USA > Maine > Lincoln County > Chronicles of Lincoln County > Part 3
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12
CHARLES B. BRACKETT, meat dealer.
SIMON A. BLAISDELL, painter.
CHARLES S. TARR, contractor and builder.
ARTHUR W. GEYER, public automobile.
MARK A. HANNA, contractor and builder.
ROY PALMER, contractor and builder.
TIBBETTS HOUSE, Mrs. S. Tibbetts, Prop., hotel, shore dinners. C. G. MILLER, dealer in paints, hardware, wall paper.
MRS. R. W. GAFFNEY, store, groceries, ice cream, confectionery.
Francis J. Penniman
Dealer in
Groceries, Boots, Paints and Hardware
NEW HARBOR, MAINE
TIBBETTS & CARROLL GARAGE --- Battery Charging Tires, Tubes and Oils Ford Repairing a Specialty NEW HARBOR, ME.
37
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
LESLIE LEWIS, dealer in clams, smoked fish. S. TIBBETTS, lobsters, motor boat supplies. THOMAS H. OSIER, lobsters, motor boat supplies. JOHN R. POOLE, contractor and builder.
THOMAS YOUNG, mason.
LEWIS E. TARR, contractor and builder. JOSEPH E. TARR, painter. E. C. SOMES, painter.
WILLIAM ROGERS, contractor and builder. THEOPHILUS BRADLEY, contractor and builder. HILLCREST FARM, L. W. McFarland, Prop., summer hotel. N. J. HANNA, shoe repairing, handicraft work, toys. LAWRENCE S. MILLER, public automobile service, trucking. EUGENE POLAND, motor boat, fishing parties.
CAPT. G. L. BOWMAN, sailing and fishing parties. G. KEITH MUNSEY, electrician, wiring, supplies. ISAAC ROSENBERG, junk dealer. MRS. MATTIE V. TIBBETTS, dressmaker.
MRS. RUTH LEEMAN, dressmaker. MRS. EDNA HANNA, dressmaker. G. H. THOMPSON, summer hotel. OCEAN VIEW LAND Co., H. J. Brown, Pres., renting hall and stores.
NEW HARBOR VILLAGE FRON GAFFRAY HILL 2
38
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
PEMAQUID (FALLS)
CHESTER W. POOLE, general store, post-office (Mrs. Alice D. Poole, P. M.).
F. M. SPROUL, store, groceries, dry goods.
E. S. ELLIOTT & SON (Elmer S. Elliott and Stanley P. Elliott), funeral directors, furniture store.
CALEB G. FOSSETT, dealer in dairy products.
ELLIOTT & POOLE (Stanley P. Elliott and Chester W. Poole), lumber dealers, saw mill.
EDISON W. FARRIN, dealer in dairy products.
LAWRENCE D. YOUNG, meat dealer.
DR. FRANK W. CLARKE, physician.
WILLIAM A. ELLIOTT, contractor and builder.
FRED L. CREAMER, blacksmith, repairing.
B. F. GROVER, contractor and builder.
1
-
M. E. CHURCH . NEW HARBOR ME.
39
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
PEMAQUID BEACH
MRS. SADIE L. MCLAIN, post-office, store.
PEMAQUID TAVERN, Fred C. Gatcombe, Prop., dining room, shore dinners, general store.
LEWIS' PAVILION, C. F. Lewis, Prop., public hall, store, re- freshments.
WANETA HOUSE, R. C. Varley, Prop., summer hotel.
MRS. EMMA L. PARTRIDGE, summer store, ice cream, confec- tionery.
FRANK R. DYER, well driller.
BURNHAM & MORRILL COMPANY, factory, canning clams.
FRED O. GILBERT, Old Fort Wharf, lobsters, clams, motor boat supplies.
C. M. KENNEDY, adjuster of compasses.
ERNEST W. WELLS, summer boarders, sailing and fishing par- ties, clam bakes.
GEORGE R. MCLAIN, fish dealer, motor boat supplies, mer- chandise.
HENRY F. TARR, public automobile, trucking.
EDWARD A. LAUGHTON, public automobile.
ERNEST CHADWICK, contractor and builder.
THOMAS H. OWEN, shore dinners, home bakery.
