USA > Maine > Washington County > Machias > Narrative of the town of Machias, the old and the new, the early and late > Part 15
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In the center panel on the south side and facing the road- way is a bronze tablet bearing the inscription :-
"This bridge is erected in memory of William Pope and his sons William Henry, Samuel Warren, John Adams, Andrew Jackson, James Otis, Edwin and George Washington-founders of a lumber- ing and ship-building business, which began near this site and ex- tended to neighboring towns, to Boston, and to the Pacific Coast, and which was conducted by these men and their descendants from 1807- 1901."
This tells the reason for erecting the memorial which seems especially appropriate as it is within a stones throw of the site of Wmn. Pope's first store, which stood about where C. S. Gardner's blacksmith shop now stands; is near the mills and store operated for many years by S. W. Pope & Co., and their successors; and also is near the old home occupied since 1825 by Wm. Pope and his descendents. Moreover, its simple and substantial design is in keeping with the character of the men who for nearly a century played such an important part in the history of this locality.
The bridge was opened to travel in December, 1902, although the sidewalk and walks were not completed 'till July, 1903, when it was presented by Warren, John and Macy, sons of the late James O. Pope, to the town of East Machias.
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MEMORIAL BRIDGE AT EAST MACHIAS.
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FROM IRELAND.
This letter was from Stephen O'Brien, son of Patrick O'Brien and Mary, a daughter of Capt. Stephen Lewellen. Pat- rick and Daniel ()'Brien, Cork, Ireland in 1774, were brothers of Morris O'Brien of Machias, Mass.
The address on the letter is, "For Messrs Jeremia, Gideon and John O'Brien, Machias, Province of Mass- achusetts. New England, America."
Cork, Ireland, August the 24, 1790.
Dear Cousins :- Being addressed by an unknown person may suprise you but, I presume when by a person who has the honour of being your relation, will I hope a little subside your surprise. Having by accident seen the copy of a letter, from your father Maurice O'Brien, wrote to my father and uncle, Messrs. Patrick and Daniel O'Brien of the city of Cork, Ireland, who were his brothers, dated from Machias in New England, July the 30th. 1774: I being the son of your uncle Patrick O'Brien, who was married to Capt. Stephen Lewellen's daughter of Cork-my father dying. when I was very young. I could never learn or hear of any other Letter or correspondence passed between them since the above letter, the copy of which being almost de- faced when it came to my hands.
My uncle Maurice mentions in his letter that he had then living Nine children, six sons and three daughters: his sons names were Jeremiah, Gideon, John, William, Dennis and Joseph. His daughters were married, their names were Martha. Joanna and Mary. The above letter was brought by a sail vessel loaded with timber and deals from my uncle's mills and bound to Scarborough in Old England, and sent by post from thence to Ireland. The Captain's name was Appleton ;-- the said letter demanding a statement of all his family in this Country and strongly encouraging his brothers and their family to go over to America, which my father should have done, but his children then being too young, and for the American War which broke out immediately after. My father has been dead these many years back. Both my aunts are dead. My mother is living. I have two brothers and a sister younger than myself. My sister is comfortably married.
If my uncle (Maurice) be living which I hope he is I should have no objection of going and spending a few months with him and my friends in America: as the near tye of blood which unites me to my friends, has given me a long
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ing desire of seeing and being acquainted with such near and dear relations. I hope my dear Cousins will be kind enough to send me a few lines and to send some account of my friends in that Country ; and hope they will excuse the freedom with which, I write to them, as not having the pleasure of addressing them (I fear) properly. My uncle Maurice desired in his letter to my father and uncle, when they should write to direct to his sons. I take the Liberty of directing this to Messrs. Jeremiah, Gideon and John O'Brien, Machias Province of Massachusetts, New Eng- land, and in case it should miscarry, another letter to my Cousins Messrs. William, Dennis and Joseph O'Brien as above. If my dear Cousins should be so kind as to honor me with a few lines, direct to me to the care of Daniel Gibbs, Esquire, Consellor at Law, Cork, Ireland ; and in expectation of having that felicity, as soon as convenient, am with the most affectionate regards to my uncle and all my relations, -Dear Cousins your most Obedient though unknown friend-
STEPHEN O'BRIEN.
JOHN O'BRIEN.
