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 17
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and the rest at Rockport. Rev. Leander Hussey was next engaged, and preached alternately here and at the River, for about two years. Since 1853, there has been no regular preaching by the denomination at the Harbor village. In 1856, the church was sold to the Episcopalians, and the fund accruing from the sale was put at interest. The annual meeting for the transaction of business, and other matters, is still attended to.
The Second Universalist Church, Rockport, is so identi- fied in its history, with the society at the Harbor, that it would be but a useless repetition to dwell upon them sep- arately at length. We learn by the records of the society, that the church was erected in the year 1844. It occupies one of the most commanding sites in the village of Rockport. As we remarked in the preceding sketch, this society, from the time the Camden church was built, had the same preach- ers as there alternately. The leading members of the so- ciety were Thomas Spear, Oliver and Joseph Andrews, Jere. McIntire, Amos Dailey and Wm. H. Smith.
At the time of the organization of the society, (1843,) Rev. Francis W. Baxter was the preacher. The church was dedicated Jan., 1845, by Rev. N. C. Fletcher. Mr. Baxter preached part of the time in Union and South Hope. His ministration lasted about two years. Afterward, Rev. Elbridge Wellington preached occasionally, on trial, until Rev. J. L. Tittle was employed. He was succeeded by Rev. Leander Hussey. After the latter left, Rev. -- Sawyer came and remained here about six months. This brings us down to the year 1854. In the following year, Rev. N. C. Fletcher supplied the pulpit for six months, since which time, they have had no regular preaching.
The Methodist Societies. - There are no records ava'la- ble respecting the carly movements of the Methodist de- nomination in this town, and hence we shall be unable to enter into the details of the most interesting period of its history. Whoever the preachers of this persuasion were,
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that visited this place prior to the beginning of the present century, we are unable to ascertain with accuracy. We have before shown that Rev. Joshua Hall preached here in 1801. [See Stevens' Memorials, p. 218.] When he first visited this section in 1794, his circuit extended from Union to Orono. But we believe he did not then visit this place for the purpose of preaching. At this time, when a Meth- odist itinerant preacher had to travel a six weeks' circuit of seventy miles, his equipment was of the simplest kind. It consisted of a horse, on which was a pair of saddlebags, containing his lighter apparel, and books. Such was the appearance of the " circuit rider." until this territory was divided into charges of smaller compass.
The earliest members of the church here, were Daniel Barrett and wife, who connected themselves with the church in Lincolnville, before one was organized here. It appears from tradition, that a " class" was formed as early as 1808, of which Mr. Barrett was leader. From the year 1801, to as late a date as 1826, the meetings were generally held in his house. On quarterly meeting occa- sions, when members of the church from all parts of the circuit would come here, Mr. Barrett used to freely throw open his doors, and entertain them with ungrudging hospi- tality. The meetings being of several days continuance, many of the attendants were under the necessity at night, of sleeping on couches arranged upon the floor. Because of preachers of this persuasion receiving a different ap- pointment annually, or biennially, we shall be under the necessity of merely noticing their names, and the years they preached here. The list found in Mr. Sibley's History of Union, p. 219, of the ministers who were stationed there from time to time, probably comprehends those who preached here, as this place was embraced in the same circuit. Not having the Minutes before us, we cannot tell the changes this circuit underwent, from the time it was first formed. In 1817, it extended from Waldoboro' to the
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Head of the Tide in Belfast. But to quote from one au- thority, commencing at 1802, "Joseph Baker, and col- league, Daniel Ricker; 1803, D. Ricker; 1804, David Stimson ; 1805, Sam'l Hillman, Pliny Brett ; 1806, S. Hill- man, Jonas Weston; 1807, Samuel Baker; 1808, John Williamson ; 1809, J. Williamson, Benj. Jones ; 1810, D. Stimson, Geo. Gary; 1811, Nathan B. Ashcraft; 1812, Amasa Taylor ; 1813, John Jewett; 1814, Jona. Cheney, Joseph B. White; 1815, Benj. Jones; 1816, B. Jones, Daniel Wentworth; 1817, Wm. McGray, Jere. Marsh ; 1818-19, Henry True; 1820. Jno. Briggs: 1821, Jno. Lewis; 1822, J. Lewis, Nath'l Devereux; 1823-4. Sul- livan Bray; 1825-6, D. Stimson; 1827, Ezra Kellogg." In 1828, Union became a station, and Camden was em- braced in a part of Thomaston circuit. After this, as we learn from an elderly member of the church, the following ministers supplied this place with preaching as formerly : Philip Munger, Ezekiel Robinson, James Warren, Jesse Stone, E. Brackett and C. Kendall, the latter two of whom were