\ .*' "°o vc,' ^^: ^0 ^k^^^ "o V^ ■.-^S^: ^"vj .'i^^ c^- ; "^k^,-- /"^z^---?^^'/ yUy^rz^c^L^ HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK FROM ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT TO 1890. INCLUDING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES BY DANIEL REMICH. 4 CiTU^f Z Copyriglit, 1911, by Carrie E. Remich and Walter L Dane, Trustees. ©CI.A207-S80 PREFACE. The original plan of Mr. Remich in writing this History of Kennebunk was to take up the noteworthy events of our town after its separation from Wells in 1820, and so continue the History of Wells and Kennebunk by Edward E. Bourne ; but after due consid- eration of the subject it seemed essential to him to go back to its early settlement in. order that the reader might be able to trace the growth of the town, in sequence, since the days when the first white man landed upon our shores, thus necessarily covering much of the ground already gone over by Judge Bourne. He spared neither time nor money in gaining access to old records, deeds, files of papers, etc., to obtain the desired information and his remarkable memory served him well in many instances. He was always greatly interested in historical research and he devoted the most of his time the latter part of his life to this work ; it was purely a pastime with him, as he never expected to receive any reward for his labors other than the benefit which he might sometime be able to impart to others. Laboring under difficulties at times, he toiled on with his compilation, hoping to be able to bring it to a satisfactory conclusion. When he finally had a certain amount of material in hand he under- took to have it published, thinking that he could keep in advance of the publishers in putting it together properly, making any neces- sary alterations and filling in dates and various omissions that had occurred, but his disappointment was great to discover, after having carefully corrected the proof himself, that the company which he had engaged to do the printing had overlooked many of his directions and as a result the pages that were printed were so filled with errors that he became utterly discouraged and consequently withdrew it. Not long after his health began to fail so he did not make another attempt to have it published. It is greatly to be regretted that he was unable to accomplish his long cherished desire. Mr. Remich passed away the thirtieth of May, 1892. It was his wish that if his History of Kennebunk was found to be sufficiently completed for publication, that it be left to his executors to see that it was properly attended to ; accordingly, in due time, several chapters of the manu- script were passed over to one of the executors, Mr. E. P. Burnham, of Saco, but he was unable to give it the necessary attention so we were obliged to abandon the idea of expecting assistance in that direction. From time to time several further attempts were made to have the subject matter prepared for publication, but for various reasons they proved unsatisfactory, resulting in repeated delays. I had long felt that perhaps it was my duty to prepare my father's historical work for the press, so far as I had the ability, and had come to realize that I must at least make the endeavor; accord- ingly I turned to the original manuscript, casting all recent copies one side, rearranged and classified the chapters, cut out many repeti- tions, filled in dates and other omissions when they could be ascer- tained with certainty, made what corrections seemed necessary and supplied several chapters from addresses and various other of his writings, as was his intention to have done. It should be under- stood, however, that in making these corrections I have not assumed, in any case, to change the facts, but have ever kept in mind his request that nothing be added to or taken from the text. This has been an exceedingly laborious task, inasmuch as the manuscript had become thoroughly mixed, there being no expectation of having any further use for it after the copy was made, thus adding to the many difficulties that had previously arisen. I have also affixed an index in which I have essayed to make note of every item of importance as well as of persons and places mentioned in this volume. We are under obligations to Messrs. Albion and Harry T. Burbank, of Exeter, New Hampshire, for valuable assistance in correcting the proof. Now that we are to present this History of Kennebunk for dis- tribution, we desire to tender our sincere thanks to the citizens of the town who have borne so patiently with us for having unavoidably withheld this work from the public so long. Carrie E. Remich. December, 19 lo. CONTENTS. Part First. Chapter I. Preliminary. Chapter II. 1641-1660. — Early grants. — Early settlers. Chapter III. 1 660-1 674. — Boundary line between Wells and Cape Porpus (after- ward Arundel, now Kennebunkport) established. Chapter IV. 1669-1684. — The first mills erected in 1669. — The hardships of the builder. — His death. — His property held by mortgagees. — Their operations. Chapter V. 1680-1700. — Kennebunk River Mills, Mills at Mousam, Great Falls and Little River. — Coxhall. — Grants on or near Mousam, Ken- nebunk and Little Rivers. Chapter VI. 1 700-1 7 50. — The condition of the territory. — Proposed cession of a part of it to Coxhall. — The Larrabees. — Larrabee Village. Chapter VII. 1706-1750. — Wadleigh's Indian deed. — Great Falls and Village grants and mills. — Major Phillips' grant. — Kennebunk Mills. — The Kimball family. — Peabody family. Chapter VIII. The Proprietary. — Division of the "common and undivided lands." — Grants on and near Kennebunk River ; on and near Little River; on and near Rankin's and Alewive Brooks. — 17 19-1750. Chapter IX. 1720-1750. — Land grants on the Mousam River. — "Cat Mousam " Mills. — Saw-mills on Alewive Brook. Chapter X. Kennebunk as it was in 1750. Chapter XL Harriseeket, the Village, Cat Mousam and Day's School Districts. Chapter XII. The prosperity of Kennebunk dating from 1750. — Grants of land in Alewive. — Ross Road. — Hart's Beach Road. — The Village Bridge and road therefrom, — The Mill Yard and Triangle. Chapter XIIL " The times that tried men's souls." Chapter XIV. Roads. Chapter XV. Shipbuilding on the Mousam and Kennebunk Rivers. — Kennebunk Iron Works. Chapter XVI. The Judicial Courts. Chapter XVII. Miscellaneous items of interest concerning "Ye olden time" and people collected from various sources. Chapter XVIII. The Newspaper Press. Chapter XIX. Noteworthy incidents in Kennebunk and vicinity from 1809 to 1820, compiled from the columns of the IVeekly Visiter. Chapter XX. Town history gleaned from advertising columns, industries and business memoranda, 1809-1820. Chapter XXI. The War of 181 2-' 15. — "The Horse Marine." — President Monroe in Kennebunk. — The Cavalry Company. — The Artillery Com- pany. Chapter XXII. " Cochranism." Part Second. Chapter I. Separation of the District of Maine from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. — Division of the town of Wells. — Incorpora- tion of the town of Kennebunk. Chapter II. Political, 1821-1840. Chapter III. Ecclesiastical. Chapter IV. Residents and Buildings. — Main, Storer and Fletcher Streets, 1820-1890. Chapter V. Residents and Buildings continued. — Dane, Elm, Park and Summer Streets. Chapter VI. Manufacturing Companies, 1823-1842. — The Mousam Navigation Company. VIII CONTENTS. Chapter VII. Shipbuilding, 1820-1SS2. — The Lock. — Marine Items. — The Sea Serpent. Chapter VIII. The Piers. — The Granite Speculation. Chapter IX. The Mails.— P. S. & P. Railroad. Chapter X. Business Directory of Kennebunk in 1S20. — Advertising Columns from 1S20 to 1842. Chapter XI. Early method of going to market. — Mousam River Legend. — The Tornado. — Cultivation of Hemp. — Census of 1830. — Meteoric Shower. — The Slide. — Orthography of the word "Mousam" and other miscellaneous items of interest dating from 1820 to 1843. Chapter XII. The Social Library. — Literary Society. — Lyceums. — Temperance. Chapter XIII. The Fire Society. Chapter XIV. General Lafayette. — President Jackson. — York Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. — Military Reviews. — Fourth of July Celebrations. Chapter XV. Schools, Chapter XVI. The Civil War. Chapter XVII. Biographical and Anecdotal. History of Kennebunk. CHAPTER I. PRELIMINARY. [The territory now known as the town of Kennebunk, for nearly a century after the first white settler upon it had located himself and family, received but few accessions to its population, and, notwith- standing the many facilities it offered to the farmer and mill-man, was almost entirely neglected by persons seeking grants of land. It is attempted in this chapter, which is chiefly a compilation, to answer the natural query — "Why was it thus disregarded?" Such of the events in the early history of the Province of Maine, during this period, as influenced the condition of our township, directly or indirectly, are narrated as briefly as practicable, omitting all details that do not appear to be required for the attainment of the desired object. It will be found that, while the frequent changes of govern- ment and policy in the mother country, and the varying fortunes of Gorges, which were mainly attributable to these changes, injuriously affected the prosperity of all the towns, the carelessness or dishon- esty of the Plymouth Council in issuing the Dye Patent — which was clearly an infringement on the grant to Gorges — and the conflicting claims that grew out of this procedure, bore directly upon the strip of territory under consideration, and very naturally produced feel- ings of uncertainty as to the validity of any title to its acres that could be acquired.^ It will be understood, therefore, that it has not been the aim of the compiler to prepare a historical sketch of the country (which at this day, for obvious reasons, would be entirely superfluous), but simply to furnish the readers of the succeeding chapters with a collection of facts elucidative of the text, which, it is believed, will be found of value as a handy reference.] ^ Besides the complications and doubt-inspiring movements here referred to, were the boundary troubles between Wells and Kennebunkport, and the claim of John Wadleigh, founded on a conveyance by an Indian sagamore, both of which will be noticed in chronological order as our history proceeds. L HISTORY OF KKNNEBUNK. The history of Maine commences with the opening of the six- teenth century. The Cabots, it is true, in 1497, discovered the coast of Labrador, or Newfoundland, thence sailed as far south as Maine, and possibly Massachusetts, and upon these discoveries England founded her claim to this part of North America ; again, in 1524, John Verazzano, in the service of France, proceeded along the coast from the thirty-fourth to near the fiftieth degree of north latitude, "keeping the coast of Maine in sight for fifty leagues," and on the discoveries made during this voyage France grounded its claim to North American territory; a little later, Gomez, a Spanish adventurer, passed in view of the coast from Newfoundland to the capes of the Delaware, and it is not improbable that other European navigators traversed the same route before the close of the fifteenth century, but it was not until the period above named, "when the thirst for discovery was fully enkindled, and colonization efforts were more seriously entertained " by the commercial nations of Europe, that we find evidence that the coast of Maine was especially observed, or its territories sought with the object of colonization. In 1602 Bartholomew Gosnold left an English port in a small vessel with thirty-two men, and made the coast of Maine and New Hampshire in forty-nine days. There are reasons for the supposi- tion that the " Northland," mentioned in his narrative of the voyage, was Cape Porpoise, and "Savage Rock," the Nubble, near Cape Neddock.^ It does not appear that he landed in this vicinity. The favorable desciiption of the country made by Gosnold, after his return, led to further expeditions for its exploration, among which was that of Martin Pring, in 1603, who "went a short distance up Kennebunk river," finding no people, but signs of fires where they had been.- In 1604 Sieur de Monts, while in pursuit of a favorable loca- tion for the founding of a French colony, under a patent granted to him by Henry the Fourth of France (1603), which embraced the entire territory from the fortieth to the forty-sixth degree of north latitude, and included " the whole of our present New England," . . . "undertook a voyage of discovery" in a pinnace of fifteen tons, which he had built at the Island of St. Croix (in Passamaquoddy Bay), "the firstling, probably, of our American marine." He was ' Bradbury's " History of Kennebunkport," printed by James K. Remich, 1837. ■^ Pring's visit was made in the summer, and the natives were undoubtedly up the rivers Kennebunk and Mousam at the time, looking after their traps, etc. HISTORY OF KENNEI5UNK, 6 accompanied by Samuel Champlain, "the chronicler of the voyage, the master of the pinnace, and a crew of about twenty sailors and soldiers." ^ The voyage was prosperous, and in Maine they found the natives friendly. They landed at Richman's Island, near Casco Bay, at Chouahouet, now Saco, and at Cape Porpoise, named by Champlain Le Fort aux Isles (the Port of the Isles),- "and here they were charmed by the glad song of infinite numbers of black- birds and bobolinks, and thence to the Kennebunk River, where they were astonished with immense flocks of turtle-doves, or wild pigeons." They left Cape Porpoise the fifteenth day of July, 1605, and proceeded "twelve leagues toward the south, along the beaches of Maine and New Hampshire." George Weymouth, the English navigator, it is said, preceded de Monts only a few days, or a few weeks at farthest, in this examination of our coast.^ 'The quotations in this paragraph are from the first ehapt<-r of the "Isles of Shoals," hy .John .Sc-ribner Jeiiness, 187;!, and the reniainUer of the paragraph is a condensation of the narrative therein given. - Cape Porpoise Is formed by a cluster of fifteen islands, viz. : Folly, Goat, Green, Trott's, Vaughan's (foi-merly Long), Stage, Fort, Cape or East, Rcddlng's, Eagle (known also as Bass and Cherry), Milk, Neck or Biekford's, Savan, Bush and Cedar. West of these, and w-ithout the cluster, is Bunkin Island. Bradbury says Htage Island was prol)abIy the first land granted in the present town of Kennebnnkport, and that the earliest settlers—" perhaps as early as 1G20"— seated themselves there. The first burylng-place in the town was on this island. It contains about fifteen acres, and " there are marks of cultivation on every part of it." Stage Included, pei-liaps a century ago, what is now called P'ort Island, but the soil has been washed away by the action of the sea, so that now at low water there are two islands, of which Stage is much the largei". ■'The author of the " Isles of Shoals "is of the opinion, based on the evidence furnished in Folsom's " Early Documents Relating to Maine," tliat Gorges and Mason visited the coasts of Maine and New Hampshire In or about 1019, and that " there is reason to believe " that they landed on the Isles of Shoals during this voyage, and also that Gorges had then " been for several years a merchant-adven- turer to our coasts," but well-settled facts show conclusively that this impression is erroneous. In 1019, "Vines, in the employ of Gorges, had made several trips to the waters of the Saco, and had established a colony there which was flourishing and receiving accessions yearly. If Gorges had been in this vicinity at the time above named, it can hardly be doubted that he would have sought the whereabouts of Vines, called upon him, and made some inquiries, at least, respecting the con- dition and prospects of the colony planted under his own direction and with means he had provided. If the date of this conjectured voyage had been some ten or fifteen years earlier, it would be exceedingly pleasant to accept the state- ment under consideration, and to adopt the idea that might be based upon it,— that in his early manhood, while sailing along our shores, discerning the noble forests, the mouths of its many rivers, and the possibilities of a territory so won- derfully fitted by Nature to become the dwelling-place of a numerous and power- ful people, the colonization scheme had its inception in the mind of the ambitious Gorges, followed by visions of colonies, of a government in imitation of the splen- did monarchies of Europe, of which he sliould be the absolute ruler, and hence his years of untiring effort, of sacrifice and embarrassment, all destined to bo un- rewarded and fruitless;— all this, however, is simply mythical. Fate ordained that even the poor pi-ivilege should be denied him of impressing with his footstep any portion of.the soil whereon he wouUl have reared his gorgeous civil and ecclesiastical edifice. 4 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. In 1606 King James the First of England granted patents to two companies, the London and the Plymouth, with all the requisite privileges and powers for planting colonies which were to be gov- erned for the king and by a council of his appointment. To the first-named was assigned the territory extending from the thirty- fourth to the forty-first degree of north latitude, with a breadth of fifty miles inland, and to the Plymouth, the territory lying between the thirty-eighth and forry-sixth parallels of latitude and with the same breadth inland. The two companies, soon after obtaining their charters, fitted out vessels with colonists, to explore and plant settlements in their' respective territories; the former (December, 1606), three ships and one hundred and five colonists, the expedition resulting in the settlement at Jamestown, Va.; the latter (May, 1607), three ships and one hundred settlers. This expedition, how- ever, proved unfortunate. A colony called the Sagadahock Colony was formed at the mouth of the Kennebec River (August, 1607), but the severe winter that followed, and self-imposed troubles with the natives, led to the abandonment of the enterprise and the return of the colonists after a sojourn of less than twelve months. This mishap dampened the ardor of the company, and for a time the voyages to our coast were confined " to objects of fishing and trafiic with the natives." This state of inactivity, however, did not long continue. Sir Ferdinando Gorges, although his name does not appear on the list of patentees, was prominent and the most active in promoting the interests of the Plymouth Company. Among those whom he engaged in its service was Capt. John Smith, so famous in history, who had recently returned from his voyage to our coast (1614-15).^ His labors, however, were not attended with any marked results. Through the agency of Gorges, Richard Vines and his company visited this coast (1616-17), entered the Saco River (which Vines had visited six years before), and camped at Winter Harbor through a winter.^ Very little is known concerning these colonists. They were probably employed, during the warm season, in trading and fishing along the coast from the Penobscot to the Piscataqua. 'During this voyage Captain Smitli gave tlie name which it still bears. New England, to the country described in the patent to the Plymouth Company, whicli to that time had been known as North Virginia. 2 " Having explored all the points along the shores of Saco Bay, they selected a spot in lower Biddeford, on the west side of the Pool, a portion of land extending out into the water [since] known as Leighton's Point. Here Captain Vines erected a log cabin, built in it a wide fireplace and chimney from the stones gathered on the beach, thatched it with long grass gathered from the marsh, and spread for a HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. O There is no record of any permanent settlement made by them. It is generally supposed that all of them returned to England with Vines, after a year's sojourn here. Vines reported on his return that a "great part of New England was almost depopulated by war and pestilence," so that "the country was in a manner left void of inhabitants." It was afterward ascertained that a frightful epidemic had prevailed from 1613 to 1617, and perhaps later, from the Penob- scot River to Narragansett Bay. The nature of this terrible disease has never been ascertained. It is a remarkable fact that although they were living in the midst of it, not one of Vines' company was attacked by this mysterious and virulent disorder. On the third day of November, 1620, James the First granted a new incorporation to a company of forty persons, with the title of the " Council established at Plymouth, in the county of Devon (England), for the planting, ordering, ruling and governing of New England, in America," embracing all the territory now occupied by the New England States. " It was empowered to hold territory in America, extending westward from sea to sea, and in breadth from the fortieth to the forty-eighth degree of north latitude." From this council, in 1622, Gorges and Capt. John Mason, a man who had held important public trusts, and who was both experienced and energetic, obtained a grant of the country "bounded by the Merri- mac, the Kennebec, the ocean and the River of Canada." To this territory they gave the name of Laconia.^ Under this grant Gorges continued the work of the settlement of the territory with renewed carpet the fragrant l)oaghs of the hemlock. This was the llrst habitation of civi- lized man upon the shores of Saco Bay, and our adventurers had no English neight>ors nearer than Jamestown, Virginia The Englishmen made themselves a secure shelter. Their vessel in which their supplies were kept was anchored in the Pool, and the abundance of game and fish made their circum- stances, to lovers of adventure, all that could be desired. . . . This was several years before the settlement of Massachusetts by the Puritans." — SAorfis 0/ Saco Bay, Maine, p. 105; — an interesting historical sketch and guide, by J. S. Locke, Boston, 1880. ' Was this merely a fancy name, adopted because it was smooth and pleasant, as well as easily pronounced, or was it Jidopted because it was thought the geo- graphical features of the territory granted by this patent were somewhat like those of the Laconia so celebrated "in story and song"? Within its boundaries the mountains have reminders, and perhaps in our valleys and plains, rocky coasts and prominent capes, a similarity might have been observed, which, In connection with the taciturn, "stern, rude, cruel and narrow-minded" traits of character that alike distinguished the Indian tribes who were dwellers here and the old Spartan, presented points of resemblance sufficiently strong to warrant the transferring of the name of an ancient and famous province of classic Greece to a province in the new world that had no written history, no legends even, on which to base more than bare conjecture In regard to the savage race by which It was sparsely inhabited. 6 HISIORV OF KENNEBUNK. energy. " He was now better prepared to prosecute the undertaking than ever before. From his previous unsuccessful attempts in this direction, he had derived information which enabled him better to understand the value of the grants as well as the means necessary to be employed to render his labors successful." It is evident that he had determined to concentrate his energies on that part of the grant lying east of the Piscataqua, and between the years 1622 and 1629, permanent settlements were formed at York, Wells, Cape Porpoise and Saco. By mutual agreement, in 1629, Mason and Gorges divided their grant, Gorges taking all that portion of it lying east of the Piscataqua, and Mason that lying between the Piscataqua and Merrimac. In 1630 Sir Ferdinando sent over Edward Godfrey and others to look after his interests on the east side of the Piscataqua. Immedi- ately after his arrival on our shores, Godfrey proceeded to Agamen- ticus (now York), where he erected a dwelling-house, and was the founder of the town. This fact appears to be well established. In 1654, in a petition to the General Court of Massachusetts, Godfrey states that he has been " twenty-four years an inhabitant of Aga- menticus, and was the first who ever built or settled there." ^ The Council granted to John Dye and others (1630) forty miles square or sixteen hundred square miles, between Cape Porpoise and Cape Elizabeth, known as the Lygonia or Plough patent. Attempts were made at settlement under this patent, but so many obstacles were encountered that the project seems to have been abandoned by the patentees. In the same year (1630), Vines, Oldham and two others obtained from the Council a grant of "four miles in breadth on the seashore and extending eight miles into the country, on the west side of Saco River." Vines took possession of this territory in June, and several families that came over with him settled at Little River within the present limits of Kennebunkport.^ Both these ' For seven years after the first voyage (161t>-17) of Captain Vines, he with others was engaged in transporting colonists to this coast, and settlements were made along the shores of Saco Bay at several points. We have but few records to throw light upon the transactions of those years, but In 1623 there were several families residing on each side of the Saco River, among whom were Richard Vines on the west side and .John Oldham on the cai-X.— Locke's Shores of Casco Bay. In 1«31 a cargo of domestic animals, cows, hogs, goats and sheep, was brought into the Saco settlement, the first that had been Imported into Maine. The pre- cise date when horses were first brought into the colony is not known, prolmbly fifteen to twenty-five years later. ^This grant was sold in 1C45 to Dr. Robert Child, and after several transfers fell Into possession of Major William Phillips.— ^radburj/'s History of Kennebunkport. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 7 patents, that to the Lygonia Company and that to Vines and his associates, were clearly infringements of the grant to Gorges and Mason. June 7, 1635, the Plymouth Council — incorporated in 1620 — formally surrendered to the king the Great Charter of New England, having previously divided the territory into twelve parts, and then "proceeded to a distribution of New England among themselves by lot." They accompanied the surrender of their charter with a peti- tion to the king for separate patents according to this agreement. By this distribution Gorges, who must have been a member of the Council at this time, continued to retain possession of the country between the Piscataqua and the Kennebec, and the action of the Council in this particular was confirmed by Charles the First, where- upon it was named New Somersetshire from Gorges' English home. The following year Sir Ferdinando sent over his nephew, William Gorges, as governor, with instructions to endeavor to revive the set- tlement at Agamenticus, which was far from being in a prosperous condition, and to organize a government for his colonies. It is sup- posed that William, on his arrival in this country, proceeded directly to Agamenticus, where he tarried a few days only; he then visited Saco. Having brought over with him commissions from Sir Ferdi nando to several persons, then residing in the colonies, to act as assistants or councilors, a board of governor and councilors was at once instituted. The members of this board, by their commis- sions, were clothed with such authority that they had complete con- trol of the government in all its departments, executive, legislative and judicial. Its first meeting was held on the eighteenth day of March, 1636, and formed the first regular organized government in Maine.^ In its judicial capacity the board transacted no incon- siderable amount of business. During its session, which continued several days, William Scadlock, who came over with Vines' com- pany in 1630, and is supposed to have been the first permanent set- tler in Cape Porpoise, brought an action of debt against Morgan Howell, also a resident of Cape Porpoise. Scadlock was also pre- sented for drunkenness and was fined five shillings for the offense. After remaining in Saco a few weeks William Gorges returned to Agamenticus, where he erected a mansion-house and furnished it. It is believed that he did not remain in this country more than two 'This meeting was held in the house of Richard Bonithon, which stood on the east side of Saco River, near the lower Ferry or just above the terminus of the Old Orchard Beach Railroad.— SAorcs of Saco Bay. 8 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. years. Four years later, 1639, Gorges obtained a new charter "con- stituting him lord-proprietary of the Province or County of Maine/ with extraordinary powers of legislation and government," but no change was made in the bounds of his estate. The charter was a liberal one. No time was lost in instituting a government in "due form," — the prescribed religion was the Episcopal, or that of the Church of England. "His son, Thomas Gorges, was appointed deputy-governor of his domain, with six persons, residents on the spot, for councilors, who were severally to fill the offices of secre- tary, chancellor, field-marshal, treasurer, admiral and master of ord- nance, and were jointly to constitute a supreme court of judicature to meet every month, and to be served by a registrar and a provost- marshal. To form a legislature, eight deputies, 'to be elected by the freeholders of the several counties,' were to be associated with the councilors. Each county was to have its court, consisting of a lieutenant and eight justices, to be appointed by the Council." As a preliminary step in the work of organizing a government on the plan thus prescribed by the "Lord Proprietary," a court was held at Saco, on the western side of the river, now Biddeford, on the twenty-fifth day of June, 1640, the first in Maine by which subor- dinate officers were appointed, and several causes, both civil and criminal, were disposed of. Palfrey says this court was held by four of the councilors, but other historians, — among them Willis, author of the " History of Portland," who, well versed in the early his- tory of the State, may safely be accepted as reliable authority, — state that all the councilors, together with the deputy-governor, were present, viz. : Thomas Joscelyn, deputy-governor, Richard Vines, Francis Champernoon, Henry Joscelyn, Richard Bonithon, William Hooke and John Godfrey. Willis also states that these persons were men of ability, The new deputy-governor, Thomas Gorges, on his arrival found the mansion-house which had been erected by his cousin and predecessor in office, William Gorges, in Agamenticus, in a wretched condition, barely habitable and nearly destitute of every essential for comfortable housekeeping. His first impressions in regard to the moral character of the inhabitants of his realm 'This imiiie, as Is generally supposed, was given In compliment to the wife of Charles the First, Maria Henrietta, who owned in Fiance, as her private estate, a province then called the Province of Meyne. " Be this as it may, the name was undoubtedly suggested by the fact that this eastern country had been commonly called the Mayne (main) land In distinction from the numerous islands on its coast." — See " Palfrey's History of New Kngland," to which the compiler is in- debted for many of the facts stated in this chapter, and from which he has freely- quoted. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 9 must have been anything but favorable. Unquestionably a consid- erable portion of the early settlers or sojourners in our coast towns were "rough specimens of humanity." The new deputy-governor and his councilors proceeded with all convenient dispatch to carry out the instructions they had received in reference to the government of the province. It was divided into two counties, of one of which Agamenticus was the principal settlement; of the other, Saco. The annual general courts were appointed to be held at the latter place, while the former place was distinguished, both by being the residence of the deputy-governor and by the dignity of incorporation as a borough (1641). This was followed in the spring of the succeeding year by a "city charter authorizing it and its suburbs, constituting a territory of twenty-one square miles, to be governed under the name of Gorgeana, by a mayor, twelve aldermen, a common council of twenty-four members, and a recorder, all to be annually chosen by the citizens. Probably as many as two-thirds of the adult males were in places of author- ity." ^ Hazard, in his "State Papers," copies the charter and remarks that "when Gorges made Agamenticus a city he of course meant it to be the seat of a bishop, for the word city has no other meaning in English law." Gorgeana was the first English city incorporated on the western continent. The Kennebunk River was the dividing line between the two -counties; that on the western side of the river was called Yorkshire, with Agamenticus (now York) as its shire town, and that on the •eastern side was named New Somersetshire, with Saco for its shire town. County courts had been established in both districts ; the whole machinery of the new government was working as smoothly as could be reasonably expected, and the province was comparatively prosperous. This encouraging condition of things did not, however, long continue. The civil wars in England which commenced in 1642, among the consequences of which were the beheading of Charles the First (January 30, 1649,) ^^^ ^^^ protectorate of Crom- well (1653-58), wrought political changes through the influence of which our little, far-away colony was seriously disturbed, and its situation and prospects materially altered; but to the inhabitants it proved to be only the transit from a government without stability or power, through a path beset with the thickets and thorns of doubt and strife, to a broader field of action, where they were to enjoy 10 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, more of quiet, order and security among themselves than they had hitherto known, and where their position for the coming conflicts with savage foes would be far better than could possibly be hoped for under the rule of Gorges. The long controversy between Charles the First and his parlia- ment, and the successes of the party hostile to the king and the national religion, greatly encouraged the opponents to the royal cause, among whom the schemers and speculators who had been '•kept at bay" by the crown were fully represented. The holders of the Lygonia patent improved the opportunity thus presented (1643) to dispose of their claim. Sir Alexander Rigby, a member of parliament and a republican, was the purchaser. He commis- sioned as his agent George Cleaves, who had occasionally resided in the territory, with all the powers necessary to enable him to prosecute the claim, etc., etc.^ Thomas and William Gorges, the agents of Ferdinando, disputed Rigby's title. A long contest ensued, commencing (1644) in the county courts and terminating in a reference of the whole matter (1649) to the governor-general and commissioners of foreign plan- tations. Their decision was in Rigby's favor. While this contro- versy was pending. Sir Ferdinando Gorges, who was an active loyalist, was imprisoned by Cromwell and suffered loss of property. He died in 1647. Gorges had accomplished very little during the twenty-five years that had passed since he had received his first charter. He had found it difficult to plant colonies by proxy, and still more difficult to render effective regulations or law that had been framed for their government, with only an imperfect knowledge of their condition and wants. He had been harassed, impoverished and bitterly disappointed. Still he had struggled on in defiance of difficulties at home and in his colony, nursing ambi- tious projects, and looking trustfully forward to a day when his long-cherished hopes should be realized. When he received the extraordinary charter that was granted to him in 1639, he believed that that day had dawned, and that his toil, expenditures and patient waiting were soon to be rewarded by the possession of the glittering ' Cleaves was the llrst settler in Portland, having as early as 1632 made a clear- ing and erected a domicile within the present limits of the city. He is described as "a restless, ambitious, self-willed man," but was hardy and energetic, with a fair education. As executive officer of the Province of Lygonia and agent of Rigby he performed his duties with signal ability. He \-islted England several times, but made Portland his permanent home, where several of his descendants now reside, among whom are some of its most respected citizens. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 11 prize which he had kept constantly in view — "his being's end and aim." He was doomed to disappointment. He never set foot on the soil which had cost him so much labor and anxiety. Bearing in mind the age in which he lived, we are inclined to think, as we read the story of his life, that "notwithstanding all his faults, he deserved a better fate." ^ Godfrey succeeded Gorges as governor of the whole territory held under the charter of 1639. His position was an exceedingly uncomfortable one. By the decision in Rigby's favor the Province of Maine extended only from the Piscataqua River to the Ktnne- bunk River ; indeed, Rigby claimed, through his agent, that it extended to the Mousam, or, as it was then called, the Cape Porpus River, and had the effrontery to issue grants of land lying between the Kennebunk and Little Rivers. The reason assigned for this claim was entirely untenable. It was that the commissioners " merely awarded Rigby a tract forty miles square, without defining the lim- its." This was simply ridiculous. The only question before the commissioners was whether the forty miles square originally granted to Rigby (with the same bounds, of course,) should be confirmed to him or awarded to Gorges. In 1650 the government of Massachusetts claimed that "the patent of the Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay [March 19, 1628,] granted a territory having for its northern boundary a line extending westward on the Atlantic Ocean on a parallel of latitude three miles north of the most northerly part of the river Merrimac," which included all that was embraced on the patents to Gorges and Rigby. The disturbed condition of public affairs in England, coupled with the entanglements and animosities existing in the Province of Maine, afforded an excellent opportunity for the pressing of a claim which it was hardly to be expected could be successfully urged at a period when order and prosperity prevailed ; when it could receive full examination and calm consideration abroad, and when the parties in possession in the coveted territory, poor, weak and divided, were unable to resist the demand of their 'Gorges, in his "Narriitlve," p. 49, attributes his want of success in his efforts to settle the District of Maine: " 1st. Beginning when there was no hope of any- thing but present loss. iJ;termine the best course by which to counteract his stratagems and treachery. About eighteen years of age at the close of Lovewell's war, he was fully prepared, twenty years later — at the commence- ment of the five years' or Spanish war — when in the full vigor of manhood, to act the heroic and noble part which he bore through that contest, earning for himself the unquestioned title of the pre- server of the settlers between the Mousam and Kennebunk Rivers. He died previous to 1780, when about seventy years of age. John Look obtained a town grant, March iS, 1714, of one hun- dred acres of upland and ten of marsh, forty rods in breadth by the Mousam River, joining the land of William Larrabee, Junior, leaving four rods next to said land for a highway. Grant of one hundred acres (but when laid out only "60 acres cou!d be found in that place"), March, 1716, to Thomas Worm- wood, adjoining Look's land, forty rods in breadth, etc. ("allowing four rods for a highway"), also three acres of marsh, on the south- west side of the river, "between the marsh of Nath'l Clark and Joseph Taylor." 1 7 17, July 5. Laid out, under town grant, for Capt. John Gil- man, of Exeter, N. H., and Samuel Littlefield, of Wells, two hundred acres upland and fifty acres salt marsh. The foot line begins at a place called Clay Hill and so runs northeasterly, on both sides of said upland, one hundred and eighty rods to Thomas Wormwood's land, and all the salt marsh from Clay Hill, between the upland and Mousam River, to the upper side of the place called "Roundabout," forty rods above William Larrabee's dwelling-house. The upper half of land and marsh was to be Liltlefield's and the lower half Gilman's. The latter was probably forfeited, as it was laid out for Joseph Hill and John Storer, December 10, 1727, 1 7 16, May 10. Laid out for David Littlefield, eleven acres salt Larrabee was very large and stood in the center of the fort. In the north corner was the house of Edward Evans: in the east corner that of Bbenezer Bayridge. The other two, one being at the western and the other at the southern end, were occupied by Nathan Morrison and the soldiers which were stationed there under his command; and also by such persons as found refuge here from the neighbor- hood "in time of danger. ... At the northeastern end of the garrison, just before the gate, was the house of Samuel and Anthony Littlefield," the same built by Larrabee in 1714. . . . "In this garrison, including the old Larrabee hou.'e outside, which was made an appendage and from which was direct access to the garrison, were frequently gathered all the inhabitants of Kennebunk, together with other persons (sometimes over two hundred) driven there by the exigencies of war, for the preservation of their lives."— iJowr/ie. 62 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. marsh on the easterly side of Mousam River, "between the Great Hill and the Pine Point, near the wading place, with the island of thatch adjoining said marsh." On the western side of the Mousam River, March 14, 17 15. Grant to Rachel Taylor, fifty acres of upland, being a neck of land joining a parcel of marsh she is now in possession of (grant, 1699, to her husband, Joseph Taylor, deceased), abutting on the river "and bounded upon a brook upon the northerly side and so running betwixt the said two brooks, the breadth of the neck, about north- west, till the said fifty be completed, being on a line extending from brook to brook at the head of the said tract." March 18, 17 14. Grant to Joseph Storer, one hundred acres, near the old wading place. (This is believed to have been at " Emer- son's Falls"; when Sayward's mills were built, necessity existed for a new wading place, which is supposed to have commenced just above the lower dam, and to have extended down river fifty or sixty rods ; it is somewhat remarkable that no positive evidence on this point, documentary or traditional, can now be obtained.) This lot was forty rods in breadth by the river on the western side, running back until the grant was completed. Same date, one hundred acres to Moses Littlefield, forty rods in breadth by the river on the westerly side, near the old wading place. Same date, six hundred acres upland and sixty of marsh on the eastern side of Mousam River, to Caleb Littlefield, John Moore, Elisha Billeton, Isaac Nash, Caleb Littlefield, Junior, and Nicholas Garland, to each and every one of them one hundred acres of upland and ten acres of fresh meadow, where it can be found not previously granted, above Cousens' (Rankin's) creek, each lot forty rods in breadth bv the river. CHAPTER VII. I706-1750 WADLEIGH's INDIAN DEED GREAT FALLS AND VIL- LAGE GRANTS AND MILLS MAJOR PHILLIPS' GRANT KENNE- BUNK MILLS THE KIMBALL FAMILY PEABODY FAMILY. As Stated on a preceding page, John Wadleigh, then a resident in Wells, purchased of Sagamore Thomas Chabinocke, of Nampscos- coke, which, be its meaning what it may, appears to have been the Indian name of the territory embraced in his deed or conveyance, "bounded between Nogimcoth [Negunquit] and Kennebunk, and up as high as Capeporpus falls" [Mousam Great Falls]. This pur- chase was made October 18, 1649, ^"<^ O'"* the last day of the follow- ing March, Wadleigh, according to the record, took "quiet and peaceable possession of the premises." We have no further partic- ulars. Unless it was understood by the people of Wells that Wad- leigh was acting as their agent, and that this transference was in their behalf and for their benefit, for the purpose of extinguishing the Indian title to their plantation, it is difficult to imagine it possi- ble that they would have tamely witnessed these proceedings without protest or any other movement opposed to the action. It might not have been an open transaction. There is certainly something about the affair that, at this day, is quite incomprehensible. Wadleigh, probably, disposed of one-half of his interest, under the Indian deed, to his son Robert, inasmuch as John and Robert, in 1659, sold to Daniel Epps, of Salem, and Simon Epps, of Ipswich, the tract of land lying between the Mousam and Kennebunk Rivers, from the sea wall to Coxhall line. Fifty-six years after the date of their deed the grantees claimed possession of the land therein described. As it may well be supposed, this demand occasioned no little excitement on the part of the inhabitants of Wells, by whom it was indignantly rejected. The Eppses threatened prosecution; a town meeting was held, at which it was voted to resist the claim, and a committee was appointed to carry this vote into effect. Capt. John Wadleigh, the son of Robert and the grandson of the John who obtained the deed 63 64 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. from the Indians, supported the pretensions of the Eppses, and pre- sented a further claim — founded on a deed of gift by his father to him — to certain lots of land in the town, lying west of Little River. After the amount of bluster usually employed by the contestants in such cases (especially where each party regards its own position of doubtful tenability) had been expended, a compromise was effected, by which it was agreed that the town of Wells should give to the Eppses one mile square of land in consideration of a quitclaim of all their right, title and interest in and to the territory in contro- versy, and to Capt. John Wadleigh two hundred acres for a similar quitclaim to all lots or parcels of land described in the deed to him from his father. In reviewing this transaction one can hardly resist the conclu- sion that it was not strictly in accordance with fair dealing, that Wadleigh had acted as agent for the plantation in the purchase from the Indian sagamore, that the authorities of the plantation had neg- lected to obtain and record the necessary evidence of this fact, that Wadleigh had sufficient shrewdness to see that this omission might, if he was so disposed, be made pecuniarily advantageous to him at a future day, when testimony in proof of the facts in the case would not be attainable by the town, and that the Eppses understood the precise condition of things when they took their deed (else why the delay in making known and urging their claim). Appearances cer- tainly indicate a pronounced case of "sharp practice " on the one part, and of necessity for yielding, chargeable to the carelessness or ignorance of their predecessors, on the part of the town authorities. At this late day, and destitute of positive evidence bearing on the case, it is impossible to do more than state the facts as they appear on the record and leave it to each reader to judge for himself. vOur coveted strip of territory was now free from all outside incunibrances. Cleaves had failed in his attempt to grasp it; Cape- porpus had seen its pretensions set aside as unworthy consideration, and the Eppses and Wadleigh had been "bought off" at a low rate, estimating the lands granted at the then prevailing prices. Resi- dents could look upon their acres or carry on their business enter- prises with a feeling of security unknown to them at any previous period, and persons seeking eligible situations as farmers, mill-men or for employments peculiarly adapted to the seashore could plant themselves here without fear of molestation, except from the com- mon foe. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 65 In accordance with the arrangement between the town and the claimants under the Indian deed, the town, on the third day of October, 1720, granted to the Eppses "a certain tract of land con- taining one mile square, or the quantity of a mile square, between the rivers of Mousam and Kennebunk," etc., and to Capt. John Wadleigh, of Salisbury, two hundred acres of land adjoining that granted to the Eppses. The first-named grant was laid out to Capt, John Storer, on the eighteenth of June, 1731, viz., a tract beginning at the mile spring, so-called, thence northwest up the Mousam River three hundred and twenty rods, thence northeast from said river two hundred and eighty rods, thence southeast three hundred and twenty rods, thence southwest two hundred and eighty rods to said mile spring; also laid out eighty acres, bounded southwesterly by Mousam River, northwesterly by land of Joseph Hill and John Storer, south- easterly by land laid out to John Low, and then running back from the river till it meets the Kennebunk lots, which two lots make a mile square. The Wadleigh grant was laid out the same day as the foregoing, beginning at the northeast side of Mousam River and adjoining the Eppses' grant, running northwest up the river one hundred and twenty rods, etc. 1720, May 10. Proprietors grant to John Wheelwright, Samuel Wheelwright and the heirs of Joseph Taylor two hundred acres adjoining Mousam Great Falls, beginning at Coxhall line and run- ning down the river one hundred and sixty rods (four acres of which to be on the southwestern side of the river), — one hundred acres to John Wheelwright, fifty acres to Samuel Wheelwright and fifty to Joseph Taylor's heirs. This lot "was set off and divided," at the request of the Wheelwrights and Ichabod Cousens (who had probably purchased the interest of Taylor's heirs), in April, 1735, "To each man and person aforesaid," as follows: "The land below the mill and the hill on the southeast side to be for John Wheelwright, and all the land adjoining as not laid out to be in common for the use of the mill for logs and boards and not for any man to hinder or encumber the way or roads as agreed. John Wheelwright's side of the mill to lay their boards on the southea.st side of the road," and the other persons named "to lay their boards on the northwest side of the road." Reference is several times made in this instrument to the " mill pond." This document affords conclusive evidence that there was a double saw-mill in operation at the Great Falls in 1735, ^"d it is fair to suppose that there were at 66 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. least one dwelling-house and a barn for the accommodation of employees and cattle. The privilege was unimproved in 1750, and there is no evidence that ruins of either mill or other buildings were visible. Whether dam and mill had been swept away by a freshet, or mill and other buildings had been destroyed by an accidental fire or the Indian's torch is, and doubtless must ever remain, unknown. We learn from Bourne's history that a saw-mill was built on these falls in 1754 ^y Thomas and James Cousens. We have not been able to obtain any further information respecting it. It could not have been operated much longer than a twelvemonth, inasmuch as a great freshet in October, 1755, swept away every mill then standing on the river. No mill has since been erected on this site. The selectmen of Wells and a committee appointed by the pro- prietors of eight miles square of land, Major Phillips's, so-called, met May 29, 1730, and settled the line between this tract and the said town : "beginning at Wells line, formerly settled by Captain Preble, at a marked tree on the west side of Mousam River, which stands directly in the southwest line from a certain marked tree in the bounds as settled between Wells and Coxhall ; thence near south- west by Wells's head bounds to a certain marked tree standing on the southwest side of a fresh meadow, commonly called Meriland Meadow." This tract of land was purchased by Major William Phillips, of Saco, from the Sagamore Fluellen, in 166 1. It was not carefully surveyed until 1735, and the first settler thereon, so says tradition, took up his abode on Lyon Hill about 1740.^ Population increased on that portion of it which now forms the town of Sanford, so that an act of incorporation was obtained in 1768, the jurisdic- tion of the town extending over the entire "square" for several years. In 1784 the portion of the square known in its early settle- ment as Massabesic was incorporated with the name of Waterbor- ough. In 1794 the territory now known as Alfred was set off as a district or parish, but was not separated from Sanford and incor- porated as a town until 1808. That Littlefield's saw-mill, on Kennebunk River, was rebuilt during the first quarter of the seventeenth century is evident, but in * " The first settlers of Sanford were extremely poor." Their cabins were rudely constructed and scantily furnished. " Here they lived and when needy made a few bunches of shingles, which were hauled to Kennebunk Landing, or sold and a team from there sent after them, for they had no teams."— jETis^orj/ of York County. "A tax of 3210 pounds of beef was assessed upon the town " in 1780, during our Revolutionary struggle. " This beef was delivered to the county agent at Kenne- bunk Landing."—/?). [Waldo Emerson was collector of the excise revenue.] HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 67 what year cannot be ascertained, nor, indeed, is it known whether there was any change in the proprietorship. It is probable, how- ever, that there was no change. The first mill was destroyed by the Indians in 1688 or 1689. Storer's mill, below, was erected about 1700, and it is reasonable to suppose that the Littlefields rebuilt about the same time, but no documents exist which will enable us to determine this question, — perhaps it was not rebuilt until the close of Queen Anne's war (1713), or Lovewell's (1725), but there is no satisfactory evidence to sustain either supposition. We infer that the mill was standing, but not in operation, in 1736. The original owners had passed away and their heirs were not disposed to, or for some reason could not, continue the business and hold, undivided, the land adjoining the Great Falls. In 1730 Edmund Littlefield's grant of one hundred acres (1680) was laid out for Samuel Little- field, Joseph Sayer and Nathaniel Kimball. It does not appear that the mill and dam were included in this survey ; in his description of the bounds, the surveyor says : " beginning fourscore rods above the saw-mill noiv standing on Kennebunk River and rumiing to the mill and from thence,'' etc. ; in 1733 Hill and Fairfield laid out, under an old grant, ten acres of meadow, " beginning at the old mill-stage and running up river eighty rods to Edmund Littlefield's upper bounds." We infer from these documents that perfect harmony did not prevail among the heirs of the original mill owners, and also that Storer's mill was not standing in 1730,^ and that no saw-mill was then in operation on the river. On the twenty-second of March, 1736, there was surveyed for Nathaniel and Richard Kimball one hundred acres of land, in two contiguous lots, each containing fifty acres,- — one of the lots under grant to Jonathan Hammond (1666) and the other under grant to William Harmon (1720), "beginning at the southeasterly corner of Edmund Littlefield's odd lot at Kennebunk, a little below the upper landing-place by the side of a gutter that leads into the river, where it is usual to raft logs, thence southwest eighty rods, thence northwest two hundred rods," etc. This survey inaugurated the permanent settlement of the village district. To this time no dwelling-house had been erected within its limits, if we except the temporary struc- tures that had been put up in the vicinity of the mills on the Mousam and Kennebunk, which at this date had either entirely disappeared or were so dilapidated as to be untenantable. The Kimballs were natives of Scotland and emigrated to this country as early as 1720. ^ Storer's mill was probably burned by the Indians in 1723. 68 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Nathaniel had become a resident of the western part of Wells in that year, Richard did not become a citizen of the town until sometime between 1726 and 1730.^ Nathaniel married Abigail Cousens in 1726, and Richard married Catherine Cousens in 1733. Nathaniel was the most energetic of the brothers. He was known in after years as Captain, while Richard attained the position and title of Deacon. Nathaniel's name first appears on the records as a land- owner in 1728, when a lot of marsh was laid out for him, beginning at Clay Hill and running down the Mousam to the first great creek ; in 1729 he obtained a grant of fifty acres of upland on Alewive Brook; in 1730 he became the owner of one-third part of Edmund Littlefield's first grant of one hundred acres at Kennebunk Great Falls; in 1736, in connection with his brother, he came into posses- sion of his homestead lot; in 1767 the brothers purchased six hun- dred and thirty acres of land in Coxhall ; in 1753 Nathaniel purchased of Samuel Wheelwright, under Paty's grant (1669), ninety-three acres in two lots, bounded by Stephen Larrabee's land, Kennebunk River, and Samuel Shackley's easterly corner bounds. Nathaniel was sec- ond lieutenant of Colonel Storer's company of volunteers (1744-45, composed chiefly of citizens of Wells), which joined the expedition for the capture of Louisburg, Cape Breton. In this company were Ichabod Cousens and John Look, sergeants, and Caleb Kimball, Edward Evans, Joseph Taylor, James Gillpatrick and Peter Rich, privates, all of whom resided east of Little River. Nathaniel was the first innholder in what is now the village district, and also the first postmaster in the town (1775). He was one of the selectmen of Wells in 1746 and from 1748 to 1753, inclusive. He was also frequently appointed on important committees by the town and by the Second Parish. Richard kept groceries for sale in his house and 'The descendants of Nathaniel and Richard have a family tradition that the two brothers came to Wells together, and that another brother, who came over with them, settled in Haverhill, Mass. This, we think, is not entirely correct. It is more probable that only two brothers came over, but immediately after land- ing on our shores Nathaniel proceeded to Wells, where his uncle Caleb resided, and there found employment as a mill-man and farmer ; and that Richard stopped at Haverhill, where he had relatives, for a few years and then took up his abode in Wells. The striking similarity in the Christian names common in the Kimball families in Haverhill and Bradford, Mass., at the time under consideration, and those equally common among the early settlers with this surname in Wells, may be cited as evidence of consanguinity. May 3, 1676, Thomas Kimball, of Bradford- was killed by three " converted Indians," named " Symon, Andrew and Peter." Kimball's wife and five children were made captives, but were afterward released through the Influence of the chief of the Penacooks. These " converted Indians " were vile miscreants. Symon was with the noted Mogg in his assault upon Scar- borough, October 12, 1676, and was the leader of the party which took several pris- oners at Back Oove, near Portland, in August of the same year. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, 69 was the first storekeeper in this part of the town. Stephen Harding kept a small stock of groceries for sale in his blacksmith's shop, sev- eral years previously, and Moses Stevens, at Cat Mousam, is styled "a trader" in a bill of sale to him, early in the seventeenth century. Kimball's house, which was a large, square, two-story building, was located very near the pleasant site where now stands the brick dwelling-house on what is known as the " Hedge Farm," owned by Aaron Ricker. He was an excellent farmer and gave special atten- tion to the clearing of his land, the cultivation of various crops and the raising of cattle. He was also a very active and much respected member of the Second Parish. Nathaniel and Richard, in company with John Mitchell and a gentleman belonging in Salem, Mass., were owners of the first vessel built on the Kennebunk River ; the shipyard was on the west side of the river on what was called Mitchell's Wharf and was near his dwelling-house. John Bourn was master workman. This was in 1755. The vessel was about eighty tons burthen. Richard sub- sequently built a sloop at Kennebunk Landing. The Kimball brothers were the highest taxpayers, at this time, in the Second Parish, Richard being assessed a little more than Nathaniel. The descendants of Nathaniel and Richard are numerous. A few reside in the vicinity of the homes of their ancestors, many in Alewive and its vicinity, and very many are residents in different parts of this State and of other States. A full and correct genea- logical record of this family would require a great amount of time and labor for its preparation, — in fact, we doubt if records exist that would render it possible to prepare a full and correct table.^ It may be well here to correct an erroneous impression which prevails respecting the Nathaniel Kimball house. It is generally supposed that the dwelling recently occupied by Rev. Frederick Pember was erected by Kimball about 1726. This is an error. The original Kimball house, which was a large, square, two-story building and a blockhouse, was torn down about ninety years ago by his grandson Nathaniel, who constructed the new building chiefly of the materials of the old mansion; nor does it occupy precisely the same site of the above-named ; its eastern end abuts on the western end of the site of the old. The one-story dwelling east of ' Richard Kimball, who came to this country in 1734, from Ipswich in England, and settled In Ipswich, Mass., in 1737, was of English descent. His descendants are numerous, but much less so, we apprehend, than are those from the first Scotch immigrant to our shores by the name of Kimball. Kimballs (Scotch) were In Haverhill and Bradford as early as 1650. 70 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. the Pember house, occupied by Miss Esther Ross, was also built largely of lumber taken from the old Nathaniel Kimball house. The original cellar occupied ground covered by the eastern end of the Pember house and the western end of Miss Ross's house, as well as the vacant land between them. Caleb Kimball became a resident of Wells certainly as early as the commencement of the seventeenth century, preceding Nathaniel and Richard by some twenty or thirty years. It is believed that he was an uncle to Nathaniel and Richard, and it was undoubtedly through his influence that his nephews came to this country and settled in Wells. He was married to Susanna Cloyes June 15, 1704. We think he lived on or near the main road leading from Wells Corner to Ogunquit.^ He had two sons : Caleb, who resided awhile near Kennebunk River, and who was married to Beriah Welsh in October, 1738, and about the same time removed to the western part of the town, where he resided the remainder of his lifetime, and Thomas. Whether Caleb, Senior, had other children than the two sons above named is not known.^ He was an active and much re- spected man, was one of the selectmen in 1737, and held a number of minor offices in the town during his lifetime; he was also active and prominent in the affairs of the parish. He died, it is supposed, in 1738 or 1739, and thereafter Caleb, Junior, is the Caleb of the rec- ords. The latter was one of the selectmen from 1740 to 1742, inclu- sive, was frequently chosen to fill less important town offices and was often appointed on important committees in town and parish. He had several children : Barack, Heber, Caleb, Hasadiah and perhaps others. Caleb, Senior, we think, was the ancestor of all or nearly all the Kimball families in Wells west of Little River. Seth Peabody, born in 1740, came from Topsfield, Mass.; he was a temporary resident of this town between the years 1760 and 1770, during which period he married Abigail Kimball. He removed to Alfred about 1770, and was one of the builders of Conant's mill and of Mr. Conant's two-story dwelling-house. He built a house ' Caleb Kimball had laid out for him, under grant to Samuel Littlefleld, lOSO, ten acres of meadow near Alewive Brook in July, 1729, and in July, 1735, had a grant of one hundred acres near Kennebunk River. — "in lieu of a former grant which is represented to be lost,"— which was laid out in March, 178(5, "beginning at the northerly corner of the upper lot of Samuel Littlefleld, now in possession of Caleb Kimball, junior, . . . leavingahighway of four rods " (the road beginning at the Pember house, leading by Mrs. James Ross's to the old Shackley place). * He probably had other children. Joshua, who died at Cape Breton, 1745, it Is thought was Caleb's son. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 71 "thirty rods west of his brother-in-law," Thomas Kimball/ who lived a quarter of a mile north of the mill, and there resided until the commencement of the Revolutionary War, when he removed his family to Kennebunk, having sold his Alfred house to "William Parsons, who, after residing in it seven years, moved it a quarter of a mile north and used it for a potash factory and erected a two-story dwelling near this factory." He served as a soldier through the whole term of the Revolutionary War. After his return he bought two-thirds of the Thomas Kimball estate of Theodore Lyman, pur- chased by him of James Kimball, and the remaining third of the widow. He tore down the blockhouse and built a one-story dwell- ing in the field not many rods distant from the site of the old. A few years later this was removed and another erected in its immediate vicinity; Isaac, son of Seth, subsequently demolished the last-named and built another on the pleasant knoll in the field, where he spent the larger part of his life and where he died. He had several sons and daughters. John A. Peabody (of Boston, Mass.), son of Isaac, came into possession of the old homestead, and put up, very near the site of the old blockhouse, a handsome dwell- ing-house, barn, etc., intended for a summer residence. Thomas Kimball, the second son of Caleb, by gift or otherwise, came into possession of one-half of the grant of one hundred acres which was laid out for his father in 1736, and also of a ten-acre lot of meadow near Alewive Brook, which was laid out for his father in 1729, and a grant to Samuel Littlefield (1680). He built a block- house, certainly as early as 1740, very near the site of the summer residence of Mr. John A. Peabody, who owns the whole of the origi- nal Thomas Kimball farm. He married Mary Goodwin, of Berwick, in 1737. He had seven sons, viz., Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Thomas, James, Daniel and Nathaniel, and tv/o daughters, viz., Abigail, who married Seth Peabody, and Mary, who married Spencer ; of these nine children only James and Abigail remained in town. John A. Peabody is a descendant of the fifth generation from Francis Peabody, who emigrated from England to Salem, Mass., in 1635, and was the ancestor of the millionaire and philanthropist, George I^eabody, and of Andrew P. Peabody, D. D., LL. D., and of many other eminent men. It is believed that all the Peabody fami- lies in Kennebunk and its vicinity are descendants of the above- named Seth and Abigail. 'Thomas Kimball was the son of Thomas, Senior, and the grandson of Caleb. He also " was one of the builders of Oonant's mill and dwelt a quarter of a mile therefrom. He sold to Amos Grandy, a seafaring man from Guernsey, and moved a quarter of a mile west of the brick schoolhouse." He afterward moved to the eastward. CHAPTER VIII. THE PROPRIETARY DIVISION OF THE "COMMON AND UNDIVIDED lands" GRANTS ON AND NEAR KENNEBUNK RIVER; ON AND NEAR LITTLE RIVER ; ON AND NEAR RANKIN's AND ALEVi^IVE BROOKS. 1719-1750. As early as 17 16 the legal voters in Wells determined that the "common and undivided lands in Wells doth belong to and here- after shall remain unto " the persons " hereinafter named and their heirs, in proportion according to their interest in the town, to be disposed of and improved according to the provisions of the law." Then follow the names of thirty-five persons and estates. There was a law on the statute books of the Massachusetts Colony which authorized this measure, the intent of which was undoubtedly wise as well as just. Probably all the towns within the Commonwealth availed themselves of its provisions, although the claims and condi- tions insisted upon by the voters in the different towns were widely different. In many towns these undivided commons occasioned serious disputes among the residents. Our good forefathers, then in power, were not behind their contemporaries in the stringency of their claims, but we do not find any evidence that the non-proprie- tors, in view of the action of the before-named meeting, expressed any dissatisfaction on account of their exclusion; the action, how- ever, of those who assumed to be the proprietors was undeniably unjust. The names of several landholders of long standing, living east of the Mousam, as well as the heirs of several of the pioneers in other parts of the town, are not included in their list, — men and the heirs of men who well deserved the meed of praise, who were landowners, who had "subdued the wilderness" and struggled heroically with hardship and danger, and who were certainly as much entitled to a full share in any partition of the commons as any other persons in the town. It appears, however, that this excep- tionable action was subsequently rectified. In pursuance of the above-named vote (17 16), a Proprietary, 72 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 73 consisting of those who claimed the ownership of the common and undivided lands in town, was duly organized, and thenceforward the meetings of the town and those of the Proprietary were held sepa- rately, and the records of each were kept in separate books. The proprietors' records commence in 1720, occupy two volumes and embrace the proceedings of the organization for a period of nearly one hundred years, the name of the proprietors' clerk appearing thereon for the last time, May 13, 1816. The affairs of the Propri- etary appear to have been carefully and intelligently managed throughout the many years of its existence. Its meetings were legally held, its officers were annually elected, persons entitled to the privilege were admitted as members, the common lands were sold, exchanged or given away at discretion, and all apparently in perfect harmony. From 1720 to 1772 seventy-three persons were admitted, embracing those who, at its commencement, had been disregarded, and the heirs of early settlers whose claims were indis- putable, so that at the last-named date the whole number of propri- etors was one hundred and eight. The subject of the division of the commons was frequently dis- cussed at the meetings of the proprietors, various propositions were made in regard to the quantity that should be so divided, and several committees were appointed at different times to examine these lands, and report to subsequent meetings their views as to the best means that could be adopted for their disposal. In 1761, about forty years after the formation of the Proprietary, it was decided to divide twelve thousand acres of the commons among the proprietors, — the lands designated for this purpose lying between Kennebunk and Mousam Rivers to be called the Northern Division, those lying between the Mousam and the highway leading to Sanford to be called the Center Division, and those lying in the western part of the town to be called the Western Division. Four years later it was voted that these lands be laid out into lots containing about one hundred and twelve acres each, "each lot containing three rights, . . . making a proper allow- ance for the quality of the land, so as to make each lot nearly of a goodness, and the rest to be laid out into such lots as the land will allow of and will best suit the proprietors." A committee appointed " to settle the common rights " reported : " We think each person or right to have as foUoweth " ; then follow the names of the one hun- dred and eight proprietors, who together owned three hundred and sixty-nine rights: — to John Storer was assigned sixteen rights, to 74 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Joseph Hill, Francis Sayer and Francis Littlefield fourteen rights each, to Thomas Wells and Joseph Littlefield ten rights each, and to the other proprietors were assigned from one-third of a right to eight rights each, " in proportion according to their interest in the town." It was then voted " that the method of determining to whom each lot shall be assigned shall be by a lottery," and a committee was appointed " to prepare said lottery." On the eighteenth day of May, 1772, the drawing took place. It was probably a gala day in the town. It is not to be supposed that there were not among the crowd those who had hoped for a different result, so far as related to the location of their individual " rights," but there was no suspicion of unfairness, and inasmuch as all obtained gifts of actual value all were pleased. The pioneers in our settlement, who had succeeded in giving some shape and comeliness to their respective home- steads, who had in a manner prepared the way for later settlers, and who had endured all the hardships, privations and dangers incident to their undertakings, were justly entitled to this remuneration for their services and trials. The distribution was eminently beneficial to the holders of rights and contributed to the prosperity of the settlement; many persons were thereby enabled to make desirable additions to their homesteads or to furnish farms to their sons, and many, who for some cause did not wish to improve their rights, sold them to others who wished to become actual settlers. Nathaniel Cousens added to his farm land in its vicinity to which two rights entitled him ; Benjamin Stevens added to his farm adjacent land to which six and two-thirds rights entitled him ; Joseph Wormwood, Obediah Emmons, Lemuel Hatch, James Wakefield, Obediah Little- field, John Butland, Benjamin Day, Paul Shackford, Anthony Little- field, Elizabeth Gillpatrick, widow of John, Junior, John Wormwood, Junior, John Cousens, 3d, Samuel Cousens, Junior, Josiah Wakefield, Obediah Hatch, Daniel Hatch, Reuben Hatch, Eli Wormwood, each added to his or her farm, or home lot, land to which one right enti- tled him or her, several of these rights being obtained by purchase from the persons to whom they were originally assigned. James Kimball had one right on the north side of Branch River ; Daniel Lit- tle one right at Coxhall line; Jonathan Taylor two rights on Mousam River; Nathaniel and Richard Kimball three rights adjoining their lands, and several others had fractions of rights in different parts of the town, — Samuel Curtis, Joseph Hobbs, James Hubbard, Nathan- iel Wells, Junior, and Nicholas West, committee for laying out the HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 75 lots in the three divisions, each receiving fifty acres of commons for his services. Several hundred acres of commons remained undivided after these twelve thousand acres had been selected, surveyed and assigned, but the proprietors considered them of trifling value. Applicants for grants were seldom refused ; in many cases these grants were for no particularly defined lots, but might be laid out wherever lands could be found not clearly within any other person's rightful possession.^ '• Rights" were a marketable commodity for many years, and were purchased to be laid out on, or to "cover," strips of territory to which those in possession were unable to estab- lish perfectly clear titles, and thus render their titles beyond contro- versy. Rights were also purchased to be laid out over meadows and marshes, nooks or corners, that no one had considered it desir- able to possess, and concerning the ownership of which no one had inquired or cared, but which, late in the last and early in the present century, when the adjacent lots had considerably increased in value, owing to the larger population and prosperity of the settlement, were regarded by abutters and speculators as worth "looking up " and securing. Among the earliest grants made by this Proprietary — we think the first east of Little River — was that to Thomas Wormwood,^ May ^The proprietors granted to Rev. Nathaniel H. Fletcher, in May, 1802, twenty- acres of land to be laid out upon any of the common and undivided lands in Wells. This grant was laid out on several lots which Mr. Fletcher had purchased of different persons, in order that, by thus "covering " them, his title might be made indisputable. Joseph Storer claimed a ptirt or the whole of a lot which Mr. Fletcher had purchased of Reuben Hatch, on the west side of the road, nearly opposite his home lot; four-fifths of this lot, at the date of the transfer, had been in Hatch's possession for twenty-eight years, and the remaining fifth, twenty- four years. Three acres on the west side of the road, opposite his homestead, Mr. Fletcher bought of Moses Littlefleld and the heirs of Samuel Stevens, Jr., who purchased it of Joel Larrabee, who derived his title from the heirs of Samuel Wheelwright. The lots covered by Mr. Fletcher's grant were confirmed to him by the proprietors in May, 1804. Mr. Fletcher's homestead (on the east side of the Alfred road) was then bounded on the north by land of Abraham Currier and on the northwest by land of James Ridgeway. -Thomas removed to Arundel from Kittery in 1719; he was the son of William Wormwood, who resided in Kittery as early as 1W7. Thomas obtained a grant of one hundred acres of upland and three acres of meadow from the proprietors of Wells in 1716; sixty acres of the upland were laid out on the east side of the river Un the Larrabee neighborhood), and in 1719 the remaining forty acres were laid out "adjoining his marsh on the southwest side of the river." Wormwood was In charge of Harding's garrison when his son William, who was assisting Captain Felt, was killed by the Indians in 1724. As peace with the natives was concluded In 1725, he probably moved to Kennebunkand put up a dwelling-house on his land on the east side of the river; he was a resident here in 172C. Before 1750 his son, Thomas Wormwood, Jr., Ijuilt and occupied a house on his grant of "sum quan- tity of land " (1719) on the west side of the river. 76 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 12, 17 19, of "sum quanty of upland ajoying to his marsh on the southwest side of Mousam River and anuf to make up his home lot one hundred akers " ; this grant, as laid out, was bounded on the northwest by Joseph (Rachel) Taylor's marsh, by Nathaniel Clark's marsh on the southeast, and "so lies between the two creeks 80 rods and so across the land from creek to creek." It also granted to John Look a quantity of land adjoining Rachel Taylor's land, on the southwest side of Mousam River, enough to make his home lot one hundred acres, tw^enty rods in breadth by the river. On and Near Kennebunk River. 1720. Proprietors grant to Thomas Boothby fifty acres on, forty rods by the river, adjoining James Wakefield's land ; to David Lawson (also spelled on the records Losson and Lauson),^ fifty acres on southeast side of Boothby's lot, "reserving a road four rods wide between said Lawson's and Boothby's land"; to William Lar- rabee four acres on western side of, on a brook that runs through Stephen Harding's pond marsh, beginning at a beaver dam, etc. 1728. Grant to Samuel Emery of one hundred acres at " Can- nebunk," description of bounds imperfect. 1730. Lot of marsh to David Lawson, adjoining the river, under grant to Samuel Hill; the lot of one hundred acres granted to Joseph Storer in 1699 (Lower Falls mill lot) was laid out for John Storer; the lot of one hundred acres granted to Edmund Lit- tlefield in 1680 (on upper or Great Falls mill lot) was laid out for Samuel Littlefield, Joseph Sayer and Nathaniel Kimball on the sec- ond of July; fifty acres on, to David Lawson, formerly granted to Nicholas Cole, bounded on the southwest by meadow in possession of Richard Boothby ; to Stephen Larrabee eight acres of meadow on small brook running into, and two acres on Alewive Brook, under grant (1720) to Thomas Busby; laid out for Henry Maddox, under grant to S. Littlefield (1716), ninety-two acres, leaving four poles ^Lawson or Lauson, David, was an inhabitant of Wells prior to 1720. He appears to have been an energetic man, a speculator — bujing and selling lots of land in various sections of the town and in Lyman— and we have reason to believe was a respectable citizen. His name frequently occurs on the records of Wells. He obtained several grants of land from the town, which, with lots purchased by him, he sold at different times to different individuals. He owned land in the vicinity of Little River, at Alewive, and near the ocean. Gooch's Greek was orig- inally known as Lawson's Creek. He probably purchased land in its vicinity after the saw-mill which was erected on the slight fall thereon had been proved a failure and abandoned. He married Penelope Sampson — daughter of James Sampson, who lived near Cole's Corner — May 19, 1787. A son, David, was born to them September 17. 1741 ; it is not known whether they had any other addition to their family. He probably lived in the old Sampson house. He left town with his family before 1750. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 77 for a highway to meet Thomas Wormwood's land and from said way running southeast and northeast to, and eight acres on "town's commons," on northeast side of Pond Lake, running to David Law- son's line, etc. 1733. Laid out for John Webber forty acres, under grant to Stephen Harding (17 13), the lake, so-called, on the northeast side and the commons on the southwest side; for James Ross, son of the late John Ross, under grant to William Standlee (1720), lot of meadow ground, beginning "at the mouth of a small brook which comes from the norward and parts in two brooks, all on both brooks"; for Joseph Hill, of Wells, and John Fairfield, of Arundel, ten acres of meadow on west side of, "beginning at the old mill stage, adjoin- ing the river, two rods in breadth, and running up eighty rods to Edmund Littlefield's upper bounds, under grant to Joseph Hill, 17 14." (This appears to be an attempt to cover with an old town grant one-half of the four rods reserved by the town for a highway ; if so, a sharp but probably an invalid transaction.) 1734. Grant to James Wakefield land on, adjoining William Taylor's land, running down the river one hundred and sixty rods and running back on a straight course one hundred rods; proprietors confirmed to John Butland three hundred acres of land adjoining Stephen Harding's line, "his home lot, with his brother George Butland, equal with him (i. e., six hundred acres in the whole), to the head of the lot, running two and a half miles, beginning at the Salt Marsh with the island commonly called Butland's Island." December, 1735. Laid out for John and George Butland part of the tract of six hundred acres held by them under grant by Edward Rushworth and Henry Boad to William Hammond and John Buss, July, 1649, adjoining Kennebunk River, "beginning at the mouth thereof and so running up said river to the first Salt Water Falls, the part of said tract now laid out, by said river, containing two hundred and ninety-six acres, beginning at Stephen Harding's upper corner bounds and running northeasterly to Capt. John Storer's land, and so along said land as far as it extends, and then west one mile, and thence southwesterly to said Harding's westerly corner bounds." The Butlands divided this lot between them at the middle point, John taking the northerly side or half part, and George the south- erly half part; the same year there was laid out for John Webber forty acres, under grant to S. Harding (17 13), the lake, so-called, on the northeast side of said land, and the commons on the southwest, near Wood Neck. 78 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 1737, Laid out for Joseph Hill, under grant to him in 17 14, five acres of meadow on the southwest side of a small brook, "which brook is next above the meadow laid out to Stephen Larrabee, beginning at a certain Beaver dam across the meadow, against two high points of land on ejch side of the meadow," and two acres on same brook, "bounded by a Beaver dam and running in two brooks or drains the breadth of the meadow." 1 741. Samuel Wheelwright conveys to Henry Maddox, under grant to Thomas Paty, 1669, which was confirmed to said Wheel- wright in 1735, a lot of land bounded by Ichabod Cousens's land, formerly Corwin's, by Nathaniel Kimball's southerly corner and Hill and Storer's easterly corner, and so up into the country by Kimball's line; also nine and one-half acres adjoining the above-named lot, 1745. Laid out for James, John and Nathaniel Wakefield five acres of lowland "between Kennebunk River and the upland or homestead," in three pieces, being one-half of a grant of ten acres to their father, James Wakefield, in 1693. Renewed bounds of one hundred acres granted to Nicholas Cole, Senior, 1680, below and adjoining Edmund Littlefield's mill lot, running from a certain tree near the river south-southwest "along by the side of the hill," etc., for John Storer. 1747. Renewed bounds of one hundred acres of land for Jesse Town, beginning at, running southwest by west one hundred rods, then northwest sixty rods to the creek called Falls Creek, then sixty rods on the river to Stephen Titcomb's land, then " S. W. by W. 100 rods in the bounds between said Titcomb & Town," etc. 1753. Nathan Littlefield sold one-half of his grant of July, 1680, to Nathaniel Kimball, John Mitchell, Stephen Larrabee, and James, Nathaniel and John Wakefield. This was adjoining Kenne- bunk River. 1759. Proprietors, by a committee, laid out for Richard Kim- ball one hundred and sixty-nine and one-half acres, "by virtue of deed to him from Benj. Curtis and Benj. Curtis, junior, beginning at James Lord's E. corner in Benj. Day's line, running to Kenne- bunk River," etc., and at same date sixty acres, by virtue of deed from same persons, for John Taylor, at the easterly corner of Deacon Larrabee's land. 1772. Laid out for Daniel Little, under grant to Nathan Little- field, 1680, twenty acres, "beginning at Kennebunk River, at the mouth of a brook, being John Butland's corner bounds, then S. W. by Butland's line to the road," etc. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, 79 1773. Samuel Town bought a common right of Nathaniel Wakefield's heirs, under which there was laid out to him thirteen acres, in December, 17 14, "where he now liveth, on the west side of the town road, in the line of Jacob Town's land, running to Jotham Mitchell's land," etc. Renewed boundary lines of and divided tract of land for John Mitchell and Joseph Bragdon, Junior, beginning at Kennebunk River, at a tree standing by the first salt water falls, running south- west to Esquire Storer's corner boundary, then west and southwest to Stephen Titcomb's line, then easterly to a remarkably rocky point by the river, then as the river runs to the place begun at; one-half part of said land (westerly) the property of John Mitchell and Mary Bragdon. and the easterly half part to Joseph Bragdon, Junior. Joseph Storer, Jabez Emery and Stephen Titcomb, owners of ad- joining lands, agree to the above boundaries and lines. January, 1778. Laid out for Samuel Town a tract of land containing sixty-seven and a half acres, which he bought of Hannah and Joseph Storer in 1790, beginning at a point of rocks about two rods below the lower falls on Kennebunk River, adjoining Stephen Webber's land, etc., December, 1791. On or Near Little River. May ID, 1720. Proprietors granted to Joseph Storer, Francis Sayer, Thomas Wells and Jeremiah Storer, two hundred acres on north side of, adjoining their mill, eighty rods above and eighty rods below the mill, "in lieu of a grant which is represented to be lost"; also the privilege of twenty rods square on the south side, adjoining the mill, to be improved as a mill yard.^ During the year 1720 grants were made as follows: of fifty acres to Peter Rich, on westerly side of Joseph Taylor's land; fifty acres to Philip Fowler, on westerly side of Peter Rich's land; fifty acres to Jonathan Sinkler, bounded north by Joseph Taylor's land and south by the road that goes into the country ; ten acres meadow to John Cole, on two small brooks that run into the northern branch of; fifty acres upland and ten of meadow to Joseph Day, on northern 'This is the "Burnt Mill" lot, so frequently mentioned in the records. It begins " half a rod southwest of a large, fast rock on the bank of Little River, which rock is twelve rods from the Burnt Mill bridge up the river." The event from which this locality derives its name and the date of its occurrence cannot now be ascertained. "A mill stood there, among the first built in the township, which was burned by the Indians," comprises all history attainable. 80 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. branch of, "near the upper way going to Mousam"; ten acres to Andrew Symington on the northern branch of, "beginning at the new highway," also to said Symington fifty acres upland, adjoining Jonathan Sinkler's land ; fifty acres to John Fane, adjoining Philip Fowler's land on the north, and on the south bounded by Joseph Day's land. Day exchanged his grant for this, laid out to Fane and forfeited, in 1728, by permission of the proprietors. From 172 1 to 1734. Laid out for Nicholas Cole eighty-five acres on, west side of (Little River) Great Falls, under grant to Frost and Hammond (1682); for Samuel Treadwell sixty-one acres near to the foregoing, under before-named grant ; twenty-five acres and falls on the main brook of the easterly branch of, for John Storer, under grant to Benjamin Storer (1670); for John Wheelwright one hundred acres on, under grant to John Reede (1666), eighty rods above and eighty rods below the mill formerly built by Sayer, Storer, Wells and Cole; for Nicholas Cole, under grant to William Frost, lot bovuided on northwest by old Mousam path, county road and bridge ; for Rev. Mr. Jefferds one hundred acres on northern branch of; for Nathaniel Clark ninety-five acres on, bounded by land of Peter Rich and others, under grant to his father (17 13); for William Taylor fifty acres, fifty rods in breadth by Mousam old road, adjoin- ing lot formerly Joseph Day's, leaving four rods for a highway; for Henry Maddox ten acres swamp land, part of former grant to Joseph Day. December 30, 1734. Town granted to James Gillpatrick on the southwest side of the northern branch of Little River, adjoining Rev. Mr. Jefferds' land, said land running to Little River, "sixty- six rods from Nathan Littlefield's land and from the highway, down by John Bourn," etc. Gillpatrick bought of Thomas Boothby a grant made to him in 1720 of land on Kennebunk River, but it was found that it could not be located at the place named in the instrument without trespassing on lots previously granted and laid out to other persons. The grant was then laid out on Little River, as above described, and Gillpatrick "settled on the land"; — in order to make his title perfect he petitioned the town for a confirma- tion of his action, and his petition was readily complied with. This lot continued in possession of Gillpatrick and his descendants until about 1875, when it was sold to Charles H. P. Storer. 1734. Grant to Jeremiah Storer of one hundred acres, "begin- ning 20 rods N. E. from the Falls on Little River, commonly called. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 81 between said river and the heads of the old lots, easterly," In 1735 grant to same of eighty-six acres on, bounded on the northwest by the mill — land, etc., — grant to John Wheelwright of one hundred acres on the northern side of, "near the Burnt Mill, so-called"; confirmed grant to Nathan Littlefield of fifty acres, his homestead, near said river; laid out for Benjamin Gooch five acres of meadow ground, under grant to Joseph Day (1720), beginning "at the mouth of a small gully, near a pair of falls, where there is a small island of rocks"; January 14, 1735, proprietors sold two hundred acres to Samuel Clark (to raise money to pay their indebtedness), seventy- five acres of which were laid out on north side of, adjoining Eleazer Clark. 1 741. Laid out for Peter Rich twelve acres, adjoining his land) on northern branch of (under C. L. & Co.'s grant), 1742. Laid out for James Gillpatrick ten acres on northern side of northern branch of, adjoining Rich's land, under grant to Daniel Boston. Laid out for Moses Chick twenty-five acres, under grant to Ichabod Cousens of one hundred acres on south side of Mousam River (1744), on northern branch of Little River; and for Joshua Goodwin, adjoining Chick's land, under same grant. 1752. Laid out for John Wormwood, under Rich's grant, lot of land on northerly side of, a little above the saw-mill, adjoining Samuel Jefferds's and John Cole's lands. We find, occasionally, a specimen of magniloquent composition by our forefathers. A committee appointed by the town to settle the bounds of the ministerial lot of land (first parish), commence the report of their action in the matter as follows : — "This instrument made the twenty-first day of July, Anno Domini 1743 Anneq* Georgi secondi Magna Britanie & Decimo Septimo, witnesseth," etc. .The mass of the townsmen must have been highly edified while listening to this introductory sentence. On or Near Alewive Brook. 172 1. Laid out for John Wells, under grant (i 671) of one hun- dred acres to John Gooch, and now sold for his heirs by Benjamin Gooch, fifty acres of upland on both sides of, "the other 50 acres laid out between the branches of Little River"; also laid out for said Wells ten acres of marsh on the southeast end of Alewive Brook, "lying in sundry forms, which contains all the marsh from thence to the brook's mouth " ; renewed bounds of thirty acres of 82 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. meadow on, original grant to Nicholas Cole, Edmund and Samuel Littlefield, all deceased, now the property of Nicholas Cole and Samuel Littlefield, "runs north northeast to a small little hill on the northeast side of"; laid out for James Wakefield ten acres of meadow, bounded southeasterly by William Larrabee's meadow, . . . takes in a cove of about an acre, etc. 1 72 1 to 1730. Laid out for John Look three acres of meadow on, bounded by Cole, Littlefield and Larrabee ; for Caleb Kimball, under grant to Samuel Littlefield (1680), ten acres on, "a little hill and two islands in the bounds "; for Nathaniel Kimball fifty acres up- land on southwest side of; for Joseph Hill, under grant to him (17 15), lot of meadow on, lying near the head of the township, " on a brook that runs into a pond commonly called [1729] Alewive Pond"; for Samuel Littlefield, " of Arundel, alias Capporpus," under grant to his father, Edmund Littlefield (1680), beginning at the upper great Beaver dam on, and running down on each side thereof to the first great falls, ten acres; ten acres of meadow to Samuel Wheelwright, "lying on a small brook which vents itself into the westerly corner of EUwife pond, beginning at Beaver dam," etc. ; lot of meadow on, to David Lawson, adjoining Stephen Larrabee's meadow and run- ning up the brook ; also lot of meadow on a small brook which runs into, then down to second beaver dam, "with all the small cricks and slangs lying within these bounds." 1734. Laid out lots of meadow on, and on southwest side of Alewive Creek, for Samuel Emmons and Thomas W'ormwood, Junior, under Sinkler's grant (17 14). 1738. Laid out for Samuel Littlefield nine acres of marsh "on the northern side of, at the head of James Wakefield's marsh, leaving eight rods by the brook, which is David Lawson's, then running up by said Lawson's till it meets with the upland and so back into the Popple Swamp, and one acre in the Round Houle." 1743. Laid out for Samuel Littlefield ten acres meadow (under grant to C. L. & Co., 17 14), "at the Lower end of Alewive Pond, at the head of Lawson's meadow — part of it is three islands in said Pond"; laid out for Henry Maddox fifty acres, bought of Samuel Wheelwright, beginning thirty rods south of the mouth of the Ken- nebunk River, 175 1. Laid out for John Maddox forty acres, near " Elwife brook," being part of Paty's grant (1669) and subsequently con- firmed to Samuel Wheelwright, "by whom it was sold to Shadrack HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 83 Watson, beginning at Benj. Kimball's land on, thence running to the Mill Lot, so-called, belonging to said Kimball." Laid out for Caleb Kimball, Junior, seven acres of meadow, beginning at the head of a small run or brook "which venteth itself into Epheard Brook." (The description of this lot is imperfect. It is believed that the name Epheard Brook does not again appear on the records.) A friend who has a taste for the study of ancient things, to whom we referred this description, is satisfied, after patient exami- nation and inquiry, that the meadow named is that in Meserve's pasture, and the brook is that now known as " Boom Brook," which has its rise in that pasture, running thence across the road and On or Near Rankin's Brook or Creek. 1720. Laid out for Andrew Symington ten acres meadow at and upon a small brook running into Mousam River, commonly called Rankin's Creek, beginning at the head of Clark's bounds and so running down the brook; seven acres on this brook laid out for Philip Fowler same year; two acres laid out for Peter Rich (17 21); Rich also purchased of Samuel Clark a few acres on this brook, which were confirmed to him by the proprietors in 1735; this lot adjoined Fowler's grant which was forfeited and subsequently laid out for John Storer; a lot of meadow on this brook was confirmed to John Bourne, 1728 ; John Wells, in 1731, under grant to his father (1668), sold about five acres thereon to Henry Maddox. 1776. Surveyed for Moses Hubbard, under Look's grant (17 14), ten acres on, beginning at the county road at Nathaniel Cousens's fence. CHAPTER IX. I 720-1 750 LAND GRANTS ON THE MOUSAM RIVER "CAT MOUS- AM " MILLS SAW-MILLS ON ALEWIVE BROOK. Perhaps no method can be adopted by which more intelligible and accurate ideas can be formed of the progress of our settlement from 1720 to 1750 than that of copying or condensing, from the town and the proprietors' records, the principal grants and convey- ances of land made between these dates and therein recorded, and in chronological order as nearly as may be practicable. We there- fore continue the record of these grants and conveyances which was commenced in the preceding chapter. It is true that many of the original grants were forfeited and again granted to other persons, and not unfrequently the second grantees failed to fulfill the conditions of their conveyances, and the tracts were once more granted, and to third parties. No little confu- sion was occasioned by carelessness in laying out grants, by which encroachments were often made on those previously surveyed, and many conveyances were made by persons of whom there is no ante- rior mention and of whose ownership of the lots thus conveyed no recorded evidence is found; still, notwithstanding their intricacy and in some cases incomprehensibleness, these records clearly indi- cate the portions of territory that first attracted the attention of the settlers and speculators of the period, and, moreover, furnish us with the names of those who in olden times were temporarily inhabitants within our bounds. Little River, in consequence of its proximity to the main settlement, was improved by the mill men at an early day; the superior water power on the Mousam, as well as the intervales and salt marshes on its banks and in its immediate vicinity, and the mill sites and intervales on the Kennebunk were soon sought by speculators and settlers, while the meadows on Alewive Brook and on Rankin's Brook or Creek were among the earliest for which grants were solicited. Water power and timber land for the mills, and intervale and marsh for grass and edible grains and other plants were in request, while the upland was in a great measure neglected. 84 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 85 On or Near Mousam River. 1 701. Laid out for Nicholas Cole grant of ten acres of marsh on, beginning at the eastern side of a point of land commonly called " Ipses Poainte," on the western side, and for Nathaniel Clark ten acres, beginning at the upper end of Cole's land. 1717. Laid out for Nathaniel Clark, Senior, five acres fresh meadow, lying upon a brook which runs into, beginning at a tree "where comes in a small brook on the easterly side of said brook, running up the last-named westerly." Laid out for Samuel Littlefield one hundred acres on northerly side of, adjoining Thomas Wormwood's land, forty rods in breadth, to run northeast on the easterly side to Kennebunk River, and on the northerly side of James Wakefield's land. (Sold to Henry Mad- dox, 1732.) 171S. Laid out for Joseph Storer one hundred acres upland on the southwest side of, beginning above the upper wading-place, forty rods in breadth by the river. 1 7 19. Grant to John Look — laid out in 1723 — of a quantity of land joining Rachel Taylor's on southwest side of, to make his home lot one hundred acres. 1720. Proprietors grant to William Harmon fifty acres, adjoin- ing Mr. Corwin's land, forty rods by; to William Larrabee lot of meadow land, on west side of, on creek or brook running throu^-h Joseph Taylor's land. 1727. Laid out for Samuel Curtis one hundred acres on west side of, under grant to Eenjamin Curtis (1684). 1729. Laid out for David Lawson lot of "marsh and thatch islands, beginning at western end of the Great Hill, containing three islands." 1730. Grant to Benjamin Storer of one hundred acres upland and marsh, on southwest side of. 1731. "Laid out for John Low, grandson to Herlackindon Symonds," one hundred thirty-five acres, under grant to Thomas Mussey (1659), which he sold to Symonds in 1660, beginning at the head of Edmund Littlefield's marsh on northeast side of, " and adjoining land that was granted to William Larrabee, now deceased, and now in the possession of Edmund Evans, thence northwest up the river sixty rods, and thence three hundred sixty rods to Kenne- bunk River to a marked tree, and thence down river sixty rods 86 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. southeasterly to a marked tree, thence southwesterly to the first- mentioned bounds." This tract was formerly known as " Low's line." 1734. Laid out for Richard Stimpson and Ichabod Cousens, heirs of Thomas Cole, under grant to said Cole (1693), one hundred acres on southwest side of, beginning at the head of the township ; for Jedediah Gooch sixty-five acres, under grant to Robert Sinkler (17 13) ; for Jedediah Gooch two lots aggregating seventy-five acres, on and near the river, under grant to Robert Sinkler (17 14). Grant to Ichabod Cousens one hundred acres on south side of. Cousens sold twenty-five acres of this grant to Joshua Goodwin, which was laid out near the northern branch of Little River in 1743- 1735. Laid out for John Webber, under grant to William Har- mon (1720), ten acres salt marsh on the northwest side of, "seeittu- iote and lying on the easterly cove or crick commonly called Cutts' Cove"; also eighty acres near a place called Wood Neck, adjoining Stephen Harding, etc., which Webber bought of Samuel Littlefield. A grant of two hundred acres, lying on the northeast side of, was confirmed to Samuel Wheelwright, July 14, 1735. These two hundred acres were originally granted (1669) to James Johnson, of York, and Thomas Paty, of Wells, one hundred acres to each, and were forfeited for non-compliance with conditions. It does not appear by what operation these two grants, more than sixty years after they had been forfeited, were united and Paty named as sole grantee. Grant to Joseph Sayer and Nathaniel Wells of one hundred and fifty acres on westerly side of, " it being the land called Eps Point, beginning at the second creek from the [old] Harbor's mouth, and so running by and upon said creek and upon Mousam River," etc. 1736. Laid out for James Littlefield seventeen and one-half acres on the easterly side of, "where there is now a mill erected," beginning at " Benjamin Gooch's easterly corner bound of five acres." This was part of a grant (December 7, 1659) to Francis Littlefield, Senior, and Joseph Bolles of "two hundred acres apiece, with all the marsh on both sides of four mile brook." 1737. Laid out for John Cults, of Portsmouth, N. H. (proba- bly an heir to John Cutts, deceased, to whom Sanders sold this estate in 1663), all the real estate in Wells which was formerly owned by the late John Sanders, comprising the grants to said Sanders by Thomas Gorges and by the town of Wells, in all four hundred acres, "beginning at the easterly side of the Little River, at the upper wading-place, and so running up and by said river to HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, 87 the second creek to Henry Boothby's bounds and northeasterly to his northern corner," thence to the second creek on Mousam River, "and so down the river until it cometh to the sea and so by the sea- wall to the first-mentioned bounds." By whom the Sanders house was occupied for seventy-four years subsequently to its purchase by the senior Cutts is not certainly known. Sanders, after selling his estate between Mousam and Little Rivers, removed to Cape Porpoise, where Bradbury states he pur- chased land and attended town meeting in 1663. He died in 1670. His estate was inventoried at about seven hundred dollars, although it included one thousand acres of land, situated "eight or nine miles above Cape Porpus river falls." He left two sons, Thomas and John, one daughter, Elizabeth, and perhaps other children. 1747. Laid out for Jedediah Wakefield, under grant to James Wakefield (17 14), forty acres bounded on, about two rods below the mile spring and running down said river. 1749. Renewed bounds of one hundred acres upland on south- west side of, grant to Joseph Storer (17 14), beginning a little above the upper wading-place and running up river, for John Storer. 1750. Laid out for Benjamin Cousens, under grant to Thomas Cole, one hundred acres (16S4), fifty-seven acres on southwest side of, adjoining John Storer's land, a little above the bridge, running southwest one hundred sixty and southeast sixty rods, then east to river; forty-three acres on northwest side of Storer's land, running southwest one hundred twenty and north eighty rods to gully, thence north to Rankin's Creek^ and down this creek to the river. Cat Mousam Mill. The precise date when the first mill was built on the Middle Falls (Cat Mousam) cannot be determined. In September, 1736, under grant to Francis Littlefield, Senior, and Joseph Bolles (1659), there was laid out for Benjamin Gooch two and a half acres of land on the northern side of the Mousam, beginning at the "mouth of a small gully, near a certain pair of falls, where there is a small island of rocks, about twenty-four rods down said river from the mentioned place," and in November of the same year there was laid out for said Gooch a lot of about nine acres of meadow land, under Jona- than Littlefield's grant of two hundred ten acres of upland and marsh (1688), "beginning about twenty-four rods above the new ^Subsequently known as " Rand's Spring," but the original designation has been restored in later years. 88 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. mill, on the easterly side of Mousani River, at the mouth of a small gull)'," etc.