History of York County, Maine, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 64

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 730

USA > Maine > York County > History of York County, Maine, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 64

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See Bench and Bar and Civil List of the county.

COTTAGE AND RIVER VIEW LOOKING S.W.FROM HOUSE

RIVER AND INLAND VIEW LOOKING N.W. FROM HOUSE

OCEAN AND HARBOR VIEW, LOOKING S.E.FROM HOUSE.

BATHING BEACH, LOOKING N. E. FROM HOUSE.

MARSHALL HOUSE .- EDWARD S.MARSHALL PROPRIETOR.

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TOWN OF YORK.

if completed, of immense advantage to this town, and place it in connection with the great traveled thoroughfares of this part of our country.

The first bridge across York River was constructed in 1761 by Maj. Samuel Sewall, of York, and was the most noted structure at that time in all the country. Exclu- sive of the abutments on the shores, this bridge was 270 feet in length and 25 feet wide, resting upon thirteen piers, consisting of piles driven a sufficient depth into the bed of the river to make the whole structure substantial. The entire enterprise, including the method of driving the piles, was a result of the inventive genius of Mr. Sewall, who was a native of York. Mr. Sewall was afterwards employed to engineer and construct the Charlestown bridge at Boston.

Deed of Town .- In 1684, Thomas Danforth, in behalf of the Governor and Council of Massachusetts, deeded to Maj. John Davis, Edward Rishworth, Capt. Job Alcock, and Lieut. Abraham Preble, trustees in behalf of the town, all land in town granted to it by Sir F. Gorges, thus giving the town the right to dispose of the commons or ungranted lands as it saw fit. The consideration was that each family was to pay two or three shillings annually to Massachusetts.

Preservation of Timber .- To preserve timber from waste, a vote was passed in 1717-18 that no more than six trees of oak or pine be fallen at any one time before being worked up, on penalty of ten shillings for each tree over the above- mentioned number.

CHURCHES.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

The First Congregational Church of York is presumed to have been organized as early as 1672 by the Rev. Shubael Dummer .* From fragmentary records it is ascertained his ministry with the people of York began in 1662. A record of his ordination is preserved, which took place Dec. 13, 1672. He preached his own ordination sermon from the passage, " Return, O Lord, and visit this vine." The first prayer was by the Rev. Mr. Moody, of Portsmouth, and the charge by Rev. Mr. Phillips, of Rowley. Mr. Dummer was born at Newbury, Mass., Feb. 17, 1636 ; was well and carefully fitted for college by Rev. Thomas Parker, of that town, and graduated at Harvard in 1656. Four years after he became a preacher, and was admitted a freeman of Massachusetts colony. He first preached at Salisbury, now Amesbury, N. H., becoming their pastor May 31, 1660. He married a Miss Rishworth, daughter of the celebrated Edward Rishworth. Mr. Dummer's ministry continued till Jan. 25, 1692, when he was killed by the Indians at his own door as he was mounting his horse. His wife was taken captive at this time, with many of the inhabitants, and the settlement nearly destroyed. For the six following years the remaining settlers had little if any preaching. Mr. Dummer's successor was the Rev. Samuel Moody, the " Father Moody" of whom so many eccentricities are related. He was born in Newbury, Mass., Jan. 4, 1675, and gradu-

