History of Cumberland Co., Maine, Part 67

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

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In April, 1728, Dominicus Jordan released, by a contract made with the proprietors of the town of Falmouth, all the ancient claim of the Jordan family to land on the north side of Fore River, about which so long a controversy had existed between his grandfather, Robert Jordan, and George Cleaves. He entered heartily into the views of the " new proprietors," was chosen on the committee to resist the elaims of the " old proprietors" before the Legislature, and in January, 1730, was selected with John Perry, Joshua Woodbury, John East, and Moses Pearson to hear the proposals of the ancient proprietors. But a general arrangement could not at that time be effeeted. Warrants were obtained by both parties from John Gray, of Bidde- ford, in March and April, 1730, to eall meetings, the result of which was that a " propriety" was established distinet from the town, the interests and doings of which were for- ever conducted separately, and recorded in books kept by their own clerk.

After the country had been desolated by the second In- dian war, the progress of resettlement was slow for sev- eral years. In 1726, eight persons, several of whom had families, purchased a tract of land near Pond Cove, of Samuel Jordan. "They bound themselves in writing to stand by each other in peace and war, and the first thing they did, built a garrison for the good of the whole."+

FIRST MILLS IN CAPE ELIZABETH.

We find in a note to " Smith's Journal," that in 1722 the town of Falmouth granted Lawrence Creek, opposite Port- land, and 100 acres of land to the men who would under- take to set up a corn-mill there. The first grist-mill was creeted on this creek by Messrs. Sawyer and York, in 1726. " Smith's Journal," speaking of this, says, "They finished their grist-mill, which every way answered their ex- peetations." This seems to have been the first mill of the kind in the entire settlement about Casco Bay, for the Journal adds, " The people before this sent their corn to Boston to be ground." The same parties subsequently built a saw-mill in the same neighborhood.

In 1749, Cape Elizabeth numbered 150 families, and 900 inhabitants. Its population in 1870 was 5106.

" During a period of about thirty-six years Mr. Jordan officiated occasionally in the services of the Episcopal Church, until " silenced" by the government of Massachusetts.

t Smith's Journal.

* Ibid.

252

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, MAINE.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

Cape Elizabeth, which had formerly been the second parish of Falmouth, was incorporated as a separate munici- pality or district, Nov. 1, 1765. Its charter conferred upon it all the rights and immunities of a town, except the right of sending a representative to the General Court, for which purpose it remained connected with Falmouth till the commencement of the Revolution. This restriction was in accordance with the instructions of the king to the gov- ernors, forbidding the incorporation of towns with the power of sending representatives, and making new towns, and parts of towns set off from old ones, simply distriets. It is said that the people of Cape Elizabeth intended to give lo their town the name of Portland, that being the earliest English name by which Bang's Island and the mainland were known, but at the time the district was set off, the government, which usually determined on the name, applied the title of the cape to the whole territory.

The first town- or district-meeting of Cape Elizabeth was held at the old parish meeting-house, on the 2d of Deeem- ber, 1765.

