History of Cumberland Co., Maine, Part 73

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

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The following have been pastors of the church sinee Rev. Mr. Williams : Rev. William Miltimore, July, 1802, to June, 1833 ; Rev. Samuel Stone ; Rev. Charles Dame, called May 29, 1839 ; dismissed Aug. 11, 1853, but con- tinued to supply until June, 1854. He was succeeded hy Rev. Amory II. Tyler, who was ordained June 6, 1855, and dismissed Dec. 15, 1858; Rev. J. H. Adams became acting pastor in 1858, from which position he was relieved by the installation of Rev. Arthur N. Ward, Feb. 25, 1879.

Deacons .- Luke Worcester, George Knight, 1799; Joshua Merrill, 1822; Enoch G. Sargent, Augustus Wil- liams, 1832; Ephraim Merrill, 1839 ; present deacon and church clerk, Alfred B. Marston ; deacon, David Wyman ; parish clerk, Arthur Bucknam.

In 1812 the records of the parish show the names of 98 communicants, 34 of whom had joined previous to 1776, 2 in 1777, 10 in 1778, and the remainder previous to 1797. One hundred and fifty-eight additional members were ad- mitted during the next thirty years.

The name was changed from the " Third" to the " First Congregational Church of Falmouth," at a meeting held for that purpose, May 26, 1835. A house of more modern design was erected about. 1849, and the old, or second one, which was still sound, was abandoned. A neat chapel was built near the church in 1859. The parish also owns 80 acres of woodland near the village.

FIRST SOCIETY OF FRIENDS.

The following extracts from " Smith's Journal," and other sources, give us some information respecting the introduction of the principles of the Friends or Quakers, and the serious alarm which it eaused in other churches.

"July 30, 1740 .- The church kept a day of fasting and prayer on account of the spread of Quakerism. Mr. Jeffrey and myself prayed A.M. Mr. Thompson preached. Mr. Allen and . Mr. Lord prayed, and Mr. Willard preached, P.M .- Sm. Jour. Judge Sewall in bis diary gives an account of the Hoegs of Newbury, who, in 1711, bc- eame Quakers. In 1714 n fast was held in Newhury, on account of the spread of that " pestilent heresy."-Coffin.

" Descendants of these young Hoegs visited eur town last summer, and by their venerable appearance, and the unchanged simplicity of their dress, carried us back to the dark day when their ancestors took their lives in their hands and ventured all things for the faith, as they believed, once delivered to the saints."

The first meeting for religious worship established by the Friends in this State was at Kittery, in 1730. In 1742 a meeting was held at Berwick, and the same year thay appeared in Falmouth, the singularity of their dress and manners attracting universal attention. In 1743 a few families in Falmouth had adopted the opinions of that sect, and a meeting for worship was then first established in the town, James Winslow being the first to join the society. Mr. Winslow came from Plymouth Colony before 1728. He was a man of great influence in the neigh- borhood, and rendered important support to the society. Among others who joined in 1743 were Benjamin Inger- soll, Nathan Winslow, and Enoch Knight. In May, 1751, a monthly meeting was established for the Friends in Fal- mouth and Harpswell, the male members of which were James Winslow, James Goddard, and Benjamin Winslow, from Falmouth, and Edward Estes, Thomas Jones, Ebene- zer Pinkham, and Lemuel Jones, from Harpswell. Acces- sious were made continually to the society, and particularly from that part of Falmouth in which James Winslow re- sided.+ Preachers occasionally visited them from abroad, and several of their own people "received certificates to travel on truth's account," among whom were Patience Estes and John Douglass. In 1750, Mary Curby, from England, and Elizabeth Smith, from West Jersey, came here as traveling preachers.

In 1768 a meeting-house was built near the Presumpscot River, in that part of the town which still retains the an- cient name. It was 40 feet long and 32 feet wide, and stood on the same spot where their first house (a small building) had been erceted in 1752.

