USA > Maine > Knox County > Camden > History of Camden and Rockport, Maine > Part 10
USA > Maine > Knox County > Rockport > History of Camden and Rockport, Maine > Part 10
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The question of having a "settled minister" now began to be seriously discussed, and a town meeting was called for Sept. 1 to be held "at the Meeting House in said Camden, near Negun- ticook Harbour," to see, among other things, "if the Town is Disposed to agree on the Settling of Mr. Pillsbury as a Preacher of the Gospel in Camden, and if so agreed, then to Choose a Committee to see on what terms he will agree on." At the meeting a committee was chosen to confer with Mr. Pillsbury which reported at a subsequent meeting, when the town voted "Not to accept the Report of the Committee Respecting the Settling of Mr. Pillsbury as a Publick Teacher." At this same meeting it was also voted "to sett off the westerly Part of the Town to the Northerly Part of Thomaston," but nothing further seems to have been done about it.
At about this time Dr. David Angell left Camden and settled at North West Harbor, Deer Isle. Dr. Angell, who was a direct descendant of Roger Williams, was born in 1770, at Providence, R. I., where he obtained his education. He came to Camden about the year 1795 to settle in the practice of his profession and remained here about five years. At that time Deer Isle was a growing and prosperous community, and thinking to better himself, he removed there, where he married Abigail, daughter of Ignatius Haskell, and lived and practiced there during the re- mainder of his life. He became an able and celebrated physi- cian, known and employed throughout the whole Penobscot Bay region. He died in 1843.
1801. This year the state election and the annual town
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meeting came on the same day, March 6. A serious political division now appeared in town for the first time. The Federal party had, in the past, been adhered to by all the Camden voters. This year, however, the Democratic party seemed to have many adherents, and the vote resulted as follows : For Governor, Caleb Strong, 31 votes, Elbridge Gerry, 26 votes. For Lieut. Governor, Sam'l Phillips 35 votes, Wm. Heath 18 votes. At the town election Moses Trussell was elected Town Clerk, William Gregory, Jr., Samuel Jacobs and Benj. Cushing, Selectmen, and Samuel Jacobs, Treasurer. Some new names among the other officers were : Samuel Russell, William Eaton, John Eells, Joseph Bailey, Abel Whitman, Stephen Frost, Andrew Elliot, Tilson Gould, John Melvin, Jr., Belcher Sylvester and Simeon Tyler.
The small-pox broke out in the town shortly before this, and this year we find the town instructing the Selectmen to settle the expense of the same.
On March 10, 1801, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts issued to the petitioning Masons a charter for a new Lodge to be located here. The name, "the Federal Lodge," selected by the petitioners, did not appear in the charter, but in the place of it was the name "Amity," which the Grand Lodge doubtless thought to be more appropriate, as comporting better with the principles and objects of the order, than the name of a political party. April 2, 1801, the Lodge held its first meeting under its charter at Benj. Palmer's hall 1 and made choice of officers as follows : Geo. Ulmer, W. M., Hezekiah Prince, S. W., Samuel Thatcher, J. W., Erastus Foote, Sec., Wm. Gregory, Sr., Treas., Benj. Cushing, S. D., Joshua Adams, J. D., Simeon Barrett, S. S., Bela Jacobs, J. S., Christopher Dailey, Tyler. On the first meet- ing night 18 petitions for membership were received. The offi- cers were duly installed July 30, when an address was delivered
1. Benj. Palmer's hall was in the inn kept by him, the same being a part of what was afterwards the Megunticook House, and which, enlarged, is now the Bay View House.
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by Rev. Thurston Whiting of Warren. Thus was launched old Amity Lodge, No. 6, which is one of the strongest of the Lodges of the state at the present day.
1802. This year the annual town meeting was held on April 5 and the same Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer were elected as the year before. Rather more money was raised than had been the custom, the several amounts aggregating $2400, divided as follows : $1200 for repair of highways; $300 for the support of the poor; $100 for the support of the ministry; and $800 for the support of schools. It was voted that "two Bridges over Negunticook stream and one over Goose River be built at the Town's expense." On the same date the town voted for state and county officers, the result being 42 votes for Caleb Strong and 9 for Elbridge Gerry for Governor, the other candidates of each party receiving about the same support, among them being Henry Knox for senator, 41 votes. At a meeting held May 15, Samuel Jacobs was again elected to represent the town in the General Court.