local preachers. The preaching place was then at the River, where the few members of the society met in private houses until the brick school-house in that vil- lage was built, when they resorted there. When there was preaching at the Harbor, it was sometimes in private houses, and at other times in the Masonic Hall, and in the second story of the brick woolen factory. Mr. John Swann was class leader for a number of years, and with his wife was almost alone at this village. The society from 1828 to 1838, was in a very fceble condition, and only had preaching occasionally. During the latter year, it had an accession of three members from the Congregationalist church, who, in concert with a few others, made a move- ment to have a stationed preacher sent hore. Their re- quest was acceded to by the presiding elder procuring the services of Rev. Charles Munger. He afterwards had for a colleague, (who preached at the River,) Rev. Wm. Mc-
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Donald. At the Harbor, the school-house became too small to accommodate all who wished to attend the meet- ings, and it was decided to build a house of worship. Fail- ing to obtain the required amount at home, Wm. Merriam. Esq., one of their members, was authorized to solicit aid from abroad. When Mr. Swann began alone in digging the cellar, and laying the foundation, there were but three male members connected with the church at the Harbor vil- lage. The house was built in 1840-41, by Moses Young, Esq., and cost, when completed, $4,637,60. The dedica- tory sermon was preached by Rev. John Hobart. By a w te passed at a quarterly meeting, April 6, 1844, it was named " Trinity Chapel."
The following is a summary of the most interesting facts relating to the affairs of the Camden and Rockport churches, down to the present date. For the most of the time, the societies in these two villages were united, and the statis- tics given embrace both places. Preachers : - 1840, Revs. C. Munger, at the Harbor and S. S. Cummings at the River : 1841, C. Munger; 1842, H. M. Eaton ; members in society. 33: 1843-44, P. Jacques at the Harbor, and F. A. Bean at the River; 80 members; 1845, Jas. Thurs- ton ; 86 members; 1846, A. Hatch; 37 members; 1847, the station was left to be supplied; 1848, Camden was made a mission, and John C. Prince appointed here. He labored with untiring zeal, and succeeded in securing the crection of the Rockport church; 54 members reported ; 1849, Thos. B. Tupper. Under his ministrations, assisted by B. M. Mitchell, an extensive revival was enjoyed. He reports at the end of the year, 79 members in full, and 100 on trial. 1830, T. B. Tupper at the Harbor, and E. A. Helmershausen at the River. They report 129 members in full, and 65 on trial. 1851, P. Higgins at the Harbor, and R. Walker at the River. 1852-53, D. P. Thompson at both villages, 122 members; 1854, S. IL. Beale at the Harbor, 76 members, and D. Dyer at the River; 1855-56.
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S. Brar at the Harbor, 76 members, and W. MeK. Bray at the River, 48 members: 1857-58, N. Webb at the Harbor, 76 members, and 32 on trial: A. C. Godfrey and Lewis Wentworth at the river, 73 members, and 49 on trial.
From the records, we gather the following Sabbath School statistics : - In 1841. there were 20 scholars in the S. S. at the Harbor : in '42. 40 ; in '44, there were in both villages 100; in '46, 90; in '49. at the River there were 46, and at "the Barnes neighborhood," 25 scholars. In 1851. at the two villages, the schools numbered 107 schol- ars. In '52, the Harbor. 20. the River, 42: in '53, both places, 88; both in '54, 140, in '55. 50 ; at the Harbor in '56, 50, at the River, 70. In 1858, the number of scholars in Camden, was 60, and at Rockport, 80.
May 20, 1857, the East Maine Conference held its annual session in the Camden church. In 1852 the par- sonage at Camden was built, and in 1857 the one at Rockport was erected.
The Methodist churches in this town are now in a pros- perous condition.
The third Baptist Church, Rockport. - This church was organized May 18, 1842, and was composed mostly of mem- bers dismissed from the second church. It commenced with 12 members. The same year, four were added to the church, who were previously baptized by Elder Daniel Mc- Master. The two original deacons, were Capt. Jacob Graf- fam, and Capt. Jabez Amsbury. C. C. Long was ordained an Evangelist the next day after the organization of the church, and maintained the position of pastor for about two years. He was succeeded by Elder W. O. Thomas, who was followed by Elder James Williams. Elder Holmes Chipman was the next, and, after remaining a year, cave place to his predecessor. Elder Williuns, who resumed his former position, which he still retains. During the inter- vals in which there was no settled preacher, the desk was
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generally occupied by Elders Job Washburn and Edward Freeman. Sept. 16, 17, and 18, 1850, the Lincoln Bap- tist Association held its 46th Anniversary in this (Rock- port) village. During the above year, the church number- ed 24 members, and in 1852. 61 members. In 1854, the house of worship, now occupied by them, was built at a cost of $3000.
