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F 27 C36
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
[FORCE COLLECTION.] Chof. F27 Thef . C. 3C6
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
1800
Class
F27
Book
Sør
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Chronicles
OF
CASCO BAY.
Generations to come will applaud the wisdom, integrity, and wonderful perseverance of the first planters of our shores .- EDWARD RUSSELL.
PORTLAND:
SANBORN AND CARTER.
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MDCCCL .-
LIBE
IS67 CITY OF WAREli
Press of A. Shirley & Son.
CONTENTS.
FIRST SETTLEMENT OF CASCO BAY.
First permanent settlement in Maine, 1630-attention called to this section - of the country as early as 1605-Capt. George Weymouth-his discovery of the Penobscot-he takes five Indians to England-Sir Ferdinando Gor- ges-he sends vessels to America in 1609-Richard Vines-disease among the natives-Vines cordially received-his party stop at Winter Harhor- Gorges obtains a grant from Plymouth colony-a charter from the crown- William Gorges-his government-councillors-Alexander Rigby takes possession of the colony-George CIcaves appointed his deputy-the course of Cleaves -- he conveys lands 'in Casco and other places-Richmond's Island-Robert Jordan -- Cleaves opens a court-a singular memorial-sub- mission to the Massachusetts colony-the grant of Charles II-death of Gorges-heirs of Gorges-confusion of public affairs-Jolin Usher-Char- ter incorporated with Massachusetts Bay-Maine an independent Statc.
FIRST ATTACK OF THE INDIANS ON FALMOUTH.
Philip-his adherents-Symon-his boast-Anthony Brackett-the treache- ry of Symon-the Indians' attack on the family of Brackett-letter by Thaddeus Clark-Elizabeth Harvey-account of the war-names of killed and prisoners-William Hubbard-Brackett and his family taken prison- ers-'their escape-George Felt-removal of the people to Jewel's Island- assault of the natives-Richard Pots and wife-attack on Black Point-Mugg -Madokawando-death of Mugg-Thomas Cobbet-his captivity-escape.
CHRONICLES OF EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND FOUR.
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Directors of Portland Bank-Daniel George-a poem-fires-Samuel Frce- man-sketch of his life-postmaster-income of the Post-office-Mr. Free- man's removal from the office-his card-Gideon Granger-town officers- Register of Deeds-Representatives to the General Court-votes for Gov- ernor-fourth of July-oration-toasts-James D. Hopkins-Stephen Longfellow-Joseph Pope-Elizabeth Mclellan-William Gorham-John Frothingham-Henry Wadsworth-his death-Peleg Wadsworth-his re- markable escape-Woobury Storer-Tobias Ham-Rufus King-Jolın Ta- ber & Son-John Howard-mecting previous to clection-names of vigilant committee-merchants in Portland-dwelling honses built-population- marriages-deaths.
[See third page of Cover.]
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GEORGE BURROUGHS.
The father of Burroughs-he gradnates-comes to Falmouth-is driven from his house by the Indians-goes to Bangs's Island-Henry Jocelyn-he is appointed Deputy-Governor-removes to Prout's Neck-is appointed Sen- ior Justice-retires to Pemaquid-removes to Plymouth-he marries the widow Commock-becomes embarrassed-his son Henry-John Jocelyn- Brian Pendleton-his letter-Anthony and Thomas Brackett-Major Wal- dron-settles at Dover-representative to the General Court-his stratagem -sends two hundred Indians to Boston-revenge of the savages-strata- · gem of the Indians-Mesandowit-bravery of Waldron-his painful death- Bryan Pendleton a representative-lie removes to Portsmouth-settles in Saco-appointed Sergeant Major-his death-his children-Mr. Burroughs goes to Salem village-preaches-his salary-he leaves Salem and returns . to Falmouth-his liberality-he retreats to Wells-is accused of witcheraft -the indictment-witnessess-his trial-singular testimony of the bewitched -his feats of strength-Elizur Keysar's testimony-holding a gun at arm's length-Ruck's testimony-the verdict of the court-the sentence of death passed upon him-he declares his innocence-addresses the people-repeats the Lord's prayer before his death-his children-descendants-Isaiah Thomas.
