CIass_E2_gL Bonk JflBl Foxcroft, Maine 1812-1912 Proceeding's of the Centennial Celebration October 1, 1912 John Francis Sprague, Editor DOVER 1917 Reprinted from Sprague's Journal of Maine History Spraguc's Journal of Maine History, pub- lished quarterly at Dover, Maine. The only publication in the world devoted ex- clusively to Maine Historical Subjects. $1.00 per year. Bound volumes .fl.75. CONTENTS 49 CONTENTS Page. Foxcrof t's Centennial, vote of town, 1917 51 Foxcroft's looth Anniversary, introductory 52 Centennial Poem, Anna Boynton Averill, 60 Historical Sketch of Foxcroft, Rev. George A. Merrill 02 Foxcroft in the Civil War, Wainright Cushing 81 Clergymen of Foxcroft, Liston P. Evans, go Doctors of Foxcroft. Edgar T. Flint, M. D., 93 Foxcroft Academy, Willis E. Parsons 99 Schools and Schoolhouses, W. H. Sturtevant 112 Patriotic Societies, Sarah A. Martin j 17 The Masonic Fraternity, John Francis Sprague 123 Dedication of Foxcroft Bridge, Willis E. Parsons, 130 ILLUSTRATIONS. Page. Joseph Ellery Foxcroft 50 Centennial Parade, "100 years ago," 53 Centennial Parade on Foxcroft Bridge ^y Anna Boynton Averill 60 Centennial Decorations, 71 Oldest House in Foxcroft 79 Congregational Church and Chapel 91 Foxcroft Academy and Soldiers' Monument 107 Foxcroft Village School 113 Monument Square and Foxcroft Bridge, 125 Foxcroft Bridge — ^1854 131' Foxcroft Bridge — 191 1 133 52 YEARS the Insurance IVIan of Somerset Co. Never a Failure— Never a Law Suit— What more do you want? CHARLES FOLSOM-JONES, Skowhegan Maine 50 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY -> t^[^ ^.t^tai(yyy?f^ The original proprietor of Township No. 5, Range 7, North of Waldo Patent, now the town of Foxcroft, and so named in his honor. Born in New Gloucester, Maine, March 10. 1773. and died there September i, 1852. (See Vol. I. pp. 150 156, for an extended sketch of Col. Foxcroft.) Sprague's Journal of Maine History Vol. V SEPTEMBER ( Special Number ) 1917 No. 2 Foxcroft Centennial • When the centennial of the incorporation of the town of Fox- croft was celebrated in 1912, there was no appropriation available to be used for ptiblishing the proceedings of the day. At the annual meeting in 1917 an appropriation was made for that jmrpose. as \\ ill appear from the following: ^ TOWN RECORD. Art. 49. To see if the town will appropriate the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) or such part thereof as may be neces- sary to publish in a special number of Sprague's Journal of Maine History the Centennial proceedings of the town of Foxcroft, with appropriate cuts, similar to the number published by the Guilford Centennial, and appoint a committee with authority to arrange and contract therefor. ;jc ^ ijt ^ Art. 49. Voted to raise the sum of two hundred fifty dollars (S250) and appropriate so much thereof as may be necessary to ])ublish in a special number of Sprague's Journal of Maine History, the centennial proceedings of the town of Foxcroft, with appro- ])riate cuts similar to the number published by the Guilford Cen- tennial, and that a committee be appointed by the Chair with authority to arrange and contract therefor. The Chair appointed C. \\\ Hayes. E. D. Merrill and E. C. Smith. Committee. A true excerpt from the town record. 191 7. Attest, W. M. Steward, Clerk of Tozcii of Foxcroft. 52 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Foxcroft's 100th Anniversary Foxcroft celebrated the anniversary of its organization October 1st, 1912. The anniversary was x\ugust 31st, but belated enthusiasm delayed the celebration until then. The affair had been planned in a short time and to some of the committees especially belongs a great deal of praise for the efficieni work. Tuesday was a cold, raw day and rain fell during the early morning and in the afternoon and evening. A heavy fall of rain made it impossible to hold the fireworks in the evening. During the passing of the trades parade the sun shone and this parade was the feature of the day. At six in the morning the festivities began. The ringing of bells and the firing of bombs on Foxcroft bridge aroused the blood of every citizen and gave promise of a day of festival enjoyment, in spite of lowering skies. A decorator had been at work for 10 days on the buildings and the appearance of some of the residences and most of the business places, as well as of Foxcroft bridge, which was formally dedicated at noon, was one of gaiety and attractive- ness. It has been estimated by those who made a tour of the towns that there were about five thousand people on the streets during the day. At nine o'clock the parade of trade floats and antiquities started on Main street, Foxcroft. being formed on this and streets adjoin- ing. There were three bands in the parade and 65 teams, rigs, farming implements and floats. Some of the trade floats were very attractive creations. The first prize was awarded to Josef L. Brock- way, florist, who besides having a beautiful creation, carried out a unique idea. The float was drawn by white horses, the harness being trimmed in pink. The entire color scheme was pink and white. The float represented a bridal party. At the front stood the clergyman, Josef L. Brockway, the "happy couple" were Bela Norton and Miss Ruth Day. They stood beneath an arch from which was suspended a wedding bell. The arch and l)ell were wound with smilax and decorated with pink roses. The rest of the float was occupied by four little flower girls, Rachel and Kath- leen Stoddard, Eleanor McNaughton and Marv Moran. The ring bearer was Clifford McNaughton. At the four corners were white posts on which were palms. Other palms, ferns and white doves were part of the dainty, beautiful and artistic piece of work. FOXCROFT CENTENNIAL 53 The second prize was given to Ober & Clark, dry and fancy goods dealers. The float was a creation of white trimmed with sweet peas. At each corner was a post upon which was an urn filled with asters. In the center was a birthday cake, three and a half feet in diameter bearing candles. The float bore a banner, ''Our one hundredth birthday." Geo. H. Hoxie, taxidermist, was awarded the third prize. His float was very striking. A small forest of green, with the head of a bull moose protruding through the front. In the body of the float was an Indian wigwam with children in costume. Other specimens Centennial Parade. — "lOO years ago" — of taxidermy added to the scheme. Following the float was Peter Bearce in the guise of an old trapper with his gun and coon skins, his hound in leash ahead of him. The American Woolen company with its four teams added much to the parade. Beginning with a float, attractively trimmed, in which was a sheep in the front and wool in the rear, they slix^n-ed the in- dustry to the finished product worn by a party of young ladies seated in a neatly trimmed outfit. The Dover and Foxcroft Light and Heat company had an at- tractive float. One half showed a fire-place, an old-time hearth- stone, with the candles on the mantel. The other side had all the 54 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY modern electrical devices for lighting, heating and cooking. The first was presided over by an old time madam and the latter by a modern housewife. The trimmings and signs were pleasing to the eye. The telephone operatives had one of the daintiest rigs of the day. It was of blue and white and a bower and arch were very attractively arranged. Some of the girls occupied positions on the float, dressed in attractive gowns. This last float got special men- tion from the committee we understand. There were many other of the floats which deserve special mention. S. G. San ford had three outfits showing his complete line of fine horses and carriages which were a great addition to the show. S. A. Annis' livery outfit carriage also attracted much favorable comment. The list of floats and other features in their order is as follows: Division one: Taylor's band; Company F, G. A. R. (2); Boy Scouts; Mayo & Son, woolen mills. (3) ; Dyer Brothers, grocers, (2); Elmer Nickerson. druggist; E. D. Eldridge, painter; V. L, Warren, hardware and farming implements, (2) ; W. J. Eldridge, dry goods ; C. F. Dearth, cider mill ; Smith Bros., gasoline lights ; C. A. Brockway, milk ; A. A. McClure, milk. Division two : Monson band ; ]\Iodern Woodmen ; D. & F. Light and Heat company ; A. W. Gilman & Co., grain, (2) ; Ober & Clark, dry goods; E. H. Chase, furniture: E. W. Judkins. grocer, (2) ; F. E. Cole, druggist: S. G. Sanford, livery and sales stable, (3); Lillian Harvey, dry and fancy goods ; W. Gushing & Co., coke ; Ober, Clark & Thayer, lumber; Will Williams, (driving horse with sleigh 125 years old attached) ; S. A. Annis, livery stable. Division three : Guilford band ; Eldorado Encampment, I. O. O. F., American Woolen company, (4) ; N. E. T. & T. Co. ; Josef L. Brockway, florist; P. E. Ward & Co.. furniture; O. H. Bragg S: Co.. $2-trousers for $2 ; five exhibits placed by the committee, oxen and farming implements ; Hughes & Son, pianos : J. G. Sawyer, lumber, Wm. Buck & Co., druggists. Division four : Drum corps ; Union Hose Co. ; Tiger Hose Co. ; Hook & Ladder Co.. hand tub; Curtis & Robinson, harness, trunks and bags ; Dow & Boyle, clothiers ; Lyford & Buck, grocers ; J. J. I'olsom. lumber; H. W. Thayer, shoes; Mrs. F. E. Gellerson, millinery; Standard Oil Co.; C. A. Harmon, ox team; F. D. Bar- rows, printer ; George Hoxie, taxidermist ; A. N. Merrill, Star theatre. FOXCROFT CENTENNIAL 55 One of the features of the parade which attracted the attention of the reporter was the advertising car of the Voight MiUing Co., driven by V. M. Boothby, eastern agent, who made a special trip from Portland to join the parade, which was ver}^ much appreciated by E. W. Judkins, sole agent for X'oight's celebrated Royal flour. Following the parade was a ball game at the Central Driving park between Henderson and Newport, the game being won by the latter 6 to o. In the afternoon the winners were defeated by D. & F. 7 to 2. Band concerts were given in the various squares at 10.30 by the three bands already mentioned and by the Milo band which arrived on the forenoon train. The work of these organizations has been highly complimented. The Monson band, made up of men from their town only, was deserving of especial mention. The new Foxcroft concrete bridge was dedicated at noon. The exercises consisted of an address by Hon. W. E. Parsons, music by the band and the display of day fireworks. The automobile parade at one o'clock was a disappointment, only two or three cars bearing any decorations. W. G. Parker had his Buick attractively trimmed. There was a good display of cars but no finely trimmed ones besides this one. There was a football game at the park in the afternoon following the baseball game, between Higgins and Foxcroft academy which was easily won by Higgins, 38 to o. The historical program carried out in the Congregational church during the afternoon was as follows: Program. President of the Day, A. W. Oilman Prayer, Rev. E. L. Gates An Original Poem, Anna Boynton Averill Historical Address, Rev. G. A. Merrill P'oxcroft in the Civil War, Hon. Wainwright Gushing Clergymen of Foxcroft, Liston P. Evans Doctors of Foxcroft, Dr. Edgar T. Flint Foxcroft Academy, Hon. W. E. Parsons Schools and Schoolhouses, Supt. W. H. Sturtevant Custer Command and Ladies of the G. A. R., Mrs. S. A. Martin The Masonic Fraternity, Hon. J. F. Sprague 56 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY In the evening there was a grand ball at Central hall and a dance in the Palace, both of which were largely attended. Kendall's orchestra furnished music for the former, giving a concert which was much enjoyed. The dance committee, B. T. Genthner ; chair- man, report a very successful outcome of their end of affairs. On account of the heavy rain the fireworks were postponed to * Thursday evening. The marshal of the day was \\'alter J. Mayo. He was ably assisted by E. C. McKechnie, Elmer R. Blethen. Dr. E. D. Merrill, F. W. Mason, A. J. McNaughton and E. E. Whitney. To Elmer C. McKechnie, chairman of the trades parade com- nnttee, especially, belongs much credit for the good showing made in this feature. He and the other members promised to furnish carts and horses for floats. They did furnish them ; good carts "and fine looking horses. If this had not been done the number of floats would have been much less. Display of Antiques. The display of antiques was one of the best ever shown at an occasion of this kind, the writer believes. Doctor Mary Lowell's display at her home was a very important part of this line of the day's features. Monday afternoon and all day Tuesday the Doctor entertained many people. The list of articles shown is as follows : Seventy-eight pictures of some of the oldest residents of Dover and Foxcroft. Pictures of Mary E. Chandler and Abbie Tower. Desk set owned by Charles Parsons Chandler in 1828. Pieces of flag staff and of flag from Marshall house (where E. E. Ellsworth was killed) secured by Col. Chandler. Autograph letters from Colonel Foxcroft to C. P. Chandler, his Att'y. Tall hat worn by Charles P. Chandler in 1825. Muffler worn by Charles Parsons Chandler, 1825. Umbrella used by Charles P. Chandler in 1825 when preceptor of Foxcroft Academy. Shoe buckle. Col. Isaac Parsons, New Gloucester Hand woven table cloth. Mrs. Charles Parsons Chandler, made by her mother, Mrs. Isaac Wheeler of Garland, in 1828. Hand knit shawl. Mrs. Peleg Chandler St., made about 1780. FOXCROFT CENTENNIAL 57 Baby bib worn by Emily Chandler in 1831. Baby's bonnet, worn by Chas. Parsons Chandler who was born in 1800. Baby's outfit made by Mary E. Chandler. Pin cushion made by Mrs. Peleg Chandler of New Gloucester, after she was 86 years of age. Hand made counterpane made about 1820. Original bureau scarf. Solid mahogany bureau, original brass trimmings, 1830. Card table, Mrs. Chandler, 1830. Solid mahogany dining table, Mrs. Chandler, 1830. Feather bed (in cradle) made about 1794. Centennial Parade. On Foxcroft Bridge. Cradle made by Peleg Chandler, 1762. in which Col. Foxcroft was rocked when a baby. Collar embroidered by Mrs. Charles P. Chandler. Set of dining-room chairs to match side table. Side table for dining-room, 1830. Bedstead used by Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Chandler, 1830. Beaded bags made by Mary E. Chandler. Beaded purse made by Mrs. Charles P. Chandler. Brass cooking kettles. Brass clothes kettle. Coffee mill brought from New Gloucester. 58 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Brass lamps made for using sperm oil. Steel knives and forks, dinner and breakfast set, 1830. Sampler worked by Mrs. C. P. Chandler, 1819. Syrup jar brought from New Gloucester, used by Col. Foxcroft. Tea set, Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Chandler, 1830. Dinner set eaten from by Col. Foxcroft. First dinner set used by Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Chandler. Vases, wedding presents, Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Chandler, 1830. Soup tureen and platter 120 years old, Peleg Chandler, Sr. Platter 130 years old brought from New Gloucester by Peleg Chandler, Sr. Set of dishes 150 years old. Warming pan. Candle snuffer and tray. First dust pan in Dover. Wedding present to Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Chandler, 1830. Table made by Peleg Chandler prior to 1762. Decanter of New England rum brought from New Gloucester in 1828. Bells set up by Peleg Chandler, Sr., prior to 1793. Carpet 1830, house in Dover. Shawl worn by Mrs. C. P. Chandler, 1830. First catalogue Foxcroft academy, 1825. Second and third catalogues of Foxcroft academy. Complete set of catalogues of Foxcroft academy to 1902. Commencement program R. I. college 1794 where Peleg Chandler, Jr., was graduated. Picture of Bowdoin college. Massachusetts hall, Bowdoin college. First Cong, church, Brunswick. Pewter porringer given to Charles Parsons Chandler bv his grand- father, Col. Isaac Parsons of New Gloucester, with Parsons' Coat of Arms, 1800. Light stand made by Peleg Chandler, Sr. in 1749. Desk chair over 100 years old, Peleg Chandler, Esq. Silver comb and tortoise shell comb, Mrs. C. P. Chandler. Shaving set, C. P. Chandler, Esq. Mirror, over 125 years old. Mrs. Peleg Chandler. Library of Peleg Chandler, Jr., over 90 years old. Foil picked up on battlefield of Vicksburg after surrender. FOXCROFT CENTENNIAL 59 Gun picked up on battlefield of Bull Run, Va., by Maj C. P. (.handler, ist Mass. Inf. Rebel sword picked up on battlefield of Williamsburg by Col. (.handler. Fire-place set and cooking utensils, 1830. Cane, property of Peleg Chandler, Esq., New Gloucester. Full set of pictures, five generations of the Chandler family. Peleg Chandler, Jr.'s journal, kept in 1791. Toddy glass and spoon brought from Gloucester, England, to Gioucester, Mass., in 1657, property of Geoffrey Parsons, grand- father six times removed of Mary Chandler Lowell. Teaspoons of six generations back to 1739. . Doll, 1843, Mary E. Chandler, Mrs. Chas. W. Lowell. Walking stick of Chas. Parsons Chandler, 1830. Spoonholder, 200 years old, brought from England to Charles Parsons Chandler. Six pieces of china that came from Duxbury, Mass.,. in 1701, to Mrs. Peleg Chandler, belonging to the great great great grandmother of Chas. Parsons Chandler. Picture of eleven young ladies in Foxcroft academy, about 1855. Chair made in 1728 in No. Yarmouth by Joseph Chandler, Jr., great great grandfather of Chas. Parsons Chandler. Letters from 1788 to 1839. Papers from 1788 — 1837. One of the most interesting features of the Centennial was the display of relics and antiques in the Cong'l chapel. Many articles of great beautv and of great historical value were shown and the committee in charge deserve great credit for their diligence in searching them out. Unfortunately no list was made by the com- mittee so we are unable to present the names of the articles and their contrilmtors. 6o SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Centennial Poem 1812 FOXCROFT. By Anna Boynton Averill. Fair Foxcroft, throned upon her hills, Where mountain-lake and forest meet, The busy village with its mills, The gleaming river at her feet, Calls for her children far and near — ^To come in her centennial year. Leave toil and care and gather here In joyous fellowship to greet Old friends, old homes, old scenes so dear. 1912 -Anna BuviUon A\ crill. Her sturdy pioneers who came To wrest from forest lands a home, Soon saw the rugged wilds grow tame With bounteous crops of corn and grain. And grass enclosed with walls of stone. And then, with foresight of the seer, From hard-earned store they gave with cheer, To found a seat of learning here. That youth might reap where they had sown. CENTENNIAL POEM 6i Had they foreseen, those sturdy men (Who toiled with axe and saw and plow, Seeking the future far to ken) Machinery's triumph in this glen, Man's power increased as it is now, Or heard in e'en their wildest dream, The motor's honk, the steam cars scream, And seen the bright electric light Shining beside these falls at night. They'd thought the vision, it is plain, A wild chimera of the brain. And O, dear mother pioneers, Now you, unselfish, brave, we see, As horseback through the woods you came Undaunted, child at breast and knee, To share the joys, the hopes, the fears, And hardships of the coming years. The creaking ox-carts followed slow. With precious household goods. -and so The homes you made began to grow. O, blessed homes ! Your smiling fields A royal wealth of tillage yields. Where hardy, patient toilers wrought For years to reach the goal they sought. And higher riches multiplied In these loved homes — for side by side With toil and sorrow, joy and woe, The treasures of the soul may grow. And send their silent forces, far Beyond the walls that seem a bar. And now from over all our land From every state, on every hand, Come words of faithful love and pride, From Foxcroft's exiles, scattered wide. But loyal to the lovely town By her twin sister nestled down Among the hills. With added years. Still lovelier she to them appears ; While from the crowded marts of care, The gay world comes and finds her fair. 62 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY And here she stands — a model town, Triumphant over trials sore, That in the passing years she bore, And in their passing lived them down. The record clear, no touch of blame Doth tarnish now her honored name. And in her future, fair, we read But promised help for human need. Historical Sketch of Foxcroft, Maine By Rev. George A. Merrill. To rescue from partial oblivion the main facts and incidents of one hundred years in the history of a town is no easy task. I claim no special skill in this kind of effort ; and I must ask your pardon if any mistakes or inaccuracies have crept into my record. The story of a century, I have found intensely interesting. Much 1 have been obliged to omit, which I would have included gladly, had time permitted. What I bring before you today will, I trust, awaken old memories, encourage in you all the habit of treasuring up bits of history, which may become invaluable in after vears. and increase your love for this beautiful town. In 1794, the Massachusetts Assembly granted to Bowdoin College as an endowment, six townships in the district of Maine. The town of Foxcroft is one of these six, — being number five in the seventh range, north of the Waldo Patent, or. practically, the northern bor- ders of Waldo County as it is today. The present boundaries of the town are, on the north, Bowerbank, on the east, Sebec. on the south, Dover and on the west, Guilford. At the time of its pur- chase, it contained 17.915 acres. A part of Sebec Lake is included in it ; it is half a mile less than six in width : and a small strip north of the lake has been annexed to Bowerbank, so it falls short con- siderably of a full township. This deficiency, however, was made up to the purchaser by the grant of half a township in another part of the State. In the earliest history of this town, one figure stands out more prominently than all others, — Col. Joseph Ellerv Foxcroft. the HISTORICAL SKETCH OF FOXCROFT, MAINE 63 explorer and original proprietor, for whom the town was named. This man was the son of Rev. Samuel Foxcroft. who was a gradu- ate of Harvard College and the first settled minister in New Gloucester. Col. Foxcroft became a business man of considerable prominence in his native town and was active in military and politi- cal afifairs. It is well to note that he was a member of the Maine Constitutional Convention in 1819, a member of the Maine Senate i820-'2i, and an Overseer of Bowdoin College from 1821 to 1834. In October of the year 1800, Col. Foxcroft, in company with Thomas Johnson of New Gloucester, set out on a tour of explora- tion in the untrodden wilds to the North. Securing at Skowhegan a man by the name of Stephen \\'eston as guide, — who was also a competent surveyor,— they proceeded on horseback as far ds Corn- ville. Leaving their horses here they pushed on on foot the re- mainder of the way, camping wherever night overtook them. Ar- riving at length upon the southwest border of the township they were seeking, they followed the river nearly down to the falls. In a letter. April 3. 