USA > Maine > Washington County > Milltown > Annals of Calais, Maine, and St. Stephen, New Brunswick; including the village of Milltown, Me., and the present town of Milltown, N.B. > Part 5
USA > Maine > Washington County > Calais > Annals of Calais, Maine, and St. Stephen, New Brunswick; including the village of Milltown, Me., and the present town of Milltown, N.B. > Part 5
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M. E. CHURCH, CALAIS AND MILLTOWN.
sold for $39, apiece. As Luther B. Knight furnished most of the money and material for the repairs, the edi- fice was christened "Luther's Meeting-House." Here for ten years, the Society worshipped and prospered. After the Methodists left this building, it was used by the Congregationalists as a vestry, and for a time by the Universalists, as a place of worship, until 1870, when it was burned.
At the quarterly Conference, probably the first, held in Calais, Aug. 21, 1846, there were present, Rev. John Clough, Presiding Elder, and Revs. Josiah Eaton, W. H. Crawford and A. H. Hall, circuit preachers. The societies represented were Milltown, Calais and South Calais. It was "voted not to renew W. W. Walker's license as a local preacher." In a pecuniary light, this was no damage to Mr. Walker, as the salary of a minister at that time, did not much exceed $300; and even this small sum was not promptly paid.
At the quarterly Conference in Aug. 1847, there were present, Rev. Asahel Moore, P. E., and Revs. J. Keith, Milltown ; E. A. Helmershausen, Calais ; J. Eaton, south Calais ; and many lay delegates from these places and Baring. The "state of religion" was report- ed as "very good in Calais but low in Milltown." There were 35 scholars and two Bible classes in the Sunday school in the former place ; in the latter, 52 scholars and one Bible class.
At the next annual Conference, 1848, both the fi- nancial and religious condition of the societies being rather low, it was "voted to unite Calais and South Calais into one circuit, and Milltown and Baring into another." Mr. Crawford retained his place, but Rev. S. C. Scammon was assigned to the Calais circuit.
In 1849, Levi C. Dunn was licensed to "preach the
1
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M. E. CHURCH, CALAIS AND MILLTOWN.
Gospel," and the next year, his commission was renewed.
In 1850, Mr. Scammon retired, and Rev. S. F. Wetherbee took his place in Calais .- In 1851, the preach- ers were W. H. Pillsbury, P. E. ; C. H. A. Johnson, Milltown ; L. D. Wardwell, Calais ; J. Eaton and L. C. Dunn, supernumeraries. The number of Sunday school scholars was, in Milltown, 122; in Calais, 75. This was a handsome increase. But in 1855, owing to some mysterious decline in interest, Rev. C. M. Free- man appears to have been the only active Methodist minister on the American side of the river. All the societies were in a feeble condition, and the Calais Sun- day school was suspended.
In 1856, the Calais society bought the Baptist Church on Main street, paying $2800 ; and took posses- sion the first day of April. A revival ensued, and a large number joined the Church. Since then, the fol- lowing gentlemen have occupied the pulpits in Calais or Milltown :- Revs. N. Whitney, C. M. Freeman, Joel A. Steele, G. D. Strout, Seldon Wentworth, S. H. Beal, E. M. Fowler, B. M. Mitchell, Frank Strout, T. B. Tupper, T. P. Abel, A. B. Townsend, and C. L. Haskell. The last two are still officiating, and their societies enjoying prosperity. Recently the Calais so- ciety has purchased a lot for a new church, and intend soon to build.
During this lapse of time, both societies have had ups and downs. In prosperity each has had its own pastor ; but in seasons of depression, one minister has served both. The South Calais Society has become ex- tinct ; but Methodism has as strong a foot hold and as fair a prospect, at present in Calais as it ever had ; and by judicious management, it may long have more com- municants than any other denomination.
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ANGLICAN CHURCHES.
XII. ANGLICAN CHURCHES.
İst. CHRIST'S CHURCH,-ST. STEPHEN.
Early impressions are lasting. People seldom for- get the religious instruction of their childhood. Espe- cially is this true of persons brought up in an Episcopal Church. Its sweet, solemn music, its devout prayers in which all unite, its well read Bible lessons, its reverent kneeling and bowing, its white robed priest and holy sacraments, all sweep the chords in a child's soul, to harmonies that no after life can wholly hush.
