USA > Maine > Waldo County > Unity > A history of the Town of Unity, Maine > Part 13
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A HISTORY OF UNITY, MAINE
suffered by the Embargo of 1807. The fear of British attack on the coastal villages caused local militia bands to ready themselves for duty. Actually, the War of 1812 came very close to home. Belfast was occupied briefly by the British, and Hampden was seized. A British foraging party marching from Hampden reached Unity, and, at least in one instance, the war invaded the very hearthstones of this town. Mrs. Samuel Kelley, (nee Vickery) left alone, while her husband was away during a brief turn of duty with the state militia, found herself besieged by a group of British soldiers in quest of food. Sarah Kelley, undaunted by the looting enemy, stood unyielding. With a musket in her hands she defended her meager store of winter supplies. So im- pressive was her defense, so vehement was her attitude that the awed and frightened soldiers, admiring her resistance, left her unmolested.
For two years the war dragged on; United States' frigates achieved spectacular success on the high seas. Massachusetts and the District of Maine, while experiencing little warfare within their borders, felt its impact by the paralysis of industry, the drain of wealth by taxes, and the constant fear of invasion. The year 1814 proved the most dis- tressing. A British fleet based at Halifax harassed the Maine coast; first, Eastport, then Castine, and Hampden were captured by the King's forces
These attacks alarmed the Maine inhabitants. Local bands of militia were quickly organized by state ordinance for defense against the enemy.2 In the summer of 1814 such a militia company was con- scripted in Unity. This small force, a part of Lt. Col. H. Moore's Regiment, was comprised of the following Unity men:
Lt. Benjamin J. Rackliff, Commander Zadoc Gould, Ensign
Daniel Small, Sergeant Aaron McKenney, Sergeant
Amaziah Hardin, Jr., Sergeant
Enoch Strout, Sergeant Charles Bickmore, Corporal
Josiah Cookson, Corporal
Benjamin Melvin, Corporal Elisha Bither, Musician
PRIVATES
Israel Barstow John Bickmore Peter Bither Enos Briggs Francis Brooks
William Drake Ebenezer Stevens
Zachariah Stone
Daniel Trueworthy
Jacob Trueworthy
John Burnham Reuben Call
David Vickery
Joel Vickery John Webb
Ebenezer Farwell
Nathan Fowler
Ebenezer Murch John Paine Elisha Parkhurst
Thomas Fowler
John C. Glidden
2. In 1810 Unity had voted one hundred dollars to purchase military supplies for the town. In April 1814 Robert Jackson was allowed one dollar for "fetching a cask of powder for militia purposes" from Augusta.
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MILITARY HISTORY
Nathan Parkhurst Nathaniel Force Hiram Hurd Samuel Kelley William Kirk John Larrabee Dean S. Libby John Macdonald Daniel McManus Asa Carll Nathaniel Carll Robert Carll Richard Cornforth Jeremiah Connor Reuben Cookson Richard Drake
Enoch Ham Stephen Harden Chandler Hopkins Richard Hopkins Theodore Hopkins Pearson Webb Lemuel Wilson George Woods Henry Woods Benjamin Mitchell Joseph Mitchell Joseph Mitchell, 2nd
Daniel Runnels
Isaac Small
Stephen Sparrow
The Unity company marched to Wiscasset on September 12th, but were discharged on the twenty-seventh, serving actually less than one month. The danger of further invasion receded, and victory was acceded to the United States by the Treaty of Ghent signed in De- cember 1814.
For the next thirty years the towns of Maine assisted by state sub- sidies maintained a local military company, which might be called for emergencies. A day early in May was usually set aside for Muster Day, when the recruits spent the day in drill, inspection, and military training. At the general muster each man appeared smartly dressed and fully equipped with knapsack, musket, powder and ball. Since his canteen was usually filled with rum or hard cider these annual shows of military efficiency often ended in revelry, fist fights and shocking carousing. The farm boy enjoyed these military field days, especially if a wrestling bout, fist fight, or marksmanship contest de- veloped. The marching and the manual-of-arms drill he merely tolerated, treating it as mere hocuspocus; instead he believed that his own physical strength, plus his ability to use a musket were far more valuable assets than military discipline.
Muster Day usually came during the first week of May. The in- fantryman assembled on Whitmore's field or at another designated place.3 The militiaman was notified in ample time of his approaching duty.4 Two such notifications went as follows:
"To Robert Cornforth, you being enrolled as a soldier in the company of which Capt. Rufus Berry is commanding officer, are hereby ordered to appear at the usual place of parade of said company at Lt. George Wood's dwelling in said Unity on Tuesday the fourth day of May, 1824, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, armed and equipped as the law directs for military duty and inspection and there await further orders
By order of said commanding officer, Unity, 20th day of April 1824.
