USA > Maine > Oxford County > Bethel > History of Bethel : formerly Sudbury, Canada, Oxford County, Maine, 1768-1890, with a brief sketch of Hanover and family statistics > Part 1
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
mhs
12
435:12X
الويز ركى
THE MILWAUKEE LITHO & ENGR CO
T.a. chapman
HISTORY OF BETHEL,
FORMERLY SUDBURY CANADA
OXFORD COUNTY, MAINE
1768-1890
WITH A BRIEF SKETCH OF HANOVER 1
AND
FAMILY STATISTICS
COMPILED BY WILLIAM B. LAPHAM
-
"And he called the name of that place Bethel."-Genesis xviii, 19.
AUGUSTA, ME : PRESS OF THE MAINE FARMER, 1891.
COPYRIGHTED IN 1891. BY WILLIAM B. LAPHAM.
1138920
DEDICATION.
TO MR. TIMOTHY APPLETON CHAPMAN, MERCHANT, OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, WHOSE
HONORED GRANDSIRE WAS AMONG THE PIONEER SETTLERS OF SUDBURY CANADA TO WIIICH HE GAVE THE NAME OF BETHEL ;
WHOSE FATHER SPENT HERE HIS YOUTH, HIS EARLY MANHOOD AND SOME OF HIS DECLINING YEARS,
AND WHOSE KINDRED HAVE EVER BEEN AMONG THE FOREMOST CITIZENS OF THE TOWN ; WHOSE PRE-EMINENT BUSINESS SUCCESS HAS AFFORDED HIM AMPLE MEANS, AND WHOSE GENEROSITY HAS DISPOSED HIM TO NUMEROUS DEEDS OF BENEVOLENCE AND CHARITY ; WHOSE LOYALTY TO THE HOME OF HIS ANCESTORS HAS BEEN PROVED ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS, AND THROUGH WHOSE PUBLIC SPIRIT, THE PUBLICATION OF A
History of Bethel
HAS BEEN RENDERED POSSIBLE, THIS VOLUME IS MOST e RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED AND DEDICATED BY THE COMPILER, WM. B. LAPHAM. Augusta. Maine, Jan. 1, 1892.
+
Moss Snu. Co.N.Y.
DR. WM. B. LAPHAM
PREFACE.
In eighteen hundred fifty-nine and the year following, Dr. Nathaniel T. True published in the Bethel Courier of which he was editor, a series of articles which he called the history of Bethel. Perhaps a more appropri- ate name would have been "materials toward a history of Bethel," for this it really was. In eighteen hundred seventy-four and five, the com- piler of this volume, published in the Oxford Democrat, a series of articles entitled Early Bethel Families, in which most of the leading early families were written up. When Dr. True became disabled for work, he suggested that his material and mine be united and kept together until a history of Bethel could be published in book form. Accordingly he sent to me his gleanings, including the chapters in the Courier, with the request that I would make such use of them as I should deem best. I had had this material by me for more than ten years, adding to it from time to time, and arranging it in proper form, before any effort was made to have it printed. Meantime, Dr. True had passed to his eternal rest. It was not until the generous proposition was made by Hon. Timothy A. Chapman which was seconded by the town, that a way seemed opened for placing the history of Bethel in a substantial form to be preserved, and it is but simple justice to Mr. Chapman to state here that but for him this volume could not have been printed at this time, and perhaps never. Mr. Chap- man has also contributed much more than any other to illustrate the work. Another person who has manifested a deep interest in the work is Hon. Lafayette Grover of Portland, Oregon, who in the high places he has filled and the esteem in which he is held, is second to no son of Bethel. He has contributed eight of the illustrations. Others have shown more or less interest in various ways so that the compiler has no special cause of complaint.
