"•^^o< .*' Print. 1S97. This little Histor}', should 3-011 term it such, was published b}^ C. R. Lougee, with the kind assistance of Mrs. Charles Abbott, and Mr. E. Ferren Blaisdell. It tells of the old town of Frankfort when first settled and also speaks of olden time people, their customs, with manj^ historical 'sketches in the daj's when Winterport and Frankfort were one. B}^ request of some of the old^r inhabitants we publish this little book and hope it will be favorably received. > HISTORY OF FRANKFORT. In 1766 there were two log houses in what is now Frankfort, (Winterport) one near where the Sampson house now stands(now, in 1896, a house owned by Mrs. Dr. Thayer on the lot) built by John Dunton afterwards occupied b}- Ephriam Grant and the other on the McGlathry place built by Joshua Aj^res, sub- sequentl}' occupied by John Couillard. There was to be seen at this time, the remains of a batter}^ on high head, now the Tappan lot (T. Gushing lot) supposed to have been built by Baron Castine; a hollow place has marked the spot until within a few years. In 1772 the first survey was made in this town. A line was then run parallel with the river and one mile back. This line commenced at the Cove and run straight to the Marsh stream, which it hits near the spring be^'ond the guide post on the road to Camp- bell's Mills. On this line monuments were erected every fifty rods, dividing it into 100 acre lots; this is still known as the Chadwick line, named from its surveyor, and is the head bound of all the lots on the river within the compass named above. Upon the plan of that survey were put down, besides the houses already mentioned, one on the Low brook lot, occu- pied ])y one Low; on the Cain lot now known as the Martin place occupied by Wilson, (now occupied by G. H. Dunton) on the Lombard lot, and one on the 2 HISTORY OF FRANKFORT. Reniiy place, occupied by Hatevil Colson. These were all log houses. In the year 1779 this river was the scene of one of the most disastrous affairs which darkens the page of our revolutionary history. The largest and best equipped fleet fitted out in this country during the war, was here completely annihilated. The enemy having landed a force at Bagaduce, now Castine, and commenced intrenchments there, it being in the juris- diction of Massachusetts, a fleet was promptly fitted out from Boston consisting of nearly twenty armed vessels, ships, brigs and sloops of war. One of them, the ship Warren, was furnished by the general gov- ernment, and was the flag ship of the fleet. Besides the armed vessels there were about the same number of transports — vessels employed to carry troops and supplies. The marine and land forces amounted to about 6,000 men. Gen. Lovell commanded the latter and Com. Salstonstal the fleet. Upon arriving at Bagaduce some attempts were made to capture the place but nothing effectual done until the enemy had time to hem them in with a more powerful fleet. The commanders appear to have been very inefficient men, and all that was now thought of was flight. Two of the vessels in attempting to make their escape round the western end of Long Island were captured by the enemy, the remainder of the fleet retreated up the river, were set on Are by their crews and blown up, or burnt to the water's edge and sunk. One vessel was sunk opposite Sampson's ledge, she has since been visited by a diving bell and some iron articles brought up. The flag ship Warren was destroyed at Oak HISTORY OF FRANKFORT. 3 Point — her decks were strewed with oil and set on fire, soon the magazine was reached and blown to frag- ments. She contained in part the stores of the fleet, and it is said the shore was strewed with biscuits like flakes of snow. Some of her remains may still be seen imbedded in the mud. The sloops of war Mon- mouth, Sally and Black Prince, each carrying 20 guns were destroyed at Hampden. The number of vessels in all destroyed between Castine and Bangor was 33. The troops and marines were marched through the wilderness to Fort Halifax on the Kennebec opposite Waterville. The first which went through used a compass and spotted trees as a guide to those who should follow, w^hen they came to Long Pond in Unity they spotted a road on both sides of it, in consequence of which, the second party in following the trail went around the pond two or three times. The men suffer- ed much on the march. Though there was abund- ance of provision in the fleet, they were not provident enough to take a sufficient supply with them, and before they got through were obliged to resort to Indian cucumbers and the bark of trees for food. The}^ were five days in performing the journey. The History of Frankfort, from which these sketches are taken, was written for an association of young people called "The Mutual Improvement Society," by Erasmus Archibald Jones, about the year 1844. Mr. Jones was assisted by many of the early settlers whose memories were still fresh with the early scenes herein narrated, particularly Archibald Jones, Esq., and Tisdale Dean, gentlemen who took prominent parts in many of these incidents. Archibald Jones, 4 HISTORY OF FRANKFORT. father of K. A. Jones, came here from Worcester, Mass., in 1802, he was the first lawyer who settled here. He decided on this place as the probable loca- tion of the future city on the Penobscot, from its being the head of winter navigation. He died Februarj^, 1858, aged 81 years. Capt. Ross, of the ship Monmouth, having had a leg broken at Castine, and being unable to march with his comrades, took up his lodgings at Capt. Ephraim Grant's. The English surmising he was somewhere on the river, were on the alert for him, when they were known to be near, Capt. Grant, who was a powerful man, took him on his back and carried him up into the valley in the Sampson pasture and hid him in a thicket where he had a bed for him. He finally made his escape by the British and got home. Capt. Grant, with part of his family, fearing molesta- tion from the enem3^ performed the journey to the Kennebec. When they returned it was in the winter and snow shoes were used, their provisions being hauled on hand sleds. During their absence, their place had been visited by a privateer, their hay carried off to Bagaduce, and their house converted into bar- racks. Provisions were very scarce and high during this period. Flour was $24 per barrel and meal $4 per bushel. Some of the inhabitants lived wholly on fish and milk, and what game they killed in the woods. Moose were very plenty. One man who lived here at that time relates that he has killed seventeen in one HLSTORY OF FRANKFORT. 