USA > Maine > Waldo County > Belfast > History of the city of Belfast in the state of Maine v.I, 1770-1875 > Part 73
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In October, 1827, the notorious Mrs. Anne Royal,2 a short woman, of about fifty years of age, with gray hair, and a tongue like that of Xantippe, visited Belfast, remaining about a week. In a work which she published the following year, entitled "The Black Book, or a Continuation of Travels in the United States," the people of the village are thus described : -
BELFAST
Is another beautiful, flourishing town, more populous than Cas- tine. It stands on Belfast Bay, at the mouth of a river of the same name, at the north-west part of Penobscot Bay. It has a safe harbor and great commercial advantages, and is increasing rapidly in wealth and improvement. The situation is one of the handsomest in Maine, and the prospect delightful. It is a sea- port town, contains two churches, an academy, and about fifteen hundred inhabitants. . .
I have somewhere observed that the citizens of Maine, take
1 Hon. R. C. Johnson.
2 She was a noted character in Washington for nearly forty years, the terror of politicians, and especially of Congressmen. Any public man who refused to buy her hooks was certain of a severe philippic in her newspaper, the Washington "Paul Pry," or in that which succeeded it, "The Huntress." "We have the famous Mrs. Royal here," writes Justice Story to Mrs. Story, on the 8th of March, 1827, " with her new novel, 'The Tennesseeans,' which she has compelled the chief justice and myself to buy, to avoid a castigation. I shall hring it home for your edification." She wrote and printed a great deal, but seemed to rely almost entirely upon her ability to blacken private character. She died in 1854, aged eighty-nine.
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
them all in all, are a long ways before the other New England States in urbanity of manners and warmth of feeling, but partic- ularly in hospitality. This may be gathered from the preceding tour. These traits are more striking as you advance through the interior .. But, of all the towns I have visited, Belfast exceeds. The kindness of the citizens was absolutely oppressive, as it laid me under obligations which I shall never be able to repay. That masterly text of Scripture, which comprises the Christian religion as respects the conduct of man to his fellow-creature, " Whatso- ever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them," is emphatically fulfilled in Belfast.
My friend, the Colonel,1 took care to introduce me to the prin- cipal gentlemen in the place. Amongst these were a Colonel Lane, who came passenger with us from Castine, and several others. The people of Belfast, however, do not wait for formal introduc- tions : they came pouring in from all quarters, and took me at once by the hand. Even in the streets, knowing there was a stranger in town, and seeing me from their windows, the dear creat- ures would rush out of their houses and tear me in, in spite of cold ceremony and all the nonsense of empty formality. " I know this is Mrs. R. You must excuse us, - we have heard so much of you, that we all want to see you : we were so 'fraid you would not come to Belfast." All glee and buoyant spirits, they appear to enjoy a superior sort of happiness : -
" Witty, wise, though social-hearted, good."
But nothing astonished them more than that steady, uniform, and determined course I had laid down and pursued, in exposing those enemies of all that is good, the missionaries. . .
I am under deep obligations to every citizen of Belfast, not even excepting the little, canting, political, insignificant editor, who, in imitation of other silly men, said, "I was upon an elec- tioneering expedition." He took care, however, not to say it until I left town. I pity such little p -- s : they must have bad hearts who can never think well of others. But, to begin the portrait of my friends, - which every one will expect after what I have said, - Colonel Upton, though he does not live in Belfast, he ought to live there, - he is a stout man, of middle age, dark complexion, round, full face, with regular features, and the finest eye (large, soft, and black) ever placed in the human head.
1 Colonel Samuel Upton, then of Castine.
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VISITORS, DISTINGUISHED AND NOTORIOUS.
Respecting his manners and philanthropy, we will leave it, shrouded under that modesty where true greatness loves to dwell. Colonel Upton has a son, the image of himself, who already. rivals his father in the beauty of bis person and the elegance of his manners.
