USA > Maine > York County > Parsonsfield > A history of the first century of the town of Parsonsfield, Maine > Part 16
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Kirchhoff and Angstrom, besides mapping the position of the Fraunhofer lines, determined the significance of many of them by comparing them with the bright lines seen in the spectroscope when bodies the composition of which we know are rendered vaporized by high incandescence, and the resulting light is examined by means of this instrument. Many others have from time to time aided in the work of thus identifying the solar lines so that we can now say with great confi- dence that there are many substances in the composition of the sun which are identical with those with which we are familiar. Nor is this all; on the contrary, the spectroscope has given rise to a branch of inquiry, which may with some pro- priety, be called celestial chemistry. The old conjecture that the stars are suns has been fully confirmed, and much has been done towards ascertaining their composition and physical constitution. It is just here that photography is able to render the most important aid. For it has very recently been found possible to photograph the stellar spectra with the greatest fidelity. In other words, the elementary constituents of the remotest stars have been compelled to write their autographs so that they can be completely identified.
The spectroscope finds constant application in our chemical laboratories, and such is the delicacy of its indications that it needs but a glance to detect the ele- mentary constituents of a given compound or mixture. Nor is this all; a careful study of the spectra of the different elements has started questions of their rela- tionship to each other, and to some common but unknown form of existence from which they may all be constituted. For the solution of such questions we may expect much from astronomical physics and chemistry, for, in the great variety of suns which the heavens present are found conditions which we cannot produce by any means at our command, and it is not unlikely that in some of these may be found the means of progress. In such matters the safest prophecies are made after the events to which they relate. C. F. BRACKETT.
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
CENTENNIAL POEM.
Dear, native town, thy children bring Their gifts of love today; Of thee, our happy voices sing, To thee, we homage pay, A little while together wait Around thy altar here, In unison to celebrate This glad Centennial Year.
How many changing years have passed Since thou, an infant small Wast cradled in the forest vast Among the pine-trees tall! Today we find a gray, old town So peaceful, lingering here, Its furrowed face without a frown This glad Centennial Year.
Our fathers tilled this rugged soil Long years, with tender pride, Content to gain for patient toil, A few green acres wide. The old, home farms, with sunny slopes, To many hearts are dear,-
About them cluster sweetest hopes This glad Centennial Year.
Yon gray-haired men of stately mien Once played among these hills, And fished for mottled trout, I ween, In pebbly, mountain rills. From cities' toil and din they come With us, to gather here,
And view once more their childhood home, This glad Centennial Year.
With thankful hearts we'll sing God's praise For all His care and love; A glad, triumphant song we'll raise To Heavenly courts above. A last good-bye, one look around On faces ever dear ;- With tender mercies God hath crowned This glad Centennial Year.
ISADORE E. MERRILL.
Geo.H. Walker & Co Lith. Boston,
S. D. M. Sweat
HON. L.D.M.SWEAT.
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
LAWYERS OF PARSONSFIELD.
BY P. W. MCINTYRE.
Philip W. McIntyre of the Portland Argus, gave a short account of the later lawyers, supplementary to the description by Mr. Bradbury of the four early members of the bar from Parsonsfield, and called attention to an important omis- sion made by the orator of the day. He said that it had fallen to his lot, in place of the Hon. L. D. M. Sweat, whose business engagements do not afford him leisure to treat the subject, to say something about the later lawyers of Parsons- field. This he did at the request of Mr. Sweat and of the Centennial committee. "You can appreciate my sorry plight," he said, " called upon as I am, to rattle round in Mr. Sweat's place. My data are scanty, my acquaintance on the whole with the men of whom I am to speak, is limited, though some of them I have personally known, and all of them are known to me by the fair repute in which they are held by their neighbors and clients. For the errors or omissions, or injustices I do, I beg your indulgence.
" To one thing, however, I must call your attention at the start. You have all listened with intense interest, with pricked ears, as the common saying has it, to the eloquent and edifying oration of Mr. Bradbury. You have in mind his picturesque descriptions of the hamlets and families that clustered about the Middle Road-that village all shut in by hills-in the days of his youth, and his generous tribute to departed worthies. And you have noticed that he has made a serious omission for which I think modesty is not an adequate excuse.
