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 7
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 7
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 7
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 7
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 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21
105
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTIONS, ETC.
The Wesserrunsett or Wesserrunsicke* de- serves a word of description. Its most easterly branch rises in a small pond in Brighton ; the next branch west rises in another pond in the same place ; the third branch rises in a pond in the north-west part of Solon : these three branch- es, each from five to ten miles long, form a junc- tion in Athens, where the stream attains a very considerable size, besides possessing much beauty. Running through Cornville, it is join- ed in the northern part of Skowhegan by an- other small stream, which finds its principal head in Madison Pond, and finishes its course by emptying into the Kennebec, about two miles below Skowhegan village. It abounds in beauty and utility.
Crossing the bridge into Bloomfield, the trav- eller will pause to admire the Falls of Skowhe- gan, elsewhere described, and rising to the high- er parts of the village of Bloomfield, he will see spread out before him the two towns, forming one beautiful village. Business will pass him in various forms, and the activity and air of indus- try which pervade everything he sees, will cause him to regard Bloomfield and Skowhe- gan as forming one of the most active and enterprising villages in the State of Maine.
Following the course of the Kennebec down- ward, he will have a charming view of the farms in Skowhegan, and will be delighted
* The Indians cannot define Wesserrunsett. The stream pass- es through Brighton, Athens, Cornville and Skowhegan, and affords most excellent mill-sites. It is about thirty miles in length.
106
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTIONS, ETC.
with the aspect of the soil over which he passes, which richly merits the appellation of Bloom- field, and having reached the southern boundary of the town, he will take a road leading north through the centre of the town, presenting varied objects to please the eye, and delight a rural taste, and he will strike the village. Here he can take either side of the river and continue to Norridgewock. Either side will
be a delightful ride. Continually changing views of the blue Kennebec in its beautiful windings, - varying views of the villages of Skowhegan and Bloomfield, which he has left, and of Oosoola, which he is approaching, will cause him to regard the five miles of distance between the villages as a most delightful route.
Supposing him to have passed up the south side of the river, he will behold from the pre- mises of Captain Elias Works, a village land- scape which would charm the soul of the nicest critic. The view cannot be given on paper with any fidelity. The buildings are hidden in foliage, so that they cannot be discerned, and to denude them of the forest trees by which they are shaded, would be to destroy the beauty of the village. A fair view of Oo- soola, at the foot of the eminence on which he stands, is there obtained, while a long reach of the river stretches away towards the north- west, and the village of Norridgewock, embow- ered in foliage, and relieved by a background of mountains, gives him a view rarely equalled. Taken at sunset, when the trees have a light of golden green, in the midst of which the
107
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTIONS, ETC.
white houses gleam, and when the mountains in violet hues seem to repose in the orange- colored West, the quiet beauty, the serene rest that seem to brood over all the scene, afford the spectator great delight.
Passing from this point of view, the traveller will enter the village of Oosoola,* where he will note the voice of Business and the sounds of Industry, and where he will feel himself among those who swing the ponderous ham- mer, and pursue those other business avoca- tions on which the prosperity and happiness of a community depend. It is a growing and prosperous village ; the water privilege of Mill stream moves the wheels of its business. It rises in Smithfield, and runs north into the Kennebec at Oosoola.
A course continuing north-west will carry him, after five miles of travel, to the mouth of Sandy river. Here will open the magnificent intervales of the Sandy river in Starks, perhaps for fertility and beauty unsurpassed in New England. The old Waugh Farm, spoken of in another place, is the best, doubtless ; but the river is fringed with choice intervales, for many miles towards its source. Following the river towards its head in a south-westerly direction, the traveller will cross Meadow stream, and, reaching the southern boundary of Starks, he will cross Sandy river, and, passing in a north-
* Tradition says that Oosoola was the Indian name of Mill stream. As near as I can learn, Oosoola means "the place where it is very yellow," referring probably to yellow flowers which abounded along the course of the stream. Oosoomenar signifies yellow corn.