1853, Col. Foxcroft says: "We crossed the river a little above the falls. This was a pleasant spot, many names marked upon trees, but all a wilderness, no sign that anyone ever intended to dwell there. We went down the river to the southeast corner of the township, and near it, upon the intervale, we found an open- ing occupied by Abel Blood and, I think, a hired man with him, but there was no family. They had corn growing, and garden roots. I well remember the large turnips and beets which they had raised, and thus the virgin soil and vigorous nature greeted these first efforts of husbandry with liberal productions." Being favorably impressed by his explorations. Col. Foxcroft bought the township for $7,940. or about forty-five cents per acre. The Committee of the College Trustees, William Martyn. Rev. Elijah Kellogg, and Isaac Parker, deeded the land Jan. 22. 1801, taking a mortgage back, which was cancelled fourteen years later. The college imposed as a condition the settlement of twenty-four families within a given period. This was no easy task, and it is a tribute to the energy and enterprise of Col. Foxcroft that the con- ditions were fully met. The town was first lotted by Moses Hods- don of Levant in 1801. It Avas divided into two hundred acre lots, at a cost of $200. In June of the same year, Samuel Elkins of Cornville was hired to clear twenty acres of land. — which was on lot nine, range one. — one of the lots on which the village is located. In 1802. Col. Foxcroft offered forty-six rights of two hundred acres 64 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY each, for sale, to be assigned by lot ; and several were soon bought. These purchasers met in New Gloucester, legally organized as pro- prietors, and took measures to secure settlers. Some of the first individuals and families to take up lots in Fox- croft located on the hilly portions of the town in the region of w^hat is now known as the Centre. For several years permanent residents came in rather slowly. In 1802, the first road was cut out across the township, running from what was known as the "old Chandler place"' to the "four corners," now Foxcroft Centre, and thence to "Morse's landing" on Sebec Lake. A number of clearings were made in 1804 and 1805 ; and in 1806^ the first permanent settler, John Spaulding, came with his family from Norridgewock and set- tled in a log house near the falls. He was soon followed by his two brothers, Eleazer and Seth, who also moved their families from Norridgewock and occupied log houses near by. For some time the settlement was known as Spauldingtown. The first saw and grist- mill, built by John Spaulding and Abel Blood, was in operation by Jan. I. 1807. This was done at the special instance of Col. Fox- croft, who offered to deed a lot and the mill privilege to anyone who would build a mill and agree to keep it in repair for ten years. In 1807. the first framed house, with a brick chimney, was built by Samuel Chamberlain and Ephraim Bacon, near the site of the present soldiers' monument. The bricks were made at Abel Blood's brick yard at what is now East Dover. The same year the first barn was built by Eliphalet Washburn. The first child born in Fox- croft was Joseph Foxcroft Spaulding, a son of John Spaulding. and named for the proprietor. The date of his birth was April 16, j8c6; but he died at the age of six years. Had he grown up he would have been presented with a lot of land by Col. Foxcroft. The second child was Sally J. Chamberlain, born Aug. 18. 1808. She became in after years the wife of Samuel Greeley and the mother of Miss Lizzie Greeley and Samuel Greeley of this towni. Her death took place only a few years ago. Among the early settlers were Joseph Morse, Tristram Robinson, John Chandler, Samuel Chamberlain, Ephraim Bacon, John Bige- low, Jesse Washburn Nathan Carpenter, Nathaniel, William, Moses and Daniel Buck. Gilman Greeley. John Bradburv and Joel Pratt. Tristram Robinson settled on the farm, later purchased by Cyrus Holmes and now occupied by his grandson. Irving Holmes. Cyrus' brother, Salmon, at a later date, occupied the land now owned by A. W. Gilman. The home of Nathan Carpenter was the well-known HISTORICAL SKETCH OF FOXCROFT. MAIN^E 6: Herring place on Park street. Eliphalet Washburn settled on a farm near the Averill place on the road to East Dover. Another early settler, David Moulton, father of Mr. Isaac Moulton, a promi- nent citizen of La Crosse, Wisconsin, who lately visited this place, lived on the farm now owned by Mrs. George Lebroke. In the early twenties, William Stedman, William Shaw, and Daniel Fullen came from Hebron, Maine, and settled in this town. They were later followed by the Leavitts, Harmons, and Hazel- tines from Buxton. The Howard brothers, Asel and Asaph, cleared the farms now occupied by E. A. Bolton and C. A. Foss respectively. Along with William Stedman — who cleared the place now occupied by Joseph King, came a young man by the name of Andrews, who made a beginning on the farm now occupied by F. S. Getchell. Young Andrews was engaged to a sister of Stedman. While he was busy in this pioneer w^ork, she sent him some apple seeds ; he planted them : and quite a nursery was the result, from which sev- eral orchards in the region of Foxcroft Centre were supplied with trees. A few of these old trees are now standing. The young lady who was responsible for this benevolent act died not long after, and young Andrews plans were changed. He sold his farm to Capt, Timothy Hazeltine, who, with his son, Timothy, Jr., occupied th.' place until their death. Abram Bolster and Jacob Lebroke came from Paris, Maine, to Foxcroft in 1824. Jacob Lebroke was the son of James Lebroke. who was born in Paris, France, and came to this country with the French fleet, to fight under Lafayette, serving one year in the Continental army. He met his death by falling off the roof of a building when he lacked only one month of being one hundred years old. Jacob Lebroke moved here soon after the birth of his son, Augustus G., who in after years became one of the most able, eloquent, and influential lawyers in the State, and a prominent citizen of Foxcroft for many years. The oldest house in Foxcroft is located on North street and was built by Andrew Blethen in 1818. iMr. Blethen afterwards built the first mills at Greeley's landing, Sebec Lake, and also the Dennis Brawn home. Eleazer Spaulding. with his two brothers, John and Seth, built not only the first mill, Init the first dam across the Piscataquis River. We must realize that this work was done with the greatest diflfi- culty in, those early times. Hardly a horse could be found to haul the timber : every board and timber had to be hewed by hand ; all the machinerv and tools had to be hauled from Bangor, and for 66 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY twenty miles the road was nothing but a trail through the forest ; the streams and bogs were not spanned by bridges ; the load was hauled on two lang shafts, the ends of which dragged on the ground, making progress slow and tedious at best. In spite of all these difficulties, the dam and mill were finished according to the con- tract ; but the dam was so leaky that the mill could be run only at high water, and people had to go elsewhere sometimes, to get their work done. In those days "spirituous liquors" w^ere considered a necessity v'henever any task of importance w'as to be performed. When Samuel Chamberlain was about to raise his first large barn, which must have been about 1809. he announced that he should supply no rum. The prevailing opinion was that he would have no raising. In face of this direful prediction, however, a bountiful dinner was * prepared, and the barn went up without a hitch. In 1810, the population returned for No. 5. Range 7. was sixty- five ; and three years later there were twenty-five voters for State officers. The people had made sufficient progress in 1810. to lead them to petition the Massachusetts Legislature for an act of incor- ] oration. Mr. Nathan Carpenter carried this petition, signed by seventeen residents, to Paris, and sent it to Col. Foxcroft for him to approve and forward to Boston. I will read a copy of the ],etition. "To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives in Gen- eral Court assembled. A. D. 181 1: "We, your humble Petitioners, Inhabitants of township N, five, Seventh Range of Townships North of the \\^aldo Patent. County of Hancock and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Humbly shows that we labor under disadvantages by reason of living in an unin- corporated Plan., the most essential one a w-ant of Roards. schools, and many other difficulties incident to new countries, but needless to mention to your Honors. "We therefore pray your honors to incorporate us into a town that we may have some way to remedy (in a measure) the diffi- culties that attend us. It is our unanimous wish to be incorporated into a Town by the name of Foxcroft — as in duty l^ound will ever pray." (Signed) Eleazer Spauldin. Joel Pratt. Benj. Kittredee. George Harvey, Jeremiah Rolf. Joseph Morse. John Spauldin, John Coxe. Jesse Washburn, Met. Towne, Samuel Chamberlain. Nath'l Buck, HISTORICAL SKETCH OF FOXCROFT, MAINE 67 Junr., John Bradbury, Nathan Carpenter, Daniel Buck, Wm. Buck, Wm. Thayer. Two years L^ter, Feb. 29, 181 2, this petition was granted, and I'oxcroft became a legally incorporated town, being the second in what is now Piscataquis County, — Sebec being the first and just one day older. The final form of the Bill of Incorporation as if was approved in the Massachusetts Council Chamber, is as follows : COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. In the Year of Our Lord, One thousand, eight hundred and twelve. AN ACT to establish the town of Foxcroft, in the County of Han- cock. Section i. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, that the township numbered five in the seventh range, North of the Waldo Patent, in the county of Hancock, be, and liereby is established as a town by the name of Foxcroft, and by the following boundaries, viz.. East by the township number four in the same range. South by the river Piscataquis. W'est by number six in the same range. North by number seven in the eighth range. And the said town of Foxcroft is hereby vested with all the cor- porate powers and privileges, and subjected to the like duties and requisitions of other towns, according to the Constitution and Laws of this Commonwealth. Section 2. And be it further enacted that any Justice of the Peace for the County of Hancock, is hereby authorized, upon appli- cation therefor, to issue a warrant, directed to a freeholder and inhabitant of the said town of Foxcroft, requiring him to notify and warn the inhabitants thereof, to meet at such convenient time and place, as shall be expressed in said warrant, for the choice of such officers as towns are by law required to choose, at their annual town meetings. In the House of Representatives, Feb. 29, 1812. This Bill having had three several readings passed to be enacted. E. W. Ripley, Speaker. In Senate, February 29th, 1812. This bill having had two several readings passed to be. enacted. Samuel Dana, President. Council Chamber, 29th Februarv, 18 12. Approved. E. Gerry. SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY At the time of Incorporation Foxcroft was as will have been noted, part of Hancock County. Piscataquis County itself was not incorporated until 1838. It contains more than one hundred full townships, with an area of 3780 square miles. Foxcroft's first town-meeting was held on Aug. 31, 1812. I will read the warrant, as it was posted. "To Samuel Chamberlain, one of the freeholders and inhabitants of the town of Foxcroft, County of Hancock, Greeting : You are hereby required in the name of the commonwealth of Massachusetts to notify and warn the inhabitants of the aforesaid town, cpalified to vote in town-meeting, to meet at the Dwelling House of Mr. Gilman Greeley, on Monday, the thirty-first day of the present month, at one o'clock in the afternoon, then and there to act on the following articles, viz. : 1st, to choose a moderator to govern said meeting. 2d, to choose a town clerk. 3rd, to choose three or more selectmen. 4th, to choose three or more assessors. 5th to choose a treasurer. 6th, to choose a collector. /th. to choose a constable. 8th, to choose what other officers thought necessary. 9th, to act vipon all other necessary business. And you are to make returns of this warrant and vour doing thereon on or before the said 31st instant. Hereby fail not. Given under my hand and seal at Plantation No. 3, range sixth, this fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve. Nath'l Chamberlain, Justice Peace. A true copy. Attest : John Bradbury, Town Clerk. Some of the officers chosen at that first town-meeting were: Joel Pratt; Moderator ; John Bradbury, Clerk ; Joel Pratt, Samuel Chamberlain, William Thayer, Selectmen ; Nathan Carpenter, Treasurer. About every voter in town had an office. The collector- ship was given to Nathaniel Buck for three-fourths of a mill on HISTORICAL SKETCH OF FOXCROFT, MAINE 69 a dollar. At the annual town-meeting the next year, $150 was raised for the support of schools; and it was voted to build a town- house, 20 by 25 feet. One hundred dollars was voted as a sufficient sum to build this house. It was located near the place where W. J. Eldridge now lives. This same year it was "voted to accept one- half acre of land for a burying ground, laying on the south side of the road running northerly from the mill, about seventy rods from the corner of the road near Greeley's Mills.'* This location was at the junction of Main and Green streets. The yard was removed about 1854. Conveniences in the homes of these first settlers were extremely limited. One family of four daughters had only one needle. A frequent inquiry was, "Where is the needle?"' An incident that may be recalled by some of the older residents belonged to this period. The Spauldings owned some steers, which in play- ing around an iron kettle used for washing purposes on the river bank, got their horns entangled, and, in trying to get away, pushed themselves into the river and were drowned. In 181 2, a whiskey distillery was erected near the present site of Merrill's blacksmith shop in the village, and A. Blake began the making of potato whis- key. This gave a market for the farmer surplus potatoes ; but it could hardly be called a worthy adjunct to the town. It did not pay either, and after a few years its fires died out. The building, known as "the old still house,'' was used for other purposes until destroyed by fire in 1830. In 1813, John Bradbury built a store, the first in town, on the corner now occupied by the Blethen block. The luiilding was afterwards moved away to the corner of North and Summer streets. In 1816, Samuel Beal started a tannery, which was on the river bank between Clark and Thayer's saw-mill and Curtis and Robinson's harness shop. On Sept. 2. 1816. the town voted. 15 to 5, in favor of separation from Massachusetts ; and three years later, when the matter came up again, the vote was 19 to i in favor of separation. In 1820, there were forty voters in town, and the first Governor of the State, William King, received 30 votes. Samuel Chamberlain was elected a delegate to the Convention to frame a constitution for the new State; and John Bradbury was Representative to the first Legislature in 1820, and also in 1821. In 1819, the town voted to raise Si 50 to build a bridge across the Piscataquis River and $500 more to be paid in labor. During this and the following year a substantial bridge was built and soon paid for by taxes, labor and grain. yo SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Previous to the incorporation of the town, Col. Foxcroft visited the rising settlement on business, and, though not himself a pro- fessor of religion, advised the people to hold meetings on Sunday and conduct them as they could. This proposal was readily ac- cepted, and the first meeting was held at the house of Eli Towne. Mr. William Mitchell, an old school-master, led the service, but no one was found to pray until Mrs. Mitchell consented to do so ; and the Piscataquis settlement was devoutly dedicated to God by a woman's public prayer. In 1814. Mrs. Nathan Carpenter and Mrs. William Mitchell united with the church in Garland, then consisting of nine women and two men. These two women constituted the nucleus of the Congregational church of Foxcroft and Dover. Meetings were for a time held in the log house of Abel Turner and later in another log house. Here on Sundays Joel Pratt read the sermon and Deacon Carpenter read the Scriptures and offered prayer. As the cold weather came on and the snow became deep, those living at a distance could not come and the attendance dwin- dled to tw^o, who came one Sunday morning and found the place cold and deserted. They remained through the day, despondent and dejected, but finally decided to make it the subject of prayer, and if no one came the next Sabbath they would give up. The next Sabbath came, the house was warm and well filled, and they took fresh courage. Subsequently the place of meeting was changed to the small town-house, standing, as I have said, on the lot where W. J. Eldridge's house is now situated. Occasionally, Rev. John Sawyer of Garland would visit the settlement and preach for the people. The Sabbath-school was organized in 181 5 by Mrs. Car- penter, and is supposed to be the first in the county. July 13, 1822, the town voted "to settle the Rev. Thomas Williams as our town minister on the following conditions, viz., that he is to have the public lands reserved for the first settled minister in Foxcroft. He is likewise to have the privilege of being absent one- third part of the time." Jan. i, 1823, Mr. Williams was installed as pastor of this church, and the minutes of the installing Council are in the town records, signed by the town clerk. Quite a number of other ministers attended this installation, and so large an assembly was attracted, that the old schoolhouse w^ould not hold all of the people, so Blake's "still house" was fitted up for the occasion. Rev. Thomas Williams, long a prominent and influential citizen of Foxcroft, lived in a house on Park street, on the lot now occupied HISTORICAL SKETCH OF FOXCROFT, MAINE 71 by Mr. Chandler. Dec. 30, 1822, Mr. Williams, with the help of Rev. John Sawyer, organized eighteen members who had been dis- missed from the church at Garland into what was called the Con- gregational Church of Foxcroft and Vicinity. Until the organiza- tion of the Christian Scientists a number of years ago, this was the only church in town. The first church edifice, erected in 1824, on the spot now occupied by Mr. Elbridge Libby on Lincoln street, was destroyed by fire Jan. 15, 1835, the day following its dedica- tion. The members of the church were about to celebrate the Lord's Supper, when the house took fire. The weather was extremely cold, and the stoves, standing in the entry at the north end, were kept intensely hot, communicating fire to the partition. The wind drove the flames directly up into the belfry ; it was impossible to save the building and it was soon laid in ruins. Centennial Decorations. The second meeting-house , built in the summer of 1835, stood on the lot on North street, where Mr. Charles L. Merrill now lives. This, too, was destroyed by fire. Oct. 21. 1850. After the burning of this church services were held for a while in the Academy. The present house of worship was built during the summer of 185 1 and dedicated Oct. 22 of the same year. The present chapel was erected in 1875 and was largely the gift of Deacon J. G. Mayo. During the pastorate of Rev. H. A. Loring (i875-'8o) the meet- 72 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY ing-house was extensively repaired, its seating capacity increased and a steeple erected, in which a town-clock was placed. Previous to 1822, there has been no schools above the grammar grades, but this year, Mr. J. S. Holmes, a graduate of Brown Uni- versity, opened at Foxcroft the first law office in the county, and being deeply interested in education, organized a high school in the village and was its first principal. A charter for an Academy was granted Jan. 31, 1823. and Foxcroft Academy then became the first incorporated school of this sort in the State, and lacked only three years of being as old as the State itself. The school has been, all through its history, as is stated in the act of incorporation, "for the promotion of literature, science, morality, and piety." The proprietor of the town gave $50 toward the Academy's endowment, ^[he site was a "half acre of land lying between the house of David Greeley, Esq., and his saw-mill ; and here a building was erected and ready for occupany in 1825. The Academy soon at- tracted students from the surrounding towns. Twenty years after its incorporation, it had considerably over a hundred pupils. In 1859, t'^c fi^st Academy building was moved to the north end of Foxcroft bridge, on the east side of Main street. In 1891, the building which replaced the first was repaired and remodeled, and in 1904, through the help of large gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Josiah P. Mayo, was greatly enlarged and remodeled. With the high school scholars of Dover uniting with those of Foxcroft and other towns, the Academy has become one of the finest fitting schools in the State. The first Principal was James Gooch, A. B., of North Yarmouth. In 1825, half a township of land was granted by the Legislature as an endowment, and this was soon, afterward sold for over three thousand dollars. As has been intimated before, the drinking of li(|uors was not uncommon in the early part of the last century. We find in the Foxcroft town records that on Feb. 3. 