Illustrated history of Kennebec County, Maine; 1625-1892, Part 113

Author: Kingsbury, Henry D; Deyo, Simeon L., ed
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York, Blake
Number of Pages: 1790

USA > Maine > Kennebec County > Illustrated history of Kennebec County, Maine; 1625-1892 > Part 113

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960

HISTORY OF KENNEBEC COUNTY.

A. F. Watson, Jesse T. Parker, W. S. Hodgkins, George Underwood and Augustus Pease.

Those who represented the town in the legislature before the separation from Massachusetts were: Solomon Bates, Ezra Fisk, Jo- seph H. Underwood, Samuel Tuck and Elisha Pettengill.

Joseph H. Underwood was a member of the executive council in 1840, and Doctor Bates, a native of this town, represented the district in congress one term.

CHURCHES .- In its early history this town was distinguished for its religious as well as its educational spirit. There is no record of any preaching during the first eleven years after the settlement of the town, but in 1790 Rev. Eliphalet Smith, from Massachusetts, visited the region. In 1792 a Baptist church was organized, consisting of twenty-three members, and July 1, 1802, a meeting house was erected at the Corner. This was taken down and the present one erected in 1837. Rev. Oliver Billings succeeded Mr. Smith in the pastorate, and served the church forty years, having for associate pastors during this time Reverends Morton, Houghton and Stevens. Among other early preachers may be mentioned: Reverends Drinkwater, Bond, Barrows and Avery; later, Reverends Nugent, Rawson, Weston, Bar- stow and Whittemore. Among the members of this church who have served as deacons are: Abijah Crane, Benjamin Palmer, Samuel Tuck, F. A. Chase, J. H. Sturtevant and Fred W. Small.

A Methodist church was organized in 1827. A house of worship was erected and services maintained for a series of years. The house was subsequently moved to East Livermore, but a chapel was after- ward built and services resumed. About the time of the erection of the Methodist house, a Free Baptist church was organized, a house built here and religious services were conducted for several years. The building was subsequently removed. A union church was erected about 1825 at North Fayette. This house was consumed by fire in 1832. A new one, with fifty-two pews, was built the same year. Sev- eral denominations held an interest in the house, certain Sabbaths in the year being set apart for each one to hold service. Some individ- uals had a Sunday or two each.

Among the noted Methodist preachers who have been placed in charge here may be mentioned: Reverends Benjamin Foster, D. B. Randall, " Camp-meeting " John Allen, Copeland, Nickerson, Charles Munger and W. H. Foster. The Methodists own one-half of the house, and for many years have occupied it the greater portion of the time. This house is located at the extreme north part of the town, and ac- ·commodates a portion of Chesterville as well as Fayette.

Following is a partial list of the names of those who have entered the ministry from this town: Oliver Billings, R. Watson, Gilman

961

TOWN OF FAYETTE.

Bacheller, John Billings, Lowell Porter, George Bates, S. B. Morse, A. R. Crane, A. E. Woodsum, A. J. Sturtevant and J. Wesley Smith.

SCHOOLS .- The early settlers of the town took a deep interest in educational matters, and zealously labored to establish schools for the instruction of the rising generation. These were early established, and as the population increased the facilities increased in a corres- ponding degree until every locality had a school house situated suf- ficiently near to accommodate all. Thus they continued under the old district system until 1890, when the new and more progressive town system was adopted. There has been no graded system in Fayette, but since the passage of the free high school law this town has been very liberal in its enforcement. It is believed that no town of its size in Maine can boast of having sent out more teachers and more suc- cessful ones than Fayette. They have gone into all parts of the coun- try and into every grade of educational work. It is told by some of the older residents that when teachers presented themselves for ex- amination the committee invariably asked the question, " For what is Fayette noted ?" The stereotyped answer being: " For its big oxen and its schoolma'ams."

In the earlier days it was a usual thing to find from sixty to seventy- five pupils seated in the same school room, and not a rare occurrence to see one hundred. Today we often find six and rarely twenty-five.

