USA > Maine > Franklin County > Farmington > The history of Farmington, Franklin County, Maine, 1776-1885 > Part 3
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Jan'y 28 1778.
(Signed) JAMES COWEN
In behalf of all the said Petitioners.
31
EARLY EXPLORATIONS.
The records of the association are not known to be in existence. They were produced in court at Augusta in 1816 and admitted as evidence in the trial of the action Simeon Paine vs. Thomas and Timothy Johnson. The deposition of Solomon Adams, Esq., last clerk of the Associates, was taken in perpetuam, identifying the book. This being done agreeably to the directions of the Court, and the deposition recorded in the Registry of Deeds for Kennebec County and annexed to the book, it was directed that the book should be lodged in the Town Clerk's office for the use of the town or of any person who might have occasion to use it in defense of his title. The book is not among the documents of the town, and it is doubtful whether it was ever deposited as directed.
While Hallowell parties were thus making explorations, Stephen Titcomb and Robert Gower were pushing steadily forward improvements on the lots which they had select- ed. The land which the Topsham party chose and allotted between them, extending two miles above the bend in the river at the south line of the farm now owned by the heirs of Peter Manter, proved to be the choicest land in the valley of the river. Wilson, Henry, Alexander, and M'Donnell, the original explorers, either abandoned or sold their claims, and it is doubtful whether they did much toward their im- provement. In 1780 a party from Damariscotta came to the township, consisting of Francis Tufts and Jonathan Knowl- ton, who were brothers-in-law, and probably also Benjamin Blackstone and William Blackstone, who were also brothers- in-law of Tufts and Knowlton. Thomas Hiscock, whose wife was a sister of Mr. Knowlton, may have been of the party, as well as Benjamin Weathren. Mr. Tufts purchased of one Knights the southern lot selected by the Topsham party, and began a clearing, while Mr. Knowlton commenced on the lot directly across the river. The same year Nehe- miah Blodgett and Samuel Bullen, two of the Associates, began improvements, Blodgett on the farm now (1884) owned by Hon. George Gower, which was one of the aban- doned claims, and Bullen on the lot known as the Case
32
HISTORY OF FARMINGTON.
place. Joseph Brown, who probably acted under rights gained from the Associates at the same time, took up the lot above the village now owned by T. F. Belcher and D. V. B. Ormsby. During the same year William Gower, eldest son of Robert Gower, began a clearing on the farm now occupied by Luther Gordon and others on the west side of the river. At the close of the year 1780, therefore, improvements were begun on eight different lots. Stephen Titcomb had built a comfortable log-house, had gathered and stored a good crop of corn, potatoes, and turnips, and determined to bring his family to pass the winter as the first settlers in the wilder- ness. He left Topsham with his family Dec. 20, 1780, but, being overtaken by heavy snows, they were unable to get through, and so were obliged to pass the winter in Readfield, as is fully described in the genealogical division of this work.
The year 1780 closed, and left the forest of the valley of the Sandy River, as it had been for ages, uninhabited by the white man. But one fire might have been seen burning, and its smoke wreathing above the trees. The Indian Pier- pole, undismayed by the approach of the white man, still remained, the last of a race who had once held undisputed sway over these hunting-grounds. So closely connected was he with the fortunes of the early settlers, and so many are the traditions concerning him, that it seems fitting to gather together here all that is known of this noble red man.
It was supposed by the early settlers that Pierpole was one of the Norridgewock tribe, although some thought him to be a Penobscot Indian. It is unquestionable, however, that he belonged neither to the Norridgewock nor to the Penobscot tribe, but to the Androscoggins. The Maine Historical Society has among its papers (Vol. III., p. 333) a deposition of Pierpole taken before William Reed, Esq., of Strong, in 1793, in a suit instituted to determine the boun- daries of certain lands lying about the lower part of the Androscoggin River. The point to be ascertained was what part of the river was called Pejepscot, and Pierpole, with other Indians, was called as an expert upon the question. No explanation can be given of calling him to testify in this
33
PIERPOLE.
