USA > Maine > Washington County > Columbia > Centennial historical sketch of the town of Columbia, Me.; as gathered from the town records, family records and traditional history from the memory of its aged citizens, from 1796 to 1896 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
THE ALLEN FAMILY.
The Allen family, of Maine, sprang from a Charles Allen, who came over from England in 1635. Obediah Allen, with brothers Robert and Samuel, settled in Machias, Me., over one hundred years ago. Obediah moved to Robbinston, Me., about 1795,
19
where he settled and brought up a large family. He died there in 1863, at the age of 99 years. Robert and Samuel settled in Columbia, Me., where some of their descendants now live. They all had large families. Rev. William Allen was one of the early Baptist. ministers of Maine. He was associated with Rev. Isaac Case, Daniel Merrill and others. Gen. Ethan Allen, of Vermont, was a connection of the family, belonging to the Connecticut branch. Capt. Obediah Allen was an old settler in Robbinston in 1798; he married Ruth Andrews, of Machias, daughter of Ephriam An- drews, who came from Scarboro in 1765.
MOSES WORSTER FAMILY.
Moses Worster came from Old York on or before 1775. He married Susanna Knowles, of Addison, in 1802. He settled in that part of Columbia known as Saco. Children : Amos, Leon- ard, Moses, Molly, Judy, Hannah and Deborah. He was a long time deacon of the Baptist church.
THE TABBUTT FAMILY.
Joseph Tabbutt came from England when a young man. He married Betsy Drisko ; tarried a short time down to Moose Neck and then came up and settled on the Ames place, on the south ide of the Epping road, southwest from the place where George M. Coffin now lives. He afterwards sold this place and took up a new place on the southern border of Township No. 19, in middle division, where A. W. Tabbutt now lives. Children : Susan, Thomas, John, Moses, Olive, William and Rufus. All the boys settled near by .in adjoining lots; hence the name "Tibbetts- town" was applied to the northern part of the town. They all had large families except Rufus.
20
THE PUFFER FAMILY.
John Puffer was born in Canton, Mass., Nov. 29, 1793, and died in Columbia, Dec. 28, 1877. He married Catharine R. Stan- wood, who was born in Gloucester, Mass., May 6, 1797. He en- listed in the navy in the war of 1812 and was taken prisoner soon after and lodged in Dartmore prison, where he remained two years and five months. He came into Columbia about the year 1825, and bought the betterments of the place at Little River, so called, of Moses Leighton, where his son John and daughters Taphenus and Arabella now live. Three of his children were born in Boston, one in Frankfort, Me., and the rest in Columbia. Children : Jerusha A., Catharine R., Mary A., John, Alice H., Redman, Elijah R., Taphenus N., Winthrop J., William H. and Arabella Puffer. He was active in town affairs and took an interest in building up society.
THE TUCKER FAMILY.
Among the early colonists were two young Englishmen, Josial and Samuel Tucker. Samuel settled in Columbia, in the neighbor hood of Saco and raised up a large family. Mark, Thomas, Justice Deborah and Sally, were a part of his family. Justice Tucker mar ried Sally Leighton.
1
THE DORR FAMILY.
Jonathan Dorr came from Wales, England, and first settled in Steuben, Me., where he married Eunice Downes. He then came into Columbia in 1788. He had four children : Bedford, who married Ruth Whitten : Polly married Nicholas Allen, Jane
21
married Richard Barefield, and Jonathan married Judith N. Wor- ster. Jonathan raised up a large family and died July 22, 1883, aged 92 years, 3 months and 4 days.
THE COFFIN FAMILY.
