History of York County, Maine, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 93

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 93

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ferent individuals. In 1827 or 1828, Elder W. Glover be- came pastor, his connection with the church continuing about three years. Fourteen were added to its membership under his ministry. He was succeeded in 1831 by Elder Joshua Roberts, who remained about four years, and was the means of greatly strengthening the church. Rev. Noah Hooper and Elder Flanders followed. In 1840, Jo- siah H. Tilton was licensed to preach by the church, and afterwards ordained as pastor, which office he held for more than three years, baptizing 26 into the fellowship of the church. He was succeeded by Elders L. Pierson, J. Strong, and L. S. Tripp. In January, 1851, Jeremiah D. Tilton was ordained, his pastorate continuing four years. Through his efforts a new house of worship was erected. Ten were added to the church by baptism. Rev. A. J. Nelson suc- ceeded him in 1855-57. Henry A. Sawtelle followed, being ordained in July, 1858. Twenty-five were added to the church during his ministry of one year. He then re- signed, having accepted an appointment to go as missionary to China. In October, 1860, C. H. Carleton was ordained as pastor, and filled the office two years. He was followed by Rev. A. H. Estey in 1865, who held the pastorate about three years. In January, 1870, Rev. Asa Perkins, Jr., beeame pastor. Fourteen united with the church during his connection. Edward Burt became pastor in 1878. Since its organization the deacons of the church have been Jacob Mills, James Gould, Penuel Clark, Benjamin Ilsley, Jeremiah Ilsley, and Ebenezer Day, the last named hold- ing the office at the present time. There have been licensed by the church as Christian ministers A. Felch, J. H. Til- ton, H. M. Sawtelle, G. B. Ilsley, and A. A. Watson. Be- sides these, the church has sent out as ministers of the gospel Thomas Paul, Benjamin Paul, Jonathan Day, Ezra Tomb, Atherton Clark, and Obed Walker. The number of members at the present time is 62. Thus for a period of more than seventy years, through scenes of alternating light and shadow, the church has been a fountain of good to the community and the world.

FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH.

The Free-Will Baptist Church was organized in 1822, with 30 members, among whom were Eben Day, Elisha Ayer, Samuel P. Downing, Susannah Downing, and Rev. Elias Libby, who was made clerk and pastor, which offices he held till 1835, when the church was reorganized. Messrs. Downing and Day were made deacons. In 1831 Rev. A. R. Bradbury, a graduate of Bowdoin College, was settled as pastor. Several evangelists, among them David Marks, visited aud preached in Limerick during its early history. The successor of Elder Bradbury was William P. Chase, who was pastor about four years. His pastorate was marked by an extensive revival, during which 29 were baptized and added to the church. Succeeding the min- istry of Elder Chase, there was a year with no stated preaching. Elder David Manson was pastor two years. Then followed Elder Keen and Rev. D. H. Lord. In 1848, Rev. James Rand succeeded Elder Lord with a pas- torate of three years. Revs. Horace Wellington, Theodore Stevens, and Almond Libby were succeeded by Rev. John Chaney, who, during a pastorate of four years, baptized 35

337

TOWN OF LIMERICK.

persons. Elder Porter S. Burbank became pastor in 1859 ; S. N. Tufts in 1863. During his pastorate of four years the meeting-house was rebuilt. M. A. Quimby succeeded in 1867. Rev. E. P. Ladd became settled pastor in 1869, and died in 1873. Winifred S. Packard, C. Bean and David Frost, John Willis, and, since 1879, J. M. Remick, have been pastors.

At the beginning of the temperance, missionary, Sunday- school, and anti-slavery work in 1832, a division of senti- ment occurred which, in 1835, reduced this church so that it became necessary to reorganize, which was done with only 6 members : Samuel Gilpatrick, Samuel Harper, Simeon S. Hasty, Elisha Ayer, Nicholas Pierce, and John Stover, who favored the new questions. Rev. Elias Libby did not engage with either side, but held a following of his own. His advanced age prevented any effective separate action on his part. A meeting-house was built about 1837, and in 1864 rebuilt, a bell added, and rededicated by Rev. S. N. Tufts. There are now 50 resident and 30 non- resident members. Deacons, Thomas P. Miles, Sylvester Furlong. Clerk, T. P. Miles.

THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH IN LIMINGTON AND LIMERICK.

As the result of a petition presented to the Second Free- Will Baptist Church in Limington, July 6, 1844, by 35 members of that church living in the east part of the town, now Limerick, a meeting was held at the meeting-house, July 25th, and a separate church organized by Elder Charles Bean and James Rand. This meeting-house had been erected in Limington, by contribution, in 1827, and was used previously by a branch of the First Livingston Church. The land upon which it stands was a part of the 1500 acres transferred by that town to Limeriek. Among the members in 1844 were Deacon Ebenezer Cobb, whose name is found in the history of the Limington churches at a previous date ; Cotton Bean, George W. and Cyrus Meserve, Stephen Merrill, Jr., Phinehas Stone, Timothy Brackett, Joseph Emery, George W. Cole, George and John M. Staples. Timothy Brackett was first clerk, and Ebenezer Cobb deacon. George W. Meserve has been clerk since 1861. James Crowley was deacon until 1864. Ivory Walker has been deaeon since 1876. There are 24 mem- bers. Charles F. Osborne was pastor from 1845 to 1850. Deacon Cobb was licensed to preach in 1863, and continued to preach until his death, Nov. 19, 1868. A good citizen and fervent Christian, he succeeded as a deacon, and was an able speaker, but the dignity of his new position cost him much of his former blunt frankness and somewhat detracted from his customary influence. He died highly respected. John Lord was licensed in 1875, and preached here in 1876-77. The pulpit has otherwise been supplied transiently by various ministers, and is now vacant.

BURYING-GROUNDS.

In the west part of the village, on Elm Street, an old burying-ground, overgrown with weeds and seedling apple- trees, contains the graves of Joseph Gilpatrick,* Esq., Jo-

siah Baker, Esq., who died in 1811, and John Morrill, Esq., who died in 1838, aged ninety-one, together with members of their families.

Upon the southern hill, beside the Baptist church, is the old village burying-ground. Here, overlooking the beauti- ful valley to the east, the early settlers fixed the final rest- ing-plaee for themselves and their descendants. Among the white marble slabs and beautiful monuments are a few ancient slates, cut with rigid curves and angles, and bearing names endeared to nearly every family within the town by family ties. Among those most known as pioneers and leaders buried here are Maj. Simon Fogg, died 1853, aged seventy six ; Deacons Abner Libby and Henry Dole ; Elder Elias Libby; Rev. Samuel Burbank, Rev. Richard Emery, Rev. Zachariah Jordan, Rev. William H. Nevins, and Rev. Charles Freeman ; Capt. Nathaniel Leavitt, an officer of the Revolution ; Capts. Ezra Morris, Benjamin Gilpat- rick, and Jeremiah Gilpatrick ; Maj .- Gen. John McDonald, who died in 1826, aged fifty-three; Abijalı Felch, one of the first settlers ; Samuel Bradbury, Michael Hayes, Cotton Bean, Daniel Lord, and many others equally prominent and respected.

SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIES.

The first record of schools was the appropriation of £12 for their support in 1789, and the division of the town into four classes was not effected until 1796, when the money was divided among them equally. The one school was pre- viously moved from place to place, at the discretion of the selectmen, so as to equally accommodate all.

The appropriations have increased from $100 in 1798 to $200 in 1802, 8700 in nine districts in 1819, and $1530 in 1870, with a property of $3125 in eleven school districts, and one graded school.

The high school was conducted in the town-hall in 1875, '76, '77, and '78, by Jeremiah M. Hill, A.B., and was suspended for want of aid from the town in 1879.

Supervisors of schools, 1879 : John C. Hayes, Rev. Asa Perkins, Erastus Perry.