The gleanings and gatherings by Dr. True have been of great service, though they have been used as material and most of it rewritten. It has been the desire of the compiler that Dr. True should have full credit for what he accomplished, and he consequently occupies a conspicuous position throughout the volume. Though not a native of the town, his name will ever be closely associated with the history of Bethel. It has been the aim of the compiler to group the matter which has come into his
vi
HISTORY OF BETHEL.
hands in an intelligent manner, and by means of indexes, to secure easy reference. The loss of the plantation and a portion of the town records, has been seriously felt through all stages of the work. Such a loss is most unfortunate because irreparable. No doubt there are important omissions, for many things transpired in early Bethel of which no record was made, and it is too late to have the advantage of oral testimony. Some things of minor importance are necessarily left out, for it is not pos- sible to crowd all the incidents and doings of a town like Bethel into one volume, and keep it within reasonable dimensions. The records of some of the societies which have been established for a while and then have died out are not accessible. and so exact data concerning them could not be ob- tained. They have either been mislaid or destroyed. Yet it is hoped that the intelligent people of Bethel will find many things here to interest them ; that this volume will aid the venerable in years, in recalling the almost forgotten incidents of their childhood days, and in bringing before the mental vision, faces once familiar but long since lost to sight ; that the young may here learn something of the privations and hardships to which their ancestors were exposed in making homes for themselves and for their posterity in this wilderness, and finally, that its perusal may re- sult in a more ardent love for the dear old town and a deeper veneration for those who founded it, and made it what it is. The personnel of the work has been made prominent, but I trust not unduly so, for the chief points of interest in a town's history are those which relate to the lives and doings of the principal inhabitants. Personal notices are brief and this has been necessary on account of the large number noticed.
I have been deeply interested in my work, for all my early associations are with Bethel and her people. It was there that I attended the common schools and the academy, and the school house still standing, where I first attended, is the same in which I first tried to teach. I have been familiar with Bethel for more than half its years. I remember the days of lum- bering stage-coaches, and mails only once a week, of the hard times for farmers for want of a near market, of the great scarcity of money, and of enforced economy in household expenditures. I have witnessed all the great changes brought about by the introduction of railways, the tele- graph and the telephone, and the application of steam power for propel- ling machinery. I was acquainted with some of the early settlers, and when a boy, I heard from the lips of Nathaniel Segar, the story of his captivity. Of the second generation. I was acquainted with most of them, in all parts of the town. Many years have elapsed since I ceased to be a resident ; many familiar faces have gone out and many strangers have come in ; a new generation has come upon the stage of action and many other and great changes have been wrought, yet my interest in the dear old town is unabated, for whatever changes may have taken place in pop- ulation, the river, the crystal brooks, the broad intervales, the hills and mountains and all the varied scenery remain the same, and after the lapse of all these years, can be called in review at will.
During the progress of the work I have been laid under obligation to
vii
HISTORY OF BETHEL.
various persons, the chief of whom are Dr. John F. Pratt of Chelsea, Leonard B. Chapman of Deering, Addison E. Herrick, Goodwin R. Wiley, Hon. Enoch Foster and Leander T. Barker of Bethel, Elbridge G. Wheeler and Oscar D. Grover of West Bethel, Virgil V. Twitchell of Gorham, N. H .. Asa P. Knight of Washington, D. C., and the librarian of the New England Historical and Genealogical Society of Boston. My thanks are also due to all who have aided in illustrating the volume and thereby add- ing to its interest and value. These almost speaking likenesses will grow dearer and dearer as the years roll by, while the glimpses of landscape beauty to those who have left the town, will be a constant reminder, and will serve to intensify the love and devotion for the scenes of their child- hood days. And finally, to the discriminating judgment of Bethel people wherever they may be, this history is respectfully submitted, with the hope that those who have contributed to aid in its publication may feel that it has been profitably expended.
AUGUSTA, ME., January 1, 1892.
WM. B. LAPHAM.
ABSTRACT OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Epitome of Maine History-The Northmen-Columbus-Other Early Voyagers-Claims to the Country-Colonization Schemes -North and South Virginia-The Colonies of Jamestown and Sagadahoc-Plymouth and the Massachusetts Bay-Maine ab- sorbed by Massachusetts-The Separation-State Government organized-Maine in the War of the Rebellion. · 1-18.
CHAPTER II.
Grants of Narragansett and Canada Townships-King Philips War-Invasion of Canada by Sir Williams Phips-Seige and Capture of Louisburg-Grant of Maine Townships to Soldiers- Various Land Grants. 19-27.