5 spring', and used almost every day to see them wlie.n he went up to Oakman hill after his cattle. Other game was ver}- abundant^ moose, deer, otters, bears, wolves, martins, foxes and hares. Upon a meadow one mile from this village may still be seen the remains of a beaver dam, by which the meadow was at one time flowed. One old lady used to tell of seeing a hawk fl3'ing at this time of scarcity with a fish in his claws. When he was over her head, she raised such a scream as caused him to drop the fish, upon which she made an excellent dinner. At the time of which we have been treating, there was one house at Hampden, none at Bangor. The settler at Hampden was Col. Goaldthrite, for some time he was the commander of Fort Point. He was a noted Tory, and at the conclusion of the war, in making his escape to the Provinces with a large number of others of like character, was ship wrecked and lost. After peace was concluded, this country began to be settled. Those who had left the river, returned and others came and commenced settlements. The first frame house erected in Frankfort was in 178 1 by one Smith, on what is now the Holmes place near the Steam Mill. In 1783 the Grant house just back of Capt. John Arey's(afterward Capt. lulwin Littlefield's, wliich was burnt down) was built, and was standing until within a few years, when it was pulled down. The Grant barn, built the same year, still stands(i844) bearing indubitable signs of age. 6 HISTORY OF FRANKFORT. The house now owned by E. F. Blaisdell was built in 1785 by his grandfather, Ebenezer Blaisdell. At this time the nearest physician w^as Dr. Crawford at Fort Point. A stor}^ is handed down of Col. Gouldthrite, who kept the fort at F'ort Point, that at a time when he was preparing for some great feasting occasion, he emplo3^ed an Indian to kill a moose (or him. When the Indian appeared with his game the colonel asked him where he had found "so fat a moose." He replied "It is your horse," but it was thought he was joking, and the supposed moose meat was highly relished. When the colonel came to hunt for his horse, which had been turned out to graze at a distance from home, he was not to be found, and then it was known the Indian had told the truth. In 1789 the town of Frankfort was incorporated. Previously it had been called Marsh Bay. At the time of its incorporation it included all of Prospect, part of Newburg and most of Hampden. The seat of government was at Sandy Point. Here the town meetings were held and this was the principal place of trade. At this time, in addition to the settlers alread}^ named, Tobias Oakman lived in a house which was afterwards burned, near the site of Tobias O. Thomp- son's house. Miller Johnson lived in a house between the house now occupied by his son, Thomas Johnson, and the river. Moses Littlefield, a revolutionary soldier, on the Martin place (now G. H. Dunton's) HISTORY OF FRANKFORT. 7 Jiulgc Goodwin, who was surgeon mate on l^oard llie U. S. Ship Warren when she was destroyed, John BoLan, I, Haegan on Atwood place, Kenipton on Oak Point, Clark on the Hardy place and Joshua Treat on Treat's Point. The onl3' horse in town was owned by Parson Carle- ton, who lived in Goshen. Oxen were more plenty. Everything was drawn on sleds in summer, as well as in winter, as there were no wheels and no roads fit for them. At one time, a party was given by Mr. Treat at the Point, to attend which, ox sleds were called into requisition by the beaux and belles of that day. Tobias Hale)' came here in 1791; John Mclntire in 1792; about this time luioch Sampson and Esquire McGlathr}^ came; Sampson built a house still called the Sampson house (now on the lot owned by Mrs. Dr. Thayer;) a wharf which was the first wharf built here, and a store near it in which he traded, a barn on the lot which Mr. H. W. Emerson now occupies, remained a long time in a delapidated condition, affording a night's lodging for some homeless person as "old Clifton," the terror of the school children. In 1794 Prospect and Hampden were set off. Judge Goodwin was the first Representative to the General Court held in Boston. In 1802 the Blaisdell house (now occupied by Capt. Dudley) was built and a store near it. A. L. Kelley's house, called the Cox House, which was used as a tavern, the Dutch House, (a ccttage opposite what is now N. H. Hubbard's, ) a store where the lirick school 8 HIvSTORY OF FRANKFORT. house now stands, (where Nason Brothers' meat mar- ket is,) and Hall's store had been built, also a wharf near Hall's store; there are still some remains of this wharf near the outlet of Low's brook. From 1802 to 1806 there were eleven houses and three stores built, all two stor}^ buildings except two — the house where Joseph Robinson lives, (now^ owned by F. C. Young) which was built by Dr. Peabody, the first physician who lived here; he remained but a few years then removed to Levant. The Freeman house opposite Patrick McShea's. Tisdale Deane's house, first used as a store, was built by Daniel Liver- more; he afterwards built Benj. Shaw's house. Livermore was a passionate tempered man and on being insulted by Capt. Clements he struck him on the head with a billet of wood, which so injured him that his life was despaired of. Livermore, who lived at Monroe at this time, felt very uneasy about itr and on inquiring of a man concerning his state was an- swered, "Capt. Clements is dead; I have just come from there and assisted in laying him out." Upon hearing this news, Livermore packed up his valuables and fled. He has never returned, though his supposed victim is alive still. Livermore 's widow died the present month in Monroe at the advanced age of eighty-nine. Mrs. Andrews' house built by Simeon Kennc}-; Mrs. Milliken's (now Benj. Hall's) built by Abel Curtis, who followed the sea; Oliver Couillard's house, built by Reuben Winchell, a mason by trade; John vStokell HIvSTORY (W FRANKFORT. 9 liuusL-; widow Arey's house, built by Rsquire Merrill; Deborah Thompson's house, built by a Mr. Cox, who kept tavern in the Kelley house, likewise Wni. Holmes' store, (where Mood^^'s cooper shop now is) which was built and occupied b}^ Thurston and Thorndike, Mc- Glathry's store, occupied by John McGlathry (where F. W. Haley's store now^ is;) Tisdale Deane's store, (now A. E. Fernald's) was built at this timeby Brad- shaw Hall, who afterw^ards removed to Castine and was Register of Deeds At this time, also. Esquire Merrill traded in the store located on the brick school house lot. In the autumn of 1S06, a new store was opened in the building now occupied b}^ John Stokell (since burnt down and rebuilt.) It was the firm of Andrews, Ware & Dean. The trade at that time was almost wholly barter, being an exchange of provisions. West India, English and Domestic goods, of which rum formed a very important article, for oak hogshead and barrel staves, rift clapboards and shingles, spruce knees, cord wood and bark. An idea of the providence of the countr}- people at that time may be obtained by the following anecdote, related by one of the first traders. He said that a man from Monroe, which w^as then called Lee, used to bring him