The first Sunday school with which the Baptists-at the River had any connexion. was a " Union school," in which the Methodists shared with them. It was held in the old brick school-house, and was commenced about the year 1830. It is believed that John Swann was the first super- intendent. The statistics of this union school, which con- tinued for a number of years, we are unable to procure. By the Minutes, we learn that in 1850, the Sunday school numbered 100 scholars.
Indicative of temporal prosperity, is the fact, that the society has recently built a parsonage, which speaks well for their liberality. The church is now in a flourishing condition, with favorable prospects before it.
Rockport Congregational Church. - This church was formed June 12, 1854, by 13 members, the principal part of whom were dismissed for the purpose, from the Camden organization. "In December of that year, a chapel suf- ficiently capacious for the congregation, was completed, and the Rev. James B. Howard was ordained pastor. By dis- case and death, he was soon taken off, in early life, from his earthly labors. Their next minister, was Rev. Alfred L. Skinner, under whose preaching there were several con- versions, but who left them after a continuance of some twenty months, on account of feeble health."" Mr. Skin- ner was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. John E. M. Wright, formerly of Burlington, Me., who was installed
* Communication of Rev. Benjamin Tappau, D. D. in the Chris- tian Mirror of Oct. 6, 1857.
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over the church and society, Sept. 29, 1857." In 1857, the church numbered nine male, and eighteen female members ; in 1858, eleven male, and twenty-four female members. [See Minutes of the General Conference.] Jan. 17, 1859, the number of members was 39, of which, twelve were males, and twenty-seven females. Of the flourishing Sab- bath School, connected with the church, we are unable to to give any statistical information.
The Protestant Episcopal, or St. Thomas' Church. - St. Thomas' parish was organized Oct. 1, 1855, and the follow- ing gentlemen chosen as its officers : - Rev. George Slat- tery, Rector ; N. G. Bourne, Senior Warden; John F. Spaulding, Junior Warden; Edward Cushing, Aaron Brown, D. M. Hosmer, E. K. Smart, Paul Stevens, Jonathan Huse, Joseph H. Jones, S. Hutchings, E. C. Daniels, Vestrymen ; N. G. Bourne, Treasurer ; E. Cushing, Clerk. [Records.]
In the month of April, 1856, the meeting house belong- ing to the first parish Universalist society was purchased for the sum of $2000, and " consecrated to the worship of Almighty God, according to the discipline and usages of the Protestant Episcopal church of the United States," on the 26th of June ensuing, by the Right Rev. George Bur- gess, D. D., Bishop of the church in the Diocese of Maine.
The Rector having another charge at Rockland, (St. Pe- ter's church,) divides his time between the two, and offici- ates Sabbath morning at Camden, and in the afternoon at Rockland, where his family resides.
From the Journal of the 39th Annual Convention, we gather the following statistics for the year ending July, 1858 :- " Baptized, adult, 1; confirmed, 1; communi- cants, added, 1: died, 1; present number, 3: burials, 3 ; Sunday school teachers, 6; scholars, 35. Because of the short time elapsed since this religions organization com-
* See a notice of Mr. Wright's installation in the Evangelist, of Oct. 10, 1857.
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menced its existence here, we are unable to give any strik- ing events in its history, which remain to be developed.
The present condition. and prospects of the parish, arc described by the untiring and faithful Rector, in his annual parochial report, on the 26th page of the Journal above quoted." He says : - " The real condition of this parish, bears a favorable. comparison with last year. The attend- ance upon the Sunday services is more numerous and con- stant; a livlier interest is taken in all that pertains to the due celebration of Divine worship ; and, though we have suffered somewhat by removals, and especially by the death of two most valuable parishioners. yet the parish is steadily growing in importance and stability, outwardly ; and could its pastor see that inward and spiritual life germinating and developing, as the fruit unto God, of the seed sown, rich, indeed, would be his reward, added to the pleasure he now takes in serving, as best he can, from a distant home, a united, much beloved, and, for their salvation in Christ, a longed for. people. Geo. SLATTERY, Rector."