Amongst those gentlemen who are distinguished in Belfast are Colonel Lane, Hon. William Crosby, Hon. A. Johnson, Rev. Froth- ingham, Messrs. R. C. Johnson, John Angier, Joseph Williamson, William White, Stevens,1 Allen,2 E. Fellows, James White, and Dr. Monroe. Colonel Lane is of common size and middle age, his: face round, fine, fair, and full, with a rolling black eye, and great> benignity and modesty of countenance. His manners are easy,: though manly and dignified. He is collector for the port, and no better man could have been pitched upon. Hon. William Crosby, is of middle age, common size, fair complexion, round, full face; and soft gray eye ; his countenance open, mild, and benevolent, his manners gentlemanly and polite. R. C. Johnson is very dis- tinguished for his amiable manners and disposition. He is a tall,, noble figure, with an oval, fair face, and the finest countenance in- nature. Rev. Frothingham is a Unitarian preacher, one of the most noble of the human race, - learned, accomplished, humane, modest, polite; he stands unrivalled amongst his fellows. He is. the most singularly amiable inan I ever saw. If he has a fault, it. is that of being too diffident. Mr. Frothingham is of middle age,; rather under, with a round, full face, fair complexion, and soft, intelligent, blue eye; his countenance - what his actions bespeak - benevolent, and his manners gentlemanly and pleasing. He is- about the common size.
Colonel Joseph Williamson is one of the finest-looking men in the place, and deservedly ranks among the highest. He is quite a young man, a fine figure, with a fair, oval face, gay countenance,; and soft, dark gray eye. In his deportment, he is manly and. dignified.
Mr. John Angier is of middle age and spare make, with great- dignity of countenance and very genteel manners.
Mr. White is a young man, with a mild blue eye, and very en- . gaging manners. Dr. Monroe is no ways behind his neighbors in every thing that constitutes a gentleman.
But, of all the gentlemen of Belfast, a Mr. Allen,8 a lawyer, ex-
I Hon. William Stevens, now of Lawrence, Mass. .
2 Rufus B. Allyn, Esq. -
8 Ibid.
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
cited not only my wonder, but the highest admiration. He boarded at the house where I put up. He is a thin, spare man, and very distant in his manners. He scarcely spoke a word to me while I was in Belfast, though he would sometimes walk into the kitchen part of the house, where I always took a cup of coffee as soon as I arose in the morning. On these occasions, he would walk the floor backwards and forwards, now and then bestowing a look of benignity upon me, but interested me in no other way, -merely saluting when we would meet at the table. He was remarkable for using few words, and under the show almost of misanthropy con- cealed one of the most generons hearts in the world. When I was about to leave Belfast, I asked my landlady for my bill. " Your bill is paid," said she. "Who paid it?" "Mr. Allen." There is a Christian ! Which of the missionaries ever did such a thing? After doing this generous act, he took himself off, lest I might thank him. I did, however, find him, and took him by the hand, but he would hear of no thanks. - I shall be pardoned for this digression. To return : the people of Belfast take the sure road, - they take the best means to keep alive those generous feelings, love and good-will to mankind. It is truly a town of brothers, united in every effort to improve themselves. They all meet at appointed periods for the purpose of improving themselves in debate, being formed into a regular society for the purpose, with a president at their head. This society consists of the principal gentlemen of the place, old and young. One of those. meetings took place while I was there, which I attended. The discussions were conducted with serionsness and decorumn, and exhibited a fine display of wit, taste, learning, and talent. My friend Colonel Williamson presided in the chair, and, though I am no judge, doubtless he filled it with honor and satisfaction. The audi- ence was crowded, of both sexes; the subjects were various, and afforded much amusement from the fire and spirit of the speakers. Of all the questions debated, of course I was pleased with one introduced by a gallant young gentleman, who under- took to prove the superiority of women over men in many in- stances. I could see a smile of approbation flitting from face to face amongst the fair ones, and doubtless a part was designed for myself, though he did not exactly say so in so many words, but all will grant the thing was very apropos. May the fairest of the fair nymphs of Belfast reward him with her hand ! I never lamented old age before.
