USA > Maine > Cumberland County > Gorham > History of Gorham, Me. > Part 35
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Probably the first tanners in Gorham were William Cotton and his brother John. Their father, Dea. William Cotton of Falmouth, was a tanner, and it seems reasonable to suppose that the sons learned their trade of him. William Cotton lived above Fort Hill on the thirty acre lot 65, on the back end of which he had his tan-yard, where he tanned the cowhides and calf skins of his neighbors. This yard has entirely disappeared. The entrance to it was by a two-rod road (now discontinued) running west from the Fort Hill road, between lots 65 and 121.
In a Gorham tax bill for 1792 we find the names "Hunt the tanner," and "Clark, tanner." As this is the first mention of either man's name, the probability is that they both came to town about this time.
Capt. Oliver Hunt in 1794 purchased the thirty acre lot 18 on South St. His tan yard and buildings were at the western end of where the present railroad bridge now is, and when the railroad was built and the cut made all traces of his yard disappeared. Capt. Hunt had here a mill to grind his bark. This consisted of an upright round stone standing on its edge, revolving on an axle, and slowly crushing the bark beneath it as it was drawn around by an old horse. Although doing a good business, Capt. Hunt's yard was but a small affair compared to one of our modern yards.
Previous to the year 1805 Joseph Cressey, who lived on the thirty acre lot 53, carried on the tanner's business near his house, and here the remains of his old tan pits are still to be seen.
Moses Clark had his establishment where the Hinkley tannery is now located, where with his son, John R. Clark, he carried on the business until his death in 1824. About that time Gen. James Irish hired this tannery, and ran it for a few years. In 1832 Stephen Hinkley purchased the yards and building of the Clark heirs.
In the year 1828 Gen. Irish built a large building for a tannery on the spot where the corn shop lately stood, and sank a number of tan pits. Into this building he put two bark mills, a grindstone, a fulling mill, a circular saw, a turning lathe, a polishing machine, a double carding machine, a picker, a shearing machine, and starch making machine, consisting of a grater, a washer and ten stirrers. Gen. Irish then constructed artificial ponds, supplying a column of water three inches by five in size, which falling on a wheel twenty-
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TANNERIES.
five feet in diameter drove his machinery. This establishment was afterwards converted into a corn packing factory, and was destroyed by fire in 1871.
There was a tan yard on the east side of School St., just north of the house now occupied by Mrs. Martha Harmon. Here the tanning business was carried on by John Wilson and William Hasty. The remains of this yard were to be seen until very lately.
Humphrey Pike came from Scarborough to Gorham about 1828. Here, he lived some rods east of the Chas. Moulton place, on the rising ground west of the river. He was a tanner, and had his tan pits on the flat ground near the river. House and tan pits have long since disappeared.
Among other branches of business that were once carried on quite extensively in Gorham were coopering, soap making, the manufactur- ing of pottery, the making of hats, tinware manufacturing, cabinet making, tool making, and the manufacturing of cotton shirting and sheeting at Little Falls.
The making of barrel and hogshead shooks for shipment to the West Indies was at one time a large business at the village and gave employment to many men. At one time there were ten cooper-shops scattered about the village. The first hatter in town was John Dickey. John Darling and Joseph Hunt made hats here for many years, while Hezekiah Brown carried on their manufacture at. West Gorham. George Hight made curriers' knives, hoes and garden tools. Elden Gamman, in his machine shop, manufactured lathes, planing machines, etc., and was a workman of rare skill and ability.
CHAPTER XXII. ·
FIRE INSURANCE COMPANIES - SECRET SOCIETIES.
The first insurance company organized in Gorham was the Maine Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which was incorporated in 1828. Its first president was Capt. Toppan Robie, and its first secretary, Jacob S. Smith, Esq. This company about 1844 or '45 built and used as its offices the brick building, now occupied by the Gorham Saving's Bank, and also used by John A. Waterman, Esq. for his law office. The old wooden building, which occupied this location and was removed to make room for the new one, now stands between Hinkley's tannery and the old Rust house. It was once a tin-shop, later used by James Swett for a shoe-shop: afterwards Sarah and Abbie Mclellan traded in it, and at one time Susan King kept a lit- tle store there.