1829, "Josiah Spaulding of Dover was licensed as a retailer of spirituous liquors at his store in Foxcroft for the space of four months." Similar licenses were issued later to other individuals. There was however, quite a strong sentiment against this business; and in 1832. it Avas voted that "the selectmen should not grant license to retail spirituous liquors," yet for some reason or other one person was licensed that same year. At a considerably later date. Elder Bartlett owned and occupied a store at the end of the bridge, in what has been known as the Brock- way Block. He always sold liquors ; and his son said his father HISTORICAL SKETCH OF FOXCROFT, MAINE -jz "sold large quantities of the Piscataquis river." The story is told of two neighbors, both of whom had been drinking and quite unsteady on their feet, who were walking up the street together, when one remarked that he would not be seen walking with a drink- ing man, and managed with difficulty to get himself into a near-by yard. The first temperance society, a branch of "The Sons of Tem- perance," was organized in the hall of the old Exchange in 1844 b} a Mr. Dockham, who at that time was settled here as a tailor. Every year from the beginning of the town's existence liberal provision was made for the poor. For the greater part of the time they were boarded in difi'erent families. For instance, in 1833, it was voted "to set up Elisha Gibbs.anrl his wife at auction to the lowest bidder." "After several bids," — and these are the words of the record, — "Elisha Gibbs and wife were struck to Silas Paul for the sum of forty-seven dollars and fifty cents for one year, to be maintained free of any expense to the town during said time." Evidently the "high cost of living" was no problem in those days as it is now. For some years the town maintained a poor farm which was on the shore of Sebec Lake near Steadman's Landing. In the Act of Incorporation of Piscataquis County, approved March 2-^. 1838, it was enacted that the town of Dover should be the shire town of the county. There was considerable rivalry be- tween Dover and Foxcroft, as to which should be the shire town. By a bill passed in the Legislature of 1841, the question was referred for final settlement to a vote of all the towns in the county. Feeling ran high, and when the votes were counted, on the second Monday of September, 1841, it was found that Dover had received 1097 to Foxcroft 1067. The vote not being decisive, the matter was again submitted to the people in 1842, and the result was that Dover received 1138 votes, Guilford standing next with 784 and Foxcroft third with 311. Foxcroft's records give the vote of Foxcroft at that time as 114 for Foxcroft, 33 for Dover, and one for Bower- bank. The industrial development of Foxcroft is a most interesting chapter in its history. In 1820, the old mill built by the Spauldings was taken down by Daniel Greeley and replaced by a large saw and grist-mill. This was on the north side of the river near the site of the extension of Mayo's woolen mill. Two years later a mill for cloth dressing and carding was erected near by. This was first put in operation by Mr. E. R. Favor, but was not long after conveyed to John Bradburv, who in 1826 combined this business with that 74 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY of a saw-mill, which he erected on the southern end of the dam. This whole business was bought by Vaughan and Brown and when they started their factory in 1836 in Dover, they in turn sold out to Messrs. Jordan and Crockett, who kept up the business for many years. Deacon L. O. Farnham's tannery was also in operation about this time, a building which was twice burned and twice re- built. A fork and hoe factory, constructed of brick, was erected by Maj. J. Crooker and was operated for several years. In 1844, Hon. J. G. Mayo came to Foxcroft, and together with James Bush and E. J. Hale, bought the privilege for a woolen factory of Vaughan, Bush, and the Chamberlains, and erected a mill on the northern side of the river. Not long after, Mr. Mayo became the sole owner, and eventually secured control of one-half the water power, — associating with him in the business his son, Josiah B. Mayo, under the partnership title of J. G. Mayo and Son. In 1859, the upper story of the mill was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt at once and another story added. Since that time the busi- ness has steadily increased, the mills have been enlarged and im- proved, and a few years ago a splendid reinforced concrete build- ing was added to the plant. At present the mill gives employment to over one hundred men and women. The waters of the Piscataquis river have occasionally been quite turburlent. Heavy freshets have done great damage from time to time. The freshets of 1854 and 1857 will always be remem- bered by those who witnessed them. Both swept away the Foxcroft bridge. The freshet of April 7, 1857, as related by an eye-witness, was caused by a jam formed at the island. It came down to what was then called "Goose I,sland" and rested there. For some time small cakes of ice were seen coming up from under the main body of ice. The tremendous weight of water finally pressed the whole body of ice across the cove and over South street, undermining the brick hoe and fork factory and carrying away also the grist-mill, then situated above Mayo's woolen mill. The bridge was taken and much more damage done. At this time a boy, living about three miles above Foxcroft, in some way got afloat on some drift- wood, passed down the river, and was captured by his father shortly before he reached the dam. Soon after this great freshet the cov- ered bridge was built, last year replaced by the splendid concrete structure. For a long time a boat and rope were used by passengers while the bridge was being constructed or repaired. Rather than go across on this boat, one clear-brained young woman walked HISTORICAL SKETCH OF FOXCROFT, MAINE 75 across on a girder of the bridge then being built and carried her small child on her back. Previous to 1870 a spool factory had been established in Fox- croft, and that year it was bought by L. H. Dwelley & Co., which company also increased their business by purchasing and operating the saw-mill built first by Andrew Blethen at Greeley's Landmg, Sebec Lake. This spool factory was burned in 1877, but was soon rebuilt, this time of brick; and since that time, under the able man- agement, first of Mr. Dwelley and later of the McGregors, father and son, the business has largely increased and gives employment to many hands throughout the year. In February, 1866, Thomas F. Dyer came from New Sharon, and together with John F. Hughes, who came the previous year, pur- chased the interest of Jordan and Carr in the building at the north end of Foxcroft bridge, formerly the old Academy building, now occupied by Thomas & Weatherbee. They remained here one year. In the summer of 1867, the Foxcroft Foundry Co. erected the build- ing, now occupied by J. H. Steward and Son, which they leased lor five years. In 1872 they built the store on Lincoln street now occupied by Sanford Ritchie, remaining there until 1885, when they sold their grocery and hardware business and devoted their time to manufacturing. Soon after coming to Foxcroft, Mr. Dyer, who had formerly worked at the organ business, commenced the manu- facture of organs and melodeons in a building which stood where the Gilman & Co. mill now stands, working alone most of the time for the first year. Meeting with much encouragement. Dyer and Plughes built a small mill on Mechanic street in 1869. where they added to their business as it expanded year by year, until 1889, when they began the manufacture of pianos, and erected the pres- ent factory. In 1894 Mr. Dyer retired from the firm, transferring his interest to Mr. Hughes, who now operates it with his son under the name of Hughes and Son. A good number of expert work- men are employed and a very fine grade of piano is manufactured. Mr. Reuben D. Gilman, who died a few years ago, was for many years a well-known and successful business man in this town. In 1854. returning from an extended stay in California, he purchased the lumber mill now run by Clark and Thayer and operated it for nearly half a century. Besides this business he was also extensively engaged in lumbering and agriculture. Cushing's Perfection Dye Works was started in 1881 by Mr. Wainwright Gushing, who later associated with himself his son. 76 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY C. H. Gushing. The present factory, lOO by 60 feet, was erected in 1892, and for twenty years a large manufacture and trade in high-grade dyes have been built up, packages being sent all over the United States and to foreign countries. The H. J. Dexter \\'ood-Working Gompany, established in 1886, was a successful business plant up to three years ago, when it was almost entirely destroyed by tire. Since then it has not been rebuilt. Until about 1850, there were no bands from the present day standpoint, in any of the small towns in this and adjoining states. Previous to that time the music furnished at musters and parades was the fife and drum, and occasionally a clarinet and key-bugle were added. The first organization that was formed in Foxcroft, as I am told by Mr. Thomas Dyer, was Hale's band, organized in 1858. and was in existence five years. The members of the band were: E. J. Hale, Damon and Albion Brockway, Gilbert, Ghandler, Fred Kimball, Will and Bert Haskell, George Golcord, Frank Lougee, Henry Warren, Nathan McKusick, William Waterman. Frank Good, Sewall Shaw. Joe Porter and a Mr. Sanborn. In 1867, Major McKusick. who was a veteran of the Givil War. returned to Foxcroft and soon after formed a "Drum Gorps." known as "The McKusick Drum Gorps.'' This organization was composed of some eighteen or twenty men. but only the following names can be recalled : Nathan McGusick, James T. Roberts, Thomas P. Elliott. Isaac, George, and Joseph Golcord. Tim Lougee, AA'illiam \\'aterman. James Bush, Austin Pratt and Gharles Sher- burne. This Gorps served until after the Presidential campaign of 1872. when they did valiant service. Dyer's band was organized April 3, 1875, at a meeting held at Temperance Hall, with the following officers : William W. Miller. President ; Fred D. Bar- rows, Secretary. William Brown, Treasurer. Members : Thomas F. Dyer. W^ill W. Dow, W. W. ^liller, Fred D. Barrows. Geo. E. Mitchell, Thos. P. Elliott, Stacy. Wooster and Gharles H. Mans- field, James T. Roberts, Ben Vaughan, Arthur S. Brown. Sewall G. Shaw, William H. Waterman, Gharles Dow and George H. Jennison. They met for practise and rehearsal the following summer in a room in the organ factory. Their first public appearance was in September to serenade Senator-elect. S. O. Brown. Later they added to their membership until the band numbered twenty-four. This organization lasted for twenty years, when it disbanded, leav- ing behind this record: in all its life and its many public engage- HISTORICAL SKETCH OF FOXCROFT, MAINE jj ments, it never had a member under the influence of Hciuor while on duty. About twenty years ago, a drum corps was formed by some young men of the town, in connection with The Sons of Veterans. This organization was disbanded two years later. The first Post-master of this town was John Bradbury, who held office from June 19, 1821 to July 29, 1833. He was followed by these individuals who are named in the order of their service: R. K. Rice, Moses Swett, George V. Edes. Melvin Stevens, Moses Swett, Hiram Doughty, D. D. Vaughan, William Paine, O. E. C'rooker, Jonathan Roberts, J. D. Brown, James M. Weymouth, H. C. Prentiss, John F. Arnold, C. S. Ham, G. L. Arnold, A. P. Buck, Grace W. Buck, and Edward B Buck. Of these, Mr. Pren- tiss held the office for the longest period, over twenty- four years, from March 19, 1861 to Aug. 3, 1885. The last three incumbents have held the office since 1898, Mr^ A. P. Buck holding it two years, his daughter four years, and his son, since 1904. Among the important characters in the early history of Fox- croft should be mentioned the town's first lawyer, Mr. J. S. Holmes. He was, as I have said, a graduate of Brown University, Principal of the first High School in town, and an able and influential man in all town affairs. Pie was a brother of Cyrus and Salmon Holmes who came to Foxcroft in 1818. For a while he was a law* partner of Hon. J. S. Wiley, who was at one time a Representative to Con- gress from this district. The story is told of Esquire Holmes that, at one time, in trimming trees, he sawed ofif the limb on Avhich he was sitting, letting himself heavily to the groimd. Getting up and shaking himself, he expressed in vigorous and emphatic language, his opinion of the man who sawed ofif that limb. In 1838, George \ . Edes came to Foxcroft. He was a printer by trade and camt- from a race of printers, his great uncle, Benjamin Edes. with John Gill having published the Boston Gazette during the Revolution ; and another uncle w^as active in the publishing btisiness in Rhode Island and Maine. George V . learned the trade with his uncle Peter in Hallowell. Going from there to Norridgewock in 1823, he published the Somerset Journal for fifteen years, when he came to Dover and started the Piscataquis Herald, the name of which was afterward changed to the Farmer, and then to the Observer. .After a brief residence in Dover, he moved to Foxcroft, where h*" resided until his death in 1875. Mr. Edes' first printing was done with considerable difficulty, with a Franklin hand press, and, as 78 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY he had very Httle help, the work was often arduous in the extreme. His pay came from ahiiost everything the surrounding farms pro- duced. In 1839, J- S. Wiley, Moses Swett, A. M. Robinson and others started "The Democrat-Republican," which for a while com- peted with the Observer ; but it was not a financial success ; and in 1843, Mr. Edes purchased the whole outfit, and no further effort was made to establish another newspaper. In company with his sons Mr. Edes continued in business for many years. It has been stated on good authority that the first type set in the county was set by him in a building then located near Mayo and Sons' office in the village. It is not my purpose to enter largely into the biography of the prominent men and women who have made large contributions toward the progress of our town. The lives of some of them will be quite fully treated in papers that are to follow. Before closing this section of my address, however, I wish to pay tribute to the late John G. Mayo and his descendants, who have done so much for the business, educational and religious advancement of Foxcroft. The Congregational church owes much to the benefactions of the elder Mr. Mayo ; and the church and the Academy, as well as many other worthy objects have been largely aided by the benevolent- minded family. The good of the church ^tnd the school was upper- most in the thought of Mrs. Josiah B. Mayo, who went to her reward a few years ago ; and her husband and husband's brother, though far advanced in years, are still actively interested in all that makes for the welfare of the town. Previous to 1869, Dover and Foxcroft had no railway facilities. If one wished to take the train he was obliged to go by stage to Newport ; and for a long time, before Waterville and Bangor were connected by railway, a stage was run all the way to Water- ville. In 1869, the Bangor and Piscataquis Railroad, now the Bangor and Aroostook, reached Dover. Foxcroft subscribed largely to its stock. At first, over $17,000 was subscribed, and later, v$i 1,000 more. The first train reached Dover, Dec. 16, 1869. In 1 871, the road was extended to Guilford, and eight years later it had reached Greenville. The building of the Dexter and Piscata- f|uis branch of the Maine Central, 'brought through to Foxcroft in 1888, was a very great benefit to this town. The road could not have been built, had it not been for the untiring efforts of Col. Joseph B. Peaks, J. B. Mayo, S. O. Brown, and a few others. With the HISTORICAL SKETCH OF FOXCROFT, MAINE 79 completion of this road, our mail, express, freight, and passenger service improved greatly. The first telegraph instrument was installed in Foxcroft post-office Aug. 4. 1873 and was operated by Mr. H. C. Prentiss, then postmaster. The office was at that time, as it was for many years located in the center of the Hale Block. Foxcroft began to be lighted by electricity in 1891, when the original plant of the D. & F. Light and Heat Company was installed. The water-power at East Dover was bought in 1895, ^^^ '^ very efficient system of electric lighting has been maintained ever since. Before this improvement, the streets were lighted by kerosene lamps set on poles. The present water system was established in 1887, and the telephone company was organized a few years later. In case of fire, previous to 1887, water had to be taken from cisterns, reser- voirs, wells, brooks, or. if it was near enough, from the river. The Oldest House in Foxcroft. No. 86 North St. Built by Andrew Blethen, 1818. A comparison between the conditions existing in the earlier days of Foxcroft's history and those existing today is interesting and instructive. Before the fifties there was only one dwelling-house on the north side of Main street above the old Holmes place now- occupied by Dr. C. C. Hall, Jr. That house was owned by Dr. Laughton, and is now owned by Mr. S. A. Annis. All the land was farms owned by Mr. Holmes, the Greeley heirs, and Mr. Paul as far as Dr. Tucker's, where Mr. Oakes now lives. These farms furnished pasturing, and nearly every family kept one or more 8o SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL . OF MAINE HISTORY cows, so most of the dwellings were enclosed by high picket fences. The old part of the Exchange was the first public house. Before the railroad came there was much teaming from the up-river towns to I)angor, and a daily stage, one day up, the next back, making business for the inns. The old Favor House in Dover was the only other hotel until the Blethen House was opened. Before the Ex- change was built where the main part of the buliding now stands, was a small office occupied by J. S. Holmes. This was burned, and with it may of the town records. On the south side of Main street, before the fifties there was no dwelling above that owned by Mrs. Lewis Bryant. Above this, as has been stated, the first burial ground was located. Where the church and chapel now stand were two cottages, one among the first in town, and for many years occu- pied by the family of Daniel Greeley. This was surrounded by a board fence. In the corner, next to Mr. Weatherbee's was a deep, abandoned well, enclosed by a curb, now covered and under the driveway to the church sheds. Ann Greeley, aged between three and four years, fell into this well, was taken out unconscious, and did not recover for twelve hours. Her first words were, "O pa, I drank a lot of that dirty water !" There was a place on the south side of the river, near the Dover House, where horses could be driven, to be watered. At one time, probably in the year 1840, a Mr. Crocker, who was riding in a two-wheeled chaise, drove down to this watering-place. His horse got in too far ; the chaise was upset : the horse was drowned, and Mr. Crocker narorwly escaped with his life. Aside from Main street, probably North, Lincoln and Park streets are the oldest in town. North street was laid out very early as far as GofT's Corner ; but it was not until the early seventies that it was put through to the Lake. Dr. Henry, father of Leonard Robinson, who was a dentist and had an office, in the second story of the building now occupied by his son, named all the streets in town. He had signs painted at his own expense and put up at all the corners. Only a few of these signs are now in existence. Deacon H. C. Prentiss' father worked in a joiner's shop over where Curtis and Robinson are now located. He built a schoolhouse on North street, on the site of the present home of Mrs. Julia Vaughan. When the Foxcroft Grammar school l)uilding was erected in 1873, the land where it stands was exchanged for the old site by Mr. B. I>. Vaughan, who was a trader and prominent citizen in town for many vears. Previous to the Intilding of the Congregational chapel, a store, kept by E. D. Wade, was located on its site. FOXCROFT IN THE CIVIL WAR These are only a few of the changes in outward appearance which have taken place in a century. It will be seen that none are now living who were alive when this town was incorporated. All honor to those sturdy pioneers who laid so nobly and well the foundations of our beautiful town. Though they have passed from earth, they are still calling upon us to walk worthily, cherishing their memories and imitating their virtues, yiay the historian of a hundred years hence be able to chronicle in a far better manner than I have done, the deeds of his fathers; and may he find inspiration in our lives, and a record worthy of those who have preceded us. Foxcroft in The Civil War By Hon. W'atxwright Cushixg. Foxcroft was ever a loyal and patriotic town, and when repeated calls came from President Lincoln for men to go Southward to aid in surpressing the rebellion it sent forward its bravest and best. The total number of men that were furnished to these repeatefl calls was 135, and in addition to which at least twelve residents of Foxcroft served on the quotas of other states. In all probability there were other residents of the town temporarily absent who entered the L'nion service of whom no record can be found. \A'hen President Lincoln issued his first call for 75,000 men there was a general uprising all over the loyal North. I can give no better illustration of the patriotic fervor that animated the boys of '61 in the Piscataquis valley than by quoting from Col. Charles A. ClarTv's admirable paper entitled "Campaigning with the Sixth Maine" read before the Iowa Commandery Loyal Legion of the United States. "On the 24th of April, 1861, I piled up my Greek and Latin books and enlisted. My fellow students very generally did the same. The classes in the old Foxcroft Academy were broken up. For ten days our recitations were a farce. When the news of the firing on I'^ort Sumpter came we went to Col. Paul's woods by night and felled two of his tallest pines. We hauled them by hand to the Academy grounds and all night long we wrought to splice and raise them. This made a liberty pole for that town for the war, and with the first gleam of dawn in the east we run up the stars and stripes with hurrahs which awakened the sober citizens. On that 82 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY very spot now stands a beautiful monument surmounted by a granite statue of an American soldier with arms at