The following names of the subscribers to the new house will probably show all the adult males belonging to the so- ciety in this vicinity, viz. : Benjamin Winslow, Benjamin Ingersoll, llatevil Hall, James Goddard, Enoch Knight, Stephen Morrell, Samuel Winslow, Nathaniel Hawkes, James Torrey, Job Winslow, Elijah Pope, John Robinson, Elisha Purinton, Benjamin Winslow, Jr., David Purinton, William Winslow, James Winslow, Nicholas Varney, Jacob

t James Winslow had a grant of land on Fall-Cove Brook, at Back Cove, to erect a mill on in 1728, but this falling within an ancient grant, he removed northerly to the Presumpseot River, near where its course is turned southerly by Black-Strup Hill. He died respected, leaving a large posterity, in 1773.

Sec history of eld St. Paul's, Portland.

Grenville Halle

Photo, by Conant, Portland.

RESIDENCE OF GRENVILLE HALL, FALMOUTH, MAINE.

Photo. by Conant, Portland.

BENJAMIN F. IIALL.

RESIDENCE OF BENJAMIN F. HALL, FALMOUTH, MAINZ.

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TOWN OF FALMOUTH.

Morrell, Elijah Hanson, Jonathan Hanson, Benjamin Aus- tin, Daniel Hall, Pelatiah Allen, William JIall, Nathan Winslow. Some of these lived in Windham.

Previous to 1774 the Quakers had been required to pay taxes l'or the support of the ministry of the First Parish, but at their annual meeting in that year the parish passed the following vote :

" Voted, That the following professed Quakers, living within the bounds of the parish, be exempted from parish rates the current year, viz. : Benjamin Austin, Nathaniel Abbott, Samuel Estes, James God- dard, Benjamin Gould, Solomon Hanson, Robert Houston, Daniel Ilall, Enoch Knight, John Knight, John Morrill, Stephen Morrill, Jacob Morrill, Elijah Pope, James Torrey, Ebenezer Winslow, Benja- min Winslow, Job Winslow, William Winslow, Oliver Winslow, John Winslow, Samuel Winslow, and James Winslow."

A later organization of Friends existed in the northern part of the town, near Duck Pond, who paid their regular tax to the Third Parish of Falmouth till 1804, when, by action of the parish, they were exempted. They continued to hold meetings until as late as 1829, but have gradually submitted to the influence of emigration, settlement, and interiuarriage with other seets, until nothing remains but their memory, and the spirit of thrift inherited by their descendants. David Allen, father of Josiah Allen, was a leading spirit among them in 1825. Their meeting-house, near Duck Pond, remained some years after.

FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCHI.

In 1823, Mary, wife of Capt. Jedediah Leighton, who had made a profession of religion in 1802, and four other ladies started a series of prayer-meetings, which were eon- tinued four years ; during this time two persons were con- verted, and baptized by Elder William Woodsum. In the winter of 1829, Mrs. Leighton and others were baptized by Rev. Hubbard Chandler, who, with the assistance of Elder Zachariah Leach, organized a church of about 30 members, at the Popple Ridge school-house, May 6, 1829. The first members of the winter previous were Peter Pride, who was made clerk, Samuel Hicks, Mary Leighton, Frank- lin and Barbara Merrill, Hannah Cressey, and Lindsey Frye, who was made deacon. The society was joined to the Gorham quarterly meeting, and a house of worship ereeted at West Falmouth during the pastorate of Rev. Charles Bean. Capt. Jedediah Leighton was baptized into this church on his eightieth birthday, a hole being cut through the iee on Piseataquis Brook in midwinter for this purpose. A division occurred through Advent doc- trines, which nearly suspended work between 1863 and 1873. The church has now 46 members.

The pastors have been Revs. Hubbard Chandler, G. P. Ramsey, S. Shaw, and Charles Bean, to 1840 ; Levi Hersy, C. Bean, Seth W. Perkins, Levi Hersy, 1845; James Crockett, 1848-49; Lowell Parker, 1850; George W. Gould, 1853; S. Warren, 1855; A. Hobson, 1860; 1I. Whicher, 1862 ; O. F. Russell, 1874-78 ; JI. H. Acterian, 1879.

