USA > Maine > Oxford County > Paris > History of Paris, Maine, from its settlement to 1880, with a history of the grants of 1736 & 1771, together with personal sketches, a copious genealogical register and an appendix > Part 22
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boundaries. The different agents were, for the Centre District, now the Hill-Benj. Hammond, the grandfather of Geo, F., and H. E. Hammond, who lived where H. E. Hammond now lives; for the southeast section of the town, Thomas Stevens, who lived where Elbert Clifford now resides ; for the southwest part of the town, including South Paris, Joel Robinson, who lived on what is now the town farm ; for the Hall neighborhood, Jona- than Shurtleff; for that part lying north of South Paris and west of the river, Joseph Swift, who lived in the house where John Stevens now resides ; for the Partridge District, Seth Carpenter, who lived at the four corners, where E. E. Hanson formerly resided; for the section north of that, John Gray, father of Robert and Elbridge Gray, who lived where Sylvester Dean now lives ; for the Stearns District-then called the Bemis District-Jonathan Bemis, the grandfather of Charles and David Bemis, who then lived on the place where the late Asaph Bird lived, but afterwards removed to the Hill ; for the Harbor District, Seth Benson, the grandfather of our present Seth Benson, who lived just out of what is now the village of North Paris.
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Thus matters went on until 1810, when the number of districts had increased to 14, and for the first time the numbers were recorded. They were as follows, still without any recorded bounds :
Daniel Stowell, No. 1. He lived on the old Stowell farm.
Lemuel Holmes, No. 2. This was the Whitehead District.
Jairus Shaw, No. 3. Lived where Emmor Rawson lives.
John Robinson, No. 4. On the Preston Robinson place.
Jon'n Shurtleff, No. 5. Hall District, near where J. Churchill lives.
Benj. Hammond, No. 6. Centre District.
Job Lurvey, No. 7. Tuell District.
Samuel Hammond, No. 8. No Paris.
John Records. No. 9. S. E. corner. This District was nearly all after- wards set off into Hebron.
Samuel King, No. 10. King District.
('aleb Prentiss, No. 11. Mountain District, where Julius A. King lives.
Benj. Cooper, No. 12. Whittemore District.
Geo. Ryerson, No. 13. Partridge District.
Simeon Walton, No. 14. Dean District.
I have been obliged to give the names thus at length, as the only means by which the districts could be identified. Still they do not seem to get the matter settled, for the very next year, 1811, the town voted for Capt. Jairus Shaw to look up the old plan of the town whereon the school districts have been divided, and fetch the same before the town at their next meeting. Thus matters remained generally until 1818, when No. 1 was divided, and the present No. 2 formed from a part thereof. From that time up to 1828, no great changes were made, but in that year a committee was again appointed to investigate the bounds of the districts, and they made their report, giving the limits and bounds of the 16 districts into which the town was then divided, which was entered upon the records, and the numbers given to the districts which they still retain, and now for the first time one
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could go to the records and ascertain the bounds of the districts. Only four districts have been added to that number up to the present time, and we now have twenty districts in town. At the first town meeting in 1793, it was voted that the inhabitants of each district shall build a school house, or otherwise provide a place for keeping their schools. No houses were however built for a number of years, and a variety of places were used for school rooms. In general, in summer, some convenient barn or other out- building was selected.
Thus, schools were held in Isaac Bolster's corn barn, also in a barn over in the Robinson neighborhood ; also Win. Swan, who is now 87, informs me that in his early youth he attended school in the barn on the Smith farm, now occupied by Freeland Swan. This barn was taken down and forms part of the stable connected with the residence of T. J. Whitehead, Esq. Caleb Swift, who is now 82, informs me that he attended school in a little shoemaker's shop, built by his brother, Joseph Swift on the Churchill farm, and that in winter the schools were sometimes kept in Smith's house, this house was removed to South Paris afterwards, and is the house where J. Curtis now lives ; and sometimes in the house where Jos. Libby now resides. A school was kept for a number of years by Abijah Hall, father of Mrs. Charlotte Bolster, in his house, where John S. Barrows now lives. Schools were also held in various other parts of the town, and if we under- stand the matter rightly, children in those days considered it a great thing to have even such poor privileges as these, and did not have to be coaxed and driven to fine school houses with all the modern conveniences of books, maps, globes, &c. If any scholar within the sound of my voice thinks he or she is having a hard time of it, let him think of the poor advantages our fathers had, and the manner in which they used those advantages, and the great results which flowed therefrom, and take heart and courage and press forward.
