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 18
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held that position for sixteen years. For several years he went as representative to the General Court. Mr. Trussell was a man of good natural abilities - had a rare talent for music, and excelled as a singer. Although his position in life was not elevated, as regards means, yet he was univer- sally respected as a citizen, for his probity of character. About the year 1824, he removed to Orland, where his widow now survives him.
Daniel Barrett, was born in Concord, Mass. He came to Camden about the year 1792-93. August 4, 1794, he married Peggy Grose. Purchasing lands of Molineaux on Beauchamp Neck, he there erected a house, and carried on the farming business. As before stated, Mr. Barrett pro- jected the plan of forming the turnpike, which deed alone, will transmit his name to posterity. The characteristics most prominent in Mr. Barrett, were his scheming procliv- ities, his energy, industry, and rectitude of character. A legal gentleman in speaking to the writer about the subject of this sketch, remarked upon an instance of his exactness, as illustrated in a clause of a deed conveying land from him to members of his family. Said property was to be owned by them or their heirs, in the language employed, " as long as oaks grow and water runs." Being of a retiring dis- position, he seldom allowed himself to be chosen to any town office, and when he acted in any public capacity, it was not of his own choosing, but of those who ap- preciated his sound judgment and good sense. He was a disciple of Wesley for over half a century, and as such died Dec. 1, 1850, at the age of 90 years. Of his twelve children, eight are living.
Ephraim Wood, was born in Concord, Mass. His fath- er, of the same name, was Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Middlesex County. Mr. Wood came to Camden near the year 1795. Being a clothier by trade, he erected a mill on the site now occupied by Alden & Batchelder's block mill, where he sucessfully prosecuted his business.
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Enjoying a large degree of the confidence of his towns- men, he was by them many times chosen as selectman, and appointed on important town committees, and, for two years, represented the town in the State Legislature. The most prominent traits in his character, were his firmness of pur- pose, reliability of judgment, and integrity of mind. A consistent member of the Baptist church, he was foremost in supporting, by his means and influence, its various in- stitutions. Mr. Wood was thrice married, and had twelve children. four by each wife; seven of whom are living. One of his sons, Nathaniel, graduated at Waterville Col- lere, and is now pastor of the Baptist church in that town. Mr. Wood died Jan. 7, 1853, aged 79 years.
Belcher Silvester, (or Sylvester, as it was sometimes spelled,) was born in Hanover, Mass., in 1765, and by trade was a cabinet maker. He came to Camden in 1795. An old resident informs us, that in those days, a barrel of rum and a piece of India cotton, were deemed sufficient to commence business with, and such a beginning was that of Mr. Sylvester, when he commenced trading here. He opened trade near where the woolen factory stands and afterward built a store on the site now occupied by Capt. Caleb Thomas' building. He also built the building now occupied by Messrs. Daniels and Currier. As he accumu- lated money, he invested it in landed property, with which he made lucrative speculations. Mr. S. was a man of very steady habits ; more ambitious to acquire wealth, than to enjoy distinction of any kind ; somewhat eccentric in his ways, and disinclined to mingle in society. Acquiring a competency, he removed to his native town, about the year 1820, where he spent the remainder of his days, surround- ed by his relations, and the associates of his early years. He was never marriedl. and, at the time of his death; which occurred May 11, 1819, he was estimated to be worth 880,000.
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Benjamin Cushing, Esq., was born in Hanover, Mass ..
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in 1774. He was a son of Hon. Joseph Cushing, who was Judge of Probate for Plymouth county .*
The subject of this sketch came to Camden in the year 1794, in company with his brother Joseph, and entered in- to trade in the store previously occupied by Dergen, on the site where Capt. Thomas' store stands, and afterwards trad- ed in the E. C. Daniels' store, and subsequently built and occupied, as a store, the Hunt building. After the death of Mr. Hathaway, (his brother-in-law, ) he succeeded to the office of post-master, which position he held from the year 1800 to 1830. In speaking of the mail arrangements in early times, Mr. Cushing informs us, that the mail carrier used to arrive once a week, at no particular hour of the day : for it was considered punctual if it arrived within the bounds of the appointed day. The salary of a post-master here was about $6 a quarter, when Mr. C. first became an incumbent of the office. Oct. 21, 1800, he was married to Miss Jane Eaton of this town, by whom he had five daughters. While in trade, he engaged largely in ship- building,t which business he was concerned in for many
years. He was one of the selectmeh, from 1799 to 1802. and subsequently Justice of Peace. After the State was divided, he went one year as Representative to Portland. As we have before stated, Mr. C. was one of the hostages who went to Castine during the " last war" with England. Retiring from business some years since, with a compe- tency, this venerable citizen still lives at an advanced age, in the enjoyment of ordinary health, and the possession of faculties comparatively good.
