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 16
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1853. Many of our citizens will ever remember the morning of the 7th of November, when, at half an hour after midnight, they were aroused from their slumbers by the cry of " fire" At that time a fire broke out in the shoe manufactory of J. C. Coombs. (where Isaac Thomas' building now stands,) which, despite the efforts of the engine company, was burned down. The flames were then com-
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municated to the dry goods store of G. L. Follansbee, which was mostly consumed before the fire was subdued. Mr. Coombs was insured for $500; saved part of his stock. The building was owned by Mrs. I. H. Rawson, valued at 3500, insured for 8300. Mr. Follansbee lost part of his stock, insured for $3000. In the same building, was E. C. Daniels, merchant tailor, who was absent, and lost almost his entire stock, which was uninsured. Geo. Pendleton, Esq., owned the building occupied by the two latter named gentlemen, which was valued at 82000, and insured for S1000. Had not the night been calm, the fire might have swept the most valuable part of the village.
1854. At this time, the business prosperity of Camden had attained its highest degree. Every industrial occupa- tion, represented here, found a sure reward in its develop- ment. Indicative of the active enterprise manifested in the then leading pursuit of this place, (ship-building.) during this year, are the following few statistics : - In both vil- lages there were ten vessels built, of which three were ships, five were brigs, and two were schooners, the aggregate ton- nage of which, was 4.413.
The telegraph poles were erected, and the wires passed through this place in 1848, but an office was not estab- lished here until 1854. The first message was sent on the 0th of May.
July 8th, was formed at the Harbor village, a Temper- ance Watchmen's Club, which was designated as Excelsior Club. Number 319. The brotherhood originated at Dur- lam, Me .. where it was instituted April, 1849. Its princi- ples were declared in brief to be. " Temperance, Humanity. Progress." At the first meeting of the club, the following officers were chosen : - Allen F. Gray, S. O .; Hiram Bass, J. O : Justin S. Thompson, R. S .; Wm. Philbrick. C. S .; Seth H. Beale, C .; John Brown, 2d, T .; Alb't Rowell, M .; Jno. Crani, A. M. The initiation fee was twenty-five cents. We believe the club numbered about twenty-five members.
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The last words upon the record are, "Nov. 20, 1854. The club met and adjourned. J. Brown, C. S."; which indi- cates, that it existed until that time.
August 9th, was instituted an American Council, com- monly called the Know Nothing Order, which name, we understand, grew out of certain presumed questions that might be asked a member. We learn, from one who evidently knows whereof he affirms, that the council at Camden village numbered 240 members, besides others who sympathized with them in all their outward movements. Afterwards, one was established at Rockport, numbering about 100 members, and one in West-Camden, which numbered about 30 members.
An organization of this character would be likely to be the source of some sportive occurrences. From one who belonged to the Order, we learn the following illustrative examples : - Just after a " Council" was instituted here. a gentleman by the name of C-, while walking with a member, informed his K. N. friend in a secret manner, that he had met in one of the Lodges. "Ah !" rejoined K. N., "where was it?" ".It was in the public square." " Well, how did you know it was a Know Nothing Coun- cil :" " Because," concluded C-, "they were so secret and mysterious in their actions." It is said that C- came as near to the truth of it, as the lady who declared she knew her husband belonged to the K. N.'s because she saw him sitting on a wood-pile with some other men, where she was assured, the members of that cabal generally con- gregated !
A gentleman, somewhat prominent in the community, met another. and informed him, that there was a man in town from abroad, who was desirous of forming a Council here. His friend being " afectly willing to " see about it." was forthwith introduced to the stranger, and, with the in- troduction, was disclosed that fact, that a K. N. was, unbe- known to the introducer, made acquainted with a brother.
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There being a Council established, the stranger did not have the privilege of forming one, and so, leaving his un- initiated friend to vote for Reed, to whom he was pledged, he departed, assured as soon as election was over, he would assist in instituting a Council. After election, the support- er of Reed met his K. N. friend, with the intention of as- sisting in forming a lodge. Soon after entering the hall. townsmen of all classes began to walk in and seat them- selves in a familiar manner, as though they were at home. A's the Council room began to fill up, the surprised gentle- man thought too many spectators would witness the opera- tion, and was anxious to defer the matter to another time. It was not long, however, before he found he was in the midst of a lodge that had been in operation a number of weeks.
