Gazetteer of the state of Maine, Part 67

Author: Varney, George J
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Boston Russell
Number of Pages: 648

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The first mill in town was built by Samuel Blake in 1775, on Twenty-mile River, at what is now known as Turner village, and was destroyed in the great freshet of 1785. It appears to have been both a saw and grain mill. It was rebuilt the next season. At this place there are now a grain-mill, a general saw-mill, a box, carriage and shoe factory, a tannery, and several smaller manufactures. The other prin- cipal places of business, are North Turner Bridge on the Androscoggin River; Keen's Mills, some three miles below, where there are mills for grain, lumber and paper pulp ; Chase's Mills, on Twenty-mile River, in the western part of the town, having a hub factory and a lumber mill ; North Turner, where is a grain-mill, lumber mills, a cheese and a shoe factory ; and West Turner, which has a large cheese factory. The first fulling mill in this town was built at Bradford village, and operated by John Haley. A pottery was also established at the same place by Reuben Thorp. By an act of General Court in 1803, William Brad- ford, Benjamin Evans, John Turner, Daniel Cary, Luther Cary and John Loring, were incorporated as a body politic by the name of the Ministerial and Grammar School Funds in the town of Turner; and they and their successors were to be a body politic and incorporate by that name forever. Their number was never to be over seven

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UNION.

nor less than five, and they were to fill from members of the town any vacancy that might occur in the board. They were authorized to sell and convey in fee-simple all of said ministerial and school lands, and put the proceeds at interest. The latter was to accumulate until there should be a fund, which would yield annually from the ministerial fund the sum of $350, and from the school land $200, when the former should be applied by the trustees to the settlement of a learned Prot- estant minister ; and that it should never be in the power of the town to alienate or anywise alter the funds aforesaid. The ministerial fund became available in 1811, and the interest arising therefrom was paid to Rev. Allen Greely, Congregationalist, who was the only settled min- ister. In 1834 a Universalist Society having been formed, it was agreed between their minister, Rev. George Bates, and Rev. Mr. Greely, to divide the income of the fund between them ; and in 1840, the legisla- ture of Maine authorized the trustees to divide the fund among several Protestant ministers settled in town in proportion to the rateable polls belonging to the congregations of said ministers. The town now has Congregationalist, Baptist, Universalist and Methodist societies.

The first school taught in town was a private one, kept on the "Lower Street," about 1788, by Mr. Arthur Bradman, of Turner. The town has now eighteen public schoolhouses, valued at $7,000. The total amount expended for schools from April 1, 1878 to April 1, 1879 was $3,271. The valuation of estates in 1870 was $815,684. In 1880 it was $748,856 .. The population at that date was 2,380. In 1880 it was 2,286. The rate of taxation in 188) was .0145 on $1.

Umbagog Lake. See article on Rangeley Lakes.

Union is situated in the western part of Knox County, 13 miles north-west of Rockland. It is bounded on the north-east by Appleton and Hope, south by Warren, and west by Waldoboro and Washington. The town contains four ponds (two lying on the border), whose outlets furnish a large amount of water-power. Their names are Crawford's, Seven Tree, Sennebec and Round; the three first having an area of about one mile each, and the last about one- third of a mile. The town excels in picturesque arrangement of hill, dale, water and woods, and in the summer season the scenery is very beautiful. The soil is good and the farmer finds profitable returns for his toil.

The town has four villages, Union and North, East and South Union. The manufactures at Union are carriages (three factories), cul- tivators, leather, harnesses, boots and shoes. At South Union are a cab- inet and musical instrument factory, an iron foundry, machine-shop, and a coffin and casket factory. At East Union are a lumber-mill, a chair and table factory, etc. Union was a part of the Muscongus, or Waldo patent, and was purchased of the Waldo heirs by Dr. John Taylor of Lunenburg, Mass., in 1774, "for the consideration of £1,000 lawful money." The settlement was commenced the same year, and such favorable terms were offered to actual settlers that, in a few years, the whole tract was taken up. It first bore the name Taylortown, from its owner, but was organized as a plantation under the name of Sterlingtown, to gratify some of its inhabitants who had emigrated from a place of that name in Great Britain. It was incorporated as the

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GAZETTEER OF MAINE.

town of Union in 1786. It contained at this time 19 families, a large proportion of whom had emigrated from Massachusetts; and the har- mony that prevailed among them was purposely commemorated in the name of the town. At this time the town contained 77 families, bearing among others the following well-known names : Adams, Bowen, Butler, Cummings, Grinnell, Hawes, Hills, Holmes, Mero, Par- tridge, Robbins and Ware. The settlers were mostly devout Chris- tians, and made every effort to cultivate the feeling for friendly inter- course which makes life blessed. A church was formed in 1803, and in 1805 Rev. Henry True was settled. The town now has a church of each the Baptist, Congregationalist, Methodist and Universalist denom- inations. There are fourteen public schoolhouses, and the school prop- erty is valued at $9,850. The valuation of estates in 1870 was $533,660. In 1880 it was $597,330. The population in 1870 was 1,701. In 1880 it was 1,547.

