that of the
''standing order" to which he belonged. But a large part of
252 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
those who by preference were Unitarians had identified them-
selves with the UniversaHst society, had there found a congenial
home and had been in all respects influential supporters of that
cause. In the earlier years of organized religious Hfe in Water-
ville the lines were drawn sometimes rather sharply, between the
Baptists and the Universalists and even at this late day we now
and then hear an isolated echo of an old time conflict. Unques-
tionably Dr. Sheldon was the supreme factor in the movement
which on July 25, 1863, issued in the organization of the First
Unitarian Society of Waterville. One may not perhaps say that
no other man could have brought this event to pass as success-
fully but for this work he had a rare combination of qualifica-
tions. His previous life in the town, first as pastor of the Bap-
tist church and then as president of the college, had brought him
into close and influential relations with the community and espec-
ially with those persons more or less closely affiliated with the
Baptist cause who yet were somewhat inclined to Unitarianism.
In natural and acquired ability he was a man of note, thinking
clearly in religious and philosophical lines, and expressing his
thought in pure idiomatic English ; he was social and familiar
with people of all religious preferences and connections and duly
aggressive in his private as well as public advocacy of the prin-
ciples then only recently professed by him, and his character and
reputation were such as to command confidence in him as a leader
in the proposed enterprise. Some of his personal friends secured
him to preach two sermons in the town hall in the months of
June and July respectively in 1859. They interested others to
unite with them in the successful effort to secure his services for
ten Sabbaths during i860. These too were held in the town
hall and usually at intervals of one month. The increase of
interest and of the number interested was constant, so that at the
close of i860 Dr. Sheldon was engaged to preach during 1861
on the second Sabbath of each month, continuing, however, as
pastor of the Unitarian church in Bath until the end of the year,
when he resigned that pastorate to become the pastor of those
people who, as yet not formally organized as either church or
society, were united in attachment to him and his views and in
readiness to give and work to plant here a Unitarian vine. His
first sermon as their pastor was preached January i, 1862. He
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 253
moved his family from Bath to Waterville April 3, 1862, and
resided here until his death. (See biog. ch.) The First Unita-
rian Society of Waterville was organized in the town hall July
25, 1863, and its constitution adopted in the same place on the
27th of the same month. The formal application for a warrant
directing the call for a meeting to organize was presented July
17 of the same month to E. L. Getchell, Esq., justice of the peace,
signed by D. L. Milliken, John Ware, Wm. Dyer, Geo. Went-
worth, L. E. Thayer, James P. Blunt, Ira H. Low, G. A. Phillips,
and C. K. Mathews. The constitution adopted was brief and
simple, consisting of five articles determining: (i) The name
of the society; (2) its officers; (3) their duties; (4) the condi-
tions of membership (which were admission by vote of the
society and signing of the articles) ; (5) the right to amend or
add to the articles. To it was prefixed a statement of the pur-
pose of the society as follows : For the public worship of God,
the promotion of piety, the extension of religious knowledge, the
aid of Christian charities, and, generally, for such objects as
religious societies have in view. Rev. D. N. Sheldon, Franklin
Smith, E. L. Getchell and Ephraim Maxham were elected as
members on the evening of its adoption. Of subsequent addi-
tions to membership there seems to be no record until December
2"], 1894, when it was "voted that the following named persons
be accepted as members of the society, said persons to become
full members upon signing their names upon page 250 of these
records."
In explanation of this somewhat peculiar action and its result
one must take into consideration the formation of the church
organization in distinction from that of the society of which an
account is given below. It was evidently felt that the special
ends which it was the purpose of the church to attain could be
better realized without a separate organization. Accordingly,
to the page on which were to be signed the names of those who
would be full members of the society there was prefixed the fol-
lowing "bond of fellowship :" "Recognizing no other test of
fellowship than fraternity of spirit, we adopt the following state-
ment as indicating the value of the tie that binds us together.
In the love of truth and in the spirit of Jesus we unite for the
worship of God and the service of man." This is an abbreviated
254 HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE.
repetition of the original statement of the object of the society,
and in effect a declaration that the church organization was
superfluous. Its functions as a distinct body had already been
suspended and have not since been revived. Two hundred and
fifty names, both men and women, make up the list of those who
were accepted as members. Only thirty-three signed on the
designated page. Many were both called and chosen but few
heard and heeded. This was doubtless due, not to lack of sym-
pathy with the cause, ''but to an emphatic individualism which
is comparatively independent of organization." Those not sign-
ing have doubtless been as loyal supporters of the society as have
the signcis. The '"accepted" members and the "full members"
share alike in all the activities of the society. The purpose and
effect of signing the bond was not to create an outward distinc-
tive activity but to express the normal principle of the society
life and so to develop it.
There was no church organization until September 2, 1888,
when the pastor, Rev. J. L. Seward, advocated and secured one.
In his record of its formation, Pastor Seward states that until
that date "no church (Unitarian) in the proper sense had ever
been organized (in Waterville)," and adds that its (covenant
was composed bv the venerable Rev. D. N. Sheldon, D. D., who
took an active interest in the formation of the church." The
"covenant," is in form a creed or "Declaration" of faith, with
eight articles. They affirm belief in God as the supreme object
of worship ; in his Son Jesus Christ as the best manifestation of
God ; in Christianity as a divine law of life ; in the Bible, especially
the New Testament, as a product of divine inspiration and the
best teaching ever given to the world ; in personal immortality
and the necessity of faith, hope and love as a condition of well-
being; in the brotherhood of mankind and God's good pleasure
"to bring them all through whatsoever discipline to final holiness
and happiness ;" in public worship and the ordinances of "Bap-
tism and the Memorial Supper; and finally in the duty not to
make these articles an authoritative creed or test of church fel-
lowship but to "respect and honor all earnest seekers after truth
and righteousness." The constituent members or original "Cov-
enanters" were twenty-four. There are now forty-six names on
the rolls. These are all of whose admission to the church there
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 255
is any record. The six covenanters whose names appear first
on the Hst are those of Pastor Seward, Dr. and Mrs. Sheldon,
Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Keith and ^Ir. H. D. Bates. The honor-
able list of twenty-four is closed and crowned with the name :
"Mrs. Sarah M. Ware, widow of John Ware, Sr." For the
origination and maintenance of the church to the close of his
ministry as also for the preservation of its records in the most
complete and admirable form, great credit is due to Pastor
Seward. The record book, to which little has been added since
he left, is, for the time covered by his pastorate, in all respects a
model.
Other organizations connected with the society have been or
now are the following: Sunday school; Ladies' Circle, dating
from 1880, with Mrs. Sarah Ware as president until her death;
Women's Auxiliary, the Waterville branch of the Unitarian
Women's Auxiliary, having for its object religious study and
missionary and denominational work ; the Sorosis, a society of
the young ladies of the Unitarian church, dating from 1889, and
the Fatima Club, both having as their object work in the interest
of the society.
The "house and home" of these organizations, the edifices in
which they gather, are admirable and adequate alike in respect
of the location, the buildings, and their furnishings. The Town
Hall was the meeting-house of the Unitarians at the beginning.
In 1865 ^ movement was made to raise money for a suitable
house of their own. In October of that year the American Uni-
tarian Association, through its secretary, promised to the society
$2,000 toward the proposed house on condition that it should be
erected free from debt, and a prescribed bond executed. At a
meeting of the society, November 11, the gift with its condi-
tion was accepted, and thanks voted to the association and by
name to seven men in Portland for aid in building. Its erection
was vigorously pressed and in the summer of 1866 it was ready
for the sale of pews. They were sold at auction, in August,
some on the 13th, some on the 15th and some on the i8th, while
a few remained unsold. Mr. G. A. Phillips was auctioneer, and
the three sales together realized $2,664. There are recorded
votes of thanks "to Alben Emery, Esq. of Waterville, for his
munificent gift of a bell for our house of worship;" "to J. M.
256 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Crocker, Esq., for his valuable present of a clock;" "to Col. R.
H. Greene of Winslow for a Bible ; to Geo. F. Gilman, Esq., of
New York, for a beautiful set of pulpit furniture and of gallery-
chairs and for his many other manifestations of interest in our
welfare." We can well imagine the satisfaction with which the
following sensible resolution was passed : "Resolved ; that we
look with delight upon the architectural beauty of our house
of worship and feel justly proud that this fine edifice is the work
of Waterville mechanics." Then was added a vote of thanks
to James P. Blunt, Esq., the master mechanic, and "to the home
talent employed by him." The house was dedicated, Septem-
ber 4, 1866. The sermon was by Edward Everett Hale, D. D.,
of Boston, Mass., and the prayer of dedication by Rev. C. C.
Everett of Bangor. The clock in the tower was presented in
1869 by Samuel Appleton, Esq.
In 18S9 the beautiful building known as "The Ware Parlors"
was erected, furnished and presented to the society through the
munificence of Madame Ware. This building was dedicated
January 14, 1890. The principal address was by^ Pastor Seward
and there were congratulatory addresses by other pastors. For
Sunday school work, committee meetings, the social and kindred
functions of the society and church the Ware Parlors have been
constantly and greatly useful. Mrs. Ware gave the building
without restriction as to its use, assured that there would be "the
strictest observance of propriety in determining the right and
expedient uses to which it should be put." Madame Wa're had
also, in 1881, made to the society a permanent loan, practically
an outright gift, of "the sweet voiced organ" by which the church
services have been so enriched, and "for a term of years" the fine
residence by the Park, now owned by one of her sons, Mr.
Edward Ware, was granted to the pastor, rent free. It was
appropriate that "a very fine portrait of Madame Ware, in a heavy
rich frame," and tablet recording the gift of the building were
placed in the Ware Parlors before its dedication, in recognition
of all that she had been and had done for the society.
There have been in all eight pastors of the society and church.
David Newton Sheldon, D. D., 1862-1876; Rev. John Adams
Bellows, 1878-1883; Rev. Daniel Rowe, i884-'85, less than one
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 257
year; Rev. Albert Cory don White, 1885- 1887; Rev. Josiah
Lafayette Seward, B. D., 1888- 1893 ; Rev. Thomas Jefferson
Valentine, 1894-1897; Rev. John William Barker, November i,
1897-September 8, 1899; Rev. Arthur G. Pettengill, September,
1900 to the present, and still pastor. As has appeared from the
record above given, the pastorates of Dr. Sheldon and Mr.
Seward were specially significant. Under the former's able and
prolonged leadership the society came not only to its birth but
also to its full maturity, in a rapid and natural growth. Next
in length were the pastorates of Mr. Seward and Pastor Bellows,
each five years, Mr. Seward was a man well qualified for leader-
ship. Whole-hearted and tireless in promoting the interests of
his own people, he was scarcely less interested in all that affected
the welfare of the city, and responded readily to calls for ser-
vice as a member of the school board and in other ways. Young
men were attracted to his public services and in large numbers
came under his immediate personal influence. Pastor Bellows
made his mark as a brilliant preacher. The other pastors have
been educated men of high character and have contributed each
his part to maintain and promote the cause. Pastor Pettengill
is still making his record emphasizing the spiritual life, and his
work goes forward with good promise.
Wliile the efficiency of a church depends largely upon its pas-
tors, it depends still more upon its members. The Unitarians
of Waterville have from the beginning had at least their full
share of men and women foremost in ability, culture and influ-
ence. Whatever may be true as to the present relative standing"
of the society among the Unitarian societies of the State, there
can be little doubt that to the Unitarians of Waterville belongs
the possibility of making it rank among the foremost.
the: METHODISTS.
The early history of the Methodist church in Waterville is a
story of struggle : Those who first tried, found it exceedingly
hard soil for Methodism. While they received encouragement
in adjoining towns, the early itinerants strangely avoided Water-
ville. We have no accounts of any visits to this place by Metho-
dist preachers until 1827 or 1828, when Rev. Ezekiel Robinson.
17
258 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
then preacher in charge of Fairfield circuit, preached occasionally
in Waterville, and organized a small class. This class was of
brief continuance.
In 1832, Rev. Martin Ward preached for a while in Water-
ville and organized a class of seven persons of which James
Parker was leader. In 1833, Rev. P. P. Morrill preached here
once in four weeks on the Sabbath. In 1835, R^v. Marcus
Wight rendered the same service and the membership was
increased to twenty-five. Because of discouragements, the meet-
ings were discontinued, and the ground abandoned until 1843,
when Waterville was made a mission station with Rev. Luther
P. French preacher in charge. The Town Hall was secured for
meetings — a good congregation gathered and a Sunday-school
organized.
In 1844, Rev. Stephen Allen was appointed to this field with
a missionary appropriation of $150. Incipient measures were
taken for building a house of worship and a church site bar-
gained for, but as Mr. Allen left at the close of the year, the
building enterprise was abandoned. In 1845 Asahel Moore sup-
plied the mission; in 1846, Rev. Chas. Munger. The society
again became discouraged and the field was abandoned. In 1851,
Rev. Stephen Allen was again appointed to preach in Waterville.
He remained two years. Quite a revival occurred, and there
was some talk about building a fine house of worship, but because
of financial embarrassment the enterprise was not attempted.
During the years 185 1 -1856, Revs. Stephen Allen, D. 'Water-
house and Caleb Fuller were the appointed preachers, the first
and third serving two years each, the second, one. The question
of building a meeting-house was again raised in connection with
a revival under Mr. Allen, and was taken up anew under Mr.
Fuller, when an eligible site was engaged and arrangments to
build nearly matured. But nothing further was done. The
society was broken up, the membership nominally transferred
to Fairfield charge, and for the next twelve years the society was
connected with that charge. In 1867 Waterville was again made
a separate appointment with thirty members, and missionary
funds were appropriated toward the support of the society.
This was effected mainly, by the efforts of Rev. Hobart Richard-
son, then a resident of Waterville. Rev. J. H. Movers was
HISTORY OK WATERVILLE. 259
appointed preacher in charge. There were held regularly, a
Sunday morning preaching service in the Town Hall, a Sunday
evening preaching service in a 3d-story hall in Marston Block,
and a Thursday evening social meeting in the same hall. A
Sunday school was organized. This new development was
largely due to a protracted meeting and revival in the previous
year. In 1868 Rev. James W. Hathaway was appointed to the
charge. The society decided to build a church, bought the lot
on Pleasant street, made plans and contracts and went forward
imder the leadership of Mr. R. B. Dunn. The estimated cost
was $16,000, the amount subscribed $4,375, of which Mr. R. B.
Dunn had pledged $3,000. To appearance, the enterprise was,
in the highest degree, reckless. The society was poor, Mr. Dunn
was the only man of considerable financial ability. The build-
ing, however, went on, Mr. Dunn assuming the responsibility,
as the emergency required, until the house was finished and fur-
nished in excellent style throughout, including an organ and bell,
at a cost of about $18,000, Mr. Dunn paying $14,000. The dedi-
cation was on the 23rd of March, 1870. The sermon was by
Rev. j. A. M. Chapman, D. D., of Boston, from the words : "The
wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through
Jesus Christ our Lord." It was a masterly effort and made a
deep impression upon the large audience. The pastors of sister
churches, also several visiting clergymen, assisted in the services.
Mr. Ladd, now presiding elder of Lewiston district, remained
as pastor for three years, the full term under the rule of the
church, during that time fifty-three persons united with the
church. 1 872- 1 874, Rev. A. W. Pottle was pastor. (A revival
in which some forty were converted occurred during his minis-
try.) In 1875 Rev. Wm. vS. Jones was pastor and a gracious
revival under the labors of the Lynn Praying Band, added one
hundred new names to the list of members and probationers,
while many who were converted united with other churches here
and elsewhere. In 1877- 1878 Rev. Roscoe Sanderson was pas-
tor. The following is the list of subsequent pastors : Rev.
Ezekiel Martin, A. W. Pottle, afterwards a presiding elder ; W.
S. Mclntire, Wm. M. Sterling, Geo. A. Crawford, C. I. Mills,
H. A. CliflFord, L. B. Codding, Israel Luce, W. F. Berry, (see
biog. ch.), Geo. D. Lindsay, (see biog. ch.), Albert A. Lewis.
260 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
During the year 1899 the church was enlarged and beautified,
under the pastorate of Rev. Geo. D. Lindsay, at an expense of
$5,000. Mr. Lindsay's health failed during the winter of 1901
and he was obliged to give up ministerial work. He died in
Waterville, October 25, 1901, loved and respected by all who
knew him.
The foregoing sketch is by the present pastor, who has also,
by request, furnished the statistics for the following summary.
At the permanent organization of the church in 1867, there were
found less than thirty of those who had previously identified
themselves with the cause here and who, in 1853, numbered 136.
In 1873 there were 152 ; 230 in 1883 ; 262 in 1893 • 275 in 1902.
The total of baptisms is 529. A Sunday school was organized
in ^.^6y, with forty members. There were 173 at the year's close,
the attendance for the year averaging forty-six. Everett R.
Drurnmond, Esq., was superintendent from the beginning imtil
1888 with a brief interruption in 1885. For the last ten years
this important office has been successfully filled by Miss Sarah
A. Copp. There are in the school about 300 members, and in its
library i,too volumes. For about fifteen years, i88o-'95, ^ Sun-
day school, with an average attendance some of the time as high
as fifty, was maintained by the church in the chapel on Sand Hill,
Winslow, the chapel having been built and owned by the church.
The church has also, for many years, had two of its members,
Mr. James L. Corson and Miss Eda L. Fuller working through-
out the State as missionaries of the Maine Bible Society. Miss
May Grover became a missionary in Africa under Bishop Taylor
in 1887. Although not organized until after the Civil War, of
those who have belonged to it, twenty or more were in the Union
army, while in the war for temperance, the church as a whole has
been and is a valiant regiment. Indirectly, through its gifts,
of money for Christian enterprises outside its own limits, it is
represented in mission and reform work the world over. In
only one year (1868) have its contributions for these fallen below
$100. The highest sum was $970, in 1897. Since 1881 the
amount has in only one year been less than $200, while the
average for these years has been $479, and the average
for all the years of the church's history has been $346.50.
Surely the church has had a most honorable record and an
enviable prospect speaks encouragement.
HISTORY OF WAT^RVILLE. 26 1
THE EPISCOPALIANS.
The first services of the Episcopal church in Waterville were
undertaken chiefly through the instrumentahty of men who were
not of her communion. Deacon John B. Bradbury, of the Con-
gregational society of Waterville, was, during the winter of
1875-6, boarding in a family with the Rev. George T. Packard,
the newly appointed rector of St. John's church, Bangor. Mr.
Charles Follansbee, a nephew of Deacon Bradbury, was a fre-
quent visitor, and through his uncle became acquainted with Mr.
Packard. From this acquaintance developed the suggestion to
hold a service of the Episcopal church in Waterville, and through
the influence of these gentlemen the first service here was con-
ducted m the Congregational house of worship, presumably by
the Rev. Mr. Packard. Such an unexpected interest was mani-
fested that the Bishop of Maine, the Rt. Rev. Henry A. Neely,
at once undertook to provide a monthly service. Owing to the
small number of priests whose services were then at his disposal,
it was not always possible to carry out this plan, but during the
next few months, services were frequently held, and the Rev. H.
L. Yewens of Lewiston and the Rev. Samuel Upjohn of Augusta
were am^ong those who officiated.
In June, 1876, the Bishop sent Mr. Henry Jones, — then a can-
didate for Holy Orders, and now the senior priest actively
engaged in parochial work in Maine, — to W^aterville, "with
instructions to remain there long enough at least to fairly test the
desire of any considerable number to have the services of the
church." The result of this experiment was certainly encour-
aging, for in December of the same year a petition was forwarded
to the bishop for the organization of a mission. On December
2.2 the organization was completed under the name of St. Mark's
church and the mission placed under the care of the Rev. Dr.
Upjohn. The bishop appointed the following officers : Mr. J. G.
Soule, warden ; Mr. J. F. Percival, treasurer ; Mr. Jones, the lay
reader, continued in charge of the services. During Mr. Jones'
term of service the mission used the Universalist house of wor-
ship part of the time and later occupied the Grangers' hall on
iMain street. Three persons were baptized and confirmed during
the vear.
262 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
In June, 1877, the Rev. Edwin F. Small, just ordained Deacon,
was given permanent charge of the mission. He found a con-
gregation of about sixty ready to accept his ministrations. In
the autumn of that year the mission purchased of Mr. Mark
Gallert the lot of land on Center street on which the church now
stands, and at the same time leased a new store on Main street,
belonging to Mr. W. H. Leslie, which was fitted up as a chapel.
Attention was then directed to the erection of a church. Plans
were secured and most of the money raised, so that by early
spring, building operations were begun. The first service was
held in the new chapel on the evening of July 6, 1878, the Rev.
Edward R. Brown, of the Diocese of Connecticut, being the
preacher. The chancel furniture was the gift of the bishop.
The communion plate was presented by Mrs. Frank Getchell of
Philadelphia. The altar linen was the work and gift of the
altar society of St. Mark's church, Philadelphia. Mr. Small
resigned, March i, 1881, to accept the rectorship of Trinity
church, Saco. During his ministry twenty-eight persons w^ere
baptized, and an equal number were presented to the bishop for
the apostolic rite of confirmation.
During the next five years the church had two rectors, the Rev.
John M. Bates, who served two years, and the Rev. L. W.
Richardson, who remained but a year and a half. For the rest
of this period the parish had to be content with such ministra-
tions as from time to time could be furnished.
The Rev. Melville McLaughlin took charge of the parish on
the first Sunday in Lent, 1886, and remained until June, 1889.
Much in a material way was accomplished during his incum-
bency. The house and lot just east of the church was purchased,
Mr. McLaughlin advancing the money, and taking a mortgage
on terms very favorable to the mission. This was done before
the end of 1886. In 1887 the chapel was painted without and
frescoed within, the windows put in, various other improvements
made, and the church was duly consecrated on June 9, the money
having been raised to make the last payment on the lot. Mr.
McLaughlin recorded forty-two baptisms and thirty-four con-
firmations.
The Rev. James W. Sparks was appointed rector by Bishop
Neely, November 8, 1889, ^^^ remained until October i, 1899, a
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 263
period of ten years, lacking one month. During Mr. Sparks*
administration the rectory was partially destroyed by fire, and the
improvements that were made at the time of the rebuilding added
somewhat to the convenience and the value of the property. The
scriptural custom of the weekly eucharist was established at the
outset of Mr. Sparks' rectorship and the Saints' Day celebra-
tions were also made the rule, in accordance with the prayer-
book requirem.ent. IMr. Sparks was particularly active as a mis-
sionary, holding services at Madison, Skowhegan and Shawmut,
— building at the last named village a beautiful little church at
a cost of something over $2,000, — and finding and ministering
to communicants also in Vassalboro, Winslow, Oakland, and
Norridgewock. Mr. Sparks administered the sacrament of Holy
Baptism to one hundred and thirteen persons, and presented
forty-six for confirmation.
In November, 1809, the present rector, the Rev. George Bruce
Nicholson, came to Waterville, his appointment being almost the
last official act of the late Bishop Neely prior to his death. The
affairs of the parish were not then in an ideal condition. With-
out attempting to fix the responsibility upon anyone, the fact
remains that there was much disaffection in the congregation,
and considering its numbers and resources the parish was quite
heavily in debt. The people, however, seemed quite ready to
unite in any effort which might be undertaken to renew the inter-
est and strengthen the work. Steps were at once taken to cancel
the floating indebtedness of the parish, while in the meantime
the rector's attention was given to the re-organization of the
various parochial agencies, and the improvement of the character
of the services. Friends of the mission here and elsewhere have
given various accessories of church worship, so that the Catholic
faith, which is taught in its fulness, may have due outward
expression in a reverent and appropriate ceremonial, which,
while modest and simple in its character, follows so far as it goes
the principles of scriptural symbolism and the historic usages
of the Catholic church. In the autumn of 1900, the rector pre-
sented a plan for the liquidation of the debt resting upon the
property, within five years. The plan met with instantaneous
approval and response, and more than one-third has already been
paid. During the same season an extension was built at the
264 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
south end of the church, providing a choir-room and small
chapel, and the chancel was remodeled and furnished to accom-
modate the re-organized vested choir, which, after Several
months' training by the rector, made its first appearance in the
evening of the feast of St. Cecilia. Up to the present time
twenty-one have been confirmed. The outlook at the present
time is hopeful. The parish is united, the congregations arq
growing, the few workers are faithful, financial obligations are
being faced and discharged, prejudices are in a measure being
overcome, and St Mark's church enters upon her second quarter-
century in faith, believing that God has a work for her to do in
witnessing for a pure Catholicity, and that He will guide her in
the accomplishment of His purpose.
The present officers of the mission are : Mr. George S. Dolloff,
warden ; Mr. J. Foster Percival, treasurer ; Mr. Lowell G. Salis-
bury, clerk. The number of communicants in good standing
is not quite one hundred.
THE ADVENTISTS.
Many still living distinctly remember William Miller and his
trumpet-toned proclamation throughout New England and the
Middle States, that the second coming of Christ and the end of
the world were at hand. Who that heard it could forget the
rallying cry : "Eighteen hundred forty-three will be the year
of jubilee !" Great and widespread was the interest and his fol-
lowers in his own lifetime numbered some 50,000. As the event
showed, he was at fault as to that date as have been many other
attempts to determine the exact time of the Lord's predicted
advent. But the conviction that the time is very near at hand
has remained and widely extended.
Doubtless there have been in Waterville individuals of this
faith ever since the time of Miller. There were certainly some
of them here in the sixties who knew exactly what they believed,
and who affirmed and defended their faith with ability. No
effort toward organization seems to have been made until the
fall of 1894. At that time five men and their wives, most of
whom were connected with the Charles street mission, reached
the decision to establish meetings in harmony with their own
HISTORY O? WATERVILLE. 265
faith. Accordingly they hired, for this purpose, Golden Cross
hall, began their meetings at once, and have ever since continued
them there. Different ministers from various parts of the State
were for two years engaged from time to time to preach for them.
There resulted an increase in attendance. It was therefore
decided in 1896 to organize a church. This was effected Octo-
ber first with a membership of thirteen and with the following
officers : Elder, Fred S. Vamey ; deacons, Martin H. Ham and
Isaac Varney ; clerk, Miss Myra A. Barker ; financial secretary,
C. G. Hapworth ; treasurer, Mrs. Almeda Rose. Rev. E. E.
Larcell of Fairfield was unanimously called to be pastor, and at
the end of his two years of service the membership had increased
to fifty. Various preachers supplied the pulpit until December
3, 1899 when Rev. W. M. Strout of Dover, N. H., became pas-
tor and served until February of the present year. During his
pastorate the membership of the church has been increased,
the Sunday school doubled in size, a lot of land on Pearl street,
facing Nudd street, on which to erect a church building, bought
and paid for, and money secured sufficient to warrant the taking
of further steps for its erection. The expectation is that it will
be completed and ready for dedication in the fall of the presenr
year. The members of the church, although at present without
a pastor, expect one soon, and they regard the prospects of the
young church as very bright.
THE FREE BAPTISTS.
The Free Baptist church of Waterville is the latest born of
all the churches of the city. It was organized December 31,
1901. Were one to write the history of this church as it "might
have been" there would be much of effective work and large
achievement to record. Some twenty years ago Rev. James
Boyd, agent of the Maine Free Baptist Association, organized in
this village a Sunday school and for a while held public preach-
ing services. There were living here at the time a goodly num-
ber of members of that denomination, some of them persons of
not a little social and financial ability and influence, and in
religious character also excellent material to go into a new
church enterprise and organization. Indeed long before that
2&^ HISTORY OI^ WATERVILLK.
Deacon Hanscom, (deacon of a Free Baptist church) and all his
family, living in the house still occupied by his daughters at the
junction of Main street and College avenue, were loyal and
downright Free Baptists. Some of the Hills shared very posi-
tively the same faith. There were others here with them fifty
years ago, after that still others continued to come, among them
such families as the Trues and the Purintons. No effort seems
to have been made to unite these in a society and church
of their own faith and order until the coming of Rev. James
Boyd, already noticed. This effort at the first was full of
promise and would unquestionably have been richly successful
if it had not been for the unfortunate mistakes of management
for which the Free Baptists of Waterville were not responsible
and which they, at the time, greatly regretted. But the loss to
that denomination was gain to the others. The "might have
been" which has made them "sad" has made others glad. And
yet, in a truer sense, all have together been both sad and glad
for we are "all members of one body," and so all share alike the
joy and sorrow of each.
The question of separate services and organization was not
again eifectively raised until 1809. At that time Rev. A. D.
Dodge of Clinton, made the acquaintance of his denominational
brethren in Waterville, and as the first public result they gath-
ered on the 20th of August, 1899, in Forester's hall on Temple
street for their first separate preaching service which was in
charge of Mr. Dodge. From that day they have held services
continuously under his charge and leadership. On the 1st of
October, 1900, they moved from Forester's hall to the Grand
Army hall, and subsequently into the hall over the Woman's
Association. This they have furnished suitably for their own
use and at their own expense. On the 31st of December, 1901,
they were organized into a church of twenty-four members.
They have as pastor, Rev. A. D. Dodge ; as deacons, Messrs. A.
E. Purinton and J. G. Butler ; as clerk, Mr. George Smith ;
Mr. A. E. Purinton is superintendent of the Sunday school and
chorister and gives himself to the service of the cause with a
cheerful devotion which is shared by the other workers, both
men and women. The small number makes heavy the burden
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 26/
of support but the State Convention renders aid in the payment
of $200 annually toward the pastor's salary. They feel the need
of a house of worship and hope in due time to secure one. The
constant increase in attendance on all the services of the church,
including the Sunday school, makes them hopeful for the future.
All congratulate them on their good record and wish them well
for the coming years.
Note. The sketch of St. Mark's Episcopal church was written by its Rector, the
Rev. George Bruce Nicholson.
CHAPTER IX.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF WATERVILLE
By Elwood. T. Wyman, A. M., Superintendent of Schools.
Seeking after facts concerning the early history of the schools
of Waterville is largely groping in the dark, for the records of
the period, so far as they relate to schools, are scanty, and its
remembrance lies beyond the memory of living men. There is
enough written down, however, to show that the settlers of this
part of the Kennebec valley brought with them from Massa-
chusetts the same high regard for education that made and has
kept for that commonwealth the foremost place in the Union.
The mother state gave to her daughter Maine no more precious
heritage than this strong desire and determination to offer youth
as much of elementary learning as limited resources could
provide.
It took no little sacrifice at times to keep the lamp of popular
education burning, and while Waterville was yet a part of Wins-
low there were several occasions when taxes were so grievous a
burden that no money was voted at the annual town meeting for
the support of schools. In 1778, Winslow voted to hire preach-
ing but no schooling; in 1780 the cause of the gospel suffered
alike with that of education, no money being voted for either
schooling or preaching. In March, 1787, it was voted to allow
Capt. Zimri Haywood four pounds, eight shillings and sixpence,
for paying and boarding a schoolmaster one month. This is the
first record of a definite sum paid to an individual in connection
with the support of schools.
In 1788 and the two following years no money was voted for
preaching or schooling. In the last-named year the voters thrice
HISTORY OF WATE:RVILLE. 269
evinced their determination to hire no schooling as shown by the
record of the town meetings. In 1791 no money was voted for
preaching, but fifty pounds were allowed for schooling. That
some of the more prosperous of the citizens united in the support
of private schools is shown by diary records and such agreements
as the following, an exact copy of the original document :
WiNSLO\v, 28th Dec. 1796.
Whereas Abijah Smith of said Winslow, has agreed to keep a
school in Ticonic Village for the term of three months next
ensuing the date hereof, and bord himself and find a room con-
venient for that purpose. We the subscribers do promise to
pay him twenty dollars pr month — two dollars of w^hich is to be
paid weekly for his bord — and the remainder to be paid at the
expiration of said three months each one to pay in proportion
to the number he signs for — also to find and hall to said room,
a sufficient quantity of fire-w'ood for said school.
Nehemiah A. Parker, One
John Rogers, Three
Benj. Chase, Three
Elnathan Sherwin, Two
Getchell & Redington, Five
Edw'd Piper for two
James M'Kim for three
Jona. Clark, Three
Feby 7th, 1797,
Abijah Smith ought certainly to have been able to teach pen-
manship and the correct use of his mother tongue, for the first
records of the town of Waterville are in his handwriting, beau-
tiful to behold even novv^ ; and they are so well expressed that
they may w^ell have been used as a model for the town clerks that
succeeded him.
It is not to be believed that schools, or preaching, were neg-
lected for lack of appreciation of the advantages of either, but
the people were poor and the depreciated currency of the day
was lamentably scarce. So it is not strange that some of the
early schoolmasters were glad to receive "pickled herring" in
remuneration for their services. In ]\ larch of 1796, six years
before the separation of the two towns, Winslow voted $250 for
2/0 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
the purpose of schooling, this being the first instance in the town
records of the use of the term dollars. The votes previous had
named the amount of municipal appropriations in pounds. At
the same March meeting, an article "to make such alterations
in school districts as may be thought expedient" was "passed
over," this also being the first use in the records of the term
"school district."
In 1798 family names long familiar in the history of both
towns appear in the list of school agents elected at the annual
town meeting. On the east side they were Col. Hayden, Eph-
raim Town and Moses Wyman ; on the west side, Nathaniel
Low, Asa Redington, Daniel Carter, Jonathan Combs, David
Pattee, Hugh Osborne and Thomas Bates. In 1800, Winslow
voted $400 for schools and $1,500 for roads ; how much of these
sums was expended for that part of the town lying west of the
Kennebec the records do not show.
After Waterville's incorporation as a town, June 23, 1802, little
time was lost in setting its school machinery in motion. At the
first town meeting, July 26 of that year, the following school
agents were elected : Elisha Hallet, Thomas Parker, Nehemiah
A. Parker, Nelson Colcord, Asa Soule, Micah Ellis, Isaac Cor-
son, John Streeter, Thomas Cook and Samuel Moors. On
August 9 the town voted to raise $300 for purposes of schooling.
At the March meeting of 1803, the sum of $400 was voted for
schooling and only $50 for preaching. At an adjourned meeting
held May 2, it was voted to accept a report presented by the select-
men for dividing the town into school districts, which were
referred to in the report as Ticonic, Rose's, Ten-lot, Almond
Soule's, Tozer's, Low's, Moors's, Asa Soule's, Osborne's, and
Crowell's. The selectmen's report also provided for the choice
of the several school agents at the annual town meeting, each
district to have the liberty of "providing, agreeing with and pay-
ing their teachers," subject to the restrictions of the law in such
cases made and provided. Discretionary power was granted the
selectmen to aid small districts, and Rose's district was advised
to join with neighboring families in Fairfield in support of a
union school.
At the March meeting of 1805, three agents were elected for
Ticonic district, which embraced the village portion of the town.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 27I
They were Nehemiah A. Parker, Asa Redington. Jr., and James
Stackpole, Jr. In 1806 the school appropriation was increased
to $600, and at a meeting in May a committee consisting of
Moses Appleton, Reuben Kidder, Timothy Boutelle, James
Stackpole, Jr., and Thomas C. Norris was elected *'to inspect
schools throughout the town the year ensuing." This committee
was of quality suited to the important work assigned it, for two
of its members, Dr. Moses Appleton and the Hon. Timothy
Boutelle, were graduates of Harvard besides being, like their
associates on the committee, men of affairs with ability sufficient
to make them leaders of thought and action in any community.
That the boys of those days were not unlike the boys of to-day
may be guessed from a vote of the town in April, 1808, by which
ball playing and snow-balling within fifteen rods of the meeting-
house and schoolhouse were prohibited on penalty of a fine of
not more than $4 and not less than fifty cents. Many of the lads
at whom that vote was leveled grew to be dignified and dis-
tinguished citizens, just as will their grandchildren whom we
see playing upon our streets to-day.
The various school districts soon came to be known officially
by number although the original family names of them still sur-
vive in the local parlance of several communities.
For district No. i, in 1808, there were reported as parents of
children of school age — five to twenty-one — the following per-
sons : William Spaulding, Jere. Curtis, Benj. Woodman, Daniel
Cartes, Christopher Jakins, George Jakins, James L. Wood, Jona.
Clark, Frederick Jakins, Isaac Temple, Edward Piper, Nicholas
Coffin, David Nours, Jediah Morrill, Jere. Fairfield, Enoch
Plummer, Nathaniel Oilman, Jona. Haywood, Isaac Stevens,
James Stackpole, Jr., William Phillips, Hannah Cool, Reuben
Kidder, Moses Appleton, Mrs. Lakin, George Dunbar, Moses
Dalton, Charles Dingley, Daniel Moore, John Stackpole, Asa
Redington, David Getchell, Nehemiah Getchell, Jr., Mrs. Parker,
Wm. Haywood, Moses Healey, Wm. Miller, Mrs. Leeman, Elna-
than Sherwin, Turner Fish, Thomas C. Norriss, John Wright,
Russell Blackwell, Winthrop Watson, Jere. Kidder, Edward
Estey, Samuel King, Sally Taylor, Samuel Gilman, Samuel
Clark, Christopher Rice, James Grummet, Daniel Loring. Joseph
2,^2 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Allen, Ebenezer Bacon, Johnson Williams, James Curtis,
Richard Clifford.
In the days when the presence of children in the family was
more general than now, this list, returned by the hand of James
Stackpole, Jr., undoubtedly comprised the greater part of the
inhabitants of the village of Waterville as it then existed. The
number of pupils lor this district was returned as 145. They
came from Alain, Silver, A'lill, College, Water and lower Front
streets, as these rough roads were called, leading through an area
still largely covered with woods, and used mostly for pasturage.
The schoolhouses in which the children worked, and probably
sometimes played, were the little old yellow one close by the town
hall, and the brick one on College street on what for many years
was known as the Alilliken lot.
In the year 181 2, Moses Appleton and Daniel Cook were
chosen "visiting inspectors" to visit each town school at least once
during the winter months or as much oftener as they might think
convenient ; and in the summer season if they thought proper ;
and to prescribe '*the most proper mode of instruction to each
schoolmaster." The language of the vote would leave us to
infer either that there were no female teachers employed at that
time, or that they stood less in need of professional advice than
did their brethren in the service. At all events the action of the
town was significant as a recognition of the importance to public
schools of official inspection.
The superintending school committee of 1821 was a distin-
guished group composed of Timothy Boutelle, Jeremiah Chaplin,
Moses Appleton, Abijah Smith and Asa Redington, Jr. A few
years later the committee appears to have been reduced in num-
ber to three members, two of whom were Stephen Chapin and
Sylvanus Cobb. At the meeting at which they were elected, the
town voted to pay them "a reasonable sum for their services."
Dr. Appleton was again elected to be a member of the commit-
tee in 1826 and at the next March meeting he was voted $6 for
his services. The functions of the committee were largely
extended by a vote of this meeting when, upon motion of Timo-
thy Boutelle, it was decreed as follows :
"That in future it shall be the duty of the superintending
school committee to make a written report to the town, at the
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 273
annual meeting in March, describing the state and condition of
the several schools in the town, which report shall embrace the
following particulars, viz. the name of each school agent, the
amount of money apportioned to each school district, the number
of scholars as returned to the selectmen, the amount of money
expended in each district for instruction — designation how much
for masters and how much for mistresses and how much for
wood, and the names and wages of the instructors, and how long
each one has been employed, the number of scholars present at
each examination, the greatest as well as the average num-
ber of scholars that have attended each school, the kind of books
of every kind used m each school, the number of scholars in each
school that have attended to the study of English grammar, arith-
metic and geography and each of them, together with such
remarks and observations as the committee may be pleased to
make on the discipline, progress and appearance of each, whether
creditable to the scholars and instructors, or otherwise, whether
the money appears to have been faithfully and judiciously
expended by the several agents or not, whether the scholars are
sufficiently provided with suitable books — with such other facts
as the committee may deem interesting and worthy to be com-
municated to the town, which report shall be lodged with the
town clerk, and preserved in his office." It may be remarked in
passing that the early reports made as a result of this action of
the town may have been lodged with the town clerk but it is very
certain that they were not preserved in his office, or anywhere
else.
Possibly because of the more onerous duties now laid upon the
committee, the sum of eight dollars each was voted for the three
members composing it the next year, on the condition that they
should make the report called for by the town's vote. The same
year the limits of the thirteen school districts of the town were
very carefully and definitely located, the report of the selectmen
on the matter covering about three pages of the town records.
At this time and for many years later there was continual chang-
ing of the districts, hardlv a town meeting being held without
taking some action in regard to setting off certain persons from
one district to another. This business and the laying out or
18
274 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
discontinuance of roads furnished a never-failing subject for dis-
cussion and action.
The amount of money voted for schools in 1829 was $900, a
larger sum by $200 than had ever been voted before. In a list
of town by-laws adopted in 1830 the public school pupils were
probably aimed at in a section providing for a fine of twenty-five
cents as a penalty for riding upon, or taking hold of the back part
of any chaise, sleigh or other carriage, while in actual use, with-
out the consent of the person having charge of the same. There
was also to be no ball playing or stone throwing in the public
streets.
There was a decidedlv "ministerial" committee chosen in 1834,
consisting of the Rev. Calvin Gardner, the Rev. S. F. Smith,
author of "America," and the Rev. Jonathan C. Morrill. Samuel
Plaisted was chairman of the committee for the next year, which
was marked by the passage of a vote to authorize the various
districts to elect their respective school agents in district meet-
ings. The custom thus inaugurated prevailed thenceforth unin-
terruptedly as long as the district system remained in vogue.
Early in the thirties, there were in attendance at the little brick
schoolhouse a number of pupils that are still living or have but
recently died. The entire list included Mary and Hannah Eaton,
Ellen, Elizabeth and Rebecca Getchell, Lydia and Ariana Hill,
Alice, Armenia and Olivia Dunbar, Rosetta and Naomi Nelson,
Hannah, Tiley Ann and Susan Hayden, Mary Jewett, Esther
Shorey, Georgiana Bright, Olive Blackwell, Eliza and Martha
Haywood, Mary Brown, Ellen Cafifrey, Josephine Morrow, Olive
Reed, Lydia Hasty, Sarah Tuttle, Climenia Blood, Mary Shep-
herd, Maria Littlefield, James Hasty, Edward Piper, Eldridge
L. Getchell, Leonard Hill, Burt Wells, Thomas Eaton, George
Blackwell, Eleazer Getchell, Edward Dunbar, Joseph Hasty,
Peter Dunbar, John Caffrey, Charles Dow, William Dow, Wil-
liam CaftVey, Thomas Foster, Edmund Dunbar, Joseph and
Franklin Wheeler, Augustus Hill, Oliver Wheeler, Arnold and
David Getchell, Henry and John Paine, Hiram Brown, Alfred
Burleigh, George Blood, Thomas, Edwin and James Nelson,
David Stilson, Turiel Haywood, George and John Brown, John
B. Foster, Wm. Blood, Lemuel Stilson, James Otis, Benjamin
Tibbetts, Edward McKechnie, Nathan Shorey, Timothy Little-
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 2/5
field, John Bacon, James Haywood, Francis Stilson, Charles
White, James P. Hill. For teaching this array of pupils the
teacher received the liberal salary of twenty-four dollars a month.
Schools were maintained in 1836 in fourteen districts, of which
the largest were Nos. i and 5, the former having 212 scholars
on its census roll, and the latter 204. The smallest district in
the town had fourteen pupils. The total number of pupils
returned for the town was 1,049, ^^^ the school money expended
amounted to $1,131.18. In district No. i with its eighty pupils
in attendance the sum of $197.50 was paid for instruction, of
which $117 went to Crosby Hinds, who got $26 a month for a
term of eighteen weeks ; and $80.50 to Martha A. Sheldon, who
taught twenty-three weeks at $14 a month. The average attend-
ance was fifty. On the first visit of the committee thirty pupils
were found present and on the second, forty-one. Seventeen
pupils took grammar, sixty were found in arithmetic classes, and
seventeen gave attention to geography.
In district No. 5 J. G. Dickenson received $173 for teaching,
his rate of wages not being given ; and Celia A. Colbum was paid
$54 for a term of eighteen weeks.
The entire teaching force for the year consisted of Crosby
Hinds, Martha A. Sheldon, Thomas Wright, Adeline Tozier,
Philip N. Kimball, Sophia Thayer, David Purington, Martha W.
Nelson, J. G. Dickenson, Celia A. Colburn, Serena Whitman,
Martha Bowman, E. M. Thurston, Mary Marston, Wm. L.
Eaton, Charlotte Mathews, Jacob Tuck, Elvira Cowan, Chas.
Morrill, Louisa N. Ingalls, Danforth Thomas, H. C. Warren,
Mary Ladd, Lyman Corson, Caroline Pullen and Maria Libby.
The highest wages paid a woman teacher was the $14 received
by Martha A. Sheldon in district No. i, which was more than
was paid to some of the male teachers. In six of the districts
women teachers were paid salaries of $4 a month. In earlier
years seventy-five cents a week had not been considered a nig-
gardly price to pay for the services of a woman teacher. The
only mention of extra studies in the schools of this year was in
reference to those of districts Nos. 7 and 12, in the former of
which two pupils were set down as having studied history, and
in the latter, six. In many of the districts the length of the
276 HISTORY O? WATERVILLE.
school year was twenty-two weeks ; in the village schools it was
more ; in the smaller districts it was somewhat less. The whole
amount paid the twenty-six teachers was $771.37. As the
teachers in the two largest districts received $370.50 of this
amount, it is evident that the rest of the corps were not achieving
wealth at a dangerously rapid pace. The average number of
pupils was reported as 502, but these figures were evidently not
accurate, as in several of the districts the agents failed to make
the returns necessary to determine the point correctly.
In March of 1835 ^ movement had been set on foot to build
a new schoolhouse in the village, but nothing came of it ; and the
same year an attempt to unite districts No. i and No. 5 also
failed, the committee from No. i consisting of the Rev. Calvin
Gardner, Alpheus Lyon, James Stackpole, Jr., Eben F. Bacon
and William Pearson, reporting against the plan as inexpedient.
In 1837 it was voted that the scholars on the west side of the
Crommett stream, under eight years of age, draw their money
to be expended in a private school to be kept on the west side for
their benefit. The next year the following classification of pupils
was made for the village schools : All between the ages of four
and twelve years, and no others, were to be permitted to attend
the summer schools ; and all between the ages of ten and twenty-
one years, and no others, might attend the winter schools, or
those taught by a master.
In 1 84 1 it was voted to open a woman's school on the Plain,
so called, if a suitable place could be obtained. Three schools
were maintained in the village that summer. An article provid-
ing for the giving up of the old schoolhouse lot for one more
convenient was voted down in the district meeting of No. i in
1843. There was evidently some trouble with the management
of the scholars at this time as the district meeting records show a
vote of thanks extended to the schoolmaster for having enforced
discipline, and to the committee for having backed him up by
turning refractory pupils out of school. In 1845 by vote of the
town districts No. i and No. 5 were united.
In 1846 the building of a schoolhouse on the Plains, which
seemed to have failed of accomplishment earlier, was authorized
at a cost of $250 ; and it was also voted to furnish two school
rooms in the town hall. In the same year arrangements were
HISTORY OF WATe:RVILLE. 277
made for having the more advanced pupils attend the academy
and the institute. The next year boys under twelve and girls
under fourteen were admitted to the summer schools, and it was
also decided to admit "foreign" children under "such restrictions
as the district committee might prescribe." It was also decided
that the English elementary branches be taught in the schools of
the district and no others, except at the discretion of the classifi-
cation committee. James H. Hanson was clerk of district No. i
for several years from 1847.
A little earlier than this the district fathers had begun a con-
test over the matter of a new schoolhouse. It was a case of the
north part of the village against the south, apparently, and it was
waged eagerly, and not without traces of considerable bitterness.
Again and again action would be taken at a district meeting
providing for the erection of a building, only to be overthrown
when the opposing forces were mustered in sufficient strength at
a later meeting. In 1853 it apparently became plain that nothing
was being gained for either side, and the time-honored method
of compromise was brought into use. A committee consisting
of James Stackpole, Samuel Plaisted, Joseph Percival and
George Wentworth, was chosen to name a committee of ten to
consider and report upon the whole matter. This larger com-
mittee was made up of Solyman Heath, Josiah H. Drummond,
James Stackpole, Joseph O. Pearson, Samuel P. Shaw, R. B.
Thurston, John B. Bradbury, C. M. Morse, Ephraim Maxham,
and Charles H. Thayer. The committee reported in favor of
two brick buildings, one for the north end, the other for the
south ; and the long fight was over. One of the buildings thus
provided for was the main part of the present high school build-
ing ; the other what is now a brick tenement on College avenue,
moved there from the present site of the North grammar school
building, and used, until the Myrtle street building was erected,
for school purposes.
