USA > Maine > Somerset County > Skowhegan > History of the old towns, Norridgewock and Canaan, comprising Norridgewock, Canaan, Starks, Skowhegan, and Bloomfield, from their early settlement to the year 1849; including a sketch of the Abnakis Indians > Part 10
USA > Maine > Somerset County > Canaan > History of the old towns, Norridgewock and Canaan, comprising Norridgewock, Canaan, Starks, Skowhegan, and Bloomfield, from their early settlement to the year 1849; including a sketch of the Abnakis Indians > Part 10
USA > Maine > Somerset County > Bloomfield > History of the old towns, Norridgewock and Canaan, comprising Norridgewock, Canaan, Starks, Skowhegan, and Bloomfield, from their early settlement to the year 1849; including a sketch of the Abnakis Indians > Part 10
USA > Maine > Somerset County > Starks > History of the old towns, Norridgewock and Canaan, comprising Norridgewock, Canaan, Starks, Skowhegan, and Bloomfield, from their early settlement to the year 1849; including a sketch of the Abnakis Indians > Part 10
USA > Maine > Somerset County > Norridgewock > History of the old towns, Norridgewock and Canaan, comprising Norridgewock, Canaan, Starks, Skowhegan, and Bloomfield, from their early settlement to the year 1849; including a sketch of the Abnakis Indians > Part 10
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" Resolved, That we are well and truly at- tached to the principles of the Federal Consti- tution, and that we will support the Union, so
154
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
long as there is any reasonable prospect that the majority in Congress may be reclaimed from their desperate purposes, and that the affairs of the Union may be restored to their usual and rightful channels.
" And Whereas-in this period of our ca- lamity and distress, when the barriers of the Constitution are broken down, our acknowl- edged civil rights trampled under foot, and the hand of the spoiler pressing hard upon us, there is reason to apprehend that a highly in- censed providence has averted its face from our land, and put us out of its divine pro- tection,
" Therefore, resolved, That it is highly incum- bent on towns and individuals to humble them- selves before ALMIGHTY GOD, to make thankful acknowledgements for those special and re- markable interpositions of Divine Providence in times past, and fervently beseech the Throne of Grace, that as we have been so miraculously supported hitherto, we may continue to be taken by the hand, lifted up out of our present troubles, and not suffered to become slaves either to the upstart tyrant of the European world, or to the treacherous and apostate patri- ots of our southern States.
" Resolved, That a respectful petition, in the name of the inhabitants of this Town, be pre- sented to the Legislature of this State, stating our grievances, and praying for protection and relief."
Judah Mclellan, James Bowen, and Josiah Locke were chosen to draft a petition.
155
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
There was a strong feeling pervading the parts of Canaan not included in Bloomfield, against the erection of the latter town, and a committee was chosen to remonstrate against the movement. The votes were all reversed, however, two months after.
The vote on the separation of Maine from Massachusetts stood, in the year 1816, ninety- three yeas, seven nays. In 1819, the vote was unanimous for a separation .*
April 5, 1819, it was voted that no persons should be allowed to carry any spirituous liquors near the place of town meetings, under a penalty of five dollars.
In the year 1822, the town of Canaan pro- tested against the erection of the town of Skowhegan. At a subsequent meeting, in the same year, it was voted to divide the town, forty-nine to thirty-seven. In the year 1828, every man in town was field driver. In 1831, the town protested against being classed with any other town in electing representatives.
Efforts toward erecting a town-house were made in 1841; it was finished in 1844, and has since admirably answered the purposes of its erection. In 1843, it was resolved by the town, that no liquors should be sold, unless for medicinal and mechanical purposes.
The present limits of Canaan are much nar- rower than when they included Skowhegan and Bloomfield. The town stands high in
* In the early part of the year, but in September it was one hundred and ninety-two yeas, and sixteen nays. Wentworth Tuttle, Esq., was chosen delegate to Portland,
156
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
public estimation, and is in visible contrast with its former condition. It contains many men who labor ardently for Religion, Educa- tion, and all worthy enterprises ; and is doing much for the race.
The first mill was erected on the Wesser- runsett, on the bridge near the mouth ; some traces of the work are yet remaining. Joel Crosby commenced a mill on the island soon after he came. He was to have the Pratt farm, and the Solomon Steward lot, for his en- terprise. The first mill afterwards became the property of Hon. Bryce Mclellan, and was burnt down.