A full history of the Coffin family as furnished by Dr. Charles J. Milliken, of Cherryfield, Me .:
Sir Richard Coffin came from Normandy with William, the Norman, and fought at the battle of Hastings, Oct. 14, 1066. He received for his reward the manor of Alwingten, county of Devon, a fair reach of fields, woodlands and sea coast, looking out upon the Bristol Channel. Upon receiving the estate he made solemn oath of loyalty to his sovereign. From that hour to the present century the estate thus acquired descended from father to son, the eldest born of successive generations, bearing the name of the knight who rendered his sovereign signal service in that battle which in its effects must ever be regarded as one of the turning points in history. A direct descendant of Sir Richard was (Ist) Peter Coffin, who married Joan Thimber. They had children: Tris- tram, John, Eunice and Mary. Peter Coffin died in 1628. (2d) Tristram, son of Peter Coffin and Joan Thimber was born in 1605, probably at the parish of Brixton, two or three hours' walk from Plymouth, as he was living there when 15 years old. He was 23 years old on that day in 1628, when the ship Abigail with John Endicot and his fellow colonists sailed from Dorchester for the New World. Tristram married Dionis Stevens. Children : Peter, Tristram, Elizabeth and James. These were born in England. In 1642 Tristram and his family, consisting of his wife, mother, two sisters and five children came to America and settled at Salisbury on the
---
--
22
Merrimac river, where Mary, John and Stephen were born. We hear of him at Haverhill, Mass., the same year, witnessing the deed given by Passaconaway to the settlers of that town. In 1644 he is keeping a tavern and ferry at the crossing between Salisbury and New- bury. For 18 years they lived at Salisbury. But year after year the surroundings of these hardy, quiet, loving pioneers had been growing more and more unsatisfactory to them until finally the unpleasant annoyance was succeeded by a feeling of insecurity which soon deepened into one of depression and almost alarm, and they looked about them anxiously for relief. From the unrighteous judgments and persecutions of fanatical judges, magistrates and ministers of the Holy gospel, from exorbitant fines, imposed as penalties for deeds of kindness done their fellow men; from whipping post, the prison, the stocks, the stake and the gallows, · which in that black, unnatural night of bigotry and superstition, made life upon the coast of Massachusetts a veritable hell upon earth. From these, it was, they fled in indignation, in dismay and well nigh despair. In Nantucket our patriarch lived for more than twenty years a prominent citizen, taking an active part in all mat- ters connected with the welfare of the common domain. In 1675
we find him with other representatives from Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, before Gov. Andros in New York, in a contested matter, relating to the courts of these two islands. His autograph letters written to Gov. Andros about this time, which may be seen at the office of the Secretary of State at Albany, are neatly penned and well composed, indicating his possession of a better education than was common at that time. (3d) John Coffin, born of Tristram and Dionis married Deborah Austin. They had eleven children. (5) Richard Coffin, born Oct. 20, 1729, son of Tristram and Mary Bowker, married Mary Cook (date not known, but about 1750.) Richard and his family came from Vineyard and took up a lot on the west side of the Branch and the same that in after years was
23
occupied by Deacon David Coffin, his grandson. The child- ren of Richard Coffin and Mary Cook were: Mary, Matthew, Richard, Elisha, Abigail, Susanna, John, Jane and Temple. Deacon Elisha, of Richar.I, married Ruth Cates and settled on a * lot in Columbia, (Epping,) the same now occupied by Joseph W. Coffin. Their children were : Ambrose, married Sarah Sawyer ; Campbell died Apr. 6, 1807, aged 9 years ; I.eonice married Levi Leighton, son of Isaac Leighton, and. Hannah married John Wil- son, son of Joseph Wilson, Jr. Deacon Elisha died Jan. 22, 1830, aged about 72 years. Matthew Coffin, of Richard and Mary, was born at Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, about 1756, and came with his family to Addison about 1763. He married Jane Wass, of Wilmot, ( Ist) and settled on a lot next west of the Deacon David Wass lot. Their children were (Ist) Matthew married Lydia Whitten. Richard married Hannah Whitten, (3d) Elisha married Rebecca Drisko. (4th) David married Hannah Nash, of Abraham. (3d) Benjamin C. married Lucy Wass, of William, (6th) Susan married Joseph Wass, of Wilmot (2d). (7th) Abi- gail married (Ist) Tucker, (2d) James Crowley, (3d) Leighton. (8) Polly married Joel Hall. (9) Sarah married Simeon Hall. (10) Betsy married Samuel Small. (11) Permelia married Adol- phus Corthell and (12) Miriam married William Wass, of Wil- liam (Ist). Matthew Coffin died Jan. 17, 1830, aged 74 years ; his wife, Jane Wass, died Dec. 28, 1853, aged 92 years, 4 months - and 10 days. It is said that all the Coffins in the United States are descendants of Tristram, who came over in 1642.
SMITH FAMILY.
Eben Smith came from Middleboro, Mass., to Steuben, when ue was 10 years old. " From thence he went on a whaling voyage, which lasted about two years. He built the first tide mill in Jones-
.
.
£
24
boro, when he married Deborah Farnsworth and came into Col- umbia in 1827 to enter into the lumber business in the neighbor- hood of Saco. He had nine children : Sylvina, Diadem, Pris- cilla, Russell, William, Harrison G., Richard (who died young), Eri H: and Harriet. Harrison G. served in the war of the rebel- lion and was promoted from captain to major for meritorious service. He married Mary A. Puffer, daughter of John Puffer.
CAPT. THOMAS RUGGLES' FAMILY.
