USA > Maine > Androscoggin County > History of Androscoggin County, Maine > Part 60
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 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108
The Sabattus Mountain Creamery was incorporated in the spring of 1883, with an authorized capital of $2,000, $1,425 of which has been paid in. Buildings were erected, and the operations of collecting cream and making butter were commenced June 25, 1883, and it is said that the first pound of butter ever manufactured by a co-operative creamery in Maine was made here. With the exception of two months in the fall of 1885, the factory has been in successful operation ever since. From two to four men and horses are employed, according to the season, and from $10,000 to $21,000 of business has been done each year. The officers are: President, D. D. Golden; secretary, E. A. Ham; treasurer and agent, J. W. Sawyer; directors, D. D. Golden, E. A. Ham, J. W. Sawyer, E. S. Dixon, and J. L. Stewart. This factory is on the Pond road, west of Sabattus mountain, and 65,000 pounds is manufactured yearly, the cream coming from patrons in Wales, Monmouth, and Webster. The average price obtained by patrons is 17 cents a pound.
Ernest. S. Diron, son of Washington S. and Nettie (Jenkins) Dixon, both natives of Wales, was born in that town, August 3, 1863, and is descended on both sides of the family from Shadrach Dixon, one of the early settlers, through his son Elbridge and his son Washington. On the maternal side he descends from Philip Jenkins, through his son Benjamin, and Mrs Nettie (Jenkins) Dixon. Mr Dixon is a member of Venus Commandery, U. O. G. C., a Democrat in polities, has been town clerk for four years, and in 1888 was honored by his party with the nomination for representative to the legislature. His business is butter-making, and he is a member of the board of directors of the Sabattus Mountain Creamery Company.
Davis Maxwell was born in Webster, in 1836, and is the son of William and Mary (Davis) Maxwell. His grandfather was one of the early settlers of the town, coming from Cape Elizabeth, in Cumberland county. Mr Maxwell is an energetic and successful farmer, politically a Democrat, and is a Free Baptist in religious preferences. He is also a member of Wales Grange, P. of H. [See Webster.]
David S. Sanborn was born at Ossipee, N. H., August 18, 1821. He acquired his education at the schools of Webster and Lewiston Falls Academy,
495
TOWN OF WALES.
and taught school with success in Webster, Lisbon, Lewiston, and Litchfield for 15 winters. In 1849 he married Azelia (daughter of Jonathan Davis). He was engaged in farming at Webster until 1864, when he moved to Wales, where he resided until his death, in March, 1891. He was a prominent and successful farmer, respected for his integrity and industry. He was a member of the superintending school committee for six years, and collector and constable for five years. He served as a member of the legislature in 1874. He was a Whig until the Republican party was organized, and afterwards a strong Republican. He was a member of the Republican town committee 15 years, and chairman for seven years. He was a charter member of the Wales Grange, No. 40, and a member of the Patrons Mutual Aid Society of Maine. He was a member of the Baptist church and was a strong temperance man. A. J. Sanborn and Frank L. Sanborn, of Webster, are his sons.
