USA > Maine > Lincoln County > Waldoboro > History of the town of Waldoboro, Maine > Part 9
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
James Crawford, Co. B, Ist Sharpshooters, enlisted Nov. 4, 1864, transferred to 20th Maine.
Albert D. Keene, Co. B, Ist Sharpshooters, enlisted Nov. 4, 1864, transferred to 20th Maine.
Joseph Nash, Jr., Co. B. Ist Sharpshooters, transferred to 20th Maine.
Peter Prock, Co. B, Ist Sharpshooters, trans- ferred to 20th Maine,
Daniel Waltz, Co. C, Ist Sharpshooters, transferred to 20th Maine.
Joseph J. Hoffses, Lieutenant Co. G, 20th Maine, mustered Aug. 29, 1862, resigned Nov. 22, 1862.
Frank A. Hutchins, Lieutenant Co. K, 27th Maine, enlisted Sept. 30, 1862, promoted Captain March 2, 1863, discharged July 17, 1863.
Lorenzo V. Ludwig, 2d R. I. regiment, died in service.
Llewellyn O. Foster, Co. I, 23d Maine, en- listed Sept. 29, 1862, discharged Feb. 5, 1863, re-enlisted in Co. G, 30th Maine, discharged Aug. 20, 1865, died in Waldoboro, May 30, 1909.
.
173
CIVIL WAR PERIOD.
Thomas Hoffses, Co. G, 30th Maine, enlist- ed Dec. 28, 1863, deserted April 23, 1864.
Ezekiel Rackliff, Co. D, 19th Maine, enlisted Aug. 25, 1862, discharged May 31, 1865, died in Waldoboro, Feb. 19, 1893.
George P. Fogler, Co. K, 19th Maine, en- listed Aug. 25, 1862, killed at battle of Gettys- burg.
Elisha Harris, Ist Maine Infantry.
Solomon Benner, Co. I, 8th Maine, enlisted Sept, 7, 1861.
Alphonso Larrabee, 7th Unassigned Com- pany, enlisted Oct. 1, 1864, discharged July 6, 1865.
William Newbert, Co. I, 8th Maine, enlisted Oct. 8, 1863, discharged June 11, 1865.
Thomas Wagner, Co. K, 17th Maine, died in confederate prison.
Webster Feyler, Western regiment.
Edwin Keizer, Co. H, 4th Maine, enlisted May 1, 1861, transferred to Co. I, 38th N. Y., discharged July 1, 1862, died in Waldoboro, June 16, 1892.
So far as we have been able to learn the fol- lowing persons served in the U. S. Navy :
William G. Jones, born in Curacoa, West Indies, enlisted in 1862, commissioned Ensign and Master, served in South Atlantic Squadron
174
HISTORY OF WALDOBORO.
under Farragut and Foote, was commander of U. S. Gunboat Mohican, was present at taking Hilton Head, Mobile and New Orleans, assisted in cap- ture of confederate privateer steamer Savannah, died in Havre, France, in 1902.
Gorham Parks Feyler, Acting Ensign, 1864- 1865, served as Master in Peruvian Navy, died in Massachusetts Nov. 16, 1907.
Americus V. Miller, enlisted Sept. 1, 1864, served on U. S. S. Sabine, Brooklyn and Ottawa, discharged Aug. 12, 1865.
Abel Cole, enlisted Sept. 16, 1864, wounded wrist in attack on Fort Fisher, died a week later.
Daniel Speed, enlisted Sept. 1, 1864.
Eben T. Achorn, enlisted Sept. 1, 1864.
Aaron O. Winchenbach, enlisted Sept. I, 1864, served on monitor Monadnock, engaged in both attacks on Fort Fisher, discharged June, 1865.
Henry F. Geel, enlisted Sept. 1, 1864, served on Sabine, Ohio, and Restless, discharged June 15, 1865.
Benjamin Creamer, enlisted Sept. 9, 1864, discharged September, 1865.
Eben F. Genthner, enlisted September, 1864, served on frigate Sabine, discharged June 20, 1865.
Uriah Lash, enlisted Nov. 4, 1861, in New
175
CIVIL WAR PERIOD.
