USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Chatham > The town register : Fryeburg, Lovell, Sweden, Stow and Chatham > Part 2
USA > Maine > Oxford County > Fryeburg > The town register : Fryeburg, Lovell, Sweden, Stow and Chatham > Part 2
USA > Maine > Oxford County > Lovell > The town register : Fryeburg, Lovell, Sweden, Stow and Chatham > Part 2
USA > Maine > Oxford County > Sweden > The town register : Fryeburg, Lovell, Sweden, Stow and Chatham > Part 2
USA > Maine > Oxford County > Stow > The town register : Fryeburg, Lovell, Sweden, Stow and Chatham > Part 2
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Deacon Richard Eastman maintained an early ferry across the Saco near his house. He was an early moderator at town meetings. Ezra Carter settled across the river from Mr. Swan. Lieut. Stephen Farrington was one of the earl- iest settlers at West Fryeburg. Here also was Capt.
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HISTORICAL
Nathaniel Hutchins, an officer in the French and Indian Wars. Hezekiah Asten settled here on the bank of the old river. Wm. Russell located just north of Frye's Hill.
Isaac Abbott of Andover, Mass., raised the second framed barn in town at the Centre. In this house or barn were held many early religious town meetings. This old house is still standing. Wm. Eaton and Abraham Bradley were located toward North Fryeburg, and farther up were Benj. Wiley, John Stevens, Dea. John Charles and others. In 1775, Rev. Wm. Fessenden was settled the town pastor and resided near the early church at the Centre.
Others of the pioneers were Nathaniel Merrill, Ebenezer Burbank, Job Eastman, Stephen Knight, Richard Kimball, Eben and Moses Day, Jona. Dresser, Jos. Kilgore, Henry Gordon, John Bolt Miller, Jas. Parker, Hugh Gordon, Abner Charles, Stephen Dresser and Aaron Abbott, all of whom were here as early as 1778, together with others whose names we cannot give here.
Many of the pioneers of Fryeburg were veterans of either the Revolution or the earlier French and Indian Wars where many of them had gained titles for their gallantry. Neither were they ignorant men, for of this number Paul Langdon, the first principal of the Academy; Wm. Russell, Caleb Swan, Henry Y. B. Osgood, Rev. Wm. Fessenden and Dr. Jos. Emery, the first physician, who came in 1768, were all grad- uates of Harvard, and Capt. Joseph Frye attended there two years.
In 1776, during the troublous times of the Revolution, application was made for incorporation as a town and the following year this act was granted.
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ACT OF INCORPORATION.
In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy six.
An Act for erecting a Tract of Land Coold Fryeburg of two thousand one hundred and seventy two Rods square Lying in the County of York, which was granted as a Town- ship to Joseph Frye, Esq., Anno Domoni seventeen hundred sixty-two and Confirmed Anno Domoni seventeen hundred sixty-three into a town by the name of Fryeburg.
Whereas the Inhabitance of that tract of Land Consist- ing of Proprietors & non Proprietors Promiscously settled thereon Having lately been united in ordaining a Minister of the Gospel among them, are Desirous of a unity in the Expense of his Support of Building a Meeting House and other Public Charges of the place, but Cannot Lay a Tax up- on themselves for those Purposes till said Tract of Land is incorporated into a Town.
Therefore Be it enacted by the Council and House of Rep- resentatives in General Court Assembled and by the Author_ ity of the same that the aforesaid Tract of Land originally Bounded as Followeth viz: at the South Corner to a Spruce Tree marked thence running (?) North forty-five Degrees west, (by the needal) two thousand one hundred and sev- enty-two Rods to a Beach Tree marked thence North forty- five Degrees East, two thousand one hundred and seventy- two Rods to a Maple Tree marked thence south forty-five Degrees East, two thousand one hundred and seventy-two Rods to a Pine Tree marked thence south forty-five Degrees
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HISTORICAL
West to the first mentioned Bounds-Be and hereby is erected into a Town by the Name of Fryeburg, Excepting and Reserving their out four thousand one hundred and forty- seven Acres of Land lying in the West Corner thereof, of which the Great and General Court in Compliance with a Petition of the above Named Joseph Frye Resolved to receive back and in lieu thereof Granted him the same quan- tity of Governments Land with Liberty to lay it out adjoin- ing to the northwardly or Northeastwardly part of his Township as by said Resolve Dated June the twenty-fifth, Seventeen Hundred and seventy-two will appear* and the Inhabitants of said Tract of land (Except as above Excepted) Bee and hearby are invested with all the Powers, Priviledges and Immunities which other Towns in this Col- oney do Enjoy.