During the first years of the town, an attempt was made on several occa- sions to have the town build some school houses as a town, but it alway failed.
In 1800, the first school house in town was built in the Centre District, on the lot of land where the house of the late Thos. Crocker stands. Through the neglect of the committee to take a deed, the title failed, and the build- ing was removed some years after to the lot where the brick school house now stands, on Lincoln street, the lot having been given by Lemuel Jack- son. The old school house must have been completed in the Fall of 1800, for the town meetings which up to this time had been held at the house of Lemuel Jackson, in the Spring of 1801, were called at the Center school house. They continued to be held here up to Aug. 14, 1804, when the first town meeting was held in the meeting house just beside us. In August, 1801, the Selectmen issued a warrant to Edward Andrews to call a meeting of School District No. 9, (as then numbered) to meet at the house of Job Lurvey to see if they would build a school house. There is no record of any action under this warrant, and we conclude no action was taken under it.
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The first reliable intelligence of any other school house after this, is mention made in 1805, in laying out a road ; that it starts nearly opposite the school house near Lieut. Samuel King's. This is in the King District, and the present house there, stands on nearly the same location as the original house. In the same year, 1805, a school house was built in the Bemis District, now the Stearns District, as we find in 1806, at both the March and September meetings of the town, Lemuel Jackson applied to the town to see what they would do about relieving him on account of his hav- ing been, taxed in the Bemis District for a school house. The record does not state the grounds of his application, but on both occasions the town gave him leave to retire. School houses were erected quite rapidly after this, District No. 1 building one at the fork of the road where the old meeting house afterwards stood. The school house was removed near to the Knight road, so-called, afterwards nearly back to its first position, and then to its present location. The old school house in the Hall District, sat on the Hall farm, and was afterwards removed to its present location. In the Whitehead District, the school house was built where it now stands, and the frame of the present house is the frame of the first house. In No. 4, or the Bisco District, the first school house was on the old county road, now discontinued about 80 rods north of Lemuel Jackson's house. It stood there for a number of years, and many within the sound of my voice can remember attending school there. It was burnt. down, and rebuilt on the spot where it now stands. In the Partridge District, the first school house stood at the four corners near the Hanson house, but was finally changed to its present location. Other houses were built, so that in 1815, every organized distriet had a school house, such as it was. They were not all of the nicest construction, but they were comfortable. They most all had the large, generous, open fire-place and huge chinmey which was a feature in all buildings of that day ; some of them had a wide projection over the fire-place; and the old folks record that one of the teachers used to utilize that, when the scholars were restless, by posting one of them up there, whom he termed a crow, to watch and report the roguishness of the others. In most of the houses, as they were repaired or rebuilt, the old open fire-place gave way to the more modern stove; though in the Whitte- more District, as late as 1840, the warming apparatus consisted of an old potash kettle inverted and set up on bricks with a hole knocked through the bottom for the funnel ; and it was in the ashes under this old kettle that Master Bailey used to warm his beech rods previous to warming the scholars. In 1818, District No. 2 was formed, and the Free Masons united with the district and built the old school house on the lot where F. C. Mer- rill's storehouse now stands. The masons used the upper part as their hall. This served the district until they purchased the Oxford Normal Institute, when it was torn down, and put up again as the frame work of the house owned by Z. C. Perry. In 1805, there was an article inserted in the town warrant, to see if the town would raise a sum of money to hire a master to instruct the youth in the art of singing. I am sorry to say, however, that the town ignominiously passed over the article. In 1820, the town chose
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its first regular school committee, viz ; Stephen Emery, Jairus S. Keith and Henry Prentiss, and at the same time prescribed their duties, as follows :
"1st. To examine all candidates for school masters and school mis- tresses. before they enter upon the important duty of school instruction : and give certificates of approbation to such of them as shall be found properly qualified-the certificate of the chairman to be absolutely neces- sary in all cases.
