USA > Maine > A history of the Baptists in Maine; together with brief notices of societies and institutions, and a dictionary of the labors of each minister > Part 1
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1506654
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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3 1833 01085 7669
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A
HISTORY
OF THE
BAPTISTS IN MAINE;
TOGETHER WITH BRIEF
NOTICES OF SOCIETIES AND INSTITUTIONS,
AND A.
DICTIONARY OF THE LABORS OF EACH MINISTER.
BY REV. JOSHUA MILLET
PORTLAND : PRINTED BY CHARLES DAY & CO. 1845.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1845, by JOSHUA MILLET, In the Clerk's Office of the Eastern District of Maine.
1506654
225
PREFACE.
THE following work was commenced amidst much hope and fear. The Author saw the desirableness of arresting from oblivion many facts important to the history of the Bap- tists in Maine, before the fathers and all the original members fell asleep. He therefore, for some years previous to com- mencing himself, suggested the importance of the undertak- ing to several ministers whom he believed competent to the undertaking. But no one was disposed to engage ; and he saw many obstacles to forbid his commencing so important a work. He anticipated a variety of perplexities, a long and arduous labor, and felt his incompetency.
Nothing therefore but an impression of duty, and the desir- ableness of the object induced him to begin. And even then little more was expected to be accomplished by him than the collection of materials, which some other person might ar- range and publish to the world. But by prayer, and the blessing of heaven upon his persevering toil, he is rejoiced to be able to give to the public the following sketches. No la- bors have been spared, that could be consistently devoted to the work, to collect the necessary information and to arrange the facts in an intelligible manner. A chronological order is observed so far as possible. There has been also a constant and careful aim at correctness, and yet, considering the sta- tistical character of the work, and the defectiveness, in many instances, of the sources of information, the reader will not be surprised to find some errors, especially in the numbers, names and dates. Nothing, however, has been stated which did not appear to have a strong probability at least of cor- rectness.
Information has been gathered from Backus' History of the Baptists ; Benedict's History of the Baptists ; Greenleaf's Ecclesiastical Sketches of Maine ; Williamson's History of Maine ; Willis' History of Portland ; Bancroft's History of America ; Waterville Intelligencer ; Baptist Herald ; Zion's Advocate ; Journals of aged ministers, especially those of Elders Isaac Case and James Potter ; Records of Churches; Minutes of Associations, and other religious Bodies ; and something from the memories of aged brethren still lingering among the living ; and Biographical Sketches of deceased ministers. 'The Author would here gratefully acknowledge the important aid he has received from many of his minister- ing and lay brethren, with whom he has corresponded.
In the history of the Associations, the most important things transacted, resolved, decided, or recommended, are given. In the accounts given of the Churches, the most important facts touching their history, were carefully selected from the information received. In some instances no direct informa- tion was received. The sketches therefore of such churches are necessarily brief.
In regard to the Tables, they are as correct as the records of the denomination from which they are made, can make them. It is not pretended that they are entirely perfect, but nearly so.
The Dictionary of the labors of the Ministers is intended to embrace all the stated labors of each minister who have labored and are now laboring in the State. Many of the dates have been gathered from the Minutes of the Associations and churches where these labors were performed, and there- fore believed to be correct.
In speaking of the adversity and prosperity of the Denom- ination, those things only are admitted which were deemed important and necessary, to show the causes of their peculiar trials, and their means and opportunities for advancement.
7
CONTENTS.
Preface,
CHAPTER I.
The shores of Maine discovered by Pring 1603-a temporary English set- tlement at the mouth of the Kennebec 1607-a temporary French Catholic settlement the same year at Mt. Desert-first permanent settlement at Saco 1623-the first settlers, Episcopalians-Maine, on account of her religious tenets, not admitted to the confederacy of the other New-Eng- land Colonies-Massachusetts obtains the jurisdiction, first west of Saco river, and then over the whole province-and with her civil power grad- ually extends her religious influence, - 13
CHAPTER II.
First manifestation of Baptist sentiments in Maine fifty-eight years after the first settlement at Saco-Character and ministry of Mr. Screven-the first church at Kittery-the feelings of the people toward Baptists-the pro- ceedings of the Government-Mr. Screven forbidden to preach-Mr. S. and his principal adherants driven from the Province-no other Baptist church gathered for a period of eighty-five years-changes in civil
- 24 Jaws,
CHAPTER III.