Capt. Thomas Ruggles came from Rochester, Mass., in 1770. He soon became a prominent business man. He was postmaster a number of years, and extensively engaged in the mercantile and farming business. He was married to Ruth Clapp, of Dorchester, Mass., in 1796. He was then 26 years old. Children : William, Charles, Frederick, George W., Benjamin F., Ruth, Betsey, Lucy and Sophia. He was a military man and served as an officer in the militia of the state. In 1820 he was commissioned a Justice of the Court of Sessions. He once owned or controlled the Township of land now the town of Centreville. He built the "old Ruggles House," so widely known for its unique and expensive finish. The western room or parlor is finished with hand-carved work, said to have cost $1000. We hope that this ancient struc- ture will be allowed to remain as a relict of former times. . Of late it has attracted the attention of many visitors. Lizzie Ruggles, the daughter of Frederick and Caroline Ruggles, the only one by this name in town, now occupies it. She is unmarried and the only one of the family living.
THE NASH FAMILY.
Joseph Nash, as far as we can find any record, came from Falmouth or Scarboro, about 1770. He was the first Nash to
1
25
1762881
settle on Pleasant river. He built a log house on the north cr east side of the present road, leading from Addison Point to the Branch and "took up" a squat on quite a large tract of marsh and wood land which he retained and passed into possession of his sons, grandsons and great grandsons, who yet own a part of it. Joseph's sons were : Isaiah, Abraham, Joseph, Jr., Ebenezer and others, with daughters. The number of children is not known. Isaiah was born in Yarmouth, May 10, 1763. Judith Downs was born in Hebron, Me., Sept. 11, 1763, married in Yarmouth and removed within a year after marriage to Columbia and settled on what was known as a part of the Shaw-Nash or Ebenezer Nash farm, where Abraham Nash and Edgar White now live. Isaiah and Judith's children were : Isaac, born Sept. 10, 1783, died young ; Joseph, born Apr. 5, 1784, died at Calais ; Elizabeth, born June 13, 1786 ; Jacob, Mar. 28, 1788 ; Jennie, Mar. 25, 1790; Polly, Nov. 11, 1791 ; Amaziah, Jan. 23, 1794, died in Iowa ; Joshua, May 2, 1795, died in Columbia ; Isaac, born May 7, 1797, died in Harrington ; Judith, born Dec. 27, 1798 ; Susan, Aug. 17, 1800. Susan married Jesse L. Nash, son of Abraham Nash ; Susan died in 1839; Jesse L. died Jan. 1888. He was the father of Mrs. I. Woodbury White, Mrs. Esther C. Drisko, and Elizabeth Whitney, deceased. Susan married B. F. Spinger ; VanBuren married Abbie Dorman, of Har- rington and now resides in Holliston, Cal., and Jesse L. Nash, Jr., who lives on the homestead at the Branch, married Eliza, daughter of Ransom Nash.
THE MILLIKEN FAMILY.
James A. Milliken came into Columbia about 1840 as a school master, and soon married Lucretia B. Coffin, only daughter of Col. B. C. Coffin, of Columbia. About this time he commenced to preach the Universalist doctrine, which was not very popular at
26
. that time. He built a house in 1846 on the south side of the main Epping road, leading by the Union church, which was burned a few years ago. After a few years of preaching in Columbia, In- dian River, Machias and East Machias, he commenced to study law in the office of George F. Talbot in Machias, and soon opened a law office in Cherryfield. He was for many years Judge of Pro- . bate, and was holding that office when he was stricken down with a paralytic shock. He wrote and published a pamphlet, entitled : " Narraguagus Valley Notes," which is of much value as a book of reference. He had one son, Dr. Charles J. Milliken, born in Columbia ; graduated from a medical school, and is now having a lucrative practice in Cherryfield.
The Bucknams and Willsons figured largely in the early settle- ment of Columbia. First securing the mill privilege and about all the land adjacent thereto ; they then built mills and dwelling houses, and took an active part in building up the town.
THE BUCKNAM FAMILY.
Samuel Bucknam probably removed to Falmouth in the Pro- vince of Maine, about 1720. John Bucknam was married to Mary Wilson in Columbia Jan. 27, 1773. Children : William, Anna, John, Jeremiah, Ichabod, Mary, Samuel, Robert P. and Nathan.
27
THE WILSON FAMILY.