suit except his familiarity with the river, a familiarity which could have been gained only as a member of the tribe whose home was on that river. His deposition is very exact in its language, and his mark, a rude drawing of a moose, boldly executed. Being an Androscoggin Indian, it may seem difficult to account for the fact that when first known to the white man he had thrown in his lot with the Norridgewocks. It is probable that having fixed his affections on the dark- eyed Hannah Susup, a daughter of the Norridgewocks, he abandoned his friends for hers. A fanciful story has been told, that Pierpole was a captive to the Norridgewocks, and was liberated by Hannah, who fled with him, but it is not known to have any basis in fact, or reliable tradition. The fair Hannah is reported to have possessed more than her share of the proud spirit and evil temper which were the birthright of the Norridgewocks. Throughout the State they were known as warlike and cruel, and gave more trouble to the early settlers than most of the other tribes. Pierpole, on the other hand, was a most kindly disposed man, gentle and religious. In addition to her high-mettled blood, Han- nah held, for those days, advanced opinions of the impor- tance of the woman in the family. Her first daughter she called Molly Pierpole, but in the second she insisted the name of the illustrious house of Susup should be perpetuated, and she accordingly called her Molly Susup. Both these daughters were married before leaving Sandy River. Among the earliest records on the books of the town, are these entries :
ยท Jan. 24, 1798. I joined in marriage Mr. Heaton Gilman and Moly Susup Pearpole, two Indians, both of No. 3.
( Signed ) MOSES STARLING.
John Sebatas and Molley Pearpole, both of the Middletown, intend marriage, and were published in the town of Farmington, May 7, A. D. 1798.
( Signed )
SOLOMON ADAMS, Town Clerk.
Gilman was a Penobscot Indian, but who Sebatas was is not known ; but his name would seem to indicate that he
34
HISTORY OF FARMINGTON.
belonged to the Androscoggins. Besides these daughters, two other daughters and two sons composed the family. The sons were Joseph Susup and Iganoose; the daughters, Katie and Hannah Oppalunskie. Katie married a Penob- scot Indian by the name of Peter Mussel; Iganoose and Oppalunskie died in Strong.
As we have seen, Pierpole with his wife and children were living near the Falls when the first English settlers came, the last of the aborigines. They soon left and re- moved to a lot in Strong, reserved for Pierpole by the State of Massachusetts. This lot was situated on the northeast side of the river, just above the site of Strong bridge. Here he put up a framed house, the second in the town. For his well, he set a hollow log in a fountain in which a notch was chopped at a convenient distance for the water to flow into his bucket. The trout and salmon in the river, and the wild game which could always be brought to his feet by the unerring aim of his gun, constituted his chief living. But he cultivated a small piece of land, and adopted many of the methods of his white neighbors. It is said that he knew where lead could be found in Day Mountain ; that he made from it his bullets ; but never revealed the spot. His rela- tions with the inhabitants were most pleasant, and in the earlier days of their hardships he rendered them essential service. There is a tradition which is probably authentic, that he came from Strong to Farmington on snow-shoes in a blinding storm, to obtain a physician for the wife of a settler in Freeman. Hannah, on the contrary, never regarded the English with favor. To her they were interlopers and she maintained toward them a sullen and surly demeanor. Never- theless she made herself useful by manufacturing birch-bark utensils of most skilful workmanship, some of which are still in existence. Notwithstanding the kind feelings which Pier- pole manifested toward the new comers, it is probable that as the settlements grew he felt crowded. Like all his race, he shrank from too close contact with white men and from the changes wrought by civilization. Towards the close of the century he began to make preparations for departure, being
35
PIERPOLE.
hastened, it is said, by the death of his youngest and best- loved child, Hannah Oppalunskie. This child he believed dwelt under the curse of God, because she had never been baptized. Once he carried her to the Penobscot that the ceremony might be performed, but in the absence of the priest, was obliged to return without accomplishing his object. Soon after, the child sickened and died. As her breath left her body, the report of her father's gun was heard discharged with its muzzle towards the sky, according to an Indian custom. Before her burial it is said that Pierpole cut off her hand that he might convey it to the priest for the blessing which the child herself had failed to receive.
The traditionary grave of the little Oppalunskie is pointed out in the old burying-ground on the elevation above the David F. Hunter farm in Strong. A cedar tree is bent over it and there fastened, forming a bower to prevent the touch of careless feet. This tree, tradition has it, Pierpole first planted, and upon its death it was replaced by a thoughtful visitor who remembered the love of the old Indian for his little daughter.
Pierpole also lost a son, after the settlement of the valley. This death occurring in summer, he smoked the body in the chimney until winter set in, when he conveyed it on a sled to Canada that it might be interred according to the rites of the Roman Catholic Church. As may be inferred, he was a firm believer in that church. It has been said that he was accustomed to go each year to Canada, and carry his gifts to the priest and receive his benediction.