The Agricultural products for the year 1837 were 1978 bushels of corn; 4642 bushels of wheat ; 155 bushels of rye; 4493 bushels of oats; 263 bushels of beans; 106 bushels of peas ; 1570 bushels of barley ; 36,507 bushels of potatoes; 448 bushels of turnips; 3585 bushels of apples* ; 1519 tons of English hay ; 59 tons of meadow hay; 4262 lbs. of wool ; 135 lbs. of maple sugar ; 73,326 lbs. of pork ; 3600 lbs. of beef; 11,420 lbs. of butter; 1775 lbs. of cheese ; 85 barrels of cider ; 142 horses ; 12 colts ; 144 oxen ; 308 cows; 317 other cat- tle ; 1808 sheep; 372 swine.
There were 2 chaises, 60 horse-wagons, 1 grist mill, 2 saw mills, sawing 300,000 feet of boards, 1 fulling mill, dressing 3000 yards of cloth, 1 tannery, 4000 feet of granite quarried,
* There are now more apples raised, and less cider produced than formerly, in all this section of country. We have learned that apples have a better use than to " bite like a serpent, and sting like an adder."
157
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
and 200 feet dressed, $17,200 stock in trade, $4,973 loaned, $8,500 bank stock ; real estate valued by the Legislature in 1841, $131,240 ; State valuation, 1845, $132,075; taxable es- tates in 1837, $161,736.
Since 1837 the wheat and potato crops have fallen off, - other productions have much in- creased. There are now 800,000 feet of boards sawed.
MODERATORS. - John White, 1784, 5, 6, 7; John Emery, 1784, 5, 8; Solomon Clark, 1785; Samuel Whitman, 1786; Samuel Weston, 1787; Perley Rogers, 1787; Levi Powers, 1788; Daniel Cony, 1788; Seth Wyman, 1783, 7, 9, 1807, 10; Eli Weston, 1789, 90, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1800, 1, 2, 5, 8, 9 ; Peter Heywood, Jr., 1790 ; William Steward, 1784, 92, 3, 4; Ed- ward Hartwell, 1794; John Smith, 1797; Bryce Mclellan, 1798, 1811; Nathaniel Bur- rill, 1801, 3; Seth Currier, 1804, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14; John Kimball, 1811, 12, 13; Eleazar Coburn, 1813; Benjamin Shepard, 1813; James Bowen, 1814; Joseph Merrill, 1815, 16, 17, 18, 19 ; Nathaniel Hubbard, 1817, 18 ; David Kidder, 1819, 20, 21; Joseph Patten, 1822 ; M. P. Norton, 1819, 21, 8, 9, 37, 8 ; Jo- seph Haskell, 1814, 15, 21; Daniel Herrin, Jr., 1820, 21; Wentworth Tuttle, 1822, 5, 6, 7, 8, 34, 7; John Wyman, 1814, 16, 18, 19, 22 ; S. Carson, 1820, 3, 4, 6, 8, 31, 2; H. P. Hobbs, 1824, 5; Adam Powers, 1825; Joseph Morrison, 1826; Joseph Barrett, 1814 ; Jos. Barrett, Jr., 29, 31, 2, 3, 4, 5, 40, 1 ; Hiram Tuttle, 1830, 1, 4, 6, 8, 41, 6, 14
158
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
7; Levi Johnson, 1835, 43 ; John Wilshire, 1836 ; Thomas Atkins, 1837; David Richard- son, 1838, 9, 40, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 ; Hiram C. War- ren, 1839, 41; Howard C. Keith, 1842; Sam- uel Robbins, 1845 ; V. R. Tuttle, 1848 ; George F. Gerald, 1848; Henry S. Graves, 1848.
TOWN CLERKS. - Samuel Weston, 1784, 5, 7, 8, 9, 90, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1800, 1; Perley Rogers, 1786; Solomon Clark, 1794; Bryce McLellan, 1802, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, S, 9; Benjamin Shepard, 1810; Eleazar Coburn, 1811, 12; Josiah Locke, 1813 ; Adam Powers, 1814, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 2 ; Josiah Smith, 1820; Isaac Holt, 1823, 4; Oliver Hamilton, 1825; H. P. Hobbs, 1826 ; Levi Barrett, 1827, 9, 30; Lewis Thomas, 1828, 31, 2 ; Jesse Washburn, 1833, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 40, 1, 2, 3, 4; Thomas Atkins,* 1838 ; John Wilshire, 1838 ; William Macart- ney, 1845, 6, 7, 8; C. C. Wheeler, 1849.
