Gazetteer of the state of Maine, Part 8

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

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In the year following (1863), the draft was enforced by the General Government under the conscription law. The total result of the draft of this year was as follows :- Drafted and entered service, 808; fur- nished substitutes, 1,737 ; exempted, failed to report, etc., 11,605. T. tal, 16,087. The only flagrant instance of opposition occurred in the town of Kingfield ; and this was promptly suppressed by the State militia. Following this draft, another call was made by the President on October 17, for 300,000 volunteers. Pending the draft under direction of the War Department, Governor Coburn received per- mission to raise the Twenty-ninth and Thirtieth regiments of infantry, Second reg.ment of cavalry, and the Seventh battery of artillery, which were designated veteran volunteers. These troops were raised during the fall and winter, and promptly forwarded to the seat of war. In addi- tion to these corps, recruiting for regiments in the service still continued. Under Governor Cony's administration, six companies of cavalry were raised under the Presidential call of February 2, 1864, for Baker's District of Columbia cavalry ; also, the Thirty-first and Thirty-second regiments of infantry. The rebel invasion of Maryland and the Dis- trict of Columbia, cutting off communication with Washington, in- duced Governor Conv to issue a proclamation containing a call for volunteer troops for driving back the enemy. 'A general response was made to this call all over the State; but action upon it ceased as the danger speedily passed.

The aggregate number of men furnished by Maine up to July 1st, 1864, exclusive of enlistments in the navy, and a greater part of those in the regular army, is 53,281. This includes 7,585 nine-months men, which. reduced to three years men, gives us a credit on their account of 1,896; and also 700 three-months men,-so that the whole number of three years men, with which the War Department credited the State, is only 46,812. But this-according to the figures of the De- partment-gives the State an excess of 617 over all calls. Under the act of Congress authorizing credits for enrolled men in the naval ser- vire, it was found that Maine was entitled to credit for 3,436 men. On the 19th of December, 1864, the President issued a call for 300,000 additional men to be enforced by a draft after February 15, 1865. The quota of the State under this call was 8,389.

THE STATE OF MAINE.

Until July 2, 1862, no quotas were assigned to the State. The quota under the President's call of that date was 9,609; and under the next call (August 4), which was for nine-months men, the quota was the same. The quota for the call of February 1, 1864, for 500,000 men (which included the draft and call of October 17, 1863), was 11,803. The quota for the call of March 14, 1864, for 200,000 men was 4,721.

The absorption of the most efficient of the active militia of the State into the United States service, led to the organization of numer- ous companies of home guards, several of which, in view of the dep- redations of the rebel privateers, garrisoned the principal forts on our coast. The almost successful scheme of the rebels for capturing the United States Revenue cutter, Caleb Cushing, in Portland harbor, June 26, 1863, demonstrated the necessity of greater vigilance and better preparations for the defense of the seaboard. There were also attempted raids on Calais and Castine. Additional companies of coast guards were therefore authorized,-making, in all, seven com- panies which were raised in the State during the year, and mustered into the United States service. Two of these companies were ordered out of the State, and assigned to guard duty in the defences of Wash- ington. At the request of the governor, the efficiency of the coast defences of the State was increased by the National Government. Strong field works were erected, heavy ordnance mounted, and suitable ammunition and projectiles deposited in their magazines. Forts Mc- Clary (Kittery), Gorges, Preble and Scammel (Portland), Popham and Knox (entrance of Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers) and Sullivan (Eastport), were each placed in a suitable condition for defence ; while at Rockland, Belfast, Castine, Machiasport, Calais and Lubec effective batteries were erected.

Maine rallied at the nation's first cry of need, and through the war she bore an honorable and conspicuous part. One of her gallant sons, Major General Berry, was the first volunteer officer of his grade to fall in battle at the head of his column ; one of her regiments was the first to bear back the old flag to the soil of South Carolina. Another of her Major Generals, Chamberlain, conspicuous in several battles for his heroism and cool judgment, held the post of honor at the sur- render of the rebel General Lee and his army.

THE SWEDISH EMIGRATION.