108
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTIONS, ETC.
easterly direction, after crossing Leeman stream, which empties into the north side of the Sandy, can follow the river on the northern shore to its mouth, or he can pass further to the north, and behold the fruitful fields of the sons of Toil, or their mills, and stores, and places of labor. Crossing the Kennebec at Madison bridge, or old Norridgewock falls,* he will find himself in a corner of Madison ; and continu- ing a short distance south, he will reach Old Point, the sacred home of the ancient Nor- ridgewogs. After pausing to reflect concern- ing the shifting scenes in the Drama of Life, and refreshing his memory with reminiscences of the Past, he can direct his course south-east, and, travelling about six miles, will be in the " quiet and beautiful village of Norridgewock." Here, if he have leisure, he had better pause and repose among the quiet scenery, and re- fresh himself with its loveliness. Probably there is not a street north of New Haven more beautiful with quiet homes and magnificent shrubbery, while there certainly is not one, which presents so many attractions to the in- valid, or to the man of business or wealth, who wishes to escape, during the heat of summer, from the dust and disease of city life. The street of itself is very wide, bordered on each side with pleasant houses, and literally empar-
* Norridgewock Falls, between Anson and Madison, is a fine cataract of ten feet, over a ledge of argillaceous slate, mica slate, grauwacke and crystal pyrites, and specks of iron ore. The stratified rocks dip to the N. W. 80 deg., and run N. 70 deg., E. S. 70 deg. W. The fall and the surrounding scenery compose a fine view.
109
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTIONS, ETC.
adised with noble trees, most of which are magnificent old elms. The trees are in fine variety, and of great beauty. The elm, Lom- bardy poplar, pine, willow, rock maple, butter- nut, basswood and red oak blend their foliage and assist in completing the beauty of the place. Besides these natural attractions, there is an indefinable air of hushed repose which seems to pervade the atmosphere, and invite the tired frame and weary mind to rest. Tur- ner's, long known as Pike's Hotel, and said by travellers to be the best country hotel in Maine, will afford him most excellent accommoda- tions. From this place Old Point is but six miles, - Norridgewock falls but eight, - Skow- hegan falls but five, -the ponds in Madison and Smithfield but six, literally filled with large pickerel, frequently found weighing four and six pounds, and other fish, - a fine min- eral spring close at hand, - and beautiful rides in every direction, while the great Moosehead lake is but sixty miles, - all these attractions loudly call the seeker of pleasure and rural life, to turn his steps thitherward. Hundreds of eminences, overlooking the different villages, and landscapes and views that would adorn the canvas of the painter, are so numerous as to defy enumeration. The Kennebec is the Garden of Maine ; - this region is the Garden of the Kennebec.
The productions and articles of manufacture, &c. will be found elsewhere. The indigenous trees and shrubs are the white, black, ground, mountain and red ash, alder, balm of Gilead,
10
110
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTIONS, ETC.
basswood, beech, birch, butternut or oilnut, black- berry, blueberry, boxwood, bayberry, cedar, black and red choke-cherry, wild currant, dogwood, elm, elder, fir, gooseberry, grape-vine, hazel, hemlock, ground do., hornbeam, larch, sugar,* white and red maple, moosewood, juniper, red oak, poplar, plum, white and Norway pine,i sumach, thorn-apple, wild-pear, spruce, willow, witch-hazel, wickapee or leather-wood, sheep laurel, raspberry, thimbleberry, wild rose, &c.
The principal medicinal plants and herbs are fir balsam, yarrow, sweet flag, mayweed, sarsaparilla, spikenard, everlasting, burdock, wormwood, wild turnip, coltsfoot, milkweed, white root, celandine, snakehead, wintergreen, horse radish, sweet fern, conium, goldthread, apple of Peru, thoroughwort, queen of the meadow, wild hoarhound, avensroot, penny- royal, liverwort, hop, roundwood, elecompane, blue flag, dandelion, motherwort, lobelia, pep- permint, spearmint, catnip, woodsorrel, garget, broad-leaved dock, elder, bloodroot, goldenrod, tansy, snake root, ginseng, maidenhair, hard- hack, addertongue, sweet cicely, and many others.
The horticultural products are the apple, plum, pear, peach, and grape.
* The saccharine qualities of the rock maple seem to have been well known to the Indians, for old Father Râle wrote, while in Norridgewock, that he prevented the insipidity of his dish of boiled corn, " by adding sugar, made by the women in the spring, who boiled down the sap of the maple, which they collected in bark troughs, as it flowed from incisions made in the trunk of the tree."
+ Williamson relates (Hist. Maine) that a pine was cut down in Norridgewock one hundred and fifty-four feet in height, and four and a half feet in diameter at the base.
111
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTIONS, ETC.