Capt. John Robinson, Sr., was chosen Moderator, and Mr. Thomas Simonton elected District Clerk ; Thomas Maxwell, Capt. Samuel Skillin, and Mr. Jonathan Lovitt were chosen Selectmen ; Peter Woodbury, Constable ; Joseph Marriner, Clement Jordan, and Joseph Weston, Assessors; and Micah Dyer, Collector, till Mareh ensuing. As a subject of eurious interest, showing the variety of matters which had to be taken care of by the town in those early days, we give the list of officers chosen at the March meeting for 1766: Thomas Maxwell, Samuel Skillin, and Jonathan Lovitt, Selectmen ; Thomas Simonton, Distriet Clerk ; Noah Jordan, Constable and Collector; Peter Woodbury, Treasurer ; James Dyer, Clerk of the Market ; Joshua Robinson, Peter Woodbury, Andrew Simonton, Samuel York, Fenee-Viewers and Field-Drivers; Joseph Dingly, Ebenezer Sawyer, Noah Jordan, George Strout, Jr., John York, Samuel York, Thomas Fiekett, Samuel Sawyer, and Simeon Armstrong, Surveyors of Highways; John Fundy, James Leach, Thomas Millet, Jacob Sawyer, John Armstrong, and Nathaniel Jordan, Hog-Reeves ; Samuel Skillin, James Dyer, Stephen Randall, and James Leach, Sealers of Wood and Surveyors of Lumber ; Joseph Cobb, Jr., Walter Simonton, and George Fundy, Cullers of Fish ; Peter Woodbury and Ebenezer Sawyer, Sealers of Leather ; Samuel Jordan and Nathaniel Skillin, Deer- Reeves; George Strout, Jr., and Joseph Weston, Wardens ; Jacob Sawyer and Jeremiah Jordan, Tything-Men ; James Dyer, Measurer of Corn; Job Sawyer, Pound-Keeper ; Nathaniel Skillin and Capt. Nathaniel Jordan, Cullers of Hoops and Staves.

This town-meeting was held on Tuesday, March IS, 1766. The selectmen from that time to the present (1879) have been as follows :

CIVIL LIST. SELECTMEN.

1766-65. Jonathan Lovitt, Samuel Skillin, Thomas Maxwell." 1769 .- Clement Jordan, Joseph Cobb, Jr., Samuel Skillin.

$ In 1767 the selectmen were also assessors, and for the most part have continued to net in that capacity ever sineo.

1770 .- Clement Jordan, John York, Jonathan Lovitt.

1771 .- Joseph Marriner, James Dyer, George Strout, Jr.