REBELLION RECORD .- Names of Soldiers, Volunteers and Conscripts .-- 1861: Samuel W. Taylor, Hiram S. Jenkins, Edward P. Mitchell, Albert P. Given, Charles Higgins, Veranus Arno, Albert P. Hodsdon, John S. Brawn, Allen F. Plumer, Elisha K. Mann, John K. Hamilton, Henry Collins, Richard Schuly, Loren Higgins, Asa Cummings. 1862, on call of June: Wm S. Small, Henry A. Ham, Geo. W. Hodgman, Rev. Samuel N. Royal. 1862, on call of July : Lloyd Howard, Phillip Tarr, Albert S. Additon, Charles McFarland, Moses Fogg, S. W. Pullen, Jarvis T. Beals, Geo. B. Day, Thomas T. Jenkins, John Caton, Llewellyn O. Foster, Michael Smith, Francis Hall, Albert Hodsdon, Rev. Arthur Given, Jr. 1863, conscripted June: Leonard Hodgman, Alonzo Taylor, Rufus W. Sanborn, Geo. W. JJenkins, Edward M. Jewell, Rinaldo A. Labree, Llewellyn S. Libby. The first four paid commutation. 1863, on call of October: Luther M. Pollard, Edward T. Sprague, Daniel B. Bean, Robert E. Gammon, David Mitchell, Hiram JJewell, Llewellyn O. Foster (re-enlisted), John H. Hanseom. 1864, on call of July: John K. Hamilton (re-enlisted), Elisha K. Mann (re-enlisted), Charles M. Labree, David Plumer, Jesse B. Austin, Geo. T. Erving, Joseph Griffin, James MeGee (navy), Thomas II. Long. On call of December, 1864: Michael Burgen, Win Houghton, Hewe McGuire, Peter Clark, Michael Coughlin, Win Kelley, Wm Devin, Alexander Coulter (the above were in the Marine Corps), Harding L. Watts by substi- tute John Fox, Albion K. P. Dixon, John McFarland, Cyrus Burk, Charles Hodsdon. July 13, 1865, under a call of the provost-marshal the seleetmen returned $10,040 as the total sum of all bounties paid by the town to soldiers during the Rebellion. October 18, 1865, on a requisition of the provost- marshal of this date for the average cost per man in Wales for volunteers furnished under each call for troops since March 1, 1863, the following return was made: 8 men, October, 1863, the average was $311.875; 5 men, July, 1864, average $412; 9 men, December, 1864, average $365. The general average was $356.36.
496
HISTORY OF ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY.
CIVIL LIST AND ACTION OF TOWN. - The first meeting of the plantation of Wales for the choice of officers and other business was held May 6, 1803. John Witherell was chosen moderator; Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, Enoch Strout, John Andrews, assessors; John Larrabee, collector; Arthur Given, treasurer. Voted $50 for plantation expenses; $150 for schools; $150 for roads. 1804, April 2, was given the first vote for governor; James Sullivan, Esq., had 11 votes; Lieutenant-Governor William Keith had 9 votes. Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, Enoch Strout, John Andrews, assessors. 1805-Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, David Plumer, John Andrews, assessors. 1806- Joseph Small, clerk; David Plumer, John Andrews, Joseph Sinall, assessors. 1807 - Joseph Small, elerk; Joseph Small, John Andrews, David Plumer, assessors; Josiah Libby, Daniel Marr, Joseph Small, John Larrabee, first school committee. 1808- Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, John Larrabee, Arthur Given, assessors. 1809 - Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, Arthur Given, John Larrabee, assessors. 1810- Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, Arthur Given, John Larrabee, assessors. 1811-Joseph Small, clerk; Josiah Libby, Elias Ricker, Aaron Plumer, assessors. 1812 - Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, Josiah Libby, Elias Ricker, assessors. 1813 - Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, Elias Ricker, Josiah Libby, assessors. 1814-Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, Josiah Libby, Elias Rieker, assessors. Voters were required at this time to be 21 years old, and to have a free-hold estate in the commonwealth of the annual income of £3, or any estate of the value of £60. 1815-Joseph Small, clerk; David Plumer, Elias Ricker, Samuel Libby, assessors. Bills allowed this year: Joseph Small, for supplies for militia in service, $9; Elias Ricker, for same, $10; Arthur Given, for same, $12; Joshua Hanscom, $9; total, $40, of which $10.50 was paid by the government.
