USA > Maine > Oxford County > Fryeburg > The centennial celebration of the settlement of Fryeburg, Me., with the historical address > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
.
54
Mr. Osgood accumulated a good pecuniary rustic competency, reared and handsomely educated a numerous and respectable family of children, of which the late Rev. Samuel Osgood, D. D. was one.
In the beginning of 1802 the late Robert Bradley, Esq., removed hither from Concord, N. H., and in company with his brother, John Bradley, opened the first store containing a general assortment of merchandise in this town. Mr. Bradley's vigorous and energetic mind soon awakened capabilities and excited a higher spirit of enterprise in the substantial citizens, than had theretofore been developed by them. The beneficial influences of this excellent man advanced the activities and promoted the wealth of the staid inhabitants.
Fryeburg Academy was first opened for instruction in 1792. The services of Mr. Paul Langdon,* a graduate of Harvard University, of distinguished scholarship, fine intellectual powers and gentlemanly manners, were procured to fulfill the duties of Preceptor. Its duties were discharged with ability and success until the autumn of 1801.
The services of Mr. Daniel Webster, (afterward eminent and honorable DANIEL WEBSTER,) then a recent graduate of Dartmouth College, were engaged to supply the place of Mr. Langdon ; but the powers of his gigantic mind could be restrained within so limited a sphere of action only for the short period of three academic terms.
The intrinsic worth of Mr. Langdon as a school teacher, began to be developed and the loss of it deplored, soon after his removal from the school. The late Hon. Benjamin Orr and Hon. Samuel A. Bradley had been of the number of his early pupils, and were caused by him so to study as to arouse every intellectual faculty that either of them possessed. to exert its highest power. The profoundness, skill and ele vated attainments of these gentlemen in their subsequent lives, conferred honor upon the institution in which they received their elementary education, as well as upon its devoted teacher.
* A Grammar School had been under his charge for a year or two previous.
N
55
In this connection we produce a roll of honor, that has long dignified the town of Fryeburg and her noble Academy. On this roll we find inscribed, in addition to the names already mentioned, others distinguished in all of the learned profes- sions, in the halls of Congress and in eminent positions of political life. William Barrows, through a brief period, gave promise of lofty eminence as a jurist, but the Sovereign of the Universe very soon advanced him to higher glory in a better world. Hon. Albion K. Parris was clothed, through his whole lifetime, with robes of highest honor, in almost every depart- ment of office known under our form of government. Among jurists of Maine, few men have attained to equal eminence with the venerable Gen. Samuel Fessenden, and no one may justly claim a higher rank. Rev. Samuel Osgood, D. D., was cotemporary with Gen. Fessenden for years; and for useful- ness in the holy department of the gospel ministry, may well be esteemed a pattern man for clergymen now entering upon the duties of that holy office. Eminent gentlemen of more recent date are better known to you than myself. Surely I need not mention the numerous family of Fessenden, Hon. Samuel Bradley, the large and honorable family of Goodenow, Hon. Judge Howard, Gov. Dana, &c., &c.
I had almost forgotten to say that from 1801 to 1805, both inclusive, the unmarried portion of the population of Frye- burg, with a small sprinkling from Conway, constituted the most fraternal, joyous, democratic, fun-loving, but innocent associates that I have ever known. Of the number referred to was the Hon. DANIEL WEBSTER, Preceptor of the Academy, J. Farnham, a saddler, a young lawyer who for the present shall be nameless, Joshua Durgin, a tanner, with numerous other persons of botlı sexes, of just such congenial temper- aments and characteristics. Not unfrequently the spirit would move some of these good gentlemen and ladies to have a ball. Notice of the intended assembly would be given by some individual to another, and by him extended until all hands were informed of the good time. In two or three hours Mr. Osgood's hall in the third story of his house, was lighted up
56
with candles, and the smiling faces soon began to exhibit themselves. By the time that shaking of hands, and the saying of how-d'-ye-do had been attended to, (and it did not take a long time to do it,) Farrington, the fiddler, who lived in the house subsequently owned by Dr. Griswold, made his appearance. Now came off the dance-and a good one, a cheerful one, a happy one, and an unceremonious one it would be. All was over and past in good season, and with just as little ceremony as the party was got up, it was dis- solved. Each person returned quietly to his own home.
Such was Fryeburg at the commencement of the present century.
May its honor, its distinguished usefulness, its prosperity and the happiness of its virtuous inhabitants, forever continue and increase.