The most important culinary plants, roots and herbs are anise, artichoke, bean, beet, car- away, blackberry, currant, carrot, hop, mus- tard, onion, pea, pepper, sage, cabbage, turnip, cranberry, &c. The common plants usually found in these latitudes abound. Besides these are large numbers of floral plants, &c., and many splendid forests, most of which are of the rock or sugar maple.
There were formerly bears,* raccoons,* wol- verines, beavers, muskrats,* catamounts, wild- cats, black cats, moose,* deer,* caribous, foxes,* wolves, hares,* rabbits,* moles,* mice,* por- cupines,* rats,* skunks,* ermines, martins, minks,* otters, weasels,* and woodchucks .* Those birds, insects and fish, usually found in these northern latitudes, are yet found. Those marked thus (*) are still met with.
The Kennebec river is one hundred and seventy miles in length, and has its source in Moosehead lake. Its principal branches are the Dead river, Seven-mile brook, Sandy river, Wesserrunsicke, Sebasticook, Cobbosseecontee, and Androscoggin. Its general course is south- erly into the Atlantic ocean. It waters a beau- tiful region, appropriately styled the " Garden of Maine." The Kennebec is usually calm and placid, though there are falls and rapids along its entire course. The water at the out- let falls over a dam, artificially raised for the transportation of lumber, and then passes to "the forks," or junction of the Dead river and Kennebec, a distance of twenty miles; thence through a wild country fourteen miles to " car-
112
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTIONS, ETC.
rying place rips," a half mile in length ; thence twelve miles further to Carratunk falls, between Solon and Embden. The river, which is gen- erally about thirty rods wide in this vicinity, here narrows to forty feet, and is precipitated over a ledge, forming a beautiful cataract. From this place to Norridgewock falls, the dis- tance is fourteen miles. These falls are usually called rips, as are the "Bomazeen rips, just above the village of Norridgewock." The river at the falls and village is fordable in dry sea- sons. The beautiful fall at Skowhegan will be found elsewhere described. Taconnet falls at Waterville, and the artificial fall at Augusta, are the principal interruptions to the otherwise calm course of the river. It waters a beautiful and fruitful country, peopled by a hardy, enter- prising and virtuous people.
Moosehead lake is the largest body of fresh water in New England. It is forty miles in length, and from ten to fifteen wide, in some places, and contains a large number of islands. Deer island contains two thousand, and Sugar island seven thousand acres, and the rest are smaller. It is one of the most charming places in New England, and is destined to be a great place of resort. The surrounding mountains, the islands, the immense trout, the moose, deer and other animals, and the other attractions, will soon be known, and the steamboat which at present plies the waters will be in constant demand. As the woods are cleared up, the black flies and other insects, which are so trou- blesome now, will disappear. June or Sep-
113
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTIONS, ETC.
tember are the proper months in which to visit the lake at present. It is now visited by lum- bermen principally, who, in the winter, cut down the trees on the shores of the lake and its tributaries, which, in the succeeding spring freshets, they run down the Kennebec, while in the following summer they explore the for- ests for new spots for the labors of another winter. There are several kinds of fish, among which are trout, frequently found weighing twenty-five pounds. There are also small lob- sters found. Its Indian name was Cerbem, signifying Great Waters .*
The head waters of the Kennebec, Penob- scot, Androscoggin, and St. Johns are all within a few rods of each other, though they pursue such different routes, and water widely apart realms, subject to different rulers. James Stackpole, of Norridgewock, informs me that he has been lumbering on the Kennebec, while he has, for the sake of convenience, watered his cattle in the Penobscot. There is said to be a place where a man can lie with his feet in the head waters of the Androscoggin, and drink out of a spring which passes into the Kennebec.
The following description was furnished by Dr. John S. Lynde, and it will be gladly pe- rused by all who are acquainted with the sci- entific as well as poetic character of his pen.
" Few localities offer more interesting con- siderations to the geologist, than the town of
* Governor of Penobscot, via Rev. O. H. Johnson.
10*
114
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTIONS, ETC.
Norridgewock and its environs. Most of the soil on the Kennebec is alluvial, but the high lands are mostly primitive.
" There are no precipices and lofty moun- tains now to show the primeval work of crea- tion, but the geologist can plainly see, that they once were here ; for the landscape far around declares, that on it rocks have been rent asun- der, barriers of tremendous waters broken through, and mountains not only uplifted from the deep, but overturned, and their fragments scattered like chaff before the wind.