Spiritualists. - The first outward manifestation of spirit- ualism, in this town. was in 1854, at which time a Miss Hussey of Unity came here, and hired out as a domestic in the family of Mr. A. D. Tyler. She was known as a tip- ping, and rapping medium, and, during her stay, sittings were had at Mr. Tyler's house. In 1856, Joseph Hodges. a trance and healing medium, came here and worked at his trade. (blacksmithing.) in the employ of Mr. Horatio Alden, at whose house a " circle" was afterward formed. The next who spoke in public here, was Abraham P. Pierce of Philadelphia. a trance speaking medium. The next of this class, was Miss Ella E. Gibson, formerly of New Hamp- shire. She was followed by a male trance medium, N. H. Greenlief of Haverhill. Mass., a shoe cutter by trade. In the summer of 1858, Rev. John Hobart lectured here as an advocate of spiritualism. Since then, the principal spiritualist, who has spoken in public here, has been Rev.
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Gibson Smith, now a resident at Camden village. We are informed that there are now. (1858,) eight " circles" in town, viz., two at the Harbor, two at the River, one at West-Camden, one at Rockville, and two at Simonton's corner.
Thus we have acquainted the reader with the most note- worthy facts relating to the religious history of this town.
It may. perhaps, truthfully be asserted, that the variety of beliefs entertained, and represented by the various re- ligious sects and persuasions, we have noticed, has had the desirable tendency, to create a liberality of sentiment in community, such as accords with the benevolent, and pro- gressive spirt of the agc.
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SOME OF THE MOST PROMINENT
OF THE
EARLY AND RECENT CITIZENS OF CAMDEN.
Lieut. J. Harkness - Capt. W. McGlathry - S. Jacobs, Esq. - D. Barrett - M. Trussell - E. Wood - B. Silvester - B. Cushing, Esq. - J. Hathaway, Esq. - Dr. J. Patch - Col. E. Foote - Dr. J. Huse - Capt. C. Curtis - R. Chase, Esq. - N. Martin, Esq. - W. Parkman, Esq. - A. Bass - Maj. E. Hanford - J. Nicholson - F. Hall, Esq. - Hon. J. Hall - Hon. J. Thayer - Capt. W. Norwood - F. Jacobs - Gen. A. II. Hodgman - Hon. J. Wheeler - J. Jones - S. Barrows, Esq. - N. Dillingham - Dea. J. Stet- son - Hon. B. J. Porter - Capt. S. G. Adams - Dr. J. H. Esta- brook - Hon. E. K. Smart - IIon. M. C. Blake.
TN glancing at the history of Camden, we find the names of a number of persons, whose prominence as citizens, entitles them to more than the passing notice we have given them. It will be found that this town has contri- buted, quite largely, its share of those who have filled im- portant positions, in both civil, and social life. Such ones may be deemed worthy of a biographical sketch. There are others, also, whose personal reputation has been known but little beyond the limits of their town. whom we shall notice, as being deserving of mention from the interest that attaches to them locally.
In the order of time, without classification, we will now
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proceed. First on the list, occurs the name of Lieut. John Harkness, who was born in Lunenburg, Mass., June, 1750. At the age of eighteen. he commenced learning the shoe- makers' trade at New Ipswich, N. H. Soon after serving an apprenticeship in St. Crispin's art, the war cloud of the Revolution began to darken, and, like a patriot, Harkness enlisted for the struggle under Capt. Ezra Towne, in the capacity of a lieutenant. He participated in the battles of Bunker Hill, and Ticonderoga. So close was one of his engagements with the enemy, that the tow wad of a gun lodged in his cockade hat, where it burned a perforation. The hardship he underwent, induced an attack of the fever and agne, which so far impaired his health, as to unfit him for further military duty. Being advised to recruit his strength by visiting the sea coast, he embarked in a vessel for Lermond's Cove, (now Rockland,) and in 1779 came to Camden.
Soon after he settled here, an expedition of twenty patri- ots from the vicinity of Lermond's, and Clam Cove, resolved on inflicting upon Gen. Thomas Goldthwait, a noted tory, who then resided in Hampden, we think, due chastisement for :/ - obnoxious manner in which he proved his disloyalty to the American cause. Thinking favorably of the plan proposed to get rid of the annoying General, Harkness entered heartily into the scheme, and joined the party. Approaching the General's dwelling at night, they were discerned by the inmates, consisting of the General, wife and two daughters, and Archibald Bowles, his son-in-law, who at once fled to the woods for safety. After the manner of the times of war, the house was then ransacked of its valuables, and the cattle" driven from the barn, after which the party proceeded homeward with their spoil. A book there obtained by Mr. Harkness. containing Gen. Gold-
* These cattle being a superior English breed were afterwards used in this vicinity for the improvement of stock.
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thwait's* autograph. is now in possession of his descendants, who properly regard it as a choice relic. We are not aware that this raid has been noticed in print before. For reasons quite apparent, the expedition was kept a secret for some years, by those who were engaged in it.
