USA > Maine > Knox County > Camden > History of Camden and Rockport, Maine > Part 33
USA > Maine > Knox County > Rockport > History of Camden and Rockport, Maine > Part 33
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Hayes and Wheeler electoral candidates received in Camden 400 votes and the Tilden and Hendricks electoral candidates received 372 votes.
The great temperance reform movement in the state known as the "Iron Clad " movement was at its height at this time and "Iron Clad " Reform Clubs were organized in Camden and Rockport villages during the winter and spring of 1876. Large numbers of our people joined these clubs and signed their pledges. Weekly meetings were held at which speeches were made by prominent citizens and the cause of temperance re- ceived a great impetus. This movement continued for several years when it gradually subsided.
Camden village, large as it had grown, had no public or other hall of any size, and the desirability of having such a hall had been recognized and discussed for a long time. Many plans for building a hall had been considered but without result until it was proposed that the Camden Village Corporation build a public building which should contain a large hall. This proposi- tion was opposed by many who were unwilling to have the Cor- poration contract the necessary indebtedness and the question was vigorously discussed in the newspapers and usual places of' gathering about the village. Finally in the winter of 1876, a petition was presented to the Legislature signed by 172 tax- payers, asking for an act amendatory to the Corporation charter enabling it to raise money by loan to build a hall. This petition was followed by a remonstrance containing 152 names, and a vigorous fight against the proposed act was made before the legislative committee by taxpaying residents of the Corporation and some large non-resident taxpayers. The committee, however, reported favorably and the bill was passed by the Legislature amending "Section two of the Act to incorporate Camden Village Corporation ' approved February fourteenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven," by adding the following words: "and for the building or assisting in building a village hall, the
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amount invested for that purpose not to exceed eight thousand dollars to be raised by loan instead of assessment on a time not exceeding ten years if said Corporation shall so vote." This amendment was approved Feb. 22, 1876, and the Corporation at once voted to build the hall. A lot was secured, where the "Opera House" now stands, and in September following the contract for building the Hall was awarded to J. W. Thompson of Stockton, he bidding $6 395. The building was of wood and was a handsome structure. It contained a large public hall on the second floor with stage and galleries and a small hall and other rooms below. It was dedicated June 20, 1877, and proved all that its advocates claimed it would be for the convenience and pleasure of the village people. Many names were proposed for the new hall, but the majority seemed to favor "Megunticook" and although some opposition developed, which was manifested in newspaper articles for a time, still the name adhered to the build- ing which was henceforth known as "Megunticook Hall."
During the year 1876, several citizens of prominence were removed by the hand of death. Among them we note the follow- ing :
Joshua G. Norwood who died May 9, 1876, was the son of Capt. William and Deborah Winslow Norwood, and was born in North Haven, Feb. 29, 1816. He came to Camden with his father and passed the remainder of his life here becoming one of the leading business men of this section of the state. Mr. Nor- wood's education was obtained in the public schools of his town and at Warren and China Academies. He taught school for a time before going into business. In 1839, he married Harriet M. A. Hall, daughter of Hon. Joseph Hall, and the same year formed a partnership with Samuel D. Carleton under the firm name of Carleton & Norwood doing a lime burning and shipbuilding business and carying on a general store at Rockport village. Their store was located near the lime kilns back of the brick building afterwards built and occupied by the concern. This
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original building was destroyed by fire several years ago. While laying the foundation of their business which was afterwards one of the largest and most prosperous in eastern Maine, Mr. Nor- wood and his partner worked untiringly never hesitating to go into their kilns and elsewhere and help do the necessary work with their own hands when help was scarce as was often the case in those days. In 1849, Mr. P. J. Carleton became a partner in the business the firm name then becoming Carleton, Norwood & Co., which firm continued to carry on the business. The death of Mr. Norwood was the first break in the concern which, how- ever, continued to exist and still does business in Rockport, although now composed of the sons of P. J. Carleton. This great firm was always distinguished for its integrity and business ability, and up to the year of Mr. Norwood's death had built some 45 vessels, many of them large ships, which made the firm's name a familiar one in all parts of the world. Mr. Nor- wood's children : Frederick A., Joseph H., Maria W., (who married Horace G. Tibbetts), Ella M., Granville C., and Joshua G., Jr.
