Gazetteer of the state of Maine, Part 9

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

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In 1782 a few families of Shakers settled at Moosebesic or Shaker Pond and Hill, and at Mastcamp, a few miles north. They were at this time, fanatical in religion and intemperate in their indulgences. They were organized as a body in their present order and discipline in 1793. In 1782 a Congregational church was organized in Alfred,

ALNA. 69

forming the North Parish of Sanford; but in revivals some became excited and joined the "Merry Dancers" (as the Shakers were then called), so that a minister was not settled until 1791. In 1834 the present house was erected, and an organ added in 1854. The Baptists built a church on the Back Road in 1818, and another at Littlefield's Mills soon after 1855. A second church was organized at the Gore in 1841, and a church built there in 1847. The first permanent meeting of Methodists was in 1830, by Rev. John Lord, at the court-house ; and in 1834 a church was built. There is now an Advent Society also.

Alfred became a half shire town in 1802; and a court-house was erected in 1807, which was remodelled and enlarged in 1852. The present fire-proof wings were finished in the fall of 1854. A log jail was built in 1803, and the present stor _ jail in 1870. The town-house was erected in 1854, and burnt in 1861. The new one was built in 1862. The Academy building was erected by private subscription in 1828. W. C. Larrabee was the first preceptor. It was kept in opera- tion for some time each year until the erection of the graded school building in 1862. The High School is at Alfred village. There are now seven school-houses in the town, and the value of the school prop- erty is estimated at $5,500. The population in 1850 was 1,319; 1870, 1,224 ; 1880, 1,102. Valuation of 1870, $427,14); of 1880, $421,418. Rate of taxation in the latter year, about 19 mills on a dollar.

The most notable citizens have been Hon. John Holmes, who was United States Senator from 1829 to 1833; Hon. Daniel Goodenow, a judge of the Supreme Court of Maine, from 1855 to 1862; Hon. Nathan D. Appleton, attorney-general of the State from 1857 to 1860 ; Hon. William C. Allen, judge of probate for the county of York from 1847 to 1854; Hon. Jeremiah Goodwin, State treasurer in 1839 ; Hon. Joshua Herrick, representative in Congress in 1843 ; Hon. Nathan Dane, State treasurer in 1860. Among other valued citizens should be mentioned Dr. Abiel Hall, George W. Came, Esq., Major Benjamin J. Herrick, Israel Chadbourne, Esq., Deacon Nathan Ken- dall, Hon. Ira T. Drew, Caleb B. Lord and others. Among the na- tives of the town who have attained to eminence in their calling, are Usher Parsons, M. D., William Lewis, M. D., Daniel and John Lewis, Hon. N. S. Littlefield, of Bridgton, David Hall, Alvah Conant, Henry Farnum, William Parsons, Dr. Usher P. Leighton, Benjamin Emer- son, Esq., Rev. John Parsons, Edwin Parsons, Dr. Frank B. Merrill and many others.

Allen's Mills, a village and post office in Industry, Frank- lin County.

Alna is situated in the western part of Lincoln County, on the western side of Sheepscot River. It has Whitefield on the north, New- castle on the east, Wiscasset on the south, and Dresden on the west. The town has a length of about six miles north and south, and four miles east and west. The surface is uneven, the western part back from the river being quite broken, while the other portions abound in ledges and bogs. Good soil is found in many parts, however, espe- cially along the river. In the centre of the town is a pond receiving two considerable streams, and discharging into Sheepscot River. This

GAZETTEER OF MAINE.

stream forms the eastern line of the town, and crosses its northern part. The water powers are Sheepscot Falls carrying a saw and grist mill, and " Head-of-the-Tide Falls," in the northern part five miles above the first, having a grist, a stave and a shingle mill. Two miles above this are the " Rapids," which afford a good privilege. The vil- lages are at the first two falls mentioned, that at the head of the tide being the largest. It is eight miles north of Wiscasset, and is the terminus of the stage line from Gardiner, on the Kennebec.

