USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 52
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In 1834, he was elected Professor of Mathematics, and Vice- President of Dickinson College.
In 1837, he was transferred to the chair of Metaphysics, in which he remained till his death. In addition to his College duties, he took a deep interest in the moral questions of the day, and was specially active in the temperance cause.
In 1846, he visited England, as a delegate to the World's Con-
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vention, and took an active part in forming the Evangelical Alliance. After his return, his health became greatly cnfcebled, and he ¿gradually sunk into consumption.
He was a man of great mental strength, yet with unusual kindness and amiability. As a Professor, he was a favorite of the students, because of the clear and happy manner of stating truth ; as a writer, he was logical and forcible. Notwithstanding his imperfect health, he prepared several works ; among them were: a " Manual of 'Elocution," "Philosophy of Christian Perfection," "Christianity Tested by Eminent Men." He also furnished scvcral able articles for the Methodist Quarterly Review.
He came to the close of life with calm trust in Christ, and in full hope of a glorious immortality. (McClintock and Strong's Cyclopedia.)
BENJAMIN JONES HERRICK.
Hon. Benjamin Jones Herrick was among the first fruits of Methodism in Alfred, Maine. Hc was born in Norwich, Connecticut, April 8, 1791, during a temporary residence of his parents in that town. They were natives, however, of Beverly, Massachusetts. The earliest American ancestor was Henry Herrick, fifth son of Sir William Herrick of Blan Manor, Leicester county, England.
Mr. Herrick, when a boy of about sixteen years, became a clerk in the store, and a member of the family of his maternal kinsman, Dr. Benjamin Jones Porter, of Topsham, Maine, and so remained for several years ; a fortunate arrangement.
Dr. Porter was a man of education and culture ; he had been a surgeon in the Revolutionary army, and after the close of the war, came to Maine and settled in Topsham, where he was extensively engaged in lumbering and navigation ; he was also a trustee of Bowdoin College. Mrs. Porter was the sister of William King, who became the first governor of Maine.
At the home of Dr. Porter, the most cultivated and influential people of Maine werc frequent visitors. These favorable associations had great influence in moulding the opinions and character of Mr. Herrick.
He came to Alfred about the year 1816. The town was then the half shire, and soon became the sole shire of York county ; it was then, and for many years, noted for its good society and political influence in the county and state. Into that society, Mr. Herrick early entered and always remained, prominent, respected and influen-
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tial. He was early appointed Deputy Sheriff, subsequently he was. elected a member of the legislature, and soon after appointed Sheriff of the County, which office he held till 1836, when he was elected Register of Deeds, and held that office till 1847.
In 1830, a protracted or four days' meeting, under the charge of Rev. J. Lord, Presiding Elder of Portland District, was held in Alfred. The Methodist minister being denied the use of the meeting- house, Mr. Herrick, then Sheriff of the County, kindly offered the use of the court house for the meeting, and while, at the close of a very remarkable service, he stood at the door, assisting in taking a collection to defray the traveling expenses of the officiating ministers, he became deeply affected by the joyous expression of a young woman, a frequent visitor at his house, who had just been converted and who came to greet him.
He was deeply convicted of sin, "and sought salvation through Christ, with tears, and passed from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." This change came to him in the prime of life. and while actively engaged in public affairs. The change was thorough and radical, so that from this time onward, to the close of life, for more than forty years, he never faltered or wavcred, cither in the profession of his faith, or in his christian character and life. His civil duties and responsibilities, thenceforward, seemed to him all the more important.
He became at once identified by all the force of his character and influence, and in hls deepest religious convictions, with the church which had so suddenly become an established fact ; he was a Methodist through and through, and never abated one jot from an entire acceptance of the doctrines and the polity of the Methodist church, though he never failed in a ready and cordial fellowship with christians. of whatever name, nor in the broadest charity towards all ; he shirked no duty, responsibility or sacrifice, required in his new relation. It seemed to be a necessity that he should take the lead in organizing and building up a Methodist Episcopal Church. Indeed, it appeared to all, that, in the providence of God, he had been called to this work ; he very soon became, by no seeking of his own, trustee, steward, class leader and Sunday school superintendent, and so con- tinued, in some or all of these offices, during his whole life, or until the infirmities of age prevented.