Many of the early settlers of St. Stephen had been reared in the bosom of the English Church ; and it is not strange that amid the savage wilds and dreary hard- ships of a strange land, they should at times long for the soothing, cheering ministrations of their old, home sanc- tuaries. Accordingly in 1806, they sent a petition with many signatures, to the Bishop of Fredericton, asking for a minister of their own faith. Their request was granted ; and in a few months, Rev. Richard Clarke came to St. Stephen and inaugurated "Christ's Church." The services, for several years were conducted in a small building on King St., and were ever pleasant and profitable. Mr. Clarke was a gentlemanly and peace- able Pastor, not very eloquent in the pulpit, but highly
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esteemed for his pure life and blameless conduct. In his care the Church slowly but steadily and healthfully increased in numbers and piety. After preaching about a dozen years, he moved to Fredericton. But his son still residing in St. Stephen, he subsequently returned, and in a good old age passed on to the "long home."
The next Pastor, Rev. G. S. Thompson, D. D., set- tled in St. Stephen in 1821. He was a large, fine look- ing, energetic and eloquent man and devout Christian. During his long and successful ministry, a large and elegant church was erected on Prince William St., and the parish became one of the largest and best in New Brunswick. He also secured the erection of a church edifice in Milltown, N. B., in which, for several years, he conducted religious service on Sunday afternoons. This house, having remained "at ease" for several years, was recently burned. He was also shrewd and judi- cious in looking up and securing profitable glebes for the support of his Church. Highly respected by all the citizens in his parish, Dr. Thompson was greatly belov- ed and revered by the members of his church. Having well performed the duties of pastor, for forty years, he passed on to his reward, full of years and honor, Mar. 30, 1867.
On his decease, Rev. E. S. Medley, who already had served a year or two as colleague, became pastor. Mr. Medley was a son of the Bishop of Fredericton, and a young man of good education, fair talents and fine promise. For a little time, all were well satisfied ; but the young pastor was a High-Churchman, and this, his people would not tolerate. An unpleasant state of affairs ensued, and in 1871, he resigned and went to England, where he is said to be highly respected. The
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present incumbent is Rev. Joseph Rushton, a young man of good education and address, who is fast win- ning the hearts of all his people.
In 1861, the elegant church on Prince William St. was set on fire by a crazy incendiary named Price, and entirely consumed. The present edifice was begun in 1863, and finished and consecrated the next year. The parish expenses are mainly defrayed by the income of its glebes, and its permanency is thus assured.
2nd. ST. ANNE'S CHURCH,-CALAIS.
A genuine Episcopalian never feels at home in any church except one of his own faith and form of worship. For many years the families in Calais which belonged to that denomination, attended service in Christ's Church, St. Stephen. But when those families had be- come somewhat numerous, and Calais had grown to a large and thriving village, it was deemed better to have a religious home on the American side of the river, wherein the children could be baptized and brought up, the sons and daughters married, and the devout com- mune with the Infinite.
This condition of affairs having been made known to some of the Bishops of New England, in 1850, Rev. Geo. W. Durell, now of Somerville, Mass., was sent to Calais as a missionary. After a careful canvass of the possibilities and probabilities of the locality, Horton's Hall was hired and fitted up as a place of worship ; and Nov. 24, 1850, for the first time in this city, Divine service was celebrated in accordance with the form pre- scribed in the book of Common Prayer. The next Sun- day,Dec.1, a Sunday-school was organized, having eleven scholars, and the Church began its work. From this
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small beginning, there was a slow but constant growth, until Sept. 16, 1852, when a parish was legally organ- ized, and named "St. Anne's Church", of which, Nov. 20, Rev. G. W. Durell was chosen Rector.
A more convenient place of worship was the next thing needed. The matter was talked over, a plan of operations was agreed upon, and the work of building a church commenced. The Corner Stone was laid June 10, 1853, and the building finished the following year. This happy result was largely due to the indefatigable energy and perseverance of the Rector.
In August, 1861, Mr. Durell resigned, and in 1862, Rev. Daniel F. Smith was sent to take charge of the parish. He remained till the Spring of 1864, when he resigned and moved to New Hampshire. Mar. 7, 1865, Rev. Edwin W. Murray was elected Rector, and he still retains the office. He is a native of Virginia, and a graduate of the Theological Seminary of Virginia. But he has resided in Maine for nearly thirty years, and acquired the noble reputation of being a scholar, gen- tleman and christain.
St. Anne's parish has a good church centrally and pleasantly located, an excellent organ and bell, and no debts. There are in the parish, about 70 families, 60 communicants in the church, and 8 teachers with over 100 scholars in the Sunday-school. As a whole, it bids fair to live, prosper, and long remain a religious bless- ing to community. The present officers are James Perkins and James Nichols, Wardens ; James Gillis and Garrison Crowell, Vestry-men ; Cornelius Ellis, Collect- or and Treasurer.
