USA > Maine > York County > History of York County, Maine, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 88
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A committee of safety was chosen in 1814, composed of Col. Joshua Ilaven, Col. Ichabod Goodwin, Hon. Benjamin
Greene, Hon. Jesse Bradbury, and Dr. Richard Hazeltine. These were authorized to provide rations and munitions of war suitable for the occasion. Application was also made to the State for sixty stand of arms. A cannon, with car- tridges fixed, was offered by Col. Haven and accepted by the town. Many citizens were engaged in the coast defense.
Three soldiers went from South Berwick in the Mexican war. Henry Readon and one other died of fever in Mexico. William Earle returned, and was caught in the machinery of a cotton-factory, which wrenched off an arm. A few years later he was again caught in the machinery, and killed.
During the Rebellion the town furnished 192 men under the different calls. To these a bounty of $40,500 was paid from the town treasury.
THE HEROES OF THE TOZER BATTLE,
who fell with the members of the family mentioned below, nearly all lie buried on the Wallingford farm, on the old Great Falls road. The old tombstone, which is of large size, is plainly inscribed with the following epitaph :
" Here lies ye body of Samuel Plaisted, Esq., son of Coll. Ichabod Plaisted, Esq., who departed this life March ye 20, 1731-2, in ye 36
year of his age. Near unto this place lies Interred The body of Roger Plaisted, Esq., Grandfather to the said Samuel Plaisted, who was killed by ye Indians October ye 16th, 1675, Aged 40 years. Also ye body of his Eldest Son, Mr. Roger Plaisted, who was killed at ye same time with his Father."
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. SOUTH BERWICK,
the principal village, is built upon the east bank of the river at Quamphegan Falls, and contains a population of about 1000, some 200 of whom are within the bounds of the town of Berwick.
A meeting of the town was held in 1762 to define the limits of Quamphegan Landing, which extended from a brook by Samuel Seavey's house to Ensign Abbott's grist- mill and sixteen rods from the river. This was revised and classified for spars, lumber, and goods by Ichabod Goodwin, William Moore, and Philip Hubbard, committee. There were then two wharf-houses, Lord's barn and Abbott's house and shop adjoining. By request of the owners the mill-privilege was divided in 1768, and 20 lots laid out by James Warren, surveyor, for Thomas Abbott, John Lord, Samuel Lord, John Hussey, Deacon Libby, and a " mill- common." Sullivan describes the landing as having a set of saw-mills, and also a great landing-place where immense quantities were rafted or carried in sloops. The place is on the line of railroad connecting the Boston and Maine and Portland, Saco and Portsmouth Railways, and has become a thriving manufacturing centre.
MANUFACTORIES.
Quamphegan Falls, at the head of navigation, on the Piscataqua, was used for a grist- and saw-mill, and also by Capt. Foote for carding wool and making a coarse cloth and blankets, for which he acquired quite a notoriety. The Portsmouth Company, organized in 1831, purchased this privilege; erected a substantial stone dam, 11 feet higher than the old one, and 275 feet long, thus adding
Photos. by E. H. Mckeuney, Biddefordl.
Benja d'ason
Clivia et. Jason
BENJAMIN NASON, son of Bartholomew and Elizabeth (Houghton) Nason, was born in Boston, Mass., Aug. 7, 1788. Ile was the fifth of a family of ten children. When he was ten years of age his father removed to South Berwick, Me., where, at that day, and until the advent of railroads caused a diversion to other localities, a large part of the business of the surrounding towns centred. There the father opened a store, in which Benjamin was employed as clerk until his arrival at majority, when he was admitted as a partner in the business, under the firm-name of B. Nason & Son. There Mr. Nason com- meneed and (with the exception of a short business engagement with his brother, Bartholomew Nason, at Augusta, Me., in 1812) continued a prosperous business career, pursued with energy and strict integ- rity, for half a century ; resulting in a handsome competency for himself and advantage to the community in which he lived.
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His business was not confined within the limits of the store, but with the accumulation of means he extended it into other channels. In connection with William D. Jewett, Esq., now president of the South Berwick Bank, he built a saw-mill, and for a series of years was engaged quite extensively in lumbering operations. He was also engaged in navigation twenty years or more, owning ships and barks with his life-long friend, Capt. Theodore Jewett, and others.