And be it further Enacted that Tristram Jordan, Esq., be and hearby is Impowered to issue his Warrant Directed to some Principal Inhabitant of said Town, Requesting him to warn the inhabitants there of who have a free hold according to Charter to Meet at Such Time and place as shall be theirin set forth to Choose all Such Officers as are or Shall be Required by Law to manage the affairs of said Town.
In the House of Representatives January 10th, 1777, This Bill having had three several Readings Passed to be Enacted. Samuel Freeman speaker, P. T.
*NOTE-This tract, now the southern half of the town of Stow, was designated as "Fryeburg Addition" until incorporated under its present name.
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FRYEBURG
In Council January 11, 1777, This Bill having had two several Readings passed to be Enacted. John Avery, Dp'y Sec'y.
Consented to by the major part of the Council-A true Copy Attest. John Avery, Dp'y Sec'y.
The above is a verbatim copy from the town records.
As directed in this act Tristram Jordan, Esq., of Pep- perillborough (now Saco) issued his warrant dated March 17th, 1777, and directed to "Lt. Samuel Osgood, Gentle- man" calling the legal voters of the described tract to assemble at the dwelling house of the Revd. Wm. Fessenden on Monday, March 31st, at ten "of the clock" in the fore- noon.
At this meeting the following board of town officers was elected. Dea. Richard Eastman, moderator; Lt. Richard Kimball, clerk; the meeting was then adjourned for two hours, during which time Lt. Kimball went to Conway where he was "sworn to the faithful discharge of his duties" by Esquire David Page; Dea. Richard Eastman, Isaac Abboot (Abbot), Nathaniel Merrill, Dea. Simon Frye and Ezra Carter were chosen selectmen; Richard Kimball, Moses Ames, Stephen Farington, Ezekiel Walker and Benj. Russell a committee of safety "etc .; " Wm. Wiley, constable; Samuel Walker, Nathan Ames and David Evens (Evans), fence viewers; John Farington, John Charles, Jr., and John Bucknal, field drivers; Isaac Abbot, sealer of weights and measures; John Evans, Moses Day, Peter Asten (Austin) and Benj. Russell, surveyors of highways; Moses Ames and Daniel Farington, tything-men; Ebenezer Day, Hezekiah
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HISTORICAL
Asten and Nath'l Merrill, wardens; James Parker, s'Ir of leather; Isaac Walker, Abraham Bradly and Benj. Russell, hogreves; Dea. Simon Frye, "Dear Reave;" Ezekiel Walker, treasurer; Isaac Abbot and Peter Asten, pound keepers; John Walker and David Evans, surveyors of lumber. These were the principal men then in town, and were the founders of most of the later families.
A vote was then taken to have swine go at large and the meeting was adjourned.
The next important town meeting was called to assem- ble at the same place on April 17, for the purpose of settling Rev. Mr. Fessenden as minister of the town. A vote was taken to that effect, and under the next article forty-five pounds "lawful money" was raised "for his first years ser- vice in the ministry beginning at the eleventh of Oct. 1775, as agreed on by the Proprietors of this Township at their meeting of Oct. 5th, 1774." Fifty pounds was voted for his second year, Oct. 11th 1776 to Oct. 11, 1777, and an increase of five pounds per year until seventy pounds be reached; his salary to continue at seventy pounds so long as he should continue in the pastoral relations to the church. One third part of this salary was to be paid in Indian corn (@ 3 shillings per bushel) and rice (@ 45).
Benj. Russell, Wm. Wiley and Lt. Isaac Walker were chosen a committee to examine accounts presented to the new town for payment, and a bounty of one pound was voted for catching or killing a wolf in town.
By the act incorporating Brownfield in 1802, a portion of Brownfield plantation was set off to the town of Frye-
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FRYEBURG
burg, with the following bounds, viz :- Beginning at the south corner of Fryeburg at a stake and stones thence run- ning north forty-six degrees and a half west, eleven hundred seventy-five rods on Fryeburg line to a pine stump on the line of New Hampshire; thence south six and a half degrees west, nine hundred and ten rods to a beach tree marked H Y B; thence north seventy-six degrees and a half east, nine hundred and eighty five rods to the bounds first mentioned, about 2600 acres. The western boundry of Fryeburg finally passed through the present village of Fryeburg just west of the Gov. Dana place and crossed the Saco near Westin's Bridge.