2d. That it shall be the duty of the chairman of the committee afore- said, to visit all schools in the town taught by masters, once near the com- mencement, and again at the close of each school-to ascertain the kind of books used in the school, recommend such as he may approve; to examine into the methods of instruction, and give such advice as he may think necessary. The chairman of said committee previously giving notice to the school agent and master of the time appointed for the examination.
3d. That the chairman of the committee make an annual report to the town at their first meeting, after the examination of the schools, of the number of scholars in each school, the amount of money appropriated and expended, and the time of its continuance.
4th. That it shall be the duty of said committee, without compensation, except to the chairman, together with the several school agents, to attend the chairman in his examinations of the several schools at the last examin- ation. unless necessarily prevented."
These were the duties enjoined upon the committee, and a strict adherence to them at the present day will serve to increase the efficiency of our schools. We have had for teachers in past years many men who were celebrated in their profession in their day. There was Jacob Bradbury, who was called one of the best teachers of his day. Lewis Follet, who was considered somewhat tyrannical, as he marched about the room with his two foot ruler in his hand. I fancy one of my hearers can still remem- ber his feelings, when the old man, after punishing two or three, turned around to him and said, "Luther, I will settle with you in the morning." Also, Ezra Tubbs, known as Schoolmaster Tubbs, who always had a nick- name for every scholar. He was a strict disciplinarian, and when he shouted, "John, you blockhead, sit up straighter!" John was apt to stiffen his backbone immediately. Dea. Joel B. Thayer, who is still living, and some of my hearers can still remember, without doubt, how foolish they felt, when, after they were men-grown, and came in late, he made them stand in the floor and read aloud the story of the bad boy who, climbing the tree after birds' nests, got hung from one of the branches by a hole in his garments. Then there were W. W. Virgin, now Judge Virgin, Hannibal Hamlin, who taught his first and only school in this town, and hosts of others whom I have not space to mention.
Time also forbids any mention of the Oxford Normal Institute, and Paris Hill Academy, both institutions which have honored the town and left their impress upon many of the public men of our State. We can hardly conceive of a greater calamity which could befall this town than that, by indifference or neglect, it should allow the system of free common schools-
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to fall into disuse, and the foul and degrading spirit of ignorance to under- mine and destroy the fair edifice which our fathers have so nobly erected.
Then came the dinner. This exercise was one of the most gigan- tic, and at the same time, one of the best conducted feasts of which history (town history) has spoken. It is no easy task to feed five or six thousand hungry people ; but the committee had made such systematic arrangements that there was no jar, and but the minimum of confusion. Most of the young men and maidens of Paris were enlisted as waiters. At a private waiters' meeting in the town house, that building was completely filled ; and yet this host was only suffi- cient to supply the demands of the hungry multitude. The invited guests of each district were furnished with cards, and took their seats at the first table. The tables were arranged in the mammoth tent. and numbered according to the School Districts in town. Before anything was disturbed, the tent presented a fine appearance. The tables were covered with fine white cloths, were laid with china, and flowers adorned every available spot. Notwithstanding many were fearful, the provisions were ample for all, and none went away unsatisfied on account of lack of food. There were bushels remain- ing after the feast was ended.
When the company had been called together, after dinner, by Rip- ley's band, Mr. S. A. Bolster of Boston, read a history of the mili- tary men of Paris, which is omitted here to avoid repetition, as the complete military history of the town appears elsewhere.
At the conclusion of Mr. Bolster's address, Hon. S. C. Andrews of Portland was introduced, and assumed the duties of Toast Master.
He first called, "Paris-past and present." Response by Hon. Hannibal Hamlin.