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Mr. Nason was a man of sound judgment and strict integrity, and withal a temperate man in the strietest sense of the word. In his early days, when intoxicating liquors were in almost universal use, and when their absence on certain occasions would have been re- garded as more singular than their open use would now be, and when to abstain from all use of them showed something more than a passive virtue, he was a total abstinence man. In later years, when the temperance question began to be more generally discussed, he not unfrequently alluded to the fact that he was oftentimes subjeet to ridicule by his intimate friends for his singular abstinence, as it was then regarded.
Although not a professor of religion, he was a punctilious observer of the Lord's day, and fully appreciated the importance of sustaining Divine worship. His interest was manifested not only in his eon- stant attendance upon the services of the Sabbath, and his regular subscription to the support of the ministry, but in the more active support of his personal labor in matters connected with the First Parish of South Berwick, of which he was a member. He had sole ebarge of the erection of the meeting-house, was for years a trustee of its ministerial fund, and subsequently its treasurer.
His clear judgment and general business capacity was early recog- nized by the leading men of the town, and at the organization of the
South Berwiek Bank, in 1823, he was chosen a director, which office he continued to fill until Oct. 4, 1858, when he was chosen president in the place of Capt. Theodore Jewett, who declined a further elee- tion. The latter position he held until October, 1863, when, having arrived at the age of seventy-five years, he tendered his resignation. From that time he withdrew from active business, and his remaining years were passed in the quiet of his home, to which he was strongly attached, in the settlement of his private affairs. Into this last labor he carried the same exactness which had characterized bis more active years. And when, in obedience to the final summons, he ceased his labors, his affairs were left in such a complete state of adjustment that but little was required to be done by those to whom he com- mitted the management of his estate. He died on the twenty-ninth day of July, 1875.
Soon after establishing himself in business, on Dec. 7, 1815, Mr. Nason was united in marriage with Olivia Sarah, daughter of the late Dudley Hubbard, then a prominent lawyer of South Berwick, of whom Willis, the historian, says, " Mr. Hubbard was for many years leader of the York bar. He was an eloquent advocate, which, united with a very handsome person, pleasing address, and dignified man- ners, introduced him to an extensive and luerative practice."
It was said by those who knew the daughter in her younger days, that she inherited in a large measure the personal attractiveness of her father, and the portrait which aecompanies that of her husband, taken at the advanced age of eighty-five years, shows that the repu- tation which she enjoyed for personal beauty was not without foonda- tion. She was educated at Fryeburg (Me.) Academy, and at the school of Madam Brown, at Newburyport, Mass.
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nason,-five sons, viz .. Dudley H., Benjamin, Augustus, Charles, and John F., all of whom, with the exception of the latter, now living at Exeter. N. II., the father survived; and three daughters, now living,-Mary R., who married Edward E. Bourne, Jr., of Kennebunk : Sarah W., who married Charles Holbrook, of Boston, deceased, and subsequently Charles Horatio Gates, of Hamilton, Canada, more recently connected with Brown University as teneher of French and Italian; and Lueia W., widow of Simeon P. Folsom, son of Abraham Folsom, Esq., of Boston.
Two of the sons gave their lives to the cause of the Union in the late Rebellion. Angustus was killed in the battle of the Wilderness, and Charles died of disease contracted while in the naval service.
Mrs. Nason, surviving her husband, still occupies the old home- stead, her loss compensated in some measure by the society and watchful care of her youngest daughter.
317
TOWN OF SOUTH BERWICK.
greatly to the power and giving a head of 19 feet above ordinary high tide. In 1832 a four-story brick cotton- mill, 40 by 150 feet, was put into operation. The com- pany, under the agency of T. W. Hale, employs a capital of $137,400; consumes over 600 bales of cotton; runs 9000 spindles and 216 looms; employs 200 operatives, one-third males ; manufactures 2,500,000 yards of sheeting annually, and disburses about $4600 monthly. This privilege has a surplus power sufficient to drive 20,000 spindles.