THE LIMERICK ACADEMY

was granted a charter by the State of Massachusetts in 1808. The building was erected by private contributions, and the institution went into operation in 1810. The State of Massachusetts granted the institution an endowment of one-half a township of land, which was afterwards sold, and the proceeds applied to the benefit of the institution. The township granted the academy is now known as New Lim- eriek. The first academy building burned down April, 1851. It was rebuilt, and continued prosperous till De- cember, 1870, when it again burned, together with appa- ratus and cabinets. The first time it burned it was not insured; the second time it was insured. In 1868 the State of Maine made an appropriation to the academy of $3000. Three thousand five hundred dollars have been raised by private subscriptions to rebuild the academy, and an additional appropriation has been asked from the State. The academy has been a fountain of good to the town and community, and they cannot afford to be deprived of it. The present assets are about 85000.

* Unmarked. He was killed by falling timber while taking down an old barn of Parson Eastman's, in 1799.

338

- HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, MAINE.

Many eminent men have resided in Limerick in con- nection with the academy or in the practice of their pro- fessions. Among others may be mentioned President Smith, of Dartmouth College, and President Harris, of Bowdoin.

PROMINENT MEN.

Among the eminent men of Limerick, and identified with its earlier and later history, are the following :

IIon. James Sullivan, one of its first proprietors, a dis- tinguished member of York bar, ten years resident in Biddeford, in 1778 removing to Boston. He was subse- quently attorney-general, judge of the Supreme Court, and Governor. He died in Boston, Dec. 10, 1808, while Gov- ernor. He was born in Berwick, April 22, 1744.

Gen. John McDonald, for many years a merchant, a member of the Court of Sessions (now Court of County Commissioners), State senator from 1820 to 1825, and major-general of State militia. He died in 1826.

Joseph Perkins, who came from Wakefield, N. H., in 1788, and whose daughter Susannah was born April 1, 1777, married Daniel Johnson, and died in Limerick Nov. 22, 1878, aged one hundred and one years, seven months, and three weeks.

Maj. Thomas Gilpatrick and Joseph Gilpatrick, Esq., both of whom were of the original proprietors, and early plantation and town officers, and long identified with church and town interests.

Rev. Edmund Eastman, the first settled Congregational minister, and pastor from 1795 to 1812. He was repre- sentative to the General Court in 1812, and died in Decem- ber of the same year.

Abijah Felch, Esq., town clerk, assessor, and treasurer for many years, and representative to the General Court in 1813.

Deacon Edmund Hayes, for twenty years an assessor, and who first represented the town in the Legislature after the separation.

Rev. Charles Freeman, a graduate of Bowdoin College in 1812, settled as Congregational minister from 1820, re- taining the same pastoral charge for a third of a century. He died in 1853, aged sixty years, beloved alike by church- meu and citizens.

Maj. Simon Fogg, town representative for the years 1825-28 and county commissioner in 1834-35.

Col. John A. Morrill, merchant for many years, sheriff of York County in 1838 and '41, and town representative two years. Ilis first wife was a daughter of Gen. John MeDonald, and his second a daughter of Parson Eastman. Ile died in October, 1868, aged seventy-five years.

Ilon. Alpheus Felch, born in Limerick in 1806, educated at the academy and at Bowdoin College, of class of 1827 ; he practiced law in Michigan, and became prominent in her politics, successively serving as State representative, bank commissioner, auditor-general, judge of Supreme Court, Governor, and United States senator from 1847 to 1853. He was a grandson of Abijah Felch, above named.

Dr. William Swasey, father and son. (See " Physicians.")

Rev. Samuel Burbank, who came from Newfield to Limerick in 1826 and became an editor of the Morning

Star, a religious paper published by the Free-Will Baptists from that year until 1832 in Limerick, and since in Dover, N. H. He was treasurer of the county from October, 1831, to October, 1839.

Hon. Simeon Barker, merchant and postmaster, town representative in 1837 and 1838, and State senator in 1839 and 1840.

Daniel Perry and John Sanborn, Esqs., merchants, town officers, and representatives in Legislature. The latter was son-in-law of Parson Eastman.

