USA > Maine > Androscoggin County > Leeds > History of the town of Leeds, Androscoggin County, Maine, from its settlement June 10, 1780 > Part 26
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Graffam, Thomas
Grant, Benjamin
Graves, Samuel
George, Francis
Haines, William
Harmon, Dodavah Herrick, Israel
Foss, Levi
Foss, Walter Foss, Ruel
Foss, Ephraim
Foss, Thaddeus
Freeman, Joseph
Jennings, Samuel
Freeman, Joseph, Jr.
Jennings, Isaac
Gilbert, Benjamin
Knapp, Ziba
Knapp, Simeon
Knapp, Charles
Knapp, Stephen
Gould, Robert
Gould, Simeon
Gould, Joseph Gould, John
Lane, Daniel, Jr.
Lane, Giddings Lane, Elias
Lane, Peter
Lane, James
Lane, Issachar
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HISTORY OF LEEDS
Lane, John L.
Newton, Emery
Leadbetter, Increase
Otis, Oliver
Leadbetter, Benj.
Owing, Nathaniel
Leadbetter, Samuel
Owen, Gideon
Libby, Phillip
Parcher, Zachariah
Libby, Thomas
Parcher, John
Libby, Zebulon
Parcher, Daniel
Libby, Ebenezer
Paul, Marshfield
Lincoln, Rufus
Paul, True
Lindsey, Ira
Perry, John
Lindsey, Thomas
Pettingill, William
Lindsey, Archibald
Pettingill, Obadiah
Lindsey, William
Pettingill, Joseph
Lindsey, James
Pettingill, Ruel
Lindsey, James, Jr.
Pettingill, Arcadus
Lindsey, Daniel
Pettingill, Isaac
Lindsey, Thomas, 2d.
Phillips, Amos
Lothrop, Daniel
Piper, Thomas
Lothrop, Daniel, Jr.
Pratt, Othniel
Lothrop, George
Pratt, Isaac
Lothrop, Sullivan
Pratt, Elisha
Lothrop, Samuel
Rackley,, Stephen
Lothrop, Thomas
Ramsdell, Luther
Lothrop, Leavitt
Ramsdell, William
Lothrop, Sullivan, Jr.
Randall, Oliver
Lothrop, Solomon
Randall, Nathaniel
Lothrop, Alson
Randall, John
Lothrop, Ira
Richards, Daniel
Magown, Isaac
Richmond, Nathan
Magown, Gilbert
Robbins, Daniel
Mason, Naphtali
Robbins, William
Mason, Phillip C.
Rose, Hervey
Millett, Thomas
Rose, Seth
Millett, Thomas, Jr.
Rose, Asa
Millett, Benjamin
Rose, Asa Jr.
Millett, John
Rowe, John
Millett, Zebulon P.
Sampson, Beriah
Millett, Solomon
Sampson, Zoah
Millett, Solomon, Jr.
Sampson, Hazael
Millett, John D.
Sampson, Michael
Mitchell, Joseph
Sampson, Cyrus
Mitchell, Thomas
Sampson, Ira
Mitchell, William
Southard, Thomas
Moulton, Stillman
Stanley, Jones
Moulton, William
Stetson, Nathan
Murray, Amos
Stinchfield, Thomas
Mason, Ebenezer
Robbins, Daniel, Jr.
HISTORY OF LEEDS
247
Stinchfield, James Stinchfield, Samuel
Turner, George
Turner, Lewis
Stinchfield, Ebenezer Stubbs, Samuel
Turner, Joshua
Turner, Ansel
Sturtevant, John
Turner, Oscar D.
Sumner, Houghton Sumner, Caleb R.
Tupper, Joshua
Swift, Charles Swift, Samuel
Welcome, Stephen
Sylvester, Hervey
Wendall, James B.
Sylvester, Howard
.
Wing, Bachelder
Thayer, Zachariah
Wing, Caleb
Thompson, John
Wing, Caleb, Jr.
Trask, Spencer
Wing, James
Turner, William
Witham, Daniel
Turner, Josiah
Wood, Samuel
Turner, Joseph
Wood, Simeon
Turner, Alpheus
Woodman, David
Turner, Obadiah
Woodman, Ammi
Tupper, Enoch
Webster, Stephen
CHAPTER V.
