USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Chatham > The town register : Fryeburg, Lovell, Sweden, Stow and Chatham > Part 3
USA > Maine > Oxford County > Fryeburg > The town register : Fryeburg, Lovell, Sweden, Stow and Chatham > Part 3
USA > Maine > Oxford County > Lovell > The town register : Fryeburg, Lovell, Sweden, Stow and Chatham > Part 3
USA > Maine > Oxford County > Sweden > The town register : Fryeburg, Lovell, Sweden, Stow and Chatham > Part 3
USA > Maine > Oxford County > Stow > The town register : Fryeburg, Lovell, Sweden, Stow and Chatham > Part 3
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institution, filled the chair for a few weeks until January 1802, when the services of a young college man were secured. This was the famous Daniel Webster whose services at the Academy from January to September were of the most inspiring character. He boarded at the newly erected Oxford House and spent much of his spare time profitably as register's clerk. Upon his resignation he received a special vote of thanks from the board of trustees for honor- able and faithful work. The next instructor was Amos Jones Cook. The school soon outgrew its humble home and in 1806 a large new building was erected on the site of the present Academy, a mile from the old building, on land donated by Robert Bradley. This was a fine two story edi- fice surmounted by a bell tower in which was hung the first bell in town. Mr. Cook remained with the school until 1833, during which time he gathered a museum of curios which was the largest in the state. Following his long and suc- cessful term of service, two schools were maintained for about one year. These were soon united and the schoolcon- tinued successfully under various preceptors. On May 26, 1850, the school building was burned, but the school ses- sions were continued in the Congregational vestry until the present building was erected, dedicated Aug. 31, 1853. To principal G. H. Ricker belongs the credit of establishing the present course of study and the annual graduation exercises.
On Aug. 17, 1892, was held the centennial celebration of the founding of this institution which has so ably assisted in the education of many men of prominence and power. Another celebration was observed Jan. 1, 1902, upon the
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centennial anniversary of the coming of Daniel Webster as preceptor. There are now two dormitories connected with the Academy, the head master's house also used as a domi- tory and two recitation buildings aside from the main Acad- emy building. The average attendance is about one hun- dred students.
In 1888, Albert F. Richardson, now principal of Castine Normal School, was succeeded as head master by J. E. Dins- more. In 1892, John C. Hull became preceptor, remaining until 1895, when E. R. Woodbury, now principal of Thorn- ton Academy, came to take charge of this school. Five years later he was succeeded by Charles G. Willard, A. B., the present head master. During the two school years from 1903 to 1905, E. L. Adams was in charge.
The faculty now numbers eight. Mr. Willard is instruc- tor in History, Psychology and Greek; Walton T. Henderson, A. B., sub-master, Sciences and Athletics; Sarah L. Willard, Preceptress, Latin, Botany and Pedagogy; Susan M. Walker, English and Literature; Elsie P. Thayer, Stenogra- phy and Commercial work; Alice A. Stearns, A. B., Mathe- matics, French and German; Benj. T. Newman, Manual Training, Drawing and Painting; Albert M. Abott, Piano, Organ and Harmony.
FRYEBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The first appropriation made by the voters of Fryeburg for the maintenance of public schools was in September 1777, at a meeting held for providing for assessing taxes on all the property in town. £60 was voted for schools. The
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FRYEBURG
following year but one school was kept in town, and as yet no house erected for its use. A committee was that year appointed "to see how and where a school house shall be built" and the sum of £250 raised for education. From these meagre beginnings there gradually developed a flour- ishing and elevating though not always harmonious school system. In 1825, fourteen school districts were being attended by 490 pupils, showing an average attendance of thirty-five. Some schools however were attended by twice that number and required the strict surveillanceof a stern master and the often application of the rod.
About 1830, two stone school houses were erected in the village. That in Number One is now occupied by the village library; that in Number Two was burned, and rebuilt in 1850, the new building serving now as a recitation room of the Academy. A fine new village school house was erected in 1902. During recent years the number of scholars attending the town schools has gradually decreased and the little red school house has passed, superceded by the more elegant white house at the cross roads in which may be often found rows of patent desks instead of the long side seats occupied by the fathers and grandparents of the present learners. Who shall say the privileges of education have not been ample? Upon the foundations laid here have been reared some of the broadest minds that have helped mould the affairs of our most successful and prosperous republic.