1816, January 31, an act incorporating the town of Wales was passed by the legislature of Massa- chusetts, and approved February 1, 1816, by Caleb Strong, the governor. The first town meeting was held March 12, 1816. Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, David Plumer, Arthur Given, selectmen; Samuel Libby, treasurer; Dr Abial Daley, David Plumer, John Hamilton, Smith Ricker, school agents; Dr Abial Daley, Joseph Small, David Plumer, inspecting committee. May 20, 1816, voted 26 to 5 in favor of the formation of the state of Maine. The whole number of voters at this date was 58. 1817 - Joseph Small, elerk; Joseph Small, David Plumer, Arthur Given, selectmen. A meeting was called for September 29, to meet at Widow Swett's barn, to give in their votes for representative to congress. The annual meeting was called to meet at Widow Swett's barn. Met and chose Arthur Given moderator, and voted that the meeting be adjourned to the dwelling-house of Widow Swett, on account of the inclemency of the weather. Joseph Small, clerk; Hiram Foss, John Larrabee, Samuel Libby, selectmen. 1819- Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, Hiram Foss, Elias Ricker, selectmen. At a meeting held July 26, called for the purpose of giving in their votes on the question, "Is it expedient that the district of Maine shall become a separate and independent state ?" There were 46 votes, 39 in favor of the separation and 7 against it. At a meeting held September 20, 1819, Joseph Small was chosen a delegate to a convention to be held in Portland to frame a constitution for said District, and at a meeting held December 6, 1819, to see if the town was in favor of a constitution as reported from said convention, it was unanimously approved by the town, and Maine was admitted into the Union March 3, 1820. 1820- Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, Isaac S. Small, Elias Ricker, selectmen. 1821 - Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, Abraham Jewell, John Ross, selectmen. 1822- Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, Arthur N. Given, John Andrews, Jr, selectmen. Joseph Small was chosen first representative to the legislature.
1823- Joseph Small, clerk; Joseph Small, Arthur N. Given, John Andrews, selectmen. 1824 - Joseph Small, clerk; Hiram Foss, John Andrews, Jr, Joel Small, selectmen. 1825- Joseph Small, clerk; Hiram Foss, Joel Small, John Andrews, Jr, selectmen. 1826- Joseph Small, clerk; John Andrews, Esq., Joel Small, Gilbert Stront, selectmen. 1827 -Joseph Small, clerk; John Andrews, Hiram Foss, Bela Pierce, selectmen. 1828-Joseph Small, clerk; John Andrews, Esq., Hiram Foss, Joel Small, selectmen. 1829-Chose Ephraim Fogg moderator. He has served continuously since 1820. Joseph Small, clerk ; Joel Small, Josiah Libby, Ebenezer Swett, selectmen. 1830- Joseph Sınall, clerk; Joel Small, Josiah Libby, Ebenezer Swett, selectmen. 1831 - Joseph Small, clerk; John Andrews, Jr, Hiram Foss, Bela Pierce, selectmen. Voted that " all kneat cattle be restrained from going at large in the Road in the futur." 1832 -Joseph Small, clerk; John Andrews, Jr, David Plumer, Bela Pierce, selectmen. 1833-Joseph Small, clerk; David Plumer, Bela Pierce, Daniel Larrabee, selectmen. 1834- John Andrews, Jr, clerk; Joel Small, Joseph Foss, Samuel Gatchell, selectmen. Voted that the thanks of the town be tendered to Deacon Joseph Small for his long and able services as town clerk (31 years). 1835- John Andrews, Jr, clerk; Joel Small, Samuel Gatchell, Hiram Foss, selectmen. 1836-John Andrews, Jr, clerk; Joel Small, Ebenezer Swett, Hiram Foss, selectmen. 1837-Jolın Andrews, Jr, clerk; Joel Small, Ebenezer Swett, Ezra K. Ricker, selectmen.
497
TOWN OF WALES.