ORGANIZATIONS .- In the early forties-in Tippecanoe times-there was in town a temperance society, known as the Washingtonians. This society flourished for a series of years, then ceased, though it left its general influence on the rising generation. At about the same time another society came into being, and was known as the Martha Washington Society, a ladies' organization. Its object was the fur- thering of temperance and charity. This, too, flourished for a time, accomplishing much good. In the intervening years, similar organi- zations have sprung up to fulfill their mission and pass away. At present there exists an order known as the Wide Awake Division of Sons of Temperance, which is in excellent working condition. Con- nected with the temperance work is a fine dramatic club, which fur- nishes many enjoyable and profitable entertainments. The amount of good resulting from the workings of these societies, perhaps, is in- calculable, for it is safe to say that this town is remarkably free from that terrible vice, intemperance.

A Grange was formed in 1875. Its membership has reached nearly or quite one hundred. Dr. A. G. French was the prime mover in this work. Its masters have been: Doctor French, John H. True, Josiah H. Sturtevant, Cyrus H. Tobin, Joseph F. Stevens, Octavus E. Stevens and John O. Fellows.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISES .-- There is a saw mill at Fayette, one at North Fayette, and one at South Fayette. There are also novelty

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HISTORY OF KENNEBEC COUNTY.

works at South Fayette. The mill at Fayette is now in excellent condition and is doing a good business in manufacturing long lum- ber, clapboards and shingles. The one at North Fayette has been a busy one for many years.

A few years since one of our most enterprising farmers conceived the idea that associated dairying would be a profitable industry to in- troduce into town, and by perseverance in this direction the object was accomplished and the factory established at North Fayette. The presidents of this association have been: The late Dr. Charles Russell, Osbert L. Basford, Edwin R. French and Enoch Whittemore.

Many of the early settlers were from the fruit-growing regions of southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, hence they early conceived the importance of planting fruit trees. The forest on many a hilltop and hillside yielded to the apple and the pear orchards. remnants of which can now be seen in some localities. As these old orchards failed new ones were planted, and the acreage has been so increased that the raising of fruit has become a very important indus- try in the town, from which source a liberal revenue is realized.

Mr. Boardman in Chapter VIII. has noticed the prominence of Fayette in stock raising. Until recent years this was the banner town of Maine for fine oxen, but they are now giving place, in a measure, to the dairy cow.

Timber lands are yielding quite an income in these latter years. In some localities there is a large amount being cut each year, and yet there seems to be but little diminution in quantity.

Property appears to be more evenly distributed in this town than in almost any other within the writer's knowledge. We have no wealthy aristocrats and there are few who lean upon charity for sup- port.

POST OFFICES .- Fayette post office was established April 1, 1804, with Solomon Bates as postmaster. Daniel Judkins was appointed April 21, 1822. For forty-seven years this, the only post office in town, was located at Fayette Corner. April 2, 1851, it was removed to the Mills and Howard B. Lovejoy was appointed postmaster to succeed Daniel Judkins.« Previous to this change the Mills people depended principally upon the Kents Hill office for their mail, the merchants in turn sending for and distributing the same to the patrons. Many has been the time that the writer has been dispatched on horseback or otherwise for the mail, when it fell to the lot of his father to perform this office.

* Isaac Randall, 2d, was appointed May 24, 1853; Howard B. Lovejoy, Febru- ary 28, 1854; Gervis Nolin, April 26, 1869; Wesley D. Weymouth, January 24. 1872; Lowell Sanborn, August 29, 1873; Frank A. Nolin, January 29, 1878; John S. W. Hewett, April 15, 1878; Fred A. Wing, March 10, 1881; George Underwood, July 5, 1887; Edward F. Wyman, March 8, 1892.

963

TOWN OF FAYETTE.

The Fayette Corner office was established as Fayette Ridge, June 24, 1858, in charge of Richard C. Turner. Cyrus B. Judkins was ap- pointed to succeed him December 14, 1874. The name was changed to Fayette Corner, January 26, 1875, and he was continued as post- master.

North Fayette post office was established May 20, 1851, with Sam- uel S. Walton in charge. William Irish succeeded April 29, 1859, and Thomas F. Palmer was appointed May 31, 1865.