. We are further informed, that so guarded were the move- ments of this Order here, that a year elapsed before even shrewd politicians were aware of its existence. We can- not give a better idea of the numerical changes wrought in the old political parties, than by exhibiting the gubernat- rial vote for the year preceding, and during the rise of the Know Nothings. Vote of 1853 for Governor : - Crosby, (Whig.) 206; Pilsbury, (Anti-Maine Law Democrat,) 286; Morrill, (Maine Law Democrat,) 95; Holmes, (Freesoil.) 29. Vote for Governor in 1854 :- Parris, (Democrat.) 137; Reed, (Whig,) 66; Morrill, (Union candidate of Tem- perance-men and Know Nothings,) 333; Carey, (Wild Cat Democrat.) 20. The strength of the American party is not fairly indicated by the above vote, on account of Morrill being a candidate of the Maine Law, or Temperance party, besides. But, by noticing the small number that voted the Temperance ticket the year previous, we can approximate the correct reckoning. While upon this subject, we will notice the vote of the subsequent year, (1855.) which was as follows : - Morrill, (Know Nothing and Temperance,) 425; Wells, (Democrat,) 251; Reed, (Whig,) 46.
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Ephemeral in its existence, the Know Nothing organiza- tion appears not to have survived beyond the year '56, at which time it gave place to its youthful rival, the Republi- can party.
In Feb. 1856, the Camden Brass Band was organized. Soon after its formation, the members determined on having a set of instruments, which they purchased at a cost of 81000. At our present writing, the following are the mem- bers : - Paul Stevens, leader; F. H. Thorndike, Samuel B. Kirk. Edwin R. Tyler. D. G. McCarthy. Henry B. Pierce, John C. Berry, Silas C. Thomas, George Berry, LeRoy B. Wetherbee. Carter Payson. Hollis M. Lamb, Horatio P. Easton. Simeon C. Tyler. J. Clifford Eames. In the month of August, (1858,) the ladies of Camden, as a token of ap- preciation of his musical talents, presented the leader, Mr. Stevens, with a beautiful silver bugle, valued at $140. The young men composing the Band, are entitled to great credit for the pains they have taken to acquit themselves as mu- sicians, and for which they have deservedly gained a favor- able reputation abroad.
In Sept. of this year, (1856,) a military Light Company, called the ' Camden Mountaineers," was formed. The fol- lowing were the officers :- W. A. Norwood, Captain ; A. E. Clark, 1st Lieut. ; B. C. Adams, 2d Lieut. ; Geo. Crab- tree, 3d Lieut. ; M. L. Parker, 4th Lieut. ; Chas. F. Hobbs, 1st Sergeant and Clerk; P. P. Bryant, 2d Sergeant ; Eben Thorndike, jr., 3d Sergeant; P. U. Stevens, 4th Sergeant ; E. C. Fletcher, 5th Sergeant; A. B. Wetherbee, Ist Cor- poral; Sargent Sawtelle, 2d Corporal; H. M. Lamb, 3d Corporal; A. R. Bachelder, 4th Corporal. Of the above, five were commissioned, and nine non-commissioned officers. By the State failing to pass a law to compensate citizen soldiers for expenses incurred, or to lighten their pecuniary load, the company disbanded on the 31st of March, 1858.
In West-Camden a Rifle company was organized in the fall of 1856, of which the following were the officers : -
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Hiram Fisk, Captain ; Geo. W. Simonton, Ist Lieut. ; A. M. Annis, 2d Licut. : Robert C. Thorndike, 1st Sergeant and Clerk. This company disbanded at the same time. and under the same circumstances as did the " Mountaineers."
We next again glance at political affairs. The vote of 1856 may be regarded, strictly, as a test of the relative strength of political parties in this town at that time. We will not speak of the earnest spirit with which the cam- paign was conducted by all parties, as the facts are too well known to require our assertion. The figures declare the following as' the result of the fall election of 1856 : - Hamlin, Republican.) +84; Wells, (Democrat,) 249 ; Pat- ten, (Whig,) 38 votes. In 1857, there being no Whig can- didate in the field. the votes of the two leading parties were as follows : - Morrill, (Republican,) 311 ; Smith, (Democrat.) 212 votes.
On the 7th of June 1858, the vote on the Liquor ques- tion stood thus : - For prohibition, 228 votes ; for License, 1 votc.
At the annual election this year. (1858,) the vote was as follows : - Morrill, 408 ; Smith, 322.
The number of voters in town this year, according to the check list, amounts to 981.
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RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES IN CAMDEN.