parade rest, forever tell- ing of my comrades of that night who sealed with death their devo- tion to the cause for which our hearts then throbbed so hotly. I tossed a coin with Gray my chum and room mate to determine who should have the honor of placing his name at the head of the first enlistment roll of Piscataquis county in that mighty war. and I won first place. His name followed mine and as Captain of Co. A, he died like a hero in our charge upon Mayre's Heights at Fredericks- burg, Va., in May, 1863." First Company Raised. The first company raised in Dover and Foxcroft was recruited by Charles H. Chandler, Addison P. Buck and Charles Kimball. This company later was merged with the Brownville Rifles and became Co. A, 6th Me. Vol's. The 6th Me. Regt. was mustered into the U. S. service July, 1861, and formed a part of the Army of the Potomac and was in nearly every battle in which that grand armv had a part. Recruits from Foxcroft who served in the 6th Maine Vol's : Charles H. Chandler, mustered as ist Lieut. Co. A., promoted to Capt. and Lieut. Col. Died in Seattle, Wash. Addison P Buck, mustered as 26. Lieut, promoted to ist Lieut, and Quartermaster. Served on the staff of Maj. Gen. Sedgwick of the 6th Corps, as Chief Forage Master, was serving his second term as Postmaster of Foxcroft when he was finally mustered out. Edward L. Emery, Sergt. Co. A was a resident of Foxcroft at the tiipe of his decease. Oliver L. Brown, Corp'l Co. A, afterwards served as Sergt. in the 13th Maine. Died in Auburn, Maine. James S. Holmes, Corp'l Co. A. promoted to Principal Musician. He was a son of James Holmes the leading legal light in Foxcroft before the war, and has joined the silent majority. W^ellington Besse, Private. Discharged for disability. Deceased. Newton Blanchard, private, was severely wounded and dis- cliarged. A resident of Abbot at the time of decease. Otis Chamberlain, private, discharged for disability. At the time of his decease was Ass't Engineer in the \J. S. Navy. Franklin H. Daggett, private, discharged for disability, deceased. Geo. \\\ Dawes, private, was killed at Spottsylvania. C. H., May Toth. 1864. FOXCROFT IN THE CIVIL WAR Charles E. Edes, Corporal, .was transferred to the Navy. Com- rade Edes had the honor of having served under Commodore Perry in Japan prior to the war. At his decease was living with his brother, S. D. Edes. Hiram F. Lebroke, private, was wounded at Mayre's Heights and died from the effects of his wounds. Joseph D. Mansfield, private, afterwards served in the i6th Maine. Was a resident of Worcester at the time of his death. Ichabod Macomber, private, discharged for disability, deceased. Fernando G. Pratt, private, served his full term of enlistment. Was a resident of Foxcroft until his decease March ii. lyii. Fred E. Plummer, private, served his term, disappeared on his way home and was last seen in New York city. William G. Sewell, private, lived in Fresno, Calif., passed away May, 1912. Rufus G. Chase, private Co. A. Joined regiment Dec. 4, 1861. Killed at the charge at Spottsylvania Court House. Va., May 10, 1864. Comrade Chase was a devout Christian. Thomas M. Chase, private, discharged for disability. When last known was living in New Hampshire. Dr. William Buck, appointed Ass't Surgeon 6th Maine Vols. Promoted to Surgeon. He served in the Maine Legislature and filled many offices of trust in town. Pie was a faithful, conscien- tious physician, and at his decease was sincerely mourned by his townsmen. Dr. Freeland S. Holmes, a son of Salmon P. Holmes. Esq., one of the early settlers of Foxcroft. He was commissioned Surgeon of the 6th Maine. His wife was a sister of the War Governor of Maine. Israel Washburn. Jr. Dr. Holmes died in the service, and was succeeded by Dr. \\'m. Buck. Geo. T. Holmes joined the 6th Maine Reg't at Hos])ital Steward, serving with his brother. Dr. Holmes, and with Dr. Buck, deceased. First Maine Cav.alry. The next regiment to enter the service with members from Fox- croft was the ist Maine Cavalry, which was mustered into service Dec. 31st, 1861. This regiment was in more battles and skirmishes than any other regiment in the Army of the Potomac. Charles S. Sturgis, Sergt. Col. M, discharged for disabilitv. He married a daughter of Col. Samuel Pillsbury and is a resident of Haverhill, Mass. 3 84 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Alonzo B. Briggs, private, Co. AI, discharged for disability, de- ceased. Henry D. Thayer, private Co. M. discharged for disabiHty, de- ceased. Cyrus M. Geary, private, Co. M. died from effects of wounds. Geo. W. Pkunmer, enhsted in D. C. Cavalry, transferred to ist Maine Cav. Now living in Dover. The 7th Maine Regt. was mustered into service Aug. 21st, 1861. It had a distinguished record in the Army of the Potomac. The only citizen of Foxcroft who served in this regiment was Henry F Daggett, who served in this regiment as Sergt. and Q. M. Sergt. Is now living in Milo. The 9th Maine Infantry was mustered into the service Sept. 226., 1 86 1, and saw active and meritorious service in South Carolina and Virginia in the Army of the Potomac. Justin E. Batchelder. private, Co. D, 9th Maine, was severely wounded and lost an arm. Died in Barnard, Maine. Joseph Tucker, Co. D, wounded and transferred to Veteran Re- serve Corps. No record since the war. John A. Hoyt, private, Co. I, discharged at close of war, deceased. The 13TH Maixe Volunteers. The 13th Maine Volunteers was mustered into the U. S. service Dec. 4th, 1861. This regiment saw active service in the Dept. of the Gulf. Was in the Red River Campaign and at the siege of \''icksburg was transferred to the Army of the Potomac, where it did valiant duty under Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. Alfred E. Buck was commissioned Captain of Co. C, 13th Me., and was promoted to Colonel in a colored regiment. After the war he settled in Georgia, and was virtually at the head of the Repub- lican party in that state. Served in Congress and was U. S. Marshal for the northern district of Georgia, and at the time of his death was serving as U. S. Minister to Japan. Chas. M. Buck, Co. C, 13th Maine, served with credit, was always on duty. Resides at Dover. Chas. D. Labree, Co. C. Re-enlisted, transferred to Maine Vols. No record since the war. Harvey Judkins, Co. C. No record since the war. Cyril N. Walker, Co. C, deceased. FOXCROFT IX THE CIVIL WAR 85 Thee 14TH Maine Infantry. The 14th Maine Infantry was mustered into U. S. service Dec. nth, 1861. Served in the Dept. of the Gulf and was transferred to the Army of the Potomac, where it distinguished itself in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign under Sheridan. Chas. E. Washburn, Co. C. Died in New Orleans, Oct. 14, 1862. Chauncey C. Lee. Corporal Co. E, 14th Maine Since the war has resided in Foxcroft for ^^y years. Has been a school teacher. For seven years he was an officer in the reserve militia of Maine. The i8th Maine, also known as the ist H. A., was mustered into the U. S. service Aug. 25th, 1862. Served in the defences of Wash- ington until May, 1864. Received their baptism of tire May i8th, 1864, where the loss in killed and wounded was heavy. In Grant's famous campaign from the Wilderness to Petersburg the i8th Maine lost more men killed and wounded than any other regiment in the Army of the Potomac. Ervin Chamberlain, Co. E. Wounded May i8th, 1864. Lived in Lacrosse, Wis., after the war, where he served with his cousin, Isaac H. Moulton, Esq., as Ass't Station Agent, deceased. Thomas C). Eaton Sergt. Co. E. Now living in Montana. Charles Eaton, Corp'l Co. E. Went to state of Washington after the war. Now deceased. Leonard H. Washburn Co. E, was severely wounded and mus- tered out of the service. Resides in Foxcroft. Daniel V. Plummer, Co. F. transferred from 17th Maine. Now living in Williamsport, Penn. Lauriston C. Parsons, Co. E died of disease Feb. i6th, 1864. Stacy T. Mansfield, Co. H. Mustered as a recruit Dec. 9th, 1862. Is a resident of Foxcroft. Benjamin Weaver, Co H, wounded May i8th, 1864. No record since war. W^illiam W. Warren, Co. H. Joined as a recruit. Discharged for disability. Resides in Dover. Leonard W\ Lee, Co. H. ist H. A. Joined the regiment Dec. 4th, 1 863. Killed in action in front of Petersburg June 18, 1864. At the time of his death was only 17 years of age. The 20TH Maine Inf.vntry. The 20th Maine Infantry was mustered into the \5. S. Service, Aug. 29th, 1862. Fresh from their homes they saw their first 86 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY service under fire at Antietam and the record of the Army of the Potomac would be a history of the 20th Maine. At the battle of Gettysburg on Little Round Top they earned undying fame their thin line withstood the attack of three lines of battle. Phineas M. Jeffords, Capt. Co. B, resigned in 1863, went West after the war and settled in Illinois, where he died. His widow lives in Genoa, Ark. John S. Jennison, Sergt. Co. B. Died in the service, July 24th, 1863. Cyrus G. Pratt, Sergt. Co. B. Discharged for disability in 1863. Resides in Foxcroft. Job S. Bearce, Co. B. Wounded. Discharged at completion of service. It a resident of Foxcroft. William C. Brown Corpl. Co. B. Served until the end of the war. Is now living in the state of Arkansas. Thomas Daggett, Co. B. Mustered out June 15, 1865. Resides in Foxcroft. Has been a prominent agriculturalist and for some years a member of the Maine Cattle Commission. Benj. R. Field, Co. B. Served his term of enlistment. No record since the war. Jared F. Millet, Co. B. Transferred to the Invalid Corps. Died in Foxcroft. Hudson S. Oakes, discharged with regiment. Lived in Foxcroft up to the time of his decease. Alonzo Z. Parsons, Co. B. Killed in action, May 6th, 1863. Randall H. Spaulding, Co. B. Mustered out at the expiration of his term of service. Deceased. Andrew C. Deering, Sergt. Co. C. Re-enlisted. Discharged June. 1865. No record since the war. Wm. H. Jackson, Co. B. Joined the regiment as a recruit, Oct. 2th, 1862. Discharged for disability. No further record. Wm. H. Jennison, Co. B. Discharged for disability. March T3th, 1863. He re-enlisted and served as sergeant. Discharged June, 1865. Co. K, 31st Me. Comrade Jennison enjoys the unique distinction of being the oldest citizen of the town,. being in his 88th year, and is in possession of the Boston Post gold headed cane. Danville B. Oakes, Co. B. Discharged for disability, Jan. 3rd, 1863. He was an honored citizen and passed away at the ripe old Bge of 83 years. Wm. Towne, Co. B. Discharged for disability. Was a resident of Dover at the time of his death FOXCROFT IN THE CIVIL WAR 87 The 22D Maine. The 22d Maine was mustered into the U. S. Service, Oct. loth, 1862, and for nine months served in the Dept of the Gulf. Was in the Red River campaign and at the siege of Port Hudson, where they were commended in General Orders. Gilman E. Fisher, Sergt. Co. I. Graduated from Colhy Univer- sity after the war ; has been prominent in educational matters, and is an authority on geography. He is now superintendent of schools in Detroit, Mich. Love H. Ball, Co. I. Died in service, March 15, 1863. Ebenezer Earl, Co. I. Served his term of enlistment. Deceased. Samuel R. Gary, Co. I. No record since the war. John H. Gould, Co. I. Son of Lincoln Gould. Died in Louisiana. B. F. Pratt. Co. I. Served his full term. He was an honored citizen and passed away in July, 1912. Edwin N. Pratt, Co. C. Served his term of enlistment and then re-enlisted in the i8th Maine. Died in the service. He was the only son of Roswell Pratt. The 31ST M.MNE. The 31st Maine Infantry was mustered into the service, April 29th, 1864. They took an active part in the Wilderness campaign and in the final work about Petersburg, which resulted in the end of the war. Their loss in killed and wounded was greater than some of the three-year regiments. Joseph S. Harlow, Capt. Co. K. Mustered into service, April 29th, 1864. Killed in action, Sept. 30th, 1864. Asa F. Davis, Sergt. Co. K. Discharged for disability. May 22d, 1865. Was a respected citizen of Foxcroft for more than thirty years, until his death. Alanson BuUard, Co. K. Mustered into service, April 29. 1864. Killed in action. Oct. 4th, 1864. William C. Kenyon. Co. K. Served his term of enrollment. De- ceased. Coast Guard's Infantry. Lyman U. Lee went to Boston and enlisted in Co. M, 2d Mass. II. A.; went out as ist Sergt. and later was commissioned as a Lieut. JDy Gov. x-Vndrew and served during the war. He was present at the Foxcroft centennial. 88 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Mellen G. Prentiss, Co. B. Served from January 6th, 1865, to May 15th, 1865. Resides in Brewer. James T. Roberts, musician, Co. F. Served from Jan. 6th, 1865 to July 7th, 1865. Resides in Dover. Geo. F. Mayhew, Co. F. Served from Jan. 6th, 1865 to July 7th, 1865. No further record. Aid furnished Soldiers Families from 1862 to 1865. 70 families, 209 persons total amount $2,796.29. Total bounties paid by the town of Foxcroft during the war. $20,425.84. Contributions from citizens of Foxcroft to aid the Sanitary and Christian Commission $1200. cx). Drafted Sept. 24th, 1864 — Seth Brawn, furnished substitute; Alonzo H. Chandler, furnished substitute; Orin C. Dunham, fur- nished substitute ; Hiram S. Davis, furnished substitute ; Augustus W. Gilman, furnished substitute; Andrew J. Hammond, furnis'hed substitute ; Henry A. Robinson, furnished substitute. Drafted and held for service — -John S. Arnold, Co. E, 8th Maine ; Chas. V. Bolton. Co. C, 8th Me. ; Leonard F. Blood, 4th Co., un- assigned ; John P. Folsom, Co. C, 8th Maine; Isaac M. Parsons, Co. C, 8th Maine. Drafted March 25th, 1865 — John J. Bailey, furnished substitute; Augustus F. Chandler, furnished substitute. Drafted and held to service — Alfonso B. Cole, 14th Maine; Samuel FI. Gower, 14th Maine. The population of Foxcroft in i860 was 1102. It is estimated that one in five are liable to military duty, so that in the year 1861 there were approximately 220 citizens w'ho could be called upon for military duty. The town of Foxcroft furnished 135 recruits during the Civil \A'ar or about 60 per cent. When the great struggle was ended and the men who had fought for the integrity of the Union returned to the pursuits of civil life, societies were formed by the survivors to keep alive the memories of that great war. In 1881 C. S. Douty Post No. 23, G. A. R. (named for that gallant cavalry leader who as Colonel of the ist Maine Cavalry gave up his life for his country at Aldie, Va.) was organized in Foxcroft and had its home for some years in tht^ old Academy building at the end of Foxcroft Bridge. For many years its meetings have been held in Dover, its present headquarters being in Sampson's Hall. In 1893 while I was serving my term as Department Commander of the Dept. of FOXCROFT IN THE CIVIL WAR 89 Maine, G. A. R., Charles Peleg Chandler Post was organ- ized, and for many years held its meetings in the building now- owned by C. S. Dotity Circle Ladies of the G. A. R. Its ranks becoming decimated by death they surrendered their charter. Charles Peleg Chandler for w'hom this Post was named was the only son of Charles Parsons Chandler, the first Principal of Fox- croft Academy, an eminent lawyer and foremost in his profession in the county. Charles Peleg Chandler was born in Foxcroft, Jan. 4th, 1835, graduated at Bowdoin in 1854 and at Harvard Law school in 1857. He was in the law office of the War Governor of Massachusetts, John A. Andrew, from 1875 to 1861. He was commissioned Major of the ist Mass. Infantry May 22d, 1861, later promoted to Lieut. Colonel and his commission as Colonel reached the camp the day he was killed at Malvern Hill, Va., June 30th, 1862. Comrade Chandler was the highest type of a citizen soldier, and who filled every station to which he was called with fidelity. His life filled with successes that came to him as a reward for honest endeavor, uprightness of character, and devotion to duty must serve as an inspiration to his surviving comrades. List of Comrades who have become residents of Foxcroft since the War: Osgood P. Martin, Sergt. Co. F, 20th Maine Vol. Infantry. Is now serving as Dep't Commander of the Union Veterans Union. In politics he is a Progressive. James R. Martin, Sergt. Co. F, 20th Alaine \^ols. Was a resident nearly forty years until his death. Isaiah B. Davis, ist H. A. Lives on Main street. Has served as 1st Dep. Commander L^. V. U. Erastus T, Monroe, Co. E, ist H. A. Is one of the Centennial Committee. Is serving his fourth term as Colonel of Custer Com- mand, U. V. U. Elbridge T. Crockett. Co. A. 6th ]\Iaine. Has passed to a higher life. John H. Herring, Sergt. Co. M, ist Maine Cavalry, deceased. \\\ Gushing, Co. A, 6th Maine Vols. One of the Centennial Com- mittee. J. H. Manter, Co. D, 9th Maine. Has served as Post Commander C. S. Douty Post. Wm. M. Hutchins, served in a California regiment. Was a resi- dent of Foxcroft at the time of his death. In conclusion I wish to thank all who have assisted in making this Centennial observance such a glorious success. 90 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Clergymen of Foxcroft By LisTON P. Evans. I have assumed that I was expected to write of the clergymen vv'ho have been connected with the Foxcroft church. Ministers who have served the Dover churches have Hved in Foxcroft, but it would not be possible to ascertain who they were. My work has been made easier than it could otherwise have been by a paper prepared by the late Major C. H. B. Woodbury on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the institution of the Foxcroft and Dover Congregational church, Jan. 2, 1898. and he gave credit to a sermon delivered by Rev. J. H. Gurney on the 50th anniversary of the institution of the church. The first minister in the town of Foxcroft was Rev. Thomas \\'illiams, who was installed Jan. i, 1823, over what was called the Congregational church of Foxcroft and vicinity. He was to have no salary, only "the use of the lands located for the use of the ministry in said town" and likewise one-third of the time to be appropriated in such a manner as he might think proper. It is no wonder that Mr. Williams, in accepting the call, said that the prospects of providing for his family under the above conditions v/ere by no means flattering, for the land was wild and the people too poor to give him additional support. Mr. Williams' pastorate continued until April 3, 1835, i^ years and three months. During that time, in addition to the 20 original members, he received into the church 115 members, an average of r.bout nine each year. He also baptized between no and 120 chil- dren. Elias Wells, Jr., was called direct from the Seminary and was ordained and installed Nov. 7, 1837. His salary was $300, with wood and a house, or part of one, and a vacation of three months. He resigned July 24, 1842, the principal cause being sympathy for the slave and hostility to the institution of slavery, which he de- nounced from the pulpit. He had no support in this position among his people and his resignation was inevitable. Rev. Wooster Parker was installed Nov. 9, 1842. His salary was to be $450. It would seem that Mr. Parker was wise to the experi- ence a minister might have, for among the conditions of acceptance were these: ist, that the salary should be understood as money. 2d, that such articles of produce and merchandise as he might re- CLERGYMEN OF FOXCROFT 91 ceive should be at cash prices ; 3d. that the payments should be made promptly. The salary was to be raised by subscription, Ijut in case a suffi- cient sum was not pledged, the following persons agreed to be taxed in proportion to their means to make up the deficiency : Oilman Clark. S. P. Brown, Dominicus Mitchell, Nathan Carpenter. Jotham Ryder, G. W. Sawyer, L. Harmon, Lyman Lee, Joel Pratt, Calel) Prentiss, Benjamin Johnson, Gideon Dawes. James Bush. Samuel Greeley. Samuel Mitchell. Congregational Church and Chapel. Mr. Parker resigned August 28, 1856, after a pastorate of nearly .^4 years. It was during his pastorate that the second meeting- liouse was destroyed by tire. One hundred persons were, admitted to the church during his pastorate, 65 on confession of faith. Among the number was his son Edwin P., who has but recently resigned as pastor of the South Church, Hartford, Conn., after serving with great success over 50 years. 92 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Rev. E. S. Palmer was installed Oct. 13, 1857, and resigned Oct. 7, 1858, a reason assigned being "the prospect of inadecjuate support for the future." There was a great revival throughout the country during his pastorate and 46 persons were admitted to the church during the year, 40 at one time. Rev. Calvin Chapman was installed pastor of the church Oct. 26, 1859. His ministry did not prove successful and closed Jan. i, 1862. Rev. \y. E. Darling was installed May 20, 1862. and resigned Jan. 20, 1864. because of ill health. Rev. B. C. Chase was installed May 8, 1866. and died in office Oct. 13, 1868; deeply regretted by his people and the churches of Dover. Rev. J. H. Gurney was installed Oct. 19. 1869, and resigned April 4, 1875. H'S ministry had been successful and his resignation was deeply regretted. Many before me today will recall his eloquent sermons and the impressive manner in which he read the hymns. Rev. H. A. Loring was installed June 10, 1875, and resigned Sept. I, 1880. The council held to dismiss him said: "They (the members of the council) wish to bear the strongest testimony to his ministerial and Christian character, to his faithfulness as a preacher, snd especially to the earnestness and zeal with which he has labored, not only with his own people but also in all the region round about."' Rev. D. A. Morehouse was installed October 18, 1881, and re- signed March 24. 1889, because of ill health. His pastorate had been very successful and his resignation was accepted with great reluctance and only when his decision was known to be tinal. Rev. Wellington R. Cross was installed June 5. 1890, and died in olifice Sept. 5, 1891, three hours after preaching the morning ser- mon. Mr. Cross had been a faithful minister and his death was a great sorrow to his people. Andrew L. Chase was installed Dec. 31. 