USA > Maine > Lincoln County > Boothbay Harbor > History of Boothbay, Southport and Boothbay Harbor, Maine. 1623-1905. With family genealogies > Part 1
USA > Maine > Lincoln County > Southport > History of Boothbay, Southport and Boothbay Harbor, Maine. 1623-1905. With family genealogies > Part 1
USA > Maine > Lincoln County > Boothbay > History of Boothbay, Southport and Boothbay Harbor, Maine. 1623-1905. With family genealogies > Part 1
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION M. L.
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01083 7521
490:15-
-
FRANCIS. B. GREENE.
HISTORY
OF
BOOTHBAY, SOUTHPORT
AND
BOOTHBAY HARBOR,
MAINE.
1623 - 1905.
WITH
FAMILY GENEALOGIES
BY
FRANCIS B. GREENE,
Member of the Maine Historical Society, the Maine Genealogical Society and the New England Historic Genealogical Society.
ILLUSTRATED BY MAPS, CUTS AND PORTRAITS.
"A people which takes no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote descendants."-Macaulay.
PORTLAND : LORING, SHORT & HARMON. 1906.
PREFACE.
From time immemorial it has been the custom of authors, when the volume was completed, to write an apology for its infliction upon the public and place it at the beginning of the book, calling it the preface. I submit to the custom to a cer- tain extent, but not in an apologetic sense. If such a work as this is correct and trustworthy no apology is needed for its presence. It simply collects, compiles and preserves in print the essence of a town's past records and the relationship of its families. It is a plodding task for any one to undertake, par- ticularly the genealogical work. It is compiling rather than composing. It does not require a high order of ability to perform the kind of work necessary, but it does require labor, patience and system. In unraveling some of the knotty prob- lems the keen scent of a detective and the accuracy of an ac- countant, combined, would be desirable qualifications. Some experience in the every-day affairs of a municipality and a knowledge of how town records are produced are matters of inestimable value.
When I settled in Boothbay, in 1886, I had collected a small library on local Maine history. My traveling occupation had given, and continued to do so, some opportunities in this direction. My interest as well as my library on this subject has increased from year to year. In 1887 and 1888 I contrib- uted several articles to the Lewiston Journal upon the early history of Lincoln County. At that time I first learned some- thing of how important a part was played upon these shores in the early history of the District of Maine. At the same time I noted how fast the sources of information were fading and fleeting from us by the loss or defacement of both public and private records and the decease of aged persons in the com- munity.
The first year and a half in town I lived at Boothbay Center, in a part of the residence of William Kenniston. He was a man of rare conversational powers and had a very reten- tive memory. Scarcely a day passed, when associated with him, but he would recall some of the early occurences of his life, or repeat some of the traditions of the locality. The humorous or ridiculous side of an occurrence always appealed to him strong-
IV
PREFACE.
est, but, like all bright men, he had a serious and pathetic side to his nature. I became at once interested in the story of the town and began the collection of data.
In the fall of 1888 it fell to my lot to do considerable work on the town records, as a member of the petitioner's committee on the town division case. I then noted the fact that, though in worn and tattered condition, they contained the basis for a history of the town and a genealogy of many of its old families.
The collection of material has continued since, as time could be spared from business matters, until, in 1902, I an- nounced through the columns of the Boothbay Register that I had concluded to prepare a history of the three towns which originally constituted the old one of Boothbay, as incorporated in 1764. At the same time a general invitation was extended to interested persons for assistance in the matter of old private records and documents, or any other information, to supple- ment what I then possessed. This announcement was gener- ously responded to by citizens as well as those descended from our older families but now living elsewhere. Another source of assistance, springing from a general interest in the subject, as well as a fraternal feeling, came from the members of the Maine Historical Society.