^ These are the first references we find to a mill on these falls. If it was the new mill in 1736, we may reasonably sup- pose that it could not have been built earlier than 1730. In the surveyor's description of a lot of land laid out near these falls in March, 1738, he says, "beginning on the northern side of Mousam River, where the selectmen's mill, so-called, stood." It would appear from this that the new mill was generally known as the selectmen's mill and that it was not standing in March, 1738; whether it had been destroyed by fire or flood is unknown. Why it was called the " selectmen's mill " can be conjectured only. In 1730 Joseph Hill, Samuel Wheelwright, John Storer and Francis Littlefield were selectmen of Wells, all of whom were enterprising mill owners ; it is not improbable that they erected this mill, or, at least, held the larger part of it, and hence its designation. In describing the bounds of a lot of land laid out near the Middle Falls in 1743, the surveyor says, "which is near the saw-mill that stands on said river." We learn from this that a saw-mill had been erected on or near the site of that destroyed prior to 1738, but probably not by the same parties ; there is no reason to believe that it was built principally by persons owning the land in the vicinity of the falls. Mary Bulman, widow of Dr. Alexander Bulman, of York, gave a bond, dated January 31, 1748, for the conveyance by herself and her son Alexander, when he should become twenty-one years of age, "of one-eighth part of a certain saw-mill now standing on the river of Mousam," which her husband in his lifetime bought of Ben- jamin Gooch. This mill, in common with all others on the stream, was carried away by the great freshet of 1755. We find evidence that another mill was built on these falls prior to 1761, which is described as "a double mill known as the Middle Mill," which we think was owned chiefl)', if not entirely, by persons residing east of Little River; this succumbed to a remarkable freshet in 1785, by which the mill property on the stream was again very nearly, if not entirely, destroyed. The dams on the river at this time, as they had ^ In Yi'iH there was laid out for Samuel Littlefield, under grant to Caleb Little - field cfe Oo. of six hundred acres upland and sixty acres of fresh meadow (1714), two hundred acres of upland and meadow in the vicinity of the mill lot, and in 1743 the remainder of their grant, four hundred acres of upland and thirty of meadow, was also laid out for said Samuel, three hundred of which was " near the Middle Falls " and one hundred acres "at a place called the mile spring "; but he proba- bly could not fulfill the conditions of this deed, inasmuch as, a few years later^ the original grantees sold in small lots, to different persons, the whole of the six hundred and thirty acres laid out for Samuel Littlefield in 1788 and 1743. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 89 been in preceding years, were weak structures, poorly calculated to withstand the flood that, during these freshets, filled and overflowed the banks of the stream and rushed oceanward with a volume and power of which we can now hardly form any conception. We must depend upon tradition for the scanty particulars that can be given in reference to the fourth mill erected on these falls. It was built about 1790, in shares, of which there were forty-eight, the shareholders being divided into two classes, — the owners of the privilege and persons who had no interest in the water powder and mill yard, but who had contributed labor or materials employed in its construction ; each of these shareholders was entitled to its use a certain number of days in the year, according to his interest, respectively, in the privilege or building. This was the method of mill building generally pursued in this vicinity (and we think throughout New England) by the early settlers and as late as the first quarter of the nineteenth century. There were very few per- sons whose pecuniary means were sufficient to enable them to under- take such a work single-handed, and, moreover, there were obvious advantages secured by this community of interests. The last-named mill was so severely shattered by a spring freshet, a few years after it had been put in operation, that very extensive repairs were required. Several of the shareholders, privi- lege owners and others, declined to assist in the making of these repairs, and persons not previously interested became proprietors, either by purchase of rights in the water power or through the fur- nishing of labor and materials. The repairs were not thoroughly made, so that when completed the mill was far from being first-class, even for the time ; it did not command a large business and gradu- ally became so dilapidated that it could not be profitably worked. In 1825 Jesse Varney, of Dover, N. H., the agent of and a partner in a company that had purchased the water power and land connected therewith at the village, endeavored to purchase this mill site. Joseph Storer had already conveyed to the company ten shares in the privilege and Mr. Varney succeeded in obtaining twenty-two additional shares, with two or three desirable strips of land, when it was found that there were so many claimants to "days" in the mill and to some of the remaining rights in the privilege that it was con- sidered inexpedient to proceed further, inasmuch as a controlling interest in the water power, the chief object in view, had been secured. In 1828 Mr. Varney and his company were compelled to 90 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. succumb to pecuniary embarrassments, and the before-named pur- chases by him were set off on execution to James K. Remich, a creditor, by whom, on the payment of his claim by them, his interest was assigned to Isaac R. Bearce and others, of Pennsylvania, to whom Mr. Varney was indebted. The privilege lay idle for several years, during which time a few offers were made for it, but ridicu- lously low, in consequence of apprehended trouble in obtaining a clear and peaceful title to the whole premises. In 1855 Oliver Per- kins and Joseph Dane purchased the rights held by Bearce and others and those conveyed by Storer, and the following summer erected a saw-mill between the old site and Mitchell's mill, thus obtaining control of the water power and avoiding all difficulties that might arise from conflicting claims. As early as 1752 the mill on the Middle Falls is referred to, in a conveyance of a lot of land, as "the Saw-mill called the Cat-mill." From what occurrence it received this sobriquet is not positively known. Of the many explanations given, we regard that related to the author several years ago, by an aged gentleman who was born and had always resided in the neighborhood, as the most reasonable and trustworthy : The workmen in the second mill on these falls were much annoyed by graceless youngsters who were frequent visi- tors and who were in the habit of getting off coarse jokes and play- ing mischievous pranks. Suspicions had often crossed the minds of these mill men that their dinner boxes had been meddled with, and these suspicions were effectually confirmed one day when they found these boxes completely relieved of their contents. The youngsters were then ordered to leave the premises and were threat- ened with severe punishment if again found there. One of the men was especially demonstrative, applying to them hard epithets and consigning them to regions where "waves of fire and brimstone roll." Now this man had a cat to which he was much attached and which was almost idolized by his wife. On going to the mill the morning following the day of this disturbance he found the lifeless body of this pet suspended from one of the beams; the bronzed, rough, stal- wart man " wept like a child," nor could his fellow-workmen refrain from tears while witnessing the distress of their companion. It may be safely said that those troublesome lads were never again found, individually nor collectively, within the bounds of the mill yard.^ ^Another tradition, less credible, savoring strongly of the marvelous and illus- trative of the superstitious notions quite extensively entertained at the time, has been handed down: While the second mill built on these middle falls was standing and in operation, the night hands were for a season frequently visited HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 91 Thereafter the mill was nicknamed " the cat mill." The story- reached distant neighborhoods, and the scene of the occurrence was described as "the cat mill on the Mousam " ; the nickname has been attached to all the mills subsequently built on the site. The territory in the vicinity on the western side of the river, where were the homes of the workmen (there was no dwelling-house on the east- ern side of the river for many years after the event above related) was known as "Cat Mousam," which name is still retained by the locality and has been adopted by the eleventh school district (as now numbered) as its distinctive title. The occurrence from which this title is derived dates back nearly one hundred and fifty years ; the district is now a very pleasant section of the town, is sufficiently populous for a farming territory, and contains many neat and com- modious dwelling-houses which are occupied by thrifty and intelligent families; the barns and other outbuildings, in arrangement and appearance, are creditable to the owners; the land is well and suc- cessfully cultivated, the schools are cared for and the district is noted for its thriftiness. The following may be interesting to the inhabitants of the district under consideration. May lo, 1762. The proprietors voted "that the piece of land lying on Mousam River between Mr. John Mitchell's lot and Mr. John Cousens' land to be common till further orders from the pro- prietors." This lot is sometimes referred to as the " High Landing." 1752. Richard Thompson bought forty acres, on the west side of his house lot, under John Look's grant ^ of one hundred acres by a cat, which was in the habit of sitting upon the logs when on the carriage and moving toward the saw, and when driven from one taking the same position on the next. One night the mill man, after warning the animal to leave, said to her, " Well, if you do not get off I will let the saw cut you in two." Unmindful of this threat, as well as of efforts to frighten her away, the cat kept her position until, coming in contact with the saw, one of her forepaws was cut off. The paw fell into the stream and the cat immediately disappeared. The next morning it was ascertained that a woman in the neighborhood had lost one of her hands during the preceding night ; of course she was a witch, had taken the form of a cat, and suffered mutilation in the manner just related. Whether she was mar- ried or single, or whether she had been impelled by jealousy or love, the tradi- tion does not inform us. ^This grant appears to have held out like "the widow's cruse." It was origi- nally laid out, adjoining Larrabee's, on the east side of the river, and it is pre- sumed was good measure, inasmuch as, after it had been located. Wormwood, who had a grant of the adjoining lot, could get only sixty acres without trespass- ing, and consequently, in 172;}, he was allowed "a quantity" more, twenty-five rods in breadth on the southwest side of the river, " to make his home lot one hundred acres." We find, however, that under Look's grant, besides the original location of one hundred acres, in 1752 the above-named lot of forty acres was laid out under this grant, and that in 1772 Moses Hubbard sold to Edmund Ourrier thirty-seven acres and had ten acres of marsh surveyed for himself, all under same grant. 92 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. (17 14), — the Richard Thompson homestead on the road from Alewive to West Kennebunk, now owned and occupied by Edmund Thompson, son of David (who resided there) and great-grandson of Richard. Surveyed for Joseph Oilman two lots of land "in the center division of the common lands of Wells and Kennebunk, lying in Kennebunk, being lots numbered nine and seventeen in said divis- ion, which lots said Oilman purchased of Samuel Langdon and others, and are situated within the Cat Mousam District," one of which contained one hundred seven acres and the other one hun- dred eight acres and sixty rods. Oilman subsequently sold these lots to John Webber, of York, who was the first settler in the Web- ber District. Joseph Taylor, Sr., caused his grant of one hundred acres of upland and ten of marsh (1693) to be laid out for his son, Joseph, Jr., on southwest side of Mousam River. About 1752 Joseph, Jr., erected a small dwelling-house on the low land south of the hill, where he dwelt a few years ; it was afterward torn down and he erected a good-sized, two-story house on the high land, where he died. He was succeeded in its occupancy by his son Jonathan. After his decease it was purchased by Michael Wise, who carried on the farm (by a tenant) during his lifetime. After his death it came into possession of Thacher Jones, who tore down all the old buildings and erected a very neat dwelling-house, together with barns and other buildings. The present owner is Oeorge T. Jones. 1759. Laid out for John Cousens "fifteen acres of land, being part of ninescore acres which Adam Gushing, late of Weymouth, bought of Oilbert Brooks, and was formerly the estate of William Taylor, bounded in part by second Mousam mill privilege." 1772. Laid out for Eliab Littlefield forty-four acres, under John Littlefield's grant (17 15), adjoining said Eliab's land and run- ning by Benjamin Stevens's line. Laid out for Samuel Burnham three acres and more, being part of a grant to Rev. Daniel Little (1773), sold by Little to Hubbard, 1774, and by Hubbard to said Burnham, 1774; beginning at Burn- ham's southwest corner of fifty acres, adjoining Alewive road, run- ning by Burnham's land to a stake, then south-southeast to James Lord's land, by Lord's land south-southwest to Oideon Walker's land, etc. Laid out for John Oillpatrick, Jr., ten acres of land on or near HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 93 Mousam River, being part of ninescore acres which Adam Gushing bought of Gilbert Brooks, and which was formerly part of the estate of William Taylor, February, 1775. 1777. Moses Hubbard sold to Edmund Gurrier thirty-seven acres, under Look's grant (i7i4)» "beginning at the north corner of Joseph Storer's home lot, running thence to Deacon Kimball's fence, to Reuben Hatch's line and by his land to Mousam road." 1796. Proprietors granted to Richard Hill (negro) all the "common land on the south side of the brook, between Mr. Little's land and the land he bought of Major Cousens and the country road as it now goes, leaving a road through for black Ghance." Laid out for James Rankin, under Samuel Wheelwright's grant, about nineteen acres, "beginning at a stump standing northerly of a marked tree, commonly called Henry Hart's northerly corner bounds, thence running southeast by said Hart's land,'' etc. Laid out for Joel Larrabee seven acres of a lot of eleven acres of land sold to him by the Wheelwright heirs, November, 1797, "beginning at a stake in Thomas Wormwood's line,^ by the road leading from the post road to Cat Mousam." December, 1801. Laid out for Jedediah Gooch, under grant to John Littlefield, Jr. (16S3), conveyed to Gooch by John Winn in September, 1777, a lot of land bounded as follows: beginning at a stone standing near a marked pine tree, on the eastern side of the highway, by land formerly belonging to John Frieze, then easterly to a rock by Messrs. Larrabee's land, thence by different points to a marked stump in a low, wet piece of ground by the side of the road leading to Mr. Titcomb's, etc., etc., being on the northeast side of Mousam road, so-called. The Saw-mills on Alewive Brook. The precise date when, or by whom, the first saw-mill on Ale- wive Brook was erected is not known. We find that John Wells conveyed to Joshua and Benjamin Kimball'- (doubtless, we think, the sons of Galeb, Sr.), September 9, 1740, one-half of the saw-mill on Alewive Brook, together with fifty acres of upland and ten of ^ Thomas Wormwood owned and occupied a small house and several acres of land on the west side of the road leading to Oat Mousam, nearly opposite the present dwelling house of Charles L. Dresser; an old poplar tree recently stand- ing there was in front of his house. Mr. Benjamin F. Hill is now the owner of the lot and has erected a dwelling-house thereon. 'Joshua married Sarah Thompson, July 14, 1742; Benjamin married Lydla Morrison, February 17, 1748. 94 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. marsh; the bounds of the upland are thus described: beginning "at the head upon a fresh marsh lately sold to Samuel Littlefield, at a marked tree, thirty-four rods from said brook, thence northeast across said brook sixty-seven rods, the breadth of said land, and thence running down on both sides said brook a southeast course one hundred twenty rods, the length of said upland ; the marsh lying on the southeast end of said upland, in several forms, which contain all the marsh from thence to the brook's mouth," according to the return of Nicholas Cole, surveyor, March 12, 1720; "also, half the timber growing or standing on fifty acres of land, beginning at a white oak stump, by a run of water, about eighty or ninety rods west from the aforesaid brook, which empties itself between the two falls into said brook, . . . M'ith privilege of cutting down and carry- ing any part of the timber on said lot," which was conveyed to said Wells by Nathaniel and Richard Kimball, June 28, 1728. Joshua died at Cape Breton in 1745. Whether his share of the mill was sold, or operated by a guardian for the benefit of his child or children, we are unable to say; the latter, however, we think was the case. We find recorded on the county records, between the years 1767 and 1791, about thirty deeds of lots of land, situated in Kennebunk, Buxton (chiefly) and York, conveyed to Joshua Kim- ball, who, we have reason to believe, was the son of Joshua and Sarah. We are informed that, including the mill above named, there have been four mills erected on this site from time to time. We do not know that either of these was carried away by a freshet or destroyed by the Indians, — the dilapidation of the old necessitated the erection of the new. The fourth was taken down several years ago and the privilege has not since been improved. The late James Smith erected a saw-mill a few rods above the site of the old mills, connected with which was a grist-mill. These he operated for sev- eral years before his death, in 1889. The mills (1890) are owned by his estate. CHAPTER X. KENNEBUNK AS IT WAS IN 1750. The lists of grants and transfers in preceding chapters enable us to form quite an accurate idea of the progress that had been made toward the settlement of our territory, as well as of the por- tions of it that had been improved, at the close of the first half of the last century.^ There seems to be good ground for believing that a majority of the adults residing here at that time were well disposed and industrious citizens ; their lands were skillfully culti- vated and yielded remunerative crops. Among those who were permanent residents were a blacksmith and a shoemaker and tanner, mechanics essential to the convenience, if not prosperity, of the settlement. Two saw-mills, one on the Kennebunk and one on the Middle Falls on the Mousam, were in operation. Although settlers were mainly seeking homesteads in the interior of the town, the sea- coast and its vicinity were not neglected. According to Bourne's History, there were in 1750 within our territorial limits thirty inhabited houses, one untenantable cabin, a meeting house, two saw-mills in operation and one in a dilapidated condition. Other houses had been built on the territory which had either been destroyed by the Indians or the ravages of time, viz. : that of John Sanders, at the mouth of the Mousam; that of Ephraim Poke, on what is now known as Gillespie's Point ; that of John Cheater, near the second creek on the Mousam; that of Rachel Taylor on the sea road (perhaps, however, this was the one occupied by Edward Evans) ; one or more at the Great Falls, one or more at Cat Mousam or Middle Falls, and probably several others. Allowing that the thirty families in our township averaged five persons each, our population in 1750 was one hundred fifty. We think this is an under statement. We know that one dwelling-house then standing is not named in the list given by Bourne, — that of Philip Brown,— which stood very near the site of the Granite State House ; while workmen were excavating for the cellar of the Granite State House, they discovered the underpinning rocks of Brown's house 95 96 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. and used some of them in the work. There was a saw-mill in oper- ation at the Middle Falls, and it seems strange that there should have been only one dwelling in the whole section known as Cat Mousam and only one on the Plains. Still we have no reliable authority for saying that others were standing in these localities at the above-named date. Not only were these dwelling-places cold and cheerless, but in common with a large majority of New England homes they were scantily furnished; boxes and chests were quite frequently substi- tuted for chairs and tables, and the floors, for bedsteads, while the supply of kitchen utensils was exceedingly limited. We presume their outfit in the matter of clothing must have been quite primitive, both in fashion and material; boots were hardly known; buskins, made of the skins of animals, more easily obtained than cloth and far better withal, and fastened with strings made of the skins of woodchucks or of eels, formed the winter covering of the feet of the laborer, hunter or traveler ; their headgear, of the same materials, was often grotesque beyond description. Books were rarely found within their dwellings, and probably, if they had been attainable, there were very few who could read them. There were no schools, no physician who could be summoned in case of sudden illness, and the church was far from their homes ; miles of forest separated neighbors, between whom communication could only be had by means of narrow, winding and rough paths, the traveler along which was not unfrequently intercepted by bears or other wild animals ; but, during the continuance of the frequent Indian wars, more to be dreaded than any other danger was the savage foe, stealthy and unfeeling, in ambush near dwellings and pathways, ready to inflict upon the unsuspecting or unarmed white, regardless of age or sex, the most revolting cruelties. At such seasons these pioneers, as they watched the setting sun, day after day, could hardly repress the fear that before its rising their dwellings would be fired by the enemy, their crops destroyed, and that they themselves, if their lives were spared, would be seeking shelter and a hiding place, or would be prisoners on their way to some rendezvous for the safe-keeping of the unfortunates who fell into the hands of the tawny warriors. These pioneers appear to have been fitted by Nature to endure the hardships and privations and to grapple with the dangers inci- dent to the peculiar position they occupied. They must have been a hardy and a courageous people who could erect their cabins on HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 97 " meadow lands," in the vicinity of streams whose waters never reflected the features of civilized man (before their own had been mirrored there), or on clearings made by themselves in a forest which had never echoed the sound of an ax until it was wielded there by their own muscular arms, and who could look upon their unsightly surroundings and their roughly-fashioned dwelling-places and say : "These are our homes, in this wilderness is our life work to be accomplished." Of their antecedents we are entirely ignorant, — perhaps in many cases it is better that we should so remain ; but of these facts we have ample evidence, that they battled vigorously and successfully against the adverse circumstances by which they were beset, that they laid foundations whereon succeeding genera- tions have builded in peace, and that to-day we are reaping benefits from the toils and sufferings to which they were subjected. Sad memorials we have of them, in the unlettered, stone-marked mounds that are found in our fields and waste lands, raised by whom or when we have no means of ascertaining, covering the remains of persons whose names are unknown, of whose lives we have no record. They lie in their lone sepulchers unremembered and unre- garded ; for them the decree, "dust unto dust" has been accom-. plished, the promise "mortal shall put on immortality" has been fulfilled. These humble and saddening reminders of the past are fast disappearing ; many of them have already been leveled with the surrounding earth by the coulter of the plow and are now unrec- ognizable ; those still remaining, before the lapse of many years, will have shared the same fate, and these suggestive memorials will be referred to by coming generations as spots where mounds were visible many years ago, when our great-great-grandfathers were living. The Schools. The early settlers manifested commendable interest in the edu- cation of their children, but it was only through persistent efforts that they were enabled to obtain their rightful share of the money appropriated by the town for the support of schools. The first educational movement by the town appears to have been made on the twentieth of March, 1716, when a vote was passed instructing the selectmen to "ewse there Indevor" to procure a schoolmaster, compensation not to exceed ^20 and his "diate." In May, lyiy.the town voted to hire Mr. Richard Martin as schoolmaster, and to pay him £4.^ 12 3. per annum, "on condition that he faithfully performs 98 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. the work of a schoolmaster in the town, teaching all the children belonging to the town that shall be sent to him wrighting, sifering or latin according to their capacity." Votes were annually passed, from the date of the foregoing until 1731, providing for the support of schools in different parts of the town west of Little River. By this action the children residing east of the river were virtually excluded from them, in consequence of their geographical position, but the residents on this territory were regularly taxed for their sup- port; of this they complained very justly, but not until 1731 were they enabled to obtain any recognition of their reasonable claim. In this year the town voted "that the families to the eastward of Mousam River be allowed ^5 [about $18] on condition they keep a school for teaching their children to that value or upwards for this year," If the families east of the Mousam availed themselves of the privilege granted by this vote, the school must have been kept in a dwelling-house, either in the Kimball neighborhood or at the Landing, and was probably under the care of the teacher who had charge of the other schools in town. We infer, however, that its condition was not accepted, inasmuch as there was no further provision made by the town for the instruction of these children until 1740. Commencing with this year, when it was voted that the school be kept "four months at Kennebunk and Mousam," appro- priations were annually voted for the support of schools in this section. The vote in 1743 was as follows: "If the people living betwixt Kennebunk and Mousam Rivers and Thomas Wormwood, Jr., living on the southerly side of Mousam River, shall provide themselves with a schoolmaster, they shall receive from the town the amount of school tax paid by them." For some reason this vote was not renewed the following year, but whether in consequence of dissatisfaction on the part of our people or of the majority does not appear. The appropriations for this object were always meager and unsatisfactory, much less than actually needed for effective services in this "remote part of the town," as it was termed by our fellow- citizens residing in the more populous section. Public Worship. Unsatisfactory treatment in respect to the apportionment of the school money was not the only subject of complaint by our people against the majority. Another cause for dissatisfaction was found in the dictatorial manner in which their applications to the town for HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. i)\i aid in the maintenance of public worship nearer their homes was disposed of. They formed nearly one-sixth of the entire population of Wells and certainly were not behind their southwestern neighbors in business enterprise and general thriftiness. For more than a century they and their predecessors had been taxed for the support of the ministry, as well as for the building of the meeting-house and parsonage and repairs thereon. Many of them had attended the Sunday exercises there, traveling five or seven miles for this pur- pose, over rough roads, either on foot or horseback. There was, however, no good ground for complaint while the settlers were few and struggling with poverty; it was the best that could be done. But now, when their number and means were greater, they felt that they were able to maintain public worship, for a portion of the time, nearer their homes, and thus enable their families to participate in religious exercises, which hitherto had been necessarily denied them, and they regarded it as reasonable to ask that they might thereafter be exempted from the ministerial tax, in order that they might maintain, in their comparatively isolated district, a separate service for spiritual edification and improvement. A petition to this effect was presented to the town in 1744; the action thereon is thus recorded: "The request of the inhabitants of Kennebunk was put to vote and passed in the negative, relating to their being set off as a precinct." The following spring, however, the town voted ;^20 old tenor toward paying their minister (at Kennebunk) the past win- ter; in 1746 the town voted ^20 for this object; in 1747, £30; in 1748, ^50; in 1749, ^60; and in 1750, ;^6o. In 1746 the freeholders of Kennebunk petitioned that they might be set off to join with a part of Arundel as a parish. A town meeting was called to consider this matter, but it was adjourned without any vote having been taken in reference to it. Indignant that their petition should have been treated so dis- courteously, and well satisfied that no good results could ensue from further efforts, in this direction, to obtain a recognition of their rights, the inhabitants of Kennebunk determined to appeal to the General Court of Massachusetts, and in pursuance of this resolution a petition setting forth the merits of their case was prepared and presented to that body in 1749. A town meeting was held on the twenty-second of May "to consider what may be proper to be Done In Making answer to Petition Exhibited into the grate and General Court of a number of the Inhabitants of the town of Wells Living 100 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. between Kennebunk and Mousam rivers to be seet of as a Distink Parish," and it was voted that Samuel Wheelwright make answer to said petition, in behalf of the town, and lay before the General Court the reasons why its prayers should not be granted. Wheelwright succeeded in getting the matter postponed to the next session, to be held in 1750. This movement tended to increase rather than allay the excitement on the part of the petitioners. On "sober second thought " the majority were convinced that further resistance would be unavailing, would occasion no inconsiderable labor and expense and would be productive of increased ill-feeling between the eastern and western sections of the town, and, therefore, that it would be sound policy, as well as an act of justice, to withdraw all opposition and accede gracefully to the wishes of those residing "in the remote part of the town." Accordingly a town meeting was held on the fourteenth day of May, 1750, at which it was voted: — "That the inhabitants living between Kennebunk and Mousam rivers, in Wells, with the lands and estates of every kind lying between said Kenne- bunk and Mousam, to the head of the township, be and is set off as a Distinct Parish, in order to settle the Gospel amongst them."^ A petition to the Massachusetts General Court for an act of incorporation was at once prepared and presented by thirty-five men. This petition was favorably acted upon by that body, and the inhabitants of Kennebunk on the fourteenth day of June, 1750, were incorporated as the "Second Congregational Society in Wells." The names of the petitioners were as follows, probably all the male adults within the parish : John Butland, John Gillpatrick, Jr., *James ^^'akefield, *Richard Boothby, *Richard Kimball, Nathaniel Wakefield, Philip Brown, *Nathaniel Kimball, *Jedediah Wakefield, John Burke, *Thomas Kimball, *John Wakefield, Ichabod Cousens, *Stephen Larrabee, *John Wakefield, Jr. *Thomas Cousens, *John Mitchell, John Webber, *Benjamin Cousens, *Samuel Shackley, ^Stephen Webber, •At the time this vote was passed there were on the west side of the Mousam three dwelling-houses on the road to the sea, an uninhabited shanty a few rods above the present location of the village bridge and a dwelling-house on the high hill where George T. .Jones's house now stands. These estates were not by this vote within the limits of the Second Parish, probably owing to the difficulty in fixing upon a boundary line satisfactory to both parishes. The occupants of these estates and others who came later, between Little River and the Mousam, con- sidered themselves as belonging to the Second Parish prior to 1820; but the Hart families, dwelling on the southern strip of this territory, never severed their connection with the First Parish; all others were assessed by the Second. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 101 Joseph Cousens, *Stephen Titcomb, Jonathan Webber, Samuel Emmons, Joseph Towne, *Joseph Wormwood, John Freas, Thomas Towne, *Benjamin Wormwood, *John Gillpatrick, *Jesse Towne, *Richard Thompson, Samuel Littlefield, John Maddox, A church was consecrated March 14, 1751, and the members thereof were as marked above (*). Female members were admitted later. Assuming that each of the petitioners was the head of a family and that the average of each family was five persons, the number of inhabitants between Little River and Kennebunk River in 1750 was one hundred and seventy-five. On the sixth day of August, in the same year, the parish was partially organized by the choice of clerk and parish committee, and on the twenty-fifth of the same month its organization was completed, and Daniel Little^ was unanimously invited to become pastor of the society. Mr. Little accepted the invitation, and the twenty-seventh day of March, 1751, was appointed for his ordination. At a town meeting held February 17, 1755, on petition of the inhabitants of the Second Parish, "to consider to whom the issues and profits of the town ministerial lot belong, whether to the first parish or to both parishes," etc., after a short discussion, the whole matter was referred to a committee, by whom a report was made to the annual meeting held in March as follow^s: "That we are of the opinion that the town ought to procure 200 acres of land out of the common and undivided lands in the town of Wells, as convenient as may be to the said Second Parish, to be by them used, disposed of or sold to procure them a parsonage or ministerial lot, they giving a full quitclaim of all right to the ministerial land or marsh now in posses- ' Daniel Little was born in 1723; he was the son of Dea. Daniel Little, who lived in what was called the "North Precinct, in Haverhill, Mass." It was supposed that the whole of this precinct was within the line of Massachusetts until 1711, when the State line was run between Massachusetts and New Hampshire; it was then found that more than one-half of it, including Deacon Little's farm, was within the New Hampshire line. This part of the precinct and a portion of Amestaury, which also fell within the New Hampshire line, were incorporated by the Legislature of New Hampshire (1749) with the name of Hampstead. Mr. Little was ordained on the twenty-seventh day of March, 1751. Mr. Jef- ferds, of the First Parish, preached the sermon. The attendance was very large ; the people of the Second Parish were there in full force, the First Parish was largely represented and large delegations were present from the neighboring towns. As is said to have been the general custom on such occasions in those days, a number of tents were erected in the vicinity of the meeting-house, where were sold eatables in great variety and where " the ardent " could be obtained in any quantity. 102 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. sion of the First Parish." This recommendation by the committee was adopted, and in pursuance thereof the proprietors granted to the Second Parish, March 14, 1757, two hundred acres of land. The conditions of this grant were not acceptable to the Second Parish, inasmuch as they required that the land or the proceeds of its sale should be used only "to procure them a parsonage or ministerial lot," and several years elapsed before they succeeded in obtaining the withdrawal of this objectionable restriction. The grant was laid out in May, 1772, on Kennebunk River and bounded by lands of Samuel Burnham, Samuel and Israel Kimball and a road leading to Coxhall. CHAPTER XI. HARRISEEKET, THE VILLAGE, CAT MOUSAM AND DAY'S SCHOOL DIS- TRICTS. If the uptracing of all matters connected with the history or literature of the "days of yore" continues to be pursued as dili- gently as it is at the present time, it is not impossible that the etymology of the name Harriseeket may, in the near or distant future, be satisfactorily determined; but we are of the opinion that its orthography must be established by " mutual consent of the parties interested." James Gillpatrick, as elsewhere stated, built the house formerly occupied by the late Charles H. P. Storer about 1735. It was orig- inally built nearer the river, where it remained a few years. We presume it was the first dwelling-house erected on the east side of the Branch River,^ in the section known as Harriseeket. Several houses, before this date, had been erected on the west side of the river, or in West Harriseeket. Nathan Littlefield, one of the former proprietors of the first saw-mill built on Kennebunk River, lived there as early as 1670. His homestead was only a short distance from said river on the south side of the road ; we think other Little- field families lived in the immediate vicinity.^ Roger, son of Nathan, succeeded his father on the homestead. He married Anna Ricker * Usually described in ancient deeds and grants as the "northern branch of Little River," although often called the Branch River; from this river that por- tion of Wells known as the "Branch" derives its name. The mill-sites, heavy growth of pine and other timber, as well as tracts of farming land, found in this section, induced immigrants to locate there at an early date. In no part of Wells, at this day, are the inhabitants more distinguished for industry, intelligence and thriftiness than are those residing at the "Branch." It will be understood that the larger part of the Harriseeket settlement on the west side of the river is still a part of Wells, while the part on the east side, much smaller territorially and considerably less in population. Is in Kennebunk. Whence the name Harriseeket or Harryseekit, as sometimes written, we do not know. Several towns in New England have a small district within their borders so called ; perhaps some of the pioneer settlers here came from a hamlet thus named, giving to their new home the title by which their old one was known. -There is a graveyard on or near the aforetime Abner Fisk farm, frequently called the "Littlefield Burying Ground," where are interred many members of families of this name. 103 104 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. in 1 77 1 and had two sons, Joseph and Reuben, between whom he divided a large tract of land which was owned by him on the north- east side of the river, extending from the river to the Sanford road. Reuben built a house on the south side of the Branch road near its junction with the Harriseeket. Joseph built a house and barn nearly opposite on the north side. It is not known what became of the first-named house. It was not occupied by the builder ; he was a seaman and died unmarried ; the barn was burned when Edward Brown's buildings were destroyed by fire on the present Haven Kimball farm. The buildings erected by Joseph were torn down a few years ago by Alfred, who now owns the farm. Joseph Taylor built a house near by about 1700, as did Joseph Day, the first with that surname who settled in Wells. Capt. Samuel Jefferds erected a house on what was termed "Sandy Hill" about the middle of the eighteenth century ; his brother Simon ^ built a house on or very near the site of the present homestead of George Jefferds before 1760. Samuel, having sold his house on "Sandy Hill" to "Cooper Mitchell," by whom it was removed to the San- ford road, put up new buildings near the location of "Pike's mill," and here kept a " tavern " which v/as in operation about the time of the Revolutionary War. It was much frequented and was consid- ered an excellent inn. The dwelling-house is now used as a shed. The Branch River, although a small stream, afforded a desir- able mill site as viewed by the early settlers, which was improved as early as 1670. Nathan Littlefield and others built a dam on the stream and erected a saw-mill about that date, a few rods below the bridge and near where the Gillpatrick house afterward stood. When the bridge was built we are unable to say, but we think it must have been the first, or among the first, east of Cole's Corner. Its location has never been changed, although it has been much improved by raising it several feet. We are told that Simon Jefferds built a dam and grist-mill on a small fall a short distance up stream, but when or how long it stood, or how profitable it was, we have no means of ascertaining. The Littlefield's dam and mill must have been destroyed before 1688, as we find that William Sayer rebuilt the dam that year and was to have erected a fulling 1 Oapt. Samuel and Oapt. Simon were sons of Rev. Samuel Jefferds, the minis- ter of the only church in Wells, Doc, 1725, -Feb., 1752. William Jefferds, the very popular landlord of the tavern on "Tavern Hill" in the village, was the son of Oapt. Samuel, and was born Jan. 19, 1753. His father, a clothier as well as inn- keeper, operated a fulling mill which stood on the falls now improved by Pike. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, 105 mill the same year, but the undertaking was abandoned on account of the breaking out of King William's War (1689). When mills were in operation here and on Little River, it was found to be absolutely necessary that there should be a better way to reach the eastern settlements than that by the sea, which was available only to those who traveled on foot or on horseback; its three ferries and its subjection to the tides rendered it inconvenient, if not dangerous. A new path was laid out, commencing at Cole's Corner, or the "town's end," running northwesterly over Cole's Hill to the falls where Pike's mill now stands, then turning in a northerly direction and passing through Harriseeket to the present intersec- tion of the Harriseeket with the Sanford road, then turning and pursuing a southeasterly course to and across the Mousam to the present site of the Unitarian Church, thence, northerly, to and across the Kennebunk River, very nearly, throughout, as the road now goes. This was, successivel)^ "the path leading to Mousam," "the Saco path" and the "upper way." The road from York to the eastern settlements was through a part of Kittery (now Berwick), Cape Neddock, Ogunquit, Wells Village, the Harriseeket road and the before-named way over the Mousam and Kennebunk, thence to Saco and Falmouth. This was the great mail route from Ports- mouth, N. H., to Falmouth (Portland). Over this road Joseph Bar- nard, in January, 1787, drove the first mail and passenger wagon ^ (drawn by a span of horses) that had ever met the " astonished gaze " of the good people whose doors were passed, who undoubtedly felt that the "world is moving," when a turnout like this had succeeded to the mail-carrier on horseback, with a pair of saddlebags as the de- pository of valuable documents that had been placed in his custody. We are unable to state when the "upper road" from Dover to South Berwick, to Doughty's Falls (North Berwick), thence through Wells, over Maryland Ridge, over the Branch road by Wells's mill, past the Branch meeting houses^ to Harriseeket and Kennebunk, first became a mail stage route. Joseph Hobbs's tavern, at the Branch, was called a stage tavern.*^ We have searched in vain for printed ^Willis calls It a "passenger wagon." Probably, however, as It was near mid- winter, it was a wagon body on runners. '^ We give the modern names of these localities, for the reason that they will be better understood at the present time. 5 This building was torn down about 18.80 by'Ivory Goodwin, the present owner of the Hobbs homestead, who has erected a dwelling-house and other buildings on the opposite side of the i-oad. Hobbs was a blacksmith, an energetic business man, was part owner of the iron works near the Mousam Landing, and obtained several grants of land on or near the Mousam. He was born 1737, died 1810; he married Huldah Littlefleld, November, 1774. 106 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. or oral testimony that would give us correct information respecting these stage routes. We think it improbable that there were daily lines of stages from Boston to Portland over both, the "lower," by way of Newburyport, Portsmouth and York, and the "upper," by way of Haverhill, Exeter, Dover and the Berwicks, prior to 1812 ; an old employee of the "Portland and Portsmouth Stage Company" was quite sure that, for several years, the stages ran alternately, from Portsmouth by way of York, and from Dover by way of Maryland Ridge and the Berwicks. We cannot do better than accept this explanation in the absence of any other more reliable. It does not, however, appear to be quite satisfactory. When saw-mills had been erected within the townships of San- ford and Shapleigh, and lumber was manufactured in sufficient quantities not only to supply the wants of the inhabitants of these towns, but to afford a surplus for the market, a portion of this excess was drawn over the Harriseeket road to Wells Landing.^ The con- nection of important roads with that on which they lived, their mill sites, their advantageous position between two thriving villages, and the fact that this road was a part of the great highway from Boston to Portland and the eastern part of the Province, naturally inspired the Harriseeket people with "great expectations" in regard to the future growth and prosperity of their vicinage, and not until 1805, when the road from Tavern Hill to Cole's Corner, often called the Turnpike, v/as completed, were these pleasing anticipations entirely relinquished. This new road was strenuously opposed by the Har- riseeket and Maryland Ridge residents, and when it had been built they criticised pretty sharply the bills for its construction, — "the enormous and unnecessary expenditure for a miserable path through the heath." For many years the people on the upper route did not become fully reconciled to this darkener of their prospects, confess- edly infinitely better for the great whole, but, still, "the old road was well enough." When, in 1755, the Acadians, as they were called (French inhabitants of Nova Scotia), were, as a matter of expediency, forci- bly removed from their homes by the English, taken to the New England Colonies and there scattered among the settlements on the Atlantic Coast, six of these expatriated unfortunates were allotted to the town of Wells, — a husband, wife and two children, also two ^ Much the larger part of this surplus was taken to Kennebunk, where there was constant demand for every description of lumber, and where, of course, it could be disposed of more readily. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 107 children belonging to another family, probably orphans, connections of the first-named family. A house was built for them by the town, on the north side of the Branch road, quite near its intersection with the Harriseeket road. The lot laid out by the town for the accom- modation of these exiles in 1755 was sold to Joseph Gillpatrick, by John Wheelwright, in 1781 ; it contained one-half of an acre, twenty rods by four, the bounds ''beginning at a stake set in the ground at the Heath, ^ so-called, near the crotch of the roads" (on the line of a wheel path now leading from the Branch road to the Sanford road). There were then no vestiges remaining of the house built for the Acadians and the lot was covered with pitch pines. Gillpat- rick, who was a grandson of the pioneer James, put up a house and other buildings on this lot and lived there until about 1804. He advertised the lot and buildings for sale in 1803 and removed not long afterward to the northern part of the town. What became of the buildings at Harriseeket we do not know; the lot is now again covered with pitch pines. Wheelwright also sold to Gillpatrick, in 1701, two acres near the above-named lot, the bounds "beginning at a pitch pine tree on the southeast side of the County road that leads to Kennebunk, thence by the road, southwest, thirty rods, thence east-southeast," etc. Very little is known concerning the subsequent history of these Acadians, but there is no evidence that they remained many years in Wells. It has been stated on author- ity of a tradition that the father of the family was the ancestor of the Mitchells on Sanford road. This statement, it appears, is incorrect.- ' "Kennebunk Heath," as called in former days, was a wide strip of low land commencing at Sanford road, near the guide-post at the junction of the Sanford and Harriseeket roads, running southeasterly across the "Turnpike" to "William Wormwood's land and to Noah Wells's land." That portion of this tract lying on both sides of the Turnpike is appropriately described by these words at this day. "Rocky Hill, on Kennebunk Heath," is spoken of in a surveyor's descrip- tion of lots of land on the western side of the Turnpike. -This family traces its lineage to a man named Mitchell (his christian name is not known with certainty, but it is supposed that it was John), who was a soldier in the army led by Wolfe at the capture of Quebec in 1759, and was en- gaged in that battle. He left the army shortly afterward and settled in York, Maine, where he married. He remained in Y'ork several years; he then moved to Canada, where he spent the remainder of his days. His son became a resident of Ogunquit, in Wells, and was the father of John Mitchell, known as "Oooper Mitchell," because of his vocation, and to distinguish him from other Mitchells in town with the same christian name. He bought a tract of land near the north- ern terminus of the Harriseeket road, and put up a house a few rods west of the site of that occupied by Alfred Littlefleld (whose mother was a daughter of Mitchell), and a shop near where the dwelling-house recently occupied by E Furber Mitchell stands. This house was made up of that of Capt. Samuel Jef- ferds, hauled from Sandy Hill, and an addition by its new owner. Oooper John had several children, one of whom, James, was a tin-man, who came in posses- sion of his fatlier's property, tore down the old house and erected a new one a few rods east of the old one about im), which was afterward owned and occupied by Alfred Littlefleld. E. V. Mitchell, youngest son of James Mitchell, has a neat residence on the site of the before-mentioned shop and holds the principal part of his father's estate, which, however, he does not occupy at the present time 108 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. A short distance below Mitchell's, on the south side of the road and perhaps an eighth of a mile therefrom, commences a slight ele- vation of land which continues for a distance of one-fourth of a mile or more. This has been known for many years as "Nigger Ridge." It derives its name from the fact that between the years 1790 and 1800 about a dozen blacks, who had been held as slaves by citizens of Wells, were emancipated, erected huts and became permanent residents on this ridge, which had probably been granted to them by the town of Wells. Here were Tom and Phillis,^ Sharper ^ and Hannah Simon, Primas and the younger Phillis, Salem and Peg, Cato, Dinah and others. Probably they obtained a livelihood by making and selling baskets and brooms, raising a few vegetables, jobbing for persons in the neighboring villages and by successful appeals to the benevolent. There are a number of graves on the Ridge, indicating that here these servants found their final earthly resting places. These little mounds are the only vestiges of this settlement. The tract of land formerly inhabited by these manu- mitted blacks is now covered with trees and bushes. Thomas Bas- sett or "Old Tom," as he was called, was the last survivor of this colony. With Phillis, for many years, he was contented and happy, but Phillis died and Peg was a widow; the range for the selection of another helpmate was narrowed down so that he must lead a life of loneliness or take Peg for the partner of his joys and sorrows. It is said that after this matrimonial connection he was no longer lonely. Peg was a spitfire, noisy and uneasy, and when, a few years later, she died, Tom could not but feel that her rest beneath the sod secured to him peace and comfort above it. " Old Tom " was a quiet, inoffensive person. The birch brooms with which he supplied the housewives of his time, in this vicinity, were very popular for rough work ; they were somewhat heavy, but strongly and neatly made. He was kindly treated by every one. To the salutation, "How do you do, Tom?" his invariable answer was, "I don' no, sar, een'a'most as well as I can." "How is Phillis?" "Well, sar, she tries to do about as well as she can." He was a regular attendant at church, and to the best of his ability performed his whole duty to God and man. But we must not neglect to record the fact that Tom was an artist ; he was the possessor of a fiddle and could play half a dozen dancing tunes thereon. His services were 1 "Negro servants" of Capt. James Littlefleld, married in 1770. ^Sharper, "Negro servant" to Joseph Hill, and Hannah Simon, an Indian, married In 174-1. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 109 frequently in request at social dances and at huskings; at all the old-time General Musters, in "all the region roundabout," he was present and always well patronized; young folks from the village occasionally visited his hut, and, aided by his artistic efforts, enjoyed a regular "breakdown" on the greensward. When his last sickness came he was well cared for by a white nurse. It is believed that he was fully one hundred years old when he died, June 8, 1831. Rev. Mr. Wells attended his funeral ; his remarks on this occasion were exceedingly appropriate. The ladies in the neighborhood were present, but not men enough to convey his coffin to the grave with- out the assistance of Mr. Wells. With his decease the race became extinct in this town and, we think, there has not been a colored family who remained as perma- nent residents since. Richard Hill, a black man, resided on a lot opposite the Ridge before the existence of the colony above-named. A negro woman, "Chance," had also a cabin very near to Hill's. In 1796 Hill petitioned the proprietors for a grant of land and obtained a number of acres adjoining and embracing the lot on which he had been a squatter. Hill's grant, after his death, came into possession of Richard Button,^ an Irishman, a seaman by pro- fession, who owned land adjoining on which he had lived with his wife. His contemporaries represented the Buttons as queer characters. One Michael Burgin,"^ said to have been otherwise than exemplary, was a frequent visitor of theirs ; the notorious Henry Tufts, peddler, doctor and preacher, was entertained there while visiting in this town. His house and barn were a few rods east of the dwelling- house now owned by Nathaniel Bragdon, next below the Little place, elsewhere noted. He sold his farm to Joseph Thomas, a lawyer, who put it in charge of Enoch Bragdon. Although Mr. Bragdon performed all his duties well and faithfully, still, after a few years' 1 The Selectmen of Wells, on the petition of Button, laid out a private way for his use, "beginning at the road leading to Kennebunk about thirteen rods N. W. of Pvichard Hill's house, thence running northeast eighteen rods through said Richard Hill's land to common lands, thence on the same course twenty-seven rods to said Button's land. Said road was laid out 2 rods on the N. W. side of the line." - Michael Burgin was a citizen of Wells before 1796, in which year he was mar- ried to Anna Pope. In 1815 he traveled about the country selling an apple paring machine, which was patented, and it is understood he claimed to be the inventor and patentee. He manufactured them in Wells, it is said. We have seen parts of this machine, which in all essential points, fork, knife and wheel, appears to be precisely like the paring machines now so extensively used. Excepting the knife and fork it was made of wood and consequently was not sufficiently strong to bear, for any length of time, the strain to which it was subjected. Many of them were sold In this and neighboring towns. 110 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. experience in amateur farming, Mr. Thomas, about 1830, sold the place to Nathaniel Bragdon, son of Enoch. Stephen Thacher, judge of probate for a number of years, owned several acres of land on the northerly side of the road adjoining Little's land and also several acres nearly opposite (on the south side of the road), on which was a barn. Mr. Thacher's specialty was merino sheep. Whether it was a success financially we have not learned. Thacher removed to Lubec, and we think the whole of the Thomas and Thacher land came into the possession of Nathaniel Bragdon, son of Nathaniel senior. The Button buildings were torn down and new ones were put up a few rods westerly, which have been much improved by the present owner. There was a small building many years ago south- east of the Button land, occupied by John Cousens (grandson of Major Nathaniel), and one nearer the village occupied by one Mad- dox. Each of these was torn down before 1830. Next below these was the two-story house of Nathaniel Mendum, erected between the years 1800 and 1803 ; below this, on the north side of the road, was the Bimon Gillpatrick house, built about the same time as the Men- dum house, owned later by Asa Clark and George W. I^arrabee ; near to that was the John Low house, built before 1800, owned and occupied by the Rev. Joshua A. Swan.^ Near the bridge, on the lot occupied by a boarding-house, stood Edmund Lord's blacksmith shop. The George Jefferds store was moved across the street in 1827. This forms, we think, a correct list of houses standing, or that had been built, occupied and afterward demolished, on the Sanford road from its junction with the Harriseeket road down to the Mousam bridge, up to the year 1820. The Sanford road, in 18 1 2, is referred to by the selectmen of Wells, in an official docu- ment, as the "post road to Berwick," while that leading to Wells was called "the post road to York," On this highway, at the east- erly end of " Nigger Ridge," were two houses, one of which was occupied by Jacob Blaisdell and the other by a Widow Wilson.^ There was also a house in that vicinity, nearer the village, occupied by John Norman, a stone mason. All of these houses, however, have disappeared. Then followed, on the north side of the road, the house owned by Baniel Burrell, which has stood many years; we do not know by whom it was built, but the owner for a long time was Capt. John 1 Afterward given as a parsonage to the Unitarian Societj' by bis widow. - Her husband was a seaman. "Wilson and Noble were partners in some land purchases. The family is extinct in this town. Benjamin Wilson married Han- nah Fernald, July, 1788. Hosea Wilson married Betsey Fernald, October, 1789. Nathaniel Oousens, Jr., married Eunice Wilson, 1789. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Ill Hovey; it has been occupied by George Perkins and Adoniram Handson. Next came the large dwelling-house built by George W. Wallingford, about 1810, now owned and occupied by William E. Barry; next to this was the blacksmith shop, long since torn down or removed, which was formerly occupied by Nathaniel Mendum, agent of the Portland and Portsmouth Stage Company, and afterward by other persons ; then came the old Gillpatrick blacksmith shop, a part of which was the shop belonging to the iron works built on the lower dam in 1776. When business was relinquished there one-half of the shop was torn down and the other half removed (1820) to Tavern Hill, additions made, and it was operated by Dimon Gillpatrick (son of Richard) and his sons, Richard and Daniel, until about 1877.^ It was torn down in 1887. This brings us to Tavern Hill, and we have learned what buildings had been erected, moved or torn down and were still standing on the road in 1820. On Tavern Hill, at the above- named date, was Jefferds's Tavern, of which we have previously spoken, and adjoining the driveway on its south side was the dwell- ing of Nathaniel Jefferds, son of Major William. This estate now belongs to the heirs of Samuel Clark. Nathaniel Jefferds married Mary Folsom, of Exeter, N. H., 1801. As early as 1774, very soon after the bridge had been moved up stream to near its present loca- tion, Richard Gillpatrick, who had served his apprenticeship to James Kimball, put up a blacksmith shop on the spot which is now the com- mencement of Brown Street, facing the north ; a year later, in the rear of this, facing the river street or the old post road, he built a small dwelling-house, and about two years later still disposed of his black- smith business to Dominicus Lord and put up a small store near the shop, where he kept for sale a stock of groceries. These buildings were removed during the last decade of the eighteenth century and a large dwelling-house was erected by Mr. Gillpatrick midway between the river street and Nathaniel Jefferds's house, which was ^Frequent mention has been made in the history of Wells and Kennebunk of the "Ooburn house," but no such house is named as standing in 1750 or later. The timber house is doubtless the one referred to. This stood on the lot known in late years as the "Factory Field," as Oousens moved therefrom and into his new- house on the west side of the river in 1758, and Ooburn came here about that time. Ooburn was married to Mrs. Esther Rollins, of AVells, September 25, 1750, by Rev* Mr. .Jefferds. It appears that he either lost or neglected to obtain a certificate of his marriage, and after the death of the officiating clergyman, in 1758, it was thought necessary to procure a certificate from the persons present at the cere- mony. This was sworn to and recorded on the town records. Ooburn M'as one of the petitioners for calling a meeting of the second parish, to take into considera- tion the expediency of building a new meeting-house on the county road (1771) ; but in 1773 when the pews were assigned his name does not occur. He had either left town or hired seats of Joseph Storer. 112 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. occupied by him many years. After the purchase of this property by the manufacturing company, Brown Street was laid out through Gillpatrick's field, rendering it necessary to move the house back several feet and facing the new street ; here it was long known as the "old boarding-house." It was destroyed by fire in December, 1884. We think there is no record or tradition which will enable us precisely to fix the date when the village bridge was first located near its present position. (In speaking of this bridge and of the buildings in close proximity to it, it must be remembered that when the bridge was rebuilt in 1832 it was moved up stream seventeen feet ; that is, a band was taken from the southerly end of the old saw-mill and transferred to its northerly end, equivalent to its removal seventeen feet up stream.) The chief testimony we have bearing on this question is contained in the following extracts from conveyances by Joel Larrabee to William Jefferds, in 1804. Larra- bee bought of the heirs of Samuel Wheelwright eleven acres of a grant of one hundred and fifty acres made by the town to their father in 1778. Under this grant Larrabee conveyed to Jefferds one acre of land which was laid out as follows: "beginning on the southwest side of Mousam River, at the brink or edge of said river, where the southwest abutment of the former bridge stood, near to the east end of the said Jefferds's old shop, thence running two rods to the old road, then by said road on the northeast side thereof N. W. ten rods, then N. E. to said river and falls five rods, one hundred square rods of land and falls." Larrabee also conveyed to Jefferds, under same grant, two and one-sixteenth acres of land, which were laid out as follows: "begin- ning at the easterly side of Mousam River, at the easterly end of the old Iron Works dam and on the westerly side of the highway running down by said river; thence running N. E. and N. W by said highway sixt3'-six rods to the new bridge." These extracts conclusively establish the fact that the road on the west side of the river leading from the present main street to the lot on which Ferguson's machine shops stood is a "county road," and was for many years, as far down as the lower dam, a part of the public highway leading from York to Saco. In a bond for a deed — Nathaniel Jefferds to James K. Remich— made on the last day of March, 1825, by which Jefferds agreed to convey to said Remich all his right and interest in mill privileges on the Mousam River, in the HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 113 village of Kennebunk, including also one-half of the factory field on the east side of said river, this sentence occurs: "excepting any rights of road over either of the above-described premises." This bond was written by the late Edward E. Bourne. No exception of this kind is made in a bond of the same date — Edmund Pearson to James K. Remich — by which Pearson agreed to convey to said Remich all his right and interest in the old grist-mill and tannery (at the western end of the lower dam) and the water power and land appertaining thereto.^ Now returning to the bridge, we are of the opinion that, in 1779, it was not at or near its present location. "In 1763 there was laid out for John Storer (under grant to Joseph Storer, 1714) ten acres of meadow on the western side of Mousam River, at the bridge over said river and adjoining the highway, running southeast by the river forty-eight rods," etc. etc. The description leaves no room for doubt that these ten acres embrace the sites of the old machine shops and also the low land bordering on the river below them. This meadow, in whole or in part, was sold to William Jefferds and Richard Gillpatrick about 1774 or 1775. If the bridge had been built in 1759, it may safely be assumed that it would not have been located so far down stream, and that the inconvenient and unsightly deflection, rendered necessary by the original position of the mill, would have been avoided.^ There is good reason to believe that the bridge was removed to near its present position during the years 1771 and 1772,'' before the lower dam and Gillpat- rick's iron works were erected, and that Storer, for his own conven- ience (and perhaps as an inducement for the change of location) opened a way from the new bridge to the county road, intersecting the road near Scotchman's Brook, at the same time occupying as a mill yard a good portion of that part of the county road rendered unessential by his action in laying out a new way. The bridge was repaired, recovered, etc., in 1801 ; in 1832 it was rebuilt at a cost of twenty-four hundred dollars;^ in 1864 it was repaired, recovered, 'These lands, with others bj' Joseph Storer arid Kiehard Gillpat rick, were transferred by Remich to a company afterward incorporated as the "Mousam Manufacturing Company. " ^This deflection was materially improved in ]S;;l> and lcsse]ied still more in 1S82. 'There Is no evidence extant that the road to the bridw (on the west side of the river) and across the river to the old road on its eastern side was ever discontinued. * A part. If not the whole, of this sum was borrowed by the town for four and a half per cent, per annum. 114 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. etc., at a cost of eight hundred six dollars and thirteen cents ; in 1882 it was rebuilt as an iron bridge and the position slightly changed. The grist-mill which was built in 1759 was burned down a few years subsequently. When this was rebuilt is not known, but the site selected leads to the supposition that it was after the removal of the bridge (1772-1775). The first building to be seen by one going down the river street in 1820 was a store, quite near the bridge, built by Major Jefferds for his son George, who traded there until 18 14, when he became land- lord of the Jefferds House. He was succeeded by Samuel Ross, who improved the first floor as a store and the upper floor as a dwelling- house until about 1827, when the building was removed by the Manufacturing Company to the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets, where it now stands; next to this was Nathaniel Jefiferds's cloth- dressing establishment ("No. 2 Water Street," as he designated it). The factory on the west side of the river covers the sites of these buildings. Then, lower down, in close proximity to the lower dam, were to be seen remains of the old bridge, of Gillpatrick's iron works and Maj. William Jefferds's cloth-dressing shop. This was the first bridge built over the Mousam ; the iron works and clothier's shop covered its abutment on the west side of the river; then, per- haps a rod below, was the "new grist-mill," built and furnished, in part, with the materials and machinery that belonged to the grist- mill which stood on what had been known for years as the "island," but which has now been connected with the mainland by the Leather Board Company. This company utilized the island by erecting upon it buildings necessary for the prosecution of their business; then came an extensive tannery, built by Edmund Pearson in 181 1, which he occupied until he sold his establishment to the Manufacturing Company; the bark house afterward formed the main part of J. H. Ferguson's machine shop, planing mill, etc. Returning, we go along the "old path" and the only traveled road from east to west for a century, until about 1780, and we find the house of Dominicus Lord, near the site of the dwelling-house of Rev. Mr. Worth; a short distance beyond, the house of Joseph Thomas, now in possession of the heir to George Mendum's estate. Between the years 1788 and 1790 this house was framed and boarded by Nathaniel Cousens, Jr., son of Major Nathaniel ; it was after- ward purchased and finished by Mr. Thomas, who resided there HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 115 until his death (in 1830, at the age of 67); a few rods above this was Dr. Emerson's house, which was built between 1795 and 1800. It was his homestead until his death, in 185 1 (at the age of 86 years).^ It was for many years the homestead of Joseph Parsons, by whose heirs it is now occupied. This brings us to the Nathaniel Cousens house, already noticed, and also near the point where travelers, in days of yore, when there were no mill ponds on the Mousam, used to turn down to the fording place across the river, in later days (until 1669) known as the "upper wading place." There was not a long interval of time between the opening of Major Jefferds's house as a tavern (1790-92) and the building of the several houses for Low, Mendum and Gillpatrick; before the com- pletion of the latter house it was apparent that a straight road was needed from the bridge to Mendum's house, where it would inter- sect the Sanford road. The land necessary for this purpose was at once thrown out by the abutters, and it became a traveled road before it was officially laid out, — if, indeed, it was ever laid out officially, except as a part of the road from the bridge to Gould's Causeway, or "Causey" as it was generally called. In 1796 the road from the bridge by Jefferds's Tavern, and thence west and southwest to the sea road, and thence to Henry Hart's land and by the "Great Swamp," so-called, to "Gould's Causey," was laid out on the petition of William Wormwood and others, and seven years later the road from Cole's Corner to Tavern Hill greatly improved the facilities for travel to Wells and beyond. We believe the "post road to York" and the "post road to Berwick" have not been materially changed, between the Mousam and Little Rivers, since the last-named date. Retracing our steps to the vicinity of the western boundary of the town, we find northwesterly from Harriseeket the " Day Dis- trict" (school district No. 12), the pioneer settler of which was a son or grandson of Joseph Day, who settled at Harriseeket in 1720. Adjoining Day's, northerly, is the Cat Mousam District, the east- erly part of which, bounded by the Mousam, was the first settled. Benjamin Stevens, son of Moses, Sr.,'^ as early as 1745 put up a ' Dr. Emerson came to this town in 1790 and was miarrled to Olive Barrell, of York, in 1791. He had an excellent reputation as a physician, and an extensive practice while able to perform the labor incident to an active member of his profession. ^ Moses Stevens, It is believed, was the first person with this surname who became a permanent resident of Wells, but we are unable to say at what date he took up his abode there or where he had lived previously. He is named as one of 116 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. dwelling-house on the estate now held by the heirs of Orlow Stevens. He bought of John Wheelwright part of one hundred and fifty acres which the town granted to the heirs of Samuel Wheelwright. He bought of Mrs. Bulman, of York, guardian, January, 1748, one-eighth part of a certain saw-mill now standing on the river Mousam in Wells, with one-eighth of all privileges, which her husband, Dr. Alexander Bulman, bought of one Gooch, of said Wells. Next came the house of Joseph Taylor, on the estate now held by George T. Jones, nearly equidistant from Cat Mousam Mills and the village bridge ; he built on his grant about the same time that Stevens put up buildings on his lot as above stated. About 1755 John Cousens,^ son of Ichabod, occupied the estate afterward held by Ephraim Allen and heirs of Obediah Hatch. In 1783 Moses Littlefield, son of Samuel, moved from the farm (later owned by John Walker) in Lower Alewive to Cat Mousam, and built a one-story house near the road, a short distance northeast of the house where Samuel Littlefield, grandson of Moses, now lives. This was built by Moses and his son Aaron in 1806, first occupied by them in 1807, and the old house was moved and made an outbuilding. The western part of the district, known as the "Webber District,'' was settled later, in the beginning of the nineteenth century. The road leading from the Sanford road, a few rods beyond its junction with the Harriseeket, to the Middle or Cat Mousam Mill, across the river, and thence to the county road, was laid out in 1761. Not long afterward Obediah Hatch put up a house about half a mile from the Sanfoid road, where he lived several years, afterward tear- the proprietors of all the c-ommoii lands in AVoUs in 1710. Moses was pi-obably a brother to John, who was in Arundel in 17:iO. Biadbury says he had three sons, Moses, Benjamin and Jeremiah. Moses married Lucy Wheelwright. They were, in 1758, in possession of their rights in the common lands of Wells, which they sold to their nephew Benjamin. Benjamin, son of John, "married Abigail Littlefield and lived in Wells." We know nothing concerning his after life. '"Jeremiah married and lived in Wells." We find that "Jeremiah Stevens of Wells, yeoman, leasedof the executors of the will of John Hill, one-half of the Mansion house formerly occupied by said Hill, together with one hundred acres of land and one- half of a saw-mill at Maryland, belonging to his estate, for four years from the fifteenth day of November, 1750," paying therefor an annual rent of about fifty dollars. Benjamin, of Mousam, is designated as a " trader " in Mrs. Bulman's bond for a deed, before referred to. He married Mary Raven in 1735. He bought of John Mitchell, in 17.56, ten acres of land, beginning at a heap of stones in Mitchell's line, forty rods from Mitchell's first bound, on Mousam river, then northwest forty rods, etc. The common rights, purchased of Moses and Lucy in 17.58, were laid out in 1772, "beginning at Mousam river, at the northerly corner of Samuel Mitchell's land and running S. S. W. by his land, near to Rankin's creek, on road leading to Sanford, second Mousam mill lot," etc. 1 John Oousens married Sarah Davis, 1779. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 117 ing this down and building a larger house a few rods north of it. He appears to have been much respected in his neighborhood and in the parish and was one of the deacons of the Second Parish many years. He was born April 5, 1730, married Jerusha Davis, of Wells, in 1757, and had six children, John C, Daniel, Obediah, Rhoda, Mary and Abigail. Deacon Hatch died November 23, 1819, aged 89 years. John C. remained on the homestead until his death by drowning in crossing the Mousam. Daniel built a house nearly opposite his father's, near the site of that now owned by James B. Whitten. The paternal mansion was burned many years ago and Daniel's house was removed, but the sites can be verified by the cellars and scattering apple trees. Two of the daughters, unmarried, reached the advanced ages of ninety-four and one hundred. When young, they used to attend Parson Little's meeting at the Landing, walking the entire distance and nearly the whole way through a forest-lined road, not excepting that portion of it which passed through the main village of to-day. Besides the three houses above named and the house put up by Joel Stevens about 1774, still standing a short distance north of Whitten's, we have no record that any other was ever built on this road. The first two have long since been demolished. Stevens's house re- mains in possession of his descendants. Daniel Hatch's, we think, was taken down and another built on or near its site. The land ad- joining the southern part of this road we presume is too sandy for profitable farming. Still the road is a much needed one and when in good repair makes a very pleasant drive. One would hardly be- lieve, from present appearances, that it was laid out three rods wide. We have given the names of the first permanent settlers in the Cat Mousam District, according to the best information we can obtain, but there must have been temporary residents, we think, at an earlier day. During the twenty years from 1736 to 1756 there was a saw-mill in operation the larger part of the time, and it is fair to presume that the men employed in and about the mill erected shanties for their own accommodation and for the protection of their cattle; but in support of this rational supposition we find no satis- factory evidence. That men worked there a good portion of the time during these twenty years, we know, but whether with or without families, whether their homes were near their place of employment or at an inconvenient distance therefrom, we are left to conjecture. The district made very fair progress in population after the close of 118 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. the Revolutionary War. A few houses, in addition to those we have mentioned, were built on the Cat Mousam road between 1760 and 1785. Thomas Wormwood built a house and outbuildings on the northern side of Rankin's Brook, on the west side of the road; the buildings were removed long ago and the homestead acres, after having had several proprietors, have recently come into possession of Benjamin J. Hill. The Philip Hatch house was erected about 1794, in which year he married Mary Butland. The dwelling-house long known as the Major Cousens house, built in 1758, and a barn and shed belonging thereto were, in 1775, the only buildings on the west side of the Mousam within the present limits of the village in that direction. On April 19, 1775, — the day so memorable in our national history, — the late Dominicus Lord, who had purchased the lot now known as Tavern Hill, commenced the work of clearing it, — felling trees, drawing logs to the mill, cutting and piling wood, etc. It was on the same day that the fine elms in front of the houses occupied by Nathan Dane and Mrs. Hilton were set out, and it was an old-time story that they were taken up on Tavern Hill and transplanted in the places they now occupy.^ Mr. Lord moved very slowly; the outlook was discourag- ing, and he had neither the courage nor the pecuniary ability to urge the progress of his undertaking. In 1784, however, the site had been prepared and a neat and comfortable one-story dwelling erected thereon. This building to-day occupies the same spot as when completed, but it has been much added to, and now forms a part of the lower story of the main building of the Mousam House (hotel). Mr. Lord married Mary, daughter of Edmund Currier, in the summer of 1784. Three of his children, viz.: Mary, who mar- ried Mark Dresser; Susanna, who married Elisha Chadburn, 1807, and Lydia, who died in 1884 at the advanced age of ninety-six years and six months, were born in this house. After residing there for a few years Mr. Lord sold the estate to William Jefferds, by whom it was at once opened as a public house, ' The descendants of Daniel Shackley, Sr., say that there is a tradition in their family that these trees were taken from Mr. Shackley 's farm (beyond the Larra- bee place), on Kennebunk River, and were set out as above by Mr. Shackley, James Kimball and Theodore Lyman. We know not why full credit should not be given to this tradition, so far, at least, as regards the three standing in front of Mr. Dane's lot; there is another tradition, apparently equally as well entitled to credit as the foregoing, that the two trees before Mrs. Hilton's lot were taken from Tavern Hill and set out where they are now standing by the same persons and on the same day. It is not a matter of great importance. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 119 which was remarkably well managed and soon acquired so much patronage and popularity as to render necessary an addition of a story to the main building and of a long ell for a kitchen and other needed apartments. Increasing patronage from augmented travel, owing to growth of the New England States in population and busi- ness prosperity, in a few years demanded that a third story be added to the main building and a second story to the ell, which was used as a hall. Mr. Josiah Paine, ^ of Portland, was the first to employ stage- coaches for conveyance of mails and passengers between Portland and Portsmouth. This was in 1810. The pa.ssage from Portland to Boston was made in "two days only." The first lines of stages between Portland and Portsmouth and Portsmouth and Boston proved to be a successful venture and the proprietors soon found it necessary to enlarge their operations ; to do this required more cap- ital than they could command individually; to meet this requisite a stock company was formed in each division as early as 1820. In 1824 the Portland and Portsmouth Company was incorporated by the Legislature of Maine as the "Portland Stage Company," with a capital of forty thousand dollars, which in 1828 was increased to fifty thousand dollars. "Jefferds's Tavern" was also a "Stage House," and being midway between their terminals the stage lines were important auxiliaries to its prosperity. The time-tables of the "accommodation stages" were necessarily so arranged that they met here about noon, and the passengers always found the dining room well provided with substantials as well as delicacies in the way of food. The hours of arrival and departure of the mail stage were not so regular, as these were governed by instructions from the Post Office Department. Twice each secular day, both from east and west, coaches drawn by four horses rolled along the streets of the village, oftentimes followed by one, two, and occasionally even three extras, all loaded to the utmost capacity of the vehicle. For many years the approach of the stage was heralded by thrilling and prolonged blasts from the driver's huge tin horn ; this practice was abandoned prior to 1820, first by the accommodation stage and not long after by the mail. Carle and Rogers were among the well-known and favorite occupants of the driver's seat on the mail line, while the familiar faces of the "accommodation" drivers, among whom were 'Joslah Paine died in Portland in 1825. He had been a mail contractor for about thirty years, and during that time he had been constantly improving and enlarging the mail routes in Maine. 120 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. "Clem," "George," "Robert" and "Henry," were always greeted with smiling countenances as the drivers passed along, occasionally "touching up the leaders." In those days, before express compa- nies were known, the stage coachman was an important personage, on whom the public greatly depended for the transmission of money and parcels of all kinds. Some of these parcels required that the bearers should be made confidential agents and entrusted with secrets of consequence to individuals. There have been many interesting occurrences in " Jeflerds's Hall." Here the illustrious Lafayette dined, with his son and secre- tary, while he was our nation's honored guest, in 1825 ; here have been "Fourth of July Dinners," with their customary accompani- ments of speech and toast and song; here have been notable politi- cal gatherings, in which notable public men were participants ; here town meetings have been held ; here have been justices' court trials; here the "Fire Society" and other societies have sat down to excel- lent suppers, here the itinerant lecturer and showman have given exhibitions, scientific, literary and magical, and here have been hila- rious parties, seldom afterward referred to, "soon lost to memory." Between the years 1770 and 1777 Rev. Daniel Little bought a lot of land of Daniel Clark and smaller lots of other persons, and adjoining these, in 1778, he laid out forty-three acres of commons under a grant to him by the town, which together made up the farm on the Sanford road first known as the " Parson Little farm," then as the "Piper place" and afterward the "Paul Stevens farm." It is now owned by George T. Jones. Mr. Little devised this place to his daughter, Sarah, who married Rev. Asa Piper, the first settled minister in Wakefield, N. H., where he continued to preach for many years, and where his old homestead is still in possession of his descendants. Mr. Little's special reasons for leaving his home at the Landing and building and occupying the Sanford road house, about 1790, were never definitely known. In answer to an inquiry respecting his motives for this change, his granddaughter (the late Mrs. Scott, of Flushing, Long Island, N. Y.,) stated that she thought there was no other reason than that of his perfect infatuation with the location. Rankin's Brook runs between the house and the road, and on the bank of this he erected a summer house wherein he was accustomed to read and write during the warm season, and which he always spoke of as his "dear little box." He spent his declining years on this place very happily. Between the date of his death (October, 1801,) and the purchase of the farm by Stevens, it was occupied' by Judge Stephen Thacher, Isaac C. Pray (of the firm of Wataston, Pray & Co.) and others. Piper never lived there. CHAPTER XII. THE PROSPERITY OF KENNEBUNK DATING FROM 1750 GRANTS OF LAND IN ALEWIVE ROSS ROAD HART's BEACH ROAD- — THE VILLAGE BRIDGE AND ROAD THEREFROM THE MILL YARD AND TRIANGLE. Kennebunk, as the Second Parish in Wells, was now (1750) slowly increasing in population and gradually attaining prominence as a business center, which gave promise of a prosperous future. The "road by the sea," which led from Cole's Corner, seaward, to Little River, by ferry across Little and Mousam Rivers to Hart's Beach and the foot of Great Hill, around Gillespie's Point, following Boothby's, the "Gravel" (or "second sands") and Gooch's Beaches and, by ferry across Kennebunk River, thence by the seashore to Cape Porpoise, Winter Harbor and farther east, was a thing of the past.^ A road had been established and made comfortably passable, commencing at Cole's Corner (where it connected with the "king's highway " through York, Berwick, Ogunquit and Wells to this Cor- ner), running thence over Cole's Hill to what is Pike's mill on Little River, across the river, through Harriseeket to the Sanford road. From there it ran to the western part of the village, along by the river where is now Pleasant Street and the street leading to the machine shops (destroyed by fire in 1889) nearly to the lower dam, across the bridge to the highway leading from Mousam landing place to Cox- hall, up this road to what is Garden Street, thence through the woods, chiefly to the Kimball neighborhood and Kennebunk River at Littlefield's mills; this route for many years was known as the "Sacopath." Another road commenced eighty rods above these mills and ran down by the river to the "common flowing of the salt water" (of which way no vestige remains), thence to John Mitchell's, near the mouth of the river, and then to the sea, very nearly the same route as that traveled at the present time by way of "Falls Creek" or Towne's Bridge; there was also a road from 1 This seashore route from Wells to Portland was not entirely abandoned, here or elsewliere, until after the Indian wars were over (176 left the town for secluded interior settlements, where they hoped to avoid "war's alarms," and a few others, influenced by self-interest or because they were believers in the divine right of kings, at heart HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 149 Loyalists, remained at their homes, but with sealed lips. Very few towns, especially on the seaboard, evidenced greater unanimity than did the town of Wells in the hearty support of the doctrines and measures of the outspoken leaders of those who labored for the freedom of the Colonies from English domination. We are abundantly sustained by the records of the town and by unquestioned tradition when we affirm that there never was a time, from the date of the destruction of the tea in Boston Harbor to the close of the great conflict, when the town of Wells could be classed with the doubtful or the lukewarm ; its inhabitants (except- ing, perhaps, a minority so insignificant in numbers and standing as to be unworthy consideration) were among the earliest to second, decidedly and nobly, the patriotic and revolutionary utterances at their Colony's capital, through committees of correspondence and well-considered resolutions, and when the hour for hostile and deci- sive action came, the call to arms here found capable and intrepid officers, brave and efficient soldiers, ready and willing to take their position at the front and to share the labors and dangers of the strife. Our information is exceedingly defective in regard to persons who enlisted or were drafted for service in the Continental Army from the town of Wells. It is greatly to be regretted that so few muster rolls and other documents relating to men and events of that period have been preserved. It is not possible at this day to obtain a complete list of those who, at different dates during the war, occupied the proud position of soldiers in the great contest for the country's freedom. We wish it were in our power to present such a list to our readers, and also the date when each one of the number joined the army, in whose company and regiment he belonged, his compensation, where he was stationed and in what battles or skir- mishes he participated ; the names of those who were killed in action or died of disease, of those discharged as invalids or taken prisoners, all of which would form an interesting chapter in our town history; and these details would be doubly valuable if there could be added to them personal narratives and reminiscences writ- ten or dictated by those who were in active service. Muster rolls of companies raised to reinforce the army at Cambridge, in 1775, and for service on the coast and in other quarters have been preserved, but these are not accompanied by those details that would be highly prized, not only by descendants of the patriotic men who were among the earliest to rally in support of the rights of the Colonists, but by a large majority of other citizens. 150 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. We give the names of the soldiers in these companies who went into service from the Second Parish. Those marked thus * are presumed to have been residents in this parish, but it is not posi- tively known that they were. The following enlisted for the term of eight months in the company of Capt. James Hubbard and pro- ceeded to Cambridge, where they remained until their term of service expired. Captain Hubbard died while at Cambridge. Emmons, Obediah, Gillpatrick, James, Gillpatrick, Joshua, Gooch, Jedediah, James Hubbard, Captain, Joseph Churchill, Lieutenant, Nathaniel Cousens, Lieutenant, Stephen Larrabee, Sergeant, Samuel Burnham, Sergeant, John Butland, Sergeant, Thomas Wormwood, Corporal, Remich Cole, Corporal, Richard Gillpatrick, Corporal, Jacob Blaisdell, Fifer, John Webber, Drummer, Banks, Jonathan, Boothby, John, Jr., *Chadbourne, Samuel, Colburn, Rowlins, Cousens, Joseph, Currier, Edmund, *Dagget, Joseph, Denney, John, Jr., Emery, Job, *Goodwin, Batholomew, Hubbard, Dimon, Kimball, John, Littlefield, Abraham, Littlefield, Joseph, Littlefield, Jotham, Maddox, Henry, *Magner, John, Ross, John, *Storer, Amos, Waterhouse, Samuel, Webber, Benjamin, Webber, John, Jr., Wormwood, Abner, Wormwood, Benjamin, Wormwood, John. The following were in Capt. Samuel Sawyer's company, who enlisted for the same length of time and w-ere also stationed at Cam- bridge. Quite a number of these soldiers, at the expiration of the eight months for which they entered service, re-enlisted for one year. We think the members of this company named below belonged in the Second Parish. Barnes, Abraham, Day, Nathaniel, Jellison, William, Mitchell, John, Wormwood, Eli, Wormwood, James. Samuel Stevens, Ensign, John Littlefield, Sergeant, Joel Stevens, Corporal, Nathan Kimball, Corporal, Joshua Taylor, Drummer, HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 151 Of these, Stevens, ensign, re-enlisted for one year, as did Jona- than Banks, James Gillpatrick and Amos Storer, who had been in Captain Hubbard's company. Nathaniel Butland also joined the company. Capt. Jesse Dorman, of Arundel, commanded a company in Col. Scamman's regiment at Cambridge in 1776. Ezekiel Wake- field, sergeant, John Hubbard and Abijah Wormwood, privates, were among those who enlisted with him and it is believed were residents in the Second Parish. Bradbury says of Dorman : " He was not without perils in war or in peace. In 1793 a violent tor- nado unroofed his house, and he with his bed and bedding was blown several rods from it. Three of his sons were in the army. He was a lieutenant in the old French war and wounded in the battle of Lake George in 1758."^ A regiment commanded by Col. John Frost, of Kittery, marched from Maine, in December, 1776, to Peeks Hill, in the State of New York. John Grant, then of Berwick, but subsequently of Kenne- bunk, was quartermaster of this regiment and Daniel Sewall, then of York, but afterward a resident of Kennebunk, was quartermaster sergeant. Benjamin Lord, Dominicus Lord and Thomas Huff, soldiers in the Continental Army, resided in Arundel at the time of their enlist- ment, but became inhabitants of Kennebunk before the close of the war. Tobias Lord (son of Tobias who came to Arundel from Rocky Hill, Berwick, in 1747) was captain of a company stationed at Fal- mouth (now Portland) in 1776. He died about 1807, aged 84. Five sons were in the army at different periods of the war ; one of them was wounded and died at Quebec. ^A story of which Captain Dorman was the hero and which was universally- credited was current in the boyhood days of the writer. The Captain was griev- ously afflicted with rheumatism. One bitterly cold morning he experienced great difficulty in getting out of bed and dressing; his old assailant was at his worst with cramps, aches and stiffness. He had been told that he needed, to effect a cure, "a sudden shock to the system, something to stir the blood thoroughly." The Captain bethought himself of this remedy and determined to give it a trial. Accordingly, as soon as his limbs became flexible, he started for the ocean, some four or five miles distant from his home, and did not halt until he was so far into the water that the breakers went over his head. After remaining there a few minutes, he retraced his steps and reached home with all his clothing completely frozen. Throwing aside his wet garments, giving his body a brisk rubbing and putting on dry clothes, he was at once "as lissome as a boy." He lived many years after this cold sea- water bath, but was never again visited by rheumatism. He died about 1800. 152 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Tobias Lord, son of the foregoing, "resided at Moulton's Mills and was drafted from Sanford. He was a lieutenant in Capt. James Littlefield's company of Colonel Storer's regiment at the capture of Burgoyne's army at Saratoga, in 1777. He died at Kennebunk in 1808." Capt. Joshua Nason, of Arundel, was at the capture of Bur- goyne's army. He commanded a company in Colonel Storer's regi- ment at White Plains and Saratoga ; three of his sons were in the same service, one of them a commissioned officer. He died about 1809. Nathaniel Wakefield was a soldier in Capt. Josiah Davis's company. Colonel Prime's regiment, stationed at Portland in 1780. He died in 1836. "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," which gave to non-commissioned officers, musicians, mariners, marines or private soldiers, who served in the war for the term of nine months or longer, a pension of eight dollars per month for life, became a law March 18, 1818. This was the first general pension law passed by Congress; it applied, however, only to persons "in reduced circumstances." The following is a list of the surviving ofiicers and soldiers of the Revolutionary War residing in Wells in April, 1818. We have endeavored to make separate lists of those belonging to the First and to the Second Parishes, but do not claim that they are per- fectly accurate. First Parish. Second Parish. Annis, Stephen, Bourne, John, Bragdon, John, Cousens, Nathaniel, Maj., Butland, Nathan, Drown, Moses, Eaton, William, Emerson, Samuel, Dr., Goodwin, Paul, Emery, Job, Hatch, Elijah, Fisher, Jacob, Dr., Houston, John, Jr., Gillpatrick, James, Littlefield, Noah, Gen., Gillpatrick, Joseph, Ragnos, Samuel, Gooch, Jedediah, Ricker, Stephen, Grant, John, Sawyer, Nathaniel, Jones, Thomas, Stone, Isaac, Kimball, Nathan, Wheelwright, Samuel, Littlefield, Anthony, HISTORY OF KENNEEUNK. 