USA > Maine > Androscoggin County > Wales > History of Monmouth and Wales, V. 1 > Part 9
USA > Maine > Kennebec County > Monmouth > History of Monmouth and Wales, V. 1 > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34
In 1812 the Kennebec Bank, the first banking insti- tution in Augusta, was founded with a capital stock of $100,000. Among its five corporate members. all of whom were federalists, in opposition to the Hallowell Bank, whose members were democrats, we find the names of John Chandler and Benjamin Dearborn, of Monmouth. Joseph Chandler was appointed first cash- ier of this bank. In 1828. he was appointed Major
I16
HISTORY OF MONMOUTH.
General of the second division of the militia of Maine, and in 1830, under Jackson's administration, was ap- pointed postmaster of the city of Augusta.
Joseph Chandler was, in every respect, an exem- plary citizen, strictly temperate, moral and indus- trious. In 1813, fifty citizens of Augusta and Hallo- well petitioned the Legislature to be incorporated as "The Union Religious Society in Hallowell and Au- gusta." Mr. Chandler was elected one of the officers of this society at its organization. The plan of form- ing such a religious body was pronounced impractica- ble, and finally abandoned, but the fact of its concep- tion is valuable, showing as it did the breadth of Chandler's religious views and motives. In the midst of an active and useful life, he was suddenly seized by the grim messenger. His decease occurred Sept. 12, 1846. He was in New York on business, and was found in his room at Willard's Hotel. Park Row, with his clothing and spectacles on. He had not been in good health for several years.
In 1788, or thereabouts, Capt. Sewall Prescott and John Judkins came together from Epping. James Judkins had been here previously, working for Gen. Dearborn. He returned to Epping in the fall, re- mained there through the winter, and on the first of April, started, in company with his brother and Pres- cott, to establish a home in Wales Plantation. They journeyed on foot, with their earthly possessions bound in bundles and strapped to their backs. The travelling was very bad, and their packs weighed about thirty ponnds each, but, with these hindrances, they made an average of thirty miles a day through the forest, guided
RESIDENCE OF GEN. JOSEPH CHANDLER. RECENTLY THE PROPERTY OF E. A. AND I. M_PRESCOTT.
117
THE EPPING EXODUS.
only by spotted trees.
Prescott took up the claim of Gordon Freas, the Scotch thresher. Freas had cut a small opening near the spot where the old gun house used to stand on High Street, a few rods south of the "Old Fort" on the opposite side of the street. He was a poor man, and had not the slightest prospect of paying for the land. He gave up his claim to the Captain, and re- turned to Epping, whence he came. James Judkins commenced a clearing on the "John Barrows place," south of Monmouth Academy, and his brother, John, one on the "Donnel place." These men fowarded a year's provision by boat to Hallowell, and thence through the woods to the settlement, before they started. Thus fortified, they were able to smile at the fates the first season, but the next year, to use one of Capt. Prescott's characteristic expressions, "it was sharp shearing." They purchased corn at Hallowell, when it was on sale; and when the supply of corn was exhaust- ed, they lived on smoked and pickled herring. Her- ring, corn, and, last but by no means least, rum were staple commodities in those days.
The statement of Mr. J. Gordin Judkins, whose in- formation came from an anthoritative source, to the effect that his father, Jonathan Judkins, cleared the Barrows place, is apparently contradictory to that of Dr. James Cochrane, who ascribes the credit of clear- ing it to James Judkins. As in both cases the informa- tion came directly from the settlers themselves, it has been a difficult matter to determine which was correct. After studying the matter carefully, I am convinced that there is no discrepancy here. Mr. Judkins claims
118
HISTORY OF MONMOUTH.