Mr. Hamlin's response was extemporaneous, and cannot be repro- duced. He spoke of the progress of the world and of Paris for one hundred years, from the time when this territory was an unbroken wilderness until now, when it is filled with the happy homes of thrifty and intelligent men and women. He then narrated several anec- dotes of the early settlers of Paris, to illustrate their character and customs, and closed with a description of the surpassing beauty of the outlook from Paris Hill.
The following hymn written by Hon. Geo. F. Emery, was sung by the whole audience, led by Ripley's band.
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CENTENNIAL HYMN.
(Tune Oid Hundred.)
O God, Most High ! bow down thine ear, Our swelling song, deign thou to hear; And while to thee the voice we raise, Inspire each heart with joyful praise.
Thy Providence our Fathers led, When here their tents at first were spread ; Their lives and labors thou didst bless With mercies rich and numberless.
These hills and vales, this rugged soil, Attest the nature of their toil ; The wilderness which here they found, Now smiles with blossoms all around.
The varied fruitage of their care, We, their descendants, largely share ; The debt we own-their gifts we take- Their virtues, too, we'll ne'er forsake.
As future years shall run their round, Let grace and mercy still abound ; Crown thou our sons, of every age, With heaven's choicest heritage.
"The Legal Fraternity," was responded to by Hon. Alvah Black.
I feel honored in being permitted on this occasion to speak for the law, and for the lawyers of Paris, past and present. It is an honor to be allowed to represent the law and the profession on any occasion, great or small. The greatness of the subject magnifies its representative, and what earthly subject can be greater than the law? constituting, as it does, the rules established, whether by legislation, the decision of the courts or the decrees of rulers, for the preservation of order and the protection of life, liberty and property. Coming down to us through the ages from different sources, expanded, improved and purified by the experience and wisdom of the learned and able men of all times, it has well been pronounced the perfection of human wisdom. It adapts itself to all the changes of times, places, circumstances and conditions, and ever casts its sheltering arm about us, and interposes its protecting shield when danger assails.
In the ordinary pursuits of life we little realize how entirely dependent we ever are upon the law for the safety of our lives, liberty and property, and for the happiness of home and all its blessings. Take away the law and chaos would come again, anarchy and violence would usurp the place of order and peace, the law of the strongest would universally prevail, and savageness and desolation would settle down on the land.
This is no exaggeration. The experience and observation of every man furnish convincing proof of its truth to ordinary intelligence. How impor- tant, then, that the laws shall be wisely administered ! The State has done
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its part. It has provided us with judges eminent and learned, and all the requisite officers, and has furnished us with suitable and necessary build- ings, and all the paraphernalia needful to the Courts. But all the learning of the law, all the wisdom of the Courts would be of little avail to the wants of the public, without the intervening agency of the lawyer. His learning, experience, and skill, are absolutely essential to the proper pre- sentation in Court, of the rights and the wrongs of the community, and for securing the ends of justice. The agency of the lawyer cannot be dis- pensed with in the administration of justice. Ages of experience have taught this. Ignorance and inexperience cannot with safety enter the Courts. Paris has been fortunate in its lawyers. Three-quarters of a cen- tury it has been the shire town of Oxford county, from the time of its establishment in 1805, and early became the headquarters of the legal pro- fession for the county, and held that position till a comparatively recent date. Many lawyers have lived here, many who have been an ornament to the bar, and some who have adorned the bench. We have had our Parris, our Lincoln, our Emery, our Cole, and others too numerous to mention here, whom the State and the nation have delighted to honor, and in whom as members of the profession, we may justly take pride, and none for whom we are called to blush. I would be glad to give a sketch of all, and a more extended notice of the more prominent of our earlier lawyers; but time forbids. I will do what I can in noticing a part of them in their life as lawyers and citizens here. (The personal sketches of the lawyers may be found in another place.)
"The Medical Profession," was responded to by Dr. T. H. Brown of Paris, whose sketches of Paris physicians with additions, are given in another place.