Shoe-factory : David Cummins & Co., established in 1872. This was the outgrowth of a smaller business estab- lished first at Springvale, in Sanford. About 300 opera- tives are employed here in the manufacture of ladies' and misses' light work. The buildings comprise a brick build- ing with a front of 100 feet, and another of 65 feet, both 35 feet deep and five stories high. The machinery is op- erated by steam-power. The grounds include 24 acres of land, upon which there are about 30 neat wooden tenements and a large boarding-house.
Shoes: F. B. Smith, established in 1876, employs from 4 to 6 hands on heavy work ; H. M. Butler, custom.
Harness : A. Carpenter, established in 1874, does retail and job work ; Charles D. Durgan, established in 1843.
Plows and cultivators: J. B. Varney Plow Company. Marble-works : A. L. Goodwin, established in 1870.
Cabinet work : Leonard Colcord, established in 1850.
Lumber-dealers : John A. Hooper, John Drew, I. P. Yeaton, John Burleigh, David Cummins & Co.
Builders : O. E. Moulton, P. H. Fall, C. W. Murphey, G. W. Haines.
Stoves and tinware: A. H. Ricker, established in 1876. Saloon : B. F. Chapman, also fish-market.
Meats : Freeman C. Ham, established in 1876.
Corn and meal : I. P. Yeaton.
Barbers : William Doherty, Stephen Goodwin.
Livery-stables : John H. Plummer, S. B. Huntress.
Job printer : F. W. George.
Hotel : Josiah Paul, formerly kept by Mrs. Frost.
Express ; Eastern, W. M. Sanborn, agent ; Boston, Good- win & Co., agents.
Dentist : Fred. H. Lunt.
Physicians : C. F. Trafton, C. P. Gerrish, E. D. Jaques.
Lawyers : H. H. Hobbs, C. C. Hobbs, George C. Yeaton, A. Oakes, J. B. Neally.
Postmaster: Justin S. Clement ; mails by rail daily.
At the junction of Great Works and Salmon Falls Rivers is a fall of 17 feet, called " Yeaton Mills ;" power, 250 horse, and occupied by the saw-, grist-, and plaster-mills of I. P. Yeaton.
The village contains a fine cornet band, organized in 1877, under the leadership of Fred. Adams. There are three churches and an academy within the village limits.
South Berwick National Bank : organized as The South Berwick Bank, under the State banking laws, in 1823, and made a national bank in 1865. Capital, $100,000. W. D. Jewett, president ; John F. Walker, cashier.
South Berwick Savings Bank : organized in 1866, under the present officers. Deposits and profits, $197,955.65. William D. Jewett, president; J. H. Plummer, cashier.
Union Store No. 79: General goods. Established by the New England Protective Union, with headquarters in Boston, Mass., about 1849, as a branch union. The store was once burued, but opened again soon after. John S. Pike has been the agent since it first commenced business in the place. President, George S. Goodwin.
Sovereigns of Industry store No. 41 : Established in 1875. This became separate from the order in 1877, and was opened to the general public. M. R. Varney, agent.
General stores : I. L. Moore, H. A. Stone, and S. W. Ricker & Co., established by S. W. Ricker, in 1846.
Groceries : John M. Goodwin, established in 1878; Henry Willard.
Dry goods: O. Stackpole & Co., established in 1859; H. C. Willard, established in 1878.
Dry goods and shoes : George W. Tibbetts, established in 1871.
Drugs : E. C. Eastman, since 1872, established by Dr. Trafton, Sr.
Jewelry : C. J. Taylor, established in 1865.
Furnishing goods : J. B. Whitehead & Bro., merchant tailors, since 1877 ; established by Charles E. Whitehead in 1848.
Millinery and fancy goods : Jane Morrell, established in 1861 ; J. F. Linton, Mrs. R. Smith, established in 1865; N. A. Butler, T. S. Linton.
Musical instruments and sewing-machines : George W. Brookings.
Books and stationery: William Thompson, since 1872; established by John G. Thompson, in 1825.
Confectionery : Frank W. Caverly.
Variety : George W. Butler.
Hardware : E. R. McIntire, established in 1859.
GREAT WORKS.
