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 21
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In the same section of the town, driven by the above
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CAMDEN AS IT IS.
stream, is a saw and grist-mill, belonging to the estate of Randall Tolman, which does quite a business. On the same stream, John Ingraham has a stave and shingle mill. At Rockville, is the tannery of Otis Wade. In the tan- nery building, S. Barrows has a stave and shingle mill, and Benjamin Barrows, also carries on the sash and blind busi- ness. At present they are not in operation here.
Besides the mills we have mentioned, there are others which we have not noticed, for lack of the requisite inform- ation, but it will be found that the most note-worthy have been alluded to.
Of late years, our citizens, those of Rockport, have de- voted practical attention to the ice business, so that now it has become the source of considerable enterprise. The only establishment of the kind, in town, is the one at Rock- port. The business was commenced in 1844, by Pitts & Hobbs, of Massachusetts, who ceased operations in 1847, when it passed into the hands of Carleton & Gould. In 1858. a new partnership, as now known, under the title of Carleton, Rust & Co., was formed. The place of opera- tion is Lilly pond, where the most improved appliances are brought into requisition during the favorable winter months. for the facilitation of the business. Besides the large stor- age building on the wharf, owned by the company, another quite as large, has been erected during the past year near the margin of the pond. The forty men employed this season, 1858-59, will cut 25.000 tons of ice, which corresponds with the quantity reported the preceding season. Ready for shipment, this will amount, at 81,25 the ton, to $31,250. This article, which is so indispensable in a sultry climate, is shipped by the cargo, to the Southern States, where the demand secures for it a ready market.
Next demanding attention. are the navigation interests of the town. Previous to 1856, as we have before inti- mated, Camden was noted as a ship-building place. but since that time, the commercial depression, (from which,
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particularly, all coast-bordered towns have suffered,) has completely prostrated that extensive branch of enterprise. It may be said, with but a faint exception, that during the past year, 1858, silence has reigned in all our ship-yards. For a number of years prior to 1856, Rockport built from 1500 to 2000 tons annually, and Camden quite as many, and hence it may be seen, how great the present contrast, with then. We have been informed by one of the leading firms in Rockport, that the ensuing year will witness, in that thriving and enterprising village, something like its wonted activity. It is anticipated that the close of 1859, will make true the assertion, that 1600 tons will be the number built there during the year. About 140 tons will be built in Camden the same time.
We learn from the tax register, that there are now owned in the town, 8634 tons of navigation, out of 21,817 tons which hail from here, contained in 101 vessels. The tonnage owned here, at $25 the ton, would amount to $205,850.
The business of Camden, as connected with the fishing interests, is not the least important. The result is attribut- able to the fact of this being a port of entry. The amount paid out at the Custom House here, in 1845, for fishing bounty, to vessels engaged in the bank, and other cod fish- eries, was $14,121. During the season of 1857, the amount was $16,507. There were fitted out, in 1858, by S. G. Adams & Sons, and N. B. & J. H. Jones, at the Harbor, one hundred sail of fishermen. These are the only firms in town engaged in the outfit business, we be- lieve, although others furnish a few supplies. Computing the average amount of business done in Camden village, at $500 per sail, every thing included with the outfits, and we have for the one hundred craft, $50,000, as the result.
Of the agricultural interests of the town, we can only speak in general terms. The westerly part of the town is the best farming portion, because of its possessing the
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CAMDEN AS IT IS.
most productive soil. There are quite a number of farms here, which will bear comparison with the best in the coun- ty. For lack of the requisite information, we are unable to go into the details of this most important branch of in- dustry, which is well worthy of being presented in all its departments.