LOOKING TOWARDS PEMAQUID
40
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
PEMAQUID HARBOR
CHARLES A. FARRIN, post-office, store.
FRED C. BAKER, mail carrier, store, general merchandise, meats.
WINDEMERE, F. C. Baker, Prop., summer hotel.
WESLEY MAHAN, contractor and builder.
EDGAR S. BLAISDELL, contractor and builder.
DURELL LEWIS, contractor and builder.
HAROLD RANGER, contractor and builder.
PEMAQUID POINT
ELMER MARTIN, post-office, store, groceries, novelties, confec- tions; also contractor and builder.
HOTEL PEMAQUID, Walter J. Brackett, Prop., summer hotel. SUNSET HOUSE, W. J. Burnside, Prop., summer hotel.
BRADLEY INN, summer hotel.
LEVI P. MARTIN, store, confectionery, home bakery, notions. JOHN ATTEAN, Indian baskets, novelties.
WILLIAM J. BURNSIDE, contractor and builder, boat designer.
OLD PEMAQUID FORT, PEMAQUID
41
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
ROUND POND
R OUND POND is one of the oldest and most beautiful of the Maine coast villages. It is situated in the his- torical town of Bristol, several miles north of Pemaquid
Point. James Yates, from Providence, R. I., was the first per- manent white settler. In 1742, he built his cabin, surrounded by a stout stockade, on land now known as the R. A. Brown estate. Soon came neighbors, many from Plymouth, Mass., and adjoining settlements. Marriages and inter-marriages followed until, today, the greater part of Round Pond's population traces an unbroken line of descent from the Mayflower pilgrims.
Although there have been many successful business enterprises carried on in times past, there is now no industry of conse- quence located at Round Pond. In the olden days ship building and rigging, sail making and brick burning brought occupation and prosperity to the inhabitants. The farms were then tilled more extensively than now; fishing fleets were sent forth from the excellent harbor and "coasters" were captained, manned and owned by residents of this prosperous village. Many times has the sea taken its toll, and the entire community been plunged into mourning, when some such has gone down with all on board. Skillful navigators and capable masters of the merchant marine have hailed from Round Pond since the earliest days.
At one time the porgie business was extensively carried on, one factory being located at Moxie Cove and another at Mus- congus. Clam-canning factories have also been successfully operated.
Formerly the granite industry "boomed," providing employ- ment for more than one hundred men. The quarry is now owned and operated to a small extent by Peter Svensen. There is said to be no finer stone in the United States than that quarried here. George Munro, now of North Jay, Maine, one of New England's most prominent men in the granite business, served his apprenticeship on the "Back Shore."
Round Pond has two churches, Methodist and Union (now occupied by the Universalist society), both dedicated in 1853. There is an excellent circulating library. The splendid schools
42
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
have produced more than their quota of able and prominent men and women.
The first post office was established in 1850. The first three postmasters were: Parker Mears, Alexander Munro and Alex- ander Yates.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
ICE CREAM AND CONFECTIONERY-Celia Fossett.
PICTURE HOUSE AND DANCE HALL-Perley W. Fossett.
GENERAL STORE-Thomas Steere.
GENERAL STORE AND MARKET-Albert Steere.
GENERAL STORE AND ICE CREAM-Rossford Pryor.
GROCERIES -- Fred Luce.
DRY GOODS AND NOTIONS-Marian Steere.
MILLINERY-Annie B. Hinds.
MILK AND CREAM-Emery P. Richards.
GRANITE WORKS-Peter Svensen.
ICE CREAM
Fossett's Home Made
Manufactured by
P. W. FOSSETT
Round Pond, Me.
43
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
PUBLIC AUTOS-Oliver Etheridge, Celia Etheridge, William Prentice, E. Jones.
POSTMASTER-Francis Gorham.
MAIL CARRIER-Laforest Etheridge.
NOTARY PUBLIC, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE-Annie B. Hinds. FRATERNITIES-Odd Fellows, Rebekahs, Knights of Pythias, Pythian Sisters.