Hon. Elbridge G. Knight died June 21. Mr. Knight was born in Westbrook, Maine, in the year 1811, and was there- fore 65 years of age at the time of his death. When quite a young boy his parents removed to Peru in Oxford County in which county he continued to live until a young man when he returned to his native town and went into the employ of Messrs. Lyon & Day, wool merchants, with whom he continued until he came to Camden in 1840. Here he went into business for him- self establishing a tin and hardware business which he continued until about fifteen years before his death and in which he was very successful. In 1842, he married Miss Myra Harden of Phillips, Maine. Mr. Knight while not a public man in the general acceptation of the term, was, nevertheless much interested in public affairs, and held several offices of public trust, being for several years one of the Selectmen of the town and in 1865
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represented Knox County in the state Senate. He was shrewd and keen as a business man, and was also famous for his wit and dry humor. Mr. Knight was much interested in Masonry and served as Treasurer and Secretary of Amity Lodge at different times and in 1855, was elected its twenty-fifth Master. He was also a prominent member of Keystone R. A., Chapter. The following are the children of Elbridge G., and Myra Knight : Eveline, (who married Abel Hunt), Louise R., (who married Holly M. Bean), Myra and Arno W., (both died in childhood), Julia H., (who married G. F. Burgess), John R., Charles E., James B., Edward E., and Myra H., (who married C. O. Mont- gomery.) Mr. Knight purchased the Joseph Eaton house on High street where he lived and which is now owned by his heirs.
Rev. Nathaniel M. Wood, D. D., who died August 2, at the age of 54 years, was the son of Ephraim Wood. He was of a most scholarly turn of mind and early determined to obtain a liberal education. He attended Waterville College where he graduated in the class of 1844, and three years later completed a course of study at the Covington, Ky., Theological Seminary. Later he filled the Chair of Systematic Theology in Shurtliff College, Upper Alton, Ill. The climate of the West and hard work so affected his constitution that he found himself obliged to return to the East, where he lived in Boston for several years and finally came to his native town where he died. Dr. Wood was an able preacher and a profound student. At the time of his death he was one of the Trustees of Colby University. He married Caroline Bray. Their children were three daughters, Maria E., Caroline E., and Annie P.
Hon. Hiram Bass died December 31, at the age of 71 years. Mr. Bass was the son of Alden Bass and was born in Camden, in 1805. He was a man of good judgment, possessing a legal mind, which made him the counselor of many of his neighbors and townsmen. He was often called to fill positions of trust and responsibility which he administered with ability. He was
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for several years cashier of the old Megunticook Bank. He was elected Town Treasurer in 1849, and served seven years, when he was elected First Selectman and served in that capacity three years. In 1865 he was again elected Treasurer of the town and continued to hold the office until 1873. In 1855, he was a candidate for Senator but failed of election. In 1856, Mr. Bass was elected Judge of Probate for Waldo County, holding the
office for four years. Mr. Bass was for two different periods Postmaster of Camden. He was first appointed in 1841, serving until 1845. In 1861, he was again appointed to the office which he continned to hold until the time of his death. Mr. Bass was a good scrivener being particularly skillful in drawing legal documents, and many of the deeds, wills, contracts and other similar papers executed by Camden people from thirty to fifty years ago were drawn by his hand. Mr. Bass married Cornelia Kendall of Boston in 1845. They had two children, Cornelia K., (who married Myron W. Messer), and Benjamin F.
1877. The annual town meeting for 1877, was held on March 12. There was again no particular contest over the election of town officers, the Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer elected in 1876 being all re-elected.
The gubernatorial candidates for the two leading parties this year were Selden Connor, Republican, and Joseph H. Williams, Democrat, Gov. Connor being again re-elected. The Greenback party nominated Henry C. Munson who received between five and six thousand votes in the state showing that the new party was begining to acquire the strength that it afterwards demonstrated.
Camden swung back to the Democratic party this year giving Mr. Williams, 462 votes and Gov. Connor, 406, while Mr. Mun- son received 5 votes.
Joseph H. Martin of Camden, Democrat, was a candidate for senator receiving as usual a good endorsement from his fellow townsmen, 548 votes being cast for him and 326 for his opponent.
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Mr. Martin was the successful candidate in the county senatorial election.
Fred A. Norwood, Democrat was elected Representative to the Legislature over Hosea B. Eaton, Republican, by a vote of 462 to 399.