In 1853 it was voted to sell the old brick schoolhouse and lot
on College avenue, and so departed an interesting landmark of
the earlier days. Two years later Latin and French were author-
ized as studies in the high school. In 1859 the teachers of high
and grammar grades were requested to present to parents a
weekly report of the conduct and scholarship of pupils in their
2yS HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
charge, and it was decided that at the end of the term a printed
statement regarding the same should be printed and circulated.
In 1864 pupils of high school rank were sent to Waterville Acad-
emy where Dr. Hanson received $4.50 a term for their tuition.
This arrangement was continued until the establishment of an
independent high school in 1876.
A remarkably able series of school reports were prepared by
the committees of 1864 and the following years. They were
printed and distributed among the voters and must have been of
no little service in gaining their attention and enlisting their
sympathy in the cause of education. The report for 1864 dealt
broadly and intelligently with many topics that are of as much
interest to-day as they were then. Among the subjects treated
in this report were : "Interest in Education ;" "School Reports ;*'
"Kind of Education Needed ;" "Qualification of Teachers ;"
"Selection of Teachers;" "Normal Schools;" "Interest and Co-
operation of Parents;" "Small Districts;" "Text-Books;"
"Selection of Studies," and others of more particular interest to
the time. The comments and recommendations of this report
were eminently sensible and pedagogically sound. Its author
was either the Rev. W. H. Kelton, or the Rev. David N. Sheldon,
Mr. Kelton's name appearing as chairman of the committee, but
the thought and the language of the report frequently suggesting
Dr. Sheldon as its probable author.
Other well known members of the superintending school com-
mittee from 1864 until the town became a city were Prof. Moses
Lyford of Colby, the Rev. J. O. Skinner, Prof. E. W. Hall of
Colby, J. G. Soule, who died January i, 1888, after a continuous
service of thirteen years, Hon. S. S. Brown, Dr. A. W. Small,
formerly of Colby, now of the University of Chicago, and Mrs.
Martha Baker Dunn.
Just before the town became a city, its citizens ihad a chance
to feel proud over the acquisition of a fine new school building,
the North Grammar schoolhouse, which was formally opened
February 28, 1888. A few years later came the erection of what
IS known as the South Grammar building, and in 1897 there was
built for the accommodation of the upper part of the city what is
in most respects the best school building in the city, the Myrtle
street schoolhouse.
HISTORY OI' WATKRVILL^. 279
With the estabHshment of a city form of government for
Waterville there came a recognition by its new board of education
of the need of a more systematic plan of supervision than had
existed hitherto, and choice was made of WilHam C. Crawford,
a graduate of Colby in the class of 1882, to be the first superin-
tendent of schools. The board that elected Mr. Crawford con-
sisted of S. S. Brown, chairman; Reuben Foster, Charles F.
Johnson, Charles H. Redington, Franklin A. Smith, D. P.
Stowell, and Prof. JuHan D. Taylor of Colby. Superintendent
Crawford found it necessary under the circumstances practically
to reconstruct the entire school system, and this he did with little
disturbance and yet so efficiently that his successors in office have
all realized the good effect of his labors. He remained with the
Waterville schools for about four years and a half, leaving them
to accept a position in Massachusetts. Those who have followed
him in the office of superintendent are C. F. Leadbetter, J. E.
Burke, J. H. Blanchard, W. L. Waters, E. F. Hitchings, and
El wood T. Wyman. Of the seven all except Mr. Blanchard and
Mr. Hitchings have been graduates of Colby College.
The masters of the high school since its permanent organiza-
tion in 1876 have been : Edward H. Smiley, Warren C. Phil-
brook, Jefferson Taylor, Lincoln Owen, Dennis E. Bowman,
Nowell, A. H. Evans, S. K. Marsh, and John E. Nel-
son. At the end of the present school year Mr. Nelson resigned
his position after holding it four years, and will be succeeded by
Richard W. Sprague of the class of 1901, Colby College. It is
interesting to note that every one of the masters in the list quoted
has been a Colby graduate.
There are in the city to-day about 3,500 people of school age,
and of these about 1,300 are registered in the various schools.
These are housed in eight buildings, all the pupils from the out-
lying sections being conveyed into the city. The growth of the
schools in the last fifteen years has been remarkable. Within
that period four new buildings have been erected, and two others
have been remodeled, to provide for the accommodation of about
1,000 pupils, and yet there is a demand that must soon be met
for a new grammar school building in the southern section of the
city, and for a new high school building. Against the $300
expended for schooling in the first year of Waterville's corporate
28o HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
life, there is now to be set the annual expenditure of $30,000
for the school department. The schools of the city have kept
pace with its growth. They have enlisted the honest efforts of
faithful men and women who have served as members of super-
intending school committees, of boards of education, as super-
intendents, as teachers ; they have enjoyed to a remarkable degree
the good-will and appreciation of the community ; and they have
bestowed upon thousands of boys and girls a gift richer than any
other earthly possession — the gift of an education.
CHAPTER X.
COBURN CLASSICAL INSTITUTE.
By Franklin W. Johnson, A. M., Principal of the Institute.
The school which now bears the name of Coburn Classical
Institute was founded in 1829 as Waterville Academy. It had
its origin in a deeply felt need of a preparatory school for Colby,
then Waterville College. Hon. Timothy Boutelle, then treas-
urer of the College, had given a lot of land a year or two before
and funds were raised by Jeremiah Chaplin, D. D., president
of the College, and others for the erection of a school building.
The first principal of the school was Henry W. Paine, at that
time an eighteen-year-old senior in Waterville College, later one
of the most distinguished lawyers in Massachusetts. The num-
ber of students in attendance during the first year was sixty-three,
of whom forty-seven were young men. The greater part of the
work of the school was in the ordinary English branches as will
be seen from the fact that only seventeen students are catalogued
as studying Greek or Latin. Among the students of the first
year were Mrs. Rebecca Moor Drinkwater who died in March,
1902; Daniel R. Wing, long time proprietor of the Waterville
Mail; John B. Foster, LL. D., for many years a professor at
Colby; Eldridge Getchell, treasurer of the College for many
years, and William Mathews, LL. P., the well-known essayist.
Of all the students of that early day Dr. Mathev/s alone survives.
His writings still grace the pages of our periodical literature.
Mr. Paine opened the school in August, 1829, and gave up his
office at the end of nine months on account of the fatal illness of
a brother. Robert W. Wood had charge of the school for the
remainder of this year, Joseph Hodges, Jr., was an assistant
282 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
teacher during this year. The next principal was George I.
Chase, just graduated from Brown University, afterwards pro-
fessor and acting president of that institution. He began his
duties in August, 1830, but closed his work in May, 1831, after
nine months' teaching. In August, 1831, Henry Paine, a grad-
uate of Waterville College in the class of 1823, became principal
and retained this position for five years. There is extant a cata-
logue belonguig to this period for the year ending July 21, 1834.
The following names appear under the heading "Superintending
and Examining Committee :" Rev. Rufus Babcock, Jr., George
W. Keeley, Rev. Calvin Newton, Alpheus Lyon, Esq., Dr. Hall
Chase, Dr. Samuel Plaisted, Phineas Barnes, J. Everett Farnam,
Samuel Randall, Jr. Mr. Paine had two assistants besides a
teacher in elocution. The attendance for the year was 205, of
whom 131 were young men. Of these there were "attending to
the Ancient Languages" for the first term twenty-five, for the
second term thirty-seven, "attending to the French Language"
nine. The school year contained forty-eight weeks. The fol-
lowing statements from this early catalogue show how small was
the expense of attendance upon the school. "The price of tuition
in the common English studies is S3. 25 per quarter. In Latin,
Greek and French languages, in Intellectual and Moral Phil-
osophy, the Natural Sciences and the higher branches of Mathe-
matics, $4.25 per quarter. The expense of fuel and other inci-
dental expenses is proportionated on the students. Bpard,
including lodging and washing, can be obtained in respectable
families for $1.50 per week."
Mr. Paine was followed in the principalship by a Mr. Free-
man for a short time ; he was followed in turn by Moses Burbank,
and he by Lorenzo B. Allen who served until 1837. Mr. Allen
is said to have been "an excellent classical scholar and a true
Christian gentleman." He was afterwards president of Burling-
ton University, Iowa. Next Charles B. Train, later attorney-
general of Massachusetts, became principal. Nathaniel G.
Rogers, a graduate of Colby, became principal in 1838, but
resigned after a short time. At about this time there were vari-
ous men who presided over the school for four or five months
each but no accurate record of their names or order of service
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 283
is to be obtained. It is evident that during this period the school
was in a most precarious state of existence. Indeed for about
two years, 1839- 1840, ^^^ school was wholly suspended. During
this period the Waterville Liberal Institute was established and
attracted many students who would otherwise have attended the
Academy. This school occupied the building now used as a
dwelling house at the south corner of Elm and School streets.
It seems that during this period of temporary suspension the
Academy building was used for at least one term of the district
school. The school was revived in 1841 when Charles H.
Wheeler, then a student in Waterville College, afterwards an
Episcopal rector in Providence, R. I., became principal. He
taught for two terms and was followed in the latter part of 1842
by Nathaniel Butler, father of the late president of Colby College.
He remained at the head of the school for one year.
During the first fourteen years it will be seen that the school
was conducted by young men, in most cases students or recent
graduates of the College. Among the teachers not already men-
tioned was Elijah P. Love joy, the first anti-slavery martyr.
From the quality of the men who were instructors it is certain
that the school must have afforded abundant inspiration to the
students of these early da3'S.
With the hope of strengthening the struggling school, in the
winter of 1841-2, an act of incorporation was obtained from the
legislature and a board of trustees was established to have charge
of the school. The act was as follows :
An Act to incorporate the trustees of the Waterville Academy.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in
Legislature assembled, as follows :
Sect. I. Samuel Plaisted, Stephen Stark, Zebulon Sanger,
Edwin Noyes, Harrison A. Smith, David Garland, Amasa Ding-
ley, Johnson Williams, Stephen Thayer, Samuel Taylor, and
their successors, are hereby created a corporation by the name of
the Trustees of Waterville Academy, and, by that name may sue
and be sued, and may have a common seal, and make any by-laws
for the management of their concerns, not repugnant to the laws
of this state ; and may take and hold by gift, grant, or otherwise,
any real or personal estate, the annual income of which shall not
284 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
exceed fifteen hundred dollars, and may give, grant, convey, or
lease, the same, and may choose all officers necessary for the
management of their concerns, for the purpose of promoting
piety and morality, and for the instruction of youth in such lan-
guages, arts and sciences as the said trustees may direct.
Sect. 2. Samuel Plaisted is authorized to fix the time and
place of the first meeting of said trustees, and to give to each
four days notice thereof, in writing.
Approved February 12, 1842.
It does not appear that this incorporation was of any consider-
able help to the school. A far more potent factor in the revival
which immediately followed was the selection as principal of
James H. Hanson, a graduate of Colby in the class of 1842. Mr.
Hanson took charge of the school in September, 1843. There
were but five pupils at the opening of the year. Before the end
of the first term the number had quintupled. In less than ten
years the attendance had reached the large number of 308.
During all these years the school had no endowment and no
source of income save the very low tuition fees. The income of
the principal was small, the duties arduous. After twelve very
successful years Mr. Hanson was worn out by his extremely
hard work and resigned the principalship in 1854, going to East-
port, Maine, where he remained for three years as principal of
the high school.
George B. Gow succeeded him until the summer of 1855.
James T. Bradbury was then principal until the winter of 1857,
when Isaac S. Hamblen took charge of the school. His princi-
palship extended three and one-half years, to the end of the
spring term of 1861. His management of the school was very
successful. The average attendance during his administration
was 218 and forty-nine were prepared for college. He was
forced to resign his position because of ill health. Following
him as principal came Ransom E. Norton for one term, Randall
E. Jones for three terms, John W. Lamb for two years and three
terms, from the summer of 1862 to the winter of 1864-5, and
Augustus D. Small for two terms in 1865.
In 1864 the College had received new life through the gift of
Gardner Colby. Following this a determined effort was made
WATERVILLE CLASSICAL, INSTITUTE.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 285
to Strengthen the Academy which had been decHning for several
years. At the urgent request of Dr. Champlin, then president of
the College, James H. Hanson returned to Waterville from Port-
land where for six years he had been at the head of the Boys'
High school, and for two years had been conducting a private
school for boys. In 1865 he again took charge of the Academy
with the same success which attended his earlier principalship.
At this time several of the trustees created by the act of 1842
had died and it appeared that no successors had been elected to
fill the vacancies. Those who remained, at the suggestion of
Dr. Champlin, gave back their charge to the trustees of the Col-
lege and the separate corporation ceased to exist. The trustees
of the College then placed the affairs of the Academy in the
hands of the College faculty. The name was changed to Water-
ville Classical Institute.
In 1869 ^ Ladies' Collegiate Department was added and the
legislature granted the power to confer degrees in accordance
with the following act:
"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in
Legislature assembled, as follows :
Section i. The managers of Waterville Classical Institute
may prescribe a course of study for young ladies, equivalent to
that of any female college in New England, and may, with the
concurrence of the board of instructors, confer upon all who shall
satisfactorily complete such course the collegiate honors and
degrees that are generally granted by female colleges."
In accordance with this act a course of three years was estab-
lished which was the next year changed to one of four years.
The degree of Baccalaureate of Letters was conferred upon those
who successfully completed this course. This was for many
years a most important feature of the school until the increasing
number of women entering Colby and other colleges caused the
number pursuing this course to diminish. It was given up in
1896. The graduates of this course in all number 185.
Although the return of Mr. Hanson to the principalship
brought new vigor to the school, it was still for several years
without endowment. The need of funds in order to secure the
permanent prosperity of the school was deeply felt. In June^
286 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
1872, the Maine Baptist State Convention was held in the city
of Bath. President ChampHn there presented the subject of the
endowment of the Waterville Classical Institute and also the
establishment of two other academies, one in the eastern and the
other in the western part of the State. At the annual meeting
of the trustees of the College held in July, 1873, ^he president
called the attention of the board to the matter. The subject was
referred to a committee, of which the late Rev. W. H. Shailer
of Portland was chairman. This committee later reported advis-
ing that $100,000 be raised for the endowment of three prepara-
tory schools. Before the next annual meeting of the Colby trus-
tees, Principal Hanson received the following letter :
''Skowhegan, April 4, 1874.
I agree to subscribe the sum of $50,000 to endow the Water-
ville Classical Institute, on condition that $50,000 more shall be
subscribed to endow two other institutions of similar character, —
one east and one west, — and provided further, that at least
$40,000 of the said $50,000 by me subscribed shall be set apart
and kept as a permanent fund, the interest only to be used annu-
ally forever.
'T agree to pay said $50,000 as fast as the other $50,000 shall
be collected and paid into the treasury, and no faster.
Abner Coburn.'"
Immediate steps were taken to comply with the terms of this
bequest subscriptions amounting to about $35,000 were secured
by Rev. A. R. Crane, D. D., during two years which he devoted
to a canvass of the State. Upon the withdrawal of Dr. Crane
from this work, the collection of unpaid subscriptions was turned
over to Principal Planson. To this he devoted himself in addi-
tion to his duties as principal of the school. It was not until
1883 that the entire $50,000 was paid in. Waterville Classical
Institute received from this source $50,546. Hebron Academy
at Hebron and Ricker Classical Institute at Houlton received
proportionate amounts in accordance with the conditions of Gov-
ernor Coburn's bequest. From this it will be noticed that these
two flourishing schools owe their first considerable endow^nent
to the bequest of Abner Coburn to Waterville Classical Institute,
and in no small degree also to the labors of Principal Hanson.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 287
At the commencement exercises, July 1-3, 1879, was celebrated
the semi-centennial anniversary of the opening of the school. In
addition to the usual exercises, on Thursday, July 4, special
exercises were held at the Baptist church consisting of an address
by Ex-Governor Nelson Dingley, Jr., a poem by Miss Abbie J.
Flagg of Chillicothe, Missouri, a paper of reminiscences of the
early history of the school by William Mathews, LL. D., and
another containing its later history by Rev. George B. Gow.
After the exercises at the church the procession formed and with
Col. I. S. Bangs as marshal, escorted by the Waterville band,
marched to the town hall where dinner was served to 230 guests.
Principal Hanson presided over the after-dinner speaking.
Among those who spoke on this occasion were Hon. Henry W.
Paine, LL. D., the first principal ; William Mathews, LL. D.,
Prof. J. B. Foster, John W. Drummond, Rev. L S. Hamblen, a
former principal ; Hon. Joshua Nye, Ex-Governor Nelson Ding-
ley, Jr., and others. Of this semi-centennial celebration a prom-
inent nev/spaper said: **It fairly rivaled in interest the com-
mencement at Colby."
Governor Coburn had placed the school on a firm fimancial
basis but his benefactions did not end there. After the sad
death in 1882 of his brother Stephen Coburn and the latter's son,
Charles M, Coburn, who had been graduated from Colby only
the year before, Governor Coburn at once stated his intention of
erecting on the Institute lot a memorial to his brother and
nephew. Preparations were soon made for the erection of a
building which was dedicated with appropriate exercises during
the College commencement of 1884. This building is of brick
with red sandstone trimmings, is three stories high and is sur-
mounted by a tower. It represents a cost of more than $50,000
and is one of the finest school buildings in New England. It
bears on its front a sandstone tablet on which is the following
inscription :
Erected A. D. 1883
by Abner Coburn
in memory of
Stephen Coburn
and
Chas. M. Coburn
who died July 4, 1882.
288 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
In 1883 the name of the school was changed to Coburn Clas-
sical Institute in consideration of Governor Coburn 's benefac-
tions.
A circular dome was later added to the building and equipped
as an astronomical observatory. It contains a six-inch equatorial
telescope with clock-work attachment. The whole is a gift of
Mary D. Lyford and her son, Hon. Edwin F. Lyford of Spring-
field, Mass., in memory of Moses Lyford, for many years a
professor in the College.
The old school building which for fifty-four years had occupied
the spot now occupied by the more commodious building was
removed to the rear of the grounds where it was afterwards torn
down and removed. This building, an illustration of which
accompanies this chapter, was long familiar to Waterville citi-
zens and is linked with pleasant associations in the minds of
hundreds of former students. The following sketch of the
school and house of the early days was written by one who was
long connected with the school as pupil and teacher.
"Through the Zion's Advocate many an obscure boy or girl
in an obscure corner of Maine heard of Waterville Academy and
began to build air castles and to earn and save money enough to
pay the twenty-five cents a week for tuition so as to be enrolled
in the catalogue as a member of a school that was so near a col-
lege. When the town was reached and the plain brick building
with its symmetrical belfry appeared, long cherished hopes
seemed about to be realized. A timid knock at the heavy front
door, the only one in the building, had to be repeated before the
principal appeared. A cordial welcome from him was never
lacking but when the door opened and you were ushered within
some of your rose-colored anticipations vanished. There were
no gilded towers without nor marble walls within, but a front
entry with a place on the right that opened from the principal's
room for storing wood for the big box stove, brooms, shovel,
tongs and other needed articles. The long poker was kept under
the stove. There was a suspicion of fear when the poking was
done for there was a crack in the bottom of the stove and burn-
ing cinders could always be seen on the zinc under the stove.
To the left as you entered the front door was an unattractive
stair-case which led to the room of the preceptress above. On
<^
JAMES HOBBS HANSON, I^L. D.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLS. 289
the east side of the upper room a door opened into a small room
over the stairs, called the apparatus (?) room, which contained
an orrery, an old electric machine, a battery, and other trash.
The room on the other side was the clutter room of the upper
floor. There were long benches on the north side of the pre-
ceptress' room and the platform for rhetorical display and the
teacher's desk on the south side. As you entered the principal's
room below and stepped upon the cold, brick floor and saw the
rows of ugly looking seats with their heavy wooden forms, whit-
tled and marked with the names of former pupils, you had a
chance to revel in the ruins of your air-castles and felt that the
district schoolhouse at home was more attractive than the
academy. But when the school work began and the principal,
who was wood-sawyer, janitor, and en dower of the school,,
appeared, surroundings were forgotten and the eager, enthusi-
astic class, guided by the masterful hand of the teacher, felt that
no mistake was made when they first came to Waterville
Academy."
Although the establishment of the Waterville High School and
the improvement of the schools in every part of the State had
caused the attendance of the school to decrease, the school con-
tinued without marked change until Dr. Hanson's death. At
this point a brief sketch of his life is appropriate, for during the
sixty-five years of the school's history up to that time, he had
been at its head forty-one years ; in fact, he was the school.
James Hobbs Hanson was born in China, Me., April ii, 1817.
He was fitted for college in China Academy under Henry Paine,
who went to China after leaving Waterville Academy. He was
graduated from Waterville College in 1842, and spent the next
year teaching in the town of Hampden, Maine. The trustees
of Waterville Academy found Mr. Hanson at home in China,
where he was spending the summer at work on his father's farm^
and invited him to take charge of the academy in the autumn.
They could offer him no compensation beyond what he could
receive in tuition fees. He began the work on these conditions
and at the end of the first term found a balance of $40 on the
wrong side of his account book. The next term brought no
greater returns and Mr. Hanson decided to leave the school for
19
290 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
a position under Mr. Paine in China Academy. In response to
earnest entreaties of the trustees, who promised to make vigorous
efforts in the school's behalf, he decided to remain. This decision
alone probably determined the continuance of the school. Refer-
ence has already been made to Mr. Hanson's resignation in 1854
and his return in 1865, after teaching for three years in Eastport
and eight years in Portland. From this time he gave himself
unsparingly to the school until his death which occurred, April
21, 1894. Less than a week before his death he was about his
accustomed duties in the schoolroom. The words of one of the
speakers at the semi-centennial celebration express appreciatively
the work of Dr. Hanson. "Waterville Academy owes its name
and usefulness to the patient, self-denying toil of its present
honored and already venerable principal. But for him no semi-
centennial would have called us together. What kind of labor
has he not performed ? What work did he ever ask another to
do which perhaps he might better do himself? What work was
he ever asked to do that he declined, however overworked he
might alreadv be? When other men wrought six hours in the
classroom, he wrought twelve. I speak in no hyperbole. And
then, when the long weary work in the classroom was at length
over, the midnight hours saw him still at his task. Too poor
to employ the needed assistance, too conscientious to leave any-
thing undone that might be of use to the most ungrateful pupil,
he toiled on seeking no reward but the satisfaction of doing
his whole duty. If, through superior scholarship, severe habits
of self-mastery, and a natural capacity for work beyond the great
body of even strong men, he was able to do this and not die, he
only counted himself happy that he could lay all his wealth, more
precious than gold, upon the altar, a votive offering to his divine
Master and his beloved pupils. It is surely a little thing that
we, who have entered into the fruit of all this, should rise up,
to-dav, and call him blessed. Our preceptor has thus far been
the academy's endowment."
Dr. Hanson's reputation as a classical scholar was extensive
and .served as a great attraction to students preparing for college.
Students came in large numbers from other schools to receive
the last year's drill under his instruction. His reputation was
greatly enhanced by the books which he edited. The Latin Prose
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 29 1
Book appearing in 1861, and the Latin Poets in 1865. These
were recognized by classical teachers as a great contribution to
the text-books of the time and were widely used for many years.
He received the degree of LL. D., from Colby in 1872. He was
for many years a trustee of the college.
The high estimation in which Dr. Hanson was held by the
large number of students and friends of the school is shared by
Mrs. Hanson who, before her marriage, had been a teacher in the
school, and for many years during Dr. Hanson's life, and at the
time of his death worked by his side in the schoolroom.
Rev. Asa L. Lane was acting principal for one term after Dr.
Hanson's death, when Franklin W. Johnson, a graduate of Colby
in the class of 1891, was elected principal, beginning his duties
in September, 189^]. This position he still holds. Mr. Lane
resigned his position as instructor in science in July, 1901, after
twenty-five years of continuous service in this position. He was
a scientist of high reputation throughout the State, He left as
a permanent endowment to the school the large collections which
he had made illustrating the various departments of the natural
sciences. These have been placed in a room furnished by the
graduating class of 1902 which will hereafter be known as the
'Xane Museum."
The Boutelie Library receives its name from Timothy Bou-
telle, whose daughter, Mrs. Edwin Noyes, presented the school
$2,500 as an endowment fund for the library. The library
occupies the most attractive room in the building. It now con-
tains 3,517 volumes, with card catalogue, and forms a valuable
adjunct to the work of the school.
In 1897 the house and lot at the south corner of Elm and
Spring streets was purchased. The house was renovated and
has since been used as a dormitory for young ladies. The house
is known as the "Hanson Cottage."
From 1865 to 1901 the Institute remained under the control
of the trustees of the College. During Dr. Hansons' life, how-
ever, its management was virtually in his hands. He secured
the teachers, contracted and paid the bills, received tuitions, and
retained the balance, if there was any, for his own compensa-
tion. His successor took charge of the school on a different
basis. A committee of the trustees had oversight of the school's
292 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
affairs and the finances were managed like those of any other
department of the College. But the increasing demands made
upon those responsible for the management of endowed educa-
tional institutions, made it evident that strength would be added
to the Institute if it could be under the control of a separate cor-
poration. Accordingly the matter was brought to the attention
of the College Board who acted favorably on a proposition to
entrust the control of the school to a separate corporation. The
following act of incorporation was passed by the Legislature and
approved March 8, 1901 :
"An Act to incorporate the Trustees of Coburn v^iassical Insti-
tute.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in
Legislature assembled, as follows:
"Section i. Nathaniel Butler, Franklin W. Johnson, George
D. B. Pepper, Horace Purinton, Leslie C. Cornish, Edwin C.
AVhittemore, Horatio R. Dunham, and Cyrus W. Davis are
hereby created a corporation by the name of the Trustees of
Coburn Classical Institute, for the purpose of maintaining a lit-
erary institution in the city of Waterville with all the powers of
similar corporations including the power to make and establish
by-laws and regulations for the management of its affairs and
the proper government of the institution.
"Section 2. Said corporation shall be governed and its
powers exercised by a board of not exceeding seventeen trustees,
of which the president of Colby College and the principal of
Coburn Classical Institute for the time being shall, ex-officio, be
members. At the organization of the corporation, the number
of other trustees shall be fixed by the by-laws and shall be divided
as nearly as may be into three classes ; one class shall be elected
for one year, one for two years, and one for three years ; and at
each annual meeting thereafter, members shall be elected by the
board in place of those whose terms shall expire, and any vacan-
cies in the other classes shall be filled.
"Section 3. Said corporation may use the real estate held in
trust for it, and the income of all funds held in trust for it, by the
president and trustees of Colby College, in accordance with the
trust by which they are so held and with such arrangements as
HISTORY OP WATERVILLE. 293
shall from time to time be made with said president and trustees ;
and may also take and hold, for the purposes of its creation, prop-
erty in its own right to the amount of one hundred and fifty
thousand dollars.
"Section 4. This act shall take efiect when approved."
xA^dditional members, beside those mentioned in the above act
were elected as follows : George K. Boutelle, William T.
Haines, George O. Smith, Fred M. Preble, Allan P. Soule,
George W. Lord, Norman L. Bassett, J. Frederick Hill. At the
first meeting of the Board, held June 22, 1901, George D. B.
Pepper, D. D., LL. D., was chosen president ; Norman L. Bas-
sett, LL. B., secretary; and Horace Purinton, treasurer. The,
management of the school passed into the hands of the new cor-
poration, July I, 1901. The value of this change has already
been seen during the past year in which the school has been
strengthened in various ways and plans have been set on foot
for increasing the permanent funds of the institution.
No exact statement can be made of the number of students
enrolled during the history of the school. As many as 5,000
different students must have been in attendance during these
years. The school has always prepared a large number of
students for college. More students have entered college from
this school than from any other Maine school. At least 700 have
received their preparation here. Among the most prominent of
these are Nelson Dingley, Jr., Ex-Governor of Maine and for
many years an influential member of Congress. Llewellyn
Powers, Ex-Governor and now member of Congress, Bartlette
Tripp, formerly U. S. minister to Austria-Hungary, William
Mathews, LL. D., professor and author ; Nathaniel Butler, D.
D., recently president of Colby College; Charles F. Meserve,
LL. D., president of Shaw University; Judge William P.
Whitehouse, Judge Albert M. Spear.
Established as a feeder for Waterville College, the school has
always fulfilled that mission. Those who have known conditions
intimately have stated that, but for this school, the college would
have been obliged, at times, to close its doors for lack of students.
Since the foundation of Colby's four preparatory schools, Coburn
has sent more graduates to the college than the other three
294 HISTORY OF waterville;.
schools together. The school continues to send the larger part
of its graduates to Colby though a large number of colleges now
attract its students. During the past year graduates of Coburn
have been enrolled at seventeen institutions as follows : Bates,
Bowdoin, Boston University, Brown, Colby, Colgate, Columbia,
Dartmouth, Harvard, Mount Holyoke, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, University of IMaine, University of Vermont,
Vassar, Wellesley, \\'orcester Polytechnic Institution and Yale.
In scholarship Coburn justly claims pre-eminence among
Maine schools. Evidence of this may be found in the record of
the graduates on entering college. In 1883 Colby offered the
Merrill prizes to the members of the freshman class who should
secure the highest rank in competitive examinations upon the
work required for admission to college. Of the twenty prizes
thus given, Coburn graduates have taken fourteen, while gradu-
ates of all other schools have taken six. Of these six, the prize
has been taken only once by a graduate of a IMaine school. Colby
draws its students from every part of Maine and in many
instances from other states. This high standing of Coburn
students in scholarship in competition with graduates of all other
Maine schools is the best possible indication of the quality of the
school's work.
During the seventy-three years of its history, the school has
been of incalculable benefit to the community. Until the estab-
lishment of the public high school, the academy provided instruc-
tion of a high degree of excellence to the pupils of the towp. A
large number of young men and women of ambition and promise
also were attracted from various parts of Maine and other states
who made their residence temporarily here. The school has
thus shared with the college in making Waterville noted as a
center of education and culture. To this is due, in no small
measure, the attractiveness which the city presents to those seek-
ing a place of residence. A still further consideration is the
advantage to the city in a business way accruing from money
which is brought into the business of the city by the considerable
number of students each year attending the school.
Within recent years the condition of the Maine academies has
been changing. The rapid growth of the high schools both in
number and efficiency has caused a great many of the old acad-
HISTORY OF VVATERVILLK. 295
emies to disappear entirely or to become merged in the high
schools of their respective towns. Recent legislation, while tem-
porarily assisting the weaker academies, has served rather as an
injury to the stronger schools of this class. The broadening of
the scope of instruction and changes in methods have necessitated
a larger number of teachers. Lower rates of interest have dim-
inished the income from invested funds. All these causes have
combined to present a difficult problem to such schools as Coburn.
The only solution rests in a considerable increase in the funds of
the school. It is not too much to expect with confidence that the
friends of the school in Waterville and elsewhere will rally to
the support of an institution which is soon to close a proud record
of three-quarters of a century.
CHAPTER XI,
COLBY COLLEGE.
By Edward W. Hall, LL. D., Librarian and Registrar.
Colby College originated with the Bowdoinham Baptist Asso-
ciation which in i8io appointed a committee to consider the
propriety of petitioning the legislature of Massachusetts "to
incorporate an institution in the district of Maine for the purpose
of promoting literary and theological knowledge." Similar
action was taken in 1811 by the Lincoln and the Cumberland
Associations, and a petition prepared by the joint committees
was presented to the Senate of Massachusetts by Rev. Caleb
Blood in 1812. This petition stated that although the Baptists
were undoubtedly more numerous in the district than any other
denomination, yet they had no Seminary over which they had
any control, and in which their religious young men might be
educated under the particular inspection of able men of the same
sentiments.
The petitioners asked the legislature to grant them "for the
furtherance of their object a tract of good land, and cause it to
be located as nighly in the centre of the district as your wisdom
may find convenient. For, it is contemplated, that the seminary
be in the very tract which your honorable body may see fit to
grant for its encouragement."
This first petition for incorporation was not successful. The
following year Rev. Daniel Merrill of Sedgwick was appointed
to present a second petition and succeeded in obtaining a charter,
approved February 27, 181 3, for establishing "a Literary Insti-
tution for the purpose of educating youth, to be called and
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 297
known by the name of the Maine Literary and Theological Insti-
tution." The title given was at that time a favorite designation
attached to many seminaries of learning in which collegiate and
theological classes were united.
The trustees named in the charter soon organized with Rev.
Sylvanus Boardman as chairman and Rev. Otis Briggs as secre-
tary, and entered upon the preliminary work of securing a suit-
able location for the Institution. By a resolve dated February
15, 181 5, township Xo. 3, originally purchased from the Indians,
and embracing the territory now occupied by the towns of Alton
and Argyle on the west bank of the Penobscot river, was granted
to the Institution. This township had been selected by the trus-
tees as "the best selection, in their opinion, that can be made from
the unlocated lands of the commonwealth for the establishment
of the Institution." It yielded an excellent growth of timber,
the sale of which maintained the young seminary for many years.
The plan of locating the Institution on the very township granted
was found impracticable, and in 181 6 the legislature granted
permission to locate and establish the buildings in any town
within the counties of Kennebec and Somerset. The corporation
appointed a committee in 1817 to visit Farmington, Bloomfield
and Waterville, towns which had expressed a desire to have the
school, and eventuallv decided in favor of Waterville. The town
authorities pledged three thousand dollars and the citizens sub-
scribed two thousand in aid of the enterprise.
A tract of land eighty-six rods wide, extending from the Ken-
nebec to the Messalonskee was purchased of R. H. Gardner in
1818 for $1,797.50 which amount was contributed by citizens of
Waterville. This lot, containing 179 acres, was afterward
increased by the purchase of the Briggs estate adjoining it on the
south. The southern boundary of this land, which also extended
from the Kennebec to the Alessalonskee, coincided with the south
line of the lot on which the Button house, owned by the College,
now stands.
In June, 18 18, upon petition of the trustees a bill was reported
granting four additional townships of land and $3,000 annually
for the maintenance of the Institution, but was referred to the
next legislature for final action. At that session a number of
printed petitions signed by citizens in several towns in IMaine and
298 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Massachusetts, were offered urging the passage of the bill. The
language of these petitions, presented by Hon. Wm. King, a
trustee and later governor of Maine, was severely criticised, and
Gen. Alford Richardson, a trustee and member of the legislature
expressed great dissatisfaction on that account. This trivial
circumstance led to the failure of the bill by a vote of 13 to 10,
and entailed upon the Institution many years of poverty and
sacrijfice.
Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin of Danvers, Mass., who had charge of
the theological students of the Massachusetts Baptist Education
Society was chosen professor of theology in February, 1818.
Accompanied by his wife, two children, and several of his pupils,
he sailed from Beverly, Alass., on board the sloop "Hero" which '
brought the little company as far as Augusta. The remaining
twenty miles to Waterville were accomplished in a long-boat,
which Mrs. Chaplin in her journal describes as provided with
sails and having a booth or cabin at one end. When the breeze
failed them, the young men of the party landed and dragged the
boat by a rope. On their arrival at Waterville they were met by
a number of citizens, among whom was Hon. Timothy Boutelle
who made a short address of welcome and provided for their
entertainment. Mrs. Chaplin's journal gratefully records the
courteous reception accorded them by ^Irs. Boutelle, Mrs. Clark
and idr. Partridge at this time, and it is mentioned that she found
friendly neighbors who did not ''seem to be such ignorant, uncul-
tivated beings as some have imagined." It is gratifying also to
read the following statement : "Many of those whom I have
seen appear to be people of education and refinement, nor have
we been destitute of Christian company."
The new seminary was opened and instruction by Professor
Chaplin commenced July 6, 18 18, in a house standing where the
Elmwood Hotel is now situated. In May, 1819, there were
seventeen students in the theological department. Tuition was
fixed at $4.00 per quarter, board was obtained for $1.00 a week,
and wood for $1.50 per cord. An "Address to the Public,"
issued in 1819, proves that the school was established not as a
theological seminary, but also for "those who are desirous of
engaging in any of the learned professions."
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 299
Rev. Avery Briggs was chosen professor of languages and the
literary department was opened by him in October, 1819, with
twenty-five students. The first session of the legislature of the
State of Maine in 1820, authorized the college "to confer such
degrees as are usually conferred by universities," — the sum of
$1,000 annually for seven years was also voted, one-fourth for
the tuition fees of needy students, a principle which was gener-
ally followed in all the money grants to the College made by the
legislature, which only amount to $14,500.
The collegiate character of the young seminary was definitely
declared in 1821 when the name of \\'aterville College was
adopted. In May, 1822, Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin was elected
president and on August 21 the first commencement exercises
were held. A large concourse of people from towns in the vicin-
ity assembled to wM'tness the literary exercises. The procession,
which continues to be a prominent feature of the day, was led
by a band of music and a company of militia in uniform. George
Dana Boardman and Ephraim Tripp constituted the graduating
class, and both served the College as tutors.
Two buildings had now been erected on the College grounds
after cutting away the dense growth of trees. A dwelling house
for the president had been completed in 1819 on the site now
occupied by Memorial Hall. In 1821 the South College was
built and eighteen rooms finished besides fitting up a part of the
building for a chapel. The second dormitory, known as the
North College and now called Chaplin Hall, was built in 1822.
The mason work of both college buildings was done by Mr. Peter
Getchell and the carpenter work by Mr. Lemuel Dunbar.
The theological department of the College was of short dura-
tion. The first triennial catalogue, issued in 1825, gives the
names of fifteen graduates in theology. No record of any other
students in this department appears in subsequent triennials.
President Chaplin resigned in 1833, leaving the College pro-
vided with two brick dormitories, two dwelHng houses for col-
lege officers, a large boarding house, a farm of 180 acres, two
workshops, a good chemical and philosophical apparatus obtained
at a cost of $1,500, and a library of about 2,000 volumes.
After his death in 1841 the trustees passed resolutions "in
grateful remembrance of the able, untiring and successful labor
300 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
of the late President Chaplin,'' and a memorial tablet was placed
on the wall of the College chapel.
In 1 83 1 a manual labor department was established to enable
students to earn part of their College expenses by manufacturing
doors, blinds, sashes, tables, chairs and similar articles. Three
workshops were built for this department by the students them-
selves, who also in 1832 built the large boarding house long
known as the Commons House, and now occupied by the college
superintendent of buildings and grounds. In 1835 a printing
office was added, with a valuable press under the charge of Edgar
H. Gray of the class of 1838. A variety of job work, the annual
catalogues, and a thirty-four page catalogue of the library were
issued from the "College Press." The enterprise proved
unprofitable and the shops were removed from the College
grounds in 1842.
Rev. Rufus Babcock, Jr., succeeded President Chaplin in 1833.
It was a critical period. The College was in debt $18,000 and
could not meet more than three-fifths of its current expenses.
The popularity and efficiency of the new president soon com-
pleted a subscription to pay the debt and the catalogue for 1834
recorded the names of over one hundred students. The central
brick building now called Champlin Hall was erected in 1836.
The basement story was divided into four recitation rooms, above
which was the college chapel reached by a broad flight of steps
outside. The story above the chapel was occupied on the north
side by the library and on the south by the apparatus and class
room for natural philosophy. The value of the College property
was now $50,000. Rev. John O. Choules returned from Eng-
land in 1836 with gifts of 1,500 volumes for the library, includ-
ing a set of the folio volumes of the Records Commission and the
Royal Observatory.
An attempt was now made to resume instruction in theological
studies, but it was not continued after the resignation of Dr.
Babcock in July, 1836, who was obliged to seek a milder climate.
The resolutions adopted by the trustees are expressive of their
sense of the "zeal and ability, the dignity and urbanity, with
which he discharged the arduous duties confided to him."
Rev. Robert E. Pattison, who had served as professor of
mathematics in 1828-2Q, was chosen to succeed Dr. Babcock.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 3OI
Under his care the attendance was largely increased and the
quality of the instruction rose to a high rank. Another effort
was made to relieve the College from financial embarassment but
without success. Dr. Pattison resigned the presidency in
December, 1839, and several of the professors also tendered their
resignations. By the influence of Prof. George W. Keely, the
acting president, instruction was maintained and one more
attempt made to secure funds. The citizens of Waterville
responded liberally and $10,000 was at once subscribed, of which
the ill-paid professors subscribed $2,000. Agents were sent out
through ]\Iaine and ^lassachusetts and by December, 1840, sub-
scriptions amounting to $50,000 were obtained.
In August, 1 841, Mr. Eliphaz Fay, an eminent teacher in
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., was chosen president. The recent crisis
affected the attendance, reducing the number of students in 1841-
42 to only seventy-six. The resignation of President Fay was
accepted in August, 1843, ^^^ Rev. David N. Sheldon, then
pastor of the Baptist church in Waterville was chosen his suc-
cessor. Under his care and with the co-operation of an able
and devoted faculty three of whom were subsequently eminent
as college presidents, the earlier prestige of the College was
revived and students presented themselves in larger number.
Ten years passed in comparative quiet. The small income of
the College w^as yet sufficient to meet its wants. In 1853 Dr.
Sheldon retired to resume the work of the ministry, and Dr.
Pattison, the beloved president of the College in 1836-1839, was
recalled to the direction of its affairs. His second term of three
years was marked by the intellectual vigor and devotedness of a
Christian character of rare excellence.
Prof. James T. Champlin, whose text-books on the Orations
of Demosthenes were for thirty years in general use in American
colleges, was promoted to the presidency of the College in 1857.
Some efforts were made to solicit endowment funds. The
classes entering in 1858 and 1859 were unusually large, but
before graduation the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion had
called many into the service of the nation. Only sixty-two
students remained in 1864-65. Professors Smith, Lyford, Foster
and Hamlin constituted the faculty of instruction.
With the invested funds reduced to $15,000 and rapidly grow-
ing less, the outlook was indeed dark. The dawn of brighter
302 HISTORY 01" WATERVILLE.
days, however, was approaching. Mr. Gardner Colby of Boston,
part of whose childhood had been spent in Waterville, came for-
ward with an offer of $50,000 on condition that the friends of
the College raise $100,000. Much enthusiasm was awakened by
this generous ofifer, and Dr. Champlin, aided by members of the
faculty, canvassed the state vigorously, completing the required
subscription in about two years. In recognition of Mr. Colby's
munificent gift, the trustees obtained from the legislature in 1867
an act changing the name of the College to Colby University.
Mr. Colby's gift called forth other considerable gifts. Aided
by the alumni a memorial building was built of stone in 1869 at
a cost of $50,000. Here the library found a home especially
designed for its use, though its 9,000 volumes seemed lost on the
spacious shelves built to contain 30,000 in the far distant future.
The new chapel accommodations wrought a marked change in
the daily services, now held at eight o'clock instead of at six in
the morning and five in the afternoon. In the Memorial Hall
was placed by the alumni a marble tablet inscribed with the
names of twenty College men who had laid down their lives for
the Union.
The commencement dinner in 1870 was marked by great
enthusiasm, culminating in pledges of $50,000 for a building for
the department of natural sciences then directed by Prof. Charles
E. Hamlin. The building was finished in 1872 and styled
Coburn Hall. The old chapel was remodeled into convenient
lecture rooms and named Champlin Hall. The early six o'clock
recitations were abandoned. Steam heating was introduced into
the renovated North College now called Chaplin Hall. These
improvements were made under the direct supervision of Presi-
dent Champlin and paid for by subscriptions solicited mainly by
him, and yet the invested funds had increased to $200,000.
The semi-centennial of the College in 1870 was the occasion
of an address by Dr. Champlin in which he reviewed the early
history of the College and its prospective advancement. Hon.
D. L. Milliken of Waterville, a trustee and benefactor of the
College, was instrumental in obtaining from the State in 1864
a grant of two half townships of land, the last gift from that
source.
HISTORY OF WATKRVTLLE. 303
In July, 1872, Dr. Champlin tendered his resignation but
remained in office at the request of the trustees one year longer,
when he retired to devote himself to literary pursuits.
Rev. Henry E. Robins, D. D., of Rochester, N. Y., came to
the presidency in 1873. He aroused new interest in the College
especially among the Baptist churches of the State, being firmly
convinced that only in this way could a permanent and growing
constituency be gained. New courses of instruction were added
and those long established infused with new life. The South
College was renovated, the gymnasium made an important factor
in college training, and the library, in the year of the great
awakening of library interest, was placed in charge of a paid
librarian. The collection of the two literary societies, the Liter-
ary Fraternity which was maintained from 1824 to 1878, and the
Erosophian Adelphi from 1836 to 1876, were united with the
College library. A gratifying increase in attendance followed,
the highest number being 157 in 1879. On the death of Mr.
Colby in 1879 the College received a bequest of $120,000. The
arduous labors of President Robins so undermined his health that
he was obliged to spend the year 1880-81 in foreign travel, leav-
ing Prof. S. K. Smith, D. D., as acting president, and in 1882 he
resigned his position. Hon. Percival Bonney was chosen treas-
urer in 1 88 1 and served twenty-one years in that office.
Rev. George D. B. Pepper, D. D., succeeded President Robins
in 1882 and administered the affairs of the College with great
fidelity until failing health compelled him to resign in 1889.
The average attendance during this period was about 120. Dr.
Pepper developed measures for the improvement of the work and
finances of the College and advanced its reputation. Hon. Abner
Coburn, dying in 1885, bequeathed $200,000 to the College of
which he had been a faithful trustee for forty years. Hon.
Richard C. Shannon, who was graduated in 1862, erected in
1889 the brick building called the Shannon Observatory and
Physical Laboratory, for the department than in charge of the
eminent astronomer. Dr. William. A. Rogers. President Pepper,
in 1885, obtained the establishment of a new professorship of
geology and mineralogy, to which Dr. W. S. Bayley of the U. S.
Geological Survey was called. The professor of history. Dr.
A. W. Small, devoted a year's leave of absence to university
304 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
study in Baltimore, supplementing an earlier course in Berlin.
At Dr. Pepper's retirement the endowment funds had risen to
$505,767. His unexpected resignation was accompanied by a
strong recommendation that Prof. Albion W. Small, Ph. D., be
appointed his successor. The suggestion was at once ratified by
the board of trustees and President Small, the first graduate of
the College to be chosen to that office, assumed his duties in
August, 1889. His intimate knowledge of the conditions and
limitations of the College enabled him to devise measures for
improving its educational facilities and exerting a wider influ-
ence. To meet the growing demand for the higher education of
young women Dr. Small conceived the plan which was at once
put into successful operation, of arranging for the instruction
of the young women in separate classes, thus forming a co-ordi-
nate college system.
The plan of giving to the students some participation in the
government of the collegiate body, proposed by Dr. Pepper, was
developed and set in operation by President Small. In 1891 the
number of students was 184. The University of Chicago called
Dr. Small in 1892 to be the honored head of its department of
sociology.
An able successor to President Small was found in the young
pastor of the Free Street church in Portland, Rev. Benaiah L.
Whitman, D. D., in whose first year, 1892-93, 206 students were
enrolled. A department of Biblical instruction, with Dr. Pepper
at its head, was maintained largely by special contributions from
1892 to 1899. Courses in university extension work were
offered by several of the Colby professors between the years 1892
and 1900. The gymnasium was enlarged and furnished with
baths and modern equipment in 1893 and physical training
became an important adjunct to the curriculum. The vigorous
and efficient administration of President Whitman attracted the
notice of Columbian University in 1895, and he was called to the
presidency of that institution.
A second graduate of the College, Dr. Nathaniel Butler, whose
father and grandfather had served as trustees of Waterville
College, was induced to leave an important position in the Uni-
versity of Chicago to become president of Colby. Dr. Butler
entered upon his duties in January, 1896, bringing a wide experi-
HISTORY O? WATERVILLE. 305
ence in college instruction and high ideals of the function of the
college in the American educational system. Under his com-
petent direction intellectual, physical and social education each
received due consideration. The misleading title of "university,"
assumed when our country had no real universities, was
exchanged in 1899 ^^^ ^^^^^ o^ "College" at his instance.
A subscription to raise $60,000 for new buildings and other
purposes, received the approval of the citizens of Waterville at
a public meeting called by the board of trade. The desired
amount w^as obtained, Rev. N. T. Button acting as financial
agent. The Alumni Chemical Hall was erected in 1898 at a cost
of $30,000. A pledge that in due time a building for the
Women's College should be built and furnished was received
from a friend whose name is not yet made public. Rev. C. E.