1891, and resigned May 9, 1896. Mr. Chase had been untiring in his efforts to advance the chari- table and philanthropic phases of church life and the church is un- doubtedlv profiting today by his efforts along those lines. He was also an earnest preacher and devoted to all the interests of his r-eople. It was largely through his efforts that the money was raised for remodeling the church building as it is today. Rev. Norman McKinnon commenced his pastorate in June, 1896, and resigned February 24, 1900. Mr. McKinnon and his people DOCTORS OF FOXCROFT 93 had worked together very harmoniously and the church had pros- pered under his ministration. Rev. V. M. Hardy, D. D., was called to the pastorate July 22, 1900, and resigned Nov. 19, 1904. Dr. Hardy was an able preacher and, as the council on dismissal expressed it, "a worthy, devoted and faithful Christian minister." Rev. George A. Merrill accepted a call to the church June 3, 1906, and is its minister today. The future church historian wmH be able to speak well of his work. Doctors of Foxcroft By Dr. Edgar T. Flint. In attempting to give a brief history of those physicians who have practiced in Foxcroft, the chief obstacle has been that there are no records or documents available to which reference might be had, and it has been necessary to depend, with few exceptions, upon the memory of those now living. In such instances the information has been largely of a fragmentary character and somewhat speculative as to dates and names. The time alloted to this task was very limited for such an under- taking and no claim is made for completeness or absolute accuracy. It is hoped that with what few facts are here recorded the in- formation and corrections which will undoubtedly come to our atten- tion subsequent to this occasion, it will be possiljle to compile a better and more complete history of this profession. Loring's history of Piscatacjuis mentions one physician, Josiah Hobbs, regarding whom no information can be obtained, and in the absence of such mention of him is hereby made in connection with the rest. Loring's history records the fact that in 1808 Capt. S. Chamber- lain being ill of a fever sent to Bangor for Dr. Rich, who made the trip up in twenty-four hours, presumably by horseback, and charged fifteen dollars. One year later a Dr. Winthrop Brown came here from Berwick, but his field was so limited that he soon sought another and until 1818 the settlers were without a local physician. At this time Jeremiah Leach came to Foxcroft and fortified his income by the manufacture of potash, but his health soon com- 94 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY pc'lled him to seek aid in Boston and in 1818 Dr. Stacy Tucker located here and remained until his death. He was a man of con- siderable consequence in the early history of the town, being identi- fied with all public enterprises and holding" many offices. He built the house on Main street now owmed by William P. Oakes and had two sons and three daughters, Martha Tucker, Mabel Warren and Frank Turner, grandchildren of Dr. Tucker, still reside in this community. Dr. Sumner Lawton settled in Foxcroft somewhere about 1840, at which date he was one of the founders of the Baptist church in Dover. He lived first on Lincoln street in a small house which was demolished some twenty-five years ago and which stood near the site of the residence now owned by Leo Libby. He later built and occupied the house on Main street owned by Stanley Annis, it being at that time the next house on that side of the street to the James S. Holmes residence, later occupied by Dr. Preston Fisher and at present by Dr. C. C. Hall, Jr. Dr. Lawton enjoyed an extensive practice here and in 1849 moved to Bangor. He married Mary A. Parker and their children were Frances L. Mace, who went to California and was somewhat cele- brated as a poetess, and F. M. Lawton, an ex-mayor of Bangor. Dr. Josiah Jordan came here in 1848 and the next year bought the practice and good will of Dr. Lawton. who was about to leave as above stated. He built the residence on North street now occu- pied by Dr. Chamberlain, where he continued to reside until 1865. Dr. Jordan was a man of very engaging personality and had a wide practice, but in 1857 or '58 his two children died of diphtheria and lie became so impressed with the futility of medical science in the face of disease at that time, that he gradually relinquished his prac- tice and in 1858 was elected Register of Deeds for this county, a position which he held until 1862, when he enlisted in the army, was made surgeon and served until the end of the war. Subsequent to his being mustered out of the service he moved to Springfield. Mass., where he died. Dr. Jordan had two sons, Charles of Chicago and William of Massachusetts. Dr. James Edgecomb came to Foxcroft in 1853 and remained about seven years. He first located in the village but later married IVliss Julia Howard and moved to the farm cleared by her father, Asaph Howard, where they continued to reside until 1856, when the records show that it was sold to x\nsel Crockett and the Doctor and Mrs. Edgecomb moved to Turner. DOCTORS OF FOXCROFT -, 95 Dr. Freeland Holmes was a native of this town, a son of Salmon Holmes. In 1858 he located here to practice his profession and ultimately bought and occupied the house of Dr. Jordan on North street. Dr. Holmes enlisted in the army, was made surgeon and was killed on the field while in Hne of duty. A diary kept by Mr. Henry Prentiss of this town makes note of the sad occasion when Dr. Holmes' body was brought home from the front for burial. A Rev. Mr. Godfrey preached the funeral sermon and the interment was in the Foxcroft cemetery. Dr. Holmes was a popular practitioner and a public-spirited and patriotic gentleman, and his death was a sad blow to the community. He married a Miss Washburn, sister to Gov. Israel \\'ashburn and to two other brothers, one a congressman from Illinois, the other a congressman from Minnesota and the founder of the Washburn f^our mills. In 1863 Dr. Joseph W. Cook, a homeopathic physician, came to Foxcroft. and resided on Lincoln street in a house now owned and occupied by John F. Arnold. Dr. Cook practiced here for a number of years and afterward moved to Dover. He corresponded for the Observer and reported many political meetings in the surrounding county, it being a time of political strife. He had one son and two daughters. Dr. Cook's reputation for professional ability was ex- cellent. In 1864 Dr. Costello Hamilton opened an office here and remained a short time. But little can be learned of him except that he was not in full sympathy with the government in relation to the Civil War and it is due chiefly to this fact that any record of his presence here was preserved. Dr. William Buck was a native of Hodgdon, Maine, and received his medical degree in 1859. After serving as surgeon and being mustered out with the Sixth Maine Regiment, he spent a year in New York and located here in 1865. For many years he was a familiar figure about town and a welcome visitor to the sick, a public-spirited, kind-hearted and skilful physician and a surgeon of marked ability. Dr. Buck occupied various municipal offices and represented this class in the legislature in 1877; he also served the county as treas- urer for six years and was United States examining surgeon for thirty years. He was a member of the Maine Medical Association and a contributor of original articles to the County Medical Society. Dr. Buck died at his home on Main street in August, 1908. aged 75 96 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY years. He left beside his wife, a daughter, Anna, and a son, Lieut. Guy M. Buck, all of whom still reside in the old home. The phar- macy which the Doctor established in 1865 on Monument Square is still operated by his son. Dr. Evelyn G. Buck, wife of Dr. John Buck, came here from Philadelphia soon after the death of her husband in 1870 and began the practice of medicine according to the homeopathic school. Dr. Buck remained here until 1879. having an office and home in the Masonic block over what is now Batchelor & Sawyer's store. In 1879 she married Lyman W. Keene and moved to Atkinson, returning to Foxcroft in 1884, where she continued to reside and practice until her death in 1901. The Doctor was licensed as a physician under the act of 1895. She resided at the time of her death at her farm on the North and South road near Foxcroft Center. Dr. J. B. Cochrane, a native of Fayette, Maine, came here from Minnesota in 1873 and married Elizabeth M. Cochrane of Dover. He located in his present residence, the Cochrane homestead on Lincoln street, near the site of Piscataquis Falls and on the town line between Dover and Foxcroft. Dr. Cochrane received his degree in 1866 and did general prac- tice, serving between 1882 and 1883 as pension examiner, being secretary of the board. Dr. Cochrane retired from active practice several years ago and devotes much of his time to agriculture and the raising of small fruit. Dr. A. T. Walker came here from Sebec Village in 1875. where he had been in practice since 1870. He boarded at the Exchange while building his residence on North street, the next above Osgood Martin's. Dr. Walker remained in Foxcroft until the spring of 1883, when he removed to Falmouth. Mass., ultimately retiring in 1889 and now- residing in Woburn, Mass. The Doctor sends greetings to his old friends and expresses the hope that the centennial will be a grand success in every w^ay. While here Dr. \\'alker enjoyed an extensive practice and the reputation of a successful business man. About 1877 Dr. T. H. Merrill came to this place and built the house on Main street now owned by \\\ L. Sampson. His ofifice was in the apartment now occupied by Dr. \V. G. Buswell as a dental ofifice. Dr. Merrill had several children, among whom was a son Fred, now a Congregational minister in Massachusetts. About 1890. Dr. DOCTORS OF FOXCROFT 97 Merrill moved to Tacoma. Wash. He is now a resident of Brock- ton. Mass. Dr. Preston Fisher came here in 1885 from California and resided in the James S. Holmes house on Main street. He remained about ten years and moved to Jamaica Plains, Mass. Dr. Fisher had a wide practice here and in surrounding towns, was a practical, conservative man and one of good judgment al- though somewhat eccentric and the author of many original tales. His father practiced in Corinna. where Dr. Preston was probably born. Dr. E. D. Merrill was born in Dexter. Maine. 1866, received his degree in medicine in 1885 and located here in 1886. He married Miss Lora Dver of Foxcroft and maintains his office and residence on Winter street. Dr. Merrill is of the Homeopathic School, is a. member of the Maine Medical Association and treasurer of the Piscatacjuis County Medical Society. Fie enjoys the distinction of -being the senior phvsician in active practice as regards the date of his location in this community. Dr. A. H. Chamberlain, son of Chester and Minerva (Spaulding'i Chamberlain, was born in Foxcroft in 1861. received his degree in medicine in 1888 and located here in 1891. Dr. Ch>amberlain resides in the house on North street built and occupied by Dr. Jordan and later bv Dr. Holmes. He attends to general practice but specializes to f|uite an extent in diseases of the eye and ear. Dr. F. \\'. Merrill, son of Adams H. Merrill of Williamsburg, came here earlv in 1895 from Winn, and for two years occupied the W. L. Sampson house on Main street. At this time there were registered in Foxcroft five physicians and some time in 1896 Dr. Merrill returned to Winn. While here he occupied as an office the rooms in the Opera House Block now occupied bv the E. E. Whitney Insurance Company. In 1894 Dr. A. H. Stanhope moved from Milo to Dover and opened an office in the Opera House Block in Foxcroft. He con- tinued in this town until 1897 when he moved his office to Dover. Avhere he still resides and practices. Dr. Stanhope is a member of the Maine Medical Association and an ex-president of the county Medical Society. Dr. Stanhope received his medical degree in 1887. Dr. Harold C. Martin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Osgood Martin and a native of this town, was born Oct. 23. 1870. He received his medi- cal deeree in 1895 and after serving as surgeon for the Canadian Pacific Railroad and house physician at the Kineo House. Moose- (j8 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY head Lake, he located in his home town in lyoo. where he had an office in the building on North street moved from the site of the present (Jpera House Block. Dr. Martin died of angina pectoris the year that he came here. He was an able, competent physician, a man of exceptional brilliance, and his untimely death was mourned by a host of friends who re- member him for his many fine qualities and companionable nature. Dr. Martin was a member of the Maine Medical Association. Dr. M. ( ). Browm, a native of Dover, after practicing in Aroos- took county for several years, located in Foxcroft in 1908, main- taining his office and residence in the Masonic Block on Union Square. In 191 1 he moved across the street into Dover, where he now resides. Dr. Brown received his medical degree in 1902. is a member of the Maine Medical Association, and at present president of the Piscataquis County Medical Society. In 1910 Dr. C. C. Hall, Jr., son of Dr. and Mrs. C. C. Hall of Dover, having received his degree in medicine, located in Foxcroft and purchased the James S. Holmes house on Main street, formerly occupied by Dr. Fisher. Dr. Hall maintains an office in the Opera House Block formerly occupied by Dr. E. D. Merrill, is a member of the Maine Medical Association and at present vice-president of the Piscataquis County Medical Society. Dr. Edgar T. Flint, son of Henry B. and Caro E. Flint of this town was born June 2, 1877. He received his degree in medicine in 1901 and practiced ten years in Aroostook county, coming here in 191 1, residing at his old home on Lincoln street and maintaining his office in the Masonic Block. Dr. Flint was a member of the First Maine Regiment in the Spanish- American war and is a mem- ber of the Maine Medical and County Medical Society. HISTORY OF FOXCROFT ACADEMY 99 History of Foxcroft Academy By Hon. W. E. Parsons. Hon. Willis E. Parsons gave the following address uix)n Foxcroft Academy. Foxcroft Academy. Fcllozv Citiccns of Foxcroft: We observe today the centennial of this thriving municipality, not so much for our own pleasure, as that we owe it to the fathers, those sturdy pioneers who blazed the way, cleared the forest, let in the sunshine and the warmth, and here upon the banks of this beautiful river built their homes. Through hardships and privations wholly unknown to the present generations, they persevered in establishing a settlement, which by their heroic efforts soon developed into a community worthy a char- ter from the General Court of Massachusetts. We are now interested in the contrast between the log cabin and school house of those early days and the palatial residences and com- modious school buildings of our own time, but more and above all we are interested in the character and unselfish motives of those noble men and women who then wrought so valiantly for themselves and posterity. They were not satisfied with a mere subsistence for themselves and their dependent families, but believed in a proper development of the mind, such training of their children in both heart and intellect as vould fit them for the great battle of life and make them valuable citizens of the republic. What big hearted men and women, what self-sacrificing fathers and mothers. W^e realize their characters and lofty purpose as we remember, that with all the burdens of a new town, the building of highways and bridges, schoolhouses and supporting schools, the towm was only eleven years old when in 1823 they established here and wdiere we now are an institution of learning that for 89 yars has been of untold value to onr own people and the whole State. Of this institution, Foxcroft Academy, I am requested to speak. Owing to the length of the program, only a brief outline of its his- tory can be given. The town of Foxcroft, which is one of the six townships granted to Bowdoin College by the Massachusetts Assembly in 1794. and loo SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY purchased of that college by Joseph Ellery Foxcroft in 1800, re- ceived its first permanent settler in i8c6. Although incorporated as a town six years later, or February 29, 1812, clearing the forest and establishing homes in the wilderness proved a slow process, even for the sturdy pioneers of those early days, and when the act of separation from Massachusetts took effect in 1820, Foxcroft numbered but 211 souls. Common schools, furnishing the rudiments of education, were then supported by Foxcroft and surrounding towns, but nothing like a high school was attempted until 1822. Early in that year James Stuart Holmes, a brilliant young law- yer and graduate of Brown University, opened at Foxcroft the first law ofifice in the county. Presumably while waiting for his first clients and seeing the great necessity of a higher branch of learning in the county, Mr. Holmes organized a high school in Foxcroft. acting himself, as preceptor. This high school immediately became the Mecca of learning for the more advanced students of Foxcroft and other towns, and so much enthusiasm was created among the inhabitants by this young lawyer, that the next Legislature was asked for a charter for an academy, which was promptly granted, January 31st, 1823. That charter the institution is still working under ; hence, Fox- croft Academy lacks but three years of being as old as the State and it was the first one incorporated after Maine became a separate com- monwealth. By the act of incorporation certain conditions were imposed, which, if not complied with, would render the charter nul and void. From a perusal of that act we may understand something of what this then poor and sparsely populated town had to contend with in order to establish for themselves and posterity this higher institu- tion of learning or what they termed "poor man's college." Act of Incorporation. State of Maine. In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty- three. An Act establishing Foxcroft Academy. Section ist. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives in Legislature assembled : That William Emerson. Daniel Wilkins, Thomas Williams, John Bradbury, Samuel Chamberlain, HISTORY OF FOXCROFT ACADEMY loi James S. Holmes, Philip Greeley, Joshua Carpenter, Joseph Kelsey, Samuel ^IcClanathan, Samuel C. Clark and Jason Hassell and their successors forever, be and they hereby are constituted a body politic by the name of the Trustees of Foxcroft xAcademy, with power to prosecute and defend suits at law ; to have a common seal and to alter it at pleasure, to establish an Academy at Foxcroft, in the County of Penobscot, for the promotion of literature, science, moral- ity and piety; to make any bylaws for the management of their af- fairs, not repugnant to the laws of the State ; and to choose such officers as they may deem proper, to hold any property, real and personal, by gift, grant or otherwise, the yearly income of which shall not exceed the sum of three thousand dollars, and to receive all property which may heretofore have been given or subscribed for the benefit of such Academy. Section 2d. Be it further enacted. That said Trustees may at any time remove any one of their number whom they shall adjudge in- capable of discharging such trust, and choose additional Trustees, and fill vacancies in said board by ballot. Provided, however, that the number of said Trustees shall at no time be less than nine, nor more than fifteen, any five of whom shall constitute a quorum. Section 3d. Be it further enacted. That Joshua Carpenter, Es- quire, is hereby authorized to call the first meeting of said Trustees, in such manner as he shall deem proper ; provided, however, that the Legislature shall at any time have power to alter or repeal the provisions of this act ; and provided further, that unless the said Trustees shall within one year from the passing of this act, be in possession of funds or property for the use of said Academy or vested in a building for the same purpose which together shall amount to at least fifteen hundred dollars, and have also commenced instruction in said institution, wMthin that time, the powers granted by this Act shall be nul and void. How TO Raise $1,500? It will be seen by the act that the trustees must, within one year from its passage, have in possession funds or property for the use of said academy, or vested in a building for the same purpose, which together should amount to at least $1,500, and also commence in- structions in said institution within that time. The voters of Foxcroft in 1823, as shown by the records of the town meeting held in April of that year, numbered but 57. The whole assessment for town purposes in 1823 was but $1,140, of I02 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF. MAINE HISTORY which $900 was to be paid in work on the highways, $100 was for schools, $90 for town charges and $50 for powder and balls. The records do not show whether the powder and balls were to be used for bears or Indians, but the aggregate was $1,140, or $360 less than was required to be raised by subscription for the academy in a single year. The same ratio above our assessment last year would have given a fund of over $35,000. A meeting was promptly called, however, on Feb. 22, 1823, by Joshua Carpenter, escjuire, as authorized in the act, at the house of John Bradbury, located where the Exchange now stands, and the trustees proceeded to organize under the act. David Wilkins, esquire, was chosen president, and James S. Flolmes, secretary, which position he held for many years, and Samuel Chamberlain, esquire, was chosen treasurer. At this meeting a committee consisting of John Bradbury, Joshua Carpenter, Samuel McClanathan, Jason Hassell, Thomas Williams, Samuel C. Clark and Daniel Wilkins was appointed to ascertain "what sum of money could be obtained for the purpose of erecting a building for an academy and as funds for the use and benefit of the same." And the records further say that "Nathaniel Chamberlain, Esq., then came before the board of trustees and informed the president that Joseph E. Foxcroft, esquire, had deposited in his hands $50 to be paid over to the treasurer of the board of trustees of Foxcroft Academy for the use and benefit of said academy, provided the trustees should fulfill the requisition of the act establishing the same." Other meetings were held in rapid succession to hear reports of committees on subscription and to discuss generally ways and means of raising the coveted amount. The subscriptions were made to be paid in labor, boards, shingles, and other necessary materials, with small sums of money, and so much encouragement was given that on March 8th of the same year a committee consisting of Joshua Carpenter, John Bradbury and Rev. Thomas Wilkins was appointed to select a site for the building. Chose the Site. This committee a few days later reported in favor of a half acre of land "situate and lying between the house of David Greeley, Esq., and his sawmill." This half acre was secured and is the present site of the academy. The house of David Greeley, Esq., stood HISTORY OF ' FOXCROFT ACADEMY lo - where the Congregational Chapel is now located and his saw mill occupied the present site of Mayo & Son's woolen mill. On the 28th day of the following May, Col. Joshua Carpenter was appointed agent to superintend the erection of a building for an academy, and a general superintending committee from whom the agent should receive instructions, was appointed, composed of John Bradbury, Thomas Davee and the Rev. Thomas Williams. Work was soon begun, but the building was not ready for a school until 1825, although it was let for religious services as early as October i, 1824. One of the provisions of the act of incorporation was that instruc- tion should be begun within one year from the passage of the act, and December 31. 