TOWN TREASURERS.t - Joseph Weston, 1784, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 92, 1801, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; Peter Heywood, Jr., 1790, 1800, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ; Benjamin Shepard, 1808, 9, 11; Eleazar Co- burn, 1810 ; Judah Mclellan, 1812, 13 ; John Wyman, 1814, 15; Wentworth Tuttle, 1822, 32 ; Daniel Herrin, Jr., 1816, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 ; Joseph Barrett, 1823, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,# 43, 9 ; Joseph O. Scammon, 1828; Lewis Thomas, 1829; Levi Johnson, 1833, 4, 5, 41, 5; Van R. Tuttle, 1836, 7, 9, 40 ; Levi Barrett, 1838; Daniel Rich- ardson, 1842, 4 ; Hiram Burril, 1846.
* Resigned.
# Chosen after Scammon.
¡ No record of 1830, 1, 47.
159
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
REPRESENTATIVES. - Nath'l Whitaker, 1785 ; Peter Heywood, 1786 ; Samuel Weston, 1787, 8 ; Benjamin Shepard, 1805; Bryce Mclellan, 1806, 7, 8, 9; Eleazar Coburn, 1811; Judah McLellan, 1812; John Wyman, 1814, 15, 16, 19, 20; Joseph Ireland, 1821; John Brown, 1822; Wentworth Tuttle, 1823, 7, 31, 3, 5; Benjamin Eaton, 1824, 40 ; Jonas Heald, 1825; John S. Weymouth, 1826 ; David Kidder, 1828 ; M. P. Norton, 1829; Samuel Weston, 1830; Josiah Parlin, 1832; Thomas Currier, 1834; Silas Richardson, 1836; Van Ransalaer Tuttle, 1837; Asa N. Wyman, 1838; Richard Pearson, 1839 ; David Richardson, 1842; Robert Hun- ter, 1843 ; Jonathan Marden, 1844; Elbridge G. Morrison, 1845; David Martin, 1846 ; James T. Leavitt, 1847 ; Ziba Burrill, 1848.
VOTES FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. - 1788, Washington 43; 1792, Washington 6; 1796, Federal 17, Republican 12; 1800, Federal ; 1804, Federal 74, Republican 11; 180S, Mad- ison ; 1812, Madison 115, -60; 1816, - 1820, Monroe, 28; 1824, Adams; 1828, Ad- ams; 1832, Adams ; 1836, Van Buren 80, Har rison, 43 ; 1840, Van Buren 170, Harrison 103; 1844, Polk 165, Clay 95, Abolition 3; 1848, Cass 145, Taylor 67, Van Buren 30.
160
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
TAXES -1785 TO 1849.
Town.
1785
Highway. £4 Ss. 4d.
Schools.
Minister. £80
1786
80
1787
16
£100
80
1788
80
1789
16
100
1790
100
30
15
1791
20
100
40
15
1792
15
100
30
1793
15
125
150*
1794
15
150
30
114
1795
25
150
50
114
1796
$100
$500
$160
$434
1797
160
250
600
234
1798
100
500
400
235
1799
100
400
200
234
1800
100
400
200
150
1801
150
400
400
50
1802
150
400
200
150
1803
100
500
250
100
1804
100
920
300
200
1805
200
800
400
1806
100
1000
500
100
1807
100
1200
600
200
1808
100
1200
450
150
1809
100
1200
450
250
1810
1500
450
250
1811
150
1500
500
150
1812
200
1700
500
150
1813
150
2000
500
150
1814
350
1200
225
250
1815
20
1500
250
250
1816
150
2000
350
250
* School-houses erected this year.
.
161
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
Town.
Highway.
Schools.
Minister.
1817
300
2500
400
250
1818
1.50
1500
500
250
1819
150
1500
500
250
1820
500
1500
500
250
1821
500
1500
300
250
1822
250
1500
600
1823
100
900
300
1824
125
1200
300
1825
800*
600
355
1826
200
1075
300
1827
150
1000
300
1828
250
1500
300
1829
460
2000
+
1830
225
1000
300
1831
250
1500
450
1832
600
1000
430
1833
400
2000
450
1834
400
2000
450
1835
400
2000
450
1836
700
2000
400
1837
350
1500
465
1838
550
2300
430
1839 .
800
1000
450
1840
1150
1000
440
1841
900
1100
550
1842
900
1500
552
1843
720
1000
552
1944
760
1200
600
1845
1165
1000
590,93
1846
1000
1500
591
1847
950
1200
591
1848
1050
1200
601
1849
1000
1200
700
* Town fined.