With a high sense of the kindness and favor done me by the good people of Fryeburg, by extending to me an invitation to attend the celebration of their centennial settlement of the town,
I am their Friend and Servant,
JACOB MCGAW.
WORCESTER, AUGUST 15, 1863.
REV. SAMUEL SOUTHER. Dear Sir: Since the receipt of your kind note, I have daily intended to seek the pleasure of a personal interview with you, but I have now to regret, that the ill state of my health, and the exhausting heat of the sea- son, will hardly permit me more than to offer you an earnest expression of my grateful sense of the honor of the invitation which you have been pleased to communicate, and my deep regret, that it will not be in my power to participate in the enjoyments of the very interesting occasion which it announces.
It would, indeed, be a joy to me, to visit a place where an honored and beloved Brother received the first welcome of _ generous hearted Strangers, and made the Friends of his early
-- -----
57
manhood ;- where the labors of his professional life met their first rewards, and the aspirations of a noble ambition for use- fulness and honorable distinction a cheering encouragement. It would be with no ordinary emotion, that I should view for the first time, the local scenery of magnificent grandeur, which he so loved to contemplate, and scan the landscapes of romantic and surpassing beauty, which he delighted to de- scribe. Nature, in her most attractive features, and the People of Fryeburg, in their unobtrusive and abounding vir- tues, fixed his affections and his residence in Maine, and he freely gave, with no divided purpose, the best thoughts of a cultivated mind, and the devoted labors of a patriotic life to the service of the State. And richly, was this full measure of duty repaid, in the repeated expressions of public confi- dence which he received, and by that last most impressive testimonial to his character and memory, so grateful to the hearts of his kindred and friends, the appropriate and taste- ful monument on the banks of the peaceful Kennebec, whichi now marks the resting place of his mortal remains.
Nor is the State of Maine without interest to me, in many personal relations. Before the separation from Massachusetts, I had participated in the legislation which was the common obligation of the people of the component parts of the old Commonwealth, and, in some humble degree, aided in the passage of the act which gave effect to that measure ;- and after the separation, it was my privilege to be an Associate on the Commission for the division of the public lands, between the States. In the subsequent controversy with great Britain concerning the North Eastern Boundary, the rights of prop- erty and of sovereignty, so nobly asserted by the Governor of Maine were made of like concern to Massachusetts, and her Executive did not hesitate in strenuous co-operation for their vindication and maintenance. And now, in these evil days of trial and of great peril to the nation, it is with inexpressi- ble satisfaction I cherish the consideration, that a Son, in command of a Regiment in the Army of the Potomac, may have derived much of the inspiration of patriotism and his 8
-
58
training for duty, from instruction in the Academic halls of Bowdoin.
All honor to the State of Maine, liberal and enlightened in her government,-brave and loyal and patriotic in her people. ' All honor to her returning soldiers, who, by their heroism, have won the meed of true valor ; and to her outgoing hosts who will help to purge the land of rebellion, and restore a distracted and bleeding country to peace, prosperity and union! May the occasion which you are called to celebrate, be full of congratulatory remembrances in the history of the past, and of solemn resolutions and inflexible purpose, that the civil privileges and social blessings, which are the enjoy- ment of the present, shall remain unimpaired, to be forever the inheritance of the future.
With sentiments of great respect,
Your obd't, and obliged servant,
LEVI LINCOLN.
The following letter from Hon. N. S. Benton, son of Dr. Benton, and for many years in the Treasury Department of the State of New York, was received with great interest.
ALBANY, AUG. 11, 1863.
GENTLEMEN: I have received your kind letter inviting my attendance on the 20th instant, at the celebration of " the Centennial Anniversary of the settlement of Fryeburg."
I need not say to you, gentlemen, how gratifying it would be to me to embrace this opportunity of visiting, after fifty years of permanent absence, a place so long' endeared to me by kind and generous solicitudes as it was my lot to experience at Fryeburg and Fryeburg Academy, while endeavoring to master the " Situation," which it was the purpose of my life when young, to attain if I could.
My engagements here will prevent my acceptance of your very flattering invitation, and no one, it seems to me, can feel more keenly than myself, the disappointment this announce- ment gives.
59
Having been a member of your Institution under the instruction of Webster, Cook and Barrows, may I not justly lay claim to be one of the surviving ancients who have mem- ories to indulge and aspirations to gratify ? Be assured, gentlemen, of my cordial thanks for your kindness, and I trust the " festivities of the occasion " will be all that you can hope for or wislı.