Churches in Berwick-Berwick and Madbury-a temporary church in Gor- ham-first Baptist Ordination in Maine-Churchin Sanford-first Baptist meeting-house in Maine-Churches in Wells and Lyman, - 30
CHAPTER IV.
Waterborough-Cornish-a temporary church in Fryeburg-Parsonsfield- Limerick-Buxton, 41
CHAPTER V.
Lebanon and North Berwick-Berwick 2d-Berwick 3d-Limington- Kennebunk-port-Kennebunk-Waterborough 2d, a temporary church Hollis-Newfield 1st and 2d, both temporary-Hiram, - 49
CHAPTER VI.
South Berwick Village-Saco-Acton-Cape Neddock-North Kenne- bunk port-Kennebunk Village-Alfred-Parsonsfield 2d-Shapleigh 2d -1st Kennebunk and Lyman-Sanford 2d-Mt. Hope-Springvale, 59
CHAPTER VII.
York Association-Brentwood Conference-New Hampshire Associa- tion, - - 73
CHAPTER VIII.
Central parts of the State-origin of Baptist principles in this part of the State-first Church in these parts at Bowdoinham-second at Thomas- ton -- third at Harpswell-first Association in these parts, formed by these three Churches in a dwelling-house in the town of Bowdoinham, and call- ed " the Bowdoinham Association," 86
X
101
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
Origin of Bowdoinham Association, CHAPTER X.
Churches added to the Bowdoinham Association from 1788 to the time of its division, 1804-First Bowdoin-First Vassalboro'-Second Vassal- boro'-Whitefield-First Sidney-Litchfield-Hebron-First Buckfield -Paris-Lewiston-Readfield-Fayette-Miscongus Isle and Bristol- First Livermore-First Nobleboro'-Greene-Wayne-Webster-Hope -New Gloucester-Clinton-2d China-Farmington-Second Litchfield -Wales-Jay-Mt. Vernon-Brunswick-Leeds -- Woolwich-Friend- ship-Warren-Portland-First China-Swanville-Second Buckfield- New Sharon-Canaan-Islesboro'-Vinalhaven-Jefferson and Lancas- ter-Sumner-Bethel, 105
CHAPTER XI.
History of the Bowdoinham Association from 1790 to the formation of the Lincoln Association in 1804-Extensive revivals in 1798 and 1799-the Lord's Supper administered at the Association in '98-an Ordination in '99-success of the ' Gospel Mission'-Dr. Baldwin present, and Ordina- tion of Mr. Titcomb in 1801-Revision of Articles of Faith in 1802, 192
CHAPTER XII.
Churches which united with the Bowdoinham Association during the seven years, between the formation of the Lincoln Association in 1804, and the formation of the Cumberland Association in 1811 : Second Sidney-Se- cond Bowdoin-Belgrade-Norway-Hallowell-Minot (now Auburn)- Freeport-Second Lisbon (now first in Webster)-Perjepscott (now Danville,) -Cornville- Harmony-Denmark - Weld -- Sangerville - Bridgton-Hartford-Monmouth-Palmyra-New Portland, 200
CHAPTER XIII,
Churches added to the Bowdoinham Association since 1811-Third Church Livermore-Second Canaan, (now Skowhegan)-Moscow-Philips- Second Mt. Vernon, a temporary church-Topsham-First Church Gar- diner-Guilford-Waterville-Parkman -- Brighton, a temporary church -- Canaan, formerly Canaan Second-Norridgewock-Athens-Gardiner Second Church-Anson-Second Bowdoinham-East Dixfield-Ripley -- Corinna-Winthrop-Newport-Monmouth-Norridgewock -- Madison -- Hallowell-Third Gardiner-South Bowdoin-East Monmouth -- Pittston -Monmouth Centre-Second Litchfield-Second Leeds, - 222
CHAPTER XIV.
Bowdoinham Association from 1804 to 1843,
CHAPTER XV. 244
Histories of its sixteen original Churches have been given, Thomaston, p. 95; Vassalboro', p. 109 ; Ballstown, p. 114; Miscongus Isle, p. 135; St. George, p. 186; Nobleboro', 139; Hope, p. 145; Harlem, p. 150. Woolwich, p. 165; Medumcook, p. 166; Warren, p. 168; Fairfax, p. 176 ; Mt. Ephraim, p. 177; Islesboro', p. 188 ; Vinalhaven, p. 189; Bow- doinham, p. 93.