This year is notable as being the year in which our now famous "Turnpike " had its origin in a charter, being granted by the General Court to Daniel Barrett, to build a turnpike along the base of Megunticook mountain from his land to Smelt Brook, a distance of one mile. This act was passed June 23, 1802. 1 Prior to this time the road from Camden Harbor to Lincolnville Center passed over Megunticook mountain, from near where the "William Bar- rett House " now stands. This road could not be traveled with a vehicle, and was dangerous for a horse, passing as it did through narrow defiles, over lofty cliffs and on the edges of precipices, where a mis-step might result in the traveler's being hurled into rocky chasms, hundreds of feet below. Those who had to travel this way always dreaded this portion of the journey, especially after nightfall. Yet, says Locke, "its romantic picturesque-
1. Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, (published in 1807) Vol. III, Page 80.
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ness constituted it a lovely place for the admirers of Nature, who could there gratify their taste for the sublime and beautiful to its fullest extent." 1 As business and travel between the two towns increased, it became important to have an easier and safer road, and Mr. Barrett conceived the bold plan of filling in at the foot of the cliff against which washed the waters of Lake Megunticook, and making a broad and passable road between the lake and the mountain. Many difficulties were in the way of carrying out the undertaking, but they all yielded to the intelligent and energetic treatment of Mr. Barrett. The following interesting account of the construction of the Turnpike is found on Page 81 of Locke's Sketches : "The plan Mr. Barrett devised was to roll large rocks from the mountain to make a wall, and then form the road by filling in with debris and dirt. Every common expedient was used in detaching rocks, undermining boulders and blasting granite. Among the workmen employed, were four manumitted slaves; of one of them the following incident is related, tending to illustrate the manner and hazardousness with which the work was often wrought: A very large rock had been undermined and one prop after another, which were placed under it to shore it up, were taken away, until it rested upon one support. This stay required to be knocked from under by a workman. The crew at work at the time numbered about forty, but when the proposition with a liberal offer was made them, not one was found willing to risk his chance of life for the reward offered. The silence was finally broken by Sambo, who stepped forward and said to Mr. Barrett, "Massa, dare's only one ting I axk; if I dies in the- venture just gib me a decent burryin and dat'll do." Being thus assured, Sambo shouldered an ax and boldly marched up the slope to the rock, watched from below by the workmen, who observed his movements with fear, expecting to soon see him crushed beneath the mass. Dealing a few heavy blows, the prop soon gave way, and the rock started from its bed, when Sambo
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 80.
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quickly sprang aside, and just escaped it as it went with a loud crash down the declivity into the pond below. As the dust cleared away Sambo was seen displaying his ivory in a broad grin, and in great glee he cheered lustily, as the workmen beneath sent up their hurrahs with simultaneous voice at the favorable result."
It took from three to six years to complete the undertaking and the cost is said to have been from $5000 to $6000. The men employed varied at different times from five to fifty, many from Camden and Lincolnville working a certain length of time for a perpetual free pass, while some worked for passes for limited periods. Thus was completed the now beautiful and renowned "Turnpike Drive." In after years, it was from time to time, broadened and improved until it became one of the best roads in this vicinity. The toll house and gate were opposite the William Barrett house, the toll rates being 3 cents for a foot passenger, 8 cents on horseback, 12 1-2 cents horse and wagon, 17 cents, horses and chaise, 1 cent each for sheep and swine, etc. It was used as a toll road until 1834, when it was purchased by Benj. Cushing and Ephraim Wood of Camden and Moses Young of Lincolnville, for $300. This town became responsible for the $200 paid by Messrs. Cushing and Wood, and Lincolnville for a part of the $100 paid by Mr. Young. The Turnpike was an expensive experiment for Mr. Barrett, as he did not collect enough to pay the interest on the money he invested, and as it cost much to keep it in repair, it was sold for the small sum mentioned. If he lost money in the scheme, Mr. Barrett gained a grateful and lasting remembrance and his name will ever be associated with one of the most beautiful spots in New England scenery.
To the minds of those who have not visited the Turnpike words are inadequate to give an appropriate impression of its romantic scenery. It must be seen to be properly appreciated. Riding along this drive the traveler sees on one hand the steep
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and rocky cliff rising to a height of nearly one thousand feet, with rocks and boulders of all sizes and descriptions lying at its base as if hurled there by the hand of Jove, and Maiden Cliff standing clear cut against the sky; while on the other hand, lie the sparkling waters of Lake Megunticook, gemmed with green capes and islets, with the western mountains rising from its opposite shores. Grandeur and loveliness combined make the Turnpike a unique spot in our scenery, which has been celebrated often in prose and verse.