Unity lies in the north-western part of Waldo County. It is bounded by Burnham on the north, Thorndike on the east, Freedom and Albion on the south, and Unity Plantation on the west. A broad belt of the town on this side consists of wooded plain. There are smaller areas of woodland in the eastern and other parts of the town. The surface generally is not greatly broken, and lies in swells and val- leys of no great height or depth. The soil is of clay and sandy loam, and a light and a dark loam, and is tolerably fertile. Hay is the crop hav- ing the greatest value. Unity or Twenty-five Mile Pond lies partially within the northern part of the town. The principal water-course is Sandy Stream, which runs through the town from the south-east to Unity Pond. Unity village is situated upon this stream about one mile south of the pond. The principal water-powers are on this stream. The manufactures consist of plows, carriages, one grist and planing mill, lumber (six mills), tinware, cheese (Unity Cheese Factory), har- nesses, etc., etc. The Belfast branch of the Maine Central Railroad runs through the town, having a station near the village. The habitations in general have a thrifty appearance, and the roads are good.

This town belonged to the Plymouth Patent. Its settlement was commenced about the year 1782. It was incorporated June 22, 1804. The political harmony of the inhabitants is said to have suggested the name of the town. There is a Union church edifice, and a Congrega- tionalist and a Methodist society. There are twelve public school- houses and the school property is valued at $2,500. The population in 1870 was 1,201. In 1880 it was 1,092. The valuation in 1870 was $384,465. In 1880 it was $386,334. The rate of taxation in the latter year was 27 mills on the dollar.

Unity Plantation is situated on the north-eastern side of Kennebec County. It is bounded on the west by Clinton and Ben- ton, on the south by the latter and Albion, east by Unity in Waldo County, and north by Burnham in the latter county. The Sebasticook River forms its boundary line on the north-west. It contains about eight square miles. The settlement is in the eastern portion. The plantation is about 32 miles east of Augusta, four from the Maine Central Railroad station at Unity, and seven from the station at Hunter's Mills.

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VAN BUREN.

There is a society of the Christian denomination which holds its meetings in the plantation. It has one public schoolhouse, the total school property being valued at $56. The valuation of the estates in the plantation in 1880 was $14,086. The rate of taxation is about 15 mills on one dollar. The population in 1870 was 68. In 1880 it was 61.

Upper Dam, a post-office in No. 4, Range 1, between Mooselucmaguntic and Upper Richardson lakes, in the northern sec- tion of Oxford County.

Upton, in Oxford County, lies on the New Hampshire border, in the southern part of the Rangeley Lake region. Grafton bounds it on the south, Umbagog Lake lies on the west, and Lower Richardson Lake on the north-east. Rapid River (by which the Rangeley lakes through Lower Richardson discharge into Umbagog) runs across the north-eastern corner. Cambridge River, rising chiefly in Grafton, runs through the south-western part to the south arm of the Umbagog Take. Dead Cambridge River, a branch of the Cambridge, rises in a pond in C. Surplus, on the east, forming a junction with the main river at its principal angle near the middle of the town. In the southern part of Upton are three large hills; the south-eastern one bearing the name of First B. Hill, and the western one, the name of Upton or Second B. Hill. Most of the settlements in the township are be- tween Cambridge River and the junction near this hill of the three southern roads. On the falls near the lake are a saw-mill and grist- mill. Near by is a starch factory, carriage and shoe shops, store, etc. There are two hotels at this place. It is on the principal western route to the lakes. Cambridge and Errol in New Hampshire are the ad- joining towns on the west. Upton is 50 miles north-west of Paris, and 27 from Bethel, on the stage-route from the latter place to Errol.

The rocks in this town are chiefly of coarse granite. The soil, though rocky, is light. Potatoes, wheat and oats are the crops princi- pally cultivated. Spruce, cedar and birch trees constitute the forests.