In the year 1847, portions of Fryeburg and Denmark west of Upper Moose pond were set off to the town of Bridg- ton.
TOWN OFFICERS.
CLERKS.
Richard Kimball, 1777-78; Capt. Joseph Frye, Jr., 1779- 85; Paul Langdon, 1786-91; Joseph F. Swan, 1792-98; Wm. Russell, 1799-1801; Paul Langdon, 1802; John McMillan, 1803-06; Jos. F. Swan, 1807-08; Wm. Russell, 1809-11; Paul Langdon, 1812; Wm. Russell, 1813; P. Langdon, 1814; Wm. Russell 1815, Dec. 4, died; N. G. Jewett, Dec. 4, 1815; James Osgood, 1816-18; Joseph F. Swan, 1819; Thomas Webster, 1820-22; Asa Charles, 1823-30; Andrew McMillan, 1831-32; Charles Abbott, 1833-43; Joseph Chandler, 1844-
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HISTORICAL
56; Marshall Walker, 1857-64; Thos. S. McIntire, 1865-74; D. Lowell Lamson, 1875; T. S. McIntire, 1876-86; Norman Charles, 1887-1907.
TREASURERS.
Jas. O. McMillan, 1850-56; Geo. B. Barrows, 1857-59; A. H. Walker, 1860-61; Timothy C. Ward, 1862; Henry Hyde Smith, 1863-66; T. C. Ward, 1867-68; John Locke, 1869-91; J. F. Merrill, 1892-1907.
SELECTMEN AND ASSESSORS.
1850-Edw. L. Osgood, H. D. E. Walker, James Walker. 1851-Edw. L. Osgood, H. D. E. Walker, Simeon C. Wiley.
1852-Asa Charles, S. C. Hobbs, Benj. W. McKeen. 1853-54-Asa Charles, H. D. E. Hutchins, S. C. Wiley. 1855-Edw. L. Osgood, H. D. E. Hutchins, S. C. Wiley. 1856-Edw. L. Osgood, S. C. Wiley, James Walker. 1857-Asa Charles, James Walker, S. A. Bradley. 1858-Asa Charles, S. A. Bradley, Henry G. Walker. 1859-Asa Charles, H. G. Walker, James Walker. 1860-Geo. B. Barrows, H. G. Walker, Caleb Frye. 1861-Geo. B. Barrows, Peter Charles, Enoch W. Wiley. 1862-64-Asa Charles, Henry G. Walker, Caleb Frye. 1865-Asa Charles, Henry D. E. Hutchins, Asa O. Pike. 1866-Asa Charles, S. C. Hobbs, Samuel B. Charles. 1867-68-Asa Charles, S. C. Hobbs, P. A. Bradley.
1869-70-S. C. Hobbs, Wm. Gordon, 2d., Albion P. Gordon.
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FRYEBURG
1871-Asa Charles, P. A. Bradley, Chas. W. Waterhouse. 1872-73-Wm. Gordon, 2nd., J. L. Farrington, Wm. G. Walker.
1874-S. C. Hobbs, Wm. G. Walker, Henry Andrews. 1875-F. Y. Bradley, Henry Andrews, W. B. Hutchins. 1876-F. Y. Bradley, W. B. Hutchins, H. K. Hobbs. 1877-F. Y. Bradley, H. K. Hobbs, Wyman H. Jones. 1878-S. C. Hobbs, W. H. Jones, Thos. S. Pike. 1879-S. C. Hobbs, Thos. S. Pike, Samuel Frye. 1880-S. C. Hobbs, Wm. G. Walker, Deane A. Ballard. 1881-S. C. Hobbs, D. A. Ballard, Carleton H. Walker. 1882-D. A. Ballard, C. H. Walker, Jas. A. Jones. 1883-D. D. Carlton, C. H. Walker, Jas. A. Jones. 1884-86-C. H. Walker, Jas. A. Jones. D. D. Carlton. 1887-C. H. Walker, D. D. Carlton, D. H. Chandler. 1888-John I. Greenlaw, D. H. Chandler, C. F. Smith, 3d. 1889-D. A. Ballard, D. H. Chandler, C. F. Smith, 3d. 1890-D. A. Ballard, D. H. Chandler, H. K. Hobbs. 1891-D. A. Ballard, Wm. Gordon, Sherman Hapgood. 1892-93-D. A. Ballard, D. H. Chandler, M. M. Smart. 1894-95-D. A. Ballard, A. W. McKeen, Fred A. Holt. 1896-97-D. A. Ballard, F. A. Holt, A. W. McKeen.