"There is beauty in the rounded woods, dark with heavy foliage, In laughing fields and dinted hills, the valley and its lake."
At a town meeting held Sept. 21, an article in the warrant called for a vote "to see if the Town will Agree with the Rev. Joshua Hall to Preach with them and keep school for one year." It seems that the Selectmen and others had requested Mr. Hall to become the minister for this place and had made him an offer which he had accepted. It was necessary, however, to have a ratification of the agreement by the town, hence the foregoing article in the warrant. At the meeting the town voted as follows : "Voted to Rase the words (& keep School) in the Third article in this warrant." "Voted to pass Over the Remainder of said 3d Article." This would certainly seem to have kliled the proposition to have Mr. Hall preach here, so far as the town was concerned, but his friends insisted upon his coming, which he did. His denomination was Methodist. He also taught school for one season, teaching one term at the Harbor and another at Goose River. At another meeting held Dec. 14, 1802, Joshua Dillingham, Sam'l Jacobs, John Harkness, Josiah Gregory, John Preble, Banajah Barrows and Wm. Brown were chosen a commit- tee to divide the town into school districts, and lay their plan before the town at its next annual meeting. This was the first step towards the formation of the old District System in town, which continued until abolished by the Legislature a few years ago.
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CHAPTER XVII.
THE FIRST SETTLED MINISTER.
1803. Moses Trussel, Town Clerk ; John Harkness, Joshua Dillingham and Moses Trussell, Selectmen ; and Samuel Jacobs, Treasurer, were the officers elected this year at the annual town meeting held April 4. We find the names of John Pendle- ton, Benj. Barnes, Jr., Asa Gay, Thomas Fay, Ebenezer Start, Abner Howe and Farnham Hall appearing for the first time upon the records among the minor officers elected. It was voted again "Not to Raise any Money at all for the support of the Gospel." It view of this it is not a source of wonder that the Rev. "Father" Sewall, a Congregational minister, who visited Camden during this year, should afterwards say in his memoirs, that Camden con- tained "somewhat more than a hundred families, having a decent meeting-house, but no church of any denomination, and only a few scattering professors." As has already been stated there was a church organization in the town at that time, the Free-Will Baptist, which was organized in 1798, but as this society was located at West Camden, it probably did not come to Father Sewall's notice.
At the state election held on this day, April 4, there was no opposition to Caleb Strong for Governor, who received 60 votes, but there were two candidates for some of the other offices ; for example, the vote for Lieut. Governor being 41 for Edward H.
1. Memoirs of Rev. Jotham Sewall, Page 130.
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Robbins and 20 for James Bowdoin.
At a meeting held May 4, the voters repented of their un- righteousness in refusing to support preaching of the Gospel, and voted to raise $150 for that purpose.
At another meeting held Aug. 15, Erastus Foote, Esq., was directed to act in behalf of the town at the Supreme Judicial Court next to be holden at Wiscasset, "Respecting an Informa- tion filed against said Town for Neglecting to Repair the Roads and Bridges or Common Highways."
During this year a bridge was built across Goose River. This bridge was situated about a quarter of a mile above the present iron bridge, the road crossing it being used as the post road until the year 1844.
1804. A town meeting was called this year in January, to see, among other things, if the town would "build a Bridge over Megunticook stream below Molineaux Mill." This seems to be the first time that the modern form "Megunticook" is used in the town records.
The annual town meeting and state election were held on April 2. Caleb Strong this year had opposition in town for Gov- ernor, receiving 51 votes to 44 for James Sullivan.
The Selectmen, Town Clerk and Treasurer of the year before were re-elected, and we notice the new names of Johnson Pills- bury, Richard Wilson, Jona. Merriam, Nath'l Martin, Isaac Bartlett, Royal Monroe, Robert Bailey and Mather Withington, among the remaining officers elected. A bounty of 12 cents was voted for each crow's head brought to the selectmen if killed within the limits of the town, with the hope thereby to extermi- nate those pests of the corn field.