Free-Will Baptist Church at West-Camden - First Congrega- tionalist Church at Camden - First Baptist Church at West-Camden - Second Baptist Church at Camden -First Universalist Society at Camden - The Methodist Societies at Camden and Rockport- Third Baptist Church at Rockport -- Second Congregationalist Church at Rockport - Prot. Episcopal Church at Camden - Spir- itualists.
YAHE principal element that enters into the formation of New England character, is found to be that which was so prominent a feature in the history of our Pilgrim ancestors, and which now, as then, finds its second- ary source, or radiating center, in the general Christian church.
Beneficial has been the influence exerted over the minds of the citizens of Camden by the churches sustained by them. That we might give a connected sketch of the ecclesiastical history of the town, we have reserved the greater part of it for the present sketch.
Because of the paucity of materiale placed at our dis- posal, we shall be unable to do justice to the claims of every religious society, to the extent we have desired, but will endeavor to be as cos flete as our information will allow.
First, in the order of time, comes the Free- Will Baptist
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society of West-Camden. The first minister of that per- suasion who preached in town. is said to have been Elder John Whitney, in 1797. In the following year-1798- a church was organized, consisting of seventeen members. Under date of Feb. 2, 1708, we find a certificate in the town records which not only indicates this fact, but informs us who the principal members were. As a matter of interest we will quote it :- ". This may certify all whom it may concern, that Waterman Hewett, John May, Josiah Keen, Nath'l Simmons, Elijah Bradford and Henry Oxton, are hearers and supporters of Elder John Whitney, preacher of the Gospel, of the Free-Will Baptist Denomination." In 1815. the society built a house of worship on the land of Dea. Waterman Hewett. This meeting-house was used until it was replaced by the present one, in 1851, which was erected on Capt. Abner Perry's land. We are unable to mention the different preachers who have presided over this church regularly. In 1851, Rev. Jason Mariner suc- ceeded Elder Small, and remained there till the spring of 1855, when the present pastor, Rev. Jos. Cilley, was en- gaged. The church at present, we learn, is in a prosperous condition.
The First Congregational Church. - The history of this church, which was constituted in 1805, we have traced down to the year 1814, in the earlier part of these sketches. Rev. B. C. Chase, in his semi-centennial Address, furnishes us with the remainder of the history of the church down to the period of his incumbency-1855. In the words of Mr. Chase, we continue ; -- " After Mr. Cochran left Cam- den, which was in 1814, this church was without a settled
4 pastor until 1828, a period of fourteen years. During this- time, several ministers occupied the pulpit, varying in time from one Sabbath, to more than a year. The following are sure of them : - Rev. Messes. Sewall, Ingraham, Starrett, Norwood, Sheldon, Howe, Campbell, Bishop, and, perhaps. others. Some of these were employed in part by the Maine Missionary Society."
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"In June, 1828, the church gave a call to Mr. Darwin Adams to be their pastor, for the specified time of five years. Mr. Adams was ordained July 15, 1828." In 1829 there was a revival in the northerly part of the town under the labors of Mr. Adams, and subsequently continued under Rev. Bennett Roberts, which resulted in the accession of 20 persons to the church. July 16, 1833, Rev. Mr. Adams tendered his resignation to the church, and was dismissed. "From this time, for more than a year. the church was without preaching, except three Sabbaths, when the pul- pit was supplied by Rev. Mr. Richardson. The church, however, met on the Sabbath for religious services, and in conference once each month." In 1834, the present house of worship was built, under the supervision of George Pendleton, Esq., at a cost of about 85000, and was dedi- cated in January, 1835. Aug. 18, 1835, Rev. Nathaniel Chapman was installed as pastor of the church. During this year. the church and society prirchased a parsonage. The year 1836, marks a memorable epoch in the history of this church, during which it enjoyed a powerful revival. which resulted in the addition of something like 56 mem- bers. 1 " brief sketch" of this revival will be found in the latter part of Mr. Chase's Address, written by Rev. E. R. Hodgman: During the former part of his ministry, Mr. C. was very successful here, but afterwards, five years previous to his dismission, which occurred April 10, 1849. " there was nothing worthy of particular notice."" " For
* Itev. Mr. Chapman was born in Exeter, N. IL., in 1789, and when but ten years of age, the family moved to Mt. Vernon, in this State. At the age of 23, he connected himself with the church in Chesterville. Graduated at Bangor Theological Semi- nary in 1820. It: September, 1824, was ordained pastor of the church in Bristol, where he continued until February, 1933. After- wards supplied for two years the church in Boothbay, after which he came to this town. At different times after his dismission here, he preached in Warren. From September, 1852, to March, 1856, he labored in Unity, Thorndike and Freedom. The last two years