that his father, Jonathan, moved from New Hamp- shire to Mt. Vernon, and thence to Monmouth. That he settled on the Barrows place, subsequently on the place now owned by Mrs. Almira Prescott, and finally, on the farm on which he died, and on which his son, Gordin, lived until within a few months. The records of land transfers deposited at Wiscasset show that in 1786, James Judkins purchased of Gen. Dear- born a tract of land in Wales Plantation. He could not have remained here long, however, as his name does not appear on the tax lists until 1797, while that of Jonathan, John, and Robert, their father, who soon followed them, are found attached to a much earlier date. The true solution of the problem, undoubtedly, is this: James Judkins came into the settlement with his brother, John, and took up the land in question. He may have returned to New Hampshire for a time, or he may have pressed on to Mt. Vernon, where his brother Jonathan had settled. Jonathan came to Mon- mouth from Mt. Vernon, and settled on the land which his brother had taken up, and finished clearing it. James returned in 1797, and took up another farm on Monmouth Ridge, on which Earl E. Judkins lived many years.
For a long period following the settlement of the Dearborns and their contemporaries, every year brought a stream of immigration from Epping and adjoining towns to Wales Plantation, including the Blakes, the Marstons, Cloughs, Goves, Sinclairs, and others whose names will be found in coming chapters.
Epping is located in the northern part of Rocking- ham County, about twelve miles from the Maine line.
119
THE EPPING EXODUS.
On the north and east lie the towns of Nottingham. Lee, New Market, and Exeter, and on the south and west, Brentford, Freemont, Chester, and Raymond. Still farther to the north-west, are Deerfield, North- wood, Epson and Chichester, and about twelve miles south-east on the coast, just off from the Isle of Shoals, lies Hampton. These names are all familiar to the old families of Monmouth and Wales. From them came a large percentage of our ancestors.
Mt. Vernon, a few miles north of us, was also large- ly settled by families from these points; and no other town in Maine is so closely related to us by blood-ties as this. Here we find families bearing the names of Marston, Gilman, Gove, Blake, Clough and Prescott whose ancestors came from Epping, and were brothers and cousins to those of the same name who settled in Monmouth.
CHAPTER V.
A NEW ADMINISTRATION.
In the two years prior to 1783, the number of fami- lies in Wales plantation had more than doubled. This flourishing condition, it is supposed, had been reported to the State officials. From a clause found in the call for the first plantation meeting,-"to see if the inhabi- tants will accept of the proposals made to them by the Committee of the General Court"-we infer that such a committee had visited the plantation. and from a pas- sage in the records of that meeting, we learn the object of their visit. It is probable that the committee visited the settlers to ascertain their condition and financial standing. Evidences of prosperity and ability to assist in the liquidation of State liabilities led to the issuing of a warra. c for levying and collecting a state tax, to the amount of twenty-two pounds and ten shillings. This was not a large sum to raise, but in comparison to the amount we now pay into the state treasury, and con- sidering the resources of the community, it was an ex- orbitant quota. Two years elapsed before it was col-
121
A NEW ADMINISTRATION.
lected and turned into the treasury. The number of acres of land assessed under the conditions of this war- rant, was 47.922, of which only 10.120 acres were as- sessed to residents.
Wild land to the extent of 37.802 acres was taxed to non-resident proprietors.
This tax disturbed the settlers considerably. They were not prepared for such a burden, and experienced some difficulty in meeting it.
In addition to this, there were local expenses which called for an additional tax. The warrant for, and record of the meeting in which this matter was consid- ered, are interesting relics :
"A WARRANT FOR PLANTATION MEETING.
TO ICHABOD BAKER, COLLECTOR, GREETING .- These are in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to Require you. as soon as may be, to notify and warn the Freeholders, and other Inhabitants of the Plantation of Wales Qualified as the Law Di- rects, to meet together on thirsday, the 20th Day of March Next, at one o'clock in the afternoon, at the Dwelling House of Mr. Icha- bod Bakers, in said Wales, then and their to Act on the following Articles, viz., Istly to Chuse a moderator, 2dly, to know the minds of the Town, whither they will Reconsider that vote that was past Last March, Conserning a Plantation Tax and see what they will do in Regard to it, 4thly to know the minds of the Town in Re- gard to High-ways, and to act on anything els they shall then think Proper. Given under our hands & seals this 28th day of February, A. D., 1783.