ated at Harvard, 1697. He came to York May 16, 1698, and preached as a candidate till his ordination, Dec. 20, 1700. The people had not recovered from their losses by the French and Indians in 1692, and were so poor that Mr. Moody applied to the General Court of Massachusetts " for such an allowance for the last year, beginning May 18, 1698, as to your wisdom and justice shall seem fit." That body allowed him £12 sterling. Mr. Moody's ministry was marked by the perils and agitations incident to wars with the French and Indians, but the church prospered. At the commencement of his pastorate the membership numbered possibly a score ; at its close, 317. He received visits from Whitefield, the great revivalist, upon both occasions of his coming to America. On his last visit, in October, 1744, Father Moody welcomed him thus : " Sir, you are first wel- come to America ; secondly, to New England; thirdly, to all the faithful ministers of New England; fourthly, to all the good people in New England ; fifthly, to all the good people of York ; and sixthly, aud lastly, to me, dear sir, less than the least of all." His sympathies were quickly touched by the distress of others, and his power to relieve only lim- ited by the emptiness of his purse. He was fearless to re- buke those of his people who transgressed; powerful and pointed, even to personalities, in the application of Bible truths; strong in his faith in God's promises and their adaptation to the common wants of life. Forty-nine years he was the religious guide of this people, closing his minis- try by death, Nov. 13, 1747, aged seventy-two. When the parsonage was destroyed by fire, in 1742, the church records were burned with it, so that only an imperfect account of the church can be given during his ministry. The next pastor following Mr. Moody was Rev. Isaac Lyman, who was ordained Dec. 20, 1749. He was a graduate of Yale, of the class of 1747. He died March 12, 1810, having completed sixty years of ministerial life, fifty of which were without a colleague. During the latter years of Mr. Ly- man's life an assistant was required, and accordingly Roswell Messenger was ordained Oct. 10, 1798. As a preacher he was at first popular, but his moral life did not prove him a worthy successor of those who had formerly ministered here, and after considerable difficulty he was dismissed, June, 1813. He graduated from Harvard, 1797. The church remained destitute of stated preaching for about two years, when Rev. Moses Dow, a graduate of Dartmouth in 1796, was installed Nov. 9, 1815. His relation terminated Nov. 18, 1829, and he was followed by Rev. Eber Carpenter, a graduate of Yale of the class of 1825. Mr. Carpenter was ordained Feb. 17, 1830, and dismissed at his own request, Sept. 16, 1835. The Rev. John Haven, a graduate of Amherst, of class of 1834, succeeded him, and was ordained Dec. 14, 1836; dismissed, December, 1840. John L. Ashby, a graduate of Amherst in 1837, commenced pastoral relations July, 1841, and was dismissed February, 1849. William J. New- man, a graduate of Bowdoin, commenced a pastorate in July, 1849, but died March 5, 1850. John Smith succeeded as pastor October, 1850; was dismissed March, 1855. Wil- liam A. Patten followed as stated supply in April, 1855, and remained till April, 1858. William W. Parker, as stated supply, commenced his relations January, 1859, and closed them December, 1860. Rufus M. Sawyer began his labors

* The following ministers preceded Mr. Dummer at York : Rev. Mr. Thomson, born 1597, graduated Oxford, 1619, at York, 1634-36, Dor- chester, 1636; George Burdett, 1636-40; Richard Gibson, 1641-42; Joseph Hull, born 1549, at Weymouth, 1635, Isle of Shoals, 1639-40, York, 1641 or 1642-59; Joseph Emerson, 1659-62 ; Joseph Hull again, 1662-65 (his death).

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, MAINE.

as stated supply June, 1861, and remained till April, 1866. John Parsons assumed pastoral relations October, 1866, and left May, 1869. The Rev. Benjamin W. Pond commenced his ministry May, 1870, and closed in August, 1873. Rev. David B. Sewall, his successor, and the present pastor, com- menced his ministry in the parish in December, 1873. Membership, 92.

Who the first deacons of the church were cannot be as- certained. Deacon John Harmon is spoken of in 1731, and Deacon Joseph Holt in 1739. When the record of mem- bership was commenced again in 1754, Joseph Holt, Samuel Sewall, Abiel Goodwin, and John Bradbury were elders, and Samuel Millbury, Jeremiah Bragdon, Joseph Simpson, Jr., and Jonathan Sayward were deacons. This church has parish lands, rents, and a fuud, the interest of which is to be annually expended for the support of the ministry.

PARISII AND PARISH RECORDS.