York, served on U. S. S. G. W. Blunt on block- ade, discharged Dec. 14, 1864.
Charles D. W. Smith, born in Germany, en- listed in New York, Dec. 1, 1862, served on gun- boat Cairo on Mississippi, discharged Dec. 1, 1863.
Joseph Mathews, enlisted March 2, 1865, died in Havana.
Thomas B. Hussey, enlisted in New York, May, 5, 1864, served on U. S. S. Rhode Island, discharged Aug. 18, 1865, died in Waldoboro, Oct. 13, 1909.
William W. Havener, enlisted Feb. 21, 1862, served as landsman on U. S. Gunboat Katahdin in West Gulf Squadron, discharged May 14, 1865.
Austin Keizer served in Navy also in Co. E, Coast Guards, died in Waldoboro, Nov. 13, 1901.
Theodore S. Brown, enlisted Aug. 23, 1864, served on Frigate Sabine, discharged Aug. 22, 1865, (of the seven sons of Charles S. Brown, six served in the civil war. Besides Theodore S., James N. served in Co. E, 2d Maine Cavalry, Newell W. as Engineer on military railroad, Arthur K. in Navy two years, John G. in Navy, died from effects of attempting to rescue sailors from a sinking monitor off Charleston, Edwin E., Co. B, 4th Maine, two years, wounded at Second Battle of Bull Run.)
176
HISTORY OF WALDOBORO.
Frederick Creamer, enlisted 1863, discharged 1864.
William J. Brown, enlisted Dec. 5, 1863, dis- charged, July 30, 1865, was on Hartford at battle of Mobile.
Samuel Havener.
Washington Havener. James G. Schwartz.
Franklin Tarr.
The census of 1870 showed that the popu- lation had begun to decrease, there being but 4,174.
In 1867 the question of building a railroad from Bath to Rockland began to be discussed and on the 26th of September of that year, at a special town meeting, it was voted that the town subscribe ten thousand dollars to the capital stock of the Knox & Lincoln Railroad Company, "providing said railroad shall pass above tide waters, and the depot in said town shall be located within three- fourths of a mile of the four corners of the road in the village." It was further voted at this time to loan the credit of the town to said corporation to the amount of seventy thousand dollars. Oct. I, 1870, the town voted to loan its credit for an ad- ditional sum of twenty-six thousand, two hundred dollars. Jan. 28, 1871, another loan was granted of thirty-five thousand, two hundred dollars.
177
CIVIL WAR PERIOD.
These loans were secured by mortgages on the property of the company. The town also voted a loan of fifteen thousand, two hundred dollars, for one year. The town subsequently gave its con- sent for the Directors of the Knox & Lincoln Railroad Company to locate its depot at the junc- tion with the highway leading from Waldoboro village to Jefferson, although more than three- fourths of a mile from the "four corners." The road went into operation in 1871.
In March, 1872, a serious fire occurred on upper Main street. Originating in the old Cook store used as a paint shop, it spread to the large double house, occupied as a Congregational par- sonage, and by William Eugley, thence to the dwelling of John P. Glidden, all of which were totally destroyed. This locality is now occupied by the dwellings of E. S. Crowell and Dr. M. L. Palmer.
Soon after this fire, funds were raised by sub- scription and Capt. L. L. Kennedy was delegated to go to New York and purchase a fire engine. He succeeded in buying a Smith tub, which, un- der the name of Triumph, has done duty at many fires. A company was organized in 1875 and uniformed. This company finally disbanded be- cause the village did not take sufficient interest in its aupport.
178
HISTORY OF WALDOBORO.
The Lincoln County News was established in 1873, being published the first year as a monthly paper.
-
CHAPTER XVIII. CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
The one hundredth anniversary of the in- corporation of the town occuring in 1873, many citizens were favorable to having the occasion properly observed. Accordingly a public meet- ing was called and a committee was chosen to perfect arrangements for a Centennial Celebra- tion. As the date of incorporation, June 29th, came on Sunday, it was decided to have the cele- bration on July Fourth. The Committee of Gen- eral Management consisted of the following citi- zens : Andrew J. McLeod, Henry A. Kennedy, Henry Farrington, Edward R. Benner, Samuel L. Miller, Lowell P. Haskell, George Bliss. By the liberality of the principal citizens the financial success was assured.