FIRST MILLS AND OTHER INDUSTRIES.
About the year 1790, John Jennings built the first saw-mill, a small affair at West Leeds for the use of himself and his three sons near him, but accommodated his neighbors by sawing for them. This was located near where Zachary Cary subsequently built a fulling-mill. The second saw-mill was built in 1804, by Thomas Mitchell and Elias and Peter Lane. Andrew Cushman who married Bathsheba Jennings in 1789, and settled in Leeds, built the first grist-mill, in 1814, on the privilege at West Leeds now occupied by R. E. Swain. In 1817, he built a saw-mill on the same power. At his death in 1844, Daniel Hinkley became the proprietor and built a new mill. Stillman and Seth Howard later owned this property. Orrin B. Taylor was the next owner ; was succeeded in turn by E. E. Wheeler, Rodolphus Jennings and R. E. Swain. Mr. Swain is the present proprietor of this water-power and has a manufactory of box boards and dowels, which furnishes employment to several persons. Eben Mason built the second grist-mill in town in 1816, on the same stream, deriving power from an overshot wheel 16 feet in diameter, Like most of the early mills this had a short existence. This Eben Mason was the first blacksmith in Leeds. His shop was at the corner near where R. S. Loring, M.D. now resides. Oliver P. Frost was an early blacksmith in the town and had his shop at West Leeds. Charles Bates was another early engaged in that business, and was located on Quaker Ridge, or Bates Hill, which takes its name from him. At Leeds Center, Robert Crumett was the first blacksmith. Stephen Welcome and Cyrus Samp- son had "asheries," where they made potash. The trades of tanning and shoemaking were early combined. Samuel More, who served in the Navy in the War of 1812 and was made pris- oner, came to Leeds in 1814, put up a small tannery at Leeds Center and was the town's first tanner. He continued to tan leather and make shoes until 1849. In 1881 he died. Other tan- ners were James and Ira Lamb and Seth Cary.
MERCHANTS.
The first merchant in town was Thomas Stinchfield, who had an extensive Indian trade. Some of the early, wealthier settlers kept large stocks of necessities for their own use, and frequently
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LEEDS CENTER, LOOKING FROM THE LAKE.
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HISTORY OF LEEDS
accommodated their neighbors by sales or barter. The first regu- lar storekeepers, as we now use the term, were Solomon Lothrop, at the Center; Stephen Welcome, in the southwest part; William Turner, in the south part and Cyrus Sampson at South Leeds; while later, Stephen Day (1839), and Joshua Lane (at Dr. Lor- ings's Corner) had good stores. Solomon Lothrop established at Leeds Center in 1820, and was in trade many years. He was suc- ceeded by Noah Sturtevant, of Winthrop, who continued in trade until the store, was burned. It was rebuilt by Mr. Lothrop who again engaged in trade. He was succeeded by Barnabas Davee, who conducted in connection therewith a furniture shop, and for several years did a thriving business. About 1822, Simeon Foss was in trade on the southeast corner at Leeds Center, and Nathan Randall near the town-house. Mr. Davee's successor was a Mr. Fogg, who was in business but a short time when the store remained closed for several years. It was again utilized by Mr. Lothrop and his son, Solomon L., but in 1846, they sold out to Thaddeus More, who in turn, sold in 1847 to Josiah Day. From 1849 to 1853, the railroad contractors run a store at the Center. In 1861, G. C. More, a brother of Thaddeus was in trade in the Lothrop store. After him came Cyrus B. Lane. In 1872, Charles H. Lane was there engaged in business. His suc- cessor was W. L. Francis, who has made extensive repairs and annexes and since continued in trade at the old stand, carrying a large general stock of goods and doing a thriving and prosperous business. He has long been postmaster and discharged the duties of the office to the satisfaction of the patrons. At Keen's Cor- ner a store was quite early established. In 1824, John Keene, who then and for many years after run this store, was licensed to sell spirituous liquors. With the coming of the railroad, stores were established at Curtis Corner and North Leeds. With the improved advantages at West Leeds, a store was opened there in 1828, by Jonas P. Lee. His successor was Zachary Cary who continued in business from 1830 to 1837, when he sold to Silas Morse, and in 1840 the store was converted into a blacksmith shop. On the site where the buildings of H. W. Lincoln were recently burned, a store was built by Benjamin Millett, who, after a few years, sold to the late Stephen R. Deane. He was engaged in trade there several years, fifteen of which, he held the office of postmaster. His successors were Rhodolphus Jennings, R. E. Swain and C. H. Foster. In a new store, Perry Grant has been several years in trade where he is now engaged.