Edmund Murch, Adjutant."
3. Taber, p. 24. Militia gathered and trained in Daniel Whitmore's field where the "liberty pole" stood. This field was located behind the old high school, the Whitmore cemetery and houselots of Fred Rice, Clayton Hamlin, Maggie Lutz, and the present Masonic Hall.
4. Taber, p. 47. All able-bodied males over twenty-one were ex- pected to serve in the town militia.
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A HISTORY OF UNITY, MAINE
Another older order reads:
MASSACHUSETTS MILITIA
To: Mr. James Berry, you being duly enrolled as a soldier in the com- pany of which Zadoc Gould is commanding officer, are hereby ordered to appear at James Gilkey's dwelling house in Unity on Saturday the 29th day of April at ten o'clock in the forenoon, armed and equipped as the law directs for military duty. Unity, this seventeenth day of April 1815.5
The commanding officer of the two or three Unity companies from 1815 to 1827 was Col. James Connor.
For their service the soldiers were reimbursed either by money or rations as testified by Article Ten appearing in an 1827 town war- rant: "To see whether they will pay the members of several com- panies of militia in said town, who shall do duty in the day of the annual inspection and review, twenty cents or furnish them with rations. .. . "6 Scattered through the town records appear several references to militia business, mostly dealing with money received from state, or sundry expenses.
"By cash received of State Treasury by the hand of Hale Parkhurst for cash paid the militia last fall. ($45.36) April 12, 1837."
"To cash paid at Waterville for powder (14 lbs.) last fall $3.50.
"To Abraham Clifford for bringing powder from Thomaston
"To cash paid selectmen for pay to militia, Sept. 17, 1838 "To cash paid six pounds powder, $1.00
"To cash paid three quire of cartridge paper, 24 cents
"To making up and delivering twenty-six pounds of powder and cartridges $4.00".
Early records other than those cited are lacking, but enough have survived to show the necessities of this soldier force.7
A town order dated Unity, September 15, 1842, provides informa- tion dealing with reimbursement of the men for time expended for the annual inspection and review:8
"For powder made into blank cartridges and deliverable to the an- nual review as follows:
Capt. Farwell's Co. One-quarter a pound each for fifty soldiers.
Capt. Rackliff's Co. One-quarter a pound each for thrity-three soldiers.
5. Stillman Berry Papers.
6. Town Warrant, Record of Selectmen's Doings, Feb. 5, 1827, Town Clerk's Office.
7. Of the early names of officers we have a roster of Unity men enumerated for what interest it is worth.
Roster, Seventh Regt. of Infantry 2nd Brigade, 2 Division of Maine. James Connor, Colonel, 17 July 1821, Simon Whitmore, Lt. Colonel, 17 July 1821, Abner Paine, Major, 10 April 1823, Isaac Adams, Adju- tant, 15 Aug. 1821, Richard Cornforth, Quartermaster, 10 'Sept. 1821; William McGray, Chaplain; Elias Winslow, Pay Master; Asa Quimby, Surgeon; James Fowler, Captain; Rufus Berry, Captain; John Scribner, Lieutenant; George Woods, Lieutenant; Josiah Murch, Ensign; Joseph C. Small, Ensign; Rufus Burnham, Surgeon; May 20, 1818.
8. S. S. Berry Papers: MS.
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MILITARY HISTORY
Capt. Carleton's Co. One-quarter a pound each for twelve soldiers. Making twenty-three and three quarters of powder at 26 cents per pound: $6.17.
By the selectman's certificate, dated Sept. 26, 1842 handed to me (Edmund Mussey), they paid to the militia of this town at the annual review fifty-three dollars by paying each soldier fifty cents each ($53.00).
. Signed Edmund Mussey, Treasurer of Unity"
David Webber Jr.
Ambrose Strout
Solomon Hunt
5. Woods
Nehemiah Johnson
J. Connor
Amos Webb
Samuel S. Stevens
Richard Hustus
Reuben F. Murch
Burnham Kelley
Edmund Murch
Jackson Fowler
Eli Vickery
Robert Crosby
R. Longley
A. Foster
Isaac Childs
Moses W. Farwell
Gorham Hamilton
Samuel Hall
Benj. F. Plaisted
Eben Farwell
Reuben Cookson
Nathan Parkhurst
Peter G. Jackson
Moses Boynton
Seth Thompson
Jefferson Bartlett
Amos Jones
John Stevens
J. K. Mason -
After 1843 the militia ceased to exist except on paper.