One of the surest indexes of the intelligence of a people, is found to be the favor with which they regard the educa- tional affairs of the youth. This town has made liberal appropriations for the benefit of its schools, yet there is room for improvement in its application. For the year 1858, the town voted $2500 for schools, while it received from the State. $694,28, making a total of 83,194,28. This sum is divided among twenty districts, containing 1968 scholars. In the summer, during the above year, twenty- four female teachers were employed, and two male teach- ers, but in the winter, there were twenty-two male, and two female teachers employed. In the Superintendent's Report, for 1857, we observe that we are represented as possessing eight " good school-houses," and twelve " poor" ones. We are informed by the Supervisor, Rev. E. Free- man, that the estimated value of school property in town, to-day, (Feb. 10, 1859,) is $11.850. The best school- houses in town, are found in Districts numbers two, four, and nine, which cost, respectively, including the land, $3000, S3500, and $500. In the fall of 1858, measures were taken to build a wooden school-house, in District number three, at the Harbor village, which will be com- pleted in 1859, at a total probable cost of $5,000.
Within the past year, the propriety of adopting the " grade system," has been discussed by the two districts at the Harbor village, and it is believed that they will unite as soon as convenience will permit. As it now is, District number three, with its appropriation of $589, is but little more than able to employ a master the year round, while number two, with its 8337, can only have a master for a
hp
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A VIEW OF
part of the year. By uniting the two districts, a male teacher could be engaged, together with several female teachers, and thus have schools the year round, without any being debarred the privilege of attending constantly, as is now the case in the workings of the present imperfect system. The same remarks will apply to Districts num- bers four and eighteen, in Rockport, where the appropria- tion of $633 in the former, and 8258 in the latter, are sufficient to accomplish the same purpose. The willing- ness of two of the above named districts to adopt the grade system, will, undoubtedly, be made apparent, when the accommodations now being provided, shall be completed.
It is a pleasure to mention the fact, in connection with the educational interests of the town, that during the pres- ent season, (1858 and 1859,) young men of intellectual inclinations, have established a lyceum at Rockport, and Camden villages. These literary organizations adopt the same form of exercises of the club which was in success- ful operation at Camden, in the season of 1854-55, (which should have been mentioned before,) or, for example, the same as has been noticed under date of 1840. Such so- cieties, besides being a source of improvement to those who participate in them, are an honor to the community where they exist.
In concluding these sketches, we cannot give a better idea of the growth of the town, during the past sixty years, than by an exhibit of the census covering that period.
Population in 1790, 331; in 1800, 872 ; in 1810, 1607 ; in 1820, 1828; in 1830, 2200; in 1810, 3005; in 1850, 4005 ; present population, (in 1859.) about 5000. Ninety years ago, there was but one habitation within the present limits of the town, while to-day, the number of dwellings is seven hundred.
The increase of population and wealth of the town, has been steady and unflagging, and when its resources, and facilities, shall receive the further attention of developing
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CAMDEN AS IT IS.
enterprise, it will assume the prominent position its situa- tion and advantages entitle it to. And as a place of resi- dence, or resort, the healthfulness of the locality, and the rarely excelled beauty of the scenery, makes it one of the most desirable in New England. And, in order to make the town ever attractive, we should, as a community, discountenance every thing that is baneful to society, by sustaining the teachings of morality, and upholding the precepts of christianity.
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BUSINESS REGISTER,
SHOWING THE OCCUPATIONS OF THOSE DOING BUSINESS IN TOWN, IN THE SPRING OF 1859.
[Owing to the large number engaged in agricultural and nautical pursuits, our limited space here compels us to omit them.]
CAMDEN VILLAGE.
Agricultural Implements, dealers in, -A. D. & E. D. Mansfield.
Apothecaries, -Jos. H. Estabrook, Edwin C. Fletcher.
Ambrotypist, - Albert M. Anderson.
Attorneys and Counselors at Law, -Smart & Simonton. Bakers, - Horton & Alden.
Beef and general Provision dealers, - Carleton, Clark & Co., Norwood & Green.
Blacksmiths, -Samuel Chase, Geo. Kaler, A. D. & E. D. Mansfield, Harrison Richardson, Russell & Andrews, Abel D. Tyler.