The Farmers' and Mechanics' Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated by the Legislature, Feb. 25, 1839, with the follow- ing members : - Stephen Webb, Jr., Josiah Pierce, Chas. Hunt, Seward Merrill, Rufus Morrill, Jonathan Hanson, William Silla, Daniel C. Emery, Saul C. Higgins, Daniel Clarke, Robert Johnson, Jr., Joseph Hamblin and Joshua Moulton. At the time that the old Longfellow store was burned in 1845, this company had its office in the upper story. Dr. S. W. Baker was then its secretary. After- wards the company had its office in Daniel C. Emery's office. Josiah Pierce, Esq. was for many years its secretary.
In 1861 there was incorporated what was known as " The Gorham Farmers' Club." This company was organized for the purpose of insuring the property of farmers against loss by fire.
The first effort toward forming a Lodge of Masons in Gorham, was made in 1815, when Rev. Reuben Nason, Col. Samuel Stephenson, Capt. James Codman, Seth Webb, Esq., Lieut. Timothy Bacon and Daniel Hunt of Gorham, together with James Woodman of Buxton, Benjamin Poland of Standish, Archelaus Lewis and Nathaniel Par- tridge of Westbrook, met at Mr. Nason's house, and after agreeing to petition the Grand Lodge of Mass., for a charter, chose Mr. Nason to draw up such a paper. Nothing further was done in this direc- tion until Nov., 1821, when Reuben Nason, Samuel Stephenson,
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SECRET SOCIETIES.
James Codman, Seth Webb, Daniel Hunt, Nathaniel Partridge, Daniel Thompson, George Small, Henry Babb, John Warren, Nathaniel Warren and John Bixby met at the house of Capt. Daniel Hunt. They there organized themselves into a Lodge, of which they chose Reuben Nason, Master; Daniel Thompson, Sr. Warden, and Samuel Stephenson, Jr. Warden, and agreed to procure Stephen Foster of Portland to deliver some Masonic Lectures. A petition for a charter was drawn up, and signed by Reuben Nason, Daniel Thompson, Samuel Stephenson, James Codman, Daniel Hunt, James Haskell, Seth Webb, Archelaus Lewis, Nathaniel Partridge, Benja- min Poland, Simon Cutter, Nathaniel Warren, Joshua Berry, Aaron Winslow, Timothy Bacon, Rufus Rich, Henry Babb, Geo. Small, Lewis Pease, John Bixby, Levi Towle, Luther Fitch and John War- ren, to be presented by Mr. Nason to the next session of the Grand Lodge.
The Charter of Harmony Lodge, No. 38, was granted Jan. 22, 1822, signed by Simon Greenleaf, Grand Master. The new Lodge held its first meeting, Feb. 1, 1822, at the house of Capt. Daniel Hunt, and chose Rev. Reuben Nason, Master ; Capt. Daniel Thomp- son, Sr. Warden ; Col. Samuel Stephenson, Jr. Warden, and Seth Webb, Esq., Sec. The trustees of Gorham Academy having decided to finish the hall of the Academy, Harmony Lodge hired the use of it, for their meetings, at thirty dollars a year.
In January, 1823, the State Legislature incorporated Harmony Lodge, and on the fifth of the following September it was consecrated and installed by the Grand Lodge under Simon Greenleaf. The public exercises were held in the Congregational church and were attended by a large number of people. 1
At the time of the Morgan excitement, about 1830, the Gorham Lodge suspended its meetings, returned its Charter to the Grand Lodge, and ceased all operations until 1849, when the Lodge obtained its Charter and jewels, and proceeded to reorganize with Josiah Pierce, Esq., as Master. Since that time to the present, Harmony Lodge has continued to thrive and prosper. For many years the hall used by the Lodge for its meetings was the one owned by Daniel C. Emery, but in 1875 land was purchased on the corner of Main and School Sts., and the present fine Masonic block erected.
Among the Worthy Masters of Harmony Lodge have been the following : - Reuben Nason, Samuel Stephenson, Josiah Pierce, George L. Darling, William Silla, William Burton, Merrill Thomas, Thomas J. Hasty, Jonathan I. Stevens, Daniel C. Emery, George
364
HISTORY OF GORHAM.
Goold, George W. Lowell, John G. Watson, George W. Butler, Eli Morton, Henry R. Millett, Kimball Eastman, William Hasty, John A. Hinkley, William H. Usher, William P. Watson, Fred W. Hard- ing, John W. Jordan, Arthur H. Stanwood, Theodore Shackford, Cornelius N. Hayes, Charles H. Ridlon, Everett P. Hanson, Moses E. Little and Charles E. Cobb.
