USA > Maine > Kennebec County > Waterville > The centennial history of Waterville, Kennebec County, Maine, including the oration, the historical address and the poem presented at the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the incorporation of the town, June 23d, 1902 > Part 7
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The murder of Elijah Parish Lovejoy at Alton, Ill., November 7, 1837, by a pro-slavery mob, greatly moved the citizens of Waterville. Lovejoy was graduated with honor in the class of '26 at Waterville College and had shown great ability and patriotism. He was the first martyr of the college in the cause of civil liberty.
So decided was the sentiment of the town on the subject of liquor selling,2 that the Washingtonian temperance movement
1. The members of the company in 1839 were: Sam'l Appleton, Joseph Hasty, Joseph O. Pearson, William Getchell, Jr., James Pearson, Geo. Wentworth, John A. Rhodes, Isaac W. Wheeler, Jonathan Stanley, Llewellyn E. Crommett, David Shorey, Joseph Percival, Ruel Howard, Jr., Arthur Blish, James Hasty, Jr., Walter Getchell, B. K. Scribner, Eben Freeman, William G. Penney, Eliphalet Gilman, Elisha Howard, Sumner Percival, William Golder, Otis Getchell, William H. Pearson, Silas Getchell, Charles H. Thayer, Philander Soule, Estes W. French, Jarvis Barney. Moses Getchell, Dr. N. R. Boutelle, James S. Read, Wadsworth Chipman, Lewis Purrington, Edward H. Piper, Hiram P. Cousins, Orea Doolittle, Daniel Golder, C. K. White, Geo. H. Esty, Joseph Nudd, S. S. Parker, H. H. Eames, Joseph C. Whitman, Eldridge Getchell, S. T. Williams, Aaron Healy, W. H. Blair, Oliver Paine, N. Gilman, Jr., Albert Balcom, C. F. Gilman.
2. "At a meeting of the licensing board Sept. 8, 1840, it was Resolved by the selectmen, treasurer and town clerk of the town of Waterville, that the opinions of the inhabitants of said town heretofore expressed in the instructions to the licensing board by vote passed Mar. 13, 1837, are in the opinion of this board en- titled to the highest respect as having their foundations in a just regard for the best interests of the people of this town and for the happiness and well-being of society. Resolved, therefore, that this board do not deem it necessary or consis- tent with the public good to license any persons within said town to be sellers of Wine, Brandy, Rum or any other strong drinks by retail, and that no license for
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HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
found ready supporters here and the Watervillonian informs us that "alcohol reels and staggers worse than ever." The town was slowly growing through the employment of its water power. The Fairbanks establishment was sending out great quantities of its ploughs and the lumber business was increased by the erection by Col. Redington of a double sawmill at the excavation made by the rush of water in 1839.
Ralph Waldo Emerson visited Waterville to deliver his address on "The Method of Nature" before the Society of the Adelphi in the College, August II, 1841. He said that he was heard "with cold, silent, unresponsive attention in which there seemed to be a continuous, unuttered rebuke and protest."1
The contest for the office of representative in the legislature for 1842 was not without interest. Nine town meetings were held before a choice was made. Moses Hanscom, William Dorr, and Wyman B. S. Moor were in the contest. Mr. Moor from start to finish but at the finish, by the ninth ballot of the ninth meeting, Timothy Boutelle was elected. The same year the old east meeting house was moved back and fitted up for a town hall.
In 1843 Dearborn Plantation (Smithfield) was annexed to Waterville in spite of the protests and votes of this town. It was purely a political move intended to give a majority to the Demo- cratic party.
A night watch of fourteen men to serve two each night in order was appointed January 22, 1847. The same year a com- mittee of fifteen was chosen to prosecute violators of the liquor law.2 The early newspapers of Waterville had finished their brief existence and on July 22, 1847, the first number of the Eastern Mail, which became the Waterville Mail was issued. Ephraim Maxham was the editor. Maxham and Drummond
that purpose shall be granted by this board. Voted that the town clerk be directed to enter the foregoing resolutions in the records of the town. Present, Samuel Appleton, Samuel Doolittle, Selectmen, James Stackpole, Jr., Treasurer, and Augustine Perkins, Town Clerk.
1. Emerson arrived in Waterville by stage late at ;night and thoroughly tired. As there was doubt where he was to pass the night, the stage driver visited several houses and awakened their inmates by loud rapping only to find that the right place had not been found. At last both shelter and welcome were secured.
2. The Committee, Johnson Williams, John R. Philbrick, Moses Hanscom, William Golder, Enoch Merrill, Samuel Redington, Joseph Hill, Samuel Scam - mon, Rufus Nason, George W. Pressey, Cyrus Wheeler, Eusebius Heald, John Cornforth, William Lewis and Jonathan Higgins.