UNITY IN THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES
The white-hot issue of slavery and states rights for more than two decades before the attack on Fort Sumter dominated the political and social attitudes of the American public. At every crossroads, over every cracker barrel, in public discussions, lectures, and lyceums, these vital issues were debated; whether a nation divided against itself could endure. In every small town heated arguments ensued; feelings ran high.
In her politics Maine had been traditionally Democratic from the very beginning. Even as late as 1853 the town of Unity had found itself in agreement with its county, state and nation, voting over- whelmingly for Pierce. In the town vote the Democratic candidate, Pierce, received 84 votes against 49 for General Scott and 26 for the courageous Free-Soiler, John P. Hale. However, in spite of their ini- tial strong support of Pierce, his stormy administration did not sit well with the countyfolk of Maine. Their sympathy was deep with the harassed people of Kansas. The martyrdom of Elijah P. Lovejoy at the hands of a pro-slavery mob at Alton, Illinois, in 1837 had not been without effect on the collective conscience of many Maine citizens. Although generally slow to arouse, the Unity populace reacted to the events taking place in "bleeding Kansas". Unity's presidential vote in 1856 constituted a minor revolution. They voted overwhelm- ingly for the Republican nominee Fremont, 161; while for Buchanan
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A HISTORY OF UNITY, MAINE
(Democrat) 98; Fillmore (Whig) none. County and state were again in agreement, but unhappily the nation was disunited. The stage was now set for the curtain to rise on the most terrible of tragedies. Into the midst of this scene emerged the noblest of all men, Abraham Lin- coln. Lincoln, the Republican leader, who would have the Union preserved, opposed the secessionists, who would sever the cord which linked the southern states to the union.
In the 1860 campaign Unity supported Lincoln overwhelmingly, though the ardent Democrats soon showed their bitter feelings over their defeat. Jonathan Parkhurst, then local storekeeper, recorded in his journal on November 6, 1860, in a rather matter-of-fact way, the calm attitude in which the Unity voters went to the polls.
"Tues. Nov. 6, 1860 Presidential Election seemed to be very quiet It appeared that the Republicans would gain the day. The Demo- cratic Party was divided". . . 9 Thereafter, events moved swiftly. Early in January 1861 Parkhurst wrote: "I was in the store; got news from South Carolina that they had commenced a siege on Fort Sump- ter; said fort was commanded by Robert Anderson . .. looks (as if) a fearful crisis was at hand; that this was inevitable and that this union of ours was about to be dissolved."10
On April 12, 1861 a South Carolinian fired on Fort Sumpter and the war commenced. The President called for seventy-five thousand volunteers on April 15th. In response to the call, the Maine legisla- ture passed an act providing for the raising of ten regiments. Ac- cordingly, a general order directed that these regiments were to be enlisted immediately and mustered into the active militia of the State. However, the enthusiasm for military service resulted in an excess of volunteers.11 In the best interests of State and National governments it was deemed that all the organized companies in excess of those designated and necessary for six regiments should be disbanded. How- ever, a company when ready for election of officers might be permitted to train, so that they might be in readiness when the moment came. In May and June 1861 the town of Unity raised a volunteer militia training company, of which part, at least, were quartered at Chandler's Hotel and spent time in training.
Captain Charles H. Robinson was elected company commander, and A. S. Moore and Hall C. Myrick, were his lieutenants. Robinson's company voted to devote not more than two days or an equivalent each week for drill and instruction until ordered otherwise, as well as agreeing to be paid pro rata without quarters or rations until called for.12
9. Parkhurst Diary.
10. Ibid.
11. Unity was slow in filling her quota of July and August 1861. Her sister towns of Burnham, Freedom, Monroe and Waldo responded with more than the quota required.
12. R. H. Stanley and George O. Hall, Eastern Maine In the Re- bellion, Bangor, 1887, pp. 240-241.
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MILITARY HISTORY
During the summer and autumn "The Home Guards" of Waldo County assembled on appointed days for spectacular parades and in- spections. On two occasions that fall large reviews were held: one in Monroe and another in Clinton. The Monroe muster was held on September 25th with ten companies present, the Monroe, Newburg, Union, Knox, Montville, Freedom, Brooks, Jackson home guards, comprising about three hundred and eighty men.
Patriotic ferver manifested by celebrations, and feverish enlisting characterized the early months of the war. Optimism ran high.