Dr. Brown closed his remarks as follows :
"Many reflections are naturally suggested by the foregoing facts, con- cerning the settlement, character and services of the medical profession for the hundred years just ended, during which the town of Paris has emerged from a wilderness, to fertile fields, busy workshops and pleasant dwellings. The contrast between now and then is difficult to estimate, and almost incomprehensible. It required enterprise, courage and faith in the pioneers of this region, who first felled the trees in town, and prepared the way for civilization. It also required courage, faith and self-sacrifice to undertake the practice of medicine, when the visiting must be done over new and rough roads, over streams without bridges, and over the snow with snow shoes, through the deep forest and everywhere that men might choose to make a clearing or erect a cabin. Accidents and diseases, involving life, were as liable to occur in a new as in an old settlement; and the necessity for the surgeon and the physician was often urgent and pressing. Cases often arose to test the ability of physicians in those days. Many years ago, a hardy pioneer, Capt. Abner Rawson, rose early in the morning, and as he passed out of his dwelling in the dark, he slipped upon the doorstep and fell to the ground, striking his hand upon a sharp axe, and severing the
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largest artery at the wrist. He bled profusely. The physician came, but could not find and secure the artery. Pressure was made over the artery to stop the bleeding till the hand was ready to mortify. He had lost so much blood that his friends gave him up to die. The postman who carried the mail across the country from Bridgton, heard some one relating the case, and said he believed that if they would send for Dr. Farnsworth, he could stop the bleeding. The Dr. was sent for and came and tied the artery and saved the valuable life, on the point of perishing. The profession of medicine in Paris, as we look backward, has illustrated the common fate of all classes. Some have entered upon the stage of service and remained only a few months or years, while others have kept in harness, toiling up the steep ascent of life during a half or a quarter of a century. Some, after learning the hardships and responsibilities of surgery, have aban- doned the practice, and sought more profitable or more congenial employ- inent in other business or professions. Some have been the beneficiaries of popular favor, and been elected as State Representatives or county officers -in this respect. vieing with the farmers, mechanics and traders-the pro- fessions of law and theology, in their love of fame and their care of the State. Others still have labored steadily, resolutely and perseveringly in the practice of their profession, among the rich and the poor, in storm and sunshine. in heat and cold-ambitious only to honor their calling, fulfil a sacred mission, and benefit their fellow men.
But notwithstanding the versatility of tastes, and the direction of the talents of the physicians of this town, it will be conceded on all hands, and everywhere, that the members of the profession in Paris, almost with- out exception, have been worthy, reliable men, upright and honorable in every relation of life. The inhabitants of Paris can therefore look back over the past century with pride and satisfaction, as they read the names, the lives and services of those who have passed away, while a grateful pos- terity will embalm their memory, and preserve its fragrance for future generations. Let us hope that those now living may, at the close of the next century, gain as fair a record and as just an appreciation. And what will another century bring forth? We would fain hope that our land would remain the great Western Republic, preserved in its integrity, with many added states-all prospering in the arts of peace and plenty-all develop- ing into a higher civilization, a broader intelligence, a godlier christianity. This shall be our hope to-day, and this the fruition of all the toils of genius and the creative power of mental and muscular force. But with the minuta- tions of the past century before us-with the fall of dynasties here-the changes in the form of government there-with the moral and mental attri- tion everywhere busy evolving new methods in science, morals and law, what may not be the possibilities in the way of change, in another century ? If we can judge the future by the past, revolution will touch and modify the profession of medicine, as it has touched and modified commerce, transportation, business, law and theology ; and it is a somewhat melan- choly thought, that what we view with pride and satisfaction in all these
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things to-day, may, in one hundred years, aye will, be forgotten and buried in oblivion.
"So sleeps the pride of former years ; So glory's thrill is o'er ;
And hearts that once beat high for praise, Now feel that pulse no more."
"The State of Maine," was represented by Hon. Warren H. Vin- ton of Gray.
"The Daughters of Paris," were represented by Mrs. H. E. Pren- tiss of Bangor, who spoke as follows :
Mr. President :
It gives me much pleasure to answer for the daughters of Paris, of whom nearly half of this vast assembly is composed. By their works ye shall know them. To-day we have partaken of their bounty, and we owe them our thanks.
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