Most respectfully yours, N. S. BENTON.
Messrs, DAVID B. SEWALL, HENRY HYDE SMITH, ISRAEL B. BRADLEY, Committee, &c.
The following regular sentiments were then read by Hon. George B. Barrows :-
The early Clergy of Pequawket-They feared God but dis- missed all other fear .*
Our Centennial Anniversary-While we recur to pleasing recollections and indulge in refreshing remembrances of the past, let us also crowd the hour with rational enjoyment of the present.
The Pequawkets-We are very sure that their history and historian will both be True.
Dr. True of Bethel, responded as follows :-
Mr. President,-It was intimated to me a few minutes ago that I must respond to the sentiment just proposed. This takes me by surprise, because I had regarded the day as one belonging exclusively to the sons and daughters of Fryeburg.
I have come to attend this celebration all the way from Sudbury-Canada, in the "Scoggin " country, to Pigwacket,
* Every one must have felt how appropriately one of our most gifted and honored sons of Fryeburg, Rev. J. P. Fessenden, would have responded to this sentiment. But from his fearless, uncompromising ministry of the word, he has gone to his reward.
60
near the very path the first settlers passed through Fryeburg by spotted trees to what is now Bethel.
We have always regarded Fryeburg as our elder sister, and although we think the younger one the more beautiful now, yet the elder still wears a comely and attractive aspect.
To me Fryeburg was always classic ground. In my early boyhood I heard that there was an Academy in Fryeburg long before I ever saw one. This rendered it a sacred spot to me. While yet quite a young man, I received a box of minerals from your Preceptor Cook, which did much to increase my own knowledge in the science of mineralogy, while he was long before an industrious pioneer in this beautiful science. His Student's Companion enabled me to hold many a contro- versy with the district school-master on English Grammar.
Sudbury-Canada, was granted to a company of soldiers in Sudbury, Mass., in 1768. The first grist mill and dwelling house were built in 1774. The first family that wintered there was Samuel Ingalls', in 1776. He afterwards removed to Fryeburg. Forty-four revolutionary soldiers settled in Bethel.
The relations between Fryeburg and Bethel were much more intimate in their early history than at present. Fryeburg was the resting place for the pioneers on their way from Mas- sachusetts and New Hampshire, and Sudbury-Canada was largely indebted to Fryeburg for favors. So far as I can learn, the first minister that ever visited Bethel was the Rev. Mr. Fessenden of Fryeburg. He assisted also in settling the first minister in 1799. The first magistrate in town was from Fryeburg,-Benjamin Russell. The first lawyer, William Frye, a grandson of Gen. Joseph Frye, was from Fryeburg. One of the physicians, now residing in Bethel, was from Frye- burg, who in nearly a third of a century has done nothing but ride and visit the sick, and, I suppose, will continue to do so till he dies. The first school-mistress of whom I have any account, was Sally, daughter of Rev. William Fessenden of Fryeburg. She taught in the summer of 1792. The first company of soldiers in town was from Fryeburg, under Capt.
)
61
Stephen Farrington. When the Indians attacked the town in Aug., 1781, John Grover, grand-father of Gen. Cuvier Grover, went on foot to Fryeburg, and in a few hours twenty-three men were ready to start for Bethel in pursuit of the Indians. The next year a company from Fryeburg was stationed at Bethel in garrison, under Stephen Farrington who received the commission of Lieutenant. The only level spot in town for the company drill, was on a little plank bridge across the brook near the grist mill at Bethel Hill. Lieut. Farrington was much respected by the early settlers, though I cannot for- bear relating an anecdote of him. He sent out two brothers by the name of Swan, as a scouting party to watch the Indians, but the rich furs in the vicinity were more attractive to them than hunting for Indians, so they caught and lined their camp with the most valuable furs. Lieut Farrington finding it out, threatened to bring them into the garrison, but they compromised the matter by promising him one half the proceeds. It is worthy of note that this was probably the last company ever raised in New England for watching the Indians.
The Indians frequently visited Bethel from Fryeburg. The names of Sabattis, Capt. Swarson, Mollocket, and others, were well known to the first settlers. Mollocket was the last of the Pigwacket tribe, and died in Andover, Me., Aug. 2nd, 1816.