corn in the fall to exchange for goods as long as his corn lasted, and, knowing that he would w^ant it all back in the spring, he used to put it by itself, and when the man came to ])e a purchaser of com he sold him the same corn for $1.00 per bushel that he had lo HISTORY OF FRANKFORT. paid him 75c. for. The profit of the transaction to the producer after transporting his corn both ways, with no roads, perhaps it would be difiicult to calculate. The roads here in 1806 were anything but turnpikes judging by a description of them by a gentleman who landed here at that time. He said that on the first day of his arriving he left his horse, which he had brought with him, to himself, and being very busy during the day in landing his effects, did not think of him again until night, when on looking for him he was not to be found. He went in search of him and followed the main road up as far as where James Haley lives, and there the road was so obstructed by pine stumps and roots running across it above the ground he came to the conclusion that no horse could get farther in that direction. A gentleman who was engaged in trade at that time has given me the prices of some articles in which he dealt. Such sheetings as now sell from eight to ten cents were then sold at forty or fifty cents per 3^ard; molasses 75 to 87 1-2 cents; Souchong tea $1,00 per lb.; coffee 25 to 30 cents; clear pork 25 cents; ginger 2,7, 1-3 cents; saleratus 30 cents and nutmegs 9 pence (12 1-2 cents) apiece. He says that Gov. Porter, as he is familiarly called, kept an old horse with which he hauled or twitched out spruce knees, which he exchanged for goods as his necessities demanded, and he had done it so re- peatedly that the old horse learned the business as HISTORY OF FRANKFORT. ii well as his master and frequeiitl}^ came aluiie aiul stopped in front of his store with his load. At this period the onl}^ school house was at the Marsh; the school in this village was kept in part of A. Iv. Kelley's house. There w^as occasionally preaching by a missionary in private houses. Father Sawyer sometimes preached; there were also some native preachers; sometimes barns w^ere converted into meeting houses for a Sabbath. Elder Adam Grant w^as one of the native preachers who sometimes held forth in the Sampson barn. What the effect of his preaching w^as upon his human auditors has not been handed down^ but on one occasion he halooed so loud that he terrified a calf to that degree that he jumped out of the barn window, took to the woods, and was not recovered for a week. At this time Bangor was not essentially larger than Frankfort, and contained but three or four stores. Bucksport had somewhat the start of it. Belfast was about equal to Bucksport. Castine was the principal place of trade on the river. It was not until al)out the year 1807 that an ox wagon was imported into tow-n; previous to that time there had never been any wheels seen here. When the snow^ went off in the spring the country people brought their lumber to market on a kind of vehicle that has entirely dis- appeared, and therefore will need a description. It consisted of two long poles with rungs like a ladder, an open space being left at one end for the horse, the other dragging on the ground. The forwnrd end of v^ LIBRARY 12 HISTORY OF FRANKFORT. the poles entered rings in the harness and were fasten- ed there by pins. This carriage was called a car. The collars used were made of twisted hay. A gentleman who traded here at that time, says he has known eight or ten of these cars to come out loaded in the morning and, while their masters w^ere taking their dram in the store, the horses would get hungry and fall to eat- ing up each other's collars. If one of the owners happened to discover that his horse was losing his collar, he would perhaps commence beating his neigh- bor's horse; this would bring his master to the spot, and he would resent the insult offered his horse by laying it onto the man; soon all hands would be en- gaged in the melee, and it would end in a regular turkey fight. After administering and receiving black eyes and bloody noses sufficient to satisfy themselves, they would call for more liquor, and this wonder working beverage, which can make men cool in a hot day, or warm in a cold one, had the same double power of making men quarrelsome, or changing the "lion to the lamb." After effecting a peace in this way they would start for home the best of friends. John Kempton built the first vessel at Oak Point; she was called the Cynthia — 115 tons. Capt. Grant owned a small vessel called the Mamy Grant. Tobias Oaknian owned a sloop. In 1807 a vessel was built by Andrews, Ware & Dean called the Orion — 112 tons. In 1806 a large ship of 700 tons burthen loaded with timber for lyiverpool op])osite the Rankin place, (now McGrath's.) HIwSTORV UF FRANKFORT. 13 In 1S06 'J'liorndike, ySears and riescott, of Boston, having l)Oui;ht out tlie Tt-n Proprietors, came down here and made the first l)argain with tlie settlers. Un- til now they had l)een squatters, they had settled upon a lot of land and commenced improvements without any permission. They offered the settlers the land for two dollars an acre, or offered to give half of their farms; if they would 1)uy up the rest. Most of them jneferrcd to purchase, and the first deeds were given in 1809. After Prosj-jcct was set off, the town meetings were held in different buildings in this village until a school-house was built. Blaisdell's store, Sampson's stcne and McCzlathry's stores were used at different times for this i)urpose; none of these buildings are now in existence. In 1805 the old school-house was built, located where Joseph Moo(h''s house now stands. vSometime during the early period of the settlement of this town, two boys in going to Mt. Ephraim, in Prospect, round Mt. Waldo, which was then an entire wilderness, lost their way in a snow storm and perished on the western side of the mountain, where they were afterwards found locked in each other's arms. iMom this circumstance the mountain received the name of Mt. Misery. In iSii a large party of ladies and gentle- men from this x'illage visiteil the mountain on liorse- l)ack, and agreeing among themselves that the moun- tain deserved a better name, one of the company. (A. Jones. ICscp.) ascended a tree, ])roke a IxHtle and named it Mount Waldo. This name was selected on 14 HISTORY OF FRANKFORT. account of its being the highest land in the county of Waldo. So late as this period the onl}^ riding carriage here was a chaise owned by Esquire McGlathry with square standing top; the first riding wagon was introduced sometime during the late war, those in first use were by no means such comfortable carriages as we have now; they had no springs, the body resting on the axle. The year 1814 is memorable for the visit paid our river by a British fleet. It was in the month of Sep- tember that the enemy took possession of Castine,and the same day the news of the event reached this place. It was expected that the enemy would immediately ascend the river with the intention of capturing the John Adams, an American frigate then lying at Hamp. den. To meet the emergency, the militia were called out, and a watch kept during the night. Soldiers were stationed as sentries at intervals along b}' the river, with orders to bring to all boats that might be ascending the river and inquire into their business. One boat belonging in Orrington containing three or four men, not answering when hailed, was fired upon; the shot fell into the water and did no harm. It had the effect however, of bringing them to and when their destination was known they were allowed to pass. The next morning the enemj-'s fleet was seen coming up the bay with a moderate breeze. Many of the people at the marsh liad assembled on Beale Mt., from whence tliey looked down upon them with intense HIvSTORY OF FRANKFORT. 