History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 90

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 90

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A SAD ACCIDENT.

On the 14th day of February, 1821, a very sorrowful accident took place, which filled the community with

mourning. Towards the close of that day, as Dr. Ben- jamin Friend was returning home from a neighboring town, and as he was turning into his yard, his young horse became frightened and began to run. . He turned a short corner, throwing Dr. Friend out of the sleigh and killing him instantly. A number of his family were standing near the scene of the tragedy and saw the whole. Upon going up to their father they found him dead. He left a widow and nine children to mourn the sad event. It was one of the most heart-rending accidents imagin- able. An affectionate wife was made a widow; nine children were fatherless; and the whole town was left to mourn the loss of one of its first settlers, and one whom they looked up to for guidance in many of its affairs.

The next day many of the neighbors called to mourn with the afflicted family, and among them was Mrs. Mercy Ruggles, from an adjoining town, who but a few months before had been made a widow by the loss of her husband, the Rev. Paul Ruggles. When she came into the house she took Mrs. Friend by the hand, and both sat down and wept most profusely nearly an hour before one word was spoken. The first word was by Mrs. Rug- gles, who said, "trust in God;" and then silence pre- vailed for some time, when Mrs. Ruggles arose and said, "let us try to pray;" and the whole family kneeling, Mrs. Ruggles offered one of the most fervent prayers ever sent to the throne of grace. When they arose from their knees, Mrs. Friend, as calmly as she could under the circumstances, said, for the first time she had spoken, that she did "trust in God." Then another silence prevailed, during which the two widows walked up to the corpse and took a solemn view of the departed husband. There the first words spoken were by the new-made widow, when she could calm her aching heart enough to speak. She said, "The Lord has taken him to himself, but it seems to me as though I needed him the most." Mrs. Ruggles replied, "God knew what was best for him."

The next day but one he was deposited in his final resting-place, and a very appropriate discourse was preached by the Rev. Robert. Coburn, from the text: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." And so it was with Mrs. Friend. She lived until March 21, 1846, and never wanted any of this world's goods to make her comfortable and happy. She died in peace.

VARIOUS HISTORICAL NOTES.

The vote upon the separation of the State from Mass- achusetts was eleven nays to no yeas. Mr. Samuel Ab- bott was in favor of the separation, but did not vote.

This town derived its name from Mt. Etna. It was selected by Benjamin Friend, and was taken from Web- ster's old spelling-book. This was a very prominent school-book at that time, the higher classes having the American Preceptor and the Columbian Orator. These books contained some very interesting pieces and dia- logues, which almost or quite every scholar could repeat without missing a word. The greatest favorite was one entitled "Old Scrapewell," which was truly a well-written article, and showed a good knowledge of human nature.

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

The first school-house was built in 1821. It was plastered in 1822, which was the first plastering done in the town, and called all the boys together from far and near to see mortar spread. To amuse the boys, the mason said the best way to build a chimney would be to begin at the top and lay the bricks down, if they could make the first brick stick. One of the bright-eyed youngsters told him he could hold that, if that was all it required, but said he guessed he would need some one to hold the mortar to the second brick.

On the 4th day of September, 1819, Thorndike Friend, son of Benjamin Friend, was instantly killed under a tree, which spread a deep gloom over the whole com- munity. It was the first sudden death that had taken place in the town. He was a highly esteemed young man. His age was eighteen years, nine months, and three days. He was of good habits, and all loved him.

In September, 1820, Mr. Phineas Friend began to build a grist-mill, which he got in running order, on a small stream on his farm. It was called an overshot mill; the wheel was sixty-six feet in circumference, and it took but a small quantity of water to carry it. The mill was built about three hundred feet from the dam, and stood about two rods from the stream, so that it was not in danger of suffering anything by a freshet. This was the first water-power ever used in town, and it would have been well, perhaps, for the interest of the builders of it had it been the last, for there is not a good water- power here, as the tract is on the height of land be- tween the Penobscot and Kennebec rivers. It is drained both ways, and there is no one stream two miles long. There have been, however, two saw-mills built, both now burned, and three shingle-mills, one of which is burned and two are torn down. To-day (1881) there is no water- power used in Etna for any purpose.