1838 -John Andrews, Jr, clerk; Joel Small, Hiram Foss, E. K. Ricker, selectmen. December 15, voted to petition to be set off from the county of Lincoln and annexed to the county of Kennebec. 1839 - John Andrews, Jr, clerk; Joel Small, Ezra K. Ricker, Josiah Libby, selectmen. Voted that the surplus revenue be distributed per capita on the 25th day of March. Adjourned to April 8, 1839, when the following account was allowed, viz .: "To Joel Small, Dr, for cash paid for supplies and expences incurred in attendance on the soldiers detached from this town from Augusta to (and while at) Bangor, amounting to $60.74." Also bills of I. S. Small, E. K. Ricker, Hiram Foss, and Samuel Potter and others, for same, $145.02, amounting in all to $205.76. 1840-John Andrews, Jr, clerk; Joel Small, Josiah Libby, J. W. Gatchell, selectmen. 1841 - John Andrews, Jr, clerk; Joel Small, William Fogg, Daniel Larrabee, selectmen. 1842- John Andrews, Jr, clerk; I. S. Small, William Fogg, Joseph Maxwell, Jr, selectmen. 1843 -John Andrews, Jr, clerk; Isaac S. Small, Hiram Foss, Joseph Maxwell, selectmen. 1844- John Andrews, Jr, clerk; Joel Small, Hiram Foss, Joseph Maxwell, Jr, selectmen. 1845-John Andrews, Jr, clerk; Joel Small, Amaziah Mitchell, Joel Ham, selectmen. 1846-John Andrews, Jr, clerk; Phillip Larrabee, John W. Foss, Henry Marr, selectmen. 1847 - John W. Gatchell, clerk; Joel Ham, Henry Marr, Arthur Given, selectmen.
1848- William Small, clerk; Joel Hamn, Arthur Given, Amaziah Mitehell, selectmen. 1849- William Small, clerk; Isaac S. Small, Hiram Foss, John W. Gatchell, selectmen. 1850 - William Small, clerk; I. S. Small, Hiram Foss, Benjamin C. Jenkins, selectmen. 1851 - William Small, clerk, until September 6, when Joel Small took office; Joel Ham, Bela Pierce, Arthur Given, selectmen. 1852 - Joel Small, clerk; Bela Pierce, John Lombard, Samuel Gatchell, selectmen. 1853 - Joel Small, clerk; Joel Small, Joel Ham, Bela Pierce, selectmen. February 25, 1854, the town voted upon the formation of the county of Androscoggin; in favor, 11; opposed, 44. 1854-T. W. Ham, clerk; I. S. Small, Phillip Larrabee, Cornelius Libby, selectmen. 1855-T. W. Ham, clerk; I. S. Small, Joseph Maxwell, Jr, John W. Foss, selectmen. March 31, voted to build a town house, with instructions to have it completed by August, 1856. 1856 - Harding L. Watts, clerk; Joseph Maxwell, Jr, Hiram Foss, Joel Ham, selectmen. 1857 - Harding L. Watts, clerk; Joseph Maxwell, Jr, Joel Ham, Cornelius Libby, selectmen. 1858 - Harding L. Watts, clerk; Joel Ham, Cyrus M. Fogg, Henry Carville, selectmen. 1859- Harding L. Watts, clerk; Cyrus M. Fogg, Joseph G. Bragg, H. L. Watts, selectmen. 1860- Harding L. Watts, clerk; Joseph G. Bragg, Harding L. Watts, John C. Fogg, selectmen.