Owen, after the decease of Mr. Button, was given charge of a
second subscription of $60,000 and his appeals have met with
favorable response.
President Butler gradually brought the manifold details and
diverse interests of all departments of college activity into har-
monious and systematic working. A marked improvement in ,
College spirit and loyalty was awakened in the student body.
His scholarly addresses at many literary and educational gather-
ings reflected great honor upon the College and made its name
more widely and honorably known.
But the University of Chicago which reluctantly parted with
Br. Butler in 1896, again claimed him in June, 1901, to take
charge of an important division of its work. His resignation
seemed like a public calamity, affecting not only the College, but
the entire community, which had through him been brought to
take an unusual interest in the welfare of the College.
A farewell dinner was given to Br. Butler by the citizens of
Waterville and a silver loving-cup presented as a token of their
high esteem.
The trustees elected as the successor of President Butler, Rev.
Charles L. White, B. B., of Hampton Falls, N. H., a graduate
of Brown University, who entered upon his duties September
first, 1901, and consequently at this centennial of Waterville is
at the beginning of his presidential career.
20
CHAPTER XII.
THE SECRET FRATERNAL ORDERS OF
WATERVILLE.
By Norman Keith Fuller, Esq.
The time is not far distant when it will be proper to add to
that trite expression, "The permanence of our republican govern-
ment rests on the school, the church and the home," a fourth
institution, the secret fraternal order. The large number of
fraternal orders in the country, their remarkable growth and the
prominence of many of the men who are members, bespeak for
them a prosperous future and a yet larger influence in the devel-
opment of our republic.
Waterville was only in its infancy when the first fraternal
order, the Alasonic, was established here ; it had been incorporated
as a town only eighteen years, its first church had been estab-
lished only two years and a bridge across the Kennebec, connect-
ing it with Winslow, was not constructed until four years later.
It will thus be seen that from its early history the secret fraternal
orders have been a part of the life of the city, growing and devel-
oping with it, until to-day one is surprised at the large number
which not only exist, but thrive, in a place the size of Waterville.
Not all orders, however, have found Waterville a fertile field.
Some have met an early death. But when we contemplate the
large number that find a welcome home here to-day we have
ample proof that Waterville people are not slow to appreciate an
institution which, regarded in all its varied phases, represents
so much that is indispensable to the highest happiness and wel-
fare of our citizens.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 30/
"I think, am sure, a brother's love exceeds
All the world's loves in its unworldliness."
The various orders are treated in the order of their establish-
ment in this city.
Waterville Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M., was the thirty-third
Masonic lodge formed in the State and was so numbered. Its
organization dates from the summer of 1820, in which year the
grand lodge of Maine was formed, and the district of Maine
separated from Massachusetts, and erected into an independent
State. The charter of the lodge, bearing date June 27, 1820,
was granted in compliance with the petition of thirteen brethren
then living in Waterville, Fairfield, Clinton and Winslow. It
is worthy of mention that the charter of the lodge bears the signa-
ture of William King, as grand master of the grand lodge, who
was also the first governor of the new State of Maine ; of Simon
Greenleaf, as deputy grand master, who became a distinguished
jurist and author, and a professor in the Harvard Law School;
of William Swan, as senior grand warden ; of Nathaniel Coffin,
as junior grand warden; of William Lord, as grand secretary.
Of the charter members Jephthah Ames was an axe-maker.
He resided in Waterville but a short time and removed to New
Hampshire. Major Ebenezer Bolkcom was a highly esteemed
and wellknown citizen. He died in Georgia whither he went to
recuperate his health about 1850. Elias Cobb was studying law
with Mr. Boutelle. Ellis Burgess was keeper of a public house
at West Fairfield. Col. Ephraim Getchell came from Berwick
and afterwards removed to Carmel. Henry Johnson came from
the state of New York to Clinton, and there is a tradition that he
was concerned in some way in the Hamilton and Burr duel in
1804, and that that was the occasion for his emigrating to the
then district of Maine. General William Kendall, the father of
Capt. William Kendall, of circular-saw celebrity, was a man of
much importance. He owned nearly all of the land on which is
now located Fairfield village. In honor of him, the village was
for many years called Kendall's Mills. Thomas Stinchfield was
a clothier, Hezekiah Stratton was a merchant. Calvin Wood
was a mill-man and lumber-man. Capt. Nahum Wood lived in
Winslow, and was a carpenter. David Nourse was a boatman.
Dr. Stephen Thayer was a wellknown physician.
308 HISTORY O? WATERVILLK.
The meetings of the lodge have been held in eight different
places. The lodge was organized October 26, 1820, in Thomas
Kimball's hall in the tavern kept by him on the western side of
Maine street. It stood very nearly on the site of the building
now occupied by Mr. Harriman for a jeweller's store and Mr.
Dunham for a shoe store. The meetings were held here for
nearly four years. From July, 1824, until suspension of work
in 1 83 1, when the anti-masonic excitement prevailed, the lodge
met in the Bank house, so-called, a large w^ooden structure sit-
uated at the foot of Main street, on the western side. For the
next fourteen years only one meeting was held and that was held
m the office of Alpheus Lyon. From the resumption of work in
February, 1845, until about 1850, the lodge met in the hall of the
Waterville Liberal Institute, on Elm Street, corner of School
street, in a building which still stands on the same site, converted
into a dwelling. From December 16, 1850, to February 3, 1851,
the fraternity had temporary quarters in Phoenix hall, the same
room which is now used for the typographical and printing work
of the Waterville Mail. The next meeting place of the lodge
was in the third story of the building now occupied by Ward-
well's dry goods store. The fraternity used this room for
twenty-four years from February 10, 1851, to April 12, 1875.
The Commandery newly organized, held the last meeting here
on the 25th of March, 1875. The sixth hall, which was occupied
by the lodge from 1875 to 1890, was in the old Plaisted building
which was located on the site of the new brick Plaisted building.
The seventh place of meeting was in Ware's hall, on the upper
floor of the building now occupied by the Merchants' National
Bank.
The eighth and present place of meeting is the new Masonic
Temple on Common street, which was consecrated in full
masonic form by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Maine
on Saturday, June 13, 1891, just seventy years to a day from
the consecration of the lodge. The day was a proud one for
Waterville Masons. Distinguished visitors from other places
including Palestine Commanderv' of Belfast, joined with the local
members of the fraternity and their ladies in the celebration.
The exercises were very elaborate and included an oration by
Rev. J. L. Seward, of the Unitarian church. The first meeting"
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 309
of the lodge in this temple on March 23, 1891, had been the
occasion of a strange coincidence. It happened to be precisely
sixty years to a day since the last meeting, March 23, 1831,
before the dark days of Masonry. As if to commemorate the
event the electric lights all went out. This was owing to the
high water in the Kennebec river. Oil lamps were quickly pro-
vided by the aid of which the exercises of the evening were com-
pleted. The only thing lacking to make the temple complete was
procured in 1901, when the various masonic bodies purchased
at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars, a new pipe organ, one of the
finest toned organs in the city.
Though believing in religion, and though practicing charity,
the Masonic order is primarily and essentially fraternal. As
indicating the prominence of some of the men who have been
Masons in this city it is worthy of mention that, with one excep-
tion, all of the mayors of Waterville, from its incorporation as
a city in 1888, to the present time have been Masons.
On August 14, 1 90 1, by request of the city government, the
corner stone of the new city hall was laid with due ceremony
under the auspices of the jMasonic lodge, represented by the offi-
cers of the grand lodge of Maine.
In the eighty-two years since it was chartered, Waterville
lodge has had forty-one different masters, as follows : Benjamin
Adams, David Shepherd, Joseph R. Abbott, Alpheus Lyon, Mil-
ford P. Norton, Daniel Cook, Richard M. Dorr, Samuel Wells,
Asil Stilson, Alden Palmer, Jeremiah Arnold, Thomas W. Her-
rick, Wadsworth Chipman, Josiah H. Drummond, Charles M.
Morse, Edward G. Meader, Charles R. McFadden, Willard B.
Arnold, Frank W. Knight, Nathaniel Meader, Jonathan Meader,
Isaac S. Bangs, Edmund F. Webb, Charles H. Alden, Llewellyn
E. Cromm.ett, R. Wesley Dunn, Frederick C. Thayer, Franklin
A. Smith, Andrew L. McFadden, Edwin F. Small, Horace W.
Stewart, True B. Page, William H. K. Abbott, Anson O. Libby,
Warren C. Philbrook, Frank Walker, Charles F. Johnson,
Martin F. Bartlett, Herbert M. Fuller, John M. Webber, Cyrus
W. Davis.
There have been connected with Waterville lodge either by
demit from other lodges or by having taken one or more degrees.
310 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
or honorary members, a total of 669 men, the present membership
being 266.
TiiK Teconnet Chapter Royal Arch Masons was organ-
ized in this city in 1892, by dispensation from the Grand Royal
Arch Chapter of Maine.
St. Omer Commandery of Knights Templar was organized
with sixty charter members, September 2.y, 1874. The eminent
commanders have been : George Wilkins, Isaac S. Bangs,
Nathaniel Meader, Frederick C. Thayer, Frank A. Smith,
Andrew L. IMcFadden, Horace W. Stewart, E. L. Veasie, Fred
A. Love joy, W. A. R. Boothby, Warren C. Philbrook, Arthur
H. Totman, John Phillips, James Frederick Hill, Charles F.
Johnson and Mortimer E. Adams.
Martha Washington Chapter, No. 15, of the Order of
THE Eastern Star, was organized February 24, 1894.
TicoNic Division, No. 13, Sons of Temperance is as its
name implies, a temperance organization, and was instituted
November 2^, 1845. This order did much to pave the way for
the establishment of the prohibitory law in this State. Among
the early patriarchs were T. O. Sanders, Eldridge L. Getchell,
W. M. Phillips, Edward L. Smith, E. H. Piper, R. Perley,
Simeon Keith, Edward C. Low, John P. Caffrey, Jones R. Elden
and George S. C. Dow.
Ticonic Division was reorganized in 1858 with the following
charter list : H. C. Leonard, Llewellyn E. Crommett, Charles
M. Morse, Charles R. McFadden, Charles W. Wingate, Jones
R. Elden, Joshua C. Bartlett, Thomas W. Herrick, Charles R.
Phillips, Hiram P. Cousins, George L. Robinson, Jeremiah
Arnold, Edward C. Lowe, Joshua Nye and Moses Hanscom.
The worthy patriarchs since reorganizaton have been : Everett
R. Drummond, Levi T. Boothby, Samuel Osborne, Thomas Ran-
sted. Airs. Estelle Ransted, Byron Kimball, Mrs. Laura F.
Mason, James Coombs, Hiram O. Ray, Inez White, Vonia Pres-
sey, Irving P. Barnes, Estelle Ray, S. H. Plolmes, Mary Wilson,
C. P. Toward, Stephen J. Cunningham, A. W. Starbird, Myra
Coombs, Edwin Barnes, Frank J. White, Arthur Barton, Amelia
Smith, Emily Ray and Leverett Dow. The order has a present
membership of about thirty.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLK. 311
In 1846 a lodge of the I. O. O. F. was founded in Waterville
by Amasa Dingley, and named Samaritan Lodge No. 39.
Among the charter members were James Smiley, George H.
Esty, Solon S. Simons, and Henry B. White. Eldridge L.
Getchell, Sumner and Joseph Percival, Simeon Keith, Nathaniel
R. Boutelle and Ephraim Maxham were among the early mem-
bers. After continuing eight years the lodge became dormant,
but twenty years later, when Odd Fellowship revived, a new
charter was granted under the old name and number, and on
January 14, 1874, the grand officers instituted the present lodge
with eleven charter members, as follows : Edward C. Lowe, Geo.
H. Esty, Henry B. White, Joshua Nye, W. G. Penny, Joseph
Percival, Nathaniel R. Boutelle, D. ^^L Black, Ephraim Maxham,
Geo. Jewell, and Levi T. Boothby. The Noble Grands of the
lodge, beginning with 1874. have been : Henry B. White, a char-
ter member, Edward C. Lowe, George H. Esty, Joshua Nye,
D. M. Black, Levi T. Boothby, Henry T. Chamberlain, Charles
H. Drummond, George S. Dolloff, Evander Gilpatrick, Calvin
W. Gilman, Charles H. Jones, Simeon Keith, E. A. Longfellow,
W. J. Maynard, Newton J. Norris, J. L. Perkins, F. A. Robbins,
W^eston B. Smiley, J. E. Scribner, E. N. Small, E. L. Spaulding,
William L Towne, J. L. Towne, Charles R. Tyler, C. Henry
Williams, Eugene W. Woodman, ^>L H. Blackwell, Joseph M.
Barker, John Dailey, Charles :M. Turner, William C. Cannon,
Edgar N. Keene, William A. Hager, Chandler W. Wormell,
Josiah W. :^Iorrell, William H. Dearborn, Horace S. Howard,
Charles L. Getchell, George H. Watts, and D. R. McLean.
Odd Fellowship is primarily fraternal, but it has always done
much in a charitable way, relieving the sick and dying, aiding the
widow, protecting and educating the orphan. Its members are
enjoined to illustrate by their acts and carry out, as far as pos-
sible, the sublime maxim, — "All things whatsoever ye would that
men should do unto you, do ye even so to them." The lodge
now has a membership of two hundred and twenty. It occupies
one of the finest halls in the city, in the new Haines block on
Common street.
Encampment No. 22 was chartered at Fairfield August 9,
iS74,as Somerset Encampment No. 22. In January, 1883, it was
312 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
changed to Ahiram Encampment No. 22. Canton Halifax
No. 24 was chartered June 5, 1889. Dorcas Rebekah Degree
Lodge No. 41 was mstituted April 25, 1892.
Waterville Lodge, Good Templars, was organized January
17, 1876, with Frederick S. Clay, W. C. T. The following were
charter members : J. L. Perkins, H. ]\L Rice, Eugene Hyland,
Willie Hyland, Albert E. Estes, William Thayer, Frederick S.
Clay, James N. King, E. J. Lowe, Lizzie Amazeen, Hannah
Leavitt, Ada E. Estes, Lizzie S. Wheeler, Annie Phelon, Abbie
E. Ridley, Mrs. S. R. Tibbetts, Effie E. Wheeler, Hattie E.
Haynes, Flora E. Morton, Belle Morton, J. M. Garland, J. L.
Towne, C. E. Estes, Edith Furbush, J. H. W. Lawrence, and
Henry Ware. Samuel Osborne, the colored janitor at Colby
College, has always been an active member, having held office in
the grand lodge of Maine. He was chosen a delegate to the
supreme lodge which holds its session at Stockholm, Sweden, his
expenses being paid as a testimonial by his many friends. The
order has a present membership of ninety-eight.
Waterville Lodge No. 5, A. O. U. W.. an insurance and
fraternal order, is in a flourishing condition, with a present mem-
bership of two hundred and eighty-five. It was organized here
March 22, 1882, with twenty-two charter members, largely
through the influence of J. W\ Garland. January i, 1890, Pine
Tree Lodge No. 19, of Fairfield, with thirty-three members was
consolidated with Waterville lodge. The presiding officers have
been William T. Haines, Fred D. Nudd, C. P. Toward, C. P.
Sherman, Albert E. Ellis, Charles F. Johnson, Orrison O. Cross,
Edwin Towne, David P. Stowell, George A. Warren, C. F.
Merrill, Everett E. Haynes, and Joseph O'Conner.
On April 5, 1893, the Degree of Honor, Fidelity Lodge,
No. 3, was organized, and since then the Helping Hand Asso-
ciation. The lodge occupies spacious rooms on the third floor
of the Arnold block.
Havelock Lodge No. 35, Knights of Pythias was instituted
May 17, 1883, ^rid holds a high position among the fraternal
organizations of the city. The following were the charter mem-
bers : W. A. R. Boothby, Andrew L. McFadden, E. M. Mars-
■ HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 3^3
ton, Appleton Webb, Edward C. Luce, Appleton H. Plaisted,
A. C. Crockett, Leonard D. Carver, Alfred Thompson, Frank
Redington, Frank J. Goodridge, W. S. Dunham, J. M. Wall,
William F. Swan, A. J. Lyon, Phenny Lyon, John N. Webber,
Reaford Patten and F. W\ Kincaid. The chair of the C. M.
has been filled by the following : A. W. Allen, Charles F. Ayer,
Stephen F. Brann, Luther G. Bunker, Samuel A. Burleigh,
Edgar J. Brown, George S. Dolloff, John A. Davidson, Frank
J. Goodridge, F. A. Lincoln, Warren C. Philbrook, Henry C.
Prince, Luke B. Spencer, Frank W. Smith, Selden E. Whitcomb,
Everett C. Wardwell, and H. Leroy Simpson.
The lodge has a present membership of one hundred and fifty,
and is proud to number among its members the grand chancellor
of the grand lodge of ]Maine, in the person of Hon. Warren C.
Philbrook.
The Uniform Rank, Bayard Company No. 9, which is the
military branch of the order, was instituted November 10, 1890.
It has a membership of fifty-two. It drills and is governed by
the same military tactics as are used in the U. S. Army.
The past captains are A. W. Stewart, Eugene W. Allen, F. A.
Lincoln, Henry C. Prince, Hiram O. Ray, Luther G. Bunker and
Edgar J. Brown.
CoMMANDERY No. 332, U. O. G. C, was instituted February
3, 1888, with twenty-five charter members. It has a present
membership of seventy-five. ,
The presiding officers from the beginning have been Jefiferson
\\'ood, Thomas W. Scribner, Herbert M. Fuller, H. W. Ludwig,
Samuel W. Fuller, N. F. Tower, Mrs. H. M. C. Estes, Lewis M.
Small, L. S. Tupper, Luke I vers, Joseph H. Knox, Byron A.
Kimball, Angelos W. Merrill, Mrs. E. M. Brann, Alden A.
Wright, Mrs. F. F. Merrill, Mabel Lacomb, J. S. Lewis, and
Fred S. Harding.
The objects of this order are social, beneficent and fraternal.
During the fourteen years it has existed in the city $13,500 have
been paid to local beneficiaries.
L'Uniox Lafayette, founded in 1890, is a social and insur-
ance order, wholly local, and has a present membership of two
liundred and ninety.
314 HISTORY O^ WATERVILLE.
Its presidents have been Joseph Matthieu, Achille Joly, A. P.
A. Pichette, Adelard Holde, Fred W. Clair, Abraham Reny,
Peter D. Fortier and Gedeon Picher.
Waterville Lodge, No. 221, New England Order of Pro-
tection was instituted June 19, 1893, with the following charter
members : William T. Haines, "Warren C. Philbrook, W. Fred
P. Fogg, Carroll W. Abbott, Colby Getchell, R. E. Attwood,
Gustavus L. Weeks, S. A. Estes, Clarence R. ^Miller, Granville
Sibley, E. A. Bailey, Waldron F. Kennison, George V. Spauld-
ing, Clarence E. Tupper, F. Al. Shores, J. K. Soule, and S. H.
Rhoades.
This order is a ritualistic, benevolent and fraternal one, with
a present membership of about sixty, A rather remarkable thing
in connection with Waterville lodge is that in the nine years of
its existence death has not entered its ranks.
The following have filled the warden's chair: W. Fred P.
Fogg, Gustavus L. Weeks, George F, Gile, Colby Getchell,
Waldron F. Kennison, E. A, Cox, Eugene W. Woodman, and
Russell S, Barton.
Court Sebasticook, No, 1,495, Independent Order of For-
esters, was organized March 2, 1894, by James Grover, with
forty-six charter members, among whom were Charles F, John-
son, Harvey D. Eaton, J. Frederick Hill, Frederick C. Thayer,
Mark Gallert, Flenry C. Prince, Charles E. Matthews, Elwood
T. Wyman, Cyrus W. Davis and F. August Knauff.
It is an insurance and fraternal order. The past chief rangers
are Harvey D. Eaton, Charles F, Ayer, Hartwell W. Pollard
and W. Parker Stewart, Frank J. Hughes is the present chief
ranger.
The American Benefit Society, an insurance order, has
two lodges in the city. Waterville Lodge, No, 40, started
December 31, 1895, with twenty-four charter members and has
a present membership of fifty.
Its presidents have been John J, Reid, George L. Cannon and
George F. Davies.
Richelieu Lodge, No,. 4, was organized January 28, 1896,
with thirty charter members and has a present membership of
sixty.
HISTORY 01^ waterville:. 3^5
Its presidents have been Fred W. Clair, Gedeon Pitcher,
Achille Joly, Joseph Bujeau and Abraham Reny.
Waterville Council, No. 148, Knights of Columbus was
organized February 9, 1896, with thirty-nine charter members.
It is a social, fraternal and insurance order, and has a present
membership of sixty. It meets in the Knights of Columbus Hall
on the west side of ]Main street.
The following have filled the chair of grand knight: John
B. Friel, John P. Baxter, Fred W. Clair, John Hogan and Arthur
Darviau.
Kennebec Council, No. 14, Order United American
Mechanics w^as instituted in this city in Soper's Hall, Novem-
ber 6, 1896. with thirty-one charter members, as follows : Frank
Brann, Alphonso H. Cook, William H. Andrews. E. A. Mills,
John Fish, ^lilan S. Thomas, Russell C. Taylor, C. C. Ellis,
Hiram E. Eddy, Alonzo E. IVIathews, George B. Huff, Oscar N.
Getchell, M L. Strickland, Fred L. ^lerrill, Warren C. Casey,
John King, C. A. Farnham, William H. Belleveau, James T.
Flynn, George A. Warren, Charles A. Holway, Algenon C.
Glazier, Charles W. Davis, Eeroy R. Kitchen, Charles C. Bridges,
James H. Pooler, E. D. :Mitcheli, Charles E. Wright, Charles H.
Gibson, Thomas G. Rose and Claude C. Cole.
The O. U. A. M. is a patriotic, social, fraternal and benevolent
secret association, composed entirely of those born in the United
States of America, or under the protection of its flag. Its motto
is, "Honesty, industry, and sobriety." The local lodge after
meeting in Soper's Hall until December i, 1897, leased its pres-
ent fine hall in Alilliken block on the corner of ]\Iain and Silver
streets.
The following is a list of the senior ex-councillors : E. F.
Parker, Everett E. Haynes, Frank W. Lewis, George A. Warren,
Leroy R. Kitchen, William M. Pulsifer, Charles Bridges and
David H. Bowker.
The Foresters oe America are represented in this city by two
lodges. The first. Court Canada, was organized among the
French citizens in 1896, with six charter members. The second.
Court America, No. 14, was organized February 25, 1897, with
3l6 HISTORY 01? WATE^RVILLE^.
thirty-five charter members. This order is purely a beneficial
and benevolent organization. Its purposes are the mutual pro-
tection and assistance of its members in sickness and distress.
The past chief rangers are Fred D. Nudd, Edwin J. Littlefield,
Harry E. Hinds, George W. Hoxie, Edward L. Hanscom, Dana
P. Foster, James A. Weymouth and Fred E. Hoxie.
The Modern Woodmen of America, Waterville, Camp
No. 8,465, was organized in this city August 9, 1900. It is a
fraternal insurance order, and started with a charter list of six-
teen members, as follows : Warren C. Philbrook, Luther G.
Bunker, W. E. Choate, Thomas Suttie, Bliss T. Watts, E. L.
Marston, Peter M. Libby, Alden A. Wright, Flavins H. Mace,
\\\ M. Ladd, Ernest M. Home, C. H. Page, J. E. Lashus,
Charles A. Grondin, Frank Blanchard and Fred E. Libby.
The Maccabees is represented by two lodges, both of which
were organized in 1901. Ticonic Tent has a membership of
one hundred and forty, and Hope Tent, No. 12, a membership
of fifty-two. This is an insurance order.
At Colby there are five Greek letter fraternities : Delta
Kappa Epsilon. chartered at Colby in 1845, has a membership
of twenty-four; Zeta Psi, chartered in 1850, has a membership
of eighteen ; Delta Upsilon, chartered in 1852, has a member-
ship of twenty-seven ; Phi Delta Theta, chartered in 1884, has
a membership of twenty-one ; Alpha Tau Omega, chartered in
1892, has a membership of ten. There are two sororities,' both
of which are local.
Sigma Kappa, founded in 1874, numbers thirty-two members
and Beta Phi, founded in 1895, numbers twenty-eight.
At one time there existed in the city an organization of
Grangers, of which Martin Blaisdell, Fred Pooler and George
Balentine were prominent members. It is long since defunct.
The Knights of Honor, No. 289, an insurance and fraternal
order, was established here in 1870 and existed for about fifteen
years.
Bombazeen Tribe of Red Men, No. 39, was instituted in 1894.
Although it had a membership of seventy-five the attendance at
the meetings was so small that the charter was given up in 1901.
HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE. 31 7
The Ancient Ascenic Order, the prime purpose of which was
insurance, was estabHshed here in 1898, but only lasted one year.
THE CANIEAS CLUB.
Club life for men has its sole representative in this city in the
Canibas Club. This club is a local organization for social pur-
poses and was formed on Washington's birthday, 1889. Its first
president was Gen. I. S. Bangs ; first vice-president, Dr. F. C.
Thayer ; second vice-president, H. W. Stewart ; secretary and
treasurer, George K. Boutelle, Esq. Its first board of directors
included E. L. Jones, E. L. Veazie, Frank Redington, John N.
Webber and W. M. Dunn. The club moved into its present
elegant quarters on Main street just below the Unitarian church,
November 13, 1889.
Its officers for the present year are : President, Oscar G.
Springfield ; vice-president, F. B. Hubbard ; secretary and treas-
urer, E. M. Home. Directors, W. S. Dunham, G. F. Terry,
W. J. Fogarty, C. E. Mathews, E. L. Jones. The present mem-
bership of the club is fifty-nine.
CHAPTER Xlll,
SOCIAL LIFE IN WATERVILLE.
By Martha Baker Dunn, author of ''Memory Street," Lias'
Wife, etc.
The social Hfe of any moderate-sized town or city is usually a
ditHcult thing to classify or even to formulate. It is apt to be
sporadic rather than general, and subject to a reaction and
reaction as pronounced though perhaps not as regular as the ebb
and flow of the tide ; yet to say as one is sometimes on first
thought tempted to do, that any spot where human beings live
has no social life, is to forget that the most significant part of the
history of the world is made up of the daily intercourse of men
and women with each other, and that the impulses born of such
intercourse, the ties and emotions that grow out of it, constitute
the underlying forces that mould society.
Little record of the social life of Waterville up to the beginning
of the nineteenth century seems to have been preserved even in
tradition. In 1791 the population of Winslow, which then
included the territory on both sides of the river, is estimated at
779 persons of whom more than half lived within the present
limits of Waterville, and loved, hated, married, bore children,
salted their bread with tears or ate it with joy, died and were
buried even as they are to-day.
Among the names of citizens engaged in business and paying
taxes on the west side of the river at that time we find Crommetts,
Lows, Tozers, Soules, Stackpoles and others, names still well
known in Waterville annals, and had some one of these bygone
worthies been inspired to keep such a journal of current events
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 319
as was done by Gen. Henry Sewall of Augusta he might have
materially aided the labors of the modern historian.
The few diaries and memorandum books available which fur-
nish any records of those early days contain only the sparsest
and most commonplace details, records of barter and sale, the
time of sowing crops and similar intensely practical matters.
There is, however, in the memorandum book of one of the resi-
dents of ancient W'inslow a single personal note which stands,
unexplained, amidst the monotonous sequence of weather, crops
and traffic, leaving one to wonder whether there may, perchance,
have been a heart-throb registered in its brief statement.
''August 15th Sarah Johnson went away ;" that is all the record
tells us. Who Sarah was, where and why she went, what made
her departure of such importance, and whether she ever came
back, these are questions which arise at once, but the answers
are lost in the oblivion of time. So far as the curiosity of the
present generation is concerned, Sarah's going away was a per-
manent event.
The times when things are beginning are frequently strenuous
ones. In the early days of new settlements the actors in the
scene find enough in the struggle and stress of everyday life to
weary their muscles and satisfy their thirst for excitement.
Probably the first residents of Waterville were sufficiently occu-
pied in conquering the wilderness and solving the problem of
daily existence, and neither felt the need nor saw the opportunity
for many festivities. Such entertaining as did take place was
undoubtedly more or less primitive in its nature.
We read in the histories of the time that the colonists kept up
intercourse with their distant friends and acquaintances and
managed in spite of obstacles to pay occasional visits to those liv-
ing in other settlements. The river was then much more com-
monly used as a thoroughfare of travel than it is at present.
Horseback journeys were also very frequent.
About 1793 pleasure carriages began to appear in Maine and
in that year General Sewall records the purchase of his "new
topped sleigh." As early as 1784 mention is made in Mr.
Sewall's diary of a sleighing party from Augusta to Ebenezer
Farwell's in V^assalboro, "returning the same night." Very
320 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
possibly this journey was made on the ice, as the roads at that
time were still very bad.
Among the amusements mentioned as being in vogue at that
period were "spinning bees and wool-breakings" for spinning
and carding. These gatherings not infrequently ended in a
dance.
When Col. Lithgow was in command at Fort Halifax we are
told that, being a very gallant man, he was accustomed in the
winter time to command his men to sweep the ice and slide the
ladies. There was at that time an island in the Kennebec river
just below Ticonic falls which during the warm weather was
much resorted to by the officers and their wives for pleasure
parties. This is the first record of local gaieties which appears.
General Ezekiel Pattee, the pioneer innkeeper of ancient Wins-
low, which at that time included ancient Waterville, kept a tavern
within the precincts of Fort Halifax. Here, tradition tells us,
he at one time entertained "company from Boston" who came
down to view the landscape o'er and ask questions quite after the
manner of the modern summer boarder. At this inn Aaron Burr
was once a guest, but whether the presence of the noted lady-
killer fluttered the pulses of the local belles no record remains to
tell. Tradition, however, reports that Col. Burr was profoundly
moved by the striking beauty of a daughter of Col. Lithgow.
The lady however, despite the poetry which he sent her, would
have nothing to do with him.
On June lo, 1795, the Reverend Joshua Cushman was ordained
as pastor of the Winslow church. The ordination services were
held on the Plains, where a huge evergreen bower supported by
twenty pillars had been erected for the purpose. This was a
memorable occasion. Ten churches were represented by their
pastors and also by many of their people. During the first part
of Mr. Cushman's pastorate, he preached alternately on the east
and west sides of the river and the ceremonies of his ordination
were of common interest to both settlements and offered oppor-
tunity for a notable reunion of relatives and acquaintances.
With the beginning of the nineteenth century the history of
social life in Waterville assumes more definite form, but it is still
a matter of tradition rather than of record — the stories of the
past with which mothers interested their children, the family
annals handed down from generation to generation.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 321
Bv that time society was beginning to crystallize and take
shape and the line of class distinction seems to have been at the
same time more and less sharply drawn than in the present day.
A row of mills was then growing up along the banks of the Ken-
nebec, and the mill men, lumbermen and men engaged in general
business furnished one class, while the representatives of the
learned professions and the college instructors, after the organi-
zation of the college, were drawn together by similarity of tastes
and interests. Dr. Moses Appleton and "Square" Timothy
Boutelle, however, both prominent figures in the society of the
time, united business interests with professional practice and the
final division of classes was probably then, as now, governed in
part at least by congeniality and circumstance.
Mr. Boutelle may be characterized as an aristocrat with demo-
cratic tendencies, and perhaps also as something of a politician,
and when he entertained no one was left out.
The less polished guests sat around the long table elbow to
elbow with those of greater pretensions, and with legs noncha-
lantly crossed to show themselves fully at ease in the social scene,
emptied their glasses with the best.
This was before the days of temperance societies and no
hospitable gathering was complete without the serving of wines
and liquors.
Tea parties, card and dancing parties, and similar functions
given at private houses, would seem to have been much more
common in Waterville during the early part of the last century
than at any time since then, and though these entertainments
were in some ways distinguished by a dignity and formality
exceeding that of modern times, they also displayed features
which in our generation would be considered questionable.
The oldfashioned tea parties were generally given during the
winter months. The ladies were invited for the afternoon and
were urged to come early and bring their work. The gentlemen
were expected to take supper and spend the evening. When the
ladies gathered about three o'clock each one was served with a
small glass of hot spirits and water to drive out the cold, after
which reviving draught they sat down to gossip and needlework
in great cheerfulness of spirit. On the arrival of the gentlemen
21
322 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE).
at supper time a similar restorative was administered to them,
and neither sex was allowed to brave the chill air of a winter
night without a fortifying draught of hot cherry bounce as a
preparation for the walk home.
The lady who first described these tea parties to me, as she had
often heard the story told by a venerable relative who partici-
pated in them, assured me that the modest potations in which these
bygone dames indulged were only sufficient to loosen their
tongues and promote a gentle hilarity, but alas ! the record kept
by a member of the other sex maliciously asserts that sometimes
our excellent and stately ancestresses overstepped the mark and
were betrayed into great gaiety of spirits. Even if this is the
case however, there is little reason to doubt that our ancestors
on occasion so far outstripped their gentle companions that any
comparison would be out of the question. These were days, too,
when everybody drank more or less and clergy as well as laity
looked upon alcohol as "one of the good creatures of God."
At the card parties for sometime after the beginning of the last
century cards were almost invariably played for small stakes,
the sum put up being not less than sixpence.
There lies before me as I write, furnished through the courtesy
of a gentleman in whose family it was handed down, an invita-
tion to a "Social Ball," given in "Mr. Kimball's hall" on
Wednesday evening, February 26, 1819, the hour set for arriving
at the ball being 5 P. M. The invitation, which is written on the
back of a playing card, is signed by M. Appleton, T. Boutelle,
J. Stackpole, Jr., J. Morrill and J. Williams, all of whom were
to officiate as managers.
One of the noticeable features of this invitation lies in the fact
that most of the signers had at that time already reached or
passed the period of middle age, showing that the men of that
day did not display undue haste in retiring from the active partic-
ipation in social duties.
With the foundation of Waterville College a new and important
element was introduced into the social life of the town. In the
early history of college festivities the annual commencement ball
became, perhaps, the most notable society event of the year. It
was eagerly looked forward to, guests from out of town were
invited to swell the dancing list, and the young women of the
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 323
period reserved their most modish costumes to enhance the bril-
liancy of the occasion.
It is hardly necessary to state that, at a period when ideas in
regard to amusements were much stricter than at present, these
functions were never held under the patronage or with the
approval of the college authorities.
The custom of the president's reception, following or pre-
ceding the annual commencement exercises was instituted by
Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin, the first president of the college. Dur-
ing Dr. Chaplin's presidency and for some years after the guests
at these receptions included very few of the town's people. The
president and professors of the college with their families, the
young men of the senior class with their relatives and friends
from out of town who had come to witness the ceremonies of
graduation, comprised the usual list of guests who were expected
to gather at the president's house without formal invitation.
A lady, who at the age of sixteen, clad in the conventional
white muslin which tradition pronounced to be the fitting garb
of the debutante, made hei first entrance into society at one of
President Chaplin's commencement receptions, has described to
me the simple yet dignified character of these gatherings. The
more formal courtesy of that earlier day had a grace of its own,
and, it is a question whether in relinquishing the form we have
in all respects made a corresponding gain in substance.
It was, I think, during the presidency of Dr. G. D. B. Pepper
that the college receptions first began to include the town's people
to any noticeable extent. Both Dr. and Mrs. Pepper were people
of large hospitality, and besides their naturally generous instincts
in this respect they recognized the fact that whatever served to
strengthen the bond between the town and the college would
tend towards the substantial interest of the latter. Under this
new order of things the number of guests soon became too large
for entertainment at a private house and the receptions were
transferred to Memorial Hall and from thence, during the past
few years, to the new chemical building, where more ample and
convenient quarters are afforded.
It is difficult to realize at the present day how wide a separa-
tion formerly existed between college and town, a separation
324 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
marked not merely by the frequent and vigorous ''scraps"
between town and gown, but also recognized in the habits of
daily life and the current phraseology of the time. The dwellers
in Waterville were divided by an imaginary line into Silver-
Streeters and Pious-Hillers, the division being perhaps not so
much one of territory as of denomination, and representing the
line of cleavage between the Baptist and Universalist congrega-
tions. In pursuing my inquiries in regard to the Waterville of
former days I have more than once encountered persons who
have told, me with an air which showed that some of the ancient
feeling still lingers, "I know nothing about up-town parties. I
never attend them."
In studying the story of the social life of any bygone period,
one finds that the real flavor and picturesqueness of the tale
comes out in the comedies and tragedies of daily life, the personal
details too numerous to be included in any brief narrative.
The parties given by the Appletons, Boutelles, Redingtons,
Plaisteds, Stackpoles, Nourses and the rest, gain immensely in
interest when one knows something about the individual lives of
the people who talked and danced and laughed and loved amidst
the background these scenes afforded. The Gilmans were one
of the conspicuous families of the town, and the vision of the
second Mrs. Nathaniel Gilman walking up the aisle of the Baptist
church on her ''appearing-out Sunday," clad in shimmering corn-
colored satin and leaning on her husband's arm, reproduces
itself on the fading canvas of tradition
Like a picture, when the pride
Of its coloring hath died.
It was an age of portrait painting, and the faces of many of
these fair women and brave men still look down upon us from
the walls of the old houses. \Ye hear the story of the famous
red damask upholsteries which came from New York in a sail-
ing vessel to furnish the Gilman drawing-room, the coming-out
party given for Miss Anna K. Gilman at the age of fourteen and
the belles and beaux who helped to make the occasion memorable.
There were other coming-out parties too and similar gaieties,
and we are told with some pride in the superior courtesy of
former times that in those days when a young lady was invited to
GEN. FRANKLIN SMITH.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 325
a ball or large party it always meant that a carriage would be
provided for her.
A lady who came to Waterville in her girlhood sixty years
ago has spoken to me with just enthusiasm of a group of women
conspicuous in the town during the early years of her residence.
These women were many of them distinguished for their fine
personal presence no less than for beauty and strength of char-
acter.
Among them may be named Mrs. Gardner, Mrs. William and
Mrs. Horace Getchell, Mrs. Crooker, Mrs. Joseph Marston, Mrs.
Dr. Plaisted, Mrs. R. B. Dunn, Mrs. Solyman Heath, the tradi-
tion of whose beauty and sweetness still lingers, Mrs. Peace
Meader, the lovely Quakeress whose name was emblematic of
her character, and others too numerous to mention.
Perhaps no woman ever made Waterville her home who
possessed the charm of temperament to a greater degree than
Mrs. Keely, wife of Professor George W. Keely. Vivacious,
versatile, delightful in conversation, a fine literary critic, a natu-
ral grande dame, her place in the society of the town was a
unique one and the stimulus of her individuality was felt beyond
her own immediate circle of acquaintance. It was she who gave
the impulse which made the Waterville of her day a headquarters
for painters in oil. Madam Keely's memory lingers in the minds
of those who knew her with the pungent fragrance of a pot-
pourri of mingled roses and spices.
About 1852 was formed the first Waterville Literary Society
of which I find any record. It had a membership of twenty-five
persons and was called the Shakesperean Club. This club held
weekly meetings during the winter season at the houses of the
various mmbers, and continued in existence uninterruptedly until
the breaking out of the Civil War put an end to the ancient order
of things. The membership was about equally made up of men
and women, and included college professors and professional
and business men of similar tastes and varying ages.
The late Dr. Sanger of Bangor, whose youth was passed in
Waterville, used to declare that this was the only town in the State
where such a club could be maintained for so long a period.
The object for which it was formed, the study of the standard
dramatists, was regularly and systematically pursued. A stand-
326 HISTORY OF WATERVILLD.
ing committee for the assignment of parts was appointed, with
the understanding that the parts when given out should be con-
scientiously studied with a view to a rendering at once critical
and dramatic.
In this committee Mr. Edward Header served continuously
during the whole period of the club's existence, and Mr. Appleton
Plaisted during a large part of the time.
It is related of the Rev. Mr. Wood, at that time pastor of the
Baptist church, a man of strict tenets and naturally lugubrious
cast of countenance, that he not only excelled but delighted in
the representation of comic parts and did not hesitate to join in
a jovial song when his assumed character demanded it. Mrs.
Ephraim. Maxham, wife of the then editor of the Waterville
Mail, was especially skilled in the rendering of tragedy.
The history of the Shakesperean Club is one of which Water-
ville may well be proud. It had its social features, intimate
friendships were formed there, courtships even grew out of it,
but primarily and essentially it was an organization for work and
its stability and singleness of purpose were the bonds of its
preservation.
With the breaking out of the war the former things passed
away. The new conditions brought their own deep and absorb-
ing interests. Waterville sent two full companies of volunteers
to the front and among their officers were William and Francis
Heath, both notable members of the Shakesperean Club.^ No
time now for reading Shakespeare ; the men of the hour were
writing their own tragedies in blood. The old Wars of the
Roses were forgotten in the blossoming of this new red rose of
courage which sprang gloriously to life amidst the crimson stain
of battle. When at the close of the struggle the old interests
revived, the club was reformed including many of the former
members, yet it was not the same.
The story of the intervening years had gone deep into the
hearts of the community, from which many had gone out never
to come back. William Heath had found a hero's grave. Yet
life goes on in spite of sorrows, and the breath of peace crept
over the land as softly as the green grass of springtime spread
its garb of verdure over the deserted battlefields. Time brought
HISTORY O? WATERVILLD. 3^7
its healing, and when the Shakesperean Club merged into the
Roundabout people had begun to smile and hope and enjoy again.
The new club continued the study of the dramatists, forming
itself upon the lines of the old, but it gradually became less
purely intellectual in its character and more given to feasting and
social enjoyments. It continued in active existence for some
five or six years and its memory is still gratefully cherished by
those who shared its privileges and hospitalities.
Previous to the war the secular entertainments connected with
the church had, for the most part, been confined to the meetings
of the Ladies' Sewing Circle, at whose mystic rites gentlemen
were sometimes allowed to participate to the extent of supper
and a social evening. It was after the close of the war that the
churches began to assume their present position as centres of
social as well as spiritual life. In the Waterville of to-day
church societies, socials and functions of many kinds play an
important part in bringing people together, promoting fellow-
ship, and strengthening the ties between friend and friend. The
Men's and Women's Christian Association, the W. C. T. U., the
young people's societies of the different churches, the various
branches of missionary work, have all helped to advance social
intercourse no less than to accomplish the legitimate object of
their being.
The Woman's Temperance League, formed about 1898, was,
while it lasted a strong factor in binding together those who were
associated in trying to do very necessary work under very uncom-
fortable conditions. While it was the direct object of the league
to conduct an aggressive campaign against liquor selling the
women who composed it believed that the most permanent result
of any attempt at moral regeneration is that which comes'through
social influence and social contact and the receptions and other
functions given under their auspices made their faith manifest
in their works.
The social life of the Waterville of to-day may perhaps be best
classified under three or four general heads :
That which centres around the church and the various organ-
izations growing out of church work.
That which has its origin in the secret orders, some of which
have separate branches for women.
328 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
The social features resulting from the interests and activities
of the various clubs.
The purely society functions, balls, assemblies, whist parties,
afternoon teas, etc.
The secret orders have a chapter of their own in this volume
and need not be dwelt upon here, further than to say that their
multiplicity and activity have made them prominent factors in
modem social intercourse.
No club numbering both sexes has ever arisen in Waterville
to take the place of the old Shakesperean and Roundabout Clubs ;
in fact, the club epidemic in any form has never been able to
obtain a very extensive hold in our city.
The Canibas Club, the only men's club which has maintained
continuous form here during any extended term of years, was
founded in 1888. This club, which has numbered among its
members many of the well-known business and professional men
of the place, has pleasant headquarters on Main street in a suite
of rooms conveniently fitted up for its use. It is a purely social
organization, but with the exception of one or two receptions
given during the early years of its existence has never con-
tributed largely to the general social life of the city.
The Waterville Bicycle Club also occupies rooms on Main
street and furnishes a rallying point where wheelmen congregate.
The Colby Club, recently founded by the resident graduates of
Colby College, held its first public meeting at the Elmwood hotel
on the evening of February 14, 1902. This club, which is still
in its infancy, was founded to promote good fellowship among
the resident alumni and advance the interests of the college.
In 1887 through the inspiration of Mrs. Sarah Ware, who was
in the best sense one of the representative women of Waterville,
the Woman's Association was formed, in which women of all
denominations united for the furtherance of all kinds of women's
work. Besides its general usefulness in many directions this
association has proved a common ground where women may
work — and enjoy — together, independent of society distinctions
or church affiliations. In the winter of 189 1-2 the Woman's
Literary Club was founded as one of the branches of the asso-
ciation.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 329
This club, a large one from the start, during the past winter,
1901-2, numbered 214 members. It has maintained regular
meetings fortnightly during the winter season since its organi-
zation, offering at each meeting a carefully prepared literary and
musical programme. A committee is appointed to lay out each
season's work.
Many interesting papers have been prepared and read by mem-
bers of the club, the musical numbers have been uniformly excel-
lent, and the large average membership and attendance testify
to the success of its management. As the club has as yet no
home of its own independent of the rooms of the Woman's Asso-
ciation, its meetings have sometimes been held at private houses,
sometimes at church vestries or at the Classical Institute. The
annual reception given by its members to invited friends of both
sexes, which has in the past proved a most enjoyable society
event, this year gave place to a banquet at the Elmwood hotel
for women alone. One hundred and sixty women who partici-
pated in the banquet and listened to the subsequent exercises are
prepared to testify that women on that occasion won laurels as
after dinner speakers.
Among smaller W'aterville clubs, past and present, may be
mentioned the Saturday Club, a club both literary and social in
its character, which after several years of existence has for the
present, at least, discontinued its meetings ; the Literature Class,
which numbers about a dozen members, and has for the past
three years held weekly meetings during the winter months ; the
F. H. Club, organized in 1894 for work and play, a club which
though lim.ited in its membership is much given to hospitality
and has at different times entertained many invited guests ; the
Happy Seven, a society comprising seven young ladies strongly
iDOund together by ties of friendship and association. This
society, which has existed for some years, has been prominent
in benevolent work as well as in social events. When, a short
time since, the little circle was for the first time broken by the
death of Airs. Alice Barrelle Hall the sympathy of the whole
community went out to the mourning friends.
Of the numerous whist clubs which have existed in Waterville
the Salmagundi has been the most prominent and most perma-
330 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE:.
nent in its organization. It numbers among its members women
well know^n in society and in addition to its social features has
contributed generously towards the purchase of books for the
public library.
The Silence Howard Hayden Chapter of the Daughters of the
Revolution has also played its part in the social life of Waterville.
In spite of all the branches of social activity w^hich have been
enumerated as entering into the life of our city, it is undoubtedly
true that Waterville has never fully lived up to its social capac-
ities. Yet even while we criticise, we love the city of our resi-
dence, the Waterville that is growing up around us. It is a city
of wide streets and spreading trees, of comfortable homes
wherein home-loving people live. W^e find strong social ties
here, warm friendships, generous sympathy in times of need, and
though we may and do in our complaining moods assert that
Waterville "has no general society," we look back lovingly on
many and many a "good time" within her borders. May the
next century of her growth find her still going on from grace to
glory !
CHAPTER XIV.
WATERVILLE AGRICULTURALLY CONSIDERED.
By E. P. Mayo, Editor of Tnrf, Farm and Home.
The present city of Waterville agriculturally considered is one
of the most charming, picturesque, interesting not to say profit-
able of all the most favored and far famed "garden spots" in
New England. The present area of the city as has doubtless
been told already in this volume, was formerly a part of the town
of Winslow, and the present thrifty town of Oakland was set off
from Waterville proper and given the name of West Waterville
February 26, 1873, hence if in this chapter on the agriculture of
Waterville we over-reach the present bounds of the municipality,
it will be in order to include the old town as it was originally
bounded. We find in the early history of the town after it was
set off from Winslow that the Kennebec river was the eastern
boundary, Somerset county itsnorthern, Richmond lake, McGrath
and East pond its western boundry. The western area of the
town has now been narrowed up to the present Oakland line.
A wide diversity of soils is found in this town so that almost
every crop that can be successfully cultivated in this latitude has
been and is to-day grown successfully within our limits. On
the river below the city the soil is light and sandy, while on the
"neck"' so called, it is underlaid by a slaty ledge which lies very
near the surface and often crops out. On the Messalonskee the
soil is clayey, but all is strong and productive, and yields the best
of crops.