For many years his class met on Saturday evenings, in his own house, and it was as much a part of the proceedings and life of the
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houschold as the grace before meals, the morning and evening family prayers, or as even the daily meals themselves,
No religious duty or serviec was ever omitted or neglected, whether in church, in the family or in private. His seat in church was never vacant, and in the Sunday or weck evening prayer meeting, he was as constant as the minister himself ; he was a diligent student of the Bible, and of the standard Methodist writers. From his first con- nection with the church, he was a subseriber to the Christian Advocate and the Maine Wesleyan Journal, and afterwards Zion's Herald, and so kept himself informed of all the great movements of the church.
As a citizen, he was exemplary, public spirited and liberal. Every good cause found in him a friend and generous supporter, and he was especially kind to the poor and sick in his neighborhood ; his eminent social qualities made him an agreeable friend and companion ; he was given to hospitality ; his pleasant home was always open with warm welcome, especially to ministers of the gospel.
He died at Alfred, May 24, 1870, at the age of seventy-nine years, leaving a name without reproach, respected, loved and honored by all, especially by his children, who eherish his memory with undying affection.
His wife, Mary (Conant) Herriek, died two years before him, at the age of sixty-nine years. A woman of rare intelligence, grace and gentleness ; a devoted christian. She was the helpful, loving wife of almost fifty years, and the wise, ever thoughtful, the dear mother of children, who pay this feeble, but affectionate and loving tribute to the memory of both.
DIMON FURNEL.
Dimon Furnel was born in Loudon, New Hampshire, November 24, 1799, and was the youngest but two of a family of fifteen. The family name was originally Fernald, and is supposed to have been changed by one branch of the family, to correspond with the common pronunciation.
In his early childhood, his father died, and on arriving at a suitable age, he was apprenticed to learn the trade of clothier ; his apprentiee- ship exhausted his small patrimony, and, at about the age of eighteen, he left his native town to seek his fortune, cheaply clad, and without funds, except a few dollars borrowed of his sister ; he made his way, .on foot, to Boston, thence, by a freighting schooner, to Warren, Maine, where he found employment at his trade.
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By hard work and economy, he managed to accumulate sufficient funds in about nine years, to buy a fulling mill at Wilton, Maine, to which place he removed in 1826, where he acquired a high reputation by the manufacture of the famous " Wilton Yarn." His business was subsequently changed to the manufacture of cloth, and greatly enlarged.
Mr. Furnel's religious life commenced in 1830. He soon united with the church, and remained a faithful member to the close of his life ; he was thorough-going, both in his business and in religion ; he did nothing by halves ; he abhorred shams of all kinds ; his dam and mill were thoroughly built, at whatever expense of time, labor and money ; his manufactured products were free from shoddy, and as nearly perfect as the most scrupulous care and skill could make them. His religious life was equally thorough ; he dug deep and laid the foundation upon the "Rock of Ages ;" he cordially embraced the doctrine of Redemption, as taught by the evangelical church ; he sought earnestly for purity of heart, a blameless life, and a conscious sense of God's love. He was scrupulously exact in his dealings, and ever ready to respond, according to his ability, to the claims of charity ; he main- tained family devotions with great regularity, whatever might be the pressure of business, all the family of suitable age participating in this service.
In the upper story of his mill, a small room was furnished with a few chairs, a table, Bible and Hymn book. To this consecrated oratory he was wont to resort during his intervals of leisure, for devotional exercises ; his employees and all with whom he was connected felt the power of his example, and not a few of them were led to Christ, or encouraged in christian life by his influence. The class meeting was held at his house for many years, himself serving as leader.
The tasteful, well located church at Wilton, with its fine toned bell, stands as a monument of his generosity and perseverance, he having assumed almost the entire fiscal responsibility of its erection, and pushing the enterprise to a completion, in spite of strong oppositiou. The Seminary at Kent's Hill shared his munificence, receiving from him at one time one thousand dollars as a permanent fund, besides generous gifts at other times. The outcome of such a life, as might be expected, was a mature christian life and a peaceful death. At the Round Lake National Camp-meetiug he received a wonderful baptism, and from that time onward, his soul rapidly ripened for heaven.