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several months after his dismission. the pulpit was occupied at different times, by Rev. Messrs. Boyd, Wheelwright, Williams, Snow and Chase." In September, 1849, Mr. Benj. C. Chase, a graduate of Bangor Theological Seminary, received a call from the church and parish, and was or- dained Jan. 8, 1850. "During the spring of 1850, there was an interesting revival, and 16 persons were added to the church. as its fruits." About this time, the subject of building a conference-room was agitated, which resulted in the building of one in 1852, at a cost, including land, of $1200. which was dedicated by Rev. E. F. Cutter, May 31st. Mr. Chase was dismissed in 1857, and succeeded by Mr. Franklin P. Chapin, a graduate of Bangor Theo- logical Seminary, who was installed, Nov. 10, 1857. During this year, a fine organ was placed in the church, at a cost of 8800. "The whole number of persons," says Mr. Chase, in his Address, "admitted to this church as members, from 1805 to 1826, is 66. The whole number from 1828 to 1835, is 43; from 1835 to 1849, is 115; from 1849 to 1855, is 44; whole number from 1805 to 1855, is 268. The whole number who have died, have been excommunicated or dismissed, is 150; the present (1855) number of members is 118." In 1857, the num- ber of members was 111; and in 1858, 113. [See Minutes of the General Conference.] By the revival of 1858, an accession was made to the membership, which is not included in the latter enumeration.
The report of the superintendent of the Sabbath School, for the year 1854, gives 178 as the number then connected with the school. In 1857, the number was 174, and in 1858, 180.
of his life were spent in Pittston, where he died, April 1. INJs. Mr. Chapman was a man of sound judgment and discretion ; emi- nently humble, devout, meek, kind, sympathetic, a peacemaker, a wise counselor, and much beloved in his social and domestic rela- tions. [Abridged from an Obituary notice in the Maine Evangelist of April 24, 1358.]
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The First Baptist Church in West-Camden was organ- ized in 1808. This church "was gathered by the occasional labors of Elder E. Snow and Elder Jno. Still, and had, in September, 25 members. Elder Still soon became their stated minister, if not pastor, and was with them till 1815, but the church made slow progress. In 1816 the church was increased and encouraged by a pleasant revival, but remaining destitute of the stated ministry of the gospel, it became much enfeebled in a few years by a loss of mem- bers. In 1824, this church licensed N. Copeland, by whom they were assisted till 1828. Still they were a small and inefficient church. In 1831. Elder A. Kalloch rendered them some important aid, and in 1832, Elder A. Bedel became its pastor. He tarried but one year, leaving the church without increase. In 1837 and '38, this church enjoyed some revival. Elders Sam'l Baker and S. N. Rice then labored with them. This harvest season increased the church to 90 members. Since that time, the church has been in a tried, divided and unhappy state, principally the result of the instability of Mr. Baker." [So says Rev. Joshua Millet, in his History of the Baptists in Maine, p. 285.] In 1843, the church numbered 72 members; in 1850, at which time Elder W. O. Thomas was pastor, 33 ; in 1852, Elder Job Washburn, pastor, 46 members. In 1850, the number of scholars in the Sunday School was 72 ; teachers in ditto, 12 ; volumes in library, 180. [Min- utes of Lincoln Association.] The present pastor of the church, is Elder L. M. Mayo.
The Second Baptist Church, at the Harbor village, " was gathered soon after the first, (in 1808.) and by the same instrumentality. It had. in September. 16 members, and thus began with a smaller number than the first church, and for several years i's prosperity hardly -neouraged ex- ertion. But, aided by occasional preaching, it maintained its existence till 1816, when, like the first, it was increased by a revival. It however gained but a small advancement,
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till within a few years. In 1827, Elder N. Hooper became its first pastor, but continued only one year. Now followed a series of sojournings for eight years, during which they were made to drink of a mixed cup of good and evil."
" The Convention considered their situation, and sent Elder H. Kendall to them, who was successful in gather- ing together this scattered flock, and of introducing to their number 25 new members. Encouraged by this success, the Convention, in October, made another appropriation. and Elder K's labors were continued. The church, quickened by their prosperity. and animated to the work, by the ad- vice and successful efforts of Elder K .. in collecting aid from abroad. set about building a house of worship in the village, which was completed and opened in 1837." Pre- vious to this time, the society held their meetings in private dwellings and school-houses.