Waterville was fortunate from an agricultural point of view in
having among its early settlers a goodly number of men of means
^^2 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
who were agriculturally inclined. As a result of this good mate-
rial there was a desire manifested very early in the life of the
struggling young town to have an agricultural society organized,
and this agitation resulted in the North Kennebec Agricultural
Society, which was incorporated by the Maine legislature July
31, 1847, ^^^^ its first exhibition was held in Waterville in Octo-
ber of that year. The annual address, which in those days was
a very important part of an agricultural exhibition was delivered
by Dr. E. Holmes of ^^^inthrop. The original limit to this
society included the towns of Fairfield and Smithfield in Somer-
set county, Waterville, Belgrade, Winslow, Clinton, Sebasticook
now Benton, China and Albion in Kennebec and Unity and
Burnham m the county of Waldo. l:^rom the records of the
society from its inception, now before me, kindly loaned by Mr.
Geo. Balentine, I find that the officers chosen at the organization
of the society were as follows, Samuel Taylor, Jr., president ;
Ebenezer H. Scribner and Thomas Fowler, vice-presidents ;
Harrison A. Smith, secretary; Joseph Percival, treasurer and
collector ; Stephen Stark, agent ; William Dyer, librarian ; Sam-
uel Taylor, Jr., Asher Hinds, Sumner Percival, John F. Hunne-
well and Reuben H. Green, trustees. A glance through the subse-
quent elections shows that the society kept up its prestige for
selecting men of ability and influence as its officials. We would
like if space would permit to give the entire list of officers, but
must be content with simply naming a few of the number who
held the office of president of the society. After Samuel I'aylor
Jr., the first president, came Sumner Percival, E. H. Scribner
Robert Ayer, Thomas S. Loring, Isaac W. Britton, Col. Isaia
Marston, Daniel Jones, B. C. Paine, Joseph Percival, and man;
others of equal calibre.
One of the first acts of the society, even before it had a hom
was to raise $75 for the purchase of standard agricultural work
for a library. This indeed was starting an agricultural societ
on a firm enduring foundation, and the vote and the class o
gentlemen who were invited to give the annual addresses give
us a good insight into the makeup of the men who formed thi
organization. In 1850 we find by the records that the societ
voted to send a petition to the legislature for a State Board o
Agriculture, showing that at that early day even, thev realize*
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 333
the need of a state organization around which they could build
their local society. One of the votes recorded a half a century
ago also gives a hint of the old time urbanity that prevailed in
those days, also the appreciation of the power of the press in the
efforts of this organization. Here is the vote : "Voted to
instruct the secretary to furnish the proceedings of this meeting
to the public press."
One of the strange things about the records of this society,
wonderfully well preserved as they are, is that great pains was
taken to record the list of premiums offered with the committees
of awards, but no record was kept of who won the prizes. This
omission wnll readily be seen as a serious defect as the historian
of to-day is unable to pick out the names of the successful exhib-
itors, as he might have done had the list of the winners been
recorded. But one vote recorded is worthy of more than a pass-
ing notice, and that is where the trustees vote that unless an
animal exhibited possesses superior merit no awards shall be
made to such animal, but if the owner desires, a statement shall
be made and published that such an animal was the best one
shown at the exhibition. Let the average agricultural fair man-
ager think for a moment what the commotion would be if such
a rule should be enforced by one of our Maine societies to-day,
and yet who shall say that it would not have a salutary effect on
exhibits as well as exhibitors.
If space would permit, we could fill the entire limits of this
book with interesting data taken from the records of this society.
ne item that catches our eye is a vote of thanks passed at a meet-
■y of the trustees October 4, 1859, to Col. Thomas S. Lang for
\ liberality in always giving to the society all purses won by his
»rses, and as the record adds, "He ever strove to win all the
'jzes that he could in order that the society might be the more
nefited thereby."
Jn January, 1854, it was voted to appoint a committee to ascer-
n what grounds could be secured for a track, and upon a
vorable report the grounds located in the southern part of the
'y were purchased and a fine half mile track constructed
ereon. Later this track was leased to the Waterville Horse
^5SOciation for their annual exhibition. The original lease of
is property is pasted in the records before us, and is well
334 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
worthy a word of attention. We think only one of the men
whose names are upon it is aHve to-day. It bears the signatures
of Ira R. DooHttle, J. A. Judkins, Gideon Wells, T. S. Lang,
J. L. Seavey, Foster S. Palmer, Asher Savage and Ruel Howard,
and is dated August 22, 1863. ^^'e think Mr. Savage is the only
survivor of this list of notable men of their day. This horse
association was short lived and only lasted a few years, just how
many it is difficult to ascertain as we have been unable to find
any records of the society whatsoever.
The North Kennebec Agricultural Society survived the drain
upon it made during the War of the Rebellion and gave success-
ful exhibitions each year until the early '8o's, when owing to the
multiplication of societies in the nearby towns included in its
original territory, the interest began to decline, until finally the
annual fairs were given up and the track leased to private parties
and the property was finally sold for the enlargement of our
present beautiful cemetery.
Hon. Timothy Boutelle, and Mr. Joseph Percival should prob-
ably be mentioned first among those who had to do with the
beginning of stock husbandry in Waterville. Col. Reuben H.
Green of Winslow, who was in his day one of the best known
breeders in the State commenced breeding Durham stock, and to
him undoubtedly the early farmers of the town are indebted for
the introduction of the best Durham blood brought to Maine.
Mr. Percival and his brother were the first to introduce Devons
into Kennebec county. The Jerseys, now so popular among us
were first introduced by Dr. N. R. Boutelle, Levi Dow, W. A. P.
Dillingham, Henry Taylor and Samuel Kimball. Hon. Timothy
Boutelle and John D. Lang of Vassalboro introduced the first
Ayrshire stock. From these beginnings many of our farmers of
moderate means were able to obtain valuable specimens of their
several breeds, and the success of agricultural operations in this
vicinity are largely due to them. In addition to bringing their
Durhams to Waterville Col. Green was one of the first to bring
the Bakewell breed into this State. The full blooded Merinoes
that have been the means of making so many good dollars for
breeders in Waterville and elsewhere were first introduced by
Dr. N. R. Boutelle, E. Maxham and other enterprising farmers
in the nearby towns. Joseph Percival of this town and Warren
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 335
Percival of Vassalboro, were the first to breed Cotswold sheep
with any degree of success. We have present with us in this
community to-day in the person of Mr. Geo. E. Shores, now in
his 91st year, one of the men who has ever been in the front rank
of agricultural efifort in this section. Mr. Shores was born on
his father's farm in the western part of this town, the father
having moved here from Berwick just a hundred years ago.
The mother of the subject of this sketch rode on horseback from
the river to their farm, following the spotted line. I\Ir. George
Shores was born in 1812, and came of good hardy stock. His
mother lived to the age of seventy-five years, and his father died
at the age of eighty-two. In 1867 Mr. Shores left his farm,
which he had developed into one of the best in town and came
out to the village as it was then called to live. He purchased a
large tract of land running from College avenue to Main street
covering what has long been known as Oak hill. This farm of
160 acres has been cut up into building lots and but little of the
original purchase is left. IMr. Shores has always lived a very
active life and has seen the town grow from a straggling village
with a few poorly cultivated farms scattered here and there to a
thriving city with all the modern improvements surrounded with
the best and the most highly cultivated farms. He is to-day the
connecting link between the old Waterville and the new. He
was years ago associated with the late Hall C. Burleigh, then of
Fairfield in the cattle business. They went to Compton, Canada,
and purchased a number of valuable Hereford cattle for breed-
ing. They were the first of the breed in this section and natur-
ally attracted no little attention. This stock then purchased has
been the foundation stock for a majority of the Herefords since
bred in this section. Mr. Shores was a large exhibitor at all
the fairs and at one time sold a pair of white faced yearlings for
the astonishing sum of $300. He also purchased the stallion
Somerset Knox and after keeping him a short time, sold him to
New York parties for the fabulous price in those days of $2,700.
Mr. Shores is enjoying unusually good health and his family
hope to have him with them for a number of years yet to come.
He enjoyed the centennial celebration with keen zest and rode
the entire route of the procession without any signs of fatigue.
336 HISTORY OF VVATERVILLE.
Waterville has for more than a century been prominent as a
centre for the breeding and ownership of valuable horses and it
seems very appropriate that she should have within her limits
to day among the many valuable horses born and bred on her soil
one whose name is known not only through the length and
breadth of this country but even across the sea, and it seems most
appropriate and fitting that the portrait of such an animal should
adorn this book. It will easily be guessed that the horse referred
to is the veteran Nelson 2.09 now in his 20th year.
Nelson, 2.09, is registered No. 4,209. He was sired by Young
Rolfe, 2.21^, he by Tom Rolfe, 2.33^^/. The dam of Nelson
was Gretchen, by Gideon 145. He was bred and is now owned
by Mr. C. H. Nelson of this city, who has trained and developed
him, and driven him in all his great races. He was a great colt
and attracted much attention even as a two-year-old, when he
won the two-year-old stake race for Maine colts at the Maine
State Fair, Lewiston. As a three-year-old he won the Maine
State Fair cup for fastest three-year-old, also the cup for fastest
stallion of any age, taking a record of 2.26^ — the fastest half
mile track record to that date and for several years afterward.
As a five-year-old he won the New England stake for five-year-
olds. When seven years old he lowered his record to 2.14^.
In 1890 he was worked at Franklin Park, Massachusetts, and
shipped to Bangor in August, where he started to lower the half
mile track record, which he did, trotting in 2.15^. From Ban-
gor he started on a long journey to Fort Wayne, Indiana, >and
from there to Kankakee, 111., where he trotted a full mile in 2.12,
which at that time was the world's stallion record. Two days
later he lowered the record to 2.11^, and two days later than
that at Rushville, Tnd., he circled the oval track at that place in
2.11^4- One week later at Terre Haute, Ind., he cut the record
down to 2.11%, and twelve days later at Cambridge City, Ind.,
he again lowered it to 2.10^, after which he was shipped to
Maine, when with one week's rest he was shipped back to
Chicago, where he was the idol of the great horse show, after
which he returned to his home at Sunnyside Farm for the winter.
In 1891 he again went west, where he was greeted on every side
with the utmost enthusiasm, wherever he appeared. The floral
tributes bestowed upon him were most profuse and elegant, and
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 337
such as a prima donna might well be proud of. He commenced
his tour, which was nothing short of a triumphal procession at
Saginaw, Mich., and continued at Detroit, Grand Rapids, Free-
port, Elgin, Rockport, Independence, Iowa, Richmond and Cam-
bridge City. Ind. At Grand Rapids he lowered the record to
2.10, and again returned to Maine to spend the winter. In 1892
he was driven many exhibition miles on New England tracks,
and at Trenton, N. J., lowered the half mile track record to
2.11^. In 1893 he made his present record of 2.09 at Rigby
park, Portland, since which time he has trotted exhibition miles
before large concourses of people on different tracks in Maine,
New Hampshire, \^ermont. and at St. John, N. B. To-day he
holds the world's stallion record to high wheels over oval track
and has probably trotted more fast miles than any horse in the
world.
Nearly a century ago another Waterville horse made fame and
fortune for Waterville in the historic old town of Charleston,
Mass. The late Hall C. Burleigh used to delight to tell the story
of O. B. Palmer, a relative of his, who seeing a purse of $1,000
posted for any horse that could trot a mile in three minutes
started for Boston with the chestnut gelding that they called
Zuarrow. He made the mile in 2.57 an unprecedented record
for that day, and received his purse besides several wagers that
he had made on the result, having full faith in the capacity of his
horse to accomplish the feat. He afterwards sold the animal
and the name was changed to Boston Blue, and as such the
Waterville horse won great renown. The grounds of the North
Kennebec Agricultural Society in the zenith of their days were
the scene of many a spirited contest between horses of note.
Although Col. Lang did not reside within our town, he was
located so near that Waterville got the benefit of his ownership
of the great Gen. Knox as well as Gideon and others of his most
celebrated steeds. It was at this track in October, 1867, that
Gilbreth Knox, then owned by J. H. Gilbreth of Fairfield, trotted
a half mile in the remarkable time of one minute and fifteen
seconds, but probably the most remarkable race ever trotted over
the Waterville track was the contest between Gen. Knox and
Hiram Drew, a horse no less celebrated in his day. This event
22
338 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
occurred October 22, 1863, and although it came when the excite-
ment over the war was at its height a very large concourse of
people from all parts of the State gathered to witness the contest,
which is recalled even to this day by the oldest lovers of racing
as one of the great events of their lives. Both horses had a
great many friends everyone present being a partizan and the
contest waged hotly until the last deciding heat had been trotted
when Knox was declared victor.
In the above we have written wholly of the past, but there is a
present and a future for Waterville agriculture, and perhaps there
has been no time in the last century when so much thought and
intelligent calculation was given to agricultural operations as at
the present time. We have not space to go into details as to who is
doing the work of to-day, but should not be doing our subject
justice did we not mention the fact that at Sunny side Farm, the
home of the great Nelson, there is to-day one of the largest
breeding establishments to be found in northern New England,
and one cannot travel far enough east or west, north or south to
get beyond the reputation that the good horses at this farm are
making not only for our town, but for our State as well. Pass-
ing a little way farther up the street toward Oakland, we come
to the farm of Mr. R. H. Union, who is largely engaged in breed-
ing Jersey cattle and Ohio Improved Chester swine. Mr. Union
has a very large patronage for his products in the city, and is
doing a very prosperous business.
At Mountain Farm Mr. G. F. Terry is breeding Jerseys and
Chester White swine, also cultivating a very large growing
orchard, with the best of results.
We might mention a long list of others who are doing good
work and keeping up the reputation of our town as one of much
importance agriculturally considered.
The records of the town show that in 1850 Waterville included
what was afterwards set oflf as West Waterville, had a popula-
tion of 3,964, in i860 it had increased to 4,392, with 870 polls,
while the real estate was valued at $1,348,330. To-day W^ater-
ville has a population of 10,332, and the assessors report the val-
uation of 1902 as follows: Polls, 2,618; real estate, $4,274,325;
personal property, $934,838, or a total of $5,219,163.
CHAPTER XV.
THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES OF
WATERVILLE.
By Reuben Wesley Dunn, A. M., President of the Somerset
Railroad, and Treasurer of the Dunn Edge Tool Company.
Waterville seemed destined by her situation to become a manu-
facturing center. On the east flows the Kennebec, the outlet of
the largest lake in Elaine, as well as of numerous smaller bodies
of water. A fall of nearly forty feet between the principal power
at Fairfield and the bay, as it is called, has been estimated as
capable of developing 8,000 h. p. In the west part of the town
is found the Messalonskee, the outlet of the lake of the same
name into which are discharged the waters of East, Norths
McGrath, Ellis, Great, and Long ponds or lakes lying partly in
Smithfield, Belgrade, and Oakland. This stream flows northerly
about four miles with a fall in that distance of about 150 feet
of which about too feet are in the village of Oakland and within
less than a mile from the outlet. Turning to the east and then
to the south it empties into the Kennebec about two miles below
Ticonic Falls. As it passes through Waterville it makes a
further fall of about 100 feet. The flow of water in this stream
is far more constant than in the Kennebec. It has been esti-
mated that by controlling the dams at the foot of the several
lakes and carefully storing the water when abundant and letting
it down in the dry season, the power on the Messalonskee would
be about 25 h. p. for each foot of fall.
Note. The writer of this chapter is indebted to the History of Kennebec County
published in 1892 by H. W. Blake & Co. of New York, for much valuable informa-
tion, tu
340 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
There were no railroads one hundred years ago, and naviga-
tion on the Kennebec, open but about two-thirds of the year, was
limited to boats of small capacity. Hence but little attention was
paid to manufactures till after the problem of transportation had
been solved. Local demand for bread stuffs and lumber called
for the erection of grist mills and saw mills which naturally were
the first manufactories in ^^^aterville. The power on the Messa-
lonskee was the first to be utilized. About twenty-five years
before Waterville's separation from Winslow, Dr. McKechnie
constructed a dam and built and operated a mill for grinding
grain and sawing lumber at what is now known as Crommett's
Mills. The site is now occupied by the pumping station of the
Maine Water Company. A few years later, but also some years
before the close of the i8th century, Asa Emerson, whose name
has ever since been associated with the stream, built a dam and
a saw mill on the site below the foot of Silver street recently
occupied by the Webber & Philbrick Foundry and Machine
Shop. About the same time, or perhaps a little later, Silas and
Abijah Wing built a dam on the last privilege on the Messa-
lonskee or Emerson stream, some distance below the present plant
of the Union Gas and Electric Company. Here they erected and
for some years operated a saw mill and a grist mill. In about
1810 Samuel and Joseph Hitchings purchased this property and
later Samuel Hitchings added another building for the manu-
facture of wool carding machines, and for turning bed posts.
Not long after, on this same dam. Deacon Daniel Wells built a
carding and clothing mill for which Samuel Hitchings made the
machinery. All the buildings and machinery on this dam, except
the carding mill, were swept away by the great freshet of 1832.
A grist mill at West Waterville was carried away at the same
time. This is the only time that high water has ever done any
considerable damage on this stream.
While these developments were in progress near the mouth of
the stream, Jonathan Coombs had built a dam at the outlet, and
sometime before 1800 was sawing logs and grinding grain for
the settlers in the west part of the town."" The Coombs mill has
* In writing of the manufacturing establishments in Waterville, we have in
clucied the industrial enterprises of West Waterville, now Oakland, since that
town was a part of Waterville until 1873.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 341
been worn out and replaced, destroyed and re-built, and changed
owners several times, but the grist mill still exists and continues
to do business at the same old stand. The saw mill, as well as
the carding and fulling mill on the same dam, also built by Mr.
Coombs, gave place some fifty years later to the Ellis Saw Com-
pany, and fifteen years after to the Hubbard & Blake Scythe
and Axe Factory.
Very early in the igth century, Leonard Cornforth settled in
West Waterville, now Oakland, and built a dam, a stone grist
mill, a saw mill, and a carding and clothing mill on the site now
occupied by the scythe finishing shop and axe shop of the Dunn
Edge Tool Company. Bed posts and wagon hubs were turned
by Clark Stanley in the basement of this saw mill in 1834. A
bark mill and a tannery owned by Nahum Warren was operated
on this dam in the early part of the century. In this bark mill
Holbrook and Richardson placed axe machinery and were the
first to make axes on the Messalonskee. Just before the middle
of the century, Passmore, Young & Taft purchased the bark mill,
axe factory and fulling mill, and in 1849 began the making of
scythes. This property passed through several hands and
numerous changes, till with the saw mill and grist mill it was
purchased by Reuben B. Dunn and in due time became the prop-
erty of the Dunn Edge Tool Company.
About 1830, or a little earlier, James Crommett built a saw
mill, grist mill, carding and clothing mill on the east side of the
stream at Crommett's Mills. These mills were operated with
various changes, by the Crommetts, B. P. Manley, James S.
Craig, Greenlief L. Hill, Mr. Allen, Fred Bailey, Jeremiah Fur-
bish, W. S. B. Runnels, Bangs Bros., Mr. Dane, Hayden &
Robinson, A. G. Bowie, Fuller & Haynes, and others. From
1872 to 1878 Mr. Furbish did a large business here in manufact-
uring doors, sash and blinds. On the same side of the stream
and a short distance below, Winslow Marston made friction
matches from 1858 to about 1890. Those who were connected
with the fire department during those years will remember how
frequently they were called upon to extinguish the fires caused
by Winslow's matches.
About the same time that James Crommett was building the
mills which gave his name to that locality, James Stackpole,
342 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE:.
Erastus O. and Sumner Wheeler were building and operating a
saw mill on the west end of the same dam on or near the site of
the first, or Dr. McKechnie mills. More than forty years later
(1873) Henry R. Butterfield purchased this privilege and half
of the next dam below. Here for some years he made shovel
handles. He also erected, in 1875, a building which was occu-
pied for a few years by W. H. Dow & Company in the manu-
facture of furniture. In 1880 the Fiber Ware Company pur-
chased this shop and made fiber ware tubs, pails, wash basins,
etc., till their works were burned in 1884.
Probably few of the present citizens of Waterville are aware
that a cotton mill was built in this town forty years before the
Lockwood Company was heard of. It was about 1830 that
Windsor & Barrett erected a factory for the manufacture of
cotton goods on the privilege next below the James Crommett
mills and on the same side of the stream. But it was opened and
operated as a carpet factory. A Mr. Gilroy was the manager,
and in this mill were made genuine Wiltshire goods of such
excellent quality that it is said that his customers did not live
long enough to wear them out. Fine all linen table cloths were
also woven in this factory, which are well remembered by some
who are still living in Waterville and vicinity.
Mr. Gilroy was followed by Israel Johnson who converted the
factory into a shop for the manufacture of woolen mill machin-
ery. In 1836 Wm. Pearson and Sons bought the property,
added more buildings and established a large tannery. Some
years later they sold out to the Plaisteds of Gardiner who con-
ducted the business on a large scale. From 1854 till 1865 the
tannery was shut down, when H. S. Ricker and Son purchased
and refitted it. It has been run with more or less regularity by
Mr. Ricker until recently. This privilege, in connection with
that formerly occupied by Winslow Marston's match factory, has
been purchased by Frank Chase who is building a dam and a
woolen mill.
the: waterville iron works.
In 1833 Joseph P. Fairbanks, of the family who built the
famous Fairbanks scales, came here from St. Johnsbury, Vt.,
and with Arba Nelson built a dam and foundry on the former
site of the Asa Emerson saw mill below the foot of Silver street.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 343
Fairbanks, Nelson and Company (the "Co." were two others of
the Fairbanks family) operated here for a few years when they
were succeeded by the Waterville Iron ^lanufacturing Company.
John Webber and Fred P. Haviland were stockholders and
directors in this company, and in 1843 purchased the whole prop-
erty. The business was largely increased and conducted by them
and their sons after them for many years. From 1873 to 1882
the proprietors were Frank B. Webber, Chas. T. Haviland, and
Frank B. Philbrick. Air. Haviland then retired, and Messrs.
Webber and Philbrick have since been the sole owners of the
business. They were burned out in August, 1895. The follow-
ing year they removed to their present location on the bank of
the Kennebec river about one-eighth of a mile north of Temple
street. Here they erected new shops, much larger and more con-
venient than those which had been destroyed, and fitted with all
the modem machinery and appliances adapted to the business.
They now employ about thirty men and their annual pay-roll
amounts to about seventeen thousand dollars. They derive the
power for running their machinery from a twenty horse power
electric motor, and the electricity is supplied by the Waterville
and Fairfield Light and Power Company. Under the name of
the Waterville Iron Works they carry on a general foundry and
machinery business, but much of their work is in making pulp
mill machinery.
The next enterprise to be established on the Messalonskee, was
a tannery built by Alfred Winslow in 1836 on the Coombs dam
at West \^''aterville. The product of this tannery for several
years was manufactured into boots by Mr. Winslow and Wm.
Jordan, who gave employment to twenty-five men. This prop-
erty after passing through several hands was purchased in 1887
by the Dustin and Hubbard Manufacturing Company. This
company was succeeded in 1892 by the Oakland ^Machine Com-
pany. Ten years later the Oakland Woolen Company was
organized and at the present time is erecting a woolen mill on
this site, which the machine company has vacated for that
purpose.
In 1849 Joseph Bachelder who had been making chairs for
several years in a wooden building just north of the present site
of the Flood block on T^Iaine street in Waterville, removed to
344 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
West Waterville. He located his factory on the west end of the
Coombs dam where the manufacture of chairs and settees has
been conducted by him and his sons to the present time.
In 1850, or soon after, another dam was built on this stream.
This was on the privilege just below the Emerson bridge and
only a few rods above the Webber and Haviland foundry.
Erastus O. Wheeler was the proprietor, and on this dam Samuel
Appleton, Zebulon vSanger, and John Ransted built a paper mill
and made newspaper stock. They were succeeded by the War-
rens and the Monroes of Boston, who made paper from cedar
bark. The mill finally burned and the wooden shank factory of
Roberts and Marston occupied the site from 1873 to 1879 when
the business was removed to North Anson where white birch
wood was more abundant. This privilege with the others below it
was afterwards purchased by the Union Gas and Electric Com-
pany who in 1899 erected a dam nearly forty feet in height and
built a plant for the development of electricity. This is now
operated in connection with the system of the Waterville and
Fairfield Railway and Light Company furnishing light and
power to their patrons in Waterville and Winslow.
It was also in 1850 that a dam was built one-quarter of a mile
below the Coombs dam in West Waterville, by Daniel B. Lord.
Lord and Graves manufactured axes and hoes on this dam' for
several years. After passing through several hands the shops
and east end of the dam were bought in 1865 by John U. Hub-
bard and Wm. P. Blake. Here the Hubbard and Blake A'ianu-
facturing Company made scythes and axes till they sold out to
the American Axe and Tool Company in 1889. The latter com-
pany continued to make scythes here until 1901. This privilege,
also the easterly end of the Coombs dam, has recently become
the property of the Waterville and Fairfield Railway and Light
Company.
Among the most important industrial establishments on the
Messalonskee, have been the West Waterville scythe and axe
factories. The first scythe factory was built in 1836 by Learned
and Hale on the present site of the Cascade Woolen Mill. This
firm was succeeded by S. and E. Hale, by Hale and Stevens, and
by Dunn and Jordan. In 1854 Burgess and Atwood built a
scythe shop at the head of the Cascade fall, which was afterwards
HISTORY OF waterville;. 345
owned and operated by Mathews and Hubbard. In 1857 Reuben
B. Dunn organized the Dunn Edge Tool Company which pur-
chased these two plants. A few years later the old shops were
removed and new ones erected on the first two dams north of the
road leading from Oakland to Waterville. The present scythe
plant of the Dunn Edge Tool Company is said to be the best and
most conveniently arranged in America. The annual capacity
is fifteen thousand dozen. Their axe shop is not excelled in
convenience or efficiency by any of its size. The annual capacity
is six thousand dozen. The annual pay-roll of this company is
something over thirty thousand dollars. Their goods are sold
in all parts of the United States and Canada. The present offi-
cers of the company are Willard M. Dunn, president ; Reuben
W. Dunn, treasurer and manager ; Wm. M. Ayer, superintendent.
The Emerson and Stevens Manufacturing Company com-
menced business manufacturing scythes and axes a little over
thirty years ago. Their works are on the west end of the dam
opposite the Hubbard & Blake shops. They have a capacity of
about three thousand dozen scythes and two thousand dozen
axes, annually, and are still in operation. Next above the
Emerson and Stevens Company's works, and taking power from
the same dam, is the foundry and machine shop of Geo. F. Allen.
The business was first established in 1862 by Albion P. Benja-
min, with whom Mr. Allen was for many years associated under
the name of Benjamin & Allen. The manufacture of threshing
machines at one time formed an important part of their work.
In 1883 the Cascade Woolen Mill was incorporated with a cap-
ital stock of $125,000. A ten set woolen mill was built on the
Dunn Edge Tool Company's lower dam, and has been in success-
ful operation ever since. Thomas P. Curtis of Boston, is treas-
urer and manager, and Geo. H. Winnegar is superintendent.
One hundred and ten hands are employed and the annual product
amounts to about $250,000.
The development of the power on the Kennebec dates from
1792 when Nehemiah Getchell and Asa Redington moved here
from Vassalboro. They built a dam at Ticonic Falls from the
west shore to Rock Island and erected the first saw mill. A little
later additional mills were built by Mr. Redington and James
Stackpole, and by Nehemiah and William Getchell sons of
346 HISTORY OF WATERVILLK.
Nehemiah Getchell named above. Two of V/illiam's sons, Wil-
liam and Walter, were associated many years in the firm of
W. & W. Getchell. They operated the Getchell saw mill, built
by their father and uncle, from 1830 to 1849 when it was
destroyed by fire. They at once re-built and ten years later were
burned out again. The fires of 1849 and 1859 are noted as the
most disastrous which ever visited Waterville. In each case
nearly the entire manufacturing property on the river at this
point was destroyed, together with dwelling and other property.
But the Getchells again rebuilt and continued the manufacture
of lumber till 1867 when they sold out to the Ticonic Water
Power and Manufacturing Company who in turn sold to General
Franklin Smith. Mr. Smith removed the old mill and erected a
larger and more modern one in its place, together with a house
framing establishment. This was operated by the firm of Smith
& Meader till 1880 when it was removed to make room for the
second Lockwood mill.
Other saw mill owners and manufacturers of lumber on
Ticonic Falls during the first half of the T9th century were John,
Samuel and William Kendall, Isaac Farrar, Zebulon Sanger and
his sons William, Samuel and Silas, Asa Redington son of the
Asa Redington named above, Dunlap, Hobson, John P. Sheldon,
Samuel Doolittle, David Page, Josiah Morrill, Colonel Scribner,
Colonel Symonds, William and Daniel Moor, French Brothers,
and Jacob and William Wing. The latter made sash and blinds
in a brick mill which occupied a part of the site of the Lockwood
Company's mill No. i. They were succeeded by Furbish &
Drummond, afterward Drummond & Richardson.
In 1 8 16 Wm. Pearson came here from Exeter, N. H., and built
a tannery on the Kennebec near the site now occupied by the
boiler house of the Lockwood Mills. He continued the business
here for twenty years, tanning sole leather. In 1836 he removed
to a location on the Messalonskee at Crommett's Mills, noted on
a previous page.
V^ery early in the century Moses Dalton built a grist mill and
carding mill near the site now occupied by A. F. Merrill's mill.
Some thirty years later Samuel Redington renewed the Dalton
mill or built another on the same site. This was later operated
successively by Pelatiah and William Penney, Gideon Wing,
o
o
p
o
o
o
o
E
c
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 347
Horace Tozier and Col. I. S. Bangs. The latter was burned out
in 1883, but re-built and sold to A. F. INIerrill. W. S. B. Run-
nells succeeded Mr. Merrill and was himself succeeded by Mr.
Merrill and Llewellyn Morrill. The latter has since retired and
Mr. Merrill continues alone in the business.
About sixty years ago William and Daniel Moor erected on
the dam. at Ticonic Falls a large mill four stories in height.
Here they manufactured lumber, made shovels and ground plas-
ter and feed. In the great fire of 1849 this building was
destroyed. Another similar building was erected by the Messrs.
Moor, on the same site, only to be burned in the second conflag-
ration of 1859.
THE LOCKWOOD COMPANY.
For more than fifty years little attention was paid to manu-
facturing outside of lumber. Logs were plenty and cheap and
lumber found a ready market. But after a time conditions
changed and it became evident that Waterville must make use of
her magnificent water power in some other lines. In 1865 a plan
was formed for organizing a company to buy up and control all
the power on the river at Waterville and Winslow. If this
could be done it was hoped that some larger manufacturing
plants might be induced to locate here. In other cities in the
State large cotton mills were in operation, and w^hy should not
Waterville become a spindle city?
The shore and water rights on both sides of the river were
owned by different individuals, widely scattered. To reach those
living in or near Waterville and Winslow was not very difficult.
But to find all of the owners and secure a clear title to the prop-
erty at a fair price, involved much labor and was attended with
many difficulties. This work was undertaken by George Alfred
Phillips, who had long been a prominent citizen of Waterville.
To his tireless energy and perseverance in the face of many dis-
couragements the credit is due for uniting under one control all
the water rights and sufficient land adjacent to the river on both
sides to render large developments possible.
On February 7, 1866, a corporation was chartered by act of
the jMaine Legislature, known as the Ticonic Water Power and
Manufacturing Company. On February 24th, of the same year,
the incorporators met at the office of Solyman Heath and organ-
348 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
ized by choice of Solyman Heath, George A. Phillips, James P.
Blunt, James Drummond, and John P. Richardson as directors ;
Everett R. Drummond, clerk, and Geo. A. Phillips, treasurer.
When the books were opened for subscription to the capital
stock, some subscribed generously with evident faith that the
investment would prove profitable ; others took a few shares each,
to help along the enterprise. In 1868 and '69 a dam was built
entirely across the river, with bulk heads, head gates and race-
ways, and some attempts made to utilize the same. Power was
rented to Dennis L. Milliken for a grist mill, and to Smith &
Meader for their large saw mill and framing mill.
The attention of those interested in cotton manufacture was
called to this power and efforts were made to secure the erection
of factories here. Nothing was accomplished until 1873 when
Reuben B. Dunn was induced to purchase the stock in the water
power company, pay oft its debts and further develop the prop-
erty. Mr. Dunn had been prominently connected with manu-
facturing industries in different parts of the State, principally in
making scythes and axes at North Wayne and West Waterville,
and in cotton manufacturing at Auburn, Maine. He had been
identified with the Maine Central Railroad for many years as a
director and president, but had recently disposed of his interests
there and retired from the management. He was now more than
seventy years of age, which is regarded by most men as the time
to withdraw from the active conflicts of commercial life. But
his energetic spirit would not allow him to rest. He entered
upon this new project with the same courage and enthusiasm
that he had displayed in his many previous business enterprises.
In the summer of 1873 P^^ns for a cotton mill of 33,000
spindles were produced, made under the personal supervision of
Amos D. Lockwood. Mr. Dunn and his two sons, Williard M.
and Reuben W. then proceeded to make contracts and get ready
to build the mill. The ground was cleared, excavations made
and a portion of the foundation wall put in that season. The
following winter was devoted largely by the Messrs. Dunn to
interesting Mr. Lockwood and other manufacturers in the enter-
prise financially. When the legislature again assembled, a com-
pany was chartered under the name of the Lockwood Cotton
Mills. This name was later changed to Lockwood Company.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 349
On February 21, 1874, the first meeting was held and the corpo-
ration duly organized bv choice of Reuben B. Dunn, Amos D.
Lockwood, John W. Danielson, Geo. A. Phillips, Willard M.
Dunn, Reuben \\\ Dunn, and Josiah H. Drummond as directors ;
Willard M. Dunn, clerk, and Amos D. Lockwood, treasurer.
It was decided to raise $600,000 by sale of capital stock. Mr.
Dunn subscribed for a large amount, as also did ^Ir. Lockwood
and some of his friends. But it became necessary to secure
subscriptions for about $400,000 from other sources. It was a
time of business depression and capital was cautious, but the
Dunns took hold of it with determination and it was finally
accomplished.
It was not until the spring of 1875 that the financial difi^culties
were overcome and the completion of the enterprise fully assured.
On April 9th of that year, all the real estate and water rights of
the Ticonic Water Power and :Manufacturing Company, which
had been conveyed the previous year to the Ticonic Company,
were deeded by the latter company to the Lockwood Company.
The consideration was $125,000 and payment was made in the
stock of the Lockwood Company. The building contracts were
assumed by the new organization and mill No. i made ready to
receive the machiner}'. This was put in and set up during the
last half of 1875. In February, 1876, the first cloth was woven.
Thus Waterville celebrated the Nation's centennial by the start-
ing up of her first cotton mill.
But the Lockwood Company did not stop here. As soon as it
had been demonstrated that Lockwood cottons were destined to
occupy a prominent place in the dry goods market the directors
began to discuss the project of enlarging the plant. It w^as soon
decided to erect mill No. 2, of 55,000 spindles. Plans for this
large addition were also made by Mr. Lockwood and accepted by
the directors. In the summer of 1880 the ground was cleared
and excavations for foundations were begun. The following
year the building was erected, machinery installed, and early in
1882 the new mill was in operation.
In the meantime the capital stock had been increased to
$1,800,000. The new stock was disposed of without difficulty,
much of it being taken by citizens of Waterville and other towns
in Maine. From the first it has proved a good investment.
350 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Semi-annual dividends of three per cent had been paid for four
years, on the first issue, and with the exception of two brief
periods of general business depression the entire capital, since
1882, has yielded the same net percentage of profit each six
months.
Immediately following the death of Mr. Lockwood in 1882,
John W. Danielson was chosen treasurer. Mr. Dunn, the presi-
dent of the company, died in 1887 and was succeeded by James
H. McMullan. These officers still continue. The directors are
James H. McMullan, Portland ; John W. Danielson, Providence,
R. I. ; Seth M. Milliken, New York ; Josiah B. Mayo, Foxcroft ;
Willard M. Dunn, Waterville; Frank A. Wilson, Bangor, and
J. DeForest Danielson, Providence, R. I. The latter is also
assistant treasurer. Alpha M. Kennison is clerk ; Stephen I.
Abbott, manufacturing agent, and Wm. H. K. Abbott, super-
intendent. Deering, Milliken and Company, New York, are
selling agents.
The number of employees is about 1,300 and the amount paid
in wages, annually, is about $415,000. About 6,250,000 pounds
of cotton are annually consumed in making nearly 20,000,000
yards of cloth, varying in width from 36 to 108 inches. The
total number of looms is 2,100.
HATHAWAY SHIRT FACTORY.
Among the most important of our minor industries is the
Hathaway Shirt Factory. C. A. Leighton, proprietor. ^This
was established in 1849 ^Y Chas. F. Plathaway and was famil-
iarly known as The Laundry. During the first twenty-five years
the work was confined to the manufacture of gentlemen's fine
shirts. The Hathaway shirts are widely known for their supe-
rior quality. In 1874 the manufacture of ladies fine muslin
underwear was added. In 1879 Clarence A. Leighton became
associated with Mr. Hathaway and since the death of the latter
in 1895, has been sole proprietor. One hundred and fifty to
175 hands are employed and the annual pay-roll is about $60,000.
One hundred sewing machines are kept in constant use. These
are run by steam and electrical power, about 25 h. p. being
required. The buildings, heated by steam and lighted by gas
HON. REUBEN B. DrXX.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 35 ^
and electricity, together with the equipment are up to date in
every particular. Mr. Frank W. Smith has been for many years
the efficient superintendent. ,
THE NOYES STOVE COMPANY.
The Noyes Stove Company's foundry, on Chaplin street, is
another of our substantial industries. This occupies the site of
the foundry established in 1867 by Asher P. Fletcher. After a
few months Mr. Fletcher formed a co-partnership with Joseph
Percival. They carried on the business till April, 1868, when
Mr. Fletcher withdrew. Air. Percival also retired soon after.
His nephew, Mr. Geo. G. Percival, occupied the building two or
three years as a chemical laboratory, and there made and put up
extracts for the market. In 1872 the foundry was used by a
company who made a patent kettle and other hollow ware. The
enterprise was soon abandoned, and in 1873 John Goodell and
Company came here from Bangor, purchased the plant and con-
verted it into a cook stove foundry. In 1886 Noyes & Goddard
purchased the entire interest of Goodell and Company. They
conducted the business until April 15, 1902, when E. D. Noyes
became the sole proprietor. In October, 1892, the works were
destroyed by fire, but were at once rebuilt and in the January
following were again in operation. A 10 h. p. gasoline engine
furnishes the required power. Fifteen men are employed in the
shops, and eight salesmen on the road. Twelve hundred cook
stoves are made and sold every year. They are distributed by
the salesmen all over northern New England. The amount paid
in wages annually is about $16,000.
CAR SHOPS OE THE MAINE CENTRAL RAILROAD.
Soon after the Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad was
opened to Waterville, which was in December, 1849, the company
established its repair shops here. They were located on the
south side of Chaplin street near College street. The machine
shop and round house occupied one building, the blacksmith shop
another, while the third was used by the wood working and paint-
ing departments. After consolidation with the Penobscot and
Kennebec, under the name of Maine Central, and the natural
increase of business which followed, additional buildings were
erected on both sides of Chaplin street. In 1870 the Maine Cen-
352 HISTORY or WATKRVILLE.
tral leased the Portland and Kennebec, and later absorbed other
roads, all of which make up the present Maine Central system.
For some years the consolidated company continued to do its
repair work in the several places where it had shops, but finally
decided to abandon all these and erect a new plant in some place
where, so far as practicable, all the work should be done.
Among other cities to contend for the location were Portland
and Waterville. At one time Portland seemed to have been
selected. Land was purchased for the purpose and the public
were informed that the new shops were to be located there. But
Waterville did not give it up. A delegation of her citizens was
sent to interview the president and directors, liberal terms were
offered, and generous treatment assured.
Waterville was finally selected and in 1886 work of construc-
tion of the new shops began. The following year they were
completed and were pronounced to be the most perfect in design,
and convenient in arrangement, of any similar plant in the
United States. They are built of brick, a portion being two
stories in height, and cover nearly four acres of ground. They
furnish employment to 250 men, most of whom are skilled
mechanics, who receive annually about $168,000 in wages. One
hundred and fifty h. p is required to run the machinery. This
is generated by two boilers of 260 h. p. one engine of 150 h. p.,
and one air compressor of 80 h. p. The shops are lighted by
electricity. The work is not confined to repairs alone, but new
cars both passenger and freight are built here.
THE RTVERVIEW WORSTED MILLS.
In 1899 the Riverview Worsted Mills corporation was organ-
ized in Waterville, with F. C. Thayer, president ; Thomas Samp-
son, treasurer ; C. F. Johnson, clerk. The capital stock is
$50,000. The mill was erected at once, on land purchased of the
Lockwood Company near the bank of the Kennebec river, a few
rods north of Temple street. Manufacturing began in February,
1900. The product consists of fine fancy worsteds for men's
wear, woven on eighty looms of the latest and most approved
pattern. The employees soon will number about 300, and the
annual pay-roll be increased to $150,000 anually. Electric power
is furnished by the Union Gas and Electric Company. George
W. Overend is the agent.
HISTORY OP WATERVILLD. 353
THE WHITTEMORE FURNITURE COMPANY.
The presence of the Whittemore Furniture Company in
Waterville is due chiefly to the efforts of Wm. T. Haines, and
Frank Redington, members of the local board of trade. Mr.
W. E. Whittemore had been making furniture in Foxcroft, and
later in Fairfield. Fire destroyed his shop in Fairfield and he
was not unwilling to locate here. Additional capital was needed,
to provide which a corporation was organized in August, 1899,
with a capital stock of $50,000. Mr. Haines was chosen clerk ;
Frank Redington, F. C. Thayer, W. E. Whittemore, Geo. K.
Boutelle, and H. R. Mitchell, directors ; Frank Redington, pres-
ident : F. C. Thayer, vice-president; W. E. Whittemore, treas-
urer and manager. Land was purchased on Sanger avenue, and
a large wooden building with two stories and basement was
erected. A year later another building was added. The busi-
ness is manufacturing and selling to the trade throughout New
England, all kinds of upholstered furniture and frames for the
same. From twenty to twenty-five men are employed and the
annual pay-roll is nearly $10,000. A 10 h. p. electric motor
furnishes power, which is supplied by the Waterville and Fair-
field Railway and Light Company.
BRICK MAKING.
Brick making has been a prominent industry in Waterville
from the earliest history of the town to the present time. The
inexhaustible supply of clay and sand lying in close proximity,
as well as an abundance of water, relieves the situation of diffi-
culties which have often been experienced elsewhere. In the
early days bricks were made on the land west of Water street,
just south of the Lockwood Company's tenement houses. B. F.
Blanchard was one of those who occupied this yard. The prod-
uct was disposed of in part at home and in part transported
down the river by boat.
For many years during the middle of the century, Geo. Went-
worth made bricks on upper Main street, west side, just north of
Hayden brook. About a dozen men and several horses were
kept busy during the season, and the product found a ready sale
in W^aterville and other towns round about. Shipments by rail
23
354 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
were made in considerable quantities. Stacy Wentworth,
brother of George, also engaged in the same business prior to
1850 on land a short distance southwest of his brother's yard.
A short distance south and on land of Deacon Osborn, a pottery
was operated for several years by a Mr. Bruce. Jugs, nappies
and other earthern ware were made which were sold all over the
surrounding country.
When the tirst Lockwood mill was erected a large yard was
opened just below Ticonic bridge, in Winslow, and the bricks for
both No. I and No. 2 mills were made there. A smaller yard
had previously been opened on land of the Ticonic Water Power
and Manufacturing Company, now of the Lockwood Company
in Winslow, by Wallace H. Carter. In 1876 Norton & Purinton
purchased Mr. Carter's plant and enlarged the business. In
1885 they opened a large yard on College avenue, near the Fair-
field line. In 1887 Mr. Norton retired and Horace Purinton
and Company succeeded. In 1893 the Winslow yard was given
up and the business in the Waterville yard enlarged. About
fifty men are employed here for twenty weeks in the year and
receives in wages about $1,200 every week. Nearly 4,000,000
bricks are made each year, a part of which are consumed at home
and the balance shipped away. Electric power is used, about
15 h. p. furnished by the Waterville and Fairfield Railway and
Light Company.
In 1892, '93 and '94, Proctor & Flood manufactured about
750,000 bricks per year, on College avenue, just south of the
Holland brook. In 1895 ^^i"- Proctor leased the Winslow yard,
which H. Purinton and Company had formerly occupied. After
a few years the corporation of Proctor and Bowie Company was
formed and they are now making annually about 1,500,000 bricks
in the Winslow yard. They also operate a steam wood-working
mill for building supplies, such as mouldings, casings, flooring,
stair work, etc. A 30 h. p. electric motor supplies the power.
In mill and brick yard they employ about thirty-three men and
pay them in wages about $25,000 annually.
The wool pulling and sheep skin tanning business of A. P.
Emery deserves mention among the minor industries of Water-
ville. This was established by Alben Emery, father of the
present proprietor, who came here from Fairfield. In about 1847
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 355
the elder Mr. Emery purchased a building which stood upon the
college campus and had been used as a workshop by the students,
and moved it to the south side of North street, just west of Hay-
den Brook. Here he began the business of pulling wool from
sheep's pelts, and here it has been continued to the present time.
From about i860 to 1892 the business of tanning the skins was
also conducted. From 3,000 to 10,000 skins were handled annu-
ally and from three to five men employed.
About 1840, and for several years thereafter, B. F. Blanchard
employed from twelve to fifteen men slaughtering cattle and
dressing and shipping the meat. This went chiefly by boat to
Boston. The tallow also was rendered and shipped to the same
market. The establishment was located on the bank of the Ken-
nebec a short distance below the bridge, and near the present site
of the wheel-house of the Lockwood Company's No. i mill.
The manufacture of carriages and sleighs was once carried
on quite extensively in Waterville. Purmot Hill, whose des-
cendants continue to reside among us, conducted such a business
from 1820 to 1873, on the east side of Main street, nearly oppo-
site the location of the central fire station. Some eight or ten
men found constant employment in Mr. Hill's shop.
About the same time Samuel Stilson was engaged in the same
line of business on the north side of Temple street, about where
Augustus Otten's bakery now stands. Excellent work was done
in both these establishments and the product was readily disposed
of at home and in neighboring towns.
For ten or twelve years Waterville supported a manufactory
where men's thick boots were made. Dunn & Harvey were the
first proprietors, beginning work about 1849 ^^ 1850. They car-
ried on the business in a large wooden building on the present
site of the Masonic Block, on the south side of Common street.
They employed about twenty-five men in the shop and as many
more outside. The senior partner, Wm. Ellery Dunn, died about
1857 when T. C. Merritt and Company purchased the business.
The latter firm continued till about i860 when the shop was
closed.
356 HISTORY OF VVATERVILLE.
THE HOLLINGSWORTH AND WHITNEY COMPANY.
An important enterprise, established and opcratecl entirely by
a foreign corporation and located outside of Waterville, yet con-
tributes in so high a degree to the prosperity of our ciiy as to
merit a place in this chapter. The Hollingsworth ana Whitney
Company, operating large pulp and paper mills in Gardiner,
Maine, decided about 1891 to enlarge their business by building
additional mills in some other location. Their attention was
turned toward Madison at first, and negotiations looking to the
purchase of the lower privileges on the Kennebec at that point,
were begun. The owners were the Manufacturing Investment
Company who had previously erected a large sulphite mill on the
next power above. Failure to agree on some points affecting
the purchase by one company of the product of the other com-
pany's plant, brought negotiations to an end, and Winslow was
suggested as a desirable location for the new mills. The Lock-
wood Company's upper power was unoccupied, and the "Island"
on the Winslow side of the river, opposite Colby College, was
an excellent site on which to build. This entire property was
soon purchased, and in 1892 the ground-wood mill and the paper
mill were erected, and a dam and head gates built at the head
of the island. About 450 men found employment here. Seven
years later a sulphite mill was added, and the number of men
employed has increased to 675, who receive in wages about
$30,000 per month. In addition to the water power, both steam
and electric power are used. The latter is supplied by the Union
Gas and Electric Company.
CHAPTER XVI.
BANKING IN WATERVILLE.
By Horatio D. Bates, Cashier Merchants National Bank.