In 1852, T. Clarkson Foss built and opened a store at North Leeds. He was an extensive buyer of wool, in which business he was successful and acquired a good property. Since his decease, Robert Scott, Messrs. Chamberlain Bros., and W. C. Tribou have, in turn, done business there. At present, the prop-
250
HISTORY OF LEEDS
erty is in the hands of A. W. Manter and his wife, who are engaged in trade. A few years subsequent to the building of this. store, Henry and Jason Woodman, brothers, erected a store a few rods westerly of the buildings of Mr. Foss and opened a general stock of goods. They were a long time in business. After the decease of Jason, Henry returned to the farm on which he was born and reared and continues his residence there still. C. H. Whitehouse, a son-in-law of Jason is the present occupant of that store and does quite an extensive business in grain and feed. Mr. Guy Foss, in another place at North Leeds was engaged in trade, who was succeeded by his mother, present occu- pant. About 1850, Salmon and his son, Henry M. Brewster, erected and opened a general store at Curtis Corner. Much of the time since it has been open, and until a recent date has been occupied by a member of the Brewster family. Gustavus W. Lane established himself in mercantile business at the Center in 1883, and has been a heavy dealer in groceries, flour, grain, feed,. etc. In connection with his mercantile business, in 1889, he erected a steam grist-mill near his store and the railroad station, the capacity of which was 200 bushels per day. His business. was thereby increased from $5,000 to $50,000 annually. He has also been station and express agent, all in all making his a busy life.
Previous to removing from Quaker Ridge to Curtis Corner, Salmon Brewster had been in trade there. He was succeeded in 1851 by O. T. Wing, who was a short time engaged in busi- ness, but soon retired. In 1898, W. H. Brewster leased a part of his store at Curtis Corner to R. D. Rand & Co., dealers in gro -- ceries, grain and feed. The present staff of merchants in town are: W. L. Francis, G. W. Lane, at Leeds Center ; C. H. White- house, Mrs. A. W. Manter and Mrs. Vesta P. Foss, at North Leeds ; R. D. Rand & Co., and H. M. Brewster, at Curtis Corner ;: Perry Grant, at West Leeds,
BAPTIST AND UNIVERSALIST CHURCHES, CHAPEL HILL, LEEDS.
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CHAPTER VI.
A CONDENSED REVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCHES IN LEEDS FROM ABOUT A. D. 1800 TO 190I.
The first religious meeting in the limits of the present town of Leeds of which we have any record, was held in the autumn of 1794.
It was called by Thomas D. Francis, one of the first settlers of Leeds and afterward the first pastor of the First Baptist Church in town. In his old age Rev. Thomas Francis commu- nicated the facts connected with this meeting to younger members. of his church.
Mr. Francis read the 5Ist psalm and a versification of the same psalm was sung in the meeting. He had called the people together under a strong and solemn conviction of duty, and he proceeded forthwith to relate his own religious experience which had been such that he longed for others to have the same.
The spiritual interest in this service became so strong that they resolved then and there that under the leadership of Mr. Francis they would allow no Sabbath to pass without a meeting.
Hearing of the religious awakening in Leeds, Jesse Lee and others commenced regular services on Thursday evenings of each week, and during that fall and following winter 40 persons were converted.
In June, 1795, Elder Potter baptized a few persons and soon after, Isaac Case baptized several more who joined the Baptist Church in Wayne.
Meetings in Leeds at this time, were held in the barn of Giddings Lane.
In 1799, Mr. Francis was ordained as an evangelist.