THE OLD DOCKENDORFF HOME
One of Round Pond's stately and beautiful landmarks, built more than 150 years ago, now occupied by Mrs. Gardner Man- chester, grand-daughter of Captain Solomon Dockendorff, mas- ter mariner in the West Indian merchant marine. Mrs. Man- chester is the daughter of Alexander Munro, who at one time kept the village post office in a part of this house. He was wont to watch the operations of his fishing fleet from the cupola above, which furnishes a magnificent view far out to sea. Mrs. Man- chester is, also, a lineal descendant of both Myles Standish and John Alden, belonging to the eighth generation in direct line.
F
DOCKENDORFF HOUSE, ROUND POND
44 CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
LOUDVILLE
A BOUT two miles distant from Round Pond, across Mus- congus Bay, lies "Samoset's," Muscongus, or "Loud's" Island, of romantic historical interest, reputed to have been the headquarters and burial place of Samoset, noted and beloved Indian chieftain.
The first permanent white settler was William Loud, an English naval officer, who arrived about 1745. Later came Carter, Poland, Murphy, Thompson, Jones, Osier, and others. William Loud's commission, issued by Governor Shirley, and an old deed by which he received Muscongus Island from Shem Drowne is still in existence.
Marsh Island, which forms one side of the excellent harbor, has been in the possession of the Poland family since the arrival of the third settler, Leonard Poland, immediately following the close of the Revolution.
Due to an omission in the report of an early survey, Loud's Island was omitted from a map of the coast, whereby, for many years, it had the distinction of belonging to no government, and paid no allegiance to any sovereign power. The residents, how- ever, exercised an intelligent and successful system of self- government and have proven themselves true and loyal citizens of the United States.
A pioneer, whose foresight, integrity and public-spiritedness left an impression upon the community which is still evident, was Robert Oram, who married a grand-daughter of the first settler. He came from Kittery, Maine, and was a carpenter. Besides tilling his farm he plied his trade both on the island and adjacent mainland. Much of his work remains to this day, bearing evidence of his character and skill. He built Commo- dore Tucker's house, at Bremen.
A beautiful little church, which has now supplanted the school house as a place for religious worship, picturesquely located near the center of the island, is faithfully supported. The school has recently accepted state aid, and is, and generally has been very good.
Fishing is the chief industry.
The oldest house now standing was erected by John Murphy
1
45
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
and is known as the Pike place. The Robert Oram house is now occupied by Mrs. Carl Benson.
Loud's Island is known officially, nowadays, as "Loudville," and receives its mail daily via Round Pond. The postmaster is Nathan Carter, who also keeps a general store. Another gen- eral store is operated by Everett Thompson.
Mrs. Lettie Pryor is Justice of the Peace.
It is true that the people of Loudville are no better than they ought to be, but the same thing may be said of any community, and they have certainly done well to maintain law and order without any organized government, or without any help from State or Federal Government for many years. They have had no criminal cases in court, no paupers, and have many comfort- able homes and school privileges. The island is about three miles long and averages one mile in width, making an area of three square miles, most of which is good farming soil, but fish- ermen are poor farmers, therefore this great industry has been sadly neglected, with one exception, Mr. Calvin Prior, who might be called the only farmer who produces much of anything along that line. He has a very interesting family, two of which are school teachers and one justice of the peace. There are many others worthy of mention. Special mention should be made of Robert Carter, now deceased, who for many years kept up religious interest by holding prayer meetings and Sunday school. The oldest person on the island is Mrs. Hoffses, who though well along in her eighties is smart and bright as a silver dollar.
46
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
DAMARISCOTTA
Eighteen miles E. of Bath. Opposite Newcastle. On K. & L. Div. M. C. R. R. Part of Pemaquid Patent. Settled about 1640. Originally a part of Nobleborough and Bristol. Separated and incorporated July 26, 1847. Popu- lation-1850, 1328; 1860, 1366; 1870, 1232; 1880, 1142; 1890, 1012; 1900, 876. 1910, 771. Valuation, 1860-Polls, 294; Estates, $601,198; 1870-Polls, 273; Estates, $669,719; 1880-Polls, 312; Estates, $592,208; 1890-Polls, 299; Estates, $531,623; 1900-Polls, 255; Estates, $459,444; 1910-Polls, 239; Es- tates, $494,653. 1920-Population, 849; Polls, 241; Estates, $648,693.
