Illustrated history of Kennebec County, Maine; 1625-1892, Part 49

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 49

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Under his direction, an humble log chapel was soon erected, and dedicated to the worship of God, under the beautiful title of the Mis- sion of the Assumption. Important duties called him to Quebec the following May. With profound sorrow his humble flock saw him de- part. So numerous were the urgent invitations for his return, that in 1650 he again bent his steps toward his loved Abenakis. After four- and-twenty days of fatigue and hardship, he reached Norridgewock, the center of the Abenaki village. All were in motion, and amid a volley of firearms, the chief embraced the missionary, crying: " I see well, that the Great Spirit who rules in Heaven deigns to look favor- ably on us, since He sends us back our patriarch." The forests of Maine rang with their acclamations of joy and gratitude. They all exclaimed: "We have thee at last. Thou art our father, our patriarch, our countryman. Thou livest like us, thou dwellest with us, thou art an Abenaki like us." Thus did this ancient, noble and warm-hearted tribe receive their black-gown, the envoy of God.

This time he comes not merely as an humble missionary, but, also, as the accredited ambassador of the Canadian government to the New England colonies, and is authorized to propose an alliance for their mutual protection against the hostile Iroquiois. Unhappily he found himself unable to effect such a union, although he made two pilgrimages to the colonial officials at Boston. He continued his apostolic labors on the Kennebec, until early in the spring of 1652, when the voice of obedience recalled him to Quebec, and thus closed his connection with the Mission of the Assumption.

Nothing could exceed the devotedness of the Indians to their mis- sionary. That his was no less tender and affectionate toward them we are assured in his own words. Writing to his superior, he says: " In spite of all that is painful and crucifying to nature in these mis- sions, there are also great joys and consolations. More plenteous than

DILQUULI4

Gilbert

ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH AND PRESBYTERY, AUGUSTA, ME.

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AUGUSTA.

I can express are those I felt to see that the seed of the Gospel which I had scattered here four years, in land which for so many centuries had produced only thorns and brambles already bore fruit so worthy of the Lord."

Father Druillettes had no immediate successor in the pastoral charge of the new mission. At intervals, it was attended by a series of the Sons of Loyola, until the tribe of the Abenaki finally disap- peared from the valley of the Kennebec, to seek a more congenial home in other parts of the state, or beyond its limits, among kindred tribes. To their illustrious apostle, Father Druillettes, must be ac- corded the proud title of pioneer missionary of the Kennebec, and founder of the first sacred edifice that adorned its banks, and thus be- came the nucleus of Catholicity in our midst. And, although the material structure has long since passed away, and its historic site well-nigh forgotten, yet there still remains, in its integrity, the faith of the Abenaki, as taught by the immortal Druillettes.

As a natural sequence to the history of the ancient Mission of the Assumption, at Cushnoc, is that of St. Mary's of Augusta; the title slightly altered, the mission exactly the same. The former began with about 500 souls, the latter now numbers very nearly the same, and its condition flourishing, as well in its material as spiritual aspect.

The heavenly seed thus sown centuries ago in a soil which till then had been sterile, but which, since then, having been nurtured by the toil, tears and even blood of martyrs, has never ceased to be pro- ductive of choice plants and flowers, the fragrance of which like a sweet incense has ever been wafted gently to the Eternal Throne. Even when, for a long lapse of time, the voice of the Shepherd had not been heard, and when his visits along the banks of the Kennebec had been rare and for brief intervals only, even then the piety of the faithful suffered little or no decline wherever the faith had been once established.

That sacred temples wherein Divine worship could be held were scarce, and even unknown, until within more recent times is perfectly true ; but that those who composed the body of the faithful were altogether deprived of the means of a supernatural subsistence is most certainly false. How this was accomplished we can easily learn from those who are still living in our community, and who remember well how the Catholics of Augusta and immediate vicinity devised a way to have their spiritual wants supplied, in the early part of the century, and how they never considered the circumstance of distance or inconvenience arising from inclement seasons when it was a ques- tion of salvation.

