USA > Maine > Knox County > Union > A history of the town of Union, in the county of Lincoln, Maine : to the middle of the nineteenth century, with a family register of the settlers before the year 1800, and of their descendants > Part 13
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dated March 27, 1840, "is a swallow's tail on both ears, and a notch in the underside of both ears." Among the early settlers it seemed desirable that this or some other mode of identifying the cattle and sheep should be adopted, by which, in case of their straying or doing damage, the owners might be known. April, 1824, a vote was passed " that cattle shall not run at large the present year." Similar votes have generally been adopted at the annual April meetings since that time.
The subject of a pound was brought up June 20, 1803, but voted down. March 3, 1806, " Voted to build a pound, and set it near the Common." It was to be of pine, forty feet square, and to be completed by the first of June. William Boggs undertook the job for forty-six dollars. It was erected on the west end of the Common, and occupied the spot where the store of N. Cutler, Esq. now stands. Robert Bunting was annoyed; and, May 2, 1808, obtained leave of the town to move it " to some suitable place near the dwell- ing-house of James Rice," who lived by the Methodist Meeting-house on the farm now owned by Nathan D. Rice.
April 1, 1822, the selectmen were chosen "a com- mittee to examine the pound, and to report their opin-
141
TOWN-HOUSE.
ion at the next meeting on the necessity of building a new one." Sept. 9, 1822, it was voted to build one " in some convenient spot on Rufus Dyer's land; the same to be built of rocks, four feet thick at the bottom, and two feet thick at the top; the wall to be six feet high with rocks, with timber on the top; three square good posts for to hang the door to, with a good door well hung with iron hinges and well secured with a good lock; the whole to be done in a workmanlike manner, and to be twenty-five feet square within the wall." . The building of it was put up at auction, Nov. 4, and taken by Nathaniel Robbins for twenty- eight dollars.
TOWN-HOUSE.
As early as March 3, 1806, the warrant for a town-meeting contained an article "to see if the town would build a town-house." The subject was not again brought forward till July 1, 1837. The east and the west parts of the town became divi- ded. Some of the people wanted to have it at Bar- rett's Corner, north-west of the Middle Bridge. Some wanted it near the .Methodist Meeting-house, on land which would be given by Nathan D. Rice; and others near the Common, where Ebenezer Cobb was willing to have it erected "east of his new building, without expense to the town for land." Each of these places was approved by the town at one or another of the meetings. Plans were also adopted, and committees were chosen and authorized to make contracts for the building. Even a deed for the land was obtained of N. D. Rice. The whole population became excited ; at one meeting reconsidering votes passed at a preced- ing meeting, or in the earlier part of the same meeting. The people often met, and the discussion was con- tinued till June 17, 1839, when the whole town rallied; and it was voted, yeas 157, nays 146, “to reconsider all votes formerly passed." This being done, it was " voted that we build a town-house, to be located near the powder-house ; and that it be built according to the
13
142
TOPOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
blue plan, 40 by 48 feet, as accepted at a former meet- ing; that the selectmen be a committee to superin- tend the building of said house, and give directions as to the height of the posts and finishing said house. And the treasurer be authorized forthwith to enter into bonds with Ebenezer Cobb to build the same for the sum of six hundred dollars; one-half to be paid by the first day of April, 1840, the other half by the first day of September, 1840, when said house is finished; said Cobb to furnish land and other mate- rials suitable for said house."
July 1, 1839, an attempt was made to procure another reconsideration of the votes; but the town, 143 to 73, " voted not to reconsider," and the select- men were appointed " a committee to locate the town- house in the vicinity of the powder-house, and agree with Mr. Cobb for a piece of land suitable for the same." The house was built, and thus ended the strug- gle. A stove was voted April 7, 1845. Further de- tails1 would be uninteresting, except as they might illustrate the orderly manner in which town-affairs are conducted, when hundreds of people are exceedingly zealous in matters considered favorable or prejudicial to their interests and convenience.