Palermo and Beaver Hill; First Sedgwick ; Unity, now Knox ; Columbia ; First Bluchill ; Northport, a temporary Church ; First Montville; Carmel; Surry ; First Jefferson; Second Jefferson ; Matinicus ; Deer Island ; Stetson, a temporary Church ; Camden, First and Second Church ; Union, first called Second Hope; Second Palermo; First Belfast; Dixmont; Cherryfield ; Steuben ; First Trenton ; Sullivan ; Charleston ; Belmont; Castine; Freedom ; Second Montville ; Isle au Haut ; Second Thomaston ;
xi
CONTENTS.
Second Sedgwick ; Brooksville ; Second Brooksville ; Mount Desert ; Monroe ; Appleton ; Second St George; Eden ; Prospect ; Second Nobleboro' ; Bangor ; Windsor ; New Castle and Alna ; Waldo ; Dover ; Wiscasset ; Corinth ; Waldoboro' ; Atkinson and Milton ; Third Jefferson ; Searsmont ; Third Whitefield; North Whitefield; Richmond; Patrick- town Plantation ; Washington; Third Nobleboro'; First West Thom- aston ; Damariscotta Mills ; Cushing; 3d Camden ; 3d St. George, 262
CHAPTER XVI.
Lincoln Association, organized in 1805. After 13 years it gave rise to Eas- tern Maine in 1818; and in 7 years more to the Penobscot in 1825; and 17 years later to the Damariscotta, in 1842, 325
CHAPTER XVII.
Eastern Maine Association. Whole period of its existence 16 years from 1818 to 1834 ; then yielded its name to two Associations, one to be called Hancock, the other Washington, 335
CHAPTER XVIII.
Churches added to the Eastern Maine Association between 1818 and 1834. Eastport ; Gouldsboro'; Deer Isle ; Columbia and Addison ; Penobscot ; Swan Island ; Jonesboro' and Addison ; Lubec; Mariaville; Cutler ; 2d Sullivan ; Hancock ; Franklin ; Addison ; 2d Bluehill ; 2d Sedgwick ; Ellsworth ; Dennysville ; Charleston ; Cooper; 2d Mariaville; Calais ; Harrington ; Branch Pond; Reed's Brook, and East Machias. 337
CHAPTER XIX.
Hancock Association. Original Churches-Eden, p. 309 ; First Sedgwick, 263 ; Bluehill, 272 ; Surry, 278 ; Deer Isle, 282 ; Isle au Haut, 302 ; Tren- ton, 296 ; Sullivan, 297; Orland and Bucksport, 285; Brooksville, 305 ; Mt. Desert, 305; Gouldshoro', 340; Penobscot, 342 ; Swan Island, 343; Amherst, 346 ; Hancock, 348; Franklin, 348; Second Bluehill, 351; Second Sedgwick, 304 ; Ellsworth, 351; Mariaville, 354; Branch Pond, 358 ; Reed's Brook, 358.
Churches added between 1835 and 1843-Village church Ellsworth; Little Deer Isle ; West 'Trenton ; North Penobscot; Second Hancock ; North Sedgwick ; Long Island ; Aurora, 360
CHAPTER XX.
Washington Association. Original Churches-Columbia, 269; Cherryfield, 294; Eastport, 337; Steuben, 295 ; Machias-port, 340; Jonesboro' and Addison, 344; Lubec, 345; Cutler, 347; Crawford, 351 ; Addison, 350; Cooper, 354; Pembroke, 352; Harrington, 357 ; East Machias, 358 ; Ca- lais, 344 ; Charlotte, 353,
Churches added between 1835 and 1843-Hodgdon ; Eastern Calais ; Bar- ing; Beddington ; Jonesboro'; Topsfield; Amity and Orient; Calais Village ; Second Lubec ; Houlton ; Second Harrington ; East Harring- ton ; Hodgdon and Richmond, N. B. - 366
CHAPTER XXI.
Penobscot Association. Original Churches-Harmony, p. 212; Sanger- ville, 215; Guilford, 227; Parkman, 231; Athens, 233; Ripley, now Cambridge, 237; Corinna, 238 ; Carmel, 277; Hampden, 291 ; Dixmont, 293 ; Charleston, 299 ; Dover, 315; Corinth, 316.