During years 1778-'79 Commander John O'Brien con- tinued agressive work upon British merchant vessels, plying between the West Indies, Philadelphia and other ports in in America and Liverpool, England. The new vessel built at Newburyport in 1778 being well equipped enabled her commander to operate with satisfactory results and heavy loss to the enemy. In a very short time he caused to be brought into Newburyport a dozen captured prizes some of them with valuable cargoes. It has been said, and no doubt in a large degree of truth, that the proceeds of the sales of the vessels and cargoes contributed to the foundation of many fortunes of residents of the favored city. Capt. O'Brien, when he would deliver prizes at the city wharves or in the harbor, would say, "Here boys you take care of these and I will go out for more." Ho, evidently did not care so much for money as he did for the opportunity of seeing the British flag come down !
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One time Capt. O'Brien found himself hard chased by a Br. armed frigate of larger tonnage than usual and well rigged. with force and equipment sufficient to present a for- midable appearance. The British Captain determined to give battle at once and bore down on O'Brien under favor- able wind. Not caring to engage with a vessel of so much better size and armament, he ordered his man at the wheel to steer out of danger. Both vessels crowded sail, both made rapid headway. The darkness of the night inter- vened. O'Brien having a dry and empty hogshead on board caused it to be filled with combustibles, tar etc., cast it over- board with a brand of fire inside. Presently a blaze arose casting light over the waves of the Atlantic; the American vessel changed her course, easily making her escape, while the British Captain and his crew became dazed over the "burning sea, "-concluded that the Colonial rebel was burn- ing or had set afloat some instrument of destruction from which he was glad to make his escape !
The Hannibal. Capt. O'Brien's newly built Newburyport vessel carried twenty guns, and while he was on duty else- where, his brother, Col. Jeremiah O'Brien took charge of the Hannibal, and while cruising one day off the New Jersey shore, she was captured by a fleet of Br. war ships, Colonel O'Brien was taken a prisoner; detained several months on the Prison ship Jersey, then sent to England where he was taken to Mill Prison, from which he escaped as elsewhere told in this volume. However, Capt. John O'Brien was but a short time out of business for he soon found himself in command of a vessel. less than one hundred tons, named the Hibernia, mounting only six, three pound guns but a fast sailer. With his small vessel he made destructive work with British shippng :- He took one English war ship the General Pattison ; the same day he took a large ship loaded with spars and masts, and still later he sailed to Newburyport with eleven merchant laden vessels out of a fleet of twelve, which he "fell in with" and captured off the Hudson River.
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NORTHEAST BOUNDARY.
During the negotiation of the treaty, which was mainly designed to establish a permanent boundary between the United States, more especially the province of Maine, then Massachusetts, and the maritime province of Nova Scotia, which then included New Brunswick, the latter having been created since 1784, a contention arose early in the proceed- ings, as to which river was really intended for the dividing "line," between the countries and the strife was kept up until September 1790, and later.
The United States appointed one commissioner, John Jay ; the British government appointed one. Col. William Bar- clay. The treaty stipulated that these two should choose or agree on the third; if the two could not agree, they should "draw lots," which they did and the "lot" proved to be one very clearly in sympathy with the British view of the question. So that the British strength of the board was two to one! The duty of this board was quite clearly de- fined in the treaty, and the "two to one" in nearly the first step taken, "voted" that, "whichsoever river the board agreed on, should go on record as the boundary line."
The commissioners had power to employ a surveyor and they selected Dr. William Chaloner, a former resident of Annapolis, N. S., a practicing physician and surgeon, then a resident of Machias, Maine, and still a subject of the British crown, not having taken the oath of allegiance to the United States as there was no "government" yet fully organized; the doctor having come to Machias immediately after the battle of Margaretta, June 12, 1775. There were so many wounded men, made such in the fight. and no physician to treat them, Jonas Farnsworth was dispatched by authorities of Machias in a sail boat, to Annapolis and returned in about three days with Dr. Chaloner. The doctor liked the country so well that he sent for his family, who joined him early in the season of 1776, being the first physician in Machias.
A part of the house Dr. Chaloner built for his family is now (1903) standing, forming the ell of the two story house
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on the north end of Jos. A. Coffin's homestead lot. Until removed the two story house, this having been built by Josiah Hill, brother of Obadiah Hill, in 1817, and Dr. Chaloner's house was utilized by Mr. Hill for an ell to the new house occupying the lot where Mr. Coffin's house now stands.