Gorham Grange was chartered Nov. 2, 1874, with the following as members : - William Wescott, 2d., Edward D. Horton, Eli Morton, Zebulon Whitney, Mark Mosher, Charles A. Brackett, Rufus A. Fogg, Benjamin Waterhouse, James G. Larrabee, Gardner M. Parker, Charles W. Deering, Reuben Lowell, William E. Files, Charles F. Merrill, Charles Johnson, Matthew Johnson, George W. Sanborn, Hubbard Wilson, Charles Horton, Richard Willis, Martha A. Wescott, Lois H. Horton, Sarah M. Parker, Mary J. Fogg, Elizabeth Larrabee, Rose A. Johnson, Martha Johnson, Julia Files, Mrs. Eli Morton, Mrs. Charles A. Brackett.
The Grange was organized with the following officers : -
Master, William Wescott. Secretary, G. M. Parker.
Overseer, Edward D. Horton. Gate Keeper, Reuben Lowell.
Lecturer, Chas. W. Deering. Ceres, Mrs. M. A. Wescott.
Steward, Chas. A. Brackett. Pomona, Mrs. G. M. Parker.
Asst. Steward, Chas. F. Merrill. Flora, Mrs. Martha A. Johnson.
Chaplain, Eli Morton. Lady Asst. Steward, Lois H. Horton.
Treasurer, Chas. Johnson.
Dirigo Lodge, No. 21, Knights of Pythias, which is the Gorham Lodge, was organized Aug. 29, 1879, with thirty-six charter members - the largest charter membership of any Lodge organized up to that time. The first officers of the new Lodge were :
P. C. Stephen P. Libby."
C. C. Herbert G. Files.
V. C. Stephen W. Carle.
P. Samuel Garland.
M. of F. Fred D. Irish.
M. of E. Wm. F. Chadbourne.
K. of R. & S. Chas. W. Harding .-
M. at A. Henry L. Morrill.
I. G. Calvin Russell. O. G. James C. Alexander.
+ Trustees. Stephen Hinkley, Sumner C. Bolton, Kimball Eastman. Representatives to Grand Lodge. John C. Summersides, Stephen P. Libby.
The Knights of Pythias are not a charitable, but a beneficial organization. The Society agrees to pay a certain amount per week in case of sickness of a member, watchers are provided for sick mem- bers if necessary, and a funeral benefit is paid in case of death. Special benefits are allowed to members who are poor, and to widows
RESIDENCE OF GEORGE L. DAY.
+
E
M
365
SOCIETIES.
and orphans of deceased members. All expenses are met by a membership fee and yearly dues.
Dirigo Lodge since its organization has paid out for sick and funeral benefits, watching and donations, fifty-five hundred dollars. Aid has also been rendered to members of other Lodges to a large amount. The present membership is one hundred. Twenty mem- bers have died since the Lodge was organized.
Gorham Lodge, No. 98, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Maine. This Lodge was instituted Jan. 15, 1883, with all the powers and privileges of a subordinate lodge. Its Charter Members were : -
Levi H. Bean, W. H. H. Bryant, Charles F. Clement, Joseph H. Coburn, Herbert G. Files, William Hasty, Walter Harding, Charles H. Lowell, L. R. Morrell, Gardner M. Parker, John G. Watson, William P. Watson, William H. Usher.
The Gorham Post - John R. Adams Post No. 101 - of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to the Department of Maine, was organized June 16, 1884.
CHARTER MEMBERS.
NAME.
RANK IN ARMY.
Henry R. Millett, Commander.
Lieut. Col., 5th. Maine. " 9th.
Colman Harding, S. V.
IJohn C. Summersides, J. V. Com.
Ist Lieut., 5th.
I George F. Small, Officer of the Day.
Ist Sergt., 17th.
Frank C. Harding, " Guard. Private, 20th. Ist. Cal. Cav. (Died May
Josiah T. Mclellan, Quarter Master.
Joseph Colby, Chaplain.
3, 1897.) Chaplain, 12th. Maine. (Died Sept. 6,
ITheodore Shackford, Adjt.
