History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 152

Author: Williams, Chase & Co., Cleveland (Ohio)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams, Chase & Co.
Number of Pages: 1100

USA > Maine > Penobscot County > History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 152

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But this was the last anniversary of American Inde- pendence that Captain Williams was to celebrate in that capacity. Major David J. Bent, having resigned the office of Major on the 15th, Captain Williams was pro- moted to that office, with which he was very much pleased.

Several young men felt it a duty to keep the military spirit alive, and organized a company of light infantry, which they called the Independent Volunteers. On the IIth of July under the command of Captain Zebediah Rogers, they marched to what is now Emerson street, and, when opposite the residence of Judge Dutton, were presented with an elegant standard (painted by Hardy) by Miss Julia Dutton-in behalf of the young ladies- who made an address, in which, among other things, she said :

The young ladies of Bangor, yet retaining a fresh recollection of the horrors excited by an invading enemy in war, and fully appreciating the blessings of civil freedom and liberty enjoyed in common, and that sex upon whom they must at all times depend for protection ; and feel- ing a deep interest for the welfare of our common country, avail them- selves of the present opportunity for interchanging with you the senti- ments essential to the existence of every happy political government, by respectfully presenting to you this standard. . We

do not exhort you to study war and destruction ; we invite you to prac- tice the principles and enjoy the pleasures of virtuous peace.

Ensign David Nye received the standard, and, after thanking the fair donors, said:

We are proud of your compliments, and we hope to deserve them. We wish, as you do, for peace, but we know that in order to secure it

we must be prepared for war, and let it come when it will, the enemy shall find that we strike our colors only to those by whom they were presented !"

The soldierly appearance and performances of the company excited much admiration. And it was meet that they should afterward sit down to one of Colonel Lumbert's best dinners, with several of their friends, and enjoy themselves after the manner of soldiers under such circumstances. *

This year the road from the pine tree at the ferry-way, thence running northwesterly through Hermon and other towns to Exeter, called the "Northwest Avenue," was contemplated, and Samuel Lowder, Jr., William Emerson, James McLaughlin, and others, originated a movement for its laying-out.

Much interest was felt in the Penobscot Indians, and a society was formed in March, this year, for their im- provement. Rev. Professor John Smith was made Presi- dent; Rev. Harvey Loomis, Vice-President; Mr. Daniel Pike, Secretary; Deacon Stephen S. Crosby, Treasurer ; Rev. Otis Briggs, Rev. Professor Fowler, and Messrs. Jacob McGaw, Wilmot Wood, Ebenezer Webster, Joseph Treat, and Royal Clark, with the other officers, were constituted a Board of Managers.

In July the society had a school in operation at Old- town, under the charge of Mr. Josiah Brewer, late Pre- ceptor of the Bangor Academy. About thirty children attended the school. These children had never been under any restraint, and the utmost patience was required in training them. It was very difficult to induce them to give their attention to any particular study for more than a few minutes at a time. The least occurrence would divert their mind, and in the midst of a lesson they would run away, and return when the mood suited them. The society was fortunate in obtaining the services of Mr. Brewer. He loved the work, was kind and pa- tient, and by his gentle, persuasive manner succeeded in accomplishing much good.

The tribe consisted of about three hundred persons. They were poor and degraded. The men continued their old customs of hunting and fishing, and the women wove baskets. Their dwellings were wretched wigwams and cabins, and the comforts of civilized life were not appreciated by them. The purpose of the society was to inspire them with some ambition for a better condition, morally, intellectually, and physically. But they had to depend upon small contributions and the assistance of ladies by the needle in clothing the children. The man- agers expected to derive about $100 a year from sub- scriptions of members. The funds realized were not sufficient to maintain a teacher for a great length of time; and Mr. Brewer, after a few months' labor, went into the employ of the American Board of Foreign Missions, and spent a considerable portion of his life in Syria, believing that he could accomplish more good as a missionary than in any other way.

From notices published in the Register, Mr. James Mason appears to have taken advantage of his opportu- nity to humiliate Mr. Stephen Crosby. A notice "To whom it may concern " appeared on July 31, signed by the latter individual, in this form :----

IAIN

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NGOR. M.

PLANING & MOULDING MILL.

BANGOR

DOILE K FOCCA

SOUTHERN PINES SPRUCE FLOORING BLACK WALNUT PICVETSECLABDS BANGOR PLANING& MOULDING MILLE

DOLE & FOGG. L

OFFICE

POLE&TOGG

GUTTERS & CONDUCTORS.