At sunrise the day was more appropriately announced by a national salute of thirty-seven guns, and soon the streets were filled by people in holiday attire, who arrived by every available conveyance. Special trains from east and west added largely to the multitude and it is probable that in addition to our own town's people no less than four thousand strangers were present.
180
HISTORY OF WALDOBORO.
At an early hour national flags floated to the breeze from conspicuous points, the shipping dis- played their bunting, and many residences and places of business were beautifully decorated. With the exception of those places where the wants of the inner man were supplied, business was generally suspended. During the morning, marching of different organizations to places in the procession, the strains of martial music, the re- ception of companies from abroad, and the surg- ing crowd gave to quiet old Waldoboro an un- usual appearance of excitement. At II a. m. the procession was formed at Farrington's Corner, with the right resting on Main Street; and at 12 o'clock, the companies from abroad having in the meantime arrived, it moved down Main street in the following order :-
Chief Marshal-John Richards. Aids, Henry Farrington, Daniel W. Demuth, C. D. Jones, T. F. Turner. Waldoboro Cornet Band.
Company of soldiers in Continental uniform, numbering 40 muskets, Capt. S. L. Miller, act- ing as escort.
Orator of the day in carriage. Municipal authorities. Aged citizens in carriages. A large boat drawn by four horses. This boat
181
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
contained thirty-eight young ladies, dressed in white and crowned with wreaths, repre- senting the Goddess of Liberty and the states of the Union. The boat was beautifully decorated. From the mast depended fes- toons of evergreen, and on the sides were in- scribed, "Peace with all nations," and "God bless our homes." On the stern "Waldoboro I773."
Damariscotta Cornet Band.
State of Maine Engine Co., of Thomaston. Eureka Engine Co., Juvenile Engine Co., Triumph Engine Co., Waldoboro.
Boat, drawn by two horses, containing thirteen boys representing the Navy. This boat bore the motto "Don't give up the ship !"
Goshen Drum Corps.
Woodbury Lodge, Good Templars.
Medomak
Broad Bay
N. Medomak
Company of mechanics, carrying the implements of their trade.
Trade Representations.
Wagon of J. Clark & Son, a pyramid of ship models, surmounted by a miniature full rigged ship.
182
HISTORY OF WALDOBORO.
Wagon representing the business of the Waldo- boro Suspender Company.
Wagon of H. M. Folsom & Co. loaded with boxes of Blake's Bitters.
A Sprague mowing machine, drawn by a span of black horses, representing the business of Richards & Storer.
Sabbath Schools. Citizens and public generally.
While the procession was moving a national salute was being fired at Prock's Ledge. Some idea of the extent of the procession may be formed from the fact that when the head had turned into Jefferson street the rear had not left Farrington's corner. As the column moved down Main street, which was lined with spectarors, the waving flags and banners, the antique dress of the Continentals, the bright uniforms of the firemen and galy dec- orated carriages, presented a most pleasing spec- tacle. Just as the procession moved from Far- rington's corner, fire was discovered in the house of Newell Winslow, Esq., and, as it was located upon the route of the march, the head of the column was halted at the residence of John Sides, and the fire companies sent to the rescue. They arrived too late to save the building but did much toward subduing the flames and preventing the destruction of Benjamin Genthner's residence and other adjacent buildings. At 1:30 p. m. the
183
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
firemen had become exhausted and the well dressed spectators could not be induced to re- live them for fear of soiling their "Sunday clothes." Accordingly the Continentals were ordered to the "front," and at "double quick" went to the relief of the men at the brakes. At 2 p. m. the fire was completely under subjection and the procession was reformed and marched without any further interruption to the grove; where the invited guests, to the number of three hundred partook of a sumptuous collation, after which several hundred spectators were treated in the same manner.
The assembly was called to order by Rev. A. J. McLeod, chairman of the committee of arrange- ments, and Rev. John Collins invoked the bless- ing of the Almighty on the occasion.