Shice early in its history, Waterville has enjoyed ample bank-
ing facilities. The old Waterville Bank founded in 1814 fur-
nished all of the circulating medium then required and a surplus
to loan in Boston. In 1831 the Ticonic was organized to suc-
ceed the Waterville, occupying the field alone until 1850, when
another bank called the Waterville Bank was started. The Peo-
ples began business in 1855, and in 1876 the Merchants was
added to the list, but the closing up about that time of the Water-
ville National left the number of banks the same as before. The
need of a depository for savings was met by the founding of the
Waterville Savings Bank in 1869 and in 1887 The Waterville
Loan and Building Association commenced business. In 1889
the charter of the Waterville Trust Company was granted to
W. T. Haines and his associates, but the company did not com-
mence business until 1893. In the present year of Waterville's
centennial we have four commercial banks, the Ticonic, Peoples,
and Merchants National Banks, and the Waterville Trust Com-
pany, having a combined capital of $500,000, surplus and undi-
vided profits of $187,868, business deposits of $620,000 and loans
including stocks and bonds of $1,600,000. There are three
depositories of savings: The Waterville Savings Bank with
deposits of $1,200,000, and the savings department of the Trust
Company with deposits of $592,452, and the Loan and Building
Association with capital dues of $85,608.
There are no defalcations to record in Waterville's banking
history, and the nearest approach to failure was the scaling down
358 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
of I2>4 per cent, in the deposits of the Waterville Savings Bank
and the passing of one dividend in 1876. With this exception
our banks have weathered all the financial storms, have paid
good dividends, and are to-day in exceptionally strong condition.
Onr city is the banking center for North Vassalboro, China,
Albion, Corinna, Hartland, Newport, Burnham and Clinton, and
has a share of the business of Dexter and Fairfield. Banking
conditions at present are very favorable. Although rates for
money are not as high as in past years, the volume of deposits
is larger than ever before, and the local demand for funds makes
it unnecessary for the banks to buy notes of Boston brokers, a
class of paper in which there is a much greater chance of loss
than in loans made to home borrowers. The banks at the present
time are charging six per cent, on most loans, a five per cent,
rate being made to large depositors or on loans of good size with
choice collateral. The Savings Bank and the Trust Company,
on its time deposits, are paying depositors three and one-half
per cent, and the Savings Bank charges six per cent, on its real
estate loans. The national banks are holding a minimum of two
per cent, bonds as security for circulation, all having sold their
twos down to this limit within a year, tempted by the high prices.
The growth of the banking business since the industrial awaken-
ing of the town is shown by the increase in deposits and loans
since 1876, in which year the four national banks reported
deposits of $126,000, and loans of $524,000, against business
deposits at the present time in the three national banks and the
Trust Company of $620,000, and loans of $1,600,006. The
increase of savings deposits in the same time has been from
$400,000 in the Savings Bank to $1,792,452 in this bank and the
savings department of the Trust Company, and $85,608 capital
dues in the Loan and Building Association.
There have been several attempted robberies of Waterville
banks. The Ticonic, when located in the little building south
of Ticonic Row, was twice entered, but the vault withstood the
efforts of the burglars. Before the days of time locks an attempt
was made to enter the house of Mr. Homer Percival, then cashier
of the Peoples Bank, then living in the house on the corner of
Spring and Elm streets, now occupied by Dr. C. W. Abbott. It
happened that there was sickness in the house that night and the
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 359
robbers were frightened away by the Hghts and the people mov-
ing about. It was thought that the intention was to force Mr.
Percival to go to the bank and open the safe.
An attempt to rob the Waterville National Bank was made on
the night of November 22, 1876, the bank at that time being
located in the second story of a wooden building at the south
corner of Main and Silver streets, where the Milliken Block now
stands. A circumstance favorable to the attempt was that a
lecture was given in town hall that night by Theodore Tilton.
The four men concerned in the affair got permission to leave
their team at Luke Brown's on the corner of Pleasant and Mill
streets, saying they were going to the lecture, and their presence
on the street excited less suspicion than it otherwise would.
Augustus Wood, the night watchman was approached by these
men about twenty minutes of eleven and before he could make
an outcry was gagged and thrown down, after being put upon
his feet and led blind-folded to a shed in the rear of the Catholic
church. Here his gag was removed, his keys taken and he was
obliged to answer all the inquiries put to him as to his beat, etc.
The gag was then put in his mouth and he was securely bound
with window cord. Two of the gang then went to the bank and
were climbing up to reach a rear window when George H. Vigue,
a private watchman, came toward the bank looking for Wood,
whom he had been in the habit of meeting at stated times while
on his beat. L. D. Carver, now State Librarian, had an office
on the same floor as the bank and slept in a room in the rear. He
was awakened by the robbers and heard one say, "There's that
cussed private watchman, let's go and do for him." Mr. Carver
took his revolver and without waiting to dress, rushed down the
stairs. Before he had reached the sidewalk the men had seized
Vigue, one striking him a heavy blow on the head. He suc-
ceeded in breaking away from them however, and to use his own
expression, "hollered like a loon." The men ran down Silver
street, their flight hastened by two shots from Vigue's revolver.
They went to the place where the other men were and then all
escaped in the team which had been left at Mr, Brown's.
Vigue's outcry brought a number of people from the Williams
house, and before long a general alarm was rung. When it was
learned that the robbers had escaped, a search was made for
360 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Wood, who was found by J. Fred Hill where the robbers had
left him. The next morning Levi Dow and Fred Hill followed
the track of the team as far as Augusta, the traces and the testi-
mony of the people along the road showing that the ride was a
fast and furious one. Though this happened nearly twenty-six
years ago. Dr. Hill well remembers the remark of Dr. Hanson
when Constable Dow came to the Institute for him the next
morning: "Well, Mr. Hill, if you think you had rather be a
detective than a scholar you may go, and your education is
entirely sufficient for the business." No arrests were ever made
in connection with this affair which was the talk of the town for
a long time.
the: old watkrville bank.
The banking history of Waterville dates from 1814, in which
year the old Waterville Bank was organized and its charter granted
by the legislature of Massachusetts. This was the first banking
institution commencing business above Augusta on the Kennebec
river and served besides Waterville, Skowhegan, Norridgewock
and other up-river towns. At the first meeting of its directors,
held at the dwelling-house of Nath'l Gilman, Esq., on the 21st
day of March, 1814, Mr. Gilman was chosen president and
served in this capacity for the nineteen years of the bank's exis-
tence. A small, one-story, wooden building was erected for the
use of the bank, its location being just south of Ticonic Row on
lower Main street. The original bank building was occupied
also by the Ticonic Bank, the successor of the Waterville until
1865. This building afterward was moved to Ticonic street and
was used as a dwelling-house until destroyed by fire.
The first board of directors of the bank consisted of Mr. Gil-
man, Asa Redington, Samuel Redington, Thomas Rice and
Daniel Cook. Among others who later served as directors were
Asa Redington, Jr., Lemuel Paine, Timothy Boutelle, Jonathan
Farrar, Moses Appleton, Joseph Southwick, Calvin Selden,
Thomas B. Coolidge, Samuel Weston, James Stackpole, and John
Ware of Norridgewock, great uncle of John Ware of this city.
Asa Redington, Jr., was first cashier. He was elected July i,
1814 and served until September, i8t8. The highest salary he
received was $500. He was succeeded by his father, Asa Red-
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 361
ington, who served from September, 1818 to November, 1826.
His salary was $500 until July, 1826, when on plea of the poor
business done by the bank it was reduced to $250. When the
senior Redington was chosen cashier in 1818 his place on the
board of directors was taken by his son, they thus exchanging
places. Asa Redington, senior, evidently did not care to serve
at the small salary granted him in 1826, and upon his resigna-
tion Alpheus Lyon was elected, November 2, 1826. Mr. Lyon's
pay was $300 until November, 1829, when it was reduced to $200.
Asa Redington was chosen, on Mr. Lyon's resignation, to his old
place as cashier, January 18, 1830, and continued to July, 1832.
Daniel Cook was the last to fill the office. He was elected, July
I, 1832, and voted a stipend of $100 for undertaking to close the
afi'airs of the bank. The profits of country banks in those days
were from the loaning of their circulating notes, so the first busi-
ness engaging the officers of the bank was the signing and issuing
of its bills, and a good portion of the money seems to have found
ready borrowers. The bills were signed by president and
cashier and bore a blank space in which it was customary to write
the name of some person as payee. For example, at one direc-
tors' meeting it was voted "To fill up five hundred three dollar
bills payable to D. Cook.'' So these notes were made payable
to D. Cook or bearer and then loaned to any one whose note was
discounted by the bank. The bills were redeemable in specie at
the bank's counter and the constant problem was to keep them in
circulation. At times loans were made of the banks circulation
on ninety days with a charge for interest of only half that time,
the object being to keep the bills away from the bank and its
redemption obligations.
The strength of banks issuing currency was not so carefully
considered as in the laws made at a later period and it appears that
quite an amount of the stock in this bank was issued upon credit.
That is, the stockholder subscribed for his shares and gave his
note in payment for part or whole of the stock, leaving it with the
bank as collateral. The legislature of 18^3 passed a banking act
in which this practice of loaning by banks on its own shares was
prohibited. There is constant reference in the records of the
Waterville Bank to these loans on hypothecated shares and they
appear to have been an annoying feature of the business. There
362 HISTORY OlF WATERVILLE.
was a constant endeavor to get them paid up or reduced by
restricting the amount per share which should be loaned upon
them. The Waterville Bank, however, was not a "wildcat" bank,
and its bills seemed to have a good standing in their time, and
provision was made for the outstanding remnant when the bank
went out of business. The only statements of the bank's con-
dition that have been preserved bear the dates 1814 and 181 5 and
the one of latest date, February, 181 5, is given herewith. The
capital of the bank appears to have been increased to $100,000
subsequent to this report, the records showing a reduction from
that amount later.
ASSETS.
Real estate $ 2,200 00
Stamps 100 00
Loans 55,156 3^
Bills of other banks 1,514 00
Treasury note 1,000 00
Specie with Prest 3,270 95
Specie with Cashier 2,581 54
$65,822 85
LIABILITIES.
Capital Stock $50,000 00
Bills in circulation 11 .425 00
Profits 1,583 97
Deposits, individual 1,17023
Deposits, United States 1.318 65
Deposits of assessors' money 68 00
Deposits to Cr. of I. G. Neal , 257 00
$65,822 85
Interesting features of this statement are the small amount of
deposits and the fact brought out that the president was custodian
of part of the bank's funds. When specie was needed for busi-
ness the directors passed a vote that a certain sum should be
turned over by the president to the cashier, taking his receipt for
the same. The president had a strong box in the bank in which
he kept the money of which he had charge. It was the rule of
the bank that every note, at least those taken of local borrowers,
should bear not less than three names. The record of the seven-
teen years of the bank's active existence, from 1814 to 1831 is
HISTORY OF WATERVILLK. 3^3
told quite fully in the minutes of the directors' meetings (the
stockholders' records not having been preserved) and is typical
of the country bank of that period. It would appear that there
was not sufficient local demand for the bank funds after the first
wants of the community were supplied, and large sums were
placed in the hands of agents in Boston, to be loaned by them.
There is record of $80,000 being intrusted to Chas. Scudder, a
Boston merchant who enjoyed at one time the confidence of the
directors. Mr. Scudder evidently made somic poor loans to
others or to himself for in a settlement with the bank in 1821 he
paid about $i,6oo in cash on claims against him for over
$20,000. The bank was also obliged to compromise a claim
against Mr. Brooks, another Boston agent. The bank also had
in Boston a correspondent bank where its circulation was
redeemed and part of its funds lodged.
When the Suffolk system, so-called, was inaugurated it was
the endeavor of the Suffolk bank to make itself a general
redemption agent for the country banks, and each bank was
expected to keep a sum of money there, without interest, to
redeem its bills when presented. The Waterville bank did not
take kindly to this arrangement and refused to keep a redemption
fund with the Suffolk. Mr. A. A. Plaisted relates that his
grandfather, Moses Appleton, went to Boston at one time with a
large sum in specie for the purpose of taking up a like amount
in bank bills held by the Suffolk. This bank, to punish the
Waterville institution for not coming into the new arrangement
refused to take the money and sent a clerk down by stage to
demand specie at the bank counter. Dr. Appleton returning in
the same stage, bringing back the coin. The bills were redeemed
and the specie took another trip to Boston. In these early days
there were no express companies and money was sent to Boston
or brought home by any trusty person who happened to be mak-
ing the trip by stage or otherwise. This service appears usually
to have been voluntary and unpaid but there is a vote recorded
at one of the directors meetings "that the cashier pay to Mr. Jos,
Mitchell the sum of one dollar and fifty cents in consideration of
his care and prudent management in bringing specie from Boston
in January last." The banks capital after being made $100,000
was reduced in 1828 to $75,000 and to $50,000 in the following
364 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
year. These reductions were evidently on account of the losses
incurred in loaning the surplus funds of the bank. November
15, 1830, the directors voted to call a meeting of the stockholders
on the loth of December to see if they would vote for an exten-
sion of the charter or apply for a new one. The vote was in the
negative and some of the men associated with the old bank
applied with others for a charter for a new bank, a successor of
the old Waterville, to be called the Ticonic Bank, which charter
was granted, being approved April i, 1831. The Waterville
Bank commenced to liquidate in September, 1831, dividing then
among its shareholders 60% of its capital and in August, 1832,
20% more was paid. At a directors meeting held July 8, 1832,
at which meeting were present Asa Redington, Timothy Boutelle,
Moses Appleton, Daniel Cook and James Stackpole, it was voted
that the offer of the Ticonic Bank to settle the affairs of the
Waterville Bank be accepted. The proposition was to take over
from the old bank, notes and judgments owned by it and amount-
ing to $7,368.55 and cash $2,845.89, amounting in all to $10,-
214.44. Iri consideration therefor the new bank agreed to
redeem within fourteen years the Waterville Bank's outstanding
bills, amounting to $3,914, and to pay over in cash $8,700. This
cash divided among the shareholders on a basis of $50,000 cap-
ital made a final dividend of $17.40 per share, making the total
liquidating payments $97.40 per share. During its seventeen
years of active business the bank paid dividends averaging 5^%
and should go down into history as paying its debts, dollar for
dollar and as having a fairly profitable career.
TICONIC BANK.
Ticonic Bank was organized to succeed the old Waterville
Bank although the business of the latter was not closed up until
1832. As will be seen by reference to the history of the older
bank, the Ticonic took over the remaining assets of the Water-
ville and agreed to redeem its circulation. The Ticonic charter
bore date April i, 1831, and was granted to Moses Appleton,
Isaac Stevens, Asa Redington, Jr., Jediah Morrill, Abel Hoxie,
Calvin Selden, Warren Preston, Isaac Farrar and their asso-
ciates. The charter provided that the capital of the bank should
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 365
be paid in gold and silver, so the institution started on a sounder
basis than the old Waterville with its shares issued partly on
credit. The law under which the bank was organized also placed
a restriction upon circulation, limiting the same to 50% in addi-
tion to the amount of the capital stocks. The Ticonic therefore
had authority after its capital ($50,000) was fully paid in, to
issue bills to the amount of $75,000. The law also provided that
banks should loan on paper bearing not less than two responsible
names, that if after fifteen days of grace a bank failed to redeem
its bills in gold or silver, the claim against it should bear interest
until paid, at the rate of 24% per annum. Notes of the bank
raised to a higher denomination were payable at the larger sum
if presented by an innocent holder. The banking tax at this
time was one per cent per year on the capital paid in. The first
meeting of incorporation was held at the Waterville Bank Octo-
ber 3, 1 83 1, and at a meeting held January 2, 1832, a board of
directors was chosen. The board consisted of Nath'l Gilman,
Timothy Boutelle, Daniel Cook, Jediah Morrill and Alpheus
Lyon. Nath'l Gilman was first choice for president but he
declined to serve and Timothy Boutelle was elected. Daniel
Cook was first cashier and the by-laws fixed his hours of service
at 10 A. M. to 1 P. M., this arrangement being changed at a
later date to something like the present arrangement, the hours
of the national banks being 8.30 to 12 and i to 3. The first
location of the bank was in the original building occupied since
1814 by the Waterville Bank. In 1865 a small wooden buildings
located where the present building stands was purchased of Mrs.
Bradbury who had occupied it as a millinery shop, and the bank
remained in these quarters until 1875 when the present banking
house was erected. The first return to the secretary of State
made in 1833 shows deposits of $2,563 ; due to Suffolk Bank,
$10,856, and loans of $93,332. In 1836 the capital of the bank
was increased to $75,000. In 1846 a renewal of charter to 1857
was granted and in 1852 the capital was increased to $100,000.
A further increase to $125,000 was made in 1855. In 1857
another renewal of charter was granted. In 1859 capital was
reduced to $100,000, $15,000 of the reduction charged to loss
account and $10,000 being paid to stockholders, a stock dividend
of $8 per share, leaving the 1,250 shares at a par value of $80
366 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
per share. December 27, 1864. the vote was passed to surren-
der the charter granted by the State, and a national charter was
then obtained. The records of directors subsequent to 1855 are
missing but the record of dividends paid up to that time shows a
prosperous business.
Presidents : Timothy Boutelle, 1832 to 1855 : Jos. Eaton, 1855
to 1865; Solyman Heath. 1865. Cashiers: Daniel Cook, 1832
to 1834; Augustine Perkins, 1834 to 1849; Sumner Percival,
1849 to 1853; Edw. G. Hoag, 1853 to 1858; Aaron Appleton
Plaisted, 1858. Silas Redington also served as cashier for a
short time in 1858. before Mr. Plaisted's appointment. Beside
those on the first board the bank was served as directors by Asa
Redington, Mioses Appleton, Simeon Mathews, Sumner Percival,
Elah Esty, Samuel Appleton, Edwin Noyes, Samuel Doolittle,
Edw. G. Meader and Chas. K. Mathews.
TICOXIC NATIONAL BANK.
The Ticonic changed to a national bank in 1865, its charter
bearing date January 2 of that year. The first board of directors
was Joseph Eaton of Winslow ; Solyman Heath, Samuel Doo-
little, Edward G. Meader, Charles K. Mathews. Presidents:
Jos. Eaton, 1865, January to September; Solyman Heath, 1865-
1875 ; Samuel Appleton, 1875-1884: Nathaniel R. Boutelle, 1884-
1891 ; Chas. K. Mathews, 1891-1899; Geo. K. Boutelle, 1899 — .
A. A. Plaisted was cashier from 1865 to 1896 when Appleton H.
Plaisted, his son, was chosen, June 29. A. H. Plaisted was suc-
ceeded by Hascall S. Hall, the present cashier, who was elected
January 8, 1901, having served as assistant from January 2, 1898.
Willard H. Parsons, assistant, was appointed February 14, 1901.
The present board of directors is Geo. K. Boutelle, president;
Clarence A. Leighton, vice-president ; Joseph Eaton of Winslow,
Charles Wentworth and William T. Haines. Others who have
served as directors are : Dudley W. Moor. Henry R. Butter-
field, Nathaniel Meader, J. H. Plaisted and H. L. Kelley. Mr.
A. A. Plaisted served a remarkably long term as cashier of the
Ticonic and Ticonic National, 1858 to 1896, a period of thirty-
eight years. During nearly the whole of this time he performed
all the duties of cashier without help and had no vacations. This
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 367
bank has paid in dividends since 1865, $286,000, to July i, 1902
and its net earnings to July 16, 1902, have been $325,800.
The Ticonic National is the historic and family bank of the
city, having been organized as a State bank in 1831 to succeed the
old Waterville Bank founded in 1814, and members of the prom-
inent old families in the past and at the present time being con-
nected with its management. Geo. K. Boutelle, the president
at this time is a son of Dr. N. R. Boutelle who filled the same
office from 1884 to 1891, and is a grandson of Timothy Boutelle
who served as a director of the old Waterville Bank and was
president of the Ticonic from 1832 to 1855. A. H. Plaisted and
his father, A. A. Plaisted, are respectively great-grandson and
grandson of ^Nloses Appleton, a director of the old Waterville
Bank, A. H. Plaisted's maternal grandfather, Solyman Heath,
was president of the Ticonic in 1865. Jos. Eaton of the present
board is a grandson of the Jos. Eaton who was president from
1855 to 1865 and Asa Redington, connected with old Waterville
Bank for many years as cashier or director, is the ancestor of
all the Redingtons now living in this city.
Hascall Shailer Hall, the present cashier, is son of Edw. W.
Hall, librarian and registrar of Colby College. He was born in
Waterville April 16, 1876, and received his education here,
graduating from Colby in 1896, and was engaged in teaching
before entering the bank. Mr. Hall is a member of the Masonic
order but holds no public office. The average individual deposits
of the Ticonic for the year ending with the date of the following
report have been $79,584.
368 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
REPORT OF THE CONDITION OF THE
TICONIC NATIONAL BANK,
at Waterville, in the State of Maine, at the close of business, July i6, 1902.
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts $181,744 93
Overdrafts, secured and unsecured 215 79
U. S. Bonds to secure circulation 25,000 00
Stocks, Securities, etc 10,61 1 S3
Banking-house furniture, and fixtures 10,000 00
Due from National Banks (not reserve agents) 1,500 00
Due from approved reserve agents 29,053 og
Checks and other cash items 1. 153 02
Notes of other National Banks 6,465 00
Fractional paper currency, nickels, and cents 20 00
Lawful Money Reserve in Bank, viz :
Specie 10,097 59
Legal-tender notes 4,100 00
14,197 59
Redemption fund with U. S. Treasurer (5 per cent, of
circulation,) 1,25000
Total $281,21075
UABIUTIES,
Capital stock paid in $100,000 00
Surplus fund 20,000 00
Undivided profits, less expenses and taxes paid 19,799 74
National Bank notes outstanding 25,000 00
Due to other National Banks 492 79
Due to Trust Companies and Savings Banks 18,836 27
Dividends unpaid 477 00
Individual deposits subject to check '93,365 45
Cashier's checks outstanding 3,239 50
Total $281,210 75
State of Maine, County of Kennebec, ss :
I, Hascall S. Hall, Cashier of the above named bank, do solemnly
swear that the above statement is true to the best of my knowledge and
befief.
HASCALL S. HALL, Cashier.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 23rd day of July, 1902.
J. FOSTER PERCIVAL, Notary Public.
Correct, — Attest :
GEO. K. BOUTELLE,
JOSEPH EATON,
WILLIAM T. HAINES,
Directors.
NEHEMIAH GETCHELL, 2nd.
ELDRIDGE E. GETCHELE
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 369
WATERVTLLE BANK. WATERVILLE NATIONAL BANK.
This bank was chartered as a State bank in 1850, commencing
business with a capital of $25,000, all paid in coin. The first
board of directors was Samuel P. Shaw, president ; Increase S.
Johnson, James Stackpole, Jr., Stephen Stark, John R. Phil-
brick, Wm. Moor, Ebenezer Frye, Thomas G. Kimball and
Daniel H. Brown. Augustine Perkins was first cashier. The
location of the bank when commencing business was over the
Esty & Kimball store in Ticonic row. This was the store at the
north end of the block and on the old stone door posts can still
be seen the bank's sign painted on either side of the entrance.
The bank in 1866 purchased the wooden building then standing
on the south comer of Main and Silver streets, using cm upstairs
room for a banking office, and in 1877 erected the brick building
which now stands on this lot and is called the Milliken block.
The banking office was on the lower floor in the room now used
as a fruit store by King &: Paganucci. Mr. Shaw was succeeded
as president, in 1856, by D. L. Milliken who held the office to the
closing of the bank. Mr. Perkins resigned in 1861 and I. S.
Bangs was chosen cashier, serving until 1862, when he resigned
to enter the army.
Mr. Perkins was again chosen but resigned in 1863 on account
of ill health and Eldridge L. Getchell was elected and continued
to the closing of the bank. The Waterville became a national
bank in 1865 and its affairs were closed up in 1879-80. The
capital of the bank at the time of winding up was $125,000 and
the stockholders received the value of their stock in full and a
stock dividend of 20 7c. This bank was well managed and paid
good dividends. An item of interest in the director's records is
the passing of a vote in March, 1851, thanking the directors of
the Ticonic Bank for the courtesy and liberality extended by
them and promising to reciprocate. The board of directors at
time of the bank's closing was D. L. Milliken, James Stackpole,
Francis Dow of Clinton, Thomas G. Kimball, E. F. Webb, EHas
Milliken and 1. S. Bangs.
24
370 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
people's bank.
The records of this bank not having been preserved its history
will necessarily be short. It was organized in 1855 ^^^^ Paul
L. Chandler as president and Sumner Percival, cashier. John
R. Philbrick was president at one time and Homer Percival,
father of the present cashier of the People's National, succeeded
his brother Sumner as cashier in 1859. John Ware was presi-
dent in 1865 when the change to the national form was made.
people's national bank.
In 1864 there were three banks in Waterville, the Ticonic,
successor of the old Waterville ; a second Waterville Bank dating
from 1850, and People's Bank which commenced business in
1855. These three banks voted to apply for charters under the
national system and it was agreed in a spirit of fairness that the
applications should all be sent in the same mail. The People's
National certificate bears date March 15, 1865. At this time it
was located in the second story of a wooden building standing
on the site now occupied by a brick store belonging to Geo. K.
Boutelle, the lower floor used by W. A. Hager as a confectionery
and ice cream store. The bank afterwards moved to a wooden
building where the Hanson, Webber & Dunham store is, and
purchased in 1884 the brick building in which it is now located.
The first board of directors after the change to the national
form was John Webber, father of John N. Webber, vrce-presi-
dent at the present time ; Thomas W. Herrick, William Connor
of Fairfield, James P. Blunt, William Dyer, Luke Brown, 2nd,
and L. E. Thayer. The late F. P. Haviland was at one time a
director.
Presidents: John Webber, 1865-1882; N. G. H. Pulsifer,
1882-1893; J, W. Philbrick, 1894-1900; E. G. Hodgdon of Clin-
ton, 1900, — Cshiers: Homer Percival, 1865-1893; J.Foster
Percival, 1893 — ; Ernest E. Decker, the present assistant, was
appointed in May, 1896. The present board of directors is E. G.
Hodgdon, president ; John N. Webber, vice-president ; Arthur
J. Alden, Christian KnaufiF and Llewellyn Parks of Pittsfield.
The vacancy on the board caused by the death of Jonas P. Gray,
HISTORY OF WATERVILL^. 371
for many years a director has not been filled at the present writ-
ing. The capital of the People's was $150,000 in 1865 and in
1875 it was increased to $200,000. It has paid as a national bank
to July I, 1902, dividends amounting to $592,653, and its net
earnings to July 16 are $654,281.
People's National Bank has lately installed the latest electric
protective system, has improved and strengthened its vault, put-
ting in a fine new door and vestibule and has added safety deposit
boxes to its equipment. J. Foster Percival, the present cashier,
was bom in Waterville in 1847 and received his education in the
common schools and high school of the city. From 1864 to 1870
he was with a Boston commission house and from 1870 to 1875
in the elevator business in Duluth. In 1875 he returned to his
native town and purchased the book business long carried on by
Chas. K. Mathews in the store in the Phenix block now occupied
by W. B. Blanchard. In 1883 he sold his book business and
entered the bank as his father's assistant, serving in that capacity
for ten years, when he was chosen cashier in 1893. Mr. Percival
has been treasurer of St. Mark's (Episcopal) church since it was
organized in 1876. He holds no other public office.
The average individual deposits of the People's National the
past year have been $146,584.
372 HISTORY O? WATERVILLE.
REPORT OF THE CONDITION OF THE
PEOPLE'S NATIONAL BANK,
at Waterville, in the State of Maine, at the close of business, July i6, 1902.
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts $314,651 08
Overdrafts, secured and unsecured 1,746 54
U. S. Bonds to secure circulation , 50,000 00
Stocks, securities, etc 32,390 00
Banking-house, furniture and fixtures 16,150 00
Due from National Banks (not Reserve Agents) 137 28
Due from approved reserve agents 31, 759 33
Checks and other cash items 4,140 55
Notes of other National Banks 5,000 00
Fractional paper currency, nickels & cents 8 22
Lawful money reserve in Bank, viz :
Specie 13, 1 14 50
Legal-tender notes 3,000 00
16,114 50
Redemption fund with U. S. Treasurer, (5 per cent, of
circulation) , 2,500 00
Total $474,597 50
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock paid in $200,000 00
Surplus fund 50,000 00
Undivided profits, less expenses and taxes paid 11,628 41
National Bank notes outstanding 50,000 00
Due to Trust Companies and Savings Banks I5,i33 74
Dividends impaid 3,458 95
Individual deposits subject to check 129,718 73
Demand Certificates of deposit ' 4,657 67
Bills payable, including certificates of deposit for
money borrowed 10,000 co
Total $474,597 5o
State of Maine, Coimty of Kennebec, ss :
I, J. F. Percival, Cashier of the above named Bank, do solemnly
swear that the above statement is true to the best of my knowledge and
belief.
J. F. PERCIVAL, Cashier.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 21st day of July, 1902.
HASCALL S. HALL, Notary Public.
Correct — Attest :
JOHN N. WEBBER,
C. KNAUFF,
E. G. HODGDON,
Directors.
HISTORY OP WATERVILLE. 373
MERCHANTS NATIONAL BANK.
The Merchants National Bank was founded by John Ware in
1875, its charter being dated October 23 of that year, and it was
opened for business January i, 1876. The first board of direc-
tors was made up of John Ware, Geo. C. Getchell, Chas M.
Barrell, Colby C. Cornish of Winslow, Gideon Wells of Clinton,
John C. Manson of Pittsfield and John Ware, Jr. John Ware
was first president and Geo. H. Ware, his son, cashier. John
Ware, Sr., died in 1877 and his son John Ware, succeeded him
as president and holds the office at the present time. Geo. H.
Ware resigned his office as cashier in 1879 on account of ill
health and the present incumbent, Horatio D. Bates, was elected
June I, 1879; Luke S. Spencer, assistant, entered the bank in
1886. The present board of directors is composed of John Ware,
president ; L. H. Soper, vice-president ; Geo. H. Ware, J. M.
Winn of Clinton, Ira E. Getchell of Winslow, Fred Pooler and
Chas. F. Johnson. Others who have served as directors are the
late Geo. S. Flood, the late E. F. Webb and A. P. McMaster of
Pittsfield. The bank has always occupied its present location,
having bought the property of Chas. F. Barrell. The total divi-
dends of this bank have been $160,500 to July i, 1902, and total
net earnings to April 30, 1902, $205,520. The Merchants
through its connection with Brown Brothers and Company,
draws its own drafts on any foreign country.
Mr. Bates the present cashier was born in Gardiner in 1849
and received his education in the common schools and Westbrook
Seminary. Before his appointment as cashier he was employed
as bookkeeper in Shawmut and Waterville. Mr. Bates is treas-
urer of the Waterville and Fairfield Railway and Light Com-
pany, of the Waterville Loan and Building Association, the Free
Library Association and has been auditor of the town and city
since 1886 with the exception of the years 1894, 1895 and 1897.
He is an Odd Fellow and is clerk of the Unitarian Society.
The average individual deposits of the Merchants National
for the past year have been $156,868
374 HISTORY OF WATERVILLi;.
REPORT OF THE CONDITION OF
MERCHANTS NATIONAL BANK,
at Waterville in the State of Maine, at the close of business, July i6, 1902.
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts $179,280 53
Overdrafts, secured and unsecured 719 75
U. S. Bonds to secure circulation 25,000 00
Stocks, securities, etc 74^673 35
Banking-house, furniture and fixtures 9,000 00
Due from approved reserve agents 23,130 55
internal Revenue Stamps 160 00
Checks and other cash items 969 59
Notes of other Nat'l Banks 8,541 00
PVactional paper currency, nickels and cts 128 88
Lawful money reserve in bank, viz :
Specie I5i350 50
Legal-tender notes 3.909 00
19,259 50
Redemption Fund with U. S. Treasurer, (5 per cent.
of circulation) 1.250 00
Total $342.11315
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock paid in $100,000 00
vSurplus Fund 30,000 00
Undivided profits, less expenses and taxes paid 14.520 54
National Bank Notes outstanding 25,000 00
Due to Trust Companies and Savings Banks 6.000 00
Dividends unpaid 162 00
Individual deposits subject to check 164,110 88
Demand certificates of deposit 1.937 00
Cashier's checks outstanding 382 70
Total $342.11315
State of Maine, County of Kennebec, ss :
I, H. D. Bates. Cashier of the above-named bank, do solemnly
swear thai the above statement is true to the best of my knowledge and
belief.
H. D. BATES. Cashier.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this i8th day of July. 1902.
HARVEY D. EATON, Notary Public.
Correct — Attest :
J. M. WINN,
FRED POOLER.
CHAS. F. JOHNSON,
Directors.
HISTORY OlP WATERVILLi:. 375
wati:rville loan and trust company.
February 19, 1889, the legislature granted a charter for this
institution to W. T. Haines, F. C. Thayer, Chas. G. Carleton
and W. A. R. Boothby and their associates under the name of
The Waterville Loan, Trust and Safe Deposit Company. This
name was later changed to Waterville Trust and Safe Deposit
Company and afterwards to its present title. Its charter pro-
vided for the double liability of stockholders and the establishing
of branches. The company fitted up offices, vaults, and installed
safety deposit boxes in the Masonic block and commenced busi-
ness February 20, 1893. Frederick C. Thayer served as tempo-
rary president and Chas. G. Carleton as treasurer, during the
organization period. Isaac C. Libby was first president after the
bank opened for business and R. E. Attwood, treasurer. The
first board of directors was F. C. Thayer, C. G. Carleton, W. T.
Haines, Geo. R. Swasey and E. A. Milliken. Mr. Libby died in
1899 ^^^ ^- J- Lawrence of Fairfield, the present incumbent,
was elected in March, iqoo. R. E. Attwood was succeeded as
treasurer in February, 1898, by Harry L. Holmes. R. E. Lin-
coln was assistant until September, 1897, when he resigned and
Chas. W. Vigue was appointed. The present board of directors
is E. J. Lawrence, president ; Horace Purinton, vice-president ;
F. C. Thayer, S. A. Nye of Fairfield, Cyrus W. Davis, C. W.
Abbott and P. S. Heald. The first branch opened by the com-
pany was in Newport April, 1893, and in April, 1898, branches
were started in Dexter, Corinna and Hartland. These branches
act as feeders to the main office at Waterville so that practically
the banking business in these country towns is done in this city.
Each branch, as well as the home office has a savings depart-
ment and this has proved a great convenience in the places where
the branches were established. The company does a general
banking, trust and safe deposit business. It is trustee for the
bonds of the following companies : Lewiston, Brunswick and
Bath Street Railway ; Portsmouth, Kittery and York Street Rail-
way; Bangor, Orono and Old Town Street Railway; Calais
Street Railway ; Machias Water Company ; Newport Water
Company ; Riverside Woolen Company of Pittsfield ; Gold King
Consolidated Mines Company; Maine Condensed Milk Company.
376
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
The institution is well managed, having an excellent growth and
is paying at present 8% dividends.
Harry Lewis Holmes, the present treasurer, is a resident of
Fairfield. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1885
and from Dirigo Business College, Augusta, in 1886. He was
bookkeeper for the Maine Manufacturing Company of Fairfield
for about five years and served as bookkeeper and paymaster
for about the same period with the lumber firm of G. A. and
C. M. Phillips. He is a member of Siloam Lodge, F. & A. M.,
Fairfield, and of Merrymeeting Chapter, O. of E. S., in the same
town.
Statement Watermlle Trust Company April 26, ipo2:
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock $100,000 00
Undivided profits 31,266 65
Deposits, demand 226.188 27
Deposits, time 592.452 01
Due other banks 1,645 53
$951,552 46
ASSETS.
Loans and discounts $763,81 1 86
Stocks and bonds 42,000 00
Real estate 3,000 00
Fixtures and furniture 36,000 00
Interest due not paid 812 50
Expense Acct 1,680 96
Cash on deposit 73.943 83
Cash on hand 30.303 31
$951,552 40
WATERVILLE) LOAN AND BUILDING ASSOCIATION.
This association, of a character which in Massachusetts are
called co-operative banks, was organized in 1887, commencing
business in April of that year. The first board of directors was
I. S. Bangs, president; P. S. Heald, R. A. Call, Jesse Stinson,
U. S. Smith, W. T. Haines, J. W. Harmon and the secretary
and treasurer of the association. The first secretary was W. A.
R. Boothby ; treasurer, H. D. Bates ; auditor, F. B. Hubbard,
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 377
and counsel W. T. Haines. jNlartin F. Bartlett, the present
treasurer, succeeded W. A. R. Boothby who resigned in 1896,
and P. S. Heald was chosen president in place of I. S. Bangs
in 1895.
The present board of directors is P. S. Heald, W. T. Haines,
Cxeorge L. Learned, F. D. Lunt, Geo. W. Dorr, W. A. R.
Boothby, H. D. Bates, A. W. Flood, M. F. Bartlett. Officers :
P. S. Heald, president ; ^1. F. Bartlett, secretary ; H. D. Bates,
treasurer; W. T. Haines, counsel and M. E. Adams, auditor.
The association has filled an important place in the community
in affording a safe and quite profitable investment for monthly
savings and in aiding the building of homes. The system under
which these associations are managed enables them to loan on
a less margin of security than that required by savings banks
and this feature has been a stimulus to building where they are
located. This association has loaned on first mortgage of real
estate about $210,000, furnishing funds for the erection of over
seventy houses, mostly of moderate cost. It has had careful
management and its losses have been small.
The association from 1888 to 1900 paid six per cent per annum
to its shareholders. Since that time the rate has been five per
cent, the change being made necessary by the lowering of rates
for loans and by the abolishing of the premium of twenty-five
cents per share. The rate now for loans is six per cent, the in-
terest and an installment of the loan being payable monthly.
Holders of shares pay monthly, and this monthly compounding
of interest and installments of principal enables the association to
pay fair dividends to its shareholders.
The Fifteenth Annual Statement, May 24, ip02.
ASSETS.
Cash $661 82
Share loans 986 00
Real estate loans 89,446 82
Temporary expense 40 50
Real estate account 3,000 00
Uncollected interest 1.387 42
$95,522 56
378 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
LIABILITIES.
Guaranty $560 50
Profit and loss 3,i 18 77
Capital dues 85,608 04
House account 34 40
Bills payable 6.200 85
$95,522 56
M. F. Bartiett, Secretary.
May 24, 1902.
I hereby certify that I have examined the accounts of the Waterville
Loan & Building Association to date, and find the same correct.
M. E. Adams, Auditor.
WATERVILLE SAVINGS BANK.
(Written by E. T. Wyman.)
The Waterville Savings bank was chartered in 1869 with the
following charter members of the corporation : L. E. Thayer,
J. F. Elden, Reuben Foster, T. W. Herrick, William Tobey, John
Webber, H. A. Marston, J. P. Cafifrey, Chas. A. Henrickson,
B. A. Robie, G. L. Robinson, Luke Brown, W. L. Leslie, Wil-
liam Dyer, E. E. Getchell, G. B. Broad, Ira H. Lowe, S. C.
Marston, N. G. H. Pulsifer, James R Blunt, E. F. Webb, G. A.
Phillips, D. R. Wing, Homer Percival, Noah Boothby and C. F.
Hathaway.
The charter was accepted and the organization was partially
completed March 2^^, 1869. March 29, a set of by-laws was
adopted and on May 4 the organization was completed and a
board of trustees was elected composed of William Dyer, C. F.
Hathaway, Moses Lyford, Ira H. Lowe and N. G. H. Pulsifer.
Homer Percival was elected treasurer and clerk, and William
Dyer, president. May 10 the bank was located in the rooms
occupied by the People's National Bank, the use of which was to
be had for one year free of charge. The amount of the treas-
urer's bond was fixed at $10,000 and his salary at $600. May
31, less than a month after the bank opened, ten loans amounting
to about $9,000 were ai)proved. The first depositor in the new
bank was John A. Vigue, one of its present board of trustees.
The first loan was made to Joseph H. Lunt. The bank was
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 379
examined for the first time in November and the trustees certified
to the report that there were on deposit $67,773.02, and that
profits of $566.20 were on hand.
In less than a year the list of depositors numbered 791 and
the deposits amounted to $186,492.91. Homer Percival con-
tinued to be secretary and treasurer until May 9, 1871, when his
son, Marshall C. Percival, who had been from the beginning
acting treasurer, was chosen treasurer, and held the office until
May 25, 1874, when he resigned. In May of 1872 a dividend
at the rate of seven per cent was declared. At this May meeting
Reuben Foster was elected president and was re-elected every
year until his death in 1898. Upon Mr. Percival's resignation
as treasurer, Everett R. Drummond, the present treasurer, was
chosen to succeed him.
In 1876 C. C. Cornish began a long term of service as one of
the board of trustees. Moses Lyford, the last of the original
board retired in 1886. In 1897, Albert F. Drummond, was
chosen assistant treasurer. In 1898, George K. Boutelle was
elected to the board to succeed Reuben Foster, deceased, George
W. Reynolds was chosen president. In 1900 he was succeeded
by Christian Knauff, the present president. The only financial
embarrassment the bank has known came in 1876 when, on
account of the marked shrinkage of railroad bonds and real
estate, the board of trustees thought best for the bank to suspend.
The bank examiner, after making a valuation of its assets, con-
sidered them worth about 87 j'^ per cent of the bank's liabilities.
The trustees then arranged by an agreement with nearly all the
depositors to scale down 123^4 per cent rather than put the bank
into the hands of a receiver. After a suspension of about six
months, it resumed business on a basis the solidity of which has
never since been questioned.
Present board of trustees : Christian Knauff, Josiah W. Bas-
sett of Winslow, Geo. K. Boutelle, Dana P. Foster, Howard C.
Morse, John A. Vigue, and S. T. Lawry of Fairfield. Officers :
Christian Knaufif, president ; Everett R. Drummond, treasurer :
Albert F. Drummond, assistant treasurer.
380 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Statement of the condition of the Waterville Savings Bank, as it exis-
ted on the 13th day of May, 1902.
LIABILITIES.
Deposits $1,186,826 49
Reserve fund 51,320 00
Undivided profits 12,008 16
$1,250,154 65
RESOURCES.
Loans $541,342 00
National bank stock, par 88,270 00
Other bank stock par 4,050 00
Railroad bonds 3i5>8oo 00
RaiJroad stock I4,500 00
Municipal and county bonds 144,500 00
Corporation bonds 37,900 00
United States bonds 17.000 00
Premium account 9,000 00
Real estate invested " 21,600 00
Real estate by foreclosure 26,244 50
Cash and deposited 29,948 15
$1,250,154 65
The Bank Examiner makes the estimated market value of the above
$1,320,549.70 or $125,873.21 above all liabilities.
>
M
Ui
^^
O
O
w
H
^^
W
H
O
o
CHAPTER XVll.
THE WATERVILLE WOMAN'S ASSOCIATION.
By Mrs. James H. Hanson.
The Waterville Woman's Association was formed in the year
eighteen eighty-seven. Mrs. Sarah Scott Ware, widow of John
Ware, Sr., a large-hearted woman of excellent judgment, benevo-
lent purpose, and friendly interest in the working women of the
town, with ample means, invited friends who were in sympathy
with the movement, to meet at her house to form an association
whose object should be, as expressed in the following words of
the revised constitution : "To provide and maintain a homelike
and attractive room, furnished with facilities for literary and
womanly culture and usefulness, which shall be free to all
women young and old.
"A special attraction to this room shall be a library enlarged
and replenished from time to time as funds may warrant. Books
may be taken from this library for home reading, on payment
of one dollar yearly or one cent a day."
After varying experiences, some discouragement, but no fail-
ure, a free reading room, well warmed, well lighted, bright and
cheery was opened a portion of each week day and on Sunday
afternoon from three to five. Mrs. Ware was the first president
and became responsible for the rent the first year. Mrs. Eliza-
beth D. Bates was the second president and brought to the work
the serenity of character, helpfulness and courage that were so
much needed at the time. Mrs. L. T. Boothby was vice-presi-
dent and from that time to the present has been an earnest, sym-
pathetic, generous helper.
382 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Mrs. S. G. Crosby, secretary for several years, was actively
engaged in the duties of her office, and afterward became a
valuable contributor to the literary work of the club connected
with the association.
Miss Elizabeth S. Blaisdell, the first treasurer, was a constant,
reliable worker, ever hopeful and helpful, and a faithful cus-
todian of her trust.
Miss L. E. McLain, the present librarian, has given her Sat-
urday evenings to the library from its very small beginning to
the present time with cheerful, untiring devotion. The money
for the first book purchased for the library was given by Miss
McLain.
On the tables of the rooms are found the best magazines of
the day and several daily and weekly newspapers. Encyclo-
pedias and other valuable books of reference are conveniently
placed for school girls and for others who often come to them
to settle unanswered questions or to seek information not readily
found elsewhere.
Games are provided for those who do not care to read or study,
and an easy-running sewing machine stands near a window
where the girl from college, factory, school or place of employ-
ment can stitch whenever she wishes to do so. For a time Mrs.
Elizabeth B. Foster had an interesting Bible class one evening
in the week and Mrs. Jessie Smith Hubbard gave valuable
instruction in vocal culture on another evening.
At first, four evenings a week were devoted to classes for
study. For several years, on Sunday afternoon, the hour from
four to five was occupied by a meeting which opened with a brief
service of song, then a Scripture lesson and prayer, followed by
a talk given by some member of the association or an invited
guest who gave a review of some instructive book, a personal
experience, a biographical sketch, or spoke upon a topic of
immediate and general interest.
From one of these services came the impulse to establish a
sewing school on The Plains.
To the young girl coming here in search of work — an entire
stranger — new to everything, and through loneliness liable to
fall into temptations abounding in a city, the association oflfers
a pleasant place presided over, for the last seven years by Miss
HISTORY OP WATERVILLE. 3^3
Frances F. Dunbar, who has never failed to extend a hearty
welcome and a hopeful w^ord to each and all who need sympathy
and genuine kindness.
After a few years the sewing and evening classes became so
large that it was found necessary to add to the accommodations.
A large front room was rented in eighteen ninety-nine.
Additional expenses were incurred and though generous gifts
were received from interested, sympathizing citizens who are;
not included in the membership, the question of financial support
became increasingly difficult. Much money has been raised
from entertainments and from lectures and readings, by members
of our college faculty and interested friends from other places.
The Woman's Exchange is a source of income, and it gives to
many the opportunity to make things and bring them to the
rooms for sale. A small commission goes into the treasury of
the association. At this exchange department may be found fine
photographs, calendars and needle work from the finest Batten-
berg lace to a kitchen holder.
The observance of the birthday of the association brings in a
larger sum of money than any other entertainment. It was
inaugurated and carried to success by the skillful management
and the persistent, earnest efforts of Mrs. Annie G. Pepper.
One advantage that the association enjoys is, that old and
young work together harmoniously. The young bring to it their
youth, their helpfulness, their enthusiasm and their valuable
assistance. The successful doll sales and May-basket sales are
largely due to the labor and skill of these young ladies. They
are also indispensable in the work of the schools.
There are schools for study two evenings in the week. The
average attendance about thirty-five. One sewing school for the
younger children is held Saturday afternoon and one for the
older girls in the evening. The number of the younger is thirty-
five and of the older from fi-fteen to twenty.
There is a self-constituted, self-conducted, free employment
bureau at the rooms. Women in search of work and women
who need service go almost instinctively to Miss Dunbar.
There is also a lunch room for those who live too far from
home to go there for a dinner. Here they as well as shoppers
can find quiet and rest.
384 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Many a family has been made comfortable from second-hand
clothing obtained from the rooms as a center of distribution.
This is given where evidently needed, or sold at a very low price.
The library, from its small beginning, has been gradually
enlarged, by individual gifts, by library fees, by contributions
from other organizations and by the addition of the well-selected
Bank Library, till it now numbers three thousand volumes and
has a card catalogue prepared entirely by the generous labor of
Mrs. Mary Smith Philbrick.
An interesting feature of the last year's work has been the
Mother's Meeting held in the rooms from four to five, on Sun-
day where talks of great value have been given by some of the
ablest members of the association. The present number of the
association is two hundred sixty-three.