Great Works is a factory hamlet of thirty buildings, sur- rounded by a broken but well-improved farming country. There are here the factory of the Newichawannock Com- pany, Ephraim Hodgdon, agent; store; and a depot on the Eastern Railway. This place is upon Great Works River, about a mile above its confluence with the Piscat- aqua. The total fall is 60 feet, divided in its descent into three pitches, by as many dams. Upon these are located the mills of the Newichawannick Company, which was or- ganized in March, 1854, with a capital of $100,000. At the lower dam stands the brick mill, 40 by 80 feet, five stories high, built in 1859; and a few rods above, at the next dam, is the other mill, of wood, 30 by 130 feet, two stories high, built in 1860. Ten sets of machinery are in operation, and employment is given to 175 hands. Large quantities of woolen goods are manufactured, con- sisting in part of flannels, cassimeres, and blankets.
SOUTH BERWICK JUNCTION.
South Berwick Junction, a hamlet of twenty dwellings, on Great Works River, two miles east of South Berwick village, was made the junction of the Portland, Saco and Portsmouth, and the Boston and Maine Railroads, in 1843, and a post-office established at that point. The town-house is located here. A store was opened by Daniel Quimby,
318
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, MAINE.
afterwards kept by Daniel Chadbourne, who sold to Bennett & Nason in 1866. Moses Bennett became proprietor and postmaster in 1868.
CHURCHES. CONGREGATIONALIST.
This parish was organized under the name of Unity, in 1693. The first ehureh organized within the limits of Berwick was at Quamphegan Landing, now South Berwiek village. This church was formed by the Rev. John Wade, a native of Ipswich, Mass., and graduate of Harvard, in 1693, who had been employed as the minister of the town. Considerable religions interest was awakened during 1701, and June 4, 1702, an organization was effected with 17 members. The Revs. John Pike, of Dover, Samuel Em- ery, and Samuel Moody officiated as counsel. Daniel Good- win was one of the most active members at its organization.
The first meeting-house was built south of Great Works River, opposite William Nason's, near the school-house. Rev. Mr. Wade was ordained Nov. 18, 1702, and died Nov. 13, 1703. He received a call, but died before his settlement. Sept. 23, 1706, Capt. Ichabod Plaisted, Capt. John Hill, and Deacon Emery were selected in behalf of the church and parish to give Mr. Jeremiah Wise a call for settlement, and £80 were voted for his yearly salary. One hundred pounds were voted for his settlement. The offer was accepted, and Benona Hodsdon, Nathan Lord, and Humphrey Spencer were appointed to get the ministry land near the meeting-house sufficiently well fenced by the month of March next.
In March, a new meeting-house, 36 feet square, was commeneed. Rev. Jeremiah Wise, a son of John Wise, of Ipswich, Mass., who was connected with the " Salem Witchcraft," gradnated at Harvard, and was ordained Nov. 26, 1707. He remained pastor of this church until his death, Jan. 20, 1756, at the age of seventy years. A man eminent for his learning and piety, his memory is still eher- ished in the parish. His parish was divided in 1751, and a second parish formed with a meeting-house at Blackberry Ilill. He was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Foster, Sept. 1. 1756.
Ephraim W. Allen from Dec. 30, 1858, to May 10, 1866; Silvanus Hayward was installed May 10, 1866, and was succeeded by Rev. George Lewis, the present pastor, in 1876.
The deacons of this church have been as follows : Daniel Emery, Nathan Lord, May 20, 1703; Daniel Goodwin, 1721 ; Job Emery, April 30, 1721 ; John Hupper, May 15, 1721 ; Benjamin Libby, Sept. 16, 1725; Daniel Emery, Feb. 25, 1735 ; Ichabod Goodwin, June 30, 1754; Hum- phrey Chadbourne, Jr., June 30, 1754; Richard Shackley, Jr., June 25, 1761; John Hill, Jr., Dee. 10, 1767 ; Do- minicus Goodwin, Nov. 11, 1773; Gen. Ichabod Goodwin and Dr. Richard Hazeltine, May 16, 1811 ; James S. Good- win, April 6, 1826; Asa Hunting, Nov. 19, 1829 ; John Plummer ; Andrew Goodwin, June 2, 1837; Charles Ed- ward Norton, Jan. 5, 1844; N. C. Hobbs, July 2, 1869; Isaac P. Yeaton, Sept. 1, 1871 ; John H. Plummer, June 30, 1876. Messrs. Hobbs, Yeaton, and Plummer are the present deacons.