"In 1838 Elder E. Freeman commenced his labors with this church, and administered to its prosperity till 1842, when he was succeeded by the valuable efforts of Elder A. Dunbar. one year."*
In 1843 the church numbered 112 members. This year, Eld. Daniel Bartlett was the pastor, and was succeeded by Elder George W. Stickney. There was no regular preaching for several years, until Elder David Perry offici- ated as pastor, but meetings were sustained on the Sabbath by reading a sermon, or having an occasional one from Eld. Washburn and others. Mr. Perry was ordained as pastor of the church in 1851, and sustained that relation until 1855, when he was succeeded by Eld. L. M. Mayo. who preach- ed about one year. In 1850, the church numbered 65 mem- bers: in 1852, 64; in 1855, 56 members. Since Elder Mayo left, the society has had no regular preaching. The occasion of the declination of the church. is attributable to
* Com. of II. Bass, Esq. in Millett's History of the Baptists, pp. 235 and 236.
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a lack of harmony, growing out of a disagreement between some of its members. "Their state is most precarious, and the continuance of their visibility is somewhat doubt- ful; but we hope better things." . It is to be hoped that this church, which numbers among its members some of our best citizens, may yet arise in the strength of unity, and take its former stand by the side of sister churches, and accomplish the benign mission. for which it was con- stituted.
The First Universalist Society, or Second Parish .- It is believed that the first Universalist sermon preached in Camden, was by Rev. Samuel Baker, in 1806, As near as can be ascertained, by tradition, Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, (now editor of the Boston Christian Freeman.) preached here occasionally, in 1815-16; Rev. W. A. Drew, (editor of the Rural Intelligencer,) in 1821-24.
Sept. 30, 1824, a society was organized, agrecably to the design of a warrant, which was issued on the 28th of the previous month, signed by Lemuel Dillingham, Lewis Ogier, and 25 others. A lot of land, numbered 54, was donated to the town by the " 20 Associates," to be kept in reserve for the benefit of regularly ordained ministers of the sec- ond parish, when said parish should be formed. Baptist churches had been organized before, but not after the forms prescribed by law, by which to constitute them corporate bodies, having the capacity to transact business as an indi- vidual. The Universalist society having been thus incor- porated by the Legislature, came into legal possession of the second ministerial lot. the Congregational church hav- ing obtained the first lot, numbered 57. By the records of the society, we find, the first year, (1821,; the sum of $100 was voted, " to defray the necessary expenses of the society and for the support of the gospel." The place of meeting was then in the Masonic hall. The society used to meet annually, on the first Monday of January, " for the election of officers, and the raising of money for the support of the
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gospel." [Records.] Money being raised at the west part of the town for the object aforesaid, it was voted that it " be expended there ; the meetings to be holden at the school-house near Job Ingraham's, or such other place as the brethren there may think proper." By the records, we are unable to ascertain the names of the preachers employ- ed by the society from year to year. The recollection of' one of the members, says, that Rev. James W. Hoskins was employed about the year 1827-8, and the Rev. Messrs. McFarland and Farrar, occasionally. The minister's board, in the year 1830, we find, amounted to 88.
It appears by the records, that the society, in its corpor- ate capacity, continued to meet annually until the building of the church. The proceedings of these meetings were principally those of a business character, such as the ap- pointing of land and other committees, but, occasionally, we find members admitted, which required a vote of the majority to matriculate them.
March 13, 1843, the society was empowered by an Act of the Legislature, to sell their ministerial lot of land. The lot appears to have been sold prior to the building of the meeting house. It was situated between Simonton's and Ingraham's corners. At a meeting of " the inhabitants of the 1st Universalist society," on the 5th of Jan., 1846, it was voted. " that the funds of this parish be appropriated towards building a meeting house in such a manner as not to conflict with the original grant of the . 20 Associates.'" [Records.] At a subsequent meeting, on the last day of the month, it was estimated that said house would cost, exclusive of land, $2200. The church was commeneed in the following year, and completed in Jan., 1848, in which month, Rev. N. C. Fletcher, then of Belfast, now of Cam- den, preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev. Jos. L. Tuttle was then engaged as pastor, which relation he sustained for something like two years. He was succeeded by Rev. Francis W. Baxter, who preached here part of the time,
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