1823, at a meeting of the trustees, a committee consisting of James S. Holmes, Thomas Williams and Thomas Davee, was appointed to notify the legislature that they had com- plied with the conditions of the act, showing that a fall term must have been held in 1823, although not in the academy building. The First Teacher. The records also disclose the fact that James Gooch taught from March, 1824, until the following June, as a committee was then appointed to settle with him ; and no other teacher being mentioned, it is presumed that he taught the previous fall term. Then followed Charles P. Chandler, as preceptor, for several terms and Foxcroft academy was well launched on its long career of usefulness. That the trustees understood the value of continuous educational work, is shown by the by-laws, which provided for three terms a year of twelve weeks each; and that they also stood upon a proper amount of decorum is evidenced by the fact that one of the fir-" of the bylaws provided that no trustee should speak in any meetmg of the board without first rising and addressing the president. Half Township of Land. In 1825, a half township of land was granted to the academy by the legislature, being what is now the north half of the town of Springfield. This half township embraced 11,020 acres and was sold the same year for 3Qic. per acre, thus creating a fund for the use of the academy of $3,361.10. A small tuition of $2.50 per term was charged, but in some instances even this was .abated. 104 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY At the annual meeting in 1829, James S. Holmes, Charles P. Chandler, Thomas Williams and Thomas Davee were chosen a committee to "look into the propriety of purchasing some land to be connected with the academy whereby scholars, if they desire, may have the privilege of working thereon and thereby pay a part of their expenses, and further to consult the public opinion on that subject." A Mechanic Shop. Two years later, in 1831, a committee was appointed to inquire into the expediency of having a mechanic shop connected with the academy. So much interest was manifested that the committee was reappointed the next year although no such building was erected. They did, however, by their action anticipate instruction in manual training which is a comparatively new idea among edu- cators in this country. In 1832, a committee was chosen "to finish off the chamber and entry of the academy." That the academy was formerly used by the preceptors as a step- ping stone to the professions is shown by a vote taken in 1838, not to engage as preceptor any person "who is or may be studying for any profession or engaged in any other business than the care and attention of the academy." Certain it is, as will be seen by a perusal of the list of preceptors annexed to this article, that many did rise to professional distinction in later years. the academy in the early days, the same as now, was a great blessing to the entire community. Students gathered within its walls from near and far and in 1843, there were 130 pupils. Young men did not cease their attendance on arriving at the age of twenty- one. Xot having the present advantage of thirty-six weeks a year in the conimon schools but only a short term in the fall and winter, or winter and spring, rarely more than two terms a year, the young men and women were usually of a maturer age on entering the academy than now. I remember well of hearing my father, Levi Parsons, who fitted himself for teaching in this institution, speak of the young men who attended after they had become voters. The students had their exhibitions and one was given in 1840, which continued six hours. It does not state whether the auditors sat on benches or in cushioned pews. HISTORY OF FOXCROFT ACADEMY 10= Debating Societies. The young men had. too, their lyceums, or debating societies. l"he hrst one in the academy was organized Oct. 4, 1842, and it may interest the good people of the present day to know that the hrst question opened for debate was in relation to temperance. "Resolved That the Old Temperance Society Has Done More Toward Advancing the Temperance Reformation Than the Wash- ingtonian Society, Now in Operation." A story is told of A. G. Lebroke, when a student in the academy, that indicated at least that masterly oratory for which he after- ward became famous. He had entered into the spirit of one of the debates with such vigor that it was promptly decided in his favor. He thereupon asked for the privilege of speaking again, which was granted. He then took the other side, tore bis former argument into fragments and won that side of the question, the students then and there voting that he had beaten himself. i Larger Building Erected. In 1859, the first academy building, which had long been inade- quate to the needs of the school, was removed to the north end of Foxcroft bridge on the east side of Main street, where it is now occupied as a store and workshop, and in i860, a much larger and more commodious building was erected. Although this was done partly by subscription, it reduced very materially the funds of the institution. In 1868, by Chapter 277 of the Resolves, the legislature granted one thousand dollars to the trustees of the academy to be deposited in the treasury of State the annual interest to be paid annually to the trustees of said academy. The annuity of sixty dollars, thus created, is received regularly by the trustees. The second academy building, like the former, stood on stone posts and was heated with stoves. Its rooms were ill arranged, with poor ventilation, and in 1891, the trustees voted to make gen- eral repairs. A cellar was dug, a good stone foundation put under the building, large furnaces installed for heating, and the rooms generally remodelled at an expense of about 2,500, which was paid out of the balance of the funds and liberal subscriptions of the citizens. Also a large piazza was thrown across the front end of the building, adding much to its architectural appearance as well as the comfort of the students. io6 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY The piazza was the Hberal gift of the late Ehza Ann Mayo, who later joined her husband, Hon. Josiah B. Mayo, in presenting to the trustees the imposing three story structure which, annexed to the former, makes one of the finest academy buildings in the State. Many students from Dover as well as Foxcroft fitted for college, or completed their education in this old institution, and for many years there was a strong feeling on the part of some that it would be an advantage to both towns to unite in support of Foxcroft Academy. Finally, in 1903, the voters of Dover discontinued their high school and voted to expend their free high school money in Fox- croft Academy to pay tuition for such of their high school scholars as wished to attend that school. By this move the student body was increased about one-third and, although additional seats were provided and everything done that could be to make room for the increase, the old building proved wholly inadequate, and an enlargement of the building became absolutely necessary. Architects were employed to draw plans and specifications for a new building on the front of the old and annexed to it so as to make one large school building. At a meeting of the trustees held March 4, 1904, the plans were examined and approved by the trustees but, as the academy had no funds for the purpose, the erection of a large three-story structure provided with an expensive heating plant, school furniture and necessary equipment, seemed an almost hopeless undertaking. It must be done by voluntary contribution. While the ways and means were being discussed, one of the trustees Edward J. Mayo, in behalf of his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Josiah B. Mayo, made the following offer. — That if the trustees and other citizens would raise a fund sufBcient to put in a good heating plant, build the foundation for the new building and thoroughly equip the school, that Mr. and Mrs. Mayo would erect the building, according to the architects' plans. The generous ofTer was promptly accepted and an earnest vote of thanks and hearty appreciation of the same then and there spread upon the records. Two of the trustees, James Bathgate and W. E. Parsons acted as soliciting committee, and not only the trustees but citizens of both towns responded generously, raising a fund of about $3,100 for the purpose. HISTORY OF FOXCROFT ACADEMY Three trustees, E. J. Mayo, C. C. Hall and W. E. Parsons, were appointed a building committee, and work was immediately begun on the new building and the next year saw the present large and beautiful structure which faces Foxcroft Square, fully completed and thoroughly equipped as one of the best fitting schools in Maine. New Building Dedicated. In June, 1905, the new building was dedicated and formal pre- sentation of the keys made by J. B. Mayo to the treasurer. W. E. Parsons, in the presence of a grateful throng of Dover and Fox- croft citizens. In addition to the contributions previously spoken of, John G. Mayo gave $600 for the purchase of a laboratory, which is of great advantage in physics and chemistry. Foxcroft Academy and Soldiers Monument. The school is now thoroughly equipped and in a prosperous con- dition, being well patronized by the surrounding towns. What it needs most is an endowment fund. Some years ago a small endow- ment fund was raised of about $2,700, of which Josiah B. Mayo and Sarah C. Vaughan gave $1,000 each. Hannah E. and Julia R. io8 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Gilman by soliciting made up largely the balance, while Evans S. Pillsbury, one of its alumni, gave $ioo. This fund was invested in the new dormitory. The school has always been non-sectarian and has gathered Vv'ithin its portals for mental training and advancement the well meaning seekers of knowledge of every sect or denomination in the country. It has ever been the aim of the trustees to furnish a school where students could not only tit for college but where the great majority who could not afford to attend higher institutions of learning, could equip themselves for business and the great duties of life, and well they have succeeded. The long list of illustrious names among its alumni testifies to that success. After the early struggles of this institution, followed by a noble career of usefulness, its future seems now assured. Its commodious building, its thorough equipment, and loyal support of Dover and Foxcroft bespeaks for it that success which must meet the expectations of its most sanguine supporters. The recent development of the school has been such that refer- ence to it can scarcely be made without giving credit to the Board of Trustees who labored so zealously for its accomplishment. The Board of Trustees in 1904 consisted of E. A. Thompson of Dover, president; J. B. Mayo of Foxcroft, vice-president; Willis E. Par- sons of Foxcroft, secretary and treasurer ; the remaining trustees being also residents of Dover and Foxcroft ; S. O. Brown, J. B. Cochrane, J. B. Peaks, C. C. Hall, F. E. Guernsey, and Henry S- Towne of Dover, and William Buck, A. W. Gilman, W. T. Stubbs, John F. Hughes, E. J. Mayo and James Bathgate of Foxcroft; the fifteen trustees being divided as nearly as possible between the two towns, with a preponderance of one in favor of Dover. Foxcroft Academy during its long career has been remarkably successful in its preceptors, being ranked today as one of the best fitting schools in Maine. In fact, it has been on the "preferred list for several years, and is one of the few fitting schools of our State M'hose graduates are admitted to the New England colleges on certificates without examination. A four years' commercial course is now well established, whose graduates are qualified to perform intelligent work in offices and business houses, for, unlike business colleges, no one can be ad- mitted who has not had at least two years in the academy or its ec'uivalent. No grammar school scholars can gain admission to the commercial department. HISTORY OF FOXCROFT ACADEMY 109 School City Government. A feature of the school is the school city government, introduced by Principal Fred U. Ward in 1905, with consent of the trustees vvhich has proved a great success, and was the first to be undertaken by any school in Maine. It is no longer an experiment. Space will not permit an explanation of its workings, but by it the stu- dents take pride in not only maintaining the best of discipline in the assembly room, but in all departments of the school, so that the expense of one teacher is practically saved to the institution each year. And the students are also getting valuable training in the forms and duties of municipal government. The graduating class of 1906, at an expense of $100, furnished with desks and chairs a room in the third story of the academy for the school city government. Other gifts have been made by friends of the institution. The Cosmopolitan club gave the institution $50 for shelves and furni- ture in the library, and recently $50 towards furnishing a reception room in the dormitory, the balance required to be made up by the club as needed. The C. S. Douty Circle, No. 11, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, of Foxcroft, gave $75 for furnishing an additional recitation room ; the citizens, $105 to furnish cabinets for the lab- oratory ; and the Carnival committee gave a balance on hand of $30 to the academy. Hon. J. B. Mayo donated some electric lights, and Sarah J. Lebroke a cluster of electric lights in the library in memory of her deceased husband, A. G. Lebroke, and daughter. Harriet Beecher; these gifts showing the kind regards which the people have for the academy. This substantial aid from time to time is greatly appreciated by the trustees. This article would not be complete without a list of those trustees who in the past have given liberally of their time and moneys that it should not falter but be preserved in all its usefulness to future generations. Trustees. A list of the trustees not previously mentioned, and date of their election : Trustees eletced : Feb. 22, 1823, Thomas Davee ; May 28, 1823, (Miver Crosby and Nathaniel Robinson; Nov. 17, 1824, Samuel Whitney. Nov. 15, 1825, Isaac E. Wilkins ; Nov. 15. 1826, Isaac Macomber and Charles P. Chandler; Oct. 15. 1823, Costillo no SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY iJamlin, Nathan Carpenter and Nathan W. Sheldon; Nov. 24, 1829, James Norcross; Oct. 20, 1830, David R. Straw; Oct. 19, 1831, Dennis Lambert, Anson Hubbard and Solomon Parsons; Oct. 17, 1832, Moses Greenleaf; Oct. 16, 1833, Jonathan C. Everett and John H. Loring; Oct. 15, 1834, Oilman Clark and Abram Sanborn; Oct. 21, 1835, Oilman Burleigh; Oct. 19, 1836, Jonathan F. Page, Caleb Prentiss and Harvey Evans; Oct. 18, 1837, William Oakes, Benjamin P. Oilman and Stephen P. Brown; Oct. 17, 1838, Calvin Chamberlain; Oct. 16, 1839, Richard K. Rice and James S. Wiley; Oct. 20, 1842, Salmon Holmes; Oct. 21, 1846, Benjamin Johnson; Oct. 15, 1850, Wooster Parker and Alex M. Robinson; Oct. 16, 1855, Simeon Mudgett and Elihu B. Averill ; Oct. 19, 1858, Thomas S. Pullen; Oct. 15. 1861, Ephraim Flint; Oct. 21, 1867, Edwin P. Snow, Stanley T. Pullen and S. Orman Brown; Oct. 18, 1870, Elbridge A. Thompson, Theodore Wyman and David R. Straw. Jr.; Oct. 15, 1872, Elias J. Hale and William Buck; Oct. 21, 1873, William P. Oakes ; Oct. 19, 1875, Ezra Towne and Benjamin F. Hammond; Oct. 17, 1876, Augustus W. Oilman; Oct. 15, 1878, Augustus G. Lebroke ; Oct. 19, 1880, Josiah B. Mayo; Oct. 18, 1887, Willis E. Parsons, James B. Cochrane and William T. Stubbs; Oct. 15, 1889, Joseph B. Peaks and John F. Hughes; Oct. 25. 1892, Crowell C. Hall; Oct. 30, 1894, Edward J. Mayo; Oct. 23, 1895, James Bathgate; Oct. 27, 1898. Frank E. Guernsey; Oct. 29, 1900, Henry S. Towne; Oct. 31, 1906, Charles W. Hayes; Oct. 29, 1908, Walter J. Mayo; Oct. 25. 191 1, Liston P. Evans; Sept. 27, 1912. F. C. Peaks. Much credit is due to those members in the early days, who, liv- ing at a distance, were constant at the meetings of the trustees and active in their support of the institution, notably Colonel William Oakes of Sangerville and Joseph Kelsey of Guilford, both of whom were at different times president of the board. The presidents of the board, in their order have been Daniel Wilkins, Thomas Williams, Nathaniel Robinson, Abram Sanborn, Thomas Davee, Joseph Kelsey. Dennis Lambert, James S. Holmes. William Oakes, Elihu B. Averill, Stephen P. Brown, Ephraim Flint, Elias J. Hale, Calvin Chamberlain, Alexander M. Robinson. Elbridge A. Thompson and the present incumbent. Josiah B. Mayo. The secretaries have been six in number, James S. Holmes. Thomas Davee, John Bradbury, Caleb Prentiss, James S. Wiley and Willis E. Parsons. HISTORY OF FOXCROFT ACADEMY in In 87 years there have been seven treasurers, Samuel Chamber- lain. Charles P. Chandler, James S. Wiley, Freeland S. Holmes, Ephraim Flint, James S. Wiley. Willis E. Parsons and Walter J. Mayo. The Teachers. From the records of the secretary and books of the treasurer, a list of preceptors is gleaned and here given in the order in which they were employed and approximately their terms of service: James S. Holmes, 1822-3; James Gooch, spring of 1824; Charles P. Chandler, fall of 1824 and until 1827; Samuel H. Blake, spring of 1827; Charles P. Chandler, fall of 1827; Randall A. Sanborn. Mr. Richardson. Dr. Stevens, William H. Ropes and James S. Wiley, then fill up the time to 1838; Thomas Moulton. fall term of 1838; Robert Wyman, spring term of 1839; and Samuel Johnson, fall term of 1839; Mr. Dole. 1840; Ezra Abbot. 1841 ; Thomas Tash from 1842 to 1848; in 1845, David Bugbee. late of Bangor, held h's first writing school in the academy. Samuel F. Humphrey taught, 1848 to 1851 ; J. F. Butterfield, 1851-3; Freeland S. Holmes, 1854; Warren Johnson, fall of 1854; Silas Hardy. 1855: F. C- Davis, 1856-7 S. C. Belcher, 1858-60; Mark Pitman. 1861-3; Stanley T. Pullen. 1864; W^illiam S. Knowlton, 1865; M. C. Fer- nald, 1866-8; J. G. Soule. 1868-70; James S. Rowfell. 1871-3 ; Thomas N. Lord. 1873; William S. Rix, 1874; William Goldth- waite, spring of 1875; James R. Brackett. fall of 1875 to 1878; Edwin P. Sampson, 1878-83; Stephen A. Lowell, 1883-4; Frank Rollins, 1884; R. E. Donnell, 1885-88; C. E. B. Libby and G. H. Libby. 1888-90; Eugene L. Sampson. 