CHRONICLES OF EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND SEVEN.
William Symmes-Maine bank broken open-Rev. Mr. Noyes-Nathaniel Knights-shock of an earthquake-Abigail Taylor-night watch-William Thompson-Jonathan Scott-his house consumed-Zephaniah Harding- . freshets-the mail stage swept away-Samuel Foxcroft-annual town meet- ing-officers chosen-votes for Governor-votes respeeting the separation of Maine from Massachusetts-centre school house-marriage of Jotham Davis-Pendleton Fletcher-thunder storm-stage struck by lightning- shock of an carthquake-Dr. Morrell attacked by a stecr-Representatives to the General Court-Mehitable Meserve-singular death of William Ste- phens-Supreme Court-trial of Joseph Donnough-attorneys admitted to practice-Anthony Morse-accident on Fort Hill-Cotton street laid out- Bank strect-high way robbers-Portland Lodge-fourth of July celebration -loss of the schooner Charles on the rocks near Richmond's Island-list of the drowned-Joseph Williams-death of Joseph M'Keen-Commodore Preble-John Baker -- Alexander Munroe-Dolly Taylor-Capt. David Smith-his'severe afflictions and losses-Benevolent Society-John Patter- son-Josiah Converse-William Tyng-Thomas Hopkins-Judge Wildc- ordination of Edward Payson-merchants in Portland-dwelling houses built-population-marriages-deaths.
TO THE DESCENDANTS OF THE PILGRIMS.
THE author of the "Chronicles ". intends to make a work that will be interesting and valuable, not only to the descendants of the early settlers of Casco Bay, but to all who feel in- terested in the history of our pilgrim fathers. His work will be issued in numbers like the present, as often as circumstances will admit, and no pains will be spared to make it as free from mistakes and errors as it is possible to make a work of this character. The book will contain, at least, five hun- dred pages.
It is his intention to chronicle all the events of importance that have' transpired from the first settlement of Casco Bay to the present time -- inclu- ding the early marriages, births, and deaths, and genealogies of families. The materials in his possession have been gathered from various sources and it has occupied more or less of his time for many years past. Histories of individuals and events, when of suf- ficient length and interest, will form distinct chapters, as in the present number.
Yet more facts and more documents are desirable. We would particularly request those who have letters or pa- pers of any description whatever, rel -- ative to our ancestors, or any interest- ing facts in their possession, to com- / municate the same to the publishers of this work. Of however trifling value they may appear to them, we trust they will not withhold them. We would also request lists of the
carly military companies-of minis- ters and church members-of school masters and scholars, and of individu- als who have in any way distinguished themselves.
We should be happy to receive cop- ies of old deeds, wills, commissions, or journals which may have been kept by families or individuals, whether for one month or for a series of years. Also, genealogies of the early settlers of Casco Bay. Letters or documents thrown aside in old chests and garrets, _ where they have lain for scores of years, may be invaluable to us. Will those who have papers left by their ancestors, bring them to the light and send them to the 'publishers of the " Chronicles " ? ' A short delay may be the means of losing many interest- ing and valuable documents.
In our next number will be com- menced a valuable and interesting journal, kept during the revolutionary ' times, by Mr. William Moody of Port- land, who was a member of Capt. Bradish's Company, that was ordered to Cambridge in 1775.
Can any one furnish us with the list of Captain Lowell's company of 1775 ?- of a copy of Pitchwood Hill, by Dr. Dean ?- of files, or parts of files of Portland papers, previous to the year. 1800 ?
All' communications, relative to the design of this work, addressed to Messrs. SANBORN &: CARTER, will be thankfully received.
March, 1850.
LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS AT PLYMOUTH HRADEC. 1820
CHRONICLES OF CASCO BAY.
FIRST SETTLEMENT IN CASCO BAY.