Among the necessities and expedients to which our early settlers were subjected, I might mention one incident. When they brought their cows here, they pastured them on the old Indian corn fields where the wild onion grew. This affected their milk so as to render it unfit for use. To remedy this, the inhabitants would eat a raw onion before using the milk, and in this way got rid of the disagreeable taste.
But I am trespassing on your time, yet I wish to show you a token of respect made to Gen. Joseph Frye, the founder of your town. It is in the possession of his great-grandson, Joseph Frye of Bethel. It is a tankard of solid silver, on which is the following inscription together with the family coat of arms.
-
62
To JOSEPH FRYE Esq
Colonel and Commander in Chief of the Forces in the Service of the Province of the Massa Bay, and late Major of the 2nd Battalion of General Shirley's Provincial Regiment,
THIS TANKARD
From a Juft Sence of his Care and Conduct of the Troops while under his Command at Nova Scotia, and a proper Refentment of his Paternal Regard for them Since their Return to New England, Is Presented By His Moft Humble Servants, The Officers of Sd Battalion.
Bofton, April 20, 1757.
I have also a memento of Mollocket. It is a pocket book made by her and presented to Capt. Eli Twitchell of Bethel, about eighty-five years ago.
Bethel extends a greeting to her elder sister, fully acknowl- edging all the favors received from her in the past, and doubts not, that when a railroad shall pass up the Saco valley and reach Fryeburg, as sooner or later it will, she will be so rejuvenated as to be as attractive as her younger companion.
The Toasts were then resumed :
The memory of Fellows, McIntire, Austin, Walker, Richard- son, Stanly, Andrews, Powers, Hobbs and Webster-They have experienced how sweet and beautiful it is to die for the Fatherland. When the war is over, let us remember them in granite .*
The memory of our loved townsman, Capt. John Page, who fell at Palo Alto. We believe in good blood,-the mantle of the sire rests upon the sons. One fights in the army of the Potomac, and the other has won his spurs as one of Fremont's body guard, in the brilliant charge at Springfield. He is with us to-day.
*See Appendix E.
·
63
The honored Governor of the old Bay State-A son of Maine, a grandson of Fryeburg. We are not ashamed of our boys.
Gov. Andrew being loudly called for, and received with enthusiasm, commenced, in response, by touching allusions to his mother, and her influence in developing and shaping his character. fle returned thanks to the many venerable citi- zens who had, during this his first visit to Fryeburg, expressed their affection for her during her residence here.
He extolled the scenery of the valley,-girt about and guarded by the everlasting hills, combining loveliness and grandeur in no common degree. Passing to consider the state of our country, his remarks were interrupted by rain which had been threatening among the mountains for near an hour. The audience scattered in most picturesque style down the slope of Pine Hill, and through the street to the church, which, in a few minutes, was filled to its utmost capacity, while hundreds could not gain admittance. Here, for an hour and a half, Gov. Andrew pressed the great theme of our country's position, needs and glorious prospects, showing most conclusively, that through the bloody ordeal of battle, God was establishing righteousness in the land, overthrowing gigantic wrong, and breaking forever the rod of the oppressor.
Alluding to a disposition on the part of some, to compro- mise and yield to the claims of those in rebellion, he said it might be done when from out their bloody graves our thou- sands of noble sons and brothers fallen in the shock of battle, should start again to life. Till then the stern duty of sub- duing traitors in arms should be gladly accepted by every patriot heart.
It is greatly to be regretted that a verbatim report of the Governor's admirable address could not be secured. No ab- stract, however full, can do justice to the fervor and eloquence of its appeals, or the withering sarcasm, and burning indigna- tion of its denunciations. It was instinct with the patriotism that has marked the Governor's career as chief magistrate of
64
the Bay State, and so justly endeared him to every loyal heart. .
The Flag of our Country-Consecrated by a new baptism, may its folds ever float over the land of the free and the home of the brave.
The Pilgrim Fathers-They believed in churches, schools and men who carry muskets. God forbid that their descend- ants should ever wander from such a confession of faith.
The valley of the Saco :-
" Shallow and deep by turns and swift and slow There we behold the winding Saco flow."
From Gov. E. Lincoln's " Village."
Fryeburg, a small part but still a part of the original Union, we do not intend to go out of the partnership this year.
Our returned sons and daughters-Strangers they may be in our houses, they can never be in our hearts.