John Hathaway, Esq., son of Abraham Hathaway of
* For further notice of Judge Cushing, we would refer the reader to Barry's History of Hanover, p. 110; for a genealogical sketch of the family, to p. 239.
t The first vessel built in Camden was by Howland Rogers, who died in Medford, Mass., March 1, 1814, aged 50 years.
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Raynham, was born in Wrentham, Mass .; graduated at Brown University, and, while teaching school, studied law with Judge Benj. Whitman, of Hanover. Soon after completing his legal studies, he decided, on the represen- tation of friends who had settled here, to come to Camden, which he did in 1796. There being no lawyer here, he was the first one to enter upon the practice. Being satis- fied with the prospect before him, he determined to take up his permanent abode here, and with this view, he was married to Miss Deborah Cushing, (sister of Benj. C.) of Hanover, Sept. 21, 1797. For a law office, he built the small building adjoining Mr. S. Hunt's harness shop. Succeeding Mr. Eaton as post-master, he attended to the duties of that office, in addition to his regular business. By doing business in the courts for the Twenty Associates, he soon became quite extensively known, and rapidly obtained the confidence, and esteem of his senior brethren of the bar. The appreciation in which his talents and abilities were held by those who had occasion to resort to the constraints of law, is readily seen by the amount of practice he had at the courts in the different parts of the State. As a pleader, he was forcible in argument, and eloquent in style, and almost invariably engaged the atten- tion of his auditors, to the close of his plea. His healthy constitution inspiring in him a confidence of life being continued many years, he laid out his plans accordingly. While having the house erected where E. Cushing, Esq., lives, he was taken ill with typhus fever, which terminated his life Oct. 6. 1799, at the early age of 26 years. He had one son, who was lost at sea when 23 years old. Mr. Hathaway's widow, who was born in 1771, still survives, to whom we are indebted for the principal facts in this sketch.
Jacob Patch, M. D .. was born in Groton, Mass., and graduated at Dartmouth college. Came to Camden about the year 1800. Nov. 12, 1800, he was married to Miss
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Rebekah Woods of Dunstable, Mass. The Doctor's forte was in teaching school, and not a few of those of our citizens who have attained eminence in their chosen pur- suits, attribute their success, to the carly training they received under the tuition of Dr. Patch. For a number of ycars. he was one of the superintending town school com- mittee. As a medical practitioner, he never stood in the front rank, which he might have done, had his practical understanding and skill, corresponded with his deep reading and extensive theoretical knowledge. In case the utility of any of his prescriptions, or modes of treatment. were called in question, he was ever ready, from his abundant information, to quote any number of medical authorities in support of his procedure. The Doctor's individuality often exhibited itself through his eccentricities, which were the natural outgrowth of his peculiar temperament and dispo- sition. Delighting in numismatics, he made an extensive collection of rare coins of cvery description, many of which are now in the cabinet of a somewhat enthusiastic anti- quary. He had 150 gold coins, of as many different kinds.
Characteristic of the Doctor, is the following incident : - At one time, he was going to Boston in a vessel. but missing of his passage by her sailing before the hour, he at once started for his destination on foot, and, though a very inert man, arrived there before the captain reached the harbor. In like manner he returned.
He died without issue, June 23, 1846, aged 73 years. His relict deceased April 18, 1854. at the age of 78 years.
