USA > Maine > Franklin County > Industry > A history of the town of Industry, Franklin County, Maine > Part 27
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willing to enlist for $150 bounty were also requested to take a seat with the others. Thus, amid patriotic appeals, cheers, and the tears of mothers, wives and friends, one after another joined the little company until the required number was well-nigh obtained .* As previously stated, the citizens at an adjourned session of their meeting, voted the additional fifty dollars and were thus enabled to fill the town's quota without resorting to a draft. The citizens at the same meeting made generous provis- ions for any drafted men who might enter the service in case non- acceptance of the volunteer recruits rendered a draft necessary. In such case the drafted men were to receive the same bounty from the town, subject to the same conditions, as the volunteers. As fast as enlisted and accepted, the nine months' men from Industry were rendezvoused at Camp E. D. Keyes, at the State capital.t So zealously and effectually did the authorities labor in enlisting men, that on the twentieth of November, 1862, the selectmen received official notice that Industry's apportionment under the President's call of July 2d, for men to serve three years, and August 4th, for nine months' men, had been can- celled.
Deprived of the support of sons, husbands and fathers, by reason of their enlistment, many families were left in destitute circumstances, and their needs now claimed the attention of the citizens of Industry. An act was passed by the State Legislature, and approved March 18, 1862, authorizing towns to extend aid to the needy families of soldiers in the service. A special town meeting was called Dec. 1, 1862, and the town
* Rev. Ira Emery, an eye-witness of these proceedings, thus writes of the meet- ing: "That day and its events was one of the most striking and impressive of any in town during the war and its scenes I shall never forget. There were gathered in that church fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, all interested witnesses of that almost dramatic scene. As one after another volunteered, the scene was deeply solemn and impressive. Some clapped their hands and cheer followed cheer. Others, and there were many such, wept."
t The following is a list of the men who enlisted under the call for nine months' volunteers : Hiram P. Durrell, William 11. Edwards, Benjamin Follett, William Q. Folsom, John F. Gerry, Gilbert R. Merry, Elias Miller, David M. Norton, Charles S. Prince, Samuel Racklift, Benjamin Tibbetts, George F. Williams, Hubbard S. Rob- erts. Only twelve of these men were mustered into the U. S. service.
311
EVENTS FROM 1860 TO 1866.
voted to appropriate $100 for the relief of needy families of soldiers agreeably to an act of the State Legislature. At the annual meeting in 1863, the town voted to extend aid to D). Collins Luce, whose minor son, John T. Luce, had died in the service ; also to other needy families. By this opportune action of the State Legislature, the wants of the many indigent fami- lies were relieved. This privilege, in some instances, may have been abused, but such cases were rare and exceptional. The town voted to raise $1000 for the support of soldiers' families, at its annual meeting March 14, 1864, and ever afterward a most liberal course was pursued in supplying their wants.
Repeated disasters and disappointments had prepared the people of Industry for almost any change that might occur ; hence the Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln, made public Sept. 22, 1862, declaring that on Jan. 1, 1863, "all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State the people whereof shall be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then and thenceforward and forever free," was received with little or no surprise, and only passing comment.
The events of 1863 were of a character well calculated to create intense excitement in every hamlet and town throughout the country, and at times to cause a feeling of personal uncer- tainty even among the citizens of Industry. Congress had passed a "conscription act," more troops were needed and a draft seemed imminent. No person enrolled under this act for a moment felt safe when a call for fresh troops was made. How eagerly were lists of drafted men scrutinized by each one liable to do military duty, to ascertain if his name was among the unfortunate ones,-not to mention mothers, wives, sisters and friends of the enrolled. This act was regarded with much dis- favor by a class of ignorant, unprincipled citizens, so numerous especially in all large cities and towns. These manifested their disloyalty by openly denouncing the action of Congress, and threatening resistance to any attempt to execute its provisions. Fortunately the citizens of Industry formed an exception and remained true to the Federal cause, though sharing the same
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HISTORY OF INDUSTRY.
feeling of insecurity experienced by the loyal citizens in other towns throughout the State. This sense of personal insecurity was still further intensified by well-authenticated reports that a piratical-looking craft had been seen hovering off the Maine coast. Soon after this, on the 26th of June, 1863, the rebel privateer "Tacony" entered Portland harbor and captured the revenue cutter " Caleb Cushing." This act of audacious daring everywhere caused the most intense excitement and alarm.