Upton was incorporated February 9, 1860. It was formerly known as Letter B. Plantation. It sent 16 men into the Union army during the war of the Rebellion, and lost six of them. There are here Method- ist and Congregational societies, and a Union church edifice. The public schoolhouses are four in number, and are valued at $400. The population in 1870 was 187. In 1880 it was 245. The valuation of estates in 1870 was $36,278. In 1880 it was $43,783. The rate of taxation in the latter year was one cent on the dollar.

Van Buren lies on the west bank of the St. John, in the north-eastern part of Aroostook County. Cyr Plantation bounds it on the south, Grand Isle and Number 17 on the west. The form of this towi ship is triangular, the variable course of the river forming the base line, while straight lines mark the other sides. Violette Brook and its northern branch drain the southern and middle parts of the town. There are two lumber-mills, one grist-mill and a starch factory fully operated. The settlements are chiefly along the river, which is skirted by the county road. The Van Buren post-office is in the south-eastern part of the town, and there is another near the northern corner. Van Buren is the terminus of the stage-lines from Fort Fair-

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field and to Fort Kent. The New Brunswick Railway follows the St. John on the opposite shore.

This town was incorporated in 1881, being named for a former pre- sident of the United States. There are here a Roman Catholic and an Episcopal society. There are eight public schoolhouses, and the school property is valued at $2,500. The population in 1870 was 922. In 1880 it was 1,110. The valuation in 1870 was $46,233. In 1880 it was $111,670.

Vanceboro is the extreme north-eastern town of Washing- ton County. It is bounded by First Lake of St. Croix or Chiputnet- icook series, and has the river on the east and south. On the west is Eaton and No. 1 township, the lake's end and St. Croix River; the outlet being at the north-eastern corner of the town. The St. Croix Log-driving Company have a dam here holding a 15-feet head of water. The manufactures in this town consist of leather and a clothes-pin and spool factory. The tannery is owned by the great tanning firm of F. Shaw & Brothers. Its capacity is 500 tons annually of dry sole- leather.

The surface of the town is only moderately uneven. There is a great variety of rocks, and the soil also has this characteristic. Pota- toes and oats are the crops chiefly cultivated. Beech, maple, elm, hemlock and spruce are the forest trees.

The European and North American Railway passes through the town; the road passing from it into New Brunswick over St. Croix by a bridge about 200 feet in length. At the station here is a convenient eating house.

The settlement has a public library of 75 volumes. The Methodists here have a society and a resident minister. The public schoolhouses are two in number, and the school property including land is valued at $1,130. The population in 1870 was 327. In 1880 it was 381. The valuation in 1870 was $40,000, In 1880 it was $129,528. The rate of taxation in the latter year was 7 mills on the dollar.

Vassalboro, in Kennebec County, lies on the east side of the Kennebec River, north of and adjoining Augusta. It is bounded by China on the east, Sidney on the west, and Winslow on the north. Webber's Pond, having an area of 2.10 square miles, lies a little south of the centre of the town; a portion of China Pond projects into the eastern side, and Three-mile Pond forms a portion of the boundary between it and China at the south-east. The Kennebec River separates it from Sidney, which constituted a part of Vassalboro from its incor- poration in 1771 until 1792, when its territory west of the river was set off and incorporated as an independent town. The first settlements were made along the river about 1760; but they increased so slowly that eight years later this extensive township contained but ten fam- ilies. Dennis and John Gatchell were among the earliest settlers. Both were guides to Arnold's expedition up the Kennebec in 1776. Dennis was chosen captain of the town in 1775; John was a noted hunter, and a man of great strength. Once when a full-grown moose which he had wounded turned upon him, he seized the animal, threw him down and cut his throat with a jack-knife. John's house was sit- uated on the bank of the Kennebec, and had an underground passage

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VEAZIE.

to the river, to allow of escape should hostile Indians effect an entrance into the house. Other early settlers were Samuel and Asa Reddington, both of whom had served in the war for independence. The latter had been a member of the famous Washington Life-Guard. Most of the early settlers were from the Cape Cod towns, and many were members of the Society of Friends. Vassalboro was represented in the Provin- cial Congress in 1775 by Remington Hobby, and in 1777 by Mr. A. Lovejoy.

The surface of the town is beautifully diversified with hill and val- ley, the highest eminences being Tabor and Cross hills. The soil is ex- cellent, and the farmers generally are thrifty, and the town is wealthy and prosperous. Much attention is given to the cultivation of fruits and with marked success.