Deacons .- Daniel Hobbs, 1829 to his death, June 5, 1865. Lindsey Frye, 1829 to 1879.

Clerks .- Peter Pride, John Lambert, and since 1850, Seward Frye.

SCHOOLS.

The town of Falmouth comprises twelve school districts, with 498 scholars. Of this number 125 attended school during the year ending March, 1879, without a half-day's absence. The town appropriation for that year was $2000 ; State, 8519.20; school and bank tax, 8276.35. The schools are well conducted, and school-houses substantial. Many of them are built of brick. The school supervisor for 1879 is Miss Julia M. Thompson.

A wooden academy building was erected on the farm of Mr. David McGregor, and an academy incorporated in 1834. An attempt was made to secure a donation of lands from the State. This failing, the building was afterwards moved to Falmouth Corner, where it was occupied for a period of ten years as a high school. The building has not been used since 1864. Dr. Tewksbury, William Richards, David Young, and Amory H. Tyler were the last trustees.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS.

OAK GROVE LODGE, NO. 161,

organized Ang. 13, 1866, with 30 members and the following officers : S. Dwight Stone, W. C. T .; Miss P'. Stone, W. V. T .; M. L. Merrill, P. W. C. T .; George G. Watts, W. Sec .; Leonard S. Locke, W. F. S .; George T. Lord, W. Treas. ; C. S. Merrill, W. Marshal; M. C. Mer- rill, W. Chaplain. Present officers : Cyrus W. Poole, W. C. T. ; Enos E. Adamus, W. V. T .; Lucy J. Colley, W. Sec. ; Harlan P. Merrill, W. F. See. ; Albert II. Mastin, W. Treas .; David U. Young, W. Chap. ; Charles K. Richards, W. Marshal. Present membership, 98.

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.

NEW CASCO,

in the east corner of the town, is a beautiful little village of 45 dwellings, extending a mile along the shore of Caseo Bay, from the Cumberland line to near Mill Creek, and is a favorite resort for summer visitors. The business of the place consists of the store of Sargent & York, opened by George D. Sargent, in 1871, near that abandoned by S. D). Norton, in 1860; the grist-tuill of Stevens & Co., on Mill Creek ; a tide-mill, erected by True & Burgin, who also repacked salt, in 1866; E. S. Dow & L. D. Wells, blacksmiths and carriage-works; George D. Sargent is post- master ; mails daily via Falmouth Station.

FALMOUTH,

a station on the Grand Trunk Railway, five and a half miles from Portland, comprises 30 dwellings, the church and chapel of the First Congregationalist Parish, school- house, the abandoned academy building, and the following business. interests : grocery and provision store, Perry & Rose, established by Abner S. Perry, at the old stand of Albert L. Mitchell, in 1876; custom shoe-shop, A. C. Miller, established 1875; tinware manufactory, and ped- dlers' supply-shop, M. S. Locke, established 1858 ; wagons, Samuel H. Anderson, established 1868 ; blacksmithing, George W. Merrill, established 1878; brickyard, James Lucas; painter, L. O. Bean, established 1871; general mason, Charles B. IInsted; Lucian Ingalls, postmaster ; mails daily by rail.

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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, MAINE.

PRESUMPSCOT FALLS,

a mile distant on the west bank of the river from which it takes its name, is a scattered hamlet half hidden by the mound like hills upon which it is built. It contains a dozen dwellings; the cutting-shop of Chase, Knight & Co., shoe manufacturers, of Portland, the hand work of which is delivered to operatives in the surrounding country ; and a neat union chapel, erected in 1879, by a corporation, of whom Albert Sampson and Henry Waite were chief officers. This chapel was dedicated in August of that year, by Rev. Dr. Carruthers, of Portland. The old store of Thomas Gledhill, built nearly a hundred years ago, and closed in 1879, is noticeable for its peculiar construction, as well as its antiquity, and is probably but little changed since our grandfathers, barefooted boys, clambered up its steps.