799
.
VISITORS, DISTINGUISHED AND NOTORIOUS. -
But we were all amused with an elderly gentleman, the father of the Johnsons, one of the most interesting men of his years amongst the human race. His fine face dressed in smiles, every feature stamped with the impress of innocence, wit, and humor, was at any time sufficient to promote the best of feelings. But unfortunately, or fortunately, rather (as it afforded us great amuse- ment), Judge Johnson was compelled to answer himself, one of the young gentlemen, his opponent, being taken suddenly ill, or from some cause declined speaking, and no one could be found good- natured enough to speak for him but Mr. Johnson, which occa- sioned a great laugh.
This is a much better way of spending time than tippling at the taverns. It is a great pity that other towns do not imitate their example.
But the incident I am now about to relate settles the question as to Maine in general and Belfast in particular. I had been out of books some time, having sold all on the Penobscot and about the stores, excepting one or two, which I parted with at Bucks- port and Castine, so that I had but one when I came to Belfast. When I was just setting off on my journey, those immeasurably kind people flocked around me to take leave, and upon shaking hands every man left a dollar in my hand ! ! !
Belfast was settled by Mitchell and others in 1770. A man by the name of Etemson ' was the first who built a house where Belfast stands. One remark is alike due to Belfast and Castine; which is, that there are no rabble in either. At length, the hour of parting came, and with a sigh and long, lingering look, I parted from my friends. Dear people, my last pulse shall beat for thee.
President Jackson, accompanied by Vice-President Van Buren, visited Boston in June, 1833, and intended to have proceeded to Maine. The illness of the President prevented this plan from being executed. A public meeting was held here June 7, and a committee of nine chosen to invite him to extend his tour to Belfast.
On the 29th of September, 1835, Daniel Webster made a second visit here on his way from Bangor to Wiscasset. He landed un- announced from the steamer "Bangor" at Lewis's Wharf, and conducted by Manasseh Sleeper, Esq., walked up Main Street to the Eagle Hotel. Here he held a brief interview with his old
1 Probably a misprint for (Richard) Stimson.
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
fellow-member of Congress, Hon. John Wilson. He remained about an hour, and started in a chaise for his place of destination! He was dressed in black, and wore a tall, broad-brimmed hat. Upon his arrival becoming known to his political friends, prepara- tions were made for a salute, but before the first gun was fired he had left the village.
John J. Audubon, the ornithologist, was here about 1835, while on an exploration of the forests of Maine and New Brunswick, He is remembered by those who saw him as having long flowing hair, and dressed in almost rustic garments.
Colonel Jefferson Davis visited Belfast in-1858, by invitation of the military officers who had charge of the muster here. Accom- panied by Colonel George F. Shepley, United States District At- torney, he arrived on the morning of September 2, by steamer "Daniel Webster." During the forenoon, at a review of the troops, he made an eloquent address ; and, at a banquet given on' the field the following day, he responded to a toast.1 In the even- ing, he attended a levee at the residence of Dr. N. P. Monroe, on' Main Street. During his stay, he was the guest of the Hon. H. H. Johnson, on Church Street.
On the 15th of August, 1860, the Hon. Stephen A. Donglas, the Democratic candidate for President, arrived here by the steamer " M. Sanford," accompanied by Messrs. William H. Burrill, Albert G. Jewett, J. Y. McClintock, and Daniel Lane, Jr., a committee' who had visited Boston to invite him. He was received with cheers and a salute, and conducted to the Common, where a large crowd was assembled. A platform, decorated with flags and flowers, had been erected in front of the High school-house, to which he was conducted ; and after an address of welcome from Hon. Richard Moody, Mayor of the city, the distinguished sena- tor made a speech of about fifteen minutes in length. Soon after- wards, he re-embarked on the steamboat, for Bangor.