MAINE GETTRAL R.R.FREIGHT OF . CE

ere

cet hel

Ind

BANGOR PLANING AND MOULDING MILL.

DANGOR MAINE

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EBNA

the

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

Whereas I have reported false stories about James Mason, I do ac- knowledge that I have done wrong, and promise, by his forgiving me for my unjust treatment towards him at this time, that I never will re- port any more stories about him, or any other person, whether they are true or not-but will behave well and speak well of my neighbors, or say nothing about them, unless I can say something for their benefit, to promote their estimation before the world at large.

The unusual character of this document must have obtained for Mr. Crosby a peculiar kind of notoriety, if he were not a public man before. Under a Dickens's hand he might have attained as conspicuous a position as that of Uriah Heep, had he not thought better of his literary effort during his journey and taken the earliest opportunity after his return to assert his manhood, as he did in this wise :---

"To all whom it may concern." My signature was obtained to a publication bearing the above inscription by means of threats to prose- cute me for defamatory words said to have been spoken by me towards James Mason. I am not conscious of having spoken anything but truth relative to Mr. Mason, or any other person. I regret my weak- ness in consenting to do wrong through fear of expense, for fear of be- ing detained while on a journey that I had commenced when I was in- duced to sign said paper.

In August the Independent Congregational Society engaged Rev. Mr. Fessenden, of Cambridge, to preach for them. This society was composed of Unitarians, and on the 22d engaged the Court-house for the purpose of religious worship.

The Baptists were at this time increasing in number, and had occasional preaching. Professor Briggs, of Waterville, sometimes supplied their desk.

In consequence of the promotion of Captain Williams to the rank of Major, it was necessary that his place should be supplied, and Adjutant Levi Cram was elected Captain of Artillery.

Davis & Weed were becoming impatient with some of their customers for withholding their dues, and threw this bone to the law's agents: "Unless something is done to prevent it, it will be next to impossible to keep the lawyers' and deputies' fingers off their notes and accounts many days longer."

Some warlike person of bad memory obtained pos- session of Brigadier-General Trafton's sword, and de- tained it so unreasonably that that industrious officer was compelled publicly to beg him to return it, that he might have it in season for the approaching review.

A little division occurred among the Republicans in regard to a nomination for Senator. They met at the Court-house on the 26th of August, and the delegation from Hampden after objecting to the appointment of the representation withdrew to Mr. Chick's tavern, accom- panied by the Orrington delegation, with delegates from other towns, and nominated Benjamin Nourse for Sena- tor, and a member of the regular convention said "they appointed a committee of some they deemed the most sonorous and influential names in the county to assign reasons for this unwarrantable, and, till of late, anoma- lous proceeding." The President of the new convention was Joseph Carr; Secretary, J. Herrick. The "sonorous names " were J. Herrick, S. Stetson, J. Carr, Thomas A. Hill, John Farrington, S. Fowler, Jr., and William Upton. The President of the original convention was William D. Williamson; Secretary, Isaac Hodsdon. This conven-

tion nominated Daniel Wilkins for Senator and elected him.

The meeting for choice of Governor and Senator oc- curred September 8. The vote of Bangor for Albion K. Parris for Governor was 78, scattering 6. For Senator Wilkins received 54 votes, Nourse 47. The Hampden vote was for Wilkins, 53 ; for Nourse, 115 ; in Orring- ton all, 55, were for Nourse ; in Brewer, 28 for Wilkins, 32 for Nourse.

On the 6th the famous Rifle Company, of Orrington, elected Hiram Nourse Captain, vice Nickerson, promoted to Colonel ; Seth Eldridge, Lieutenant ; Archelaus D. Atwood, Ensign.

A division arose in regard to Representative to the Legislature. There were four candidates, Samuel Call, Paul Dudley, Wiggins Hill, and Amos Patten. At the first trial there was no choice. Paul Dudley had 51 votes; Samuel Call, 40; Wiggins Hill, 6; Joseph Treat, 4; Ebenezer Webster, 2; Edmund Dole, 2; Wilmot Wood, 2; Amos Patten, I; J. Jording, 1; Abner Taylor, 1; Benjamin Nourse, 1; Simon Harriman, I. At the next balloting, September 19, Ebenezer Webster re- ceived 68 votes; Samuel Call, 32; Wiggins Hill, 16; Amos Patten, 15; Wilmot Wood, 6. Mr. Webster hap- pily concentrated a majority of the votes in the District, and was elected.