Colonel Erastus Foote, was born, it is believed, in Gill, Mass. From a sketch of his life in the Muine Evangelist of Aug. 2, 1856, and from an obituary notice prepared by his son soon after his decease, as well as from other sources, we have gathered what here follows. Through energy and industry, Col. Foote became his own educator. without en- tering the precinets of a college. Studying law under Hon. Samuel Hinkley of Northampton, he was admitted to the
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bar in 1800, during which year, he took up his abode in Camden, where he immediately commenced a successful practice. In 1811, he was appointed County Attorney for Lincoln County. In 1812 elected Senator of the Legisla- ture of Massachusetts. During the war of 1812-14, he was commissioned as Colonel of the fifth regiment, in which relation he is often mentioned in our sketches of that period. After serving this town as a valuable citizen in various po- sitions of public confidence, Col. Foote removed to Wis- casset in 1815. In 1820 he was chosen Senator of the Legislature of Maine, then organized as a new State, and same year was appointed, by Gov. King, Attorney General of Maine. This office he held twelve years, and gave tone and character to the criminal jurisprudence which were honorable to him, and highly appreciated by the public. The late distinguished Chief Justice Mellen had a high opinion of Col. Foote's talents and learning in that depart- ment of the judiciary, and the eloquent Benjamin Orr, then at the head of the bar in Maine, used to say "it is almost impossible to wrest a criminal out of the hands of brother Foote." Yet no man could be more kind where he thought an individual was unjustly suspected, or vindictive- ly accused. He was the prosecutor of the guilty, but not the persecutor of the poor and friendless. As a counselor and advocate, he stood in the foremost rank of jurists, and that, too, at a time when there were many talented men, and sound special pleaders in the State, and before the profes- sion was thrown open to illiterate purveyors of suits, and to those who practice a mere brokerage of emolument. He was a man of fine endowments by nature, and had made the criminal law, in all its history and relations, the study of his life. He was fundamentally, and historically pre- pared, for all possible turns which his case might take, for all bars and objections, that might suddenly be disclosed. His own understanding, penetrated deeply the questions in issue, he was learned in criminal precedents, and knew
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where he was strong, or where he was weak. He was ac- customed to contend with the ablest lawyers, but with a perfect mastery of his cases he had confidence in himself ; was cogent in argument, terrible in sarcasm, often lofty and powerful in eloquence. Col. Foote was twice married, both wives being accomplished daughters of Maj. Carlton of Wiscasset. Than was Col. Foote in his family, no father could be more deeply respected, or fondly loved. He was a genial man, a gentleman of the "old school," of urbane manners, of dignity of bearing, and of virtue of character. He died at Wiscasset, July 14, 1856, aged 78 years.
Joseph Huse, M. D., was born in Methuen, Mass. After completing his academic course at the Atkinson, (Mass .. ) academy, he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Osgood of Andover, with whom he remained three years, after which, he rode one year with Dr. Frank Kitteridge of Tewksbury, Mass. He came to Camden, probably in 1796, during which year, he married Lydia Page of Warren. She dying the following year, he married Lucy Stimson of Camden, in 1800, who now survives him. They had no children. A whig in politics, he was a member of the electoral college of Maine in 1840. Dr. Huse was popu- lar as a physician, and acquired an extensive practice in his profession, which he followed for half a century. In his latter years, he placed more reliance on proper nursing, than in the use of medicine. He was particularly success- ful in his treatment of fevers, in the subduing of which, he derived quite a reputation. Possessed of good perceptive, and ordinary reflective powers, Dr. Huse evidenced these endowments of nature, by a uniform, and unostentatious life. Having amassed a competence, he died June 30, 1847, aged 74 years .*
Capt. Calvin Curtis was born in Hanover, October 23,
* A biographical sketch of Dr. Huse will be found in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal of August 18, 1847.
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1777. His father, who was of the same name, held a cap- tain's commission in the Revolution. [Sce History of Han- over, chap. viii.] By trade, Capt. Curtis was a carpenter. He came to Camden in 1799, and engaged in his occupa- tion. In 1805 he was appointed Inspector at this port. which office he held until his death. In 1806 he was mar- ried to Miss Mary Harkness of Camden, who was born in 1785, and still survives him. In 1810, was chosen town clerk, in which capacity he served several years. March 7, 1811, was commissioned by Gov. E. Gerry as captain of a company of light infantry in this town. His connection with military affairs, has often been mentioned in our sketches of the period of the last war with England. He resigned his military commission in 1815, we think. He had three sons, one of which, John H., now occupies the homestead. Capt. Curtis deceased in 1828.
