History of Cumberland Co., Maine, Part 59

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 780

USA > Maine > Cumberland County > History of Cumberland Co., Maine > Part 59

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A short distance to the south, at the foot of Prospect Mountain, are the fine buildings of Col. John P. Perley, their ample dimensions in strange contrast with the little wood-colored, steep-roofed, one-story building, not 16 feet square, standing between the house and barns, with the eaves to the road. This is the house to which his grand- father, Enoch Perley, Esq., welcomed his bride in 1777, and in which Gen. Thomas Perley was born. The only door stands at one end, and a tall, narrow window admits the light from either side. Entering the door a swinging ladder, suspended by a hook and wooden hinges, leads the way to sleeping-apartments beneath the horizontal rafters which support the roof. This house was abandoned for the larger one, in which the records were burned in 1780. A few rods to the south a granite column marks the grave of its builder.

The old burying-ground beside Adams' Pond contains many of the early men of prominence, among whom are Lieut. Robert Andrews, Nathan Hale, and Isaiah Ingalls, -- soldiers of the Revolution,-Capts. Peter and Asa Kim- ball, Drs. Jonathan Fessenden-father and son. Two miles to the north of North Bridgton a small inclosure contains two long rows of slate and marble stones, marking the graves of Capt. John Hayward and his great-grandson, Preston M. Glines, who fell in the war of the Rebellion, Luther P. Barnard, Co. B, 23d Maine, and the unmarked grave of Joseph Kimball, another veteran of the Revolu- tion.

The beautiful park of the dead, on the eastern slope of the old training-ground at Bridgton Centre, was set apart for a burying-place after the burial of several persons, who now sleep beneath the Congregationalist church; among these are Elizabeth Burnham, died Nov. 1, 1775. Mrs. David Kneeland, Israel Spafford, and Seth Emerson. Beneath the oak, maple, and acacia groves are grouped the members of the oldest families of Bridgton, and her most enterprising citizens for the last half-century. Capt, John Kilborn, Jr., is buried at Sand Creek. There are many private burying-grounds scattered through the town, con- taining the remains of the earliest settlers.

DESCRIPTION.

Bridgton is bounded on the north by Sweden and Waterford, in Oxford County ; on the east, by Harrison and Long Pond ; on the south, by Naples and Sebago ; and ou

222

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, MAINE.

the west, by Denmark, in Oxford County. The surface consists mainly of high rolling land, rising towards the north- west, and broken by ridges running parallel with its lakes. That portion to the east of Long Pond was joined to Har- rison in 1805; in 1834 2500 acres, and in 1856 10 aeres of the southeastern part were joined to Naples. A portion of Fryeburg north of the north line, and a part of Den- mark west of the west line, amounting to 3700 acres, were added to the northwest in 1847. It is watered by seven smaller ponds, besides Long Pond, on the east, and Moose, Crotched, and Woods' Ponds within its borders, which are its principal waters. A telegraph line, erected in 1877, with an office at Bridgton, connects with the Western Union telegraph lines at Brownfield. There are four post- offices in the town : Bridgton, Charles E. Gibbs, postmaster. Mail by stage twice daily to Brownfield; daily to South Paris rio North Bridgton and Harrison; and daily to Naples and Raymond via Portland stage. Established as money-order office, 1869 ; international office, 1877. The other post-offices are North and South Bridgton, and Sand Creek.

SANDY CREEK,

formerly known as " Pinhook," contains 25 dwell- ings, a school-house, church, a store, and the saw- and shingle-mill of A. G. Berry & Son, established 1864, on the site of the old town mill, the grist-mill of D. P. Chaplin, built in 1853, a smith- and paint-shop, and has a resident lawyer and physician. The post-office was opened in April, 1879,-T. E. Lang, postmaster.

INCORPORATION.