"No account of the lawyers of Parsonsfield, of the men who have made a study of the noblest science known to the world-the science of law, of regulat- ing communities, of shaping legislation, of arbitrating the quarrels that must arise between man and man-could be complete, or in the least satisfactory with- out the mention of James Ware Bradbury, who has served us in the Senate of the United States, and whose life is identified with the growth and prosperity of the Union. The admirable account given by Dr. Ricker in his exhaustive paper renders unnecessary the repetition of biographical data. To that record no words of mine can add weight. The veteran statesman to whom you have listened to- day is enjoying the calm honors of his age in the capital of the commonwealth he has aided to make illustrious.
" Dr. Ricker's admirable address also renders unnecessary an extended biograph- ical sketch of the gentleman whose place I so inadequately fill today.
MR. SWEAT,
in whose private and public career we all take so much pride, whose excellent taste in literature and art is recognized by society, and whose efforts while a mem- ber of Congress to promote the success of that great national highway, the Northern Pacific railroad, are known of all men, is dear to you, aside from his personal achievements, and the deeds he has done in the public service, as th e
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
son of that admirable physician, that accomplished surgeon, that father-confessor of Parsonsfield, that man who listened to its grievances and bore its burdens, the beloved Doctor Moses Sweat.
" Lorenzo D. M. Sweat, who has been so notably prominent in both private and public life, was born in Parsonsfield, May 26, 1818. His early education was under the instruction of his father, Dr. Moses Sweat, the private tuition of Prof. Davidson of Edinburgh, Scotland, and at the academies in neighboring towns. At the celebrated institution of learning at Effingham, N. H., his preceptor was James Ware Bradbury, a native of Parsonsfield, and subsequently United States Senator from Maine. When under the age of fourteen he taught a large winter term of school in Porter, Oxford county, displaying great energy and force of character, and governing unruly boys who had nearly reached their majority. He entered Bowdoin college in 1833, and was graduated with high honors in 1837, ranking among the first three of an unusually able class. He then entered the law office of Hon. Rufus McIntire of Parsonsfield, and took up the profession to which he had determined to devote his life. Thence he went to Portland, to the office of Howard & Osgood. He completed his legal studies at the Harvard Law School and was admitted to the Cumberland bar in the fall of 1840.
" That same year he went to New Orleans and entered the office of the famous Pierre Soule, where he thoroughly mastered the civil code, was admitted to the Louisiana bar, and opened an office for himself in 1841. He was summoned home by the serious illness of his mother, and at the desire of his parents relin- quished his intention of remaining in the South. He entered upon the practice of the legal profession in Portland, where he has ever since resided.
" In 1849 he married Margaret J., the daughter of John Mussey, a lady who as author and essayist is widely known, and who has for the past eighteen years been the Maine Vice-Regent of the Mount Vernon Association and its Secretary of Councils. In 1855 he traveled with his wife and brother John in Europe, making an extended sojourn. On his return he was made City Solicitor of Port- land, a position he again held in 1860. In 1861 and 1862 he was elected State Senator. The latter year he was chosen as a democrat to the 38th Congress from the strong Republican First district, greatly on account of his well-known sym- pathy with the prosecution of the war for the restoration of the Union.
" In that Congress he distinguished himself by his advocacy of or opposition to the great measures debated in that stirring time. He served on the committee on private land claims, and on the special committee on Pacific railroads. To him, perhaps more than to any other man, we are indebted for the building of the Northern Pacific railroad. He made the first speech in its favor, delivered in the halls of Congress. The project at that time was deemed chimerical, but his eloquence and convincing logic set the tide turning the other way. In a sense he may be called the father of that great trans-continental line. He also distin- guished himself in debate against Henry Winter Davis and Thaddeus Stevens,
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when their proposed scheme for the confiscation of Southern property came to be argued.
" In 1863, the most famous joint discussion, perhaps, ever held in Maine, took place between Mr. Sweat and the Hon. James G. Blaine in Portland City Hall-a debate in which the former fully held his own.
" Mr. Sweat was re-nominated for Congress in 1864 and 1866. He attended the National Democratic Convention held at Philadelphia in 1872, where he was chosen member of the National Committee, serving four years. He was also present at the National Democratic Convention of 1876, in St. Louis, where he did what lay in his power to secure the nomination of Mr. Tilden, whose full confidence he always enjoyed.