The chairman, then, in an appropriate manner introduced Henry Farrington, Esq. as President.
George Bliss was appointed Secretary and the following aged citizens Vice-Presidents: Fred- eric Castner (Waldoboro's oldest citizen), Jacob Shuman, Charles Hoffses, Jacob Burkett, John Hahn, Alfred Hovey, John Palmer, Henry Weav- er, Joseph Groton, John Bulfinch, Wm. White, Chas. Sweetland, John A. Haupt, Christopher Newbert and Corneilius Heyer.
The exercises proceeded as follows :
Music by Waldoboro Cornet Band.
184
HISTORY OF WALDOBORO.
Reading the act of Incorporation from the first record book of the town.
The centennial hymn written for the occasion, was sung to the air of Old Hundred, with ac- companiment by the bands. It was as follows :
CENTENNIAL HYMN. BY MRS. E. A. OAKES.
Father of Love ! a hundred years Are as a day before thy sight ; To us how vast the time appears, How great the change attends their flight.
A hundred years ! the watchful stars Kept vigil Then o'er forest wild,
Saw here the first rude homestead reared, And smiled upon the infant child.
A century gone ! the swelling tide Of busy life its heartstrings thrills ;
Now thriving town and happy homes Are cradled by the shelt'ring hills.
A hundred years ! we reap the fruit, With greatful hearts we meet to-day ;
'Neath grand old trees, whose whisp'ring leaves, Tell of our fathers passed away.
Saviour of men ! be Thou our guide, Through changing scenes of life to come,
And by thine all-sustaining power, Help us to crown what they begun.
The President then announced the Orator of the day, Col. A. W. Bradbury, of Portland, who delivered an eloquent address.
185
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Col. Bradbury's most admirable oration occu- pied one hour, and we regret that we cannot pub- lish it entire. The exercises at the grove were con- cluded by the bands playing "America." The pro- cession then reformed and marched to Water street where it was disbanded. Frequent showers dur- ing the evening so interfered with the display of fireworks that only one-half the supply was used. The scene about the depot from 9 till 10 P. M. was a lively one. With the exception of the fire, the day passed off without disturbance of any kind, and it is a credit to Waldoboro that such an occasion was celebrated without the usual accom- paniment of drunkenness and rowdyism.
An interesting feature of the meeting at the grove was the presence upon the stand of Mr. John Light of Nobleboro, a native of this town, one hundred and one years old-the only man present who was living when Waldoboro was in- corporated.
Mr. Charles G. Chase, foreman of State of Maine Engine Co., was prostrated by work and heat at the fire and remained at the residence of Mr. J. A. Benner until Saturday, when he was re- moved to Thomaston. He was so far recovered as to be able to attend to his work at the prison.
Edwin O. Clark was severely injured at the fire by the coupling of hose, which fell from the roof of Genthner's house. Mr. Winslow, whose
186
HISTORY OF WALDOBORO.
house was burned, was leader of the Waldoboro Cornet Band, and two of his sons were with him, another son was in the ranks of the Continentals, and three of his daughters represented states in the boat.
While the whole procession was in a state of confusion it was refreshing to see the firmness of the boys who manned the boat, and who Casabi- anca like, stuck to their motto-"Don't give up the ship!"
CHAPTER XIX.
CONCLUSION.
A charter for a village corporation was ob- tained, but being submitted to the voters at a meeting in Union hall, Jan. 26, 1874, it was voted, 80 to 29, not to accept.
The Congregational church was repaired in 1874.
In 1875, the reservoir was constructed near the Baptist church, the funds of the old reservoir society being used for that purpose. The same year the Baptist church was repaired and a new pipe organ installed.
A change was made in Clark's building, resulting in the construction of a public hall. It was dedicated June 17, 1875, the drama "Don Cæsar de Bazen," being presented by a local company.
A fire occurred in the Sproul block in 1875, which destroyed Isaacson's store and did other damage.
Achorn's flour mill, which is now the electric light station, was completed in 1878.
The census of 1880 showed the population to be 3,758.
188
HISTORY OF WALDOBORO.