Fayette is located five miles distant, and midway between the Farmington branch and the main stem of the Maine Central railroad, consequently we labor under the disadvantage of higher transporta- tion than that of railroad towns. Whenever the contemplated and already chartered railroad shall be constructed, in all probability it will pass up the Thirty Mile river, so-called, entering the towns of Wayne, Fayette, Mt. Vernon and Vienna, touching or going in close proximity to seven excellent water powers in a distance of fifteen miles, and then will Fayette be capable of competing with any of her sister towns in manufacturing.

If the author were writing a volume on Fayette, instead of a single chapter for a volume of larger scope, it would be a pleasure to treat more fully the genealogy of the early pioneers and their immediate successors, and record more fully events in the town's progress, which the present limit of space prevents. Before closing we would ac- knowledge the kindness of the aged ladies, Mrs. Harriet Fifield Crane and Mrs. Elizabeth Elkins Stevens, daughter of Chase Elkins, second -named in this chapter-for the items of interest gathered from them and probably not obtainable elsewhere. We would also extend our thanks to Thomas Wing, Benjamin Bacheller, Reuben Ham and Rev. A. R. Crane, D.D., for the substantial facts obtained from them; and we would not forget to mention the name of our fellow townsman, A. F. Watson, for his ceaseless and untiring efforts in obtaining data for this work .*

PERSONAL PARAGRAPHS.

George Bamford is a son of Daniel and Orilla Bamford, and grand- son of William Bamford, who came to the farm where George lives in early life and died here in 1836, leaving one son, Daniel. The latter died in 1886 and left seven children: Mary (Mrs. John Fellows), Jane (Mrs. Jonathan Pike), Augusta, William, James, George and Daniel E., who owns the old homestead with George. The latter married Jennie, daughter of John Knowles, and they have two children-John K. and George M.

Osbert L. Basford, born in 1843, is a son of David and Elizabeth * Mr. Underwood's responsibility for this chapter ends here.

964

HISTORY OF KENNEBEC COUNTY.

(Coffin) Basford, and grandson of John Basford, of New Hampshire, who had four sons. David had two sons: James L., of Boston, and Osbert L., who married May, daughter of Mark Stevens. Their chil- dren are: Herman L., died June 18, 1892, and Birdena L. Mr. Basford came to Fayette in 1861 and in 1862 enlisted in Company E, 24th Maine. Returning to Fayette, he has since been a farmer and is now serving his fourth term as selectman. His father died in January, 1891.

OLIVER BILLINGS* was born in Dedham, Mass., May 8, 1800, and died at Fayette, Me., June 13, 1880. He was a son of Elkanah Billings and Katherine Morse, and a nephew of Oliver Billings, a prominent Baptist divine. In 1808 his parents removed to Chesterville, Frank- lin county, Me., where they resided the remainder of their lives. Jan- uary 31, 1829, Oliver married Cynthia French, of Chesterville, daugh- ter of Dearborn and Anna French. Mrs. Billings was a person of strong character and held a high rank among the intelligent and use- ful women of her time. She died December 2, 1878. Had she lived a few weeks longer they would have celebrated their golden wedding, for which preparations were being made. Their children are: Anna Catharine, Helen Luette, George Weston, Loannas Cyrillo, Azora La- villa and Linn Leroy. These are all living save Loannas, who died June 3, 1871.

Mr. Billings remained in Chesterville seven years subsequent to his marriage. He then purchased the Asa Hutchinson place in Fay- ette, and resided on the same until March, 1854, when he purchased the Nathan Burgess farm, located on Oak hill, and there passed the residue of his life. His occupation was farming, and his thoroughly tilled acres and the well kept and tidy appearance of the buildings on the homestead attest the quality of his work and indicate that he was ever faithful to duty. He, however, in his younger days made quite a vocation of school teaching. He taught seven successive winters in Boothbay. He also taught in Mt. Vernon, Chesterville and Fay- ette.

He was several times called to fill different offices in the gift of his townsmen. Religiously he was broad and liberal in his views. Politically he was a whig, believing firmly in the principles laid down by Clay and Webster. His character was beyond reproach and his integrity never in question. His carriage was always dignified and his language courtly and respectful toward persons of all classes.

