USA > Maine > Knox County > Camden > Sketches of the history of the town of Camden, Maine; including incidental references to the neighboring places and adjacent waters > Part 15
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This year will ever be remembered as that of the ". Log Cabin and Hard Cider" political campaign. It will be recollected that there was a great Harrisonian Convention held in Belfast on the 4th of July, and that upon the oc- casion, a "log cabin" was hauled in from Montville. and that " hard cider" was the principal beverage used by those who participated in the celebration. The Whigs of Camden were represented by a boat load of sca captains and others, who hauled their boat upon wheels, and under waiving flags thus journeyed to Belfast, followed by a long procession of carriages filled with ardent Harrisonites, whose enthusiasm was often expressed, as they passed
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along, by checring lustily for their candidate. Democrats looked upon the actions of their Whig opponents with high disfavor. They disrelished the strong tide that. to outward appearance. was drawing the greater crowd to assist in clevating Harrison to the Presidential chair.
It is amusing to read, after the excitement of a political contest, the hard sayings that have been uttered on the spur of the moment, by the editors of the papers of the contending parties. We will refresh the minds of some of our readers, by quoting an extract from an article written by John R. Shaw, which appeared in the American Citizen," under date of July 10th. 1840 : - " The Whigs had a powwow at Belfast on the fourth, and from what we can learn, we are satisfied that it was a total failure. We learn that the miserable, contemptible tom-foolery of the Federal party, was exhibited by hauling a ' Log Cabin' made out of slabs. from Montville to Belfast! What a contempt- vous idea these ruffle-shirt Whigs must have of the people, when they suppose that by hauling ' Log Cabins' about, parading in ' coon skins,' and . skunk skins.' and bellowing " hurrah for Harrison." they can advance their cause. We are sorry to say that our quiet village was disturbed on the night of the fourth by boisterous whooping and uproar, caused by the Harrisonites who had just returned from Belfast."
It was during this campaign that the Whig gun was . purchased. Also the flag-staff in front of Dr. Estabrook's office was raised. A " clam chowder" was an attractive feature of the occasion, at the dispatching of which, toasts were given, interspersed with brief remarks.
The strength of the two political parties at the Septem- ber election may be seen in the result of the vote for Representative to the State Legislature : - First ballot. Stephen Barrows, (Democrat, 292 votes : Santi G. Adams. (Whig) 303 votes : scattering. 11 votes. There being no choice, the meeting adjourned to the 21st of the month,
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when the second ballot was as follows : - Barrows, 313 : Adams, 317; scattering. 4. The selectmen declared that no choice was made, and ordered another election. The Whigs considered the contest decided in their favor, and so abstained from voting at the adjourned meeting. The Democrats attended, pursuant to notification, when the votes were cast as follows : - Stephen Barrows, 207; Job Hodgman, 1. The case being carried before the Legisla- ture for arbitrament, it was decided in favor of Mr. Adams, who accordingly took his seat in that body.
1841. The great Temperance Reform commonly called the .. Washingtonian Cause.", was at this time attracting great attention. In this town the commendable movement was endorsed by the formation of an association styled the " Camden Independent Temperance Society," which was organized July 6th. It was true to the intent and meaning of the title under which it was known, as may be surmised by the following extract from the Constitution : - " We desire no connection whatever as a Society with any other Temperance Society in this town or in the world, or with persons who are now in regular standing with such." This organization was the means of doing incalculable good in this place, as many who then signed the pledge became practical temperance men for life. In the first book of the records, now before us. we find 128 names appended to the pledge, which reads as follows : - " We, the under- signed, pledge ourselves, that we will not use intoxicating liquors as a beverage, nor countenance the use of them in others from this time, henceforth and forever."
Near the same time. a " Martha Washington Society" was organized by ladies, but not having the records before us. we cannot give the data. The two societies had a greit celebration on the 4th of July, 1842, at which were present the Goose River and West-Camden associations, and delegations from a number of the neighboring towns. A large tent was erected on the spot where the old meeting.