A Congressional Committee on the defences of the north- eastern frontier made an excursion through Maine, during the summer of 1864, for the purpose of inspecting the national forti- fications. The party - consisting of Hon. Messrs. John H. Rice, of Maine ; A. H. Rice, of Massachusetts; James T. Hale, of Pennsyl- vania ; James W. Patterson, of New Hampshire; and William Rad-
1 Both addresses were published in the " Republican Journal " of Sept. 9, 1858. They. afterwards appeared in a pamphlet containing reports of all the speeches of this former distinguished statesman during his New England visit ..
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VISITORS, DISTINGUISHED AND NOTORIOUS.
ford, of New York, members of the committee, accompanied by representatives of the press and many invited guests - arrived here in the steam cutter " Mahoning," at half-past six o'clock in the even- ing of August 16, being saluted by the batteries on each side of the harbor. A large concourse of people had assembled on the lower steamboat wharf, where the landing was made. The party was conducted to Peirce's Hall, where Hon. N. Abbott, chairman of the committee of reception, introduced them to the municipal authorities. During the evening, a soirée at the hall took place, at which speeches were made, followed by dancing. The guests proceeded east on the following day.
51
802
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
CHAPTER XLIX.
A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS.
Morrison and Steele drowned. - John W. Ricards suffocated on board brig "Two Friends." - Three Lads drowned in Sight of their Parents. - Boys drowned while skating. - Eben. W. Hilton accidentally shot. - Injuries from a Rocket. - Two Aged Citizens crushed hy a Log .- Fall of a Circus Tent. - Other Accidents and Casualties.
TT is not intended to recount all " the moving accidents, by flood and field," which have occurred within the limits of Belfast, or to her citizens and their property abroad. The space appropriated to this chapter allows only a brief narrative of the more prominent disasters.
During the plantation period of the settlement, but two acci- dents attended with loss of life are known to have taken place. One was the loss by drowning of John Morrison and Thomas Steele,1 in December, 1770, while returning in a canoe from Penob- scot River, where they had been to mill. The other, which hap- pened a few years afterwards, was the drowning of a man named Bates, in Goose River.2
1777, April 21. David Houston, son of Samuel Houston, aged 16 years, while coming with James Miller, on Sunday morning, from Brigadier's Island, was drowned by the capsizing of their boat. Miller swam ashore. Houston could not swim.8
1800, May 3. Wiggin Taylor, aged 32 years, was drowned in the harbor.
1800. -. One Silver, employed by Tolford Durham as a ferry- man, was drowned near the eastern shore of the river.
1802, June 1. Jason Webber, aged 21 years, was drowned.
1803, June 8. Ensign Henry True was drowned in the river.
1805, July 9. Abigail Colburn, aged 3 years, was killed by a falling log, near the foot of Main Street. She was a daughter of Ebenezer Colburn.
1 White's History. 8 Thid.
2 Locke's Note-Book.
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A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS.
1805, July 12. John Adams Huse, aged 3 years, son of John Huse, was drowned.
1806, Oct. 7. A Mr. Patten was killed by the fall of a tree.
1808, June -. Solomon Rice, of Charlemont, Mass., was drowned in the bay.
1810, -. John W. Ricards, aged 20, in the employ of Cap- tain John Lymburner, was suffocated while sleeping on board the new brig " Two Friends," in the cabin of which a charcoal fire for drying paint had been kindled.
1810, June 29. James Walls, of Portsmouth, N. H., aged 24, was drowned in the harbor. Having no friends or property here, his remains were interred by the town.1
1811, Feb. -. Henry, son of Captain Benjamin Young, was scalded to death.
1811, March 4. Esther Monroe, a native of Lexington, Mass., died in consequence of injuries received by her clothes taking fire.2
1812, April 4. James Gordon, aged 86, was killed by falling from a horse.