There are those who tell how they, in those early times, rather than fail to be present at the holy sacrifice of the mass on Sundays,

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HISTORY OF KENNEBEC COUNTY.

and holidays of obligation, especially on the great solemnities of Christmas and Easter, deemed it no hardship to travel, even on foot, to the neighboring stations, and particularly to that of Whitefield; and how, from this toilsome journey they were sometimes relieved by an occasional visit from the venerable pastors of that Catholic settle- ment.

When, in turn, Augusta, in the year 1847 became the seat of an independent parish," with a resident pastor, Catholics all along the Kennebec, and even from the more inland towns, came and were here ministered unto. As the faithful in these places soon increased in numbers, they gradually became separate parishes, and received a duly appointed rector. Even in Augusta, within the past five years, or to be more precise, at the end of November, 1887, a second parish was established, by the present bishop of the diocese, Right Rev. James A. Healy, D.D., with a resident pastor, for the French Cana- dians, who began to increase so rapidly that a separate church be- came necessary, and which was forthwith erected on a beautiful site on Cushnoc heights.

Thus St. Mary's, after having been more or less instrumental in fostering Catholicity within a large radius, until each congregation became able to make provision for its own spiritual wants; and after having materially enlarged and improved her own church, pastoral residence and cemetery, she finds herself at length, though restricted to the English-speaking Catholics of the city, free from all indebted- ness and enjoying in the community a position of high merit and prosperity.

The first preaching of the gospel in the Episcopal faith was in 1763, when Rev. Jacob Bailey, a missionary at Pownalborough, came to Cushhoc by invitation. Occasional services were held by the few Episcopalians at the old court house, Rev. James C. Richmond, of Gardiner, officiating. In June, 1840, a meeting was held at the new court house to establish a Protestant Episcopal church in Augusta.

*In 1836 the number of Catholics in Augusta had so largely increased that a chapel was needed for their accommodation, and it was decided to purchase the Bethlehem church, on the east side of the river, which had been vacated by the Unitarians. The first services in this chapel were performed by Rev. Father Curtin. In 1845 the present St. Mary's church was erected on State street, and the Bethlehem church sold to Cony Female Academy. Rev. James O'Reilly as- sumed charge of the parish in November, 1847, and was the first resident priest. He was succeeded in 1852 by Rev. Edward Putnam. In February, 1856, the pastorate devolved on Rev. Charles Egan, who became the second resident priest in Augusta. In November, 1869, Father Egan was succeeded by Rev. Michael C. O'Brien, who was rector until May, 1874. Since then the succession has been as follows: Rev. Eugene M. O'Callaghan, to November, 1875; Rev. Raphael Wissel, O. S. B., to August, 1877; Rev. Daniel J. W. Murphy, to May, 1881 ; Rev, John W. Murphy, to July, 1886, and Rev. Charles W. Doherty, the present rector.

Charles H. Doherty

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AUGUSTA.

James T. McCobb was chosen moderator, and James Baker, Moses Noble, Allen Lambard, H. A. Kittridge and Daniel Cony Weston were chosen vestrymen. The church was called St. Mark's church, and T. G. Salter was chosen pastor; but ill health prevented him from complying with his promised acceptance. In August of that year, Rev. Frederic Freeman, of Cape Cod, was invited, and in October be- came the settled rector. May 23, 1841, a confirmation was held in the Methodist church building, when Bishop Griswold conferred the rite upon thirty-six persons. Subscriptions were received for the erection of a house of worship, the corner stone was laid July 24, and on July 20, of the following year, the church was consecrated. In October, 1843, Rev. Alexander Burgess was invited to the rectorship, Mr. Freeman having resigned, and was instituted rector July 14, 1844, by Bishop Henneshaw. In March, 1854, Mr. Burgess decided to remove to Portland, and in May, 1855, Rev. William E. Armitage became rector. In 1858 the church building was greatly enlarged. Rev. Gordon M. Bradley succeeded to the rectorship in 1859, and remained until 1862, when Rev. J. Geirlow officiated until March, 1864. He was succeeded, temporarily, by Rev. Mr. Wilkinson and Rev. E. E. Johnson ; and in 1868 Rev. Samuel Upjohn was settled as rector. The present edifice of the society, costing $40,000, was consecrated February 2, 1887. The old building was sold to John W. Fogler, and he disposed of it to Dr. George W. Martin who, in 1891, erected a fine residence upon the site. Rev. Walker Gwynne, the present rector, entered upon his duties January 17, 1884.