In Thorndike on July 3rd, 1861, Raymond S. Rich and George Col- son organized a special farewell ceremony for the departing troops and for the dedication of a new flag pole. Truman Harmon presented a large thirty-four star standard flag "which was raised to the peak of the new staff amidst cheers and shouts of 300 citizens of this town." Charles Whitney made a patriotic speech, and the company then departed with twelve rousing cheers for the Union.13
Unity townspeople celebrated the Fourth of July (1861) in "grand style." Between three and four thousand people gathered to watch an impressive procession in which the local temperance societies, includ- ing those of the towns of Troy and Burnham, marched, plus the "Home Guard" led by General James Fowler, the marshal of the day. Following the grand parade, E. K. Boyle, a local lawyer, de- livered an inspiring oration. At noon a thousand people sat down to a dinner, where "toasts, speeches, salutes and music" paid tribute to the Union and the soldiers who soon would defend it.14
Despite the patriotic desire to join the service and the loyalty given the Union, there appeared a strong antagonism manifested by the Breckinridge Democrats. These individuals became known as Cop- perheads, or those who were not in sympathy with the Republican administration. To show their antipathy to the war, a group of Unity and Freedom men organized a "Session company," called the Peace Phalanx. How far they would have gone in opposition to the North is difficult to determine, for almost immediately the Federal govern- ment arrested the leaders, and this small company of Southern sym- pathizers were forced by public opinion to join the Northern forces.
Apparently the chief leaders of this "Session company" were Robert Elliot of Freedom and Amandar Rackliff, Sr. An editorial printed in the Belfast Age (reprinted in Bangor Whig and Courier) mentions the arrest and discharge of Capt. Amander Rackliff, "We believe that Rackliff of the Freedom Company was arrested last week (Sept. 21, 1861) by the U. S. marshall, but afterwards discharged." Judge Da- vis traveled to Freedom and administered the oath of allegiance to about one hundred members of the company. The editorial con- tinued, "We are glad that these misguided men have seen the evil of their course and are now ready to testify their loyalty to the govern-
13. Republican Journal July 12, 1861.
14. Republican Journal, July 12, 1861.
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A HISTORY OF UNITY, MAINE
ment. We hope to hear that they will now proceed to raise a good loyal company for the ten regiments to enlist during the war."15
Robert Elliot's case is interesting chiefly because of one of several instances of treason found within this State. Elliot was a respected storekeeper and town official of Freedom. On September 5, 1861, Charles Clark, U. S. marshall, was ordered by Simon Cameron, Sec- retary of War, to arrest Robert Elliot and Virgil D. Paris and to com- mit them as prisoners in Fort Lafayette. Elliot was charged with "be- ing in open and avowed sympathy with the rebels," for Elliot was accused of organizing a company of his fellow townsmen for a dis- loyal purpose. Because of immediate federation the company was dis- banded before it did anything but stir up a hornet's nest. However, this affair left an unpleasant taste in the mouths of many, and for several weeks there was considerable editorial comment in the Maine newspapers.
Secretary of State Steward, writing to Gov. Israel Washburn of Maine on Oct. 4, 1861, wrote :16
Dept. of State, Washington, October 4, 1861
His Excellency, Israel Washburn, Jr., Augusta, Me.
Sir, Application has been made to the President for the release of Robert Elliot, a political prisoner held in custody at Fort Lafayette. The evidence taken in this case shows that he had not only conceived a purpose of treasonable cooperation in the State of Maine with the insurrectionary citizens arrayed in arms in other states for the overthrow of the Government and the Union, but that he had gone even to the extreme length of getting up an unlawful armed force to operate in Maine against the lawful action of the State and of the Federal Govern- ment. His associates in this treasonable enterprise have since his arrest taken an oath of allegiance to the United States. This proceeding is very proper in itself, but the representations they made that they and he were loyal citizens at the time when they were combining in arms against it cannot be accepted at least in his behalf, since it appears that he is too intelligent to misunderstand the legitimate tendencies of his criminal acts. He cannot be released. On the contrary your diligence in ferreting out the conspiracy and in arresting it by denouncing it to the Government and the country is deemed worthy of special com- mendation.
If any of the other offenders are still persisting in this treasonable course, you will not fail, I am sure, to give information to this De- partment.
I am, Sir, Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
William H. Seward.
The unfortunate Mr. Elliot lingering in prison during October soon saw the errors of his ways, and so stated his views to Gov. Washburn, who on the last day of October wrote Sec. Seward, that he believed that Elliot could be safely released from Fort Lafayette. The Gov.