1772 .- Jonathan Lovitt, Joseph Sawyer, Patrick Maxwell. 1773 .- Samuel Skillin, Jonathan Lovitt, David Strout. 1774 .- David Strout, Clement Jordan, Samuel Skillin. 1775 .- Samuel Skillin, David Strout, Joseph Marriner. 1776 .- Joseph Cobb, David Strout, Benjamin Jordan. 1777-78 .- Benjamin Jordan, Joseph Cobb, James Dyer. 1779 .- Clement Jordan, George Strout, George Deake. 1780-81 .- Nathaniel Staples, Stephen Randall, David Strout. 1782-86 .- Benjamin Jordan, Stephen Randall, Barzillai Delano. 1787 .- George Deake, Joshua Dyer, Barzillai Delano. 1788-89 .- Benjamin Jordan, Barzillai Delano, Josbun Dyer. 1790 .- Matthew Simonton, Nathaniel Dyer, Barzillai Delano. 1791-92 .- Ezekiel Jordan, James Leach, Barzillai Delano. 1793 .- Timothy Jordan, Samuel Calef, Ezekiel Jordan. 1794-95 .- Ezekiel Jordan, Joshun Dyer, Barzillai Delano. 1796-97 .- Mark Dyer, Ezekiel Jordan, Jobn Mars. 1798 .- Jacob Waterhouse, Ezekiel Jordan. Robert Dyer. 1799 .- Ezekiel Jordan, Robert Dyer, Mark Dyer. 1800 .- George Dcake, Samuel Dunn, Seecomb Jordan. 1801 .- Ezekiel Jordan, Elisha Jordan, Zebulon Triekey. 1802 .- Ezekiel Jordan, Mark Dyer, Zebulon Trickey. 1803 .- Morell Jordan, Lemuel Cobb, Zebulon Triekey. 1804-6 .- Ezekiel Jordan, Mark Dyer, Jobn Goold. 1807 .- Daniel Skillin, Mark Dyer, Jacob Waterhouse. 1808 .- Daniel Skillin, William Cobb, Jacob Waterhouse. 1809 .- Mark Dyer, Ebenezer Thrasher, Zebulon Trickey. 1810 .- Nathaniel Dyer, Ebenezer Thrasher, Samuel Dunn. 1811-13 .- Ebenezer Thrasher, Nathaniel Dyer, William Cummings. 1814-15 .- William Cummings, Lemuel Cobb, Ebenezer Thrasher. 1816 .- Ebenezer Thrasher, Lemuel Cobb, Ephraim Broad. 1817-18 .- William Cummings, Ebenezer Thrasher, Lemuel Cobb. 1819 .- Ebenezer Thrasher, William Cummings, James Dyer. 1820 .- Ebenezer Thrasher, Jobn Armstrong, James Dyer. 1821 .- Woodbury Jordan, John Armstrong, James Dyer. 1822 .- Lemuel Cobb, James Dyer, William Cummings. 1823 .- Charles Staples, John Armstrong, Mieab Iliggins. 1824 .- Lemuel Cobb, Charles Staples, John Armstrong. 1825-26 .- Micah Iliggins, Jobn Armstrong, William Cummings. 1827 .- Mieah lliggins, Woodbury Jordan, William Cummings. 1828 .- Charles Staples, William Cummings, Woodbury Jordan. 1829 .- William Cummings, Charles Staples, Micah Iliggins. 1830-31 .- Charles Staples, Nathaniel Dyer, William Cummings. 1832 .- Charles Staples, Charles Hannaford, Randall Skillin. 1833-37 .- Elliott Jordan, Charles llannaford, Randall SkilliD. 1838-40 .- Charles Hannaford, Iliram Staples, Randall Skillin. 1841 .- Aaron Bedell, Randall Skillin, Hiram Staples. 1842 .- Ebenezer Thrasher. Aaron Bedell, Randall Skillin. 1843 .- Randall Skillin, Reuben Higgins, Thomas Ifannaford. 1844 .- Thomas Hannaford, James Trickey, Hiram Staples. 1845 .- Reuben Iliggins, James Trickey, Elliott Wescott. 1846-47 .- Thomas Hannaford, Dennis M. Skillin, Ebenezer Jordan. 1848 .- Thomas Hannaford, Renben Higgins, Milton Dyer. 1849 .- Elliott Wescott, Reuben Higgins, Milton Dyer. 1850 .- Elliott Wescott, James M. Robinson, Alfred Dyer. 1851 .- Stephen Hubbard, James M. Robinson, Alfred Dyer. 1852 .- Charles llannaford, Stephen Hubbard, James M. Robinson. 1853-54 .- James Trickey, Alfred Dyer, Andrew W. Peabbles. 1855 .- James Trickey, Thomas E. Knight, Charles Barrell. 1856 .- Benjamin W. Pickett, Thomas.E. Knight, Woodbury Dyer. 1857 .- James Trickey, Woodbury Dyer, Thomas E. Knight. 1858 .- James M. Robinson, Dennis M. Skillin, Daniel Pillsbury. 1859 .- James Triekey, Samuel llaskell, Andrew W. Peabbles. 1860 .- James Triekey, Benjamin W. Pickett, Andrew W. Peabbles. 1861 .- Dennis M. Skillin, David A. Sawyer, William R. Dyer. 1862 .- DenDis M. Skillin, David W. Kincaid, Charles E. Jordan. 1863 .- James Trickey, George W. Libby, Charles Peabbles. 1864 .- James M. Robinson, George F. Henley, Cyrus Cole. 1865-66 .- James M. Robinson, George F. Henley, Henry S. Jackson. 1867 .- George F. Henley, Henry S. Jackson, Clement E. Staples. 1868 .- James Trickey, George W. Libby, Michael Penbbles. 1869-71 .- James Trickey, Joseph S. Fickett, Charles A. Tilton. 18;2 .- Charles A. Tilton, Thomas B. Hlaskell, Michael J. Peabbles. 1873 .- Nathan R. Dyer, Thomas B. Haskell, Elisha N. Jordan.

Photo, by Hendee, Augusta.