Henry H. Bodge, born in Fayette in 1829, is a son of Moulton and Louisa (Lovejoy) Bodge, who had three children: Olive (Mrs. Warren C. Jones), Sarah (Mrs. J. S. W. Hewett) and Henry H., who married Charlotte, daughter of Daniel Ormsby. Their children are: Mary (Mrs. Harry Bamford), Thomas H., of Augusta, and Frank H. Mr.

* Sketch by George Underwood.

Gilbert '92

"OAK HILL."-THE BILLINGS HOMESTEAD, FAYETTE, ME.

Oliver Billings

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HISTORY OF KENNEBEC COUNTY.

Bodge is a grandson of John Bodge, who first started a pottery in Fay- ette. His father and mother died in 1873, and were both buried at one time.

Arthur D. Chase, born in Fayette in 1833, is a son of Lewis and Sally Chase, and grandson of Israel Chase. Lewis Chase was a colo- nel in the state militia. He was captain of Company H, 14th Maine, in the civil war. His father, Israel Chase, was one of the first settlers of Fayette, a man of some note in the early history of the town. He served as representative in the state legislature. Arthur D. Chase married Eliza A. E., daughter of Rev. James Smith, of Fayette. She died leaving one son, Arthur G. M. He married for his second wife, Abbie A. Stinchfield, and they have four sons: Lewis H., Ralph F., Russell M. and Leon G. Mr. Chase went into the war in 1861 in the 14th Maine Infantry and afterward in the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery, where he served until the close of the war, and has since then been a farmer.

Frederick A. Chase, born in Fayette in 1819, is a son of Israel and Betsey Chase, and grandson of Simeon Chase, of Berkeley, Mass. He married Rachel L., daughter of Andrew Sturtevant, and had three children: Frederick V., who is a lawyer in Portland ; Mary A., who married Rev. Ansley E. Woodsum, and Ward B. Mr. Chase has been a school teacher eight years and has taught music fifty terms. He was one of the selectmen for thirteen years, was supervisor of schools for some years, and in 1869-70 he represented his district in the legis- lature.

Boardman V. Crane, born in 1832, is a son of Reuben and Mary Crane, and grandson of Abijah Crane, who came to Fayette about 1793 and settled on a farm here. He had four sous. Reuben staid on the farm and had one son and three daughters: Dulcina M. (Mrs. Luther D. Emerson), L. Maria (died May 3, 1887, in Troy, N. Y.), and Annie J. (Mrs. William Whitman). Boardman V. married Eliza Ryer- son, and had three children: Gertrude A., Guy C. (who died in 1888) and Willis B. Mr. Crane is a farmer and lives on the farm settled by his grandfather. His mother's father was Samuel Tuck.

John O. Fellows, born in 1842, is a son of John and Sally (Page) Fellows, and grandson of Aaron Fellows. John Fellows died in 1870 and left five children: Nathan P., Henry D., Benjamin P., Elizabeth N. (Mrs. Abel Barker) and John O., who married Mary, daughter of Daniel Bamford, and had four children: Laura E., who died in 1878; Charles A., Nettie M. (Mrs. Mellen Fellows) and George H., who died in infancy. Mr. Fellows was one of the selectmen in 1888,'89 and '90, and is a farmer on the farm where his father settled when married.

Lester R. Fellows, born in 1866, is a son of Isaac N. and Lucy A. (Watson) Fellows, and grandson of Isaac, who came to the farm where Lester R. now lives about 1800. His only son, Isaac N., died in 1889,

967

TOWN OF FAYETTE.

leaving one son, Lester R., who married Cora B., daughter of Hiram S. Rice. They have had two children: Harold N., born January 18, 1891, died March 16, 1891; and Lucie A., born July 17, 1892.

Albion F. Gile, born in Mt. Vernon in 1834, is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Porter) Gile, the latter a daughter of Captain Isaac Porter, of Cape Cod. Joseph Gile's children were: Isaac P., Edwin T., Albion F., Charles K. and Caroline A. (Mrs. Seth W. Johnson). Albion F. married Arabel, daughter of Reuel Palmer. Their children are: El- mer E., Charles K., Irving B., Anice B., Gertie, Mearl L. and Ethel M. He came to Fayette in 1850 and is a farmer.