1861- H. L. Watts, clerk; H. L. Watts, John C. Fogg, Otis W. Fabyan, selectmen. 1862- H. L. Watts, clerk; Joel Ham, Alvan F. Foss, Otis W. Fabyan, selectmen. July 23, 1862, voted to raise $100, to be paid to each soldier who would enlist to fill this town's quota. Chose Jolin C. Fogg, Joseph G. Bragg, and Joel Ham to serve as a committee to procure enlistments. 1863 - H. L. Watts, clerk; Otis W. Fabyan, Joseph G. Bragg, George W. Jenkins, selectmen. June 15, 1863, voted to raise $100, to be paid to each man drafted and accepted, agreeable to the conscript act, or who procures a substitute to serve, and December 1 it was voted that the town raise $270, to be paid to each man who will volunteer to fill this town's quota, or to drafted men. December 30 it was voted to raise $438.16, in addition to amount previously voted, to be paid to enlisted men, and that the treasurer be authorized and instructed to hire the above sum of money and give treasurer's notes for the same. 1864- H. L. Watts, clerk; John C. Fogg, clerk pro tem .; Joel Small, Thomas W. Ham, Cyrus M. Fogg, selectmen. August 13 voted to raise $25, to be paid each man who will enlist under the call of July 18, 1864. September 15 voted that the town raise $1,935 to pay subscribers to the soldiers' fund, raised to procure quota under the last call. December 17 voted that the town procure ten men to balance future calls for conscripts, and that the town raise $4,000, to be expended in procuring said men, $425 to be paid each man in town who will enlist or furnish a substitute to serve three years, the balance to be immediately expended in procuring three years' recruits, and that the selectmen be authorized to issue town scrip therefor, at not exceeding six per cent. interest. 1865 - John C. Fogg, clerk; Joel Small, Joseph G. Bragg, Seth Libby, selectmen. Voted that the selectmen procure money to be paid to soldiers' families as state aid. 1866-John C. Fogg, clerk; Joseph G. Bragg, Seth Libby, Otis W. Fabyan, selectmen. The treasurer's report shows the debt $7,640.40.
1867 - John C. Fogg, clerk; Joel Ham, S. A. Jenkins, George W. Fogg, selectmen. Voted to build a bridge across the stream near Leeds Junction. 1868- John C. Fogg, clerk; S. A. Jenkins, George W. Fogg, Alanson Higgins, selectmen. 1869-T. W. Ham, clerk; S. A. Jenkins, W. W. Douglass, Seth Libby, selectmen. 1870- John C. Fogg, clerk; S. A. Jenkins, George W. Fogg, Joel Ham, selectmen. Voted to raise by assessment $1,600 to pay on the town debt. Voted that the town pay $100 and interest to those men who paid commutation in the late war. Voted that the municipal year shall end on the first Monday in March in each year. 1871-John C. Fogg, clerk; I. S. Small, A. C.
498
HISTORY OF ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY.
Frost, Benjamin Hodsdon, 2d, selectmen. 1872-John C. Fogg, clerk; I. S. Small, Benjamin Hodsdon, 2d, A. C. Frost, selectmen. 1873- Jolin C. Fogg, clerk; T. W. Ham, A. C. Frost, H. S. Marr, selectmen. At the September meeting, John C. Fogg had 59 votes for representative; D. S. Sanborn, 40. 1874 - John C. Fogg, clerk; T. W. Ham, Henry S. Marr, Joseph M. Given, selectmen. Voted to raise $300 for a free high school. 1875-S. A. Jenkins, clerk; A. C. Frost, J. G. Bragg, J. C. Fogg, selectmen. May 25, voted to instruct the selectmen to buy the farm on which Seth Lombard resides, if it will be for the interest of the town to do so. 1876-S. A. Jenkins, clerk; Benjamin Hodsdon, 2d, T. W. Ham, Isaac W. Frost, selectmen. Voted to raise $150 for free high school. 1877 - S. A. Jenkins, clerk; B. Hodsdon, 2d, F. W. Frost, Alden Moulton, selectmen. 1878-S. A. Jenkins, clerk; I. W. Frost, J. C. Fogg, Joseph A. Maxwell, selectmen; J. W. Beckler and John C. Fogg, school committee. 1879-J. C. Fogg, moderator; S. A. Jenkins, clerk; Benjamin Hodsdon, T. W. Hamn, S. A. Jenkins, selectmen.