CHAPTER III.
Sudbury Canada Grant-Petitioned for in 1737 and granted in 1768-Petition of Josiah Richardson in 1767-List of Original Petitioners-Additional Petitioners-The Proprietors' Records Lost-Joseph Twitchell of Sherbourn-Early Conveyances-In- habitants of Newry Petition. 19-27
CHAPTER IV.
Natural Features-Metes and Bounds-Plans of the Township- Rivers-Mountains-Surface and Soil-Mineral Spring-Flora- Fauna. 29-36.
CHAPTER V.
First Settlers-Jonathan Keyes-Samuel Ingalls-Eleazer Twitchell -Benjamin Russell-Abraham Russell-James Swan-Jonathan
ix
HISTORY OF BETHEL.
Clark-Benjamin Clark-Jesse Duston-Nathaniel Segar-Amos Powers-John York-John Grover-Amos Hastings-Peter Austin. 37-45.
CHAPTER VI.
Sudbury Canada Attacked by Indians-Segar and the Clarks Cap- tured-Jonathan Clark Returns-Account of the Journey to Canada with Incidents along the way-Arrive at Tribal Head- quarters in Canada-Made Prisoners of War-Liberated and reach their old Homes in Newton. 45-51.
CHAPTER VII.
Defensive Measures-Great Consternation in the Plantation-Frye- burg Appealed to-John Grover the Messenger-Prompt Re- sponse-Indians pursued but without avail-Fort erected and manned-Accounts for Services Presented-Number Four Peti- tioned for and refused-Roll of the Garrison. 53-61.
CHAPTER VIII.
Early Statistics-First Enumeration in 1790-Direct Tax of 1798. 61-63.
CHAPTER IX.
Increase of Population and Incorporation-Where the early settlers lived-the Twitchell Mill-Jonathan Bean-Called Bethel at the suggestion of Rev. Eliphaz Chapman-Act of Incorporation- First Town Meeting. 63-68.
CHAPTER X.
Second Enumeration, 1800-Large Increase in Population-Total, 622 69-70.
CHAPTER XI.
THE ANDROSCOGGIN Indians-Worombo's Deed-The Pejepscots and Rockomekos-Their Corn fields in Bethel-Their hostility to the English-Euphonic Indian names-Lovewell's Fight-The Androscoggins emigrate to Canada-Molly Ockett-Metalluk- Various Other Indians who visited Bethel. 71-83.
x
HISTORY OF BETHEL.
CHAPTER XII.
Military Affairs-Soldiers of the Revolution-Town Militia- Petition for an Artillery Company-Commissioned Officers-War. of 1812-16-Boundary Contest. 83-93.
CHAPTER XIII.
Travel and Mail Facilities-Post-riders-First Post Office-The- Stage System-List of Post Offices and Postmasters. 93-97.
CHAPTER XIV.
Later Settlements-Intervales first settled-Francis Hemmingway -The "Whale's Back"-Abijah Lapham-Caleb Bessee-Berry Hill-Levi Berry and family-The Bryants, Jordans, Cushmans,. Birds and Estes-Kimball Hill-The Locke's Mills and Bean's Corner road-The River road-Jeremiah Andrews, Luther Bean, The Frosts, Howards and Bartletts-South Bethel, once Walker's Mills. 97-103.
CHAPTER XV.
A Chapter of Statistics-Settlement of Oxford County Towns- County of Oxford Erected-Its Original Towns-Towns since added-Population by towns 1790 to 1820-Educational Matters. in the County-Agricultural Statistics-Titles to the soil-Sales and Grants. 105-112.
CHAPTER XVI.
Prominent Bethel Men Deceased-Jedediah Burbank-Barbour Bartlett-Lt. Jonathan Clark-George W. Chapman-Timothy Chapman-Robert A. Chapman-Elbridge Chapman-Elias M .. Carter-Phineas Frost, Eli Foster, John Grover, Senior-Cuvier Grover-Tallyrand Grover-Israel Kimball Jr .- Ira C. Kimball -John Kimball-Samuel Barron Locke-John Locke-Charles. R. Locke-Moses Mason-Ayers Mason-Dr. N. T. True- Eleazer Twitchell-Eli Twitchell-Ezra Twitchell-Peter Twitchell-Joseph Twitchell-John A. Twitchell-James Walker -James Walker 2d-John Williamson. 113-156.