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HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
the printers. Daniel R. Wing was connected with the paper from the start. This paper has been largely influential in the life of the town. Conservative in its early days it has become progressive in the best sense, being quick to see and to urge what- ever will contribute to the good of the city. Its editors have been men of character and responsibility and in bringing to pass much that is included in the present prosperity of the city the Waterville Mail has had large share.1 The difficulties under which it started may be argued from the fact that it took three weeks to get news from the Mexican War then in progress. Its service in the matter of the Centennial has been of the highest order.
September 30, 1847, occurred the first and only murder in the entire history of Waterville. Next morning the body of Edward Mathews, son of Simeon Mathews and brother of William Mathews was found in the cellar under what was then Shorey's clothing store, now Learned & Brown's shop. There were no marks of violence upon the body but as demonstrated by Prof. J. R. Loomis of the College, Mr. Mathews had come to his death by poison, a dose of prussic acid having been given to him. The crime was soon fastened upon Dr. Valorous P. Coolidge, a very successful young physician of the town into whose room at the Williams House Mathews had gone on the evening of the murder. On account of the circumstances and the high position of the parties involved great interest was awakened. The trial occurred in Augusta in March, 1848. The government was represented by Samuel H. Blake, Attorney-General, and Lot M. Morrill, Hon. Geo. Evans and Edwin Noyes, Esq., conducted the defense in an exceedingly able manner. The jury after being out twenty-four hours rendered a verdict of guilty.
Whether Waterville or Augusta should be the terminus of the Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad, which by the charter of 1845 was authorized to touch the Kennebec at any point between the north line of Waterville and the south line of Hallowell, was a burning question. Great interests and powerful men favored
1. The paper has rendered valuable service in gathering and preserving his- torical and biographical matter, a very large amount of which it has published. Prof. Asa L. Lane has carefully examined the file of the Mail owned by Mrs Wing, who kindly allowed its use, and has gathered a vast amount of interesting matter which has been freely used in the preparation of this volume. EDS.
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HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Augusta. A mass meeting was called at which Timothy Boutelle, Samuel Taylor and Prof. Champlin made addresses. The classical scholar made a great speech and the men of affairs were quickly engaged in the acts which determined that Water- ville and not Augusta should be the great railroad center of Maine.1 When on July 4, 1848, the annual meeting of the stock- holders of the A. & K. R. R. was held in the town hall, five of the directors chosen were Waterville men. Timothy Boutelle, President ; Jediah Morrill, John Ware, Reuben B. Dunn, W. B. S. Moor. A petition to unite with Waterville that portion of Winslow lying between the Kennebec and the Sebasticook shared the fate now historic of its successors.
The year 1849 saw the practical end of river travel. The A. & K. Railroad was completed and passengers and freight found a new way of entrance.
The commencement of '49 was notable for the oration by Theodore Parker, the poems by S. F. Smith and John G. Saxe and the oration for the master's degree by Josiah Hayden Drum- mond of Winslow. Mr. Drummond's subject was "Physical Astronomy."
November 27, 1849, the Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad was finished to Waterville and a grand stockholders' meeting was held in celebration of the event. The first train ever to leave Waterville went down to Readfield to meet the Portland train. On the return it was greeted with thunder of cannon, ringing of bells and the cheers of citizens. The banquet was held in the freight house, which was thronged with people. Prayer was offered by Dr. Sheldon and addresses were made by Hon.
1. A railroad song by Silas Redington was sung at an exhibition of the Liberal Institute Feb. 23, 1847. Tune, "Old Dan Tucker. The first stanza was :
We've beat the bush and caught the bird, Now onward, forward is the word, By opposition strong assailed, That opposition now has failed.
Chorus. Then clear the track the engine's coming, In forty nine you'll hear it humming.
Last verse. Now ply the spade and ply the shovel, And bow the hilltops to a level ; Fill up the valley, bridge the stream, And then bring on your iron team.
Chorus. Now clear the track for Androscoggin, The steam is up and we'll be joggin.
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HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Timothy Boutelle, Judge Preble of Portland, W. B. S. Moor of Bangor, then holding the office of United States senator ; Lot M. Morrill and several others. In the evening the floor was cleared for a dance which ended the hearty celebration of a very signifi- cant day.
The "great fire" of 1849 swept the business section of the town, about the wharves and mills. The Moors were the heaviest losers.
The grocers may be interested in the fact that the delivering of groceries was introduced this year by E. L. Smith as "Smith's Accommodation Grocery Express." A milk route was estab- lished by Mr. Hayward of Winslow.