1 In April, 1844, it was voted that the building should " be used only for political purposes ; " but, April, 1845, the letting of it was " left discretionary with the selectmen." April 7, 1845, voted that Ebenezer Cobb take care of the Town-house. April 6, 1846, the selectmen were authorized to lease the upper part of it " to John W. Lindley and his associates, with a privilege for the purpose of finish- ing a hall ; provided they shall get and keep the Town-house insured so long as they shall occupy the same, reserving the right to rescind the lease upon paying a full compensation for their expenditures." The building has often been used for public worship, for justices' courts and courts of reference, and by the band when practising. music.
143
FIRST MEETING-HOUSE.
CHAPTER XVII.
FIRST MEETING-HOUSE.
Early Efforts for a Meeting-house. - Spot selected. - Location changed. - Contracted for. - Porch. - Raising. - Enclosed. - Pillars. - Pulpit Window. - Outside to be finished. - Temporary Seats. - Pews. - Roof to be painted. - Sale of Pews. - Names of Owners. - Lock voted. - Description of the House. - Pews built in the Gallery. - Repairs. - Stove. - Decay and Desecra- tion of the House. - Taken down. - Associations with it. - Cus- toms. - Marriage Publishments. - Dogs and Dog Whippers.
THE present generation knows but little about the efforts of the fathers of the town to provide a place for worship. The country had not recovered from the ex- haustion consequent on the revolutionary war. The burden of building a meeting-house was heavy. The people were poor. They were also embarrassed by the wants and inconveniences always incident to new settlements. But, in their day, a meeting-house was considered nearly as important to a town as a dwelling-house to a family. Accordingly, in showing the patience and perseverance of the inhabitants from the beginning to the completion of the house, more details will be given than can be generally interesting.
1787.
The first recorded notice occurs April 2, the year after the incorporation. Then, every house in town, except the Taylor House, was made of logs. Philip Robbins, Matthias Hawes, Josiah Robbins, Ezra Bowen, Joel Adams, Moses Hawes, and Abijah Hawes, were chosen a committee "to look out and find the most convenient spot to set a meeting-house, and procure a deed of the same." Philip Robbins was " to see if Mr. Jonathan Amory would give a lot of land for the support of the gospel, and get a deed of it .... [The town] would not do any thing in
144
FIRST MEETING-HOUSE.
regard to clearing a spot, [or] hiring preaching." Nov. 19, the committee reported that the most conve- nient spot was " on the line between Josiah Robbins's and the land of David Gillmor. . Bounds : South cor- ner; north thirty-six degrees east, sixteen rods ; thence north forty-two degrees west, twenty rods ; thence south thirty-six degrees west, sixteen rods ; thence south forty- two degrees east, twenty rods." This spot was on the hill now known as the Old Burying Ground. Samuel Hills, Moses Hawes, and John Butler, were chosen a " committee to write a letter to Mr. Amory for a deed for the same."
1788-90.
April 7, 1788, " Voted that the town will clear up a spot to set a meeting-house." May 28,“ Set up at ven- due, to be cleared by the lowest bidder. Bid off by Ama- riah Mero, who is to clear and fence, and seed to grass for the first crop, and to have the improvement till the town call for it for the above use ; he keeping the brush down and fence in good order." July 14, the town " voted that they would build," and "that a tax of £110 be assessed and collected, in boards, shingles, or any thing that is necessary to build a meeting-house, and that it be paid in by the last of May, 1789." Messrs. Woodcock, Josiah Robbins, and Moses Hawes, were chosen a committee to receive and prize the lum- ber. The work, however, progressed slowly. The time for payment was extended to June 1, 1790. An unsuccessful attempt was made to reconsider the vote passed July 14, 1788.
1791.
March 7, the town "chose Josiah Robbins, Joel Adams, Thomas Daggett, Philip Robbins, and Joseph Maxcy, a committee to receive and prize the lumber ; " and the time for payment was "lengthened to 1} months from the date of this meeting. ... Voted the thanks of the town be given to the committee for services done in procuring a bond for a deed of Mr.
145
MEASURES FOR BUILDING.
Woodcock in behalf of Mr. Jonathan Amory for a [spot] to set a meeting-house."