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HISTORICAL
PROFESSIONAL MEN.
PHYSICIANS.
The earliest skilled physician to locate in Fryeburg was Dr. Joseph Emery who came here from Andover, N. H., in 1778. He was also the earliest merchant. He was followed by Josiah Chase of Canterbury, two years later. Joseph Benton, Stephen Porter, Oliver Griswell, Eliphalet Lyman, a graduate of Yale, removed to Lancaster, N. H., about 1820; Dr. Ruel Barrows of Hebron, as early as 1820; Dr. Ira Towle, from Newfield, and his son, Wm. C. Towle were the next physicians. Dr. D. Lowell Lamson, a native of Conway, N. H., began his practice in Fryeburg where he died after a long and successful practice. Dr. Geo. H. Shedd of Norway, now at North Conway, practiced here. Herman L. Bartlett of Stoneham, now of Norway, succeeded Dr. Shedd. Dr. A. G. Phipps, now at Gorham, N. H .; Dr. Geo. Allen of Stone- ham, now at Lovell, and Dr. Arthur L. Ferguson were the succeeding practitioners. Dr. Arthur J. Lougee of Roches- ter, N. H., a graduate of Dartmouth College and New York University; and Dr. L. W. Atkinson, who removed to the village from North Fryeburg about two years ago, are the present practicing physicians at the village.
Dr. Moses Chandler of Concord, N. H., located at the Centre in 1798, and remained here in practice until his death in 1822. He was the only physician to locate at this ham- let.
At North Fryeburg Dr. Noah Parker was an early phy- sician, coming to this village probably as early as 1825, and
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remaining until his death. One Dr. Hill practiced here ten or more years, after which he removed to the village. Dr. J. L. Bennett, now of Bridgton, succeeded Dr. Parker, and was followed by Dr. Mitchell. Dr. Irving Mabry has been here several years. Dr. L. W. Atkinson practiced here prior to locating at Fryeburg village. Dr. Craft is a new physician.
LAWYERS.
Judah Dana, a grandson of Gen. Israel Putnam, was Fryeburg's and Oxford County's first lawyer. Mr. Dana came to Fryeburg in 1798 from Pomfret, Vt., and practiced law here until his death in 1845. For many years he was a Court Judge. In 1810 he erected the fine residence now occupied as a summer residence by Dr. Gordon of Portland. Gov. John W. Dana was the son of Judge Dana, and a native of Fryeburg. Stephen Chase was an early lawyer of prominence. Col. Samuel A. Bradley of Concord, N. H., was in practice several years before his death in 1841. John Stuart Barrows of Hebron was a contemporary member of the bar who died not long after Col. Bradley. Alex. R. Bradley, a nephew of Samuel A., a graduate of Harvard, was the next in practice here. He died in town in 1862. Col. Edw. L. Osgood, born in the old Oxford House, prac- ticed law here, died in 1863. Governor Enoch Lincoln prac- ticed law in town early in the century, removed to Paris. Henry Hyde Smith was a lawyer here, removed to Hyde Park, Mass.
Major David R. Hastings, a native of Bethel, served as a Major in the Civil War; he later located here and was an
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HISTORICAL
able practitioner until about ten years ago, dying about 1895. His son, Edward E., a graduate of Bowdoin, studied law with his father and began practice here about twenty- five years ago. Seth W. Fife, L. L. B., a graduate of Har- vard Law School, 1869, located here in 1870. He is a native of Chatham, N. H., from one of its oldest and leading families. John B. Eaton, a native of Conway, practiced in Cincinnati before removing to Fryeburg about thirty years ago. Here he was in practice until his death. Chas. C. Warren, now of Arlington, is a native of Fryeburg, and was in practice here before his recent removal. He has an office in Boston. Fryeburg is noted for its strong men of the legal profession, most of whom have remained in town for a long period of years covering a successful career.