" There is geological evidence that Dodlean Hill and Bare Hill, in this town, and Mount Tom in Smithfield, were once lofty mountains of granite ; but, at a remote epoch, their sum- mits were torn away by some awful cataclysm, sweeping in turbulent billows from the north towards the south, and strewing on the hills as well as the valleys of Smithfield, blocks of granite, of all sizes, from one pound to a thou- sand tons.
" Dodlean Hill, situated about two miles from the village, is so connected with the geol- ogy of this vicinity, that it deserves to be men- tioned. Its north-eastern side is only a regular acclivity, but as you reach the summit, you will find it a hill of solid granite, highly useful and inexhaustible. Its escarpment, or steep side, is on its south-west part, and is about two hundred and fifty feet from the smiling valley below. The view from this station in summer is beautiful, picturesque, and enchanting. You can see in the north the two romantic villages
115
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTIONS, ETC.
of Norridgewock, situated on both banks of the river, and all the adjacent scenery, with its thousand-tinted foliage. Paradise, at its crea- tion, could look no fairer than the champaign around you. In your front, you will observe Mount Tom, shaded with evergreen and ma- ple, fanned by perpetual zephyrs, giving a beauty and brilliancy to the wandering eye. On your left, several miles distant, will glitter and expand two beautiful sheets of water, called East and North Ponds; and on your right, Mount Abraham and Mount Bigelow, forty miles in the north, with all the wild and sylvan landscape intervening, will also capti- vate your vision.
" Limestone, and its associates, may be con- sidered the real base rock of this vicinity ; but granite almost everywhere overlays it. The limestone, from its parallel arrangement, de- monstrates that it must have been formed un- der water, by deposition from the surface downwards; whereas the whole character of the granite rocks equally prove that they must have come to the surface from the interior of the earth, by volcanic power, after the deposi- tion of the limestone. We must therefore in- fer that the sedimentary deposits, or limerocks, have been upheaved at an elevation of about 70 deg. by the granite rocks ; and also that the latter were made by fire, and the former by water."
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
As early as 1607, A. D., an attempt was made by the English to settle on the Kennebec river .* The colonists, after remaining about a year, and experiencing many hardships, relin- quished their undertaking. Different parts of the State were visited by both French and English voyagers from that time, until about 1623, when the first permanent settlements were made around the mouth of the river, and at Sagadahock. f A patent for the exclusive trade of the Kennebec was granted by the Ply- mouth Council, in the year 1627, and in 1628 a trading house was erected at or near Merry- meeting bay. #
In 1629, a grant of land was made to New Plymouth, of the Plymouth or Kennebec Patent. This patent bore date January, 1629, and was a grant from the council of Plymouth to William Bradford and his associates, " of all that tract of land, or part of New England, in America, aforesaid, within or between, and ex- tendeth itself from the utmost limits of Cob- biseconte, alias Comaseconte, which adjoineth
* Sullivan's History of Maine, p. 170.
¡ Williamson, vol. i., p. 238.
# Ibid, 223.
117
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
to the river of Kennebec, alias Kennebekike, towards the western ocean, and a place called the falls, at Neguamkike, in America aforesaid, and the space of fifteen English miles on each side of the said river, commonly called the Kennebec river, and all the said river called Kennebec, that lies within the said limits, &c."* It was decided to reach as far north as the southern boundary of Cornville, which was originally located half a league further up than at present. The decision was made in 1757, by Messrs. Walcot, Gridley, Pratt, Worthing- ton, and Hawley, very eminent lawyers. The north line was determined in 1648 and 1653, by deeds from the Indians, to include all the lands as far as Wesserunsicke.i The Kenne- bec Grant, therefore, included all the lands fifteen miles on each side of the river Kenne- bec, from the north line of Woolwich to half a league above the present southern boundary of Cornville. Such a grant would include the five towns sketched in this book.
The lands comprised in the above grant were purchased again of the Indians, who were the true owners of the soil, and in many cases they were bought several times.
The permanent settlements followed the river up, though their progress was very slow. In 1634, a trading house was erected at Fort Popham and at Cushnoc. The charter of the Province of Maine # was granted April 3,
* 3 Greenleaf, p. 110.
+ Sullivan's History of Maine, p. 118 - 170.