+ What the law compelled.
14*
162
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY.
THE first settlers of Canaan were generally of the Presbyterians or Congregationalists, and as soon as their numbers warranted the effort, they turned their attention to the establishment of a church, and the employment of an " or- thodox" minister. A society was formed in 1777, originally called the Presbyterian Society.
Rev. Ezekiel Emerson, familiarly called Par- son Emerson by the first settlers, came up from Phippsburg, then Georgetown, in the time of the war, say 1777. He was driven up the river through fear of the British. He lived in Norridgewock, and preached one half of the time in Canaan and half of the time in Norridgewock. He gathered a small church, the records of which are lost .* He married the people, and very acceptably performed the duties of his office until 1783, when he return- ed to Georgetown. Besides his amiabilities, he conscientiously entertained an inveterate dis- like to the Methodists, whose religion he styled the vilest essence of Arminianism. He was born in 1735, was ordained in July, 1765, and died November 9, 1815, aged eighty years.t He was a pious, learned, and most estimable man. It was reported by a committee, August, 1783, that the town owed Mr. Emerson £17 0s. 5d., and the sum was faithfully paid.
* Rev. G. W. Hathaway, via Eusebius Weston, Esq. + Williamson, Hist. Maine.
163
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
It will be seen by Mr. Emerson's receipt that the town was well discharged.
" Canaan, Feb. 16th, 1786. I have received of the Town of Canaan, the full of all accounts for ministerial services done among them, from the beginning of the world untill this time - I say received pr me EZEKIEL EMERSON."*
On Mr. Emerson's return to his people, the choice of the town fell on Rev. Nathaniel Whitaker, D. D., of Salem, Mass., who was duly installed in the year 1784.
When Orcum the Indian preacher was sent to England, to obtain the royal patronage for Dartmouth College, Dr. Whitaker was sent with him, and he preached before the King. Undoubtedly he would have ranked very high but for his moral character. See Life of Pro- fessor Wheelock, first President of Dartmouth College.
The first plantation action relative to Dr. Whitaker is recorded August 16, 1784.1 The meeting was at the house of Peter Heywood, jr. The record stands thus : " Taking into con- sideration the Great Importance of having the stated means of Grace settled among us, and having heard the Revd. Dr. Nath'l Whitaker, a member of the Salem Presbytery preach sometime, and being satisfyed with his Princi- ples in Doctrine and Discipline, and with his Ministerial Gifts, and his Character on the Testi- monials he has exhibited from his Presbyy Do make Choice of him, the sª Dr Whitaker to be our minister -
·
* Town Record.
+ Ib.
164
HISTORY OF CANAAN:
" Voted to pay the sª D' Nath" Whitaker for his salary Eighty Pounds averaged, or Equiva- lent to the following articles, viz. Indian Corn 3s per Busell, Rye at 4 Ditto, Wheat 6 Ditto, Pease a 6 Ditto, Beef at 2 pence per lb, Pork a 3 pence per lb, Flax at 8 pence per lb, Butter at 8 pence per lb, Wool at 1s 6d per lb, to be paid yearly so long as he shall continue in the ministry in this place, from the time provided he shall accept our Call, and come and labour among us.
" Voted to clear five acres of land fit for seed, on his land, in this plantation, yearly for the space of ten years, Provided he continues to be our minister till that term is Expired.
" Voted to cut and haul 20 Cords of Wood to his Door yearly, During his Ministry in this Plantation."
It was also decided at the same meeting, " to build the first meeting-house on the front of Lott No. 14, Peter Heywood, Esq. agreeing to give 50 acres of land for a burying place and training field on that condition."
It was voted September 1, 1784, to adopt the Presbyterian form of Church Government, and the watch-care of the Presbytery of New Boston was solicited. Dr. Whitaker was in- stalled September 10. December 6, 1784, it was voted to build a meeting-house fifty feet by forty. Joseph Savage, William Steward, Seth Wyman, Samuel Steward, Joshua Good- ridge and Bryce McLellan were chosen com- mittee to provide timber for the meeting-house. Levi Powers and Isaac Russel were appointed
165
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
a committee to bring Dr. Whitaker's goods up the river. Isaac Russell was employed to move Dr. Whitaker's furniture to Canaan. The fol- lowing is a fac-simile of his receipt.