JAMES BLOSSOM. JONATHAN THOMPSON. | Assessors."
"Pursuant to A Warrant to mne Directed, these are to notify all Inhabitants of the Plantation of Wales to meet Togather on Thirs- day the 20th Day of March, 1783, at one of the Clock, in the after
1 22
HISTORY OF MONMOUTH,
Noon, at the House of Ichabod Bakers in sd Wales, then & thire to act on the Following articles-istly, To Chuse A Moderator to Regerlate sd Meeting. 2ndly, to Chuse Town officcers, for the year 1783 and 1784. 3dly. to know the minds of the Town, whether they will reconsider that vote that was past last March concerning a Town tax, and see what measures they will take Conserning it. 4thly, to know the Towns mind in Regard to Highways. 5thly, and Lastly to act on anything els that they shall think proper. ICHABOD BAKER, Colector.
Wales, Feby. ye 28th, A. D. 1783."
"The Proceedings of a Plantation Meeting held at Mr. Ichabod Bakers in Wales the 20th day of March, 1783.
Istly, Chose Capt. Peter Hopkins moderator. 2dly, Chose James Blossom Plantation Clark. 3dly, Chose Mr. Jonathan Thompson Assessor. 4thly, Chose James Blossom Assessor. 5thly, Chose Samuel Simmons Assessor. 6thly, Chose James Blossom Treasurer. 7thly, Voted to Raise six pound to Defray Plantation charges. Sthly, Chose Mr. Philip Jenkins Collector for 1783. 9thly and Lastly, Chose Mr. Thomas Gray Collector for 1784. Afterwards Excepted of Mr. Gray to collect the whole. JAMES BLOSSOM, Clark.
Wales, March ye 20th, A. D. 1783."
From these records we learn that the officers elected at the annual meeting of 1783, were to serve two years. Consequently it is not probable that any business meet- ing of the tax payers was held in 1784. The sum total of all that is known of the proceedings for this year is found in two orders:
"WALES, DECEMBER YE STH, 1784.
Sir :- Please to pay Ichabod Baker nine shillings, four pence and two farthings out of the Plantation treasure, and his receit shall be your security for the same.
SAM'L SIMMONS
JONA. THOMPSON ١ Assessors.
To James Blossom, treasurer."
123
A NEW ADMINISTRATION.
"WALES, FEBRUARY YE 21St, 1785.
Sir :- Please to pay out of the treasure of this Plantation, unto Ichabod Baker, one Pound, three shillings and ten Pence, and charge the same to said Plantation.
per us, SAM'L SIMMONS JONA. THOMPSON Assessors."
The records of the ensuing year shared the fate of those of 1784. For some purpose a meeting was held on the 21st of September, as is shown by a private memorandum:
"the men that Atend the meeting in Wales, on the 2 Ist of September, 1785 are as Followith viz. Capt. James Blossom. Jonathan Thompson, Ens. Benjamin Dearborn, Lieut. Levi Dearborn, John Welch, Daniel Gilman, Elexander Thompson, Peter Lyon, John Chandler and Joseph Chandler."
It is probable that Samuel Simmons. Jonathan Thompson and Capt. James Blossom were assessors this year, and that the latter was also treasurer, and Ichabod Baker collector.
The above memorandum shows that the Epping Colony was well represented in this meeting. A revo- lution in local politics was about to take place. Those who had for four years managed the affairs and borne the petty honors of the plantation government were. from this time on, to have little voice in public matters. The New Hampshire settlers now assumed almost complete control. They "made up the slate," and were strong enough to carry it. The New Meadows pioneers were just about as strong numerically, but they were not bound together as closely by family ties. and were more ambitious to secure a competency by strict attention to their farm work than to worm them-
1
124
HISTORY OF MONMOUTH.
selves into the small honors of local affairs. With the men of Epping, it was different. John Chandler was born a politician, and he never sold his birthright. No office that was a stepping-stone to something higher was beneath his notice; and whatever he wanted, he generally managed to secure. The men from Epping were nearly all related by marriage, which added to the strength of the bonds that would naturally exist between those who had been neighbors before coming to the new settlement; and, in addition to this collective power, were individually influential, on account of the relationship which existed between them and Gen. Dearborn, who was highly respected by the pioneers, both as a supposed wealthy proprietor of land in the plantation, and as a military hero.