The first school was taught in 1808, and schools have been maintained every year since. Now there are eight school districts, and have been for more than thirty years. All of the districts, with one exception, have good school-houses, which are kept in good condition.

The road through the town from Carmel to Newport was made in 1821 so as to be passable, but in a poor condition. That year the town raised a large highway tax, and after the inhabitants had worked their tax out they voted to work it out again, which they did, and in this way opened the road so as to make it better pass- able. One and a half miles of the west end of the road was then through an unbroken wilderness. This year (1821) was the first year in which the new residents were taxed; and this year they had to pay more than two- thirds of the tax, otherwise the road would not have been made at the time. The owners of the wild land were virtually exempted from tax under the laws of Massachu- setts; but the newly made State of Maine thought it wise to tax them, and this year they had to pay a good portion of the money to maintain the schools. Those who bought land of the proprietors had the privilege of work- ing out their tax and turning it on the notes which they gave for the land, as the most of them had to do for the want of money to pay down when they purchased the

land, and it was considered a great privilege to work out the value of their notes and have the benefit of the roads. It was like buying their dinner and not having to pay for it. The tax was worked out at the rate of about twelve and a half cents per hour, men and oxen; and they would make out about twelve hours per day for each; and then there was a discount of about twenty-five per cent between road tax and money. Still, they called it pretty good pay, for they all used to work their oxen in, and they were allowed full time whether they worked or not. Besides, all of them had a pair of oxen.

THE OLD-TIME MAIL-CARRIER.

This year the mail route was established between Bangor and Milburn (now Skowhegan), by the way of Hampden. A post-office was established at Carmel, and it was the only one between Hampden and Newport, a distance of twenty-four miles. The mail was carried on horseback once a week each way ; it usually took about one and a half days to go through. The mail-carrier had the privilege of carrying the newspapers and deliver- ing them to the subscribers on the route, for which the subscribers had to pay him one cent for each paper de- livered. The Bangor Weekly Register was the only paper known in these parts at this time, and when the carrier got near a house where the paper was taken, he would begin to blow a trumpet attached to his saddle, when some one would appear and take the paper. Those who lived a little distance from the road would make a large mortise in a rail of the fence, with a cover, and he would put the paper into the box, shut the cover, and pass on to the next man on the road. This was con- sidered as "having things brought to the door." In the winter, when the roads were good, he would go through in a sleigh; but this was not often, as there was seldom enough travel to make the road fit to go over any other way than on horseback.

In looking back, we think this a slow way of going through the world; but it was to them a great advance upon what they had beenused to having. In those days it was no uncommon thing for a man to take an ox-team in the morning with his wife, and perhaps one or more of his children, go five or six miles on a visit, spend the day with some of their neighbors, and return home at midnight, earlier or later, as the case may have been. These were happy days; animosities were nearly un- known in the community; all seemed to enjoy each other's society ; all had unbounded confidence among themselves; and were any in want, all were ready to render assistance and lend a helping hand to the sick and afflicted.

THE BAPTIST PASTOR.

In 1822 the Rev. Daniel McMaster moved into the the town, and entered upon his duties as pastor of the Baptist church. He remained here until 1831, when he moved out of the town, but still continued his ministerial office until it was filled by Rev. Jacob Hatch in 1834. During his ministry of twelve years, including the great revival of 1833, there were added to the church more than one hundred by baptism, more than one-half of the number in 1833.

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

THE POST-OFFICES.

A post office was established here in 1823, and Rev. Daniel McMaster appointed postmaster. He held the office until 1825, when he resigned, and Daniel T. Crabtree, Esq., was appointed in his place. He held un- til 1839, when he was removed for political purposes, and Stephen Hardy appointed in his place. His term lasted until 1841, when he, too, was removed, and Anson C. Moseley took his place until 1853. Then he resigned, ard Ellis Friend was appointed. In 1859 he was removed, and Asa M. Sylvester was appointed. In 1865 he resigned, and Samuel Hasty was appointed, who in 1868 resigned, and after a hot contest as to who should be his successor, Augustus Moseley was appointed. He resigned in 1873, when Judson E. Friend was ap- pointed, who now holds the office (1881). All of those men have made honest and faithful postmasters, and have filled the office to the satisfaction of all concerned. It is now a money-order office, and pays a revenue of more than $500 per annum, including the postmaster's salary.