WEST FALMOUTHI,

half a mile north of the station of that name, is a compact place of 15 dwellings, and contains the store of Small & Newman, established in 1867, by S. R. & D. F. Small ; hubs, spokes, and carriage-stock, West Falmouth Manu- facturing Company, employing 8 to 10 operatives, Alfred Merrill superintendent ; brick-making machines, L. R. Elder, established by J. S. Ilobbs, inventor; carriages, Isaac Shoals, J. Newman ; brickyard, F. F. Hall, established 1858; saw-mill, Edward Merrill ; job-printing, at Small & Newman's store ; D. F. Small, postmaster. A mile and a half to the eastward is the general machine- and repair shop of Ira Winn, established 1868.

A mile to the north, on Blackstrap IIill, the highest land in the town, a wooden tower, 40 feet high, was erected soon after the close of the war, by a Mr. Furbish and others, of Portland, as an observatory. A summer hotel was de- signed in connection, but never finished. From the top of the observatory, which is much visited, a magnificent view of the surrounding country, Portland, Casco Bay and its islands may be obtained.

BURYING-GROUNDS.

The most interesting, because the earliest occupied, is a beautiful cemetery on the point forming the south end of the town. This ground is regularly laid out, and shaded by elm, willow, and poplar, and a grove of pines which have grown up among the earlier graves. There have been many buried here in unmarked graves, the mounds of which are easily identified by their uniform direction. The oldest marked stone bears the name of Moses, son of Capt. Nathaniel Jones, died June 17, 1750. Near by, sleeps his father, who died in 1760; and Joseph York, died in 1760, aged thirty-three. Nathaniel Locke, a well-remem- bered early settler, died in 1758. Capt. Increase Pote, who died in 1781. Deacons Ephraim Merrill and Gus- tavus Williams; Doctors Ervin N. Tukesbury, and Jo- sial Batchelder, Rev. Samuel Stone and Rev. Ebenezer Williams, pastors of the old Third Church, are also buried here.

The half-acre known as the Merrill ground, near the centre of the town, and south of the east branch of the Piscataquis, is compactly filled with graves, most of which are marked by rough, uncut stones but a few inches in

height. The low spruce, spreading its limbs over these, gives to the yard a sombre appearance. Upon the few ent slates, rising above the rest, may be traced the names of Humphrey Merrill, died 1825, aged seventy-six ; Wood- bury Ilsley, died 1804; Deering Mitchell, died 1810; and Nathan Merrill. The burying-ground near the First Parish church contains the remains of Rev. David Mc- Gregor ; James Merrill, who died 1854, aged ninety-three, with many members of his family, and the Pettengill family. In the west, Deacon Daniel Ilobbs sleeps sur- rounded by members of the Leighton, Hobbs, and Crabtree families. A burying-ground on the town line, near New Casco, is connected with the meeting-house, erected there about 1812. There are, besides, eleven private or family grounds, in various parts of the town, most of which are honored by the graves of the early pioneers.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

GEORGE BRIDGHAM

was born in Carlisle, Mass., Aug. 16, 1808. IIe is eldest in a family of nine children of George and Auna ( Nichols) Bridgham, both of whom were of New England birth. His grandfather, Dr. William Bridgham, was surgeon for

GEORGE BRIDGHAM.

some fifty years of the State militia at New Gloucester, Me. Mr. Bridgham received a good education during his minority, and at the age of twenty-one, with no pecuniary assistance, but with a will to do, commenced a business life for himself. After two years, by industry and judicious management, he was enabled to start a store in a small way, which he did at Sumner, Oxford Co., Me. He carried the first goods into that place ever sold there. After some three months he disposed of his stock in trade, and established himself in business at Buckfield

WEST FALMOUTH MANUFACTURING CO'S. WORKS, AT WEST FALMOUTH , MAINE.