1792.
April 2, " Voted to set the meeting-house on the north side of the road from Capt. West's to Christo- pher Butler's, and on the east of the road to Senebec Pond, in the crotch by Mr. Gillmor's new field."1 Jo- siah Robbins, Joel Adams, Philip Robbins, Bela Rob- bins, Seth Luce, Joseph Maxcy, Samuel Daggett, Joseph Guild, and Capt. George West, were chosen a committee " to look out the most convenient spot near where it now is" voted, and to " agree with Mr. Gill- mor for the spot, and make their report at the next meeting." It was voted that the house should be forty feet by fifty,2 and that Matthias Hawes, Joseph Maxcy, and Amariah Mero, should be a committee " to inquire of a suitable person, of the cost and plan of such a house." May 7, the town chose Capt. George West " chairman of the town's committee," to which they added Mr. Thomas Daggett. At the same time they accepted the "spot the committee looked out to set a meeting-house on," and chose Joseph Maxcy, Amariah Mero, and Edward Jones, " a committee of three to draw a plan and prize produce to pay the £110 tax that was granted."
More than five years had thus passed away. Dec. 12, 1792, effectual measures were taken for making a be- ginning. It was voted to put up at auction the job of furnishing a frame of the following dimensions : -
Two sills, 50 feet long, 12 inches square, oak. Five sills, 40 feet long, 12 inches square, oak. Two plates, 50 feet long, 8 inches by 12, pine.
Six beams, 42 feet long, 12 inches by 14, pine.
1 At the same time, Ebenezer Robbins and his estate were "set off to Thomaston to do duty and to receive privilege in building a meet- ing-house and supporting the gospel - at his request."
2 At the next meeting, the size was reconsidered, and it was voted to build forty feet square. This vote was again reconsidered Nov. 2, and the house was built forty feet by fifty.
13*
146
FIRST MEETING-HOUSE.
Two gallery girths, 40 feet long, 12 inches square, pine. One gallery girth, 30 feet long, 12 inches square, pine. Sixteen posts, 25 feet long, 12 inches at the foot, oak. Ten beams, 12 feet long, 10 inches by 12, pine. Six girths, 13 feet long, 8 inches by 10, oak. Four girths, 12 feet long, 8 inches by 10, oak.
Six girths, 10 feet long, 8 inches by 10, oak.
Twelve rafters, 28 feet long, 8 inches square at head, ten of them pine, and two oak.
Four kingposts, 20 feet long, 10 inches by 12, oak.
The contract was taken by Josiah Robbins for £32, the lumber to be " on the spot by the first of June, all but the slit-work, and that by the first of May." " Voted there shall be a committee to take the taxes, and deduct out £40 to pay for the getting of the tim- ber, and average the remainder on the inhabitants and non-residents, to be paid in materials as follows : Boards, shingles, joists, or slit-work, at prices set by a committee heretofore chosen. And this committee shall examine the lumber so delivered, and give orders on the collector, which shall pay so much of their taxes."
1793.
March 4, an assessment of £50 was voted1 for framing, raising, and inclosing the house; and Philip Robbins, Rufus Gillmor, and George West, were chosen a committee to procure workmen. Uriah Cof- fin bid off at auction a contract to furnish, for £4, sixty sleepers hewed on two sides, eight inches thick, oak or hemlock. April 1," Voted to build a porch, and there should be 168 feet of square timber and 76 feet hewed on two sides for sleepers, and that application should be made to Mr. Bosworth2 for the dimensions of the same." Bid off by C. Butler for £1. 14s. Thirty pounds were voted, Dec. 2 and on the seventh of the following April, "towards finishing" the house.
At the same time, it was voted "to give Mr. Ebenezer Robbins his meeting-house tax, as he is old, and nearly past his labor."
2 Mr. Bosworth, of Warren, " was the master-builder, and almost the only man who knew how to do such work."
147
THE RAISING.