Block Manufactory, - Horatio Alden & Co.
Books, Stationery, Medicines and Fancy Goods, dealer in, Wm. Merriam.
Boot and Shoe Manufacturers, -Jabez Ames, Samuel Bragden, Greenlow & Woodsom, Chas. F. Hosmer.
Botanic Medicines, -Mrs. L. H. G. Rawson.
Brick Maker, -W. T. Collins.
Cabinet Maker and Sexton, -Geo. W. Cobb.
Carpenters, Master Ship, -Thos. C. Bartlett, Thos. B. Hodgman, Jos. Stetson.
Carver, -Jere. C. Cushing.
Caulkers, -Edmund Barnes, Archibald Buchanan, Alex. Buchanan.
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BUSINESS REGISTER. 259
Cooper, - Isaiah Barbour.
Dentist, -John F. Lord.
Deputy Sheriff, -Geo. W. Simonton.
Dry Goods and Carpetings, dealer in, -Geo. L. Fol- lansbee.
Express Agents, -Jno. W. K. Norwood, E. M. Wood.
Fish Market, -John Ames.
Fish Curer and Inspector, -David L. Fernald.
Furniture Dealer, -Chas. F. Hobbs.
Grocers, Provisions, Ship Chandlery, and Fishermen's Outfits, dealers in .- S. G. Adams & Sons, N. B. & S. A. Jones.
Grist-mills, -Alden and others, Nathan Pierce, James Richards.
Hair Dressers, - Fred'k E. Foist, Albert Lovell.
Harness and Trunk Shop, -S. Hunt & Sons.
Hotel Keepers,- Erastus N. Pendleton, Mountain House ; Geo. W. Simonton, Megunticook House.
Insurance Agents, -J. W. K. Norwood; E. M. Wood, Fire and Marine.
Iron Foundry, -Henry Knight, D. Knowlton & Co.
Joiners, Ship and House, -Isaac B. Bartlett, J. C. Cushing, Robt. Davis, Geo. W. B. McDonald, George W. Glover, Nath'l L. Josselyn, Geo. Lamb, Joseph G. Mirick, Joseph Perry, Daniel Richards, Benj. F. Tyler, Sylvanus Young.
Lime Manufacturers, -S. G. Adams & Sons, W. G. Barrett, N. C. Fletcher, N. B. & S. A. Jones, Joseph C. Stetson.
Livery Stable, -James W. Clark, Wm. A. L. Rawson, Josiah S. Hobbs.
Lumber Dealers, -S. Hunt & Sons.
Machine Shop. - David Knowlton & Co.
Masons, -Fred'k Conway, Hollis M. Lamb, Andrew Mckellar.
Marble Worker, -Andrew E. Clark.
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BUSINESS REGISTER.
Merchant Tailors, -E. C. Daniels, Wm. Pulvermann, Paul Stevens.
Millinery, Dry and Fancy Goods, dealers in, - Mrs. Olive A. Blaisdell, Miss Mary F. Cleaveland, Mrs. Sarah Fowler, Mrs. Augusta W. Hobbs.
Mutual Store, -Harvey H. Cleaveland.
Notaries Public, -Hiram Bass, N. C. Fletcher, E. M. Wood.
Oakum Factory, - Horatio Alden.
Physicians, -Jos. H. Estabrook, Theo. L. Estabrook, Jona. Huse.
Painters and Glaziers, -G. C. Andrews, Sewall Conant.
Penmanship Teacher, -Silas C. Thomas.
Powder Mills, -Bisbee, Marble & Co.
Plug and Wedge Mill, - Amasa Gould.
Refreshments, -Timo. Fernald, Vinal R. Perkins, Isaac Thomas, Silas C. Thomas.
Rigger, - Nicholas Berry.
Sail Makers, - Berry & Philbrook.