Bridgton was incorporated as a town Feb. 7, 1794. The first town-meeting was held on the 18th of March of the same year. Enoch Perley was chosen Moderator; Isaiah Ingalls, Town Clerk ; Phineas Ingalls, Treasurer ; Robert Andrews, James Flint, and Joseph Sears, Selectmen ; Samuel Farnsworth, Enoch Perley, and Joseph Sears, School Committee ; Samuel Kimball, Ephraim Jewett, and David Hale, Field-Drivers ; James Flint, Samuel Farns- worth, and David Ilale, Tything-Men; William Oliver and Timothy Gates, Deer-Reeves; and Reuben Ingalls, Samuel Davis, and Asael Foster, Hog-Reeves. For that year the town raised the suin of £100 for the repair of high- ways ; £30 to defray town charges, and £18 for the support of schools. There were 41 votes cast at this election. In August of that year it was voted that the town pay drafted soldiers enough to make their pay up to $8 per month.

SELECTMEN.

1794 .- Robert Andrews, James Flint, Joseph Sears. 1795 .- Enoch Perley, Samuel Farnsworth, David Clark.

1796 .-- Robert Andrews, David Clark, Samuel Farnsworth.

1797 .- Daniel Perley, Samuel Farnsworth, Benjamin Kimball, Jr. 1798 .- Samuel Farnsworth, Robert Andrews, Israel Kimball. 1799 .- Samuel Farnsworth, Robert Andrews, James Flint. 1800 .- Samuel Farnsworth, Enoch Perley, David Clark. 1801 .- Enoch l'erley, Benjamin Kimball, Isaiah Iogalls.

1802. Phineas Ingalls, John Kilborn, Samuel Andrews. 1803. - Benjamin Kimball, John Perley, Joseph Sears. 1801 5 .- Robert Aodrews, Joseph Senrs, Benjamin Kimball. 1806 .- Phineas Ingalls, Joseph Sears. Benjamin Kimball. 1807 .- Enoch Perley. Joseph Sears, Benjamin Kimball.

1808 .~ Phineas Ingalls, John Kilborn, Benjamin Kimball. 1809 .- Enoch Perley, Joseph Scars, Benjamin Kimball. 1810 .- Phineas Ingalls, Samuel Davis, Benjamin Kimball. 1811-12 .- Phineas Ingalls, John Kilborn, Jedediah Kimball. 1813 .- Josiah Ingalls, John Kilborn, Samuel Andrews. 1814 .- John Perley, Maj. George Lewis, Jonathan Barnard. 1815 .- Phineas Ingalls, Israel Kimball, Nathaniel Howe. 1816 .- Phineas Ingalls, John Kilborn, Israel Kimball. 1817 .- Phineas Ingalls, John Perley, Jonathan Barnard. 1818-20 .- l'hineas Ingalls, John Perley, Jedediah Kimball. 1821-22 .- John Perley, John Willett, Samuel Farnsworth. 1823 .- Phineus Ingalls, Jedediah Kimball, John Kilborn. 1824 .- John Perley, Bennett Pike, Stephen Beeman. 1825 .- Bennett l'ike, John Perley, George W. Cushman.

1826 .- Bennett Pike, Thomas Perley, George W. Cashman.

1827 .- Bennett Pike, Thomas Perley, Samuel Farnsworth,# Jobb Willett.

1828 .- Theodore Ingalls, John Willett, Richard G. Bailey.

1829-31 .- Theodore Ingalls, Asa Ingalls (2d), George W. Cushman.

1832-33 .- Nathaniel S. Littlefield, Asa Ingalls (2d), George W. Cushman.

1834 .- Nathan S. Littlefield, David Fowler, Asahel Cram. 1835 .- Natban S. Littlefield, Asa logalls (20), George W. Cushman. 1836 .- George W. Cushman, Asa Ingalls (2d), Richard T. Smith. 1837 .- Theodore logalls, Asa Ingalls (2d), George W. Cushman. 1838 .- Theodore Ingalls, Thomas Cleaves, Jacob Hazen, Jr. 1839 .- Moody F. Walker, Jacob Hazen, Jr., Thomas Cleaves. 1840-41 .- Theodore Ingalls, Thomas Cleaves, William Potter. 1842 .- Moody F. Walker, William Potter, Asa Ingalls, Jr.