Rev. Asa D. Smith and Rev. Samuel Harris, quondam preceptors of Limerick Academy, and afterwards presidents of Dartmouth and Bowdoin Colleges, respectively.

Hon. Abner Burbank, merchant, land-surveyor, and con- veyancer, town representative in 1839 and 1840, selectman and treasurer many years, and county commissioner from 1847 to 1851. Rev. Samuel B., aforementioned, Abner, Rev. Porter S. Burbank, of Parsonsfield, and Hon. James M. Burbank, late of Saco, now deceased, were sons of Samuel Burbank, Esq., of Newfield, who with his father Abner settled in Newfield in 1792, where he lived forty years, many of which a leading citizen and officer.

Hon. Jeremiah M. Mason, merchant, town officer, and representative, State senator in 1866 and 1867, and in the Governor's council in 1874-76.

Joshua Holland, woolen manufacturer, whose energy and enterprise have given to the town the village called " Hol- landville."

In this connection the reader is referred to the " Law- yers" of the town.

ASSOCIATIONS.

MASONS.

Freedom Lodge, No. 42, F. A. M., was chartered Jan. 14, 1823. There were fifteen petitioners, by whom the lodge was organized at Middle road or Dalton's Corner, Par- sonsfield. It was afterwards moved to Limerick, the centre of its membership, and incorporated March 7, 1856. The charter members were John Longee, Jr., Ammi R. Lord, Tobias Ricker, Moses Sweat, Israel Piper, Ira Chad- bourne, William Hackett, John Parker, Thomas Bond, Simon J. Whitten, John Colby, David W. Clark, Robert Cole, Joseph Huckings, and Gamaliel E. Smith. The present membership is 68.

The officers in 1879 were Edwin A. Sadler, W. M. ; Joshua Holland, Jr., S. W .; Ebenezer Cobb, J. W .; Ira S. Libby, Treas. ; Fred. W. Libby, Sec. ; Jas. McGuennis, S. D .; Antoine Sawyer, J. D .; Asa Perkins, Chaplain ; Charles B. Hill, Tyler.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS.

Highland Lodge, No. 48, was instituted Jan. 21, 1875. The charter members were Ira S. Libby, R. B. Billings, Wm. W. Mason, Joseph Dudley, John B. Gilpatrick, Joseph J. Chadbourne, Edwin A. Sadler, George H. Ricker, Edwin Ilsley, Moses R. Brackett. The membership is 58.

The present officers are William W. Mason, N. G .; Ira S. Libby, V. G .; Joshua Holland, Jr., Sec .; Edwin A. Sadler, Treas. ; Rev. Asa Perkins, Chaplain.

339

TOWN OF LIMERICK.

FRANKLIN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

was organized in 1868, through the exertions of the citizens of Limerick village, Wm. P. Fessenden, and Hon. John Linch, M.C .; maintains a good library for its mem- bers. First President, Horace H. Burbank ; Secretary and Librarian, Mrs. S. O. Clark.

PHYSICIANS.

Among the earlier physicians of Limerick were Dr. James Paine, who was living here in 1793, and Drs. Porter and Wm. Swasey previous to 1800. Dr. Abiel Hall lived in Limerick village previous to 1816.

William Swascy, M.D., a native of Exeter, N. H., studied medicine with Dr. Fulsom, of Gorham, Me., and located at Limerick as early as 1796, where he continued in active practice until his death, Dec. 25, 1835, at the age of fifty-eight years. He received an honorary degree from Bowdoin College, and was a prominent citizen, serving as town clerk for twenty-five years.

William Swasey, Jr., M.D., his son, graduated at Bruns- wick Medical Institution in 1821, at the age of twenty-two, and commenced practice with his father, succeeding to his practice at his death.

James Fogg, M.D., many years town clerk, died in his carriage in 1861, aged sixty years.

Eben T. Severance, M.D., a native of Cornish, graduated at Ann Arbor (Mich.) Medical University, at the age of twenty-eight, in 1861 ; read medicine with Moses Sweat, M.D., at North Parsonsfield, and at once commenced prac- tice in Limerick. He now resides at Limerick village.