Following this, at my request, each town voted to permit its clerk, at his discretion, to allow me the use of such records as I might want in the prosecution of the work, to be taken to my own home. This has been of great value and convenience to me. In 1904, at the annual meetings, each town voted to contract with me for a certain number of copies of the work ; Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor taking 400 copies each and Southport 100 copies. These votes were nearly unanimous in each town.
As one might reasonably expect among any population, on any subject presented for consideration, there has been sonie indifference, but I have noted no real hostility. The object of the work simply has not appealed to some people as it has to others. When this view of humanics is taken it can easily be explained. Tastes differ and human inclinations are unlike. Authors of other town histories have complained that the adverse criticisms upon their work came almost entirely from persons who had assumed an indifferent attitude and rendered no assistance while it was progressing. I trust I may be saved these unpleasant experiences by requesting those who have not responded to repeated invitations to lend a helping hand in this work to be as inactive in criticism as they have been in assist- ance.
V
PREFACE.
The sources of information from which I have drawn most largely, outside of local public and private records, are the col- lections of the Maine Historical Society, the York Deeds, the Massachusetts Archives, the Lincoln County Records, William- son's History of Maine, Johnson's History of Bristol, Cush- man's History of Sheepscot, Sewall's Ancient Dominions of Maine and other kindred works throughout Maine and Mass- achusetts.
I feel that public acknowledgments are due, for assist- ance rendered, to the following persons : Hon. William M. Olin, Secretary of State, Massachusetts ; the late Hon. Leonard D. Carver, State Librarian, Augusta; Fred V. Matthews, Esq., Portland, for the result of his rescarch relating to North Boothbay families ; Mr. Emerson Rice, Hyde Park, Mass., for Boothbay references collected and indexed from the State Archives ; to the clerks of the towns, Alpheus Dodge, Booth- bay, Everett E. Pinkham, Southport, and Willard T. Marr, Boothbay Harbor, for aid and courtesies extended in the use of records over which they are custodians ; for general infor- mation, covering family, church and military matters, to Messrs. John E. Kelley, John K. Corey and Albert R. Matthews, North Boothbay ; Granville J. Seavey, John R. McDougall and W. Irving Adams, East Boothbay ; Warren L. Dolloff, George B. Kenniston and William M. Smith, Boothbay Harbor.
On the subject of the fishcry interest, which has been so long an important and leading industry in our town, I have been generously furnished many facts by Hon. Luther Mad- docks, whose business connection with it has extended over a long and eventful period. In the town of Southport I have been ably assisted by two lifelong residents of that island, Messrs. Freeman Grover and William T. Maddocks, their in- formation being general upon past events and present interests, as well as upon family history. Charles J. Marr, Boothbay Harbor, has also rendered valuable aid on Southport matters.
A most valuable aid has been received from an element in our population, relating to former customs in living and con- ducting business, as well as bearing upon the early families, who from their years and residence among us make them be- long to the community in general rather than within the limits of either town, and a group of persons who are still enjoying to an unusual degree, health, strength and a clear, undimmed remembrance to a time when the entire locality was held fast to primitive conditions. These, with date of birth, are : Messrs. Paul Giles (1814), Thomas Orne (1814), Joseph Mckown (1820), John Farnham (1824), Eliphalet Holbrook
VI
PREFACE.
(1824), John M. Hodgdon (1824) and Mrs. Cordelia Welch (1829). It may be said in this connection that from the first the columns of the Boothbay Register have been generously opened to my use by its proprietor, Mr. Charles E. Kendrick. Valuable information bearing upon the early Scotch families was furnished by Mrs. Catherine Graupner Stone, Berkeley, California.
That errors have crept in is practically certain. A work of so much detail and containing so many dates makes this well-nigh impossible to avoid. These are more likely to occur in the genealogical department than elsewhere. Many errors occur in the town records, and many of the ones I have detected have been corrected by substituting private ones. This I have done when the private ones presented a regular appearance. It has also been done when inscriptions in cemeteries differed from the town record. To the reader who knows how little was enforced in former times by statute upon the medical profession as to the return to town clerks of vital occurences this course must appear proper.
