USA > Maine > York County > History of York County, Maine, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 98
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Rev. John Gunnison was his successor, being ordained the day Mr. Calef closed his labors. He remained till Sept. 9, 1834. From March 12, 1836, to same date, 1837, Joseph A. E. Long supplied. Aug. 25, 1837, Solomon B. Gilbert was ordained an evangelist, and became stated sup- ply to Sept. 1, 1839. Daniel Kendrick was stated supply from Sept. 1, 1839, to Sept. 1, 1844. William Pierce was supply from Sept. 1, 1844, to Sept. 24, 1845, when he was installed pastor, but dismissed Nov. 9, 1848. Rev. Amasa Loring remained as stated supply from Jan. 1, 1849, to Nov. 14, 1834; Stephen Bailey, from Jan. 1, 1855, to Jan. 1, 1857. Wales Lewis was installed Oet. 25, 1857, and dis- missed Sept. 13, 1864. Ile was followed by Rev. William A. Merrill as stated supply, who began his labors Dec. 11, 1864, and remained till December, 1870. H. T. Arnold, a licentiate, was stated supply in 1871. Rev. Samuel W. Pearson, his successor, remained until February, 1876, and was succeeded, June 4th of that year, by the present pastor, Rev. George F. Tukesbury.
The first deacons were Simeon Chadbourne, Ezra Kim- ball, and John Goodridge, chosen May, 1802. August, 1826, Isaac Currier and Issachar Kimball were chosen in place of Deacons Kimball and Goodridge. In May, 1834, John Currier, Robert Cousens, and Edward Card were chosen, and in June, 1862, Isaac C. Emmons was chosen in place of R. Consens; July 1, 1870, Alvin Low, in place of John Currier.
Present deacons, Edward Card, Isaac C. Emmons, Alvin Low ; clerk, since 1848, Dimon Roberts. Membership, about 100.
In 1805 one acre was laid out to the proprietors of the meeting-house, and deeded to them by John Safford and Samuel Whipple.
The house occupied by Rev. Mr. Calef was burned Sept. 15, 1870. The church has a fine, comfortable parsonage, and a good meeting-house, refitted in 1853. It has never been six months at any one time without a pastor. The old meeting-house was torn down to make way for the new one, which occupies the same spot. The old one was without a ceiling, and in its latter days was occupied by swallows. Mrs. Dimon Roberts remembers attending meetings there
in her childhood, and watching the swallows fly in and out, building their nests and feeding their young during the long sermon.
FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH.
The interest that resulted in the formation of this society was aroused under the preaching of Elder Oliver McKen- ney. A society was organized by him, May 29, 1839. Renben Roberts and wife, George Clark, John Brackett, Sally Roberts, Oliver Nason, Rebecca Clark, Hannah Downs, Anna Libby, Lydia Smith, and William Clark were the first members. Elder MeKenney became first pastor, and continued his useful labors here till 1845.
Nehemiah Nason, Dorris Stone, James Nason (2d), Al- mira Clark, Joseph Lever, Lucy Lever, Thomas Ricker, Thomas Clark, James N. Roberts, Aaron R. Libby, Emily Roberts, Mary Ann Clark, James H. Roberts, Olive Roberts, and Mary Brackett joined under his preaching, immediately after the society was formed.
The few months following Rev. Mr. McKenney's preach- ing were supplied by Elders Gray and Bridges. In 1846, Elder Nathaniel Brackett assumed the relations of a pastor, and remained till 1848. An interval of about two years succeeded, when Elder L. H. Witham took charge, and re- mained till 1852; no regular preaching in 1853; Elder Charles Hurlin followed till 1856 ; John Stevens and Oliver Butler supplied to 1870; William J. Twort, 1871-72; Edwin Blake, 1873-75; James W. Potter, last pastor, to 1878.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN WELLS
was formed by a council which met at the house of Ebenezer Lay, Feb. 15, 1803, and at the same time ordained Elder Joshna Roberts pastor of the new church. Elder Otis Robinson was moderator of the council. Joshua Roberts, John Taylor, and David Ross were among the first members. John Taylor was made the first deacon in June, 1803. David Smith was chosen deacon April 12, 1810. Elder Roberts continued to be both pastor and clerk until his dis- missal, in 1831, when David Ross was chosen clerk. Elder Chamberlain became pastor in August of that year, and was succeeded by Elder Samuel Robins, who was installed at the old meeting-house in Kennebunk, June 5, 1833. Rev. Mr. Storer became pastor in 1837. Elder Emerson in 1838. Deacon John Taylor resigned, and George and William Taylor were both chosen deacons. In 1839, Elias Magregory became pastor. In November a part of the church took letters to unite with a new church forming at North Kennebunkport, and soon after a new meeting-house was begun in the south part of Lyman. Meetings were held in the old church until October, 1840. The clerk, who lived near the old meeting-house, refused to transfer the records, claiming that the action was founding a new church. Those who refused to join in Lyman transferred themselves by letter soon after to the church at Kennebunk.