15 anxiety. As they came fanning along they kept boats out ahead to sound the way, sometimes using their barges manned by eighteen oars to tow their ships. Sometime previous to this there had been brought into the river a vessel taken as a prize, loaded with cocoa, named the Kertusorf. Her valuable cargo had been sold at auction, being bid off by Boston gentle- men. One of the purchasers was Mr. Thorndike, one of the Ten Proprietors, who happened to be here. This cocoa was discharged into the McGlathry store and the vessel sent up river. As soon as news was received that the British had captured Castine, and were expected up the river, teams were employed in removing the cocoa to Camp- bell's hill, where it was stored. They were actively engaged in the business that night and the next morn- ing until the fleet was in the river, when it was thought prudent to desist, though it had not all been removed. During the night, Mr. Richard Thurston's store — the building now occupied by Mr. Wm. Holmes (the lot where Moodj^'s cooper shop now stands) had beeit used as a place of rendezvous for the men employed as a watch during the night and the next morning as the fleet came along seeing armed men in the road by the store, they fired an eighteen lb. shot which passed till o ugh a window in the second stor}^ on the back side, came out of a window on the front side, passed through a shed attached to A. L. Kelly's house and struck the ground in McGlathry's field, not far from some females who had ^one there for safet3\ This ■' <■ . Mid HIvSTORY OF FRANKFORT. 17 shot was intended to disperse the warlike demonstra- tions on the road, and it had the desired effect, for the soldiers scattered with great agility, being only im- peded by tumbling over one another in their great anxiety to place themselves out of danger, and were soon lost sight of in the direction of the woods. It was now feared a regular cannonading would ensue, and the inhabitants began to seek places of safety for themselves. Perhaps the excitement which prevailed may be best shown by an anecdote. Those who lived upon Shaw's hill, fearing from their position that they were peculia-rly exposed, collected their women and children and hurried them off in a body to the house now occupied by John Oakman (this house was back Northwest of the cemetery. ) One gentleman who had got his blood very warm in the business and his mind abstracted in the excitement caught up a thin pair of pantaloons as he was leaving his house which he exchanged on the march for the thick ones he had on without being aware of it at the time or having any recollection of it afterwards; though of course so singu- lar a proceeding did not pass unnoticed by the rest of the company. No more shots were fired, and as the ships passed along they seemed desirious of exciting admiration rather than fear. On the decks the troops in rich uni- form, were arranged so as to show to best advantage. The yards were covered with marines in uniform also, the fleet consisted of three large vessels, two of them sloops of war accompanied by smaller vessels, trans- £8 HIvSTORY OF I'RANKFORT. ports and gun boats, the whole making an imposing and beautiful show, and only wanting to be divested of the idea of war and bloodshed to call forth feelings of admiration and delight. The troops from the fleet were landed this side of the Cove, where they made their encampment for the night converting the neighboring houses into barracks. The next morning a regiment of Militia of about seven hundred men had been collected at Hampden, (most of them had been under arms the day previous) and were posted on the hill l:)y the old meeting-house. Capt. Morris, who commanded the frigate John Adams lying at the wharf where he intrenched himself, in- tending to make a desperate resistance. He also de- tached his first lieutenant with an eighteen pounder to assist the land force. This piece was planted in the road by the meeting house and supported the right wing of the infantry, the left extending in two lines down towards the river. A picket guard had been stationed during the night on the road leading to the Cove, to watch the movements of the enemy. The morning was very foggy which allowed the enemy to advance upon the guard so closel}^ that some ot them were taken prisoners at the lower corner. One of the prisoners was Tobias Oakman of this town. As the British advanced they put their prisoners in front of the column which is one of the expedients the cruelty of war allows to defend themselves. As they ascended the hill after passing the bridge, the field- piece opened its fire upon them, killing and wounding HISTORY OF KRANKI ^T 30 HISTORICAL SKETCHES, The Discovery of the Penobscot River. By A. Jones, Esq. Penobscot Bay and river were first discovered in 1605 by Capt. Geo. Weymouth from England with the ship Archangel who first made Monhegan, and thence sailing with his ship up on the west side of Long Island, as far as may be considered the head of the Bay, anchored his ship and with his boat, shallop as he called it, with seventeen men ascended the river proper, as he judged twenty miles. Capt. Weymouth considering the Bay on the east side of Long Island as part of a great river, says he passed up the river with a gentle breeze sixty miles from Penobscot harbor, as he named the first harbor he made. He said any man might conceive with what admiration they all consented. Many who had travelled in sundry count- ries and most famous rivers, affirmed them not to be comparable to this. He said he would not prefer it before England's richest treasure, the river Thames, but they all wished those excellent harbors, good depths, convenient breadths, and good holding ground, to be as well there as they found them here. — He would boldly affirm it to be the most beautiful. HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 