153 Whitehouse, Samuel, Whitehouse, Stephen. All the foregoing were in service more than nine months. The following were in the service nine months. Fish, Abner, Kimball, Benjamin, Morrison, Benjamin, Morrison, Josiah, Penny, Benjamin, Sherman, Isaac, Treadwell, Samuel, Warden, Thomas. Littlefield, Jotham, Littlefield, Moses, Norman, John, Osborn, James, Thompson, David, Thompson, Richard, Towne, Joseph, Treadwell, Nathaniel, Varney, Francis, Webber, Jonathan, Wise, Daniel. All the foregoing were in service i7iore than nine months. The following were in the service nine months. Butland, John, Littlefield, Jacob, Shackford, Paul, Stevens, Moses. At a town meeting held in Wells on the twenty-seventh day of April, 1780, "the Declaration of Rights and Frame of the Constitu- tion formed and agreed upon by the Convention of this State was read, and thereupon the persons hereafter named were chosen a Committee to consider of the same and make report to the town." It is fair to presume that this committee was made up of the "lead- ing men of the town " at the time ; we insert their names with pre- fixes and suffixes : The Rev. Mr. Moses Hemmenway, the Rev. Mr. Daniel Little, Capt. Nathaniel Kimball, Mr. John Mitchell, Maj. Samuel Waterhouse, Mr. Benjamin Stevens, Nathaniel Wells, Esq., John Wheelwright, Esq., Dea. Benjamin Hatch, Mr. Amos Storer, Mr. John Maxwell, Mr. Jonathan Hatch, Capt. James Littlefield, Jr., Mr. Jeremiah Littlefield, third, Capt. Joseph Bragdon, Mr. Jere- miah Stevens, Capt. Hans Patten, Col. John Littlefield, Mr. Aaron Clark, Capt. Joseph Winn. The Rev. Mr. Hemmenway, as chair- man, made a report at a subsequent meeting which was unanimously adopted, seventy-four voters being present. The report was a long but a very able document. The first State election for the choice of governor, lieutenant governor and two counselors and senators under the new constitu- 154 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. tion was held on the fourth day of September, 1780. The votes in Wells for governor were eleven for James Bowdoin and seven for John Hancock; for lieutenant governor, ten for Hancock and five for Bowdoin; for two counselors and senators, Rushworth Jordan, fifteen, Nathaniel Wells, thirteen, scattering, four, A vote of the town, at a meeting held July 19, 1781, levying a tax upon the inhabitants of "eleven hundred pounds hard money," concludes as follows: "and for making up any deficiency which has or may arise in former grants, by reason of the depreciation of the old continental currency, which tax shall be paid either in hard money or bills of credit of the new emission, resting on the funds of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, at the rate of one dollar and seven-eighths of a dollar in said bills in lieu of one hard dollar." On the first Monday in April, 1782, the second State election was held. John Hancock received thirty-one votes, the whole num- ber thrown in Wells for governor, and Thomas Gushing, for lieu- tenant governor, thirty-one ; for counselors and senators, Nathaniel Wells, twenty-one, Benjamin Chadbourn, fifteen, Edward Cutts, fifteen, and John Frost, three. The inhabitants of Wells, on the first Monday in October, 1790, gave in their votes for a representative of the District of York, Cumberland, Lincoln, Washington and Hancock. Nathaniel Wells received twenty-nine and George Thacher two votes. At a second trial, in November, Wells received one hundred and twenty-three and Thacher five votes. At a third trial, January, 1791, Wells had one hundred forty-one and Thacher five votes. A fourth trial, in April, resulted as follows: Wells, one hundred four votes, Thacher, four, scattering, two, which resulted in the choice of Wells. In November, 1792, the inhabitants of Wells gave in their votes "for three Representatives of the District of York, Cumber- land, Lincoln, Hancock and Washington, one of whom being resi- dent in the County of York, one in Cumberland and one in other parts of said District, to represent said District in Congress": (i) Nathaniel Wells had seventy-nine votes, George Thacher, nine. (2) Daniel Davis had fifty-four votes, David Mitchell, fifteen. (3) Henry Dearborn received forty-five votes, William Lithlow, twenty- one and Thomas Rice, twenty. The said inhabitants also gave in their votes for three electors of president and vice president for the district above-named ; eight persons were voted for; thirty-eight of one hundred and sixteen votes thrown were cast for Icabod Goodwin, Esq., the remainder for other candidates. CHAPTER XIV. ROADS. Satisfactory evidence is found in ancient documents that as early as 1670 there was a path through the woods from Say ward's mill lot to the mouth of Kennebunk River, the initial of the present road from Mousam River, by way of Garden Street, thence to and through the Landing village by way of Towne's Bridge to John Mitchell's land and beyond. July I, 1679, the lot layers of Wells laid out a highway for the use of the town, six rods wide, "above the boom belonging to the [Mousam] mills and a stake drove down there near to a little old house upon the said land," (near the present residence of Mrs. J. W. Sargent), and so down by said mills to the landing place, and thence about twenty rods down the river to the "old stump" and "Rand's marsh." May 17, 168 1, grantees of land on Kennebunk River were required to leave four rods in width, the entire breadth of their lots, for a highway, but not till 1730 did the selectmen of Wells formally lay out the road |thus provided for, beginning at the southwest side of Kennebunk River, fourscore rods up the river from the falls and mill standing thereon, and so down by the river eight rods wide "till it comes to the common flowing of the salt water to a landing place there, commonly called the Upper Landing Place." May 14, 1692, the town voted that the grantees of the mill privilege at the Great Falls on Mousam River have "liberty and privilege of a convenient road . . . for the conveniency to trans- port to the salt water." This "liberty and privilege" was at once improved and a road was marked out and cleared, "fit for foot and cart," which we should infer followed a beaten path then existing; it does not appear, however, that it was regularly located. In 1720 the proprietors voted "that there be a road laid out from Coxhall down to old Mousam, as near as may be where the old road now goes, four rods wide." In 1765 the selectmen laid out a highway beginning at Coxhall line, near the head of the great gully, thence running down southeast to the road that goes from L^^pper (Middle) Mousam down to the mill pond above Mousam Mill, as 155 156 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. formerly laid out, and from said mill pond down to the country road at the heath (the cross road from Wakefield's at the Landing to Butland's on Sea Road), four rods wide from mill pond to the country road. In 1 7 13 and subsequent years, until a highway was formally laid out, grantees below William Larrabee, Jr., were required to leave four rods in width the entire breadth of their lots for a road. In description of the bounds of a lot of land surveyed in 174a we find: "on the southeast side of the road which leads to the saw-mill on the northern branch of Little River " ; and in another surveyor's description of bounds, in 1743, we find: "lying a little below the Branch Mill, beginning at the lower side of the bridge, running down to the road that leads to the mill"; in 177 1, a high- way was laid out "from Little River Mill to Branch Mill and from the Branch Mill to the town road leading to Upper Mousam Mill." In 17 19, by order of Court, a jury consisting of twelve persons laid out a highway from Cape Neddock River to Saco Falls, through Wells, following the old path to Cole's Hill, Little River, Harri- seeket to Mousam River and then "to Kennebunk River to the usual wading place below the mill, thence keeping the old road to Saco Lower Falls below the old fort." Marshall in his address at York says: "As early as 1699 I find a record of a country road from Wells, through Cape Neddock and York Village, to Berwick," February 28, 1752, the town voted "that there shall be a road from the sea, up by John Webber's and Dr. Sayer's land and by the head of land of John Storer until it comes to land of John Butland and athwart as the old way goes to Nathaniel Wakefield's house [the cross road beginning a few rods below Robert Hatch's and running to the Port road, near the Brookings dwelling] and the old road to the meeting-house [at the Landing], and from the meeting- house as the old East road goes up by the easterly side of Thomas Cousens's house [on lot now Nathan Dane's homestead] to the country road" [the main thoroughfare from the west to Saco]. September 7, 1759, selectmen laid out a highway from Adam Ross's land on a south-southeast course, nearest as the old road now goes to the lower side of land of Samuel Littlefield, Jr., then running south-southwest nearest between Deacon Stephen Larrabee's and said Littlefield's lands to the mill lot and so on to Alewive Bridge, and thence south-southwest to Paul Shackford's property, between John Maddox's and Richard Thompson's land, so down by said Shackford's land to the old path, and thence to a small run in Colonel HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 157 Storer's mile square, then taking a south-southwest course to the road from the Great Falls and down said road to the Lower Mousam Mills, thence by the northeast side of Mousam River to Mousani Landing, where the salt water flows, and from said Mousam Mills the present thoroughfare to the meeting-house (at the Land- ing), past Mr. John Mitchell's land to the "Lower road [the Beach road], to be kept with gates or bars," then from land of Richard Boothby till it comes to Joseph Sayer's land, running equally between Webber and Sayer the length of said Sayer's line, by Mousam River to Colonel Storer's land, above the head of a great gully, and by said Storer's lower line to the road below James Hubbard's. 1760, the road was laid out, as formerly, from the top of Cole's Hill, by Samuel Clark's line, five rods wide, running northwest till it comes to the road that leads to Little River Mill, and thence as the road now goes to the bridge above said mill. 1 761, there was laid out a highway from country road, near William Day's, to Daniel Littlefield's house, continuing northwest till it comes to land of John Cousens, Jr., near a small stone, then northerly by said Cousens's land to his southeast corner bounds, taking a northwesterly course to the river, about twenty rods above the second Mousam mill, crossing the river to the mill road running to the northwest corner of Obediah Littlefield's land, then thirty rods by said Littlefield's land, thence southeast to old Mousam road. This highway was laid out in compliance with a petition, dated February 21, 1761, for a road from old Mousam road to the second Mousam mill and thence to the country road. This is interesting, as it gives the names of the residents in the Cat Mousam, West Kenne- bunk and Alewive districts at that date : John Cousens, Anthony Littlefield, John Cousens, Jr., Daniel Littlefield, Benjamin Day, Obediah Littlefield, William Day, Samuel Littlefield, John Gillpatrick, Jr., Samuel Littlefield, Jr. Samuel Gillpatrick, John Maddox, Nathaniel Kimball, Benjamin Stevens, Stephen Larrabee, Jr., John Wakefield, Jr. This petition was also signed by Samuel Storer, John Cole, Samuel Jefferds, John Gooch and Nathaniel Clark, Jr., who were not inhabitants of the Second Parish, but interested in lands in the vicinity of the proposed road. 158 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. A town meeting was held May 20, 177 i, to consider the peti- tion of Edmund Currier, Joseph Hobbs and Ebenezer Rice that the town would discontinue the whole or any part of the road from the lower mill on Mousam River and by said river to a certain place formerly made use of for landing boards, etc., and make a grant of the same to said petitioners, together with the right of the town to the falls on that side of the river, for such compensation as may be "thought fit," for the purpose of "building an Iron Works or other mills." The town voted to discontinue three rods of said road (six rods wide) next to the river to within ten rods of the landing place, said discontinued part of the road to be granted to the petitioners, "they paying so much for the privilege as shall be thought reason- able." The committee made a verbal report at an adjourned meet- ing, a week later, that the aforesaid privilege, "if any right they have," is worth five pounds. Then a vote was put whether they accept it and it was passed in the negative. As there is no record of any further proceedings on the part of the town in reference to this peti- tion, it has been supposed that the project failed, but it was not so. Documents exist which render it certain that this vote was not the final action of the town in regard to the subject, and this, in con- nection with subsequent transactions, leaves little room for doubt that at the same meeting the whole matter was left to the selectmen with the understanding that the transference asked for might be granted, provided the compensation therefor should considerably exceed the sum just proposed to the meeting and by it voted to be unsatisfactory. It is not known what were the terms agreed upon, but there is ample proof that such conveyance was made. Inter- esting facts relating to this matter will be found in the chapter fol- lowing in the account given of the old iron works. Doubtless the whole proceeding was illegal. The committee made only a verbal report and no action of the town relating to this matter appears on the records, while votes of the town, at subsequent dates, make no reference to it in any form. 177 1, there was laid out a road beginning at Thomas Goodwin's dwelling, running nearly as the road now goes to the lowest Little River mill privilege, and over the river north-northeast to Samuel Wells's land, then northeast by south to the house of John Maddox, Jr., then northeasterly to that of Nathaniel Gould, thence to the bridge adjoining Joshua Clark's marsh and over the marsh to the "common and undivided land." HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 159 It appears that the bridge over Kennebunk River built in 1772 was not the first built over that stream. Bradbury says that *'Durreirs Bridge was built before 1751." In the warrant for town meeting in Wells dated May 16, 1765, is the following item: " To consider a petition of a number of the inhabitants of said town [of Wells] that the town will accept of a bridge lately built over Kennebunk River, adjoining to land of Messrs. Walker and Wakefield, and acknowledge said bridge as a town bridge, and also a road from said bridge to the town road by the Rev. Mr. Little's meeting-house" [then at the Landing]. In the clerk's record of the proceedings at this meeting no allusion is made to this article ; that it was called up and S07tie action had upon it there can be no doubt, but whether favorable or adverse we are left to conjecture. March 20, 1775, town accepts road leading through Alewive, beginning at a stone one rod from the eastern corner of Paul Shack- ford's fence, thence to northern corner of Obediah Littlefield's fence, by said Littlefield's to the town road leading to Upper Ale- wive ; and also a road beginning at the town way near Mile Spring (so-called), in the dividing line between the lands of Joseph Storer and Ebenezer Rand, running northeast and east to lands of the widow Anna Shackley and the widow Mary Kimball, passing between the lands of said widows to James Ross's land, then south- east to lands of Nathaniel and Richard Kimball, and thence to the highway between the dwelling-houses of said Kimballs. Each road was three rods wide. March 22, 1779, the town accepts highway laid out on petition of Jonathan Taylor, Samuel Stevens, Samuel Mitchell, Thomas Wormwood, John Cousens, Jr., Daniel Hatch, Daniel Taylor, Nathaniel Cousens, Benjamin Stevens and Nathaniel Hatch, begin- ning at county road, three rods east of Major Cousens's house (on west side of Mousam River), running north-northwest to bridge over Rankins's Creek, thence to Thomas Cousens's land till it comes up abreast of the High Landing, so-called, then northwest by west till it comes to the old road, which lies on the east side of said line, thence running as the road now goes till it comes to that leading to Middle Mousam Bridge; three rods wide. December 5, 1780, laid out highway beginning at house of John Cousens, Jr., thence to brook between lands of John and Samuel Cousens, thence west-southwest and southwest to check of land laid out to heirs of Samuel Hatch and by said check to the commons and to Jonathan Littlefield's land. 160 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Mach 25, 1785, laid out private way for use of Major Samuel Waterhouse, beginning at Adam Ross's southeast corner bounds, on highway, and running by lands of Adam and James Ross and others to corner of said Samuel Waterhouse's dwelling. April 2 1, 1785, renewed bounds of road from Adam Ross's land, upon a southeast course, nearest as the old highway now goes to the lower side of land of Samuel Littlefield, Jr., then south-southwest nearest between lands of Stephen Larrabee, Jr., and heirs of Deacon Richard Kimball, equally, till it comes to that in possession of Capt. John Taylor, running between said Taylor's and Larrabee's lands over Alewive Bridge, and equally between Richard Thompson's and John Maddox's lands to the crotch of the road, till it comes to the second run in the mile square, then south-southwest to the road that comes from the Great Falls; three rods wide. September 11, 1786, laid out highway beginning at Capt. James Ross's and at the town road, running between Ross's land and land of John Shackley, Jr., till it comes to Isaac and Nathaniel Kimball's lands and through them to the river, then up the river through said lands to land of Joel Larrabee, nearly as the road now goes, to John Shackley's land and to the south side of his woodshed, then to northwest side of his lot and northeast to a tree, turning in a north- westerly direction nearly as the path now goes through lands of John Taylor and Stephen Larrabee, Jr., to the county road; three rods wide. May 12, 1794, town accepts highway beginning at the town way between lands of Ebenezer Coburn and Joel Larrabee, running southerly to Joseph Cousens's land, then between said Cousens's and Joseph Gillpatrick's lands out to the lane near Cousens's house, then through said Gillpatrick's land to Thomas Jones's land, to David Thompson's land, and across lands of Jones and Cousens to Mousam road ; two rods wide. May 2, 1796, town accepts road laid out on the petition of William Wormwood and others, beginning at Mousam Bridge, run- ning southwest seventeen rods to or near William Jefferds's house, thence west and southwest ninety-nine rods, southeast ninety-five rods, southwest twenty-eight rods, southeast fifty-nine rods, south- west thirty-four rods to or near One Mile Brook ; thence southeast one hundred fifty rods, southwest one hundred forty-seven rods to Henry Hart's land, southwest twenty-seven rods to Great Swamp, so-called; thence southwest one hundred seventy-one rods to "Gould's Causey"; four rods wide. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 161 May, 1796, town accepts road beginning at a large rock by the watering brook near Ebenezer Coburn's house, thence running northerly one hundred twenty-four rods to the middle of the bridge at the end of the upper Kennebunk saw-mill ; two rods wide. A petition was presented at the August term (1796) of the "Court of General Sessions of the peace, then sitting at Waterbor- ough, within and for York County," praying "for a highway to be laid out from the meeting-house at Kennebunk on a direct line to the road that leads to Alfred, to intersect the same about three-quar- ters of a mile from Mousam Bridge " ; whereupon the Court then appointed a committee "to view the premises and consider the expediency of laying out the same," which committee reported at a session of the Court held November 12, 1796, "that a highway to be laid out as aforesaid will be of common convenience and utility," and the Court appointed Ichabod Goodwin, John Hovey, Jacob Bradbury, Joshua Hubbard and Joseph Chadbourn a committee to lay out said highway. This committee reported to the Court, Octo- ber 10, 1797, that they had "laid out the road, as directed, through Mr. Joseph Storer's land, beginning at a stake set up near Mr, Osborne's house, and runs north fifty-three degrees, west one hun- dred and thirty-six rods to the road leading to Alfred, which line is the middle of the road, one and a half rods on each side of said line." Mr. Storer was awarded two hundred dollars for damages. This report was objected to by the town agent of Wells.^ After- ward an agreement was made in writing between the said agent and the petitioners for the road, "that Wells will withdraw its objection, provided the petitioners will agree to make the road, at their own expense, passable, safe and convenient for travelers and teamsters, giving to the town sufficient security for the faithful performance of their agreement, the sufficiency of said security" and of "the pass- ableness, etc., of said road to be to the satisfaction and approbation of John Storer, Nathaniel Cousens and Benjamin Titcomb; . . . and Stephen Larrabee and John Taylor, in behalf of the petitioners, agree to perform the conditions aforesaid." The road was made passable during the year 1798. The town of Wells paid the damage awarded to Mr. Storer. This is the highway (Fletcher Street) running from the main road (Main Street) at the Osborne store (as it formerly stood) to its ' The town agent was instructed by the town, November 6, 1797, " to oppose the acceptance of a highway ordered to be laid out from the meeting-house in the Second Parish, in said town, acrost Mr. Joseph Storer's field or meadow." U 162 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. intersection with the Alfred road, opposite P. C. Wiggin's dwelling- house. November 5, 1798, town accepts highway, laid out on petition of Isaac Emery and others, leading from the county road by Capt. John Brown's dwelling-house to John Mitchell's residence, begin- ning at the west corner of said Brown's dwelling (since known as the Kilham house, now owned and occupied by Charles F. Tarbox), leaving said county road three rods in width and running southwest twenty rods, opposite the southwest corner of the schoolhouse, then seventy-five rods to Mr. Titcomb's land, passing his house and orchard, fifty-six rods to John Fisk's land, eighty-five rods to Jacob Towne's land, nine rods to the middle of the bridge, thence through Towne's and Fisk's lands to that of Maddox, and so on to Samuel Towne's homestead and Mitchell's land, then to Captain Emery's residence and Job Emery's land, continuing through lands owned by Harding, Emery and Gooch, thence to John Mitchell's land, to his well; said highway to be three rods wide, "excepting the twenty- six rods passing Titcomb's house and orchard to be two and a half rods wide." At a town meeting held in April, 1800, "a committee was appointed to examine Mousam River Bridge and report whether it is necessary to build a bridge over that in 1801, and if necessary in what manner and with what materials it shall be built." A com- mittee was also appointed to confer with the town of Arundel respecting the building of a bridge over Kennebunk River, on the upper road; and another to confer with said town respecting the building of the lower bridge over Kennebunk River (Durrell's Bridge) and "fixing a draw" thereto, and that the selectmen be directed to appropriate such sums as they think proper^to the build- ing of the latter. (This bridge was rebuilt with a drawer in 1801.) At the same meeting a special tax of eight hundred dollars was raised, to be applied to the erecting and repairing of bridges. "The Turnpike." We do not find a record of the selectmen's return of the laying out of the road from Cole's Corner to Tavern Hill, usually spoken of as the turnpike, nor of its acceptance by the town. We cannot account for these omissions, inasmuch as the road was an important one and the building of it was strongly resisted by many of the inhabitants of Wells, especially those living at Harriseeket and the Branch. It was undoubtedly laid out in 1801 or 1802 and built in 1803 and 1804. The following notes are HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 163 all we find in reference to it. May 7, 1804, it was voted that " Henry Hart, John Storer and Jacob Fisher be appointed a com- mittee to draught a petition to the Court of general sessions of the peace to discontinue the road laid out from Benjamin Boothby's to Maj. William Jefferds's." It is not probable that this committee took any action in the matter. At a meeting held in April, 1805, the whole subject seems to have been finally disposed of by the adopting of the following: "On a representation respecting the new highway leading from Major Jefferds's to Benjamin Boothby's, Voted, that for advances in clearing said highway and building bridges that the selectmen do what is just and right," which was supplemented, at a subsequent meeting, by an explanatory vote "that the selectmen be judges of the value of the materials and labor done on the road." The selectmen were directed by the town, in May, 18 10, "to open or cause to be opened the townway from lower Mousam saw- mill to the landing place on Mousam River, at the head of tide water." (Mr. Joseph Storer had put up a fence, with bars, across the road, just below Mayall and Radcliff's factory.) The directions of the town were at once complied with. In 1815 Mr. Storer was permitted "to place a gate across" this road. May, 181 1, town accepts a road, about one hundred sixty rods in length, laid out on petition of Col. John Taylor and others, "beginning at the west corner of a lot of land formerly known as the Parsonage lot, by Alewive road, so-called, and near Ebenezer Taylor's, thence northeasterly to the middle of Kennebunk River"; two rods wide. In consequence of a dispute between Mr. Joseph Storer (joint owner with his brother Clement, of Portsmouth, of the land adjoin- ing) and the town authorities, as to their respective rights, a survey was made of a part of the highway on the easterly side of the Mousam in May, 181 1, beginning at the county road, at the easterly end of Mousam Bridge, and running southeast fifty-seven rods by the river, then as the river runs, south, five rods, and southwest, by the river, nine rods, then southwest thirty-four rods to the creek; across by the mouth of the creek southeast by the river twelve rods, then southeast eight rods by the river, and southwest six rods, then northwest twenty rods or thereabouts to the old landing or building yard and Joseph Storer's land to the creek, passing the landing to a stake in the field, thence northwest fifty-seven rods to the county 164 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. road, and six rods to the first-mentioned bounds; six rods wide. The land adjoining this road, below the lower dam, was improved, during the warm months, as a pasture for cattle. Many persons in the neighborhood pastured their cows there, paying Mr. Storer for the privilege about nine dollars per head for the season. It was known until 1825 as " Storer's pasture," and thereafter as the "Factory pasture." In compliance with a petition of citizens, in 1812, the ancient highway from Abial Kelley's land (now Joseph Sargent's) to the sea, by John Butland's land, was resurveyed, widened and straightened, "beginning in the center of the road by Abial Kelley's house, leading to the sea, and running between said Kelley's barn and Daniel Wise's barn southwest," by said Wise's and Kelley's lands, and by lands of Wise, Chadbourne Kelley, Wakefield and Larrabee, then southeast by Larrabee's land to land of John Butland and by Butland's land to Joseph Gooch's land, passing said Gooch's land to Jeremiah Gooch's land and to his dwelling-house, "it being two miles from said Kelley's to said Gooch's." During the same year, 18 12, on petition of Joseph Gillpatrick and others, the selectmen laid out a highway "beginning on west side of Alewive road and near a ledge of rocks," between lands of Ebenezer Coburn and Joel Larrabee, Jr., running southwest two hundred seventy-six rods to a stone in the ground, being the corner bounds of said Larrabee and Reuben Littlefield, thence eighty-eight and a half rods to Elisha Cousens's land, then south seventy-three rods to Cousens's lane, and southeast forty-three rods, being a rod and a half from the westerly corner of Thomas Jones's barn, con- tinuing southwest forty rods and southeast one hundred ninety-three rods to Alfred road ; two rods wide. In 18 14 the selectmen laid out a "road beginning on the south side of the canal, a little above a small island in the same," running northwest and west eighty-nine rods at the foot of Great Hill, con- tinuing forty-four rods to a narrow beach, where the road is now traveled, and northwest one hundred ninety-seven rods to near the entrance to Widow Hart's lane, then northeast seventy-eight rods and northwest one hundred forty-eight rods to the road that leads to Kennebunk Wharf, thence seventy-eight rods, near the guidepost above Samuel Hart's land, thence thirty rods by Hart's field and twenty-six rods to the highway that leads from Gould's land to Brag- don's land and Kennebunk. "In part the bounds of an old road and in part altered and straightened the same " ; three rods wide. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 165 "Laid out and renewed the bounds of part of an ancient road on the seaboard in Wells : beginning at the northeast side of Little River, at the upper wading place, so-called, thence southeast four- teen rods and northeast one hundred eleven rods to the old road, near pitch pine trees, thence forty-eight rods to the old road, by the corner of Hart's land, thence as the road runs thirty-eight rods to two pitch pine trees standing near the widow Hart's lane, where the other road intersects the same; three rods wide." Approved November, 1814. On petition of John Webber, Obadiah L. Webber, Elias Stevens, Obadiah Hatch, Jr., Samuel Mitchell, Ebenezer Mitchell, Philip Hatch, Daniel Stevens, Moses Littlefield and Aaron Littlefield, and representation of James Cousens, laid out highway beginning one and a half rods northeast from Obadiah Hatch's dwelling-house and running northwest by said Hatch's land, thence on different courses ninety-one and a half rods "to the road which has been formerly traveled in and now enclosed by said Cousens," thence seventy-nine rods by said Cousens's land till it intersects the road that crossed said Cousens's field, thence southwest fiifty-two rods to Daniel Stev- ens's land, and thence two hundred ten rods, in different courses, to and by John Webber's land ; three rods wide. Accepted May, 1817. In pursuance of a vote of the town, directing the selectmen to examine the pathway over Great Hill and open the same, if upon inquiry and on examination they have authority to do so, said selectmen, in October, 18 19, "surveyed an ancient road over Great Hill, bounded thus: beginning at a fence made across said road by William Jefferds, Jr., and in the bend of the road on the beach and running in the middle of the road (making the breadth of two rods on each side of the center of the road, being four rods in width), northeast fifty-three rods by land of said Jefferds, then southeast by same forty and one-half rods to a fence and stake, thence southeast along the seashore or wall to the end of the neck of land where John Gillespie lately lived." Said highway was laid out according to selectmen's statement and confirmed in the year 1674, and the courses and distances above named were confirmed by testimony of aged citizens present at the survey and by copies of grants of land bounded on the said highway. CHAPTER XV. SHIPBUILDING ON THE MOUSAM AND KENNEBUNK RIVERS KENNE- BUNK IRON WORKS. Undoubtedly the small coaster that brought the workmen, with their tools, builders' hardware and perhaps some of the machinery to be used in the erection of Sayward's shanty and mills, about 1670, was the first vessel of considerable size that sailed upon the waters of the Mousam. Whether she was made fast near the large pine — a modicum of the stump of which is still visible, an object of interest to persons with antiquarian tastes — or a few rods farther up stream, at the foot of the falls, is not known ; probably, however, her sails were furled and her hatches opened at the last-named spot. The vicinity of the large tree, at that time, must have been marsh land only. From 1670 until 1688, when the mills were destroyed by the Indians, the stream was frequently visited by small coasters, which brought provisions and building materials, and, while the mills were in operation, for return cargoes carried lumber that had been manufactured there. The trade was almost exclusively with Boston. For eighteen years this miniature commerce between west- ern ports and Mousam Landing was carried on quite profitably to all the parties concerned. Littlefield's mill, on the Kennebunk, was in operation from 1681 to 1688, and it is reasonable to suppose that a part of the company's needed supplies were received at Mousam Landing and that they shipped a part of their manufactured lumber thence, although it is well known that the operators of that mill rafted the larger part of their lumber down the Kennebunk to a point below the lower falls that could be conveniently reached by coasters. For many years, dating from the year last above named, Mousam Landing was unfrequented and all signs of its former activity had disappeared; but about 1730 it resumed its old-time business aspect. Tradition says that soon after this renewal of trade the vicinity of the big pine and thence up river was cleared, the bank raised, and thenceforward it was the favorite mooring place of vessels. Storer's and the middle mills and that at Great Falls 166 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 167 furnished a large quantity of lumber for exportation, while an increased population created a large demand for goods of various descriptions. How long this landing was the resort of coasters we are unable to say. The channel of the Mousam was wider and deeper then than now, but its course was even more circuitous than at present. Tradition makes no reference to the existence of a wharf or wharves at its landing place, nor have indications been discovered that would authorize the inference that any such structure had ever been built there. The harbor at the mouth of the Kenne- bunk possessed obvious advantages over that at Mousam Landing; a wharf (Mitchell's) had been built on the west side of the river as early as 1753, and it can hardly be supposed that its superior facili- ties would long be overlooked. The great freshet in 1755 carried away all the mills on the Mousam. This calamity, of course, almost entirely destroyed the coasting trade. A few years later, when new mills were in operation, it is certainly within the bounds of probability that the lumber they exported was carted to the lower part of the town and shipped thence. The additional cost of cart- ing was more than counterbalanced by the saving in freight in con- sequence of the easier access to the harbor and the avoidance of the annoying detentions which must have been quite often experienced in passages up and down the Mousam. To use, however, the language of an old merchant at the Port, "while the Kennebunk harbor is a good one, it has the provoking disadvantage of requiring a foul weather wind to sail out of it." We think the Mousam Landing was not much frequented by coasters after 1755, but the loss of this trade was more than compensated by shipbuilding, which was pros, ecuted quite vigorously for a long time at the old mooring places and farther down the river. Vessels were built at Saco, Vork, Kittery and Wells many years before a keel was laid on the banks of the Mousam. They were indispensable to the settlers on the coast, and the building of them must have been the earliest object that engaged their attention after lands and dwelling places had been secured. It would be interest- ing to know at which of these settlements the initial of the fishing and coasting vessels that have been launched from the shipyards in these towns was built and fitted for sea, but this cannot now be ascertained. It is not known when the first vessel was built on the Mousam, although we learn from tradition that it was of small tonnage and built by John Butland for a gentleman belonging in Newburyport, Mass. The shipyard was not far below Sergeant 168 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Larrabee's fort, but no date is given. We have no data that throw additional light on the subject. John Butland was in the prime of life in 1730, had then been employed in shipyards west of us a number of years, and had acquired a good knowledge of the art — for which we are told he possessed a natural aptitude — that war- ranted him in undertaking, with perfect confidence, the position of master builder. That he was a well-qualified and thorough workman is amply proved by the fact that he was subsequently employed, by out-of-town parties, to build several other vessels, all of which were launched from building yards in the vicinity of the Larrabee settle- ment. John Butland, Sr., was not living in 1772; his son John was his successor in business. He built a vessel for Joseph Churchill in 1773-74. Churchill was a resident of Arundel in 1773, but moved to Kennebunk the following year and "kept a store where George Wise's house now stands." His contract with Butland (which was evidently written by Churchill) is an interesting document. It is therein declared "that the sd John for the consideration hereafter menchand promiseth and agreas with sd Joseph to Buld and Cum- pletly finish sd Hull or Bodde of halve Dak topsail scooner of a Bout one hundred and twenty tons or ther a Bout of sd fowloring Dimenstions, fifty sevining futt Kiel, twenty four futt Beme and nine futt or ten futt Holl as said Joseph shall Derict and find all the wood meterials suteble for the same, Except such wood as the Block- maker shall stand in ned of and Deliver hir cumpletly finished below all forls or showls in Musum River by the fiveteenth day of August next insuing the sd scooner to be Bult with all Wite Oak above water and all good oak under water and to have two striks at the flour timber heads and one strik under the Wales of three inch Plank and all the out Bord Plank to be whit oak and not under two inches and a half thick, the seling plank to be of good oak, the Plank for the Dak to be of good whit pine of the lenth of the half Dak and two inches and a half thick, the Marss and Bowsplit to be good whit pine and of Deminshand as the sd Joseph shall derict, the spars of the best sprus, and the sd Joseph promiseth to pay the sd John two pounds thirteen shilings and four pence for each and every ton that sd scooner shall ton when bult, the pay to be in the fowloring maner, one fiveth part to be payd in cash, one quorter part in West indea goods, one quorter in provitions and the other part in English goods at as chepe a rate as the sd Joseph sales for cash pay, the Wes-india good and provitions to be of the fowloring prises — New England Rum to be tow shilings pr galon MoP at one HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 169 shiling and eaght pence per galon, Cottin wool at one shiling and eaght pence per lb Coffee at one shiling and four pence pr pound Choclat at one shiling and six pence pr pound Corn at four shilino-s per bushill, Pork at four pound ten shilings and eaght pence pr barrill Cod Fish at seveingten shilings per quentell and the other articles of the provitions and Westindea goods to be at the same advarnse the pay to be at or before the time of delivery of the sd scooner. "And to the true and faithfuU performance of this Agremint and every part of the same the sd Partes bind and oblige themsilves the other to the other in the penel sum of four hundred pounds to be payd by the Parte faling to the Parte obsarveing the same. In wit- ness wareof the sd Partes have hereunto Interchangable set there hands and seals this first day of November in the thirtenth year of his Majasties Raign annoque Domine 1773. Joseph Churchill [L. S.]." Witnessed by Jacob Curtis, Jr., and Andrew Burley. "N. B. It is furder agred that the sd John shall be suplid with things as goods and pervistions as he shal corl for them." During the war Butland built for Newburyport parties a priva- teer of about two hundred and forty tons burden and fitted to carry fourteen guns. We cannot learn whether she was successful or unfortunate in her ocean experience. After our coasting trade had been transferred from the Mousam to the Kennebunk (about 1755), the neck of land south of the "creek" and running southwesterly from the road,— occasioning a bend in the river just at the foot of the falls,— which had been found an excellent place for piling lumber, as well as for the loading and unloading of coasters, was no longer needed for these purposes. It possessed, however, many advantages for shipbuilding and was used, more or less, for this industry until about 1795. Several small vessels were built here before the Revolutionary War, three or four during the war, and twelve or fifteen, here and on the opposite side of the river, after its close, probably nearly thirty in all. Major Nathaniel Cousens was the principal master builder at this point when not in the service of his country, but we do not know who held this position during the war ; as there were several carpenters by the name of Bourn at the western end of the town, we think it quite probable it was one of these. Butland was fully employed in his own shipyard. We have said in another place that the course of the Mousam was very circuitous; not only was this the fact, but there was a 170 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. sand bar at its mouth which was a serious obstruction. The resi- dents in Mousam village very naturally viewed with regret the aban- donment of their "landing" and the transference of its business to another part of the town. To regain their former trade was an object which they regarded as deserving their best efforts. If the course of the river were changed so that it would run without impor- tant curvature to the sea, it was believed that facilities for its navigation would be secured that would materially augment its advantages as a harbor and for shipbuilding; thus, with its prestige and the making of needed improvements, such as wharves, etc., it would largely promote the business interests of this part of the town. In furtherance of this object a stock company was formed which procured an act of incorporation from the Massachusetts Legislature of 1792. This not only authorized the making of a new outlet to the sea, but, also, the imposition of a toll on the various descriptions of lumber that might form a part or the whole of the lading of outward-bound vessels passing through their canal. The stock was rapidly taken up and the work was commenced in earnest the following year (1793). A dam was built nearly opposite the well- known Henry Hart place, and the Mousam, which for unknown centuries had disembogued its waters into the Atlantic by Hart's rocks, was compelled to obey the mandates of civilization's agents, to yield its channel to the sands of the shore and to pass through an outlet formed by man, in contemptuous disregard of Nature's handiwork. If we could imagine a Divinity of the Rivers, offended by this act, we could also imagine with what sweet complacency it must have witnessed the failure of the plans of those who had tres- passed on its domain. Many difficulties were encountered in the prosecution of the work of excavating a canal from the "turn" to the sea, on the east side of Great Hill, but the crowning trial was in the discovery of an extensive ledge, which presented an insuperable obstacle to the fruition of the hopes of all who were interested in the undertaking, unless, indeed, it should be removed at enormous cost. There were, however, no funds obtainable for this experiment, and if there had been there were grave doubts as to the advisability of deepening the channel at an expense so great. The project was a decided failure, the money expended by the stockholders was a dead loss, and the enterprise was abandoned. If the new outlet had been made on the western end of Great Hill, as it was originally designed that it should be, no serious difficulty would have been encountered and HISTORY OF KENNEBUXK. 171 it would have completely fulfilled the anticipations of its friends and projectors. It seems incredible that good business men should have com- menced work on the eastern end of the hill without first being assured of the entire feasibility of the route they had adopted; and it is equally surprising that, when so much was at stake and such an amount of available work had been done, when they knew that there was no serious obstruction at the westen end, and, moreover, that the cost would be comparatively trifling, they should have yielded so readily to discouragement. The modern methods of assessments and bond issuing could not have been in vogue in those days. To what extent this untoward event retarded the growth and prosperity of the village is a problem that it would be useless to consider. This we do know, however, that with a channel that would permit the ingress and egress of vessels of four hundred tons, or even of three hundred tons burden, with shipyards on the banks of the river where vessels of the largest size named could be built and fitted for sea, with commodious wharves, in the vicinity of the "creek," where vessels of all sizes under that tonnage could be amply accommodated, and where could be landed and whence could be shipped a fair proportion of all the lumber manu- factured at our mills or brought here from the interior towns, with such facilities there would have been sources of prosperity within the borders of the village that must have caused it to increase much more rapidly than it has in population and wealth. Soon after the workmen had commenced operations at the mouth of the river, the Storer brothers, in full confidence that a new and desirable outlet would be secured, contracted with Eutland for the building of a ship of about three hundred tons burden, which was completed shortly after the disastrous termination of labor on the canal. She was launched and taken down the river, but the ledge was a fearful barrier; for awhile it was believed that she could not be floated over it. At length, after much labor and expense, the obstacle was surmounted, but not without considerable damage to the ship. Possibly, after this mischance, a few small vessels were built on the river, but we think not; from that time to the present no attempt of the kind has been made. The navigation of the Mousam, through the many years that have elapsed since Storer's 172 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. ship passed through the canal, has been confined to gondolas, chebacco boats and yawls. A short time after the canal had been excavated, Capt. Benja- min Dickson and one or two associates built a schooner of between sixty and eighty tons burden on the Two Acres; she was success- fully launched and was named "Two Acres." The shipyard was nearly opposite the present site of John R. Bean's cottage. We do not know what became of the vessel. While the events we have been narrating were in progress on the Mousam, the Kennebunk had been gradually increasing in importance as a harbor and several shipyards had been established, its banks affording eligible sites therefor. As we have before stated, a schooner was built at the Harbor in 1755. At the Landing a schooner was built in 1766, a sloop in 1767 ; the building of other small vessels followed in succeeding years ; a brig was commenced in 1773, the first vessel of more than one hundred tons that had been built on the river. After shipbuilding had been abandoned on the Mousam, this branch of business centered for many ensuing years at Kennebunk Landing ; sloops, schooners, brigs, barks and ships were built there, but the largest were of small tonnage com- pared with those that were afterward required. The first exceeding three hundred tons was built in 1805 ; the first exceeding four hun- dred tons in iSii — the Rubicon, built by William Jellerson for William Gray, of Boston. In 1S15 Hugh McCulloch built a ship of four hundred thirty-nine tons — the Sabine. No vessel exceeding this tonnage was built on the river until after 1820. We shall devote a chapter to the shipping interests of the town, after its incor- poration, in the second part of this work. The following extracts from a document that has been loaned the author will be interesting to many readers. "Kennebunk, in the District of Biddeford and Pepperelbor- ough, . . . Jeremiah Hill, Collector. Nov. 11, 1795." "James Kimball, owner of the Snow Alexander, 145 tons bur- then, of Kennebunk, Benj. Stone, master, bound to St. Vincents, — Capt. Benj. Dighton letten to freight 1 of said Snow for 8s. per ton, with charge of victualling and manning, port charges and pilotage. Witness, Charles W, Williams." Kennebunk and Wells had always formed a part of the Collec- tion District of Biddeford and Pepperelborough, with the custom house at Biddeford, since the establishment of collection districts by the Government. In 1795 the tonnage belonging to the first- HISTORY OF KENNEEUNK. 173 named ports constituted much the larger part of the whole amount owned in the entire district. It was both inconvenient and expen- sive for persons in these towns who had occasion to do business at the custom house to travel to Biddeford^ for this purpose, and it was determined to petition Congress to make of them an independ- ent district, with the custom house at Kennebunk. A petition ask- ing for this action was presented in Congress in 1799, and with it and in support of its prayer a list of the vessels belonging to these ports in 1798, together with estimates of the miles of travel and expense to which persons therein who were engaged in navigation were unnecessarily subjected by the arrangement. Probably most of the vessels belonging to the Port of Kennebunk which traversed the ocean to the West Indies were built at Kennebunk Landing, while a few were launched on the Mousam River.'- A synopsis of the papers petitioning Congress we are enabled to furnish. "Thirty-six vessels are employed in the West India trade, which on an average make three voyages per annum, or one hundred and eight voyages per annum. The owners of these vessels on an average live twelve miles from the nearest office of entry. Neces- sary travel for each voyage, of owner, master and bondsmen, one hundred and ninety-two miles, making a total for the one hundred and eight voyages of twenty thousand seven hundred and thirty-six ^The author wrote to Edward P. Buriiham, Esq., of Saco, inquiring whether evidence existed that at any time the custom house was located at Biddeford. Mr. Burnham found it difficult to obtain the desired information, but at leuKth "learned from Hon. John Hartley, whose wife is a granddaughter of Jeremiah Hill, who was collector from 1789 to I80!», that the custom house was kept, between these dates, at Biddeford, at the corner of the main street and that leading by Oapt. White's to the old bridge. Hon. George Thacher, of Biddeford. was Repre- sentative In the old Congress in 1788 and of the U. S. Congress from 1783 tons, and four sloops with an average tonnage of SSH. 174 HISTORY OF KENNEBL'NK. miles." To this must be added necessaiy travel for obtaining documents required for exportation of goods, for endorsing and renewing registers and licenses, etc. Also must be added cost of "one day's demurrage on each voyage, expense of crew before permit can be obtained to break bulk, and one day after vessel is fit for sea to obtain clearance papers." The before-named petition received the favorable action of Congress. A new collection district, composed of the towns of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells, was established in 1800, under the title of "Port and District of Kennebunk," and Jonas Clark received the appointment of collector of the customs, which office he continued to hold until May, 18 10. The first custom house was a small, one-story building, situated opposite the site of the dwelling-house for many years occupied by the late Joseph Porter. It had been built several years previous by Clark and Condy for a store, and was occupied by them as such perhaps eight or ten years. Condy, of whom very little is known, left town, it is thought, prior to 1800. In 1808 the above-named building was removed to the top of the hill, about a rod from the street, where it stood for many years. It was the custom house until May, 18 10, when Clark was succeeded in the office of collector by Joseph Storer. During Clark's term of office his deputies were Henry Clark (his brother) and Seth Burnham. Storer removed the custom house to his store, then the third one from the mill yard, on the lot between the main street and that now known as Garden Street. Here it remained until May 2, 1815, when it was removed to the Port, occupying the chambers over the bank, in the brick building that had then (1813) been recently erected by the "Kennebunk Bank" corporation. After the bank had relinquished business, in 183 1, the collector leased the room on the lower Moor which had been occupied for banking purposes. The Government subsequently purchased this building and paid therefor about eighteen hundred dollars, less than half the original cost. Mr. Storer held the office sixteen years. His deputy during the whole term was George Wheelwright. From iSoo to 1820 (excepting, of course, the years signalized by the embargo and other war-menacing measures and those during which the country was engaged in war with Great Britain) ship- building was prosecuted with considerable energy on the Kenne- bunk River ^ and the West India trade was active and remunerative, ' Between the years Ism and 1H20 there -.sere built in Kennebunk thirty ships, ninety-seven briss, twenty-seven scliooners and eleven sloops, besides a number of snows, barks and boats. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 175 The leading industries had been navigation and shipbuilding and both had yielded the most satisfactory returns. As they pros- pered, so prospered all other branches of business: farmers found a ready market for their surplus products ; the labor of mechanics of all kinds was in request; lumbermen and mill men were constantly employed, and traders purchased and disposed of larger stocks of goods than they had at any time previously been accustomed to handle. The great change that was wrought by the declaration of war cannot now be easily imagined, — the cessation of shipbuilding, wharves showing no signs of activity, the shipping belonging to the port dismantled and taken up river where it could not be seen by the enemy's cruisers, mechanics, seamen and laborers without em- ployment, the sales by farmers and traders seriously diminished, — indeed a universal prostration of business. In the midst of all this desolation and discouragement came a direct tax, levied by the National Government upon the people, which was exceedingly oner- ous. In the language of an old gentleman who was describing the situation to the author, " to the owners of small tenements and small farms it was like taking away and selling the crutches of the lame man and leaving him entirely helpless." A great many farm- ers, of limited means, found it impossible to pay these taxes. Then came the "distress." The buildings and lands were advertised to be sold at auction, or such part of them as would produce a suffi- cient amount to pay the tax assessed thereon, with the cost of advertising, marshal's fees, etc. A great many farms were so encumbered. We presume, however, that in no case was the owner of a farm deprived of his home or seriously embarrassed even by these proceedings. Usually, at these sales, a friend or neighbor would bid the sum necessary to satisfy the demand and hold the marshal's certificate of payment until the owner could make it con- venient to take it up. Sometimes simple interest would be charged for the accommodation; sometimes, and not rarely we are told, a Shylock would improve the opportunity for obtaining exorbitant interest, but frequently no charge would be made. These troubles were not of long continuance, but were severely felt by all classes of citizens, especially those of limited means, while they did last. There were very many of the latter who found it difficult to obtain a sufficiency of food for their families and themselves from day to day, and the owners of vessels, who were accounted wealthy, saw their property rapidly diminishing in value in consequence of lying idle and exposed during the two and a half years that it had been dis- 176 HISTORY OF KENNEIIUNK. mantled and crowded in with other vessels in the river. We may well suppose that the news of peace was gladly welcomed by rich and poor. All went to work with a will. The dismantled shipping was repaired and fitted for service, the shipyards were bestrewed with timber which the carpenters were fashioning into frames, and on the wharves industry had resumed its sway. The Visitor renewed the publication of ship news, under the head of " Renewal of Trade," in its issue dated March 25, 18 15, as follows: "Cleared from our Custom House, 23d, ship George, Nason, for West Indies, and brig Juno, Smith, for Norfolk, Va." A majority of the early settlers in the town located themselves within the present Landing and Port Districts. The tide-water rivers, with their intervales, and especially with the facilities they afforded for reaching the ocean and the contiguous marshes, valua- ble for the grasses they bore, and flats, where were hidden the "treasures of the sand" so gratefully acknowledged by our Puritan progenitors and which our forefathers denominated "the poor man's meat barrel," together with the abundance of eatable birds and the "immovable fishes" that could easily be taken, offered inducements to the poor man that he could not fail to appreciate. If his crops failed, he had wherewith to sustain life at his very door ; if his land was poor, the sea washed upon the shore, the rocks had attached to them and the marshes afforded full supplies of weeds and soil rich in fertilizing qualities. Hence it was that for more than a quarter of a century — some twelve or fifteen years preceding and as long a time succeeding 1750 — this section of the Kennebunk territory exercised a controlling influence in the determination of all subjects of public interest. In all these years, however, the Village, Alewive, the Plains and Cat Mousam had been gradually advancing in popu- lation and wealth, so that about 1765 the first-named districts had lost their preponderancy. Among the early settlers in these dis- tricts were sterling men, lovers of good order, industrious and public- spirited, but they did not relish being outnumbered by those who had hitherto been in the minority, and thus it was that differences arose and that for a season there was a lack of the harmony and good fellowship between them and the other districts which had prevailed at a former period. True it is, that "mankind is the same in every age," and that love of power, even in matters utterly insignificant, has always been a source of discord, and while it has always been admitted by considerate persons to be an indication of weak-mindedness has, nevertheless, always been held, by the worthy HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, 177 and the unworthy, with tenacious grasp. The wave of prosperity that visited the good people of all these districts during the last decade of the eighteenth century, in the forms of shipbuilding and of becoming a sort of entrepot for the landing of lumber designed for shipment from the Port, obliterated all jealousies and established the more desirable condition of "working together in unity." We resume — after a digression perhaps not untimely — the his- tory of shipbuilding on the Kennebunk and of navigation in our collection district. Bradbur}\ in his Histor)', furnishes "facts and figures" that show the importance of our collection district from the date of its establishment to the year 1813. The amount of duties collected enables us to form a good idea of the value of our imports (chiefly rum, molasses and sugar) and also of the value of our exports, as the commodities imported were mainly either received in exchange for, or purchased with money derived from sales of, the lumber exported. The amount of duties collected in the district in 1806 was $81,273; in 1807, $52,642; in 181 1, $86,441, and in 1812, $119,850; and (notwithstanding the embargo) for the ten years after the district was established the whole amount was about $500,000. Many vessels belonging to persons in Kennebunk and Arundel discharged their cargoes in Boston and other ports, thus depriving our district of the credit of probably one-half the amount of duties paid by its citizens on commodities brought to this country by vessels belonging to and hailing from this port. "Besides West India vessels, in which these imports were principally made, a large amount of property was invested in freighting ships which usually entered in ballast. The tonnage belonging in the district in 18 10 was 8,552." Shipbuilding at Kennebunk Landing was vigorously renewed within a very few weeks after the news of peace had been received. Timber was brought in from different schooners of our own town and from the interior towns in large quantities, as were boards, staves, hoop poles and all the varieties of lumber usually shipped from our port. There was a shipyard back of Nathaniel Gillpat- rick's house — now owned and occupied by Thomas Crocker — where Gillpatrick built vessels ; another back of John T. Brown's house — the "Parson Little house" — which was operated by David Little; a third and fourth opposite the lot now occupied by the house owned and occupied by John Stevens and the one back of the schoolhouse, operated by Jacob Perkins and George and Ivory Lord, known in 178 HISTORY OF KEXNEnUNIC. later years as " Titcomb's shipyard " ; another back of the site of Mark Pool's house, occupied by Timothy Kezer, and one below Durrell's Bridge operated by Hugh McCuIIoch. As was the practice for several years before the war, timber and other building materials were landed all along the road in the vicinity of these shipyards. Boards and other lumber, for shipping, were also piled along the road, but chiefly between the present residence of Charles F. Tarbox and Durrell's Bridge.^ This lumber was conveyed down the river in gondolas, which were laid alongside or at the bow of the vessel that was to take it on board and passed through the port holes or on to the deck. Ikon Works. The manufacture of iron from the ore and of various implements made of iron was for several years an important and successful industry in our town. Several enterprising citizens formed in 1770 for this purpose a company, by which the work was prosecuted energetically. A dam was built at the lower falls, at the head of tide water, and a large one-story building, wherein were two forges, was erected before the close of the year 177 1. The necessary tools for the manufacture of iron from the ore were provided, and early in the spring of 1772 the works were in full operation. Some of the ore was obtained within the town, but mostly from Maryland Ridge and Sanford. We do not know the average yield of iron (after being separated from extraneous substances) from a ton of ore. It was not very rich, however. It was worth from two to four dollars per ton, according to its richness. The iron was forged into bars, weighing from fifteen to twenty-five pounds each, and the best of it sold readily for six cents per pound. For smelting, wood charcoal, which was plenty and cheap, was used. Vast improvements have been made in this manufacture since that period. It must be borne in mind by the reader that, at the time these works were erected, the island in the rear of the leatherboard build- ings had not been disconnected from the mainland, but was a small neck of land running from the road to the river. The water subse- quently worked a passage through the eastern portion of this neck, thus forming an island. On the western end of this neck (now the 'In the Visitor of September 13.1811, Jeremiah Paul, surveyor, gives notice "that the highway leading from Kennebunk meeting-house to Durrell's Bridge is in many places so much incumbered with masts, spars, sliip timber and other kinds of timber and lumber that in many places it is rendci'd almost impossible for teams and carriages to pass. He therefore warns all pirsons interested that If such incumbrances are not removed within fourteen days from date he shall, at the expiration of the time mentioned, renaove the same and sell as mucli thereof at pulMic auction as will pay the e.xpenses of removing the same." HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 179 island) was the iron works building, and near to it was a grist-mill, the precise location of which cannot now be determined. Probably the grist-mill was not operated by the Iron Works Company, but by a separate organization, which hired lot and water power of the Iron Works Company, among the proprietors of which were several mem- bers of the " Corn Mill Co." We derive our authority for these statements, chiefly, from deeds of undivided parts of this property to James Kimball. We give below extracts from these conveyances. Joseph Hobbs to James Kimball, Februajy i8, 1773, conveys one- sixteenth part of building, dam, bellows, hammer, anvil, etc., " one-six- teenth part of privilege of building, repairing, improving any mill or dam where said iron works now stands, also one-sixteenth part of privilege of building and improving any mills or dams on the eastern side of said river, from the landing below said mill up said river within eight rods of the new bridge; also one-sixteenth part of three rods of land in breadth adjoining to said river, and in length from said landing up within eight rods of said bridge on the eastern side of the river." This conveyance excludes " the privelege heretofor conveyed for Grist Mill." Consideration about sixty-seven dollars. Moses Blaisdell, "forgeman," January 19, 1785, conveys to Kimball "three days' right in a month of the Iron Works that I bought of Dr. Rice, with privilege of building," etc., "excluding the grist mill and the privilege thereof, until the water runs over the dam on which the works now stand"; and Jacob Blaisdell, "forge- man," conveys to said Kimball "one day's right in said Iron Works." Jacob Curtis, April 15, 1785, conveys to Kimball "one-twelfth part of land on northeast side of and adjoining Mousam River, from County road at Mousam Bridge, three rods in width, to twenty rods from Mousam Landing, excepting only a Grist Mill and privilege for a grist mill or other water works where said Grist Mill now stands ; also, one-sixth of the shore-forge of a certain Iron Works Mill, standing on the land and river aforesaid, with part of the tools thereunto belonging, that is four days in a month." Daniel Merrill, July 18, 1790, conveys to Kimball "two-six- teenths of Iron Works and privilege extending as far up as the head of the Iron Works pond, with the privilege of passing and re-passing to and from said works laid out for said purpose," excepting one- sixteenth of the three rods road previously conveyed, "and the priv- ilege of the old grist mill and gate." Samuel Mitchell and Samuel Gillpatrick also conveyed to Kimball, May 29, 1800, shares in the iron works, privileges, etc. 180 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. These works were successfully operated for about ten years. The ore in this vicinity, at the end of this time, had diminished materially in quantity and deteriorated considerably in quality, so that it was no longer profitable to operate them. It is apparent that there was no lack of energy or good management on the part of the proprietors, and that the discontinuance of labor there was unavoidable. Kimball probably could do better with the tools than any other one of the proprietors, as his blacksmith's shop was then in full operation, and it was hoped, doubtless, that the buildings, privileges, etc., might be advantageously improved at no distant day. The freshet of 1785 carried away the dam and shattered the shops, thus destroying all hopes of future usefulness. Indeed it would not appear that strong faith was at any time entertained in the value of the property, inasmuch as Mr. Kimball neglected, in most cases, to procure the acknowledgment of the deeds or to cause them to be recorded. We have very little of the history of the grist-mill. It is not an unlikely supposition that the freshet that carried away the dam seriously shattered the building and necessitated its removal. CHAPTER XVI. THE JUDICIAL COURTS. We infer that the inhabitants of Gorges's province were a "law unto themselves" prior to 1636. In that year the first organized government was formed by the appointment of a governor and sev- eral persons as counselors, whose commissions authorized them to exercise all the powers — whether executive, legislative or judicial — and to perform all the duties that might be required for its efficient administration. These officers were called upon, very soon after they had been qualified, to hear and decide, in their judicial capacity, several civil and criminal causes. Their "docket," it would seem, was well filled at an early day. In the theii heterogenous popula- tion the ignorant, restless, turbulent and vindictive were largely represented ; there were many who hungered and thirsted for the law and who appeared to have attained the highest degree of happi- ness when they had "a case in court." When, four years later, the first regularly organized court in Maine was established — "the Supreme Court of Judicature," which was to meet every month — there was no lack of business before the judges. Its first session was held at Biddeford. Most of the cases were of a trivial charac- ter, indicating a low and undesirable condition of society. At one court actions would be brought against persons for drunkenness, swearing, tattling, libidinous conduct, neglecting public worship, desecration of the Lord's day and other misdemeanors, which would be heard and decided (there were no jury trials at these courts), and perhaps the next month the complainants in the cases thus disposed of would be arraigned for like offenses, on complaint of those who had been convicted at the preceding term. Their "worshipful hon- ors," the judges, generally found sufficient cause for adjudging all the persons against whom complaints had been made to be guilty of the alleged misdemeanors and imposed fines or other penalties upon the offenders according to the gravity of the offenses of which they were respectively adjudged guilty. When the province was divided into two counties (1640-41), with York as the shire town of the western, and Saco the shire town 181 182 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. of the eastern county as well as the place where a general court for both counties was to be annually held, county courts were at once established in each district. The more important causes in the western district, or York shire, were tried at the court held in York, while those which at the present day would be called justice's court causes were tried at courts held in Wells and Kittery. This arrange" ment of the judiciary system continued until 1653, when, under the sway of Massachusetts, a different order of things prevailed. From the date — 1652-53 — when the Massachusetts commis- sioners assumed its government, to 1760, when the counties of Cum- berland and Lincoln were formed, York County embraced the entire Province of Maine. Among the first acts of these commissioners was the organization of a court, "the first session of which was held in York in 1653, and was presided over by a chief justice and four assistants, who were men of learning, sound judgment and acknowl- edged integrity. The court room, which was the meeting-house, was then reached by a mere path, on either side of which stood the stately pine, the majestic oak and other monarchs of the forest."^ A term of the court was held annually, perhaps oftener, at Wells from 1668 to 17 16. The sessions were usually held at the tavern of Samuel Austin, on the site of which the house of the late John Storer was afterward erected (between Cole's Corner and Wells's Corner). Storer kept a public house. It was torn down many years ago. Occasional sessions of the court were held at private houses, nearer Ogunquit, on the York road. A term of the court was also held annually in Kittery between the years 1653-17 16, Courts were likewise held in Saco and Scarborough within these dates.2 The inhabitants of Wells, especially those in the eastern sec- tion of the town, were much dissatisfied when, in 17 16, York was made the shire town of the county. Terms of one or more of the courts having been held annually for so many years in their town, and it being undeniable that it was much more centrally located than York, they regarded it as not only onerous but unjust that the people of the entire county should be compelled to travel very nearly 'Nathaniel G. MarshaU's address at the dedication of the new Town Hall In York, February 23, 1874. ^ "In 171C Y^ork was made the shire town or place for holding all the courts and keeping the registry of deeds for the whole Province of Maine, by order of the Legislature of Massachusetts [which position it held about nineteen years, to 1735]; then shire town with Portland of the whole Province from 17;i.'5 to 1760; then shire town of the County of Y'ork from 1760 to 1S02, when Alfred was made a shire town with York."— Marshall's Address. HISTORY OF KENNEEUNK, 183 to its southern boundary to attend the courts or to transact business at the registry of deeds or other county offices. It seems that the declaration in the foregoing that "all the courts" were to be held at York was not entirely correct, for we find that the town of Wells voted, "January 6, 1774, to petition the General Court to remove the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, then annually held at Bidde- ford in October, to Wells," but the prayer of this petition was not granted. How long this court was continued in Biddeford we are unable to say. After Kennebunk had been incorporated as the Second Parish and had attained somewhat of prominence on account of its increasing population and as a business center, efforts were made to remove the judicial courts, in part or in whole, to this pre- cinct; but, so far as can now be ascertained, these efforts were con- fined to the adopting of votes in town meeting, from time to time, favoring such action, or, when questions relating to the location of the county courts were submitted to the people, by the giving of strong votes against any proposition opposed to the object for which they were laboring. They do not appear to have taken hold of the work with the vigor and determination essential to success. It is apparent that "they did not do what they could." Wells was an inrtuential town and Kennebunk was undeniably an excellent loca- tion; the town was not lacking in men of energy, of means and of intelligence, but for some reason that cannot now be divined, they permitted themselves to be outgeneraled by the more active and persevering efforts of the advocates of their establishment elsewhere. We copy the votes in reference to this measure which were adopted at different times. At a town meeting held on the seventh day of November, 1796, the inhabitants there assembled, fifty-nine in number, voted unani- mously that, in their opinion, it is for the interest of the County of York that the Supreme Judicial Court should be removed from York to Kennebunk as the most convenient place for holding the same. November 6, 1797, voted that Jonas Clark, Joseph Hubbard and Nahum Morrill are hereby appointed delegates to attend the County Convention to be held at the dwelling-house of Levi Rogers? in Berwick, on the third day of May, 1798, for the purpose of con- sulting and deliberating upon the expediency of removing the Supreme Judicial Court from York to some more central and con- venient place. [We have no means of ascertaining how many dele- gates attended this convention or the result of its deliberations.] The subject of the removal of a part of the terms of the judicial 184 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, courts from York to Kennebunk or Alfred had been so frequently brought before the Legislature of Massachusetts, that, in 1799, a committee was appointed by that body to visit these towns with the view of ascertaining which of the two last named "was the most eligible place for the permanent establishment of the courts." This committee attended to the duty assigned them and reported unani- mously in favor of Kennebunk, which report was accepted, and by order of the Legislature a part of the terms of the courts was held in Kennebunk^ in the years 1800, 1801 and 1802, and this town (or parish) became a half-shire town of the County of York. In 1S02 the friends of Alfred again brought the subject before the Legisla- ture by petitions for the removal of the courts from Kennebunk to Alfred. The Legislature, by a strong vote, decided in favor of retaining them in Kennebunk, but this decision was reversed by the same Legislature. The manner in which this remarkable operation was performed is thus described by a correspondent of the Gazette: "The subject was suffered quietly to slumber until the representa- tives from this part of the county had returned to their homes. The representative from Alfred then contrived to have the subject again called up and by a single vote obtained an act in favor of the location at Alfred." Alfred accordingly became a half-shire town in 1802. The people of Kennebunk, and those in the neighboring towns in favor of the location of the courts here, appear to have submitted to this extraordinary legislation without remonstrance. The only action taken in reference to this matter, between the years 1802 and 18 1 6, so far as we can ascertain, is the following from the Wells records, under date of 1803: "The following question was put in town meeting, — Is it expedient that the Spring term of the Supreme Judicial Court should be holden at Kennebunk and the Fall term of the same Court at Alfred .' Two hundred and ninety- one voters being present, all of whom, excepting one, voted in the affirmative." With this expression of opinion as to expediency, we '"About this time [IT'.iO] A11 quotations in this article are from Palfrey's New England. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, 201 Mrs. Shackley was one of the model women of the days of Indian troubles, capable, industrious and resolute. Soon after her husband had put up and made tenantable the house afterward owned and occupied by John Meserve, on the Ross road, Mrs. Shackley expressed the wish that some day she might be the possessor of a pillow filled with feathers ; she would be glad for her husband to have one also, but admitted that she was selfish enough to desire to be the first to enjoy this luxury. The remark was often repeated as time passed along. Shackley was anxious to gratify this reason- able wish of his better half, and, with this object in view, started off one morning for the older settlement, and after traveling about eight miles succeeded in purchasing a goose and a dozen goose eggs, which in due time he landed safely at his home. A pen of brush was at once constructed, the eggs properly placed in a nest and the fowl was left to manage affairs in its own way. A few days after this thoughtful action of the husband, news reached them that war had again been declared between England and France and that the Indians were already in the vicinity of our settlement. During the night of the day on which they heard these unwelcome tidings Mrs. Shackley waked up her husband from a sound sleep and assured him that she had just heard the crackling of brush near the window, caused, she doubted not, by the footsteps of one or more of the enemy. The husband ridiculed the idea and the matter dropped. The same sound was heard by Mrs. Shackley the following night and she was sure she saw an Indian peering in at the window; still the story was discredited by Mr. Shackley. The next night both heard the crackling and both were confident that they saw an Indian at the window. An examination the following morning revealed the fact that the brush and grass had been trampled down in the vicinity of the window, the door and the goosery. They then followed the dictate of prudence, packed up as many valuables as they could carry, provided a supply of food for the goose, which the good woman left with a sorrowful heart, fastened the house and took up their line of march for Larrabee's Fort, which they reached without trouble. Days passed on. The Indians were heard from, as near by, in all directions, but none were seen near the fort, and no par- ticulars of the destruction of life or property reached them. One delightful morning Mrs. Shackley was the first in motion of the inmates of the fort. "It was the hour of the morning twi- light"; everything was still. "I wish I knew," thought the good woman, "whether our house or the goose has been meddled with." 202 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. "I will know," was a second thought, and tying a kerchief over her head she proceeded in the direction of her dear home. Near the spot where the First Parish Church now stands she turned to make a "short cut" through the woods and across the swampy places. She had advanced but a few rods on this line when she was con- fronted by a large bear with two cubs. The bear growled and looked toward her cubs. The woman, who wore a large home-made checked apron, shook the garment vigorously and the bear conducted her cubs to a place of safety. The woman took advantage of the absence of the beast on her motherly errand and sped on her way with all possible haste. She reached her home, finding that nothing had been touched. The goose strutted about and showed nine fine goslings. Goose and progeny were soon in the capacious apron and Mrs. Shackley was fort-ward bound, by the Ross-Kimball path, the Saco path and the path to Larrabee's, all of which she traveled safely and without injury to her precious burden. She found the inmates of the fort in great excitement. The watchmen had seen her go outside, but nothing more could be learned respecting her move- ments. Three or four small parties, armed, were just about starting to ascertain her whereabouts as she appeared in sight, bringing the glad tidings to her husband that all was safe at the homestead and triumphantly exhibiting the goose and goslings. When the war cloud had disappeared Mr. and Mrs. Shackley returned to their home, the feathered bipeds grew strong and multiplied, and in due time both wife and husband rejoiced in the possession of a pillow filled with feathers. In 173 1 the town increased the salary of its minister. Rev. Mr. Jefferds, the prices of labor and the necessaries of life having increased so much that it was "but about three-fourths of what it was when we agreed with him." Benjamin Gooch and Mary Rich, both of Wells, entered their intention of marriage with the town clerk March 10, 1735; ^^^ father, Peter Rich, "forbids her intention of marriage and making out certificate for that end " the seventeenth of the same month. Mary, however, Avas married to Paul Goodwin in 1738, which probably was more acceptable to the "old folks," and Benjamin did not per- mit the matter to "gnaw like a worm," but found a helpmeet at an early day after the decisive action of Mary's father. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 203 John Mark Daniel (McDaniell ?) and Susannah Young entered intention of marriage with town clerk October 29, 1737 ; Susannah's mother, November i, "forbids any certificate being given therefor." The town clerk records the marriage, August i, 1755, of "Josiah Perkins and Susanna Allen, of Oak Hill, within the bounds of no town"; of John Cousens, the third, and Huldah Littlefield, of Jeremiah Littlefield, the fourth, and Dorcas Jones, in 1768 ; also the marriage of Sharper, negro servant of Joseph Hill, to Hannah Simpson, an Indian woman, February 13, 1744; of Tom and Phillis, negro servants of Capt. James Littlefield, in 1776. In conveyance of thirty acres of land — James Hubbard and Waldo Emerson to James Wakefield — it is desciibed as lying on the west side of the road that leads to Kennebunk Upper Mill, about eighty rods above the brook on which Emmons's marsh lies. In description of bounds of land surveyed in 1742: "On the northerly side of Little River, below the Great Eddy." The following persons served as jurymen : Nathaniel Kimball, in 1737; John Look, John Gillpatrick and Joseph Day, in 1738; John Butland, John Wakefield, Thomas Wormvt'ood, Ichabod Cous- ens and Moses Stevens in 1739. ^^^ ^o not find the names of any others who served in this capacity on the old records. "Iron Ledge," off Boothby's Beach, derives its name from the fact that, about 1750, a vessel loaded with iron was wrecked there. The officers and crew, and we think a part of the cargo, were saved, but the vessel was a total loss. The night was very dark and the weather extremely cold; the mariners were compelled to swim quite a distance and were nearly exhausted when they reached the shore. Boothby's house was at once opened for their reception and every- thing possible was done for the relief and comfort of the sufferers, but, lacking accommodations for all of them, Webber was requested to take charge of one or more. He unwillingly admitted one under his roof, but this one died, and it was believed for want of proper care. The conduct of Webber and his family was, however, charita- bly attributed, by his neighbors, to timidity or superstitious notions rather than hardheartedness; but, whatever the cause, it fixed a stigma upon them which rendered their lives uncomfortable, so 204 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. that, in a year or two afterward, he sold his farm and moved to an eastern township, and this family became extinct in this part of the State. For a long time it was believed by many that the Webber house was "haunted." At certain hours every night noises like the tramping of feet were heard in the room where the sailor died, and also piercing shrieks for help proceeding from a figure clothed in white and wandering about the house. So ran the ridiculous story, which was received with implicit faith by the ignorant and credulous. The property fell into the hands of Richard Gillpatrick, who held it several years, whether occupied or unoccupied is not known, and by him was sold to Benjamin and Nahum Wentworth, and from the date of its occupancy by them the ghost was neither seen nor heard. The estate is still in possession of the heirs of the Wentworths. John Maddox died in 1748. By will he bequeathed to his daughter Mary and to his grandsons John and Palsgrove fifty pounds each "in old tenor bills." At a town meeting held December, 1748, it was voted to build a pound thirty feet square and seven feet high, with round white pine poles, "as the former pound was," and also a pair of stocks, and that twenty-four pounds old tenor be allowed for building both structures. At a town meeting held in March, 1749, a committee consisting of ten persons (two of whom, Benjamin Stevens and Richard Boothby, resided in Kennebunk) was raised "to inquire into and consider the difference of money and the necessaries of life from what they were when the Rev. Mr. Jefferds first settled among us, and to see whether the town has made his salary as good from time to time as what he first agreed." In 1 75 1 Sarah Eels, of Beverly, leased four hundred acres of land in Coxhall to Ichabod Cousens. In 1757 the town voted "that a good and sufficient pound be built in the Second Parish at the charge of the town." This stood on Portland Street, nearly opposite the site of the Methodist meet- ing-house, on or near the spot where Simpson's blacksmith shop afterward stood. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, 205 Wolves, next to the Indians, were the greatest depredators on the lives and property of the early settlers in Wells and, indeed, throughout New England. For many years, and as late as 1767, the town voted annually to pay a bounty on the scalps of all these animals that were killed within its territory during the ensuing year. Bears were also quite numerous in this vicinity. William Day once had a "fight for life" with one of these monsters of the forest. He had been at work one afternoon on a piece of land he was clearing up near the Sanford road, not far from his dwelling, when, thinking he had done a good day's work, he concluded to go home. His axe lay several rods distant near a thickly wooded spot. While on his way to get this he heard a heavy crackling, and looking in the direction of the sound saw an enormous bear close upon him. In a minute he was in the embrace of the brute, without knife, club, or any means of defense except his fists. These he used to the best advan- tage striking to free himself from the grasp of Bruin, whose hugs and bites were beginning to occasion him pain and anxiety. At length fortune favored him; he was able to pick up a pitch knot to defend himself with. The bear hugged him seriously and lacerated him somewhat. He succeeded after a hard struggle in putting out both eyes of the bear and thus released himself from his embrace. We do not learn whether the bear was afterward pursued and killed or was thereafter a sightless wanderer through the woods. "Deer and Moose Reeves" were among the town officers annu- ally elected in Wells from an early date in the last century to near its close. We presume it was the duty of those persons who held this position to protect deer and moose from wanton destruction. "Overseers of the Beach and Drivers thereof" was the title given to another class of town officials annually chosen for many years during the eighteenth century. The especial duties devolving upon these officers we are unable to ascertain ; we think it quite probable, however, that their powers and duties were equivalent to those conferred on wreck masters of the present day. "White's land, so called," often referred to in old documents, on the sea road, adjoining land of the late William Wormwood. "Moody's line," on "northeast side of Mousam River adjoining John Gillpatrick's land," laid out for Samuel Moody. " Kennebunk Fort," at the Larrabee settlement, built by Will- iam Larrabee, Jr. 206 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Nathaniel and Richard Kimball bought of Ebenezer Hough and others, in 1767, six hundred and thirty acres of upland and meadow in Coxhall, "beginning at Wells line, at the southwest end of William Larrabee's lot." In the list of proprietors of common lands (1772) we find the name of "Chad Watson, alias Thomas." Jeremiah Folsom, who lived on the Saco road about the middle of the eighteenth century, had a curious tradition attached to his name. It is said there were three or more John Smiths in the com- pany of passengers on board the Diligent the twenty-sixth of April, 1638, when they sailed from England for Massachusetts. One of these who, for the purpose of being distinguished from the others, was familiarly called John Foulsham, came from the town of Fouls- ham, England, and on his arrival in this country chose to be called and known by this name. Thus it came to be handed down to posterity. The town voted, March, 1786, that after the "tenth day of January next" sleds used on the highway shall be "four feet between joints." Penalty for non-compliance with this vote, forty shillings. The town voted March, 1787, that there be an addition of two persons to the number of selectmen heretofore chosen by the town, and also to reduce the pay of the selectmen from six pounds to four pounds each. Maj. Nathaniel Cousens and Capt. Joseph Hubbard were then chosen the additional selectmen under this vote for the then current year. The town also voted at the same meeting "that one-third part of town meetings shall in future be held in the Second Parish, and that the next annual meeting, on the first Monday in April next, shall be held there." The New Havipshire Spy of February 2, 1791, contains the fol- lowing article, dated Portland, January 27th, of that year: " On the evening of the 6th inst. Mr. Job Young, traveling west- ward on foot through Kennebunk, was overtaken by two sailors, knocked down and robbed of four or five dollars. The villians, through fear of adding the guilt of murder to robbery, called at the next house in great agitation to inform the people that there was a HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 207 man dying back in the road. There was only a woman in the house; she asked them sharply why they did not bring him up. They made no reply, but ran off in great haste. The men wore blue jackets, long trousers striped with red and white. One of them appeared to be about twenty years of age, five feet high, and was foul in speech. The other was a middling size, about thirty years of age, and talked broken English." The following items from the Fortsmout/i Oracle of October lo, 1801, will be interesting to the descendants of the active men in Kennebunk and its vicinity at the commencement of the last century. "Left at St. Kitts, 5th Sept., barque Truxton, Merrill, of Ken- nebunk, discharging. Market dull." Jonathan Storer, of Wells, advertises a runaway, "Jotham Bridges, an indented apprentice, eighteen years old." Daniel Sewall, postmaster at York, advertises list of letters remaining in his office October i, 1801. Advertised, as just published, " Miscellaneous Poems, with several specimens from the Author's Manuscript Version of the Poems of Ossian, by J. M. Sewall, Esq." A citizen advertises — "Wanted to purchase 50 Mules. Enquire of the Printer." The Oracle of July 17, 1802, furnishes the following items: "Arrived at Kennebunk, July ist, brig Vengeance, Capt. B. Nason, St. Vincents ; brig Oliver, Capt. Stone, Martinico." "Married, at Arundel, Mr. Nathaniel Stevens to Miss Eliza- beth Day." "Died at Biddeford, greatly lamented, on the 9th inst., of the yellow fever, Mrs. Elisa, relict of the late Mr. Noah Nason, and youngest daughter of the late Rev. Moses Morrill; on the 17th ult., of the yellow fever, Mr. Moses Porter, eldest son of Doct. Aaron Porter." The town voted in 1802 to build a pound in the Second Parish. In 1803 the "selectmen returned a list of voters in the town of Wells amounting to five hundred and two." We find no mention of a formal celebration of the Fourth of July in the parish of Kennebunk at an earlier date than 1803. All 208 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. the information we have respecting this is derived from the title page of an oration delivered on that occasion as follows: "An Ora- tion pronounced at Kennebunk, District of Maine, on the anniver- sary of American Independence, July 4, 1803. By Stephen Thacher. Libertas 1 sonus delectabilis. — Cicero. Published by request of Committee of Arrangements, Samuel Lord, Chairman. Boston, David Carlisle [printer], 1803." This production was strongly democratic. We think there is but one copy of it extant. Henry Clark and forty-one others petition the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, September, 1816, "that a new highway and common or county road from Kennebunk toll bridge, on Kennebunk River, in Wells, to Cobb's Corner, in said Wells, is necessary and would be of great public convenience; that for most of said distance the road is already made, and a bridge erected over Mousam River, so called, where said road passes the same; that the mail stage passes over said road one-half the time in going to and returning from Portsmouth to Portland, and that the said road is much used by the inhabitants of Wells in their intercourse with the port of Kennebunk and by the public generally." The town of Wells appointed a com mittee to oppose the laying out of the proposed road " at the Court of Sessions." The Court granted the prayer of the petition, how- ever, and the road was laid out, and the town, April, 18 18, appointed a committee to apply to the Circuit Court of Common Pleas to dis- continue a part or the whole of the road laid out from Cole's Cor- ner, by Samuel Hart's, to the toll bridge over Kennebunk River. Probably the committee did not ask for a discontinuance, but, if so, their efforts were ineffectual. Simpson, Benjamin, was a resident of this town several years prior to October, 18 16; he did not remain here more than a year after that date. He was a blacksmith and built and worked in a shop on the Saco road, nearly opposite the site of the Methodist meeting-house. This shop he afterward sold to Stephen Furbish, who paid therefor, it is said, "an old-fashioned brass-mounted clock." Simpson lived in, and we think built, the house now owned and occupied by Henry Jordan. Loammi Hooper rented a part of this house a few years and afterward purchased the estate of Simpson. Hawks, Thomas, a seaman, came to this town from Lynn, Mass., about 18 17 and resided here nearly two years. He fell from HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 209 the topsail yard of the schooner Beluga, struck his head on the star- board anchor and went overboard. His body was recovered and was decently interred the next day. He was twenty-three years old and appeared to be steady and industrious. A severe hail storm, accompanied with thunder and lightning, visited this town about four o'clock in the afternoon of the third day of August, 1818. The hail broke a large number of panes of glass in the village, but the wind occasioned very little damage. In Sanford the gale was very severe ; three-fourths of the roof of Rev. Mr. Swett's meeting-house was blown off and the building moved from its foundation, a barn was blown down and two children, who were at play in the haymow, were carried some distance by the wind, but without being injured; several sheds and other small buildings were blown down. The duration of the gale was about twenty minutes and the hailstones were from two to five inches in circumference. The several regiments of infantry and battalions of cavalry and artillery composing the first brigade in the sixth division of Massa- chusetts Militia were ordered to parade at Maryland Ridge (near Joseph Littlefield's) on the ninth day of September, 18 18, to be reviewed by Governor Brooks. Notwithstanding a very severe rain storm prevailed during the whole of the night preceding the desig- nated day, the officers and soldiers were very generally on or near the parade ground at sunrise, but such was the severity of the weather that orders were issued from headquarters at an early hour for the dismissal of the troops. The review was postponed to the thirtieth day of the month, which was very pleasant. The brigade, on that day, was commanded by Brigadier General Simon Nowell, of Arundel; the several companies exhibited well-filled ranks and the conduct and appearance of the soldiery were truly praiseworthy. The review fully equaled the expectations of the public. The Adjutant General remarked, during his inspection, that some of the companies were equal to any in the Commonweath. The Governor, having expressed his gratification at the appearance of the troops, their equipments, the correctness of their evolutions and their sol- dier-like conduct, left the field about four o'clock p. m. and, after partaking of a collation furnished by General Nowell, proceeded on his way homeward. The day closed without an accident, and the 210 HISTORY OF KEXNEBUNK. spectators, well pleased with the events of the day, returned to their homes peaceably and seasonably. "This being the first brigade review M'ithin the county," and it being understood that the Governor and Adjutant General were to be present, a large concourse of spectators, from every part of the county, was present. Kennebunk furnished its full quota and the streets of the village were unusually quiet until a little past noon when the cry of "fire" brought into the streets the few males, who had not forsaken their homes, and a " large company of women." A spark from the chimney of Dr. Fisher's house had fallen upon the roof, ignited a shingle and the fire was slowly enlarging its area when it was opportunely discovered. It was soon extinguished. CHAPTER XVIII. THE NEWSPAPER PRESS. The first newspaper published in York County was The Echo, in Fryeburg (the Indian Pequmvkef), by Elijah Russell, in 1798. It was discontinued in less than a year from the date of the first number. Fryeburg, at this time, belonged to York County. When Oxford County was formed, in 1805, ^^i^' ^nl^ other towns north of the Great Ossipee River, was taken from York and included in the new county. The first newspaper printed in Kennebunk and the second in York County, "as it was," was the The Eagle of Maine, by John Whitelock, who came from Portsmouth, N. H. It is not known that a copy of this paper has been preserved. We are enabled, however, to fix the date of its publication by the following editorial notice which appeared in the United States Oracle and Portsmouth Adver- tiser, published by William Treadwell & Co., under date of July 17, 1802: "Progress of Correct Principles. Among the late numer- ous establishments of Federal papers, we are happy to notice one in Kennebunk, District of Maine, by Mr. Whitelock, entitled The Eagle of Maine. We hope our Federal brothers of the Type will acknowledge his infant exertions by a free and regular exchange." Its publication was continued but a short time, probably not more than six months. It is not known to what place Whitelock removed. Gentlemen who were well acquainted with him, while he resided here, always spoke of him as a genial, noble-hearted man, but with convivial habits which induced a disastrous result to his enterprise; they also spoke of his wife as a lady remarkable for her accomplishments and for her truly exemplary life, as devotedly attached to her kind and affectionate, but unthrifty, husband, and as one accustomed, in girlhood and for several years of her married life, to the comforts which prosperity affords, but whose later years were darkened by poverty and hard toil, privation and suffering.^ Whitelock enlisted in the United ' Mrs. Nancy, widow of John Whitelock, died in Portsmouth, N. H., Decem- ber, 1828, aged 44 years. 211 212 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. States service during the War of i8 12-15 ^"^ ^^s a non-commis- sioned officer. A part of Colonel Ripley's regiment of Maine troops passed through this village, September 10, 18 12, on their way to Plattsburg or its vicinity. Whitelock was with them and was per- mitted to make a call of an hour's length on the editor and publisher of the Visiter, at the printing office. He was as jovial and light- hearted as in his better days. He died of fever while in the service. Colonel Ripley's troops, above named, halted at Barnard's Tavern (now the residence of Mr. Daniel Curtis) and enjoyed themselves for a couple of hours on the grounds in front of the house; resum- ing their march they proceeded to a favorable location about a mile west of the village and encamped for the night. The next morning they struck their tents and proceeded toward their destination. The Visiter of September 12, 18 12, says: "The troops were in complete uniform and exhibited a truly martial appearance." The second newspaper printed in Kennebunk was called the Annals 0/ the Times, by Stephen Sewall, who issued the first number in January, 1803. There are single copies of five numbers of the first volume and of four numbers of the second volume of this paper in the American Antiquarian Society Rooms in Worcester, Mass. It was probably discontinued at the close of the second volume ; it is quite certain that the establishment was removed from this place to Portsmouth, N. H., in January, 1805. Sewall served his appren- ticeship in Portsmouth; he brought with him, when he came here, several fonts of type which had been imported from England, expressly for him, by an uncle, or, perhaps, a brother. All the printing apparatus in his office was new, and although, as regards the size of the fonts of common type and the variety of job type, it would nowadays be considered quite meager, it was, nevertheless, amply sufficient for the requirements of his business. He was a first-class workman, as several specimens of his job work have indi- cated, which were very neatly executed. After he removed to Ports- mouth he published there the Literary Mirror, a bound volume of which — comprising all the numbers issued in 1808 — is in possession of his descendants. He removed from Portsmouth to Scarborough, in this State, where for many years he was a successful and very much respected physician of the Thompsonian school. He was a well- educated man and possessed considerable poetic talent, evidences of which exist in the form of patriotic odes and hymns written by him for public celebrations and other festive occasions. He was somewhat peculiar — perhaps eccentric — in his manners, but very HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 213 gentlemanly and kind-hearted. If he had pursued his vocation of publisher and editor at a later day, he would, undoubtedly, have filled editorial columns with marked ability; but in those days, when, in most cases, the subscription lists bore the names of "just enough and none to spare" to meet the estimates of receipts and expenditures, when advertisements were "few and far between" and the calls for job work were by no means frequent, the printer and publisher of a country newspaper was compelled to labor diligently at "case and press" in order that he might promptly "get out" the successive numbers of his small weekly sheet and execute such job work as might be offered. He could not afford to hire adult help ; an apprentice was usually his only assistant. Original editorial matter was not considered essential, and beyond the chronicling of local incidents of general interest he devoted very little time to this department. For comments on events in foreign countries, or polit- ical questions which were prominent topics of discussion in our own country, he relied on the most influential journals published in the large towns, copying and giving full credit for their "leaders," thus indicating his approval of the opinions advanced therein, his belief that they embraced all that need be said on the subjects of which they treated, and tacitly admitting that they were expressed in lan- guage which he did not aspire to improve. In looking over files and single numbers of many different papers published between the years 1798 and 18 15, it is found that there are few, if any, exceptions to this rule, as applied to papers published in country towns, while the editors of those published in larger towns did not generally devote much space to this department. A few weeks, or at most a few months, after the discontinuance of Sewall's paper, William Weeks, who also served his apprentice- ship in Portsmouth, commenced the publication of the Kennebimk Gazette. Very little is known about this sheet. A single copy of the nineteenth number, dated July 24, 1805, has been preserved. It is evident that the patronage received was not satisfactory, and that the outlook for a more prosperous future was anything but flat- tering, inasmuch as he had removed to Saco and issued the first number of the first paper printed in that town, August 21, 1805. The Gazette could not have been published more than six months. His paper in Saco was called the Freeman's Friend. In the first number there are two advertisements by persons doing business in Kennebunk and a notice of the marriage, in Wells, of Capt. William Gooch to Miss Hannah, daughter of John Storer, Esq. How long 214 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Mr. Weeks remained in Saco is not known with certainty; probably, however, not longer than a year or eighteen months. He removed from Saco to Portland and there published a paper with the same title, Freeman's Friend. He had not been in Portland a year when his establishment was destroyed by fire. In July, 1809, he was publisher of the New Hampshire Gazette in Portsmouth. He married Abigail, daughter of Dimond Hubbard, of Kennebunk. Mr. Weeks was a good printer, courteous in his manners, and a man of fair lit- erary ability. He died August 8, 1839, aged fifty-six years. The three newspapers of which we have spoken, viz., The Eagle of Maine, Annals of the Times and Kennebunk Gazette, were printed in a small building that stood near the street, between the dwelling- houses owned by Capt. John Hill and Mr. John Cousens, The private way leading by Mrs. L. H. Kimball's to Bourne's dwelling- house had not then been laid out. After the building had been vacated by Weeks, it was wholly occupied by Enoch Hardy, a tobacconist, who purchased it and about 1812 removed it to the lot afterward owned by Mr. John G. Downing and adjoining that on which his dwelling-house stands. In 18 16 it was advertised "for sale or to let." It was not occupied by Hardy after its removal, as, in 1810, he built the store recently owned and occupied by Mr. Andrew Walker, and removed his tobacco manufactory and salesroom thereto as early, doubtless, as 181 1. Hardy succeeded Jeremiah M. Stick- ney, a tobacconist. Stickney was one of the original subscribers to the Wells Social Library, organized in December, 1801, and must have been a resident here at that date. He sold his Library share to William Weeks early in 1805. It is believed that both Stickney and Hardy came here from Bradford, Mass. The building was occupied by Humphrey Chadbourne, as a carpenter's shop, three or four years — say from 1818 to 1822 — sub- sequently by Mr. Israel W. Bourne. It was then known as "The Academy" and had the imposing addition of a belfry and therein a bell. Bourne removed to Dover, N. H., and was succeeded by Misses Lord and Lewis, both from Portland, who taught school there a year or two. When vacated as a schoolroom it was fitted up for a tenement house, — was subsequently occupied by several different families, — but became dilapidated and unseemly, until it was regarded as very nearly allied to a nuisance, when it was sold, removed to the Port, and is now improved as a stable. The Darwinian theory starts man as a member of the monkey tribe, with a caudal appendage, but per- HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 215 mits him, in process of time, to shed the ungraceful "annex" and to attain to a wonderful degree of personal beauty and intellectual greatness. This theory is completely reversed when applied to inanimate things — for instance, to buildings. These, as a general rule, are best at the start, gradually, but surely, diminishing in beauty and strength, from decade to decade, until, weather-beaten, neglected, shattered and untenantable, they are converted to "base uses," occupying locations and devoted to purposes which it never entered into the imaginations of the builders as a possible future of structures erected at so much cost and labor, and, when completed, contemplated with so much gratification and pride. The fourth newspaper printed in Kennebunk was the Weekly Visiter, by James K. Remich, who served his apprenticeship in Dover, N. H., with his uncle, Samuel Bragg, Jr., proprietor and editor of the Sun. In 1808, having supplied himself with type, presses, etc., he opened a job office, temporarily, in Dover, propos- ing to execute such work as might offer, to get his printing materials in good running order, and in the meantime to seek a desirable place for a permanent location. Thinking favorably of his neighbors "across the line," he was about to issue proposals for publishing a paper in Berwick — in fact, he circulated a few copies of the prospectus — when he was solicited by several citizens of Kennebunk (George W, Wallingford, Benjamin Smith and the members of the firm of Waterston, Pray & Co.), who came here from Dover and towns in its vicinity and with whom he was acquainted, to relinquish his plan in that direction and to turn his attention hitherward. He accordingly visited this village in 1809, and being pleased with its appearance and with the cordiality of its citizens he shortly after issued propos- als for publishing the Weekly Visiter. The success attending his prospectus and the good feeling manifested in regard to the enter- prise may be learned from the following characteristic note which he received from Dr. Emerson : "Kennebunk, iSth March, 1809. Mr. fames K. R'.micJi, Dover. Sir: — Your subscription goes on swimingly, but I think you will lose ground by delay. Come immediately if you regard your interest or the wishes of your subscribers. Mr. Hayes has shown me your letter, in which you contemplate the first of May. Say the first of April and you will come much nearer the mark. A word to the wise, etc. Yours, in haste, Samuel Emerson." 216 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Mr. Remich did not, however, remove his printing apparatus to this town until the first of June. The delay was occasioned by the illness of his uncle, at whose earnest request he remained in Dover and took charge of the Sun office until the proprietor was enabled to resume his duties. The first number of the Weekly Visiter is dated June 24, i8og. The editor, in his introductory, says : " It may perhaps be urged that the multiplicity of Gazettes with which our country already teems affords ample means for the dissemination of that kind of information usually contained in a newspaper." Aside from the Visiter, it is believed there were but four newspapers then published in the State — a fact which, taken in connection with the apologetic tone of the foregoing extract, leads to the inference that most of the people in those bygone years were not over anxious about the news of the day, or were quite satisfied with such scraps of intelligence as they could gather from the "squire," who took a paper, the neighbor who had been to town, or the passing traveler. The number of subscribers to the Visiter at the commencement of its publication was 457. A respectable list of names had been sent in from each of the nineteen towns which then comprised the County of York. Just as the outside form of the first number was ready for the press, the publisher received a list of seventy subscrib- ers from Dover, accompanied with the following note : " If you do not succeed, send our bills for the time you do print the paper; if you do succeed, when you feel you are 'fairly out of the woods' dis- continue the paper (unless otherwise requested) and send bills for payment." Although the public appeared to be well pleased with the paper, although the advertising patronage was quite equal to his expectations and job work came in more freely than he had antici- pated, still the first year's experience of the publisher was a hard one. His cash receipts were less than his unavoidable cash expen- ditures, the accessions to his subscription list which had been con- fidently predicted were not forthcoming, and, moreover, he was becoming decidedly of the opinion that the attempt to publish a strictly neutral paper, in the then existing state of public feeling in this vicinity, would be attended with difficulties that he did not care to encounter. Influenced by these considerations, he gave notice, a few weeks before the close of the first volume, that unless he received a satisfactory addition to his subscription list, and to the money contents of his pocketbook as well, he should remove his establish- ment to Berwick at the end of the year. The response to this notice HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, 217 was gratifying; new subscribers came in, bills were cashed, and encouraging words were spoken. At the commencement of the second volume the Dover volunteers were discharged, or such of them as desired to be, and the enterprise was considered a success. At the commencement of the fourth volume the Visiter was enlarged; after the incorporation of the town, in 1820, it was again enlarged and the title changed to Kennebunk Gazette; in 1824 its neutral position was abandoned; in 1831 the publisher purchased \\\q. Maine Palladium establishment, in Saco, and brought it to Kennebunk, and thereafter issued his paper under the title of the Kefinebunk Gazette and Maine Palladiimi ; at the close of the thirty-third vol- ume, in June, 1842, it was discontinued. From 1809 to 1827 James K. Remich was proprietor and editor; from 1827 to 1842 the paper was under the editorial management of Daniel Remich. It cannot justly be said that the Gazette was discontinued for want of patron- age, although the income of the establishment had been seriously diminished in consequence of the publication of papers in other towns of the county, of the diversion of trade from this village, and of the discontinuance of an important mail route from this place to several of the interior towns, which was no longer required after the P. S. & P. Railroad had been completed. The controlling motive for this step was the absolute necessity of adopting some measure by which the debts due to the proprietor might be pleasantly collected, and this seemed to be the most feasible, if not the only practicable, means of attaining the desired end. At the time of its discontinuance it was proposed to resume its publication in the course of two or three years, but in consequence of the ill health of the proprietor and the disinclination of the editor to resume his labors the plan was abandoned. The office was continued in opera- tion several years later and was fairly patronized as a job printing office, although much the larger and more valuable part of the apparatus was sold within two years from the date of the discontin- uance of the Gazette; the "odds and ends" were not disposed of until about 1850. A few numbers of the Farmer^ s Friend and Laboring Man^s Advocate were issued from the Gazette office during the summer of 183 1. It was a campaign paper, in large quarto form, four pages, and was made up chiefly of political articles published in the Gazette. Large editions of these numbers were printed and widely circulated. It is apparent that at the date of the commencement of the Visiter a change in regard to the benefit of advertising had been 218 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. wrought in public opinion. It is probable that the Visiter's sub- scription list was considerably larger than that of either of its prede- cessors. Those who advertised found that their "wants," whether to buy or sell, were made known in every town in the county, and shrewd men began to comprehend that it was for their personal interest in a business point of view, apart from the benefits derived therefrom, to become patrons of the county paper. The vignette which formed a part of the head of the Visiter from October, 1817, to June, 1820, was an accurate representation of the "Two Acres" at that time, when the Gillespie house was the only building thereon and served the various purposes of dwelling- house, barn, etc., and of the view therefrom at the time it was drawn and engraved by Morse, of Haverhill and Boston, then a well-known designer and engraver. From June, 1842, to January, 1878, a period of thirty-six years, Kennebunk was without a newspaper. At the last-named date W. Lester Watson moved the Eastern Star establishment from Bidde- ford to Kennebunk. It has been continued from that time to the present and we infer with a good measure of success. CHAPTER XIX. NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS IN KENNEBUNK AND VICINITY FROM 1809 TO 1820, COMPILED FROM THE COLUMNS OF THE "WEEKLY VISITER." In looking over the old files of the Visiter^ we find many items descriptive of occurrences, at different times and places, in this town and its vicinity, which rightfully should be noticed in this volume. Some of these, if rewritten, could not be improved; of some only a brief notice is required. In whatever manner they may be pre- sented they will form a melange, but we think an interesting one. We decide, therefore, to devote a few pages exclusively to their publication, copying, abridging or barely noticing, as may be deemed expedient. The Federal Republicans of Kennebunk and vicinity celebrated the Fourth of July (1809) with appropriate exercises. The Visiter published a full account of the proceedings, which will be found slightly abridged, with several of the toasts entire, in Bourne's His- tory. At Arundel the day was celebrated by the citizens without distinction of party. " The sound of cannon and display of colors from the shipping welcomed the rising sun ; at noon they assembled at Mr. Robert Sugden's, where they sat down to an excellent dinner." Robert Towne, Esq., presided, assisted by Maj. Simon Nowell as vice president. Dinner disposed of, several patriotic toasts were drunk, "free from the alloy of party allusions." At Alfred the day was celebrated " by the principal citizens of that town and of the neighboring towns without distinction of party." At the dwelling-house of Amos Grandy a procession was formed, which proceeded to the meeting-house, where prayers were offered by Rev. Joseph Brown and Rev. Moses Sweat, and an oration was delivered by John Holmes."