Jonathan Longfellow. Jr, (known as "Luke," or more nearly "St. Luke, ") was recognized as a close student of the Bible The late Deacon, Win. A. Crocker, a personal ac- quaintance, called on him in his last illness, expressing surprise at his humanity of heart and complete knowledge of Scripture. He always carried the Bible into his lumber camp, reading himself, and having others read as much as was possible.
Isaac Longfellow, who was a brother of Jonathan, Jr.'s wife, and son of Jacob, was also a resident of Machias. These two young, unmarried men, were selected through the in- fluence of Doctor Chaloner-Jonathan as clerk for the com- missioners, Isaac for "bushman" and generarl laborer about camp and woods. Thus equipped for the work the Doctor, Jonathan and Isaac, accompanying him, proceeded by water, via Quoddy, to St. Andrews, N. B., where they joined the Commissioners, and in June, 1794, proceeded to the previously outlined territory to do the work before them.
The then prince of Wales, who in the later days of his life, became George IV. of Great Britian, was one of the number who came from England in Col. Barelay's party, and the prince, then a youth of 18 summers, shared in the camp life of the commission fording streams and ranging in forests, thriving on "pot luck" with his companions. No doubt the prince had quite unrestricted appetite for the "ardent." yet there was no very near approach to drunken- ness in the crew. Occasionally some one or more of the company, on the prince's invitation, would not decline the "social glass," so that by times there was evidence of hi- larity, of the type invoked by mirthful. youthful men in camp.
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.
Jonathan Longfellow, Jr .. all his life stoutly maintained that the Maguadavic river was the true St. Croix, the river named in the treaty, and not the present St. Croix. He quoted undisputed evidence to confirm his conviction. The present St. Croix was never known or mentioned as St. Croix until that commission, so announced it! The treaty of 1783 -- '84, defined the dividing "line" to be "from a certain point on the St. Croix following its channel to the sea, toward the southeast, and northwardly to certain high- lands near the source and to the north of said river." The St. Croix of to-day was formerly called by the Indians Chignecto, and previous to 1789, in deeds and articles of grants of land to settlers by Massachusetts, the river was called Schoodic; previous to 1789 there is no authenticated use of the name St. Croix! There are no high hills or high- lands very near the head of the St. Croix, while there are highlands near the source of the Maguadavic! Has any person ever recognized the "channel of the St. Croix" as dividing Eastport and Lubec from Campebello? and can Grand Manan by any manipulating skill be made to appear consistently East of the channel of "St. Croix to the sea?"
The entire trouble between Maine and New Brunswick including the Aroostook war of 1838-39, since 1794, have grown out of the misnaming of rivers by the notorious com- mission of 1794. The British obtained the best of the bargain, -remember the two to one?
The foregoing American view of the question was always maintained by Dr. Chaloner, supported by Col. John Allan, as well as Jonathan and Isaac Longfellow. By the "diplomacy" employed. the United States and Maine were deprived of a just claim to all of the territory, west and south of the Maguadavic river.
It should be kept in mind, that Col. John Allan and Dr. William Chaloner were as thoroughly conversant with the physical geography of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, as any two men who could be named.
The Longfellows, Jonathan, Jr., and Isaac, during the
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CEPHAS LONGFELLOW
Born in Machias 1801. son of Jonathan and Margaret of the Newbury Branch; died 1894.
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remainder of their lives, apparently, were never happier than when reciting their adventures-the incidents and events of the "Boundary Line" campaign of their youth.
After the Aroostook war of 1838, Daniel Webster, Sec- retary of State, under President John Tyler in 1842, dispatched Gen. Winfield Scott to Maine, with full power to settle the disputed boundary. There is no evidence that, Gen. Scott, or any member of his staff ever "perambulated the line!" They may have approached so near to it as the town of Houlton, but all matters of "negotiation" with the British, through the governor of New Brunswick, were con- ducted not far removed from the state capitol at Angusta. It will be remembered, too, that the Maine prohibitory law had not then been enacted! Also that land was cheap in Maine at this early date, and it is no wonder that Gen. Scott came to the conclusion, that the matter of a few hundred thousand acres of land, and two or three unimportant islands like Campobello, Indian Island and Grand Manan, were not of value sufficient to detain him in Maine very long or much special worth to Maine or the federal union: so it was easily made convincing that the direct way out of the controversy was to adopt the "St. Croix river," and the entire "boundary, " as established by the famous com- mimssion of John Jay's associates.