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By sleeping in a damp bed at the Augusta House, he took a severe cold, resulting in pneumonia, and died at his own home, February 28, 1874, aged seventy-five years. His son, William C. Furnel, succeeds to his father's business and place in the church as a prominent and useful member.
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JAMES DINSMORE.
James Dinsmore was born in Auburn, New Hampshire, in 1779. He was of Congregational parentage, and was instructed in that faith. In carly life, he removed to Anson, Maine.
On December 30, 1802, he was married to Miss Deborah Patten, joined the Congregational Church in South Anson, April 23, 1804.
In 1824, he was appointed Clerk of the Courts of Somerset county, and the next year removed his family to Norridgewock.
In 1832, he removed to Skowhegan, where he engaged in business, and remained the rest of his life.
While living at Norridgewock, an extensive revival occurred, in which several members of his family were converted, and joined the Methodist church. His religious views became fully settled in the doctrines of Arminian theology, and about the time of his removal to Skowhegan, he joined the Methodist church in that place.
In 1835, he built a house of worship in Skowhegan, at his own expense ; he sold what pews he could, gave nine pews, together with the lot, to the society ; four of the pews were to be kept for the use of the poor. He continued, during his life, to be deeply interested in the prosperity of the church, generously contributing towards all its interests ; his wife and most of his children, five sons and two daughters, became members of the Methodist church. More than any other man, he may justly be called the father of the Methodist church in Skowhegan.
Mr. Dinsmore was remarkably faithful and systematic in his christian life ; his family was well ordered, the family altar constantly maintained ; he was charitable to the poor, and particularly active in circulating religious papers and tracts ; he was remarkably charitable in his religious views and feelings and longed to see religious denomi- nations united in sympathy and work ; christian union was a favorite topic ; he was a frequent contributor to Zion's Herald and the Maine Wesleyan Journal over the signature of "Union."
He was, for many years, a member of the Board of Trustees of Maine Wesleyan Seminary, acting for sometime as agent in soliciting funds.
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JAMES DEERING.
He died peacefully, at his home, September 12, 1861. The memory of Father Dinsmore is affectionately cherished by a large circle of friends.
JAMES DEERING.
James Deering was born in Saco, November 2, 1798, the son of Joseph and Hannah J. Deering. At the age of fourteen, he was apprenticed to learn the trade of cabinet maker.
In 1820, he removed to the small village of South Paris and commenced business, and has ever since remained in this place, and has been an active, generous and public spirited citizen.
In 1822, he was married to Miss Eliza Moore, and for more than sixty-four years, this venerable couple have lived happily together. Both Mr. and Mrs. Deering were of Congregationalist parentage, and were religiously educated; but the Calvinistic doctrine of the Congregationalist church of that day, failed to commend itself to the judgment of either.
When the early Methodists came preaching a free salvation, the new doctrine, together with the earnest preaching of those men, convinced them of its truth. Mrs. Deering embraced the doctrine, entered into the experience of christian life, and joined the newly formed society, then consisting of two worthy men, Fathers Cloudman and Walcott, with a few elect women. Mr. Deering approved his wife's choice, and gave his influence to the little, despised Methodist society, in the days of its poverty.
Though one of the chief supporters of Methodism in the place for many years, it was not until 1836, under the ministry of Rev. W. F. Farrington, that he made a public profession of religion and united with the church. For many years his house was one of the " Methodist taverns," where all passing itinerants found a cordial welcome.
Mr. Deering and his wife have always been faithful in church duties, liberal supporters and earnest adherents of the church of their choice, and now, at the ripe age of eighty-five and eighty-eight, respectively, after an honest, industrious, christian life, respected and loved by all who know them, they await, patiently and confidently, the summons of their Lord.
REUBEN B. DUNN.
Mr. Dunn was born in Poland, Maine, December 23, 1802. He was the son of the honorable Josiah Dunn, a leading, influential citizen, well known and honored in the state.
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R. B. DUNN.