CHAPTER XVII.
EVENTS FROM 1860 TO 1866. CONTINUED.
General Lee Begins the March of an Invader .- Crosses the " Mason and Dixon Line."- Gloomy Prospects of the Federal Cause .- Numerous Desertions from the Union Army .- Organization of Districts under the Provisions of the Conscription Act. -First Conscripts from Industry .- The Non Compos Conscript .- " The Kingfield Riot."-Efforts of Drafted Men to Secure Town Bounty .- The Somerset and Franklin Wool-Growers' Association .- Call for More Troops .- $300 Town Bounty Offered for Volunteer Enlistments .- Stamp Act Passed .- Steamer "Chesapeake " Captured .- Attempts Made to Raid Maine's Eastern Border .- Re-enlistments .- Furloughed Soldiers Tendered a Banquet .- $600 Town Bounty Offered for Vol- unteer Enlistments .- Second Draft Made .- Small-pox Outbreak .- Aid to Soldiers in the Field .- Inflated Prices .- Efforts of Men who Furnished Substitutes 10 Recover the Sum Paid for the Same .- Third Draft Made .- Close of the War .- Great Rejoicing .- Flag-raisings at Allen's and West's Mills -Assassination of President Lincoln .- Memorial Services in Industry .- Cost of the War to the Town of Industry.
ON the 26th day of June, 1863, Lee, inspired no doubt by his victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, boldly crossed the Potomac River into Maryland and began the march of an invader. Marching his army across the State of Maryland he entered Pennsylvania. At this juncture the Federal cause looked gloomy indeed, and desertions were of frequent occurrence, amounting at one time to two hundred men per day. These circumstances combined created the most intense excitement and trepidation among the peace-loving citizens of Industry, and not till after the decisive victory on the field of Gettysburg did the people breathe easily. It was during the suspense of this exciting period that the first draft occurred under the President's call of -, 1863. By the newly-enacted conscription law, each congressional district was placed under the control of a
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IHISTORY OF INDUSTRY.
board of enrollment, consisting of a provost marshal, commis- sioner and examining surgeon. Each drafting district was divided into sub-districts of convenient size. The headquarters of the Second Congressional District, which included Industry, was at Lewiston, and under control of the following board : Provost Marshal, John S. Baker; Commissioner, Joel Perham, Jr. ; Surgeon, Alexander Burbank. A draft for the sub-district of Industry was held early in the month of July, and the follow- ing names were drawn :
Hiram P. Durrell.
J. Calvin Oliver.
Alvin S. Gray.
William J. Gilmore.
Menzir B. Merry.
Loren A. Shaw.
Daniel Collins, Jr.
Charles S. Prince.
John D. Leaver.
. James Edgecomb.
Warren N. Willis.
Zebadiah Johnson, Jr.
Ebenezer Swift. Jr.
Joseph Eveleth.
John W. MeLaughlin.
Elias H. Johnson.
Benjamin W. Norton, Jr.
George Luce.
Tobias C. Walton.
Out of this number, so far as can be learned, not one entered the service. Those not exempted by physical disability either hired substitutes or paid $300 commutation money. Warren N. Willis furnished as a substitute, Charles E. Thompson of Lewiston, and Benjamin W. Norton, Jr., Frank E. Hutchins of New Portland.
C'OMMUTATORS.
Menzir B. Merry. Daniel Collins, Jr. George Luce. William J. Gilmore.
The measures sometimes resorted to in order to secure exemption, while of a questionable character, were occasionally quite amusing. One of the most laughable as well as success- ful of these deceptions, was perpetrated on the examining board by a citizen of Industry. The person in question was naturally of fine physique and commanding personal appearance. But for the occasion he arrayed himself in a grotesque suit, much
* Industry was the seventh sub-district.