In the winter of eighteen ninety-two the Women's Literary
Club was organized as a branch of the Woman's Association and
under the same officers. It now has officers of its own, but
remains closely affiliated to the association. The membership
is not limited and those who join are interested in both. The
number of members for the last year was one hundred forty-
nine. The different objects of the association are closely in
touch with each other. Each has its individuality but in all
there is unanimity of purpose.
The fifteenth milestone marks a somewhat uneventful year,
but steady, quiet work goes on under the excellent leadership
of Mrs. Clara E. Bessey, who has held the office of p'-esident of
the association for ten years. She accepts and performs the
duties of the place with ability, coura^re and untiring service.
Mrs. J. W. Black has been the capable vice-president and
valuable helper for five years.
Miss Florence Plaisted is the successor to Miss Blaisdell as
treasurer and brings to the association all that is implied in the
words, an interested worker.
Miss Frances F. Dunbar, the general secretary, is eminently
fitted not for the place but for the places she fills. She is often
weary but never disheartened or discouraged. Her genial good
temper, her cheerfulness, her sincere interest in the unfortunate,
her tireless industry, her ready sympathy, her tactful skill in
dealing with women and girls, and her love for the work make
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE:. 385
her services invaluable. Miss Arra Pike is the careful, com-
petent recording secretary, who does not limit her duty to this
work alone.
There are scores of others equally loyal and devoted to the wel-
fare of the association, who hold up the hands of the officers and
help make the Waterville Woman's Association a growing and
important feature of the city's influence in carrying on the legiti-
mate work of the times.
25
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE WATERVILLE FREE LIBRARY.
By EsTELLE Foster Eaton.
The library history of Waterville antedates even that of the
town. Some eight months before Waterville was set oft from
Winslow, Mr. Reuben Kidder bought of Caleb Bingham of Bos-
ton, a large bill of books for the "Winslow Library." The pur-
chase included one hundred and seventeen volumes. Among
the authors represented were Hunter, Blair, Shakespeare, Hume,
Smollett, Robertson, Goldsmith, Franklin and others. Fiction
had small place although a certain "Beggar Girl" occupied three
volumes and "A Fool of Quality," three volumes more. The
books cost $162.25 with a discount of ten per cent. Sixty-five
dollars were paid in cash and Abijah Smith, Elnathan Sherwin,
William Phillips and James IMcKim gave their note of hand in
behalf of the proprietors of said library (they being a committee
chosen for that purpose) for the sum of eighty-one dollars and
three cents. The books were received November 28, 1801 and
put into circulation marked "The Waterville Social Library."
How long the circulation continued is not known, but the books
were finally left in Mr. Smith's hands, possibly in payment for
the note which he had signed. When the "Ticonic Division,
Sons of Temperance" started a library here thev were allowed the
use of the books, but with the downfall of that institution the
books reverted to the Smith family. Mr. Wallace B. Smith has
in his possession the original bill and receipt for the books above
referred to as a large part of the library.^ It is his suggestion
1. See chapter of documents.
HISTORY OF \\^\TERVILLE. 387
that when the Free Library Building is completed, "The Water-
ville Social Library,"' the first of Waterville's many libraries find
fitting home within its walls.
The history of the library movement in Waterville would be
signally incomplete without full mention of the Waterville
Library Association, which was organized in ^Nlarch, 1873
Prior to this time, there had been circulating libraries in the
bookstores ; one of the earliest being that of William Hastings,
bookseller, printer and publisher of the Waterville Intelligencer,
who opened a circulating library of well-selected books in 1826,
and continued the same for two years. Of still later date was
the one kept by Edward Alathews, in the Mathews bookstore,
nearly sixty years ago, and sold by him to Charles K. IMathews,
who carried it on until 1874.
It was March, 1873, that, the Waterville Library Association
was formed, with Solyman Heath as president. The call for the
first meeting was signed by A. A. Plaisted, Henry S. Burrage,
F. E. Heath, R. Foster, G. S. Palmer, P. S. Heal'd, A. Crosby,
C. H. Redington, L S. Bangs, Jr., J. O. Skinner, S. Heath, Nath.
Meader, Edward W. Hall, Edw. G. Meader, J. H. Plaisted, W.
B. Arnold, N. R. Boutelle, F. C. Thayer, S. C. Marston, E. R.
Drummond.
. Payment of the annual fee of three dollars, constituted one a
member of the association, and the money thus raised was
expended for books.
Through the courtesy of the directors, the library found its
home in the Ticonic Bank, where it remained for twenty-six
years, during which time Mr, A. A. Plaisted acted as librarian
and secretary, assisted within the last few years by the Misses
Helen and Emily Plaisted, Miss Helen IMeader and Miss Elden,
now Mrs. Mathews. The friends of the association were loyal
to it, and all the services were freely rendered.
After the opening of the Free Public Library, the list of sub-
scribers was very small, and in February, 1900, this library of
fifteen hundred volumes passed into the hands of the Woman's
Association.
In 1883 there was left to the city by the will of William H.
Arnold, a former resident of Waterv^'Ue, the sum of five thousand
dollars for a public library ; provided that the city should, within
388 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
the year, raise an equal sum. The condition was not fulfilled
and the money reverted to the heirs.
Early in 1896, the women of Waterville, whose attention had
been called 10 the matter by Mrs. Lillian Hallock Campbell,
began to interest themselves in a movement to secure a free pub-
lic library for Waterville. While the library of the Woman's
Association, and the Bank Library, so called, supplied many,
there were a great number of people who were not reached by
them, and it was hoped that the agitation would result in some-
thing both permanent and adequate.
During the two weeks preceding the first meeting, Mrs. Camp-
bell called personally upon over fifty women, asking their
co-operation. From Mrs. G. D. B. Pepper was received the first
offer of assistance ; while of the men, Mr. Simon S. Brown was
the first to become interested.
On the evening of Februar}^ 13, some of the representative
women of the city met in the Ware Parlors and organized the
Waterville Library Association, with the following officers :
President, Mrs. Willard B. Arnold ; vice-presidents, Mrs. T.
J. Volentine, Miss Lovering, Mrs. F. C. Thayer, Miss McLain,
Mrs. Berry; secretary, Mrs. M. D. Johnson; treasurer, Miss
Bessie Stevens ; committee on ways and means, Mrs. Pulsifer,
Mrs. H. D. Bates, Mrs. F. B. Hubbard ; executive committee,
Mrs. F. A. Love joy, Mrs. G. D. B. Pepper, Mrs. George A.
Alden; school committee. Miss Hortense Low, Miss Mary
Abbott; press committee, Mrs. R. W. Dunn, Mrs, G. A. Camp-
bell, Mrs. J. D. Taylor; information committee, Mrs. S. S.
Brown, Mrs. J. F. Percival, Mrs. Edward Ware.
Public interest was aroused. Among the first to express this
interest in a substantial form were Redington and Company, M.
C. Foster, W. M. Lincoln and W. B. Arnold. As these con-
tributions were unsolicited, it was very gratifying to those who
had the matter in hand. Other gifts followed which showed
that the movement met with approval.
The women now called to their aid the citizens of Waterville.
The incorporators met in the Ware Parlors on the evening of
March 25, S. S. Brown presiding. S. S. Brown, Annie G. Pep-
per and T. J. Volentine reported a code of by-laws which in an
HISTORY O? WATERVILLK. 3^9
amended form was adopted. The Waterville Free Library Asso-
ciation was then organized, with the following officers :
President, The Mayor, Edmund F. Webb, ex-officio; vice-
president, Charles F. Johnson; secretary, Frank B. Hubbard,
treasurer, Horatio D. Bates; trustees for one year, Simon S.
Brown, Harvey D. Eaton ; two years, Annie G. Pepper, Prof. A.
L. Lane ; three years, Lillian Hallock Campbell, Rev. N. Char-
land; four years, Mrs. Willard B. Arnold, Frank Redington;
elected by the Board of Trade, Elwood T. Wyman ; by the city,
Arthur J. Roberts, W. M. Lincoln, Horatio D. Bates.
Mass meetings were held in City Hall, at which speeches were
made in favor of the movement.
As a direct result of the first meeting, shelves were set up in
the law office of Harvey D. Eaton, and contributions of books
called for. Mr. Eaton gave from his own library about forty
volumes, and to these were added others, while Redington and
Company kindly donated a table. These books were free to all ;
and until the library was opened in August, were publicly cir-
culated.
The public was informed on April 7, 1896, that the Waterville
Free Library was organized and ready to receive contributions.
Pledge cards were placed in the banks, drug stores and leading
grocery stores ; the city was assigned by wards to members of the
association, and every effort made to raise funds for the purchase
of books.
By May 12, eleven hundred dollars had been raised by personal
solicitation and by pledge cards. This, with the five hundred
dollars appropriated by the city, constituted the first working
fund of the library. The book purchasing committee, composed
of Prof. Lane, Mrs. Campbell, Elwood T. Wyman, Harvey D.
Eaton and Horatio D. Bates, proceeded at once to select the
''foundation books" of the library, a task of no small importance.
Lists were carefully prepared from various catalogues ; the wis-
dom of the committee being demonstrated by the librarian's
report of the first year, which showed, that the library opened
with 433 books; increased, during the year, to 1,250; while the
out put for the year had been 15,504.
A room in Plaisted Block was secured, and the library was
opened to the public August 22, 1896, with Mrs. Agnes M. John-
390 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
son as librarian. INIiich credit is due to Mrs. Johnson for her
untiring devotion to the interests of the Ubrary.
In 1898 it was moved to its present quarters in the Haines
Building.
The librarian's report for May, 1902 shows that the number of
volumes accessioned is 3,088 ; the circulation for the year ending
May 16, 1902, being 20,692. There has been a gradual decrease
in the circulation of fiction; while the reference work in connec-
tion with the schools, is constantly and rapidly increasing.
The history of the library is very largely one of ways and
means. It has received from the city each year an appropriation of
five hundred dollars, increased for the year 1902, to one thousand
dollars, and from the State, fifty dollars, an amount supposed
to cover the running expenses ; although as a matter of fact it
has not. Beyond this, it is dependent for its support upon vol-
untary contributions.
Various entertainments have been given to raise money for
the purchase of books. The concert given in August, 1898. by
friends of the library, resulted in a gift of two hundred forty-two
dollars and fifty cents, two hundred dollars being set aside as a
nucleus for a building fund. This concert was made possible
through the efforts of Mrs. Frederic E. Boothby of Portland,
who has shown her interest in Waterville in many ways. No
expense whatever was incurred ; the artists, Mrs. Antonia Saw-
yer, Miss Harriet Shaw, harpist. Miss Alice Philbrook, pianist,
and Miss Blanche Smith, accompanist, giving their services at
the request of Mrs. Boothby. All other arrangements^ were
made by Mrs. Willard B. Arnold who was equally successful in
securing assistance.
Mrs. Arnold has been identified with the library from the very
first, and whenever its interests are involved is an indefatigable
worker.
Aside from Redington and Company, M. C. Foster, W. M,
Lincoln and W. B. Arnold, who were the first to offer aid, gifts
of over fifty dollars have been received from Geo. K. Boutelle,
Carrol W. Abbott, Hollingsworth& Whitney Co., Lockwood Com-
pany, L. H. Soper and Company, and William T. Haines.
These, increased by the smaller sums contributed at various
times, have maintained the library for six years. No one, per-
HISTORY OF WATERVILI.E. 391
haps, has shown greater interest than Mr. Haines, who has given
freely both time and money.
Among those who have given largely of books are ^Irs. F. E.
Boothby, T. D. Danielson, Cyrus W. Davis, Charles H. Alden,
George Maxham, L. Dunbar, Mrs. Pulsifer, F. A. Davies,
and Aliss Alice Getchell.
They have been ably seconded by the clubs of the city; the
Saturday Club being the first to respond to the need.
The Salmagundi Club, a whist club of thirty-two women,
imposes upon its members a small sum at each meeting. The
money thus raised, is expended in books which are given to the
library. Two hundred and twenty-five books have been received
from this club during the last three winters. A gift of fourteen
books was received from the Catholic Sodality Society, a relig-
ious society made up of English-speaking young women from
the church of St. Francis de Sales, whose pastor. Rev. Charland,
has shown great interest in the doings of the library.
In 1902 the members of the Woman's Literary Club raised by
a personal canvas of the citizens, three hundred and eighty dol-
lars for the purchase of books.
Miss Fryatt and Miss Dunbar, during that same year, received
from the sale of a doll forty-six and a half dollars which was
given for the purchase of current fiction.
In December, 1901, ]Mr. Ehvood T. Wyman, superintendent
of schools for Waterville, recognizing the value of the library
as an aid to the school system, wrote to Mr. Andrew Carnegie,
in an attempt to interest him in a public library building. Nearly
a year before this, Mrs. Annie G. Pepper had written Mr. Car-
negie upon the same subject. In February, 1902, Airs. Willard
B. Arnold was instructed by the trustees of the library to write
to Mr. Charles Haviland ; to see if he could secure from Mr.
Carnegie a gift, upon the same terms granted by him to other
towns.
After making inquiries of Mr. Wyman as to the need of the
town, which he satisfactorih^ answered, Mr. Carnegie, through
his secretary, notified Martin E. Blaisdell, Mayor, that he would
give to the city of Waterville twenty thousand dollars ($20,000)
for a library building, if a site be provided and two thousand
392 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
dollars ($2,000) appropriated for each year, for the support of
the library.
The offer was accepted, and thus, through the generosity of
Mr. Carnegie, will be realized the dream of those, who for six
years have had the interests of the library most at heart.
The Waterville Free Library has passed through the stage
of experiment, to become an established factor in the life of the
city. With the completion of the City Hall, the thought of the
people will naturally turn towards the library and the building
in which it is to be housed. It should be kept well in mind that
"nothing is more deadly to institutional life than the complacent
theory that a library such as this has achieved its ends and has
nothing reserved for its future but a strict observance of economy
and maintenance of established routine."
The growth of the library from the city appropriation alone
must of necessity be slow. With so great a need as an incentive
to individual giving it can be confidently expected, that the
growth will not be merely commensurate with the appropriation,
but with the public spirit of the citizens of Waterville, whose city
is their pride.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE PRESS OF WATERVILLE.
By Henry C. Prince, Editor of the Waterville Mail.
The history of the press of Waterville is a very important part
of the history of the city : in fact, from the files of the papers that
have been published here, a very respectable history of the city
could be obtained.
The growth of the publishing business of Waterville since the
establishment of the first paper in 1823, was rather slow until
the founding of what is now the Waterville Mail in 1847,
but since that time it has kept pace with the other industries of
the town. One curious fact to the newspaper reader of to-day
who examines the files of the earlier papers, is that there was no
local news whatever in them. They were all of a literary char-
acter, their articles being principally selections from those books
"which everybody talks about but which nobody reads," and
outside of the advertising columns the name of a resident of
Waterville was hard to find. It was well along in the sixties
before even the Mail began to pay much attention to local affairs.
In the space allotted to this chapter, only the briefest sketch
possible can be given. The writer is indebted to Professor
William Mathews of Boston for some of the information con-
cerning the papers with which he was connected, and to Libra-
rian E. W. Hall of Colby College for access to the library.
WATERVILLE INTELLIGENCER.
The Waterville Intelligencer, a five-column, four page paper,
was the first newspaper printed in Waterville. The first num-
ber was issued May 23, 1823, William Hastings being the editor
and publisher. J\Ir. Hastings also had a book store and a circu-
394 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
lating library which was a great boon to the people of the village
at that time.
The office was first opened in the building afterward occupied
by a Mr. Baker as a barber shop. The first sheet was struck oif
by John Burleigh, a trader in the village, who had learned the
printer's trade in New Hampshire, and Asa Dalton, who volun-
teered for that occasion to beat the type form with the old fash-
ioned ink balls, for Mr. Burleigh to pull. The office was after-
ward moved to a building occupying the site covered by that
now occupied by Mrs. Bonne as a store.
The Intelligencer was published in the interests of the Baptist
denomination, under the patronage of the college, whose officers
had been instrumental in establishing a printing office in the
town. The paper contained no local news whatever.
The last number of the paper was issued November 6, 1828,
the subscription list having been sold to Rev. Adam Wilson,
proprietor of Zion's Advocate, the first number of which was to
be issued in Portland, Tuesday, November 11, 1828.
That newspaper accounts were as difficult to collect then as
now is evidenced by the fact that Air. Hastings closed an earnest
appeal to subscribers in arrears with, "I am persuaded that all
who have any bowels of compassion will attend to the above rea-
sonable request."
THE WATCHMAN.
In the last few issues of the Intelligencer there appeared in the
advertising columns "Proposals for publishing in Waterville a
weekly newspaper entitled The Watchman." This, according to
the prospectus, was to be a "political paper."
The first number was issued December 11, 1828, and was the
same size as the Intelligencer, except that the columns were a
little wider. This paper, "a political, literary and miscellaneous
journal of the times" was started by :\Ir. Hastings partly as an
experiment and partly to keep the office employed during the
closing up of the old business. The Watchman had but a small
list of subscribers and lived only fifty-six weeks, the last number
being issued Wednesday, December 30, 1829. Mr. Hastings
then removed his office to Augusta, where he ran a job office for
several years.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 395
THE TIMES.
A Whig paper, called The Times, was the next one in the field,
the first number appearing in June, 1831. It was published by
Mr. John Burleigh, James Stackpole, Jr., being the political
editor. The paper lived about two years and three months.
THE WATERVILLE JOURNAL.
The next paper to appear was The ^^^aterville Journal, also
published by 'Sir. Burleigh. This was a non-sectarian, religious
paper of eight pages. Its publication was commenced in Decem-
ber, 1833, at the instance of the officers and friends of Waterville
College, and with promise of assistance in the editorial depart-
ment from some of the older students, and also in securing sub-
scribers, but these promises not being fully met, the paper was
discontinued at the end of the first volume. This was the first
paper in Waterville on which composition rollers were used, the
others having been printed with the old-fashioned ink balls.
A manual labor department having been established at the
college, the old Ramage press of Air. Burleigh, with his other
printing material, was purchased and set up in one of the work-
shops on the ground. Some friend of the institution in Massa-
chusetts contributed an iron hand-press, and perhaps some type.
Job printing in a small way was done for a while in this office
by Mr. Edgar H. Gray, a graduate of the class of '38, who had
entered college a practical printer. An old catalogue of the col-
lege library bears his imprint. This office, with the exception
of the old Ramage press, was soon sold to Geo. V. Edes, and
taken to Dover.
THE NORTH AMERICAN GALAXY.
Saturday, March 15, 1834, appeared the first number of "The
North American Galaxy, or Watervillonian Revived." F. B.
Wells and W. Mathews, editors ; Daniel R. Wing, printer. This
was a four-page semi-monthly journal, devoted to "tales, essays,
music, biography, poetry, anecdotes, etc." and lasted for four
issues. As its title indicated, it succeeded a little sheet called
The Watervillonian, spoken of in another paragraph.
396 HISTORY OF WATERVILLK.
THE WATERVILLONIAN.
After a lapse of about eight years, The Watervillonian, a
quarto of eight pages, followed The Journal, the first number
appearing May 29, 1841. This was a literary and family journal,
published by William Mathews, (now of Boston, and distin-
guished in the field of literature) and Daniel R. Wing, and was
published one year. In a letter to the writer Prof. William
Mathews gives the following brief history of the The Water-
villonian :
"It began with four hundred subscribers ; a list which, by fill-
ing its columns to a large extent with elegant extracts from old
and modern English writers, from Chaucer to Carlyle, the editor
succeeded in cutting down in twelve months to two hundred and
fifty. With the exception of the commendation of the students
in the college and a few men of literary tastes, the first assurance
the publishers received that the paper was giving satisfaction to
its readers was a general outburst of praise when, from a sheer
lack of pure literature, a full account of Colt's murder in New
York was published in its columns. To the great surprise of
the publishers they found at the year's end that, as a reward for
their labors, there w^as the sum of $600 to be divided between
them."
The Watervillonian was published in the third story of
Boutelle block, Main street, and took its name from a boyish
venture of Messrs. Mathews and Wing in 1832, when they pub-
lished for eight issues a little four-page sheet under the same
title.
THE YANKEE BLADE.
In June, 1842, The Watervillonian, which had been printed on
an old Ramage press bought of Waterville College for twelve
dollars, was succeeded by a handsome folio, The Yankee Blade,
printed from new type on a fine Tufts press. William Mathews
was editor and proprietor, and Mr. Wing became foreman of the
printing department. Edward Mathews, (afterward murdered
by Dr. Coolidge) was soon taken into partnership by his brother
and the paper published one year in Waterville by W. and E.
Mathews at the southwest corner of Main and Silver streets, in
a large two-story building, which had been built for a dwelling
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 397
house by Col. Jabez Mathews. In the same building a book store
was kept by Mr. Mathews, also a law office. In August, 1843,
the interest of the junior partner was purchased by Moses
Stevens of Hallowell, and the establishment moved to Gardiner.
Four years later the paper went to Boston, and was merged with
"The Portfolio."
After the removal of The Blade, Waterville was without a
printing office until the fall of 1844, when John S. Carter, a Ban-
gor publisher, came in and occupied the field with a job office
until the excitement preliminary to the building of the Andros-
coggin and Kennebec Railroad seemed to demand a paper once
more.
THE WATERVILLE UNION.
In April, 1847, Charles F. Hathaway began the publication of
The Waterville Union, now the Waterville Mail. This was a
well- printed sheet, neutral in politics, but owing mainly to the
stringent rules adopted and enforced regarding the payment of
subscriptions and for advertisements, was not well sustained by
the public, and Mr. Hathaway gave up the enterprise after a trial
of fourteen weeks.
THE WATERVILLE MAIL.
Ephraim Maxham, who had had journalistic experience in
Massachusetts and Vermont, then purchased The Union plant,
changed the name of the paper and July 19, 1847, issued from
the third story of Boutelle block the first number of The Eastern
Mail, the title of which was changed September 4, 1863, to the
more distinctive local name that it bears to-day. The Waterville
Mail.
Mr. Maxham was not only a ready writer, who kept his paper
a clean local journal, but a practical printer and The Eastern
Mail began a vigorous growth.
The original inventory of the office as made out by Mr. Hath-
away, is in possession of the present proprietors of The Mail,
and shows that the plant cost $571.47, and was sold to Mr.
Maxham for $475.00. New material to the amount of $89.50
was added during the next two years, at the end of which time,
Daniel R. Wing, who had been employed on the paper and who
had been connected in some capacity with every paper published
398 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
in Waterville, except The Union, purchased a half interest, and
the firm of Maxham & Wing, from that date, played an import-
ant part in the history and development of Waterville.
Mr. Wing had a warm love for Waterville, and one of the
secrets of the success of his paper was his interest in its citizens
and the graduates of college and academy, and the vigilance with
which he watched and informed his readers of every one's change
of residence, and of every indication of his success and pros-
perity. He was an antiquarian, and his local sketches made a
valuable feature of the paper.
The paper took no party position until the presidential contest
of 1856, when it advocated the election of Gen. Fremont. It
was "independent in politics" for many years, but later endorsed
the principles of the Republican party which political faith it
retains at the present time.
The Waterville Mail, under Maxham & Wing, was an earnest
advocate of everything that promised to be of aid to the town,
whether materially or morally. Mr. Maxham was a man of
strong individuality, and independence of character, eager to help
every good cause. He was one of the old-fashioned printers and
used to stand at the case and put in type his articles without tak-
ing the trouble to write them. The historical articles which Mr.
Wing compiled in the later years of his life, have proved very
valuable to those looking up the history of Waterville. These
were two of the most useful citizens the town ever had.
]\lessrs. Maxham & Wing ran the paper until the death of Mr.
Wing, December 2, 1885. Mr. Maxham continued the business,
although feeble from illness, until January i, 1886, when the
plant was purchased by Charles G. Wing and Daniel F. Wing,
who took the firm name of Wing & Wing.
The plant was at once enlarged and brought up to date by the
purchase of new type and material and a fine cylinder press, the
first one to be set up in Waterville. The paper was enlarged
and improved typographically, and in its news features, and
became one of the best local weeklies in the State.
The junior partner, Daniel F. Wing, died March 21, 1891, and
Charles G. Wing published the paper until April 17 of the same
year, when it was purchased by Henry C. Prince of Buckfield,
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 399
and Elwood T. Wyman of Sidney, who did business under the
firm name of Prince & Wyman, until the incorporation of The
Mail Publishing Company, February 26, 1896. Charles B.
Davis acquired an interest in the business at this time, but severed
his connection two years later to accept the position of city
marshal.
Early in the year 1896, the form of The ]\Iail was changed
from a nine-column folio to a six-column quarto, and the day
of publication made Wednesday instead of Friday.
THE WATERVILLE SENTINEL.
In 1880 The Mail had its first competitor in The Waterville
Sentinel, the first number of which appeared from the third story
of the building of which Wardwell Brothers now occupy the
ground floor, Wednesday, December i. This was a seven
column folio published by M. A. Leger and E. O. Robinson. In
their "Greeting" the publishers said, "We do not propose to
crowd others out by crowding ourselves in, but to find a place
or make one." That these gentlemen had complete faith in the
growth and prosperity of Waterville, is shown by this extract
from their first editorial : "Without claiming any prophetic
power we see in the near future our beautiful village, with its
magnificent water power, energetic business men, its unrivalled
educational institutions and other elements of success, outgrow
its present limits and develop into city proportions and dignities.
We desire to share its growth and aid as far as possible." In
February, 1881, the publication day was changed to Friday.
Mr. Leger did not stay with the paper long and March 18,
1881, R. O. Robbins became the editor, and in September of that
year, a member of the firm, The Waterville Printing Company.
On December 30, 1881, the paper was enlarged to eight columns,
and February 16, 1883, the form was changed to a five column
eight-page paper.
In October of 1883, I\Ir. Robbins gave up the business and
December 5, 1883, Vol. IV, No. i, the paper came out with J. D.
Maxfield, editor and proprietor, from room 20, Dunn block. Mr.
Maxfield in the following month changed back to the eight-
column folio.
400 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE:.
In May, 1884, the plant was purchased by Moore & Moore,
who changed the day of publication to Saturday and published
their first number Saturday, May 31. O. M. Moore was editor
and L. A. Moore business manager. October 16 of the same
year, the day was changed to Thursday.
June 17, 1885, L. A. Moore withdrew and the business was
continued by his brother until October of the same year, when
Arthur W. Hall of Rockland bought a half interest in the busi-
ness, the firm being Moore & Hall. Mr. Hall was a first-class
job printer and during his connection with the paper made a
specialty of that branch of the business.
Moore & Hall dissolved April 12, 1886, Moore's interest going
to Hon. O. G. Hall, whose son already had a half-interest.
Herbert M. Lord, Colby, '84, became the editor until December
of the same year when he purchased an interest in the Rockland
Courier-Gazette, O. G. Hall then took the editorial chair where
he remained until May, 1890.
In October, 1895, the plant then located in the second story of
Gilman block was sold to Samuel Appleton Burleigh, Colby, '94,
of Vassalboro. Mr. Burleigh improved the equipment of the
office somewhat and with the issue of February 13, 1896, changed
the paper to a six-column quarto form which it retains. In
December of the same year, Mr. Burleigh changed the paper to
a semi-weekly, Tuesdays and Fridays, but soon found that it did
not pay and April 16, 1897, the paper was published again as a
weekly with Friday as the day of publication, November 12,
1897, a department in French was made a feature of the paper.
This was edited and compiled by Dr. A. O. Boulay, but in
December of that year was given up.
February 23, 1898, W. M. Ladd of Fairfield bought the plant
and November 1 1 of the same year, the business was incorporated
under the name of W. M. Ladd Company. November 2a. the
plant was moved to the Haines building on Common street. In
December, 1898, the firm began the publication of three country
w^eeklies: The Clinton Herald, The Vassalboro Times, The
China Tribune. January 4, 1899, a linotype machine was
installed, followed by a second one in December, 1901. A web
perfecting press was added to the plant in October, 1899. In
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 4OI
December, the company were re-organized and the capital stock
increased to $100,000. W. M. Ladd, H. C. Ladd and A. J. Ladd
hold the stock.
THE KENNEBEC DEMOCRAT.
Waterville's third local paper appeared Wednesday, February
2, 1887, in the shape of a nine-column folio sheet styled The
Kennebec Democrat. "Ben" Bunker, as he was familiarly called,
was an unique character, and published a paper as unique as
himself as the following extracts from his "salutatory" will indi-
cate. "Custom has decreed that when a man has become a
financial wreck and desires to rid himself of friends, increase
the number of his enemies, and advertise his faults to a cold,
unfeeling public, by publishing a newspaper, he shall give to his
readers his views, politically and otherwise, make the usual
promise to behave as well as his depraved nature will allow^
give four dollars' worth of reading matter for half the money,
confess his hopes and fears, expecting to be greeted with jour-
nalistic yelps in the shape of back-handed compliments from his
esteemed contemporaries, and be criticized by his very near and
dear friends who were not consulted." As a profession of faith
the editor stated that "The Kennebec Democrat will be Demo-
cratic seven days in the week, hot or cold, sunshine or darkness."
Mr. Bunker then went on to state his belief in the prosperity
of Waterville and to prophesy that the handsome village would
soon be numbered among the cities of the State. One of the fea-
tures of The Democrat were the frequent venomous attacks on
various citizens who disagreed with the editor politically, and
the use of cuts, whittled out with a jack-knife by Mr. Bunker
himself, to caricature his victims. Mr. Bunker ran the paper
until his death, March 8, 1894, after which it w^as run for three
months by F. Wilbur Brown, who had been connected with the
office for several years, when it was sold to Augusta parties and
moved to that city and the name changed to The Maine Democrat.
26
402 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
THE EASTERN FARMER.
In September, 1887, The Home Farm establishment was
moved from Augusta and the name of the paper changed to The
Eastern Farmer, Wing, Burleigh & Co., proprietors, S. L. Board-
man, editor. The Farmer was an eight page, six column, agri-
cultural paper published monthly at The Mail office. The firm
was composed of Hon. Hall C. Burleigh, Charles G. Wing, and
Daniel F. Wing. The paper lost money steadily, and April 19,
1888, the list was sold to The I.ewiston Journal, only thirty num-
bers having been issued.
THE SAWYER PUBLISHING COMPANY.
In May, 1892, George Fred Terry started a publishing busi-
ness that in a very few years grew to immense proportions and
has very materially increased the business prosperity of Water-
ville. The business began with the publication of the Fireside
Gem, a monthly paper belonging to the class of what is known
as Mail Order papers, Mr. Terry purchased the paper in Port-
land and the equipment on the start, according to I\Ir. Terry
was "one room in Masonic block, two tables, and a right to pub-
lish 'The Fireside Gem.' " The mechanical work was done by
outside parties.
In November, 1892, the business was incorporated under the
name of The Sawyer Publishing Company and a little later was
moved into the upper floor of Hayden block on Temple street
and some printing material and a two-revolution flat-bed press put
in. The business grew steadily and in the winter of 1894- 1895 ^^^
company purchased the subscription list of a paper published in
Boston and known as "The American Nation.'"' Shortly after the
plant was moved into the lower floor of the Milliken building
so-called, on the east side of Main street, next to the Maine Cen-
tral railroad crossing. In 1896 the small press was taken out
and the first web-perfecting press installed. 1 he following year,
1S96, a third paper, "The Home Treasury," was purchased and
the whole of the building occupied. This same year the land and
buildings on Chaplin street between the Maine Central railroad
and Ticonic street were purchased, and the business was moved
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 403
there in the summer of 1898. Two years later the building npw
occupied was built. The building is 45x90 feet, two stories and
a basement, practically amounting to a three-story building, and
the whole of it is used for the business, as well as a part of the
old building. In the winter of 1900-1901, the present fast per-
fecting press was installed. This press has a capacity of 20,000
thirty-two page papers an hour.
The growth of the business in the ten years it has been estab-
lished, has been almost marvelous. At present more than 100
people are given regular employment and the pay roll exceeds
$50,000 a year. The circulation has grown from 25,000 copies
per month to more than 1,600,000 copies per month, a special
mail car being dispatched every working day.
THE TURF, FARM AND HOME.
The Turf, Farm and Home was removed to this citv from
Auburn, where it was established as an organ of the horse
breeders of IMaine. The first issue to appear in this city w^as
published June i, 1894, the office being established in the first
floor of the Dunn block. Soon after coming here the paper
widened its scope and added a department devoted to dair}dng,
employing Otis Header of Albion as dairy editor, and soon after
added a poultry department with Geo. P. Coffin of Freeport, a
w^ell-known poultry fancier, as editor of that department. Later
a household department was added and all these departments
are being energetically maintained so that today the paper is an
all round agricultural journal occupying a very important part
in the discussion of the leading agricultural topics of the day and
its scope of usefulness is constantly being widened. The paper
is owned and published by the Turf Publishing Company, Mr.
A. R. Cobb of Portland being president and "Sir. E. P. Mayo,
editor and business manager.
WATERVILLE EVENING MAIL.
In the winter of 1895-96, the proprietors of The Waterville
Mail came to the conclusion that the time was ripe for a daily
paper in Waterville, and on January 29, 1896, the first number
of the Waterville Evening Mail appeared, and it has been, pub-
404 HISTORY OF VVATERVILLE.
lished regularly since. The Evening Mail is a four-page, seven-
column sheet and, while giving briefly the news of the world,
makes no pretension to be anything but a local paper for Water-
ville and near-by towns.
The proprietors have steadily added to the equipment of the
office, this including large quantities of new type and material,
an electric motor, a folder, and in 1901, a type-setting machine,
with a complete new dress of type. The circulation of the paper
has taken no remarkable jumps, but has increased a little every
year, and with the excellent advertising patronage, both local
and foreign, has put the paper on a solid foundation of prosperity
that promises to continue.
THE CLIFTON MONTHLY.
This mail order paper was started in July, 1899, by Leo C.
Fuller, who sold it in March, 1901, to the Waterville Publishing
Company. Mr. Fuller bought back the paper in January, 1902,
and now claims a paid-up subscription list of 10,000 to 12,000
names. The size of the paper varies from sixteen to twenty-four
pages, according to the season of the year, the larger size being
used during the winter months. Mr. Fuller has no printing
plant, the mechanical work being done by outside parties.
THE CHRISTIAN CIVIC LEAGUE RECORD.
The first issue of The Christian Civic League Record was
published September, 1900. The Record is a monthly paper and
is the organ of the Christian Civic League. Its purpose is
according to its constitution, "by all the means at our command
and by co-operation with other existing agencies, 1st, to educate
the people in all that pertains to good citizenship ; 2nd, to arouse
and maintain throughout the State a reverence for law ; 3d, to
secure the enactment of the best possible laws; their impartial
execution, and the choice of competent officials to that end." The
paper is non-partisan, non-denominational.
HISTORY OF WAT^RVILLE. 405
THE ICONOCLAST.
The Iconoclast was the name of a semi-monthly paper of four
pages with seven columns to the page, which was started Novem-
ber 15, 1900, by Mr. J. H. McCone of this city. The Iconoclast
was independent in politics and was one of the first papers to
suggest re-submission of the prohibitory constitutional ammend-
ment. The paper was given over to the support of license;
attacked the methods of the Christian Civic League in the enforce-
ment of the prohibitory law ; indulged in editorial comment that
was forceful if not elegant and died as its editor expected it
would, in its infancy. The circulation of the Iconoclast was
chiefly among the enemies of the prohibitory law and politicians
and reached 1,000. Mr. McCone started the paper for personal
reasons without suggestion from any person and having no
financial backing the life of the paper was limited by the amount
of cash the proprietor could secure between issues. The Icono-
clast closed its career with the seventh number.
CO'.LEGE AND SCHOOL PAPERS.
The Colby Echo, formerly published monthly, but for the past
four years, weekly, is published by the students of Colby college
during the school year.
The Coburn Clarion is published twice each term by the stu-
dents of Coburn Classical Institute.
The Nautilus is published by the students of the Waterville
High school.
The Colby Oracle ought not to be omitted from a list of
Waterville publications. It has now made thirty-six annual
appearances, and a file of its numbers contains a pretty com-
plete record of events of interest in the college years, and that
is what a newspaper prints. The Oracle had predecessors in its
field, among them the Watervillian, of which a few numbers
were printed.
CHAPTER XX.
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS.
The Waterville Young j\Ien's Christian Association — The Stevens
Hospital — The Woman's Christian Temperance Union — The Kiest
Business College— Hall's Military Band— The Cecilia Club — Garfield
Camp No. i, Sons of Veterans — Co. H, Second Regiment National
Guard, State of Maine- The Waterville Bicycle Club— The Water-
ville Gun Club.
YOUNG men's christian ASSOCIATION.
The Y. M. C. A. of Waterville was organized May 22, 1867,
with Joshua Nye as president ; E. R. Driimmond, C. F. Gardner
and J. L. Towne, vice-presidents ; Z. E. Taylor, corresponding
secretary; G. B. Broad, recording secretary; Williaui Bodge,
treasurer ; A. M. Dunbar, librarian.
About $800 was immediately raised, and rooms in the Boutelle
Block were leased, which were dedicated June 19, 1867. The
association maintained religious meetings on Sunday and kept
open a reading room during the week. At one time an evange-
list was employed, and the meetings under his charge proved suc-
cessful. After several years the work declined and the associa-
tion closed its doors in 1875, having on hand a small balance in
money which it finally turned over to its successor.
In 1886 another association was formed, with Cyrus W. Davis
as president. Rooms were opened in Boutelle Block as before.
A well-stocked reading room was provided, and the religious
meetings held were helpful and successful. In 1888 Mr. E. A.
Pierce, who had had thorough preparation for his work, was em-
ployed as secretary in charge. He remained two years, during
which good work was done. A gymnasium was opened which
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 407
proved popular, though it lacked some desirable features. Mr.
Pierce resigned in 18S9 to accept a more important position, and
Mr. Edmund AA\ Foster, who has served the association in many
ways and with great loyalty, became acting secretary. In 1890
Mr. L. N. Tower became secretary. His successors have been
G. A. Mathews, A. T. Craig, E. F. Hitchings, F. E. Libby and
Rev. Gideon Mayo.
Mr. Davis was succeeded by ]\Ir. Frank B. Philbrick, who for
many years has been president, sparing neither time, labor or
money for the good of the association. In addition to the relig-
ious work of the association, classes have been maintained, those
in mechanical drawing under President Philbrick proving espec-
ially valuable, enabling some who have attended them to secure
good positions.
Since IQOO no general secretary has been employed, the reading
room, which is now in Plaisted Block, being in charge of Mr.
Edmund W. Foster. For many years efficient and valuable work
was done by Mr. Henry L. Tappan as treasurer. The Ladies'
Auxiliary has proved loyal and has aided the association in many
ways. Even when little work was carried on by the association
the auxiliary has persistently labored to furnish money for and
to keep up interest in this important work.
THE STEVENS HOSPITAL.
April 16, 1901, Mrs. Anna W. Stevens, wife of Charles
Stevens, who for some time had cared for patients at her home,
leased the King residence, which afterward had been fitted for a
hospital, on Boutelle avenue. She opened it as a home hospital,
where patients could have private rooms and home attentions.
Having the endorsement of the physicians of the city and the
enthusiastic praise of her patients, Mrs. Stevens has made the
hospital successful. Nearly one hundred patients have been
cared for with the best results. The institution fills an important
place in the city. So many people come here to work in the
manufacturies, on the railroad, or to attend school, whose homes
are far away, there is great need of just such an institution as the
Stevens Home Hospital.
408 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
THE woman's christian tkmperanci: union.
In the year 1878 the women of Waterville were invited by Mrs.
Sarah Girard Crosby to meet in the Congregational vestry to
consider the formation of a Woman's Christian Temperance
Union. Mrs. Crosby's enthusiasm proved contagious and a
union was formed, of which Mrs. James H. Hanson became pres-
ident and Mrs. S. G. Crosby secretary. Mrs. R. B. Dunn and
others interested themselves in the work, which was carried on
vigorously for about eight years. Then followed a period of
eight years in which the society seemed dormant, though its
members did not a little independent work. A third period of
eight years began when Mrs. Crosby again called the women
together in 1894 for the reorganization of the society. Mrs.
Crosby was elected president and has held the office till the pres-
ent time. She certainly was well qualified for the work. Of
the Girard family of Pennsylvania, her grandfather was a
brother of Stephen Girard, who founded Girard College. Mrs.
Crosby for fifteen years had been stenographer to the Supreme
Judicial Court of Maine, being the second woman in America to
be appointed to such a position. She had done much reporting
for Justices Appleton, Dickerson and Barrows, and reported the
last term ever held by each of these celebrated men. For five
years she had been stenographer to the Maine Board of Agricul-
ture. Among the other workers was Mrs. E. E. Cain, who, as
State organizer for Juvenile temples, had accomplished much for
temperance.
The union never has had a large membership, but has exerted
its influence both independently and in the support of other
temperance movements. It entertains the State Convention of
the W. C. T. U. in September, 1902. Its present membership is
forty-five. Its officers are, Mrs. S. G. Crosby, president; re-
cording secretary, Mrs. Marian H. Leslie, corresponding secre-
tary, Mrs. Abbie J. Tubbs ; treasurer, ]Mrs. L. F. Boothby.
THE KIEST business COLLEGE.
This institution is one of the latest additions to the educational
equipment of the city, yet already many young men seeking pre-
paration for business pursuits have availed themselves of its
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 409
resources. Its predecessors have been the Bhss Business
College and the Waterville Business College. November
22, 1899, it was bought by Mr. Keist and the name changed
to Kiest Business College. In 1902 it removed to fine quar-
ters in the new Flood Block, which it now occupies. It offers
different courses in stenography, commercial law and practice,
and all matters involved in actual business. Since November,
1899, it has enrolled 243 students.
HALL S MILITARY BAND.
Very early in the history of Waterville the formalities of
Commencement Day and the military exigencies of "muster" and
"training" days made a brass band a necessity. That necessity
was met as early as 1822, and bands have existed here from that
time on. In 1890 I*^Ir. R. B. Hall, who already had taken rank as
one of the best cornetists in the State, and was favorably known
as a composer of music, came to Waterville. He organized the
Waterville Military Band and Hall's Orchestra. These organ-
izations were carefully trained and their work was very accepta-
ble and popular.
December 30, 1899, Mr. Cyrus ^^^ Davis, who had shown his
interest in the band in many ways, with other citizens who
appreciated the value of the band to the city, formed a corpora-
tion for "the establishing and maintaining in the city of Water-
ville a band and orchestra." The incorporators were : Frank
Redington,Dr. J. F. Hill, Cyrus W. Davis, C. F. Johnson, Geo. K.
Boutelle, H. E.' Judkins, R. B. Hall. F. C. Thayer, G. F. Terry,
W. T. Haines and C. B. Stetson. The officers of the corporation
were : President, Dr. J. F. Hill ; vice-president, Frank Reding-
ton ; clerk, Cyrus W. Davis, ; treasurer, Geo. K. Boutelle ; man-
ager, R, B. Hall. The corporation pays the salary of Prof. Hall
and for the services of the members of the band and receives the
earnings. It exists, hov.'ever, not for the purpose of making
money, but for the support of a band that will be a credit to the
city, as Hall's ^Military Band and orchestra certainly are. For
several vears the city has employed the band to give open air con-
certs in JMonument Park during the summer. The music ren-
dered at the school and college commencements is of a high order.
410 HISTORY OF* WATERVILLi;.
and that rendered at the Centennial was much appreciated and
enjoyed. Prof, Hall's reputation as conductor and composer has
constantly widened, and the band has come to be an institution
which the city could not well do without.
THF. CECILIA CLUB.
The Cecilia Club would record not as matter of boasting, but as
plain statement of historical fact that it was not organized to join
the ]\Iaine Festival Chorus, but was already in existence when
the festival movement was inaugurated. It owes its existence to
the persistent labors of Mrs. George F. Davies and Mrs. Frank
B. Hubbard, who secured nineteen persons who were organized
as the Cecilia Club, October 15, 1896. The officers elected were:
W. C. Philbrook, president ; Elwood T. Wyman, vice-president ;
Mrs. George F. Davies, secretary and treasurer. The directors
were : Mrs. Frank B. Hubbard, Miss Ella Downer, ^Nliss Susie
Fogarty, Mrs. J. H. Knox and Mrs. George A, Kenniston.
The club was small and heroic labors devolved upon its
officers, yet such was their success that after joining the Maine
Festival Chorus in January, 1897, and careful training under
Prof. George Pratt Maxim, with a full chorus of eighty voices it
sang in the Bangor Festival in October, 1897. During the same
year two successful concerts were given. Prof. Carlton B.
vStetson became president of the club in 1898, continuing in
efficient leadership until his resignation in 1902. Miss Nellie
Webber (now ^Irs. Dr. AT. L. Eastman) was the first pianist.
After her removal from the city, Mrs. Franklin W. Johnson was
elected, and has already given three years of work characterized
by sympathetic insight as well as accurate and brilliant per-
formance. Prof. ]\Iaxim conducted the club for three seasons
with great fidelity and success. His successor was Prof. Llew-
ellyn B. Cain of this city, whose work and ability were such as to
secure more flattering oilers from Portland and other cities
which led to his withdrawal. The present conductor is Dr.
Latham True of Portland. The club has participated in each of
the Maine Musical Festivals, and has given concerts in the city
which have been greatly enjoyed. It has rendered aid on several
patriotic occasions and its singing was one of the features of the
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 4II
Centennial celebration. It has been fortunate in its officers and
directors. :\Irs. Davies who has given so much of thought and
labor to its interests served as secretary until 1901 when ill health
caused her to resign. A great deal of strength has been contri-
buted to the club by its Fairfield members. The present mem-
bership of the club is about eighty.
Its officers are : president, vacant ; vice-president, Franklin W.
Johnson ; secretary. Mr. Joseph T. ]\Iurray of Fairfield : treas-
urer, Miss Blanche Smith; conductor, Dr. Latham True
pianist, Mrs. Franklin W. Johnson. Directors : Mrs. Frank B.
Hubbard, :\Iiss Ella Downer, :\Irs. George F. Davis, Miss Eliza-
beth Connor of Fairfield and Mrs. Edbert Kelley of Fairfield.
The Cecilia club holds high place in the esteem of the people
though perhaps it never will attain the popularity possessed by
"The singing school kept at Col. Hayden's" in 1795.
GARFIELD CAAIP, XO. I, SONS OF VFTERAXS.
This camp has the distinction of being the first camp of the
order organized in New England. It was organized by General
Isaac S. Bangs who was the organizer of the New England
grand division of the order. Its charter was granted Mar. 20,
i(S88. Its object was similar to those of the Grand Armv and
though it cannot look back to comradeship in days of battle, yet bv
holding up the same ideals of patriotism, and keeping fresh the
memory of those who gave the service of their lives to the Union,
It will hold an important place among the patriotic forces of the
future.
The first captain of Garfield camp was Dennis M. Bangs, son
of General Bangs. His successors have been, Lewis Pollard,
Ellery Vose, J. D. Reynolds, E. B. Dunbar, Robert Reny, Joseph
C. Colby, who has served several terms, James Coombs, Irving
Barnes, Charles Frazier, Geo. B. Jackson and Frank W. Gowan.
The present officers are: capt. Frank W. Gowan; ist lieut.,
vacant; 2nd lieut., Belmont Jordan; chaplain, T. E. Vose; q. m.
sergt., W. J. Leathers; ist. sergt., Charles W. Frost; camp coun-
cil, Herbert L. Simpson, Willard Tucker, T. E. Vose. The
camp enrolls 51 men. A Ladies Aid society of Garfield camp
No. I, society No. to, was chartered June 10, 1892.
412 HISTORY O^ WAT^RVILLE.
COMPANY H, 2ND RHIGIMKNT, NATIONAL GUARD, STATE OF MAINE.
Company H was organized Nov. lo, 1880. Capt. A. T. Shurt-
leff was a charter member and has remained with the company-
through its entire history. Many of the men connected with it
have become prominent in the civil hfe and work of the commu-
nity. May 2nd, 1898, Co. H answered the first call for troops
and went with a full company to Augusta. As the second regi-
ment was not sent out Co. H as a company returned home but so
many of its members enlisted in the first regiment and in the first
Maine artillery that the company was almost disorganized. It
has the honor of having sent more men into the Spanish and
Philippine wars than did any other company in the State of
Maine. Several of the men who enlisted did not reside in Water-
ville but they belonged to the Waterville organization. The roll
of the men who served in the Spanish war as given by Lieutenant
William I. Sterling is as follows :
In the First Maine Infantry — Laus Berg, Fred F. Burgess,
George F. Doe, Forrest I. Oilman, Walter Hand, George W.