The town was formerly the north precinct of Pownalborough. It was set off in 1794 and incorporated as New Milford; which name it bore until 1811, when this was changed to Alna. The first church was formed in 1796, Jonathan Ward being chosen first pastor. There are now a Congregationalist and a Baptist church. Alna has six pub- lic school houses; the school property being valued at $3,300. The valuation of estate in 1870 was $233,610. In 1880, it was $206,339. The population in 1870 was 747. In 1880, it was 687.

Alton is situated in the southern part of Penobscot County, 18 miles north of Bangor. Lagrange lies on the north, Bradford and Hudson on the west and Oldtown on the south. The Bangor and Piscataquis Railroad runs north-westward through the town. Alton is the terminus and rafting-place of the Upper Penobscot boom. Dead Stream in the north-western part of the town, Pushaw Stream, in the south-western part, and Birch Stream, forming the eastern line of division from Argyle, are the principal water-courses. The ponds bear the names Hallen Large and Hallen Small, Pickerel and Mud. The surface of the town is quite level. What rock appears is of a slaty character. The soil is in general a reddish loam, but in some places is a dark muck. Hay, potatoes and oats are the principal crops. The forests contain the varieties of trees common to the region. There is a saw and grist mill at Alton Village Mills, on Dead Stream, in the north-western part of the town. In the western part is a large tan- nery.

Alton was formerly a part of Argyle, which adjoins it on the east. It was incorported in 1845. The town has four public school-houses, and its school property is valued at $1,000. The valuation in 1870 was $116,362. In 1880, it was $78,959. The rate of taxation in the latter year was 3 per centum. The population in 1870, was 508. In 1880, it was 419.

Amherst is situated on Union River, 22 miles north-north-east of Ellsworth, and about midway of Hancock County. It is bounded on the north by Township No. 2, east by Aurora, south by Mariaville, and west by Clifton, in Penobscot County. Its territory is 6 miles square. It has several good water powers, improved by one saw, one clapboard, one grain, and two shingle mills. There is also a sole-leather tannery, using hides from South America and Mexico principally. The village is near the centre of the town. It is on the stage-lines from Ellsworth and Aurora to Bangor. The river divides the town diagonally into two nearly equal sections, the north-west and the south-east. The land on the east side of the river is favorable to orcharding; but on the west, excepting intervals, the soil is granitic and the surface hilly. The principal hills are known as the Springy Brook Mountains. Near the

AMITY.

Corner is a high ledge some acres in extent, thought to be porphyritic, and containing crystals of iron pyrites, with compact feldspar. Crystals of quartz are also found. There is some slate in the town. Amherst is remarkable for its improved domestic cattle; and this is due mainly to the energy and enterprise of A. B. Buzzell, Esq.

This town was a part of the Bingham purchase. It was set off from the plantation of Mariaville in 1822, and incorporated in 1831. Amherst N. H. is said to have been honored in the selection of its name. Settle- ment began about 1805. In that year Capt. Goodell Silsby came in, and in 1806-7 his parents came and took the lots now known as the "Old Silsby Place." Before 1808 closed there had come in, also, Mrs. Kimball, Asahel Foster, Jesse Gils, Joseph Day, Judah West, and Elisha Chick.

Amherst has four public schoolhouses, valued at $425. The valua- tion of estates in 1870, was $57,276. In the valuation of 1880, it was $72,524. Rate of taxation, about 2 per cent. The population in 1870 was 350. In the census of 1880 it was 362.

Amity is situated on the eastern line of Maine, in the southern part of Aroostook County. It is bounded on the north by Number 11 of Range A., on the west by Leavitt, on the south by Orient and Number 9, and east by New Brunswick. The Laroc Monument, No. 1, marking the source of the St. Croix River, stands at the north-eastern angle of this town. It is in 45° 56 N. latitude. The St. Croix River forms the eastern boundary line; and Mattawamkeag River has its source in the south-western part of the town. In the northern part a branch of the St. John has its rise. The surface of the town is rolling, and it is still well covered with hard-wood. The outcropping rocks are granite and slate. The soil is gravelly and clayey loam. Hay is the principal crop exported. The forest trees are chiefly maple, birch, hemlock, basswood and spruce. The streams mentioned attain within the limits of the town sufficient depth to float lumber. The manufactories of the town consist of one mill running an up-and- down saw, and a small grist mill. The nearest railroad connections are at Houlton on the north and Danforth on the south,-each about 15 miles distant.