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EVENTS FROMM 1860 TO 1866.
too small, and from which legs and arms protruded in the most surprising manner ; pantaloons of the most ancient pattern, white vest, blue swallow-tail coat, ornamented with rows of brass buttons, which his grandfather might perchance have worn on his wedding day. On his head he wore a battered white tile of by-gone days. With stooping form, wildly dis- hevelled hair and bleary eyes, protected by a pair of green spectacles, he presented himself at the Provost Marshal's head- quarters, lead by an attendant. With tottering gait, he was lead to a vacant chair, where he seated himself, and with mouth agap and idiotic stare gazed straight up at the ceiling, to all appearances totally unconscious of his surroundings. Soon the surgeon began to question him, but for a time he paid no heed to his interrogatories. At length he turned to his attend- ant and, in a deep, nasal, bass tone, drawled out : " Be they talkin' to y'on ur to me, pa?" "To you, Erastus," shouted his attendant, in stentorian tones. "Ha?" interrogated the con- script, as his chin dropped until it nearly rested on his shirt front. "To you, Erastus," again yelled his attendant, placing his mouth close to the listener's ear and shouting out his reply in tones which might have been heard several blocks away. "Tell-um to tawk louder," roared the conscript. "Here's a pretty go," exclaimed the examining officer, "a fellow as deaf as an adder, and evidently not sound in the upper story. Enter this man non compos, Mr. Clerk," remarked the surgeon, as he turned to receive the next waiting applicant.
Although no disrespect was shown the notifying officer in Industry, these servants of the law were not so well received in some of the towns in North Franklin. The public mind had been wrought to a high state of excitement by the events of the past few months and the uncertain prospects of the Federal Government. With such a condition of the public mind, a more unpropitious time for a draft could not have been found. But more troops were needed in the field, and these must be had.
The Kingfield riot, so-called, was, briefly stated, the outgrowth of an attempt by the notifying officer to conceal the fact that
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HISTORY OF INDUSTRY.
he had in his possession the notices to be served on the drafted men, on the one part, and the action of a few injudicious, hasty- tempered young men on the other. The statement that he did not have the notices in his possession proved to be untrue. Angered by this deception a few men and boys told the officer he must leave the town, which he did. Those concerned in this treasonable act were not by any means the leading men of the town. The existing bitter partisan spirit had a tendency to magnify and distort the reports and great excitement prevailed, even in the little town of Industry. A detachment of the militia was sent to Kingfield to restore order and enforce the law. They found nothing to do, however, but to spend their time in hunt- ing, fishing and feasting. Carefully considered, the bare facts show nothing to justify the application of the term " riot" to the Kingfield affair.
A special town meeting was called, July 1, 1863, to see if the town would vote "to raise $100 or any other sum to pay each man who may be drafted under the present conscription act." After choosing Col. James Davis moderator, voted to pass by the article and adjourn sine die.
Undiscouraged by their defeat the interested parties immedi- ately petitioned the selectmen to call a second meeting to as- semble at West's Mills, July 11, 1863, " to see if the town would vote to raise $300, or any sum, to hire substitutes for men called into the U. S. service under the existing conscription act." This proposition shared the fate of its predecessor, as did a subse- quent proposition made before the close of the month.
THE WOOL-GROWERS' ASSOCIATION.
It had been a fact long known and frequently discussed, that the wool-growers were in a large measure dependent upon, and at the mercy of the wool-buyers; that by the united manage- ment of the last-named parties wool was frequently bought up at a figure considerably below the market price, and one that gave these middlemen an unusually large profit. These facts became topics of such moment among wool-producers that, with a view of improving their condition, a number of gentle-
EVENTS FROM 1860 TO 1866. 317
men from Industry and Anson, met at the house of Hiram Manter, in Industry, on the 27th of June, 1863, and formed themselves into a wool-growers' association. Their object, as set forth in the constitution, was: "That, being desirous of a better understanding, and, for the better protection of our inter- ests do unite ourselves into a society for that purpose." The qualifications required to render a person eligible to member- ship were, that they should own a flock of at least ten shecp. This society was double-officered, i. e., had a full set of officers for each county, and was known as the "Somerset and Frank- lin County Wool-Growers' Association." In Franklin County the members were all residents of Industry. General Nathan Goodridge was chosen president, and Hiram Manter, secretary. David Patterson was chosen treasurer and agent, and Benjamin W. Norton, Sr., Gen. Nathan Goodridge and James Elliott, directors. George Manter, David Patterson and Hiram Manter were elected to receive and sort the wool of the Association. All wool was required to be well-washed, and each member was allowed to draw from the treasury a sum of money not exceeding in amount two-thirds of the estimated value of his wool, upon the same being deposited with the agent. The directors were authorized to hire a sufficient sum of money to meet the demands of individual members, and the treasurer was required to give bonds to the amount of five thousand dollars. Among the more prominent members were: George WV. Luce, Peter B. Smith, Benjamin W. Norton, Jr., Isaac Dag- gett, John T. Daggett, Joseph W. Smith, Alonzo Norton, etc., etc. The wool of the members in this town alone amounted to some five thousand pounds. Owing to the disagreement of the members in regard to the time their wool should be sold, the enterprise was abandoned. The opinion of able men was that, had it continued, it would have, in time, become an effect- ual ally of the wool-grower.