Herrin, Irving R. Hughes, Joseph F. King, Axel Lidstrom,
Edward R. Penney, Allen L. Penney, Trefflie Pomerleau,
William I. Pooler, Ogra Pooler, Wirt I. Priest, Archie Simpson,
Harold A. Sinclair, Elroy W. Thompson, John C. Tripp, Arthur
F. Sheaff, John A. Sjogren, Henry L. Winslow.
In the First Maine ArtiUery — Joseph T. Allen, Harley E.
Avery, Benj. F. Auchu, Leon A. Bachelder, Alec Barnabee,
Ernest A. Barnes, Richard J. Barry, Jr., Nelson Bennet, Joseph
Butler, Henry E. Buzzell, Charles L. Cabana, Frank Charity,
Mathias Champagne, Augustus Coomb, James J. Conway, Frank
B. Crosby, Ralph W. Davis, James W. Dutton, Frank B. Farmer,
Harry Fenson, W^illiam. Ferguson, Ralph H. Foster, Joseph
Franconer, Richard E. Furlong, Jr., LaForest E. Graves, Arthur
Greenwood, Joseph A. Gurney, Fred E. Hall, Samuel J. Jakins,
Charles W. Keniston, Harry P. Lancaster, Frank C. Latlip,
Edward Lessor, Llewellyn M. Libby, Howard M. McFarland,
William J. McLellan, Edmund W\ Merrill, Albert F. Merrow,
Thomas F. Moore, Frank F. Perry, David B. Pooler, Fred E.
Pooler, Harry Pooler, Hadley D. Rhodes, Albert G. Ryan,
Ardacton Smith, Onesime Soucier, William I. Sterling, Herbert
HISTORY OF WATERVILLK. 413
A. Taylor, Daniel H. Thing, Albert J. Thomas, Joseph Vigue^
Joseph D. Volier, Sargie L. Warren, Edward Willette.
After the Spanish war about fifteen men of Co. H followed the
flag in the Philippines.
On the return of the men who had been furloughed to join the
battery, the company was reunited and recruited to its
full strength in 1899. Its drill has been in Thayer's
hall but since the completion of the City hall the base-
ment of the old City hall has been fitted up for an
armory and drill will be in the main hall. The company was
never in better condition than at present (1902). Capt. A. T.
Shurtleff is now the senior captain in the National Guard, State
of Maine. The other of^cers are: ist lieut. Joseph H. White-
house; 2nd lieut. William I. Sterling; ist sergeant, Charles W.
Keniston; quarter master sergeant, Harry L. Hughes; 2nd ser-
geant, Horace E. ]\Ioore ; 3rd sergeant, John P. Sibley ; 4th ser-
geant, Percy W. Hawes; 5th sergeant, William O. Stinson; ist
corporal, Herbert L. Simpson ; 2nd corporal, John L. Swift ; 3rd
corporal, Perley A. Emery ; 4th corporal, Harry L. Gordon ; 5th
corporal, John A. L. Terrio ; 6th corporal, William ]\IcKague ;
7th corporal and cook, Charles Cabana ; musicians, Geo. E. Dow,
Arthur K. Strout.
Corporal Perley A. Emery and others are already vet-
erans of two wars and yet like all the members of Co. H are
loyal soldiers of the National Guard. Co. H in 1900 won the
first prize in the regimental shoot and thus the championship of
the State. In the matter of rounds fired at preliminary practice
it is far ahead of the other companies in the State.
the; watervillf, bicycle club.
From the interest created by an invitation to the wheelmen of
Waterville to participate in the parade on Columbus Day, 1892,
sprang the Waterville Wheel club. The club was organized
November 19, 1892, in Masonic block with eight charter mem-
bers. The officers elected were A. B. Cook, president, F. B.
Gardner, vice-president and H. E. Davidson, secretary and treas-
urer. Of the charter members, only H. E. Davidson and F. B.
Gardner remain, but the club membership has increased slowly
but steadily from the first until now with nearly seventy members
414 HISTORY O? WATERVILLE.
it can claim to be the largest bicycle club in the State (with pos-
sibly one exception). Orange and black were adopted as club
colors and the orange and black monogram (W. B, C.) has
became familiar to wheelmen all over the State. The club has
very pleasant rooms occupying the whole of one floor of Boutelle
block corner Main and Temple streets. These rooms are used
for club business and social purposes but neither gambling nor
liquors ever have been allowed within them. The present officers
of the club are Leslie P. Loud, president, John Suttie, vice-presi-
dent and captain, A. W. Stevens, secretary and C. F. ^Miller,
treasurer.^
THE WATERVILLE GUN CLUB.
The Waterville gun club was organized in 1892 by a few men
who were fond of shooting, the first shoots of the club being held
in Burleigh field where dwelling houses are now numerous. A
club house was built on land of Frank Chase in the western part
of the city the second year, and was later moved to the high hill
on Drummond avenue, and later from there to its present location
in the southern part of the city.
The five-man team representing the club shot at the state tour-
naments with indifferent success until 1897 when at Richmond it
won the state championship. The team consisted of Sidney A.
Green, Samuel L. Prebble, Walter E. Reid, Elwood T. Wyman
and Andrew Merrill. The same team, with the substitution of
Wesley Getchell for Merrill, defended the title in 1898, but lost
to Auburn in 1899. In 1901, the Waterville team made up of
Messrs. Green, Preble, Reid, William H. Stobie and Dana P.
Foster, again won the championship of the State.
The club has also furnished the State champion in the indi-
vidual match three times, Walter E. Reid having won it once,
and Samuel L. Preble twice. No other club in Maine has fur-
nished so many shooters of acknowledged skill.
The club officers are Samuel L. Preble, president, Dana P.
Foster, secretary, and J. A. Davison, treasurer.
1. The above facts concerning the bicycle club were kindly furnished by Mr. H.
B. Holland, for many years a member of the club. Editors.
CHAPTER XXL
THE PRESEXT BUSINESS OF WATERMLLE ;
SOME COMPARISONS WITH THE PAST AND
A GLANCE INTO THE FUTURE BUSINESS
CONDITIONS.
Bv Frank Redingtox.
When W^aterville became incorporated as a town, she had but
few manufactories and not many merchants. Her financial tran-
sactions were, of course, very limited. ]\Ioney in those days was
a very scarce article, and barter and exchange were the rule.
Here on the banks of the Kennebec had gathered a small colony
of people, striving hard to make a living out of the soil and turn
an honest penny by felling and clearing the forests, and convert-
ing the logs into lumber by means of the ver}- limited processes
then known to man.
Here lay one of the most beautiful spots in all the States of the
Union. Nature had been lavish of her gifts and seemed to have
scattered them about in great profusion for the hand of man to
pick up and transform into things of service and of welfare to
himself. The beautiful fall of water on the Kennebec river,
named by the Indians Ticonic, or Teconnet, came dashing and
laughing over the great ledge, and needed only the hand and
brain of man to transform it into a means of wealth. It seemed
to say : "Here am. I. Come and take me ; use me to thy purposes
and for thy advancement and elevation. I will add to thy com-
fort, to thy wealth, and to thy happiness." And then it quietly
sped away to the great mother ocean, leaving a silence broken
only by the sound of the woodsman's axe as he toiled to provide
a home for himself and familv.
41 6 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
The great forest which then covered the land in all directions
dared the pioneer to a contest of endurance and privation. But
I will leave the history of this to other hands better prepared than
my own to set forth the record of these early days, and will pro-
ceed to the consideration of the financial and business standing"
of the city at the present time, after giving a brief abstract of the
rapid growth of the old town since the locating of the Lockwood
Cotton Mill on the west bank of the Kennebec.
THE LOCKWOOD COMPANY.
The manufacturing industries of Waterville are of great
importance, as can readily be seen by a glance at the statistics
given in connection with this article. Thirty years ago, the town
lay almost dormant ; a lethargy pervaded all her activities ; a few
only of the older industries remained. It looked as if she had
reached her limit of greatness and was soon to sink into a slow
but sure decay. Then came the change. The Lockwood Cotton
Mill, established in 1875, gave a boom to all interests ; the citizens
awakened, rubbed their eyes and sat erect ; real estate changed
hands ; an influx of new energy seemed to vibrate and pulsate
through the veins of old Waterville. From that time to the
present, she has moved steadily forward, and bids fair to continue
upon her onward course for an indefinite period.
The second Lockwood Mill was built in 1882, and this more
than doubled the number of employes, and consequently gave a
renewed impetus to all kinds and classes of financial interests.
At this time, we had but few other manufactories of import-
ance. There were several smaller industries, such as the old
shank factory, which was located where the one-time paper mill
had stood ; and the Webber & Haviland foundry, oldest of Wat-
erville's present industries, which had been a landmark for years ;
the Crommett's Mills saw mill, and the Furbush sash and blind
factory, together with the Ricker tannery and the old match fac-
tory. One other industry deserves mention at this time. This
is the Hathaway shirt factory. Every old resident of Water-
ville will readily bring to mind Charles F. Hathaway and his
characteristics, his tract-distributing proclivities and his deeds of
charity. The old factory still exists, but has been much enlarged
and modernized. It is now in the control of Mr. C. A. Leighton,
HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE.
417
who has brought the business up to its present high standard.
The old railroad repair shops were at this time located near the
Maine Central freight depot, and employed a few good mechan-
ics. The neighboring towns of Oakland, Fairfield and North
Vassalboro did a renumerative business in a diversity of manu-
factures. Oakland employed a large number of people in mak-
ing edge tools, Fairfield in the lumber interest, and North Vas-
salboro in the woolen industry. These all contributed to Water-
ville's mercantile interests and helped to fill the coffers of her
thrifty business men.
THE HOLLINGSWORTH .1- W^HITNEY CO.
Second in order of importance among the present manufactur-
ing interests of W'aterville is the Hollingsworth & \\' hitney Pulp
Mill, located on the east bank of the Kennebec, in Winslow, oppo-
site the college buildings. This is not actually a Waterville
industry, but her mercantile interests are subserved by this great
plant, employing as it does some 675 hands, largely skilled
mechanics, at good wages. It is obvious to all that the distri-
bution of money from this source is a great help to Waterville,
and it is confidently expected that this plant will soon be much
enlarged.
These mills, known as the Taconnet, Mohegan, and Algonquin,
are but one plant of several owned and operated by the company ;
the others being the Cobbossee and the Aroostook mills at Gar-
diner, Alaine. The company is everywhere known as one of the
oldest, strongest, most conservative, and yet most thoroughly
up to date pulp and paper manufacturing corporations in the
country. Its officers are : Chas. A. Dean, president ; Edward B.
Eaton, treasurer; Waldo E. Pratt, vice-president; M. L. Mad-
den, assistant manager ; PL E. Fales, assistant treasurer ; F. E.
Boston, manager of mills ; W. H. Stobie, superintendent of mills ;
H. W. Vaughan, New York sales agent ; N. G. Torrey, purchas-
ing agent. The main office of the company is located in the Dean
building at 60 India street, Boston, ]\Iass., and the New York
office at 309 Broadway.
The Taconnet and Mohegan mills were erected in 1892, and
the Algonquin Sulphite Fibre mill in 1899. ^^^ principal build-
27
41 8 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
ings of the plant are of brick, resting upon granite foundations.
The product of the Taconnet paper mill is lOO tons of Manila
paper daily ; the product of the Mohegan pulp mill is 50 tons of
mechanical pulp daily, and the product of the Algonquin Sul-
phite Fibre mill 60 tons daily. A printing plant, with a large
number of presses and a stereotyping outfit, is included in the
thorough equipment of the establishment, which prints all kinds
of wrapping paper for customers.
The shipping facilities of the mills are ample, a double system
of spur tracks of the Maine Central railroad running to the doors
of the mills and storehouses. Shipments are thus made easily
and promptly. The concern sells to dealers in paper only. Both
steam and water power are used for running the mills, the Ken-
nebec river furnishing about 5,000 h. p., 3,000 h. p. of steam and
about 1,000 h. p. of electricity are also employed. The company
gives employment at its ^^'inslow plant to about 675 men, the
average of whose wages is high, their earnings forming an
important part of the money monthly placed in circulation in this
vicinity. The average monthly pay-roll of the mills amounts to
about $30,000. The company owns large townships of timber
land where they cut most of their annual supply of pulp wood.
It is said that these townships, regardless of other sources of sup-
ply, would furnish the Taconnet mills with pulp wood enough to
keep them running for at least fifteen years. The relations exist-
ing between the corporation and its employes have always been
exceedingly pleasant.
The new, well equipped Taconnet club house is an example of
the interest the Hollingsworth & Whitney Company has always
shown in the comfort and pleasure of the people in its employ.
The company has built and furnished this club house, and
admits to its use all employes without charge. The house is
managed by an association of the employes who charge a small
sum for billiards, pool and bowling, such receipts being used for
the benefit of entertainments.
There is a comfortable library with about 3000 volumes and all
the leading magazines and daily and weekly papers; a billiard
room with two billiard tables and two pool tables ; two bowling
alleys and a very complete gymnasium ; smoking room with good
comfortable chairs and card tables; a large hall for entertain-
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
419
merits and meetings: and there are toilet rooms with shower
baths.
The house is pleasantly situated on high ground, overlook-
ing the Kennebec and the City of Waterville. It has large
piazzas and abundant grounds.
A resting place like this, kept clean and orderly, with varied
means of amusement, and open to all well behaved of the people
employed, is profitable both to the company and its employees.
In other places there are some such club houses supported and
managed by the employes ; but some wage earners do not feel like
devoting any part of their pay to such purposes, so all do not
enjoy the use of the club. By true and faithful service men have
earned the good will of the company ; they have also earned the
comfort they get out of this house.
The total cost of the building, grounds, etc., amounts to about
$20,000.00. The estimated cost of maintaining this establish-
ment is about $2500.00 per year.
Twenty years ago the president of this company arranged to
make stockholders of the men who were to direct the work of the
various branches of its business, and to-day a very large amount
of its stock is owned by the active working men, in amounts from
ten to four hundred and fifty shares each, and all paid for out of
their earnings and dividends. The loyal and faithful service of
these men has been of great assistance to the company, which
during this time has doubled its capital and increased its business
to five times its volume of twenty years ago.
MAINE CENTRAL RAILROAD.
Another large corporation within our limits employing skilled
mechanics to a good number, is the Maine Central Railroad
Company. Its repair shops have been a source of much benefit
to Waterville's business interests since the railroad first entered
our borders. Within a comparatively few years these works
have been vastly increased and now have taken on an importance
second only to the Lockwood Company in their money value to
Waterville, speaking of them as a strictly Waterville industry.
Appended is a statement of its present status, containing also
comparative figures for the years 1879 and 1901.
420 HISTORY 01^ WATERVILLE.
The railroad company employs many men outside of these
shops, such as engineers, firemen, trackmen, conductors, train
men, etc., who make their homes in Waterville and contribute
largely to her prosperity.
Those who are familiar with the past may compare the figures
given below with those of an earlier period of our history.
Maine Central Freight Business for Waterville.
1901. 1879.
Gross
Tons. Frt. Charges. Tons. Frt. Charges.
Freight received 89,307 $118,003.62 3,885 $14,724.62
Freight forwarded 51,991 100,870.41 8,492 22,743.94
Included in the freight business for 1901 is all the business
done at Waterville and Winslow by the Hollingsworth & Whit-
ney Co.
Tickets.
1901. 1879.
No. Pass. Gross Amount. No. Pass. Amount.
83,995 $8t,6io 98 17,831 $18,482 69
This company received over its road and unloaded at Water-
ville for its use 30,937 tons, or 1237 cars averaging 25 tons
each of bituminous coal for locomotives and shop use.
There are approximately 320 cars, freight and passenger,
repaired at Waterville shops each month, making a total for the
year of 3840 cars. Last year about 55 locomotives went through
the shops for general repairs. There were built at Wa1;erville
shops during the year ending June 30, 1901, 16 flat cars, 5 passen-
ger, mail and baggage cars, and one caboose car.
Note. Mr. F. E. Boothby, a native of Waterville and ever loyal to her interests,
now Mayor of Portland and General Passenger and Ticket Agent of the Maine
Central Railroad Company, is entitled to our thanks for the statement of the Rail-
road's Waterville business as given above.
In connection with the history of the Maine Central Railroad from its
entrance into Waterville, it should be mentioned that our fellow townsman, Mr.
William Bodge, was acting as brakeman on the first freight that came into the
town, Dec. 7, 1849. His brother, Almaren Bodge, was conductor on the first pas-
senger train, Dec. 6, 1849, and Marshall Barrelle was conductor on the first train
out of Waterville. Mr. William Bodge is the only living citizen of Waterville
who was then in the employ of the railroad company. He served the company
as brakeman only a few months, was then promoted to the position of baggage
master, and shortly after to that of conductor, which position he filled until
about two years ago, retiring with a service of nearly fifty years to his credit.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 421
The average number of men employed at Waterville shops is
250. They receive approximately $14,000 per month. In addi-
tion to this, about $16,000 is paid to employes other than shop-
men, making a total of $360,000 a year paid to employes at
Waterville. The estimated value of manufactured products at
Waterville shops for a year is $355,000, including the entire cost
of repairing all cars and locomotives.
Waterville yard has three miles of main line and twelve miles
of side track ; with a capacity of 1252 cars.
THE WISCASSET, WATER\'ILLE AND FARMINGTON RAILROAD.
Very soon we shall have a new railroad line, extending from
the Rangeley Lakes to the sea, having its southern terminus at
the large and deep harbor in the historic old town of Wiscasset.
This road, while a narrow gauge, will be, to some extent, a com-
peting line with the Maine Central, and will operate to the advan-
tage of shippers of merchandise. It will make W^aterville a bill-
ing point and cause a concentration of railroad interests in our
city. This little road, commencing in Wiscasset, wends its way
through the fertile valleys of central Maine, connecting the towns
of Wiscasset, Sheepscot, Alna Centre, Head Tide, Whitefield,
Preble's, North Whitefield, Cooper's Mills, ^laxey's Weeks'
Mills, Newel's Palermo, Cole's China, South China, East Vas-
salboro, North Vassaiboro, Winslow, Albion and South Albion,
on the east, and Oakland, Smithfield, Rome, ]\Iercer, New
Sharon, Farmington, Phillips and the Rangeley region, on the
w^est : and \\'aterville is in the centre of this chain of municipali-
ties and has the further advantage of being the largest and most
prosperous. It follows, as a natural consequence, that the great
amount of business flowing from these well-to-do farming and
manufacturing com.munities will gravitate to this city.
The personnel of the company is as follows : L. Atwood, presi-
dent ; G. P. Farley, vice-president ; F, B. Hubbard, superinten-
dent; J. H. Gould, treasurer. This road has about forty-two
miles of track laid and is already doing business and running
trains on schedule time.
422 HISTORY OF WAT^RVILLE.
THK RIVERVIEW WORSTED MILLS.
The Riverview Worsted Mills is among the new but very
important industries. It was founded in 1900 by Mr. Thomas
Sampson, who had had a long and successful experience in
woolen manufacturing and was largely interested in the mills at
North Vassalboro until they were sold to the American Woolen
Company. Mr. Sampson associated with him some of the lead-
ing business men of the city and the enterprise was a success
from the start. Soon it became necessary to enlarge the mills
and a second enlargement is in process which will increase the
number of operatives to about three hundred, and the pay-roll to
$150,000 per year. Only goods of a high grade are manu-
factured.
THE HATHAWAY SHIRT FACTORY.
The Hathaway Shirt Factory employs 150 hands, and has a
pay-roll of $60,000 per annum. The building has been enlarged
recently, is finely equipped and has place on the highest list of
such manufactories.
THE .SAWYER PUBLISHING COMPANY.
The Sawyer Publishing Company, perhaps, comes next in the
number of employes, and is of far-reaching importance to our
city, employing as it does a large number of young ladies, who
are thus enabled to earn a livelihood without going frorn home.
It employs hands to the number of 100; its pay-roll is $48,000.
Its business is the publication of "mail order" papers and maga-
zines.
THE WATERVILLE IRON WORKS.
In speaking of the next industry — the Waterville Iron Works
— it may be in order to state that it, the oldest of our industries,
in common with nearly all which were once located on the banks
of the beautiful Messalonskee, has taken up its abode elsewhere.
The location of the Waterville Iron Works is now at the "Head
of the Falls," and the proprietors, Messrs. Webber & Philbrick,
are doing a thriving business. They have a foundry department
and a department of machinery. Most of the machinery con-
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 423
structed is for mills, especially for pulp mills. They employ an
average of thirty-four hands, have a pay-roll of $16,800.
THE WHITTEMORE FURNITURE COMPANY.
The Whittemore Furniture Company is a comparatively new
industry, having been established a little over two years. Its
business is the manufacture of couches, lounges, Morris chairs,
etc. It employs from fifteen to twenty-five hands, according to
the season. It has an annual pay-roll of about $9,600. It has
been enlarged in 1902 and its future growth is only a matter of
time.
In the embryo state is a woolen mill, now building, erected by
the Chase Manufacturing Company on the Messalonskee, at the
Crommett's Mills bridge. This will employ about twenty hands,
and will be a one-set mill, having a water power of 60 h. p. It
will have a stimulating: efifect on our mercantile affairs.
THE WATERVILLE STCVE FOUNDRY.
The Waterville Stove Foundry on Chaplin street, is one of our
desirable manufacturing establishments, employing twenty hands,
and having a good pay-roll. The men are skilled in their work
and command high wages.
THE JAYNES CREAMERY COMPANY.
The Jaynes Creamery Company, located on Toward street, was
organized in December, 1899, with ten thousand dollars capital;
Am.os F. Gerald, president, and R. F. Jaynes, treasurer. It has
three hundred patrons among the farmers. It has a branch at
Thorndike. This company pays annually, fifty thousand dollars
to the farmers. The company sends 5,000 gallons of cream,
monthly, to Boston. It handles also butter and cheese in large
quantities. Ten hands are employed by this corporation,
Wesley Fitzgerald, on upper College avenue, employs several
hands in jobbing in wood work. He has a large machine plant.
A. P, Emery does some business in the tanning of sheepskins,
which he has carried on for years.
424 HISTORY OF WATElRVILLK.
Many of our citizens are unaware of what is being done in the
line of bee culture by Mr. F. F. Graves. The city of Waterville
consumes, annually, from six to eight tons of honey ; about five
tons are produced by city bred bees, and of this amount Mr.
Graves raises four and one-half tons, which sells at an average of
fifteen cents per pound, or a total of $1,275.
THE WATERVILLE & FAIRElEl-D RAILWAY AND LIGHT COMPANY.
The Waterville & Fairfield Railway and Light Company, while
not perhaps to be classed as a manufacturing plant, yet does man-
ufacture one of the greatest, most dangerous and least understood
products — if it is a product — of these strenuous times. It does
all it can to turn night into day and to control the elements for
man's advancement and em.ancipation. It furnishes electric
lights for our homes, stores, factories and streets. It also sup-
plies power for many of our other plants, viz. : the Worsted Mill,
a part of the Hollingsworth & Whitney Go's, mills, the Water-
ville Iron Works, and many others. The electric railway is a
part of this plant and brings into and carries out of Waterville,
517,895 passengers per year. This electric road is in itself of
vast and incalculable importance to Waterville's financial inter-
ests. Take away this road and you would take from our mer-
chants a good percentage of business. The extension of this
railroad is eagerlv looked forward to by the citizens, not only
for the accommodation it would afford but because it would add
to our monetary advantage.
This company employs thirty-eight hands, and has a pay-roll
of $20,000. It has 1,000 h. p. water and 500 h. p. steam. It
operates four and three-quarters miles of track, located in Fair-
field and Waterville. It runs its cars every half hour from six
A. M to ten P. M., and made, last year, 11,765 trips. The com-
pany could develop 1,000 h. p. more from its present control-
ment.
THE UNION GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY.
The Union Gas and Electric Company, owned by Mr. Spauld-
ing of Boston, is managed from the ofiice of the Waterville &
Fairfield Railway and Light Co. It is a plant constructed by
Frank Chase on the lower ]\Iessalonskee, just below the site of
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 425
the old Webber & Haviland foundry. It has a capacity of 1,500
h. p., water, and uses at present about half of its full power. It
is equipped for electric lighting and motor power and is of very
even and steady force.
THE MESSAI.OXSKEE ELECTRIC COMPANY.
The jMessalonskee Electric Company is a newly organized
electrical corporation which bids fair to have a successful future.
Its employes, at present, are seven in number and it has an
.innual pay-roll of $4,500. It is sure to grow, and its growth
can but prove to \\'aterville's advantage. At present it holds
the contract for the street lighting in the city.
THE WATERVILLE BEEF COMPANY.
The Waterville Beef Company, owned and controlled by
Armour & Company, is an innovation on the old method of sup-
plying our meat markets. Most of the meats which we get now
come from Chicago in refrigerator cars, and are distributed from
stations in different cities of the State. This company has a
plant here, located beside the Maine Central track, and unloads
from the car direct to its refrigerator. It has a substantial brick
building, especially adapted to its uses. As a distributing centre
for this business, \\'aterville is one of the best in the State. This
company employs five hands, but is of much importance to our
business interests. It does a business of $200,000 per year;
handling over six carloads per month.
THE AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY AND HOYT'S EXPRESS
COMPANY.
The American Express Company and Hoyt's Express Com-
pany are both doing a large and increasing business.
THE NE^^ ENGLAND TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY.
The New England Telephone and Telegraph Company first
located in Waterville in 1880. It has now (June, 1902) 439
instruments in use with a constantly increasing business. It is
safe to sav that no business man in Waterville or elsewhere gets
426 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
SO much for his money from any other modern convenience as he
does from his telephone connection.
the: standard oil company.
The Standard Oil Company has had a branch of its business
established here for nearly thirteen years. It handles for Water-
ville and vicinity over 300,000 gallons of oil per year and repre-
sents a business value of from $30,000 to $35,000. It has its
plant beside the railroad track, just west of the Whittemore Fur-
niture Company. It unloads direct from car to storage tanks.
The com.pany sells to jobbers and large consumers only.
NSv/sr-APERS.
The Mail Publishing Company is a corporation which does a
large printing business in addition to issuing the daily and weekly
editions of the Waterville Mail. It employes from fourteen to
twenty hands and has an annual pay-roll of about v$5,8oo.
The W. M. L,add Company is another large printing concern.
It also publishes the Waterville Sentinel — a semi-weekly paper.
It employs an average of twelve hands and has a pay-roll of
$5,668 annually.
THE CITY GREENHOUSES.
Several years ago 'TJncle Wendell" had a small greenhouse
on Front street, where he, a true lover of flowers, cultivated and
sold, in limited quantities, both cut flowers and potted ^plants.
He maintained this establishment for some time, but at length
the worker and the work disappeared.
Later, Amos C. Stark established a small greenhouse in con-
nection with his residence on Main street, where he gave special
attention to the cultivation of potted plants and, in the spring,
of seedlings, both vegetable and floral, and bedding plants. He
also did quite a business in filling urns for the cemetery. But
failing health has compelled him to abandon the work entirely.
It remained for the firm of H. R. I\Titchell & Son to build up
in Waterville the florist business on a scale in any way commen-
surate with the growing business of our city and with the
demands of an industry which has developed into mammoth pro-
portions in the country during the last twenty-five years.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 427
In the fall of 1896, H. R. ^Mitchell, who had been a pastor of
Baptist churches for over twenty years, and his son, Frank H.,
who left a good position in a bank, bought quite a section of
land on the south side of Highwood street, and erected a large
greenhouse.
The patronage of the people of Waterville has been constant
and hearty. The new firm soon discovered that they must have
more room ; so the next summer they erected two more houses,
more than doubling their capacity. Trade continued to increase,
and the firm began to >end their goods to surrounding towns,
establishing agencies in many of the thriving villages in Ken-
nebec, Somerset and even Penobscot counties.
The building and equipping of new houses has been almost
constant until they have now one of the largest and best equipped
florist establishments in Maine. They have about 14,000 square
feet of glass, and the greenhouses and other buildings connected
with them cover nearly a third of an acre of ground. They ship
their goods to all parts of the State and even to other states ;
their shipping facilities being absolutely the best in Elaine.
THE WATERVILLE POST-OFF ICE.
The \\'aterville Post-office has kept pace with the growth of
the city. The present incumbent, ^Ir. W. M. Dunn, is one of the
most efficient postmasters the city has ever had. His ability is
acknowledged by all, and the public are highly pleased with the
treatment accorded them and the manner in w^hich the business
of the office is conducted. ]\[r. Dunn served as postmaster four
years under President Hayes' administration. When Grover
Cleveland was elected President, F. L. Thayer was appointed to
the position, and Mr. Dunn was again appointed when President
Harrison came into power, and has served since, to the -entire
satisfaction of all concerned. ]Mr. J. F, Larrabee, the assistant
postmaster, comes in for a full share of the public approval.
Note. A curious custom of the oldtime post office is noted In the Chaplin MS.
The postmaster after arranging the mail would tap on the table for silence. The
people "Who thronged the office -would then keep measurably quiet while the post
master in a loud voice read the names upon the letters received. The letters were
then passed from hand to hand to their owners. This process sometimes was
the occasion of considerable mirth and sometimes, as in the suspense which fol-
lowed the rumored death of Lieutenant Moor, it showed the quick sympathy of
the townsmen.
4^8 HISTORY or* WATERVILLE.
The office force now consists of seven clerks, five carriers and
one substitute. This office does a business of $40,000 a year,
and it is only a matter of a short time when it will be numbered
among the first-class offices.
ELM WOOD HOTEL.
Among the hotels of Waterville the first established and by far
the largest is the Elmwood. Its location, equipment and man-
agement are unsurpassed. A recent addition made necessary by
the increasing business, has made the capacity of the house one
hundred and fifty rooms. To the success of the hotel during the
last twelve years the proprietor, Mr. Henry E. Judkins and his
wife, have contributed the best qualities of host and hostess.
The Bay View Hotel with forty rooms and the Park with
twenty-five, are located on Main street and do a good business.
BUSINESS BLOCKS.
One can readily see that all these industries which have been
mentioned must necessarily create a demand for merchants,
shops, stores, doctors, lawyers, ministers, and humanity's crea-
tions and inventions, in nearly all varieties. And we have in
Waterville all of the above in large measure.
Our stores are much better than the average throughout the
State; our merchants are thrifty, yet generous; and our, stocks
and stores are large and commodious enough to supply the
demands of :i city much larger than Waterville now is. We
"have approximately 150 stores in this city. Many of our mer-
chants are now housed in splendid brick blocks, among which
are the vSoper, Clukey, Peavy, Masonic, Haines, Plaisted, Bur-
leigh, Hanson, Webber & Dunham, Redington, Arnold, Ware,
Milliken, Elden, Boutelle. Flood and Pulsifer blocks ; the Ticonic
Bank, the Peoples' Bank and the Savings Bank blocks; all of
which contribute toward beautifying our streets and enlarging
our business interests. A new Savings Bank block is to be soon
built at the comer of Main and Appleton streets, and is to be the
best block in the city. Its cost, as planned for, is something
over $50,000.
u
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 429
It may be of interest to the older one-time citizens of Water-
ville, now located elsewhere, to mention some of the changes that
have taken place.
Beginning- at the lower end of Main street, the old Ticonic
block still stands, without external change. The first modern
brick building, as you go north, is the ^lilliken block, which took
the place of the old Waterville Savings Bank. On the opposite
corner at the junction of Main and Silver streets, where used to
stand the old wooden building owned by the Kimball heirs and
occupied by David Gallert as a dry goods store, and including
the next building that was owned by Joseph Nudd and rented for
a saloon for years, now stands a splendid block, three stories, and
modern in all respects. This block is of brick, trimmed with
granite, and was erected by F. L. Thayer. It is now owned by
C. J. Clukey. Next in order is the Plaisted block, one of the best
in town. This takes the place of the old stores occupied by J. G.
Darrah, Wadsworth Chipman, J. H. Plaisted, William Caftrey
and E. Blumenthal. L. H. Soper's large brick block comes next
and is among the best. It is three stories. Last April Mr.
vSoper had a passenger elevator put in to run from basement to
top floor. This is the first elevator put into any store in the city ;
that IS run by motor power and used for the accommodation of
customers. The three story wooden building owned by Theo-
philus Oilman adjoins the Soper block. The next brick block is
the Barrelle block, three stories, and a fine structure. It stands on
the site of the J. P. Caftrey store. The Ware block, similar to
the Barrelle block, is next in order. This is a double block, all
connected, and closing up the right of way which lay between
the old buildings, which were occupied respectively by C. M.
Barrelle and C. R. ]\IcFadden. Alongside of this is the H. L.
Emery block. Passing along, we come to the Savings Bank
block, a good brick structure of two stories. There are no more
brick buildings until we reach the Peoples' Bank building ; but
the intervening space is occupied by good substantial wooden
buildings. The land on which these buildings stand is probably
the most valuable on Main street. The Peoples' Bank and the
Ticonic Bank buildings are three story, brick structures and occu-
pied by the owners for banking purposes. Then comes the old
Phoenix Block, which looks as it did years ago. A wooden build-
430 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
ing stands on the corner, called the Rogers building. On the
next corner, at the junction of yia'm and Temple streets, is the
Burleigh block, a three story brick building and of modern style ;
this takes the place of the old tumble-down wooden affair once
occupied by ]\Ianley & Tozier as a grocery store. There are two
quite good wooden buildings before we reach the Pulsifer and
Flood blocks, which were built last year and which are of three
stories and modern in all particulars. Then wooden buildings
extend to the property owned by the Unitarian Church Society.
The east side of Alain street, going south, is practically as it
has been for many years, until you get to Temple street. Com-
mencing here, the old brick buildings have been remodelled and
present an unbroken front as far as the old Burleigh property,
once occupied by Thomas Herrick as a hardware store. These
blocks are the Boutelle, Elden, Arnold, and Hanson, Webber &
Dunham blocks. From here to the square, or the hay scales, as
the boys used to call it, there are no brick buildings, but some
of the wooden ones have been remodelled. From common street
south we have no brick blocks until we reach the Gallert building,
and adjoining this is the Peavy block, one of the best in the city.
Then come the same old brick buildings with the roofs pitching
toward the street that have stood for years and years. The last
pretentious building on the east side of the street is the R. B.
Dunn block, used for stores on the ground floor and the Bay
View Hotel above. It is one of the largest brick business blocks
in the city.
On Common street where once stood a few cheap wooden
buildings, now stands the Masonic Temple, built of brick and
trimmed with granite. It is three stories and modern in all par-
ticulars. Adjoining it is the W. T. Haines block, of the same
general style and qualitv as the former. The ground floor of
this building is occupied by the Post-oflice.
Silver street can boast of one good brick building, that of
Frank Redington, on the old Wheeler property where once Sum-
ner A. Wheeler dispensed spruce and lemon beer and sold shot
guns. There are several stores on that street, but all of wood,
with this exception.
Temple street has grown much as a business section, having
many stores both east and west of INIain street, and bids fair to
increase its number within the near future.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 43 1
It is not possible to enumerate all the chan<yes that have taken
place in the business and residential sections of the city; but to
the older people it may be of interest to state briefly some of the
most notable ones. On what we term "The Plains," the growth
has been notable. It was but a few years ago, when only a few
houses, widely scattered, were located in that section, and they
were of a poor quality and simply constructed, only one or two
rooms in some of them. Then there was the one main thorough-
fare, named Water street, and only a few lanes making off from
this street, north of Grove street. It seemed like going into
another town to go ''down on the Plains." But now what a
contrast! There are good large substantial homes, clean, neat,
roomy and comfortable ; fine business blocks, and nearly all kinds
of business represented ; streets running in all directions ; real
estate at a premium, and thrift and order found on every hand.
It is a small city within itself. The electric cars run the length
of Water street every half hour and are well patronized.
Most of us can remember the circus ground on what was called
Nudd field and where the school boys plaA'ed four-old-cat and
later baseball. There were no houses there then, but now nearly,
if not quite every lot is built upon, making it one of the prettiest
and most desirable locations in the city ; and further over in the
Burleigh field a number of beautiful houses have been built.
Ticonic street, once called "Paddy Lane," is one of the busiest
in the city. There are several stores located here and many good
homes. Above the railroad crossing on College street many fine
residences have been built and new streets have been opened on
either side. One of the best schoolhouses in the city — the Myrtle
Street schoolhouse — has recently been erected here. It is a
building of eight rooms and is crowded with scholars. And so
one may go on taking section by section, describing changes,
which are in the line of improvements everywhere.
The present demand is for good, substantial, medium-rate
rents. There seems to be a scarcity of them, although new
houses are being built in all quarters. There may be danger of
overdoing in this direction, but it would seem not for some time
yet. Real estate is of more value than several years ago, but
there seems to be no lack of purchasers.
432 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
THE NEW CITY HALL.
During the last year the city has erected a handsome city build-
ing, on the site of the ola town hall, just off Common street.
This building contains rooms for all the city officials ; a station
house for those who are so unfortunate as to need the restraining
hand of the law; a superior court room and a municipal court
room, with all the adjuncts necessary for the comfort and con-
venience of the court officials. A safe and commodious vault
occupies the middle section of the first two floors for the keeping
safely of all monies and records belonging to the city ; and the
upper floor is devoted to a large and beautiful auditorium with
balcony and stage. Some of our citizens facetiously, and yet
rightly, describe this portion of the building as the "Opera
House." It is well adapted to the uses of the city in its municipal
capacity, and can be used for convention purposes as well. It
is also the intention to let this hall for entertainments — thus deriv-
ing an income for the city and at the same time furnishing the
people with a fine public hall. This building will cost, when
completed, about $70,000. Our citizens are all pleased with this
structure and proud of its possession.
The College, schools, churches, and other of our public and
private edifices, are written up in this volume by others, and I
only speak of them as contributing to our wealth and adding to
our population.
VALUATION AND TAXATION.
Our assessed valuation for 1902 is $5,219,163; the rate of
taxation is 23 V2 mills; giving a total of $122,650.33. Add to
this 2,618 polls, at $3 each, and we have $130,504.33 as the total
amount raised by the city. Of this valuation, $4,191,325 was on
real estate and $892,007 on personal estate. It may be thought
by some that this rate is rather high, but by a comparison with
the rates in other cities of the State, it will readily be seen that
our burdens are not very heavy. The assessors' report for 1901
shows that we added $100,000 to our valuation, and we add
$135,831 this year. The increase in the number of noils is 132.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLK. 433
FIRE DEPARTMENT AND INSURANCE.
We take great and increasing pride in our Fire Department. It
was, to a large extent, brought to its present state of efficiency
by Chief Engineer A. H. Plaisted, under whose training a thor-
ough system was estabHshed. He was succeeded by Chief
George F. Davies, the present incumbent, who is the right man
to follow in Mr. Plaisted's footsteps. He is fully alive to keeping
up the department to its present high standard, and the men
under him all readily acknowledge his fitness for the position.
Our alarm system is one of the best and gives very good satis-
faction. It has been suggested that when it can be readily done,
an alarm be placed in a more central location — perhaps on the
new city hall, and that it be a whistle, in preference to a bell, as
being more readily distinguishable.
In connection with this matter, it may be well to note the item
of insurance. Our local insurance men are much pleased with
the efficiency of our fire department and it has quite an influence
in keeping down the insurance rates.
The amount of business done by the insurance companies of
Waterville is large; it is estimated to be $7e;,ooo in premiums.
Our veteran insurance companies are the L. T. Boothby & Son
Company and the C. K. Mathews Company. In mentioning
these names I have no wish to slight any other company or indi-
vidual, but the history of these two companies is contemporary
with the growth of the city, and it is not out of place to speak
of them.
THE BOARD OF TRADE
Waterville has a flourishing Board of Trade, with a member-
ship of 150. It is alive to all subjects that may be of benefit to
our city. It has done much to further the interests of Water-
ville. It was organized in 1889, with Mayor Nathaniel Meader
as its first president, and during his term of office, which covered
two years, many meetings were held and topics of much interest,
pertinent to the welfare of our city, were debated and acted upon.
It brought about a sentiment for concerted action and succeeded
in arousing the people to a realization of the fact that we must
take hold and push for ourselves in order to get desired results.
28
434 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Our energetic and forceful citizens communicated their own
enthusiasm to others of our slower moulded yet equally interested
property owners. The next president was Hon. M. C. Foster,
who brought to the Board a mind well stored with business ideas
and an energy which was always exerted to Waterville's benefit.
Under his administration the Board flourished and grew into
large proportions. Frank Redington followed Mr. Foster in
the president's oflice and served for five years. During his con-
trol several important matters were acted upon. Colby college
wanted to raise a large sum of money to build several new struc-
tures, and by the desire of President Nathaniel Butler the coop-
eration of the Board was secured and a mass meeting held in city
hall under the auspices of the Board. The meeting was
addressed by several citizens and the final result was the sub-
scription of over $10,000 by Waterville citizens to aid Colby in
her efiforts, and materially helped in building the new Chemical
Laboratory. The Waterville Free Library has received much
help from the Board of Trade. The Waterville & Wiscasset
Railroad came in for a share of the Board's attention and a large
sum was subscribed to assist in its construction. The Summer
School was induced to hold its sessions here through the agency
of the Board of Trade. The new City Building is the direct out-
come of the action of the Board of Trade. The Board took up
this matter with a vim and energy that knew no defeat. It
appointed committees to wait on Mayor Webb and the city
council ; it held mass meetings and discussed the question on all
occasions ; and to-day we have the City Building, for which we
may thank the Waterville Board of Trade.
Dr. J. F. Hill is the present president, and under his leadership
the Board is growing youthful and powerful. It started the
centennial celebration by securing a large list of names of the
most influential citizens on a request to the Board to call the
proper authorities into action. Combined and concentrated
action of such a nature as an organization of this kind can bring
about, will always be of advantage to any town or city.
ARNOLD BLOCK.
REDINGTON BLOCK.
FLOOD AND PULSIFIiJR BLOCK.
CLUKEY BLOCK.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 435
POPULATION.
I find by reference to the Maine Register that the population
in 1870 — four years previous to the estabhshment of the Lock-
wood Cotton Mill — was 4,852, and this included West Waterville.
It has increased a little year by year until now, on our one hun-
dredth anniversary, we have a population of ten thousand souls,
— all busy, all happy and contented. We are growing to be
somewhat cosmopolitan and our citizens vie with each other in
advancing Waterville's interests at home and abroad. While our
population within the city limits is 10,000, we have a flourishing
and wide-awake community of surrounding towns to draw from.
Within a radius of fifteen miles — the most of whose floating
business comes to Waterville — are the towns of Fairfield, Burn-
ham, Clinton, Benton, Winslow, Albion, China, Vassalboro, Sid-
ney, Belgrade, Oakland, Smithfield and Rome, with a population
of nearly 20,000, which gives to our mercantile interests a total
population of nearly 30,000 with which to do business. Not only
does the natural flow of this business tend toward us, but with
our large and well-stocked stores we call the larger part of central
Maine to our doors to participate in the advantages we offer
them.
Many of our residences are handsome structures, beautiful in
architectural design, convenient as to location, comfortably
arranged and sumptuously furnished. Finely kept lawns sur-
round nearly all of our residential places, and all are attracted
by the beauty of our homes.
We have a splendid system of sewerage, which was put in some
years ago at a cost of over $100,000, and which has given perfect
satisfaction ; and Main street is paved nearly the whole length of
the business section.
WATERVILLE AS A SUMMER RESORT.
Have our people considered to a sufficient extent what advant-
ages accrue to Waterville as a centre from which to journey in
any direction to fishing and pleasure resorts, — looking at the
subject from a financial aspect? Many more people than we are
aware of are attracted to our city for this purpose. Our splendid
and beautiful drives are famous throughout New England. The
436 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
fishing in East, North, Great, Ellis, Long and Snow ponds is as
good as in any chain of lakes or ponds in the State. The cottages
and hotels at these places are increasing in number and excellence
of entertainment each year, and Waterville is the natural trading-
place for the tourist who sojourns at these enchanting resting
places. If one wishes to be entertained by nature, get a touch
of the soft side of life and dream away the idle hours for a week
or a month, growing poetic and aesthetic, he can do no better
than repair to these outlying hills, lakes and dales which surround
Waterville.
WATERVILLE AS A MARKET.
Waterville as a market for the products of the farm is one of
the best in central Maine.; and this fact is fast becoming known
and acknowledged by the farmers for many miles around. Our
traffic with the tillers of the soil is growing more extended year
by year and the mutual advantages enjoyed by the urban and the
suburban dwellers tend to good results.
There is not now the excuse that once obtained for abandoned
farms, as any man with energy, thrift and ordinary intelligence
can readily make a reasonable success of farming in localities-
adjacent to a city like Waterville. There are, as the report of
our milk inspector shows, sixty-five persons selling milk in
Waterville, and the milk is of the highest quality. Compare
this with the time when Cyrus Howard was the only man having
a milk route in our town, some thirty years ago.
The means of ingress and egress for the farmer aje greatly
enhanced by the electric and steam roads running into and having-
stations in the smaller places, and the expense in fares is very
light. Do not overlook the fact that our farms and farmers are
of the most pronounced value to Waterville.
WHAT OE THE FUTURE?
What of the future ? A boom ? a reaction ? Oh, no ! neither.
We have grown as steadily, as sturdily, as systematically and as
naturally as the child changes into youth and merges into man-
hood. We feel our strength, but it is the strength of confidence
and not of frenzy or a fevered imagination. "Our past is
secure." The present is always with us, and the future we
HISTORY OF WATERVILL^. 437
bequeath to posterity. We have no Whittier, no Longfellow, or
other shade of world-wide fame to grace the history of our past,
but we can hark back a hundred years and more with a pride in
the loyalty, the strength, the enterprise and ability of our fore-
fathers, and a satisfied feeling of having inherited a growth and
prosperity which has placed us within the ranks of successful
enterprise.
The present is our time for making history, money, and a
future. The impetus we have inherited necessarily aids and
forces us onward, like a rushing current flowing swiftly by, and
we must not drop behind in the strenuous contest. As we grow
in numbers, rivalry becomes more acute, competition more vio-
lent; and a determined and steady purpose is the only course
that will lead to the top of the ladder of success. As a com-
munity, we are highly favored in our geographical location ; as
a railroad center, we are extremely fortunate. The branches of
the diverging lines of the great Maine Central road concentrat-
ing within our borders, and the additional advantages accruing
from another railroad soon to be completed across our southern
section, give us a future outlook of vast importance. And so
we gather all the elements of our trade, educational, social and
local conditions ; mass them into a kaleidoscopic scene, and from
them predict a happy, successful and prosperous future, with an
ever increasing population. Let those who are native-born to
Waterville, but who now live in far-distant lands, dream of such
a future for their beautiful one-time home, and awake to find it
a reality.
Tabulated statement of mercantile business, based 011 the vol-
lune of business for 1901 as attributed to individual firms and
companies doing business zvithin the city lijiiits.
Per year.
Groceries, meats and provisions $450,000 00
Dry goods and other lines carried by dry goods
houses and classed as dry goods 400,000 00
Clothing, hats, caps, etc. (sold by clothing houses), 200,000 00
Hardware, stoves, tinw^are and plumbing 200,000 00
Armour Beef Company 200,000 00
House furnishings, including furniture, carpets,
crockery and goods sold by furniture houses. . . 125,000 00
438
HISTORY OF WATERVILLK.
Grain, feed, etc., including what flour is sold by
grain and feed stores $100,000 00
Coal, wood, lime and cement 90,000 00
Boots and shoes 75,ooo 00
Fruit and confectionery 75-000 00
Insurance 75,ooo 00
Bakeries 75, 000 00
Drugs and articles carried by drug stores 70,000 00
Books, periodicals, stationery, wall paper, etc. . . . 60,000 00
Electrical supplies and miscellaneous articles,
including all other lines of mercantile enterprise, 50,000 00
Tobacco and cigars 50,000 00
Harnesses and leather goods 50,000 00
Millinery 40,000 00
Standard Oil Co 35,ooo 00
Jewelry and all goods carried by jewelers 10,000 00
Florists 8,000 00
iMusical instruments, etc 5,000 00
Bicycles 5,000 00
Total, $2,448,000 00
Tabulated statement of hands einployed and money paid out by
the manufactories and labor-employing industries of Water-
ville, including the Hollingszvorih & Whitney Company of
Winslow.
Average No. of Pay Roll
hands employed. Per month. Per year.