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house used to stand, under which was arranged tables loaded with savory viands, puddings, pastries, jellies, jams, confections, fruit, &c. A procession, under an escort of an independent military company from Northport, commanded by Capt. Witherley, marched to Goose River, where the Martha Washingtons of the latter place were represented by Miss Sophia T. G. Merriam, in presenting, with appro- priate remarks, a splendid banner to the Goose River Independent Temperance Society, (on which was the motto, "Hope for the fallen,") which was received by Mr. Reuben Leland in their behalf, by a brief, pertinent acceptation speech. The procession then proceeded to the Camden Congregationalist church, where they listened to an able address from M. C. Blake, Esq., then of this town. The large concourse were then conducted to the place of refresh- ments, where justice was done to the sumptuous feast prepared for them. After the wants of the "inner man" were satisfied, Capt. Wm. A. Norwood read a report of the society, after which, toasts were given to a liberal extent, and the proceedings were terminated by salvos of artillery. [See Republican Journal of July 15, 1842.]
The Independent Temperance Society, at the Harbor village, was re-organized March 7, 1844, at which time the following gentlemen were chosen as officers : - Abr'm Ogier, President; E. M. Wood, Treasurer, and N. L. Josselyn, Secretary. The last meeting of which a record is made, was held on the 8th of April, which indicates a brief carcer. Thus closes the period of one of the most important temperance movements that has engaged the attention of our citizens.
1842. Aug. 8th, a Youth's Temperance Society was organized at the Harbor. It numbered about 100 members. At a celebration or pic-nic, hell during the summer, a banner was presented by young misses, through Miss Josephene Savage, in a short, pithy speech, to Master Wm. K. Porter, 'son of B. J. Porter. P. M.) who received
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it in behalf of the Youth's Temperance Society, with a brief and pertinent speech in reply. The requirements of membership consisted in signing the pledge. This juvenile organization lasted one season, and then ceased.
In the month of August, the U. S. steam frigate Mis- souri, on her visit to this place, anchored inside of " the Ledges." An opportunity being afforded our citizens to go on board and examine the frigate. very many availed them- selves of the privilege. During the day time, boats were continually plying back and forth. filled with visitors going and returning. And the sight was well worth seeing, as we can attest from personal observation. It was the boss steam frigate, we think, there was in the U. S. service. Many of the officers visited the turnpike, ascended the mountains, and delighted themselves in viewing our pictur- esque scenery. After remaining here some three or four days, the Missouri proceeded to Rockland, where she was likewise visited by a large number of people.
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Numbor SEVI.
Secret Societies - Ould Fellows - Re-organization of the Mason- ic Lodge - Sons of Temperance - Division organized - Officers - A Celebration - Dissolution of the organization - Beauchamp Di- vision - Mt. Pleasant Division - Ve-per I. O. of O. F. Lodge - A Debating Club and Lyceum formed - Ladies' Library formed at Goose River - Temple of Honor Lodge formed - Records, &c., burned - Brass Band - Members - Beauchamp Light built -- Cam- den created a port of entry - An Academy opened and closed - The Caiden Advertiser - Spindles and Boys erected - The name of Goose River changed to Rockport - Causes a Newspa- per discussion - The Pine Tree Stute, campaign sheet - Its cir- culation, &c. - Election - A fire - Ship-building interest - Tele- graph - Temperance Watchman's Club formed - An American Council established - Anecdotes - Numerical strength of Politi- cal Parties - Brass Band organized - Members - Bugle presented to the Leader-The Camden Mountaineers-Officers - West Cam- den Rifle Company - Political affairs.
T [THERE are laws of the human mind which develop themselves only in social assemblies, at irregular periods of time, and under peculiar circumstances. The world abounds in such examples, and in no instance more strikingly than in the history of secret societies. In most every sizable village in this country, some kind of a mystic fraternity has had its season of popular favor or time of unusual prosperity. Such, we will illustrate, has been the case in this town.
1845. At this time the " Independent Order of Odd Fellows" was spreading rapidly throughout the United States, and in the summer of this year, the Lafayette Lodige was instituted at Goose River. It numbered something like forty members, and after an existence of between two and three years, the organization was dissolved by returning the charter.