1898-1901-Wm. Gordon, D. H. Chandler, Thos. W. Charles.
1902-Thos. W. Charles, D. H. Chandler, H. D. E. Hutchins.
1903-04-Wm. Gordon, H. D. E. Hutchins, E. C. Buzzell. 1905-H. D. E. Hutchins, E. C. Buzzell, C. C. Warren. 1906-E. C. Buzzell, D. H. Chandler, Wm. H. Hill. 1907-E. C. Buzzell, Wm. H. Hill, J. W. Hutchins.
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HISTORICAL
MILITARY ACCOUNT.
Undoubtedly the greater number of the first arrivals in Fryeburg had seen service in the French and Indian wars, some of whom enlisted in the Patriot service at the breaking out of the Revolution. Of this number was General Frye, the grantee, under whom many of his townsmen had fought at Fort William Henry and other early engagements. At the breaking out of the Revolution he was called to Cam- bridge to command a patriot force, but soon after returned to his home town. Many volunteers proceeded to Portland and other points where they entered the Patriot lines, some of whom never returned, while others for their heroic con- duct and courage rose to the rank of commanders and returned with titles by which they were afterwards known.
In 1780 over £17,000, probably paper, and £108 of "hard money" was voted for this cause, together with 10,515 pounds of beef, and seven men to fill the ranks of the depleted Continental Army. During that summer six men were sent to the aid of Falmouth, two men for six months and two men for three months were hired for service in the Continental Army.
This town has ever responded readily and liberally of her best men. For a period of several decades prior to the Civil war, the able bodied men of the town were regularly trained on the "Muster Grounds," while the annual parade was only equaled by the modern county fair.
The Civil War enlistments for Fryeburg will appear at the end of the historical section of this volume.
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FRYEBURG
GROVER POST, No. 126, was organized by sixteen veter- ans of Fryeburg and Lovell on Dec. 24, 1884. Wm. C. Towle was chosen first commander, Tobias L. Eastman and others completing the staff, the itemized list of which was burned in the recent fire. The membership increased until at one time there were sixty-nine members. For about two years the meetings were alternated between this village and Lovell, which arrangement was followed by the formation of Parker Post at the latter village. Grover Post now numbers 35 members. Grover Circle, No. 11, was formed by the ladies as a relief corps. The present officers of the post are E. J. Brackett, P. C .; Orrin R. Barrows, S. V. C .; J. H. Johnson, J. V. C .; Henry Andrews, Q. M., and T. L. Eastman, Adjt.
INDUSTRIES.
Unlike most of the wilderness of Maine, open grass lands were found in Fryeburg, offering excellent grazing pastures, but these intervales were not safe places for erecting homes. Lots were selected on the surrounding highlands and the first rude cabins of the pioneers were soon to be seen here and there dotting the landscape or more closely together at the "Seven Lots" or the Center.
The first grist mill in town was built by John Evans on Wall brook near Lovewell's pond, which privilege he was given together with two lots of land to erect and maintain a mill. This was probably put in as early as 1766, and
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HISTORICAL
remained in possession of the family for three generations. In the great freshet of 1785, it was washed away butrebuilt. Thos. Evans, grandson of John, sold to Isaiah Warren, after which it passed to Moses Richardson, Tarbox and Walker, and lastly it was owned by W. H. Tarbox at the time of its destruction last August by the great fire. The dam was washed out some five years ago since which no work had been done here.
The first mill on Ballard Brook, then Ingalls Brook was built by Ezra Carter, Col. John Webster and Edmund Shirley in 1794. This consisted of a grist mill below and a saw mill above. In 1802, Uriah Ballard bought the mills which he operated until about 1844, when he sold to Col. David Web- ster. Col. Webster tore out the old mills and built two sep- arate buildings. In 1858, the property passed from his heirs to Osborn Charles, and about ten years later to Sam- uel B. Locke of Paris. Mr. Locke rebuilt and enlarged the mills, putting in the first circular saw. His sons were also interested in this property, Franklin Locke being the last owner of this name. The mills were burned and the privilege sold by the latter Jan. 5, 1893 to Edw. F. McIntire, the present owner. Mr. McIntire rebuilt the saw mill in the spring of 1894, this was burned June 7, 1903, and immedi- ately rebuilt. This is a long and short lumber mill and the only water mill now in town.