A valuable feature of this volume is the presentation of the four maps which are redrafted from a publication of 1857, from a survey of the previous year. This affords a retrospect of just half a century. The work of redrafting was performed by Mr. Carl R. Holton, Boothbay Harbor, and presented to the author.
Now that the labor and effort in producing this volume have closed and it goes forth in printed form, if it meets the approbation of those for whom it was written-those who live in or feel an interest in this old territory-I shall feel satisfied.
FRANCIS B. GREENE.
BOOTHIBAY HARBOR, ME., Dec., 1905.
CONTENTS.
I. Physical and Descriptive History, Page
9
II. Aboriginal Inhabitants, 35
III. Early Voyages and Explorations, 44
IV. Early Settlements, 57
V. Growth and Government of the First Settlement, 67
VI. The Indian Wars, 84
VII. The Interim : 1689-1729,
98
VIII. The Dunbar Settlement,
109
IX. 1733 to 1764, 125
X. Municipal History of Boothbay, 132
XI. Land Claims and Claimants, 164
XII. Ecclesiastical History, 175
XIII. Boothbay in the Revolution, 213
XIV. Boothbay in the War of 1812, 247
XV. Boothbay Publishments of Intentions of Mar- riage, 1766-1820, 262
XVI. Official Lists and Tables, 279
XVII. Municipal History of Southport, 310
XVIII. Division of Boothbay, 316
XIX. Mills, Shipbuilding, Stores and Hotels, 332
XX. Fraternal Societies and Associations, 353
XXI. The Fisheries, 358
XXII. Casualties, 378
XXIII. Schools, 395
XXIV. Summer Resorts and Carrying Companies, 411
XXV. The Civil War, 424
XXVI. Monographs and Incidents, 439
Genealogical,
462
CUTS, MAPS AND PORTRAITS.
Frontispiece
Boothbay in 1856,
Face p. 24
Cape Newagen,
40
Boothbay Harbor in 1856,
72
The Oak Grove House,
89
Hodgdon's Mills in 1856,
105
Boothbay Harbor from Pisgah
120
Boothbay Harbor from Mckown's Hill,
136
Southport in 1856,
153
Edward E. Race,
168
Rev. John Murray,
175
Boothbay Center,
184
George B. Kenniston,
..
216
Charles B. Fisher,
232
Capt. George Reed,
248
The Mckown Fishing Stand,
264
A Southport Flake Yard,
296
Charles J. Marr,
4 4
329
Squirrel Inn,
=
345
Alonzo R. Nickerson,
360
Luther Maddocks,
376
William Kenniston,
392
Freeman Grover,
408
Bayville Plan,
418
McCobb and Leishman Houses,
424
Benjamin Blair,
440
East Boothbay,
456
Mrs. Mary A. Auld,
478
Nathan S. Baker,
494
James T. Beath,
497
Capt. John Auld,
510
Capt. William Carlisle,
66
526
Joseph Maddocks,
558
Marshal Smith,
575
Townsend Block,
591
The U. S. Fish Hatchery,
.€
607
Steamboat Route Map,
Finis
Francis B. Greene,
16
312
Joseph Ross Kenniston,
HISTORY OF BOOTHBAY, SOUTHPORT AND BOOTHBAY HARBOR.
CHAPTER I.
PHYSICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE HISTORY.