1843 .- Moody F. Walker, Osborn Chaplin, Jacob Hazen, Jr. 1844 .- Theodore Ingalls, Jacob Hazen, Moses Stickney. 1845 .- Theodore Ingalls, Asa Ingalls, Luke Brown. 1846 .- Theodore Ingalls, Jacob Hazen, Edward T. Alley. 1847 .- Jneob llazen, Edward T. Alley, Reuben Ball. 1848 .- Jacob Hlazen, Edward T. Alley, Franklin Gibbs. 1849 .- Jacob Hazen, Edward T. Alley, Reuben Ball. 1850 .- Thomas Cleaves, Reuben Ball, James Webb. 1851 .- Thomas Cleaves, Richard Kimball, Caleb Stevens. 1852-53 .-- Nathaniel S. Littlefield, John Kilborn, Jacob Hazen. 1854 .- Luke Brown, William W. Cross, Edmund Mayo. 1855-56 .- Samuel Andrews (2d), John Kilborn, Aaron Brigham. 1857 .- Samuel Andrews (2d), Charles G. Thorp, Darwin Ingalls. 1858 .- Nathaniel S. Littlefieldl, Charles G. Thorp, Darwin Ingalls. 1859 .- Luther Billings, Jacob Chaplin, John Kilborn. 1860 .- Luther Billings, Caleb A. Chaplin, Isnae Webb. 1861 .~ Caleb A. Chaplin, Thomas Cleaves, Isane Webb. 1862 .- Thomas Cleaves, Jacob Hazen, George E. Mead. 1863 .- Nathaniel S. Littlefield, John F. Potter, Hugh Bennett. 1864-65 .- Lot C. Nelson, John P. Perley, George E. Chadbourne. 1866 .- George E. Chadbourne, Edwin F. Fessendeo, Benjamin C. Stone.

1867 .- George E. Chadbourne, Francis B. Caswell, Edwin F. Fessen- den.

1868-70 .- George E. Chadbourne, Ephraim R. Brown, William F. Fessenden.

1871 .- George E. Chadbourne, Asbabel Chaplin, Frederick J. Little- fieldl.

1872-73 .- Edwin F. Fessenden, Byron Kimball, Isaiah S. Webb. 1874 .- Nathaniel S. Littlefield, Jucob Hazen, Darwin Ingalls. 1875-76 .- Benjamin C. Stone, Edwin Ingalls, William F. Fessenden. 1877 .- Edwin Ingalls, William F. Fessenden, George G. Wight. 1878 .- William F. Fessenden, Edwin Ingalls, George G. Wight. 1879 .- Edwin Ingalls, William F. Fessenden, William Leavitt.

TOWN CLERKS.

Josiah Ingalls, 1794; Dr. Samuel Farnsworth, 1795-1800; Joseph Burnham, 1801-3; Samuel Farnsworth, 1801-17: Theodore In- galls,# 1817; Dr. Theodore Ingalls, 1818-32; Nathaniel S. Little- field. 1832-35; Dixey Stone, 1836-37; Moody F. Walker, 1838- 42; Dixey Stone, 1843; John P. Davis, 1844; Samuel Andrews (2d), 1815-19; Samuel Mason, 1850-51; Samuel Andrews (2d), 1852; Nathaniel S. Littlefield, 1853; Samuel Mason, 1854; Samuel Andrews (24). 1855 : William T. Kilborn, 1856-58; Leou-

* To fill vacancy.

LIT!

Photo. by Conant, Portland.

James P. Wobblu. S.

RESIDENCE OF JAMES P. WEBB, .M.D., BRIDGTON, MAINE.

LITTLE

Photos, by Berry, Bridgton.

DARWIN INGALLS.

ASA INGALLS.

DARWIN INGALLS.

Edmond Ingalls, emigrant of the Ingalls family, born in Lincolnshire, England, came to Lynn, Mass., in 1629, and was accidentally drowned in the Saugus River in 1648. His brother Francis accompanied him to this country, was a tanner by trade, and is said to have crected the first tannery in America.