31 large and secure harboring river the world afforded, furnishing more good harbors for ships of all burdens than all England. In 1629 a patent intended to embrace thirty miles in width on both sides of the Penobscot, was made to Beauchamp and Leverett in joint tenantr3^ As sur- vivor Leverett became sole owner. By the laws of England, through the eldest sons, the whole patent was inherited by President Leverett of Harvard College, great grandson of the patentee. President Leverett by deed divided the patent into ten shares, granting one share to a descendant of Gov. Bradford to extinguish some interfering claim, one to Spencer Phipps, son of Gov. Phipps who for a hat full of silver, had bought of Medarawando the Indian title and the other eight shares to his sons-in-law. In con- sideration of certain settling duties, those ten who had assumed the name of the Ten Proprietors, conveyed 100,000 acres including Camden, to a company that took the name of "The Twenty Associates." As time advanced, danger arose that the title to the patent would be vacated for some defect. General Waldo was sent to England to get the patent confirmed. On a settlement with Waldo for advances and services the Ten Proprietors surrendered to him all their interest in the patent, reserving only 100,000 acres to be run out. About 1760 under Gov. Pownal, Gen. Waldo with a company of soldiers commenced build- ing a fort at Fort Point. The father of Ebenezar Blaisdell of Frankfort, and the father of Samuel Jelli- 32 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. son, of Monroe, were two of the soldiers. From an accident that happened to him in a boat at a cape near the fort the name of Jellison will go down to posterit}^ While building the fort with a part}^ of soldiers, Jellison being of them, Waldo in a vessel sailed as far up Penobscot river as he could, landed on the east side, and at or near what is called Eddington Bend, fixed in the earth a roll of sheet lead with inscriptions claiming so far, as within his patent. On his return Waldo died suddenl}^ but not where he planted the lead as tradition has it. I am the more sure I had the account correct from Jellison, on account of some verses he repeated to me as made atthe time by a wag. Some of which I remember. About Waldo he said: "'JMiere he lies, but how he fares Nobody knows, and nobody cares." As to so much of the patent as fell east of the river, one line was accidentally omitted in the description, which left it so indefinite that no land was held on that side. In 1772, by one Chadwick as Surveyor, 100,000 acres were run out, marked and bounded for the Ten Proprietors, bounded on the south b}^ what is now the south line of Frankfort extending north so as to include all Hampden and much, perhaps all of Bangor. Next year the front lots were all marked off fifty rods wide on the river, and a headline run aver- ageing one mile from the river. Except the wife of Gen. Knox and one of the name of Waldo, all the heirs of Waldo were tories in the Revolutionarv war and left the countrv. Their shares HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 33 were confiscated, and bought in by Gen. Knox. After the war was over, on the application of Gen. Knox, his title was confirmed, and the limits of the Waldo patent defined, and settled in such a manner that more than half of the land that had been run out for the "Ten Proprietors" fell without the patent. To gain their assent and indemnify the "Ten Proprietors," Gen. Knox gave his bond; and having bought in some of the shares in that company, was elected to be clerk. After that the bond was never found. The end of the matter was, that under the ten grantees of President Leverett a tract intending to embrace thirty miles wide on both sides of Penobscot river, embraced only about 43,000 acres including w^hat is now Frankfort and some of Swanville and Monroe. 34 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. Grand Jubilee at Winterport! A WHOLE NIGHT DEVOTED TO REJOICING. (From the Bcxngor Daily Evening- Times,) Tuesday, April 3, 1860. On Wednesday evening, March 28, according to a previous programme, the citizens of our new town, with numerous invited friends and guests, celebrated its birth. During the day flags were set upon the flag-staffs, and the shipping in port showed all their bunting. Across Commercial street, in front of Clark's hall, where the ball came off, a flag depended bearing '^Wintkrport" on its tail end, and in front of the Commercial House in the evening was a transparency, "Winterport, i860." In fact it was Winterport all about town, and enthusiasm rose on tip-toe during the day, and got upon stilts during the night. Even the dumb creation seemed conscious that something more than usual was astir, and the very dogs, not less than their masters, wagged their tails with joy. With the approach of evening the citizens began to assemble at the Commercial House, which was soon fifled. It was brilliantly illuminated, and the count- enances of the crowd beamed with smiles. At the same time^ also, the dancers began to repair to Clark's hall, which was in excellent order and handsomely decorated, and coamected with the hotel by an ample HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 35 walk, by which the convenience and comfort of the company, ebbing and flowing between the two great centres of attraction in waves of manly strength and female grace and beauty, were greatly facilitated. The company of dancers was large, embracing repre- sentations of all classes of citizens, and enticing into their whirl many who had never danced before. The ladies were out in full force and in tasteful attire, with brows enwreathed with smiles for Winter- port. The music, which was under the direction of P. C. Crane, of Frankfort, assisted by the Messrs. Ames, of Bucksport, and Mr. Geo. S. Silsby, of Win- terport, was highly creditable to these artists. The managers, Messrs. Rich, Atwood and Fernald, of Winterport, and D. Fernald, of Frankfort, acquitted themselves in a manner worthy of all praise, and made the dance go merrily enough. Meantime all w^as life and animation at the Commer- cial House, where the rooms were filled with a happy crowd, enjoying themselves in social conversation, plays, etc. At 12 o'clock supper was announced, when the capacity of mine host, Johnson, was never seen or tasted to better advantage, although he ever enjoyed a reputation second to no landlord for many miles around. Fowl, choice meats, fruits and con- fections of the choicest, and in profusion, were artist- ically and temptingly arrayed, and withstood the siege of hunger's great artillery from three fresh battalions of appreciating feeders, so great was the company present. 