3rd. TRINITY CHURCH,-ST. STEPHEN.
As the result of a distaste of the High Church no-
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tions of Rev. E. S. Medley, Rector of Christ's Church, and perhaps for some other reasons, in April, 1870, Robt. Watson and fifty-one others petitioned the Leg- islature of New Brunswick, for a division of the parish of St. Stephen. In a few days the petition was grant- ed, and a new parish was organized in Marks' Hall. But the Rector and the Bishop of the diocese were de- cidedly opposed to this movement, and a long and sharp correspondence ensued between the new parish through its able Secretary, W. T. Rose, and John, Bishop of Fredericton and his son, Rev. E. S. Medley. But in spite of the strenuous opposition, the new parish erect- ed for its use, at an expense of about $6000, a pleasant and substantial meeting-house. It was finished in June, 1871, and consecrated by the name of Trinity Church, Nov. 5, 1872. The present worthy and faithful Pastor, Rev. Foster H. Almon, began his ministry in the new parish, in July, 1871. His congregation numbers over two hundred, and embraces a majority of the leading Episcopalians in St. Stephen. Though still young, Trinity Church is strong in zeal and wealth, and there seems to be no doubt that it will have a long and high career of usefulness. Its officers are N. Marks and Geo. Maxwell, Wardens ; R. Watson, Henry Graham, J. H. Rose, W. T. Rose and Thos. Gregory, Vestry-men ; Henry Webber, Clerk.
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XIII.
THE BAR.
1st. CALAIS LAWYERS.
Amid the often conflicting claims and interests in- cident to a new settlement, legal advice and assistance are frequently needed ; yet until 1816, no accredited lawyer had located in Calais. Till then, each citizen so far as he was able, had done that which seemed best for himself ; and of course, pecuniary affairs of all kinds were badly entangled and confused. In many a case of conflicting claims, not one nor all of the citizens could decide exactly what was just and right. In such emer- gencies, an honest, well read lawyer was greatly need- ed ; and as usual, the want brought the supply. One came, then another and another, until no less than- thirty-seven attorneys have made Calais their home. Some of them remained but a short time, while others here spent their long and useful lives. Some perhaps have been only pettifoggers, while others have proved themselves learned, talented and faithful. In the fol- lowing sketches of their lives and characters, the design is to state all the good qualities of which tradition has preserved the remembrance. For many of the facts and dates I am indebted to Hon. Joseph Granger, at present the senior member of the Bar.
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The first lawyer was Hon. George Downes, a na- tive of Walpole,Mass. and a son of Shubael Downes one of the original proprietors of Township, No. 5. At an early age he entered Harvard College, and soon attain- ed a high rank among its students. After graduating he read law with Judge Samuel Hoar, and in 1816, came to Calais and commenced the practice of his profession. There was much to do and he was able and willing to do it well. For fifty years he continued to be one of the most active, influential and worthy citizens of the town. He was a good neighbor, a genial companion, a popular citizen, an able lawyer, a ripe scholar, a de- voted member and Deacon of the Congregationalist Church, and an honest man. In business he was suc- cessful ; living well and leaving a handsome property to his heirs. For a time he served as a State Senator ; and for a third of a century, as president of the Calais Bank ; and during all his long and happy life, he ever stood among the first, in every good word and work. He died in peace in 1869, greatly lamented by all who knew him.
The next lawyer was Hon. Anson G. Chandler, the son of Hon. John Chandler of Monmouth, Me., at one time a Senator in the U. S. Congress. A graduate of Bowdoin College and a proficient in law, he came to Calais in 1822, and opened an office. His ability and energy soon won the confidence of the public ; and his reputation steadily increased until he was appointed one of the Judges of the District Court for the Eastern District of Maine. He performed the duties of this office with credit to himself and honor to the Bench, until the expiration of his term, when he was appointed 1
Collector of Customs for the Passamaquoddy District ;
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but the appointment not being confirmed by the U. S. Senate, he was soon after sent to the Sandwich Islands, as American Consul. He remained there four years, returned home with impaired health and died about 1860. He had a richly stored mind and a versatile gen- ius ; and the people of Calais will ever remember him as one of their greatest and most honored townsmen.
Otis L. Bridges, Esq., came next. He was a na- tive of Charlotte, Me. a graduate of Bowdoin College, an enterprising man, an excellent citizen, a successful counsellor, and in 1842-3. Attorney General of Maine. Although doing well and enjoying life here, the golden prospects and promises of California at length drew him thither. He continued the practice of law in his new home, still prospering, till about 1870, when he peace- fully departed to his last and long home.