First permanent settlement in Maine, 1630-attention called to this section of the country as early as 1605-Capt. George Weymouth-his discove- ry of the Penobscot-he takes five Indians to England-Sir Ferdinand Gorges-he sends vessels to America in 1609-Richard Vines-disease among the natives-Vines cordially received-his party stop at Winter Harbor-Gorges obtains a grant from Plymouth colony-a charter from the crown-William Gorges-his government-councillors -- Alexander Rigby takes possession of the colony-George Cleaves appointed his deputy-the course of Cleaves-he conveys lands in Casco and other places-Richmond's Island-Robert Jordan-Cleaves opens a court-a singular memorial-submission to the Massachusetts colony-the grant of Charles II-death of Gorges-heirs of Gorges-confusion of public af- fairs-John Usher-Charter incorporated with Massachusetts Bay- Maine an independent State.
IN the year 1630, the first permanent settlement 1630. was effected in Maine, by people who emigrated from the Plymouth colony. This year, says an old writer, "Bryan Brincks, John Smith, and others, went into New England and settled themselves in Casco Bay, near unto the south side of the river Sagadahock, [ Kennebec,] and laid out several sums of money there, made laws and constitutions, &c. for the governing of said Province." As early as the year 1605, however, the attention of several
2
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FIRST SETTLEMENT IN CASCO BAY.
1605. gentlemen had been called to this part of Amer- ica. Capt. George Weymouth,1 on his return from a voyage of discovery, mistook his course and dis- covered the river Penobscot-whence he carried to England five Indians, one a Sagamore and three others of them persons of distinction. Sir Ferdi- nando Gorges seized upon three of the natives, whom he kept in his family for the space of three years and then sent them back. From these Indians he gained much information respecting our shores and resolved to send hither a party with a view of ma- 1609. king a settlement. In the year 1609, he purchas- ed a ship and procured a master and crew. Among others, he sent Richard Vines-a man in whom he had the utmost confidence. Vines was an enterprising man and a strong Episcopalian. He made several voyages for Gorges, when the latter gentleman, in con- cert with Dr. Shutliffe, dean of Exeter, and other gentlemen, in the year 1615, fitted out several vessels, 1617. with a view to explore the country. In 1616 or 1617, we find Richard Vines and his companions again upon our coast, sent out by the indefatigable Gorges-a man who never yielded to discouragements. When they arrived, a destructive disease" prevailed among the natives, which is taken notice of by all the early wri- ters of New England. The Indians cordially received Mr. Vines and treated him and his company with great kindness. The Englishmen visited the cabins and wigwams of the natives, without suffering from the
1 Capt. Weymouth sailed from the Downs in March, 1605, with twenty- eight persons. He returned in July.
2 This disease was thought by some to be the yellow fever, and by others the small pox.
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FIRST SETTLEMENT IN CASCO BAY.
contagion and finally pitched upon Winter Harbor at the mouth of the Saco river, to remain during the win- ter season. Vines performed several voyages in the employ of Gorges; but for how many years we are not informed.
1617.
In 1635, Sir Ferdinando obtained a grant from the 1635. council of Plymouth, of all the land lying between the rivers Piscataqua and Sagadahock-the mouth of the Kennebec, and so far up the river as to make a square of one hundred and twenty miles. Sir Ferdinando ob- tained from the king a charter of the soil and jurisdic- tion over it. The crown never granted to any subject more powers than were given to Gorges.1 He enjoined little else than the establishment of the Episcopal forms of church government. Of the whole province Gorges was made Lord Palatine, with the same privi- leges and powers as the Bishop of Durham, in the county of Palatine of Durham.
To administer justice to the people, Sir Ferdinando, in 1636, sent over his nephew, William Gorges, to act in the capacity of Governor; a man every way quali- fied for his office. It was in Saco2 that he entered up- on his duties. At this time this was the oldest and the most flourishing settlement in the Province. In the mean time Mr. Vines had acted as Governor, with the assistance of Richard Bonython. This year there were raised for the support of public worship, thirty
1636.