"On Wednesday, July 2, 1800, certain Baptist brethren of Littleborough, apprehending it would be for the glory of God and their own spiritual interest, having been granted dismission from the Baptist Church in Wayne, were organized into an essential Christian Church." Elder Thomas Francis and fifteen others whose names are as follows subscribed to the Articles of Faith. presented at that time :
Thomas D. Francis, Eleazer Carver, Daniel Lothrop, Gid- dings Lane, Eunice Knapp, Jemima Lane, Daniel Robbins, Matilda Millett, Joanna Turner, Isaac Freeman, James Sampson,
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HISTORY OF LEEDS
Sarah Foster, Joseph Gould, Thomas Millett, Zebulon Millett, Elizabeth Otis.
The first officer of this church was Giddings Lane, who was elected deacon at its organization.
October 16, 1800, Elder Francis was called to the pastorate of this church-a position which he filled continuously and hon- orably for 35 years, and excepting the first six years of his ministry, during which Isaac Freeman was clerk of the church, Elder Francis made and kept its records.
Since its organization 447 persons have had membership with this church. Somewhat more than a score of preachers have served as pastors or stated supplies. During the century of our existence 15 of our members have served the church as deacons, and about the same number as clerks-including four pastors.
In 1806, the meeting-house at Leeds Center was completed. In 1836, such repairs and remodeling as were thought best were made. In 1872, a considerable change was made in the interior of the meeting-house and extensive repairs were made upon the outside, at a cost of several hundred dollars. March 12, 1891, it was voted to make thorough repairs on the meeting-house, also a general modernizing of the interior which, in due time, was accomplished at a cost of about $1,200.
Since then the house has remained in a comparatively sound and serviceable condition.
The successors of Thomas D. Francis as pastors and stated supplies were as follows :
Allen Barrows from 1835 to 1837; Wilson C. Rider, 1838; Daniel Hutchinson, 1839; Robert Starr, 1840; Daniel Hutchin- son, 1841 ; S. S. Leighton, 1842 to 1845; J. W. Lawton, 1846 to 1848; Elders Sargent and Tilton, 1849; Allen Barrows, 1850 to 1855; Abram Snyder, 1856; Elder Gurney, 1857; Elder Fulton, 1858; Joel P. Chapin, 1859 to 1863; O. Richardson, 1863; William E. Noyes, 1864 to 1868; Joel Wheeler, 1868; Henry A. Libby, 1869; S. S. Brownson, 1870 to 1873; Abram Snyder, 1876 to 1886; J. R. Herrick, 1888 to 1892 ; Robert Scott, 1892 to 1895 ; J. B. Bryant. 1896; E. H. Doane, 1899 to 1900.
The Second Baptist Church and Society was organized at South Leeds June 19, 1843, with a constituent membership of 29, to which additions were made from time to time until they numbered 52.
John Beals was their first church clerk, and Simon Maloon their first deacon.
Sept. 16, 1843, Elder Walter Foss was called to serve this church as pastor-a relation which he sustained with honor until it lost its visibility as an organization about 1870.
For many years this church was a center of religious influ- ence in that part of the town. The devotion of its only pastor
ANDROSCOGGIN LAKE, FROM MEETING-HOUSE HILL,
253
HISTORY OF LEEDS
may well serve as an example to Christian workers of a later time. At a mere pittance as a salary, and under the necessity of a journey of not less than fifteen miles at each pastoral visit to this field, he maintained the oversight of this little flock through summer's heat and winter's cold for nearly 30 years.
But words of praise are not needed from us to embellish the character of those whose history we briefly here review. Their record is in heaven. It is but just, however, that we acknowledge our indebtedness to them because of that moral worth and ster- ling integrity which constituted the very warp and woof of that godly influence which they transmitted unto us.
It is not denied that worthy men and women lived and died outside the churches of their day. It is not denied that some at least of those within the church were justly chargeable with fault and foible and possible insincerity, but yet, as we look back at them collectively through the vista of the years encircled in the halo of a sainted recollection, the picture takes a charm of form and coloring superior to any likeness of those who are merely sons of earth.