15. Republican Journal.
16. Official Records of the War of the Rebellion and Confederate Armies, "Prisoners of War", Series II, Washington, D. C., 1897, pp. 688-692.
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wrote, "Robert Elliot himself writes me that the folly of the opinion, which he entertained not long since, that peace could be secured with- out bloodshed is now fully apparent to him."17
However, some individuals feared Elliot was only giving lip service to the government. Ebenezer Knowleton also writing on Oct. 31st stated the case as he saw it.
South Montville, Me. October 31, 1861
Hon. W. H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir: I had a long conversation yesterday with Gov. Washburn as to the release of Robert Elliot. He showed me your letter to him and his reply which he had prepared to send you. I said to him as I now wish to say to you it is not time for Elliot to be released. I live a neigh- bor to him and I have been well acquainted with public sentiment in our Congressional District since I had the honor to represent it in Con gress four years ago. I was in the village where Elliot's family live but three days ago and I know that our best men there as well as through our county, even those who are his personal friends think that it would not be safe to have him released. His arrest and removal did us more good than anything that has taken place since the commencement of the war. His release now I feel sure, would fan anew the fires of secession which have been held in check by his removal and confine- ment. Although he may take the oath of allegiance I am quite certain he will as heretofore do everything he dares to against the war and the Government.
Gov. Washburn showed me the letters and petitions he had received from our leading men asking for Elliot's release. They are all good men but I beg to say that they all live in our cities where they can quell treason much easier than we can in our small villages and country places. .. . 19
On November 10th, Elliot gained his liberty as one paper stated "simply as an act of clemency on part of the government." Elliot's return home provoked a stir which impelled a Freedom "Unionist" to write the following irrate letter to the Bangor Whig and Courier.
To Editor of Whig and Courier ....
In anticipation of his (Elliot's) arrival every window in those houses whose inmates had up to the time of the arrest openly avowed their hos- tility to the government and their sympathy with traitors displayed numerous lighted tallow candles. At an early hour in the evening a gang of from forty to fifty men armed with guns and revolvers had as- sembled to welcome back their chief. He came about nine o'clock and was greeted with yells of triumph and with curses upon the "Black Republican" and unionmen. They then began a course of tumult, in- solence and outrage towards the Union men in the village, which lasted till near morning. The doors of the Unionists were fastened by the in- mates of those who have openly denounced the southern traitors and their sympathizers wisely kept within.
Another letter a few days later described Elliot's reception as riotous and unbecoming.
17. Ibid.
18. Ibid.
19. Nevertheless, on Nov. 2nd, Seward ordered Elliot's release pro- viding that "he will neither enter any of the states in insurrection ... nor hold any correspondence whatever with persons residing in those states, nor do anything hostile to U. S. during the present insurrection."
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The writer states that Benj. Wing of Thorndike, an alleged Union man, was manhandled and even wounded by a bullet passing through his hat, inflicting a small wound on his scalp. Then the unfortunate man tried to seek refuge from the mob in the public house of William Murray, but failed. The mob then continued hurling stones and firing guns at the houses of several Union men. "They amused themselves by hurling rocks against the house of Mr. Murray and yelling and firing guns at the residence of Dr. Billings till long after midnight. All this may no doubt seem incredible, but it is never-the-less true. Yours, Unionist."20
On November 19th Robert Elliot replied in a long letter to the Bangor Whig and Courier in the following manner :
"My attention has this moment been called to a communication in the Daily Whig of the fourteenth district over the signature of a Union- ist touching certain demonstrations alleged to have been made in this town upon my arrival at my residence on the evening of the eighth. While it is not to my purpose to reply to the statement of your corres- pondent's partly false and wholly exaggerated statements, I cannot forebear to say a few words in justice to myself and to the gentlemen of both political parties who have interested themselves in my behalf. I was released from Fort Warren on Thursday and left Boston in the cars for home. I had no knowledge that I was to be discharged prior to the hour of my release. I neither notified nor caused anyone in Freedom to be notified of my release previous to my arrival at my own house about nine o'clock on the evening of the same day. I purposely avoided doing so that I might enjoy that quiet repose so necessary for the recovery of my health, which had become very much impaired dur- ing my absence. . . . The demonstrations of gratification at my return made by my neighbors and fellow citizens were entirely unsolicited by me and beyond my power to control, and if any of them violated the proprieties of the occasion, no one regrets it more than myself. Ever ready to take any deserved responsibility, I can see no justice in being held responsible for acts of others committed without my knowledge or consent, or power to control. If wrong has been done, let the guilty and not the innocent suffer.
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