The grandfather of Darwin Ingalls, Phineas In- galls, was sixth in descent from Edmond Ingalls. He was born in Andover, Mass., Nov. 14, 1758, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and in 1781 set- tled in Bridgton, on the farm now in possession of his great-grandson. He held the various town offiees, was a representative in the Legislature of Massachu- setts, a member of the convention that framed the constitution of Maine, a member of the first Legis- lature of Maine, and a member of the first Court of Sessions, which last office he held until debarred by age. Hedied Jan. 5, 1844. His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Stevens, of Andover, Mass., born Nov. 19, 1764, and married Oct. 22, 1783.

Asa, father of the subject of this narrative, born Jan. 14, 1787, in Bridgton, married June 25, 1816, Phoebe, daughter of Elias and Jane (Stiles) Beny. Her parents were natives of Massachusetts, but set-

tled in Denmark, Oxford Co., Me., about the year 1800. She was born at Andover, March 4, 1792.

Asa Ingalls was a farmer and lumberman by occupation. He was an active member of the Dem- oeratie party, held various offices in his town, and was a representative in the State Legislature. He was a member of the Congregational Church. He died Feb. 19, 1852. His wife died Aug. 31, 1864.

Darwin Ingalls, born in Bridgton, July 11, 1822, married May 31, 1852, Mary J., daughter of James and Huldah (Beny) Patrick, of Denmark. She was born May 2, 1834. Mr. Ingalls spent his boyhood at home on the farm, and received a fair common- school education. His business through life has been farming and lumbering, being largely interested in Western lumber lands.

Like his ancestors, he is an unswerving member of the Democratic party. He was representative from Bridgton in the State Legislature in 1857 and 1858, has been selectman, and also held various other offices in his town. He resides on the old homestead, settled by his grandfather nearly a cen- tury ago. His children are Aldana, George A., and Albert A.

223

TOWN OF BRIDGTON.

ard M. Burnham, 1859; Lot C. Nelson, 1860-61 ; S. M. Ilarmou, 1862; Samnel M. Hayden, 1863; Jamos R. Adams, 1864; Sher- burn M. Harmon, 1865-66; George C. Wight, 1867-70 ; Robert A. Cleaves, 1871; Benjamin C. Stone, 1872-74; Perley P. Burn- ham, 1875-78; Mellen Plummer, 1879.

TREASURERS.

Phineas Ingalls, 1794-96 ; Capt. William Lears, 1797; Enoch Perley, 1798; Joseph Sears, 1799-1800 ; Robert Andrews, 180t-2; Enoeb Perley, 1803; Samnel Andrews, 1801; Samuel Farnsworth, 1805; Josiah Ingalls, 1806; Robert Andrews, 1807-9; John Perley, 1810; Samuel Andrews, 1811-14; Seba Smith, 1815; Samuel Andrews, 1816; Nathaniel Howe, 1817-20 ; Bennett Pike, 1821- 23; Theodore Ingalls, 1824-25; Bennett Piko, 1826-27; Dixey Stone,# 1827: Dixey Stone, 1828; Nathaniel S. Littlefield, 1829- 32; Theodore Ingalls, 1833-35; Riebard Davis, 1836; Theodore Ingalls, 1837-43; Franklin Gibbs, 1844; Benjamin Walker, 1845; Reuben Ball, 1846-48; Sewell C. Strout, 1849-50; S. C. Stront, 1851; Nathaniel S. Littlefield, 1852-53; Benjamin Wal- ker, 1854; Nathaniol S. Littlefield, 1855-57 ; Alvin Davis, 1858; Lot C. Nelson, 1859; Nathan Cleaves, 1860-61; Benjamin C. C. Stone, 1862; Alvin Davis, 1863; William W. Cross, 1864; Nathaniel Pease, 1865-66; William F. Fessenden,$ 1866; Angus- tus Perley, 1867-68; John P. Perley, 1869-70; Jacob Frost, 1871; Perley P. Burnham, 1872; William F. Fessenden, 1873 ; Richard II. Davis, 1874; Edwin F. Fessenden, 1875-76; Wm. F. Perry, 1877; John II. Caswell, 1878-79.

COLLECTORS AND CONSTABLES.