36 HISTORICAL SKKTCHES. The festive exercises were also interspersed with speeches from Messrs. R. A. Rich, the Representative of Frankfort in the last Legislature, Otis Kaler, Esq., Hon. N. H. Hubbard, S. W. Merrill, Esq., of Frank- tort, B. B. Thomas, Esq., Representative in the last Legislature from Newburg, who efficiently aided in the Winterport cause, and several others. REMARKS OF R. A. RICH, ESQ. Ladies and Ge7itlemen :—l am happy to see you this evening under such auspicious circumstances. We have met to celebrate the consummation of an event which we have long ardently desired, and it is eminently proper that 5'Ou should feel grateful for so favorable a termination of the struggle — grateful to your friends here and elsewhere, who, knowing your rights, dared to defend them. This result has been obtained by long continued and persistent effort. It has cost many hard days' work, many sleepless nights, as well as much money. But it is at last accomplished, and we meet to celebrate the incorpo- ration of the town of Winterport. In my efforts the past winter, I labored to promote, as I believed, the interest of Frankfort as well as of Winterport. But perhaps the citizens of Frankfort are not prepared .to appreciate my labors as you do this evening. But I believe the time will come when they will rise up and call those blessed that have been instrumental in sev- ering the ties that bound us together. We have not accomplished all that we desired. We were loth to ])art company with some in the old town of Frankfort, HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 37 iid we now say to them, that we hope the time is not ir distant when w^e shall be permitted to extend to lem a brother's hand and a brother's welcome within le limits of Winterport.. I am pleased to see some of lem with us this evening, and in the name of this Dmpany, I bid them welcome, and in conclusion I ill give you the following: Thk Friends of Winterport — They can manifest leir interest in her welfare in no better way than by :udying to promote harmony among all her citizens. REMARKS BY OTIS KALER. Ladies and Gentlemen:— ^^ have met together this vening to celebrate the organization of the town of i/"'interport. Many of us enlisted in this enterprise Dme ten years since. In 1851 a petition was present- d to the Legislature praying for the same line that ^e petitioned for this year, as well as last, but the legislature, or I should have said the Senate, saw fit ) give us this line, and sever our village. Still we ^el thankful for a part, feeling that to be the way to etmore. We have thus far succeeded in our endeavors, nd feel to rejoice in our success, which is demonstrated y the gathering here this evening. While we surround lis festal board, with hearts overflowing with grati- ide, we should not forget our friends in the lower art of the village, who are separated from us by this ne. They have labored shoulder to shoulder with s, to bring about a division of the town, hoping tiereby to save it from bankruptcy, but they remain 1 Frankfort still, to be goaded a time longer; and 38 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. while we feel to rejoice, a very different feeling pervades their hearts. No doubt they feel gratified that a portion are free; but still man}' of them feel sad at the thought that a town line should separate them from their friends. But they have everything to hope for in the future. The annexation of this village must be effected at no distant da}-. But I am admonished that I must be brief, as there are others who are waiting to partake of the bounties of mine host, and will close with the following: Our Friends, in the Lower Vii^lage, who are vSEPARATED BY THE TOWN LINE — ^May their watch- word be annexation; and may they never cease to echo it, until they shall accomplish their purpose. Mr. Merrill, of Frankfort, returned his heartfelt thanks for the kind and warm reception which had welcomed him and other friends from Frankfort, and gave the following sentiment: WiNTERPORT — May her citizens always live in per- fect harmony, and ma}- her soil be QURic/wd by her peace loving citizens; and may it bring forth, year after year, something better than r7//r/-weed. This sentiment was followed by three cheers for Frankfort. We regret that we were called away, and lost the remarks of Hon. N. H. Hu1)bard, B. B. Thomas, and others. Letters were also read, in response to invitations, from Hon. Josiah H. Drummond, of Waterville. vSenator in the last Legislature, M. R. Ludwig. of HIvSTORICAL SKETCHES. 39 Thoinaston, H. G. Cole, of Manchester, and Timothy Rowell, of Vassalboro, Representatives in the same, J. A. Peters, of Bangor, and others, all expressing their best wishes for the prosperity of the new town. At 3 o'clock A. M., Thursday, the few sleepers of Winterport were aroused by the firing of a grand salute and the ringing of bells, whose echoes probably broke in upon the slumbers of the neighboring towns. At 5 o'clock, "night's candles" and the kerosene at Clark's hall having burnt out together, the weary- legged dancers repaired to the hotel to engage in the remaining amusements, which were terminated by a refreshing breakfast for such whose enthusiasm and strength lasted till that hour. Thus ended the cele- bration of Winterport's inauguration, which all who participated in it will long remember as the event of a lifetime. 40 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. The Vexed Question Settled (Progressive Age, March 29, 1872.) Differences having existed between the two tribes dwelling on the Passagassawaukeag river, and that part of the Penobscot above the "narrers" known as Winterportj as to the superiority of their respective ports in the winter season, also as to their rights and privileges touching clams and tom-cods, it w^as re- solved in the general council of the Winterport tribe, that a delegation of their chief men should be sent to the "Waukeag" tribe with a proposition to form with the chief men of that tribe, a Joint High Commission to settle all matters in dispute. The following chiefs were accordingly appointed: Ham-Cu-Shan, — Sec'y of the Interior. Fatwood, — Com. of Agriculture. Vili.iam-Dk-La-Way, — Com. on Interior Waters. Ec-A-Rye, — Lord Mayor. Ben-Jam-Tomson, — Ivord High Admiral. L0UIS-HAI1.IE, — Capt. Horse Marines. A-Efurnell, — Sec'y of War. Aitch-Z-Chapmun, — G. H. Steward. ToEBEE-Hoi/r, — Chief Police. TooT-Kkain, — Dep. HISTORICAL SKETCHKS. 