In this connection it may be proper to speak of the parish and its relation to the church. In the early settle- ment of the country lands were granted and laid out in the different towns for the support of a minister. These lands were controlled by the town till the incorporation of a parish, when they passed under the control of a body thus organized, called a parish society. The warrant to hold a meeting for the purpose of organizing was issued March 3, 1731, by William Pepperell, justice of the peace, and the first parish meeting was held March 27, 1731, at which John Harmon was moderator, and Jeremiah Moulton parish clerk. It now assumed the responsibility of providing for the minister's salary and the care of the parish property. Some of its action in this direction from time to time may not be uninteresting. In 1732 it voted to purchase a slave to be employed for Rev. Samuel Moody, and appointed Samuel Came, Esq., Richard Millbury, and Joseph Holt agents to make such purchase. At the same time it was voted to hire a man to live with Mr. Moody till a slave could be purchased. In 1734 it was again voted to hire a man or buy a slave for that year, and £120 ordered raised for that purpose. The parish assessor was iustructed to buy the slave and deliver him into the hands of Mr. Moody, to be employed in his service during the pleasure of the parish. In 1735 the assessor was ordered to take care of the negro till the next parish meeting. At that meeting, in March, 1736, he was empowered to dispose of the negro to the best advantage, and, as far as the records show, this ended the dealings of the parish in slaves. In 1739 it was voted to employ a suitable person to teach school three months, and to assist Mr. Moody in the pulpit when he may need. In 1741, Mr. Moody's consent was asked and given to employ Mr. Daniel Emerson Butler, of Harvard College, to assist three months or longer, as they shall agree, and in 1742 it was voted to pay him £3 per week for the three months' service in the ministry, and 25s. per week to Daniel Moulton for his board. The parsonage was burnt March 30, 1742, and in April following £500 was voted to be raised to build a new one on or near the spot where the other stood, and Samuel Sewall, John Sayward, Samuel Millbury, Benjamin Stone, and Ralph Farnom were ap- pointed a committee to erect the building. Early in this

year the parish expressed their assent that a bridge might be built across York River at or near the ferry kept by Capt. Sewall, and a committee was chosen to take subscriptions and prepare materials to build said bridge. This committee con- sisted of Capt. Nathaniel Donnell, Capt. Samuel Sewall, Joseph IIolt, Samuel Bragdon, Jr., Samuel Millbury, and Thomas Donnell. At the same meeting a request was made that selectmen lay out a road from the bridge crossing Meet- iug-House Creek, to or near the ferry kept by Capt. Sewall. At a subsequent meeting it was voted to add to the bridge committee Samuel Came, Esq., Jeremiah Moulton, Esq., Alexander Bulman, Esq., and Messrs. Richard Millbury, Joseph Swett, Abiel Goodwin, Samuel Preble, Abel Moul- ton. Samuel Clark, James Donnell, Henry Simpson, Nathan- iel Whitney, Norton Woodbridge, Jeremiah Bragdon, Ralph Farnom, Abraham Nowell, Joseph Main, and William Den- ning. In 1744 repairs sufficient to make the meeting-house comfortable in the winter were voted. In 1745, Jeremiah Moulton, Esq., was chosen treasurer to receive funds raised to build a new meeting-house, and Col. Nathaniel Donnell, Capt. Samuel Sewall, Joseph Swett, Samuel Millbury, and Abel Moulton were appointed a committee to provide ma- terials. In 1747, Rev. Joseph Moody was voted £37 10s. as a present for his services in assisting his father in public performances on the Lord's day. The building committee remained as last year, except that Jeremiah Moulton (3d) took the place of his father, who resigned, and Capt. Samuel Sewall was excused. The old meeting-house was ordered taken dowu, and what materials were suitable used in construction of a new house. The pews were to be ap- portioned upon a valuation of £5000, old tenor. The Rev. Samuel Moody's funeral expenses, amounting to £105 18s. 6d., were paid also. Forty pounds to Mrs. Moody, to en- able her to go into mourning. Fifteen pounds to Rev. Joseph Moody, the son, and £12 to Mrs. Emerson, of Mal- den, the daughter of Mr. Moody, in addition to what they have been allowed, to put themselves iu mourning at their discretion. Also the physicians' bills of Drs. John Swett, John Whitney, and Dr. Sargeant, for medicine and atten- dance during the last illness of Mr. Moody, amounting to £26 7s., were ordered paid by the parish.