CHAPTER XVII.
Abstract of Town Records 1797-1850-Early Town Clerks-Char- acter and ability of Town Officers-General Town Proceedings for half a century. 157-189 ..
xi
HISTORY OF BETHEL.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Picturesque Bethel-Its Beautiful Situation-Its Landscape Variety and Beauty-Its Fine Drives-Various Places Described-"From Sunset Rock Looking Westward"-Lucy Larcom's "On the Ledge". 189-197.
CHAPTER XIX.
Churches and Ministers-First Church, West Parish-Parson Brad- ley-Rev. Daniel Gould-Abstract of Church Records-Rev. Charles Frost and other Ministers-Second Church-The Baptists -Act of Incorporation-Rev. Ebenezer Bray and others-Lists of Delegates-The Methodists-The Free Baptists-Universal- ists-Other Ministers. 198-241.
CHAPTER XX.
Physicians-Dr. Timothy Carter-Dr. Moses Mason-Dr. John Grover-Dr. Robert G. Wiley-Dr. Almon Twitchell-Dr. Joshua Fanning-Dr. Ozmon M. Twitchell-Dr. David W. Davis -Other Physicians. 241-254.
CHAPTER XXI.
Lawyers-William Frye-David Hammons -O'Neil W. Robinson- Richard A. Frye-Samuel F. Gibson-Enoch Foster-Moses B. Bartlett -Joel C. Virgin - Addison E. Herrick-Wm. C. Frye - Alonzo J. Grover-Albert S. Twitchell. 255-264.
CHAPTER XXII.
Bethel in the War of the Rebellion-Three Months Men-Company I, Fifth Maine-Other Bethel Organizations-Roll of Bethel Soldiers. 265-281.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Educational Matters-Early Schools and School. Houses-Prom- inent Educators-Gould's Academy -- List of Principals and Trustees-The Gould and other Legacies-State Aid-Alumni. 281-294.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Bethel Centennial-Organization for its Celebration-A Grand Procession-Dr. True's Address- Professor Chapman's Poem- Toasts and Responses-Letters. 295-332.
xii
HISTORY OF BETHEL.
CHAPTER XXV.
Temperance Reform-Early Drinking Habits-The Lawyers Organ- ize-The State Society-Early Societies in Bethel-The Wash- ingtonians-Sons of Temperance-Other Organizations-Bethel a Prohibition Town. 333-340.
CHAPTER XXVI.
David Robbins-His Appearance at Bethel-His Marriage-Moves to the Magalloway Country-The Lost Child-Found Among the Indians-Hinds and Cloutman-Perfidy of Robbins-Hinds and Son- Went Hunting and Never Returned-Arrest of Robbins- His Escape from Lancaster Jail-Death ofHis Wife. 341-361.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Sketches Personal-Eliphaz C. Bean-Timothy A. Chapman- Henry L. Chapman-Charles J. Chapman-Clark S. Edwards- Lafayette Grover-Abernethy Grover-David R. Hastings- Gideon A. Hastings-Sylvester Robertson-Ceylon Rowe- George M. Twitchell-Alice G. Twitchell. 361-381.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Industrial-Lack of Water Power-Early and Later Mills-Wool- carding and Cloth-dressing-Furniture-Tanning-Hotels- Traders-Steam Mills-Chair Factory-Lost Industries - Potash Making and Shingle weaving -West Bethel-Blacksmiths-Other Trades. 381-390.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Real Estate Transfers-York or Cumberland-Jonas and Edward Bond -- Early and Later Deeds. 391-398.
CHAPTER XXX.
Fraternal Societies-Free Masons-Odd Fellows - Grand Army of the Republic-Woman's Relief Corps-Knights of Pythias. 399-407.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Bethel Hill-Its Attractive Situation-The Common and Lands Bordering-Early Buildings-Transfer of Lots-Bethel Hill as Seen from Sunset Rock-Village Corporation-Water Company -Farmers' Club --- Bethel Courier. 407-416.
xiii:
HISTORY OF BETHEL.