Samuel O. Clark, M.D., is a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York City. He graduated in 1853, and located in Limerick in 1866, where he still enjoys a lucrative practice.

Three sons of Dr. Swasey, Jr., have become physicians : William B. is in Cornish, Me .; George B., at Westminster, Mass. ; and Edward is in New York City.

The present lawyers are Luther S. Moore, Frank M. Higgins.

SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION.

Rev. Edmond Eastman, Capt. Nathaniel Leavitt, Maj. Thomas Gilpatrick.

COLONIAL AND MILITIA OFFICERS.

Col. Humphrey Duke, 1781; Capt. Jacob Bradbury, Lieut. Penuel Clark, Ensign James Perry, 1790; Adj. Nathaniel Libby, 1802; Maj .- Gen. John McDonald, 1823; Col. Samuel Gilpatrick, 1833.

MEXICAN WAR.

Joseph Hayes.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.

HON. ABNER BURBANK

was born in Newfield, Me., Dec. 27, 1805, and is a lineal descendant of John Burbank, who " was made a freeman at Rowley, Mass., in 1640." His grandfather, Abner, and

father, Samuel, settled in Newfield in 1792. The former was a carpenter, and died in 1813.

Samuel Burbank, born in Rowley in 1769, married Su- sanna Graves (a native of Brentwood, N. H.) in 1791, which union was fruitful of seven sons and six daughters. He was town clerk of Newfield for eleven years, and one of the select- men for fourteen years. His further occupation was that of land-surveyor and school-teacher, being familiarly known

Abrier Grumberinte

as " Master" Burbank. He died in September, 1832, aged sixty-three years; and his widow survived him twenty years, deceasing at the age of seventy-seven.

Abner, who stands just midway their family roll of thir- teen children, had the privileges of the common school in his native town, and somewhat of an academic education in Limerick. After eight years of school-teaching and itine- rant ware-vending, he became a citizen of Limerick in May, 1832, which connection has been continuous for forty-eight years.

Having first served five years as clerk for William Hackett, Esq., trader, Mr. Burbank opened a variety-store, which he successfully kept for about five years, meanwhile represent- ing his town in the Legislature of 1839 and 1840, and fill- ing other town offices. He has been of the board of select- men and assessors for fourteen years, ten of which as chairman, and has also served the town as treasurer, col- lector, and school committee, and in all these to the unani- mous approval of his townsmen. Mr. Burbank was one of the county commissioners for four years, ending Dec. 31, 1850. As a well-known and competent land-surveyor his services were in frequent requisition throughout the " Os- sipee towns" for a half-century. He has held a commission as justice of the peace since 1837, in which capacity, and as referee too, he has determined many local suits and dis- putes. What with these varied callings, and those of con- veyancer, adviser in probate proceedings, and auctioneer,

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, MAINE.

his life has been an active one, conducive alike to health and competence.

In 1837, Mr. Burbank married Eliza Adams, daughter of Daniel and Sarah G. Harmon, of Limerick, and a direct descendant of Joseph Gilpatrick, one of the original pro- prietors of this town. Their children, all living, are as fol- lows : Horace Harmon, a graduate of Bowdoin College, in 1860, who was in the war of 1861-65 for two years, and one of these as captain (spending seven months in rebel prisons) ; in the practice of law ten years in Limerick, and since in Saco, representing the former town in the Legis- lature in 1866, and filling other town offices ; was register of Probate Court, from January, 1869, to January, 1877; county attorney in 1878, filling a vacancy ; judge-advocate- general on Governor Connor's staff three years ; city solicitor of Saco two years. Albion, a graduate of Bowdoin, in class of 1862, who was admitted to York bar in 1865, but, after a brief experience, becoming averse to this profession, he abandoned it for teaching ; was principal of Limington Academy one year ; of Kennebunk High School five years, and of high school at Exeter, N. H. ( where he now resides), about eight years. Sarah Augusta, a graduate of Maine State Seminary in 1868, and an assistant instructor iu Bid-

deford High School for ten years. Ida Ellen, educated at Limerick Academy, and now the wife of Edwin R. Per- kins, a merchant of Limerick ; and Charles Edwin, a mem- ber of the senior class in Bowdoin College.