In autumn the frame was completed. The day for raising it must have been one of extraordinary inte- rest. The hearts of the people were gladdened at the prospect of obtaining what had been the subject of many prayers and a great deal of anxiety and Yankee calculation for more than six years. A "raising," too, in those days, was very laborious. Rigging and ma- chinery were seldom used. The timber was com- monly large and heavy. Pike-poles and men's arms were the means by which a frame was put up. In raising so large a building as a meeting-house, it was necessary to look to neighboring towns for assistance.
Accordingly, on Wednesday, Oct. 3, when the sun rose above the forests and shone on the few cultivated fields, it requires no great stretch of the imagination to picture the moving of most of the population of Union, and of many persons from Warren and Thomaston, and of some perhaps from Waldoborough, towards a com- mon centre. Some were in boats on the pond and river. Others were on horseback. The greater part were on foot, wending their way through the woods, among stumps, stones, and holes, and over corduroy roads. As they passed by the humble dwellings, - for, with very few exceptions, the habitations were log- houses, - they were hailed with loud, sharp voices and a hearty welcome to " come in and take some refresh- ment, or something to eat." On the tables were placed the best of every thing which could be furnished from the herds, flocks, fields, and barn-yards.
By Philip Robbins a corner-stone had been pre- viously taken out of the river near Bachelor's Mills. It was laid by means of a compass east and west, without any other ceremony. As it was always cus- tomary for all who attended a "raising" to labor gra- tuitously and to be furnished with refreshments, "Rufus Gillmor got a barrel of rum, and the men took their eleven o'clock and their four o'clock in good shape." Amariah Mero applied to the heavy timbers some rigging which he had previously borrowed at Warren. The band of the frame on the east end was raised by
148
FIRST MEETING-HOUSE.
fastening the rigging to the limbs of a native oak, which was near it. One piece of timber, and then another, was slowly and tediously lifted, till all were put in their places. After two days, or perhaps three, of excessive labor, the raising was completed. It is said, that, to the eyes and imaginations of some of the inhabitants, it seemed almost as if they were to have a Solomon's Temple. A general enthusiasm pre- vailed among the population, which was then so small1 that nearly one-half of the persons who as- sisted in the raising were from the neighboring towns.
Upon hearing the report of the building committee, Dec. 2, it was " voted that the time for getting lumber for the meeting-house be prolonged till the middle of the next March." Afterward, little by little, for many years, additions and improvements were made accord- ing to the inclinations and ability of the people.
1794.
April 7, thirty pounds were granted toward finish- ing the house. Sept. 1, it was voted that twenty pounds should be immediately assessed and worked out " on the highway, in the room of the twenty pounds granted by the General Court to be worked out on the highways, and to appropriate the said twenty pounds in cash towards inclosing2 the meeting-house." The proceedings of the year concluded with a vote, Nov. 3, that " the committee procure pillars to be turned for the meeting-house."
1 At this time, says Mrs. William Hart, the only families in town, on the east side of Seven-tree Pond, were those of Samuel Hills, Joseph Maxcy, Josiah Maxcy, William Hart, Spencer Walcott, Christopher Butler, Levi Morse ; and on the road to the east part of the town lived Jonah Gay. On the west side lived Ezra Bowen, Abijah Hawes, David Robbins, Richard Cummings, Moses Hawes, Amariah Mero, Edward Jones, Rufus Gillmor, and Josiah Robbins. On the south of Round Pond lived Jessa Robbins; and on the west of it were Joel Adams, Jason Ware, and Matthias Hawes. Besides these there were, in other parts of the town, Seth Luce, Bailey Grin- nell, George West, Royal Grinnell, William Lewis, Thomas Daggett, Thomas Daggett, jun., Samuel Daggett, and Aaron Daggett.
2 That is, boarding and shingling the roof.
149
PROGRESS OF THE WORK.
1795.
May 6, the town voted not to grant more money, and that "the money in the hands of the several collectors of the taxes granted for building the meeting-house be first expended for the purpose of inclosing the same." At the same time, Ebenezer Jennison, Rufus Dyer, and David Gillmor, and subsequently Amariah Mero, in place of E. Jennison, who declined, were chosen a committee to draw a plan of the groundwork, to prize the pews, and report at the next meeting.
