USA > Maine > Piscataquis County > History of Piscataquis County, Maine : from its earliest settlement to 1880 > Part 21
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About this time, an advance step was taken. The pledge was generally changed so as to include all that would intox- icate. Some who had abandoned ardent spirits, made use of fermented drinks, and the use of beer, wine and cider was in- creasing. As drunkenness was the hydra to be exterminated, whatever nourished its appetite must be slain. Then some who were wedded to their wine, flinched, and fell back from this advanced movement.
But the cause was more strongly ribbed, and marched more firmly by this thorough stand. Up to this time, moral suasion, personal and combined influence, had been the whole human armament.
By this, a great, primary and essential work had been ac- complished. A few sellers voluntarily gave up the traffic. Many saw the fearful end of those deceitful paths, and for- sook them. A few hard drinkers were reclaimed, some to stand firm and faithful. So the work moved forward, gath-
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THE TEMPERANCE REFORM.
ering strength until the rise of Washingtonianism. This was born in a bar-room, in the city of Baltimore, in the year 1838. A company of confirmed drunkards, of which John J. Hawkins was ring-leader, in one of their evening revels, pro- posed to break squarely off, and make this their last debauch. All agreed to do it. All signed a teetotal pledge. All went to work to reclaim their fellow inebriates, and they succeed- ed wonderfully. The report spread through. the land, and hard drinkers, who had resisted former solicitations, listened to their old comrades, and many were convinced and took the pledge.
Hawkins was gifted as a speaker, and commenced telling his sad and appalling experience of the woes and shame of a drunkard's life. Others followed. All parts of the country were visited. These truthful narratives reached a cord in the besotted heart, that strong logic and elevated appeal had not touched. For a season, this reform working in the most needy place was astonishing.
But the leaders committed some grave mistakes. They rejected the counsels and co-operation of the early workers, claiming a peculiar superiority. They did not rest upon a religious basis, but relied mainly upon an arm of flesh. They cast no blame upon the seller, and expressed no wish to prohibit the sale of spirits, and put the temptation out of their way. The excitement subsided. The grog-shop proved a mighty snare. In a few years, three-fourths of these re- claimed men finally went back to their old habits, said one, who professed to know, and I only repeat his words.
This sweeping recoil turned the attention of thoughtful temperance men to prohibition as essential to thorough re- form. The sale of spirituous liquors had ever been prohibit- ed in this State, except by persons duly licensed. All who wished to sell, applied for, and, for a certain sum, obtained, such license. Some persons selling without a license, were prosecuted and fined, previous to 1830.
. It may seem strange to us now, to read that the licensing board reposing special trust and confidence in Hon. Thomas 18
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HISTORY OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY.
Davee, Deacon Robert Barker and Elder Flavel Bartlett, granted to them severally a license to sell all kinds of spir- ituous liquors in the town of Dover, during the year 1824. So it was in all these towns, at that date. Traders, though men of high standing and influence, generally were rum sel- lers. But by 1840, many had abandoned the traffic. Pub- lic opinion was rising against licensing the sale of it. In some towns, the license was refused. This opened the era of rum holes. Unprincipled men would get small quantities of adulterated liquors, and sell them without license, on the sly, to such as they could trust to keep the secret.
In 1846, a law was passed prohibiting the sale of spiritu- ous liquors throughout the State, except for medicinal and mechanical purposes, under well guarded regulations. This was the birth of prohibition. The idea was: Crush out the tempter! Let those who would reform, stand firm in their better resolutions, and not be cast down wounded !
Kindred organizations now arose. The Sons of Temper- ance, Rechabites, Watchman clubs, making total absti- nence a plank in their platforms, brought many, young men especially, into the temperance ranks.
The penalties for violating the law were, from time to time, increased. But the law was evaded. Witnesses would purjure themselves upon the stand, to screen the pros- ecuted seller. Lawyers would exert all their powers to find some fleck or flaw in the legal processes. Certain jurors would be so kindly sympathetic that they could not appre- ciate either law or evidence, and would not agree to convict them. But prohibition and penalty were now made the right arm of the service, working with, and giving substantial effect to, moral suasion. Indeed, prohibition was its younger brother, harmonious, affectionate, helpful, doing a needed work.