Of the proceedings for the year 1786, we have very meagre knowledge. From an article in the plantation warrant for the year 1789, we learn that Joseph Allen was elected collector. The purport of this article was "to see if the Plantation will vote to sink the taxes of several persons that are taxed in Mr. Allen's tax bills for 1786, which taxes cannot be collected of said per- sons." It was "voted to sink eight pounds, five shillings and five pence, it being several persons' taxes in Mr. Allen's tax bills for 1786, viz., George Miller, Reuben Ham, Jr .. Andrew Norris, Mayberry Evans, Gail Coal, Nathaniel Smith, Holman's heirs, and Mary Thomp- son, and bear the Committee harmless that was appoint- ed to lay out the taxes, as by order of the Court, for not laying out the money as per order of Court, and free the Committee from all, and any damage on the account."
,
*** W.
125
A NEW ADMINISTRATION.
Richard Thompson came from Brunswick in 1786, and settled in the north part of Wales. Two years later, in the month of March, Stephen and John Andrews removed from the same place and located near Thompson. Still another year, and Richard and James Labree attached themselves to the same neigh- borhood.
John Ham and his four sons, John, Samuel, Clement and Reuben, came in and took up farms in the west part of the town, on the Pond road. John settled on the farm now owned by Joseph Wight, resided there a short time, then removed to the place now owned by O. A. Bronson. Clement settled first on the farm afterwards owned by William Fogg, now by B. S. Fogg. Reuben settled in the northwest corner of the town. and was killed by a falling tree about 1803.
The earliest existing assessors' list possesses suffi- cient interest to warrant its insertion :
NAMES.
ACRES. NAMES.
ACRES.
Daniel Allen,
100.
James Blossom, 100.
Widow Thompson,
150. John Chandler, 100.
John Fish,
200.
Alexander Thompson, 100.
Peter Lyon,
100. Caleb Fogg, 100.
Ichabod Baker,
175. Gorden Freas,
100.
John Welch,
175. Nathaniel Smith, 200.
Simon Dearborn,
200.
James Norris,
103.
clo. do.
So. Timothy Wight,
150.
do. do. do.
799. Thomas Stockin,
60.
Nathaniel Brainerd,
60. Josiah Brown,
50.
B. Dearborn,
So. Daniel Gilman,
104.
Josiah Whittredge,
100. Gilman Moody,
IOS.
Thomas Gray,
150. Jonathan Thompson, 150.
Joseph Allen,
150. Philip Jenkins, 150.
100.
Gen. Henry Dearborn,
4.426 Zadoc Bishop,
I 26
HISTORY OF MONMOUTH.
NAMES.
ACRES. NAMES. ACRES.
Reuben Ham.
150. Richard Thompson, 150.
John Andrews.
150. J. Labree, 150.
R. Labree,
150. Stephen Gray, 150.
Joseph Remick,
150. Patrick Cannon, 150.
B. Weymouth,
150. S. Weymouth. 150.
The annual meeting of Wales Plantation for the year 1787 was held at the house of Ensign Benjamin Dear- born, on Monday, March II. Major James Norris was chosen moderator; John Chandler, clerk: Jonathan Thompson, Levi Dearborn and Ichabod Baker, asses- sors; Jonathan Thompson, treasurer and collector : John Chandler, Philip Jenkins and Daniel Allen, sur- veyors of highways; Gilman Moody, Alexander Thomp- son and Daniel Allen, surveyors of lumber (this is the first time that surveyors of lumber were admitted to the body of town officers) ; Major James Norris. Lieut. Levi Dearborn and Ensign Benjamin Dearborn. committee for fishways; Captain James Blossom, Ben- jamin Dearborn and Alexander Thompson, committee to examine accounts against the plantation. At this meeting it was "voted to raise ten pounds to defray Plantation charges; voted, to raise thirty pounds to lay out on the road. Voted, that the above thirty pounds be laid out at four shillings for a day's work; voted to choose a Committee to hire Mr. Smith three Sabbaths. and the same Committee to see what conditions Mr. Smith will settle in the place upon, and consult Col. Dearborn, to see on what conditions he will convey the land he will give to the minister: voted, that Joseph Allen, Capt. James Blossom and Levi Dearborn be a committee to agree with Mr. Smith and Col. Dear- born."