" Canaan Plantation Dr. Me Isaac Russell, for going after Dort Nath1 Whickecors goods - Set out the ninth day of february and was gon till the 18th day I charge for seven days 12s Per day which is
£4 : 4 : 0."
The depth of the snow of 1784 prevented the people from procuring timber for the meet- ing-house as soon as was expected, and the undertakers were allowed until July, 1785, to convey it to the spot designated. In January, 1785, Dr. Whitaker and twenty-two others were constituted a church, the first in Somerset County.
There was in December, 1786, a slight mis- understanding between Dr. Whitaker and his parish, but he agreed to yield his right, provided the plantation would expedite the meeting- house, and have it ready for use in the autumn of 1787. In the winter of 1786-7 meetings for worship were held at Mr. Samuel Weston's.
The church progressed very slowly, and urged strongly by Dr. Whitaker, it was voted September 24, 1787, to raise £150 "for the purpose of Building a meeting house, - and to procure necessary materials, with all expedi- tion, so that it may be raised this fall if pos- sible, and materials for covering it early in the Spring."
In 1788 twenty cords of wood were raised
166
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
by the town, and given to Dr. Whitaker. A committee was chosen in 1789, to ascertain the relations existing between Dr. Whitaker and his parish, and they reported that the latter had voted him ££483 16s, of which he had then received but £349 11 102. October 26, a com- mittee was raised to settle with Dr. Whitaker, and make proposals to him to dissolve his con- nection.
The town voted, January 25, 1790, " a de- clinature from the Presbyterian form of Church government. The following persons entered their dissent, and ordered it to be recorded, vizt. Peter Heywood, Esq. ; Elders John White, Solomon Clark, Isaac Smith, Peter Heywood, Samuel Whitman and John Wes-
ton." A " declinature from the jurisdiction of Salem Presbytery," and a vote to "receive the Congregational form of Church government agreeable to the Cambridge Platform," were also passed by the town, from both of which po- sitions all the foregoing dissented, John Weston excepted.
" After the Revolutionary struggle was ended, the town settled rapidly, and a Presbyterian minister was settled in 1784. It appears how- ever that the people did not favor his doctrines ; for after a ten years' struggle to bring them under his influence, the people cast off the yoke, and embraced the Arminian doctrines of the Congregationalists. The Presbyterian church was disbanded in 1794, and in 1801 a Congregational church was organized in its place, or revived, as it appears that a church
167
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
of the same description had existed from 1794. To this church, says Mr. Coburn, (S.W.) 'every body belonged,* as no experience was requir- ed, but a moderate morality was a sufficient qualification to membership.'"
June 28, 1790, a Committee was chosen " to settle with Dr. WHITTAKER on the underwritten conditions, vizt. : That the town shall clear up the ten acres in part cleared on Lot No. 39, fit for seed, also, that the Town shall pay up the salary already assessed, - Likewise ninety one pounds, two shillings & 2ª more agreeable to contract - And that all civil suits, except such as may have been commenced for Prom- isory notes and book account, prior to this day, and also all such which might be hereafter commenced against Dr. WHITTAKER, excepting as above excepted, to be totally dropped on the part of the Inhabitants of this Town, on con- dition that Dr. WHITTAKER shall make no further demand on the Inhabitants of said Town, in virtue of the contract made with him in 1784." The difficulties were at length sub- mitted to Thomas Rice, Jedediah Jewett, and William Howard. They decided that the people should pay Dr. Whittaker £114, and a vote to comply with the decision was passed, and he was remunerated to the latter part of the year 1789.
Dr. Whitaker was undoubtedly the most learned and talented clergyman of his denomi- nation ever settled in Somerset County, and he
* Millet's Hist. Baps. Maine.
168
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
had begun to wield a large influence, but his moral character was ascertained to be very bad, and his dismission was a consequence. He was an Englishman by birth, stood six feet high, of very commanding and majestic deport- ment, gentlemanly manners, and great versatil- ity of talent. He directed the framing of the most difficult parts of the meeting-house, in 1788 .* He also built a loom, made a wheel, warping bars, scarn, spools, quills, rule, harness, slaie, temples, drew in a webb, and wove it in his leisure hours. "Parson McLane has been heard to say, that a Deacon who was afterward acquainted with the Dr., who practised physic withal, informed him, that he knew nothing of real regeneration himself, until three years after he left Canaan ! He moved to Taunton, Massa- chusetts, and is supposed to have died there. His family was bad, and all but one of his sons died young. His daughter married a Trow- bridge, who died near Dea. John Kimbal's, no one in the house but himself and wife. His widow, some years after, married Magnus Beck- ey of Norridgewock." - Eusebius Weston, Esq.