41 Jhon- Fatwood, — Heirappareiit. JhoK-Klkark, — Lord H. K. of the vSeal. Sledges were immediately got in readineSvS, and, on Tuesday, the distinguished Commissioners set out on their journey. On their leaving, a dispatch was sent, appropriately directed to the chief marshal of the Waukeag tribe, advising him of the fact, and bespeak- ing for them a hospitable welcome. He was apprised ' that, in corisequence of no arrivals from the warmer regions, the tribe were short of supplies, and the "inards" of the Commissioners would need nourish- ment. That as their most natural tpod was blubber meat, a large supply of that would be necessary. He was further urged to provide for their sph-Hifal wants, which would undoubtedly be great. On their way the commissioners tarried for a short time at the chief vill- age of a small but spunky tribe, the Nathan-Barnabas tribe. They were received with high honor. Flags heralded their coming, and the chiefs received them warml3^ treating them on cider juice in the original packages. On their arrival at "Waukeag," the first care was to visit the steamer Cambridge to ascertain whether the Winterport supplies on board were not suffering evaporation; they having "hearn" that frequent parties of the "Waukeags" had been seen on l)oard, in the night time, in a hilarious mood. They however found Capt. Johnson keeping a sharj) lookout for Winterport interests. Making a hasty examination of the Winterport portion of the cargo, ihey were gratified to find that it had not deteriorated 42 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. either in (J^i^tniifij or f- L^onsented to aid the entertainment, was then i)resenl- 48 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. ed by Mr. T. H. dishing, and read the following poetic gem: THE MOTHERS OF i862, They call for "able-bodied men." Now there's our Roger, strong and stout; He'd beat his comrades out and out In feats of strength and skill — what tlieu? What then? — why only this: you see He's made of just that sort of stuff They want on battle-fields; enough ! What choice was left for him and me? rto, when he asked me yesterweek, •'Your blessing, mother!" did I hood The great sob at my heart, or need Another word that he should speak? Should I sit down and mope and croon, And hug my selfishness, and cry "Not himy my first-born !" no, not I ! Thank heaven I lip;' ;i nobler tiinc. And yet I love him liK^ niy life. This stalwart, handsome lad of mine ! 1 warrant me, lie'll take the shine Off half who follow drum and fife ! Now God forgive me, how. I prjfte! Ah, but the mother will leap out Whatever folds we wrap about Our foolish hearts, or soon or late. No doubt 'tis weakness — mother-lip Extolling its own flesh and blood ; A trick of weakly womanhood That we should scour doubt-nnd yet I should not dare Lav an unloved, cheap ofTenno- Upon my country's shrine, nor bring; Aught but was noble, sweet and laii. And so I bring my boy,-too glacl That he is worthy, and that I, Who bore him once in agony, Such glorious recompense have had. Take him, my country! he is true And brave and good ; his deeds shall tell More than my foolish words 'tis well. God's love be with the lad and you. (4od's love and care-and when he comes ]>ack from the war, and through the street The crazy people flock to meet My hero, with great shouts, and drums, And silver trumpets braying loud. And silken banners starry-gay, -'Twill be to ixie no prouder day Than this; nay, nay nor half so proud. And if-God help me-if, instead, Thev flash this word from ^omc red held. uHis brave, sweet soul, that would not yield, leaped upward, and they wrote hnn 'r^.rZ - I'll turn mv white face to the wall. And bear my grief as best T may For Roger's sake and only say ^^ -He knoweth best who knoweth all. \ud when the neighbors come to weep. Saying, "alas, the bitter blow!' I'll answer, nay, dear friends, not so! ]>.<'tter my Rouer's hero-sleep- And nobler far such lot, than his Who dare not strike with heart and hand For fre(>dom and dear fatherland Wliere death's dark nnssiles crash and M hi/ 50 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. And Rog'er's motlier has no tear So bitter as her tears would be If from the battles of the free, Her son slirank back with craven fear. The patriotic struggles of the mother's soul with love of country and her boy; and the eloquent pathos, so beautifully expressed by the poetess, were thorough- ly appreciated b}' Miss Varney, and ably rendered. The profound attention of the audience, with visible emotion manifested by mothers whose sons had craved the farewell blessing, were fitting tributes to the emo- tional power of the reader. The "Red, White and Blue" was sung by Miss Louise Morgan; Mrs. Carrie Chase presided at the piano. Rev. Mr. Jewell followed with excellent remarks, recommending the Christian Commission to public sympathy, and presented its scope and mission in an interesting and able manner. A grand choral anthem was given — ''Our Land of Liberty," solo by B. B. Cushing, Esq. Mr. Cushing seemed to throw into its execution the ardor and spirit of his yotmger da3^s and never sang better. At this point, in response to a vigorous appeal from the chairman, a general attack in front, flank and rear, upon the edibles was made by the combined forces of old and young. The smoking stews, the fragrant chowder, and the stoical ice cream, yielded rapidly to the appetizing in- lluences brought into action against them, while ])arri- cades of pies and tarts and other "fine arts" went HISTORICAL vSKKTCHES. 51 vn suddenly before the gastronomic attacks of the orous young patriots. Amiability and sociability ed the hour and "all went merry as the marriage 1." ^t a late hour the entertainment concluded for the ning by some excellent and mirth provoking sing- and playing b}^ Mr. Geo. Cofhn. ^he elements conspired against the Levee the second ning, but only added to the sociability of the crowd ich assembled, regardless of mud and water. L. A. Rich, Esq. "opened the ball" with some .racteristic remarks, and the choir gave some endid singing; indeed, the musical treat was the ture of the evening. The staunch "Old Star mgled Banner," "National Hymn," "Sacred them." "National Prayer," — solo by Miss Morgan 11 finely executed. reo. S. Silsby, the model post-master of the county, I Miss Clara Dudley, musical insiructor of Hampden idemy, sang a beautiful duet entitled "Heavenly me." The spirit of the composition and chjiractcr he music was admirably adapted to the superior or of Mr. Silsby and the sweet and highl}^ culti- ed voice ot Miss Dudley. The exercises closed by song, solo by Geo. Coffin, the audience joining in chorus, and other selections ranging from grave to ^ by the same gentlenmn. Treat credit is due the ladies for the manner in which entertainment was originated and executed. Where acquitted themselves so well, it may seem invidious 52 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. to particularize, but we cannot refrain from acknowl- edging the personal efforts of Mesdames Otis Kaler, T. Cushing, P. Cusliing, J. Eord, P. Powers, Carrie Houston, True, Geo. Fernald, Gerry and Miss Sarai Abbott. We should do injustice to the indefatigable Wetmore, the prompt and active Gerry, and the tireless Mastei George Merrill, if we failed to mention the very im- portant and almost indispensable services rendered hy them to