The call of Oct. 17, 1863, for 300,000 men to serve three years, necessitated a special town meeting to raise money " for war purposes." This meeting accordingly assembled Dec. 2, 1863, and chose Ira Emery, Jr., moderator. It was then voted
40
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HISTORY OF INDUSTRY.
to pay cach volunteer enlisting for three years, the sum of $300, until the town's quota of eleven, under the President's last call, shall be filled. The treasurer was also authorized and instructed to hire money for that purpose.
It was about this time (1863) that Congress passed its famous stamp act, requiring a revenue stamp on every docu- ment, from a town clerk's certificate of marriage intention up to a warranty deed. Stamps were required on each package of friction-matches, also on proprietary medicines, playing-cards, photographs, tobacco, cigars, and, in brief, nearly every article to which a stamp could be affixed .* A two-dollar stamp was necessary to make valid the title to a farm valued at $1000, and the person who sold a bunch of matches without a one-cent stamp affixed, was subject to a heavy penalty. The first certi- ficate of intended marriage, issued in Industry after the passage of the stamp act, was to Alonzo Norton. This document was dated Oct. 31, 1863, and had a five-cent revenue stamp affixed. An excise tax was also assessed on carriages and harnesses. The amount assessed on a wagon and harness valued at fifty dollars was one dollar, and in the same ratio on those of higher value.
The seizure of the "Chesapeake," Capt. Willett, a screw- steamer of the New York and Portland Line, Dec. 13, 1863, was a feat of the most audacious daring, and everywhere caused great excitement. She was captured when off Cape Cod, on her passage from New York to Portland, by Lieut. John Clib- bon Braine and party. She was subsequently re-captured De- cember 17th, by the gunboat Ella and Anna.
Another cause of great anxiety was an attempt to raid towns on the eastern border of Maine, in the summer of 1864, by Confederates, who found refuge in the British Provinces. This created a widespread alarm, in which the citizens of Industry largely shared. On July 18th a detachment of three men from
* For years merchants sold 300 matches for five cents, of which sum three cents went to the U. S. Government for stamps, and whenever a photographer received an order for half a dozen small photographs he must needs pay eighteen cents for the stamps required by law.
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EVENTS FROM 1860 TO 1866.
one of these raiding parties boldly entered the Calais Bank, which they attempted to pillage in broad daylight. Their scheme was discovered in season to thwart their plans, and they were promptly arrested, convicted and sent to State's prison.
During the fall of 1863 and early winter of 1864, re-enlist- ments in the field became very numerous, and quite a number of the Industry boys, anxious to see the war through, re-enlisted and were granted a furlough of thirty days. While at home, and shortly before their return to the front, the citizens of West's Mills and vicinity tendered them a banquet at John Willis's hall, on Thursday, March 17, 1864. There was speaking with other exercises at the church in the forenoon, of which the author has been unable to procure any definite description. The spread at the hall was of the most unstinted proportions and the viands of the choicest quality. The central attraction at the feast was a large " monument cake," beautifully frosted and ornamented, a present from Mr. and Mrs. Elbridge HI. Rackliff .* Several distinguished guests from adjoining towns were present on the occasion, and among the after-dinner speak- ers were : Leonard Keith, of Farmington, Rev. Ira Emery and his brother Josiah, of Industry, also Nelson C. Luce and others. The event was a decided success, and no doubt a pleasant incident in the lives of the furloughed soldiers present.
Under the President's call of July 18, 1864, for troops, In- dustry's proportion was sixteen men, but having a surplus of nine men previously furnished, to its credit, only seven were required. Anxious to avoid a draft, if possible, a special town meeting was called at the Centre Meeting-House, August 23, 1864, and Nelson C. Luce was called to preside. The meeting then voted to offer $500 to any who would enlist for one year on the town's quota before September 5th, until the required number be reached. Nathan S. Johnson was chosen agent to secure enlistments on the town's quota, and voted a compensa-
* The baking-tins for this immense cake were specially made for the purpose by Mr. Rackliff. The total cost of the cake when placed on the table was not far from ten dollars.