Private, 28th. 66
Albert W. Lincoln, Surgeon.
IStephen P. Libby, Sergt. Major.
29th.
Card.
Elisha Douglass.
Private, 12th. 66 (Died Mar. 13, Andrew Kane.
James S. Thomas.
Thomas M. McDonough.
Navy.
John D. Spinney.
Corpl., 27th. 66
John Houston.
Private, 27th.
Card.
H. S. Billings.
Frank E. Demerritt.
Corpl.,
25th. Ist. N. H. Battery. Card.
JOINED SINCE ORGANIZATION.
Private, 25th. Maine.
IEdward Harding.
Henry E. Sweetsir.
66
3Ist.
A. K. P. Marston.
66
20th. 66
I Walter Harding.
1893.) Corpl., 5th.
25th. 66
IGeorge L. Day, Q. M. Sergt.
Corpl., 25th. :
Card.
Private, 25th.
N. A. Burnell.
1893.) 16th. 66
1 Past Commanders of John R. Adams Post No. 101, G. A. R.
366
HISTORY OF GORHAM.
Levi S. Pierce.
Ist. Lieut., 5Ist. U. S. C. Infantry. Private, 43d. Mass.
Ist. Maine.
Geo. W. Pillsbury.
Sergt., 12th. (Died Nov. 3, 1887.)
Stillman Hall.
Private,
Battery.
(Died Mar. 26, 1889.)
Corpl.,
12th. Maine.
Private, 12th. (Died June 30, 1900.)
Joseph B. Hanson.
30th. (Died June 16, 1899.)
George B. Gustin.
Private, 9th. Me.
30th.
5th. "
Geo. E. Bartlett.
Musician, 3d. Me., also 30th. Me.
Ist. Lieut., 10th. Me.
Private, 9th. Me.
IM. C. Burnell.
Signal Corps, 9th. Me.
Private, 17th. Me. 9th.
Paymaster, U. S. V. 1861-1865.
Q. M. Sergt., 2d. Mass. Cav. (Died Aug. 21, 1897.) Private, 30th. Me.
Geo. M. Floyd.
Lendall A. Libby.
3Ist. « Card. (Died July 19, 1899).
Actor T. Mclellan.
66 8th. Minn.
L. H. Winslow.
12th. Me.
Joseph James.
4th. N. H. (Died May 6, 1893).
1 William Merrill.
George H. Motley.
Ist. Lieut., 5th. Me. Private, Unasigned Infantry.
On Decoration Day, 1884, Mrs. Sarah E. Holden, in memory of her adopted brother Joseph D. Harmon, presented the John R. Adams Post with a beautiful silk banner having the name of the Post inscribed upon it. The ceremony took place in the square in front of the store of F. H. Emery. The presentation speech was made by Judge John A. Waterman, to which Col. Henry R. Millett responded for the Post, and handed the colors to the color bearer, Horatio S. Billings. Subsequently, a vote of thanks was extended to Mrs. Holden, and she was elected an honorary member of the Post.
John R. Adams Relief Corps, auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, was organized Oct. 24, 1888, with twenty-five Charter Members. Mrs. M. Antoinette Millett was its first president.
It is a charitable organization, and has done much along the line of its special work, which is "To assist such Union Veterans as need their help and protection, and to extend needful aid to their widows and orphans."
The Corps has been honored from time to time by the election of its members to Department offices. In the year 1895 Mrs. M. Antoinette Millett was elected to the office of president of the
I Past Commanders of John R. Adams Post.
2 Past Department Commander, G. A. R. 1899.
Albert Patrick.
William Hasty. Hiram Berry.
12th, *
I Marshall C. Sturgis.
Lorenzo E. Ridlon.
John C. Wallace. John W. Sanborn. Daniel W. Davis.
66 25th.
1B. F. Whitney. Samuel C. Hoyt.
William E. Strout.
Nathan Lane, Jr. 1 2Frederick Robie. I Henry W. Hale.
367
SOCIETIES.
Department of Maine, with Mrs. Jennie L. Day as secretary, and Miss Rose B. Burnell as treasurer. Occasionally there has been a member of the Corps on the Department executive board, and at the present time (1901) the Corps is honored by having as National patriotic instructor, Mrs. Jennie L. Day. Mrs. Rose B. Graham is for the second time Department treasurer, and Miss Jennie P. Whit- ney is Department patriotic instructor.