1 Gorges obtained of the king, in confirmation of his own grant, a dis- tinct charter of the land from Piscat- aqua to Sagadahock, styled The Province of Meyne. This name was given as a compliment to the Queen of Charles 1. who owned. as her pri-
vate estate in France, The Province of Meyne.
2 The Indian name of Saco river was Sawocotuck : hence the name of Saco-or Sawco, as it was formerly spelt.
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FIRST SETTLEMENT IN CASCO BAY.
1636. pounds. The number of the colonists assessed to pay the amount, was twenty-one. The whole number of people who composed the settlement, at this period, was about one hundred and sixty.
The system adopted in his government by Gorges, was, to retain the power in his own hands and appoint, of his own selection, a council of seven, and also to provide for a branch, consisting of representatives cho- sen by the people. He prepared a transcript of his charter and commissioned councillors to execute their trust and read their instructions to the people, that they might know how they were governed. The com- mission, under his hand and seal, is dated September 2, 1639. His permanent councillors were as follows : Thomas Gorges,1 Deputy Governor; Richard Vines, of Saco ; Heny Joscelyn, of Black Point ; Francis Cham- pernoon, of Piscataqua ; Richard Bonython, of Saco ; William Hook, of Agamenticus, and Edward Godfrey, of Piscataqua, [Kittery.]
Thomas Gorges, after the expiration of his mission, 1644. which expired in 1644, returned to England. The success of republican principles in the mother country, induced Alexander Rigby-a man of piety and wealth -to become the purchaser of this grant. According- ly, in April, 1643, he took possession of the country. He commissioned George Cleaves,? who had lived for thirteen years at Spurwink, and on the neck at Fal-
1 Thomas Gorges was a cousin to Sir Ferdinando. Champernoon was his nephew. The latter died in 1687. Two of his daughters married broth- ers by the name of Cutts. Another married Humphrey Elliot.
2 In the year 1630, George Cleaves, in connection with Richard Tucker,
carried on business at the month of Spurwink river, Cape Elizabeth. As the friend of Cleaves, Tueker took a deep interest in his affairs, and when the difficulty arose between Vines and Cleaves, the former used Tucker roughly on his visit to Saco and threw him in prison.
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FIRST SETTLEMENT IN CASCO BAY.
1643.
mouth, but who was at this time in England, his depu- ty-president. Cleaves was aware of the trouble he was likely to meet with from the former agents of Gor- ges, who had exercised jurisdiction over the Province for six or seven years, and on arriving at Boston, in 1644, he endeavored, but in vain, to enlist in his be- half the Massachusetts magistrates. He then address- ed a letter to Gorges's Council and returned to the neck, (Falmouth.) But his movements met with in- cessant opposition from the Council. After endeavor- ing, in various ways, to effect a reconciliation between the parties, a special court was held in Boston, June 3, 1645, to hear the case. But as neither party could make it appear, by legal proof, that the territory be- longed to them, the court dismissed the case, and ad- vised the disputants to live in peace.
The government of Cleaves was now 'little more than a supervision of the interest of Rigby. . As his agent, however, in 1647, he conveyed lands in Spur- 1647. wink, Casco, Purpooduck, and upon the Islands.1 Rig- by was a zealous Episcopalian, and it was by his en- couragement that Richard Gibson settled on Rich- mond's Island. The council of Plymouth had granted this Island to Robert Trelawney and Moses Goodyeare, who, in 1632, appointed John Winter,? to superintend the fishery at that place.
1 Cleaves gave a deed of Peak's Island to his son-in-law, Michael Mit- ton, in 1637, by virtue of a commis- sion from Gorges, dated February 25, of this year, "for letting and settling lands and islands between Cape Eliz- abeth and Sagadahock." Cleaves al- so conveyed a large tract of land to George Mountjoy.