FRYEBURG WATER WORKS.
In 1882, the Fryeburg Water Co. was organized by local citizens under the direction of Dr. D. Lamson Lowell, for the purpose of installing a system for supplying pure water from Green Hill mountain in Conway. There a series of boiling springs was dammed back, forming a reservoir covering about an acre less than three miles from the village. A system of 10, 8, and 6 inch pipe conducts the water to the village, 156 feet below, the pipe passing under the Saco 300 feet below Weston's bridge. A natural force of 65 pounds is produced giving ample fire protection and a clear, pure water supply for family use. H. B. Cotton is president of the company; A. R. Jenness, Sec., Treas., and Supt.
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FRYEBURG VILLAGE FIRE CORPORATION AND FIRES.
This corporation was chartered March 1, 1887, for the purpose of organizing for protection from fire. On the last day of the month an organizing meeting was held at which John C. Gerry was chosen clerk; Thos. C. Shirley, treasurer; Asa O. Pike, Wm. Gordon and John Weston, assessors; and A. R. Jenness, F. L. Mark and Seth W. Fife, fire wardens. This action followed the burning of the original and cele- brated Oxford House which occurred Feb. 14, preceding. .
The earliest DESTRUCTIVE FIRE of note was in 1843, Sept. 15, when "Eastman's Coffee House," with two stores and two stables were burned. Twenty years later, Nov. 17, 1863, the store of Major T. C. Ward and Dea. John Evans' shop on Portland street were burned. In the shop were the last relics of the original Academy which had been removed to the site of the stone school house where it was occupied for school purposes until replaced by the stone structure. It was then converted into the shop and dwelling.
The last and most destructive fire in the annals of the town occurred Aug. 31, 1906, when a fire started in the new Oxford House then occupied by one hundred guests. Although the fire started about 10 o'clock A. M., it was soon beyond control and before it could be subdued $150,000 worth of village property and many of the stately elms which had graced Portland street for a century and which time alone can replace, were ruined. Among the destroyed
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HISTORICAL
property was H. G. Freeman's printing plant with all machinery; S. W. Fife's house and a store occupied as a mil- linery by Mrs. Fife; Mrs. Barker's millinery store, house, stable and barn; the old Fryeburg House not occupied, besides seven residences. It also run over an extensive area of the plains and burned the old grist mill south of the vil- lage.
The original OXFORD HOUSE was erected in 1801 by Samuel Osgood and was probably the most celebrated house in this part of New England. The new Oxford was erected in 1893, on a larger plan than the original, and was opened to the public July 15, that year.
A HOOK AND LADDER with 1,000 feet of hose and a hose carriage were bought in April 1887. The hose house was soon after erected. 400 feet of hose was purchased later, but about one-half of the hose was burned in the late fire. The village is now well protected.
Electric Lights were introduced into the stores and dwel- lings in 1901, and the following year a system of street- lighting installed. In 1904, the chair factory which sup- plied the power was burned, and for about one year no lights were provided. Mr. McIntire then furnished power from his saw mill for a short period. For a year past no power has been supplied and the streets have not been lighted. The Fryeburg Electric Light Co. consists of local business men.
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FRYEBURG HORSE RAILROAD.
This company was chartered in March 1887, for the pur- pose of establishing and maintaining a horse railroad in the village and to run to the Chautauqua grounds. It was at once organized and $5075 capital stock issued, which was taken by thirty stockholders. The road was installed and equipped that season, opened July 25, but did not run regu- larly until the following year. This road has remained under the general management of Seth W. Fife, and has been in operation each year since it begun. A total of 12,000 per- sons are sometimes carried annually during the running season, from June to October. Three miles of road are laid. This is the only horse railroad in the state.
Four years ago this road was sold to the White Moun- tain Paper Co. who sold to the Pater Publishing Co. three years later. A charter granted by the last legislature pro- vides for the extension of this road to Stow and Lovell, and it is probable that one or both of these places will soon be reached by a new line of road to be operated by horses or electricity. The plan for a road to Lovell was contemplated by the original promoters, but was not executed before dis- posing of the property.
PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.
Fryeburg Grange, No. 197, was organized at Fryeburg Centre in Feb. 1888, with 18 charter members. B. Walker McKeen was chosen the first master, and has been followed
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in this capacity by John F. Charles, A. P. Gordon, John S. Ames, David Chandler, E. C. Buzzell, I. A. Walker, Simeon Charles and A. W. McKeen. This order now numbers fifty- eight members. The leading officers chosen for 1907 are A. W. McKeen, master; Leon D. Charles, overseer; Mehitable McAllister, lecturer; Rosina McKeen, chaplin, Simeon Charles, treasurer, and I. A. McKeen, secretary.
The WEST OXFORD AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION AND FAIR was organized and established in 1851. For over half a century this has been an important factor in the life and social and commercial developement of a wide field.
TO CROSS THE SACO.
Dea. Richard Eastman operated a ferry for many years near the point where the toll bridge was erected in 1870; this bridge is 76 feet long, being the shortest of the seven bridges which span the Saco and Canal. The first bridge built was at Swan's Falls about 1780. The oldest now in use is Weston's bridge, 250 feet long, built in 1844, accord- ing to Wm. Gordon. Canal bridge 272 feet long, was built in 1846; Walker's bridge 164 feet, in 1848; Charles river bridge (a tributary) 87 feet, in 1856; Island bridge, 110 feet, in 1862; Hemlock bridge 116, in 1867; the Toll bridge (now free), in 1870; and the new iron bridge at the Harbor 80 feet, built in 1894. All except the latter are covered.
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The canal was begun in 1812, when a narrow channel was cut. The freshet of 1820 greatly widened the channel, reduced the length of the Saco in town from 36 miles to 24 miles, and draining an extensive area of valuable arable land.
Fryeburg postoffice was established Jan. 1, 1798, with Moses Ames, postmaster. The postoffice at the Center was established Feb. 19, 1833, Henry G. Farrington, P. M. West Fryeburg postoffice was established in July 1887, Mrs. E. P. Hutchins, postmistress.
WM. CHAPMAN & SON.
Manufacturers and Dealers in
ine
Horse Furnishing Goods, Robes, Whips, Blankets, Saddlery, Combs, Brushes, etc.
KEZAR FALLS, MAINE.
History of Lovell.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The plantation of New Suncook, now the towns of Lovell and Sweden, was granted by the General Court of Massa- chusetts to the survivors and heirs of those who took part in the engagement with the Pequawket Indians at Love- well's pond in 1725. Many of the settlers were from Con- cord, N. H., then known as Suncook, because of which this township was given the name of New Suncook which name it bore until its incorporation in 1800, when the present name was chosen in honor of Capt. Lovewell, (or Lovell), the leader in the expedition of 1725. In 1813, the town was divided and the southeastern part incorporated the town of Sweden, so named, doubtless because of the prevalence of the names of European countries in this section.
No settlement was made here until after the close of the Revolution, at which time many hundreds of families were seeking home lots on the Maine frontier. According to the history of the Andrews family by H. F. Andrews, a native of Lovell, now practicing law in Exira, Ia., Capt. Abraham Andrews, together with his wife's uncle, John Stearns, then a man of seventy years, and Benj. Stearns, son of John and grandfather to Josiah H. Stearns, came in 1788 and began the first permanent settlement. They approached their new
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home land from the south, following the Indian or hunter's trail east of Kezar Pond to Mill Brook, there they struck an east bound trail which they followed a mile to high land covered with heavy hard wood growth. Here they pitched their tents, or rather built their cabins, for until then they were without shelter. In the fall of 1789, Capt. Andrews brought his wife and three children, Abraham, Jr., Esther and Hannah, from Billerica, Mass.
Others also located here about this time or soon after, among whom were Ananias McAllister at the Center; Stephen Dresser, Joshua Whiting, Oliver Whiting, who one author- ity says was the first actual settler locating just north of Mill Brook; Josiah Heald, with Stephen, Sampson, Samuel and Josiah, all grown up sons and all settled at North Lovell; Samuel E. Andrews, a nephew of Capt. Andrews, settled the adjoining farm now occupied by Elwell Andrews, his grandson, near Sabatis Mountain; Noah Eastman, Capt. John Wood, Joseph McAllister, Levi Dresser, Abel Butters and James Kilgore, some of whom located in the southern part of the town.