At Swan's Falls, Abraham Andrews put in a saw mill early in the last century, but this was washed away by freshet before gotten into operation. This excellent privilege is now owned by a syndicate of Fryeburg's business men
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FRYEBURG
who contemplate erecting a plant for furnishing electricity for power and lighting.
A mill was erected and operated at the Harbor on the outlet to Kezar Pond, by Wm. Russell, Esq., for sawing and grinding. This mill was operated for many years by Sam- uel Thompson, whose heirs sold the privilege to the Saco Water Power Co.
A new power snow roller has been recently invented and patented in the U. S. and Canada by Edw. F. McIntire, the mill proprietor. This Traction Engine is an extremely prac- tical invention, founded on the ordinary roller used in these parts, but so fitted up and connected with a high power gas- oline or petroleum engine as to be operated on the principal of an automobile. Theroller covers an 11 foot road bed and weighs four tons. By a special arrangement of cams slip- ping is prevented, while the projections are kept free from clogging.
CANNING FACTORIES.
The large canning factory at Fryeburg village was built by Asa O. Pike, who rented it to the Portland Packing Co. about thirty years ago. After Mr. Pike's death his heirs sold the factory to Tobias L. Eastman who carried on the business until the fall of 1905, when he sold to the present owners, H. C. Baxter & Bro. of Brunswick. This factory has a capacity of 1,000,000 cans of corn, requiring the product from 150 acres.
The factory at North Fryeburg was built in 1890, by H. C. Baxter & Bro., the present operators. Capacity 1,000,- 000. M. F. Fogg was the first foreman of this shop, being
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HISTORICAL
succeeded by E. W. Jones five years ago. This is operated as the Snow Flake Canning Co., another factory at East Fryeburg, but located in the town of Denmark is operated by this company with G. T. Cook, foreman. This was built by Harnden & Warren about 1893, and sold to Baxter & Brother ten years later. The factory at Lovell is also under the same management.
The greenhouses of W. H. Tarbox & Son were built the first in 1900, and two more the following season for raising cucumbers for shipment.
The E. W. Burbank Seed Co., Seth W. Fife, proprietor, was established by Mr. Burbank in 1880 in a small way. Mr. Fife became connected with the business in 1886. The output has steadily increased until at the present time some 2000 boxes are annually distributed among retail merchants throughout New England.
FRYEBURG CHURCHES.
Rev. Paul Coffin, D. D., of Buxton, visited this region in 1768, on a missionary journey "to Pigwacket" and was elaborately entertained at the mansion of Capt. Henry Young Brown and at the home of John Webster. At these and other places he delivered sermons, being the earliest ordained preacher, except Rev. Timothy Walker of Conway, to preach the gospel in town.
F3
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FRYEBURG
The CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH was organized Aug. 28, 1775, and Rev. Wm. Fessenden, a graduate of Harvard, was ordained pastor and town minister on October 11th follow- ing. His salary was paid in Indian corn at three shillings per bushel and rye at four shillings, for the first six years of his ministry. He was well adapted to his charge and proved popular and useful until his death May 5, 1805. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. Francis L. Whiting whose ministry termi- nated in 1814. For several years Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Porter, pastor in Conway, supplied this church. Sept. 17, 1823, Rev. Carlton Hurd was ordained pastor, whose successful term of service was terminated by his death Dec. 6, 1855. One year later John Q. Peabody was ordained pastor, and in 1859 was succeeded by Rev. David B. Sewall who remained with the church until 1873, when he removed to the York First Church. Rev. Baman N. Stone was installed pastor June 18, 1874, dismissed May 2, 1877, soon after which he organized the New church. Rev. Javan K. Mason, D. D., became acting pastor in Aug. 1877, resigned in October 1886, and went to Herndon, Va. Rev. Wm. F. Livingston, 1888-89; Rev. Albion H. Ross, 1890-91; Rev. Chas. S. Young, 1891-96; Rev. Ernest Hamlin Abbott, ordained 1896, dis. Jan. 23, 1902; Rev. Edgar T. Pitts, May 5, 1903-Mar. 31, 1905, and Rev. Edwin P. Wilson who has served this church since 1905 completes the list of pastors.