In 1831 and '32, he was a member of the Maine House of Repre- sentatives, but, though frequently urged, ever after declined to enter public life. He was converted under the influence of his first wife, a devoted christian woman. At the age of twenty-five, he united witlı the Methodist Episcopal church, and has ever since been its strong and enthusiastic supporter.
Mr. Dunn was a born business man ; lie first engaged in mercantile pursuits, and while in trade became one of the earliest and most consistent foes to the Liquor Traffic. His first great enterprise, established in 1841, was the manufacture of scythics, at North Wayne. Several years later, he sold this establishment to a corporation, and subsequently organized the Dunn Edge Tool Company, at West Waterville, now Oakland.
With Mr. Dunn as its principal owner and manager, this company still maintains its reputation as the largest and best scythe manufactory in the United States ; he also became largely interested in the Maine Central Railroad, whose affairs had become so involved that its stock was almost worthless ; he obtained a controlling interest, elected a new board of directors, and was himself subsequently elected President, which office he held until he voluntarily retired. It was largely through his excellent management at that time that this corporation has grown to be one of the most prosperous railroads in the country.
The most important enterprise of his life was the purchase of the extensive water privilege and land adjoining, on both sides of the. Kennebec river, at Waterville and Winslow, and the erection of large cotton mills thereon. These mills are now among the largest and best in New England, and the enterprise has given a remarkable boom to business in Waterville.
Some of Mr. Dunn's business enterprises have been unfortunate, occasioned largely by his kindness of heart in assisting others, involving him, at times, in serious losses and perplexities ; but his fertility of resources and marvelous energy have carried him through ; he has also given employment to many people, and contributed largely to the prosperity of the places where his enterprises have been established. In this way, he has been a great public benefactor.
Mr. Dunn is passionately devoted to the interests of the church ; his contributions towards its various enterprises have been frequent and generous ; some of the largest of his gifts are ten thousand dollars given to Maine Wesleyan Seminary to found the Normal Department, fourteen thousand dollars towards the erection of the
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Methodist church at Waterville, five thousand dollars to the Boston University, and twenty-five hundred dollars towards the erection of the Methodist church at Oakland ; he has also given numerous smaller, but generous sums, in aid of churches in other places.
Mr. Dunn, though eighty-four years of age, is still actively engaged in carrying forward numerous business enterprises. The burden of his cares is sometimes excessive, and not always compatible with his peace of mind. He is genial in manner, kind hearted and true to his friends. In a word, he is one of the most remarkable business men of the age.
AMMI LORING.
Ammi Loring was born at North Yarmouth, June 1, 1803. He was converted under the labors of Rev. Charles W. Morse, November 21, 1830, and united with the Methodist church soon after.
In November, 1843, he was married to Miss Phebe J. Gerrish, of Durham ; he settled upon a farm in North Yarmouth, where he spent his life. He came into possession of a considerable estate, but continued to live upon the old homestead in a very unpretending style, and managed his affairs with great prudence.
Mr. Loring was thoroughly religious, always punctual in family devotions, morning and evening, and was a diligent reader of the Bible ; he was deeply interested in the church, always sustaining some official position, as steward, class leader, trustee or Sunday school superintendent, aud always contributing liberally for the support of the gospel ; he was kind to the poor, and deeply interested in the institutions of the church, cheerfully contributing towards building houses of worship, and for other benevolent objects.
About 1860, the agent of Maine Wesleyan Seminary called upon him occasionally, but never without receiving substantial encourage- ment. He took pains to visit the school, and made the institution a special object of his munificence. Some years before his decease, he made his will, by which, after providing amply for his wife, he gave eighteen different persons from fifty to five hundred dollars each, and made the trustees of Maine Wesleyan Seminary, the Preachers' Aid Society, and the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the residuary legatees in equal shares, of his estate, by which each of these institutions have received seven thousand one hundred and fifty-five dollars and ninety-four cents, and a small balance yet remains to be divided.
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S. R. BEARCE.
Father Loring died very suddenly, September 5, 1881, aged seventy- six years, an honest and good man, beloved by all who knew bim.
SAMUEL R. BEARCE.