Added at their first session from Bowdoinham Association-Frankfort, 286 ; N. Hill, 232; Bangor, 311 ; Munroe, 307; Palmyra, 219; Newport, 240. Added between 1826 and 1843-Dexter; Enfield; Bradford ; Monson ; Levant ; Kirkland and No. 8, temporary churches; Second Hampden ; Greenfield ; First St. Albans ; Abbot; Lincoln ; Lee ; Blanchard, a tempo- rary church ; Plymouth ; Foxcroft, a temporary church; Garland ; Pitts-
xii
CONTENTS.
field ; Athens Village ; Exeter ; Old Town; Sebec ; Bangor and Glen- burn ; Newburg ; Passadunkeag ; Palmyra ; Springfield : Eddington : Argyle : Newport Village : North Bangor : Patten, 375
CHAPTER XXII.
Piscataquis Association. Original Churches-Parkman, p. 231 ; First San- gerville, 215 ; Sebec, 388 ; Dover, 315 ; Abbot, 382 ; Athens Village, 387; St. Albans, 382 ; Harmony, 212; Guilford, 227; Athens, 233; Corinna, 238 ; Dexter, 376 ; Monson, 379; Cambridge, 237.
From Lincoln Association-Atkinson and Milton, 318; St. Albans and Hartland ; North-Hill, 232.
Added between 1839 and 1843-Second Sangerville ; Foxcroft and Dover Village ; East St. Albans ; Milo; Greenville and Shirley; Second Pal- myra ; Hartland, 393
CHAPTER XXIII.
Waldo Association. Churches whose histories have been given-First Vas- salboro', 109 : Second Vassalboro', 112 : First China, 176 ; Second China, 150 : First Palermo, 262 : Second Palermo, 288 : First Montville, 276 : Second Montville, 302; Freedom, 302 : Knox, 268 : Appleton, 307 : Bel- fast, 289 : Waldo, 314 : Albion, 217: Searsmont, 319 : Monroe, 307 : Frankfort, 286 : Windsor, 313 : Dixmont, 293 : Swanville, 177 : Islesboro', 188 : Belmont, 301.
Added between 1828 and 1843-Winslow : Second Searsmont : Second Belfast : Frankfort Village : Unity. - - 397
CHAPTER XXIV.
Kennebec Association. Churches from other Associations-First Sidney, p. 116 ; Second Sidney, 200; Clinton, 149; Industry, 151; Farmington, 153; Mt Vernon, 158; New Sharon, 178; Bloomfield, 180; Belgrade, 202 ; Cornville, 241 ; Milburn, 223 ; Moscow, 223 ; Waterville, 229 ; Ca- naan, 232 ; First Norridgewock, 233; Second Norridgewock, 241; Strong, 234 ; Chesterville, 235 ; Madison, 261 ; Anson, 235; New Portland, 221. Added between 1830 and 1843-Fairfield ; Augusta ; Starks ; Avon ; Second Bloomfield ; Solon; Oak Hill, - 401
CHAPTER XXV.
Cumberland Association. Original Churches-East Brunswick, p. 99; He- bron, 119 ; First Buckfield, 122 ; Paris, 123 ; First Livermore, 135; New Gloucester, 147; Jay, 156; Brunswick, 159; First Portland, 170; Sec- ond Buckfield, 177; North Yarmouth, 183; Jefferson and Lancaster, 190; Sumner, 190 ; Bethel, 191 ; Norway, 204 ; Minot, 207 : Freeport 208 : Danville, 210 : Denmark, 213 : Weld, 214 : Bridgton 217 : Hartford, 218. Added between 1811 and 1843-Bath : Second Livermore : Waterford : Scarboro': Peru : Cape Elizabeth : Byron : Canton : Turner : Poland : Oxford : Harrison : Hamlin's Gore : Woodstock : Village Church Bruns- wick : Chebeague Island : Free Street Portland : Harpswell : Durham : Main St. Brunswick, 406
CHAPTER XXVI.
Oxford Association. Original Churches-Hebron, 119: First Buckfield, 122 : Paris, 123 : First Livermore, 135: Second Buckfield, 177: Sum- ner, 190: Bethel, 191: Norway, 204: Denmark, 213: Weld, 214: Bridgton, 217 : Hartford, 218 : Second Livermore, 409 : Peru, 412 : By- ron, 413 : Canton, 413 : Turner, 413: Harrison, 416 : Hamlin's Gore, 416 : Woodstock, 416.