In 1845 another post-office was established at Etna Centre, and Timothy B. Carter was appointed postmaster. In 1863 he was removed for political reasons, and John Tarr appointed in his place, who now holds the office (1881).

In 1871 another post office, at South Etna, was es- tablished. Miss Martha Pitcher was appointed post- mistress, who, in 1873, resigned, and Thomas A. King was appointed, and is now (1881) postmaster.

ANOTHER CALAMITY.

August 11, 1822, Mr. Prince C. Ward was drowned in the Parker Pond by the upsetting of a boat, leaving a wife and three small children. He was the first one ever buried in Etna. This spread a deep gloom over the whole town, and all seemed to enter into mournful sym- pathy with the afflicted young widow, so suddenly de- prived of the loving husband of her youth.

POLITICAL AFFAIRS.

In 1824 Robert Stuart, Esq., was elected Representa- tive to the Legislature. He was the first one Etna had the honor of sending. In 1835 Gilbert Ellis was elected to the same office. In 1838 John Fogg was chosen. In 1843 Ellis Friend was elected. In 1845 John C. Friend was elected. In 1848 John Fogg was chosen. In 1853 Elias Doble was elected. In 1857 Moses Abbott was elected. In 1863 Otis L. Carter was chosen. In 1867 Isaac Pierce was chosen. In 1870 Daniel Bus- well was elected. In 1873 Joel A. Sanborn was chosen. In 1877 Henry C. Friend, and in 1880 Horace H. Wheeler were chosen.

In 1880 Henry C. Friend was chosen State Senator.

From the time the town was incorporated in 1820, to 1828, politics were very little known. In 1824 John Q. Adams had thirteen votes. In 1828 John Q. Adams had twelve and Andrew Jackson four votes. About this time politics began to take deep root, and the Democratic party always carried a majority until 1848, when the Free- soil party cast fifty-three votes, which left the Democra ---

party without a majority, from which state they have never recovered. In 1854 the Free-soil party took the name of "Republican," and have held a majority in Etna every year since, except 1879, when the Greenback party carried the election, but lost the honor the next year.

In 1844 the Democrats of Etna took exception to the course of the Democrats of Newport.and Stetson, which caused the election of Ellis Friend (who was a Whig) that year, by one majority. This was before plurality election. The next year Etna was ready for another fight, and commenced in good earnest. After having three unsuccessful elections, when the Whig candidate began to lead, the Democrats in Newport and Stetson gave up their candidate, and helped elect John C. Friend.

TOWN AFFAIRS.

Originally the town was six miles square. In 1826 a little more than one-third of it was taken off on the west side of the town to help make Plymouth. In 1824 the town voted to build the floating bridge, which was in that part set off to constitute Plymouth, and in making the bridge the town got in debt about $1,200 in 1825. There was no provision made by the Legislature for the pay- ment of this debt, and Etna had to pay every dollar of it, which was then considered large. For Etna at that time to raise the money was out of the question, and what was to be done none seemed to know. Those who were the most forward in having the new town made, lived in the Plymouth part. When the question as to the town debt was in the Legislature, they reported that there were no town debts to be paid, when they knew that there were $1,200 outstanding for finishing the bridge, for which orders were given but a few days before the town was divided.

The proprietor of the town, Hon. William Gray, of Boston, Massachusetts, said if the town would vote to allow him to pay his highway tax by taking up those orders he would do it. The town voted to raise $2,500 road tax; and as he had to pay about one-half of all the taxes, he took the orders up and had the money credited on his road tax. The inhabitants for that year therefore had to pay a double highway tax, and paid the heavy debt without feeling it much; but there was con- siderable grinding about it against some of the leading spirits of Plymouth.

The authority for making this statement, obtained from the Representative of this District, was that he was told there was no town order out or debts against the town of Etna.