CHAPTER XXXII.
Fragments-Dr. Mason's Wit-He goes to Congress-His Library -Uncle Ned's Tick Box-Novel Treatment of Neuralgia-Wild Pigeons-Bears-Death of James Mills-Caleb Bradley-The Great Freshet-Jonathan Bean-Indian Items-John Holt- Orren Foster's Terrible Experience-Celebration of the Anni- versary of the Indian Raid-Trees Around the Common- Bethel Hill in 1859-Bean's Corner-Washingtonian Movement. -"The same to yourself, Sir"-David Marshall-Charge of Grover's Brigade-"Tommy"-The Last Wolves-Town of Mason-Town of Gilead-Hosea Ripley-"Seven by Nine Glass Boys, touch her off"-Jonathan Abbot Russell-A Beautiful View-Consider Cole -- "Be you the Devil ?" -- Early Forest Fires -Joseph Wheeler-The Stalwart Grover Brothers-Dr. P. C. Wiley -- The Village Blacksmith. 417-443.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Official Register-Selectmen-Town Clerks-Justices of the Peace - Representatives-Senators-Councillors-Other State Officers. 443-447.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Brief Sketch of Hanover-Its Component Parts-Howard's Gore-Abstract of Plantation Records-Incorporated as Han- over-Town Officers-Patriotic Record. 447-455.
xiv
HISTORY OF BETHEL.
INDEX OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PORTRAITS.
Jedediah Burbank. 113
Mrs. Fanny Grover. .548
Dr. Silas P. Bartlett. 470
Abernethy Grover. 274
Geo. W. Chapman. 115
Lafayette Grover .368
Timothy Chapman .. 118
Tallyrand Grover. 288
Robert A. Chapman . 511
Nathan Grover. . .552
Dr. Timothy Carter .242
Lucinda Grover 552
Prof. H. L. Chapman.
312
David R. Hastings .376
Timothy A. Chapman Frontis
Gideon A. Hastings 560
Charles J. Chapman .365
Ira C. Kimball. 133
Gilman Chapman. 507
Ayers Mason 143
Clark S. Edwards . 367
237
Phineas Frost.
122
Abigail Frost .536
Ceylon Rowe. 379
Enoch Foster. .259
Nathaniel T. True. 144
Rev. Charles Frost. 212
Joseph Twitchell .. 153
William Frye. 255
Mary Twitchell 153
Lois Frye. 538
Peter Twitchell. 151
Richard A. Frye. 295
Dr. Almon Twitchell .249
Rev. Daniel Gould. .210
Albert S. Twitchell 263
Rev. David Garland. 217
George M. Twitchell. 290
Gen. Cuvier Grover 126
Alice G. Twitchell. 380
Dr. John Grover. 245
Joseph A. Twitchell 633
VIEWS.
Lot Plan of Bethel. .29
Church at Middle Interval. 40
Lt. Jonathan Clark House 40
River View-Mount Will
439
View on Church Street. 408
First Congregational Church 199
Eliphaz Chapman House 208
Bethel Hill from Sunset Rock. 412
Gould's Academy 1860. 285 Dr. Grover Place, now "The Elms" 384
Residence of A. E. Herrick. .261
From Sunset Rock Looking Westward. 197 Bethel House. 584
Deacon Geo. W. Chapman Place, Gilead 116
Gould's Academy 1890
416
Dr. Moses Mason. 243
Rev. H. C. Estes.
Samuel D. Philbrook. 597
Sylvester Robertson. . 606
HISTORY OF BETHEL.
INDEX OF PERSONAL SKETCHES.
Jonathan Bean . 65
Jedediah Burbank. 113
Barbour Bartlett. 114
George W. Grover. 552-3
Rev. E. A. Buck.
215
Rev. S. L. Bowler
216
Rev. Ebenezer Bray
220, 225
Rev. Wm. Beavins.
226
Rev. Frank E. Barton .233
Rev. Nathaniel Barker
243
Dr. Zenas Bartlett ...