U P to July 26th, 1847, the history of Damariscotta coin- cides with that of Nobleboro. About that time the ship- building business at the "Bridge" had brought into being a thriving village at tide water which had little in common with the more strictly agricultural part of the town, so the town was divided and the new town took the name of Damariscotta from the river or estuary of that name which flows by it. The term "Damariscotta" has been strenuously discussed by scholars and there is considerable difference of opinion as to its meaning. From all the circumstances of the case the interpretation, "place of many fishes" seems most reasonable. Fish abound in the river and in the past were even more abundant. The Indians most likely had in mind the annual run of alewives which for some weeks in the spring clog the head of the river. At the time of division, the alewive fishery seemed a very trifling affair to the people of the shipbuilding town, for they surrendered all interest in the alewive run. It is also said that as an inducement to Nobleboro to submit peacefully to the amputation of the most flourishing part of the town, the care of all the paupers at that time on the town's hands was also assumed. Be that as it may, the Town of Damariscotta has been remarkably free from pau- perism. For more than a score of years there have been no paupers whatever dependent on the town.
Damariscotta was part of the Pemaquid Patent and was in- volved in all the trouble which the land disputes of the early days brought about. Shipbuilding was from the earliest times an important pursuit because of the excellent harbor and the favorable locations for shipyards which abounded. Much excel- lent ship timber also grew in the immediate vicinity. The ship- building business flourished as long as wooden vessels were in
47
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
demand. A revival took place during the Great War when several large schooners were built in Newcastle, whose interests are closely united with Damariscotta. Today the shipbuilding industry is represented by builders of power boats for fishing and by pleasure yachts. But, half a century ago, hundreds of men were employed and every cove along the river for miles resounded to the music of the broad axe and top maul. It is to this fact that the town owes today the fine old residences that line its streets. Many large fortunes were founded which are not yet dissipated in many instances. Damariscotta was a town of mariners and Captain was a title as common as that of Colonel in Kentucky today. Among some of the most noted sea captains of that day was Capt. Thomas Woodward, who had a remarkable career and who commanded the U. S. Ship Atlanta during the Civil War and bore a prominent part in that contest, receiving the personal congratulations of the President at one time. Capt. Woodward afterwards removed to New Orleans, where he was Postmaster and was honored socially by receiving
SHELL HEAPS, DAMARISCOTTA
48
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
the selection as Rex King of the Carnival. No higher honor can be bestowed on a citizen of New Orleans. He died several years ago.
The location of the town is at the centre of Lincoln County with a bridge which makes it convenient for people on both sides of the Damariscotta River, below and both sides of Damaris- cotta to the northward, to come hither for trade. The location was highly regarded also by the aborigines on account of the fish which swarmed in the river, and they made it very hard for a time for the whites to live here. Smelts in unbelievably large numbers frequented the river and spawned in the brooks in spring. Eels in huge number bedded in the river in winter and oysters of fine quality at one time covered the river bottom. Indeed, although sadly depleted, smelts furnish a fishery today that largely supports many families at the head of navigation.
The oysters are extinct. Geologists differ as to the reason, but probably it is due to changes in the obstructions between the river and the sea that let in the sea water more rapidly and lowered the temperature below the living point for the shell fish. Oyster shells are found in the river bed for miles and banks for miles on both sides are composed to some extent of the shells mingled with a few clam shells and some quahaugs. The last mentioned are also extinct. At one point the oyster shells are so numerous that they form the largest known kitchen midden, so called, in the entire world. This deposit has made the name of Damariscotta known far and near. The deepest deposit of shells was on the eastern side of the river, about a mile and a half above the village, where it sometimes reached a depth of thirty feet. There are several distinct layers of shells with de- posits of soil between, proving that the place was not frequented for periods of many years, for it is said to take a thousand years for an inch of soil to accumulate. Not many relics are found in the deposits. Some human remains occur. Some of the lower layers contained bones that antedated the American Indian. We say "contained," because the principal shell heap is in the past tense. About 35 years ago a financial wizard conceived the idea of grinding the shells into hen food. A large set of buildings was erected, machinery installed and the work of ruin
49
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
was carried thoroughly out. The project was a failure for the promoter and a most wonderful monument of the past was ruth- lessly blotted out of existence. A few stone implements, con- siderable broken pottery, and shells and bones of various fish and animals have been unearthed here. At this particular point there are almost no shells in situ. Across the river is a considerable deposit which has suffered less, and all along the river shells may be found in varying abundance, and as shells are taken up for walks, etc., occasional bones and implements are unearthed. A short distance above the site of the shell mill, now burned, is a large deposit on the land of Rufus Hitchcock. Mr. Hitch- cock recently plowed out an entire Indian skeleton, but the plow went through it lengthwise and broke it up so badly that although it was sent to the National Museum in Washington nothing beyond the race of the relic could be determined. At this place the whaler "Wiscasset" was built in 1830. Andrew Carnegie was a passenger on this craft when he emigrated from Scotland to America.