THE subject of Swedish emigration to populate our wild lands was first officially proposed by Governor Washburne in his message to the legislature in 1861. The troubles of the war diverted attention from it until 1869, when commissioners appointed by the Legislature explored Aroostook County, and in 1870, reported in favor of establishing a Swedish colony in Maine. Accordingly Hon. William W. Thomas, Jr., who had previously resided in that country three years as United States Consul, was appointed a commissioner to visit Sweden and ob- tain twenty-five families. None were to be received but honest and industrious farmers and laborers with their families. He was entirely successful in his mission ; and on July 23, 1870, the emigrants reached their new home, -- which they have named " New Sweden." It is the first township on the east of range fifteen, in Aroostook county ; and

GAZETTEER OF MAINE.

there is said to be no better township in the State. The colony brought by Mr. Thomas consisted of twenty-two men, eleven women and eigh- teen children ; and after paying for their transportation to New Swe- den at a cost of $4,000, they had a remaining $3,000 in cash, and six , tons of baggage. On the 14 of September, twelve additional emigrants arrived; and on the 31st of October twenty more followed, direct from Sweden ; so that in December, 1870, five months after the arrival of the first installment, the colony consisted of 114. It is believed that many more of this hardy, moral, industrious and intelligent people will follow, to subdue our northern wilderness and add to the pros- perity and happiness of our State.

With this scene of peace and promise we lay down the scroll of history,

A GAZETTEER

OF THE

STATE OF MAINE.

Abbot is situated in the south-western part of Piscataquis County. It is bounded in the north by Monson, east by Guilford, south by Parkman and west by Kingsbury. The area of the town is 23,040 acres. Piper and Greenleaf are the principal ponds,-the first two miles in length and half a mile in width. The soil is superior, being largely alluvial ; and there is more interval than is found in any other town on the river above Dover. The principal rock is limestone. It is the most western of the Bowdoin College townships, granted in 1794 by the General Court, and was sold to settlers by the College treasurer and his agents. The first settler was Abraham Moore, who exchanged his farm in Norridgewock for 800 acres of wild land, in four lots of 200 acres each. He felled the trees of the first opening in 1805, in 1806 raised a crop and built a log-house, and in 1807 moved his family in. In 1808, Peter Brawn and Eaton Richards moved in with their families. In 1810, the township had forty-five inhabitants. It was then called Moorestown. In 1812 settlers occupied " Jackson Ridge, " in the east- ern part of the town. Barnabas Jackson bought the lot and buildings of one of the first settlers and took his residence there in 1815. In 1818,

Jeremiah Rolfe, settled in the plantation. He had fought at Saratoga under General Gates and afterward went to North Carolina with him. He was noted for his skill in fruit raising, and the "Rolfe Apple" which he introduced to the region will not soon be forgotten. Other es- teemed citizens of a later time were Hons. J. S. Monroe, P. S. Lowell and James Foss. There is one citizen in the town above ninety-five years of age, and three who are over eighty.

The Piscataquis river enters the township near its north-western corner, and leaves it near the south-eastern. The south branch of the Piscataquis, issuing from a pond in Kingsbury, passes across the south- ern part of the town. Mr. Moore early erected a saw-mill on the river ; about which Abbot village has grown up. The town-incor- porated in 1827-was named for Professor John Abbot, a long period treasurer of Bowdoin College. The warrant for the first town meeting was issued by Robert Gower, Esq. to James Gower; and at the meeting Cyrus Cook was chosen town clerk. There are two covered

GAZETTEER OF MAINE.

bridges over the Piscataquis within the limits of the town,-one being 100 the other 120 feet long. There are two railroad stations in the town. Much change has been produced in the business by the railway completed in 1874, which gives it an easy connection with Bangor. At Upper village there are a lumber, excelsior and spool mills, a grist mill, a furniture and a pump factory and a brick yard. There are also one or more lumber mills in other parts of the town. The Congrega- tionalists, Baptists and Free Baptists have each a church in Abbot. There are eight public school-houses, valued at $1,500. The valuation of estates in 1870 was $155,197. In 1880, it was $174,669. The po- pulation, according to the census of 1880, is 695. In 1870, it was 712.

Acadia, or Acadie,-a name formerly applied by the French to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and those portions of Maine lying east of the Kennebec or of the Penobscot, according as France at different times thought best to claim one or the other as the western boundary of her Atlantic territories.

Acton, in York County, lies for its whole length of- 9 miles along the New Hamshire border,-Salmon Falls River forming the boundary for three-fourths of this distance. On the north is Newfield, and on the south, Lebanon. On the east, it is bounded by Shapleigh, from which it was incorporated in 1830. Consequently much of its early history may be found under that head. Benjamin Kimens, Clement Steel and John York were the first settlers, locating at the center (Acton Corner) in 1776. At about the same time a road was cut nearly through the town from north to south, which soon brought an increase of settlers. The first grist mill was built in 1779.