Though the first great work had been done by moral sua- sion alone, the reform could not now advance further by this alone. The existing obstacles were beyond its reach. The rumsellers now were such that appeals based upon morality,
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THE TEMPERANCE REFORM.
honor, compassion for the weak and suffering, would not move them. Only the expected loss of property and impris- onment could deter them. So, by their mean evasions of wholesome laws, by their mad defiance of all mild and per- suasive measures, they compelled the temperance leaders to secure more stringent laws. Hence the Maine Law of 1851 was placed upon our Statute Book. This opened a new era. Business places could be searched for liquors, and if evidently kept for sale, they could be seized. Higher fines were levied upon the convicted seller, and the third offence was punished with imprisonment. Lovers of rum pronounced this unconstitutional, the lawyers largely combined against it, our judges did not like it, many sheriffs would make a prosecution fail if they could, and it was made a party issue. But it survived the storm. It closed up a great many low rum holes that had hitherto been unswept. It brought into life and action Watchman clubs, that did good service in executing the law. With one single exception, the legisla- ture sustained it, and often amended and made it more ef- fective. Once it was indiscreetly "intensified." This caused disastrous reaction. Its enemies came into power, and re- pealed it. But the next year, its friends triumphed, and re- stored it, better adjusted and more popular than ever. In its own sphere, and for its intended use, it has proved inval- uable. Rightly used, it ever will. Without its aid, a healthy, vigorous, successful temperance reform has not been steadily carried forward, and it seems vain to expect that it ever will be. But no human law executes itself. It must be backed by moral power and living principle. It must em- body the sentiments of the sovereign people.
The Order of Good Templars next came forward, and has been an efficient wing in the Grand Army. By receiving fe- males, it secured a helpful and powerful arm of reform, and when it takes in the young at an earlier age, it can become a still greater power for good to all classes.
The present Reform Club and its operations make up the last page in this varied history. This might be called an im-
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HISTORY OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY.
proved edition of Washingtonianism. It commenced in 1871, with a confirmed drunkard by the name of Osgood, in Gar- diner, Me., and has marched nobly on, by organizing Reform Clubs on an "Iron-clad pledge." It has not ignored relig- ion, but leaned upon it. By frequent meetings, by stirring addresses from reformed men, by singing thrilling hymns, it has drawn in many of the intemperate, and held them there. Woman, too, silent, suffering, but praying and hoping wom- an, has here been a noble helpmeet. Believing in the power of prayer, wives and mothers have crowded to the mercy- seat, and have not gone in vain. The work has gone on well, is still going on, and the end is not yet. For fifty years the temperance reform has shown its right to exist. The results of its first half century are patent to every observer. We claim that, abating unavoidable human imperfections, acknowledging certain mistakes, certain rash endeavors, and deploring certain wounds from false or rash brethren, we need not hang our heads in shame, or regret the efforts made, or be dissatisfied with our success. A glorious im- provement has been effected. Compare the "general mus- ter" of fifty years since, with recent ones, and what observer of both does not mark the difference?
Yet more remains to be done. Let every patriot, philan- thropist and Christian gird himself for the waiting work, and strike for complete victory.
44
CHAPTER XXIX.
MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS.
The hostilities of the aborigines compelled the early set- tlers of New England to act on the defensive, to be armed for the fight, and sometimes to plunge into mortal combat. Hence military companies were early organized, and milita- ry trainings with arms, equipments, music, officers and stimulating drinks, became a great institution.
The burden of military duty was cheerfully borne. A mil- itary officer was a titled and much respected notable. The training, especially the general muster, was an event of pe- culiar interest. So it was, when the settlement of this county commenced. But for several years the people were too few and too remote for regular military organizations.
The first military companies formed in this county, were the volunteer companies already noticed. The first regular organization, it seems, was in Sebec, about 1815. John Wells was elected captain. In 1829, he was promoted to major, but he soon moved away. After him, William Sands, Ad- vardis Shaw, Joseph Chase, Abijah Chase and John Nelson, successively commanded this company. Capt. Shaw, in 1826, was chosen major.
About the same date, 1815 or 1816, the Atkinson company was organized. Its commanding officers have been Luther Turner, Daniel Chase, Oliver Crosby jr., Jacob Sherburne, Elisha L. Hammond, James R. Ayer and Albert Hutchins.
March 27, 1824, Capt. Daniel Chase was chosen major, and September 9, 1826, promoted to lieutenant-colonel.
In the spring of 1816, a company was formed in Foxcroft, also including all who were subject to enrollment in Dover.
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HISTORY OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY.
Samuel Chamberlain was its first captain. In 1821, he resigned, and Job Parsons succeeded him.