Joseph Wilson was born in Kittery, July 5, 1725. He mar- ried Mary Swett, of Falmouth. Came to Pleasant river or Co- lumbia about May 25, 1762. Children : Mary, Joseph, Ichabod, Gowen, Nathaniel, Anna S. and Phebe. He built and occupied the Dr. Chandler house. A genealogical history of these families can be found in, "Narraguagus Valley Notes," by J. A. Milliken, Esq., written in 1887. We have no reliable data as to exactly where or when they first built their houses and mills.
?
28
Record of the Vessels
BUILT IN COLUMBIA.
The first vessel built in Columbia was named after the town. She was a topsail schooner of 98 tons. Joseph Patten, Gowen Wilson . and Mrs. Mary Bucknam were the builders. Capt. William Wass was master. The next was the Hiram of 130 tons, built in the same yard by Mrs. Bucknam, Wilmot Wass and William Buck- nam. These vessels were built in the yard afterwards occupied by Isaac Carlton. About this time Joseph Patten and Joseph Fenno built a ship yard near what is now known as Whitney's Landing, where they built several vessels, including two large ships. They were driven out of the business by the embargo act in 1806. From this time until 1830, but little was done in shipbuilding. About this time Jotham Lippincott built a small schooner, called the Valant. He afterwards built the schooner Signet. He and others afterwards built the sloop Henry. About this time Joseph Cran- don began building vessels, his first being the brig Radius, followed by the Sultana, Tangient, Alice Bently and E. H. Conant. He built vessels of larger tonnage ; among them were : Bark Joseph Crandon and the brig A. Richards, which was destroyed by the Confederate cruiser Alabama. Mr. Crandon closed his shipbuild- ing at Jonesboro, where he built the schooners Kioka and Sarah P. In the year 1847 James Bailey built the schooner Wreath. During 'the year 1855 Arthur Bucknam built the schooner Sylvia of $2 tons. In the year following he built the Crystal Palace of 130 tons. William Bucknam and others built a schooner called the Fannie and May. Isaac Carlton in 185: built the schooner E. Wright, and afterwards the Mary E. Gage and the I. Carlton. He also
29'
built the brig Callao, and others. His tonnage of vessels built sums up 2900 tons. In 1871 John H. Crandon commenced building in his father's yard. He built the Sarah and Emma, Atalage, John Swan, Marena, Lenora and J. C. Crandon ; and barks H. L. Gregg, Justin H. Ingersoll, Charles Deering, J. B. Rabel and John Swan ; also the schooners Yreka, Josie, Eagle, Rock, Jennie Hall and Lucy Belle.
VESSELS BUILT AT THE BRANCH.
Florence, B. F. Nash, Pedro, Mary and Gertrude, were built in the Ransom Nash shipyard ; A. H. Wass and Minnie Miller in the J. L. Nash yard, and the Samuel Train and Wave in the Sam- uel Drisko shipyard. J. Lowell Nash, son of D. M. Nash, and Geo. B. Drisko, son of Samuel Drisko, were master builders of some of them.
1
.. .
·
80
1
Citizens of Columbia
WHO HAVE GONE OUT FROM US TO SEEK THEIR FORTUNES IN OTHER LANDS.
In 1849 we sent around Cape Horn, in the Oriental from East Machias, the Agate from Machias and the Belgrade from Cherry- field, some of our best young men. Philander Leighton, Elisha Nash, Stillman . Magee, Benjamin Tabbutt, Hiram Tabbutt and David Coffin. The only survivors are Philander Leighton, now in Montana, and Stillman Magee, now in California.
We have sent out for professional men :
Doctors-Willard E. Pineo, Charles P. Chandler, C. J. Milli- ken, A. C. Lippincott and Augustus C. Hamlin.
Ministers-Theodore F. White (Baptist), Milton F. Bridg- ham (Methodist) and Raymond C. Drisko (Congregational).
As lawyers we have sent out-Fred C. Nash, Howard Nash, Charles A. Bailey and Charles A. Bucknam.
The nearest we came to sending out an editor was the better half of George W. Drisko, editor of the Machias Union, Mrs. Esther Drisko, who was the daughter of Jesse L. Nash.
.
The nearest we came in sending out a vice-president-Han- nibal Hamlin studied law a short time with his brother, Elijah L., in Columbia.
:
: - .
-
31
As an agricultural, lumbering and shipbuilding town we have sent abroad many skilled laborers, honest sons of toil. They can be found in the New England states and the Far West.
Thus ends our first Centennial history, and the next has begun. We can hardly realize the important position we now occupy; · standing as it were with one foot on the retiring edge of the last century and the other on the verge of the new. We know some of the past, but what will be the new? It will be what we make it-noble or ignoble, happy or unhappy. Remember this and start right.
1
HE 882
F84121.5
5883H
.
HE 882
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.