There are several mills in town. On the outlet of Three-mile Pond, which discharges into Webber's Pond are a saw, grist and excelsior mill; on Seven-mile Brook, which connects Webber's Pond with the Kennebec, are two saw-mills, a paper-mill and a machine-shop. Ac- cording to the Hydrographic survey of Maine, there are nineteen powers in town. Thirteen of these are on the outlet of China Lake. This sheet of water is 201 feet above the tide, has an area of 4,000 acres, and its drainage basin is about 39,520 acres in extent. The stream from the lake is six and one-third miles long, in which distance it has nine dams and falls 160 feet. Of these powers the first is occu- pied by a grist-mill and woolen-mill, a saw-mill and shovel-handle fac- tory ; on the second is a grist-mill; on the third, a shingle-mill, and a wood and iron machine-shop; the fifth is occupied by the Vassalboro Mills Company in manufacturing woolen goods. This mill has twenty sets of cards, with the associated machinery, and a wood and iron machine-shop attached. The capital stock of the company in 1869 was $450,000. On the seventh power is a factory for making knit goods and another for shoe pegs. On the eleventh, there is saw-mill and a threshing-mill. On the thirteenth, is a board, plank and lath-mill. A line of the Maine Central railway extends through the entire length of the town along the river.

The Oak Grove Seminary and Commercial College is a popular and prosperous institution under the care of the Society of Friends. It is situated in an attractive location a short distance north of Vassalboro Corner.

The Congregationalists, Baptists, Free Baptists, Catholics, and Friends, each have a society and church edifice in the town, and the Methodists have three. Vassalboro has twenty-two schoolhouses, valued at $10,500. The valuation of estates in 1870 was $1,130,348. In 1880 it was $1,188,980. The population at the same date was 2,919. In 1880 it has increased to 2,621.

Veazie, in Penobscot County, is a small town, with its eastern side resting on the Penobscot, and bounded by Bangor on the west, and Orono on the north-east, and the river on the east and south. Its area is 2,560 acres. There are no large streams within the town. The Penobscot, which separates it from Eddington and Brewer, fur- nishes the water-power. The village is situated on the river, at about the middle of the eastern side. There is here a strong dam, upon which are located two blocks of saw-mills. The " Upper Block " (so

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GAZETTEER OF MAINE.

called), contains two gangs of saws, six single saws, and a lath-mill; the " Lower Block " has one gang of saws, three single saws, lath-mill, clapboard and shingle-mill, and others. At extreme low water the power in this fall is 3,300 horse-powers, gross, for the 24 hours, or 133,000 spindles. The manufactures are all sorts of lumber, cooper's- ware, etc. There are four stores and a hotel. Veazie has a very pretty village. The European and North American Railway runs through the town, ha ing a station at the village. The town was formerly the seventh ward of Bangor, but was set off and incorporated March 26th, 1853. It was named from General Samuel Veazie, who was the owner of the mills and privilege, and the chief portion of the property. The associations are those of the P. of H., and the K. of II. The religious societies are the Congregationalists, Methodists, Baptists and Free Baptists. There are three public schoolhouses, for 214 children of school age. The average attendance is about one-half that number. The valuation of estates in 1870 was #168,432. In 1880 it was $121,- 439. The population in 1870 was 810 .. In 1880 it was 622.

Verona, in Hancock County, is situated on the Penobscot River, just south of Bucksport, and 20 miles west of Ellsworth. It is connected with Bucksport by an excellent bridge of stone and timber, 650 feet in length. The town is mostly high and rocky, and the soil J.ard, but affords an excellent range for sheep. Within a few years apple orchards have been planted, and are doing well. Verona is said to have grown and shipped more wood to the acre than any other town in the county. The chief industry is weir fishing ; and during the " run of the salmon " there is but little sleep for the fishermen.

Verona is the earliest settled locality on the Penobscot above Bel- fast. It was first mentioned in books as the island of Lett. It be- longed to the Waldo Patent. Falling into the possession of an orphan girl, it gained the name of Orphan Island. Later, it was purchased by a Mr. Wetmore, and bore the name of Wetmore Isle up to the time of its incorporation in 1861. It was formerly a part of Prospect, and for many years a part of Bucksport. Its area is 5,600 acres. It was named for a town on the Po river, in Italy. Verona has four schoolhouses, and the school property is valued at $2,400. The valua- tion of estates in 1870 was $51,075. In 1880 it was $50,073. The population in 1870 was 352. In the census of 1880 it was 356.