The new house in Lyman, since known as the Taylor meeting-house, was occupied, and the society, numbering 24 members, named themselves the First Kennebunk and Lyman Church, and elected John L. Taylor clerk in place of George Taylor, resigned. In 1842, Deacon George Tay- lor and the remainder of the south members withdrew to
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TOWN OF LYMAN.
form a society of their own, but in 1844 reunited, bringing with them their pastor, Rev. E. Cox.
James W. Roberts became clerk this year, and was succeeded by Hiram Waterhouse, the present clerk, in 1849. In a letter to the Association in 1841, Elder Flan- ders was reported as their preacher three-fourths of the time. In 1842, Rev. Eleazer Robins preached three-fourths of the time, and caused a revival which added 26 new mem- bers to the church. Edward S. Ladd followed in February, 1842, and had increased the membership to 64 at the close of his labors in 1844.
Rev. Albert Hill was pastor from 1848 to 1851. Bartlett Pease became pastor in 1852; Gideon Cook, in 1854; G. Littlefield, 1859; and W. H. Copeland, last supply, in 1867. The meeting-house is now used as a lyceum by the young people of the neighborhood.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Traveling Methodist preachers visited Goodwin's Mills, and held meetings as early as 1809. The first class was formed by John Adams, and some of its first members were Joseph Wadlin, who became the first class-leader, Anne Wadlin, Betsey and Sally Wilson. For several years meet- ings were held in school-houses. Among the earliest re- membered preachers were Francis Newell, Mr. Bannister, Philip Ayer, W. H. Pillsbury, Jesse Stone, Elder Blake, Mr. Bates, Rev. Mr. Coffin, William Brown, Joseph Gerry, Revs. Dike and Macomber, and others that in the ab- sence of records have escaped the memory of the oldest members. Elder Lewis is particularly remembered, as under his ministry and through his efforts the meeting-house was built, and dedicated in the fall of 1839. The first trustees after the completion of the house were Jacob MeDaniels, Jeremiah Wadlin, Simon Burnham, Albert Lunt, John Clark, Tristram Goodwin, Ebenezer Dow, Joseph Wadlin, and William C. Brown. For a long time it belonged to a four-weeks' circuit, and Gorham Greely and John Rice were preachers. In 1843 it was attached to Buxton Circuit, and J. Clough was minister. In 1845, Silas M. Emerson was minister. Some years it was supplied by local preachers, as in 1849, by Jacob McDaniels. At other times Mr. Warren occupied the pulpit. In 1850, Francis Masseure had charge, and he was followed by Elder Greenough. Daniel Waterhouse had charge one year, 1856; Eben Gerry, 1857-58; F. C. Ayer, 1859-60; C. K. Philbrick, 1862 and part of 1863, till his death, in March of that year. Balance of year filled by local preachers. William S. Jones had charge, 1864, '65, and '66; N. B. Centre, 1867; C. W. Blackman, 1868-69; Marcus Wight, to 1872; and O. H. Stevens, to 1879. Present membership, 72. The value of church and parsonage is $1700. The parsonage was bought in 1850. Jeremiah Wadlin has been class-leader for many years.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The first meetings were held in barns, dwellings, and school-houses. Simon Locke, a licensed preacher, was especially useful in gathering the church, which was or- ganized March 5, 1782, at the house of Jacob Rhodes, and consisted of 29 members, as follows : Simon Locke, Samuel