2 John Winter died in 1645, leaving one daughter, who married Rev. Rob- ert Jordan, whose descendants are nu- merous in Cape Elizabeth. Mr. Jor- dan died at Great Island, N. H., 1679. aged 78, leaving a large estate in lands to his sons.
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FIRST SETTLEMENT IN CASCO BAY.
1646.
6
In March, 1646, by a decision of the Governor-Gen- eral and Commissioners .of the American Plantations, Alexander Rigby became rightful owner and proprie- tor of the Province. This decision was unwelcome to the adherents of Gorges, but they were obliged, how- ever unwillingly, to submit to it, and some of them ac- tually left the Province. Cleaves immediately opened a court at Saco, under the authority of Rigby. At this place, at Casco, and at Black Point he held ses- sions for several years.1
In this manner government was administered until 1652. the year 1652, when the people submitted to the Mas- sachusetts colony, which claimed the land and jurisdic- tion of the Province of Maine as far as the middle of Casco Bay .? For the first time, Maine took the name of Yorkshire, and county courts were held as in Mas- sachusetts, and the inhabitants had liberty to send their deputies to the general court.
1664.
In the year 1664, Charles II. granted to the Duke of York, his brother, that part of New England which lies between the St. Croix and Pemaquid rivers on the
1 A singular memorial was present- ed to the conrt in 1647. It read thus : " The Immble petition of Richard Cutts and John Cutting, sheweth- That, contrary to an order, or act of court, which says-no woman shall live on the Isle of Shoals : John Reynolds has brought his wife hither, with an intention to live here and abide. He has also brought upon Hog Island a great stock of goats and swine, which, by destroying much fish, do great damage to your petitioners and oth- ers ; and also spoil the spring of wa- ter upon that Island, rendering it nn- fit for any manner of use-which af- fords the only relief and supply to all the rest of the Islands. Your peti- tioners, therefore, pray, that the aet of court may be put in execution for the
removal of all women from inhabiting there ; and that said Reynolds may be ordered to remove his goats and swine from the Island without delay ; and as in duty bound is your petitioners' prayer .??
The court ordered Reynolds to re- move, within twenty days, his goats and swine from Hog Island, and from such other Islands as were inhabited by fishermen. In regard to the wife, the court thought fit, that " if no fur- ther complaint came against her, she may enjoy the company of her Inis- band."
2 At this period a new construction was put upon the Massachusetts char- ter, which was given to Rosswell and others in 1628, whereby the soil was claimed.
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FIRST SETTLEMENT IN CASCO BAY.
.
sea coast-up the Pemaquid to its head-thence to 1664. the Kennebec river, in a northerly course to the river St. Lawrence. This part of New England was annex- ed to the government of New York, and called the Duke of York's property. On the death of Charles II. his brother became James II .; but upon his abdica- tion these tracts reverted to the crown. Upon the res- toration, the heirs of Gorges1 made complaint to the crown of the Massachusetts usurpation. In 1665, the king's commissioners visited New England-came to Maine and appointed officers independent of the Mas- sachusetts colony. These magistrates administered government according to the instructions given them by the king's commissioners, until the year 1668 or 1669, when the general court appointed and sent 1669. commissioners and interrupted those who had been ap- pointed by the king's authority.
The public affairs were in much confusion : some de- claring for the heirs of Gorges and the king, and oth- ers for Massachusetts. The latter finally prevailed, and courts of pleas and criminal jurisdiction were held in the province of Maine.
In the year 1674, the heirs of Gorges again made complaint to the king of the ursurpation of Massachu- setts Bay, and the people were called to answer to the complaint. The consequence was, for a time, they ceased to exercise their authority, and the grandson of Gorges sent over instructions. In the year 1677, the
1674.
1 Sir Ferdinando Gorges died in England, 1648, at the age of 74. His eldest son John, to whom fell his es- tate, through incapacity, or not think- ing that he should prove successful in
his efforts, took no care whatever of the property. It was a grandson of Sir Ferdinando, who now made com- plaint to the king.
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FIRST SETTLEMENT IN CASCO BAY.