1890-4; William F. Sims. 1895: W. R. Fletcher, 1896-8: Lyman K. Lee, 1898-1903; Fred U, Ward, 1903-1907; 1907 to September 191 1, Louis B. Farnham ; 1911. G. W. Cole. Famous Alumni. Among the alumni of Foxcroft Academy have been many who have distinguished themselves in civil and military life. Hon. Josiah Crosby, late of Dexter, is remembered for his great ability and legal acumen. Hon. N. A. Luce, once State superintendent of schools, is still remembered. Mrs. L. M. N. Stevens, president of the National Woman's Christian Temperance LTnion received her early training in this academy as did Hon. Charles E. Littlefield, late distinguished mem- 112 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Ler of Congress; the late Hon. Samuel F. Humphrey of Bangor, Hon. Alfred E. Buck, late minister to Japan, now deceased; the late Hon. A. G. Lebroke of Foxcroft, and Hon. A. M. Robinson of Dover. The late Hon. Lewis Barker, the lawyer, and David Barker, the poet, were both educated in this institution. M. C. Fernald, so long president of the college of Orono, received, a part of his training here, and there were the military heroes, Gen- eral Jameson, Col. Calvin S. Douty, Col. Charles P. Chandler, Col. Lowell, Col. Clark, and a hundred more gallant defenders of the Union in her hour of peril, better qualified to serve their country by reason of the instructions received in the old academy. The roll of honor embracing many, many distinguished citizens both living and dead, is a long one, too long to be given here, as I must close. Already Maine is indebted to this academy as to but few others within her borders, and may the years to come increase its powers and prolong its usefulness to the State and nation. It stands today a monument to those sturdy pioneers, who, by great sacrifice and heroic devotion to the cause of education, wrought valiantly in establishing for their own and succeeding generations such an institution of learning. Schools and Schoolhouses By SuPT. W. H. Sturtevant. The space of time allotted to me for the preparation of this article prohibits the careful study necessary to establish the accu- racy of certain valuable historical information ; while any attempt to give the complete history of the common schools of Foxcroft would simply weary the listener. I shall at this time give just a brief account of our earliest common schools, the location of some of the first schoolhouses the names of early teachers, a flash light picture of school condi- tions in the town of Foxcroft nearly one hundred years ago, and contrast with that picture school conditions of the present, and allow some historian of the future to fill out the intervening space. The earliest schools were, no doubt, held in private houses, or in barns, and in some of the school districts of Foxcroft there were no school houses until about 1830. or even later. In fact, persons SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLHOUSES II are still living in town who were fifteen or sixteen years of age before they ever entered a school house. The school in their dis- trict having been in a private house until they had reached that age. It is stated that the first school in Foxcroft was kept by Miss Betsey Mitchell, the daughter of William Mitchell of East Dover, in a barn which stood on what is now the farm of Albert H. Boss. Miss Giddings of Brunswick also taught in this barn. The settlers in the southeastern part of the town, which is now East Dover, but which at that time was considered a part of Fox- croft, sent their children to a private school in the house of Eli Towne. It is said and verified that one of those who taught here Foxcroft Village School. was a man who brought a jug of rum with him each morning and kept it behind the door in the hall, occasionally slipping into the hall to test its quality. In what is now the village limits of Fox- croft, there was also a private school wdiich at one time was located in what is now the old part of Foxcroft Exchange. The first school building erected by the town was in 1813 when a townhouse was built to be used for schools and also for religious and town meetings. This building which was twenty by twenty-five feet cost $100, and was located on upper ]\rain street, where the residence of W. J. Fldridge now stands. This building in all probabilitv continued 114 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY to be used for school purposes until 1822, when it was sold at auc- tion. At about this time, Eli Towne erected a school house in the East Dover settlement opposite where Henry Towne lives at the present time. This was a square room with a square roof. For seats, planks were placed along the walls. No desks were in the house. Books were few, necessitating that many use the same copy. The room was not finished inside. Spruce studs were used with the bark on them, only being scored down on one side with an axe so that boards could be nailed to them. This building was later moved nearer the upper village, and finally was destroyed by fire. This schoolhouse probably accommodated the scholars in the southeastern section of the town until about 1822. In 1814 the town voted not to build a schoolhouse in the north west district of the town. The amount of money raised for school purposes in 1813 was $125 ; and from this time on the amount raised by the town was increased each year until in 1820 the town voted $200. This same year, 1820, the town elected Eliphalet Washburn, Nathaniel Car- penter, and Daniel Buck as a committee to divide the town into school districts. At the next town meeting the committee reported the following division: District No. i, to include the village limits and west to the Guilford line; District No. 2, was east of the village and in- cluded the "Washburn neighborhood'' and east to the Sebec line ; District No. 3, was northwest of the village, the present Gilman school neighborhood ; District No. 4 was the territory north of the village ; No. 5 and No. 6 were respectively the northeast and north- west sections of the town. As to how many scholars were in these districts in 1820 I am unable to ascertain but in 1827, District No. i, had 47 scholars; No. 2, had 34; No. 3 and 6 which were combined had a total of 61 ; District No. 4 had 45 ; District No. 5 had 10 and District No. 7 had 13, a total of 219 scholars for the town; and the instruction of tliese pupils for the year cost the town $312.31. In 1824 the people of Foxcroft Center, District No. 5, engaged Samuel Palmer of Dover to teach a winter school. This was taught in- Mr. Hersey's house, and the following summer a school was held in a barn a little east of the house of C. A. Harmon's. Dur- ing this summer (1825) the old school house at Foxcroft Center was built. As its location was near the center of the town this SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLHOUSES ir building was used for a great many years for religious and town meetings. This schoolhouse served the pupils of the district until 1903 when it was replaced by the present modern structure. The records of the Gilman school District begin in 1828 and at the first meeting in May of that year, the voters deliberate as to whether they shall sell or repair their old schoolhouse. The build- ing then stood opposite where Harrison Chandler lives. For year.*^ the question of location and whether to build a new schoolhouse or repair the old was discussed in nearly every meeting of the district. It was not until 1849 that the present Gilman school house was erected. The voters of the district not being able to agree upon a location the selectmen of the town were finally called into the dis- trict meeting and after hearing both sides decided the schoolhouse should be located upon the spot where it now stands. As to what time the first schoolhouse in "Washburn neighbor- liood," District No. 2, was built, I am unable to ascertain, but it was probably between the years 1822 and 1830. In 1822 we find the scholars of Deacon Washburn and Major Crooker, the two lead- ing families of the neighborhood, attending school in the Dow schoolhouse then located one-half mile south of East Dover. When erected the schoolhouse stood at the top of the hill northeast from the residence of Luther Averill. It was later moved toward the north until it stood half way between the two roads upon the farm owned by Mr. Lee. Still later it was moved still farther to the north and became the present "Lee schoolhouse.'' In the village, the old schoolhouse. or town-house, erected in T813 served the district until about 1822, and at about this time a second building was erected, but just where this building stood. I am unable to find any record. Tradition has placed it upon the v.est side of North street on the lot now occupied by B. A. Thomas. ^^d^erever it stood, it was replaced bv a new school building which \\ as built in about 1840, and which is the "old schoolhouse" which many of the old inhabitants remember as standing upon North- street on the Vaughan lot. This building was otitgrown and in 1873 the present grammar school building was erected. The wages of the teachers in these early schools as well as the price of board form an interesting contrast with present conditions. The winter term was generally kept by a "master," and was to weeks or in some cases, eleyen weeks in length. The summer term, kept by a "mistress" was generally a ten weeks' term, and 5 ii6 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY for her salary she received the magniticent sum of one dollar per week and board, or if experienced and of especialy ability, as high as one dollar and seventy-five cents per week. The teacher's board was bid oli' at the annual meeting of the district. For the board of the "master," the town paid $1.50 or $1.75 per week, while the "mistress" was bid off for about 90 cents. If the price paid for board is any indication the "teacher" was desired for the social rather than the financial gain. The furnishing of wood for these early schoolhouses came up at the annual district meeting and was generally bid off by some person in the district. The prices paid for fuel ranging from 60 cents to 90 cents per cord for wood delivered and piled at the schoolhouse. The studies which occupied the attention of the pupils were for the most part the "three R's" reading, w^riting and arith- metic with spelling and grammar for good measure. History and geography were in the making and the pupils learned these at home by listening to the conversation around the fire place rather than from a text book at school. The old time lyceum and the spelling bee must not be forgotten in a historical picture of these early days, but each would require more time and space than could be given here. Some of the teachers who taught in the town of Foxcroft be- tween the years 1826 and 1836 are the following: Alphonso Whit- man, Sarah S. Sprague, W. Godwin, George C. Campbell, Ira Allen. Estsy Dwinell, Samuel Palmer, Elisha Daggett, R. K. Rice, Thatch- er Blake. Jr.. Sally Buck. ]Minerva Garland, Jane Thayer, Susan P. Greeley and Ruth Daggett. I cannot close this paper without showing what Foxcroft is doing along educational lines at the present time. In 1813 the town of Foxcroft had one schoolhouse valued at $100. In 1912 the estimated value of our school buildings and equipment was $16,000. In 181 3 the town of Foxcroft expended S125 for common schools, this past year we expended over $6800. In 1 81 2 there were probably about 80 scholars in the town, the census of 1912 gives us 457. In all educational matters there has been a corresponding growth and the pioneer spirit of earlv days is still manifest in the desire to place Foxcroft schools in the front ranks. We were the first towns in the county to introduce regular instruction in music and drawing. Music being introduced into the Foxcroft schools in 1900 and drawing in 1910. At the present time. Dover and Foxcroft hire a special teacher as supervisor of PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES OF FOXCROFT ii; music and drawing. For the sake of improving their schools, Dover and Foxcroft formed a union in 1903, the second district to be formed in the State for professional supervision of schools. We were one of the first towns in the State to send boxes of books from the public library into the rural schools, and also one of the first to send pupils to the library for regular instruction. We have in our town a high school that practically governs itself, the only school in the State where the School City form of govern- ment exists. During the past year manual training has been mtro- duced into our schools. Ovir citizens are all interested ; our teachers are trained and ex- perienced ; our schools are the equal of any in the State. The spirit of self sacrifice and progressiveness in educational mat- ters, shown so clearly by the early settler of Foxcroft, is still an active force in the town of Foxcroft in 191 2. Patriotic Societies of Foxcroft By Mrs. Sarah A. Marttn. Organization, 1886 — C. S. Douty, W. S. R. C, No. 42. was or- ganized in Favor's Hall, Foxcroft, May 13th, i88(\\ with twenty- four charter members. President, Mrs. Sarah Lucas Martin ; Sec- retary, Mr. Abbie Z. Holmes. Qualification for Membership, and Change of Name — The mem- bership of this organization consisted of wives, mothers, daughters and sisters of soldiers and sailors of the Civl W^ar. This kind of membership, restricted to wives, mothers, daughters and sisters, it has always maintained, though in process of time, for loyal reasons, the name was changed to that of C. S. Douty Circle. No. 16, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, which name it now bears. Employment of New Name. — Although this change of name was n.ot made until Nov. 5th, 1905. and although until that date, the organization was working under the name of C. S. Douty, W. S. R. C. No. 42, to avoid confusion the name of C. S. Douty Circle, No. 16. Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, will herein- after be employed in this pa}:)er, no matter to what period of the history of the organization reference is made. ii8 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Removal to Dover, 1889. — \\'ith the ease which has characterized organization in these twin villages, although our charter named Foxcroft as our home, owing to the increase in our membership and the inadequacy of Favor's Hall, after about three years we removed without any special formality to Dover. Our first meeting was held in Sampson's Hall on March 20th, 1889, where we resided in peace and ever increasing prosperity for a period of about four years. Material Prosperity. — We added much to our household goods, but the first record I find of money deposited in the bank, was from the proceeds of a Centennial Observance of Washington's Inauguration, April 30th. 1889. Later the net receipts of a lecture by Mary A. Livermore of $30 was added thereto, and a Trades Car- nival in February, 1890, yielded net $270. Incited by this, we began to treasure thoughts of a hall for our- selves and the soldier organizations. We gave suppers and held entertainments in Sampson's Hall, all liberally patronized, and laid up much pelf. Communication from Knights of Pythias. — Then the Knights of Pythias, having leased the hall, we were astounded at receiving the following communication from them under date of Feb. 24, 1893 : "By vote of the Lodge it has been decided there shall be no refreshments of any kind in the lodge-room. Neither shall there be any public entertainment in the lodge-room. Voted that the janitor shall be instructed not to open the hall for any such purpose. C. H. CUSHING, C. C. R. W. Hughes, K. of R. & S." Return to Foxcroft, 1893. — r)ur means of acquisition thus being torn from us, I find this vote appearing in the same record of the Ladies of the G. A. R., "Moved, seconded and voted that we re- move immediately to Town Hall in Foxcroft." We did so, return- ing to the town of our birth and the cradle of our liberty, the record of the first meeting in Town Hall being on March 10, 1893. This action, so innocent in appearance and intent, was fraught with consequences of importance. C. S. Douty Post Separated from Us. — The birth-place of C. S. Douty Post, like our own, was in Favor's Hall, Foxcroft, and its charter named Foxcroft as its home. Like us it had migrated in- formally to Dover. We had assisted them on Memorial Days and divers other occasions through the period of seven blissful years. PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES OF FOXCROFT 119 They now looked with disfavor on this independent act, and took unto themselves another organization, not restricted to wives, mothers, daughters and sisters. Organization of Charles Peleg Chandler Post, 1893. — Hence on Nov. 21, 1893, a petition from E. T. Crockett, O. P. Martin and twenty-one others for the formation of a Post in Foxcroft was granted by W'ainwright Cushing Department Commander of the G. A. R. of Maine, and on Nov. 23, 1893, was organized with twen- ty-three members under the name of Charles Peleg Chandler Post, for Major Charles Peleg Chandler, a citizen of Foxcroft, a graduate of Harvard and a gallant soldier, killed on the battlefield. Incorporation, 1893. — For many reasons it seemed wise that the Ladies of the G. A. R. should become incorporated. This was con- summated on August II, 1893. State President Mrs. Samuel L. Miller of Waldoboro and State Inspecting Officer Mrs. Atwood of Auburn were present. Hon. Willis E. Parsons acted as legal advisor and in the record of Aug. 25, I find recorded a copy of his receipted bill for his professional services, freely given us. A vote of thanks is recorded which we wish to renew in this paper. Dedication of Soldiers' Monument — On Oct. 21, 1893, under the direction of the G. A. R. occurred the dedication of the Soldiers' Monument, situated in the square, where drilled the boys of '6i-'65 in preparation for going to the front. I have no record of the exer- cises of that day, but our book shows that the Ladies of the G. A. R. served a free dinner to some four hundred people, the citizens of Foxcroft generously contributing with supplies. The rooms of the entire second floor of [he Opera House were used as dining-rooms. Purchase of Present Home. — In D^ember, 1895, the organiza- tion having long desired a home of their own purchased of Timothy L. Jennison his shop situated on North street, Foxcroft, for $1200. 7'he building was but a shell and extensive repairs as well as re- modeling were needed. With a membership of 82 and a bank ac- count of $942 this was undertaken. One hundred dollars of this sum was the gift by will of Mrs. Emily S. Douty, a valued member and widow of Col. Calvin S. Douty, for whom our organization is named. The building was insured for $1000. One thousand dollars was obtained by loan from the Building Association, who held the mortgage. A building committee, consisting of Mrs. Sarah Buck Davis, Mrs. D. M. Whittredge and Mrs. Sarah Lucas Martin, was appointed, who invited from the Post to assist them. Comrades I20 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY O. P, Martin, A. P. Buck and J. H. Steward. To these comrades they were deeply indebted. A committee on ways and means was also appointed, namely ; Mrs. A. P. Buck, Mrs. Ellen Ober and Mrs. Eliza Ladd. The tirst floor was fitted up as a store and readily leased. Charles Peleg Chandler Post fitted up the third floor as a Post- room and continued to occupy it as such until they disbanded on May 26, 1906, about 13 years after their organization. Placing of Cannon. — It was through Chandler Post, Comrade Martin acting as committee, that the cannon on the monument grounds were obtained from the Navy Yard and placed in position. Memorial Gift to Charles Peleg Chandler Post. — The evening of Dec. 2;^, 1908, was a most pleasant occasion. A beautiful and valu- able memorial volume was presented to Charles Peleg Chandler Post by the brothers J. B. and J. G. Mayo and their sons, Edward J. and Walter J., in memory of their father and grandfather, the late Hon. John Gould Mayo. In the volume are now inscribed the war records of the veterans. The volume is deposited in Thomp- son Free Library. Disbanding of That Post. — We are indebted to Charles Peleg Chandler Post for aid and courtesies and many pleasant social hours through those busy years. On disbanding they turned over to the Ladies of the G. A. R., tables, chairs and flags, also the picture of Major Chandler which holds an honored position in our room. The first meeting of the Ladies of the G. A. R. in their new building, the second floor, was Feb. 14, 1886. The repairs immediately necessary when com])leted, as reported by Mrs. Davis, the careful and exact chairman of the building com- mittee, amounted to $934.16. Completion of Payment for Home. — We pass swiftly over the following eleven years, to the joyful payment of the last assessment in the Building Association and the burning of the mortgage on July 16, 1907. During that time we had further improved the building. Cu.ster Command, Union Veterans LTnion.— For sixteen years, Custer Command. Union Veterans Union, has been a most pleasant and profitable tenant, also good comrades. Their meetings are held in the same room on alternate Tuesdays from ourselves. Twenty of their number are honorary members of our organization and many of them are members of our former companion organiza- PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES OF FOXCROFT 121 tion, C. S. Douty Post. The free use of the small hall on the upper floor we have voted to Cvil War veterans as a club-room. Real Object of the Organization Being Carried On. — We are pleased to note that through those years, with debt upon us, we then, as now, forgot not the prime nature of our organization ; the aiding of the needy, the sick and the sorrowing of families of soldiers and sailors. We did some other things as well : A benefit for the band netted some $80. We instituted the first successful efforts to resurrect the old Cemetery Association, and paid the first $25 toward putting the water in the cemetery. We have placed flags- in every schoolroom in Foxcroft and fur- nished a room in the Academy at an expense of $80. We share the labors and duties of Memorial Day and forget not the graves of our own dead. We send each autumn some gift to the Good Will Home, for there, sons and grandsons of veterans are under its fos- tering care. Present Membership and (Officers. — We now have a member- ship of 76 active and 22 honorary members. We are out of debt with a little surplus. The efficient chair officers at present are : President, Mrs. Nancy Bearce. Secretary, Mrs. Lola B. Hayes. Treasurer, Mrs. Evelyn D. Buck. Conclusion. — With the fleeting years, the mothers who so loyally and unselfishly gave to our country their sons, have passed. Duty of Daughters and Granddaughters — The wives and sisters are keeping step adown the hill of life with the aging veterans. Upon the daughters and the granddaughters rests the duties and the privileges which have been ours. When one hundred years more shall have passed, and at our second Centennial some one shall stand where I now stand and tell the story of the years, it will be her glory as a descendant of a Civil War veteran to say, 'T am a daughter of the Grand Army of the Republic." Brief Sketch of Custer Command. Organization. 1896. — Custer Command, No. 16, Union Veterans I'nion of Battle-field Soldiers, Department of Maine, was instituted in Town Hall. Foxcroft, April 30. 1896, bv Col. F. F. De Merritte. National mustering officer, assisted by Lt. Col. Lewis Sell)ing, chief mustering officer. Department of Maine. 122 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Charter Members — The charter members were twelve in number, namely : Wainwright Gushing, William W. Miller, Osgood P. Martin. Leonard H. Washburn. John G. Herring, Edward L. Emery. Fer- nando Pratt. Isaiah B. Davis. Sewall C. Shaw, Asa S. Davis. Job S. Bearce, William W. Warren. Five of these charter members have answered to the last roll call. The next meeting was held in the Post room of Charles I'eleg Chandler Post on North street, Foxcroft, May 12, 1896. At this meeting was received a communication from the C. S. Douty, W. S. R. C, now C. S. Douty Circle. Ladies of the G. A. R., offer- ing the Command the use of their hall free of rent for all future meetings, paying only for heating, lighting and janitor service. The Command extended a vote of thanks for the generous offer and friendliness, but voted instead to pay full value for its use and have occupied it continuously ever since, over sixteen years in perfect harmony and to their mutual advantage. Colonels of the Command. — -The Colonels of Custer Command have been: Wainwright Gushing, 1896; J. G. Herring, 1897, Osgood P. Martin, 1898; Wm. W. Warren. 1899; Volney A. Gray, 1900; Wainwright Gushing, 1901 ; Job S. Bearce, 1902; Elbridge T. Douglas, 1903 ; W. W. Miller, 1904 ; E. T. Crockett, 1905 : E. B. Fox. 1906; E. T. Monroe, 1907; E. T. Monroe, 1908; E. G. Mor- rill. 19C9; E. T. Monroe. 1910; E. T. Monroe. 191 1 ; E. T. Monroe, 1912. Qualifications for Membership. — The organization of Union Veterans Laiion is peculiar in that it is composed only of those who on land or on sea actually battled foi^ a nation's life; who have rendered at least six months' continuous service in the army or navy and have faced the enemy in battle. Marked Growth of the Command. — Such is the membership of Custer Command. Organizing with but twelve members, they have prospered and grown in membership till now they are the largest Command in the United States ; substantially proving that here in this little corner of the old State of Maine, went forth many who stood shoulder to shoulder where bullets hummed and stricken comrades fell. Membershii) Statistics. — Custer Command has mtistered in its ranks 180 in all. The largest membership at any time was 118. The number of members at the present time is iii. THE MASONIC FRATERNITY . 