The year 1850 saw the opening of the Elmwood Hotel under the management of Seavey and Williams. The old taverns from the Jackins Tavern of 1795 down, presided over by such genial landlords as Daniel Fairfield, Col. Mathews, Major Bolcom, William Dorr, Joseph Freeman, Levi Dow, Elisha Howard. Deacon Abial P. Follansbee who, on the site of the Elmwood and afterward in the house now the residence of W. M. True, kept a "Temperance Hotel," Cyrus Williams and others had satisfac- torily met the demands of the time. Something on a larger scale became desirable with the growing importance of the town. This was secured and has been maintained by the Elmwood. After its destruction by fire it was rebuilt in 1878 and has been frequently improved until its enlargement during the present year. It has furnished a pleasant home to its many city board- ers, a fine headquarters for convention delegates, a worthy place of entertainment for commencement dignitaries, and the scene of many festal occasions when clubs and college societies have celebrated after their fashion.
The landlords of the Elmwood have been: A. D. Seavey, Dr. Fitzgerald, James Osborne, Eben Murch and for the last twelve years Henry E. Judkins to whom its increased efficiency is due.
March 10, 1851, Samuel Appleton and Isaiah Marston were appointed a committee to purchase a farm and buildings for a poorhouse establishment, not to exceed $3,000 in cost.
June I, 1851, saw the dedication of Pine Grove Cemetery. The earliest place of burial in the town was the high ground
WATERVILLE IN 1855.
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HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
lying south of Western Avenue near the water works and bordered on three sides by the Messalonskee. Here the McKechnies, Toziers and about forty of the early inhabitants of the town were buried. No stones have marked their resting place, within the memory of present citizens, but the writer has found on the spot pieces of the flat stone usually employed in early times to mark graves. The next cemetery was what is now Monument Park. It early became apparent that this would be entirely inadequate, and after the purchase of Pine Grove the bodies here buried were removed thither and the Soldiers' Monu- ment Association was allowed to place the monument in the center of the park. Pine Grove had been purchased in 1842 but was not prepared for use and dedicated until 1851.1 The church services of Sunday afternoon were suspended. A great throng gathered in the new cemetery whose first open grave received the body of Miss Helena Low. The services were continued by prayer by Dr. Sheldon and addresses by Rev. Mr. Gardner and Prof. J. R. Loomis. An original hymn written by Miss Julia Moor was sung.
The town has been well served by the men who have managed Pine Grove Cemetery. In 1854 Samuel Appleton gave eight acres of land as an addition to the cemetery, this has been increased by purchase and by gift until at present (1902) it includes thirty acres.
The gift in 1883, by Mr. W. H. Arnold, of $5,000 for the use of the cemetery committee has been of great significance, and has made possible the improvements which are of so great satisfac- tion to the citizens. Much credit is due to the cemetery com- mittee on which have served C. R. McFadden, F. E. Heath, E. L. Getchell, N. Meader, W. B. Arnold, Frank Redington and H. B. Snell.
The semi-centennial of Waterville in 1852 was not celebrated, but the 4th of July was observed by a great procession, an oration at the Baptist church by Moses L. Appleton of Bangor, and a
1. June 6, 1842, the town voted that Sam'l Appleton, Joseph Hitchings, F. O. Saunders, Oliver Gardner and Hall Chase be a Com. authorized to purchase of Wm. Pearson eight acres of Land on the Plains for a Burying Ground, paying him two hundred and fifty dollars therefor, he having the right to take off three fourths of the timber standing on the same within one year under their supervision.
.
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HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
collation at the railroad station, when Josiah H. Drummond acted as toastmaster.
The work on the Penobscot & Kennebec Railroad, which was to extend from Waterville to Bangor, began September 27, 1852. It will surprise no one that the building now employed as the high school building dates from the year 1853 and that as it was not constructed for such a purpose it has been unworthily pro- moted entirely out of its proper grade.
In 1854 the fugitive slave, Anthony Burns, was carried by armed force back from Boston into slavery. June 3rd the fol- lowing notice was posted on the trees along the streets of Water- ville.
The Knell of Freedom! !
The undersigned, not doubting the full sympathy of the citi- zens of Waterville in the fate of Burns, recently remanded into slavery in the city of Boston, take the liberty of calling a public meeting in the town hall at 3 o'clock this afternoon to see if they will have the bells tolled in token of their sympathy and also take any other measures in regard to the case.
J. T. Champlin
Moses Hanscom
J. R. Elden
T. Boutelle
J. H. Drummond
F. Kimball
A most emphatic discussion was held and the bells were tolled for an hour.