The scenery along the Damariscotta River has caused enthu- siastic visitors to call it the Hudson of Maine. It is certainly beautiful, especially near the head of navigation and also near the ocean. Within five miles of Damariscotta Village are seven ponds varying from one to twelve miles long and stocked with all kinds of fresh water fish, trout, salmon, bass, pickerel and perch. Damariscotta Pond is the largest, although not touch- ing Damariscotta at any point. Pemaquid Pond, Muddy Pond, Little Pond, Biscay Pond, Macurda Pond and Webber's Pond complete the list, though there are several smaller ones within reach. These sheets of water form a wonderful attraction to the summer visitor and some of them are lined with cottages. This is especially true of Biscay Pond.
There are two churches in Damariscotta. The Baptist, which is a magnificent specimen of colonial architecture, was built in 1847. Rev. Adoniram Judson was pastor here in 1819-20, and the famous divine, Duncan Dunbar, in 1820-21. The Meth- odist church is a new edifice and a very tasteful one. The town is noted for civic pride and its spirit of progress and improve- ment. In 1896 it installed a system of water works, using
4
50
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
Little Pond as a supply. This water comes into town with a pressure of 110 pounds and is absolutely pure. The Woman's Club, founded in 1894, has been and is a wonderful factor in the town's social and civic life. Skidompha Library has several thousand volumes and is increasingly useful. A large Board of Trade has brought about many additions to the town's busi- ness. The Lincoln County News was established as the Dam- ariscotta Herald in 1876. It is a merger of four other papers at the present time. Alna Lodge, F. & A. M., has had a notable history and celebrated its centennial in 1923. There are two strong National Banks, the First National of Damariscotta and the Newcastle National. For transportational facilities it is served by the Maine Central through its station at Newcastle, and in summer by a local line on the river connecting with South Bristol, Christmas Cove and East Boothbay. Practically all the travel to Bristol, South Bristol and Bremen passes through Dam- ariscotta. A splendid hotel, the Fiske House, under the present management of William G. Loud, provides modern accommo- dation for all.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
R. R. STATION-Newcastle.
STEAMBOAT-Damariscotta River Line, daily in summer to East Boothbay, South Bristol, Christmas Cove and Heron Island. STAGES-South Bristol, Christmas Cove, Bristol and Round Pond.
TOWN CLERK-J. P. Hatch.
CONSTABLES-R. R. Hall, A. W. Huston.
CLERGYMEN-Baptist, Rev. C. W. Walden; Methodist, Rev. S. H. Webb.
DENTISTS-Ralph Griffin, Wm. H. White. PHYSICIANS -- R. W. Belknap, Wm. H. Parsons, J. M. King. LAWYERS-Geo. A. Cowan, Emerson Hilton, Weston M. Hil- ton, H. E. Hall, K. M. Dunbar.
NOTARIES-G. A. Cowan, K. M. Dunbar, R. K. Tukey, Emer- son Hilton, H. E. Hall, Weston M. Hilton, Leon A. Dodge.
51
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
JUSTICES-G. W. Singer, Geo. A. Cowan, C. A. Richards, Albert P. Bennett, Chester Leighton.
APOTHECARIES-F. L. Smithwick, H. T. Poland.
AUTOMOBILES-Ray Hall, A. P. Bennett, Bath Garage Co. BOOKS, ETC .- E. R. Castner.
BOAT BUILDER-J. D. Morse.
BOOTS AND SHOES-Oti's S. Page, Bryant Wade, C. L. Hiscock, C. F. Brewer.
CLOTHING, ETC .- W. W. Dodge.
JEWELLER-C. A. Bates.