In July, 1892, St. Barnabas' chapel, a mission branch of St. Mark's, was established on the east side, with Rev. W. F. Livingstone in charge.

St. Mark's Home was originated by Allan Lambard, who gave to the society a house and lot valued at $7,000, to be occupied and used as a home for women of whatsoever religious faith. In 1870 an act was obtained from the legislature constituting the rector, wardens, and vestrymen of St. Mark's church, and their successors, a body cor- porate with the necessary powers. The home was opened in Novem- ber, 1870. Mrs. James W. Bradbury at her death bequeathed to the home the income from $3,000 for a period of years, with the right to pay the principal should a sum be added sufficient to constitute a reasonable endowment. The home now has a fund of $13,000.

The Christian church was organized in Augusta September 1, 1873, with nine members, the leaders in the movement being John O. Boyes and Mrs. Boyes, Rev. W. P. Jackson, John H. Cates and Mrs. Martha D. Lock. A chapel was built on Cushnoc heights in 1875, and enlarged in 1884. The succeesive pastors have been: Reverends W. P. Jackson, Hiram A. Stratton, Joseph F. Wade, Thomas S.Weeks, N. S. Chadwick and O. F. Walter. There have also been various sup-

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HISTORY OF KENNEBEC COUNTY.

plies for short periods. The last pastor was Rev. Benjamin S. Maben, whose pastorate closed in 1890. The church edifice is again undergo- ing repairs, and will then be reopened. The church now has seventy- six members.

Saint Augustine church (French Roman Catholic) was organized in 1888. This second branch of the church in Augusta was necessary for the many residents of the city who spoke the French language only, and who wished the services in their own tongue, and who were previously thus provided by assistant priests of Saint Mary's, until the establishment of Saint Augustine. The Rev. T. G. Plant was the first pastor until 1889, when Rev. Arthur A. Hamel, the present pas- tor, was appointed by the Right Rev. Bishop Healy, of Portland, to take charge. Father Hamel was ordained in 1884 by Bishop Healy, and sent to Biddeford as assistant priest. From Biddeford he was sent to take charge of the churches at Fort Fairfield and Presque Isle, and following this he was appointed to take charge at Augusta of Saint Augustine church. Saint Augustine society erected a large frame building for worship on Washington street, and the edifice is second to none in the city in the beauty and richness of its interior decorations. The building of the edifice has been done principally since Father Hamel has been in charge. The number of its com- municants is 1,150. The accompanying illustration shows the church edifice and the parish residence.

The Y. M. C. A. was organized in April, 1881, and a good library and reading room are maintained at its quarters on Water street. H. L. Peabody, the secretary, edits a monthly quarto, and through its columns the needs, meetings, and general condition of the association are made known. The presidents have been: Frank H. Beale, 1881-3; E. E. Davis, 1884-6; H. W. Webber, 1887; James R. Townsend, 1888; George E. Gay, 1889-91; James R. Townsend, 1892-4.

SECULAR ORGANIZATIONS .- Bethlehem Lodge, No. 35, of Free Masons, was instituted July 20, 1821. In the great fire which swept Water street in 1865, all the Lodge records were destroyed. Two years later the Grand Lodge records were burned at Portland, thus destroying everything relating to the doings of Bethlehem Lodge during its first forty-four years. Since 1843 its masters, as remem- bered by members now living, have been: Joseph R. Abbott, William A. Drew, Lory Bacon, Benjamin A. G. Fuller, E. Wills, Jacob Arnold. George W. Jones, Leonard Goss, Moses E. Hamlen, Daniel C. Stan- wood, Elias Hedge, George S. Mulliken, Frank Barrows, Fred Ham- len, Dr. John W. Toward, Stephen Barton, Nathaniel W. Cole, Samuel W. Lane, Fred A. Crowell, George P. Haskell, John W. Rowe, Milton M. Stone, Edward F. Beale, Charles H. Brick, Henry F. Blanchard, John E. Avery, William H. Williams, Treby Johnson, Ethel H. Jones and W. Scott Choate.