John Farrington of North Cambridge, Mass., a man of some wealth, was granted a lot by the proprietors one mile square at the Center for building the first grist mill and also operating an up-and-down saw where the timber was pre- pared for the earliest framed houses.
For others of the settlers who were chosen on the first list of town officers see the following chapter; also see under schools for families as divided into school districts in 1803.
At the time of Incorporation in 1800, the population of
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Lovell numbered 698, the settlement being then but twelve years established.
On the west side of Kezar Pond settlement was not begun as early as in other parts of the town. Many of the pioneers here were descendents of the earliest settlers in town who took up lots during the first third of the last century and included Sullivan Stearns, Jones Elliott, Wm. LeBaron (at West Lovell), Obed Stearns, Josiah Horr, Nahum Crooker, Benj. Chandler (at West Lovell) and in the Fox neighborhood. Many of whom came from Porter were Wm. Luther and Andrew Fox, Joseph Howard, Stewart Anderson, Jonathan Andrews and others.
George Russell, grandfather of Dean Russell and son of Maj. Benj. Russell, removed from Boston to East Stoneham about 1817, but soon came to Lovell Center where he took up the Russell farm. His father was publisher and propri- etor of the Columbian Sentinel in Boston, and printer to the first Continental Congress.
ACT OF INCORPORATION.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
In the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred.
An Act to incorporate the Plantation called New Sun- cook in the County of York into a town by the name of Lovell.
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- tives in General Court assembled and by the authority of the same that the plantation of New Suncook in the County of York bounded as follows, viz :- Beginning at a stake and stones in the East corner of Fryeburg and the northwest corner of Bridgton, thence running north 46% degrees west, one thousand eight hundred sixty-five rods to a stake and stones by Fryeburg line, thence north 15 degrees east, three hundred fifty rods to Keezer Pond to a birch tree marked thence by said pond to a large stone marked, thence north 45 degrees west, seventy-six rods to a maple tree marked thence north 20 degrees west, eight hundred and twenty-five rods to a Norway pine tree marked, thence north 78 degrees east, one thousand six hundred and fifty rods to a birch tree marked, thence south 20 degrees east, three thousand two hundred and twenty-five rods to a pine tree standing on Bridgton line, thence south 67 degrees west, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-six rods to the first mentioned bound, with the inhabitants thereon, be and they hereby are incorporated into a town by the name of Lovell.
And the said town is hereby vested with all the powers, privileges and immunities which the towns in this Common- wealth do by law enjoy.
Be it further enacted that Moses Ames, Esq., be and he hereby is impowered to issue his warrant directed to some suitable person within said town, requiring him to warn a meeting of the inhabitants thereof at such time and place as shall be expressed in said Warrant for the purpose of choos- ing such town officers as towns are empowered to choose in
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the month of March or April annually.
In the House of Representatives, Nov. 15th, 1800. This bill having had three several readings passed to be enacted. Edward H. Robbins, Speaker.
In the Senate Nov. 15th, 1800. This bill having had two several readings passed to be enacted. Samuel Phillips, Pres. Nov. 15th, 1800,
By the Governor, approved
Caleb Strong.
This act, as will be seen, included also the present town of Sweden, which was set off and incorporated in 1813.
THE TOWN ORGANIZED-The organization meeting was held at the meeting house Monday, March 9, 1801. Capt. Abraham Andrews was chosen moderator, and Benj. Webber, one of the proprietors, was elected clerk. Mr. Webber, Dea. Josiah Heald, also a proprietor, and Jacob Stevens were chosen selectmen. Capt. Andrews was then chosen treasurer; Benj. Stearns, constable and collector of taxes, collection to be made @ 8 cents per pound sterling. Other officers chosen were Joseph McAllister, Abraham Andrews, Jacob Stevens, Daniel Eastman, Nathaniel Whitaker and Abel Butters, sur- veyors of highways; Capt. Samuel Andrews, sur. of lumber; Jona. Butterfield and Lieut. Stephen Dresser, fence viewers; Benj. Stearns, tything-man; Moses Kilgore, Josiah Heald, Jr., and Andrew Woodbury, hogreves; Jona. Butterfield, pound keeper; Levi Dresser and Daniel McAllister, field drivers; Lieut. Samuel Nevers, sealer of leather.