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1846. The great Anti-Masonic excitement, consequent upon the rumors concerning the death of Morgan, was a paralizing blow to the Masonic fraternity throughout the length and breadth of the land. Like many other matters of public interest, politicians availed themselves of the cre- dulity of the people, and made the unknown fate of poor Morgan a hobby upon which to ride into office. There were Anti-Mason candidates for every office, from that of Presi- dent and Governor,* down to the expectant of a constable's office. It is easy to conceive, that the order in this place, Amity Lodge, might have experienced somewhat of the Dlighting effects of the hard sayings that were gratuitously lavished upon all who dared to avow themselves craftsmen of said fraternity. In common with the greater part of the Lodges in the United States, the one in this town suffered an eclipse, which lasted from 1832, to 1846, - a period of fourteen years. In the afternoon of the 6th of March, of the latter named year, John Miller, Esq., of Warren, came over and re-organized the Lodge, by install- ing officers, and imparting to them the necessary instruc- tions. The immediate cause of resuscitating the Order here. was the desire on the part of the original members, not to be superseded by the Odd Fellows. In a short time the Masons outvied their competitor, and now survive it.
While the Odd Fellows were successfully carrying their standard into every place petitioned for, the Sons of Tem- perance started on a career of usefulness, and in a few months, "became the most popular, in this State, of all other similar organizations. In this town, a Division num- bered 24, was organized in the evening of the 6th of March, 1846 -the same day in which the Masons were reinstated. At the first meeting, the following officers were installed : - Col. Nicholas Berry. W. P. ; Thomas Kirk,
* Thomas A. Hill was the Anti-Masonic candidate for Governor in this State, (in 1833,) and received tiro votes in this town.
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W. A .; Edward Cushing, R. S .; Joseph S. Rogers, A. R. S .; Geo. W. Cobb, F. S .; Jonathan Edwards Adams, T .; Wm. A. Norwood, C .; George W. Richards, A. C .; Joseph H. Hosmer, I. S .; Nathan Pierce, Jr., O. S., and Rev. James Thurston, Chaplain.
The cause of temperance received a new impetus through the manifest zeal of the Sons, as many were induced by the influences of the vows required, to abstain from the use of intoxicating beverages, and to live according to the elevating sentiments promulgated by the Order.
On the 4th of July, 1848, the Sons of Temperance Divisions in this, and the neighboring towns, had a celebra- tion here. They formed a procession from the hall, and under banners, and in regalia, marched through the princi- pal streets, preceded by the Carnden Brass Band, and then proceeded to the grove near Mount Batty Cemetery, where they listened to an oration from one of our townsmen, Mau- rice C. Blake, Esq., (now County Judge in San Francisco.) after which they repaired to the tables spread beneath the oak trees opposite to Hon. E. K. Smart's house, to indulge in " a feast of reason and a flow of soul." Because of the unpropitious state of the weather in the early part of the day, it was presumed there would not be a large attend- ance, and so ample preparations were not made for the great number present. Something like five hundred sat down to the tables, and, at the conclusion of the dinner, thirteen salutes were fired, which closed the programme.
This Division numbered something like two hundred members. The place of meeting was in the Geo. Pendle- ton hall, attic story, which was destroyed by fire in 1853.
The organization continued until March 4, 1852, when the number became reduced to about twenty members, when it was dissolved, and the funds divided among them.
March 1, 1847, was instituted at Goose River, Beauchamp Division, No. 71, of which the following gentlemen were chosen officers : - II. W. Piper, W. P .; J. W. Partridge.
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W. A .; E. W. Harkness, R. S .; S. F. Marks, A. R. S .; A. Sweetland, F. S. ; . A. McAllister, T. ; D. Farnham. jr., C .; E. A. Withington, A. C .: S. Libby, I. S. ; and J. S. Eells. O. S. During the same year, Mt. Pleasant Division, No. 85, was organized at Ingraham's corner, and the follow- ing officers were installed :- M. Tolman, W. P. ; H. H. Ingraham, W. A .; A. T. Low, R. S. ; A. Young. A. R. S. ; D. Tolman, F. S. ; L. Hall, T .: J. Blood, C .; W. Orbe- ton, A. C .; R. Ingraham, I. S. ; and O. Edwards, O. S. These two Divisions continued a prosperous existence as long as the one at Camden village, and were then dissolved. May. 1817, on petition of Jos. Perry and others, an I. O. of O. F. was formed at the Harbor village, called the Vesper Lodge. It numbered thirty-odd members, and continued until June. 1849, when it ceased.
During this year, (1847,) a Debating Club and Lyceum, composed of young men and ladies, was formed. Joseph Dyer, then an apprentice at the tin plate business, and lately Mayor of the city of Sacramento. California, was one of the Vice-Presidents. Perhaps it might not properly be termed a Lyceum. as it partook more of the character of an exhibition. It continued one season, during which time, three public exhibitions were given, from which about 870 were realized, which was divided among the thirty members belonging to the Club.