During this year definite action was for the first time taken relative to the employment of a settled minister by the town. The Rev. Thomas Cochran had preached here several times dur- ing the year, and on Nov. 5, at a town meeting, the following votes were recorded : "1. Voted That the Town highly approves
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of Mr. Cochran as a Minister of the Gospel. 2. That it is the wish of the Town to Settle him if Terms can be agreed on to their Mutual Satisfaction. 3. That a committee of five, viz .: Capt. John Pendleton, Erastus Foote, Esq., David Blodgett, Esq., Sam'l Jacobs, Esq., Mr. Nath'l Martin, be chosen to forward a Copy of the foregoing vote to the Rev. Mr. Cochran, and request, an answer to know his Terms."
1805. As a result of these negotiations another meeting was convened Feb. 11, 1805, and the following votes were passed : "Voted to raise the sum of five hundred dollars for the support of Mr. Thomas Cochran, if a Settled Minister in sd. Town." "Voted that the first settled Minister in said Town have the improvement of one-third part of the lot near Goose River (given by the Proprietors to said town of Camden for the use of the Ministry ) as Long as he remains a Minister of said Town." The committee already chosen was directed to notify Mr. Cochran of these votes and give him a call. This action of the town did not meet the approval of all the voters, and we find Richard Wilson and eleven others, immediately petitioning for a town meeting to reconsider the foregoing votes. The reason for the protest was doubtless due to the fact that Mr. Cochran was a Congregationalist and the dissenters belonged to other sects, and wanted the money raised for support of the Gospel divided among the preachers of the different denominations. A meeting was called Feb. 21 agreeably to the foregoing request, and doubtless our fathers had quite a lively discussion on the ministerial ques- tion, but when the vote was taken it resulted as follows: “50 votes for reconsidering ; 57 votes against it." So Mr. Cochran was "called," and was ordained Sept. 11, 1805. Regarding the ordination and other exercises of that day, we quote the following from Locke's Sketches, Page 85: "There was an unusual stir about town. Many had come by sea and land from not only all the neighboring towns, but some as far as Brooksville, so it may be seen that the occasion was regarded as a 'great day' in this
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section.1 Besides being a 'high day' to the moral and religious part of the community, it was improved by 'the baser sort' in horse racing, drinking, and carousing. One John N- of Lin- colnville, who was a 'Revolutioner,' made an unnatural fool of himself by imbibing to excess, and, while endeavoring, at a pub- lic dinner, to accomplish the feat of a glutton, swallowed a piece of unmasticated meat and choked to death. * * *
* But we will now notice the installation occasion. The church was crowded in the pews, galleries and aisles and many were unable to obtain admittance at all. The meeting was called to order by making choice of Rev. Josiah Winship of Woolwich as moderator, and Rev. Hezekiah Packard, A. M., of Wiscasset, secretary. The following persons were then formed into a Con- gregationalist church : Thos. Cochran, Robert Thorndike, Jos. Eaton, David Blodgett, Lewis Ogier, Bathsheba Thorndike, Eliz- abeth Hosmer, Lucy Eaton, Lucy Blodgett, Mary Keyes. 2 After the church was formed, the council gave opportunity to them to call and invite Mr. Thos. Cochran to take charge and oversight of them in the Lord. Having examined the candidate and being satisfied, the council proceeded to ordain him as pastor of the church and minister of the town of Camden. The sermon preached on the occasion by Rev. Mr. Packard, the charge by Rev. Mr. Winship, and the hand of fellowship by Rev. Mighill Blood, were printed in Buckstown (now Bucksport) by Wm. W. Clapp." 3
At the state election held this year on April 1, the political pendulum took a swing to the other side, and Caleb Strong had
1. On the return home of the Brooksville party a sad accident occurred in the capsizing of the boat, and the drowning of Miss Nichols, a member of the party.
2. The church celebrated the centennial anniversary of its organization on Sept. 10, 11 and 12, 1905, with most interesting exercises. The fine histori- cal address on that occasion was delivered by the present pastor, Rev. Lewis D. Evans. See Centennial First Congregational Church, Camden, Maine, Page 27.
3. It is said that the first newspaper printed in the region of the Penob- scot was at Buckstown. Locke's Sketches, Page 86, note.
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only 54 votes for Governor, while his Democratic opponent, James Sullivan, had 80. At the town election on the same day, Moses Trussell was again elected Town Clerk, John Harkness, Moses Trussell and Samuel Brown were elected Selectmen, and Joshua Dillingham was elected Treasurer. For new names in the list of minor officers we find David and Benj. Fisk, Abraham Norwood, Wm. Paul and Ephraim Barrett.