In 1778, the town voted to erect a meeting house at the Centre, voted £100 for the purpose and chose a committee of seven men to attend to the matter. It was sometime before the exact location could be decided upon, but the
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HISTORICAL
house was put up that year "where Isaac Abbott's barn formerly stood" near the center of the settlement. The house was without pews or gallery, but served its intended purpose for several years. The second house of this denom- ination was erected at the lower end of the village in 1796. After the completion of the present house in 1850, this was occupied by the Academy until the erection of the present Academy building in 1853. Present membership 85, Mrs. T. L. Eastman is clerk.
The second church organized in town was of the BAPTIST faith. This was gathered in 1790, and Rev. Zebedee Rich- ardson installed pastor. Services were held at the Corner (village) Centre and in the northern part of the town for many years. After the death of Elder Richardson no suc- cessor was settled over the church, which in process of time became extinct.
The UNIVERSALIST CHURCH was organized in 1810, and the chapel at North Fryeburg erected in 1838. Regular preaching has been maintained a part of the time, the last preaching by Rev. H. H. Hoyt of Hiram, recently appointed State Missionary.
During the years from 1825 to 1835 there was consider- able diversity of religious feeling in town and many new doc- trines were introduced. UNITARIAN services were held in the village and FREE .WILL BAPTIST preaching maintained at East Fryeburg.
In 1828 or '29 a METHODIST class was formed, Hon. Judah Dana and family becoming prominent members. Through his invitation Methodist preachers held regular
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FRYEBURG
services in the old Academy building which were largely attended. Rev. David Copeland was appointed to the new Circuit in 1829, including also Conway and Bartlett.
The Methodist church at the village, now the New Church Hall, was erected in 1845, and the following year this charge was again connected with Bartlett. Regular services were held here for many years until the church became greatly reduced in numbers.
The CHAPEL at THE HARBOR was erected by the Metho- dists and citizens of this village, and here regular services of this denomination are maintained in connection with the church in Stow. Here a new parsonage has been erected, first occupied by the present pastor, Rev. E. F. Doughty, appointed in 1899. Appointments to this charge (Harbor and Stow) since 1884, have been Revs. M. B. Greenhalgh, 1884-85; J. H. Roberts, 1886-87; J. M. Woodbury, 1888; F. C. Potter, 1889; W. H. Gowell, 1890-91; G. G. Powers, 1892- 93; A. S. Staples, 1894; G. W. Barber, 1895-96; Wm. Bragg, 1897-98; and Rev. E. F. Doughty. Rev. Mr. Doughty also serves the church in Sweden.
THE NEW CHURCH IN FRYEBURG. The first public wor- ship of the New Church in Fryeburg was held in the Court Hall of the old Oxford House June 3, 1877, and its perma- nent organization was effected on Feb. 27, 1878. Its house of worship was erected at a cost of about $4500, and was dedicated August 31, 1879. At a later date the old Metho- dist church was bought and repaired by this society, and is now used as a place for social entertainments.
The present membership of the church numbers about
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HISTORICAL
sixty. There are 103 names on its roll, including those who have died or removed to other places. The Rev. Baman N. Stone has been the pastor of this church from its formation.
FRYEBURG ACADEMY.
The question of a free grammar school in Fryeburg was first agitated by Rev. Wm. Fessenden, D. D., the first gospel minister settled in town. Through his efforts such a school was established in 1791, and was held in a little building at the foot of Pine Hill where fifty pupils were gathered. The year following Rev. Mr. Fessenden, Rev. Nathaniel Porter, David Page and Jas. Osgood of Conway; Moses Ames, Jas. Osgood and Simon Frye of Fryeburg, and the preceptor of the school, Paul Langdon, were made the trustees of Fryeburg Academy by an act passed that year incorporat- ing the institution. The General Court also made a grant of 12,000 acres of land for its support.
The first meeting of the board of trustees was held March 3d., when Rev. David Little of Kennebunk, Rev. Paul Coffin of Buxton and others were chosen on the board and the former was elected president. Paul Langdon was retained as preceptor at a salary of £52 annually, the school remaining under his charge during seven years of prosperity. Daniel Weston and John P. Thurston each taught one term in 1799, after which Mr. Langdon returned for a short time. In November Rev. Mr. Fessenden, the tutelary saint of the
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