^ After these exercises the procession ^We prefer to retain the old style of spelling "visiter," which was in use at the time the Weekly Visiter was established, when quoting from or referring to that paper. 'The following extract from Mr. Holmes's Fourth of July oration (1809) enun- ciates doctrines that will appear harsh and impracticable to modern politicians: "Be jealous of the man who boasts much of his love of liberty, who would per- 219 220 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. re-formed and moved to the courthouse, where about eighty persons sat down to an excellent dinner prepared by Daniel Holmes. William Parsons presided, assisted by Abiel Hall, vice president. Several appropriate toasts were given, one of which we transcribe : "The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As she was the first, may she continue to be X\i& principal, pillar in the temple of liberty." 1810, March 24, by the arrival at this port of brig Somers, Cap- tain Fletcher, from St. Bartholomew, we have news from London to January 23d, three days later than before received in this country. Lon- don papers of that date, received at St. Bartholomew before Fletcher left that island, state that the French decrees had been repealed and that the British orders in council would now be repealed, of course. The town of Wells was assessed in the tax act of 18 10, for the payment of its representatives to the Massachusetts Legislature of 1809, four hundred and eight dollars. The next highest tax paid in the county was by Berwick, two hundred and ten dollars. Schooner Miranda, Captain Perkins, from this port for St. Bar- tholomew, was brought to January 13, 18 10, by the British Letter of Marque Ship John, Richard Reed, from Cape Francois, of and for Liverpool. The officers of the British ship used very abusive language to Captain Perkins, sent him on board their ship, and ran- sacked his vessel. They took from the Miranda a barrel of beef, two barrels of bread, a barrel of potatoes, a box of fish, a barrel of apples, six turkeys and thirty-six fowls, and offered in payment about one-third their value in the West Indies. On refusing to take the money tendered, the captain was threatened that his vessel should be put in charge of a prize master and crew. Captain Per- kins was detained a little more than six hours. John Anderson, of Wiscasset, Maine, a merchant aged forty-six years, died suddenly at Jefferds's the twenty-fifth of May. He was a native of the north of Ireland and came to this country with his wife in 1793. He left a widow and four sons, one of whom was a distinguished Democratic politician of this State, holding at one time the office of governor thereof. His remains were interred in suade you that his political opponents are about to enslave you, and that he and his partisans are your only friends. This may be the patriotic zeal of an honest man, but it is too often the canting hypocrisy of a scoundrel. The man loho solic- its your suffrages is unworthy your confidence. Inquire into the motives of all the office seekers who at this day infest your country, and see whether they are founded on real patriotism or private emolument. The restless, ambitious and unprincipled will not be contented while out of office, and tiie people will never be happy while they are in.'' HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 221 the cemetery near the Unitarian Church. A heavy slate slab, with an appropriate inscription, covers his grave. "The York County Medical Association" met at Jefferds's Tavern September eleventh. Samuel Emerson was chosen Presi- dent; Jacob Fisher and Abial Hall, of Alfred, First and Second Associates; Richard Hazeltine, of Berwick, Secretary, and Joseph Gilman, of Wells, Treasurer. There were only twenty towns in York County in 1809. On the first of April, 1810, there were one hundred and thirty- three banks and branches in the United States with a nominal capi- tal exceeding fifty-eight million dollars. Census of Wells in 18 10. Males, two thousand one hundred and eighty-one; females, two thousand three hundred and one; colored, seven. Total, four thousand four hundred and eighty-nine. Arundel, males, one thousand one hundred and eighty-two; females, one thousand one hundred and seventy-eight; colored, eleven. Total, two thousand three hundred and seventy-one. Biddeford, males, eight hundred and twenty-four; females, seven hundred and thirty; colored, nine. Total, one thousand five hundred and sixty-three. Rev, Andrew Sherburne communicated to the editor of the Visiter the foregoing census returns and also the following state- ment: "Amongst the household manufacturers in this division none have as yet been discovered who appear to have excelled a Mrs. Bourne, of Kennebunk [Mrs. Capt. John Bourne]. She occa- sionally employs three looms, one of which carries the fly-shuttle. Within eight months this family have woven two hundred and twen- ty-two yards of cloth of different kinds in this loom, which at the lowest value is worth one hundred and twenty-three dollars and ninety cents. The other two looms are constructed to weave cotton counterpanes the whole width. In one of these wide looms has been woven the season past, by one young woman, twenty-one coun- terpanes, worth on an average seventeen dollars each, and in the other they have woven ten counterpanes, worth ten dollars each, amounting in the whole to four hundred and fifty-seven dollars, and the total manufactures to five hundred and eighty dollars and ninety cents. The labor expended is thought not to exceed the constant labor of three women with the assistance of children." 222 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK.. The shed and barn belonging to Michael Wise were destroyed by fire March i, 1811 ; the fire was occasioned by depositing ashes in the shed. The night was unusually calm ; "had it been otherwise no efforts could have prevented the entire destruction of the most populous part of the village." The editor of the Visiter urges the inhabitants of the village " to hasten the long-contemplated purchase of a fire engine." Arrived at this port, April first, brig Charles, Perkins, Grenada, cargo rum, and schooner Confidence, Thompson, Damarara, cargo rum and molasses. " Both these vessels were seized by the collector and the property bonded." "Phillips Limerick Academy" was dedicated on the last Tues- day in February, 181 1, and opened for the reception of students on the first Monday in March, same year, Rev. W. Gregg, of Portland, Preceptor, E. Eastman, President, and William Swasey, Secretary. We show the politics of the people of Wells as indicated by its votes for Governor and members of Congress between the years 1809 and 18 18. The total number of votes for Federal Governor during the nine years that intervened was three thousand seven hundred and eighty against nine hundred and twenty-six cast for Republican Governor in the same time. November, 18 10, Richard Cutts was the Republican candidate for member of Congress, and Cyrus King, of Saco, the Federal can- didate. The vote throughout the district was very small. Cutts was elected. Wells gave King sixty-four votes and Cutts twenty- eight. The Federalists did not make any formal nomination ; the Republicans were not united, many of them throwing scattering votes. November, 1812, Wells gave King six hundred and twenty-two votes and Cutts forty-one. November, 1814, Wells threw King five hundred and sixty votes, while John Holmes received but fifty-five. Dr. Moses Hemmenway, one of the most distinguished divines of his time, died in Wells, April 18, 181 1. The Visiter of May fourth contains a finely written notice of the deceased and also a poem of uncommon merit to his memory. " For more than half a century he was the beloved and respected pastor of the first church in Wells. As a man of talents, a scholar and theologian, he was probably second to few clergymen which the United States have produced." His funeral was attended by a larger assemblage of HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 223 people than was perhaps ever seen on a similar occasion in the District of Maine. The funeral eulogium was pronounced by Dr. Buckminster, of Portsmouth, with great pathos and effect." Joseph Moody and John U. Parsons, with three other gentle- men belonging to the First Parish, were chosen, May ii, 1811, to represent Wells in the Massachusetts Legislature. July 4, 181 1, "the sable color of the times did not prevent the Federalists of Wells from commemorating the birthday of liberty." The usual program of exercises on such occasions was very success- fully carried out; prayer by Rev. Mr. Fletcher, oration by Dr. Samuel Emerson, an original patriotic song by Stephen Sewall. We give two lines of the first verse : "That all have their hobbies, a doctrine not new, Trace man from creation, you'll find it most true," and the thirteenth and concluding verse entire : " Be America's hobby to live free or die, Her independence be written with stars in the sky, There shine till high heaven's glorious orb veils his rays And unbounded creation is wrapt in a blaze." Nathaniel Wells was President of the day, George W. Walling- ford, Vice President and Marshal. In reading the account of the day's proceedings we noticed that there was no mention of the ring- ing of the bell, that the procession moved from Jefferds's at twelve, an unusual hour, and that the exercises were in Washington Hall. We were led to seek an explanation of these notable features in the description of the ceremonies. It appears that the Federalists did not anticipate any demonstration on the part of the Republicans and had concluded not to make any themselves on this anniversary. The Republicans improved this condition of things by making appli- cation to the parish assessors for the use of the church, including the bell of course, for a party gathering on the then coming Fourth. This request was very reluctantly granted, but no good reason existed why it should be denied. We can ascertain no other partic- ulars in regard to their celebration than that they occupied the church, caused the bell " to give forth merry peals," that the pro- cession formed at and moved from Barnard's Tavern, that the oration was by Stephen Thacher, and that a dinner was provided at Bar- nard's. Finding that the Republicans had "stolen the march upon them," the Federalists got up a counter celebration which was satis- factory in all respects. The orations by Dr. Emerson and Mr. 224 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Thacher were printed (the former at the Visiter office and the latter in Boston). Copies of both are now extant. No mention is made of the Republican celebration in the Visiter. It appears that the Republicans of Arundel had a party celebration of the day. The editor of the Visiter remarks that accounts of Republican celebra- tions, if handed in for publication, will be cheerfully inserted in his columns, ( Visiter of July 6.) Married in this town, on Sunday evening last, by Joseph Storer, Esq., Mr. William Edes, aged sixty, to Miss Hannah Muchmore, aged thirty. There's something so comical in't, I ne'er was so tickled by half ; And were I to die the next minute, I verily think I should laugh. The annual meeting of the " Kennebunk Musical Society," John Skeele, Secretary, occurred November 19, 181 1. Dr. Abial Hall, of Alfred, sends to the Visiter a long and valu- able communication in regard to the spotted fever, which had made its appearance in that town and had proved fatal in several cases. Dr. Fisher also sends a timely and able article on this disorder, by Dr. Woodward, of Connecticut, with prefatory remarks. Dr. Fisher, in a succeeding number, gives directions to persons exposed to or attacked by spotted fever. The Doctor could not permit so good an opportunity for a joke to slip by unimproved. He concludes his remarks as follows : " Direct the messenger who goes for the doctor to get some wine and rum, gin or brandy, so that they may arrive about the time the doctor does." (March, 1812.) A large meeting of Federal Republicans was held at Kenne- bunk the tenth of March, 1812. Jeremiah Hill was chosen chair- man and Daniel Sewall, clerk. Nominations were made, resolutions and an address to the people adopted. A legal town meeting was held in Lyman in July, 18 12, "to take into consideration the present alarming situation of our public affairs and particularly to express an opinion on the subject of the present war. A vote was passed, almost unanimously, declaring that the war was inexpedient, ruinous and highly impolitic." Reso- lutions and a memorial to the President were adopted. Brig Dromo, Perkins, arrived at this port August 8, 18 12, hav- ing on board, as passengers, Captain Cazneau, and Samuel Badger, HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 225 seaman, the only survivors of the crew and passengers of the brig Polly, of Boston, one hundred and thirty tons, which sailed from Boston for St. Croix, December 12, 181 1, with a cargo of lumber and provisions and a crew of seven persons and two passengers. On the fifteenth, during a violent gale from the southeast, the brig was upset and became a complete wreck. In this situation they floated on the ocean one hundred and ninety days, enduring sufifer- ings almost unparalleled. One of the passengers was washed over- board and the other died from the effects of exposure; five of the crew died of starvation and thirst. The survivors were rescued by the master of an English vessel on the twentieth of June, 18 12, who fell in with the Dromo in the English Channel, bound out, July ninth. Captain Perkins took them on board his vessel and brought them to this port, whence they proceeded to Boston. Captain Cazneau fur- nished the editor of the Visiter with a long and detailed narrative of the sufferings, hopes and disappointments of the parties to this dreadful catastrophe. It was published at length in the Visiter of August twenty-second. The encounter between the United States frigate Constitution and the English frigate Guerriere, August 19, 18 12, which resulted in the capture and destruction of the English vessel by Commodore Isaac Hull, of the Constitution, was hailed throughout the country with the liveliest demonstrations of joy. The Visiter of the fifth of September says : "As soon as the brilliant achievement of Capt. Isaac Hull, in the capture of the Guerriere, was known to our citi- zens they assembled by a sort of involuntary impulse to congratu- late each other on the event. Every countenance spoke feelings of national pride and satisfaction at this exploit of our gallant, though neglected, little navy. The bell rang, the cannon roared, a collation was served out-of-doors, after which patriotic toasts were drank," etc. Brig Advance, from Liverpool for New Orleans, said to be in distress, having sprung her foremast, put into this port September fifteenth. She had a full cargo of English goods, consigned to a gentleman in New Orleans. These goods were seized by the col- lector of the port. By the politeness of Captain Coit, of the Advance, the editor of the Visiter was furnished with London papers to August first and Liverpool to the third, from which copious extracts were published. A part of Colonel Ripley's regiment arrived in this town on the afternoon of the tenth of September, 1812, and after a brief halt at 226 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Barnard's proceeded to a field about a mile west of the village, where they spent the night. On the following morning they struck their tents and resumed their march to Plattsburg. They were in complete uniform and made a fine appearance. They arrived at Plattsburg the first week in October. The Friends of Peace from the several towns in the First Easf em Congressional District assembled at Jefferds's the twenty-third of September, from whence they marched in procession to the meet- ing-house, where they organized. Cyrus King was unanimously nominated as candidate for member of Congress from this district, and, being present, signified his acceptance in a brief and appro- priate speech. Nine hundred persons attended the convention. A correspondent of the Visiter, April, 1813, names the following gentlemen as the leading Republicans in this county at that date : Berwick, Judge Greene, Lawyer Bradbury, Mr. Currier and Captain Prime; Lebanon, Esquire Wood; Sanford, Esquire Hobbs and Esquire Allen; Shapleigh, Esquire Emery and Esquire Bodwell; Alfred, Esquire Holmes ; Wells, Esq. Joseph Storer and Judge Thacher; Saco, Esquire Granger, Doctor Thornton, Esquire Preble, Esquire Pike; HoUis, Colonel Lane. George W. Wallingford, John Low and John Bourne, of the Second Parish, with two gentlemen from the First, were chosen to represent Wells in the Massachusetts Legislature, 1S13. There was no public demonstration in this town on the Fourth of July, 18 13, but about one hundred and fifty persons, of both sexes, chiefly belonging to the village, celebrated the day by a water party. Two or three large gondolas, nicely fitted up for the occa- sion, which were towed down the river by two "long boats," fur- nished accommodations for all of the party who preferred this mode of conveyance; a number of the young men made quicker passage in sailboats. An awning was erected in the open field, in full view of the ocean, where the company partook of refreshments. After the collation a number of volunteer toasts were given. The party returned in good season and were met at Mousam Landing (near the "Creek") by the "Juvenile Infantry Company," commanded by Master John Frost, under the escort of which they marched to Washington Hall. A select band of music, under the direction of Dr. Samuel Emerson, added greatly to the pleasure of the entertain- ment. The day was remarkably fine and one of perfect enjoyment HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 227 to every member of the party. The "Juvenile Infantry Company" was composed of about thirty lads of from ten to fifteen years of age, all of whom wore neat and appropriate uniforms and exhibited on parade and on the march excellent discipline. Young Frost, it is said, was remarkably well qualified for his position of commander. The company was in high favor with the citizens, and on its " train- ing days" was always provided with a generous lunch. We think it maintained its organization and good standing for several years. There were three cases of impressment of American seamen belonging to the port of Kennebunk, by the British, from 1800 to 1813. We cannot find the names or any other particulars of the first and second. The third and last was Samuel Littlefield, of Wells, who was taken from brig Agenoria, Jonathan Downing, mas- ter, while lying in a West India port, in 1804. The dwelling-house of Joseph Dane, together with the barn and woodhouse belonging thereto, was burned at two o'clock on the afternoon of September twenty-fifth, 18 13. The furniture in the house was saved; the contents of the barn and woodshed (where the fire originated) were consumed. These buildings stood precisely opposite the dwelling-house formerly occupied by Joseph Porter. John Holmes, of Alfred, was elected State Senator from York County in April, 18 14, by a majority of eight hundred and sixty- nine votes. A public dinner was given by citizens of Kennebunk to Cyrus King, member of Congress from York District, May 5, 1814, "in testimony of their approbation of his able and arduous efforts to restore our suffering country to her former prosperity." About eighty gentlemen sat down to an excellent dinner at Jefferds's. Toasts were drunk, with appropriate music. Jacob Fisher presided. Mayall & Radcliffe, under date of June 3, 1814, "return their grateful acknowledgments to the inhabitants of Kennebunk for their kind assistance in preserving their property in the late destructive freshet." The spotted fever, nearly allied to the typhus, but characterized by the appearance of dark spots on the body, made its appearance in this town in the spring of 18 15. It was contagious and quite fatal. There were many cases in Wells, First and Second Parishes, Arundel and Lyman. It had been prevalent in Alfred (18 12) and later in almost all, if not all, the interior towns in the county; in 228 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. every town visited by it there had been a number of fatal cases. We have heard it stated that no contagious disease ever known in Kennebunk, while a parish or since its incorporation, was attended with so great mortality as was this. Daniel Sewall, clerk of the Judicial Courts and register of pro- bate for York County, purchased the dwelling-house, lately owned and occupied by John U. Parsons, and took possession thereof, hav- ing removed from York to Kennebunk, in August, 1815. He kept his offices in one of the rooms, fitted up for the purpose, in the dwelling-house. The dwelling-house of Mr. Seth Littlefield, situated on the Sanford road, was destroyed by fire the twelfth of October, 1815, together with all the corn and potatoes raised by him the (then) past season and the larger part of his household furniture, clothing, etc. The Association of Ministers, in the easterly part of York County, by their Moderater, Paul Coffin, of Buxton, and their Scribe, Rev. Nathaniel H. Fletcher, of Kennebunk, recommend in a notice dated October 13, 1815, the formation of a Bible Society in York County, and propose that a meeting of persons favorable to this movement be held at the meeting-house in Kennebunk on the eighth of November following. The grist mill, fulling mill and blacksmith's shop belonging to Mr. Edward Nason, in Arundel ("Nason's Mills"), were destroyed by fire on the night of March 28, 18 16. Most of the contents of the fulling mill were saved. The first elephant ever seen in this town was exhibited at Major Jefferds's, in one of the barns belonging to his tavern stand, on the twenty-third and twenty-fourth of May, 18 16. It was said to be the only one then in America. She landed in Boston, from India, about 1806. She was fifteen years old, measured twenty feet from end of her trunk to that of her tail, was thirteen feet round the body, upward of eight feet in height, and weighed more than six thousand pounds. After having been exhibited in a number of towns in Maine, and while on her return to Boston, this elephant was killed in Alfred, a short distance from the village, on the twenty-fourth day of July, 1 8 16, by a miscreant (sheltered from the sight of the keeper and a few citizens who were following the animal), who discharged at her a musket loaded with two balls, both of which entered her body a little back of the shoulder bone. After being shot she trav- HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 229 eled a few rods, then fell and expired. She had traveled through every State and Territory of the United States and never before received an injury. The perpetrator of this outrage was never dis- covered. No motive could be imagined for the infamous act. James Mayall, of the firm of Mayall & Radcliffe, woolen manu- facturers, of this town, fell from Durrell's Bridge on the seventh of October, 1816, late in the evening, and was drowned. The bridge was narrow and on the Arundel side was without railing. He was forty-two years of age, a native of Yorkshire, England. He was an industrious man, a good citizen and much esteemed by his townsmen. At the election for member of Congress, November 4, 18 16, Wells gave King three hundred and three votes (two hundred and fifty-seven less than he received in November, 18 14,) and Holmes sixty-three votes (eight more than in 1814). At Alfred, in 1816, King attended a county convention in favor of separation, and accepted the position of chairman. This step alienated many of his warmest and most influential political friends, who declined voting for him or making any efforts in his behalf. In the district, compared with the preceding election, his loss was six hundred and ninety-four votes, while Holmes gained only twenty-four votes. The year 1816 was very cold throughout and the growing corn, cereals and vegetables were seriously injured — in many localities almost entirely destroyed — by the frosts. There were severe frosts in northern New England every month in the year. We find it stated that "thirteen thousand bushels of St, Domingo corn had been imported into Connecticut up to the nineteenth of October in that year." In April, 1817, corn sold in Kennebunk for two dollars per bushel, and hay for two dollars per hundred. The season of 18 1 7, however, was more favorable, and the crops, as a whole, abundant. Brig Mary, of Kennebunk, John D. Wilson, master, was so seriously damaged in a gale of wind in the vicinity of Long Island, N, Y., January 18, 1817, that it was found necessary to abandon her on the twenty-seventh of February, in latitude 41 deg., 25 min., lon- gitude 23 deg., 30 min., after drifting about the ocean forty days and after many unsuccessful attempts to make a port. She left St. Pierre the twenty-first of December, 18 16, bound for Salem, Mass., with a full cargo of molasses, hides, logwood, etc. Before leaving the wreck the officers and crew were reduced to an allowance of two 230 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. ounces of meat and half a biscuit to each man, for twenty-four hours, with an addition of green hides as a substitute for meat, which, however, was found to be exceedingly unwholesome. The crew were taken from the wreck by the East India Company's ship Cornevall, Captain Tousant, from China for London. Cyrus King, one of the most prominent citizens of Maine, died in Saco on the twenty-seventh day of April, 1817, aged forty-four years. He was four years — from 18 13 to 18 17 — a member of Con- gress for the First Eastern District. At the time of his death he was Major General of the Sixth Division of the Massachusetts MiUtia. His remains were interred on the twenty-ninth with military honors. A large number of the citizens of Kennebunk attended his funeral. General King was a son of Richard King, of Scarborough, and a brother of Rufus King, who was appointed Minister at the Court of London in 1795. The "York County Bible Society" held its first annual meeting, at York, June 18, 181 7. John Low, of Lyman, was elected Presi- dent; Henry Clark, Vice President; John Low, of Kennebunk, Treasurer; Rev. Nathaniel H. Fletcher, Corresponding Secretary, and Daniel Sewall, Recording Secretary ; Isaac Lyman, of York, Rev. Jonathan Greenleaf, of Wells, Joseph M. Hayes, of Arundel, Dr. Richard C. Shannon and Josiah Calef, of Saco, Ivory Hovey, of South Berwick, Northend Cogswell, of Berwick, Elihu Hayes, of Lebanon, Elisha Allen, of Sanford, Abial Hall, of Alfred, and John McDonald, of Limerick, Trustees. The balance in the treasury was one hundred and twenty-one dollars and sixty-one cents. The dwelling-house of Adam McCuUoch, at the Landing, together with a shed, was destroyed by fire about three o'clock a. m,, November 10, 18 18. The house was new, a story and a half build- ing, and it is supposed caught fire while heating the oven the evening of the previous day. Mr, McCulloch was married the week before to Miss Hannah Chase, of Newburyport, and had moved his furniture into the house and made preparations for occupying it the day it was burned. Nearly all the furniture was saved. The brig Columbia, of Kennebunk, Lord, master, from Porto Rico with a cargo of sugar, molasses, lignumvitffi and hides, while attempting to beat into this harbor, seventeenth of November, struck on the fishing rocks and sank in fifteen minutes thereafter. About one thousand dollars in specie went down with her. She was owned HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 231 by Joseph Moody and Jeremiah Paul and was insured for five thousand dollars. Brig Oliver, Bourne, of Kennebunk, sailed from Havana for this port on the thirty-first of October, 1818, and was wrecked on Sandy Key on the seventh of the following month. Sails and rig- ging were saved and no lives lost. The Visiter adds: "This is the fourth vessel of which Joseph Moody, Esq., was part owner that has been lost within the last two years." Brig Bolina, of Kennebunk (owned by Dorrance and Kilham), Theodore Eldridge, master, arrived at Townsend, twenty-seventh of March, 18 19, after a disastrous voyage of ninety-one days. She left Point Petre Christmas day, 18 18. On the seventh of January, 18 19, her mate, Thomas Washburn, died, and on the following day two seamen were taken sick, leaving the captain with only one seaman and a boy, and compelling him "to tack about and bear away for the West Indies." He arrived at St. Parts on the eleventh of Feb- ruary and there procured seamen and supplies; left the island on the seventeenth for Kennebunk ; on the twenty-third took the wind to the westward, which blew a gale for twenty days, during which the vessel lost her bowsprit and was otherwise damaged. Captain Eldridge put into Townsend and left the brig there for repairs. Widow Philadelphia Harvey died in Wells, in October, 18 19, aged one hundred and two years. She was born in Kittery, in the second year of the reign of George I. There was living in Sanford, in 18 19, a man named Tibbetts, who had reached the advanced age of ninety-six years. He was then in good health, with sight, hearing and memory unimpaired. He was a native of Somersworth, N. H., where he was born the twenty- eighth of February, 1724. He recollected Portsmouth when it was an inconsiderable village, and when the Indians from Ossipee and Pigwacket (Coos County, N. H.,) were in the habit of visiting Ber- wick for the purpose of fishing in the summer months, during the long peace from 1725 to 1744. He was a soldier in the Spanish or five years' War (i 745-1 749). When he removed to Sanford, in 1 76 1, there was but one dwelling-house, northerly, between his domicile and Canada. CHAPTER XX. TOWN HISTORY GLEANED FROM ADVERTISING COLUMNS, INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESS MEMORANDA, 1809 TO 182O. We think there is no better form in which information can be given respecting the business and business men of Kennebunk and its vicinity, from 1809 to 1820, than by what may be termed a synopsis of the advertising columns of the Weekly Visiter within this terra, adding, as we proceed, such explanations in regard to location of stores, shops and other buildings as we are able to furnish, and such other matter as we may consider relevant and interesting. 1809. April 20. Frost & Hackett advertise dissolution of copartner- ship. (Nathaniel Frost and William Hackett.) June, Keser & Porter advertise notice to debtors. (Timothy Keser and Horace Porter.) July. Waterston & Pray, Kennebunk and Waterborough, also Pray & Hayes, Saco, advertise large stocks of goods in great variety. (Waterston & Pray occupied the brick store which had been quite recently erected by them on what is now the Ocean National Bank lot.) August. Thomas Drew advertises stock of goods at the store formerly occupied by Waterston & Pray. (This store occupied the front room on the ground floor of the house afterward occupied by Mrs. Hewes as a dwelling.) The store of Nathaniel Roberts, Kennebunk Landing, was broken open night of September twelfth and a quantity of piece goods stolen. Dr. Fisher advertises medicines, paints, etc., for which payment may be made in " anything eatable, drinkable, wearable or burnable, at fair prices." (Dr. Fisher's store occupied one-half of the lower story of his dwelling-house which stood near the site of the late Nathaniel L. Thompson's residence). 232 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 233 Waterston & Pray give notice that they will take " Eastern bills at par for goods," and Michael Wise, "Collector of Kennebunk," offers to take said bills for taxes. October. John U. Parsons advertises an additional supply of goods. (His store stood on the lot now occupied by the tenement house next west to the residence of John Cousens.) Thomas Folsom will sell his furniture at auction, November seventh, being about to remove to Portland. (Folsom kept a hotel in the dwelling-house now occupied by Woodbury A. Hall.) Edmund Pierson advertises that he has taken the tanyard lately occupied by Joseph Curtis. (This tannery was at "Scotchman's Brook," — currier's shop, bark house, etc., — on the lot between Dr. Ross's block and Henry F. Curtis's dwelling-house. Pierson came from Exeter, N. H.) December i. Robert Sugden, at Arundel, advertises his store and large dwelling-house, occupied by him as a boarding-house and tavern, for sale. (Sugden commenced business in Arundel, in 1802, as one of the firm of Harrison & Co. He married Martha Skirrow in June, 1805, — both English. Mrs. Sugden died January, 1810. He removed from Arundel the following month.) Nathaniel Frost, in store opposite the meeting-house, advertises for bristles; pays thirty cents per pound when combed, dried and bound in bunches, or twelve and a half cents if only dried and free from dirt. (Traders frequently advertised for bristles in several suc- ceeding years.) Isaac Daniels advertises West India goods and groceries; had just commenced business "at the store directly opposite the Hay Market." (This store occupied the rooms later improved by Eben Huff and Mrs. Johnson Webber, in the building on the corner of Main and Elm Streets. The "hay scales" (old style) then stood on a piece of greensward on the opposite side of the street.) January. William Henry advertises notice to debtors; has on hand, for sale cheap, seventy-five sides upper leather. (We do not find his name again mentioned.) Low, Parsons and Smith, commissioners on estate of Joseph Curtis, insolvent. William Hackett and George Wheelwright, committee of arrange- ments for ball on third of February. 234 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Daniel Whitney, shoemaker, "at his shop back of post office." (The post office was in the "long building," Storer's, third from the mill yard.) Five hundred dollars reward is offered for apprehension of Jere- miah Clark, a public defaulter, late collector for the District of York, who broke jail in York February seventeenth. John Gubtill, shoemaker, in a shop nearly opposite the brick store. (It was probably the one-story L part of the Grant house, improved as a store by Captain Grant for several years. It after- ward formed a part of Norrish N. Wiggin's dwelling-house.) March. Smith Sz Treat, at Joseph Porter's tin shop, advertise grave and building stones. (The shop was on site of the late Horace Porter's house.) April. David Little, Landing, English and West India goods and groceries. The store was opposite his house, which stood where that of John W. Tripp now stands. The store was moved to Tit- comb's shipyard, where it has stood for some time unoccupied. Luther Kimball, cabinet work. West of David Little's store, at the Landing. May. Josiah Cross, carriage maker and repairer. Shop near the brick store. It was probably in Hodgdon's building. It was removed to " a shop near the custom house " the next February ; he did not succeed well and left town within a year. Daniel Hodsdon and Jamin Savage dissolve copartnership. They occupied the three-story building built by Hodsdon on the site where now stands George W. Frost's dwelling-house, next the bank. It was a large building, the lower floor chiefly occupied as a salesroom for cabinet work, etc., the second floor as a workshop and the third for a paint shop, storing choice lumber, etc. Hods- don and Edward White form copartnership for the manufacture of cabinet work; they advertise "bell-back and bamboo chairs" and a full supply of furniture at the shop just described and also at the shop lately occupied by White & Co., "opposite Mr. David Little's house," at the Landing. Nathaniel Jefferds advertises clothing business, on west side of Mousam, and also "eight acres of land, with small house and barn," situated near Rev. Mr. Fletcher's dwelling-house, formerly property of James Ridgeway and now owned by Thomas Folsom. Nathaniel Roberts, Landing, offers one hundred dollars reward for recovery of goods and valuable papers stolen from his store night of May second. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 235 Betsey Hutchins and Silene Powers, "tailoring and mantua making," room in John H. Bartlett's house, on spot where the Stephen Perkins house now stands. Theophilus Hardy and Jotham Perkins (Hardy & Perkins), tanners, want to purchase hides and skins; offer for sale a good assortment of sole and upper leather and calfskins. Tanyard on Alfred road, on Scotchman's Brook. The main building improved by them is still standing and is now used for storage. The vats were filled up many years ago. The house lately owned by George Parsons, adjoining the old tanyard, was occupied by Perkins. Per- kins married Polly Stackpole, of Arundel, August 31, 1809. Hardy built and occupied the dwelling-house adjoining the tannery; he also built the one-story house, near the brook, on the opposite side of the road, which was occupied by his widow and children after his decease. This building now forms the L part of the late James Osborn's house on Portland Street. Hardy married Patty W. Good- win, of Somersworth, N. H., November, 1805. Hardy and Perkins were worthy and enterprising men. Timothy Kezer sold his dwelling-house — recently owned and occupied by George Parsons, on Alfred Street — at auction, July 9 ; purchased by Robert Waterston. Kezer & Porter dissolve copartner- ship September 29, and Kezer removes to the Landing. Waterston married Hepsea Lord, December 25, and occupied the Kezer house. September. John Patten, Arundel, advertises for juniper ber- ries. Traders frequently advertise for these berries, 1810-15. Michael Durgin advertises apple paring machines, patented. October 13. Daniels & Hooper form a copartnership, English and West India goods and groceries, at Daniels's old stand (the house just mentioned). Dissolve copartnership January 25, 181 1. Loammi Hooper continues the business in same store. October 19. Daniels advertises house, store, etc., formerly occupied by him, six miles from Kennebunk meeting-house, for sale. November. John Wood, singing school. January i. Smith & Porter form copartnership, at store recently occupied by Kezer & Porter, then second from Osborn's corner on Alfred Street, now moved to the opposite side of the street. It is fitted for a dwelling-house on second floor. Here Kezer lived while building the large house on next lot, north. It has been occupied by many different families. 236 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Peter Folsom, harness maker. The house and shop were on lot between the residences of Mrs. Clara Hardy and Mrs. John Hill. January. Timothy Kezer, at Kennebunk Landing, wants "two hundred cords hard wood in exchange for goods." Jefferds & Curtis advertise " stop thief," a hundred dollars in money and sundry articles of merchandise having been stolen from them. We do not find this firm again mentioned. Daniel Whitney makes shoes and boots on the "new or old con- struction " ; has a patent for making "the much approved ironbound boots, shoes and bootees"; wants one journeyman at back-strap bootmaking, two at snarrow and one at shoes. February. Waterston, Pray & Co. advertise twenty-four crates crockery ware at and below Boston prices. They also offer for sale their stores in Kennebunk and Berwick. In June, admit Hercules M. Hayes as partner in the business that may be transacted at their brick store in Kennebunk, and give notice that their business at Alfred, under firm name of Waterston, Pray & Co., will thereafter be done under firm name of Samuel Silsbee & Co. Several of the traders kept schoolbooks for sale. Thomas Drew appears to take the lead in this department; keeps for sale Bibles and Testaments, Morse's, Parish's and Dwight's Geogra- phies, Walch's, Pike's, Merrill's and Kimball's Arithmetics, Perry's Dictionary, Columbian Orator, Art of Reading, American Preceptor, American Selections, American Reader, a new schoolbook, Webster and Perry's Spelling Books; also, Watts's Psalms and Hymns. John Strothers and Hosah Goodwin advertise for master brick- maker. There were two brickyards in the village, — one on Wonder Brook, a short distance back of the present residence of Hartley Lord, and one in Barnard's pasture, a short distance south of the present residence of Charles Kelley and others on Park Street. Timothy Frost, English and West India goods, etc., store under Washington Hall. William Hackett, English and West India goods, etc., store under Washington Hall. Ebenezer Curtis, West India goods and groceries, at store nearly opposite Benjamin Smith's bake house. Joshua Blood, hatter, advertises furs. The shop was next, easterly, to lot on which Warren's Block now stands. Blood was here several years. Alexander Warren worked for him as a journey- man in 1808. Blood left town in July, 181 1. Warren continued the business at the same stand. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 237 Rev. Asa Piper, of Wakefield, N. H., advertises farm on which Stephen Thacher resides. The old "Parson Little place," is now known as George T. Jones's Sanford Road Hay Farm, William Jellerson, under date of Dover, April 12, requests that demands against him be presented for payment. Mr. Jellerson died at Kennebunk Landing, January 18, 18 12. July. John Mayall and James Radcliffe intend to carry on the carding business at Ricker's mill, in Shapleigh; "they were regu- larly brought up at the manufacturing of woolen cloth in all its vari- ous branches and served apprenticeships at the business in England." Francis Watts will let the large and commodious store nearly opposite Mrs. Lord's, Kennebunk Landing. The commissioned officers of sixth regiment, first brigade and sixth division of Massachusetts Militia are notified to appear at Washington Hall, eighth August, for consultation in reference to a martial music school. J. K. Remich advertises for sale Dr. Emerson's Fourth of July oration and Burton's sermon at ordination of Rev. Benjamin White as pastor of the First Parish in Wells. October 12. Samuel Mendum advertises tailoring business. "War! war! war! with wild cats, foxes, raccoons, squirrels and all venomous animals. It is proposed to have a gunning party next Monday. The sharpshooters of Wells and Arundel are invited to meet at Major Jefferds's one hour before sunrise on said morning; then to proceed to that piece of woods which extends from Samuel Mildram's to the cross road from Captain Morrill's to Maryland Ridge. It is not necessary for every man to have a gun; axes, etc., will be wanted. Boys of all ages are invited, for the plan is to drive the woods in two lines to meet in the center." A gunning party was an annual occurrence while game was plentiful in this vicinity. A supper at Jefferds's — composed in part of some of the game that had been taken, " baked, roasted and stewed" — closed the day's proceedings. Edmund Pierson removes from the tanyard on Scotchman's Brook to his new yard on the western side of Mousam River, just below the new grist mill, so-called, owned by Major Jefferds and Mr. Gillpatrick, where he will continue to carry on the tanning and currying business. Ferguson's machine shop, destroyed by fire, was the building put up by Pierson, and the iron machine shop the "new grist-mill" building. 238 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Ralph Curtis takes and operates the Scotchman's Brook tan- nery. The site of this tannery is covered with greensward now and the old bark mill that stood there has been hauled on to Main Street and fitted up for a store (Mrs. Lawrence's) on the lower floor and for a dwelling-house on the upper. October i6. Hardy & Perkins, tanners, dissolve copartnership. Perkins continues the business. Hardy died of quick consump- tion, October 19, aged twenty-nine years. December 15. James K. Remich, who has been duly authorized by the commander in chief, calls a meeting of petitioners to be incorporated into a volunteer light infantry company, to be known as the "Praitonian Band." Several meetings of these petitioners were held between above-named date and the twenty-third of April following. Mr. Remich was chosen captain unanimously, but his business engagements compelled him to decline the office. The company could not agree upon any other person to fill the place and it was never fully organized. It is said that the artillery com- pany owed its existence to this movement. H. Low requests persons indebted to him for tuition of their children to make payment. He taught the public school in the vil- lage in the winter of 1810-11 and two terms of a private school in the summer of 181 1. John Chadbourne cautions the public to beware of a swindler. Chadbourne was a blacksmith and built the main part of the house on Summer Street occupied by George C. Farnum and Mrs. Daniel L. Hatch. His shop was a few rods farther down the street. Waterston, Pray & Co. advertise American manufactured goods on consignment; bed tickings, sheetings and shirtings, checks, stripes, ginghams and yarns assorted. Will sell to traders on same terms that they can be bought at the factory. 1812. January i. In a list of letters remaining in the post office are several for persons in Lyman and Sanford. Michael Wise, English and West India goods and groceries. February 7. Jeremiah Paul will sell at auction one hundred and forty prime Spanish hides. Order of notice is published, on petition of Eliphalet Pearson, for partition of four thousand acres of land in Sanford, of which he owns one-twelfth part. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 239 March 20. Mayall & Radcliffe give notice that they have erected a machine, in Kennebunk, for the purpose of carding cotton into rolls, and that they are erecting a machine for carding sheep's wool on a new and improved plan, superior to any ever before used in this part of the country, which will be completed in the following June. This marks the date of the initiatory step in manufacturing cotton or woolen in this town. April. Lowd & Rogers, painters and glaziers. Shop in the Grant building. Dissolve copartnership in September following. Lowd continues the business. David Little advertises three dwelling-houses for sale, between Samuel Lord's (nearly opposite McCulloch's) and Emery's wharf. John Skeele gives notice that he has entered in the clerk's office of the United States District Court for Massachusetts the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as author, viz.: "The New England Grammar," being a concise system of the English language, designed for the use of schools and private persons. This book was printed by James K. Remich, and was advertised as published and for sale. May 9. It is believed that not a copy of this Grammar is extant. May 15. James Titcomb advertises goods, nearly opposite the meeting-house, in the building now next east of the Warren Block. One hundred dollars reward is offered for information of the person who set fire to the schoolhouse (Burnham's District) in Arundel, which was burned August 7. Signed by James and Israel Burnham, Samuel and Enoch T. Colman, William Luis, Thomas and Jedediah Dorman, Timothy Hanscom, Daniel, Charles and Benja- min Huff, Jr., Samuel Hutchins, Daniel Towne, Seth Burnham, John Nason, Jeremiah Dunham, Joseph Towne, Daniel, Dummer and Ephraim Mitchell, Moses, Ebenezer and Asa Burbank, Moses F. Thompson, Abner Perkins, John Dorman, Jeremiah Miller, Joshua Downing, Andrew and John Miller, John and David Lord, Edward and Daniel Nason. We presume that the persons whose names are here given composed the entire male adult population of the district at the date mentioned, unless a very few were absent on sea voyages at the time. The farm of Abraham Littlefield, Jr., three miles from Kenne- bunk meeting-house, on the Alfred road, is offered for sale. "There is a good one-story house on the same." 240 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 1813. January 13. Tobias Lord and twelve others petition the Mass- achusetts Legislature for an act of incorporation, they having, " at a very considerable expense, erected a bridge over Kennebunk River, in the towns of Wells and Arundel, whereby the distance between the port of Kennebunk and Portsmouth is shortened nearly five miles, and the inhabitants of the aforesaid towns very much accom- modated." They also ask that they may be authorized to collect such tolls on said bridge as may be reasonable and just. An act of incorporation, with power to collect tolls, was granted by the Legis- lature of 18 14. Carriages and teams on the western side of the river in the lower part of the town were compelled to go to the Landing and thence across Durrell's Bridge to the Port and vice versa. April. George Jefferds advertises store recently occupied by him for sale or to let. The store and dwelling-house on second floor stood about a rod below the present factory counting-room, so-called. It was subsequently occupied for several years by Samuel Ross, as a store and dwelling-house, and when he vacated, about 1825, it was removed across the street, a rod or two west of the upper dam, where it now stands. April 16. Phineas Stevens, watchmaker and jeweler, keeps for sale an assortment of watches and jewelry. Nathaniel Frost, Enoch Hardy and Timothy Frost, committee, request all persons who belong, or wish to belong, to the " Silver Grey Company of Kennebunk" to meet at Washington Hall to choose officers, etc., and in the following week publish a "card." " Those patriots composing the Silver Grey Company of Kennebunk are respectfully requested to accept the thanks of their committee for \\\€\x prompt attention to the notification in the last Visiter.^'' We find no farther notice of this company; we presume, however, that it was composed of exempts. Miss Grant gives notice that she has opened a school for the instruction of young ladies. This school was continued several years, under the tuition of Sarah and Ann Grant, daughters of Capt. John Grant, in the L of the Grant building. It was well patronized; besides the daughters of residents, young ladies from the neighbor- ing and interior towns came here to attend it. May I. Tobias Lord and Henry Clark, Arundel, dissolve copartnership. Clark continues the business. September. Daniel Moody commences the clothier's business at Nason's Mills. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 241 William Taylor sells at auction, December 2, the lots on which have since been erected Palmer Walker's store (now Andrew Walk- er's), the brick store (Warren Block), Timothy Frost's store (now Cyrus Stevens's tenement house), the lot now occupied by the engine house, the lots "on the new road which has been lately opened" (now Green Street), on which stand the houses owned and occupied by Charles and Cyrus Stevens and Jacob Stewart and "a house partly finished," now the property of Dr. Richards's heirs. 1814. January. Jefferds and Gillpatrick advertise for sale or to let the cotton and woolen factory now occupied by Mayall and Radcliffe. This building, which "was erected expressly for the purpose, is fifty- six by thirty-six, three stories at one end, and is commodiously fitted up for the residence of a family and may be enlarged to any size." Stephen Thacher (in Storer's "long store") advertises a great variety of American manufactured goods; wants to buy hogs, bris- tles and mustard seed. Waterston, Pray & Hayes (Joseph M.), at Saco, dissolve copart- nership. Hayes continues the business. Samuel Lord, Kennebunk Landing, advertises for sale "brig Rover, 198 tons, built in 1807." His store stood on the corner of the street leading to Durrell's Bridge and the commonly traveled road to the Port, his house on the Port Road a few rods from the corner (owned and occupied several years by Capt. Dummer Lord, destroyed by fire several years ago). Jesse Taylor advertises one-fourth part of saw-mill and privi- lege, in Wells, together with his homestead and several lots of land. March. Isaac Kilham, at Kennebunk Landing, advertises for plank. "Tobias Lord retails good molasses at one dollar per gallon." George Wheelwright, clerk, offers ten dollars reward for detec- tion of person who stole two axes belonging to the fire engine. John Low, John U. Parsons and Joseph Moody, committee, notify stockholders of Kennebunk Bank to meet at John Patten's (innholder) to make by-laws, etc. The bank opened for the transac- tion of business April i, Joseph Moody, President, Henry Clark, Cashier. Stephen Thacher will sell his stock in trade at auction April 25. June. James Mayall is erecting a wool carding machine at Ricker's Mills, in Shapleigh. 242 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Samuel Mendum advertises for one thousand yards of tow cloth. Flax was raised quite extensively in Wells and the neighboring towns for many years. Tow cloth was manufactured in farmers' families for their own use and for the market. It always found a ready sale at the stores in town. James Osborn, Jr., advertises goods. July 29. Joseph Thomas gives notice that "York Lodge will be installed at Kennebunk, in ample form, on Thursday, the twenty- fifth of August next. An oration will be delivered on the occasion by M. W. Brother Simon Greenleaf. A general attendance of the brethren is requested." August. Timothy Keser advertises for ship timber and plank, and for from fourteen to eighteen ship carpenters to commence work on the fifteenth. Flaxseed and juniper berries were advertised for frequently by traders. August 13. Joseph Porter and Enoch Illsley give notice that they will supply the market with beef and other viands. September 2, John Fifield "intends supplying this market and the wharves with meats of all kinds." He relinquishes the business the eighteenth of November of same year. September. Henry Clark, at Arundel, advertises that he will, at an early day, sell his stock of goods at auction and relinquish trade. September 10. James Titcomb and John Skeele form a copart- nership and take store two doors eastward of Mr. Titcomb's former stand, formerly occupied by Loammi Hooper; West India goods, groceries and hardware. Mayall & Radcliffe advertise for lamb skins. William Safford advertises for lamb skins. Mr. Safiford was the first hatter in town, unless Howard carried on the business in 1788 and until 1802. The dilapidated old building occupied by Safford as a shop stood near the foot of Alfred Street ; it was sub- sequently purchased and torn down by Mr. George Parsons. This was the first building put up on that street, which was laid out and built 1797-1800. We think the shop was erected two or three years before the road was regularly laid out. Afterward Mr, Safford bought an old building, moved it to the lot adjoining the shop and fitted it up for a dwelling-house. Part of this building has been torn down, the remainder reconverted into a barn. He married Lois Knowlton, of Ipswich, February, 1801. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 243 Thomas Drew will sell remainder of his stock of goods at auc- tion September 15. He also gives notice that he has engaged for one month a steady and competent man to carry on the butchering and marketing business; if encouraged, a regular market will be established. William Gillpatrick, Secretary, advertises that the quarterly meeting of the "Allodian Society" will be held at Washington Hall December ig, and, in a later number of the Visiter, that an oration will be delivered before this society, at Washington Hall, February 8, 18 1 5. We find no further notice respecting the promised oration and no additional mention of the society. Probably it was a polit- ical organization which the prospect of peace in the near future, and the presumption that no more land taxes would be levied on the people by the general government, rendered it unnecessary or inexpedient to continue. 1815. February 3. William Taylor advertises for ship timber. Tay- lor's store stood next west to the Hillard house, on the lot now the lawn in front of Mr. Hartley Lord's residence, and his blacksmith's shop near where Mr. Lord's barn stands. Taylor so enlarged his business that he could not give personal attention to the shop and he leased it to John Chadbourne who worked there a short time. Taylor bought considerable ship timber, and in the spring, when the sledding here was bad and grew worse toward the Landing and harbor, the teams were unloaded in the space between his dwelling- house (now Mrs. J. S. Perkins's) and Mr. Lord's, which was some- times filled and the road opposite encroached upon. Here it was usually hewn before being hauled to the shipyard. This store was afterward fitted up for a dwelling-house, and, later, an addition was made to it nearly equal in size to the original building. In this house, at different times, lived Moses Littlefield, Paul Junkins, Capt. Thomas Lord, Mr. Blaisdell, John Goodwin and others. Miss Esther Hatch was the last tenant. It was hauled to the Port Dis- trict and is now occupied as a dwelling-house. March 15. Samuel Silsbee & Co., at Alfred, dissolve copart- nership. Eliphalet Perkins and thirty-five others, inhabitants of Wells and Arundel, petition Legislature of Massachusetts for leave to build a free bridge over Kennebunk River, about half a mile above the toll bridge, over and across said river. 244 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. June 9. Joseph B. Emerson, son of Dr. Samuel, advertises kine pock matter. It was believed to be the first in town. June. Timothy Kezer offers ten dollars and fifty cents per thousand for pine boards. Smith & Porter, same date, ofifer ten dollars per thousand. William Hackett removes from store under Washington Hall, western end, to store lately occupied by Nathaniel Frost, under the printing office. Frost had removed to a new store built by him on the western corner of his home lot (now occupied by N. Dane, Jr.), adjoining the lot where now stands Abraham Hill's house. Here he kept the usual country store assortment of goods, together with a good stock of medicines. After his decease this building had many tenants of different occupations, who will be mentioned as we pro- ceed. A number of years ago it was purchased by Charles Herrick and moved to the lot adioining, north, Safford's building, and later to the opposite side of the street. Herrick improved it several years as a shoe shop and store. It was later occupied by Charles Perkins, provisions, etc. James K. Remich advertises a full assortment of books, stationery, justice and court blanks, etc., at his office counting-room. William Hackett buys lumber of all kinds ; has a full supply of all goods usually found in a country store. July 14. John U. Parsons and Moses Savary (Parsons's step- son) form copartnership; "will open at the white store fronting the road which leads to Alfred," then just built by Savary. Joshua Tolford, watch and clock maker, offers for sale "rich jewelry"; commences business here in "a shop a few rods south of Kennebunk meeting-house," probably in the Grant store, but this is not certainly known. He moved to Portland, whence he came, after remaining in town about a year. Nathaniel Mendum, blacksmith, "in future will furnish work at the former stand, now carried on by Jacob Waterhouse & Co." The shop was near by and west of Gillpatrick's ; it was torn down or removed several years ago. August 14. James Kimball, Jr., sold at auction his house, barn and blacksmith shop, together with twelve acres of land adjoin- ing. Joseph Dane was the purchaser. The house, which has been somewhat improved, is still standing and for some years was occu- pied by Mrs. Hilton. The blacksmith's shop, which stood at the rear of the building occupied by A. W. Bragdon as a tailor shop. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 245 was torn down after it was vacated by Mr. Kimball, who bought and removed to a farm in Kennebunkport. A street, known as Dane Street, was laid out through the field, extending to the lot now occupied by the High School Building; the lot on which the school building stands was also a part of this field. Kimball had sold from his homestead, before the above-named auction sale, the lot on which stands the building just mentioned as having been occupied by A. W. Bragdon and others, which was built by Moses Savary in the fall of 1814. It was painted white, while other stores on the street were painted yellow; hence it came to be known as the "white store." Waterston, Pray & Co. sell their stock in trade at auction, the sale commencing the twenty-third of August. This firm removed to Boston, where they established a wholesale dry goods business; they were very successful. September. Hodsdon & White, cabinet makers and house carpenters, dissolved copartnership. September. Parsons, Savary and Thomas Drew form a copart- nership, under the firm name of John U. Parsons & Co., and take the brick store, which had been vacated by Waterston, Pray & Co. Titcomb & Skeele remove to the white store, vacated by Par- sons & Savary. October. Perkins and Chamberlin, tanners and curriers, form a copartnership and carry on business at Perkins's former stand, on the Alfred road. Smith «Sc: Porter advertise for white and red oak hogshead and barrel staves, treenails, red oak plank, lath wood, oak butts, oak, beech, birch, maple, ash and elm timber. Mrs. Nichols's house, on the lot now owned by the heirs of the late Mrs. John Mitchell, on the Alfred road, was sold at auction November ii. It was purchased by Joseph Thomas and moved to the lot on which stands building owned by George E. and William Littlefield. After Thomas's death (1830) it was moved to the west- ern end of the triangular lot and had many different tenants. It was destroyed by fire. November. Moses Varney, from Dover, N. H., commences business in the western part of Stephen Tucker's tailor shop (in the building afterward owned and occupied by Mrs. Raynes, since moved and utilized as a shed). He manufactured ladies' morocco shoes and kept a full assortment on hand for sale. He was remark- ably well patronized. 246 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. John Gillespie proposes to teach an evening school. November 14. The sharpshooters in the vicinity are invited to meet at Colonel Taylor's "for the purpose of driving the woods from that starting place to Kennebunk meeting-house. . . . Bring boys, guns, clubs, dogs, tooting horns and a little bread and cheese." December 20. Dixey Stone takes store formerly occupied by Thomas Drew, in Taylor's building. 1816. January 5. Seaver, Palmer & Co. open a store next to that of John U. Parsons & Co., in a one-story building, which was hauled to the vacant lot near the corner of Main and Fletcher Streets, as now designated. Thomas Bramley takes store eastern end of Washington Hall Building, recently vacated by Timothy Frost, who had moved his stock of groceries, etc., to the new building erected by him on the opposite side of the street, at present owned by Cyrus Stevens and improved as a double tenement dwelling-house. Bramley was a butcher and in addition to a good stock of provisions kept West India goods and groceries. He occupied the dwelling-house after- ward Mrs. Hillard's, and his slaughter house was in the barn a few rods below; the former was removed, the latter torn down. He remained in town a year or two. His leave-taking was not strictly in accordance with the Golden Rule. January 20. Enoch Hardy advertises two house lots. One is that on which the brick dwelling-house owned and occupied by the heirs of Capt. Franklin N. Thompson now stands (built by Dr. Bur- leigh Smart in 1825), the other that on which the dwelling-house of Robert Smith, Jr., now stands; this is the house built by Capt. Jere- miah Paul on the lot where stands the dwelling-house of Frederick P. Hall, and was moved to its present location by Capt. George Lord about 1833, shortly before he built the house now occupied by Mr. Hall. Joseph Dane owned and occupied this house several years. Stephen Titcomb's farm, on west side of Kennebunk River, one hundred and eighty acres, a considerable portion of which was val- uable pine growth, with house and barn, situated between Kenne- bunk Landing and the wharves, was advertised by the executors of his will to be sold at auction, March 27. The house and a portion of the tillage land is now owned and occupied by George Dresser. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 247 Stephen Webster advertises the house where he lives, near Samuel Lord's, on the cross road leading to John Butland's. May. Chase W. French & Co. commence business, cabinet makers, with a good stock of furniture ready made, at the shop formerly occupied by Titcomb & Skeele, in eastern part of Taylor's building (the dwelling-house of Ebenezer Huff and Mrs. Johnson Webber). Nathaniel Frost keeps a large stock of medicines. June 28. House lately occupied by Capt. James Hibbard, at Kennebunk Landing, for sale. It was owned by Samuel Durrell for many years. It stood near the present site of Charles Stevens's dwelling-house; it was destroyed by fire. Luther Kimball, Kennebunk Landing, chaise, wagon and cab- net work. July 8. Miss Ann Grant commences a school for tuition of young ladies in English branches, "embroidery, print work, drawing, painting, tambour, filigree, plain sewing, marking, working muslin." September 12. William Jefferds advertises for sale or lease for five or ten years his tavern stand, his mills on Mousam River, con- sisting of one-fourth part of a double saw-mill, one-half part of two grist-mills, with two run of stones in each, and one-half part of the cotton and woolen factory, also one hundred and fifty acres of land in three lots. Mr. Jefferds, it is understood, continued in possession of this property for several years subsequently to the date of his advertisement. John U. Parsons and others advertise for black cherries and flaxseed. October. Nathaniel Littlefield occupies the store under Wash- ington Hall recently vacated by William Hackett, and offers for sale a very large stock of piece goods, crockery ware, etc. Nathaniel Mendum advertises the "hay farm" on Branch River, fifty-five acres, with barn thereon. This farm was for many years subsequently owned and improved by Capt. John Hovey. It is now in possession of Edmund Warren. November 8. Samuel L. Osborn, in the store then just com- pleted on the corner of Main and Alfred Streets, offers for sale an extensive variety of goods usually kept in a country store. 1817. The hull and appurtenances of the brig Columbia, "as she now lies on the beach, about two miles westward of Kennebunk Harbor, 248 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. will be sold at auction, for the benefit of the underwriters, February 25." Joseph Moody, Agent. Michael Wise advertises an additional supply of piece goods. West India goods and groceries, hard and hollow ware, books and stationery. Stephen Thacher advertises to commence the second term of his "Academical School" April i. This was an excellent school. The number of scholars was restricted to thirty. The method of instruction was somewhat unique, but was remarkably well calcu- lated to advance his pupils in their studies. It was continued pros- perously until Mr. Thacher removed to Lubec, in 18 18. The school was kept in the parlor of his dwelling-house (now Woodbury A. Hall's). The post office was also kept in an apartment in the south- erly corner of the house. Mr. Thacher was postmaster and judge of probate as well as teacher. He was also a trader, keeping on hand for sale a large stock of all the goods usually found in a coun- try store. He advertised, January, 1817, "an elegant assortment of American cloths, manufactured from merino wool, consisting of black and blue broadcloths, mixed and blue narrow cloths, satinets and flannels," twenty per cent, cheaper than English cloths, of similar quality, can be bought for. He was, likewise, an amateur farmer, the raising of merino sheep being the branch of husbandry to which he gave the larger share of his attention. Peter Folsom's house was sold at auction, April 12, and was purchased by Joseph Thomas. One-half of the lower floor of this building was improved as a saddler's shop. The building, a good- sized two-story house, stood between the house now owned by the heirs of Horace Porter and that belonging to Mrs. John Hill. Mr. Folsom died on the eighteenth day of April. In July Palmer Walker takes the shop formerly occupied by Folsom and continues the business of harness making, etc. May 4. Miss Ann Grant advertises to open a "Young Ladies' School, for boading and day scholars." This was a very popular school. Among its pupils were several from the interior towns in the county. May. Miss Sarah Grant advertises a fine assortment of milli- nery goods. This was a well-patronized millinery establishment for several years. June. Nathaniel Jefferds and Paul Hussey form a copartnership and purchase all the machinery in the factory formerly improved by Mayall & Radclifife and continue, in the building that was occupied HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 249 by that firm, the business of carding, spinning, weaving and manu- facturing cloth. They will also carry on the business of carding, etc., at Nason's Mill in Arundel. July 5. Abial Kelley advertises auction sales at the new brick store of Kelley &: Warren. September i6. George and Ivory Lord form a copartnership and offer for sale, at Kennebunk Landing, a full assortment of all goods usually found in a country store. September. Ebenezer Shackley removes from store near the mill yard to store on first floor of Edmund Pearson's dwelling-house {now in possession of William Fairfield). Jotham Perkins and Thomas B. Chamberlin, tanners and cur- riers, dissolve copartnership. October i6. John Scamman, in Bartlett's building, west of the brick store, makes and repairs boots and shoes. He did not tarry in town more than a year. Nathaniel Thompson, of Arundel, master of new brig Trident, advertises her for freight or charter to a Southern port or the West Indies ; will sail about twentieth of November. November. Stephen Thacher advertises very rich merino cloths, dressed by William Barrett, at Maiden, manufactured of wool from Mr. Thacher's sheep; one piece of this cloth received a premium of twenty dollars, at Brighton, for its superior fineness and beauty. December. Moses Varney removes from Tucker's building to the store recently occupied by Capt. Nathaniel Frost, nearly oppo- site the brick store. Samuel Silsbce offers his services as an auctioneer; has a desk and privilege of receiving consignments in Mr. Varney's shop. J, K. Remich advertises an Address delivered at Dover, N. H., October 23, by John Holmes, at the Installation of Stafford Lodge, and notifies subscribers for " Robinson's History of Baptism " that the book is ready for delivery at his office. 1818. January 20, 21 and 23. Davenport Tucker (in store recently owned and improved by Andrew Walker) sells his stock of goods at auction. The store is now occupied by "Kennebunk Free Library Association." Benjamin Stevens establishes himself in Kennebunk as a hatter. Shop on lower floor of Taylor & Hill's building. 250 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. April 12. Barnabas Palmer gives notice that having been "unexpectedly called to a new and important office" he shall rigidly execute the laws of the Commonwealth respecting the impounding of cattle and swine going at large. Palmer had been elected by the town field driver and hogreeve, an office with which he was not well pleased, and he determined to carry out the provisions of the law thoroughly and "without fear or affection" ; but in carrying out his res- olution he imposed on himself a practical joke, which no one enjoyed telling, in after time, more than Palmer himself. A few days after the publication of this pronunciamento Mr. Palmer espied a good- sized hog passing his store, going in an easterly direction. To go into the street, armed with a bludgeon, and "head off" the porker was the work of a few moments only, but the beast was contuma- cious, turning, dodging and making desperate sallies. Although his progress was slow and wearisome. Palmer persisted in his efforts to drive the animal toward the pound, and in the conflict his nether garment was badly rent in divers places. Mr. Benjamin Smith, looking up street, saw the collection of jolly spectators and Mr. Palmer's laborious operations and at once repaired to the scene of the skirmish and proffered his services; but the twain found it a difficult task to urge the porker forward and keep him in the right direction. Arriving opposite the homestead of Mr. Smith, that gentleman proposed, inasmuch as his pigsty was without a tenant, to drive the pugnacious beast into it. This was done and the hog was shut up. Mr. Palmer thanked Mr. Smith for his kindness. "Oh, no," said Mr. Smith, "I am the obliged party; the hog is mine and I can't imagine how he contrived to get out of the sty; he is, however, through your kindness, safely back into his old quar- ters." Palmer saw the point at once; he had returned but not impounded the beast, and he could, at his leisure, reckon up his loss in broadcloth destroyed and labor misapplied. May. Enos Hoag purchases the whole stock in trade of Nathaniel Littlefield and continues the business at the old stand. May 2 2. Notice is given that the Kennebunk post office has been removed to the store of Seaver, Palmer & Co. Dr. Fisher advertises Monroe potatoes, raised by him from the seed, "as much superior to the common potatoes as Monroe is to Jefferson." June I. Stephen Thacher sells household furniture, farming utensils, etc., at auction. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 251 William B. Nason advertises the farm whereon he lives for sale, situated a few rods from the meeting-house and consisting of a large two-story dwelling-house and a barn, seventy acres of land and a large and thrifty orchard. (It was originally the Currier place. Norrish Wiggin's house stands near the site of the dwelling-house above named.) William Taylor sells at auction his former homestead, then occu- pied by Timothy Frost and Capt. James Hubbard, now owned and occupied by Mrs. Sarah C. Perkins. Charles W. Williams was the pur- chaser. He also purchased the dwelling-house and outbuildings then occupied by Thomas Bramley, the Hillard house, which was moved to Water Street in the spring of 1885. Joseph Porter was the pur- chaser; he was also the purchaser of a large lot of land in the rear of these buildings, on which, at the time, was an excellent brickyard which was sold at the same time ; he also bought the store then occupied by Mr. B. Stevens as a hatter's shop and by a family on the upper floor (Mrs. Hewes's house) ; also the dwelling-house nearly finished, and about half an acre of land adjacent, then occupied by the widow Hill, now the residence and property of the heirs of the late Dr. Lemuel Richards. Daniel Hodsdon and Edward White dissolve copartnership. Hodsdon carries on the business. White moves to the Port ; he was an excellent mechanic ; he subsequently removed to Roxbury, Mass. Stephen Smith's homestead, at Kennebunk Landing, eleven rods below Luther Kimball's lot, advertised for sale. December 25. Palmer Walker occupies the new building he has recently erected, "where he continues to carry on saddle and harness making" (the building later owned by Andrew Walker, corner of Main and Green Streets). December 25. Dr. Burleigh Smart commences the practice of medicine at Arundel ; office at J. Patten's Hotel. 1819. January i. Shares "in the new hay scales, near the meeting- house " were advertised for sale. These were old-style scales and occupied the site of similar ones that were blown down and destroyed during the September gale, 1818. January i. Seaver, Palmer & Co. dissolve copartnership. Palmer continues the business. 252 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. February 13. James Kimball, Jr., sells at auction the lot, bounded by land of Enoch Hardy and Jonas Clark and opposite Joseph Porter's dwelling-house, on which Joseph Dane's house, destroyed by fire, stood. Jonas Clark purchased it. February. Ralph Curtis offers for sale a two-story house, forty by thirty, one hundred rods from the meeting-house, on the road leading to the Landing. This house was built several years previ- ously by Benjamin Littlefield, familiarly known as "Uncle Ben," It stood opposite the road leading to the depot. Mr. Chick has recently erected a dwelling-house on a part of this lot. The build- ing stood there a number of years after the date of the advertisement and had many different occupants; it was moved "down town" by Mr. Curtis and is now owned by his heirs. Hepzibah Shackley advertises farm about one mile from Ken- nebunk meeting-house; has a good one-story house and a barn on the premises. "Inquire of Clement Shackley" or the advertiser. March 12. John Lillie opens an apothecary's shop in Kelley & Warren's new brick building. He vacated the store a few years later and was succeeded by Dr. Burleigh Smart, who relinquished the business and was succeeded by Alexander Warren. Dr. Lemuel Richards succeeded Warren, and Dr. George Bourne & Brother suc- ceeded to the business established more than seventy years ago. Benjamin Stevens and Timothy Weare, hatters, dissolve copart- nership. Weare continues the business. Weare remained in town only a few months after the copartnership had been dissolved. May 24. The assessors of the town of Wells give notice that their office is in Kennebunk, at the office of Joseph Thomas. The hull of the brig Franklin, "as she lies on the beach," with all the rigging, etc., belonging to said brig, was sold at auction June I. We find no particulars respecting the loss of this brig. June I. Joseph G. Woods enters into partnership with Enos Hoag. Joseph M. Hayes removes to Kennebunk and takes the store on the first floor of Palmer Walker's new building. William Gillpatrick advertises West India goods and groceries in the store formerly occupied by his father, Richard Gillpatrick. July. Dr. Alexander Hatch, of Doughty's Falls, announces his intention to publish his new book, "The Library of Divinity," at once. It was printed by James K. Remich. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 253 James K. Remich gives notice that he has in press and will publish in a few days the trial of Jacob Cochrane, reported by Gamaliel E. Smith, of Newfield. August 28. Nathaniel Mendum takes the shop of Edmund Lord, near the western end of the village bridge, and continues the blacksmith's business under the care of Mr. James Ross. Moses Varney removes to the building recently vacated by Barnabas Palmer, who has taken the store (now occupied by Fair- field & Littlefield) in the "Exchange," the name by which Kelley & Warren's brick building was known for several years. Palmer removes the post office to this building, October 20. Edward E. Bourne opens a law office in Kelley's building. October 23. Samuel L. Osborn forms a partnership with his brother, James Osborn, Jr. CHAPTER XXL THE WAR OF 1812-15 — "THE HORSE MARINE" — PRESIDENT MONROE IN KENNEBUNK THE CAVALRY COMPANY THE ARTILLERY COMPANY. A large majority of the inhabitants of Wells were strongly opposed to the war with Great Britian;^ they did not believe that sufficient cause existed to warrant the declaration ; they did not be- lieve that self-respect, as a nation, or patriotic regards for the rights and interests of the M^hole people demanded a step so blighting to the prosperity of the entire country. That there were causes for complaint they readily admitted, but that they were so serious as to require immediate recourse to the "last resort" without farther effort to maintain the national honor except by bloodshed, they could not admit. They would not buckle to Great Britain. If it should be found that her insolent bearing and measures hostile to our interests were parts of a deliberately formed policy to insult and injure us, then the provocation would be undeniable; then they would be ready and anxious to risk their "lives and fortunes" in "battling for the right." Political parties in this country, we apprehend, were never more thoroughly divided, never opposed each other with greater bitterness than during the progress of this war; the war party, then called Republicans, and the anti-war party, called Federalists, denounced each other in the most opprobrious terms. At a legal town meeting held in Wells on the twenty-seventh day of July, 18 12, a series of resolutions "prepared by a large and respectable committee, of which the Hon. Nathaniel Wells was chair- man, were several times read and fully understood, and were unani- mously accepted and ordered to be published in the JVeekly Visiter as containing the sentiments of the said town." The third of these resolutions is as follows: — Resolved, "That we consider the war which has been declared as unjustifiable, unnecessary and inexpedient, whether viewed in reference to the prospect of obtaining the object for which it has ' "War declared to exist between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the dependencies thereof and the United States and their territories, June 18, 1812." 254 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 255 been waged, the countless disasters it will bring upon our immense commerce which has been the nerve and sinew of our government and is now floating defenseless on the waves of the ocean, or the inevitable and burdensome system of taxes which its loss must unavoidably bring to every man's door." We copy from the Visiter the following interesting items in reference to incidents growing out of the war: — Cleared from this port private armed sloop Gleaner Packet, Robinson,^ bound on a cruise, July i8, 1812, and on the eighth of the following August we are told that "the Gleaner of this port, six guns and fifty men, has been taken, together with her second prize, and sent to Halifax." Arrived at this port 20th July, brig Concord, Daniel Tripp, mas" ter, from Ireland, in ballast, with Irish passengers. On the eleventh* at six p. M. was boarded by H. M. brig Emulous, eighteen guns. His papers were taken and he was ordered to follow the Emulous. The next day the papers were returned and nineteen American prisoners sent on board and the order repeated to follow the Emu- lous. At eight p. M., while the Emulous was engaged in boarding a vessel she had brought to, Captain Tripp made all sail and got clear of her. August I, 18 1 2. The ship owners in this district have been remarkably fortunate since the declaration of war in that there have been numerous arrivals of vessels belonging to this port within a few weeks, but by advices published in this day's paper it appears that the Vesper, of this port, which had been captured, and was recap- tured by a Salem privateer, has again been taken and sent into Hal- ifax. We learn, also, that the Horison, of this port, was captured, but subsequently escaped and has arrived at Portland. Cartel schooner Regulation, of Kennebunk, arrived at Ports- mouth, N. H., 23d November, 1812, seven days from Halifax, bound to Boston ; put in in consequence of severe weather, had on 'Oapt. Joshua Robinson, of this town, married Narcissa, daughter of Oapt. Jeremiah Paul. Oapt. Robinson and crew were sent from Halifax to Dartmoor Prison. The author has in his possession a small volume entitled "Rhyme and Reason " (presented to him by Mrs. Robinson) which belonged to the " Dartmoor Prison Library " and which Captain Robinson brought home after he had been re- leased from his incarceration. This prison is sltviated in the center of the western quarter of the County of Devon, England, about fourteen hundred feet above the sea level, at Dartmoor, " remarkable for its wild and rugged seenery, its tower- ing rock-capped hills and the numerous streams that have their source it its boggy soil." It was built in 1806 especially for the "accommodation " of French prisoners of war, and cost about six hundred and fifty thousand dollars. " It is now used as a depot for convicts." 256 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. board parts of the crews of five coasting vessels that had been taken by a British cruiser. May I, 1813. On Monday last an English frigate was in Wells Bay most of the forenoon ; she was so near the shore that the officers were seen in the rigging and on her quarters who were look- ing at the villages along shore ; a man who was heaving the lead was also distinctly seen. May 19, 18 13, Private armed ship Alexander, of Salem, eighteen guns, Crowninshield, master, was chased on shore near and west of Great Hill by the British sloop-of-war Rattler, twenty guns, and schooner Bream, four guns. Soon after the Alexander struck the shore the English took possession ; they succeeded in getting off their prize without difficulty, as it was low water when she went ashore. The officers and crew of the Alexander numbered forty-eight and they had one hundred and twenty prisoners, having taken seven prizes during her cruise. Quite a number of the crew of the Alex- ander deserted her before the English got possession, some by means of the boats and some by swimming; one of the boats full of men upset between the Alexander and the shore, and it is supposed several were drowned. The dead body of a foreigner was found on the beach the next day. As soon as the news spread that the Alexander had been chased ashore, the bell rang an alarm and several hundreds of the citizens of this town and Arundel repaired to the scene of the disaster, most of whom were well supplied with arms and ammunition. The com- mander of the Rattler sent one of his ofBcers with a flag of truce, accompanied by one of the lieutenants of the Alexander, who informed our citizens that any attempt at rescue would be fruitless ; that the officers of the Alexander had capitulated with their captors for the parole of the officers and crew and the restoration of their private property. The officers were landed, and those of the crew who had not escaped were put on board a coaster, bound to Boston, which the English had taken in our bay and which they now released. The commander of the Rattler was very liberal and gentle- manly, and well he might be. The Alexander was a splendid ship and had surrendered without resistance. It is said that the English renamed her "The Gift." A fishing boat belonging to this port, with four persons on board, was captured about eight p. m. on the fifth of August by a tender of the Lahogue frigate and detained until the next morning, when the HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 257 crew was released with a warning that, hereafter, any boat with more than two men in it, taken after sunset, would be burned. The men were courteously treated. During the night the tender captured two fishing schooners and two sloops ; the former were released and the latter burned. British ship Bulwark, seventy-four guns, anchored off Winter Harbor i6th June, 1814. She sent five barges to the shore, having on board from one hundred to one hundred and fifty men, who com- mitted serious outrages. They burned a new brig and two coasters from Cape Cod loaded with lumber and destroyed the frame of a ship that had been recently put up by knocking it to pieces; they also took the ship Victory, then lying at the wharf, and towed her along- side the Bulwark, having previously entered the store^ of Mr. Thomas Cutts and having taken therefrom the sails and rigging of the ship which had been deposited there ; they took other articles from the store, such as clothing, liquor, tobacco, etc. Captain Cutts ransomed the ship for the sum of six thousand dollars, which proved a poor in- vestment, as she was fitted for sea as soon as peace Avas declared, but was never heard from after she sailed from Biddeford Pool. Several hundred of the inhabitants from Saco and its neighborhood repaired to the Pool, but did not arrive there until the destructive work of the enemy had been accomplished. No other inhabitant of the Pool was molested. It was supposed at the time that one or more of the officers of the Bulwark entertained a personal spite against Cutts for some unknown reason and inflicted these injuries for revenge. On Saturday, the eighteenth of June, the Bulwark made her appearance off Kennebunk Harbor. The inhabitants were seriously alarmed. Five companies of militia were ordered out and during the whole of the day were under arms. The Bulwark disappeared shortly and the companies were dismissed toward night, but a large number of volunteers remained to guard the coast and to give an alarm if necessary. Apprehensive that the Bulwark might return or that some other one of the enemy's war vessels might make an attack on the coast settlements, most of the shipping was moved up the river, the inhabitants of Kennebunkport sent their valuable effects and the best of their furniture out of town, and the specie was removed from the bank. There was not, however, during the war, any further cause for alarm. The British ships Bulwark and Nymphe were in sight from this town July eighth, but were steering in another direction. Arrived at Cape Porpoise about the twenty-eighth of June, sloop 1 Taken down in 1888. 17 258 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Julia, Commary, owned by parties in Boston. Fifteen days previous, while on her passage from Boston to an eastern port in ballast, she was captured by a British privateer, a prize master and three men put on board, and then ordered to Halifax. The captain of the American sloop was permitted to remain, but the crew was sent to the privateer. When within a short distance of Halifax the Julia was driven on to the American coast in a gale ; the prize master, who was unacquainted with the art of navigation, gave the management of the vessel to her former captain, who secreted the provisions from the prize crew and thus compelled them to put into harbor for a supply. She was taken, with the prize crew, into Cape Porpoise, as above, when our coast guard promptly took possession of her. The prize crew all the time supposed that they were making port in Nova Scotia. The Visiter of September 14th says : " In this town and Arundel active measures of defense are being taken. Exempts of every age, capable of bearing arms, are organizing and equipping themselves to protect their homes and their country." By subsequent numbers of the paper we learn that a meeting of citizens of these towns was held at Mrs. Lord's store at Kennebunk Landing, on the nineteenth of September, by which a Committee of Safety was appointed, but neither the number or names of the persons of which it was composed are given. Immediately thereafter " a number of exempts formed themselves into a Volunteer Artillery Company, to aid in the defense of our town and harbor, and offered their services to the Committee of Safety to act under its direction." At a second meeting of the citizens of these towns, held in the meeting-house of the Second Parish in Wells on the twenty-sixth of September, " to take into con- sideration the defenseless condition of our seacoast and harbor and for other purposes," several companies of exempts were organized, formed of citizens of, and designed to operate in different localities in. Wells and Arundel. " Sixty-three signed the articles in Kenne- bunk Parish and many others were ready to do so." Of this com- pany Dr. Jacob Fisher was chosen Captain, Maj. William Taylor, Lieutenant, and Maj. Timothy Frost, Ensign, who were authorized to appoint subordinate officers. They appointed John Low, Reuben Littlefield, Joseph Porter and Amos Stevens, Sergeants, and John Tripp, Joseph Taylor, William Taylpr and John Fiddler, Coporals. In this company there were one judge, seven justices of the peace, one colonel, two majors, nine captains and several other commis- sioned military officers. Bradbury, in his history of Kennebunkport, thus describes "the HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 259 situation" on the eastern side of the river: "To protect the harbor a small fort was built on Kennebunk Point and a battery on Butler's Rocks. A Volunteer Artillery Company was stationed at the fort, which was relieved by the Limington Artillery under the command of Captain Small. The coast was lined with British men-of-war and privateers, and frequently could the flames arising from some coast- ing vessel, which had fallen into the hands of the enemy, be seen from the village. In consequence of the risk in running from port to port provisions were extremely high. Flour was worth from four- teen to fifteen dollars a barrel, corn two dollars a bushel, molasses one dollar and a quarter a gallon and other articles proportionably high." "Besides privateering several vessels were fitted out [1814] under the Danish flag, but all of them except one, notwithstanding their disguise, were captured by the English." " Owing to the bad luck of the Gleaner [described in a preced- ing page] no privateer was fitted out the second year of the war, but many citizens of the town [and Kennebunk] joined those of other ports, some of whom were fortunate and others were lost." "A new privateer brig, the McDonough, Captain Weeks, with seventy men, was fitted out, but she fared no better than the Gleaner. She was captured the second day out by the Bacchante frigate and her crew carried to Halifax and afterwards to England and were imprisoned in Dartmoor till the end of the war. Two of her crew, Capt, John Stone and Jesse March, died in prison." "Two other fast-sailing privateers were built, the Ludlow and Lawrence. The former, commanded by Captain Mudge, was fitted out in the winter and on going to sea sprung a leak and put into Havana, where she was detained in making repairs till peace was proclaimed. [The Ludlow returned to the Port, where she was sold at auction, April 19, 1815. She was two hundred and eight tons burden and a remarkably fast sailer.] The Lawrence had not sailed when the Treaty of Peace was signed. She was sold to a merchant in Boston." News of the Treaty of Peace between this Country and Great Britain, which was signed December 24, 1814, was received in Boston by express, thirty-two hours from New York, about eight A. M. on the morning of February 13, 1815, and reached this town the next forenoon. (The cost of the express from New York to Boston was two hundred and twenty-five dollars.) The Visiter says: " Immediately on the receipt of the gratifying news of peace the in- 260 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. habitants of Kennebunk and Arundel assembled in the village, as it were by instinct, the bell rang, the cannon roared, flags were dis- played and hurras rent the welkin. In the evening Washington Hall and several other buildings were illuminated. The event was sub- sequently celebrated by a 'Grand Peace Ball.'" "The Horse Marine." During the war the more costly piece goods that were kept in country stores found few or no purchasers among their regular cus- tomers, but there was a moderate demand for them in Boston and other large towns. Of course no goods of this description could be imported and thus it came about that the country storekeepers packed up all goods of this kind that were on their shelves and sent them to places where there was a market for them. The usual method of transporting merchandise from port to port by coasters was not then practicable, inasmuch as the enemy's cruisers were constantly in our immediate vicinity with the object of capturing our vessels, irrespective of their burden or employment. It was found necessary, therefore, to transport commodities of almost every description to and from diiferent places in wagons drawn by horses or oxen, chiefly the former. The prices of all merchandise of foreign manufacture or growth were exceedingly high and the temptation to smuggle them into the country was consequently very great. Custom house officers were numerous and vigilant everywhere, but in no section of the Union, probably, were they more plentiful than in Maine, — a border State with an extensive seacoast, affording countless harbors and nooks and corners where goods could be clandestinely landed, which caused it to be a suspected locality. Doubtless a great many smuggled goods were carried through the district in these wagons destined for Boston and elsewhere and were generally safely delivered. Government officers felt bound to overhaul all teams laden with packages in whatever form they were made up. These officers were exceedingly unpopular and as the wagoner, whether his load was composed of smuggled commodities or otherwise, would resist a search to the utmost of his ability, skirmishes frequently took place between the officers and the person suspected, but the latter always found friends and assistants near at hand. Abuse and rough handling of the official was winked at or applauded, and a joke upon him, whether rough or quiet, was remarkably well relished. With this explanation the following extracts from the Visiter will be understood readily HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 261 and will, we think, be found both interesting and amusing. Under the facetious title of " Horse Marine List" the editor of the Visiter notes the arrival and departure of those barges operated by horse power. In the issue of October 9, 18 13, he says : — "Departed from this place, 7th inst., the fast sailing wagon. Rattler, Lt. Jefferds, for Boston, with dry goods, etc. Also Che- bacco boat, Skipper Daniels, for Boston, with hogshead shooks." In subsequent numbers of the paper we find the following: — "October 13. Arrived, the Rattler, Lt. Jefferds, cargo, wine, etc." " Passed this port since our last about twenty sail of horse and ox wagons from Bath and Portland bound to Boston with dry goods." "Arrived November 6, at noon, two horse cutters, 'Timothy Pickering' and 'Quincy Cannon Ball,' Commodore Delande, from Portland for Boston. Spoke on passage sixteen ox schooners from Bath for Boston, cargo, tin plate ; all well. Also saw on Scarborough turnpike a suspicious looking cutter, which we escaped by superior sailing." " On P'riday last a fleet of wagons touched at this place for a supply of whiskey. They were from Boston for Portland and Hal- lowell. Commodore Libbey, cargoes, tobacco and English goods. On Saturday the road was quite clear of craft, only one three-horse cutter passed, the master of which furnished us with the following extracts from his log-book: 'Saturday, nine a. m., Saco woods bearing four miles distant, spoke an armed cutter which informed that he had been chased by a swarthy-looking cutter which answered the description of the government commissioner cutter Jefferson's Favorite, which ran alongside and attempted to board, but our informant opened a galling fire from his breast guns that soon re- pulsed his assailant. The government cutter having obtained rein- forcements again ran alongside and attempted to grapple, but a few- well-directed shot from us compelled her to sheer off, she being much injured in her upper works, with blood in her scuppers; the victory was probably gained by our knocking in the captain's dead lights at the second broadside. At half-past ten was again boarded by the Jefferson's Favorite and overhauled, but not strictly, the boarding officer complaining of bad eyesight ; was permitted to proceed with the loss of a small canteen, the contents of which, on tasting, he declared to be Jamaica and therefore liable to confisca- tion. At one came to for refreshments, at two made sail, at three was chased by a suspicious-looking cutter, which was stopped by the toll man for arrearages, when we made our escape.' " 262 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, These extracts are sufficient to convey a good idea of the inci- dents that frequently occurred on the road from 1812 to 18 15 and of the modus operandi by which the wagoners evaded or "met and con- quered" the government officials who were constantly on their track. War time was not entirely a season of dejection and idleness. There were many seamen who had been thrown out of employment and many shopkeepers and mechanics who could close their places of business without the risk of annoying customers by temporary absence, and these very frequently formed small parties, in their season, for berrying, gunning, playing games of cricket, baseball, quoits, ten-pins, etc. The bowling-alley was in a small grove of pines, a short distance northerly from the dwelling-house of the late Mrs. Simon Kimball, access to which was through a lane leading from the then main road to fields and pastures lying in that direc- tion. This was afterward removed to "Remich's Woods," where it remained for several years until destroyed, in May, 1826, during a short but destructive tornado, by the falling of trees which afforded it shade. The bowling-alley was not rebuilt, and we believe there has not been one in the village since that time, if we except one that was put up in a little shed which stood in the rear of the lot on which the Second Parish Church now stands. This, however, was of short duration, the shed, and of course with it the alley, having been torn down within two years after the latter had been built. Boating and fishing were the leading amusements during the sum- mer. There were several small boats on the Mousam, some of which were moored at " Kelley's Landing," others at "Wise's Dock," both near the old-time "Larrabee Village" and both now unfre- quented, but much the larger number were moored at the "Creek," where now not more than two or three can at any time be found. When an extra-sized party was to be provided for, one or more gon- dolas were brought into service and taken in tow by small boats. There were as many as four large gondolas on the river, capacious and rough, three of which, w-e are told, were moored at the several boat landings above named and one in a creek farther down. These were probably built before shipbuilding on the Mousam had ceased to be one of the industries of the town; they could then be profita- bly employed, but at the time concerning which we are writing they were chiefly used for bringing up to their respective landing places kelp and rockweed from the beaches, also soil and muck from the flats and marshes, which were carted to points where they could be advantageously utilized. These gondolas were broken up long HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 263 since ; no river craft of this description can now be seen within the banks of the stream on which, in days gone by, such were so fre- quently found floating. At Kennebunk Landing gondolas were employed in the transportation of lumber to the Port for many years up to the time when our merchants were no longer shippers of lum- ber, for the reason that the interior towns could no longer furnish it of good quality in sufficient quantities to render a continuance of its shipment practicable or remunerative. Times have changed and this useful but ungainly boat is now rarely seen above the Lower Falls. President Monroe in Kennebunk. James Monroe, during the first year of his first term as Presi- dent of the United States, made a tour through the Eastern and Northern States with the purpose of inspecting in person the exposed points of our maritime and northwestern frontiers, the condition of the defenses of our harbors, etc. He was everywhere received with all possible attention, and in every section of the country visited during the tour party feeling was banished; Federalists and Repub- licans zealously united in tendering to him a hearty welcome. He left Washington on Saturday, the thirty-first day of May, 1817, and visited all the cities and many of the towns on the route to Boston, where he arrived on the second of July. He remained there until the fifth, on which day he continued his journey, taking the lower road (through Salem, etc.), and reached Portsmouth on the afternoon of the twelfth (Saturday). Here he tarried until the morning of the following Tuesday, when he resumed his journey. He crossed the Piscataqua on a ferryboat — the bridge from Portsmouth to Kittery was built at a later day — and stood on the soil of Maine, at Kittery, at an early hour. Here he was welcomed by many of the inhabitants of that town and of the neighboring towns, who had assembled to receive him. Proceeding thence, escorted by a large company of cavalry of " General Leighton's (Maine) Brigade," he was met at York by a committee of the town, at the head of which was the venerable Judge Sewall, commissioned by the "father of his country," in 1789, as judge of the District Court of Maine, who made an extemporaneous address to the Presi- dent, in which he adverted to the first settlement of York, under the auspices of Ferdinando Gorges, and to other particulars relating to the early history of that ancient town. The President was greatly interested in the address and responded with much feeling. He breakfasted with Judge Sewall. 