Added between 1828 and 1843-Paris and Woodstock : Second Brunswick : Second Bath : Sweden : Andover : Rumford : Rumford and Milton, 420
General Operations, 424
Dictionary of Ministers, 433 Statistics, - 461 - -
HISTORY.
CHAPTER I.
The shores of Maine discovered by Pring 1603-a temporary English set- tlement at the mouth of the Kennebec 1607-a temporary French Catholic settlement the same year at Mt. Desert-first permanent settlement at Saco 1623-the first settlers Episcopalians-Maine, on account of her religious tenets, not admitted to the confederacy of the other New-Eng- land Colonies-Massachusetts obtains the jurisdiction, first west of Saco river, and then over the whole province-and with her civil power grad- ually extends her religious influence.
PREVIOUS to 1602, the territory of Maine was unknown to civilized man. Savages and wild beasts were its sole and natural occupants. Bartholomew Gosnold, an English navigator, and one of those bold adventurers, trained to the career of discovery by the exertions of Sir Walter Raleigh, conceived the idea of a shorter route across the Atlantic, than by the Canary or West India Islands .* Encouraged by Raleigh, he attempted to make the discovery in 1602 ; and supposed that in May he saw some of the islands and points of land along the coast of Maine. But it was soon discovered that Gosnold was mistaken, from the fact that the places which he saw, were in a much higher latitude than he had given to them.t His reports of these places, and the valuable cargo of furs and sasafras which he pro- cured during his voyage, gained for him, however, much honor and respect, and awakened a spirit of commercial enterprise in England. But the honor of discovering these shores belongs to Martin Pring.#
*Williamson's his. Me. vol. 1, p. 184. tp. 185.
tp. 185, and Bancroft's his. of Amer. vol. 1, p. 114.
2
14
CIVIL CONDITION OF MAINE, 1607-1767.
Moved by commercial interests, and encouraged by Ra- leigh and others, several merchants of Bristol, Eng., fitted out the small ship " Speedwell," of 56 tons, with trinkets and merchandize suited to a traffic with the natives ; and Mr. Pring was appointed the principal agent. This expe- dition was commenced April 30, 1603, a few days after the death of Queen Elizabeth; and on the 7th of June they found themselves in the waters of Penobscot Bay .* Inte- rested to astonishment with the lofty appearance of the forests and high lands, and cheered with success in their undertaking, the expedition was continued till most of the islands and the principal bays and inlets along the whole coast of Maine were visited.f
This voyage was most successful, and the reports of it awakened a more general interest for the new country, both in England and in France. They became at once delighted with an imaginary view of these extensive dominions, and each resolved on possession ; consequently from this time, like expeditions and for similar purposes were annually made to these shores. To secure a prior claim to these dominions was now an object with both these rival nations.į
In the spring of 1605, prompted by the Earl of South- ampton and Lord Arundel, Geo. Weymouth was despatched from England for the purpose of exploring this territory, and of establishing a claim to its advantages. On the 11th of May he was among the islands along the shores of Maine, and remained here several weeks, mostly in Penobscot Bay. He and his comrades made frequent excursions on shore, and were not a little amused with the novel and picturesque scenery. At a point of land near Belfast, the ultimate end of their route, Weymouth erected the cross as the lawful sign of possession. Subsequently the right of possession to
*Wms. his. vol. 1, p. 185, and Ban. his. vol. 1, p. 111.
+Wms. his. Me. vol. 1, pp. 184, 185. #Wms. his. Me. vol. 1, p. 185.
15
CIVIL CONDITION OF MAINE, 1607-1767.
other portions of the territory was claimed by other associ- ations, their title being established in like manner. The lines marking the territory claimed by each not being ac- curately defined, and titles to the same territory being often granted to different persons or communities, many fiery disputes, many labored and bloody contentions about rights of possession, arose among these claimants .* The first settlement attempted on these shores, was commenced by an association of English planters, 1607. They colonized on the extreme western point of land at the mouth of Ken- nebec river, and called it the " Sagadahock Colony." But the death of Capt. Geo. Popham, their president, together with other disappointments, caused a total abandonment of the undertaking in 1608.1 During this year another settle- ment was commenced by two French Jesuits, " Bairde and Masse," on Mt. Desert island. This opened the way for the introduction of a French colony. The magistrates of Virginia regarding these French and Catholic settlers as intruders upon their chartered rights, sent Capt. Argal, in 1613, with an armed posse, who expelled these settlers from the island, destroyed their rude habitations, broke down their cross, and erected another in the name of their king. Thus ended this Jesuitical colony on the shores of Maine.# Between the years 1607 and 1620, several attempts were made to establish permanent colonies within the new Prov- ince ; but hostilities among the natives, in 1615 and '16, and a severe pestilence in 1617 and '18, rendered the pur- pose of every adventurer abortive. No permanent settle- ment was therefore gained till 1620.