It is a matter of dispute what time Pierpole finally left the Sandy River. Mr. William Allen, in his address before the Maine Historical Society, on the "Sandy River Settle- ment " (Vol. Iv., p. 29), gives the date as 1797, but does not state his authority. Judge Parker, in his "History of Farm- ington" (p. 123), says he left in 1801. Probably neither of these dates is correct. The late Mr. Francis Knowlton was very clear in his recollection on this point. He said he remembered as a boy standing on the bank of the river, while the church at Farmington Falls was being raised, and seeing
36
HISTORY OF FARMINGTON.
Pierpole with his family come down the river in birch-bark canoes. They made a landing near the old Indian settle- ment, pitched a tent, and stayed several days, then re- embarked and without bidding a friend good-by or saying a word as to their destination, paddled down the river beyond the sight and knowledge of man. If Mr. Knowlton was correct, this fixes the date of his departure as 1799. His family at this time could have consisted only of one son and his married daughters and their husbands. Two of his daughters, as we have seen, were married in 1798, and it would seem probable that their sturdy young husbands would soon wish a wider field for their hunting and gaming. Their destination has likewise been a matter of dispute. Regard- ing this point Mr. Knowlton disagrees with Mr. Allen, Judge Parker, and the commonly received tradition which makes Canada their objective point. Mr. Knowlton says Pierpole went to Passamaquoddy, and is most probably right in so saying. That he went to Canada seems improbable, for two
reasons. Neither he nor his wife had any affiliations with the Canadian tribes of Indians; nor was the route he took the natural route to Canada. He could have gone up the Kennebec to the Dead River, but many falls must be passed by long carries, and we have seen that he was perfectly well acquainted with the direct overland route to St. Francis. On the other hand, passing down the Kennebec, he would soon reach his early home and find his own people who had drifted to the eastward. Furthermore, his sons-in-law belong- ing to an eastern tribe, would naturally lead him in that direction.
Pierpole is described by those who have seen him, as of medium height, broad in the shoulders, straight, strong and lithe. His features were comely, his eyes black and glowing. He always wore the dress of the aborigines,-a blanket and moccasins, with ornamentation of silver bracelets and a silver medal. Many attempts were made to induce him to adopt a European costume, but in vain. Once he progressed so far as to put on a pair of buckskin brecches, at the earnest solicitation of his friends, but the restraint was too great. "Too much fix um," said Pierpole.
37
PIERPOLE.
As no record nor tradition is preserved to the contrary, it is not to be doubted but that Pierpole was acquainted with the English language at the time the first settlers arrived. We know that he was able to converse in that tongue, and if he had learned it of the settlers the fact would probably be known. Thus we have proof that he had associated with the English as he only could have done among the Androscog- gins. His son, Joseph Susup, is said to have learned to read and write from Supply Belcher, Esq.
These facts are all that history or reliable tradition has preserved to us concerning this man, who was once the un- disputed proprietor of the hunting-grounds of the Sandy River. He came, no one knows whence; he went, no one knows whither. Whether his descendants roam the Cana- dian forests, or fish off Grand Manan, who shall say ?
6
CHAPTER II.
SETTLEMENTS FROM 1781 TO 1790.
Arrival of the First Settlers. - Scarcity of Food. - Arrivals from Dunstable. - First Mill. - Crops. - Frost. - Great Freshet. - First Marriage. - First Framed House. - First Death. - Other Arrivals from Dunstable. - School Opened. - Inventory. - Purchase of the Township.
THE time chosen for the settlements on Sandy River was a peculiarly fortunate one. The war for Independence was nearing its close, and a new nation was springing into life with all the energy and intrepidity of youth. A continent had been won by arms, and was now to be subdued by the axe and plow. The disbanding of the army set free a multi- tude of brave men who were only too ready to beat their spears into pruning-hooks and their swords into plow-shares. The soldiers of our army, unlike the vicious, mercenary troops of the old country, were at heart simple, godly peas- ants, who loved peace and took up arms only at the call of cluty. Moreover, in 1780, the Indian wars had well-nigh ceased. The Indians of Maine were of a more savage type than their brothers in Massachusetts. The early history of many Maine towns, the settlement of which date back of the middle of the eighteenth century, is the history of terror and bloodshed from the treachery and cruelty of the aborig- ines. The settlers at a sea-coast town like Warren, or at a town but little removed from the sea, like Gorham, were harassed almost beyond endurance by constant depredations upon life and property. They lived in forts or stockades,
39
SETTLEMENTS.
with a gun for a companion by day and by night. It was not so with those who first came to Sandy River. They suffered neither from Indians, nor, from what is nearly as trying, the fear of Indians. The only savage to visit their camp-fires was Pierpole, their friend, whom they had reason to bless for his kindness and aid.