1880-I. M. Witherell, clerk; Benjamin Hodsdon, John C. Fogg, Thomas T. Jenkins, selectmen. 1881- J. C. Fogg, moderator; T. W. Ham, clerk; J. C. Fogg, Alden Moulton, F. E. Marr, selectmen. 1882-T. W. Ham, clerk; Alden Moulton, T. T. Jenkins, I. W. Frost, selectmen. 1883-D. N. Maxwell, clerk; Alden Moulton, I. W. Frost, Joseph W. Sawyer, selectmen. 1884-John C. Fogg, clerk; I. W. Frost, J. W. Sawyer, I. M. Witherell, selectmen. 1885-Willis E. Hinkley, clerk; J. W. Sawyer, Alden Moulton, Joseph S. Jewett, selectmen. 1886-J. C. Fogg, moderator; W. E. Hinkley, clerk; Alden Moulton, J. S. Jewett, G. W. Fogg, selectmen; W. E. Hinkley, H. A. Greenwood, school committee. April 8 it was voted to instruct the selectmen to buy a road machine. Voted to raise money to pay for the same, and that the selectmen buy four oxen to use on the road machine. 1887- J. C. Fogg, moderator; E. S. Dixon, clerk; T. T. Jenkins, G. W. Fogg, J. W. Sawyer, select- men; T. W. Ham, truant officer. 1888-T. T. Jenkins, moderator; E. S. Dixon, clerk; J. W. Sawyer, T. T. Jenkins, Alonzo M. Donnell, selectmen. Vote for representative was: Alden Moulton, 63; Ernest S. Dixon, 75. 1889-T. T. Jenkins, moderator; E. S. Dixon, clerk; John C. Fogg, A. M. Donnell, F. E. Marr, selectmen. J. C. Fogg, truant officer. Voted $300 for free high schools, also to abolish the school district system. 1890-T. T. Jenkins, moderator; E. S. Dixon, clerk; A. M. Donnell, F. E. Marr, T. T. Jenkins, selectmen; J. Herbert Maxwell, school supervisor. Voted that the selectmen be authorized to sell the town farm at auction. 1891-T. W. Ham, moderator; A. J. Sanborn, clerk; F. E. Marr, Alden Moulton, E. E. Ham, selectmen; A. J. Sanborn, school supervisor.
499
TOWN OF GREENE.
GREENE.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Area - Boundaries - Elevations - Ponds-Soil -Productions-The First Settlers - Petition for Incorporation - Remonstrance Against Incorporation -Incorporation - Devel- opment of Business - Early Conveyances - Valuation and Residents in 1818-Lots and Occupants in 1820 - Gleanings from Town Records- Early Action Concerning Schools.
G REENE, the second town incorporated in the county limits and the fifty- fifth in Maine, contains nearly 16,000 acres of land, is surrounded by Turner on the west, Leeds on the north, Wales on the east, and Lewiston on the south, and originally was a part of "Lewistown." The surface is quite broken, and the altitude is higher than that of the towns to the south and east. Hill's Ridge, in the southeastern part, commands an extensive panorama of beautiful scenery, terminating at Mt Washington in the far distance. The northwestern part is so high as to be called the mountain district; its principal elevations are Caswell, Ames, and Clark's mountains. On Caswell hill is an excellent quality of granite, valuable if it was near a railroad. East of and within a half-mile of Greene Station, is a ridge of dark granite of fine quality. Its owner, Dr G. L. Peaslee, is giving some attention to its development. There are some ponds, Allen, Dean, Little Sabattus, and Berry, while Lake Sabattus forms a portion of the eastern boundary. At Sprague's Mills is a water-power with a fall of 15 feet. Mills were formerly in operation on the outlets of Allen pond and Meadow brook. The soil near the Androscoggin is a light loam, the low lands throughout the town yield abundantly of hay, while the lands at a moderate height are free from frost, with a strong soil, producing good crops. The more elevated portions have a rocky soil, and although formerly considered of less agricultural value, now have an increased worth on account of the natural tendency of the apple tree to thrive here. A belt of this land running east and west through the south part, and another belt north of the center have exceptional value in this respect.