Vienna is the most north-westerly town of Kennebec County, and is marked by considerable hilliness. Gilman Mountain, which ex- tends into the adjoining town of Rome, is the greatest elevation. Granite is the principal rock. The grazing qualities of the town are excellent, and there are several fine farms. There are two mineral springs of some note in town. Vienna is bounded on the east by Rome, on the south by Mount Vernon and Chesterville, (the latter in Franklin County), west by the same town, and north by New Sharon. In and about Vienna are numerous ponds, the largest of which, called Flying Pond, forms a portion of the south-west boundary. A p rtion of Parker Pond lies in the southern part of the town; Egypt Pond is on the southern border a little west of the last ; at the north-west angle is McGurdy Pond ; Kimball Pond midway of the northern line, and Boody and Kidder ponds succeed it on the east. A stream fror

: 553

VINALHAVEN.

Kimball and Boody ponds, running southward, and emptying into Flying Pond, furnishes the chief water-power in the town. On this stream, at Vienna Village, are a shingle-mill, a saw-mill for various lumber, and a grist-mill. Other manufactures of the town are boxes and measures, cooperage, carriages and sleighs, shovel-handles, etc. There is a stage-route to Augusta from the village. The nearest rail- way connection is Maine Central station at Belgrade depot, 12 miles distant.

This township was settled about 1786, the titles being given by Jedediah Prescott of Winthrop, and Nathaniel Whittier, of Readfield, who had purchased it of Massachusetts. As a plantation it was named Goshen. Its incorporation as a town occurred in 1802. The first set- tlers were Joshua Howland, John Thompson, Patrick Gilbraith, Noah Prescott, and John and William Alten. "Following these were Arnold Witheren, James and Robert Cofren, Jonathan Gordon, Jedediah Whittier, Gideon Wells, Elijah Bunker, Daniel Matthews, Benjamin Porter, Timothy White, Caleb Brown and Joshua Moore. The first town meeting was held in that year,-Noah Prescott being moderator, and Daniel Morrill, clerk. Th selectmen chosen were Jacob Graves, James Cofren and Joshua Moore; treasurer, Arnold Witheren ; con- stable and collector, Thomas Lines.

Later notable citizens have been Nathaniol Graves, Oren Dowst, John Marden, John Mooers, Nathaniel Whittier, Andrew Neal, and others. The first child born in town was Briggs Howland. Vienna sent 91 soldiers into the war for the Union, of which number 14 were lost. Jesse Lee, from Virginia, was the first settled minister. There are now in town Free Baptist and Methodist societies, each of whom have a suitable church. Vienna has ten public schoolhouses valued at $1,500. The valuation of estates in 1870 was $200,015. In 1880 it was $167,316. The rate of taxation in 1880 was 23 mills on a dollar. The population in 1870 was 740. According to the census of 1880 it is now 644.

Vinalhaven, in Knox County, lies at the entrance of Pen- obscot Bay. With North Haven, formerly included, the area of the town was 16,527 acres. It was what was known in the early history of New England as South Fox Island, taking its name from a number of silver-gray foxes seen there. On account of its safe and convenient harbors it was a place of much resort for the early voyagers. There was, however, no permanent settlement until 1765, and even then the inhabitants did not enjoy undisturbed quiet. During the Revolution the British at Castine impressed many of the islanders, forcing them to labor on the fortifications in that place. Many also fled from the island, leaving their houses to be reduced to ashes by the soldiers who plundered them. On the conclusion of peace the inhabitants returned ; and 72 of the number purchased the whole island from Massachusetts, for the sum of £246.

Vinalhaven has a bold shore; yet running in between projecting bluffs, are good harbors on every side. One of the best of these is Carver's Harbor, in the southern extremity of the island, where also is the principal village. The island is 15 miles east of Rockland. The surface is very broken, so that not more than one-third of the area is suitable for cultivation. The soil is gravelly. The crops are principally grain and potatoes. Isle au Haut and Baron moun-

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GAZETTEER OF MAINE.

tains are the highest eminences, being nearly 400 feet in height. The ponds are named Folly, Round, Otter, Cedar, Mills and Branch. There are several excellent tide-powers on the island, which have, at one time or another, been improved. The manufactures are meal, flour, lumber, canned lobsters, horse-nets, harnesses, boots and shoes. Large quantities of granite are quarried here, and the Bodwell Granite Com- pany has a polishing-mill for this material. The rock of the island is chiefly a blue and gray granite.

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Gazetteer of the state of Maine, Part 67

Author: Varney, George J Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Boston Russell Number of Pages: 648

Author: Varney, George J
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Boston Russell
Number of Pages: 648