Asael Foster, Ephraim Jewett,# 1794; Ezra Gibbs, 1795; Benjamin Kimball, Jr., 1796 ; David llale, 1797-1800 ; Joseph Sears, 1801-4 ;; Ahner Dodge, Jr., 1805-6 ; James Stevens, Jr., James Emerson, cons., 1807; James Emerson, 1808; Reuben Ingalls, 1809 ; John Kilborn, 1810; Joseph Sears, 1811 ; James Emerson, 1812; Benja- min Kimball, 1813-16; Reuben Ingalls, 1817-18; Ebenezer H. Scribner, 1819; Benjamin Kimball, 1820-21; James Emerson, 1822; David Fowler, 1823-25; Cul. David Potter, 1826; George W. Whitney, 1827-28; Benjamin Walker, 1829-3t; Thomas Cleaves, cons. and coll., Benjamin Walker, cons., 1832; Thomas Cleaves, 1833 ; Rufus Gibbs, 1834-36 ; Reuben Ball, 1837; Rufus Gibbs, 1838; David Fowler, 1839; Nathaniel Peise, 1810 ; Levi W. Holmes, Franklin Gibbs,# 1841; Franklin Gibbs, 1842-43 ; Charles G. Thorp, 1844; John F. Potter, 1845; Franklin Gibbs, 1846; Richard K. Hunt, 1847-50; Nathan F. Sawyer, 1851; Nathaniel Pease, 1852 ; Leonard M. Burnham, 1853; Edward L. 0. Adams, 1854; Russell Lamson, 1855-56; George llall, 1857- 58; John Kilborn, Jr., 1859-60; William F. Fessenden, 1861-62; Edward Bennett, 1863; William F. Fessenden, 1864-70; John F. Potter, 1871-75; Greenleaf T. Marriner, 1876; Benjamin F. Millikeo, 1877; William A. Morrison, 1878; Charles B. Gibbs, 1879.

RELIGIOUS.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHI.

The early history of this church is closely connected with the history of the settlement of Bridgton. In the year 1765 the Legislature of Massachusetts confirmed the original grant made to the proprietors of the land, upon condition " that they should build a house for publie wor- ship, settle a learned Protestant minister, and lay out one sixty-fourth part of the township for the use of the first settled minister, and one other sixty-fourth part for the sup- port of the ministry."

Owing to unforeseen obstacles the settlement did not advance as rapidly as was anticipated, and not having the means, they were unable for many years to comply with these requirements. They had, however, almost from the

commencement of the settlement, employed a preacher some part of each year, generally from three to five or six months.

On the 26th of August, 1784, the church was organized by Rev. William Johnson, pastor of the church in Fryeburg, under the title of the " First Congregational Church," with 6 male members, to whom were immediately added 11 others, -- 6 by letter and 5 on profession,-making 17 in all, -- 10 males and 7 females. Of this number were Jacob Stevens and wife, Jesse Knapp, John Peabody and wife, Reuben Burnham and wife, Enoch Perley and wife, James Stevens, Submit Knapp, and Rachel Hale. Reuben Burnam was chosen deacon, and dying in 1785, John Peabody was made deaeon instead. Hullah, wife of Capt. Benj. Kimball, Phineas Ingalls and wife, Jacob Howe and wife joined previous to 1790.

In 1788 the proprietors united with the church in a call to Mr. Nathan Church, a native of South Hadley, educated at Dartmouth College, to become their minister. He came to Bridgton in 1788, and became the first settled minister on the 17th of June, 1789. Mr. Church was supported by the proprietors till the town was incorporated in 1794, when the inhabitants of the town voted to receive him as their minister, and take upon themselves the same obliga- tions that the proprietors were then under with regard to the payment of his annual salary.

The first meeting-house was built on the ministerial lot opposite the present ecmetery, and was first occupied Octo- ber, 1791. In 1792 a front porch was added, and in 1797 it came into possession of the town in a still unfinished state, and was then finished by contract. From this time and for many years it served the twofold purpose of a church and town-house.