On the 13th of October the town voted to discontinue the cemetery on Hammond street, above the county buildings, and to hire $1,000 and purchase two lots on the Hampden road, on the hill south of the block below Emerson street, of Messrs. Emerson & Hill and of John Barker, for a cemetery.

Mr. John Giddings, a citizen of many years, died on the 15th of September, at the age of forty-three. He was the father of Moses Giddings, Esq., the present ef- ficient President of the Bangor & Piscataquis Railroad.

Samuel Lowder offered for sale from sixty to seventy house lots centrally and pleasantly situated on the west side of the Kenduskeag.

Two persons were taken before Mr. Justice William- son, one on a charge of passing counterfeit money, and the other, who was thought to be an accomplice, as a witness. The former said his name was Matthew M. Gotobed; the other declined to give his name, and the magistrate was of opinion that he "was not obliged to answer to that point." This witness, of course, knew nothing about his accomplice passing counterfeit money, and as no further questions were asked, Mr. Gotobed was permitted to depart. He appears to have been taken up merely on suspicion. He had been begging money down the river, under pretense that a partner, of whom he was in search, had ran away from Newark and defrauded him of a large sum of money, and that he was out of means. Both he and his companion were "well dressed and of decent manners," but, notwithstanding the discharge, Mr. Burton said "there can be no doubt but they are cheats and impostors." They created a sensation in the village, and the circumstances and manner of the ex- amination were unique.

Mr. Nathan Parsons, an old citizen, who had been an

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

officer in the war of the Revolution, died in October, at the age of seventy-one.

The Penobscot Agricultural Society held its annual ex- hibition on the 2d of October. An address was delivered by Hon. Mr. Williamson. A straw bonnet, made by Miss Thayer, of Hampden, obtained the premium for that description of manufacture, and was deemed to pos- sess such merit for " elegance " that Messrs. Hill & Mc- Laughlin obtained it for sale and made it the subject of a special advertisement,

The Bangor Bank had a revolution in its management at this time. William D. Williamson became its Presi- dent; John Wilkins its Cashier, vice Eliashib Adams, re- signed; Samuel E. Dutton, Thomas A. Hill, Mark Trafton, with the President and Cashier, were the Directors.

The election of Levi Cram to the captaincy of the Bangor Artillery was set aside for some cause, and Lieutenant Daniel Dole was elected Captain, and Jere- miah Eldridge Lieutenant.

During about a fortnight after the Ioth of November the weather was so cold that the ice commenced running in the river, and it was feared that a fleet of twenty-three vessels in port would be detained until spring. There came a change in the temperature, however, and by the 23d all the vessels had departed.

The Young Ladies' Academy, which, after Mr. Brewer had left it to teach the Indian school at Oldtown, had been under the charge of Mr. Coburn, was examined on November 27 by the Trustees, in the presence of many of the parents and friends of the school. The visitors were delighted with the appearance of the school, which was quite well prepared for the occasion. The compo- sitions attracted much attention on account of their ex- cellence and supposed originality, "and it was a matter of regret that darkness prevented the reading of any part of them, since such as were read gave striking evi- dence of genius, good sentiment, and correct writing." The most severe criticism made was "that a few did not speak sufficiently audible." Mr. Coburn thought that "young masters and misses of so much promise might well be valued by society as its best blossoms."

In November and December, William Hammatt, of Scituate, Massachusetts, put into the market settling lands in what is now Howland, describing them as bet- ter lands than any in the old colony, and inviting young men who worked to make themselves independent, "with no tool but an axe, and no stock in trade but honesty, industry, and sobriety," to establish themselves there.

CHAPTER XVII.

Music and Poetry-Thornton McGaw-A Portland Writer on the Sem- inary-He is Replied To-A Snarler -- Annual Town Meetings- Seven School Districts Established-Samuel Call Appointed Indian Agent, and James Irish Land Agent-Another Concert-Military Men Indignant at Rations-Hill & Starrett-First Steamboat -Ex- cursion to Bucksport-Captain Porter-Death of Major Treat- Great Change of Temperature-Professor Holland Sings-Lover's Leap Romance-Timber Thieves Punished-Boston Banks "Run " on Bangor Bank and Others-The Fourth at Mattanawcook-Rapid Transit-William D. Williamson Appointed Judge of Probate, vice Kinsley, Disqualified by Being Seventy-Penobscot Gazette Estab- lished-Joseph Treat Elected Brigadier-General-Exhibition of Theo- logical Seminary-Criticism.