T HIS history is specially devoted to that territory which constituted the original town of Boothbay, from which Southport and Boothbay Harbor have since been sepa-
rated. Though municipally divided into three towns, its geographical formation is such that it must always continue closely related in business and social intercourse. Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor, together, include the greater part of that peninsula formed by the Sheepscot and Damariscotta Rivers, and take to themselves all the water front and coast harbors which are therewith connected. Sheepscot River, which rises about sixty-five miles back from the coast, broad- ens into a beautiful bay and harbor at Wiscasset. From that point to the sea is about fifteen miles. The excellence and unusual advantages of the Sheepscot waters, to the point where Wiscasset Village is located, have always been recog- nized, and brought that town into prominent consideration in the early twenties as a location for the State capital. At the very point of reaching Boothbay territory, namely, Cross River, the Sheepscot more than doubles its width, and gradu- ally broadens until that point on Southport, known as Hen- drick's Head, is reached, when it opens to the sea. On the west and southwest of the main this bay is studded with many islands, the largest of which is Southport, now an incorporated town, bridged to Boothbay Harbor. The other principal islands on that side of the main, included in Sheepscot waters, are Barter's, Sawyer's, Isle of Springs, Indiantown and Hodg- don's Islands.
10
HISTORY OF BOOTHBAY.
Draining a territory of similar extent and parallel, easterly, with the Sheepscot River is Jefferson Lake and its principal inlets. This lake is about ten miles in length, though com- paratively narrow, with its outlet the "Damariscotta Fresh Falls," which is the water power at Damariscotta Mills, but always thus designated in early history. Southerly, two miles, the "Damariscotta Salt Falls," also an early designation, is reached. From this point, that of Damariscotta Village, the river is navigable for shipping. When the Boothbay line is reached, as is the case opposite in the Sheepscot, the Damaris- cotta fully doubles its width by means of Wadsworth, Burn- ham and Pleasant Coves. Farther to the south are narrows on either side of Fort Island. Opposite East Boothbay Village the width becomes that of a capacious harbor, and well pro- tected from the sea. Just southerly from this point the river opens to the ocean. The harborage of the entire locality shows a wonderful provision of Nature. Four large harbors, of acknowledged excellence, either of which situated at a dis- tance from the others would be highly appreciated, indent the shores, and are known as Boothbay Harbor, Linekin Bay, East Boothbay and Ebenecook. All possess suitable depth, have good holding grounds and are practically free from shoals
and ledges. The boundaries of this territory are natural, excepting the line between Boothbay and Edgecomb. By the trend of the bay at Oven's Mouth to the eastward and the similar opposite formation of the Damariscotta to the west- ward, the line runs across almost the narrowest part of the town from west to east. This distance is about two and three-eighths miles.
An abstract from the charter, covering this feature, follows :
"Beginning at the most Northerly part of a Bay called the Oven's Mouth, and from thence to run an East South East Course to Damariscotta River; thence Southerly down said River to the Sea or Western Ocean, then to run Westerly on the Sea Coast as the Coast lies to the Mouth of Sheepscot River, then to run Northerly up Sheepscot River between Jeremy Squam Island and Barter's Island to the Cross River at the head of said Barter's Island and from thence over the Water to the most Northerly part of the Oven's Mouth afore- said with all the islands in Damariscotta River below or to the
11
PHYSICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
Southward of the first described line, and also All the Islands lying within Six Miles from the Main Land to the South, between the aforementioned Rivers of Sheepscot and Damaris- cotta, be and hereby is erected into a town by name of Booth- bay and the Inhabitants thereof shall have and enjoy all such Immunities and Privileges as other Towns in the Province have and do by law enjoy."
The greatest width on the mainland of the original town was attained by measuring due east and west from Farnham's Head, just south from East Boothbay Village, to the western- most point near the summer residence of Dr. Edgar D. Moffatt. This distance is four and five-eighths miles. A width taken through Boothbay Center is but three and three-fourths miles ; while a measurement taken from a point opposite Tibbetts Island, in Back River, to the Damariscotta lacks but one-fourth mile from the widest point given. From where the stage road crosses the Edgecomb line to Spruce Point is eight miles ; from the same place to Ocean Point is nine miles. From McFarland's old stand, now Sawyer's, to Carlisle's Point on the Damariscotta is six miles ; while from McFarland's to the Edgecomb line is six and five-eighths miles.