In the year 1827 the Rev. Mr. Church retired from his pulpit ministrations on account of age and infirmity, and was sneeeeded by Mr. Daniel Newell, who was ordained and installed on the 24th of October of the same year, and at his own request was dismissed in April, 1830.

Rev. Caleb F. Page was installed pastor on the 23d of October, 1833, remaining until the 26th of March, 1850.

In 1834 the old meeting-house was given up to the use of the town, and the second house of worship was built by N. S. Littlefield, John Kilborn, and Rufus Gibbs, com- mittee, upon the site of the present house. The bell was presented by Richard Davis.

Rev. Josiah T. Ilawes was installed on the IIth of Feb- ruary, 1851, and was dismissed May 10, 1865. Rev. Franklin E. Fellows was installed on the 4th of January, 1866, and was dismissed Dec. 8, 1868. Mr. Edward P. Wilson was engaged as stated supply on the 1st of Septem- ber, 1869, ordained Jan. 26, 1871, and closed his labors July 1, 1872.

On the 1st of June, the work on the present edifice was commenced by the parish, and on the 26th of January, 1871, it was dedicated with appropriate services by Rev. E. P. Wilson.

John T. Rea commeneed his labors as stated supply in February, and was ordained Aug. 8, 1873. He was snc- ceeded in 1876 by Rev. Henry B. Carpenter.

In 1874 this church followed the example of some of

* To 6ll vacancy.

224

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, MAINE.

the most prominent Congregational Churches in admitting the right of its female members to vote on all questions of church business, and also in reviving the primitive office of deaconess.

This society has a fund of $2800, the interest of which is expended for the support of the ministry. One thousand dollars of this sum was a donation from Lieut. Robt. An- drews, and the remainder arose from the sale of the minis- terial lands, consisting of lots No. 6, range 15, No. 1, range 28, No. 1, range 29, in the first division, and No. 23, range 1, in the second division, which were sold April 29, 1799.

Board of Officers .- Pastor, Oscar A. Rogers, from 1878; Deacons, Nathaniel Potter, Lewis M. Libby, Lewis Smith ; Deaconesses, Mrs. Alvin Dennett, Mrs. Augustus Perley, Mrs. George Rounds ; Standing Committee, the pastor and officers ex officio, Joseph Ingalls, Edwin Ingalls, Ed. Lewis ; Clerk and Treasurer, John H1. Caswell; Sunday-school Superintendent, Lewis Smith. The membership is 140.

There were attempts made by the Baptists to be separated from the established church in 1794, but their efforts not being successful, the church was not founded until 1807. Rev. Ebenezer Bray, an evangelist, who had been an oeca- sional preacher in Bridgton, called a council, which met Oct. 24, 1807, and organized a church consisting of Seba Smith, who was made clerk ; Nicholas Bray, Jr., first deacon ; Mrs. Bray, Miss Ellie Bray, Noah Stiles and wife, James Flint, and Miss Hannah Scribner. The next day Miss Hannah Andrews was admitted by baptism. The name adopted was " Harrison and Bridgton Particular Baptist Church." From 1807 to 1812 it increased to 30 members. The church was released from paying to support the old church in 1812, and a revival added largely to their numbers, enabling them to creet a house of worship in 1815. In 1832 it was rebuilt and greatly enlarged, receiving an addi- tion of a bell after a revival conducted by Rev. William Wyman. In 1827 the llarrison Church established sepa- rately, and in 1833 another church at Sweden, both from members of this church. In 1838-39, a large number left the parent church to organize on a more liberal basis as F'rce Baptists. The old members chung to the belief of their fathers, and were enabled to build a new meeting- house in 1853, but receiving but little support from the younger people, gradually faded into the past, until there are left but three living members,-the aged pastor, Rev. Jacob Bray, Mrs. Bray, and Mrs. Beeman, formerly Miss Charlotte Burnham. The clerks have been Seba Smith, Reuben Ball, Rufus Chase, James Jordan, John Burbank, Benjamin Hews, Rev. Jacob Bray. Deacons, Nicholas Bray, Jr., Seba Smith, William Hazen, Simeon Burnham, Jacob Ellsworth, Jonathan Houghton, Johu Burbank, James Libby, Isaac Davis. The pastors have been Na- thaniel Bray, 1805-12; Reuben Ball, to 1826; John Haines, 1827 ; William Wyman, 1828-31 ; Reuben Milner, 1832; William O. Grant, 1834-35; Larkin S. Jordan, 1836; Jacob Bray, 1837-40; Leander II. Tripp, 1841- 42; Amos B. Pendleton, 1849-55 ; Abram Snyder, 1858- 59. Rev. Reuben Ball died at this charge in 1827. Nicholas Bray, Jacob Bray, Daniel E. Burbank, Rufus Chase, Edmund Watson, and Josiah Houghton, all Baptist