123 Conclusion. — The days of active mustering o.f battle-field soldiers are well over. To the sons and grandsons must they look for recruits in an honorary membership to aid and maintain when the "keepers of the house shall tremble." Yet still they sing in un- broken voices : "We've stood on many a battle-field A firm unbroken line And faced the foe and scorned to yield In days of Auld lang syne. And as the years roll swiftly by And weaker grows the line Let's keep together till we die For the sake of Auld lang syne. The Masonic Fraternity By John F. Sprague. Mosaic Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, was granted a char- ter by the Grand Lodge of Maine, July i6th, 1827. Charles Fox v/as Grand Master, George Thatcher was Senior Grand Warden, Robert P. Dunlap, subsequently Governor of Maine, was Junior Grand Warden, and William Lord, Grand Secretary. The charter members were William Frost, Moses L. Hobbs, Joseph Kelsey, James S. Holmes, Salmon Holmes, Tolman Cary, Hiram Folsom. Solomon Cushman, Andrew Cushman, Samuel Roby. John McLaughlin, George Haskell, Jedediah P. Leland and Samuel Pingree. The first meeting of this Lodge was held at Carleton's Hall in Sangerville on the 19th day of November, 1827. The members present were William Frost, W. M., Samuel Roby. S. \\'.. Jedediah P. Leland, J. W., Joseph Kelsey, Tyler, Samuel Pingree, John McLaughlin, Solomon Cushman, Salmon Holmes and James S. Holmes, Addison Martin, Appolos Pond and Orrin Morse. James S. Holmes was chosen Secretary, Joseph Kelsey, Treas- urer, Orin Morse was S. D., Jedediah P. Leland. J. D., John Mc- Laughlin, S. S., and Salmon Holmes was J. S. The following were 124 -SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY made a committee to draft and report a code of by-laws : J. S. Holmes, Moses L. Hobbs, Pierce P. Furber and \\'illiam Frost. The second annual meeting was held December 17, 1828, when Samuel Roby was elected W. M. and John McLaughlin Secretary. Samuel Roby was re-elected W. M. in 1829. In 1830 Pierce P. Furber was elected W. M., and 1S31, John McLaughlin was elected to this ofiice. The intense and bitter opposition to Free Masonry which had such a strange and almost phenomenal growth for several years throughout this country, extended to the State of Maine, and the lodges here sufifered as elsewhere. It is evident from the few meetings which it held during the year 1831 that it was in a strug- gle for existence. At the annual meeting December 14th, 1831. it was voted to suspend the operation of the sixteenth article of the by-laws which provided for the payment of annual dues of one dollar a year. At this meeting James S. Holmes was elected Worshipful Mas- ter and John McLaughlin Secretary. The last meeting of that year was held February 15th, in Carleton's Hall in Sangerville, wdien there were present James S. Holmes, W'. M., Samuel Roby, S. \^^ ; M'oodman W. Magoon, S. D. pro tern ; William R. Goodwin, Sec- retary pro tem ; B. Haskell, S. D., and Salmon Holmes, J. D. This Lodge did not hold another meeting or communication and did no Masonic work of record till April 9th, 1845, when they met in Foxcroft and again made choice of James S. Holmes for Master and other officers to serve till the next annual meeting. It does not appear in what place this meeting was held, but it was presumably at Academy Hall, as the next meeting of May 21st was held there. At the annual meeting in December. 1845. James S. Holmes was elected W. M. and at the annual meeting in 1846. Elihu B. Averill was elected to that office. R. K. Rice had been Secretary during the past year and this year was elected S. W. Mordicai Mitchell was made a proxy to attend the Grand Lodge. The names of Russell Kittredge. Charles P. Chandler and S. L. Carpenter appear frequently at this time. Elihu B. Averill was also Master in 1847. '48 and '49. In 1851 John Sherwood was elected Master and also in 1852. In 1853 James S. Wiley was Master, in 1854 E. B. Averill. in 1855 James S. Wiley, in 1856 Sands Bailey, in 1857 Edward P. Edes, in 1858 James S. Wiley, in 1859 and '60 E. B. Averill. in 1861 James S. Wiley, in 1862 Ivory H. Jordan, in 1863 W. H. Edes, in 1864-5 Nathaniel Parsons. THE MASONIC FRATERNITY 125 Vol. I of the records of this Lodge begins with the first meeting, Nov. 19, 1827, and ends with the record of the annual meeting, December 8, 1864. The officers elected at this meeting were : Nathaniel Parsons, W. M. Charles F. Greene, S. W. ; S. M. Sewall, J . W. ; James S. Wiley, T. ; A. P. Buck, Sec. ; T. Hibbard. S. D. ; T. L. Jennison, |. D. ; F E. Hutchins, S S. ; Daniel W'hittredge. J. S. Among the names frequently appearing in these early records are those of John H. Rice, D. W. Hussey, L. O. Farnham, Daniel Wyman, Edward Jewett, A. B. Brockway, Charles I'. Chandler, Ivory H. Jordan, Samuel Webber, Simeon Mudgett, William Paine, William McCoomb, A. J. Chase, Henry C. Pratt, Richard Dear- born and Hiram Doutv. either as officers, members or visitors. Monument Square and Foxcroft Bridge, Masonic Block in the Distance At a meeting Sept. 15, 1857, the visiting brethren were Lewis Barker and his brother David Barker, the well known Maine poet. On January 16, 1862, there was a public installaton of the officers of the lodge when David Barker was expected to be present, "but,"' the record says, "did not make his appearance owing to the bad state of the travelling and a poem lately from his pen was read by Bro. Averill.'' This was that stirring and patriotic poem by Barker, "The Old Ship of State," which may be found in his published works. 126 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY This was followed by singing "Burns' Farewell" and "Auld Lang Syne." The record of this meeting closes as follows: Thus closed the festivities of the evening and we cannot doubt that the occasion will long be remembered by all present, and that rhe Brethen separated with a warmer feeling of Brotherly love and a stronger attachment to the principles incarnated by the order." In the Second Volume of records the name of Louis Annance, the old Chief of the St. Francis tribe of Indians, who lived around Moosehead Lake for so many years, occasionally appears as a vis- itor. Since the year 1865 the Worshipful Masters have been : Charles F. Green, William Buck, Stanley T. PuUen, Elbridge A. Thompson, S. B. Jackson, Jas. E. Rowell. Asa S. Davis, James T. Roberts, Wm. T. Elliott, Wainwright Cushing, Thomas P. Elliott, Marcell W. Hall, D. E. Dinsmore, F. D. Folsom, John C. Cross, W. W. Thayer. W. L. Stoddard, C. W. Brown, Allen P. Clark, F. H. Glover, W. C. Woodbury, W. M. Steward, R. W. Hughes, W. W. Blethen, F. G. Warren, V. L. Warren, B. B. Anderson, J. W. Hawkins, E. S. Genthner, and E. W. Crocker. In 187071 this Lodge erected the Masonic Block in Foxcroft in which is its present commodious and beautiful hall. This hall was dedicated in accordance with the customs and rites of the Order, June 22, 187 1. The Piscataquis Observer in its report of this said : "The dedication of the new Masonic Hall in Union Square in this village occurred yesterday with imposing ceremonies. "The services were participated in by all the Masonic bodies in the county, and also Olive Branch Lodge of Charleston, Penobscot Lodge of Dexter, DeMolay Commandery of Skowhegan, and St. John's Commandery of Bangor. "For two days previous the weather had been 'showery,' but on Wednesday nature gratified the craft with as beautiful a day as could have been desired. "At an early hour the people began to arrive from the surrounding towns, and by ten o'clock it began to be wonderful where so many people came from. The hotels were full — the streets were crowded ; until it was intimated that never had so many people been together in the county before. THE MASONIC FRATERNITY 127 "At 10.30 the special train on the Piscataquis road brought the Bangor Commandery, which was escorted to the Eoxcroft Exchange by the Skowhegan Commandery which had arrived the evening previous, and had been quartered at the Blethen House. "At eleven o'clock W. M. John H. Lynde, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maine, conducted the services at the hall, which were said to be grand and impressive. "At noon the procession formed under the direction of Chief Marshal J. B. Peaks, as follows: Order of Procession. Aid. Aid. Pro. G. F. Dan forth. Bro. T. P. Elliott. FIRST DIVISION. Bro. M. W. Brown, Marshall Bangor Cornet Band St. John Commandery K. T., Bangor Doric Lodge, Monson Mt. Kineo Lodge. Abbot Mosaic Lodge, Dover and Eoxcroft. SECOND DIVISION. Bro. T. J. Peaks. Marshall Skowhegan Band DeMolay Commandery, K. T., Skowhegan Piscataquis Lodge, Milo Penobscot Lodge, Dexter. THIRD DIVISION " Bro. Wm. McComb, Marshall Corinth Cornet Band Olive Branch Lodge, Charleston M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine Orator, Poet and Invited Guests. "The line moved through Main street, Dover, to State street^ through State to Lincoln street in Eoxcroft, through Lincoln and Main street to Chamberlain's Grove, where the different organiza- tions hied into the tent provided for the occasion, and partook of a bountiful collation furnished by the wives, mothers, daughters and 'sweethearts' of the members of Mosaic Lodge. 128 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF 'MAINE HISTORY ''After refreshments were served for the fraternity, an oration was pronounced by General Harris AI. Plaisted of Bangor, which was a credit to the orator and an honor to the fraternity to which he belonged. "The poem by David Barker, Esq., was in the author's happiest strain, and everybody was ready to shout 'Long live the King' — of Poets. "We never saw an affair better conducted, and never expect to >ee a more brilliant procession in the county." Gen. Plaisted, the orator of the day, above referred to, was des- tined to later serve the people of Maine as representative to Con- gress and Governor of Maine, and was the father of our present Chief Executive, the Hon. Frederick W. Plaisted. James S. Wiley was toastmaster, and there were responses by Lewis Barker of Bangor, Stunner A. Patten of Monson. Jeremiah Fenno of Bangor, John H. Lynde of Bangor, Rev. Mr. Fenlason of Exeter, Col. A. W. Wilds of Skowhegan, Wm. P. Young of Milo, and James Foss of Abbot. In 1 901 the Lodge owed a debt on this property amounting to $711.56. This amount was raised and paid by a subscription among the members. Its financial condition is now most excellent and satisfactory. The present membership is about 160 members. James T. Roberts, its efificient secretary, is now serving his twenty-seventh term. Only seven years after Maine had changed from a Province under Massachusetts to a sovereign member of the government of States, these worthy men living in widely separated places in a new anil sparsely settled region organized this Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. Of the charter members Solomon and Andrew^ Cushman resided in Monson. Hiram Folsom either in Greenville or Monson, Samuel Pingree in Parkman, James S. Holmes, a prominent lawyer, in Eastern Maine, and others resided in Foxcroft and vicinity. When this Lodge was instituted Enoch Lincoln was Governor of Maine and John Holmes and Albion K. Parris represented the new State in the Senate of the United States. The history of its small and feeble beginnng, of its early struggles, its trials and adversities, its pathetic suspension of work for thirteen years in the dark days when the public mind was obsessed with an ignorant prejudice against this great fraternal order; and then when reason began to assert itself in the nation and the public viewed Free THE MASONIC FRATERNITY 129 Masonry from a more rational and tolerant view-point, its loyalty to the sublime principles of the Masonic brotherhood, and its de- termination to renew the work of Free Masonry here in this com- munity and demonstrate that "Truth crushed to earth shall rise again," and its steady advancement to its present day of splendid ].M-osperity, is an important part of the history of Foxcroft and of Piscataquis County. No accurate history of our county and its development and the evolution of the high character and the intelligence and integrity of its citizenship could ever be written without giving this story of the achievement of Mosaic Lodge a prominent place in its pages. And I will close this meagre and hastily drawn sketch by quoting the closing lines of Gen. Plaisted's oration on that bright June day more than half a century ago when he assisted in the dedication of Foxcroft's Masonic Temple. "Moreover, also, we are here taught the great lesson of Masonic labor, that the search after truth, that divine truth symbolized by the 'lost word,' constitutes the work of life; and as it can never be thoroughly attained in this life, we must be content with its sulv- stitute, and wait with patience until the Iniilding of the second tem- ple — the temple of Eternal Life. "Finally. Brothers, may it be our happy lot thus skilfully to erect the living temple of thoughts, and words, and deeds, according to the designs laid dowm for us by the Grand Architect of the universe, and at last when raised from the filth and corruption of mortality, be accepted as living stones, fitted for a place in that temple not made with hands — Eternal in the Heavens." I30 5PRAGUE"S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Remarks of Willis E. Parsons at Dedication of Foxcroft's New Bridge It has been thought by many that this occasion, our looth anni- versary, would be a fitting time to dedicate the new bridge in which all our citizens take an honest pride. Poor indeed is that municipality which cares only for the present. Selfish and unworthy is any community that has no thought of the future, no desire to leave something for posterity. In all ages the world's great beacon fires have been kindled by men who loved humanity, who were spurred to great achievement and proud en- deavor by the inspiring thought that their work would live after them, a blessing to all posterity. So in the dedication of this bridge today, solid and substantial, erected for all time, or at least a thousand years, we feel that it is not alone for the benefit of the present generation, but when many centuries have rolled away here will stand a structure spanning the Piscataquis as it flows to the sea, speaking to the then flourishng jjopulation of the unselfish work of their fathers. W'e will have been forgotten, our records may be destroyed and every vestige of the men who fought for its construction disappear, but here will remain a monument to the whole town, speaking of the energy and loyal enterprise of the citizens who built not only for themselves but the generations to follow. Our early settlers, as the little community grew, felt the necessity of some kind of a bridge across the river between Foxcroft and Dover, but it was not until 1819, seven years after our incorpora- tion as a town that the people felt equal to the undertaking. At a town meeting held April 6, 1819. the inhabitants, then but a handful at most, less than fifty voters, voted to raise $150 in money and $500 in labor for a bridge across the Piscataquis, and that a man should receive $1.00 for eight hours" labor and a pair of oxen the same. The next year, March 20, voted to raise $500 in labor, and $100 in grain, wheat at 8 shillings and rye at $1.00 and to allow 12^ cents per hour; and again, March 12, 1821, the town voted $" ")0 to be paid in grain at the same price, making $1,350 to build the bridge. DEDICATION OF FOXCROFT BRIDGE 131 That it was not an up-to-date structure is shown by the records as at a meeting Sept. 8, 1823, the town voted to repair the bridge. 1825, voted to repair the bridge and raised $300. 1828, voted to choose a committee to examine the bridge, and then a few days later, Sept. 27, 1828, voted to choose a committee to agree upon a plan and make a draft for a new bridge across the Piscataquis where the old one stood. The committee later made a full report, with plan and bill of lumber, estimating the entire expense at $1,223.68, and that they would be allowed for the old bridge $153.00. The building of the bridge as finally struck ofif to Alden Z. Dwinal, he being the lowest bidder, for $1,300. This second bridge, completed in 1830, seems to have been no more substantial than the first as the next year, 1831, the town Foxcroft Bridge — 1854. raised $300 to repair the bridge. In 1834 they again voted to repair. In 1837, still more repairs. In 1842 the town chose a committee to examine the bridge, and that committee reported that on the south side they found most of the posts and long braces very rotten. Then began an old-fashioned bridge fight, and at a town meeting held Dec. 17. 1842, they voted to build a new bridge ; but only eight days later, on Dec. 25, the anti-bridge party prevailed for the town voted to reconsider the vote to build a new bridge and voted to repair the old bridge. 6 132 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY March 13, 1843. another committee was appointed by the town to examine the bridge and its report was such that Nov. 25 of the same year, the town again voted to build a bridge, and that the contractor have his choice to build a brace bridge or an X bridge, and that the contractor have all the old bridge but the stone piers. Again the fight was on and the anti-bridge forces showed such strength that Dec. II, the same year it was voted to reconsider the vote to build a bridge and all other votes relative to a bridge. Voted to choose a committee to repair the bridge, but the rugged old fighters had worked up so much feeling that it was hard to find any of the leading citizens to act on that committee. Nathaniel Chamberlain refused and the town voted to excuse him and tried Chester Chamberlain. He refused and the town tried T. H. Cham- berlain, but the town had to excuse him also. Finally Leonard Robinson was chosen who with Caleb Prentiss and Amos Morse made up the committee on repairs. But the fight was not ended. A meeting was again called, Dec. 25, less than a month later, and the town again voted to build a bridge. Abel Turner, David Oilman and Moses Swett were chosen a committee. Dec. 30, a few days later, the town voted to build a covered bridge, but this was too much, a covered bridge, never ! And again the anti-bridge forces rallied and on the 9th of January, 1844, re- considered the vote to make it a covered bridge, and voted to build it like the old one and to be finished by the first day of November, 1844, and gave the contractor the old bridge. In 1850 this bridge had to be repaired at an expense of $490. March 10, 185 1, a com- mittee was again appointed to examine the bridge. May 9, 1854, a freshet having swept away this bridge, the town voted to build a bridge across Piscataquis River at the village similar to the old one. May 20, voted to reconsider the vote to construct a bridge similar to the old one, and June 2 the town voted to build a bridge according to Howes' patent, and out of the votes at succeeding town meetings evolved in 1854 the Foxcroft bridge as used for 57 years, being repaired from time to time until last season when we saw it disappear forever, to be replaced by thf noble structure upon which we now stand. March 13, 191 1, the town voted that a committee of three be ap- pointed by the chair to ascertain the cost of a new bridge, also the cost of repairing the old structure. Made choice of E. J. Mayo, S. F. Atwood and O. P. Martin, committee. DEDICATION OF FOXCROFT BRIDGE 133 April II, 191 1, the inhabitants assembled in town meeting to hear the report of the committee and take action in relation to the bridge. I now quote from the records made by the town clerk. "Voted on motion of W. E. Parsons that the town build a con- crete bridge the present season across Piscataquis River on Main street, the roadway of which shall be not less than 30 feet wide with sidewalks on each side of not less than six feet, to take the place of the old wooden bridge. The number of ballots thrown 34C, 2n,. bemg 'yes' and 127 'no.' "On motion of W. E. Parsons voted that we authorize the select- men and town treasurer to execute in behalf of the town the obli- gations of the town either in notes or bonds as deemed best by the Foxcroft Bridge — 1911. finance committee, for a sum not exceeding $25,000. payable $1,000 a year and interest, to be used in the construction of a concrete bridge, said obligations not to bear interest exceeding 4 per cent per annum. "Voted that we appropriate Si 000 out of the highway money raised this year to be expended on the approaches to the new bridge. "Voted that a committee of three be appointed by the chair, to be called a finance committee, to act in conjunction with the bridge committee and selectmen to finance the building of the bridge. 134 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Made choice of G. L. Arnold, W. J. Mayo, W. E. Parsons, finance committee. "Voted that the chair appoint a bridge committee oi three whose duty it shall be in conjunction with the finance committee and select- men to procure plans and specifications and execute a contract in behalf of the town and superintend the construction of the new bridge and grading the approaches to the same. Made choice of E. J. Mayo, S. F. Atwood, O. P. Martin, bridge committee." The bridge committee thus consisted of nine members. E. J. Mayo was elected chairman and W. E. Parsons secretary, the com- mittee serving without pay. Bearce & Clifford of Lewiston were the contractors and the contract price was $20,926.00, and the ex- tras, and a few changes, the building of a foot-bridge and the damage to abutting real estate owners, made the whole expense to the town practically around $25,000. The old wooden structures, four in number, with their endless repairs and never-ending expense of general maintenance, have been replaced by this concrete arch and broad roadway, which in point of construction is unsurpassed in all New England. To the present and future generations who will pass to and fro over this principal highway of the county, it is now dedicated. May it stand forever a monument to the courage and enterprise of our citizens, who having but recently passed from under one great burden, were willing to meet the expenditures necessary for so worthy an object and so beneficial to the present and future gen- erations. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS iiir»iiiiiiii|illit!illilllMllM' 013 983 688 1