Amity was incorporated in 1836. The township had previously been known as No. 10, firstrange. Settlement was commenced in 1826 by Jonathan T. Clifford, Jonathan Greenleaf and Columbus Dunn. The early settlers bought their lands for twenty cents per acre, payable one half in cash and one half in work on the public highways. Since the incorporation of the town, the remaining lands were bought of the State by speculators. This has retarded the growth of the town, as the prices asked have been much higher than those of the State for lands at other points in the county.

The First Baptist society have here a very good church newly built. The moral tone of society is excellent for a border town. The public entertainments are lectures, lyceums, and lodge meetings of I. O. of G. T. Amity has three public schoolhouses, and her total school prop- erty is valued at $1,200. The valuation of the town in 1870 was $44,- 675. In 1880 it was $44,476. The rate of taxation in the latter year was 3 per cent on a low valuation. The population in 1870 was 311. In 1880, it was 432.

GAZETTEER OF MAINE.

Andover is situated midway of the length of Oxford County, and is bounded on the east by Roxbury and Byron, on the north by Andover North Surplus, west by Newry and Andover West Surplus, and south by Rumford and Newry. The town is surrounded by moun- tains and is a region of grand and beautiful scenery. It has within its own borders Gregg Mountain in the northern part, the extended ridge of Long Mountain in the western, and Lone Mountain near the middle of the town. Wyman Hill, in the North Surplus, sends a considerable section down over the border. In the south-eastern corner of the town are Farmer's Hill, and a lesser neighbor. Yet the surface of the town in the broad valleys between these mountains is quite smooth, consist- ing of elevated pine plains and extensive intervales ; and there is a large quantity of good land in the town. Ellis River, the outlet of Ellis Pond, in Roxbury on the east, receives its branches near the centre of the town, then runs in a southerly course through this town and Rum- ford adjoining, to the Androscoggin River. Its tributaries here are West Branch, Sawyer's and Black Brooks, and the outlet of Horse- shoe Pond, situated in the south-east corner of the town. The villages are Andover Corner and South Andover,-the first a little north, and the last a short distance to the south of the centre of the town. Bry- ant's Pond Station, 20 miles south, is the railroad connection. A line of stages runs between the two places.

Andover Corner is a favorite resort for city people, and is the head- quarters of fishermen, who, in the season, resort to the Rangeley Lakes, a short distance northward. The general plane of the town is 500 feet . above the sea, and much resembles North Conway, N. H. The village has an excellent hotel, a town-hall capable of seating 300 persons, a trotting park, an apothecary store, etc. There are very attractive drives in the neighborhood-as Black Brook Notch, White Cap Moun- tain,-which has a good carriage road to near its top; Farmer's Hill, Bald Pate Mountain, Sawyer's Notch, Ellis River Falls, the Devil's Den, Hermit Falls, Silver Ripple Cascade, the Cataracts, etc.

The manufactures of the town are lumber, doors, sash and blinds, starch, cheese (factory) boots and shoes, edge-tools, carriages and har nesses.

This township was purchased in 1791 of Massachusetts, by Samuel Johnson and others of Old Andover. It was incorporated in 1804 under the name of East Andover, but in 1821 became Andover, simply. The first settler was Ezekiel Merrill, who in 1789, came with his wife and six children from Andover, Mass,, to this place,-having stopped by the way at Fryeburgh. He and his three sons drew their effects on hand sleds through the woods, the only guide being the spotted trail of the Indians. Mrs. Merrill lived here for three years without seeing the face of any white female save her own three daugh- ters. The next settlers were Jonathan Abbott, Samuel and Sylvanus Poor, Theodore Brickett, Francis Swan, Josiah Wright, John Abbott, Jeremiah Burnham, and others from Andover, Mass. These were of the most respectable families of Old Andover; and this namesake on the borders of civilization has ever been noted for its good society and high standard of morals.