SAINT AUGUSTINE CHURCH AND PARISH RESIDENCE,

AUGUSTA, ME.

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AUGUSTA.

Augusta Lodge of Masons, No. 141, an offshoot of Bethlehem Lodge, was instituted May 8, 1867, and in 1892, at the expiration of twenty-five years, it had had in all, 260 members. A history of the Lodge by Doctor Tappan was printed in 1892. Its masters have been: Fred- erick Hamlen, Edward Stanwood, Samuel L. Boardman, William H. Woodbury, Frank R. Partridge, Charles B. Morton, Clement P. Rich- ards, Edwin C. Dudley, Charles A. Curtis, John D. Myrick, C. H. Dudley, Edmund McMurdie, Charles C. Hunt, Oscar S. C. Davies, Man- ning S. Campbell, George D. Rowe.

Trinity Commandery, No. 7, K. T., was organized in Augusta May 2, 1865. Its successive commanders have been: Orlando Currier, David Cargill, Austin D. Knight, Richard W. Black, James Atkins, Samuel W. Lane, Charles B. Morton, J. Frank Pierce, Henry F. Blanchard, John E. Avery, Treby Johnson, Charles K. Tilden and Edmund McMurdie.

Cushnoc Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43, was organized May 8, 1878, with forty-eight charter members, mostly from the Chapter at Hal- lowell. The high priests have been: Dr. John W. Toward, Samuel W. Lane, Charles B. Morton, Henry F. Blanchard, John W. Rowe, Frank B. Smith, Treby Johnson, Edwin C. Dudley, Henry A. Heath and Fred W. Plaisted. James E. Blanchard is the present recorder.

Sabattis Lodge, No. 6, I.O.O. F., was instituted in December,1843, and continued about twenty years, when its interest flagged and its charter was surrendered. Those who served as noble grands were: John G. Sawyer, William R. Smith, William B. Hartwell, Issachar Snell, jun., Benjamin A. G. Fuller, Lewis D. Moor, Joseph Burton, J. Edwin Ladd, William H. Wheeler, Fred. A. Fuller, John Manley, Thomas J. Bur- gess, John H. Hartford and Henry Sewall.

Asylum Lodge, No. 70, I. O. O. F., was instituted in Augusta, April 18, 1873, with five charter members. Those who have served as noble grands are as follows: David Cargill, John W. Toward, Mark Harden, Josiah S. Hobbs, Rodney B. Capen, Willis B. Leighton, Arthur L. Brown, Hiram F. Rockwood, Samuel W. Lane, George O. Whipple, Melville C. Blackwell, J. F. Rice, E. E. Eastman, Charles B. Chick, George A. Philbrook, Horace Cony, Edwin H. Atkins, Alexander J. Cameron, Frank L. Pond, Philip A. De Creney, George F. Andrews, Charles C. Hunt, William H. Reid, Melville Smith, G. Fred Libby. George H. Clark, Arthur N. J. Lovejoy, Will H. Dunton, Oscar H. Groves, I. H. Chandler, Alfred D. Weeks, L. W. Mason, George W. Merrill, H. L. Sherburne, J. F. McCausland and W. C. Miller. The membership of the Lodge is now 234.

Capital Lodge, No. 288, Knights of Honor, was instituted in Au- gusta May 16, 1876, with nineteen charter members. The office of dictator has been successively held by: John W. Rowe, Willis B. Leigh- ton, Andrew J. Cameron, H. A. B. Chandler, Stephen A. Russell, Sam-

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HISTORY OF KENNEBEC COUNTY.

uel W. Lane, Moses S. Moulton, Edmund McMurdie, Rodney B. Capen, William H. Reid, J. H. Dolliver, J. L. Colcord, Frank W. Kinsman, Lorenzo B. Hill and Frank L. Farrington.