1848. During this year the Ladies' Library, at Goose River, was established, and Mrs. Alex. Martin was chosen Librarian, and Mrs. Lucy Piper, Treasurer. The library, at our present writing, numbers about 600 volumes.
The Temple of Honor commenced operations at Camden village this year, under the title of Excelsior Lodge, No. 4. In this society there was a " Social Degree," in which la- die> participated both in the government and management. They had a part to perform in the opening and closing ex- ercises, and also in the initiation. This order numbered about fifty males, and the same number of females. It con-
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tinued in an active state until Nov., 1853, when the hall, containing their regalia and records, was destroyed by fire.
It will thus be seen, from the consecutive account we have given, that, within the compass of a few years, there was an apparent fondness in the mass of our citizens, for gratifying that peculiar taste of the mind, which exhibits itself, by being imbosomed in a mystic fraternity.
Oct. 26, 1848, a Musical Association was organized, call- ed the Camden Brass Band, of which the following were members : - Paul Stevens, (Leader,) Lorenzo Swett, Dd. B. Withington, Jas. Cusic, Thos. Wood, Jacob Anderson, jr., Edmund Barnes, Edwin R. Tyler, Theo. P. Tyler, Geo. Berry, Geo. P. Gilkey, and Austin Hosmer. The instru- ments were brass, each member owning the one he used. The organization lasted about two years, when the number was broken by deaths, and removals, and, not affording to incur the expense necessary for its continuance, it was dissolved.
1849. An Act of Congress was approved March 3d, which appropriated $3,500 for building a Light House on Beauchamp point. or, more properly, on Indian Island, which is connected to the point by a bar, which is passable at low water. This appropriation was obtained by the Hon. E. K. Smart, a citizen of this town, who was then a member of Congress. The Light House was built the following - year, to accommodate the harbor of Goose River village. Silas Piper was the first appointed light keeper, and was succeeded, in 1853, by Wm. McLaughlin, who, in turn, was succeeded by the present keeper, Richard Grinnel, in 1857.
1849. One of the most important events in the history of this town - as a source of revenue, and as a cause of prosperity - occurred this year, by Congress creating this place a port of entry, and setting off some of the principal islands of Penobscot Collection District, to the District in which Camden is embraced.
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This town was made a port of delivery, and included in the Waldoborough District, March 2d, 1799, and Joseph Eaton. it is believed, was the first revenue officer appointed at this place. Camden continued. in Waldoboro' District until April 20, 1818, at which time the Belfast Collection District was established, which included " all the ports and harbors on the western shore of the Penobscot bay and river, from the town of Cainden to the town of Bangor inclusive." As above alluded to, the towns of Vinalhaven, North Haven and Islesboro' were transferred from the Penobscot Collection District to that of Belfast in the year 1949, during the session of the thirtieth Congress. This transfer was the occasion of an animated struggle between Col. Smart of the 5th, and Mr. Williams of the 6th Con- gressional District. It was seen by both gentlemen, that it would necessarily transfer the principal part of the lucra- tive business of fitting out fishermen, from Castine, where Mr. Williams resided, to this town, the place of residence of Col. Smart. After a sharp conflict, the transfer was finally made. Just previous to this, Col. S. had determined for the Custom House officer here, the right to transact all business which could be done at the principal port in this Collection District, thereby taking away the burden of traveling eighteen miles to Belfast, which had been hitherto borne by the citizens of Camden and vicinity. The dis- tance to this town. being nearer than to Casting. from Vinalhaven and North Haven, and there being here facili- ties for transacting every description of Custom House business, nearly the whole fleet of fishermen belonging to these towns. immediately repaired to this place to fit out, and for all purposes in connection with their voyages.
1851. With the hope of receiving encouragement from the State by a grant of land, an academy was opened during the latter part of this year, and Mr. - -- But- terfield was engaged as principal. Sixty-eight scholars attended during the first term. Being unsuccessful in
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obtaining a grant from the Legislature, the institution was soon after suffered to suspend operations.