preachers, began their ministerial lives in this church. Rev. Jacob Bray is trustee and clerk in charge of the property.

SOUTH BRIDGTON PARISII.

June 30, 1825, the citizens of South Bridgton united in building a meeting-house which should be free for the use of all ministers in good standing. John Perley, Asa In- galls (2d), and Francis Foster were the building committee. It was built near the school-house, opposite the new church, and dedicated Nov. 15, 1826, by Rev. Valentine Little, of Lovell, Me. The labor account shows, among the subse- quent temperance reformers, the following items : " Asahel Cram furnishes 1 gallon of gin ; Jonathan Fessenden, 2 quarts of rum ; Enoch Perley, spirits, 40 cents." Under the labors of Rev. Mr. Fessenden a temperance work was begun, which resulted in the present temperate character of their descendants. The church was formed Dec. 30, 1829, by Enoch Perley and wife, Phineas Ingalls and wife, John Peabody, Betsey Burnham, and Lucinda Mead, members at Bridgton, who had applied for a dismission November 29th ; Jonathan Fessenden, a member at Frye- burg, and John Perley and Almira Ingalls, new members. Enoch Perley died December 6th. A second petition was refused by the pastors on the 16th, and an ex parte council called ; Rev. Jonathan Fessenden was chosen moderator, and Rev. Carlton Hurd scribe. Three other ministers were present. After communicating with the church at Bridg- ton, the church was organized, and John Peabody ordained deacon. A donation of $1000 each by Enoch Perley and Lieut. Robert Andrews had been previously made to the Bridgton Church to revert to South Bridgton Parish on the settlement of a minister. Thomas l'erley, of Boxford, Mass., presented $645, and on his death-bed Enoch Perley paid to his sons a sufficient sum to make, with $2000 be- queated in his will, a fund of $5000 for the support of the ministry in this parish.

Rev. J. Fessenden was pastor from 1830 to his death, in 1861. Ile sleeps in the Lakeside Cemetery, beneath an altar surmounted by an open book, surrounded by his fol- lowers. Rev. S. G. Nareross remained one year. Rev. B. F. Manwell was installed October, 1862; dismissed 1868. Rev. Addison Blanchard, installed June, 1868; dismissed November, 1872. J. W. Brownville, installed December, 1873; dismissed November, 1877. Holland G. Fry, in- stalled 1877; resigned June, 1869. Present membership, 84. Deacons, Israel P. Peabody, Henry E. Warren, Noah Sawyer, Thomas P. Kimball. Trustees of Fund, S. F. Perley, John P. Perley, Israel G. Ilale, Wm. F. Fessenden, Joash O. Knapp. A Gothic building of elegant design was erected by S. F. Perley, John P. Perley, Darwin Ingalls, Edwin Fessenden, and A. J. Murch, committee, at an ex- pense of $10,000, and dedicated, July 14, 1871, by Rev. M. Barbour, D.D., of Bangor, assisted by Rev. Mr. Ting- ley, of Brownsfield, and Rev. E. P. Wilson, of Bridgton.

THE NORTHI BRIDGTON CHIURCII AND PARISII

were formed Nov. 15, 1832. The members were Stephen Beeman and wife, Aaron Beeman and wife, Aaron Beeman, Jr., Ezra Gould and wife, and Moses Gould, members of First Bridgton Parish, and three new members. Stephen

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History of Cumberland Co., Maine, Part 59

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford) Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 780

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 780