Their calling is from above-their citizenship in heaven. But visions of heavenly character and "peace on earth" are not the only features of interest to us in this scene.
As we contemplate them more closely, they take definite shape before us as a section of that mighty army of the living God which is waging war against the powers of darkness and of death.
But who is this who has marshalled and is leading them?
He appears a mighty man of war. With unwavering courage, with well nigh unerring wisdom and with a zeal which knew no abatement, this man Thomas D. Francis, born a leader of men, continues in command of this band of Christ's disciples for more than a third of a century ; moulding their belief, giving vitality and suitable form to character and life among them, making them inflexible and staunch in their advocacy of what to them was right, invincible in their conflict with the evils of their time, and little less than really divine in the manner and purpose of their lives.
What this community might have been without the pastors. and their churches which have stood, as the century has passed, each in its time and place, as exponents and examples of right- eousness and truth, we do not wish to know.
But of this we are assured: Divinely salutary indeed their influence has been. Their illustrious example, however, adds weight to the responsibility which rests on us as their successors.
May this, our obligation, be duly recognized and faithfully discharged. And may the virtues of those whom we commem- orate this day be so effectually perpetuated in our lives, that fur- ther and more lasting honor shall be added to their names.
CHAPTER VII.
HISTORY OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF LEEDS.
Rev. Jesse Lee, through whose efforts Methodism was estab- lished in New England, preached in Littleborough, now the town of Leeds, Dec. 23, 1794. The service of that date was held in a private house, the home of a Mr. Lane. The house was crowded and the power of God was clearly felt in their midst.
The town of Leeds was placed upon the Readfield circuit as early as 1795 ; later it was made a part of Monmouth circuit and was regularly visited by the preachers.
A class was formed about 1795. The progress of Method- ism from this early period until 1838 is not known as no records are preserved, if there were any kept, to give its history during these years.
In 1838, Rev. John Allen held a series of meetings in the school-house on Quaker Ridge, a number of persons were con- verted and a class of more than twelve members was formed with Salmon Brewster as leader. It is stated that the society increased and the religious services continued to be held at the school-house until January, 1852. In 1849, Joseph Hawkes was sent to the Leeds circuit as a supply. In 1850, the Conference sent Rev. John Cumner to this charge, and through his efforts and the aid given by Salmon Brewster, a church building was contemplated and the plans for building were made.
Rev. Mr. Cumner appointed the following men as trustees of the church property: Salmon Brewster, Charles Stetson, George C. Lathrop, Warren Mower, Jacob Wheeler, Simeon Turner, and Nathan Morse. At the first meeting of the trustees held March 3, 1851, Salmon Brewster was chosen chairman, George Lathrop secretary and Simeon Turner treasurer ; at this meeting of the trustees they voted to receive bids for building a church, until March 8th at one o'clock P.M.
At the next meeting of the board plans for the house were accepted and the bid of Mr. Charles Stetson to build the house for eight hundred and fifty dollars was accepted. At a later meeting of the trustees Nov. 29th, Charles Stetson was chosen to apprize the pews, subject to the approval of the trustees. On Jan. 1, 1852, the board voted to accept the house upon condition that it be finished according to contract. At one P.M. this same date, the sale of pews began. Seventeen pews were sold at this
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HISTORY OF LEEDS
meeting and on Jan. 6, seven more were sold. The prices of the pews varied from fifteen to thirty dollars.
The exact date when the house was dedicated is not known, but it was in January of 1852 during the pastorate of Rev. Luther B. Knight. Mr. Knight's pastorate lasted for two years, from July 9, 1851, to June or July of 1853, and at this time there were six different classes, one at North Leeds, Quaker Ridge, South Leeds, Leeds Junction, in Greene, at West Leeds. But soon after, one of the classes was given up and its members were placed in one of the other classes.
Afterward the class at North Leeds joined the Wayne Circuit. By death and removals, one by one the classes have been aban- doned. At the present a prayer-meeting is the only week-night service held.
In 1884, the society bought a parsonage and made of it a com- fortable home for its pastors. There are about twenty acres of land in the parsonage lot and gives its ministers plenty of oppor- tunity for out-door work in the summer.