Photo, by Conant, Portian

Photo. by Lamson, Portland,

Atum Winslow

RESIDENCE OF ADAM F. WINSLOW, FALMOUTH, MAINE.

277

TOWN OF FALMOUTHI.

village, in the same county, and in connection with the mercantile business also carried on a hotel. Ile married, at the latter place, Aug. 20, 1834, Myrtilla, daughter of Wil- liam Cole. Their children are seven, five of whom are living,-George G., Georgiana, Emma G., William C., and Isabel.

Mr. Bridgham remained six years at Buckfield, and in 1841 settled at Poland Corner in business and also carried on a farm. The construction of the Grand Trunk Railroad interfered with his operations, and he settled at Auburn, Me., where he kept a public-house for one year, and returned to Poland. In 1854 he was a member of the Legislature from the latter place, of which he was selectman for three years and treasurer for one year, and also post- master for four years, having previously been town clerk of Buckfield for six years.

In 1857 he removed to Bridgton, where he was engaged in the hotel business and farming for nine years. He was afterwards for two years a resident of Poland, and for about four years proprietor of the Walker House (now the Boston and Maine Railroad Depot in Portland). In 1871 he settled in the town of Falmouth, where he now resides. Mr. Bridgham is a staunch member of the Democratic party, and is always interested in all questions affecting local or State legislation. He is the present nominee on the Demo- catie ticket for member of the Legislature. Mr. Bridgham was many years ago connected with the State militia, and for many years captain of a company.

MAJOR ADAM WINSLOW,

son of IIezekiah and Phœbe Winslow, was born in Fal- month, Feb. 28, 1795. He is a descendant of the fifth generation from James Winslow, who was born May 9, 1687, and died Oct. 19, 1773, and who resided in Mas- sachusetts. His grandfather Samuel was the first of the family to settle in Falmouth, abont 1750, as his son Heze- kiah was born in that town in 1763. Samuel Winslow took up the farm now owned by his great-grandson, Adam F. Winslow, about one hundred years ago, and settled his son Hezekiah upon it when a young man, who built the briek house now upon it. He was a military man of some note, and cherished a love for such displays until his death. He held official positions for many years in Falmouth, and during the war of 1812 received and kept safely packages sup- posed to contain gold and silver from his friends in Portland. Major Adam Winslow inherited the old homestead, and greatly improved it. He served in the war of 1812, and re- ceived a bounty of one hundred and sixty acres of land. He was at Portland as a musician when the British made their last attempt to burn it, and was one to help escort Gen. La Fayette to Portland on his last visit. He was a thorough business man, and although of limited book-knowledge his sound judgment and business ability led others to seek his counsel and select him to settle difficult questions in many estates. He was selectman, and held various official posi- tions. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a Universalist. Ile married Anne Merrill, who was born Nov. 28, 1797, and died Oct. 17, 1877. They had nine children.

ADAM F. WINSLOW

was born in Falmouth, July 15, 1836. Ile was educated in the district schools of his own town, and, with the ex- eeption of a single term at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, at Westbrook Seminary. Ile is remembered at the last- named institution as a youth of exemplary habits, and, though in delicate health, as a close student, and distin- guished especially for mathematical ability and attainments. In the higher mathematics he was the first scholar of his class, and received the highest prize of the institution at the examination in 1857. IIe has always taken a deep interest in the cause of education, and has done good serv- ice as a teacher of town and select schools. He commeneed teaching in the winter of 1857, and taught one or two terms a year for a period of ten years.

He married, March 12, 1863, Miss Mary A. McDonald, of Gorham, a lady of good education and an accomplished and successful teacher. Their family consists of five daugh- ters and one son. They live on the old homestead, in the house built by his grandfather and occupied by him, and afterwards by his son, Maj. Adam Winslow, father of the present occupant, who has, however, greatly improved the buildings which now grace this fine old estate.

Mr. Winslow is a practical and successful farmer. Be- sides cultivating his large farm, he has, sinee the year 1874, been extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber. For the prosecution of this business he erected in that year a mill on his own estate, and is able to utilize a valuable water-power and the timber of his own forest, and so de- velop an industry in his town which should be profitable to him as it is advantageous and helpful to others.