Dr. Whitaker was a man void of principle, and was said to have violated the Seventh Commandment.
The Doctor seems to have made great efforts to procure a peaceable adjustment of his diffi- culties with his parish. They had agreed to pay him £80. John White and William Stew-
* It should be remembered that the church originally stood below the village, near the residence of Major Abraham Wyman, where the first settlement was made. It was torn down in 1838, and parts of it are in houses in the village of Bloomfield.
169
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
ard were appointed a committee to negociate with their minister, and he only demanded of them the £80 lawful currency, which was his due. He, however, agreed to receive his pay in produce, provided the salary would rise as provisions advanced in price, or fall if they should recede. For instance, he says, " Sup- pose corn to rise to 6s. and all the other articles to keep their stated price, then the salary would rise only ££8 17s. 7d., which added to the £80, will be £88 17s. 7d. But should these articles taken altogether fall, tho' some might be higher than the stated price, the ££80 would fall in proportion."
November 21, 1791, a committee was raised, and instructed to "procure a preacher, a young person of good moral character, that can be well recommended by some Association of Congregational Ministers." At the same meet- ing £60 were raised to finish the meeting- house, but it was afterwards voted to erect school-houses with the money. May 7, 1792, it was voted to join Norridgewock in hiring a preacher of the Gospel. A committee was raised about this time to dispose of the "Pew- ground in the unfinished meeting-house."
July 18, 1793, the church solemnly renewed its covenant, and voted to give Rev. Jonathan Calef a call to settle in the town. A motion was made at an adjourned meeting to recon- sider the vote, but the movement was negatived, 14 to 5. It was then voted to give Mr. Calef £80 as long as the people of Norridgewock would employ him one third of the time; after
15
170
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
that £70, until there were one hundred families in Canaan, and then £80 as long as he remain- ed. He was to receive £20 in cash, and the remainder in produce. He was also to have £120 as a settlement.
A committee was chosen from each place to negociate for his settlement as follows : - From Canaan, - Solomon Clark, William Steward, Bryce Mclellan, Peter Heywood, and John Fowler ; from Norridgewock, -- John Clark and Silas Wood. It was proposed by the Committee of Canaan, that the people of Nor- ridgewock should employ Mr. Calef one half of the time for three years, to which it was replied that they would employ him one half of the time for two years, and after that for one year, provided they did not by that time have a can- didate for themselves. They voted to pay him £40 yearly for two years. It was agreed that whenever twenty persons became dissatisfied, if Mr. Calef did not remove the cause, a coun- cil should be called who should act on the complaint. Mr. Calef was ordained June 11, 1794. A Congregational Church was formed the same year, in the place of the old Presby- terian Church.
November 7, 1796, Robert Hood, John Hood, Samuel Varnum, Solomon Whidden, William Carson, Ephraim Carson, Joseph Mills, Levi Powers, and Nathaniel Burrell, were released from supporting the ministry of Mr. Calef, pro- vided they would give evidence satisfactory to the selectmen, that they aided in the support of the Baptist denomination.
171
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
The question was tried in town meeting, May 29, 1799, ""' Whether the Rev. Jonathan Calef can be usefull to the majority of the Inhabitants of this town as a Gospel Minister,' passed in the negative by a large majority."
Another meeting was held August 24, and Mr. Calef having presented a receipt, discharg- ing all from aiding in his support, excepting those who voluntarily chose so to do ; - his pro- position was accepted. A council was held in July, which proposed terms of settlement. Efforts were made to agree thereto; but, No- vember 18, another meeting was held, at which the people declared by vote, that the recom- mendation of the Council was not at all bind- ing on them, but that they would pay Mr. Calef $100 within one year, if the church and himself would dissolve their connection as church and pastor. In 1800, it was voted that each person paying a ministerial tax, might give it to any religious teacher, and that his receipt should be a discharge. The difficulties continued to increase, and after being advised by two councils, Mr. Calef requested a dis- missal, which was granted in October, 1801. He was afterwards settled in Lyman. He mar- ried a most excellent woman, a daughter of the late Dr. Hemmenway. She died in 1798, and he married a Miss Atwood of Fairfield. He died in 1848.
April 6, 1801, " After taking into considera- tion the unhappy situation of this town as it respects our religious Interests, and feeling a sincere desire to provide for the support of the
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