On April 6, 1801, the vote cast for governor shows 24 ballots, all for Gov. Caleb Strong. Three weeks later the
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sum of $200 was voted for schooling; $500 for roads and $100 for town expenses. The town was now very well organized except for schools and in 1803, six districts were formed as shown under the chapter on schools.
TOWN OFFICERS.
TOWN CLERKS.
E. G. Kimball, 1850-51; John Barker, 1852; Geo. Rus- sell, 1853; E. G. Kimball, 1854; Jos. Eastman, 1855; David Mansfield, 1856 Nov. 5, '56; Uriah Dresser, Nov. 5, 1856-57; Horace Eastman, 1858-61; Barnes Walker, 1862-64; Trus- tum Knight, 1865-66; Barnes Walker, 1867-68; Marshall Walker, 1869-94; Frank C. Walker, 1895-1903; J. A. Far- rington, 1904-07.
TREASURERS.
James E. Hutchins, 1850-52; Ammi Cutter, 1853; J. E. Hutchins, 1854; Nathan Charles, 1855-56; Jos. B. Dresser, 1857; Jos. Eastman, 1858, Barnes Walker, 1859; Eben C. Hamblin, 1860-61; Barnes Walker, 1862-64; John Locke, 1865; Marshall Walker, 1866-67; Jas. F. Hutchins, 1868; Gardner Walker, 1869-70; Marshall Walker, 1871-72; Sum- ner Kimball, 1873; Marshall Walker, 1874; Jas. E. Hutch- ins, 1875; Albert Kimball, 1876; Geo. H. Moore, 1877; E. N. Fox, 1878, S. Kimball, 1879-80; Cyrus K. Chapman, 1882-
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HISTORICAL
83; Marshall Walker, 1884; Chas. H. Brown, 1885-86; G. A. Kimball, 1887-89; A. J. Eastman, 1890; G. A. Kimball, 1891; J. A. Farrington, 1892; J. M. Farrington, 1893-1901; G. A. Kimball, 1902; Seth F. Heald, 1903-07.
SELECTMEN AND ASSESSORS.
1850-Solomon Heald, Enos Heald, Nathan Charles. 1851-Solomon Heald, Enos Heald, W. L. Bryant, Jr. 1852-Enos Heald, Caleb Charles, Samuel Farrington. 1853-Solomon Heald, H. P. Hill, Thos. Watson. 1854-E. G. Kimball, John Walker, Joseph Kilgore. 1855-Jas. E. Hutchins, John Walker, John Bragdon. 1856-Enos Heald, Alfred Merrill, Wm. H. Walker. 1857-John Walker, Jas. Hobbs, Jr., Samuel Farring- ton.
1858-Jas. Hobbs, Jr., J. E. Hutchins, John Bragdon. 1859-John Walker, S. Farrington, J. G. Hamblin. 1860-John G. Hamblin, John Bragdon, James Evans. 1861-62-Solomon Heald, Abel Heald, John E. Emery. 1863-Samuel Farrington, John Walker, Uriah Dresser. 1864-J. G. Hamblen, Abel Heald, Sewall Brown. 1865-Abel Heald, J. G. Hamblen, J. H. Stearns. 1866-Abel Heald, J. H. Stearns, Albert Merrill.
1867-68-Barnes Walker, E. G. Kimball, D. B. Harri- man.
1869-B. Walker, Samuel Farrington, Cyrus Andrews. 1870-B. Walker, Cyrus Andrews, John E. Emery. 1871-72-Abel Heald, John E. Emery, E. T. Stearns. 1873-Enos Heald, Cyrus Andrews, Wm. C. Brooks.
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