As this was preeminently the cold season, many were un- able to equip themselves, and brought only a fence stake, when called out for manual exercise. Capt. Chamberlain generously blinked this, requiring each to do the best he could. After him, Isaac Weston, Salmon Homes, Sylvan- us Longley, William Parsons, Charles S. Hammond and Ellis Robinson held this office.
When a new regiment was organized in 1824, Capt. Wes- ton was appointed to summon the commissioned officers to- gether for an election of field officers. He was chosen lieu- tenant colonel. He resigned in July, 1826.
In 1817 or 1818, the Sangerville company was formed. Robert Carleton was elected captain. After him, William Oakes jr., Aaron Morse, Isaiah Knowlton, Samuel Robey, John Douty, Jonathan Roberts and Daniel Spooner succes- sively filled the office. Captain Carleton became major and colonel. Capt. Oakes was promoted to colonel, and Capt. Morse, to major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel.
The Guilford company was organized in 1818. William Stevens, William Webber, Leonard Howard, John H. Lor- ing, John Monroe, Stephen Ellis, William W. Lucas and William McE. Brown have filled the office of captain. Capt. Ellis was chosen major.
In 1823, a company was formed in Dover. In this, David Haynes, Benj. Dow, Daniel G. Owen, Ira Rowe, A. D. Fuller, J. R. Leighton and Asa P. Dow held the office of captain.
About the same time, a company was organized in Park- man. Solomon Brown was chosen captain. He soon re- moved from town, and Lieutenant Samuel Clark command- ed it. At length Ransom Dunham was chosen captain. He was soon promoted to major, then Abel Curtis jr. was chosen captain, and after him, William Briggs, Daniel Tyler, and Adam Macomber commanded this company. On the formation of a new regiment, Capt. Briggs was chosen colonel.
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MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS.
In April, 1824, the Milo Light Infantry was formed, em- bracing persons from other towns. Winborn A. Sweat, I. W. Mitchell, Moses Sturtevant, Charles Durgin, Rice Dow, Samuel Stinchfield and Benjamin Sands successively com- manded it. This company dressed in uniform and made a . fine appearance. Capt. Mitchell rose to a colonel, and Capt. Dow to lieutenant colonel.
A company of Cavalry was formed in 1827, chiefly of per- sons in Foxcroft, Dover and vicinity. J. S. Godfrey was elected captain. He died soon after, and Isaac Blethen suc- ceeded him. In 1834, he was chosen major of cavalry, and Hiram Douty was elected captain. He was also promoted to colonel, and Robert Cutts was chosen captain. Silas Paul was the next captain, and he also was promoted to lieuten- ant-colonel and colonel. A. S. Bartlett was then elected captain, and after him, Leonard Robinson. Lieut. Silvanus B. Byram was promoted to major of cavalry.
In 1828, a company was organized in Brownville. Phin- eas Morrill was elected captain. The history of this compa- ny is not very easily written. It evidently became unwil- ling to do military duty, and sometimes avoided it. C. R. Hamlet and F. B. Howard were captains.
A company of infantry was formed in Milo in 1829. Nymphas Turner, J. W. Furber and George B. Stinchfield successively commanded it. Capt. Turner was promoted to major and lieutenant-colonel.
The Wellington company was organized in 1830. Thomas Sears was chosen captain. After him, Isaac Pease and Isaiah Huff filled the office. Lieut. Nathaniel Dennett of this com- pany was elected lieutenant-colonel, when it was connected with the Athens regiment. A company of Light Infantry also was organized in this town, and Oliver D. Wiggin was chosen captain. He was promoted to major, but afterward the company run down.
In 1836, another cavalry company was organized in Sebec and vicinity. B. S. Cilley was its first captain. He was promoted to colonel, and Charles Wingate became his suc- cessor.
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HISTORY OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY.
The Abbot company was duly organized in 1836, and J. S. Monroe chosen captain. After him, Columbus Crockett filled that office. Capt. Monroe was promoted to lieutenant- colonel.
In 1837, a company was formed in Blanchard. Bowman Varney was its first captain. He was chosen major, and . John R. Baker succeeded him.
The attempts to organize and officer a company in Mon- son were frustrated until 1839. Then Clement Cushman was chosen captain, and it was brought into line.
A rifle company was organized in Sebec, called the Rifle Greys, in 1839. A. M. Robinson was the first captain. After him, Abijah B. Chase commanded it until trainings were abolished, in 1844. Capt. Robinson was promoted to major, and then to colonel.
A company was formed in Medford, including persons in LaGrange. Levi R. Gray was chosen captain. He was pro- moted to lieutenant-colonel, and then Alvin H. Garman was chosen captain.