Mr. Winslow is a social, genial, hospitable man, and is noted for his frankuess, kindness, integrity, and public spirit. He is held in high esteem by his townsmen, whom, as the man of their choice, he served for twelve years as a mem- ber of the Superintending School Committee, or as School Supervisor. Ile was twice elected by the towns of Fal- mouth and Cumberland to represent them in the State Legislature, and was a member of the House of Repre- sentatives in the years 1872 and 1874.

BENJAMIN F. HALL

was born in the town of Falmouth, Me. (Cumberland County ), Sept. 21, 1824. He is oldest son in a family of four sons and three daughters of George and Elizabeth (Hull) Hall, both of whom were of English descent. Mr. Hall in early life received only a common-school education, and remained upon the farm with his father until he was thirty years of age.

In the year 1854 he married Mary R., youngest child of Dr. Samuel and Theresa (Wormell) Brackett, she being a native of Falmouth, born Jan. 12, 1830. They have two children,-Mary T., born Sept. 16, 1855, and George L., born Jan. 25, 1857. In the spring of 1855, Mr. Hall pur- chased and settled upon the farm where he now resides. His life has been one of activity and devotion to business pursuits. Integrity in all the relations of life, correct habits, and a just regard for the best interests of his fellow-

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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, MAINE.

citizens have been his special characteristics. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been honored by his fellow-towns- men with the office of selectman for seven years, six of which he was chairman of the Board. He is known as a friend of educational and kindred interests, and a repre- sentative farmer.

GRENVILLE HALL

was born in the town of Falmouth, Cumberland Co., Me., Jan, 27, 1824. He is third child and second son of Jere- miah and Huldah ( Winslow ) ITall. His father and mother were both natives of Falmouth, and his paternal grandfather was a native of Kittery, York Co., Me., and became one of the early settlers of Falmouth. Jeremiah Hall died April 10, 1868, aged eighty years. Ile was an agricul- turist through life. Was prominently identified with the local interests of his town. Ile was several times elected as seleetman of the town and held various other minor offices. Ile was reared under Quaker influences, but never became a member of any church. He was known as a worthy citizen and a liberal supporter of church, school, and kindred interests.

Mr. Grenville Hall was reared on the farm previously occupied by his father and grandfather. He received a good education and early learned the principles that govern a business life. His occupation has been farming, lumber-

ing, and navigation. In polities he is identified with the Democratic party. Feb. 3, 1875, he married Miranda, daughter of William Field, of Falmonth.

CAPT. ALBERT S. TIBBETTS

was born in Lincoln Co., Me., March 26, 1830. He was eldest son and second child of James and Eunice (Brookings) Tibbetts, who were of New England birth. Capt. Tibbetts received a good education during his boy- hood. At the age of seventeen he went to sea; when twenty years of age he commanded a schooner in the coast- ing trade for two years. Afterwards he commanded a brig and also a bark. In 1862 he took charge of the bark " Ocean's Favorite," afterwards of the " Areher," and sailed her to the Platte River, Buenos Ayres, for four years. Ile sailed the bark " Sarah" and also the " Sacramento" for a time. He has made two voyages to Europe, and the balance of his twenty-five years' seafaring life has been devoted to the coasting trade.

In 1853 he married Angelette, daughter of Joseph Sherman. They have one son living,-Ernest A. Tib- betts, born May 9, 1871.

Capt. Tibbetts is a Republican in politics. He is a sup- porter of church and like interests, and takes a decided interest in local affairs. In 1873 be settled on the farm where he now resides, a view of which may be seen on another page of this work.

FREEPORT.

INCORPORATION AND BOUNDARIES.

THE northeastern part of North Yarmouth, formerly called Harrasceket, was incorporated under the name of Freeport, Feb. 14, 1789.

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History of Cumberland Co., Maine, Part 73

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