1677. Massachusetts colony, through their agent, John Ush- er,1 Esq. afterwards Lieutenant Governor of New Hamp- shire, purchased the interest of the patent for the sum of twelve hundred ! pounds sterling. Massachusetts now governed the territory in the manner the charter of Maine had directed, until 1684, at which period the charter was vacated. After the accession of William and Mary, in 1691, the province of Maine and the large territory eastward, extending as far as Nova Scotia, were, by charter, incorporated with Massa- chusetts Bay. The district of Maine remained a part of Massachusetts, until the year 1820, when it was formed into an independent State.
1820.
1 John Usher was born in Boston, and in early life followed the business of stationer. His austerity of man-
ners made him unpopular with the people. He died at Medford, Septem- ber 5, 1726, aged 77 years.
FIRST ATTACK OF THE INDIANS ON FALMOUTH.
Philip-his adherents-Symon-his boast-Anthony Brackett-the treache- ry of Symon-the Indians' attack on the family of Brackett-letter by Thaddeus Clark-Elizabeth Harvey-account of the war-names of killed and prisoners-William Hubbard-Brackett and his family taken prison- ers-their escape-George Felt-removal of the people to Jewel's Island- assault of the natives-Richard Pots and wife-attack on Black Point-Mugg -Madokawando-death of Mugg-Thomas Cobbet-his captivity-escape.
DURING King Philip's1 war, in the month of August, 1676. 1676, several of his strongest adherents, who could speak a little English and had acquired English names, escaped to the Merrimack river and made sad havoc in destroying the inhabitants and wasting their prop- erty. One of the greatest adepts in villany, was an Indian by the name of Symon. He had been confined
1 Philip, a sachem of Pokanoket, succeeded his brother Alexander. He was the son of Massassoit, king of the Womponoogs, whose anthority extend- ed from Narraganset Bay to Massa- chusetts Bay, who died in 1655. In 1662, king Philip renewed the friend- ship which had existed with the En- glish, and came under an obligation not to dispose of any lands without their consent. But, by the importunity of his young warriors. in 1675, he com- menced a war with the Colonists, which almost desolated New England. He foresaw the extinction of his tribe, should the English make settlements without interruption, and he was de- termined to make vigorous efforts to
prevent this calamity. Consequently, the spirit of war was enflamed in the hearts of his followers, and on the Sabbath, June 20, the first attack was made on the English. After doing an inealenlable amount of evil, and now having but few followers left, Philip was pursued into a swamp by Capt. Benjamin Church, on Saturday. Ang- ust 12th, 1676, and shot by an Indian by the name of Alderman. His gun was loaded with two balls one pass- ed through his heart and the other pass- ed about two inches from it. He fell up- on his face with his gun under him. By the orders of Capt. Church, Phil- ip was beheaded and quartered.
3
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ATTACK OF THE INDIANS ON FALMOUTH.
1676. in jail in Dover, but making his escape, with a coun- terfeit pass, he came to Casco Bay. This Symon often boasted that he had fired at numbers of white men and never but once failed of bringing his object to the ground. He was, therefore, surnamed " the Yankee killer."
With Anthony Brackett, who lived at Back Cove- about a quarter of a mile from where Deering's bridge is built-he had made himself acquainted and often visited his house. Early in the month of August- on the 9th of the month, we believe-some of the In- dians killed a cow belonging to Mr. Brackett. Symon offered to discover the marauders. "I can show you the fellows that killed the creature," said he. Not suspecting any evil intention, Mr. Brackett and his neighbors despatched two messengers to inform Major Waldron of Dover, of the injury that had been done to his property. Before their return, on the 11th of August, a party of savages came to Brackett's, head- ed by Symon,1 who exclaimed, as he approached the house, " Here are the Indians who took your cow," and forthwith seizing all the weapons in sight, proceeded to bind Mr. Brackett, his wife, their five children, and a black servant. Being thus bound they were led away prisoners. Nathaniel Mitton, brother to Mrs.
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