This year the charter of Camden Village Corporation was again amended to allow it to invest a sum not exceeding $1200, "for seating and for apparatus for lighting and warming" the village hall. 1
This year died Horatio E. Alden, son of Judge Horatio Alden, a business man well known in business circles from Maine to California. Mr. Alden was one of the founders of the Camden Anchor Works, the firm name being H. E. & W. G. Alden. This business afterwards carried on for many years by his brother, Mr. Wm. G. Alden, was one of the most successful on the New England coast and became the largest Anchor Works in the United States. It is now owned and carried on by a corporation known as the Camden Anchor-Rockland Machine Company. Mr. Alden had been in failing health for some time and had visited the South and Lower California hoping to regain his health, but without permanent results. He died Sept. 3, 1877, leaving a widow, who before her marriage was Miss Georgia Flowers.
1. See Acts & Resolves of 1877, Page 295.
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CHAPTER LI.
GREENBACK DAYS.
1878. The Greenback party, both in the state and the town, had grown from a feeble infant to an exultant giant. The Camden Herald under the management or Mr. Wilder W. Perry had changed from a non-partisan, independent sheet to a radical, aggressive and uncompromising Greenback organ that advocated with vigor the principles of Greenbackism both in season and out of season, and the doctrine expounded by "Uncle Solon" Chase suddenly became the political gospel of a majority of the Camden voters. The contest between the new party and the two old parties was precipitated on March 11, when the voters of the town met in annual town meeting and the result was heralded by the Camden paper with a great display of flags, roosters, etc., as a great "Greenback Victory " which without doubt it was. Each of the three parties had a candidate for nearly all the important town offices but the Greenback candidates all had large majorities over both of the other candidates. The following principal town officers were elected : E. D. Merriam, Town Clerk; John P. Wellman, Joseph S. Eells and Otis A. Fisk, Selectmen and Free- man H. Calderwood, Treasurer. It was voted to refund the loan of 1868, amounting to $7,900, and to issue 5-10 bonds at 4 per cent. for the same. It was voted to reduce the poll tax to $1.00 ; also to raise the sum of $2,000 for the purchase of a "poor farm."
At the state election in 1878, Gov. Connor was again the
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Republican candidate for governor. The Democrats had nominat- ed Alonzo Garcelon and the "Greenbackers " Joseph L. Smith. So popular had the Greenback doctrine become that the party cast 41,371 votes in the state. Gov. Connor received 56,554, and Dr. Garcelon but 28,208. Neither candidate received a majority and the Legislature elected Dr. Garcelon. Camden in the state election was over whelmingly "Greenback," the vote for governor being as follows: Joseph L. Smith, 498; Selden Connor, 231; Alonzo Garcelon 146. Even Joseph H. Martin's popularity in town could not stem the tide. Mr. Martin had been nominated for Congress by the Democrats, but both he and Eugene Hale went down before the stonecutter, Thompson H. Murch, who was elected. In Camden Mr. Martin received 178 votes, Mr. Hale 226, and Mr. Murch, 452. George W. Thorn - dike of Camden, Greenbacker, was a candidate for County Com- missioner, receiving here 486 votes, his Republican and Demo- cratic opponents receiving 225 and 156 votes respectively. Samuel E. Shepherd of Camden, Republican, was elected sheriff, receiving in town 285 votes, his Greenback and Democratic opponents receiving 446 and 121 votes respectively. Wilder W. Perry, Greenbacker, was elected Representative to the Legislature. He received 483 votes, Johnson Knight the Republican candi- date received 235, and Nathaniel L. Josselyn the Democratic candidate, 138.
On Jan. 10, 1878, a hurricane swept over the town which unroofed many houses, demolished barns, overthrew chimneys and did other damage to property but resulted in no loss of life.
This year died Deacon Joel Hodgman on Nov. 9, at the age of 79 years and 9 months. Deacon Hodgman was born in Camden, Jan. 20, 1799, and was the youngest of five brothers, the sons of that pioneer of the western part of the town, Job Hodgman. Deacon Hodgman inherited his father's homestead and carried on the old farm. He was a diligent, hard-working, shrewd and careful man in his business, and possessed a sound
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judgment, coupled with strict integrity and upright conduct. He joined the Congregational Church in 1836, and was for 42 years one of its most valuable members and was one of its deacons for 25 years. Mr. Hodgman married for his first wife, Mary Start, by whom he had the following children: Elizabeth, (who married Oliver Page), Nancy, William T., (who died young), Sophronia, Lydia, William F., and Ebenezer S. For his second wife Mr. Hodgman married Lucy Page, and for his third wife Mrs. Adeline Arey.