The Thomas E. Wentworth Camp, of the Sons of the Veterans, was organized in 1893, with between twenty and thirty members. George R. Spinney was elected captain, and served for two years. William McDonough, George Wentworth and Charles Farr, have succeeded him in this office.
The object of this association is, among other things, to keep alive an interest in the Veterans of the Civil War. They have a military organization and drill. On Decoration Day they act as escort to the G. A. R. and the Woman's Relief Corps.
Pine Tree Chapter, No. 27, Order of the Eastern Star, was insti- tuted March 12, 1895, and worked under a dispensation until September 12, 1895, when a Charter was granted by the General Chapter.
CHARTER MEMBERS.
Mrs. Addie J. Andrews. Mr. Llewellyn W. Brown.
Hannah J. Bickford.
" Charles E. Cobb.
Maria A. Brown.
" Joseph Coburn.
Miss Rose B. Burnell.
Everett P. Hanson.
Mrs. Mary L. Cobb.
Edward Harding.
Eliza J. Coburn.
Fred W. Harding.
Miss Jennie M. Colby.
Walter Harding.
Mrs. Percie W. Hanson.
Cornelius N. Hayes.
Emma P. Harding.
Ruth E. Harding.
Rose C. Johnson.
Gertrude M. Lermond.
M. Antoinette Millett.
Ellen H. Paine.
Alice S. Ridlon.
Mary C. Scott.
Sarah B. Shackford.
Annie A. Straw.
Sarah B. Usher.
" Mary L. Wentworth.
Frances Whitney.
Leonard J. Lermond.
Henry R. Millett.
.Dr. Charles H. Ridlon.
Mr. Theodore Shackford.
Dr. O'Neil W. R. Straw.
Mr. George H. Wentworth.
" Benjamin F. Whitney.
CHAPTER XXIII.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS.
In the month of May, 1736, Capt. John Phinney and his son Edmund entered the wilderness and commenced the settlement of what is now the town of Gorham. Twice has this event been cele- brated by the town ; once, on the 26th of May, 1836, and again, on the 26th of May, 1886. On the second occasion the anniversary was observed under the auspices of the town, but in 1836 the affair was the result of the personal efforts of a few men, who thought it proper that the day should be fittingly noticed. The arrangements were placed in the hands of a committee, which committee consisted of Gen. James Irish, Col. Samuel Stephenson, Capt. Toppan Robie, Joseph M. Gerrish, Esq. and Caleb Hodgdon, Esq. These gentle- men selected Josiah Pierce, Esq. to deliver an oration which was to be the principal event of the occasion.
The day opened at sunrise with the firing of cannon in front of the "Gorham House," which had formerly been the residence of Judge Josiah Thacher, but was at this time a hotel. Isaac Phin- ney served as chief gunner, assisted by Isaac Libby, and reinforced later by Thomas Patrick. Enough time was allowed between the shots, as might be necessary to permit the gunners to partake of " refreshments."
The Chief Marshall of the day was Gen. Wendell P. Smith, under whose direction the procession formed in the main street in front of the residence of Gen. Irish. At its head was the Portland Military Band, then followed the Gorham Light Infantry under the command of Capt. James Whitney, and next the procession proper, made up of citizens, of whom a great part were old soldiers, many having served under Washington, and others of them both in the Revolution and the War of 1812. A great crowd of people had been gathering since early in the morning in the open space at the head of the street, in front of the tavern, which has since been the store of R. G. Harding. The procession, having been formed, marched to the Congregational Church, where Mr. Pierce delivered an able historical address. After the exercises in the church were concluded, the company adjourned to the room below, where a superb dinner was served to the military
JOSIAH PIERCE.
369
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS.
and the invited guests. After dinner the procession re-formed and marched to Fort Hill, where they examined the site of the old fort, a few timbers of which were then still to be seen. When returning, they were set upon by a band of Indians at the foot of the hill, near where in former times the savages had killed Bryant, and a lively skir- mish ensued in which the Indians were finally repulsed. They, however, in no wise discouraged, hung upon the skirts of the procession, and when entering the village made a determined assault upon the whites. After the rush, a wild hand to hand fight ensued in which knifes and tomahawks flashed and muskets cracked. At length the savages were mastered and carried prisoners to headquarters, where their chief humbly sued for peace, which was granted on condition that there should be no more hostilities. This fight was greatly enjoyed by the spectators, among whom the small boy was very much in evidence.