James Jucken

The Trickey family is among the oldest and first settlers of York Co., Me., and the ancestors of the subject of this narrative are traced to the early settle- ment of what is now the town of Kittery, in that county. The occupation of past generations has been agriculturists, lumbermen, and ship-builders.

Capt. Zebulon Triekey, his great-grandfather, removed from Kittery and settled in the town of Deer- ing (now Falmouth), Cumberland Co., in 1735. He had two sons,-Zebulon and David, the former of whom settled on the farm now owned and occupied by his grandchildren. Zebulon's children are Eleanor, Rebecca, Mary, Zebulon, John, Lucy and Susannah (twins), and Eunice. The eldest son, Zeb- ulou, father of the subject of this narrative, was born Feb. 7, 1767; married Lucy Skillin, Dec. 15, 1799. She was born in the town of Cape Elizabeth, Jan. 29, 1779. Their children were Rebecca, born Feb. 15, 1801, died at the age of three years ; Samuel, born May 20, 1803; John, born Jan. 17, 1806; James, born April 12, 1809; Edward, born May 16, 1814; Robert, born March 29, 1818 ; and Lucy, born Sept. 15, 1824. The father died Aug. 23, 1847 ; the mother died March 28, 1863. Of the children, all reside upou the old homestead except Edward, who is married and resides in Westbrook.

James Trickey received little education from books during his early life, but learned those lessons of self- reliance, economy, and industry, which many years ago laid the foundation for his present pleasant sur- roundings and opulence. His sound judgment, in- tegrity in all his business relations, and correct habits in early manhood won the confidence of his fellow- townsmen, and at the age of thirty-five, in the year 1844, he was chosen one of the seleetmen of his town, which position he held for many years; and was also treasurer of the town for four years, and for two years its collector.

In 1846 he represented his Assembly distriet in the State Legislature, and again in 1856 he was honored with that position. After a respite of nine- teen years he was elected a member of the State Legislature in the year 1875, and was re-elveted in 1876.

Mr. Triekey is an unswerving member of the Democratic party, and continues to support the prin- eiples which, in the earlier history of the Republic, his father and grandfather advocated.

The Triekey brothers are among the most careful business men of the town in which they live, and their ability as such has given them a place among the careful financiers of the day.

253

TOWN OF CAPE ELIZABETHI.

1874 .- Thomas B. Haskell, Frederick Ilatch, Elisha N. Jordan. 1875 .- Thomas B. Haskell, Frederick Hntch, Nathan R. Dyer. 1876-77 .- Thomas B. Haskell, Elisha N. Jordan, Stephen Seamman. 1878 .- Thomas B. Haskell, Stephen Senmman, Edward F. Ilill. 1879 .- Thomas B. Haskell, Stephen Senmman, Nathaniel Dyer.

TOWN CLERKS.

Thos. Simonton, 1765-71 ; David Strout, 1771-86; Ebenezer Sawyer, 1781-97; Timothy Small, 1797-1813; John Emery, 1813-23; Woodbury Jordan, 1823-24; James Dyer, 1824-42; Thomas Ilannnford, 1842-44; James M. Robinson, 1844-47; Thomas Ilannaford, 1847-53; Enos II. Dyer, 1853-54; John Fickett, 1854-59; Alfred Dyer, 1859-61; Joseph S. Fickett, 1861-63; Alfred Dyer, 1863-64; Joseph S. Fickett, 1864-65; Edward F. Flint, 1865-67; Ilenry II. Osgood, 1867-68; Charles A. Tilton, 1868-70; E. B. Prince, 1870-71; B. F. Pritchard, 1871-72; George Fickett, 1872-77; John F. Cole, 1877-79; Elisha N. Jordan, 1879.

TOWN TREASURERS.