In 1837, a Light 'Infantry company was formed in Park- man. Henry Williamson was its first captain, and Jesse Nut- ting, its second. Nearly all of this company volunteered and marched to Aroostook, in the Madawaska war.
REGIMENTS AND REGIMENTAL OFFICERS.
The earlier companies of this county were included in the fifth regiment, of which Isaac Hodsdon of Exeter was colonel, Captains Wells and Carleton were elected majors, when thus connected. The general muster was then in Garland. But after 1820, these companies mustered by battalion in Dover, usually near Eli Towne's residence.
In 1824, all the companies from Milo to Parkman were or- ganized into a new regiment, known as the Fifth Regiment, First Brigade, Third Division.
March 27, 1824, at an election of regimental officers held in Foxcroft, Major R. Carleton was chosen colonel, Capt. Isaac Weston, lieutenant-colonel, and Capt. Daniel Chase, major.
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MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS.
Col. Carleton appointed J. S. Holmes, adjutant, Reuben Ordway, quarter-master, and Seth Nelson, pay-master.
In 1826, Col. Carleton resigned, and Capt. William Oakes jr. was chosen colonel. Lieut-Col. Weston resigned soon after, and Major Daniel Chase was promoted, and Capt. Ad- vardis Shaw was elected major. In 1829, Major Shaw re- signed, and Capt. Aaron Morse succeeded him. Lieut-Col. Chase next resigned, in 1831, Major Morse was promoted, and Capt. I. W. Mitchell elected major.
In 1834, Col. Oakes resigned, Lieut-Col. Morse succeeded him, Major Mitchell was advanced to lieutenant-colonel, and Capt. N. Turner chosen major. Col. Morse appointed El- bridge G. Thompson, adjutant, and Joseph Hammond, quarter-master. Col. Morse held the office until 1839, and resigned just before the militia were called out to march to Aroostook. The quota of this regiment was one full com- pany of sixty privates, with officers, non-commissioned offi- cers and musicians. It was raised by draft, and joined the embattled host in Bangor, and boldly marched to the line, and then marched back again, without the loss of a single man, killed or wounded.
In 1839, Lieut-Col. Mitchell was elected colonel, Maj. Turner, lieutenant-colonel, and Capt. S. Ellis, major. Col. Mitchell appointed Josiah Dow, adjutant. Lieut-Col. Tur- ner resigned in 1841, and Capt. 'Rice Dow succeeded him. The same year, Maj. Ellis resigned, and Capt. A. M. Robin- son was chosen to succeed him.
In 1841, the divisions of the militia through the State were arranged anew, and this regiment became Second Regi- ment, First Brigade, Ninth Division, but its companies re- mained as before.
Early in 1843, Col. Mitchell resigned, Lieut-Col. Dow had left for parts unknown, and Maj. A. M. Robinson was elect- ed colonel, Levi R. Gray, lieutenant-colonel, and Ensign C. H. B. Woodbury, major.
In the fall of this year, the regiment mustered as usual, but it proved to be its last.
-
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HISTORY OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY.
PARKMAN REGIMENT.
In 1838, a new regiment was formed, including compa- nies in Parkman, Abbot, Blanchard and Wellington, in this county, and also those in Harmony, Cambridge and Ripley, in Somerset County. This regiment was named Fifth Regi- ment, First Brigade, Eighth Division. Captain William Briggs was elected colonel. As Lieut-Col. Dennett and Maj. Wiggin were within its appointed limits, they were trans- ferred, retaining the same rank.
Col. Briggs appointed Thomas Seabury, adjutant, Alden Briggs, quarter-master, and Cornelius Gower, pay-master. Col. Briggs resigned in the summer of 1843. Lieut-Col. Monroe mustered the regiment that fall. The companies in Sangerville and Guilford were petitioning to be annexed to this regiment, but, in 1844, the legislature abolished all trainings, and the martial spirit sunk quietly to sleep.
TRAININGS.
Up to 1825, the companies were required to train three times annually, in their respective towns, besides the muster. Then the legislature abolished the May training. The autum- nal trainings were continued. Up to this time, twenty-four rounds of powder were furnished by the town to each soldier, to fire at the training, under the command of the officers. This too was then omitted. Still the training was to many a great occasion. A brisk set of boys and not a few men out- side of the duly enrolled, would appear as appreciative spec- tators. The officers treated freely both soldiers and specta- tors, not always omitting the boys. These trainings would call out the old revolutionary soldiers, some of whom then survived. The military parade had an attraction for them. Inspired by the occasion, they would recall the adventures of their past campaigns, while some of the boys would crowd up near, and listen with as much zest as these honored veterans would relate them. These brought home to our eager minds, the reality and severity of that long and victorious struggle in which our nation had its birth.