At the annual town meeting, March 13, 1854, the regular order had been suspended and the Nebraska Resolutions introduced by James Stackpole, Esq., given unanimous passage.1
1. RESOLVED, That the Eighth Section of the Act of Congress by which Missouri was admitted to the Union of North American States, which provided for the exclusion of Slavery forever from that part of the territory ceded to the United States by France, called Louisiana lying north of latitude 36° 30', except said State of Missouri, was in effect and intention a solemn compact between the slave- holding and non-slaveholding States, which cannot be directly or indirectly repealed, abrogated or impaired, by any action of Congress or territorial or State governments, without a gross violation of that good faith between the Slave- holding and Free States, on the preservation of which depends the existence of the Union.
RESOLVED, That the bill now pending for the organization and government of the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, whereby it is proposed to abrogate and repeal the socalled Missouri Compromise, is viewed by the people of this town with deep concern and alarm, as tending to destroy all mutual respect and con- fidence between the members of the Union, and with deep abhorrence as destroy-
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HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
The fire engine, the ever victorious "Waterville 3" arrived March 3rd, 1854, and on July 4th began her career of conquest by capturing a silver trumpet in a contest at Augusta. J. H. Drummond was foreman, W. A. Caffrey, assistant; E. L. Getchell, clerk. This engine won trophies for many years and never failed to receive a prize. In November, 1854 telegraphic communication was established in Waterville. The railroad bridge across the Kennebec, built in 1854, was first used January 19, 1855. A Waterville Library Association was formed in 1854 with Joseph Percival as president.1
The Fourth of July, 1855 was celebrated by a great procession and a banquet. Three fire engines, one of them "the Bloomer" with a company of seventy boys, were in line. Twenty men, and as many ladies on horseback rode forth a vision of strength and beauty. Floral cars and floats with tradesmen at work formed part of the parade. Six pairs of boots for example, were made during its progress.
July 30, 1855 the Penobscot & Kennebec Railroad was opened to Bangor. Hon. Timothy Boutelle died, November 12, 1855, and Hon. Stephen Stark, who in many ways had served his town with conspicuous ability, died November 18.
These were the days when great public questions were agitat- ing the minds of the people. "The Mechanics' Debating Club" enrolled many young men whose names were to become well known. C. S. Newell was president ; G. A. L. Merrifield, secre- tary ; J. Manchester Haynes, treasurer ; W. B. Marston, E. R. Drummond, C. H. Alden, F. B. Chandler, William Stevens, C. D. Swett, C. M. Emery, Nathaniel Meader, Frank F. Dunbar and others were members.
ing the great interests of human liberty, and consigning a vast and beautiful territory, once secured to Freedom to the blight and curse of Slavery.
RESOLVED, That we have beheld with great satisfaction the stand taken by the Senators of Maine against this tremendous outrage and iniquity; that it will be our pride and glory to sustain them in their noble efforts to save our national character from so foul a blot, and that in such a conflict the father of iniquity could not have bestowed a higher compliment or greater praise on the Senator from Maine, than by attributing to him-simplicity-an attribute which we pray he may preserve-the simplicity of truth, of justice and of integrity, amidst the temptations with which he is surrounded, before which our greatest and best, as well as our meanest and most corrupt Statesmen, have too often fallen."
1. This Association had a course of Lectures in 1855-6 with the following lect- urers: Frederick Douglas, Bayard Taylor, John G. Saxe, Edwin P. Whipple, Mrs. E. Oakes Smith, Rev. T. Starr King, Rev. William H. Milburn, Dr. J. P. Thompson, Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes and Dr. E. H. Chapin.
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HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Waterville was very decided in the matter of temperance legis- lation and when it came to a vote, for the License Law of 1856, there were 18 votes. For the Prohibitory Law of 1858, 292. At the college commencement in 1858, Dr. James T. Champlin became president and John B. Foster was elected Professor of the Greek and Latin languages. S. S. Brown and Sabine Emery were among the graduates.
Joshua Nye was busily engaged in that temperance instruc- tion of the children which characterizes his life. From his duties as an official of the railroad he was never too weary to lead the "Cadets of Temperance." On one occasion they presented Mr. Nye a silver goblet, the presentation speech being made by Frank C. Lowe, while the officers of the society, Boutelle Noyes, Fred E. Boothby, W. M. and R. W. Dunn and Fred C. Thayer, gave him their moral support.
The night of August 20, 1859 was made memorable by a fire which destroyed over $12,000 worth of property in mills and machinery belonging to Daniel Moor, W. & W. Getchell and Furbush & Drummond.