Within a few years the church has been remodelled and beautified on the interior with paint, carpeting and new furnish- ings. These repairs were undertaken and accomplished through the efforts of Mr. Harry Cochrane, of Monmouth, who was then supplying this charge.
The society also assisted in building a very neat chapel at Keene's Corner, which was dedicated May 5, 1891. In this chapel the Methodists hold services once in two weeks. Services at the church on Quaker Ridge are also held once in two weeks, the pastor alternating between the two places in his Sunday services. The Sunday School, at present, is small in number but a good interest is manifested in the study of the Sunday School lessons. For a number of years Brother John F. Gray was Superintendent of the School and by his faithful efforts the school was kept in a flourishing condition. The society numbers at present only twenty-four members. Deatlı and removals have decreased its numbers faster than additions have been made. Though the society is small, yet with the help of its friends, who are inter- ested in sustaining religious services and have given liberally toward the support of the same, it has been able to give its pastors a comfortable support.
The following is the list of the names of its pastors who have served the church since 1849 :
1849-50-Joseph Hawkes. 1850-51-John Cumner. 1851-52-Luther B. Knight. 1859-61-D. B. Holt. 1862-63-Levi Eldridge. 1863-64-William Stout.
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HISTORY OF LEEDS
1864-65-M. B. Cummings. 1865-66-W. Wyman.
1866-67-Jonathan Fairbanks.
1867-70- Lufkin.
1870-73-S. M. Emerson.
1873-75-J. B. Fogg.
1875-76-Loring P. Gould. 1876-77-Nathan Andrews, - Sanderson, J. B. Fogg. 1878-79-Nottage.
1879-80-McKenna.
1880-81-Greenwood Gordon.
1881-82-J. P. Cole.
1882-83- Clifford.
1883-84-C. R. Dagget.
1885-86-J. P. Roberts.
1886-87-W. H. Congdon.
1888-90-Joseph Moulton.
1890-91-Isaac Beals.
1891-93-Charles D. Blaisdell.
1893-94-C. H. Williams.
1894-95-Powers, F. W. Smith.
1896-97-F. H. Billington, J. Buchanan.
1898-1901-F. H. Hall.
CHAPTER VIII.
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
From a very early period the preaching of Rev. Thomas Barnes had found sympathy in many households of Leeds. The earliest history of a Universalist organization is given in a man- uscript in the handwriting of Israel Herrick, bearing date 1833, giving answers to questions asked in the Intelligencer of Sept. 28, relative to the state of Universalist societies in Kennebec and Somerset counties. He says :
"The first Universalist Society in Leeds was organized March 13, 1830, of sixty members. There usually attend meeting about 200 people. In the summer of 1832 the society hired preaching one-quarter of the time for six months. Rev. Thomas Dolloff preached, for which we paid him $24 in money, raised by subscription ; we have no funds. Our society is scattered all over the town, and subscriptions fall on those near the meeting, besides our society generally is not of the wealthiest class, there- fore our subscriptions are not in proportion to our numbers. The society has not much increased or diminished. Our pros- pects are as good as at any former period. We have had no difficulty in obtaining preaching in proportion to our means until the present season. We have no meeting-house, our meetings are well accommodated in the town-house. Our society is well united-a good degree of feeling existing among the members. We hold no meetings except on Sundays, have no Sunday-school nor Bible class. We have our regular yearly society meetings, besides intermediate meetings as occasion requires, but generally not fully attended. It is my opinion that the number that attends our meeting is larger than attends any other meeting in town except the Free Willers, which occasionally may be as large or larger than ours. I should think not far from one-half of the ratable polls were in favor of the doctrine of Universalism."
At this time some of the leading members were Israel Her- rick, Levi Foss, John Francis, Caleb Carver, William Gott, Simeon Gould, Barnabas Davee, George Lathrop, Thomas W. Bridgham, Benjamin Millett, Alexander Jennings, Ebenezer Stinchfield, Samuel More, James Lindsay, John Carver, Solo- mon Lathrop, Samuel Jennings, Levi Dunham, Levi Caswell, Lemuel Sumner, James Stinchfield.
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