Peter Woodbury, 1765-74 ; Henry Dyer, 1774-76 ; John Fickett, 1776 -82; Ebenezer Sawyer, 1782-97; Ehenezer Thrasher, 1797-1806; Timothy Small, 1806-12; Mark Dyer, 1812-13; John Emery, 1813-23; Woodbury Jordan, 1823-24; James Dyer, 1824-42; Thomns Hannaford, 1842-44; James M. Robinson, 1844-47; Thomns llannaford, 1817-53; Enos HI. Dyer, 1853-54; John Fickett, 1854-59; Thomas E. Knight, 1859-61 ; Joseph S. Fickett, I861-63; Alfred Dyer, 1863-64; Eben N. Perry, 1864-65 ; Joseph S. Fickett, 1865-67; James M. Robinson, 1867-68; Thomas E. Knight, 1868-69; Edward F. IIill, 1869-70; Elishn N. Jordan, 1870-72; James Trickey, 1872-77; Charles A. Tilton, 1877-79.

COLLECTORS OF TAXES .*

Nonh Jordan, 1760; Robert Mitchell, 1767; Jeremiah Jordan, 1768- 69; Samuel Skillin, 1770; Daniel Strout, 1771; John Arm- strong, 1772; Charles Peabbles, John Armstrong, 1773; Andrew Simonton, 1774; George Strout, Jr., 1775 ; Barzillai Delano, 1776; George Strout, 1777 ; Jonathan Mitchell, George Strout, 1778-79; John Woodbury, 1780; Ephraim Robards, 1781; Timothy Jor- dan, 1782; Ephraim Robards, 1783; Tristram Jordan, 1784-85; Joshua Dyer, 1786; Noah Jordan, Jr., 1787 ; Matthew Simenton, 1788; Ebenezer Thrasher, 1789; Nathaniel Dyer, 1790 ; Jonathan Mckinney, 1791; Noah Jordan, Jr., 1792; Dominicus Jordan, 1793; Noah Jordan, Jr., 1794-95; John Skillin, 1795; George Deake, 1796; Calch Dyer, 1797 ; Robert Maxwell, 1798 ; Zebulon Trickey, 1799-1800; Samuel Dunn, 1801-4; Zebulon Trickey, 1804; David Sawyer, 1805; Morell Jordan, 1806; Micah Ilig- gins, 1807-8; Ezekiel Dyer, 1808-15; Mienh Higgins, 1815-23; Woodhury Jordan, 1823-28 ; Joseph Wescott, 1828 ; Jonah Dyer, 1829-32; Joseph Wescott, 1832; Richard Jordan, 1833; Charles Ilannaford, 1834; Woodbury Jordan, 1835-39; Joseph Wescott, 1839; Dennis M. Skillin, 1840-42; Sumuel Trickey, 1842 ; Chas. Hannaford, 1843; Joseph Wescott, 1844; Edward Trickey, 1845-48; James M. Robinson, 1848; Ileory Bodge, 1849-50; Seth Higgins, 1851-55; Ezekiel Wescott, 1855; Seth Higgins, 1856; Samuel Barrell, 1857; A. P. Hillman, 1858; Thomas E. Knight, 1859-61; Ehen N. Perry, 1861-65 ; Joseph S. Fickett, 1865-67 ; Jnmes M. Robinson, 1867; Edward F. IIill, 1868-70; Elisha N. Jordan, 1870-72; James Trickey, 1872-74; Lorenzo Reynolds, 1874-78; George Fickett, 1878-79.

REVOLUTIONARY MATTERS.

We find in the old records of Cape Elizabeth a complete copy of the Declaration of Independence, made shortly after its adoption, in pursuance of the following order by Continental Congress, in council July 17, 1776 :

" Ordered, That the Declaration of Independence be printed, nnd a Copy sent to the ministers of each parish of every denomiuntion within this State; nnd that they severally be required to read the ssme to tho respective Congregations as soon ns divino sorvice is ended in the afternoon, on the 6rst Lord's day after they receive it;

and after such publiention thereof, to deliver the raid Declaration to the Clerks of their several Towns or Districts, who are hereby required to record the same in their respective town or District books, there to remain a perpetual memorial thereef."