264 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Leaving York with the same escort that attended him from Kittery, the President was met about five miles west of Kennebunk Village by the committee of arrangements and many other citizens of that town. A momentary halt was made by the Presidential party, during which the chairman was introduced to the distin- guished visitor and other formalities observed. The party then moved forward under the continued escort of the York Cavalry, now joined by the Kennebunk Cavalry, with full ranks, commanded by Elisha Chadbourne ; then followed the committee of arrangements, the brigade and division officers and a numerous cavalcade of the citizens of both parishes in Wells and of Arundel, on horseback and in carriages. His proximity to the village was made known by the discharge of cannon and the ringing of the bell. Both sides of the street, west of Tavern Hill, and the avenue leading to the door in Jefferds's Hotel, where the carriage was to stop, were lined with a large concourse of people, and when near noon he alighted and was about to enter the hotel his welcome was proclaimed by loud and repeated cheers. Shortly afterward George W. Wallingford, chair- man of the committee of arrangements, made an address to the President, appropriate and eloquent, to which he replied at consid- erable length. The President then, by special invitation, proceeded to the dwelling-house of Joseph Storer, where he partook of a lunch prepared by Mrs. Storer with great taste and elegance. A few min- utes later he repaired on foot to his carriage, which by previous arrangement had been sent forward a short distance beyond the meeting-house, on the Portland road. Both sides of the street through which he passed were crowded with ladies, gentlemen and children, to whose salutations he bowed his acknowledgments. On reaching and entering his carriage he was again greeted with the prolonged cheers of the multitude. The village bridge over the Mousam and the street thence to the meeting-house were beautifully decorated with flags, arches of evergreen and flowers, appropriate mottoes, etc. The display was very creditable to the citizens. The Visiter oi July 14, 18 17, contained a full account of the day's pro- ceedings, including Mr. Wallingford's address entire and a compre- hensive summary of the President's remarks in reply. The rapid rate at which he traveled limited his stay in the village to not much exceeding an hour. The President wore what was termed the undress uniform of a Revolutionary officer, viz. : a blue military coat of home-made cloth, light-colored breeches and a cocked hat. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 265 The President undoubtedly made a short stop in Saco while on his way to Portland, although we have not been able to find any account of his reception there. He tarried in Portland from Tues- day evening until Thursday morning, at which time he left that place on his return. He breakfasted with Judge Thatcher, at Biddeford, and passed through Kennebunk at eleven a. m. on his way to Dover, N. H. He reached Washington on the seventeenth of September, having been absent one hundred and twenty days. President Monroe made a tour through the Southern States in 1819. He left the seat of government on the fifth of April, traveled along the seaboard as far as Savannah, Ga., and returned to the Capital early in July. The Kennebunk Cavalry Company. A company of cavalry, composed of citizens of Kennebunk, Wells and Kennebunkport, was organized between the years 1790 and 1795, under an act of incorporation granted by the Massachu- setts Legislature. Its average membership was sixty. The uniform adopted by the company was very becoming — dress of red cloth, sword and pistols, with appropriate hat or cap. The horses on which they rode were also tastefully caparisoned. This company made a fine appearance on parade and especially when marching. The parade for roll-call and exercise, as well as for dismissal of the troop when marches and other exercises of the day had been performed, was at the roadside near and west of the First Parish Church, which was also the parade of other military companies whose headquarters were in the village. From time to time several of the original members removed to other towns and the remainder were exempted, by age, from the performance of military duty. For a while the places made vacant by retiring members were readily supplied; after 1817, however, the muster roll gradually diminished until about 1822 this company virtually disbanded. John Burnham, of Lower Alewive, was the last clerk of the organization. The author, a few years ago, inquired of Mr. Burnham whether the earlier records of the company could now be found. He thought they had not been properly cared for by his predecessors; doubtless they had been destroyed, or if found at all, sadly mutilated. Among the reasons given by him for the rapid decline in its numbers were the facts that the equipage was somewhat costly and that it required a pretty good horseback rider to make a respectable appearance on parade or on the march; there- 266 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. fore very few applications were made for membership, as not many could be found who were willing to incur the expense or who pos- sessed the required accomplishment. Mr, Burnham also stated that on a certain May training day the captain, a private and himself were all that appeared. When the stated day for the next meeting for parade and drill came along he thought it his duty, as clerk, to be present at the appointed time and place, and so, in full regimentals and with his muster roll, he appeared promptly on parade. At the specified hour he was there, but alone. He waited until three p. m., when he called the roll, but without a response, and then and there was the finale of the Kenne- bunk Cavalry Company. The Artillery Company. A number of young men belonging to Kennebunk and Arundel petitioned the governor and council (of Massachusetts) for the for- mation of an artillery company, to be composed of individuals resid- ing in those towns. The petition was granted, and a meeting of the petitioners was held at Washington Hall on the twenty-second day of August, 1817, for the choice of officers, which resulted in the election of Barnabas Palmer, Captain; William W. Wise, First Lieutenant; Edward E. Bourne, Second Lieutenant; Davenport Tucker, Clerk, and other minor officers. Its title was "The Wells and Arundel Artillery Company." The uniform of its members was showy and becoming. The company made a fine appearance when on parade, affording evidence that they were thoroughly disciplined and that they were untiring in their efforts to render their organiza- tion "a valuable addition to the brigade." An elegant standard, donated by ladies of the village, was presented to the company in August, 18 1 8, by Miss Sarah Grant, who sent it to the commanding officer, accompanied by a note which was exceedingly appropriate, as was the answer of Captain Palmer in behalf of the company. Joseph G. Moody was appointed Surgeon of the battalion of artillery in the first brigade. In 18 19 Mr, Palmer, having been appointed Major of the battalion, first brigade of sixth division, resigned his position of Captain and Lieutenant Wise was chosen to fill the vacancy; Ensign Clement Jefferds was chosen Lieutenant, and James Osborn, Ensign. Two brass fieldpieces, carrying balls of six pounds in weight, were furnished to this company by the State, which, years later, after the company had disbanded, were transferred to the Limerick Artillery, HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 267 Thomas Dighton, aged twenty-one years, died April 23, 18 19. His remains were interred with military honors by the artillery com- pany, of which he was a member. The company, in full uniform, visited Kennebunkport Village September 22, 1828. A card was published in the Gazette by the officers and privates, tendering their grateful acknowledgments to the citizens of that village "for the very flattering reception given them on the 2 2d inst. by the decoration of the shipping in port, the salute of cannon and the very handsome collation which was pro- vided for their refreshment." When the militia laws of Maine had been revised, and company trainings and general musters were no longer required, the interest in this excellent company began to decline and in a short space of time thereafter it was disbanded. There was not a sufficient amount of military spirit among the young men of this town to continue the organization under the provisions of the law respecting independent companies. CHAPTER XXII. "COCHRANISM." One of those fanatical delusions which have by far too often disturbed the peace of communities — have existed only in after time to be deplored — and under the guise of religion have desecrated the name its followers dared to assume obtained a footing in this town in the autumn of 1817. It was known outside the ranks of its dev- otees as Cochranism. One Jacob Cochrane, who started on his career from Fryeburg, Maine, about 18 15, succeeded in creating a wonderful excitement and in gaining great numbers of proselytes in several towns in Oxford, Cumberland and York Counties during the years 1816, 1817 and 1818. He pretended that he was a divinely- commissioned teacher. So far as we can learn he proposed no new articles of religious faith and did not observe the ordinances of baptism or the Lord's Supper. His educational acquirements were quite limited and he was no more, certainly, than an ordinary public speaker. He w-as about thirty-five years of age when he commenced his ministry, in person tall and robust, with a pleasant countenance, although indicating more of sensuality than of intel- lectuality; his voice was harsh; his demeanor, although not boorish, did not indicate mental culture or refinement of manners. He had lived several years in Fryeburg, where he kept a small stock of goods, chiefly groceries, and was very fairly patronized. He was considered, by those who dealt with him, as a "clever fellow," but rather indolent; his moral character, in the estimation of his neigh- bors, was good. A trifling incident led to an entire change in the views and prospects of the subject of our story: One dull afternoon three of his associates were in the store and, during an interchange of small talk, one of them perpetrated a joke on Cochrane which occasioned a laugh at his expense. Standing directly opposite the joker, Coch- rane deliberately but good-naturedly said : " If you repeat that I will tell something about you that will make you repent it," with each word raising and lowering his right hand, which was quite near the person addressed, who, when the sentence was completed, was evidently in a somnolent state. The occurrence was attributed 268 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 269 to sleepiness, and nothing more was thought about it at the time. A fortnight later the three friends met at the store, when the incident at the former meeting was referred to, and it was proposed to try the operation again. This was done and repeated several times, by the same persons and with a like result. These experiments excited considerably more attention than had the former one, on the part of both actors and witnesses. Still again, after an interval of a few days, the friends were together. The experiment was again tried ; each of the friends was "put to sleep" by Cochrane, but neither of them could succeed in effecting upon each other or upon Cochrane a like condition. Neither Cochrane nor his friends, it is safe to say, had heard of animal magnetism or mesmerism. Its mysterious and as yet unex- plained influence was discovered by Mesmer in 1775, forty years before the incident in Cochrane's store. If he had been acquainted with the facts then established in relation to this phenomenon, he could not have obtained the idea that it must be regarded as a divine call for him to preach and he would, probably, have confined the exhibitions of his "gift" to its occasional employment for the edifi- cation of his friends and others. We may suppose that his store would not have been relinquished ; that the baser passions of his nature would not have been aroused by the peculiar temptations to which his peculiar position exposed him ; that he would have lived quietly, contented with his business and with the gain derived from it. If the public had been enlightened on the subject, the trance state into which persons were thrown would have been considered curious and unexplainable, but there never would have been a sus- picion that the power exercised entitled the manipulator to claim that he was a divinely-commissioned teacher; none except the will- fully ignorant would for a moment have harbored the idea that it was a supernatural operation. While admitting that it was wonder- ful, they would have seen that it was more nearly allied to earth than heaven, and that it might be perverted to baneful uses; that it needed watchful care rather than blindfold admission. If the phe- nomenon had been justly estimated, there would have been saved the incalculable amount of vice, wretchedness and degradation occasioned by the delusion of Cochranism. Cochrane was impressed with the belief that he had been endowed with supernatural power and that it could not be otherwise interpreted than as a "call" to preach, while his friends were satis fied he possessed an extraordinary gift. He went to his boarding- 270 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. house that afternoon nervous and thoughtful; in his mind there existed not a doubt that he had been called to preach. He dis- trusted his ability for the work, but he trusted that He who gave the "call" would furnish the talent and strength that should enable him to fulfill the obligation imposed on him. Noticing his abstracted manner, his landlady^ — from whom, many years ago, the author derived these facts respecting his life in Fryeburg — inquired the cause. He told the story of his repeated exercise of the marvelous power with which he had been endowed, of the inference he drew because this gift had been bestowed on him, of his mental struggles, of his determination to leave his business and become a minister of the everlasting gospel. In all these views and in their conclusion drawn his wife heartily concurred. The resolution thus formed and seconded was soon carried into effect, Cochrane became a preacher. His prayers and exhortations were pronounced commonplace and unedifying, but the people were awestruck when they witnessed the trance state into which persons were thrown and listened to the amazing narrations by these persons, when they were restored to consciousness, of words they had heard and of sights they had seen. In the places visited by him, those of discriminating judgment were persuaded that these manifestations could not be of divine origin, but "were of the earth, earthy"; still they freely confessed that they were unable satisfactorily to account for them. Others, and their number was not small, accepted at once and fully the idea that they were attestations from Heaven of the divinity of his mission. Cochrane soon gained a prominence and fame which at the outset he had neither sought nor expected. The superstitious notion that led him to become a religious teacher had no basis of sound morality, no affinity with pure Christian faith. Surrounded and fawned upon, as he was, by females of all ages, it was easy for him to cast aside the modicum of spirituality that had influenced his action — if, indeed, he had ever been moved by such an influence — and to yield to the " lusts of the flesh," to devote his unexplainable gift to the basest purposes, to become an impostor and a scourge- There were among his followers pure-minded, truly-excellent men and women, who would not participate in the unhallowed practices of their leader. Some of these had sufficient intelligence and firm- ness to enable them to abandon the cause altogether. Others, weak- minded, credulous and superstitious, disapproved and lamented ' Mrs. Johannah Hubbard, wife of Samuel Hubbard, who moved from Frye- burg to this town in 1816. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 271 the gross corruption of their chief, but could not subdue the feeling that such power as had been imparted to him must be from above ; completely dazed, they were ashamed to defend or openly acknowl- edge fealty to the impostor, while they dared not range themselves in a line with the disbelievers and opponents. The leading feature at Cochrane's meetings was the trance state into which some of the disciples would fall during the progress of the services, followed, when the subjects were restored to con- sciousness, by relations of the visions they had seen and of the conversations they had held with the spirits of the departed. The usual "order of exercises" was prayer, singing, reading of the Scrip- tures (this, we are informed, was frequently omitted), a brief exhor- tation by Cochrane and quite often exhortations by one or more of the brethren, then trances, then, in due time, the recitals of the wonderful things that had been seen and heard by those who had awakened from the trance state, intermingled with shouts by the brothers and sisters of "Glory to God," "Glory to God in the high- est," groans, clapping of hands and jumping. One sister, at one of these meetings, shouted "Glory to God in the highest" one hundred and hve times in quick succession, jumping clear from the floor each time. During this operation, from all quarters of the room, would be heard, in different tones, "Glory," "Amen," "Glory to God," "My soul's a witness to God's salvation," "Amen," "Glory." Mingled with all this would be the singing of "O how it makes me stare to see professors curl their hair," and similar strains of warn- ing, adjuration and threatening. Quite often, in the midst of this hubbub, a parent, a brother or sister, would go through the crowd with a child in the trance state, feigned or otherwise, in his or her arms, and repeating, in solemn tone, "Behold the power of God," " Behold the works of the Lord." When it is considered that there was no pulpit, no singers' seats, but that the chief and his disciples mingled with the sinners and scoffers on the floor, it may readily be imagined that confused scenes were exhibited at these meetings, calculated to frighten the timid, to rouse the excitable to the wildest action, and to convert a religious meeting, falsely so-called, into a chaotic medley of shouts and groans, of jumping and clapping, of undevout, aimless and unmeaning demonstrations. The Newburyport Herald (May or June, 1819) says: "We have seen a pamphlet, published by a Baptist minister of regular standing in New Gloucester [Maine], giving an account of Cochrane and his deluded followers. It appears that under the guise of reli- 272 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. gion they have committed the most indecent and abominable acts of adultery. . . . One of their leading tenets was to dissolve the ties of matrimony as suited their convenience, and a promiscuous sexual intercourse was tolerated by each male, being allowed to take seven wives / It seems Cochrane, the high priest of iniquity, had had nearly half his female followers for wives in the course of his ministration, which has been two years standing." The principal places of resort of the disciples of Cochrane, so far as we can learn, were New Gloucester, Buxton, Saco and Ken- nebunk. At the last-named place meetings were frequently held in Washington Hall, and there were in the village three private dwell- ing-houses in some one of which a meeting was held every evening when the hall was not occupied for that purpose. In the largest and best of the three from ten to twenty of the brothers and sisters were accustomed to take up their abode from two to four weeks at a time, perhaps quarterly. None of the families occupying these houses were united in the support of the pretensions of the chief, but in each those in favor of him somehow gained the ascendancy and opened their doors to him and his followers. Those who were first to embrace his cause had always shown a crankness in regard to religious views. With them regularly-ordained ministers were hirelings, members of regularly-organized societies were "starched- up hypocrites," regular services were cold and valueless; a method of worship was preferred by which the feelings were excited, where there was ''freedom of speech" and action, where ejaculations and groans were evidences of faith and the reliance for salvation, and yet these erratic persons, whose notions were so entirely irreconcil- able with the teachings and requirements of the Great Master, were in the main kind-hearted and estimable neighbors and good citizens. Meetings were also held within the Landing precinct and at the Lower Village, in each of which the converts far outnumbered those in the village. It would be useless, we suppose, to allege that all the converts in our town were free from the charge of unchaste and other improper conduct, — the traditions relating to that time would not warrant such a declaration, — but we do believe that, as a whole, they were undeserving the sweeping charges made in the foregoing extract, although we fear there was good ground in some other places for giving them full credence. When the abominations exhibited in the home life of many of the members of this "new sect" became so atrocious that it was criminal even for well-disposed citizens longer to permit them to go unchecked, the better class of HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 273 those who had been his supporters forsook him ; especially was it so, we are told, in this town. A few, and but a few, defended him with the senseless remark that "he was a man of God, persecuted for righteousness sake." Numberless anecdotes were told of Cochrane and his male and female followers for many years after the "craze" had accomplished its destructive work and passed away. It would not be well to repeat them here. One of them, however, is so odorous of disap- pointment and crustiness that we are tempted to put it on record. Cochrane had attempted to raise a deceased brother to life. A dis- believer, shortly afterward, while passing a disciple said to him : " Your prophet couldn't raise old man to life." " No wonder at all," retorted the disciple; "he was always an ugly, obstinate cuss, while living, and he had not been dead long enough for his devilish obstinacy to ooze out of him." The time came when it was believed by the lovers of good order that these flagrant offenses against the best interests of society should be met by the fiat, "No farther." In February, 1819, Coch- rane was brought before Justice Granger, of Saco, on a complaint of gross lewdness, lascivious behavior and adultery, filed against him by Mr. Ichabod Jordan. On examination, the allegations of the complainant were so well sustained by the evidence produced that the Justice ordered the accused to recognize in the sum of eighteen hundred dollars for his appearance before the Supreme Judicial Court, at York, on the third Tuesday in May following. This he did. At the commencement of the May term of the Supreme Judicial Court the grand jury found a bill against Cochrane and "he was arraigned on the third day of the term on five several indictments for adultery and open and gross lewdness," to each of which he pleaded "not guilty." On the trial for the offenses charged in the second bill of indictment the jury brought in a verdict of "guilty." It was found that the prisoner was not in court when the jury ren- dered its verdict, and farther inquiries disclosed the fact that he had absconded. The court then ordered his sureties to be defaulted on their recognizances. Judge Putnam presided during this term of the court. Daniel Davis, solicitor general, was counsel for the Commonwealth, and John Holmes, of Alfred, and George W. Wallingford, of Kennebunk, appeared as counsel for the defendant. The trial was reported by Gamaliel E. Smith, of Newfield. 13 274 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. The particulars respecting Cochrane's disappearance and sub- sequent apprehension we are unable to furnish. We learn from the court records that at the November (1819) term of the Supreme Judicial Court "the said Cochrane is brought into court and set to the bar" and sentenced, — on the first count, to solitary imprison- ment for the term of five days and that afterward he be confined to hard labor for eighteen months ; on the second count a like sentence is imposed; on the third count, three days solitary confinement and one year hard labor ; sentence to be executed at the state prison in Charlestown, Mass. Warrant for removal to the prison issued November 3, 18 ig. It appeared from the testimony of witnesses examined at the trial that the members of Cochrane's society were required to sign an agreement, in substance as follows: "The Society of Free Brethren and Sisters, knowing it a duty, as Christians, to keep the secrets of the Lord, for the secrets of the Lord are with them that love him, therefore I do voluntarily covenant with Jacob Cochrane, Aaron McKenney and Joseph Bryant to keep the secrets of the society, and if I do disclose any of the secrets of the society, or of the members thereof, that my name may be blotted out of the Lamb's Book of Life." Cochrane with his adherents did not celebrate the "Lord's Supper," but in place of this introduced a service which he called "the Passover." We cannot furnish any description of this service; that there was a "feast" connected with it, it is safe to assume, but how often or with what ceremonies it was observed we are unable to state. Efforts to obtain reliable information respecting it have been entirely unsuccessful. The last time Cochrane was seen in Kennebunk was within a few months after the expiration of the term for which he had been sentenced to prison — 1824. He called upon Mr. James K. Remich and at once explained the object of his visit. He proposed to write his autobiography, but could not do so without copying largely from his trial, which Mr. Remich published and of which he held the copyright; he wished him to publish the autobiography and allow free use of the trial. After an hour's conversation on the subject, Mr. Remich said: "Mr. Cochrane, do you wish me to understand that you propose to make it appear that you are an innocent and persecuted man and have been convicted and punished on false testimony.^" The answer was: "Yes, sir." "Then," said Mr, Remich, "you must seek a printer elsewhere; I cannot be instru- HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 275 mental in giving such a book to the public. I am satisfied you were not arrested without good cause, and that the finding of the jury and your sentence were just." Mr. Cochrane simply remarked: '•Then I suppose I shall be compelled to abandon my design." As he was leaving the house it was noticed that he was thinly clad to withstand the rough weather, it being a bitterly cold day in winter. Mr. Remich called him back and provided him with a substantial lunch, then harnessing his horse to a sleigh took him as far as Ogunquit, feeling that, wretched as he was, he was a fellow-creature. There he left him and retraced his path homeward, while Cochrane, with his staff, took the road to York, where he remained a few days. This visit to Kennebunk, it is believed, was his last appearance in this vicinity, but where he made his headquarters for the ten or eleven years following, or how he was employed during these years, we have no knowledge. We next hear of him in South Hadley, Mass., in 1835. The Spritig/icld Journal ^nhWshes the following: "A gentleman from South Hadley informs us that Cochrane had recently figured in that vicinity, under the assumed name of "Jacob the Prophet," pretending to be a prophet of the Most High God and claiming the power to work miracles. He succeeded there in making a number of proselytes and founding a small sect of religionists. As soon as his real name and character became known to the inhabitants, he absconded and went to Stratham, N. H., tak- ing with him some of his deluded followers, a number of whom were young females. He returned to South Hadley not long since in female clothing. He thus escaped recognition and the fact of his visit was not known until after he had left. It is believed that he now occasionally visits Hadley and holds secret meetings with his deluded followers, most of whom are females." A Stratham correspondent of the Portsmouth (N. H.) Gazette of September 2, 1835, states that Cochrane is in that town and that "he assumes various names and disguises and endeavors to palm himself upon the good people of some of the country towns of Massa- chusetts and New Hampshire as a prophet and religious teacher. He has by the aid of some of his deluded followers succeeded in establishing a Convent in the town of Stratham, which is occupied by some of his disciples of both sexes, victims of his disgusting sentiments. The citizens are determined to abolish this temple of iniquity unless it is removed. The peace of the town is disturbed by the bowlings and yellings of these infatuated wretches. The citizens will no longer tolerate such shameful transactions, and 276 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. efforts are making to rout them, 'peaceably if they can, forcibly if they must.'" One Joseph Smith — a "new light preacher,"' in the language of the time — came to this town a few years before the advent of Cochrane, He did not have a large number of followers, and it is believed that his field of operations embraced only this and one or two of the neighboring towns. He was a harmless man, producing only a small amount of excitement and doing very little if any harm, although he at one time endeavored to overturn the meeting-house and thus signalize his ministry. At the time appointed for the per- formance of this feat a number of Smith's adherents, as well as of curious skeptics, were present. There was prayer, singing, another prayer, then the inserting of hands under the sill of the eastern side of the building and then a long and strong lift, but the old church was stubborn. After two or three trials, Doctor Fisher, who was among the spectators, suggested to " Brother Smith " that the north- ern end would afford better facilities for obtaining "a good hold," with the additional advantage that when this end had been raised a few feet the tall steeple at the other end would be moved and would draw the building over quickly and with a grand crash worthy the occasion. At this suggestion the unbelievers joined in a hearty laugh, the faithful scowled indignantly, and Brother Smith, thor- oughly disgusted, relinquished the undertaking. All left the ground quietly, but probably in different moods. An old citizen once rehearsed to the author an " exhortation " by a brother at a Smithite meeting, which was held in an outskirt of the village : " I see lots of folks down here from Mousam, with their white chokers [neckerchiefs] on, walking about, grinning, ah [Amen!]. I suppose they think they are some great things, Wells contained 2,060 Inhabitants, 576 polls and its valuation was $170,l»2().i«). The population of Arundel was 2,478; number of polls, 500; valuation, $a24,122..T(). Population of the twenty-three towns then constituting York County. 46.284. In 1810 the population of these towns was 41.877. Increase in ten years. 4,407. Popu- lation of the nine counties into which the State was then divided, 228,705 against 2«7,8:» in 1820, showing an increase in ten years of 6!',I.'54. HISTORY OF KENNEEUNK. 295 John Lillie held the office two years, 1832 to 1834. John Frost, one year, 1834 to 1835. Andrew Walker, from 1844 to 1856, twelve years. George W. Wallingford, from 1856 to 1861, five years. George Mendum, one year, 1861 to 1862. Edmund Warren, from 1862 to 1864 and from 1865 to 1869, six years. William Fairfield, one year, 1864 to 1865. A. Warren Mendum from i86g to 1873 and from 1874 to 1884. Mark H. Ford, one year, 1873 to 1874. Walter L. Dane, five years, from 1884 to 1889. A. Warren Mendum was again elected in 1889, continuing in office at the present date, 1890. Joseph Moody was the first town treasurer and held the office eleven years, from 1820 to 1831. Daniel Sewall, seven years, from 183 1 to 1838. William M. Bryant, two years, 1838 to 1840. Enoch Hardy, eight years, 1840 to 1848. Andrew Walker, fourteen years, 1848 to 1861 and for the year 1866. George Mendum, one year, 1861 to 1862. Edward W. Morton, three years, 1862 to 1865. Daniel Remich, twenty years, 1865 (elected in 1866, but de- clined) and 1867 to 1886. Edward W. Morton was again elected in 1886, still continuing in office, 1890. CHAPTER II. POLITICAL, 182 1 to 1840. The political campaign preceding the State election in 182 1 was a very exciting one. The Republican party was divided, one section supporting Albion K. Paris for governor and the other sec- tion warmly espousing the cause of Joshua Wingate, Jr., who was also a candidate for that office. The Federalists supported Ezekiel Whitman, but without any expectation of his success. The Gazette, at that time, was an impartial paper, and its columns, for several weeks before election day, were crowded with communications advo- cating the support of the favorites of the respective correspondents. Many of these communications were from leading men of the times, of all parties, in the State. The Statesman, printed at Portland and edited by Doctor Low, was started, it was said, especially in aid of Wingate; the ^r^?/ J supported Paris. One Harry Hance, a crank, who represented, as he declared, a powerful organization known as the "Funguntum Society," was a frequent visitor, in those days, to the several towns in York County. He was a '' Statesman man" to the core, and his open-air declamations, lauding Wingate and denouncing Paris, were listened to with great delight by the crowds that were sure to gather whenever the sound of his voice, with its peculiar nasal twang, was heard on the street. His harangues afforded unbounded amusement to the bystanders, irrespective of party or age. He was witty at times and some of his "hits" were not only really humorous, but deeply laden with homely and cutting truths ; on the whole, however, his utterances were not calculated to leave very strong or very favorable impressions on the minds of his auditors. The election came off on the tenth of September, when York County gave Paris one thousand four hundred and fifteen votes ; Wingate, nine hundred and thirty-one ; Whitman, seven hun- dred and seventy-four. Paris was elected by a majority exceeding sixteen hundred. Kennebunk gave Whitman ninety-six votes: Paris, thirty-three; Wingate, six. Contemporaneous with Hance was another crank, named Hanscomb, from Kittery, who made a semi-annual tour to the sea- board towns of York County for the purpose of selling "baiths" 296 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 297 (government, State and county offices). For the promise of a stip- ulated sum he would agree to confer upon the promisor a post office or coUectorship or any desirable position in the public service. He afforded much merriment to the little groups of men and boys who were prompt to gather when he appeared on the main street of our village, and with his peculiar tone and lisp invited proposals for his unique merchandise. Later, still another crank, "old Snow," was often seen on our streets, invariably with a small birch pail and on a "half-toot." Many listened with great pleasure to his odd say- ings, but he fell far behind those above named in wit and comicality. An election for the choice of a representative to Congress for the York District, held on the seventh day of April, 1823, resulted in no choice. Edward P. Hayman, of South Berwick, was the Federal candidate (Mr. Dane having declined a renomination). William Burleigh, of South Berwick, was supported by a small portion of the Republican party, but a large majority of the votes he received were thrown by those who had previously been members of the Federal party. Isaac Lane, of Hollis, Thomas G. Thornton, of Saco, and Rufus Mclntire, of Parsonsfield, were the Republican candidates. The vote of Kennebunk was : Hayman, nineteen ; Burleigh, one hundred and two; Lane, forty-five; Thornton, six. The election was preceded by a spirited and somewhat acrimonious canvass. The thirtieth day of the following June was appointed for a second trial. Doctor Thornton declined being considered a candidate. Mr. Hayman's name was withdrawn. We presume his nomination, at the preceding trial, was the last made by the Federalists in York County. For a while thereafter they united with those Republicans (the supporters of Burleigh) who had severed their connection with the "straight outs" and rallied under the title of the "People's Party." In this town Burleigh received fifty-one votes ; Lane, seven ; Mclntire, twenty ; scattering, one. In the county Burleigh received nine hundred and eighty-four votes; Lane, eight hundred and eleven ; Mclntire, four hundred and seventy-five ; scattering, fifty- five. No choice. A third trial was appointed to be held on the day of the annual State election, September fifth. Colonel Lane withdrew his name from the list of candidates. In Kennebunk Burleigh received two hundred and fifty votes; Mclntire, forty-two. In Kennebunkport, Burleigh, fifty-four; Mclntire, eighty-five. In Wells, Burleigh, sixty-two; Mclntire, one hundred and twenty-six; scattering, twelve. All the toM'ns in the county gave Burleigh two thousand and ninety-eight ; Mclntire, one thousand eight hundred 298 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. and thirty-two ; scattering, four hundred and eight. No choice. At the fourth trial, November third, Burleigh received two thousand and eighty-eight votes in all the towns in the county; Mclntire, nineteen hundred and four, and there were ninety-two scattering. Majority for Burleigh, ninety-two. Kennebunk gave Burleigh one hundred and ninety-five votes; Mclntire, fifty-two. Kennebunk- port, Burleigh, thirty-nine ; Mclntire, eighty-nine. Wells, Burleigh, twenty-four; Mclntire, one hundred and two. William Burleigh was re-elected member of Congress from York District in September, 1824, by a large majority. At the election of presidential electors in York District on the first Monday in November, 1824, the Adams ticket received fifteen hundred and thirty-four votes and the Crawford ticket four hundred and thirty-eight. In this town Adams received two hundred and thirty-five; Crawford, eight. In Kennebunkport, Adams, one hun- dred and two; Crawford, none. Wells, Adams, seventy-three; Crawford, none. The annual State election for 1825 occurred September twelfth, but it was attended with very little excitement. Kennebunk gave two hundred and seventy-eight Whig votes and seven Democratic. Mr. Dane declined a re-election as representative to the State Leg- islature and Edward E. Bourne was elected to that office. At the annual State election in September, 1826, William Bur- leigh was re-elected member of Congress. The Republican candi- dates for county senators were chosen by a small majority. Kenne- bunk gave three hundred and sixty-six for Prime, Scamman and Elden, " State ticket," and eighteen for Dennett, Swett and Emery, "opposition." For register of deeds, John Skeele, two hundred and four; Timothy Frost, one hundred and forty; Joshua Roberts, two; Jeremiah Goodwin, twenty-five. Mr. Goodwin, who was then the incumbent of the office, was re-elected. At the State election in September, 1827, the votes for member of Congress to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Mr. Bur- leigh in the First Congressional District were: For Rufus Mclntire (Republican), twenty-one hundred and seventj'-four ; for John Holmes (Independent), nineteen hundred and thirty-two; scatter- ing, one hundred and fifty-three. In this town Mclntire received forty-six votes. Holmes one hundred and ninety-four and there were nine scattering. In Wells, Mclntire, thirty-nine ; Holmes, two hun- dred and nine. In Kennebunkport, Mclntire, thirteen; Holmes, two hundred and eighteen. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 299 The administration or Adams party was badly beaten in York County at the State election in 1827. For senators the highest vote for-as delivered in the even- ing by Rev. Mr. Walker, of Charlostown. Large editions of both of these sermons were published at the Kennebunk Gazette office. The last-named was afterward published by the American Unitarian Association, as a tract, with the title of "The Exclusive System." HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 319 should add, the remarkable mildness of the weather, drew out con- gregations above the average of the usual gatherings on Sunday, quite a number being in attendance from other societies. Mr. Wells was much admired by the Savannah people, and he preached to full houses during his stay in that city. It is quite probable that too much was required of him while there; he returned home in the spring very little improved in health. At a parish meeting held in April, 1838, a proposition was made looking to the remodeling of the interior of the church, because it was known that its large size rendered it difficult — some- times exceedingly difficult — for speakers occupying the pulpit to raise their voices so as to be heard distinctly in all parts of the house, and it was feared that Mr. Wells's trouble might be aggra- vated from this cause ; and secondly because the church was old- fashioned, with few long and many square pews, a pulpit so elevated that it required many steps to reach it, and galleries that were unnecessary and unsightly. To keep abreast of the fashion of the time, therefore, it ought certainly to be modernized and improved. The proposition met with a hearty response, and it was voted to commence the work without unnecessary delay. By the plan adopted, the galleries were removed; a floor was laid over the interior about ten feet above the sills, thus dividing the house, horizontally, into a lower and an upper apartment. The lower floor was left for a while in its original state (excepting, of course, the pews and pulpit) and was used for town and other public meetings, such as lyceum, temperance and other lectures. The upper floor was very neatly finished with pews (nearly all of which were lined), pulpit and choir, in the then modern style, and later the aisles were car- peted, chandeliers were put up, the old organ removed and a better one (the gift of Capt. William Lord, Jr.,) placed in the choir, while the room on the lower floor was divided by a partition into two apartments ; that on the western side afforded a good room for the purposes above named, as well as for the Sunday school, a room for the parish library, a kitchen with closets and other adjuncts for "society" uses; that on the eastern side finished so as to afford a vestry, conveniently and neatly furnished with seats, pulpit, etc., and in the rear of the vestry a room answering the double purpose of a sitting room and for the Sunday-school library, which has been used in later years as a room for the parish library. The remodeling of the interior of the church edifice failed to produce its hoped-for effect, so far as it related to the health of the 320 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. pastor, which soon became a source of anxiety to his parishioners and to himself, and before the lapse of many months after his return from the South it was apparent that it was absolutely necessary that he should sever his connection with the parish — "a connection inexpressibly dear to the whole parish" — and seek a remedial agent in the different and more congenial air of the interior. Mr. Wells asked dismission on the fifth of October, 1838, which was granted at a parish meeting held on the fifteenth of that month, and a com- mittee "selected from the fathers of the church" (Samuel Emerson, Daniel Sewall and Joseph Hatch) was appointed to communicate to him the action of the meeting. Rev. Edward H, Edes, who had been pastor of the Unitarian Society in Augusta, Maine, was installed as pastor over the church and society October 23, 1839. Early in the fourth year of his ministry here his health began to fail, the result of neglected colds, which, working on a constitution not naturally strong, led to a state of decline. Still he worked on, alternating between hope and fear, now encouraged by apparently returning strength, soon to be disap- pointed by still greater weakness. He died May 30, 1845. His remains were interred in the cemetery near the church where he had labored so faithfully. William C. Tenney was the fifth pastor of this church. He was ordained October 7, 1845. Mr. Tenney was dismissed at his own request January 17, 184S. Joshua A. Swan, of Lowell, Mass., succeeded Mr. Tenney. Mr. Swan was ordained February 6, 1850. On the twenty-sixth of June the centennial anniversary of the formation of the First Con- gregational Society in Kennebunk was appropriately noticed. The exercises on the occasion were : Voluntary; Introductory Prayer, by the pastor. Rev. Mr. Swan; Hymn; Reading of the Scriptures; Hymn ; Prayer, by Rev. Dr. Nichols ; Address, by Edward E. Bourne; Hymn; Concluding Prayer ; Benediction. In the evening a collation was served in the vestry, addresses were made and three original odes were sung. Mr, Swan's relations with his parish dur- ing the term of his ministry — almost nineteen years — were of the most pleasant character. The severing of the connection between pastor and people, so long and so happily maintained, was deeply regretted by both, but disease rendered the step unavoidable. He closed his pastorate June 21, 1869, and took up his residence in Cambridge, Mass., with the hope that a change of location and of HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 321 employment might be the means of his restoration to health, but these anticipations were disappointed. He died October 31, 1871. A few years later his widow, Mrs. S. H. Swan, presented the society with their home on High Street for a parsonage as a memorial of her husband. Rev. Charles C. Vinal, from North Andover, Mass., was installed as pastor of this society April 27, 1870. He still retains this position. He is the seventh pastor over this society in the long term of one hundred and thirty-nine years (1890). The "Kennebunk Sunday School Society," organized the twelfth of March, 1829, generally called the "Ladies Sewing Circle," has been and now is a helpful auxiliary to the parish, in the performance of Christian work, by its contributions in furtherance of benevolent and worthy objects, "lending a hand" wherever its aid will be promotive of good, regardless of sect and far-reaching in its charities, not confining itself to home needs. The meet- ings were held fortnightly on Wednesday afternoons at the homes of members and friends, the hours being from one o'clock to six in summer and till nine in winter. It seems a little singular that the interest in such a benevolent work should have been allowed to die out, but such was the fact. The enthusiasm of its members began gradually to wane until it was given up altogether during the years 1858 and 1859. Finally the attention of Rev. Mr. Swan was called to it and he, realizing the amount of good this society had done in the past, was instrumental in reviving the interest of the ladies of his parish with the result that it was reorganized February first, i860, retaining the old name of the "Kennebunk Sunday School Society," but changing the day to Thursday, meeting in homes as previously until January, 1868, when it was voted to gather in the Sunday-school room and omit the meetings from May to October. Socially the organization has been an effective instrument in sus- taining friendly feelings among its members, and its bi-monthly meetings are so conducted as to afford rational enjoyment to those who attend them. Similar societies are maintained in every other parish in the village, and, we think we may safely say, in every parish in the town differing only in the objects to which the moneys obtained are devoted, — being specific rather than general, such as aiding in the support of the minister or of the Sunday-school library, — each in some manner helping onward a praiseworthy work. 21 322 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. The First Parish Library is the largest collection of books, for general reading, in town. Its origin dates far back in the history of the parish ; it was not kept as a distinct library, however, but a portion of it was incorporated with the Sunday School Library and the remainder was laid aside unused until Rev. Mr. Swan and the society in general came to realize the benefit it would be to the church as a whole to have a library that would meet their needs. In January, 1862, the ladies of the Sunday School Society "re- solved" that the "Parish Library" should be re-established and donated fifty dollars for the purpose. The library contains about twenty-five hundred volumes, increasing at the rate of fully one hundred volumes per year, exclusive of many copies of public docu- ments and bound and unbound magazines which are not embraced in the catalogue. The income of a respectable fund, chiefly derived from bequests of former members of the society, increased by yearly contributions from the Sunday School Society, affords means for adding to it, from time to time, all new publications of merit, as well as desirable selections from catalogues of standard works in the various branches of literature. The Sunday School Library of the First Parish, now occupying a room at the rear of the Sunday-school hall, is quite large, contain- ing on its shelves some twelve hundred books. This also has a small fund, the income of which is expended in the purchase of new books, besides which, when needed, contributions are always cheer- fully made by the parishioners. We believe there is a good Sunday School Library, both as regards number of volumes and the character of the selections, in every parish in town. Combining instruction and amusement, the usefulness of these libraries is so obvious and they are so thoroughly appreciated by the children that there is no difference of opinion as regards the necessity of their generous maintenance, and calls for pecuniary aid to this end always meet with a hearty response. Second Congrecational Society (Orthodox). As stated in foregoing pages, this society was organized in August, 1826, and held its meetings for religious worship in Union Hall or, as it was styled by the society, " The Union Church Con- ference Room" until the completion of its meeting-house, in 1829. Daniel Campbell, its first pastor, was ordained in December, 1827, and resigned his pastorate June 10, 1828. The meeting-house now standing on Dane Street (then known as Union Street) was erected HISTORY OF K.ENNEBUNK. 323 in 1828 and dedicated October seventh, but was not completed until February, 1829. The pews were sold March second and brought satisfactory prices. Rev. Beriah Green was installed as pastor of the society July 31, 1829. Mr. Green resigned his pastorate September twenty- eighth of the year following, having received the appointment of Professor of Biblical Literature in the Western Reserve College, Hudson, Ohio, of which Professor Storrs was President. Mr. Green was precisely the man that was needed at the time of his settlement, social, talented, liberal minded, an earnest worker in the faithful discharge of his parochial duties and always prompt to aid any measure designed to elevate the moral condition or advance the educational interests of the community, or, indeed, whatever tended to uplift men from the degradation caused by evil habits or princi- ples adverse to the welfare of society. Rev. Joseph Fuller was ordained as pastor over the church and society on Wednesday, September 29, 1830. Mr. Fuller was dis- missed July 16, 1834,^ and was succeeded by Rev. Josiah W. Powers, who was installed as pastor November eighth of the same year. Mr. Powers remained with the society until August 27, 1837, when he was dismissed. He died in Putnam, Muskingum County, Ohio, March 31, 1840, while employed as agent of the American Bible Society. "He was desirous of obtaining a settlement in New England favorable to his health, but finding none, engaged in the service of the Bible Society," and made the choice of Ohio as his field of labor. Rev. George W. Cressey, the next settled minister, was ordained as pastor July 9, 1840. Mr. Cressey dissolved his connection with the society November 12, 1851. Rev. William H. Wilcox succeeded Mr. Cressey. He was installed March 4, 1852, and remained with the society until June 8, 1857. J, Evarts Pond supplied the pulpit from June to October, and Granville Wardwell from December to April of the following year. Franklin E. Fellows was ordained in December, 1858, and dismissed in November, 1865. Rev. Walter E. Darling was installed as pastor March 20, 1866, and his connec- tion with the society was dissolved the ninth of November, 1876, not long after which date he was installed as pastor of the Congre- gational Church and Society in Farmington, N. H., where he remained until 1888, when ill health compelled him to resign his ' Mr. Fuller was installed pastor of the Congregational Oluirch and Society in Brimfleld, Mass., March 11. 1835. 324 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. charge. For several years after the dismissal of Mr. Darling the church was without a settled minister, Rev. William F. Obear and Rev. L. F. Ferris filling the pulpit as supplies. A call was extended to Rev. George A. T.ockwood on March 29, 1879, to become its pas- tor, but the installation did not take place until a year later, March 20, 1880. He retains the position to the present date, 1890. In 1853 the interior of the church was improved by the removal of its high pulpit and galleries. In i860 a chapel, neat and commo- dious, was erected in the immediate vicinity of the church, where its social meetings have since been held. The parsonage, on Main Street, was purchased by the society in 1866. Extensive alterations were made on the church building in 1869, when a new spire and vestibule were erected. An addition in the rear for the organ and choir was made, the windows were enlarged and the building was repainted, while the interior improvements consisted of new fur- nishings, including pulpit, pews, organ and furniture. Calvinist Baptist Society (Alewive). The first society holding the tenets of this religious denomina- tion in Kennebunk was organized at Alewive in 1803. It was com- posed of persons who had withdrawn from the village societj^ of several families who lived across the river (on the eastern side of Kennebunk River, in the town of Kennebunkport), and of a few persons belonging to the southern part of Lyman. Most of the members who left the village society were influenced by a desire to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience. There were others, whose views did not accord with the peculiar religious sentiments of the majority, who united with them in this movement because they wished to attend public religious services regularly, but lived so far from the village that it was inconvenient, often im- practicable, for them to do so. Rev. Joshua Roberts was the first settled minister over this society, who continued his labors there, acceptably and usefully, nearly thirty years. The church consisted of fifteen members when constituted and at the date of Mr. Roberts's resignation had a membership of sixty-three. Rev. Samuel Robbins was the next pastor, his installation tak- ing place on the fifth of June, 1833. All the sevices on the occasion were interesting; the music was excellent, the audience large, atten- tive and gratified. Mr. Robbins remained one year only. We do not know why it was that his ministerial labors here were of so short duration; apparently he commenced them under the most favorable HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 325 circumstances. There were no religious services here for about a year following the withdrawal of Mr. Robbins. Rev. Shubael Tripp was the pastor of this church and society from 1835 ^o 1837, in which year he died. After Mr. Tripp's decease there was no settled minister and we think no regular Sunday services until 1838, when Charles Emerson ofificiated as pastor; he was succeeded in 1839 by Elias McGregor, who was succeeded in 1840 by John Hubbard, who was dismissed in 1842 and was succeeded by Gideon Cook, who re- mained until February, 1843, when he became pastor of the village church. About 1841 a Calvinist Baptist Society was formed in Lyman and the Alewive society suffered the loss of several mem- bers who lived within the limits of the new organization. Far from being in a flourishing condition before, the loss of members and procuring aid rendered the society weak indeed; it was regarded as impracticable longer to maintain religious services, and in accord- ance with a vote of the parish the meeting-house, which was proba- bly an uncomfortable and dilapidated building, was taken down and the society temporarily disbanded. For a number of years prior to the movements narrated above, there had been several families of Freewill Baptists in the neighbor- hood, who had frequently held meetings in district schoolhouses or in the dwellings of those who were adherents of this religious faith. They, as well as their Calvinistic neighbors, were without a house of worship; both sadly needed one; both served one Master. The only trouble appeared to be that one party desired to travel in the old pathway laid out by Roger Williams, while the other thought that the new way, built by Benjamin Randall, was altogether the pleasantest and best. Wise counsels prevailed. A union of the two sects, on equitable terms, was proposed and favorably received. A house for public worship was erected in 1847, on a delightful location, the site of the former structure. It was agreed that a cler- gyman of the Calvinistic faith should supply the pulpit one year, and that the following year religious services should be performed by a clergyman of the Freewill Baptist denomination. The union, so judiciously formed, has been successfully and harmoniously con- tinued to the present time. Several families from that part of Ken- nebunkport which adjoins the Alewives attend and contribute to the support of the religious services held here. The parish embraces dwellers on probably the best sections of farming land in either town, which are well and profitably cultivated by men of sterling worth and pecuniarily independent. 326 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. A Calvinist Baptist Church, to be known as the "Village Church," was constituted, with the usual public exercises, at Wash- ington Hall, July 1 6, 1834. The church and society held their meetings in this hall until their meeting-house was completed. In the autumn of 1834 they fortunately obtained the services of Thomas O. Lincoln (son of Mr. Lincoln of the bookselling and publishing firm of Lincoln & Edmunds, of Boston), then recently from the Theological School at Newton, Mass. He was a young man of fine talents, an interesting speaker, of pleasing address, and was both popular and effective as a minister. He was ordained over the church and society on Wednesday, December 10, 1834, the services being held in the Unitarian meeting-house. In December, 1836, Mr. Lincoln received and accepted a call from the Free Street Bap- tist Church in Portland to become its pastor. The corner-stone of the Baptist Church in the village was laid, in the presence of quite a number of its citizens, Wednesday after- noon, May 27, 1840, with religious ceremonies; remarks by a mem ber of the society, prayer by Rev. Mr. Harris, singing, benediction. Beneath the stone was placed a lead box containing late numbers of several of the newspapers and periodicals of the day, a list of the workmen employed on the building, etc., etc. The building was completed and paid for, at a cost of about four thousand dollars, prior to October 15, 1840, in the forenoon of which day it was dedicated with appropriate religious exercises, and in the afternoon Rev. Mr. Harris was ordained. In February, 1842, Mr. Harris was succeeded by Rev. Gideon Cook, who continued pastor until September, 1843; his successor was Rev. Amaziah Joy, whose pas- torate continued from October i, 1843, until December, 1845; he was succeeded by Rev. John Boyce, who labored from May, 1846, to April, 1849. From this time the church had no settled pastor until May, 1854, when Rev. Lewis Barrows commenced his labors, which were closed in October, 1855. During these interruptions of pastoral service Rev. Messrs. Wheeler, Kendall, Butler, Pease and others preached more or less. The Rev. Edmund Worth, the late pastor, commenced his labors in June, 1856.^ Mr. Worth resigned his position in June, 1889, after a continuous pastorate of thirty- three years. Although remarkably active for one of his age and with mental faculties unimpaired, Mr. Worth felt that the infirmities incident to advanced years were rendering his pastoral labors more burdensome than in time past and that prudence dictated the course 'Correspondent of " Pythian Times." HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 327 he resolved to adopt, a relinquishment of his pastorate, a pastorate, we think we may safely say, well enjoyed during all these years by a united society and a devoted pastor, and which was by both unwillingly but necessarily sundered. Alterations were made on the church building in 1865 by which it was much improved, at a cost of about fourteen hundred dollars, and a chapel was erected near by in 1873, which with its furniture cost about nine hundred and fifty dollars. Ralph Curtis, Palmer Walker, Parker Hall and Oliver Littlefield were prominent in the organization of this society. Mr. Walker held the offices of deacon and clerk forty-four years, from the date of its organization until his death, in 1878. His interest in the church never slackened; by his will he gave to it his library, several pews in the meeting-house and one thousand dollars to be held by the parish as a fund, the interest of which was to be annually expended to aid in the support of preaching. Methodist Societies. It is believed that the first Methodist meeting in the vicinity of Kennebunk was held in 1S16. The preacher was Rev. Robert Hayes, a young man of ability, who came here by invitation of the late Capt. Isaac Downing and delivered a sermon before a small audience assembled in a room in the dwelling-house of Captain Downing's father, in Kennebunkport, very near the boundary line between Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. We know little concern- ing the progress of the sect for several years, — the encouraging or discouraging circumstances attending the efforts of its advocates. In this town the first class, of six members, was formed by John Adams in 18 18, and from that time, we are told, "there has always been a Methodist meeting in the vicinity." Not long afterward a meeting-house was erected in Lower Alewive, on or very near the spot whereon the barn of Charles Smith now stands, then on land belonging to Benjamin Day. A few years later the building was moved to a lot given them by Nathaniel Smith, Senior, on the road leading from the bridge to the highway passing through Lower and Upper Alewive; here it stood several years, when, for some reason, the society determined to abandon it^ and build another. Accord- ingly a very neat structure was erected a short distance above that ' This building was purchased by the late Isaac Burnham and removed to the triangular lot formed by the two ways leading from the bridge to the main road, where it was fitted up for a dwelling-house, which from time to time has received additions and improvements. 328 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. which had been vacated, just opposite the "John Walker house," now Joshua Russell's, where the society worshiped many years. Diminishing in numbers, however, it was found impracticable to sus- tain public worship therein, and a few years ago it was taken down. Methodist Society in the Village.^ The first Conference appointment at the village was in 1853, when Ezekiel Smith preached in what was then known as "York Hall," owned by Benaiah Littlefield. Its membership was thirty- three. Mr. Smith was reappointed in 1854; in 1855-56 John Cobb preached in Washington Hall; in 1857-58 Rufus H. Stinchfield preached. During his pastorate, and through his untiring efforts, the very neat edifice occupied by the society was built; it was dedi- cated July 28, 1858; its cost was four thousand dollars. Since the date above named a vestry has been added to it and other improve- ments made. The pastors since 1858 have been: Silas H. Hyde, 1859; A. R. Sylvester, i860; T. H. Griffin, 1861. Charles Nason was appointed to this position in 1862. After preaching three months he was chosen captain of a company belonging to the Eighth Maine Regiment, which office he accepted. John M. Caldwell suc- ceeded him and was pastor for the remainder of the year and for the years 1863 and 1864. "Although Mr. Caldwell took one from the church — Emma, daughter of Capt. Abram Hill — to share with him the lights and shadows of the itineracy, we look upon his labors as the most successful of any during our recollection." The appoint- ments to this society since 1864 have been: S. Roy, 1865 ; Stephen Allen, 1866; John Collins, 1867-68; George W. Ballou, 1869; John A. Strout, 1870-72; William H. Foster, 1873; Gershom F. Cobb, 1874-76; John M. Woodbury, 1877-78; John Cobb, 1879-81; T. P. Adams, 1882-84; C. F. Parsons, 1885-87; F. A. Bragdon, 1888-90. "Owen E. Burnham has been class leader from the date of the organization of the society, and by his faithfulness for more than a quarter of a century has won the respect of all under his care." In 1864 Miss Sarah, daughter of the late Capt. James Burnham, of Kennebunkport, died, and by her will gave to this society her house and lot on Dane Street for a parsonage ; it is now improved as such. 'We gather the facts here stated In reference to this society from an article prepared by one of its members for the " Pythian Times," published by " Mystic Lodge, No. 19, K. of P., in connection with the Fair held upon the occasion of their first anniversary," May 5, 1880. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 329 A Methodist meeting-house was built on Saco Road, Kenne- bunkport, in 1819. We can learn very little of the early history of the society by which it was erected. It was not a costly building. The (at that time) few Methodists in Kennebunk Village and por- tions of the town nearer the seashore attended meeting there frequently, perhaps regularly, for a few years. We learn from Bradbury's History that the first Methodist sermon in Maine was preached by Elder Jesse Lee, of Virginia, at Saco, in 1791. In 1797 Maine, which had previously belonged to the Boston district, was formed into a district by itself and in 1806 was divided into two districts, Portland and Kennebec. The first class in Kennebunk- port was formed in 18 14 by Elder Leonard Bennet. The "Arundel Circuit," embracing Arundel (Kennebunkport), Lyman, Hollis and Biddeford, was formed in 1820. The Saco Road meeting-house was burned many years ago. A new one, a small but convenient building, was built not long afterward on a lot near the site of the old one. We think this has never been what might be termed a flourishing organization, but determined spirits have always been foremost in its management and have been able to maintain relig- ious services there a large part of the time. For several years past and at the present time the minister in charge of the Kennebunk Village Society holds services there in the forenoon of each Sunday. The eccentric Lorenzo Dow preached in the old house one week day afternoon about 1822. It was said that the appointment for this meeting, day and hour (two p. m.), was made full eleven months previously. He stepped into the pulpit just one minute before the time designated. The house was filled to its utmost capacity. The usual preliminary exercises were followed by a char- acteristic sermon, a prayer, and then a very long hymn was given out. While the audience was listening to the choir, Lorenzo, dis- pensing with the benediction, made his exit through a window which opened from the pulpit, walked to the spot where his horse had been hitched, jumped into his wagon, and was on his way to Saco before the congregation discovered that he had taken his departure. Eastern Depot, Now West Kennebunk. When, in 1844, the managers of the Portland, Saco and Ports- mouth Railroad Company determined to establish a depot at a point between Mitchell's Mill and the old "Middle Mill Privilege," there were very few inhabitants or industries in that vicinity. Sam- uel Mitchell, the first depot master, soon after the road was in run- 830 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. ning order, built a large dwelling-house near and south of the track, and near and north of it a large store, which he stocked with general merchandise. Thenceforward the vicinity steadily increased in population, buildings and business enterprises. A new school dis- trict was formed and a comfortable schoolhouse made ready for occupancy. And then the inhabitants arrived at the conclusion that they needed a house for public worship. It is apparent that a majority of the old residents, as well as of the then recent incom- ers, were Methodists, and a society holding the tenets of this denomination of Christians was organized without difficulty. A neat and commodious church was built in 1868 and was dedicated on the twenty-third day of September in that year. A church, con- sisting of twenty-five members, was also consecrated. Rev. Israel Downing, to whom it appears to be generally conceded much credit is due for his efforts in aid of the formation of the society and church, was the first minister. The Sunday school belonging to this society is in a prosperous condition. It has a good library. Both the school and the library are well cared for, creditable to the district. Freewill Baptists. The Freewill Baptists held meetings occasionally, in the village and its vicinity, in private dwellings or in the open air, as early as 18 1 4, and thereafter up to the time of the Cochrane excitement, when they thought it prudent to retire from the field. From 182 1 to 1824 — while "Buzzell's Hymn Book" was in press and his "Religious Magazine" was published (quarterly) Elder Buzzell was frequently in town, as well as other prominent ministers of the denomination, who were occasional visitors and tarried here for a day or two — the meetings were resumed, and were sometimes held in private dwellings, but generally in the old Washington Hall. During the time the first cotton factory was in operation meet- ings were held by ministers of the " Christian Connection " (seceders, we think, from the Freewill Baptists, who accepted the doctrine of the Trinity, while the seceders rejected it, and perhaps other differ- ences in religious views) regularly on Sundays and evenings of spec- ified week days ; these were well attended. On the suspension of the factory many of the operatives left town, and as they were, chiefly, the supporters and attendants of the religious services it was found necessary to discontinue them. The society was not incorporated ; among its members were men and women of sterling worth, and the pulpit was supplied by ministers of respectable talents. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 331 Another society, composed of persons holding the peculiar faith of the "Christian Connection," was organized in the Port district or "Lower Village" January 28, 1833, which was prosperous for sev- eral years. A meeting house was built by subscription, shortly after its organization, on the western side of the hill opposite what is known as the "Jonas Merrill place." This was abandoned, how- ever, not long after the promulgation of the Advent doctrine, which found so many hearty believers among those who had worshiped there that it was impracticable to maintain religious services. The house was closed for several years. The building came into posses- sion of individuals at the Landing, by whom, in 1868, it was removed to a central situation in that district. It is a free or union meeting- house, open to all religious denominations, but has been improved chiefly by the Methodists, who hold religious services there quite regularly. About the year 1847 the seceders formed themselves into a separate society. Rev. Edwin Burnham, who was formerly pastor of the Christian Connection Society, preaching to this body from time to time, as occasion offered, in private dwellings. Soon after this separation, however, a small house was procured and located on the Wells road, a short distance from Cousens's Corner. This served as a place of worship until 1853, when the present neat building occupied by the Advent Society was erected. We are informed that the most flourishing period in the history of this church was when its pulpit was supplied with transient preaching. Its pastors have been Dr. Cummings, W. C. Stewart, W. H. Mitch- ell, E. H. Long, O. H. Wallace and H. H. Brown, the present pas- tor, the longest pastorate being that of O. H. Wallace, which was four years. Its present membership is about forty. CHAPTER IV. RESIDENCES AND BUILDINGS IMAIN, STORER AND FLETCHER STREETS, 1820 TO 1890. During the years that have intervened since 1820 we note in the pages that follow the many changes that have taken place in the business and residential portions of the town. Some of the build- ings erected far anterior to the separation of Kennebunk from Wells are still standing to-day. Beginning at the Mousam River Bridge and passing up Main Street, the first building we find standing was put up by Daniel Whitney in 18 10. This is now the residence of Miss Emily Wise. The next building is the Michael Wise house, which is much older, having been erected by him in 1792, in which year he was married to Hannah Kimball, a descendant of the early settler, Nathaniel. Wise improved the eastern half of the lower floor of the dwelling- house as a country store for a year or two ; he purchased a store lot of the Storers the same year that the dwelling was erected, but the store was not built until the next year, when he vacated the room in the house. It was occupied by Joseph Thomas as a lawyer's office. He continued its tenant several years, until Wise's family had so increased that he could no longer rent it. Thomas then removed to a small building which stood on the lot now occupied by Littlefield's carpenter shop, where he practiced law until within a year of his death (1830). Wise was an active, enterprising man; he was in partnership awhile with his nephew, John Grant, Jr., afterward with his son, William W. Wise; he owned at one time the Taylor farm on Cat Mousam Road, now the property of George T. Jones. Wise died in 1833, at the age of sixty-seven years. His widow married Jeremiah Paul, who purchased the Wise homestead, which is now in possession of one of Paul's descendants. The store was sold to H. K. Sargent and improved by him and his son, Jefferson W., as a wheelwright's shop, and subsequently by George P. Lowell as a restaurant and confectionery manufactory and salesroom. It was destroyed by fire April 30, 1881. The lot on which it stood together with that covered by the adjoining building, known as 332 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 333 "Smith's Bake House," is now covered with the "Sargent-Ross" block, in which is the post office, Ross & Co.'s apothecary store, tel- egraph office and several other offices and shops. The next lot, where stands the dwelling-house owned and occu- pied by Frank M. Ross, was purchased of the Storers, by one Peter Cross, about 1786, but for some cause was conveyed back to them. In 1799 the Storers sold this lot, which then embraced the present house and store lots and so much of the street as lies adjacent to them, to Phineas Cole, who erected thereon the dwelling-house just named, the building afterward known as Smith's Bake House and an extensive tannery establishment, comprising beam house, bark house, vats, etc., etc. To what use this store building was put we are not sure, perhaps as a storeroom for leather and a shoemaker's shop, or as a bake house for Benjamin Smith, or for all these uses. Cole left town in 1804; the house and store were purchased by Smith, and the tannery establishment by Joseph Curtis. Curtis died in 1S09; in November of that year Edmund Pierson (from Exeter, N. H.,) advertised that he had "taken the tanyard lately occupied by Joseph Curtis on Scotchman's Brook." Pierson removed to the west side of Mousam River in October, 181 1. Ralph Curtis became owner of the tannery and carried it on many years. This property is now in possession of his heirs. No signs of the old tannery exist. Plots of grass ground and neat dwelling-houses are now seen where, in the olden time, beam and bark houses and vats were the objects that met the eye. Cole was the first tanner in the village; the Shackleys, John and Samuel, on the Ross road and Eliphalet Walker at Alewive preceded him by many years. Adjoining, in old time, the Cole house was Pomfret Howard's. He purchased the lot (originally half an acre) in July, 17S8, and forthwith erected a dwelling-house, barn, etc., and these completed opened a public house. He was a hatter and whether he united this business with that of innkeeper is not known. He kept a very well- managed and respectable house, but Jefferds's and Barnard's were well-known and excellent inns, so that Howard did not receive the amount of patronage he had anticipated and by-and-by became embarrassed. He sold his establishment (which included eleven and one-half acres of pasture land adjoining the homestead, bought by Howard of Jacob Wakefield) to Joseph Barnard, a relative by marriage, by whom it was held during his lifetime. Howard removed to Alfred in 1802 ; here, too, he was unsuccessful and was compelled to mortgage his real estate, the right of redemption of which was 334 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. sold in 1823. Thomas Folsom succeeded Howard in the occupancy of the Kennebunk property. Folsom was a jeweler and carried on business in the room fitted up by Dr. Rice as an apothecary shop. He also kept boarders. He removed to Portland in December, 1809. Stephen Thacher succeeded Folsom in the Howard house. Thacher came here about 1803 and opened a store in the Joseph Parsons building (now William Fairfield's). He purchased land on the Sanford road, near the " Parson Little place" ^the dwelling- house which he occupied from 1804 to 1809), built barns thereon, employed a man to cultivate his acres and perform all necessary farm work ; his specialty was the raising of merino sheep, of which we have spoken elsewhere in this volume. In 1809 Mr. Thacher took up his residence in the Howard house. He was postmaster several years, a part of which time he kept the office in the south- erly corner of his dwelling ; he was also judge of probate, succeeding Jonas Clark. To all these employments — trader, amateur farmer, postmaster and judge of probate — he added that of teacher of a private school, which was kept in the parlor of the house ; the num- ber of pupils was limited; it was conducted on the monitorial plan and was an excellent and well-patronized school. Among the schol- ars were the two daughters of John Holmes, of Alfred, a son of Dr, Thornton, of Saco, and two or three young men from Wells. Mr. Thacher removed from this town to Lubec in 18 18, having received the appointment of collector of customs at that port. Mr. Thacher was a graduate of Yale College, a good scholar and an energetic man ; he was an active politician of the Democratic school. He married Harriet Preble, of York, in 1804, by whom he had several children, sons and daughters. Peter Thacher, counselor at law in Boston, is a son of Judge Thacher. William Safford succeeded Mr. Thacher in the occupancy of the Howard house, which he purchased and in which he lived many years, until his death. His daughter, Mrs. Herrick, continued living there for awhile when she was succeeded by Woodbury A. Hall, who is the present owner and occupant of the estate. Adjoining Howard's was the Brown house, built by Benjamin Brown in 1784, where he kept a country store on the lower floor of the eastern half part. The small building next to this (Mrs. Bryant's), was originally designed for a carriage house, as is generally believed. Old residents, however, stoutly denied that such was the intention of the builder; some alleged that the carriages were kept in the barn HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. o85 in the rear of the house ; others, that it was used as a store and still others, that it was built for the accommodation of an employee and his family. It is a matter of trifling importance, but we should be in- clined to adopt the view of those who oppose the carriage-house the- ory. There was formerly a hillock, commencing nearly opposite the small house and extending to Dr. Ross's line. It was plowed down by Mr.Fiske, while he was surveyor of the highway, about 1827, leaving the Brown and Howard house some feet above the level of the street. Mr. Brown left town in 1796 and died in 1802. The property then fell into the possession of Jacob Fisher, who married Brown's daughter (1786). Both houses were occupied at different times by several different tenants. In the small house David Lord, a shoe- maker, a poor but worthy man, lived many years. He left town in 1824. Dr. Fisher advertised the house to let the same year: "Cel- lar and arches, a shed adjoining for a washing room and wood- house, and a shop under the same roof with a fireplace, suitable for a shoemaker or tailor." Fisher died in 1840, and this estate was sold the same year. Oliver Littlefield was the purchaser of the large house and Abel M. Bryant of the small. Littlefield continued the excavation from the level of the road, as Mr. Fiske left it, to and about halfway under his house, thereby giving the building a front of three stories, and gaining two large and convenient rooms and a hall. The property was purchased subsequently by Edward E. Bourne, Jr., who dwelt there until his removal to the small house. His son Herbert improved the eastern half part as a dwelling- house and a lawyer's office for a time, and another son, George, im- proved the western half part as a dwelling and a physician's office for a few years. On the lots on which now stand the dwelling-house belonging to Richard Littlefield, afterward sold to Solomon Reckord, and the house owned by Mr. Tobias S. Nason, hauled there many years ago and occupied by James Larrabee, by whom it was sold to Horace Porter and occupied awhile by his son-in-law, George W. Hardy, afterward sold to Nason, by whom it was enlarged and improved, the Baptist church and vestry, and the parsonage house of the Sec- ond Congregational Society, which was built by Samuel Mitchell and occupied by him until his removal to the Eastern Depot, by him sold to Joseph Dane, Jr., who resided there awhile, and sold by him to the above-named society, — on the land now divided into these several lots, in 1820 there were only two buildings, the law office of George W. Wallingford, now a tenement house on Water 336 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Street, and a dwelling-house built by John H. Bartlett, which was sold by his heirs to Loammi N. Kimball and removed to the avenue now called Bourne Street. Next is the "Long House," as it was in former days designated. The land on which it stands was purchased, in 1788, of James Kim- ball by Benjamin Brown, who sold it in 1793 to William Jefferds and Stephen Tucker, together with the dwelling-house standing thereon. The main building, therefore, was built by Brown between the years 1788 and 1796. Tucker took possession at once of the western half part and added an L for a tailor's shop, a part of which is now standing in its original position and a part has been removed to the rear of the house and is used as a shed. Jefferds and Tucker, jointly, built a barn. Jefferds held his moiety three years, during a portion of which time Samuel Emerson lived there. Jefferds deeded his part to Capt. John Grant, January i, 1799. A story and a half L was added by Captain Grant which, at different times, was occu- pied by Miss Anna Grant as a private schoolroom, and by the Misses Sarah and Anna Grant as a millinery store. Grant's half part of the main house was sold by his heirs to N. L. Thompson. Norris N. Wiggin purchased the L part and moved it to or near the Currier- Nason house lot on the old Saco road, which he owned. The western moiety was sold by Tucker's heirs to Richard C. Raynes and occupied for many years by his widow. Mr. Tucker was much respected; he was of a lively temperament, always ready to give a joke or make a repartee. He was an amateur gardener and was very successful in the cultivation of vegetables. Probably up to his time his garden had been unequaled in this vicinity for extent as well as the excellence of its management. He was, without doubt, the first person in town to raise early vegetables and plants for the market. Capt. Abraham Hill's house was built later than 1820 by Mrs. Abigail Grant. The next lot, now owned and occupied by Nathan Dane, Jr., is one of considerable historic interest. It was improved at an early day — several years prior to 1750 — by Thomas Cousens, a son of the pioneer Ichabod, who built a small house on the westerly corner of the lot. It was probably of little value. Theodore Lyman built a store near the center of the lot, about 1770, and traded there sev- eral years. He was a buyer and seller of real estate in the vicinity (although he never owned the lot on which his store was located), and v.^as largely concerned, for the time, in navigation and in buying HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 337 and selling lumber. The five large elms in front of Mr. Dane's and Mrs. Hilton's houses were set out, when so small as to be handled by one person, by Mr. Lyman and James Kimball, who was the owner of the land, on the nineteenth day of April, 1775, the day so memorable in our national history. Mr. Lyman removed to the Landing in 1776 or 1777. The store building was sold to William Taylor, and by him moved on to "the Hill"; it occupied part of the lot on which Hartley Lord's house stands. Nathaniel Frost purchased the lot (of the same dimensions as at present) in March, 1799, and erected the same year the house now standing there. Shortly after he built a store near his dwelling-house, occupying very nearly the lot on which Thomas Cousens's house stood. The partnership between Frost and William Hackett was dissolved in 1809, the latter continuing the business at the old stand, and the former, in his new building, opening a store for the sale of general merchandise, also drugs, and medicines. Frost died in 181 7, and since that date the store has had many different occupants. Daniel Sewall had an office there, Moses Varney a shoe shop and sales- room, Edward Gould a hatter's shop and salesroom, Aaron Greene a schoolroom, and no doubt others occupied it. It was purchased by Charles Herrick, moved to the eastern side of Fletcher Street, and occupied by him as a shoe shop, later by a marble worker, and afterward by Charles C. Perkins as a provision store. The building was moved to the western side of the street in 1887. Nathaniel Frost came to this town about 1790 and opened a country store at the lower end of the village, near the mills; he was genial, active and enterprising, and soon became a popular, useful and enterprising citizen. He built the store opposite the First Parish Meeting-house about 1793 and the dwelling-house on the Lyman lot in 1799, in which year he was married to Abigail, daugh- ter of James Kimball. He was prominent in military affairs and was an excellent officer. After his death his widow removed to Cambridge, Mass. The children of Nathaniel and Abigail Frost were: John, graduated at Harvard, 1822 ; Nathaniel, who studied divinity, was a chaplain in the United States Navy and died while holding this position; Cyrus, who was an engraver on wood and became a resident of Philadelphia; Sarah Elizabeth, who never mar- ried ; Mary Ann, who married a Captain Dow, of Keene, N. H., a gentleman of considerable wealth. The Frost house was occupied by Thomas Drew a few years and he was succeeded by William B. Sewall. The estate was sold 338 HISTORY OF KEXNEBUNK. in 1818 to Joseph Storer, and was occupied by his brother-in-law, Charles Cutts, then Secretary of the United States Senate, until his removal to New Hampshire. Storer, in 1832, sold the property to Isaac Lord, of Effingham, N. H., and it was occupied by his son James until his removal to Massachusetts. Lord sold to Noah Nason; subsequently Nason sold to Nicholas E. Smart and his son- in-law, William Simonds ; later the property was devised by Mrs. N. E. Smart to the present proprietor. The dwelling-house on the adjoining lot was built in 1795, by James Kimball, Jr. (Kimball married Sarah Kimball in 1796 and Sally Goodwin, of Somersworth, N. H., in 1810.) He resided there until 1815, when he sold it to Joseph Dane, Sr., who occupied it thenceforth until his death; his widow resided there until her death, in 1872. It was subsequently purchased by Mr. Hartley Lord and occupied by Mrs. Isaac Hilton, and has been greatly improved in outward appearance. In a preceding chapter we have given some interesting details respecting this house, the store on the corner of Main and Dane Streets and the blacksmith's shop which formerly stood in the rear of the store lot. The next building was moved to its present location by John Roberts, who purchased it of Samuel Clark and removed it from the vicinity of the bridge, where it had been occupied by Charles A. Condy as a country store. Next to this is the building erected by Enoch Hardy in 18 10. The upper and part of the lower floor were improved by him as a tobacco manufactory for many years. Davenport Tucker, son of Stephen, kept a country store on part of the lower floor from 18 10 to 1818 ; he disposed of his stock in trade, at auction, in the spring of the year last named and removed to Lubec, having been appointed by Mr. Thacher to a position in the custom house there. Owen Burnham occupied the store after the building he had ten- anted on the opposite side of the street had been burned, in 1824; he vacated it a few years afterward, when it was improved by the owner as a salesroom for his manufactures, and, in connection with his son, Enoch, Jr., for the sale of groceries. The post office was kept in this room two or three years, George W. Hardy, postmaster. The building was purchased by Andrew Walker, in 1857, and occu- pied by him, chiefly as a furniture store, until 1888, when he gave it to the Free Library Association. The brick building on the adjoining lot was erected by WiUiam Lord in 1825. It has had many different occupants: Lord & HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 339 Kingsbury (William Lord and Henry Kingsbury), William C. and William F. Lord, William C. Lord and George Ross, Simon L. Whitten, as a tailor's shop and salesroom ; James N. Nason, coun- try store, and Tobias G. Nason & Co. The upper floor was occu- pied (in part) by Increase G. Kimball, as a lawyer's office, when he commenced practice as an attorney; he remained there a few months only. The Salus Lodge of Good Templars has held its meetings there a number of years. The present owners of the building are William E. and Charles E. Barry, grandchildren of the builder. The next building was erected by Nathaniel Frost about 1793 and was occupied by him as a country store; later by Frost & Hackett (Nathaniel Frost and William Hackett). This copartner- ship was dissolved in 1809, when Frost commenced trade in his new store. Hackett continued at the old stand; he also engaged in navigation at this time. Later he removed to Limerick and opened a store in the village, where he was very successful ; he had a good local trade, bought large quantities of lumber, grain and products of the dairy, which he sent by ox-teams to Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, and disposed of readily at satisfactory prices. He retired from business and returned to Kennebunk in 1837, occupy- ing the Taylor house on Green Street, then the Hardy house on Summer Street, which he purchased and afterward sold to Capt. William Williams; he then purchased the Greenough house, on the corner of Park and Dane Streets, which he occupied until the time of his death. Mr. Hackett married Lydia Dutch. He died in 1864 and was buried with Masonic honors. He was an upright man, a good citizen, a well-wisher to all, an enemy to none. Few men pass away from the earth leaving a more enviable record than did Mr. Hackett. He left three children: William, who was a grocer in Worcester, Mass., Nancy, wife of N. L. Thompson (both now deceased), and Mary Hudson, who survives. Shortly after the store was vacated by Mr. Hackett, in 183 1, it was opened by James K. Remich with a stock of books, stationery and wall papers, which he sold at retail and wholesale, the first of this description in Kennebunk. He relinquished this branch of his business in 1842, when the stand was taken by Daniel Remich, and the business was continued by him until 1868, when he sold his stock in trade to George W. Oakes, who was succeeded by Mrs. Oakes, then by Mrs. Elizabeth Chesley, and she by William H, Simonds & Co., crockery and groceries, who remained there but a year or two. The upper floor was not occupied until 1809, when it 340 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. was leased to James K. Remich, and by him improved as a printing office from that date until 1850; the printing apparatus was not entirely removed from the room until 1880. From 1794 until 1809 this room was occasionally used as a hall for public entertainments. During this period one Joseph Baker usually made annual visits to the village, remaining here five or six weeks each time, giving two or three exhibitions of legerdemain as well as readings, serious, tragic and comic. He was accustomed, at each of these visits, to form a class of gentlemen, select a play acceptable to its members, and drill them to "act well their parts" in its public performance, the net receipts derived from the exhibition inuring to the benefit of Mr. Baker. These plays were extremely popular, well attended and thoroughly enjoyed. Mr. James Osborn, Sr., once related to the author the following amusing incident : According to the pro- gramme on one of these occasions, at a certain point in the play one of the dramatis personce (Mr. O.) was killed at the finale of an angry colloquy. As he fell, the curtain fell also, but owing to an error in judgment in regard to the positions of the actors Mr. O. was outside the curtain. Discovering this untoward occurrence, he gained the inside of the screen with a celerity of movement which, considering he had so recently fallen a victim to the murderous act of his enemy, drew forth unbounded applause from the auditors. "Ah," said the old gentleman in conclusion, "those were happy, happy days." Mr. Remich sold the building in 18S9 to Sidney T. Fuller, who converted it into a double tenement. The next store was built by Palmer Walker in 1818. The upper and a part of the lower floor were used by him for a saddler's shop and a salesroom. The store on the lower floor was first occu- pied by Joseph M. Hayes, dry goods, who removed to Saco, after- ward by Lord & Kingsbury, and later by Joseph G. Moody. The building subsequently became the property of Andrew Walker, who lessened somewhat the dimensions of the store and converted the remainder into two tenements. We come now to the eastern end of Main Street and to the entrance to Green Street. This was laid out about 1800 by William Taylor, who built at the same time the dwelling-house now owned by the heirs of Lemuel Richards. Taylor lived there a few years, as did Timothy Frost, Barnabas Palmer, Asa Taylor, William Hackett, Beriah Green, Robert Smith (machinist) and perhaps others. Dr. Richards finally became its owner. The house on the eastern side of this street, for many years in possession of Phineas HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 341 Stevens and now of his heirs, we think was built at a later date than 1820, by Samuel B. Lord. Jacob Stewart's house, near to it, was moved there within recent years and was the Jacob Kimball house on Portland Street. We now turn back and standing on the spot where, in 1679, the "lot layers" of Wells commenced the work of laying out a high- way, six rods wide, above the boom belonging to the Mousam Mills and at "a stake drove down there near to a little old house upon the said land" (built by Sayward less than ten years previously near the location of Mrs. J. W. Sargent's house), and so down by the mills to Rand's Marsh, we note the changes up to 1820. No traces of that boom nor of these mills are to be found. The precise points at which the river was crossed, by the old or new "wading places," cannot be shown. A short distance down river a good bridge is seen, in close proximity to which, northerly, stands a large, old-style saw-mill, and across the bridge, southerly, a well-appointed, old-style grist-mill. Turning around, we notice, on the northeastern side of the road laid out in 1692, from Coxhall to old Mousam, "for the conveniency to transport to the salt water," two dwelling-houses, the larger considered a palatial residence when erected, about 1760, and two or three rods beyond the smaller building, erected in 1757 for a dwelling-house and store, both built by Joseph Storer, Sr. Opposite the mansion house, across the road, was a large orchard. It is said there was a dwelling-house, which stood nearly opposite Mechanic Street, that had been hauled from the vicinity of Middle Mousam Mills, which was occupied by Nathaniel and Anthony Lit- tlefield, employees of Storer. Beyond this, as far up as the junction of the new road with the old, leading to the interior, there were no buildings. At present, the entire length of the road, within the bounds that we have been considering, is well lined with handsome residences, besides which two short streets, running from Storer Street (the old road) traversely to the river, afford building lots upon which neat and commodious dwellings have been erected. Moving from the standpoint above named, we cross the Cox- hall-Mousam road and pass along that leading from the old "Mousam Mill Pond, as the road now goes (1765), down to the country road at the Heath (Landing), four rods wide from the mill road to the country road." The house on Garden Street occupied for many years by Dr. Orin Ross and later by his widow was built about iSoo by William 342 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Gillpatrick. He kept a stock of general merchandise in the Richard Gillpatrick store. Standing on the adjoining lot was the Capt. John Grant store, erected about 1785. Grant traded there several years, when the building was finally removed to Water Street, where it was improved as a tenement house. John Cobby built the store now standing on the Grant lot. Norris N. Wiggin was its first occupant. He traded there for two or three years in general merchandise. Cobby suc- ceeded him, continuing in trade until his death. George P. Lowell occupied the building for a time as a confectionery store and bakery. Later it was again used as a meat market and general provisions. The building now occupied by William Fairfield was erected by Joseph Parsons as early as 1797, perhaps a year or two prior to this date. We find no other reference to him than that he built this house and store under one roof and at one time was a trader here. We may infer that he had a family from the manner in which the building was constructed, arranged for a dwelling on the upper and a store on the lower floor. He did not remain here a long time. That John U. Parsons was related to him we have reason to believe from the fact that he was his agent for the sale of the property, which was sold to Edmund Pierson in 1809. Pierson sold to Ralph Curtis and Curtis to Fairfield. It is a remarkable structure so far as regards its frame ; the sills and plates were of timber one foot square and the corner posts were secured at the corners by oak knees, precisely after the fashion employed in ship work. We entertain no doubt as to the correctness of our statement respecting the name of the builder of the last-named and of Grant's store, but it would be extremely difficult at this day, without a great deal of research, to give the names of the intermediate occupants. The adjoining lot was formerly owned by Capt. George Perkins, on which he erected a building which was used as a store. Mr. Perkins sold this place to Nathaniel Shute in 1809. Mr. Shute im- proved the lower floor, where he carried on his business as a saddler, and probably occupied it as a dwelling place also. The upper floor was leased in whole or in part to Elisha Chadbourne. Mr. Shute had taken up his residence here about four years before purchasing this piece of property. He married Elizabeth Smith, of Exeter, N. H., in 1806 ; she died in 1810, and he married again two years later. In 1842 Ralph Curtis moved this building a few rods back, in what is known as Curtis's Court; it was then fitted up and it has since been leased for a dwelling-house and on its old location now stands the HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 343 "Beam House" of the "Scotchman's Brook" tannery, moved there that same year by Mr. Curtis. This building is now owned by his son, Mr. Fuller Curtis, for rental. The front room is occupied as a store, while the rear of the building and the upper floor are used as a tenement. The dwelling-house occupied by Christopher Littlefield was built by Capt. George Perkins. He shortly removed to his farm on the Alfred road. (A biographical sketch of Captain Perkins will be found in another chapter.) Ebenezer Curtis purchased the house and fitted up the lower floor of the eastern half part for a grocery store. Subsequently the property was purchased by William Lord, Jr., by whom alterations and improvements were made, among which was the restoration of the store part to the use for which it was orig- inally designed. The building which until a recent date was occupied by George E. Littlefield as a carpenter shop, now converted into a store and dwelling, stands on the eastern part of the original George Perkins lot. Stephen Furbish had a blacksmith's shop there, which was removed to Portland Street ; Joseph Thomas's law office, which after his death was improved awhile by Daniel Sewall, stood there many years ; it was removed to the western end of the triangular lots, and improved as a store for the sale of small wares by a Mrs. Watts, and by others as a dwelling. Theodore Webber built a store and house under one roof, on the site from which Thomas's ofiice was removed, where he traded and his family resided a few years. It was sold and removed to Fletcher Street and later became the dwelling-house of A. W. Mendum. This site and the building standing upon it are now the property of G. E. and W. L. Littlefield. The tenement house owned by John Cousens was originally the store of Joseph Moody and stood on the lot opposite the residence of James M. Stone, on the Landing road. It stands on the western part of a lot purchased of the Storers, in 1793, by Caleb Burbank, who erected thereon a blacksmith's shop, which he operated a few years, and also on the eastern half part the dwelling-house now owned and occupied by John Cousens, by whom, however, it has been considerably enlarged. We are not able to say whether the house was ever occupied by Burbank. An aged lady, who well remembered the building of the house and who was quite sure that "she spoke whereof she knew," assured us that " Burbank lived and died a bachelor." We find that in 1794 legal notice that "Caleb Burbank and Sarah Littlefield, both of Wells, intend marriage" was 344 HISTORY OF KEXXEKUXK. duly "published," but find no evidence that the intention was ful- filled. After residing here ten or twelve years, Burbank sold his entire village property to John U. Parsons. The blacksmith shop was converted into a store and Mr. Parsons traded there several years. It is not* improbable that when he first came here he succeeded Joseph Parsons in the (present) Fairfield store, and about 1809 moved thence into his newly fitted up building, where he continued until VVaterston, Pray & Co. removed to Boston, when he succeeded them in the occupancy of the brick store. Soon after this the store which had been occupied by Parsons was sold and moved to the west side of the river, where it was known for many years as the "Simon Ross house." (Simon Ross married Jane Hooper, grand- daughter of Capt. George Perkins, February 17, 1805.) Joseph G. Moody purchased the Burbank-Parsons house and resided there until he took up his residence in Augusta. (Mr. Moody married Elizabeth Cogswell, eldest daughter of Jacob M. Currier, of Dover, N. H., November 26, 1826.) To the lot made vacant by the removal of the Parsons store, he moved his father's store, and traded there several years. He was succeeded in 1835 by Andrew Walker, furniture and groceries, who removed to the Hardy store in 1857. Afterward the post office was kept here a number of years, and was removed hence to its present location. The building is now utilized as a tenement house. Moody sold this property to John Cousens, whose heirs occupy the dwelling-house. April I, 1795, Benjamin Silsbee bought forty feet square of land adjoining Burbank's land and opposite Brown's house. He erected a store thereupon the following summer. On account of failing health he relinquished business about eighteen months later, and sold his store and lot to Burbank in 1797. Silsbee, while suf- fering from temporary insanity, committed suicide by hanging him- self. He was a widower. He left one son, Samuel, who proved to be an active business man. The Silsbee store was occupied, in part, several years by Joseph M. Stickney and Enoch Hardy, tobacconists; the other part, from 1803 to 1807, was improved as a printing office; first by John Whitelock, followed by Stephen Sewall, then by William Weeks. Stickney married Olive Parsons, of Phillipsburg, in April, 1806, and left town a few months later. Hardy continued to carry on the tobacconist's business, built a store and transferred his stock to it in 18 10; he purchased the Silsbee store and moved it a short dis- HISTORY OF KENNEEUNK. 