Enoch W. Evans, Esq., of Chicago, Ill., responded in a most eloquent speech. He had brought back from a twenty years' absence at the west, a heart still beating warmly with love for his native valley.' The memories of his childhood, would live ever in his mind. He was proud of Maine, and most of all he honored her patriotic devotion in this hour of the country's peril. Never should he forget the thrill which pervaded a vast assembly in the city of his residence, some weeks since, at the announcement that Maine's quota, under the call of the President, was full. Most emphatically would he repudiate the idea of New England being " left out in the cold," by the great and generous west. They were bound together by too many ties of kindred, and of interest. We were one country, and one country we were ever to remain.
A motion to adjourn for one hundred years, was modified so as to recommend an observance of the legal birthday of the town in 1877.
A Committee was chosen to secure a copy of the Address for publication.
65
At a late hour of the afternoon, the exercises closed by singing the following original ode :-
ODE.
AMERICA.
Dear Fryeburg, fair art thou ! Time writes upon thy brow No furrows deep; Far in thy summer skies
Thy glorious mountains rise, And clouds of thousand dyes Around them sleep.
Serene thy rivers flow Through valleys green and low, With fringe of elm ; The shadows lightly play, And all is bright and gay, As in thine early day In Nature's realm.
Still rolls thy blue lake on, Amid the forest lone, As long ago ; When wild the war-whoop rung The dark pine shades among, And from his cover sprung The savage foc.
Gone are the valiant band That fought with heart and hand On that dread morn- Yet in their children brave Their spirit strong to save, That dies not in the grave Anew is born.
1
And those that earliest trod Thy green and virgin sod, The fair and strong- A hundred gliding years Have stilled the hopes and fears, And quenched in dust the tears Of that loved throng.
9
66
Yet while their dust remains Thick strewn upon thy plains, Thy plains we love; Thine " everlasting hills," Thy shadowy streams and rills, While warm the life blood thrills, Our hearts shall move.
Levee at Academy Hall.
In the evening the Webster Association of Fryeburg Acad- emy held a Levee at the Academy IIall, beautifully decorated with mottoes appropriate to the occasion. Some three or four hundred participated in the festivities. Interspersed with music from the Band were short speeches in response to the following sentiments :
The Trustees of Fryeburg Academy-May their labor of Love be done wisely and well. REV. D. B. SEWALL.
The Memory of Webster-It still lives.
Our Volunteer Soldiers-They have gained imperishable honor on the battle fields of the war; their heroic deeds and noble valor have rendered their names and memory sacred ; they are engaged in the noblest contest the ages ever saw.
S. R. CROCKER, EsQ.
The Alumni and the Alumna-One and indivisible.
Intelligent Patriotism-Our need and our glory.
The Old Bay State and the Pine Tree State-Mother and Daughter-each delights to honor the " Sons of Maine."
REV. SAMUEL SOUTHER.
Our Sister Institutions-The cause, one; our hearts, one. DR. N. T. TRUE.
68
The Preceptors of Fryeburg Academy-To these classic halls a cordial welcome always awaits them.
A. RICHARDSON, A. M.
The Loved and the Lost-Their memories are ever fresh and fragrant.
Our New Piano-May its keys be taught to send forth only the " concord of sweet sounds."
Music by MISS NELLIE A. BARROWS.
The Ladies-God bless them-they are a " joy forever."
The Band-" Music hath charms." YANKEE DOODLE.
With delightful, social intercourse, a generous banquet, music and song, the hours of the evening passed rapidly away, till at a late hour, all united in the old Song of " Home, Sweet Home," which terminated these most deeply interesting exercises of Fryeburg's Centennial.
1
APPENDIX.
A
The division of the territory of Fryeburg among the pro- prietors was, as usual, a vexed question for many years. No less than five different attempts were made to equalize the different lots before the close of 1797, and even so late as 1821, a sixth division was ordered of the odds and ends, or " scraps of land " still owned in common. Hence a plan of Fryeburg presents a most curious medley of lots with great diversities of size and shape, and when colored so as to dis- tinguish the several divisions, appears as if designed to illus- trate the various geological formations.
No wonder that Fryeburg abounded in skillful surveyors. They must have had any amount of practice in establishing such combinations of lines. The subject is so fully and com- pactly presented in the following paper, that it is inserted entire. Its preparation is due to the generous interest of Dr. I. B. Bradley.
FROM THE PROPRIETORS' RECORDS OF THE TOWN- SHIP OF FRYEBURG.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.