In proof of much of the foregoing see the History of East- port and Passamaquoddy, including an extended review of the Northeastern Boundary question from 1783 to 1842. by William Henry Kilby-a more correct or painstaking historian is not known among men.
English history discloses that George IVth during his short reign as king of Great Britian, did not altogether abandon the dissolnte habits of life, if not contracted while on his visit to the "king's land" in North America, were well fixed on his return home in the year 1794, and much of the time passed with the "Longfellow boys of Machias." George III, died in 1820: George IV. lived until 1830: William IV. until 1837: succeeded by Victoria, who wore the crown 'till 1901.
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HISTORY OF MACHIAS. THE CHURCHES.
CATHOLIC.
The first Catholics of which there is any record in Machias were members of the French Colony established early in the seventeenth century. This attempt to settle a Colony proved futile. Years later a few Catholics of Irish birth settled on the River. Not, however, until the Revolution did they comprise more than a small number of families,. These were visited occasionally by Priests, who made Missionary tours along the Coast. Religious services were sometimes held in farm houses of the Settlement.
Years later Machias was visited by the Priests, who at different times were stationed at Eastport. Among these pioneers were Rev. M. Romagne 1808-'16; Rev. P. Byrne, 1824-'28; Rev. James Fitton, 1828-'30; Rev. Michael Healy, 1830-'32; Rev. James Conway 1832-'36; Rev. B. Le Demillier, 1836-'41; Rev. John B. McMahon, 1841-'43, who was an eminent physician and practiced medicine gratuitously among his parishioners; and Rev. John B. Daly, who remained as pastor of Eastport for a short time only. Rev. Bernard Cariher succeeded Father Daily in the pastorate of Eastport, and in 1845, a small frame church was erected at Machias. Rev. P. Cronin attended the mission, 1845-1847, when Rev. John O'Donnell assumed charge. In 1850 Rev. M Dougherty ministered at Eastport, during three months. The same year the mission was visited by Rev. N. Lazarian, a Turkish priest, and later by Rev. James McDavitt and Rev. John Boyce. Thence until 1856 the attendant priests were members of the Society of Jesus, among them being Rev. John Bapst and Rev. Fathers Force, Pacciorinui, DeNecker, Kennedy and Moore. Rev. Henry Gillin visited Machias 1856, until the coming of the first resident Pastor, Rev. Henry O'Neill, 1859. Rev's. M. W. Murphy, Edmond Doyle, Daniel Whalen, John Madden officiated at Machias after the death of Father O'Neill in 1860. Rev. C. J. O'Callighan was in charge of the Parish from 1864 to '66; during the following years until the arrival of Rev. John T. Sullivan in 1868, it
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CATHOLIC CHURCH-1844.
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was attended by Rev. John Imasso and Rev. James Durnin of Eastport. Father Sullivan remained until 1870,-for a few months he was assisted by Rev. Louis Smith. After the departure of Father Sullivan, the affairs of the parish were administered by Rev. James P. Cassidy. Then came Rev. O. M. Conlon 1870-'73; Rev. John Cassidy one year and Rev. Wm Herbert only two months, until the coming of Rev. William O'Donnell. During Father O'Donnell's pastorate the church and parochial residence were destroyed by fire June, 1875, but were at once rebuilt. In 1878 Rev. Eugene Vetromile became Pastor at Machias and remained until 1881 when he was succeeded by Rev. John Canning.
Through Father Canning's efforts the church debt was paid. Rev. Win. Lonergan directed the affairs of the parish, 1883-1885; in the latter year Rev. C. O'Sullivan the present (1903) pastor assumed charge. During Father O'Sullivan's pastorate numerous improvements have been made in the church of Holy Name at Machias. The missions at Trescott, Lubec. West Lubec, are attached to the parish in Machias. In 1889 a church was erected at Lubec, where a number of Catholic families reside.
The foregoing is copied mainly from the History of the Catholic church in New England, published in 1899.
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CONGREGATIONALIST.
The first measure of record looking to the organization of a Church or the formation of a religious Society at Machias was in 1771,. In a township meeting of the Settlers the amount of eighty pounds, nearly $400. was raised by unan- imons vote, to support a minister of the Gospel. This was only eight years after the first settlers built their camps, and they could hardly be comfortably located and housed themselves.