A Congregationalist church was formed in 1781, and a pastor (Joseph Brown), first settled in 1796. Theirs was the first meeting-house in town. It was built in 1794, about 24 miles south of Acton Corner. In 1827 the Society erected a new meeting-house at Acton Corner.

A Baptist church was formed in 1781, by Nehemiah Davis, who was the first minister. In 1802 their house of worship was erected near the first Congregationalist house ; and a new house was erected upon the same site in 1840.

The present Free Baptist church was formed in 1801, by Gershom Lord,-its first preacher. In 1818, a house of worship was erected in the west part of the town near Milton Mills, near where their house of worship now stands. A second society, called the Union Society of Acton was formed in 1840, and a house built the same year at the south part of the town.

A Methodist church was formed in 1826. Their first regular preaching was in 1837, by Henry Linscott. A meeting-house was erected at Acton Corner in 1840.

The parsonage lot, consisting of about 300 acres, was sold in 1823, and 1843; the proceeds of the sale were divided among the societies mentioned, according to the number of polls in each. There is now in addition to these a church of the Christian denomination.

Ralph Farnum, a soldier of the Revolution, died in 1860 at the age of one hundred and four years. The town has sent out many profes- sional men.

ADDISON.

In regard to scenery, the town is diversified with hill and hollow, and woods of oak, beech and maple. West of the centre of the town is a remarkable valley surrounded by hills, and known as " The Hopper." The carriage roads are good, but there is no railroad in town; the nearest station being that in East Lebanon, on the Portland and Rochester Railroad. The business centres named in the order of their importance are, Acton Corners, Milton Mills, North Acton and South Acton. The number of acres of land in the town is 18,127. Little Ossipee River and Balch Pond form the northern boundary. Mousam River takes its rise from Square and Mousam ponds, at the eastern border of the town. It has also the Hubbard, Bracket and R cker streams. Its chief water powers are on the Little Ossipee river, -- where are a saw and grist mill, and a felt mill-and at the head of Salmon Falls River, where there is a saw mill for general work.

The bed rock in the town is granite and mica schist. The Acton mineral belt, from 2 to 4 miles in width, crosses the southern portion of the town. The ores consist chiefly of argentiferous galenas. There is also some zinc, arsenic and copper. Several companies are en- gagedin mining these ores.

Acton has fourteen public school houses; and the school property is valued at $4,000. The number of acres of land in the town is 18,127. The valuation of estates in 1870 was $329,189. In 1880 it was $363,105. The population in 1870 was 1,007. In 1880, it was 1050.

Addison is situated on the southern sea-coast of Washington County, 182 miles west by south-west of Machias. It is bounded on the north by Columbia, east by Jonesboro and Jonesport, west by Har- rington and south by the sea. Indian River separates it from the towns on the east, and Pleasant Bay and River from those on the west. Cape Split and Moose Neck from the southern points of the town, and between these is Cape Split Harbor. Moose and Sheep are the prin- cipal islands, the last lying at the south and the first at the mouth of Indian River, and near the village of that name.

The rock is chiefly granitic, and the soil loamy. There is a quarry of black granite, which is considerably wrought. Potatoes form the prin- cipal crop. Spruce is the most numerous forest tree. Elm and balm of gilead are found along the village streets or about the dwellings. The Addison Mineral Spring has a local reputation.

The villages are Addison at the north-west at the head of Pleasant River Bay, and Indian River on the eastern side. The Jonesport and Columbia stage line furnishes communication by land. Each village is about 11 miles from the landing of the Portland steamer at Mill- bridge. The manufactures are lumber, carriages, sails, etc. There are 2 shipyards. Vessels of 300 tons can load within 20 rods of the mills.

Addison was settled soon after the close of the Revolutionary War, and was organized as a plantation known as "Number Six west of Machias." It was incorporated as a town in 1796, being named in honor the elegant English writer, Joseph Addison.