The fourth lawyer was James S. Cooper, Esq., a native of Machias, Me. He read law with Hon. Geo. Downes, and opened an office immediately after being admitted to the Bar. He was a worthy citizen and an able, trustworthy attorney. After many successful years of business, he removed to Amherst, Mass., to give his children a better opportunity for education ; where not long since he went up higher.
Then came James P. Vance, Esq., a son of the late well known William Vance formerly a resident of Baring and a large land proprietor. He read law with Stephen Longfellow, Esq., of Portland. and then came to Calais, where he soon obtained a respectable position and a fair share of business for a young man. But he disliked his profession, became an enemy to himself, and moved to Elgin, Illinois. A new and better career now began. He repented of his sins, renounced his
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bad habits, forsook the Bar and entered the Pulpit as a preacher of the Methodist Church. Here he found his true vocation ; and at the present time, at the ripe age of 74, he is still dispensing the Gospel of John Wesley, and doing a large amount of good.
Jacob Q. Kettelle, Esq., was born in Limerick, Me. He graduated at Waterville now Colby, College, read law with Moses Emery, Esq., of Saco, and after- wards with O. L. Bridges, Esq., of this city, and then opened an office in Milltown ; but he did not remain long in town. Although doing a fair amount . of busi- ness, he became dissatisfied with "down east," and mov- ed to Boston, where he practiced law until his decease in 1868. He was a man of sterling integrity and re- spectable ability ; and he has left behind him the fra- grance of a good name.
Samuel H. Blake, Esq., was a Calais lawyer for a brief period. In 1830 he sold his office and business to Hon. Joseph Granger, and moved to Bangor, where he still resides, a wealthy and influential citizen and attorney.
Geo. M. Chase, Esq., was born in Bradford, Vt. in 1806. He studied law first with Judge Fletcher of Lynden, Vt. and then with Judge Thayer of Camden, Me. In 1830, he opened a law office at Milltown ; and by good sense, assiduity and perseverance, soon secur- ed a profitable business. In 1848, with the general down river drift of men and things, he moved to Calais. He was doing well, but desiring to do better, in 1853 he went as American Consul to the Sandwich Islands, where, two years after, in the village of Lahaina, he died. He is remembered as a bright, busy, cheerful citizen.
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The ninth lawyer that settled in Calais was Hon. Joseph Granger ; at present the senior member of the Bar in both this city and Washington County. He was born in Newburyport, Mass. about the beginning of the present century. In early manhood he engaged and with success in mercantile and commercial busi- ness ; but on the occurrence of adverse circumstances, he abandoned these employments and read law with Moses Emery, Esq., of Soco. In 1830 he came to this city, opened a law office and began his life work. Giv- ing himself wholly to his profession, and carrying into it a quick perception, a clear head and a warm heart, he has been eminently successful. Though on the shady side of three score and ten, " his eye is not dim, nor his natural force abated." He is still attending to a large amount of legal business, and is a Nestor among his younger brethren, and a highly respected member of society.
Manly B. Towsend, Esq. was a native of Sidney, Me., a graduate of Waterville College, and a man of fine feelings and fair talents. He read law with O. L. Bridges, Esq., was admitted to the Bar and began prac- tice. But having married a wealthy lady, the daughter of the late Abner Sawyer, and disliking the dry routine of legal affairs, he abandoned his profession, moved to Alexander, Me., and engaged in agriculture. He died in 1854. His son, Rev. Abner Townsend is an honor to the Methodist Church, and an eloquent preacher of its doctrine.
Hon. T. J. D. Fuller came to Calais from Ver- mont, in 1834, and settled in Milltown, as a law part- ner of G. H. Chase, Esq. He was a genial, kind-heart- ed, honest man ; and hence soon won popularity. As
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a result, in 1848 he was elected Representative to Con- gress, where he served his constituents and the country for eight years. Soon after leaving Congress, he was appointed second Auditor in the Treasury department, which office he retained until after the inauguration of President Lincoln: Since then he has resided in Wash- ington, D. C. and practiced law. Although he did not realize the great evil of slavery nor clearly see the duty of all good men to oppose it, yet he will long be remem- bered as one of the able and excellent citizens of Calais.
Albert Pillsbury, Esq., a native of Eastport, studied law in Belfast, Me., and then came to Calais to engage in his profession. Soon after, however, he was appointed Clerk of the Courts in Washington county, and of course moved to Machias ; and for several years performed the duties of that office to the entire satisfac- tion of all interested. Subsequently he was appointed American Consul for Halifax, N. S. where he died ;- an honest, faithful, worthy man.