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HISTORY OF INDUSTRY.
tion of twenty dollars for each soldier mustered in .* The meet- ing further voted to pay $600 bounty on enlistments for three years. The selectmen were authorized to hire money to pay these bounties. At an adjourned session of the same meeting, the bounty for one-year enlistments was raised to $600. Not- withstanding the liberal bounties offered, and the most strenu- ous efforts of enlisting officers, a deficiency still existed, and on Sept. 26, 1864, a draft was made by the Provost Marshal and the following names drawn: Elbridge H. Rackliff, George W. Johnson, Atwood Morse and William Cornforth, Jr. On pre- senting themselves before the examining board, Elbridge H. Rackliff, the first drawn, was accepted, and George W. Johnson exempted, by reason of physical disability. Atwood Morse, the third person drawn, was accepted, which made up the deficiency. The selectmen paid these two drafted men the same bounty as the town had voted to pay for enlistments. Their authority so to do was subsequently questioned, but their doings were promptly ratified by the town at a meeting held at the Centre Meeting-House, Jan. 4, 1865. As a draft was impending, the same meeting voted to raise $3500, to be placed in the selectmen's hands, with instructions to use it in securing enlistments on the most favorable terms possible. This sum the assessors were instructed to assess immediately and place the bills in the collector's hands. They were also instructed to pay $300 to any who would put in a substitute for three years to count on the town's quota. The meeting subsequently voted at an adjourned session, to add $150 to the $300 previously offered for substitutes.
Convinced that Industry's quotas were too large, by reason of the enrollment of persons physically disqualified for military duty, the selectmen were directed to employ such measures as
* Mr. Johnson was a very successful recruiting officer, as the following enlistments copied from an autographic list abundantly proves : Adriance R. Johnson, Andrew J. Spinney, Eben Fish, George C. Emery, Reuel H. Rogers, John M. Nash, Nathan G. Dyer, Albanus D. Quint, William S. Burce, Henry S. Maines, George H1. Butler, John P. Butler, Addison F. Collins, James W. Collins, John F. Daggett, Ilenry G. Mitchell, Samuel Rackliff. Dec. 11, 1863, Mr. Johnson was also deputized by the Provost Marshal General to arrest and return deserters, procure recruits, etc.
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EVENTS FROM 1860 TO 1866.
they deemed expedient to reduce the number enrolled. They were further instructed to take men to Lewiston for examina- tion, at the town's expense, if necessary. Through the well- directed efforts of these gentlemen many names were stricken from the rolls .*
About the first of July, 1864, an outbreak of small-pox occurred near West's Mills, in the town of Stark, and spread to a limited extent into the town of Industry. Through ignorance of the true character of the discase at first, it spread to a mtich greater extent than it otherwise would have done. There were some ten cases in both towns, but fortunately only one death occurred. This was the infant daughter of Peter W. Pinkham. Other cases were, Nellie Ellis, Betsey Pinkham, Sally Stevens, T. Gardner Daggett, J. Warren Smith, Josephine S. Viles, Benjamin Tibbets, and Silas Daggett.
The suffering and want incident to camp life, especially dur- ing the winter season, early claimed the attention of friends at home and many packages, containing nice warm socks and mit- tens, were sent to the boys through the U. S. mail, while boxes containing provisions, flannel underclothing, boots and other articles of comfort and convenience were not unfrequently despatched on their errands of good cheer to the brave boys in field and camp.
At times the anxiety and suspense among relatives and friends, as they watched day after day for intelligence of dear ones far away, was terrible to endure. And when at length after weary days of watching and waiting, the sad news of some dear one's death was received, how terribly rended were the heart- strings of wives, mothers, sisters and friends ! It was indeed a terrible ordeal for loving, trusting hearts.
As time passed on, prices became greatly inflated. Gold was at a premium of $1.50. Wool for a short time sold at one dollar per pound, and all the necessaries of life were proportion- ally high, as the following list compiled from actual sales plainly shows :
* This year (1864) by a singular coincidence the Republicans in Industry polled 94 votes at both the gubernatorial and presidential elections.
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HISTORY OF INDUSTRY.
PRICE-CURRENT OF GOODS "IN WAR TIMES," 1861 TO 1865.
Flour per bbl., $18 00
Corn per bushel, 2 00
Molasses, W. 1., per gal., 1 00
Tea, per lb., 1 50
Salt, per box of 20 lbs.,
50
Sugar, White, per lb.,
25
Sheeting (best cotton), per yd., 80
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