In 1881, the question of a thread mill was agitated and steps taken to incorporate for that purpose, but the project did not materialize, the party who introduced the subject, locating else- where.
Ambrose Hall died in October, 1881, from injuries received while at work in Fish's shipyard.
E. Y. Perry of Hanover, Mass., became in- terested in the mill property at Winslow's Mills and in 1884 built a fine mill which was operated by Vannah, Sweeney & Co. and later by Vannah, Chute & Co.
In April, 1885, a corn canning company was organized with F. M. Eveleth as President, L. L. Kennedy, Charles Comery, Gorham Feyler, George L. Welt, Edwin O. Clark, Directors, S. L. Miller, Clerk, S. W. Jackson, Treasurer. A lot was secured of Charles P. Willet, and a commodious factory erected and fitted with modern machinery for canning corn. The enterprise was not a success and the property passed into other - hands, finally owned and operated several years by the Twitchel-Champlin Company of Portland. The farmers not responding very liberally in plant- ing corn, this firm tore the building down and moved it to Green, Maine, where, it is said, the farmers planted no more corn than was secured in this vicinity.
An iron bridge, the first of the kind in town,
WINSLOW'S MILLS
ரூ.
189
CONCLUSION.
was constructed over the Medomak river at North Waldoboro, in 1885. In 1906 a metal bridge was placed across the river at head of tide and in 1907 another was built at Bulfinch's.
In June, 1885, Messrs Henry & Daniels of Boston, made a proposition to operate a shoe factory here if the town would provide a factory. The proposition was accepted by the town and the event was celebrated by the people with illuminations, ringing bells, and firing a salute. The appropriations were limited to twenty thou- sand dollars. The Mathews lot near the river was selected by the Board of Trade and was accept- able to Henry & Daniels. The plans and speci- fications were furnished by them, R. V. Cary architect. The contract for the building was awarded to J. A. Greenleaf of Auburn. The cost when completed and fitted with engine, boilers, shafting, pulleys and belting, was $32,000. Mr. Henry of this firm, died before the completion of the factory, and it became necessary to make a new contract, which was done with W. H. Daniels & Co. They operated the factory suc- cessfully, but having what they considered a better offer they suddenly left without any ex- planation. After being operated with poor suc- cess by two or three firms, the plant remained vacant till the spring of 1910, when it was sold to Duncan C. Rood of Roxbury, for five hundred
190
HISTORY OF WALDOBORO.
dollars. Mr. Rood is now operating the factory with good prospects of success.
The census of 1890 showed a population of 3,505.
April 22, 1892, the Sproul mills were burned together with Boyd's foundry and White's black- smith shop. The fire was supposed to have been of incendiary origin.
At II o'clock on the evening of June 12, 1893, fire was discovered in a small stable con- nected with the French building, occupied by J. K. Willett. The fire spread quickly to the French building and Medomak House stables, and the Medomak House and blacksmith shop below soon followed. The fire spread north, burning Orrin Achorn's house, the millinery shop and W. B. Groves' house. The Thomas Achorn house and J. P. Glidden's dwelling followed. A small shop near Union block was also burned. Help was called and a steam fire engine was sent from Bath. This was the most extensive fire since that of 1854.
In 1894, the Knox & Lincoln Railroad was sold. Waldoboro held out and was the last to consent to the sale. The wisdom of the sale is now acknowledged.
The war with Spain did not call many volun- teers from Waldoboro, but Merrill R. Head, Orchard Sidelinger, Ira Oliver and Frank Larra-
UNION BLOCK
RUINS OF UNION BLOCK
191
CONCLUSION.
bee were in the infantry at Chicamauga, and John W. Shuman, Willie Shuman, William T. Howell and Clinton Gross were in the navy.
The census of 1900 gave the town a popu- lation of 3,145.
June 5, 1900, fire was discovered in the attic of Union block and although the fire burned very slowly it was soon seen that the building was doomed to destruction. Help was summoned from Rockland and a steamer was sent from that city. A hand engine also came from Thomaston. This was the best building in town and its des- truction was a great loss to the place. Fortu- nately no other buildings were burned.