345 tance west of the site of the John G. Downing house on Summer Street. The dwelling-house owned by Mrs. John Hill and occupied, one-half part by her and the other by Andrew Walker, was built in 1797 by Stephen Furbish, who dwelt there four or five years. Mr. Parsons owned a house on the Landing road, which was built by one Abraham Witham a few years previously, which he proposed to exchange for this, and tempted Mr. Furbish with so good an offer that he accepted it. Parsons married Mrs. Susanna Savary, of New- buryport, in February, 1804, and moved into this house. Furbish having taken possession of that on the Landing road. This exchange gave to Mr. Parsons the ownership of all the front land from the Perkins to the eastern boundary of the Furbish lot. In 1814 Par- sons built the house now owned and occupied by Edward E. Bourne and moved into it the same year. Mrs. Parsons died about six months afterward, July 3, 1815. This house was built in all par- ticulars, size, interior and exterior finish, after the plans used in the erection of the house in which Mrs. Parsons dwelt in Newburyport, and which v/as destroyed in the "great fire " in that town, a few years prior to her removal to this place. Daniel Sewall purchased the house in 1816, and dwelt there the remainder of his lifetime. His son and successor, William Bartlett Sewall, also spent the last days of his life there, as did his widow, Mrs. Maria M. Sewall, who at her death devised it to her nephew, Edward E. Bourne, Jr. The next lot was purchased by Peter Folsom July 10, 1799, and he erected a shop and dwelling under the same roof in 1 799-80. After Folsom died Palmer Walker continued the saddler's business in this shop until 18 1 8, when he removed to his new building. The prop- erty came into possession of Joseph Thomas, by whose widow it was occupied a number of years. After her death the building was taken down and the lot purchased by and divided between the owners of the adjacent lands. Joseph Porter bought the next lot in 1802, and put up a build- ing the following year, one-half part of which was improved as a tin shop and the other as a dwelling. He carried on the tin business prosperously. A few years later he purchased the Hemenway house on (now) Summer Street, to which he removed at once, and also built a shop a few rods west of it. The building first occupied was sawn in two, and the western half part occupied as a dwelling-house by his son Horace for many years. When he sold it, it was removed to Brown Street and is now the property of Miss Angle 346 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Fernald. On its site Mr. Porter erected the dwelling-house after- ward occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Clara L. Hardy. The other half part was moved eastward two or three rods and fitted up for a dwelling. It was occupied awhile by Joshua Tolford, jeweler, who came to this town from Portland and returned to that town after residing here about two years. It was purchased by Palmer Walker. It was burned in 1824. Mr. Walker built a larger and more desir- able dwelling on the site thus made vacant, which he occupied until his death, in 1878. It is now the property of Col. Charles R. Little- field, by whom it has been greatly improved interiorly and exteriorly. John H. Bartlett bought the adjacent lot in 1804 and put up a large dwelling-house, together with a barn and outbuildings, the same year. Mr. Bartlett was a farmer and purchased farming lands near the village ; he was industrious and enterprising. On the night of the third of August, 1824, all his buildings were destroyed by fire, which originated in his barn, and which caused the destruction of several other buildings in the vicinity. He replaced these buildings the following season, which after his death were purchased by Dr. Elbridge G. Stevens, by whom they were greatly improved. Mr. Stephen Perkins afterward owned and occupied this property. Mr. Bartlett came to this town from Shapleigh. The next lot was purchased of the Storers by Daniel Hodsdon and Jamin Savage in 1807. They erected a three-story building; the first floor a warehouse, the second a cabinet maker's shop, the third for painters and the storing of valuable lumber required in the manufacture of furniture. They were active business men and quite successful for awhile. Savage withdrew from the copartner- ship and Edward White took his place. The building was burned in 1824. Oliver Bartlett put up a dwelling and bake-house, under one roof, on its site. Bartlett sold to Oliver Raitt, who made sev- eral alterations and improvements. He did not occupy it more than two or three years; then he sold it to Mrs. Martha Hartwell, whose heirs held and utilized it as a dwelling and a millinery store. They sold the building to George L. Little in 1890. It was occupied by his son-in-law, George W. Frost. The next building was a large brick store, erected by Waters- ton, Pray & Co. in 181 2. The first and second floors were improved as salesrooms, and the third as a Masonic lodge room. Waterston & Pray removed to Boston in 181 7, when John U. Parsons & Co. (Parsons and his son-in-law, Moses Savary) succeeded them. Mr. Parsons was compelled soon after, by ill health, to relinquish busi- HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 347 ness. He removed to Parsonsfield, his native town. Mr. Parsons was much respected. He was a graduate of Harvard and was an excellent scholar. All movements for the intellectual progress of the community always found in him an interested and efficient sup- porter. He was elected by the voters of York County to represent them in the State Senate. The building was seriously damaged by fire in 1824, but the walls were left standing in fair condition. The property was sold to Isaac Lord, of Effingham, N. H., by whom the store was rebuilt. The eastern half part of the lower floor was occupied by his sons, James and Isaac Lord, general merchandise, and the western half part by Barnabas Palmer, who kept the post office there. On the second floor were the law offices of Edward E. Bourne and William B. Sewall. Afterward Mr. Bourne was suc- ceeded by his son Edward and James M. Stone, copartners. On the organization of the Ocean Bank, Mr. Sewall removed his office to his dwelling-house, in order that that institution might be located in his convenient and pleasant room. An "annex" to the "old brick" was put up by Daniel Wise., Jr., the end fronting Main Street of brick, the remainder of wood. Mr. Wise formed a copartnership with John W. Bodwell, and opened a store for the sale of general merchandise. The upper floor of the "old brick" was already improved by the Odd Fellows, and the upper floor of the "annex" was taken by the Masons, who since the fire had held their meet- ings a few times in Washington Hall, and afterward in the chamber over Hardy's store. Wise & Bodwell dissolved copartnership about a year later. Wise, who was not partial to the occupation, relin- quished it a year or two later. The building was then sold to Jonathan Stone, of Kennebunkport, who converted the "annex" into a public house, the " Mousam House." It was a well-arranged and well-kept establishment, but Mr. Stone's health would not permit him to perform the duties of landlord, and within two years from the date of assuming them he relinquished the business and returned to his native town, where he died May 29, 1839, aged forty-seven years. Simon L. Whitten and his father-in-law, Mr. Hinds, who came from Portland, succeeded Mr. Stone in the management of the hotel, but after remaining here about two years Mr. Hinds thought that he pre- ferred Portland to Kennebunk, so returned to that city. Mr. Whitten could not add to the cares incident to his regular business those of innkeeper, and he also retired. They were succeeded by Benjamin F. Goodwin, who in connection with his father, Hosah Goodwin, who had the contract for carrying the mails to and from the Eastern 348 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Depot, which was done in a passenger coach, made the establish- ment both popular and prosperous. Again on December third, 1869, the flames swept through the walls of the "old brick," but this time with more disastrous conse- quences than before. It was left a mass of ruins. The fire origi- nated in a small building in the rear of Junkins's shop, which was burned, thence spreading to the brick store, which was also destroyed. The bank building now occupies a part of the lot on which it stood. The "Osborn store" has been removed to this lot and is improved on the lower floor as a grocery store, and on the upper floor is the hall of the Webster Post, Grand Army of the Republic. There was a small building which stood east of the "old brick" many years ago, probably moved there, but by whom or when we cannot learn. In this, Seaver, Palmer & Co. opened a store, general merchandise (Josiah W. Seaver, of South Berwick, special partner, Barnabas Palmer and Harford, active partners) ; the former and the latter retired a year or two later. Palmer continued the business and removed to another building. He was succeeded by Moses Varney, morocco shoes ; he by Alexander Warren and William M. Bryant, copartners, medicines and restaurant; this firm by Owen Burnham, general merchandise. This building was burned in 1824. Mr, Burnham removed to the Hardy store. The Masons had re- moved to the Kelley & Warren block previous to the date of this fire. Elisha Chadbourne had a blacksmith's shop in the rear of the old brick, access to which was on Fletcher Street; burned in 1824. Mr. Chadbourne did not rebuild on this lot, but sold it to Humphrey Chadbourne and Paul Junkins, copartners, who put up a large build- ing for a salesroom and the manufacture of furniture. Abial Kelley, Jr., at one time occupied a part of the lower floor as a store, general merchandise; he moved to the Eastern Depot. The fire of 1869 destroyed this building. Mr. Junkins had passed away two years before the fire (August 24, 1867), and after the loss of the building Mr. Chadbourne left town. We cross the "new road," as it was designated for many years, which was laid out in 1797, commencing at Osborn's Corner and terminating near P. C. Wiggin's homestead, where it intersects the old road ; the old road is now Storer Street, the new, Fletcher Street. Very near the commencement of Fletcher Street (eastern side) was the Safford property. Two buildings had been moved on to the lot, at different times, as early we think as 1798 and 1800. The deed of the land "on which said Safford's house and shop now HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 349 Stand" is dated June 26, 18 12. He must have had a lease or bond for a deed many years prior to this date. Safford was married to Lois Knowlton, of Ipswich, Mass., February 7, 1801. It is beyond question that Mr. Safford established himself here two or three years before his marriage, and that the shop building was moved to the spot where it stood so long that length of time before that which was converted into a dwelling was moved and joined to it, and that these buildings were the first on the "new road." The Herrick shop (formerly Frost's) was moved to a vacant spot at the northern end of Safford's lot several years ago. All the Safford property, includ- ing Herrick's shop, was purchased by James Osborn, Jr., and was included in the sale to Sidney T. Fuller, by Osborn's heirs, in 1886. Mr. Fuller moved the store, as before stated, moved the house back several feet and made extensive alterations on the building, the out- buildings and the adjacent grounds ; he tore down the Safford shop, converted the house into a barn, and moved the Herrick shop to the northerly corner of his lot on the westerly side of Fletcher Street. The Osborn house was built in 1792 and the store on the cor- ner about twenty years later. In the western corner of this house James Osborn, Jr., kept the post office from 1829 to 1S41. His father acted as assistant; both the postmaster and his assistant were capable, accurate and accommodating gentlemen. Next to Safford's, on the "new road," was a store built by Timothy Kezer in 1804 (a store on the lower floor and a dwelling on the upper), where he traded awhile, when he formed a copart- nership with Horace Porter, which was dissolved in 18 10. Kezer removed to the Landing and Porter continued in the shop as junior partner of the firm of Smith & Porter (Benjamin Smith and Horace Porter). After the death of Mr. Smith Mr. Porter retired and George W. Hardy continued the grocery business until his death. Mr. Kezer occupied the upper floor as a dwelling for about two years. It has since had many different occupants. Mr. George Parsons purchased the building, by whom it was removed to the western side of the street. A private school was kept on the second floor for a few terms by Miss Susie Hardy, which was afterward converted into a tenement; later the lower story was occupied for several years as a private school, taught by Miss Georgia Parsons. The dwelling-house on the northern part of the lot was erected by Kezer in 1806, occupied by him until his removal to the Landing, sold to Robert Waterston and occupied by him until his removal to Boston, sold to Jotham Perkins and occupied by him until his death 350 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. in 1S30 (at the age of forty-nine years) and by his widow a few years later, sold to Oliver Raitt, who occupied it a short time, sold to George Parsons, by whom it was greatly improved as a summer residence his place of business and his winter home being in New York City — until 1889, when he sold it to Charles Goodnow. Daniel Hodsdon built the house owned by Benjamin Perkins, in 1809. Mr. Hodsdon married Agnes Knowlton, of Ipswich, Feb- ruary, 1810. Their children were: Daniel (physician. North Ber- wick), married, October 25, 1841, Mrs. Nancy Hobbs, of North Berwick; Olive P., married Asa S. Thorndlke, of Washington, Vt., and Cyrus. Near to this was a small house, erected by Mrs. Polly (Gillpat- rick) Nichols about 1804. It was sold at auction in November, 1815. Joseph Thomas was the purchaser, by whom it was moved to the Capt. George Perkins lot at Scotchman's Brook. The dwell- ino- recently occupied by John Mitchell was originally the school- house in the sixth district, and stood very near the lot now covered by Mrs. Lancey Littlefield's dwelling-house on the Ross road. It was moved to its present location many years ago and was occupied a long time by the daughters and the son oi Samuel Hill, Sr. Mitchell purchased it and resided there until his death. The next house stands on the lot occupied for many years by the shoemaker's shop of Capt. Samuel Littleheld, Jr., and is a part of the land purchased of the Storers, by Theophilus Hardy, in 1806. Hardy was a tanner and erected a dwelling-house, now standing, and the several buildings required in the prosecution of his busi- ness. A considerable part of the space between the buildings and the brook was occupied with vats. The dwelling-house is all that remains of this once extensive establishment. Hardy formed a copartnership with Jotham Perkins in 1809. The partners were industrious, temperate, enterprising men and with sufficient means at their command to enable them to carry on a large business with- out incurring pecuniary embarrassment. We think the same may be said of all the tanners who have carried on business in this town. Until circumstances that could not be avoided or overcome rendered our location an ineligible one for its successful prosecution, the business was very remunerative. From 1800 to 1830 the tanneries were an important factor in the prosperity of the town. Perkins continued the business and in 18 15 formed a copartnership with Thomas B. Chamberlain. After the death of Perkins, Samuel Lit- tleheld purchased the whole establishment and carried on the busi- HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 351 ness awhile. He sold to Oliver Raitt, who came from Eliot, and it was operated by him, with fair results, for a few years. Raitt pur- chased considerable real estate in the village, but he was disap- pointed in his expectations; he sold his property here, in parcels, to different persons and returned to Eliot. The entire tannery prop erty was sold to George Parsons, by whom the vats were filled up and nearly all the buildings torn down. Crossing the brook and passing a long stretch of woodland, there was not another building until we reach the dwelling-house and extensive butchery establishment of Nathan Wiggin, erected by him in 1845. This is now the property of his son Parker, who in 1887 moved the house to an adjoining lot, building on another L for the accommodation of two families. The following year Mr. Wiggin erected one of more modern architecture on the same site as the old, in which he resides. Within recent years the strip of woods bor- dering the road has gradually succumbed to the woodman's ax and a number of neat cottages have been built on the lots laid out. Next above Mr. Wiggin's is the house on the "Fletcher place," owned and occupied by Edwin Parsons, built about 1796 by Samuel Stevens, Jr., who married Hannah Hill in May, 1798. Stevens died at sea about 1801. The estate was sold to Rev. N. H. Fletcher, who purchased several lots of land in its immediate vicinity, making a farm of respectable dimensions. He also built a barn with all the then "modern improvements," by far the largest and most convenient that had been erected in this or the neigh- boring towns. Mr. Fletcher vacated this estate in 1827 ; it was sold to Nathaniel M. Towle and afterward purchased by Nathan Dane, Jr., who put the buildings in excellent repair; he sold to John Roberts, during whose ownership the barn built by Mr. Fletcher was burned. Mr. Roberts erected a new one on the same lot, and soon after sold the estate to Frank Perkins, on whose death it passed into the pos- session of Edwin Parsons. James Ridgway built a house on the adjoining lot. He was a house carpenter. His family consisted of two sons and a daugh- ter; one of his sons resided with him a few years; his daughter, Betsey, married Joseph Emmons, of Lyman. Ridgway, his wife and one son removed to some other town prior to 1809. Next above Ridgway's was the house of Samuel Hill. He also was a house carpenter, and, judging from notices of him that we have met with, a good workman and enterprising; he was much respected. He was master workman in the construction of several 352 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. buildings in the village ; one of those now standing was the house of Phineas Cole, now the property of Dr. F. M. Ross ; another, the house owned by the heirs of Dr. Richards, and still another, the house owned by the heirs of Ralph Curtis, which he (Hill) built for his own occupancy and which, after his decease, was sold at auc- tion, purchased by Curtis and removed to its present location. Hill owned at one time the house belonging to the heirs of Mrs. Hewes. He had several daughters and one son, who was feeble-minded. Hill, Sr., was a major in the State Militia. Next above the last named, near the present location of Mr. Ivory Lord's dwelling, was the domicile of Reuben Hatch, a very comfortable structure, and occupied by him until his death. He mar- ried Olive Boothby in December, 1761. Mr. Hatch was one of the earliest settlers on that road. He had a barn in the vicinity of the house, and also a rude structure of logs which was used for a sheep pen. It was used two or more seasons, during the warm weather, for a schoolroom; the first of which we find any mention within the present territorial limits of District Number Five. He had a daugh- ter Martha, who married Joseph Young in December, 1788. We are told that Young lived with his father-in-law. Hatch. Young mar- ried for his second wife, in 1799, Mehitabel Murphy. By his first wife he had two sons. Jotham, the elder, married Hannah Sher- man in 1S07. He was killed by the bursting of a swivel on the Fourth of July, several years later. Thomas Eaton, a house car- penter, married Phebe Young, probably a sister to Joseph, in 1793. Eaton was a nice workman ; he contracted with the Second Parish in Wells, (now First in Kennebunk) to enlarge the meeting-house and to add a belfry in 1803, He appears to have been a very respectable man. Whether Eaton and his wife dwelt in the Hatch house, we are unable to say. We have traditions in great abun- dance, but discordant and unreliable, with very few well-founded facts. We think it is true that the Youngs lived in the Hatch house until it was demolished, about 1820. The family is now extinct here. Crossing the gully, which at one time extended across the road, we soon reach the dwelling-house of Mrs. David Drawbridge, which is the L part of the house erected by Capt. George Perkins in 1803 or 1804. Ezra and George divided the real estate held by their father, which was situated on both sides of the road. Ezra retained the half part on the eastern side of the road, together with this L part. George took possession of the western half, together with the main building. This has stood for many years untenanted and HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 353 dilapidated and generally known as "the black house." George Perkins, son of Captain George, married Mrs. Nancy (Morrison) Jef- ferds, February, 1827 ; he lived a year or two in the Daniel Durrell house, on west side of Mousam River, and in the Fletcher house while owned by N. M. Towle, then occupied his dwelling near Rand's Spring; he died at the residence of his son. We have here reached the northern boundary of the village district and retrace our steps, noting as we pass along whatever we may think of interest on the western side of the street. About half a dozen rods south of the gully we find the site of the dwelling of Ebenezer Rand, erected as early as 1742. Rand was the first settler on the Coxhall-Mousam road between Storer's and Cat Mousam Mill. We know very little of his history. The committee "to draw the pews in the gallery of the meeting-house," in 1773, assigned to Rand pew No. i in the first rank. In 1748 he bought seven acres of marsh land on the Mousam, which is to this day known as Rand's Marsh. A copy of the deed conveying this parcel of land may not be uninteresting. John Butland to Ebenezer Rand: "Seven acres of fresh meadow land, lying on the eastern side of Mousam River, butting against the land formerly granted to Robert Stuart, and at the upper end of it a white pine tree marked on four sides, which said seven acres was laid out by the lot layers for John Look on June 2, 1 7 15." April 3, 174S. Rand was a farmer and spent much time on his marsh purchase. He used to delight in telling stories about his dog, one of which was that he very frequently visited the marsh, where there was an otter with which he was on the best of terms; they would play together for hours. An accident happened to Rand's gun by which it was rendered useless ; it was a long time before he could raise the means with which to buy another. Otters, minks, musquash and beavers, as well as moose and deer, were abundant, but he was unable to obtain furs or venison, his chief dependence for funds and food. He left no child, — indeed it is not known that he was married, although the records show that he was "published" July 6, 1754, "Ebenezer Rand and Hepsibah Hatch." There is reason to believe, however, that they were never joined in Hymen's bands. Richard Shackley, a relative, lived with Rand several years and at his decease came into possession of his prop- erty. Shackley with his family resided there some time after Rand's death. He exchanged farms with Samuel B. Low, of Lyman, and moved there. Low, who was a cabinet maker and house carpenter, resided on the Rand place two or three years and then moved the house to the village, but to what location is not definitely known. 354 HISTORV OF KENNKP.UNK. The buildings on the west side of the Coxhall-Mousam road, between Rand's Spring and the northern terminus of the "new road," have been built within a few years. The dwelling-house owned by Mrs. Joseph T. Nason, on the corner of Fletcher and Mechanic Streets, was built by Abial Kelley, Jr. That on the oppo- side of Mechanic Street, the first one erected thereon, was built by Rufus Furbish in 1821-22. He sold it a few years afterward to Hosah Goodwin, by whom it was enlarged and the interior much improved. It is now in possession of his grandchild, Mrs. Margaret, widow of William C. Storer. Between the Furbish house and the "Heater," then so-called, in olden time was a lane, which now forms a part, or the whole, of Mechanic Street. On each side of this lane hazel bushes grew in great abundance; these annually produced a large crop of nuts, which were gathered by the boys and girls of the time. It was a favorite route for small boys who "played horse" to start from Osborn's Corner, go up street as far as this lane, turn into and pass through it, on to and down the old road to Garden Street, through this to and up Main Street "to the place begun at." This was "going round the square." Benaiah Littlefield built the second house on Mechanic Street, on its northwesterly corner, which has been greatly improved by his son, William L., the present owner and occupant. Buildings have been erected, from time to time, on this pleasant street until, at the present writing, only two or three lots remain unimproved. Next below Mrs. Storer's is the dwelling built by Dr. David D. Spear, which afterward became the property of Samuel Bragdon, and near to this the dwelling erected by Samuel Littlefield, Jr., now owned and occupied by his daughters. On the southerly side of Scotchman's Brook, in 18 10, Theophilus Hardy built a one-story house for his own occupancy, where he lived the remainder of his life and where his widow lived several years. It was sold to James Osborn, Jr., who resided there awhile and until his new house, on Portland Street, had been completed, when the Hardy house was moved and utilized as an L to the new and larger building. On the lot where stood the Hardy house are two small tenement houses, erected by the late Mrs. John Mitchell. Below this is the dwelling of A. W. Mendum, before noticed, and on the adjoining lot the dwelling-house of the late Samuel Mendum, built, we think, about 1820 and occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Lizzie Clark. Passing the lots and buildings before mentioned, we find ourselves back to Main Street. CHAPTER V. RESIDENCES AND BUILDINGS CONTINUED: DANE, ELM, PARK AND SUMMER STREETS. Upon arriving at the foot of Fletcher Street and crossing Main, we enter upon Dane Street. We have spoken in a previous chapter of the "white store," on its eastern corner, and of James Kimball Jr.'s blacksmith shop, which stood in the rear of it and on the site of which now stands the dwelling-house built by John T. Kimball since 1830, afterward sold to Capt. Jott S. Perkins and now the residence of Henry Durrell. Next is the Second Congregational Church, in close proximity to which is its vestry, and on the adjoin- ing lot is the parsonage house of the Methodist Society, the gift of Miss Sarah Burnham, who owned and occupied it for a few years- It was built many years ago, on the Ross road, and became the property of Barnabas Palmer, by whom it was moved to its present location. Next is a two-story double house, built by Mr. Palmer and afterward owned by the heirs of Capt. John Barker and by the heirs of Capt. George A. Webb. This brings us to Elm Street, near the northern corner of which stands a one-story building, built by the Kimball family, a century ago at least, on the Ross road; pur- chased by Mr. Palmer and by him moved to its present location, December 16 to 19, 1826. It is now owned by the heirs of Patrick Rice. On the opposite side of the street and fronting Green Street is the more modern residence owned and occupied jointly by the heirs of Patrick Rice and Edward Ward. This building stands on part of a parcel (between live and six acres) of land sold by James Kimball to Enoch Hardy, Daniel Hodsdon and Jamin Savage in October, 1807, bounded by the road, William Taylor (the lot on which the Huff and Webber house stands), Jacob Fisher (N. L. Thompson's homestead) and James Kimball, Jr. (excluding the Hemmenway lot), afterward Joseph Porter's homestead and now owned by Hartley Lord. It was part of a tract of land purchased by Kimball in 1797 of Thomas Cousens and is a part of the original mill lot of three hundred acres granted by the town of Wells to Henry Say ward in 1769. In order to facilitate the improvement of their acres as house lots, Hardy and his associates opened the 355 356 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. lane now Park Street and another at the west end of their lot, now Elm Street, and the connecting lane between these two. These passageways, connected, were known for many years as "Love Lane." We do not know the origin of this sobriquet. At the corner of Elm and Dane Streets is the house of Mrs. Mehitabel Nason, built by Edward Gould a few years after the laying out of the street. He sold to William Lord, Jr., and Lord to Daniel Nason, Jr. Next is the dwelling-house built by Isaac Fur- bish about the same time as that above named and now held by his heirs. Then comes the house of Mrs. Edward Stone, which formerly stood on that part of the Wells road leading from Boothby's Beach to Kennebunkport. It was purchased by Edward Greenough and moved to the site it now occupies; after his death it was occupied for a time by Charles Williams and then sold to William Hackett, and by his heirs sold to Capt. Edward Stone. On Park Street, front- ing Dane, is the high school building; beyond, on the southeast- erly side of the extension of Park, are several remarkably neat and prettily situated dwelling-houses, which have been erected within recent years. On the new street. Grove, leading from Main to Park, laid out in 1881, is the schoolhouse built for the accommodation of the Central Intermediate and Central Primary Schools. The north- ern side of this street is well covered with buildings, neat and com- modious. Four acres of " Barnard's pasture " was purchased by Benjamin Smith, many years ago, and the lot was long known as "Smith's field." The extension of Park Street and its vicinity occupies this ground, which has been given the title of " Centennial Hill," in commemoration of the pavilion erected there, within which were the dinner tables, July 4, 1876. Returning to Main Street, through Dane, we pass, on the west- ern side of the last-named, the house built by Charles W. Kimball, which later became the residence of Capt. William B. Nason; then the house formerly owned and occupied by Alexander Warren, and which after his death became the property of his daughter, Mary Warren. Oliver Bartlett purchased the lot on which this house stands about 1825 and put up a barn and the house frame, all of which he sold to Samuel Mendum in 1S28; Mendum afterward sold to Warren, who finished the house and dwelt there the remainder of his lifetime. The third dwelling has been built within recent years, by George A. Gillpatrick, who occupies it. Arriving at the head of Dane Street and turning to the right on Main we soon come to the Unitarian Church, which stands on the HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 357 eastern corner of Main and Portland Streets, and opposite, on the western corner of Summer and Portland Streets, is the Town Hall. On the site of this hall, for one-third part of a century, stood the blacksmith's shop of James Kimball. About 1800 Mr. Kimball moved his shop to the lot now occupied by the dwelling-house of Mrs. William Williams, for the purpose of providing an eligible site for a public hall, which was erected there, jointly, by Parker Web- ster and James Kimball, about 1805. There were two stores on the lower floor, and on the second floor was a well-arranged public hall, with anterooms, etc. The length of the building was sixty-three feet. Here, from time to time, orations and lectures were delivered, religious and political meetings held, schools kept, shows in great variety exhibited, to all of which must be added dancing schools and assemblies. When first built it was called "Webster's Hall," after- ward "Assembly Hall," but about 18 12 and thenceforward it was known as "Washington Hall." The stores had many different occu- pants; in that at the western end were, at different times, William Hackett, Nathaniel Littlefield, Enos Hoag, Hoag & Moody (Joseph G.) and Barnabas Palmer, who kept the post office there a short time, each of whom had a fair stock of goods and did a remunerative business; in that at the eastern end were Timothy Frost, Thomas Bramley, Samuel L. Osborn, Charles W. Williams and Charles Her- rick. The western half part of the building was sold by Webster to John Skeele, October 18, 1823, and Skeele sold to Phineas Stevens November thirteenth of the same year. Stevens shortly afterward put up an addition to the building, the lower floor of which he improved as a jeweler's shop, and the upper floor was occupied by Edward E. Bourne as a law office and for a few years as the select- men's ofiice. The building was destroyed by fire on November 26, 1866; many valuable papers, records and law books belonging to the town were also consumed. The town voted, April 27, 1S67, to erect a Town Hall, the lower floor to be used for town meetings, selectmen's ofiice, etc, and the upper floor for a citizens' hall, — lectures, exhibitions and all the uses to which such rooms are usually devoted, — on the site of the structure which had been swept away by the flames. The sum of five thousand dollars was raised by loan for this purpose and a building committee appointed. In February following an addi- tional sum of three thousand eight hundred dollars was raised. The building was erected in 1867-8. It was built of brick, with a slate roof. Its cost was fourteen thousand two hundred dollars, includ- 358 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. ing the lot. Of this sum the town paid eight thousand eight hun- dred dollars and individuals subscribed five thousand four hundred dollars. The expenses attendant upon the furnishing of the upper hall, amounting to about sixteen hundred and fifty dollars, were also defrayed by individual subscriptions. The building was dedicated with the usual ceremonies in the fall of 1868. To the upper hall was given the title of " Mousam Hall." The participants of these exercises, as speakers, were Joseph Titcomb, James M. Stone, Edward E. Bourne, Jr., and Daniel Remich. The building owned and occupied by Charles C. Stevens, jew- eler, stands on a part of the Washington Hall lot. The next building on Portland Street is the property of Mrs, Pauline, widow of the late John Osborn, and is now occupied by her daughter, Mrs. Nancy Cousens. It was built by Dr. Ebenezer Rice prior to 1770. It stands on the southern corner of a parcel of land, containing sixty and one-fourth acres, purchased by Dr. Rice the twenty-second day of October, 1765, of Job Lyman, a physician, of York.^ He probably built the house the following year. The front room, south, was fitted for an apothecary's shop. Dr. Rice married Martha, daughter of Nathaniel Wells, April 11, 1765. It is said he at one time occupied the house of Jonathan Banks, now a part of the dwelling-house of Robert W, Lord. Besides the lot of sixty acres, before mentioned, he bought of William Sayer, of Wells, in 177 1, one share in the common and undivided lands in Wells, and in 1772 was largely interested in the iron works and grist-mill on the lower falls of the Mousam (now improved by the leather board proprietors). He was also greatly interested in parish affairs. It is a fair inference that he took greater interest in land and specula- tions, and in other matters foreign to his profession, than he did in perfecting himself, by careful study, to become useful and maintain a well-earned good standing as a medical practitioner. He had four children: Ebenezer, born in 1765; Dorothy, 1767; Betty, 1770; and Lydia, 1773, in which year his wife died. He left here not long afterward and settled in an interior town in Massachusetts. He visited this village several times, from 1775 ^^ ^I9^i to make sales of real estate. December 1 1, 1782, he sold a lot of land, from his pur- chase of Lyman, of about two acres to Tobias Lord and another of about the same quantity to Jacob Curtis ; he had previously sold a large lot to Abraham Currier and other lots to different persons. * Job Lyman was a brother to Rev. Isaac Lyman, of York. He was undoubt- edly nearly related to Theodore, of this town. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 859 His Lyman lot of sixty acres was bounded by land of James Hubbard, Joseph Storer, Nathaniel Kimball, Jedediah Wakefield, Edmund Currier, the highway and land of John Wakefield. About 1790 Rice sold to James Kimball his house and adjoining land and also a parcel of land adjoining and north of his homestead. In 1793 Kimball sold to Benjamin Deighton the last-named parcel of land for a house lot, where the old Deighton house and barn stood, and now occupied by the Methodist meeting-house. In 1797 Kim- ball sold to Benjamin Deighton and Jonathan Young the homestead formerly occupied by Rice, and in 1800 Young sold his half interest to Deighton, who had probably occupied a part or the whole of this house since his marriage to Mabel Boothby in 1790. He moved into his new house in 1800. Rev. Mr. Fletcher succeeded him, as occupant of the Rice house, in January, 1801, and resided there a year or two. Samuel L. Osborn purchased the property, where he resided many years, improving the former apothecary's shop as a country store. Thomas Folsom had previously occupied this shop as a watchmaker's and jeweler's establishment; he was succeeded by Phineas Stevens, in the same business, who remained there until 1824. The old Portland road, from Main Street to and by the Currier- Nason place and by Barnard's and Jacob Wakefield's, appears to have been very near the dividing line between the northern part of the Sayward mills grant and the early grant to the Storers and the " Kennebunk grants," made to the builders of the mills on the Ken- nebunk River in 1681. Patient research would undoubtedly develop many interesting facts bearing on the inquiry, but we doubt if it would be possible to trace out and describe the almost numberless divisions and sub-divisions of the Kennebunk mill lots, or to furnish a full list of the different persons to whom these lands had been conveyed between the years 1681 and 1781. Some of these convey- ances were recorded on the town books, some on the proprietors' books, others on the county records, and many, without having been recorded or acknowledged even, were thrown into boxes, drawers or desks, to be brought to light in after years by the heirs of the grant- ees, who valued them only as reliable testimony in regard to the boundaries of their lands, to which they had already gained an ample title by possession. Nicholas Cole's grant, next below that of Edmund Littlefield, was conveyed by Ichabod Cousens and his wife, Ruth (Cole) Cousens, to Storer, May 10, 1745, "containing one hundred acres of upland, made to our grandfather, Nicholas Cole, May 7, 1681, by 360 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. the town of Wells." Nathan Littlefield, to whom was granted one hundred acres of upland next below Cole's, conveyed his tract to William Taylor, June 9, 1684; whether this grant had been held intact in the Taylor family a hundred years and then came into pos- session of William, the son of John, or whether portions of it had been sold in the interim, we are unable to say. We think, however, that the half part of it nearest the river had been sold prior to 1784 We are quite sure that the William of 1784 became owner of the half part bounded by the highway, and have no documentary evi dence to prove that the entire grant did not come into his possession This purchase gave him a front on the highway extending from Kim- ball's eastern line (now Mrs. Williams's) to James Wakefield's west em line (now W. L. Thompson's) ; how far it ran back is uncertain It is said that the southwestern boundary of these grants was the highway from the village to Kennebunkport. We think such was the fact. Land surveyors, in those days, made excellent measure, with the concurrence of the grantors. Amono- the oldest dwelling-houses in the village is that erected by James Kimball, in 1763, on the left-hand side of the road leading to the Port, now Summer Street. It has since been the home of the grandson of the builder, Capt. John Clement Lord. A few rods east of this was the blacksmith's shop of Mr. Kimball. He was compelled to relinquish business in consequence of loss of eyesight, and the shop lot was sold to Samuel B. Low, who erected a dwelling-house thereon, which he occupied a short time; he sold to Enoch Hardy, who dwelt there until his decease, in 1849. William Hackett then became its owner and occupant; he sold to Capt. William Williams, who made very extensive alterations and improvements upon it. It is now the homestead of his widow. On the adjoining lot was a small building erected by Jonas Clark for a country store, and improved by him and Capt. Thomas A. Coney for awhile. In 1800 Mr. Clark was appointed collector of the customs, when this building was removed to the top of the hill, about midway between the house erected by Banks and the highway, and was improved until 18 10 as the custom house, afterward as the office of the judge of probate. This building was later moved down town. Jonathan Banks built the house before referred to as early as 1760, where he resided from 1763 until 1775 and perhaps to a later date. Very little is known concerning him. We do know, by his selection of the site for his domicile, that he was a man of good taste. It is supopsed he came here from York, and that he was a HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 361 mill man and ship carpenter. He married Lois Berdeen (of York?) in 1764, a sister having been his housekeeper up to this date; he was again married, in 1773, to Deborah Kimball. His sister, Mary, married Caleb Kimball in 177 1. Banks enlisted as a private in Captain Sawyer's company, for eight months' service, in 1775, and was stationed at Cambridge. We find no mention of him after this date. Whether he continued in the service or returned to his home, whether he had a child or children, when or to whom he sold his house, are inquiries that cannot now be answered. Taylor sold to Judge Clark the lot extending from Kimball's line to the western boundary of that reserved for himself, now Mrs. Sarah Perkins's, including the Banks house. Clark sold the store lot to Joseph Dane about 1807, who built a dwelling-house and barn thereon, which were destroyed by fire a few years later. This lot he sold to James Kimball, Jr., in 1815, who disposed of it, at auction, in 1818. Jonas Clark was the purchaser. Clark had erected the main building to his house as early as 1801, making the Banks building, which he had occupied since his marriage, an L. The property was purchased about 1825 by William Lord, who dwelt there the remainder of his life. The present owner and occupant is Robert W. Lord, son of William. The next house was built by William Taylor about 1790. For convenient arrangement of the interior and thorough workmanship throughout, it was considered the best house in town. He had pre- viously built on his lot a store, a blacksmith's shop and a barn, and had moved the Lyman store on to the lot and fitted it up for a dwell- ing-house, in which he lived from the time of his marriage until his large house had been completed (see preceding chapter). From this he removed some ten years later to his new house (now Mrs. Richards's) on Green Street, and not long afterward he took up his abode in Waterborough. He died at the house of his father-in-law in this town. Probably Kennebunk never produced a more indus- trious, active and, for a time, successful business man than William Taylor; he was a generous, large-hearted and patriotic citizen, but he formed and, against the promptings of his better judgment, cher- ished a habit which proved his ruin, financially and physically. For a long time he stood in the front rank of the citizens of the town for respectability and wealth ; he might, at the day of his death, have held that enviable position. Much the larger part of the Taylor homestead, with its many acres, together with several adjoining parcels of land, were pur- 362 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. chased in 1882 by Hartley Lord, son of William, who had been a successful merchant in Boston for a number of years and who decided to make his future home in his native village, without, how- ever, entirely relinquishing his mercantile pursuits in the city. On the site of the Lyman-Hillard building and other structures which aforetime were in close proximity to it, Mr. Lord has erected a fine residence, with all the modern improvements, and in the rear of this a neat farmhouse, with large barns, furnished with all the modern conveniences and appliances ; in these barns may be seen splendid specimens of improved breeds of the most useful of our domestic animals, notably of the bovine genus. Of the old buildings no ves- tige remains ; some of them have been removed to other locations, some have been torn down. Crossing the pathway leading to the farm buildings and to the extensive tillage lands adjoining, we come to the old-time burying- ground of one or more of the Wakefield families, no marks of which are now visible ; there were only a few interments therein. Here commences the front line of James Wakefield's grant of one hundred acres, bounded on the northeast by Kennebunk River and next below Nathan Littlefield's mill grant. A part of James's grant came into possession of Jedediah Wakefield, who sold forty-five acres of it to Capt. Joseph Hatch in 1800, It is said that Jacob had built a one-story house directly in front of the lot on which Captain Hatch erected his dwelling-house and where he resided. If this was the Jacob Wakefield who lived on the Portland road as early as 1745, as it probably was, although he must have been an aged man in 1800, we think that he must have removed his domicile from that road to its then present location, as we find no mention of its standing on its original position later than 1780. There were many Wakefield families in Kennebunk from 1725 to 1820. We do not learn that a genealogical record of these exists, and it is impossible now to state which of those with this surname, so frequently found on the county records, were fathers or sons, or nephews or cousins. The daughters appear to have been numerous and to have been selected as partners for life by young men belong- ing to Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Lyman. Wakefield is get- ting to be a rare name in the town ; many emigrated to other towns. There were, however, during the last half part of the eighteenth century many residents with this cognomen who were prominent as buyers and sellers of real estate and who were men of respectability. James had a grant of one hundred acres near Littlefield's mill, as HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 363 before stated, a large number of acres at the Landing, where he resided, one hundred acres on the eastern and three-eighths of an acre on the western side of Mousam River, being part of the grant of three hundred and one acres made by the town of Wells to Henry Sayward in 1669, one-half part of which was purchased of Henry Gibbs, of Boston, and John Cotton, of New Town, in 1724, by Joseph Hill and John Storer, of Wells. James Wakefield purchased his lot of Ebenezer and Benjamin Hill, of Biddeford, to whom it was given by their uncle, Joseph Hill. James, "in partition with Beard and Coolbroth [November 27, 1739], . . . owned in common a cer- tain tract of land, . . . being a part set off to Rebecca Wake- field and Patience Annable." The entire tract contained six hundred acres, one-half part of which was set off to the aforesaid James, John and Nathaniel, each of whom was entitled to one hundred acres. Where this land was situated, we are unable to state, "York County"' being the only description given. We infer that it was in Saco or Biddeford. James sold to Jedediah fifty acres and one-eighth part of an acre, from his purchase of the Hills, "together with one-eighth part of the privilege where the first saw-mill standeth, next to Mousam Bridge." Ebenezer and Benjamin Hill sold fifty acres, being the remain- der of the lot willed to them by their uncle, to Nicholas Wakefield. Hezekiah Wakefield sold to Samuel Wakefield, November 25, 1783, "one-sixteenth part of a certain saw-mill, being one-eighth part of the shore side of said mill, which stands on the eastern side of Mousam River, adjoining the country road and near the dwelling- house of Samuel Prentice." From the homestead of Captain Hatch his heirs have sold two lots, west of their dwelling, on one of which John A. Lord has built a dwelling-house and on the other William L. Thompson has improved in a like manner, and below their own homestead a lot to Moses C. Maling and one to George L. Little, on both of which dwellings have been erected. Next beyond and adjoining the Wakefield grant, and no doubt a part of it at one time, Benjamin Littlefield, " Uncle Ben," purchased a house lot (of one of the Wakefields, probably) and put up a dwelling-house, prior to 1800, where he resided a few years. The property came into possession of Ralph Curtis and was in after years occupied by many different tenants, of various trades and professions. It was moved long since to the site of Curtis's Scotchman's Brook tannery and fitted up for 364 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. a tenement. Fifty or more acres adjoining the Wakefield grant, just below the railroad bridge, became the property of James Hub- bard about 1750, who shortly afterward erected thereon a large two- story house, which he occupied until 1776, when he died, at Cam- bridge, Mass. His son Diamond succeeded him, and after he had passed along his widow dwelt there, with her children, many years. It came into possession of Capt. James Hubbard, who married Mary, daughter of Diamond. It has since been sold to John T. Ward, by whom the dwelling has been greatly enlarged and the whole prop- erty much improved. Joseph Moody built a fine residence, for the time, on the next lot, in which he dwelt for a number of years until his death. His heirs sold the property to James Titcomb, who removed from the Landing and occupied it thereafter until his decease. It then became the property of his only daughter, Mrs. James M. Stone. The eastern boundary of this estate is also a part of the eastern boundary of School District No. 5 (village). Crossing the road here, a few steps village-ward brings us to the dwelling-house and carpenter's shop, both neat buildings, built not many years ago by the late Capt. Isaac Downing, who moved here from Kennebunk- port. This is now the property of Webster Littlefield. Adjacent to this lot is Colonel Stone's garden, the site of Joseph Moody's store, which was built opposite to and about the same time as his dwelling- house. It was moved by his son, Joseph G., to its present location, between the dwelling of John Cousens and the shop owned by G. E. and W. L. Littlefield; it is now owned and utilized by Cousens as a tenement house. Next to this is the homestead of George Wise. One Churchill built a store on this lot about 1773 and traded there awhile; he enlisted in the United States service in 1776. We do not know what became of the store ; possibly it was converted into a dwelling-house, a few years later, by Daniel Wise, who became owner of the land on which it stood. Clark & Condy, from Port- land, we are told, had a store in Wise's house. In this case, Wise had probably built the main house and occupied it, and leased the L to Clark & Condy. They did not remain there long, but removed to the new store built by them farther up town. Wise died in 1843, leaving several children, of whom, at this writing, only one, George, survives; about 1865 he sold the main house, which was removed to the Eastern Depot, West Kennebunk, and the L, which was removed to the west side of the Mousam. On the site of these he has erected an imposing residence, where he resides. A few rods HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 365 distant from the house was a store, probably built about the same time as the former, in which Wise traded awhile. This was sold in after years to a Mr. Young, by whom it was moved several rods westward and converted into a dwelling. It afterward became the property of William Downs, grandson of Mrs. Hilton, by whom it was bequeathed to him. Passing by the entrance to the sea road we come to Joseph Sargent's residence. The lot on which it stands was purchased of Diamond Hubbard, by Abial Kelley, in 1793. The house was built the following year and a large shop a year later on the corner next to the Hilton-Downs land. Kelley was the first hatter in town (if we except Howard, who probably did not carry on the business here). Alexander Warren entered into copartnership with Kelley about 1S15. They relinquished business about 1830. Warren moved the shop to the lot opposite Phineas Stevens's house, on Green Street, where it stood until 1840, when he tore it down. The house was occupied by Kelley many years. It was afterward sold to Dr. Swett and was his residence until his death, after which the property Vv-as sold to Joseph Sargent. Kelley had one son and four daughters. Abial, the son, was a trader; he married Abigail Knight, of Portland, in 1829 ; Lucy, the eldest daughter, married Alexander Warren, January 13, 1823 ; Mary, next in age, married Samuel Mendum at the same date ; Charlotte, the youngest, married Levi P. Hillard, November 11, 1825. Betsey was never married. Passing the entrance to the road leading to the Boston and Maine Depot, on which is the dwelling and store of Thomas L. Gillpatrick, the office of the American Express Company, the dwell- ing of Thomas Knight and the stable and dwelling of William Simp- son, we are reminded that the latter occupies the site of a building "with a history," which stood there sixty years ago. Samuel Han- cock came here as a schoolmaster in 1772. He kept school a short time at the Landing and afterward succeeded Emerson as a trader, oftentimes supplying Mr. Little's pulpit. He married Tabitha Champney, of Cambridge, in 1774; he died in 1776. His widow married John Hubbard, a connection to Diamond Hubbard, prior to 1778. The county records inform us that John Hubbard and his wife, Tabitha, administratrix of the estate of Samuel Hancock, deeded to Theodore Lyman, December 8, 1778, for ^95, land in Wells containing three and three-fourths acres, which was purchased by Hancock of Rev. Daniel Little, "bounded northeasterly by Ken- 366 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. nebunk Landing, southeasterly by land of said Lyman, northwesterly by land of Little, together with frame and rock thereon." Lyman sold a small lot of the land to John Hubbard, who moved on to it a schoolhouse which had stood several years on a lot that was subse- quently covered by Furbish's blacksmith's shop, on the Portland road, and a few feet distant from the eastern boundary of the ceme- tery. This building had been moved from its first location, in front of (now) Joseph Sargent's house, to the lot east of the cemetery several years previously. After standing there awhile, being no longer needed as a schoolroom, it was sold to Hubbard, by whom it was moved on to the lot afterward improved by William Simpson, and converted into a dwelling-house, the "rock" being utilized for underpinning and the "frame" for repairing and the building of a shed adjoining. Hubbard died a few years later; his widow resided there until her death, in 1816, at the age of seventy-seven years. Mrs. Hubbard spent the years of her first widowhood, as well as a part of those of her second, as a teacher. She was somewhat eccen- tric, but an excellent woman. After her death the house was occu- pied a year or two by Samuel Hubbard. It was then sold to Mrs. Mary Nichols, who moved it across the street on to a lot adjoining that on which the Benjamin Littlefield house stood. It did not re- main here long; it was sold to Asa Taylor, moved to Brown Street, occupied by him until his death and by his widow afterward. It became the property of Mr. Frank Fairfield, by whom it was greatly improved. His son, Eugene A., occupied it a year or two, when it was destroyed by fire. Adjoining the lot formerly occupied by the above-named dwell- ing was a small burying-ground, in which in years long passed many interments were made. For a long period of time this burial place presented a neglected appearance with its dilapidated fence and the graves covered with bushes and wild grasses. It was a sad spec- tacle to be presented on one of the main thoroughfares through the village, but gradually the remains of the decedents have been removed to other cemeteries and the lot has become vacant. Adjoining the burying-ground is the site of a house built about 1790 by Abraham VVithain. It came into the possession of John U. Parsons and by him was sold to Stephen Furbish, in part payment for the old-time Parsons house, on the corner of Main Street and Bourne's Avenue. Furbish lived here the remainder of his lifetime. It was sold afterward and moved to the Port District. Next to this was the Wakefield house, moved from the street in front of Captain HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 367 Hatch's, the blacksmith's shop — formerly Taylor's — which was pur- chased by John Chadbourne and moved to this location, and near by was a two-story dwelling-house erected by him. Chadbourne moved to Waterborough and the property was sold to Capt. Joseph Hatch ; the shop was shortly afterward taken down. The Wakefield house stood on its new location for a long time and had very many different tenants. It was taken down a few years ago by Daniel L. Hatch, who used a part of the materials in the building of a work- shop in the rear of his house. By the purchase of the Chadbourne property Captain Hatch came into possession of the before-named house and shop and a large lot of land, extending, we think, from the burying-ground to Capt. Jeremiah Paul's eastern line. By his will he devised the buildings and a part of the adjacent land to his son, Daniel L., and the remainder of the land to other heirs. Daniel L. built a large addition to the house, converting it into a desirable two-tenement residence. The field west of the Chadbourne house— a part of the Mousam Mills grant in 1669 — has been sold since i860 and divided into four house lots; on these residences have been erected by the late Horatio Moody, William L. Thompson (now owned by Capt. William B. Nason, Jr.), Joseph Titcomb (now owned by Emory Andrews) and Edward W. Morton, M. D., respectively. Capt. George Lord purchased the Jeremiah Paul place in 1833, moved the buildings and erected a dwelling-house the following year. The lot was divided and his brother, Capt. Ivory Lord, erected a dwelling-house on the eastern half part a year later. The former was sold, after the decease of Capt. George Lord, to Joseph Dane, and is now in the possession of Mrs. F. P. Hall ; the latter is still in possession of the heir of Capt. Ivory Lord, Mrs. George F. Robinson. The next lot was purchased by William Trickey (of one of the Wakefields, probably) as early as 1790; he put up a barn and on the eastern corner a tailor shop. Not being able to hold the property he sold it, May 30, 1795, to Jeremiah Paul, who bought it for his brother, Daniel Paul, who built a dwelling-house thereon, which he occupied a few years, then sold to Robert Patten, and himself moved to Sher- burne, Mass. Patten's assignees, in 18 17, sold the estate to James K. Remich, who resided there until his death, in 1863. He made additions, aggregating about twenty-five acres of land, to his home- stead and added to and improved the buildings. The estate came into the possession of Daniel Remich, who rebuilt the house in 1865, 368 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. improved the outbuildings and the surrounding grounds; he also reduced the acreage of the estate by selling the larger part thereof. Jacob Fisher was one of the earliest settlers on "the hill." He bought his lot, in 1785, of James Kimball, who then owned all the front land, which ran back a number of rods, on the west side of the street from the "oak post," at the eastern corner of Dr. Fisher's land, to the eastern corner of Benjamin Brown's homestead. At the time Dr. Fisher built his house, the front of which faced the west, he had an unobstructed view from his front door of the entrance to the meeting-house and, of course, of all who passed in or out. Dr. Fisher died October 27, 1840. This homestead was sold the fol- lowing year and was purchased by Nathaniel L. Thompson. The dwelling-house which stood thereon was sold to Hercules H. Chad- bourne, by whom it was removed to a lot opposite Elm Street, where it now stands and is owned by Mrs. Susan H. Shannon. One-half of the homestead lot was sold by Nathaniel to his brother Charles. Nathaniel erected a dwelling-house on the western part in 1842, which is still in the possession and occupancy of his heirs; Charles erected a dwelling-house a year or two later, which is now owned and occupied by Sidney T. Fuller. On the lot adjoining Nathaniel's (west) Dr. Burleigh Smart erected a dwelUng-house of brick in 1825, which he occupied until his death. It was sold by his heirs to Capt. Franklin N. Thompson and is still held by his heirs. Crossing Park Street we come to the Captain Paul house, which was removed to its present location by Capt. George Lord in 1834 and by him fitted up for a double tenement. After having been occupied several years by several different tenants, it was purchased by Robert Smith, Jr., by whom it was thoroughly repaired as well as remodeled. A few rods below this is the dwelling-house built by Phineas Hemmen- way (son of Rev. Dr. Hemmenway, of Wells) in 1796-7. Mr. Hem- menway married Ann Fairfield, of Pepperelborough (Hollis), in July of the year in which his house was completed, and they resided here ten or twelve years. Not meeting with the encouragement he had anticipated (he was a house carpenter), he sold his estate to Joseph Porter about 181 o and removed to an eastern town. Mr. Porter occupied it until his death in 1847. It was afterward sold to Nathan Dane, Jr., who dwelt there a few years; he sold to Hartley Lord, by whose son, George Callender, it was occupied for several years. Mr. Lord has recently put this estate in fine condition. The next dwelling was erected by Elisha Chadbourne, about 18 10. It is still held and occupied by his heirs. Adjoining this lot HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 369 was a swampy piece of land, where the frogs held "high carnival " during the warm season and where alders, pussy willows and various bushes and plants indigenous to such places abounded. To the western corner of this lot Enoch Hardy, in 1810, removed the build, ing of which we have before spoken as Stickney & Hardy's tobacco manufactory, and in which the three printers who tried their fortunes in this town prior to 1809 located themselves during the brief period they respectively remained here. This building, from 1818 to 1822, was improved by Humphrey Chadbourne as a carpenter's shop. He was succeeded by Israel W. Bourne, who taught a private school there about two years. It was then known as the "Academy" and had the imposing addition of a belfry, wherein was a bell of some- what modest pretensions. Bourne moved to Dover, N. H. It was subsequently occupied by two young ladies, Misses Lord and Lewis, both of Portland, who kept an excellent private school there about a year. It was afterward fitted up for a tenement house, which was occupied at various times by a number of different families. Be- coming dilapidated and unseemly and withal very nearly allied to a nuisance, it was sold to some one belonging to Kennebunkport, removed to that village and used for a stable. Next to this was Porter's tin shop, built about 1808, occupied by him several years and afterward by his nephew, Levi P. Hilliard. In after years it came into possession of John G. Downing, who put on an addition by which it was just doubled in dimensions and converted the whole into the neat dwelling where he resided. Two or three rods west of this was Elisha Chadbourne's blacksmith's shop, built by him shortly after his shop in the rear of J. U. Parsons & Co.'s store had been destroyed by fire in 1824. Chadbourne occupied this new shop until his death, and was succeeded by his son Hercules, who worked there until his removal to the Port, where he was employed in ship work ; he was succeeded by John G. Downing, who erected a new shop on the site of the old. Crossing Elm Street, we find a long, two-story building, built by William Taylor and one Hill early in the century. In the eastern half part, about i8og, Isaac Daniels kept a country store and later admitted as a partner Loammi Hooper. The copartnership was dissolved a year or two afterward. Hooper continued the business until his death. James Titcomb and John Skeele, copartners, traded there awhile. Waterston &: Pray com- menced business in the western half part of the building, where they remained until their brick store was completed. Thomas Drew suc- ceeded them and continued there until he became a member of the 370 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. firm of J. U. Parsons & Co. He was succeeded by Dixey Stone, who traded there until an opportunity offered for going into business in Bridgton, Me., of which he availed himself, making Bridgton his home for life. Then came, in succession, Benjamin Stevens, hatter's shop; Chadbourne & Junkins, carpenters ; Joseph Kimball, bakery. The chambers over this store have always been improved as a dwell- ing-house. This part of the property is now held by Mrs. Hewes's heirs. The eastern half part was purchased by Charles W. Williams about 1840, who added a tenement, fronting on Elm Street. Mrs. Ebenezer Huff is owner of the original half part and Mrs. Johnson Webber owns the addition, both parts fitted for dwellings. The next building was put up by Timothy Frost, in 18 14; he kept a country store and auction room for many years. It is now utilized as a double tenement house and is the property of Cyrus Stevens. Pass- ing the engine house, we come to a building erected by James Kim- ball about 1803. His son Jotham occupied it as a country store awhile; he removed to Waterborough about 1808. He was suc- ceeded by Joshua Blood, a hatter. Among its many tenants, from time to time, were Titcomb & Skeele and William Bartlett, traders ; Charles W. and John T. Kimball, carriage builders; Loammi H. Kimball and Town & English, bakers ; and we think several others of different occupations. It is now improved as a storehouse. Next to this, on the corner of Green and Summer Streets, stands the three-story brick building erected by Kelley & Warren about 18 18. We have spoken of the numerous tenants of this building in preced- ing pages. CHAPTER VI. MANUFACTURING COMPANIES, 1823-1842 THE MOUSAM NAVIGATION COMPANY. The "Great Falls," so-called, on the Mousam River, about five miles above the village, were purchased near the first of January, 1823, by Thomas Leigh, of South Berwick, and Isaac C. Pray, of Boston, who at once presented a petition to the Maine Legislature asking to be incorporated by the name of the " Kennebunk Manu- facturing Company," which request was granted. This water power, together with some fifty acres, perhaps more, of wood and pasture land adjoining the Falls, was sold in 1825 to the purchasers of the mill privileges in the village. It has never been improved for man- ufacturing purposes other than mills for sawing lumber (mentioned in the preceding pages of this volume), the last of which was destroyed some one hundred and thirty years ago. The water power in the village, improved as mill sites for the old saw and grist-mills on the east side of the river, near the bridge, and Jefferds's fulUng mill on the west side, operated by water from the upper dam, and as sites for a carding mill on the east side, also a grist-mill and Pearson's tannery on the west side of the river, oper- ated by water from the lower dam, together with all the mills and other buildings standing thereon, were purchased in the spring of 1825 by a company composed of Hacker, Brown &: Co., of Phila- delphia, Bumstead, of Boston, Hacker, of Salem, and Jesse Varney and Isaac Wendell, of Dover, N. H. This company also purchased of Joseph Storer about sixty acres of woodland and twenty-five acres of grass and pasture lands, known respectively as " Storer's woods " and "Storer's pasture," adjoining the privileges on the east side of the river, and of Richard Gillpatrick his homestead, grass and pas- ture lands, in all fifty acres or more, adjoining the privileges on the west side of the river. Jesse Varney and others, representing this company, were incorporated by the Legislature of 1826 by the name of the " Kennebunk Manufacturing Company." Preparations were at once commenced for building a large cotton mill. 371 372 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. During the same session of tlie Legislature Daniel Sewall and others obtained a charter for a bank to be known as the "York County Bank," under which, however, no company was organized. The Kennebunk Manufacturing Company was either unwisely managed or there must have been disagreement among its members, the result of which was that attachments were laid upon all its real and personal property in Kennebunk in October, 1828, and the whole stock in trade belonging thereto, amounting at prime cost to more than ten thousand dollars, was sold at auction, November 10, 1828, and the real estate on the first day of December following. There was sold at the same time "a large quantity of machinery for a cotton factory" nearly completed, sufficient "to set in operation fifteen hundred spindles"; also an excellent frame for a store and a blacksmith's shop well furnished. Daniel Sewall, treasurer of the company, gave notice January 14, 1829, that the "proceeds of these sales has been greatly insuf- ficient to satisfy all the demands against the company and it has therefore become insolvent." The real estate belonging to the concern now came wholly in possession of Hacker, Brown & Co., of Philadelphia, and William E. Hacker, of Salem, Mass., by whom it was advertised at private sale, May 7, 183 1, viz.: "The whole of the water power of the Mousam River in Kennebunk, including the ' Great Falls,' so-called, about five miles above the village (excepting only half a grist-mill), eighty-eight acres of land on the eastern side and about eighty-two acres on the western side of said river; one small factory [the Mayall building] ready to receive machinery, two dwelling-houses, a number of barns, saw-mill, half of a grist-mill, two dams, nearly new. With a very small expense the water can be conveyed from the upper dam along a natural level, so as to give about thirty-four feet fall, in a suitable place for factories to be erected and within a few rods of tide water." • A satisfactory sale of the property could not be effected and in the spring of 1832 a company was formed, consisting of Jonathan Fiske, of Dover, N. H., William E. Hacker, of Salem, Mass., M. D. Lewis, Isaiah Hacker, Jeremiah, Moses and David S. Brown, of Philadelphia, Pa., under the firm name of J. Fiske & Co., for the purpose of improving this water power and the contiguous property. The counting-room at the west end of the bridge was erected, old buildings were improved and plans, specifications, etc., were made by or under the supervision of Mr. Fiske. In April, 1832, Mr. Fiske HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 6i6 advertised for five hundred bushels of charcoal and in May following for timber, boards and shingles. The company petitioned the Leg- islature of 1834 for an act of incorporation, which was granted under the title of the " Mousam Manufacturing Company." A meeting of the corporators and other subscribers to the stock was held at the counting-room May twenty-seventh of that same year, when the company was duly organized. Jonathan Fiske was chosen agent. Very little of the stock was taken in this vicinity. William Lord, by far the most enterprising citizen of the town at the time, always ready to aid in any work that gave promise of advancing its prosperity, subscribed liberally and Robert Smith, of Kennebunk- port, took a few shares. The treasurer in his first annual report of the financial condi- tion of the company, March, 1835, states that its capital stock is one hundred thousand dollars, divided into shares of one hundred dollars each, that seven hundred and forty-one shares have been sold and their amount, seventy-four thousand and one hundred dol- lars, paid into the treasury. By the annual report for 1836 it is stated that eight hundred and five shares had been sold and the sum of eighty thousand and five hundred dollars paid into the treas- ury. David S. Brown, of Philadelphia, treasurer of the " Mousam Manufacturing Company," gave notice January 25, 1842, that the capital stock of said company was eighty-five thousand and five hun- dred dollars, and that there had been assessed and paid in the amount of sixty-eight thousand one hundred and six dollars and nineteen cents. The Jefferds fulling mill, alluded to at the commencement of this chapter, was a one-story structure situated on the west side of the river just a little below the counting-room, on the site where later was erected the principal building of the Union Lace Company. Farther down was the grist-mill owned by Jefferds and Gillpatrick ; this was called the "new grist-mill." The same building was after- ward improved by Leach and Lymands as a machine shop. Next below was Edmund Pierson's tanning and currying establishment, which he built and to which he removed in 181 1 from the Joseph Curtis tannery on Scotchman's Brook. The last occupant of this building was J. H. Ferguson & Co., machinists, during whose occu- pancy it was burned to the ground. On the east side of the river, near the bridge, was the old grist-mill on the site of the present one (1890). Next below was the old Curtis house, which is still stand- ing. At the eastern end of the lower dam, on the site where was 374 HISTORY OF KENNEKUNK, once a saw-mill owned by Joseph Storer, was erected a small one- story building by Messrs. Gillpatrick and Jefferds in 1811, which they leased to Mayall & Radcliffe for a carding and cloth dressing establishment and for the manufacture of satinets, and which was first occupied by them in October of that year. It was enlarged in 1813 and when completed was fifty-six feet long by thirty-six feet wide and three stories high at the southern end. Radcliffe improved the basement as a dwelling-house. The factory business was increased the following year by installing two machines, one for spinning and the other for weaving woolen yarn. Good cloth was manufactured by them for clothing. This was the first cloth manu- factory in town. Both members of the firm were Englishmen and they were excellent workmen, industrious and enterprising, but their business in its results did not come up to their anticipations. May- all was drowned in 1816 and the following year Radcliffe closed out the business and returned to Shapleigh, from whence he came. The carding and cloth dressing business was continued by Jefferds & Hussey (Nathaniel Jefferds and Paul Hussey) until 1820, when they dissolved copartnership, Jefferds continuing his business on the west side of the river and Hussey retaining the factory. After the purchase of the water privilege by the Kennebunk Manufacturing Company, in 1825, Jefferds retired from the business and Hussey put up a cloth dressing mill on the west side of Cat Mousam Falls, which he completed in 1827. Jonathan Kimball succeeded Hussey in the factory and installed new carding machines therein, which were set in motion June 3, 1825. In June of the year following Mr. Kimball entered into partnership with William Jefferds, removing the carding machines from the old factory to the shop then recently vacated by Nathaniel Jefferds on the west side of the river, where he continued the business of carding and cloth dressing. We note that this business was' kept up for a number of years, as on May 28, 1836, the agent advertises for twelve good power loom weavers of fine goods, application to be made to Moses Fiske, superintendent. The old factory was converted into a machine shop by the Manufacturing Company during the summer of 1826 and was destroyed by fire in November, 1841. The shop contained several thousand dollars' worth of machinery, only a small portion of which was saved and which was but partially insured. The building was uninsured. The flames communicated to a small building near by, where a quantity of machinery and waste cotton were stored, which, however, sustained but trifling damage. The fire was supposed to HISTORY OF KENNERUNK. 375 have originated from a defective chimney. The plans of the com- pany were greatly deranged by this unfortunate occurrence. Daniel Daggett was agent of the company at the time. Just above the bridge was a saw-mill, which was taken down and near its site a two-story building was put up by Oliver Littlefield for the manufacture of cotton twine, batting, etc. It was operated by Littlefield, Jabez Smith, George Mendum and John A. Lord. The Hewitt mill site was later covered by the Davis shoe shop. The Mousam Navigation Company. The only objection to the village water power, as a location for an extensive manufacturing establishment, mentioned by the cor- porators of the Kennebunk Manufacturing Company (1826) was the cost of transportation to and from a market where their goods must be delivered and their purchases made, it being fully four miles dis- tant from the nearest point at which the former could be shipped hence by coasters, and of course the same distance from the wharves where the raw material, machinery, etc., brought to them must be landed, thus subjecting the company to no inconsiderable expense for cartage. It was estimated in 1826 that not less than one thou- sand dollars per annum were paid by the business men in the village for the transportation, by teams, of goods and merchandise to and from the Port. This intimation revived the old-time project of improving the Mousam so as to render it navigable for sea-going vessels of two hundred or three hundred tons burden. The petition of Daniel Sewall and others, for authority to build a dam across the Mousam River for the purpose of improving its navigation, was presented to the Legislature of Maine for 1826, by which the desired act of incorporation was granted. Later in the session a bill authorizing a lottery in aid of the improvement of Mousam River by a canal, dams, etc., passed to be engrossed in the Senate. Several other bills granting lotteries for bridges, mining companies and other unimportant objects, in different parts of the State, were before the Legislature at the same time, all of which were subsequently incorporated in one bill, and in this form passed to be engrossed by the Senate. The House voted to indefinitely postpone, and the Senate — only eleven members being present — concurred with the lower branch in thus disposing of the matter. The Gazette of the twenty-fifth of March and of the first of April contains editorials and communications which indicate that the sub- ject excited a good deal of interest, but we infer, from allusions 376 HISTORY OF KENiNKP.UNK. therein made, that the stockholders in the company organized in 1793 — many of whom were active business men in 1826 — who made a sad mistake in causing their new outlet to be excavated on the eastern side of Great Hill, opposed this new scheme of changing the course of the river so that it would empty its waters into the ocean through a canal to be made on the western side of this ancient landmark, the carrying of which into effect would require dams, etc., that would render all the labors of the old company entirely nuga- tory. The lack of sound judgment on the part of those who, more than thirty years previously, had selected the eastern instead of the western side of the hill for their outlet was often referred to — prob- ably too often — and in terms not altogether respectful, and they did not care that this arraignment of their action should be proved by their accusers to be well grounded. The influence of these stock- holders, and the fact that the manufacturing company had disap- pointed the expectations of the citizens by failing to push forward its work as energetically as it had been supposed they would, caused the failure of the new project. We find no evidence that a company was organized under the charter granted by the Legislature of 1826. A bill appropriating two hundred dollars for a survey to ascer- tain the practicability of improving the navigation and channel of Mousam River, in Kennebunk, Maine, and also appropriating one hundred dollars for an additional survey of Wells Harbor, to ascer- tain the expense and expediency of extending the piers already built, passed both houses of Congress toward the close of the session of 1830, and was sent to President Jackson for approval ; ii was retained by the President and consequently did not become a law. In December, 1833, a petition to Congress was prepared asking that "the unexpended balance of the appropriation for building the lighthouse at Cape Porpoise, amounting it is believed to about three thousand dollars, may be applied to the removal of obstructions at the mouth of Mousam River," whereby said river "has been for a number ot years unnavigable for vessels above twenty tons.'" This petition was generally signed by the business men in the village, but for some reason was not forwarded to Washington ; perhaps it was found that the balance of appropriation was considerably less than had been represented, or that by some departmental rule or other cause it was not available for the desired object. At an early hour one day near the close of the summer months, in 1845, three persons took a yawl boat from its mooring at the HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. o77 "Creek," sailed down the river and out to sea for the purpose of catching fish. The day had been fine and the catch satisfactory, when, about the middle of the afternoon, the clouds began to look threatening and it was resolved to make for the mouth of the river with all possible dispatch. On reaching the " Ledge," on the way up river, it was found that the tide had just begun to flow and that they must remain there until the rocks were covered sufficiently to allow the boat to pass over them, which would cause a detention of two or three hours. While waiting, a thunder storm came up, accom- panied with high wind; "thick darkness enveloped the earth" before they were enabled to get over the ledge. As they proceeded, now grounding on a bend and now cautiously plying their oars, the rain poured down in torrents and the wind blew a gale, while sharp lightning and heavy thunder added to the dismalness of their sur- roundings. Their situation was uncomfortable as well as dangerous. About midnight they neared the landing place, when the moon kindly peered through the clouds and assisted them in mooring the boat. The following day these men were describing their perilous adventure to a company of bystanders; a gentleman who was about to pass by this company was requested to stop a few moments and the story of their narrow escape was told to him, at the close of which it was earnestly asked : " Can we not have a new outlet to the sea and will you not interest yourself in the matter?" To the sug- gestion that perhaps blasting the ledge would be a better course to pursue, the answer was: "That would be a costly job; it is very doubtful if it could be accomplished, and, if so, it would require an expenditure of money so large that there is hardly a possibility that it could be raised." This conversation led to the movement having for its object the straightening of the Mousam and the opening of a new outlet through which its waters could reach the ocean. The subject was generally discussed by the citizens, and a few of them resolved to petition the Legislature for a charter and to take such other meas- ures, looking to the successful prosecution of the desired improve- ment, as might be found necessary. A petition was presented at the May session of the State Legis- lature of 1846, signed by Daniel Remich, William B. Sewall, William Lord, Jabez Smith, Barnabas Palmer, James and John Osborn, William Hackett, Joseph Titcomb and William F. Lord. The peti- tioners represent "that the Mousam River is not at present naviga- ble for vessels of suflrcient burden to be profitably employed in the 378 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. coasting or fishing business; that they believe that by opening a different channel to the sea and by straightening the river at various points it might be essentially improved and rendered navigable for vessels of considerable size, thereby adding to the prosperity of the town of Kennebunk, the adjoining towns and the interior country; that said river was formerly of sufficient depth to render the build- ing of vessels of two hundred tons and upwards practicable, a dis- tance of about three miles from its mouth. Your petitioners would therefore pray that they, with such others as may associate with them, their successors and assigns, may be formed into a body cor- porate by the name of the ' Mousam Navigation Company,' with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars, with all the powers, privileges and immunities usually granted to such bodies, and duly authorized and empowered to build a dam across the present river or canal (so-called) at any place between the mouth thereof and the head of tide water, and to turn the course of said river so that it may run into the sea at any place between the present mouth of the river and its mouth as it formerly run, and also to cut off any bends at any point on said river, or to straighten it in any part thereof, and to build any other dam or dams, or raise any embankments on said river, which may be deemed necessary to promote the objects of your petitioners ; to build wharves or any other necessary fixtures at such points as they may consider expedient; to hold real and personal property; to collect a reasonable toll on all boats or vessels of ten tons or upwards which may enter said river (after a new entrance shall have been opened) and to collect reasonable wharfage of all such vessels, etc., as may improve their wharves. They also pray that the exclusive right of steam navigation on said river, for the term of thirty years, may be granted to them." At the annual town meeting held in March, 1846, the following resolution was passed without a dissenting voice: — ^'■Resolved, That we, the inhabitants of Kennebunk, in town meeting assembled, do approve of the measure therein [the petition above named] proposed and of the whole language of the petition, and do cordially wish that the prayer of the petitioners may be granted by the Legislature." The town also voted that this resolution be recorded on the town records and that "certified copies thereof be forwarded by the selectmen, in their official capacity, to the representative of this district and to the senators from this county, to be by them laid before the Legislature in furtherance of the object of the petitioners." HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 379 Through the exertions of William C. Allen, of Alfred, a senator from this county, and Tobias Walker, our town representative, the petition received early attention in the Legislature ; a bill in accord- ance with its prayer was reported, which passed through the various stages required by the legislative rules without any unnecessary delay. The first meeting of the corporators was held July 30, 1846, when the charter was accepted, the necessary officers were chosen and a code of by-laws was adopted. Five directors were elected, who made choice of William Lord as president of the directors and the corporation. William B. Sewall was elected clerk of the direct- ors and of the corporation. Joseph Titcomb was chosen treasurer. The directors subsequently made choice of Daniel Remich as gen- eral agent. August third and fourth the clerk and general agent made an examination of the river, from the old town landing to its mouth, for the purpose of ascertaining the best point at which to commence a preliminary survey thereof. The survey, under the direction of L. K. Dorrance, was commenced on the thirty-first of August and was completed in three days. Mr. Dorrance found the levels on the river as follows : "Difference of level between low water mark at the sea and high water mark at the ' old stump,' 6fj,-o ^ t;et. Tide flows at the sea, iiyVV ^^et. Tide flows at the 'old stump,' 4^^^ feet." A few days later contracts were made with several persons for excavating a canal through the marsh (a sufficient strip of land for the purpose having been purchased by the company) from its com- mencement nearly opposite the thatch beds, a few rods below the town bridge on the Mousam, to the sea wall, which distance was divided into twenty-seven stations, each four rods in length, making a total of seventeen hundred and eighty-two feet, the excavation to be eighteen feet Vv'ide and six feet deep. Before letting out the con- tracts, the general agent caused ten pits to be dug on the strip of marsh above named, at proper distances from each other, for the purpose of ascertaining whether a ledge or other obstruction existed that would interfere with the work of excavation. Between the twenty-first of September and the twenty-first of October the new canal was completed as far as the sea-wall and a contract made for its extension through this to the sea. There was a difference of opinion respecting the best point for the location of the dam across the river, and it was thought prudent to employ a civil engineer to examine the premises and decide the question. He recommended that it should be built where it now 380 HISTORY OF KENNEBNNK. Stands, a third of a mile below the commencement of the new canal. This was the second great mistake. The directors and agent were surprised at this decision; they were of the opinion that any one of common discernment would readily perceive that it should be located either just below the commencement of the canal, running from the western bank to the thatch beds and from the thatch beds to the eastern bank, or, as many thought preferable, across the river fifty or seventy-five feet below these beds, in order to attain the object of turning the water into the new channel. They concluded, however, to forego their own impressions and adopt the plan of the engineer, hoping that another dam, near the thatch beds, — where it was evi- dent to them it must be located to be of any practical benefit, — would be erected in the near future. The idea had been entertained, founded it was believed on a sound basis, that six feet below the surface of the marsh sand would, generally, be reached, which would be loosened and carried off by the action of the tides, and thus at no remote period sufficiently deepen the channel. While digging through the marsh it was dis- covered that this theory was not entirely correct; that from six to eight feet below the surface, equal to fully three-fourths its entire length, the turf was in layers, six to twelve inches in thickness, full of rootlets and exceedingly tough ; on examination it appeared that water running over these strata made no more impression upon them than it would in running over stones. This tenacious turf extended in many places, especially on the site of the sea-wall and two or three rods beyond it, to the depth of eight feet, and at some points even deeper. It was proved, therefore, that the canal should be excavated two or three feet deeper than originally designed in order to overcome this obstacle. Under the circumstances, it was considered by the directors and agent advisable to postpone further work until the next spring, after causing a sufficient opening to be made in the dam for the passage of the water by its usual course to the sea. But there was feverish impatience manifested by many persons; the often-repeated and senseless expressions, " Oh, there can be no doubt that everything will come out right," "We know there will be no trouble," became wearisome. Neither the agent nor any one of the directors had the slightest personal interest in the matter ; through earnest solicitations they had engaged in the work as "a labor of love," with no other object than the public good, at the cost of time and labor which they could ill spare from the needs of their business pursuits ; they had carried it forward HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. :)81 with wonderful success; they were not disposed to exercise their authority and peremptorily declare that work must cease and the opening be delayed until spring, the outcome of which would have been "a war of words," and all cheerfully acquiesced in the propo- sition of the president: "If they think they know more about it than we do, let us yield and see how it will come out." They accordingly authorized the agent to give notice that the new canal would be opened November fifth. On that day a large number of men, many with teams, assembled on the beach at an early hour for the purpose of aiding, gratuitously, in excavating, plowing, and remov- ing rocks from the sea-wall and beach to the dam. At eleven o'clock the agent ordered the last barrier to the free passage of water through the canal to be cut away, and the waters of the Mousam, through the new canal, mingled with those of the Atlantic. Several boats passed through the canal the same afternoon. Several coasters, during the following winter, loaded with cord wood near the bank of the original course of the river and sailed thence for a western port. It has, in consequence of the adverse causes above named, made no progress toward river-hood. The water runs through it, but it is a mere pas- sage way for small boats, — a striking exemplification of the truth of the old adages, "Haste makes waste," "Too many cooks are sure to spoil the broth." A petition was presented to Congress in December, 1S46, which, after briefly stating facts in reference to the making of the new out- let, proceeds as follows: "But as said new outlet passes through a long distance of flats or beach, it becomes important that a monu- ment should be erected at its mouth for the gOidance and direction of vessels entering the harbor. Your petitioners believe that said harbor is to become of great importance to this vicinity, and also of great service to navigation on the coast, as it is anticipated that it will be a safe and convenient place for coasters to put in, in cases of stress of weather, the channel being so cut that those winds which usually attend our most severe storms are favorable for entrance into it. Your petitioners believe that one thousand dollars would erect a good and sufficient stone monument for the purpose afore- said." We cannot give any account of the action of Congress on this petition. We are quite sure that its prayer was not granted. CHAPTER VII. SHIPBUILDING 183O-1882 THE LOCK MARINE ITEMS THE SEA SERPENT. In the first half of this book we have given a history of ship- building in Kennebunk from its earliest settlement to the incor- poration of the town, as full and correct as the materials at our command would enable us to prepare. Shipbuilding was the lead- ing industry for considerably more than a century and we consider it important that its history should be continued, as briefly as possi- ble, but in a form that will show its years of prosperity and of depression, the gradual increase in the tonnage of vessels built from year to year and other interesting particulars. The Landing in 1820 was a busy locality, much activity being manifested in the w^ay of shipbuilding along the banks of the Ken- nebunk River, there being seven shipyards in all, viz. : Nathaniel Gillpatrick's, back of his dwelling-place (now Thomas Crocker's); David Little's, back of his homestead (afterward occupied by Elijah Betts); John Bourne's, back of his homestead (his successors being George W. Bourne and later Bourne & Kingsbury; Jacob Perkins's, a short distance belov/ the above-named (afterward occupied by James Titcomb and by Joseph and George Titcomb) ; George and Ivory Lord's, a few rods farther down river (occupied in later years by Robert Smith, Jr., and by Mark Poole); Isaac Kilham's, a few rods below (afterward improved by several different persons as a building yard for vessels of small burden) ; then came Hugh McCuI- loch's, situated next to the last-named. It was found that the freighting business to and from foreign ports, which had been gradually increasing in importance at our commercial centers since the close of the War of 1812-15, required for its successful prosecution a larger class of vessels than had hith- erto been employed in the merchant service. It was not, however, until about 1830 that our shipbuilders began to be influenced by this change, and in 1841 contractors and builders had become accustomed to larger totals in figuring the tonnage of ships. From 1820-30 there were built in Kennebunk thirteen ships, forty-two 382 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 383 brigs and five schooners, with a total tonnage of 12,252. From 1830-40, twelve ships, twelve barks, eleven brigs, one sloop and twelve schooners; total tonnage, 10,896. From 1840-50, twenty-six ships, twelve barks, eight brigs, six schooners; tonnage, 20,557. From 1850-60, forty-nine ships, seven barks, seven brigs, twenty- two schooners and thirteen boats; tonnage, 51,432. From 1860-70, twenty-six ships, fifteen barks, seven brigs, two steamers and seventy-three schooners; tonnage, 47,634. From 1870-80, twenty ships, four barks, four barkentines, four steamers, one sloop and fifty-nine schooners; tonnage, 42,021. As will be seen, the frac- tions of tonnage have been omitted. In the meantime the West India trade, which had been until within a few years the mainstay of the ship owners in this district, had greatly diminished, so that in 1840 it was confined to one firm — Capt. Eliphalet Perkins, Sr., and Sons — by whom three large brigs were employed. These v/ere usually loaded with lumber at this port, their outward destination being Ponce, Porto Rico, where the firm enjoyed unusual facilities for the sale of lumber and other exports, as well as for the purchasing of the products of the island. The cargoes taken on board at Ponce were generally landed at Phil- adelphia, New York or Boston, and the brigs returned to this port in ballast. Three trips per annum was the customary number. The principal cause of the falling off in this trade was that the quantity of lumber drawn into this market from the neighborhood and the interior had greatly diminished, while the inferiority of its quality was yearly becoming more and more apparent, all attributa- ble to the fact that the forests in this section had been comparatively stripped of the more valuable portions of their pine growth. The demand for vessels of larger tonnage led our shipbuilders to the serious consideration of obstacles in the Kennebunk River that had not in olden time been an object of solicitude. Even at the highest tides there was not a sufficient depth of water in the river to cover the upper and lower falls (except for a short space of time) "on the top of the tide," so as to render the passage of large hulls from the building yards to the wharves free from difficulty and danger even. In addition to this source of vexation, anxiety and expense, it was frequently found necessary to wait several days for a "high run of tides" after a hull was ready to be launched. The project of a lock, just below the lower falls and about three-fourths of a mile from the wharves, — which, we think, originated with Messrs. Joseph and George P. Titcomb, — was suggested and was 384 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. very favorably received by all interested in the shipbuilding industry on the river. A stock company was formed for the purpose of building and improving the proposed dam, and an act of incorpora- tion, under the title of the " Kennebunk River Company," was obtained from the Maine Legislature of 1847. Its erection was commenced at an early day thereafter, under the supervision of the late George P. Titcomb and a board of directors. The length of the structure, across the river, was between eighty and ninety feet, about seventy-five of which, on each side, was built of large blocks of split granite ; these walls were fourteen feet high, having a base of four feet, narrowing to a width of thirty inches at the top course. Between these walls and attached thereto was a gate, in two parts, constructed of white pine plank, bolted in the most thorough man- ner, massive and substantial. The method of operating was this : When a vessel had been launched and was ready to be taken through the gates (which opened in the up-river direction), they were closed at high water, thus insuring the continuance of its depth at that mark, which would be increased somewhat by the natural flow of fresh water from its source and auxiliaries, thus covering the falls, the hull was then towed down river and when the falls had been passed the gates were opened, and it glided through and on its course easily and securely. The lock was completed in 1849. The first vessel that passed through was the ship Ophelia, five hundred and ninety-seven tons, in the autumn of that year. The structure answered the purpose for which it was built satisfactorily in every particular, and a large num- ber of vessels glided through during the eighteen years it was in oper- ation. Many changes had taken place in the course of this term of years, through which the lock had become valueless. To meet the demands of contractors, the tonnage of ships built at the yards had been increasing from year to year, until it was found that the width of the river was less than was required for the launching of them conveniently and safely; building yards had been erected at the Port which were well situated and free from the inconvenience just named; the receipts of timber and plank from the interior had mate- rially decreased and it was found necessary to obtain a considerable portion of these materials from the South, thus subjecting the Land- ing builders to the trouble and expense of transferring cargoes from shipboard to rafts or gondolas, by means of which they were trans- ported up river. These and other considerations led to the aban- donment of the shipyards at the Landing and the erecting of others HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 385 at the Port. In the spring of 1867 the ship Arcturus passed through the lock and in the fall of the same year the bark Hawthorne was taken through ; these closed the list. Shipbuilding was no longer pursued at the Landing; perhaps a few small craft or boats might have been built there subsequently. The plats of ground which for a century were resonant with sounds of the saw, the axe, the mallet and the cheery voices of the shipbuilders are no longer marked by the "hum of industry." The aforetime building yards were fenced in and were, as now, improved for pasturage, tillage or mowing fields, an exemplification of the mutations in men and things constantly occurring and unavoidable, bearing hard on localities, but resulting in the general good. A portion of the granite blocks of which the lock was constructed were utilized in the underpinning of the Davis shoe shop. During the Civil War gunboats were built by order of the national government at different ports. The gunboat Aroostook was built at the yards of Capt. N. L. Thompson and sailed in Janu- ary, 1862, for Boston, there to receive her armament. Among some of the largest vessels that have been built since 1874 of more than fourteen hundred tons were the Ocean King, of two thousand five hundred and sixteen tons, Capt. N. L. Thompson builder, St. John Smith, Sierra Nevada, The Trojan, J. B. Brown, Defiant, The Rembrant, Grecian, Philena VVinslow, The Vigilant, Pharos, The Wachusett and Reuce. No large vessels have been built at our shipyards since 1882. Work in the few yards that have been in operation since that date has been confined to the building of small vessels and to occasional jobs of repairing dilapidated hulls. The principal building yard in prosperous times is now owned by the Kennebunk and Kennebunk- port Railroad Company, which with contiguous lots affords an excel- lent site for the depot and other buildings that are required at its eastern terminus. Marine Items of Interest Gathered Mostly From Files of THE Weekly Visiter and Gazette. A schooner called the " Waterborough," of about forty-three tons burden, was built in Waterborough, under the supervision of Aaron Bourne, of Wells, during the fall and winter of 1819 and '20, which was drawn on sleds to tide water, a distance of about eighteen miles. On her land passage the oxen were unyoked at nightfall on 386 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. "Zion's Hill/' and the vessel remained there until the following morning, while the men employed found accommodations at the "victualling cellar" and the oxen were furnished with food and shelter in the "long barn" belonging to that establishment. All were on duty in good season the next morning, when the craft was drawn to the Landing, where she was successfully launched just below Durrell's Bridge. The hull, rigging and all materials saved from the wreck of the brig Merchant, then lying on the beach, were sold at auction the tenth of April, 1820. Brig Atlas, of Kennebunk, Luther Walker master, Bourne and Low owners, while lying in the harbor of Mayaguez, Porto Rico, on the night of the fourth of December, 1820, was boarded by twenty- one negroes, armed with guns, swords, cutlasses and knives, who seized the two men on watch and secured the entrances to the cabin and forecastle. All efforts of the captain and those of the crew who were in the forecastle were fruitless. The negroes immediately cut the cables, loosened the sails and put to sea. After being detained nearly two hours below deck, the captain and crew were permitted to come up and were ordered to make sail immediately. The negroes stated that they were runaway slaves and were determined to go to Hispaniola and become the subjects of Boyer and thus become freemen. Captain Walker, who was powerless against the gang, proceeded to Jacquemel, where he arrived on the eighth. Here he found Captain Tripp, of Kennebunk, and the captain of a Boston vessel, who were of much service to him. The negroes were all landed, to the great relief of Captain Walker and no doubt highly gratified with the successful issue of their coup de main. Under date of January 31, 182 1, the Visiter says: "The harbor has been so frozen, quite to its entrance, for the past ten or twelve days, that no vessels could go in or out, but the ice is now beginning to leave the river. There has been but one arrival here from a foreign port since the twenty-eighth of December." July, 1822. Sloop Harriet, of Wells, fifty-one tons burden, went ashore on the beach a short distance eastward of Wells Har- bor ; the wreck was sold at auction "for the benefit of all concerned." The fishing schooner Orient, of Kennebunk, Huff master, eighteen tons burden, was captured on the twenty-seventh of July, 1822, by the British armed brig Argus, and sent into St. John, N. B. HISTORY OF KENNEHUNK. 387 The alleged cause of the capture was the taking of fish in the British waters. The real offense was the digging of about one peck of clams in a small harbor near Liverpool, N. B. Captain Huff and crew arrived home in September via Belfast, having taken passage at St. John on board the schooner Venus, of and for Belfast. Brig Rebecca Ann, Nathan T. Walker, of Kennebunk (aged thirty-one years), master, Thomas Stone, of Kennebunk (aged twen- ty-four years), first mate, loaded with fish, beef, etc., sprung a leak in March, 1823, when eight days from Boston, bound for Porto Rico, and was compelled to put back. She was wrecked near Fresh Water Cove, Gloucester, and immediately went to pieces; all on board perished excepting one seaman, who succeeded in reaching the shore in safety. Mr. Robert Parker, of Eastport, was on board as a passenger and Capt. John Whitten, of Kennebunk, as super- cargo. The bodies of all were recovered and interred at Gloucester. Piracies were alarmingly frequent in the Gulf of Mexico and the West Indian seas between the years 1820 and 1824. Not only were vessels plundered, but atrocious acts of cruelty were perpe- trated on the persons of officers and crews, as well as passengers, by these marine miscreants. No national flag was respected; all who fell within their grasp were robbed and, with rare exceptions, all on board were murdered or shamefully maltreated. These pirat- ical cruisers were manned chiefly by Spanish, Portuguese or Afri- cans, and the rendezvous of these devils in human shape was at a place called Fareaus, thirty or forty miles to the windward of Cape Antonio; this cape was an accursed spot, the vicinity of which it was dangerous for vessels to approach. The national government was severely censured for its tardiness in adopting measures for the destruction of these demoniacal monsters. During the last half of the year 1822, however, our naval force in the West Indies was increased and considerable activity was manifested in the work of capturing the freebooters. Twenty-two piratical vessels, besides barges and boats engaged in the same nefarious business, were taken by our war vessels. A squadron was fitted out at Norfolk, composed of the sloop of war Peacock and schooner Shark in addition to fifteen small vessels especially calculated for effective service in hunting and seizing the armed vessels and smaller craft employed in piratical operations. The pjritish government also sent a strong force into the infested seas to aid in the extirpation of the common enemy, which was efficient and successful. 