1781. The year 1781 opened and found the family of Stephen Titcomb snow-bound in Readfield. During the winter, however, Mr. Titcomb pushed through to the Sandy River on snow-shoes, and remained during the sugar season in the spring to make a supply of syrup and sugar for his family. As soon as the snow abated sufficiently to admit of passing with a team, he returned for his wife and children. On his way to Readfield, he met Joseph Brown and Nathan- iel Davis, who, with their wives, were finding their way from Winthrop to the new country. Mr. Brown had been in be- fore and made a beginning on river-lot No. 18, east side, but neither he nor Davis had a house prepared for the reception of their families, and they were obliged to occupy hunters' camps until a dwelling could be built. Mr. Davis settled on the lot of which Little Blue now forms a part, and Mr. Brown on a lot above the village. A few days after the entry of Brown and Davis, Mr. Titcomb came in with his ox- team, followed in a few days by his wife and family on pack- horses, accompanied by his brother, Samuel Titcomb. This was probably the last of April or first of May, and thus civilized life began in the future town of Farmington.
The following summer was a distressing period, and almost the only distressing period in the settlement of the township. The ample supply of provisions with which Mr. Titcomb left Topsham, had been reduced in supplying the necessities of the family with which he abode in Readfield. The bears broke into his corn-crib during the winter, destroy- ing his store of corn, and even scented out and devoured the smoked salmon which he had buried. His potatoes and turnips were unharmed, and he was able to give seed to the new comers. No corn could be obtained nearer than Fort Western (Augusta), thirty miles away. It must
40
HISTORY OF FARMINGTON.
be taken to Winthrop to be ground and brought home through the wilderness on the back, a bushel at a time. Potatoes were dug up after being planted, the eyes dug out and replanted, the rest eaten. Some lived for a time on greens, and all suffered for want of suitable food. In Aug- ust, when new potatoes could be dug, and a little later when green corn was ready for plucking, the wants of the little community were relieved; and, with the exception of the summer of 1784, when breadstuff was scarce, owing to the frost of the previous year, lack of the necessities of life has been unknown on the Sandy River. As soon as the corn crop was gathered in the fall, mortars were prepared to crush the corn into samp, and thus the tedious journey to mill was avoided. In the course of the year, Nehemiah Blodgett and Jonathan Knowlton came with their families to take posses- sion of the lots they had selected the preceding year. In November, Samuel and Jonas Butterfield arrived from Dunstable, Mass., bringing their families and goods in wag- ons to Monmouth, and thence proceeded on horseback. They were the first of the long line of brave and patriotic sons of Dunstable to seek a home in the valley of the Sandy River, led hither, without doubt, by the representations of Colburn, who was, as has been stated, a native of that town. Samuel Butterfield chose river-lot No. 2, west side, while his brother entered below him on river-lot No. 18. As winter closed in, in January, 1782, Peter Corbett joined the little band of pioneers with his family, and thus made one of the eight families who first passed a winter in Farmington. He had previously selected river-lot No. 45, east side, one of the lots originally selected by the Topsham party. The size of these lots had been reduced by the survey of North, under the direction of the " Associates," in 1780, from one hundred rods to sixty rods front, and ran back one mile and one- fourth. The exterior and range lines only were run by North, and in 1781, by vote of the " Associates," the survey of the side lines was begun. They also voted to build dur- ing the year, a bridge across Wilson Stream near the Falls, and a saw-mill and grist-mill for the better accommodation of the settlers. The saw-mill was put in operation on the
41
SETTLEMENTS.
Temple Stream, by Colburn and Pullen, in November, and during the winter the stones for the grist-mill were hauled from Winthrop. The saw-mill, although a rude affair, was yet of the greatest use to the inhabitants, and was the only help they had from machinery in building their houses for the next eight years. The first log-huts were put up with the help of an axe alone, and though made comfortable by filling the cracks with moss and with birch-bark sheathing, were yet of the rudest construction.