the Eevee. The construction Com., Messrs. Ammi Merrill and Peter Cushing, performed their duties wuth skill and promptness. Nearly half a peck of No. i shin plasters testified to the efficiency of that financial autocrat, J. Lord. No "promises to pay in even dollars," of doubtful convertibility, lodged in his exchequer. Mrs. J. Lord presided over the culinary department, which is only another way of saying that the "stews" were at least 75 per cent above par. As we have once said, the \Yhole affair was a success, and very creditable to ail engaged in it. HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 53 Gala Day at Winterport. THE NEW HALL OF GARFIELD LODGE OF ODD FELLOWS DEDICATED. Thursday, December 13, 1894, was a gala da}^ at VMnterport. The beautiful hall of Garfield Lodge of )dd Fellows, (see cut on page 16) was publicly dedi- ated by the Grand Lodge of Maine. The weather was not favorable, but it did not deter large crowd from attending. At noon a large dele- ation of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs went up from tucksport on the steamer Bismark. A dozen or more rove up from Belfast and Bangor furnished its quota. At one o'clock the street procession moved, lead by lie Winterport band. The line was composed of lodges 1 Winterport and Bucksport, the visitors from other laces joining the ranks of these two lodges. The rrand Lodge of Maine brought up at the rear. The larch was made through the principal streets. At 3 o'clock the lodge room was filled to overflowing y the citizens and visitors. The beautiful ceremony f dedication was handsomely performed by Grand laster Samuel Adams, of Belfast, assisted by N. G. 'ettingill, as Grand Warden. Rev. J. P. Simonton, f Winterport, as Grand Chaplain, R. G. Dyer as 54 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. Grand Marshal, W. K. Keene, Grand Herald of the North, Dr. Baker, of Winterport, Grand Herald of the South, C. R. Coombs, Grand Herald of the East, and B. B. Greenlaw, Grand Herald of the West. All the officers,, excepting those specified, belonged in Belfast. The music furnished was of a high order. Grand Master Adams delivered an appropriate address, which was well received. At the close of the dedicatory ceremony, the entire company repaired to the dining-room of Union Hall where an excellent supper was served by the members of Garfield Lodge. The ceremonies of the day closed with a ball at Union Hall. Garfield Lodge, No. 99, was instituted Feb. 7, 1883, with six charter members. It now numbers nearly 200. The present year it has built a handsome block on Main street which it owns. The first floor contains two large stores, the second floor two offices and a banquet room. The third floor contains the lodge room and ante rooms. The hall is tastily furnished, and Garfield Lodge is to be congratulated upon its fine home. The lodge is among the first in the state. When Garfield Lodge undertakes a thing they never leave it half done. Everything was first-class and the several committees performed their work in proper style. P. C. Rich was Chief Marshal of the day, assisted by G. H. Dunton and A. W. Shaw. Geo. F. Snow was marshal of the home lodge. Lougee's Or- chestra, of Bangor, appeared on the stage at 8 P. M., HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 55 1 full dress and gave the party a great treat, discours- ig the finest music that ever came from this stage, 'he orchestra consisted of five pieces and every part ^as skillfully performed and with that harmony which lakes friendship and love truly satisfjdng, every lember of the party reciprocated by perfect order and 'ords of praise. The order of dances was well arranged nd carried out to a letter. O.'i the front of the folder rere emblems of the order and the printing was done 1 scarlet and blue. The badges also represented the olor of the degrees. The quartette deserves much raise for their services, as every number was well sndered. The parts were as follows: Mrs. C. R. Lougee, Soprano; Miss Chase, Contralto; Ir. Haley, Tenor; Mr. Howland, Bass. 56 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. Winterport, Me., July 12, 1897. Dear Sir: — I understand you intend to publivsh a history of Frankfort (now Winterport.) I thought it might interest you and your readers to know something of one of the old pioneers and early settlers of Frankfort. I take the liberty to tell you how he gave away to his children all of the great tract of land he bought of the original proprietors. My grandfather, Ebenezer Blaisdell, was a soldier under Gen. Waldo, and helped build a fort at Fort Point about the year 1760 which was afterwards de- stroyed by the Briti.sh. In going up and down the river with Gen. Waldo he became acquainted with the location of the land which he afterwards bought and settled on. He built a house on this land in 1785, being the third frame house built in the town, which would make it 112 years old, and is now the oldest house in town, and is now owned and occupied by E. F. Blaisdell. This tract of land run from the river back, one mile, and from the side lane near the Abbott watering-trough, to the farm now owned by John M. Snow. Quite a number of years before he died he gave all of this land to his children. He gave six acres on the river to his son, Ebenezer Blaisdell, Jr. The next lot he gave to his daughter, Mrs. Grant, where Mrs. Thos. McDonough now lives. Next to this lot he gave a lot to his daughter, Mrs. Dunning, where James Jepson now lives. The next lot, where the Sproul 1)arn now stands and across the HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 57 ;l where Mr. Wm. B. Sproul now lives, he gave to daughter, Mrs. Fernald. The next lot, where the .11 house now stands, he gave to his daughter, Mrs. ey. The next lot, where the old house now stands, t b}^ him in 1785, he gave to his son, Ebenezer. t next lot he gave to his daughter, Mrs. Mclntire. ire is no building on this lot. The next lot he gave is daughter, Mrs. Chick, where Miss Jennie Chick ' lives. Next lot he gave to his daughter, Mrs. ming, and is now owned by T. H. Sproul. The t lot of three acres where the Catholic church now ids, he gave to his son, William. The next lot, :re Capt. Dudley now lives, together with all the of the original tract, he gave to his son. James, ake care ol him and his wife during their lives, les afterwards exchanged farms with Capt. Childs, *emiquid, Bristol, where he moved, taking his fath- nd mother with him, where they died. The most of land given to his son, James, is now owned by Dudley heirs. Yours trul}^ E. F. Blaisdell. THE END. C 219,89-1 ^^ '^^p,' ^^^'■'"^ °^m^' /'"\ • ". -^c '^-^C^' ^0 "v. *o.o' .°-n^. .^1^ o_ .'^^ !^,- *^' "--^ '-.^ ^^ W ECKMAN DERY INC. ^ AUG 89 S^ N. MANCHESTER, ^ INDIANA 46962 .^'\ "^^ -0.0 ^ o. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Hi III II II mil nil 013 983 712 5