The latitude, taken at Boothbay Center, is 43º 52' 33"' north, and the longitude west of Greenwich is 69° 38' 22". From the United States Coast Survey Charts the following distances are found in statute miles :
Boothbay Harbor to Bath, via Five Islands and Squirrel,
2014
16
17
.. 66 most direct route,
usual route, 1518
1518
66
" Squirrel Island,
2 3/4
" Ocean Point,
3.74
Squirrel Island to Ocean Point,
2
.€
" Murray Hill,
4%
" Ram Island Light,
212
" Damariscove Harbor,
5
" East Boothbay,
7
" Cape Newagen,
3
" Fort Popham,
IO14
" Seguin Light,
IO
" Monhegan,
I7
" Damariscotta,
201%
" Bath,
1638
" Wiscasset,
12
HISTORY OF BOOTHBAY.
Mouse Island
to Bath,
1418 1278
Isle of Springs
113/8
Sawyer's Island
II 1g
Goose Rock
834
Riggsville
81g
Westport Junction
7
Westport
5
Upper Hell Gate
2%
Arrowsic Bridge 44
7/s
The coast of this territory is included in the First District of the United States Lighthouse Establishment on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The Post Roads Survey, made by the Gov- ernment in 1812, from Washington, D. C., to various parts of the country, gives the following distances in miles and hundredths :
Boston to Washington,
440
" New York,
231
" Philadelphia,
323
6 4
" Providence, 42
EASTERN ROUTE TO EASTPORT.
Boston, Old State House, to Salem,
14.37
" Ipswich,
28.18
" Newburyport,
39.07
" Portsmouth,
64.26
..
4 €
" York,
73.32
" Portland,
118.05
4 €
.€
" Brunswick,
145.36
" Bath,
152.68
" Wiscasset,
167.19
" Thomaston,
203.45
" Belfast,
232.86
" Ellsworth,
282.59
" Eastport,
397-36
.€
Other points upon the old post line may be calculated from the ones given. A traveler by land could not shorten the distance as above given.
NAMES OF LOCAL AND GENERAL APPLICATION.
1. ADAMS POND. - Situated wholly in Boothbay ; about three-fourths of a mile in length by one-fourth in breadth ; has a good depth of water; is fed by springs; furnishes a good mill privilege at its outlet, now owned and occupied by Dodge
Southport
13
PHYSICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
& Giles with a sawmill. This stream empties into the easterly body of water known as Back River, near the sites of the old shipyards and the Pinkham mill. From this pond is taken the supply for the Boothbay Harbor water system. Samuel Adams and his sons originally owned the mill privilege and most of the land about this pond, -hence the name. High- ways extend entirely around it. Before the settlement of Samuel Adams it was called Long Pond.
2. BACK NARROWS. - A name originally given to the narrow, back passage of the Damariscotta, between Webber or Fort Island (sometimes called Narrows Island) and the main- land ; now also applied to the neighborhood in that locality.
3. BACK RIVER. - A name given to the water on the westerly side of the mainland of Boothbay, northerly from Hodgdon's Island, as early as 1666, in a deed from Robin Hood to Henry Curtice. It also applies to the water lying above the old Pinkham mill site and Oven's Mouth. The neighborhood bordering on the above first-mentioned water is also known by this appellation, and this name was given the post office when established there.
4. BARTER'S ISLAND. - A part of Boothbay ; bridged to Hodgdon's Island and from thence to the mainland ; is about three and three-fourths miles long and varies from three- eighths to about one mile in width ; has one small fresh pond near its southern extremity ; takes mail from Trevett post office ; received its name from the early families of Barter, who were the first settlers.
5. BAYVILLE. - A village of summer cottages at the head of Linekin Bay, formerly owned by the late Thomas Boyd, and started by him as a summer resort soon after 1880. Is three miles by highway from the Harbor steamboat landings ; has a summer postal service ; is a part of Boothbay Harbor. Its name was suggested by its location on Linekin Bay.