After the close of the war, Mr. Harkness was married to Miss Elizabeth Ott, by whom he had six children.
Mr. H. had a great fondness for books as is illustrated in this instance : at the time the Federal library was es- tablished, he read night and day for a week, without sleep, until he completed reading Rollins' Ancient History.
In his day, Mr. Harkness was quite a prominent, as well as useful citizen in this town. For a number of years he was town clerk, and selectman, and representative to the General Court. He died of a cancer, May 14, 1806. On his tombstone, in the Rockport cemetery, arc the following quaint lines :
" Come, honest sexton, take thy spade, And let my grave be quickly made. Thou still art ready for the dead - Like a kind host to make their bed : I now am come to be thy guest,
In some dark lodging give me rest, For I am weary, full of pain, And of my pilgrimage complain : On Heaven's decree I waiting lie And all my wishes are to die."
His wife survived him half a century, and died Nov. 9, 1856, aged 92 years.
Capt. William McGlathry, was born in Belfast, Ireland, and was of what is commonly called, the Scotch-Irish stock. He came to Bristol with his parents when a boy, where
* It will be recollected that Col. G. was for some time, previous to this, commandant at Fort Point. On making his escape to the Provinces, with other tories, at the conclusion of the war, the vessel was shipwrecked, and he was lost.
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they settled. Capt. McGlathry derived his title from being master of a vessel. An interesting incident is related of him while he was in command of a vessel during the Rev- olution. At that time, his vessel was captured by a British privateer, when three men were put on board to carry her as a prize into Halifax. Capt. McGlathry being manacled, was placed on the quarter deck. On revolving in his mind how he might effect an escape, he hit upon the following expedient. The water cask being within his reach, he man- aged to turn the bung-side down, without being observed, so that the contents run out. The prize-master soon after found there was nothing on board with which thirst could be slaked, and not knowing the whereabouts of any fresh water, he began to find the necessity of having some one besides his ignorant crew, to guide him to a watering place.
MeGlathry being the only one who was conversant with the coast, was entrusted with the helm for the purpose of steering for the nearest place for a supply. It being very foggy, McGlathry carried the vessel into Machias, and, before his captors were aware, they found he had placed them in a position, which, in turn, changed their relation to that of prisoners of war, by being seized by a small num- ber of the citizens of that place. Soon after regaining his former position, Capt. McGlathry directed his course for home, where he arrived in safety."
Capt. McGlathry came to Camden about the year 1790, and purchased his land of Jos. Eaton, which extended from the shore, (just back of the Mountain House,) to Mount Batty, we think. He erected the building now known as the "Clay House," situated near the brick school-house -- where he resided. For several years he was one of the selectmen. In 1798-99, he removed to Frankfort. He had six children -five sons and one daughter ; all are now
* Related by Dr. J. II. Estabrook.
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dead but one son and the daughter. Capt. McGlathry died in 1834, aged 85 years.
Samuel Jacobs, Esq. Mr. Jacobs was born in Scituate, Mass., March 4. 1762, and by trade was a shipwright. He came to this town about the year 1792. He was twice married ; his first wife was Margaret Stinson, and his second Margaret McGlathry. The place still known as the "Jacob's farm" was possessed by him, upon which he erected the house now owned by N. C. Fletcher, Esq. Mr. Jacobs was the first representative sent by this town to the General Court. For a number of years he was selectman, Justice of the Peace and Quorum. By his position and influence, Squire Jacobs was one of the leading citizens of this town. His name is found connected with the most important busi- ness and other transactions mentioned in the town records. By his second wife, he had five children, all of whom lived to adult age, viz. : Samuel, Frederick, (who married Julia, daughter of Benj. Cushing, Esq.,) Bela, and Caroline, (who married . Dr. J. H. Estabrook.) His daughter is the only surviving member of the family. Mr. Jacobs died Sept. 5,1809.
Moses Trussell, son of Joshua, was born in Haverhill, Mass., March 27, 1766. He was the eldest of a family of eleven, the most of whom, moved to Sedgwick. He came to Camden about the year 1792, and in company with his brother Joshua, carried on the Molineaux mills, in which they lost $1000 each at the time of the embargo. March 4, 1793, he was married to Miss Betsey Knight of Lincolnville, by whom he had nine children. In the year 1800, he was chosen town clerk ; in 1810 was succeeded by C. Curtis ; again chosen in 1813, and held the office until 1821, when Frye Hall was elected. His excellence as a penman, is remarkable, from the fact that he never had but two months schooling in his life, for which he paid by working the same length of time at Bluehill, when a young man. In 1804 was chosen as one of the selectmien, and
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