Burnham, Stephen Butler, Thomas Cluff, Win. Waldin, John Penny, John Ross, Jacob Burnham, Jacob Rhodes, Daniel Kimball, Richard Thompson, Benjamin Goodwin, Joshua Smith, Thomas Huff, Miriam Wadlin, Mary Huff, Olive Drew, Elis Rhodes, Amy Dolliff, Frances Thompson, Mary Rhodes, Mary Thompson, Ann Burnham, Ilannah Cluff, Esther Ross, Abigail Cleaves, Sarah Rhodes, Lydia Locke, and Ruth Rhodes. Mr. Locke was ordained pastor of this church Dec. 18, 1783. At the ordination the Ber- wick Church was represented by Elder William Hooper, and that of Sanford by Elder W. Powers. The pastorate of Elder Locke was only terminated by his death, in 1831. As the beloved pastor of his people, he served them faith- fully forty-eight years. He was a devoted Christian, a plain and practical preacher, and a sympathizing friend. During his ministry 170 were added to the church. N. G. Little- field, a native of the town and a member of this church, was licensed to preach in 1822, ordained an evangelist 1827, and became pastor of the church in 1839. During the last years of Elder Locke's ministry, he aided him much in his pastoral duties. In 1830 the church divided, and Mr. Littlefield had pastoral care of the Second Church, while John Saunders became assistant pastor of the old church, yet under the care of Mr. Locke. After a short trial of divided action, they were again united in 1833. Elder S. Tyler had care of the church in 1834; N. G. Littlefield, from 1841 to 1844; Rev. Thomas Jameson, in 1846; N. G. Littlefield, in 1850; Rev. Augustus Hubbard, from 1854 to 1855; Gideon Cook, half the time in 1857 to March, 1858; N. G. Littlefield, half the time during 1858; Rev. James Ferguson, in 1861, and until ill-health obliged him to close his ministry, Aug. 20, 1864 ; he was dis- charged from pastoral care in 1866. About two-thirds of 1868, Rev. W. H. Copeland was employed half the time. During the summer of 1870, Rev. Warren Emerson sup- plied the society-meeting for worship in the hall over the school-house in district No. 7, at Goodwin's Mills. Since February, 1871, different ministers have supplied the pulpit. Rev. John C. Andrews and Rev. James A. Ferguson have each supplied three years previous to 1879. This church was released from Congregationalist parish support in 1798, on settling a minister. The deacons of the church have been Joshua Smith, Stephen Butler, Lemuel Burnham, Daniel Kimball, Wm. Waterhouse, John Grant, Joseph Cleaves, Simeon Andrews, Jas. Nason, John W. Blaisdell, E. H. Tripp,-for many years church clerk,-and F. War- ren. Present membership, 49.
The first place of worship was built in 1788, about one and a quarter miles northwest of Goodwin's Mills, at a cost of $700, and which was occupied till 1820, when a second and more convenient house was erected, costing 82100. This was burnt in 1848, and a resort to school-houses was again had till 1855, when a house for worship was erected between the ponds, at a cost of about $1000. In 1870 it was deemed advisable to remove this meeting-house to Goodwin's Mills. Accordingly it was taken down, more material added, and a neat edifice, with tower for bell, erected at a cost of about $3000, and dedicated Feb. 22, 1871. It was traditional among the old settlers that Mr. Theodore Lyman, after whom the town was named, had
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, MAINE.
promised a bell to the first church that would build a tower in which to hang one. No church had heretofore provided such a place. Upon its completion a committee waited upon a son of Mr. Lyman, stated the case as remembered by the old inhabitants, and he immediately redeemed the promise of his father by giving a check of $300 for a bell, the first and only one in town. Present officers: James Nason, Deacon ; E. H. Tripp, Clerk.
BURIAL-GROUNDS.
The Chadbourne Cemetery, in the north part of the town, near the Free-Will Baptist church, is the largest and, undoubtedly, the oldest in the town. It is upon the west side of the highway, on a narrow ridge bordered by low- timbered lands on either side, while to the north and south a continuous row of farms extends along the road. The ground contains about an acre of land, slightly sloping from the centre, and shaded by fir-, ash-, and cedar-trees. In the centre, a large, rough, granite rock, five feet long and twenty inches in thickness, standing upon one edge, bears the following inscription upon its only smoothed and pol- islied side :
DEA. SIMEON CHADBOURNE 1750-1846. IN THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL.