127
A NEW ADMINISTRATION.
As Mr. Smith did not continue to preach in the plan- tation, it is evident that satisfactory arrangements were not effected with that gentleman and Col. Dearborn.
The second meeting for the year 1787 was held at Ichabod Baker's house, on Monday, the 20th day of April. Capt. James Blossom was chosen moderator, and Levi Dearborn, James Blossom and Ichabod Baker, a committee to consult Col. Dearborn in rela- tion to securing a title to the "burying-place." The meeting was then adjourned to the 23d of April, 1787.
At the adjourned meeting, held April 23, it was "voted that Benjamin Dearborn be overseer to keep the obligation that shall be drawn and signed to fence and clear the burying-place, and see that the work is done. Each man subscribes his name, and the meeting is dissolved.
JOHN CHANDLER, Clerk."
The burying-place referred to is the one mentioned on page 37 as being on land nearly opposite George L. King's, south of Monmouth Center. As has been stated, many bodies were interred there, and a large number of them still remain in their first resting place ; among others, the first wife of Robert Withington. There is no evidence that Gen. Dearborn ever gave the plantation any title to this land, nor that the obli- gation to clear and fence it was ever fulfilled.
The third meeting of the plantation for the year 1787 was duly warned to be held at the house of Capt. Levi Dearborn, on the 27th day of August, "at two o'clock in the afternoon, to act on the following articles, viz., Ist, to choose a moderator; 2d, To choose three meet persons to take a valuation of the Plantation, agreeable to a resolve of the General Court, July 7th,
I28
HISTORY OF MONMOUTH.
1787; 3d, To consider something concerning the ex- tent and bounds of the Plantation; 4th. To give in their votes for a separate State."
The warrant was signed by. Levi Dearborn and Ichabod Baker, assessors, and directed to Jonathan Thompson, collector. At the appointed time, the vot- ers of the plantation met and "chose Capt. James Blos- som, moderator; 2d, Chose Capt. James Blossom, Maj- or James Norris and John Chandler a Committee to take the valuation to the order of the Court; 2d, voted to return as far south as Richard Thompson. and east- erly, so as to take in the neck; 4th that the article con- cerning a separate state be referred for the Committee to get a copy for each man to sign, Yea or Nay." The meeting was then dissolved.
This was one of the most important meeting in the history of the plantation. The plantation bounds had been very loosely defined, and even now the phrase "easterly so as to take in the neck" seemed to allow considerable expansion or contraction of the bounds in that direction.
The article concerning a separate state was in refer- ence to the separation of the Province of Maine from Massachusetts, which had, even at that early day, been agitated.
This year the first county tax was assessed against the plantation. Its quota reached the amount of four pounds, sixteen shillings and nine pence.
The annual meeting for the year 1788 convened, on the third day of March, at the house of Levi Dearborn. Capt. James Blossom was chosen moderator; John Chandler, clerk, and Lieut. Jonathan Thompson, Capt.
129
A NEW ADMINISTRATION.
Levi Dearborn and Major James Norris, assessors. It was "voted that the office of treasurer be vested in the assessors." It was also voted to adopt the method of choosing a collector by "vendue", or auction, and that the man who bid off the collectorship should secure bonds. Prior to this date, the collectors were elected in the same manner as the other officials, and no bonds- men were required. The custom thus inaugurated has seldom been broken. Gilman Moody bid off the taxes at one shilling and tenpence on the pound. Capt. Levi Dearborn was his bondsman. Daniel Gilman and Nathaniel Smith were elected surveyors of lumber: Ensign Benj. Dearborn, John Welch and Daniel Allen. a committee to keep the fish-ways open ; and Capt. Levi Dearborn, John Chandler and Ensign Benj. Dearborn. a committee to examine the accounts against the plan- tation. It was voted to raise ten pounds to defray plantation charges. No surveyors of highways were chosen; therefore it is to be presumed that the roads cared for themselves the following twelvemonth.