" In 1873, he again visited Europe, and crossed the Mediterranean to Egypt. He was Honorary Commissioner to both the Paris and the Vienna World's Expositions. At this date of writing he is about to sail for Europe again.
"During his active practice of law he was partner of Judge Samuel Wells (afterward Governor of Maine), Bion Bradbury, and Nathan Cleaves.
"For the last four or five years he has been the counsel and attorney for the Northern Pacific Railroad.
" In politics Mr. Sweat has always been a democrat.
" Permit me in this connection, to speak of another son of York county, who, though not born in Parsonsfield, won his spurs here; and after completing his collegiate course, began the active duties of life by teaching two terms of school at the little schoolhouse situated on the Town Common in Middle Road Village. I refer to Bion Bradbury, one of the most accomplished gentlemen, scholars and lawyers that Maine-so rich in manly products-has ever produced."
Mr. McIntyre then briefly and categorically spoke of the late lawyers of Par- sonsfield, beginning with mention of Robert T. Blazo, the Nestor and dean of the York County bar, who is now nearing the end of a long and useful life, and whose face is familiar to all the residents of Parsonsfield.
ROBERT TIBBETTS BLAZO,
son of Daniel and Abigail (Chapman) Blazo, was born at North Parsonsfield, Aug. 11, 1797. His education was received at town schools and the academy at Limerick in 1818; also, at Fryeburg, Effingham and Wolfboro. He commenced study of law in 1825, with Emerson & Hoyt, at Sandwich, N. H., and remained with them for about one year, and then Emerson having removed to Moultonboro, N. H., he continued the study of law with him. He was admitted to Strafford County bar in 1930, and went into practice at Moultonboro, remaining there about four years. He then removed to Sandwich and practised there about five years. Thence he removed to Parsonsfield in 1839, where he has continued the practice of law, and also farming, up to this time; although on account of advanced age he
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
has not attended court regularly for the past six years. He was married to Mary Freeman in 1835. He has two sons and two daughters. He has accumulated much property, and is now regarded as one of the wealthiest men in town.
The following summary is given of the sketches that followed:
JAMES OTIS MCINTIRE,
son of Rufus McIntire, was born in Parsonsfield, March 5, 1822. Was graduated at New Hampton in 1838, and entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1840. He held the commission of Captain in the Mexican war. After that he studied law with his father, was admitted to the bar in 1847, and went into partnership with the Hon. John Jameson of Cornish. In 1848 he was elected Clerk of Courts for York county, and held that office ten years, being, the Supreme Court Judges of those days say, the most efficient clerk that up to that time had held the office. Subsequently he became President of the Alfred bank. In 1870 he removed to Parsonsfield, and died there in 1875, having the rare fortune-among our migratory people-to die in the house in which he was born. He was possessed of admirable literary taste, and had he chosen to devote him- self to letters, would have made his mark in the world of books. Generous, impulsive, honest and genial, he made hosts of friends who mourn his premature death. He was a man of commanding personal presence.
CALEB B. LORD
was born in Parsonsfield in 1819. At an early age he evinced a strong predis- position for study, and applied himself to books. After an academic course at New Hampton, he entered upon the study of law with Rufus McIntire, and was admitted to the bar in 1843. Soon after, he entered upon the practice of his pro- fession in Limerick, where he was known as a prudent counselor and trustworthy advocate. In 1858 he was elected Clerk of Courts for York county, and was twice re-elected, holding the position for nine consecutive years, and proving himself one of the most efficient men that ever held that onerous position. In 1870 he represented Alfred in the Legislature. In 1871 he was appointed Asses- sor of Internal Revenue, and held that position until it was abolished by act of Congress. After that he lived at Alfred in honorable leisure, occupying himself , with that delightful pursuit, agriculture. [He died October 15, 1885.]
HENRY BAILEY,
son of John and Salome Bailey, of Parsonsfield, was born October 18, 1842. He attended the town school in district No. 8, Parsonsfield. In 1859-60 he attended school at the North Parsonsfield Seminary. In 1861-62-63, he was at Effingham Seminary. October 1, 1863, he left Parsonsfield for the West with $100 borrowed money in his pocket, and when he arrived at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, he had $3.50 left. He studied law for a part of the season of 1864, and then went into the
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
army as Captain of Co. C, 53d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served till 1865, when he was mustered out of the service. He resumed the study of law and was admitted to practice in April of 1866, and has since resided in Oshkosh. In 1869 and 1870 he served one term as Judge of the Municipal Court. He is a prominent citizen of that flourishing town, and a striking example of Maine pluck and fortune in the West.