HIS WIVES, ELIZABETH | CATHARINE 1762+1855 |1752+1778. Luke xxiv. 11.
The last named was the first person buried in this ground. Eleven feet east from the ash-tree, on the mound upon which the stone rests, is the grave of Josiah Tibbits, a soldier of the last Indian and French war and an early settler, with one of his wives on either side, each marked with a low, rough stone bearing their initials. Near them are many graves similarly marked. In other parts of the ground are Nathaniel Brackett, who died in 1842, aged ninety-one; C'apt. Jeremiah Roberts, died 1846, aged ninety-three ; Josiah Tibbitts, Jr., died 1855, aged sixty-eight ; James Nason, died 1801, aged twenty-nine; Gideon Walker, died 1807, aged fifty-seven ; Phineas Ricker, died 1836, aged eighty-eight; Thomas D. Clark, died 1847, aged eighty- five; Luke W. Brock, died 1848, aged seventy ; Jonathan Hemmenway, died 1851, aged eighty-two; Maj. Jeremiah Roberts, died 1874, aged seventy-six ; Charles H. Moody, of the 27th and 29th Maine Infantry, and Seth Cousens, 32d Massachusetts Infantry, both soldiers of the late war against rebellion in the Southern States. The ground is regularly laid out and neatly kept.
Another old, but staller, public burying-ground is beside the old Congregationalist church in the west part of the town, near the Alfred road. Among the honored dead who repose here are Capt. Samuel Raymond, died 1812, aged sixty-eight; James Sands, died 1819, aged seventy-two ; Rev. Jonathan Calef, A. M., the first minister of the town, died April 24, 1845, aged eighty-three; Capt. Nathan Raymond, died 1845, aged eighty-eight; Capt. Joseph White, a soldier of the Revolution, who fought both on
land and sea ; Enoch Coffin, died 1843, aged fifty-three ; Hon. Nathaniel Low, who died in 1845, aged eighty-four ; John Low, Esq., whose epitaph reads :
"Died Nov. 23, 1827, aged 82-
An intrepid officer in his country's cause.
A civil magistrate for more than forty years. An active legislator & an able promoter of Justice and Peace.
An affectionate Husband & Father.
A faithful friend & counsellor &
A true soldier of the Prince of Peace."
PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST.
The old Congregationalist meeting-house, erected in 1824, occupies the site of the first meeting-house, built in 1787. This was for many years the place of holding town elections and all public gatherings. Beside it, the old burying- ground contains an acre of graves overgrown with brush and briers, and surrounded by a wall made from the famous "Town-Meeting Rock." The place is still surrounded on the north, east, and west by dense groves of white pine and oak.
SCHOOLS.
In 1785 it was voted to hire a school of four months, and that it should be placed by the selectmeu in the most con- venient place in the town. William Waterhouse was hired as teacher. Fifty pounds were voted for the school in 1794. In 1800 a head of each school class was chosen, consisting of Capt. Benjamin Goodwin, Lieut. Jacob Waterhouse, John Emmons, Nathan Smith, and Samuel Moulton.
The districts at first were large and called classes, and a head elected each year at annual meeting to direct about the school in each elass. In 1809 there were six districts, and from these others were set off as the inhabitants in- creased.
In 1870 there were 412 school children reported within the town. In 1878 there were 280, of whom 232 were registered on the school rolls. There are 10 school dis- tricts, with 9 good school-houses and school property valued at $1525, with schools supported by a town tax of $880 and other appropriations, increasing the total expense for schools to $1381 in 1878, under the administration of George H. Day, Erford Emmons, and Jerome Smith, school committee.
ASSOCIATIONS.
MASONS.
Arion Lodge, F. A. M., was instituted May 9, 1872. The first officers were R. Wayne Bradeen, M .; Wm. M. Staples, S. W .; Nathan Hanson, J. W .; Nathaniel Little- field, Treas. ; Cyrus W. Murphy, Sec. ; Dimon Roberts, Jr., S. D. ; Enoch C. Murphy, J. D .; Geo. W. Rumery, S. S .; Francis N. Clark, J. S .; Alvan A. Stevens, Tyler.