253
Dr. Silas P. Bartlett. . 470
Moses B. Bartlett 260
Eliphaz C. Bean.
361
Jonathan Clark.
40, 114
Benjamin Clark.
41
Geo. W. Chapman. 115
Timothy Chapman 118
Robert A. Chapman 119
Elbridge Chapman. 12.1
Elias M. Carter
121
Rev. Eliphaz Chapman .
207
Rev. Calvin Chapman .
236
Rev. Lawson Carter.
237
Dr. Timothy Carter
242
Dr. Cullen Carter.
253
. Timothy A. Chapman
362
Henry L. Chapman. 365
Charles J. Chapman 365
Jesse Duston. . .
41
Rev. Arthur Drinkwater
225
Rev. Benj. Dunham
226
Dr. David W. Davis.
252
Rev. H. C. Estes.
237
Rev. Sumner Estes.
239
Clark S. Edwards
367
Phineas Frost. 122
Eli Foster. 124
Rev. Charles Frost. 213
Dr. Joshua Fanning 251
Dr. J. Henry Frost. 253
William Frye ..
255
Richard A. Frye.
258
Enoch Foster
259
Wm. C. Frye.
262
Reuben B. Foster 532
John Grover. .
42
125
Cuvier Grover ..
126
Tallyrand Grover
132
Rev. Daniel Gould .. 210
Rev. Nahum P. Grover
217
Rev. David Garland. .
217
Rev. Alpheus Grover.
239
Dr. John Grover. .
245
Dr. Leander Gage 253
Dr. Chas. W. Gordon. 254
Samuel F. Gibson.
259
Alonzo J. Grover.
262
Lafayette Grover
368
Abernethy Grover.
376
Daniel Grout.
544
Elijah Grover Jr. .551
Nathan Grover. . . 552
Amos Hastings ..
43
Rev. Samuel Haselton
229
David Hammons .. .
257
Addison E. Herrick.
261
David R. Hastings .. 376
Gideon A. Hasting's .377
Samuel Ingalls
42
Israel Kimball Jr. 132
Ira C. Kimball ..
133
Deacon John Kimball
134
Dr. John E. L. Kimball. 253 Dr. Benjamin W. Kimball 253
Samuel Barron Locke . 141
Dr. John Locke . 135
Charles R. Locke. .
141
Rev. John H. M. Leland. 215
David Marshall. 43
Metalluk ..
.81
Moses Mason. 141
Ayers Mason.
143
Rev. Daniel Mason 225
Rev. Javan K. Mason 239
Dr. Moses Mason. ..
243
Rev. Wellington Newell 240
Molly Ockett.
.78
Amos Powers 41
Benjamin Russell. .39
Abraham Russell .. .40
Dr. Charles Russell 253
O'Neil W. Robinson.
. 258
Sylvester Robertson.
.378
Ceylon Rowe
379
James Swanl.
40
Nathaniel Segar. 41
Eleazer Twitchell
39, 147
Peter Twitchell.
64, 151
Dr. N. T. True.
144
Eli Twitchell .
149
Ezra Twitchell.
150
Joseph Twitchell.
153
John A. Twitchell.
154
Rev. Zenas Thompson. 232
Dr. Almon Twitchell. 249
Dr. Ozmon M. Twitchell.
251
Dr. William Twitchell
253
Albert S. Twitchell
263
Geo. M. Twitchell.
379
Alice G. Twitchell.
380
Joseph A. Twitchell.
633
Joel C. Virgin ..
.261
James Walker.
154
James Walker 2d.
155
John Williamson.
155
Rev. John B. Wheelwright
216
Dr. Robert G. Wiley.
248
Dr. Wm. Williamson .
254
John York.
42
CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS,
Page 43, for Samuel Marshall, read David Marshall.
Page 85, 7th line from bottom, for Daniel Grant read Daniel Grout.
Page 259, 3d line from top, for one son, read one daughter.