In 1825 there was a very dry season, and much damage was done by fires running in the woods and fields, burning the building of Mr. Humphrey Whitten, with nearly all of his furniture. Quite a large amount of fence was burnt. The drought came on so late it did not damage crops, as it would if it had come on earlier in the year.

About this time the Court of Common Pleas sent a committee to locate a road from Carmel to Plymouth,

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

Through what is now called Etna Centre, where the road is still travelled, with some few alterations.

THE LOCAL MILITIA.

In May, 1826, the Governor, who is commander-in- chief of the military of the State, called upon those who were liable to do military duty to meet and choose com- pany officers, which they did, and chose George Nicker- son, Captain; Ellis Friend, Lieutenant; and Anson C. Moseley, Ensign. The company they commanded was pronounced by Major-General Hodgdon, in 1831, to be the best military company in the regiment.

AGRICULTURAL PROSPERITY.

From 1817 to 1836 the crops were very bountiful of every kind, with an exception of two or three years. The wheat was injured by rust and weevils one year. All seemed to have a good supply of every kind and en- joyed life, and the young folks were given in marriage- or, if not, they were strongly inclined to get married- and many improved the opportunity and made marriage a life institution. A divorce in all of those years was never thought of, much less practiced, as it has been of late years, when it has been broken up with apparently less ceremony than a courtship was at that time.

THE FIRST TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.

In 1828 Deacon Daniel T. Crabtree raised his voice against the alarming spread of intemperance, and at a religious meeting of that year presented a pledge, or, as he called it, a "constitution" for the organization of a temperance society, which he himself had signed. He obtained at that meeting five more names, and after cir- culating the pledge a society called the Etna Temper- ance Society was organized August 1, 1828. It was the first temperance organization of any description ever at- tempted in Penobscot county, and to-day Etna can boast of its good influence. Quite a number of the twelve of whom it was composed were young men less than twenty years of age, who are living in Etna. They have kept their pledge more than fifty-three years, and have seen two generations grow up under the influence of this old temperance society and testify to its healthy and bene- ficial precepts. This society more than fifty years ago gave Etna the name of "a cold water town." This soci- ety continued its organization many years, spreading its good influence to other towns and saving the young from the awful evil of drinking intoxicating liquor. When the society first started none of the ladies joined it, for the reason that none of them were ever known to be intoxi- cated, but soon they found that nothing good could be accomplished without them, and when they took hold things began to move more rapidly, and by their aid and that of a temperance lecturer, we had thirty five names added to the society in one week. Then we began to look up and the cause advanced more rapidly. Rum- drinking at huskings and raisings was in most instances dispensed with.

The first barn ever raised without rum, in Etna, was one built by Deacon Crabtree. Friends-of liquor said it should not be raised without it, and when the sills were

leveled and the broadsides put together, without the knowledge of Deacon Crabtree and his friends a jug of rum was brought forward. The rum party drank, and then part of the barn was put up. But the temperance men refused to help, and the rum-drinkers could not raise the broadside. At first there was considerable coaxing, but they found that would not do; then some threatening and a little fighting took place, until after sunset, when it was announced that supper was ready. The friends of rum went in and ate their suppers; when they came out it was about dark, and soon .they went home, carrying some of the timber with them. After the other party ate their suppers they, with lanterns, went on and raised the bain and got it up at about twelve o'clock at night. So the barn was raised without rum. An old gentleman, learning what was up, started about dark to go and help the temperance party raise the barn; and when about half a mile from the raising in the dark, a little before he met the rum party, he heard them throw down some of the timber which they had carried off with them. When the timber was missing, he told them what he heard, and soon some of the boys were after it and found it where he said it was.

All this was done on the Saturday before the Presi- dential election of November, 1832, and the next Mon- day both parties went to the election. Some of both parties voted for Andrew Jackson, and some of both voted for Henry Clay for President of the United States.