388 HISTORY OF KENNERUNK. Among the saddest of the narratives of robbery and murder by these bloodthirsty wretches is that of the seizure of the brig Bellisarius, of Kennebunk, and the horrible murder of its captain, Clement Perkins. While the brig was lying at the port of Cam- peachy, in March, 1823, she was boarded by a piratical schooner of about forty tons burden, "manned with a crew of forty brutes in human shape," who stabbed Captain Perkins in several places and cut off his left arm. The captain then informed them where they would find the money that was on board, which amounted to two hundred doubloons. This did not satisfy the fiends, who were probably disappointed in not obtaining a larger sum of money, and believing that more was secreted in some other part of the brig they proceeded in their murderous work by cutting oft" the right arm and also one of his legs above the knee; "they then dipped a quantity of oakum in oil and after filling the mouth of poor Perkins with this combustible they placed him in the oakum and setting fire to it soon terminated his sufferings." The mate was stabbed through the thigh. The brig was robbed of every movable article and then given up to the mate and crew. They arrived at the Balize on the twenty-first of March. The late Capt. Thomas Lord, of this town, was one of the crew. Captain Perkins was the son of Capt. George Perkins, of this town, who moved here early in the century from Kennebunkport.^ He was thirty years of age at the time he was murdered. When about fourteen years old he was apprenticed to Benjamin Smith to learn the baker's trade ; two or three years later he entertained a strong desire to become a seaman. As Mr. Smith was part owner of two or three vessels, he consented that young Perkins should abandon the shop for the forecastle, and he at once shipped as cook. Well-behaved, industrious and trustworthy, he gradually rose from this position to that of captain, in which capacity he per- formed all his duties very acceptably. On his last voyage he had sold his cargo of lumber at Campeachy for cash, and was about to sail for another of the West India islands when his earthly career was arrested in the horrible manner as related. The editor of the Gazette speaks of him " as a man universally esteemed by his townsmen and other acquaintances for his industry, sobriety and integrity." We believe no other of the many vessels belonging to this port then actively engaged in the West India trade fell into the hands of 'See biographicHl sketch. HisroRY OF kb;nnebunk, 889 the pirates. A brig belonging to a neighboring port was taken and vessel and cargo retained by the freebooters, who sent the officers and crew (one of whom was David Warren, of Saco, a cousin to the late Alexander Warren, of Kennebunk,) to an uninhabited and sterile island or sand bar, and left with them a few provisions, suffi- cient only to sustain their lives for a day or two; no water could be obtained, no vegetation could be seen. These men, with the excep- tion of Warren, who had died of thirst, were rescued through the efforts of a person who was a prisoner on board the pirate at the time the eastern brig was taken and her crew left on the sand bar, who managed to escape a day or two afterward and to reach an island where pirates were not the controlling power. On his repre- sentation of the facts to the authorities, a boat was sent to their relief and the nearly famished ones were saved. Brig Bellisarius, of Kennebunk, Peabody, arrived at the Bar August lo, 1825, having met with a severe gale on the thirty-first of July, during which she lost mainmast, sails, rigging and spars. She sailed from this port on the twentj^-fifth of July for the West Indies, with a cargo of lumber, but was compelled to put back for repairs. The wreck of schooner Lark, of and from Wells, Forster mas- ter, bound for Martinique, was fallen in with September 15, 1825, by an American brig from St. Domingo and bound to Cowes. The schooner had been upset, both masts gone, water logged and the captain drowned. Five persons were taken from the bowsprit, viz.: John Welch, John Harve3% Samuel Pope, Charles O. Pope and Willsbury Dowdie. George Wheelwright was for many years employed in the custom house while it was located in Kennebunk and after its removal to Kennebunkport as deputy collector, and for four years, 1825 to 1829, as collector of the Port and District of Kennebunk. He was an excellent officer and a very worthy citizen, but he was not a believer in the necessity or propriety of the multiplicity of "custom house oaths" required by law. He at one time related to the author the following anecdote in support of his view of the subject. The thirty-first day of December, 18 — , "fishing bounty day," was cold and stormy, Mr. Wheelwright was at the custom house considerably before the usual hour, in order that early applicants for bounty money should not be kept waiting. His first visitor was the owner of a large fishing boat which he well knew 390 HISTORY OF KENNERUNK. had laid at the wharf during the larger part of the then past fishing season, only now and then being employed for a day or perhaps a week in fishing. After discussing the weather, etc., his visitor, who was a member of a church in "good standing" and who was really a very estimable man, announced his readiness to sign and make oath to the requisite papers and receive his bounty money. Mr, Wheelwright asked him if he could conscientiously swear that his boat had been actually employed in fishing for the term of four months and that there had been caught and cured by her crew twelve quintals of fish when cured to the ton. "O sartinly," was the answer; "the boat has been at sea long enough and there have been enough fish caught and cured to am the bounty." The neces- sary papers were then made out, duly signed, the oath administered and the bounty paid. The storm continued and, as no one came in, the two men sat down and engaged in conversation for a short time. When the recipient of the bounty was about taking leave, Mr. Wheelwright said to him: "Now about your bounty, can you say upon your word and honor that your boat has been at sea a sufficient length of time and that her crew have caught and cured a sufficient quantity of fish the past season to entitle her to the bounty?" "Well, well, squire," was the answer, "come to put it to my word and honor, I can't say that she has." The steam brig New York, Captain Harrod, which left Portland on Tuesday, August 22, 1826, for Eastport, took fire near one of the flues about nine o'clock p. m. on the following Thursday, when about eight miles distant from Petit Menin Lighthouse, and was entirely consumed. There were fourteen passengers on board and the officers and crew numbered eighteen, all of whom were saved^ reaching the island by the boats of the steamer about eleven p. m. The island is about seven miles distant from the mainland. Among the passengers were Miss Hannah C. Little and Miss Sarah Tucker, of Kennebunk, and Mrs. Oliver N. Allen and child, of Lubec. Miss Tucker, in a letter to her father, Mr. Stephen Tucker, gave a graphic and very interesting account of the accident, of their landing on the island, and of their journey of seventy miles to Lubec, their place of destination, by fishing boats, pedestrianism and stage. Extracts from this letter were published in the Gazette. She says: "I lost everything excepting what I had on (which was the meanest I had), my habit, shawl and bonnet; Mrs. Allen and Miss Little were as unfortunate as myself and lost everything." HISTORY OF KENNEP.UNK. 891 The steamer Tom Thumb, Seward Porter master, of Portland, visited Kennebunkport September 30, 1827, and taking on board about one hundred ladies and gentlemen, belonging to Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, "made an excursion to the islands of Cape Porpoise, where the party partook of an excellent chowder and other refreshments." We think that this was the first steamer on the waters of the Kennebunk River. The ship Delos, Charles Williams master, of and for this port from Liverpool, sprung a leak while scudding in a severe gale, in longitude 45, September 16, 183 1. It was found impossible to stop the leak. In a sinking condition, with eight feet of water in her hold, it was found necessary, on the eighteenth, to abandon her. Fortunately a bark, which proved to be the Frances Mary, from Ire- land for Quebec, was in sight and answered their signal of distress, taking on board the officers and crew, who were landed at Quebec on the eleventh of October. The Delos was partly loaded with salt and copper ; a quantity of specie and a few hundred weight of cop- per were saved. The ship was insured and the cargo partially insured in Boston. The tide rose to an unusual height in Wells Bay on the twenty- second of November, 183 1, — it was thought fully three feet higher than common high tides, — as high or higher, at our wharves, than ever before known. A small quantity of wood was swept from the wharves, but no material damage was done here or at Wells. Congress, in 1831, appropriated six thousand dollars for a lighthouse at or near Cape Porpoise. A remonstrance against the erection of this lighthouse was sent to Washington from Portland ; it was urged that another situated so near the Boon Island and Wood Island Lights would do more harm than good. The Gazette of the twenty-sixth of December advocates very strongly the erec- tion of a lighthouse and shows the futility of the arguments used by the Portland petitioners, and notices several errors in their state- ments, one of which was that Boon Island Light was only six miles distant from Cape Porpoise. Boon Island, we believe, is twenty- one miles distant from the Cape, and Wood Island nine miles distant therefrom. The remonstrance was fruitless. The bark Augusta Blaisdell, of Kennebunk, bound from Cadiz, July 13, 1837, to Boston, sprung a leak August fifth. It was found impossible to stop the leak or to do effectual work with the pumps. The captain, officers and crew abandoned the vessel at six t>. m. on 392 HISTORY OF KExNNEBUNK. the following day, and were taken on board the French brig Active, which was at anchor, fishing, near by. Nothing was saved except the clothing of the ofificers and crew. At about eleven o'clock the next forenoon the Augusta was seen sinking, her stern being com- pletely blown out. The Augusta was a good vessel, three years old, and was insured for fifteen thousand dollars. Her cargo of salt was uninsured. The bark Horace, of Kcnnebunk, Leander Foss captain, which sailed from New Orleans April lo, 183S, bound for Liverpool, anchored off Kennebunk Harbor on the second day of May, her crew being in a state of mutiny. The mutiny commenced on the eighteenth of April, off the coast of Florida, and it was alleged without any provocation on the part of the captain or other ofificers. One of the mutineers was armed with a pistol, heavily loaded, which was taken from him by the captain. The ringleaders, four in num- ber, were taken into custody and conveyed to Portland, where the United States Circuit Court was then in session. Bills were found against them by the Grand Jury; two of them pleaded guilty and were sentenced by the judge to sixty days each in the county jail, the other two were discharged. During the night of May fifth, in a severe gale from east, south- east, the bark parted both her cables at about midnight, and drift- ing westerly struck upon the ledges off Oakes's Neck, where she thumped badly, lost her rudder and false keel, and bilged; drifting thence about half a mile farther in the same direction, she grounded on Boothby's Beach, near the "Two Acres," about one hundred and fifty yards below high water mark. As the gale continued with un- abated violence, with a tremendous sea running, and the vessel was fast filling, she was abandoned by all on board, — the pilot, an able and capable seaman from Kennebunkport, the ofificers and all the crew. The next morning the bark was found to be upright, her masts standing broadside toward the shore, and preparations were made for dismantling her and removing the cargo, which, as it was impossible to land it with boats, could only be done at low water and with teams, a slow and tedious process. The Horace was a first-class vessel of three hundred and eighty- nine tons burden, built in Scarborough the previous season, and was on her maiden voyage. She was owned by Charles C. and Orlando Perkins and Captain Foss, of Kennebunkport, and Joseph Hatch, Jr., of Kennebunk. Vessel and freight were insured in Boston for HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 393 thirty-one thousand five hundred dollars. The cargo was insured in London. The cargo, consisting of about twelve hundred bales of cotton, was sold at auction, on Boothby's Beach, June sixth. The auction was attended by a large number of men from different towns in New England. The cotton sold at prices ranging from twenty- nine to fifty-three dollars per bale (a bale was estimated to contain about four hundred and twenty pounds). A lot of one hundred and sixty-three bales, remaining in the lower hold of the bark, sold for eleven hundred and twenty-five dollars. The hull of the bark was also bidden for and sold in the same way. Brig Swiss Boy, Captain Blaisdell, of this port, was run into on the night of the twenty-eighth of December, 1839, ofT and near Stirrup Key, by the ship William Engs, of Newport, R. I. She was so seriously injured that it was considered advisable, after remaining by her twenty-four hours, to abandon her. Captain Blaisdell and crew were taken on board the William Engs and landed at Havana. Ship Oakland was built at the Landing by Henry Kingsbury and was launched May 5, 1841 ; it was at the time the largest vessel ever built there. The schooner Nile was launched from the shipyard in Kenne- bunkport May 7, 1841. She was rigged on the stocks and went off her ways in fine style, with streamers and flags flying. She was owned by D. and S. Ward and intended for a packet between Ken- nebunk and Boston. During the years 1841 and 1842 several brigs entered at this port laden with sugar and molasses. Entries of foreign goods at the Kennebunk custom house for several years previously had been few in number. In the years above named the crops were some- what larger than the average on the island of Porto Rico, and owing to the dull state of trade at the commercial centers the prices of sugar and molasses ruled very low and the demand for them was quite limited, Capt. E. Perkins & Sons decided to order the car- goes of these staples belonging to them, or in their charge as consignees, to be sent direct to Kennebunkport, there to be stored until quicker sales, and at more remunerative prices, could be made. Four cargoes of sugar and molasses were imported from May to September, 1841, on which duties to the amount of nine thousand and thirteen dollars were collected, and four cargoes in 1842 paying duties to the amount of six thousand one hundred dollars. A cargo of salt — nearly tAvelve thousand bushels — from Cadiz was also im- 394 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. ported in 1842. In 1843 the imports were about four thousand two hundred bushels of salt from Turks Island and ten thousand five hundred bushels from Cadiz. In February, 1845, brig Motto, of Portland, Williams master, from Cardenas for Portland, ran on to the Fishing Recks and bilged. Her cargo, molasses, nearly all of which was damaged, was brought into this port. After deducting the amount decreed by appraisers for damages, the duties thereon amounted to five hundred and forty-five dollars. The brig, we think, was gotten off from the ledge, towed into Portland and there repaired. Since 1S45 the importations at our custom house have been unimportant. During the years above named the exports from this port to Ponce, P. R., British West India Islands and Cuba amounted to about thirty-five thousand five hundred dollars, among which were two million three hundred thousand feet of boards, other lumber and manufactures of wood (hoops, shocks, shingles, spars, etc.), nine hundred and sixty-seven quintals of dried fish and (1842-43) sixteen hundred and eighty barrels of potatoes, invoiced value eleven hundred and fifty-one dollars. The exports to foreign ports since 1845 have been inconsiderable. Bark Isidore (new vessel), Leander Foss master, sailed from Kennebunkport for New Orleans, in ballast, about noon, November 30, 1842. During a severe gale and snowstorm, the same night, she was driven ashore on Bald Head, Cape Neddock, and all on board perished, — the captain, first and second mates, a passenger and eleven seamen. The bark was a complete wreck. The Sea Serpent. No little excitement was occasioned in the coast towns of Massachusetts and Maine, in the summer of 1817, by the appear- ance of "an unusual fish or serpent" in the harbor of Gloucester, near the "half-way rock" (half way between Boston and Cape Ann). It was also once seen, as was alleged, in Wells Bay. Great efforts were made by the Gloucester people to take him; muskets, harpoons and various other instruments were employed for this purpose, but all their labor in this direction was ineffectual. It was said that the "head of it, eight feet out of water, was as large as that of a horse and very long." There were various estimates as to its length, none less than eighty and some as high as one hundred and fifty feet. Many fishermen saw him, at different times and places, and were much alarmed. This was the first "sea serpent" seen in our HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 895 waters, except in 1793, when it was stated that a marine animal, answering its description, was discovered near Mount Desert, in Maine ; but the report was not generally credited, although it was understood that such "monsters of the deep" had been seen, occa- sionally, on the coast of Norway. He was espied, in August, 18 18, near Rye Beach, "gliding with great swiftness, often raising his head above the surface of the water and apparently about one hundred feet in length." The serpent was again perceived early in June, 1819, near Cohasset Rocks, and frequently, during the summer of 1820, in the vicinity of the Isles of Shoals. The coast in the immediate vicinity of Kennebunk was visited by this marine monster in the summer of 1830. He was discerned by three men, who were fishing a few miles distant from the mouth of Kennebunk River, on the afternoon of the twenty-first of July. Two of the men were so much alarmed at his nearness to their boat that they went below. The third, a Mr. Gooch, "a man whose statements can be relied on," remained on deck " and returned the glances of his serpentship." Mr. Gooch gave the following account of the interview. "The serpent was first seen a short distance from them, but very soon he changed his course and came within six feet of the boat, when he raised his head about four feet from the water and looked directly into the boat, in which position he remained several minutes." Mr. Gooch viewed him carefully and gave it as his opinion that he was "full sixty feet in length and six feet in circumference; his head about the size of a ten-gallon keg, having long flaps or ears, and his eyes about the size of those of an ox, bright and projecting from his head; his skin was dark gray and covered with scales ; he had no bunches on his back. When he disappeared he made no effort to swim, but sank down appar- ently without exertion." Mr. Gooch said that he could have struck him very easily with his oar, but that "he was willing to let the ser- pent alone if the serpent would not molest him." He had been spied off this and off Wells Harbor several times during the third week in June by different persons, men of respectability and veracity. The fishing schooner Dove, Captain Peabody, on her passage from Boston to this port, November 17, 1835, "fell in with his marine majesty, the sea serpent, cruising near the half-way rock." Captain Peabody stated that he ran within four rods of him and for a short time had a fair view of him. "Several protuberances appeared along his head, which was elevated three or four feet above the water ; but as the schooner neared him he settled under a;»0 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. the water, his wake indicating him to be sixty or seventy feet in length." The crews of a dozen or more fishing boats who were fishing in Wells Bay on Monday afternoon, July 22, 1839, united in the dec- laration that the serpent was distinctly seen by them. They repre- sented him as fully one hundred feet in length, resembling "a long row of hogsheads or barrels, with perhaps a foot or eighteen inches space between each of them." An editorial in the Gazette says in regard to these statements : " Such are the reports. We can only say that we are acquainted with several of the persons by whom they are made and we know them to be credible men, not over cred- ulous nor lacking in courage. Of one thing all our good people — whether believers or disbelievers in the existence of the sea serpent, or that these visitors, at different times, are different members of a race of sea serpents — may be assured, that a big fish, which was a unique fish, appeared in our waters at the time aforesaid and exhib- ited himself to divers persons and in divers places." The serpent was caught sight of twice during the second week in August, 1839, off our harbor, it was thought not more than two miles distant from the piers. The fishermen complained that the fish had all deserted their old feeding grounds and were only to be found close in shore. A gentleman belonging to Cape Neddock left that harbor on the thirteenth of August, in a small boat, and when about a mile and a half from the harbor saw, about thirty feet distant, what he supposed to be a school of sharks, but he was soon convinced that it must be the huge marine monster that was visiting this coast. He afterward saw him distinctly. His length was not less than one hundred feet; he had bunches or humps on his back about the size of a common barrel, with flippers at each end of them ; was covered with scales the size of a common plate; had a small head, resem- bling somewhat that of a snake; passed through the water with great velocity and his motions resembled those of a snake. He was in the vicinity of his boat and of other boats near him for several minutes, dodging about, probably in search of food, and finally started off in an easterly direction. Several of the boats' crews were much alarmed and made for the shore. The gentleman thought he could not have been deceived ; he had often seen shoals of vari- ous kinds of fish, such as whales, sharks, etc., but this resembled no marine animal, or cluster of marine animals, which he had ever before met with, or which he had heard or seen described. HISTORY OF KENNEP.UNK. 397 This marine wonder has not visited Wells Bay, so far as is known, since 1839. He has not, however, forsaken the coast of New England ; accounts of his appearance at different points, espe- cially those in Massachusetts, where he was first discovered during the summer of 18 17, are frequently published. He still "roams at large in the wide waters," eluding all efforts for his capture, and discordant descriptions of him are still given by " eyewitnesses." Whether it is the same animal that is descried at different times and places, from time to time, or whether they are members of a serpen- tine family, gigantic in size and peculiar in its habits, which stray to our coast from a Norwegian home, are questions that remain unsettled. CHAPTER VIII. THE PIERS THE GRANITE SPECULATION. " Kennebunk [Harbor] being a barred harbor and the channel being liable to shift every storm, by the shifting of the sand, and there also being a bad rock, called the Perch Rock, in the middle [and near the mouth] of the river, a company was formed in 1793, and incorporated in 1798, 'to build a pier extending over Perch Rock, for the double purpose of covering the rock and keeping the channel in one place.' This was known as the ' Perch Rock Wharf,' and although it failed fully to meet the expectations of its projectors it was, nevertheless, an exceedingly useful structure. It not only rendered passage up and down the river safer, but it was a very great convenience to inward and outward bound vessels that were compelled to wait for a favorable state of the tide or wind. After the pier had been built, it was dangerous to sail out of the river fully loaded, and the larger class of vessels usually finished their loading outside the bar. . . . The proprietors were allowed to assess a small tax on every ton of navigation passing the pier. The act of incorporation was several times renewed, but the tax on ton- nage being reduced in 1820 the proprietors refused to accept the charter."^ The perceptibly favorable influence of the Perch Rock Wharf on the action of the sand, considering its distance from the mouth of the river and the shortness of the structure, limited as it was, afforded to intelligent observers satisfactory proof that a properly constructed pier at the mouth of the river would be an efficient agent in fixing and deepening the channel. The great necessity for such a work was strongly felt by merchants and all others interested in or dependent on the commercial prosperity of Kennebunk and Ken- nebunkport. The ship owners in these towns had been for many years then past and were at that time paying no inconsiderable sums into the national treasury for duties, and they regarded it as within the bounds of strict propriety that they should ask C^ongress for an appropriation for an object that would so well bear investiga- tion. A petition was accordingly prepared and committed to the ' Kiadbu)-y'.s History of Keniiebunkpori. 398 HISTORY OF K.ENNEBUNK. 399 care of John Holmes, member of Congress from this district, by whom it was duly presented. Through the well-directed exertions of Mr. Holmes, in connection with valuable aid furnished by Mark Langdon Hill, also a member of the House from Maine, an appro- priation by Congress of five thousand dollars was obtained (1820). The pier was built under the direction of a committee selected from citizens of the two towns, viz. : John Low, chairman, Joseph Per- kins, Hugh McCulloch, Simon Nowell and Horace Porter. Edward White was master workman. It was built of pine timber (cribs of timber with stone) and was located on the west side of the river, on the site of the stone pier now standing. The anticipations of the public were more than realized at an early day by the favorable operation of this structure, and two or three years later an appro- priation of four thousand dollars was asked for and obtained, to be expended in the building of another wooden pier, on the east side of the river, opposite to that already erected, without which it was evident that the sand obstruction could not be removed the whole width of the channel. This was also expended under the direction of a committee, and the pier after its completion proved to be very beneficial. The good feeling induced by the favorable operation of these improvements was, however, of short duration. In the course of three or four years it was found that more than one-half of the frame work of the western pier, seaward, was showing signs of weakness and decay. The thoroughly honeycombed timbers, caused by the ravages of an insect called sand flea, evidenced too plainly that the work of destruction was far advanced, and, moreover, there were no known means by which its progress could be stayed. It was found, too, that the insect was vigorously at work on the eastern pier. This event was not only unlooked for, but was the source of sad forebodings, for if the woodwork was destroyed the ballast must necessarily fall into the channel and render the entrance to the har- bor more difficult than ever before. In 1828 the eastern pier was seriously injured by a storm. An examination by a government engineer led to a recommendation by him that the sum of five thou- sand dollars should be appropriated by Congress for replacing the injured portion of the western pier with a work of stone and for strengthening and extending inward the pier on the east side of the river. This sum was appropriated for the purposes above named during the session of 1829. The money was expended under the direction of Barnabas Palmer, collector of the district, as agent of the Topographical Engineer Department, during the years 1829 and 400 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 1830. Three hundred and five feet of the western pier was removed and replaced by a pier head thirteen and a half feet broad by four- teen feet long and two hundred and ninety-one feet of pier proper of stone, leaving two hundred and thirty-one feet of the wooden pier standing. The eastern pier was also repaired and strengthened. In 183 1 Congress made an appropriation of one thousand one hundred and seventy-five dollars "for completing repairs to piers at the entrance of Kennebunk River," and in 1832 a further appropriation of seventeen hundred dollars was made for the same object. This was expended in dumping rough blocks of stone along the inner side of the stone pier (western), to prevent its being undermined, and in extending the eastern p'.er (wooden) a little distance beyond the Perch Rock, the whole measuring two hundred and eighty-two feet. An appropriation of ten thousand three hundred dollars was made by Congress in 1834 '*for piers at the entrance of Kennebunk River." This was utilized for granite and labor required for the building of the pier head on the east side of the river, said pier being thirty feet broad by twenty-eight feet long and built in three feet of water. Further appropriations, for continuing the stone pier and repairing and building wooden piers on the east side of the river, were made by Congress: In 1836, seven thousand five hundred dollars were expended; in 1837, three thousand dollars; and in 1838, eight thousand dollars. These appropriations were disbursed, under the agency of Joshua Herrick, deputy collector, in completing the pier head and building about ninety-nine feet of the pier proper of stone, and about one thousand feet of wooden piers were built and repaired, if we include " Harding's Wharf," two hun- dred and seventy-three feet, a distinct structure a short distance inland from the connected line of piers. This wharf was originally built by private individuals. In or about 1832 it was purchased by the government and at this time (1S38) much needed repairs were made upon it. During a severe storm which occurred on the third and fourth of October, 1841, more than one hundred feet of the wooden piers on the east side of the river, adjoining the stone pier, were broken up and rendered worthless. This section had been weakened by the operations of the sand flea and had not been built with due regard to its exposed position, where great strength was required. Indeed, it may be truly said that the whole line of wooden piers then standing had been cheaply constructed, it being considered, HISTOKY OF KENNEHUNK. 401 probably, that they were so far up river that no special regard to strength of construction was necessary. There were at the time no funds that could be applied to the rebuilding of the work that had been so thoroughly destroyed, and for eighteen months the sea swept over the ruins unobstructed, washing, with almost every incoming tide, sand from the beach at the back of the stone pier and the debris from that which had been carried away into the channel, the depth of water in which, it was estimated by competent judges, had been lessened fully three feet in these eighteen months. In September, 1842, Mr. Remich, collector of the port, was appointed agent of the Topographical Department and authorized to continue the stone pier so far as unexpended balances of certain former appropriations for other works would warrant. There were then about nine hundred tons of stone that could be used in the construction of the pier, the property of the United States, lying on different wharves in Kennebunkport, and about the same quantity, also the property of the national government, lying at different quarries about three miles from the piers. During the remaining months of 1842 the larger part of the outlying stone was removed to the site of the contemplated work and the stone pier was extended inward and very nearly completed one hundred and thirteen feet. The large dimension stone required was furnished and all the stone was laid by a firm belonging to Rockport, Mass. During the winter of 1842-43 a chart of the entrance to the harbor, showing the situation of all the public works that had been erected there and the depth of water at various points, commencing at the mouth of the creek near Harding's Wharf and extending to three fathoms soundings outside the bar, was made by order of the Topographical Engineer Department. Jonathan Fiske was employed by Mr. Remich to make the required measurements and soundings and to prepare the chart, all of which was accurately and satisfac- torily performed. A severe storm occurred on the seventeenth of March, 1843, during which about one hundred feet of the wooden pier, beyond the Perch Rock shoreward, were carried away. The timbers were mostly saved, and with them a rough though substantial pier was built, extending from the main pier (near the Perch Rock) across the sands to a sand bank opposite. This structure was one hundred and twelve feet in length, eleven feet in width and between four and five feet high. It was built for the protection of a long pier, beyond 26 402 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Perch Rock, known as "White's Pier," which was fast decaying from the force of the sea, as well as with the expectation that it would prevent the sand from washing into the channel at this point; these purposes it answ^ered admirably. It was removed a few years later by a United States engineer in charge of the works and replaced with a more substantial structure of stone. In 1843 the stone pier was continued and completed one hun- dred and five feet, making, with the extension built the preceding year, the whole length of the extension in these years two hundred and eighteen feet, which, added to the one hundred and twenty- seven feet built prior to 1842, made the entire length of the stone work three hundred and forty-five feet. The extension, which was of the same dimensions as the work previously built, averaged sev- enteen feet high, seventeen wide at the base and three feet (a cap stone) at the summit. Several hundred feet of the wooden piers were rebuilt and the whole of them (excepting Harding's Wharf) were thoroughly repaired the same season. The amount expended by Mr. Remich during 1842-43 was about five thousand five hun- dred dollars. When the extension was commenced, in October, 1842, it was stated, on good authority, that a common yawl boat could not easily pass over the bar at low water, and that, ordinarily, at high water it was found necessary to lighten inward-bound vessels (by unloading a part of the cargo outside and taking it up river in boats or barges) drawing ten feet before they could enter the harbor, and with out- ward-bound vessels of more than ten feet draught, when laden, it was necessary to take them over the bar when partially laden and complete the work outside. Less than a year after the extension and repairs above described had been completed a coaster of about fifty tons, with a full cargo, passed over the bar without hindrance within an hour after the tide had commenced to flow, and vessels drawing twelve feet and ten inches found no difficulty in passing over it at high water. In the winter of 1850-51, a petition, numerously signed by citi- zens of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, was presented to Congress, praying for an appropriation for the completion of the piers, but it reached Washington at so late a day that it could not be acted on during the session which was then drawing to a close. Another petition, for the same object, was presented at the session of 1851-52 and an appropriation of seven thousand five hundred dollars was obtained. It may be well here to state the fact that our people are HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 403 indebted to Hon. Hannibal Hamlin, then United States Senator from this State, for this opportune and much needed action of Con- gress. Without his unwearied efforts in its behalf, there is abundant evidence to show, this appropriation would have been excluded from the river and harbor bill. During the summer and autumn of 1853 this appropriation was very judiciously expended under the superin- tendence of Brevet Major General Z. B. Tower, of the corps of United States Topographical Engineers, The Granite Speculation. It was ascertained in July, 1835, that a large number of ledges, situated within two or three miles of the village of Kennebunkport and within the bounds of that town, which up tfo this time had been regarded as of little or no value, were excellent granite quarries; the rock was straight grained, would split remarkably well, and of excellent color, dark and precisely what is considered most desirable for building purposes. One of these ledges had been purchased for seventy-five dollars, with the expectation of obtaining material that could be used profitably on the pier about to be built at the mouth of the river on its eastern side, but nearly five thousand tons had been quarried before its excellent qualities were discovered and tested. Then came the tide of speculation. Gentlemen from towns and cities east and west of Kennebunkport were soon on the ground. Ledges and farms containing ledges were sold or bonded at what then appeared to be extravagant prices. Companies were formed, incorporated, organized, supplied with the necessary tools and machinery, and as soon as practicable were in active and successful operation. This granite was shipped to Portland, Boston, New York and other cities for a few years subsequently, and the walls of many elegant buildings were constructed of this material, notably in New York City, where, in 1836, it was used for the walls of several large stores, of a building in Waverly Place and the front of a large hotel on Pearl Street, Long and beautiful shafts for monuments in cemeteries have been obtained from these ledges, and the granite was extensively used for bases of monuments, underpinning and other purposes. There were four companies incorporated for the working of a part of these ledges, viz. : "The Maine Quarrying Association," with a capital of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, divided into two thousand shares, John Neal, Daniel Winslow and Mason 404 HISTORV OF KENNEllUNK. Greenwood, all of Portland, managers; the " Kennebunkport Gran- ite and Railroad Company," with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars, Daniel W. Lord, of Kennebunkport, president; the "New York City and Kennebunkport Granite Company " and the " Ken- nebunk Granite Company." The two last named were incor- porated with smaller capitals than the two first named, but a large quantity of stone was quarried by each of them. Several unincor- porated companies were also engaged in quarrying this stone, and for awhile profitably. Kennebunk residents were largely interested in nearly all of these corporations. Although ledges of excellent granite abound in the town of Kennebunkport, those engaged in working them soon found that their distance from wharves whence they could be shipped (from one and a half to two miles) subjected the companies to no incon- siderable cost for handling and cartage, which was not incurred by companies engaged in the same business in other places where ledges were more favorably situated as to facilities for quarrying and shipping. The "Kennebunkport Granite and Railway Com- pany" proposed to overcome this serious disadvantage by building a railway from some eligible point at the ledges to some convenient point on the wharves, by which the stone could be more easily and cheaply handled and transported, but a careful calculation of the relative merits and cost of the then present and the proposed meth- ods convinced those interested in the project that, as an economical measure, the railway would unavoidably prove a failure. Finding that the stone could not be profitably quarried for exportation, work was relinquished by the several companies as early as 1840. Since that date these valuable ledges have been worked by private parties only, and chiefly to supply the demands for underpinning, cemetery work, etc., bv the citizens of Kennebunkport and neighboring towns. CHAPTER IX. THE :MAILS— P. S. & p. RAILROAD. A new mail route was established in the county of York in 1818 which was designed to open a direct and easy communication between the towns on the seaboard, in the county, and those of the interior. It went into operation on the first day of July in that year. It afforded mail facilities to the inhabitants of the county that were much needed. No town derived more benefit from its establishment than Kennebunk and it was especially valuable to the proprietor of the Visiter. The measure was, however, severely criticised by Port- land papers, because they fancied that it would operate injuriously to their interests, and they assailed the Hon. John Holmes, of Alfred, who at the time represented this district in Congress and who was the originator of the new route, with strongly vituperative language. Mr. Holmes, in a letter to Mr. James K. Remich, editor of the Visiter, very satisfactorily vindicated his action in this matter, and furnished indisputable proofs that, without the slightest injury to Portland people, the new route was a very great as well as a much desired accommodation to his constituents. We think that the sub- joined extracts from Mr. Holmes's letter will, even at this day, be read with interest. Before the new arrangement " the mail commenced at Portland on Wednesday of each week, passed through Gorham, Buxton, Hollis, Limington, Cornish, Parsonsfield, Newfield, Shapleigh and Lebanon to Doughty's Falls, a post office not on the main mail route, but a branch of it; it then returned by another and different route through Sanford, Alfred, Waterborough, Hollis, Buxton and Gorham to Portland, where it arrived on Tuesday." "Excepting a mail once a week, lately established between Alfred and Kennebunk," these were all the mail facilities that had been enjoyed by the interior of the county up to the then present time. By way of illustration, " a letter is sent from Boston to Sanford ; it goes to Portland, from thence it is taken on Wednesday, travels through the back part of the county and arrives at Doughty's Falls ; thence it reaches Sanford on Saturday; the mail goes on, and not until the next Saturday can 405 406 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. an answer be put into the post office; it must then go to Portland, where it will arrive on Tuesday and be mailed for Boston." By the new route a central spot on the main road was selected " from whence to receive the eastern and western mails, to carry them to every post office and back to the same place. Kennebunk has been preferred ; having regard to the western as well as eastern mails, it is nearest. The clerk's office and registry of probate are there, and the registry of deeds and treasurer's office are at Alfred^ through which each mail passes. The mail as now established will commence at Kennebunk Wednesday evening, taking the Boston newspapers of the same day and the Portland papers of Tuesday, and proceed to Parsonsfield, where it will arrive on Friday morning, returning to Kennebunk on Saturday. The people at Alfred will get the Argus [and Gazette] the day after, and the Kennebunk Visiter, Boston Centiiiel and Patriot the evening of the day they are published. . . . An answer to any letter received on this route will be sent to Kennebunk and thence, received in Portland the same day and in Boston on Sunday." (There were but two papers, each a weekly, published in Portland at the date of Mr. Holmes's letter, July, 1818, the Argus, Republican, and the Gazette, Federal.) "The next mail will leave Kennebunk Saturday evening, taking the papers and letters from Boston of the same day, and pass through Alfred, Sanford, Lebanon, Shapleigh and Newfield to Parsonsfield, where it will arrive Sunday evening. It will return answers to Kennebunk on Tuesday morning, from whence they will arrive in Portland and Boston on the same day." The mails on these routes were carried on horseback. Mr. Tucker (brother to Stephen Tucker, of Kennebunk), a veteran in the service, was mail carrier for a number of years, until the first of January, 1825, when he resigned. He was much esteemed for his promptness and fidelity. The Hon. John Holmes was re-elected representative to Con- gress from York District in November, 18 18. Very few votes were thrown. Whether Mr. Holmes's action in obtaining the new mail route was the cause of this unanimity we are unable to say; there is reason to suppose that such was the fact. A post office was established in Lyman in March, 18 19, and Thomas Sands was appointed postmaster. Previously, a large part of the mail matter for Lyman people was received through the Kennebunk post office; a few, where it was more convenient for HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 407 them, obtained their mail matter through the Saco or Alfred oflfice. The town of Wells petitioned the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, April term, 1818, that so much of the new road from the toll bridge to Cole's Corner (which was established by said Court in 18 1 7) as lies between said Corner and the place where the same intersects the road leading to the sea (near the dwelling-house of Samuel Hart) may be discontinued. The petitioners allege that the advantages anticipated to result to the public from the location of this road have in a great measure ceased; ''that the line of stages which, for a short period, passed from Cole's Corner to and from Saco [and Portland] by the way of Lower Kennebunk, so-called, have ceased to travel in that direction, and all other traveling on said road is almost wholly at an end; that the ground over which the western end of the road was ordered to be made is mostly wet and miry, salt marsh and heath ; that the damages to land owners and cost of construction will be very considerable ; that a road now exists and for a great number of years has existed from the afore- said Cole's Corner to where the new road aforesaid, from said Lower Kennebunk, intersects the road leading to the sea, near the dwell- ing-house of Samuel Hart, which is safe, easy and convenient for travelling, and not unusually crooked or circuitous, and that the saving in distance by opening the said new road, as located on this part of it, will not warrant the expenses attendant thereon." The Court did not grant the prayer of the petitioners. In 1824 and for several years previous to that date the great mail from Boston to Portland was carried alternately through Salem, Newburyport, Portsmouth, York, Kennebunk, Saco, etc., and on the upper route through Andover, Haverhill, Exeter, Dover, Doughty's Falls to Kennebunk, where it met the lower. An attempt was made by Mr. Holmes, in 1824, to change this arrangement so "that this upper route, instead of falling into the lower at Kennebunk, should continue from Dover to Doughty's Falls, as heretofore, and instead of going to the lower route at Kennebunk to pass through Sanford, Alfred, Buxton and Gorham to Portland," through which towns a line of stages had then been recently established, going and return- ing every other week day. The citizens of Kennebunk and Saco were indignant at this movement and indulged in some pretty strong denunciatory comments through the columns of the Gazette. They appealed to headquarters and succeeded in defeating this scheme, the postmaster general permitting a mail to be carried by the interior route as above described. 408 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. The "Portland Stage Company'" commenced running a stage- coach from Kennebunkport to Saco, there to meet the Portland stage, in May, 1826, "leaving Kennebunkport Mondays, Wednes- days and Fridays at six a. m., arriving at Saco at half-past seven and at Portland at ten a. m. ; returning, leaves Portland at four p, m. and arrives at Kennebunkport by eight p. m. Leaving Kennebunk- port Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays by half-past eleven a. m. for Kennebunk and returning same day." Fare from Kennebunk- port to Saco, fifty cents ; from Saco to Portland, seventy-five cents. How long this arrangement continued we are unable to say, but probably not longer than a year. The great mail from Boston to Portland, which had for a year or more been carried by the way of Dover four times a week, was ordered by the postmaster general, in January, 1827, to be carried on the lower road every day. This was highly advantageous to Kennebunk, as the mails reached here nearly two hours earlier by the lower route than by the upper. The accommodation stage from Dover to Portland brought the mails from the towns on the upper road three times a week. The mail and accommodation stages arrived and departed from this village, January, 183 1, as follows : " Eastern mail every morning at seven, western mail every morning at eight. The Dover stage, bringing the upper road mail, arrives every secular day at noon and returns at one p. m. on same day. Country mail Wednesdays and Saturdays at seven a. m. and returns same day at about nine a. m. Kennebunkport mail leaves every secular day at about nine a. m. and returns same evening. The Eastern accommodation stage arrives from Portland (bringing a mail for Dover and other towns) every secular day at noon, dines at Kennebunk and leaves for Ports- mouth at one p. m. The Western accommodation stage arrives every secular day at noon, dines at Kennebunk and leaves for Port- land with Dover mail at one." There were no material changes in the transportation of the mails on the stage routes through this town from the date last named until the Portland, Saco & Portsmouth Railroad performed that service in 1843. P. S. & P. Railroad. The survey of a route for a railroad from Portsmouth, through York, Wells, Kennebunk, Saco, etc., was completed June 25, 1836. The Lowell Railroad had then been in operation more than a year; HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 409 the Boston & Andover Road was also in operation, and its extension to Haverhill was regarded as quite certain. A railway from Boston to Salem was completed a year or two later, and no doubt existed that it would be extended from Salem to Portsmouth. The Eastern Railroad, from Newburyport to Portsmouth, was opened for travel and freight about the middle of November, 1840, The first train of cars passed over the railroad from Portland to Saco, or to the then present stopping place, which was a mile or more out of the village, in the forenoon of February 7, 1842. The principal city officials, the president and one of the directors of the road, gentlemen of the press and other citizens occupied the car. A great concourse of the people of Portland witnessed the starting of the train. In the afternoon a number of the citizens of Saco went into Portland over the road, and on Tuesday, the eighth, the cars commenced running regularly. CHAPTER X. BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF KENNEBUNK IN 1820 ADVERTISING COL- UMNS FROM 1820 TO 1842. The Business Directory of this town at the date of its incorpor- ation was made up as follows: — Baker. Heard Milliken, successor to Benjamin Smith in the building erected by Mr. Cole as a part of his tannery works. Blacksmiths. Village — Elisha Chadbourne, Dimon Gillpatrick Jacob Waterhouse, Stephen Furbish. Landing — John Emery, John Jones. Alewive — David Littlefield. Butcher. Rufus Furbish "at Capt. Ralph Curtis's Slaughter House." Cabinet Makers and House Carpenters. Village — Daniel Hodsdon, Chadbouri.e & Junkins. (Attached to each of these estab- lishments was a wareroom well supplied with furniture of all kinds.) Landing — Samuel Hubbard (also house painter). Port District — Edward White. Carding and Cloth Dressing. Paul Hussey. Clergymen. Nathaniel H. Fletcher, pastor of Unitarian Church; Joshua Roberts, pastor of Calvinist Baptist Church in Alewive. Clothier. Nathaniel Jefferds. Coopers. John Mitchell, Sanford Road ; Lemuel Hatch, at the "Heath." Grist-Mills. One near the Upper Dam and one near the Lower Dam in the village, Mitchell's at Cat Mousam. Inns and Innkeepers, Jefferds's House, Proprietor, George Jefferds (son of William, by whom it was established); Barnard House, kept by Rachel Barnard (widow of Joseph Barnard); Robert Patten's Inn (the dwelling-house of Henry Jordan). Law Offices. Joseph Thomas, Chief Justice of the Court of Sessions for York County; Joseph Dane, George W. Wallingford, William B. Sewall, Judge of Probate. 410 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 411 Physicians. Village — Samuel Emerson, Jacob Fisher. Landing — James Dorrance, (removed to Portland in the fall of 1820). Printing Office. James K. Remich, proprietor. The Weekly Visiter. (The title was changed to Kennebunk Gazette, June, 182 1.) Private School. John Skeele (Washington Hall). Saddlers. Nathaniel Shute, Palmer Walker. Saw-Mills. Storer's, in the village, mill on Kennebunk River, mill at Cat Mousam, mill on Alewive Brook and Day's mill. Shipyards and Shipbuilders (all at the Landing on Kenne- bunk River). Nathaniel Gillpatrick, David Little, John Bourne, Jacob Perkins, George and Ivory Lord, Isaac Kilham, Hugh McCulIoch. Shoemakers. Village — Moses Littlefield, Samuel Littlefield, Jr., Benjamin Littlefield, Abel M. Bryant, Daniel Shackley, Daniel Shackley, Jr. ; morocco shoes, Moses Varney. Landing — Benjamin Elwell (successor of his father, John Elwell, occuping the shop and house built by him near Durrell's Bridge many years previously). Tailors. Village — Stephen Tucker, Samuel Mendum, Simon Ross. Landing — Dayton. Tanners and Curriers. Edmund Pierson, successor to Joseph Curtis, Scotchman's Brook (just back of the Sargent-Ross Block; Jotham Perkins, Scotchman's Brook on the new road (Fletcher Street); Daniel Shackley, River Road; Tobias Walker, Alewive. Traders. Village — John U. Parsons & Co., William Lord, Smith & Porter, James Titcomb, John Osborn & Co., Samuel L. Osborn, Joseph G. Moody, Barnabas Palmer, Michael Wise, William Gillpatrick, Ebenezer Curtis, Timothy Frost, *Samuel Ross, *Adoni- ram Hardison, *Abial Kelley, Jr. Apothecaries, Jacob Fisher, John Lillie. Landing — George and Ivory Lord, Adam McCulloch, Joel Larrabee, Jr., Isaac Kilham, David Little, Samuel Lord and George W. Bourne. Port {Lower Village) — Daniel Walker. Aleivive — *John Stone, Jacob Littlefield. Those with this mark * sold groceries only. All the others named kept large stocks, for country stores, of piece goods. West India goods and groceries; several kept good supplies of hard and hollow ware, crockery, etc. 412 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. The advertising columns from 1820 to 1842 again furnish interesting information respecting men and occurrences in our town during nearly a quarter of a century after its incorporation. January 29. Titcomb & Skeele dissolve copartnership. James Titcomb continues the business. February. Samuel Hubbard, cabinet maker and painter, com- mences business in the shop owned by David Little. Eliphalet Dame advertises marble work, March 13. John Skeele opens a private school at Washington Hall. It was well patronized. April I. Jefferds & Hussey give notice that their copartner- ship will expire by limitation on that date. April 14, William Lord takes the store recently vacated by J. M. Hayes (removed to Kennebunkport) and offers for sale a large stock of goods. John C. Hatch advertises his farm for sale. The farm is about two miles from the meeting-house, with good house and barn ; about eighty acres of land. (This farm was on the road leading from the Sanford road to Cat Mousam. A slight excavation, showing the location of the house cellar, and a few apple trees wearing the marks of age and neglect are all that now remain.) 1821. March. Samuel L. Osborn & Co. (Samuel L. and James Osborn) dissolve partnership ; the senior partner takes the store — east — under Washington Hall and continues business there. John and James Osborn, Jr., form a copartnership in May and transact business in the store lately occupied by the first-named firm. May. Dr. B. F. Greene, physician and surgeon, moved to this town and occupied the house then recently vacated by Doctor Dor- rance at the Landing. He remained here a few months only. Dr. John Wise (son of Daniel) moved to this town in May from Sherburne, Mass., where he had been located several years as a physician. He was a surgeon in the United States Navy a short time during the war of 1812-15. September. Abial Kelley and Alexander Warren, hatters, dis- solve copartnership. The business was not continued by either partner. HISTORY OF KENNEEUNK. 413 James Titcomb and Owen Burnham formed copartnership, country store (Free Library Association Building). October. Israel W. Bourne opens a private school in the vil- lage, which was continued about three years. Mr. Bourne removed to Dover, N. H., in October, 1824, and later to Boston, where he was a bookkeeper in a wholesale commercial house. October 15. The sharpshooters of Kennebunk, Kennebunk- port and Wells are invited "to conglomerate at Jefferds's Hotel to make arrangements for a shooting-party." 1822. March. Moses Varney relinquished business in this town and moved to Dover, N. H. April 15. John U. Parsons & Co. (Parsons, Thomas Drew and Moses Savary) dissolved copartnership. Their stock in trade was sold at auction. They were succeeded by Thomas Drew & Co. August 4. Benjamin Mayo advertises that he has purchased the " Nason's Mills establishment," on eastern side of Kennebunk River and a few rods above the bridge on the main road to Portland; has put it in first-rate order for carding wool and for coloring, fulling and dressing cloth. He has also a grist-mill in operation. John G. Mayo owned and operated the carding machines. Paul H. Hussey gives notice that he continues carding, cloth dressing and cloth manufacturing at his old stand, near Mousam Bridge. John Skeele offers for sale the store in western end of the Washington Hall building, "unquestionably the best stand in Ken- nebunk." November i. Jacob Witham, who lived midway between the Village and the Landing (nearly opposite John Drown's, his house long since demolished), a harmless man, publishes an "Important Notice" that he "has discovered a simple yet safe remedy for many disorders," and he informs the public that he will attend to giving relief to the afflicted by the exercise of his own natural power, gratis, at his house or at the shipyard where he is generally employed, it being a power given him as he thinks by "divine inspiration." Jacob gained great celebrity for curing aching teeth by "charming" them. He could not charge anything for his cures, inasmuch as by so doing his power would be withheld from him, but he would accept, and always expected, a present from those who received benefit from the exercise of his wonderful gift. 414 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 1823. April 4. Hodsdon & Low (Daniel Hodsdon and Samuel B. Low), cabinet makers, dissolve copartnership. John H. Hilton, manufacturer of cabinet furniture and repairer and painter of carriages, takes a shop at Kennebunk Landing, near the residence of David Little, where he carries on the several branches of his business; also, keeps wagons constantly for sale. May. George H. Dearborn manufactures and sells "at whole- sale and retail Ladies' and Gentlemen's morocco shoes and boots" at his shop, "nearly opposite Rev. Mr. Fletcher's Meeting House and near the Printing office." This was a small building which stood on the lot now improved as a passage way west of the old printing office building. Dearborn left town within a year and was succeeded by Putnam Hartshorn. The building remained there only two or three years. John G. Mayo in May removes his carding machines from Nason's Mills "down the river about a quarter of a mile to what was formerly called Merrill's Mills." July II. Samuel Smith gives notice that he has erected a new carding machine at Nason's Mills. "At the Baptist Meeting House in York. On Lord's Day next this House will be free for the Sons and Daughters of Zion to wait on the Lord and honor him that hath made them free. Also, the Family of Egypt may have another opportunity to come up to Jeru- salem to keep the feast in Tabernacles, or, if they refuse, they must not expect to have any rain of the Spirit on them. Hypocrites, Mon- grels and Lepers are desired to withdraw. Samuel Junkins, Servant of the Church of Christ in York. York, August i, 1823." Junkins, aged fifty-five, was married to Mrs. Olive Williams, aged thirty-five, in July, 1824, at York. They had "spiritually united" about six months previously, but this defiance of the laws, both moral and statutory, was so bitterly denounced that the par- ties thought it prudent to be legally married, or, as they expressed it, "united after the manner of the beast." Junkins was a crank and was a shining light among the followers of Cochrane. He attempted, as it would seem, to build up and become the head of a new sect, but found little encouragement. At the October term of the Court of Common Pleas, 1824, Junkins was fined twenty dollars HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 415 and costs, in all forty dollars, and his wife five dollars and costs, in all about thirty-nine dollars, for willfully disturbing a meeting held at the Baptist meeting-house in York on the Lord's Day. October. Greenough, Bodwell & Co. (Edward Greenough, John W. Bodwell and Moses Savary) succeed to the late firm of Thomas Drew & Co., which was dissolved the eleventh of the month, and take the store and stock of the old firm. December 31. Titcomb & Burnham dissolve copartnership. Mr. Titcomb removes to the Landing and Mr. Burnham continues business at the old stand. 1824. January 14. William and Oliver Bartlett, bakers, dissolve copartnership. November. Greenough, Bodwell & Co. dissolve partnership, J. W. Bodwell retiring. Wise & Bodwell (Daniel Wise and John W. Bodwell) form copartnership and commence business, general merchandise, in the Phcenix Building. (The old brick store, after being repaired and improved by Mr. Isaac Lord, was known for several years as the "Phoenix Building.") Erastus Hayes and Daniel Walker formed a copartnership and took the store at the head of Curtis's Wharf, Lower Kennebunk; dealers in general merchandise. 1825. January i. Lord & Kingsbury (William Lord and Henry Kingsbury) form a partnership. George W. Bourne, at Kennebunk Landing, advertises winter stock of goods; buys ship timber and plank. The cellar under part of Kelley & Warren's building continues open for accommodation of teamsters and others. A long one-story building fitted up with stalls for horses and tie-ups for oxen, situated nearly opposite the present dwelling-house of C. C. Stevens, was built and maintained by the lessee of the cellar, Abial Kelley, Jr. After the lumber business had fallen ofif, so that the building was no longer used for the purpose for which it was originally intended, it was converted into a " Ninepin Alley," and was used as such and fairly patronized for two or three years. Not proving profitable, the building was taken down. 416 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. William Williams kept an assortment of goods in the store under Washington Hall, eastern end. March. Daniel Wise, Jr., has built a store on the eastern end of and connected with the "old brick" store, and removed his stock of goods thereto. Francis A. Lord occupies store vacated by Wise & Bodwell and keeps for sale a good assortment of general merchan- dise ; he disposed of his stock at auction and retired from business, September 20, 1826. Barnabas Palmer removes his stock of goods and the post office to the store in the western part of the "old brick." June 3. Jonathan Kimball occupies building recently vacated by Paul H. Hussey; has put a new carding machine therein and solicits patronage, July 16. Daniel L. Hatch occupies store vacated by S. L. Osborn and offers for sale an assortment of goods usually kept in a country store ; removes to store recently vacated by Barnabas Palmer in Kelley & Warren's Block ; sells stock remaining on hand at auction, June 28, 1827, and relinquishes business. August 25. William Bartlett occupies store east of Kelley & Warren's block and offers for sale a full assortment of dry goods, groceries, crockery, etc. He remained there only a few months, when he removed to Ogunquit, taking with him his stock of goods, opened a store there and engaged in the building of vessels of small tonnage. He was the first postmaster at that place. September 3. Samuel Shackley advertises house for sale at the Landing, "near Mr. David Little's." October i. Lord & Kingsbury remove their stock of goods to the new brick store built by the senior partner, and Joseph G. Moody removes from the store under Washington Hall (west) to the store vacated by Lord & Kingsbury. Daniel Wise, Jr., & Co. advertise the "small convenient store on the corner by the road leading from this town to Alfred." This probably was the building that stood between the printing ofiice and the lot on which William Lord built his brick store. December 12. James Titcomb forms a copartnership with Robert Smith, Jr., at Kennebunk Landing; advertises a full assort- ment of general merchandise for sale, and that they wish to pur- chase ship timber, etc. December 30. Daniel Wise, Jr., & Co. dissolve partnership, business to be continued at the new store adjoining the "old brick" HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 417 under the firm name of Daniel Wise & Co., John Frost active partner. Timothy Walcott's provision store, east end of Washington Hall building. 1826. January. Edward Gould, in store opposite the "old brick," manufactures men's and youths' hats and buys hatting and shipping furs. February. Dr. Burleigh Smart removes from Kennebunkport to Kennebunk and occupies house recently built by him (residence of F. N, Thompson). February i8. Edmund Pierson gives notice to debtors that he is about to remove from this town. March 6. The post office at Cape Neddock, York, first opened ; Samuel Adams, postmaster. April 5. First meeting of the members and stockholders of the Quamphegan Manufacturing Company in South Berwick was held. April 17. John Fiddler advertises his household furniture, etc., at auction at his house (on lot now occupied by Capt. Benjamin Oaks's dwelling-house. Lower Village). Mr. Fiddler died early in July following. He was an Englishman by birth, a sailmaker by trade, and a great admirer and a successful cultivator of flowers; the grounds around his house were very tastefully laid out and filled with a large variety of annuals, biennials and perennials. His family removed to a W^estern town. April 21. James L. Ross, "in the old Phoenix Building over the post office," continues the tailoring business. April 22. Abel C. Smith occupies the Ebenezer Curtis store and offers for sale a large stock of general merchandise. May. The Misses Grant commence a term of school for young ladies the third Monday of the month. "English branches taught. Also plain and ornamental needlework. Lace veils and edgings may be wrought so as not to be distinguished from those imported. Drawing, landscape painting in oil and water colors, painting on velvet, embroidery, tambour and filigree work. Tuition, three dol- lars per quarter for ornamental branches, one dollar and fifty cents for common branches. Board, including tuition, from fourteen to seventeen dollars per quarter." 27 418 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. August. Erastus Hayes and Daniel Walker, general merchan- dise, who occupied the store on Curtis's Wharf, Lower Village, dis- solved copartnership. Walker continues the business at the same stand. August 2 1. Joseph E. Littlefield commences a term of his pri- vate school in the village. Mr. Littlefield was a successful teacher. He not long afterward removed to Bangor, where he taught school for many years and was much respected as a citizen and highly valued as an instructor. October 7. John Springer, at store just vacated by A. C. Smith, advertises a good stock of groceries for sale. Mr. Smith did not continue in trade at this place more than two years. November. Miss Lucy Palmer advertises that she attends to the mantua-making business in the room adjoining Miss Grant's millinery shop. December 30. Rowell Scribner occupies the cellar recently vacated by Abial Kelley, Jr. ; accommodates teamsters and others and keeps an assortment of groceries for sale. 1827. February 17. Charles Walcott, joiner, advertises for appren- tice; forms copartnership with Nathaniel Perkins March twenty- second, shop next east of Porter & Hillard's tin shop; dissolves partnership May seventh. Walcott continues business and will also be supplied with a good assortment of household furniture for sale. March 17. Susan Felch, milliner and dressmaker, offers her services to the ladies of Kennebunk and vicinity, shop over post office, in the "old brick building." May 23. Dr. William S. Emerson, physician and surgeon, takes the room recently vacated by Doctor Markoe, in the bank building in Kennebunkport, and offers his professional services to the citizens of that and the neighboring towns. Moses Nason resumes business, carding and cloth dressing, at Nason's Mills in Kennebunkport. May 28. Miss Caroline M. Little commences a school for the instruction of young ladies and misses in all the branches usually taught in academic schools, in Washington Hall. August. Rufus Furbish offers for sale a neat one-story dwell- ing-house, barn, blacksmith's shop and three-fourths of an acre of land. (Now owned by Mrs. William Storer. The house has been HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 419 enlarged and otherwise much improved since the above-named date. This was the first house built on Mechanic Street ; the street was thea nothing more than a lane, along the sides of which hazel bushes were abundant and in their season hazelnuts were gathered there in large quantities.) Paul H. Hussey removed to Cat Mousam Falls in August, where he carried on the cloth dressing business. October. "Tales of the Night," a novel by Mrs. Sallie Wood, of this town, author of "Julia," "The Speculator," "The Old Man's Story," etc. November 5. The whole stock in trade of Owen Burnham was sold at auction ; the sale continued for several days until the stock was disposed of. Mr. Burnham relinquished trade and removed to Bridgton. Jesse L. Smith opens a school for instruction in penmanship. Mr. Smith was employed as teacher in the public school in the Village District for several terms, November 8. William Gooch, assignee, sells at auction the entire stock of goods in the store of William Bartlett, at Ogunquit, A high-decked vessel of one hundred and ten tons, built by Bartlett, was subsequently sold by the assignee. February 2. The home lot formerly owned and improved by Ebenezer Rand, devised by him to one Shackley, and by Shackley exchanged for a small farm in Lyman, belonging to Samuel B. Low, was sold by Low. Shackley removed to Lyman and Low to the Rand place. Low purchased or hired the building east of the Kelley & Warren building and for several years carried on the cabinet-making business quite extensively; he employed skilled workmen and man- ufactured some excellent furniture. He subsequently relinquished business here and removed to Sanford, March. James L, Ross removes to Saco. March 31. Oliver Bartlett sells at auction a house lot on Dane Street, together with a stable recently erected and a house frame with other lumber, window frames, etc. (This place subsequently became the property of Miss Mary Warren.) April 9. William Lord sells his stock of goods at auction with the purpose of engaging in other business. He again occupied his store in 1830. 420 HISTORY OF KENNEllUNK. April II. The farm, with the buildings thereon, owned and occupied for many years by Rev. N. H. Fletcher, was advertised to be let. Mr. George Perkins rented the estate two years, when it was sold to Nathaniel M. Towle. April 15. Mrs. Murray, from Portland, opens a school for young ladies in Washington Hall, which she continued through the summer season; she was a popular and excellent teacher and her school was well patronized for two or three seasons. Mrs. Murray's husband was a major in the English service and had retired on half pay; he resided here while his wife was engaged in teaching. Mrs. Murray went from here to Hallowell, where she had a very large number of pupils and where she was greatly prized as a teacher. November 14. Benjamin Dodge, in the store formerly occupied by Isaac Kilham, at Kennebunk Landing, offers for sale a good assortment of West India goods and groceries. Daniel Shackford takes the bakehouse recently occupied by Oliver Bartlett and will carry on the baking business in all its branches ; advertises flour for sale and that he wishes to buy hem- lock and spruce faggots. 1829. February 28. The privilege where Merrill's mill formerly stood is advertised to lease for a term of ten years to a person dis- posed to erect a saw-mill thereon. The iron work, frame and boards belonging to Merrill's mill are advertised for sale. The frame had been taken down and with all the other woodwork piled up near by. May 21. Porter & Hillard, tin business, dissolve copartnership. November. Increase S. Kimball opens a law office over Lord & Kingsbury's store. December. Edward Gould relinquishes the manufacture of hats and enters into the butchering and meat-market business. Continues the sale of hats, etc., until the fall of 1831, when he devotes his attention wholly to the meat business. 1830. March i. Town & English take the bakehouse recently vacated by Daniel Shackford and carry on the baking business. Shackford continues the business at his dwelling-house. Smith & Porter dissolve copartnership. Smith occupies the store and sells groceries at wholesale. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 421 March 25. Joseph G. Moody sells his stock of goods at auc- tion, relinquishes trade here and removes to Augusta. William Lord procures a patent hay pressing machine, purchases loose hay from the farmers in this and the neighboring towns, has it pressed and ships to Southern ports. We do not know whether it was a profitable enterprise or otherwise, but it was very beneficial to hay growers in the vicinity. The barn and press were eventually destroyed by fire and Mr. Lord relinquished the business. April 18. Bracy Curtis offers for sale, at auction, the William B. Nason farm (formerly known as the Currier farm), situated a few rods east of Rev. Mr. Wells's meeting-house, containing about forty- five acres, with farm buildings. The buildings were torn down a few years later. N. N. Wiggins's homestead lot is a part of this farm, as is also a portion of Hope Cemetery. August I. Joseph W. Tinum, a trader in Lower Kennebunk Village, relinquishes business. August 20. John Emery &: Co. (John Emery and Joseph Gill- patrick) dissolve copartnership. Emery, who had an excellent rep- utation as a manufacturer of edge tools, continues the business. October 13. Greenough, Bodwell y Jonathan Stone, of Kennebunkport, by whom it was fitted up for a hotel, which was in successful operation in the autumn of 1836. It was called the "Mousam House." The orthography of the word Mousam had not then been settled. It was spelled by different persons Mousci:m, Mousi^m and Mouswm, most frequently in the manner last named. Mr. Stone proposed to paint the name of his house, in large letters, across the front of the building. The painter had drawn out the letters Mojis, when he turned toward Mr. Stone and inquired, "What is the next letter?" Mr. Stone did not know. Several of the old citizens were standing near and an appeal was made to them ; they differed as to the most correct method. Mr. Dane, Sr., was one of the bystanders, and he remarked that it was high time that the orthography of this word was established and added: "I propose, gentlemen, that one of our number wait upon Daniel Remich, sub- mit the question to him, and his decision evermore be considered as a finality." The proposition was warmly seconded by Mr. Stone and the other gentlemen present. Mr. Remich, in answer to the committee, said that he had frequent occasion to write the word and had invariably spelled it Mousam, not because he had any authority founded on a knowledge of the Indian dialect, but because he re- garded it as a smoother word when pronounced and more agreeable to the eye when written. He would recommend that am should be the established orthography of the terminal syllable. The report of the committee was well received; the "next letter" was a. The people of Sanford, Alfred and others interested in the subject heart- ily seconded the recommendation. From that day to the present Mousam has, we believe, been accepted and adopted as the proper method of spelling the word. The dwelling-house on Dane Street owned for some years by Mrs. Mehitabel Nason, and at the time owned by Edward Gould and occupied by him and Daniel Nason, Jr., took fire during the night of January 16, 1837, but by the prompt and well-directed exertions of the HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 443 inhabitants of the village was saved from destruction ; two rooms and an entry-way were seriously damaged and a considerable part of the furniture more or less injured. The heavens presented a singular but beautiful appearance on the evening of January 24, 1837, from six to eleven o'clock. In the early part of the evening a broad arch, of elegant crimson color, extended from the northwestern to the eastern horizon, and subse- quently spread in almost every direction, lighting up the heavens with great brilliancy. It excited the interest as well as the admira- tion of our citizens, and was regarded here, as well as in other places where seen, as the most grand and beautiful exhibition of this inexplicable aerial phenomenon (the Northern Lights) ever wit- nessed in this latitude. Notice was given by the State Treasurer, April, 1837, that the first and second installments of the surplus revenue were ready to be paid to authorized agents of the cities and towns therein. The inhabitants of Kennebunk voted, May first, "that the portion allotted to this town be loaned by the Town Treasurer to individuals and heads of families, citizens of the town, each [men, women and chil- dren] being entitled to an equal portion of the whole sum received, and to make an entry thereof on his books, to the end that the same may be collected when called for by the State, and the receipt of each individual on said books for the sum loaned shall be taken as ample security to the town and be deemed a full and sufficient voucher to the Treasurer." Fire was discovered in a large barn belonging to Mr. William Lord and connected by a shed with his dwelling-house, September 21, 1837. The alarm was given about sunset. The barn, shed and other outbuildings, together with a valuable patent hay press, a horse, cow, a few tons of hay, chaise, wagon, sleighs and many other articles fell a prey to the devouring element in a very short space of time. The L part of the house was severely damaged, but it was saved from entire destruction, although a portion of the roof and of the woodwork in the chambers was completely charred. 444 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. The "History of Kennebunkport from its first discover}', 1602, to 1837, by Charles Bradbury," was published early in the autumn of 1837, a duodecimo volume of three hundred and one pages. This is an exceedingly interesting and valuable work, now nearly out of print; copies of it have recently been sold at very high prices. It was prepared with great care by Captain Bradbury, who was unwearied in his efforts to render it authentic and exhaustive. Mr. Williamson, author of the " History of Maine," commended it very highly. Accompanying the report of the Secretary of War to the Presi- dent, in December, 1837, was a "statement showing the prominent points along the sea frontier which will require attention, and for which no plans or projects have yet been made by the Board of Engineers." Among the prominent points named are the mouth of Saco River, of the Kennebunk River and at York, where works should be erected with thirty guns (ten each, we presume) ; garrison in peace, twenty-five ; in war, one hundred. Sherburne's meeting-house, situated in the upper part of Ken- nebunkport, was sold at auction May 5, 1838. One of the condi- tions of sale was that it should be taken down and the materials removed within sixty days from date of sale. This meeting-house was built about 1800. Elder Sherburne was the first and we think the only settled minister over this society. He commenced his ministerial labors in January, 1803, "a Baptist church was consti- tuted with thirteen members in June," and he was ordained in Sep- tember of that year. The society was incorporated by the Massa- chusetts Legislature in 1806. "It was not a territorial parish, but the members of it belonged in all parts of the town." Elder Sher- burne left the society in 1817 and in 1818 removed to Ohio. He did not succeed well there, "but became poor and almost destitute. In 1827 he wrote his memoirs and the next year visited Kennebunk- port and the neighboring towns to make sale of his work and realized a handsome sum." He died in Ohio about 1829. Adoniram Hardison, aged forty-five years, was drowned, while fishing, a few miles from the mouth of Mousam River. He fell over- board from a small boat; his companion was unable to rescue him. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 445 The population of Kennebunk in 1840 was two thousand three hundred and seventy-three, again showing an increase in ten years of only ninety-one. Daniel Remich was appointed collector of the customs for the Port and District of Kennebunk, in place of Barnabas Palmer, whose commission had expired, March, 1841. Samuel Mendum was appointed postmaster of Kennebunk, in place of James Osborn, removed, June, 1841, and entered upon the duties of the office the first day of July. The valuation of Kennebunk in 1841 was four hundred and forty-two thousand nine hundred and one dollars, an increase in ten years of two hundred and eighteen thousand eight hundred and four dollars. The old State Militia system was abolished in 1843. CHAPTER XII. THE SOCIAL LIBRARY LITERARY SOCIETY LYCEUMS TEMPERANCE. Under an act of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, entitled "An Act to enable the proprietors of Social Libraries to manage the same," and on the petition of George W. Wallingford, John U. Par- sons, Timothy Frost, Benjamin Smith, Joseph Storer and Samuel Emerson, a warrant was issued December 12, 1801, by Joseph Thomas, justice of the peace, to George W. Wallingford, requiring him to call a meeting of said proprietors, to be held at Barnard's Tavern on the twenty-second of said month; at said time and place the proprietors met and organized by the choice of Rev. N. H, Fletcher, moderator, and G. W. Wallingford, clerk; a librarian, col- lector and treasurer were also chosen. The proprietary was divided into eighty-six shares, at five dollars each, and two cents per week, per volume, were to be charged for books taken from the library. Committees were chosen to draw up a code of by-laws and to pre- sent a list of books. Two hundred and twenty-four volumes of valuable books were purchased, embracing histories, biographies, travels and a choice selection of miscellaneous literature; the standard works were chiefly English editions, octavo size, and nicely bound. Probably better selections, in each department, could not have been made at the time. These volumes were extensively read. Later were added " Mavor's Voyages " and " Tours," in twenty-eight volumes, abridgments of all the important voyages and tours that had been made from the earliest period up to near the close of the seventeenth century. We think it safe to say that these volumes were read by the greater part of the boys, as well as by a goodly number of the girls, in the village between the ages of twelve and seventeen. They were sought for with as much avidity, and read with as much interest, as are the dime novels and other light literature at the present day, and with how much greater benefit. The one imparted knowledge of the utmost value, aided in giving solidity to the character, and furnished essential material for the building up of a respectable and useful manhood or womanhood; the other is enervating the minds 446 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK.. 44: of its readers, instilling notions that may lead to degeneracy or crime, and unfitting them for the perusal of books of genuine worth. Nor were adults the only readers of the larger volumes; it was not unusual to see minors, of both sexes, interested readers of American history and biography, as well as of Hume, Gibbon, Barthelemy's Travels of Anacharsis the Younger, Shakespeare, — indeed, few or none of the volumes on the library shelves were passed by, either by adult or minor, as dry and uninteresting. These are facts that may be profitably pondered to-day. Nearly forty volumes of the then recent publications in the sev- eral departments of literature above named were added to the library in 1838, for the purchase of which an assessment was laid on the proprietors. Time wore on. The books in the library had been generally read. Light literature had become easily accessible; it was fascinating, did not require sober thought or more than a modi- cum of culture to read it fluently, and it grew popular. Valuable books were published in this country at low prices, and many began to form home libraries. The old library was therefore neglected. It was not practicable to increase it by the addition of sound and safe works. Books were taken out and not returned, requests for privileges forbidden by the by-laws were frequent, and under the circumstances the stockholders deemed it advisable to sell the books, library case, etc., at auction. In accordance with a vote of the stockholders, it was so disposed of on the evening of December 1, 1853. Thus a time-honored institution of Kennebunk disap- peared. For more than half a century it had been a quiet but efficient worker of good,— how great or widely spread that good, no estimate can be formed. Literary Society. A society with the title of "The Literary and Moral Society of Kennebunk" was formed in April, i8i8, by gentlemen residing in the village. It consisted of about twenty-five members. Meetings were held fortnightly, at which subjects of a literary, moral and religious character were discussed. An oration and a poem, by members, were to be delivered annually and the exercises were to be public; the leading periodical publications of that day were taken for the use of its members. The first anniversary of the society was celebrated on the even- ing of the twenty-eighth of April, 18 ig. The members, each of whom wore an appropriate badge, marched in procession to the 448 HISTORY OF KEXNEBUNK. meeting-house, Avhere an oration was delivered by Israel W. Bourne and a poem by William S. Emerson, Miss Eliza M. Moody (after- ward Mrs. William T. Vaughan, of Portland,) presided at the organ, which was accompanied by "a select choir of female voices only.'' After the exercises at the church had been concluded, the members of this society marched to Jefferds's Hotel (then kept by George Jefferds), "where they partook of an elegant supper," which was succeeded by several excellent toasts. The society, in March, 1820, issued proposals for publishing, in Kennebunk, a fortnightly literary paper, to be called the " Maine Literary Journal," to be printed on first quality paper, on long primer type, of the form and fold of the "Philadelphia Post Folio," eight pages quarto, at one dollar and fifty cents per annum. A sufficient number of subscribers was not obtained to warrant its publication, however. Its second anniversary was observed on the evening of April 26, 1820. Oration by John Skeele and poem by Dr. Samuel Emerson. Supper at Washington Hall. The society was incorporated by the Legislature of Maine at the January session, 182 1. The third anni- versary was observed on the sixteenth of April of that year. Oration by Edward E. Bourne, poem by John Skeele. At the close of the exercises at the church the members, accompanied by the choir (all ladies), marched in procession to Jefferds's Hotel, where they par- took of an excellent supper. Its fourth anniversary was observed on the twentieth of April, 1822. George B. Moody, orator; William B. Sewall, poet. The literary exercises were supplemented by a supper at Washington Hall. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court was one of its invited guests. On its fifth anniver- sary, April 28, 1823, Israel W. Bourne was orator and George B. Moody, poet. These were the last public exercises of this society. Regular meetings at its rooms Avere continued for two or three years after- ward, but the number of attendants gradually diminished, and it was determined by the few remaining members to disband and to sell at auction the volumes of magazines belonging to the associa- tion. It was not in consequence of any discontent or lack of inter- est that this society closed its affairs, but because the larger part of the active members had removed from town to other places, to engage in business pursuits, and there appeared to be a lack of needed material wherewith to supply the vacancies that had been created. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 449 Lyceums. Several young men belonging in this village held a meeting on the first day of August, 1829, and organized a Debating Club. Meetings were held weekly at the ofifice of Increase S. Kimball, Esq., in a room which now forms a part of that occupied by the Good Templars. Its members were much interested and discussions on the several questions brought before them were spirited and gave evidence of careful preparation. As their room was quite small, the wish was generally expressed that the society would hold its meetings in a larger place, in order that spectators might be admitted. A proposition by the society was well received that it should relin- quish its informal organization, and that a " Lyceum " should be formed which would be broader in its character, the lectures and discussions before which should be free to all. At a meeting held on the evening of December 30, 1829, five gentlemen engaged to deliver one lecture each during the winter. The first lecture, introductory to the course and explanatory of the nature and design of lyceums, was delivered by Rev. George W. Wells, at Union Hall, on the evening of January 6, 1830. The sec- ond in the course was by Dr. William S. Emerson, on Electricity, January thirteenth; the third, January twentieth, by Hugh McCul- loch, Jr., on Physical Geography; the fourth, February eighth, by Edward E. Bourne, on the Early History of Kennebunk. This lec- ture embraced nearly all the facts relating to the early history of our town which are given in "The History of Wells and Kenne- bunk," published in 1875. The fifth and concluding lecture of this course was given February seventeenth, subject Astronomy, by Henry A. Jones, who for two or three years was a successful and very popular teacher of schools in this village. At the conclusion of Mr. Jones's lecture a constitution was reported which was adopted. "The association shall be called the 'Kennebunk Lyceum,' and its object shall be to promote the diffusion of useful knowledge." Any adult could become a member by the annual pay- ment of fifty cents and signing the constitution, and minors by the payment of twenty-five cents and also signing the constitution, the latter not entitled to vote. This constitution was signed by sixty- one adults and nine minors. The society was then organized by the election of the several officers required by the constitution. The first lecture before the Kennebunk Lyceum was delivered on the evening of March 3, 1830, by Daniel Remich; subject, " His- 450 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. tory of the Art of Printing." The second in the course was by Rev. Beriah Green, March tenth, on the " Condition of the Indians and the relations existing between them and the United States." March eighteenth William S. Emerson gave a lecture on "The Anatomy of the Human Skeleton." During the remainder of the course, which closed June ninth, lectures were delivered by Rev. G. W. Wells, E. E. Bourne, Dr. Burleigh Smart, Increase S. Kimball, Hugh McCul- loch, Jr., and Rev. Beriah Green. One of Mr. Wells's lectures was on " The rearing of silk worms and the cultivation of the mulberry." Mr. Wells took much inter- est in this subject and endeavored to create a general enthusiasm in reference to it among our farmers especially. Several citizens planted the mulberry and raised silk worms, but did not meet with that degree of success which encouraged them to continue their experiments. A board of managers was chosen at a business meeting in September, 1830, the members of which were re-elected annually, excepting in cases where vacancies occurred by the removal of the incumbents from town. Joseph Dane, James K. Remich, Edward E. Bourne, Rev. George W. Wells, Dr. Burleigh Smart, Rev. Joseph Fuller (successor to Rev. Beriah Green), William Lord, Elisha Chad- bourne, Adam McCulloch and Levi P. Hillard comprised this board. Standing committees were appointed on Chemistry, Agriculture, Mechanic Arts and Manufactures, Political Economy, Town Im- provements, Education, Lyceums and Domestic Economy. These committees reported questions for discussion. The meetings of the Lyceum were resumed on the thirtieth of September, on which evening a lecture was delivered by Hugh Mc- Culloch, Jr. The question, "Ought capital punishment for crime to be abolished?" was discussed on the evening of the sixth of October, and Messrs. Henry A. Jones, Dr. S. Emerson, E. E. Bourne, G. W. Wells, H. McCulloch, Jr., and Daniel Remich par- ticipated in the debate. William S. Emerson, who had held the cflfices of secretary and treasurer since the organization of the Ly- ceum, resigned, in consequence of leaving town, and Daniel Remich was elected to fill the vacancy. In 1832 a select committee on Pauperism — James K. Remich, John Low and Joseph Dane — was appointed, by whom a report was made, the discussion of which occupied several evenings and parts of evenings, and resulted in bringing the matter before the town HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 451 and in the abolishing of the old system of "bidding ofif the poor" and the adoption of the present method of supporting them. Meetings of this association were continued during the fall and winter months of each succeeding year until 1838, when they were relinquished from the same causes that led to the dissolution of the Literary and Moral Society. For ten years this Lyceum was a very flourishing and useful institution. It was sustained almost entirely by home talent, and it may be truthfully said that the lectures and discussions before it were, as a whole, exceedingly creditable to the participants and to the town. Rev. Mr. Wells was an active and efficient member, and Rev. Mr. Green, of the Orthodox Society, while he was a resident here, was untiring in his efforts to render the exercises popular and interesting. They were not unaided ; young men, the middle-aged and "those with silvery locks" were willing and efficient contributors to the public exercises. All our citizens were deeply interested in its prosperity ; the halls where its meetings were held were always crowded. It was common ground ; political or sectarian feeling was unknown, and that jostling for precedence, — an attribute of the weak-minded, low and vulgar, — was never exhibited. Initiatory steps were taken, the second year of its existence, for the formation of a library. Its beginning was small. We give its catalogue: Nicholson's Encyclopedia, twelve volumes, presented by Joseph Storer; Collections of the American Antiquarian Society, presented by Daniel L. Hatch; Library of Entertaining Knowledge, twenty-two volumes, viz. : Pursuit of Knowledge, four volumes. Vegetable Substances, two volumes. Insect Architecture, two volumes, New Zealanders, Insect Transfor- mations, Menageries, one volume each. Architecture of Birds, two volumes, Quadrupeds, three volumes, Historical Parallels, two vol- umes, Paris and its Historical Scenes, two volumes. Practical Nat- uralist and Culture of Silk, one volume each ; Mechanic's Magazine, monthly, and Scientific Tracts. Among the additions in after years were the Republication of the Four English Quarterlies, American Quarterly Review and the Franklin Institute, monthly. The works here enumerated would, doubtless, be regarded as "dry reading" by the majority of the public at this day; but such a collection of read- ing matter was an appropriate auxiliary in the promotion of the work for which this association was instituted. A very good philo- sophical apparatus was also purchased. The larger part of the lectures were on scientific subjects, but they were attentively listened to by large audiences, composed of 452 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. both sexes of all ages, from youths of fifteen to adults who had passed threescore and ten. The library was not neglected; its bound volumes and periodicals were carefully read by the younger as well as the older members of the community. When the society was dissolved the apparatus (such of it as was unbroken) was pre- sented by the subscribers to Union Academy, and we think the library was similarly disposed of, excepting a few valuable volumes which were returned to the donors. The meetings of the association were free to all who desired to attend, and the expenses attending them were defrayed by individual subscriptions. We think that it maybe correctly stated that the " Elizabethan period " in Kenne- bunk was between the years 1810 and 1840. A number of gentlemen who were desirous that a course of lec- tures should be delivered in this village, during the winter of 185 1- 52, met on the twenty-eighth of November, 185 1, and seventeen pledged themselves to defray the expenses of the course ; that is, in case the expenses exceeded the amount received from the sale of tickets, they would make up the deficiency. At a subsequent meet- ing of the guarantors a board of managers was chosen, viz. : Daniel Remich, William B. Sewall, Rev. Joshua A. Swan, Joseph Dane, Jr., and Edward W. Morton. (Mr. Remich declined to act as chairman, Mr. Sewall being the oldest member of the board, an arrangement, however, to which Mr. Sewall would not consent.) The organization was completed by the choice of Joseph Dane, Jr., as treasurer and E. W. Morton as secretary. The lecturers and their subjects during the season were as fol- lows: Rev. Mr. Chickering, of Portland, "Switzerland"; Rev. Mr. Stone, of Boston, "Kossuth"; Rev. Mr. Harrington, of Lawrence; Rev. Mr. Ware, of Cambridge, "The Fine Arts"; two lectures by Rev. Mr. Bowman, of Kennebunkport, " Cowper and his Poems " and "The Beautiful"; Rev. Mr. Carruthers, of Portland, also deliv^- ered two lectures, "Russia" and "Tartar Tribes"; Rev. Mr. Fisk, of Bath, "Mental Greatness"; Rev. Mr. Hopkins, of Saco ; Rev. Mr. Judd, of Augusta, " The Beautiful " ; Rev. Dr. Gannet, of Bos- ton, "Conversation." The second course, 1852-53, was conducted by the same board of managers. Mr. Dane, as treasurer, and Dr. Morton, as secre- tary, resigned their respective offices, and the vacancies were filled by the choice of Mr. Remich as treasurer and Edward W. Lord as secretary. HISTORY OF KENNEEUNK. 453 The lecturers and their subjects were as follows: Rev. Mr. Judd, of Augusta, "Law of Love"; Mr. Jewett, of Portland, two lectures, "Ancient Shipbuilding" and "Modern Shipbuilding"; Rev. J. W. Abbott, of Brunswick, "Scenes in the Life of Louis Fourteenth"; Mr. Cowes, of Portsmouth, "The Tide"; Rev. R. C. Waterston, of Boston, " Scotland " ; Rev. Mr. Willetts, of Philadel- phia, "The Man for the Times"; Rev. Mr. Mclntire, two, "Astron- omy"; Edward W. Lord, "Patriotism"; Edward E. Bourne, Jr., "Benedict Arnold"; Rev. T. Starr King, of Boston, "Substance and Show"; Rev. Mr. Holland, of Boston, "Palestine"; Professor Hoyt, of Exeter, "Education"; Rev. Mr. Wilcox, "The Providence of God as Manifested in the Progress of the Human Race," and Rev. Mr. Woodbury, of Concord, N. H., "Luther." There were two or three courses of lectures between the years 1838 and 185 1, conducted on the same plan as the foregoing, and it is believed under nearly the same management, but we think that the records are not now to be found, and we are consequently unable to furnish any detailed account of them. The able and popular lec- turer, Henry Giles, was here, and there were two or three lectures on Chemistry by Professor King. Since 1853 there have been, frequently, courses of lectures, but we think no formal organization for conducting them, and a less number have constituted a course. Recently the course of lectures has been superseded by one of enter- tainments, divided about equally between concerts and literatures. Temperance. The Gazette of February 4, 1826, contained an editorial severely condemning the indiscriminate sale of ardent spirits. Mr. Remich, while returning from his office labors, which frequently detained him until a late hour, often met persons staggering toward their dwelling places, and it was not uncommon, on the morning following such an «vent, to hear of the abuse of wives or families by these inebriated individuals, or that their habits were causing destitution and suffer- ing. He felt it to be a duty to call public attention to this mon- strous evil, which was evidently on the increase in the village and in neighboring towns. This astounding article — which we think was the first attack, editorially, upon the dramshops and intemper- ance ever made by any paper in the State — was followed, in the two successive issues, by editorials and communications equally pointed and pungent. These caused great excitement. A few openly approved. Many, privately, acknowledged their truthfulness, but 454 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. questioned the expediency of a crusade that must inevitably cause much bitterness of feeling and which it was idle to suppose could result in the reformation desired, and not a few gave utterance to sentiments of disapproval and disgust, accompanied, occasionally, with threats of personal violence. Mr. Remich was not at all affected by the latter. His well-known great physical strength and fearlessness were ample guarantees of his perfect immunity from any attempt to punish him by the application of brute force. The immediate effects of these exposures were : The loss of about one hundred and fifty subscribers to the Gazette,^ who were citizens of Kennebunk, Lyman, Kennebunkport and Wells; the closing, at an earlier hour, of the shops of those who felt that they were the persons against whom these shafts were aimed; the seek- ing, by the victims of dissipation, of some other way than the main street by which to reach their abodes ; the free discussion and calm consideration of the subject by the thoughtful and judicious, which resulted in the hearty endorsement of the warfare that had been initiated, and, by the more resolute, in a determination to give their aid, actively, to a cause so deserving; and the often repeated, ear- nest and tearful thanks to the editor, by wives and sons and daugh- ters, for the good work in which he was engaged. In order to fully appreciate the circumstances under which this warfare was commenced, we must consider the then condition of things in regard to the use of and traffic in intoxicants. The public tacitly approved of the sale of them ; the use of them, as a beverage, was nearly universal, a very small percentage of the citizens being total abstinents ; to deal in them was not regarded as at all disrep- utable ; they were retailed in every store and public house in town, but it should be added that a large percentage of this number always peremptorily refused to sell to immoderate drinkers. It appears by the treasurer's ledger that the first money received by the town treasurer was paid him, September ii, 182 1, for twenty- one licenses to retail ardent spirits, which amounted to the sum of one hundred and twenty-six dollars, and between the above-named date and January, 1824, fifteen additional licenses were granted, ^The Essex Gazette, published by Abijah W. Thayer, in Haverhill. Mass., wa* the first political paper that ever came out in advocacy of total abstinence from intoxicating liquors, and the second of any kind, either in America or In the ■world. This was in 1821. " Such was the opposition to the movement that In a short time he lost about four hundred subscribers. Mr. Thayer removed to Port- land in 1822, where, until the autumn of 182rt. he was connected with the Independ- ent Statesman, at first as editor, and subsequently as editor and proprietor." He returned to Haverhill in 182*3. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 455 making a total of thirty-six individuals and firms in Kennebunk who were licensed as retailers; three of these were innholders, one keeper of a victualing cellar, twenty-one storekeepers in the village, six storekeepers at the Landing, and five small groceries outside the village. The Gazette relaxed none of its energy in keeping the subject before the people, by the publication of appropriate original and selected matter. Within a brief space of time after the movement under consideration vi^as initiated, several retailers relinquished the traffic, and the use of ardent spirits as a beverage was considerably diminished ; the good work was quietly, but persistently, prosecuted, and with encouraging success. In 1829 a temperance society was formed. At this time the pauper tax became a subject of general com- plaint. It had been gradually increasing for several years. The municipal officers were severely censured, but the closest examina- tion proved that they had performed the duties devolving upon them in reference to this matter, as well as in all other particulars, faithfully and with due regard to the best interests of the town. The number of paupers was very large in proportion to its popula- tion. A committee was appointed at a town meeting held in April, 1830, who were instructed to ascertain the number of persons assisted by the town, their condition, habits, etc. In due time this committee made a report, embodying the material facts obtained in the course of a careful and patient examination of the subject, and these facts conclusively proved that three-fourths of the pauperism in the village could be traced to intemperance. This aroused public attention. As a matter of policy, and over and above all as a matter intimately connected with the best interests of society, its morals, prosperity and rational enjoyment, the temperance cause should receive the earnest support of every good citizen. Several retailers of ardent spirits abandoned the traffic; many who had been moder- ate drinkers became total abstinents. Meetings for the discussion of the subject w^ere held in the village and in the schoolhouses in the several school districts, all of which were well attended and un- deniably productive of good results, but a few of the retailers held on to the traffic and resorted to every means in their power to render abortive the work of the advocates of temperance, whose private characters were bitterly assailed and to whom the most offensive terms were applied. Small politicians improved the opportunity to misrepresent facts and excite prejudices with the view of gaining 456 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. votes from the slaves to a morbid appetite. The most intense excitement prevailed for two or three years. The subject of pau- perism and its causes was brought before the Lyceum, previously alluded to, and a committee (James K. Remich, Joseph Dane and John Low) was appointed to consider the question and report. This duty they performed. After the report had been read, several gen- tlemen spoke earnestly and well in defense of the propositions of the committee, but the speech of the evening was made by Judge William A. Hayes, or "Father Hayes" as he was called, of South Berwick, who happened to be present, and who, after complimenting the committee for the able manner in which they had treated the question, proceeded to advocate its principles and recommendations in a masterly manner. His remarks were listened to with the deep- est interest and were afterward frequently referred to as exceedingly appropriate and impressive. The consideration of the report occu- pied the Lyceum two or three evenings. The question of license or no license was brought before the town, and an amusing medley it produced. Lifelong Democrats and lifelong Republicans were seen working together zealously in opposition to licenses, and Republicans and Democrats, until now unyielding antagonists at the polls, were clasping hands and unitedly laboring in favor of licenses. Party politics were forgotten in this contest. "Uncle Ben," as he was familiarly called, was among the most noted "topers" in town. He was very respectably connected, kind- hearted, upright and, excepting his great failing, a man of good sense and sound judgment. He was famous as a gunner, fisher and trapper; a man of "infinite jest, of most excellent fancy"; he was the father of a family of boys and girls of whom he was proud, and who were worthy the pride of any father; still he could not resist the tempter. No one knew better or felt more keenly the degradation resulting from the habit to which he was addicted than "Uncle Ben"; no one could describe more feelingly than he would the evils attendant upon a drunkard's life. Occasionally he would abandon the habit for a short time, but the sight or smell of spirits would lead him at once to indulge his appetite to excess. When the license question was under consideration at this meeting — an excited, turbulent meeting — a motion was made and carried to "divide the house"; all in favor of licensing to be seated in the pews on the left-hand side (as you enter) of the broad aisle of the church in which the town meetings were then held, all opposed to be seated on the right-hand side. "Uncle Ben" very deliberately HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 457 took his seat in a pew on the right. From the left came a dozen voices: '"Uncle Ben,' 'Uncle Ben,' you are on the wrong side; come over here." With a sad countenance, but with a firm tone, "Uncle Ben" answered: "I know I am a poor, miserable old drunkard, but I am a man of principle, I shall stay here." For awhile it seemed doubtful which side would prevail, so nearly equally divided were the combatants, but at the close of the struggle a vote was passed, by a small majority, April i, 1833, instructing the selectmen not to grant licenses for the sale of spirit- uous liquors to be drank in the stores or places of business of those by whom it might be sold, and requesting the selectmen not to grant licenses for the sale of liquors in any quantity. The selectmen obeyed the instruction and recommendation of their constituents. The beneficial results of this action were soon apparent : spirituous liquors were still sold, but clandestinely, and their use was consid- erably diminished; the virtue of sobriety, with its attendant blessings, gained ground among the population and the traffic in stimulants was becoming discreditable. "Zion's Hill," an appellation almost universally given to a small portion of our village by residents of the town, and by which it is somewhat extensively known abroad, obtained its title during the evening of the day on which these votes were passed. A strong advocate of licensing was bewailing the defeat of the measure and denouncing the Gazette — the proprietor of which lived on this terri- tory and three-fourths of the heads of families who dwelt there were fast friends of the temperance cause — and wound up his harangue as follows : " We should have no trouble at all about this liquor business if it wasn't for them d d aristocrats on Zion's Hill." This title, then first given to the locality (more than fifty years ago), has steadily adhered to it, at first as a joke, then as a convenient term by which to designate this part of the village ; and later it has, by long-continued use, become an established name, very few mak- ing an inquiry or indulging a thought respecting its origin. At the May term of the Court of County Commissioners, held at Alfred (1833), Capt. Charles Bradbury, of Kennebunkport, Chair- man, Ayer and Boyd, Associates, four petitions were presented, by persons belonging to this town, praying the Court to grant a license for the sale of ardent spirits to each of them. The Court took up one of these petitions, wherein it was alleged that the petitioner had applied to the selectmen for a license to sell spirits to be drank away from the store, "which request had been improperly refused." The 458 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. evidence adduced and the arguments of counsel, in behalf of peti- tioner and respondents, occupied nearly a whole day. After the hearing Chairman Bradbury gave his opinion at considerable length, which opinion was fully concurred in by his associates. It was that the petition should be dismissed, and in consequence of this decision the other petitions were withdrawn. In the winter of 1833 James K. Remich issued proposals for publishing, at Kennebunk, a large quarto monthly paper to be called "The Friend," to be devoted to the advocacy of the cause of tem- perance. The proposition was well received by friends of the cause throughout the county, and by the first of May a sufficient number of subscribers had been received to warrant its publication, when notice was given that the first number would be issued in the course of two or three weeks. A temperance paper — whether under the auspices of the State Temperance Society or not we are unable to say, but we think that it was— had already been started at Wiscasset, but was not liberally patronized, and it was believed by its support- ers that its publication must be abandoned if "The Friend" was issued. It was represented to Mr. Remich that two temperance papers could not be sustained in the State, and that one established at Wiscasset, near the center of population, would be productive of greater good to the cause than at Kennebunk, near the western boundary of the State. Under these circumstances Mr. Remich conferred with the leading temperance men in the county, express- ing his belief that it would be better to unite in the support of the Wiscasset paper. They differed with him in opinion, but finally reluctantly withdrew their objections, and on the eighth of June notice was given that "The Friend" would not be published, for awhile at least. A few of the gentlemen who had engaged to con- tribute to the columns of "The Friend" consented to write occa- sionally for the Wiscasset paper, and quite a number of those who had subscribed for the former became patrons of the last named. The larger part of the temperance workers in the county were never fully satisfied with this arrangement and did not give a hearty support to the paper at Wiscasset. Mr. Remich, in later years, admitted that he made a great mistake in this matter, that in this instance his "zeal outran his discretion." "The Friend" would have had a large and very able corps of contributors, while its sub- scription list afforded a guarantee that it would have been strongly supported. It was not expected, of course, that it would prove a "money-making concern." We think that the Wiscasset paper was HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 459 discontinued in April, 1834, or that its place of publication was then changed to Augusta, where it was published monthly, with the title of the "Maine Temperance Herald," by the executive committee of the State Society for several years. At a meeting of the executive committee of the Temperance Society, December 28, 1835, "poi^ motion of Rev. Mr. Wells, it was voted that a committee be appointed to confer with Mr. James K. Remich to see whether an arrangement could be made to circulate in pamphlet form the matter contained in the Temperance Department of the Kennebunk Gazette. Mr. Wells and Mr. William M. Bryant were chosen. A report made to the society by its secretary at its annual meeting in 1837 embraced a full history of its progress from the date of its foundation to the date of the report, which was published by a vote of the society. Its length precludes us from copying it. The Washingtonian movement commenced in this town early in the autumn of 1841. The society was composed of those who had been addicted to the immoderate use of ardent spirits. The "Kennebunk Washington Total Abstinence Society" held its first public meeting in the meeting-house of the First Parish, Sunday evening, October 17, 1841, when an address was made by Mr. Bar- timus, of Boston, who was followed by several members in brief remarks, during which they depicted the evils resulting from intem- perance, proving the soundness of their statements by narrations of their experiences as individuals. This organization was very active and it is believed was productive of great good in this town during the years 1841 and '42. Mr. Bartimus was a faithful laborer in the cause, and by personal interviews and public addresses influenced many to abandon the use of intoxicants and to become consistent members of the society which was formed through his exertions. "Father Hayes" succeeded Mr. Bartimus. He spoke in each of the schoolhouses in town, outside the village, and in the churches of the First and Second Parishes, explaining and advocating the cause for the advancement of which he was laboring. He was always accompanied by members of the society, who strengthened his declarations by a portrayal of the wrongs that they had inflicted upon themselves by the intemperate use of alcoholic liquors, and the happiness, prosperity and respectability that had rewarded them for a strict adherence to temperance. Great good had then already been accomplished by the old society, •which had been in the field several years and had thoroughly 460 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. aroused the public to a thoughtful consideration of the subject. The class of persons to whom the Washingtonians particularly addressed themselves was not, therefore, without full knowledge of the efforts that they were making to diminish the use and repress the sale of the "liquid poison." They had, however, looked upon these efforts with aversion, regarding them as an attempt to "deprive men of their liberties " and as an unauthorized interference with their "rights"; but curiosity was excited to hear the stories told by per- sons "who had been in the gutter," and while listening to them they felt that they were true. Hearts were touched, hopes were enkin- dled, resolutions were formed, and new lives, new homes and higher and nobler aims were opened to them. A large number joined the Washingtonians; some were unfaithful, but the larger part were true to their pledges and became valuable members of the community. This society celebrated Washington's birthday anniversary in 1842 by a supper, etc., at the Town Hall. Capt. James Hubbard presided, assisted by several vice presidents. Many members of the old organization were present and took an active part in the exercises. A sumptuous collation, furnished under the supervision of Capt. Samuel Littlefield, was served, of which one hundred and seventy ladies and gentlemen partook. A series of fourteen regular toasts, which had been prepared by Daniel Remich, was read by him. " Father Hayes " responded to the second, Rev. Mr. Edes to the fifth, E. E. Bourne to the eighth, and Samuel Emerson to the eleventh. Several temperance odes and songs were sung during the evening by Israel Kimball, of Wells, in his usual elegant style. The evening was spent rationally and delightfully. There were sterling jokes, brilliant flashes of wit, high-toned moral sentiments, interesting and pertinent anecdotes, merry peals of laughter, loud and repeated cheers, all calculated to impart innocent hilarity to the occasion and to render it "a feast of reason and a flow of soul." At the annual town meeting, April 2, 1842, the temperance ticket for town officers prevailed by a handsome majority. Resolu- tions were adopted instructing the selectmen to prosecute all viola- tions of the license laws in this town which might come to their knowledge, and also to carry on the several suits that had been already commenced for such violations. Frequent meetings under the auspices of this society were held in different parts of the town throughout the year and the winter of 1843, which were largely attended and with good results. The twenty-second of February of that year was celebrated, in Union HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, 461 Hall, in like manner as was this anniversary the previous year. Mr. Barnard, of Boston, and Rev. Mr, Burr, of Portland, delivered stirring addresses. After Mr. Hayes had left town, in March, 1842, the old and new societies worked together, for a time zealously, but there was a gradual relaxation of their efforts. The next organization devoted to the advancement of the tem- perance reform was the "Sons and Daughters of Temperance," a secret society, which was conducted with earnestness, good judg- ment and gratifying success for several years, when it was succeeded by the " Good Templars," also a secret society, but embracing more elements of popularity than its immediate predecessor. This has been, from its commencement to the present time, a flourishing and effective association. The Good Templars Lodge in the village, called "Salus Lodge, No. 156," was organized June 8, 1866. "Ear- nest Lodge, No. 55," of Good Templars is also a flourishing society, with its headquarters at the Eastern Depot Village, in West Kenne- bunk. It was organized March 15, 1876. The old society, the pioneer in the good work, retired from the contest years ago. It had battled against fearful odds, it had been engaged in political strife, it had been opposed by all the bitter hos- tility that could be engendered by perverted appetites, by cupidity unrestrained by moral sentiments. Its members had been the objects of bitter hatred, of petty persecutions and of obloquy; they had stemmed the torrent of adverse circumstances, working and warring with strong hearts and unflinching action. The society had accomplished its mission and its record is a noble one. CHAPTER XIII. THE FIRE SOCIETY. The first volume of the Records of the Society commences thus: " Kennebunk, Monday, loth February, 1812. The inhabit- ants of this place having met several times to consult upon the formation of a Fire Society, without carrying anything into effect, again met this evening in Webster's Hall, by adjournment, farther to consider the necessary steps to be taken to organize said Society." Dr. Jacob Fisher was chosen moderator, Robert Waterston, secre- tary, and Nathaniel Frost, Joseph Dane and Robert Waterston were appointed to form a "code of By-Laws and to report thereon." The meeting was then adjourned to the following Monday evening, when the committee appointed to prepare by-laws made a report. It was voted that they go into operation on the first of the next June and seventy-five copies were ordered to be printed. The society was organized by the choice of Joseph Thomas, president, Isaac C. Pray, secretary, Timothy Frost, treasurer, Michael Wise, collector, and John Low, Nathaniel Jefferds and Robert Waterston, committee of inspection. The by-laws made it the duty of the committee of inspection to examine the engine and its apparatus and to report any deficiences discovered to the captain thereof, and if their suggestions were not seasonably attended to, then to report to the society at its next annual meeting or at a special meeting. They also provided that the society have a watchword, to be altered at their pleasure, and any member not giving the countersign when demanded by the president, at a meeting or at a fire, should pay a fine of twenty-five cents. The only reference in the records to this provision appears in the proceedings of the annual meeting in 1833, when it was voted that '"Yard I ' be the watchword for the present year." The society, at its organization, numbered thirty-four members. At the second annual meeting it was voted to purchase a drag- rope for the fire hook. In 18 15 the treasurer was authorized to purchase a fire hook, complete, for the use of the society, and in 1817 the treasurer was requested to cause a shed to be built in order that the fire hook might be kept under cover, 462 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 463 The first society supper was in 1817, in compliance with a vote adopted the preceding year, a custom which has been "honored in the observance " from that date until the present time, with only two or three exceptions. In 1 8 19 the treasurer was requested to furnish a breastplate and rope traces with hooks for the purpose of harnessing a horse to the engine. In 182 1 the society appointed a committee of one to take care of the engine, and also elected a captain and a lieutenant to take charge thereof in time of fire, and voted that the members be under the control of these officers and that the society meet on the first Monday of each month in the year at the engine house "one hour by the sun in the afternoon." The monthly meetings were dispensed with in 1824, and for a number of years afterward the members were required to be present only on the first Mondays in May and September at five p. m. In 183 1 Elisha Chadbourne, the captain, by appointment by and under instructions from the Fire Society, notifies the members of said society that for the purpose of getting out and working the engine they have been divided into two classes, — those residing on the eastern side of Scotchman's Brook consti- tuting the first class, and those on the western side of said brook the second class, — said classes to meet alternately on the first Monday of April and the five following months, commencing with the first class, which is notified to meet at the engine house the fourth of April at half-past five in the afternoon. A second lieutenant was added to the list of officers of the engine in 1829. These appointments were made and meetings were held inasmuch as there was no engine company. It appears, how- ever, that a company was formed the second of July, 1832, at which date new "Rules and Regulations" were adopted. Article I of which reads as follows: "This Company shall be known by the name of the Kennebunk Engine Company, No. i." The society voted at its annual meeting in 1833 to appoint a committee of three to examine the engine once a month and in case the company should be disbanded or should fail to keep the engine in good repair, said committee were empowered to keep it in order and present their bill to this society for payment. The same year new editions of the revised by-laws were printed; these were again revised in 1839 ^"^ in 1857, in which years new editions were issued. In 182 1 the society for the first time nominated candidates for fire wardens and in 1830 furnished them with "staffs." 464 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. In 1835 ^ subscription was made by members and other citi- zens amounting to sixty-six dollars and forty-seven cents, which was expended for repairing the engine and purchasing necessary fire apparatus. Again in 1849 the sum of sixty-five dollars and fifty cents was raised for the same purpose, in like manner, and in 1852 the sum of six hundred and thirty-two dollars was also raised by subscription for the purchase of a new engine and needed apparatus; this was called the Washington. In 1880 it was considered expe- dient to purchase another engine, one that would do more efficient work than the old Washington ; this was done at a cost of one thousand dollars. Five hundred feet of cable hose with couplings was also purchased, costing three hundred and seventy-five dollars, which, together with an additional sum of two hundred and twenty- five dollars expended in a good secondhand hose carriage and in building a tower on the south end of the engine house, made a total of sixteen hundred dollars. The Safeguard has proved to be an excellent machine, adapted to our wants as regards simplicity, excellence of materials and man- ufacture and the ease with which it can be worked. In 1847 it was voted that ladies be admitted to the supper at the next meeting. In 1867 a similar vote was passed and at the annual meeting the following year nineteen ladies were present by invitation of members, a practice which has been continued with increasing favor to the present time. In looking over its records, which, by the way, appear generally to have been carefully and accurately made, no marked or particu- larly interesting incidents are found in the history of this society. It has pursued its course, not always in perfect harmony, but with as little wrangle or jar as could be expected, and less by far than usually attends the management of associations of a similar charac- ter. Its meetings, with few exceptions, have been exceedingly pleasant, the questions coming up for consideration rarely exciting lively or acrimonious debate, while the measures adopted have usu- ally been carried without a division. It is apparent that at no time has there been a lack of interest in the great object of the associa- tion; existing evils or wants have been brought to its notice promptly, and measures to remedy the one or supply the other have been taken without delay and with perfect unanimity. Several votes of the society, adopted at different times, have been quoted to show that the fire apparatus has always been con- sidered its special charge ; when no engine company existed it has HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 465 been considered its duty to take the necessary steps for the preser- vation of all the apparatus, as well as to make ample provision for the working of the engine should fires occur, and when a company did exist, to appoint a committee of one or more to inspect the apparatus and to report, annually, in reference to its condition. The Kennebunk Fire Society has not been an inoperative asso- ciation. Whether all has been accomplished that might have been through its agency we are not prepared to affirm, but that it has been an instrument of great good does not admit of a doubt. Its purpose is one in which all are interested. The owner or occupant of buildings, the owner of personal property liable to be destroyed by fire, and the taxpayers are benefited by such an organization. The cost of equipment is not large when it is considered that the by-laws do not require members to furnish themselves with a single article which is not absolutely essential to efficient service in case of fire. The few trifling fines to which members are subject for non-appearance or deficiency in equipment add to the fund in the treasurer's hands, which is always carefully expended, under author- ity of votes of the society, for material of acknowledged utility and necessity. Devoid of the semblance even of distinction as regards party, sect or wealth, it is eminently a popular association. Among the members of this society since its organization have always been found the most prominent of the citizens of our town for intelligence, wealth and worth, and at all times an earnest desire has been mani- fested to increase its numerical strength and to promote its respec- tability and its usefulness. An organization of this description, in a village like ours, has a tendency to impress strangers favorably respecting it. Persons seeking a place in which to invest capital in manufactures or trade would, most assuredly, give the preference, other things being equal, to that which maintained the best fire department, especially if the indications were that it was sustained with cheerful and united effort and whole-souled energy. In this matter of membership of our society, however, throwing aside all the inducements which increased business and prosperity might offer, there is one simple reason, overreaching and outweighing any other that can be adduced, which it seems should be conclusive, and that is duty. By becoming a member of this association one confers a benefit on the community. He volunteers to provide safe- guards against conflagrations arising from carelessness or indiffer- ence, and he furnishes apparatus by which, in case of fire, every 30 466 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. required facility is at hand for its extinguishment. It is true that there is no show, no pomp, no parade about all this and one's only reward is the consciousness of having done something for the bene- fit of those around him. And, after all, is it not the quiet, unosten- tatious performance of duty to one's self and to his neighbors that constitutes the truly valuable citizen and the worthy man? There are but a very few among the millions who can win golden opinions by acts of rare munificence or earn a widespread and enviable rep- utation by fearless bravery or by powerful eloquence which sways the multitude, while duty, faithfully performed at all times and in all matters, the most minute as well as the most momentous, is the keystone of earthly goodness and true greatness. And so, although associations like ours may appear insignifi- cant and of little moment, they are, nevertheless, of incalculable importance. Indeed, it would be difficult to estimate the extent and value of their labors in preventing and extinguishing fires or the amount of suffering, loss, penury and even vice which is saved through their instrumentality. CHAPTER XIV. GENERAL LAFAYETTE PRESIDENT JACKSON YORK LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS MILITARY REVIEWS FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS. Lafayette first landed on our shores April 19, 1777, at George- town, S. C. Shortly afterward he addressed a note to the President of Congress, asking permission to serve in the Continental Army without pay and as a volunteer. His offer was accepted, and, in the language of a resolution adopted by that body, "in considera- tion of his zeal, illustrious family and connections," he was com- missioned, by its order, as a major general in the Army of the United States. The story of his relinquishment of all the enjoy- ments of a happy home, of his sacrifice of personal comfort and of property, as well as of his invaluable services in behalf of our strug- gling people "battling for freedom," of his assistance on the field and in obtaining material aid from the French Government, is too well known to need more than a bare mention here. Lafayette was born September 6, 1757, and was married at the age of seventeen to a young lady of large fortune, which, added to his own, brought him an annual income of thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars. He joined our army a few weeks before he reached the age of twenty; the English officers called him the "stripling Frenchman." He died in 1834 in his seventy-seventh year. General Lafayette accepted an invitation by Congress to visit the United States, as the nation's guest, in 1824, Declining the proposal of our government to send a national vessel for his con- veyance, he came passenger in a merchantman, the ship Cadmus, which arrived at New York on the fifteenth day of August, after a pleasant voyage of thirty-one days from Havre, and was accompa- nied by his son, George Washington Lafayette, Mr. Augusta Le Vasseur and one servant. He was received in a manner befitting a sincerely grateful people, who were welcoming a national guest emi- nently deserving the highest honors in their power to bestow. Of his companions in arms whom he left, after the battle of Yorktown, forty-three years before, and who greeted him with heartfelt cor- 467 468 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. diality on his brief visit to this country in 1784,— mainly to embrace and to commune with his beloved Washington, to revisit his old battlefield and to witness the progress of our people, — few were left; but the sons and daughters who received from their sires the bequest of liberty were here, with hearts filled with gratitude, to pay to him the respect richly due to our nation's benefactor. His journey through the country was a "perfect ovation." Not only were the demonstrations of esteem and affection everywhere showered upon him exceedingly gratifying to the nation's guest, but he must have seen, with feelings of pride and gratulation, the evidences of faithful and successful stewardship shown in the prosperity and happiness of those who had entered upon the inheritance won through wise counsels, brave armies and timely aid, which, under a beneficent Providence, had brought to a prosperous issue the patriotic labors of those who risked their all in support of the principles of the great Declaration. Friday, the twenty-fifth of June, 1825, was a holiday in Kenne- bunk. The male portion of our townsfolk were astir at an early hour, for the purpose of giving the finishing touches to the street decora- tions and of making preparations for the cavalcade — the former erected and the latter to be formed — in honor of the illustrious Lafay- ette, who was to be the guest of our citizens for a few hours in the afternoon of that day. He reached Wells about noon and was escorted from its western to its eastern boundary by a large number of the gentlemen of that town, the procession passing under two beautiful arches in the village which had been thrown across the street from Curtis's store on the southerly side to the stores of Littlefield and of Morrell on the northerly side. At the western boundary of Kenne- bunk the nation's guest was received by a large cavalcade of its citi- zens — Horace Porter, chief marshal — and many gentlemen from the neighboring towns led by General Allen, of Sanford. When Lafayette and his escort were about a mile from the village, which he reached at one o'clock in the afternoon, a national salute was fired under the direction of Maj. James Osborn, of the Artillery, and Capt. Samuel Littlefield, of the Militia, and the bell sent forth its peal of welcome. The cavalcade proceeded as far as the meeting-house, greeted with hurrahs and other demonstrations of respect and joy- ousness from the long line of strangers and citizens, of both sexes and of all ages, which had been formed on both sides of the street from the bridge to the point just named, thus affording an opportu- nity for all to see the honored visitor. At the meeting-house the HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 469 cavalcade wheeled and returned as far as Towle's Hotel, where Dr. Samuel Emerson, chairman of the committee of arrangements, addressed Lafayette as follows: — " By the appointment of my fellow villagers and at their request I have the honor to bid General Lafayette a most cordial welcome, and to assure him that, though our climate is the coldest in the United States, our hearts are warm with gratitude for the distin- guished services rendered our beloved country in her struggle for independence. "You have gone the rounds of the encampment of Liberty, you have seen the omnipotence of her power and resources, and your heart has exulted in the fruits of your pious labors. Every true American has traveled with you, in imagination, and felt an honest pride in the admiration you have expressed. "This little village, with thousands more, has literally been redeemed from the forest since you fought by the side of Father Washington; and the children of those brave soldiers whose bleed- ing feet your generosity supplied with shoes, when the only wealth the country possessed was her courage, are now presenting to your view unbounded wealth, unequaled respect and unrivaled welcome. *********** "But, General, your adopted Country trembles to trust you in the power of tyrants; would to Heaven you could tarry among us till the summons comes to call you to the realms of celestial Liberty ! God grant that your life may be prolonged to the very verge of sub- lunary enjoyment; that those who survive may deposit your remains in the same soil with Washington, Greene, Lincoln, Knox, and the whole radiant galaxy of your compatriots, whose sacred memory, like your own, can never perish. This, sir, is the united sentiment of every one who so cordially echoes the universal paean, 'Welcome, Lafayette.' " General Lafayette responded as follows: — " I am highly gratified to be so affectionately welcomed by the people of Kennebunk, and by you, my dear sir, to have that wel- come expressed in the most kind and flattering terms. I thank you. I thank all my friends for their symjDalhy in the delight I have felt to find in these extensive and patriotic rounds the happy results of independence, freedom and self-government. While I had the honor to be persecuted by every government of Europe, without one single exception, I equally gloried in the thought of my preserving 470 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, the approbation and of my living in the truly Republican hearts of the American people. "Now, sir, after this happy visit to every one of the United States, I will not only rejoice at the witnessed salvation on this extensive empire, at the already effected salvation of the American hemisphere, I will bless the anticipated salvation of mankind, to whom the first example has been given of a true and complete national liberty. Accept, my dear sir, and all of you who so eagerly, so friendlily throng around us, be pleased to accept my most affec- tionate and respectful acknowledgments." At the close of these ceremonies (which occurred near the entrance on the southerly side of the house) the General was con- ducted to the parlor, where all who desired were introduced to him ; a large number availed themselves of this opportunity, among whom were many Revolutionary worthies. The General was conducted thence to the dining hall, where he and his suite, together with many of our citizens and of the visitors from the neighboring towns, partook of an excellent dinner prepared under the supervision of the landlady, Mrs. Nathaniel M. Towle. "The table and hall were beautifully decorated, and the table was bountifully supplied with choice food, embracing not only the substantials but all the rarities of the season." After dinner a number of toasts were given, the first by Doctor Emerson, the chairman, which was complimentary to the nation's guest, who responded by expressing his grateful acknowledgments and giving the following toast: — ■ "The town of Kenncbunk, where the first tree was felled on the day when the first gun of American and universal liberty was fired at Lexington; may the glorious date be to flourishing Kenne- bunk a pledge of everlasting and ever-increasing republican pros- perity and happiness." [General Lafayette had been informed that the first tree was felled on the site of the hotel on the nineteenth of April, 1775 ; but he misunderstood, and gained the idea that the first tree felled in the township was on that day.] Just before leaving the hall, General Lafayette being requested to give a volunteer toast said : " I rise from this chair, so kindlj', so beautifully ornamented, to propose to you 'The Kennebunk Ladies.' " [The chair on which he sat had been very tastefully ornamented with flowers, a wreath of which formed an arch over his head.l HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 471 The after-dinner exercises having closed, General Lafayette and his suite, by invitation, made a short call at the residence of Joseph Storer, accompanied by a few of the officers of the day. Mrs. Storer had collected all the ladies of the village to pay their respects to the beloved guest. Here, after having been introduced to the ladies present, he was seated at the head of a table most beautifully ornamented and laden with delicacies which were arranged in a manner that elicited genera! admiration and of which he partook sparingly. At half-past four o'clock General Lafayette and his suite left town for Saco, escorted by many of the citizens as far as the western boundary of Biddeford, where he was received by a numerous cav- alcade of gentlemen belonging to that town and Saco. The decorations on the streets and the bridge were very fine. The first was an arch — the handiwork of gentlemen and ladies at the Landing — thrown across the street near Towle's Hotel, taste- fully covered with flags, flowers and evergreens, and conspicuously inscribed, "Washington — Lafayette." The second, third and fourth were arches thrown across the bridge and inscribed " Brandy wine"; the arches and bridge were beautifully decorated with small trees of various kinds and evergreens. The fifth was a double arch from the "Phoenix building" (occupying the present site of the bank) to one of the trees on the opposite side of the street, with the inscrip- tion, facing west, "The Boy's Escaped" [referring to Lafayette's escape from the British in the affair at Barren Hill, Penn., May i8, 1778]; on the reverse, "Yorktown." The day was drawing to a close when the distinguished guest and the cavalcade in his honor passed the eastern boundary of the town. The weather had been all that could be desired, the expec- tations of those who had crowded the streets had been fully realized, and at sundown the visitors were directing their steps homeward and the citizens had returned to their dwelling places, all gratified with the events of the day, which may be regarded as one of the most memorable in the annals of the town. There were, however, a few exceptions. Professional pick- pockets were in the crowd, who succeeded in purloining a pocket- book from Capt. Elijah Bettes containing about one thousand dollars in notes and drafts, a pocketbook from Mr. Samuel Lord containing five hundred dollars in notes of hand and bank bills, a pocketbook from Judge Clark containing forty-five dollars in bank bills and valu- able papers ; and a visitor had eight dollars in bank bills drawn from 472 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. his pocketbook. The suspicious conduct of three individuals who were loitering about the village on the twenty-fourth led to the belief that they were the criminals. Col. Enoch Hardy and three other gentlemen belonging to the village started in pursuit of the sus- pected persons. In Portland information was obtained that stran- gers answering the description given of these had been there, but had left town a few hours before the inquiries were made. Ascer- taining that they had taken the road leading to Saco, the gentlemen in pursuit were soon on the track of the rogues, and overtaking them in Kennebunk caused them to be arrested. They were exam- ined before a justice's court, ordered to recognize for their appear- ance at the fall term of the Supreme Court, and failing to obtain sureties were committed to Alfred jail. Their names were Lewis Martin, aged about forty-five years, Louis Smith, about twenty-four, and Gardiner Hayford, still younger. A large portion of the money stolen from our citizens was recovered. Martin was tried, for tak- ing a pocketbook from Jonas Clark, at the September term of the Supreme Judicial Court, held at Alfred, found guilty, and sentenced to twenty days' solitary confinement and five years' hard labor in the State prison; Smith turned State's evidence and was permitted to go without punishment, and Hayford, who was indicted for receiving stolen money and harboring a felon, was acquitted. It appeared that these r(»gues had followed Lafayette from Boston to Portland and had pursued their criminal avocations very success- fully in almost every town through which he passed. General Lafayette left New York in September for his native shores in the then new United States frigate Brandywine. President Jackson visited New England in June, 1833, propos- ing at the outset to extend his tour as far eastward as Portland. The Governor of Maine ordered that, on his arrival at the western boundary of the State, he should be received by a company of cav- alry from the first division of the Maine Militia, by whom he should be escorted as far as Kennebunk, where he should be received under a salute fired by the Kennebunk Artillery Company, and where the first division escort should be relieved by a company from the fifth division, by whom he should be escorted to Portland. A committee was raised, at a meeting of the citizens of Kennebunk, to invite the President, in their behalf, to tarry as long in our village as circumstances would permit; it was also voted, at the same meet- ing, that a cavalcade of citizens, on horseback, should receive the HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 473 President at Cole's Corner. The above-named committee was informed, on the thirtieth of June, in a letter from Concord, N. H., that in consequence of fatigue and ill health the President had determined to return, from that place, to the seat of government on the following day. He did not, therefore, visit Maine. He reached Washington on the morning of the Fourth of July much improved in health. York Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. The York Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was consecrated in this town, and its officers installed in ample and ancient form, on Thursday, August 25, 181 4, by the Most Worthy Grand Master, Benjamin Russell (editor of the Boston Cefitifid), assisted by a dep- utation from the Most Worthy Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The committee of arrangements "tender to the inhabitants of Kenne- bunk their grateful acknowledgments for their many civilities and polite attentions previous to and at their consecration and installa- tion"; to the choir of musicians for excellent music and to the ladies who assisted in decorating the lodge room and dining room special thanks were given. After dinner the following toast was received from Worthy Grand Master Russell, which was gladly greeted: "The Town of Wells, its Citizens, the Reverend Clergy, the Ladies and the Masons; may her prosperity equal the patriot- ism of the first, the piety of the second, the beauty of the third and the fidelity of the fourth.'" We have looked in vain for a remark in reference to the oration. It is not even alluded to. Did " Brother Greenleaf " embrace in his oration some strictures on the doctrinal views of the members of the Second Parish which he afterward, by another method, took occasion to reprehend ? The oration was duly noticed, however, on the records of the lodge. St. John's Day, June 24, 1827, was celebrated in an appropriate manner by York Lodge. A procession was formed at Towle's Hotel, at eleven A. m., which proceeded to the meeting-house, where prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Fletcher and an oration pronounced by Dr. Samuel Emerson. The various exercises at the church hav- ing been completed, the procession was re-formed and returned to the hotel, where an excellent dinner had been provided, to which the large company who sat down to the tables did ample justice. The attendance of Masons and citizens was very large; the oration "was written in a neat, comprehensive and elegant style," and all the proceedings of the day were of a most gratifying character. 474 history of kennebunk. Military Reviews. The annual military review and inspection of the fourth regi- ment of the first brigade and first division of the Maine Militia took place on the old "training field," nearly opposite the road leading to the saw-mill at the Eastern Depot, the twenty-third of September, 1826. The various evolutions of the soldiers were creditably per- formed, under the inspection of Brig. Gen. John W. Bodwell and Col. Jesse L. Smith. Public interest in these reviews was now evi- dently on the wane. Although the day was fine, the number of spectators was not large, and those who were present manifested little of the old-time enthusiasm that marked such occasions. The Gazette notices the annual military review which occurred on the twenty-eighth of September, 1827, and closes the article as follows : " Fortunately for the training-going folks the day was clear and delightful and no accidents happened. A few knock- downs and not a few tumble-downs took place, — nothing wonderful, however, for general muster." The fourth regiment paraded for review at the "old training field" on the first day of October, 1830. The brigadier general being absent, Col. A. F. Symands and Maj. William Bourne, both of Wells, were the chief officers of the day. The Gazette says of the companies belonging to the village : "The elegant appearance and superior discipline of the Kennebunk Artillery Company, com- manded by Captain Kingsbury, and the uniform dress and fine conduct of the Militia Company, under the command of Capt. B. Littlefield, were subjects of general remark and were alike honor- able to the officers and the privates." Through the exertions of Colonel Symands and Major Bourne, the customary demoralizing scenes witnessed at these reviews were greatly diminished in com- parison with former years. There were not more than five tents and no gambling apparatus was to be seen on the ground; but few females were present ; intoxicating drinks were not openly vended. Instances of intoxication were frequent, but very much less in num- ber than on similar occasions in time past. The troops were dis- missed at an early hour in the afternoon, and the field and its vicinity were soon thereafter cleared of tents, spectators and troops. On the seventh of October, 1831, Major General Waterman reviewed the troops comprising the fourth regiment at the parade ground in Wells, between Little River and Cole's Corner. The HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 475 Artillery Company and one other failed to appear, both companies being destitute of officers. The spectators were not numerous. Fourth of July Celebrations. A large number of the ladies and gentlemen of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport celebrated the Fourth of July, 1820, by a sail on board of a coasting vessel that had been nicely fitted up for the occasion. "After enjoying a few hours on old Neptune's bosom, the company landed on Kennebunk Point (Lord's Point), where they partook of a sumptuous dinner." Every event of the day was calculated to afford gratification to the members of the party. The Fourth of July, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the Decla- ration of Independence, was celebrated by the citizens of our town in a spirited and appropriate manner. The bell was rung, a national salute of thirteen guns was fired at sunrise and noon and of twenty- four guns at sunset. A large procession, preceded by a company of twenty-four boys and the same number of girls wearing badges on which were inscribed the names of the several States of the Union, proceeded from Major Frost's Hotel to the meeting- house, where the following programme was rendered : Prayer, by Rev. Mr. Fletcher; Reading of the Declaration of Independence, by Joseph Dane ; Oration, by William S. Emerson, which was spoken of by the Gazette as "elegant, chaste and classical"; an original hymn, an ode, etc. At the close of the exercises the procession again formed, returning to Frost's Hotel, where an excellent dinner was provided by the Major, of which about one hundred and twenty of the citizens of Kennebunk and guests from neighboring towns partook. The after-dinner toasts were many and appropriate. We append a few. The tenth regular toast was as follows: "The ship Congress, last spoken in the latitude of Washington, engaged in a war of words, with the flag nailed to the mast." We select a few from the volunteer sentiments : By Hugh McCulioch, "The citizens of Kennebunk, Kenne- bunkport and Wells; may the harmony and friendship which has so long existed between them be as perpetual as the streams that separate them." By Robert Waterston, of Boston. "The tree of Liberty, planted by the Pilgrims and more deeply rooted by the Declaration of Inde- pendence; may its branches encircle the world." 476 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. By Joseph Smith, of Dover, N. H. " The citizens of the flour- ishing village of Kennebunk; if they are not happy it must be their own fault." By John Ross. "The farmers of Maine; he who puts his hand to the plow should never look back." By Doctor Fisher. "A soldier — honored in war, neglected in peace." Doctor Fisher was seated at the head of the second table and Major Cousens, a veteran of the Revolution, between eighty and ninety years of age, was at his right. When the Doctor was called on for a toast he desired the Major to rise, then putting his right hand on the Major's hoary head he said : "The sentiment of my toast is not applicable to the present occasion, but it will gener- ally apply to all countries and all times." The Gazette of the twenty-eighth of June, 1828, contained the following: " 'Coming events cast their shadows before.' Notice is hereby given that on the 4th of July good refreshments will be fur- nished on Gooch's Beach for the accommodation of those who may visit that agreeable resort. Pleasure boats will also be provided for those who wish to make an excursion on the water." We think that this is the first time that such an excursion was publicly advertised. Centennial Celekraiion. The citizens of Kennebunk resolved to celebrate in an appro- priate manner the one hundredth anniversary of our nation's birth. It had been fifty years since there had been, in this town, a citizens' celebration of this eventful day. In pursuance of this resolution, preliminary meetings were held for the consideration of the subject, which resulted in the selection of a large committee, composed of gentlemen from each of the several school districts into which the town is divided, to which was assigned the work of making all the necessary arrangements. This committee labored zealously, in per- fect harmony and with a satisfactory result. The people throughout the town contributed liberally and cheerfully in aid of the object, and a sum was readily raised sufficiently large to warrant the issuing of a programme, broad and creditable, embracing all the customary out-of-door displays and such indoor exercises as the proper observ- ance of this important anniversary seemed to require. The bells were rung thirty minutes morning, noon and at sun- set, and salutes of thirteen guns were fired while they were ringing. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 477 Flags were displayed from the liberty poles, from public buildings and from a number of private buildings. In the Town Hall, during the day, were showcases containing many relics of the eighteenth century, among which were the " Baxter Bible," so-called, which was taken by a party of Indians, in 1726, from the dwelling-house of Philip Durrell, in Kennebunkport, whose daughter married a Mr. Baxter, and who with her husband and children formed a part of the Durrell family; it had been carefully preserved; a copy of the "Bay Psalm Book," the first book of importance printed in this country (about 1640); a chafing dish taken from Burgoyne's tent, at Saratoga, in 1777 ; a commission signed by Governor Pownall, of Massachusetts, in 1759, conferring on the appointee the office of second lieutenant in a company of foot in Colonel Willard's regiment; valuation lists made by the assessors of Wells during and prior to the Revolution, and other less valuable relics of "ye olden time." Joseph Dane was president of the day, by whom Joseph Tit- comb was appointed an assistant. At half-past nine in the morning the exercises commenced in the Town Hall, which was "filled to overflowing." Mr. Titcomb presided over the assemblage. The overflow, which, however, was not large, repaired to the First Parish Church, where the exercises that had taken place in the Town Hall were repeated. Mr. Dane presided over the gathering here. The exercises in the hall and church were as follows: Music; Opening Address, by the presiding officer; Prayer, by Rev. Walter E. Darling; Reading of the Decla- ration of Independence, by Miss Ida E. Wormwood; Historical Address, by Daniel Remich; Short Addresses — by Rev. Edmund Worth, "Reminiscences of the Revolution, the Causes that led to it"; by Rev. Charles C. Vinal, "Brief Sketches of the Churches in Kennebunk from 1749 to 1820"; by Andrew Walker, "Kennebunk Village as it was in 1790." Miss Elizabeth W. Hatch composed the words of a hymn that was sung on this occasion. At the close of the exercises in the hall and church, a Centen- nial Tree was planted in the vacant space opposite the First Parish Church, when a few pertinent remarks were made by Joseph Tit- comb. The tree was later enclosed with stone posts and an iron rail. About noon a procession was formed, near the Town Hall, under the direction of Col. James M. Stone, chief marshal of the day, consisting of the band, the officers of the town, Mousam Lodge, 478 HISJORY OF KENNEBLJNK. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, school children and citizens, which proceeded to the field known in bygone years as "Barnard's Pasture," where a large tent had been put up, furnished with dinner tables, seats, etc., where an excellent picnic collation had been provided. (This field, dating from the celebration, has been called "Centennial Hill." It has since been built upon.) A gentle breeze from the southwest prevailed during the fore- noon, rendering the temperature bland and enjoyable; after noon, however, the breeze freshened and at intervals was uncomfortably strong. The dinner had been disposed of and preparations were making for post prandial speeches, when bellying canvas and creak- ing poles led the inmates of the tent to look around uneasily. The suspense was momentary; another gust prostrated a part of the structure and produced a general stampede of those prepared to give utterance to patriotic words and of those prepared to listen to them. No one was hurt, and a merry company left the "tented field" from which they had been so summarily dismissed by Old Boreas. We wish that we could here close the account of the day's pro- ceedings, but a sad tale remains to be told. While engaged in firing the noon salute one of the gunners, Jesse H. Webster, was instantly killed by the premature discharge of the cannon. Webster was a native of this town, son of Charles H. Webster, and he left a widow and five children. He was forty years of age at the time of his death. His father, mother, wife and one or more of his children were in the village when the accident occurred. The deep sorrow of the afflicted ones on hearing of their bereavement cannot be imagined. Many among the spectators wept with the stricken ones; all were sincere sympathizers. The day's exercises were completed according to the programme, but this distressing occurrence cast a gloom over the remainder of the proceedings, as it could not well be eradicated from the minds of the citizens, causing universally a depression of spirits incompatible with boisterous hilarity or hearty enjoyment. Webster was a faithful soldier in our Civil War, The Grand Army Post of this town honored his memory by calling it "Webster Post" and "Webster Relief Corps," a ladies' association connected with the Post. CHAPTER XV. On the eleventh day of November, 1647, Governor Winthrop, of Massachusetts, gave his official sanction to a measure the worth of which no man of that day could better estimate, though no esti- mate of that day could approach a just conception of its beneficent issues, as later time has revealed them. Not a word of such legisla- tion as the following must be withheld from the reader. Since the seventeenth year of Massachusetts, no child of hers has been able to say that to him poverty has closed the book of knowledge or the way to honor. "It being one chief project of that old deluder, Satan, to keep men from the knowledge of the Scriptures, as in former times by keeping them in an unknown tongue, so in these latter times by persuading from the use of tongues, that so at least the true sense and meaning of the original might be clouded by false glasses of saint-seeming deceivers; that learning may not be buried in the grave of our fathers in the church and commonwealth, the Lord assisting our endeavors, — "It is therefore ordered [by the General Court] that every township in this jurisdiction, after the Lord hath increased them to the number of fifty householders, shall then forthwith appoint one within their town to teach all such children as shall resort to him to write and read, whose wages shall be paid either by the parents or masters of such children, or by the inhabitants in general, by way of supply, as the major part of those that order the prudentials of the town shall appoint ; provided those that send their children be not oppressed by paying much more than they can have them taught for in other towns. And it is further ordered that when any town shall increase to the number of one hundred families or householders, they shall set up a grammar school, the master thereof being able to instruct youth so far as they may be fitted for the University; provided, that if any town neglect the performance hereof above one 479 480 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. year, that every such town shall pay five pounds to the next school till they shall perform this order." ^ The foregoing extract, we feel assured, will be read with inter- est, and will be considered a fitting introduction to the continuation of our history of the public schools in this town. We have already spoken of the difficulties that embarrassed the early settlers on the east side of Little River while endeavoring to obtain the educational advantages for their children to which they were justly entitled and from which they were a long time debarred. If correctly recorded by the clerk, the town passed a unique vote, on the fifteenth of March, 1762, in regard to the schools, which were to be kept "two years near the center of population, then one year in Kennebunk Parish, then one year at Maryland, and then one year at Ogunquit, Harriseeket and the Branch." It was, how- ever, entirely disregarded, and the annual appropriation for schools from 1762 to 1767 was divided as it had been in previous years. In 1767 the Second Parish was allowed to draw from the treasury one- fifth of the school money raised by the town for the ensuing year ; twelve pounds were voted to it for 1769-70, and for 1770-71 its proportion of sixty pounds according to the rates paid thereby. There was no schoolhouse in Kennebunk until 1770. Prior to that date schools were kept in private houses, and probably for sev- eral years later, in neighborhoods remote from the seaboard, before their population would warrant the formation of districts or the erection of schoolhouses for the better accommodation of their chil dren. In 1741 a school was kept for four months at the dwelling- house of James Wakefield, at the Landing, and for ten years there- after at the same place for a longer or shorter period each year. From 1 741 to 1748 the schools were in charge of different teachers, of whose fitness for the position and of whose success in their voca- tion we have no knowledge. In 1748 Rev. Mr, Little was employed as teacher, and we have no doubt but that he performed his duties intelligently and faithfully ; he taught there for several years. In 1752, having built a house (afterward owned and occupied by John T. Brown), he kept the school in one of its rooms for two or three years. When Joseph Storer removed from Wells to Kennebunk, in 'Palfrey's History of New England, 2d volume, pages 262 and 263. Palfrey remarks that "the measure Is all the more impressive for having originated in a general voluntary movement of the people In their several settlements." In 1645 Winthrop writes: "Divers free schools were erected, as at Roxbury." In 1644 the inhabitants of Dedham, Mass., declared, by a unanimous vote, their willing- ness and readiness to provide for the maintenance of a free school, and for this purpose made an appropriation of some lands and of twenty pounds annually. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 481 1757, and engaged extensively, for the time, in the manufacture of lumber and in other business, this increased the population in the vicinity of the mills and gave to this part of the village an import- ance it had not hitherto enjoyed. The Kimball neighborhood was also increasing in numbei's and in its industries. It was claimed that the schools should be kept in this section of the town a part of the time at least. From 1758 to 1764 they were held in the Kimball neighborhood, in the carpenter's shop of Edmund Currier, which stood near the site of N. W. Wiggin's house and well accom- modated the then most populous parts of the town. For the eight years succeeding 1757 we rely wholly upon tradi- tion for all the information we have respecting the schools, — such indefinite statements, by elderly people, as " I heard my grandfather or grandmother say," etc. We think, however, that the narrative in the text is very nearly correct. In 1764 the Alewive road first attained the dignity of being "the road on which the school is kept." It was kept there continu- ously until 1770. That the school was held in a structure built of logs appears to be undisputed, but reports respecting its location and finish do not so well harmonize. Judge Bourne — doubtless on the authority of a tradition that appeared to be entitled to full credit — locates it "just above the house of Storer" (it was no more than an eighth of a mile above it) and describes it as about six feet high and open at the gable ends, and also states that " the only way of entering was by climbing up on a stile at the end and jumping down into the house." This leaves us in some perplexity as to the manner in which the pupils got out of the place ; they jumped down six feet to get in and it would seem that there was no stile on the inside, so that their egress must have been accomplished by some "tall climbing" or by a resort to the "boosting process." An aged citizen, who had his information from Reuben Hatch, who built a house near the site of the present dwelling-house of Ivory Lord in 1760 or '61, stated to the author that this log building was a sheep pen erected by Hatch and built in the style common in the early days of the settlement, the entrance to which was through a small opening at one end, about three feet square, that to gain admittance it was necessary to step over two logs, about nine inches each in diameter. Blocks of wood probably were utilized for benches. And thus it was that while the sheep were enjoying their summer vacation their home was occupied by juveniles in pursuit of useful knowledge. 482 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. After the organization of the Second Parish, in 1750, the select- men of Wells made it the custodian of its proportion of the school money, with full power to expend it in such manner as might be deemed most advisable, in fact, giving to the parish the entire con- trol of the schools within its precinct. All matters affecting this important trust were, therefore, debated and determined at the parish meetings, and its assessors, or such committee or committees as it might appoint for the purpose, were authorized to carry out all votes in reference to this subject which were, from time to time, adopted at these meetings. In pursuance of the authority thus delegated to it, the Second Parish, not long after its organization, divided its territory into four school districts: No. i, from Joseph Storer's house to Towne's Bridge ; No. 2, all below, between the rivers to the sea; No. 3, "Alwive village"; No. 4, from Storer's house, on both sides of the Mousam, to the sea. It appears from its records that the parish manifested com- mendable interest in the schools and that all its measures respecting them evinced sound discretion and an earnest desire that the educa- tion of their children should be especially cared for. Under the authority delegated to it by the selectmen, the territory had been divided into parochial districts, as above stated, several years before the town had taken any decided action to this end, and had made such provision in regard to the distribution ot the school money as would, as far as practicable, secure equal advantages to all the children. In April, 1779, and again in April, 1780, the town voted that the selectmen divide the town into school districts and that they appoint a committee in each district to engage a suitable schoolmaster and receive the proportion of the money belonging to each district, such committee to be accountable for the expenditure thereof. The performance of the duties assigned to the selectmen by this vote was long delayed, about thirty years. When we call to mind the sparseness of the population and the limited pecuniary means of that population a century ago, as well as the many little trials and perplexities to which they must neces- sarily have been subjected, and then glance at the abundant means and countless facilities enjoyed by our people to-day for the support and successful operation of institutions of learning, it must be admitted that our fathers were in no respect behind the present generation in solicitude for the educational welfare of the young or HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 483 in readiness liberally to contribute in aid of an object which they felt to be deserving of their fostering care. "They did what they could." In 1790 the town elected a "committee for visiting schools," consisting of John Wheelwright, Nathaniel Wells, Benjamin Brown, Nathaniel Cousens, Benjamin Titcomb and John Storer. This is the first record we find of the election of such a committee by the town. Considerably more than one hundred years ago the parish erected the first schoolhouse within its territorial limits. It was located a few rods east of James Hubbard's (now John Ward's) dwelling-house and opposite his field, very near the spot where stands the guide board that shows the way to Boothby's Beach. We presume that children from all parts of the parish were entitled to seats within its walls, although its position favors the supposition that it was designed to accommodate the children of residents in the village and on the seaboard, hence the title by which it was known for a generation, "the Mousam Schoolhouse." By "the vil- lage" we mean the inhabitants then living (1770) on the territory now known as the village and as the Bartlett's Mills neighborhood; it was about midway between these and the inhabitants at the Land- ing (on the Kennebunk River) and the Larrabee settlement (on the Mousam). A more eligible site for the building could not, at the time, have been selected. It stood there many years, too many it would seem, if we take into consideration the harmony of the vici- nage. Several years before the close of the eighteenth century the Landing district had so increased in population that it was found necessary to erect a schoolhouse there, which stood twenty rods southwest of the county road and on the east side of the road to the Port by way of Titcomb's and Towne's. There had been, in the meantime, quite an increase of settlers on the territory destined to become the principal village in the town, so that the school near Hubbard's was no longer centrally situated, and it was proposed to move it nearer to the church (the Unitarian Church now standing). The proposition, however, did not prove acceptable to the majority of those in whom the power was vested. We have no record that furnishes the details of the controversy that grew out of these discordant views, the first volume of the records of the fifth school district having been destroyed, it is alleged, in the fire by which the buildings on the corner of Main and Fletcher Streets were con- sumed in 1866. We do know that in 1797 several gentlemen, viz., 484 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. Samuel Emerson, Jacob Fisher, Jonas Clark, Joseph Moody, Joseph Barnard and Major Jefferds, purchased of Joseph Storer, for the sum of ten dollars, the small lot of land on which "the old school- house" stands and which that structure very nearly covers, adjoin- ing the meeting-house lot; that thereupon they erected the building for "school purposes"; that about the time of these proceedings the parish schoolhouse was moved from the "corner" to a lot on Saco road, a few rods east of the meeting-house and about opposite the site of the Methodist Church ; that not long after this the then old schoolhouse was sold and removed^ and the new building became and has to this day continued to be a "district school- house," referred to in legal documents as "the schoolhouse in the parish yard." The old building has passed through many changes, so that now nothing remains of the original structure excepting the frame and the boarding. Persons who attended school there from 1800 to 1820 have described its interior, at that remote period, as arranged for two schoolrooms, say one-fourth of it partitioned for a "woman's or summer school," with a door at the western end for the ingress and egress of pupils and others, and furnished with common benches ; to this room and its privileges children from four to ten years of age were admitted. The larger part, where was kept the " man's or winter school," was finished in the old style, — a fireplace of huge dimensions, a brick hearth covering the entire space between the chimney and the lower tier of seats, the teacher's desk, high and roomy, reached by steps, on the northern side, so located as to enable that personage to enjoy a full and unobstructed view of every part of his realm. On this was kept a small box containing "copper- plate copies" for the larger scholars, by one of whom it was daily "passed round" to the members of his class, so that each one could select a copy which he or she regarded as desirable, and which copy, under penalty of "discipline," was to be returned to the box, untorn and unblotted, as soon as the writing exercises were com- pleted; here, too, when not in use, were the writing books of the less advanced scholars. At the proper hour the owners were expected to go to the desk for their books, in which they expected to find a page ruled, a newly written copy and a newly made or mended quill pen ; these were also to be punctually ^This building was moved to or near the lot now ot-eupied by the dwelling- house of William F. Simpson and became the property and the home of the widow. Tabltha Hubbard. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 485 returned. On the front of the desk was posted an aphabetical list of the boys belonging to the school, one of whom, as his turn came, was expected to build the fire in the morning and care for it through the day; a like list of the girls was also posted, three or four of whom were expected, as their turns came, to unite in sweep- ing and dusting the schoolroom Saturday afternoon. On the northern side of the chimney was a large closet, used for the double purpose of storing wood and of shutting up, temporarily, scholars that were regarded as refractory, or for some other cause considered deserving the dark regimen; over this closet was a flooring or plat- form on which were a bench and desk that would accommodate at least half a dozen pupils; these, however, were used only when every other part of the room was crowded, and then by the larger scholars. On this platform, once in two v/eeks (the bench and desk having been moved back), the boys were required to declaim. " You'd scarce expect one of my age," " Pity the sorrows of a poor old man," "My name is Norvall, on the Grampian hills," "My voice is still for war. Gods! Can a Roman Senate long debate," and many other selections in poetry and prose, pathetic, patriotic, impassioned, etc., were spoken from this rostrum with more or less propriety and power. On the floor, which was so laid that there was a gradual ascent from the hearth to the eastern end of the room, were old-style benches and desks, with narrow aisles between, sufficient in number to seat comfortably seventy pupils, but which, with the addition of boards from seat to seat across the aisles and putting the smaller children into snug quarters, were frequently made to furnish accommodations, so styled, for from ninety to one hundred scholars, from ten to twenty-one years of age. It could not be expected that under these circumstances much progress in learn- ing would be made. We think that the larger boys, apprentices and others, who could not attend more than a month or two or three months in the year, and whose chief studies were writing and arith- metic, received the greater share of the teacher's attention. The instructor of the winter school frequently kept one or two terms during the warm season, "in the man's part," but this did not benefit a large number of the children, whose parents could not or would not pay their tuition, and who, between the demands of the larger pupils in the winter and their exclusion, on account of age, from the schools in the summer, were slightly benefited by the scanty educational privileges within their reach. This unfavorable state of things led to the maintenance, by a number of parents, of a 486 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. private school throughout the year, which was taught in Washington Hall, in the Frost building (near the Grant house), and temporarily in the district schoolhouse when not in use. Other rooms in the village were also improved, at different times, by John Skeele, Aaron Greene, Stephen Farley, Edwin Piper and others. This movement not only greatly benefited the children of its patrons, but largely increased the efficiency of the public school by lessening the number of its pupils. Improvements were gradually made in the old schoolhouse. The closet with the overhead platform was removed, the immense chimney replaced by one of smaller dimen- sions, the room was heated by a large box stove instead of an open fireplace, the broad brick hearth was taken up and a wooden floor substituted, the platform and teacher's desk were taken away; all these changes afforded space for a more commodious wood room, for dressing rooms, a teacher's desk more in accordance with the style of the day and two additional tiers of seats. Then came the removal of the partition, the closing up of the western entrance, the leveling of the floor, the enlargement of the windows and a ventilator. Afterward a term of the man's school was kept in the summer, and the woman's school was kept in a small building in the rear of the "Cobby store," and a mixed school on the west side of the river, in a small building at the corner of York and Friend Streets, which now forms a part of a very neat dwelling-house that stands there. We are unable to state the precise date when the first school- house at the Landing was removed or torn down. It was the schoolhouse in 1820 and perhaps a few years later. The brick schoolhouse, opposite the shipyards, had been erected when the old one was abandoned. Its interior was remodeled somewhat and considerably improved in 1S60. In 1887 it was found to be dilapi- dated and "behind the times" in many particulars, and it was taken down. A new wooden building, neat in its outside appearance, its interior finished and furnished in modern style, was erected several feet in the rear of the site of that which had been demolished. In 1792 the Landing district was divided, "Lake Brook" being the divisional line. It is probable that the " Pine district," or No. 3, was organized about this date, and a schoolhouse built in the grove of pines on the east side of the road, a short distance below Butland's. In 1861 this building was abandoned and a new one was erected — a very neat and convenient structure — on an eligible site, a short distance below that of the old one. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 487 There is no record or tradition that afifords ground for belief that there was a schoolhouse in the Port district until about 1820. There must have been schools there at a much earlier date, which were probably kept in rooms hired for the purpose. The first schoolhouse had been used as such on the Kennebunk side of the river; it was originally designed for a fish house, for which purpose it was used a while, and then was metamorphosed into a house appropriated to the instruction of youth. It was purchased by the Port district, or No. i, drawn across the bridge and located near the site of John A, Emery's store. It was again moved, between the years 185 1 and '54, to the spot where it now stands. It was enlarged in 1856 so as to accommodate two schools at the same time, and the old part was furnished with a sufficient number of Shattuck's desks and chairs to accommodate fifty-six pupils. The schools in this district were graded in 1862 — three grades, advanced, intermediate and primary — a much needed improvement. District No. 6 was established in 1803 and it is probable that the first schoolhouse was erected and partially finished the same year. It stood near where Mrs. Lancy Littlefield's dwelling-house stands. For some reason, now lost to the memory of the oldest inhabitant, this building was sold a few years later and purchased by the Misses Hill. It was moved to Fletcher Street and subse- quently became the property of John Mitchell. The district built another schoolhouse, about half a mile northeast of the location of the first, on the road from Ross's to the Shackley place. For sev- eral years summer and winter schools were kept there. The district was small, the scholars few in number and the school terms very short. We have listened to readings and recitations in that room, however, which would be creditable to any school of the same grade in town or city, and it would be hard to find, even at this day, teachers better qualified to teach mixed schools than the Misses Larrabee, who were among the instructors employed here. The population of the district gradually diminished, and the school money appropriated for it would pay for only one short term annu- ally. Later an arrangement was made by which the children in this district attended the schools in No. 5, the compensation of the latter being the amount of money annually apportioned to the former. At the annual town meeting in 187 1 the district was united with No. 5. The old No. 6 schoolhouse was shortly thereafter sold and removed, the town receiving neither schoolhouse nor lot from the district. 488 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK, In April, 1804, the town by vote set off certain inhabitants within the boundaries named therein, in the Second Parish, as a "separate school district, by the name of the Center Kennebunk School District." The present District No. '5 includes all territory designated in this vote. It was voted in October, 1805, that "Cole's School District, so-called, shall extend from the Doctor's Bridge,^ so-called, to John Clark's," to Col. Henry Hart's and to Nathan Wells's." In May, 1810, the petition of Nathan, Joseph and William Wells, Thomas Fernald, John and Samuel Bragdon, Abner, William and William Wormwood, Jr., praying to be set off and formed into a separate school district, was granted. Accordingly " District No. 4 " was organized and a year or two later a schoolhouse was built on the corner of the highway and the lane then leading by Wormwood's to the river. In 1856 the district very wisely decided to build a new schoolhouse, which was well located, a short distance seaward from the site of the old one, sufficiently large to accommodate twenty-four scholars and provided with Shattuck's furniture. The population of this district has changed materially within the last thirty years. The number of children within its bounds between the ages of four and twenty-one years has become so small that the amount of school money to which, by law, it was entitled has been only sufficient to support a school a few weeks in the year. The district still main- tains its organization, hoping for "better things in time to come," but the children therein attend the village schools, and for compen- sation the district annually pays to the agent of No. 5 the amount of school money apportioned to it by the municipal officers of the town. In April, 181 1, the selectmen reported that they had divided the First and Second Parishes of the town into school districts. Their report was read, amended somewhat, and its further consid- eration postponed until a later date. At the annual meeting in April, 18 12, it was not taken up for want of time. At an adjourned meeting held the following month it was discussed and after several amendments it was accepted and adopted. The First Parish was divided into sixteen districts. The Second Parish was divided into ten districts. The first, second, third and fourth did not materially differ, territorially, from the present arrangement; the fifth and sixth were made up chiefly of the territory included in the fifth or 'Near Wells " Corner " and the residence of the late Dr. Joseph Qilman. -The site of the summer residence of George O. Lord, ex-president of the Boston & Maine Railroad. HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 489 village district before the annexation of the sixth ; the present ninth (West Kennebunk) and eleventh (Cat Mousam) districts formed a single district, while the eighth, ninth and tenth were very nearly within the limits now occupied by the sixth (before its annexation to the fifth), the seventh and the eighth. When the division of the parish (under this action of the town) had been completed, the cus- todianship of the schools was no longer vested in its officers. When this division was made and the organization of the several districts perfected we are unable to state, nor have we any means of ascer- taining the precise dates when schoolhouses were erected in the several districts. District No. lo (Plains) was not established as a separate dis- trict until 1812, when it was called No. 6 in the selectmen's report. It is probable that the schoolhouse which stood on the east side of the road, a short distance north of the late Joshua Treadwell's resi- dence, was built about that time. This schoolhouse was taken down in 1859 ^""^ ^ "^^ °"^ erected, on the west side of the road, which is still standing. The districts now known as No. 11 and No. 12 appear to have been embraced within the limits of the fifth, or village, in the divis- ion made by the selectmen in 1812. In 1822, when the town was again divided into districts, these districts were established. No. 11 being known as "Cat Mousam" and No. 12 as "Day's." We cannot learn when the old schoolhouse, on the western bank of the river, was erected; perhaps not before 1822. There must have been a school in this district before that date, which was probably kept in a private house. The old schoolhouse was burned about 1849, and that now standing, on a different location, was erected a year or two later. Probably the schoolhouse in Day's District was built prior to 1825. Nos. 11 and 12 are adjoining districts. The agents frequently so arranged the commencement and close of the school terms in their respective districts as to enable the children to attend both schools. It was a judicious arrangement, mutually beneficial by considerably enhancing the educational privileges of those residing therein. Years ago the only obstacle to the union of these districts appeared to be the lack of a road which would shorten the distance between their territorial limits. That road has since been built. District No. 9 (West Kennebunk) was established about 1850. The children on the territory comprised within its limits had up to this time attended school on the west side of the river (now No. 11). The first schoolhouse was no more than an ordinary structure, 490 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. which, a few years after it had been built, was found to be inade- quate to the wants of the district, which was fast increasing in population and business prosperity. It was made to " answer its purpose," however, until 1873, when a new house was erected. The interior was divided into two rooms, designed to accommodate the advanced and primary schools respectively, which were well fin- ished and furnished; its exterior is very neat. The site is a fine one, affording an ample playground, a valuable adjunct, and giving to the building a somewhat imposing appearance. Union Academy. An act of incorporation was granted to the trustees of Union Academy, in Kennebunk, by the Maine Legislature of 1834. This seminary was under the auspices of the Calvinist Baptist Associa- tions of York and Cumberland Counties, but the citizens of Kenne- bunk, of all religious denominations, cheerfully and liberally contributed toward the erection of the building and the furnishing of apparatus needed for the successful operation of the school. The academy building was situated on the lot now owned by the village school district, a little farther back from the street than where the high schoolhouse now stands. The cost of the lot and building was about twenty-five hundred dollars. It was the intention of the pro- jectors of the institution that it should maintain a high rank among the academic schools of the time. The following is an extract from a communication in Zion's Herald, written by one of its trustees: "The building for the accommodation of this seminary is located on an eminence east of the thicket of dwelling-houses, — sufficiently retired for purposes of study and yet sufficiently near the dense population to accommodate students boarding in any part of the village. The building presents a fine front toward the principal thoroughfare through the town. The lower story affords two well-arranged rooms, one intended for the male and the other for female students. In the upper story is a spacious hall, with apartments for a library, philosophical appa- ratus, etc. The trustees are assured that board in respectable fam- ilies shall be furnished at an expense not exceeding one dollar and fifty cents per week, including washing. Tuition, from three to five dollars." The seminary was opened for the admission of students on Wednesday, December 10, 1834. The exercises on this occasion were: i. Hymn; 2, Prayer by Rev. Mr. Wells (Unitarian); 3, HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 491 Address by Rev. Mr. Hague, of Boston; 4, Prayer by Rev. Mr. Powers (Orthodox); 5, Doxology; 6, Benediction by Mr. Hague. The hall was filled to overflowing. Between sixty and seventy stu- dents had been enrolled previous to and on that day, which number was increased to seventy-two before the close of the first month of the term. Carleton Parker, from Massachusetts, was the principal, Moses M. Burbank, assistant, and George Knox, assistant pupil. The second term commenced with eighty pupils and was suc- cessfully conducted by Mr. Parker and his assistants. The third term was under the care of Mr. Parker, Mr. Burbank and Miss Ruth S. Robinson. The trustees, in the course of a favorable report of the examination at the close of this term, thus speak of our village: "Kennebunk is considered to be one of the most pleasant and healthiest villages in New England." During the first year of its existence the academy was attended by quite a number of pupils from abroad, the sons or daughters of persons strongly interested in the success of this denominational movement, several of whom were from cities and towns where excel- lent schools were maintained. These generally withdrew from the academy at the close of the fall term, not in consequence of any dissatisfaction but because, having aided the institution at the start and feeling assured that it was established on a firm basis, they pre- ferred that their children should attend the schools and academies nearer their respective homes. The prospects of the academy were not so bright, although by no means discouraging, at the commence- ment of the second year as they had been up to that time. Whether for this or other reasons, Messrs. Parker and Burbank and Miss Robinson resigned their situations, and the winter term (1835-36) was under the instruction of Mr. Bryce M. Patten, who continued as principal for nearly a year, when he was compelled by illness to procure a substitute for a part of his fourth term, by whom the win- ter term was taught. The denominational interest in the institution had at this time almost entirely ceased, except in the controlling power, which continued to be held where it was originally vested. Still it was well patronized by parents and guardians in this town, and the adjoining towns were fairly represented by pupils. Hall Roberts took charge at the commencement of the spring term, March first, 1837. For a few years the school met with fair success, but after a time it was considered impracticable to longer continue. In 1856 the "academy building" was purchased by the district, repaired, remodeled somewhat and furnished with Shattuck's school 492 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. furniture. The summer term of the "man's school" was in charge of Timothy B. Ross, of Ipswich, Mass., a capable and efficient teacher. A primary school was kept in the "old schoolhouse" and a mixed school on the west side of the river. This year a large and commodious building was erected on Swan Street which was de- signed for a primary schoolroom on the lower floor ; it was provided with the improved furniture and capable of accommodating eighty scholars. Action in reference to the finishing and furnishing of the room on the upper floor w;is deferred to a future time, when it could be better determined when and in what manner it should be com- pleted so as best to promote the interests of the district. The superintending school committee in their annual report, February, 1857, called attention to the subject of grading the schools in this district, and in April of the same year the district voted thereafter to maintain three schools, two primary and a higher, the latter in charge of a mala teacher and the former in charge of female teachers ; it also voted to divide the school year into three terms, so divided that each school would be in session thirty-eight weeks during the year, and, further, to employ the teachers by the year at fixed salaries. An exhibition was given by the grammar school scholars, under the direction of their instructor, at the close of the winter term, 1857-58. The programme was a good one and it was carried out very creditably to scholars and teacher. An admission fee was charged, the net proceeds of which were applied to the purchase of reference books and philosophical apparatus for the use of the school. The exhibition was subsequently repeated (with some change in the programme) by the pupils and the net proceeds pre- sented by them to Mr. Ross as a token of their respect and esteem for him personally, as well as of their high appreciation of his efforts in their behalf. The superintending school committee in their report, 1857-58, call attention to the standing of the public schools in this town as exhibited in the statistical tables appended to the annual report of the State Superintendent of Common Schools, showing the amount raised per scholar by the several towns, the average attendance, etc. The exhibit was by no means creditable to the town. The citizens were both surprised and chagrined; their attention had not previ- ously been called to the subject. They acknowledged the sin of HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 493 thoughtlessness, but felt that they could not be justly charged with intentional neglect of this important public interest. We need only add that this exposure was highly beneficial in its effect, and that the State Superintendent never thereafter received returns from this town from which facts and figures so discreditable could be obtained. A public examination of the schools, at the close of the school year, was initiated in District No. 5 in 1861, and a year or two later in all the public schools in town. The superintending school committee in their annual report, February, 1867, urged the importance of grading the schools in the larger districts. The response by the fifth or village district was prompt and practical. At a school meeting held in April following it was voted that thereafter the public schools in the district shall consist of (i) two primary schools, (2) a grammar school, (3) a high school. At this meeting it was also voted to make necessary repairs in the room on the lower floor of the academy building for the accommodation of the grammar school, and to remodel, finish and furnish the room on the upper floor for the use of the high school. The grammar school, under the new organization, commenced June third, 1867, William H. Mitchell, instructor. Mr. Timothy B. Ross, of Ipswich, who had been instructor of the "higher school" from the spring of 1856 to the close of the winter term, 1866-67, with the exception of a few weeks, resigned his position at the last- named date and returned to Ipswich, to take charge of one of the schools in that town. Mr. Ross was a competent and faithful teacher and a much respected citizen. The primary school east of Mousam River commenced April twenty-second and was taught by Miss Caroline T. Richards, and that west of the river commenced April fifteenth and was taught by Miss Isabel M. Ross. The first term of the high school commenced September ninth and was in charge of Mr. Albion Burbank, of Limerick. A more auspicious commencement of the graded system could not have been desired, — a corps of excellent teachers, scarcely a vacant seat in either of the schoolhouses, and the citizens fully appreciating the superior educational advantages now offered to the children of the district. "An act authorizing the inhabitants of school district number five in the town of Kennebunk to raise money for certain purposes" 494 HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. and to elect "three superintending school committee men, clerk, treasurer, assessors, collector, fire wardens, one or more police offi- cers, and such other officers as may be provided for in the by-laws of said district," was passed by the Legislature of Maine in 1868. An act additional to this, increasing the power of the district some- what, was passed by a subsequent Legislature. Mr. Mitchell resigned the position of teacher of the grammar school at the close of the winter term, 1868-69, "i^ch to the regret of all interested in the school. He was succeeded by Joseph H. Hill, of Limerick, who proved to be an excellent instructor and who continued in charge of the school until the close of the spring term, 1880, when he resigned, Mr. Hill performed all his duties in the station he so long occupied faithfully and well. The "academy building," in which the high and grammar schools were kept, was destroyed by fire on the evening of the tenth of April, 1870. The cause of the fire is unknown. Temporary accommodations for the schools thus driven from their quarters were provided without delay, and both schools were in operation a week later. The inhabitants of the district voted to rebuild the schoolhouse at once and raised a sum sufficient for the purpose with great unanimity. The new building is of brick ; its exterior appear- ance is quite neat; the interior affords commodious, well-finished and well-furnished rooms for the high school on the lower floor, and rooms equally convenient on the upper floor for the grammar school. Mr. Burbank resigned the office of teacher of the high school at the close of the winter term, 1871-72, having accepted the posi- tion of principal of the Exeter (N. H.) High School, which he continues to hold. The fifth district was exceedingly fortunate in obtaining the services of Mr. Burbank as the first teacher of its high school. During the five years (nearly) that it was under his care, from its commencement to the date of his resignation, it was a model school. Doubtless others might have been found who would have done as well, but it is believed no one could have performed the duties devolving on him more intelligently or more satisfactorily. The first graduating class, consisting of six pupils (five young ladies and one young gentleman), who had honorably completed the prescribed course of study, received their diplomas on the evening of March i, 1872. The exercises were creditable in the highest degree to the members of the class. It may be well here to remark HISTORY OF KENNEBUNK. 495 that the several graduation classes since the above named have, respectively, in their public exercises, done themselves great credit. Of course there have been different degrees of excellence, but it can justly be said that all, individually and collectively, have acquitted themselves well. We cannot forbear to quote from the Superin- tending School Commiltee's Report for 1879-80 the following richly merited encomium: "The valedictory, by Miss Susie A. Curtis [daughter of H. Fuller Curtis] was remarkable for the evidences it presented of scholarly attainments, extensive and careful reading and deep thought on the part of the author. It was gracefully spoken and was an exceedingly meritorious production." District No. 5, at its annual meeting in March, 1873, voted to convert the high school into a "free high school," under the pro- visions of an act of the Legislature of 1873, "in aid of free high schools," under which title it still continues to be known. District No. 9, now West Kennebunk, two or three years later availed itself of the provisions of the act above named and has up to the present time maintained a free high school. An intermediate class was added to our school system in Dis- trict No. 5 in 1875 ^^^ ^^^ conducted by Miss Luella F. Jordan with ability and success. The village district at the present writing is well supplied with schools: High and Grammar, in the brick building at the foot of Dane Street; Eastern Intermediate, in the "old schoolhouse" near the Unitarian Church ; Eastern or Central Primary, in the new schoolhouse erected in 1884 on Centennial Hill; Western Primary and Western Intermediate, in the school building on Swan Street on the west side of the Mousam River. Our school buildings that have been erected within recent years bear evidence that the interests of education have received a g', 109. Turbat, Peter, 44. Turnpike, 106, 130, 162. Tuxbury, David, 124. Two Acres, 25, 218, 392; shipyard at, 172. Union Academy, 452, 490; building purchased by District No. 5, 491; loss of by fire, 494. Union Church, organization of, 816; Conference Room of, 322. Hall, 316, 449. Lace Company, 373. Street, 322. Unitarian Association of Kenne- bunk, organization of, 317. Unitarian Church, incorporation of, 100; first pastor of, 101, 309; building of, 310; belfry erected on, 310, 352; thrill- ing incident connected with shingling of, 310; spire raised to, 311; Paul Revere bell put in position on, 311; curfew and ringing of bell for days in the month rung from, 311; bell belonging to, second in the county, 312; box stoves introduced into, 312; imagination makes an old lady warm in, 312; first organ in, 312; furnace in- stalled in, 313; blinds hung to, 313; pipe organ presented to, 313, 319; Sunday School, first in town, held in, 314; Greenleaf controversy causes division in, 316; Christmas week-day service held in, 318; interior of remodeled, 319; chandeliers hung in, 319; lower hall used for town and other public meetings, 319; centennial anniversary of, -320; gift of parsonage to, 321; Kennebunk Sunday School Society of the, 321; Sunday School Library of the, 322; Parish Library of the, 322; Baptist ordination held in, 326; records of, 531. United States, population in 1640 of the, 17. Upper Way, 105, 106. Value in 1670 of one thousand acres of land, 87. Varney, Francis, 153. Jesse (Dover, N. H.), 89. .371. Moses, 245, 249, 253, 337, 348. 411, 413. Vaughan, Edmund D., 503. Veazie, Edwin B., 503. James, 504. Verazzano, John, French discov- erer, 2. Vessel, interesting contract for building a, 168. Vessels, number built during ten years after incorporation of town, 382. Victualling Cellar, 386, 415, 418. Village Bridge, when built, 112, 113, 131; road leading from, 115, 129, 264. Pound, 204, 207, 250. Vinal, Rev. Charles C, 321, 477. Vines, Richard, English navigator, 3-8, 514. Wadleigh, John, 1 ; Indian deed to, 24, 63. Capt. John, 63, 127. Robert, 63. Wadsworth, Peleg, 186. Wakefield, Burying-ground, 362. Ezekiel, 151, 185. George W., 505. Gibbens, 126. Gilbert, 506. Hezekiah, 363. Jacob, 333, 359, 362. James, 49, 74, 77, 82, 100, 203, 360, 362, 480. Jedediah, 87, 100, 359, 362, 363. John, 21. John, son of James, 78, 100, 200, 203, 359, 363. John, Jr., 100, 157. Joshua, 304. Josiah, 74. Nathaniel, 78, 100, 129, 152, 200, 363. Nicholas, 363. Patience Annable, 363. Rebecca, 363. Samuel, 137, 363. Walcott, Charles, 418. Timothy, 417. Walker, Andrew, 214, 241, 295, 338, 340, 344, 345, 424, 477; re- ports and records of Civil War kept by, 498. Daniel, 411, 415, 418. Edwin, 126. Eliphalet, 126, 333. John, 116, 124. Capt. Luther, 386. Nathan T., 387. Palmer, 241, 251, 327, 340, 345, 346, 411, 424, 432. Tobias, 126, 305, 379, 411. Wallace, Rev. O. H., 331. Wallingford, George W., HI, 133, 185, 186, 215, 223, 226, 264, 273, 284, 287, 295, 315, 335, 410, 446; biography of, 539. War, King William's, 56; Love- well's, 00; French and Indi- an, 137. Of the Revolution, 139-153, 497; list of soldiers who fought in, 150-153. Of 1812-15, 254, 497; items of, 225, 255. The Civil, 497. Ward, D., 393. Edward, 355. John T., 364, 483. S., 393. Warden, Thomas, 153. Wardwell, Granville, 323. Ware, Ashur, 289. Warren, Alexander, 236, 252, 348, 356, 365, 389, 412, 423, 524. Block, 241, 253, 370, 415; re- cruiting office opened in, 498. David (Saco), 389. Edmund, 247, 295. Lucy Amanda, 524. Mary, 356, 419. Washburn, Thomas, 231. Washington, County, 154. Hall, religious services held in, 326, 328, 330; destroyed by fire, 357; history of, 357. Water Street, 133, 163. XXXIV Waterborough, when incorporated, 66; schooner built at and hauled to Kennebunk Land- ing, 385; mail route through, 405. Waterhouse, Jacob, 244, 410. Molly, 538. Maj. Samuel, 123, 124, 150, 153. William, 124. Waterman, Maj. Gen., 474. Waterston, Pray & Co., 215, 232, 236, 238, 241, 245, 344, 346, 369, 432. Robert, 235, 349, 462, 475, 523, 524. Waterville, 194. Watson, Chad, alias Thomas, 206. Lester W., 218. Shadrack, 83, 126. Watts, Francis, 237, 524. Mrs., 343. Sally, 512. Weare, Timothy, 252. Webb, Capt. George A., 355. Webber, Albert, 501. Benjamin, 150. District, first settler of, 92, 116. George T., 505. John, 49, 77, 86, 92, 100, 152. John, Jr., 150, 165, 185. Mrs. Johnson, 370. Jonathan, 101, 153. Obadiah L., 165. Stephen, 100, 247, 430. Theodore, 343. Webster, Charles H., 478. Charles J., 504. Jesse H., 504; killed by prema- ture discharge of cannon, 478. Parker, 132, 135, 357. Post, G, A. R., 478. Relief Corps, 478. Stephen, 247. Webster's Hall, 357. Weekly Visiter, 215, 217, 219, 254, 260, 286, 385, 405; advertis- ing columns of, 232; title of changed, 411. Weeks, William, 213, .344, Welch, Beriah, 70. John, 389. Wells, charter of, 17; early grants in, 17; by whom named, 18; price of land per one hundred acres, 18; when incorpor- ated, 20, 24; first grant after incorporation, 24; Preston, alias, 24; Indian name of, 24, 63; bound established be- tween Cape Porpus and, 27; common and undivided lands in, 54, 72, 101; garrison in, 56; mail route through, 105; damages paid by for road laid out, 161; vessels built at, 167; town of embraced in collection district, 174; court held in, 13, 21, 24, 182, 185; petition to remove Court of Common Pleas to, 183, 187; early citizens of, 197; first houses built at, 197; census in 1810 of, 221; politics of, 222, 226; resolutions against War of 1812 by citizens of, 254; separation of Maine from Massachusetts opposed by, 281; petition for town of to be annexed to New Hamp- shire, 287; early records of, 28, 45, 54, 84, 135, 147, 149, 196, 198, 282, 291; inhabit- ants, polls and valuation of, 294; vessel wrecked in har- bor at, 386; sea serpent in Bay, 394, 396; great elm, landmark for incoming ves- sels, uprooted by tornado at, 434; parade ground in, 474; richest man in 1820 in, 534. And Arundel Artillery Com- pany, 266. Branch, why so called, 103. Rev. George W., 109, 317, 449, 460, 459, 490. Hartley L., 505. John, 81, 93. Joseph, 131, 423, 488. XXXV Wells, Landing, 106. Martha, 358. Nathan, 131, 423, 488. Nathaniel, 86, 358, 540. Nathaniel, Jr., 74, 153, 154, 186, 223, 254, 483; biography of, 540. Octavius, 505. Samuel, Jr., 131. Thomas, .540. Thomas, Jr., 50, 51, 74, 79, 540. William, 131, 488. Wendell, Isaac (Dover, N. H.), 371. Wentworth, Benjamin, 204, 423. George A., 504. Nahum, 204. West, Nicholas, 74. Westcustogo Falls (N. Yarmouth), 37. West India Trade, vessels employed in, 173; falling off of, 383; pirates hinder, 387. Weymouth, George, English navi- gator, 3. Wheeler, Rev. Mr., 326. Wheelwright, Daniel, 185. George, 174, 233, 241, 301, 389. Rev. John, 17, 18, 534. John, 44, 65, 81. John, Jr., 116, 153, 483. Lucy, 116. Samuel, 47, 65, 78, 82, 86, 88, 93. Samuel, Jr., 100, 112, 152. Whig Convention, 302. White, Rev. Benjamin, 237. Edward, 234, 251, 399, 410. Store, 245, 355. White's Land, 205. Pier, 402. Whitehouse, Samuel, 163, 200. Stephen, 153. Whitelock, John, 211, 344. Nancy, 211. Whiting, Samuel K., 284. Whitman, Ezekiel, 284. Whitney, Daniel, 135, 234, 236, 332; children of, Ambrose, Harri- et, Horace, Leonard, Ralph, Susan, 541. Whitten, Charles P., 507. Capt. John, 387. Mary, 124. Seth P., 501. Simon L., 339, 347, 423. Whittum, Meribah, 125. Wiggin, Nathan, 351. Norris N., 305, 336, 342, 421. Parker C, 348, 351. Wilcox, Rev. William H., 323. Willett, James, 127. Williams, Capt. Charles, 356, 391, 425. Charles W., 172, 251, 357, 524. Claudius B., 135. Mrs. Olive (York), 414. William, 416, 422. Capt. William, 339, 360, 370. Mrs. William, 357, 360. Williamson, Gov. William D., 290. Willis, author of History of Port- land, 8. Willows, 196. Wilson, Widow, children of, Benja- min, Hosea, Eunice, 110. Gen. James, political oration by, 308. Capt. John D., 229. Wingate, Joshua, Jr., 296. Winn, John, 93. Capt. Joseph, 153. Winslow, Daniel (Portland), 403. Winter, severest known, 145, Harbor, 121, 257. Winthrop, Governor, 22; measure for free schools approved by, 479. Wiscasset, 194, 220. Wise, Daniel, 153, 364, 415. Daniel, Jr., 347, 416, 442. Emily, 332. George, 364, 512. Hannah, 518. Dr. John, 412. Mary Ann, 539. Michael, 92, 191, 222, 233, 238, 248, 332, 411, 462, 518. William W., 266, 332, 539, Wise's Dock. 262. XXXVI Witham, Abraham, 345, 366. Jacob, 413. Withers, Thomas, 196. Wonder Brook, brickyard on, 236. Wood Island, 391. Neck, 49, 86, 510. Wood, Jane, 186. Job, 186. John, singing master, 235. Joseph G., 252. Nancy, 527. Mrs. Sally, 419. Woodbury, Rev. John M., 328. Woodin, John, 50. Worcester, Mass., Antiquarian So- ciety Rooms, Kennebunk newspapers in, 212. Wormwood, Abijah, 151. Abner, 131, 150, 488. Benjamin, 101, 150. Eli, 74, 150. Ida E., 477. James, l.)0. Jeremiah P., 504. John, 81, 127. John, Jr., 74, 150. Joseph, 74, 101. Thomas, 60, 61, 75, 93, 200. Thomas, Jr., 75, 82, 93, 118, 150, 159, 203. William, 75, 115, 131, 488. William, Jr., 130, 131, 488. William, son of Thomas, 75, 200, 205. Worth, Rev. Edmund, 114, 133, 326, 477. Yarmouth, North, former name of, 37. York, see Agamenticus and Gorgeana, 6-12; perman- ent settlement at, 6; made shire town, 9, 181: York, name changed to, 12; court held at, 9, 12, 14, 15, 31, 182; meeting-house built by Say- word at, 32; mail route through, 105, 121, 1.56; vessels built at, 167; town house as court room com- plained of at, 184; court re- moved from, 195; President Monroe at, 263; first bell in the county at, 312; post office opened at, 417; third minis- ter at, 525. County, records of, 188; first newspaper in, 211; number of towns in 1809 in, 221; leading Republicans in 1813 in, 226; number of inhabit- ants in 1819 in, 288; political conventions in, 301, 302, 307; mail route established in, 405; census in 1830 of, 438. Bank, 372. Bible Society, 228, 230. Congress, 142. Medical Association, 221,433. Temperance Society, 442. Unitarian Association, 318. Hall, 328. Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, consecration of, 242, 473; St. John's Day of, 473. Young, Job, 206. Jonathan, 359, 432. Joseph, 352, 432. Phebe, 352. Susanna, 203. Zion's Hill, ship timber piled up and hewn on, 243; one of the earliest settlers on, 368; schooner on land passage remained over night on, 385: origin of name, 457. 111114 ■X- -<- V-\' o V ^'^-v.. %^^ .N^ -^An^ ^y .^"^ A' ...V 'b V '^-0^ .'''%. ■':^^^^ .^^ ICM -?^'' ,/' ,-^c> •^0^ Ao^