This fire was followed June 15th by the burn- ing of Stephen A. Jones' sailloft. The last, if not the first, was evidently the work of an incendiary.
The Waldoboro Electric Light & Water Company having acquired the Achorn mill and privilege, built over the dam, put in a new tur- bine water wheel and started the lights in the village, April 8, 1902.
The Waldoboro Water Company was organ- ized Sept. 26, 1908, with the following officers : E. E. Jameson, President; M. W. Levensaler, Secretary; John T. Gay, Jr., Treasurer. These officers with the addition of John B. Stahl, cons- tituted the board of directors. The company began operations at once, using the old shoe
192
HISTORY OF WALDOBORO.
factory reservoir. The town surrendered its rights to the company which agreed to furnish the shoe factory with water without charge when the factory was running. This reservoir was very much enlarged and pipes laid in the streets. The supply of water not appearing sufficent another source of supply is sought, which will probably be artesian wells. The hydrant system for which the town appropriated $500 annually for ten years, has been tested in two fires. Its utility was demonstrated in the Davis Hotel fire which occurred in May, 1909.
CHAPTER XX.
SHIPBUILDING.
Such an important industry as shipbuilding has been to Waldoboro deserves a chapter. In the start we have been handicapped by finding no records in the Waldoboro Custom House previous to 1871, and consequently have been obliged to seek information elsewhere. This makes our record somewhat imperfect. While we find no record back of 1829, it is certain many vessels, probably of small tonnage, were built here before that time. The first vessel of which we have any knowledge, was constructed at Schenck's Point. A Mr. Merritt of Broad Cove, was master work- man. James Hall came from Nobleboro to super- intend the launching. John Schenck was master of this vessel which was built in 1810. While it is certain that Frederick Castner built vessels, we have no record of them and while Charles Miller built more than twenty-five we have only one re- corded. In 1843 a schooner was built in Jackson Russell's door-yard. It was thirty-three tons. William Russell and Ellis Wade furnished money and material. When completed she was hauled by forty yoke of oxen to Samson's landing. In
194
HISTORY OF WALDOBORO.
the spring of 1844 she was rigged and launched.
The ship Caroline & Mary Clark, built by Joseph Clark in 1849, met with a series of mis- haps. While raising the stern the tackle broke, letting the stern fall, breaking it in several pieces; the strapping broke in raising the bowsprit, letting that fall; the shear broke in raising one of the masts, and when she was launched the ways spread. The accidents all occurred on Fridays. Finally she sailed on Thursday but adverse wind compelled her to postpone her departure to Fri- day when in attempting to sail through the "Nar- rows," she went on the rocks on the east side and punched a great hole in her bottom. Mr. Clark's insurance amply paid all expenses. Not- withstanding these accidents the ship nearly paid for herself on her first voyage.
Some notable vessels have been built here. Mr. Clark built the first three-masted schooner and the Governor Ames built by Levitt Storer in 1888, was the first five-master afloat. The six big five-masters built by George L. Welt for William F. Palmer of Boston, formed a fleet which had no equal. Joseph Clark, Isaac Reed, Augus- tus Welt, William and Alfred Storer, Henry Ken- nedy, Charles Miller, Edwin Achorn, Samuel Nash and William Fish were notable builders in their day. Since 1904, when the Harwood Palmer was launched, no shipbuilding has been done and the
195
SHIPBUILDING.
business will soon be a lost art in Waldoboro. The following tables show the record so far as obtainable :
196
HISTORY OF WALDOBORO.
Year
Builder
Rig
Ton- nage
Name
1829
Unknown
schr
93
Hampton
1830
66
schr
Billow
1830
66
schr
69
Albert
1831
66
schr
135
Vesta
1831
66
schr
Atlantic
1833 John Kaler, Jr.
schr
II3
Firm
1833
Samuel Nash
schr
II2
Jane
1833 Reuben Miller & Co.
1833
W. & J. R. Groton
1834 William Mathews
brig
229
Hockomock
1834 B. & J. Eugley
1834
Samuel Nash
schr
Sarah Nash
1834 John Kaler, Jr.,
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.