1815, Oct. 23. Nathan Cram, a native of Lyndboro', Mass., aged 35, was drowned.8
1820, May -. John Winkley, a seaman, 30 years old, was drowned. Hi's body was found June 13, and buried under direc- tion of the selectmen.
1822, Feb. 5. John C., son of John Merriam, and Ralph C. J., son of George Hopkins, two small lads, ventured out below the wharves on a thin and brittle sheet of ice, which gave way under their pressure. Persons on the shore were attracted by their cries, and every effort was made to save them. They went out of sight in the presence of parents, brothers, sisters, and a crowd of people, who could render no assistance, and were obliged to remain inactive spectators of the terrible scene. Their bodies were recovered.4
1822, July 10. Noah Mathews, of Searsmont, aged 18 years, was killed by the wheel of a heavy ox-wagon passing over his bead. He was asleep, while sitting on the tongue, and the wagon suddenly starting threw him off.5 .
1822, Dec. 23. Hiram Emery, aged 22, was suffocated in
1 Town papers. 2 Hudson's History of Lexington.
8 Smith's History of Peterborough, Appendix, 44.
4 Hancock Gazette.
5 Penobscot Gazette.
.
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
the cabin of the schooner " Hope," at the wharf. His bedding took fire from a candle. The coroner held an inquest.1
1824, March 24. Daniel McCarvey, a native of Ireland, aged 21, while rolling a cask of water, fell between a vessel and the wharf, and was crushed to death.2
1825, Jan. 12. While Edmund Leason, aged 50, was crossing near the upper bridge, in a boat laden with wood, he capsized, and became so chilled by exposure that he survived but a few moments after being rescued.
1825, Oct. 23. Sophia, child of Hiram Merry, aged 2 years, burned to death by her clothes taking fire,
1826, June 26. During a rainy and tempestuous night, a little son of Peter Osgood, aged 6 years, was lost in the woods, where he had gone for a cow. A general alarm was given, and the citizens of the village searched until the next morning, when he was found two miles from home.8
1826, Dec. 1. A son of Eliphalet French, aged 14, fell from the rigging of the schooner " Bunker Hill," and was fatally injured.
1828, Oct. William Hewes was drowned in the harbor.
1829, Jan. Miss Margaret S. Armor, aged 26, was killed at Poor's Mills, by a fall.
1829, Aug. 17. William, son of John Roberts, aged 6 years, while playing on the mill-dam of William Grinnell, at Goose River, fell in, and was drowned.4
1829, Dec. 25. As a number of boys were skating on the Tilden Mill Pond, at Goose River, three of them - Joseph, son of William Boswell, aged 17; Salathiel N., son of Jacob Cunningham, aged 14; and Charles, son of Charles Tilden, aged 12 - broke through the ice, and were drowned. After an hour, their bodies were found within five feet of each other. Their funeral took place from the Unitarian Church on the following Sabbath, and was attended by a thousand persons. The three coffins were carried on one hearse, and deposited in the same grave.5
1830, April 28. David Thompson, son of Widow Thomp- son, aged 18, was drowned by falling from a sail-boat in the harbor.
1831, Jan. 4. The eastern stage was upset while descending a hill near the upper bridge, and one passenger seriously injured.6
1 Hancock Gazette. 2 Ibid.
8 Belfast Gazette. 4 Journal.
5 Maine Farmer. 6 Advocate.
805
A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS.
1831, Feb, 28. John Parsons was killed by a falling tree. The same evening, Captain John Williams and Nathan McDonald were drowned while crossing the river in a boat.
1831, April 21. A son of Zebulon Davis, aged 13 years, was drowned while in a small boat. Caleb Huse, who was with him, escaped.1
1831, Aug. 25. Drowned in Grinnell's mill-pond, Ruel Swallow, aged about 30. He came from Dunstable, Mass.