Page 473-The record of the family of Henry Russell Bartlett is incom- plete. In addition to the children there given, he had :
iv Sebra Frank, b. Sept. 20, 1850, m. Clara A. Wilson.
v Etta, b. Dec. 28, 1855, m. James M. Bartlett.
vi Tavie, b. Aug. 30, 1857, m. Fred C. Bean, son of Eliphaz C. Bean Esq. of East Bethel ; he resides on the homestead with his father.
Page 626, 12th line from bottom, read, "she was drowned soon after."
Page 502, John Chase who married for second wife, Louisa (Graves) widow of Charles Swan. had by this marriage :
v Edgar E., b. Oct. 8, 1862.
vi Harry C., b. April 16, 1866, m. - Barker. vii Edith M., b. June 14, 1868.
Page 537-The record of Rev. Charles Frost as there given, copied from the town records, is incomplete, and is completed here :
Rev. Charles Frost was born in Limerick, Me., Jan. 12, 1796. He mar- ried May 11, 1819, Lydia Fernald of Gorham, Me., who died in Bethel, Aug. 5, 1825. He married second, May 9, 1826, Lucinda M. Sheafe Smith who was born at Scarboro, Dec. 19, 1794. She was the daughter of Ezra Smith of Hanover. Mr. Frost died Feb. 11, 1851, and his widow died Nov. 11, 1859. Children :
i Mary D., b. April 12, 1820, m. Asa Thayer.
ii
Amanda Eliza, b. Feb. 21, 1823, d. July 18, 1827.
iii James Henry Paine, b. May 24, 1825, m. Ist Margaret Johnson of Virginia ; 2d Mary Ames.
By second marriage :
iv Lydia Amanda, b, July 15, 1827, m. Rev. Wellington Newell.
v Charles Ezra, b. Dec. 25, 1829.
vi Lucinda Smith, b. July 6, 1832, d. Jan. 19, 1851.
vii John Smith, b. Aug. 23, 1836, d. March 2, 1851.
HISTORY OF BETHEL
CHAPTER I.
EPITOME OF MAINE HISTORY.
HE early history of the coast of Maine is enveloped in mys- tery. An Icelandic historian has claimed that the western hemisphere was discovered by his ancestors, and while the evidence he gives is by no means conclusive, based as it is upon tradition which did not become a matter of record until several cen- turies after the incidents described are said to have transpired, yet there is some degree of plausibility in the claim. The Icelandic historian states that about the year of our Lord one thousand, certain Icelandic voyagers, some of whose names are preserved and are recorded in their sagas, left their island home in the arctic regions, sailed to Greenland, thence to Labrador, and subsequently made oft repeated voyages to the coast of New England, established colonies in Nova Scotia, and perhaps on the coast of Maine, and visiting Cape Cod gave to it the name of Vineland, on account of the abun- dance of grapes they found growing there in a wild state. Historical students have differed with regard to the truth of these traditions, but a majority of them and among them some of the most eminent, have regarded the evidence as too shadowy and unsubstantial, to entitle them to confidence and give them a place in history. But the stories of early discovery on the New England coast by the Northmen have a decided mythological flavor, the geographical details being very vague, and the description of the country, its climate, soil, and its native population highly exaggerated if not wholly fictitious. I am aware that the interest upon this phase of
2
HISTORY OF BETHEL.
Maine history has been more active within a few years than form- erly, though I do not know that any new evidence has been dis- covered. Some of our leading Maine historians have become converted to this view, and while their opinions are entitled to great weight, I do not consider their arguments by any means conclusive. And whether it be true or not that the rude Northmen discovered and often visited the coast of New England, is a matter of very little importance save from a purely abstract historical standpoint. They left no lasting monuments of their occupancy, laid no claim to the lands discovered, and if they occupied portions of the land for a brief period at points along the coast, they thereby accom- plished nothing in the interests of human advancement. It seems almost incomprehensible that people from Iceland should discover the coast of New England, remain here for a time unmolested and with no impediments in the way of a permanent occupancy, and then voluntarily return to their home in the arctic ocean with no apparent thought of reaping any permanent benefit from their discovery. But the subject is really of so little importance as to demand only a passing notice, and is only referred to because the Icelandic sagas giving accounts of these probably mythical voyages, have been translated and printed and have become a part of the literature of our day.
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