Waterville's representative in the Legislature, Hon. Josiah H. Drummond, was speaker of the House in 1858.
These were years of prosperity in the churches. The member- ship of the Baptist church was greatly increased, the Congrega- tional church built an addition to its building and the movement which resulted in the Unitarian church was begun.
The sentiment of the town in national affairs is shown by the vote for presidential electors, November 6th, 1860, when Abner Coburn and William Willis, the Lincoln electors, received 504 votes to 186 for three other tickets.
September 6, 1860 was ordained as pastor of the Baptist church, George D. B. Pepper, a man of keen mind, great ability, true and lofty patriotism. Through the troubled days that fol- lowed, his pulpit gave no uncertain sound. Later as president and professor in the college and as a citizen of the highest order, he has deserved the honor which he receives.
Note. "Waterville Engine No. 3" was victorious over the "Victor" at Kendall's Mills, and at the State Fair in Bangor. A reception and collation was given at the Engine Hall on their return. July 4, 1859, a third silver trumpet was won at Bangor.
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HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Waterville gathered as one man in the old town hall, April 20, 1861, to take action concerning the rebellion. Joshua Nye called the meeting to order, Solyman Heath was chosen chair- man, I. S. Bangs, Jr., secretary. W. A. Hatch of the college stated the action of the special session of the Legislature at Augusta. Hon. W. H. Weeks of California gave a thrilling speech and addresses were made by Joshua Nye, Edwin Noyes, F. S. Hesseltine, D. L. Milliken, Rev. Edward Hawes, F. P. Haviland and others. A company of about seventy-five men was formed on the spot for purposes of drill. Edwin Noyes promised to furnish a drill master for three months. Two com- panies of soldiers were immediately formed, one of eighty-three men under Capt. F. S. Hesseltine, containing fourteen college students, the other of eighty men under Capt. William S. Heath with Francis E. Heath as first lieutenant and John R. Day as second. The first march of the companies was to C. F. Hatha- way's shirt factory, where each man was presented with a pair of French flannel shirts by Mr. Hathaway. On Tuesday, May 21, 1861 the companies went to Augusta where they were mus- tered in as Co's. G and H of the Third Maine Regiment which soon was led to the front by its gallant Col. O. O. Howard. These companies gave good account of themselves on the field, were complimented by their superior officers for dauntless bravery and were unsurpassed in the old Third Regiment which bore home on its banner the names of fourteen battles, among which were Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
Sergeant-Major F. W. Haskell was promoted for gallant con- duct at Fair Oaks. Wm. S. Heath was killed at Gaines Mills having risen to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the Ffth Maine. Of him the New York Herald said, "Perhaps no one is more regretted in his division than Lieut .- Col. Heath of Waterville. He was of all men the most consistent, courageous and chiv- alrous. We saw him a little before the battle reading in the shady serenity of his tent a Latin copy of Caesar's Commen- taries." Capt. F. S. Hesseltine rose to the rank of colonel. Lieut. Francis E. Heath became Colonel of the Nineteenth Maine and commanded a brigade at Gettysburg. On that historic field he not only distinguished himself by great bravery, but he and his command rendered a service of the utmost importance at a
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HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
critical time in the battle. Waterville men were in the 16th Maine when it led the charge at Fredericksburg and suffered at Chancellorsville. At Gettysburg were Capt. W. A. Stevens, Sergeant Edwin C. Stevens, Corporal William Ballentine and many private soldiers among whom our French fellow citizens had honorable place.
Capt. Isaac S. Bangs, who went out from Waterville in com- mand of Co. A of the 20th Maine, was promoted for gallant con- duct, February 26, 1863, to be Lieutenant-Colonel of the 8Ist U. S. C. troops, was again promoted to be Colonel of the Ioth U. S. C. Artillery and was made Brigadier-General by brevet, March 13, 1865. Among the dead at Gettysburg were many Waterville men ; among the wounded was Sergt. Geo. W. Reynolds. Our soldiers followed the fortunes of war until the end and were in the line which Gen. Chamberlain drew up to receive the sur- render of Gen. Lee.
From the western part of the town many soldiers went to the front. Several were in the 3d Regiment and many in the 21st. Among the bravest men who gave his life in the service was Sergeant William W. Wyman, for whom Post No. 97 is named. Throughout the war the soldiers of Waterville acquitted them- selves with great credit. They were brave in battle, patient under hardships, faithful and loyal to duty. If the saving of this Nation and the making possible its magnificent present and its more wonderful future be worthy of credit, then in that credit Waterville deserves a full share. She gave to the service 421 men of whom more than one-eighth died before the war was over.
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