Sash, Blind, and Door Factory, -Perry & Wood.
Saw Mills, -H. Alden and others, Jas. Richards.
Stare Mill, - Augustus Thomas.
Steamboat Agents, - N. B. & S. A. Jones, E. M. Wood. Tanners and Curriers, -Thorndike, Scott & Co.
Telegraph Operator, -J. H. Estabrook.
Tin Plate Workers, and dealers in Stoves and Tin Wares, -Elijah Hardin, Henry Knight, Moses L. Parker. Truckmen, - Wm. W. Currier, Joel P. Duffy.
Water Pipe Manufacturer and Loyer, - Geo. Collins. Watch Maker and Jeweller, and dealer in Watches, Clocks, Jewelry and Fancy Goods, -John L. Locke.
Wheelwrights, - Alex. Farrar, Bezealor Knight.
W. I. Goods, Groceries and Provisions, dealers in, - Jno. H. Curtis, Eph'm F. Howe, Jas. Perry, silas Piper, jr. Jas. Seward, Jos. C. Stetson, Jos. Stockbridge.
jan
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261
BUSINESS REGISTER.
ROCKPORT.
Apothecary. - H. B. Eaton.
Attorney and Counselor at Law, Notary Public and In- surance Agent, -Nath'l T. Talbot.
Blacksmiths, - Ferd. Hanson, George Sidelinger, Wm. Woltz.
Books, Stationery and Fancy Goods, dealer in, -C. M. Knight.
Boot and Shoe Manufacturers, -Joel L. Martin, Ezra Merriam.
Cabinet and Ship Wheel Manufacturer, -R. A. Rice.
Carpenters. Master Ship. - Albert Eells, Jno. N. Farn- ham, Sanford Libby, Jno. Pascal.
Caulkers, -Chas. C. Carey, Jonas Merriam.
Dealers in Groceries, W. I. Goods, Hard Ware, Pro- visions, and Ship Chandlery, - Carleton, Norwood & Co., David Talbot.
Dealers in Groceries, W. I. Goods and Provisions, - Andrews & Simonton, C. & E. Barrows, A. S. Eells, Hiram Hartford, Alex. Martin, Merriam & Shepherd.
Harness Maker, -C. M. Knight.
Hotel Keeper, -Jno. D. Rust, Rockport House.
Ice, Lime, and Lumber dealers, -Carlton, Rust & Co.
Lime Manufacturers, -C. & E. Barrows, Carleton & Norwood, Hiram Hartford, Merriam & Shepherd, Abner Miller, Jere. McIntire, Austin Sweatland, David Talbot, Christopher Young.
Joiners, House and Ship, -Jno. W. Achorn, Joseph H. Bowers, Alex. Paschal, Alonzo P. Payson.
Livery Stable. - Jno. D. Rust.
Masons, - Edgar Andrews, Joseph Andrews, Oliver An- drews, Wm. Andrews, Wm. Rollins, Chas. Thorndike.
Millinery and. Fancy Goods, Dealers in, - Misses Champney & Light.
Milliners and Dress Makers, -Harriet N. & Arethusa T. Barrett.
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BUSINESS REGISTER.
Painters and Glaziers, - Benj. V. Sumner, Melvill Sum- ner, C. H. Daily.
Physician, - Hosea B. Eaton. Refreshment Saloon, -J. G. Carver. Sail Maker. - Wm. Washburn.
Ship Builders, -Carleton, Norwood & Co., D. Talbot, Christopher Young.
Ttilor and Droper, -H. H. Bainbridge.
Telegraph Operator, -C. M. Knight.
Tin Plate Worker and dealer in Tin Ware and Stoves, - J. G. Elkins.
Truckmen, - Alphonzo Corthell, Wm. Corthell, James MeLean.
Wheelwright, - Hanson Andrews.
ROCKVILLE.
Blacksmith and Wheelwright, -Stephen Coombs.