After the reorganization of the " Northern," or " Ply- mouth" company in 1620, a new era opened more favorable to the settlement of this then unbroken but inviting count-
*Wms. his. vol. 1, p. 191, and Ban. his. Amer. vol. 1, p. 114. +Wms. his. Me., vol. 1, pp. 198, 201, 216. #Wms. his. Me. vol. 1, p. 209.
16
CIVIL CONDITION OF MAINE, 1607-1767.
ry. This company obtained a new charter from king James, embracing the territory lying between the 40th and 48th degree of N. lat., including the country from Phila- delphia to the Bay of Chaleurs. Previous to this time the English had occupied the territory west of the Kennebec, and the French east of that river, with the exception of some interruption. But now it was recognized by this charter as the sole possession of English subjects .*
In 1622, Sir Ferdinand Gorges and Capt. John Mason, obtained of the Plymouth Council, a patent to all the count- ry between the Merrimack river N. H., and Kennebec river Me., and called it the " Province of Livonia." By Gorges, Mason, and their associates was the first permanent settle- ment commenced within the limits of Maine, and on the island Monhegan,t a suitable place for trading and fishing. In 1623, the first permanent settlement on the main land was commenced at the mouth of Sacoriver (now Saco and Biddeford). In 1630, John Oldham and Richard Vines, were made patentees to a small tract of land lying on either side, and at the mouth of this river, and immediately enter- ed upon possession. §
About this time, attracted by the advantages of traffic with the natives and other inviting circumstances of the country, emigration to the shores began to be rapid, and as a consequence, the forests about the Kennebec, Sheepscot, Damariscotta, Pemaquid, and St. George rivers began to give way before the industry of the white man. || Openings in the wilderness then appeared, where now are spread out the fruitful fields, or grows the flourishing village, or stands the imposing city. Notwithstanding the disadvan- tages peculiar to the settlement of a new country, the work
*Wms. his. Me. vol. 1, p. 221-Willis, his. Port. vol. 1, p. 10. +Willis' his. Port. vol. 1, p. 12. #Wms. his. Me. vol.1, p. 226-Willis' his. Port. vol. 1, p. 16. 6Wms. his. Me. v. 1, p. 226-Ban. his. Am. v.1, p. 330-Willis' his. Port. vol. 1, p. 16. |Wms. his. Me. vol. 1, p. 228.
17
CIVIL CONDITION OF MAINE, 1607-1767.
went on vigorously for several years. Trading-houses were erected in several favorable positions, and the abundant fruits of a rich soil cheered the heart of the bold adventur- er. Settlements were now commenced at Boothbay, Woolwich, Kittery-Point, Elliot and Berwick .*
Emigration soon however received a serious check. Expenses and disappointments, the direct results of contin- ued contention and disputes about titles and claims, veiled the new settlers in a gloom of discouragement. The con- stant changing of titles caused a continued changing of residence by occupants. The distance between the settle- ments, the difficulties of intercourse, together with these ruinous agitations among claimants, tended seriously to in- terrupt the progress of society in order, morals and religion.
The wars about claims ended in 1675, and Massachusetts was recognized as sole owner of the Province. This peace- ful state of things is accredited to the wisdom and influence of the Hon. John Usher, by whose advice Massachusetts purchased all the title which Gorges held to the Province, for 1250 lbs. sterling.t At this time the population did not exceed 6000.₺ As regards the general character of the people throughout the Province in the first stages of its history, it was loose and immoral.§ Many attempts were made to check the increase at least of so loose, so reckless, so licentious an influence as was then tooprevalent. These efforts however, did but little more than to check that increase; for religion was confined to the few, while the many were lawless and wicked.
The first organized form of government in Maine, was established by Sir F. Gorges in 1636, who obtained abso- lute possession of the territory west of Pemaquid (Noble- borough) in 1635. The French claimed at this time the
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