1824. The musical people were disposed to have the year open harmoniously, however it might continue. Henry Call, J. P. Dickinson, and Levi Cram, a commit- tee of arrangements of the Bangor Singing Society gave notice that the society would give a concert of sacred music at the meeting-house on the evening of the 20th, when they would perform "Sons of Zion," "Scotland," "Strike the Cymbal," "Dying Christians," "Judgment Hymn," Sound the Loud Timbrel," and many other like pieces. And the concert was given. Mr. Daniel Pike sometimes officiated as conductor of the concerts at this period, and was peculiarly gifted in time (being a civil engineer), and his voice was about as good as might be expected.

And Mr. Zadock Davis opened his throat in song-for the firm of Davis & Weed was to be immortalized by that eminently poetical advertiser-and astonished the delinquent customers of the firm with this enunciation:

Davis & Weed, in time of need, Must work their bills by square-root; And those who may refuse them pay -- They'll leave them to go bare-foot.

Thornton McGaw was admitted to practice as an attor- ney at the January term of the Court of Common Pleas.

A writer in the Christian Mirror, the organ of the Con- gregationalists in Portland, was much disturbed in re- gard to the Theological Seminary in Bangor. He had ever thought that this plan was not the best to afford to the multitudes, who are perishing for want of religion, the means of obtaining it. He was moved by the successful efforts that were making to raise $12,000 to establish a professorship, and gave it as his opinion that the amount could not be raised; and if it could, there would be nothing to support the institution hereafter; and there was a powerful opposition to it in the denomination. The plan of the institution was not a good one. "It seems to be a college, a theological institute, and an academy; and yet nothing is more evident than that it is neither of these." Why adhere to this to the injury of the Congre- gational cause, where there might be a more useful in- stitution that would invite the whole denomination, "and be reputable to the State?" The pith of his objection is contained in this sentence: "As I am called upon to give money or assign my reasons for not doing it, I pre- fer to do the latter."

Another writer very calmly considers the objections to the Seminary- among them that the education which it would afford, if it should become permanent, would be

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

superficial, and sets forth the advantages to be derived from the studies taught by the student, and to the portion of the State in which it was situated. Its object was not to be lost sight of, to provide good, judicious ministers, of good abilities and ardent piety, if not the most refined education, for the destitute churches and congregations in the State. It had sent out already eighteen young men, and no one had been out of employment. The writer disclaimed the design of writing a disserta- tion in favor of the institution ; he simply wished to pre- sent its position and object in its proper light, to enable the friends of morality and religion to determine whether they could appropriate a portion of their religious charity where it would be more immediately and ex- tensively beneficial to their fellow-men; and whether "any portion of the human race had a stronger claim on their sympathy and benevolence than their destitute brethren and fellow-citizens in the eastern section of Maine."

The people of Portland, in their best mood, could not avoid depreciating the people of Eastern Maine. It is a little singular, with their views of the benighted con- dition of these people, that any should object to a plan for lifting them from their state of heathen degradation, while they were so liberal in their contributions for the purpose of converting the heathen in Hindostan !

Rev. David Thurston, of Winthrop, reviewed the article of the first writer, in regard to the advantages of the Seminary, its prosperity, prospects, etc. There were various views among the Congregationalists as to what kind of an institution it should be; whether one of the highest, the lowest, or intermediate grade of schools. It was concluded to adopt the intermediate, as according with the majority of opinions, and on the principle that "the middle way is the best," and had a fair prospect of receiving the united support of the Congregationalists. The Trustees were desirous that it should be so managed as to receive the favor, not only of all the orthodox, but of all the friends of learning, morality, and order." Many who had opposed it, were now favoring it.

This discussion among the friends of the object of the institution was sure to bring out the snarlers. One "James" was very desirous that the Professors, the char- acter, capacity, and views of the managers, the grade of the students as to ability and moral character, and the reputation and usefulness of the graduates should be inquired into, that the contributions of the " widow knit- ting till midnight, depriving herself and children of the necessaries of life " might not be misappropriated !

The annual meeting for town purposes was held on March 8th. Alexander Savage was elected Clerk; Amos Patten, Treasurer; John Godfrey, Agent; James Tilton, Isaac Hodsdon, Newell Bean, Selectmen and Assessors; Harvey Loomis, Allen Gilman, and Wilmot Wood, Super- intending School Committee.