Books, Stationery and Medicines, -Alvin R. Hewett.
Boot and Shoe Maker, - Henry Ewell.
Carpenters, House. - Chas. Studley, Henry Ewell.
Cooper Shop, -Stephen Barrows.
Corn, Flour, and Provision dealer, - Otis Wade.
Dry Goods and Provisions, dealer in-Amos Barnes. Grocer, -David Tolman. Sash, Blind and Door Factory, -S. & G. S. Barrows. Stare and Shingle Mill.
Slaughter Houses, -Amos Fisk, Chas. W. Smith. Tanner, - Otis Wade.
WV. I. Goods and Groceries, dealer in, - Elisha Gurney, Albert M. Packard.
WEST-CAMDEN.
Blacksmiths, - Elliot Orberton, William Orberton. Boot and Shoe Maker, -Hanson Ewell. Bedstead Factory. - Edward & Miles Leach. Carpenters, House, - Wm. Achorn, Jas. Blood. Corn, Flour, W. I. Goods, Groceries and Provisions, dealers in. - Robt. W. Messer, Christopher Young.
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BUSINESS REGISTER.
Grist-Mill, -E. & M. Leach.
Hotel Keeper, -Calvin Hemenway.
Lime Manufacturers, -Wm. Andrews, Thos. Hemen- way, Christopher Young.
Painter, -Rufus S. Blackinton.
Sau-Mills, -Estate of Randall Tolman, Jno. Ingraham.
Slaughter House, -- Richardson.
Wheelwright, -Josiah Achorn.
SIMONTON'S CORNER.
Lime Manufacturers, -Jos. Allenwood. Jno. Annis, Jr., J. W. Annis, Jno. Brown, Philip Brown, Jno. W. Buzzel, Jos. W. Coombs, Alex. Harrington, Levi Morton, Ab'm Simonton, Wm. P. Simonton, Samuel Simpson.
Sau-Mill, -Jas. Andrews.
Shingle-Mill, -Jas. Andrews.
Stave-Mills, -Jas. Andrews, Jno. Brown.
PRINCIPAL TOWN OFFICERS FOR YEAR ENDING MARCH, 1859.
Selectmen, - Hiram Bass, Jno. C. Cleaveland, Abel Merriam.
Town Clerk, -Wm. Carleton.
Treasurer, -Jas. Clark.
School Supervisor, -Rev. Edward Freeman.
Representative, -Ephraim K. Smart.
U. S. Revenue Officer, -Geo. B. Moore, Deputy Col- lector.
21*
264
BUSINESS REGISTER.
NAMES OF THOSE WHO HAVE OCCUPIED THE OFFICE OF POST-MASTER IN
CAMDEN.
Wm. Eaton, from 1794 to 1797. Jno. Hathaway, to 1799. Benj. Cushing, to 1830. Jos. Hall, to 1833. John Eager, to 1837. J. Hall, to 1838. E. K. Smart, to 1841. Hiram Bass, to 1845. E. K. Smart, to -. Jona. Huse, to 1849. J. W. K. Norwood, to 1853. B. J. Porter, present Post-master.
ROCKPORT.
Silas Piper, 1st ; Alex. Martin, 2d ; Thos. Spear, 3d ; Alex. Martin, 4th, and present Post-master.
ROCKVILLE.
Alvin R. Hewett, Post-master from the time the office was established, until the present time.
WEST-CAMDEN.
Stephen Barrows, 1st; George Norwood, 2d; Calvin Hemenway, 3d, and present Post-master.
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265
APPENDIX.
Extracts relating to the Twenty Associates, as connected with the ante-plantation history of Camden, copied exactly, errors and all, from the Boston Chronicle, from Monday, Dec. 26, 1768, to Monday, Jan. 2, 1769.
" PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given, that the Proprietors, commonly called the Twenty Associates of the Lincolnshire company, owners of an 100,000 acres of land laying East of St. George's River, did at their meeting, Sept. 6, 1766, levy a tax of 10s on each twentieth or whole share ; and at their meeting, April 13, 1767, levied a further tax of 10s on each twentieth, and at their meeting, Nov. 19, 1767, levied a further tax of 24s on cach twentieth, making on the whole, £5. 4s, lawful money on each twentieth or whole share ; a considerable portion of the above taxes are yet unpaid. This is therefore, to notify the delinquent Pro- prietors, that so much of their interest in the aforesaid lands will be sold by Public Auction as will be necessary for discharging the taxes greeable to the Province Law in six months from the date thereof, unless prevented by pay- ment.
" By order of the Proprietors. "NATH. APPLETON, Prop. Clerk."
"WHEREAS, the Proprietors of a Tract of Land just below St. George's River, commonly called the Twenty Associates of the Lincolnshire company, are owners of several whole shares and parts of shares in common, each
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APPENDIX.
whole share containing upwards of 5000 acres. This is to give public Notice, that one of these whole, viz :- No. 17, originally owned by John Oulton, Esq .; will be sold at public Auction, at the Bunch of Grapes in Boston, on the lith day of Jan. next, between 12 and 1 o'clock, if not sold at private sale before, agreeable to the Proprietors' vote at their meeting 14th instant. For further particulars enquire of
"NATH. APPLETON, Prop. Clerk.
"N. B. The proprietors aforesaid, are now settling a township called Camden, on part of the above said land, situated and measuring six miles on the ocean, and includes two very good harbors, the land is good, well wooded and watered, several fine settlers' lots, containing 120 acres are yet to be given away upon the most reasonable terms of settlement, to any good person inclining to settle in a pleas- ant part of the country, with good neighbors.
" The right and title to these lands are not disputed by any, the settlers performing the proprietors' conditions, are to have a good warrantce deed of their lots. For further particulars enquire as above.
" Dec. 15, 1768."
In a letter recently received from Cyrus Eaton, Esq., we are led to believe that the tradition mentioned on page 53, relating to the town of Hope being thus named by accident, is incorrect, as he says, while once looking over the Knox papers, he found facts which proved that it was thus named by the Twenty Associates intentionally.
Mr. Eaton, in alluding to the mention we make, on page 76, to " Federal Representative," truly says, that, " Though the friends and opponents of the new Constitution soon became distinguished by the terms Federal and Anti- Federal, yet the term ' Federal Representative,' and ' Fed-
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APPENDIX.
eral Government,' were also used in no invidious or party sense in contra-distinction to . State Representatives,' and ' State Governments,' as we still speak of the Federal Con- stitution, &c."
On page 69, we spoke of a law relating to the warning of persons out of town. We have since found that such law was in force in Massachusetts, as early as 1692, and that it was in operation until Feb. 11, 1794.
On pages 20 and 21, we relate a tradition concerning the death of Gen. Waldo. In the fifth volume of the Maine Historical Collections, (issued from the press since such was written.) is Gov. Pownall's private journal of his voy- age from Boston to Penobscot river, in 1759, from which, and the marginal note appended by Jos. Williamson, Esq., of Belfast, we find positive proof that Gen. Waldo did not die while in a boat, but while upon the land.
ERRATA.
On page 22, 11th line from top, read 100,000, instead of 100,100. On page 38, seventh line from bottom, read effected instead of affected.
On page 41, fifteenth line from bottom, read Burton instead of Benton.
On page 63, tenth line from top, read as, in place of a.
On page 127, in marginal note, read circumstance instead of cir- cumstances.
The military troubles mentioned on page 163, belong to the period of 1833, on the 159th page, instead of 1837.
On page 174, make the sentence to read " Also the flag staff," since placed " in front of Dr. Estabrook's office," &c.
On page 195, fourteenth line from top, read ordained in place of installed.
In the marginal note on page 211, read before "the conclusion of the war," instead of "at."
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