The history of Greene, like that of most country towns, is devoid of wide significance, its annals are marked by few conspicuous happenings, but the beautiful farms which dot its surface, and the comfortable homes of to-day, tell the story of the patience and perseverance of the settlers who came to stay in the century and more ago. A good character of solidity, sobriety, intelligence, and industry has ever been connected with its inhabitants, and many of its sons have distinguished themselves in other towns and states, and done honor to the place of their nativity.
500
HISTORY OF ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY.
The First Settlers. - Benjamin Ellingwood, a squatter, made the first home and was the first resident on land now in the town of Greene. This pioneer built his log cabin on the Pickett farm, on a slight elevation northwest of the present residence of Ezra Pratt. He cleared some land, and it is said planted corn and had a fine harvest, in 1775. Mr Ellingwood was joined in the early summer of 1775 by Benjamin Merrill from North Yarmouth. Ellingwood's cabin and clearing attracted his attention, and he soon made a bargain to board with him, and remained during the summer, paying his board with "a peck of corn, an old woolen shirt, a shovel, and the balance in cash." Mr Merrill secured Ellingwood's services, to harvest hay and to clear land across the brook, which he proposed to own, and eventually this land was deeded to him by the proprietors' agent. November 1, 1775, he purchased of Ellingwood his house and improvements for £140 (colonial currency), for "housen stuff " £20, and allowed him £8-15-0 since their last settlement. Mr Merrill recorded the purchase thus:
the way that I paid Ellenwood for land and other things :
I paid cash 2 notes to James Anderson 45-00-0
£77-14-0
to pay Peter Graffam
11-10-0
James Stinsfield 8-06-0
>> Mr Brightman
8-02-0 7-15-0
,, Mr Jones
5-00-0 " ,, Rines
", a pig and a peice of line
3-05-0
bag and a glas bottle 14-6
" ,, yard and ¿ of eloath
1-02-6
›› ›, quart of rum
0-06-0
£168-15-0
Mr Merrill returned to North Yarmouth the first of November, and soon after removed here with his wife, Margaret (Harris) Merrill, and five children, his household goods, a yoke of oxen, and a cow. Mr Ellingwood assisted them on their journey, and subsequently went to Gray. Mr Merrill's family occupied the "cabin " until 1786, when he built a frame house on the west side of the brook, not far from the residence of Edmund Fogg. His children were Benjamin, John, Anna, Jeremiah, and Levi. Benjamin Merrill was one of the early selectmen. He died in 1824, aged 83. His wife died in 1821, aged 83. Benjamin, their oldest son, was the first town elerk. He built a house, which he occupied until his death, in 1826; John settled near by, also erected a home, where he resided until his death, in 1817; Anna married John Pickett, who settled on land which his father owned; she died in 1856, at the age of 84; Levi died in 1838; Jeremiah died an infant. Ozni Merrill, a grandson of Benjamin, the pioneer, lived near the southwest part of the town, and was intellectual, industrious, and possessed mechanical ingenuity to a large extent.
501
TOWN OF GREENE.
Deacon Lemuel Cummings was the next settler. Thomas Taylor, Joseph, Eli, and Samuel Herrick, Colonel William Sprague, Gershom Curtis, the Larrabees, Benjamin Rackley, the Browns, and the Coburns were here by 1785. The settlement was rapidly increased in the next and following years by many important additions, among them Captain John Daggett, John and Jonathan Mower, Thomas and Jacob Stevens, Luther Robbins, Elisha Sylvester, John Allen, Zebedee Shaw, Benjamin Alden, Bradford Rose, Benjamin Quimby, Jacob Bailey, and Jacob Eames, and by 1800 also were here Captain Daniel Crossman, Daniel Smith, Solomon Bates, John Record, Samuel Chadbourne, and others. The Revolution accelerated the growth of the settlement "in the north part of Lewistown," and by 1788 it numbered 500 inhabitants, and desired to be a town and control its own affairs. Con- sequently this petition was drafted :
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.