BAPTISTS.
The second Baptist Church formed in Maine was organ- ized within the limits of this town. In 1767 considerable religious interest was manifested among the people at "Great Ilill," Berwick, caused by the preaching of Rev. Hezekiah Smith, pastor of the Baptist Church iu Haverhill ; and those who adopted his religious sentiments became united with his church. July 8, 1768, " it was voted by the Haverhill Church to approve aud confirm proceedings of our pastor, Deacons Whitten, Shepard, and Elder Greenleaf, in dismiss- ing members from this church, and constituting two Bap- tist Churches, one in Gorham and the other in Berwick." The proceedings alluded to were the usual steps taken by the Berwick members for the formation of a church of their own, which dated June 28, 1768, and consisted of 17 mem- bers. Joshua Emery, though never ordained, was the teacher and exemplary guide of this church for about twenty years. W'm. Batchelder was ordained over this church Nov. 30, 1796. He served with great acceptance till November, 1805, when he removed to the First Church in Haverhill. After being destitute for two years Joshua Chase became pastor, and remained five years. In 1818, for some irregu- larities, this church was dropped from the Association. In 1821 it was restored to its former standing, taking the name of "Berwick and York." In 1822, Mr. Chase re- sumed the pastorate for a short time, but died Feb. 6, 1825. The rest of the pastors have been as follows : Rev. Joseph Gilpatrick, from June 7, 1826, to 1832; Rev. Nathaniel G. Littlefield, from 1833 to 1836, during which time the name was changed to South Berwick and York ; Rev. John Hub- bard, from 1837 to 1841; Rev. J. M. Wedgwood, from 1844 to 1846 ; Rev. Gideon Cook, one year ; Rev. W. H. Copeland, six years ; Rev. John IInbbard, five years, closing March, 1862 ; Rev. J. M. Thompson, from 1834 to 1866. In 1866 the meeting-house was taken down and removed to North Berwick.
Rev. Mr. Foster, a graduate of Harvard in 1754, was a lover of learning and pure religion, and entirely devoted to the work of his Master, but, finding it difficult to support his family during the Revolutionary war, he was dismissed at his own request in 1777. Being warmly devoted to the Whig cause, he entered as chaplain in the army. Ile died in 1798. He was succeeded by Rev. John Thompson, from May 7, 1783, to Nov. 17, 1824. Mr. Thompson was a grad- uate of Harvard College in 1760. Ile died Dec. 21, 1828. Rev. George W. Campbell was ordained at that date, and remained to Dee. 24, 1848. During his pastorate the meet- ing-house now used was built at South Berwick village. Rev. Seth HI. Keeler was ordained Oct. 15, 1829, and was pastor to April 18, 1836; Rev. Andrew Rankin from March 1. 1837. to April 14, 1840; Rev. William B. The first house of worship stood near John Hooper's, south of the parsonage in South Berwick. Report says that Joshua Emery did much towards building it. It was afterwards enlarged by the addition of twenty-four feet to Homer, who was ordained Nov. 11, 1840, died March 22, 1841. aged twenty-one ; Rev. Benjamin R. Allen was pas- tor from Oct. 12, 1842, to Oct. 19, 1854; Rev. Alfred Emerson from Feb. 18, 1857, to May 12, 1858; Rev. . its length. Getting old aud dilapidated, it was burned down.
319
TOWN OF SOUTH BERWICK.
In 1842, David and Elijah Hayes and Peter Knight were appointed a committee to erect a new house, which was lo- eated near where Rufus Clark now lives, in Berwick. It was dedieated Aug. 31, 1843, Oliver Barron preaching the sermon. In the winter of 1837-38 a powerful revival was experienced, in which it is estimated that 400 persons were converted. Seventy-seven were baptized during the winter.
The deaeons have been John Knight, Shem Emery, Benjamin Knight, James Gray, Nathaniel Walker, Peter Knight, Oliver Boston, William Shaw, William B. Emery, B. F. Swain, William Emery, Reuben Dennett. Aug. 17, 1776, members in the north part of the town were dis- missed to form the " Berwiek and Madbury" Church. The ordination of William Hooper over the church was the first Baptist ordination in the State. In 1808 a church was gathered at South Berwiek village. Rev. William Chad- bourne labored with them several years, and after him Wil- liam Boyd. The organization beeame extinct in 1824.