The present officers are Cyrus W. Murphy, M .; Albert V. Wakefield, S. W .; George Palmer, J. W .; Walter P. Garden, Treas .; Francis N. Clark, Sec .; Wm. M. Staples, S. D. ; Jesse C. Walker, J. W .; Alma Dyer, S. S .; Howard P. Smith, J. S .; Cyrus Littlefield, Tyler.
PROMINENT MEN.
Town-meetings were held for a number of years at the house of John Low, who for many years was chosen modera-
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TOWN OF HOLLIS.
tor and town treasurer. He was the first representative sent to the General Court in 1787, and after that, when repre- sented, till 1801, when Issachar Dam was chosen for one term, after which Mr. Low represented the town through succeeding years till 1820. No man exercised a more con- trolling voice in town affairs, or was honored so long and repeatedly with the suffrages of his townsmen, as Mr. Low. His descendants are residents of town, and occupy the old homestead iu the western part, where he first settled.
" Master" Robert Swanson was several times selectman, but more frequently lot-layer and surveyor. He is remem- bered by the older inhabitants as Master Swanson.
Nathaniel Low was secretary of the State Senate in 1826. Among the early leading citizens were also Nathan W. Hanson and Robert Cousens.
Joseph Roberts, an early settler, and his descendants, have been worthy citizens,-often honored by controlling positions in the public business of town.
The Hills, Smiths, Warrens, Emmons, Littlefields, and Cluffs were likewise early settlers, and influential, respected men in their times. Descendants of all are still residents here.
James W. Roberts was a lieutenant in the war of 1812, captain of the militia, held important town offices for a number of years, was a member of the State Legislature, and was a justice of the peace for twenty-eight years.
Col. Jacob Waterhouse, a son of one of the first settlers, was an artificer in the war of 1812, and was a prominent citizen until his death, in 1839. He was a leader in the formation of the Democratic party in the town, and was, in 1837, the first representative elected to the Legislature by that party in Lyman. The "Jackson School-house" was so named from being the rendezvous of that party in its formation here.
Hon. Hiram Waterhouse, a son of Col. Waterhouse, was, in 1857, the first Republican member sent by the town to
the Legislature. He is a prominent and respected citizen, and has been connected with the administration of town affairs for many years.
Hon. James Nason, deacon of the Baptist Church, was a member of the Legislature in 1842 and 1856, and a munici- pal officer from 1822 to 1854. He is one of the oldest prominent citizens living.
Among the more recent prominent men were Joseph Dennett (now blind), Francis Warren, Edward Card, East- man H. Tripp, Dimon Roberts (the oldest living resident), Elisha Littlefield, Hiram Waterhouse, and Deacon James Nason.
REPRESENTATIVES IN THE GENERAL COURT.
John Low, 1787-1800; Issachar Dam, 1801; John Low, 1802-19.
MILITARY.
Among the military men of the town have been Capt. John Low, 1780; Lieut. Issachar Dam, 1781 ; Capt. Ezra Fluent, 1787 ; Lieuts. John Andros, Joseph Taylor, Ben- jamin Goodwin, 1789; Capt. Elisha Smith, 1794; Capt. Jere. Roberts, 1796; Lieut. James Wakefield, 1803; Capts. Benjamin Gould and Jedediah Taylor, 1806 ; Maj. Issachar Kimball and Capts. James W. Roberts aod John B. Porter, 1820; Col. Jesse Kimball, 1824; Capt. Edward Card, 1827; Col. Jacob Waterhouse, 1837 ; Capt. John Grant.
MEXICAN WAR.
Benjamin Grant enlisted in the Mexican war, and died at Matamoras.
Charles Lewis and James Gould both served under Gen. Scott, and were honorably discharged.
In the war of the Rebellion the action of the town was prompt and patriotic. Its quotas of men were filled, and the debt incurred for bounties has been liquidated.