1806. The political election this year again showed a sharp division, the two parties being of nearly the same strength, Caleb Strong receiving 78 votes for Governor, and James Sullivan 86. At the town election held the same day (April 7) we miss for the first time a name that had always, up to this year, appeared upon the town records, that of John Harkness, who had been a faithful servant of the town since its incorporation, serving nearly every year in the capacity of Town Clerk or Selectman and often as both, besides sometimes holding other offices. This year, on account of a serious illness, he was unable to serve in any capacity. Moses Trussell was again elected Town Clerk. Moses Trussell, Joshua Dillingham and Ephraim Gay were elected Selectmen, and Samuel Jacobs was elected Treasurer. But few new names appear upon the records this year. This year the town was again indicted in consequence of certain bridges being out of repair, and Erastus Foote, Esq., was appointed to look after the matter in the court.
About this time other religious denominations than the Con- gregationalists began to flourish here. This year Rev. Samuel Buker preached the first Universalist sermon ever delivered in town. The next of that denomination to preach here is said to be Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, afterwards editor of the "Christian Free- man." Other transient preachers of this sect also preached here and a church was shortly organized. The Free-Will Baptists had for their preacher Rev. Ephraim Stinchfield at this time, who had formerly been a Methodist. Among the certificates of individ- uals recorded in the Town Clerk's office, declaring themselves
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supporters of the Free-Will Baptist preaching are those of Water- man Hewett, John May, Joab Brown, James Keen, Wm. Spring, Richard Wilson, Reuben Keen, Zadock Brewster, Elisha Bradford, John Grose and Peter Barrows. At this time, also, there were the following Quakers in town : Reuben Hussey and wife and Ephraim Gray and wife, but there was no preaching by the Friends here for many years.
This year Lieut. John Harkness died of cancer on May 14. Lieut. Harkness was a native of Lunenburg, Mass., and was born in June, 1750. He began learning the shoemaker's trade in New Ipswich, N. H., when eighteen years of age. Soon after serving his apprenticeship, the war clouds of the Revolution began to darken, and like the patriot that he was, Mr. Harkness enlisted for the struggle as a lieutenant in Captain Ezra Towne's company and took part in the battles of Bunker Hill and Ticonderoga. He was always in the thick of the battle and on one occasion he was in such close contact with the enemy that a tow wad of a gun lodged in his cocade hat and burned a hole in it. The hardships of the war brought on fever and ague and greatly impaired his health and unfitted him for further military duty. He was advised to recruit his strength by a visit to the sea coast and embarked on board a vessel for "Lermond's Cove," as Rockland was then called, and in 1779 came to Camden, settling at Goose River, as has already been related. In his biographical sketch of Lieut. Harkness, Mr. Locke relates the following incident: "Soon after he settled here an expedition of twenty patriots from the vicinity of Lermond's and Clam Cove, resolved on inflicting upon Gen. Thomas Goldthwait, a noted tory, who then resided in Hampden, we think, due chastisement for the obnoxious manner in which he proved his disloyalty to the American cause. Thinking favorably of the plan proposed to get rid of the annoying General, Harkness entered heartily into the scheme and joined the party. Approach- ing the General's dwelling at night, they were discerned by the inmates, consisting of the General, wife and two daughters and
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Archibald Bowles, his son-in-law, who at once fled to the woods for safety. After the manner of the times of war, the house was then ransacked of its valuables, and the cattle driven from the barn, after which the party proceeded homeward with their spoil. A book then obtained by Mr. Harkness, containing Gen. Goldth- wait's autograph, is now in possession of his descendants, who properly regard it as a choice relic. We are not aware that this raid has been noticed in print before. For reasons quite appar- ent, the expedition was kept a secret for some years, by those who were engaged in it." 1 The cattle taken in this raid were afterwards used in this vicinity for the improvement of stock.
After the close of the war, as has already been stated, Mr. Harkness married Elizabeth Ott, by whom he had six children, and many of their descendants live in this vicinity today. As illustrative of Mr. Harkness' fondness for books, it is related that after the institution of the "Federal Library," he read day and night for a week until he had completed reading Rollins' Ancient History. Mr. Harkness was one of the most prominent and use- ful of the citizens of Camden of his day. His wife survived him for more than half a century, and died Nov. 9, 1856, at the age of 92 years.
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