The first mills were erected in 1791 by Colonel Thomas Poor. The first church was formed in 1804. The first minister settled was Rev. John Strickland, in 1806. There are now a Congregational and a

ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY.

Methodist church in the town. Andover has six public schoolhouses, and the school property is valued at $3,000. The valuation of the estates in 1870 was $114,712. In 1880, it was $122,252. The popula- tion in 1870 was 757. In 1880 it was 781.

Andover .- North, West, and C Surplus, are unincorporated and mountainous tracts north and west of the town of Andover. Al- together they contain scarcely more than half a dozen dwellings. They have several high hills, of which Wyman's Hill and Moody Mountain are the chief. The west branch of Ellis River rises in Dunn's Notch and its neighborhood, in the western part of Andover North Surplus.

Androscoggin County lies in the midst of the south- western section of Maine, having its greatest length from north to south. The Androscoggin River passes through it longitudinally, dividing it into two nearly equal parts. The county derives its name from that of the river, which is a corruption of Anasagunticook, the name of the Indian tribe which formerly occupied the region. It con- tains the larger proportion of the practically available water power of the Androscoggin and its tributaries, including three of the greatest powers on the main river.

The county buildings are at Auburn, where, too, the courts are held. The county was organized March 18th, 1854; having gained its territory from five other counties. Auburn, Danville (the latter since annexed to the former), Durham, Poland and Minot were taken from Cumberland County ; Livermore and Turner from Oxford County ; East Livermore, Leeds, Greene, and Wales from Kennebec ; and Lewiston, Webster and Lisbon, from Lincoln. The county con- tains eleven towns and two cities, most of them thrifty and several of them exceedingly flourishing. These are the cities of Auburn and Lewis- ton, and the towns of Durham, East Livermore, Green, Leeds, Lisbon, Livermore, Minot, Poland, Turner, Wales and Webster.

The area of the county is about 400 square miles. The population in 1870 was 35,866 ; in 1880, it was 45,063. The value of estates in 1870 was $17,592,555. In 1880, it was $20,776,973.

The surface of the country is in general very uneven, having many high hills, but no mountains. Its ponds, springs and rivulets are numerous. Within its limits are Auburn Lake, Androscoggin, Sabat- tus, Taylor, Thompson and Trip Ponds, and the noted mineral springs of Poland, West Auburn and Lewiston. There are few extensive bogs, and there is little other waste land. The agricultural qualities of the county are not surpassed in the southern half of the State, and its manufactures are more extensive than that of any other county. The Grand Trunk Railroad, with its Lewiston and Auburn branch, the Buckfield and Rumford Falls Railroad, the Maine Central Railroad, with its Androscoggin and Farmington branches, afford superior facil- ities for travel and commerce within and beyond its borders. Un- usual interest has been taken in education. Bates College is rapidly advancing to a first-class institution ; and to it is now added a Theo- logical and a fitting-school. Hebron Academy, in Hebron, has long had an excellent reputation, while the Auburn and Lewiston schools from primary to high are probably not surpassed in the State. One

GAZETTEER OF MAINE.

of the most excellent and influential newspapers of the State is published within its borders, and through its public men it has for several years had a marked influence in the nation. There is still greater development and a happy promise of the future before it.

Androscoggin River. See articles on Oxford and Androscoggin counties, and the towns of Brunswick and Topsham.