6. BOSTON ISLAND .- A part of Southport, formerly known as Ebenecook Island, owned by Boston parties and used by them as a summer residence ; name probably derived from residence of its owners ; contains about twelve acres ; situated on the northwesterly side of Ebenecook Harbor.
14
HISTORY OF BOOTHBAY.
7. BOOTHBAY CENTER. - The most central part of the original town, before divisions were made, in all respects ; geographically, as the roads run, and, in early times, about the center of population. The first and second churches were built there and it has always been the place for holding the Boothbay town meetings. The post office there was known as North Boothbay until the division of the town in 1889, since which time, or soon after, it has taken the name of Boothbay. It contains two churches, a graded school, two stores, two smithing establishments and several residences. . Eight roads, branching to all parts of both towns, center there within one- half mile of the post office.
8. BOOTHBAY HARBOR .- Before the division in 1889 this name was accurately applied to the water harbor in front of the town, and locally to the village at the head of the harbor. Since division it is the legal name of the town and its principal post office. The town, as set off, attains its greatest width at a point near its northern line, where it is about three and one- fourth miles wide. Its easterly line strikes near the center, from east to west, of the northern end of Linekin Bay; run- ning from thence northerly about three-fourths of a mile, and then westerly to the middle abutment of Sawyer Island Bridge ; thence around southerly, easterly and northerly by the water to the point of starting. It contains (1905) three churches, five school buildings, in which are thirteen schoolrooms where schools are regularly in session; opera house, including the several lodge rooms; steamboat landings, custom house, two post offices, stores representing nearly all kinds of merchan- dise, restaurants and bakeries ; six hotels, besides many boarding houses open in summer; all of the sardine canning establishments within the territory included in this work, the cold storage plant, two marine railways, six livery stables and a part of the boat-building and ice-storing establishments of the locality. Other fishing concerns of various kinds are divided between the three towns.
9. BUCKLAND'S NECK .- A name given to that part of Linekin Neck which is situated south of a line drawn from the head of Little River westerly to Linekin Bay, in deeds and
15
PHYSICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
other documents made during the latter half of the seventeenth century. In 1674 George and Richard Bucknell (sometimes appearing as Buckland) were living there and from them it is supposed to have taken the name. The southern part of this neck is now known as Ocean Point. It is a part of Boothbay.
10. BURNHAM COVE. - A westerly projection of the Damariscotta waters into the main, just north of Pleasant Cove, where the Burnham families settled at an early date. Situated in Boothbay.
11. CABBAGE ISLAND. - An island containing about four acres, situated about one-half mile southerly from Wallace's Point, in Linekin Bay. Derivation of name unknown. A part of Boothbay. Name changed by the Legislature, on petition of owners, to Independence Island, in 1905.
12. CAPE HARBOR. - A small but excellent harbor at Cape Newagen, formed by Cape or Jerry's Island lying just outside and furnishing a breakwater to that harbor. Entrance from easterly and westerly sides.
13. CAPE ISLAND. - Sometimes called Jerry's Island, situated just outside Cape Harbor, above named; contains about seven acres ; a part of Southport. Formerly owned by Jerry Nelson.
14. CAPE NEWAGEN. - This is the first and oldest name attached to this locality. In the earliest times this name was applied to the entire region covered by this volume. After the Dunbar settlement, and prior to its incorporation as a town, Southport was usually referred to as Cape Newagen Island. Levett's reference to it in 1623, which is the first given in history, seems only to apply to the point or cape. To this first impression common usage has practically returned, and Newagen now means distinctively the cape, and the post office which is located there, and has no broader signification. Like most early names it is found in several different forms. Newaggon, Nekrangan, Bona-waggon and other slight varia- tions from the present form may be seen in old documents. Included in Southport.
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