Mr. David Strout, who was town clerk in 1776, recorded the Declaration according to the above order, in a plain, clear hand, giving especial prominence to the words :

" And for the SUPPORT of this DECLARATION, with a firm re- linnee in the PROTECTION of DIVINE PPOVIDENCE, we mutu- ally pledge our LIVES, our FORTI'NES, and our SACRED HONOR. " Signed by ORDER and in BEHALF of the CONGRESS.

"JOHN HANCOCK, President,

" Attest, " CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary."

March 17, 1777, Peter Woodbury, Stephen Randall, John Woodbury, Ebenezer Newell, and George Deake were appointed the town committee on correspondence, inspection, and safety.

On the 5th of November, 1777,-

" Voted, That this Town will comply with the Act of the General Court, directing towns to make effectual provision for the families of such non-commissioned officers and privates in their respective towns as buve engaged in the Continental Service."

In pursuance of this vole, John Armstrong. Joshua Jor- dan, John Fickett, George Strout, and Matthew Simonton were appointed a " committee to supply said families accord- ing to said resolve."

In town-meeting Feb. 11, 1778, the inhabitants

" l'oted, that this Town fully and cheerfully ngree to lhe Arlicles of Conferleration nnd Perpetun! Union agreed on by the Honorable Congress of the United States of America."

The town voted a tax to support the war, and

" Ordered, That the Committee to supply Families, draw as moch money out of the Town Treasury as they shall think proper to supply said families with necessaries, agrecahle to snid resolve, until next March meeting."

Feb. 12, 1781,-

" Voted, That this Town will give one hundred and sixty hard dollars bounty, and ten dollars per month to tho soldiers that shall enlist to recruit the army."

CHURCHES. FIRST CHURCHI IN CAPE ELIZABETI.t

The whole town of Falmouth remained one parish until 1733, when, by mutual consent, the people residing on the south side of Fore River were incorporated as a dis- tinct parish by act of the General Court. The dividing line of the parishes passed up Fore River to a point half a mile south of Stroudwater River, and thence extended due west to the line of Scarborough; in other words, it cor- responded with the boundary of what was afterwards made the town of Cape Elizabeth.

The members of the First Church dismissed to form the Second were John Armstrong, William Jameson, Robert Means, Robert Thorndyke, and Jonathan Cobb. On the 18th of September, 1733, the new parish held a meeting, at which they voted to build a meeting-house, and chose Rev. Benjamin Allen to be their minister. Mr. Allen ac- cepted their invitation and was installed Nov. 10. 1734.

The meeting-house, which occupied the site of the pres- ent. Congregational church of Cape Elizabeth, was erected

* Generally associated with the office of Constable.

t Originally Second Parish in Falmouth.

254

IHISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, MAINE.

in pursuance of the above vote, its frame being constructed of white-oak timber cut upon the ground. This meeting- house was afterwards enlarged by adding a piece of about fifteen feet to its width. This alteration left the pulpit in the middle of the floor, with galleries and pews behind it, in which form it was allowed to remain till 1801.