1831, Oct. 27. Josiah D. Hinds, aged 56, was drowned in Peirce's mill-pond.2
1831, Dec. 22. William Boswell, an insane man, was found frozen in the basement of the brick school-house, the thermometer being fifteen degrees below zero. He survived but a few days.3
1832, Nov. 15. Ann M. Gilson received injuries from her clothes taking fire, which resulted in death.
1834, April 6. John Smith, an Irishman, was found dead from the effects of intemperance.
1834, Oct. 11. Earl Lane, Jr., of Northport, was drowned in the harbor by the filling of a boat.
1835, Dec. 24. Eliza, daughter of William Emerson, aged 4 years, was burnt so severely that death ensued.
1836, May 10. A child of Mrs. Hanson, aged 2 years, was burnt to death.
1837, May 11. James Enwright, a man of intemperate habits, was found dead on the east side of the river.
1838, Feb. 7. Robert Fisher, of Philadelphia, a colored man, aged 28 years, was drowned in the harbor.
1838, Feb. 24. Ebenezer, son of Job Shaw, aged 16, was killed by a rolling log.
1838, July 10. While a party of gentlemen were upon an ex- cursion among the islands in Penobscot Bay, when about three miles from Owl's Head, Mr. Eben. W. Hilton, one of the party, was killed by the accidental discharge of his rifle. He lived three hours. He was landlord of the Phoenix House. His age was 26.4
1838, Nov. 29. Roderick, son of Bancroft Wyman, aged 7 years, was drowned.
1840, Sept. 29. John Gillum, aged 9 years, was drowned.
1845, June 23. Sarah C., daughter of John S. Wilson, aged 2 years, killed by falling backwards into the fire.
1 Journal. z Advocate.
4 Waldo Patriot.
8 Journal.
806
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
1846, March 31. Captain Samuel Whitney, of Lincolnville, with his wife, was drowned while attempting to cross the bay between Duck Trap and Castine. Their boat came in collision with a cake of ice, which made a hole in her bow.1
1846, Oct. 25. John S. Durham, son of Jonathan Durham, died at Baga, from injuries received while loading the brig " Tonquin," of which he was second mate.
1847, May 1. Part of the steamboat wharf gave way, letting into the water a team loaded with dry goods, which were con- siderably damaged.2
1847, July 5. A son of Roger Merrithew, of Belmont, while witnessing a display of fireworks on the Common, was badly in- jured by a descending rocket, which mutilated his face.
1847, May. Elisha H. Hall, of Belfast, sustained serious injury by falling into a cellar hole on Pearl Street, in Boston. He re- covered $4,416 damages from the city.3
1847, Aug. 9. Benjamin F. Miller, aged 22 years, was killed by the caving in of earth near Miller's Wharf.
1847, Nov. 30. Edwin Kimball, aged 10 years, son of Edwin C. Kimball, was drowned while skating on the mill-pond, on Goose River, opposite his father's house.
1848, July 4. A son of Jacob Ames, aged 12 years, was- instantly killed by being thrown from a wagon.
1849, April 5. The body of an infant, apparently born alive, and that of an unknown man, aged about 60 years, were found in the harbor.4
1849, May 4. Ambrose Stephenson, aged 37 years, was fatally injured by the fall of a stick of timber in the ship-yard of S. C. Nickerson.
1849, Sept 7. William Fletcher, aged 17, fell from Far- row's Wharf, and was drowned.
1850, July 11. William Colley, of Belfast, fell from the mast- head of a vessel in Boston, killing him instantly.
1850, Dec. 11. As a son of Samuel G. Thurlow, aged 11 years, was crossing Spring Street, where a number of boys were coasting, he was struck by a sled, and received injuries of which he died the same evening.
1851, Nov. 13. Sylvester Y. Cottrill, while attempting to secure a boat at Haraden's Wharf, fell into the water and was drowned.
1 Incidents in the Life of Samnel Whitney, 67. 2 Signal.
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