THE METHODISTS

at West Etna formed a class, with Captain Isaac Pierce as class leader, in 1831, and it has been constantly main- tained since with good success. Quite a number of very prominent men have belonged to the denomination who have passed away, and there are none that belong to the class now who united with it when it first started. They have always held their meetings in a school-house. They have had several interesting revivals of religion, and their ministers have usually been very acceptable, proving themselves good servants for their Master, and enjoying the confidence of the community. They have never felt financially able to build themselves a house of worship, or at least they have never done so if they were able. They have always had some members who had quite a competence in this world's goods, and have been liberal in supporting the ministry; and, very likely, if they had felt the pressing need of a house, they would have erected one without much inconvenience as to funds with which to accomplish the object. Their congregation has usually been comfortably accommodated in a pleasant and good-sized school-house. They have had harmony among themselves and the unbounded good wishes of the community, which, perhaps, make up the want of a house of their own, a little larger and more convenient.

THE BAPTISTS.

In 1833 the Baptists held a protracted meeting under the direction of Rev. H. Hawes for twelve days in succession, and, as a result of it, more than fifty were baptized and united with the church, and more than twenty with the Methodists. In 1834 the Baptists began to build their

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE

present church edifice, which was completed the next year, and dedicated September 2, 1835. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. Zenas Hall, from the text Ecclesiastes v. I: "Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God." The next day the pews were sold, but not for enough to pay the cost of the house, which left a debt on the building committee. It took many years to pay this and caused some complaint on their part against the church; but it was finally settled to their satisfaction, or at least they acquiesced in the settlement.

In 1836 Isaac Boynton, one of the members of the church, was ordained. He died in October, 1844. In 1837 Benjamin D. Small, another member, was ordained, who supplied the church a number of years after his or- dination, and occasionally since. He now lives in Car- mel, has been a faithful preacher, and has labored “on the square." Since 1840 the Rev. Daniel Stewart sup- plied the desk most of the time until 1870. Since then they have had students from Colby University, who have proved themselves workmen that need not be ashamed. One of them is laboring in the Far West, one is at Ells_ worth, one at Augusta, and one at Monson. The three last are in Maine.

THE PATRIOTIC RECORD.

In 1861 the Rebellion broke out, and Etna was called upon for men. The town sent more than one hundred

brave boys to the front, to save this nation, about thirty of whom lost their lives.

INDUSTRIAL AND OTHER PURSUITS.

This town having superior opportunities for farming, the industries of its people are almost exclusively agricultural. Three persons, however, keep general stores, and the Sovereigns of Industry have a store of their own at South Etna. One lady keeps a store for the sale of fancy goods. There are two smiths in the town, two carriage-makers, one cooper and one manufacturer of hoops, one carpenter, one butcher, and one insurance agent.

Industrial interests are amply guarded in this town by three societies-the Mt. Etna Grange, No. 36, Patrons of Industry ; the Farmers and Mechanics' Club, meeting on the first and third Saturdays of the month; and the Sovereigns of Industry, at South Etna, meeting weekly. There is also the Morning Star Lodge of the Indepen- dent Order of Good Templars.

The district schools of the town number eight.

The officers of the town in 1880 were: H. H. Wheeler, S. P. Dennett, O. Kelley, Selectmen. L. C. Whitten, Town Clerk. Samuel P. Dennett, Treasurer. S. P. Dennett, Constable and Collector. Miss Jane E. Sanborn, School Supervisor. J. E. Friend, Joel A. Sanborn (Quorum), L. C. Whitten, J. C. Friend, Orlando Kelley (Trial), J. C. Friend ( Dedimus), Justices.

GARLAND.

NOTES OF GEOGRAPHY, ETC.

Garland is bounded on the south by Exeter; Dover, in Piscataquis county, lies on the north ; Charleston on the east; and Dexter on the west. It would be very nearly an even township of six miles on each side and thirty-six square miles, but for the irregu- larity observable in the line between it and Exeter which lengthens that line, the south boundary of Gar- land, about thirty rods, and shortens the west line to five and five-eighths miles.

The town is fifteen miles northwest of Bangor, across Glenburn, Kenduskeag, and Corinth. Its waters are not large, but are of respectable size. Pleasant Pond stretches east and west a mile above the southwest cor- ner, itself about a mile in length, but rather narrow. It is one of a chain of ponds on the Kenduskeag Stream,

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History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 90

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