In 1749 the fortifications, consisting of a board garrison, with substantial flankers on opposite corners, built around the parsonage in 1744, was ordered taken down. A present of £10 was made to Mr. Lyman, from parish stock each year, from 1756 to 1760. In this latter year permission was given Mr. Samuel Moody to erect, with the concur- rence of Rev. Mr. Lyman, a building for the instruction of youth, on the parsonage lands, and a lease was given him during his natural life. In 1761, Mr. Lyman was granted £20 over and above his settled salary. Madam Moody, the relict of Rev. Samuel Moody, had provision made for her support yearly, but, in view of her advanced age, she was allowed, from 1761 to 1764, £5 additional each year. In 1762, it was voted that Mr. Lyman receive annually, during the pleasure of the parish, £33 6s. 8d., over and above his stated salary, and the collection money taken Sundays. In 1769, singing was permitted to the lower floor, if persons occupying the designated pews should fit them up at their own expense. Permission, with the con-

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TOWN OF YORK.

sent of Mr. Lyman, was given Moses Safford, barber, and Eliakim Grover, tailor, to erect shops upon parsonage land for their occupations ; they must be of same size, and six or eight feet apart. During the war prices were enhanced and the currency much depreciated. To meet this change in valuations, the parish made grants from year to year, over and above the minister's stated salary, till 1790. When or by whom the first bell was procured, the records speak not. A lightning-rod was first recommended and ordered put up in 1792. The vote to establish a parish fund passed in 1797. There was in the town treasury some £40 or £50 belonging to the parish at this time, and it was pro- posed to place this at interest, and at the end of each year add it to the principal, with $30 additional raised in the parish, till such time as the yearly interest would amount to $250, when that might be used to support a Congrega- tional minister in the First Parish of York. When the capital sum or amount should reach $1500 or $2000, an application should be made to the Legislature for an act of incorporation. In 1798, Daniel Sewall, Col. Esaias Preble, and Edward Emerson were chosen first trustees of the parish fund. The bounds between First and Second Parish are first noticed in transactions of 1799. Judge Sewall, Samuel Sewall, and Edward Emerson, Jr., chosen trustees of fund in 1803, for five years ensuing. The parish paid the funeral expenses of Rev. Mr. Lyman, in 1810, and set his grave-stones. During Mr. Messenger's ministry the first certificates of membership in other churches or so- cieties were served upon the society by various persons to exempt them from paying ministerial taxes in this parish. The difficulties with Mr. Messenger culminated by his dis- mission in 1813. The old court-house, built and occupied before the recollection of any of the inhabitants then living, had fallen into decay, and was unfit for use. In 1811, ar- rangements were made to build the new one on this propo- sition : the county was to appropriate from its treasury $500, and the town $600, and the land was to be leased the county during the time the building erected should be used as a court-house, after which it should revert to the owners. It was built on parish land. The use of the jail, standing on parish land, was granted to the county in 1812, for one hundred years or longer if needed. Iu 1825 the State is leased a lot for the erection of a gun-house. In 1831, it was found that the parish fund, to which had been joined $1655, called the "additional fund," raised by sub- scription, amounted to $4096. Mr. Carpenter, the min- ister at this time, donated $100 of his salary towards mak- ing up the amount. Hereafter the income of this fund could be used for the support of the ministry. In 1837, the new burying-ground, as it is called, was located, and enlarged in 1859, and again enlarged in 1870. In 1851 the parish granted permission to erect sheds on parsonage land in rear of court-house. In 1861 the vestry was ac- cepted, and a new parsonage built. The reversionary in- terest in property in Hallowell, left the parish by will of John Sewall, was sold in 1863. In 1870, by will of the late Bulkley Donnell, of York, a legacy was bequeathed the parish of $1508.49, the income only of which could be used as the income of parish fund is used. This is to constitute a fund by itself, and be called the Donnell fund.

SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHI.

In the year 1730 a second Congregational parish was in- corporated in the northwestern part of the town. As it had been settled by Scotch emigrants, it was called Scot- land. In 1732 a church was organized here, and Rev. Joseph Moody invited to take charge of it. He was a son of Rev. Samuel Moody, of the First Parish ; was born in 1700, graduated with the houors of Ilarvard in 1718, and for fourteen years was very active and useful in various civil capacities,-as clerk of the town, register of deeds for the county, and judge of the county court. Yielding to the often-expressed desires of his father and the earnest solicitations of the Second Church and society of York, he resigned his civil offices, and was ordained pastor of it Nov. 29, 1739. The importance and responsibility of this new trust weighed so heavily upon his mind that after a short time he became gloomy and singularly disordered in his views, and ceased from his public labors. Ilis people waited patiently for his recovery, but, no prospect of it ap- pearing, the pastoral relation was dissolved August, 1741. Jan. 20, 1742, the Rev. Samuel Chandler was ordained, and his pastorate continued till 1752, when he was dis- missed by mutual consent. Their third pastor was Rev. Samuel Lankton. He had been preaching in Connecticut, and had received a call to settle, but his health was feeble, and, traveling to regain it, happened to lodge at the house of Rev. Mr. Lyman, in the First Parish. Through him he learned of the vacancy in the Second Parish, and was urged to visit that people and preach them a lecture. He con- sented to do so, and the people earnestly desired him to remain with them, and he was ordained pastor July 3, 1754. and continued with them in that relation more than forty years. He died suddenly, December, 1794, of bleed- ·ing at the Inngs. He was an accurate scholar, a close student, and a devout and exemplary Christian and a highly-useful pastor. An interval of three years followed, in which there was no regular occupant of the pulpit. Aug. 22, 1798, Rev. Isaac Briggs was ordained, and re- mained pastor till his dismission, July 4, 1805. From that time till the ordination of Rev. Thomas W. Duncan, Nov. 9, 1825, they were destitute of a stated paster. The church had become so feeble in numbers at this time as to count but eleven members. Mr. Duncan was dismissed April 28, 1830, and nearly four years passed without a settled minister, till Dec. 3, 1834, when Rev. Clement Parker was installed. He remained about four years, being dismissed May 11, 1838. He was followed by the installation of Rev. Samuel Stone, Dec. 19, 1838, who was dismissed Jan. 1, 1844. A year succeeded without a pastor, and Jau. 15, 1845, Rev. Morris Holman was ordained. He was dis- missed July 7, 1858. From Dec. 1, 1858, to May 15, 1859, John M. C. Bartley became stated supply, followed by Samuel H. Partridge, stated supply, from May 22, 1859, to the fall of 1868. The Rev. Joseph Freeman, stated sup- ply, commenced his labors there Aug. 1, 1869. The first meeting-house stood in a field of Mr. John MeIntire, near the dwelling of Deacon Wm. Moody. The present house was built on a new site in 1834, and dedicated December 2d of that year.

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, MAINE.

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES.

The York Christian Church was organized May 13, 1808, by Elder Elias Smith, at the dwelling-house of John Ten- ney, with a membership of 10 persons.

Peter Young was ordained the first pastor, September, 1808, in the open air, in the orchard of Mr. Tenney. Sept. 4, 1809, Moses Safford preached for this people, followed by Mark Fernald, May 24, 1818. Elder Peter Young again commenced a ministry with the church June 29, 1829. In December, 1836, Elder Robinson remained one year, and Jan. 10, 1839, Abner Hall was ordained pastor. Stephen R. Bickford began his ministry October, 1842. Elder Bartlett preached from May, 1846, to May, 1849; was absent one year, and in May, 1850, commenced his labors, and continued till October, 1851. From the spring of 1852 to 1853, P. L. Beverly supplied. May 4, 1853, Elder Charles E. Goodwin began his pastorate, and was followed by Rev. Hezekiah Short. The church has at this time a membership of 130, and is in a flourishing condition. By will of the late Mr. Bulkley Donnell, of York, a legacy of $316 was left this church, the interest only of which can be used for the support of the society. Jeremiah Donnell, David Moulton, and Daniel B. Harris were ap- pointed the first trustees of this legacy. Its deacons are Jeremiah Dounell and Wm. J. Moulton.