HOLLIS.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
THE town of Hollis is bounded on the north by Liming- ton and Standish, in Cumberland County; on the east by Buxton ; on the south by Dayton ; and on the west by Lyman and Waterborough. It is ten miles in length from north to south, and three and a half miles wide, and is bor- dered by the Saco River, which forms its eastern boundary for a distance of ten miles. The surface is quite broken and partly covered with sand-plains, upon which are young forests of white and yellow pine. The chief business is farming and fruit-growing.
The Portland and Rochester Railroad passes through the southern part of the town. Kollock's Pond, nearly three miles in length, and Whale's Ponds, two small ponds, com-
prising 30 or 40 acres each, are in the north, near the Limington line.
SETTLEMENT.
The original .plantation and town included, under the name of Little Falls Plantation, what is now comprised in Hollis, Dayton, and that part of Limington south of the Little Ossipee River. The original grant comprised a part of the tract purchased by Maj. William Phillips of Mogg Megone, an Indian, and son of Walter Megone, sagamore of Saco River, in May, 1664, and recorded in 1669. Fif- teen hundred acres on the south were purchased by Edward Tyng, and 2000 acres next north, since known as the Rus- sell Lot, by Richard Russell, of Charlestown, Mass. Ad-
46
362
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, MAINE.
joining this Maj .- Gen. John Leverett purchased a tract three miles square.
In 1728 a trading-post was established, by order of the General Court, a quarter of a mile below Union Falls, now Dayton, to protect the trade with Indians. A fort was erected of hewn logs, mounted with a cannon, and garrisoned by a sergeant with 10 soldiers. In 1744, 13 men were stationed here, and after the declaration of war between France and England the force was increased to 20. John and Audrew Gordon, of Biddeford, and others attempted to settle in the plantation along the Saco River in 1753, but were soon after driven away by the Indians. In 1759 the fort was abandoned with the return of peace. John and Edward Smith settled near the fort in 1760. Most of the early settlers were in the vicinity of the fort and in the south part of the town. Among the arrivals soon after the organization of the plantation and previous to 1790 were Caleb Cook, who gave his name to the stream which was made the dividing line when the new town of Dayton was formed, Joshua Warren, Capt. Joseph Dyer, Phinehas Downs, Benjamin and Robert Haley, William Deering, John Poak, Caleb Loek, Enoch Parker, Humphrey Dyer, Thomas Rogers, Isaac Robinson, Isaac Drew, Lieut. Benjamin Haley, Christie Gilpatrick, who opened a tannery soon after his arrival, Thomas Redlon, Richard Palmer, Joseph Goo- gins, Ichabod Cousens, Lieut. Moses Atkinson, Gideon and Robert Edgecomb, and Ichabod Gould. Among the later arrivals were William Wadlin, John Harvey, and Elisha Wight. Goodwin's Mill, around which clustered most of the early settlers, was the first and leading business place, and at the other side of the town. Hopkinson's Mill was the scat of government for the town until roads were opened. In 1799 the curious appropriation of $1 a year each for making and keeping in repair two road-gates for fifteen years was made for John Young. The first settlers, though men of untiring energy, were not always successful in their own behalf. We find that in 1802 the town voted to take care of Andrew Gordon, and see if his children had suffi- cient property to take care of him or render him assistance. He was a large and powerful man in his youth. Boarding at home in Biddeford with his parents, camping out on his claim, or seeking refuge in the block-house across the plains when pressed by Indians, he only left his improvement when driven out, and entered the army in the Canada expedition, to return on the cessation of hostilities and continue his improvement, which became a rallying point for the first settlers west of the block-house, and is now in the finest part of the town back from the Saco River.
In 1814 it was " voted" that Elliot G. Vaughn, Esq., may have the privilege of building a ferry-boat, to ferry across by his house.
POLITICAL ORGANIZATION.
March 27, 1781, the first plantation meeting recorded was held at the house of Capt. John Smith, near the old fort, south of Union Falls. Joseph Chadbourne was elceted Moderator; Zebulon Gordon, Clerk ; Joseph Chadbourne, George Hooper, and Joseph Weller, Jr., Assessors; John Smith, Treasurer ; Thomas Young, Collector ; Thomas Cluff, John Smith, Moses Watkins, Jr., Jacob Hooper, Surveyors
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