Lock wood Company 1300 $34,000 00 $415,000 00
Hollings worth & Whitney Co. 675 30,000 00 360,000 00
Maine Central R. R. Co. on
the roads, about the yard,
etc 16,000 00 192,000 00
Maine Central R. R. Co., at
the shops 250 14,000 00 168,000 00
Riverview Worsted Mill 175 90,00000
Hathaway Shirt Factory 150 5,000 00 60,000 00
Sawyer Publishing Co 100 4,000 00 48,000 00
Proctor & Bowie Co 33 25,000 00
H. Purinton & Co 50 24,000 00
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 439
Waterville & Fairfield Rail-
way and Light Co 38 $1,666 00 $20,000 00
Waterville Iron \\^orks
(Webber & Philbrick) .... 34 1,400 00 16,800 00
Noyes Steve Co 20 1,000 00 12,000 00
Whittemore Furniture Co. . .. 20 800 00 9,600 00
The Mail Publishing Co 14 5,8oo 00
W. M. Ladd Co. . .T 12 5,668 00
Jaynes Creamery Co 10 400 00 4,800 00
Messalonskee Electric Co. ... 7 375 00 4,500 00
Total, $1,461,168 00
These figures represent the pay rolls of established and con-
tinuous industries ; the greater part of this amount finding its
way into the channels of Waterville business.
Estimated pay rolls of other and miscellaneous classes.
Clerks in stores, 500 at an average of $18,000 00 $216,000 00
Carpenters, 50 21,750 00
Masons and Tenders, 2~, 15,000 00
Painters, 25 10,000 00
Total amount distributed in Waterville by pay
rolls per year $1,723,918 00
To this should be added the amount paid out by the college and
institute treasurers the amount paid to the school teachers and
other city ofPxials by the city treasurer, and the amounts paid to
agents and representatives of outside corporations in order to
get an estimate of the money put into circulation through the
system of wage earnings in Waterville. This is what keeps the
city alive.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE PULPIT OF WATERVILLE.
By Rev. George Dana Boardman Pepper, D. D., LL. D.
Joshua Cushman (Rev. and Hon.) the first and only "town
minister" of Winslow and Waterville was born in Halifax, Mass.,
about 1758 or 9. Son of Abner and Mary (Tillson) Cushman.
(Vid. Cushman Genealogy, p. 184.) Apil i, 1777, he enlisted
under Caleb King and served in the 9th Massachusetts Regiment
He was at Fort Stanwix at the surrender of Burgoyne and
endured the winter at Valley Forge. He was honorably dis-
charged on the completion of his three years' term of enlistment.
He then fitted for college and was graduated at Harvard in the
class of 1788, the class of John Quincy Adams. He was ordained
June 10, 1795 (see historical chapter, p. 52 and note) as religious
teacher of Winslow. He remained minister of the town until
1814, the arrangement terminating by mutual consent and on
conditions agreed upon in the settlement nearly twenty years
before. His sermons, a large number of which are preserved by
his grandson, Mr. Cushman of Winslow, show him to have been
a clear, careful and reverent thinker of a spirit both devout and
liberal. In 18 10 he was the Representative of Kennebec Co. in
the Massachusetts Senate. In 181 1 and 12 he was the Repre-
sentative of Winslow in the Massachusetts Legislature. In 1819
he was elected a member of Congress from the Kennebec Dis-
trict and served three full terms until 1825. His broad views
as a statesman and his power as an orator gave him large influ-
ence in Congress. In 1828 Mr. Cushman was elected to the
Maine Senate and in 1834 was elected as the Representative of
Winslow in the Maine House. He called the House to order at
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 44I
its organization, but his strength was spent, and he died at
Augusta, January 27, 1834, at the age of seventy-five years. A
singularly varied life which used its large powers faithfully for
country and for God. Mr. Cushman's wife was Lucy Jones,
who had been brought up by her uncle, Dr. Cotton Tufts of
Weymouth, Mass. They had but one child, Charles, at whose
home in Winslow Mrs. Cushman died, January 13, 1847, aged
seventy-nine.
The descendents of I\Ir. Cushman possess many books manu-
scripts and relics of the old minister and his family. These were
freely put at the disposal of the editors of this volume. Mr.
Cushman was much in demand as orator on Fourth of July and
other public occasions and his published orations show that his
popularity was well deserved. The title of one of these publi-
cations is "An Oration pronounced at Waterville, 4 July, 1814,
in Commemoration of the Independence of the United States of
America." It is not generally known that Richard Thomas, who
prepared for himself the curious "rumpuncheon" epitaph, was a
friend of Mr. Cushman, and before his death gave to him his own
library, a collection of English and early American books of
considerable value and interest. These are in the possession of
Mr. Cushman. E. C. W.
Rev. Thomas Adams, D. D., son of Benjamin and Eunice
Adams, was born in North Brookfield, Mass., February 7, 1792,
and died in Winslow, Me., February 4, 1881, three days before
the completion of his eighty-ninth year. He prepared for college
in the Leicester Academy, and in 1S14 was graduated from Dart-
mouth College. After taking a course in theology under his
pastor. Rev. Thomas Snell of North Brookfield, he was ordained
and installed as pastor of the Congregational church in Vassal-
boro. Me., August 26, 18 18. He retained this pastorate until
1834, having charge, also, of the churches in \\"inslow and Clin-
ton — now Benton Falls. During the year following he was
agent of the Maine Temperance Society and resided in Hallowell.
From that time until May 31, 1838 he was the minister of the
Waterville Congregational church, though not formally installed
as pastor until September 27, 1836. After leaving Waterville,
he for three years edited the i\Iaine Temperance Gazette, pub-
lished first in Augusta and afterward in Portland. He was agent
442 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
for the American Tract Society, i843-'46. He preached the next
ten years in Ohio, the first in Hampden, the other nine in Thomp-
son. After four years' service as agent of the Congregational
Board of PubHcation he returned to Maine, served the Pittston
Congregational church as pastor one year (i863-'64), removed
then to Vassalboro and served as pastor four years, when he
retired from the pastorate, but continued to reside in Vassalboro
until 1 87 1, spent the next nine months in Waterville and then
removed to Winslow where he resided until his death. He was
three times married and survived his third wife (Catherine L.
daughter of Caleb Lyman of North Brookfield) eleven years.
He had three sons, of whom one survived him (Edward F., of
San Francisco) and one daughter, Sarah B., who at the Kenne-
bec Conference in Waterville in 1894, read an extremely interest-
ing paper entitled "Reminiscences of the Churches and Pastors
of Kennebec County" which was published in pamphlet form.
The well merited degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by
Dartmouth College, his alnia Jiiafcr. He was held in profound
esteem wherever he was known and throughout all this region
his name is honored and his memory cherished. His daughter
says (Reminiscences p. 15) : "He was buried on his eighty-ninth
birthday and rests in the little cemetery on the hill, where he
always wished to be placed, with those- who had gone before.
No more fitting memorial could have been raised for him than
the little chapel which has been placed in Vassalboro by the gifts
of so many of his friends, and none that would have been so
acceptable to him.''
Rez'. Wilbur Fiske Berry, son of Nicholas and Hope S.
(Clarke) Berry of Camden, Ale., was born in Camden, November
24, 1 85 1. After leaving the public schools he studied in Maine
Wesleyan Seminary, and in Wesleyan University, Middletown,
Conn. He has been pastor of Methodist churches in South
Standish, Woodfords, Saco, Lewiston, Farmington, Waterville,
(all in Maine), covering the years iHjS-'qc).
Some of these, at least, are churches to which only men of the
highest rank and ability are appointed and which can be suc-
cessfully served only by such men. In these pastorates he has
fully met all demands made upon him. He was elected as secre-
tary of "The Christian Civic League of Maine" in the spring of
HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE. 443
1899, entered upon the work May ist, and by lectures through-
out the State, by promoting the formation and maintenance of
local leagues, by editing The Christian Civic League Record, and
by efficient personal influence has rendered the cause important
service. For fourteen years he has been secretary of the Maine
Annual Conference, and in 1892 was delegate to the Methodist
Episcopal General Conference. On the i6th of July, 1878, he
married Miss Livonia S. French of Solon, Maine. His children
are Josie May, Lillian Eunice, Mary Eleanor, Emma Louise,
Nicholas Luther, and William French. In 1902 he was elected
president of the Maine Wesleyan Seminary at Kent's Hill and
removed to that place.
Rev. Henry S. Bnrrage was born in Fitchburg, Mass., Jan. 7,
1837. His parents resided later at Cambridge, Mass., Leomin-
ster, Mass, and Roxbury, Mass. While in Roxbury, he attended
the Chauncey Hall school, Boston. Afterward fitted for college
at Pierce Academy, Middleboro, Mass. Entered Brown Univer-
sity in 1857, and in 1861 was graduated, and entered the Newton
Theological Institution. In 1862 he enlisted as a privatejn the
36th Mass. Vol. Infantry, served in this regiment as sergeant,
second lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain, served also as act-
ing assistant adjutant-general on the staff of Gen. Custer, ist
Brig. 2nd Div. 9th Army Corps, w^as made a major by brevet.
Returned to Newton at the close of the war and completed his
studies, graduating with the class of 1867. W^ent to Germany
for the purpose of further study. After his return
he became pastor of the Baptist church in Water-
ville, Maine. Since January i, 1870, he has been editor
of Zion's Advocate, Portland, Maine. In 1883, he re-
received the degree of D. D. from Brown University, was
made a trustee of Brown University in 1889, and in 1901 he
was transferred to its Board of Fellows, has been a trustee of
both Colby College and Newton Theological Institution since
1881. He is the author of "Brown University in the Civil W^ar,"
''The Anabaptists of Switzerland," ''Baptist Hymn Writers and
Their Hymns,'' "History of the Baptists of New England," and
various other works. Also of numerous historical and religious
papers. For more than twenty-five years he has been recording
secretary of the Maine Baptist Missionary Convention and of the
444 HISTORY 01^ WATERVILLE.
American Baptist Missionary Union, is recorder of the Maine
Commandery of the MiHtary Order of the Loyal Legion of the
United States, secretary of the Society of Colonial Wars in the
State of Maine, secretary of the Maine Society of the Sons of the
American Revolution, and chairman of the standing committee
of the Maine Historical Society. He married (first) Caroline
Champlin, only daughter of Rev. Dr. J. T. Champlin and (sec-
ond) Ernestine Marie Giddings, daughter of Mr. Moses Gid-
dings of Bangor. There are two children by his first wife,
Champlin and Thomas Jayne, and two by his second wife, Mil-
dred Giddings and Madeleine.
Father Narcisse Charland was born August lo, 1848, in Rich-
mond, Richmond Co., Province of Quebec. He began his school
life in the common schools of his birthplace; continued it in
St. Francis College and Nicolet College (both in Nicolet,
P. O.) : and completed it in Grand Seminary (Theological) at
Three Rivers, P. O. He received from the Arts College on
graduation the degree of B. A. and from the Theological on grad-
uating from it the degree of B. D. He is the author of a pam-
phlet entitled 'Xadies of St. Anne." The history of the Catholic
church in this place is largely a biography of Father Charland
and the reader is referred for further information to the chapter
on the churches in Waterville.^
Rei'. Syh'anus Cobb, D. D., widely known in his last years as
"'Father Cobb," was born at Norway, Maine, in 1799, and was
ordained to the Universal ist ministry with a Mr. Frost and Wm.
A. Drew, at a meeting of the Eastern Association of Unitersal-
ists, holden in Winthrop in 1821, and at once began his ministry
in Waterville (see hist, of the church). While here he preached
in West Waterville and neighboring towns about one half the
time and completed a course of doctrinal lectures (published as
Cobb's Compound of Divinity) which was widely read and
influential. Leaving Waterville he lived until his death (Oct.
31, 1866,) in Boston and vicinity. He was the author of a
''Commentary on the New Testament." He had editorial charge
of various denominational papers and magazines and wrote
1. The Sillery Mission at which the Catholic refugees from the Kennebec gath-
ered was flnallj- moved to the opposite side of the St. Lawrence, a few miles up
the Chaudiere, and called "The Mission of St. Francis de Sales." Very appropri-
ately therefore does the Catholic church in Waterville bear this name.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 445
largely for the periodical press. Tufts College conferred upon
him the honorary degree of D. D. in recognition of his scholarship
and distinguished services.
Rev. Albert D. Dodge, son of Alvin and Emily (Boyd) Dodge,
was born Jan. ii, 1859, in ]\Ionroe, Waldo Co. ; fitted for college
in Maine Central Institute ; was graduated from the Theological
department of Bates College in 1886; has been pastor of Free
Baptist churches in Cape Elizabeth i856-'58 ; Clinton Village
i888-'93; Amesbury, Mass. i893-'99 Waterville, Me. (society
and church successively) 1899 to the present time. In securing
additions to the membership and material equipment of churches
served he has been successful s^'gna'-y "=^0 m Amesbury, ?xlass.
He married Miss Helen Eugenia Lamb Dec. 31, 1881 ; has one
child, William L. ; and resides in Waterville at No. 3, High
street.
Rev. Albert Teele Dunn, D. D. was born in Fairfax, Vt., I\Iay
6, 1850, the son of Rev. Lewis A. and Lucy (Teele) Dunn. He
was graduated at the New Hampton Institution, Fairfax, Yt.,
Colgate University, Hamilton, N. Y., in the class of 1873 and
Newton Theological Institution in 1878. He was ordained
as pastor of the Baptist church at East Poultney, Vt.,
July 30, 1873. After important pastorates at Stoughton St.
church, Boston, and at the Free St., Portland, he became corres-
ponding secretary of the ]Maine Baptist ^Missionary Convention,
and removed to Waterville in Nov. 1889. Dr. Dunn was mar-
ried June 24, 1873, to Gertrude A. Cottrell, and after her death to
Elizabeth F. Walker of Boston, July 30, 1884. They have two
sons, Lewis Walker and Fred Ballentyne. In addition to the
important denominational work for which he is responsible. Dr.
Dunn has been prominently identified with the Interdenomina-
tional Commission, the Alaine Sunday School Association and is
president of the ^.laine Bible Society. He is a member of the
First Bapt. church and of the Masonic order.
Rev. Calvin Gardner was born in Hingham, ]Mass., x\ug. 29,
1798, and was a son of Samuel and Chloe (Whiton) Gardner.
He attended the public schools in Hingham, became first a
mechanic and later, in 1825, entered the Universalist ministry.
He was ordained as pastor of the Charlestown, Mass., Universal-
ist church June 22; April 11, 1827, became pastor of a church in
44^ HISTORY OF WATKRVILLE.
Duxbury, Mass., and in 1830 came to Waterville with his family
and was pastor of the Universahst society until 1853. He then
went to Provincetown, Mass., for two years. In 1855 he
returned to Waterville not, however, as pastor. He made this
his home until his death, which occurred March 26, 1865, preach-
ing as opportunity offered and caring for his land. A large num-
ber of his sermons were published in the denominational papers
and one in pamphlet form. For a few years he was associate
editor of The Gospel Banner. In 1841, on leave of absence
granted by his church, he spent a few months of the summer and
early autumn in trying to raise $50,000 to establish and endow a
theological seminary to be located on what is now the site of Tufts
College. The encouragement did not w^arrant a continuance of
the eft'ort. His first wife was Mary, daughter of Percy and
Mary (Bowker) Whiting of Hingham, Mass., who died sud-
denly Sept. 2, 1832, in Lowell, ]\Iass., in the 31st year of her age;
his second wdfe, Julia Ann Hasty of Waterville, died in 1891.
His children were, by his first wife, Mary Whiting, who married
William Graham Cutler of Dexter, and died in Chicago; by his
second wife, Ann Estella, who married Franklin Smith and died
April 19, 1901, in Waterville.
Rev. Edward Hawes, D. D. began his public life as pastor of
the Waterville Congregational church. His extraordinary suc-
cess in this position (see sketch of the church's history) would
alone entitle him to a special notice in this chapter, but that suc-
cess was only an earnest of that which has attended him to this
day. He perhaps brought with him by inheritance from his
father. Rev. Josiah Taylor Hawes, an honored Congregational
minister and pastor, a hereditary bias toward the profession for
which certainly the home influences were constantly preparing
him even before his own adoption of it by a final choice. He was
born in Topsham, Maine, midway between Auburn, where he
fitted for college in the Academy and Brunswick, where he took
his college course in Bowdoin, graduating in 1855. To the
degree of A. B. then given him in course was added by his alma
mater in 1884 the honorary degree of D. D. From Bowdoin he
went to Bangor Theological Seminary where he was graduated
in 1858 and at once came to the Waterville church as pastor.
Called to the Central Congregational church in Philadelphia,
HISTORY OF \\\\THRVILLE. 447
Pa., in 1864, he won for himself and the church a most honorable
recognition from the Presbyterian brotherhood which until then
had not been over cordial to the weak Congregationalism of that
city. His subsequent pastorates have been in New Haven,
Conn., and in Burlington, Vt. He now resides in Hartford,
Conn., and is the secretary of the Congregational Relief Fund.
Roszcell Dzvight Hitchcock, D. D., LL. D. although not strictly
one of the pastors of the W'aterville Congregational church yet
for one year iS44-'45) supplied its pulpit. Born in East
Machias, Maine, Aug. 15, 181 7, he entered the sophomore class
in Amherst College in 1833, was graduated in 1836 and after one
year as principal of Jafifrey (N. H.) Academy, and two years of
theological study, he served as tutor three years in Amherst
College (i839-'42). He spent the next two years as resident
licentiate at x\ndover Theological Seminary whence he came
directly to Waterville. Ordained and installed as pastor of the
First Congregational church in Exeter, N. H., Nov. 19, 1845, ^~'^
remained there until 1852, though absent for study in Halle and
Berlin one year (i847-'48) of his pastorate. During i852-'55 he
was Collins Professor of Natural and Revealed Religion in Bow-
doin College, and from 1855 until his death (June 16, 1887) was
connected with Union Theological Seminary as Washburn Pro-
fessor of Church History, and also, from 1880, as president. He
received from Bowdoin in 1855 the degree of D. D. and from
Williams the degree of LL. D. in 1873. He contributed many
articles, mostly on church history, to the Presbyterian Quarterly
and to the American Theological Review, being from 1863 to
1870 one of its assistant editors. He published numerous essays,
orations, addresses and sermons, also "The Life, Character and
Writings of Edward Robinson," (1836) and "A Complete
Analysis of the Bible," (1869). He edited (with Drs. Eddy
and Schaft) "Hymns and Songs of Praise," and "Hymns and
Songs for Social and Sabbath Worship."
Rev. Ammi S. Ladd, D. D. was born in Phillips, Ale., June 17,
1835, is a graduate of Kent's Hill Seminary, in 1873 received
from Colby University the honorary degree of A, M., has been
the successful pastor of Alethodist churches in Waterville, Bath,
Bangor, Biddeford and Portland, and holds the office of presid-
ing elder. He is now living with his third wife, Helen M.
44^ HISTORY OF wati;rvillk.
(Osgood) Ladd and has two children, Lydia and Annie. His
residence is Brunswick, Maine.
' Rev. Albert A. Lewis, son of Ammon Lewis, was born in
Orono, Me., June 15, 1853. He prepared for college in the
Orono High School, and in 1876 was graduated from the Univer-
sity of Maine with the degree of B. S. He has been the pastor
of Methodist churches in the following towns of this State : Sebec,
Houlton, Winterport, Brewer, Bath, Saco, Gardiner and Water-
ville and is still pastor of the Waterville church. He has also
filled the offices of teacher and superintendent of public schools.
He married Miss Eva A. Baker of Orrington, Me., April 24,
1878, and has one child, Leon G.
Rev. Henry Codman Leonard, son of Samuel and Cynthia
(Claggett) Leonard, was born April 25, i8t8, in Northwood, N.
H. ; studied theology with Rev. Henry Bacon in Haverhill in
i838-'40; was ordained in Salem, Mass., July 21, 1841 ; was pas-
tor at Rockland, Me., 1842-46; at Orono, Me., i847-'54; at
Waterville, Me., i847-'54 ; served as chaplain first of Third Regt.
Me. Vol. Infantry; second of First Me. Heavy Artillery, 1861-
'64; resided in Albany, N. Y., i865-'68; in Philadelphia, Pa.,
i869-'7i ; in Pigeon Cove, Mass., 1872 to his death, March 7,
1880. For the two years, i873-'74, however, he was at Deering,
Me., as professor of English Literature in Westbrook Seminary.
While at Pigeon Cove he supplied regularly the pulpit of the An-
nisquam church, Gloucester, until his health failed in 1879. He
wrote two books, the first '*A Sheaf from a Pastor's Field/' Bos-
ton, 1856, 12 mo. pp 384; the second, ''Pigeon Cove and Vicin-
ity," Boston, 1873, 16 mo. pp viii, 193. For a time in i860 he
was editor of The Gospel Banner. He had fine poetic gifts and
contributed to The Knickerbocker Magazine ; The National Era ;
and The Universalist Ladies' Repository. He married, Sept. 14,
1845.. Miss Adelia D. Norwood of Pigeon Cove, JNIass., who bore
to him two daughters. He was at once amiable and able,
respected and loved.
George Dickson Lindsay, the son of John and Mary Lindsay,
was born in Portadown, County Armagh, Ireland. He
was educated in the Methodist Connexional School^ and
the Methodist College, in Dublin and in part by private
tutors. He early showed rare business talent and secured
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 449
in a wholesale tea-store a splendid position. It was his
purpose to give his life to business and the prospect of
success was flattering. Converted at the age of 21, he soon felt
himself urgently called of God to the gospel ministr}^ and at
once gave himself with characteristic energy and singleness of
aim to preparation for this work. Coming early to this country
and to this State his rare gifts and noble character were speedily
recognized. He was appointed to the pastorate of the most
important churches in his conference and in each appointment
save the last, which was cut short by his final sickness, his pastor-
ates were limited in time only by the rules of the denomination.
He was a clear, strong, instructive and inspiring preacher, a
laboriously faithful pastor, a public spirited citizen, and a wise,
practical business manager. He at one time or another held
every office of trust in the gift of his conference except that of
presiding elder, which he declined to accept, belonged to the
Free Alasons and Odd Fellows fraternities, was chaplain of the
Grand lodge of the Free Masons, was president of the Maine
Chautauqua Union, and gave many lectures on various topics
throughout ATaine and occasionally elsewhere. He died in
Waterville, Oct. 25, 1901, leaving a widow and four children.
Rei'. Edward Lester Marsh, the present pastor of the Con-
gregational church in Waterville, was born in Leicester, Mass.,
May 19, 1865. His parents (George E. and Mandana E.
Marsh) heartily encouraged and cooperated with him in his pre-
paration for his life work. He completed his preparation
for college in his native town, graduating from Leices-
ter Academy in 1884. He took his college course in Amherst,
receiving the degree of A. B. in 1888 ; completed the Yale
Divinity School course in 1891 (B. D.) and during the year fol-
lowing was a graduate student in Andover Theological Seminary.
He has completed, as yet. only one pastorate, that of the Congre-
gational church in Yarmouth, ]\Iass., where he was ordained in
1892. He resigned the Yarmouth pastorate in 1897 and at once
accepted his present position. He has identified himself sym-
pathetically and helpfully with all that makes for the city's wel-
fare but without loss of devotion to the interests of his own
church and society and the wader interests of his denomination
throughout the State. He married on the 28th of November,
29
450 HISTORY OF WAT^RVILLE.
1893, ^iiss Mary Eliza Jenkins, and has two children, Elizabeth
White and Mandana. His residence is 9 Park Street.
Rev. George Bruce Nicholson, son of Orland H. and Carrie O.
Nicholson was born in Boston, Mass., 1862 He attended the
Boston public schools, afterward preparing for college at the
Academy at Graceville, N. Y. After graduating from that insti-
tution, he returned to Boston, where he was engaged in business
for more than ten years during which time he was married to
Adelaide Smith, also of Boston. In 1885, he became conscious
of a vocation to the Sacred Ministry, and offered himself to
Bishop Neely of Maine as a candidate for Holy Orders. He pur-
sued theological studies under direction of designated priests in
Boston, and after passing Canonical examinations was ordained
by Bishop Neely, as deacon in Dec. 1891, and priest in Sept. 1893.
He served seven years in Aroostook county, with residence at
Fort Fairfield, was dean of the Convocation of Aroostook from
its inception until he removed from the county, and was superin-
tendent of the Fort Fairfield public schools during the last four
years of residence there. He has been rector of St. Mark's
Waterville, since Nov. 1899.
^ George Dana Boardman Pepper, D. D., LL. D., was born in
Ware, Mass., Feb. 5, 1833, the son of John and Eunice (Hutch-
inson) Pepper. He was educated in Williston Seminary, East-
hampton, Mass., at Amherst College where he was graduated in
1857, and at Newton Theological Institution, finishing the full
course in i860. He was ordained as pastor of the First Baptist
church of W^aterville, Sept. 6, i860. The same year he was
married to Miss Annie Grassie of Bolton, Mass. After an able
and successful pastorate in Waterville covering the period of the
Civil War, Mr. Pepper resigned in 1865 to become Prof, of Eccles-
iastical History at Newton Theological Institution. He remained
until 1868 when he became Prof, of Systematic Theology at Cro-
zer Theological Seminary which position he acceptably and hon-
orably filled for fifteen years. In 18S2 he became President of
Colby and Prof, of Moral and Intellectual Philosophy. During
the years of his presidency he was revered for his character and
ability and loved for his kindliness of heart. From '90 to '92 he
1 . Sketcli written by E . C . W .
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 45 1
was acting pastor of the Saco Baptist church ; in the latter year
he returned to Waterville as Prof, of BibHcal Literature at Colby,
holding the position until 1900. These are the mere outlines of
a career as educator which has been remarkably and widely influ-
ential and useful. Dr. Pepper has published "Outlines of System-
atic Theology," also sermons and addresses and a very large
number of essays and reviews in the leading magazines. His
writing has been mostly on theological and ethical lines. He
contributes to this volume the chapter on the churches of Water-
ville, also biographical sketches of the ministers of the city. Dr.
Pepper received the degree of D. D. from Colby in 1867 and from
Amherst in 1882. From Lewisburg University he received the
degree of LL.D. in 1882 and from Colby the same degree in 1890.
The children of Dr. and Mrs. Pepper are Charles Hovey, the
artist, of Concord, ]\Iass., Jessie Elizabeth, wife of Prof. F. W.
Padeiford of the University of Washington, and Annie Hutchin-
son, wife of Prof. Everett W. Varney of Philadelphia.
Rev. Arthur G. Pettengill, son of Elisha and Elizabeth J. C.
(Eaton) Pettengill, was born in Brewer, Me., Oct. 30, 1858. He
is a graduate of the Brewer High school, of Bowdoin College and
of Yale Divinity School in which he also took one year of gradu-
ate work (i887-'88). From the college he received the degree
of A. B. and from the Divinity School that of B. D. He has had
pastorates in Warren, Me., 2nd Cong, ch., i885-'87, in St. Cloud,
Minn., ist Cong. ch. i889-'90, Hyde Park, Mass., Unit. Soc,
i895-'99, and in Waterville, jMe., 1900 to the present. He is a
member of the Masonic fraternity. On the 30th of June, 1896,
he married Miss Bertha F. Capen by whom he has three child-
ren, Miriam, Rodney G. and Richard E. His residence is on
Dalton Street.
ReiL /. Frank Rhoades is a son of Rev. Jabez and Mary A.
(Mills) Rhoades, and was born in Auburn, N. Y. He prepared
for college in the Auburn schools and was graduated from the
Iowa Central University. He began his public life as a teacher.
For several years he owned and managed Versailles Academy,
Versailles, Mo., and for some years with his wife as assistant
teacher, had charge of Geneva Academy, Geneva, Kan. He
served in the Civil War as surgeon's steward on board the gun-
boat Gammage No. 60, Miss. Squadron, and has been pastor of
452 HISTORY o? wati:rvill^.
the following Universalist churches : Seneca, Kan., Blue Island,
(Chicago) 111,, Barre, Vl., Bellows Falls, Vt., Biddeford, Fair-
field and Waterville, Me. In 1863 he married Miss Elvira L.
Keith of White Rock, 111., and has one child, Mrs. Louise
Carlossa (Rhoades) Purnelle.
Rev. Josiah Lafayette Sezvard, S. T. D., son of David and
Arvilla (Mathews) Seward, was born in Sullivan, N. H., April
17, 1845. He was graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in
1864 ; from Harvard University with degree of A. B. in 1868,
taking the degree of A. M. in 187 1 ; from Harvard Divinity
School with degree of S. T. B. in 1874, receiving in 1898 from
Colby University the degree of S. T. D. ; was ordained as pastor
over the Unitarian church and society of Lowell, Mass., Dec. 31,
1874; and was pastor of the First L^nit. Soc. and church in
Waterville, Me., Aug. i, t888-Nov. 5. 1893; of Unity church,
Boston, Mass. (Allston District) i893-'99, since which time he
has been engaged in teaching and literary work. He has done
valuable work as a director of Lowell's City Library and of the
School Board of Waterville ; has written reports and articles for
periodicals, and is now writing "A History of Sullivan, N. H., to
Its 20th Century." He has never married and his present resi-
dence is 47 Emerald street, Keene, N. H.
Rev. Benjamin Franklin Shazv, D. D., son of Josiah and
Tabitha (Watson) Shaw, was born in Gorham, Me., Oct. 26,
1814. He entered Waterville College in 1833, a member of the
class of 1837. In consequence of some class difficulty with the
faculty, several left for other colleges. Young Shaw went to
Dartmouth and was graduated from that college in 1837 but was
afterward enrolled amoup- the graduates of Waterville College,
so that his name stands with the class of 1837 in Colby's General
Catalogue. I'his college also honored him with the honorary
degrees of A. M. in 1871 and of D. D. in 1872. In 1870 he was
made a member of its board of trustees and retained his place on
the board until his death. He studied theology one year in the
Newton Theological Institution, i839-'40, and was ordained to
the gospel ministry in 1843. He was the pastor of Baptist
churches successively (and always successfully) in China, Liberty,
Thomaston, Waterville, Dexter and Skowhegan, all in Maine,
served a period as missionary of the Maine Baptist Convention,,
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 453
and in this relation often also as occasional or permanent supply
in other churches did much valuable work. He loved his own
State and refused flattering calls to important churches elsewhere,
He loved especially to work among the smaller churches though
having ample power to serve the larger. Dr. Shaw became pastor
of the First Baptist church in Waterville in 1867 ^^^ after that
until his death (Feb. 23, 1897,) resided here. The last years
were years of a painful sickness, but of unimpaired strength of
mind. He married Miss IMary J. Pratt about 1841. Their
children are Ellen O. now jNIrs. George F. Hunt of Newton,
Mass, Maria, now 'Sirs. Frank A. Washbume of Thomaston,
Me., Addie F., who was the wife of F. B. Philbrick, and Frank
Kingsbery, now judge of the Waterville Municipal court.
David Neivton Sheldon was born June 26, 1807, at Suflield,
Conn., the son of David and Elizabeth (Hall) Sheldon. He was
fitted for college at Westfield, ^lass., entered Williams College
in the sophomore class, and graduated in 1830 with the valedic-
tory oration. He w^as a tutor one year at Williams College,
1 83 1 -'32. He studied theolog}^ at Newton Theological Institu-
tion, i832-'35, graduating in 1835 ^^*^ being ordained as a Bap-
tist minister the same year. He was married in Chelsea, ]\Iass.;
Oct. 15, 1835, to Rachel Hobart Ripley, who was born in Boston
and came of early colonial and Huguenot ancestry. She was a
daughter of John and Jane (^[olineux) Ripley. Oct. 25, 1835,
they sailed for France, where he was a Baptist missionary, most
of the time in Paris, but for about six months of 1839 in Donai.
They returned to this country in the latter part of 1839. He
was pastor of the Granville St., Baptist church, Halifax, N. S.,
from May 16, 1840, to Nov. 5, 1841, and came to Waterville,
Maine, Alay 14, 1S42, and was pastor of the Baptist church one
year, meanwhile giving instruction in French in the college.
From 1843 to 1853 he was president of Waterville College and
Professor of Intellectual and Moral Philosophy ; received the
degree of D. D. from Brown University in 1847, and was a mem-
ber of the board of trustees, of Waterville College, 1853- 1889.
In 1853 he removed with his family to Bath, ]Maine,
where he was for about three years pastor of the
Baptist church. He then became pastor of the Uni-
tarian church in Bath, and in 1862 returned to Water-
454 HISTORY OF WATERVILLK.
ville, where he was pastor of the First Unitarian Society until
1878. He died in Waterville, Oct. 4, 1889. His wife survived
him until 1896. He left also five children, Jane Ripley, the old-
est, who died in England in 1898, Henry Newton, Orlando Wil-
bur, Chauncey Cooley, Edward Stevens. Four other children
died in childhood. During his life he published occasional ser-
mons and was a contributor to the Christian Review. In 1856
was published a volume under the title "Sin and Redemption,"^
containing twelve of his sermons and also an address on Moral
Freedom delivered in 1855 before the literary societies of Water-
ville College. He was much interested in the schools of W^ater-
ville, and as a member of the school committee was actively con-
cerned in their improvement.
Rev. Joseph Oherlin Skinner, son of David and Abigail Skin-
ner, was born in Piermont, N. H., Feb. 18, 1816; received a com-
mon school education : taught school i832-'33 ; was employed in
a Lowell, Mass., cotton mill, i834-'35 ; studied theology under
Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, D. D., at Maiden, Mass, i836-'37; was
ordained at Salem, N. H., Aug. 31, 1837: was pastor of Univer-
salist churches as follows: in Holliston, Mass., i837-'4o; Fram-
ingham, Mass., 1840- '44; Dudley, ]\Iass., i844-'46; Concord,
Mass., 1846- '48; Ludlow, Vt., i848-'5o; Chester, Vt., i85o-'53;
Rockland, Me., i853-'59; Nashua, N. H., i859-'62; St. Albans,
Vt., i863-'65; Malone, N. Y., i865-'67; East Montpelier, Vt.,
i867-'69; Waterville, Me., i869-'73. He continued to reside at
Waterville, supplying at Vassalboro, Fairfield and Sidney, and
after an illness of 11 months died in Waterville, Jan. 12, 1879.
He was twice married, first in May, 1846, to Miss Maria T. Barn-
ard of Hartford, Conn., who died, Aug. 1852; second in June,
1854, to Miss Condace L. Fullam of Ludlow, Vt. He was a
Free Mason; wrote a ''History of the Masonic Lodge, Water-
ville," edited "The Universalist Year Book," i867-'78; was asso-
ciate editor of "Christian Reporter" and contributed to "Univer-
salist Quarterly." He left in ]\ISS much material for the history
of Waterville.
Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, D. D., was born in Boston, Oct.
21, 1808, and died in the same city, Nov. 16, 1895. The exact
1. New York, Sheldon; Lamport & Blakeman, Boston; Gould & Lincoln, Chica-
go; S.C.Griggs & Co.
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE:. 455
length of his hfe, therefore, was eighty-seven 3^ears and twenty-
five days. Fitting for college in the Boston Latin School, where
he won ''the Franklin ]\Iedal for primacy in scholarship," he went
directly to Harvard and was graduated at the age of twenty-one,
and thence to Andover Theological Seminary from which he
was graduated at the age of twenty-four. After a year of edi-
torial work in Boston he became pastor of the Baptist church in
Waterville and the Professor of ^Vlodern Languages in the col-
lege. Soon after his settlement in Waterville he was married to
Miss Alary White Smith who made bright and glad his remain-
ing years and still lives in the Newton Center home. After
eight years at Waterville, Dr. Smith moved to Newton Center,
Mass., to become pastor of the Baptist church in that place and to
edit "The Christian Review," a Baptist quarterly. He served as
editor seven years, as pastor twelve years and a half and for the
next fifteen years was "Editorial Secretary of the Missionary
Union," but continued to preach, usually as stated supply of some
neighboring church. He loved to preach and till his death was
often in the pulpit. Fittingly his death in Boston came suddenly
while on his way to supply a pulpit. During his thirty-six years
of public life and indeed to the end, he was a diligent student.
Ever receiving, he also, as author, was ever giving. Fugitive
pieces in the daily and w^eekly press ; quarterly review articles ;
translations from German, French and Swedish writers ; books
historical, biographical and poetical, — these are worthy products
of an ever busy, fruitful and able pen. As a writer of our
National hymn and of hymns of Christian worship, he is best
known. His missionary hym.n, "The ]\lorning Light is Break-
ing," is one of many widely known and much loved and sung.
His hymns, in part, have been translated into foreign languages
and when in his old age he visited the missionary stations of
India and Burmah he heard them sung by the native Christians
in their own languages. His last published volume was "Poems
of Home and Country," and Prof. Alvah Hovey, D. D., in an
unpublished memorial address, says of this volume that all who
read it "must have been surprised and gratified by the revelations
which it makes of his affectionate devotion to wife and children,"
an affection and devotion fully reciprocated. One of his child-
ren, President Daniel A. W. Smith, D. D., of Burmah is one of
45^ HISTORY OF WATERVILLE).
the most distinguished of the missionaries of the Baptist denomi-
nation.
Rev. Williom H. Spencer, D. D., son of David H. and Mary A.
Spencer, was born in Knox, N. Y., Sep. 2, 1838 ; began his college
course in Aladison University, Hamilton, N. Y., but left to serve
in the Union army ; completed his college course at Brown Uni-
versity which gave him then the degree of A. B. and afterwards
(1890) the honorary degree of D. D. ; was graduated from New-
ton Theological Seminary, Newton, Mass., in 1869, and ordained
as pastor of the Baptist church, Foxboro, Mass., the same year;
remained there as pastor until April, 1879, when he became pas-
tor of the First Baptist church, Waterville, Me. ; served this
church with rare wisdom, ability and success until Feb., 1899,
when he resigned his pastorate to accept that of the Bethany Bap-
tist Church, Skowhegan, which he still retains. Leaving his
studies in Hamilton, N. Y., for the service of his country, he
enlisted in 6Tst N. Y. Vols, and became successively 2nd lieut,
1st lieur., captain and major; lost a leg on the battlefield; suf-
fered as a prisoner of war ; and has continued to the present his
patriotic services by orations, addresses and papers pre-
pared for army reunions, Decoration Days and other
special occasions. On the 12th of October, 1869, he
married Miss Mary E. Stevens, daughter of the late
Rev. Edw. A. Stevens, D. D., long an eminent Baptist
missionary in Burmah, and sister of Rev. Edw. O. Stevens, D. D.,
well known in Waterville and now returned to Burmah to con-
tinue his missionary services. He has two children, Charles
Worthen, now Professor of History in Colgate University, and
Henry Russell. His residence is Skowhegan, ^le.
Rez'. Bdzvin Carey Whitteuwre, son of Isaac and Elizabeth
(Hatch) Whittemore, was born in Dexter, ]\Ie., Apr. 29, 1858.
He prepared for college in the Dexter High School and Coburn
Classical Institute; graduated from C. C. I. in 1875; from Colby
University in 1879 and from Newton Theological Institution in
1882. Ordained as pastor of the Baptist church in New Boston,
N. H., in 1882, he was pastor of that church two years and has
since been the pastor of Baptist churches in Auburn, Me., (1884-
'89) and in Damariscotta (i889-'99). Since 1899 ^^ ^'^^^ been
pastor of the First Baptist church of Waterville. He is author
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE. 457
of "History of Damariscotta Association," "History of First Bap-
tist Church of Nobleboro," "Seventy-five years of the Maine Bap-
tist Missionary Convention," etc., is chairman of the editorial
board of the Centennial History of Waterville, and furnishes for
the Centennial Historical volume the chapter on the general his-
tory of Waterville, this being the historical address delivered at
the centennial celebration. His constant advance in pulpit ability
and pastoral efficiency and his valuable services to the denomina-
tional interests of the State as a member of the permanent commit-
tee of the Maine Baptist Convention, and in other ways have given
him rank among the foremost Baptist ministers of Maine. On the
25th of July, 1879, he married Miss Ida ]\Iacomber, by whom he
has one child, Bertha Carey, who is a member of the class of
1904, Colby College. ]Mr. Whittemore is a member of the
American Historical Association and of the American Academy
of Political and Social vScience.
Memorial of NafJianiel Milton Wood zi-'ith scnnons, edited by
Nathaniel Butler, Lewiston, Me., Geo. A. Callahan, printer, 1877.
In this octavo volume of 14-2 pages are contained the "Memorial
Address" by the editor (father of ex-president Butler) and seven
sermons of Dr. Wood, selected by the editor. The address is an
accurate statement of the principal facts of Dr. Wood's life, and
a sympathetic and just estimate of his ability, character and work.
To this volume the reader of this notice is referred for a satis-
factory knowledge of this able man and minister. He was born
in Camden, ^le., in 1822. When nearly twenty years of age
his father, Ephriam Wood, who was engaged in extensive mer-
cantile and commercial pursuits, allowed him to choose whether
to take his share in the patrimony for use in a like business or for
classical study. He chose the latter and entered Waterville Col-
lege in 1840, and was graduated with honor in 1844. In his
junior year he experienced a radical change of religious life and
in 1843 ^vas baptised into the Camden Baptist church. After a
year in Mississippi, he returned to Covington, Ky., where for a
year and a half he studied theology under Dr. R. E. Pattison, pre-
viously president of Waterville College, and then president of the
Western Baptist Theological Instituce. In 1848 he became pastor
of the Bloomfield (now Skowhegan) Baptist church. His subse-
quent pastorates, all of them like his first, characterized by sig-
45^ HISTORY OI' WATKRVILLD.
nal power and friiitfulness, were in Waterville, Lewiston and
Thomaston, in Maine, and in Upper Alton, 111. In the latter
place he filled the chair of Systematic Theology in Shurtleff
College For six years he was a member of the board of trustees
of the college. He resigned his professorship and returned east
in 1874. He resided in Boston and supplied churches occasion-
ally until April, 1876. His health had now failed and in July
following he returned to Camden to end his earthly life where
he began it. He married Miss Caroline L. Bray, by whom he
had three daughters, Marie E., Carrie Ella and Annie P.
DOCTOR MOSES APPLETON.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE ^lEDICAL PROFESSION.
By Frederick Charles Thayer, ^I. D.
For many years the profession of medicine divided with law
and divinity the title of learned. It has always been, is now, and
must ever continue to be both useful and honorable. It demands
in the exercise of its duties altogether as much of brain and heart
as any of life's great callings. In this and in every other civi-
lized country medicine is so closely connected with the social and
sanitary condition of the people upon the one hand, and with the
status of education and general science on the other, that its pro-
gress in the past, its position at the present, and the possibilities
of its future render it a most interesting subject for study and
contemplation.
From the time when someone discovered that a broken limb
laid straight and retained in that position was more comfortable
and gave better results than one left without such care, the medi-
cal man has been an important factor in the community. Up
from the very dawn of history through myth, fable and tradition,
through ill defined experiences, tinged with ignorance and super-
stition, medicine has advanced from its small beginnings to
become a recognized science, and the doctor has in every age
constantly and unselfishly devoted himself in so far as he was
able to the well-being of the people under his care.
A history of the medical profession of Waterville during its
first century of corporate life would necessarily be to a great
extent a review of medical progress for the Nineteenth Century.
However much of interest and instruction might obtain from such
a review it would obviously be out of place and require too much
460 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Space to recount the wonderful achievements which as a science
and an art it has recorded since the year 1802.
It requires no proof for it is a truism, that scientific medicine
owes more to the discoveries made during this period than in all
the years of which history gives an account,
yVnesthetics and antisepsis have revolutionized the methods of
surgical practice making possible procedures otherwise unattain-
able, thus adding unnumbered years to human life, and reducing
human suffering to a minimum point not even dreamed of by the
most optimistic medical man of a century ago.
The realm of definite, practical, medical knowledge has been
vastly broadened by the recent progress in pathology, clinical
microscopy, and bacteriology which have made possible an under-
standing of the causation and history of diseased conditions, and,
correspondingly, modifications have taken place in the previously
existing views of their prevention and treatment, much to the
advantage of the profession and the betterment of the human
race.
The progressive march of medical science is the result of the
intelligent, constant, persistent, unselfish labor of the medical
man. No labor is too arduous, no investigation too difficult, no
duty too dangerous, to deter the practitioner of the healing art
from prosecuting his noble work. The pleasures of life, personal
comfort, health, yes, life itself, is as freely and heroically sacri-
ficed in the search for means of prevention and cure of disease as
has ever been done by the martyrs to religious faith or political
<
principle.
It is a curious and lamentable fact however, that while the
world seems ever ready to do kingly honors, to sing peans of
praise, and erect magnificent mausoleums to the memory of the
wholesale slayers of human life, those who have done so much
to preserve life and to bring health and comfort to the human
race receive but scant praise for all they have accomplished.
Giving no thought to personal honor or emolument, the profes-
sions continues to prosecute its humane work, knowing that a
duty well and nobly done is its own recompense.
From the time of Dr. John IMcKechnie to the present,
there have always been in Waterville members of the profession
who have stood preeminent for learning and professional skill,
HISTORY OF WATe:RVILLE. 461
their council and advice having been sought by physicians from
all the surrounding country. Not only have they been earnest
seekers after the fundamental truths of their profession, honest,
painstaking, and expert in the performance of their professional
duty, they have also been ever ready to lend their aid in every
good work. Indeed the medical men of Waterville are well
typified in the history of its first three physicians, Dr. John Mc-
Kechnie, Obadiah Williams and Moses Appleton. Besides
being educated and skilled in their profession, they have ever
been active and useful as citizens, possessed of practical judge-
ment, having a large share of good common sense, full of enter-
prise and public spirit, they have always been found at the fore
in all matters pertaining to the social, moral and business welfare
of the community.
The writer takes this opportunity to return his thanks to Mr.
Frank W. Alden for the very valuable assistance he has rendered
in accumulating and arranging the data for the following bio-
graphical sketches.
Dr. John McKechnie, an educated Scotch physician, came to
this country in 1755, settled in Winslow in 1771, and in 1775
moved to this side of the river. During the stay of Arnold's
army at Fort Halifax, Dr. McKechnie acted as their surgeon.
Besides attending to his medical duties he was an active civil
engineer and business man. j\Iany of his original surveys are
still extant. He was the father of thirteen children. He was
buried on the south side of Western Avenue on the high land just
west of Hayden brook where his son, Obadiah, and many other
early settlers were buried. This is believed to be the first burial
ground in Waterville.
Dr. Obadiah Williams was born in Antrim, N. H., March 21st,
1752. He participated in the battle of Bunker Hill and after-
wards served as surgeon in General Stark's regiment throughout
the revolution. Some time after the war he moved to Sidney
where he practiced his profession for a while, moving to Water-
ville in 1792. Here he married Hannah Clifford who bore him
seven children, five boys and two girls. Dr. Williams was a pub-
lic spirited man as well as a good physician and was held in high
esteem by the community. He gave the land for the first meet-
ing house, now the Common in front of the new City Hall. He
462 HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
built the firs* frame house in \\^aterville and it is still occupied.
He died in 1799. Both Dr. McKechnie and Dr. Williams died
as citizens of Winslow, Lincoln County, INIassachusetts, Water-
ville not then having been incorporated.
Dr. Moses Appleton was born in Ipswich, N. H., in 1783, came
to Waterville, then known as Ticonic village, of the town of
Winslow, Lincoln County, Massachusetts, in 1796. After hav-
ing completed his medical studies under Governor Brooks of
Aledford, INIass., where he received the degree of M. D. from the
Massachusetts Medical Society, he began the practice of medicine
here. He opened the first drug store in Waterville and was for
many years the most prominent physician of this section. He
was the first resident physician of the incorporated town of
Waterville. He died in 1849.
(Drs. McKechnie, Williams and Appleton are treated more
fully in the chapter of early settlers, where a more complete
sketch of their lives will be found.)
In 1807, Dr. Wright and Dr. Bigeloiv, practiced medicine here
for a short time only. It is to be regretted that no further
information can be discovered concerning them.
Dr. Daniel Cook was born in Kingston, Mass., July 29th, 1785,
graduated from Brown University in 1809. He studied medi-
cine in Boston, practicing there for a short time. He was an
assistant surgeon in the army during the war of 181 2, coming
to Waterville about that time, and associating himself with Dr.
Appleton. He quickly became identified with the place, was
made a director of the old Waterville Bank in 1814, in 1816, was
elected representative to the Massachusetts legislature. In 1820,
he built the 
TVNews
OpenLibrary