THIE CHRISTIAN SOCIETY OF YORK AND KITTERY was organized June 9, 1866. The Rev. Joel Wilson began labors among this people about this time, preaching to them in the school- house. A church of 23 members was gathered, a neat edifice for worship erected in the latter part of 1866 and forepart of 1867, costing 83200, and dedicated Feb. 21, 1867. The bell was presented the society by the Hon. Ichabod Washburne, of Worcester, Mass., and hung Oet. 26, 1867. Mr. Wilson has continued their pastor from the organization to the present. Their first deacon, Henry Grover. Present membership, 29.

BAPTISTS.

The First Baptist Church of Cape Neddick was organized Aug. 20, 1829, with 12 members,-5 males and 7 females, -by Rev. Oliver Barron. A few members of the Baptist Church at South Berwick had resided here for years. El- der Nathaniel Lord preached one sermon here at the house of Jeremiah Weare in 1780, but so much opposition was manifested that efforts to introduce Baptist sentiments were discontinued for nearly twenty-three years. After such an interval, Elder W. Batchelder delivered a lecture in an or- ehard owned by David Webber, which awakened attention, and nearly 50 souls were converted in a short time, a part of whom united with the Baptist Church at South Berwick. While holding connection with this church they were favored with occasional preaching by several ministers, among whom were Elders Andrew Sherburne and Joshua Chase. The meeting-house was erected in 1823 by union efforts of Baptists and Methodists, and when completed there came an unpleasant struggle as to ownership and supply of preacher. Mr. Barron commenced preaching in May, 1829, and continued for the space of about three years a successful and accepted minister to this people ; and

at his dismission the membership had increased to 24. May 29, 1830, the church joined the York Association. Its representatives on this occasion were Rev. O. Barron, Deacon Cotton Chase, and Daniel Norton. The Rev. John Haines preached half the time in 1832, and Joseph Ames, a licen- tiate, occasionally in 1833. The Rev. Clark Sibley was installed into the pastoral office Jan. 9, 1834, and remained three years. Noah Hooper, Jr., a student at Newton Theo- logical Institution, supplied several weeks, followed by Rev. Daniel McMaster for nearly a year, till April 15, 1838, when Rev. Gideon Cook commenced labors as minister of the church, and remained three years. During his min- istry 25 members were dismissed to form a church in Wells. Mr. Cook resigned his pastorate April 12, 1841, and was succeeded July 4th, of the same year, by Rev. Isaac Mer- rill. In 1842 the church voted to employ L. L. Tripp. The membership at this time had increased to 66. Rev. G. Cook returned Nov. 9, 1843, and was dismissed March 4, 1847. July 1, 1847, Rev. B. Pease commenced his ministry, and remained till Oct. 2, 1851. Rev. S. F. Ken- dall followed, Aug. 29, 1852, and was dismissed July 2, 1854. Dec. 15, 1854, Elder John Hubbard commenced his ministry. Rev. A. E. Edwards became pastor Oct. 28, 1858, and was dismissed April 4, 1861. B. F. Lawrence accepted a call Jan. 5, 1862, and was ordained May 22d, following ; resigned Jan. 8, 1865. C. P. Bartlett accepted a call April 16, 1865, and commenced his pastorate May 6th ; resigned April 28, 1866. The Rev. J. M. Mace filled the unexpired year of 1866, and remained till 1870. The Rev. J. A. Tooker supplied for 1871. His successor was Rev. George M. Payne. Cotton Chase became the first deacou, lived a long and useful life in the church, aud died May 10, 1842. Other deacons have been Jonathan Talpey, Samuel Webber, Oliver Boston, and Oliver Norton.

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History of York County, Maine, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 64

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford) Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 730

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 730