1879. The Greenback party was this year still master of the situation. At the annual town meeting held March 10, the old Democratic party did not have any candidates having "fused" with the Greenbackers. The Republicans had candidates but they received very small support. E. D. Merriam was again elected Town Clerk ; John P. Wellman, Joseph S. Eells and Otis A. Fisk, Selectmen and Freeman H. Calderwood, Treasurer.
The three parties this year each nominated a candidate for governor as follows : Republican, Daniel E. Davis ; Democratic Alonzo Garcelon, and Greenback, Joseph L. Smith. The vote in the state was 68,967 for Davis, 21,851 for Garcelon and 47,643 for Smith, which again resulted in no choice by the people and under the constitution as it then was, the governor must be again selected by the Legislature. For nearly all of the subordinate officers of the state the Democratic and Greenback parties had "fused" in the various counties and towns, and when the Legislature met the following January there was enacted at the Capitol what was designated by the Republicans as the "state steal." By issuing certificates of election to persons, whom sub- sequent decisions of the Supreme Court declared not to have been elected, the Governor and Council caused a "Fusion " majority to appear in the Legislature. Much excitment at Augusta and throughout the state followed, the military was called into requisi- tion at the Capitol and at one time there was much fear that blood would be shed before the tangle was unraveled. The
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decision of the Supreme Court cleared the political atmos- phere and although no legal organization of the Legislature was effected until a week after the constitutional day of meeting, the trouble was at last arrested and the Legislature elected Daniel F. Davis, Governor.
At the election in Camden, Mr. Davis received 274 votes, Dr. Garcelon 59,Mr. Smith 568,and Hosea B. Eaton of Camden, 1. Charles A. Sylvester, of Camden, although not a regular candidate, received 6 votes for senator. Wilder W. Perry, Greenbacker, was again elected Representative to the Legislature receiving 550 votes, while the Republican candidate, Thomas E. Brastow, received 294,and the Democratic candidate, Nathaniel L. Josselyn, received 49.
The Legislature of 1879, passed a resolve proposing an amendment to the constitution providing for biennial elections and biennial sessions of the Legislature.1 This amendment was adopted at the state election of this year, and since the election of 1880, all state elections have been held biennially and the Legislature has met but once in two years unless for some reason a special session has been called. On this constitutional amend- ment, Camden cast 500 votes in favor of the amendment and 17 against it.
William H. Codman, Esq., died May 3, 1879. He was born at Portland, Maine, Sept. 23, 1806, and graduated from Bowdoin College in the class of 1824. He studied law with Charles S. Davis, Esq., of Portland and began the practice of his pro- fession in that city. In 1837 he moved to Camden and immediate- ly began to take an active part in town affairs, especially in the organization and development of the public school system and other educational work. He was elected County Attorney of Waldo County and served for several years. In 1852, he was appointed by President Pierce to a clerkship in the Treasury De- partment which position he held for nine years. Mr. Codman
1. See Acts and Resolves of 1879, Page 109
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was a member of the Congregational Church and was frequently called, in the absence of the pastor, to read a published sermon, or to read and expound the Scripture. He was often referred to as the "encyclopedia" of the town. He was a man of rare culture, high education and was distinguished for his wonderful memory. He was master of several languages including Hebrew and Sanscript. Mr. Codman was married in Camden, Nov. 29, 1838, to Mary S. Eager, daughter of John Eager. They had eight children, five of whom died in infancy. The others were, John Eager, William Swan, and Mary Louise, (who married Peter Boyd.) The only one of these children now living is Mr. John Eager Codman who resides in Philadelphia but still holds so dear the attractions of the town of his birth that he yet maintains a residence in Camden where every year with his children and grandchildren he comes to spend the summer months. Mr. Cod- man continued to reside in Camden until his death and he lies in Mountain Cemetery.
1880. The beginning of a new decade found Camden with a slightly decreased population, but an increased valuation. The population was 4386, and the valuation $1,676,536. The number of polls this year was 1238, a considerable increase over 1870.
The annual town meeting was held March 8, and the Green- back or "Fusion " party still held the reins of power. The same Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer elected by them in the two preceding years were elected again this year.