Samuel Russel Bearce was born in North Yarmouth, Maine, November 15, 1802. He was the oldest of four children; his father was unfortunate in business, and became reduced in circumstances. Samuel, being the elder brother, was obliged to assume a large part of the care, in providing for the wants of the family. In addition to these discouragements, he had a slender physical constitution, with a tendency to pulmonary disease. The stern discipline of poverty, and feeble health, only served to rouse him to morc determined effort.
Having, from childhood, an ambition to become master of a ship, he embraced the first opportunity to put himself in a way to attain the object of his ambition, by engaging his services as a common sailor ; he suffered much from the hardships of the voyage, and from severe sickness, and was compelled to abandon his chosen pursuit.
He entered North Yarmouth Academy, then one of the best schools in the State, and in company with William Pitt Fessenden, and a goodly number of other young men, was fitted for college, but he was unable to pursue his studies further, and removed with his father's family to a farm in the town of Hebron, Maine.
At the age of eighteen, with a capital of fifteen dollars, he went to Thomaston, and set up business for himself, in a small variety store ; here he remained a few years, with fair success. When he closed this business, he was married to Miss Betsey Lowell of West Minot, and settled upon a farm in Hebron. His tastes and physical strength were poorly adapted to the work of farming ; he, therefore, soon removed to Sangerville, and in company with his brother-in-law, opened a country store.
In 1841, he removed his business to Bangor, where he became acquainted with Mr. David Pingree of Salem, Massachusetts, then largely engaged in the lumber business in Maine, and was employed by him, to take charge of the Penobscot boom. For this purpose, he removed to Oldtown, and became part owner of this property. A partnership was soon formed, consisting of D. Pingree, E. S. Coe and S. R. Bearce for carrying on the lumber business, and Mr. Bearce removed to Lewision to take charge of the business at that place. A saw mill was leased and subsequently an extensive steam-mill was built. The business grew to large proportions, commanding, to a
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large extent, the lumberiug operations of the Androscoggin. After the death of Mr. Pingree. the business continued under the firm of "Coe & Bearce," with unabated energy and success, till the death of Mr. Bearce.
These two partners were associated, in business, about tweuty years, without the slightest disagreement ; their mutual confidence ripening into cordial friendship. The success of the business was no accident, but the result of energetic aud prudeut management. They were both men of rare business taleut, sagacious, energetic, bold. In Mr. Bearce, an invincible will overbalanced the disadvantage of feeble health. He was systematic in his methods, rigidly exact in his dealings, sometimes apparently severe towards others, but equally severe towards himself. His business ability was appreciated by the public ; he served, for a long time, as director and vice president of a bank in Lewistou, and, in 1870, he represented Lewistou in the Legislature.
Mr. Bearce was fortunate in his domestic relations. Mrs. Bearce, from early life, was religiously disposed. She was unsparing in her attentions to her husband, aud was regarded by him, with strong affection. Their well ordered mausion was always open with generous hospitality.
Having no children, they adopted a litle girl whom they tenderly brought up, and she became the wife of R. C. Pingree, for many years his chief clerk, and his successor in business.
While they were living in Foxcroft, under the influence of their pastor. the saintly Richard Schermerhorn, Mr. Bearce was induced to commence a christian life, and with his wife, united with the Metho- clist church.
He entered upon the duties of christian life with characteristic earnestness, contributing liberally towards the support of public worship and the benevolent enterprises of the church. Believing that the interests of religion in Lewiston, required additional church accommodation, he donated a site upon Hammond street and gave ten thousand dollars towards the erectiou of a free church, which was built after his death.
Mr. Bearce was, for many years a trustee of Maine Wesleyan Seminary and Female College, always taking a lively interest in its affairs.
Bearce Hall, at Keut's Hill, one of the finest academic cdifices in the country, was named in honor of him, being built largely through
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his munificence. His gifts to other objects, were neither few nor small.
Early in 1874, his health seriously declined ; he retained his mental soundness to the last, sometimes dictating important business transac- tions from his sick bed ; he was fully conscious of his approaching end, and on the 30th of May, 1874, he passed peacefully away, in full hope of eternal life.
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