The annual meeting of 1789 was held at Capt. Levi Dearborn's, on Monday, April 6th. Lieut. Simon Dear- born was chosen moderator; John Chandler, clerk: Capt. Levi Dearborn. Lieut. Simon Dearborn and John Chandler, assessors. The collectorship was bid off by Capt. James Blossom, at one shilling and sixpence on the pound. John Welch was his bondsman. It was voted to vest the office of treasurer in the assessors. Capt. Peter Hopkins. Joseph Allen. Capt. Levi Dear- born, Maj. James Norris and Jongue Booker were elect- ed surveyors of highways. It was "voted to comply with the Resolve of Court with regard to the back
130
HISTORY OF MONMOUTH.
taxes, prior to No. 6; voted, to work out the sum grant- ed by Court for us to work out on the Roads, at four shillings pr. day for man, and three for oxen." Capt. Levi Dearborn, Lieut. Simon Dearborn and John Chan- dler were elected a committee to expend the money granted by Court "to be laid out in schooling and preaching and on roads," and to procure a minister and school-master; "voted, to raise ten pounds to defray Plantation Charges the present year." Major James Norris, Capt. James Blossom and Ensign Benjamin Dearborn were chosen a committee to examine the accounts against the plantation. It was, also, "voted, that the Committee lay before the Meeting next April the accounts against the Plantation." Daniel Allen and Capt. Peter Hopkins were chosen surveyors of lumber; John Welch, Benj. Dearborn and Daniel Allen, fish committee.
The population must have increased greatly during the previous fiscal year, as the voting list exhibited a numerical gain of almost seventy per cent. In voting for governor, John Hancock received forty-five votes; for lieut. gov., Adams received the same number; for senator, Daniel Cony received thirty votes and Samuel Thompson seventeen.
The second meeting for 1789 was held at Capt. Levi Dearborn's, on Monday, the 21st of December. Capt. Peter Hopkins was chosen moderator. It was "voted, to petition the General Court for incorporation. Voted, to petition to call the town Wales. Voted. to reconsider this vote. and petition to call the town Mon- mouth." This name was selected as a tribute of re- speet to Gen. Dearborn, whose gallant conduct at the
131
A NEW ADMINISTRATION.
battle of Monmouth, N. J., won from General Wash- ington warm commendation, and fixed his name in inseparable connection with the spot. Simon Dear- born was selected to forward this petition to the Gen- eral Court. The meeting was then adjourned, to meet at the same place the following Monday. The object of this meeting, in the words of the notification, was "to make preparations for incorporation by calling to an account and settling with all the Assessors, Treasur- ers and Collectors of the Plantation, from the first act as a Plantation to the annual meeting of 1789, and to settle with any other officers or persons that have had any of the money or property of the Plantation committed to him or them; also to settle with any persons that have any demands against said Plantation. and adjust the accounts between all creditors to the Plantation and the Plantation, in order to know whether the Plantation is in debt or not. For the accomplishment of this pur- pose, a Committee shall be chosen, said Committee to report to this meeting the standing of the Plantation, and lay before it the accounts they have settled." The collector was also required to "notify all persons that had any accounts open with the Plantation, or that had been Assessors, Collectors or Treasurers, or any other persons concerned in the matter" to attend this convo- cation, warning them that if they neglected to attend to their business at this meeting, they might not expect to have any accounts allowed thereafter. At the appoint- ed time, the voters of the plantation assembled at the place of adjournment. Capt. James Blossom was placed in the chair, and Ichabod Baker, John Chandler and Capt. Peter Hopkins were chosen a committee to
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.