Later in the season of the same year Stephen Jones, a prominent man, was in Boston. In that town he met Rev. James Lyon, who had been laboring in Nova Scotia, and was on his way to New Jersey, the people in Nova Scotia being so poor that they were unable to support preaching.
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Mr. Jones persuaded Mr. Lyon that Machias would be a good field for his work, where a minister was greatly needed and would be appreciated. Mr. Lyon changed his plans and came to Machias preaching alternately at West Falls and East Falls settlements.
Mr. Lyon was a native of New Jersey, a graduate of Princeton College, a man of strong intellect, broad-minded yet not a little aggressive. He labored zealously with the Society and in the community until his last sickness which terminated in his death October, 1794.
During the initiatory work of the Revolution and all through the seven years war he was often sought as the leader of thought to give expression to the settlers' wishes by letters, by petitions, by appeals, by remonstrance; in all these documents, many of which are preserved to this time. show the discerning mind and force of character.
In three years during the Revolution he did not receive one dollar on account of salary. At the close of the war- nearly £1,000 was found due to him "back pay." At one time Mr. Lyon was the principal laborer in distilling salt from sea water, the place of operation being a small Island, two miles below Machiasport; and is known by residents of to- day, as well as on charts as "Salt Island." Tradition tells that "No salt was imported to Machias for four years, the latter part of the war, and this factory of Parson Lyon's was the only source of supply."
The first room used for religious services was in Stephen Jones' barn: the barn occupied the lot where Sargent's bookstore now stands.
In 1774 the settlers by private subscriptions built the first Meeting House, the principal contributors being Stephen Jones, Stephen Smith, George Stillman, James Flynn, David Longfellow, William Tupper, Willis Albee, Joseph Averill, Amos Boynton, Daniel Meservey, Jonathan Pineo John Berry Joseph Libbee Job Burnham Enoch Water- house Obadiah Hill. Cost of the building was $220.00. George Libby sold the lot to the town; the same site as now occupied by the Raymond house and the house of
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7
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I796-MACHIAS OLD CHURCH-1847.
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widow Emily Coffin. The building, forty-two by twenty- five. one story. no belfry, no pews, with plain plank seats on wood legs"ranged along both sides against the walls" The broad aisle led from the main entrance to the small pulpit at the farther end. Besides its usefulness as a church, town meetings, schools, and for several years terms of various classes of Courts were held here.
The walls of this church echoed with the eloquent appeals of Foster, O'Brien, Chase, Smith and others when gathered to consider the next step to take and how to proceed in their incipient revolution against George III. ! It was through the window of this church that Capt. James Moore found it necessary to make his escape.
In 1785 the town voted to buy the Meeting House of the Proprietors, which was done and in 1786 the town voted to build two new Churches, one at West Falls and one at East Falls.
On account of the depreciated currency and hard times, also loss of mills in 1788 by tire, church building was delay- ed till 1794, when a renewed effort was made to secure a larger and better building.
Rev. H. F. Harding in his Centennial Address, Sept., 1882, says :- "A meeting of the citizens was held at the house of Dr. Parker Clark on March 18. 1793, the object of which was to promote building the new church. A sub- scription paper was opened at this meeting and the next day a gang of men were at work in the woods cutting timber headed by Capt. Gideon O'Brien as head chopper, assisted by Capt. Jacob Longfellow as liner, and men with broad axes to side the timber, as fast as chopper and liner could make it ready. The timber was given by Capt. O'Brien, grown on his lot known in later years as the Lemuel Gay farm. Other men at Middle River were at work at the same time getting out timber for the same frame so that all the timber was prepared and drawn to the lot before the snow was gone the spring 1793. The building was 55x45 and the cost in March. 1796, was found to be $1, 935. The plats for the pews were sold for $3,161; the excess above the amount
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already expended was used in finishing the pews and pulpit, all being completed in 1797.
There is no evidence that Mr. Lyon ever held services in the new church. His health commenced to fail in 1793 while the building frame was only raised and covered, the interior in rough condition. This church occupied the same lot as Libby Hall at present, only nearer the street, its longest side toward the road or "back street" then called, the belfrey on the West end.
After the death of Mr. Lyon the town was without a . minister over a year. November 5, 1795, the Town Record contains the following, as having been adopted in town meeting :-
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