1796.
In the "dead of winter," Jan. 16, a town-meeting was held; and it was voted to raise by tax "sixty pounds, or two hundred dollars, to procure lumber for the meeting-house, so that it may be seasoned and fit to work the ensuing summer; ... and that the tax be assessed in the course of a fortnight," according to the valuation taken for the preceding May. David Gill- mor, Rufus Gillmor, and Joseph Maxcy, were chosen a committee to receive such lumber as was suitable ; and it might be brought in until April. April 4, the committee were instructed to enlarge the pulpit-win- dow as they may think best. May 5, it was voted to finish the outside of the meeting-house, and that the job should " be set up at vendue to the lowest bidder, all but setting the glass." It was to be done " like the Warren Meeting-house, and in a workmanlike manner, by the first day of November; all, except the · window-sashes and doors, which were to be done by the last day of June, 1797." The materials were required to be on the ground in two months, or by the 25th of July. The contractor was to "enter into bonds with sufficient bondsmen," and " to have one-half the pay when the clapboarding was done, viz. by the first of November, and the other half when the remainder of the work was done." The bid was taken by Capt. George West, at one hundred and ninety-four dollars. He seems to have thought it an unprofitable job; for, Nov. 5, 1798, he made an unavailing application
150
FIRST MEETING-HOUSE.
for more compensation. At the same time the subject of pews was taken up. The meeting-house was never dedicated. As soon as it was covered, and the floor laid, religious services were held in it. Temporary seats were made by loosely placing the ends of long planks or boards on blocks or on the buts of beams or logs.
The committee chosen May 6, 1795, delayed their report from one town-meeting to another till Nov. 7, 1796. Then it was voted to accept the plan of Amariah Mero, and not to accept the prices affixed to his plan. A committee was chosen upon the spot to re-apprize the pews, and to report before the meeting dissolved ; and their report was accepted. An article had been inserted in the warrant in relation to the selling of the pews. It was voted to put them up at auction, the bids to be for choice. The terms of payment were one-fifth in ten days, two-fifths in six months, and the other two-fifths when the work was finished. " Nothing short of half a dollar " was to be bid, and " nothing to be considered a bid unless it was above the apprize- ment." No persons were allowed to bid but the inhabitants and such non-residents as owned land in the town. No. 18 was reserved by the town as a minister's pew. No record is made of the success of the sale; but it was "voted to adjourn selling the remainder of the pews until March meeting" in the next year.
1797.
Feb. 6, it was "voted to procure materials, and to go on with finishing the house;" and Josiah Robbins, Amos Barrett, and David Gillmor, were chosen the committee. They were " instructed to purchase boards and such other lumber as was necessary to finish the lower part" of it. This seems to have been the extent to which it could be expected to carry the finishing.
When the March meeting was held, it was " voted to sell the remainder of the pews this day, upon the same terms as before ; the time for payment to be dated
151
PEWS.
from this meeting." Aug. 28, the town instructed the treasurer " to call on those who had not paid for their pews nor given security, to settle with him and give him security, or pay the money in one month from this time, viz. by the 28th of September ; but, upon failure thereof, the pews to be again the property of the town and at the town's disposal."
1798.
Pews were probably built this year. March 5, a new committee was chosen "to go on with finish- ing the meeting-house." It consisted of Rufus Gill- mor, Christopher Butler, and David Gillmor. April 2, the committee were "instructed to inquire into the state of the moneys belonging to the meeting-house, to see what is due to the town for pews, and what is due from the town for work. If there be money suffi- cient for that and other purposes, the committee are to paint the roof of the meeting-house, and to act further, according to their discretion in the business."
Some of the pews which had been sold were not paid for : they reverted to the town, and it was voted to sell them at the May meeting. The sale was de- ferred till Nov. 5. Then the selectmen were chosen a committee to report conditions in fifteen minutes. The report required the purchaser "to pay two dollars earnest, or give a note on demand therefor; to pay one-fifth (including the two dollars) in ten days," two- fifths in two months, and two-fifths in six months, and to give notes to the town-treasurer to that effect. If any one did " not keep the pew after bidding it off, he was to forfeit the two dollars earnest " money. Four pews only were sold, when it was found necessary to postpone the sale.