Highland Lodge, No. 25, A. O. U. W., was instituted in Augusta December 2, 1884, with twenty-eight charter members. It is really a fraternal insurance company, doing business upon the Lodge system. Its membership is now 158. The master workmen have been: Albert G. Andrews, L. H. Cash, F. W. Ellis, E. G. Bascomb, Charles F. Flynt and John Erskine.

Cushnoc Council, No. 134, Order of United Friends, was instituted in Augusta June 15, 1885. The first councillor was W. H. Pierce and his successors have been: Samuel W. Lane, 1887: Charles C. Bryant, 1889; Dr. Robert J. Martin, 1890; Seth E. Gay, 1891, and John Cough- lin, 1892.

Calanthe Lodge, No. 34, K. of P., was instituted in Augusta March 16, 1885. Its councillors have been: Frank L. Pond, Fred H. Owen, J. Maurice Arnold, Arthur A. N. Lovejoy, Thomas M. Rollins, William F. White, George E. Messer, Frank E. Southard, Wallace N. Malcolm, Walter N. Foss, Weston Lewis, Edward H. Gardner, George A. Craig, Fred L. Benn and Frank S. Farnham.

Tribe No. 12, Independent Order of Red Men, was organized in Augusta, December 24, 1888, with sixty-two charter members. Henry T. Morse was the first grand sachem, followed by Reuel W. Soule, Orin A. Tuell, A. E. Hamilton and C. H. Cunningham. Its member- ship is about one hundred.

Dirigo Council, No. 790, Royal Arcanum, was instituted here Au- gust 14, 1883. Its officers have since been: D. M. Waitt, regent; Treby Johnson, treasurer, and Lorenzo B. Hill, secretary.

A society was formed here some fifty years ago, known as the Benevolent Society. The moving spirit in the organization was Miss Jane Howard, a maiden lady whose memory is still fragrant in this community, by reason of her many deeds of benevolence and charity. Out of respect to her, the name was changed to Howard Benevolent Society, and it carried on its good work of clothing the poor until 1883, when it was decided to enlarge its scope, and its name was changed to The Howard Benevolent Union. Selden Connor was chosen president, William R. Smith, treasurer, and John S. Cushing, secretary. The presidents since have been: George B. Files and Al- den W. Philbrook; the treasurer, Edwin C. Dudley, and the secreta- ries, Josiah S. Hobbs and Mrs. Frank H. Beale. It is not sectarian.

Capital Grange, No. 248, P. of H., was instituted in Augusta April 7, 1883, with twenty-eight members. Dr. William B. Lapham was elected master, and the subsequent masters have been: Samuel L. Boardman, Byron D. Savage, Charles J. House, Abel D. Russell, George A. Yeaton and Charles F. Fletcher.

Lithgow

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AUGUSTA.

Augusta Park Association was organized in May, 1888. Henry G. Staples is president, and Albert G. Andrews, secretary. The corpora- tion owns and operates the trotting park adjacent to the state house grounds.

The Augusta Board of Trade was organized in 1887, with Edward C. Allen, president. He was succeeded by Ira H. Randall, still in office. The secretaries have been: Charles H. Hichborn, Treby John- son and Henry G. Staples. Its membership is now about one hun- dred. It has for its object to develop the resources of Augusta.