Albion Gordon, farmer, born in Readfield in 1841, is a son of Stephen and Lovina Gordon, and grandson of Daniel Gordon. Stephen Gordon's sons were: Harrison, Albion, Daniel, Nelson D., Loring and Stephen O. A. Albion married Nettie, daughter of George Keith, and they have one daughter, Alberta. Mr. Gordon came to Fayette in 1879, prior to which time he worked in the oil- cloth factory in Readfield for fourteen years. He has been one of the selectmen since 1887.

John S. W. Hewett, born in Hallowell, Me., in 1835, is a son of John and Betsey (Haines) Hewett, and grandson of John Hewett, who came from Massachusetts in 1810, and settled in Fayette on the farm where John S. W. now lives. Mr. Hewett came to Fayette in 1858, and has been prominently connected with the town as selectman, treasurer and collector nine years, and one year on the school board. He was postmaster at Fayette from April, 1878, to March, 1881. He has also been deputy sheriff for one term. He is now a farmer on the farm which his grandfather took from the Plymouth Company. He married Sarah M., daughter of Moulton Bodge. Their children are Alice M. and Warren S.

Willard S. Hodgkins, born in 1851, is a son of Henry T. and Ann G. (Stinchfield) Hodgkins, and grandson of True Hodgkins, who came from New Hampshire and settled in Vienna. Henry Hodgkin's chil- dren were: Willard S., Everett, Elizabeth, Lemuel B. and Alice H. Willard S. began teaching school when but sixteen and has taught nearly every winter since; he was supervisor of schools for one term. He came to the farm where he now lives in 1880. He married Au- gusta, daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (Bryant) Chase, of Jay, Me. She was born January 25, 1852. They have an adopted daughter, Helen B. Hodgkins, born January 10, 1885.

Moses H. Hubbard, born in Fayette in 1839, is a son of Moses and Betsey (Sweet) Hubbard, and grandson of Francis Hubbard, who had four sons: John, Moses, Richard and Samuel. Moses settled on the farm opposite his father's. He had ten children. The two sons were Moses H. and John, who died in 1887. Moses H. married Elvira, daughter of Luke Chandler, of Wells. They had two children: Ida

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HISTORY OF KENNEBEC COUNTY.

M., who died in December, 1887, and Milo A., who now lives with his father, who is a farmer.

Moses T. Jones, born in Fayette in 1833, is one of the three sons of J. W. C. and Betsey (Tuck) Jones, and grandson of Sylvester Jones, who came to Fayette in 1802 and settled on the farm where Leonard Lothrop now lives, and had eight sons and one daughter. J. W. C. Jones had three sons and five daughters. Those now living are: Re- becca J. (Mrs. Smith), Ella M. (Mrs. Alger) and Moses T., who mar- ried Sophia, daughter of Samuel Judkins. They have two daughters: Addie M. and Kate T. Mr. Jones was in the late war in the 2d Maine Battery, and in 1865 he returned and took the farm where he now lives, where he and his mother were both born, a part of the land taken by his grandfather Tuck about 1790. His father died in 1885. He was selectman, collector and treasurer at different times for six- teen years.

ELIAS H. KENT .- Charles Kent and two of his brothers came to Maine prior to 1793, and settled in Readfield on the hill that has since been known as Kents Hill. Charles, who was a farmer, was the father of Barker Kent, who was born at Kents Hill in 1793. Barker Kent married Eliza, a daughter of Francis and Kate (Cofren) Hunt. Like his father, he was a farmer. He settled in Fayette shortly after his marriage, and there he passed the remainder of his life.

Elias H. Kent, one of his six sons, was born in 1826. Like most farmers' sons of that day he passed his boyhood on the farm, receiv- ing the advantages of the schools of the town. He gave his attention to agriculture until 1849, when he went to Rocky Point, in the town of Warwick, R. I., where he had charge of a popular summer resort until 1881. In 1880 he was chosen to represent his district in the Rhode Island state legislature.

He married Amanda M., a daughter of Daniel and Sally (Baldwin) Judkins. Their only child, Lillian F., died in 1863. In 1880 he bought the Colonel Lewis Chase farm at Fayette Corner, and in that and the following year he erected the substantial farm buildings shown in the accompanying illustration. On returning to his native town he resumed the vocation of his early manhood and is now classed with the most thorough and successful farmers of this picturesque locality.