Robert Chase, Esq., was born in Exeter, N. H., Novem- ber, 1782. After serving an apprenticeship at the black- smith trade, in Portsmouth, he made a " prospecting" tour eastward. Arriving at Camden, in March, 1803, he here found employment, and without proceeding further, con- cluded to become a permanent resident of the place. Agreeably to this decision, he became united by marriage to Miss Betsey Holt, of old York, on the 26th of January, 1806. by whom he had eight children, seven of whom are now living. In 1811, he was chosen third selectman, and in 1813, first selectman, which position he held until 1824. He was several times afterwards chosen selectman, making in all, something like nineteen years in which he served in that capacity. It will be recollected that he was one of the hostages on board the British frigate Furieuse, in 1814. The town refusing to compensate the hostages for the pe- cuniary loss they suffered, by being detained from their business, the amount was made up by private subscription,
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as we find by the subscription paper now before us .* In 1836 and 1837, he represented this town in the Legislature.
Mr. Chase was a very systematic man, and correct in his calculations, and, possessing a very tenacious memory, he filled, with satisfaction, the many positions of confidence his townsmen placed him in by their voluntary votes. While at work in his shop, May 1, 1852, he died by an apoplexy, at the age of 70 years.
Nath'l Martin, Esq., was born in London, and came to America when a boy. Arriving at adult age, he settled on Fox Island, where he traded until 1803, when he came to Camden, and went into trade. In 1804 we find he was chosen harbor master. January 11, 1806, he was married to Miss Rhoda Foote, sister to Col. Foote, by whom he had three sons and one daughter. He acted a conspicuous part in the embargo times, the period of the last war with his father country, and in fact in every important affair in which the interest of a public spirited citizen would be en- listed. He often presided as moderator at town meetings, was chosen a number of times to represent the town at the General Court ; was elected delegate to the convention that assembled in Portland, October 11, 1819, for the purpose
* The above mentioned subscription paper, being an interesting scrap of history, we will here copy the heading of it, which appears to have been drawn up by Judge Thayer, whose widow possesses the document. " Whereas, the sum of $146,28 has been expended in attempting to effect the liberation of Messrs. Cushing and Chase, late on board the British frigate Furieuse as hostages. Each of the undersigned, therefore, wishing that the above expenses should be paid, and wishing, likewise, that Mr. Chase should be paid the further sum of $50, for his time and expenses while a hostage as aforesaid, promise to pay the sum set against his name for the purpose of detraying the above expenses, and paying Mr. Chase for his time and expenses as above stated. Feb. 7, 1815." The sum subscribed amounts to $201. The autographs are a curiosity of themselves.
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of forming a constitution for the State of Maine; was se- lectman a number of years; in fact, occupied and filled every office of trust within the power of a town to confer upon a citizen. To the regret of his many friends, he so far suffered himself to be led by Bacchus, as to materially affect his business, and cause him to seek to retrieve his for- tune, by leaving here in 1823, and becoming a commission agent in New York city. While acting in that capacity, he introduced eastern lime into the market there, which soon superseded that of the North river quarries, on ac- count of its superior qualities. Mr. Martin's sisters, Penelope and Catherine, will be remembered by many, as having been accomplished teachers of a female school in Portland, which they taught for about thirty years. In his palmiest days, Mr. Martin was considered as a perfect gen- tleman, so far as manners were concerned. The time of his death we cannot ascertain.
Capt. Noah Brooks, was born in Scituate, Mass. [For an account of his ancestors, see Deane's History of Scit- uate, p. 224, note.] He came to Camden in 1806, and being a ship-wright by trade, commenced the ship-building business, in connection with Benj. Cushing, and afterwards carried it on, on his own account. He married Miss Esther Stetson of Scituate, by whom he had eight children, six of whom survive. During the last war with England, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in Capt. Asha Palmer's infantry company in this town. In 1819, he removed to East Boston, where he carried on ship-building for a num- ber of years. While living there, he was elected a member of the city council, and, afterward, a representative to the Massachusetts Legislature. In 1842, or 1843, he retired from business, and removed to Dorchester, where he built a fine residence. He died near the year 1852, worth about. $60.000. Ilis widow still survives.
William Carleton, Esq., was born in Methuen, Mass., and came to Camden, probably, in 1806, where he com.