In 1736 some excitement prevailed in town on the sub- ject of Presbyterianism, particularly in the Purpooduck parish. The Irish emigrants were all of that persuasion, and, although they were too few to support a separate establishment, they were enough to produce a sensation in a small parish. Elder Armstrong had continued a member of Mr. Smith's church until he was dismissed for the forma- tion of a new church at Purpooduck ; but he probably never relinquished the prejudices of his early education in favor of those peculiarities which his countrymen brought with them. At that early period this class of sectarians was numerous in this State, and controversies existed on the subject, which, now that the order is extinct among us, can hardly be imagined. In May, 1736, the neighboring min- isters had a meeting at Purpooduck on the subject, but what was its result we have no means of ascertaining. In No- vember the Rev. William McClanethan, a staunch Pres- byterian from the north of Ireland, was installed at Pur- pooduck ; but the people were unable to support him, and his labors among them were soon discontinued. He had been employed as a preacher to a large society in George- town in 1734, and was again hired there for a year in 1742. At another time he preached and kept school in Bruns- wick ; but what finally became of him we do not know. On the death of Mr. Allen, in 1754, new troubles occurred in that society in supplying his place. Eleazer Holyoke, who graduated at Harvard College in 1750, preached there on probation ; the church by a majority of one, and the society by a majority of two votes, invited him to be their pastor. But he not being militant enough to accept the eall, Wil- liam Went worth and a number of others petitioned the Gen- eral Court for a division of the parish, which was unsuc- cessful, and " the parish was in a sad situation, dismally divided and quarreling." In the midst of this confusion the Rev. Ephraim Clark eame among them to preach, aud so great was the interest taken in the neighboring parish that many persons went from Portland to hear him. He had lately been dismissed from the pastoral care of a church in Boston. Notwithstanding a very powerful opposition, he was invited to settle there and accepted the call ; but the objections to him were urged so strongly that the coun- cil first called did not think proper to recommend him for installation. A new council, representing fifteen churches, was then summoned, which met in July, and which, after three days of "close, hot work," as Mr. Smith says, arrived at the same conclusion by a vote of 23 to 18 "and two neuters." Nevertheless, Mr. Clark commeneed to preach. The opposition sought to ruin his reputation, and entered complaint against him for alleged lying. Rev. Mr. Smith entered in his journal, Aug. 14, 1755, "Our justices are at work contriving to take Mr. Clark in hand." And again, on the 18th, "Things are in a sad toss about Mr. Clark." He was tried by a jury, which acquitted him. The trial was one of great interest, and " thousands of people were

present." Ilis friends stood by him, and, after repeated failures, finally succeeded in procuring an installing com- mittee. The ceremony was performed " in Mr. Simonton's orchard, at Purpooduck, May 21, 1756." The opposition on the part of some became so virulent that it was even sup- posed an attempt had been made to get rid of Mr. Clark by poison. June 17, 1756, Mr. Smith wrote, " A terrible up- roar about Mr. Clark's being poisoned by Mr. Lovit." Twenty-four members of the parish, refusing to pay their rates, were committed to jail, and the neighboring minis- ters held a private fast. For a long time contention reigned, but it at length subsided and left the minister strongly in- trenched iu his parish. The folly and absurdity of such opposition are shown by the fact that the leader of it, Col. Cushing, who had, in consequence, withdrawn from the parish, petitioned the General Court just prior to his death, in 1765, to be restored to it again, and sat quietly down under the preaching of the man he had so bitterly perse- euted. Mr. Clark died Dec. 11, 1797, without issue, leaving behind him a reputation for piety and sineerity.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, FERRY VILLAGE .*

There was no organized Methodism in Cape Elizabeth till 1839, though occasional meetings had been held by sev- eral preachers from Scarboro', Portland, and other places. In the spring of 1839, Rev. Jesse Stone, who is still living, was appointed to Cape Elizabeth. During the winter he held meetings at the " Point," about one mile from the Ferry, and organized a small society. The year following, Mr. Stone continued his labors in Cape Elizabeth, dividing his services between Point village, Brown's IFill, and the " Cape," now called Bowery Beach. In the fall of 1840 a church was built at Point village.

In 1841, Rev. G. D. Strout was appointed to the charges, dividing his labors between the places above named, and was returned to the same field in 1842. In 1843, J. L. Frazier was the pastor; in 1844, E. K. Colby; and in 1845 he was re-appointed, and preached at the Point all the time. In 1846, C. C. Covel was pastor at the Point, the people at the Ferry generally attending. In 1847, E. F. Blake; in 1848, S. S. Cummings ; in 1849-50, J. W. Atkins; in 1851-52, U. Rideout.

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History of Cumberland Co., Maine, Part 67

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