The Baptist Church at the village was reorganized Nov. 13, 1823, and consisted of 13 members. The Revs. Gideon Cook and William Hooper aided by their counsel. Mr. Hooper remained with them about one year, and was sue- eeeded by Christopher S. Hale, a licentiate, who left in the spring of 1825. During his service a vestry was built, but was burned a few months after completion. July, 1825, Duncan Dunbar commeneed a prosperous pastorate. From Oct. 4, 1827, Charles Miller was pastor till 1829; Joseph Bullard, from July 7, 1830, to Nov. 15, 1837 ; Lewis Colby, from Jan. 4, 1838, to July, 1843; then John Richardson for seventeen years; A. K. Potter, from Oet. 1, 1860, to Oct. 1, 1865 ; S. L. Holman, until Oet. 1, 1867, when George W. Gile became pastor.
The present house of worship was built in 1826. Josiah W. Seaver and Samuel Parks were the building committee, and used their own property so freely as to embarrass them- selves. This society has generally been very prosperous. The first deaeons were Dr. Charles Trafton and Charles Shorey. The meeting-house has beeu enlarged and beauti- fied, and was rededicated Jan. 1, 1872, during the pastor- ate of Rev. Mr. Gile. Present pastor, Rev. R. R. Riddell.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
A Christian Church, consisting of 28 members, was formed in the south part of the town by Mark Fernald, Oct. 28, 1809. This church was dispersed about 1833.
The First Christian Church was organized June, 1818, by 7 members dismissed from the First Baptist. Jedediah Goodwin was the first pastor, Ebenezer Blaisdell first dea- eon. In 1834, under the eare of Joshua Goodwin, a house of worship was ereeted near Emery's Bridge. Intemper- ance and lack of interest resulted in the overthrow of the organization. In 1865, Elder J. M. Hodgdou labored in this field a part of the time. He was followed by J. S. Johnson, as an evangelist. Marked suecess attended his labors, and a church of 44 members was organized as " New Year's Christian Church of South Berwiek." Paul Stone was chosen deaeon; Jonathan S. Johnson became the first regular minister ; then Z. S. Knight, who was sue- ceeded by Rev. Joseph Graves. Membership, 75. A Christian Church was organized at the village in 1842,
and one at Brock's Crossing, consisting of 12 members in 1846 ; both are extinet.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF SOUTH BERWICK AND WELLS was organized Dec. 12, 1864, by Elders Haley, Goodwin, and Whitney, with a membership of 12. The first pastor was J. M. Ilodgdon; J. M. Murgridge, a lieentiate, sue- eeeded him. The meeting-house was built in 1860. The first and only deacon, John Gray.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH AT SOUTH BERWICK JUNCTION was formed in 1869 by Elders C. E. Goodwin, Osborn, and Whitten, with a membership of 12. Zebulon Knight was chosen first pastor, and llenry Foss deaeon. This society worship in a hall. Rev. J. B. Cottle was the pastor.
THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized May 18, 1834, with 19 members, and Rev. Nathaniel Triekey pastor. The sueeeeding pastors have been D. P. Cilley, from 1836, one year ; Z. Jordan, from 1837 to 1842; John Chaney (a bold advocate of freedom and temperanee), from 1842 to 1845 ; E. True, from 1845 to 1847 ; D. Jackson, two years, sueceeded by W. D. Johnson, Nov. 16, 1849; Mr. Johnson and his wife both died here in 1852; F. Moulton was installed pastor April, 1853 ; Rev. Willet Vary was installed July, 1855; D. P. Harriman, June, 1857 ; Joel Baker, 1860 ; N. C. Lathrop, August, 1864; W. T. Smith, 1866; and Rev. J. Frank Loeke, 1868, who was sueeeeded by Rev. O. T. Moulton to 1878. Membership, 120. Deacons, II. Brackett and Abner Boston. The meeting-house in South Berwiek vil- lage was dedicated in 1838. The parsonage is a good, convenient building near the ehureh.
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