There are Baptist, Methodist and Universalist churches at Addison village, and Baptist and Advent churches at Indian River. The town has 12 public schoolhouses, which, with other school property, are valued at $1,500. The valuation of estates in 1870 was $263,457, in 1880, it was $278,978. The rate of taxation in the latter year was 21

GAZETTEER OF MAINE.

mills. The population in 1870 was 1,201. In 1880, it was 1,239. This town was the birth-place of Hon. Wm. J. Corthell, formerly State superintendent of schools, and recently principal of the Gorham Normal School.

Albany is situated in the western part of Oxford County south of the Androscoggin river. Greenwood bounds it on the north- east, Mason and Stoneham on the south-west, Mason and Bethel on the north-west, and Waterford and Norway on the south-east. Its size is about 73 by 10 miles. The northern half of the western border is occupied by the " Albany Mountains" of which the chief is Bear Mountain. The middle portion of the eastern side is occupied by a group of seven or more mountains, bearing the names of Lawrence, Long, Round, etc., of which the last is the highest, having an altitude of about 500 feet. At the north-eastern corner is another lofty hill and half way to the center of the town is another. Flint's Mountain stands in the middle of the southern part of the town, flanked by two others in a line to the north-east. Somewhat to the west of the middle line of the town, running through its length from north to south, six hills succeed one another 'at nearly equal distances. Birch Hill is the most southern, while the fourth-Square Doch-stands about midway of the line. Through the broad valley south of this, Crooked River sweeps westward, forming a semi-circle about the two southern hills. West of Square Doch comes down a tributary to Crooked River, on which are the noted "Albany Basins." These consist of deep cavities worn by the eddying current of the water in the talcose rock forming the bed of the stream. One of these basins, embracing the entire width of the stream, is not less than 70 feet deep.

Songo Pond, having an area of about 1 square mile, lies in the northern part of the town, forming the source of Crooked River. This stream takes a general southern course through the town, and dis- charges its waters into Sebago Lake. Other ponds are Furlong's, at the south-eastern corner, Hutchinson, a little west of the last, Chalk Pond, near Chalk Hill, Little Pappoose Pond, near the western border, and Broken Bridge Pond, north of Square Doch, and several smaller ones. About a mile north of this pond is an extensive ledge of pure quartz.

Albany post office and the factories at the south-west corner of the town are the centers of business. The manufactures consist of lumber, shingles, staves, boxes, spools, boots and shoes. Albany post office is about 8 miles south of Bethel Hill, on the Grand Trunk Railway, which is the nearest railway station. The soil of the town is of fair quality. The principal crop for the market is hay.

Albany was settled soon after the Revolution, being known for some time as the Plantation of Oxford. It was incorporated in 1803 This town is the birth-place of Rev. Asa Cummings, D. D., for many years the able editor of the "Christian Mirror," the organ of the Con- gregationalists in Maine. The churches of the town are a Congrega- tionalist and a Methodist. Albany has ten public schoolhouses, valued together with other school property at $2,500. The valuation in 1870 was $167,592. In 1880 it was $139,029. The rate of taxation in the latter year was 2 per centum. The population in 1870 was 651. In 1880 it was 693.

ALEXANDER.

Albion, situated in the north-eastern part of Kennebec County, is bounded on the east by Freedom, in Waldo County; on the north by the town of Unity and by Unity Plantation-the former in Waldo and the latter in Kennebec County ; on the west by Benton and Winslow ; and on the south by China, in Kennebec County, and by Palermo, in Waldo County. The town is about six miles square. The prevailing rock is granite. The soil in the westerly part is clay loam, free from stones, and quite easily cultivated ; and all parts are produc- tive. The principal crop is hay. The southern portion of the town is much broken by hills, and is well suited to wheat. Lovejoy's Pond- a mile and one-half long and a mile wide-is the principal body of water. The outlet to this, which empties into Fifteen Mile River, fur- nishes power for a saw-mill. On Fifteen Mile River, which runs northwardly through the town, are two or more powers in the southern part utilized for saw-mills. In the northern part is a tannery.

The principal settlements are at Albion Corner and South Albion, each of which has a post-office. The town is about 27 miles north-east of Augusta, and 44 south-west of Bangor. It is on the stage-line from Fairfield to Belfast. There are two railroad stations at a distance of 7 and 10 miles, respectively.