This year the Republicans re-nominated Gov. Davis and the Democrats and Greenbackers put a "Fusion" ticket into the field, the candidate being Harris M. Plaisted. On June 1, at Ellsworth the Prohibition party was organized and William P. Joy was nominated for governor. Later at Portland other temperance men nominated Joshua Nye for governor. This year 147,802 votes were cast for governor, the largest vote ever cast in the state, resulting in the election of Mr. Plaisted by a majority of
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only a few votes.
In Camden Mr. Plaisted received 649 votes, Mr. Davis 325, and Mr. Nye 2. Wilder W. Perry of Camden, Greenback, candidate for senator received 533 votes, D. N. Mortland the Republican candidate 308, and Atwood Levensaler the straight Democratic candidate 3. Mr. Mortland was elected.
For Clerk of Courts, Ezra D. Merriam of Camden was the Greenback candidate receiving in his own town 592 votes against 388 cast for Lewis F. Starrett the "Democratic" candidate. Mr. Starrett was elected.
Judge E. M. Wood was for the third time the Republican candidate for Judge of Probate. He received in Camden 386 votes, Stephen J. Gushee, the Greenback candidate, received 517 and Henry Spalding, the Democratic candidate, 69. Judge Wood received the election. Job H. Montgomery of Camden, Democrat, was a candidate for County Attorney, and received 92 votes against 557 for John O. Robinson, Greenbacker, and 325 for Charles E. Littlefield, Republican. Mr. Robinson was elected. Dr. Hosea B. Eaton, Greenbacker, was elected Representative to the Legislature receiving 650 votes; Thomas E. Brastow, Republi- can, received 297, and Nathaniel L. Josselyn, Democrat, 1.
So much trouble had recently resulted from the constitutional provision requiring the governor to be elected by a majority vote that the Legislature passed a resolve this year proposing a con- stitutional amendment providing for the election of governor by a plurality vote, which amendment was adopted by a vote of the people in September and still prevails. 1 On this question Camden voted "Yes " 273, "No" 299.
At the presidential election in November the "Fusion " candidates for electors received a majority in Camden over the Republican candidates of about 250.
Fred A. Norwood, son of Joshua G. Norwood, another Rockport business man, died May 13 at the age of 40 years. Mr. 1. See Acts and Resolve of 1880, Page 151.
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Norwood was a member of the well known firm of Carleton, Nor- wood & Co. He was a generous and public spirited citizen. He served in the army during the Civil War and was popular with his fellow veterans as well as with all others. In 1878 he repre- sented the town in the Legislature. He married Sarah L. Grant.
Cyrus G. Bachelder a Camden village business man and old citizen of the town, died this year on Sept. 1, at the age of 75 years. Mr. Bachelder was born in Union, Maine, and came to Camden sometime in the forties. He was for a short time in trade in Camden village,and afterwards was in the block manufactur- ing business with Horatio Alden. Mr. Bachelder was prominent in town affairs and was a candidate for the Legislature in 1868. Mr. Bachelder married Adeline Simmons, by whom he had the following children, viz: Faroline, Caroline, (who married Joseph Hull), William. Argyl and La Forest.
This year Rockport lost a well-beloved and venerable citizen in the death of Rev. Job Washburn at the great age of 94 years. Mr. Washburn was born in Kingston, Mass., thence coming to Thomaston when about 22 years of age, where he was ordained to the gospel ministry and became the first pastor of the Baptist Church in that town. In 1848 he became a resident of Camden and from his first appearance here the people of the town knew him but to love him and "those who knew him best, loved him most." Mr. Washburn married Sarah D. Clough. The
following are his children : Antoinette C., (who married Lewis Fales), Harriet N., (who married first, Enoch Eastman, and second, Samuel D. Carleton), Judson R., Isabella P., (who married Elbridge E. Carleton), Sarah E., (who married Benjamin P. Robinson), Job K., William H., Abby P., (who married Augustus Carleton. ) For his second wife Mr. Washburn married Mrs. Betsy Carleton, widow of William Carleton.
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HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER LII.
THE "BRIDGE QUESTION " AGAIN.
1881. This year the political excitment of the few years past had somewhat subsided in Camden, and at the annual muni- cipal election held March 14, but comparatively small votes were cast for the several candidates. A. D. Champney was elected Town Clerk; J. P. Wellman, Jere. McIntire and A. Lamson, Selectmen, and F. H. Calderwood, Treasurer.
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