1782. Eight families-consisting as nearly as can be estimated, of thirty-nine persons, seventeen adults and twenty-two children-composed the little community at the beginning of this year. The crops of the preceding season, consisting mainly of corn and potatoes, had been good. One settler had also raised a little wheat. In August the grist- mill was put in operation, and thus the most pressing need of the settlers was supplied. Twelve new settlers arrived during the year ; most of them with families. Enoch Craig, who, with Gerret Burns, Calvin Edson, and Robert Kan- nady, had previously come from that part of Hallowell now Augusta, on an exploring expedition, now made a permanent settlement on the farm where his life was spent. William Kannady, probably a brother of Robert, made a beginning on the next lot below. Seth Greeley, with his brother Joseph, and Samuel Bullen, also moved in from Augusta during the year, Joseph Greeley settling on river-lot No. 26, east side, on which a part of the Center Village is built, and Seth selecting lot 24, above him, the same afterwards owned by Supply Belcher, Esq. Bullen located on the farm he had entered two years before. Ezekiel and Amos Page located about the same time on the Norton Flat, and Robert Jones on river-lot No. 13, east side. Massachusetts sent in during the year a second reinforcement. Jesse Butterfield joined his brothers and took up a lot between them-No. 16, on the west side. Solomon Adams arrived from Chelmsford, with his surveyor's instruments, ready to be of use in determining the boundaries in the new plantation. Ebenezer Sweet, near the same time, bought out the claim of Reuben Page to lot No. 27, where a part of the Center Village is now situated.
a
42
HISTORY OF FARMINGTON.
On Nov. 14, the family of Stephen Titcomb welcomed a new comer, in the person of the first child born in the wilderness, Stephen Titcomb, Jr. The next January, the second child, Samuel Knowlton, was born. With the little colony thus increasing, both from without and within, with good crops stored and yet brighter prospects for the future, the winter . set in.
1783. A serious calamity befell the settlers in the severe frost of Aug. 9 of this year. All the corn and wheat were killed, resulting in a scarcity of breadstuff. The first meet- ing of Colburn and his associates held in the township, met at the house of Samuel Butterfield, Oct. 15, 1783. At this meeting Samuel Bullen was chosen moderator, Nehemiah Blodgett clerk, and Peter Corbett treasurer, and Reuben Colburn, Samuel Butterfield, and Nathaniel Davis, a com- mittee. No important business, however, seems to have
been transacted. Immigration continued to go steadily forward. An important addition was made to the settlement from Damariscotta, in the families of Francis Tufts, Benja- min Weathern, and Thomas Hiscock. Weathern and His- cock settled on adjoining lots, Nos. 7 and 8, west side. From the neighboring town of Bristol, came Jacob Eaton, his brother Joseph, and Moses Starling, who settled upon the mill lot. The other permanent settlers were, John Rice, on the west side, river-lot No. 37, and Benjamin Whittier, on lot No. 22; and on east side, Church Brainerd, who settled on river-lot 38, John Huston, on lot 17, and Simcon Russ, on lot 15.
1784. This was an uneventful year, and few settlers came in. These were Reuben Lowell, who settled on the west side of the river just above Jesse Butterfield's; Joseph Rolfe, who took up back-lot No. 27, east side, the first back- lot settled in the township; and John Austin, who came from Brunswick, and settled on lot No. 46, west side. With him came his wife, Jerusha Austin, who, for nearly ten years, was the only doctor in the region.
1785. When the second meeting of the " Associates" was held, May 12, 1785, the survey of the side lines of the lots had been completed, and measures were taken to set-
43
SETTLEMENTS.
tle with Joseph North and Solomon Adams, who had done the work. Samuel Butterfield, Church Brainerd, and Solo- mon Adams, were chosen a committee to make a disposition of the lots on which dividends had not been paid. In the meantime improvements were going forward. Ebenezer Sweet built, during the year, a small tannery at the foot of the hill upon his lot, which was the first tannery this side of Winthrop. Stephen Titcomb also raised the first framed barn in the township.
In October occurred the first of the series of great fresh- ets, which from time to time have overflowed the valley of the river, entailing more or less destruction upon the prop- erty in their course. The surface of much of the land border- ing upon the Sandy River is uneven and precipitous, and the low lands skirting the river and its large tributaries are fre- quently overflowed by a sudden rise of water. Such freshets occur perhaps once each year on an average, and, leaving as they do deposits on the intervals, which are valuable as fer- tilizers, may be regarded as a benefit rather than a detriment to the land. The freshet of this year, however, amounted to a flood, but owing to the limited improvements which had been made, the loss was small. Three families which had built upon the interval were obliged to leave their houses by night and were conveyed in canoes to high land. Jonathan Knowlton's family escaped through a hole in the roof of the house, and Jonas Butterfield and Joseph Brown with their families, were also obliged to seek safety in flight.
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