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TRAININGS.
But the muster . was emphatically a "general muster." The gathering of armed companies, the music by the band, and by the combined strains of drums and fifes, the regimental officers in full uniform, mounted on the most imposing steeds, and, above all, the general and his aids in full military dress, combined attractions which moved all classes. The manœu- vres upon the field, the review by the general officers, and the rattle of so much musketry, when powder was furnished, made up a grand and beautiful spectacle. The pageant was highly ornamented by the uniform and show of the cavalry, and of the light infantry, which constituted the acknowledged flower of the regiment. But outside the line, there were other objects of attraction. Tents, carts and wagons furnished re- freshments for the hungry, in the most of which strong drink was invitingly displayed.
Among the spectators, all classes were represented. Grave, sober and aged men in limited numbers, discharged military officers, men of middle age exempt from military duty, boys of every age and description, and some females, too, would be there. Preeminently it was muster day to hard drinkers. The place swarmed with them, and there would be confusion, profanity, low jokes, quarreling and fighting, contrasting widely with similar gatherings of the present time. Let it be understood that the early musters of this county are here pictured. Of the later, the writer was not an observer. In these latter, to some extent, a change had reached the train- band. Some companies had voted to dispense with treating at their trainings, and many officers and soldiers had become / total abstainers.
But we must turn another dark leaf in the history of those times. The elections of military officers were scenes of the direst, drunken carousals. The successful candidates wet their honors with liberal treats. The lovers of rum scented it far and near. They gathered like vultures to their prey, and many went home dishonored and degraded, as a dark background to the military honors conferred.
But many began to feel that military duty was an onerous
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HISTORY OF PISCATAQUIS COUNTY.
and needless waste. Such began to avoid it by craft and dodging. Some officers elect would neglect to take their com- missions from the post-office. Warrants sent to privates by some careless hand, requiring them to warn the company to meet, would fail to reach them. Some would elect incompe- · tent commanders, whose level best was a mortifying failure.
All the laurels of the Madawaska war had faded, our north-eastern boundary had been amicably settled, no one dreamed of the gigantic rebellion which has since drenched those southern fields with blood, so, the wisdom and talent of our State in legislature assembled passed an act in 1844, abolishing all military trainings. It was a great step, up- ward and onward. Industry, temperance, morality and re- ligion by this, cast off a mighty burden, and the State re- ceived no damage.
OUR WARRIORS.
VETERANS OF THE REVOLUTION. Several of these were among the early settlers of this county, to some of whom al- lusions have been already made. But all should have an honorable and lasting record. The entire list is not here given, but the following are known to have borne arms in that patriotic struggle. Abiel Packard of Monson, Eben Deane of Blanchard, Jeremiah Rolfe of Abbot, Ephraim An- drews of Parkman, Consider Glass and Nathaniel Stevens of Guilford, Aaron Rollins, G. Spooner and Henry Leland of Sangerville, Thomas Towns, Zachariah Longley, Eleazer Spaulding and . Allen Dwelley of Dover, and Ezekiel Chase of Sebec. Probably there were others in the lower towns, whose names the writer never learnt.
Generally they were hardy and resolute men, who lived to a good old age, revered and honored by their younger asso- ciates. But they could not continue always. They
" By the wayside fell and perished,
Wearied with the march of life."
as all must. Peace to their patriotic memories !
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OUR WARRIORS.
A still larger number of soldiers from the war of 1812, came and settled in this county. A list of them, if attempt- ed, would be too defective. Some ten or more resided in Guilford, but when pensions were granted to such, only one, Isaac Edes, survived to receive it.
The Madawaska war, a part of which I saw, has been suf- ficiently emblazoned. Its surviving veterans, for hardships endured and dangers faced, must have a pension too.
Thẻ Mexican war, in spite of its distance and burning clime, drew some recruits from this region. Here again, no reliable statement can be given. But four whom the writer had instructed in the school-rooms of Guilford, were in it, Steadman Davis jr., Joseph Young, Alexander Stevens and Sebastian Buck, and three of them saw our national banner wave over the Capitol of Mexico. Two of them, and anoth- er from Parkman, Philo Harlow, did not live to return.
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