Anson is situated about midway of the western side of Somer- set County. Madison bounds it on the east, Embden and New Port- land on the north, Starks on the south, and Industry and New Vine- yard, in Franklin County, on the West. The Kennebec river separates it from Madison, and the Carabasset River passing through the north- east corner of the town forms a junction with the Kenebec at North Anson village. Carabasset, Falls and Rapids at this place afford several interesting views. The strong whirling currents near the bridge at the village have worn the slatey rocks into many peculiar forms, and the scene is very striking to the stranger. This village, being the northern terminus of the Somerset Railroad, is the centre of business for a wide extent of country, and is, therefore, very thriv- ing. It is about 33 miles from Waterville and 100 from Portland by railroad. The manufactories of the town are clustered at this point. They consist of boots, shoes, leather, bricks, lumber, flour, wool rolls, etc. The are two saw mills, and three boot and shoe manufactories. The most extensive manufacturer is S. Bunker. The company doing the most business is Carrabasset Mills. On the Kennebec in the southern part of the town is Anson Village. It is opposite Madison Village on the eastern side of the river, and is connected therewith by an excellent bridge.

The surface of the town is moderately level, but broken by high hills in the central and western part, known as Lane, Gamage and Collins hills. There is much rich alluvial soil in the town. Agricul- ture is the chief occupation of the inhabitants, and is profitably followed.

Settlements were made here at about the same time as at Norridge- wock; adventurers pushing up the river in order to take possession of the rich alluvial lands on the banks of the Kennebec. When surveyed, Anson was found to be outside the limits of the Plymouth patent, and it was accordingly called Township Number 1, west of the Kennebec river, north of the Plymouth patent. It was incorporated in 1798 under its present name. In 1845 it was divided, and North Anson incorporated out of it; but a re-union of the parts took place in 1855.

North Anson has in the " Union Advocate " a valuable local and county paper. It is issued every Wednesday by Albert Moore & Son. Its politics are democratic. The Congregationalists, Free Baptists, Methodists and Universalists each have churches in Anson. The town has twenty-one public schoolhouses; the total school property being valued at 83,500. Anson Academy, located at North Anson Vil- lage, is a well-established and thriving institution. Many able and successful business and professional men have received here a large part of their education. The valuation of the town in 1870 was $554,- 407. In 1880, it was 8585,080. The population in 1870 was 1,745. In 1880, it was 1,557.

ARGYLE.

Appleton is the most northern town in Knox County. It is bounded on the south-east by Hope, on the south-west by Union, on the northwest by Liberty, in Waldo County, and north-east by Sears- mont in that county. The Medomac and St. George's rivers run through the town. Sennebec Pond is the principal body of water, being two miles in length and one in width. Appleton Ridge-which has a height of about 300 feet-is the greatest elevation The ledges are generally of a brittle, gray rock. The soil on the uplands is generally rocky, and clayey in the valleys. Hemlock, spruce, beech and maple form the mass of the woods. The principal crops are corn, potatoes, wheat, oats and hay. Medomac River drains the western part and St. George's the eastern part of the town.

At Appleton village are a grist mill, a lumber and stave mill, fac- tories for the manufacture of carriages, hand-rakes, cultivators, leather, boots and shoes, etc. Some lime is produced for export at this place. At North Appleton are a lumber mill, lime quarry, etc. At North Union P. O. is a lumber mill. The Appleton Mining and Smelting Company is an enterprise of this town.

The inhabitants are generally thrifty, and most of the build- ings are in good repair. In the village some of the streets are pleas- antly shaded with trees ; many of the elms being upward of forty years of age. The climate is salubrious, and the town boasts a number of inhabitants upwards of ninety years of age. The longest bridge in the town is about 120 feet in length. It is of wood, with stone abutments. The principal public entertainments are Temperance Reform Club meetings. These, when supplemented by some literary exercises, be- come more generally useful and improving ; and the increased variety sustains the interest for many seasons in succession.

The Methodist and Baptists each have a church edifice in town. Appleton has ten public schoolhouses, which, together with other school property, are valued at $4,950. The valuation of estates in 1870 was $284,278. In 1880 it was $320,664. The rate of taxation in 1880 . was 2} per cent. The population in 1870 was 1,485; in 1880 it was 1,348.