The first organization of this place was the plantation of Free- town in 1802. In 1804 it was organized as a town called, Fairfax, which was afterwards changed to Lygonia, and lastly, in 1824, to Albion. The township was first settled sometime prior to 1690, at which date it contained 6 families. Many of the early settlers were from York County,-among whom were the Shoreys, Prays and Lib- beys. Hon. Artemus Libbey, one of the associate justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, is a native of this town. Albion sent 100 soldiers into the army during the war of the Rebellion,-of whom 45 were lost. The churches in town are the Christian Disciples, Adventist, and Universalist. Albion has a high school, and its public school-houses are valued at $3,000. The valuation of estate in 1870 was $376,791. The rate of taxation in 1880 was 16 mills on one dollar. The population in 1870 was 1,356. In 1880 it had fallen off to 1,193.

Alexander is situated nearly midway of the eastern part of Washington County. Baileyville and Baring bound it on the east, Crawford on the west, Princeton on the north, and Cooper and Med- dybemps on the south. The surface is uneven, but there is a variety of good farming land. Agriculture is the almost exclusive dependence of the inhabitants. The principal crop for export is hay. The nearest seaport is Calais, 14 miles eastward ; Machias, 30 miles distant, is the nearest on the south. The nearest railroad station is at Baring, 10 miles distant.

The Wapskanegan is the principal stream, running north-east from the west and centre of the town. The sheets of water are Lake Beau- tiful, in the western part of the town ; Burrows, at the south-western corner ; Shining Lake, lying on the northern, and Meddybemps Lake, on the eastern border. Lake Beautiful has an area of about 500 acres, and furnishes power for a saw and shingle mill about half the year.

Alexander was first settled about 1810. Among the first who made the place their home were Solomon Perkins, Caleb Pike, George Hill, A. Bohanan, William D. Crockett, Paul Morse, Cyrus Young and

GAZETTEER OF MAINE.

Samuel Cottel. The early settlers were mostly from Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The titles to their lands were obtained from Colonel John Black, agent for the Binghams. The town was incorpo- rated in 1835, and may have received its name in honor of Alexander Baring, a son-in law of William Bingham. He was about this time made Lord Ashburton ; and it was he who, as British Ambassador, settled-together with the American Secretary of State, Daniel Web- ster -- our north-eastern boundary. In this town are two small villages -Lanesbrook and Alexander. There is a church edifice of the Meth- odists only at present. Alexander has five public school-houses, which, with other school property, are valued at $1,500. The valuation of the town in 1870 was $73,997. In 1880 it was $71,085. The population in 1870 was 456. In 1880 it was 439.

Alfred, the shire town of York County, is situated very near the geographical centre of the county. It is on the Portland and Rochester Railroad, 32 miles from Portland. The surrounding towns are Waterborough on the north and north-east, Lyman on the east, Shapleigh and Sanford on the west, and Kennebunk and Sanford on the south. The town is about 12 miles long from north-west to south-east, and 4 miles wide at the middle, and contains 12,989 acres of land. The northern part is hilly, and abounds in granite rocks and hard- wood forests, while the southern portion is comparatively level, with evergreen and hard woods. The soil is a gravelly loam in higher lands and sandy loam on the plains. The chief eminence is Yeaton's Hill. The town has good roads, and the general appearance of the buildings indicate thrift. The principal bodies of water are Shaker and Middle Branch, or Bungernuck Ponds, the first in the eastern and middle part of the town, and the latter at the north. The princi- pal streams are Hay Brook on the west, and the outlets of the ponds- all running southward and joining with the Mousam River on the south-west. The manufactories are woollen, saw and grist mills at Littlefield's Mills, and the Shaker's saw-mill. The business centres are Alfred Village, Littlefield's Mills, North Alfred and the Shaker Village. The early history of the town is involved in that of Sanford, and it formerly bore the name of the "North Parish of Sandford," and the Indian name of Massabesic. It was incorporated in 1794, being named in honor of Alfred the Great. The territory of the town was included in several quit-claim deeds purchased in 1761-4 of the Indian chiefs Fluellen, Hobinowell, and Captain Sunday, by Major William Phillips, of Saco.

The first settler was Simeon Coffin, who in 1764, dwelt for a time in an Indian wigwam, a few rods south-west of the present residence of Colonel Ivory Hall. There were, at that time, several Indian fam- ilies about Shaker Pond and the Hill. Other settlers soon followed. The first saw mill in town was built in 1766, by Charles and John White, a Mr. Ellenwood, Thomas Kimball, Seth Peabody and Benja- min Tripe.

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Gazetteer of the state of Maine, Part 8

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