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menced the mercantile business. For his first wife, he married a Miss Mirick, and, for his second wife, Betsey Crowell, both of Princeton, Mass. He had eight children, all of whom were sons. During the war of 1812-14, he was Adjutant of the fifth regiment. He carried on the mercantile business at the Harbor, (on the spot where Mr. J. C. Stetson trades,) until about the year 1838, when he removed to the River, and there continued to trade. Mr. Carleton was a very enterprising, and far-seeing man, and in whatever position he was placed, whether as Adjutant, County Commissioner, President of the Bank, or commit- tee on town accounts, he discharged the duties resting up- on him, with ability and satisfaction. He died March 4, 1840, aged 61. His widow is now the wife of Rev. Job Washburn, and still resides on the old homestead.
William Parkman, Esq., was a native of Concord, Mass., and was a cousin of the late Samuel Parkman, Esq., of Boston. He came to this town about the year 1800, after previously residing in Lincolnville, where he married his wife. By trade he was a joiner, and in that capacity he went in the ship " Massachusets," on a voyage to Canton, in early life. He was, for many years, an agent for the " 20 Associates." For several years he was selectman. He died Dec. 24, 1839, aged 70. His wife, Sarah, died Nov. 3, 1855, aged nearly 84.
Alden Bass, was born in Hanover, Mass., Jan. 30, 1776 ;* came to Camden about the year 1800, where, as a house carpenter, he commenced working at his trade. March 5, 1802, he married Miss Rhoda Tyler, a native of Methuen. By her, he had four children, two sons and two daughters, three of whom survive. He cast one of the two first votes thrown in this town by the Republican party in opposition
* A genealogical record of Mr. Bass' ancestors will be found in the History of Hanover, pp. 241, 215, and also in Thayer's Family Memorial.
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to the Federalists. He was quite an earnest partizan, and, as a leader in his party, he was elected representative to the General Court in 1814. At the time of the arrange- ment of parties, in 1825, he identified himself with the Whig party, with which he afterwards acted. But his forte was in being a finished workman, in his chosen pursuit, which he industriously followed through life. He died Oct. 26, 1851.
Maj. Edward Hanford, it is believed, was born in Ner- walk, Conn. He came to Camden about the year 1806, and, being a hatter, worked at his trade. He afterwards went into trade. In time of the "last war," he was a Lieutenant, and, after peace was proclaimed, he was pro- moted to the rank of Major. He was selectman one year, and town clerk four years, and occupied other town offices. Affected with a disease of the heart, it is supposed it in- duced the quietude of manners he evinced during the last score years of his life. He married a widow lady, by whom he had three daughters. He died in Belfast, at the house of L. R. Palmer, Esq., his son-in-law, May 3, 1851, aged 76 years. None of his family now survive.
John Nicholson. We cannot ascertain the birth-place of Mr. N., but know he was brought up by Col. Head, of Warren, in whose store he was a clerk for a number of years before coming to Camden. He came here about the year 1808-9, and commenced a West India Goods and Grocery store, where Mr. E. C. Daniels keeps. He after- wards built the " Norwood block," and there traded. He was one of the most enterprising traders in town, and was quite largely interested in navigation. We mentioned one of his transactions in the fourteenth number of these sketches. He married Miss Mary Hartwell of Princeton. Mass. Consumption enfechling his body, he closed up his business near the year 1816, and sought for health by traveling south. But the change of climate was ineffectu-
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al in arresting the progress of his disease, and he fell a victim to its power.
Frye Hall, Esq., was born in Methuen, Mass. He came to Camden, it is supposed, about the year 1806, in com- pany with his brother Farnham, who traded here until after the war, and then removed to New York. Frye, being a tanner by trade, worked at the business a number of years, and then went to store-keeping, but without great success. In 1821, he was chosen town clerk, and served in that ca- pacity until 1826. For a series of years, he was committee on accounts. About the year 1826, he removed to Hope, and resided there until 1827, when he was simultaneously elected County Treasurer and Register of Deeds of the then just formed County of Waldo. He then took up his residence in Belfast, where he remained until the close of his life. We think he held the office of Register of Deeds until 1847, but the length of time he was County Treas- urer, we cannot now ascertain. Being a Mason, he had conferred upon him by that fraternity, the office of District Deputy Grand Master, which place he filled at the time of his death, which occurred in August, 1849. at the age of nearly 63 years. In Mr. Hall were combined the various valuable traits of a christian citizen. His surviving wife, by whom he had cleven children, (two of whom are dead,) was Eliza, daughter of Capt. John Pendleton of Camden.
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