Argyle, in Penobscot County, is situated on the west bank of the Penobscot River, 20 miles north of Bangor. Greenbush, on the oppo- site side of the Penobscot, bounds it on the east, Edinburg on the north and Oldtown on the south. On the west is Alton, separated from it by Birch Stream. Hoyt Brook and Hemlock Stream, running south- ward through the north-eastern part of the town, each furnish water power. The surface of the town is generally level, with consider- able swamp. Granite and a hard, shaley stone are the principal rocks. The soil is a clay loam, and yields well of hay and potatoes, which form the chief crops. Pine, spruce, hemlock and cedar are found in the woods. There is a shingle mill on Hemlock Crook, and a saw mill with shingle machine on Hoyt Brook. The buildings are generally in good repair, and the town has a fair degree of prosperity. Argyle village is on the Penobscot River, about midway of the castern side of town. The county road to Oldtown passes through it. The nearest railroad connection is with the Bangor and Piscataquis Railroad at the Alton Station, about 4 miles west.

GAZETTEER OF MAINE.

Argyle was incorporated in 1839. The Methodists have a conven- ient church at the village. The principal public entertainments are temperance meetings, lyceums and lectures. There are four public schoolhouses. The school property is valued at $500. The town val- uation in 1870 was $51,502. In 1880 it was $50,389. The population in 1870 was 307. In 1880 it was 285.

Aroostook County embraces the north-eastern portion of the State ; having New Brunswick for its eastern boundary, and the" Province of Quebec for its northern and western boundary,-both states of the British Dominion of Canada. On the south its boundaries are within the State; and consist of Washington County on the east ; succeeded in order by Penobscot, Piscataquis and Somerset. The . St. John and its branches, viz: the St. Francis, Allagash, Fish and Aroostook are its principal rivers. The St. John has its rise in the western part and the adjacent territories, and sweeps through and around its entire breadth from east to west, forming also about two- thirds of its northern boundary. In the south-eastern part, the St. Croix and the Mattawamkeag have their sources.

The entire northern part of Aroostook county might be denomin- ated the valley of the St. John in Maine. It is a valley as respects the western interior of the State, but a nearly level elevated plateau, with respect to the lower part of the river. The St. John leaves our terri- tory with an elevation at the boundary of 419 feet, and the Aroostook at 345 feet ; this amount of fall being lost to the State. At the mouth of the St. Francis, on the extreme north, the elevation of the St. John above tide water is 606 feet. The mean slope on the boundary (70 miles) is therefore 2.6 feet per mile. The elevation of the stream at the point of its formation in the south-western part of the county, viz : at the junction of north-west, south-west St. John and the Woolasta- quaguam, is probably about 750 feet. The distance thence to the point where the St. John leaves the State boundary is 158 miles, showing a mean slope in that distance of 1.8 feet per mile. Accordingly the St. John is navigable in its whole length in Maine, and is, therefore, of comparatively little value for power. Sufficient of this, however, is found in the tributary streams for all ordinary purposes. The Allaguash falls from Chamberlain Lake to the St. John, about 308 feet,-very little over three feet to the mile. The total number of lakes in the St. John basin in Maine appearing upon the official map of the State, is 206. The number due to its size, in proportion to the number in the rest of the State, is 307, showing a numerical deficiency of 45. Such, therefore, is the general levelness of the surface in the interior of this country that quite extensive districts are permanently swampy. The principal bodies of water are Upper Schoodic, Eagle, Allegash, Portage, St. Francis, Squapan, Pleasant, Mattawamkeag, Wytopitlock and Mattaceunk lakes. There is a line of greater elevation across the cast- ern part of the county-marked on the boundary by Mars Hill (1,800 feet in height)-dividing the waters of the Aroostook from those of the southward running rivers. Yet the borders of the county and many portions of the interior are undulating. Nearly the whole of the county is underlaid by a stratum of calcareous shale that is generally not far from the surface. [For a detailed account of the rocks of this county and of the State consult the article on Geology, Mineralogy,

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Gazetteer of the state of Maine, Part 9

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