¿ The name of our State is said by some to have been given it as a compliment to the Queen, who inherited the province of
118
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
1639, and from this time until 1771, settlers continued to advance up the river, purchasing and occupying the lands.
The first strong garrison at any distance up the Kennebec, was at Cushnoc, at which place Dr. Noyes, in 1716, erected a stone fort of great strength, which was of much service to the settlers, hunters, and traders. When Dr. Noyes died, in 1721, it was abandoned, and was en- tirely demolished in Lovewell's war, by the Indians. From this period the settlers along the Kennebec were very few, and it was not until about the year 1754,* that much progress was made in peopling this vast wilderness. At that time Fort Halifax was built at Taconnet, and Fort Western at Augusta. Slowly the tide of emigration followed the Kennebec, and although an occasional hunter, or trapper, visited these regions after game or furs, or an explorer, on the lookout for soil, the first serious effort at settling either of the five towns herein spoken of, was made in the year 1771.
The Kennebec Company had granted a strip of land to Sir Thomas Temple, consisting of several thousand acres, reaching through a part of Fairfield, Canaan, Norridgewock, and Starks. This land struck the Kennebec river on the north side, and was about a mile in width from the river. This, with other land, was bought by John Nelson, of the Island of Granada, and
Maine, in France. Others say, it was because it laid so much on the sea or main ; - " the main," " the meyne," &c., is com- mon in ancient authors. - Sullivan aud Williamson.
* Two men were killed by the Indians in 1756, which were the last outrages committed by the Aborigines on the river.
119
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
was surveyed by John McKechnie, who drew a plan, dated November 7, 1769. In this lot, the Company, with a view to the settlement of the country, and the elevation of the price of neighboring lands, reserved 17801 acres, which were given away to actual settlers. At the death of Nelson the land was sold by his administrator, and the purchaser was Jonathan Palmer, of Wakefield, New Hampshire. The entire strip was about a mile in width, passing in a north-westerly direction through the planta- tions, striking the river at the great bow on which is located the village of South Norridge- wock, excluding that and most of the soil on the river in Norridgewock and Canaan, which, as was stated above, was reserved to be given to actual settlers. *
The Grants were worded somewhat like the following, which is extracted from the first deed given to Mr. Waugh, the first settler on Sandy river. It is dated February 17, 1781, seven years after the farm was settled. " Granted and assigned to James Waugh, of a new Planta- tion called Norridgewalk, . . a Lot of Land in said Plantation, containing about Two Hundred acres, lying on the Westerly side of Kennebec river, being Lott No. 86, as delineated on a plan, made by Thomas Farrington, Sur- veyor, dated the Twentieth day of July, 1774, · . that the said James Waugh build an house, not less than Twenty feet square, and seven feet stud, clear, and bring too, fit for Tillage, five acres of Land, within three years
* Law Reports.
120
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
of the date hereof, and actually live and dwell upon the premises himself, during said term, or in case of his death, that his heirs or some per- son under him, &c." It was provided that he should live seven years after the three before mentioned, - work two days each year on the ministerial or church lot, for ten years, - and two days each year on the roads, until the town should be incorporated .* All mines and minerals were reserved by the company.
Those who desired grants were obliged to pre- sent a petition to the Plymouth Company like the following : ---
"To the Proprietors of the Kennebeck-Purchase from the late Colony of New-Plymouth.
" GENTLEMEN, "I the Subscriber of in the
County of being desirous of settling within your Purchase, pray you would make a Grant to me and my Heirs of the Lot numbered containing Acres, situated in
within your said Purchase. And I hereby engage for myself and Heirs that the Con- ditions of the said Grant shall be performed, viz. That a Dwelling-House shall be built on the said Lot not less than 18 Feet square, that five Acres of said Lot shall be cleared and made fit for Tillage within three Years from the Date of the Grant, and that I will dwell there- on personally during said three Years, if living, or in case of my Death, that my Heirs or some
* Original Deed.
121
HISTORY OF CANAAN.
Person under them shall dwell on said Premises during said Term; and for the Term of seven Years more by myself or Substitute; and as soon as said Grant shall be made out and ready to be delivered to me, I hereby promise to pay your Clerk for the Time being, Seven Shillings Lawful Money, for his Fee, and also Shil- lings Lawful Money, towards defreying your Expences for Surveying; and you'll oblige your Petitioner. Dated this Day of
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.