DRY GOODS-Alvan Hussey & Son, G. W. Hussey & Co.
ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES-E. W. Nash.
GROCERIES-G. E. Gay, S. W. Heller, R. J. Waltz, A. L. Shaw, Yellow Front, Margaret Place, Atlantic & Pacific. HARDWARE-J. L. Clifford Co., E. R. Castner, W. W. Keene & Son.
MEATS-W. G. Hodgkins, Geo. L. Cotter.
Fewacres Market Gardener
Evergreens, Shrubs Flowers
Early Vegetables Strawberries
Jersey Milk and Cream
W. M. BOYNTON
Church St.
Damariscotta,
Maine
Page's Shoe Store
Walk-Over and McElwain Shoes
TEL. 77-2
DAMARISCOTTA,
MAINE
Winslow Insurance Agency
LEON A. DODGE, Agent
INSURANCE OF ALL KINDS
DAMARISCOTTA, MAINE
52
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
FISH-Charles Clifford.
FRUIT, ETC .- R. L. Johnston, J. M. Perkins, A. Kubens.
MILLINER-Mrs. E. W. Nash.
CARRIAGE WORK-W. H. Dodge, H. O. Turner, C. H. Mar- ston.
HARNESS-W. H. Hutchins, Ray Knowlton.
MARBLE AND GRANITE-O. A. Page.
PLUMBERS-W. W. Keene & Son.
BANKS-Newcastle National, First National.
INSURANCE-E. E. Philbrook, Winslow Ins. Agency, John N. Glidden.
NEWSPAPER-Lincoln County News.
REAL ESTATE-Wm. G. Loud, Weston M. Hilton, John N. Glidden.
UNDERTAKER-Fred Harrington.
HOTEL-Fiske House.
ASSOCIATIONS-Alna Lodge, F. & A. M .; E. B. French, Round Top Farms, Holstein cattle, Jersey-Duroc swine; R. A. C .; Lincoln Lodge, K. of P .; American Legion, Richard Welles, No. 42.
GUY W. HUSSEY & COMPANY
TEL. 14-2
Dry Goods and Men's Furnishings DAMARISCOTTA, MAINE
THE WOMAN SHOP MRS. L. A. NASH DAMARISCOTTA, MAINE
53
CHRONICLES OF LINCOLN COUNTY
DRESDEN
Eight miles N. W. of Wiscasset. Settled in 1752 by French Protestants. With Alna, Wiscasset and Perkins, it formed ancient Pownalborough, which was incor- porated Feb. 13, 1760, receiving its name from Gov. Pownall, and was the shire town of Lincoln County for thirty-four years. Incorporated June 25, 1794. Population-1850, 1419; 1860, 1248; 1870, 990; 1880, 1032; 1890, 1043; 1900, 882; 1910, 815. Valuation, 1860-Polls, 321; Estates, $328,474; 1870- Polls, 248; Estates, $316,717; 1880-Polls, 327; Estates, $326,665; 1890- Polls, 296; Estates, $407.734; 1900-Polls, 293; Estates, $391,203; 1910- Polls, 261; Estates, $354,522. 1920-Population, 620; Polls, 224; Estates, $396,521. Dresden Mills, principal village on Eastern River, branch of the Kennebec. Cedar Grove, village on Kennebec River, three miles from Richmond P. O. West Dresden postoffice discontinued and supplied from Richmond.
T O the student of history there is a wealth of fascinating detail in the early colonization of Maine. Its history abounds in thrilling adventure and stirring deeds. No place, however, is richer in romantic interest, and its settlement more replete with the daring spirit of pioneer days, than the region of the Kennebec.
Of especial interest is that particular portion of territory along the Kennebec now known as Dresden.
The ancient town of Pownalborough, of which Dresden was a part, comprised not only this town but the towns of Alna, Wiscasset and Swan Island. The land titles may be traced back directly to the Pilgrims for it was first included in the grant made in 1606 by James I to the Plymouth Council; later, in 1620, the King renewed this charter and on January 13, 1629, the Kennebec or Plymouth Patent was conveyed to William Bradford and his associates. The grant included all the land from Merrymeeting Bay to Norridgewock and was thirty-one miles in width with the Kennebec river in the centre.
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.