The town was divided into seven school districts, and their limits were defined.

Samuel Call, of Bangor, was appointed an Agent of the Penobscot Indians, and James Irish, of Gorham, Land Agent of the State.

The musical people received sufficient encouragement at the concert in January to induce them to give another on the evening of April Ist, Fast Day. " Denmark " and "Cambridge " were in the programme for this oc- casion.

The military men were indignant at the passage of a law requiring the Selectmen of towns to deliver on the day of inspection and review to each member of a mili- tary company one ration, to consist of one pound of meat, one pound of bread, and one gill of spirits, or pay him in lieu thereof twenty-five cents; and at a meet- ing of officers and soldiers of the Fifth Regiment at Dover, in March, Brigadier-General Mark Trafton in the chair and Adjutant James S. Holmes Secretary, it was nnanimously resolved that it would not be beneficial to the soldiers of the regiment, and as they paid a principal part of the taxes, they did not deem it for their interest, and therefore refused to "accept the provisions which they were authorized by law to receive."

George Starrett, in connection with Thomas A. Hill, opened a law office in May ; their firm name was Hill & Starrett.

In this month Bangor was visited by a steamboat for the first time. Steamboating was in its infancy. A boat had been run between Portland and Boston successfully, called the "Legislator." A company called the "Ken- nebec Steam Navigation Company," had been organized in Bath, of which Captain Porter was the principal agent, and were extending their business as patronage warranted. The company had a small steamer called the Maine, * of no marvelous capacity or beauty, which they sent up to Bangor, under Captain Smith Cram, formerly of Mont- ville. She arrived on the evening of Sunday, the 23d, and created much excitement, as no previous notice had been received that it was contemplated to send a boat up the river.

But perhaps it was as well for the proprietors that the people were taken by surprise. An excursion to Bucks- port was at once proposed, and as there were sufficient persons in town desirous to know all about the affair, a party of 120 was easily obtained to run all risks of be- ing blown up-explosion being then deemed a quality of a steamboat-and make the voyage. At nine o'clock the boat was under way ; at noon it arrived at Bucksport, where it remained about one hour. At night it was safely moored again in the harbor of Bangor. An excel- lent dinner was provided, and Captain Porter, who un- derstood the amenities of life, did all in his power to render the trip agreeable. Particularly did he enjoin it upon the excursionists to "Drive Dull Care Away," and repeatedly sang the song with that name to give empha- sis to the injunction.

The Maine was afterward put upon the route, and ran between Bangor and Portland occasionally during the season.

On May 27th, Major Treat died at the age of seventy-

* She measured only one hundred and five tons, and was constructed from the hulls of two schooners, with beams across each. Her cost, with second-hand engine, was $13,000. Hon. J. Williamson's History of Belfast, 655.

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

two. He was born in Boston on July 14, 1752, where he resided until he was seventeen years of age, when he came to Prospect with an elder brother, who was an armorer in Fort Pownall. In 1774 he came to Bangor. He was then twenty-two years of age. He first located in a cabin at the foot of what is now Newbury street. Afterward he removed up to the Penjejawock Stream, near the head of the tide, where, as appears in the early part of this history, he carried on an extensive traffic, acted as interpreter with the Indians, and built vessels. He resided for many years in a handsome frame dwel- ling at the Falls (where are now the Water Works) which bear his name, and there died. This dwelling was afterward enlarged by his son, General Joseph Treat, and converted into a hotel, called the "Rose Place." The establishment was finally destroyed by fire. Major Treat was an enterprising citizen, and left a handsome estate.

On the last Tuesday of May the mercury was at 20° below the freezing point at sunrise; on the first Tuesday of June it was at 86° above zero.

Bangor became so much interested in sacred music that Professor Holland, a singer from somewhere, took advantage of it, and with the aid of the Bangor people tried his skill in "Strike the Cymbal," "Sound the Loud Timbrel," "Vesper Hymn," etc., with some success. Mr. John Fiske and Mr. John Bright took an interest in this concert. The price of admission was the then unusual sum of fifty cents each.

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History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 152

Author: Williams, Chase & Co., Cleveland (Ohio) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Cleveland, Williams, Chase & Co. Number of Pages: 1100

Author: Williams, Chase & Co., Cleveland (Ohio)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams, Chase & Co.
Number of Pages: 1100