LITHGOW LIBRARY .- The Augusta Literary and Library Associa- tion was chartered by the legislature in 1873, and was organized the same year. It was made up of fifty gentlemen, residents of Augusta, who each contributed fifty dollars for the purchase of books. Books were donated the association from time to time, and by gift and pur- chase, in a few years, it became possessed of about 3,000 volumes. Meantime, Llewellyn Leighton, a grandson of Colonel William Leigh- ton, of early and favorable notoriety on the Kennebec, died, and by his will he bequeathed to the city of Augusta $20,000 for the purpose of founding the Lithgow Public Library. He also made the city, in part, residuary legatee, by which about $15,000 additional was realized. In 1882 the Literary and Library Association voted to transfer their books to the Lithgow Library. Mr. Lithgow's death occurred June 22, 1881,* and his will was probated August 5th, following. The mayor and aldermen then met, and having, in behalf of the city, ac- cepted the trust, J. Manchester Haynes, William R. Smith and Her-

*Mr. Lithgow came of a historic and patriotic Scottish family, and his great- grandfather, Robert, was forced to flee from English oppression to Boston, in which city William, grandfather of Llewellyn W., was born. William was com- mander of Fort Halifax during the French and Indian war, and at the organiza- tion of Lincoln county in 1760, was appointed judge of the court of common pleas, an office to which he was also appointed in 1775, under the revolutionary government.

James N., father of Llewellyn W., was the second son of William. He was born at Winnegance, Bath, then a part of Georgetown, in 1763. His wife was Ann, daughter of John Gardiner, a celebrated lawyer, the son of Dr. Syl- vester Gardiner. Llewellyn W., second son of James, was born in Dresden, Me., December 25, 1796. He received the education common to the youth of those days, and early evinced a decided taste for mercantile life, in which, as many have grateful reasons for knowing, he afterward achieved marked success. He removed from Dresden to Augusta in 1839.

Mr. Lithgow married Mary, daughter of Thomas Bowman, of Augusta, May 30, 1825 ; and June 3, 1869, Paulina P .. daughter of Elisha Child, of Augusta. Mr. Lithgow was a gentleman of the old school, urbane in manners, genial in disposition, and of great probity of character. He was an active member of Christ's church, of Augusta, and an ardent supporter of all effort in the line of Christian progress. The citizens of Augusta have peculiar reasons for cherish- ing his memory gratefully, for his munificent bequest to their public library, now rightfully named in his honor.

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HISTORY OF KENNEBEC COUNTY.

bert M. Heath were elected trustees on the part of the city, and James W. Bradbury on the part of the heirs of Mr. Lithgow. The latter was elected president of the board, and still holds the office. Rooms for the accommodation of the library were provided on Water street, and September 23, 1882, it was opened to the public. The library now has over 6,000 carefully selected volumes, besides the various periodicals. A new and elegant library building is soon to be erected on Winthrop Square, at the corner of State street, for which purpose more than $10,000 has recently been donated, which, added to the building fund already in hand, makes about $30,000. The subscribers to the library who take out books and are charged the nominal sum of one dollar a year, now number over four hundred, and are steadily increasing. There is also a reading room connected with the library, which is well patronized. Miss Julia Clapp has filled the position of librarian since the rooms were opened in 1882.

BANKS .- Prior to 1804 the banks at Wiscasset provided for all this portion of the valley, but on March 6th of that year, the Augusta and Hallowell Bank was incorporated. It was intended to benefit both towns and also the surrounding country. The charter located the bank at Hallowell, but at the first meeting there was a sharp contest for the organization, and Augusta prevailed. James Bridge was elected president, but served only a short time, if indeed he served at all. John O. Page was the second president and served during the existence of the bank. During the hard times preceding the war of 1812, the bank failed, with a large amount in circulation. An effort was made to hold the stockholders responsible and many suits were brought for that purpose, but the books of the bank disappeared, and it was impossible without them, to find out where the stock was held. Jeremiah Dummer was the first and only cashier.

The Kennebec Bank was incorporated June 23, 1812. Its incorpo- rators were John Chandler, Benjamin Dearborn, Dr. Ariel Mann, Eben T. Warren and Joshua Gage. Mr. Warren was the first and only president, and Joseph Chandler, cashier, succeeded by Jesse Robinson. Their banking room was in the basement of a brick dwelling then standing in the southwest corner of the present court house yard, where the business was transacted until 1816, when the bank was moved to Hallowell, where it failed May 1, 1826.

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Illustrated history of Kennebec County, Maine; 1625-1892, Part 49

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