At this meeting, measures were taken to confirm the titles. The town voted "to have the numbers of the pews, together with the prices paid for them, re- corded on the town-book, which was to be considered as a sufficient title thereto ; a certificate to be given by the clerk to the purchasers, if required." Accordingly
152
FIRST MEETING-HOUSE.
there is the following record, which probably includes those sold subsequently : -
No. Price.
No.
Pricc.
Nathl. Robbins
1 $41.50
Olney Titus
21
$25.50
Philip Robbins
2 41.00
David Gillmor
22 27.00
David Robbins
3 36.00
Moses Hawes
23 27.00
Rufus Gillmor
4 35.50
David Robbins 24 27.50
5 00.00
Edward Jones 25
26.00
Philip Robbins
6 35.50
Bailey Grinnell 26 25.50
Joel Adams
7 35.00
David Robbins 27 26.00
Jessa Robbins
8
36.50
Josiah Robbins 28 30.00
Amariah Mero
9
31.50
Samuel Hills 29 23.00
William Lewis
10
29.50
Abijah Hawes 30
22.50
Matthias Hawes
11
29.50
David Cummings 31
24.00
Amariah Mero
12
29.50
Moses Hawes
32
24.00
Capt. Geo. West 13
25.00
Amariah Mero
33 24.50
Thomas Daggett 14
20.50
Waldron Stone
34 24.00
Timothy Stewart 15
20.00
Chris. Butler 35 20.00
David Gillmor
16
40.50
David Robbins
36 21.00
Richd.Cummings 17
28.50
Thomas Butler
37
21.00
Clergyman's
18
00.00
John Tobey
38
21.00
19
30.00
39
20.50
Seth Luce
20
32.00
Rufus Gillmor
40
19.50
1799.
April 1, instead of forcing the sales, it was “ voted to keep the pews for the present for those persons to sit in who have none." Also " voted to choose a per- son to take care of the meeting-house, to sweep the same once a month, to set up the same to the lowest bidder. Bid off by David Robbins at one dollar and fifty cents."
1801.
April 6, " The selectmen to provide a lock, and put it on the front door."
1803.
March 7, Rufus Gillmor appointed by the town to take charge of the meeting-house, keep the key, &c.
153
DESCRIPTION OF IT.
1804-1813.
The history of the house has been given from the beginning to the time when it probably received the last stroke ever given by the town toward making it a convenient place for public worship. In this condi- tion it remained for several years. The shingles were put on the roof, and the clapboards on the walls, with wrought nails, -cut nails not having come into use. The ceiling was the only part which was plastered. Through this, in the south-east corner of the house, was an opening to the garret, in which for many years the town's powder was kept. The wainscot, rising as high as the window-sill, was of planed boards. Above this, rough boards, with the points of clapboard-nails sticking through them, were visible between the beams and studs. The pews were square, and contained seats on three sides. There were three body-pews on each side of the broad aisle, and three back of them; and these twelve pews were separated by an aisle from the wall-pews, which extended entirely round the build- ing, except where they were interrupted by the pulpit and the single place for entrance to the house. None of the seats in the pews were nailed down, very few were hinged, and all could be turned up edgewise. At the beginning of a prayer, not a little noise was made by the universal practice of carelessly turning them up; and, on concluding it, the building rang with the clattering sound as they were slammed down. The upper part of each pew, instead of being panel-work, consisted of small trunnels, fancifully wrought with a lathe, and placed almost but not quite far enough apart for the children to put their heads through; re- minding one of sheep-racks. The fronts of the galleries rested on square pillars covered with planed boards, at the upper part of which was something probably meant to be an entablature. Around the gallery, loosely laid on refuse ends of joists and beams, extended two sets of plank-seats, the rear range being a little higher than the other. In front of the preacher sat the singers. On his left sat the girls, and on his right
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