WILLIAM DANIEL KNAPP,
son of Daniel and Betsey (Neal) Knapp, was born in Parsonsfield, Me., Sunday, October 17, 1830, attended the district school in the Emerson school district, two terms of tuition school at the Middle Road, and two terms at the seminary at North Parsonsfield under the instruction of Rev. John Fullonton; moved to Con- way, N. H., in 1844; fitted for college at South Conway Academy, and was gradu- ated from Dartmouth College in 1855. Taught school before graduating, in Con- way, Jackson and Tamworth, N.H., and in Newbury, Ipswich, Ashby and Groton, Mass. After graduation was principal of Lebanon Academy, West Lebanon, Maine, until December, 1856. Read law with Wells & Eastman at Great Falls village in Somersworth, N. H., and was admitted to the bar at Alfred, in York county, Me., September 22, 1858, and has been in the practice of law at Great Falls, N. H., ever since. He held the office of School Commissioner for Strafford county for two years from July, 1860, and was Secretary of the New Hampshire Board of Education from July, 1861, to July, 1862. He has been Treasurer of the town of Somersworth since 1866, and one of the selectmen several years. He was a Representative to the New Hampshire Legislature in 1870 and 1871. He was appointed Justice of the Police Court of Somersworth in August, 1869, and still holds the position. His career has been eminently successful.
JUDGE WILLIAM G. CHADBOURN,
son of Israel Chadbourn, was born in Parsonsfield, Dalton's Corner, and there lived until about nine years of age, when he went to reside with his grandparents at Berwick, Me., and Somersworth, N. H., where he continued to live until 1831; then came to Alfred in September of that year, his parents having removed there the previous June. Lived at Alfred some six or seven years, when he left for Gorham Seminary. He read law in the offices of the late Judge Goodenow at Alfred, who was then Attorney General of Maine; the late Hon. Rufus McIntire of Parsonsfield, then Land Agent of Maine, and the late Mr. Justice Clifford of Newfield, then a member of Congress. It seemed to fall to his lot to keep law offices open and running while the principals were attending to their official duties outside of their several offices. Having been brought into close connection with all the members of York bar when quite young, as clerk in the clerk's office, earning him a reputation at court of having some knowledge of the routine of law offices, perhaps explains why he was sought for in so many offices. He was ad- mitted to the bar at Alfred, May 20, 1841, but did not enter into practice until
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
1842, keeping his studies up as before admission until he opened an office in Brooks, Me., June, 1842, remaining in practice there until the spring of 1843; then removed to Westbrook, Me., where he continued practice up to 1855, when he removed to Portland, continuing in practice there up to 1856, when he was appointed Judge of the Police Court, which he held until a change in the admin- istration put another man in his place, and was soon after appointed to one of the best positions in the customs under the late Moses McDonald, then Collector of the port. When President Lincoln's administration came into power he, with others, went out, not exactly under the modern civil service rules, but because outside followers wanted their places for the money in them. Not having relin- quished practice while connected with the customs he continued in it until 1871, when he removed to Boston, Mass., opened an office, and still resides there.
EMERY S. RIDLON
was born at Kezar Falls, April 21, 1841. He was educated in the common schools and at Parsonsfield Seminary. For ten years after leaving school he was engaged in teaching. In 1864 he began the study of law with the Hon. Caleb R. Ayer of Cornish. He was graduated from the Albany Law School in 1867, and was ad- mitted to the Albany bar the same year, and to the York county bar. He imme- diately began the practice of his profession at Kezar Falls, where he gained the success to which his merits entitled him. In 1872 he removed to Portland and at once entered upon a successful practice. He was made a member of the City Council in 1878, and of the school committee in 1879. After 1880 he resided in Deering, but his law office was in Portland, where he had a lucrative practice, and where he took position among the best lawyers at the Cumberland county bar. [He died April 11, 1887, leaving a widow and son.]