1852. January 9th, commenced to be published here the " Camden Advertiser." of which Mr. F. C. Messenger, then late of Clinton. Mass., was editor and proprietor. The size of the sheet, including the margin, was 15 by 21 inches. The Advertiser was printed in this town until the last month of its first year, when it was removed to Rock- land, and its name changed to Commercial Advertiser. It still purported to be published at Camden, but we find it sometimes hailed from Rockland. During the first sixteen months, the Advertiser was neutral in politics and religion, but in June, ('53,) we find the editor yielded to the political bias of his mind, and placed the name of the subsequent Whig candidate for Governor, at the head of the leading editorial column, and henceforward advocated the principles of that party. From files of his paper, now before us, we should consider Mr. Messenger but an ordinary writer. On the whole, the Advertiser was a useful sheet, and con- tributed not a little to the advancement of the interests of this town. It was discontinued, we think, at the close of the year 1854.
February, ('52.) In the latter part of this month, Hon. E. K. Smart presented to Congress, a petition of Capt. John Glover and others, of this town, for the erection of spindles and buoys at the mouth of Camden harbor. We believe they were erected during the year.
In the month of May, the citizens of Goose River village assembled together in a public meeting to consider the propriety of changing the post-office address of that place. Many appellations being suggested and their merits duly discussed, it was finally determined that the highly appro- priate name of Rockport should be adopted for said pur- pose. The Rockland Gucette, not relishing the change thus made, came out in opposition to it in its issue of May 15th, when a resident at the river, over the signature of Clio,
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responded through the Camden Advertiser, of the 21st of the same month, as follows : - " The editor of the Rock- land Gazette. in his last week's issue, complains of our adoption of Rockport as the new name for our post-office, from that of Goose River, although he admits the propriety of a change. He then proceeds to assign grave reasons why our ears, and love of gain, should have been less pleas- ed with our selection. He ought to be willing to grant us the same liberty in choice that his people exercised. Ours was not original with us, nor was theirs with them ; both existed before. If theirs was appropriate to them, surely ours is to us, as the editor himself would admit, were he ever to look upon our rock bound port. He regards us as hav- ing been a little too sharp in our selection, so similar to theirs, and living so near, together with the identity of the general business. Herein is its peculiar fitness. No reas- onable man could object to these causes. If the people of Rockland were so happy in the choice of their name, cer- tainly they should not be displeased if we were so struck with its appropriateness, as to seek an alliteration of the . same. But the editor is so unchristian, as to intimate that we were prompted in this choice, by the hope, that the pro- ducts of our quarries and kilns, would be more marketable. How? From having been manufactured where the post- ofice bore a name somewhat like that of their town! So that none but the user would be the wiser. Wonderful ! The consumer will have occasion to be ever grateful to the sage editor for his timely warning of the stupendous fraud about to be attempted. Much as we admire the energy and go-a-head spirit of our Rockland neighbors, far be it from us, to wish to pluck any laurels from their brows, with which to enrich ourselves. We, too, like them, fully sub- scribe to the editor's quoted proverb, 'let every tub stand on its own bottom.' We have become sensible of the value of our extensive quarries. Our interests have prompt- ed us to improvement in our lime manufacture. We seek
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no borrowed reputation ; with its trial is its approval, even with the Camden brand, we ask no other. Our people find a ready sale for all they can make, and that at remu- nerating prices.
" In our mail correspondence, the editor also anticipates much inconvenience. In this I think his fears are ground- less. Our post-masters ought to be able to distinguish be- tween Rock-land and Rock-port ; if they cannot, the gov- ernment should furnish them with specs." "
August 31st, appeared the first number of a small sized political campaign sheet, called the " Pine Tree State," pur- porting to be published in " Camden and Rockland." For six weeks it advocated with much spirit, the election of Pierce and King. Col. Smart was rightfully presumed to be the editor, although his name did not appear as such.
The Camden Advertiser, of Oct. 8th, in speaking of said paper, says, " Since the commencement of the publication of the ' Pine Tree State,' some four weeks since, 19,200 copies have been printed and circulated : the most of them in this Congressional District. though not a few have found their way to all parts of the State." The Democratic par- ty was divided into two factions at this time, which were distinguished by the inelegant names of " Wool Heads" and " Wild Cats." The Pine Tree State advocated the principles of the former division of the party. Indicative of the result of our Congressional election in the fall of this year. (1852.) is the following vote : - Kimball, (Wool Head. 239 ; Farley, (Whig.) 245; Smith, (Wild Cat,) 136. Farley was the successful candidate.
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