The following account of the celebration was published in one of the Portland papers, printed about the middle of the month following the affair.
" CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY.
" A large number of the citizens of Gorham, together with many citizens from adjoining towns, celebrated the first centennial anniversary of the settlement of the town, at Gorham Village, on Thursday last, the 26th inst., agreeable to previ- ous arrangement.
" The procession was formed in front of Gen. James Irish's house, under the direction of Gen. Wendell P. Smith, Chief Marshall, assisted by the following Deputy Marshalls, viz., Col. Edward T. Smith, Maj. Samuel T. Baker, Capt. Simeon C. Clement, Capt. Benjamin Mosher, Jr., Capt. Charles F. March, Capt. James Whitney, Capt. William B. Freeman, Capt. Charles Harding, Capt. Chris- topher Way, Lieut. Francis O. Irish and Lieut. Charles Paine. The procession was then escorted by the Gorham Light Infantry under command of Capt. James Whitney, and the Military Band, to the First Parish Meeting-house, where the services were performed in the following order : Reading of the Scriptures, Vol- untary by the Choir and Band, Prayer by the chaplain, Rev. Thaddeus Pomeroy, Hymn, Address by Hon. Josiah Pierce, Anthem, Benediction.
"Of the abilities and extensive acquirements of the orator, nothing need be said of one who is so well known to the public. All concur in the opinion that the address was just such an one as was wanted, admirably adapted to the occa - sion. The enumeration of the most important events that have transpired in town for an hundred years, the patriotism of our ancestors, and the happy manner in which their privations and sufferings, while realizing the horrors of that system of warfare which directs the weapon of the ruthless savage against the breast of the defenceless victim, were contrasted with the blessings of peace, liberty and plenty which we enjoy, could not fail to satisfy the highest desire of all concerned, and to kindle a glow of gratitude in every bosom for the innumerable blessings of
370
HISTORY OF GORHAM.
which we are the happy recipients. The services being concluded, the procession was re-formed and escorted through the principal streets of the village, after which they were amply provided for at the two public hotels in the village.
"To add to the interest of the occasion, a company of Indians, commanded by their celebrated chief, in person, appeared in imitation of the Aborigines of Nar- raganset, No. 7, armed with muskets, tomahawks, scalping knives, etc., and presented themselves in all parts of the village, performing their feats in true Indian style. They then seemed to show a spirit of fight, by firing from behind fences and old buildings, till at length they attacked a company of light infantry that had just returned, with the military band, from a visit to the old Fort ground, which resulted in a " bloody fight," and they were captured and conveyed to headquarters, in spite of the efforts of their distinguished chief, where they were treated as prisoners of war; but on their promising no further hostilities, they were set at liberty. This added greatly to the amusement and satisfaction of the beholders. And thus the day was passed off with perfect good feeling and unanimity, and ' no one killed and no one hurt.'
GORHAM, May 27th, 1836."
Immediately after the exercises, the committee requested of Mr. Pierce a copy of his address for publication, which he furnished ; and soon after, the town voted to have it printed and a copy given to each family in the town. In the front of the pamphlet, as published, there is the following : --
The Committee of Arrangements tender their thanks to the Hon. Josiah Pierce for the truly able and appropriate Address delivered before the Citizens of Gor- ham, this day, and request a copy of the same for the press.
JAMES IRISH, SAMUEL STEPHENSON, TOPPAN ROBIE, JOSEPH M. GERRISH, CALEB HODGDON.
GORHAM, May 26th, 1836.
GORHAM, May 27th, 1836.
GENTLEMEN, - I am gratified to learn, that the Address, I had the honor to deliver in commemoration of the first settlement of this town, was acceptable to my fellow citizens, and I cheerfully furnish a copy for publication.
To Messrs.
James Irish, Samuel Stephenson, Toppan Robie, Joseph M. Gerrish, Caleb Hodgdon.
I am Gentlemen with true regard Your Ob't Servant, JOSIAH PIERCE.
The question of observing the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the settlement of the town was committed, at a town meeting held in June, 1885, to a committee consisting of Frederick Robie, John A. Waterman, Joseph W. Parker, Wm. L. Larrabee, Samuel R. Clement,
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