J. M. BROWN
was born at North Parsonsfield, April 15, 1838. He is the son of Simon and Sally Brown. At Parsonsfield Seminary he received his College fitting. Some four years he spent in farming and teaching, then entered the law office of the Hon. Caleb R. Ayer in Cornish, attending and was graduated from the Harvard Law School, and was subsequently admitted to the York County bar. He entered upon the practice of his profession at Kezar Falls, in partnership with Emery S. Ridlon, Esq. He afterwards removed to Boston, where he is now engaged in active practice, making his residence at Milton. Soon after settling in Massa- chusetts he was commissioned by the Governor as Trial Justice for Stoughton, and while residing there married Miss Fanny S. Sackett. His career has been prosperous.
WILLIAM H. WIGGIN,
son of Daniel Wiggin, was born in 1823. He studied law with Henry Holmes and Samuel Thompson of Sanford; was graduated at Ballston Spa Law School,
GEO. H.WALKER & CO. BOSTON
G & Richlow
EMERY S. RIDLON, ESQ.
٠
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
New York, and was admitted to the York county bar in September, 1853. He settled in Sanford, and there practiced his profession for a short time. He then turned his attention to other business, and became interested in contracting for tin-roofing and the iron trade, wherein he met with great success. Most of his business was in the southern and western states. In 1870 he was married in St. Louis, and made his home there until his death in 1879. He left behind him the reputation of an honest, capable and energetic man.
I think you will all agree with me in my belief that Parsonsfield, a town that has contributed so many men to so many worthy pursuits, has done her share in promoting the advancement and dignity of the ancient and honorable profession of law.
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
PHYSICIANS OF PARSONSFIELD.
A brief paper on the physicians of the town was prepared and read at the Cen- tennial celebration, by Rev. L. T. Staples, he having been assigned that duty; and until this late date, when the printers are calling for " copy," it was expected of him to furnish it for publication in the history, but for some reason the article is not forthcoming, only the assertion that he is, in consequence of pressing duties and scarcity of material, unable to prepare and furnish the paper. This much by way of apology for the sketches which follow.
The town was settled ten years prior to its incorporation. The name of the first medical practitioner I am unable to ascertain; nothing save the fact that a French physician settled at North Parsonsfield, among those first on the ground, and practiced there for a few years.
DR. JOHN J. BLAISDELL
was the next, but how long he practiced in town is not now known. He also settled at North Parsonsfield, married Susan, daughter of Philip Paine, and in 1800 moved to Dixmont, Me., where he died in 1806. He studied medicine with Dr. Hall Jackson of Portsmouth. His grandfather, Amos Blazo, born in Bordeaux, France, emigrated to the United States about the year 1735 and settled in Green- land, N. H. The fourth son, William, moved to Wakefield, N. H., and changed his name to Blaisdell,-had three sons, the eldest Simeon and the youngest Dr. John J., settling in Parsonsfield. Amos, Jr., youngest son of Amos of Bordeaux, settled in Parsonsfield, from whom all the Blazos in this section have sprung. The Blaisdells and Blazos are of the same parent stock.
JAMES BRADBURY, M. D.,
was the next in point of time. The following sketch of his life is from the pen of his son, Hon. J. W. Bradbury of Augusta: James Bradbury was born in York, District of Maine, April 27, 1772; son of Cotton Bradbury, and grandson of the well known patriot, Elder John Bradbury of York. The family are descendants of Thomas Bradbury, who emigrated from Wicken Bonant, Essex county, England, in 1634, and was secretary of Ferdinando Gorges; settled in Salisbury, Mass., and raised a numerous family. Dr. Bradbury obtained a good education, and studied medicine in his native town. He settled in Parsonsfield in 1798, and soon ac- quired an extensive practice in which he continued more than forty years. He gave up active business and removed to Windham in 1843, to be near his only daughter, the wife of Dr. Charles G. Parsons, and died there February 7, 1844. He was a sound and judicious physician, commanding the respect and confidence of his extensive circuit of practice. As a citizen, father and husband he was cherished and beloved. An honest man of high toned morality, he became per- sonally interested in religion in 1816, and joined the Free Baptist church, and
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
continued in communion with that body until his death. It falls to the lot of few physicians to have added to the profession so large a number of honorable mem- bers as did Dr. Bradbury.
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