Leonard C. Lothrop, born in 1821, is one of five sons of Thomas and Cynthia (Brett) Lothrop, the others being: Osbert, Ebenezer, Thomas and Rufus. His grandfather was Captain Daniel Lothrop, of Massachusetts. Leonard C. married Sarah F., daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Baldwin) Judkins, and has two children: John C., who married Nettie M., daughter of Reuben and Nancy (Tuck) Crane, and is a farmer near his father; and Lillian F., who is a school teacher. Mr. Lothrop has lived on his present farm since 1855.

RESIDENCE OF Mr. ELIAS H. KENT, FAYETTE, ME.

969

TOWN OF FAYETTE.

Thomas F. Palmer, born in Fayette in 1816, is one of ten children of John and Lydia (Morse) Palmer. He married Mary J. Tilton, who died in 1856, leaving eight children: Sarah A., Charles F. and George H., deceased; and Emma L., Fred G., Frank H., Mary L. and Albert. Mr. Palmer married in 1858, Sarah T., daughter of James Smith, of Readfield. He has lived at his present residence since 1841, has been postmaster for twenty-seven years and was town clerk for five years. He is a mechanic and has for fifty years operated a carriage and car- penter shop at North Fayette.

Thomas M. Pratt, born in 1845, is one of six children of Edward and Louisa (Merrill) Pratt, and grandson of Edward Pratt, who came from Massachusetts and settled in Turner, Me. Thomas M. Pratt married Osca, daughter of Warren Bigelow, of Livermore, and their children are: Warren B., Harold B., Irma L. and Celia M. Mr. Pratt is a blacksmith by trade. He was in the late war in Company D, 32d Maine, and was discharged in July, 1865. He spent fourteen years in the West prior to 1881. In 1884 he came to the farm where he now lives and has since been a farmer.

Joseph F. Stevens, born in Fayette in 1835, is a son of Richard (1802-1853) and Harriet (French) Stevens, and grandson of John Ste- vens (1761-1829), who came to Wayne in early life and had ten chil- dren. Richard came to Fayette in 1829 and had eight children: Pisarius, Sarah (Mrs. A. G. Herriman), Joseph F., Martha M. (Mrs. J. W. Hammond), Augusta A. (Mrs. B. F. Bryant), Cassius (died in in- fancy), Harriet F. (Mrs. Charles Wing), and Richard M., who died in Wisconsin in 1872. Joseph F. married Belle, daughter of John Chad- bourne, and they have five children: Emma L., Carrie I., Mary A. C., Alfred F. and Augusta A. He has been justice for twenty years and was town clerk for two years; he is a farmer.

Octavus E. Stevens, farmer, born in 1839, is a son of Mark Stevens and Sabrina Elkins, daughter of Chase Elkins, who was the first child born in Fayette. Mark Stevens' children were: Octavus E., Nancy J., Mahala T., Flora W., Joshua C., Lizzie E., and Charles M., who died in infancy. Octavus E. married Sarah E., daughter of Amos Parker. Their children are: Iza M., Charles E., Florence E., Marcia E., Chris- tabel, Luther C. and Sadie E.

Josiah H. Sturtevant, born in Fayette in 1833, is a son of Andrew and Rhoda Sturtevant, grandson of Andrew, and a lineal descendant of Samuel Sturtevant, who lived in Plymouth, Mass., in 1645. An- drew1 came to Wayne about 1779 and had four sons: William, Andrew3, Moses and Ephraim. Andrew had five sons, the only ones now liv- ing being Adoniram J., of Oakland, Cal., and Josiah H. The latter married Helen E., daughter of Daniel Ormsby, of Fayette. They have four children: May B. (Mrs. E. T. Whitmore), Chester H., Charles R. and Maude. Mr. Sturtevant enlisted in 1862 in the 17th Maine and

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Illustrated history of Kennebec County, Maine; 1625-1892, Part 113

Author: Kingsbury, Henry D; Deyo, Simeon L., ed Publication date: 1892 Publisher: New York, Blake Number of Pages: 1790

Author: Kingsbury, Henry D; Deyo, Simeon L., ed
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York, Blake
Number of Pages: 1790