Thus have their parents not only appreciated the desires of the children for an education, but, as member of the school board, and trustee of Limerick Academy (for twenty years), Mr. Burbank has ever been an ardent friend of this cause.

In politics he has always been a conservative Democrat.

Of his brothers meriting public mention are Rev. Samuel Burbank (deceased ), a Free-Will Baptist minister and an original proprietor and editor of The Morning Star, for- merly published in Limerick, and eight years treasurer of York County; Rev. Porter S. Burbank, now residing in Parsonsfield, also a Free-Will Baptist clergyman, of forty years' service in Maine and New Hampshire, and for many years in the editorial corps of the Star ; and Hon. James M. Burbank, late of Saco (deceased), four years sheriff of this county, and who has been in both branches of the Legislature.

The subject of our sketch, now in his seventy-fifth year, still retains vigor of mind and body.

CORNISH.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

CORNISH is one of the most northerly towns in York County. It is bounded on the north by Hiram, in Oxford County, and Baldwin, in Cumberland County ; on the east by Limington and Limerick, on the south by Limerick, and on the west by Parsonsfield. The Ossipee and Saco Rivers form its northern boundary. It is inclosed within a line established in 1772, beginning at a stone monument on the south bank of the Saco River, at the corner of Cornish and Limington, and running south 366 rods; south 25° west, 766 rods ; south 66° 30' west, 1040 rods; and north 6° 30' east, 1920 rods to the Ossipee River, down the course of which and the Saco River it reaches the starting-point at a dis- tance of 400 rods. The area inclosed is variously esti- mated at 10,388, 10,412, and 10,700 acres. The principal streams are Little River, which rises in the southern part of the town, and flowing northward empties into the Ossi- pee ; Barker's Brook, which follows the eastern line and empties into the Saco in Limington ; and Brown's Brook, which forms the outlet of Shute's Pond, a body of pure water in the southern part, covering au area of about 80 acres ; and Long Pond, in Parsonsfield, the eastern bound- ary of the triangular part of the town commonly known as "the Gore." The soil is strong and productive, and well adapted to the culture of fruits, wheat, corn, and grains. Maple-groves supply sugar and syrup for home

use. A narrow belt of plain land, formerly covered with pine, commences about a mile and a half west of the mouth of Little River, and extends down the Saco to the eastern line. Between these plains and the river are intervales of light loam, producing good crops, when properly tilled. The uplands are also productive, and are above the line of early frosts. Granite abounds in ledges and bowlders in all parts of the town, except upon the plains and intervales. That upon Hosac and Trafton or Pease Mountains is of good quality, and well adapted to building. A quarry was opened on Hosac Mountain in 1875, but found too strongly im- pregnated with iron for fine work. Limestone exists on both sides of the central valley, at the foot of Wescott's and Trafton's Mountains. Brittle gneiss, containing sul- phur aud iron, erops out in the ledges near the village. Much of the soil is in part composed of disintegrated granite.

TOPOGRAPHY.

The surface is irregular and broken. A valley extends through the centre of the town from north to south, on either side of which the hills rise into mountains and iso- lated peaks. Between this valley and the Saco River, in the northwest, Towle's Hill commences to rise gradually from the banks of the Ossipee, and attains an elevation of one thousand feet or more. Its southern slope is steep and pre- cipitous. South is Day's Mountain, which is not so high,

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TOWN OF CORNISH.

but is steep on its eastern slope, and rises abruptly from the valley. Farther south, Wescott's Hill, rising to about the height of Towle's, has a much larger base. Its south- ern slope is of gradual descent, and a road passes over it from north to south, between numerous well-tilled farms. Through the whole southern parts of the town the surface is broken into small rounded hills whose steep sides are cov- ered with beech and maple groves.

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History of York County, Maine, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 93

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