Otis Patterson, Esq., came from Waldo coun- ty and settled in Calais about 1832, and opened a law office. He died four years afterward ; but his brief ca- reer proved him a man of fair ability and sterling integ- rity. His widow, whose maiden name was Galvin, married Rev. Wm. A. Whitwell, the first pastor of the Unitarian church of Calais.
Hon. Bion Bradbury, a native of Saco, gradu- ated at Bowdoin, read law with Wm. P. Preble of Port- land and then settled in Calais. Not long after he was appointed Collector of Customs for the Passamaquoddy District, and then removed to Eastport. At the expi- ration of his term, he settled in Portland, where he still resides, "a model lawyer" and a worthy citizen.
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Jeremiah Bradbury, Esq., the father of Bion, set- tled in Calais in 1840 and practiced law till his decease in 1850. He is remembered as a sagacious and faithful attorney.
Nehemiah Abbot, Esq., was for a time the law partner of O. L. Bridges, Esq., of this city. Desiring a larger field for enterprise, he moved to Belfast, Me. where he still lives and enjoys a high reputation as a lawyer and citizen.
N. H. Hubbard, Esq. came here from South Ber- wick, and for a year was the law partner of Hon. Jo- seph Granger. He then went to Winterport, where he still resides. He is extensively known on the Penobscot both as lawyer and politician.
Hon. F. A. Pike, a native of this city, received his education at Bowdoin, read law with Hon. Joseph Granger, and was admitted to the Bar in 1842. In a brief period he won a large and enthusiastic circle of friends and patrons. In 1852 he was chosen Mayor of Calais. Shortly after he was elected a representative to the State Legislature ; and at a subsequent session was chosen Speaker of the House. After that, for eight years he served as Representative in Congress. In every office, he gave honor to Eastern Maine, and en- tire satisfaction to his constituents. He is still highly esteemed as a sound lawyer and an enterprising citizen.
Geo. Walker, Esq., a nephew of Rev. Dr. Walker formerly President of Harvard University, was for a time the law partner of Jeremiah Bradbury in this city. Later he moved to Machias, where he yet stands among the foremost citizens and attorneys of the place.
Charles R. Whidden, Esq., a native of Calais, graduated at Waterville College, studied law at the
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Harvard Law School, and opened an office in this city in 1851. Three years after he was chosen County At- torney ; and he retained this position thirteen years. In 1868 and again in 1869, he was elected Representative to the Maine Legislature. In 1870 he was appointed Collector of Customs for the Passamaquoddy District. Thus for nearly twenty years he was constantly employ- ed in offices of honor and trust. No better proof can be afforded of public appreciation. At the expiration of his four years term as Collector, he again began work as a lawyer, in his native town, and is busy as ever.
Geo. W. Dyer, Esq., is a son of the late Jones Dyer of this city. He read law with Hon. Joseph Granger, and for three years was his law partner. For a time he served as Gov. Coburn's private secretary. In 1861-2 he was a Representative in the Maine Legis- lature. In 1862, having been appointed a Paymaster in the army, he removed to Washington D. C. where he now resides and practices his profession. He is re- membered here as an active, companionable man with a great memory full of valuable information.
Charles E. Pike, a brother of Hon. F. A. Pike, also read law with Hon. Joseph Granger. But. soon after being admitted to the Bar, he moved to Machias and a while after to Boston, where he is still engaged in his profession.
Daniel Tyler, Esq., came from Vermont and open- ed an office in Milltown in 1847. He remained eight or ten years, and then went to Oskosh, Wis. where for a time he claimed to be doing a very large business. He is now employed as a Clerk in one of the Departments at Washington, and is reported as doing well.
E. B. Harvey, Esq., was born in Barnet, Vt., in
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1823, and educated in Caledonia Seminary in Peacham. From the 14th to the 22nd year of his age, chronic illness prevented him from studying or engaging in any active pursuit. On recovering his health he entered the office of Gov. John Mattock, and read law with him for two years. He then went to Pennsylvania and read law a year and a half more in the office of Blanchard and Curtin in Bellefont. Blanchard was then a mem- ber of Congress, and Curtin afterward became Govern- or of the State. After being enrolled as a lawyer, he came East and was admitted to the Bar in Machias in 1848. Six months after he came to Milltown, and for four years was the law partner of Hon. T. J. D. Fuller. In 1866 he moved to Calais; and two years after he was chosen County Attorney, which office he still re- tains. In politics he began as a Whig, from which he naturally drifted into the Republican ranks. He is a worthy member of society and a friend to every good cause.
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